St. Paul recorder., 1963-03-07
A Trip To
Washington
Washington Diary
BY CECIL NEWMAN


February IL after visiting with
Clifford E. Rucker at the Depart
ment of Commerce, meeting Secre-
tary Luther Hodges and his as
sistant Eugene Foley we shook
hands with Cliff and headed for the
office of Senator Hubert H. Hum
phrey in the new Senate office
building.
We met Mr.. Bennett there. Our
appearance was a surprise to our
senior senator. Bennett who made
the appointment had not informed
his office we editor was along.
The Senator looking tired but
still exuberant, joshed us for not
letting him know we were coming
to Washington. He made us known
to new staff members as he usual
ly does his long affinity with the
Minneapolis Spokesman and st.
Paul Recorder papers. There are %
people on his staff.
The Senator never neglects the
opportunity to let everybody know
these newspapers have been con-
sistent supporters Of his since he
first appeared on the political
scene years ago.
After a brief chat with the
Senator who wanted to pick us
up in his chaffeured car for the
White House reception, we de-
clined the invitation and prom
ised to have lunch with him the
next day.
We reasoned that with his tough
schedules, asking him to come or
to send for us that evening was an
imposition, although he was ready
and willing to extend the courtesy.
Leaving the Senate office building
after the huddle with Senator
Humphrey the writer returned to
the hotel and Bennett headed for
another appointment.
Back at the hotel we checked
with Mrs. Stephen Betty Max
well and Marian Bennett. We be-
lieve both of them had done a
little shopping, and were making
the usual preparations the femin-
inc set make before embardng
upon a VIP social occasion. The
writer took a nap after clearing
with the others the time Of de-
parture for the White House.
Promptly at 5:45 pm. the four
of us took a cab from the May
flower Hotel and headed for the
White House. AS we approached
the executive mansion, we got in a
long line with hundred or more
private limousines and cabs all
headed for the East entrance to
the Presidents home.
1t was then that your cores
pondent felt in his inside jacket
pocket for his invitation. Imagine
our CONSERVATION when we dis
covered it was not to be found. We
vaguely remembered taking it out
of our executive case and placing
in a prominent place on the chest
of drawers, before dressing.
Well, we were somewhat flab-
bergasted. If we got out the cab
and returned to the hotel 1t
would mean some confusion, and
possibly delaying our party, and
we were sure to be late.
Judge Bennett calmly suggested
that there surely must be a guest
list at the White House door and
ventured that he was sure we
could use our press credentials to
get into the reception.
We got in all right by presenting
our business card. The staff police
checked the list and found our
name and we were politely ushered
in.
It's a good thing we didn't have
to rely on our press cards because
all of the Washington press was
fuming, because for the first time
in years they were kept down.
stairs away from the guests, and
only allowed to take photos before
the reception proper began.
From what we have read since,
said press is still stewing about
the new regulations which keep
the newspaper corps from mingling
upstairs with the invited guests at
recent Kennedy affairs.
The efficient White House
staff checked the wraps Of the
1,1OO odd guests with great
speed, considering that the af-
fair was the largest social event
In member In the history Of the
White House.
Immediately we began to meet
old male friends from all over the
nation. The only difference this
time was that they had their spou-
ses with them - those who were
married. Others who were single
or disengaged Of course were also
accompanied by members Of fem
inine sex.
Since the affair was informal,
most women wore alters cocktail
dresses and most Of the men wore
dark business suits.
1t was a beautiful occasion. The
750 American Negroes Of various
hues and colors, and the $50 white