00:00:02.810 - 00:00:09.390

Ray Grills: It's a great pleasure to welcome all of you here tonight to pay tribute to one of the great men

00:00:09.390 - 00:00:24.780

of American public life, Senator John J. Williams. [Audience applause] Senator Williams, designated by Senator Boggs and much of the press of the nation

00:00:24.780 - 00:00:31.980

as "Mr. Integrity" himself. Now in conformity with that integrity, Senator Wiliams, who advocated an age limit

00:00:31.980 - 00:00:41.020

on the re-election of senators, imposed upon himself this limitation which he advocated, and he voluntarily retired from the United States Senate

00:00:41.020 - 00:00:49.880

after serving there for twenty-four years. Although known across the country for this quality of integrity, he was known inside of the Senate

00:00:49.880 - 00:00:57.620

for his able, tactical maneuvering. And it's rather interesting that Senator Russell B. Long, the Chairman of the Finance Committee,

00:00:57.620 - 00:01:04.660

of which Senator Williams was the ranking minority member in paying tribute to Senator Williams said, and I quote Senator Long,

00:01:04.660 - 00:01:13.670

"It is interesting to note that the Senator from Delaware has never engaged in filibustering. He is such an able parliamentarian, that usually the matter winds up

00:01:13.670 - 00:01:23.510

with somebody else doing the filibustering." [Audience laughs] Always quiet and unassuming, along with his charming wife, Elsie,

00:01:23.510 - 00:01:33.080

it was typical of Senator Williams that after twenty-four years of highly distinguished service, he bowed out as quietly as he came in. Yet, there is not a man or a lady

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in this room tonight who has not benefitted in some degree from that period of public service.

00:01:38.530 - 00:01:45.150

And there's not a dishonest bureaucrat who has not shivered when Senator Williams discovered his dishonesty.

00:01:45.150 - 00:01:54.580

It is therefore appropriate that Delawareans should try to give some recognition to the Senator for the great contributions which he has made to this state and to this nation.

00:01:54.580 - 00:02:01.640

It is appropriate that the Rotary Club should be the vehicle for this recognition. First, because the Rotary Club is

00:02:01.640 - 00:02:09.930

a non-political organization and the recognition which is due Senator Williams transcends any partisan or political consideration.

00:02:09.930 - 00:02:18.980

Secondly, because the Rotary Club has itself a dedication public service although ours is nothing when compared to Senator Williams.

00:02:18.980 - 00:02:27.200

Third, because Senator Williams is himself an honorary member of the Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club, and has been ever since he's been

00:02:27.200 - 00:02:35.240

in the U.S. Senate. And fourth, because a very large number of people in this room have been personally acquainted with

00:02:35.240 - 00:02:43.520

the Senator for many, many years. Now of course, we are particularly pleased to have with us tonight, the Governor of our great state,

00:02:43.520 - 00:02:51.980

Governor Peterson, both of the current United States Senators Boggs and Roth, Representative du Pont, Mayor Haskell.

00:02:51.980 - 00:02:59.600

And we're especially delighted that the majority leader of the United States Senate is here. Now the presence of

00:02:59.600 - 00:03:09.020

these distinguished people attest to the very, very high regard that Senator Williams has held by both the American national political parties.

00:03:09.020 - 00:03:19.090

And I think it is quite appropriate that we shall begin our program tonight by singing "America The Beautiful." Because of Senator Williams's

00:03:19.090 - 00:03:27.890

great contribution to this country, he has helped greatly to make America not only more beautiful, but a better place to live "from sea to shining sea."

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Ted Southwell is going to lead us in "America The Beautiful." We're going to sing one verse, please. [Piano plays "America The Beautiful"]

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Ted Southwell: All ready? [Strong male tenor and audience sing] Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain, America! America!

00:04:08.830 - 00:04:42.440

God shed His grace on thee. And crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea. [Piano flourishes, audience applause] Ray Grills: Thank you. Now, we have with us a non-speaking guest that I would like to recognize at this time.

00:04:42.440 - 00:04:49.250

You have the program in front of you, so I'm not going to call on those that you see listed on the program. And first I would like to start out

00:04:49.250 - 00:05:03.370

in recognizing our very newest Senator, William V. Roth and his lovely wife, Mrs. Roth. Senator Roth, please. [Audience applause]

00:05:03.370 - 00:05:19.420

Ray Grills: And our very newest elected Representative Pete du Pont, and his wife. Pete, please. [Audience applause] We have the wife of Herb Drooz. Mrs. Drooz, please. [Audience applause]

00:05:19.420 - 00:05:35.740

And the wife of our senior Senator, Mrs. Boggs. Mrs. Boggs, please. [Audience applause] And the wife of our Mayor, Mrs. Harry Haskell. [Audience applause]

00:05:35.740 - 00:05:55.960

And my own wife, Jane, my wife of thirty years. Please, dear. [Audience applause] And we have the wife of our wonderful Senator, Mrs. Williams, please. [Audience applause]

00:05:55.960 - 00:06:08.720

And also the very fine wife of our Governor, Mrs. Lillian Peterson. Lill, please. [Audience applause] Ray Grills: It isn't on our program tonight, but due to the fact that

00:06:08.720 - 00:06:15.470

it developed quite recently, as a matter of fact. But I'm happy to present at this time, the senior senator from Delaware,

00:06:15.470 - 00:06:21.750

J. Caleb Boggs, to read and present a special message that's been sent to all the folks here at the dinner tonight. Caleb, please. [Audience applause]

00:06:27.550 - 00:06:38.120

Senator Cale Boggs: Thank you, Dr. Grills, Senator Williams, very distinguished guests, Rotarians, friends, and fellow citizens all. I have two messages

00:06:38.120 - 00:06:47.000

which I've been asked to read. It's a great honor and privilege to read these messages. The first one is, both

00:06:47.000 - 00:06:53.870

addressed, they're both addressed to the Rotary Club here at the du Pont Hotel in Wilmington. [Reads message from Hugh Scott] The greatness of

00:06:53.870 - 00:07:04.040

a man is always recognizable by the number of his friends, close associates, and admirers who pay him homage at affairs such

00:07:04.040 - 00:07:10.250

as this one honoring Senator John J. Williams. I regret not being able to be present tonight and

00:07:10.250 - 00:07:17.210

personally offer these words as Republican leader in the United States Senate, and as a longtime friend

00:07:17.210 - 00:07:26.360

and neighbor of John Williams. I share many memories with our friend, and know firsthand of his many outstanding contributions to the Senate

00:07:26.360 - 00:07:35.540

and to the people of the nation over his twenty-four years of service. For nearly one-quarter of a century, John has staunchly advocated

00:07:35.540 - 00:07:45.350

the good government theory, and particularly honesty in government. Party labels have meant nothing. Where there was a wrongdoing,

00:07:45.350 - 00:07:52.460

John brought it to the surface and into the open. As John Williams had said over the years, "When you have the votes,

00:07:52.460 - 00:07:59.980

stop talking and start voting." John, you have always had the votes, particularly mine. So I'll stop talking.

00:07:59.980 - 00:08:15.990

Hugh Scott." [Audience applause] This telegraph message from the President of the United States of America. [Reads message from President Richard Nixon] It is most fitting

00:08:15.990 - 00:08:24.770

that the Rotary Club of Wilmington pay tribute to retiring Senator John J. Williams. For within this fine organization

00:08:24.770 - 00:08:33.000

and throughout the inspiring career of its honored guest, there is the same commitment to civic progress,

00:08:33.000 - 00:08:43.130

to integrity, and to the well-being of others. My best wishes to all who honor this great American legislator who will be

00:08:43.130 - 00:08:50.910

deeply missed but affectionately remembered in the halls of Congress and in the hearts of his fellow citizens

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for years to come. Richard Nixon. [Audience applause] Ray Grills: Senator Williams's contributions to our country

00:09:08.480 - 00:09:17.090

divide into two categories: his contributions to the state of Delaware, and his contributions to the United States. For our discussion of

00:09:17.090 - 00:09:24.820

the first of these categories, we are very honored to have with us tonight the Governor of Delaware whose association with the Senator has

00:09:24.820 - 00:09:50.160

been both long and close. I'm happy to present at this time Governor Russell W. Peterson. [Audience applause] Governor Russell Peterson: Thank you, President Grills,

00:09:50.230 - 00:10:00.950

reverend clergy, Senator Mansfield, Senator Williams, Senator Roth, Senator Boggs, Congressman du Pont, Mayor Haskell,

00:10:00.950 - 00:10:09.320

distinguished ladies and gentlemen, one and all. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to welcome on behalf of

00:10:09.320 - 00:10:22.300

all the people of Delaware, Senator Mansfield here to our state. We're very pleased to have you here with us, Senator. [Audience applause]

00:10:22.300 - 00:10:35.780

When Ray Grills invited me to this affair, he told me that my assignment was to speak briefly about the contribution that John Williams has made

00:10:35.780 - 00:10:47.510

to the state of Delaware. Well, speaking briefly is a difficult assignment for me at any time. Speaking briefly about what John Williams

00:10:47.510 - 00:10:57.830

has done for Delaware is virtually impossible. There's no question that each of us in public life teaches

00:10:57.830 - 00:11:11.540

by the example he sets. John Williams has been a great teacher. He has taught us that a poultry farmer from one of the smallest of these

00:11:11.540 - 00:11:24.570

great United States can get elected to the United States Senate. By becoming one of the most respected members of the United States Senate,

00:11:24.570 - 00:11:39.420

he has taught us that men become great, not because of who they are, but because of what they are. He has taught us that we earn respect,

00:11:39.420 - 00:11:53.060

not by how loudly we shout, but by what we say. He has taught us that homespun principles and ideals are just as

00:11:53.060 - 00:12:04.550

valid and sophisticated in Washington D.C. as they are in Millsboro, Delaware. And perhaps above all, he has taught us that there is

00:12:04.550 - 00:12:17.210

no substitute for integrity. There are some people over the years who have disagreed with John Williams, but they respect him

00:12:17.210 - 00:12:32.990

and what he stands for. When one travels around our country, and mentions that he's from Delaware, people frequently will say, as you know,

00:12:32.990 - 00:12:49.270

"Well, that is the State from where John Williams comes." That means a lot to Delaware. It puts Delaware on the map.

00:12:49.270 - 00:12:59.770

It's something that is important to all of us, important to our kids. to look to the future.

00:12:59.770 - 00:13:11.690

My first visit to John Williams's office, I saw this very large collection of cartoons that he had on the wall. Each of which told a story of some

00:13:11.690 - 00:13:24.810

major contribution or event in which he was involved. As I looked at those and thought of the great respect and admiration that America showed to him,

00:13:24.810 - 00:13:37.550

as exemplified by those cartoons, I was a little bit afraid almost to go talk to him. But when he came in and I talked to him,

00:13:37.550 - 00:13:54.070

it was pretty obvious that he was still the down-to-earth individual who came from Millsboro. In fact, he was the same as

00:13:54.070 - 00:14:08.690

the John Williams you meet on the street in Millsboro, or on the boardwalk in Rehoboth, or sit next to at a fire hall or some bank. John definitely has that very, very important asset of the common touch.

00:14:08.690 - 00:14:21.620

Down-to-earth, straightforward, friendly. Yet, John is a humble man. He does his homework.

00:14:21.620 - 00:14:32.360

He rolls up his sleeves and personally digs in to the problems he investigates. I don't know of one example

00:14:32.360 - 00:14:42.620

of where he has investigated something and then criticized a person that it didn't hold. Unless he had the facts

00:14:42.620 - 00:14:55.490

and knew what he was doing, he didn't go after any one, and that's a tremendous way to operate. And when I talked to him recently about

00:14:55.490 - 00:15:04.550

a program in which he and I disagreed, I was greatly impressed with how much he had done his homework, studied in great detail,

00:15:04.550 - 00:15:16.460

knew the facts himself, and presented a very convincing argument. He makes good decisions too. Although probably the

00:15:16.460 - 00:15:29.210

best one that he ever made, was when he asked Elsie to marry him. Because Elsie, I'm sure John will agree, has made a great contribution,

00:15:29.210 - 00:15:41.030

not only to him but to all of us in Delaware, in representing us along with John on the national scene. And we want you to know, Elsie, how pleased we are

00:15:41.030 - 00:15:50.170

that you'll be back home full time now. I said earlier that we teach best by the example of our actions.

00:15:50.170 - 00:16:01.330

And the more responsible the job, and the more prominent the position, the better the opportunity to teach by example.

00:16:01.330 - 00:16:13.080

In this respect, John Williams qualifies as a full professor and chairman of the department. How many times have you heard Delawareans

00:16:13.150 - 00:16:26.610

say, "That's the way John Williams would do it"? Yes, John, you've been a good teacher. John Williams's spotless record of public service has gained

00:16:26.610 - 00:16:38.190

him, as we well know, a great national reputation. In so doing, he has brought recognition and honor to our state.

00:16:39.190 - 00:16:50.810

And our state with only one four-hundredth of the population of our country needs a national hero. It helps to instill pride

00:16:50.810 - 00:17:01.670

in our people and dedication to big deeds and great goals, and all of us are so proud to pick up national magazines, papers from around

00:17:01.670 - 00:17:12.850

the country, and see them extolling the virtues and the contributions that John has made to our country. We have a proud history here in

00:17:12.850 - 00:17:22.480

Delaware and it is rooted in the foundations of our country. Many great men have helped build our proud tradition.

00:17:22.480 - 00:17:31.940

Senator Williams has added immeasurably to it. Personally, and on behalf of the people at Delaware,

00:17:31.940 - 00:17:42.260

I thank you, John, for what you have done. We are pleased and proud to have you back home with us again. Senator John Williams: Thank you.

00:17:42.260 - 00:18:01.040

[Audience applause] Ray Grills: Thank you very much, Governor Peterson. And now for a discussion of the Senator's contribution to the United States.

00:18:01.040 - 00:18:09.930

We're particularly honored to have tonight the Majority Leader of the United States Senate. It is dramatic testimonial

00:18:09.930 - 00:18:17.030

to the high regard in which Senator Williams is held by both parties in this country that the leader of the party to which

00:18:17.030 - 00:18:25.010

Senator Williams does not belong, should be willing to make the trip to Delaware. [Audience laughs] And to speak of the national contributions which

00:18:25.010 - 00:18:34.340

Senator Williams has made. You know, Senator Mansfield has been in the Senate for sixteen of the twenty-four years during Senator Williams has served.

00:18:34.340 - 00:18:41.030

And he has risen to the leadership in the Democratic party in the Senate, a position which he has held in both the Democratic and

00:18:41.030 - 00:18:50.480

Republican national administration. It's a great pleasure to present at this time the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Senator Michael J. Mansfield.

00:18:50.480 - 00:19:34.700

[Audience applause] Senator Michael Mansfield: Mr. Chairman, Monsignor Bowles, Rabbi Drooz, Senator Williams and Elsie, Senator Boggs and Bess, Senator Roth and Mrs. Roth,

00:19:34.700 - 00:20:08.190

Congressman du Pont and Mrs. du Pont. Not a presidential candidate in the bunch. [Audience laughs and applauds] But at times, enough for a quorum. Governor and Mrs. Peterson,

00:20:08.230 - 00:20:39.980

Mayor and Mrs. Haskell, My fellow Democrats, [Audience laughs] my fellow Republicans, my fellow Americans. [Audience applause] It is a personal pleasure

00:20:39.980 - 00:20:57.080

to be in Delaware for this occasion. I come here out of respect and affection for John J. Williams. I am here too, out of what can best be described

00:20:57.080 - 00:21:12.290

as an affinity of the extremes. Your state, for example, is about seventy-five times smaller than mine. Delaware's hills would be lost in

00:21:12.290 - 00:21:29.060

the shadows of Montana's high Rockies. Even Delaware's lovely ocean is dwarfed by the infinite blue of the Big Sky country. This contrast in dimensions has gone

00:21:29.060 - 00:21:41.900

unnoticed in the Senate during the past few years. [Audience laughs] As a matter of fact, sometimes the roles are reversed

00:21:41.900 - 00:21:55.610

one-hundred and eighty degrees. Delaware often appeared the giant, not only did it appear to be, it was. It was so

00:21:55.610 - 00:22:06.770

because of the man who brings us here tonight. John J. Williams gave Delaware a towering presence in the Senate.

00:22:06.770 - 00:22:21.430

His voice amplified the name of the state. The reputation of all Delawareans sparkled brighter in the mirror of his personal integrity.

00:22:21.430 - 00:22:32.680

Delaware took a town councilman from Millsboro, little-known outside this state, and fed him to Washington.

00:22:32.680 - 00:22:45.550

Now, Delaware has got back a senator of international renown and the nation's man for fiscal morality

00:22:45.550 - 00:22:58.210

in the federal government. Delaware's gain is the nation's loss. For me, John Williams's departure from the Senate is deeply

00:22:58.210 - 00:23:09.650

felt in a personal sense. I miss in particular, the breakfast which we used to share regularly in the Senate cafeteria.

00:23:09.650 - 00:23:22.340

Seven o'clock in the morning, as you know, is a no-nonsense time. It is no time for comedy. To put it bluntly, for many people,

00:23:22.340 - 00:23:34.490

it is grim and futile time. [Audience laughs] However, the hour with John Williams had another side. It was a time to put the problems of

00:23:34.490 - 00:23:43.580

the nation and the world in clearer perspective. It was a time to match up our agreements and

00:23:43.580 - 00:23:56.150

to define our disagreements. Above all else, it was a time to establish an enduring friendship. Notwithstanding differences

00:23:56.150 - 00:24:09.300

of party and approaches, our friendship has grown out of mutual candor and mutual respect. As I told the Senate a short time ago,

00:24:09.300 - 00:24:20.310

we had been at all times open with one another. At all times we knew where we stood and most important,

00:24:20.310 - 00:24:34.310

perhaps, we respected each other's opinions. All too seldom is one privileged to have that kind of friendship and that kind of trust.

00:24:34.310 - 00:24:48.830

You will understand then what I mean when I say simply that I will miss John Williams. I will miss my friend in the Senate. The nation,

00:24:48.830 - 00:24:59.390

as I said, is also going to feel the departure of John Williams from the Senate. He has been a friend of frugality.

00:24:59.390 - 00:25:13.790

He has been a force for fiscal morality. He has been a paragon of common sense. John Williams had the courage to tread in the darker recesses of government,

00:25:13.790 - 00:25:26.150

and to illumine them with vivid reports to what he encountered. He served as a kind of lightning rod, attracting to himself the flashes of

00:25:26.150 - 00:25:38.630

malfeasance and ineptitude, which occur from time to time in public life, as they do in private life. That is no easy

00:25:38.630 - 00:25:51.640

responsibility to assume in government. It is even more difficult to discharge it with justice and integrity. The fact is that if one

00:25:51.640 - 00:26:03.810

chooses to delve into matters of this kind, the invitation to a spectacular witch-hunt is ever present. The media of communication

00:26:03.810 - 00:26:18.150

is available at all times for the sensational. It is to his everlasting credit, however, that John Williams declined to play the part of the inquisitor.

00:26:18.150 - 00:26:31.340

Rather he viewed with rugged honesty to the line of human decency. He never yielded to the temptation to become the mere mouthpiece for malcontents.

00:26:31.340 - 00:26:46.340

He bore no false witness. He did not even bear hasty witness. John Williams studied and pondered the evidence. Always he pressed for facts,

00:26:46.340 - 00:26:57.170

and more facts. He did not speak until he was persuaded that he had the facts. Even then, he invariably gave

00:26:57.170 - 00:27:07.340

advance notice to persons who might be affected by them. When he spoke out against malfeasance, he did so out of a sense of duty.

00:27:07.340 - 00:27:18.430

It was never news to the individuals involved. They had already been put on notice. Often, however, it came

00:27:18.430 - 00:27:31.310

as a shock to the rest of us. His exposition of the facts invariably pulled the wool away from our eyes. John Williams made his weight felt

00:27:31.310 - 00:27:41.240

in all parts of the federal government. He concerned himself with the Internal Revenue Service, the Commodity Credit Program,

00:27:41.240 - 00:27:51.500

the Federal Housing Administration, and other agencies. I am trying to say that he also found it necessary to concern himself

00:27:51.500 - 00:28:04.940

with certain matters in the Senate. In the end, however, all of these institutions and others gained strength from the catharsis of an honest inquiry.

00:28:04.940 - 00:28:13.760

He probed the questionable doings of individuals in both parties and without reference to party.

00:28:13.760 - 00:28:22.820

On occasion, his work led to the discovery of those whose ambitions or cupidity had exceeded their personal prudence

00:28:22.820 - 00:28:31.980

and public dedication. More often, he encountered and revealed thoughtless wastages of public funds.

00:28:31.980 - 00:28:43.670

The extent of the savings for which he was responsible will never be known. In all probability, many hundreds of millions of

00:28:43.670 - 00:28:54.650

dollars of public funds were involved. In the Senate, John Williams did what needed being done, without pretense and

00:28:54.650 - 00:29:05.000

without fancy credentials. He had no high-powered staff. He had no image makers. He had only the sheer

00:29:05.000 - 00:29:18.880

force of an unadorned common sense, combined with an uncommon diligence. He is a living monument to the principle that an interested citizen,

00:29:18.880 - 00:29:29.590

to be sure a gifted one in this instance, can master both the politics and the fiscal complexities of the federal government.

00:29:29.590 - 00:29:41.880

He can do it, moreover, even in the absence of special training, tutelage, or political apprenticeship. That is as it should be.

00:29:41.880 - 00:29:48.500

Representative government in the United States is not and ought not to become

00:29:48.500 - 00:30:01.910

the exclusive province of a specialized elite. A society of free citizens requires the participation in government of the range of free citizens.

00:30:01.910 - 00:30:13.730

It is one of the vitalities of the Senate, that its doors have been wide open in that respect. In its long history, many paths have

00:30:13.730 - 00:30:29.480

led to the United States Senate. Farmers, lawyers, workers, doctors, businessmen, teachers, artists, miners, soldiers, to mention a few have trod them.

00:30:29.480 - 00:30:38.510

The outstanding work of John Williams in the Senate now adds to that list. He came to the Senate from

00:30:38.510 - 00:30:49.090

a chicken feed business. That occupation may well prove to be one of the best training grounds yet for the mastery of the

00:30:49.090 - 00:31:05.040

not so chicken feed finances of the federal government. [Audience applause] John Williams left the Senate at his own insistence.

00:31:05.040 - 00:31:20.780

He left it at a pinnacle of political acceptance. He left, not because he was unable to carry the taxing burdens of a senator's office, rather he left because he has

00:31:20.780 - 00:31:34.990

some stubborn ideas about retirement age. [Audience laughs] In this connection, as in some others, may I say to this young man that we are in disagreement. [Audience laughs]

00:31:34.990 - 00:31:44.070

His departure from the Senate, in my judgment, was not timely. It was premature. John Williams

00:31:44.070 - 00:31:56.330

sees it another way. I admit that in withdrawing from the Senate, he was practicing what he preached. So I will not press the point.

00:31:56.330 - 00:32:10.760

Since I am older than he and still a member of the Senate, I would not like him to accuse me of preaching what I practice. [Audience laughs]

00:32:10.760 - 00:32:21.020

So far as I can see only two good results emerge from the retirement of John Williams. In the first place, Caleb Boggs will be

00:32:21.020 - 00:32:29.450

elevated to the role of senior senator from Delaware. I know him well. I have been with him and Bess

00:32:29.450 - 00:32:41.720

on two presidential missions abroad. He wears well, very well. He travels well. He has already made an outstanding contribution

00:32:41.720 - 00:32:52.880

to the work of the Senate. There is more, much more to come from him for the benefit of this state and for the nation as well.

00:32:52.880 - 00:33:08.230

The retirement of John Williams also strengthens the Montana influence in the Senate. [Audience laughs] I was delighted to note that Senator Roth, whose roots are now embedded in Delaware,

00:33:08.230 - 00:33:20.120

was born in Great Falls, Montana. [Audience laughs] Indeed, he was once a student of mine at the University of Montana.

00:33:20.120 - 00:33:30.380

His entering the Senate, not as a Democrat but as a Republican, is not indicative of the negligible impact

00:33:30.380 - 00:33:49.040

of my teaching on him. [Audience applause] We are waiting now in the Senate with great interest to see what new career will be pursued

00:33:49.040 - 00:33:59.210

by our old colleague, John Williams. We do not regard it as likely that he will withdraw into the high Himalayas of a

00:33:59.210 - 00:34:08.310

life of contemplation. There is always the possibility, of course, that he may join Ralph Nader. [Audience laughs]

00:34:08.310 - 00:34:35.510

Or maybe Nader will join John Williams. [Audience laughs louder] It seems to us much more likely, however, that he will simply transfer his base of operations from Capitol Hill to a

00:34:35.510 - 00:34:47.350

sort of Olympus in Millsboro. From this delightful spot, he can continue to hurl well-aimed thunderbolts at targets across the land.

00:34:47.350 - 00:34:56.600

We will be listening for the distant rumble of his voice, to the words of this outstanding American.

00:34:56.600 - 00:35:30.240

This senator for all seasons, John J. Williams of Delaware. [Audience applause] Ray Grills: Thank you very much, Senator Mansfield. No occasion such as this

00:35:30.240 - 00:35:37.000

would be proper without the presentation to Senator Williams of some token of our very high regard for him.

00:35:37.000 - 00:35:42.620

Now, nothing that we can present the Senator is going to be adequate to recognize the great distinction which he has

00:35:42.620 - 00:35:50.870

brought to our state, to our country. But inadequate that it might be, we do want to give him some token of our affection and esteem. And after which,

00:35:50.870 - 00:35:57.530

we'll be delighted to hear whatever response the Senator would like to make. And for the purpose of making the presentation,

00:35:57.530 - 00:36:04.180

I'm very happy to present to you the Mayor of Wilmington, the sincere, devoted, and distinguished Mayor

00:36:04.180 - 00:36:24.140

Harry G. Haskell, Jr. [Audience applause] Mayor Harry Haskell, Jr.: Senator Mansfield, Senator Boggs, Montsignor, Governor, Beth, and

00:36:24.140 - 00:36:35.780

all the friends here at my own Rotary Club I hope tonight. After hearing that magnificent address, Senator Mansfield,

00:36:35.780 - 00:36:47.390

it's not possible for anybody else to really say any better what you said. We do have a person here who we all love, who is

00:36:47.390 - 00:37:02.670

a very humble person and a guy whose extraordinary mind at some times crossed with the leaders in our state. Never to the detriment of his integrity.

00:37:03.220 - 00:37:16.880

I personally was a member of Congress, as a Republican, when he was a Senator and he is an extraordinary guy, but I just have to say,

00:37:16.880 - 00:37:27.080

tell one little story. You know, there's no such thing as a totally perfect integrity, in terms of any human being.

00:37:27.080 - 00:37:34.730

And John took me on as a freshman Congressman and helped me along. And I was a little too

00:37:34.730 - 00:37:48.400

liberal for him. I'm not sure he hasn't changed his opinion of me. [Audience laughs] But seriously, I carried the debate of the first, because

00:37:48.400 - 00:37:58.730

some of my colleagues left town to do other things. The first Federal Aid to Education Act. And I asked John

00:37:58.730 - 00:38:09.170

if he'd help me out on that, if I needed his vote, and he said, "Yes." At least, I thought he'd said "yes." And as it would happen,

00:38:09.170 - 00:38:16.490

we did get it through the House and I was sitting in the back of the Senate in the chair with John, and we were discussing

00:38:16.490 - 00:38:26.780

the subject and the bill came up for a vote. And all of sudden John came back with a worried look on his face, and he said, "Gee whiz, I thought it was going

00:38:26.780 - 00:38:40.700

to be a voice vote." [Audience laughs] Well anyway, John, I know I speak for everybody in the room here and every person in

00:38:40.700 - 00:38:50.720

our state, and of course in the nation, when I just read what's written. And we mean it. To John J. Williams, an exemplary Delawarean,

00:38:50.720 - 00:39:02.410

a courageous American, an honored citizen, and a devoted public servant, a valued friend and neighbor. With profound gratitude and high esteem,

00:39:02.410 - 00:39:35.400

from the Wilmington Rotary Club. [Audience applause] Ray Grills: There are no eggs in the box. [Sound of paper rustling] There's a manure spreader coming. [Man laughs] That was Governor Carvel.

00:39:35.400 - 00:40:14.570

You really got a package. [More paper rustling] Senator John Williams: Oh, that's very nice. [Audience applause] Senator John Williams: Thank you Hal, Senator Mansfield,

00:40:14.570 - 00:40:27.800

Governor and Mrs. Peterson, Senator Boggs, Senator Roth, Congressman du Pont, the reverent clergy, and Mayor, my good friends all.

00:40:27.800 - 00:40:40.870

Just what do you stay at a time like this? It has been said that the most important, one of the most important words in the English language is

00:40:40.870 - 00:40:50.130

the simple word of "thanks." But that hardly seems adequate at a time like this, in order to express

00:40:50.130 - 00:40:59.810

the appreciation that I feel, and I'm sure that Elsie and our daughter, and the members of my family feel for this recognition on behalf

00:40:59.810 - 00:41:10.570

of all of you as our friends in welcoming us back to Delaware after twenty-four years of service. I particularly appreciate

00:41:10.570 - 00:41:16.910

not only these remarks but the fact that my good friend Mike Mansfield would take the time

00:41:16.910 - 00:41:28.360

to interrupt a vacation in Florida to come back here tonight to be with us. And Mike, I just can't tell you how much we appreciate this.

00:41:28.360 - 00:41:38.480

And as you go back tomorrow morning, you carry with you the very best wishes of both Elsie and I for you and your wife down there.

00:41:38.480 - 00:41:44.910

Again. Thank you. And I hope that in the years to come, I can see you at many more coffees

00:41:44.910 - 00:41:53.030

down in Washington where I was granted a charter membership of that group where I can come back occasionally and have

00:41:53.030 - 00:42:00.510

a little cup of coffee or a little breakfast with them. It's been one of the pleasant associations that I've had over these years.

00:42:00.510 - 00:42:12.080

Hal has mentioned, the fact that we served in Congress together and he didn't finish that story. [Audience laughs] The fact is I did tell

00:42:12.080 - 00:42:24.070

Hal I would do what I could to help him out. But as Mike pointed out to the fact that Senator Roth now strayed by the wayside from his political teachings,

00:42:24.070 - 00:42:38.480

I was unable to convert my friend, Hal. And even though I tried to help him out, I didn't quite succeed all the time. [Audience laughs] But as a private citizen,

00:42:38.480 - 00:42:45.160

I'm available to give him advice and maybe the rest of them now. Because it's really going to be wonderful as I

00:42:45.160 - 00:42:53.660

revert back to the status of just an ordinary taxpayer, to just sit down and write all these public officials,

00:42:53.660 - 00:43:00.800

the Governor, and the Mayor, and our Senators and Congressmen, and I have already served notice on them that I do not

00:43:00.800 - 00:43:13.050

expect any form letters in reply because I'm well-acquainted with what a form letter is and I would understand it. [Audience laughs] But seriously though, in expressing appreciation,

00:43:13.050 - 00:43:24.200

I accept this here tonight in a feeling of humility, but I would like to ask two persons that are here tonight to stand and

00:43:24.200 - 00:43:35.010

that they really need the tributes, anything that is said because without their cooperation these past twenty-four years, I never could have begun to do the job

00:43:35.010 - 00:43:43.280

that I was elected to do in Washington. The many hours of waiting that your wife and your daughter and your family, as they wait

00:43:43.280 - 00:43:52.280

their meals or they change their plans for a vacation. All their plans are molded around what you have to do.

00:43:52.280 - 00:44:03.590

And I have them both here tonight and I would like that particularly at this time, for the two of them to stand. Elsie, my wife. And Blanche, our daughter is here

00:44:03.590 - 00:44:29.210

somewhere in the audience. Just stand. Really they're the ones I should-- [Audience applause] Without their understanding and their support, it never would have been possible.

00:44:29.210 - 00:44:36.320

And I'm sure that every man or a woman who has been elected to public office would tell you that they must

00:44:36.320 - 00:44:42.880

have the support and the loyal and the understanding support of a family. Otherwise you cannot do it.

00:44:42.880 - 00:44:53.000

Now I'm not going to make a speech tonight. I've been before you so many times before. I hope to be before you many times again because during the next forty years,

00:44:53.000 - 00:45:02.230

and I will only say in passing that, I would use the words, paraphrase the words of that great English statesman,

00:45:02.230 - 00:45:10.560

that never has any one individual owed so much to so many. And to all of you here, who have made this career possible,

00:45:10.560 - 00:45:18.950

I say tonight thanks. And only express the hope that in the years ahead, I can be of some service as a private citizen

00:45:18.950 - 00:45:57.040

and in some manner help repay the great debt that I owe to all Delawareans. Thank you very much. [Audience applause]

00:45:57.040 - 00:46:04.970

Ray Grills: Senator Williams, we're all better for you, and your good wife, and your lovely daughter, and your family. We truly appreciate it.

00:46:04.970 - 00:46:12.080

We appreciate very much the fine attendance, the lovely Rotarians, and the fellow Rotarians that are here, and I'm going to ask fellow Rotarian

00:46:12.080 - 00:46:37.250

Rabbi Drooz to dismiss with the benediction. Rabbi Drooz, please. Rabbi Drooz: Oh heavenly Father, we're grateful that Delaware has

00:46:37.250 - 00:46:50.060

followed the behest to Thy servant Moses of old. To provide out of all the people, able men such as fear God. Men of truth,

00:46:50.060 - 00:47:02.100

hating unjust gains. We have been blessed to provide to the service of this nation for twice twelve years,

00:47:02.100 - 00:47:18.080

one of our citizens who retires at this season. As he and his loved ones return from the Senate storms to the serenity of Sussex,

00:47:18.080 - 00:47:37.310

may Thy blessing provide witness. May the with soil of Delaware, the spiritual soil, ever be worthy to raise sons

00:47:37.310 - 00:47:52.850

who will raise a standard and pension to which a good man may repair, enfolded in the affection and the esteem of the people.

00:47:52.850 - 00:48:07.650

So may they, oh Lord, be enfolded in Thy benefits of goodly health, of goodly years, and a fruitful peace. Amen. [Gong sounds once]