128 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

However, when the parties attempted to prepare the written agree-
ment, they found that they were seriously divided on several important
points which previously had not been dearly defined. These points
were not mentioned during the time that I participated in the dis-
cussions between the parties.

Tonight I met with the parties in an unsuccessful attempt to help
them resolve their differences.

In my opinion, no useful purpose can be served by my continuing
to participate in these negotiations. A certain amount of inflexibility
amounting to something approaching lack of good faith has been
exhibited on both sides. I sense there is no real desire to settle
the strike at present.

Until the parties see fit to approach the problem in a more con-
structive and reasonable manner, I must refrain from further partici-
pation in the dispute.

COMMENTS ON END OF LEGISLATURE

March 29, 1967

Most people seem to agree that this has been one of the most pro-
ductive sessions of the Maryland Legislature for a long time. There
has been some speculation as to why this came about. Some say it was
a Democratic Legislature showing unusual leadership. Some say that
the Governor had a little bit to do with it. The truth is probably
somewhere in the middle of those two statements.

But one thing i& manifestly true. Without the outstanding leader-
ship of the Democratic Legislature these programs could not be ac-
complished. I commend them most highly for their statesmanship. I
think that the tax revision program, the Constitutional Convention,
the programs that allowed the executive branch to reclaim its rightful
role in the designation of toll facilities, and many other programs with
respect to credit in other matters that have been passed by this Legis-
lature show significant gains for the State. And I'm very pleased that
we were able to do this.

I look forward to working with this group in the coming sessions,
and I see no reason to feel that there's any possibility of disruptive
action occurring at the next session.