Evening star., 1955-10-26
Russell Stirs Speculation
Over Role Of South in Sc

Speculation over the role
Southern Democrats will play in
the 1856 national convention was
heightened today by the state
ment Of Senator Russell. Demo-
crat of Georgia. that he would
like to see his party nominate a
"middle-of -the-roader" for Pres
ident.
AS he got of a boat from Eu-
rope yesterday, Senator Russell
gave Gov. Frank Lausche of Ohio
a plug by throwing out his name
as one possible dark horse con-
tender. after declaring that some
of the other leading candidates
for the Democratic nomination
are too far to the left. He said
later he did not mention any
names in this connection.
In his Washington Office a
few hours later. Senator Russell
hastened to explain that he had
not intended to launch q cam
paign for Mr.. Lausche. He said
he thought Mr.. Lausche would
be a strong candidate, but added:
II said I am not for anybody
yet"
Stevenson Has Edge
Senator Russell said he thinks
Adlai E. Stevenson has the edge
over anyone else now, and prob
ably would be the nominee if the
convention were being held to-
morrow.
In 1852, Senator Russell made
a bid for the nomination him
self, and was the first choice of
Southern leaders. But he made it
clear he has no thought of be-
coming a candidate again next
year. He said he has graduated
from the favorite-Son class.
In an effort to draw him out
on other potential dark horses,
reporters asked about Senate
Majority Leader johnson Of
Texas.
Senator johnson would make
an excellent President, but I
don't know about his health or
his intentions" Senator Russell
replied.
Senator johnson is recuperat-
ing at his Texas home from a
heart attack he suffered during
the last session of Congress. He
is expected back in Washington
before Congress reconvenes in
January.
Asked If he thought the South
would unite on q candidate be-
fore the Democratic convention
meets, Senator Russell said that
would depend on who might
enter the race. But he added
that he doubts that all of the
Southern delegations would CEN
ter on single choice.
AS to Democratic prospects
for victory next year. Senator
Russell said:
II think we have an excellent
chance if we can keep the ex-
tremists on both sides In line. /
would naturally prefer to see a
middle of the : roader nomi-
mated"
Asked to comment on the Re-
publican situation. Senator Rus
sell said he has assumed that If
President Eisenhower does not
run, the Republicans will turn
to Chief Justice Earl Warren.
The Senator said he does not
think Chief Justice Warren has
eliminated himself as completely
as Gen. Sherman once did. (Gen.
Sherman said in 1884, II viii not
accept if nominated and will not
serve If elected" The Senator
added that it seemed to him
rather unusual for Chief JUS
tice to go around crowning as
many queens" and making as
many speeches as Mr.. Warren
has
Grasp Ivan's Hand
Commenting on his European
trip, Senator Russell said he
thinks the Russians still plan to
try to dominate the world. He
said they may have changed
their method and approach be-
cause of the realization of how
destructive another war would
be with the atom and hydrogen
bombs. He recommended that
the free nations grasp the hand
OF Ivan when he extends it." but
at the same time continue to
keep up adequate defense forces.
AS to American foreign-aid