Evening star., 1960-09-18

and loud enough-to warm the
heart of any candidate.
This was the case in the
South. in the Far West and in
five Midwestern States where
the farm problem and the un-
popular policies of Secretary
of Agriculture Benson are a
problem for Mr.. Nixon.
Troubling Undercurrents
But the crowds and their en-
thusiaSm can't obscure some
troubling undercurrents appar-
ent during this first week of
fun -fledged campaigning. These
are the international situation,
an economy creaking in some
places, and, most of all, the
extremely delicate religious is
sue, which can influence the
election Importantly.
OF these, the religious issue
seems to be the most pervading.
Even a rapid swing across the
country underscores one fact:
The issue of the Catholic
faith of Senator Kennedy, the
Democratic nominee, by no
means is confined to the South.
It shows up as a major issue
in the Middle West, in Texas
and parts of the Southwest.
and to some extent in the Far
West.
An Illinois public figure who
did not want to be quoted by
name said it may turn out to
be the overriding issue in his
State, for example: DownState
Illinois aboundS in fundamen-
talist sects and this, it was ex-
planned. is why it has become
such an issue.
In Indiana, observers re-
ported. it is much the same. In
Texas one man, asked about
what would be the big influence
in the election, laconically an
swered: Southern BaptiSts.
More than any other group,
Others said, the Southern Bap-
lists are taking the. lead in
opposing Senator Kennedy.
OvershadOws Farm Problem
In Idaho, with its many Nor
mons, the religious question
has cast long shadow over
Democratic prospects, observ-
ers there reported.
In many Of the Midwestern
States, particularly Iowa, the
issue seems to be overshadow-
ing the farm problem and,
many think, may Offset entirely
what some call Mr.. Nixon's
Benson problem"
Random sampling during the
Vice Presidents 172 mile
motorcade yesterday from
Omaha. Neb., to Des MoineS
through Iowa'S rich and roll
ing corn country seemed to
bear this out.
At Red Oak. Iowa, L. H.
Eggers, retired mail carrier and
farmer, said the religious issue
is having IAN awful lot of ef-
feet" He added: TITS his (Sen-
ator Kennedy'S) biggest trou-
BILE here"
Religion Is Touchy Subject
A young business executive,
Milo Brabec Of Red Oak, said:
Its a pretty touching thing.
The people. we'll they're a little
afraid :" Many others in
tervtewed along the way
agreed.
All during the week Mr..
Nixon said the religious issue
had no part in the campaign.
He imposed a CUTOFF on ques-
tions about it since the queries,
he said, only served to increase
controversy.
For the Vice President, a
Quaker, this Is a matter of
principle. For his campaign
directors, it is not only a mat
ter of principle but also a
matter for concern on another
score.
This thing cuts both ways"
said one. He expressed fears
that the controversy, if height
ened, might arouse resentment
of Catholics and others and
cut into the Republican nomi-
nee's strength in New York,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and
Michigan, with their heavy
Catholic populations. These
States have a total of 113 cleo
toral votes, or a little less than
one-third Of those needed to
win.
Farmers Not So Poor
The farm problem, for other
reasons, may turn out to be
no great handicap for Mr.
Nixon. While there is a lot
Of grumbling, there is well
being as well.
Said a well-dreSsed Council
Bluffs Qowa) businessman
The poor farmer isn't so poor
He has a couple of Cadillacs
and televiSion and deep freez.
ers."
Another said, 1.-THE farmers
just like to complain all the
time"
The Vice President and hi.
advisers regard the issue Al
mostly a psychological factor,
and are dealing with it accord
ingly. He has managed to dis
associate himself from MI
Benson and his unpopular poll
cieS as far as many MidweSterl
voters are concerned. and i