of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 71

lating to our State. Concerning the establishment of the school, it states
succinctly that "Chapter 190 of the Acts of 1839 established the school as a
bicentennary memorial to mark the birthplace of the State. " Then it goes
on to say that "One of its chief objectives is to keep alive the principles on
which the State was founded. "

Along these same lines was the statement of the Southern Maryland Dele-
gates who had proposed the establishment of the school to the Legislature of
1839. "It is entirely fitting, " they submitted, "that those who are destined to
become the mothers of future generations may receive their education and early
impressions at a spot so well calculated to inspire affection and attachment
for our native State. "

That the school has survived the vicissitudes that must have beset it
throughout the course of its hundred years, is ample proof that it has lived
up to the expectations of those thoughtful men who first conceived the idea of
its existence. That it has fulfilled its objective of keeping alive the principles
on which the State was founded, is to me by far the most important accomplish-
ment among its notable achievements.

It is a comparatively simple matter, I have no doubt, to set up a school,
secure a number of scholars, and impart to these scholars a certain amount of
information with regard to the fundamentals of education, the sciences and
languages. There are schools without number, in every section of the Country,
that do just that, and turn out scholars who know the things that ought to be
known to insure a measure of success in business, in industry or in the
sciences. In good times, when conditions are favorable, graduates of such
institutions have little trouble making their way in life, and quite often, no
doubt, attain quite a measure of financial success.

When, however, back of this collection of scientific and educational facts,
there is a tradition of something higher, something finer, than mere accumula-
tion of inanimate knowledge: when there is a motivating influence that in-
spires, and refines, the aspirations of those who are spending their formative
years within the walls of an institution, then, indeed, the results achieved
are infinitely more notable, and the graduates who are privileged to step forth
from such a temple of learning are fortunate, indeed.

That is why I am prompted to say to the graduates of St. Mary's Female
Seminary today that you are privileged to have had the background of such
an education, and such an environment, as has been yours here at St. Mary's.
In addition to the usual educational facts that would have been given you
almost anywhere, in some degree or another, you have had the opportunity
to grow up in an environment of sane thinking, of tolerant understanding,
that will make you better women, and better citizens of your State and
Country, all the days of your lives.

Today, as you must realize, many conditions are changed. Life no longer
goes along in a pattern, into which you would fit naturally, without any elec-
tion on your part. Today each and every one of you know that your future
is, in large measure, right in your own hands, and conditions are such that
you yourself must make up your minds what course your life is to follow.
With the competition that exists in business, in industry and in every field,
today, those of you who plan to enter specialized fields know that you must
be well equipped, mentally, if you are to keep up with contestants.