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Dr. Dennis Black
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Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to hear the story of a United States Senator. You are going behind the scenes of political Washington into the Senate chambers. The cloak rooms, the private offices, the meetings, secret and public, the locale, the background are factual. Only the names and the stories are fictional. This is Freedom usa starring Tyrone Power as the Senator of the United States and featuring the voice of America's distinguished news commentator and Washington authority, Edwin C. Hill. Freedom USA the story of your government today. In a moment, listen to Tyrone Power as Senator Dean Edwards in Freedom usa. Now Freedom usa, starring Tyrone Power as Senator Dean Edwards and featuring the voice of Edwin C. Hill. This is Edwin C. Hill to the occasional visitor. Ladies and gentlemen, activity on the floor of the United States Senate chamber in Washington is often deceptively casual. At the moment, for example, only a dozen or so of our nation's 96 senators are at their desks. Some are reading newspapers, some clustering quiet knots of conversation at the door, around the desks of the party whips or in the adjoining cloakroom at the left. Halfway down the well, a senior senator from a Midwestern state is reading into the record. Yes, a visitor might be confused. Not all visitors, though. I remember when Senator Dean Edwards came to Washington for the first time. He's one of the youngest senators on the floor, and I was with him that first day and talked to him in the corridor right after his first afternoon on Capitol Hill. Senator, I asked him, tell me, how does this strike you? Well, Dean Edwards looked at me a moment and Then he said, how does it strike me? I thought of the men who presided up there. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Van Buren Tyler, Teddy Roosevelt. And then I thought of this building, the Capitol, right where we're standing now. You know, George Washington laid the cornerstone of this building. The southeast corner, wasn't it, in 1793? I hadn't thought of it since I was a kid. I want to keep on thinking of it, thinking how privileged I am to walk where those men walk, to think, to work where they worked. I feel humble, Mr. Hill, and very proud. Senator Edwards is at his desk on the floor below. Now, ladies and gentlemen, and I believe Senator Higby's bill is before the chamber. Yes, it is. 6,000, 178. A measure designed to provide protection against floods in the senator's home state. Actually, of course, a great deal of work's already been done on this bill. It was put into the hopper weeks ago, reported back and recommended by a committee. And now, after it's been read for the third and last time on the floor, we might get a vote on it. Yes, I think we. Nope. There's a conference up the president's roster. The minority whip is there. There's Senator Higbee, Senator Weaver, Senator Edwards. Yes, and there's the Gallup. Edwards is recognized for five minutes. Senator Edwards. I thank the distinguished senior senator for yielding. Ordinarily, gentlemen, there would be no need for prolonged debate on a measure such as the one before this body. We all know the devastation, the tragedy, the terrible loss of life that water on the rampage can cause. And because this measure applies to my home state, I know full well the meaning of such tragedy. And yet, gentlemen, I rise to say that I intend to vote against this bill. And I should like to tell you why I am against it. How can any man align himself? Paige. Paige. Yes, Senator Higby? I'm going out in the cloakroom, son. When Senator Edwards is finished speaking, ask him to step out here and see me. Yes, sir. Just as soon as he finishes will assuredly save me. Dan. Dan, what's going on out there? Frankly, Justin, I don't know. He asked me to yield. I had no idea. Doesn't he realize what he's doing? The bill affects his own state. Your state. I know, I know. In heaven's name, Dan, talk to him. The man can't be against flood control in his own state. Can you get John to yield? He's scheduled next, isn't he? He'll have to yield. All I can do now is get the whole thing Returned to committee for study. Is that all right? That'll have to do. All right. I'd better get back on the floor and tell Senator Edwards the time of day. Senator Higby. Over here, son. Senator Edwards just concluded, sir. He's on the way out here. Thank you. You wanted to see me, Senator? See you, Dean. May I ask what that is? By what remote? You have a right to ask, Senator. I just don't believe this is the way to prevent more floods. Aren't you aware that? But you must be aware of it. You read the bill, didn't you? Yes, sir, many times. But the bill provides work in our state deed, a great deal of work. Construction contracts, employment for thousands, to say nothing. I realize all that, Senator. But you're voting against it? Yes, sir. Dean, let me ask you something. You know what pressure is, real pressure? I've seen something of it, senator, and felt it. I mean, when a whole state puts pressure on you, our own state, they want this work team. I know that. All right. But frankly, the only thing I can say is you just don't know what real pressure is. Senator Edwards office. No, I'm sorry. He's still on the Hill. What? Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Bixby. I know the senator would have been delighted. Yes, I'll tell him. Thank you. It looks busy around here. Oh, boy. Oh, busy. The outer office is jammed and the phone's been jumping like. Like. Like me? Is that what you're trying to say, Ginger? Well, I did get the idea you picked a nice hot griddle to stand on, boss. I announced I'm against 6,000, 178. I know. Grapevine got here before you did. Any other grapes on it, Justice? Senator Weaver got it reported back to his committee for further study and hearing, Ginger, and that's what I want. You're still gonna go to a Weaver's committee hearing? I am. And if you want me the rest of the day, I'll be over at the Library of Congress. Oh, you want something? I can have it sent over. No, I want to know all about flood control. Ginger. And for that, I'll go over there, Boss. What? Good luck. Oh, thanks. And I know the rest. I'll need it now. Just scrambled eggs, please, Jim. And coffee. Yes, sir. We got some nice fresh trout, Senator. Senator from Colorado sent enough for the whole Senate dining room. Now, just the eggs, thanks. Yes. Scrambled soft as usual. May we join you for a moment, Dean? Oh, Senator Higby, of course. You know my guest, Dean. Senator Edwards. Tom Gordon. Senator. Mr. Gordon. Won't you sit down, Tom? Will, I've got to get back. Ned called a meeting of the Judiciary Committee for one. See you later on, Tom. All right, Dan. I'm sorry to interrupt you at lunch, Senator. I tried to see you earlier in your office. I was out all morning. I suppose you know my company back home. Edward Construction, isn't it? Second in the state. Matter of fact, I flew in last night just to see you about it. Yes. We need that dam back home, Senator. You know what the river does when it acts up? I certainly do. I could tell you about all the poor folks losing their homes, their lives, some of them. But I know I don't have to. I'll talk about me instead. If you want to. I want that work, Senator. I'm bidding in the open. I can do a good job and I'll get it. I know your company's good. It'll give work to hundreds of voters, Senator. Your voters did. You think of that? Often. But you're against it, Mr. Gordon. I know what's happening to me. The papers back home started this morning. They'll take your hide off, Senator. They've already begun. But you're still against it. Why? Because the dam doesn't belong in our state. Put the control where it belongs, 700 miles upstream at the Crest Points. Well, that's not even in your state. Neither are a lot of people who get drowned out. You honestly think you can sell that to the people back home? People might surprise you, Mr. Gordon. I think you're in for the surprise. Your voters want work, and you're going to talk to them about Crest Point. It's the truth. It's also taking work away from your voters and giving it to another state. And let me tell you this, Senator, that's all. The people will understand that. You let them down too. Cold out here on the porch, Dean. Arlington gets chilly at night. I'm fine, Judge. Unless you'd want. No, no, I like it. You'd be surprised how often I sit here at night. I look over there toward the lights from Washington, just wondering what's going on. Not much that you don't know about, sir. Well. And you know to think you'd be coming out for a visit. The family habit, I guess. I can remember my dad telling me every time he had a case that really stuck him, he'd come to Judge Parker. That's why you came over tonight. You're stuck. I imagine you know what I've done. I do. Am I wrong, Judge? Do you think you are? Well, I know I'm keeping a big government project out of my home territory. I know people back there don't like that. You have a gift for understatement, Dean. So did your dad. But I know I'm right. Put the dam 700 miles up the river, all the affected states get flood control, mine included. But still, can you stand the pressure? The big men back home, newspapers, the radio, the lobbyists. All the people who want this project, who blame you for trying to take it away from them. There's got to be pressure, Judge. People have a right to go after what they want. Some on this side, some on that. Both Pushy and you in the middle. And what I think is right, that's the middle, too. All right, baby. That's good enough for me. Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me. I only hope, sir. I hope it's good enough for the people, too. Senator. Edward. Can I get through, please? Excuse me. Any comments, Senator, before you go into the hearing? Comment on what? Well, sir, aren't you going to testify against flood relief? Well, I'd hardly put it that way, Ed. What about Tom Gordon, senator? Isn't he a contractor back in your state? I believe that's true. Can I get through now? The hearing's already started. What about Gordon's testimony, Senator? Any comment on that? Sorry, I know nothing about it. Excuse me. He's talking in there now, senator. He told us it'll be hot. Well, let's get in there, then. Excuse me, please. Thank. And the countless lives these waters claim each year. Now, if I can quote some statistics. Excuse me, Mr. Gordon, for interrupting. The committee notes that Senator Edwards has arrived. If you'll take a seat, please, Senator. Thank you. You'll find the microphone on the table in front of you. If you'll use that, please. No, thank you. I think we can save time, Mr. Gordon, now that Senator Edwards is here. If you'll go back to your testimony at that point where you mention him directly. I'd be glad to. If that will be agreeable to you, Senator. Whatever the committee wants, sir. Excuse me. Yes. Aye. Yes. Yes, I see. Senator Hansen feels you should be advised that the present witness, Mr. Gordon, has injected an issue of special interest in the matter of the bill authorizing federal flood control projects in your state. Sir, in view of this special interest. Yes. Since the committee wants you to have every opportunity to hear these charges, that is, and answer them, or this. Dispose of them as you will, we. Well, perhaps, Mr. Gordon, if you will care to repeat, I would like to hear any charges? Yes. Now, Mr. Gordon, I don't think they're charges exactly. Senator. Back home, we just think maybe Senator Edwards has a reason to want to build the dams 700 miles upstream in another state. I believe that's right, isn't it? Do you care to answer the question, Senator? You may decline if you wish. Mr. Gordon has it right? Sure I have. And we just think the senator ought to explain one reason why he wants the dams built up there. Isn't it true that one reason might be because the senator's own brother lives in that section 700 miles north? And because his brother stands a good chance of getting the contract if the senator manages to kill this bill? Order. Order, please. Order, please. Now back to Tyrone Power starring as Senator Dean Edwards in Freedom USA and the second act of our story in Washington. When a senator takes a firm stand, he also takes on pressure. Within hours. Often this steamroller begins. Phone calls pour in from his constituents. Telegrams arrive in batches of hundreds, and his office overflows with lobbyists and reporters and commentators. Men who want him to explain, to clarify, men who want him to change his mind. This is the real Washington story. A story of pressure building like a balloon and pressure threatening to burst. I represent five papers in your state, Senator. I'm sorry. Will you let me get through to my office, please? No, I'm sorry. You'll have to wait out here. No more pictures, fellas. Come on. Let me get through. This way, Senator. What are you holding out here, Ginger? A convention? Oh, there are twice as many out in the hall here. Through here. Sorry. The Senate will see you just as soon as he can. Oh, there's the phone again. Boy, they've really been giving me a workout. Well, let them go for a second. Your brother's been calling long distance. And the papers and the governor and their telegrams piled up all over the place. Wait, don't go in there. My own office. Mary Kincaid's in there. I couldn't keep her out. Oh, she's got Jim Lucas, you know, the commentator on the radio. She's got him turned on. On your portable. All right. I'll see what she wants. You try to calm him down outside, will you? Calm them? That gang gets bigger every minute. Oh, boss, wait. I won't be long. The Washington story tonight, ladies and gentlemen, concern Senator Dean Edwards, a man who in 36 hours is expected to vote against a bill which will do his own state a lot of good. Now, while this isn't exactly big news, I do think the situation is rare enough To. We can do without that, I think. I imagine you've heard what he's going to say. You kidding, Senator? I wrote it. Want to know why I'm here? Yes, I do have a brother. Yes. He's in the construction business. Yes. He might get a contract. That it? Nope. I heard all that at the hearing. Well, then, Miss Kincaid. I'm puzzled, Senator, and curious. Oh, and believe me, I've been around Washington a long time. Puzzled about what? What makes you tig. No, I'm sorry. Tell the Governor I'm trying to reach the Senator. Yes, I will. Yes. Senator Edwards office. What? Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Mullen. The seal workers. Yes, I know. No, I'm sorry. I'm still trying to locate him. Senator Edwards office. Long distance? No, I'm sorry. The Senator has. I've been on the Hill a long time, Dean. Surely I can give you some advice. Of course, Senator Higbee. I'd appreciate it. You've got a fine career ahead of you, son. Don't ruin it. Tom Gordon. Senator. I just called to see if perhaps you've changed your mind. About what? By how you're going to vote tomorrow. Well, Dean, what do you think? Judge Parker? It's your future, Dean, and your career. A man can't tell you what to do about that. Where have you been, Mary? Working. Who you got lined up for the guest spot on tonight's broadcast? Nobody. I'm talking. What about Senator Edwards? What? Why not, Jim? You mentioned him last night. This Billy's again. Well, I know, Mary, but I. You do it, Jim. I spent half the morning talking him into it. Well, that might not be bad. They're plenty excited back where he comes from. I can get him there and set it up for sale. Now, wait a minute, Mary. You seem awfully eager about this. I am. Maybe I'm losing my grip, Jim, but so help me, something about the guy gets you. Such as what? Such as you look at him and listen to him, and all of a sudden you know he's got something. I mean, he's. 6:00. You wait and see. In the Senate tomorrow. And now, ladies and gentlemen, here at my microphone is Senator Dean Edwards. Senator? Thank you, Mr. Lucas. A lot of people have been telling me what to say in the last couple of days. That's one reason I'm glad to speak on this program tonight. Because I want to tell you just why I believe that what I'm doing is right. I want to tell you about flood control and where I believe it belongs. I want to tell you about my brother, too. Because he isn't going to bid on any contract connected with this project. He won't bid, and he won't get any work. But most of all, I. I wanted to speak because I believe in people. They've told me I'm wrong, and I just don't think I am. If your representative votes the way he thinks is right, and if he explains his vote, tells the people what they ought to know, do they think he's let them down? I don't believe it. I believe people want to know. I believe they respect the truth. I believe it. And I want to tell you the truth now. Senator Adamson. This is Edmund C. Hill, ladies and gentlemen. And as you can hear in the background, the clerk of the Senate is calling a roll call on 6178, a measure providing a federal flood control project in Senator Dean Edwards home state. The clerk will now call the names of our country's 96 senators. And when the roll is completed, he will begin again, alphabetically, and call once more the names of those senators not voting. As the roll continues, I can see Senator Edwards at his desk in the well down on the floor. From the front of the Senate. Senator Weaver leaves his desk to speak to Dean Edwards. Senator Devereaux. Feel all right, Dean? I guess I do, Senator. I'm not sure if I know what's happening here. Son, you ought to feel great. Listen to those votes. They're defeating it, Dean. You've won. I can't believe it. I can. You know what's back on my desk in the office building? Telegrams. Piles of them, Dean. All telling me to vote against this bill. But Dan, too, his office is swamped. Listen to that vote, son. These men have heard from the people, from. I wish I'd heard your radio speech last night. You must have said a great deal. I just. I told the truth. And the truth works, doesn't it? Listen, Senator Bygram. Excuse me, Senator. I'm going out to the cloakroom. Well, you better stay on the floor, Dean. They'll want to congratulate you when the vote is in. I'm sorry, there's someone I just have to see. Senator White. Judge Parker. You shouldn't leave the floor now, Dean. Not when you're going to win. I saw you up in the gallery, sir, when you left. I just had to come out. You've done a good job. The people have done a good job. You know, telegrams came in by the hundreds. Not just to me, to those men out there, too. By the thousands, I was told. And from just people, Judge. That's what I keep thinking about. People who heard the radio. People who cared enough to send a telegram to tell their senators what they believed. The people always care, Dean. And so long as they do, the men they send here to Washington will listen to them. More than 100 million people. Three and a half million square miles of land. Strong people, Dean, and strong. Land. Strong, sir. Strong, yes. Do you know why? I think what happened today is why we're free, Judge Parker. A free people will always care. And we'll always be strong. Edmund C. Hill again, a free people. Strong enough to make their voices heard. And in the dignified time, honored halls of the United States Senate, ladies and gentlemen, the representatives of the people. Listening, acting. Because the voices shall be heard. This is the Washington story. This is the United States of America forever strong and free. Our star, Tyrone Power will return in just a moment. Tired, Judge Parker? Want to turn back? I never get tired walking in Washington, Dean. I remember the first time I saw that shaft in the moonlight like this. The Washington Monument. 202 carved blocks of tribute. A stone from each state. Of course, some of the states were territories then. It's something, isn't it? Goes back to, let me see, about 1783, when they first began to plan it, I think. Know your Senate manual, Dean? About two pages. The words of only one man in our history are read in the Senate. Required to be read once a year by law. Know that. Washington. Standing orders of the Senate Journal, 103. January. Let me see. January 24, 1901. Know what the order says? I'm a freshman senator. Judge ordered that unless otherwise directed on the 22nd day of February in each year, Washington's farewell address shall be read to the Senate by a senator to be designated for the purpose by the presiding officer. Funny, I remember learning part of that speech back in high school. That the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained. That its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue. That in fine the happiness of the people of these states may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause. The affection and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. Next week, may we invite you to again visit our national capital for another absorbing episode of Freedom USA starring Tyrone Power. In the interest of good government, we urge you to listen to these important stories from Washington, D.C. freedom USA.