President Traces New ‘Rights’ Law

By the Associated Press

Washington

Following is a partial text of President Johnson’s statement on his signing the civil-rights bill July 2:
My fellow Americans:
I am about to sign into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
I want to take this occasion to talk to you about what that law means to every American.
188 years ago this week, a small band of valiant men began a struggle for freedom.

They pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, not only to found a nation, but to forge an ideal of freedom - not only for political independence but for personal liberty - not only to eliminate foreign rule but to establish the rule of justice in the affairs of men.

Turning Point

That struggle was a turning point in history.

Today, in far corners of distant continents, the ideals of those American patriots still shape the struggles of men who hunger for freedom.

This is a proud triumph.

Yet those who founded America knew that freedom would be secure only if each generation fought to renew and enlarge its meaning. From the minuteman at Concord to the soldiers in Vietnam, each generation has been equal to that trust.

Americans, of every race and color, have died in battle to protect our freedom. Americans, of every race and color, have worked to build a nation of widening opportunities.

Now our generation of Americans have been called on to continue the unending search for justice within our own borders.

We believe all men are created equal, yet many are denied equal treatment.

We believe all men have certain unalienable rights. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights.

We believe all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings - not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin.

Reasons Traced

The reasons are deeply imbedded in history and tradition and the nature of man. We can understand - without rancor or hatred - how this happened.

But it cannot continue.

Our Constitution, the foundation of our republic, forbids it.

The principles of our freedom forbid it.

Morality forbids it.

And the law I will sign tonight forbids it.

That law is the product of months of the most careful debate and discussion. It was proposed more than one year ago by our late and beloved President, John F. Kennedy. It received the bipartisan support of more than two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. An overwhelming majority of Republicans as well as Democrats voted for it.

It has received the thoughtful support of tens of thousands of civic and religious leaders in all parts of the country. And it is supported by the great majority of the American people.

The purpose of this law is simple.

It does not restrict the freedom of any American, so long as he respects the rights of others.

It does not give special treatment to any citizen.

It does say those who are equal before God shall now also be equal in the polling booths, in the classrooms, in the factories, and in hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, and other places that provide service to the public.

I am taking steps to implement the law under my constitutional obligation to “take care that the laws are faithfully executed.”

First, I will send to the Senate my nomination of Leroy Collins to be director of the Community Relations Service. Governor Collins will bring the experience of a long career of distinguished public service to the task of helping communities solve problems of human relations through reason and common sense.

Committee Planned

Second, I shall appoint an advisory committee of distinguished Americans to assist Governor Collins in his assignment.

Third, I am sending Congress a request for supplemental appropriations to pay for necessary costs of implementing the law.

Fourth, in a meeting of my Cabinet this afternoon, I directed agencies of the government to discharge the new responsibilities imposed upon them by the law and to continue to do it without delay and to keep me personally informed of their progress.

Fifth, I am asking appropriate officials to meet with representative groups to promote greater understanding of the law and to achieve a spirit of compliance.

We must not approach the observance and enforcement of this law in a vengeful spirit. Its purpose is not to punish. Its purpose is not to divide but to end divisions - divisions which have lasted too long. Its purpose is national, not regional.

Voluntary Compliance

Its purpose is to promote a more abiding commitment to freedom, a more constant pursuit of justice, and a deeper respect for human dignity.

We will achieve these goals because most Americans are law-abiding citizens who want to do what is right.

This is why the Civil-Rights Act relies first on voluntary compliance, then on the efforts of states and local communities to secure the rights of citizens. It provides for the national authority to step in only when others cannot or will not do the job.

This Civil-Rights Act is a challenge to all of us to go to work in our communities and our states, in our homes and in our hearts, to eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in our beloved America. So tonight I urge every public official, every religious leader, every business and professional man, every working man, every housewife - I urge every American - to join in this effort to bring justice and hope to all our people - and bring peace to our land.

My fellow citizens, we have come now to a time of testing. We must not fail….