Gerald Ford actually said...

I AM deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of senior Judge William H. Hastie.

His death is a great loss to the Nation, the judiciary, and the Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules.

His life in public office as a lawyer, as dean of Howard University Law School, and as the first black Federal Judge have left an indelible ...

I AM gratified by the rapid response on this crucial measure by the Congress prior to their Easter recess.