Evening star., 1952-10-14
Byrd 10 Break
Election Silence
In Ta|kFriday
He'll Discuss Issues,
But May Not Reveal
Support, Aides Soy
By John v. Homer


political seclusion this week to de-
liver speech that could tip the
scales in Virginia between Gov.
Stevenson and Gen. Eisenhower.
The boss of Virginia's conserva-
tive Democratic organization has
scheduled an address on "The Is
sues of the Campaign" that will
be broadcast over a Statewide
radio hook-up at $50 pm. Friday.
Senator Byrd gave no advance
indication how the two presi-
dental candidates are shaping up
in his estimation and many Vir-
ginians hope he will say whom he
will support November A. But some
highly placed politicians thought
he might leave that question un-
answered.
Silent Since Convention.
The Senator, a frank critic of
the Roosevelt and Truman admin
istrations. has been silent on the
Democratic ticket headed by Gov.
Stevenson ever since the party
convention in Chicago. His close
political associate, former Gov.
William M. Tuck, not only has
kept quiet about the party slate
but quit as Democratic State
chairman because he was unwill-
ing to campaign for it.
Immediately after Senator Byrd
announced he would make the
Friday address. Mr.. Tuck disclosed
that he probably would have an
announcement on the presidential
race the latter part of this week
or the first part of next.
Gov. Battle, who succeeded MIR.
Tuck at Richmond with the back
ing of Senator Byrd's organiza-
ton. has taken the lead in Vir-
ginia- for the election of Gov.
Stevenson. But another close
friend of Senator Byrd-Gov.
Byrnes of South Carolina-recent-
1y broke from the party ticket and
is campaigning for Gen. Eisen-
hover.
No matter what Senator Byrd
says in his radio speech, his views
are bound to have impact outside
the State.
II he should fatty indorse the
national Democratic ticket, he
would surprise most every one and
his statement would virtually as
sure Gov. Stevenson of the IL elec-
toral votes in Virginia. Such an
Endorsement would be the signal
for the ByrdsSupporters through
out the State to work seriously for
the party nominees.
If Senator Byrd should indorse
Gen, Eisenhower, the outcry from
regular" Democrats would be
loud, both inside and outside the
State. This course probably would
be the clincher for Gen. Eisen-
hover in Virginia.
The announced subject of his
address indicates he will discuss
campaign issues. only. If he does
this. he could indorse or reject
portions of the party platforms. or
statements Of the presidential can
didates, without direct indorse-
ment Of either.
Fairly Even Split Reported.
The Democratic situation in
Virginia is critical this year be-
cause Of increasing opposition to
the Fair Deal and because a large
number of Byrd organization
Democrats have switched to Gen.
Eisenhower. Most reliable polls
in recent weeks indicate a fairly
even split between voters over the
Stevenson and Eisenhower candi-
dacieS.
To help the Democratic cause,
the State committee has arranged
for Vice President Barkley to
speak in behalf of the Sevenson-
Sparkman ticket at Danville next
Tuesday afternoon. Mr.. Barkley
already has agreed to address a
Northern Virginia Democratic
rally in Washington-Lee High
School,. Arlington, Friday night.
On the Republican front. State
G. o. P. Chairman S. Floyd Lam
dreth and National Committeeman
Ted Dalton came to Washington
today to confer with Eisenhower
headquarters on plans for the
final weeks of campaign strategy