Evening star., 1952-06-14
Voting in DC.
Primary andU.S.
Elections Upheld
Opinion Is Offered
By 3 Democratic
Leaders Here

The opinion that vote in Tues
days primary will not impair the
right of District residents to vote
in their home State elections this
year was expressed today by three
Democratic leaders here.
National Committeeman Mel
win D. Hildreth declared, There
is no conflict between a District
of Columbia primary and a State
election in November.
1T would, of course. be unfair
to participate in two primary elec-
tions in two different localities,
but certainly it is reasonable to
suppose that to participate in the
unofficial primary of the District
in no way affects ones ability to
participate in the November home
State election"
Inquiries Received.
The statements were issued
after Democratic leaders here re-
ceived inquiries from Federal en-
|ployes about published reports to
the effect that if they voted in
the primary here they might be
stopped from participating in gen.
eral elections in their home States.
Gerhard Van Arkel, secretary of
the central committee, said attor-
Iney generals in 80 States have
ruled that vote in the District,
even if local elections are author
lied by act of Congress, will not
preclude the voter from partici-
pating in national elections in
home States.
Mr.. Van Arkel added:
1T is my considered judgment
that there is hardly a Scintilla of
|risk involved in voting in the Dis
ltrict primary so far as voting in
general elections is concerned"
Danger Called Theoretical.
A. L. Wheeler, chairman of the
central committee. declared "the
Legislative counsel of the House
has given the opinion that voting
in municipal election in the Dis
|trict would not prevent the elector
from voting in his home State.
On the basis of this. analogy it is
believed that the danger raised by
some is more theoretical than
real"
In his capacity as Senator
ketauver's campaign manager
here, Mr.. Van Arkel called on
Civil Service Commissioner Robert
Ramspeck to prevent improper in
f1uencing of Government workers
who plan to vote in the primary.
Mr.. Van Arkel's letter to Com
missioner Ramspeck was aimed at
the supporters of w. Averell Har-
|riman. who is contesting with
Senator Kefauver for the Districts
delegation to the Democratic con-
lvention.
Mr.. Van Arkel said the fact that
Secretary of Air Finletter, Treas
ury Undersecretary Edward H.
Foley and Assistant Secretary of
State Willard L. Thorp are be-
hind the Hartman candidacy
could have a direct influence on
the employees under them.
Every Precaution Urged.
1T is possible that some of their
immediate Subordinates may be
|oVerzealous where this campaign
lis concerned" the Kefauver
worker declared. He asked Mr..
Ramspeck to take every course
open to you to prevent the exer-
else of any improper influences
upon employees of the Federal Gov
ernment in an effort to induce
them to support any one candi-
date"
Mr.. Harriman's campaign man
ager here, Joseph L. Rauh, jr., an
lnounced formation of the United
District Labor Committee for Har-
riman. Co-chairmen are Robert
Baker. president of Transfers
Local 730. AFL, and George L. P.
Weaver, assistant to the secre-
tary-treasurer of CIO.
At luncheon meeting yester-
day. members of the Capital Press
Club heard pleas by Senator Doug
las, Democrat, of Illinois in behalf
of Senator Kefauver and by Sen
latOr Lehman. Democrat. of New