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Inventory of the L. Mendel Rivers Papers, 1940-1962
Inventory of the L. Mendel Rivers Papers, 1940-1962
Descriptive Summary
| Abstract: | Correspondence, speeches, memoranda, legislative files, political files, and committee files of L. Mendel Rivers (1905-1970), Democratic United States Representative from South Carolina's 1st Congressional District from 1941 to 1970. Materials primarily relate to Rivers' service in Congress from 1955 to 1962 with topics including the Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs invasion, Civil Rights, public school desegregation, and the United States Armed Services and defense programs. Also included are committee files concerning Rivers' service as Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and his service on the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. |
| Title: | L. Mendel Rivers papers |
| Creator: | Rivers, L. Mendel (Lucius Mendel), 1905-1970 |
| Date(s): | 1940-1962 (bulk 1957-1962) |
| Extent: | 21.7 linear feet (52 document boxes) |
| Repository: | Special Collections, College of Charleston Libraries 66 George Street Charleston, SC 29424 Phone: (843) 953-8016 Fax: (843) 953-6319 URL: http://archives.library.cofc.edu |
| Call Number: | Mss 0094 |
| Language of Material: | Materials in English |
Biographical Note
Lucius Mendel Rivers was born in 1905 just west of Charleston, South Carolina, in the small town of Gumville. His father, Lucius Rivers was a cotton farmer who ran a turpentine mill. When Mendel was ten years old his father died suddenly of pneumonia. The senior Rivers' death sent the family's fortunes into decline. Eventually, the bank foreclosed on the farm, and forced the Rivers' clan to sell most of its possessions. Rivers' mother, Henrietta, used what money was left over from the sale to move the family to the north area of Charleston County where she purchased a two-story home near Montague Avenue. Despite having a comfortable home, the family was far from well off financially. Young Mendel rose at 4:00 A.M. to milk cows and deliver newspapers before riding a trolley to Charleston to attend school. His mother also took in boarders to improve the family's financial situation.
Rivers graduated from High School in 1926. He was admitted to the College of Charleston with the intention of becoming a lawyer. He left the college after three years to attend the law school at the University of South Carolina. Rivers passed the South Carolina bar exam in 1932, and entered a law practice with Joseph Fromberg.
Shortly after beginning his law practice, Rivers ran for a seat in the South Carolina General Assembly. Although his initial attempt at electoral success failed, Rivers ran again a year later when a special election was held to fill a vacant seat in the Charleston County delegation to the State House of Representatives. In his second election, Rivers campaigned under the slogan: "Give the Northern End of the County Representation." This time, Rivers won. He was re-elected in 1934 and won the Democratic Primary in 1936.
Before Rivers could defend his seat in the general election of 1936, he was offered a job as an assistant to the Attorney General of the United States. The offer was made at the behest of Thomas McMillan, the congressman from South Carolina's First Congressional District, who viewed Rivers as a possible rival for his congressional seat, and sought to make an ally out of Rivers before they became competitors. Whether or not he was aware of the congressman's motives, Rivers accepted the offer, which took him first to Washington, D.C., then to Louisiana, and, finally, to Georgia to work for the federal government.
In 1938, Rivers returned to Charleston to help McMillan stave off a difficult challenge for the Democratic nomination from Russell McGowan. Charleston Mayor Burnet R. Maybank, who was running for governor, and Henry Lockwood, who was the favorite to replace Maybank as the city's mayor, endorsed McGowan. Thanks to a strong showing in the rural areas of the First Congressional District, McMillan narrowly won the nomination. Just two days after the primary, Rivers and Margaret Middleton were married at Charleston's historic St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Several months later, Tom McMillan died unexpectedly leaving his wife to fill his congressional seat until the next election.
In February of 1940, Rivers resigned from his job with the Justice Department and returned to Charleston to "practice law." Rivers' return to the city prompted the Charleston News and Courier to speculate that he intended to seek McMillan's old congressional seat.
The political establishment endorsed Alfred H. "Fritz" von Kolnitz. Von Kolnitz was a successful businessman and a former professional baseball player and World War I fighter pilot. Despite his credentials, von Kolnitz was not a gifted speaker. He lacked Rivers' flair for impromptu speeches. He did, however, have a solid backing in the city of Charleston. Rivers' strategy was to keep the returns in Charleston close and bank on strong support from the surrounding areas. The campaign strategy proved successful. Rivers lost Charleston County, but he overwhelmingly defeated von Kolnitz in the rural areas of the district.
When he entered the United States House of Representatives, Rivers was assigned to the Naval Affairs Committee, which was merged with the Military Affairs Committee to form the Armed Services Committee after World War II. Rivers' remained on the Armed Services Committee throughout his career. In 1965, he was named Chairman of the committee. He served in that capacity until his death in 1970.
Rivers was instrumental in several aspects of the administrative policy of the Vietnam War. He helped define the terms of the draft, and he aided in securing funding for military activities. He is generally credited with helping to build the "nuclear navy" and with supporting the development of the "C5-A" aircraft. Rivers acquired a reputation as a defender of the military and as a "war hawk." He prided himself on his reputation as a champion of the ordinary service man.
Rivers was also active in the fight to save segregation. He was a strident defender of the racial status quo. In 1948, he was the first South Carolina Congressman to declare himself a "Dixiecrat" and openly support J. Strom Thurmond's candidacy for the presidency. He bolted the Democratic Party again in 1952 when he supported Dwight D. Eisenhower in the presidential election. Rivers felt that the Democratic Party had adopted a "liberal" civil rights platform in the contest. Although he publicly supported the Democratic Party for the remainder of his career, numerous sources charged that he had secretly aided George Wallace's "independent" campaign for president in 1968. Also, in a 1956 questionnaire, Rivers was the only South Carolina congressman to declare himself a member of the White Citizens' Council.
Throughout his near three decades in Congress, Rivers was never seriously challenged in either the Democratic Primary or the general election. He was instrumental in the development of numerous defense industries in his district, especially the tremendous growth of the Charleston Naval Base. Rivers also fought to make the College of Charleston a state institution in the late 1960s.
Collection Overview
The papers of L. Mendel Rivers span the years of 1940 to 1962, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the years 1957 to 1962. The collection is composed primarily of correspondence, memoranda, and printed matter relating to Rivers' legislative work as a member of Congress from the first district of South Carolina and as a powerful member of the House Committee on Armed Services. The papers are supplemented by speeches, political files, and family and personal correspondence.
Materials primarily relate to Rivers' service in Congress from 1955 to 1962 with topics including the Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs invasion, Civil Rights, public school desegregation, and the United States Armed Services and defense programs. Also included are committee files concerning Rivers' service as Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and his service on the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee.
Reflected in the Rivers collection is the congressman's deep concern for the armed services and security of the United States. His dedication to ensuring the well-being of military personnel and their families and his commitment to strengthen the arsenals of the armed forces are the most significant themes found throughout his papers. The Collection also documents Rivers' service to his constituents. Scattered throughout the various series are materials relating to the strength of Charleston's economy due to his success in bringing many military-related industries to the first district.
Collection Arrangement
| 1. | Family correspondence, 1955-1960 |
| 2. | Personal files, 1956-1962 |
| 3. | General correspondence, 1957-1962 |
| 4. | Legislative files, 1940-1962 |
| 5. | Committee files, 1954-1962 |
| 6. | Political files, 1950-1962 |
Search Terms
The following terms have been used to index this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person, family, or organization, by topical subject, by place, and by types of material.Names
- Rivers, L. Mendel (Lucius Mendel), 1905-1970
- United States. Congress. House
- United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services
- United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries
Subjects
- Cold War
- World politics--1945-1989
- Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962
- Civil rights--United States
- School integration--United States
- Merchant mariners--United States
- Fisheries--United States
- Legislators--United States
Places
- United States--Armed Forces
- Cuba--History--Invasion, 1961
- South Carolina--Politics and government--20th century
- United States--Politics and government--20th century
- Charleston (S.C.)
Types of Material
- Correspondence
- Personal correspondence
- Bills (legislative records)
- Legislative records
- Congressional committee records
- Congressional committee reports
- Speeches (documents)
- Memorandums
- Clippings (information artifacts)
- Booklets
Related Resources
Related Material
Related materials in Special Collections include the L. Mendel Rivers Papers (Mss 0098) and the Rivers Family Papers (Mss 0099).
Detailed Description of the Collection
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1. Family correspondence, 1955-1960
Copies of correspondence written by L. Mendel Rivers to his daughter Margaret (Peggy) Rivers. Topics primarily include the family's overseas travel, Peggy's education, and Rivers' congressional work.
2. Personal files, 1956-1962
The personal files series consists of correspondence, memoranda, notes, and printed materials related primarily to Rivers' relationship with social and political organizations, county and city governments, and first district constituents. Included are files documenting his assistance in obtaining military weapons and equipment for use in local fairs and exhibits and his interest in supporting local businesses and schools. The file also includes speeches, memoranda, and communications from his staff, drafts of weekly reports published in local newspapers (Rivers Reports from Washington), and correspondence with local and national newspapers.
Correspondence from constituents concerning requests for special appointments to meet with Representative Rivers to discuss various issues and legislation.
Correspondence concerning speeches and statements put forth to be included in the appendix of The Congressional Record by Representative Rivers.
Correspondence, 1956-1962
Correspondence concerning a proposal for the development of a marina on Lake Marion in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
Correspondence with Frank K. Ayer, a Hampton County Veteran Service Officer from Hampton, South Carolina, concerning veterans' issues.
Correspondence with Alabama Representative Frank W. Boykin concerning a speech given by Representative Rivers in honor of retired South Carolina Representative James P. Richards and an invitation to go hunting.
Correspondence concerning the invitation of evangelical leader Dr. Billy Graham to Washington D. C. for a Crusade and two newspaper articles, concerning Dr. Graham, copied from the Charleston News and Courier.
Correspondence with Captain Fritz Harlfinger, Commander of United States Submarine Squad Twelve, primarily concerning United States Navy matters.
Correspondence with South Carolina Governor Ernest F. Hollings primarily concerning the Governor's battle with the press.
Correspondence with John O'Connor including a request for a statement to be introduced in The Congressional Record and correspondence concerning the commissioning of Senator Herman Talmadge as a Six Star Admiral in the Sumter Guards of Charleston. Included is a photo of the Senator accepting the award.
Correspondence with Leon Patat, of Leon Patat and Company located in Charleston, South Carolina, concerning requests for Representative Rivers' assistance in the acquisition of business contracts for the company.
Correspondence with T. E. Pederson, a Charleston lawyer, concerning authorization to file suit against the United States, by reason of the negligent operation on the wife of an Air Force sergeant in Tokyo.
District issues, 1956-1962
Correspondence concerning agricultural issues including revisions to the price support program, made by the United States Department of Agriculture, for the South Carolina and Southeast oat crop, a request for a loan to plant crop, a copy of the annual report for the Colleton Soil Conservation District of Walterboro, South Carolina, the Farmers Home Administration (FHA) in Hampton, South Carolina, opposition to the recommended dairy regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the meeting minutes and newsletter for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation district office in Colleton County, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning banking issues including competition for government business among South Carolina banks, a copy of an address given by Senator Barry Goldwater before the South Carolina Bankers Association in Greenville, South Carolina, the establishment of a banking facility at the Charleston Navy Yard, banking facilities in Summerville, South Carolina, and a copy of an address given by W. W. McEachern, President of the South Carolina National Bank, before the Lions Club of Columbia, South Carolina. Correspondents include the Presidents of the Citizens and Southern National Bank of South Carolina, the First National Bank of South Carolina, and the South Carolina National Bank of Charleston.
Correspondence from the Burton Block Company (manufacturers of concrete products) of Burton, South Carolina, concerning construction projects at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina, and requests for clarification of Section 2A of the Buy American Act.
Correspondence concerning the use of the Gate City Transport Company (based in Bennettsville, South Carolina) to transport Chrysler vehicles from Michigan to South Carolina. Correspondents include L. L. Colbert, President of the Chrysler Corporation, and Leon R. Drake, Jr., Vice President of the Gate City Transport Company.
Correspondence concerning bids by the Ruscon Construction Company of Charleston, South Carolina, for Government construction contracts including those at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina, Robins Air Force Base in Houston County, Georgia, and the postal facilities in Manning, South Carolina. Correspondents include R. B. Russell, President of the Ruscon Construction Company.
Correspondence concerning bids by the Ruscon Construction Company of Charleston, South Carolina, for Government construction contracts including the postal facilities in Manning, South Carolina, leased space in Raleigh, North Carolina, Robins Air Force Base in Huston County, Georgia, and the Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina. Also included is a proposed survey of wages being paid to carpenters on building construction in Charleston County, South Carolina, and a protest of the decision by the United States Labor Department to increase pile driving rates. Correspondents include R. B. Russell, President of the Ruscon Construction Company.
Correspondence concerning a bid by the Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company to locate a chemical plant to serve the United States Military on company property in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' attempts to negotiate the shipment of Volkswagen automobiles from West Germany through the port of Charleston.
Correspondence primarily concerning Representative Rivers' efforts to assist with the acquisition of speakers for Charleston Chamber of Commerce events.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' support for a fund to establish a Junior Baptist College in Charleston (Charleston Southern University). Correspondents include General Mark W. Clark, President of the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a request by the Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, for the use of Civil War cannons possessed by the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina, for use in a feature-length film dealing with a portion of the life of Stonewall Jackson. Rivers' appears to mistakenly refer to Andrew Jackson in later letters.
Correspondence concerning the Citadel Military College including invitations to ceremonies, funding for the Medical Arts Building, deductibility of expenditures for uniforms, recommendations to prospective cadets given by Rivers, the acquisition of the British Submarine Seraph, and a visit to Washington, D.C., by the Citadel Choir. Correspondents include General Mark W. Clark, President of the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning the Citadel Military College including athletics, a visit by the Citadel Choir to Washington, D. C., a visit by General Lauris Norstad, Commanding General of NATO, the inclusion of remarks in The Congressional Record, recommendations given by Rivers to prospective cadets, legislation altering college housing loans, the requirement of cadets to read J. Edgar Hoover's book on communism, The Masters of Deceit, and invitations to attend ceremonies at the college. Correspondents include General Mark W. Clark, President of the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning Clemson College in Clemson, South Carolina, including research projects, increased appropriations for cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, the crop pest program in South Carolina, the election of a new president for the college, a delegation meeting at Clemson, and the appointment of a new member to the Board of Trustees.
Correspondence concerning the termination of a contract for the Hawthorne School of Aeronautics in Charleston, South Carolina, to provide basic fixed wing training for the United States Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker.
Correspondence concerning the proposed removal of the Home Economics Department from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Clemson College, in Clemson, South Carolina. Correspondents include Henry R. Sims, President of Winthrop College.
Correspondence concerning the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, including the expansion of the Psychiatric floor, the English titles of German medical research books, the drafting of medical school staff, research collaboration with the Navy Department and Surgeon General, and a grant for medical research equipment. Correspondents include Dr. H. Rawling Pratt-Thomas, President of the Medical College.
Correspondence concerning the purchasing of the Carol Court Apartments by Newberry College from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Correspondents include Dr. C. A. Kaufmann, President of Newberry College.
Correspondence concerning requests for additional equipment for the Columbia Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Squadron.
Correspondence concerning invitations and appreciation for attending meetings of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
Correspondence concerning Allendale County including a tax claim against the United States Government for land conveyed for the Hydrogen Bomb Plant in 1953, a research request for archival information about the Allendale Post Office, a loan to install a sewer system in Fairfax, South Carolina, and a request for suggestions to help promote trade in Allendale.
Correspondence concerning the Beaufort County Centennial Commemoration in 1962.
Correspondence concerning Beaufort County including a request for information on Fort Fremont and the Hilton Head Island Fort, renovations to the Thomas Law Building, the need for industry, a request for the "Blue Angels" at the State Firemen's Association in Charleston, the commemoration of the Battle of Port Royal Sound, and the construction of a historic parkway on Hilton Head Island.
Correspondence concerning requests for the participation of the "Blue Angels" at the Beaufort South Carolina, Water Festival in 1960.
Correspondence concerning requests for the participation of the "Blue Angels" at the Beaufort, South Carolina, Water Festival in 1961 and 1962.
Correspondence concerning Berkeley County including a police fine involving Congressman Moeller of Ohio, water pollution and sewage treatment, a copy of a history of Moncks Corner, and a request to become a legal resident of Berkeley County.
Correspondence concerning requests for military equipment to display at various exhibits and fairs around Charleston County.
Correspondence concerning the acquisition of speakers for the Sumter Guards Annual Banquet in Charleston.
Correspondence concerning Charleston County including the construction of a United Service Organization (USO) Building for black soldiers, a request to have a chain gang clean out the underbrush on school grounds of the Brookland Plantation School for Boys in Edisto Island, South Carolina, a list of addresses of loan companies in the Charleston area, developments in business aviation presented by the Charleston Aviation Society, the centennial commemoration of the Battle of Fort Sumter, a report on the analysis of the number of Federal Civilian Employees in Charleston County, preservation of the Old Citadel, and a grant for the Crippled Children's Rehabilitation Center in Charleston.
Requests for the arrangement of special Charleston harbor cruises for various conventions, associations, and visitors.
Correspondence including a request by the Preservation Society of Charleston to hold a meeting at the Custom House and an attempt to save the Bennett Rice Mill.
Correspondence concerning Dorchester County including a government fund to purchase Carolina Inn for use as a retirement home, invitation to the First Annual Charity Horse Show, and permission to fish in forest lands owned by the Southern Railway System.
Correspondence concerning requests for the attendance of the Parris Island Marine Corps Band at the Annual Watermelon Festival Parade in Hampton, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning the gradual release of excess water from the Clark's Hill Dam in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and the selection of a site for a gas storage bulk plant.
Correspondence primarily concerning the proposed use of the Carolina Inn in Summerville, South Carolina, as living quarters for Cuban refugees.
Correspondence concerning the desire of the Carolina Low Country Girl Scouts to secure the use of Francis Marion National Forest land.
Correspondence concerning a petition by the Government Employees Veterans Association for Rivers' attendance at a special meeting of constituents to hear the needs and complaints of Federal Employees residing in South Carolina's First Congressional District.
Correspondence concerning the inclusion, by Representative Rivers, of an address given by Solomon Blatt in The Congressional Record, an invitation to the Anniversary Dinner of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Charleston, South Carolina, and a copy of Tombstones That Tell a Story, by Thomas J. Tobias.
Correspondence concerning South Carolina's highways including the proposal of new routes, speed limits, improvements, and taxes.
Correspondence concerning the effects of hurricane "Gracie" which struck Beaufort County and particularly Edisto Island, South Carolina in 1959.
Correspondence concerning a request for a land exchange between the Jamestown Methodist Church and the United States Forest Service.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' participation at Charleston Masonic Lodge meetings and a request by a lodge for transportation assistance.
Correspondence concerning the South Carolina National Guard including the dedication of a new armory in Summerville, South Carolina, individual guardsmen case files (discharge, deferment, leave, reinstatement), the Federal Retirement Program for National Guard Employees, acquisition of new fighter aircraft for the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Army and Air National Guard Technician Program.
Correspondence concerning railroads including the transfer from Charleston to Florence of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, the merger of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, the discontinuance of passenger trains operated by Southern Railroad between Charleston and Cincinnati, and railroad rates.
Correspondence concerning religion including requests for church financial assistance, the desire for Sunday to be set aside by the Congress of the United States to pray for the preservation of the free world, and a number of religious pamphlets sent to Representative Rivers.
Correspondence concerning the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association's May Celebration including invitations and a request for the use of the Parris Island Marine Corps Band.
Correspondence concerning the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission including a restricted military area proposed by the Marine Auxiliary Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina, the use of Charleston as an international airport, and the discontinuance of the intermediate landing field at Lane, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a meeting of the Carolina Cotton Improvement Commission with Representative Rivers and other South Carolina Congressional Delegates.
Correspondence concerning the Southern States Apprentice Conference in Charleston including an invitation for Representative Rivers and a request for a missile or rocket display.
Correspondence concerning various requests for the use of surplus government property.
Correspondence concerning trips taken by Representative Rivers to various South Carolina Congressional Districts including schedules, invitations, and letters of appreciation.
Luncheons, 1959-1962
Correspondence concerning a luncheon planned by Representative Rivers in honor of Vice Admiral Karl Adolf Zenker of the Federal German Navy in the Vandenberg Room of the Capital Building in Washington, D.C.
Correspondence concerning an annual luncheon planned by Representative Rivers in honor of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Speaker's Dining Room on the House side of the Capital Building in Washington, D.C.
National issues, 1958-1962
Correspondence primarily concerning Rivers' attempts to acquire a United States guided missile cruiser for inspection in Charleston, South Carolina, during the Annual American Legion Convention.
Newspaper clippings concerning the South Carolina American Legion, a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the American Legion Department of South Carolina, a copy of the May 1959 issue of the National News of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a copy of a booklet for the 41st Annual Convention of the American Legion held in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1959.
Correspondence from the American Medical Association including a resolution in opposition to "the Use of Water Supply as a Vehicle for Drugs," a news release entitled Major Health Organizations Announce Program for Aged, a news report entitled Shortage of Doctors Ahead?, an article concerning the desire for the American Medical Association to manufacture Krebiozen, and a list of physicians by county in the 1st Congressional District.
Correspondence concerning an index compiled by the Americans for Constitutional Action that evaluates the voting records of United States Congressmen. Rivers wrote the organization in an effort to obtain information on how the organization evaluated his own record.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' attempts to acquire speakers at the Armed Forces Week observance in Charleston, South Carolina. Also included are manuals and speakers guides for Armed Forces Day for 1959 and 1960.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning a public meeting at the College of Charleston sponsored by the seven Citizen's Councils of Charleston County. Representative Rivers gave a speech at the meeting.
Correspondence concerning requests for assistance in acquiring equipment and honorarium to celebrate the Civil War Centennial in Charleston.
Newspaper clippings concerning the Civil War Centennial in South Carolina.
A variety of guides, pamphlets, newsletters, magazines, and promotional material concerning the Civil War Centennial. Especially South Carolina's participation in the war.
Correspondence expressing enthusiastic support for a speech made by Representative Rivers, on the Floor of the House entitled "Communism Now Rules the Island of Cuba," condemning Fidel Castro and urging the United States to act promptly in preventing the establishment of a communist regime in Cuba.
Copies of Representative Rivers' June 25, 1960, speech entitled "Communism Now Rules the Island of Cuba." Included are numerous annotated drafts. Also included is a copy of Rivers' January 4, 1961, speech entitled "Severing Diplomatic Relations with Cuba."
Copies of newsletters and reports from the Federation for Constitutional Government primarily concerning racial intelligence and the spread of socialism and communism.
Correspondence concerning a trip made by Representative Rivers on the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Seadragon via the Northwest Passage to Hawaii as a member of the Committee on Armed Services. Included is a letter of greeting for the Governor of Hawaii and a letter from the Commander of the United States Navy commemorating the trip.
Correspondence primarily concerning requests for extra tickets for President Kennedy's Inauguration.
Memorandums from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies concerning plans for the Inaugural ball, dinner, parade, tickets, and other related matters.
Various commemorative publications, pamphlets, and newspaper articles concerning President Kennedy's Inauguration. Included is the special inaugural issue of Democratic Digest.
Notes and reminders from Representative Rivers' secretary concerning requests for tickets to President Kennedy's Inauguration.
Press releases from the Inaugural Committee concerning plans for the inaugural ball, dinner, parade, tickets, and other related matters.
Correspondence concerning three United States Marines marching in the March of Dimes across South Carolina on behalf of the Polio Fund. Included is a commemorative speech given by Representative Rivers.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' efforts to secure a speaker for a National Maritime Day celebration at the Propeller Club of the United States in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning the Charleston Council of the Navy League including new members, selection of a new president, uniforms for United States Naval Sea Cadets, and an invitation for Rivers to speak before the group.
Correspondence concerning a request by the Washington Light Infantry for assistance in securing a speaker for their annual banquet held at the Armory in Charleston.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' attendance at the World Exposition in Brussels, Belgium.
Newspaper clippings concerning the World Exposition and an itinerary and ticketing information concerning Rivers' attendance.
Guidebooks, pamphlets, brochures, maps, and other printed material concerning the 1958 Brussels World Exposition. Also included is material concerning the U.S.S.R. pavilion at the World Exposition.
Newspapers, 1957-1962
Various newspaper clippings concerning Representative Rivers.
Copies of humorous newspaper articles, concerning Rivers, written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. (pen name "Ashley Cooper") in a long running column entitled "Doing the Charleston" that appeared in The Charleston News and Courier.
Two letters from The Manchester Union Leader newspaper concerning opposition to the President's use of the National Guard to combat segregation in the South.
Correspondence concerning Rivers' interactions with military newspapers including The Army Times, The Navy Times, and The Army Navy Air Force Journal.
Correspondence concerning Rivers' interactions with newspapers about various topics including requests for information, the placing of advertisements, and requests for copies of articles.
Correspondence concerning Rivers' interactions with The Charleston News and Courier about various topics including requests for information, the placing of advertisements, and requests for copies of articles. Also included are newspaper clippings from The News and Courier concerning Representative Rivers.
Correspondence concerning an article, written for The Washington Post by Drew Pearson, accusing Representative Rivers of abusing his use of United States Air Force transportation. Rivers accused Pearson of slander and libel.
Copies of annotated speeches and statements given by Representative Rivers on topics including Germany's Ambassador, Bishop Thomas, and the United States Supreme Court's decision to integrate schools. Also included are requests for assistance in acquiring speakers for various organizations.
Rivers' staff memoranda concerning various topics including vacation leave, mail forwarding, filing, scheduling, and other routine activities.
Telephone messages taken by Rivers' staff at his office.
3. General correspondence, 1957-1962
The general correspondence series contains incoming and outgoing correspondence between Rivers and government agencies, departments, commissions, Congress, and the White House, primarily pertaining to issues of concern to organizations, businesses, and individuals in Rivers' district. Correspondence relating to issues of national significance including civil rights, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Bay of Pigs invasion, is also contained in the file. The file on the Civil Rights Commission reveals Rivers' reluctance to desegregate his district's public schools and facilities.
Correspondence concerning the Farmers Home Administration (FHA) including the inability of small farmers to qualify for loans and the declaration of Charleston County as a disaster area due to adverse weather conditions.
Correspondence concerning a variety of agricultural issues including a request for a government loan to build hen laying houses, desire to correct the Productivity Index on an individual's farm for the Soil Bank Program, losses suffered from Hurricane Gracie, a request to repair the dam across Awendaw Creek in Francis Marion National Forest, and a loan from the Rural Electrification Administration to extend telephone services.
Correspondence concerning a variety of agricultural issues including a request for a Farmers Home Administration (FHA) loan, the case of the Flack-Jones Lumber Company, Inc. vs. the United States Department of Agriculture, a protest against the Francis Marion National Forest policy of the sale of its hardwood, and emergency loans from the Farmers Home Administration.
Correspondence concerning discrimination against South Carolina tobacco growers on Georgia's markets.
Correspondence containing a variety of printed endorsements and pamphlets supporting statehood for Alaska.
Correspondence primarily concerning the Savannah River Plant including a copy of A Progress Report on the Savannah River Plant given by the Savannah River Operations Office before the Columbia, South Carolina, Kiwanis Club, the dumping of radio-active waste materials 20 miles from the mouth of North Edisto River, and a request to reopen Old South Carolina Highway 28 through the Savannah River Plant.
Correspondence concerning an application from Mackey Airlines to the Civil Aeronautics Board for the flying of passengers from Charleston direct to Nassau in the Bahamas.
A copy of an annotated speech written by Rivers in response to a report by the Civil Rights Commission.
Correspondence concerning a request for information on a special census conducted on the town of Manning, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a complaint by a South Carolina man that the television program Top Dollar was "rigged."
Correspondence concerning an investigation of the Port of New York Authority by the Congressional Committee on the Judiciary.
Correspondence concerning the Department of the Air Force including a list of Charleston Citizens interested in a trip to Cape Canaveral, the Bantam Football Team's desire to use a training site at either Bermuda or Puerto Rico Air Force Base, the decision of the Air Force to replace civilian contractor personnel with enlisted personnel, Department of Defense Accreditation for members of the WCSC-TV staff, and a special flight for a couple injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Correspondence primarily concerning the proposed abandonment of the army base at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Also included is correspondence protesting living conditions and the length of overseas duty in Libya.
Correspondence concerning an approval for a reporter from the News and Courier to travel to Europe and the Middle East in order to write a story on the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and opposition by the Charleston Dentists Society to the designation, by the army, of Beaufort, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach as "remote areas" thus allowing dentists on active military duty to perform dental services in competition with civilian dentists.
Correspondence concerning the Department of Defense including the cost of transporting privately owned vehicles overseas by military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, a complaint about an Air Force recruitment poster, military aid to Communist Yugoslavia, and Alaska's military situation.
Correspondence primarily concerning the sea trials of various nuclear-powered vessels.
Various news reports, editorials, and memorandums concerning the impact of Sputnik on the United States.
Correspondence concerning the establishment of a Regional Headquarters for the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) in Atlanta and a revision of the National Airport Plan by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).
Correspondence concerning applications for radio station licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a letter concerning Federal regulation of "adequate" programming.
Correspondence concerning a proposal to move Channel 5 from Charleston to Columbia, South Carolina.
Correspondence and case proceedings concerning a petition to assign Channel 8 to Columbia, South Carolina.
Correspondence and proceedings concerning the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) attempts to remove Channel 10 from Columbia, South Carolina.
Correspondence and proceedings concerning the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) attempts to remove Channel 10 from Columbia, South Carolina.
Correspondence and proceedings concerning the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) attempts to remove Channel 10 from Columbia, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a petition to the Federal Power Commission by the Southern Natural Gas Company.
Correspondence concerning the National Oil Markets Association and misleading advertisements by the Max Factor Cosmetic Company.
Correspondence concerning claims filed with the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission including copies of the annual and semi-annual reports of the commission.
Correspondence concerning claims filed with the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.
Correspondence concerning protestations at the Federal Food and Drug Administration's seizure of literature and labeled product of Sea Water advertised and sold as beneficial medically for sundry deficiency diseases.
Correspondence concerning the desire to have the Charleston District Office of Social Security continue to remain in Charleston.
Correspondence concerning requests for souvenirs and printed material from the Capital Building. Also included are maps of the new House Office Buildings, a House of Representatives telephone directory, and rules and regulations.
Correspondence concerning the Interior Department including the selection of a site to construct a saline water conversion plant in South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning proposals to reduce railroad freight, cement, and grain transport rates.
Correspondence concerning a request by Seaboard and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroads for permission to convert the interlocking tower in Fairfax, South Carolina, from manual to remote control.
Correspondence concerning the proposed revision of learner standards that would deny special minimum wage certificates for learners in the production of robes.
Correspondence concerning a case brought before the National Labor Relations Board involving the Daniel Construction Company of Greenville, South Carolina.
A copy of The Family Fallout Shelter sent to Rivers by the Director of the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization and a copy of a booklet concerning the national plan for civil defense and defense mobilization.
Correspondence concerning the United States Post Department including the construction of an additional mail-handling facility in North Charleston, the construction of an airport mail facility in Charleston advance airmail arriving from the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), appointments to postal positions, the discontinuance of highway post office service between Charleston, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, the female-male ratio at post offices, and bulk mail distribution.
Correspondence primarily concerning Katanga, a state that proclaimed its independence from the Republic of Congo in 1960. Rivers included an editorial from The Charleston News and Courier, titled "The Betrayal in Katanga," concerning the intervention of the United Nations and the spread of Communism in Africa in the Appendix of The Congressional Record.
Copies of printed material and informational pamphlets concerning Asia including international recognition of Communist China, the renaming of the Olympic Committee of National China, text of a speech delivered by the Ambassador of India to the Conference on India and the United States, a copy of a booklet entitled As Driven Sands: the Arab Refugees, a release from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, and the remarks of Senator Thomas J. Dodd on the Floor of the Senate concerning the crisis in Laos.
A large amount of booklets, pamphlets, and a photograph concerning the visit of President Mohammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan to Washington, D.C., a newspaper article concerning Laos, a letter and article concerning the spread of Communism in Vietnam, a booklet entitled Invasion of American Rights on the Part of Arab League of Nations, and a booklet entitled Success Story concerning the Philippines.
Correspondence concerning an investigation of the State Department's activities in Laos and the possibility of sending American combat forces into Southeast Asia.
Correspondence concerning the Caribbean including a statement included in The Congressional Record. concerning The New York Times' support of Fidel Castro, a United States VISA for Cuban ex-President Fulgencio Batista, a copy of the July 1959 report from the Caribbean Anti-Communist Research and Intelligence Bureau, and a booklet entitled Birth and Growth of Anti-Trujillism in America concerning the Dominican Republic.
Speeches delivered by Madame Chiang Kai-shek and the Ambassador to the Republic of China and correspondence concerning a request by the Chinese Nationalist Government to recoup losses sustained when the four ships they purchased from the United States Maritime Commission in 1946 were repossessed by the United States Government in 1950.
Correspondence primarily concerning the admission of Communist China into the United Nations.
Correspondence concerning the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cuban blockade placed by the United States. Representative Rivers advocated a United States led invasion and occupation of the island.
Correspondence and printed material concerning the Civil War in Cuba. Representative Rivers condemned the rebels as Communists and supported the Batista regime.
Correspondence and printed material concerning the growing fear of Cuba as a Communist state and the spread of Communism to the Western Hemisphere. Representative Rivers fiercely condemned Fidel Castro and urged "bold action" be taken by the United States to eliminate the threat. Also included are copies of an anti-Castro Cuban newspaper published in Miami Beach, Florida.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' planned proposal to recommend to the Houses of Representatives that the United States should invade Cuba and that the United Nations should sanction the invasion to eliminate the Communist threat.
Correspondence primarily concerning support by the Dominican Government of Representative Rivers' speech condemning Fidel Castro and the Communist takeover of Cuba.
Correspondence concerning Europe including Communist rule in Poland and Hungary, aid for the people of Sevilla, Spain, terrorism in Portuguese West Africa, a press conference held by President de Gaulle in Paris, a farewell speech by the United States Ambassador to Spain, and the Soviet occupation of Germany.
Correspondence and printed material concerning an ultimatum issued by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev for the Western powers to withdraw from West Berlin. Eventually this crisis would result in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
Correspondence concerning United States aid for India. Rivers "violently opposed" aid to India because of their record of opposition to the United States' actions at the United Nations.
Correspondence and printed material concerning the United States' involvement in the Middle East. Including the landing of troops in Lebanon and the Iraqi Revolution.
Correspondence concerning United States retention of the Panama Canal.
Correspondence primarily concerning Portugal's West African province in Angola.
Correspondence primarily concerning the Government of Peru.
Correspondence and printed material concerning relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Correspondence concerning the actions of Harry M. Lofton, American Consul to Ecuador, to save the lives of American citizens trapped on the active volcano "Sangay," and correspondence concerning Rivers' efforts to release Methodist Missionaries imprisoned by the Portuguese Government in Angola.
Correspondence primarily concerning Representative Rivers' opposition to the United States' participation in the United Nations.
Correspondence concerning Rivers' opposition to the United Nations' involvement in the Congo and the United States' support.
Correspondence and printed material concerning opposition to UNESCO and aid provided to the United Nations.
Correspondence, schedules, reports, booklets, and other material concerning the Mexico-United States Inter-parliamentary Group's United States Delegation. Representative Rivers served on the Hemisphere, Peace, and Security and Alliance for Progress panel.
Correspondence primarily concerning a proposal by the United States Treasury Department to close the South Carolina Customs District Office in Charleston. Also included is a transcript of a meeting held in protest of the order and various newspaper clippings.
Correspondence concerning the information on the South Carolina Veterans Administration including monthly statistical reports covering April-November, the closing of the laundry at the Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, the discontinuance of veterans examinations for compensation and pension, the inferior quality of bronze grave markers furnished for survivors of deceased veterans, and assistance locating widows of Confederate veterans believed to be entitled to federal pensions.
Correspondence with the White House including a copy of President John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address and State of the Union Message, a letter of thanks from Rivers' after a visit with the President at the White House, and a copy of a telegram concerning the scheduling of a special appointment with the President.
4. Legislative files, 1940-1962
The legislative files series consist of correspondence, memoranda, reports, drafts of bills, and other materials recording Rivers' legislative activities. Included are bills Rivers introduced and legislation he or the people in his congressional district supported. The file primarily concerns legislation pertaining to the armed services and to military-related industries. Rivers, who once stated that "the members of the armed forces are entitled to a standard of living equal to the standard of living they are defending," introduced and supported legislation that increased military pay, improved medical and dental insurance for service personnel and their families, and favored Charleston with a remarkable array of defense installations, including air bases, supply depots, hospitals, shipyards, and missile facilities.
Sponsored legislation, 1940-1962
83rd Congress, 1940-1956
A copy of a House Resolution submitted by Representative Rivers to provide for the services of an assistant file clerk, designated by the minority leader and subject to the approval of the Speaker.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning a House Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers expressing Congressional appreciation for General Douglas MacArthur.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the transportation expenses, between tours of duty, for Federal employees working overseas.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to allow for the adoption and naturalization of Scarlett Scroggin (formerly Scarlett Kelly).
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to relieve William H. Lubkin, Jr., of Beaufort, South Carolina, of all liability to refund to the United States the compensation he received as an employee of the Coast Guard in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the conveyance of certain lands by the United States to the North Charleston Lands Corporation.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize certain lieutenants on the retired list of the Navy.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to adjust the rank of certain officers in the naval service.
Correspondence and copies of various legislation introduced by Representative Rivers during the 83rd Congress.
84th Congress, 1950-1956
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the United States withhold from representatives of foreign nations privileges which such nations withhold from representatives of the United States.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the Secretary of the Army to transfer any supplies and equipment available to the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to reaffirm friendship between the United States and its former enemies Germany and Japan by paying amounts equal in value to all property and interest taken by the United States from Germany or Japan since the declaration of war in December 1941.
A copy of a House Resolution submitted by Representative Rivers requesting that the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors review reports on Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Navy ration statute so as to provide for the serving of oleomargarine or margarine.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to create an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the rank of certain officers in the Department of Defense.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers authorizing the Secretary of the Army to furnish headstones to mark the actual or honorary burial places of deceased members or former members of the military and naval forces.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to release certain restrictions on certain real property granted to the city of Charleston, South Carolina, by the United States of America.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Internal Revenue Codes to provide that a net operating loss for a taxable year would be a net operating loss carry-back for the five preceding taxable years.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that any Federal employee who refuses to answer a question of a committee of the Congress with respect to Communist, Communist-front, or subversive affiliations, shall be removed immediately from the position or office held by him.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Civil Service Retirement Act of May 29, 1930 to provide annuities for those civilian employees engaged in hazardous occupations in any branch of the Federal service.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the expeditious naturalization of former citizens of the United States who have lost United States citizenship by voting in a political election or plebiscite held in Greece on March 5, 1950.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Army Organization Act of 1950 to provide more efficient dental care for the personnel of the Army.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide hospitalization and medical care for dependents of members of the uniformed services.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to allow for the legal immigration and naturalization of Guiseppe F. Ravalico.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to make certain exceptions to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the United States courts of appeals and to the jurisdiction of the district courts of the United States in actions relating to the public schools. The legislation was introduced as a direct result of the recent rulings by the Supreme Court on segregation.
Copies of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the crediting of prior active Federal commissioned service performed by a person appointed as a commissioned officer under section 101 or 102 of the Army-Navy Nurses Act of 1947.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to abolish the Castle Pinckney National Monument in the State of South Carolina.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release, on behalf of the United States, conditions in two deeds conveying certain sub-marginal lands to Clemson Agricultural College so as to permit the college to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of such lands.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to relieve Lieutenant Commander Mortimer T. Clement, Medical Corps, United States Navy, retired, of all liability to repay the United States a sum representing an overpayment of retired pay received by him.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the existing project at Charleston Harbor be modified to include the dredging of an additional portion of Shem Creek.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers for the naturalization of adopted child Joelle Vincent.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to remit the duty on certain bells to be imported for addition to the carillons of the Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers for the immigration and naturalization of Catherine Demetre Stouka.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for research and technical assistance relating to the control of salt-marsh and other pest mosquitoes of public health importance and mosquito vectors of human disease.
85th Congress, 1957-1962
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the United States shall withhold from representatives of foreign nations privileges which such nations withhold from representatives of the United States.
A copy of a House Resolution submitted by Representative Rivers resolving that it is the sense of the House of Representatives of the United States that the Office of the Clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of South Carolina shall continue to be located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to resell four C1-SAY-1 type vessels to the Government of the Republic of China for use in Chinese trade in Far East and Near East waters exclusively.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Navy ration statute so as to provide for the serving of oleomargarine or margarine.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to create an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers providing for the rank of certain officers in the Department of Defense.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide increases in annuities for retirees payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Civil Service Retirement Act of May 29, 1930, to provide annuities for those civilian employees engaged in hazardous occupations in any branch of the Federal service.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a net operating loss for a taxable year shall be a net operating loss carryback for five preceding taxable years.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for research and technical assistance relating to the control of salt-marsh and other pest mosquitoes of public health importance and mosquito vectors of human disease.
A letter from a student requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to make certain exceptions to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the United States courts of appeals and to the jurisdiction of the district courts of the United States in actions relating to the public schools.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the expeditious naturalization of former citizens of the United States who have lost United States citizenship by voting in a political election or plebiscite held in Greece on March 5, 1950.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers authorizing the Secretary of the Army to furnish headstones to mark the actual or honorary burial places of deceased members or former members of the military and naval forces.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that any Federal employee who refuses to answer a question of a committee of the Congress with respect to Communist, Communist-front, or subversive affiliations, shall be removed immediately from the position or office held by him.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize Rear Admiral Daniel W. Ryan, Dental Corps, United States Navy, to accept the Order De Vasco Nunez De Balboa awarded him by the Republic of Panama.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to regulate the foreign commerce of the United States by establishing quantitative restrictions on the importation of hardwood plywood.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to require that all agreements and understandings respecting the importation of foreign goods, entered into with foreign countries or their citizens, shall be reduced to writing and made public.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the transfer of naval vessels to friendly foreign countries.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for a survey of the Coosawhatchie and Broad Rivers in South Carolina, upstream to the vicinity of Dawson Landing.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings, statements, reports, and printed material concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Merchant Marine Act to permit domestically incorporated subsidiaries of foreign corporations to own tugs, barges, and other craft used in transporting freight on the United States' inland waterways.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Housing Act of 1956 to extend the period during which loans and grants may be made for the construction of hospitals under the Defense Housing and Community Facilities and Services Act of 1951.
A copy and report of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to repeal section 6018 of title 10, United States Code, requiring the Secretary of the Navy to determine that the employment of officers of the Regular Navy on shore duty is required by the public interest.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the transfer of naval vessels to friendly foreign countries.
Copies of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend title 10 of the United States Code to prohibit the calling of the National Guard into Federal service except in time of war or invasion or upon the request of a State.
Correspondence concerning requests for copies of legislation sponsored by Representative Rivers.
86th Congress, 1958-1961
A copy of a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the United States shall withhold from representatives of foreign nations privileges which such nations withhold from representatives of the United States.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to resell four C1-SAY-1 type vessels to the Government of the Republic of China for use in Chinese trade in Far East and Near East waters exclusively.
Correspondence concerning a House Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers expressing Congressional appreciation for General Douglas MacArthur.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers to declare Good Friday a legal public holiday.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Rivers tendering the thanks of Congress to General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz; and providing for the striking and presentation to General MacArthur and Fleet Admiral Nimitz of appropriate gold medals in the name of the people of the United States.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to make certain exceptions to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the United States courts of appeals and to the jurisdiction of the district courts of the United States in actions relating to the public schools.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that any Federal employee who refuses to answer a question of a committee of the Congress with respect to Communist, Communist-front, or subversive affiliations, shall be removed immediately from the position or office held by him.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Civil Service Retirement Act of May 29, 1930 to provide annuities for those civilian employees engaged in hazardous occupations in any branch of the Federal service.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for research and technical assistance relating to the control of salt-marsh and other pest mosquitoes of public health importance and mosquito vectors of human disease.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide increases in annuities for retirees payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Housing Act of 1956 to extend the period during which loans and grants may be made for the construction of hospitals under the Defense Housing and Community Facilities and Services Act of 1951.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to regulate the foreign commerce of the United States by establishing quantitative restrictions on the importation of hardwood plywood.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to require that all agreements and understandings respecting the importation of foreign goods, entered into with foreign countries or their citizens shall be reduced to writing and made public.
A letter containing a copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a net operating loss for a taxable year shall be a net operating loss carryback for five preceding taxable years.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Navy ration statute so as to provide for the serving of oleomargarine or margarine.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend title 10 of the United States Code to prohibit the calling of the National Guard into Federal service except in time of war or invasion or upon the request of a State.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to validate certain payments in settlement of unused accrued leave made to certain members of the Army and the Air Force.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers authorizing the Secretary of the Army to furnish headstones to mark the actual or honorary burial places of deceased members or former members of the military and naval forces.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers providing for the rank of certain officers in the Department of Defense.
A copy of a report sent to the Department of Defense concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to create an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.
A copy of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the expeditious naturalization of former citizens of the United States who have lost United States citizenship by voting in a political election or plebiscite held in Greece on March 5, 1950.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the immigration and naturalization of Antonio C. Abelon.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the immigration and naturalization of Catherine Urbani.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to repeal the excise tax on amounts paid for communication services or facilities.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Act of August 4, 1955 (Public Law 237, Eighty-Fourth Congress) to provide for conveyance of certain interests in the lands covered by such Act.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to equalize the pay of retired members of the uniformed services.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to extend the Federal Tort Claims Act to members of the National Guard when engaged in training duty under Federal law.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide more efficient dental care for the personnel of the Air Force.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to exempt Naval Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve officers from the provisions of the Economy Act of 1932 for the period July1, 1947 to December 31, 1952, on the same basis as members of the Officers' Reserve Corps and National Guard of the Army, and Air Force.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for the payment of a retirement claim to retired Major William F. Sample of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers for the relief of Lillian E. Duggan of Manning, South Carolina, on account of the death of her son, Edward Duggan, in a dormitory fire at Syracuse University in New York, while stationed as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the Secretary of Defense shall undertake and carry out a program to provide for the continuity, expansion, support, and development of scientific and other activities relating to Antarctica.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to provide that the Department of Defense shall enter into contracts for air transportation with air carriers as defined by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to eliminate the 6 per centum differential applying to certain bids of Pacific coast shipbuilders.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the establishment of country-by-country quotas for the importation of shrimps and shrimp products, to impose a duty on all unprocessed shrimp imported in excess of the applicable quota, and to impose a duty on processed shrimp and prohibit its importation in excess of the applicable quota.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the rank of lieutenant general or vice admiral of officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force while serving as Surgeons General.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers authorizing and requesting the President, upon the retirement of Lieutenant General Verne J. McCaul, to advance the Lieutenant on the retired list of the Marine Corps to the grade of general.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend section 2 of the Act of August 21, 1954 (68 Stat. 758), "An Act to integrate the Judge Advocate's promotion list with that of the Army to restore lost seniority and grade."
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to stabilize support levels for tobacco against disruptive fluctuations and to provide for adjustment in such levels in relation to farm cost.
A letter containing a draft of a piece of legislation to be introduced by Representative Rivers to reestablish the grade of commodore as a permanent grade in the Navy.
87th Congress, 1961-1962
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to eliminate the 6 per centum differential applying to certain bids of Pacific coast shipbuilders.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced by Representative Rivers to assist San-Man Inn of Manning, Inc., in obtaining the release of mineral rights on property in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
Other legislation, 1956-1962
84th Congress, 1956
A copy of Representative Rivers' voting record roll calls for the second session of the 84th Congress.
85th Congress, 1957-1958
Correspondence concerning agricultural appropriations legislation including salary increases for the Agriculture Extension Service, the Federal Meat Inspection Service, Bottomland Hardwood Research at the Santee Research Center in South Carolina, Boll Weevil Research, and the Farm Credit Administration.
Correspondence concerning legislation designed to establish an effective program to alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in certain economically depressed areas.
Correspondence concerning amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that would rewrite Federal statues affecting financial institutions including banks, savings and loan businesses, and credit unions.
Correspondence concerning legislation to address the business recession including an increase in income tax exemptions for dependents and an extension of unemployment insurance.
Correspondence protesting the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 which established a Civil Rights Commission in the United States Executive Branch to ensure equal voting rights for all citizens. Representative Rivers vehemently opposed its passage.
Correspondence concerning civil service legislation including a pay raise for civil engineers, retroactive pay for civil service employees, down-grading of civil service employees, and pay raises for Classified Federal Employees.
Correspondence protesting legislation to allow for the establishment of paid television programming. Representative Rivers was not opposed to additional paid television so long as free television programming remained accessible.
Correspondence concerning legislation to expand the public facility loan program of the Community Facilities Administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency in an effort to help stimulate the economy.
Correspondence concerning legislation (S. 3426) to require expenditures of 75% of funds expended for conversion, alteration, and repair of naval vessels to be expended with private ship repair yards. Many in Charleston opposed this legislation due to its detrimental effects on the Charleston Naval Shipyard.
Correspondence concerning legislation to equalize retirement benefits for United States Reserve and National Guard Officers.
Correspondence concerning the use of foreign aid including amendments to the Mutual Security Act.
Correspondence primarily concerning the Neuberger Amendment (S. 3414) to control or eliminate outdoor advertising along the Interstate Highway System.
Correspondence concerning the functioning of the United States House of Representatives.
Correspondence concerning labor union legislation including the Kennedy-Ives Labor Law which Representative Rivers opposed.
Correspondence primarily concerning legislation for a salary increase for postal works and an increase in postage rates.
Correspondence concerning individual personal relief legislation.
Correspondence concerning increased benefits for railroad works and tax relief for railroads.
Correspondence concerning legislation to provide assistance for local educational agencies in areas affected by Federal activities.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced in the State Legislature of South Carolina in Columbia.
Correspondence and reports concerning trade including the extension of the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, hardwood plywood import quotas, the carpet industry's wool tariffs, loans for the construction of veterans' housing in rural areas, and oil. Also included are reports on the impact of world trade on South Carolina and the 1st District.
A letter containing Representative Rivers' voting and attendance record for the First Session of the Eighty-fifth Congress.
86th Congress, 1958-1960
Correspondence concerning agricultural legislation including the Farm Surplus Reduction Act, tobacco tariff increase, the National Grange, a soil and water research facility in Florence, South Carolina, Soil Conservation Reserve Program, and cotton acreage allotments.
Correspondence concerning defense appropriations including army modernization and the use of government owned facilities as opposed to transfer by contract to private contractors.
Correspondence concerning appropriations including a reduction in the District of Columbia's budget for public services, sewage treatment funds, cuts in the Veterans Administration budget, the Eau Galle River project, an additional building for the Library of Congress, survey of the navigation potential of the Wateree and Congaree Rivers, Federal Medical-Health Appropriations, more funding for the United States Vegetable Breeding Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina, vocational education, the office of Civil and Defense Mobilization, local air carrier service subsidy, forest fire protection and management, public works, the United States Air Force, and the uncompleted portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Correspondence and copies of the Supplemental Appropriations Bill for 1960.
Correspondence and a copy of a statement made by Representative Rivers in support of a Joint Resolution establishing a George Washington Carver Centennial Commission.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings, statements, and speeches concerning Representative Rivers campaign against Civil Rights legislation and his efforts to abolish the Civil Rights Commission.
Correspondence primarily concerning salary increases for Federal employees.
Correspondence concerning gun rights, reductions in armed forces personnel, and unilateral nuclear disarmament agreements.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' inclusion as a sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Correspondence concerning forestry legislation including forest fire protection funding and the stocking of sub-marginal lands with pine trees.
Correspondence concerning highways including Federal aid, highway safety, opposition to new gasoline taxes, and tariffs on foreign-made automobiles.
Correspondence concerning public housing legislation including Federal aid to public housing, defense housing, and hospital construction.
Correspondence concerning tariffs on foreign cotton imports including a copy of the United States Tariff Commission's report to the President on Articles Containing Cotton.
Correspondence concerning an amendment to the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the establishment of country-by-country quotas for the importation of shrimp and shrimp products.
Correspondence primarily concerning minimum wage and its effects on migrant farm laborers.
Correspondence concerning the need for legislation to reform the management of Labor Unions.
Copies of reports compiled by the Democratic National Congressional Committee detailing "Major Legislative Accomplishments," of the 86th Congress.
Correspondence concerning individual personal relief legislation.
Correspondence primarily concerning legislation to provide assistance for local educational agencies in areas affected by Federal activities.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 1843) to authorize the construction of a fixed span bridge over the Inter-coastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, by the army engineers.
Correspondence concerning legislation introduced in the State Legislature of South Carolina in Columbia.
Correspondence concerning opposition to Congressional investigation of the Port of New York Authority.
Correspondence primarily concerning opposition to the Supreme Court's decision concerning the integration of public schools.
Correspondence concerning veterans legislation including World War I veterans pensions, the National Service Life Insurance Program, inequities if the G. I. Bill for career servicemen, Spanish-American War Veterans pension, and veterans loans.
Copies of Representative Rivers' voting and attendance records for the Eighty-sixth Congress.
87th Congress, 1960-1962
Correspondence concerning agricultural legislation including additional appropriations for ARS cotton mechanization research, amendments to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act and the National Food and Agriculture Act of 1962.
Correspondence concerning legislation to establish a United States Disarmament Agency for World Peace and Security.
Correspondence concerning legislation to authorize the Atomic Energy Commission's construction of a new production reactor at Hanford along the Columbia River in the state of Washington.
Correspondence concerning civil service legislation including increased retirement benefits and salary for civil service employees.
Correspondence concerning a Joint Resolution by Congress to express a declaration of war against the ninety-eight Communist Parties constituting the "international Communist conspiracy."
Correspondence concerning legislation authorizing Federal aid to education.
Correspondence concerning proposals to change election laws for the election of the President of the United States.
Correspondence concerning United States foreign aid to combat the spread of Communism. Representative Rivers strongly opposed the use of all foreign aid.
Correspondence concerning highways including President Kennedy's proposal to increase taxes on the trucking industry to support the Federal Highway Program and the extension of the Federal gasoline tax.
Correspondence concerning the functioning of the United States House of Representatives including an increase in the size of the House of Representatives from 435 to 450.
Correspondence concerning tariffs on foreign cotton imports.
Correspondence concerning the regulation of import quotas including white refined sugar, clay, and fuel oil.
Correspondence primarily concerning legislation to increase the minimum wage.
Correspondence primarily written in opposition to legislation (H. R. 4222 known as the "King-Anderson Bill") to provide medical care for the aged through the Social Security System. Rivers opposed the legislation.
Correspondence and reports concerning President Kennedy's proposed Trade Expansion Act which granted the President unprecedented authority to negotiate tariff reductions of up to 50%.
Correspondence concerning the United Nations including opposition to the purchasing of United Nations bonds by the United States Government. Representative Rivers consistently opposed the United States' participation in the United Nations.
Correspondence concerning the United States Post Office including the issuing of commemorative stamps, extending second class mailing privileges to publication of state industrial development agencies, postage rates, and increased salary and benefits for postal employees.
Correspondence concerning veterans legislation including World War I pensions, Cold War G. I. Bill, National Service Life Insurance, and service connected disability pensions.
5. Committee files, 1954-1962
The committee files series contains correspondence, memoranda, conference reports, hearing transcripts, and other materials documenting Rivers' committee assignments. The bulk of the series is made up of materials pertaining to the Committee on Armed Services, including a substantial number of files on housing, real estate and construction, the military reserves, medical and dental insurance, retirement pay, weapons procurement, and naval shipbuilding. Materials documenting his work on the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries are less bulky and focus primarily on shipping and boating legislation.
Committee on Armed Services, 1954-1962
83rd Congress, 1954-1955
Correspondence and committee files concerning an agreement between the United States and Spain in which the United States would extend military aid to Spain in exchange for the use of existing airbases and the use of sites for the construction of new air bases in Spain.
84th Congress, 1954-1956
Various correspondence and committee files including the availability of port facilities, military public works, the military housing program, Federal Government aid to construction of military science buildings, the Hospital and Survey Construction Act, monthly reports of the House Committee on Armed Services, a proposal by the Air Force to eliminate asphaltic concrete, and lists of authorized military construction projects.
Correspondence and hearings concerning medical and dental care including medical care for dependents in West Germany, federal support for dental research, and legislation to provide for the procurement of medical and dental officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Correspondence and newspaper articles concerning the establishment of a jet interceptor base in Northwestern Michigan located in Cadillac, Michigan.
Correspondence and submission reports for military construction, acquisition, and disposal projects. Representative Rivers served as chairman of the Armed Services Real Estate and Housing Subcommittee.
Correspondence concerning the acquisition of land to construct the Richard I. Bong Air Force Base in Kansasville, Wisconsin.
Memorandums and reports from the House Committee on Armed Services' Subcommittee for Special Investigations.
Correspondence, guides, magazines, schedules, and printed material concerning an Air Defense Conference of the Air Force Association held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that Representative Rivers and other members of Congress attended.
Reports, statistical records, statements, speeches, and other material concerning hearings held by the House Committee on Armed Services Sub-Committee for Special Investigations in Los Angeles, California, concerning California's crude oil production.
Correspondence between Representative Rivers and Representative Carl Vinson, Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services
85th Congress, 1956-1959
A copy of a statement regarding 1956 lease negotiations on the Alcohol Butadiene Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, by the Federal Facilities Corporation. A memorandum attached to the statement indicates that legislation (H. R. 2528) to authorize the sale of the facility would shortly be considered by the House Committee on Armed Services.
Correspondence and statements concerning legislation (H. R. 12541) for the reorganization of the United States Defense Department.
Information concerning legislation (H. R. 1108) to provide that the Boards for the Correction of Military or Naval Records should give consideration to satisfactory evidence relating to good character and conduct in civilian life after discharge or dismissal in determining whether or not to correct certain discharges and dismissals.
Correspondence and committee files including the Navy, overseas housing, missile defense systems, and various other armed services issues and legislation.
Correspondence and reports concerning housing at military bases in the United States and overseas.
Correspondence concerning the purchasing of the Wherry Housing Projects at the Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Correspondence and reports concerning the development of housing projects at United States air bases in Spain.
A copy of the United States House of Representatives Legislative Calendar for the Committee on Armed Services for the Eighty-fifth Congress.
Correspondence primarily concerning inequities in pay for military optometrists when compared to the other medical professionals.
Correspondence, reports, hearings, and newspaper clippings concerning military construction authorizations and appropriations.
Copies of legislation (H. R. 9976) to amend section 332 of title 10 of the United States Code to limit the use of the armed forces to enforce Federal laws or the orders of Federal courts.
Correspondence concerning a military justice trial in Germany concerning a case where seven black United States soldiers raped a 15 year old German girl near a United States Army Barracks in the West German town of Bamberg.
Correspondence, statements, newspaper clippings, and reports concerning a program to modernize the pay and manpower structure of all the United States Armed Services.
Correspondence concerning the valuation of land in eminent domain proceedings with respect to the Military Public Works Bill (H. R. 7130).
Correspondence, statements, and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 11958) to reorganize the United States Defense Department.
Correspondence concerning a proposed naval jet training base between the towns of Evergreen, Brewton, and Andalusia, Alabama.
Correspondence and statements concerning legislation (H. R. 8068) to provide improved opportunity for promotion for certain officers in the naval service.
Correspondence, statements, and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 11518) authorizing the construction of modern naval vessels.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 689) for the equalization of retirement benefits for members of the armed services.
A letter requesting Representative Rivers' support of legislation (H. R. 6994) to provide that any reserve officer on active duty on the date the Reserve Officers Personnel Act was effective would be retained, if serving satisfactorily and otherwise qualified, until mandatorily retired.
Correspondence concerning the need for housing on military bases in Alaska.
Correspondence concerning military construction, property acquisition, and disposal in California.
Correspondence concerning military construction, property acquisition, and disposal in Florida.
Correspondence primarily concerning the housing situation for United States Army personnel stationed in France.
Correspondence, reports, statements, newspaper clippings, and submitted projects for military construction, property acquisition, and disposal.
Correspondence concerning the Capehart Housing Project for Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia.
Correspondence primarily concerning the Glenview Naval Air Station and the Joliet Arsenal in Illinois.
Correspondence concerning Army disposal involving the Vigo Plant in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Air Force acquisition of office space for the Indianapolis Air Procurement District.
Correspondence concerning the construction of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station in New Iberia, Louisiana, and the transfer of the Marine Recruitment Headquarters from New Orleans to Fort Worth, Texas.
A letter concerning the relocation of a road in Harpswell, Maine, and a report submitted by the Department of the Air Force concerning the acquisition of land for Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine.
Project reports submitted by the Department of the Air Force concerning Mishaum Point Military Reservation in South Dartmouth, Westover Air Force Base, and the Marion Radio Transmitter Annex in Massachusetts.
A letter concerning the jet interceptor base at Manistee, Michigan and a report submitted by the Department of the Air Force to Selfridge Air Force Base.
A letter concerning the Naval Air Training Station in Meridian and a report submitted by the Department of the Air Force for Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
Correspondence concerning the Sahwave and Black Rock air-to-air gunnery ranges in Humboldt and Pershing Counties, Nevada.
Project reports submitted by the Department of the Army concerning the Anti-aircraft Artillery and Guided Missile Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, and a report on possible petroleum reserves in the army acquisition area in Otero County, New Mexico.
Correspondence and reports primarily concerning the Navy-owned Grumman Plant in Calverton, Long Island.
Correspondence and reports concerning the Honeycutt Place Housing Site at Fort Bragg and housing at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Correspondence and reports concerning a military project in Pickaway County and the Clinton County Air Force Base in Ohio.
Correspondence concerning the expansion of Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
Correspondence concerning housing projects and the leasing of pier facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Correspondence concerning the expansion of the Charleston Air Force Base, housing projects at Shaw Air Force Base and Donaldson.
Correspondence and project reports concerning projects at Laughlin Air Force Base, San Jacinto Ordnance Depot, Fort Hood, Bryan Air Force Base, the Red River Arsenal, and Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas.
Correspondence and project reports concerning the Reserve Armory in Abingdon, Newport News Shipyard, and the Marine Corps Supply Forwarding Annex in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Correspondence and data concerning Willapa Harbor, Larson Air Force Base, the Seattle District Engineer Office, and the Seattle Quartermaster Center Cold Storage Plant in Washington.
Correspondence and reports primarily concerning aircraft engine construction.
Monthly reports from the Subcommittee for Special Investigations of the House Committee on Armed Services covering January, March, August, and September.
A copy of a Special Investigations Subcommittee study on the Armed Services Procurement Act and memorandums.
Correspondence and memorandums primarily concerning United States Government Air Force contracts.
Reports and hearings concerning the use of airstrip paving materials.
86th Congress, 1959-1961
Correspondence concerning legislation to provide that the Boards for the Correction of Military or Naval Records should give consideration to satisfactory evidence relating to good character and conduct in civilian life after discharge or dismissal in determining whether or not to correct certain discharges and dismissals.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 3355) introduced by Representative Rivers to provide Federal support for overseas defense forces.
Correspondence concerning a variety of armed services legislation and issues including retirement pay for Reserve Officers, a posthumous commission for George Washington as General of the Army, quartering allowances for members of the armed services, the procurement of judge advocates and law specialist officers, relief for survivors of the United States Navy Band members who died in an airplane crash in Brazil, the construction of a United States Ship memorial for the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, crediting service for female members of telephone operating units in the United States Signal Corps, increased allowances for armed services members transporting house trailers, discharges for members of the Russian Railway Service Corps, and the employment of retired commissioned officers by contractors of the Department of Defense and Armed Forces.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 3638) to alleviate inequities existing on moving Mobile Homes for Service Personnel.
Correspondence concerning the Royal Oaks Housing Project in Madrid Spain for the United States Air Force Bases there.
Correspondence concerning legislation (S. 2969) to award, posthumously, medals to four Service chaplains who were killed during World War II.
Correspondence concerning authorizations and appropriations for the construction of military installation projects especially those in South Carolina.
Reports, printed material, newspaper clippings, and copies of legislation concerning military construction authorizations.
Copies of statements made before the House Committee on Armed Services concerning Military Construction Authorization for 1960.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation regarding amendments to the United States Code of Military Justice.
Correspondence concerning legislation to provide from the promotion upon retirement of officers who were specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat.
Correspondence concerning legislation to provide for improved opportunity for the promotion of certain officers in the naval services.
Correspondence concerning legislation to provide that members of the Armed Forces who retired after having served satisfactorily in more than one branch of the Armed Forces should be entitled to the highest retired grade in which they served satisfactorily.
Correspondence, reports, and newspaper clippings concerning legislation (H. R. 3367) introduced by Representative Rivers to amend title 10, of the United States Code, by repealing section 7474, which grants to the Secretary of the Navy the authority to establish rates of wages for certain employees of naval activities.
A copy of legislation (H. R. 8189) to improve the active duty promotion opportunity of Air Force officers from the grade of captain to the grade of major.
Correspondence, reports, and printed material concerning legislation (H. R. 3923) to provide for the presentation of a medal to persons who have served as members of ta United States expedition to Antarctica.
Correspondence and copies of legislation introduced by Representative Rivers including legislation affecting the Army Reserve and National Guard, the extension of loans of naval vessels to Italy, Turkey, and China, wage rates for Naval employees, promotions, and travel and transportation allowances.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 3363) introduced by Representative Rivers to change the terms for which enlistments may be accepted in the National Guard.
Statements and copies of legislation (H. R. 3368) introduced by Representative Rivers to extend the special enlistment programs provided by section 262 of the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952.
Correspondence primarily concerning legislation (S. 1589) relating to the retention of certain officers of the Naval Reserve in an active status.
Correspondence concerning major changes to the Reserve Officer Personnel Act of 1954.
Statements, hearings, reports, copies of legislation, and newspaper clippings concerning major changes to the Reserve Officer Personnel Act of 1954.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 6269) to amend section 265 of the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952 to define the term "a member of a reserve component" so as to include a member of the Army or Air Force without specification of component.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 5132) known as the Reserve Officers Incentive Bill to provide an increase in the readjustment pay provided to Reserve Officers involuntarily released from active duty.
Reports, hearings, statements, copies of legislation, and printed material concerning legislation (H. R. 5132) known as the Reserve Officers Incentive Bill to provide an increase in the readjustment pay provided to Reserve Officers involuntarily released from active duty.
Correspondence and statements concerning legislation (H. R. 336) introduced by Representative Rivers to authorize the crediting of certain service for the purpose of retired pay for non-regular service.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. r. 5129) to equalize the pay of retired members of the uniformed services.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 11318) to provide that those persons entitled to retired pay or retainer pay under the Career Compensation Act of 1949 who were prohibited from computing their retired pay or retainer pay under the rates provided by the Act of May 20, 1958, shall be entitled to have their retired pay or retainer pay recomputed on the rates of basic pay provided by the Act of May 20, 1958.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 3366 and 9464-5) introduced by Representative Rivers authorizing the extension of loans of naval vessels to Italy, Turkey, and the Republic of China.
Correspondence, statements, and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 2260) to extend the draft for four more years until 1963.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 938 and 3321) to define service as a member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps as active service.
Correspondence, reports, and printed material concerning legislation (H. R. 12570) introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Career Compensation Act of 1949 by imposing limitation son the transportation of household effects.
87th Congress, 1960-1962
A letter requesting a copy of legislation (H. R. 4328) to reassign officers designated for supply duty as officers not restricted in the performance of duty in the Marine Corps.
Correspondence concerning proposed projects included in military construction authorization legislation for 1962.
Copies of legislation, statements, hearings, reports, and printed material concerning proposed projects included in military construction authorization legislation for 1962.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 6597) introduced by Representative Rivers to permit the crediting of certain minority service for the purpose of determining eligibility for retirement.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 6151) authorizing appropriations for aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 11050) introduced by Representative Rivers to increase the basic allowance for quarters of members of the Armed Forces.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 11257) introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the United States Uniform Code of Military Justice to give increased authority to designated commanders in the Armed Forces to impose non-judicial punishment, thereby enabling them to deal with minor disciplinary problems and offenses without resort to trial by court-marshal.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 44) to authorize the appropriation of $200,000 for use toward the construction of a U. S. S. Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 5490) introduced by Representative Rivers to provide for more effective participation in the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 8773) introduced by Representative Rivers to amend the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952 relating to lump-sum readjustment payments for members of the reserve components who were involuntarily released from active duty.
Correspondence and statements concerning legislation (H. R 4785) introduced by Representative Rivers relating to withholding for State employee retirement, disability and death benefit system purposes, on the compensation of certain civilian employees of the National Guard.
Correspondence and statements concerning legislation (H. R 4786) introduced by Representative Rivers to make uniform the travel allowances payable to all members of the Reserve components performing various types of training duty, with or without pay.
A letter requesting a copy of legislation (H. R. 4349) introduced by Representative Rivers to place Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) graduates in a status comparable with United States Naval Academy graduates in terms of regular service retention.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 4773) introduced by Representative Rivers to provide, among other things, increased readjustment pay for Reserve Officers involuntarily released from active duty.
Reports and copies of legislation concerning legislation (H. R. 7719) introduced by Representative Rivers permitting ROTC graduates to accept commissions in the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 1955-1962
84th Congress, 1955-1956
A copy of a report from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries concerning boating safety.
85th Congress, 1955-1958
Correspondence from the Committee of American Steamship Lines lobbying for Representative Rivers' support as part of his service on the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Correspondence and hearings concerning legislation to authorize the construction of a nuclear-powered icebreaking vessel for operation by the United States Coast Guard.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 10546) for an extension of time on complying with Coast Guard boat building and boat safety regulations.
Correspondence, hearings, and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 11078) to promote small boating safety.
Statements and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 2229) to amend the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, to provide for utilization of commercial marine terminal facilities by the United States.
A photograph of members of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries (including Representative Rivers) taken by the United States Coast Guard.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 12751) to temporarily extend the use of dual rates by steamship conferences.
Correspondence concerning legislation to aid and revive the United States fishing industry.
Narrative reports on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and memorandums from the Chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries concerning game ranges and refuges.
Correspondence concerning legislation restricting importation of salmon into the United States when caught under conditions not in keeping with regulations governing United States citizens.
Correspondence, reports, and hearings concerning legislation to strengthen the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934 for the sale of duck-stamps to support the acquisition of wildlife land suitable for development into wildlife refuges.
Correspondence concerning legislation to authorize appropriations for migratory water fowl refugees and the acquisition of land.
Correspondence, reports, and printed material concerning legislation and issues brought before the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Correspondence concerning Panama Canal legislation including the handling of excess funds of the Panama Canal Company, the authority of the United States over the Panama Canal Zone, and improvements to the Panama Canal.
Correspondence concerning legislation to amend an act to require the inspection and certification of certain passenger vessels in order to provide adequate time for the formulation and consideration of rules and regulations to be prescribed under that act.
Correspondence concerning trade between the United States and Puerto Rico.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 8382) to amend the Shipping Act of 1916, to provide for licensing independent foreign freight forwarders.
Correspondence, hearings, and reports concerning legislation to authorize the construction and sale of transatlantic superliner passenger vessels.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation amending Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to include floating dry-docks among those vessels eligible for Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance.
86th Congress, 1959-1960
Correspondence from the Committee of American Steamship Lines lobbying for Representative Rivers' support as part of his service on the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 8728) to amend the Federal Boating Act of 1958 to extend for an additional year the period when certain provisions of that Act would take effect.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 9124) to extend the period of exemption from Coast Guard inspection of certain small vessels carrying freight in Southeastern Alaska.
Correspondence concerning legislation (S. 175) to continue a waiver law to permit the carriage of passengers on Canadian vessels between ports in Southeastern Alaska and freight and passengers between Hyder, Alaska and other points in Southeastern Alaska.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 9949) to increase the efficiency of the organization of the United States Coast Guard.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 11502) to provide for advance consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service and with State wildlife agencies before the beginning of any Federal program involving the use of pesticides or other chemicals designed for mass biological controls.
Correspondence, reports, and copies of legislation concerning legislation to aid and revive the United States fishing industry.
Correspondence, reports, and hearings concerning legislation and issues brought before the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation to provide for pilotage requirements for the navigation of vessels on the Great Lakes.
Correspondence, reports, and copies of legislation concerning increased benefits for Lighthouse Service employees.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 499) to establish and maintain the United States Maritime Service as a uniformed service.
Correspondence, reports, and copies of legislation concerning the Panama Canal including benefits for United States civilians employed in its construction and the management of the canal.
Correspondence, reports and copies of legislation concerning the regulation of Federal programs involving the use of pesticides and other chemicals in an effort to protect wildlife.
Correspondence from the Propeller Club of the United States lobbying for Representative Rivers' support as part of his service on the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 6740) to provide for limitation of liability for vessel owners in suits by third parties based upon the warranty of seaworthiness. The legislation was intended to correct the effects of a decision of the Supreme Court which encouraged injured longshoremen to forsake the benefits of Workmen's Compensation and instead, on the grounds of a breach of the warranty of seaworthiness, sue vessel owners who implead stevedoring companies.
Statements, hearings, and reports concerning legislation to permit the operation of steamship conferences utilizing dual rate and contract/noncontract systems.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 5068) to amend the Shipping Act of 1916, to provide for licensing independent foreign freight forwarders.
Correspondence concerning the operations of the United States' Merchant Marine Fleet.
Correspondence and copies of legislation concerning the construction of new vessels.
Correspondence and copies of legislation concerning Government insured ship mortgages.
Correspondence and copies of legislation concerning amendments to the regulation of and requirements for subsidies as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.
87th Congress, 1961-1962
Correspondence concerning legislation regulating retirement for members of the United States Coast Guard Women's Reserve.
Correspondence and reports concerning Reorganization Plan Number 7 of 1961, providing for reorganization of maritime functions including the Maritime Administration and the Federal Maritime Board.
Correspondence concerning wildlife conservation legislation including protection for mourning doves, the American golden eagle, and the Hawaiian nene goose.
Correspondence primarily concerning legislation (H. J. Res. 479 and 487) for the protection of the American golden eagle.
Correspondence concerning legislation to promote the conservation of migratory waterfowl by the acquisition of wetlands and other essential waterfowl habitats.
Correspondence, printed material, and copies of legislation primarily concerning competition between United States domestic shipyards and foreign shipyards.
Correspondence, reports, and printed material concerning legislation and issues brought before the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
A copy of a statement made by the Secretary of Labor brought before the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries concerning labor management relations in the maritime industry.
A copy of the United States House of Representative's Legislative Calendar for the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries for the Eighty-Seventh Congress.
A letter written in opposition to legislation (H. R. 6417) to provide regulations governing the physical qualification of merchant mariners for signing articles for service on United States merchant vessels.
Correspondence concerning merchant marine legislation including higher wages, the sale of government owned merchant vessels to United States citizens, and general efforts to promote the merchant marines.
Correspondence and reports concerning Panama Canal legislation including the discontinuance of the Panama Line, firefighting forces, regulation of the Panama Canal Company, and the regulation of archeological exploration in the Canal Zone.
Correspondence, reports, and hearings concerning legislation (H. R. 207) to provide for limitation of liability for vessel owners in suits by third parties based upon the warranty of seaworthiness. The legislation was intended to correct the effects of a decision of the Supreme Court which encouraged injured longshoremen to forsake the benefits of Workmen's Compensation and instead, on the grounds of a breach of the warranty of seaworthiness, sue vessel owners who implead stevedoring companies.
Correspondence and reports concerning legislation (H. R. 2488) to provide for the licensing of independent ocean freight forwarders.
Correspondence, hearings, and reports concerning legislation to authorize the payment of operating differential subsidies for passenger cruise lines.
Correspondence, statements, hearings, and reports concerning legislation to amend the Shipping Act of 1916, to provide for the operation of steamship conferences.
Correspondence and hearings concerning United States Coast Guard legislation including certificates of honorable discharge for temporary members of the Coast Guard Reserve, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the expansion of the functions of the Coast Guard into oceanography.
Correspondence and copies of legislation concerning the preservation of wildlife.
Correspondence concerning legislation (H. R. 9700) concerning certification requirements for the operation of towboats.
6. Political files, 1950-1962
The political files series consists of correspondence, memoranda, and printed materials pertaining to state and national politics. Included are files relating to the Democratic National Committee, political parties in South Carolina, and several of Rivers' congressional campaigns. Of special note are a file of correspondence between Rivers and two-time Democratic presidential nominee Adlai E. Stevenson and a file on the political debate over states' rights.
Correspondence, reports, and newsletters primarily from the Research Division of the Democratic National Committee.
Correspondence and reports primarily from the Research Division of the Democratic National Committee and The Democratic Digest.
Correspondence concerning the Democratic National Committee including a Democratic fund raising dinner and the nomination of a President at the Democratic Convention for 1960.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' selection as a delegate to the Democratic national Convention.
Correspondence concerning political matters including Representative Rivers' reelection campaigns, other political campaigns, and printed material sent to Rivers.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning Lieutenant Governor Earnest F. Hollings.
A copy of a telegram from Senator Kefauver commending Representative Rivers on his campaign and a letter concerning Kefauver's campaign for the Presidency.
Correspondence and official forms concerning Representative Rivers' campaigns for a seat in the United States' House of Representatives.
Correspondence concerning Representative Rivers' Congressional voting record.
Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning the South Carolina Democratic Party.
A copy of a Charleston, South Carolina, News and Courier article entitled "GOP Starts County Organization Here," and an acknowledgement of receipt of Senator Barry Goldwater's book The Conscience of a Conservative.
A letter suggesting Representative Rivers' as a candidate to fill the Senate vacancy resulting from Senator Maybank's death and numerous newspaper clippings chronicling the passing of Senator Maybank and the race for the Senate.
Correspondence, printed material, and newspaper clippings concerning the National States' Rights Conference, held in Memphis Tennessee. Representative Rivers' could not attend the conference due to his duties on the House Committee on Armed Services.
Correspondence with Illinois Governor Adlai E. Stevenson concerning his campaign for the Presidency.
Campaign material for Democratic Missouri Senator Stuart Symington's re-election campaign.
Printed material concerning voting registration and laws.
Correspondence and news bulletins concerning the activities of the South Carolina League of Women Voters.
A copy of a publication issued by the Women's Division of the Republican National Committee entitled Women in the Public Service containing a series of surveys on women serving in public office.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Copyright Notice
The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], L. Mendel Rivers papers, College of Charleston Libraries, Charleston, SC, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Materials were donated in 2002 by Margaret Rivers Eastman.
Custodial History
Originally deposited in the Library of Congress by L. Mendel Rivers' widow Mrs. Margaret Middleton Rivers [Alvin H. Hughey] in 1980 along with a folder of 19 items of family correspondence deposited by his daughter Margaret Rivers Eastman. In 2002, at the request of Miss Eastman, the papers were transferred from the Library of Congress to the College of Charleston.
Processing Information
Originally processed by Kathleen M. Dondanville with the assistance of Patrick M. Kerwin, 1992.
Additional description added by Matthew Kruse, September 2014.
Encoded by Matthew Kruse, September 2014.
Reviewed and uploaded by Joshua Minor, May 2015.
Funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) supported the processing of this collection and encoding of the finding aid.
