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Interview with Wayne Morse and campaign workers

 Collection
Identifier: SR3971

Scope and Contents

This interview with Wayne Morse conducted by an unidentified man in the summer of 1968. In these interviews, Morse discusses his plans for when he is re-elected to the U.S. Senate, particularly regarding the criminal justice system and the need for more judges. He also talks about gun control legislation and law enforcement. He discusses the causes of poverty and proposed remedies, including training programs for the unemployed, school funding, and food aid. He also talks about racism in Oregon. He talks about his focus on legislation to benefit youth; taxes, particularly the issue of tax loopholes exploited by corporations; and legislation regarding the financial security of the elderly. He also discusses the cost of the Vietnam War; the economy, particularly with regards to agriculture; and the lumber industry and how it has been affected by international trade and housing programs. He then talks about his accomplishments regarding the shipping and fishing industries in Oregon. He describes his committee assignments afforded him his seniority in the Senate. He closes the interview by discussing improvements he’d like to see in Oregon’s higher education and healthcare systems, as well as his opposition to the Vietnam War.

The second audio reel contains three different discussions among three different groups of unidentified people who worked on the re-election campaign for U.S. Senator Morse in the summer of 1968. In this discussion, they talk about their reasons for supporting Morse’s 1968 re-election. The recording also includes multiple takes of an unidentified woman reading from a statement from U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas complimenting Wayne Morse’s no vote on the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Dates

  • 1968

Creator

Biographical note

Wayne Lyman Morse was born in Verona, Wisconsin, in 1900. He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in speech and economics in 1923 and his master of arts degree in speech in 1924. He and Mildred "Midge" Downie were married that same year. He then taught speech at the University of Minnesota while studying law. After earning a law degree in 1928, he taught law at the University of Oregon Law School beginning in 1929. He was named dean of the university in 1931. He was later tapped by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration for a number of jobs, including as a board member for the National War Labor Board. He entered politics in 1944 when he ran for the United States Senate, serving from 1945 to 1968. He was a fierce opponent of the Vietnam War, casting one of only two votes against the 1964 Tonkin Gulf resolution. He died in 1974.

Extent

.1 Cubic Feet (2 reel tapes (2 hr., 19 min., 18 sec.)) : 7 in.; 1.875 and 3.75 ips.

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Interview with Wayne Morse conducted as part of his 1968 re-election campaign. Morse was a U.S. Senator from Oregon.

Title
Guide to the Interview with Wayne Morse and campaign workers
Status
In Progress
Author
Sarah Stroman
Date
2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.
Sponsor
This project is supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository

Contact:
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240