The Mail-Journal, Volume 6, Number 29, Milford, Kosciusko County, 20 August 1969 — Page 13

L PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY The Milford-Mall (E»t 1888) Syracuse-Wawasee Journal (Eat 1907) Consolidated Into The Mail-Journal Feb. 15, 1962

Pedestrian Safety

- Calling all parents. It’s time for class pedestrian safety class. Did you know that pedestrians age 14 and under are among those most often killed in traffic accidents? Frightening — yes, especial'y if your child is in this group. ’ What can you do to protect your child and others like him? F. R. Willsey, Extension safety specialist, Purdue university, says learn rules, set good examples, and help teach others. It’s simple and it just takes a little time. Can you answer the following questions concerning pedestrian Safety ? a. When there are no curbs or sidewalks, * where should pedestrians

Whom Can We Thank For This?

Labor Day is meant for rest and recreation but that shouldn’t rule out constructive activity. Why not, then, set aside a little time to consider why it’s one of our most important holidays. - The way the meaning of the word “labor” has changed over the years is one clue to why this anniversary is increasingly significant to all Americans. When the holiday was started nearly a century ago, men really labored — and hard. Then the one-day respite provided much-needed relief from toil. Today, people still work diligently and ambitiously — but the enervating drudgery and sheer expenditure of muscle are no longer the standard pattern . . . thanks to modern facilities and a huge expansion in creative occupations. Moreover, the worker of 1969 has both the opportunity and energy to enjoy his day off and the fruits of his labor. This has been brought about by the ingenuity of industrial science, which — coupled with a remarkable partnership

On Lowering The Voting Age

' The age requirement for voting is ’2l in 46 states of the Union. Georgia and Kentucky allow 18 year olds to vote; Alaska extends the right to vote to 19 year olds and Hawaii has a minimum age of twenty. There has been for seme time an accelerating movement toward adjusting the national voting age to an 18 year old level. But at the moment, the possibility of legislation to achieve this goal is remote indeed. This despite the fact that many influential leaders in both parties are on record in support of extending the franchise to the younger generation. One of the more familiar argum favor of the lower age is that “if ydu/ire old enough to fight for your you are old enough to vote for . the leadership that will commit you to that fight.” On its face, this/C a persuasive line, largely because Zts appeal is emotional. On the other hand, it is worth ex- - amining what happens when the younger age group actually is allowed to cast ballots. The tally of votes cast by various age groups in 1964 shows a general apathy of response by younger citizens that is disturbing. According to figures issued by the Bureau of the Census, the percentage of those eligible

National Goals Following The Moon Landing: Hartke

I hope that everyone who attends the Indiana State Fair will see the film of the flight of the Apollo 11. The film is both a pictorial report of one of man’s greatest accomplishments and an example of what Americans can achieve if the nation’s efforts are

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DEMOCRATIC ARCHIBALD E. BAUMGARTNER, Editor and Publisher DELLA BAUMGARTNER, Business Manager Box 8 Syracuse, Ind., — 46567

EDITORIALS

directed toward a single goal. The great lesson we learned from the saga of Apollo 11 is that we can solve difficult problems and we can do so in a limited period of time. Last week, I asked the Congress to extablish a Joint Committee on National Goals to pre-

walk? b. What color clothing should you wear when walking at dusk or after dark ? c. If the traffic light changes from “walk” to “wait” while you are crossing the street, what should you do? Answers: a) walk along the side of the road facing traffic, b) wear white or very light colored clothing, c) continue walking across the street. These are only a sample of the questions you should be able to answer. Know the answers. Help your child be a safer pedestrian. When the class bell rings, dcn’t let the ambulance siren ring too.

between employer and employee — has made the American worker the most productive in the world. In counting our Labor Day blessings, we should bear in mind the need to maintain a balance in the relations between management and employees. While resolving to extend the cooperative spirit that enhances our economy, organized labor and management might do well to sign another pact: a contract to work jointly to improve the lot of those who still do not share in the material and social benefits of our times. Industry,,-"has already taken substantial steps in that direction — such manpower training for the hard-core unemployed and affirmative action to provide equal employment opportunities. But organized labor’s participation is vital to making these programs more effective, and the determination to make such a contribution is an appropriate Labor Day resolution.

in the 18-20 year old bracket who actually cast ballots was 39.2%. This figure is disturbing enough of itself, but it looks even worse when compared with the percentages for the other age categories. The 21-24 age group figure was 51.3%. Between 25-44, 69% exercised their rights of suffrage. The highest percentage was in the 45 to 64 year-old-group, with 75.9 participating. Over 65 the total drops to 66.3 but here it is likely that inability to get to the polls is involved. On the one hand, the statistics on the younger age groups can be taken as a disturbing indication of apathy and lassitude. On the other, however, it may also be evidence that we have inadequately conveyed to the younger generation a stronger sense of the honor and privilege of voting. We have only to look at the day’s headlines to see signs of how disaffected much of our youth has become. But it seems worthwhile, even so, to ask ourselves whether or not we have made a hard, genuine attempt to involve them in real comprehension of the American system. We cannot lay all the blame on the youngsters. We need to kindle their interest. Responsible participation will follow. — Delphi Journal-Citizen

pare a statement of realistic and attainable national goals and to outline ways to accomplish them by 1976. America’s domestic problems are immense, and solving them today seems as difficult as it was in 1961 to get an American on the moon. We have shown how men can transform vision into reality through a combination of resources uniquely abundant in this uniquely blessed land — technology, wealth, and skilled labor. I suggest that the national goals include an adequate diet, housing and health care for all; education for all youth; safety in the streets at night or day; elimination of air and water pollution: employment for all; safe and speedy public transportation: and an end to racism, black or white. In 1961, the ‘moon was far enough away to inspire our imagination and close enough to keep our spirit alive. At the State Fair, you will have the opportunity to see the fruits of our national effort to land a man on the moon. I hope that in the near future, the Congress will act to adapt the spirit of the Apollo program to our domestic ills.

REAPING THE FRUITS TitW. • — r ’ 1 .. I

Know Your Indiana Law By JOHN J. DILLON Attorney at Law

This is a public service article explaining provisions of Indiana law in general terms.

Truth In Lending

Many of you have been startled recently to receive in your bills for charge accounts a statement that you are being charged more than 8 per cent a year on unpaid balances. These statements were required by the Federal Truth in Lending Act, effective July 1 of this year. Under this new law, you are entitled to know the total dollar costs of any credit extended to you, the items for which you are charged and the dollar amount of each. The annual finance charge must be stated in a percentage amount after January 1, 1971. Until that time, the

Special Report from Washington

WASHINGTON — Unhappily for Sen. Ted Kennedy, his account of what happened the night Mary Jo Kopechne drowned is crumbling like his footprints on the banks of Poucha Pond, though his TV statement was drafted by some of the best brains of the Kennedy administration. It is amazing that men like ex-white House aide Ted Sorensen and ex-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara would have permitted the Senator to go before the cameras with such a vulnerable statement. Kennedy claimed that he turned down Dyke Road by mistake because he was unfamiliar with the road. This column has learned that he was totally familiar with the road. This column has learned that he was totally familiar with the beaches at the end of Dyke Road, that he and the late President Kennedy had frequently used the Chappaquiddick beach owned by ex-congres-man Perkins Bass, and that the Senator had deliberately headed down Dyke Road for a midnight swim with Mary Jo. Not only did the Senator deny these stories but Bass rushed out with a denial saying the Kennedys hadn’t used his beach. Now he has started to backtrack. Bass has now admitted that the late President Kennedy called for permission to swim at the Bass beach, though Bass explained that Kennedy didn’t really swim at the beach; instead, he anchored his boat there. The New York Times has also confirmed that the Kennedys, both Ted and his late brother,

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many dollars per hundred dollars df credit. The amount of the finance charge must include not only interest, but any time price differential charged. A time price differential is the increase in cost of merchandise because of its purchase by installments instead of its purchase by cash. Also included must be amounts payable under a point, discount or other system of additional charges. A service or carrying charge, a loan fee and credit investigation fee must be included if charged, as well as premiums for insuring your credit-

frequently came to Chappaquiddick Island by boat and that the Senator must have been completely familiar with the island. ? Sen. Kennedy also claimed that he plunged impulsively into the channel and swam to the mainland the night of the accident. We had reported that his cousin Joe Gargan and friend Paul Markham had “borrowed” a boat for the crossing. Their purpose, we said, was to get Kennedy off the island so he could establish an alibi away from the scene of the accident. It is at least interesting, though not conclusive proof, that 16-year-old Bruce Page reported the following morning that his boat had ‘disappeared during the night. It was later found tied up J; at another place. F. Remington Ballou, a Providence, R. 1., businessman, has also reported seeing a boat which doused its lights crossing the channel about 2 a.m. the night of the accident. He saw what appeared to be three men in the boat. This reporter gets no pleasure knocking holes in Kennedy’s story. He has been a conscientious and courageous Senator whose excellent seven-year public record should be weighed against his conduct that one terrible night. However, it is the duty of the press to get the answers to questions that public officials leave unanswered, whenever those questions have bearing on their fitness to hold public office, and

or against your default. Premiums for life or accident and health insurance insuring the indebtedness which the creditor requires will be separately stated in Indiana, because Indiana law gives you the option of furnishing insurance you already have, or of obtaining such insurance through a company and agent of your choice. However, premiums for insurance against loss of or damage to property or against liability arising out of its use or ownership will be included in the finance charge unless you are informed in writing of the cost if the creditor obtained the policy, and advised that you may choose the insurance agent or company if you desire to do so. Fees to public officials to search their records or to file or record necessary papers and taxes will be either separately stated or included in the finance charge. If you have used your real estate as security for your debt, certain normal charges are not required to be included as a part of thp finance charge, such as fees for title examination or insurance, preparation of and

expecially at a time when the credibility of our officials is being so questioned. The main reason for the continuing great public interest in the Chappaquiddick tragedy, of course, is that the Senator’s own accounts of it have been contradictory, even though he has explained he was so shocked and confused that he himself finds his conduct indefensible. Until some of the many still unanswered questions are cleared up, it may continue so. Changed Court President Nixon has followed the recommendations of Attorney General John Mitchell in filling two Supreme Court vacancies. Now Mitchell is anticipating how Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice-designate Clement Haynsworth will vote. For he has quietly instructed federal attorneys not to worry about the Miranda ruling in preparing their cases. In the Miranda case, the Supreme Court voted 5-to--4 that confessions couldn’t be used in the court if the defendant hadn’t been fully informed of his rights and been given a chance to consult an attorney in advance. Clearly, Mitchell expects the two new court members to reverse the Miranda decision. Viet Nam Warning The U.S. command in Saigon has completed a secret study which pours cold water on President Nixon’s hopes of pulling more U.S. combat troops out of

Congressional Comer: Jo/m Brademas Reports From Washington

Record On Domestic Affairs

This week I would like to ret view the record of Congress this year in domestic affairs. I will try to interpret the impact which certain Congressional actions in this area will have on the reordering of our national priorities. Two achievements of the House of Representatives stand out from all the rest: the $1 billion increase in funds for education programs and the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1969. Each of these actions carries a message to the Administration from the American people about the directions in which our country should be moving in the years ahead. More Funds For Domestic Programs The billion dollar increase in education funds was a reaction to the Administration’s $450 million dollar reduction in the education budget for the current fiscal year. The Administration has justified jthis budget cut by claiming that it was necessary in order to fight inflation. When the bill to provide money for education came to the House Floor, however, the House of Representatives by more than a two-to-one margin reversed both the Administration and the House Appropriations Committee by voting a huge increase in school and library funds. I can recall no other occasion in my ten years in Congress when the House has so resoundingly repudiated the recommendations of the Appropriations Committee A majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted for the increased funds. By its action on education funding, the House served notice on the Administration that the American people would not stand for so-called economy measures which might endanger our national effort in so vital an area as education. Penny-wise

notarizing of documents, appraisals and escrow for future payments of taxes and insurance. In this case, the costs of credit reports is not part of the finance charge. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? And it is. But the intention of thft act is to let you know exactly how much money you are borrowing and hew much it will cost. You can, if you read the papers carefully, now discover these two important amounts. With that information, you can shop for credit as you shop for an automobile or a can of tomatoes, and purchase credit at the lowest possible cost to you.

economizing on education now will only mean higher costs to the nation in the future. The case of\ education funds is not an isolated example. In a whole series of vital domestic areas—from job-training to aid for our cities—the level of financing is clearly inadequate. I recently attended a meeting at the Department of Housing and Urban Development at which the Assistant Secretary for Urban Renewal told the mayors and officials of four Indiana cities, including Elkhart and Mishawaka, that funds for neighborhood cities were simply not available, and would not be availalbe for the foreseeable future. It is true that budget reductions are necessary if we are to control inflation. But when the Administration attempts to cut the budget in these vital areas, Congress must answer with a resounding “NO”, as it did in the case of education. TAXES The second message the American people have conveyed to the President through Congress involves the issue of taxes. The question here is not what should the government do with our money, but where will the money come from. Again the underlying issue has been inflation. The Administration wants to increase government revenues. It has decided that the easiest way of doing this is to extend the income tax surcharge for another year. Much to its surprise the Administration has found that it will not be easy to extend the surcharge. For the tax surcharge is a very unfair way of raising revenues, since it falls mgst heavily on the low and middle income taxpayers, who already bear the major share of the Federal tax burden. The House narrowly passed the surtax extension this year, by five votes, and the Senate has yet to act on the full oneyear extension. Again the message has come through: if Federal revenues must be increased,don’t expect the middle income taxpayer to make all the sacrifices. For tax receipts can be increased substantially by making the wealthy pay their fair share. This is what the House has sought to do in passing the Tax Reform Act. The bill would add a total of $3.5 billion to government revenues by closing tax loopholes. This is only a fraction of what could be recovered by a more comprehensive assault on tax loopholes. But at least it is a start.

By DREW PEARSON And JACK ANDERSON

Viet Nam. The study warns bluntly that the South Vietnamese army lacks the leadership, logistics and organization to take over the fighting. Too many commanders are still chosen more for their political connections, the study states, than for their military competence. with strong political backing will often ignore orders from superiors who may not travel in the right circles. The supply system is so snafued that essentials often don’t reach the troops in the field. Some supplies get siphoned into the black market; others are simply misrouted. What gets through is so meager that combat commanders often avoid battle, rather than expend their existing supplies. They’re afraid they may never be replaced. The enlisted men often are forced to steal food from the peasants, which doesn’t help the Vietnamese army gain friends in the Viet Cong-ridden countryside. Many men desert not because they’re unwilling to fight but because they need to feed themselves and their families. The South Vietnamese army does have some crack units, whose officers and men are as good as any in Asia. For example, the First Infantry Division, the 21st Infantry Division and the Ranger battalions have proven themselves in battle. But the performance level in most units is so low that they are far from ready to replace the Americans.