Idaho Free Press from Nampa, Idaho • Page 5

LDS head Joseph Smith claimed by heart attack Waho Free Press 4 The News-Tribune, Monday, July SALT A CITY President Joseph fielding Smith, prophet, seer andrevela- tor, 93-yearold spiritual leader of 3,090,953 Mormons across (tie world, is dead, the victim of a heart attack. The atite-haired patriarch survivor of three wives and fathl er, grandfather and great-grandfather to more than UOdescend- ants, passed away at his daughter's home Sunday night. He would have been 96 July 19. Smith was called as 10th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan. 23, 1970.

He was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, the church ruling body, for 62 years, serving most of them as church historian. The grandson ofHyrum Smith, one of the early Mormon martyrs, Smith was thegrandnephew of Joseph Smith, founder of the church in New York in 1830. The Council of the Twelve, which met this morning to discuss funeral arrangements, will administer the church under the temporary leadership of Elder Harold B. Lee. Lee was a mem- Smith alert, smiling just a tew days ago SALT LAKE CITY (UPI) Just three days ago the 95-year- old president of the Church of Jesus ChristofLatter-daySaints was alert and showing his usual dry sense of humor while signing letters on the first floor of the Church Office Building.

Joseph ielding Smith, who died Sunday night, was quietly signing fiscal allotment forms for the missions of the three rail- lion member Mormon Church, when one of the officials broke in upon him and asked to let a visitor have the "privilege of shaking his hand." The white-haired Smith, seated in large leather-backed chair, slowly wrote his name in a spidery signature on one of the many pages before him and turned in the wood-lined room to grasp the visitor. Then, with a smile, he told the Mormon press secretary, "You, too, may have the privilege of shaking my hand again." He chuckled and turned back to work. Smith, who followed the dynamic DavidO. McKay as president in 1970, was known mainly as a Mormon theologian. He came to the church as the 10th presiding prophet, seer and revelator at the age of 93 after a lifetime devoted to doctrine and history.

When he was called to the presidency by the Council of the Twelve Apostles, which will now have thedutyofselectinganother leader, it was widely believed that Smith would doctrine toward The church bars "''Negroes from its priesthood, and one of the last official acts of President McKay was to release a position paper reaffirming thetradi- tional restriction, butcallingfor full civil rights in secular matters. But President Smith did not change the policy toward Negroes and the church conservatism on the race issue became a target of civil rights groups. Harold B. Lee, first counselor in the First Presidency and if tradition is followed the man to succeed Smith, in an apparent reference to criticism ofthe race policy following the death of President troubled on every side, we are not perplexed." Smith had generally taken a purely theological approach to world and national problems and viewed them as a consequence of the evil in the lives of individual men. "The government of a country never gets ahead of the religion of a country," he once wrote.

"There is no way by which we can substitute the authority of law for the virtue of man." Mormons regarded Smith as a Jiving link with the early glory and troubles of the church. His father, Joseph F. Smith, was the sixth president of the church, and a son of Hyrum Smith, brother to the founder of the LDS church, Joseph Smith. Both Hyrura and Joseph were killed by mobs in Carthage, 111., in 1844. -President Sm'jfh'was'the'bldesr mari called to the office and the fourth from the Smith family.

He brought with him more than 60 years of experience as theo- logian and church historian. George Albert Smith, who preceded KcKay as president, was a cousin to the late leader, also led the church. Smith was not the oldest of Mormon leaders. McKay lived to four months past his 96th birthday. new president will be picked by the Council of Twelve Apostles which, by established custom, chooses the senior member of the council as president.

The tradition was begun when Brigham Young was named to succeed the martyred Joseph Smith. The pattern of elevating the man who has served longest is a tradition unbroken since that time, even though nothing in church teachings say it has to be that way. The exact manner in which the selection is made has not usually been made public. However, President Joseph Fielding Smith's history of thechurchde- scribes the nomination of the eighth president in 1945 as follows; "The brethren assembled fasting and the day was spent in testimony bearing, at the conclusion on which, on motion of Elder George F. Richards, President George Albert Smith was sustained as president of the church." Members of the church accept the appointment of a prophet to.

lead them as a manifestation 1 the divine They', are asked to sustain the choice at annual general conference and during conferences on a local level. her, along with N. EldonTanner, of Smith's first presidency, a personal cabinet. Church tradition would dictate that the Twelve select Lee to take up Smith's mantle. Known as a doctrinaire theologian, Smith, author of more than 20 books on history and religion, spoke often for keeping pure the faith his fathers.

In a sermon he once criticized "modernists who reject the doctrine of the atonement of Christ, the resurrection of the son of God, and consequently the resurrection of mankind. "They have discarded the miracles of the scriptures and make light of the saving ordinances of the gospel which the Lord declared assential to salvation," he said. Smith made no move during his two and one half years as president to lift the church ban on elevating Negroes to the priesthood, a group which most men join in their teens. The priesthood carries out the spiritual and worldy affairs of the church. "The Latter-day Saints, so commonly called Mormons, have no animosity towards the Negro," Smith wrote in 1964.

"Neither have they described him as belonging to an 'inferior race'," he said. "ThereareNeg- roes In the Church who are respected and honored for their integrity and faithful devotion. The door into the Church is open to all. may not fully understand but the time will come when all these things will be explained by divine revalation," he said. "In the spirit of sympathy, mercy and faith, we will also hope that blessing may eventually be given to our Negro brethren, for they are our brethren- children of God--notwithstanding their black covering." A native of Salt Lake City, Smith grew up on his family's farm in nearby Taylorsville.

He took part in sports as a youth and maintained his interest in athletics throughout his life, often playing handball while in his mid-70's. "A man should never retire, and I am witness to the fact," he once said. "There areanumber: of cases tired, and nature took them at their word. When a man retires from his employment he should keep busy at something." TWO NEW YORK state officials examine an estimated $200,000 worth of marijuana discovered Sunday in a truck belonging to a Woodstock, N.Y. man.

Police were tipped to the drug cache by firemen who were battling a blaze at the home of the truck's owner, Eric Lane Humbler. (UPI Photo) Fischer missing Chess deadline extended REYKJAVIK, Iceland (UPI)Bobby Fischer's time runs out at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Fischer, the 2 9 a Brooklyn chess genius, must turn up in Reykjavik by then or lose the right to challenge Soviet Utleholder Boris Spassky for the world championship, a match that has generated wider interest than any chess game in history. Fischer, apparently bargaining for more money, was hiding out in New York while the great debate of "will he' show up or won't he?" raged.

The 24-game series was to have started Sunday. But when Fischer didn't show the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Dr. Max Euwe, announced that he was postponing the deadline until noon Tuesday 8 a.m. EDT. Fischer does not.appear for the drawing scheduled for that time, he will be disqualified and lose Ms right to challenge the 35-year-old Rus- sian for the world chess title.

An Icelandic friend of Fischer, Freystrinn Thorberberg- sson, flew to New York Sunday to try to persuade the American grand master to return with him. He said he was acting as "a friend of Bobby Fischer" and said oniy "I know where to find Mm." He refused to answer other questions. Fischer, who has kept the Icelandic organizers nervously rushing to Keflavik International Airport to meet every flight from New York for a week, simply did not show up Sunday. Officially there was no explanation. He has not been in touch with the Icelandic Chess Federation or FIDE since he sent a cable through the U.S.

Chess Federation some time tack saying he would show up the; protest" times, since then, Fischer has canceled bookings on flights to Iceland. The Icelandic federation, which stands to lose much money if the match does not come off, pleaded for Fischer Sunday and convinced Euwe to postpone the start of the match 48 hours to give Fischer a last chance. "But I am not very hopeful," said Euwe, the last non-Russian to hold the world title from 1935 to 1937. He is Dutch. The decision came after several rounds of closed negotiations involving Spassky, Euwe, the Icelandic organizers and Americans representing' Fischer but not authorized by him to negotiate.

Spassky appeared undisturbed by the crisis surrounding his first defense of the title he won in 1969 from fellow countryman Tigran Petrosian. He was calm and relaxed in Sunday's negotiations and his seconds said he was inline spirits. The total prize money of than ten times bigger than any before in the Mstory of chess--will be split with five-eights to the winner and the rest to the loser. On top of this the two players are guaranteed 30 per cent of net incomes on television and film rights. But Fischer wants more.

He has asked the Icelandic organizers for a 30 per cent share of the gate receipts--something which in the words of Icelandic Chess Federation president Gudmundur Thorarinsson would spell "economic disaster" for the tiny federation in a nation of only 200,000 inhabitants. Speedy transmissions HAHRISON, N.Y. (UPI)-Med. fax, has ordered 1,000 facsimile transceivers from Graphic Sciences of Danbury for use in transmission of drug orders from retail pharmacists to drug wholesalers via a network being set up by a Medfax subsidiary. PHONE 466-7891 or 459-4664 to place your classified ad.

National priorities detailed Senior citizens problems, goals explored (Editor's note: In this special two-part series, Idaho Free press writer Carrie Ewing explores the world of the senior citizen, his problems, and the national and state goals that have been set as a means to improve his plight. Today's portion is a condensation of goals that were set at the National White House Conference, on Aging held last November. The second part of the series deals with Idaho's blueprint for action, as presented during the statewide conference on aging held last May.) By Carrie Ewing NAMPA More and more the problems of senior citizens and programs to solve those problems willmakeupaportionof the news spectrum. The National White House Con. on Aging in Washington, D.C., last November and December was the beginning of a spiral of events and efforts aimed at implementing the recommendations established by delegates from each state and territory of the nation during the conference.

A call for change and a call for action were pinpointed as the two factors upon which to base a viable program for the elderly. The call for change would endeavor to bring new purpose, dignity and independence to the lives of all older To initiate change for providing new purpose, dignity and independence for the elderly segment of American society, the plan, or blueprint, for action will be implemented as personnel, funds and resources become available. This condition prevails on the national level, (and state level, to be noted later.) The plans for action Include increased effort and concentration on income, health, nutrition, housing, transportation, employment and retirement, education, spiritual well being, government and non-government organizations, training, facilities, programs, services, planning, and research and demonstration. Based on the premise, that income, or lack of it, is the weightiest item which interferes with the attainment of dignity and independence for the elderly, a minimum income of $4,500 annually per couple was establish- 'ed. For a single person, the amount was set at 75 per cent of $4,500 or $3,3 75.

These amounts would be derived basically from the Social Security system and general revenues. The total amount, however, would be included in one single check from the Social Security Administration. Another proposal would increase "exempt" earnings und- TI1F I WARBLERS of Lewisfon i at the recent Idaho.Conference of ABliic in Boise. What that Idaho confer- say about problems of the elder- Iy in the Gem Stale will be tho subject of Wednesday's article by staff writer Carrie Ewing The national outlook is presented today. (Staff Pholo) er Social Security to $3,000 annually.

Broader coverage under private pension plans and programs in order to insure receipt of pension benefits also was proposed, along with property tax relief. Finally, on the subject of Income, an eventual national health insurance program is being sought. But an immediate need for changes in Medicare to include out-of-hospltal drugs and other services will take precedence over the long- range health program. If all health care proposals are enacted, health care of the aging will be provided as an in- tregal part of acoordinated comprehensive health service program. "National insurance should be legislated, but, pending this, the complete range of health care services for the elderly must be provided by expanding the legislation and financing of Medicare," an official stressed.

Other changes sought in the health category include an educational program for all people on specific physical, mental and social aspects of aging. In secondary schools, professional education and continuing education emphasis must increase on the aging phase of life. Concluding recommendations in the health field are the establishment of a Center for Aging in the National Institute of Mental Health to meet the responsibilities for more research and training in the field of mental health of the elderly. The role of thefederal government in nutrition for the elderly should be "complete responsibility for making adequate nutrition available to all elderly persons of the United States." To facilitate the federal role in the nutrition area, proposals call for pilot programs to evaluate the nutritional status of the elderly. Also the equivalent of a national school lunch program must be established for senior citizens--not limited to school facilities.

All nutritional programs must be supplemented by appropriate educational measures. In the housing category, the following needs have been established: --Of all funds allocated to housing, that a fixed amount be earmarked for housing and related services for the elderly, the minimum of 120,000 units to lie produced annually. -That eligibility for benefits with housing assistance be based on economic, social, and health needs, and individuals having Incomes above an established level pay on a sliding scale. --Variety in living arrangements--such as sales and rental housing, new and rehabilitative housing, large and small concentrations, to be produced by public agencies and private profit and non-profit sponsors inspired with the incentive to encourage such housing in all communities. --The provision for local property tax relief to elderly home owners and renters by state and federal governments.

Goals established for the elderly In the field of transportation called for a federal government policy to increase transportation services for the rural and urban elderly. Financial support for operating and capital subsidies to accomplish program purposes was requested, as well as transportation essential to carrying out all publicly funded programs for the elderly. --Access to the use of all government passenger vehicles, --school buses, vans--must be granted Interchangeably to agencies to provide transportation to senior citizens. --The passage of legislation that would prevent discrimination against the elderly in obtaining drivers licenses and automobile insurance is another transportation goal. Employment and retirement encompassed the greatest number of projected gials.

Called for are manpower programs to expand services and provide more job recruitment, training, counseling, and placement services for older workers. Vigorous enforcement of legislation to eliminate age discrimination is on the list, plus a "guaranteed retirement income adequate to maintain a decent standard of living above the poverty level for all workers." Retirement age could be flexible, based on the workers' desires and needs, their physical and mental capacities. No reduction in Social Security would be permitted until a total of Social Security "plus earnings" equals $5,000 annually, "and in no case, should benefits be reduced for persons earning less than $1,680 per year. To encourage the expansion and improvementof pension plans, the formation of a national pension commission is urged. For the purpose of setting up local senior employment centers to coordinate employer needs with employe availabiUtyfederal financing again Is suggested.

At least five years prior to his anticipated retirement, the worker would have preretirement education and counseling provided locally by trained instructors. In the field of education, increased educational opportunities would be conducted In conjunction with integrated age groups, or separately. Incentives, such as free tuition, transportation, would be offered to encourage older persons to take advantage of the opportunities. Mass media campaigns would promote better understanding of aging and older persons. With the public education system would rest the primary responsibility for preparation programs for retirement.

For the spiritual well-being of the elderly, Institutions charged with their care would be expected to provide chaplain ser- vice. "Government should participate by cooperating with religious organizations to provide research and professional training of professional workers and volunteers to develop special understanding and competence for the purpose of satsifying the spiritual needs of the aging." The federal government, in cooperation with other levels of government, would be charged with the role of providing funds for the establishment, construction, and operation of community oriented multi-service centers designed for senior citizens. In the area of government and non government organizations, the plans call for a central of- flee on aging In the office of the chief executive president), and ons such office in each of the 50 states. "All public agencies should be empowered, and volunteer agencies encouraged, to pursue more vigorously the advocacy of older people's interests," was one emphasis. Coordination between national, state and local activities also is proposed in govermental responsibility in order to provide funds and standards to make available the necessary facilities andservlcestoolderpeople.

A substantial increase in the present level of funding in all government agencies concerned with aging is another stepping stone for Increasing the supply of manpower available to be trained to work in the field of aging. A gleaning is proposed for retired persons, mature adults, students, making career choices, volunteers, and members of minority groups to work In the aging field, or to be trained for the work. Facilities, programs and services, for the aging would be relegated to a combination of governmental, private, non-profit and commercial agencies. This would place primary responsibility tor planning and co- ordination of health, welfare, and other services in a public service agency. The agency would have divisions at the federal, state, and local level.

It would have strong administrative authority and funding controls, and the authority to fund across departmental lines. Public funds, permitting the elderly to live independently, "should be used to provide a full range of supportive community services." Expanded consumer protect tion programs for those older persons who are unable to manage their affairs because of serious mental or physical impairment is suggested. More involvement is called for between youag people and older people at all levels of community life. In the area of planning, the need is noted for a separate entity to be created within the office of the President through legislation. This division would be "dedicated to and charged with comprehensive planning and advocacy in aging." The leadership planning for aging at the state and local levels should endeavor as much as possible to parallel that at the federal level, increasing efforts to bridge the generation gaps in making programs and services more responsive to the needs of the elderly.

Finally, under research and demonstration, the national conference called for the establishment of a National Institute of Gerontology. Its duties would be to support and conduct research and training in bio-medical and social behavorial aspects of aging. Along this line, a major Increase in funds Is suggested for research and demonstration In areas of unmet needs of older Americans and those with special problems. THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE lor tlaiiilied Ads for quickly, economically tmanh. Dial 459-4644 now..