Sincerely yours,
Mrs. W. A. Loken 6 A/sJ
July 1, 1964 1237 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire, Wis. June 2k. 19
: .:• "' • •
Mrs. W. A. Loken 1237 South Farwell Street Eau Claire, Wisconsin Dear Mrs. Loken* gainst Civil Rights Bil Although I cannot agree with your conclusions about the motivations for and consequsncessof the civil rights bill, I am glad you took the time to let me know of your views. Di J.i j X J *-*8 v *1&V0 uO" •.ocn c To give you mine briefly, let me say that as one who was involved in the consideration of this bill in the House, I do not nftink it represents a power grab by the federal government. On the contrary, both House and Senate have taken great pains to insure that the federal involvement in this matter is as limited as the realities of American life will permit. It is the hope of everyone of us that the civil rights bill would generate voluntary compliance with the Constitution and will involve a bare minimum of actual federal intervention. In my estimation as a con gressman and a lawyer, the bill achieves this aim. )9Xri££ u3@0. "CO ]JI*4£ SHI*© UXIG 1/OD .^T0 S I do not think your assessment of popular opposition to this legislation bears up. All reputable national polls taken in the last few weeks indicate that support for the civil rights bill is strong. As you can see from my news letter which is enclosed, support from the Second District is extremely high. I hope this is a satisfactory response to your letter. icerely yours, Sincerely,
3, w, A. boken ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKimka JOSEPH MAGDOL ,. 2632 CHAMBERLAIN AVENUE "t//V 9 7 In MADISON 5, WISCONSIN '^64
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Mr. Joseph Magdol 2632 Chamberlain Avenue Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Magdols I appreciate your request for greater federal presence in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter shows, there are a number of us here in the House of Representatives who have been urging this for the last two weeks, feeling that the activity of the workers there merits the highest degree of protection by all authorities concerned. As you undoubtedly know, civil rights workers have been disappointed at the Attorney General's response to their request for federal Intervention. As a congressman and a lawyer, I have to say I appreciate the legal restraints on the federal government in seeking to throe a seal of protection around these workers. Our request for mar shals was based on our feelings that the presence of marshals would be the least provocative sort of protection. Still, laws of the United States do not easily permit free dispatch of marshals into the states. Typically, a court order which is being held in contempt provides a foundation for dispatching the marshals. That court order is not present here and it may be difficult to achieve one which genuinely covers the kindsoof actions involved here, over a widespread area.
I say this only to caution you against becoming too impatient with the Administration here in Washington under the circumstances. For my part, I am now working on draft legislation which would reach this situation, I have few /* JOSEPH MAGDOL
* «rt 1 na POISON 3. WIS June 30, 1964
illusions about its passage during this session of Congress but it is possible that its mere introduction will have a restraining influence on the activities of the local police and private citizens in Mississippi*—those irrespon- -cd*L sibles who nay be few in number but who threaten the entire fabric of their state and the nation. I wish I could be more reassuring about safeguards for the Summer Project workers. Rest assured that I, and the others joining In our June 15ah letter, will continue to pursue all •^in^i avenues which might potentially be successful in gaining this protection. 10*"' Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Com RWK:mka wg tftttl Enclosure
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July 7, 1964
Mr. Larry Jacobs Photographing Editor The Washington Post 1515 L Street, N. W. Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs
Pursuant to the suggestion of your editorial office, I am enclosing a check for $2.06 to cover the cost of one 3" x 10" glossy, chloro-bro^ide print of Harry Naltchayan's photograph of the Civil Rights Bill signing ceremony.
The particular print we would like appeared in last Fridayls Post (July 3, 1964), »4thn inside page with a caption beginning, "Surrounded by Congressman..."
If you could send this copy to me wttithe letterhead address, I would be very grateful.
Sincerely,
THOMAS P. ALDER Legislative Assistant
RWKimma
Enclosure . ECMdOTiaCK 2437 East Mifflin Street /3-/rSy Madison, Wisconsin <
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July 21, 1964 egislatlor rtss. tgia- erests la new
end Mr. E. D. McKitrick 2437 East Mifflin Street Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. McKitrlcki i teat I want to thank you for your letter of July 13, which I will try to answer as directly as I can. First, the recently passed Civil Rights Bill does not provide for replacing qualified white workers with unqualified Negro workers. The title of the bill dealing with unfair employment practices only requires that all hirings be made without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. It does not authorize an employer to evict people from their jobs. In fact, if someone were evicted because he was white, that would be a violation of his civil rights under the very same bill.
Many people have written me asking me to sign Dis charge Petition #3 to take the Becker Amendment out of the Judiciary Committee. As a member of this Committee, I must follow the consistent practice of not signing a discharge petition against my own Committee. We have recently concluded two months of intensive hearings on the Becker Amendment, and I can assure you that the members and staff of the Committee are giving this very difficult question their full consideration. Our treatment of the Becker Amendment is supported by the most knowledgeable backers of the Becker Amendment, who would much prefer to see it get the thorough analysis which only Committee hearings can provide.
On your final request that I pass ray vote against Mrs. Murray's work, I must say that there is no way in which I can do this. As a Con§ressman, I have responsi- Mr. McKitrick Page 2 ' -&U-&
oilities for passing on legislation in Congress. No legis lation regarding Mrs. Murray or her immediate interests is now before the House. As you probably know, the Constitution prohibits legislation designed to penalize or punish one individual by name. This is called a Bill of Attainder, and there is to the best of my knowledge no legislation of this sort contemplated for Mrs. Murray.
With the hope that it may be of interest to you, I am passing on a copy of the Judiciary Committee's Staff Report on amendments to the Constitution regarding school prayer. It was prepared several months ago, but it is our latest publication pending completion of the Committee's consideration o€ the Becker Amendment.
Sincerely, / XA£ ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWKjmma Cft/CSv
Enclosure
• ••• <'»S.(f .*
•'.•tjth/A' MISSI iil PROJECT #' M J ed by 10th, 11th, and 12th grade pupils; the RESEARCH PROJECT schools will operate five days a week in the The program of voter registration and po students' home towns. Instruction will be litical organization will attempt to change highly individualized—each school will have the fundamental structure of political and about fifteen teachers and fifty students. The economic activity in Mississippi. In order to program will include remedial work in read accurately picture this structure, extensive ing, math and basic grammar, as well as research must be done into Mississippi's seminars in political science, the humanities, suppressive political and economic life. Skill journalism and creative writing. Where- ed personnel are needed to carry out this pro ever possible, studies will be related to pro gram both from within and outside the state. blems in the students' own society. The three resident schools will be attend WHITE COMMUNITY PROJECT ed by more advance students from through The effort to organize and educate Missis out the state. The program will be essential sippi whites in the direction of democracy and ly the same as that of the day schools, with decency can no longer be delayed. About emphasis on political studies. thirty students, Southern whites who have The students who attend the schools will recently joined the civil rights movement, provide Mississippi with a nucleus of leader will begin pilot projects in white communi VOTER REGISTRATION books closely resembling the official books of ship committed to critical thought and social ties. An attempt will be made to organize the state. The Freedom Registration books action. poor white areas to make steps toward The struggle for freedom in Mississippi will serve as a basis for challenging the eliminating bigotry, poverty and ignorance. can only be won by a combination of action official books and the validity of "official" within the state and a heightened awareness COMMUNITY CENTERS federal elections this fall. throughout the country of the need for mas In addition to the Freedom Schools, Com LAW STUDENT PROJECT munity Centers will provide services normal sive federal intervention to ensure the vot Finally, voter registration workers will A large number of law students will come ly denied the Negro community in Missis ing rights of Negroes. This summer's pro assist in the summer campaigns of Freedom to Mississippi to launch a massive legal of sippi. Staffed by experienced social workers, gram will work toward both objectives. Candidates who will be running for con fensive against the official tyranny of the gressional office. nurses, librarians and teachers in the arts and Voter registration workers will operate in state. The time has come to challenge every crafts, the centers will provide educational every rural county and important urban Mississippi law which deprives Negroes of and cultural programs for the community. In area in the state. These workers will be in their rights, and to bring suit against every struction will be given in pre-natal and in volved in a summer-long drive to mobilize FREEDOM SCHOOLS state and local official who commits crimes fant care, and general hygiene; programs will the Negro community of Mississippi and An integral part of SNCC's voter regis in the name of his office. provide adult literacy and vocational train assist in developing local leadership and or tration work is the development of leader ing. The thirty thousand books now in ganization. ship for politically emerging communities. SNCC's Greenwood office library will be dis Freedom Schools will begin to supply the Forty thousand dollars must be raised for tributed to these centers, and others will be Trained Personnel Are Needed political education which the existing system a Freedom Registration campaign. The re obtained. The centers will serve as places of For applications write: does not provide for Negroes in Mississippi. gistration campaign which was launched in political education and organization, and will MISSISSIPPI SUMMER PROJECT February will be implemented by summer The summer project will establish ten day provide a structure to channel a wide range 1017 Lynch Street — Room 10 workers. Freedom Registrars will be estab time Freedom Schools and three resident of programs into the Negro community in the Jackson, Mississippi lished in every precinct, with registration schools. The daytime schools will be attend future. (applications must be received by mid-April) DEVELOPMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI PROJECT Although the Student Nonviolent Coordi nating Committee has active projects in thir teen Southern states, it has achieved its most dynamic success in the state of Mississippi. A state where individual political life is non- existant, where the economic condition of a vast majority of the population is appalling, the home of white supremacy, Mississippi has become the main target of SNCC's staff and resources. In August, 1961, SNCC went into Missis sippi under the leadership of Project Director Robert Moses. Overcoming violence and hardship, SNCC workers have been able to expand their activity into all five of Missis sippi's congressional districts. By fall, 1963, SNCC had joined with CORE, SCLC, the NAACP and many voting and civic groups in forming a statewide organization, the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), and through COFO conducted a Freedom Vote campaign in which 80,000 disenfranchis ed Negroes cast ballots for Aaron Henry for Governor. Preparation for real democracy calls for additional programs in the state. Literacy projects have been instituted, and food and clothing drives. But much more comprehen sive programs are needed to combat the ter rible cultural and economic deprivation of Negro communities in Mississippi. This summer, SNCC, in cooperation with COFO, is launching a massive Peace Corps- type operation in Mississippi. Students, teachers, technicians, nurses, artists and legal advisors will be recruited to come to Mississippi to staff a wide range of prqgrams All photographs were taken during Free dom Day at HaHiesburg, Mississippi, on Jan that include voter registration, freedom uary 22. 1964. A bo've photo by Worns Mc-j schools, community centers and special pro Namara; other photos by Danny Lyon. : jects. PROGRESS IN MISSISSIPPI DEPENDS ON YOU The Mississippi Summer Project needs money now to establish and support the ac tivities described in this pamphlet. We are asking the people of America—individuals as well as institutions—to contribute now to assist SNCC in its commitment to the strug gle for justice in the state of Mississippi.
A contribution in any amount will be of help. For example:
$5 will supply school materials for one day- student for the entire summer.
$25 will pay the utility bills for one Freedom School for the summer.
$50 will buy office materials for one voter registration field office.
$100 will buy materials for a home nursing and baby care class for one Community Center.
$125 will buy one tape recorder for a Free dom School. $400 will provide scholarship money for one Southern Negro college student, enab ling him to return to school after work ing in Mississippi for the summer.
$2000 will rent and remodel a building for one Community Center.
$3000 will buy one used bus for transporting vote workers and registrants.
Send your contribution to:
MISSISSIPPI SUMMER PROJECT
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
8V2 Raymond Street, N. W.
Atlanta 14, Georgia WASHINGTON HEARINGS ON MISSISSIPPI
The Council of Federated Organizations (COFO)»comprised of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Congress on Racial Equality, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee,is planning a massive community Improvement and education project in Mississippi this summer. This program calls for over a thou sand workers in Freedom Schools, community improvement centers, and Negro voter registration drives, with similar projects in selected white communities. We anticipate hundreds of volunteers including ministers, teachers, lawyers, artists, and college students to join us in this program which has as its goal an improvement in the standard of living of whole communities of depressed persons in Mississippi. We have been accused of planning this project to instigate rioting, chaos and confusion in Mississippi. This is not se, and it is our hope that the project will take place in an atmos phere of justice and order. Whenever there is violence in Mississippi it has always been our workers and local Negroes who have been the victims, and we have learned through bitter experience that our workers can expect no protection from the law enforcement bodies in that state. They are, in effect, attempting to work in a hostile environment without benefit of the normal protection that our society gives its citizens. As a matter of fact, there has recently been a wave of police-inspired violence against our white workers in the state.
Because of Mississippi's violent record we are concerned abuut the physical safety of Summer Project volunteers who will be going to the state this summer. In order to head off possible violence and chaos, we are attempting to secure a federal presence in the state before any tragic incidents occur. One of the ways in which we are trying- to do this takes the form of some public hearings on Mississippi to be held in Washington on June 9th. Washington Hearings on Mississippi Page 2
We plan to have a panel of nationally prominent and respected persons listen to testimony from civil rights workers and local Mississippi residents concerning the violation of civil rights in that state,, „We are asking, the panel to issue a plea to President Johnson and to the Nation that the rights and lives of our workers in Mississippi be protected. A delegation is now attempting to secure an appointment with President Johnson to present to him the result of these hearings and to ask certain actions of the President. The Chief Executive will be asked to: 1. Meet with Governor Johnson of Mississippi and extract from Governor Johnson the pledge that he will call to gether all state and local law enforcement leaders and lay down certain ground rules for the summer. Under these rules the following activities will not only be permitted, but will be protected: peaceful,orderly picketing; voter registration; orderly distribution of leaflets; peaceful assembly; freedom of inter-racial groups to live in the Negro communities and to move around the state without molestation. 2. President Johnson will be asked to inform the Governor that these are clearly established constitutional rights which the federal government has the responsibility to protect, and that if the Governor will not do this, the federal government,.will, before the summer, take specific action to do this. We plan to take these issues to the country in the form of advertisements in major newspapers. These advertisements will outline the situation, point out that there is danger of widespread violence in Mississippi this summer and that innocent lives may be lost unless the Constitution of the country is enforced there. There is no question that our volunteers have every moral and legal right to go into Mississippi peacefully. The job of educa tion and community Improvement that they will be attempting in that State is something that our society should have done a long time ago. It is because the American social conscience has been Washington Hearings on Mississippi Page 3 delinquent that these students, teachers and artists will have to be there. It is their right to be protected, and there is no reason why a country that can send a Peace Corps to Africa and ensure the protection of its members, cannot protect the lives of its citizens within its own borders. This will be the issue that we have to bring to the Nation — if we fail there is a real and frightening possibility that innocent lives will be lost in Mississippi. Not one life must be lost as a result of the Summer Project; the State of Mississippi has already created too many martyrs. Our purpose is to see that no more names are added to the list. 4% NEW YORK, POSTu WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1964
Big Test Case
JAMES A. WECHSLER * * * President Johnson may soon confront the first major domes What can the President do to uphold the Constitution in. tic crisis of his Administration. Mississippi and to protect the freedom forces? It involves the question of whether the U. S. government will In the view of Forman, a spirited 35-year-old Negro veteran throw its weight behind this summer's massive effort of the civil of the Southern wars, he can do many things. The first and per rights forces to establish some form of democracy in that oppres haps most crucial step, he believes, would be for Lyndon Johnson sive police state known as Mississippi, or whether it will iry to to confer with Paul Johnson, Mississippi's new Governor, and remain above* the battle. make it plain that U. S. policy will not be "neutralist" If peaceful In anticipation of the coming storm, leaders of the "Missis activity is subjected to lawless violence. sippi Summer Project" have decided to seek a meeting with Beyond that dramatic gesture He many other possible moves. Mr. Johnson. A joint letter urgently requesting such a session The creation of a special federal force of E-men ("Equality-Men") is being sent to him by representatives of the Student Non- attached to the Justice Dept. and specifically assigned to the civil Violent Coordinating Committee, the NAACP and CORE who rights fronts would, it is argued, have strong psychological and are linked together in the Mississippi Council of Federated practical impact; there is deep, continuing doubt that the FBI's Organizations. Southern G-men are prepared to police the area jn any affirmative The letter, signed by SNCG's Robert Moses, NAACP's Aaron fashion. Judicial appointments will also be closely watched in the Henry arid CORE'S Dave Dennis, declares that "during the past South as a clue to Washington's" attitude. Finally, of course, there three years civil rights workers and local citizens in Mississippi is the question of what posture the President will assume in the have faced violence and brutal resistance when they have tried row over the seating of the Mississippi delegation. to^exercise their Constitutional rights." It asks for a chance to Many other detailed points of strategy and substance will discuss this summer's outlook before the first contingents, of develop in any full-scale appraisal of the Mississippi outlook. The suriimer volunteers assemble in the state. Such a meeting, if the immediate question is whether the President will be disposed to President consents to it, will produce appeals for federal aid and face the issue now, before the storm breaks. ptvtectton on a wid* front. Certainly there is a compelling case for the argument that 9p flp Sp clear-cut signs of federal concern and conviction at this junctdre As James tnrman, SNCC's executive secretary, describes the might avert infinitely larger trouble in the warmer summer summer offensive, it will be a many-phased drive. The local days. That is the message the -civil rights spokesmen hope to battalions will be augmented by at least 700 students from many transmit if and when they see the President. One hopes he will areas, about 100 ministers, some 150 lawyers prepared to serve listen and respond. Surely a government that stands firm on so 'on the legal battle-lines, and a number of teachers who will help many distant world fronts should be capable of upholding the to conduct Freedom Schools. rule of law in Mississippi, and perhaps even-negotiating effec The major thrust will be the stepped-up voter registration tively with the rulers of that despotism. campaign, coupled with support for the "Freedom" candidates" seeking Congressional office. At the same time "community centers" will be set up to provide services—cultural, medical, vo cational—normally denied to Mississippi's Negro populace. Law Students will undertake suits against state and local officials engaged in the business of "official tyranny." Amid the local political operations, a delegation to challenge the seating of the "lily-white" Mississippi contingent- at the Democratic convention will be organized. An orientation program for the volunteers will begin at Western Reserve University in Ohio on June 15; the first detach ments will enter the state to join hands with the local groups a week later. •p qp Jp Meanwhile, there have been ominous portents of Mississippi's Jjauntep-offensive. There have been widely-publicized reports of Jifew weapons being assembled by state and city units, an obvi ously intimidatory gambit in view of the non-violence commit ments of the civil rights groups; there have been hurried legis lative enactments to "legalize" even more drastic restrictions on the rights of assembly and speech; there have been increasing arrests of civil rights field workers and sporadic outbreaks of violence against heretic whites—including a few courageous local journalists like Hodding Carter. The state police force has been doubled and its powers of "law enforcement" multiplied. In the face of this developing civil war atmosphere, there is a clear prospect that federal intervention will be required. That is what the civil rights chieftains want to discuss with President Johnson. UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20425
A STATEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
THURSDAY, JffiY 21, 19^
The U.S. Comaission on Civil Rights has received from the
Washington chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality copies of what its chairman describes as a "fact sheet" entitled: "MISSISSIPPI: THE
CIVIL RIGHTS COM1ISSION versus THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT."
As a fact-finding agency dealing with issues about which feelings are apt to run high, the Commission is accustomed to criticism from many quarters. Soundly-based criticism we regard as both healthy and necessary.
We regret that Washington CORE apparently continues to misunderstand matters we have attempted to mafee clear in a conference and several telephone conversations with representatives of the organization.
As the accompanying material will attest, the Conmission has had an active and earnest interest in allegations of denials of equal protection of the laws in Mississippi, as well as all other states, since the agency began operating. In light of seme of the CORE state ments it may be well to point out that the Commission is the same agency which conducted the Black Belt voting studies and the administration of justice studies in Mississippi and other states, which published - 2 - the "Report on Mississippi" by the Mississippi Advisory Committee to the Commission (January 1963), which issued the interim report-on
Mississippi (April 1963) and which has published comprehensive biennial reports to the President and the Congress containing findings and recommendations on civil rights problems in Mississippi and other states.
The CORE "fact sheet" makes two principal charges:
(a) That the Commission is suppressing (and has denied the
existence of) a "detailed and factual report on civil
rights in Mississippi," and
(b) That the Commission has not held a hearing in Mississippi—
—in one instance relying on a "'flimsy" excuse for not
so doing.
The Commission has received numerous allegations of denials of the right to vote and of equal protection of the laws in Mississippi.
It has investigated these allegations and, in accordance with its statutory duties, it has brought its findings to the attention of the proper authorities.
Preliminary work begun in preparation for a public hearing in
Mississippi resulted in the drafting of a staff report on Mississippi, following the further postponement of the hearing at the urging of the Attorney General (see attachment). The draft material was submitted to the Staff Director in late summer of 1963 and was reviewed very carefully by the Commission. Portions of the draft were found to be not up to the standard of documentation and authority necessary for
Commission reports. Subsequently, some of the other material was incorporated into the 1963 biennial report and other reports. Meanwhile,
Commission staff investigations of complaints and updating of data on
Mississippi and other states continues* The attached chronology and copies of the exchange of letters between the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Commission
summarize our earlier plans for hearings in Mississippi and the
situations which led to postponement—not cancellation—of a hearing by the Commission in Mississippi. It has been and continues to be the
Commission's position that its work in Mississippi has not been completed and that hearings are useful in providing verification of the kind it is often difficult to secure otherwise.
The Commission was neither inactive nor silent in the matter of surplus food for the needy people of Leflore County, or in regard to the problems faced by voter registration workers in Mississippi and other states. The reference to Birmingham, as well as other statements and queries in the "fact sheet", would suggest that those who have pre pared it have not troubled to read the 19&3 biennial report and other reports published by the Coimiission and available to the public.
The civil rights problems existing in Mississippi and elsewhere in our nation are grave and disturbing. It is not hard to understand the frustration some may feel when such problems are not resolved by an agency such as ours which is limited to fact-finding and making recom mendations. It does, however, seem regrettable that in this instance the facts at their disposal can lead Washington CORE only to a conclusion that the Commission is somehow involved in a dishonorable "conspiracy."
Approved by John A. Hannah, Chairman May 21, 196U CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS-U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS: Mississippi
1. Commission hearings scheduled for Mississippi, October 1962.
2. Department of Justice asks for postponement of hearings because of events surrounding the entrance of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi.
3. Commission resets hearings for December 1962.
k. Department of Justice again requests postponement.
5. Hearings planned by Commission for January I963 to hear testimony on voting discrimination, economic reprisals, school segregation and Federal assistance programs.
6. Attorney General requests postponement of hearings in letter of December 15.
7« On January 2 Commission concludes "that is has a vital service to perform in Mississippi and that we would be remiss in our duties if we did not continue our investigations" but in view of the Attorney General's opinion "will again postpone its scheduled hearing in Mississippi to avoid embarrassment t© the Department or the judiciary."
8. Febraury 6, 1963, release of Mississippi SAC Report-A summary report of the activities of the Mississippi Advisory Commi+tee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights during the 1*4- month period ending January 1963.
9. At press conference on March 21, 19^3, President Kennedy asked whether the Mississippi hearings should be delayed any longer: He said "No."
10. attorney General writes to Chairman Hannah, March 26, 1963, requesting further postponement.
11. Commission issues Interim Report on Mississippi: April l6, 1963.
12. President Kennedy responded to report at question period during Annual Convention of American Society of Newspaper Editors, April 17, 1963.
13. Letter from the President to Chairman Hannah, April 19, 1963.
V27M OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Washington, D. C.
December 15, 1962
Dr. John A. Hannah Chairman United States Commission on Civil Rights 726 Jackson Place, N. W. Washington, D. C.
Dear Dr. Hannah:
In accordance with the very satisfactory coopera tion which exists between the Commission staff and the Civil Rights Division, I have been informed through Mr. Berl Bernhard of the Commission's intention to hold public hearings in Mississippi at the end of January.
I understand that the Commission intends to hold hearings on a broad scale, covering a range of subjects including discrimination in voting rights, economic reprisals against Negroes, discrimination in the educa tional system in Mississippi, the impact of the various federal programs in the state and other matters.
I fully recognize the reasons for the Commission's desire to hold public hearings in Mississippi. I also understand why the Commission does not feel that the activity of the Department of Justice in the state relieves the Commission of its separate responsibility to determine the facts for itself, and to report on them to the President and the Congress. - 2 -
Nevertheless, I have a responsibility to advise the Commission that it is my judgment that the work of the Department of Justice might be severely hampered by hear ings held by the Commission in Mississippi at this time. As the Commission knows, we are still engaged in very far- reaching and important litigation against the state and public officials of Mississippi. The most important of these pending matters is the criminal contempt citations which we have been instructed by the Court of Appeals to bring against Governor Barnett and Lt. Governor Johnson. But these are not the only matters. Our Chief Marshal, James P. McShane, has been indicted by a Mississippi grand jury for inciting a riot on the campus of the University. A member of the Armed Forces has also been indicted for action taken in the course of his duties in preserving order on the campus. Both Mr. McShane and Deputy Attorney General Katzenbach have been named as defendants in civil litigation involving some of these same matters.
While there has been no public announcement, the Commission should know that we have felt it necessary, because of my personal involvement and that of my aides in the events leading up the the riot at the University on Sep tember 30 and October 1, to retain special counsel to present the contempt proceedings against Governor Barnett and the Lieutenant Governor.
It is my strong feeling that the work of the Department in meeting its responsibilities, and particularly in pros ecuting the criminal contempt case against the Governor, might well be prejudiced by public hearings now in the area of race relations by any federal agency in the State of Mississippi. For example, counsel for Governor Barnett and Lt. Governor Johnson will unquestionably demand a jury trial. While there is doubt that the court will hold trial by jury to be nec essary, it may be that the court will order this action. If it does, I am confident that the claim will be made that the Civil Rights Commission is working with the Department of Justice publicly to prejudice the State of Mississippi and its officials in the minds of the jury. The charge would probably be made in any event that the hearings would prejudice the court, and the court might well be embarrassed itself, regardless of what charges were made, at contempo- raneous hearings. While there would obviously be no sub stance to such charges, I think that in a matter of this great national importance, involving as it does the governor of one of the states on a question of criminal responsibility, even the appearance of impropriety or questionable ethical conduct by the federal government should be avoided.
I am sorry that I cannot at this time give the Commis sion any firm guess as to when the pending court matters will be resolved. I think that it is probable that in the criminal contempt case, the Court of Appeals will hold a pre-trial session sometime in January. At that time the question of a jury trial, and the question of hearing dates and procedures should be answered.
In the meantime, it seems to me that, at least on all questions concerning federal programs, the work of the Commission staff could continue, and a report could be pre pared, without any need for public hearings in the state. In this connection, I am Informed that in a number of instances the material to be covered by the Commission's hearings In other areas (such as voting, economic reprisals, etc.) does in fact overlap with work being done here in the Department. For example, I understand that when Mr. Clyde Ferguson gave us the names of the three counties In which voting problems were to be explored, it developed that we had two complaints prepared in one of the counties, had been conducting active and continuing negotiations over a consid erable period of time in the second, and had commenced preliminary inquiries in the third. In addition, several of the instances of specific denials of the right to vote, or of reprisals, are covered by pending suits. I realize that this Is not a complete reason for the Commission to refrain from making its own Investigation. On the other hand, it does seem to me to be relevant in balancing the needs of the federal government at the moment.
I would be most happy, if the Commission wishes, to meet with it to discuss this matter of great importance.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert F. Kennedy
Attorney General COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS WASHINGTON, D. C. January 2, 1963
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
The Commission is appreciative of the candid expression of your views in your letter of December 15, 1962. The arguments you advance against the Commission's plans to conduct a public hearing in Mississippi in January 1963 are cogent ones. The Department's responsibility is formidable and the Commission has no wish to add to your burden. At the same time, the Commission appreciates your recognition of the fact that we have responsibilities which we cannot ignore.
In formulating plans to meet its responsibilities, the Commission has made every effort to avoid complicating the Department's task. The problems in Mississippi are grave ones for the Nation and they pose special difficulties for the simultaneous discharge of our respective duties. You suggest that the dual presence in Mississippi of the Department and the Commission might lead to complaints of harassment by the Federal Government, however groundless such complaints might be. More important, of course, is your concern that our presence in the State might prejudice or give the appearance of prejudicing the outcome of your litigation. Faced with the possibility of such damage to our common cause, the Commission would be remiss not to yield to your request to forego, for the time being, its scheduled public hearing.
We must state in all candor that this decision is difficult for us, since our preliminary investigations indicate the existence of a situation in Mississippi which urgently demands the fact-finding activities the Commission is uniquely able to provide.
As you know, Congress created the Commission expressly to investigate y. denials of equal protection wherever and however they exist in our Nation. Almost since its inception, the Commission has been receiving complaints alleging racial discrimination in Mississippi. Staff investigators have been active in the State since 1959- Evidence produced over a period of several years impelled the Commission to schedule a public hearing in Mississippi in October 1962. This hearing was postponed at the Department's request due to events surrounding the
The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Attorney General Department of Justice Washington 25, D. C. then pending admission of Mr. Meredith to the University of Mississippi. The hearing was re-scheduled for December 196*2 and then postponed again until January 19^3 to avoid complicating the task of the Department. While recognizing the need for those postponements, the Commission feels that neither the delay nor the events in Mississippi which precipitated it relieves the Commission of its responsibilities.
While the Department has the power to prosecute and is the Executive agency with prime responsibility for taking action to eliminate specific deprivations of constitutional rights, the Commission also has statutory obligations it must discharge. Additionally, we feel that our public hearings conducted in many States have served to acquaint both Federal and State officials and the local public with relevant facts which can lead to correction at all levels.
It has been our conclusion that the scheduled hearing would isolate the facts and circumstances responsible for civil rights denials in Mississippi, and would produce the evidence necessary to fulfillment of our statutory duty, including the formulation of appropriate recommenda tions to the President and to the Congress. In addition, it would serve to acquaint citizens of Mississippi with many conditions which by and large may be unknown to them.
The evidence at hand suggests that the few persons in Mississippi who have spoken out for law and order have been subjected to increasing harassment and intimidation. This has certainly been the case with the courageous members of our Mississippi Advisory Committee, who have consistently urged us to hold hearings in the State. This Committee, composed of both white and Negro native Mississippians, has shown great courage in the discharge of its authorized function in the face of unusual difficulties, and we cannot dismiss lightly our obligation to support them and other Advisory Committees in like circumstances.
These factors have compelled the Commission to conclude that it has a vital service to perform in Mississippi and that we would be remiss in Our duties if we did not continue our investigations. Bat in view of your opinion, the Commission will again postpone its scheduled hearing in Mississippi to avoid embarrassment to the Department or the judiciary. We will, of course, press our current investigations vigorously to the end that our reports to the President and to the Congress will be soundly conceived and thoroughly documented. Your offer to meet with the Commission to discuss this matter of great public importance is appreciated deeply. While such a meeting does not seem necessary at this time, it is essential that we continue to receive the assistance and cooperation ^f the Department of Justice as we carry out our fact-finding activities in Mississippi.
Sincerely,
/s/ John A. Hannah
John A. Hannah Chairman GDfftr? of ftp AttanuMj OSmntl 31fasfyt«sJstt,£.C(L'
LIAR 2 o 1963
Dr. John A. Hannah Chairman United States Commission on Civil Rights 726 Jackson Place, Northwest Washington, D. C. Dear Dr. Hannah:
In view of the question asked the President in his news conference last week, X have been asked through Mr. Berl Bernhard whether there has been any change in the situation which affects my views as to the propriety of the Commission holding public hearings in Mississippi at this time.
In my view, the reasons against such a step which are set forth in my letter of December 15 to you on this subject are still valid. Preliminary motions in the contempt case before the Court of Appeals have been argued. One of the major matters under submission to the Court now is the question whether or not a jury trial will be necessary. Although the Department expressed its view to the Court that trial by jury is not necessary, the Court has thus far given no indication of what its views are on this question. While this case is pending, I continue to hold the view that a public hearing in Mississippi by the Civil Rights Commission would not be appropriate. In the meantime, I hope that the work of the Commission staff can continue as In the past on the .question .of the operation of federal programs in Mississippi as elsewhere. ... If the Commission wishes to meet with me or my representatives concerning any of the work of the Department of Justice in Mississippi, in connection with voting matters or otherwise, I would be glad to arrange that at your request.
Sincerely,
AttorneyjGeneral
\ . MISSISSIPPI :
THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION versus THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Ever since slavery was supposed to have ended, Mississippi has surpressed its Negroes by lynchings, terrorism and starvation—and by confiningftiem to a condition of degradation, ignorance and political impotence. Today the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is itself aiding in that suppression by suppressing a report on the state of civil rights in Mississippi.
The Civil Rights Commission denies heatedly that such a report exists. We know that a detailed factual report on civil rights in Mississippi does exist.
The Need for a Report on Mississippi
—"Citizens of cMississippi] have been shot, set upon by vicious dogs, beaten and otherwise terrorized because they sought to vote. Since October, students have been fired upon, ministers have been assaulted...Even children, at the brink of starvation, have been deprived of assisstance by the callous and discriminatory acts of Mississippi officials administering Federal funds." From the Interim Report of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, April 16, 1963.
—We find that "justice under law is not guaranteed for the Negro in Mississippi in the way that it is for a white man"; that "terror hangs over the Negro in Mississippi and is an expectancy for those who refuse to accept their color as a badge of inferiority"; and that "the Commission on Civil Rights itself continues to have an unfulfilled obligation in regard to Mississippi." Report of Mississippi Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, January, 1963.
—[Our3 preliminary investigations indicate the existence of a situation in Mississippi which urgently demands the fact-finding activities the Commission is uniquely able to provide.* Letter from Dr. John A. Hannah, Chairman, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, to Attorney General Kennedy, December 15, I962.
Aa of March 15, 19^3» the °ivil Righ+s Commission had received 2^5 complaints from Mississippi alleging denials of constitutional rights. This included 69 sworn voting complaints. Between October 1, I962, and April 16, I963, the Commission received more than 100 complaints from Mississippi alleging denials of constitutional rights. Interim report of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, April 16, 1963; Civil Rights Commission testimony before House Committe, April 11, 1963.
PROMISES AND INVESTIGATIONS
—"The Commission intends to publish a detailed factual report on civil rights in Mississippi". Civil Rights Commission testimony before House Committeee, April 11, 1963.
—Because of the pending contempt proceedings against the Governor of Mississippi, the Commission did not hold hearings in Mississippi, But "it did direct me to beef up our investigative operation in the State, which we have done, and we intend to issue a report to the President and the Congress on the State of Mississippi, civil rights problems, Federal programs, voting, voting reprisals and intimidations, problems of official misconduct, sometime in September." Berl I. Bernhard, Staff Director, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, testifying before the House ^ommitteee on the Civil Rights Bill, May 16, I963. —"Staff investigators cof the Civil %ghts Commission;) have been active in Mississippi since 1959•" Letter from Dr. John A. Hannah, Chairman, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, to Attorney General Kennedy, December 15, 1962„
THE THUNDERING SILENCE — AND WHY?
Why haven't you been able to read that "detailed factual report on civil rights in Mississippi?
Who was the Commission kidding with its promises of a report on Mississippi? And why? What have all those investigators been doing in Mississipi since 1959'
It's crystal clear that the Civil ^ights Commission is hiding its information on conditions in Mississippi. Is it hiding anything else? "We have had over the last few months a minimum of four people in Birmingham.».The reports they submittedoo.will go into the final reports that the Commission will issue." Berl I. Bernhard, Staff Director, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Bill, May 16, 1963
Have you read this report? Why this conspiracy of silence?
"WE HAVE NO PLANS FOR HOLDING A HEARING IN MISSISSIPPI"
In its almost seven years of existence, the Civil Rights Commission has never held a hearing in Mississippi. In that time it has held only two hearings on voting deprivations — supposedly the first concern of the Commission — and the last voting hearing took place in I96I0
Waht was the Commission doing during the time that Medgar Evers was being lowered into his grave, and Leflore Cornty was cutting off its distribution of surplus food to hungry Negro families, and voter registration workers in Mississippi were being shot and arrested and harassed in every conceivable way?
The Commission was holding "urban area" hearings in such hot spots as Phoenix, Indianapolis, Memphis and Newark.
Why not Mississippi?
The Commission has given this excuse for not holding hearings in Mississippi? the contempt proceedings against ex-Governor Barnett and Governor Johnson might go before a jury, and Commission hearings might prejudice a Southern jury against Barnett and Johnson. Think about that?
Just how flimsy that excuse was is demonstrated by the fact that e*rsn after the United States Supreme Court decided on April 6 that Barnett and. Johnson were not entitled to a jury trial, the Commission still says that it has no plans for holding a hearing in Mississippi.
WHY? Officers, Washington, D.C. CORE.
Julius Hobson, Southeastern Regional Representative and Chairman Rimsky Atkinson, 1st Vice-Chairman Frances Harris, Secretary (Corresponding) Abdullah Azeeze, 2d Vice-Chairman Joyce Makel, Secretary (Recording) Elwood Jackson, 3d Vice-Chairman Richard Brown, Office Manager Thomas Gates, Treasurer Jack Goodwin, Chairman, Membership Comm. April 19, 19 6 3 COPY Office of the White House Press Secretory
THE WHITE HOUSE TEXT OF LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE CHAIRMAN, UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS, DR. JOHN A. HANNAH, APRIL 19, 196 3.
Dear Dr. Hannah:
I have your letter transmitting the Interim Report of the Civil Rights Commission dated April 16 concerning the serious problems that have developed in the State of Missis sippi. The deeply held views of the members of the Commission are fully appreciated, and, along with most Americans, I share the Commission's stated goal of assuring for all citizens of the United States the full enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The record of the Justice Department in promptly investigating any allegation of viola tion of Federal law and in prosecuting in those coses where there are violations is, I believe, outstanding. With regard to the incidents referred to in the Commission's re port, I am advhed that every cose, but one, has been successfully resolved. In that one case involving an unsolved bombing of the home of the Vice Chairman of the Mis sissippi Advisory Committee to the Civil Rights Commission, in which there was no personal injury, efforts to apprehend the guilty party or parties have been unsuccessful. The Justice Department is preparing a memorandum detailing its activities in Mississippi which will be available shortly. The Executive Branch of the Federal Government will continue to enforce the laws of the United States as vigorously and effectively as possible.
As I am sure you are aware, the Justice Department has filed an action in the Federal courts in Mississippi seeking injunctive relief against any denial of Constitution©! rights, and particularly in connection with efforts to register for voting. The Administration will take every appropriate and possible action to suppress violation of Federal statutes and provide Federal protection to citizens in the exercise of their basic Constitutional rights.
Any determination by the courts that there is a denial of Constitutional rights and viola tion of United States laws should be respected by ail citizens, and I sincerely hope that will be the case in Mississippi. All Mississippians—and indeed all Americans—should join in protecting the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and comply with the laws of the United States.
MORE The Commission's suggestion that Congress and the Executive Branch study the pro priety and desirability of legislation authorizing Federal funds to be withheld from any state which fails to comply with the Constitution and the laws of the United States raises difficult end far-reaching considerations. As the report recognizes, the Executive Branch is limited in the discretion it possesses in implementing Federal programs. At the outset, various statutory requirements for distribution of program benefits, competititive bidding statutes, and statutory criteria for participation, as in the case of small business loans. In addition, many major projects, especially water resource projects, once initiated, require continuity. Illustrative is the
Jackson Airport grant referred to in the report—the construction grant to this Airportt a participant in the national Airport plan since I950f is for one of the concluding phases of construction initially commenced in 1957, and involves such safety features for the operation of the Airport as runways, Air Traffic Control, fire and rescue facil ities. No Federal aid has been used for terminal facilities at the Airport but steps are being taken to assure that they will be operated on a nondiscriminatory basis. Criteria for locating large Federal installations, such as the NASA facility mentioned in your report, reflect national needs, not state interests. Another difficulty is that in many instances the withholding of funds would serve to further disadvantage those that I know the Commission would want to aid. For example, hundreds of thousands of Negroes in Mississippi receive Social Security, veterans, welfare, school lunch and other benefits from Federal programs—any elimination or reduction of such programs obviously would fall alike on all within the State and in some programs per haps even more heavily upon Negroes. In any event, I can assure you that the pro posal will be promptly and carefully reviewed within the Executive Branch.
We cannot afford to be complacent while any individual's rights are denied or abused. I know that the Commission, like so many other organizations and individuals, feels deeply the need to take positive action in order to correct and prevent abuses in Mississippi and elsewhere that have been brought to public notice. As I have indicated, ever/ possible approach is being considered and those which are appropriate and con tain prospects for improving the situation will be employed to the end that the rights guaranteed to ail Americans by the Constitution of the United States will be assured.
Sincerely yours, (s) John F. Kennedy
Dr. John A. Hannah Chairman United States Commission on Civil Rights Washington 25, D.C.
### REPRINTED FROM:
Newsweek February 24, 1964
MISSISSIPPI: Allen's Army The second summer of the Negro revolt was still months off. But ever since the first, Allen Thompson, the graying, satin-smooth mayor of unrecon structed Jackson, Miss., has been acting as though Armageddon were just around the coiner. Girding for a new wave of civil-rights demonstrations this summer, Thompson is massing an impressive—and expensive —deterrent force of men and military hardware. To defend the capital city of 144,422, he is building up his young, tough, riot-trained police force from 390 to 450, plus two horses and six dogs. The force is "twice as big as any city our size," Thompson boasted last week— and it will be backed by a reserve pool of deputies, state troopers, civilian city employes, and even neighborhood citi zen patrols. With a hefty $2.2 million budget to spend, the department recently bought 200 new shotguns, stockpiled tear gas, and issued gas masks to every man. Its motor fleet includes three canvas- canopied troop lorries, two half-ton searchlight trucks, and three giant trailer trucks to haul demonstration POW's off to two big detention compounds. "I think we can take care of 25,000," the mayor said. Weepers: But the pride of Allen's Army is Thompson's Tank—the already popular nickname for a 13,000-pound armored battlewagon built to the ma yor's specifications at roughly $1 a pound. The twelve-man tank, abristle with shotguns, tear-gas guns, and a sub machine gun, flopped on its first mission Thompson, troops—and armor —putting down a demonstration at all- Negro Jackson State College two weeks ago. As it rolled up, a tear-gas shell went off inside, and all twelve men stumbled out crying. Nevertheless, "freedom schools," community centers, and peaceful picketing," he vowed. "We Thompson says reverently: "It's a won and voter-registration drives. "The sum are not going to let them come into derful thing." mer of 1964," SNCC chairman John the downtown area." Would a collision come? Thompson Lewis said, "could really be the year The mayor insists his army is only a thought so—and so did the young war- for Mississippi. Before the Negro people second-strike force designed to preserve hawks of the Student Nonviolent Co get the right to vote, there will have to law and order. "We have to wait," he ordinating Committee, already mapping be a massive confrontation, and it proba told NEWSWEEK'S Karl Fleming, "until a massive summer campaign in Missis bly will come this summer . . . We are they start trouble." But Thompson is sippi. SNCC was dispatching question going to Mississippi full force." certain trouble will come. "This is it," he naires last week to prospective recruits And when they come, Thompson feels said. "They are not bluffing and we are for its own nonviolent army of 500 to he has the means to contain them. not bluffing. We're going to be readv 1,000—mostly college students—to staff "There will be no unlawful marching for them . . . Thev won't have a chance."
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee 8V2 Raymond Street, N. W., Atlanta 14, Georgia Labor Donated REPRINTED FROM: ®6eaitanta3«mrtml AND • THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION
II*»I1A SUNDAY, MARCH 8. 1964
Governor Seeks Power "THINKING CLEARLY is enforcement authority in their not easy amid the pressures particular bailiwicks. which we all will have to en For Patrol dure in the months ahead," GOV. JOHNSON assured the he said. legislators that if given the Mississippi officials antici state level authority he will By KENNETH TOLER pate mass invasions of up "use it carefully, in the in Jachsnn Bureau. Memphis terest of law and order, pub Commercial Appeal wards to 1,000 biracial out Sprrial to Thr Atlanta Journal Const itulimt siders within the next few lic safety, constitutional gov months to protest segregation ernment and the integrity of and laws they contend dis- our state's sovereignty." JACKSON, Miss., March 7. scriminate against the rights "I alone will stand account Full police powers for state of Negroes to vote. able," he added. highway patrolmen to give With the racial "tag" at The governor told the law him a "highly mobile, profes tached, the legislative reac makers that "we must decide sional force" to deal with an tion at the moment is favor now that law and order will • ticipated racial conflicts has able. However, leaders and be maintained at all times been asked of the legislature many members want the gov and under all circumstances, by Gov. Paul B. Johnson. ernor to "spell out" a bit by disciplined, u n i f o r med Patrolmen are under the more in detail his plans to duly-authorized law enforce jurisdiction of the- governor make certain they do not in ment officials . . . and no one but are restricted to enforce clude raids in areas where else." ment of traffic laws. liquor is openly sold without Gov. Johnson also urged the Gov. Johnson, did not dis local law interference. legislature —which enters its close any of ,ijhe anticipated In the past, proposals for tenth no-limit biennial session disorders but cjid tell the legis state level law enforcement has Monday—to authorize cities lators in joint, session this met with defeat in the legis and counties to send their week that "the situation we lature. Major opposition has "overflow prisoners to a de face is loaded, with the most come from the powerful sher tention center at the state powerful emotions, feelings iffs association because of penitentiary at Parcnman in run deep and blood runs hot." those officials' exclusive law the delta."
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee 8 Ms Raymond Street, N. W. Labor Donated Atlanta 14, Georgia vm MISSISSIPPI READIES LAWS FOR "FREEDOM SUMMER"
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — With the help of the State Legislature, Mississippi's police officers will be more than ready to deal with civil rights groups planning a "Mississippi Freedom Summer." Governor Paul Johnson has already signed into law five bills designed to halt demonstrations. They prohibit picketing, ban distributing boycott literature, allow cities to extend police aid to other municipalities, permit cities to restrict the movements of groups and to set curfews, and increase penalties for violating city ordinances. Governor Johnson has asked the legislature to enlarge the power of the state police. The five bills signed into law by Governor Johnson are: House Bill 64 - Authorizes cities to restrain movements of groups and individuals; House Bill 546 - Prohibits the unlawful picketing of all public buildings, streets, sidewalks and *The implications of this bill if passed need hardly be stated here: This is an obvious attempt to undermine the opera tion of the summer Freedom Schools which are so necessary to the development of decent education and leadership skills among the Negro population of the state of Mississippi, With these laws, the State of Mississippi is establishing a distorted legality for the unconstitutional system it is struggling to maintain against the mobilizers of "Mississippi Free Summer." OUR POWERLESS GOVERNMENT
Since the June 21st "disappearance" in Mississippi^ of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman, the federal government and an acco modating press have engaged in an unconscionable campaign to condition the American public, as well as the foreign press, to accept the inevitability of murders, beatings, bombings,, and false arrests in the state of Mississi ppi, These terrorist activities have existed in that state for more than loo years and have intensified since i960 when Civil Rights activity began in earnesto The inevitability•of terror in Mississippi can only mean the inevitability of terror anywhere in this country© When Attorney General Robert Kennedy announces that:there Is very little the federal govern ment can do to prevent a reign of terror in Mississippi, he has really given notice to every racist thug and vigilante in Mississippi, and through out the South, that in this election year the present administration finds it politically inexpedient to exercise its Constitutional mandate"to pre vent the brutalizing of the bodies, the destruction of the property of American citizens engaged in peaceful petition for the ezerciee of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, rights which President Johnson and Attor ney General Kennedy, in talcing their oaths of office, swore to upliold. If terror is inevitable in Mississippi it is because President Johnson and Attorney General Kennedy have chosen to allow it to be inevitable!
WHEN: Ten persons are arrested in Columbus, Mississippi for distributing voter registration information,
PRESIDENT JOHNSON IS EMPOWERED TO INTITIATE AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS BREACH 0? CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS BY Title h?- Section 1981 of the United States Code, WHICH GUARANTEES ALL PERSONS WITHIN THE JURIS DICTION OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL HAVE THE SAMS RIGHT 70 THE FULL AND EQUAL BENEFIT OF ALL LAWS FOR THE SECURITY OF PERSON AND PROPERTY IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
WHEN: Five churches are bombed in Mississippi within three days
ATTORNEY GENERAL KENNSY IS EMPOWERED TO DIRECT HIS UNITED STATES MIRSHALLS TO INVESTIGATE THESE BOMBINGS BY Title 23 Section $h9 of the United States Code, WHICH EMPOWERS A UNITED STATES MARSHALL AND HIS DEPUTIES, IN EXERCISING THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN A STATE, TO EXERCISE THE SAME POWERS OF INVESTIGATION WHICH A SHERIFF IN THAT STATE WOULD EXERCISE IN THE EXECUTION OF THE LAW,
WHEN: James Chaney of Meridian, Mississippi, Michael Schwerner aa d Andrew Goodman of New York City "disappear" after leaving Philadelphia, Mississippi jail, ESCORTED BY THE SHERIFF
PRESIDENT JOHNSON IS EMPOWERED TO END THE STATE OF ANARCHY WHICH MADE THIS CRIME POSSIBLE BY INVOKING THE UNLIMITED POWER GIVEN HIM BY Title 10 Section 333 of the United" States Code, WHICH IN - STRUCTS HIM TO USE ANY MEANS AT HIS DISPOSAL TO PROTECT CITIZEN'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS WHEN TIE STATE FAILS TO DO SO, BASIS FOR FEDERAL INTERVENTION AND ACTIONS BY THE F.B.I,
The fallowing are long-standing, but rarely applied bases for actions by the F.B.I,, and for federal intervention in civil rights cases.
THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
1, Sections 241^242^ Title 18 of the U,S, .Codes (incorporated into the U.S. Codes by the Civil Rights Acts of' 1866, 1870)
a. Section 2hl makes it a felony for anyone to conspire to deprive anyone else of his civil rights, b, Section 242 makes it a misdemeanor for officials to deny or de prive citizens of their civil rights,
2, Section 594, Title 10 of the U.S. Codes (1948)
Reads In part: "Whoever intimidates, threatens, coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any other person for the purpose of interfering With the right of such other person to vote , „ 0 shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both*"
3# U.S. Code Title h2t Section iy8l - EQUAL RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW
All persons within the jurisdiction of the U.S. shall have the sane right in every state and territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence,, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punish ment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind and no other,
k* U,S. Coctefr Title^5^ Section 300 - Officials for detection and prosecu tion of crime.
For the detection and prosecution of crimes against the United States aid for the acquisition, collection, classification and pre servation of identification aid other irocords and their exchange with the duly authorized officials of the federal government of states, cities, aid other institutions j such exchange to be subject to cai cellation if dissemination is made outside the receiving departments or related agencies, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS AUTHORIZED TO APPOINT OFFICIALS who shall be vested with the authority nece- ssary for the execution of such duties*,
5* U.S. Code, Title 28, Section $k? - Marshall's Poier as Sheriff.
A U*S» Marshall and his deputies in exercising the laws of the United States within a state, may exercise the same powers which a sheriff of such state may exercise in executing the laws thereof.
6, U.S. Code, Title 28, Section 5U7 - Titles and Duties of U.S. Marshalls,
Subsection B„ (Supervision of marshalls by the attorney general). He shall execute all lawful writs, process and orders issued under au thority of the United States and command all necessary assistance to execute his duties (which gives him all necessary power to deputize people) Subsection C, The Attorney General shall supervise and direct marshalls in the public performance of duties*
7« FBI ACTIONS, Section 30^2, Title 18 of the U.S. Adminsitrative. Cede, mended' 'i$%l»'
Gives the FBI the same arrest powers as U,S, Marshalls, In other words, FBI men are empowered to make arrests on the spot of persons who are depriving other persons of their civil rights, or to make arrests of such persons on reasonable grounds*
8« Section 333, Title 10 of the U.S. Codes
Gives the President the power to use any means at his disposal to protect citizen's constitutional rights wherTthe state fails to do so. m 3 0 J964
JS17 NEW HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WILLIAM F. RYAN WASHINGTON 25, D.C. 20TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK CAPITOL. 4-312!. EXT. 6616
COMMITTEE: DISTRICT OFFICE: SCIENCE AND ASTRONAUTICS Congress of tfjeUntte b States; 1040 ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE (AT 163RD STREET) • NEW YORK 32, NEW YORK Pousse of Representation ADIRONDACK 4-6900 laasijington, B. C.
j; June 30, 1964 ^
/&*- lehodulod for , Atly l»t at 10 e.n. with Actios
to dleeuee the HUsltsippi eitttatioa. Sine* you Joined in signing the Am 13th Utter to Control in which wo naked tint United ho assigned to Mississippi, X thought ho interested in attending.
firet in ny office. N.H.O.B. «t 9:30 a.a.
^teWWW^Hh ^»n^y g
Willi., r. of 3808 N. Prospect Milwaukee 11, Wise. June 29, 1964 Congressman Robert W, Kasteameier
House Office Building Iln 1 .... Washington 25, D.C. ^i 1 1964 Dear Congressman Kastenmeier, We all, as citizens of the United States and as human beings, should be concerned about the safety, rights, and liberties of our fellow men wherever they are. Thus it is imperative that the Federal government take immediate steps to protect the freedom workers in Mississippi, I ask as a citizen that you take what steps you can, use what influence you have, and apply what pressures you can with President Johnson, Att, Gen, Kennedy, the FBI, and others to take immediate action to prevent any possible re occurrences of the incidents of Philadelphia, Miss, We here in Milwaukee are concerned and I want to communicate this deep concern to you. Please take immediate action! Thank you. Sincerely,
COLLIN MINER 6M-
ressman Robert W. Kasteameier Office Building JUL 1 1964 Kington 25, D.C. Dee- :>sman Kastenmeier, We all, as eitif t the United States July 11, 103 , tf .
: * cLXlG 'ties of our fellow ifcten tat
llr. Callin Minert iaraadiate steps 3SQ3 North Prospect T Milwauicee 11, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Minert: stePs you cant appreciate your support for additional federal protection of civil rights activities in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter indicates, several of us here in Congress have been seeking this since June. Thus *ar, our efforts have not been wholly successful nit hough the uuuber of FBI agents in Mississippi has been doubled, and the corps of marshals increased. While voluntary compliance with the civil rights law is encouraging, there is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers »*JO are working to create a free and open society in this part of our country. I do not believe we can accept that risk in good conscience,; and I want to assure you that X am continuing to urge measures which would reduce or eliminate it. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWK.mka sJt
Jus* 1, 1964
Messrs. George Allez, Stuart Hanish, and Richard Niebuhr 2302 Keyes Avenue Madison, Wisconsin Dear George, Stu, and Dick: Many thanks faf your telegram urging stronger federal action in Mississippi and St. Augustine. As you can see from the enclosed letter, a number of us have been seeking an enlarged federal presence in Mississippi since the Summer Project began. Today I'm having a meeting with Deputy Attorney General Katsenbach to reiterate this position and seek a clarification of the Department's stated policy regarding the legality of dispatching marshals to Mississippi. I believe the circumstances in St. Augustine are a little different and seem less volatile at present. This could all change if nighttime demonstrations are renewed in force; there is undeniably a close relationship between the local police and extreme opponents of integration. My active interest in both of these situations will con tinue, as I'm sure you know, throughout the summer and beyond. I appreciate your support for more decisive federal involvement in Mississippi, as I am committed to that posi tion myself. Again many thanks for your wire. With ail best wishes, Sincerely,
i
Member of Congress RWKrmka 3002 N. 9th Street Milwaukee 6, Wisconsin July 3, I96J4
JUL & i^64 Representative Robert Kastenmeier House Office Building •Tashington, D.C. Dear Mr. Kastenmeier:
The Mississippi Summer Project, sponsored by the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO),has received nation-wide publicity because of the tragic disappearance of three of its volunteers. The federal government is showing considerable interest in this particular case and apparently is making some attempt to encourage state officials to maintain law and order in the face of extensive civil rights activities promised for the entire summer. However, due to the consistent lack of concern shown by Mississippi authorities for the welfare of anyone working to change the racial status quo, it becomes apparent that such post facto investigations are inadequate to protect the lives of the Project participants. Private citizens in several parts of the state have publically admitted their determination to do anything and everything possible to hinder the plans of the students seeking ways of extending rights of citizenship to Negroes there. The state is making no effort to discourage these threats of blatant violence; even local FBI agents are reluctant to deviate from the policies set by the white power structure of the state. There is virtually no one to whom the COFO volunteers can turn for protection and justice — except the citizens of the United States, the federal government itself. I write to encourage you to use your influence in whatever way you can to insure the welfare of all the Summer Project workers, Hon-southern FBI agents and special marshalls should be sent into Mississippi, constant awareness of what is happening throughout the state must be maintained, and local authorities must be made to realize that the rights and courtesies of democratic law enforcement are to be fairly upheld for all citizens cf this country. Unless such measures are taken, unless the nation insists on Constitutionally-based justice and integrity in the affairs of that state, this summer will see numerous tragedies similar to the one which has already occurred: Mississippi will remain a bastion of licensed violence and absolute repression of democratic freedom and truth.
I ask you to speak cut for such action as a citizen who looks to an end of the bigotry and inequality faced by Negroes in Mississippi, and as a personal friend of several COFO workers. Thank you very much for any thing you can do to help in this crutial situation.
Sincerely yours,
(Miss) Muriel Hamilton N. 9th Streef waukee oonua 3, CA7
July 11, 3 or4 tjvt. er
Miss Muriel Hamilton 3002 North Ninth Street Federated Milwaukee S, Wisconsin :se of Denr Miss Farailton: 3 to I appreciate your support for additional federal protection of civil rights activities in Mississippi. A® the enclosed letter indicates, several of us Iter© in Congress have been seeKin;: this since ,lunct Thu r, our efforts have not be' successful alt nunber of 7VJ agents US in ?ippi has been doubl id the corps of marshals iate inc d. to While voluntary compliance with the civil rights law is encouraging, there is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers who are working to create a free and open society in this part of our country. ;e pow* virtual j.y no one to whom tne I do not believe we can accept that risk in good conscience, and 1 want to assure you that I nra continuing to urge •easures which would reduce or eliminate it. ou Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress 3 already ce and RWK.mka / 808 W. Johnson St. Madison 15? Wis. July 15, 1964 Representative ESstenmeier Washington, D.C. JUL 6 1964 Dear Mr. Kastenmeier, As your constituent, may I urge you to work on some legislation to protect the civil rights workers in Mississippi this summer? I believe they should be protected b# federal forces before, not after violence occurs. There are many Sf us who feel this way in Madison, and we have great admiration for these young people who are so courageously going to Mississippi to ende^roX r to change conditions which the Mississ ippi Negroes for so long have been subjugated into accepting.
Yours truly, *
^ Gtrace F. Winch ^A ''JUL 6 B64
July 11, 19Q4 ;o work on ti
Mrs. Grace F. Winch 808 Wes* Johnson Street Madison, Wisconsin Le Dear Mrs. Winch: I appreciate your support for additional federal protection of civil rights activities in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter Indicates, several of us here in Congress have been seeking this since June. Thorn far, our efforts have not been wholly successful although the number of FBI agents in Mississippi has been doubled, and the corps of marshals increased. While voluntary compliance with the civil rights law is encouraging, there is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers who are working to create a free and open society in this part of our country. I do not believe we can accept that risk In good conscience, and I want to assure you that I am continuing to urge measures which would reduce or eliminate it. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK:mka JUL 81964
3400 Cross Street Madison 11, Wisconsin July 5, 1964
The Honorable Robert Kastenmeier The House Office Building Washington, D.C.
Dear Hep. Kastenmeier, Due to the shocking condition of civil liberties in the State of Mississippi, we implore you to aid in obtaining protection for our courageous citizens who are engaged in improving the impoverished life of negro residents in that state. We understand that Federal Marshals may be used for preventative saftey purposes. We realize that only the entire U.S. Armed Forces could bring any sense of stability and protection to Mississippi, but something must be done. We urge you to do all you can to help in securing safe conduct for workers in the Summer Project. A much admired friend of ours, Cornelia Mack of Madison, has left to teach in a Freedom School in Mississippi. She is too valuable a person to be denied the protection of a Government that desperately needs people like her.
Yours very trul(
Mfv & Mrs. James L. Greenwald July 11, 1964 Madisonm.1, Wisconsin July 5»^964
tenmeier Mr. and Mrs. James L. Greenwald 3400 Cross Street Madison, Wisconsin 53711 •ita of Dear Mr, and Mrs. Greenwald: ning prote ~or our •r.ished life I appreciate your support for additional federal protection of viv41dri4Bfctfc> activities in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter indicates, several of us here in Congress have been see. . ; since June. Thus far, our effortt have not been wholly successful although tive number of FBI agents in - ui«b been doubled, una the corps of marshals increased, re, Madison, has left tQ tea • She is too valuable a pe While voluntary compliance with the civxl rights law is en*. ^y ...ere is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers who are working to create a tree and open society in this part of our country. I do not believe we can accept that risk in good conscience, and I want to assure you that I am continuing to urge measures which would reduce or eliminate it. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKsmka 7Jdi H ' &*Ji JUL WlhOF J( tfcr^jA)
S POSTAGE t^ /j C^rdi As-wfM n^uj^jL^tztk^t fLb^X I A £ . July 11, 1964
Mr. David W. Henderson Department of Mathematics University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Dear Mr. Henderson: I appreciate your support for additional federal protection of civil rights activities in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter indicates, several of us here in Congress have been seeking this since June. Thus far, our efforts have not been wholly successful although the number of FBI agents in Mississippi has been doubled, and the corps of marshals increased. While voluntary compliance with the civil rights law is encouraging, there is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers who are working to create a free and open society in this part of our country. I do not believe we can accept that risk in good conscience, and I want to assure you that I am continuing to urge measures which would reduce or eliminate it. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member ofCCongress RWK:mka \ July 4, 1964
Honorable Mr. Kastenmeier United States House of "Representatives Washington, D. C.
Dear Congressman Kastenmeier, It is most heartening to us as parents to read in yesterday* s Milwaukee Journal of your continuing vigorous efforts to see that the Federal Government provides adequate protection for the students who are in Mississippi as part of the civil rights project of the Council of Federated Organizations. Our son, James (Jack) Krauskopf, will in August ' go to Mississippi*to work on the voter registration part of the program and to join his efforts with those of all the idealistic young people who are already there. This is to thank you for your interest in them and their safety, indeed in the safety of all the citizens of that state.
With sincere appreciation to you,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Krauskopf 413 East Apple Tree Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217 July 4, m
Kasteraru* July llf 1964 se of
TJQRT icier, as parents Mr. and Mrs, Robert M. Krauskopf 413 East Apple Tree Road MMLwaukee, Wisconsin 53217 a-t J;he Fedsrt Dear Mr. and Mrs. Krauskopf: • •>»* a.t>• -' nn.t & who are. in Missis I appreciate your support for additional federal protection of citil rights activities in Mississippi. As the enclosed letter indicates, several of us here in Congress have been seeking this since June. Thus far, our efforts have not been wholly successful although the number of FBI agents in Mississippi has been doubled, and the corps of marshals increased, While voluntary compliance with the civil rights law is encouraging, there is still a risk of violence toward the volunteers who are working to create a free and open society in this part of our country. I do not believe we can accept that risk in good conscience, and I want to assure you that I am continuing to urge measures which would reduce or eliminate it. Sincerely, •iatiOi
ROBERT W.KKASTENMEIER >ert M Member of Congress f RWK:mka main *
MRS. ROBERT L. KEALY 34012 Valley Road Oconomowoc, Wis. 53066 Tel. 646-3405
July 5, 1961|
Dear Bob -
Please record a vote of gratitude from, a constituent for your persistence with the justice department over thesafety of civil rights workers. Reading now of your work before the disappearance near Philadelphia, what especial sorrow that tragedy must have brought to you. What a stroke of good fortune for the Attorney General that he could spend the week amongst the cheering throngs in Europe, promising protection to the West Germans. Had these boys disappeared in Cuba I imagine Goldwater c ould think of a number of courses of actionl
I have been pained that this w hole affair seems to have been taken .50 easily in stride by the people and the press when it seems tq me that this entire nation is in the same position as the 38 New Yorkers who watched the murder in the streets.
I added my letter to what I hone were mountains of mail at the White House a week ago asking that some appropriate method be used to question Neshoba County law officers under oath in either a grand jury or commissioners proceeding or even the House Judiciary subcommittee, much as I dislike congressional committees put to such use. Bob suggests in his wry way that the Un-American Activities Committee might find something here I
I can understand the difficulties in treading too heavily in local matters at a time when voluntary compliance is the goal but we are heartened to see that you evidently feel firmer action can be taken to make the national presence and the national voice really felt in the south.
Sincerely,
\As^^rdL^UL July 11, 1964
Mrs. Robert L. Kealy 34012 Valley Road Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066 Dear Mrs. Kealy: Despite your wish in the matter, I'm replying to your letter of July 5 to let you know it is greatly appreciated! Our efforts to get additional protection for civil rights workers in Mississippi are still unsuccessful. Since I last wrote, I have had a meeting with Deputy Attorney General Katzeabach in which he patiently spelled out the Administration's reasons for moving with restraint. Some of these reasons are legal and I can understand the problems they have under existing law. However, the principal grounds for their inaction is a genuine expectation that compliance with the civil rights law will greatly ease many of the tensions in the South. I pereonallydraw a little comfort from this because it takes only a few die-hard opponents to wage a campaign of violence and destruction. Accordingly, several of us here in Congress are oontinuing our efforts to get a more substantial presence in Mississippi. We want prevention, not prosecution after the fact. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKsmka
\ THE 29 Jurists, Disputing Kennedy, Say US. Can Act in Mississippi
By JOHN H. FENTON Special to The New York Times CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 30 professors quoted him as say —Twenty-nine professors of ing: We hold it to be an in law in six universities ex controvertible principle that pressed public disagreement to the Government of the United day with Attorney General States may, by means of physi 0— Robert F. Kennedy's assertion cal force, exercised through its ippi that the Federal Government official agents, execute on ev to ery foot of American soil the ners lacked the power to take pre- powers and functions that be uth- ventive police action in Missis long to it." pite sippi, The statement then asserted: ists Mr. Kennedy made the ob "It is at once disappointing atic servation on June 24 to a dele and ironic that the Department gation of the National Asso of Justice, which has been bold ere ciation for the Advancement of beyond precedent in success ere Colored People in Washington. fully urging the Supreme Court rst He said then that he had aug that the judiciary possesses ind mented the forces of Federal the broadest powers to enforce be Bureau of Investigation agents the constitutional assurances of nit in Mississippi. But, he insist equality, should now discover ed, police action cannot be nonexistent barriers to execu he taken under the Federal-state tive action." lly relationship. The statement also said that >ba Later, in New York, just be the Attorney General and the m, fore boarding a plane for West President "may be convinced •k- Germany, the Attorney Gener that the time had not yet come ne al said that the situation in to send military forces into Mississippi was "a local mat Mississippi—that other proc re- ter for law enforcement" and esses should be exhausted be fore that most dramatic of all 3St that Federal authority there 1 hs. was "very limited." remedies is pursued. nd Prof. Mark De Wolfe Howe The lawyers' statement then ,>en of the Harvard Law School, continued: acting as spokesman for the "If that judgment is a cru-J ive group, released a formal state cial element in the decision, onel ; in ment. He said that the pro wishes that it had been report-' xrs, fessors were "troubled by the ed, for it would have made it c a misleading simplicity of this clear that it is not lack of >ad- reported pronouncement" by i Presidential power to act but: 'ed- Mr. Kennedy. the absence of a conviction that sor Although each of the 29 action is now called for that; might not agree with "every explains nonaction." go phrase" of the statement, Pro The statement contended that lad fessor Howe said, they were in 'violence combination and con er- general agreement that action spiracy in Mississippi are un Ige was authorized under Section questionably obstructing the ?ht 333 of Title 10 of the Federal execution of the civil rights rho Code. laws of the United States." ill Under that section, the Pres The statement was signed byj lad ident is authorized to use the the following: state militia and the armed Marvin E. Frankel, Arthur W. Murphy, Maurice Rosenberg andj forces of the nation "whenever Michael I. Sovern, Columbia Law! he considers that unlawful ob School. re," structions, combinations of as Paul Bator, Vern Countryman,'" an- semblages . . . make it imprac Charles Fried, Mark De Wolfe 1i As ticable to enforce the laws of Howe, Louis Loss, John Mansfield ely and Arthur E. Sutherland, Har the United States ... by the vard Law School. ordinary course of judicial pro Charles E. Ares, Norman Dor- to ceedings," the statement said. sen, Henry H. Foster, Robert B. )es Continuing, the jurists said: McKay and Gerhard O. W. Muel to "The Attorney General's po ler, New York University Law rm School. sition would be less mislead Caleb Foote, Jefferson B. Ford- ite ing and therefore less perilous ham, Alexander H. Frey, Noyes if he would acknowledge that Leech, Clarence Morris, Louis B, n- the President today has power Schwartz and Bernard Wolfman, to act but believes that 'the University of Pennsylvania Lew P- School. m police action' under Section 333 of Title 10 is inadvisable." Boris I. Bittker. Charles L. ;n Black Jr^ THomas I. Emerson Citing an opinion by Asso aTOTCouis H. Pollajt. YaTg Univer- r- .ty Law school! f" ld ciate Justice Joseph P. Brad The Rev. Robert F. Drinan arid is ley of the Supreme Court in an Francis J. Larkin, Boston College electoral laws case in 1879, the Law School It has been reported in the press that the Attorney General has stated that the Federal Government lacks power to take "preventive police action" in Mississippi to secure the safety of persons who have come into that State to aid its colored residents in the effective exercise of their rights as citizens of the United States. The undersigned students of public law are troubled by the misleading simplicity of this reported pronouncement, and believing that the Federal power to take protective action in the circumstances that- now prevail in Mississippi is clear, are moved to make this statement.
Under Section 332 of Title 10 of the United States Code the President is autho rized to use the State militia and the armed forces of the United States "whenever he considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations or assemblages...make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States...by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings." Should the President be persuaded that judicial processes are not able to secure, the rights of Negro voters in Mississippi, or should he consider that those processes are not effectively safeguarding the rights of other Americans as they,are' defined iii existing Civil Rights Acts (e.g. Section 1981 and 1983 of Title 42) the quoted section! wouldI clearly authorize him to, use armed forces to 1 :i ; : ;;; secure the rights refe" ^ to.,,: 7,',^: -f.*u...-v. [ ''",'' - JOJ-:,,.
Of course the Attorney General knows this, for it was under Section ;332 that-Ji President Kennedy; took military action at the University of Mississippi in 1962. > Quite probably two considerations, are factors in the Attorney General*s determination that Section 332 has no immediate relevance. He and the,President may be convinced that the time has not yet come to send military forces into Mississippi--that other processes should be exhausted before that most drastic of all remedies is'pursued. If that judgment is a crucial element in the decision one wishes that it had been reported, for it would have made it clear that it is not lack of presidential power to act but the absence of a conviction that action is now called for that explains non-actipn.J Furthermore, the Attorney General may, with some justification, feel; that, wheh military action is taken under Section 332 it is not fairly to be described as "police action"--the type of action which he has denied the Federal Government is ^.:«affiwrerwdvtlo.!4ariw>v..raw** 4SQn»idetationSj which may explain the Attorney General's a rejection- of the current^relevance of Section 332, seem, far less applicable'tbjthe : Uua j: •r provisions of Section 333-of Title 10V •.,. ,; -\ j \ r;<. ~T. ' -;
: v..,Uoidnj'•*'thfc-jtawM 6i'fthnf^Sfc^lon'' the scope of tiie presidential:; power to take pro- tectiye' and preventive action is" not confined tp the use; pf the militia, or armed fprces. Though Section 333imentions specificaily the power to use thoseffotces it also empowers hiraVby jajny other jmeans''"'(-to")-' take such action as he considers necessary to suppress•';'•>in a State, any;insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy, if it (1) s6 hinders the execution offthe laws of that State, andi of the wUnited States within the State, that any part br; class pf its people is deprived of .a;right,privilege, immunity, or protection(named in the Constitutionandsecured by . -JU*?».'anj the/ -powj;iih&&oma&$Tlti** of that State are unable, fail., or. refuse to vjprpte'ct that right,"privilege, pr immunity, or to give that protection; or (2) : opposes ornpb^tructstheexecution of the laws of the United States or impedes the j.course of justice' under, those laws.";/ -, ...'"'' •' . Surely there is reason to believe; that, viplehce and,combinatipn are now so hindering the ekecutionof, the 1'aWS-pf rMississippi and, of the- United States as to deny to the Negroes of Mississippi rights secured by the, CPnstitutip^n and* laws of the United States. Whether the deplorable circumstances are 'such^as/tp make the provisions in subsection (1) of the quoted section now operative is not7 important/, for there can \
be no qtles'tiion but that the provisions of subsection,,^) fit the presnnt circumstances precisely. Violence, combination, and conspiracy in Mississippi arc unquestionably obstructing the execution of the civil rights laws of the United States ----- the provisions, that is, of Sections 1981 and 1983 of Title 42 and the provisions of the Acts of 1957 and i960 vith respect tp voting rights.
Doubtless some creditable considerations of expedience could be cited to support a decision against now taking vigorous presidential action under Section 333 in Mississippi. Surely, however, the Attorney General's position would be less mis leading and therefore less perilous if he would acknowledge that the President today has power to act but believes thatf "police action"' under .Section 333 of Title 10 : is inadvisable. ('~'£o'"
In the year 1879 it was argued1 in the Supreme1 Court Of the United States that when Federal marshals sought to ehforce1 the'electoral laws' of the United States their conduct infringed the prerogatives of the States -- that the Nation, in other words, could not, through the authority of its agents, take "police action" within the borders of any State. "It is argued," said Mr, Justice Bradley, "that the preservation of peace and good order in society is not within the powersrconfided to the government of the United States, but belongs exclusively to the States. Here again we are met with the*theory that the government of the United States does not rest upon the soil and territory of the country. We think that this theory is founded upon an entire misconception •;'
Unless the Attorney -general disregardsM6r'spmehow emasculates this pronouncement of the Supreme Court he cannot rest his case for executive inaction on the facile pronouncement that the Federal Government and the President' of the United States are - not empowered to take "police action" in Mississippi. It is at once disappointing and ironic that the Department of Justice, which has been bold beyond precedent in -. r successfully urging the Supreme Court that the judiciary possesses the broadest powers to enforce the constitutional aissuranceA of equality, should now discover ; non-existent barriers to executive action. ;; ,,, ,
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Columbia University Law School
Paul Bator Vern Countryman Charles Fried Marl; DeW. Howe Louis Loss John Mansfield Henry Steiner Arthur E. Sutherland
Harvard Law School
Charles E. Ares Norman Dorsen Henry Foster, Jr. Robert B. McKay Gerhard O.W. Mueller
New York University Law School
Caleb Foote Jefferson B. Fordham (reservations as to phrasing) Alexander H. Frey Noyes Leech Clarence Morris Louis B. Schwartz (reservations as to phrasing) Bernard Wolfman
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Boris I. Bittker Charles L. Black, Jr. Thomas I. Emerson Louis H. Pollak
Yale Law School I '
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July 16, 1964
Sister Mary Patrick,S.D.S. Provincial House 3516 West Center Street Milwaukee 10, Wisconsin Dear Slater: Juat a note to thank you for your heartening letter of July 7, supporting ay civil rights position. I wish I could say it was a finished matter, but it has become all too clear that we will have to give it concerted attention a long tine to cone. I am greatly encouraged to have your moral reinforcement for this long-ranged concern. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKimka n& I w \ ',
We hereby esqpj'ess our support of the newly foraed Mississippi Freedom D«Jocrati« Party, the or.§ Party In that State vhich has plsOged its loyalty, unoondt t1 finally, to President Johnson. *'e eemestly hops that the trodentials Coaaittee will recoafiXE: tbj action of tha Deaiocratlc l&tioaal Cotoittes 02 August AUI lefOped to certify the delegates ssleeted by the State Convention of the so-eellf i ft gulsr ftswcratic Party of nississi|pi.
We strong seel that the abundant evidence of tho jsystaaatic. ^elusion of Negroes and w&Ltes £roa participation in toe itespenatic Ban?/ structure of Mississippi taJfeas they subscribe to its undamuariet.it- principles, fuHy justirxso. lay* atifeieiatt or vtie *i*,«i<»jal Ca;sait"tae» It- is »yi'i'iwg to observe ataoag sacfc principles opposition to uuixk: organization; rejection of any statutue t. •-::sj!it-lx*. jate yublic facilities or elisdmete siaerialaalifji in SSj&sjSSBti 'a e*a|sS|Mfc&S| of the feiwti otatoa ouprasjc CJourt decision relative to rwhiic schools acta repudiatv.s3 of our ilatioaal Party sad its piatfona. We ft* Saw feel that ttoe disgraceful acts which have MNS place isa that State over t.te yearsj trp to and tndudiag the W3@& before our National Coaveatdon, desired to further suppress th3 enfranch±se£E£it of qualified lagroos, ajtf engaged ia almost uianiaously by public and ottor ?arty officials, is a 2 additional reason fcp assaying the so-called regular Democrats thair seats. (2)
We believe that the choice between the two Mississippi delegations is clear. It is between the Mississippi Freedoo ©eaocratic Party delegates, who are jjl/nAQftA fa mjy ff'^Tou r national ticket and its platform, and the regular
^^UU9wpJ»^P6*4a4n^F'Si •'WBfcM** www" • wme **y '^^*IBW^JJP^SW^»*FJ^ wwiww OT**v*aMa0 ^MSV^P ^aw^siasi^wi^Bsw to such as objective sad whose sctions both public and private distort the iaage of our national Party. Ws urgently repeat, therefore, that you assure elSmcntsry Justice by refusing to seat the so-called regular Democratic i?arty ^legates, unless they pledge, at a mini nun, to support majority xvU at/tas wonvention relative to our oandidates and platform and
that there be a/ accommodation of delegates from tlse Mississippi Freedom are Dsoocratic FaAy. Ve/further hopeful that this matter can be settled
within the v-Jbcaatials Committee, but 14 for some reason it 4s not, we
trust that f. least U delegates from 8 States share our strong feeling and file a adnerlty resort so that the full ooaveatiSS GSM waste its will. I
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WHAT IS THE CITIZENS' COUNCIL DOING? IT IS • Preserving Racial Segregation, and maintaining • Taking the South's Story to the Nation on TV the rights of states, local communities and in and radio through weekly Citizens' Council Forum dividual citizens to govern themselves, free from programs scheduled on hundreds of stations from Federal tyranny and coercion. coast to coast, which feature interviews with Senators, Congressmen and other national leaders. • Leading the Resistance Movement against the • Forming Strong Organizational Ties, by banding race-mixers, and keeping advocates of racial strife together NjjcaI Citizens' Councils into county, out of many communities. state and national organizations for mutuaj con sultation, advice and coordination. • Protecting Our Sacred Heritage cf Freedom from those who would submit free Americans to • Distributing Literature on all aspects of the race thought control, and who constantly utilize the question, sending millions of copies to all parts national communications media as propaganda of the nation outlets in their frenzied attempts to force Ameri • Conducting an Educational Program in high cans into a totalitarian pattern of regimentation schools and colleges, including an annual essay and conformity. contest and the formation of youth groups. • Bringing Together groups of patriotic men and • Corresponding with thousands of supporters in women dedicated to the principles of individual every state and many foreign countries. freedom of choice and racial purity. • .Accomplishing much on a limited budget, and demonstrating conclusively that the movement's • Organizing Local Citizens' Councils on a grass continued growth and success is limited only by roots basis, with recognized community leader the financial support received. ship for each autonomous group. ' Making a Record of Achievement of which all • Providing Speakers for Council meetings, civic can be justly proud, getting the most out of and patriotic groups, legislative and executive every dollar, and mobilizing solid community re bodies, schools, colleges and conventions. sistance to forced integration. • Proving again and again, day by day, that with • Preserving Our Social and Economic Order by adequate financing, we can and will win this acting quietly and without fanfare, effectively fight! and responsibly, to prevent racial strife. • Urging YOU to Join the Fight — to join with • Molding Public Opinion through the movement's others who are dedicated to the preservation of official publication, The Citizen, a monthly the white race—and to give your moral and magazine with nationwide circulation which is financial support to help conduct the kind of the authoritative source of information on the thorough, aggressive and sustained campaign Council movement's plans and policies. needed to WIN!
For additional information contact your local Council office or:
P. O. BOX 4684 CITIZENS' COUNCIL DALLAS 6, TEXAS FIVE-POINT ACTION PROGRAM
t Prevent Race-Mixing. Racial integrity is es sential to civilization and liberty. The fate of the white man (and woman) in the Congo and other new African nations is a stern warning! J Avoid Violence. Experience has proved that where integration occurs, violence becomes in evitable. Peaceful operation of segregated schools in the South proves that social separation of the races is best for all concerned.
J Maintain and Restore Legal Segregation. As growing disorder in Washington, D. C, shows, if segregation breaks down the social structure breaks down. The Communists hope to achieve disintegration through integration in America!
A Defend States' Rights. The states are the source of all governmental power, local and Federal. Under the Tenth Amendment, the states have the reserved power to decide questions of segregation. Federal usurpation of any such power is a violation of the Constitution. S Reverse the "Black Monday" Decision. The Supreme Court's school integration decision of May 17, 1954 is a patent perversion of the Constitution, based on false "science." If it stands, social segregation and laws against racial intermarriage will be subject to judicial con demnation. Such a prospect is intolerable! JOIN THE CITIZENS' COUNCIL
Organization is the Key to Victory! WORK... HOPE ...PRAY FOR WHITE MONDAVI
Distributed by: JEW-COMMUNISTS BEHIND RACE MIXING Jews Behind Negroes Arthur Spingarn, the fanatical Jew at left, is President of the Na tional Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A. C.P.)- Spingarn has recently been condemned by the Un-American Activities Committee for his Communists activities. In 1955 the N.A.A.C.P. was exposed as a Red front. Yearly the N.A.A.C.P. awards the Jewish Spingarn medal to Negroes and Jews for Race-Mixing and other Communist activities. Jewish leaders daily plan Supreme Court decisions regarding Race-Mixing (Integration). The N.A.A.C.P. was founded by Joel Spingarn, Arthurs brother, who organized the first regiment of Negro army officers during World War I. Arthur Spingarn MARX has been leader of the N.A.A.C.P. since 1939 the year Joel Spingarn Jewish Founder died. Jews have always led the N.A.A.C.P. On Jan. 24th, 1961 Jewish of Communism Judge Irving R. Kaufman ruled illegal any attempt to prevent Race- Mixing. The final goal of the N.A.A.C.P. is total mongrelization of the White Race. Jews Founded Communism Pictured at left is the "father" of Communism, the Jew Karl Marx (real name Mordecai). Marx founded Communism as a modern Jewish religion for domination of the Gentile. Communism calls for the im mediate destruction of White nations. In a letter to Marx the Jew, Baruch Levy stated, "The Jewish People as a whole will be it's own SPINGARN Messiah. It will attain world domination by mixing the races and the Jewish Leader abolition of nations." In writing the Communist Manifesto Marx's of N.A.A.C.P. greatest helper was the Jew, Fredrich Engeles. All leaders of the Com munist Party in America have been Jews. The Jewish Rosenbergs were electrocuted for giving Russia information during the Korean war. Eight of the nine members of the Rosenberg spy'ting were Jews. Official photostat of Communist Party membership card calling for race-mixing, (note arrow)
*I»HTS AND DUTIIS Of FAKTY MtMfMS T* almond clufc mantlngi. ;ud Mw »»rty > and lltoratura, wy dual raduU'ly aad racfh-a on .nnalf of MM prof ram «mj pollclM »f MM 'arty. To of .11 ftawf loyally dafand ftt» totor.fti of fan wofhln9ci.n against th. forcot .f tWItm pftd raactlofi. f. Ho.it agalni* .11 form! of national op pra»tlo«, discrimination .Ml ugi-aoaHon, .nd .If IdapJoglcal l.ttttWCOl .ltd practical «f *r«ci«r ftworlw. flfkt •MMmlc .quality »t Hi. N.«r> paopla, to> ,Ha«'o aad w»IH unity. Nclpata la vorkloa out .11 policial .nd faiki of flto dab, and to ngularty ... Marvin Rich Jew head of amino Mia atocutloft of Mich policial. CORE (Congress of Racial T. commlttaat Mai doliofatn , .*d •""ftWo .lactac*f to .ay owe. or nmlftoo la accord with provisions of t»o Equality) led "Freedom Contl.tntloo. Riders" into South. v T. .ppaal .ay doclilon witti wMcti rka™ u •J dlsa.ioom.nt t» tilt a«rt Mfkar body, tarry- ia« wit ftw dacliloc. •nil. oppoal li poMflof To attlro to mastar ftt. prof 'M fdidpfca of UtnSm- !•',
gtaA^^ ^ r Ifa1 II I >*~-'JmiS^+i.
The National States Rights Party is a patriotic political Party. We are loyal White, Constitutional Americans who are working to win our goals in a 100% legal and political way. Our Party stands for:
JESUS CHRIST • A Free White America America First • Expulsion of All communists to Madagascar American Patriotism • Upholding U. S. Constitution NO world government • Freedom of Speech and Press Abolition of United Nations • Only White Christian Immigration No More Foreign Give-aways • Free Enterprise and High Wages Racial Separation and for giving all Africans in America a rich Country of their own in Africa. 1865 Bessemer Rd. Birmingham, Alabama Jew, Nicholas Katzenbach* led troops to force Negroes into University of Alabama. Phone ST- 6-1275 Today Whttemtn - $t*nSavage Negro attempts to take motor-bike from White student. White girl resists.
Brutal Negro knocks White girl to ground. Note grin ning and laughing Negroes on sidewalk.
Negro readies to kick White girl. Whiteman holds back Black beast and saves girl from being killed*
If the Jew and Negro race-mixers have their way the event shown here will become an every-day occurrence. Only a united and determined White folk can stop the plans of these evil Jews,, We urge White people to avoid buying from race-mixing Jew-owned stores and to hire White workers only in their businesses and homes,,
JOIN NATIONAL STATES RIGHTS PARTY 1865 Bessemer Rd, Birmingham, Alabama
This is the end result of race- Phono ST-6-1275 mixing. How long before this scene is repeated on the streets Extra Copies Of This Leaflet - 25 for $1.00 of your city? L turd KH?
August 12, 1964
WHAT IS
Mrir. LLyny inn Reynolds Waukesha Wiscons i ICIL y -\* Dear .Mr. Reynolds
I w ant to thank you for taking the trouble to send on the a ppalling literature published by fhe National States ?. ights P*rty and The Citizens' Council. Although it is sc andalous material, it is protected from govern- mental s uppsession by the very same Supreme Court which these pe ople vilify at every opportunity. The Court has held tha t group libel statutes must be construed very strictly to protect the paramount right of free speech. The effe ct of these decisionssis to safeguard the right of miiit ant segregationists to continue their preaching, as long as they do not openly and directly agitate people to acts of violence.
I am glad that you have asked for a copy of the Civil Rights Bill. I am enclosing a copy as it was signed by the President. I hope this i»useful to yo$, and once again I want to thank you for taking the time to write.
Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress ^4
RWK.mma
Enclosure
» AUG 1 ? 1964 708 Avenue "N" Greenwood, Miss. the 17th of August Hon. Robert Kastenmeir House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Kastenmeir, Having lived with some of the realities of Mississippi this summer as a "Freedom School" teacher in Greenwood, Miss., I wrtie to you to urge you to support the seating of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and to refuse to accept the credentials of the regular Democratic Party. I have watched the Freedom Democratic Party grow from below the "block captain" level to the state convention to which every county sent a delegation. I have watched Mis<-"— sissippi Negroes on all levels eagerly enter the political processes again for the first time since late in the last century x*ien violence and terrorism and then laws snatched away all political power from the Negro, even that inherent in the right to vote. They have nox-r organized a real political party open to everyone which finds itself in very close accord with the policies of President Johnson and the platform of the Nation al Democratic Party. It will vigorously support both in the coming election. Neither of these things can be said of the regular Mississippi Democratic Party. They are not Democrates in any ~way except by historical connection. They support neither the candidates of the national party nor the con gressional program of the party. They maintain their connection with the national party only because it enables them to wield enormous national political power through the congressional committees they head. To recognize the title "Democratic" attached to this party which refuses to allow almost half the population to have anything to say about how they are governed would be hypocrisy. To turn your back I hope that you as a member of the credentials com mittee will vote to accept the Freedom Democratic Party' s credentials as the real Democratic Party in the state of Mississippi or at the very least vote to send it to the floor of the convention for a roil call vote. The courageous Mississippi people here who have risked much, including their lives, need your help. ease
Sincerely, p,.
\3s—-^ \OsJU -»._.. Thomas M. Power ?8l5 S. Delaware Milwaukee, T«'5.s. 1^JCUAI RS
August 2£, 1964
Mr. Thomas M. Power 2815 S. Delaware Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Power: On the eve of my departure for Atlantic City, I want to assure you of ray active interest and support in the Ftrtiedom Democratic Party. As a member of the Credentials Committee, I am going to do all that I can to make sure that the Freedom Deaocratic Party delegates have the fullest pssticable representation. Your strong letter of support was greatly appreciated. Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK:mma
„d be 1016 Hossley » x0 ,at* Vicksburg, Miss. August 13,1964
I aa writing you to urge your tup; ort for the redosnition an seating of the freedom ^emocr.itic •'arty. 1 am basing ®y request on ay sincere desire to see unit/ in the Democratic Party. As you know the regular Deaocrutic Delegation fro® Mississippi has not , in the p&et, supported the platform or caa&iate© ml the Hational Democratic tvvrty. ihe rreedom Democratic Party has pledged, full support of the Rational Democratic Party , if they are seated. In order to assure a Democratic victory in 1964 it is essential to work vita thos* democratic who are concerned with the goals of the National Democratic Party. I aa eaclosin sows materiale that will be of Interest to you concerning this topic. Myself and #00,000 dieeafr&nchiEod Ne&ros in this state await your committees decision. All we ask is the right to become voting members of the Democratic party.
Sincerely,
&aily Gordon
<, ^ August 21, 1964
Miss Emily Gordon 1016 Hossley Vicksburg, Mississippi Dear Miss Gordon: I am very grateful for your letter of August 13. I warns, to assure you of my active support for the seating of the Fveedom Democratic Party. As a Member of the Credentials Committee of the National Convention, I will be traveling to Atlantic City within the next few hours to express my position in that crucial body. I am very hopeful that the FDP's bid to be recognized will be honored by Convention if the Credentials Committee files a recommendation to that effect. Sincerely yours, •
ROBERT V. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKimma WILLIAM G. RICE 2212 HILLINGTON GREEN IbAUgUSt 1964 MADISON 5, WISCONSIN "
AUG 1 9 1964 Dear Bob, The time has come to beat out segregation irom all the institutions where it still persists. I think it would be wholly beneficial to seat thee Freedom Democrats from Mississippi no matter who walks out of the conven tion. Hope you will vote to accept their credntialw however irregular. Yours, WILLIAM G. RICE 2212 HILLINGTON GREEN MADISON 5, WISCONSIN -iUgUBt 19
"J64 August 28, 1964 all the institut sou] be wholly beneficial to seat tl .o m er who walks out of the conven Hope you der irregular. Mr. William G. Rice 2212 Hillington Green Madison 5, Wisconsin Dear Bill, Just a note to thank you for your support of the Freedom Democratic Party at the Convention. I will be going to Atlantic City in a few hours as a member of the Credaatials Committee where this matter may be decided. I will certainly bp active on behalf of the Freedom Democratic Party and attempt to get the most favorable arrangement for them. Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK:mma AUR 1 9 '3S4 Augustl8, 1964
The Honorable Robert Kastenmeier House Office Building Washington D.C. Dear Mr. Kastenmeier:
We are hoping against hope that the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party will be accepted by the Credent ials Committee. We know you will do all you can to see that this happens. It will a breath of new hope across the land, an indication that we can face up to a major revolutionary situation with seasonable and moderate means, and forstall any violence!
We mistakenly sent a wire to you and to Mrs. Hakkes at Atlantic City and hope it was not lost having been sent to the wrong place at this time.
I have a further concern, but because I know how completely absorbed you are with the Convention, I shall include it on a separate paper, and hope you will have fce time to read it later .
With best wishes and many thanks Very sincerely .
Elizabeth Link 1111 Willow Lane Madison Wisconsin August 24, 1964
Mrs. Elizabeth Link 1111 Willow Lane Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mrs. Link: On the eve of my departure for Atlantic City, I want to assure you of my active interest and support in the Freedom Democratic Party. As a member of the Credentials Committee, I am going to do all that I can to make sure that the Freedom Democratic Party delegates have the fullest praticable representation. Your strong letter of support is appreciated, and I will talk to Mrs. Hawkes about this asasoon as possible.
Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK:mma 2210 Aspen Rd. Madison, "Wis. 53711 August 19, 1964 Governor John Reynolds Chairman, Wisconsin Delegation Convention Hall Atlantic City, N.J. Dear Governor Reynolds: As Chairman of the Wisconsin Delegation at the Democratic National Convention next week I want to urge you to support the seating of the Mississippi Freedom Partypelegation. I feel that the November election will be a crucial and very historically sig nificant election. Because of the numerous events that have occurred in the South, but particularly in Mississippi, since the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill, the Democratic Party should take a very strong stand on the civil rights issue in the coming Presidential campaign. Racial injustices must be legally redressed, not only as a means of ending racial violence, but because racial equality is basic to our concept of a democracy. Sincerely yours, MrS; Lucille H\ Finney L-&Utk
Mrs. Finney A leptember 3, 1964 f\ ,Jj^^ Page 2 • CMrs. Lucille H. Finney 2210 Aspen Road Madison, Wisconsin 53711 Dear Mrs. Finney:
At the recent Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, Governor Reynolds passed your letter of August 19 on to roe as a Wisconsin dele gate to the Credentials Committee. I am taking the liberty of answering it, although on my own behalf, not Governor Reynold's.
As you know by now, a small number of us on the Credentials Committee made the strongest fight we could in order that the Democratic Freedom Party could be recognized and seated at the Convention. I cannot say that the final compromise was satis factory, although our action caused not only post poned accreditation for a day but also the seating of two members of the Freedom delegation as full, voting at-large delegates tc the Convention. I felt that the Green proposal to seat both contesting delegations who had pledged support to the Partyjs nominees was the most equitable. We did not, however, prevail and, accordingly, filed minority views with the Convention.
I, as one citizen, hope that the Mississippi Democratic Freedom Party, having returned to its state, will continue its struggle and I hope that one day it will either be the dominant party in that state or that the party through their efforts will h have become a truly unsegregated, free, progressive, and democratic one. Mrs. Finney September 3, 1964 Page 2
Personally, I am grateful for your support and the support of the Wisconsin Democratic dele gation at the Convention. I hope our efforts have not been in vain.
With best wishes. Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
R WK J mm a First Congregational Church MEMBER OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND BREESE TERRACE Madison 5, Wisconsin
CHURCH OFFICE- 1609 UNIVERSITY AVE., CEDAR 3-9751 FELLOWSHIP HOUSE FOR STUDENTS - 303 LATHROP ST., CEDAR 3-6815
REV. ALFRED W. SWAN, D. D. REV. EDWARD E. BEATTY MINISTER ASSISTANT MINISTER 121 BASCOM PLACE 2117 CHADBOURNE AVENUE CEDAR 3-1045 CEDAR 8-7288 REV. GALE A. WOLF REV. KENNETH A. FRIOU MINISTER OF EDUCATION CAMPUS MINISTER 219 LATHROP STREET 609 NORTH MEADOW LANE CEDAR 3-1203 CEDAR 8-1017
August 19, 196^ ... reel A. Rlsser, ':. 1 E LQtl| Democ ra fcic Coxiv#a bIon, ,ic City| N.J. Dear gred, Just; 1 blifc of tree advice from one constituent here: 1. Make it ire? For Vice ... Re is competent; he hJti tamed lta on it 'oraestlc front and in foreign affairs, in both of which ha Is kno ] and courageous. thy ai bert Kennedy on She teas eo-aevhere. Both ere valu. strong . 3« Horlc for platfona stetements supporting social aelfaw and anil-coverty ie,- islation. Don't hesitate to speak of social concern end cir.il rights, strongly* t. gem to handle the teo delegations from ! .tssisstpp.t, % don't know. ','" It mrm -ossible., t*d admit I m both nd give each delegate half a vote. T-Tl"f r vo: d? Alfred T^. Svnm Copy to: \ The Hon. Robert Kastenmeier. First Congregational Church I MEMBER OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST UNIVgMin AVENUE AND BRCKSE TERRACE Madison 5, Wisconsin
CH> '«O0 UNIVERSITY AVE., CEDAR 3-9751 CEDAR 3-6818 September 3, 1964
OALI REV. MINISTER Ol 219 609 CEOAft CEDAR 8-1 Reverend Alfred W. Swan 121 Bascom Place Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Reverend Swan: D Just a no te to thank you for your letteer ttoo me during the Dem ocratic National Convention. I trust the outcome wa s encouraging to you on a number of th points which y ou raised. lly was disappointed in the final corn- I persona * promise on the Mississippi question because it ffoui-dh- not give the F reedom Party voting rights as represen tatives of the State of Mississippi. 3ut the ground work was laid for future conventions to bar delegate s from racist st ate parties, and I am hopeful that we can implement this achievement before the next National Convention.
Your interes* in the Wisconsin Delegation's position at the convention was timely and appreciated. Thanks again for writing. Sincerely yours,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK.mma PO Box 30 Indianola, Miss. Sept. 25, 196k
Mr. Thomas Pi Alder Legislative Assistant Congressman Kastenmeier House of Representatives Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Tom:
I hope I'm not sending you on a wild-goose^hase again, but could you see if the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture issued any kind of directive prohibiting discrimination in the county extension service. There may have been something of this sort issued as a routine response to the Civil Rights Act.
We might like to do something about the segregated county extension service here and we'll need to know what the Department's regulations are on this.
I greatly appreciate your helpI
With warmest regards,
Sincerely, nh
Miriam Cohen SKCC field staff September 3D , 1964
Miss Miriam Cohen SNCC Field Staff P. C. Box 30 India&ola, Mississippi Dear Miriam: It was good to hear from you again. I understand from Jim and Lenore that you were not involved in the recent arrests in Indianola, which relieves me. I think I answered your most recent question about a month ago when I talked the matter over with the Chief Counsel of USDA. I will check again, although I*m almost certain that the Title VI regulations are still in a state of preparation. Keep in touch. Sincerely,
THOMAS P. ALDER , Legislative Assistant TPA:mk V
Sept. 29, 1964 4628 Main Street Downer1 Sr0ve, 111. Bditor, Chic go Amerieaa 45 No. . eh 0 11, 111. Six-: Republic-ens nd Democrats excel each other in critiring "violence in the street," Both are reticent about violence in the South g Inst Negroes no. white civil righ rk . This ia not spoken of in the campaign speeches, 1 s it vmelin the platforae. Crimea against whites hare been BB cverst. tement of the truth. IT wasn't until angry Hegroee thre bottles . n- oricks at police :nu I rice driven but of the areri$h : cour :.e the New Yo.. papers. The body/bf a ISegro CO irkar • niched out of the Big Blaek Hirer near Piekens, Has., -Jept.9 with very Xlttlc said bout it. Church burnings hare been frequent, An Indirn Church burned down'md a Negre church w a bombed Sept. 19* ne.r Philadelphia, Hiss. The-e irs that printed the rtlele UJ those that did placed it in their back papes. Two days later, bomb--- ore thrown t . poh In lfeCastb. Kiss., aad into a house then ellldren whoSojrY ELiriele exeaped daath, these did not ash* headlines. Seuthera white bombers illera re not . unished, £he murder of the three civil rights worl lagtt MMMr naar Philadelphia , STiss. har 11 not bee-: red. Lemuel Pane shot by XXaaeBen la la hai cqultted, Medg lller is still free. fee young Negroes had their heads cut off and their bedlea throws in the Tasee river in Ilea. lest spring. Ie*t it aheat time our four caadldatas for President nd Vic Presidents s._oke out against these crininrl actions.
Yours truly , / June Raskins CC: Hon. Robert W. Kastenmeier H^UZpL',*?^? Mankind
Wl ith Peace j^-^^ ^C^yL^ $-0-^ ^A^*J and
WOMEN FOR PEACE Painting by DIANA GORDON -Rv 1 > '•s>>i (V f* L~> V
• ^ PS 0 * w is SL 9 % r«
Miss June Haskins 4628 Meln itreet Downers Grove, Illinois Dear Miss Haskins: \">" Many thanks for your lovely card and your encouraging support for my position on the dissemination of nuclear weapons. This issue will cone to a head again early next year when the Administration is scheduled to submit the proposed multi lateral force treaty. I, with a group of fellow congressmen, am suggesting to the President that he defer a decision on the multilateral force until Congress can adequately inform itself about its implications. Pest assured that I will con tinue to treat this matter as urgent and potentially very hazardous to the peace of the world. >^ 1 * Finally, let me thank you for sending on a copy of your recent letter to the Chicago American. I share your concern over the inadequate press attention given to the breakdown of law and order in southwest Mississippi. I am enclosing a copy of a letter which a group of congressmen recent sent to the President on this question. It has helped, evidently, to re- focus the nation's eyes on our most gruesome sore spot. Once again, my gratitude for your interest and your comments. Sincerely, * •». -a X \|M ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWK:mka Enclosure D IjplHMI 1% MM WILLIAM F. RYAN 1517 NEW HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON 25, D.C. 20TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK CAPITOL 4-3121, EXT. 6616 .£_ -fc-ja-,*:!*, fmm ^m&AliJim. fisaiPiirii IlliP £& tlM £fattSai COMMITTEE: DISTRICT OFFICE: SCIENCE AND ASTRONAUTICS Congress of tfte ®mteb States 1040 ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE (AT 163RD STREET) , NEW YORK 32, NEW YORK 31 otitfe of EepreSentatiues ADIRONDACK 4-6900 lasfoinaton, 23. C. PRQK
September 30, 1964
the President The White House AN 0PBN LETTER t^ Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President:
The break dawn of lav and order in the State of Mississippi, particularly since June of this year when the Mississippi Summer Project launched an intensified civil rights drive, has been of continuing and Increasing concern to us.
On June 15th many of us joined In a lettgr to the Attorney General signed by fourteen Members of Congress which urged that Federal marshals be assigned to Mississippi to prevent violence. On June 16th in speeches on the Floor of the House several of us warned of violence aad the grave danger civil rights workers would be facing. Within days this warning became a ghastly reality. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, aad Michael Schwerner were brutally murdered.
Several of us have visited the State and made specific recom mendations to the Department of Justice based upon our first hand findings. Several of us have spoken on the Floor of the House and elsewhere concerning the deprivation of constitutional rights in Mississippi and the violence perpetrated against those who are working to secure those rights. Recently a group of us held an Informal hearing with citizens of McCoob, Mississippi, whose homes had been bombed.
Throughout this period all of us have been concerned constantly over the deplorable situation in Mississippi. We have met frequently with each other and with officials of the Department of Justice and representatives of civil rights organisations. We know of the violence, terror, and intimidation that has taken place aad continues to take place in Mississippi.
The nation's attention was briefly focused en the ruthless murder of three young civil rights workers in Neshoba County • a murder that is still unsolved. Not so well known is the fact that during this summer and to this date there have been several hundred arrests, scores of beatings and bombings, and countless lesser intimi dations and harassments of those courageous Individuals who have joined .w, iwm eseie iatfeCosd of churches, homes and i.) Othe*. i.ca i. All of these acts ware perpetrated against those who partici pated, or aided, la voter registration sad other civil rights activity. » *vIwiwv llaM DOC .LG*vA0 Xy UUIWiaO 8laQCw vHM w- dMp«aTvMO • this is particularly tree la
is clearly not being maintained. There la no in civil rights activity. The F.S.I. the organised aombiags and other acta of terror
violence aad bloodshed la Hiesissippj lea lamentation of at least the £0
1. A seastve permanent increase in the awsfter of F.S.I.
2. The opening of branch offices of the F.S.I. with first priority to the
3. A full F.1.1. report concerning the violence ia
w^MMiW VWBI^^I^WSW" e w *e,^»«p'isViPie* a**r e»*wp ipeWp^PWMbp eraiMpaiiMS wfc ***»» e^s-Hs la the North.
asf strict eaforcement of IS O.S.C. 241, IS U.S.C. 242, 18 U.S.C. 387 aad other federal statutes applicable to acts of violence and intimidation intended to etlttttloaal rights.
5. The convening of s special Federal Grand Jury District of Kississippi to investigate the conmecticms boa local lav enforcement officials aad the boaeiaga aad other of violence In Southwest Hiaalaaippi. 6. The establishment of a branch offlea of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice m Mississippi.
7. The opening of a branch office of the Service ia Mtssissipi't* la Mississippi. -mi AER 1% HU335- -s. f> uJWS ri 6.12 bIdrat£x Hon. Robert Kastenmeier, M. G. VvATERTOWN, Wisconsin
USA PAR AVION
'LLfbU! blip J
EX PEDITEUR —SENDER —ft bnipn
Pr>of. Anatoole Beck
14 Rehov Tel-Hai
i 12- QATOMOH, Jerusalem Zl > i a E I t .n z ! 3 u XJ .I^IIK IKI-Q 3n3Kj sw ^'"lyn owirricr n~
• -^gmiiair""" ~ ~>gtyw.W OCT-12 1964 \u^'
6 October I96I4.. Dear Mr. Kastenmeier: I am wilting you, in the middle of your campaign for re-elction, to suggest to y^u some legislation for your next term of office, which I am confident you will win. You probably do not remember that I wrote you some months ago expressing concern over the inability of the United States government to protect the lives of American citizens in Mississippi, where the "law" acts as cover
for the most notorious acts of murder and violence. u I wonder if perhaps the spectacle of the acquitals in the Penn murder trials, the lack of indictment in the Philadelphia murders, the sorry spectacle of the Beckwith case have not brought the American public to the point of agreeeing that murder incident to the deprivation cf civil rights should be a Federal crime (as murc.er incident to postal robbery is?), with similar provisions for arson, felonious assault, fefec. Certainly, the prospect that Sherrif Rainey might pay $ loco and spend one year in jail for all his crimes is very poor reassurance of the ability of trie Federal government to provide equal protection of the laws to its citizens. Hoping your campaign will leave you time enough to read this, and wishing you again the very best of luck, I am Yours very truly, )
Anatole Beck.
'5rv. October 15, 1964
Professor Anatole Beck 14 Rehov Tel-Hal Qatomon, Jerusalem Dear Professor Beck: Your letter of October 6 not only arrived in record time, but also shows that the Israeli newspapers are surprisingly good in their coverage of the American civil rights question. I think you would find widespread agreement that violent crimes against those exercising "protected" civil rights ought to be made a federal crime. The Justice Department, including Mr. Burke Marshall, does not seem anxious to get this sort of law. The feeling is that Southern juries in either federal or state courts would be unlikely to convict. Although this is not true throughout the South, it is probably a fair, if dismaying, com mentary on jury behavior in areas like southwest Mississippi. I recently joined with seventeen other congressmen in outlining an eight-point program for Mississippi, which was then communi cated to the President. The thrust of our suggestions went to the question of extreme, and unpunished, violence. Since that time, there have been arrests for federal crimes. Although the punishment may be grossly idsproportionate to the deed, conviction in any of these cases would serve to dispel the myth of invulnera bility which has surrounded Southern law enforcement officials. There may, however, be an opportunity for stronger criminal legis lation in the next Congress. There is no lack of proposals; it is just that effective enforcement has seemed unlikely, and even Congressional passage has been in doubt to this time. It was good to hear from you; I hope that by the time you return to this country we will have made further progress in neutraliz ing the ignorance and hatred in many parts of the Southland. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
RWK:mka Enclosures VI.
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Mr. Ivan Soil Philosophy Department University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Soils Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrerism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKsmka ,
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William Schmelzer School Sisters of Notre Dame 129 West Gorham Street Madison, Wisconsin Dear William: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness In southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
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Mr. Peter J. Ruin 145 Iota Court Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Ruin: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi aire safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
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IP Mr. Michael Wright 529 State Street Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Wright: Your excellent letter of October 16 states as clearly as I have ever seen one of the key problems in extending federal c^u^rotecticn to civil rights activity. In Mississippi the apparent complicity of the FBI in several instances where local law enforcement has broken down underscores the generally ineffective role that the Bureau has played in the race issue. I have discussed this with Department of Justice officials on several occasions, and I credit them with a careful under standing of the problem, although nat with a great deal of Initiative in correcting it. We are presently in the process of trying to improve FBI effectiveness and the enclosed letter to President Johnson documents one step in our efforts. Rest assured that this will continue as an active issue between now and the opening ot the 89th Congress. Thank you for your interest and your very accurate comment. ••-,'"-•- aMtfehf 4 Sincerely, ^ ^^V****^^^.^/^ j%4
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j^JU' Miss Sue Phillips School Sisters of Notre Dame 129nWest Cjorham Street Madison, Wisconsin rear Miss Phillips: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwestMississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in ovstest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have Ion* sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. JL I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to acnieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of tnese suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to Initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and 1 will continue to seels more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter nntil all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
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Mr. Jim Hett 911 West Johnson Street Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Hett: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a t*me when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to Initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persona and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
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Peter Gallagher School Sisters of Notre Dame 129 West Gorham Street Madison, Wisconsin Dear Peter: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a tiiue when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heattened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been actod upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWK.mka ft Stbaol listers of £>"otre fame j^S^ 129 West (Snrlyam Street y>*J ^AjbdJlAyz>€X>C *^ r« »f Jfotre f »me 129 Went ®otliasit #treet ^labisoH 3, BHstensin
October 23, 1964
Mary Corcoran School Sisters of Notre Dame 129 West Gorham Street Malison, Wisconsin j<&*C. Dear Miss Corcoran: O JXJ QATVCU Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its fttends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. yx I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
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Ellyn Zeier 4213 Major Avenue Madison, Wisconsin DearMMiss Zeier: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi,and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I haveamet with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress intake 129 Hest (Sorlram Afreet jHaMsott 3, aJw»«w«tt
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Miss Barbara Blrrenkott School Sisters of Notre Dane 129 West Gorham Street Maiison, Wisconsin Dear Miss Blrrenkott: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi cones at a time when many are raising their voices inpprotest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W„ KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWK:mka js, Selfool Sisters of iNotre fame 129 West (Sotlram street JflaMson 3, Wisconsin
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Miss Frances Accardo School Sisters of Notre Dame 129 West Gorham Street Madison, Wisconsin Dear Miss Accardo: Your recent letter regarding the outbreakkof lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a tiiae when many are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settleuSntof racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENP.4E IER Member of Congress
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Glenn Blrrenkott, Jr. School Sisters of Notre Dame 129 West Gorhaa Street Madisou, Wisconsin Dear Glenn: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a aioae when many are raising their voices in protest io this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long Bought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent *> the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these •iifieetioiai have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase ia the number ation officials frequently during this crisis, and 1 will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWKsmka Selrool Sisters of iNotre fame 129 West (Sorlfam Street jlabison 3, Wistonsin fc
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,/***- Sister Mary Josette School Sisters of Notre 129 West Gorham Street Madison, Wisconsin%***"• Dear Sistor: ^ Your recent letter and those of your students protesting the outbreak cf lawlessness in southwest Mississippi are ^•v^^Lindeed heartening to those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends, and I wish to espress my thanks for your interest and for wilting. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threateaed by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I hive met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federal action set out along the lines in the letter until all citizen© of Mississippi are safe in their persona and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your interest and your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress
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Mr. Bradley Clark 109 East Itakeside Drive Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr* Clark: Just a note to thank you for your recent letter and your support far my public record. I am enclosing a copy of a letter sent by a number of Congressmen to the President on October 1, setting out a rudimentary program for greater federal involvement in the state of Mississippi. Throughout this past summer, I fre quently met with Justice Department officials, seeking a more substantial federal protection, and I must say that I'm still not convinced that they have done all that they could. New legislation may be called for during the next session of Congress, but the points set out in our October 1 letter pro vide what we believe is a bare outline for realistic federal activity aimed at reducing or eliminating racial tensions in Mississippi. Again, many thanks for writing. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member *f Congress RWK:mka Enclosure OCT 2 0 1984
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Mr. Gary Cole 150 Iota Court Madison, Wisconsin Dear Mr. Cole: Your recent letter regarding the outbreak of lawlessness in southwest Mississippi comes at a time when many ia- the North are raising their voices in protest to this outrage. Those of us in Congress who have long sought greater federal protection for the Negro community and its friends can only welcome this interest and feel heartened by it. I'm enclosing a copy of a letter sent to the President earlier this month, outlining an eight-point program to protect the lives, property, and rights of those threatened by terrorism in Mississippi, and to achieve a long-range settlement of racial strife there. Some of these suggestions have been acted upon, notably the request for an increase in the number of FBI personnel. Others will take longer because they are more difficult to initiate. I have met with high Administration officials frequently during this crisis, and I will continue to seek more decisive federatiaction set out along the lines in the letter until all citizens of Mississippi are safe in their persons and secure in their federal rights. Once again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely,
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER Member of Congress RWK:mka
