September 22, 1996

Bob Dole's campaign task of trying to change minds of voters in Presidential election discussed; unusually large proportion of voters this year say they have already decided on votes, and Pres Clinton has maintained comfortable lead for months; graph (S)

New York City's fashion industry to join with Washington's movers and shakers for gala at National Building Museum in Washington, to raise funds to combat breast cancer; more than $1 million in designer clothing is shipped from Seventh Avenue to Washington, to be sold to raise funds; more than 1,100 guests, including Gen Colin Powell and Elizabeth Dole, are expected for gala and shopping on Tuesday night; Diana, Princess of Wales, is honorary chairwoman for evening; fashion industry has increasingly expressed its support for breast cancer research in recent years; photos (L)

Treasury Sec Robert E Rubin's is being credited with making the economy Pres Clinton's strongest argument for re-election; his influence has been felt in everything from tax policy to the budget to economic foreign policy and he has succeeded in heading off potential political disasters with a mix of cunning and good luck; he has also generated a host of mini-initiatives that create big headlines for Clinton but cost relatively little, including the proposal to end the capital-gains tax on all but the biggest profits from selling a home; photos (L)

U.S. Manual for Terror Handbooks used by the American military to train Latin American police recommended blackmail and torture against insurgents. Page 13. Divisive Vote for Bosnia Nearly complete returns in Bosnia's election showed strong support for nationalists, who plunged the country into war four years ago. Page 12. Sharpton Running for Mayor The Rev. Al Sharpton said he would seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Rudolph W. Giuliani in the 1997 mayoral race. Page 41. Aviation Warning Is Recalled A threat against a New York airport or airliner made last October is of great interest to those investigating the crash of Flight 800. Page 41.

MAKING IT WORK 3 A Hell's Kitchen priest tends to his flock and then to his joie de vivre. NEW YORKERS & CO. 4 LeRoy Neiman looks back at an art career that made millions and wonders about the path not taken. PLAYING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 12 Art for sale in Gracie Square; a lecture on New York painters in Central Park; photography and jazz in Flushing. GOOD EATING 13 A tour of the East 50's; the enticing Al Bustan; attractive and reasonable Jubilee; the comfortable Le Perigord; the rollicking Meltemi; the refined Sushisay. MOVIE CLOCK 14 What's showing at the local movie houses, today through Thursday. SOAPBOX 15 A mysterious subway encounter. And letters.