Interposition Resolution in Response to Brown v. Board of Education, 1957

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 174

ORIGINATED in and adopted by the House of Representatives on April 5, 1957

Doyle E. Conner
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Lamar Bledsoe
CHIEF CLERK, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND
EX-OFFICIO ENROLLING CLERK

ADOPTED by the Senate on April 18, 1957

M. A. Shands
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Robt. W. Davis
SECRETART OF THE SENATE AND
EX-OFFICIO ENROLLING CLERK

This concurrent resolution of 'Interposition' crosses the Governor's desk as a matter of routine. I have no authority to veto it. I take this means however to advise the student of government, who may examine this document in the archives of the state in the years to come that the Governor of Florida expressed open and vigorous opposition thereto. I feel that the U. S. Supreme Court has improperly usurped powers reserved to the states under the constitution. I have joined in protesting such and in seeking legal means of avoidance. But if this resolution declaring the decisions of the court to be 'null and void' is to be taken seriously, it is anarchy and rebellion against the nation which must remain 'indivisible under God' if it is to survive. Not only will I not condone 'interposition' as so many have sought me to do, I decry it as an evil thing, whipped up by the demagogues and carried on the hot and erratic winds of passion, prejudice, and hysteria. If history judges me right this day, I want it known that I did my best to avert this blot. If I am judged wrong, then here in my own handwriting and over my signature is the proof of guilt to support my conviction.

LeRoy Collins
Governor

FILED in the Office of Secretary of State on May 2, 1957

R. A. GRAY
SECRETARY OF STATE

By M. H.