94 State Papers and Addresses

far and wide, if they knew of only one name in Maryland, familiarly referred to
Governor Ritchie.

Assured of himself, he could be, and was very unassuming; of true patrician
cast and character, he was yet, nevertheless, intensely democratic; with an
intellectual equipment which gave him superiority among the best, he yet
could and did make himself thoroughly at home with and amongst the untutored,
the plainest and the humblest, and they, —the masses, loved him. Their
enthusiastic demands for his presence were so great and numerous that the fact
appears to be that he literally wore himself out physically in trying to satisfy
their demands that he be so often amongst them.

Yet at the same time, it could be properly said of him that like McGregor,
where he sat, was the head of the table. Of Governor Ritchie it can be truth-
fully said that while he was the servant of the people, he never ceased for a
moment to be the complete master of himself. Our people instinctively realized
that, and it seems to me, that it is out of that phase which so characterized his
career, that one of the greatest parts of the man is to be discerned.

By force of such example, others previously discouraged or indifferent,
were induced to participate in public affairs. The result was an infusion of a
higher grade of political blood to the benefit of the State—and it is to be hoped
that many others still will be so encouraged to take part in public activities.

In referring to his career, it is significant to note that he attained out-
standing success at an early age. The fact that he could and did make his
mark as a young man, undoubtedly should give encouragement to younger
persons who have the proof that age necessarily is not a barrier where com-
petency, zeal and high-purpose are the attributes of a prospective public
official.

During the better part of a generation which we now know was given
over to money madness in almost all walks of life, Governor Ritchie demon-
strated by his deliberate choice of public service, that for him at least, there
was something more important than the mere making of money. That is not
to say that he failed to appreciate the importance of the part played in our
policy by those who were active in business and industry. As a matter of
fact, he was clear-sighted enough to recognize the fact that our whole structure
is very largely grounded upon those who are so engaged. By his surrender
of himself, however, to lead the life of a servant of the public at a time when
by force of his superior intellectual capacities and undoubted opportunities,
he could have retired to the pursuit of private emolument, he gave living ex-
ample of the fact that in his opinion, service to the State could be, and was for
him, a sufficient reward. By taking such a course in the circumstances, it is
hardly possible to overestimate the benefit which he thus, by example, at such
a time, rendered to his people.

In sum, Albert Cabell Ritchie was first a gentleman in the ancient meaning
of that word; he was highly intellectual; completely trained; loved the people;
took pride in serving them; was indefatigably industrious; conservative in his
judgments—and so honest, both mentally and otherwise, as to give him distinc-
tion in a day and time, when things elsewhere were otherwise; he was tolerant;
dependable and faithful.

With considerable truth it may be said that the quality of a people is
portrayed by the quality of its leadership. With equal truth it may be added