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NEWS RELEASE AND STATEMENT:
STATE FLAG AT HALF MAST

April 5, 1968

Governor Agnew today ordered the Maryland Flag flown at half
mast on all State buildings until after the funeral of Dr. Martin
Luther King. The order became effective at noon.

"We take this action in respect for, and in sympathy with, the large
masses of citizens of this State and this nation who shared Dr. King's
dedication to racial equality and sought it through non-violent
means, " Governor Agnew said.

NEWS RELEASE AND LETTER SUPPORTING
FEDERAL OPEN HOUSING LEGISLATION

April 6, 1968

Governor Agnew today urged Maryland's congressmen to support
Federal legislation which would outlaw discrimination in the sale,
rental or advertising of housing.

The open housing section is embodied in a civil rights bill which
has already passed the U. S. Senate.

"As you know, the Statewide Open Housing Law that we enacted
last year has been petitioned to a referendum, thus delaying any fur-
ther steps that can be taken in this vital area of concern to so many
of our citizens, " Governor Agnew said in a letter to the eight congress-
men.

"The major hope now for these Maryland citizens lies in congres-
sional enactment of an open housing law, and the fact that it has
wider application than our limited State law makes it even more de-
sirable.

"We would have attempted to expand the State law this year if
such action had not been blocked by petitions from a small number
of our citizens and by the ensuing litigation.

"I sincerely hope you will support the Federal legislation. "

The proposed Federal law prohibits discrimination in government-
financed housing and, after December 31, 1968, in other housing as
well.