NEWS CONFERENCE 769

we are trying to expedite the spending of to show the quickest results
we can. However, there is a possibility that we may in the near future
within the realm of the existing college budget — State Board of
Trustees budget — ask that certain reversions for the year be dedicated
to the purpose of curing some very apparent problems at Bowie rather
than simply reverting to the general fund.

(Kerner Commission Report)

Q. Governor, the Kerner Commission report says that it is of the
"utmost importance" for governors and mayors to keep open lines of
communication with Negro leaders, including specifically young
militants. Do you take exception to that?

A. Well, I think militants fall into two categories. I have never
found an accurate definition of the word "militant. " If by militant
you are simply being outspoken and aggressive and striving for what
you think is necessary to effect reforms which you believe in, I have
110 objection to it. If by being militant you are talking about setting
fires and looting stores, then I want no part, regardless of the Kerner
Commission, of communicating with that type of militant. Now
let me say this: the mere fact that someone may have espoused unlaw-
ful activity and been a militant, recognized in that sense, does not
forever preclude him from coming into communication with this ad-
ministration. If these people will recognize that the way to orderly
change is through the law and will frankly come and ask for meetings
with me in recognition and in dedication to using lawful means, I
would not let the fact that they have previously stepped over the line
interfere with my communicating with them.

Q. Do you concur, Governor, in the basic finding of the Kerner
Commission that the cause of the riots last summer in America was
the white racist attitude of our society?

A. Well, I don't think it's that simple. I think that this is a con-
tributing cause. I think that black racism is another contributing
cause. I wouldn't want to be placed in a position where I had to ap-
portion the fault because that's impossible. But I'd say, as I said in
my statement, and I'm not going back into the statement, but I think
this is important to remember — that racism of either type is very
harmful to our progress and very harmful to the accord that we need
to get the job done.

(Baltimore Riots)

Q. Governor, do you feel that during the trouble in Baltimore Com-
missioner Pomerleau should have called for help sooner than he did?