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Show Foreword This volume, setting forth the history of public land law development, is presented to the interested public as a foundation stone for the entire study program of the Public Land Law Review Commission. At one time or another, the legal title to approximately three-fourths of the area of our Nation has rested with the Federal Government. Our past attitudes and policies toward public land disposal and management obviously have contributed to the historic strength of the United States as we know it-and to many of the problems this Commission must consider. While social, economic, and political considerations are necessary to an understanding of public land law and policy, it is essential that those considering future public land policy study and understand the manner in which our present and past public land laws and policies grew as they did. If the American people are to adopt a reasonable program for the solution of foreseeable problems with respect to the retention and management or disposition of the public lands, we must study history, thereby learning how to improve on the attainments of those who came before us, thus profiting from past experience. Considering the vast changes in American life and attitudes since Thomas Donaldson prepared his reference work, referred to in the Director's letter of October 1, 1968, the time is indeed propitious for a new look at the history of public land law development in the United States. In addition, my own reading of this volume leaves no doubt that the planned objectives for this work have been met. The members of the Commission probably will not unanimously agree with all of the inferences and observations of the authors. Likewise, I do not expect that all members of the Advisory Council and all of the Governors' Representatives will agree with the viewpoints expressed by the authors. But, I believe that all of us owe a deep debt of gratitude to the authors for providing us with this background material from which our entire review will profit greatly. It is my desire and hope that this book will be read by all those interested in the public lands of the United States. But, it should be required reading for all members of the Commission, members of the Advisory Council, the Governors' Representatives, and those members of both the executive and legislative branches who will have any responsibility for considering implementation of the Commission's report and recommendations. Wayne N. Aspinall Chairman |