606 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

However, from my talks with many prominent people in Maryland,
I have become persuaded that now is the time to take some action
here. I have been particularly impressed by the many business, pro-
fessional and industrial leaders, who are not active in politics, but
who think Governor Rockefeller is the best qualified person in the
United States to be President and have expressed a willingness to
lend their names to a draft Rockefeller movement.

Therefore, I have agreed to assist them in the formation of several
committees to organize a draft effort. I think Governor Rockefeller
will be affected by the weight of opinion that can develop, and I
want to see that Maryland is in the forefront of this technique to
persuade him to accept a draft. The movement, I am sure, will prob-
ably catch fire in other states, and I hope it does — but at this point
it is strictly a Maryland effort. I have not been in touch with other
Governors or party leaders in other states as to what we are doing.

The need at this time is to organize and appoint the committees.
It will not involve substantial fund raising or financing for the pres-
ent. What we are looking for in these committees is prestige — to show
the quality of leadership, both in and out of political life, that favors
and strongly urges a Rockefeller candidacy.

STATEMENT TO THE DELEGATES OF THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF MARYLAND

January 10, 1968

Upon the convocation of this Convention, I expressed my hope that
you would draft a document designed to endure; a Constitution which
adhered to great principles and still assured flexibility for the future.
The Constitution which you sign today more than fulfills my hopes.

Maryland owes a debt to you, the forefathers of the future, for you
have created a Constitution which I believe is without parallel in this
nation. Throughout the past months you have labored conscientiously,
subordinating personal and partisan interests to achieve the best in-
terests of Maryland. The 1968 Constitution reveals in its brevity and
honest simplicity the success of your endeavors.

I am grateful to have served as Governor during this historic con-
vention, and I look forward with confidence to the day of ratification.