Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-09-13
Gov. Stanley Will Use
Every Means 10 Keep
Schools Segregated
By Alex R. Preston
Star Stoff Correspondent

RICHMOND. Sept. 49, Ex-
pressing concern for "mainte-
nance of educational opportuni-
ties" m Virginia, Gov. Stanley
today told a special legislative
commission that he would use
every legal means at his COM
mand to preserve segregated
public schools.
The Governor opened the first
session of the 32-member COM
mission. recently appointed by
him, by recommending that it
hold early public hearings so that
it can determine sentiment of
the people and make recommen-
dations before the Supreme
Court hands down final decree
in the matter.
Whatever program or legis-
lation is proposed and adopted, :"
Gov. Stanley said, sit can sue
coed only if it is in accord with
the will of the people,"
Sentiment of People.
He also said, 1.-THE sentiment
Of the pepole of Virginia has
been expressed to me by letter,
telegram, telephone and in per-
son: I am convinced beyond
doubt that the overwhelming
majority of the white people wish
to continue segregation of the
races in public schools. On the
other hand, it would appear that
numerous Negro citizens desire
an indignation of the races"
Last May, the Supreme Court
ordered four States, including
Virginia, and the District of Co.
lumbia to abolish segregation iii
public schools. The court will
reconvene next month to hear
final arguments and has invited
suggestions in form of briefs
from a total of II Southern
States. where the races are sepa-
rated in schools.
II firmly believe that both pub
lie sentiment and the best in
tereSts of both races demand
continued segregation" the Gov
ernor told the lawmakers.
Hopes for Cooperation.
II hope we will have the CO.
operation of both races to main
tain segregation and thereby
minimize the harmful effects of
the decision of the court.
The Governor estimated that
two months or more may elapse
before final briefs are filed with
the Supreme Court.
AS the commission of 10 dele
gates and 10 State senators
convened in the State Capitol
building, Attorney General j.
Lindsay Almond, jr.. and State
Supt. of Public Instruction Dow
ell j. Howard were standing by
for consultation.
The commission was expected
to GO into closed session after
it selects a chairman.
Strong Support for Gray.
There was considerable sup
port behind State Senator GAR
land Gray, of Waverly, for
chairman. He is a probable
candidate for Governor three
years hence and recently headed
a get-together of 20 legislators
at Petersburg, which passed a
resolution declaring their in
tention Ito preserve our present
school facilities for the two
races"
There was no direct indication
in the Governors statement that
he desired the Virginia legisla-
ture to follow the identical
course that is being taken in
Mississippi, where the lower
house of the legislature already
has approved a resolution abol- |
iShing a State constitutional
to maintain pub |
lie schools there.
A few weeks ago, however, |
Gov. Stanley said he hoped |
the Virginia commission would |
solve the problem within the
framework of the State con-
stitution. by amendment If nee
essary. Some lawmakers pro-
posed at the General Assembly
earlier this year that the State
constitution be amended to re-
move the provision for manda-
tory maintenance of public
schools. /