Evening star., 1948-07-23
White House Silent
After Truman Talks
With Party Leaders

faint aura of mystery around the
first OF a series OF conferences held
by President Truman with Demo-
cratic leaders on the approaching
presidential campaign.
The conference was held last
night. 1t was learned, and was at
tended by about dozen party
figures. But the White House re-
fused to say who was present.
In announcing the conference
earlier this week, Democratic Ma
tional Chairman McGrath said he
ibid. not want any mystery" about
the conferences that will be held
from time to time There are no
secret conclaves," Senator McGrath
added.
No COmpulsion to Tell.
White House Press Secretary
Charles Ross was asked If Senator
McGrath had been overruled on the
matter of secrecy. He replied that
he didn't know anything about any
one being overruled. He added that
he didn't feel ANY compulsion" to
tell who attended.
Asked II he could name some of
those who attended, Mr.. Ross said,
Il could but I won't"
The conference was held as hopes
of Mr.. Truman and party leaders
that revolving Southerners would
return to the fold were bolstered by
statements from two Virginia DEM
ocrats. Senator Robertson and Rep
resentative Bland.
Senator Robertson, one of the
party's rebels, publicly promised his
support for Mr.. Truman and Sem
ator Barkley, the vice presidential
nominee.
Il have been a Democrat all my
life and I intend to. vote the Demo-
cratic ticket this fall" Senator Rob-
ertson said.
His statement came shortly after
Senator McGrath had predicted that
most of the Southern Democrats
would line up for the party ticket
before the election.
disagree Win truman.
The junior Virginia Senator made
it clear that he thoroughly dis
agrees with Mr.. Truman on the
issue OF civil and States rights. He
also said he opposes the platform
pledge to repeal the Taft-Hartley
Labor Act.
At the Philadelphia convention
Senator Robertson voted against Mr..
Truman and for Senator Russell of
Georgia. e.u.a.,
Me-. Bland also said he will con-
tinue to support the Democratic
Party and vote for President Tru-
man. He said he believes the Dem
ocratic Party long has been sup
porting the public good.
Other Democratic leaders in Vir-
ginia, including Senator Byrd and
Gov. Tuck, have not disclosed their
plans. Senator Byrd was away from
his Office here, and friends said he
was not consulted by the junior
Senator regarding his statement.
Senator Robertson, a candidate
for reelection this fall, emphasized
that he will not retreat from his
support Of the Taft-Hartley law. He
described the act as definitely in
the interest OF the rank and file of
labor as well as all consumers"
Aid to Truman Seen.
The Robertson campaign against
James P. Hart, jr., of Roanoke for
the Senate seat was regarded by
party leaders as favoring Mr.. Tru-
man in the State balloting. Their
theory is that Virginia Democrats
going to the polls to vote for Senator
Robertson against his Republican
opponent will also vote for the ma
tional ticket despite the "bolting"
threat.
Armistead Boothe, former Alex
andria City attorney and a member
of the Virginia House Of Delegates,
predicted that the States rebel
Democrats will be back in the fold
before November. In a speech yes
tel day before the Cosmopolitan Club
at the Carlton Hotel, Mr.. Boothe
said he was willing ito wager 10
to /" that Virginia will not make
a concerted effort to carry the State
for the Southern presidential ticket
headed by Gov. Thurmond Of South
Carolina.
Meanwhile, CIO President Philip
Murray said after a White House
visit that his organization has not
decided on which presidential can
didate it will back. The question,
he added, will be taken up at a
meeting of the CIO-PAC Executive
Committee next month, probably in
Washington.