Evening star., 1948-07-04
Leaders From 16 States Call
Democratic Caucus to Map
Stampede to Gen. Eisenhower
james Roosevelt Wire
Sets Meeting 2 Days
Before Convention

Is Under Way. Page At
A drive to stampede the Dem
ocratic National Convention in
to nominating Gen. Eisenhower
for the presidency surged ahead
yesterday as 18 party leaders
from 16 States set the stage for
a caucus in Philadelphia Satur-
day to rally delegates behind
him.
The call for the caucus-to be held
48 hours before the opening of the
convention-was arranged by James
Roosevelt and came in telegram
released by Mayor O'Dwyer of New
York. Other signers included Gov.
Tuck of Virginia, Senator Hill OF
Alabama and leaders from such
scattered sections as Illinois, South
Carolina, New England, Texas and
Minnesota.
The telegram did not mention
Gen. Eisenhower by name and said
nothing about sidetracking Presi-
dent Truman, who has predicted he
will be nominated on the first ballot.
Mayor ODwyer declared, moreover,
that he had no one man IN mlnd.
Several possible candidates Will be
discussed at the meeting, he an
nounCed.
"Ablest Man" Sought.
Calling on delegates to pick the
"ablest ard strongest man available
for the presidential nomination, the
telegram added:
TT is our belief that no man IN
these critical days can refuse the
call to duty and leadership Implicit
In the nomination and virtual cleo
ton to the presidency OF the united
States"
Jacob N. Arvey, Chicago Demo-
cratic leader, disclosed he had peen
invited by Mr.. Roosevelt, chairman
of the California Democratic State
Committee, to attend the pre-con-
vention caucus to discuss ajmoVe
to nominate Gen. Eisenhower, no"
president of Columbia University:
Truman forces, however, were lar
from giving ground despite an
nouncements of other Leading
Democrats that they would work
for a draft of the wartime COM
mander of the Allied troops IN
Europe.
Pepper Backs Eisenhower.
Senator Pepper of Florida came
ont emphatically yesterday for the
nomination of Gen Eisenhower
He will serve as an alternate at
the convention. He said he was
"delighted" to accept an invitation
from Mr.. Roosevelt to take part
in the Saturday caucus.
Democratic National Committee
man Cv Bevan of Michigan also
came out for Gen. Eisenhower. But
in that State as we'll as Illinois and
elsewhere the Democrats were d.
vided on the wisdom and posi-
bllitv of drafting Gen. Eisenhower.
Some doubt he would allow himself
to be drafted. Others refuse to
repudiate President Truman.
Mr.. Truman reportedlv holds a
2-to-l lead over Gen. Eisenhower
among so Illinons delegates, de-
spite Mr. Avery's boom for the
general In Michigan. despite Mr..
Bevan's stand, State Democratic
Chairman John R. Franco predicted
the 42-member delegation would
vote almost solidly" for President
Truman.
I'VE don't chase after the real
draft candidates" Mr.. Franco re-
marked.
Attitude Still Mystery.
Gen. EisenhoWer's attitude still
remained a mystery, although pro-
Truman and anti-Truman men have
tried recently to sound him out.
An aide at Columbia University
declared Gen. EisenhoWer's positions
remains the same as it was last
winter when New Hampshire news
paper publisher asked him if he
would run for President on the Re
publican ticket
II am not available for and could
not accept nomination to high
political Office Gen. Eisenhower
stated at the time MY decision
to remove myself from the political
scene is definite and positive"
George E. Allen. once in the White
House inner circle visited Gen.
Eisenhower at Columbia. He re-
fused to comment "on anything ;"
when asked about the report.
Mr.. Truman's press secretary,
Charles G. Ross. said the White
House had nothing to do with it..
He said Mr.. Allen was seeing Gen.
Eisenhower ION his own-1 don't
know for what purpose"
Johnston Sees General.
Senator Johnston of South Caro-
lima, an avowed worker against re-
nomination of Mr.. Truman, was
reported by the Associated Press as
having said he spent almost an hour
with Gen. Eisenhower.
He came away from the interview,
he said, convinced that Gen. Eisen-
hover would accept the nomination
If drafted. The Senator did not in
dicate the general committed him.
self in any way, Senator Johnston
lSee DEMOCRATS, Page A-6D