'I Can Beat Ike,' Harriman Says; Supports Truman's Steel Seizure

W. Averell Harriman, director of the Mutual Security Administration and aspirant for the Democratic presidential nomination, declared that he was "the only man who can defeat Eiscnhower" in a Boston press conference yesterday. Harriman also defended Truman's steel seizure and stated his support for some form of federal health program.

Asked if a revival of the Stevenson boom would affect his chances of getting the nomination Harriman answered. "Governor Stevenson has said he is not a candidate and I am" He further volunteered. "I think I'm the only man who can defeat Eisenhower, because I've had more experience in international affairs and in domestic affairs. We've got to have a progressive program at home as well as abroad."

But what if Taft is nominated? "If Mr. Taft is the Republican candidate, I will fight with him on every issue domestic and international," he said.

Asked his opinion on the President's seizure of the steel industry. Harriman rejoined unhesitantly. "I think President Truman did the right thing. It's not a matter of properly rights but of direly needed steel for the men in Korea. The Constitutional issue will be settled by the Supreme Court."

For U.S. Health Program

Did he favor a national health program? "Health conditions in our country are a disagree." Harriman began. Asserting that is the job of the federal government to take the initiative, he said, "I think we can develop a health program here that will get the support of the doctors."

Harriman indicated that he didn't like the British program, and quickly emphasized. "I don't believe in socialized medicine."

Queried about progress in Korea, Harriman stated. "The Kremlin doesn't know how to get out of the situation they started." He pointed to the concerted, anti-aggression action of the United Nations and to their having driven the attackers out of South Korea. Smiling broadly, he remarked, "Looks like they don't know how to get out and still save face."

Against Taft-Hartley

Harriman also said that the Taft-Hartley bill should be repealed. "I think we should have entirely new legislation. Why, even one of its authors. Mr. Taft, admits that it should have 25 to 30 amendments," he claimed