Democrat and Chronicle from Rochester, New York • Page 100

Editorials Deraaratt ana tfljnmifi Page Op mion ROCHESTER, N. Our Schools Need These Improvements Desmond Stone The Bad Old Days For those of us who weren't around at the time, it's sometimes hard to appreciate or understand the mood of boundless optimism which is nearly always said to have permeated the American nation at the turn of the century. To the extent that text and photographs can recapture the spirit of those days, a new American Heritage Press publication, "Looking Forward," is one of those interesting keys to the fa 1 past that should be turned slowly in the lock. The subtitle of the book is "Life in the Twentieth Century as Predicted in the Pages of American Magazines from 1895 to 1905." It's a compilation of articles, cartoons, editorials and advertisements that appeared in such journals as The Saturday Evening Post, Harper's Weekly, Collier's Puck, Judge, Woman's Home Companion, Country Life in America, Ladies' Home Journal and others. Many of these magazines have themselves passed into history along with the attitudes and the style of life that kept them alive.

'How would you like to run in '72 as MY Need Peacekeepers Letters When a politician says "we want to take politics out of the schools," let's help him. To implement a Republican campaign pledge, City Councilman Robert F. Wood and the -city administration are pressing for school board election reforms that have been booted around for 20 years. One is to bestow on the board fiscal independence so that, at every budget-making time, the board won't be forced to go to City Hall, tincup in hands, to get the political leaders' blessings on education funds. The other reform is to hold nonpartisan school board elections in the spring so that an unsavory alliance between education and politics can be severed, forever.

The difference between the Wood proposal and other suggestions is that it would tie nonpartisan board elections and fiscal autonomy into a single package. One without the other wouldn't be worth a used dunce's cap. The combination will require a state constitutional amendment. This would mean a two-to-three year delay if approved by two sessions of the legislature and a referendum, but it's well worth it. As for nonpartisan elections, Rochester is far behind.

With the exceptions of Rochester and Syracuse, whose school commissioners are elected on a partisan basis, and of Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, New Ro-chelle, New York City, Rensselaer and Yonkers, whose school boards are appointed, members of all school boards in New York State are elected on a nonpartisan basis. Of the boards of 288 systems (with enrollments of 12,000 or more) in the U.S., 82 per cent are elected on a nonpartisan basis. About 60 per cent of such elections come at times other than political elections. As for fiscal autonomy, Rochester and other Big Six school-systems of this state are unusual for wearing these handcuffs among the hundreds of school boards which set their own tax levies and raise their own money. Let's transfer this responsibility to the Rochester Board of Education where it belongs.

Assemblyman William Rosenberg and Sen. Thomas Laverne, Republicans, are ready, if re-elected, to prefile the necessary bills. But these improvements should not be thought of as a "Republican show." They're favored by many Democratic lawmakers. Ultimately, their approval will require strong bipartisan support. Public education must lean heavily upon these able, men and women serving as board members to determine broad policies under which the schools operate.

They must be free to make decisions in the best interests of their communities, unshackled and uninfluenced by partisan or political considerations. Key Cultural Drive It was no idle gesture that Governor Rockefeller made when he stopped by the Memorial Art Gallery en route to his recent political rally in Rochester. The governor is himself a distinguished figure in the world of the arts. Beyond that, he was concerned to give a boost to the gallery's annual membership campaign. When he said that the gallery is the best art museum in upstate New York, he was speaking directly of the generosity of the gallery's supporters over the years.

The gallery's membership is one of the largest in the country nearly 8,000 individuals, families and corporations. And they provide the gallery's largest single source of income. Notwithstanding the recent grant from the State Council on the Arts, community support is the key to the gallery's development and sue-cess. The campaign that began Sept. 21 had a goal of $280,000 in membership contributions.

General chairman O. Cedric Rowntree said in announcing this: "The gallery depends for nearly 50 per cent of its income on the voluntary support that comes from its membership. The outcome of tnis campaign will directly determine the gallery's effectiveness for the coming year." we hope the campaign succeeds in the style that it deserves. Readers' opinions on the issues of the day are part of the lifeblood of this page, and original letters are welcomed accordingly. The rules aren't rigid, but preference will normally go to clearly-written letters of one page or less.

The editors reserve the right to edit conscientiously for reasons of space, clarity, and fair play. Names and addresses must be given for publication. Letters not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes. CONFIDENCE and self-congratulation expressed in those days about the glorous present and future were well conveyed by Chauncey Depew, a big man in the New York Central railroad and a new U.S. Senator in 1899.

For example, here's this prize statement: "There is not a man who does not feel 400 per cent bigger in 1900 than he did in 1896, bigger intellectually, bigger hopefully, bigger patriotically, bigger in the breast from the fact that he is a citizen of a country that has become a world power for peace, for civilization and for the expansion of its industries and the products of its labor." From coast to coast in those days, newspapers in editorials looked toward a Utopian future. On the last day of 1899, The New York Times listed the inventions with what lay ahead. Thus: "We step upon the threshold of 1900 which leads to the new century facing a still brighter dawn of civilization." Many of the forecasts of those days have turned out to be incredibly wide of the mark. Ray Stannard Baker, considered a well informed magazine writer, believed that the automobile, then just appearing on the streets, would put an end to the roar of city traffic. "In the first place," he wrote, "it will be almost as quiet as a country lane all the crash of horses' hoofs and the rumble of steel tires will be gone, and since vehicles will be fewer and shorter than the present truck and span, streets will appear less crowded." So much for Mr.

Baker's crystal ball! ONE OF THE CHIEF impressions left by this recreation of the world of 70 years ago is the indifference that was shown towards the slums and the sweatshops and the indignities suffered by the poor and deprived. As Ralph K. Andrist points out in his text, the world was very different back then. "It was a world where the rich were very rich, and where the poor were hardly mentioned, where John Jacob Astor could say condescendingly, 'A man with a million dollars is as well off as if he were rich i'." Perhaps such a book as this ought to be made compulsory reading for those radicals who have nothing but contempt for the nation today and who would as soon snuff out its life. For while there are many painful reminders in this volume of how backward and uncivilized much of our outlook was in those days, it also serves to show how far we have come in respecting the dignity of tne Individual.

We're not as derelict as some people make us out to be. 2F Today's Quotes "WE MAY not have the best system of government here in the United States, but history shows it is the best yet devised by man. We can't improve it by tearing it down." George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO, in a speech to a convention of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "WE CAN never build a constructive rural economy and meet the human and environmental needs of our society until we learn to lower our voices, cool the rhetoric and work together, regardless of party labels." Sen. George S.

McGovern, in a press statement. "THE RECESSION that the American economy has unfortunately gone through over the past year was man-made. It was engineered by the United States government, it was engineered by the administration in the guise of an anti-inflation policy." Nathaniel Goldfin-ger, AFL-CIO economist, in a recorded radio interview. We WE THOUGHT the editorial, "To Succeed, U. N.

Needs More Muscle," Dec. 17) was honest and balanced in its appraisal of the international organization. In fact the U. N. has, through such agencies as UNI-CEF, UNESCO and WHO, contributed substantially toward improving the human condition.

However, unless all the nations are willing to give up some of their sovereignty to an international organization dedicated to the common good of all mankind, world peace, the objective of the United Nations is not likely to become a reality. I think your readers will be interested in a letter sent to President Nixon on behalf of the RAUN. It suggested that the President declare before the General Assembly of the U. on the occasion of the U. 25th anniversary Oct.

24, that the United States proposes and supports the establishment of a permanent U. N. peacekeeping force. We asked that the President challenge other nations to enter into ne-, gotiations to that end. The creation of a peacekeeping force would, it seems to me, mark, the beginning of a move toward the United Nations' goal of world peace.

MRS. HARPER SIBLEY President, Rochester Association for the United Nations, 55 St. Paul St. 'Assemblyman Lill Down-to-Earth' IT'S TOO BAD that an outsider like Assembly Speaker Perry Duryea can come into this city and pick on a man like Assemblyman Ray Lill. I assume that the only reason he wants to defeat Assemblyman Lill is because Lill is a Democrat.

I've known Ray Lill since his own mind." Well, now we have one, Sen. Charles Goodell. In every election we hear the same party leaders come out and tell the party faithful, "Vote for so and so because he is of our party." In this election the only fault that the party leaders can find with Sen. Goodell is that he has shown that he is not a yes man and that he has a mind of his own. I have had occasion to contact Sen.

Goodell and it was a problem of international complications. I can tell you this much, an aide of his, a Miss Nixon, contacted us personally and we received swift and courteous action on my problem. In this election we are being asked to punish Sen. Goodell by voting for another party. To me the fact that Sen.

Goodell SUNDAY. OCTOBER 4. 1970 the back" not name-calling. MRS. JAY MOLL, 1137 Brooktree Lane, Webster.

'Must Help Our POWs In North Vietnam' IT IS about time someone brought to the attention of the people, the plight of our prisoners of war in North Vietnam. Hanoi has continually disregarded the rules of the Geneva Convention. There are over 125 families in New York State with men who are either prisoners of war or missing in action. Hanoi refuses to release an accurate list of the names of POWs. Few letters come from POWs to their families.

Let's stand up and see what we can do for our boys in North Vietnam who are being mistreated. Write your congressman or let him know someone cares. TIM MORGAN, Fairport 14 Dewey served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Both sons agree, as we do, with your recent editorial (Sept. 27) position supporting James L.

Buckley for Senator, We believe President Nixon is doing a superb job and should be supported in his program. Those candidates for office that intend to support the President can count on our votes. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P.

Forget, Williamson 'Senator's Allegation Astonishes Me' SINCE the partial with-drawal of our troops from South Korea and Western Europe is planned for next sum service as a city councilman and I've kept in touch with, him as a state assemblyman for the past four years. He has always been my idea of what a legislator should be hardworking, down-to-earth, and working for the good of his constituents. I'd never vote to defeat a man like that. JOHN G. I R.

120 Versailles Road EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaker Duryea, stopping in Rochester on a statewide tour to launch a Republican campaign to retain control of the Assembly, said the GOP has a good chance of unseating Assemblyman Lill. 'Former Cheerleaders Not Empty-Headed' I THINK reporter Mandi Harris' statement (Sept. 27, 1970) "Today's cheerleaders came a long way from the empty-headed, teeny-boppers of another era" owes the Bible Passage BUT YOU, take courage! Do not let "your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. II Corinthians 15:7 Stone attitude polls to the public, regardless of whether the results are favorable to U.S. interests." EDWIN A.

GORDON, Cb-Chairman Americanism Committee of the Monroe County American Legion. 1490 Ridge-way Ave. 'Thank God for Our Efficient Firemen' THANK GOD for our "unsung heroes," the firemen of Ridge Road West and Dewey Avenue. A life was hanging by a thin thread. Because of their fast response, efficiency, calmness, and know-how, a life was saved and Cap ain Homer Kelly should be of his men.

We are. J. S. CHRISTIANSEN, 39 Bonesteel St. FAUL MILLER.

PubUiher JOHN E. RESELDEN, General Manager JOHN C. QL'ENN, Executive Editor RICHARD B.TUTTLE Managing Editor DESMOND STONE, Editor, Editorial Pige Publlthed daily by Gannett 55 Exchange Rochester, N.Y. 146 1 4. Paul Miller, chairman and chief executive officer; Allen H.

Neuharth, president; John R. Purcell, vice president finance and administration, treasurer nd secretary; John E. Heselden, vice president. First published January 1, 1833, as the Morning Advertiser. Name changed to The Daily Democrat, February 17, 1834; combined with The Chronicle, December 1, 1870; with the Rochester Herald '6.

cheerleaders of "another era" an apology. To state they were "empty headed" was unjust! All the girls who were cheerleaders for our class (some 20 years) were hardworking, "level-headed" students as well. They gave up many free hours after school and Saturday mornings for practice and attended "all games," local and out-of-town. One of our cheerleaders was the school vice president. Anyone who gives up time willingly for extra-curriculum activities deserves a "pat on the small society ing the offer now because you are not too sure that with rising unemployment and mounting inflation any of us will have enough left to buy later.

Furthermore, the latest Gallup poll reveals that while Mr. Nixon remains strongly opposed to setting a date for complete withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, the American public strongly supports this idea, by 55 per cent to 36 per cent. This would place in serious doubt your editorial assumption that the electorate supports the Nixon policies. JEROME BALTER, Winton Road N. 2 5 7 'James L.

Buckley Endorsement Good' WE PRESENTLY have two sons in college, both of whom TELEPHONE: 232-5300 Readers Debate the Qualifications of Senate Candidates the prevailing political wind? At least Sen. Goodell and Ottinger have demonstrated some backbone, independent thought, innovative programs. It is a sad day when the only two newspapers in a city like Rochester see fit to endorse a political nonentity because "he is more closely attuned to goals of the Nixon administration," without mentioning one political issue. GENE G. ABKARIAN, 1743 Scribner Road.

STRANGE THAT the editors of the should see fit to endorse the Conservative candidate James Buckley, for the Senate at this early date. Either Sen. Charles Goodell or Richard Ottinger has a record on which to run, but your endorsee promises "more law and order," "more local control" as the basis of his request for support. The basis of your support hinges on his being "closer to Nixon policies" (instead of independent thought for the good of all citizens), and to be "more closely attuned to the mood of the electorate." Even if this be true (and recent surveys seem to indicate that a majority of Americans have misgivings about Nixon's handling of his office) don't the editors feel that it is the function of a political leader to lead and sot merely to blow in has the courage and the determination to stand on his own two feet more than qualifies him to remain in Washington as our senator. JAMES A.

Smith St. LICCIONE, 652 'Buckley Endorsement Was a Let Down' EDITORIAL endorsement of a political candidate some five weeks before election would lead the reader to believe there was something outstanding and transcending about the candidate. So I read your editorial endorsement of Mr. Buckley with interest and anticipation. Frankly I was let down.

All you had to offer was a promise of a pro-Nixon rubber stamp. You are probably mak mer, the cry is going up in both countries, "Yankee, don't go home!" Therefore, I was astonished to hear Sen. George McGovern say that 65 per cent of the South Vietnamese want us to withdraw completely. I asked Rep. Barber M.

Conable Jr. to check this which he did with his usual efficiency. This is what we learned. Dennis J. Doolin, deputy U.S.

assistant secretary of defense, states: "We cannot confirm the statements attributed to Sen. McGovern. No poll has been conducted by the U.S. military command there which substantiates allegation nor does a poll instituted by the civil operations command correlate with his statement. "It has been a standing U.S.

government policy not to release the results of overseas 'Senator Goodell Speaks Own Mind, ABOUT SEN. Charles Goodell. For years I have heard people complain, "Gee, I wish there was a senator in Washington, D.C., who wasn't a yes man." Or, "I wish that we had a senator who would speak his.