Negroes in Government

The liberal element in Congress was growing, contended Dr Gregg. In 1957 and 1960 civil rights acts were passed. The Justice Department was enforcing federal laws through its civil rights division. The Interstate Commerce Commission outlawed segregation on buses. Many Negroes were being appointed to government jobs.

President Kennedy had promised recently to issue an executive order to stop segregation in housing. At the moment, Congress was considering a move to eliminate the poll tax which was used against the Negro voter and a standard literacy test to eliminate white discrimination.