Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-05-09
Arlington Is Told
Integrdtion Will
Close Schools
Stanley Says State
Will Invoke Law
Against z Cities

l-6OVs 0UuAhCy yesterday Chu-
toned Arlington and Charlottes-
vile to maintain segregated
schools. or the State will invoke
new legislation automatically
closing integrated' schools and
withdrawing financial support.
His comments at a press con-
ference were the first on, the
Arlington and Charlottesville Sit
uations since the Supreme Court
upheld lower court orders direct
ing the two communities to de-
lsegregate schools next fall.
A reporter asked what advice
he had to offer the two COM
munities.
THE only advice I could give
them is to use every power Of
persuasion they have against
Indignation" replied the Cover
nor. IF this fails we will have
to use the other legislation en-
acted by the General Assembly.
Would Close Schools
The "other legislation" he
mentioned includes one law
which automatically closes the
schools when indignation occurs.
The Governor steps in and tries
to reorganize the school on a
segregated basis. The local
governing body can ask the
Governor to step out and re-
open the affected school, but
State school funds will be with
drawn from the locality if the
school is reopened on an inte-
grated basis.
If nothing can be worked out
with these laws, the Governor
said I'VE would have to 60 to the
tuition grant BILL" the Associated
Press reported.
The State has appropriated 81
million to pay tuition grants for
the private education of children
wherever public schools are
closed. and wherever parents OBJ
ject their children attending
integrated schools which may be
operated by the localities with
out State aid.
SmOOt Answers
Gov. Stanley's comments drew
a prompt retort from Albert A
Smoot. former Alexandria Vice
Mayor who is seeking the Demo-
cratic nomination to the Vir-
Iginia House of Delegates.
THE truth has been admitted
at last. The cat is out OF the
bag. Gov. Stanley yesterday in
his statement at a press con-
ference at Richmond proved the
truth Of what have been say
ing all along" said Mr.. Smoot
He stated that his administra-
ton is willing to see public
schools close in Arlington Coun-
lty ind Charlottesville"
Opposing Mr.. Smoot In the
primary is the Democratic in
cumbent. James NJ. Thomson,
who supported Gov. Stanley's
anti-integration school program
at the special session Of the Vir-
ginia General Assembly last
fall.
Sees Clear Issues
This will happen in Alexan-
dria If Gov. Stanley and James
Thomson have their way" Mr.
Smoot said. The issue is now
clearly drawn between Mr.
Thomson and myself as candi-
dates No window dressing
no muddying Of the waters, nc
denial can change the facts that
Gov. Stanley and James Thorn
son are willing to close our public
schools regardless of the desires
OF the people in our community
Once again I pledge that will
do everything in my power to
see that our public. schools are
kept open"
Mr.. Smoot in his campaign
has advocated q locally admin
istered pupil assignment plan
which he acknowledges may re-
suit in some integration.
Meanwhile. Attorney Genera
J. Lindsay Almond. jr.. last night
called on Virginians for "rigic
and unyielding determination ir
fighting to preserve the Consti.
tuition Of the United States"