that an amount of failure is all but inevitable in the legislative process
— I think that reasonable people will conclude that the 1965 session of
the General Assembly was a profitable and a praiseworthy session.

I appreciate this opportunity to discuss with you some of the aspects
of your State government, and I earnestly solicit the continued sup-
port and help from each of you in the effort we are making to create
the kind of society in which we all may live in peace, prosperity and
happiness.

STATEMENT ON REAPPORTIONMENT
OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ANNAPOLIS

October 27, 1965

As I approach the last year of my two terms as Governor of Mary-
land, I can think of no legislative measure which has caused me
graver concern that Senate Bill 8 enacted at the recent special session
of the General Assembly. It is only after many, many hours of study,
thought and discussion with my advisers that I have decided to sign
Senate Bill 8 along with Senate Bill 5.

I want to express my sincere gratitude and congratulations to the
members of the General Assembly of Maryland for the enactment of
Senate Bill 5. That bill fairly and constitutionally resolves the reap-
portionment problem of our State.

My purpose in seeking this opportunity to speak to you at this time
is to enable me to share with you, my fellow citizens, the compelling
reasons which motivated my decision to sign Senate Bill 8. This bill
was one of two passed by the General Assembly at the recent special
session providing for a reapportionment of the membership of the
Senate and the House of Delegates. Attorney General Thomas B.
Finan on more than one occasion has expressed the opinion that this
bill is clearly unconstitutional and only today, he addressed to me a
formal, well-reasoned opinion reiterating his view that Senate Bill 8
is unconstitutional.

Senate Bill 8 is a most unusual legislative measure. It was passed
by both houses of the General Assembly in the face of strong indica-
tions that it will not meet the test the courts have laid down for
equitable apportionment. As a matter of fact, I am advised that a

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