Hays, Brooks

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Article in U.S. News and World Report based on excerpts from Hays' book A Southern Moderate Speaks Inside Story of Little Rock ..."I had always regarded myself as serving the Governor's wishes . . . even though he and I did not see eye to eye regarding his use of troops" afternoon to spend a few days at the home of my father in Russellville, 75 miles west of Little Rock. We stopped at the town of Morrilton for dinner, and I tried to call the White House. I found the lines busy and was not able to get in touch with Sherman until 11 p. m., his time, after I had reached Russellville. My opening comment, "I'm afraid I got you out of bed," was confirmed, but he apparently was not upset. It was in this conversation that Sherman indicated that the idea of the President's inviting Faubus should give way to a request from the Governor, directed to the President, suggesting that a conference would be helpful. Early in the discussion, he emphasized that all of this was in response to my offer to be helpful and that the White House did not wish to be in an attitude of initiating anything. I gave him all necessary assurances on that point. Negotiations With the White House I spent Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10 and 11, at my father's home and was in constant telephone contact with the White House and the Governor's Mansion during that time. An enormous...

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Brooks Hays Materials

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University of Arkansas