A copy of Public Law 85-315 known as the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The Act establishes a Commission on Civil Rights and strengthens guarantees of civil rights, including the right to vote and trial by jury.
A release from the United States Department of Justice making public the text of identical letters written to Senators Thomas H. Kuchel and Clifford P. Case and Representative Kenneth B. Keating by Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr., in response to their request for his comments on the proposed "jury trial" amendment to the civil rights legislation pending in Congress. Included is the text of the letter.
Correspondence concerning a suggestion by a South Carolina constituent to attack the civil rights bill by utilizing the recent Supreme Court decisions.
A transcript of testimony given by Illinois Representative Noah M. Mason before the House Judiciary Committee entitled "Civil Rights Vs. States' Rights and God-Given Human Rights." Representative Mason argues that the provisions of the civil rights bill encroach upon states’ rights and "God-given human rights."
A letter from a Tennessee constituent to Representative Emanuel Celler praising Representative Rivers and condemning Celler's stand on public school integration. The constituent especially emphasizes the influence of Celler's religion as a Jew. This copy of the letter was sent to L. Mendel Rivers with a handwritten note of support for Rivers.
A letter from a South Carolina native, living in Michigan, to the Democratic Leader of the Senate, Lyndon B. Johnson, concerning the privilege of filibustering in the Senate on the matter of civil rights for black people and fears concerning overspending by the United States government. Copies of the letter were sent to a number of southern Senators and Representatives including L. Mendel Rivers.
Correspondence concerning a letter from Representative L. Mendel Rivers expressing appreciation for Senator O'Mahoney's fairness despite favoring civil rights legislation. Rivers wrote the Senator in response to an editorial from the Charleston News and Courier titled "Senator O'Mahoney Understands Threat to Liberty in 'Civil Rights' Bill." The article is not present.
A letter from a South Carolina constituent greatly troubled by the passage of civil rights legislation in the House and especially concerned about the recent rulings of the United States Supreme Court.
Correspondence concerning a constituents concern for the protection of state's rights in the South. Representative Forrester praised L. Mendel Rivers for his staunch defense of state's rights.
A letter from a Charleston, South Carolina, constituent expressing opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and thanking Representative Rivers for his support.
