INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS 915

America and Americans have changed. There is no question that
you've shared in one of the most dramatic years in our nation's
history.

While today's trip to Annapolis represents only a brief moment
in a full year, I believe Maryland's State House can tell you a lot
about America today. This is the place America technically began
as a nation in the eyes of the world, for it was in this State House
in 1784 that the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War and
recognizing the United States of America as an independent nation,
was ratified by the Continental Congress. The State House served
as our nation's capital for a brief period after that and some Ameri-
can history scholars staunchly contend that a Marylander, John Han-
son, who was elected President of the Continental Congress in 1781,
was technically the first President of the United States.

But that's not the important point; what is important is that this
State House was the seat of Maryland State government before
America became a nation and that it's still in operation today. This
is, in fact, the oldest State House still in use in the United States of
America.

Of course, we've built additions and renovated and improved over
the past two centuries, but the original foundation still stands firm.
And as such this State House can well serve as a symbol of our na-
tion's progress.

The building has expanded as our population expanded to ac-
commodate more elected representatives. Our rooms improved as
our technology improved, so that we have electricity, central heating
and air conditioning. But most important of all, our laws expanded
and improved, as the mind of our nation improved.

Only our political process has remained unchanged. It has endured
just as the foundation of the State House has endured. Both represent
a solid base, strong enough to support massive growth, flexible enough
to withstand massive change.

This State House proves that America's oldest values are still
operating successfully. There is a place in this nation for the old
and the new. As a new generation you are aware that many people,
particularly some of our present student generation, believe all that
is old must be destroyed to make way for the new. Some other people
make the equally grave mistake to take the position that nothing
new is good. This State House proves that there is room and reason
for both.