Speech #890083569

I believe the gentlemans remarks are particularly significant because of the sweeping provisions of section 4 of the Celler administration bill which. as I interpret it. would discard or would nullify all literacy tests of every kind and character in the States which come under the provisions of that section. and would entitle the Federal examiner to register people to vote provided only that they were not already registered. That is the only qualification which is spelled out in the bill as a qualification for registration to vote. I believe there follows logically the possibility that a great many people. without possessing lawful qualifications to vote. could be registered. and without provisions such as the gentleman has recommended and as are contained in the FordMcCulloch bill for provisional voting. these illegal votes would be counted and would be utilized in the decision made by the electorate at that election. with all the consequences that could follow from such an untoward event. Therefore. I think it would be either important for the administration to adopt the recommendations from the FordMcCulloch bill or preferably that the House follow the FordMcCulloch bill and support that substitute bill when that time arrives.