Evening star., 1953-11-12
JoyiaI Ex resident
Parties Questions on
Stroll in New York
BY the Associated Press

BY the Assoeiotsd Press
NEW YORK, Nov. 12.-For-
mer President Truman took one
of the most hectic early morn
ing walks of his career today as
some 80 reporters and photogra-
pliers trailed him.
This was all before any one
knew what his attitude would be
toward a subpoena to appear be-
fore a congressional committee
in Washington. He cheerfully
parried most questions on the
subject during the stroll after
leaving the Waldorf Astoria
Hotel.
The horde of newsmen was
there to find out what Mr.. Tru-
man was going to do.
He was jostled, showed and
pushed. Well-wishers joined the
accompanying newSmen. Micro
phones were showed in his face.
Lets just take our walk" he
pleaded at one point.
Parries and Spars.
For the most part Mr.. Tru-
man refused to answer questions
about the Harry Dexter White
case. He parried and he spared.
He was jovial throughout.
One newsman asked him how
it felt being on the defense"
II never have been on the
Defense" he replied quickly,
land never expect to be-"
In answer to other questions
he said the decision of Gov.
James F. Byrnes not to go to
Washington in response to a
similar committee subpoena
would have no effect on his own
decision. Gov. Byrnes, who has
said that while Secretary of
State he discussed the FBI re-
port on White with Mr.. Truman,
questioned the committees
power to summon a governor to
Washington, but agreed to meet
interrogators in Columbia, S. C.
Mr.. Truman also said he had
no comment on President Eisen-
hower'S press conference state
ment yesterday that he per-
sonally would not have sub
poenaed Mr.. Truman.
Suggestion Unheeded.
The walk must have been one
OF the most harried of Mr.. Tru-
mans career. Unable to pro-
ceed at his usual gait, he turned
once to the crowd and said, IF
you'll string along two by two,
then we can get on with our
morning walk"
The suggestion went un-
needed. Curiosity-seekers COM
peted with the newsmen to get
near him.
A man pushed next to him and
asked him to autograph Mr..
Truman'S biography "Mr. Presi-
dent" When he refused to give
Mr.. Truman his name because
II work on Wall Street." Mr..
Truman quipped, Don't worry.
I won't hurt YOU"
Answers Light Questions.
When neWsman asked why
he indicated yesterday he might
have a statement today, Mr.. .Tru-
man replied. "I wanted you fell
lows to take a walk. I'm doing
you some good"
Throughout the stroll up Park
avenue to 58th street, east to
Lexington avenue and then south
to the Waldorf Astoria at 49th
street, Mr.. Truman answered any
light question readily, but quickly
repliedf mo comment" to any
serious question.
AS Mr.. Truman and his long
time Missouri friend, Edward
Jacobsen, finally entered the ho-
tel for breakfast, Mr.. Truman
said he planned to leave New
York Saturday, expected to re-
main indoors until he addressed
the Americans Friends of Hebrew
University tonight.
Mr.. Truman went to a Broad
way show last night and found
he made big hit with fellow
theater-goers.
The audience cheered the for
mer President and his party
when they arrived and again
after the show was over. There
were shouts of Give 'em hell,
Harry!"
Mr.. Truman was accompanied
by Mrs. Truman, daughter Mar
garet and her escort. Robert
Diendorfer, a magazine writer.
They saw '"Phe Teahouse of the
August Moon," one of the sea-
sons hits