Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 36

4 Section 2 Chicago Tribune, Sunday, December-23, 1973 Ysabel TriiiiUo (Dticago (Tribune a i. I FOUNDED JUNE 10, 1847 Dome nimian rai mere mar Peron 'miracle' Stanton Cook, President and Publisher Clayton Kirkpatrick, Editor Lloyd Wendt, Associate Editor Robert Goldsborough, Sunday Editor Maxwell McCrohon, Managing Editor John McCutcheon, Editorial Page Editor THE NEWSPAPER is an institution developed by modern civilization to present the news of the day, to -foster commerce and industry, to inform and lead public opinion, and to furnish that check upon government vhich.no constitution has ever been able to provide THE TRIBUNE CREDO Paying for higher education BUENOS AIRE President Juan Peron's recent assertion to a group of visitors from Europe that Argentina-has achieved an "economic miracle" was a slight overstatement of a concrete achievement. Peron claimed Argentina's inflation rato had dropped from 80 per cent to zero. Actually, it was 80 per cent a full year before he returned to power, but his new government has managed to cut it back from the more modest 32 per cent rate which prevailed when ho took office. The chief miracle worker in all this has been Peron's Polish-born economics minister, Jose Gelbard, who is to Argentina roughly what Henry Kissinger is to the United States.

"We are making a revolution with the ink of laws and not with the blood of the people," says Gelbard, whose stated aim is to turn back the clock so that workers here will have the buying power they had in 1950. This "revolution" rests on three pillars: the social contract, a drastic tax reform, and a conglomerate of state enterprises patterned after the Italian system. The social contract an uneasy two-year detente among government, management, and labor is based on a tem- MIDDLE EAST WE EFF0RT6 W3lThtChlcsoTntuiw Fly in the ointment They urge the City Colleges of Chicago to remain totally tuition-free. Chicago junior colleges were long administered by the Board of Education, along with the public elementary and secondary schools. Sometimes the distinction between the junior college work and high school studies was hard to perceive.

The junior colleges have now matured to the dignity of a separate college board, and they pay some of the highest salaries in American higher education. If they really want to grow up, they can hardly expect to remain tuition-free. "The very principle of universal higher education" has never been established in the United States. If it were, the expenses would be astronomical. So would be the unhappiness of millions who have no aptitude for higher education or who, having received a degree, cannot get the sort of job for which they feel qualified.

Higher education of any respectable substance is beyond the capacity of many, and outside the interests of many more. There is no good intellectual, economic, or political reason for thinking that higher education should or can be for everyone. There are many good reasons for calling upon those who do want higher education and who can qualify for college admission to pay some fraction of the cost of their education if they can do so more readily than millions of citizens can pay their taxes. Trustees of the University of Illinois have approved a $60 a year increase in tuition, $25 a year more than the amount recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. President John E.

Corbally justified both the tuition increase and similar raises in room and board charges as necessary in view of the university's needs and higher prices. These modest increases can be as readily approved as they are understood. Somebody has to meet rising costs of higher education, and for students and their families to expect the state's taxpayers to meet all boosts in costs would be hardly fair. At a tuition of $555 a year next fall, Illinois residents attending the University of Illinois will still be getting a large public subsidy. Individuals whose circumstances justify it can and should apply to the state scholarship commission for yet further financial assistance.

Nor does a family have to be poor to qualify. Many families with substantial incomes qualify for state scholarship grants if they have several children attending college at the same time. Here in Chicago, the Community College Board has decided to charge tuition of $5 a semester credit hour. An open letter to Chancellor Oscar E. Sha-bat from members of the Wright College humanities department faculty condemns this token charge as "antidemocratic," discriminating "against the poor," and threatening "the very principle of universal higher education." Minding mi; business Is there a crown without the cross? porary price freeze and controlled salary raises absorbed completely by management.

Since any direct salary increase might cause inflation, Gelbard's aim is to increase consumer buying power indirectly thru lower prices and a rise in the tax-deductible ceiling to $500 a month. Thus tho worker gets an extra $70 tax-free. Halting inflation and lowering unem-ployment-they go together are tho big items in the government's draconi-an price freeze, which has increased buying power by 25 per centraised meat consumption from 143 to nearly 200 pounds a year, boosted the peso 31 per cent, and increased the real per capita annual salary from $1,230 to The general delight over this is tinged with strong skepticism over whether the miracle can continue. Management's profit-cut heroism has even included accepting a plea to run state-owned deficit enterprises at a token 10 per cent return all in exchange for credit, tax benefits, and protection of an expanded domestic market at the expense of foreign investment! But that can't go on. And the bad news is a 9 per cent rise in the last five months in imported goods that affect such key areas as plastics, steel, and semi-finished industrial products.

Gelbard says the inflationary effect is a negligible 1 per cent, but already 60 companies have received permission to raise prices. Meanwhile, the mammoth CGT trade union is pressing for a direct wage increase and trade union lack of discipline in general is beginning to snowball, beginning with the Leftist printers' union. In the ports, shipowners complain that the cost of loading and unloading has in some cases increased by 200 per cent. Moreover, the government's much-touted 10 per cent cut in food prices is considered obsolete it's based on a 300-item "shopping basket-' set up 13 years ago and has antagonized cattlemen and farmers. Bread, meat, onions, and potatoes are back, and the meat markets are well stocked after a food blackout.

Eut government ecstasy is not shared by wholesalers who fear that cattlemen will switch back to high-cost crops unaffected by government rules and regulations. And the 15 per cent cut in the cost of clothing hasn't saved retailers from sagging sales because Argentines ere stashing their pesos away in savings bank deposits tho rate is up 300 per cent one of several signs cf economic stagnation. That dynamic money earner, exports, has showed a favorable balance in many sectors, but the fact is that Argentina has often exported fewer units at prices. All these problems should be faced in December when the government announces a new three-year economic plan. But the general feeling here is that unions must drop their demands and cooperate for the sake of the nation.

Line o' type Are we at the beginning of the Short Age? Pierre oj the Manor Now even Love lias gor.p out of the White House. ThcrrJy.ircn Who killed Richard Cain? "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she rcmembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And so, long ago at Bethlehem, there were good tidings of great joy. But the ending of the birth pangs is not the end of pain in human experience; for the newcomer, it is the beginning. The life of Jesus was never free from the shadows of threatening tragedy, which cast their ominous cover upon His way, as in the end the cross was to do on the road to Calvary.

This tragic progression was an act of volition and sacrifice in the cause of humanity. The prophets of old had been indifferent to the harshest of fates. Having acted as God's men should act, they left the consequences to take care of themselves. Results which ordinary men might call calamities were mere incidents in God's ordering of events. Whether a course of action led to a crown or a cross was of slight moment as long as the will of heaven was performed.

It was not Jesus' choice to be worldly-wise in dealing with religious and political authority. It does Him less than credit to say that the end was fated, not embraced. This experience proclaims that compromise has no place in the search for righteousness. There is no half-way house. If Christians accept the inescapable postulate that the good life is the perfect life, the determination of righteousness can only lie in unsparing honesty of judgment on one's self, however much the part of compassion may dictate charity in judging others.

Perhaps man is incapable of such high resolution, and perhaps he is ricstmed in any event to fail in its realization. The failure can be absolved if the effort at attainment has been made; it can be forgiven if man fails in striving for a high and not a petty end. But to destroy ourselves for nothing, to let life slip away in a dedication to irrelevancies or to base and trifling preoccupations that is what we cannot forgive ourselves. In this season of regeneration we are inspired by the knowledge that the resolution of Jesus was born of such weakness as is in us all. There is comfort and assurance to weak and fallible men that God was manifested in a Child.

What has less power than a child to struggle with the demons that seek possession of the souls of men? But what has more promise than a child? For a child is unfulfilled; his works and the realization of himself are still to come. It is in the sense that we are reborn at the Nativity that we gather strength to overcome our weakness. Let us recapture some of the serenity of that first Christmas. We are on familiar ground, tho most of us have not seen or ever will see this place of the Nativity. Still, we feel the bite of the clear night air, we look up at the bright shining stars; we see, over the shoulders of the Magi kneeling to drink, the reflection of the signal Star of Bethlehem in the waters of the well.

We witness the shepherds in the fields as once more they raise their watchful eyes from their flocks and begin to trace their way toward the manger. We hear the lowing of the cattle, and see the eye of the ox and the ass turn toward the Child. And we hear the ancient summons: The night is jar spent, the day is at hand: let us therejore cast of the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor light. By George Morgenstern Christmas is upon us again. Lest we lose sight of its meaning, amid the snatch and grab and the conviviality, let us recall that our rejoicing is in tho birth of the Christ Child.

It is an occasion of somberness as well as of comfort and joy. As the star guided the Wise Men to the Manger, the life and teachings of Jesus are the sure directors of our destiny. The 17th century metaphysical poet, John Donne, who became dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, stated our dependence impressively in one of his sermons: "As no man can deceive God, so God can deceive no man; God cannot live in the dark Himself, neither can He leave those who are His in the dark: If Ho be with thee, He will make thee see that He is with thee; and never go out of thy sight, till He have brought thee where thou canst never go out of His." Before there can be even the possibility of redemption, men must scrutinize their motives and sanctify their aspirations and know the road to righteous living. Before them there is an example undimmed by the passage of two thousand years.

That example is founded upon living experience and an association with humankind, as well as upon divine endowment. Jesus looked into the hearts of the men of his time and cataloged their trespasses. Divinity walked the earth and lived among men as a man may live even One with a unique sense of mission. One so endowed would surely understand the frailties vof lesser men. No child comes into a world of pain without knowing pain or bringing pain: Chicago's 834th homicide victim of the year was named Richard Cain.

Policeman, sheriff's investigator, gangster, and "big time operator," he went to perhaps a predictable end cut down by shotgun blasts in a "setup" on the West Side. The killing had all the earmarks of what occurs when the crime syndicate decides to deal harshly with a man who had been widely regarded as one of its own. If Chicago history is any guide, we shall probably never know who killed him. The police department's casebooks are filled with hundreds of similar crimes most of them unsolved. Cain was a pushy, fast -talking wheeler-dealer who moved in high political and criminal circles.

He was active as a gangster even while serving as chief investigator for the sheriff's office. He fooled a lot of people and made legions of enemies. Doubtless there are many who are glad he is dead, because they disliked him and also because "dead men tell no tales." But his murder demonstrates something too many Chicagoans have lulled themselves into forgetting that the syndicate is alive and flourishing. It has branched out into the corruption of legitimate business and it has become somewhat more discreet and sophisticated in its methods, but otherwise its evil is just as corrosive as in the days of the St. Valentine's Day massacre.

There is some speculation that Cain's murder was in retribution for that of racketeer Sam De Stefano last April. If so, we hope it will not spark more gangland vendettas such as those which plague New York. Chicago would not face this threat if the police and City Hall had made a sincere effort to put the syndicate out of business instead of so often giving reason to think they were working together. Because of this record and the police department's poor image today, the Cain murder poses a doubly important challenge. The guillotine or the rack? Voice of the People Writers should be as concise as possible.

Giie ull names and addresses. Manuscripts arc not returned. Space is limited; the right to condense letters is reserved. Address letters to Voice of the People, THE TRIBUNE, Chicago, III, 60011. The anti-Nixon forces in the Congress seem to be of two minds as to how to proceed with their drive to impeach the President.

We have already heard from the advocates of "impeachment now" who have seized upon the confirmation of Vice President Ford as reason for instant action. Like French revolutionaries dragging a guillotine thru the streets, a great many of these people erroneously equate impeachment with the removal of Mr. Nixon from the White House "off with his head!" and the legal niceties be damned. Now we learn of another group, including not a few old time Democratic regulars, which seems to see the slowest possible course as the best for their purposes to pursue. Watergate has the Republicans in torment, so why not get maximum advantage for the Democrats out of this by dragging the proceedings out as long as possible perhaps even into the 1974 Congressional campaigns? Put the G.

0. P. on the rack and turn the wheel ever so slowly. Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee have complained that, under Chairman Peter Rodino, the committee's investigation into whether there are sufficient grounds for impeachment was being deliberately pro longed. Outgoing Presidential aide Mel-vin Laird, also suspicious, has demanded that Mr.

Rodino's group complete its work by March 15. There have been reports that leading Democrats plan to "orchestrate" the Watergate crisis for political purposes, perhaps even stalling things long enough to permit a mammoth petition drive designed to show widespread public opposition to the Nixon administration. As we have said, the investigation into Watergate and into the justification for impeachment must proceed in a reasonable and thoro manner, with strict adherence to the due process of law. But if haste is unacceptable, so is prolonging the issue and the turmoil it is causing strictly for partisan gain. The impeachment of a President is a serious business.

Only one President, Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, has been impeached. He was acquitted by the Senate; but the proceedings were shamefully political in nature and were as damaging to the country and to the reputation of his enemies as they were to him. In time, perhaps, impeachment may be the best means of determining Mr. Nixon's innocence or guilt. But to play politics with it will ultimately hurt everyone, including the players.

Lighting curbs opposed MONMOUTH, 111. Apparently tho President's advisers convinced him Oiat blacking out Christmas would have a deep psychological impact on all Americans. In effect, banning outdoor lighting would bring home the seriousness of tho energy shortage. A check with the Illinois Power Company sustained the opinion that we do not have an electrical shortage in our area and that blacking out normal outdoor displays would save little power. How many persons would admit that they have recently been wasteful of light in their homes? Careful use of indoor lighting would be patriotic, and part of the saved energy could be used in a limited outdoor display.

Even tho the While House tree is void of colored lights, it is illuminated by eight large floodlights. Many homeowners use the miniature lights for display purposes. A 35 bulb string of these lights uses only 13 watts of electricity. A string of 10 larger outdoor lights uses only 80 watts of electricity. Our city has church and civic groups who annually transport senior citizens from nursing homes to view various outdoor displays.

To deny them this joy would be tragic. Therefore, we plan to use a smaller number of outdoor lights for a fewer number of days and fewer hours each day. But our lights will be on. In retrospect, 1973 has been a dark year for Americans. A ban on outdoor lighting would come at a time when our nation needs the love and community involvement that only Christmas can give.

Robert T. Matson 'Uninsured gas guzzlers' KANKAKEE The energy crisis could be solved simply by not issuing license plates for an automobile that docs not have adequate insurance. In other words, remove all uninsured gas guzzlers from the highway. Mrs. Wanda Morris Oil firms' future role ROANOKE, Va.

Some newspapers and economists have suggested lately that prices cf petroleum products be allowed to seek their market level so that partial cr total rationing would thereby be achieved, and that the influx of profits to oil companies would help finrnrc the- development of new energy sources. Wh'le these arguments undoubtedly have smic merit, some factors shou'd be considered. We are aware, of course, that rationing thru higher prices would fall heaviest on the lower income groups. Further, the market price for products of oligopolistic industries like oil is likely to be somewhat higher than in more fragmented industries. As to the need for additional profits we must raise important questions.

Have the enormous profits of oil companies in decades past been used in any meaningful measure to develop new energy sources? It has been known for some time that petroleum products are exhaustible. Might not new or different industries be best suited to develop the new technology for the new energy sources? The demand and therefore tho incentive to develop new sources will surely T)e great. Might not the federal government, in addition to independent efforts, finance its own energy research and development project? Whatever the answers to the above questions, it's highly questionable that we should depend on or grant special financial power to, the oil companies to find solutions to the energy problem. Frank R. Peters Blame for crisis CHICAGO To blame the administration and industry for our present energy crisis is tantamount to blaming a victim of a mugging for being at the scene of the crime.

Put the blame on the liberal-controlled Congress for passing tho hastily drawn up ecology and environmental laws that are neither practical nor enforceable. Harvey Harrison No shortage of shortages subject, totally neglected to mention the key point to restoring Midway to a useable second air terminal. As long as the commercial air lines are afforded the excuse that most of their flights cannot be scheduled into Midway since necessary connections to other flights cannot be made from that airport, Midway will never come important in the Chicago air traffic picture. As long as city officials continue to dawdle as they have for the last 10 years about establishing a rapid transit link between the two airports, despite all of Mayor Daley's publicity-oriented attempts to induce airlines to use Midway nothing will change. Charles A.

Tausche Science group thanked PALATINE In an age of scientific advancement and a year that marks many new achievements and discoveries, among them Skylab, Pioneer 10, and the comet Kohoutek, I would like to thank an organization that helps greatly to further the scientific cause, the National Science Foundation. As a veteran of several NSF-sponsored programs, including Chicago's Astrosci-ence Workshop, I know and appreciate the benefits of such programs. On top of learning much about science, I have learned how to live and work with others. Steven II. Williams 'Save landmark buildings' HARWOOD HEIGIITS-Wouldn't it be nice if we stopped tearing down landmark buik'ings to make'parking lots and high rise buildings and expended our energy to beautify what we have? I think we are losing our creative ability to restore, maintain, and beautify too many high rises obscure our view.

June Sncll On good car salesmen PARK RIDGE I am writing as a rebuttal to James Mateja's article Dec. 1G in the Auto Mart page of The Tribune, "Car sales: Is oil crisis frying the golden egg?" The word salesman is not a misnomer in regard to a man whose profession is selling cars. A car salesman does not just "stand next to a new car and take orders." My husband has been selling cars since 1957. His profession is a highly competitive one and the public naturally shops for the best deal. The truly good car salesman has to have good qualities such as patience, personality, honesty, and compassion or he won't make the first sale or have repeat customers.

He is not merely selling to buyers, but to people who place trust in him as a friend in assisting them in purchasing a car both now and in the future. He attends sales seminars, presents product knowledge, and demonstrates his product. I'm proud to say that my husband has never been connected with any dealer who uses undesirable tactics. When compared to other businesses, including government, I think the car business would come out smelling like a rose. The auto business is affected deeply by strikes, shortages of materials, etc.

I do not known how it can be referred to as the "golden egg," as Mr. Mateja puts it. If it were, my husband and I would-be living on Easy Street. Wiry don't you put (iown your typewriter, Mr. Mateja, and try selling cars for a short time? Mrs.

A. Lawrence Midway transit link CHICAGO I read with interest your editorial "Abandoning Midway" in tho Dec. 8 Tribune. Your editorial, however, as do most commentaries' on the This leads us to one of the most frightening shortages of all a booze shortage which is about to befall the state of Iowa. Curtailed truck traffic is part of the problem, but supplies are also being cut back because of the plastics shortage plastic bottles and caps and because the cork industry is faced with a shortage owing to the widespread use of cork in the platform shoes which women wear over or should we say under their nylon stockings.

According to Rolland Gallagher, director of Iowa's Beer and Liquor Control Department, which runs the state's 200 liquor stores, there are enough supplies on hand to last thru the holidays. After that, as the Bible says: "Let each man be known by his moderation." Or, to put it another way: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you won't be able to. One of the more frustrating aspects of the oil shortage is that it causes other shortages which in turn breed still other shortages. Everyone is aware of the crimp it is putting in automobile use, but few consumers are yet aware that it will also cut the production of petrochemicals used in making plastics and man-made fibers. This will cause a shortage of women's nylons, among other things, which in turn will cause a shortage in many female tempers.

Because natural gas is used in the production of much home insulation, bricks, and cement, there will be a shortage of those things and consequently a shortage of new homes. With the combined help of industrial strikes, the energy crisis has produced a shortage of china plumbing fixtures..