from Dilly Broody
James Hoffa appears assured of little opposition to his programme to retain influence in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, even if he is imprisoned, Harold Gibbons, an international vice-president from St.Louis, has dropped plans to run against Frank Fitzsimmons, international vicepresident from Detriot, whom Hoffa has tapped as his potential successor as Teamster president. hr.Gibbons backed away from the fight against Hoifa's candidate as the Union's Constitution Coumittee approved a Hoffa-backed amendment that would create a general vice-presidential wacancy. Hoffa has said he would back Mr.Fitzsinmons for the ew >ost if the amendment was adopted at the union's convention next week in Miami Beach, Hoffa is expected to win re-election to a five-year term at the convention, but his creation of the new post for hr.Fitzsimmons is an effort to retain union influence through a caretaker aduinistration even if he is gaoled on recent court convictions. The awendzent, which is expected to pass handily, also would permit Hoffa to feume the presidency when he was freed, Mr.Gibbon's associates have said that he has decided to drop his plans to oppose Mr. Fizbsimmons when a canvass of teauster leaders showed he could not win,