June 22, 1978
Page 18401
THE DEATH OF HON. FREDERICK G. PAYNE
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time?
Mr. SPARKMAN. Mr. President, I shall be glad to yield to the Senator from Maine such time as he may require.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. As in legislative session, the resolution will be stated by title.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows :
A resolution (S. Res. 486) relative to the death of the Honorable Frederick G. Payne.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, is it in order to submit this resolution?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the present consideration of the resolution?
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.
Mr.. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I submit this resolution on behalf of my colleague and myself.
I would like to say this about the distinguished Senator from Maine who preceded me in the seat which I now hold:.
Mr. President, Fred Payne, a distinguished political leader of Maine and a former Member of the Senate, died last Thursday at his home in Waldoboro, Maine.
I know many of my colleagues share with me warm memories of Fred. He had a colorful background, an engaging personality, a talent for eloquent speech and a detailed knowledge of parliamentary procedure, which he put to good use presiding over this body though it was controlled by a Democratic majority.
Fred also had a deep interest in the needs of small business, a concern for the plight of the elderly, and an understanding of the dangers of the nuclear age.
He came to the Senate in 1952 after a tough Republican primary campaign. It was a measure of his personality, and his skill as an administrator during two terms as Governor of Maine, that he won.
I was a minority member of the legislature during Fred's years as Governor. In those days we Democrats were a small minority, indeed. It was said we held our caucuses in a telephone booth.
But Fred found the time to offer me advice and counsel in a spirit of bipartisanship and friendship during those years. I was grateful for his help and his courtesy, and I was impressed by his leadership as Governor.
Fred's background was an unusual one for a man who succeeded in politics.
He was at times a theater usher, grocery clerk, and dishwasher, as well as an accountant and movie theater manager. He had a good financial mind and his accomplishments as Governor included broadening Maine's financial base through a sales tax. Fred also increased school aid, improved pay for State employees, and accelerated the State highway building program.
Among his specific accomplishments in the Senate was a resolution which led to U.S. participation in an international scientific commission to study the health dangers of nuclear fallout.
In 1958, we were political opponents. Itwas a clean, well-fought campaign in the best political tradition. I regarded him as an honorable opponent who preferred to campaign on the issues. I appreciated the high quality of his performance in the campaign.
Fred Payne was a dedicated servant of the people of Maine. He accomplished much during his political career. I know those of my colleagues who served with Fred share my sense of loss at this death.
Mr. President, the Portland Press Herald, in its editorial on Fred Payne, entitled "A Good Governor," pointed especially to his service as Maine's chief executive.
The paper wrote:
It was as governor from 1949 to 1953 that he made his most conspicuous mark. His experience as finance commissioner pointed the way and the need for the overhaul of the state's fiscal system which he provided. One of the innovations was the appointment of a roving auditor who checked on the expanding state agencies.
Under Fred Payne's stewardship, economic development became a major area of state concern.
During the two terms he served in Augusta, the state was experiencing a significant expansion of government responsibility. As governor, Payne fought for introduction of a sales tax and broadened the base of the state's source of revenue to meet the demands of the growing government.
The newspaper added these sentiments, which I know all of us who knew Fred share:
Fred Payne worked hard for the State of Maine and his leadership accomplished much. His performance, and his warm personality, are what Maine people remember best about him and for which they are grateful.
I thank my good friend from Alabama for his courtesy in yielding to me.
Mr. SPARKMAN. Mr. President, I want to say that I was privileged to know Fred Payne and to serve in the Senate with him. I certainly second every word that the senior Senator from Maine has said in tribute to him. He was a very fine citizen and a distinguished Senator. I join the distinguished Senator in his tribute.
Mr. HATHAWAY. If the Senator will yield, I join my distinguished colleague in paying tribute to the late Senator from Maine, whom I did not know personally very well, but whom I know by reputation. He made a great contribution to the State of Maine and to the country as a U.S. Senator and as Governor of our State.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the resolution. The resolution (S. Res. 486) was agreed to.
The resolution reads as follows:
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret of the death of Honorable Frederick G. Payne, a Senator from the State of Maine, from 1953 until 1959..
Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate, at the conclusion of its business today does recess, it do so as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.