Young Dems Interview RFK, EMK

Two dozen Harvard Young Democrats rode into friendly New Frontier territory ever Spring vacation, interviewed a constellation of Administration and Congressional leaders, and emerged from the Capitol replenished with liberal conviction.

Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy '48, in shirtsleeves after coping with a day of crisis in Green wood, Miss., met the young Dems for an off-the-record discussion in his Justice Department office. Kennedy fired back candid and confident answers to questions on administrative news management, his wiretapping bill, Jimmy Hoffa, and federal judiciary appointments in the South.

Kennedy also gave a brief guided tour of his office, which features the proverbial football, an extensive exhibit of art work by his young children, a bust of Lincoln behind his desk, and on the desk a photograph of a son of Robert Kennedy starting at the White House. The photo, taken by Jackie Kennedy, was inscribed, "structure President surveys his property."

Speaking in the Senate caucus room, Senator Edward M. Kennedy '54 concentrated on his life as a just plain freshman Senator. The Senator argued that his unique relationship with the Administration causes no problems for him. He reiterated the campaign statement, "We have different jobs and different responsibilities."

Kennedy stressed his efforts in behalf of the Administration's Youth Conservation Bill. He termed his campaign to bring industry to Massachusetts a "quiet approach" that has been "initially successful."

Presidential adviser Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. discussed the Alliance for Progess and commented that "our policy toward Brazil is one of prayer." Asked about the conflict in South Vietnam he answered, "I have nothing to do with South Vietnam, thank God."

Few of the Congressional leaders interviewed were confident of the enactment of major parts of the Administration's legislative program. House Speaker John McCormack offered only his "hope" that Medicare would pass "in this Congress."

California Congressman James Roosevelt said that the 88th Congress is "not going as well as the 87th." He added that he is not optimistic over the prospects for an education bill or meaningful tax reforms.