William Bryan: “I do not want to transgress and separate that wall of separation between church and state, but I think there may be a…”

“I do not want to transgress and separate that wall of separation between church and state, but I think there may be a period of redemption here for those who have not yet been enlightened by our view. It is always a pleasure to engage the Senator from Massachusetts in conversation because I know that he advocates from a position of conviction, sincerely a colleague whom I respect even though in this particular case I find myself in disagreement with his position. Mr. President, this debate will climax later this month when the Senate tries to muster the 67 votes necessary to make this the 28th amendment to the Constitution. The outcome of this vote will have historic consequences which will significantly affect this country for decades to come. If we are successful in getting this amendment added to our Constitution, it will be this Congress' legacy to the history books and to our children and our grandchildren. The President spoke eloquently last evening in his State of the Union Address. I have known the President for at least 15 years, when he and I served as chief executive officers of our respective States, and I have never heard him speak more eloquently. I believe it is the most eloquent of the State of the Union Messages that I have heard as a Member of this body. He spoke at considerable length about our children and the 21st century. We are part of the 20th century.…”