Evening star., 1948-07-12
By Gould Lincoln
StoT Stoff CorreSpondent

PHILADELPHIA, July l2.-Ihe
Democrats opened their National
Convention at 1918 pm. today
with Supreme Court Justice
Douglas definitely out of the pic
ture as vice presidential candi-
date, further Wrangling over the
nomination of President Truman
to head the ticket and a platform
dispute still raging.
The announcement that Justice
Douglas had taken himself out of
the race for the vice presidential
nomination with fnality was made
by John Reddine, director of pub
iicity for the Democratic National
Committee.
This appeared to leave Senator
Barkley of Kentucky. Democratic
leader of the upper house, as the
leading candidate to run with Pres
ident Truman.
Mr.. Redding said at press con-
ference:
Il am informed by friends of JUS
tice Douglas he will not be a candi-
date for Vice President"
Calls Refusal Absolute.
This was interpreted as meaning
that he was positively not available.
Previously reports circulated in
the convention that President Tru-
man had called Justice Douglas, va
cationing in Washington, by long
distance telephone during the week
end and had asked him to take the
No. 2 place.
Pressed for details, Mr.. Redding
said he considered that this is IAN
absolute refusal" by Justice Douglas.
Justice Douglas could have had
the nomination had he been willing
to resign from the Supreme Court
and run
Mr.. Redding said that the race
is now wide open" He gave it as
his personal opinion. however, that
the most likely choice would be
Senator Barkley.
Says Race Is Wide Open.
Democratic National Chairman
McGrath, when interviewed follow
ing the formal Redding statement,
said that this removed all chances
of a Douglas nomination. He also
added that while it would probably
enhance the boom for Senator
Barkley, "the race is still wide open"
It was too early, he said, and too
soon after the decision of Justice
Douglas to be definite about vice
presidential choice.
The Kentucky Senator, who will
deliver the keynote speech of the
Democratic National Convention
tonight as its temporary chairman,
has not been an aspirant for the
vice presidential nomination. In
deed. his friends have said, he
would not have his name presented
unless he was personally requested
by President Truman.
Senator Barkley took a seat with
the Kentucky delegation on the
floor of the convention not long
after the session opened.
In reply to questions he said:
Il have heard nothing about a
yice-presidential nomination
He added the White House had
not been in communication with
him.
There was much support for a
Barkley vice-presidential nomina-
ton among the delegates.
Senator O'Mahoney of wyoming,
himself candidate for vice pres
ident, has informed Senator BarkleyI
he, Senator OMahoney. would place
the Kentuckian in nomination if
Senator Barley wanted him to.
Lucas Supports Kentuckian.
Senator Lucas of Illinois, who has
been mentioned as possible vice
presidential nominee also told Sena-
tor Barkley he would have his vote.
Senator Tydings of Maryland. who
has been Endorsed for second place
on the ticket by his State conven-
ton. visited Senator Barkley, too,
to offer his aid.
1t was beginning to look as though
the convention itself might take the