744 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

building and denial of access to the campus, even to the college presi-
dent. This was an intolerable situation — to the college administra-
tion, to the Board of Trustees and to me. I am glad that it has been
relieved without the use of force. But force was present in the State
Police that I sent to the campus today and force would have been
used had the need arisen.

I also was prepared to issue a proclamation closing down the col-
lege indefinitely, had that become necessary. I am glad it wasn't
necessary, but I would like it clearly understood by the students and
by the general public that I am prepared to take such action should
further trouble erupt.

After the students have returned to normal campus life, including
the end of their boycott of classes, I will then — and only then —
consider discussing their grievances with (hem. Some reports that are
being aired and published to the effect that I am planning to meet
with them Wednesday are totally false.

It is time that public officials in this country stop yielding to pres-
sures and threats and intimidations by those who would take the law
in their own hands. I certainly don't intend to yield to such pressures,
and I hope that this is clear from today's events at Bowie.

NEWS RELEASE AND STATEMENT: TASK FORCE ON
LABOR RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

April 1, 1968

Governor Agnew announced today appointment of a 15-member
task force to develop a clearly defined State policy on labor relations
with government employees.

The recommendations are to be submitted to the Governor and
Maryland Legislature no later than December 1, 1968.

The task force will be headed by Louis Aronin of Baltimore, labor-
management relations examiner of long experience for the National
Labor Relations Board. It also will include other specialists in the
labor and public service area, and five members of the Legislature
suggested by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House
of Delegates.