though it has been described as one of the

though it has been described as one of the most conservative offered by a major party in modern American history. In fact, some of the delegates sniffed disdainfully at the president’s operatives for “caving in” on the question of nuclear superiority.

In a convention, which was an unremitting hymn of praise to the Republican Party and the president, Warner’s warning was, indeed, a lonely voice of moderation crying out in a densely conservative wilderness.

In spite of his criticism, however, Warner said he could live with the platform.

“I know these men quite well,” he said, referring to the members of the Platform Committee. “I’ve worked with them on Capitol Hill. I know their philosophies, and I respect and admire them, and indeed they are having their day in the sun for which they have waited many years.

“I’m proud of the progress conservatives have made,” he said, “but I don’t think we should be so rigid in our doctorine as to exclude others who would want to join our party.”

The question thus becomes, of course, at what point does the party relax its doctrine in order to expand its base? Given the mind-set of Virginia Republicans in 1964, the answer is much in doubt.

For a majority of the delegates who went to Dallas, in spite of Warner’s warning, if it comes to a choice between gaining voters at the expense of conservative principles or preserving doctrinal rigidity, it seems clear most of them would opt for preserving rigidity.

They are convinced they have the voters anyway, and in conservative Virginia they may be right.

But all this is causing thoughtful citizens of the Old Dominion concern. Just what will be the social, economic and political consequences if the rightward drift of the party and the state continues? The question is worrisome.

And, apparently, it worries i moderately, conservative John 4 Warner,too. / ,•