338 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

further from the truth. These misunderstandings, plus possibly an
impatience with the fact that they would like to see more Negroes
appointed to key positions, were the basis of their visit. I think we had
a good interchange of information, and I think they went away reas-
sured to some extent that this administration was and remains dedi-
cated to produce civil opportunities for all our citizens of all races,
creeds and religious affiliations.

Q. Governor, when you began your administration you hired Dr.
Ware, and we had the impression that it was to keep these lines of
communication open. What is the story there, sir?

A. Well, the communications that I'm speaking of aren't satisfied
by simply having some other person in touch. The people want to be
in personal and direct touch with me and because of the demands of
the office, the sessions, the special sessions, the Constitutional Conven-
tion and myriad other things, I have not been able to meet with them
personally.

Q. Has Dr. Ware met with them?

A. Oh yes, he's been in touch with them.

Q. Are you going to make renewed efforts to get some Negroes in
key positions?

A. Well, I'm going to continue the course we have already charted,
and that is wherever it is possible to provide opportunity to our
Negro citizens, those that are qualified will be appointed. On the
other hand, as I explained to the ministers yesterday, the mere fact
that I replace a Negro on an existing board, commission or existing
position doesn't necessarily mean that I'm committed to appoint
another Negro to that position. I want to get the best people in the
jobs that can handle them most adequately, and I'm going to con-
tinue to work in that direction. I am interested, as my previous ap-
pointments have already shown, in appointing qualified Negroes to
key positions.

Q. In that regard Governor, Mayor McKeldin of the City of Balti-
more has suggested that the Civil Service Commission make its exami-
nations for jobs requiring exams a little bit easier. How do you feel
about the examinations in the State?

A. I think this would be a disservice. I don't believe that we should
arbitrarily force a person to qualify a person for a job he can't handle.
This will just cause additional trouble when it becomes necessary to
remove that person because of the nonperformance of the job. There