Evening star., 1949-07-17
Labor Support
Seen a Big Issue
In Virginia Race
Miller Foes Seeking
Showdown on Role of
Outside Leaders
BY John V. Horner.
Stor Stoff Corraspondant

stor stoff Correspondent
RICHMOND, Va, July 16.-
Organized labor's part in Virginia
politics seemed certain tonight to
become one of the paramount is
sues in the hectic Democratic pri-
mary for Governor.
Two of the four embattled can
didates seeking the nomination
girded for a showdown on the
participation of labor leaders from
outside the State in the campaign
Of Francis Pickens Miller.
The outcome of this sideline
fight. in which State Senator John
S. Battle is the other principal,
may we'll determine the winner
at the polls on August 2.
Meanwhile. Robert M. Hazel
wood. campaign manager for Can
didate Remmie L. Arnold. issued a
statement somewhat less direct
than one by Mr.. Arnold. who had
charged that Senator Byrd's seat
in the Senate was offered as en-
ticement for the Petersburg man
ufacturer to quit the primary race.
Miller Challenges Charge.
Mr.. Hazelwood said that mo
official offer of any position was
made to him for Mr.. Arnold, but
that ION different occasions" sup
porters of Senator Battle had
asked him to get Mr.. Arnold to
withdraw.
The fourth candidate, Horace
H. Edwards, campaigned at Farm
vile on his sales tax proposal fol
school construction.
Mr.. Miller. who. is the hope Of
antiorganization forces, chal-
lenged Senator Battle to produce
positive proof of a charge that
outside labor leaders are trying
to influence votes for Mr.. Miller
Senator Battle is the candidate
of the State Democratic organ
ization headed by Senator Byrd
A statement from Battle head
quarters here quickly assured Mr.
Miller that he would not have tt
wait long for an answer. In 9
radio address Tuesday night al
Newport News. the announcement
said, Senator Battle will present
evidence to show that labor lead
ers from outside this Common.
wealth are attempting to influence
the people of Virginia in theil
decision to select a Governor"
The announcement added that
Senator Battle has definite. tan
gible proof to substantiate the
claim" and is "able to produce
the facts needed to back up any
statements he makes"
Senator Battle will hold press
conference at the George Mason
Hotel in Alexandria at 1890 am
Thursday and will appear at q
sponsored by the Alex
andria Women's Committee fol
Battle at 1890 pm. at The Old
Club on South Washington street
He will be feted at a tea at the
Courthouse Country Club in Fair
fax County at 4 pm. Thursday,
and will attend a reception at the
George Mason Hotel at $50 pm
He will conclude his Alexandria
visit with a talk at 8 pm. Thurs
day at George Washington High
School on Mount Vernon avenue,
Arlington headquarters for Mr.
Miller will be opened by the Ar
lington Miller for Governor Club
at 8 pm. tomorrow at 3018 North
Fairfax drive. The headquarters
thereafter will be open each week.
day from II am. to 10 pm.
Says Recording Was Made.
In explanation of his charges
about pressure, Mr.. Hazelwood
stated:
II was told that Mr.. Arnold was
trying to get there too quick. that
he should wait until next time.
Reference was made that Sen
ator Byrd was retiring at the end
of the term. They wanted to know
why Mr.. Arnold didn't wait to run
for that or for lieutenant COVER
nor. or something he could get"
Like Mr.. Arnold, the campaign
manager refused to give any
names of persons to whom he re-
ferred. but said he would turn
over such information to the can.
didate.
Mr.. Arnold made the startling
charge about the Senate seat a,
Fredericksburg Wednesday.
He refused to divulge the names
Of the persons who he said made
the proposition but Senator Byrd
clubbing the statement fantastic
insisted that Mr.. Arnold produce
substantiating evidence.
The candidate then said Gov
Tuck had tried to dissuade him
from running. The Governor de.
MED that he "pressured" Mr.. Ar.
mold, though admitting he wrote
that he would not support his can.
didacy. Mr.. Arnold offered to re.
fresh the Governors memory
about a telephone conversation or
the subject which, he declared
was recorded.
Hughes Supports Edwards.
Mr.. Edwards, formerly mayor
of Richmond, is offering the voters
what he calls "middle-o the
road" choice between radicals to
the extreme left under Mr.. Miller
and ultra conservatives to the
right under Senator Battle"
He is attempting to convince
voters that he has as much chance
as anyone else to win the primary
nomination.
Alexandria supporters of Mr.
Edwards announced today that q
prominent State labor leader had
come out in his support.
Charles j. Hughes, former pres
ident of the Virginia Federation of