The term, I think, is too frequently misconstrued—too often used
in the sense of dictatorial or even evil power. I believe we will agree
that the power sometimes is abused. But the force for good exerted
by the press is so dominant as to make any misuse of its power seem
negligible.

In the inaugural address I delivered last January 14, I set forth
some principles which is said were to be the foundation stones of
my Administration. Among them was the precept: "Keep the pub-
lic informed, " and in discussing it, I said:

"In a democratic state, no program can be successful unless it is
supported by the people, and a people cannot participate in a pro-
gram effectively unless they understand it. "

Our State, I pointed out, is confronted at every turn with demands
for services — services which almost invariably cost the public more
money. Under such conditions, any stealth or any secrecy of opera-
tions on the part of those governing is intolerable. And so, I said I
considered it my duty and the duty of every public official to do
everything possible to remove any area of doubt or misunderstanding
that may exist as to the effect of a policy or a program. I went fur-
ther to say that I considered it imperative "that the government keep
the public fully and frankly informed. " And in concluding this por-
tion of my address, I made a sort of pledge in which I said it was
my purpose during the next four years to "heighten the public aware-
ness of all the functions of State government. "

Naturally enough, I think of the press—the men and women who
publish newspapers and operate wire services, radio stations and tele-
vision stations—as the key instrument in this program. I could not
hope to keep the public informed without your help. I, in turn,
know I have an obligation to you. I must keep you well informed
at all times of my own activities and of the activities of the depart-
ments and agencies which function under me. This I propose to do,
and I know I can expect your cooperation in an undertaking that
will benefit the State of Maryland and all its people.

Someone reminded me the other day that the image of me in the
minds of the people of Maryland after four years as Governor will
be the image drawn by the newspapermen who write about me. This,
to a very great degree I know, is true.

If you will permit a slight digression here, I would like to say that
I was amused and stirred by the Yardley cartoon in The Sun yester-
day picturing old Abe Lincoln sitting in front of a television set, con-