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Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, seeking popular endorsement in West Virginia in the May 10 primary for his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, spoke here last night to a gathering of voters, and charged the national Republican administration with inaction in the face of many national problems.

Mr. Humphrey said the unemployment problem in West Virginia would be a direct concern and a call for action by the national administration if he goes to the White House.

He specifically listed the following eight-point program:

1. Stepped-up U. S. economimc growth "from the GOP crawl of two per cent a year to a dynamic Democratic thrust of five per cent."

2. Passage of an area redevelopment bill. (President Eisenhower vetoed such a measure in 1958.)

3. Creation of a coal research and development commission to seek new uses for coal.

4. A joint federal-state-local program to improve highways and public facilities.

5. More effective legislation to give West Virginia a better break in defense procurement.

6. Creation of a youth conservation corps to give work to unemployed youths.

7. A mandatory food stamp plan to help feed the hungry.

8. A standby program of public works to start in an area when unemployment stays in excess of eight per cent for 15 weeks or longer.

Senator Humphrey arrived at the Hotel Frederick to make his address shortly before 9 p. m., three hours behind schedule. He had been delayed in leaving Washington because of a Senate roll call vote.

The senator told his audience that he is handicapped by lack of funds, but that he plans to campaign vigorously in West Virginia between now and the primary date insofar as his financial resources and his duties in Congress permit.

County Democratic Chairman Robert Burford presided. The senator was introduced by Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia.

Senator Humphrey specifically endorsed incumbent Rep. Ken Hechler for Democratic renomination. Congressman Hechler is opposed in the primary by Nye King, like Mr. Hechler a Huntingtonian.

Congressman Hechler was in the audience, as was Mr. King.

The gathering drew a number of out of town visitors, including several from Charleston and a number from other communities.