Beckley Post-Herald from Beckley, West Virginia • Page 4

Page Four March 24,1975 BECKLEY POST-HERALD A MPUMJCAN NSWSPAPM 75 PUftUSHIO WHY BUSINESS DAY BY RECKLfY NEWSPAPERS CORPORATION 339-343 Prince W. Vo. 25801 TelepKonei All Deportments Beckley 253-3321 Sfcond-Closs moil privileges authorized at poll office ot W. Vo. ond Hinlon.

W. Vo. E. J. HOOIL MIMUt OF THE ASSOCIATED PBESS The Associated Press is entitled to the use (or republicotion ol oil the loco! news printed in this newspaper, os OS oil AP news dispatches.

President's Office Attracting Many Presidential politics has a special attraction which at times defies description. Less than a year after the office of President was damaged by scandal and the powers of the office are under strong a a by Congress, more prospective candidates for that same office are drifting toward the starting gate than at any time in a half century. Nor is the i field limited to the army of starters in the Democratic party. Dissatisfaction within the conservative wing of the Republican party for administration policies, coupled with a strong dist a i i less a i a i by a a a i for President Ford should he choose to run again. Among independents who might choose to enter the presidential sweeptstakes sans the endorsement of either major party, the name of George Wallace heads the list.

But there are others who might also take i road if they believe their political philosophies have been given short shrift by the major parties. As is the case with personalities, even cities seem i i presidential i a i a Chicago, which both disclaimed interest in hosting the national conventions after the experiences of 1968 and 1972, both again are actively courting the ma- jdr parties for the opportunity to un. dergo the experience again in 1976. Federal Offices Survey Overdue Hoover Commissions, except in general terms. Most politicians forgot them years 9go, As a quick refresher it need only be remembered that a number of people in and out of Congress about a quarter century ago decided the federal government had developed in a pattern akin to an octopus, and that a major study of administration and efficehcy was a first step toward correcting the trend.

Headed by former President Herbert Hoover, the first commission explored the labyrinths of government in 1947 49. A second Hoover Commission in 1953-55 complemented the first. Out of both a a of i reorganization bills. Two decades have passed since the second Hoover Commission. The federal government has experienced a a a i i this i a both of new agencies and hundreds of thousands of additional employes.

It has ventured forth into vast new welfare fields and far- reaching commitments with the states i a commissions and revenue sharing. It is a pity that all the "watchdog" committees and commissions in government, including the General Accounting Office, not one is charg- ed with a broadscale effort to main tain efficiency in the world's largest a most i a business enterprise. Loud Rock Music Violates Law? It doesn't i a decibel counter to tell reasonably observant people that hard rock music, is hard on the ears. But a large number of young people and some creeping into middle age remain to be convinced. As a result, one of the booming businesses for many years to come will be the one dealing with hearing i a i loss.

a some specifics? OK, in 1969, two out of three freshmen entering the University of Tennessee in Knoxville were found to have hearing problems. Since there is no reason to believe the young people attending this university have a special aptitude for deafness, the results of a study fine out what caused the widespreac problem is of a loca significance. After testing 7.000 young people since 1967, and finding a large number with measurable, hearing loss, the director of the university's noise research laborator said he could not confirm that rock i a cause, added, "I don't know of any other recreational sound source which has the potential of being as damaging and that includes gunfire." The federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act of 1970 provides for a maxium noise level 01 115 decibels for 15 minutes as a minimum safety standard. It is frequently exceed by amplified rock 'music in confined quarters. Top 0' The Morning-Different Fever To Break Out By GENE L.

WOOOKUM If ever there was any doubt ibout the coming of spring, it had vanish after the beautiful days vo had both yesterday and last i a children a i baseball, birds singing with more han just a little enthusiasm, and nore people in general finding hings to do out of doors. It has now been some few years since we have been in the state dur- ng spring, and perhaps this is one jf the reasons we can spe'ak of the leauty with such nostalgia. But we ire ready for it now. ready for the logwoods to blossom, ironwoods. ollowed closely by the fruit trees if apply and cherry.

--0-Yesterday, with birds trilling, lawned so beautiful that we watch- it in wonderment. Then later we ook our small son Gene and the wo sons of nephew Robert Brown, Sicky and Robby. for a quick walk the woods just before Sunday School. We noticed at Dorothy, more han near Beckley. many wild greens are already up and quite a 'ew wildflowers were blooming, ncluding some pretty bluebells.

Our son enjoyed those, exclaiming vith glee each time he found a new )unch, und just had to call daddy iver to see. To his and Ricky's sur- rise, we also found a terrapin, the irst we've ever found so early. Surely, it is now the time for spring ever. Not competing with our Fayette i i Donnelley, however, it appears we are now 'starting to accumulate a small "museum" of our own. And he principal donor to this small, jut chic collection, is none other han our old friend John Bero.

Bero, one of the employes here at the Post-Herald reads our column quite regularly, and often is (he subject because our interests are so much alike, Bero and his "amijy, his wife Louise and son a lot of time scouring different portions of the state, look, ng at its scenery and collecting ar, jfacts. Recently he was in and gave us a a few little items of which we are quite proud- He had read pur column concerning the old blue mason jars, and brought in a half gallon ball nieson canning jar com. 3)ete with a sink lid, As if that wasn't, enough, he then gave us a can of beer dated in 1960. Now we believe in aging our brew, but a can that is unopened, and some 15 years old, is too much of a treasure to drink. One last item he gave us was an ice pick, almost 35 years old, his late brother George Bero once used when he worked for the Welch Milk company.

It is in nearly perfect condition. Legislative Hindsight We noticed in various reports that our two favorite Democrats managed to make it into the newspapers. House Speaker Lewis a was in a i pushing West Virginia coal with which we agreed. However, the Raleigh County Delegate evidently feejs a little different toward our mountains than we do. because he stressed that "bans on mountain top stripping, steep slope mining.

show a marked federal promotion of western coal over Appalachian coal." Personally, one of our chief complaints against strip mining is the mountain top removals, and stripping on slopes so steep that they just cannot be reclaimed. For persons who would like a good look Ht what mountain looks like after undergoing such carnage, they should'taHe a quick trip on a clear day over Bolt Mountain on Wesl Virginia 99. then they can decided for themselves. Also, we notice, now that the session has ended, a State a i i i a Brotherton s'aid the Legislature would have had to raise taxes if i. had passed all of Governor Arch Moore's proposals.

We can't help but wondering if the proposal; could have been passed if the Legislature hadn't given a healths raise to nearly, every official in a i i themselves, and the state's judicia wheels. "It's bad enough to have to expose the political affairs, without having to give our version of the Bible. If some of those birds would spend their time following His example, instead of trying to figure out His mode of arrival and departure, they would come getting confidence in their church. There is no argument in the world that carries the hatred that a religious belie'f does, and it seems the more learned a man is, the less consideration he has for another man's belief." January 20, 1924. All rights reserved (or Ihc Will ROD- ers Memorial.

Selected nnd edited bv Bryan Sterling. 'Would You Make Up Your Andrea) Tally-Country Is Not Ready For Radical Answers To Woes WASHINGTON, -Left leaning Democratic liberals of the Belli) Abzug persuasion left their recent Chicago conclave cheered by the opinion of well known pollsters that the people are looking for radical answers to national problems. But is the country really ready for a presidential candidate who takes a i on prostitution? I ask because L.o i Harris apparently based his conclusion on replies to certain questions his outfit asked of those interviewed. One question was: Do you consider the following groups to be a danger to society? The percentage of those who considered'prostitutes a danger had dropped from 7(1 per cent five years ago to 4-t per cent. Those considering homosexuals a danger dropped from 70 to'39 per cent; atheists from 63 to 44 per cent; radical students from 72 to 4B percent, and blacks demons! rating for'civil rights from 59 to 30 per cent.

'esterday And Fighter Stewart Had Daring Past By SHIRLEY DONNELLY After i i a piece about Capt. Ralph Stewart (1752--1835), Mrs. Merlie Rutherford. Rock View, W. put me on the track of such information about that old Indian scout and Revolutionary War vetpran that it is altogether i i and proper to offer another story on the Captain.

Mrs. Rutherford i a reads this "column every day and en joys She is in her 80th year and can remember a lot of "things you write about," writes the Rock View reader. Capt. Stewart is buried in what is known as the Keatley Cemetery on Clear Fork, an isolated burial "round that is only a "whoop and a holler" from where Ralph Stewart reared hig first Jog cabin home. Ag a some i a Stewart's father.

James Stewart, came from Ireland and settled jn Virginia. There he married, had some children, and was captured by the Indians who burned him at the stake. Ralph Stewart was born on Dec. 17, 1752 on Cow Pasture River in Augusta County. Virginia.

WHEN RALPH STEWART was 14 his warfare against the Indians started. He hated the savages because they had burned his father to death. He was 21 when he was given a captain's commission in a unit call the Indian Rangers, by Lord Dunmore. the last Royal Governor of Virginia. That was how come him to be in the battle of Pt, Pleasant, Oct.

10, 1.774. A Revolutionary War at Yorktown. In 1781. Stewart was one of the soldiers detailed to guard Lord Cormvallis who has surrendered to Washington. Stewart was wounded by the British General.

"Butcher" Tarlenton. himself, who slashed Stewart's right arm with a sword. BY HIS FIRST wife, a young woman by the name of Elliot. Stewart sired seven children. They were living in Kentucky at the time the children were born.

One.of the four sons was a lad named Absalom. He was captured by the Indians who carried him to Canada where he was held for seven years. He finally made his way back to his home in "Kentucky. The mother of Absalom Stewart died in 1787 when the captain was 35 years old. FOLLOWING the death of his wife, Stewart sought solace by pulling up stakes and returned to the New Riber country.

There in Mercer County, he had an old friend named Miichel Clay, with whom.he had scouted find soldiered in days gone by. Mitchel Clay had a 16 year old daughter named Mary, who seems to have captivated Stewart. A few months after his wife died, Stewart and the 16 -'year old Clay girl got married. They went about rearing a family of 11 children. In 1834, Captain Stewart was pensioned for his services as an Indian scout and a soldier in the Revolution when he was 82 years old.

In 1846, his second wife, then 74, was awarded a government i as the i of a Revolutionary War soldier. OLDEST OF the 11 children of Ralph Stewart and his second wife, Mary was Catherine Stewart (1789 1888) who lived to the great age of 99 years. She was known as a a i "Catherine." the small society by Brickman I FINALLY R5UNPAM LOU HARRIS' certainly knows more about polling than I do. but I am not sure those figures are of a i a i i a i i i a Except for the sternest puritans, perhaps, few A i a i i or homosexuals a national "danger," for crying out loud. The same goes for atheists, who achieved respectability long ago.

a a i asked i prostitutes and homosexuals were a nuisance, a majority of those polled a a answered yessir. And many more believers would have pinned the same label on atheists. Most people are more tolerant of radical students for the simple reason that radical students don't Cuss so much today. There are fewer civil rights demonstrations by a ergo, other generally are not us uptight about the rights issue. In neither case does that necessarily mean that a a i a i a i i a round of rioting.

MORE meaningful poll, it seems to me. was that taken by Pollster Pat Caddell. who was such a success in reading the omens for George McGovern in 1972. Caddell found that the number of those who believed their political leaders have "consistently lied to the American people for the past 10 years" has risen from 35 per cent in 1970 to 69 per cent today. And a i country's problems could best be solved by independents and non- politicians.

But Caddell's findings do not mean, as he suggested to his leftish liberal audience, that the country has turned radical. What I perceive them to mean is that voters are looking for another Ike Eisenhower or Wendell Willkie, someone untarnished by the squalor of politics. Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon all lied to the people. All were politicaris. a a i i a presidential candidate to fill the bill.

Rep. Morris Udall of Arizona and former Sen. Fred Harris of Oklahoma are decent men. They are also career politicians. Indeed, before he went Populist, Harris was in with the old Democratic crowd: he was Hubert Humphrey's a a i a i a in 1968.

Anyway, neither has much more grassroots support than I do. THAT FEISTY and redoubtable Congresswoman, Bella wants the party's radicals to-writ'e their own platform, put it on display and then back the candidate accepts it, Jack Anderson-Soviets Try Salvaging Top Secret Torpedo WASHINGTON Deep in the ocean off the Bahamas, the Navy four years ago lost a supersecret Mark 48 torpedo that the Soviets were eager to get their hands i a reminiscent of the crisis the Soviets had faced in 1968 when one of their subs sank in the Pacific with secret equipment aboard. Last summer, the Central Ingelligence Agency recovered of the sub but lost the section Anthony Harrigan-Senate Resolves To Retain Interests In Panama Canal The resolution Sen. Strom Thurmond introduced in the Senate recently, upholding the sovereign rights of the United States over the Panama Canal Zone, is an import a a A i a a i a a and interest in a strategic region. i i senators joined in I i i i I itialling Ihc feeling i a a a i 1 i quishing the a a Zone to the revolutionary government in power in Panama, For many months, as Sen.

Thurmond noted. U.S. diplomatic representatives have conducted negotiations with Panama "under a cloak of unwarranted secrecy." The senator rightly asserted a the a of i i adopted by Secretary of State Kissinger anti a a a i a foreign minister Feb. 7. 1974.

"cons i a clear and present danger to the hemispheric security and the successful operation of the canal bv the United Status." A Kissinger would do well to take careful note of this i His a as diplomatic superstar seems to be a i to an ond. His passion for secrecy has not resulled in tangible benefits for Ihc United States. Writing in Ihc Mnrch issue of Tlic Alteriinliiw magazine. Prof. I I I i i i i i i I i i i not considerable accomplishments before i i a a i a qualities while in office.

At the moment his legacy would seem to amount to a good deal less than greatness and could easily seem to amount to a good deal less than greatness and could easily be interpreted as deplorable." A State a i i of America's national interest in the Panama Canal Zone could be the a a i a as Kissinger's fate is concerned. The sponsors of the Canal resolution join in pointing out that the American interest is profound. For example, the resolution notes a "approximately 70 per cent of canal a i either originates or terminates in United Stales ports, a i the continued a i of a a i a i a i economy." ONE OF contentions of the Panamanians is that the United Stales takes a i economic advantage of the country in its operation of the canal. But Sen. Thurmond points out a the United States has made a a investment in the canal of over S6.8 billion and I hat "compensation and correlated benefits have constituted a major portion of the economy of Panama' giving it the highest per capita income in all of Central America." Time and again one hears from a a of a a of a a a a Americans can't expect the a a a i a to accept U.S.

control over a I rip of land in i country. But the point well matlu by the sponsors of the Senate i is a i U.S. has i I i i under 11 valid treaty. a a i equipment. Navy sources now say the 18 year old Soviet sub was obsolete' and had little intelligence value.

But this was not true of the missing Mark 48, which had been built by a for sea trials the tighest security. AT A COST of million apiece, the torpedos were designed to and strike enemy ships with lethal accuracy. They could be fired from U.S. submarines and destroyes far away from the target ship. But in the early tests, some Mark 48s purred so loudly that the sound threw the sensitive tracking mechanism out of whack.

Others suddenly plunged into a dive or swerved off the designated path. The Soviets, apparently aware of the wayward wanderings of these early'sophisticated Mark 48s. dispatched trawler spy ships to the Bahamas test area. They tried to monitor the tests and, if possible, to snare one of the top secret torpedos. The capture of a Mark 48, of course, would have advanced the Soviet torpedo technology by years and would have taught them what to use against A i a a a weapon.

The one day. as the Navy ner- a i intelligence ships in the vicinity, a Mark 48 nose dived to the bottom. It settled in an oceana hole about 6,000 feet below the surface and there was no way to self destruct it. NEWS OF THE loss was secretly flashed to the Pentagon qnd the top brass held urgent meetings to decide what to do. We got an inkling of what had happened and reported on May 25, 1971, that a Mark 48 had "got away." and that it had thrown the Navy into "a panic." Wo quoted a Navy source as confiding to us: "We were afraid a Russian sub would get the thing." Now we have dug out the rest of Ihe story, which the Navy has sur- pressed for four years.

The Pentagon brass anxiously discussed how to keep the Soviets retrieving the misfired Mark 48. "We were in a stew," a Pentagon official now recalls. It was first proposed that an attempt be made to recover the precious torpedo, much as the CIA last summer to bring up the lost Soviet sub. But oceanographic and experls, who were brought into the secret meetings, i would be possible in will or more than a milu deep. In the end, the experts agreed to abandon the Mark 48 on the ocean bottom.

"We studied the way we'd made the fish and figured it would implode." explained a participant in the secret meetings, "We decided it would cave in on itself because the pressures were so great down there. Even if the Russkies got it, they would've wound up with no more than a lot of very expensive scrap metal." A I I A study names Purerto Rico as the "hot spot" in the booming South A i a a An estimated 80 per cent of the heroin, hashish, and cocaine smuggled into the ragged coves of Purerto Rico is now reaching the cqntinental United States. Yet the drug Agency has only eight full time agents assigned to cover Puerto Rico. An additional 300 Puerto Rican narcotics officers have such i a i i a authorities that a top Pureto Rican official complained: "We get the same requests i (federal) agencies which appear to be unaware of each other's activities." These are the findings of House Coast a a i a Murphy, D. N.Y., who has submitted a confidential report to the parent Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee.

Much of the deadly narcotics are smuggled out of Columbia to a nearly deserted island off the Puerto Rican coast known as "Isla Caja de a but called i Island" by narcotics agents. Swift motors boats haul the drugs to secret landings spots on the Puerto Rican coastline. Since Puerto Rico is U.S. territory, they can be smuggled to the mainland without customs examination. SO SHORT A are drug enforcement officers that they had to stand by helplessly while a boat, loaded with narcotics, recently slipped ashore and unloaded its deadly cargo.

The confidential Murphy report presents a vivid picture of the and bloodshed that the nar- "colics trade has brought to the once peaceful island of Puerto Uico. "The drug a i is so intense in Puerto the Murphy report, "that (luring thu first week in a a 1975, of the dozens homicides listed in San a were linked to warring factions of organized gangs dealing In the i i i a business.".