TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, United States Senate letterhead, July 23, 1963. Letter to Kenneth E. Crouch of Virginia's Bedford Bulletin-Democrat, in full: "Am very grateful to you for your fine letter of commendation, which I read carefully read [sic]. I send you copy of my remarks as reported in the Congressional Record. I meant every word I said." Includes the referenced enclosure, a contemporary copy of Young's speech entitled "Proposed mass sit-in at Capitol should not be tolerated," which was published in the Congressional Record of July 11, 1963. The speech, anticipating civil disobedience at the U.S. Capitol during the August 28, 1963, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (at which Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech), in part: "Plans are being formulated for a massive march on Washington by 100,000 person—or some say 200,000, and it is reported that there may be a huge demonstration with marchers…staging sit-ins in offices of Senators and Members of the House or Representatives…I will not permit the senatorial business of my State to be disrupted by dozens or hundreds of demonstrators…The proposed mass demonstration and sit-in is an insult to Members of Congress…[A] mass invasion and demonstration is [an] unwise…way to dramatize any cause. It would probably lead to rioting…I will not be coerced or pushed around by 10 or a thousand demonstrators, nor will I close my office…If a large number of men and women crowd into the office I occupy…I will personally and forcibly eject them, if necessary…It is stupidity for anyone to propose sit-in demonstrations on Capitol Hill." In fine condition.
There was much fear and hysteria in the months leading up to the famous 1963 ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.’ Fears of looting, street violence, and physical assaults by protesters were hyped by the news media and resulted in preemptive measures. A 'State of Emergency' was declared in D.C., and all liquor stores and bars were closed. The entire DC police force was mobilized along with 500 reserves and 2,500 DC National Guard members. In addition, thousands of soldiers from nearby army bases were placed on alert. The fears were unfounded with this peaceful march and demonstration becoming one of the pivotal events in U.S. history. Senator Young (1889-1984) was a U.S. Senator from Ohio serving from 1959-71.
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