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 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.
