Adam Clayton Powell vote, 1967

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April 6, 1967

Mr. €.8. Vincent
1817 Guilderland Avenue
Schenectady, New York

Bear Mr. Vincent:

Thank you for your thoughtfnl comments on the recent vote
im the House to deny Representative Adam Clayton Powell
bis seat.

4s you may know, I bave been speaking out and have intro-
duced legislation to provide for 2 Committee on Standards
and Condact. I am pleased to be able to tell you thet ay
B4il providing for such s committee is soon to be ready to
come to the Floor of the House for consideration. 1 feel
that a cod. 5 this will serve to elimisate such un-
fortunate situations as we have recently witnessed in the
House.

Sincerely,

Beniel E. Button, 9.¢.

Schenectady, New York 12306
1817 Guilderland Ave.

March 19, 1967

£

Hon. Daniel Button
Albany Times-Union
Albany, New York
Honorable Sir:

Herewith is an editerial elipped from the Schenee ady
"gazette" of March 16th, the subject and conclusions of
whieh are most disturbing.

Most people, I believe, have been completely sympa~
thetic to the proceedings against Powell, agreeing that
remedial steps must surely be taken te step this flagrant
form of graft by our elected legislators.

And most people have wholeheartedly agreed that the
issue was by no means one connected with race. I have
counted myself as one of these.

But.e.s.if the implications of this editorial are
soundly baged, I'm not at all sure that the ery of
“persecution of the negro" is not justified, If, as the
editorial suggests, no meaningful reform of Congress in
this regard comes out of this case, then it seems patent
that present race relations will be greatly exacerbated.
How could we defend against the persecution charge?

I find it hard to believe that "something effective"
will not be done by our Congress. And I gravely doubt
that the citizenry will soon the able to forget all dis-
turbing thoughts about the ethies" in this matter.

Will you please consider the urgent necessity for
Congressional action here? Thank you.

Very truly,

C.W, Vineent
Son
“of Congress, 2 fee by Senators: Case. i
Miller of: id:

U.S. Gove of Representatives
Washington, B.C.
oN

March 15, 1967

Me. Sol DB. Zimmerman
136 Grove Avenue
Albany, New York

Bear Soi:

That was a very thoughtful letter that you
‘wrote concerning my vote and position on the Powell
matter. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me
your views, along with your commendation. In this regard
you may be interested in part of the text of a letter which
I have just received frou a clergyman whose views I respect:

"$s to the Powell situation ~- what a mess!
We certainly camot approve the antics of
Me. Powell, any more then we can approve
simflar practices by other Congressmen,
bet it seems to me that he dees have a
Soustitutional right to be seated, and
entil Congress is ready te agree on @
set of ethics and enforce it equally on all
Congressmen, I agree with the repert of the
special committee that a2 censure and penalty
axe upre reasonabie.*

it am teoking foreard te hearing from you again,
ami I do hope that I will have the opportunity of seeing you
s0en.

With every good wisk.

Meat sincerely,

Daniel EZ. Button, M. C,

DEB/pam

oS)

N\ March 3, 1967

Hon. Daniel Button

House Office Building MAR 8 1967
Washington, D. C.
Dear Dan:

Thank you very much for your kind remarks in your letter of the
27th. I was very happy to see that you have a mind of your own and
you do not follow the mob; I am proud of you.

Although I am not an authority on constitutional law, I think
the constitutional statement with respect to each house judging its
members means the members which were elected to that particular house
for that particular term-of office. That does not mean that they can
go back and judge the conduct of a member of previous congresses.

I don't condone Powell's conduct, but the people that voted for
him, kiew of of his conduct, and yet. they voted him to represent them
in the congress, If his conduct in the 90th congress is not up to
snuff, then that congress can remove him for his conduct while a mem
ber of the 90th congress.

bern

if they wanted punish him, I think that what they should have
done was to have tkem reimburse the monies taken under questionable
circumstances and not punish him with a fine of $4,000. I am sure that
the southern democrats wouldn't have done this to their own kind.

Sincerely,

Jee

Sol D. erman
March 15, 1967

Dear Mr. Weininger:

What = thrill it was te have your very understanding
letter concerming the Powell vote -- and even more significantly
your theughtfel comments about the background.

I have been go inspired the fime text of your

Yo answer your question, “Is this a fair thing te ask
one's Congressmin?”, I want te tell yeu thet we are in complete
agreement and I hope that you and other responsible citizens
will never let me, or other legislators for that matter,

forget the importence of it, And, as you say, "...1f it is te
be only two years in Congress, what two yeers they could bel"

Again, wy gratitude fer your very fine letter.
Sincerely,

Baniel E. Button, M. C.

DEB/pan

Joseph L. Weininger
809 Karenwald Lane
Sehmectady, N.Y. 12309

Hon. Daniel Button
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. Uohay re March 2, 1967.

° i967

Dear Congressman,

This is to tell you how much I appreciate your vote yesterday
arding the censure but seating of Ad yton Powell. I know how Giftiewlt
fis decision must have been f6r'y F you an iid like te encourage yeu in every

way possible, particularly concerning civil rights legislation.

Of course the Powell case has a dampening effect on civil
rights so that ene can only hope that this will get eut of the way soon. Converse-
ly, tne recent and continuing killing ef Negrees in the South should make it
easier to put more teeth into the Federal protection of Negro citizens.

°
Mey I be so presumptuous as te tell you how that situation looks

from where I stand (sit)? Most white Liberals, like myself, Reform—Democrats,

Reform-Republicans, Reform-anythings, are fencé-sitters at best on the Powell

issue. All too often they are only fair—-weather friends of civil rights. If help

is required beyond a small donation or the signing of a petition, then the Negroes

are essentially on their own. Here in Schenectady we have a fairly tranquil situation,

maybe the problem is managable because of the small Negro population. The local

branch of the N.A.A.C.P, (of which I am a board member) seems to be quite effective,

at least in terms of presenting a strong front against discrimination (there is

enough of it even here, particularly in housing and jobs). It is trying to reagh

a larger number of Negro residents, but so far most of them are lethargic, here as

elsewhere,

I mention this because a cool appraisal of the political climate
at home would indicate that there are not many votes for you in civil rights. And yet
I ask you to continue to vote yourf conscience. In fact, I am afraid, that if you
continue to do that, or more specifically, if you would vote in Congress the way
I would like you to ( let us hope these are not the same things, for your sake), then
you could not be re-elected.

Is this a fair thing to ask one’s Congressman? I believe so.
Apparently being a Congressman entails a great deal of physical,’ emotional, and
financial sacrifice. If so, it must be expended for a commensurate cause. And if it
is to be only two years in Congress, what two years they could bel
With best wishes from one of yeur more pessimistic constituents,

Sincerely yours,
March 15, 1967

@s grateful fer your thoughtful letter,
snttaaiaty Ae see ELURE OR Gocke of sopyert
on Selective Service and the Powell matter. It is
eucouraging to know of your backing on such issues --
ones on which I assure you support is far free
universal.

The opponents ca such issues tend te become

rather emotional, and so it wes particularly hearteniag

to read the quietly understanding tone of your final paragraph
telating to the Viet Nam conflict. On this, as a matter of
fact, I ought te tell you that you and I probably are not
nearly as far apart as your words intimate. I hope we will
have an opportunity to talk this over one of these days soon;
meanwhile, please accept my very best wishes and appreciation.

Host sincerely,

Daniel Z. Button, M. €.

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Executive Director

SCHENECTADY MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

THIRTY-SEVEN STEUBEN STREET
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK 12307

DONALD S. SMITH

DIRECTOR 459 State Street
Schenectady, N. Y.

March 3, 1967

Mr. Daniel Button
Congressman, New York State

House Office Building
Washington, D. C. . MAR 6 {967
Dear Representative Button:

Though your vote earlier this week on the question of seating
Congressman Adam Clayton Powell was a lost vote, I did want to
express briefly my reaction to you.

I.heartily approved, of .your vote. Indeed, I would welcome the
opportunity to vote against somé “of those who voted to oust Mr.
Powell, But, I am happy that you did not swing with the tide.

am sure Mr, Celler is correct: that this action will come
back to haunt both the parties and the House.

Your vote required some courage and I heartily support it!

Sincerely,

f
po Wey
/ #
John J, Waggy, Jr.

Administrative Ass't
J. LESLIE TOOHER

1450 VALENCIA ROAD
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK 12309

March 3, 1967
MAR © 1967

The Honorable Daniel E. Button
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I write only to express my. SitOnS.APREOTa OP en.
our _yote on, the Powell. ISx..and to counterbalance
wha understand was a heavy demand from other
constituents for the heavier penalty imposed, which
may have been deserved but which was a most inept
tactic.

This was probably the worst error (as it will
presently be seen) which the House has committed
since Thaddeus Stevens and his willful coterie
attempted to upset the balance of constitutional
government just a century past.

Yours very truly,
MAR 6 1967

#2 Pleasant Street
oorheesville, New York
arch 4, 1967

Congressman Daniel sutton
Longworthy House Office suilding
Washington, D. C.

Dear mr. Button:

The Women's International kggue want me to convey
to you the appreciation they felt for our recent meeting,
and to compli _you on your stand on the Powell..dssue......,
e feel it is not ‘in the” Jurisdiction ‘of Congress to try
a member for his criminal acts and that until a code of
ethics is adopted which shall apply to all members, it is
wrong to single out individuals to punish for capricious and

immoral behaviour. We shared our views on this, of course,

and have followed the voting with interest.
vie would appreciate being placed on your mailing list
if your office senas out informative materials.
Thank you again for your courtesy. ,
sincerely,

a bitullee—

Gis. ),, Aulia Van Cleve
“Sec., Albany pranch

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Albany Branch Officers:
tirs. Theodore Adams,Chairman, 112 Chestnut St., Albany
Mrs. #lizabeth Millard, Treas.
Mrs. Helen Ott, Legislative Uhairman
Fhuard 4 Clarke

BEY ATecn7

YAR, 987,
Dr. WALTER P. ZENNER
86 HAWTHORNE AVENUE
ALBANY, N. ¥. 12203

Cong. Daniel Butten MAR 8 (967

House of Representatives

Washington, D.C.

March 2, 1967

Dear Rep. Buttons

I would like to praise your st
WRilS TOES BOE WEEP S nor © Syap
it does seem to me thot rejection of the Celler Committee
report was as highhanded as any of Mr. Powell's actions.
This case shows the need for procedures and rules, rather
than ad hoc acts like the expulsion of Powell anc the
censure of NecCarthy-

The way in which the House handled this issue weakens
Americans when they argue about the treatment of minorities
elsehere in the world. For instance, when we criticize
the Soviet Union with regard to its ignoring the national
rights of its Jewish minority (which are 1 ily guaranteed),
they can turn to our couple stendard regarding the Congress—
men from Mississippi ond Mr. Powell.

Sincerely yours

£9), 02
Je hy
BEE Pd

DANIEL F. HALLORAN
716 PARK STREET
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 22901

March 3, 1967

Dear Dan, M AR & 967

I was very pleased and vroud yesterday to read in the
Washington Post that you were among the Republicans whe
vole forthe resolution to seat and censure sadam powell
and I hope.you.mere among those who VoUsd &
‘Th my opinion, the recommendation of the com
fair and reasonable and definitely not motivated by racism
while the move to expel Powell was a product of mass
political hysteria in which racial prejudice was not
absent, even if it was not a primary factor.

I am very much afraid the action taken by the Congress
on Powell is going to have an extremely detrimental effect
on racial relations. Many Negroes will take it as a symbolic
denial of their as irations by the white majority, and
white bigots may see this as Congressional approval of
their desire to turn the clock backward and deny to Negro
citizens what gains they have made in the past few years.

Incidentally, I have just written to Senator Kennedy
to commend him for his speech yesterday advocating that the
U. S. take the initiative in seeking peace negotiations.

Best regards,

igirge® |

February 1, 1967

Mr. and Hrs. Ray T. Karis
24 Windsor Brive
Seotia, New York 12302

Bear Mr. and Mrs. Karis:

I am in receipt of a copy ef your letter te Congressman Carl
Albert, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. Since I
succeeded Congressman Leo O’Srien at the first of the year, the copy was
directed to my attention.

I think that virtually ali Members of the House of Represen~
tatives share your concern about the reputation of the House and of the
individual Members, There certainly is a great deal of evident distress
to the unfortunate incidents which have compromised in many ways the
high regard which I think all of us Americans traditionally had for the
Nation's Legislature in which it is now my great privilege to be able to
serve you. Certainly the Members of the House with whom I have talked
regard the Powell matter as a most distressing tragedy and one which,
hopefully, will lead us rather promptly to the creation of a suitable
ecomittee on ethics and an adoption of an appropriate eede.

I, too, read that article in Parade on the same day that I left
Albany to come to Washington te take sy seat in Congress. I must say that
I regard it as a masterpiece of alarmist statement and exaggeration which
“faile to do credit to the principles and motives of the hundreds of fine
men who serve in Congress. Your letter observes, partly as a result of
that unfair article, that “Most Congressman are probably honest,“ and I
wish to assure you that I am confident by far the overwhelming aejority,
ané indeed very peasibly virtually unanimously so, are not “probably honest*,
but absolutely so.

Again, my thanks to you for your interest in this very impertant
sabject.

With ail good wishes.
Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, M. €.
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Laceks and comnat fey Hf STation Ze append The
iiean , ie ullon
Refs you so much for noMARs fen4QS%o
some of the REPUBLICAN Leadership and.vot %
the exclusion of Adam Clayton Powell, At present
there is no real code of ethics and over the
years there have been many who deserved censure
end more. That he was more bltant in what and
how he did things is, to my mind, no exeuse
for not going along with all or a goodly part
of the committee's suggestions.
No doubt the others did not realize that
on account of his color they have created a
MARTYR and probably a FRANKENSTEIIAN situation.
In this day and age one must do the best that
he can and what he believes isright, but only
after some real thoght as to the longe range
result of his vote will be....He now has a perfect
excuse to go to court. L dread to think of the
repercussions...all around
I truly hope that I am wrong when I say
that I feel that the Republican Party has been
badly hurt and that many colored people who
have on the fence politically will make this
a vacial issue and in the future will vote for
anyone who is not a Republican, because as far
as I can tell this would not have happened without
the Rep. vote .
Thank you again for thinking and doing what
I feel, at this time, was the only proper course.
Please show this to the others (Republicans
Ofcourse) who were in your corner
~ Simeerely,

£ Mrs. Arthur E, Haid Ss
rd £6."Q" Street \

‘Hull, Mass, 02045 i *
uo 2 A very disturbed Republican

a “ns
in favor of more Rus. Consulates, their

interpretation of Englis Language too different
P.P.S. Why not fire on NO.V. plnes when on groung?
Do they or would they wait for us? H A HA

Jenuary 24, 1967

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Lindblad:

Thenk you for your letter concerning the vote in the House of
Representatives on the seating of Adam Clayton Fewell.

Tt seems to me that it was against a backdrop of admitted short-
eoming that most of the members of the House found it necessary
wegretfully and sorrowfuliy, to consider the case of Representative
Powell.

I voted with 364 Membera of the House who jeined in saying that he
should stand aside until the very serious charges against him are

iaquired into. There were six times as many Members voting this way
@s there were voting contrary.

@ne of the Members stated during the debate: “Ne whe are charged
with helping to write the laws of the land suet, I think show
respect for these laws, show a williagness to ebey them and more
impertantiy, a respect for that independent branch of the Gevera-
ment the judiciary, which is cherged with interpreting and enfore-
ing these laws".

it was in that spirit thet the House f4asliy was moved te lesk into
the charges against its Member. Mey I point out that, while avait~-

ing the disposition of the inquizy, Mc. Powell will receive 411 bis
pay, allowances, and emoluments; he is deprived only of his vote.

Qa the issue of depriving constituents of representation let me
point out that this is by so means a unique case. Whenever 4 Rep-
resentative resigns or dies in office, of as in the case of Mr.
Powell, is asked te stand aside, for whatever period of time -
his constituency is unrepresented. It is an unfortusate occurance
whenever it happens, but it is not diseriminuatery by aature.

A Gode of Echice is badly needed in the House. I am firmly on
record to this effect, and I expect and intend to de ail within
wy power as a Member of the 90th Congress to see that this ser-
fous lack is corrected.

-2-

I do believe that this is something which many of ay colleagues
ate aware of, and they share share with me the desire te see it

I joia you in hoping that one of the outcemes of the ueed for
an inquiry will prove to be the installation for a general set

on standards at this time, and I am personally pledged te work
toward such a development.

Sincerely,

Beniel Z. Button, ME.

JAN CU 1967

35 Sutherland Drive
Scotia, New York 12302
January 17, 1967

Congressman Daniel Button
House Gffice Building
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

We wish to advise you of our support for the seating of

Clayton Powell. We feel that Rep. Powell is being
punished more for breaches of white social etiquette than
for any crimes he has committed against the House of
Representatives. The flair with which he does what other
congressmen also do, namely use his position and seniority
for personal enjoyment, is offansive but hardly grounds to
deny representation to his district.

Perhaps he is not a good representative for that district,
but that is a question for them not for the House to decide,
For the House to deny Rep. Powell his seat would indeed be
hypocracy. As former residents of Washington, D.C. we know
that personal power and enjoyment of that power is for many
the name of the “game in Washington, To punish an overt
sinner and let the sneaky ones get by would be unfortunate,
particularly in view of the resulting damage that has and
will be done in the area of race relations.

We also wish to express our support for the Poverty program
and our opposition to moves to cut appropriations for it.
We are particularly concerned about financial support for
Community Action Programs. Schenectady has an excellent
community action program and other communities have also

proved the worth of this strategy in the "war",

Thank you for your consideration of our views.

Sincerely,

itt Ue Tae ara yedbeed)

fr. and Mrs. Norman Lindblad
293 Washington Ave.
Albany, New York 12206

The Hon. Daniel E, Button
U.S, House of Representatives
House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

JAN 1 91967

Dear Congressman Button:

One hoped for more than an automatic party-line vote from an individual
who campaigned as an independent, thoughtful candidate for Congress, Yet
aS soon as: you took‘your seat in the House you joined the Republican solid
vote to deny Adam Clayton Powell his seat, This despite the fact that no
charges were directly brought against Mr. Powell, nor was he permitted to
reply to his accusers.

The action in which you participated may be constitutional, but to
many of us it is repugnant that the House took it upon itself to repair its
image by denying Mr. Powell a seat because of actions he took outside his
eapacity as a Congressman, while it has willingly tolerated obstructionisn
which blocks the change of progressive legislation for years. All rational-
igations to the contrary cannot cover the fact that Mr. Powell was singled
out because he is a symbol, and the people - black and white - know it.

In a television interview prior to your going to Washington you
said that you believed Mr. Powell had a right to take his seat and that
the people of his district had the right to their duly elected representative.
That was a sound and reasonable statement, I urge you to return to the
position of that statement and work for the seating of Adam Clayton Powell.

Sincerely,

fokn M. Reilly
NU
‘This is a fast message he A DL =Day Letter
unless its deferred char- NL=Night Letter
combines | WR MARSHALL = TT RT RGRAM | ® ica Feeernaloal
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<The filing time shown in the date line oxi domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin, ‘Time of receipt ls LOCAL. TIME at point of destination

b

LEAT95 KQPLSYA132

SY ABA349 NL PD ALBANY NY 14 :
HON DANIEL BUTTON WP GAN 14 PR 10 36

WASHDG WiPockisy

WE ARE DEEPLY DISTURBED BY THE AYPOORAGY OF THE ACTION TAKEN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN ADAM
CLAYTON POWELL, THISSELECTIVE AND DISCRIMINATORY MANER IN WHICH
THE. HOUSE APPLIED MORAL SANCTIONS TO ONE OF ITS MEMBERS RAISES

AN ISSUE THAT OVERRIDES THE ISSUE OF THE SINGLE CONGRESSMANS
BEHAVIOR, THE EVIL OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION APPEARS ONCE AGAIN

TO HAVE FOUND A LEGAL GUISE TO INFLICT INJURY ON THE NEGRO
COMMUNITY OF OUR NATION, WE CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE ADOPTION
OF A CODE OF ETHICS TO BE APPLIED UNIVERSALLY. TO ALL MEMBERS.

OF CONGRESS THE RACIAL IMPERATIVES OF THE POWELL CASE DICTATE ‘
“THAT THERE BE NO FURTHER POLITICAL DAWDLING OVER A’ CONGRESSIONAL
, ’ Ce WE CALL UPON YOU AS OUR REPRESENTATIVES TO INITIATE AND

A Seca Sonn W S ER U IO ar
‘This is a fase message ; Di=Day Lewes

unless ite deferred char- NL=Night Letter

acter Is indicated by the W. P. MARSHALL TE LE GR A M R.W. McFALL :
proper symbol, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD PRESIDENT LT eeamacional
- \ fi

‘The filing time shown in the date fine on domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin. ‘Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at point of destination

SY ABABA /2

ca :
OGOPERATE IN aan STEPS TO THIS END

NY THE UNZTED SeieataN CHURCH ON THE. “USA
(45) 6

"SF 1201 (R2-65)

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_ unless tes deferred chat-

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proper symbol.

DL =Day Letter
NL=Night Letter

W, P.. MARSHALL TELEGR M R. W. McFALL:
CHAIRMAN OF ‘THE Boaro PRESIDENT LT =International

“Letter Telegram.
‘The filing time shown in the date line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL 'TIME at point of origin, Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at puis ee
Npat?7 CAUISYAS81 : to67 JAN 9 th SOR
. SY ABB419 NL-PD 6 EXTRA ALBANY. NY 9 ;
HONORABLE DANIEL BUTTON
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHDC
‘NO PUBLIC OFFICIAL WHO IS UNVILLING. TO ANSWER CHARGES BROUGHT “*" "="

UP AGAINST HIM IN A CIVIL ACTION CLAIMING CONGRESSIONAL IMMUNITY
SHOULD’ BE’ ALLOWED TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK STATE
IN CONGRESS.

REQUEST YOU VOTE AGAINST REPRESENTATIVE ADAM CLAYTON

‘POWELL TAKING A SEAT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RICHARD F VOLK 538 MORRIS ST ALBANY NY 12208.

SF1201(R2-65)

February 10, 1967 /

Dr. Joseph B. &
392 Loudonville
Loudonville, New York

Bear Br. Robinson:

Thank you for your letter of February 3rd concerning
the vote in the House of Representatives om the seating of
Representative Adem Clayton Powell.

Tt seemz to me that it was against a backdrop of ad-
mitted shortcoming that most Members of the House found it necessary,
tegretfully and sorrewfully, to consider the case of Congresamen
Powell.

iI voted with the 364 Members of the House who joined in
gayisg that he should stand aside until the very serious charges
against him are inquire into. There were six times as many
Representatives voting this way ag there were voting contrary. The
decision to take the present action against Representative Powell
is entirely umreiated te racial diserimination and those whe care~
lessiy raise it as an issue are doing a disservice not only to the
minority they profess to serve, but algo to the cause of reasonable
aad pseific hwaan relations ami civil rights in this country.

Representative Udall, whe has argued vigorously and
eloquently for seating Mr. Powell before an inqsiry, ended up
voting with the 364, with this.explanation: “if there is a chance
for him (Mr. Powell} te prove" case, to have a hearing te get his
Seat back, we should pass the #: tute resolution and have the
committee appointed. If the committee should find that ke should be
seated and recommends that he be seated, then a resolution could be
prepared and submitted for that purpose." Of course, there never
was any question throughout the entire debate as to whether Mr.
Powell's conduct was a fit subject for ingquiry--the issue wae simply
when this should be dome. ‘Indeed, Mr. Gdali, as the chief protagonist
fer seating Mr. Powell before the inquiry deplored Mr. Powel!"
sonduct. No matter which resolutions passed on January 10th, Mr.
Powell‘s conduct would have been investigated.

i Bw

One of the Members stated during the debate: “We whe
ave charged with helping to write the laws of the land, must, I
think show respect for those laws, sho a willingness te obey them
amd more importantly, a respect for that imiependent branch of the
Government, the judiciary, ase is charged with interpreting and
enforcing those laws.”

Et was in that spirit that the House fimally was moved
to leok Inte the charges against its Member. May I point out that,
while awaiting the disposition of the inquiry, Hr. Powell will
receive hid pay, allowances and emoluments; he is deprived only of
his vote. ~

On the iesue of depriving constituents of representation,
let me polat cut that this is by mo means a unique situation; When-
ever a Representative dies in office or resigns or--as in thé case of
Me. Powell is asked to stand aside for whatever period ef time--his
eonstitvency is usrepresented. Thus, for example, the death of
Representative John Fogarty of Rhode Isiand on January ith will
leave his district unrepresented for several weeks until after March
29th. It is an usfortenate cecurrence whenever it happens, but it
is not discriminatery by nature.

The Minority Leader, Representative Gerald &. Ford, said:
"] feel strongly--and I know every Member on this side of the aisle
feels--that Me. Powell should have his day in court, that he should
be given equal justice, even treatment.”

"Ye would establish the forum and give him the opportunity
te come in and answer those allegations that have been made-~
allegations that the press have made, allegations in various committees,
Statements of one sert or another by some Members here in the Chamber.“

"Ye feel that there should be a prompt determination, but
in the interim while Mr. Powell ie standieg aside the committee should
conduct a full davestigation with Mr. Powell naving his day in court.”

Persuasive in the debate undoubtedly was the statement that
precedent seamed to exclude from consideration any acts by Mr. Powell
(et any Member in similar circumstances) prior te the seating; there-
fore, aceording to this view, the committee of Inquiry could net have
considered, aa a basis for possible disciplinary actien, anything dene
prier to Jawuary 10th, if Mr. Bowell had been seated on this day.

A sede of Sthies is badly needed in the Howse of
Representatives. I am firmiy on record te this effect, and I expect
gad intend to do all within my power as a Membar of the $0th Congress
te see that this serious lack is corrected forthwith.

« Fa

¥ do believe that there ie a growing realization en the
part of many of my colleagues as te this shortcoming and a desire to
see it corrected. ‘There was, as you may know, a Select Committee on
Standards and Conduct, created in the 89th Congress, which recently
submitted a reporttand I have introduced a resolution giving the
Committee power to investigate complaints ef vilations of standards
by Members of the House and power to recommend censure to the House.
the Republican Policy Committes has taken a stand in favor of the
fommittee which would thus develep applicably fair standards.

X join you in hoping that one of the outcomes ef the seed for
ag inquiry at this time, will prove to be the installation of a general
set of standards, asd I personally pledged to work toward suck 2
development.

Agaia, I thank you for your thoughtful letter.

Sincerely,

Baniel B. Betton, B. £.

JOSEPH B. ROBINSON, M. D.

392 Loudonville Road
Loudonville, New York

February 3, 1967

Congressman Daniel Button FEB 6 i967

House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

Dear Congressman Button:

You are among the few Republicans for whom I
have voted during the past 35 years. I rejoiced both in your candidacy
and your election. However, I am afraid that I have made a mistake,
since one of the first major votes which you were called upon to make
showed none of the idealism for which I had given credit. You must know
that I refer to your vote along with 100% of the Republicans.whe.veted
against the seating of.Represental ive Adam 03 Powell... In no way
is“this to be taken as a defense of Mr. Powell's behavior. However, I
feel that any vote cast on this ballot would have to be considered hypo-
eritical unless it is part of the movement of getting on with the job
of cleaning out the real corruption which has been charged to many in
our House of Representatives. I feel that if there are any other
Congressmen who are suspected of malfeasance that these matters should
be investigated and should not stop with the unseating of Mr. Powell.

I hope that you will be able to inform me that you have such a course
of action in mind.

Very truly hive

Joseph B. A hs MD.
Ac?

January 16, 1967

Thank you for your letter comeerning the vote in the House of
Representatives on the seating of Representative Adam Clayton

be G .
oath wih Of Pouell
Ms WE. r Et seems to me that it was against a backdrop of admitted short-

“ % eomingathat most members of the House found it ascessary, regret~-
fully and sorrowfully, te consider the case of Representative
Powell last Tuesday,

i voted with the 364 Members of the House whe joined in saying

that he should stand aside untii the very serious charges ageinst

him are inquired inte. There were siz times as many Representatives
XX vetiag this way as there were voting contrary. The decision te take

the present action against Representative Powell ig entirely un-

_.._ elated to racial diseriminationjand those who carelessly raise it as
“84 issue ate doing « disservice not only te the minority they profess
te serve, but alse te the cause of reasonable and pacific human
velatioss and civil rights in this country.

Representative Morris Udall, whe has argued vigorously and eloqueatly
fer seating Mr. Powell before an inquiry, ended up voting with the
364, Whthsthtduexplaination: “if there is a chance for him(Mr. Powell)
ay teprove his case, te have a hearing to get his seat back, we should
Pa pass the aubstitute resolution and have the committee appointed. If
the committee should find that he should be seated and recommends that
he be seated, then a resolution could be prepared and submitted for
~.__. thet purpose." Qicourse, there never was any question throughout the
eatice debate as to whether Mr. Powell's conduct was a fit subject
fer iaquiry - the issue was simply whee this sheuld be done. Indeed,
Mr. Udall, as the chief pretegonist for seating Mr. Powell before
the inquiry deplored Mr. Powell's conduct. No matter which reselut-
ions passed on January 10, Mr. Powell's conduct would have been in-

vestigated.
whe
One of the Members (stated during the debate:
x U Wefare charged with helpiag to write the laws of

the land, must, I thiek show respect for those laws, show a will-
ingness to obey them and more importantly, a respect for that

x

ale

independent branch of the Govermnent, the judicary, which is
charged with interpreting and enforcing those laws."

3e was in thet spirit that the Bouse finally was moved te lock
inte the charges against its Member. May £ point out that, while
awaiting the disposition ef the inquiry, Mr. Powell will receive
bis pay, allowances and emoluments; he is deprived only of his
vote,

Oa the issue of depriving constituents of representation, let

me point out that this is by no means a unique situation. When-
ever 4 Representative die in office or resigns or - as in the
case of Mr. Powell is asked te stand aside for whatever period

of time ~ his constituency is umrepresenteted. Thus, for et-
ample, the death of Representative John Fogarty of Bhede Island

on January 10, will leave his distret unrepresentated fer several
weeks. It is an unfortunate occurrence whenever it heppens, but it
is uot discriminatory by nature.

The Minority Leader, Representative Gerald 8. Ford, said: “ I feel
strongly ~ and I know every Member on this side of the aisle feele+—
that Mr. Powell should have his dey in court, that be should be
given equal justice, even treatment.

4 We would establish the forum aed give him the opportunity te come

in and answer these allegations that have been made ~ allegations
that the press have made, allegations in various coumiitees, state-
gents of one sort or another by seme Members here in the Chamber.”

“We feel that there should be a prompt determination, but in the in-
terim while Mr. Powell is standing aside the committee should cen-
dust 4 full iavestigation with Mr. Powell having his day in court."

Persuasive in the debate undoubtedly was the statement that preced-
ent seemed to exclude from consideration any acts by Hr. Powell

( or any Member in similar circumstances} prior te the seating ;
therefore, according to this view, the committee of inquiry could
net have considered, as a basis for possible discipliaary action,
aoything done GBESi\to January 10, if Mr. Powellhad been seated on
this day, =

A Code of Ethics is badiy needed in the House of Representatives.
2 am firmly on record te thie effect, end I expect and intend
to do all within my power as a Member of the 90th Congxess co
see that this serious lack is corrected fortisvich. :

x

~3~

E do believe that there is a growing realization on the part of
many of my colleagues as te this shortcoming and a desire to sea
it corrected. There was, as you may know, a Select Committee on
Standards and Conduct, created in the 89th Congress, which re-
cently sulmitted a report, and on the first day of the new Congress
@ vesolution was iatroduced giving the Committee power to investi-
gate complaints of vielations ef standards by Members of the House
and power to recommend censure to the House. The chairman of that
Committee asked for support for this resolution and the #ffective
continuation of the Committee, and I have told him that I am firmly
committed to that end.

I join yeu in hoping that one of the outcomes of the aged for
am inquiry at this time, will prove to be the installation of
a general set ef standards, aad I personally pledgeg to work
toward such a development.

Again, I thank you for your thoughtful letter. Please write again.

Sincerely,

Baniel £. Buttes, M.C.

RD
Voorheesville, N.Y,
Jamuary 12, 1967

Me, Daniel Button:
House of Represéntatives
Washington, B,C,

Dear Sir:

I had the pleasure of supporting you in tle recent « a ection, not
only by my vote but by more substantial means. I congratulate
you, even this belatedly, on your success,

I em, however, distressed by your first vote as Representatives
The unseating of Adam Clayton Powell, though perhaps only tempor=
arily, constitutes a prejudgment that is contra y toe the supposed
Spirit of Anglo-Saxon law, When his guilt is establisied by

a properly appointed body it will be time to decide -- on non=
partisan grounds -- as to whether he should be permitted to con=
tinue in Congress.

Fully as serious as this ignoring of the spirit of fair play, is
the fact that the Negro community in general will take this ‘as

a further instance of white oppression of their aspirations, Nor
will they , unfortunately,be totally wrong in so taking the in-
eident,. If Powell is a scoundrel, he is far from the first or the
only one ever to sit in the House. But the other scoundrels have
nof been unseated -- apparently because they were, or are, not
black. May I add that the aligmment of Southern Democrats and
most Republicans on this issue bodes nothing but ill for the
future of race relations in this country, Remember that Mr. Powell
has been a very popular figure with his constituency; to slap him
cGown is a slap in the face of this constituency. Our large

cities are dready in a state of endemic insurrection with re-
peated and continuous rioting all through the summer months, This
most recent action will only exacerbate an already desperate
situation, I urge‘you to do whatever you can te see that Mr.
Powell gets a fair hearing and that he be reseated unless his ~
misdoings are felonious indeed, “all for ethics in Congress,
but self-righteousness nauseates me,

Tmight add that I am very much opposed to Mr, Johnson's proposal
of a six percent increase in income taxes to carry om the Viet-
namese war, There are too many important things to do at home}

the gravest dangers to our country ere within our ow borders. Gom-
munism seems pretty well contained in Asie as it is, and no matter
how much money we spend in the Vietnams there will doubtlessly

be continuing slaughter there for decades to come. It is too

good a thing for the Russians and Chinese; they will not let it
die out for some time,

Respectfully yours

ce ane

Perry D, Westbrook
fs

May 11, 1967

Mr. A. H. Nelsen
607 Breadway
Albany, New York

Bear Mr. Nelson:

Thank you for your letter conceraing the F.B.I.'s investigation
of Representative Adem Clayton Powell.

i share your concern for the conduct of this investigation siace
I have already urged the Department of Justice te eenduct a full~
scale inquiry into the activities of Mr. Powell. I am continuing
to follow the action of the Justice Bepartment clesely since the
results of the invesfigation could have an effect on his seating
ia the House of Representatives.

I appreciate your interest in this matter and I am glad to have
your views and comments.

Sducerely,

Daniel £. Button, M.C.

Charges Justice Dept. Tied
FBI Hands i in Powell Case

Wort Journal PriBsine Spectet - eommnitt®é" headed

is. congressional office staff}
from July 31, 1965, to: Jan. 1}]
1967... The -Celler’ committee!
found’ Mrs, Powell had done ‘no|!
work in his congressional office|
during: that period. and that
Powell had diverted ther pay to
his own. account. '-
ahs mbt of ecucation end
oor committee futds for per
travel.
The use of an-ediucation and

committee staff member) tl

as a domestic at his Bimini re~
‘treat.

Curtis said ‘thesé resintotions|1
were: placed on ‘the. FBI, al-

ally meed the FBI ip look into|
‘those! issues raised at the com-|
mittee’s ‘public hearings... The!
facts ‘were already. developed,
she said, and could have: been|
Panties ore tei federal Sant

Other corigressional’ sources
said: the FBI's investigation of|
Powell has been one -of “rou-

t.

Charges Justice Dept. Tied
FBI Hands i in Powell Case

‘World Journal ‘ribwne Spectet

commis headed br Fen

ni

on his congressional office staff]
from July 31, 1965, to: Jan.-1;
1967. The -Celler’ ‘comanitice|

a wel. :
@The use of anjeducation and
staff member)

as a-domestic at his Bimini ro-

‘treat.
Curtis said thesé restrictions

‘were: placed on the FBI al-

wife, ¥. Marjorie Flores Powell \&

lveally-needsthe FBI t6 look into|
those, issties raised at the com-|
mittee’s public. hearings. The

he’ -said, and could have: been
handed over to a federal erand
jury_immediately.. - i
Other congressional sources;
said the FBI's investigation of]
Powell has been one of “rou-
” dhecking” many -6f the!
‘wiinesses. who appeared. before,
|the Celler. comimittee.. The pur-
pose, they said; was’ to’ see ‘if
there is strong’ ehough evidence:
ito take to a. gramd: jury.’
‘These’ sources reported

~ supers
n

By ARA PIASTLO
4, World Journat tribune Stage
Comptroller MarioyA. Pro-
eaccino changed today that
the Lindsay administration
would ‘create a $2 million
plueprint for @ “colossal
pork-banrel” end would deal
‘a deat blow ta Civil Service
{t tt agoroves-a plan to make,
“non - competitive” 88 hish-
aalesied joba in the Hospitals
Department,
made the

The
charges im remanks. prepared

for aesiveyy7 before the New
york Siatef Civil ‘Service
‘Commission’ hearing on
‘Hospitals: Wepartment’s re-
quest for new positions in the
jnon-competitive class. He
said the exempt job bid would
‘open the door to. massive po~
litical patronage. >
Procacoino said that .in‘his
opinion the resolution
adopted by’ the City’ Civil
Service Commission placing
a number of Hospitals De-

competitive class would mean
that thé Mayor—and future
mayors—through the thospl-.
tals . commissioner, would
thave the power to appoint’

top hospital personnel ‘ewith~ .

out examination, withou 6
competition.” : we

| He told * the

that the proposed new post
tions ineluded. 26 assistant
commissioners, 25 deputy as~
sistant commissioners, 19
managers of building services

the commission

Jest yeaa Lofft a f Fords
: gsi ! i ‘ : Magar} "Tribune, Néw. York,

Procaccino Hits ‘Pork Bar

He' said the figures: were
contairied on @ letter front
the. president of the “state
civil Service Commission in«
viting “him to express his
views on the ‘resolutions.

Procaccino, & frequent
ciitic of the Hospitals De-
‘partment, said the new titles
called for salaries which total
upto nearly. §2 million @
year. He also said the jobs
Swould be placed in the ‘hands
of the commissioner of hos-

rel’ G

- pitals to dispense a6 hy
fit.

‘The comptroller coyed
that in a few of.the veep

positions called for,

petitive examinations) ht

prove impractical.
“put to put all #
tions asked for on
competitive “basis
+ tive of tie fact th
ittle more than a.
‘for’ a colossal por!
he said.
Procaceino sit

b

‘he considered the “most
Bt orue hy
Lospitals, ts
is. They are bad- for

commissioner’

cin tsar propo Sal Service system was conceived:

- tania ‘of Civil Service.”
urged the’ state 1

Service Commission to releot

for the ver;

‘y pur
Sipiding and prohibiting, on
obs in governmental a =

the re:
ihe citys Cl Be ted by pollen poe ttoms of
tledon, ening they ny SERCR a8 a
for the Civil Servi are thé Lindsay pposition to
‘tem. They are bad es Sys- first revolt peeponal wae.
our . Journal 18 “World,

partment jobs in the non-

and grounds, '

4

iti

‘Tribune last month,::|:
*e T ay

and ‘developed over the years.

of Hospital P

cial pat” of th
inj e. question, bé~
Sng outed the ‘bnsng ¥Pa OF We Cir ot New Sid

s vies, ; “
how the mayor's and hospital, Procaccino said the: otvil, a

bear +

I’m most appreciative ef your thoughtful measage
aheat sy vet on Congreseman Yowell, 1 think you
would be gratified to know, ag I heve beem, that
the letters and calls of suport have eutaumbered
these critical of my poeition. It wae geod to
hear your uaderstendiag words, Perhaps the en~
elosed statement which I issued after the vote
will additionally explein my reasoning.

Again, my thanks.

Mest sincerely,

Daniel E, Buttes, “0.

daagary 13, 1967

Mr. Robert J. Brown
318 Sullivan Road
Schenectady, Hew York

Bear Mr. Brown:

i have just read your letter concerning the seating of Adam Clayton
Powell. You may be sure that I share with you, a deep concern for
this most difficult situation.

AS you may know by sow, I voted with the very large majority te
investigate the charges brought agaiast Mr. Powell before seating

him. To me the entire episede is a tragic and unfortumate one. —
As I am sure your realize, the very fact that a member of the United ‘
States House of Representatives must be investigated is most dis-
heartening.

However, Mr. Powell personally acted in 4 manner so as to bring serious
questions concerning his integrity as a Congressman. It wasseide-V\3S.
situation that caused me to vote to deny Mr.Pewell his seat, pend-

ing an investigation. I can assure you that the investigation into
the charges, by his colleagues, will be both speedy and fair. I will
be awaiting the decision and recommendations of the investigating
committees.

E would also like to add, that I feel that while we are examining

the record of Mr. Powell, we should at the same time, closely scrutia-
ise the mechanies of the entire House with the thought of establish-
ing a code of ethics Gor all elected officials. It seems to me, that
@ system that allows the present difficulties to oceur, is somewhat
to blame, but, I must reiterate that Mr. Powell seeds to answer the
present charges brought against him.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing.
With all good wishes.

Bincerely,

Baniel E. Button, B.C.

BF _ Able vee 4

Ljew ti, (GF

= a
Hii Hbarabde taniel € Flbdklon
opwess 68 Lice Ga Lick fle
“é

Ee Sauron

LD x oe : Le . yy S
Lo i netted ila: ie abo i,

LE, ee
ve « a"

a
Jrovnry 1B, W967

Thank you for powr thoughtfulnees im nendiag se your thoughts con-
ceraing Adem Clayton Powell, 1 esrteiniy coosur with yuu thet it

ig @ soxry affair, aed one ie whieh respymeibie aetion by the Bouse
af Representatives wae overdue, The public was enderateniehly out~
veged by the geemiug aawlllingeese or inabiiies of che Dengress ta’
reset te bie eooluck amt te tegeiee dete ie with a wiew to poseible

Se you koe, 1 voted for the weyelunion to demy Mr. Powell bie sent,
pending such ow laguicy, aod eetiier I hed veted agaiast a resolue
fiom whieh would bave wade it possible for his to be seated, at
chia tise.

Se re ee ot See oe oo lt thd Rowse while,

gous ue att ts hte praer’ Opae

i am eppeentenive of the thought bebted your message, aad 2 hope
te heer €rom you again.

Sienenedy ,

Pantel E. Bere, MiG.

7° # ‘ vimen fF FE é
ed ? a iii NEA
te Le en.

teens, intl nt in toate tay Le ea cage ome

de EE ge bere died ia at

tl Pre weaticiey

erin Pe A yeti font ne (obey
en foot ,

weed perlite! Clee

by Pe Regt sar

B a _
Reet Oe watig Soude Hames
;

Ae. vox De-j
en SO Ee Oe, ee
A Se Oe oe ee

pe
Mr. William ¥. Watemen, Jr.
427 State Street
Albany, Hew York

Dear Mr.Wateman:

Thank you for your letter concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. 2 certainly concur with you that it is a serry affair,
and ong in which responsible action by the House was overdue.
The public was understandably outraged by the seeming unwill-
iegsess er inability ef the Congress te react to his conduct
and te inquiry inte in with a view te possible disciplinary
action.

&s you perhaps keow, I veted for the resolution to deny Mr.
Powell his seat pending such aa inquiry, and earlier i had

weted against a resclution which would have made it possible
for him te be seated at this time.

i want you to know that I found that my colleagues in the House,
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrent and blat-
ant conduct, aise were saddened that a Member bad wilfully brought
himselZ to this simost unprecedented oblequy, where official in-
qeairy and possibile diecipline were virtually umaveidable. It is
trely a tregedy in every sease.

i believe that can be assure that the inquiry will be feir, and
thet - in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ferd - Hr.
Powell will have kia day im court, and will have equal justice,
even treatment. This is surely required, no matter how disgusted
some of his fellow-citizens may feel

All of this is related, further, to the absence of a real Code
of Ethics for Members of the Congress, and E am firmly on record
to continuing the effort to establish such a Code.

i am appreciative of the thought behind your wessage, and =
hope to heax from you again.

Sincerely,

Baniel &.Butten, He.

Har Steck Stub

Qbew New Goth 12203
Qercone Dra lgée

Tetente ca Lede led CG Copel gow
Loceren My fatto, aan for Hur Dore aed

\qHo.
January 16, 1967

Mrs. Sara C, Howard
18 Soolidge Avenue
Troy, New York

Deer Mrs. Howard:

Thank you for your letter concerning a
Powell. I certainly concur with you that it is a swery affaiz,
and one in which responsible seties S7 tir House of Bepresenta-

tives was overdue, The public «se understandably outrages by the
seeming unwillingness or inability of the Congress to reset to

his conduct and to inquire inte it with a view te possible dis~
tiplinary steps.

As you perhaps know by now, I voted for the resolution te deny Mr.
Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted
fguinee the resclution which would have made possible his being

seated at this time.

E want you to know that I found that my colleagues in the House
while shariag your revelsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant and blatant
eenduct, also were saddened that e Member had wilfully brought
himself to this almost unprecedented oblequy, where official in-
quizy asd possible discipline were virtually unaveidsble. It is
truly a tragedy in every sense.

i believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
thet ~- in the words of the Minoviéy Leader, Mr..Ford ~ Mr. Powell
will have his day in court, and will have equal%justice, even
treatuent. This surely is required, ao matter disgusted some
of his fellow-citizens may feel,

All this is related, further, to the absence of a real Code of
Ethics for Members of Congress, and I am firmly committed to
working to help create the machinery to produce an effective
Goede that will govern us all in this great legislative body.

2 am appreciative of the theught behind your message, and I
hepe to hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel HE, Butten, ¥.C.

18 Coolidge Avenue
froy, New York 12180
January 9, 1967

Daniel Button, Representative

New York

House Office Building

Washington, 9D. C.

Dear Congressman Button:

Mey I ask you to thoughtfully read an article in the

December '66 Reader's Digest titled,"Are We a Nation of Hoods?"

eondensed from Waterloo, Iowa Sunday Courier, page 127.

This is not Iowats or New York's problem alone, but the whole
“thy

Nation's problem. :

Right now I em thinking hard of our United Statés Congress

problem of facing it's responsibilities in regard to it's conduct.

Is one of the Congress members right?

When Adam Clayton Powell, says, "I have done nothing that all

members of Congress do not do".

Is he telling the Truth?

What is an ordinary citizen like myself to think, if there is

no censoring by the Congress?

I do not like to bring race into this, but just for the record,

I really love the Negro people.

Sin

January 16, 1967

Me. Richard F. Yolk
508 Morris Street
Albasy, New York

Bear Mr. Yolk:

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me your thoughts con-
cerning Adam Cleyton Powell. I certainly concur with you that it
is a sorry affair, and one in which responsible action by the House
of Representatives was overdue. The public was understandably out-
saged by the seeming umvillingness or inability of the Congress to
react to his conduct and to inquire into it with a view to possible
disciplinary section.

4s you know, I voted fer the resolution to deny Mr. Powell his seat,
pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted against a resolu-
tion which would have made it possible fer him te be seated, at this
time.

I waet you te know that I found thar my colleagues in the House while .
Sharing your revelsion at Mr. Powell's Flagrant and blatant conduct,
also were saddened at the thought that a Member had wilfully brought
himself to thie almest unprecedented cbloquy, where official inquiry
and possible diseipline were virtually unavoidable. It is truly a
tragedy in every sense.

t believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be feir, and that -
in the words of the Minority Leade#, Mr. Ford- Mr. Powell will have
his day in court, and will have equal justice = even treatment. This
surely is required no matter how disgusted some of his feliow-citizens
say feel.

All this is related, further, te the absence of a real Code of Ethics
for Members of Congress, and i am firmly committed te working to
help create the machinery to produce an effective Code that will
govern all of us im this «vet: legislative body.

I am appreciative of the +
te hear from you again.

«= behind your message, and I hope

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, Mc.

January 16, 1967

Me. Richard F. VolE:
588 Morris Street
Albany, New York

Dear Mc. Yoik:

thank you for your telegram concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. 1 certainly concur with you that it is a sorry affair, aad
one in which responsible action by the House of Representatives was
overdue. ‘The public wae understandably outraged by the seeming un-
willingness or inability of the Congress to react to his conduct and
te inquire inate it with a view te possible disciplinary ection.

AS you perkeps know by now, I voted for the resolution te deny Mr.
Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted
against a resolution which would have made possible kis being
seated at this time.

i want you to knew that Z found that my colleagues in the House,
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant and blatant
conduct, also were saddened that a Member had wilfully brought him-~
self to this almost unprecedented ebloquy, where official inquiry
and possible discipline were virtually unaveidable. It is truly

a tradgey in every tespect.

i believe we can be assuvred that the inquiry will be fair, and
that ~ in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford ~ Mr. Powell
will have his day in court, and will have equal justice, even
treatment. This surely is required ao matter how disgusted some
of his fellow-citizens may feel.

4&1il this is related, further, te the absence of a real Code of
Bthies for Members of Congress, aud I am firmly committed to
working to help create the machinery te produce an effective
ode that will govern us all in thie great legislative body.

I am appreciative of the thought behind your message, and FE
hepe to hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Beniel Z. Button, MLC.

dJamuary 16, 1967

Mr. James E. Conway
Commmay, Alan & Daly
1692 Western Avenue
Albany, New York

Beer Mr. Conway:

Thank you for your letter concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. i certainly concur with you that it is a sorry affair,

aad one in which responsible action by the House of Representatives
was overdue. The public was understandably outrages by the seem~
ing unwillingness or inability of the Congress to react to his con-
duct and to inquire inte it with a view te possible disciplinary
steps.

As you perhaps Know by now, I voted for the reselutien te deny Mr.
Powell Wis seat pending an inquiry, and earlier I had voted against
a@ resolution which would have made posaible his being seating at
this time.

i want you to know that I found that my colleagues in the House,
while sharing your revulsion at Mr, Powell's fiagmant and blatent
eonduct, also were saddened that a Member had wilfully breught
himself to this almost uapresedented obloquy, where official in-
quizy and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. It is
teuly a tradgey in every veake.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
thet - in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford - Mr. Powell
@ill have his day in court, and will have equal justice, even
treatment. This is surely required, ao matter how disgusted some
of bis fellow citizens may fesl

All this is related, further te the absence of a real Code of Ethies
for Members of Congress and I am firmly committed to working to
help create the machiuery to produce an effective Code that will
govern us all in this great legislative body.

I am appreciative of the thought behind your message, and I hope
to hear from you again.

With all good wishes.

Sincerely,

Danidé E. Button, H.C.

CONWAY, ALLAN & DALY
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1692 WESTERN AVENUE
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12203

TELEPHONE (AREA cope 518) 489-4771

JAMES E, CONWAY
HARRY A. ALLAN
JOHN G. DALY

January 12, 1967

Honorable Daniel E. Button
United States Representative
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

Dear Representative Button:

As a resident of the State of New York, I would like
to express my very strong feelings with respect to the
seating of Adam Clayton Powell in our Congress. I
strongly oppose this matter and recommend that all ap-
propriate steps be taken to make the present arrange-
ment permanent.

It seems to me, that as a professional, and several
rules apply to other professions, actions similar to
Mr. Powell's would certainly result in disbarment or
loss of license, etc. Should not the same standards be
applied to our representatives in Congress?

Further, if Mr. Powell is denied his seat, and a new
election decreed, I feel that it should be a condition
of his candidacy, which is sure to be an issue, that he
purge himself of his contempt and of his actions.

These are my personal views, but I wish to bring them
to your attention and urge your careful consideration
of the matter. .

Respectfully,

Sone

[panes E. Conway

JEC/1i
=

Jacuary 16, 1967

Miss Nura D, Tumer
1l Seuth Lake Avenue
Albany, New York

Bear Miss Turner:

Thank you for your telegram concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. I certainiy concur with you that it is a serry affair, and
one in which responsible action bytthe House of Representatives
was overdue. ‘The public was understandably outraged by the seeming
unwillingness or inability of the Congress to react to bis conduct
and te inquire inte it with a view to possible disciplinary steps.

As you perbaps know by now, I voted for the resolution te deny Mr
Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, aud earlier I had voted
dgainst a resolution which would have made possible his being seat~
a@ at this time.

I want you to keow thet I found that my colleagues in the House,
while shearing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's conduct flagrant

aad blatant, also were saddened that a Member bad wilfully brought
himself to this almost unprecedented ebioquy, where official in~-
quiry and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. It is
truly a in every sease.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
that - in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford - Mr. Powell
will have his day in court, and will have equal justice, even
treatment. This surely is required, ne matter how disgusted some
of his felioweitizens may feel.

All thie is related, further, to the abseace of a real Code of
Ethics for Members of Congress, and I am firmly committed te
working te help create the machinery to produce an effective Code
that will govern us all in this great legislative body.

2 om appreciative of the thought behind your message, and I hope
te hear from you agein.

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Batten, M.S.

- AGAINST SEATING POWELL HE'S OURTAGED DECENCY.

Crass or Service E f/ SYMBOLS) =
‘This is a fast message DL=Day Letter
“onan I

ight Letter

unless its deferred char
acter is indicated by the W. P. MARSHALL TE LEGR M R.W. McFALL
proper symbol. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD . A PRESIDENT. urajnrernadignal,

‘The filing time shown in the date line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL 'TIME at point of origin, ‘Time of receipe is LOCAL TIME at point of destination

NFAI82 KELLSYAS7S 2

SY ABA541 POM PD ALBANY NY 9 NFT DEI JM. at BOY
CONGRESSMAN DANIEL BUTTON: .

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHDC

VOTE AGAINST SEATING POWELL HE'S OUTRAGED DECENCY REPEAT VOTE

NURA D TURNER 11 SOUTH LAKE AVE ALBANY NY.

SI1201(R2-65)

Jaauary 16, 1967

Mr. Ferris P. CoBper
224 Union Street

Sehenectady, New York
Dear Mr. Copper:

Thank you fer yourtielegram concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. 2 certainly concur with your that it is a sorry affair,

and one in which responsible action by the House of Representatives. _
was overdue. The public was understandably outraged by the seem@-
ing warillingness or inmabllity ef the Ceagress to react to bis
eondsct and to inquire inte it with a view te possible disciplin-
ary steps. .

As you perhaps know by now, I voted fer the resolution to deny Mr.
Powell bis seat pending such an inyuiry, and earlier I had voted
against 2 resolution which would have made possible his being seat-
ed at this time.

i want you to kuew that I found that my colleagues in the House, while
sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant aud blatast conduct
aise were saddened that a Member bad wilfully brought himself to this
aimost uaprecedented oblequy, where official inquiry and possible
discipline were virtually unavoidable. It was truly a tragedy in
every sense.

Z believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and that
&& the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford - Mr. Powell vill
have his day in court, and will heave equal justice, even treatment.
This surely is required, no matter how disgusted some of his fellow
citizens may feel.

All this is related, further, te the absence of a real Code of Ethics
fer geubers of Congress, and I firwly am committed to working to

help creat the machinery to produce an effective Geode that will govern
us all in this great legislative bedy.

i am appreciative of the thought behind your message, and I hope to
hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Paniel EZ. Button, B.C.

" series: 4 © is pre eo one "sn A AE ONT
Sse) WESTERN UNION f=
This’ ts a fast message \ ey DL=Day Lever
unleis its doferred char- NU oNuhe Lee oT"
sore | on nmemmns. TELEGRAM. “secg®* | [rater
"The fling dime showin inthe date line on domestic telegams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin, Tine “96 gANhcOnaall ees of destination
nra2.0. (15)SYA397
SY SNA228 NL PD SCHENECTADY: NY 9
DANIEL L BUTTON

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES waste s anes ener
SEATING ADAM CLAYTON POWELL AS MEMBER OF concREss | WILL BE A.
TRAVESTY OF THE. CHARACTER OF YOUR AUGUST BODY. HIS FLAUNTING

OF OUR LAWS MAKES HIM UNWORTHY TO MAKE THE LAWS GOVERNING OUR

COUNTRY. STAND UP AND BE COUNTED, VOTE TO BAR THIS MAN FROM
CONTINUING IN OFFICE
_FERRIS P COPPER 224 UNION STREET, Sd

«

thus Ls Corre

SF1201(R2-68)

January 16, 1967
Me. Harry E. Veeder
Harry &. Veeder & Sons, Inc.
29 Hialeah Drive
Albany, New York, 12205

Bear Mr. Yeeder:

Thank you for your telegram concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. I certainly concur with you that it is a serry affair, and
ene in which responsible action by the House of Representatives was
everdue. The public was understandably outraged by the seeming un-
willingesss or inability of the Congress to react te his conduct
asd te inquire into it with a view to possible disciplinary stess.

As you perhaps know by now, I voted for the resolution ta deny Mr.
Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted
voted against a resolution which would have made possible his be-
ing seated at this time.

I want you to know that I found that my colleagues in the House, while
sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant and blatant conduct,
aise were saddened that a Member had wilfully brought himself to this
almost umpreeedented obloquy, where official inquiry and possible
discipline were virtually unaveidabie . It is truly a tragedy

in every sense.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair and that,
ia the words of the Minority Leader, He. Ford - Mr. Powell will
have bis day ic court, and will have equal justice, even treatment.
This surely is required no matter how disgusted some of his fellow
eitizeas my feel.

All this is related, further, to she absence of a real Code of Ethics
for Members of Congres, asd I am firmly committed te working te help
ereate the machinery to produce an effective Code that will govera
us ail in this great legislative body.

I am appreciative of the theg§tt behind your message, and 1 hope
te hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Baniel £. Button, 4.C.

‘Crass or Senvicy

ae TELEGRAM pasa eT
The filing time shown in the ies line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at point = :
Nral74 (38 )SYA379
Sy ABA542 POM PD ALBANY NY 9
REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL BUTTON
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHDC
STRONGLY URGE THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST SEATING REPRESENTATIVE
ADAM C POWELL '

HARRY E VEEDER PRESIDENT HARRY E VEEDER AND SONS INC 29 HIALEAH
DRIVE ALBANY 12205 NY. :

This Is 9 fast message
unless ts deferred char
acter is indicated by the
proper symbol,

iv
1967 JAN 9 PM 8 O6

SF1201(R2-65)

January 18, 1967

tr. €.3. Tomlins

MeCormack’s Highway Transportation, Inc.
51 Erie Bivd.

Sehenectady, New York

Dear Mr. Yomlins:

I have just read your letter concerning the seating of Adem Clayten
Powell. You may be sure that I share with yeu a deep concern for
this most difficult situation.

As you may know by now, I voted with the very large majority to
investigate the charges brought ageinst Mr. Fowell before he is
seated, To me, the entire episode is e tragic and unfortunate
one, as I am sure you realize. The very fact that a member of
the United States House of Representatives must be lavestigated
is mest disheartening.

Bowever, Mr. Powell persenally has acted in 2 manner so as te
bring serious question about his integrity as a Congreseman. If
wes this situation that caused me to vote to deny Mr. Powell his
seat pending an investigation inte the charges, by his colleagues,
I can assure you that the investigation will be both speedy aad
fair. Iwill be awaiting the decision and recommendations of the
investigating committee.

E would also like te add, that I feel that while we ere examining
the record of Mr. Fowell, we should at the same time clesely
serutinize the mechanics of the entire House with the thought

of establishing a Code of Ethics for ail elected officals. It
seems to me that a system thet allows the present diffieulties
is somewhat to blame, but I must reiterate that Mr. Powell

needs te answer the present charges brought against him.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing.

Siaceraily,

Daniel #. Butten, MC.

1.C.C. 19157
« P.S.C.N.Y. 873

WcComaks HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION, INC.

INCORPORATED IN 1924

TRANSPORTER OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL AND 15] ERIE BOULEVARD @ SCHENECTADY, N. Y. 12305
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OVER IRREGULAR
ROUTES IN 27 STATES EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI } 518/474-4174

January 6, 1967

‘The Honorable Daniel Button

House of Representatives

United States Pest Office Building
Schenectady, New York

Dear Sir:

I am appalled when I read and listen te the affairs
ef Adam Clayton Powell and then think this man has a
Voice in the wWerarse”er my future.

I am disgusted when I read and listen to pelitical
figures weigh the pelitical significance of unseating
Adam Clayton Powell.

Yeu, as my elected representative, have no ether
cheice but te judge Powell on his performance only.
Powell's race, creed or skin pigment have neo bearing on
the problem.

Please use your influence in removing the stigma of
Powell from yeur group.

Very truly yours,

MC CORMACK'S HIGHWAY
TRANSPORTATION, INC.

Cc. B. Temlins,
Secretary

CBT/cag
ee

danuary 17, 1967

Mrs. Laurence BR. Lee
810 Riverside Avenue
Scotia, New York

Bear Mrs. Lee:

Thank you fer your letter concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. I certainly concur with you that it is a serry affair,
and one in which responsible action by the House of Representa-
tives wes ovdrdue, The public was understandably outraged by
the seeming unwillingness or inablity of the Congress to react
te his conduct and te inquire inte it with a view to possible
disciplinary steps.

4s you perhaps keow by now, I voted for the resolution to deny
Mr. Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, and earlier I bad
voted against a resclution which weuld have made possible his
being seated at this time.

I want you to knew that I found that my colleagues in the House
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's @lagrant and blatant
conduct, alse were saddened that a Member had wilfully brought
himeeif te this almost unprecedented obloquy, where official is-
quiry and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. It is
truly a tragedy in every sense.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
that - in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford - Mr. Powell
will have his day in court, and will have equal justice, even
treatment. This surely is required, ne matter how disgusted some
of his fellow-citizens may feel.

All this is related, further, to the absence of a real Sode of
Ethics for Members of Congress, and I am firmly committed to
working to help create the machinery te produce an effective Code
thet will govern us all in this great legislative.

I am appreciative of the thought behind your message, and I hope to
hear fram you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button

2

Congress Dan
dashington, D.

Dear Mr. Button,

RE: Adam Powell case.
Your guote: “However ..... Powell
elected Sy his district with
of tre voters."

@

a
é

Oo my

even many,

Hoe can We be
y rabble-rous

We nope
Button,
ton."

Mes. Lasrence 3. Lee

are of, or could under-
January 16, 1967

He. JM, Sudolmik
BD #1 Droms Road
Rexford, New York

Bear Mr. Sudolaik:

Yhank you for your letter concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell, I certainly concur with you that it is a serry affeir,

and one in which responsibie action by the House of Representatives
was overdue. The public was understandably outraged by the seeming
empillingaess or inability of the Congress te react te his conduct
and to inquire inte it with a view to possibie disciplinary steps.

As you perhaps know by now, I voted for the resolution to deny Mr.
Powell his seat peading such an inquiry, and earlier I had vored
‘tgainst a resolution which would have made hie being seated pess-
ible, at this time.

i want you te know that I found that my colleagues in the House
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Poweli's flagrant and blataet
eouduct, alse were saddened that 2 Member brought himself wilfully,
te this almost unprecedented obloquy, where official inquiry and
possible discipline were cirtually unavoidable. It is truly a
tragedy in every sense.

i believe we can be assured that the impuixy will be fair, and
that in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Gerald Ford ~

Mr. Powell will have his day in court and will have equal justice,
even trestment. This surely is required, so matter how disgusted
some of bis fellow-citizens my feel.

ALL this is related, further, to the absence of 2 real Code of
Ethica for Mewbers of Congress, and I am firmly committed to
working to help create the machinery to preduce an effective Cade
that will govera us all in this great leadership.

i am appreciative of the thought behind your message, aud I hope
te hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Butten, B.C.

RD #1 Droms Road
Rexford, New York
January 13, 1967

The Honorable Daniel Button
House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20013

Dear Mr. Button:

I would like to take this opportunity to voice my opinion
concerning the seating of your colleague, Representative
Adam Clayton Powell. Any man who seeks a public office
should display traits of honesty and moral integrity.
Unfortunately, Mr. Powell does not fall into this category.
I hope that since this is your first session in congress, you
will be an example to your colleagues and will do everything
in your power to support the ouster of this individual. In
these trying times, this country can not afford to have
anything but the best men as its leaders. Our future demands
it.

Sincerely,

M. Sudolnik

January 13, 1967
Me.& Mrs. Paul H. Holloway

Bear Mr. & Mrs. Holloway:

i have just read your letter concerning Adam Clayton Powell.
You may be sure that I share your concern fer this most diffi-
eult situation.

As you may know, by new, I voted with the very large majority
to investigate the charges brought against Mr. Powell before
seating him. Te me the entire episede is 2 tragic and unfortun-
ate one. As I am sure you know and realize, the fact thet a
member of the United State Bouse of Representatives must be in-
vestigated is most disheartening.

Hewrver, Mr. Powell persenaliy has acted in a manner se as to

bring serious question about bis integrity as a Congressmen.

It was this situation that caused me to vote to deny Mr. Powell
his seat, pending an investigation. I can assure you thet the

investigation isto the charges, by bis colleagues, will be both

speedy and fair. I will be awaiting the decision and wecommendation g

of khe investigating committee.

E would aise like te add that I feel that while we are examiniag
the resord of Mr, Powell we should, at the same time closely
seratinize the mechanics of the entire House, with the thought
of establishing 2 Code of Ethics for all elected officials. it
seem to me that a system that allows the present difficulties
te occur is semewhet to blame. Yet 1 must reiterate that Mr.
Powell needs to answer the present charges brought against him.

i appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing.
With all good wishes
Sincerely,

Baniel E. Button, MC.

1346 Lawn venue

KekireHidy, Near Goode [230%

Qenuewy TS /967

Heroccble “Dorcel Batt

29 Vey Mint
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poo Deed ughé lie, ‘pecs leneg ecb)

L bebive youuill give War pecah? cordedica Wor

January 17, 1967

Me. Angelo Gouclice
1247 Crane Street
Schenectady, New York

Dear Mr. Gouolio:

Thesk you fer your thoughtfuiness in sending me your thought coa~
cerning Adem Clayton Powell. I certainly concur with you thar it
is a sorry affsir, and one in which respoasibie action by the House
of Representatives was overdue. The public was understandably out-
vaged by the seeming unwillingness or inability of the Congress to
react te his eonduct and to inquire inte it with a view te pessible
disciplinary action.

As you know, I voted for the resolution te deny Mr. Powell his seat,
pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted againat a resolu-
tion whieh would have made it possible for him to be seated, at this
tine.

Z want you to know that I found that my colleagues in the Bouse while
shariag your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant and blatant cenduct,
were ale saddened at the thought that a wesber had wilfully brought
hiwseif to this almest unprecedented ebleqay, where official inquiry
and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. It is trely a
tragedy in evary sense.

I believe we can be assured that the ilaguivy will be feir, and that
in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford, - Mr. Powell will have
his day im court, and will heve equal justice, even treatment. This
oS Se Series ee nekeee Dev aenaeetad Bee his fellow-citizeas
wey feel.

ALL this is related, further, to the absence of a real Code of Ethics
for Members of Congress, and I am firmiy comeltted to working to
help create the mechinery to produce an effective Code that will seyve
all of us in the great legislative body.

i am appreciative of the thought behind your message, and I hope
to hear from you agein.

Sincerely,

Daniel E, Button, #.G.

Mat ilove 0° a
Of Abedy Wf
January 13, 1967

The Honorable Geraid R. Ford
Office of the Minority Leader
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, BD. C.

Bear Jerry:

It occurs to me that in your need to designate
Republican Members of the committee to investigate Mr. Fowell,
you might possibly be able to make use of a member from his
State whe happens to have the status of a freshman uninvolved
in any of the previous House considerations of the Powell
matter.

With that in wind, I am taking the liberty of
mentioning to you that if my presence on the committee could
serve any purpose including the above factors, I would be
willing enough to serve.

With very best wishes, and in anticipation of
the forthcoming term under your leadership, I am.

Most Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, M. €.

DEB/pam

Mr. Angelo Goudic

1247 Crene Street
Schenectady, New York

Dear Mr. Goudis:

Theok you for your letter of Janvary 26.

our views were interesting and I will keep then in mind whenever
I am considering any relevant legislation.

With every good wish.

Sincerely,

Beniel H. Button, MLC.

oe Wall Wh Ne a “al ln ee a

j. es
Hagen ppp fos Bi Lay
We Pre oe | oar Te Cane
lina ae aol va Ta

“ Newune/ fe Vea.

PPD. & &

é for

Peon) an
Foy:

a oe
(A
Mea 4 Qanx Blly

January 13, 1967

Mr. Perey 8. Angle
16 Halcyon Street
Scotia, New York

Dear Mr. Angle:

i have just read your letter concerning the seating of Adam Clayton
Powell. You way be sure that I shere with you 4 deep concern for
this most ¢ifficult situation .

As you may know by acw, I voted with the very large majority toe
investigate the charges brought against Mr. Powell before seating
him. To me the entire episode is a tragic and unfortumate one.

As 1 am sure you realize, the very fact that 2 member of the House
of Representatives mst be investigated is most disheartening.

Sowever, Mr. Powell personally has acted in a manner so as te bring
serious question about his integrity as a Congressman. It wasthis
situation that caused me to vote to deny Mr. Powell bis seat, pend~
ing an investigation. I can assure you that the investigation inte
the charges will be both speedy and fair. I will be awaiting the
decision and recommendations of the investigating committee.

I would also like te add, thatiZ feel that while we are examining
the recerd of Mr. Powell, we should at the same time closely serut-
sige the mechanics of the entire House with the thought of establish-
ing @ Code of Ethics for all elected officials. it seems to me that
® syStem that allows the present difficulties to eceur is somewhat
te blame, but, I must reiterate that Mr. Powell aeeds to answer

the present charges brought against him.

I appreciate your thoughfulness in writing.
With all good wishes. ;
Sinesrely,

Daniel EZ. Button, M.C.

gon

Copies tor
Jacob J. Javits -
Robert Kennedy

10 Haleyon Street
Seotia, New York 12302
December 27, 1966

Mr. Daniel Button
U S House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

-Lwould like to encourage you to support the efforts to
Geny Adam Powell his seat in Consroéss. From all that we read
he Is about as undesirable in Congress, especially as Chairman
of the Committee on Education and Labor, as anyone that could
be found. I hope you will take the necessary steps to, not only
deny him his seat, but any income. Also, charges should be brought
against him to recover the past payments made to his wifé. as
an employee of his committeee, all payments made to his female
traveling companion, and the costs of the so called business
"cruised” he has so ofben made. To allow such a person, re-
gardless of color, to represent any remaining honest American, is
unthinkable.

A second item that should be curbe/is the urban renewal
projects. By now they have provef a fatlure from most points
“Or veiw, altho some areas -seme-arees have ultimately been
improved. However, private enterprise could accomplish the same
at much less cost to the taxpayer. There is little or no
consideration shown the individuals who are displaced, with
the result that many of the small businasses never surviving
the transition.

A recent incident where the powers of the director of the
urban renewal project allowed and ordered a historical site to
be removed, occurred in Mechanicville, N. Y. Different groups
were interested. A neighboring church for the land, a historical
society for the building, and the urban renewal director ku
to clear the area. A solution was found where all parties
were satisfied. Then the local director ordered the property
bulldozed. A letter was dispatched to the interested parties
on Friday, too late to contact anyone in Albany or Washington.
Early Monday morning the bulldozeer removed the historical property
without disturbing any other buildings for a period of several
days. The property was cleared and the director had Gisplayed
his authority. The valve of such projects is indeed questionable.

My recommendation is to have the Government get out of
Urban Renewal, let local communities handle their own projects.
Respectfully yours
ra)
i
Percy H. Angle

January 18, 1967

Me. Peter £. Noonan, Jr.
B.0, Bex 467
Albsay, New York, 12201

Dear Mr. Noonan:

This is ia further response te your letter of Recember 1. Since
you have sham such en interest in this matter I felt that it
was my duty te inform you ef what action bas been taken.

As you know, I voted for the reselution to deny Mr. Powell bis
seat pending an inquiry, and earlier I had voted against a res-
olution viich would have made it possible for him to be seated
at this time.

T want you to koow that I found my colleagues in the House while
sharing your revulsion at Mr. Pewell's flagrant and blataat conduct,
were also saddened at the thought thet a Meuber had wilfully brought
himself te this almost unprecedented obloquy, where official in-
quiry and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. it is
trely @ tragedy in every sense.

I believe that we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
that in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford ~ Mr. Powell will
have his day im court, and will nave equal justice, even treatment.
This surely is required no matter how disgusted some of his fellow-
eitizens may feel.

All this is related, further, to the absence of a real Code of Ethics
for Members of Cimgress, and I am firmly committed te working to
help create the machinery to produce an effective Code ofstandards
that will govern us all in this grest legislative bedy.

With all good wishes. ,

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Butten, MG.

December 8, 1966

Me. Peter BE, Noonan, Jr.
P. 0. Box 467
Albany, New Yors 12201

Dear Mr. Noonan:

Thank you fer your letter concerning the status of
Representative Adam Clayton Powell.

I assure you that I will wateh with much interest what-
ever effort may be made to deny the seat te Congressman Powell
and will weigh objectively and fairly all the matters which may
be presented pro and con.

At this time I have not made up my mind as to my ewn
possible action since the form of the question is as yet un-
clear. Certainly I would hardiy try te defend Congressman
Powell's behavier and his attitude toward the law, but I am
sure that the question of denying a seat te a man who has been
duly elected is not a simple one. it seems to me that impeach-
ment might have to be the answer. Beyond this, it does seen
to me that the burden then falis on the Dexocratic members of
the House whe presumably have it somewhere within their pewer
te try to deny Hr. Pewell's chairmanship and perhaps cther
prerogatives that we srant te him solely because of seniority.

Again, I thank you for your interest as shown by
writing to me and I assure you that I will give the matter

the fullest study and consideration, and not in a narrowly
partisan manner.

With all best wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,

December 1, 1966

Mr, Daniel E. Button
107 South Pine Avenue
Albany, N.Y.

Dear Sir,

As Congressman-Hlect for my District, may I urge that
upon assuming your office you immediately join the
effort being made inCongress to unseat Congressman
Adam Clayton Powell.

Coming from a Democrat that is probably an odd request.
I assure you however that such action will be the finest
service you can render to this country, its Legislature,
and the Democratic Party as a freshman legislator.

I am sure you will find many willing backers in this
move, and you can lock to me for any assistance I might
render you in this matter.

Lz ,

“
“a Peter EB, Noonan Jr.
f—

—P.0, Box 467 Exec. Vice President
Noonan Lane Aurora, Ine,
Albany, N.Y. 12201 10 So, Pearl St.

Albany, N.Y. 12207
1450 Valencia Rd.
Schenectady N.Y. 12309
January 11, 1967

8

The Honorable Daniel BE. Button LY
House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am a white citizen, a faithful Republican throughdut
my over forty years of voting experience, and an inveterate letter
writer to those who represent me in the Congress.

It is with dismay and disenchantment that I survey one
of the first acts of the 90th Congress, the barring(temporarily,
it-may develop} of Representative Adam Powell. I am not naive,

I do not for a moment,condone the irregularities with which
Powell has been charged. On the contrary, it is my nature and in
accordance with my personal code of ethics, to vigorously condemn
them, but E condemn, just as strongly, the House action as baling
unusually hasty and, in comparison with past action, harsh and
smacking of discriminatory taint. .

I defend this viewpoint on the following grounds; first,
in the long history of the United States there have been men of
low eharacter and lower attributes, coupled with complete Lack of
ability. Few, if any, were ever banished from their seats in the
Congress, They have been ignored, despised, but not removed.

Second, this move was accomplished by a coalition of
Republiean and Southern Democrat votes. On the part of the latter,
it is possible that racial considerations may have affected the
votes, and were I a northern Republican, the last move I would
ever make would be to align myself with southerners on any matter
such as this. I believe in civil rights; more precisely, in the
innate dignity of man, regardless of color, and many southerners
have yet to embrace this concept, They we fighting a rear guard
battle, just as they have since Appomattox and the Reconstruction
era to “keep the negro in his place™ and to keep the highest
calibre of negro subservient to, and dominated by the lowest class
of white.

Third, the courts would have eventually disposed of the
contempt and money damage cases against Powell, and the House
could have tightened up its own rules on travel and expense monies,
which rules, I have no doubt whatsoever, have from time immemorial,
been outrageously and flagrantly violated by certain members, of
whieh I think it may be interesting to hear soon from Powell.

Yours very truly,
0 LBC ___

ze d.L. Tooher

January 18, 1967

Mr. J.L. Tooher
1450 Valencia Road
Schenectady, New York

Sser Me. Tooker:

‘neil ene Cie: Wane Licted-bmieaaieg Che-Saee 48 ie Tile ae
Representatives on the senting of Adam Clayton Powell.

Tt seems to me that it was against a back drop of admitted short-
coming thet most members of the House found it aescessary, regret~
fully and serrowfully, to consider the case of Mr. Powell.

I voted with the 364 Members of the House who joined in saying
thet be should etend aside until the very serious charges against
Bis axe: demeteos Ustes There were six times as many Represeate-

tives voting this way as there were voting contrary. The decie~

ressonsbie tad pacific hums seletions end civil gights in this

| iat
“s

v
saeeenhy Ss oneal Be or befere an inquiry, ended up

voting with the 364 this explanation: "If there is 3 chance
fer him (Mr. Powell) to prove his ease, te have a bearing to
get his seat beck, we should pass the substitute resolution and

. fe cto tix, aie sagan sick! | the tease Sinslly was moved to look

inte the charges ageinst its Meuber. Mey I 5 tet oat See while
soning the Stnepiikion if Gh Safer, Me. Powell will receive

~2-

all his pay, allowances and emoluments; he is deprived only of
his vote.

On the issue of depriving constituents of representation, let
me point out that this is by uo meaus 2 unique situation. When-
ever a Representative dies in office or resigns, or ag in the
ease of Mr. Powell is asked to stand aside for whatever period
ef time ~ bis constituency is unrepresented. Thus for example,
the death of Representative John Fogarty, of Rhode island ou
January 10, will leave bis district unrepresentadivor zeveral
weeks. It is an unfortunate occurrence whenever it happens, but
it is not discriminatory by aature.

The Minority Leader, Representative Gerald BR. Ford, said: “5
feel strongly - and I know every Meuber on this side of the
aésle feels ~ that Mr. Powell should have his day in court,
that he should be gives equal justice, even treatuent.

“We would estshlish the forum and give kim the opportunity te
come in and answer these allegations that have been mede,
allegations in the press, allegations by various committees,
statements by some Heubers here ia the Chamber.

“We feel that there should be a prompt determination but the
interim while Mr. Powell ia standing aside the committee should
genduct & fell investigation with Mr. Powell having his dey in
court.

Persuasive in the debate endoubtediy was the statement that

precedent seemd te exclude from consideration any acts by

Me. Bowell { or eny Member ia similar circumstances} prior

SS neal therefore, according to this view, the committee
eould not have considered, as a basis for possible

SMoctplicwy sctinas enytking dons print te dnasary le, if Mr.

Powell had beea seated on that day.

A Goede of Btbies is badly needed ia the House of Representatives.
I am firmly on record te this effect, and I expect end intend te
de all within my sewer as 4 Member of the 90th Congress to see
that this serious lack ie corrected.

I join you in hoping thet ops of the outcomes of the need for
such an inquiry will prove to be the installation fer a gen-
‘ @eal set of standards, and I am persousliy pledged to work
teward such a development.

a a re en eee

-3-

gain , 1 thank you for your theughtfel letter. Please
write again.

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, MC.

NS danvary 24, 1967

Me. John Centefanti
1356 Sante Fe
Schenectady, New York

Bear Mr. Centofanti:

iwas informed by Jee Parilie, of my Schenectady office, that you had
Stopped in to pass on your views courerning the vote on Adam Cleyten
Powell. % certainly concur with yor that it is « serry affair, and

one in which responsible action by the House of Representatives was

“everdue.

As you know, I yoted for the resolution for denying Hr. Powell his
Seat, pending an inquiry, and earlier I had voted against a resolu-
tion which would have made it possible for him to seated at this time.

I went yeu co know thar = found chat my colleagues im the House while,
sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's conduct, were aise saddened that

@ Member bad wilfully brought himself te thia slmost uaprecedented oblequy,
where official action and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable.

t believe that we can be sure that the inquiry will be fair, and that in
the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Gerald R. Ford, Me. Powell will
_ have bis day im court, and will be given equal justice, even trastment.
This surely is required, no matter how disgusted some of hie fellow~
eitizens may feel.

Ali of this is further reaksedd to the absence of a reel Goede of Ethics
fer Members of the Congress, and I am firmly committed to working to
help create the machinery to produce an effective Goede that will govern
us all in €h&4 great legislative body.

Yhank you for your interest, aud I appreciate the thought behind your
message, .

With every good wish.
Siscerely,

Deaiel E. Button, N.C.

% January 24, 1967

Mr. William G. Disser
545 Bawsen Road
Delmar, New York

Dear Mr. Bisser:

Thank you for your letter concerning Representative Adam Clayton
Powell. I certainly concur with you that it is a sorry affair,

and one in which responsible action by the House of Representatives
was long overdue. The public was understandably eutraged by the
seeming umvilliagness or iaability of the Congress to react to his
conduct and te inquire into it with a view to possible discipliaary
steps.

As you perhaps know by now, I voted for the resolution to deny Mr.
Powell his seat pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had yoted
against a resolution which would have made it possible for him to
be seated at this time.

E want you to kaew that I found that my colleagues in the House,
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Powell's flagrant and blatant
conduct, also were saddened that a Member bad wilfully brought him-
self te this almest unprecedented ebloquy, where official inquiry
and possible discipline were virtually unavoidable. It is truly a
tragedy in every sense.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and that ~-
in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Gerald BR. Ford ~ Mr. Powell
will have his day in court, and will be given his day in court, and
will have equal justice, even treatment. This surely is required,
me matter how disgusted some of his fellow-citicens may feel.

All of this is related, further, te the absence of a real Code of
Ethics for Members of the Goagress, and I am firmly committed to
working to help create the machinery to produce an effective Code
that will govern us all in this great legislative body.

I am appreciative ef the thought behind your message, and I hope to
hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel &. Button, ¥.C.

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Mes. D.M. Schneider
44 Yan Scherck Avenue
Albasy, New York

January 24, 1967

Bear Mrs. Schneider:

Thank you for your letter concerning the vote in the House of
Representatives on the seating of Adam Slayton Powell.

Te seems to me that it wes against a backdrop of admitted short-
soming that most of the members of the House found it necessary
te consider the case of Representative Powell.

I weted with the 364 Members of the House whe joined is saying that
be should stand aside until the very serious charges againet him
are inquired into.. There were six times as many Members voting
this way as there were voting contrary.

Gne of the Members stated during the debate: “We who are charged
with helpiag to write the laws of the lend, must I think, show
respect for those laws, show a willingness to obey them, and more
importantly, a respect for the independent branch of the Govern-
ment, the judiciary, which is charged with interpreting and enfere-
ing those laws*

it was in that spirit that the House finally was moved, sarrowfuliy
and regretfully, to lock inte the charges against its Member. May
Z point cut that awaiting the disposition Mr. Powell will receive
ali his pay, emoluments; and allowances, be is deprived only of his
vote.

Ge the issue of depriving constituents of representation let me
point out that htis is by so means a unique case. Whenever a
Representative dies or resings from office, or, as in the case
of Mr. Powell, is asked to stand aside, for whatever period of
time, his constituency is unrepresented. Tt is an unfortunate
oceurance whenever it happens, but it is aot discriminatory by
nature.

A Code of Ethics is badly needed in the House. I am firmly on
record to this effect, and 1 expect and intend te de all with
in my power as a Member of the $0th Congress te see that this
serious lack is corrected.

\ E join you in héping that one of the outcomes of the aeed for
as inquiry will prove te be the installetion for a general set
of standards at this time, and I am personally pledged to work
toward such a developmeat.

Sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, B.C.

sen ————

January 24, 1967

Mr. William Seakn
1417 Baghy Road
Schenectady, New York

Bear Me. Boeken:

I gather from Joe Parilic that you are interested in seeing that the
federal Heed Start program is expanded to include activities in the
home. I ant passing your thought along to my special assistant for

Sh, SRC net Seeks, Hiss Teena, med:genee enpect: £6: Raee

Also, I went te comment about the vote concerning Representative
Adam Clayton Powell, as I appreciated very much bearing of your
interest in this matter. I cen only aay that it is a sorry affair,
aad one in which responsible action by the Bouse of Representatives
was overdue.

As you know, E voted for the resolution te deny Mr. Powell bis seat,
pending am inquiry, aed eaxvlier I bad voted agaiast a resolution
which would heve made it possible for him te be seated at this time.

i want you te know thet I found that ay colleagues in the douse,
weile sharing a revulsion at Mr. Powell's conduct, alse were sadden~
ed that a Member had wilfully breught bheself to this almost unpreced-
ented ebloquy, where official inquiry and possible disciplinary steps
were unavoidable. It is trely a tragedy in every sense.

2 believe that we can be agsured that the inquiry will be fair- aad
that in the words of the Minority Leader, Hr. Geraid 8. Ford, Mr.
Powell will have his day im court, aud will have equal justice, even
treatment. This surely is required no matter how disgusted sone of
his fellow-citizens ay feel.

All of thig is further related te the absence of « real Code of Ethics
for Membere of the Congress, ami I am firmly coumitted to working te
help create the machinery to produce an effective Code that will gevern
us all in this great legislative body.

% appreciate the thought behind your message, amd hope you will express
wur views often.

Sinceriy

Baniel E. Button, H.C.

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February 13, 1967

Mr. Deino Z. Stageman
1920 Bean Street
Schenectady, New York

Dear Mc. Stagemsn:

I have just read your letter concerning the seating of Adem Clayton
Powel}. You may be sure that I share with you a deep concern for
this difficult situation.

As you may know by now, I voted with the very large majority to
investigate the charges brought against Me. Powell befere seat-
ing him. To me the entire episode is a tragic and unfertenate
ene. As I am sure you redlize, the very fact that a member of the
House of Representatives must be investigated is sost dishearten-
ing.

However, Mr. Powell personally has acted in a manner so as to bring
serious questien about his integrity as a Congressman. It was this
Situation that caused me te vote to deny him his seat, pending an
investigation. I can assure you that the investigation inte the

eharges will be beth speedy and fair. I will be awaiting the dec-
ision of the investigating comittee.

i would also like te add, that I feel that while we are examining
the record of Mr. Powell, we should at the same time closely scrat~
aize the mechenies of the entire House with the thought of estab-
lishing a Code of Ethics for all elected officials. It seems te
me that a system that aliowe the present difficulties to cceur is
somewhat to blame, but, I must reiterate that Mr. Powell needs te
a@aswer the present charges brought against his.

I appreciste your thougntfulness in writing.

With every geod wish.
Sincerely,

Paniel E. Button, H.C.

INS January 18, 1967

Mr. John S$. Oakley
2336 Western Avenue
Ginilderland, Hew York

Bear Mr. Oakley:

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me your thoughts on
Adam Clayton Powell. I certainly concur with you that it is a
serzy effeir, and one in which respensible action by the House

of Representatives was overdue. The public was understandably cut-
vaged by the seeming umvillingness or inability of the Congress to
eeact te his conduct and to inquire into it with a view te possible
disciplinary action.

As you know I voted for the resolution to deny Mr. Powell his seat,
pending such an inquiry, and earlier I had voted against a resolu-
tion which would have made it possible for him te be seated, at
this time.

i want you to know that I found that ay colleagues in the House
while sharing your revulsion at Mr. Poweli's flagrant and blatant
conduct, also were saddened at the thought that a Member had wil-
fully brought himself to this almost unprecedented obloquy, where
efficial iaquiry and possible discipline were virtually umavéid-
able. It is tri¢y a tragedy in every gense.

I believe we can be assured that the inquiry will be fair, and
that in the words of the Minority Leader, Mr. Ford - Mr. Powell
will bave his day in court, and will have equal justice, even
treatment. This surely is required uo matter how disgusted his
fellow-citizens may feel.

All this is related, further, te the absence of a real Code of
Ethics for Members of Congress, and I am firmly committed to work-
ing te help ereate the machinery te produce an effective Code
that will govern as all in this great legislative body.

I am appreciative of the thought behiad your message, and I hope
to hear from you again.

Sincerely,

Daniel £. Button, M.C.

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January 13, 1967

Mr. Erwin R. Summers’
PO.Box 1157
Seotia, New York, 12302

Bear Mr. Summers:

i have just read your letter concering the seating of Adam Clayton
Powell. You may be sure that I share with you, deep concern for
this most difficult situation.

As you may know by now, I voted with the very large majority, to
inveatigate the charges brought sgainst Nr. Powell before seating
bim. fo me the entire episode is a tragic, and unfortunate one.

However, Mc. Powell personally acted im a manner so as to bring
sericus question about his integrity ae a Congressman. It was thie
situation that caused me te vote to deny Mr. Powell his seat, pend-
ing an investigation inte the charges by bis colleagues. I can as~
gure you thet the investigation will be both speedy and fair. I
will be awaiting the decision and recommendations of this investi-
gation.

E would giso like te add, that I feel that while we are examining the
rveeord of Mr. Powell, we should at the same time closely scrutinize
the mechanics of the entire House, with the thought of establishing
@ Code of Ethics for all elected officials. Is seems to me that a
aystem that allows the present difficulties te oceur is somewhat tc
blame, but, 1 must reiterate that Mc. Powell needs to answer the
present charges against him.

I appreciate your theughtfuleess in writing.

With all good wishes.
Sincerely,

Daniel £. Button, 4.0.

MR. AND MRS. ERWIN R. SUMMERS
POST OFFICE BOX 1157 *
scotia, New YorK 12302 December 7, 1Oé?
1 E. Button
House Representatives 0ffice Building
Tashington, D.C.

Dear lr, Button:

I am writing to urge you to join in a movement to...
Genes ext in the House of Hepresentatives to Adam
Layi Poveit. Te should not have as @ law maker
any man o flovts the laws of the land, shows con-
tempt for our courts, and who must remain away from
his district to avoid being errested and placed in

jail where he rightfully belongs.

For a long time lir. Powell has been hurting
of Congress by committing one abuse after
such as padding expense accounts, having his w
the government payroll while ghe lives in the Pest
Inéies and does no work, and slandering people.

In recent years the prestige of Congress has been
falling because it does novenforce & decent standard
of ethics axong its members, & also because it has
abdicated its responsibility and has become 4 subser-—
vient body that merely rubber stamps pills that are
written by various oureaus in the Executive Branch.

As a new member of Congress, I hope that you will try
to breath some higher morals and character into this
vody and fight to prevent it from drifting lower as

a haven for law evaders and plunderers of public funds.

uly yours,

Very tr
_Snmien cnn
Erwin R. Summers.
February 27, 1967

Bear Mr. Fineh:

Thank you for your recent letter concerning the seating of
Adam Clayton Powell. You may be sure that 1.share with you,
a deep concern for this most difficult situation.

As you may know by sew, I voted with the very large majority
to investigate the charges brought against Mr. Powell before
seating him. Yo me this entire episade is a tragic and un~-
fortunate one. As EF am sure you realize, the very fact that
a member of the United States House of Representatives must
be investigated is most disheartexzing. “

However, Mr. Powell personally acted in @ manner so ag to

bring serious questions concernieg Bis integrity as a Cong-
ressman. I cam assure that the investigation into the ch-
erges, by his colleagues, will be both speedy and fair. i
will be awaitng the decision and recomendations of the in-

vestigating committee.

ft would also Like te add, that I feel that while we are examin-
ing the record of Mr. Powell, we should et the same time, close-
ly serutinize the mechanics of the entire House with the thought
of establishing a Code of Ethics for ali elected officiais. it
seems to me that s system that allows the present difficulties
te occur ig somewhat to blame, but, I must reiterate that Mr.
Powell needs to answer the present charges brought against hin.

i appreciate your thoughtfuleess in ‘writing.
With every good wish.

Sincerely,

Daniel £. Button, M.E.

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February 28, 1967

Mr. Arthur A. Kehrer

181 Lake Hili Read

Burst Hills, New York 12027
Bear Mr. Kehrer:

Thank you for your recent letter concerning
the issue of Representative Powell and the entire
question of standards and ethics for elected officials.

i think the enclesed material will be ia-
teresting to you since it ig very similar to your
proposal.

With every good wish.

Sincerely,

Baniel E. Button, M. C.

Enclosures

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Standard Form 63
November 1967
GSA Gen. Reg. No. 27

MEMORANDUM OF CALL |“ Her | Kes OX
TO-— ws
(Cooreame GE SGalloe

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[1] RETURNING YOUR CALL
(C18 REFERRED TO YOU BY:

Leer Tus Messace:Co7eo" Aonplitile Lethe: gee

Schenectady District Office
March 4, 1967 /

Dan:

I received a call from Mrs. B.0. Buckland, of 1711 Randolph Road,

FR 4-9216, and she wanted to pass the along to you her comments that
she thought you were doing a GREAT gob as Congressman, and that she
was in complete agréement with ER you on your stand about the

Post office “pay as you go". She apparently was one of Phil's Algers
contacts for financial dontribation to your campaign. She said that
Phil hed contacted her for the contribution and she was happy she did.

She sounds like a very pleasant women to balk to, and certainly was
high on YOU.

doce Parillo

U.S. Bouse of Represeutatioes

Dw ; samen y
age - ely _
/ men Sdast ar al

\ ieee
5 3Y4q a. plete
st
U. S. Bouse of Representatives
Washington, B.C.

Dean =

Thank you for your comuacis concersing my vote on the
question of seating Representative Adam Clayten Powell
in the S6th Congress,

As you ney knew, I voted with the leadership ef beth
parties ta discipline Me, Powsil acenrding te the
recommendations of the Select Gemnittee under the Chain
ganshin of Congressmen Emanvel Celier. These eecommen~
dations of the Committes were rejected by a narrey
werein, The question, the became a matter of expelling
Mey Powell fron the Eouse of Representatives, I cavld
net vote fer szelusion of Ur. Faweli fer severest
weagouns. Exclusion of a duly elected Mewber of Conarese
is @ west severé penalty end is an extreme measure

Rast needs sere than en heute debate sud deliberation,
weich wae the cane iu this inatance, The actiea taken
by the Bouse of Fesresentatives ig slee of doubtful
sonstitutfionality and say later be struck down by the
Supreme Court. Pinelly, the punishwent siven ta Bre
Powell is set based on amy cede ox standards by which
ali Mewbera are fudged equitably,

iE have cougistently supported and introduced Legislation
te establish a cede of conduct aad athies for ail
Members of Congrees, It is my hope that auch a cade of
| ethice will now be aeteblisked.

Sineerely,

Baniel &, Babton, MeO.

“paper however, “th:

LAURENCE MCKINNEY
927 BROADWAY
ALBANY, N.Y.

12201

March 6,.1967

Congressman Daniel Button GAR 8 “667

House Building
Washington, D. C.

Dear Dan:

I have followed your continuous publicity here in
Albany with interest and some aprehension. | You certainly
made the front pages talking.and.walking. In today's
x Ss a bad GP this were
reportéd correctiy 2 ayton “Powét? was
lynched and another quote that he was kicked out because
he was a negro. You are, of course, adopting a certain
negro point of view which is not altogether appreciated
even by negroes. Frankly, Powell was kicked out because
he was a crook and it is to be hoped that other congress- ~
men or senators will receive the same punishment.

I am getting fed up with being a negro gives you a
job whether you deserve it or not. The NAACP is trying
to reopen the Lola Johnson case which was thoroughly
examined by Commissioner Conway of the State Commission
for Human Rights. Those who I have spoken to here who
know her in the school and Ben Becker, that she was not
worthy of tenure because of her poor teaching record.

It had, of course, nothing to do with being a negro
although she and the NAACP are trying to make it that she
is just a poor creature with other attributes which made
her even worse.

I think I know the negro situation reasonably well.
I know Cohen of the NAACP and I am on the local council
of the State Commission for Human Rights. I would put on
negroes in my plant if they were good workmen:and not
because they are negroes. I have checked into this and
there are plenty of good negroes regardless of there
being negroes. I am also vice president of the Urban League.

I think in your search for headlines you have over-
looked your real job in congress which is to get us out
of this miserable and tragic and unnecessary war in Viet
Nam. Typical of our ineffectiveness #Sr using 25,000 troops
Page Two Congressman Daniel Button
March 6, 1967

to kill fifty Viet Cong and the next thing killing
one hundred Vietnamese with our planes. You may not
like Robert Kennedy but his speech the other day was
extremely well done. Rusk's:.answer was the same old
stuff and the President still wants to be the big
man from Texas. I would suggest that you put your
real attention on this important matter instead of
making statements which, I hope, were incorrect
around Albany. Otherwise, good luck.

Sincerely yours,
Laurence McKinney

LMcK :m

344 Forman Street
Schenectady, N.Y. 12504
March 6, 1967

Mr. Daniel Button
H ouse of Representatives

Washington, D.C. SHAR 8 5967)
Dear Mr. Button: .
I _was greatly. disturbed..by..jennwobes..on-the-k 6 Powell ~

BUSINESS errncnnse
sewer

I have helped- and will continue to help-- negroes and their
supporters who believe in moderation and reason. A.C.P. has
gone far beyond both. He's not helping the negro, reallye
By brazenly flaunting his contempt of social standards and
the law, he's arousing the wrath of the large majerity of
whites. And, if you support him and his iik I believe

you will get a ‘'baeklash' less of voter support, yourself.

If you support the Constitution, you must accept Art.I Sec.5
in its explicit meaning as at least equal in weight and appli-
cation to any other Seetion or its interpretations.

If Pewell runs again, please note Art.I Sec.2 requiring that
"a representative when elected shall be an inhabitant of
that state in which he shall be chosen"

show any softness hereafter for Powell (or any other official
from any party who is as clearly unfit to be in office) I

i shall be very hard to convince in the matter of supporting

' your candidacy the next time around.

Bs worked, as you knew, to help in your election. If you
f
f

You may be interested in the attached verbatim copy of a letter
I sent to Repr. Emmanuel Geller about ten days ago. Carbon
copies went to Time magazine and to Gerald Ford.

Sinegrély yours,
George Dancan, Member,

Schenec dy County Republican
Committee

COPY COPY
544 Farman Street
Schenectady, New York
February 24, 1967

Emangel Celler, Chairman
Special House Committee

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

Sir:

It is shameful, and a serious reflection
on the character of each member of your committee
that you have not recommended the exclusion of Adam
Clayton Powell from your house membership.

His deficiencies, as evidenced by facts,
make him clearly unfit to be a lawmaker in this great
nation. Your group's lack of courage and willingness
to excuse his unforgivable conduct - both personalaardad
official - will increase voter cynicism and less of faith
in their chosen representatives and in our form of
government.

i have supported negro efforts for betterment -
put I (with many of my acquaintances ) are thoroughly dis-
gusted with the cowardice you and your group have shown in
failing to take a firm stand for better moral and ethical
standards in government when you had a great opportunity
to do soe Does ACP really "have something on you?"

Your group action has practically confessed your
own finfitness for responsible public office. Our next elec-
tion will show you how the American people feel about your
flabby lack of characterd

George F. Duncan
Horch; b, Hel

ti thuerble Jeuil P Blk,
Hest pct Blbhaeg _ =

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"bases 7 He pant. af Bene

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yf (fy Siudf

Ewrer @- Sanir

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Delark, Wy 2054
E. C. TURNER
1458 VALENCIA ROAD
SCHENECTADY, N. Y. 12309

* Iyer

Honorable Samuel S, Stratton,
use Office Building,
Washington, BD. C.

Dear Sam:

Congratulati
aero

Adam Clayton Powell. it has cemented ke me for

having such a man as their representative. How-
ever, no matter what he does, apparently he is a
hero to some of them (he certainly is so far as
New York City is concerned), arf may wed be re-
elected to Congress,

There are not many things that I ean disagree

with you about, but one of them is Nigt Nam. We

onan eran NCATE

have always belittled the other guy by saying he
wants to “save face, but we who conld well afford
to give and to lose a little face, aCppg rently
have decided not toe lose any face but to continue
te carry on an undedgjred war, with little sympathy
from other nations.of any great consequence.

With best regards,

Sincerely,

Copy to: E. C.

H onorable Daniel Button,

ne ene” pepilding,
MRS. BART J. CARROLL * 1136 SUMNER AVENUE * SCHENECTADY, N. Y. 12309
a) fi
Leh, 23, 969

James D. Gayle, Sr.,
415 Partridge Street,

Albany, N.Y. 12208 . 532t 96!

February 23, 1967.

Congressman Dan Button,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Button,

The action of a number of the members of. Congress.on.the
"Powel 1l* case doek ‘speak well for the moral integrity of
our-fora-6f government. I regret to say that continued nepe-
tism and the current image of Congress is lowering the general
respect for our form of govérnment. The overall image is easily
corrected but it requires Congressmen cf real statue who ask
"Not what can my country do for me but what can I do for my
country,"

Sincerely,

5 dexs
games D, day
ae |

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BBE. _TA EG SANE TO ts ALD APM ML OF LEE Me
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Campbell Mansion Apartments
RD#S

. Sehenectadyg New York
February 27, 1967

Representative Daniel E. Button
United States Congressman

87 State Street

Albany, New York

Gongressman Button:

Having been disillusioned and disappointed by recent actions
con ee Adam. Clayton, Powell; I feel I must state my feelings
on these affairs. I appeal:to you as a new member of Congress
with an ability to approach public problems with a fresh view-
point. You can influence legislation necessary to combat flagrant
misuse of tax money by public officials.

I am sadly disappointed that Congress has taken no steps
to oversee the use of public funds. They must punish those among
them who misuse funds through devious expense maneuvers, mis-
representation of administrative needs, and inclusion of non-working
family and friends on. the goverment payroll. Personaily, I feel
that the violations mentioned are eriminal and should be dealt
with as theft and extortion, pure and simple. Conviction on
these counts. should be accompanied by immediate removal from office.

Un. Royellhas..semved, to.emohasize the, need. tem-congPessionabin.
actiome: Rather than catalyze the needed action, he seems to have
intimidated many Congressman who go completely out of line to
excuse his eriminal acts.

I trust that you will give serious consideration to voting
against the seating of Mr. Powell. Also, I sincerely hope. that
now and in the future you will endeavor to improve Congressional
Policy and Rules coneerning use of public funds and facilities.

Sincerely,

I,
seph (<5 Bepnoucl
4 Campbell Road

© RD#3

4 Schenectady, New York
*e February 27, 1967

Representative Daniel E. Button
United States Congressman

87 State Street

Albany, New York

Dear Congressman Button,

I have never before written a letter to an elected
official even though on many occasions I should have taken the
time.

I can procrastinate no PORESIT tn OS al abt
It has been greatly distressing to me as have followed the
political processes which have been utilized to water-down the
erimes against the public of which A.°, Powell is guilty. Even
though the recommendations of the special committee have been
presented in a manner which is intended to make same appear
harsh, they do not serve justice in this matter.

It is an unworthy rationalization for the committee to
conjecture that if Powell is not seated, he will only be returned
to office in the next election. They are hedging their appointed
responsibility by succumbing to the obvious irresponsiblity of
Powells' constituents. If Powells' mis-conduct calls for his
removal, remove him. If he is then re-elected, the onus will
be properly placed within his district, rather than be borne
by the entire nation.

I will be most interested in knowing how you vote on
this matter. I pray that as you embark on your oublic service
career you will not immediately begin to ‘play the game" by
"falling into line" for this vote. Please do not compromise
your judgement of knowing the difference between right and wrong.

Many thanks for your consideration,

Gat I SoD

Peter P. Houlihan
March 14, 1967

Mr. Edward 2. Smitkin
85 Nerth Manning Boulevard
Slbany, New York

Bear Mr. Snitkin:

&s I stated in our telephone conversation the other
gay, I am most distressed that the letter which you addressed
te me recently has somehow gone astray. Please accept ay
apologies for whatever possible inadvertency here may have con-
tributed to this oversight.

Without having seen your letter, of course, I cannct
respond directly to your views on the Powell matter, but I am,
in any event, taking the liberty of sending you sow a copy ef ay
statement following the vote, the week before last. You may also
be interested in the following paragraph excerpted from a letter
veceived today frou 2 clergyman:

“Ss to the Powell situation -- what a
mess! We certainly cannot approve the antics
of Mr. Powell, anymore than we cen approve
similar practices by anyother Congressman,
but it seems te me that he dose have a
Constitutional right toe be seated, and until
Cougress is ready to agree on a set of ethics
and enforce it equally on all Congressmen, I
agree with the repert of the Special Committee
that 2 censure and penalty are most reasonable.*

= hope to be bearing from you os many occasions in
the future and I assure you that you will hear from me auch nore
promptly thas bas been the case this time. I am grateful for
yeut interest and past sepport.

Wich every best wishe

Sincerely,

Dasiel E. Button, H. C.

DEB/pam

March 9, 1967

Mr. Johs J. Leary
Executive Editer
ALBARY TIMES UNION
Albany, New York
Bear Jack:

i thought you sight be interested in the
enclosed clipping from the Congressional Record.

I was very impressed with your comments
on the ‘Powell Case" and I took the liberty of inserting
your recent editorial with my brief introduction.

With best regards, I an.

Sincerely,

Baniel E. Sutton, M. €.

Enclosure

B/L/pam

<3, A

\/
Na
March 16, 1967

Mr. Cecil T. Walker
Via Torquate Tasse &
Milano, Itely

Bear Mr. Walker:

I was sarprised to find that a letter postmarked in Milanc,
Italy was from 2 constituent. It is good te know that you
are following the political developments im the United States,
with such thoughtfuiness aad concern.

As you may know by sow, on opening day, I voted with the very
large majority (364-64) to investigate Mr. Powell and the charges
brought against bim before seating kim. Congressman Emmanuel
eller wes nemed chairman of the Select Committee to investi-
gate Mr. Powell. Whee the Select Committee brought its un-
amimous recommendations te the Fleer of the House which cali-

ed for discipline and censure of Me. Powell, I voted with the
leadership of both parties but, the measure was defeated {222-
282).

When the question turned to exclusion, I voted against the
measure for several reasons. I voted te seat Mr. Powell
te avoid ail the resulting ferore and publicity whick oniy
keeps Adam Clayton Powell in the headlines. Exclusion ef a
duly elected Member of Zongress is a most severe penalty
ang is an extreme measure that needs more than an bourse de-
bate and deliberation, which was the case in this instance.
The action taken by the House of Representatives is alse of
doubtful constitutionslity aed may later be struck down by
the Supreme Court. Finelly, the punishment given te Mr.
Powell is not based on any code or standards by which ali
Members are fudged equitably.

i have consistently supported and intreduced legislation to
establish a code of conduct end ethics for all Members of
Congress. It is my hope that such a code ef ethies will now
be established.

It was good to hear from from a constituent in absentia and
I look forward te hearing from you again.

Sincerely,

i) Via lar gi ol. Janse 6

filorek 7, (GEC

Y on jivw viv AG
: NOLAW vd

wauav VIA ad

j Pep Davier Burren

f

p

House OrFice GLDE, {
Ss ;

p

O
oy
x March 26, 1967

Mr. G. C. Williams
1526-6th Avenue
Waterviiet, New York

Dear Mr. Williams:

Thank you for your comments and clippings to illustrate the
difference im the treatment of two individuals.

In answer te your question conceraing why the Justice Depart-
ment has failed to act in the Powell case, I have asked the
Justice Bepartment for a statement of its idaquiry into Mr.
Powell's activities siace the Select Committee referred some
of the charges to the Justice Bepertment.

The problem of the double-standard which you! pointed
out is the result of a lack of a code of ethics for all
elected officials I have consisteatly supported and intro~-
duced legislation te establish a code ef conduct and ethics
for all Members of Congress. i is my hepe that such a code
of ethics will be established.

With every good wish.

Sineerely,

Daniel E. Button, MLC.

tet, Tas
m STEPHEN TEREASE.

March 8,1967.

Hon.Dan Button
House of Representatives
Washington,D.C.

4506 + HW

of Democracy ES
fhe Civil Rights leaders(s
such unethical acts place themselves on the same
level,and thereby forfeit any serious consideration
of their sincerity and fitness,when they are acting
as a cover up for such law preakers.At least it has
prought them out in their true Llight,showing that
they will back any law breaker when he is one of
their group. Any sympathy for such a group is very
mack wasted.

Very tryl 4 yours

G.C. Williams
1526-6th Ave.
Watervliet,N.Y 12189
March 3, 1967 or

¢ thought you might be interested im the enclosed
clipping from the Congressionsl Record.

2 wes very iapresied with your coments on the "Powell.
tease” and X took the Mberty of inserhing your recent editericl

yer

March 15, 1967

Br. Jol Hall Siackburn
304 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12203

Bear Jobn:

Gf course I was disappointed te find that you were
disappointed in me as a result of the Powell vote. This is a
very complex situation and one on which I wish I might have the
privilege of explaining more adequately te you my views.

Perhaps that will be sogaible one of these days;
meanvhile, permit me to quote from a letter I have just received
from a clergymen whese views I respect:

"as to the Powell situation ~ what
Be a@aess! We certainly cannot approve the antics
iA of Mr. Powell, any more than we can approve
7 siuiiar practices by other Congressmen, but it
i seems te me thet he dees have a Constitutional
right to be seated, and until Congress is ready
te agree on @ set of ethics and enforce it equaily
on #11 Congressmen, I agree with the report of the
speciel committee that a cengure and penalty are
more reasonable.”

= am mere than ia full agreement with you about the
utter desirability ef establishing a2 suitable, workable, and en-
fereeable coda of ethics for all Mewbers of Congress. This is an
area to which many of us are giving cur attention right now, you
will be glad to know.

Best regard<, as always.

Most sincerely,

Daniel E. Button, M. t.

DEB/paw ff

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Ville 704 or ger es te

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rai aolbrch snduceies the fect

Editorials

Saturday, March 4, 1967

THE CHRI

PS then the full. grain in the ear” ‘

Meaning of the Powell case

For every.reason and from every point
of view, the Adam Clayton Powell. case
points squarely in one direction. It points
toward the absolute “obligation: on’ Con+
‘gress’s part to move with equal vigor and
decisiveness against any and all ethical
lapses within it. '

Only thus can Congress assure Ameri-
can Negroes that the action against Rep-
resentative Powell was impartial and not
racially inspired.

Only thus.can Congress. lay legitirnate

and. reasonable claim to be the final au-
ority over its own membership.
Only thus can Congress satisfy the ris-
ing popular chorus for higher ethical
standards on the part of- its elected
wepresentatives.

In this way the Powell case
and straightforward. The House. of Rep-
resentatives, in refusing to seat the Negro
congressman by the overwhelming vote of
307 to 116, has set up a standard of action.
from which it can withdraw in the future
“only at’ the “peril ofits standing ‘in the
uuntry’s eyes. : ~

“In other ways, of course, the Powell
_cdse is anything but simple and straight-
forward. In whichever direction it now
moves, it seems certain to produce com-
plexities in which Representative Powell's
complex nature is sure to delight.

If appealed to the Supreme Court, the
case could end in one of the most impor-
tant constitutional decisions in United
States history. Heretofore it has been. as-
sumed that Congress had the widest pow-
ers in determining the conditions of ‘its
own membership. But does it? The Powell
defenders — as well'as some congressmen.
who voted against his exclusion — hold

is simple -

“First the blade, then the. ear,

7

that he ‘had met all of the constitutional
vequirernents: for membership “and™-was
therefore inexcludable under. the Consti-
tution. A Supreme Court decisioi
question would clearly be full of th
est meaning and possible significaricé
the future,

6 dedp-
ja

i
i
1

If Representative Powell decides, ‘as.

seems most likely, to run in the special
election which must now be held, it'is
widely assumed that he will be reelectéd,
probably overwhelmingly. What happétis
then? Does Congress again bar him, ‘ahd
does he thereafter. run-a third time: for
the 90th Congress? Since the House cannot

- forbid his running, one can visualize the

possibility of a farcical situation in which
Harlem reelects and the House excludesin
a series of increasingly bitter. and absurd
jontretemps. © ‘
Such an outcome must be avoided. Also.
there must be avoided the possibility that
Negro Americans will continue to feel
(misguidedly but as millions.of them
‘apparently how do) that they themsélves

are being. deliberately struck at through ;
AL.

the action against Representative Pow
It cannot‘be denied that some elements
of prejudice entered into and. intensified

‘the vote. But the overwhelming count-in _
the vote, the clear-record of misuse. of,

funds and defiance of the courts, and the
flamboyance of Mr. Powell’s actions were.
the decisive elements. We hope that the
latter will use the period ahead to purge
himself of the conditions which’ brought
about his exclusion. We hope that Con-
gress will make it crystal clear. that the
Powell case marks a turning point in it

own overlaxity towards all- ethical: short
comings. é ‘

ah

T

' Open-door policies?

“OTHER WRONG=
DoInG

Mr. Allan J. Burry
University Christian Movement
Room 753

475 Riverside Drive

New York, §.Y.

Dear Mr. Burry:

Yhenk you for your letter of L?th, concerning the
vote on Representative Adam Clay Powell. Iam is
fell agreement with your statement pointing out the need
for a code of ethic by which all members of the Congress
cam be judged.

I appreciate your expression of support and thank you for
you thoughtfolness in writing.

With every good wish,

Sineereiy,

Beniel E. Button, M.C.

O
\
Ne

Me. Allan J Berry
University Christein Movemest
Ream 758

475 Riverside Brive

New York, New York

Dear Mr. Berry:

Thank you for your letrer of March 17th, concerning the

vote on Representative Adam Clayton Powell. I am ia full
tt with your statement pointing up the seed for

4 cede of ethics by which all members of Congress can Se

puiged. =

i appreciate your expression of support aad thask you for
your theughtfivluesa in writing.

With every goed wish.
Sincerely,

Baniel E. Button, M,C.

university
christian

MOVEMENT room ss 475 riverside dive, new york, N-y. 10027 telephone: (212) 870-2366

The Honorable Daniel E. Button
House of Representatives
Washington 25, D.C.

ie Dear Congressman Button:

¢ At its meeting in New York City on March 12, 1967, the Political
committee of the University Christian Movement voted unanimously to
commend you for your vote against the exclusion of Congressman Adam
Clayton Powell of New York's Eighteenth Congressional District. We
do so because we believe that the Powell case points both te the
need for a Congressional code of ethics which judges all members
impartially, and to the widespread racism in American society which
was reflected in the action of the Congress.

We concur with the National Committee of Negro Churchmen in
their analysis of the Powell affair as a "crisis of morals and faith"
as well as-one of law, inasmuch as white Americans continue to expect
conduct from Negroes different from that expected of white citizens.
Certainly there is no question but that a basic issue is the right of
a racial minority to participate with power in the political and economic
decisions affecting our destiny as a nation. For these reasons, your
vote was, and will continue to be, crucial, and we express our apprec-
iation and support.

Sincerely yours,

ray)
ce (eS

Chairman, Political Committee
University Christian Movement

caBle-amer ucmov new york
affiliated with the world studentchestian federation and pax Romana

April 6, 1967

Mr. Stanley A. Fry
Calvary Methodist Church
Balltown at River Koad

Schenectady, New York
Bear Mr. Fry:
Thank you for your thoughtfuluess im writing me your

As you may know, I have been speaking out end have intro-
duced legislation te provide for a Comittee on Standards
and Comfect. I am pleased te be able to tell you that ay
bill providing for such a committee is soon to be ready to
come to the Floor of the House for consideration. I feel
thet a cede such as this will serve to eliminete such ua-
fortunate situations as we have recently witnessed in the
Rouse.

Sincerely,

Daniel £. Button, H.C.

Calvary Methodist Church

BALLTOWN AT RIVER ROAD

5 WeiKF
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK 12309 MAM y 3867
PARSONAGE: cHuRcH oFFice:
2833 BALLTOWN ROAD 2520 BALLTOWN ROAD
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK 12509 SCHENECTADY. NEW YORK 12309
TELEPHONE: FRANKLIN. 45731 TELEPHONE: FRANKLIN 97-4768

STANLEY A. FRY ~ PASTOR

March 10, 1967

The Honorable Baniel E, Button
House of Representatives
Washington, B.C.

Bear Mr, Button:

The Department of Social Education and Action of the
Schenectady Area Council of Churches wishes to commend
you for your integrity in taking the minority pesition in
the vote to unseat Representative Adam Clayton Powell.

We are very much concerned about beth Mr. Powell's conduct

and the action of the House of Representatives.

While we are not unenimous in all our opinions on
the situation we do regard with admiration the strength
of the stand which you took,

Sincerely yours,

fects, ZY, Chatman

Department. of Social Education

Schenectady Area Couneil
of Churches

SAF sac
April 6, 1967

Dear Mr. Nelson:

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in commesting on several
importest issues that are of great concern to all Americans
and Albanians no matter where they may be.

48 you may know, I have been speaking out and have introduced
legislatien te provide for 2 Committee on Standards and Con-
duct. I am pleased to be able to tell you that my bill pro-
viding for such a committee is scon te be ready to come to
the Floor of the House for consideration. <Effeeil that a code
such as this will serve te help eliminate such unfortunate
situations as we have recently witnessed in the House.

As for the other comments you made concerning the $5 vote
and the practice of landlords retaining interest on tenant's
deposits, you may be sure that I am working te eliminate the
inequities imberent in beth situations.

With every good wish,

Sincerely,

Depiel Z. Button, M.C.

Apri. 2h, 1967

I em in sympathy with your oriticiome of Me. Povell and as you
mey know I Rave taken steps in the House te guarentee that there
ig nok a vepebiaiens of this incidext.

Thenk you ~ being quod euongh te give ue the benefit of geet
views.

i wemain,

ack

April 26, 1967

Mr. Roger B. Bouck

RD. 5

01d State Road
Schenectady, New York 12306

Dear Mr. Bouck:

Thank you for your letber concerning the seating of Adem Ss
Clayton Powell. 7 naturally share your deep concern in this 3
matter and am emxiously avalting the pemiing verdicts in the *
ee ee en eee eee SNEre
investigation ~ Powell.

In order toe aveld a repetition of this affair I have urged
adoption of specific standards of conduct , ani establishment
of = Committee with power t¢ report te the Congress iis find-
inge in individeel cases. In view of the fact thet expuisios
ig the most severe penslty that Congress can impose on one of
its mevbers, i sould met support such a pumiaiment for any
member uwiless it was pronounced by gach 2 Committee.

= remein,
Sincerely yours,

Dewiel B. Button, N.C.

wey 3, 1967

Mr. A, Nelson
607 Broadway
Albsay, New York

Dear Mr. Nelson:

Thank you for your comments on the seating of Adem Clayton
Powell aad the establishment of the a code of ethics for
Congress.

As I om sure you know, Mr. Powell hes alresdy been denied his
seat in the 90th Congress. What the course of action of the
House will be ic Mee of his re-election is a matter of con-
jectere. I am appreciative of your views on the matter of bis
seating should he agein attempt to be admitted to the 90th
Congress.

You will be glad te knew that the House of Representatives
recently approved, by a vote of 400-0, the establishment of
a Committee on Standards and Official Conduct. This move
was especialiy significant to me since I had intreduced 3
bill to provide such a committee.

The new comuittes at the urging of many of my colleagues and
me is sow working on a code of ethies which will fairiy govere
ail Members of Congress. In my opinien the establishment of
such a code will do much in preventing situations like the one
we bave recently witaessed in the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Daniel Z. Butten,M.c.

May 10, 1967

Mr. Frank DeMasi
202 Edward Street
Schenectady, New York

Dear Mr. DeMasi:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding
the Powell affair. want you te know that I am in complete
accord with your opinion that there are many distressing
aspects of Congressional conduct. In this regerd, I sponsored
legislation which supported the formation of the recently
organized Select Committee en the Standards and Conduct of House
Members.

This Gommittee will, I trust, establish and
enforce a code of ethics which will prevent repetition of
the Powell affair.

In this connection, I am enclosing statements
outlining my position ou this matter which I believe you would
be interested in seeing.

With every goed wish, I an,

Sincerely,

Baniel EB. Button, M. C.

Enclosures (4)

ME/pam

Gor Her us ff

_ Comma nt BTS oz Mir MES,

-and company have Pretended, not ‘to see
- the alterations.

"The Public Works Committee—after :

a’ pilgrimage to New -York. City to

“investigate Long Island, N.Y., ‘beach
erosion” —sent Burleson ten Hotel Com-
modore bills with- each congressman’s
“Mrs.” carefully scratched out. The same
sort. of editing was found-im bills. from
another - congressional - group which
stopped at Miami's Biseayne Terrace
Hotel “to study Miami. harbor.”

The expensively tailored Burleson i is

_ ino position to challenge other vouchers. -
too-closely, since his-own bils-wontdn’t-

always stand scrutiny. During_one shop-
ping trip in Abilene, for instance, he

ee the public for a $30 Thermos
carafe’ set, 2 $30 Sheaffér pen set, a
$19.50 calendar pad holder amd.a $5.95

door sign. He billed them to his House’

Administration Committee —.the one
overseeing éthics: .\ =

He also hit up the committee ‘for
$1Za day per diem for 84 of the 88 days
from Oeti-1 to-Dec:. 27; 1958, plus 10-

"cents for each of the 1128 miles: he’.

drove throughout” his districts, Thus,

while other congressmen were campaign-.

ing for yeelection at their own expense,

hoiny pewnesaTiti res UKE TEAE, WHa PUEEIOS , CHEM OR.

“investigative” work on holidays.

Already; the House has had second
thoughts about entrusting. its ethics to
the likes of Burleson and Hays. Even
after voting them $50,000 ethics money,
the House, feeling the hot breath of pub-
‘Tic indignation, ‘took steps to create an-
other special ethics. committee.

But it will-take even stronger’ mea-
sures to bring Congress—the’ vast ‘ma-
jority ofwhose members are scrupulously
honest—up to. the ethical standards of

the other federal-branches: I'offered my *<

own thoughts in the statement Burleson
ad Hiays rofmsed te bear four years opb-

‘All that has happened in the meantime
has’ strengthened my convictions. Here
is what I tried to say: .

“The only way to restore public con-
fidence in Congress, in my earnest opin-
ion, ‘is. to repeal the ‘unwritien- code |
against exposing congressional wrong-

doers. I urge you to with double
standard:

ards. Open up the-youchers on'con-
gressional overseas _ spending;- publish
your private holdings, identify your law
clients, make public your oral and
written’ communications to the other

He 43

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Potade « Apr. 16, 1967

Te kena

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ARE THEE THe ETHICS
You Hin pe Hing Wil®™ You PREPLED VonR
Bxsountion ¢m FEB, GED 7?

PTS Wa

raised the ante to $100,000 to get his
support for the New York state ticket in
fo58.
> My statement welt also have given
the details. of a deal. between Rep. John
McMillan CD., S.C.) and Senate aide
Bobby Baker to get the performance
bond on Washington’s $21. million
sports coliseum for insurance agent Don
Reynolds. The grateful Reynolds gave
Baker $4000 and bought a $5100 Cadil-
-lac for McMillan, who belatedly repaid
him after the Washington Post began
investigating. I had also been prepared
to name names and cite the facts ona
dozen other examples of congressional
cheating. “
~ After the committee refused to listen
to my’ statement, PARADE published its

highlights (“Is Congress Protecting Its
. Members Who,Cheat?, May 5, 1963). :

Not until the public protest. grew
too lond to ignore, however, did Hays
direct his subcommitiee to investigate
charges I had published four years ago.

Thus the public was treated to the
‘spectacle of the modern Marco Polo in-
vestigating the travels of the Harlem
- globetrotter. Indeed, Hays broke off the
Powell probe to lead a junket to Paris.
This was not his first junket there; he
had gone in 1963, taking along the
fos ean eee restaurant's headwaiter'—at the

fanpayers expense, OF OES. ‘Yaxpayers’ expense, of Course. “I thought
ore @ nice guy an eae is gar sa deserved abr
explained Hays. People questioning the
incident, he snorted; were “cheapskates.”

FROM NATO TO OH10

Another charge against Powell was

that he had used committee funds for,

‘personal purposes. Watchdog Hays, who
investigated this contention, once billed

the NATO Parliamentarians Confer. =

ence account $115.89 in long-distance
calls‘between his ‘Washington office and
Ohio district, five one-way trips. from
Washington to Ohio and 30 one-way

ee ey - “
KEP IG THe FRLTY Pe UE CansiTe EWES,

- to the station. The congressman

Conn ¢ TEE

i

>

record; announced that he was a U.S.
munity. Unimpressed, Barker asked for
his license. Hays handed over a section
ee os
* fish it out for himself.

After Barker located the a he*
directed Hays. to follow the police car

snapped, [Il do no such” thing!” and. |
sped away like a hotrod kid. This time
Barker opened up his siren and roared
off after him. Every time he caught Hays'-
car, the cowboy congressman snaked
away through “traffic. Once the patrol-
man thought he had Hays sandwiched
between the patrol car and a parked car,

lic safety to end his pursuit. 7

Hays. was charged with speeding,
retkless driving and failure to obey a |
policeman’s lawful order. The following - ]
Sunday an aide arrived at Uhrichsville
courthouse to post $69 bond and to
pick up the billfold section Havs had
left the. officer: holding. Havs failed to_
appear at the hearing and forfeited the
$69.

Hays’ subcommittee is part of the
House Administration Committee,
which approves all congressional ex-
pense vouchers. The past practice has
been to accept all vouchers and requests.
that are submitted;only polite questions
asked. One curious exception was the

‘curt rejection recently of a request from

House Banking and Currency Chairman
‘Wright Patman CD., Tex.> for $14,000
to’ investigate banks. Normally. this

Total by Buslsos,chatonnn-of the fl
committee.
Significantly, Hays is board chairman

~:--.plane fares from. Washington -to-airports "of the Citizens Natiénal Bank of Fiash-~

¥

serving his hometown of Flushing, .O.

The NATO Parliamentarians. Confer-

"ence, it should be noted, has absolutly

nointerestin Ohio. _ |
» Perhaps the most damaging com-
plaint against Powell was his defiance
of the courts, his attitade that he was
above-the Taw. While Hays has never
“delied the courts, he has shown the same
arrogance. Buried in the records
le town of Ubrichsville, O., is

an incident worth relating: On the eve-.

ning of Feb. 16, 1966, the congressman
was clocked driving 39 miles an hour
down Uhrichsville’s narrow Decisville
. Avenue. The speed Himit ‘was 25.

. Patrolman Frank Barker gave chase,
red light flashing, but Hays kept going.
‘Not until the policeman began blinking
his headlights did Hays finally pull over.
“What's your big problem?” he de-
manded impatiently of Barker, the patral-
man later related. “Hays, according to the

aS

ing and St. Clairsville; O.: Indeed, he

rency Committee while the bank's char-
ter was pending in the early 1950's.
Burleson, too, had a financial interest in
sidetracking Patman’s investigation; he

_ is a director of Abilene’s Bank of Com-

merce.

Yet Burleson and Hays are now. =

posed to be keepi their colleagues on. ‘
t-and narrow. If should be

fascinating to Ww what they.do about ~

turned in hotel bills with the “and Mrs.”
erudely inked out—and Burleson, Hays

seri ni ot ik one hile ie i i li

|. Plus tips on tours, sports,

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‘served on the House-Banking and Cur- 1
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: " eaelier this year to police the morals of
Dpeosrsrecocrs: oust icv cmembers‘The-

WASHINGTON, D.C.
7) oaded by the public’ outcry
against congressional . miscon-
duct, the House of Representa-
tives voted an extra $50,000

‘honsescleaning’ ‘was
~turned over to the tired arid timid House
Administration Committee,whosé broom-
sweeps in the’ past have always aimed

* under the rug. 72

‘The chosen watchdogs are Rep. Omar
Burleson ‘(D,, Tex.), the_committee

chairman ‘who once contrived to charge a

the taxpayers for most of his -reelection
campaign and Rep. Wayne-Hays (D.,
©.), the hot-tempered, trigger-tongued
subcommittee . chairman who - jraveled
so much at the taxpayers’ expense that
he has béen called the “Marco Polo of
Congress.” Both have covered up con-

gressional improprieties in the past, in- -

cluding their own.

Four years ago, for example, T tried to
tell these two. about the payroll padding
and global gallivanting of Rep. Adam.
Clayton Powell (D., N-Y.), but they re-
fused to listen. parave had published

an article of mine about “Congressmen

LOOK WHO'S,
~ INVESTIGATING
CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS! ©

by < ANDERSON

.., Tex.) and Wayne Hays. (D.,
- together at House ‘Administration Committee mesting. ‘Their own records aren't unblemished.

, 0.) put heads

‘Who Cheat” (March 24, 1963): Next
. day Burleson seized the House floor and

cried out: “We invite Mr. Anderson or

_ anyone else who. can. support these™
charges to come before us i public hear-

allegations in the article.”
T accepted the challenge and edine be-
fore Burleson’s committee with a 14.
page statement. He refused to let- me
ead it ll he wanted was Wlentication
of the co congressman’ who had given me
information.

: POWELL EXPOSE

I had intended to testify that Repre-
sentative Powell had placed his wife,
Yvette, on the public payroll under her
maiden name; that her most pressing
business with his congressional office
had been a request for instractions in
Spanish on how to play dominoes; that
two beds, purchased With House funds,
had been shipped to:her in Puerto Ricé

- at the taxpayers’ expense; that .Powell
had collected $50,000 in “campaign ex-
_ Penses’: to support the Republican ticket

‘yin 195 6am that the Democrats had *

Porade © * Ae: 16, 1967

eed

~ ings and texeal_allor_any. nart of the ~

—

L
June 23, 1967

Me. Baniei F. Halloran
970 New Scotland Road
Albany, New York

Bear Dan:

I was glad to have your views regarding the
. Surrent Senate Ethics Committee investigation pertaining
te the activities of Senator Dodd.

In comparing the Powell and Dodd cases, I am
enclosing herewith remarks by the National Council
of Churches, which I had inserted in the Congressional
Record on Jume 20th, with which I am in fall agreement.
I think the analysis of this situation is quite astute
aud know you'd be interested in reading it. As I
have said in the past, and as I vow reiterate, what is
needed iz the adoption by the Congress of a code of
ethics by which a Member could be judged. This would
guarantee uniformity and equalization as to the standards
of such investigations.

4s always, Ban, I appreciate having your views
and welcome the opportunity te discuss such with you.

With kindest personal regards, I am,
Sincerely,

Daniel Z. Button, M. C.

Enclosure

970 New Scotland Road
Albany, New York
June 18, 1967

Dear Dan,

aS a member of the Catholic Interracial Council and as a concernéd
American citizen, I should like to express my strong disapproval of the
gross inequities evident in the handling of Congressman! Powell's and
Senator Doddis cases,

Adam Clayton Powell, a black man whose conduct could hardly be termed
exemplary, was condemned and dismissed from his Congressional seat with a
degree of efficiency and dispatsh seldom found in our legislative branch
of government. The treatment of Thomas Dodd's iniquities has differed
remarkably, lHxtolled as a pillar of virtue by President Johnson's favorite
columnist, William 5, White, he has actually been defended on the Senate floor
by a Senator who would have him completely exonerated despite clear evidence
of miséonduct, The Senate investigating committee chose to totally ignore
some of the charges against Senator Dodd. And, at best, if he is disciplined

at all, his punishment will be far less severe than that accorded Congressmen
Powell,

I am fully aware of the differences in both degree and nature of the conduct
attributed to I. Powell and Mr. Dodd. I am also aware of the fact that the
personal behavior of other members of Congress, such as that of Mendel Rivers,
is felt to be irrelevant to thekr Congressional careers, In summary, the
theme comes throvgh clearly that a double standard exists in the Congress of
the United States,- that a far more vigid standard is tobe applied when evaluating
the conduct of a Negro who proves offensive and intractable than that applied
to the ethical behavior of other Congressmen and Senators,

Sinderely,