Banner Graphic, Volume 5, Number 287, Greencastle, Putnam County, 5 February 1975 — Page 5

‘Better than experts think’: Ford

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Ford says the economy will improve faster than some experts predict and that it will be in good enough shape to justify his seeking election in 1976 for a full fouryear term. Before returning to Washington from a 26-hour visit to Atlanta to promote his economicenergy program Ford said Tuesday that he believes the

Great Britain's former viceroy of Northern Ireland enters Conservative Party race

LONDON (AP) - William Whitelaw, Britain’s former viceroy of Northern Ireland, has entered the race for leader of the Conservative party and is given a slight edge over Margaret Thatcher, who ousted Edward Heath from the post. Heath, 58, quit Tuesday after trailing Mrs. Thatcher, a 49-year-old former education minister, on the first ballot by the 276 Conservative members of

IRS : taxpayers eager

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Internal Revenue Service says people appear more eager than usual to get tax refunds. In fact, some people are a little too eager. They want President Ford’s proposed tax rebate now. The rebate is only proposed so far, of course. Although Congress and the White House agree generally that some tax benefit is needed to prod the economy, they must resolve their differences and write any rebate into law before the government can dispense the money. But some taxpayers have apparently taken all the talk about rebates going on in Washington to mean they’re entitled to get 12 per cent of their tax back how. In figuring up their tax bill for refund, some early filers have computed in the proposed rebate, the IRS

‘Long awaited’

Economic legislation

WASHINGTON (AP) - As confrontations between President Ford and the Democratic leaders of Congress move closer, the long-promised Democratic economic program is beginning to take legislative form. President Ford has challenged congressional Democrats to match their criticism of the administration’s economic initiatives with specific programs of their own. In response, House Speaker Carl Albert last week called in committee chairmen and asked for pledges that economic and energy legislation would be reported out by specified dates. Among the first to respond

Demos push relief program passage

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana House Democrats today began pushing for passage of Part 2 of the party’s economic priming-taxpayer relief program. Rep. Spencer J. Schnaitter, D-Madison, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, called a hearing this morning on the first three bills of the sixbill package. He said he would bring out the other three Thursday. Schnaitter told the House Tuesday that the Democratic

President of American Bar Association believes selection rather than election of judges

CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) - The president of the American Bar Association believes the Oklahoma system of selecting rather than electing judges should be used in all states. James D. Fellers, of Oklahoma City, Okla., also said it was time federal judges get a pay raise. They haven’t had one

economy “will do better by the end of this year than the experts think.” Ford was expected to continue plugging for his programs in a breakfast meeting today with 100 Democratic members of Congress, including chairmen of 13 major committees. He voiced his optimism at an Atlanta news conference shortly after the White House sent a gloomy economic message to

the House of Commons. As prime minister from 1970 to 1974, Heath’s major achievement was to take Britain into the European Common Market. Mrs. Thatcher, a member of the party’s right wing, received 130 votes to 119 for Heath, with 16 votes going to a minor candidate and 11 members not voting. She needed a majority 139 votes and a margin of 15 per cent or 42 votes more

says. An IRS spokesman said the number of such mistakes is “of quite minor proportions’’ so far. The only thing citizens get for their trouble in computing the 12 per cent is a letter from the government accompanied by either a notice of additional tax due or a smaller refund check than they had counted on. Other than that snag, the early returns in the annual tax derby have been brisk. Officials haven’t decided yet whether that’s because the IRS promised to get early refunds out faster. But the Treasury Department, which writes the government’s checks, reported individual tax refunds of $77 million for the month of January, compared to $45.3 million in the same month last year. That’s a 70 per cent increase.

was the Banking Committee, which drew the assignment of shaping legislation to nudge interest rates downward. It is now near the end of hearings on bills to force banks to extend loans for low-and middleincome housing and certain other purposes. The panel has set a target for a House vote before the end of February on the bill, which is strongly opposed by the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board. The committee also has scheduled subcommittee hearings to begin Thursday on various proposals to aid the depressed housing industry. Among the proposals are ones

program of increased income tax exemptions, state revenue sharing and other measures is “a comprehensive program of substantial relief for individuals and their families to redress the inequities of the 1973 tax package.” The Republican program of tax rebates and lesser revenue sharing will give only $75 million of relief over the biennium to the Democrats’ $250 million, Schnaitter said. The House passed the prennial bill to let policemen and

in six years. “I say the election of judges should be abolished,” he told a news conference Tuesday before addressing the Cincinnati Bar. This is also the position of the ABA, he added. “The selection process would assure that people placed on the bench 4 will be there because

Congress predicting h gher unemployment, permanently higher energy prices and a less bountiful standard of living for Americans. Asked if the economic forecast might change his mind about running, Ford said he believes there “will be an improving picture” although it will not be “as good we we would like it.” “I think the economic cir-

than her nearest rival. On the second ballot next Tuesday, 139 votes will be sufficient regardless of the margin. Whitelaw, the party chairman and a close associate of Heath, noted that Heath had the backing of the majority of the party’s workers and called his defeat “a traumatic experience.” “It is, in all the circumstances, my duty to stand,” he said. “I believe the unity of our party in Parliament and the country is of prime importance. If I can make a contribution, I

Administration raises estimation of federal funds

WASHINGTON (AP) - As the Ford administration raised its estimate of the federal funds needed to salvage several floundering railroads, a Penn Central Railroad official today renewed the company’s threat to begin closing down next week unless more aid is granted. Robert W. Blanchette, a trustee Of the Penn Central, told the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee that the bankrupt carrier was sticking to its plan to embargo cargo beginning Feb. 14 and cease operations completely

to inject federal money into the mortgage market and to lower interest rates. The committee has a goal of reporting to the House by early March some form of legislation to make it easier for a prospective home-buyer to obtain a mortgage. Some Democratic-directed committee activity has been reaction to Ford proposals rather than affirmative movement along alternate lines. The Ways and Means Committee, for example, is bringing to the floor a bill to suspend for 90 days the authority that Ford used to raise the tariff on imported oil. Chairman Al Ullman, D-Ore.,

fire fighters organize and bargain collectively, by a 91-5 vote, Tuesday. Both the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fire Fighters agreed to a no-strike clause. As thejDill moved to the Senate, there was a move in the House for a cigarette tax in-' crease, possibly as much as 5 cents a pack, to help municipalities fund Firemen’s pensions. The pensions, pegged to current salaries of first-class policemen and firemen, are costing about $lB million a year and going up.

they should be,” he said. Fellers said the selection committee in each state should be made u of law persons asi well as lawyers and “judicial temperament” should be one of the criteria in their selections. Under the Oklahoma system, a bipartisan Judicial Nominating Commission of lawvers

cumstanees will be good enough to justify at least my seeking re-election,” the President said. Ford said his $349 billion record peacetime budget, submitted to Congress Monday with a $52 billion deficit, was carefully written to avoid “the rekindling of double digit inflation.” He said, however, it was not “an austerity budget.” The President also declared

will do so.” Other possible candidates also were mentioned, but most commentators anticipated a fight between Whitelaw and Mrs. Thatcher. Bookmakers made him a narrow favorite. The election was forced by party members disgusted by the loss of two general elections under Heath’s leadership last year, one of which he called. There was speculation that some of Mrs. Thatcher’s votes were more anti-Heath than proThatcher and that these votes would go to Whitelaw next Tuesday.

around Feb. 25. John W. Barnum, acting transportation secretary, told the committee Tuesday that the $275 million voted last month by the Senate now should be increased to $305 million because the Interstate Commerce Commission suspended a 7 per cent freight rate hike that was to have gone into effect Wednesday. The funds were for 10 railroads, with the Penn Central the biggest beneficiary. Barnum, warning that the collapse of the Penn Central would have a crippling impact

‘taking form ’

contends passage of this bill is a necessary prelude to any Democratic legislation to reduce demand for imported petroleum. If the presidential plan for control by price raising gets well under way, it will preempt the field, Ullman said. Ways and Means also is finishing its version of a tax-cut bill designed, like Ford’s, to stimulate buying and thereby the economy. However, the developing Democratic version is •directed more toward the lower end of the income scale. Ullman’s proposal would include no tax rebate for individuals with over $30,000 income. Ford’s plan would allow a rebate of up to SI,OOO for a family

The cigarette tax, now 4 cents a pack, raises about $9 million a year for each cent. The Senate passed SBI Tuesday, to require local governments to advertise for bids on leases and rentals of more than $5,000. The vote was 49-0. Other House bills passed Tuesday included measures that would: —Give school firemen and patrolmen all the powers, privileges and duties of regular police, H 81129. Passed 94-0. —Authorize the Aeronautics

and laymen take applications from lawyers seeking appointment to the bench. A list of the most qualified is sent to the governor, who makes the appointments. After a six-year term, the judge runs on his record, with the people voting yes or no on his retention for another term.

he would “vigorously oppose any attempt” by Congress “to slash without rhyme or reason” his $92.8 billion defense budget because it could jeopardize national security. He based his optimism about economic recovery partly on the determination of business to sell its goods and “some evidence” that public confidence is improving.

But Mrs. Thatcher expressed cautious confidence. “We be-lieve-our vote will remain firm, and we hope to attract a few more,” she said. Should she win, she would be the first woman to head a major British party and would become the country’s first woman prime minister if the Conservatives defeated the Laborites and returned to power. Whitelaw, 56, made his name by bringing together moderate leaders of Northern Ireland’s Protestant and Roman Catholic communities into a joint provincial administration.

on the national economy, said the Penn Central will lose another $lO million a month because of the ICC’s action. Seeking to counter some skepticism among committee members, Barnum said it would be “foolhardy” to disregard the Penn Central’s announced intention to go out of business unless the funds were granted. He also warned it would be “dangerous” for the House to begin its Lincoln Day recess next week before approving the emergency aid.

with $41,000 income and over. At the lower end of the income scale, Ford’s program would give a taxpayer at the $5,000 level a refund of sl2. Ullman would give a taxpayer at the $5,000 level a total tax break of about $260. The committee expects to report its tax-cut bill to the House by the end of February, then move into energy taxation. Appropriations subcommittees are working their way through lists of proposed cutbacks and postponements submitted by Ford. The consensus is that nothing like the sl7 billion in reductions he advocated will be approved •

Commission to establish restricted zones for flight safety, where public airports are not otherwise regulated by cities, counties or airport authorities. H 81229. Passed 85-9. —lncrease pay of precinct election officials, now sls for all, to S4O for judge, S3O for clerk, assistant clerk and sheriff, and SSO for inspector. H 81306. Passed 84-10. —Re-define and increase penalties for malicious trespass against common carriers of passengers or property.

Fellers conceded the method would deprive the electorate of the ability to select new judges but, “it would give the people a better shot at justice.” Fellers then called for a pay hike for federal judge; because a number “are quitting or threatening to quit” for financial reasons.

First anniversary of Hearst kidnapping marks year of torment for family

HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. (AP) On the first anniversary of the kidnaping of Patricia Hearst, FBI agent Charles Bates said special agents continue fulltime pursuit of the fugitive newspaper heiress. “Every day brings us closer to finding them,” Bates said Tuesday, referring also to William and Emily Harris. “I just can’t tell you exactly when. We’re not standing by waiting for things to happen.” Bates said there is no reason

Shipping magnate Onassis ill; but not in danger: aide

ATHENS, Greece (AP) An aide says the life of ailing Aristotle Onassis is not in danger, but his wife, Jacqueline, and a heart specialist were flown from New York to be with him. The 69-year-old shipping magnate is reported suffering from a potentially dangerous combination of myasthenia, or muscular debility, and influenza. The Greek national radio said he had been in bed at his villa in Glyphada, a seaside suburb of Athens, since last Friday.

Evacuation of foreigners from embattled Asmara jeopardized

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) The evacuation of more foreigners from embattled Asmara was jeopardized today because the insurgents had seized the road to the airport, diplomatic sources said. The Ethiopian airline flew'some 200 foreigners, including 100 American women and children, from the capital of Eritrea province to Addis Ababa on Tuesday. But at dusk guerrillas of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) attacked and took control of the road to

Auto workers rally against Ford antirecession program

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly 10,000 auto workers, most of them unemployed, are rallying here to tell the government they have a better idea than President Ford’s for getting their industry and others back to work. Stung by the layoffs of nearly 300,000 members, leaders of the United Auto Workers union are busing in workers from as far away as Michigan and flying in others from Texas and California for today’s rally. The UAW will offer its own antirecession program calling for big tax cuts for low and middle-income workers and a massive public service jobs program, among other things. “We must have immediate responses to the people’s needs from the incoming Congress and the administration,” UAW

Latest marketing fashion rebate; autos, appliances

NEW YORK (AP)-Seeking to lure a reluctant public into the market place, scores of companies are offering rebates and other cash incentives to purchasers of their products. While most of the incentives center around the automotive industry, publishers, appliance makers, homebuilders, rental agents, banks and a boatbuilder, among others, have joined the latest marketing fashion. Some rebates amount to real bargains, but industry in general has shown a strong resistance to outright price cuts. Some companies are caught in a bind prices too high for buyers, too low for profits. In New York, a builder is of-

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to believe that Miss Hearst, 20, has left the country. He said it is likely that somone “willingly ... or unwittingly” has helped the fugitives or they would have been captured by now. Randolph A. Hearst, Patricia’s father, said simply of the family’s year of torment, “There is no anniversary in our minds.” He and his wife, Catherine, passed the first anniversary of their daughter’s kidnaping Tuesday without special recog-

Friends in New York said Onassis telephoned his 45-year-old wife, the former Jacqueline Kennedy, on Sunday and complained of being lonely and depressed. They said she flew to Athens on Monday, telling friends she would be back in New York on Friday. An aide said the heart specialist was sent for because the combination of myasthenia and influenza could endanger Onassis’ heart. His doctors also are considering sending him abroad for treatment, accord-

the airport, sources said. About 200 Americans, most of them employes of a U.S. communications station near Asmara, are still there. U.S. officials said they had sufficient food, but there was no electricity in the city and drinking water Was getting scarce. The rebels blew up a bridge in adjacent Tigre province and cut off relief supplies headed for Asmara and its 200,000 residents, Sources said. The city itself was reported still under government control:

President Leonard Woodcock said in calling the rally. “There is vast human suffering and frightening insecurity behind the cold statistics of massive, still rising layoffs,” he declared. The auto workers were to hear from a host of congressional leaders, mostly Democrats, who were invited to the rally at the Washington Armory. Ford administration officials also were invited but a UAW spokesman said it was uncertain if any would attend. Woodcock has said if the protest fails to produce “positive action out of the government” he would be back in the spring to march in the streets with 200,000 to 250,000 workers from his union and others. The rally is the latest sign of unrest in the ranks of organized

sering possession of homes six months before mortgage payments begin. An apartment house rental agent seeks to attract prospects by setting up four-figure bank accounts that they will receive upon successful completion of new leases. General Electric Co. plans $2 to $5 rebates on certain small appliance purchaes. Ferro Corp. has offered to pay employes 10 per cent of what they pay for major appliances bought before April 15. The most publicized rebates have been offered by auto makers. Manufacturers of accessory products have related pro-

nition. A year ago, Miss Hearst was a University of California art history major preparing for marriage. Now she faces a possible life prison term if convicted of the bank robbery, federal firearms and more than a dozen other charges pending against her. In the San Francisco Examiner, the newspaper of which he is president and editor, Hearst again urged his daughter to return and build a defense •

ing to loannis Georgakis, spokesman for the Onassis business interests. Onassis’ 24-year-old daughter, Christina, was also at the villa. His only son, Alexander, was injured fatally in the crash of a family plane in January 1973. Onassis was hospitalized several months ago in New York, and medical attendants Said then that he was suffering from myasthenia gravis, a progressive weakness of the muscles.

But evacuees and residents left behind said artillery and machine gun fire could be heard from around the city all day Tuesday. It was the fifth day of hard fighting between government forces and the rebels. Most of the evacuees refused to discuss their experiences as long as they were still In Ethiopia or had kin in Asmara. One British woman said she saw Ethiopian troops firing indiscriminately at civilians in the streets.

labor over the nation’s ailing economy. Two weeks ago the AFL-CIO called its general board into emergency session here to publicize the plight of the unemployed and offer its plan for turning the economy around. Leaders of the electrical, tobacco and textile unions also have called for mass demonstrations. In a speech Tuesday to the National Press Club, Woodcock called Ford’s new budget with its forecast of 8 per cent unemployment for the next two years a prescription for “planned recession.” He said the President’s plan for dealing with the energy problem by raising taxes and prices to reduce consumption would add to the economic problems.

grams to assist in selling cars. The importance of the car to the economic was related in this way by Steuart Henderson Britt, a marketing consltant and professor at Northwestern University: “What happens in Detroit affects the size of tips in Wichita and retail sales in San Diego.” Buried in the effort to sell products are arguments against the use of electric energy, as with appliances, and against befouling the atmosphere, as with automotive exhaust. It is patriotic now to buy cars; cars move the economy.

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