Evening star., 1948-09-25
Virginia Democrats
May GET Plea Today
To Support Truman
By the Assoeiofed Press

RICHMOND, Sept. ga strong
plea for party regularity and sup
port of the Truman-Barkley Presi-
Dental ticket was in prospect for
tcday's important policy-making
meeting of the Democratic State
Central Committee.
State Treasurer Jesse Dillon, COM
mittee secretary, confirmed that
Delegate Robert Whitehead of Mel
son had requested permission to be
heard by the 67-member committee.
But he said it was up to the COM
mittee to decide whether to grant
the request.
Mr.. Whitehead, frequent op-
ponent of the dominant organiza-
tion wing of the party, may there
fore sound the loudest call for the
party to remain regular in the
presidential contest.
Mr.. Whitehead confirmed he had
asked to speak but refused to dis
close his subject. His views are
we'll known. however, and it, was al
most certain party solidarity would
be his theme
Dewey Seen Victor in State.
The rift in the party has been the
reason for repeated predictions
among the upper echelon Democrats
that Gov. Dewey will capture Vir-
ginia's electoral votes in Novem-
Der. They believe the States Rights
Party, born of the Presidents civil
rights program, will be enough to
swing the State Republican for the
first time since 1928.
President Truman, however, will
get the support of a number of the
States Democrats in public life, in
their vote at least. Quite a few of
those running for office, including
Senator Robertson, most of the con-
gressional candidates and all three
of the announced Democratic candi-
dates for Governor in next years
primary. have signified their inten-
tions of supporting the national
party nominees.
State Senator John S. Battle, who
told his friends privately after the
Philadelphia convention that he in
tended to vote for Mr.. Truman and
Senator Barkley, although he did
not agree at all with some OF the
national party platform. said there
had not been any change in his
position.
Edwards, Miller Committed. a.
Former Mayor Horace H. Edwards
of Richmond and Francis Pickins
Miller of Charlottesville have said
publicly they would back the Ma
tional Democratic presidential
ticket.
Whether an appearance by Dele
gate Whitehead could change ma
terially the wording of any resolu-
ton of Endorsement that may
emerge from the committee was
matter of speculation. He is re-
garded as one of the most forceful
speakers in the Virginia House of
Delegates. But the State Central
Committee includes enough organi-
zation power to handle any such
situation in the matter deemed best
by the party leaders.
State Chairman G.. Alvin Massen-
burg of Hampton had no forecast
of what might result at today's
session.
Neither Mr.. MaSsenburg, Gov.
Tuck nor Senator Byrd have public
Iy declared their intentions in the
presidential campaign. Gov. Tuck,
en- route to the West Coast for a
speaking engagement, parried the
question again shortly before he left.
Truman May Be Ignored.
Thus the Democratic Central
Committee will assemble with con-
division in the ranks of
the State party. And the political
quarterbacks, on the eve of the game,
still we're predicting that:
l. Any resolution adopted would
probably omit a reference to the
presidential candidates.
2. Any commitments would be for
the Senate and House candidates.
3. The $4,000 in the party till
would be spent for Senator Robert
son and the congressional aspirants.