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Amen Corner, Pittsburgh, April 10, 1965
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Digitized from Box D17 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The original documents are located in Box D19, folder "Amen Corner, Pittsburgh, April
10, 1965" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald
R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D17 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Amen Corner, Pittsburgh April 10, 1965
FOR EASE ON IVERY
at 8 P.M. EST., April 10, 1965
There is absolutely no
parallel between acceptance as a
member of Amen Corner and an obscure political happening in "ashington not
so long ago.
I have learned that a person never knows when, if, or how, he is to
become a member until one day he is given a hearty pat on the back and told
he is an "Amener." I am told there are no rule S to follow or test to pass.
Earlier his year on Capitol Hill I was given less than a hear ty
political pat on the back in being - elected Minority Leader of the House
by a landslide vote the count was 73 to 67.
Unlike qualifications for becoming a member of Amen Corner, there
was a test for election as Minority Leader. The way I passed it has been
described as a triumph. thers say I have a shaky mandate.
.hatever name is tagged on my smashing political victory, it shows that
GERALD FORD LIDRARY
Amen Corner
-2-
all
you need is an allegation of virtue, a moderate amount of hard work and
lots of luck.
Under An Amener never learns why he was elected to membership.
I have often questioned these past busy weeks why 73 members of the
House voted me to a position of leadership. I can think of mahy reasons
why the 67 others voted "no".
In any event, the skyrocketing victory or the nervous triumph
I achieved in January, and the unbroken record of successes since then,
have encouraged me to appear here tonight as an authority on the problems
of the oppressed minorities.
Those of you who are sports fans may know that football is my
first love. I am only a politician because of job security!
But since Michigan my alma mater beat Oregon State in the Rose
Bowl by 27 points, and, three days later Ford wallopped his opponent
by only 6 points, perhaps I chose the wrong profession!
I have often wondered where I would now be if I had accepted Curly
Lambeau's offer in 1934 to play pro ball with the Green Bay Packers
BARY
perhaps on the Supreme Court bench.
-more-
Amen Corner
-3-
It's true that the new House Republican leadership hasn't won any
spectacylar legislative successes. This has been appropriately noted
by some members of the Nation's press.
pledging to double
But, we never campaigned on a platform als
opposition
our numbers and slice the in half before November 1666 by
sleight
some strange of hand or magic.
The numbers on each side of the aisle in the House have remained
the same since November third 140 Republicans to 294 Democrats. The
odds are rough. The balance is lop-sided. But, to coin a phrase with
a little different twist "we shall overcome."
tipping you off
Before on some of our strategy to overcome king-sized
obstacles, I think you should know that what I am about to tell you
may touch off one of those raging controversies that are part and parcel of
Amen Corner's history.
debate
The
may reach the temperature of a space capsule's nose
cone, but to quote from the Genesis of Amen Corner, I hope there will be
"the same happy, smiling faces and the same warmth of handsclaps all a round,
that prevailed before the last argument."
MORE
-
Amen Corner
To give you a general idea of the overwhelming odds facing us,
I start first with the White House with all its troops who try to spoon-feed
the press and try very hard to clobber us.
The President has virtually unlimited resources for working his will
a veritable army of experts, authorities, researchers, propagandists and
the like.
He is also king pin of the branch of government that employes
21 million civilians and controls the destiny of 2 million 600 hundred
thousand military personnel. These two groups have an annual payroll
totalling 28 billion.
and together they will spend more than 127
billion tax dollars in fiscal 1966.
I wish Republicans had this
kind of campaign fund!
This awesome power and the vast apparatus, if used improperly,
could mean the withering away and eventually the death of the two-party
system.
We are also faced with political judo and arm-twisting from the
White House with its iron-fisted
control that stretches up ennsylvania
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Avenue to Capitol Hill.
-more-
Amen Corner
Perhaps one of the best examples of present Presidential armlock
some
a quick
on Democratic members of the House was
switch
in votes on sending surplus food to Col. Nasser of the United
Arab Republic.
On the first roll call of the 89th Congress, 76 Democrats joined
Republicans in the House by voting with us to restrict the amount of
public money to be involved in the food program.
After the Senate adopted a softened version, and the measure
came back to the House, Democratic support vanished into thin air, and
the bill supported by the President, won by a vote of 241 to 161.
dominance of
This brute-force power and a political party and
its leader
ridicules the
legislative process.
on the Amocratic side
The way things are going the idea that a Congressman is elected to
represent the people and to serve the Nation is becoming a will-o-the-wisp
myth.
GERALD
Certainly it is true that there is nothing constitutionally
ordained about running our government through two great political parties.
-more-
Amen Corner
But, almost from the start our Nat ion made such a choice.
It was a wise decision. We avoided the chaos of a multi-party
system. We avoided the loss of freedom of the single-party system. And, we
built into government an a dditional set of checks and balances, which are
getting out of kilter.
The strength of a second political party is needed to provide
the electorate with legislative alternatives and a remarkably high level
of honesty and frankness.
How do we overcome the present topsy-turvey imbalance of power
in Congress?
One place to start is with the Committees on Government Operations
have broad investigating authority.
of the House and Senate, which
These committees should be under control of the minority party
to make our Federal government function better and to help all Americans
learn the facts.
Here would be a genuine vehicle to assure that the voice of the
minority would be heard, The majority would be constantly on notice
that its actions, or inactions, were subject to effective, criticaleview.
-more-
Amen Corner
-7-
And, the public would know that any cover-up or wrongdoing would be
improbable, if not impossible.
It is safe to speculate that with such a set-up there would be more
public confidence that the real Bobby Baker story had been told.
It has been said that an optimist is one who tells you to cheer
up when things are going his way. Well, despite the 2 to 1 majority
against us and the clobbering we have been taking
spended
there is no point in "epublicans saying "what's the
use?" That's no answer for the American people or ourselves.
Fortunately, there is a constructive ferment right now in the
Republican Party. We are beginning to gain ground, not lose it.
We have already made some reorgenization of our internal
machinery in the House.
The Research and Planning Committee under Charlie Goodell of
New York is working dn long-range policy. We are creating special task
forces on major substantive issues in such rapid succession that one
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
observer said we are setting up "an anti-poverty program for Republican
intellectuals."
-more-
Amen Corner
-8-
John Rhodes of Arizona, with a beefed-up staff, is Policy
reorganized
Committee chairman. This
group
deals with current,
day-tp-day, legislative problems.
Armed with legislative ammunition supplied by both these groups,
we will win on some issues in this Congress. Republicans will build a
record for a substantially stronger representation after November 8, 1966.
Republican stratgey in the House will be diversified. We'll be
grateful for any Democratic support, North or South, East or West. To
compete with the Administration, we are offering:
1. Opposition to Administration's aims and methods when we think
both are wrong; but never obstructionism just for its own S ake.
2. Constructive alternatives to Administration schemes when we
feel they are tackling the right problems, at home or abroad, in
the wrong way.
3. Workable programs, dieveloped through our task forces, to
meet the many problems the Administration is ignoring or neglecting.
GERALD
and I add that we refuse to concede Democrats have a monopoly
on ideas for solving domestic and foreign difficulties.
Amen Corner
-9-
4. Wholehear ted support for the President when we think he
is right. Viet Nam policy in the past few weeks is the prime
example of this attitude. More and more Republicans staunchly
backed the President while more and more Democrats were riding
side-saddle,
changing their tune to favor immediate negotiation and
tal-between-our-legs withdrawal all the way back to Pearl Harbor.
On the domestic scene, we recall that the Congress has enacted three
laws on Civil Rights since 1957. Progress has been made in the South because
there is a growing public conscience and sense of justice.
Yet, even in 1964 far too many eligible Negroes of voting age were
not registered to vote in eleven Southern states. For some part of the
unatainable
2,800,000 who are unregistered, the franchise is
re ardless of
their qualifications. On some islands of resistance, the Fifteenth
Amendment to the Constitution is still being flouted.
Republicans
insisting this violation of constitutional rights must
end prior to the 1966 election, are doing something about the deplorable
situation.
-more-
Amen Corner
-10-
refused
We have
to rubber stamp an Administration proposal that
came to Capitol Hill on the heels of a dramatic appearance by the President
before a Joint Session of Congress.
Ignoring the President's impassioned plea, that also included
a direct finger-pointing order to adopt his law, we introduced voting
rights legislation thisweek as an alternative to the Administration's
wishy-washy, and possibly illegal, bill.
the Republican bill does not penalize the innocent states and
localities where discrimination is virtually non-existent. The Administration's
controversial bill would shackle such areas as Alaska and parts of Maine
where discrimination in voting is known not to exist.
Our bill applies wherever discrimination is a festering public
sore, quickly in need of cure. The dministration
bill that was
shot to the Capitol from the White House would apply only to a limited
number of states which have literacy and other tests. And by the way,
it has been widely noted that Texas--for some reason or another--is
excluded from the Administration's proposal.
-more-
Amen Corner
-11-
The "epublican bill would abolish unreasonable standards
for registration and voting without interfereing with the reasonable
requirements established by the states. The Administration's bill would not.
Comprehensive in scope, the Republican proposal calls for speedy
action. The Administration's version has all the earmarks of creating
resembling
a legal tangle a ON of worms and the possible establishment
thousands of
of another federal bureacracy loaded with hand-out patronage jobs.
Finally, our bill offers a constitutional, comprehensive,
effective remedy for the evil of disenfranchisement of any citizen because
of race or color.
constructive
In drafting a voting rights bill, or other
alternatives,
Republicans are fulfilling our duty to the 43 percent of the American
electorate who put us in office, and to the people of our Nation who face
growing, smothering Federal domination and erosion of their
liberties, unless an articulate, hard-working opposition functions
effectively.
GERALD FORD NIBRARY
The overall blueprint for Republican legislative action is founded
on the hard truth that our party to win in 1966 must earn and regain the
-moe-
Amen Corner
-121xx -12-
respect of many millions of voters.
We cannot make a strong comeback by sitting on the sidelines waiting
for an international or domestic catastrophe to produce a call for a change
of le adership.
It is our profound conviction that somet ing more than talk
of unity and consensus is demanded by the challenges of our times.
We subscribe to the observation of the late Senator Robert
A. Taft in 1951 that "if you permit appeals to unity to bring an end
to
criticism, we endanger not only the constitutional liberties
of our country, but even its future existence."
We raise the question of whether it is enough in these days
off danger and turmoil for our President to act as a consensus politician
instead of a statesman who leads.
Waiting for a consensus can
and often does
means
ignoring
the little problems until they become big ones.
It can and does mean inaction until X1 flamboyant,
)
irresponsible riots spread across our land, or Communist aggressors
GERN
plunder, pillage and kill in Southeast Asia.
-more-
Amen Corner
-13-
It was only after sit-downs and lie-downs in the White House, in
the Justice Department Building in ashington, across Pennsylvania venue,
and many other places that the President came forth witha dramatic gesture
he said was aimed at insuring voting rights.
As recently as January, the President was referring with satisfaction
according to some well-known columnists with access to the rose garden
outside
White
House
offices
to
our policy in South Viet Nam as one of
"creative inaction," which may be the understatement of the century.
To me, this is a fantastic concept better described, perhaps,
as "dynamic paralysis."
Yet this attitude was reflected in the State of the Union Message,
which suggested that the international scene was so improved that we
could all but forget it in favor of domestic affairs.
We believe in keeping the ball on the opponent's goal line
not bacapedaling to our 20-yard line before starting the next play,
especially when such international political quarterbacks as Nasser and Sukarno
FORD 3 LIBRARY GERALD
in the lake,
thumb their noses at use with seeming impunity and tell unto gojump
-more-
Amen Corner
-14-
hen the Administration's foreign policy is firm and decisive
on the side of freedom and in the national interest, the President can
count on Republican support. At any time he wavers from this position,
we will oppose him.
If ever there was a time for a broad-gauged revival of
genuine bi-partisenship in foreign policy in the spirit of the late
Senator Arthur Vandenberg, it is right now.
Senator Vandenberg, who was my fellow townshan in "ichigan, was
largely responsible for my getting into politics.
His thoughtful concept of the Nation's best interests in foreign
policy matters served the American people well. It is a philosophy which
I would be honored to help expand beyond current policy in troubled
South Viet Nam and elsewhere in the world where the Communist threat
not only grows, but nears the explosion point.
Foreign policy in the Vandenberg pattern means genuine
consultation across political party lines
....not just
GERALD
using the Republicans for deliberate after-thought window-dressing.
more
Amen corner
-15-
Neither does it mean a mere summons to the White House
in a moment of crisis, and then calling in the press corps to announce
Republican endorsement of an Administration policy already determined.
Nor does it mean foreclosure of Republican criticism of foreign policy
when we are convinced the Administration is wrong.
Some of our problems, particularly a lack of unity, have been
created by Republicans. On behalf of America's future, I suggest that the
present political imbalance however self-inflicted- is not a good thing.
Under our system, no Party can be doctrinaire, sectarian, na row in
its appealm or misrepresented to have such an image, however unfair
the charge might be and still attract the majority of the electorate.
The high ground of moderation with unselfish unity and without
political family squabbles is not only common horse-sense for a party---it
is also representative of the people and in keeping with the underlying
genius of the American political system.
The day-to-day rebuilding of "epublican policy and the Party must
begin in the Congress---and because all the House must face the voters
-more.
Amen Corner
-16-
next year, the he a iest burden of the task must be carried by the
Representatives.
We aim to correct the imbalance-to re-establish two-party
government. Far from lamenting our fate, House Republicans are wide
open to fresh ideas and confident that new approaches, full participation
and renewed dedication can earn friends for our party, and make an
important contribution to the future of America.
In seeking a resurgence to a position of strength for the good
of our country, our "epublican Party would do well to be what the
creed of Amen Corner describes as a friend.
We should be, in the words of the creed, "the elixir of hope,
the antidote for despair, the tonic for depression, the medicine
besides which the doctor's pills are futile."
Thank you for inviting me to this historic rendevouz where I'm
told questions are never settled, but debates covering a wide range of
subjects are waged in a spirit of sociability.
# # #
GERALD
AMEN CORNER
Annual Dinner
of
The Amen Corner
1965
Hon. Gerala R.Ford
Creed
HE creed of The Amen Corner enshrines the quality of Friend-
ship in these lines:
"A friend is one who is for you always, under any cir-
cumstance.
"He never investigates you.
"When charges are made against you, he does not ask proof;
he asks the accuser to clear out.
"He likes you just as you are.
"He does not want to alter you.
"Whatever kind of coat you are wearing suits him. Whether you
have on a dress suit or a hickory shirt with no collar, he thinks it's fine.
"He likes your moods and enjoys your pessimism as much as your
optimism.
"He likes your success.
"And your failures endear you to him the more.
"He wants nothing from you except that you be yourself.
"He is the one being with whom you may feel safe.
"With him you may utter your heart, its badness and its goodness.
"You don't have to be careful.
"Although you may sometimes seem to neglect and forget him, he
ignores the slight.
"Nothing can cause his faith in you to waver.
"He keeps alive your faith in human nature.
"It is he who makes you believe it is a good universe.
"When you are vigorous and spirited you like to take your pleasure
with him; when you are in trouble you want to tell him.
Annual Dinner of the Amen Corner
"When your time comes you want him near.
"You give him without reluctance and borrow from him without
in honor of its retiring
embarrassment.
President
"He is the elixir of hope, the antidote for despair, the tonic for
depression, the medicine besides which the doctor's pills are futile.
George F. Pott
"He is your friend."
Saturday evening, April 10, 1965
Penn-Sheraton Hotel
Menu
Program
It is very nice to think
Democracy is on trial in the world, on
The world is full of meat and drink.
a more colossal scale than ever before.
-R. L. Stevenson
-C.F.Dole
National Anthem
Led by Thomas McCaffrey, Jr.
Call to Order
Robert J. Dodds, Jr.
TOASTMASTER
Silver Coupe of Fresh Fruit
Invocation
The Right Rev. Monsignor Andrew J. Pauley
Mandarin Orange Garni
Dinner
Address of Welcome
The Hon. Joseph M. Barr
Potage Sante'
MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH
Greetings from the Governor of Pennsylvania
The Hon. George I. Bloom
Broiled Filet Mignon, Bercy, Mushroom Cap
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Report of Election Committee The Hon. Elder W. Marshall
Au Gratin Potatoes, Parmesan Crusted
Our Retiring President
Alvin E. Dillman
New Peas, French Style
Response
George F. Pott
Mixed Green Salad with Tomato Wedges
Fred E. Obley Award Presentation
Walter F. Schulten
Response
Fred C. Foy
Roquefort Cheese Dressing
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, KOPPERS CO.
Introduction of Guest Speakers
Bombe Plombiere aux Marrons, Melba Sauce
"Balance in Government"
The Hon. Gerald R. Ford
MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Petit Fours
"Potomac Potshots"
The Hon. Hugh Scott
U.S. SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA
"America's Challenge"
The Hon. Vance Hartke
Mocha Des-Princes
U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA
Induction of New President
Benediction
The Very Rev. A. Dixon Rollit, D.D.
DEAN OF TRINITY CATHEDRAL
N. B.-Gratuities provided for by the Banquet Committee
Amen
GERALD
LIBRARY
Officers 1965
Genesis
GEORGE F. POTT
PRESIDENT
A. M. PIVIROTTO
VICE PRESIDENT
HE Amen Corner is not a club. Don't forget that.
WILLIAM E. BENSWANGER
TREASURER
It is something that just happened, and, without rhyme or reason, might
GREGG L. NEEL
ASSISTANT TREASURER
happen in any well-regulated wide-awake, self-respecting urban community.
DOLLY BRANCHIK
ACTING SECRETARY
It happened to Pittsburgh in 18-let me see,-well, as far back as the memory of
this scrivener runs, debates to the contrary notwithstanding, there has been about
town a coterie of boon companions, men of many minds, without regard to race, creed,
Past Presidents
politics or previous condition, who have gathered nocturnally, quite haphazardly, at
some place of convenient rendezvous, to discuss as the spirit moved them, any subject
FRANK J. HARRIS, ACTING*
under the rising or the setting sun, and, without let or hindrance, apply to the arts
SAMUEL S. ROBERTSON*
lorensic any system of logic or reason, which, the individual in his sovereign right,
might elect.
JOHN P. HARRIS*
EUGENE L. CONNELLY*
Membership in the Amen Corner is one of the difficult mysteries of the day. There
DENNIS A. HARRIS*
is no set formula and no rules of procedure are made to guide the ambitious tyro who
would have his name inscribed on the roster of membership. Indeed, the only informa-
JOHN J. MURRAY*
tion on this head which is available is that to gain the open sesame one must be a one
GEORGE W. MCCANDLESS*
hundred per cent man. In truth manhood is the acid test which the Corner prescribes,
J. HOWARD DEVLIN
apparently in secret, for one never knows when, if, or how, he is to become a member
until some day he is slapped on the back, hale fellow-like, and is told that he is an
WILLIAM M. FUREY*
"Amener."
JOHN F. O'TOOLE*
That's the simple, frank process, but, like the higher degrees in some of the
RAYMOND D. EVANS*
fraternities, the reason why one has been elected is never disclosed.
LOUIS C. CLARK*
"Many are called but few are chosen" seems to be quite literally the maxim of
WILLIAM E. BENSWANGER
this unique fraternity of good fellows.
ROY A. MACGREGOR*
The progenitor of "The Corner" was called "The Steps" and its place of
GREGG L. NEEL
concourse then was at Liberty Avenue and Sixth Street.
JOHN S. HERRON*
One dark night some scalawags, out of tune with that splendid spirit which
WILLIAM S. GILES*
preserves the best traditions and usages of an epoch, wantonly and without ruth,
ARTEMAS C. LESLIE
moved "The Steps" to make room for the ignoble and sordid march of progress,-
KARL M. KNAPP
moved them no one knew whither.
JEROME EDLIS
Up to Grant Street to the offices of one of the group the fathers of the Amen
ROY G. BOSTWICK*
Corner trekked and metaphorically pitched their tent.
FRANK WILBUR MAIN*
Not long thereafter this same iconoclastic march of progress-to be exact, in the
EDWARD CRUMP, JR.*
fall of 1915-the William Penn Hotel offered a rendezvous which the dispossessed
WILLIAM K. ALLEN*
members of "The Steps" grasped with an appreciation of the hospitality extended,
in a way that warmed the cockles of the heart of the genial Boniface.
ELDER W. MARSHALL
"Come over to the William Penn" said he, "and meet in a corner of the lobby."
THOMAS MCCAFFREY, JR.
EDWARD J. PRIDDEY*
So, they came, and out of "The Steps" there evoluted The Amen Corner.
CHARLES J. MARGIOTTI*
On its roster, as active or honorary members, are ambassadors to and from the
JOHN B. NICKLAS, JR.
Old World, Governors, Senators, Judges of all the Courts, clergymen, lawyers,
business men, politicians, literati, artists, actors, musicians, and notables in greater
JOHN W. EICHLEAY
or lesser degree in nearly every profession, vocation and avocation.
WALTER F. SCHULTEN
Many brilliant prandial functions have marked the history of The Amen
DOMINIC NAVARRO*
Corner. Annually the president is honored with a testimonial dinner. That's why
RAYMOND F. HOFFMANN*
we are here tonigat.
JOSEPH W. HUBBARD*
But nightly, and now daily since it has its own spacious quarters on the club
*
Deceased
THOMAS P. JOHNSON
*floor of the Wm. Penn Hotel,-the real zest of membership in The Amen Corner may
FRANKLIN A. WEST
be judged from the casual gatherings and the open discussions that animate them.
THOMAS H. EVANS
Controversies rage on every conceivable subject. Questions are never settled.
PAUL B. REINHOLD
That's too much to expect from "men of many minds."
But though the disputation may work itself into the velocity of a typhoon or the
Banquet Chairman, A. M. PIVIROTTO
heat of argument may rise to the temperature of Hades, and, the end of the day may
leave some sorely tried tempers and furniture may be a bit awry, the day after dawns
Music
with the same sunny skies breaking through Pittsburgh's changeful atmosphere, and
the same happy, smiling faces and the same warmth of handclasps all around, that
ANEURIN BODYCOMBE
At the Organ
prevailed before the last argument.
*(Now the Penn-Sheraton)
Speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Amen Corner, #ittsburgh April 10, 1965
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
AT 8 P.M. EST., April 10, 1965
There is absolutely no parallel between acceptance as a member of
Amen Corner and an obscure political happening in Washington not so
long ago.
I have learned that a person never knows when, if, or how, he is to
become a member until one day he is given a hearty pat on the back and
told he is an "Amener." I am told there are no rules to follow or test
to pass. Mo
Earlier this year on Capitol Hill I was given less than a hearty
political pat on the back in being elected Minority Leader of the House
by a landslide vote--the count was 73 to 67.
Unlike qualifications for becoming a member of Amen Corner, there
was a test for election as Minority Leader. The way I passed it has
been described as a triumph. Others say I have a shaky mandate.
Whatever name is tagged on my political victory, it shows that all you
GERALD
need is an allegation of virtue, a moderate amount of hard work and lots of luck.
-more-
Amen Corner
&
Like an Amener, who never learns why he was elected to membership,
I have oftened wondered these past busy weeks why 73 members of the House
voted me to a position of leadership. I doubt that it was my television
personality, Maybe they really believed the automobile ads--best year
yet to go Fords
In any event, the skyrocketing victory---or nervous trimph--I
achieved in January, and the unbroken record of successes since then, have
encouraged me to appear here tonight as an authority--on the problems of
the oppressed minorities.
Those of you who are sports fans may know that football is By first
love. I am a politician only because of job security!
But since Michigan-sy alma mater-- beat Oregon State in the Rose
Bowl by 27 points, and three days later Ford wallopped his opponent by only
6 points, perhaps I chose the wrong profession.
I have often wondered where I would now be if I had accepted Curley
Lambeau's offer in 1934 to play pro ball with the Green Bay Packers-----
perhaps on the Supreme Court bench!
-more-
Amen Corner
-3-
It's true that the new House Republican leadership hasn't won any
spectacular legislative successes. This has been appropriately noted
by some members of the Nation's press.
But, we never campaigned on a platform pledging to double our numbers
and alice the opposition in half before November 1966 by some strange
sleight of hand or magic.
The numbers on each side of the aisle in the House have remained the
same since November third--- 140 Republicans to 294 Temocrate. The odds
are rough. The balance is lopsided. But, to coin a phrase--with a little
different twist--- "we shall overcome."
Before tipping you off on some of our Republican strategy aimed at
overcoming king-sised obstacles, I think you should know that what I am about
to tell you may touch off one of those raging controversies that are part
and parcel of Amen Corner's rollicking history.
The d ebate may reach the temperature of a space capsule's nose cone,
but to quote from the Genesis of Amen Corner, I hope there will be the
"same happy, smiling faces and the same warmth of handclasps all around,
GER
that prevailed before the last argument."
-more-
Amen Corner
&
To give you a general idea of the overwhelming odds facing us, I start
first with the White House with all its troops, who try to spoon-feed the
press and try very hard to clobber us.
The President has virtually unlimited resources for working his will---
a veritable army of experts, authorities, researchers, propagandists and the like.
He is also king pin of the branch of government that employes 21 million
civilians and controls the destiny of 2 million 600 thousand military personnel.
These two groups have an annual payroll totalling $28 billion....and together
they will spend more than 127 billion tax dollars in fiscal 1966.=--I
wish Republicans had this kind of campaign fund.
This awesome power and the vast apparatus, if used impreperly, could
mean the withering away and eventually the death of the two-party system.
We are also faced with political judo and arm-twisting from the White
House with its iron-fisted control that streethes up Pennsylvania Avenue to
Capitol Hill.
-more-
BERALD R.FORD CIRRARY
Amen Corner
5-
Perhaps one of the best examples of present Presidential armlock on
some Democratic members of the House was a quick switch in votes on sending
surplus food to cd. Nasser of the United Arab Republic.
On the first roll call of the 89th Congress, 76 Democrats joined
Republicans in the House by voting with us to restrict the amount of public
money to be involved in the food program.
softened
After the Senate adopted the version, and the measure came back
to the House, Democratic support vanished into thin air. The bill supported
by the President won by a vote of 241 to 161.
This brute-force political power and dominance of a party ridicules
the legislative process.
The way things are going on the Democratic side, the idea that a
Congressum is elected to represent the people back home and to serve the
Nation is becoming pure, unadulterated fiction.
Certainly it is true that there is nothing constitutionally ordained
about running our government through two great political parties.
-more-
Amen Sorner
-6-
But, almost from the start our Nation made such a choice. It was a
wise decision. We avoided the chaos of a multi-party system. We avoided
the loss of freedom of the single-party system. And, we built into government
an additional set of checks and balances, which are getting out of kilter.
The strength of a second political party is needed to provide the
electorate with legislative alternatives and a remarkably high level of
honesty and frankness.
How do we overcome the present topay-turvey imbalance of power in
Congress?
One place to start is with the Committees on Government Operations of
the House and Senate, which have broad investigating authority.
These committees should be under control of the minority party to make
Federal government function better and to help all Americans learn the facts.
Here would be agenuine vehicle to assure that the voice of the minority
would be heard. The majority would be constantly on notice that its actions--
or inactions--were subject to effective, critical review. And, the public
would know that any cover-up or wrongdoing would be improbable, if not
of GERAL ADVUSIT
impossible.
-more-
Amen Corner
-7-
It is safe to speculate that with such a set-up there would be
more public confidence that the real Bobby Baker story had been told.
It has been said that an optimist is one who tells you to cheer up
when things are going his way. By this standard we could hardly be classed
as optimists. But, despite the 2 to 1 majority against us and the clobbering
we have been taking on voting our views on Democratic-spamed legislation,
there is no point in Republicans saying "what's the use?" That's no an swer
for the American people or ourselves.
Fortunately, there is a constructive ferment right now in the Republican
Party. We are beginning to gain ground, not lose it.
We have already made some reorganisation of our internal machinery
in the House.
The Research and Planning Committee under Charlies Goodell of New York
is working on long-range policy. We are creating special task forces on major
substantive issues in such rapid succession that one observer said we are
setting up an "anti-poverty program for Republican intellectuals."
John Rhodes of Arisona, with a beef-up staff, is Policy Committee Chairman.
This reorgenised group delleawith current legislative problems.
GERALD
BRARY
-more-
Amen Corner
of
Armed with legislative ammunition supplied by both these groups,
we will win on some issues in this Congress. Republicans will build a record
for a substantially stronger representation after November 8, 1966. Meanwhile,
we will create proposed legislation aimed at solving problems before they
happen.
StRatahy Republican strategy in the House will be diversified. We'll be
grateful for any Democratic support, North or South, East or West. To compete
with the Administration, we are offering:
1. Opposition to Administration aims and methods when we think both
are wrong; but never obstructionism just for its own sake.
2. Constructive alternatives to Administration schemes when we feel
it is tackling the right problems, at home and abroad, in the wrong way.
3. Workable programs, developed through our task forces, to meet the
many problems the Administration is ignoring or neglecting---and I
add that we refuse to concede Democrats have a monopoly on ideas for
solving domestic and foreign difficulties.
-more-
GERALD LIBRARY
Amen Corner
-9-
4. Wholehear ted support for the President when we think he is
right.
On the domestic scene, we recall that the Congress has enacted three
laws on Civil Rights since 1957. Progress has been made in the South because
there is a growing public conscience and sense of justice.
%et, even in 1964 far too many eligible Negroes of voting age were not
registered to vote in eleven Southern states. For some part of the
2,800,000 who are unregistered, the franchise is unattainable regardless of
their qualifications. On some islands of resistance, the Fifteenth Amendment
is still being flouted.
Republicans, insisting this violation of constitutional rights must end
prior to the 1966 election, are doing something about the deplorable situation.
We have refused to rubber stamp an Administration proposal that came to
Capitol Hill on the heels of a dramatic appearance by the President before a
Joint Session of Congress.
Ignoring the President's impassioned plea, that included direct finger-point-
ing and a virtual order to adopt his law, we introduced voting rights
FORD
ALD
Aughess legislation this week as an alternative to the Administration's
LIBRAR.
-more-
Amen Corner
-10-
wishy-washy and possibly illegal bill.
The Republican bill does not penalise the innocent states and localities
where discrimination is virtually non-existent. The Adminsitration's
bill would shackle such arvas as Alaska and parts of Maine where discrimination
in voting is known not to exist.
Our bill applies wherever discrimination is a festering public sore,
quickly in need of cure. The Administration---with the bill that was
shot to the Capitol from the White House--would apply only to a limited
number of states which have literacy and other tests. By the way, it has
been widely noted that Texas-for some reason--is excluded from the
Administration's proposal.
The Republican bill would abolish unreasonable standards for registration
and voting without interfering with the reasonable requirements established
by the states. The Administration's bill would not.
Finally, our bill offers a constitutional, comprehensive, effective
remody for the evil of disenfranchisement of any citizen because of race
or color.
GERALD
-more-
Amen Corner
-11-
In drafting a voting rights bill, and other constructive alternatives,
Republicans are fulfilling our duty to the 43 percent of the American
electorate who put us in office, and to the people of our Nation who face
growing, smothering Federal domination and erosion of their liberties.
The overall blueprint for ^epublican legislative action is founded on
the hard truth that our party to win in 1966 must earn and regain the respect
of many millions of voters.
We cannot make a strong comeback by sitting on the sidelines waiting
for an international or domestic catastrophe to produce a call for a change
of leadership.
It is our conviction that something more than talk of unity and
consensus is demanded by the challenges of our times.
We subscribe to the observation of the late Senator Robert A. Taft
in 1951 that "if you permit appeals to unity to bring an end to criticism,
we endanger not only the constituional liberties of our country, but even
its future existence."
-more-
Amen Corner
-12-
Some of our problems, particularly lack of unity, have been created
by Republicans. On behalf of America's future, I suggest that the present
political imbalance--however self-inflicted--is not a good thing.
Under our system, no Party can be doctrinaire, sectarian, narrow in
its sppeal, or misrepresented to have such an image, however unfair the
charge might be---and still attract the majority of the sinterater electorate.
The high ground of moderation with unselfish unity and without
political family squabbles is not only common horse-sense for a party---
it is also representative of the people and in keeping with the underlying
genius of the American political system.
Far from lamenting our fate, House Republicans are wide open to
fresh ideas and confident that new approaches, full participation and
renewed dedication can earn friends for our party and make an important
contribution to the future of America.
In S seking resurgence to a position of strength for the good of our
country, the Republican Party would do well to be what the creed of
Amen Corner describes as a friend.
-more-
Amen Corner
-13-
We should be, in the words of the creed, "the elixir of hope,
the antidote for despair, the tonic for depression, the medicine besides
which the doctor's pills are futile."
Thank you for inviting me to this historic rendevous, where I'm
told questions are never settled, but d ebates covering a wide range of
subjects are waged in a spirit of sociability.
# # # #
CRAIG TRUAX
THOMAS B. MCCABE
CHAIRMAN
NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN
MRS. PETER K. HONAMAN
MISS SARAH ANN STAUFFER
VICE CHAIRMAN
REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE
NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN
M. HARVEY TAYLOR
OF PENNSYLVANIA
MRS. LOUISE RUSSELL
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
SECRETARY
P. O. Box 1624
PHILIP L. CORSON
HARRISBURG
MRS. CAROLINE SHAW TATOM
TREASURER
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
17105
TELEPHONE 234-4901
AREA CODE 717
March 4, 1965
Mr. James M. Mudge
Balana on fort
Room H230
The Capitol
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Mudge:
Enclosed is some information on the "Amen Corner"
in Pittsburgh where Congressman Ford is scheduled to
appear in the near future.
If you need anything more please let me know.
Sincerely yours,
JOHN PAGET
JP/ck
Enclosure
"Balana speck in grement"
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
1
Genesis
HE Amen Corner is not a club. Don't forget that.
It is something that just happened, and, without rhyme or reason, might
happen in any well-regulated wide-awake, self-respecting urban community.
It happened to Pittsburgh in 18-let me see,-well, as far back as the memory of
this scrivener runs, debates to the contrary notwithstanding, there has been about
town a coterie of boon companions, men of many minds, without regard to race, creed,
politics or previous condition, who have gathered nocturnally, quite haphazardly, at
some place of convenient rendezvous, to discuss as the spirit moved them, any subject
under the rising or the setting sun, and, without let or hindrance, apply to the arts
forensic any system of logic or reason, which, the individual in his sovereign right,
might elect.
Membership in the Amen Corner is one of the difficult mysteries of the day. There
is no set formula and no rules of procedure are made to guide the ambitious tyro who
would have his name inscribed on the roster of membership. Indeed, the only informa-
tion on this head which is available is that to gain the open sesame one must be a one
hundred per cent man. In truth manhood is the acid test which the Corner prescribes,
apparently in secret, for one never knows when, if, or how, he is to become a member
until some day he is slapped on the back, hale fellow-like, and is told that he is an
"Amener."
That's the simple, frank process, but, like the higher degrees in some of the
fraternities, the reason why one has been elected is never disclosed.
"Many are called but few are chosen" seems to be quite literally the maxim of
this unique fraternity of good fellows.
The progenitor of "The Corner" was called "The Steps" and its place of
concourse then was at Liberty Avenue and Sixth Street.
One dark night some scalawags, out of tune with that splendid spirit which
preserves the best traditions and usages of an epoch, wantonly and without ruth,
moved "The Steps" to make room for the ignoble and sordid march of progress,-
moved them no one knew whither.
Up to Grant Street to the offices of one of the group, the fathers of the Amen
Corner trekked and metaphorically pitched their tent.
Not long thereafter this same iconoclastic march of progress-to be exact, in the
fall of 1915-the William Penn Hotel offered a rendezvous which the dispossessed
members of "The Steps" grasped with an appreciation of the hospitality extended,
in a way that warmed the cockles of the heart of the genial Boniface.
"Come over to the William Penn" said he, "and meet in a corner of the lobby."
So, they came, and out of "The Steps" there evoluted The Amen Corner.
On its roster, as active or honorary members, are ambassadors to and from the
Old World, Governors, Senators, Judges of all the Courts, clergymen, lawyers,
business men, politicians, literati, artists, actors, musicians, and notables in greater
or lesser degree in nearly every profession, vocation and avocation.
Many brilliant prandial functions have marked the history of The Amen
Corner. Annually the president is honored with a testimonial dinner. That's why
we are here tonight.
But nightly, and now daily since it has its own spacious quarters on the club
*floor of the Wm. Penn Hotel,-the real zest of membership in The Amen Corner may
be judged from the casual gatherings and the open discussions that animate them.
Controversies rage on every conceivable subject. Questions are never settled.
That's too much to expect from "men of many minds."
But though the disputation may work itself into the velocity of a typhoon or the
heat of argument may rise to the temperature of Hades, and, the end of the day may
leave some sorely tried tempers and furniture may be a bit awry, the day after dawns
with the same sunny skies breaking through Pittsburgh's changeful atmosphere, and
the same happy, smiling faces and the same warmth of handclasps all around, that
prevailed before the last argument.
*(Now the Penn-Sheraton)
Creed
HE creed of The Amen Corner enshrines the quality of Friend-
ship in these lines:
"A friend is one who is for you always, under any cir-
cumstance.
"He never investigates you.
"When charges are made against you, he does not ask proof;
he asks the accuser to clear out.
"He likes you just as you are.
"He does not want to alter you.
"Whatever kind of coat you are wearing suits him. Whether you
have on a dress suit or a hickory shirt with no collar, he thinks it's fine.
"He likes your moods and enjoys your pessimism as much as your
optimism.
"He likes your success.
"And your failures endear you to him the more.
"He wants nothing from you except that you be yourself.
"He is the one being with whom you may feel safe.
"With him you may utter your heart, its badness and its goodness.
"You don't have to be careful.
"Although you may sometimes seem to neglect and forget him, he
ignores the slight.
"Nothing can cause his faith in you to waver.
"He keeps alive your faith in human nature.
"It is he who makes you believe it is a good universe.
"When you are vigorous and spirited you like to take your pleasure
with him; when you are in trouble you want to tell him.
"When your time comes you want him near.
"You give him without reluctance and borrow from him without
embarrassment.
"He is the elixir of hope, the antidote for despair, the tonic for
depression, the medicine besides which the doctor's pills are futile.
"He is your friend."-
AMEN CORNER
Annual Dinner
of
The Amen Corner
1962
STEPS
See
Pittsburgh Press, Sunday, March 10. 1963
Where You Don't Have To Be Careful
apilio
How Amen Corner Got Its Start
Place To Talk
As You Feel
Some 200 professional men
here know a perfect place to
let their hair down and shake
off the pressures of a hectic
business day.
The spot is'a spacious suite
of rooms off the club floor of
the Penn- Sheraton Hotel
where they can plop down on
comfortable orange leather
chairs and speak their mind.
They are members of
The Amen Corner-judges,
clergymen. politicians, art-
ists, industrialists, men of
nearly every profession
drawn together by the
spirit of sociability.
Amen Corner wasn't found-
ed-it merely happened.
One day before the turn of
the century a handful of
Downtown business compan-
ions decided to meet at the
corner of Sixth Street and
RECALLING THE OLD DAYS of the Amen Corner through a photo from the early
Liberty Avenue after work-
ing hours.
1900s are four prominent members. Left to right are Thomas Johnson, a past
The nightly rendezvous
president of the club; Thomas H. Evans, current president; Paul Reinhold, presi-
to let off steam became a
dent-elect, and Common Pleas Judge John C. Brosky.
habit and "The Steps," as
they chose to call them-
Each year the retiring pres-
"We have men In their
selves, became the forerun-
ident is honored with a testi-
30s and men in their 80s.
ner of "The Corner."
monial dinner.
Some of them, because of
Members make an all-out
busy schedules, may show
Discussions ranging over a
effort to insure the affair's
up only once a week," she
multitude of subjects high-
success and the guest list al-
said. "Then we have some
lighted these casual gather-
ways includes two or three
octegenarians who drop in
ings, just as they do today.
U. S. Senators.
every day."
Eventually the progress of
Mayor Barr will be on hand
a growing city forced The
as usual when the current
"Discussions are mostly
Steps to abandon their meet-
president, Thomas H. Evans,
about business and politics."
ing place. Soon a person in
president of Carnegie Gas, is
There are no rules to fol-
some position of influence at
feted April 6 in the Penn-
low or test to pass to become
the William Penn Hotel (now
Sheraton.
an "Amener." Prospective ad-
the Penn- Sheraton) noted
ditions to The Corner are
their plight and invited them
Paul B. Reinhold, civic
quietly scrutinized. If they
over to "meet in a corner of
leader and president-treas-
measure up, they're "in."
the lobby."
urer of Atlas Equipment
The qualities of friendship
Corp., is president-elect.
are set forth in the Corner's
The Amen Corner evolved
Creed, which defines a friend
and the lobby nook even
For 35 years until his death
as someone who-
tually gave way to the suite
last Spring, U. S. Commis-
"
-a large rectangular room
sioner Fred Obley served as
wants nothing from
flanked by smaller barroom
the Corner's secretary.
you except that you be
and poker room.
His assistant, Mrs. Dolly
yourself.
Branchik, became familiar
He is the one with whom
Members' dues' pay the
with the records and The
rent and keep the cooler
you may feel safe.
Corner decided to give her
stocked.
With him you may utter
the job instead of bothering
your heart, its badness
to train a new man.
Lining the walls are pho-
Occupying a small office
and its goodness.'
tographs of former Corner
adjoining the suite, she sees
You don't have to be
presidents. An impressive
members come and go
careful
gallery, it includes Charles
throughout the day.
Margiotti, Bill Benswanger,
John P. Harris, Tom John-
son: Judge Elder Marshall,
GERALD
John Eichleay, to name
only several.
Speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
Amen Corner, ittsburgh April 10, 1965
Great, LOUSEY great men
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
AT 8 P.M. EST., April 10, 1965
Kiss
There is absolutely no parallel between acceptance as a member of
Amen Corner and an obscure political happening in Washington not so
long ago.
I have learned that a person never knows when, if, or how, he is to
become a member until one day he is given a hearty pat on the back and
told he is an "Amener. I am told there are no rules to follow or test
to pass.
Earlier this year on Capitol Hill I was given less than a hearty
political pat on the back in being elected Minority Leader of the House
by a landslide vote the count was 73 to 67.
Unlike qualifications for becoming a member of Amen Corner, there
was a test for election as Minority Leader. The way I passed it has
been described as a triumph. Others say I have a shaky mandate.
Whatever name is tagged on my political victory, it shows that all you
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
need is an allegation of virtue, a moderate amount of hard work and lots of luck.
-more-
Amen Corner
-2-
Like an Amener, who never learns why he was elected to membership,
I have oftened wondered these past busy weeks why 73 members of the House
voted me to a position of leadership. T doubt that it my television
personality, Maybe they really believed the automobile ads best year
yet to go Ford!
In any event, the skyrocketing victory- or nervous trimmph--I
achieved in January, and the unbroken record of successes since then, have
encouraged me to appear here tonight as an author Ity on the problems of
the oppressed minorities.
Those of you who are sports fans may know that football is my first
Coach/Playe
love. I am a politician only because of job security!
But since Michigan-- my alma mater- beat Oregon State in the Rose
Bowl by 27 points, and three days later Ford wallopped his opponent by only
6 points, perhaps I chose the wrong profession.
I have often wondered where I would now be if I had accepted Curley
Lambeau's offer in 1934 to play pro ball with the Green Bay Packers
perhaps on the Supreme Court bench!
+ Advan, GERALD
-more-
Amen Corner
-3-
It's true that the new House Republican leadership hasn't won any
spectacular legislative successes. This has been appropriately noted
by some members of the Nation's press.
But, we never campaigned on a platform pledging to double our numbers
and slice the opposition in half before November 1966 by some strange
sleight of hand or magic.
The numbers on each side of the aisle in the House have remained the
same since November third- 140 Republicans to 294 Democrats. The odds
are rough. The balance is lopsided. But, to coin a phrase with a little
different twist "we shall overcome.
Before tipping you off on some of our Republican strategy aimed at
overcoming king-sized obstacles, I think you should know that what I am about
to tell you may touch off one of those raging controversies that are part
and parcel of Amen Gorner's rollicking history.
The d ebate may reach the temperature of a space capsule's nose cone,
but to quote from the Genesis of "men orner, I hope there will be the
"same happy, smiling faces and the same warmth of handclasps allaround,
LIBRARY
that prevailed before the last argument."
-more-
Amen Corner
4-
To give you a general idea of the overwhelming odes facing us, I start
first with the White House with all its troops, who try to spoon-feed the
press and try very hard to clobber us.
The President has virtually unlimited resources for working his will
a veritable army of experts, authorities, researchers, propagandists and the like.
He is also king pin of the branch of government that employes 2½ million
civilians and controls the destiny of 2 million 600 thousand military personnel.
These two groups have an annual payroll totalling $28 billion. and together
they will spend more than 127 billion tax dollars in fiscal 1966.---I
wish Republicans had this kind of campaign fund.
This awesome power and the vast apparatus, if used impreperly, could
mean the withering away and eventually the death of the two-party system.
We are also faced with political judo and arm-twisting from the White
House with its iron-fisted control that stretches up Pennsylvania Avenue to
Capitol Hill.
-more-
is LIBRARY
Amen Corner
-5-
Perhaps one of the best examples of present Presidential armlock on
some Democratic members of the House was a quick switch in votes on sending
surplus food to cd. Nasser of the United Arab Republic.
On the first roll call of the 89th Congress, 76 Democrats joined
Republicans in the House by voting with us to restrict the amount of public
money to be involved in the food program.
softened
After the Senate adopted the version, and the measure came back
to the House, Democratic support vanished into thin air. The bill supported
Forty from Bouse Democrato switched their note dispite pet the
change in insurance
There had been ma
by the President won by a vote of 241 to 161.
This brute-force political power and dominance of a party ridicules
the legislative process.
The way things are going on the Democratic side, the idea that a
Congressman is elected to represent the people back home and to serve the
Nation is becoming pure, unadulterated fiction.
education
Certainly it is true that there is nothing constitutionally ordained
about running our government through two great political parties.
-more-
FORD >> LIBRARY
Amen Corner
But, almost from the start our Nation made such a choice. It was a
wise decision. We avoided the chaos of a multi-party system. We avoided
the loss of freedom of the single-party system. And, we built into government
under epating curcumstances
an additional set of checks and balances, which are getting out of kilter.
The strength of a second political party is needed to provide the
electorate with legislative alternatives and a remarkably high level of
honesty and frankness.
How do we overcome the present topsy-turvey imbalance of power in
Congress?
One place to start is with the Committees on Government Operations of
the House and Senate, which have broad investigating authority.
These committees should be under control of the minority party to make
Federal government function better and to help all Americans learn the facts.
Here would be agenuine vehicle to assure that the voice of the minority
would be heard. The majority would be constantly on notice that its actions.
or inactions were subject to effective, critical review. And, the public
would know that any cover-up or wrongdoing would be improbable, if
not GRAAT FORD FLORARY
impossible.
-more-
Amen Corner
-7-
It is safe to speculate that with such a set-up there would be
more public confidence that the real Bobby Baker story had been told.
It has been said that an optimist is one who tells you to cheer up
when things are going his way. By this standard we could hardly be classed
as optimists. But, despite the 2 to 1 majority against us and the clobbering
we have been taking on voting our views on Democratic-spawned legislation,
there is no point in Republicans saying "what's the use?" That's no an swer
for the American people or ourselves.
Fortunately, there is a constructive ferment right now in the republican
Party. We are beginning to gain ground, not lose it.
We have already made some reorganization of our internal machinery
in the House.
The "esearch and Planning Committee under Charlies Goodell of New York
is working on long-range policy. We are creating special task forces on major
substantive issues in such rapid succession that one observer said we are
setting up an "anti-poverty program for Republican intellectuals."
John Rhodes of Arizona, with a beef-up staff, is Policy Committee Chairman.
This reorganized group dealswith current legislative problems.
GERALD
SIBRARY
-more-
Amen Corner
-8-
Armed with legislative ammunition supplied by both these groups,
In addition
we will win on some issues in this Congress. Republicans will build a record
for a substantially stronger representation after November 8, 1966. Meanwhile,
we will create proposed legislation aimed at solving problems before they
happen.
1 Republican strategy in the House will be diversified. We'll be
grateful for any Democratic support, North or South, East or West. To compete
with the Administration, we are offering:
1. Opposition to Administration aims and methods when we think both
are wrong; but never obstructionism just for its own sake.
2. Constructive alternatives to Administration schemes when we feel
it is tackling the right problems, at home and abroad, in the wrong way.
3. Workable programs, developed through our task forces, to meet the
many problems the Administration is ignoring or neglecting---and I
add that we refuse to concede "emocrats have a monopoly on ideas for
solving domestic and foreign difficulties.
-more-
FORD & LIBRARY SERALD
Amen Corner
-9-
4. Wholehear ted support for the President when we think he is
Vut yam
right.
On the domestic scene, we recall that the Congress has enacted three
laws on Civil Rights since 1957. Progress has been made in the South because
there is a growing public conscience and sense of justice.
1et, even in 1964 far too many eligible Negroes of voting age were not
registered to vote in eleven Southern states. For some part of the
2,800,000 who are unregistered, the franchise is unattainable regardless of
their qualifications. On some islands of resistance, the Fifteenth Amendment
is still being flouted.
Republicans, insisting this violation of constituional rights must end
prior to the 1966 election, are doing something about the deplorable situation.
We have refused to rubber stamp an Administration proposal that came to
Capitol Hill on the heels of a dramatic appearance by the President before a
Joint Session of Congress.
, mather
made an
This Then White Atamp
Ignoring the President impassioned plea, that included direct finger-point-
4
" Republicana in the Home
ing and a virtual order to adopt his law, we introduced voting rights
RALD FORD LIBRARY
legislation this week as an alternative to the Administration's
-more-
Amen Corner
-10-
inadequate proposal.
wishy washy and possibly illegal bill.
The Republican bill does not penalize the innocent states and localities
where discrimination is virtually non-existent. The Admingstration's
bill would shackle such arwas as Alaska and parts of Maine where discrimination
in voting is known not to exist.
Our bill applies wherever discrimination is a festering public sore,
quickly in need of cure. The Administration- with the bill thatwas
shot to the Capitol from the White House--would apply only to a limited
number of states which have literacy and other tests. By the way, it has
been widely noted that Texas for some reason--is excluded from the
Administration's proposal.
The Republican bill would abolish unreasonable standards for registration
and voting without interfering with the reasonable requirements established
by the states. The Administration's bill would not.
Finally, our bill offers a constitutional, comprehensive, effective
remedy for the evil of disenfranchisement of any citizen because of race
or color.
RIFERD LIBRARY 07V830
-more-
Amen Corner
-11-
In drafting a voting rights bill, and other constructive alternatives,
Republicans are fulfilling our duty to the 43 percent of the American
electorate who put us in office, and to the people of our Nation who face
growing, smothering Federal domination and erosion of their liberties.
The overall blueprint for Republican legislative action is founded on
the hard truth that our party to win in 1966 must earn and regain the respect
of many millions of voters.
We cannot make a strong comeback by sitting on the sidelines waiting
for an international or domestic catastrophe to produce a call for a change
of leadership.
It is our conviction that something more than talk of unity and
consensus is demanded by the challenges of our times.
We subscribe to the observation of the late Senator Robert A. Taft
in 1951 that "if you permit appeals to unity to bring an end to criticism,
we endanger not only the constituional liberties of our country, but even
its future existence."
-more-
GERALD
Amen Corner
-12-
Some of our problems, particularly lack of unity, have been created
by Republicans. On behalf of America's future, I suggest that the present
political imbalance--however self-inflicted-- is not a good thing.
Under our system, no Party can be doctrinaire, sectarian, narrow in
its appeal, or misrepresented to have such an image, however unfair the
charge might be---and still attract the majority of the electorate.
The high ground of moderation with unselfish unity and without
political family squabbles is not only common horse-sense for a party---
it is also representative of the people and in keeping with the underlying
genius of the American political system.
Far from lamenting our fate, House Republicans are wide open to
fresh ideas and confident that new approaches, full participation and
renewed dedication can earn friends for our party and make an important
contribution to the future of America.
In S eeking resurgence to a position of strength for the good of our
country, the Republican Party would do well to be what the creed of
Amen Corner describes as a friend.
GERALD LIBRARY R. FORD
-more-
Amen Corner
-13-
We should be, in the words Amen Cormer of the creed, "the elixir of hope,
the antidote for despair, the tonic for depression, the medicine besides
which the doctor's pills are futile."
Thank you for inviting me to this historic rendevouz, where I'm
told questions are never settled, but debates covering a wide range of
subjects are waged in a spirit of sociability.
####
GERALD REFORD
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
Amen Corner, Pittsburgh, April 10, 1965
FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY OF
SPEECH APRIL 10, 1965
The President has virtually unlimited resources for working his will
a
veritable army of experts, authorities, researchers, propagandists and the like.
He is also king pin of the branch of government that employes 21/2 million
civilians and controls the destiny of 2,600,000 military personnel. These two groups
have an annual payroll totalling $28 billion. and together they will spend more
than $127 billion tax dollars in fiscal 1966.
This awesome power and the vast apparatus, if used improperly, could mean the
withering away and eventually the death of the two-party system. Heavy-handed,
iron-fisted political power and dominance of a party ridicules the legislative
process.
*
How do we overcome the present lopsided imbalance of power in Congress?
One place to start is with the Committees on Government Operations of the House
and Senate, which have broad investigating authority.
These committees should be under control of the minority party to make the
Federal government function better and to help all Americans learn the facts.
Here would be a genuine vehicle to assure that the voice of the minority would
be heard. The majority would be constantly on notice that its actions--or inactions-
were subject to effective, critical review. And, the public would know that any
cover-up or wrong-doing would be improbable, if not impossible.
It is safe to speculate that with such a set-up there would be more public
confidence that the real Bobby Baker story had been told.
*
The overall blueprint for Republican legislative action is founded on the hard
truth that our party to win in 1966 must earn and regain the respect of many
millions of voters.
We cannot make a strong comeback by sitting on the sidelines waiting for an
international or domestic catastrophe to produce a call for a change of leadership.
*
*
*
The high road of moderation with unselfish unity and without political family
squabbles is not only common horse-sense for a party, it is also representative of
the people and in keeping with the underlying genius of the American political
system.
Far from lamenting our fate, Republicans are wide open to fresh ideas and are
confident that new approaches, full participation and renewed dedication will earn
friends for our party and contribute in great measure to America's future.
#########################
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
-2-
On the domestic scene, we recall that the Congress has enacted three laws on
Civil Rights since 1957. Progress has been made in the South because there 1s a
growing public conscience and sense of justice,
Yet, even in 1964 far too many eligible Negroes of voting age were not regist-
ered to vote in eleven Southern states, On some islands of resistance, the 15th
Amendment is still being flouted.
Republicans, insisting this violation of constitutional rights must end prior
to the 1966 election, are doing something about the deplorable situation.
We have refused to rubber stamp an Administration proposal that came to
Capitol Hill on the heels of a dramatic appearance by the President before a Joint
Session of Congress, Republicans in the House introduced voting rights legislation
this week as an alternative to the Administration's inadequate proposal.
The Republican bill does not penalize the innocent states and localities where
discrimination is virtually non-existent. The Administration's bill would shackle
such areas as Alaska and parts of Maine where discrimination in voting is known not
to exist,
Our bill applies wherever voting discrimination is a festering public some ,
quickly in need of cure. The Administration bill would apply to a limited number
of states which have literacy and other tests.
The Republican bill would abolish unreasonable standards for registration and
voting without interfering with the reasonable requirements established by the
states, 1he Administration's bill would not,
Finally, our bill offers a constitutional, comprehensive, effective remedy for
the evil of disenfranchisement of any citizen because of race or color.
*
*
*
In drafting a voting rights bill, andother constructive alternatives,
Republicans are fulfilling our duty to the 43 percent of the American electorate
who put us in office, and to the people of our Nation who face growing, smothering
Federal domination and erosion of their liberties,
#######
########
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District
Matay - 12/5/65
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Burt Talcott - "thank " - agrentth
Steve
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GERALD R.
FRANKLIN
Before talking about solutions - let me
mention several serm problem -
Three Basic Connerstones of
american Political system
1) system of check &
2) Federal state Relationship
3) Two - Party system
Dangermsh clore
to one man / one party
Rule
3
is
Republican Party \
1/ "sit on J No
Jincoln/ Esenhwar
2) Eam "respect of our fellow
cityon
a] Legeslature reend
1) prosotent prosection -No
Spending - Day for domestic
2) Problems 1 Demo a got - Lighth
threathere
Solesting
3) agree - Foreign Policy
b) m apaming "un areas f agreement
We should stop meading people OUT
not a mmolithic party
dissent X disagrement
In 1966 - the odd we face are
like David against Gleath
Concentration of power m Ewee
a President who brown hatm
77VH39
Two to one in Congrass