These are the top stories for July 16, 1968.
Justice Abe Fortas admitted today that he has served as advisor to President Johnson while serving on the U.S. Supreme Court. Fortas, testifying before a Senate Judiciary committee, said that he participated in strategy sessions with the President about the war in Vietnam and civil disorders across the country. Fortas is a candidate for Chief Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Commission on Postal Organization recommended that the U.S. Postal Service become a government-owned corporation. The commission reports provides a dire picture of the mail service, citing inefficiency and financial losses. The report states that major changes are needed.
A Senate subcommittee continues to investigate the Blackstone Rangers, a Chicago street gang, about their use of government anti-poverty money. The funds, which totaled over $900,000, were intended for a job training program. Members of the Black community believe the investigation was instigated at the request of Mayor Richard Daley. The Mayor's office denies any involvement in the matter.
It appears that Senator Eugene McCarthy has support within the financial community. In a poll of money managers, McCarthy won 51.6 percent of the vote against fellow candidate Hubert Humphrey. McCarthy also beat Republican candidate Richard Nixon by 27 percent. The poll was conducted by Institutional Investor magazine.
Employees from the American Telegraph & Telephone Company long lines department are set to strike at midnight tonight. A federal mediator conferred with contract negotiators in a final move to work out an agreement. Telephone workers have already voted for a strike by a margin of 3-to-1. Hundreds walked off their jobs yesterday, but the Communication Workers of America has yet to authorize a strike. Democratic Party officials are considering moving their convention to Miami, due to a strike against Illinois Bell Telephone Company. The strikes impacts the ability to get needed equipment into the convention area.
