Evening star., 1952-11-28
Clio Struggle 10 Find
New Leader May End
In Open Floor Fight
BY the Associated Press

ATLANTIC CITY, N. j., Nov. %.
-neleeates to the 14th CIO con-
vention gathered here today for a
showdown on the selection of a
new president.
The task of picking a new chief
to fill the post left vacant by the
death of Philip Murray might lead
to an open and public fight. Since
early this week, top CIO leaders
have been meeting in New York
and Washington in an attempt to
make a choice.
So far. they have repeatedly re-
manned deadlocked. The only
avowed contenders for the organi-
zatlon'S top spot are Walter P.
Reuther. president of the United
Auto Workers. and Allan S. Hay
wood. who does not head union.
but who has the support of the
United Steel Workers Union.
High CIO officials were to meet
in executive session this afternoon
to continue their earlier talks.
Among them will be nine vice
presidents and Secretary-Tre
urer James B. Carey.
The actual convention-which
lasts a week-doesn't get under
way until Monday morning. And
a busy week it will be, with many
prominent speakers scheduled to
appear.
Haywood Maintains Support.
But the selection of the new
president will overshadoW all
other convention proceedings.
Reports have circulated that Mr..
Reuther would be willing to-
carry his fight for the post to the
convention floor only if he was
fairly certain Of victory.
MI. HaywoodS major strength,
the -milllon-Strong
steel workers union also gave no
indication of weakening. A num-
ber of small unions are reported
supporting Mr.. Haywood.
A roll call vote-a precedent at
CIO conventions-will decide the
question if floor fight does come
UP. This development, should 1t
materialize. probably wouldn't
happen until the middle OF the
week.
The new president will be the
ORGANIZATIONS third. John L..
Lewis was the first CIO chief,
elected in 1898. He resigned two
wears later and was succeeded by
Mr.. Murray, who died November 9.
Other Issues Pending.
Four other significant issues are
10 be discussed at the convention
These are the question of unity
with the American Federation OF
Labor, the matter of CIO political
action, the relationship between
the CIO and the new Republican
CONGRESS and the White House
plans for new organization cam
paigns.
Among the many scheduled
sneakers is Gov. Adlai E. Steven
son of Illinois, defeated Demo-
cratic candidate for President. His
talk is set for Wednesday,
Several CIO leaders, including
Mr.. Haywood, have said the Or
eanization is ready to explore the
question of unity with the AFL.
Last Tuesday George Meany'
ejscted to succeed the late William
Green as AF'L president. said his
ce0up is ready, willing ana
anxious to talk to the C1O ABOUT
tie very vital issue OF unity IN
the United States labor move
ment.'
To Survey Field.
The entire field of labor par
ticIpation in politics probably VIII
be discussed, too. The CLOS Po-
ltical Action Committee fought
hard in the recent presidential
campaign to elect a Democratic
administration and many candi-
dates for Senate, House and state
Offices. It's possible that conVen-
ton delegates might lay plans for
a more intensive political action
campaign between elections.
Since the new CIO president
will be the first during Repub-
lican administration, there prob
ably will be a sharp change in the
relationship between the White
House and the CIO, which was
founded in the mid-30s.
Along with discussing plans for
a new organization campaign will
be a review of the CLOS organiz-