LETTER: TLS to E. Celler, re: Birth Control Legislation.
Sanger, Margaret. Typed letter, signed “Mrs. Margaret Sanger” to “Dear Mr. Celler,” March 22, 1935; one 8 1/2 x 11” leaf of National Committee of Federal Legislation for Birth Control letterhead.
The letter, presenting the resolution of the Ethical Culture Society of Brooklyn, merits quoting in full:
Dear Mr. Celler:
I thought you would be interested to know that the following resolution has been received by our committee from the Ethical Culture Society, Brooklyn, New York:
WHEREAS: It is of the utmost importance to all Americans that the population of our country be vigorous and healthy both physically and mentally.
AND WHEREAS: The proper and intelligent use of scientific contraceptive methods under the direction of physicians is essential to these ends.
WE HEREBY ENDORSE efforts to secure an Amendment to exempt physicians, hospitals and clinics from the Federal laws which now exclude, without exception, supplies and medical literature relating to Birth Control from the U.S. Mails and Common Carriers.
This endorsement was signed March 13, 1935, and has a large representative membership in your District.
The Honorable Emanual Celler (1888-1981), a prominent New York congressman and quintessential New Deal Democrat, was a graduate of Columbia College and Columbia Law School; he was admitted to the bar in 1912. Ten years later, he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he remained for 50 years. During his political career, he also managed to organize the Madison State Bank and the Brooklyn National Bank, and in 1936 he became a partner in the law firm of Weismann, Celler, Quinn, Allan, and Sprett. He adamantly supported Zionism and civil liberties, and played a critical role in the passage of the civil rights acts of 1957, 1960 and 1964. In 1972, he was defeated for reelection by Elizabeth Holzman.
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