In addition, special place mats were purchased on consignment as well as Tootsie Rolls, Liberty bells, and note paper, which was recommended during the meeting of the representatives of the municipalities. An inventory remains, which being disposed of presently. Many of these items are now being considered as collector's items. FUND RAISING Under the chairmanship of Andrew Cobb a total of $13,836.62 was raised from many diversified sources. There were many contributions presented in-kind to the Association, such as the buses used for the tours by Kevah Konner and the cars for the Golden Knights from Avis Rent-A-Car, and many of the items for the French Cultural Evening, plus many others. Several pledges are still outstanding and should be followed up upon, from Morris County corporations, foundations and others. All assurances were presented to the Association that Morris County would support its efforts with regard to National Parks Centennial Week, by County and Township officials. TOP PRIORITY PROJECT COVER, PARK I, 287 MORRISTOWN Prior to the incorporation Morristown-Morris County National Parks Centennial Association Mrs. Ermaline Weiss as an independent citizen of Morristown, New Jersey had worked with Environmental Research Associates, Inc. to assess the environmental impact of I-287 as it passes by George Washington School and the National Historic Park (Ford Mansion). An environmental impact assessment was completed which showed that the Federal Highway Administration guidelines would not permit construction of a highway where a National Park or a prominent school would be adjacent to the construction. Because I-287 had been authorized before the enactment of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1970 this section was not subject to federal environmental impact criticism. A meeting was held with the New Jersey Department of Transportation on November 5, 1971 to discuss various solutions to minimize the environmental impact to the sites mentioned above. A cover-park had been suggested to solve problems of noise, air pollution and aesthetics. Commissioner John C. Kohl was most cooperative and authorized further study. After the Morristown-Morris County National Parks Centennial Association was established in 1972 it adopted this project as its major effort. The New Jersey Department of Transportation was notified of the Centennial celebration and at that time authorized the construction of a scale model of the proposed coverpark which was unveiled for the first time a week prior to the National Parks Centennial Week, May 7th to 13th, 1972. This scale model has been exhibited consistently throughout New Jersey during 1972 and on into 1973. WILLIAMSBURG, VA., March 10, 1973. Re: American Bicentennial. DEAR MR. RODINO: I was glad to have the opportunity to chat with you two days ago when Peter Frelinghuysen introduced us. I am delighted that you are taking the leadership to support continuance of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. Despite some apparent past fumbling of the ball, it does have the responsibility to set the theme for our national commemoration of Independence. There is also a terrific job to be done in coordinating the multitude of state, community and private Bicentennial programs and projects. As you and Mr. Donohue plan your hearings on your bill, it might be interesting to query witnesses as to their concept of the theme which is to be commemorated in various programs? I submit that the Bicentennial theme should emphasize the motivations which moved the early American settlers toward Independence. These motivations de veloped over a five-generation period 1607-1763. They did not burst forth in full bloom just during the short period 1763-76. I submit a brief outline of the historical evolution of American institutions 1607-1763, as I see it. Mr. Rodino, in my 30 years overseas in developing countries (in Army, Foreign Service and United Nations) I followed such an outline in explaining our American system to Asians and Africans. Thank you for your suggestion that I appear at your hearings; I submit my views by this letter. I shall be interested in knowing the membership of the proposed Commission staff and of the Advisory Board. There still remains time for the Commission to coordinate the theme of the Bicentennial. I think that William Butler and others presently on the ARBC staff would welcome Congressional guidance in this regard. Sincerely yours ROBERT L. Clifford. THE MOTIVATIONS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TOWARD INDEPENDENCE I. REASONS SETTLERS QUIT OLD WORLD FOR NEW a. Christian Heritage emphasized man seeking own fulfillment. b. Inequities in Europe's social, economic and political system. c. Africans brought heritage of a balanced social system. II. FOUNDATION BY SETTLERS OF A NEW SOCIETY a.-Background of New World. 1. Harsh physical environment to be conquered. 2. Necessity and freedom to develop new institutions. b.-Evolution of New Institutions 1607-1763. 1. Social Mobility. English customs had to be reshaped to meet New World conditions. Community effort was the key to survival and to cooperative effort, i.e. clearing of fields, building of houses, churches, schools, docks, roads, etc. Thus a whole new set of personal relationships and social groupings evolved. This social mobility permitted members opportunity to seek individual fulfillment. 2. Economic Entrepreneurship. Colonists developed agriculture for subsistence and export, and craft industry for domestic trade. Ample availability of land and raw materials permitted individuals opportunity to start own business. However English trade policy was to use colonies as source of raw materials and as market for English goods. 3. Political Consensus. Town meeting became institution for decisions on community action. Settlers were forced to establish local government. Evolved county government, eventually legislative assemblies in each colony. These assemblies contested with Royal Governors on extent of King's power. Through their control of purse (taxation) colonists managed to control internal affairs. 4. Military. Colonists had to fend for selves against Indians. III. MOVEMENT TO INDEPENDENCE 1763-1776 a. Self-Assurance of American People. As a result of five generations of local self-government, colonists were confident of ability to lead own lives. Felt that they were one people, united both for security and economic reasons, who by working together could achieve common goals. Recognition and reward was generally given to those individuals demonstrating leadership. b.-Efforts by English Government to Strengthen Dominance of Colonies. 1. English Control of Foreign Trade since 1607. 2. Attempted Parliamentary Imposition of Local Taxes 1764–1773. 3. Introduction of English Military Garrisons to enforce these measures. c.-Political Repercussions in Colonies vs England. 1. Sequence of English actions and American counteractions. 2. Military action 1775-1781. 3. Declaration of Independence 1776. IV. DEVELOPMENT OF NEW INSTITUTIONS 1776-1789 a.-Disarray in which Americans found selves after Declaration. ROBERT L. CLIFFORD. REVOLUTIONARY WAR BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION, Hon. HAROLD D. DONOHUE, ·Congress of the United States, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN DONOHUE: Because of the state of flux that the Massachusetts Revolutionary War Bicentennial Commission has been in for the past month and a half, the request for our comments on H.R. 3695 has just been brought to my attention. As the just appointed Executive Director of the Commission, and after reading the bill without much knowledge of the past performance and accomplishments of the ARBC, I would say that the bill is too loosely drawn and poorly defined as it reads now. Sec. 4(a) states that the "master calendar of events of local, State, national, and international significance which will take place between July 1975 and September 1976" shall be the primary function of the Administration. As the bill states that its purpose is to observe the Bicentennial of the "historic events preceding and associated with the American Revolution," that would preclude the most important dates pertaining to Massachusetts before and up to April 19, 1975. Also, that this should be the primary function of the ARBA is a gross misuse of the Administration people, its staff, its funds, and its time. Sec. 9 states that "the Administrator is authorized to use nonappropriated funds to carry out a program of grants-in-aid in furtherance of the purposes of this Act," etc. It appears that such ill-defined assistance to the states obligated to observe these events is not inappropriate. To carry out its mandate to the nation, direct appropriations to the states is a must. Sec. 10 states that "whenever the President determines it to be in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, the functions authorized under this Act may be performed without regard to such provisions of law or limitations of authority regulating or relating to the making, performance, amendment or modifications of contract, and the expenditure of Government funds as he may specify.' If the Congress agrees to this, it would be an abdication of its responsibilities and its obligations to the states. Sincerely, RICHARD E. BARRINGER, BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION OF OKLAHOMA, 4040 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Okla., March 14, 1973. Hon. LAWRENCE G. WILLIAMS, House of Representatives, 1503 Longworth Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILLIAMS: In reply to your letter of March 2, 1973, the Oklahoma Bicentennial Commission wishes to establish with you and your distinguished committee our complete endorsement of the American Revolution Bicentennial Agency Administrator to be appointed by the President. (H.R. 3695) As to financing, we suggest if there are to be block grants for each state, that it be made known to the states as quickly as possible in order that programs may have a time frame for completion by July 4, 1976. As to matching funds, we suggest that those agencies, who will be participating in the work of bicentennial programming and projects, be notified and directed to give preference to state projects originating by citizens in local communities. Our conclusion is based on the statement of President Nixon, the strength of the bicentennial will be derived from the people. Bicentennial Commissions now must be able to go to the people with direct answers in regard to their programs, projects and patriotic observances. It is our experience that local communities, counties and state governments are willing to do their part, but the time has come for Bicentennial to have an answer as to how, how much and when we can be a catalyst agency. We urge the congress to enact H.R. 3695 for reasons stated above. GLADYS WARREN (Mrs.), MARCH 10, 1973. Representative LAWRENCE G. WILLIAMS, 1503 Longworth Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILLIAMS: This letter is in reply to the letter of March 2 signed by Senators Edward W. Brooke; Charles M. Mathias; Joseph Montoya; Sam Nunn; and Congressmen Gerry E. Studds; William Whitehurst; and Lawrence G. Williams concerning new legislation for the bicentennial commemoration of our country. As appointed representatives of Utah's bicentennial commemoration, we endorse this new proposed legislation as outlined in H.R. 3695. The above-mentioned letter, signed by those senators and representatives, asks for the following: I. Our comments on the bill; IV. The question of financing. We can answer the first three requests very briefly: I. We like the bill, the more we study it. II. The strengths of the bill are: 1. Its emphasis on the three parts of a truly great bicentennial celebration: Heritage '76, Festival, U.S.A., and Horizon '76. 2. The democratic process involved in appointment of an American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Board of twenty-five members, as well as the Joint Committee on American Revolution Bicentennial Committee, composed of eight members of Congress, four from the Senate and four from the House. 3. We particularly like the bill's emphasis on consultation with existing agencies, federal, state, and local. III. We would not modify the bill, unless the question of financing, as we discuss it in section IV, following, should require modification. IV. 1. We support the proposal in the bill of federal funding on a matching basis. 2. We strongly urge that each state be treated with equality in federal funding on a matching basis; that is, that an equal amount of the total of federal funding be allocated to each state. We urge this for the following reasons: (a) Each state is equal in sovereignty. This is a celebration involving all fifty states. The wealthier states can do more for themselves on the basis of their own greater wealth. (b) Here in Utah we have worked for many months, mainly with plans that will serve not only the citizens of our state, but also millions of Americans and other visitors, as they stop here for needed rest, for recreation, and cultural values. This is our Horizon '76 program which we think all will agree, is the most important emphasis for our 200th birthday. These plans are realistic, if Utah is treated as an equal to other states in federal funding. (c) We are working on the basis that Congress will allocate to us twentyfive million dollars. We intend to match this from state, county, city and private sources. (d) We will need until 1977 to complete our plans, and we are pleased this proposed bill will give us this needed time. Respectfully submitted. OBERT C. TANNER, Chairman. MARCH 7, 1973. Representative HAROLD D. DONOHUE, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. DONOHUE: We would like to share with you a letter we recently mailed to Rep. Lawrence G. Williams concerning House R. 3695 on the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. Your consideration of this is certainly appreciated. Yours very truly, PERRY A. SNYDER. MARCH 6, 1973. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS: Permit me to thank you and your colleagues for the courtesy of asking me and the other state Bicentennial directors our views on the proposed legislation which would abolish the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. Speaking for the Mississippi American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, I thank you for your thoughtfulness and courtesy. By way of background, may I say that I have found many individuals in the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to be most helpful is assisting me in planning for Mississippi's part in the forthcoming Bicentennial Celebration. As a functioning organization, however, I have found the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission on the whole to be ineffective in providing me the type of information and expertise I so direly have needed. Therefore, I strongly endorse the legislation for the reorganization of the Bicentennial National Planning Body. Time is indeed growing short and decisive action must be taken in the immediate future if we are to have a successful and meaningful Bicentennial Celebration. Of crucial importance to us in Mississippi charged with the planning for and execution of the Bicentennial is more definite knowledge of what type of financial assistance we can count on between now and 1976. At present, we assume that the $45,000 per year state grants will continue to be forthcoming. Also, we have a commitment of approximately $25,000 from the Franklin Mint. In addition to this, the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission has earmarked some $40,000 for matching grants for specific projects. These funds have been and will continue to be most helpful; however, more funds are needed if we are to do the type of things that we would like to do for our Bicentennial. If additional funds are to be made available, we need to know about them as soon as possible so that when we go to the Mississippi legislature, we will be armed with the correct information. On the other hand, if additional funds are not to be provided, we need to know this as soon as possible so as to make larger requests on our state legislature. Again, Representative Williams, I thank you for soliciting my views. If I can provide any other additional material, please let me know. In the Spirit of '76, PERRY A. SNYDER. BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION OF ALABAMA, Hon. HAROLD DONOHUE, DEAR CONGRESSMAN DONOHUE: It has been brought to our Commission's attention that House of Representatives Bill Number 3695, which is to establish the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration and for other purposes, is before your committee for consideration. As Executive Director of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission we urge that your committee give a favorable report to H.R. 3695. Our Commission feels that this bill would help streamline the previous A.R.B.C. by creating a new Bicentennial Administration with an administrator that would help each state formulate its plans for our country's 200th anniversary. We feel that the new |