Evening star., 1952-07-18

Hartley Act. Senator Byrd is one
of those responsible for the Russell
candidacy.
2. Former Gov. Tuck, new
chairman of the Virginia Demo-
cratic Party, delivered the keynote
speech. but deleted all compli-
mentary remarks about Senator
Russell from printed texts of his
address which had been distrib-
uted to newspapers.
g. Mr.. Tuck disclosed that the
convention had been ready to in
dorse Senator Russell when news
of the Taft-Hartley statement in
Chicago was received here.
4. The convention adopted a.
resolution making it possible for
Virginia Democrats to bolt the ma
tional party if the nominee Sc
lected in Chicago is unacceptable
to the South.
Party Leaders Aroused.
Newspaper accounts that Sena-
tor Russell had denounced the
Taft-Hartley law in a bid for
Northern labor's support aroused
party leaders in Virginia.
Senator Byrd said, II am in
favor of retaining the law essen
TALLY as it is. I can't agree with
Senator Russell that it is weighted
against labor"
Dick Russell is a friend of
mine." Senator Byrd said, land
have always been strong for him.
1t is my inclination and desire
to continue my support but I first
would like to have further clarifi-
cation of his position"
Senator Byrd made this state
ment after Senator Russell had
telephoned him from Chicago yes
terday morning to get Virginia's
reaction to his statement.
Il told him I didn't like it a
Bit" said Senator Byrd. who also
received a long telegram from
Senator Russell later in the day.
Tuck's Comment.
Mr.. Tuck, whose keynote ad-
dress was a fiery denunciation of
the Truman administration, civil
rights legislation and corruption
in Government. was asked for
comment on Senator Russell's
position.
"At first we were going to in
dorse him at the convention" Mr..
Tuck said. That doesn't mean
I am for him or against him.
may go to Chicago and support
him"
Senator Byrd was firm in a
statement that he does not want
the presidential nomination.
The convention followed a pre-
cedent set in 1948 which leaves it
to the discretion of the State Cen
trail Committee to call another
convention after delegates return
from Chicago.
This is in accord with the "anti-
Truman law" passed during Mr.
Tuck's administration as Cover
nor. Under that law. the Vir-
ginia Democratic Party can sup
port a candidate other than one
selected at the National Conven-
ton. and put the favorite on the
ballot in the Democrats place
Other candidates still can get or
the ballot, however.
Truman Carried States in 194S.
In 1948, the State convention
instructed delegates to attempt tt
nominate Gen. Eisenhower. Aftel
President Truman was renom.
mated, however, Virginia failee
to call another convention to ge
behind some one else and tn,
President carried the State.
Other resolutions adopted in
cluded one to remove the wore
white" from the party plan
definition of persons eligible t,
vote in primaries. The effect o
this is to abolish the limitation
to white persons although Negroe
have participated in Virgini
primaries for some time.
Another resolution require
local State central committees
select vice chairmen of a Sc
opposite that of the chairman i
order to give women more repre-
sentation in party affairs.
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