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Every year since 1896,
the Senate has observed Washington's Birthday by selecting one of its
members, alternating parties, to read the 7,641-word statement in
legislative session. Delivery generally takes about 45
minutes. In
1985, Florida Senator Paula Hawkins tore through the text in a
record-setting 39 minutes, while in 1962, West Virginia Senator
Jennings Randolph, savoring each word, consumed 68 minutes.
At the conclusion of each
reading, the appointed senator
inscribes his or
her name and brief remarks in a
black, leather-bound book maintained by the Secretary of the Senate
Here are 209 words from
that address.
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Of
all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity,
religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that
man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these
great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of
men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man,
ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all
their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be
asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if
the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the
instruments of investigation in courts of justice ?
And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be
maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence
of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and
experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail
in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true, that
virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.
The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of
free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look with
indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
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