350                               JOINT RESOLUTIONS

in Maryland and of the State's future policy as to its conduct and
operation; and be it further

Resolved, That on this committee the Legislative Council be re-
quested to place members of the General Assembly of Maryland and
acknowledged experts on the subject so that once and for all a solu-
tion can be found for these persistent problems; and be it further

Resolved, That this committee be requested to meet and organize
promptly and to report to the Legislative Council not later than
October 1, 1958, in order that this body may give consideration to
the report and then submit recommendations to the General Assembly
of 1959.

No. 15
(Senate Joint Resolution 18)

Senate Joint Resolution to Reaffirm the Tradition of Freedom AND
THE RESPONSIBILITY of the Press in Maryland and the Nation.

At the Annual Convention of the Maryland Press Association, on
February 14, 1958, that body declared anew the importance of
freedom of the press as follows: "It is the belief of the Maryland
Press Association that the time is especially appropriate for a re-
affirmation of Maryland's Declaration of Rights which, like the first
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, protects
freedom of the press and safeguards all media of information from
any form of pressure from any form of government;

"And whereas, passage by the General Assembly of a joint reso-
lution reaffirming these ideals would be a positive expression of our
people's dedication to freedom and lend true meaning to the honored
name, 'Free State of Maryland';

"And whereas, passage of such a resolution would be a strong
deterrent against future attempts to inhibit press freedom, economic
or otherwise, from whatever source." The members of the General
Assembly of Maryland are proud to add their own reaffirmation to
this great and cardinal principle of free government.

The right to print without any previous license, with an immunity
from prior restraint and a responsibility only after the fact, has
been a jealously guarded prerogative of the free press of America.
It was won after centuries of effort by the British and Colonial Amer-
ican press, and now for more than two centuries has been a vital
landmark in the United States in the age-old struggle for freedom
and the dignity of man.

EXPLANATION: Italics indicate new matter added to existing law.

[Brackets] indicate matter stricken from existing law.
CAPITALS indicate amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken out of bill.