body and mind and spiritually sound; if we could prevent their families
from becoming dependent; if we could prevent delinquency? These are
ideal goals, of course, but I am convinced that there is much more we
can do to attain them. Some of the tangible steps we must take are
outlined in the program of the Commission in the report which I
mentioned above "The Time for Action is Now"...

I am hoping that out of this Conference will come new ideas about
how we may deal with the problems of children. We never know
enough about problems in human relationships and when we being
together a large group of leaders such as yourselves, it is not too much
to hope that important and successful new approaches may be sug-
gested. As your Governor, I will be interested in those ideas. The State
has important responsibilities for the well-being of children. Any sug-
gestions you have about how these responsibilities can be better carried
out will be welcomed.

ADDRESS, COMMISSION ON THE
PROBLEMS OF THE AGING

ANNAPOLIS
October 21, 1959

The welfare of the older citizens of this State is a matter of deep con-
cern to me. I am keenly aware, as I know all of you are, that the vision
and the labor of the older citizens of today contributed much to making
Maryland a great State in a great nation.

We should never forget the words of the psalmist: "Cast me not off
in time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. "

It is the solemn duty of all of us, of course, to see to it that those whose
strength has failed live out their lives in dignity. Moreover, it is our
responsibility, insofar as we are able, to see to it that the healthy and
strong men and women whose deepest desire is to remain independent
and self-supporting have the opportunity to realize that desire.

The Commission on the Problems of the Aging, which I set up just a
few months ago to coordinate activities designed to improve the lot of
older persons, has sent to me a recommendation with respect to our own
State employment policies. With strong conviction and clear logic, this
Commission declares that the State of Maryland must point the way
in the matter of the hiring of mature citizens. Certain discrepancies in

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