[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 92 (Monday, July 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN S. MORRILL ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, 1998 is an important year for 
Vermont and the nation as it marks the 100th anniversary of the death 
of a great statesman, Senator Justin S. Morrill. Senator Morrill was a 
remarkable man; his authorship of the Land-Grant College Act gave, and 
continues to give, millions of Americans the opportunity to pursue 
higher education. To recognize this accomplishment, the Stratford 
Historical Society is holding a symposium on July 16 and 17, 1998 to 
pay homage to Senator Morrill and his legacy.
  Senator Morrill was one the most influential politicians in the mid-
nineteenth century. During his 43 years in Congress, he introduced many 
innovative bills and worked to improve the lives of millions of 
Americans through higher education. The Land-Grant College Act provided 
public lands for agricultural colleges and, in turn, set the standard 
for American public universities. In addition to these accomplishments, 
Senator Morrill was also instrumental in the creation of the Washington 
Monument and the Library of Congress.
  In fact, on November 4, 1997, I was honored to attend a ceremony at 
the Library of Congress to unveil a plaque in the Great Hall of the 
Jefferson Building honoring Senator Morrill. The plaque was presented 
to the Library on behalf of the people of Vermont by the Vermont Center 
for the Book, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Jefferson 
Building. The plaque honors the vital role that Senator Morrill played 
in making the Jefferson Building a reality.
  Mr. President, Justin S. Morrill was a dedicated statesman who spent 
his life helping others. He revolutionized education and, as poet 
Robert Frost once noted, ``For me there is no greater name in American 
education than that of Senator Justin Smith Morrill.'' Such an amazing 
man deserves recognition and, on this 100th anniversary of his death, I 
pay tribute to him and his accomplishments.

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