1'38 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

deciding the complexion of the representatives to the national con-
vention.

Q. On the same subject, Newsweek magazine this week says that you
and other governors are conspiring, really, to give the nomination to
some moderate or unnamed new man other than the candidates that
we hear the most about. Is that accurate?

A. No, the Newsweek article as far as I'm concerned — and I can't
speak for the whole country — is not accurate. I have not been in
communication in any way with those people that were mentioned,
the governors of these other states. When I say that I have not been
in communication with them, I mean since my visit to New York to
see Governor Rockefeller. I did talk with Governor McCall prior to
that time.

Q. Opponents of the Agnew-Hughes tax bill are collecting signatures
in an effort to get you to recall the Legislature to repeal the tax meas-
ure. They say they will come up with close to a million signatures.
How do you feel about that?

A. Well, I don't think the tax bill is subject to a referendum. The
best legal opinion that I can find indicates that the Court of Appeals
decided not too long ago in a case involving the sales tax that it
could not be petitioned to referendum. I'm relying on these legal
judgments, and therefore I don't think the matter will require any
attention at all.

Q. So, no matter how many signatures they get, the Legislature will
not be recalled?

A. That's the interpretation.

Q. Governor, is there any progress in the selection of a new man to
run the prison system?

A. Yes, I'm in the process of scheduling personal interviews with the
four top nominees of the ad hoc committee, and I can't tell you from
memory when these appointments are scheduled, but appointments
are presently being set up by my staff.

Q. Are any of the men from Maryland?

A. One of the men is the existing Acting Director of Corrections,
Mr. White.

Q. Who are the others?