The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 25

LOCAL NEWS EDITORIALS OPINIONS PART 2 VOL LXXI cc TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19, 1952 Timet Office: 202 West First Street, Lot Angelet 53, Calif. MAditon 2345 BY THE WAY with BILL HENRY i i imj iiiiiihi mi mi in ii iii i iiiUMHin 1 11 i i l-v Z7" lMHt 4tH 1 V4fTj K2lt refer fwtFi arJ tJH A MvfyfJ Mh- mSX. 3J rV iH- v-7 NEW YORK No doubt about it, O. Henry pretty well described this town when he called it "Baghdad on the Subway." It is a fascinating place but, like most things in life that are fascinating, you have to know something about it before It can be appreciated. BIG TOWS This was brought home to me not so long ago when I ran into four young Danish army officers on the Royal Blue, one of the fast trains between New York and Washington.

They were fresh In this country, heading for one of our training camps to take a special course in our modern weapons, and they'd had just one day in New York. They didn't like it. They didn't "explain just why but it was quite clear that they had been overwhelmed by its bigness and by the insignificance of individuals in comparison. Apparently there had been no one to show them around and New York, with its mad hustle and bustle, is likely to pass you by with a rush. If you're going to understand this town you can't stand on the sidewalk you must join the mad stampede of Gothamites and, by traveling with them, learn something about them.

You have to be really a part of this town to understand and appreciate it. HUSTLE Thi? is a town where everybody is trying to make a buck some honestly, some any old way they can make it. Friend of mine from one of the big adrertising agencies just returned from Hollywood. He had made a lot of arrangements in advance, by telephone and by teletype, to make a batch of commercial recordings for radio. They called for some Hollywood characters, a3 he called them and a fine way, I must say, to -i''-S: ill T1 Hint fa 1 EXECUTIVES Present at opening of new May Co.

store were, from left, Morton J. May chairman of the board; Tom May, executive vice-president, and Morton J. May president of the company. Huge shopping center is valued at $100,000,000. world's largest suburban store, the shopping center features four floors containing $5,000,000 in merchandise.

CROWDED Shoppers jam new May Co. Lakewood store that opened doors yesterday. Termed by officials as STATE TAX SLASH BACKED AT HEARING 68 of Taxpayer and Industrial Groups Urge Cut in Talks Before Assembly Committee To the question: "Do you want a reduction in Stat taxes?" virtually all major taxpayers' and industry groups gave a series of affirmative answers yesterday before the Assembly Interim Committee on Revenues and Taxes. Trial of Elliott in School-Case Gets Started Trial of Paul Elliott, Board of Education member and Loa Angeles attorney, on a grand SHOPPERS' PARKED CARS Shoppers' automobiles fill the 5200-car parking lot at new May Co. Lakewood store which opened to public yesterday.

First-day customers found modern air-conditioned store designed for comfort and convenience and in merchandise from which to make selections. Thousands attended opening. Timet photoi RADIO COMMENT ON HOUSING CRITICIZED Well-Known Broadcaster Tries to Influence State Supreme Court, Councilman Charges Charges that a well-known radio commentator, partici Headed by Assemblyman Jon athan J. Hollibaugh of Huntington Park, the committee asked for replies to the question on which it has launched a current study. Hollibaugh pointed out that a surplus of about $150,000,000 will repose in the State Treasury by the end of this fiscal year.

By 1953 it may reach as high as $300,000,000. 68 Favor Cut He said that data collected at this and other hearings will be submitted to the special budget session of the Legislature next month. Some 68 of the membership of the United Taxpayers of Cali fornia voted in favor of tax cuts, James O. Stevenson, secretary, reported to the committee. The majority of the remaining 32 voted indirectly for tax reductions by advocating lower school district taxes by expendi tures of the State surplus to that end.

Accumulation Hit The California Taxpayers As sociation recommended holding the State tax demand to actual needs and State services to pres ent levels. To accomplish this, it urged: Reduction of State taxes to avoid accumulation of larger sur- Pluses, of current surplus for necessary construction, limiting of additions to -recurrent charges, tightening of social welfare programs and continuing support of committees working for -economy and efficiency. N. Bradford Trenham, general manager of the CTA, told the committee: "The surplus should be regarded as a nonrecurrent windfall. It should not be used to further sweeten the pot of local government services.

None of us should get into the habit of living on a scale we may not be able to afford in the near future." of Urges Slash The. State Chamber of Commerce urged whittling the present State sales tax from the present 3 to 2Vt. A 15 cut in bank and corporation taxes was also recommended. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce declared that "it is morally wrong and economically Turn to Fag 18, Column May Co. Opens Its Vast New Lakewood Store Cheerful thousands yesterday thronged the world's largest sub urban department store.

It was opening day for May Co. Lakewood, olOO Lakewood Blvd. Long before a ribbon was cut by Lt. Gov. Goodwin Knight, every available parking stall of which there are 5200 was taken.

It was a gigantic community outpouring to welcome a gigantic community enterprise. Morton J. May Sr. chairman of the board of directors for the nationwide company, told of visiting the Lakewood store's site only two years ago. 'Almost Like Miracle' Looking about at the shopping center now taking form, he declared: "It's almost like a miracle.

And we're proud to be a part of it." There was symbolism even as the' Lieutenant Governor placed shears to the long, white ribbon. Forty years ago he worked as a clerk in May toy department while attending school. "This wonderful store," said Knight, "is the finest proof of the magnificent growth of Southern California. Congratulations to the officers and employees of this great organization. We wish you every success in the j-ears to come." Biscailnz Present Sheriff Biscailuz said the area served by the store is one of the most important sections of thej Southland, with a greater popu lation than the entire city of Los Angeles at the turn of the He promised there will be a modern Sheriff's station located at Lakewood Center to serve the community better.

Morton J. May president of May who arrived from St. Louis for the occasion with his father, told the gathering: "The policy of our company is to go wherever a store is need ed and to grow with the community." Tom May, executive vice-presi dent, promised "complete, wonderful departments and a staff ready to serve all our custom ers. The speakers were introduced i Turn to Page 2, Column 3 COOKERY COLLEGE TO DEMONSTRATE SEAFOOD DISHES Glamorous seafood dishes that are specialties with famous Southland rants will highlight tomorrow's Times College of Cookery program. The free class will be held at 2 p.m.

in the Times-Mirror auditorium, 1st and Spring and all housewives are invited to attend. Printed recipes of all dishes on the program will be given all who attend and the foods prepared will be distributed in the audience. Reservations should be made in advance by phoning MAdison 2345, Extension 201, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. pating in a national hookup day evening, was attempting to influence the decision of the Supreme Court of California in the matter of public housing were made yesterday on the floor of the City refer to some of our sterling stars of the cinema to say a few words indicating that their lives would have been a complete void had they not been fortunate enough to have used some product or other.

For this they would receive a handsome fee that is, the fee would be handsome before their agent 'and the income tax man whacked It up between them. TAKE: IT EASY "You guys out there," he said, including despite the fact that I never eem to get home, "you're all bums and loafers. Why, I practically had to send a posse out to drag those jokers to the microphone long enough to make themselves a few lousy hundred dollars. You'd think they were doing me a favor. They all wanted to stay home and ride horseback or go swimming or play a few rounds of golf or something.

Nobody seems to be hustling out there like we do back here. Sure made me sore to see the way they wasted time." Then he stood silent, reflecting for a moment, and added, "Maybe you guys out there have got something after all. Maybe there's no sense in all this Gee I wish I had enough money to afford to live "out there. That's living!" REACTION We were with some radio and television people and the conversation got around to the public, and how sensitive they are these days. "Now I can remember," said an executive of one of the big net-Works, "when we all used to go to the theater anyhow, to vaudeville and laugh at jokes.

There were always German jokes, and Jewish jokes, and Irish jokes, and Italian jokes, jokes'; about colored people, jokes about preachers, and everybody thought they were very funny. And as a matter of fact, they were. Nobody took offense. They had farmer jokes, too, and businessman jokes everybody laughed. But look at us now! They say we're making fun of the Germans and the Jews and the Irish and the farmers and so on they want to drag us up in front of some busybody committee or other to explain.

What's happened to us, anyway?" COMPLAINTS That started the boys off. One of them had a confidential letter passed around his network, telling about the complaints received in a single week. Somebody thought fun was being poked at deaf people. A hearing-aid concern was mad because something that had been said might hurt their business. This one network had offered half, a dozen apologies, publicly, in a single week for things that had been said most of which were obviously harmless.

"I wouldn't mind this attitude," the man said, "if it was doing any good, but the fact is that the world doesn't seem to be a better place because of these fancied grievances if you ask me, I liked it better the way it was!" Hm Bill Monday tkrongk rHdar XH7. p.m. jury accusation of willful and corrupt misconduct in office, be gan yesterday In the court of Superior Judge Clement D. Nye. Elliott was accused last September of voting contracts to the Landier Management school district bus contract holder, while at the same time being on retainer at $200 a month.

Jury Selection The accusation alleges violation of twj sections of the California Government Code and one section of the State Education Code, which prohibit School district officials from having an interest in contracts for which they vote. Selection of a jury to hear the evidence, which is expected to require two weeks, wilt be completed today. Dep. Dist. Attys.

Mark Brandler and Tom Fin-nerty are prosecuting the case, with Atty. Paul Barksdale d'Orr representing Elliott. Fourth Named Elliott was the fourth Board of Education member to be ae cused or indicted by the 1951 grand jury. Mrs. Gertrude H.

Rounsavelle resigned after being accused of an interest in insur ance written for the Landier interests, and Roy .1. Becker was convicted after a trial on an accusation of holding a similar interest. Olin E. Darby, only one of the quartet to be accused of a fel ony, recently was convicted on one count of voting a contract to a tenant of one of his prop erties. Yesterday he filed a mo tion for a new trial, which will be argued before Superior Judge Charles W.

Fricke next Monday. transit system has been able to lease coin boxes that will handle, tokens. The leased boxes are to be used until the line's regular' boxes can be converted. line operates between I-os Angeles, and f.an Fernando Val-; ley points, Hollywood to Pasadena, Hollywood to Culver to North Hollywood and North'-Hollywood to Sun Valley. It also operate locally in Burbank.

Billboard Ban Supported by State Agency The State Division of High- ways sided with citizens' groups yesterday in objecting to the construction of billboards with in 500 feet of freeways in county territory. Frank C. Balfour, right-of-way chief for the State agency, in formed the County Regional Planning Commission that no money will be spent for free way landscaping unless bill boards are barred. At the first of two meetings on the freeway billboard issue, staff engineers for the planning board advocated a county ordinance based on that ofthe city of Los Angeles. This prohibits the advertising panels within 500 feet of freeway traffic lanes and with none facing traffic.

Mrs. John Ferrar Anderson, head pf the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce's Women's Committee, filed formal protest in the name of that group against the billboard construction within the area described. Another hearing is set for March 3. VISIBILITY RECORD; TODAY'S FORECAST Following are the forecast of visibility for the Los Angeles Civic Center today and the range of visibility yesterday as compiled by the U.S. Weather Bureau: Forecast Sunrise to 8 a.m..

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Good 2 p.m. to sunset. Yesterday's Range 8 a.m.

to 9 a.m .40 miles 10 aim. to 2 p.m.. miles 2 p.m. to 4 p.m 60 miles BANDIT ROBS SAME STORE TWICE IN WEEK Mrs. Olive May Tarbell, 52, a clerk in a liquor store at 6408 Eastern Bell Gardens, reported yesterday that a bandit who spoke quietly robbed her store a second time.

Early yesterday, she a man entered the store and asked in a soft voice: "Do you remember me?" She said she didn't and the man simulated a pistol in his coat pocket. "Oh, yes, you do," ht insisted. "I robbed you last week. "And I'm doing the same thing again." She said the soft-spoken man, aliout 50, escaped this time with $200 in cash and a pint of whisky. He took $100 last Thursday.

Two Burned and 11 Routed in Motel Blaze Two men were burned in a motel fire and 11 othera routed early yesterday when flames swept two structures at 7611 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, causing more than $10,000 in damage. Glen L. Baker, 35, and William W. Gray, 29, were treated at Valley Receiving Hospital for minor injuries. B.

C. Leaf, motel- manager, said he was awakened by a tenant and found a smoldering mattress outside one of the apartments and flames visible inside. He. called the Fire Depart ment and warned the sleeping tenants. originating in Los Angeles Sun Dog That Bit Girl Hunted Miss Lou Ann Black, 19, UCLA sorority girlj will be required to undergo Pasteur antirabies shots if the cocker spaniel that bit her hand last Wednesday is not found.

The cocker, black with a red collar, bit Miss Black when she was in the back yard of the Phi Mu Sorority house at 646 Hil-gard Ave. Information'regarding the dog should be turned over to the Department of Animal Regulation office at 2000 Grandville West Los Angeles. Nichols Appointed as Vice-President of Manufacturers Luther A. Nichols, former comptroller and graduate manager of the University of California, has been been appointed executive vice-president of the California Manufacturers Association, it! was announced yesterday. W.

A. DeRidder, president of the association, said Nichols was chosen by the CMA board of directors at a recent meeting in San Francisco. Council. The charges were made by Councilman Ed J. Davenport one of the most vociferous oppo nents of subsidized Federal pub lic housing in the Council.

Davenport did not name the radio commentator, but Council man L. E. Timberlake, public housing advocate, who promptly took issue with Davenport on the floor of the Council, said he assumed it was Drew Pearson. Council's Action The City Council some weeks ago, by a vote of 8 to 7, acted to cancel agreements with the Federally sponsored City Hous ing Authority for $110,000,000 worth of subsidized housing and the Authority promptly asked the Supf erne Court for a writ of mandate to force the city to go through with the housing scheme. Davenport declared yesterday that the radio commentator, in making a series of "predictions of things to come," prophesied that the "Supreme Court would rule against the city of Los Angeles and that the public-housing program would go forward." Vote of People In addition to canceling the proposed housing contracts, the Council at the same time adopted legislation which wiflf put the whole matter-up to a vote of the people at th June 3 State primary lection.

ASBURY TRANSIT'S RATE SETUP CHANGES MONDAY Thomas Arnott, assistant manager of the Asbury Rapid Transit System, yesterday announced that the line has arranged to put a new permanent rate structure into effect next Mdnday, when the interim rates were to become effective. The permanent rates were not to become effective for six months. Arnott said the manufacturer of tokens has been able to increase production and that the.