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Lincoln Day Banquet - Introducing Richard Nixon, February 10, 1951
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Lincoln Day Banquet - Introducing Richard Nixon, February 10, 1951
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The original documents are located in Box D14, folder "Lincoln Day Banquet - Introducing
Richard Nixon, February 10, 1951" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and
Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
speeches REMARKS F CONGRESSMAN Jouse, GERALD R.
FORD, JR
LINCOLN BANQUET FEBRUARY 10, 1951
* * #
Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, fellow Republicans:
My remarks this evening will be brief. We are honored by the
presence of a distinguished guest and I know he will bring us an interesting
and important message.
However, I should like to say this. I see a hopeful trend, a
change of conditions, a glimmer of light on the horison in the nation's
capital. Because the people of this great nation spoke so emphatically
on November 7, 1950 and because so many citizens gave so willingly and
intelligently of their time and effort in the two-year interval between
1948 and 1950, a resurgence of political and diplomatic intelligence and
morality is making an appearance in Washington. There is much yet to be
accomplished but the long-swaited start has been made. With a continued
effort in the months ahead, substantial success and progress will
materialize on behalf of the American people and our anti-Soviet allies
throughout the world.
Since the end of World War II this nation has been a member of
FORD & IBRARY GERALD
Digitized from Box D14 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
- 2 -
the United Nations. During the infancy of the U.N. the United States
unselfishly gave in dollars more than its proportionate share for the
operation of this peace preservation experiment. Over the years since its
founding the U.N. and most of the member nations have benefitted from the
generosity of our citizens. At times some conscientious and loyal Americans
have questioned the wisdom of our participation in this organization. This
criticism has materially increased with the major effort in Korea falling on
our shoulders.
Is there justification for these attacks on the U.N. and has
anything been done by our government to remedy the situation? The answer
is YES in both instances. The armed forces of the United States have
carried on the assigned tasks in Korea with skill and courage despite the
fact that certain members of the U.N. have given little if any support to
the battle against Communist aggression. Unfortunately, until recently the
Department of State has apparently condoned this attitude and many followers
of the Truman-Acheson line in the Congress have done likewise.
Fortunately, there has been a reversal in this attitude as exemplified
by the recent unanimous votes in the House and Senate condemning Communist
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
China as an aggressor in the Korean conflict. A year ago many in the
Congress, as devoted followers of the Truman-Acheson line, would not have
taken such a straightforward stand. Altogether too many in the 81st
Congress were rubberstamp followers of the Department of State "let the
dust settle" China policy. The voice of the people on November 7th has
had considerable to do with this new anti-communist feeling on the part
of our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate.
All citizens have been shocked by the recent messy revelations
concerning the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. A unanimous report,
concurred in by four Democrats and two Republican members of the committee,
charges unconscionable conditions of waste, favoritism and political
chicanery from the White House down. This investigation and report was
concluded in 1950 but never saw the light of day, until now, in hopes that
President Truman would take affirmative action to clean up the filthy mess.
As you know, the White House has failed to take the necessary
action. Senator Fulbright and his committee members, a majority of them
loyal Democrate, in good conscience could no longer sit idly by while
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 4 -
these conditions went unchallenged. I submit that this willingness on
the part of some members of the President's own party to expose the sins of
the White House clique is the direct result of citizen clamour on November
7th for a rebirth of morality in the federal government.
Despite the outrageous money requests in the President's 1952
budget message, 98 billion in all, there is some hope that the 82nd Congress
will out non-defense spending to the bone. Our House Committee on
Appropriations has by certain actions to date indicated that it will be
free of White House and bureaucratic pressures. The few sconomy-minded
members in the Democratic Party on this committee have so far joined ranks
with the Republicans. I assure each and every one of you that the election
results of last November have had a material effect on this Committee's
deliberations to date. I further assure you that every Republican on that
committee, making up 20 out of the 50 members of the Committee, will
continue to pursue a relentless policy of government economy on all domestic
programs. We will reject the Brannan Plan, compulsory health insurance,
and other nonessentials which the President so glibly included in his 98-
billion-dollar budget.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
- 5 -
Our speaker this evening is a personal friend. I wish it were
possible for each of you to know him as I have for the past several
years. His outstanding ability is quickly recognized but the depth of
his courage and conviction can only be appreciated by those who know him
well. Under the most trying circumstances, including the infamous
"red herring" smear from President Truman, our guest singlehandedly exposed
Alger Hiss as the leader in the crimson clique in the Department of State.
No finer public service has been rendered by any person. Our distinguished
speaker represents the younger element in the Republican Party. At the
same time, his mature judgment and basic common sense rivals and, in my
estimation, exceeds that of some of our elder statesmen. He is a recognized
authority on labor-management and education legislation and has the respect
and admiration of all who are truly seeking fair and equitable laws in these
controversial fields.
Our honored guest has an enviable reputation among his former
colleagues in the House and I predict this esteem will follow him to the
Senate. In debate he is articulate, erudite, and the epitome of poise.
FORD is LIBRARY GERAL
- 6 -
Few members of the House during the consideration of the most controversial
legislation on the agenda could command and deserve the attention and
respect of his colleagues as that of our speaker. After hearing his
address tonight I predict you will concur in my prophecy that Senator Dick
Nixon has an unlimited future as a statesman and public servant.
It is my distinct privilege and pleasure to present my good
friend, the junior Senator from California, Richard Nixon, as your speaker
for the evening.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
REMARKS F CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD, JR
LINCOLN BANQUET - FEBRUARY 10, 1951
*
*
*
Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, fellow Republicans:
My remarks this evening will be brief. We are honored by the
presence of a distinguished guest and I know he will bring us an interesting
and important message.
However, I should like to say this. I see a hopeful trend, a
change of conditions, a glimmer of light on the horison in the nation's
capital. Because the people of this great nation spoke so emphatically
on November 7, 1950 and because so many citizens gave so willingly and
intelligently of their time and effort in the two-year interval between
1948 and 1950, a resurgence of political and diplomatic intelligence and
morality is making an appearance in Washington. There is much yet to be
accomplished but the long-swaited start has been made. With a continued
effort in the months ahead, substantial success and progress will
materialize on behalf of the American people and our anti-Soviet allies
throughout the world.
Since the end of World War II this nation has been a member of
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
the United Nations. During the infancy of the U.N. the United States
unselfishly gave in dollars more than its proportionate share for the
operation of this peace preservation experiment. Over the years since its
founding the U.N. and most of the member nations have benefitted from the
generosity of our citizens. At times some conscientious and loyal Americans
have questioned the wisdom of our participation in this organization. This
criticism has materially increased with the major effort in Korea falling on
our shoulders.
Is there justification for these attacks on the U.N. and has
anything been done by our government to remedy the situation? The answer
is YES in both instances. The armed forces of the United States have
carried on the assigned tasks in Korea with skill and courage despite the
fact that certain members of the U.N. have given little if any support to
the battle against Communist aggression. Unfortunately, until recently the
Department of State has apparently condoned this attitude and many followers
of the Truman-Acheson line in the Congress have done likewise.
Fortunately, there has been a reversal in this attitude as exemplified
by the recent unanimous votes in the House and Senate condemning Communist
FORD LIBRARY
- 3 -
China as an aggressor in the Korean conflict. A year ago many in the
Congress, as devoted followers of the Truman-Acheson line, would not have
taken such a straightforward stand. Altogether too many in the 81st
Congress were rubberstamp followers of the Department of State "let the
dust settle" China policy. The voice of the people on November 7th has
had considerable to do with this new anti-communist feeling on the part
of our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate.
All citizens have been shocked by the recent messy revelations
concerning the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. A unanimous report,
concurred in by four Democrats and two Republican members of the committee,
charges unconscionable conditions of waste, favoritism and political
chicanery from the White House down. This investigation and report was
concluded in 1950 but never saw the light of day, until now, in hopes that
President Truman would take affirmative action to clean up the filthy mess.
As you know, the White House has failed to take the necessary
action. Senator Fulbright and his committee members, a majority of them
loyal Democrats, in good conscience could no longer sit idly by while
GERALD
FORD i LIBRARY
- 4 -
these conditions went unchallenged. I submit that this willingness on
the part of some members of the President's own party to expose the sins of
the White House clique is the direct result of citizen clamour on November
7th for a rebirth of morality in the federal government.
Despite the outrageous money requests in the President's 1952
budget message, 98 billion in all, there is some hope that the 82nd Congress
will cut non-defense spending to the bone. Our House Committee on
Appropriations has by certain actions to date indicated that it will be
free of White House and bureaucratic pressures. The few economy-minded
members in the Democratic Party on this committee have so far joined ranks
with the Republicans. I assure each and every one of you that the election
results of last November have had a material effect on this Committee's
deliberations to date. I further assure you that every Republican on that
committee, making up 20 out of the 50 members of the Committee, will
continue to pursue a relentless policy of government economy on all domestic
programs. We will reject the Brannan Plan, compulsory health insurance,
and other nonessentials which the President so glibly included in his 98-
billion-dollar budget.
FORD & LIBRARY GERAL
- 5 -
Our speaker this evening is a personal friend. I wish it were
possible for each of you to know him as I have for the past several
years. His outstanding ability is quickly recognised but the depth of
his courage and conviction can only be appreciated by those who know him
well. Under the most trying circumstances, including the infamous
"red herring" smear from President Truman, our guest singlehandedly exposed
Alger Hiss as the leader in the crimson clique in the Department of State.
No finer public service has been rendered by any person. Our distinguished
speaker represents the younger element in the Republican Party. At the
same time, his mature judgment and basic common sense rivals and, in my
estimation, exceeds that of some of our elder statesmen. He is a recognized
authority on labor-management and education legislation and has the respect
and admiration of all who are truly seeking fair and equitable laws in these
controversial fields.
Our honored guest has an enviable reputation among his former
colleagues in the House and I predict this esteem will follow him to the
Senate. In debate he is articulate, erudite, and the epitome of poise.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 6 -
Few members of the House during the consideration of the most controversial
legislation on the agenda could command and deserve the attention and
respect of his colleagues as that of our speaker. After hearing his
address tonight I predict you will concur in my prophecy that Senator Dick
Nixon has an unlimited future as a statesman and public servant.
It is my distinct privilege and pleasure to present my good
friend, the junior Senator from California, Richard Nixon, as your speaker
for the evening.
FÜRD i LIBRARY GERALD
GERALD R. FORD, JR.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
WASHINGTON, D. c., ADDRESS:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, ADDRESS:
518 MICHIGAN TRUST BUILDING
Congress of the United States
RALPH B. PRATT
House of Representatives
SECRETARY
Washington, D. C.
February 6, 1951
Mr. John R. Stiles
1555 Eastern Ave., S.E.
Grand Rapids 7, Michigan
Dear Jack - -
Enclosed you will find a copy of my short speech
and introduction of Senator Nixon on this coming Saturday.
Wish you would take a look at this and make any revisions
that seem desirable. Don't hesitate to add to or delete
in any way whatsoever.
If you could look this over and dictate the suggestions
to Barb Blakeslee before Saturday it would be most helpful.
She could then have the revised script ready for me on
Saturday A.M. I think this is important so that I'll have
an opportunity to go over it before the last minute on
Saturday evening.
Hope that Fred had a fine time while he was here.
Several people on the House Committee on Banking and
Currency complimented me on his statement. I only wish
that more on the committee had heard his testimony.
See you Saturday and hope that we'll have a chance
at that time to get together.
Sincerely,
your Gerald H. Ford, Jr. M.C.
Enclosure
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
MR. CHAIRMAN, distinguished guests, fellow Republicans, my
will
remarks this evening for obvious reasons shall be brief. We are
a
honored by the presence of our distinguished guest and any encreach
ment by no on his time would be an imposition and and & disservice The to you,
for I am certain beyond all doubt that-he will bring a message of great
Luis
significance, to usell,
With your indulgence, however, a few personal remarks might be
An order and I trust that they will not impinge too greatly on the
time and content of the address by my good friend from California.
Homens, d should likels say this
My observations will be directed at a hopeful trend, a change of
conditions or a glimmer of light which I sincerely believe is on the
horizon in the Nation's Capital. Because the people of this great
Nation spoke so emphatically on November 7. 1950 and because so many
citizens gave so willingly and intelligently of their time and effort
in the two-year interval between 1948 and 1950, a resurgence of political
and diplomatic intelligence and morality is making an appearance in
Washington. There is much yet to be accomplished but the long.awaited
start has been made. With a continued effort in the months ahead,
substantial success and progress will materialize on behalf of the
American people and our anti-Soviet allies throughout the world,
Since the end of World War II this Nation has been a member of the
United Nations. During the infancy of the U. N. the United States
unselfishly gave in dollars more than its proportionat e share for the
operation of this peace preservation experiment. Over the years since
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page Two
is founding the U. N. and most of the member Nations have benefitted
from the generosity of our citizens. At times some conscientious and
loyal Americans have questioned the wisdom of our participation in this
organization. This criticism has materially increased with the major
effort in Korea falling on our shoulders.
Is there justification for these attacks on the U. N. and has
anything been done by our government to remedy the situation? The
answer is YES in both instances. The armed forces of the United States
have carried on the assigned tasks in Korea with skill and courage
despite the fact that certain members of the U. N. have given little
if any support to the battle against Communist aggression. Unfortunately
until recently the Department of State has apparently condoned this atti-
tude and many followers of the Truman - - Acheson line in the Congress have
done likevise.
Fortunately there has been a reversal in this attitude as exemplified
by the recent unanimous votes in the House and Senate condemning Communist
China as an aggressor in the Korean conflict. A year ago many in the
Congress as devoted followers of the Truman - Acheson line would not
have taken such a straightforward stand. Altogether too many in the
81st Congress were rubberstamp followers of the Department of State
"let the dust settle" China policy. The voice of the people on November 7th
has had considerable to do with this new anti-communist feeling on the
part of our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate.
All citizens have been shocked by the recent messy revelations
concerning the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. A unanimous reportitions
concurred in by fbar Democrats and two Republican members of the
committee, GERA LIBRARY
Page Three
charges unconscionable conditions of waste, favoritism and political
chicanery from the White House down. This investigation and report
was concluded in 1950 but never saw the light of day, until now in
hopes that President Truman would take affirmative action to clean up
the filthy mess.
As you know, the White House has failed to take the necessary
action. Senator Fulbright and his committee members, a majority of
them loyal Democrats, in good conscience could no longer sit idly by
while these conditions went unchallenged. I submit that this willingness
on the part of some members of the President's own party to expose the
sins of the White House clique is the direct result of citizen clamour
on November 7th for a rebirth of morality in the federal government.
Despite the outrageous money requests in the President's 1952
budget message, 98 billion in all, there is some hope that the 82nd Congress
will cut nondefense spending to the bone. Our House Committee on Appropria-
tions has by certain actions to date indicated that it will be free of White
House and bureaucratic pressures. The few economy minded members in the
Democratic Party on this committee have so far joined ranks with the
Republicans. I assure each and every one of you that the election re-
sults of last November have had a material effect on this Committee's
deliberations to date. I further assure you that every Republican on that
committee, making up 20 out of the 50 members of the Committee, will
continue to pursue a relentless policy of government economy on all domestic
programs. We will reject the Brannan Plan, compulsory health insurance,
and other nonessentials which the President so glibly included in his 98
billion dollar budget.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Page Four
Our speaker this evening is a personal friend. I wish it were
possible for each of you to know him as I have for the past several
years. His outstanding ability is quickly recognized but the depth
of his courage and conviction can only be appreciated by those who know
him well. Under the most trying circumstances, including the infamous
"red herring" smear from President Truman, our guest singlehandedly
exposed Alger Hiss as the leader in the crimson clique in the Department
of State. No finer public service has been rendered by any person. Our
distinguished speaker represents the younger element in the Republican
Party. At the same time his mature judgment and basic common sense rivals
and, in my estimation, exceeds that of some of our elder statesmen. He
is a recognized authority on labor-management and education legislation
and has the respect and admiration of all who are truly seeking fair
and equitable laws in these controversial fields.
Our honored guest has an enviable reputation among his former
colleagues in the House and I predict this esteem will follow him to the
Senate. In debate he is articulate, erudite, and the epitome of poise.
Few members of the House during the consideration of the most controversial
legislation on the agenda could command and deserve the attention and
respect of his colleagues as that of our speaker. After hearing his
address tonight I predict you will concur in my prophecy that Senator
Dick Nixon has an unlimited future as a statesman and public servant.
It is my distinct privilege and pleasure to present my good friend,
the junior Senator from California, Richard Nixon, as your speaker for
the evening.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MAil To BARB BLAKASLEE
Rm. 500 Mich