Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-04-17

|lntegrdfion No,
Political Matter
Virginia Official
ToIks to Foirfox
Democratic Group
BY ALEX r. PRESTON

BY ALEX r. PRESTON
Any attempt dominated by
political consideration to solve
the public school segregation
problem could lead to catas-
trophe Of stupendous proper
tions." 1t. Gov. A. E. s. Stephens
of Virginia warned fellow Demo-
Gratis in Alexandria last night.
Under no circumstances, he
told q Jefferson-Jackson Day
dinner of the Fairfax County
Democratic Committee, should
Virginia consider abandoning its
public free school system in the
face Of the Supreme Court de-
cision.
ct is my humble opinion, :"
Mr.. Stephens declared, that
next to our churches. our system
of public free schools is our most
precious possession. It is UNI
thinkable to me that any con-
sideration should be given to its
elimination as a primary means
of solving our present dilemma. I"
The speaker. who is prom
inently mentioned as a likely
candidate for Governor in 1857.
told his audience in Hunting
Towers:
Not Political
This is not a political ques-
ton, and to approach it on any
such basis should visit upon the
heads of the offending parties
mortal shame"
Mr.. Stephens, who is presid-
ing officer of the State Senate.
predicted that the 1856 General
Assembly will "be the most i'm
portant one since the adoption
Of the (State) constitution in
1902"
In addition to segregation, he
listed roads and pressing needs
for capital OUTLAWS for State in
stitutions as among major items
facing next years lawmakers.
almost overnight" he said, "a
system Of State highways that
was reputed to be among the
finest in the United States was
found to be in some measure
outmoded and inadequate. !.
Every consideration dictates that
under no circumstances can we
permit this condition to con-
tinue."
His next statement reminded
his listeners of the position taken
by Senator Byrd, head Of vir-
ginia's Democratic organization,
in opposing President Eisen-
hower's Federal highways pro-
gram. Said Mr.. Stephens:
Certainly we cannot express
our dislike of the new Federal
plan for highway improvement
if we stand idly by and take
no constructive steps toward
solution Of the problem.
Calls for Review
1T is my thought that this
question is not only one of addi-
tional funds. but also calls for
a careful review Of our entire
policies"
Mr.. Stephens reviewed requests
from various State institutions.
showing capital outlay needs
totalling $244 million for the
next six years.
'If we reduce these requests
by so per cent. we still have a
figure of about 500 Million" he
said. Assuming the latter figure
is a more realistic one the
need will have to be met either
through the medium of new
taxes or some alternative method
of financing which, as Of this
moment. has not been suggested.
Here, again. we cannot sit on
our hands"
Mr.. Stephens opened his re-
marks in a purely political vein.
He said he did not propose ito
use weasel words" He Lit into
Republicans as the "bifurcated"
party with "one-half singing to
its national leader, I Love You
Truly and the other half chant
ing, I'll Be Glad When You're
Dead, You Rascal YOU"
II said in 1852 and I repeat
here tonight that the &c. o. P.)
campaign promises of 1852 were,
in the main, snares and delu-
sions designed solely to entice
the average voter to embrace the
cause Of the Republican Party"
Some of his listeners recalled
that in 1852 Mr.. Stephens was
one OF the few high Virginia
Democrats who actively cam
paigned for Adlai Stevenson
while Virginia's Senator Byrd
looked the other way.