Evening star., 1952-06-03
The Political Mil

TOT OII6HSIVe DlOW
Hos Done Well in 6. or.
Ruce Despite Hondieops
By Gould Lincoln
KANSAS CITY, June 3.-Ike is back.
Furthermore, he has placed himself In
position to strike blow for the Repub-
Hcan presidential nomination.
The managers Of the Eisenhower
President drive-Senators Lodge Of Mas
sachusettS, Carlson Of Kansas and Duff
Of Pennsylvania and former Senator
Harry Darby of Kansas. find themselves
vindicated. They insisted Ike would be
back in this country and out of uniform
long enough before the opening Of the
Republican national convention. in time
to make clear to the American people
his stand on the issues Of the day.
The general has done pretty well, up
to date, In spite Of his being 5000 miles
away. According to tabulations made
by the Associated Press, he has gathered
In 387 delegates who are known to be
pledged or committed to him in some
way. and by the United Press, 397. And
these figures will be increased immedi-
ately.
In addition, Gen. Eisenhower's mana
gers insist that many of the unpledged
and uncommitted and uninstructed dele
gates will plump for the general on the
first ballot in the national convention.
or on the second, or third, If that seems
to be the best tactics.
Does Remarkably Well.
Where the people have balloted their
preference for the Republican presiden-
tial nomination, Gen. Eisenhower has
done remarkably well. Because Of his
Army position, he was unable to enter
some Of the primaries-for example.
Wisconsin. But in New Hampshire, New
Jersey. Oregon, Pennsylvania and Mas
sachusetts, he rolled up impressive totals
far ahead Of any and all competitors.
Despite the claims that the Midwest
was Taft territory, Gen. Eisenhower has
made an excellent showing in that sec
tion. In Iowa. Kansas and Missouri, he
picked up the great majority Of the dele
gates. Colorado. q State that early in
the year the Taft managers claimed for
the Ohio Senator. Gen. Eisenhower
wound up with practically the whole
delegation.
On the Atlantic Coast, which includes
New England, the Eisenhower forces
have won without much difficulty, not
withstanding the organization. Old
Guard Republicans who backed Senator
Taft. The Taft people still claim they
will have the majority of the Pennsyl-
vania delegates. They have 18 out Of
the 70, to 20 for Gen. Eisenhower. The
80 others are expected to follow Gov.
Fine-and there is a growing belief that
the Governor will finally 60 along with
his old team-mate. Senator Duff.
Strength ON Pacific.
Gen. Eisenhower stands well on the
Pacific Coast, too. He has all of the
Oregon delegates and 20 Of Washing
tons to 4 for Taft. California's 70
Republican leaders say that States
delegates will be for Gov. Warren-but
that when and II Gov. Warren releases
his delegates, 65 Of them will be found
voting Immediately for Gen. Eisen-
hover.
According to the Associated Press
tabulation, Senator Taft leads Gen.
Eisenhower in the States Of the South
those States which have been un-
compromisingly Democratic since Re-
construction days. except in 1928, when
the religious issue turned them away
from al Smith. The figures show SEN
ator Taft with 78 delegates committed
70 him In those States. to 20 for Ike.
This does not include Texas, Georgia
and Mississippi delegations. which will
be under contest. and which the Taft
forces hope to win because of their
dominance in the Republican National
Committee, and the expected Creden-
tials Committee Of the national con-
vention.
Five Weeks to Work.
Although the only chance for the
Republican candidate for President to
carry any OF these Southern States
next November is to get votes of DEM
ocrats, the Taft people have complained
bitterly that Southern Democrats have
gone into county, district and State Re-
publican conventions to support Gen.
Eisenhower.
In Louisiana and Texas, particularly.
the Taft forces. unable to show majori-
ties in the called county conventions,
bolted and held conventions of their
own. It seems sensible, however, that
If the Southern Democrats are to be
asked to come over and vote for Presi-
dent in November they should at least
express their preference for the Repub-
lican candidate.
Ike is back. In the remaining five
weeks before the Republicans meet in
Chicago to nominate q candidate he
can do much to strengthen himself. He
may convince. for example, q lot Of
Republicans who are running for elec-
ton as Governors and members Of Con.
gress and State Offices they stand q
better chance II he Is the standard
bearer.