Evening star., 1952-07-19
.Anfi-FiIibuster Issue
Appears Chief bIockto
Civil Rights Accord :
Washington,
By J. A. oLeoy
Stor StcFf Correspordent

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By J. A. oLeory
.ses Star Staft Correspondent
CHICAGO, July 19.-The big
stumbling block to a peaceful set
tlement of the civil rights issue in
the Democratic convention ap-
peared today to be the demand
of the Northern liberals for a
party declaration against Senate
filibustering. "a. 1c
There are definite signs that
the platform drafting committee
will be able to draw up a plank
describing the general objectives
of civil rights legislation in a
way both sides could accept.
But floor fight in the conven-
ton next week seems almost un-
avoidable over the issue of an
-filibuster rule for the Senate.
Lehman Maps Fight.
Senator Lehman of New York.
most outspoken advocate of
strong civil rights plank in the
drafting committee, said he would
appeal to the convention if the
platform leaves out the recon-
mendation for a change in Senate
Rule %. That rule requires the
votes of "a Senators to end de-
bate, and is blamed by the North
|erners for the defeat of civil
rights legislation up to now.
Representative Hays of Arkan-
sas, also on the drafting commit
tee, said he thought there would
be a floor fight if the platform
calls for compulsory FEPC, or
a change in Senate rules.
Senator Humphrey of Mime
sofa, a strong civil rights sup
porter, gave reporters what he
regards as an ''irreducible mini
mum" that should be in the plank
He said it must promise:
/. A Congressional guarantee of
equality of job opportunity.
. 2. A Congressional guarantee
of security for the person of the
individual "a pledge against mob
violence).
3. Equality of treatment in the
armed services.
4. Full and equal political par
ticipation for all persons, which
would be aimed at the poll tax
and other restrictions on voting.
Observers noted that this out
line contained no direct reference
to a compulsory FEPC". which
Is the sore spot for Southerners.
In fact, the 1948 plank. which
caused some Southern delegations
to take a walk. contained no
specific reference to FEPC. What
caused the trouble in 1948 was the
plank adopted on the convention
floor, which pledged support to
President Truman's civil rights
program, which included FEPC.
With President Truman not a
candidate for reelection this year,
the platform builders will have a
chance to describe the program
in general terms without referring
to the President in that part of
the platform.
Even Senator Humphrey told
reporters yesterday there is no
necessity for indorsing specific bills
in the platform. which is only sup
posed to be a declaration of party
principles. The Minnesota Senator
said he would regard it as a civil
rights victory If the plank can be
kept as strong as it was in 1948.
In 1948 there was no reference to
the Senate filibuster rule.
Door Left Open, He Says.
Asked if he would take part in
floor fight on a change in Senate
rules, Senator Humphrey said that
when the platform reaches the
floor he would be a private work.
ing under the generals" He de-
scribed Senators Lehman, Moody
and Douglas as the generals.
Senator Humphrey paid his re-
spects, however, to some delegates
he said have come to the conven-
ton not as Democrats, but as po-|
litical shoppers" He said they
have left the door wide open to
walk in or walk out"
He made it clear he was refer
ring to some of the Southern del
egations. which recessed their
State conventions after sending
their delegates to Chicago so that
they could meet and take further
action after they see what the
national convention does.
Senator Humphrey conceded
that the Democrats face the fight
of their life against the Eisen-
hover Nixon ticket. and he in
sisted the Democrats will need a.
strong statement of party princi-
pies to win.
Democratic National Chairman
Frank E. Mckinney apparently
foresaw a floor debate over civil
rights. when, in outlining the con-
vention program several days ago,
he allowed two hours for consid-
Grafton of the platform Wednes-
day afternoon.
Hearings Continuing.
Platform hearings will con-
itinue today and Monday morn
ing. The actual writing of the
Iplanks will not start until Mon
day night.
The wide open race for the