By RICHARD CURRIER

They are off and running and Nixon has taken an early lead but coming up fast is Hubert H. Humphrey.

Humphrey is strong on civil rights. Ever since he became a senator in 1948, he has been very helpful in aiding the Negro. That is true now, for as vice‑president, he and President Johnson have passed many civil rights laws.

Mr. Humphrey also has the labor leaders backing him. They feel he's the only one who can really help solve the problems. He also seems to have the support of the working class, which shows he must have some pretty good ideas on how to solve the urban problem.

Under Johnson he has traveled all around the world meeting foreign leaders. He has sat for many hours with these men trying to solve the problems of the world. With this travel he has a better understanding not only how they feel toward Americans but also he can more easily understand that particular country's problems.

If Mr. Humphrey could only make a clearer break from Johnson's actions in Viet Nam, he would have a better chance of winning the election.

Except for the war in Viet Nam, President Johnson and Vice‑president Humphrey have had one of the best administrations this country will ever see.