84 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

bringing them under the bill that is advocated by Senator Clark, or
the position that's advocated by Senator Clark, presently encompasses.
And I think that that type of amendment would have just as much
impact as doing it right now. I don't think it's possible right now to
do it; that's my political judgment. People certainly can't accuse me
of lack of leadership for stressing what I think is a possible successful
position.

Q. Governor, have you heard any statement from Mr. Pepersack in
regard to a possible hearing when the investigation is over?

A. I wrote Mr. Pepersack a letter indicating that his pay status was
to terminate effective the end of this month. I also told him that upon
receipt of the Attorney General's final report I would make an ad-
judication as to his status, whether he was to be finally dismissed at
that time. If dismissal does result, he will be given a hearing, even
though technically there is no entitlement to a hearing. I think the
man is entitled to a hearing on moral grounds alone if he wants to
have one.

Q. Governor, at Mr. Burch's news conference last week he said that
suspension was tantamount to a permanent dismissal, in so many
words. Do you go along with that?

A. No, the suspension is just what it says it is. It's a suspension.

Q. Governor, were you apprised of the fact that Miss Blum was in-
volved in discussion in Mr. White's office yesterday prior to resigna-
tion?

A. I hear that Miss Blum had been talked to by the Acting Director,
yes.

Q. Do you expect more resignations in the prison system?

A. I'm not certain of that. I would believe it's entirely possible that
there will be other people who may resign as a result of the shakeup,
if I can use that word in the correctional system. There may be dis-
missals.

Q. Do you expect any indictments of criminals there?

A. I can't answer that because Mr. Burch's investigation still isn't

Q. Are you satisfied with the progress of the investigation thus far
— I refer now to the speed level?