Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 54, Number 168, Decatur, Adams County, 18 July 1956 — Page 1

Vol. UV. No. 168.

DISCUSS “OPERATION ALERT” * *ll r¥d hX / •iiWmOt; -. mu * jJf.v tAmWWi few ■ * • N REBpp.NM:. l»...Rrßs.i4?Jf)rß order to prepare for "destructive capabilities" of potential enemies, Civil jpoee ever “operation alert'* program with Mr Eisenhower. Mock «£? e^tcvyfcfmt* wIIT inuiate' exercise from July 20 to 26.

Dulles Sees No Objections To Cut In NATO — i-jjfc - u *“ g -- Discusses Problem On Manpower Level At News Conference WASHINGTON (UP)—Secretary of statu John Foster Dulles said today be sees no political objection to a cut in NATO forces if military experts urge such action. Up said he does not believe the ' NATO “affiance, » key pl;rnk in U.S. foreign policy, would be destroyed or seriously weakened If there is a downward revision in its defense goals in line with competent military judgment. But he quickly added that military experts usually oppose sueh cuts. Dulles discussed the problem of NATO manpower levels at a lengthy news conference devoted chiefly- to reports that Adm. Arthur W. Radford, chairman of the U.S. joint chiefs of staff, has tentatively proposed an 800,060-man cut In U. S. military manpower by 1960. Radford was said to have the backing of Dulles and treasury secretary George M. Humphrey Dulles said he had not discussed the matter with Radford and said he believed the question is one primarily for military people. But Dulles noted there has been a feelirig developing in the world that greater emphasis can be placed on new weapons and less emphasis on standing armies. He said this has been evident in both U. S military thinking and in the actions of the Soviet Union which has announced plans to cut 1.200,000 men from its armed forces. Dulles said there may be less dependence on foreign bases as long-range weapons develop. But he cautioned that it would be much mpre expensive to maintain the defense of the United Stites entirely at home than if some American retaliatory power were stationed at bases abroad. Dulles said he does not think that neutralist feeling in* the world will develop to the point where the NATO area will not be defended by a combination of allies. _ Tn other news conference highlights Dalles made these points: AswhnTSm: There’are a lot of things which have happened since the United States offered to help Egypt build the $1,300,000,000 dam on the Nile River last December. Therefore he refused to say whether the United States remains ready to go ahead with its aid offer now that Egypt has said it is ready .to accept Western rather than Soviet help. Politics: Dulles plans to go to San Francisco to help write the foreign policy plank of the Republican platform. But he said he does not now plan any campaign speeches. Latin American Trip: Dulles probably will visit Columbia, Ecuador. and Peru following the Panama conference of American chiefs of state. He leaves Friday to accompany President Eisenhower to the Panama meeting. Reporters pressed hard to get Duiles to say whether he thinks the United States can make a substantial cut in its military manpower without affecting its position overseas. Dulles said the United States stated as far back as October, 1954. that ids American policy (OontinuM on Pa«® JDlght)

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Electric Petition Hearing Concluded Many Witnesses At Hearing On Tuesday A day long public hearing was conducted by the Indiana public service commission Tuesday in the Adams circuit court room. The hearing was on the petition of a group of city light and power department patrons northeabt of the ■ city to be released from their con- ; tracts with the city for power. I Complaining that they could not use their television sets because low voltage caused bad pictures ( and that their power bills were too , -« parade of Union and Root township residents took the wit- ■ nesß stand to testify on behalf of L the petitioners. , Another group of residents of the . same area testified on behalf of the city that service to their rural homes was satisfactory and that ' they had no complaints. One of those who : that ise< had <jo complaipts was among the 196 signevw of the petition'to-be released from th- contracts. ~ .... The petitioners are represented by D. Burdette Custer and Robert Smith. John L. DeVoss, city attorney, assisted by attorney David A. Macklin, represented the city utility department. The hearing was conducted by M. Elliot Belshaw of the public perylce commission. Among the witnesses who. testified that the service was poor and the bills were high wprp Fred Schamprloh. Ralph Grote, Mrs. Irene Schlemmer, Arnold Spiegel. Wilson Weiland and Arnold Thieme. all of Union township, Chester Bowen of Monroe township in Allen county and Conrad Houser, Erwin Marker and Mrs. Florence Strickler of Root township. All were signers of the petition which, was filed several weeks ago. Among those who told that they had no Complaints were Greg Knittie, Cloyce Crosier, Hugo Boerger and Herman T. Bleeke, of Union township, and Harold Tieman of Root township. These persons testified that while they have had trouble in the past the situation has been corrected. Another witness for the petitioners was Anton Schmidt, a Fort Wayne electrical contractor, who was hired by the petitioners to make voltage readings at two residences in the area. Schmidt testified that at on* residence he found high voltage ranging as high as 142 volts. At another residence he .found voltage ranging fronts 104 up to 130. The average correct voltage is 120 and fluctuation more than five volts either way is considered poor regulation. Schmidt's recordings were admitted as evidence. Also admitted as evidence were reports by two members of the .Contimwo nn Paxe Eight) Work Is Started On Resurfacing* Highway Work has started on the resurfacing of U. S. highways 27 and 33 from the corporation line to the Monmouth road intersection north of Decatur. Traffic is not being detoured during the project, but caution ...signß haw been placed along the two mile area. Flagmen also are stationed on the highway where one-lane traffic is necessary. The road, last remaining bad spot on the highway northward, is being covered with several inches of blaCk-top. Work will continue for several (lays, it was learned. Meshberger Bros. Stone Co. of Linn Grove has the construction contract. w

United States Studying Aid On Egypt Dam " ■ Egyptian Actions Toward Russia A Factor In Help WASHINGTON -(UP) Secretary of state John Foster Dulles said today the United States must ' consider several developments i before deciding to go ahead with • its offer to help Egypt build the 'As«i?en dam «ea 4he Nile River. . ’ Dulles said that a lot of things have happened since the United > States offered to help last Decetn- ! her. These development*,-Ke said, I must be taken into account. This was a refernece to Egyptian pro- > Russian and anti-Western actions ' which have aroused opposition of ; congress to helping Egypt with the project. The United States and Britain offered last December to supply funds to get work started on the dam project, but Egypt later let it be known that she was considering a Soviet offer to help build the dam. Tuesday, however, Egyptian ambassador Ahmed Hussein said en return here from Cairo that his government had decided to accept help from the West. He said he has been instructed to reach a firm agreement with the West “as soon as possible.” State department press officer Lincoln, White refused to say afterward; whether the United States it still willing, to help Egypt with the project. But it is known that the United Staes has cooled considerably on the assistance plan recently. The senate appropriations committee wrote a provision into its recent report on the foreign aid bill which would require the state department to get special committee approval before granting Egypt funds for the dam. Dulles wrote the committee Tuesday, however, that while the administration did not expect to use any foreign aid funds for the darn without consulting the committee. it did not feel bound by the language in the committee's report. The language indicated the committee would have a virtual veto over any funds for the Aswan project. But Dulles said that because the committee restriction was not written into the appropriations bill itself, the administration did not consider it necessarily bind • n * ■ r . ;? ■ ; Some high American officials are now wondering whether it might be wise not to help Egypt build the dam and let the Egypi tians accept the Russian offer, i They reason that such a great export of Soviet wealth outside the Communist orbit might have serious effects on poor peoples behind the Iron Curtain. + These authorities think by such a move the United States might actually make the Soviet economic aid campaign backfire and hurt the Russian bosses instead of helping them gain greater prestige. INDIANA WEATHER Partly cloudy through Thursday with scattered thundershowers likely southwest portion tonight and over most of state Thursday. Little change In temperature. Low tonight 57-64., High Thursday 78-85. Sunset 8:10 p. m., sunrise Thursday 5:33 a. m.

ONLY DAILY NIWIWIR IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday, July 18, 1956.

Eisenhower Discusses Steel Situation With Members Os Cabinet

Senate Voles Liberalizing Os Benefits Liberalize Social Security Benefits To Disabled, Women WASHINGTO U(NP) — Democratic sources today anticipated noi* trouble in settling house-senate differences over a bill liberalising social security benefits for some four million women, disabled workersand needy persons, The senate handed the Eisenhower administration a legislative setback Tuesday night by passing the Democratic “must” bill 96-0. Two key provisions lowering the benefit age for women and permanently disabled workers were included, In somewhat different form, in the version‘passed overwhelmingly by the house last year. The final action put every senator on record for the bill. Six absentees were announced as favoring it. The vote was regarded as an' election year victory for senate Democratic leader . Lyndon B. Johnson, who .put the bill on his list of “thust" legislation for this session of congress. The bill's main provisions would: Allow 250,000 physically or mentally disabled workers to collect benefits at age 50 instead of 65. Boost social security payroll taxes 850 million dollars a year to finance the disability program. Lower the benefit age for 800,000 women from 65 t 062, with somewhat reduced benefits for wives of retired workers and working women who croose the earlier retirement age. Widows could get full benefits at 62. Privide increases of $5 to 37.50 a month for three million needy aged, disabled and blind persons under the federal — state public assistance program. The Eisenhower administration fought the disability program, payroll tax increase and the boost in public assistance payments,. It did not support-—but did not actively oppose—the lower retirement age for women. Cover Servicemen WASHINGTON (UP) -Congress has passed a bill putting all servicemen under full social security coverage. (Continued on Pace Eight)

Doctors Take Eyesight From Boy To Save Life

ORLANDO, Fla. (UP)—Doctors took the eyesight of Mike Sibole, aged 4, today in an effort to save his life from cancer. The brave little boy. who apparently. had been told' ahead of time what was to come, entered a world of lifelong darkness with memories of a world of-beauty in his heart. He withstood the relatively simple operation well, but in a hasty news conference afterward his doctor said he still has but a 50-50 chance of survival because of the cancer that cost one eye two years ago and the other today. The removed eye will be examined by New York and Orlando medical laboratory experts. The surgeon was asked if he was convinced all of the cancerous growth was removed with the operation. “It’s still a 50-50 chance,” the doctor said. Well-wishers from many parts of the nation kept the hospital telephone jangling before, during and after the 41-minute operation. One caller said a prayer group had been in session all through the operation, asking for “a miracle.” The slip of a boy with th? courage of a man was swathed in a hospital jacket decorated with animal prints and wheeled into the operating room of Holiday House hospital at 7 a. m. CST,

Urges Delegates To Stay With Kefauver Moral Obligation Os Hoosiers Is Cited INDIANAPOLIS (UP) — One of Sen. Estes Kefauver's top Hoosier Supporters said today Indiana delegates to the Democratic national convention have a “moral obligation” to support ittee Tennessean even alter4he first convention balFormer Rep Andrew Jacobs, the only Hoosier delegate to the 1952 convention to support Kefauver for the presidential nomination, made the statement as delegates and alternates to the 1956 convention met to elect officers and plan strategy. —— - —, , ‘ Indiana’s 26 votes are pledged to Kefauver on the first ballot only because he entered alone and won the Hoosier presidential preference primary in May. “They've got a legal obligation the first time and they’ve got a moral obligation to vote for him as long as the man has a chance to win,” Jacobs said. Most of the .. Indiana , votes are after the first ballot at the Aug.l3 convention, but his backers aren’t sure just how many. Jacobs said delegates should support Kefauven-as long as he has a chance to win because Kefauver went to the trouble to enter the Indiana primary, without organization support, and made a good showing. , Jacobs, an alternate delegate this year, said he would make a personal plea at the meeting In Ketauver’s behalf “if I get an opportunity to say anything” For the first time, Democrats will send 52 delegates and each will have a half vote. Former Gov. Henry Schricker, who nominated Stevensioft, at the 1952 convention, said he didn't know how many Indiana delegates favored Stevenson. “I have a feeling thatT'ftipst of them are for Stevenson? Schricker said. State chairman Charles Skillen and the rest of the state committee was believed in the Stevenson camp. But former Democratic national chairman Frank McKinney, Indianapolis banker, has set up campaign headquarters for New York Gov. Averell Harriman in Chicago. And Frank McHale, former national committeeman, favored Missouri (Continued on Page Three)

The operation lasted just 41 minutes after which the unconscious boy was wheeled —to his room. ’’His took it very well,” the surgeon, his face strained, said.“He was just as nice as he could be.” A reporter asked if the operation was a success. The* doctor replied wearily: "We accomplished what we set out to accomplish if you can call that a success.” The doctor expects the patient to be up by Thursday. The boy’s right .eye was covered by a bandage as he was rolled out of the operating room. Mike’s last look at the world outside was indelibly imprinted in his thoughts forever —a bright morning sun and multi-colored flowers. For four days prior to the inevitable operation, the boy’s parents had rushed him to every place of beauty they could find and his last full day in the world of sight was spent among the pounding waves of a nearby seashore. ■ “ The Rev. James W. Sibole and his wife brought little Mike to the hospital about 30 minutes before the scheduled surgery and went through the clinically routine preparations for entering a patient. Mike still looked sleepy but he (Continusd on Page Eight)

McKeon Order Os Night March Is Defended Training Methods Os Marines Chief Defense To McKeon PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (UP)— A court-martial was told tbday that Marine Sgt. Matthew C. McKeon led his recruit platoon into a tidal stream where six drowned “not for sadistic pleasure but for the dedicated purpose of making, marines.” When McKeon saw paqjc sweep over the outfit when one man slipped in the water, he risked his cwn life repeatedly in an effort to save every one, McKeon’s attorney said. “The first man in was the last man out,” the lawyer said. The issue of how stiff Leatherneck training should be thus was made the chief defense for the 31-year-old drill, instructor who was on trial, for’Ti-Mlaughter and cruelty. _ McKeon’s counsel. New York lawyer Emile Zola Berman, made his plea after winning the right to poll former marines from ail over the nation about their views on boot training at this and other marine encampments. As this third day of the courtmartial got under way ex-marines were rallying to McKeon’s support in leading his platoon into a tidal creek in tlje dark of night. In his opening statement Berman described, the “march of death" platoon as "laggard" and said their drill Instructor only was trying to whip them into shape. McKeon routed the men out of their barracks for a surprise night march Into the marshlands nearby “to give them morale,” Berman said. McKeon starred at the top of the counsel taole during the 45 minutes of Berman’s statement. The sergeant has pleadqd innocent jo the charge?, of manslaughter and cruelty ’ b‘dt has remained ‘ mute” oh additional charges that he was drinking vodka on duty the day of the tragedy on April 8. McKeon’s pretty wife, Betty, expecting their third child, list(Continued on Psge Six)

Mobile X-Ray Unit In County For Week List Schedule For Unit July 30-Aug. 3 Mrs. W. Guy Brown, secretary of the Adams county tuberculosis association, announced today that the mobile X-ray unit will be in Adams county Monday through Friday, July 30 to Aug. 3. • This project is paid tor from funds raised by the sale of Christmas seals, and there is no charge to any individual. Removal df clothing is not- necessary, but metal combs, pens, etc., must be removed. No one under the age of 15 will be X-rayed unless they are classified as reactors to patch test, persons in contact with active tuberculosis, or persons sent by physicians. —w The schedule for the week follows: : ... . Monday, July 30—Smith Bros. Furniture Co., Berne, 1:30 to 2:30 p. m., Berne Furniture Co., 3 to 4 p. m. Tuesday, July 31—Dunbar Furniture Co., Berne, 10 a. m. to 12 noon: public in downtown Berne, 2 to 6 p. m. Wednesday, Aug. I—Public in downtown Decatur (north side of court tpjuse). 1 to 5 p. nj-J 4-H fair at Monroe, 7 to 9 p. m. Thursday. Aug. 2—4-H fair at Monroe, 1 to 5 p. m. and 6 to Ip. tn Friday, Aug. L—Public i» dowgtown Decatur (north side of court house), 9 a. m. to 12 noon.

Two Ordinances Are Adopted By Council Prohibit Dumping Debris On Streets Two ordinances were adopted at the Tuesday night meeting of the city council at city hall. The first was an ordinance to prohibit the dumping of debris and rubbish on the streets of Decatur, with penalties for the violation of the ordinance. The ordinance makes it unlawful to put or throw any tin cans, bottles or rubbish of any kind along any street of the city Conviction of a violation of. the ordinance carries a fine of }25 to 1100. Another ordinance was adopted approving a contract between the city of Decatur and the Industrial Tractor and Equipment company for the purchase of a new tractor for the city’s street and sewer department. The agreement, made by the city’s board of works, is that the city will lease from the company a new tractor In accordance with hds. agreed’ 1 to pay $3,000 to the company on delivery and 1507.50 per month for 12 months beginnings Jan. 1, 1957. At the end of the 12 months the city will have the right to purchase the tractor for the suwot ft.' '’’ 20 Persons Killed In Burma Earthquake RANGOON, Burma (UP) — The death toll in the earthquake which shook the central and northern part of ‘Burma Monday rose to 20 today. Thirty persons were Injured. Council Approves Rezoning Rejection Plan Commission's Rdjdctibh Approved The city council in regular session Tuesday night approved a report from city plan commission which recommended that a petition for re-zoning filed by the Decatur Elks Judge be rejected. • The petition sought to have the Elks property between Third and Second streets along Marshall street, including six lots, re-zoned from R-l residential to C-l neighborhood shopping. In accepting the report of the commission, the council approved the rejection. The report also referred back to the council a petition by residents of Eighth street who filed a petition objecting to the parking of trucks loaded with junk on a lot along the Pennsylvania railroad on Eighth street just south of Monroe street. The petition was referred back to the council because the commission members felt that the matter was not in their jurisdiction. Another petition was filed Tuesday night with the council requesting that a lot owned by George Rentz and located behind his greenhouse be cleaned up. The petition stated that the lot is full of weeds, small trees and stagnant pools and is a public nuisance. The council moved that the owner of the lot be ordered to clean lt s up. An agreement between the city of Decatur and Alton Andrews for a rural power line extension was approved by the council and recorded. Police chief James Borders appeared before the council with a request that copies of ordinances which require police enforcement be given to his department after they adopted. In the only other business of the meeting, a petition to connect the old Seventh street sewer with the hew sewer in the area north of Monroe street to relieve pressure on the oU. sewer was referred to the street and sewer committee in conjunction with the city engineer.

Ike Reported Concerned On Steel Strike Negotiators For Union, Companies Renew Talks Today PITTSBURGH (UP) —Negotiators for the striking United Steel- ' workers and the steel industry re- ' sume negotiations today with ■ President Eisenhower keeping a close watch on progress of the ’ talks. ’ As the bargainers for the “big three” companies prepared to retarn to joint conferences with USW president David J. McDonald this afternoon. Mr. Eisenhower, concerned with the economic " effects of the 18-day strike, discussed the situation with cabinet members and other top administration officials. The industry negotiators conferred with top executives of the 12 major steel companies in New ; WW? Stephens, U. S. Steel vice president and chief industry negotiator, said the secret conference was to re-examine the deadlocked con- , tract dispute, father than to draw up a new peace proposal. • ''FoHffwfrrg the conference this morning in Washington, Murray Snyder, assistant White House secretary, said “anything that causes unemployment or an extended disturbance of the national economy is a matter of coa- ' cern to the President.” 1 Snyder said Mr. Eisenhower ’ was assured by U. S. mediation 9 chief Joseph F. Finnegan, who • has been meeting separately and jointly with the union and companies for the last week, that both parties “are determined to make every possible effort to reach an agreement at the earliest practical time.” The closed door session in New York was described as a "review” conference which was attended by presidents or 4 chairmen of (2 major stetel compahies. * J 7 ~ Big Three negotiators—the U.S. - feteel, Bethlehem and Republic • Steel corporations — reported on 1 “the whole picture” of the dead--1 lock to the heads of the nine oth- ■ er steel producers. The government announced , Tuesday it will ease its “freeze” 1 on steel in warehouses to give el- ; vilian producers access to all but certain vital types needed for defense purposes. The new order goes into effect (Continued on Pars Thsee) City Assessment Values Increased $210,511 Increase By Board Os Review A report released today by Walter Koos, county assessor and exofficio chairman of the county board of tax review, shows an increase of 1210,511 tn assessmentvalues for Decatur as a result of the board’s work during the month of June. Koos reported a total of 3136.550 in new homes, 37,760 in r6om additions and improvements to older homes, 310,580 in added garages and workshops and 357,710 in new business improvements. The improvements shown by the board’s figures totaled 3212.600. During the month of reviewing the board found only 32.089 In buildings removed which were taken off the assessment sheets. Koos announced that figures for the rest of the county would be released as soon as they could be compiled and totaled. The board of review included Koos, county auditor Frank Kitson. county treasurer Waldo Neal, Dick Burdg and Mrs. Catherine Ochsenridsr. Purpose of the board is to t study and review all assessments made tn the county during the March assessing.

Six Cents