PRESS RELATIONS

Governor Tawes frequently expressed his opinion that a
free press was the best assurance of a democratic society.
From the beginning, he pledged his cooperation with repre-
sentatives of the press, radio, and television in helping to
keep Maryland's citizens informed about the activities of
their State government. He was the first Governor of Mary-
land to make use of the formal press conference, meeting bi-
weekly with reporters. At the same time, he continued the
practice of meeting informally with newsmen in unsched-
uled interviews and conferences. A weekly newsletter was
issued by the Governor's Office designed to keep the editors
of the State's many weekly newspapers informed of activities
in the executive department. In addition, the Governor made
frequent radio and television appearances an integral part
of his public information responsibilities.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND PRESS ASSOCIATION
BALTIMORE

February 13, 1959

I have become accustomed during these past few weeks to the
sight of newspaper men. For they tell me, in words with which you
are familiar, that I am now "news. "

Let me say in the beginning that it has been a thoroughly enjoy-
able experience. I have discovered that quite often I learn more
from reporters than they are able to learn from me.

I should like to acknowledge at the outset, too, the patience and
forbearance displayed by the members of the press corps in Annap-
olis, with whom I am in close association daily. In the commotion
and agitation that followed my inauguration and the opening of the
General Assembly, they were compelled at times, I learn, to wait in
line to see me. It is a difficulty I tried to work out to their satisfac-
tion, and I am most grateful to them for the tolerance they showed
under conditions that were not too pleasant for any of us.

We are all aware of the force of words, printed or spoken, when
they are disseminated among the people in mass. And so, we have
the expression: "The power of the press. "

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