"Courting"

A big black Cadillac limousine pulled up in front of the president's house at Columbia University, and out popped a man who is temporarily one of the most powerful political figures in the U.S.: Pennsylvania's Governor John S. Fine. He went right in. One lunch and more than three hours later, John Fine stepped out the front door with Ike Eisenhower, and they smilingly posed for pictures.

Then the host slipped back into the house and the reporters went after the departing guest.

What had Fine and Ike talked about? "Practical politics," said Fine, obviously pleased with all this. "I never discuss anything else but." Had he made any commitments? None. But he had agreed to Ike's suggestion that Pennsylvania's 70 delegates and 70 alternates get together this week at the Eisenhower farm outside Gettysburg, Pa. for a picnic. Who will give the party? "Eisenhower," said Fine firmly. But there wouldn't be any announcement then on how the Pennsylvania delegation stands. The delegates were going to meet with Senator Taft later. Fine didn't know just when he would commit himself, but the candidates would be told "as soon as I make up my mind." Chuckling, Fine mused that what he is going through is probably "courting," rather than "pressure."

Then a reporter asked a logical question. Had Fine talked patronage with Ike? Fine, who might control the Republican nomination because he controls the vote of 32 of the uncommitted Pennsylvania delegates, answered quickly: "No sir, we didn't discuss it at all. Personally, I am interested in principles, not patronage." He paused, and then added: "At this time."

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