The Voice of the Locust

The voice of Henry Wallace, as insistent as a cicada on a hot summer day, sounded in the Midwest last week. Its sound stirred his followers to action, caused a small-sized riot, and raised a fair-sized bundle of cash.

Cross Section of Discontent. Only two newsmen had stuck to Henry's trail throughout his warm-up campaign. They were Howard Norton of the Baltimore Sun, and James Wechsler of the New York Post. They had been quickly shushed at press conferences whenever they tried to challenge Wallace's ideas or facts. Sometimes Wallace hid from them in hotel rooms.

Since announcing his candidacy in December, Wallace has spoken 23 times in nine states to some 75,000 people (not counting radio audiences). Who were the people? Wechsler reported: "At virtually every stop the local left-wing stalwarts run the arrangements. It is the biggest show they have ever staged. But the political complexion of the audiences is definitely broader. It is a cross section of American discontent and insecurity."

Crazy-Quilt. It was also a crazy-quilt of people in a dilemma. At Evansville, Ind. last week, a handful of anti-Wallace C.I.O. auto workers picketed the Memorial Coliseum where he was to appear. Some 2,000 of Evansville's population joined in. Hoodlums stormed the Coliseum's doors, slugged Wallace Campaign Manager C. B. ("Beany") Baldwin and two other Wallace coworkers. Police dispersed the mob. Cried Henry: "The blame for this violence lies with the press for giving misinformation." Inside the hall an uneasy audience of 500, most of them well dressed, settled back to listen to the champion of peace, appeasement, and the "common man," and to contribute $1,000 to his cause.

At week's end he hit Chicago. Inspired by his presence and prodded by Communist-line Radio Commentator William Gailmor, a luncheon meeting of "businessmen for Wallace" raised $15,000 for his campaign. That night a capacity crowd of 22,000 filled the Chicago Stadium. They listened to New Dealer Rexford Tugwell vow: "We have a program of our own." They listened to Paul Robeson sing "For the people's march is on." They cheered hysterically as Wallace, looking grey and a little jowly, suddenly materialized in the glaring spotlights. When the plate was passed, they gave $39,000 more for the Wallace campaign.

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