A brief letter from Representative L. Mendel Rivers requesting the opportunity to appear in opposition to the Celler Civil Rights Bill when it reaches the House Rules Committee.
A copy of legislation (H.R. 6127) introduced by Representative Emanuel Celler, known as the Civil Rights Act of 1957, to provide means of further securing and protecting the civil rights of persons within the jurisdiction of the United States.
A transcript of a four-page speech given by Representative August E. Johansen before the House of Representatives concerning his opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Johansen argues that there is an over reliance on the federal government to solve civil rights problems and a real fear that the zeal for improving civil rights issues will get out of hand.
A letter from a Florida resident to Representative Syd Herlong, Jr. expressing his vehement opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Copies of the letter were sent to many other congressmen and senators including Representative L. Mendel Rivers.
A six-page letter from members of Congress opposed to the civil rights bill. The congressmen specifically cite extraordinary powers given to the attorney general, the removal of the right of trial by jury in contempt cases, and the superseding of state courts by federal courts for civil rights cases. Representative Rivers is a signatory of the letter.
A postcard from a South Carolina constituent condemning Representative Rivers' stand against the civil rights bill. The constituent reminds Rivers that he will remember him when he runs for reelection.
Correspondence concerning a request for a hearing by representatives from South Carolina before the House Committee on the Judiciary concerning civil rights.
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.
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 notifying Representative Rivers of the passage of a resolution, by the Olanta Citizens Council, commending Rivers' stand on segregation and civil rights.
A letter from a South Carolina constituent heartily thanking Representative Rivers for his stand before the House Judiciary Committee concerning civil rights legislation.
A letter from a New York City resident condemning South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond for his use of the filibuster to oppose the civil rights bill. Representative L. Mendel Rivers also received a copy of the letter.
A release containing a statement made by President G. E. Leighty of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers concerning pending civil rights legislation. The president stated that he was in favor of the civil rights bill.
A letter from a constituent concerning a variety of topics including civil rights legislation, the Cold War, the Hungarian Uprising, General Douglas MacArhur, the Korean War, and the Democratic Party.
Correspondence concerning a suggestion by a South Carolina constituent to attack the civil rights bill by utilizing the recent Supreme Court decisions.
A letter from the Governor of South Carolina containing copies of telegrams from the Governor to the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the Speaker of the House requesting that a representative from South Carolina be given a chance to be heard concerning civil rights legislation pending before the House Judiciary Committee.
Correspondence concerning an article entitled "The South Carolina Struggle for Equality," sent by Florida Representative Herlong to Representative Rivers. Rivers contacted the editor of the Charleston News and Courier and received his views on the article. The editor saw it as propaganda from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and felt that hostility between blacks and whites was not representative of normal relations between the two groups.
