Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-08-08
South Cautious
InltsReaCtionto
Stevenson View
IIIinoison Asks Plank
Supporting Courts
Ban Of Segregation
BY J. A. O'LEARY

STAR CONVENTION BU-
REAU. CHICAGO, Aug. 8.-The
first rumbling sounds of pos
sible discord between the South
erners and the Stevenson foes
over civil rights were heard here
today.
They arose from a statement
by Adlai Stevenson yesterday
that he has had "a very strong
feeling that the platform should
express unequivocal approval" of
the Supreme Courts decision
against segregated schools.
The Southerners were cautious
and reticent in their immediate
reaction. But some of them made
no secret of the fact that they
are unhappy over this direct
suggestion from Mr.. Stevenson
that he wants the Supreme
Courts school decision Endorsed
III the platform.
Is Leaders Meet
A group OF more than IL
Southern leaders decided in a
conference late last night to wait
and see whether the Platform
Committee follows the Stevenson
suggestion before taking any ac-
ton to upset the unity that has
prevailed thus far.
After the other Southern lead
ers had left two-hour confer
ence IN the Palmer House, how
ever, their spokesman, Gov.
Coleman of Mississippi, made two
significant statements to re-
porters.
/. He said that whatever the
South does at this convention it
Will do unanimously.
2. He emphasized that what
the platform contains is more
important to the South than the
nominee.
Gov. Coleman denied that he /
had called a Southern caucus be-
cause of Mi. Stevenson's state
ment. But he admitted the inter-
view was discussed. He said a
number of his friends had merely
dropped in at his hotel room for
a general discussion of the plat
form
Anxious to Avoid Split
Gov Coleman made it clear
that the Southerners are anx-
lous to avoid party split this
year, II possible. At the same
time, he indicated this does not
mean the South will go along if
an extreme plank on civil rights
is adopted.
1T is our opinion" he said, T
that platforms are written by
the Platform Committee, subject
to the approval of the conven-
ton. The committee has not
even considered the subject yet.
We will not make statement
until the committee acts on the
platform. Of course, we dis
cussed all possible angles, and
all possible solutions. But. not
being prophets, we did not plan
any definite course.
There was a complete meet
ing of the minds on all questions.
The South, whatever its action
may be in this convention. will
be totally unanimous. There
have been differences in the
past, but that will not be the
case here.
We are going to wait until
we see what the whole picture
Is and act accordingly. Missis-
Slppl is 4 Democratic State. We
are up here to do our best to-
stay in the Democratic Party.
and to carry Mississippi for the
party"
Hopes for Better Hearing"
Gov. Coleman also said he
believes the Democrats from
other parts Of the country on
the platform committee ARE
going to give us a better hearing
on this issue than we have had"
on some occasions. land we are
banking on that"
In answer to questions. Gov
Coleman said, Il have said all
along that l considered Steven
son the best friend of the South
among the active candidates for
the nomination - But he also
said the Mississippi delegation is
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