His career is no less distinguished by great work in the legislative field. His record in the Nevada Legislature was characterized by durable and constructive State legislation. His investigative work in the Senate of the United States is known around the world. Equally important was his association with legislation for promotion and control of civilian aeronautics, under which our commercial aviation has grown to unparalleled service. The Administrative Procedures Act, for the protection of all citizens who have to do business with their Government, is another monument to his legislative industry. PAT MCCARRAN was a man who arrived at his convictions by careful deliberation, and then fought for them against all odds. His forthrightness frequently brought criticism upon him, but he never asked for quarter. He had the confidence, the respect, and the affection of his colleagues, regardless of party lines. I join his host of friends to whom his passing is a great loss. Mr. CASE. Mr. President, I recall PAT MCCARRAN for two reasons: One was his loyal leadership of the group of western Senators. Senators who were privileged to attend some of the dinners when he would call a conference of western Senators will always remember, not merely his generosity in arranging those meetings, not merely his expressions with respect to the interests of the West, whether mining, timber, cattle, parks, or whatnot, but also the friendliness which he exhibited toward every other Member of the Senate, regardless of party affiliations. We were all from the West when we attended one of PAT's western conference dinners, and we were able to approach our problems from the standpoint of what would best enable the West to unlock its great treasure for the benefit of the people of America. Another thing which I like to associate with his memory is a speech which I heard him deliver in Denver in September 1952 at the annual convention of the American Mining Congress. PAT poured out his heart in a speech in which he dwelt upon the dangers from subversive activities in this country. He was speaking to a group of people who were perhaps primarily interested in the problems of mining. However, Senator MCCARRAN recognized that all of them were Americans first. In my opinion he delivered one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard in my life. When he concluded it he received a standing ovation, which was a fitting tribute to the effort he had made. All three of the Senators whom we eulogize today, Senator HUNT, Senator BUTLER, and Senator MCCARRAN, gave their lives for their country. They lived their lives for their country. Of course, sometimes we do not realize that for one occupying a civil position to give his life for his country is as sacrificial as dying for one's country on the battlefield. These men lived for their country. They were great exponents of the West. The West will always be proud of them and treasure their memory. Mr. CLEMENTS. Mr. President, seldom have I felt a deeper measure of regret than when the word was brought to me that He who directs our destiny had taken suddenly from this earth one whom I had been honored to call my friend, and to know and respect as a colleague in the service of the people-Senator PATRICK A. MCCARRAN, of Nevada. My sympathy goes out to his lifelong companion and to the other members of his family. It was not my honor to have served with him for as many years as others in Washington, but I knew and admired his greatness even before I entered the Halls of Congress, for his distinguished record was broadcast throughout the land. The workers of my State knew that he had been an early champion of the 8-hour day, and when this goal was finally achieved as a landmark of our democratic system, they remembered him and blessed him for his efforts. Those who understand and stand guard in protecting the natural resources which abound in our Nation, found in him a friend and ardent spokesman and advocate of the wise and prudent use of these gifts of nature. Many of his legal opinions on mining and water and conservation stand today on the statute books of our Nation. Even before his election to the National Congress, he wrote a record of accomplishment and achievement in Nevada, as a lawyer, a distinguished judge of its supreme court, on its library commission, in its bar association, and in other public and civic pursuits. His record in the Congress, beginning in 1933, showed from the start the qualities of leadership he was to exhibit as the years went by, and his ability and significant accomplishment became increasingly evident. Laws of tremendous importance to our Nation's well-being and security bear his mark as author and sponsor. A separate Air Force, Civil Aeronautics, civilian pilot training, silver purchase, Federal airports, Government reorganization, internal security, immigration and naturalization—these are but a partial rollcall of the vital segments of our national fiber which have been influenced by his efforts. Major committees of the Senate of the United States had the benefit of his knowledge and his ability. During his years in the Nation's Capital, he served on the Commerce Committee, the District of Columbia Committee, the Committee on Irrigation and Reclamation, the Committee on Public Lands and Surveys, the Committee on Appropriations, and with brilliance, for more than two decades, on the Judiciary Committee, over which he presided for 8 years. Few men in our Nation's history have written such a record. Few will equal it in the decades to come, and none will build a greater monument to ability. PAT MCCARRAN was a man of passionate convictions. His principles were held tenaciously and once he had established his goal, he would not swerve 1 inch from the path that led directly to it. It can be truly said that he was one of the men who have shaped the times in which we live. He was not content to drift passively with the shifting currents of our day. He refused to be swept along with the tides of fortune. PAT MCCARRAN felt a deep obligation to grasp the forces of modern life and harness them. He insisted that destiny could be commanded by men-bold men who were unafraid and uncowed. He lived amidst the swirling winds of controversy and he never sought the harbors of safety to which lesser men flee. He was himself an elemental force, and, as such, was physically incapable of bowing to the other elemental forces of society. A void has been created into which no one can now step. We have lost a peerless orator and a great patriot who knew no dictator but his conscience, no guide but his judgment, and no purpose but to serve his country and his God. I will not soon forget that he was one of the first to take his time in giving me guidance when I entered the Halls of the Senate, and throughout our service together, I could meet with him and gain from him advice from the vast background and store of his knowledge of our Nation and of our Congress. This debt I will not now be able to adequately repay. All men must finally submit to the judgment of a higher power. It is not given to those of us who are mortal to make that judgment. But of this I am certain. When PAT MCCARRAN ascended the stairs to meet the final Judge of all earthly activity, he walked erect and unafraid—a man who had met the ultimate tests of courage and conscience. His passing is a loss for those near and dear to him; it is a loss to those who called him friend; it is a loss to the Nation and the world. We can but say: From the will to win, earth has one tale to tell; All other sounds are dulled and drowned and lost, Mr. MANSFIELD. Mr. President, on this sad occasion, I should like to join my colleagues by expressing my deep regret and sorrow at the passing of our former colleagues, Senator BUTLER, of Nebraska, Senator PAT MCCARRAN, of Nevada, Senator BURNET MAYBANK, of South Carolina, and Senator LESTER HUNT, of Wyoming. I have also been deeply grieved by the passing of other Senators, who have gone to their reward during the two sessions of the 83d Congress. It is extremely difficult to find words at a time like this to express one's feelings toward those of our friends who have passed away. However, I wish to say that each one of them in his own way personified the highest aspects of American life and that all of them are to be honored for their integrity and fairness in their dealing with the problems that confronted them. Those of us who have come after them will miss them down through the years. They were a great group of Americans, who brought honor to their respective States, and who, in the words of the distinguished majority leader, were real Senators of the United States. It is my hope that these friends of ours will get the reward which is their due in the Kingdom to which they have gone. I can only say, in conclusion, that I wish their souls will rest in peace. |