Evening star., 1952-03-30
Stuns Jefferson-Jackson Diners;
Cries Of No, No! Greet News
Porty's Leaders
Begin Scramble
Over Top Spot

President Truman'S announce
ment that he would not be a can
didate for reelection fell like a
bombshell on most of the Demo-
cratic Stalwarts dining at the
Armory last night.
When he made his statement
even his personal staff appeared
electrified. Presidential Secretar-
les William D. Hassett and Joseph
Short were sitting at a table just
below the President. Mr.. Hassett
told a reporter that it was news to
him and that he believed 1t was
to all the Presidents staff.
Leslie L. Biff1e, secretary Of the
Senate and a veteran party wheel
horse, was as surprised as every
body else, but he came up with
this:
I'm for Barkley 100 per cent
and you can quote me-"
Senator Humphrey Democrat,
of Minnesota), a strong admins
tration supporter, said he had
expected the announcement "for
"a long time. but, ! didn't look
for it tonight"
Says Picture is Opened.
Senator Humphrey added tina:
the Presidents action "had opened
up the picture to a number Of
good presidential possibilities"
The electrifying tidings touched
of an immediate middle the
might scurry among other Demo-
Gratis for the top spot on the
|party's 1852 ticket.
Mr.. Truman gave his support
to no one. apparently throwing
the race wide open.
In the audience sitting about
so feet away from the President
was Senator Russell of Georgia
who recently announced his can
|didacy for the Presidency. He told
reporters later:
II didn't look for it tonight, but
III believed all along it would be
his decision. I am glad he made
IIt tonight. and I hope that 1t
means q free convention
In addition to Senator Russell
another possible Democratic can
didate present was Gov. Adlai
stevenson of Illinois whom many
have regarded as the Truman heir
|apparent. Gov. Stevenson, how
ever, has insisted that he is in
tereSted only in seeking re-
election in Illinois.
Kefauver Was Absent.
Senator Kefauver Of TenneS-
see, who was the first Democrat
to announce for the nomination
is campaigning in Nebraska to-
might and Senator Kerr, who has
said he would be receptive to the
nomination should President Tru-
man not see fit to run, was in Salt
Lake City.
Former Senator Lucas, who was
majority leader before his defeat
in 1850. pointed out that Gov
Aldai Stevenson Of Illinois is ir
a strange" position. If he is re-
nominated for Governor on Apri
8. Mr.. Lucas pointed out, he must
continue to run for Governor unit
the convention has an oppOrtu-
nifty to act.
Mr.. Lucas said that he fell
satisfied Gov. Stevenson woulo
accept the nomination if the con.
vention rendered it despite Gov
Stevenson's disavowal Of Presi.
Dental ambition.
Mr.. Lucas also said that this
puts Vice President Barkley ir
the picture.
It was noticeable at last nights
dinner that the Vice President
has a terrific hold on the rank
and file Of the Party.
Barkley is Applauded.
When he changed from ont
head table to another midway
in the dinner, the band playet
MY Old Kentucky Home" ant
|, the audience rose and applauded
1 Later. when the Vice Presiden
spoke, he was interrupted by ap'
plause 90 times and at the enc
Of his speech he received anothe
standing ovation.
The Vice President will be z!
lin November, has been enjoying
good health and only recentl!
rallied strongly after an opera
ton for removal of a cateract IL
, one eye.
In Hastings, Nebr., Senate
i Kefauver said that since Presi
dent Truman "does not desire th'
nomination am sure he will wan
the people to have the fulles