who earned their living by fishing in the Potomac River. Virginians
and Marylanders soon learned that all would fare better if Maryland-
bound ships were allowed to proceed unimpeded into the Chesapeake
Bay and Marylanders and Virginians shared the marine resources of
the great river that forms the boundary between them.
The original Potomac River Compact of 1785, happily renewed just
a few years ago between our two states, grew out of just such conflict—
and the desire and the will of the peoples of the two states to settle
their differences amicably. There is every reason in the world, of course,
why Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia should work
together on problems which arise in this metropolitan area which is the
seat of government of the United States. People have a very keen
awareness of the responsibility of government to provide them with
services, but ordinarily they are not acutely conscious of the particular
jurisdiction or agency of government that owes them that responsibility.
A traffic jam in downtown Washington is an annoyance and hindrance
to a motorist, whether he lives in Suitland, Maryland; Arlington,
Virginia; or in the District of Columbia. The pollution of the Potomac
River is offensive and hazardous to all people living along its banks
whether they be Virginians, Marylanders or Washingtonians.
As Governor of Maryland, I am cognizant of the fact—I suspect that
Governor Harrison is also—that as years roll by more and more of my
constituents are people whose lives—economically, socially and cultural-
ly—are oriented toward this, our capital city. Maryland's area of great-
est growth is in the suburbs of this metropolis, and I would guess that
the same could be said of Governor Harrison's State. Maryland real-
izes that it has a vital interest in the health, happiness and well-being
of the entire Washington Metropolitan area. We understand fully that
the problems affecting the District of Columbia and the Virginia com-
munities on the south side of the Potomac in a very real sense are our
problems.
We are eager, therefore, to join with you of the District of Columbia
and the Commonwealth of Virginia in a joint effort to resolve our
common problems.
Again, let me say that is an honor and a pleasure to be here at this
1963 Conference, and to pledge the continued support of my State
to this great cooperative effort.
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