Schlesinger Hits Furcolo's Attack On ADA in State

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., '38 (above), professor of History and National Chairman of Americans for Democratic Action, struck back last night at State Treasurer Foster Furcolo's recent charges that ADA is a hindrance to the Democratic Party in Massachusetts.

"When former President Truman was here in Boston, he said that Furcolo doesn't know what he's talking about," Schlesinger said. "I stand with Truman on that."

Referring to Furcolo's bid for the Democratic Senatorial nomination in this fall's election, Schlesinger continued, "I don't feel that a man of that caliber is worthy of support. I would not support him for anything."

"Under no conceivable circumstances could I support Senator Saltonstall," he added.

Schlesinger termed Furcolo's attack on ADA, originally made at the ADA state convention in January and repeated at the Young Democrats' Forum Tuesday night, an attempt "to capitalize on the pro-McCarthy sentiment in the state. Attacking ADA is the best way to do that."

ADA provides a necessary outlet for political action by independent voters, Schlesinger asserted. "Furcolo is crazy if he thinks that everyone who wants to go into politics must join the regular party organization," he said.

He also challenged Furcolo's claim that no ADA-supported Representative from Massachusetts had come to the organization's defense since his January attack.