[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 90 (Monday, June 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO FORMER SENATOR MARGARET CHASE SMITH

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, during my tenure as a Member of this 
distinguished body, I have had the pleasure of serving with many 
individuals of impressive character and ability. Few, however, 
possessed the unwavering commitment to principle and public service 
demonstrated by Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who passed away this week 
at her home in Skowhegan. I would like to offer her family and friends 
my deepest condolences for their loss, a loss suffered by our entire 
Nation.
  After an accomplished career of 8 years in the House of 
Representatives, Mrs. Smith was first elected to the Senate in 1948 and 
served four consecutive terms. A political leader of national stature, 
her substantial talents earned her a prominent role in Republican 
Presidential contests.
  Mrs. Smith brought grace and wisdom to this Chamber as a dedicated 
representative of the people. An intrepid spirit characterized her work 
as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on which I had the 
pleasure of serving with her. At all times, the safety and prosperity 
of the Nation were her sole objectives, and she worked to ensure that 
the United States was always prepared to defend liberty against any 
enemy.
  When our Nation was gripped in turmoil, Mrs. Smith was quick to 
supply raging debates with needed perspective and calming insights. She 
personified the very best qualities that define the American character 
and applied those commendable attributes to all of her work as a Member 
of this institution.
  Mr. President, I am confident I speak for all of us who knew Margaret 
Chase Smith when I say that she will be greatly missed. Her legacy is a 
standard of public service toward which every Member of the U.S. Senate 
should strive, and my sympathies go out to all those touched by her 
warmth and intelligence.


                          ____________________