Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-07-14
By J. A, o'Leory
Stor Stoff Correspondent

PHILADELPHIA, July 1.-THE
extremists on both sides of the
civil rights fight appeared des-
tined to fail today in efforts tc
get the Democratic convention
to make any changes in the
plank adopted by the Platform
Committee last night.
Some of the fire generated over
the issue during three hectic days
of platform building seemed to have
burned itself out this afternoon as
the hour approached for the floor
debate.
The furore over civil rights over
Swallowed the other details of the
platform, highlights of which are
planks calling for:
Outright repeal of the Taft
Hartley Labor Act. paving the way
for a major campaign issue with the
Republicans in the coming cam
paign.
Strong support of the new State of
Israel, including revision of the arms
embargo.
A bid for Western State support
by promising adequate reclamation
and irrigation public works.
Only 30 Minutes Allotted.
Representative Cannon of Missouri,
parliamentarian Of the convention,
explained that the rules allot only
80 minutes for all debate on the
platform, and that the time could
be extended only by unanimous con-
sent OF all delegates.
In addition to the States Rights
plank to be offered for the South by
former Gov. Dan Moody of Texas,
Biemiller of Wis
consin will try to make the civil
rights plank stronger by adding a
declaration against segregation in
the armed forces.
If the debate is held to half an
hour, it will give the opposing groups
barely time enough to state their
differences in broadcast terms.
Pep Talks Delay Session.
Instead of talking up the plat
form as soon as the convention
convened at noon, party managers
put on series of pep" talks which
delayed the start of the real bust
ness.
At stake In the civil rights battle is
the Negro vote, which could be the
balance of power in some of the big
States of the East and Midwest.
The two old-line parties also must
compete this year against the Wal
lace third party for this vote.
In sweltering hall on the top
floor of the Bellevue-Stratford Ho-
tel, the opposing Democratic fac
tions battled for several hours last
night over State or Federal control
of civil rights.
Minority Reports Planned.
When the meeting adjourned
Senator Myers of Pennsylvania
platform chairman, announced that
both sides had filed notice of inten-
ton to bring minority reports to the
convention floor.
While neither side is bound to
exercise this right. there were nc
signs early today that they would
back down. If the fight takes place
the Northern liberals have the best
chance of winning in the conven-
ton, as they did in committee.
After the smoke of battle has
cleared, however, the big question
will be how much the traditionally
Democratic Southern States will dc
to help President Truman in the
presidential campaign.
The events in Philadelphia today
also may determine whether the
Southerners call rump convention
in Birmingham next week.
There are really three schools oil
thought in the convention on civil
rights.
On one side is group of liberals
led by Mayor Hubert Humphrey O.
Minneapolis, who want to spell ou
in detail President Humans civil
rights program.
On the other side are the South
(See PLATFORM, Page AS