Rev. C.K. Steele, Gov. LeRoy Collins, and the 1956 Bus Boycott

September 28, 1956

REVEREND C.K. STEELE, PRESIDENT
THE INTER CIVIC COUNCIL OF TALLAHASSEE
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

RETEL: THE ONLY PROSECUTIONS I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ARE PENDING IN THE COURTS BASED UPON THE ALLEGED FAILURE OF CAR POOL OPERATORS TO OBTAIN THE PROPER LICENSE TO CARRY ON A BUSINESS OF THIS KIND.

THE ISSUES INVOLVED ARE QUESTIONS OF LAW AND FACT AND THE COURT IS THE PROPER FORUM IN WHICH SUCH SHOULD BE SETTLED.

SO FAR AS I KNOW, NO ONE QUESTIONS THE RIGHT OF OUR NEGRO CITIZENS TO RIDE THE BUSES OR NOT AS THEY MAY WISH. CERTAINLY I DO NOT

LEROY COLLINS, GOVERNOR

LC:gfh 11:35 a.m.
STRAIGHT PREPAID
CHG: GOVERNOR'S OFFICE