of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 89

had not the faintest thought that the organization they had in mind would
ever play any part in another war. But, as we know now, to our great disap-
pointment, the "War to end all Wars, " did not and could not accomplish that
much-to-be-desired end. We have only to give thought to what is happening,
and threatening, all about us in the world tonight to be convinced of that.

This evening, with America and all the world vastly disturbed by the events
of the past few days, events that seem to be shaping up to a climax to the
world rumblings of the last few years, the people of this Country realize that
the American Legion stands but a step behind the Armed forces of our country
as a bulwark of defense against aggression, and as a guarantee that American
ideals will be preserved. America can sleep easier these nights because of the
American Legion. And, naturally, America has a keener appreciation of the
American Legion these days, because our Country like all the world has cause
for anxiety.

It was a happy thought of your officers, and your programme committee,
that they selected "Toleration" as the theme of this annual State gathering.
It is a term that always has had a more pertintent application here in the "Free
State" of Maryland than in most other places in the world. It is a word that
we understand infinitely better here in Maryland than do the people in other
countries and lands.

Nothing could be more appropriate than to give expression to the spirit
which is Maryland. This spirit, basically and foundationally, is "Toleration. "
That vital force has been acquired by the oldest law of possession, which is the
law of inheritance. It is the very birthright of Maryland people. Intolerance
is intellectual and spiritual poison. Whenever it is practiced to a considerable
extent, charity cannot thrive and justice is undermined at every turn. When
intolerance holds sway, let our people recall, no person in free America is
secure as long as any other man is persecuted or hounded because of his race
or religion. The keynote of your convention therefore, is a warning to mis-
guided persons who may be disposed, under the cloak of the word "American-
ism, " to create division and separation of our people on the ground of race,
creed or color. Those distinctions have no place among an united people
where patriotism and love of country weld and cement our joint allegiance to
the Country we love so ardently.

In the face of the war clouds that are hovering ominously over Europe
and the entire world, anyone privileged to view this spectacle from where we
stand must be impressed forcibly by the nature of the audience gathered be-
fore this table, and of its countrywide implications. Here before us we have
representatives of a great American organization, made up of all classes of
our citizenry, a volunteer body of America's patriotic manhood and womanhood.
Here is no compulsion of any kind, yet this great organization continues to
strengthen its ranks and broaden its influence by taking into its membership
other patriotic Americans who believe in, and are anxious to have a hand in,
the important work the Legion is doing to safeguard our liberties and our free
American institutions.

Several months ago I accepted an invitation of our Department Commander
to participate in a mass initiation of the Legion, and to talk on the topic,
"What the American Legion means to the United States. " As the Legion
has never meant more to the United States than it does at this very moment,
it might be well to review this question of such countrywide importance and