EVERETT M. DIRKSEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/19/1963 - HFSID 320013

EVERETT M. DIRKSEN
The Senator writes a letter to a friend, thanking him for his birthday greetings to their mutual friend, and wishing him a successful Fourth of July
Typed letter signed: "Everett M. Dirksen", in blue ink, 1 page, 7½x10½. June 19, 1963. United States Senate. In full: "Dear Friend Sandstrom: It was most thoughtful of you to give me an opportunity to send birthday greetings to our mutual friend, Harold Ross. In time to reach you before the big July 4 celebration, I will put in the mail a short message. Thanks for your comments on the political scene. With every good wish for a most successful Fourth of July celebration". Everett M. Dirksen (1896-1969) was U.S. Representative (1933-1949) and U.S. Senator (1951 until his death in 1969) from Illinois. He was the Republican Whip from 1957-1959 and Minority Leader from 1959-1969. As Minority Leader, Dirksen played a key role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act (1965) and the Fair Housing Act (1968). The historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 had to overcome opposition from southern Democrats and also from some Republicans, including the Party's 1964 Presidential nominee, Barry Goldwater. The crucial vote took place on June 10, 1964, when the Senate passed a cloture motion ending for the first time ever a civil rights filibuster. The two-thirds majority for cloture (71-29) would have been impossible without Dirksen's active support, which corralled some doubtful Midwestern Republicans. A fiscal conservative, he is also remembered for the quip, "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon we're talking about real money!" Light surface creases. Tape on top left corner. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on verso. Lightly toned. Corners lightly worn. Normal mailing folds. Otherwise, fine condition.