The Daily Journal from Vineland, New Jersey • 4

jape ANnPRSAN AND LES WHITTEN MERRY GO ROUND Radiation Scandal Looms ViwhnbSime? journal Comment Vineland, N. Saturday, December 3, 1977 Page 4 Keeping Up With the Times But earlier, when the results appeared negative, he came under pressure from the energy Research and Development Administration to publish his findings prematurely. Dr. Mancuso resisted the pressure and went on to produce results the government didn't like. In 1974, ERDA's Dr.

James Liverman suddenly decided to terminate the project at Pittsburgh and transfer it to the Oak Ridge associated universities. The move was made, it was explained, because of Mancuso's "imminent retirement" although he was only 62 and wouldn't retire at the earliest for three more years, Dr. Mancuso submitted his data to Dr. Alice Stewart and biostatistician George Kneale of Oxford University for an independent analysis. Bolstered by their support, he appealed to Liverman to allow him to conclude the project.

The appeal was ignored. The transfer of the project to the government's facility at Oak Ridge, in the words of one Dr. Mancuso added in his own final report that the decision was not in the best interests of science." In all these studies, cancer danger was found In radiation dosages far below dosages the government allows. Footnote: We were still awaiting comment from government spokesmen when we went to press. (Copyright, 1977) tories.

The distinguished researcher was informed that his paper, which had previously been approved, was no longer suitable for presentation. Copies of the report had also been sent ahead to Nuremberg. The Oak Ridge officials asked the West Germans to destroy the 200 copies. These were replaced with 200 copies of an edited version, with all references to the fast breeder reactor deleted. Dr.

Morgan, celebrated as the "father of health physics," is now at the Georgia Institute of Technology. CASE HISTORY NO. 2 Back In 1973, the Atomic Energy Commission sought to refute reports that low-level radiation could cause cancer and leukeia. Two government scientists, Drs. John Gofman and Arthur Tamplin of the Lawrence Lab in Livermore, were assigned to the project.

They readied a report in 1969 warning that for every unit increase of radiation, there would be 20 times the incidence of cancer. This was far above what the authorities had anticipated. Lawrence Lab officials moved immediately to censor the report. Twelve of Templin's staff researchers were removed from his jurisdiction. Later, after six years of research, Dr.

Gofman was given a choice: either he must terminate his project, or the commission would cut the lab's funds by a quarter of a million dollars. That ended the research. Dr. Gofman is now conducting independent research at Berkeley. He has re-analyzed his data and concluded that he underestimated the cancer risk of low-level radiation.

Dr. Tamplin is affiliated with the National Resources Defense Council. CASE HISTORY NO. 3 Dr. Irwin Bross, working under a research grant from the National Cancer Institute, reached conclusions similar to those of Gofman and Tamplin.

Among the offspring of parents previously exposed to x-rays, Dr. Bross found, a small percentage show genetic damage. In the summer of 1976, he presented his findings to reviewers at the National Cancer Institute. He immediately came under intense fire, and his grant from the government to continue his research was not renewed. He also found it impossible to publish his conclusions in government journals.

Finally, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a small part of Bross' findings. He is continuing his research, meanwhile, at the Ros-well Park Memorial Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. CASE HISTORY NO. 4 Dr. Thomas F.

Mancuso of the University of Pittsburgh spent a decade developing data, which linked low-level radiation exposure to cancer among workers at the Hanford Atomic Works in Washington state. WASHINGTON In a deadly attempt at censorship, the federal government has systematically suppressed disagreeable news about the danger of radiation from nuclear power plants. It almost looks as if the federal authorities are more anxious to protect the nuclear industry than the public health. They have hushed up evidence, for example, that low levels of radiation may cause cancer. The risk exists, according to suppressed studies, at radiation levels that government agencies now accept as safe.

Here are some case histories we have uncovered: CASE HISTORY NO. 1 -World-renowned Dr. Karl Z. Morgan, director of health physics at the Oak Ridge, nuclear works for 30 years, conducted research into the possible health hazards of certain plutonium breeder reactors. He finally became convinced that the technology was not sufficiently safe.

In 1971, he prepared his findings for delivery at a symposium In Nuremberg, West Germany. Enroute, he stopped off in Switzerland for a brief vacation. He found an urgent message at the Zurich airport as he was about to board the plane for Nuremberg. American officials, he was told, were searching for him frantically. Dr.

Morgan immediately put through a call to the deputy director of the Oak Ridge labora- DATELINE VINELAND to draw the lines." Three states (Colorado, Hawaii and Montana) already have reapportionment laws similar to the Common Cause proposal. State legislatures in California, Wisconsin and Washington also are considering different versions of the reform proposal. Florida probably will gain at least two additional House seats after the 1980 census. In 1978 Florida voters may have an opportunity to act on some redisricting reform measures as part of a constitutional revision referendum. Action is less likely in other states.

George Keverian, a Democratic leader in the Massachusetts House, said he was "tired" of talk about changing the redist-ricting process. He was critical of attempts to "take everything out of the hands of the elected officials and let blue-ribbon commissions handle it all." "I am insulted," Keverian said, "by the inference that the legislature is incapable of doing a good job." Adams of Common Cause said he realizes that many state legislators may share Keverian's views. "We are not political Polly annas," he said. He conceded that relatively few states will change their procedures before the 1981 redistricting process begins. "But hopefully after people see what goes on in 1981 there will be a lot of public support for some action." -CHRISTOPHER BUCHANAN (c, 1977, Congressional Quarterly) (Continued from Page tricts while potential challengers often found themselves in districts where the odds against them were nearly impossible.

The Common Cause plan would limit the ability for political map drawers to continue these practices. Common Cause also proposed creating an independent, nonpartisan commission in each state to draw the lines. This idea appears to be the most controversial part of the plan. The majority and minority leaders of the state legislature would select four members, presumably two Democrats and two Republicans. The fifth commission member would be chosen by the other four.

None of the members could be elected officials. Reform advocates say the responsibility for drawing the districts should not be left in the hands of those most directly affected. They also say a commission would be faster and cheaper than working through the state legislature. Most skeptics of the commission idea say that in spite of all efforts to remain nonpartisan it is almost impossible to avoid partisanship. "However you arrange a commission, the political quotient is still there," said Warren Smith, who has been closely involved in Ohio's redisricting efforts as the head of the state's AFL-CIO.

"You are not going to avoid it unless Christ himself came down -ROUND OUR TOWN Zoners Ponder Salier Edits Film For 'Sweet Alice' THE ZONING BOARD, which doesn't really get too many easy ones, finds itself grappling with another tough problem, this one involving Newcomb Hospital and the Visiting Homemakers of Cumberland County. Who could get mad at a hospital? It's like berating Mother's Day, denouncing Christmas, right? For that matter, how could anyone take offense at the doings of the Visiting Homemakers, whose function is "providing health aides or homemakers for disabled and convalescing people." Well- It seems that some of the neighbors of Newcomb Hospital are not exactly angered or embittered or anything Tike that, but, let's say concerned about the hospital's expansionist tendencies, which, the neighbors say, have had the effect of changing the "character" of the area. Or, as Robert Linton, of 85 Howard told the Zoning Board last week: "We're getting nibbled away." What's involved here is the request of the Visiting Homemakers to move from one hospital-owned building to another from 68 south State st. to 88 Howard st. The Zoning Board already has given the hospital approval to raze two State st.

buildings, Including the one at 68 south State to make way for a parking lot. But the request of the Visiting Homemakers to shift operations AL WALLITSCH Case WHEN THE WHEELS begin spinning in Atlantic City, will the one-time Queen of Resorts replace Las Vegas as the casino capital? According to Steve Wynn, owner of the Golden Nugget in Vegas, interviewed by nationally circulated "American Business," the answer is an unqualified "no." Says Wynn, at 35 the youngest major casino operator in Nevada "New Jersey is trying to rebuild Atlantic City to its former status as a convention center by bringing in gambling. But it can't be done by resurrecting the famous but decaying beachfront hotels. New Jersey law specifies that hotel bedrooms in casino complexes must be a minimum of 325 square feet. That eliminates 90 percent of the existing rooms." Wynn points out that Atlantic City has no alternative but to build new casino-hotels.

"It would take about 845 million to build a new resort hotel-casino," he says. "And how many men or corporations have that kind of money to gamble on a project?" He also says: "No group of Philadelphia businessmen can get together and provide the manpower and staff to run a place successfully. There are only seven or eight men not 30 in Vegas who have the money and the knowledge to make a big project work." GEORGE CORNELL Setting confine loud sounds. Sloping ramps are designed to accommodate the handicapped. Like many Inner-city churches, St.

Peter's was going downhill In 1966 when Peterson first came there, its congregation shrunk from 1,000 to about 300, but Its expanded, Innovative program turned the trend around. Its regular congregation now Is back up to Soo, with various marginal "congregations" of artists, dialogue groups and others. It also hosts numerous lectures by noted scholars, theologians and others. A part of the Lutheran Church In America, with Its "catholic heritage, orthodox confession and Eentecostal freedom," St. Peter's oth upholds and transcends that tradition In ways "strange to the eye and ear," and In which "no question Is out of bounds," Paterson says.

"We love this city and have great faith In Its future," he says, adding that the city is part of God's "redeemed creation, a holy place to be loved and celebrated. "Welcoming what might be strange, we celebrate the transformed meanings of our time and their promise of the kingdom to come. Hospital Linton wanted to know why the Visiting Homemakers could not be accommodated in the hospital, was told there isn't room, and besides, there's the matter of "the high cost of hospital space." Anybody who has ever spent even a day in a hospital room knows what the hospital spokesman is talking about when he mentions "high cost of hospital space," but Linton isn't deterred by even this argument. "I can't see where convenience or low rent should be a criteria for zoning," Linton told the Zoning Board. Linton also said: "Living next to the hospital is like living with a bear.

Every time the bear rolls over, you're aware of it." NORM SMITH, the Cumberland County agricultural agent who has exchanged farming ideas with experts in countries all over the world, is of the opinion that "the most important area" was bypassed when a group from the Soviet Union toured Cumberland County farms last week. And the "most important area?" "The Vineland area, naturally," says Smith. "We've done things here, with plastics, fumigation, trickle irrigation and so on that growers all over are copying The tour sponsored by the State Department of Agriculture centered on the Upper Deerfield-Salem County area. in Urban On the old spot, under the wings of the new towering, 59-story commercial center, set on stilts above an open plaza, stands the new St. Peter's, a 87-million, modernistic, granite cube, slashed on the sides for light, visually open to the city skyline.

"A place of meaning In the heart of our great city," says Peterson. "A new house for the Lord." Its multiple, no-steps entrances, from plaza, street and nearby subway, lead Into a comfortably appointed living room, adjacent to a 5oo-seat sanctuary of movable, terraced pews. The living room, intended for rest and relaxation, Is a "special gift" to the city's people, says Peterson. "New Yorkers need places In which to snooze and Eerch and pray, where candles urn and flowers grow. We need places for prayer and meditation and reflection.

Indicating the church's widely diversified ministry, the new building also includes 200-seat theater with production and dressing rooms, a music recital room, a children's center, conference rooms, a baptismal font with flowing water, a jazi rehearsal room, accoustlcally treated to from State st. to Howard st. is still under consideration, and the pros and cons of the case will be discussed further at a continued hearing at the next regular Zoning Board meeting on Dec. 21. At least two of the Zoning Board members agree with Linton's contention that the constantly expanding hospital activity is having an effect on the neighborhood.

"We are aware that the character of the neighborhood is changing through variance," remarked board member Stanley Panco, adding, "I'm not prepared to vote on this without some further thought." "I agree," said board member Louis Giannotti, "and I think we should reserve decision on this until the next meeting, and even continue the public hearing for further Board chairman Richard Gerl went along with the suggestion-and as a result the case of the neighbors vs. the Visiting Home-makers will be discussed further next month. All of the people who spoke against the variance appeal of the Visiting Homemakers pointed out that they have no argument with the hospital as such, but as Linton noted: "The hospital is taking up more and more space for parking and what this means is that they're putting down more and more asphalt. Every time they put up a new addition, we get more water in our basement." Thrives across America have done In the face of flight and blight, St. Peter's determined to stay and "extend a blessing to the people of the city," Peterson says.

This meant, he adds, opening the church's heart and doors "to artists, jazz musicians, street people and office workers, finding ways to be more human among the skyscrapers." "The struggle for the survival of New York City Is a struggle for the soul of America," he says, adding that St. Peter's seeks to mediate a "source of strength" in that struggle to "remold the city so that it is more like the city of God." In broadening Its reach and work, the 117-year-old congregation took advantage of urban pressure for space In one of the most exceptional church real estate deals known In this country. It sold the site of Its old, crumbling Gothic structure at busy Lexington Ave. and 54th St. tor 89 million in 1971 to the First National City Bank as part of the bank's new block-size Citicorp Center, but reserved the right to rebuild on the same corner.

This was said to be the first such condominium arrangement In the annals of American churches. RELIGION IN THE NEWS -By Del The movie, "Alice, Sweet Alice," now playing at the Mall Cinema here, has a local con nection. The film editor, Edward Salier, is a former Vnelan-d now making his home In (where else?) Hollywood, Calif. Hit parents, Max and Eva Salier. are Vineland residents still.

"Alice, Sweet Alice" was made in New Jersey, Peterson to be exact. Directed by Alfred Sole, who grew up in Paterson, the film was originally produced under the name "Communion." It was given a fine review in "Variety" after opening in London Sept. 8 under the original title. However, when readied for release in the United States, the new name was adopted but the picture was not changed in any other way. Vhulanb Sinter journal tin) Juum 1875 tmnq Time 1925 Contnfcrfa'Ml FA 17, 1942 1 ftwrti ll Wttfar-A J.

08300 TIUPM0NI Ml 121S4t Ccctll C. lucM, PvMltho, MSt. 197 Jot. C. UucM, Pvmm, 17J-U7S tdmn f'fftsridison Publisher fticMrdf Thotw Orroctor at Bn iMicMai tMon Cntnitm tdilor Clifford $mm OratitHm format Subscription mtij 1 f) Mo 1 Ma 2sS $2600 $1400 15 SO 149 SO tanm 87 I OtW urlnfm Cinarto 162 50 pt4 M4 08340 LSI Brandt The holiday season will be ushered In with the sound of horns at the Millville Public Library Sun day, Dec.

4 when the gwarthmore Brass Trio will be featured In a free concert at 3 p.m. The pro gram Is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council of the Arts. The Catholic Daughters announce a Card Party at the CDA Hall, Chestnut ave. on Monday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.

The breakfast at Sacred Heart auditorium on Sunday will In elude orange juice, coffee, roll and either eggs to order and sausage or eggs to order and pancakes. A picture caption In this newspaper Incorrectly In dicated that It would be a pancake breakfast with "all the pancakes you can eat." Serving starts at 7:30 and lasts till 11:30 a.m. at 12 for adults and 11.2$ for children. Sports fans can see the replay of the first half of Vineland High School's championship playoff game with Camden last season at 1 p.m. Sunday on Channel 2, the new location on the dial for Vine land cable TV.

Then at 2 p.m. a complete replay of the Clan's sensational one-point victory over Millville in this year's Thanksgiving Game will be shown. Other highlights Sunday as Vineland cable continues the roundup of East shows will be a discussion of ist winter's Natural Gas crisis at 6 p.m. and the Red, White and Blue Band during summer con cert In 1976 which will be shown at Sunday. Here are some highlights for Monday: 9 p.m.

Interview with senior statesman, Joe Moiso, who was elected to the first Vineland City Council In 1952; 9.30 p.m.. 30 minute tape of the VHS graduation of 1977; at 8:30 p.m. the Singing Ambassadors Christmas Concert in 1976. Birthday greetings today to Vanessa Peret on her More events: Dane Barse School Skating Party Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9 to 7:30 p.m.

at the Vineland Roll-0 Rink Skating Party by Rossi School Monday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the same rink Public Invited to both affairs Annual Alumni Sacred Heart High School basket ball game In the school gym, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Admission 82 for adults and 91 for Church Smack-dab In the middle of Manhattan, about the last place a church would consider locating these days, historic St.

Peter's Lutheran Church has reared a grand, new sanctuary amid the urban bustle. "For the glory of God and the good of the city's people," says the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Peterson.

With a varied, colorful series of worship and celebrations this Sunday, topped off with an all-night "soul'' session by 45 lazx musicians, the unusual, urban-oriented church has Its opening dedication. Instead of "retreating In fear," as many Inner-city churches students, See some of the ex-greats trying to unravel today's performers. Stop at the Pilgrim Congregational Church for a Spaghetti Dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. today and also see the Mlnl-Bataar. Admission to the dinner Is only 12.75 for adults and 1 1.

SO for children. The tickets advertise "all you can eat" and mean II. The church Is on south Cast ave. facing Elmer st..