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1956, in which these hearings were set up by action of the full committee.

Rather than read these I will paraphrase them. The full committee in these minutes agreed to hold hearings on all civil rights and constitutional-rights bills before the Judiciary Committee whether in subcommittee or not

The CHAIRMAN. We can't take up a bill that is before Senator Kefauver's committee.

Mr. YOUNG. The right of Senator Kefauver is reserved to inform the committee whether he would release the poll-tax amendment which is presently pending before his committee.

The CHAIRMAN. That is right.

Senator HENNINGS. Mr. Chairman, I believe that the discussion in the minutes of April 16, 1956, is of sufficient interest-the minutes are very brief, and I would like to request that Mr. Young read the entire proceedings into the record, if there are no objections, so we will know how we arrived at this point.

The CHAIRMAN. That may be done.

Mr. YOUNG (reading):

Résumé of the action taken by the full Judiciary Committee at a regular meeting held on Monday, April 16, 1956, in room 424, Senate Office Building.

The committee convened at 10:40 a. m., Senator Eastland (chairman) presiding.

Present: Senator Eastland, chairman; Senator Johnston; Senator Hennings; Senator McClellan; Senator Daniel; Senator O'Mahoney; Senator Neely; Senator Wiley; Senator Langer; Senator Watkins; Senator Dirksen; Senator Welker; Senator Butler.

Senator Hennings then requested permission to discuss four civil-rights bills pending on the agenda, namely, S. 900, to declare certain rights of all persons and for the protection of such persons from lynching; H. R. 5205, to extend to the members of the Armed Forces the same protection against bodily attack as is now granted to personnel of the Coast Guard; S. 903, to protect the right to political participation; and S. 902, to reorganize the Department of Justice for the protection of civil rights.

Senator Hennings stated that there are a number of bills pending before the committee coming under the general classification of civil-rights legislation. The Senator from Missouri stated that the Attorney General had announced his program before the House Judiciary Committee. Senator Hennings also mentioned that the four bills above referred to have been favorably reported by the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee.

Senator HENNINGS. On what date?

Mr. YOUNG. It wasn't said in the meeting at that time, but I have the date, and it may come in later.

Senator HENNINGS. Would you give us the date?

Mr. YOUNG. Yes, sir.

Senator HENNINGS. I think that you will find that it was February 9. I may be mistaken.

The CHAIRMAN. March 9, wasn't it?

Mr. YOUNG. Here it is.

March 9, 1956. S. 902 was reported on March 9, 1956, reported by the subcommittee to the full committee.

Senator HENNINGS. Mr. Chairman, I think we will find that the bills were voted and reported out of the committee and thereafter the reports were reported out.

Mr. Smithey had charge of the matter at that time.

What were those dates?

Mr. WEST. As I remember, it was February 9. But I think at that time the subcommittee met and made the decision on it. But they are reported later. I think that is where the confusion came from. Mr. YOUNG. Are you talking about the action date of the subcommittee or the date the full committtee brought them in?

Senator HENNINGS. I am asking for the date the subcommittee reported the bill.

Mr. YOUNG. I don't have that date, sir. I have just the date of reporting them in.

Senator HENNINGS. Mr. Smithey was at that time in charge.
Mr. WEST. I just have them in my mind.

Mr. YOUNG. Ask Mr. Smithey to come in.

Senator HENNINGS. If Mr. Smithey will come and supply the date of the previous proceedings, I would appreciate it. I would like to have the record reflect those dates.

What are those dates?

Mr. DAVIS. I have a notation from Mr. Smithey dated February 23, 1956. It is stated:

By direction of the Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights, Senator Hennings, chairman, the following bills have been ordered reported to the full committee: S. 900, S. 903, H. R. 5205.

And under date of March 3, 1956, I have a further notation from Mr. Smithey stating:

At its meeting in Senator Hennings' office yesterday the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee ordered reported favorably S. 902, to reorganize the Department of Justice for the protection of civil rights.

Senator HENNINGS. Then the first bills were reported on the 23d of February?

Mr. DAVIS. Yes, sir.

Senator HENNINGS. And the one relating to reorganization of the Department of Justice and providing that there be substituted for the Constitutional Rights Section a Division on Civil Rights? Mr. YOUNG. Yes, sir.

The CHAIRMAN. Proceed, Mr. Young.

Mr. YOUNG (reading):

Senator Watkins asked whether hearings have been held on any of these bills. Senator Hennings stated that no hearings have been held; that back in the 83d Congress there were discussions on various phases of legislation of this character, although no bills were reported at that time. However, in connection with the bills now pending before the Judiciary Committee, no hearings have been held.

The chairman then stated that he has received numerous requests from many sources who are anxious to be heard on these various bills.

Senator Watkins then stated that inasmuch as the subject of civil rights is of such tremendous importance and it seemed to him that all members of the committeee should be given an opportunity to attend the hearings-that he would move that all civil rights legislation be combined and that the full committee have an opportunity to attend the hearings on the general subject of civil rights. Senator Hennings stated that he would have no objection to such action.

Senator Dirksen then stated that the old Civil Rights Subcommittee held hearings on a number of legislative proposals; that now there are various constitutional proposals before the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee; also, the other day Senator Kefauver held a hearing on a resolution submitted by Senator Holland, Senate Joint Resolution 29, the poll tax amendment. Senator Dirksen was wondering whether all these proposals couldn't be lumped together and have one general hearing on the whole question of civil rights.

Senator Watkins then stated that he would accept Senator Dirksen's suggestion as an amendment to his original motion.

It was agreed, however, that the chairman be authorized to contact Senator Kefauver to see if the Senator was agreeable to having the full committee consider Senate Joint Resolution 29 with these other bills.

Senator Watkins then renewed his motion that all bills dealing with the general subject of civil rights be lumped together into one hearing-including Senate Joint Resolution 29 if agreeable to Senator Kefauver-and that such hearing shall be held by the full committee.

Senator Watkins' motion was seconded and carried. No date was set of such hearing.

I offer that in evidence, Mr. Chairman.

The CHAIRMAN. Proceed.

Mr. YOUNG. Next I have a list of the civil rights bills before the Judiciary Committee at the present time, including all subcommittees. I will read this list.

Senate Joint Resolution 29, an amendment to the Constitution relative to qualification of electors.

That is mentioned here reserving Senator Kefauver's right to object. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8, establishing a Joint Committee on Civil Rights.

S. 900, to declare certain rights of all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States, and for the protection of such persons from lynching, and for other purposes.

S. 902, to reorganize the Department of Justice for the protection of civil rights.

S. 903, protection of the right of political participation.

S. 904, to strengthen the laws relating to convict labor, peonage, slavery, and involuntary servitude.

S. 905, to amend and supplement existing civil rights statutes.

S. 906, to establish a Commission on Civil Rights in the executive branch of the Government.

S. 907, to protect the civil rights of individuals by establishing a Commission on Civil Rights in the executive branch of the Government, a Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and a Joint Congressional Committee on Civil Rights, to strengthen the criminal laws protecting the civil rights of individuals, and for other purposes.

S. 1089, to extend to uniform members of the Armed Forces the same protection against bodily attack as is now granted to personnel in the Coast Guard.

S. 3415, to establish a Federal Commission on Civil Rights and Privileges; to promote observance of the civil rights of all individuals; and to aid in eliminating discrimination in employment because of race, creed, or color.

S. 3604, to provide for an additional Assistant Attorney General.

S. 3605, to establish a Bipartisan Commission on Civil Rights in the executive branch of the Government.

H. R. 5205, to extend to members of the Armed Forces the same protection against bodily attack as is now granted to personnel of the Coast Guard.

I offer that in evidence, Mr. Chairman, as the bills now pending before the committee.

Mr. YOUNG. Next I offer in evidence before the committee copies of all the civil rights bills before the committee, with departmental reports, where available, and other substantiating data.

Senate Joint Resolution 29, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, relating to the qualification of the electors, the poll tax bill, introduced January 26, 1955, by Mr. Holland, Mr. Smathers, et al.

Referred February 7, 1955, to Constitutional Amendments Subcommittee. Report requested from the Attorney General on February 22, 1955, but not as yet received.

Public hearing held April 11, 13, 1956. Public hearing conducted May 11, 1954, on Senate Joint Resolution 25 of the 83d Congress.

Senator DIRKSEN. I think, Mr. Young, there were additional cosponsors on the constitutional proposal.

Mr. YOUNG. I can read them all.

Senator DIRKSEN. I think since you are making a record it might be well to include the sponsors and cosponsors.

The CHAIRMAN. That is all right, but the bill itself shows it.
Senator DIRKSEN. Just so it finds its way into the record.
The CHAIRMAN. Read them.

Mr. YOUNG. Mr. Holland (for himself, Mr. Smathers, Mr. George, Mr. Ellender, Mr. Long, Mr. McClellan, Mr. Fulbright, Mr. Ervin, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Thurmond).

I offer that bill for the record.

Senator DIRKSEN. I believe that is the only constitutional proposal. Mr. YOUNG. Yes; that is the only one.

(S. J. Res. 29 is as follows:)

[S. J. Res. 29, 84th Cong., 1st sess.]

JOINT RESOLUTION Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, relating to the qualifications of electors

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is hereby proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States:

"ARTICLE

"SECTION 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax or to meet any property qualification.

"SEC. 2. Nothing in this article shall be construed to invalidate any provision of law denying the right to vote to paupers or persons supported at public expense or by charitable institutions.

"SEC. 3. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

Mr. YOUNG. I have here the hearings before a subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States Senate, 83d Congress, 2d session, on Senate Joint Resolution 25, May 11, 1954.

I offer that as an exhibit.

(The document referred to was received for the files of the committee.)

Mr. YOUNG. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8, establishing a joint congressional committee on civil rights. Introduced February 1, 1955, by Mr. Humphrey (for himself, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Lehman, Mr. McNamara, Mr. Langer, Mr. Magnuson, Mr. Morse, Mr. Murray, Mr. Neely, and Mr. Neuberger).

Referred February 7, 1955, to Constitutional Rights Subcommittee. Bill is still pending in subcommittee. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 would establish a joint committee on civil rights composed of seven members from each House of Congress. The duties of the joint committee would be to study matters relating to civil rights, to study means of improving respect for and enforcement of civil rights, and to advise the committees of Congress with legislative ju

risdiction over civil rights (probably the Labor, Rules, and Judiciary Committees.)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, 83d Congress, a predecessor resolution of the same import, was considered by the subcommittee on January 11, 1954, at which time the subcommittee decided action should be delayed indefinitely.

I offer Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 for the record.

(S. Con. Res. 8 is as follows:)

[S. Con. Res. 8, 84th Cong., 1st sess.]

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That there is established a Joint Committee on Civil Rights (hereinafter called the “joint committee"), to be composed of seven Members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and seven Members of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The party representation on the joint committee shall as nearly as may be feasible reflect the relative membership of the majority and minority parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.

SEC. 2. It shall be the function of the joint committee to make a continuing study of matters relating to civil rights, including the rights, privileges, and immunities secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States; to study means of improving respect for and enforcement of civil rights; and to advise with the several committees of the Congress dealing with legislation relating to civil rights.

SEC. 3. Vacancies in the membership of the joint committee shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the functions of the joint committee and shall be filled in the same manner as in the case of the original selection. The joint committee shall select a chairman and a vice chairman from among its members.

SEC. 4. The joint committee, or any duly authorized subcommittee thereof, is authorized to hold such hearings, to sit and act at such places and times, to require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, to administer such oaths, and to take such testimony, as it deems advisable. The provisions of sections 102 to 104, inclusive, of the Revised Statutes, as amended (2 U. S. C. 192, 193, 194), shall apply in case of any failure of any witness to comply with a subpena or to testify when summoned under authority of this section. Within the limitations of its appropriations, the joint committee is empowered to appoint and fix the compensation of such experts, consultants, technicians, and clerical and stenographic assistance, to procure such printing and binding, and to make such expenditures as, in its discretion, it deems necessary and advisable. The cost of stenographic services to report hearings of the joint committee, or any subcommittee thereof, shall not exceed 25 cents per hundred words.

SEC. 5. Funds appropriated to the joint committee shall be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate on vouchers signed by the chairman and vice chairman. SEC. 6. The joint committee may constitute such advisory committees and may consult with such representatives of State and local governments and private organizations as it deems advisable.

Senator JOHNSTON. Are you going to discuss these later?

Mr. YOUNG. Yes, sir.

S. 900, antilynching: A bill to declare certain rights of all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States, and for the protection of such persons from lynching, and for other purposes. Introduced February 1, 1955, by Mr. Humphrey (for himself, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Lehman, Mr. McNamara, Mr. Langer, Mr. Magnuson, Mr. Morse, Mr. Murray, Mr. Neely, and Mr. Neuberger).

Referred February 7, 1955, to Constitutional Rights Subcommittee. Reported by subcommittee to full committee February 23, 1956. The bill is pending i

'committee. No departmental reports requested.

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