Evening star., 1948-06-21
Pennsylvania 10 Back
Favorite Son Martin
Beyond First Ballot
BY the Assoeiotsd Press

py Ine bsSoCt0fe0 FFe3&
PHILADELPHIA. June 2l-Top
Pennsylvania Republican leaders
moved today to end bitter feud in
the States delegation to the Re-
publican convention behind the
candidacy of its "favorite son." Sen
ator Martin.
The delegation. with only one
formal dissent. voted last night to
stick with the Pennsylvania Senator
indefinitely when the balloting be-
gins to pick the presidential NOM
tnee.
The harmony move was sparked
by Elder Marshall of Pittsburgh,
former law partner of Gov. Duff, at
a preconvention caucus that packed
a hotel room with delegates; news
men and party members
The sole objector was Esdras
Howell OF Scranton. who said he
would vote for Senator Vanden-
oerg.
1T was a fine and harmonious
meeting" said Gov. Duff.
Discord Had Been Reported.
The Pennsylvania Governor had
been reported at odds with Senator
Martin, G. Mason Owlett, Repubn-
can national committeeman, and
Joseph Grundy, former head of the
Pennsylvania Manufacturers Asso-
citation. The four leaders were said
to be far apart on policy and candi-
dates.
The Pennsylvania Governor has
been listed among the supporters
OF Senator Vandenberg while the
others were said to favor Gov.
Dewey.
But all was harmony at the
delegation caucus. 1t was Henry
Lark of Sunbury, Grundy leader,
who first proposed that the dele
CATION reaffirm its backing of
Senator Martin. Mr. Lark's motion,
however, limited 1t to the first
ballot.
Then Mr.. Marshall, Duff man,
jumped to his feet and moved that
the words 1.-The first ballot be
stricken. This was done. Gov.
Duff explained that now the dele
cation can decide lat anytime what
it wants to do
Subsequently, Gov. Duff told re-
porters he was ready to sit down
with Mr.. Grundy and any other
State leaders for the. purpose of
ending discord in the delegation"
Broader Talk Suggested.
He made the comment when in
formed that Mr.. Grundy had pro-
posed that Gov. Duff meet with
Senator Martin, Mr.. Owlett, Mrs.
Worthington Scranton, National
committeewoman; State Chairman
M Harvey Taylor and himself.
Mr.. Grundy explained that Gov.
Duff had told him he wanted to
sit down with him and talk things
over but that ne had suggested the
group should be broadened.
The next move is up to Gov.
Duff" Mr.. Grundy added.
A few minutes later Gov. Duff
said the meeting could take place
at anytime and then stood arm and
arm with Senator Martin.
Most of the State leaders met So
cially several hours before the cau-
Gus at the country estate OF Martin
W. Clement, president of the Penn
sylvania Railroad in Bryn Mawr.
Also present were Gov. Dewey, Sen
ator Taft and Speaker Martin, all
possible presidential nominees.
Mr.. Clement explained it was
reception for Gov. Duff and Sena-
tor Martin and their wives with
most of the OTHER guests from Phila-
delphia.
Gov. Duff also said the gathering
was entirely social
Martin Halls Action.
Senator Martin greeted the eau
Gus action as a demonstration of
"unanimfSy of opinion" that is
greater than at any time in the
last 40 years.
Later, he said that he was will
ing to sit down with other leaders
in the delegation but added II don't
know anything that isn't har-
monlOuS.'
He said the action of Mr.. Howell
at the caucus was courageous and
an example of real Americanism y
He added it was significant that no
other delegate followed Mr.. Howell's
example
They mad the opportunity but
didn't" he said.