McMath Claims Faubus Tries For Self Gain

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 27--Governor Faubus acted out of desperation to create an emotional issue for his political gain, Sidney S. McMath, former two-term governor of Arkansas, said tonight.

McMath was elected twice to the governorship as a Liberal Democratic candidate, and then suffered an overwhelming defeat in 1952.

He told the CRIMSON that Faubus was undoubtedly in control of the state, and that no candidate could hope, at present, to defeat him. The ex-governor did say, however, that he felt the liberal wing of the state party would eventually emerge stronger because of the present situation.

"People may be against integration because of tradition and their environment," McMath said, "but they will not defy the government of the United States." He asserted that when the facts behind Faubus's action are known, Arkansas voters will repudiate him.

McMath predicted that a major effect of the Little Rock integration crisis would be to insure the passage of a severe civil rights bill in the next session of Congress.

"Southern leadership was able to get a moderate civil rights bill because they convinced the opposition that a gradual, moderate bill would fulfill the intent of the Supreme Court decision," McMath said.

But events in Little Rock have largely destroyed hopes for a moderate solution to the problem, he commented.

McMath said he did not know of a liberal candidate who would oppose Faubus in the Democratic primary next summer, although he expressed hope that there would be such a person.

As yet, only two candidates have declared themselves--the Attorney General of Arkansas, who is a leading segregationist, and a local meat packer, who is running on a businessman's platform.

McMath denied that he had any political plans at the present time. It has been widely rumored that he would run against Senator McClellan in 1960