RATIFICATION DAY 617

It is anticipated that the population within the east coast mega-
lopolis from Norfolk to Boston will double by the year 2000. By then,
the population of Maryland will be almost 8, 000, 000, and our prob-
lems will be compounded fourfold.

In jest, I might then propose to my good friend, Governor Love,
of Colorado, an exchange of people for land. But what would be a
fair exchange? — Perhaps a thousand Marylanders provided they
would be willing to leave their wonderful state for a million acres
of the Rocky Mountains?

Unfortunately, this is not the solution to our problem — or to yours.

I hope and trust that the Commission can develop a program of
sensible multiple-use for the public domain and can report such a
program to the President and the Congress, with recommendations
that will insure the multiple-use of our public lands that are to be
retained and managed. I also hope that, where indicated by need, a
program of disposal that will provide the maximum benefit for the
general public will be framed and accepted.

REMARKS ON RATIFICATION DAY,
STATE HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS

January 14, 1968

President Keith, Members of Historic Annapolis, Mr. Biddle, Hon-
ored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

While July 4th — Independence Day — is celebrated as our nation's
birthday, January 14th — Ratification Day — perhaps more accurately
merits this recognition.

For in this world of political realities a unilateral declaration of
independence does not create a nation. It is not enough for a people
to feel or think or claim themselves a nation — as we have seen all
too often and all too tragically during our lifetime. A people become
a nation only when other nations recognize them as a nation. One
hundred and eighty-four years ago today — in this State House —
the United States became a sovereign nation.

The historic progress of our country from July 4, 1776 to January
14, 1784 is familiar to all of you — a history of great men and great
events taught to all American school children. It is a story of stirring