In this country, we have always recognized that an untrammelled
and unrestrained press is an essential of good government. The principle
is stated in the very first article in the Bill of Rights of our federal
Constitution which prohibits the abridgment of the freedom of the
press. In our Maryland Declaration of Rights it is stated that "the
liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved; that every citizen
of the State ought to be allowed to speak, write and publish his
sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that
privilege. "

I like the way our Maryland Constitution states the great principle,
for it not only establishes the right but it also defines the responsibility
The freedom of the press is inviolable, it says, but those who write
and publish are held responsible for any abuse of the privilege granted
them.

But a free press is more than just a grant of privileges to individual
citizens. It is, indeed, the very foundation of our democratic govern-
ment and our democratic social order. That is what Thomas Jefferson
had in mind when he wrote that "if it were left to me to decide
whether we should have a government without newspapers, or news-
papers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to pre-
fer the latter. "

As public officials—as servants of the people—it is one of our
primary duties to keep these purveyors of public information fully
informed at all times of our own activities and of the activities of
the agencies which we administer. It is my earnest hope each of you
will return to your counties from this congress with a broader knowl-
edge of press and public relations and a keener insight into how you
can best fulfill your obligations in this important field.

And now, to conclude, may I express my appreciation to all of
you for the courtesies I have received here this morning. May this
conference be a rewarding and pleasant experience for all of you.
I thank you.

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