The Key West Citizen

Truman Convinces All But Diehards He Can't Be Drafted

BY ERNEST B. VACCARO

WASHINGTON (P) - President Truman convinced all but the most stubborn Truman die-hards today that he is "draft-proof" and sent them on a desperate hunt for a new Democratic standard bearer.

Many seemed inclined to go along with his own apparent choice of Gov. Adlai Stevenson of Illinois - if Stevenson will but three avowed presidential candidates already in the field claimed new support and brightened prospects.

The always unpredictable, though seldom dramatic Truman outdid himself Saturday night when, near the end of a speech against the Republicans at a $100-a-plate Democratic rally, he departed from his prepared text to say:

"I shall not be a candidate for re-election. I have served my country long and, I think, efficiently and honestly.

I shall not accept a renomination. I do not feel that it is my duty to spend another four years in the White House. . .

The more than 5000 diners packed into the National Guard armory had applauded frequently but not too enthusiastically during his speech. However, when he came to his dramatic announcement - there arose cries of "No, No!"

Most of the audience, not all of them pro-Truman, appeared stunned, even shocked.

When newsmen asked if any development could bring him to reverse his decision, the President said, "None whatever."

By the time he appeared at a Democratic reception Sunday afternoon at the Mayflower Hotel some of his friends were still talking of a draft. More practical politicians were hunting a new "band wagon".

The personal enthusiasm for Truman welled into something big and emotional and even tear-stirring when he stepped up to address 2000 fellow party workers while the ballroom orchestra played "Hail to the Chief" and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy".

He had a hard time getting started, so insistent were the applause and cheers.

Cries of "We want Truman" kept interrupting, but finally he urged them to "get in there and pitch" for a November victory. He promised to work as enthusiastically for the party ticket "as if I were on it."

Most of the world's press bannered Truman's decision to step down, but it had not yet been published in Moscow. It was safe to say the Russians will not grieve. Truman and his foreign policy have been targets almost daily of Soviet press and radio.

London papers stressed the "shock" and "confusion" they foresaw among Democrats. In Milan, Italy, the Communist L'Unita headlined: "Truman withdraws to open way for generals." Japanese papers played the news big, but treated it editorially as a "trial balloon." Mexican papers put it high on page one.

Former British Prime Minister Clement Attlee declined comment, but other European officials were less reticent. Maurice Schumann, French foreign affairs expert, applauded Truman's "wisdom," for knowing when to quit. West German circles worried about future U. S. foreign policy. Danish Foreign Minister Ole Bjorn Kraft expressed hope it would be the same as that laid down by Truman.

The President, meanwhile, kept silent on his choice of a successor. Gov. Stevenson seemed more receptive toward the nomination than formerly.

As other political leaders began trotting out "favorite sons" and "dark horses" there were few who thought the President would not take an active part in selection of a new standard bearer. He told the reception:

"I am just as sure as that I am standing here that the Democratic convention in July will nominate a winner.

"I will be in there just the same as if I were the nominee because I am that kind of a Democrat. I'm not a fair weather Democrat."

Stevenson was asked directly on NBC's "Meet the Press" television program: "Will you say that you will not accept the Democratic nomination?"

"I will not say that," Stevenson replied.

One immediate effect of Truman's action was to spur the campaigning of Sen. Estes Kefauver of Tennessee, the crime investigator who gave the President a stunning defeat in the New Hampshire primary, and the hopes of Sen. Richard Russell of Georgia, candidate of the anti-Truman forces in the South.

At the same time, pro-Truman Sen. Robert Kerr of Oklahoma, campaigning for delegates for transfer to Truman, openly became a candidate in his own right.