of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 751

Our Party is also fortunate in having such outstanding nominees for the
Congressional seats. Without question we will continue our Democratic re-
presentation intact by the election of all of them in November.

In accepting the nomination at your hands, I wish to emphasize and re-
emphasize the nature and the importance of the task of the Governorship for
the next four years. The most important single function of government today
is the solidifying of the sentiments and activities of our people. Maryland is
in the throes of this all-out war and our people must be kept to a realization
that their every effort is essential to ultimate success. For the past two years
our citizens have given generous assistance in preparations for defense and,
more recently, in war-time undertakings. However, it would be tragic if there
was any lessening of active interest. Rather, there must be an increase of sup-
port in every phase of the war program.

Unlike in other wars, the people at home today perform a vital important
part in connection with the operation of the military forces. Further, with the
threat of bombing or other attacks constantly hovering over our citizens, it is
the task of the State Government to let nothing be undone so that adequate
measures of Civilian Defense will be provided continuingly.

The continued efficient functioning of the State Government can be main-
tained while the various agencies devote themselves to the war program but it
will require unity of thought and unity of purpose. That such unity will be
evident is my firm expectation, that we will work in unison is proven by the
deavelopments in this Convention. With a united Democratic Party as we have
unquestionably, and with a militant Democracy which is determined to carry
out every conceivable effort for ultimate success in the war, we are confident
of success in November. To that end I pledge a devotion and determination
and invite the fullest cooperation so that there will be complete Democratic
Victory.