Evening star., 1944-03-23
Seven States 10 Name
Convention Delegates
.By End Of Month
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
Maine and Louisiana lead off to-
morrow in seven-State series of
political conventions and primaries
that will name 2l7 Republican and
l42 Democratic delegates for the ma
tional conventions by April l.
In the busiest period of a dawning
presidential campaign. Republicans
will choose l3 delegates in Louisiana
tomorrow, IA in Minnesota Saturday
followed by 7 more on April -,
IS in New York on March % with
to be chosen later and q in Iowa
and 10 in Kansas, both on March 81 81.
The Democrats will select 10 in
Maine tomorrow. 10 in Arizona Sat-
urday and 80 in New York on March
% with 6 to be chosen later.
Trend Not Yet Clear.
Thus far the Republicans have
selected only 63 delegates, too few
to give reliable indication of a
trend toward any one of the leading
presidential candidates.
Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of New
York, who says he is not a candidate
but who came to the defense of con-
stitutional government in a letter
made public here yesterday, ap-
parently has collected the most sup
port, with the bulk of North Caro-
lina's 25 votes and a majority of
New Mexico's eight claimed for him.
as we'll as two definitely pledged of
New Hampshire's IL. Supporters OF
Wendell L. Willkie claim six in New
Hampshire. Florida's IS were unin-
structed. Four district delegates al
ready have been chosen in Mime
sofa.
Gov. Dewey, who wrote the Colum-
bia Historical Society of Washing
ton that he was unable to accept
any speaking engagements outside
OF New York "at this time" appears
likely also to get the lions share OF
support from the 158 Republican
delegates to be chosen in the next
eight days, since most of the IS from
New York can be counted in his
camp.
Writes to Cooper.
In his letter to Wade H. Cooper
OF the Historical Society's Board of
Managers, the New York Governor
observed that it has become one of
the prime responsibilities of every
American" to preserve the Consti-
tuition. The society had invited him
to speak on constitutional govern
ment at its 50th anniversary dinner
here April IL.
Minnesota's district party conven-
tions probably will produce the first
delegates formally pledged to 1t.
Comdr. Harold E. Stassen, former
Governor of that State.
Iowa and Kansas State conven-
tions are expected to select un-
pledged delegations with Gov. Burke
B. Hickenlooper having a great deal
to say about the complexion of the
Iowa group and former Gov. ALI
Landon heading the Kansas dele
cation. Gov. Hickenlooper has been
noncommittal on his choice of a
presidential candidate, but Mr.. Lam
don recently let it become known
he favors Gov. Dewey.
Roosevelt Draft Growing.
The Democratic side of the picture
Is much clearer, dominated by a
party movement to draft President
Roosevelt for a fourth term.
There apparently will be no dis
senters to this move among the 90
New York delegates to be chosen.
Arizona may add its 10 votes to the
bandwagon and there seemed no
serious opposition to the President
among his party colleagues in
Maine. .... p.
These 110 delegates will be added
to the list of 80 already chosen by
the Democrats, including 10 in New
Hampshire supporting fourth
term and % in Louisiana, unin-
structed but pledged to work for
restoration Of the two thirds nomi-
mating rule in the convention.