of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 803

SIXTY - FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, BALTIMORE LODGE NO. 7; B. P. O. ELKS

December 9, 1942.
Baltimore

In such a critical period of our Nation's history, when the forces of hatred
and aggression menace the free institutions that are the very basis of American
life, it is a refreshing privilege to come before the members of an organization
whose every precept is the direct antithesis of the enmities so prevalent today.

The example of your organization and of fraternal organizations of our
Country generally, is continuing and conclusive evidence that there are other
factors in the life of mankind than might and brute force. May the time re-
turn, soon when all the world again will realize the truth of the principles em-
bodied in our ritual; the virtues of Charity, Justice, Fidelity and Brotherly
Love.

As the Chief Executive of our State, I am very happy to have the opportu-
nity to extend to the members of your Order the congratulations and the appreci-
ation of the people of Maryland, an appreciation based not alone on the high
objectives of your Order, but also and more directly upon your well-known
achievements in the field of Charity and Benevolence.

It is a fortunate thing, indeed, for this Country that your Organization,
and similar associations of patriotic men and women, are in existence. Your
very membership in the organization proves your devotion to American ideals
and principles, for otherwise you could not have secured membership. Your
continuation as active members demonstrates that you are "carrying on" the
practices of Loyal sons of the Nation to the perpetuation of which your organi-
zation is committed.

It undoubtedly is a matter of great pride to you, and well it may be, that
in no un-American activity have your members ever been engaged; with no
subversive, attempt to overthrow the fundamentals of American Government
have any of your leaders ever been identified; in no loud outcry distorting the
real concept of representative government have the voices of your spokesmen
ever been lifted. Here, in truth, is proof of the inseparable connection which
ranks your Order with the basic doctrines of American civilization, and I ven-
ture to assert with confidence that these firm ties will remain strong and abid-
ing.

Happily, and to the everlasting good of your Country and its citizens, you
have adhered to the theory that the best way to have true fraternity among
men is to practice it yourself. As exemplars of this policy, you have achieved
success in the eyes of an approving citizenry.

Because of your emphasis upon the brotherhood of man, you continually put
to shame those who would divide man against man, nation against nation. You
have given indisputable evidence that there are basic traits and characteristics