324 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

government of that same America is itself yearning—this time for
young leadership, fresh enthusiasm, and inspired commitment. The
Graduate Corps is one step in the right direction. The work of the
Jaycees is another. But the willingness of more young men to serve—
upon this rests the cause of our country and its continuing claim to
greatness.

I welcome you to Maryland and, on behalf of its citizens, I thank
you for bringing the drama and excitement of your convention to our
State.

NEWS CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS

June 27, 1967

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR

It is regrettable that the Baltimore City Council adjourned for the
summer last night without adopting an ordinance which would have
prohibited discrimination in taverns on grounds of race, religion or
national origin. The Baltimore City Liquor Board, on the other hand,
is to be commended for stepping into the situation last Friday and
taking independent action with an administrative order.

I have always been flatly opposed to artificial barriers of discrimina-
tion in places of public accommodation. A business whose prosperity
is dependent upon the patronage of the general public has no right
to deny any segment of the general public access to accommodations
without good cause. This applies to a tavern as much as it does to a
restaurant, or a bowling alley, or a hotel or a skating rink. The present
law admitting Negroes to some bars, while excluding them from
others, is an affront to the community.

At the next session of the Maryland General Assembly, my admin-
istration will sponsor legislation to specifically include taverns in the
statewide public accommodations law. A move in this direction was
made at the last session but the provision was compromised out of
the bill before it ever became an issue, and it was not brought to my
attention as a matter needing urgent support. Its importance has now
become dramatically clear.

Meanwhile, I would hope that taverns throughout Baltimore, and
in other sections of the State, would voluntarily accord equal rights
to all citizens as do other places of public accommodation. And I