The High Point Enterprise from High Point, North Carolina • Page 2

EDITORIAL PAGE Hifli Paint Enterpritt, Thursday, Aug. 24, 196! ABOUT THAT CURTAIN Gamblers Hot Entitled To Premium As Tax Cheaters If. as Internal Revenue Commissioner Mortimer M. Caplin states, Uncle Sam is being cheated out of S25 billion in unreported taxes each year it is high time to do something about it. Caplin singles out the gambling business as a major offender.

The 10-year-old gambling stamp act. designed to bring the spotlight upon the gambling fraternity, has been a failure because most professional gamblers ignore that tax law. Gamblers figure it a give-away inviting a look at operations by T-men. Sen. John L.

McClellan, chairman of the Senate investigating subcommittee holding hearings on how to collect more from hoodlums and others now slipping through the tax net, says keeping the stamp tax on the books amounts to mockery if it isn't going to be enforced. Chairman McClellan figures profes-, sional gamblers are evading as much as five billion a year in taxes they should be required to pay. H. Alan Long, director of the IRS intelligence division, backs up McClellan's premise. He says as yet his agency has not come up "with a sound basis'' for levying on the gambling fraternity.

That is a sorry spectacle which has gamblers thumbing their noses at the Treasury while law-abiding people, who pay their taxes, have every right to expect Uncle Whiskers to go after the illegal and predatory operators who prey on taxpayers and stash away their ill-gotten gain without so much as paying legitimate taxes. It calls for vigorous action on part of government to end an unwholesome situation never intended to give such a premium on illicit business. Reservists In Reserve Despite President Kennedy's authority to call up Reserves, relatively few of the 4,000,000 military Reservists will have their lives disrupted by being put on active duty in the current armed forces build-up. -Military authorities are looking to voluntary enlistments, re-enlistments and the draft to provide most of the planned personnel rise. The build-up will proceed gradually, on the assumption that no shooting will develop from the i crisis.

This would leave plenty of time to carry out a carefully paced strengthening of military forces to deal with troublesome spots all over the Pentagon says. Normally, that would be 'wise pro- Editorial Research cedure. However, with the i crisis coming to a head in a matter of weeks, the Congress and the country expected that to deal from strength armed forces would have to build up quickly. That would be more expensive, but such cost would hardly weigh in the ultimate objective. The dispatching of 1,500 additional troops to West Berlin at the same time Khrushchev was moving battle-ready divisions to East many is hardly matching, but the idea that the Western powers were not going to be ousted from West Berlin seems to be getting through thick Kremlin heads.

On that basis reservists will continue constituting a reserve. Shelters And Survival (Editor's Note: President Kennedy asked Congress on Aug. 14 for about S73 million for civil defense food and medical stockpiling programs. Congress already has appropriated S207 million for an expanded radiation shelter program and S86 million to operate the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization in fiscal 1962). President Kennedy's call for a new start in the nation's civil defense program is an integral part of the administration's over-all plan for meeting the current Berlin crisis.

The apparent strategy behind the revised civil defense policy is to convince Soviet leaders that Americans are ready to risk nuclear war, if necessary, to protect rights of access to West Berlin. Actual physical preparations to withstand a nuclear attack can hardly be anvwhrre near completion by the time the Berlin crisis reaches its peak, presumably late this year. The marking and stocking of fallout shelters In existing office, industrial, school and apartment buildings has a December 1962 tarjct date. Such shelter areas, when readied, arc supposed to provide reasni ably adequate protection against fallout for one-fourth of the nation's population, or about 46 million persons. Relocation of 126 million bushels of federally owned wheat from current storage sites to areas where food shortages might exist following an attack certainly will lake ninny months.

New storage facilities will have to be constructed in many of the 191 metropolitan areas slated for a share of the grain. The most obvious means of rapidly increas- i i i preparedness fnr the immediate period of international tension would he to encourage individual protective measures. of two weeks' supply of non-perish- ahle food by each family and i i if family fallout shelters would fit in i category. But the President so far has refrained from calling fnr construction of a i shelters or for a federal tax incentive to spur such construction. A major deterrent lo such a call is the fear that it might caue undue public alarm.

There is some risk 'hat a truly crash pro- pram on civil defense might he misinterpreted by both friend and foe. Initiation of an expanded shelter program, for example, might be viewed by an enemy as signaling a "pre- The High Point Enterprise EatablUtd AN INDEPKMh.M Published Every Atternoom and Sunday Morning RATES BY MAIL 1 Yr. 6 Mo. Mo. 1 Mo.

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paid at aUfh Point. N. C. emptive" strike. A student of civil defense has written: "A massive shelter program i i i a by either side would be a disequil- clement in the balance of terror.

With only ineffectual shelter measures the people of each bloc are in effect nuclear hostages of the other. Putting them under protective covet deprives the other side of its hostages in proportion as the cover is--or is thought to be--effective." A question now is whether the Soviet Union will feel it necessary lo expand its civil defense measures in response to American efforts. Leon Goure, a RAND Corporation specialist in this field, believes that the Soviets already have an active and extensive civil defense program. On the other hand, the New York Times correspondent in Moscow reported last month that nothing to be seen, heard or read In Moscow substantiated reports that the Soviet Union had drawn up massive civil defense plans, allotted huge funds to the construction of shelters, or mobilized its people in a great preparedness campaign. Goure pointed out.

however, that civil defense activity is not normally discussed in Soviet newspapers, and a policy of secrecy preclude? posting of signs to show the location of shelters. Civil defense training, he in- sisN. is conducted in special quarters and in places of work and residence which foreigners are seldom allowed to see. In any event, it seems clear from past Soviet efforts that the Kremlin is torn between a desire 'o accelerate civil defense preparations and fear that such a program might produce panic among a people whose memories of World War If are still vivid. Whether fallout shelters offer any hope of a i millions of lives in the aftermath of a nuclear a a is itself a matter for debate.

Defense Secretary Robert S. Me- a a a recently testified that it was "probably a reasonable estimate that the identification and marking of existing fallout shelters could, without additional effort, save at least to million lives in the event of a thermonuclear attack." One study concluded a a combined blast and fallout shelter nropr.im could reduce total casualties by at leaM no per cent. A more pessimistic view holds that any shelter program will become quickly outmoded by new weapons systems, that nuclear scientists under-cstimafe (he period of radioactive contamination, ami that shelters negate any kind of positive reaction to attack by creating a "rabbit warren' 1 psychology among (he people. Gen. Curtis E.

I.cMay. Air Force Chief of Staff, stated a year ago that he would rather spend money "on offensive weapon systems to deter the war in the first place." The debate is bound to become- more intense if the administration presses next year for a five-year fedoral-state-locnl shelter program to cost up to $20 i i Frank B. I now director of the Office of and Defense Mobilization, is to favor such nn No Genius For Retreat By MARGUERITE Herald Tribune News Service BERLIN (HTNS)-On the third day after the Soviets slammed down their Iron Curtain in Berlin, a large group of correspondents were gathered before the Soviet Embassy waiting for prominent East German officials to end their "visit." At this point in time, silence was still the only reaction from the Western allies to the repressive Soviet measures because they had been unable to agree among themselves on the text of their protest note. This silence became the subject of stinging jibes on the part of the Reds. Finally the correspondent of the leftist Italian newspaper L'Unita caught sight of an editor of the pro-Western Die Welt (Western newsmen still enter the Soviet Sector) and with fine dramatic flourish shouted to him: "Did you know that the United States has added a new color to its flag? Now its red, white, blue--and yellow.

"Idiot," snapped the angry West German, "The Americans will be heard from yet. Just you wait. But at that particular point in time, the West German had only his own private hopes to go on. But this exchange is illustrative of why such strong pressures built up among West Berliners for the United States to abandon mere calm caution (as President Kennedy's first reaction was described in dispatches from Washington) and go on a political offensive. It is also an evidence of the grievous error of all too many officials in Washington who tried at first to pass off the pressure for political action as a mere fabrication of West Berlin Mayor Willy Brandt, designed to advance his election chances in his battle with Dr.

Adenauer for the Chancellorship. This is doubly damaging not only because it attacks the in- tegrity of a good friend but because it just isn't even slightly true. Anyone who saw the wild and marvelous welcome accorded to Vice President Johnson and Gen. Lucius B. Clay, hero of the 1948 Berlin blockade, knows how deep run the Berliners' convictions that the United States must take some counter action which the world --and above all the Kremlin--must note.

The Berliners would have felt betrayed if Mayor Brandt had not taken the initiative and written the letter that so fortuitously resulted in the Johnson mission and the reinforcement of the Allied garrison. Conversely, if Mayor Brandt had done nothing, he couldn't in the future be elected as a dog catcher in Berlin. So if representing the demands of his constituents is playing politics, then, only in that sense, is the Berlin Mayor guilty. Berliners are the most specialized collective group of in the world. Located here deep behind the Iron Curtain, their bread and butter, the fate of their families, their very lives have for 16 years depended on correctly assessing what the Russians are up to and what they are likely to do next.

Therefore it is interesting to note that virtually everyone from the taxi drivers to the local eggheads feel that the most important result of the Johnson mission is not just the reassurances to West Berliners, though these are always welcome, but the impression that these reassurances will make on the East Germans and the Kremlin. Very few Berliners believe that any action taken now is likely to cause the Kremlin to roll up its Berlin Iron Curtain tomorrow. But that which concerns West Berliners most is what the Kremlin will do next. And Berliners are persuaded that without the sternest protests and vigorous political counter action, the Communists would have been encouraged to go even further in their announced campaign to take over Berlin piece by piece, HIM fcf ruse, ploy by ploy. Although the outilde world dow not yet appear to realize it, the Kremlin is currently engaged in its most intensive campaign In hlftory to persuade all Germans that the United States indeed a paper tiger, that its pledges to uphold Berlin's freedom are completely empty.

Or as the Communist East German Radio said: "When Vice President Johnson says that the United States has no 'genius for he is merely covering up with brave words the fact that retreat is in fact Washington's only long run alternative." The ovations accorded to Vice President Johnson were of course intended to cheer this demonstration that the Kennedy administration's involvement in Berlin's freedom did not in fact falter in face of crisis. The ovations accorded to Gen. Clay were in honor of the fact that he--more than anyone in recent German history--proved that the United States did not in fact have "a genius for retreat." For Gen. Clay, who was Commander in Germany from 1945 to 1950. faced the awful choices posed by Soviet threats of war over Berlin and did not falter.

Like the Berliners, he has been through it all before. As the West German Radio said "We know- but more important, the Russians know--that Get. Clay will not let the United States of America be bluffed or bullied. Marshal Konev (who juit been assigned to the Soviet East Zone) does not Impress Clay any more than Gen. Zhukhor (the tint Soviet Occupation Chief) ever did." And since Gen.

Clay did so much to help prove that it was the Russians who, in the case of the first Berlin blockade had "a genius for retreat," it hut crossed the minds of not a few people that Gea. Clay should associate himself in some more nent official capacity with the cold war's second battle of Berlin. HORNS OF A DILEMMA LYNN NISBET 'ROUND THf CAPITOL Division Highway Engineer Tom Burton lunched witti the highways and streets committee of the Chamber of Commerw yesterday to get an earful of urgence that widening of Main Street be pressed to conclusion; that widening of North Main be activated as promptly as possible; that an Alternate 311 be provided around High Point, and that widening and improvement of 311 from Winston-Salem to Highway 220, near Randlernan, be expedited. The group found the highway official in full accord and hopeful such long-needed highway improvements can be carried out as promptly as possible. On Highway 311 improvement he was ahead of them, for studies are being made for that important thoroughfare which will carry a lot of additional traffic once the Interstate route into the midwest is constructed.

Representative Ed Kemp presided in absence of Chairman Amos R. Kearns. He encouraged city officials to press the new thoroughfare plan which City Planner BUI Colonna revealed is about to be contracted with delivery expected around next May. Already evident is the fact that North Main will get top priority in that plan to tie together city and State Highway planning of thoroughfares. As soon as right-of-way considerations are cleared along S.

Main that work can proceed, Mr. Burton said. In fact, the Highway Commission has it scheduled for October letting if properties are sufficiently committed to enable approval by the U. S. Bureau of Roads.

President Jack Campbell has an especially strong committee working on streets and highway matters. Most of the recent mayors are actively participating. It takes long-range planning to get big-scale projects realized, as some other neighboring cities are demonstrating quite effectively. There is work to be done here, and planning needs to be directed that way promptly and effectively with the payoff down the years. State Highway officials are cooperative, but they can't provide much unless you have a long-range plan of where they're headed.

We need to catch up lag with such a plan. CONSTITUTION The Constitution of North Carolina sorely needs revision and modernization in many places, but it isn't really as bad as some commentators are trying now to make out with respect lo the situation occasioned by the death of Lieutenant Governor Cloyd Philpott. Most of these commentators are borrowing trouble by anticipating that there also will be a vacancy in the office of Governor. First thing lo remember is that there are three coordinate branches of State government --legislative, executive and judicial. Each has its peculiar functions, but none is entirely independent of the others.

The legislative, being closest to the people, has major authority. But the legislature is amenable to partial control by both the executive and judicial branches. The Lieutenant Governor, an elected member of the executive branch, is constitutional ex-officio presiding officer in the Senate. And. despite the the general opinion that the Supreme Court is the highest level of the judicial system, the fact is the Court of Impeachments, which is the Senate, tops (he list.

It has been more than 60 years since that court was convened, but it Lo there in event it should be needed. The Governor, as head of the executive branch, is charged i responsibility for advising Legislature from 'ime to time, and the Legislature often consults the judiciary about matters. The Legislature has authority to enact laws affecting both executive a judicial activities, i i generally recognized but rather loosifly defined limits. DISTINCTION The current confusion of ro- of the distinctive tions of the three branches. Except for his constitutional status as president of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor as a member of the executive branch, has no legislative obligations.

And the constitution clearly sets out procedure for transferring the duties of the presiding officer in event of vacancy. Sec. 20, Art. II, of the constitution reads: "The Senate shall choose its other officers, and also a Speaker (pro tempore) in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor, or when he shall exercise the office of Governor." If words are accepted in their dictionary given meaning that means the Speaker pro tempore accedes to all the duties and powers of the presiding officer when the Lieutenant Governor is for any reason not able, to serve. Pursuant to that auth- Notes On The News "Madame, this is fho size door your husband asked for on your fallout shelter." ority Sen.

Lunsford Crew, as president (or speaker) prolera, not only presided over the Senate but exercised the powers of ratifying bills--which is perhaps the most vitally important function of the presiding officers--When Lieutenant Governor Philpott was in Hawaii during the final week of the 1961 session. He had none of the powers of the Lieutenant Governor as a member of the executive department, but he had all the authority as President of the Senate. He still has that authority, and will until a new Senate shall have been elected. There should be no concern about whe has authority to appoint committees which the General Assembly accorded the President of the Senate not the Lieutenant Governor. There is a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, but not in the office of President of the Senate.

PRECEDENT This is first time in the 20th century that a Lieutenant Governor has died in office. It is not the first time a vacancy has occurred there. When Luther moved up from that position to the Governor's chair in 1934, the office was vacated. The 1955 Senate met the situation by electing Luther Earnhardt, who had been president protem in 1953, as president of the 1955 Senate. Sen.

Paul Jones was elected president pro- tem. Many of the rules had in be changed because in early texts they had provided functions for the "Lieutenant Governor." Responsibility for the. functions was changed to the "President of the Senate." Photographer L. C. Chiles Is recovering from a painful encounter lost to a yellow jacket.

A wetter-than-agual scum has encouraged hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and other varmints to greater pestiferousness this season. There have actually been instances of fatalities in some placet charfed to multiple stings. Mr. Chiles, was mowing some of his Davidson acreage, didn't know what the miscreant was which bagged and left him lying in pain yelling for help. A neighbor attracted by his calls found the leg so swollen as to constitute an emergency.

The inflamed and swollen leg necessitated skinning his pants back over his head, something Head Lions call "unorthodox." They got the lame fellow to medical care where his ailment was diagnozed as a yellow jacket sting and does that fellow have respect for y-j's now! Incidentally, the Chiles picture studios are being moved from English Street to the 800 block of North Main. A very nice letter from Henry E. Price, High Point's newly- appointed executive director of Redevelopment who takes office Sept. 1, says much of the success of his program in Cleveland is attributable lo good support of the press. He hopes, and we pledge in welcoming him.

similar support here. "I feel." he writes, "that strong support of the newspapers is of vital importance in any urban renewal program because essentially it is a program of the people of the community and generally a local newspaper speaks for the people. "I am looking forward to a fundamentally sound program of physical, commercial and social improvement in High Point in which the public administration, the business community and the people will join forces. There already is much evidence of progress along this lino in High Point, which influenced me greatly in accepting the appointment." The Cleveland Plain Dealer in an editorial last week commended strongly Mr. Price's accomplishment there as rehabilitation administrator.

It said Cleveland's efforts to improve residential neighborhoods have won outspoken approval as novel and solid. That city's voluntary neighborhood improvement program has attracted a great deal of national attention..