Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 55, Number 29, Decatur, Adams County, 4 February 1957 — Page 1

. LV. No. 29.

ARMY’S NEW TYPE MACHINE GUN ' I H " ’' > ■/HIH H I .H I IH I I I B «l A SOLDIER is shown manning the M-60 machine gun. a lightweight general purpose machine gun adopted to replace all three preseat U. S. Army .30 caliber machine guns. The weapon can be fired from I the shoulder, from the hip, from a bipod or from a newly flmjifriMl | aluminum tripod mount. It is chambered with the standard 7.62- I mm. NATO cartridge.

Ike Assures ( Guard Not To j Be Destroyed *V Officials Os Guard W' th WASHINGTON (UP) — National > Guard leaders said today Presi- d dent Eisenhower has assured them * he will net permit the Guard to be K "destroyed or reduced materially d in strength." h Officials of the Natto alnauGdr & Officials at the National Guard e Assn, called on the President to ask him to reverse an Army decision requiring all new Guard en- u listees to take six months of basic P training, starting April 1. The association opposes this plan. » claimtag It would hinder Guard t enlistments. Representatives of the c Quid urged the President to S adopt their alternative plan re- n quiring only 11 weeks of basic is training. f e Both the President and Secretary C of Defense Charles E. Wilson are R strongly behind the six months K Plan- n National Guard officials present at . today's White House meeting said Wilson’s recent criticism of P the Guard did not come up. Wilson caiised a furor by charging a "sort “ of scandal" developed in the Guard during the Korean War. He said “ many youths used it for "draft- “ dodging." a Mr. Eisenhower has termed Wil- ® son's remark “ve«y unwise." * "Most Satisfactory" Meeting u Acting as spokesman for the Sl Guard group, Maj. Gen. Milton A. * Reckord. adjutant general of Mary- P lahd, said the President was “very ’ receptive and assured us he would cl not- permit the Guard to be de- h strayed or reduced materially in ti strength." pl Reckord said he did not believe ti Wilson was attempting to destroy the Guard, but added he thought certain Defense Department offi- , cials were pursuing such a pur- 7" pose. He did not name the officials, y "The President realised the value £ of the Guard and said he would see that it was maintained,” Rec- 10 kord said. “The net result of our meeting with the President was si most satisfactory." - r< The meeting today was arranged d by Maj. Gen. E.A. Walsh, presi- pi dent of the National Guard Assn., it who did not join the White House # conference. Walsh last week de- p] nounced Wilson's statement as “a damn lie.” ’ rj Others present at the White cl House meeting were Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Brock, commanding c] general of the 27th Armored Division and commander-designate of the New York National Guard; " Maj. Gen. Edward D. Sirois, for- ” mer commander of the 26th Infantry Division and former chairman of the Army general staff commit- “ tee for National Guard policy; and Maj. Gen. Earle M. Jones, Cali- tn fornia adjutant general. w Sirois told reporters he and his colleagues regarded Wilson’s criti- it cism as "just a diversionary at- tt tack." P’ Says Wilson “Misled” m “We’re not worried about Wilson,” Sirois said. “It isn't true B (what Wilson said). We think he’s cl misled and we don’t think he G thinks it’s true.” 11 — ' gl . INDIANA WEATHER C Fair and cold tonight, partly cloudy and becoming a little c Warmer Tuesday. Low tonight j n 14-2® north, 20-28 south. High p , Tuesday 32-38 north, 38-43. south. Sunset 7:88 p.m., sun- a! rise Tuesday 7:49 a.m.

Decatur Dollar Day, Wednesday 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. Free Parking

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Girl ScwHiddsrs * Ara lircialiftd mi v iHSMIfCu fiviv A amgaww^Rfifrl fhl** nUKIS w w wWowup^w w Mrs. William Scbnepf, Jr., was installed as preolAmt of the- Tatars tur Girl Scout association at the recent annual meeting in the Giri Scout room at the Decatur Youth md Community Center. IMstßfibitioß wRy conducted by Mrs. T. C. Smith, a past preriient of the association. Others inrtalted *** T Wt> *?y yw>r Mrs. Kenneth Arnold, vice-presi-ient; Mrs. Ed Bagges, secretary; Mrs. Don Cochron, treasurer, and Mrs. Chori— Jessup, training chairman. Chairmen for the .coming year include Mrs. Jack Rosenberger, program chairman; Mrs. Robert dolthouse, community service; Mrs. Randolph Brandyberry, orjanltation: Mr*. R. C. Hersh, :amp chairman; Mrs*. Thearl Stutts, publicity; Mr*. Smith, finance; Mrs. James Tutewiler, registrar; Mrs. Lowell Harper, lead? sr’s representative; Mrs. Burdette duster, Julliette Low program, and Mrs. A. R. Holthouse, Mrs. August Kelley and Mrs. O. M. McGeath, Members at large. Mrs. Doyle Collier, outgoing conducted the annual business meeting which featured he reports of various chairmen. It was announced that construcion of the Girl Scout Little House s expected to be completed for use it day camp this year. It was vot'd by members that the troops vould be asked to contribute two birds of the profit from the cookie sale to the project. Last vear the {iris contributed over S6OO to that project. Mrs. Charles Jessup, training (hairman, reported that 36 leaders lad participated in the leadership raining course and 20 leaders competed at least 16 hours of basic raining. ■* Mrs. James Tutewiler, registrar, •eported 27 organized troops. These nclude 13 Brownie troops, nine inermediate troops and four senor troopS. There are 355 girl mem>ers and 124 adult members in the ocal association. An increase in the volume of sales carried out by troops was •enorted by Mrs. Randolph BranIvberry, program chairman. She «’so stated that mter-troop activties have increased as a result of he Big Sister-Little Sister troop iroeram 'Announcement was made bv dri. Charles Magley, equipment ihairman, that new permanent tquipment of the association inludes a large portable out-door trill, presented by Central Soya company, and an outdoor kitchen cabinet unit and barbecue set to be ised at day camp. —__ According to a report by Mrs. I. C. Hersh, last year’s day camp (hairman, the camo was held for wo weeks during June, 1956, and vas attended bv 250 girls. Mrs. Robert Holthouse, communty service chairman, reported, hat most of the local troops had >articipated in one or more comnunlty service.projects. Plans were announced by Mrs. lurdette Custer. Julliette Low ■hairmane for the observance of Jiri Scout week March 10 to March 7. The annual Julliette Low program is slated for March 17 at the Community Center. At the close of the meeting, Mrs. Zolller was presented with a gift n aporeciation for her services as •resident during the past year. The next regular meeting of the issociation will, take place fn May.

Gov Handley 0’ ■. I /b ■■■. Dhcusslaxe!/ Gov. Handley And Legislative Heads Discuss Problems INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Handley and Republican legislative leaders held a ‘general dfacusion" today on proposed meth- | ads of raising Indiana's state revenue, either by new taxes or I increases in existing levies. I Alter a two-hour meettag, some | ot the conferees left Handley’s of- ] we out Ouiers remained. Jahn w. Van Ness (R- --| Valparaiso) said the talks conI sisted at a “general discussion." I Be said a proposed sales tax was l>ot discussed, but time was spent uttscussing the constitutionality of [a method of taxing interstate sales of merchandise manufacturI ed In Hoosierland. The conference was called in what appeared to be an effort to reach an agreement on what new tax or tax Increase the administration wishes to string along with. , Lt Gov. Crawford F. Parker, i^rin senate and a close political ally of Handley, said the merilng "could” result in f dortainn on which tax plans the administration will push. It was learned the committee members would outline suggested without specifically ing any of them. One of the sngg—tions was that the SI,OOO gross income tax exemption be ritaitaated. It was one of several possible solutions to the problem of stretching Indiana's tax dollar to cover spending f*- the next two years. Others are a withholding plan, a one per cent retail sales tax and a five per cent net income tax on interstate bustaess. The idea of eliminating the SIJMX) exemption was brought up by Governor Handley in a news ctatf ireaee lari Mreek; A« m e*» g those who would Hite to see It put into effect was incoming State Revenue Commissioner Edwin Beaman. (Continued on Pare Six) Harry Essex Points To Misunderstanding Lurid Writing Os Reporter Is Blamed Harry ‘Peck” Essex, Adams county Republican chairman, explained today that a misunderstanding with state highway chairman John Peters and lurid writing by an Indianapolis Times reporter resulted in several stories about him in Indianapolis newspapers. The Indianapolis Times said Wednesday that Peters was checking to learn what Essex’s duties were as a $7,200 a year public relations man. Actually, Essex stated, when Peters took office he was caled in, and Peters said then that he did not know if Essex’ job would be continued. Peters said he had not had time to find out just what Essex, did. Essex then explained to him that he would return home and wait until the end of January for an answer. He finished up his state business as of the 16th of January. Essex today showed actual travel vouchers for his entire year’s service, and also the-daily diary he kept of expenses he incurred*, for which he received no remuneration. His job consisted of traveling throughout the state, examining the problems which sub-district road men have with city*, county, and corporation executives, and ironing them out. The Times story, which broke two weeks after Essex had talked with Peters, told only Peters’ first impression. The reporter later told Essex that he had been unable to contact him for a rebuttal before press time. , - S '- Essex talked with Peters late Wednesday and again , explained his side of the story. The two men exchanged pleasantries, and Essex stated that ne considered bis job finished two weeks ago. Peters than abolished the position. Both Essex and Governor Handley denied that party factionalism was involved. However, former governor George Craig released a blistering article to the Indianapolis Star accusing Handley of attacking him indirectly by accusing and firing Craig's backers (Coatlßaed Pace Five)

ONLY DAILY NRWgPAPRR IN AOAMB COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, February 4, 1957

35 To 40 Coal Miners Dead In Explosion In Virginia Coal Mine

Treasury Head Is Opposed To 1 . * : Tax Cuts Now Says Federal Taxes Too High, Opposes Any General Slash ! WASHINGTON (TO — Treasury Secretary George M. Humphrey said today federal taxes are "so 1 high that they will in the long run hamper our economic growth.” But he renewed the administrai tion’s opposition to any general tax • cut now. He also opposed any tax reductions for particular groups, ( such as small businesses, that I would involve any substantial loss ■ in federal revenue. Such special tax relief, Humphrey said, would “postpone in- ; definitely the time when it will be . possible to have general relief for all taxpayers.” ■ > As for the long-range tax picture, ’ he said "the most important . change that could be made to promote steady economic growth is to ' reduce the rates for all taxpay- ! era.” The 'treasury secretary made ’ three statement* to the joint House-Senate Economic committee * which is reviewing President Eis- > enhower’s annual economic report, s The committee sought from Hump-j.-ptaey.« fUtter explanation pf W t wanting that there wIU be a "halri curling” depression unless govern--1 ment spending is reduced in future years. The committee Sunday night made public testimony by Dr. Raymond J. Sauliner, chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, who appeared to take a somewhat milder view than does Humphrey on the dangers of a depression. Sauliner, who testified before the committee last Monday, refused to interpret Humphrey’s warning. But he said he did not believe the present government spending level, which does not exceed revenue, is “a factor likely to produce depression conditions .. in the immediate run.” Rescues Aged Man From Burning Home LOGANSPORT, Ind. (UP) —Van B. Myeip, 87, was rescued from his blazing home by Sam Barry, 72. Barry was passing Myers’ home on a bus when he saw smoke. He yelled at the driver to stop, dashed out the door and helped Myers from the smoke-filled house to safety. William Riff Dies Early This Morning Funeral Services To Be Wednesday William Riff, 68, lifelong resident of Adams county, died at 12:30 o’clock this morning at his farm home in Blue Creek township, following a heart attack Sat- , urday evening. - He was born in Monroe township Nov. 9, 1888, a son of Mr. and : Mrs. John Riff, and was married to Cora Young Feb. 20, 1915. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Harley Riff, at , home; and John Riff, Monroe route one; one daughter, Mrs. Ben ‘ Owens, Geneva route one; seven I grandchildren; two brothers, Fred i Riff, Muncie, and Frank Riff, Waynesfield, 0., and two sisters, Mich., and Mrs. Fred Niblick, , Mrs. Clarence bkley, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Mich. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p. m. Wednesday at ' the Yager funeral home in Berne, ' the Rev. Vernon Riley officiating. Burial will be in tfte Tricker cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Tuesday.

Mounting Toll Os Air Crash Victims ‘ p’ ■ . At Least 34 Killed In Past Five Days By UNITED PRESS Plane crashes in the East and in southern California have claimed a mounting toll of lives. ' At least 34 persons have been killed in nine plane wrecks during the past five days. Eleven of the victims were killed in southern California crashes and 20 in the flaming wreckage of a Northeast Airlines* ship at Rikers Island in New York. At letst six other persons are missing in plane mishaps. An Allegheny College coed, Frieda Hensley, 10, Irwin, Pa., was killed Sunday and three other persons were injured when their private plane crashed during a heavy fog north of Johnstown, Pa. Investigators still are seeking the cause of the airliner crash near LaGuardia Field Friday. Northeast Airlines has denied the wreck was caused by overloading. Eleven of the 101 persons aboard were children. The string of air tragedies began Thursday with the collision of two planes over Pacoima, Calif., killing 5 airmen and 3 students who were struck by falling wreckage in a schoolyard below the erash point. In other southern California a Navy pilot died near Sail Diego and a Marine flyer was killed on the slopes of Mt. San Antonio in Saturday accidents. A police pilot was killed in the crash of a private plane Sunday at Compton, California. Tight Money Policy Catches Government Higher Interest Is Paid By Government WASHINGTON (UP) — The government is caught in the squeeze of its own tight money policy. Twice within the past month, it has had to offer the highest interest rates since 1933—the depths of the depression—to find buyers for new securities. And officials doubt that the end is in sight. Actually, money is no scarcer than it was two or three years ago. But the unprecedented peacetime economic boom has created a pressing demand for available funds—particularly for new plants and equipment and for public works programs. The government, chiefly through the Federal Reserve System, has used the so-called “tight money” policy to hold excessive borrowing in check. The result of this policy has been higher interest rates — not only for individuals and businesses but for the government itself when it wants to borrow money. Early last month, for instance, the Federal National Mortgage Assn, sold 200 million dollars of eight-month debentures at an interest rate of 4*4 per cent. FNMA, which buys home mortgages in money - scarce areas, floated a similar issue in November at 3.9 per cent. Graveside Services For Keller Infant Graveside service? were held last week for Debra Diane Keller, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Kellfer, who died at WrightPatterson Air Force base hospital at Daytori, O. Surviving in addition to the parents are the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Keller, Decatur, and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester McKinney, Spring Valley. 16 Pages

Vole Delay In House Passage Os Drought Aid House Committee Acts On RequestOs Ag Department WASHINGTON (UP)The House Agriculture Committee today voted to delay temporarily House passage of a drought-relief bill. The committee acted at the urgent request of the Agriculture Department. Democratic and Republican committee members alike criticized the department for delaying “until the last minute” to object to the legislation. The measure was scheduled for House passage today. Undersecretary of Agriculture True D. Morse went before the committee this morning to ask for postponement of House action. The committee unanimously approved the bill last Thursday. Morse said the department did not yet have complete reports , from its experts and consultants on what should be done to ease the plight of ranchers in the drought ridden Southwest. He asked a two week delay. The committee instead agreed to have its chairman, Rep. Harold D. Cooley (D-NC), change the procedure by which the bill would go ! to the House floor. It had been 1 scheduled for consideration under 1 suspension of the rules—on the 1 grounds there were no objections i to it. Under the new procedure the bill will come up later under regular rules which slow action. Late last week—after the committee had unanimously approved the bill—Agriculture Secretary Ezra T. Benson asked House Republican Leader Joseph W. Martin Jr. to postpone House passage of the bill. Rep. W.R. Poage (D-Tex),"author of the bill, today accused the department of deliberately “avoiding the committee—going behind our backs” to block the measure. Poage said the department never voiced any objections to the bill until it was ready for House ap(OonunuM on ps«. '’em Commissioners In Monthly Session The county commissioners met this morning for their regular session. The entire morning portion of the meeting was devoted to allowing claims. Other business was slated for this afternoon. Bloodmobile Unit In Decatur Friday 127-Pint Quota Is Set For This City ♦ . A quota of 127 pints of blood has been set for the visit of the Red Cross bloodmobile unit Friday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Decatur Youth and Community Center. . A group of volunteer workers began work last Friday to set up the schedule of donors. At least 170 donors must be scheduled, with 20 stand-bys to fill the quita. It was reported today that more than 100 must still be scheduled if the quota is to be met. A special plea has been issued to rural residents who might be able to donate blood at this time of the year. Any person who wish- , es to contribute blood may contact the Red Cross office or Mrs. Joseph Hunter. Volunteer worker? assisting with the scheduling of donors are Mrs. Max Kreps, Mrs. William Keller, Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Lloyd Bowman, Mrs. H. H. Krueckeberger, Mrs. T. C. Smith, Mrs. Arnold Ostermeyer, Mrs. Norman Kruse, Mrs. William Lose, Mrs. Edgar Reinking and Mrs- Frances Monahan. Mrs. Ed Bauer is county chairman of the Red Cross blood program. I

Hood Victims Work At Clearing Debris Property Damage Above One Billion By UNITED PRESS Thousands of victims of a flooded coal-mining area in three states today began clearing mud and rebuilding their damaged and destroyed property. Scores of Appalachian Mountain towns inundated last week by some of the worst flooding in a generation were scenes of devastation that was expected to run above 11 billion in property damage. The known death toll stood at 15. Some 15,000 families were homeless. A number of mines were forced to shut down for repairs, adding the hardship of unemployment for thousands of miners. Supervisor J. JU Gilley of a U. S. Bureau of Mines sub - district warned that roofs of many mines in eastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia are in an “extremely hazardous condition. ’ v Gen. Alfred M. Gruenther, president of the American Red Cross, said after a weekend helicopter tour of the area that funds will be provided for long-range relief work in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. There was additional emergency help from the Army. National Guard, and state authorities. President Eisenhower had earlier de- ' elared portions of the -three states disaster areas. Monthly Report Os County Hospital Cash Income Better Than Previous Year The Adams county memorial hospital finished January $832.72 ahead of its monthly report a year ago, Thurman I. Drew, hospital administrator, said today. January is usually j,the worst month at the hospital because insurance, licenses, and many annual bills come due that month. Also, Drew explained, payment of taxes slows collections from the patients. On February 1 there were 36 adults and 7 babies present at the hospital, compared with 24 adults and 8 babies present January 1. During January, 189 adults and 64 babies were admitted. Os these, 170 adults and 62 babies were dismissed. Seven adults and three babies died during January at the hospital. There were 64 babies, 36 boys and 28 girls, born during January. Outpatients numbered 237. There were 15 patients kept in the halls because of lack of space. This year cash income amounted to $20,594.42 in January as compared to $18,546.81 last year. Total expenses increased from $21,807.61 to $23,022.50 this year. Bills inJanuary were $8,599.18, and the payroll amounted to $14,423.32. Deficit for the -HTOKth of January amounted to $2,428.08, as compared with $3,260.80 last year. Drew pointed out that January had been a worse month last year than this year, yet the hospital had made a profit for the first time last year. Sen. Von Eichhorn In Decatur Saturday “Current Legislation” will be the topic of a talk to, be presented by Senator Von Eichhorn Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Decatur Youth and Community Center. Hifc appearance here is being sponsored by the Adame county Democratic central comwStiee and the Jefferson club. A question and answer period on activities of the current Indiana legislative assembly will follow his talk. , The sponsoring organizations have issued an invitation to all persons who are interested in proposed legislation. The meeting is open to the public. . . •

Blast Cause In Coal Mine Is Unknown Company Says Less Than 40 Involved, , No One Survives ' BISHOP, Va. (UP) — An explosion deep in one of the nation’s ' largest soft coal mines today killed 1 betweeh 35 and 40 miners. Searchers found the bodies of the , miners some six hours after the ; blast at Pocahontas Fuel Com- , pany’s Bishop mine on the Vir- ' ginia-West Virginia border. * Hie company issued a statement I saying there were “less than 40 men involved" in the disaster and that “of this number there are no ; survivors.” The company said the cause of ' the explosion was not known but earlier an official indicated that gas was believed to have touched off the blast. The Hast 'trapped three crews of about 12 men each some 2,000 i I feet from the mouth of the n&te f f at 12:55 a.m. CST the compdhy I said. The crews were digging coal from the face of the No. 3 seam of the Pocahontas mine field in i the heart of the Soft coal belt. The compafiy statement said the ’• blast occurred 2,200 feet from the " bottom of a new aif shaft--There “ were approximately iTrnW inside at the time and most of them got out through another opening, the statement said. Mine dispatcher Robert P. Meade said exploding gas apparently caused the mine disaster. Bad air and smoke hampered rescue workers as they tried to reach the trapped miners. A.V. Sproles, vice president of Pocahontas, and West Virginia Mines Department inspector Julius . Olzer said the section where the , Hast occurred was examined by a fire boss just before the workmen , entered the mine at midnight, to work on the 12 to 8 a.m. shift. They said the examination c showed that the section "was free ’ of hazard at the time of the in- ' spection.” • At the time of the explosion, the ’ statement said, the three crews ! were working at six different hole faces. A foreman and four other » miners were equipped with ap--1 paratus for the detection of gas. The U.S. Bureau of Mines in Washington flew two officials to the > scene. The town of Bishop is supported • solely by the Pocahontas mine, i which works around the clock to i produce, wash and ship out 10,000 tons of coal a day. ‘ ; The mine is the second largest in the Pocahontas coal fields and is one of the largest in the United States. '• ' The mine office hare is in Virginia but the entrance, about 100 ' yards away, is afcross the state line in West Virginia. Eliminates early * ■ Mrs. Charles Ulman Dies At Moline, 111. > * Mrs. Charles Ulman, a native of Decatur, and sister of Forest Elzey. former Decatur inayor, died over tile weekend at her home in Moline, 111. Funeral services will be held at Moline Wednesday. No Meeting Tonight For Decatur Lions Harry Schwartz, president of the Decatur Lions club, has announced that there will not be a meeting of that organization tonight, : due to the ladies night which is scheduled for Wednesday. All members and their wives are in- : vited to attend this event, which will be held at the Youth and Community Center, starting at 8 p. m. Since Wednesday is Dollar Day in Decatur, all members participating in this sale are urged,, to attend after they close their stores. A buffet luncheon wil be served later in the evening. , .........

Six Cents