Local Story

Even headline-hardened readers of Hearst's Los Angeles Herald & Express (circ. 305,056) were astonished last week by the seven-column streamer: LINK MARGARET TRUMAN-ADLAI IN ROMANCE.

Underneath the headline were pictures of the couple that "may walk down the aisle together." Said the story:

"Hottest and most romantic rumor in California political circles today was that Governor Adlai Stevenson and Margaret Truman may make a trip to the altar--together. Political gossips point out that the Democratic presidential nominee was almost unknown until Margaret's papa, President Truman, lifted him from comparative obscurity and let it be known that he favored Stevenson.

"And the President fought so hard for Stevenson, observers declare, that he must have had a stronger reason than pure politics. They also point out that the Illinois governor is highly eligible, since both he and his ex-wife have firmly stated that no reconciliation can be expected, and that Miss Truman has emphasized she will never marry as long as her father is in the White House . . ."

The Herex had good reason not to identify the source of its story. The paper had rewritten an item it picked up from an irresponsible, hate-Stevenson California newsletter with a tiny circulation. Had the Herex bothered to check the "gossip"? "Certainly," answered City Editor Aggie Underwood, "we phoned two or three local Democratic leaders. They just hummed and said that it was interesting." As to why no other papers in or out of the Hearst chain picked up the item. Editor Underwood had a pat explanation. Said she: "It was a purely local story."

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