Valley of Decision

Three leading U.S. political figures, veterans in the shaping of national policy, have passed through the valley of decision.

P: New York's Republican Governor Tom Dewey, 52, although remaining publicly silent about his plans, is ready to stand for reelection. Possible occasion for Dewey's formal announcement: the $100-a-plate Republican dinner to be held May 26 at the Waldorf.

P: Kentucky's Alben W. Barkley, 76, longtime Senator and former Vice President, who in recent months has left no stump unoccupied or baby unkissed, finally made it official. He will run for the Senate seat now held by able Republican John Sherman Cooper.

P: Speaker Joe Martin, 69, told Republican colleagues that if the G.O.P. loses the House this year, he will step down as party leader. Massachusetts' Martin said flatly: "I will not be the minority leader again." His heir apparent as House Republican leader: Indiana's Representative Charles Halleck, present majority leader. Implicit in Martin's statement was a decision--if the Republicans lose control this fall--not to run for re-election to the House in 1956.

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