Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-04-22

In the wings, in case the best-laid
plans go wrong and gaps threaten.
Republicans seem more attached
to this device than Democrats, pos
sibly because they see more nkeli-
hood of dull spots.
. A tighter control over demon
strations," those supposedly spon-
taneous wild parades. replete with
placardS and other convention
paraphernalia, where City Hall
hangers-on or other unfortunates
often are drafted to pretend to be
enthusiastic delegates. This is a
delicate problem, both parties agree.
Despite the phony overtones, the
demonstration is one Of the typical
and colorful aspects of the conven-
ton. The parties will probably
limit their efforts to ban on non
delegates in demonstrations, and
they may make mild try at a
time limit for each performance.
Cut Awoy the Dull Spots
Both parties plan to have the
major convention committees meet
well in advance Of the conventions,
SO that they will be ready to bring
in reports soon after the chairman
pounds the opening gavel.
The platform committees Of both
parties traditionally have held hear
ings the week ahead Of the con-
ventions, with special interest
groups coming before them to urge
a great many matters. But the
actual platforms generally have not
been drafted until the conventions
we're well under way. Frequently
platform committee wrangles have
kept convention from getting on
with the more exciting business of
nominations.
The credentials committees will
hear any contests well in advance
(the dates for certifying delegates
have been advanced, giving the
committees a chance to start work
earlier). Where necessary, commit
tee representatives will go to the
scene where there is a dispute. It
Is hoped that this will reduce, If
not eliminate. the amount Of linen
washing in front of the TV camera.
The polling of State delegations
one Of the biggest headaches to
televiewers the last time, according
to mail received by the National
Committees-will not this time in
terfere with general convention
business. A representative of the
chairman will go to the delegation
and conduct the poll, while the
general roll call continues. There
still could be a public poll if one
third of a States delegates de-
mand it.
In addition the Republicans are
doing a good bit Of yelled talking
about greater use of visual aids"
Movie actor George Murphy, who
is past Republican State chairman
for California. is a special consult
ant to the G. o. P. Arrangements
Committee and committee mem
berS stress the fact that they plan
to put on a good show"
1--WE can't promise that ~ circus
girls on IL white elephants will
come prancing down the middle of
the aisle. But we do have a few
surprises UP our sleeves" says Mrs.
Charles w. Weis, jr., national COM
mitteewoman for New York and
chairman of q special program
planning subcommittee for the con-
vention.
"As q matter Of fact, we could
put on q Barnum g. Bailey circus
with all the elephants that have
been offered US. both live and
mechanical" she added.
Security Is Strict
Republicans are keeping their
visual" gadgets . secret, but Mrs.
Weis did admit that they hope to
do something pretty special with
the new party platform.
"The platform is the most impor-
tant document Of a political party,
but 1t lulls everybody to Sleep" she
said. I'VE hope to present it in an
enchanting way this time"
Democrats are inclined to sniff
at the show business approach.
There seems to be more and more
Madison avenue lingo creeping into
politics." says Clayton Fritchey,
deputy chairman Of the Democratic
National Committee. I'VE hear 4
lot about making things visual
When you look into It It usually
boils down to some chart hanging
on the wall.
"A platform 10 Q platform. They
may be thinking Up tllmbling ele-
plants and red. white and blue
animated cartoons. When you come
right down to it, the main show is
the convention. People break their
backs trying to get in to see 1t.
There's nothing like 1t anywhere
else in the world"
But Mr.. Fritchey adds that the
Democrats, too. are making ar
rangements to brighten up the dull
spots - although. like the Repub-
lican ofi1cials. he won't 90 into
detail. He declares. however. that
we aren't going 70 make a Madison
avenue spectacular out Of It."