Stormy weather didn't scare elderly Republicans away from the Commander Hotel last night, but there was little real enthusiasm for the rain to dampen.

John A. Volpe, candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, brought the only noteworthy excitement as he arrived amid cheers and accordion music. Protesting his opponent's charges against his integrity, he said, "I am not going to get down to the gutter where he has gone."

William L. Saltonstall '49 substituted for his father, U.S. Senator Leverett Saltonstall '14, who had to cancel his plans to speak at the rally. Mr. Saltonstall said that his father's seniority enabled him to function more effectively than a junior senator could.

State and local issues were discussed, but the national campaign brought few comments. One state candidate, however, did praise "the warmth, and the humility, and the spirituality of Richard Nixon."