Evening star., 1952-06-15
Fair Deal Democrats
In D. T.. Unite Behind
Hartman Candidacy
BY John Y. Homer

ton stalwarts, Fair Deal Demo-
Gratis in the District united last
night behind w. Averell Harri-
man in bold effort to knock out
Senator Kefauver as presiden-
tial contender.
Commissioner F. Joseph Dono-
hue took the local lead with an
unqualified Endorsement of the
long time New Dealer in the
Iparty's preferential primary con-
test here Tuesday.
The Commissioner is a Truman
appointee who invariably follows
the White House in politics. His
vigorous support of Mr.. Harri-
man against Senator Kefauver
came just "a hours after President
Truman renewed demands for a
strong Federal civil rights pro-
gram.
Sees Stevenson as Choice.
Mr.. Donohue went further,
however. While indicating belief
that Mr.. Hartman would win in
the District primary, he predicted
Gov. Stevenson of Illinois will be-
come the Democratic nominee
for President.
Many persons close to the White
House regard Gov. Stevenson as
President Truman's choice for
the nomination. But Senator Ke-
fauver has a big lead now in COM
mitted delegates. If he should
be defeated in a preferential pri-
mary-even in voteless Washing
ton-the draft-Stevenson move
ment stands to gain momentum.
Commissioner Donohue de-
scribed Mr.. Harriman's statement
of policies as "clear-cut," partic-
ularly with respect to fair en-
ployment practices legislation and
civil liberties. He added; in his
weekly radio interview on WWDC,
tnat civil liberties and. fair en-
lployment are among the chief
issues of the primary here.
Campaign Stepped Up.
AS Mr.. Donohue announced his
Endorsement, the Hartman head
quarters stepped up a campaign
to get out the liberal vote, with
emphasis on Negroes.
The headquarters issued a
statement in which Mrs. Mary
Church Terrell. a prominent Negro
Republican, advocated the Harri-
man candidacy. The 88-year-old
woman leader declared that Mr..
Hartman believes in justice and
equality for everyone and said
he had translated words into
deeds" She commended him
especially for his stand against
segregation in the public schools.
She said:
Those who believe existing con-
ditions must be changed immedi-
ately without prolonging the
agony and waiting for a more op-
portune time should vote for Mr..
Hartman. He Is not gradualiSt.
F. BY voting for a man of Mr..
Harriman's character. culture and
high standard of conduct, the
District will set a fine example for
other communities to follow"
Influence Hinted.
The question of Government in
f1uence in behalf of Mr.. Hartman
was raised Friday by Gerhard p.
Van Arkel. chairman of the local
drive for Senator Kefauver. He
wrote Civil Service Commissioner
Robert Ramspeck, urging him to
help prevent the influencing of
Government employe votes. He
cited the fact that Secretary of
Air Finletter, Treasury Under
secretary Foley and Assistant
Secretary of State Thorp are
Hartman hackers.
| In reply, Joseph L. Rauh, jr.,
1.-THE Hartman manager here, said
Mr.. Van Arkel's letter constituted
Ia "thinly veiled attack upon dis
Itinguished public servants"
Mr.. Hartman returns from a
Western speaking trip today and
has an appointment with Presi-
ldent Truman at 9:45 am. to-
morrow to discuss politics. Most
Iof his time between now and
Tuesday will be spent. however.
plugging for support in the
District primary.
Senator Kefauver will be just
: as active. Due back today from
h Tennessee, he is represented by
5 friends as prepared to make q
final big bid for Washington votes.
! Polling places will be open
Tuesday from noon until 8 pm