The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 18 April 1984 — Page 2

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., Apr il 18,1984

2

Sixth and final article —

'Modern' China capitalizing on tourism

By ARCH AND DELLA BAUMGARTNER MILFORD, Ind., Thursday, March 21 — We’re back in Indiana after a long and grueling trip from China — indeed, from another world! The flight was over two hours shorter than the trip over, due to a compelling westerly trade wind. Going from San Francisco to Peking, China, non-stop, was a flight of over 13 hours, but the same trip home was only 11 hours We flew from Peking to Shanghai, then non-stop to the United States. We flew north out of Shanghai, over Japan where we could see Mt. Fuji, across the Aleutian Islands, finally coming into San Francisco from the north. One thing unusual is the fact that the trip home afforded us two Leap Years! We lost a day going to China when we crossed the International Date Line. Then, when we left Peking for home on Feb. 29, we regained the day, and enjoyed two February 29s -two Leap Years! Chinese Guests Our two week trip to China was as guests of the China International Travel Service, and we were to receive their very best treatment. We were treated as “we-eye-peas.” Os the 57 who made up our media tour most were professional journalists in the newspaper, radio or television business. Some were from the screen, stage and public relations field. Several were professional photographers. There were radio and television people from New York, magazine writers from California, and photographers from Dallas and Houston. Big time publishing houses like Time were aboard, plus film and TV managers of the New York Metropolitan Museum, travel writers, a TV network executive and the president of the National Academy of TV Arts and Scientists. Most of them had done considerable traveling; some had been to China before Experiences on trips to the Soviet Union, Africa, South America and other such places were interlaced among most of our conversations. According to one of our group. “Those who had only been to Europe kept quiet a bout it." Our Second Trip This was our second trip to China, and of importance to us was the fact that we had taken granddaughter Criss along At 16. she was the youngest of the entire party and pretty well fell in with others in the entourage. When we visited China in 1979 we traveled north to Harbin on the Mongolian border; this time we did the southern part of the country, traveling from Shanghai north to Peking, the capital. Much was the same, such as the enormously large crowds of people everywhere we went, and yet much was different. One of the main differences this time around was the fact that it was February and the weather was biting cold. Our hotels were heated, but that was about all. There is such limited heat in the private homes, and no heat in the stores, that the cold is always a factor to contend with. Everyone was bundled up with warm thermal clothing, but few seemed to wear gloves. Rosy red cheeks were commonplace, especially with the youngsters. 6 . The close and sparse living quarters depend in no small degree on body heat. Changes in Peking Perhaps the greatest change we noticed this time around was in Peking. In 1979 we found huge pictures of Chairman Mao. Stalin and Lenin on public buildings, but now we found only those of the Chairman Peking's population is booming, going from two million in 1949 at the time of the Revolution to nine million at the present time. But Shanghai continues to be the largest city in the world with its 11.8 million people Peking is moving up fast At a Peking duck dinner, our last banquet in the Chinese capital, the head of tourism in China told us they had just opened 13 modern luxury hotels for tourist, and that 35 more would be opened in 1984 and 1985. They are making a real bid for tourism in China, especially in Peking, where they are finding an unremitting flow of American cash. This is apparent everywhere one goes. Peking also has more vehicles then we found in 1979, even if they are all government-owned. But the city is clean to a fault, and the flow of bicycles is everywhere. The bikes are not 10-speed as we have them, but are geared low, and there is no hustle to go around anyone. Frohn our hotel window in Peking — in fact, from nearly anywhere one went - one could see huge construction booms for new buildings, hotels and apartment complexes Will Long Remember Certain things stand out. Os course the Great Wall, some two hours bus ride northwest of Peking, is the main attraction in this city. Everyone goes there. We were so pleased to take Criss to this site, where she scurried ahead of us, swung around to take our photographs as we plodded up the steps. We found ourselves taking 15 or 20 steps, then stopping to get our breath. When we got to the top we could see ahead where they were rebuilding portions of the old wall. At the base where our bus stopped there were several souvenir shops, something that has sprung up in considerable numbers. The Americans, in particular, are insatiable souvenir buyers. The unearthed Ming Dynasty burial grounds four floors underground and the Avenue of the Animals, located near the Great Wall, is something we hope Criss will remember. The Grand Canal near Wuxi - another man-made miracle, - runs from Peking south for some 1,500 miles. We took a morning boat trip up the Canal and saw people coming out of their homes lining the Canal to do their washing in the dirty water, dump all sorts of waste in the water, wash their vegetables and themselves in the same water. Our Environmental Protection agents would blow a fuse trying to correct this situation! The freight of all types going up and down the Canal is enormous, and at times the boats edge slowly past one another where the Canal narrows. More on the Grand Canal appeared in an earlier article. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Memorial We’ll also remember the burial spot of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the patriot who overthrew the ruling dynasty in 1911 to form the national government. It was nearly 400 steps to the top, built on the side of a mountain. It was absolutely majestic and drew thousands to this historic shrine. The good doctor is this country’s George Washington. Then there’s QuFu, the birthplace of Confuscius whose some 77 generations of the legendary philosopher/teacher are buried and others continue to live, with its 80-acre burial grounds where no one but a Confuscius decendant can be buried. We were greeted with fireworks and an abundance of hospitality - all typically Chinese. We

had i M*e of our best banquets there, with most of us learn ing by now of the potency of their Mao Tai. We l oved their low-alcoholic content beer, as others » in our party did. It was here at QuFu that we took an early morning v ralk and followed some youngsters until we came to their school. They went to their classn wms obediently, all clad heavily against the cold m orning air, and took their seats. We went inside, t ried to make friends with the smiling, rosy-cl leeked faces, and took some pictures. The classrooms were extremely sparse with wooden tables fc »r desks. We were so welcomed. Criss in particular liked to visit classrooms, and in Nanjing we visited a kindergarten where the youngsters performed for us and we handed out little favors to them. A tea briefing by the headmistress outlined their work at this school. One tl ling for sure, the new government (they don’t like for us to say “Communist,” or “Red China”) is educating their young, and literacy has been elevated from the Dark Ages. They recognize that education is the one thing that will increase their stand; ird of living. We’ll remember the Yangtse River, too, the third larges t river in the world. It cuts China In half, running from west to east. We visited the Chang Jiang Bridge at Nanjing which spans the Yangtse. We were told American and Russian engineers gave up on this bridge, said “it couldn’t be built,” and that Chinese engineers finally built it. Propaganda? Could be, but one thing is certain, it is a real engineering feat. The bridge is four miles across the Yangtse, with a four-lane road on top and two tra in tracks on the second level. Fjording this mighty river would be difficult if not impossible with a.ny meaningful flow of merchandise. Besides, this, there is a constant flow of traffic on the river i tself. We took a boat ride on the river and we wen? all mighty impressed. We ll remember the Lantern Festival at Jinan, and how we were followed by Chinese photographers who took our pictures for their publications. The y were westernized in that they made use of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters in several of their displays. We should mention that we fell under the Chinese influence at times as well, notably when many in our group purchased large fur hats for outdoor wear. A gr oup photo in front of the great wall found many of us unrecognizable in our get-ups. (Note: See adjoining photo.) Taking the largie cable car to the top of Mt. Taishan, the greatest of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, also is something to remember. Della and Criss braved the 3,000-odd steps down the majestic mountain, visiting with Chinese people along the way. They admired those walking both ways, up and down, carrying heavy articles. Several wanted to kno w Della and Criss’s ages. On this trip they encountered a little girl playing and eating snow with chop sticks. Such irresistable photo opportunities as this were everywhere. These steps are centuries old, and one has to wonder what work and what patience went into building such a magnificent stair case. Different Ball Game There’s a different iball game in China now. During the horrible Cultural Revolution, for which four of China's top leaders are yet in jail (including Chairman Mao’s estranged widow), when far-reaching laws :>ent educated people to work the farms, universities were closed, marriage discouraged in favor of communal living, and centuries of Chinese customs and folkways, individual liberties were submerged. Now, on the other hand, there’s a sort of entrepreneurship coming over the land. Individuals must put in their regular t ime in the commune’s fields or in factories, but they can raise crops on private tracts for sale for private gain. We were told some families, by pooling their monies, have $5-, even $10,030, in the bank drawing as much as 5.5% interest. A recent television show- told of one family earning as much as $50,000 per year for itself! Shades of c apitalism. We were told the Chairman was senile, possibly suffering from Altzlteimer’s disease in his final years and this was when the “Gang of Four" got a grip on the country When we visited China in 1979 there was absolutely no public display of affliction, and how we could see young couples holding hands in public and occasionally staring dewey-eyed at one another. Things We Liked The average Chinese seem to be eating well, if he doesn't have much money for himself. They have full medical services, and we found little or no tooth decay and few natives wearing spectacles. In a Jade factory we found old men doing close work without glasses and were told they had been doing this for over 40 years. Those doing routine work for low pay seem complacent if not satisfied. We asked a pretty young guide if she thought her pay (some $24 per month) was enough and if she thought of complaining. “What good would it do?” she replied. The Chinese have found a certai n contentment with their way of life. They have no organized religion, but do everything for the State. They seem to be saying they want to do more for their government (which, after all, is for themselves) and ask not what the state can do for them. Their State is their religion. Wherever we went there were toasts to friendship between America and China - and talk of peace. A young female guide told us she has no religion. “When you’re dead, you're dead,” she said with a ringing finality. The Chinese refer to themselves as “workers.” and they have lent a dignity to work, something we could well emulate. Divorces. Theft, Murder There are relatively few divorces in China, very little theft or murder, we were told, but had no statistics to verify this. We could believe it, however, for there is so little to steal. Tempers that would prompt murder are at a low level. Asked if long absences from spouses causes unfaithfulness, we were told, simply, “Os course not. Why should it?” Those breaking the law are “tallied to,” we were told, and told the wrongness of breaking the law. At one time China was practically denuded as trees were cut down for firewood. No more; on the contrary, a reforestation program is nationwide, where along all highways and roads trees have been planted like 10 feet apart. It’s a massive program. Trees eliminate dust, we were told, and provide clean air. Cutting down a tree is a federal offense. We’ll remember the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, although they were repeat visits for us. And we’ll remember the stares when the Chinese saw Harry Fleetwood, the ST” program director for New York’s station WOR, and a lady member of our group from Los Angeles. Tall and portly Chinese are rarely

PEKING, A CHANGING CITY — During our visit to Peking in 1979 there were no hotels, only Friendship Hotels, and the only cars and buses were government-owned. All this is changing dramatically. Discovering the gold mine of tourist trade, Peking is moving to capture the tourist dollar. Hotels are going up everywhere, as this photo indicates, with 35 new hotels now under construction. And there are more cars, and trucks, still all government vehicles, indicating a rapid growth of the Chinese capital city of Peking.

AT GREAT WALL — The newspaper tour group poses for a group photo in front of the Great Wall of China on a bright but cold February day.

found. And we’ll remember the hundreds of curious Chinese who stood outside the iron gates at the Singapore-built Jingling Hotel at Nanjing to watch us come and go. It prompted Criss to say she’s getting to feel like a movie star with all those people watching her all the time. We felt absolutely no hostility in China. We never felt we were watched by government agents, and our comings and goings were unrestricted. We were never told what to photograph or what not to photograph. ’ rather liked the Americans they came into contact with. We’re a century advanced from them in almost every way one can think of. But we must never forget theirs is an ancient heritage. They invented paper, gunpowder, and a number of other useful things. In more ways than one they led the way into the civilized world, and still have much to

No. Webster board to accept bids May 9 on street paving

(Continued from page 1) new riding lawn mower for the street and sewer departments. Minnick presented brochures and a pride list on heavy duty mowers. Dixie Pryor announced the park department project has been approved by the federal government and SIOO,OOO financial aid was received. A request was made for the board to appropriate money from the revenue sharing fund in case the park board needs money to operate this year. Waiting For School A discussion may be held this evening concerning responding to an inquiry from the SPEDY Program at Warsaw, on participation for this summer. The board tabled any decision until it is known if Wawasee High School will have its summer job program. It was stated during the meeting that the SPEDY Program has good intentions but provides too many young workers with not enough adult supervision to the town. Minnick stated the school’s program has worked out for the town because fewer persons participate, older workers are involved and it’s easier to supervise. The town will contact SPEDY Program officials with a response. NeCFeasaHe A letter from J. B. Hoy concerning the condition of the property at the Charles Dickens house on SR 13, the first house on the south after Crystal Flash, was read during the meeting. Hoy’s letter expressed his concern of the unsightly appearance and asked the board to consider doing something about it. The board

offer the Western world. They’re moving to catch up as fast as they can. En route to China, we were with a plane load of Chinese coming from America, and coming home, we were with a plane load of Chinese going to America “to learn.” They’re fostering tourism and picking the brains from our universities and industry. They'll keep their communism, their love of "State,” but they’re going to learn from the West, too. By opening their borders as we’ve seen in the past five years, we mark China for giant strides in the years to come. It’s none of this “us against them” as it seems to be with the Russians. If we’d predict anything, it would be that we could both learn from this thaw between China and America.

members remarked an ordinance was not leasable because it would then affect the business in town displaying merchandise outside Their stores. A letter will be sent to Hoy stating the board’s appreciation for his concern. Fingerprinting During Marshal Coleman’s report she announced that the department will be conducting a fingerprinting clinic at the end of May or the first part of June for every child in the area. Cards with the child’s fingerprints will be given to the parents for future references She was also given the approval to advertise for applications for reserve officers and alternate dispatchers. Marshal Coleman announced Michael Janacek will be attending a marshal school course for three weeks in July. Jay Howenstine asked the Ben Franklin celebrates 107 years The Syracuse Ben Franklin store has joined Ben Franklin Stores across the nation in celebrating 167 years in business. Ben Franklin will be bolding a two-week long sale, offering sayings throughout the store on their quality products. The sale will begin April 24, according to manager Don Melton. Savings will be found on such items as housewares, stationery, candies and health and beauty aids. Name brand indude Cannon, Kimberly-Clark, Anchor Hocking and Rubbermaid.

board if there was an ordinance prohibiting bicycles and mopeds on town sidewalks. He was informed there was an ordinance restricting mopeds only from being ridden on the sidewalks. In final action the board authorized Mrs. Payne to send a letter to Warsaw Basketball Coach Al Rhoades congratulating him on the team’s success in the basketball tournaments.

g -**o 457-2595 |uU > I Dauco “ f J IN BUSINESS SINCE 1974 b is moving from the Pacer Gas Station I to its NEW Custom Facility 1 1 li on 300 East (Dewart Lake Road) 11 || Opening at New Location — APRIL 231 Illi VISIT US SOON Radiators • Air-Conditioning • Boat Propellers • Welding II

Lake Wawasee man to face defraud charges

James Cromer, 66, r 4 Syracuse (Lake Wawasee), surrendered to Marion County (Indianapolis) Criminal Court on charges that he defrauded 24 persons of nearly $600,000, according to an April 11 article on page 49 of The Indianapolis News. The article said he was a former Indianapolis public accountant. Cromer is well known around the lake. He is free on a SIO,OOO bond. Not Guilty The article said Cromer pleaded not guilty on three counts each of securities fraud and theft. Prosecutor Terry Curry said the investigation into Cromer’s affairs began in August of last year after the prosecutor’s office received a call from an attorney representing one of Cromer’s investors. Cromer allegedly defrauded 24 customers of “at least $592,650 accepted by James A. Cromer and James A. Cromer & Company” of 6801 Lake Plaza Dr. from 1973 through 1981, the News article quoted Curry as stating. The remainder of The News story follows: “The $592,650 represents promissory notes offered by Cromer and his company after accepting funds from clients which were to be invested by Cromer on behalf of 3 note holders. “The deputy prosecutor said that in most cases Cromer told his clients he was investing their money to purchase inventories of lots in steel, which would eventually be purchased by a northern Ohio manufacturing company which was building trucks and tanks for the government. “In some cases, Cromer used the money to pay off other investors who wanted out of the program, Curry alleged. “Curry said that Cromer filed Federal bankruptcy proceedings shortly after the investigation began last August. An investor sued Cromer in Marion County Superior Court where Cromer testified he sold the company to his son in December 1981. Eugene Yoders “The charges in the three cases filed against Cromer allege that on July 1, 1980, he issued a promissory note to Eugene or Maxine Yoder of Syracuse, Ind., in the amount of $20,000 with the understanding it would be invested and pay the Yoders 15 percent per annum dividends. Two cashiers checks totaling $20,000 were deposited to the James A. Cromer & Company account at Merchants National Bank on July 9. “A review of that account showed the funds were disbursed the same day by Cromer to pay personal debts, employee

JWMS7-484(T\ fcySIEEHh I SR 13S, Syracuse Celebrates Dyngus Day "Syracuse Style" Easter Monday, April 23rd 5 P.M.? • Polish “Kielbasa" Sausage • Baked Ham • Music From 5 P.M. Till Midnight With THE VICE BROTHERS'

salaries and expenses incurred by his business totaling $29,844.24. “The second case involves a Marion County resident, Floyd Miller, who was issued a promissory note by Cromer in the amount of $200,000 on October 8, with the same promises offered the Yoders. The check was deposited two days later and a review of the account revealed Cromer used the money to pay off at least $180,338.32 in business expenses. “A Delaware County resident, Michael Thrasher, received a $75,000 note from Cromer on April 23, 1981. Four days later, Cromer deposited $75,000, which then were used to pay part of $81,294.57 in business expenses, Curry alleged. “According to April records on file with the securities division of the Indiana Secretary of State’s office. Mrs. Yoder has received only $1,011.06 in return for her investment. Mr. Miller received $15,000 on his $200,000 investment, and Thrasher had a return of S3OO on funds he gave Cromer, Curry said.” Beverage Board renews license The Kosciusko County Beverage Board renewed North Webster American Legion liquor license in a brief meeting on April 11. The renewal covered a liquor, beer and wine club permit. New M-J subscribers Shari Beer r 1 box 9 Milford, Ind. 46542 John J. Davis r 6 box 87 Warsaw, Ind. 46580 John L. Gardner 670 CR 207 #3-A Durango, Colo. 81301 Pauline Hostetler r 5 box 117 Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Allen O. Shively 225 W. Brooklyn Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Ruth Starner rsbox 155-C Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Nina M. Sutton ribox 608 Leesburg, Ind. 46538