The Atlanta Constitution from Atlanta, Georgia • 6

Vr i -i THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION EDITORIAL PAGES RALPH McGILL, Editor RALPH T. JONES. Associate Editor JACK TARVER. Associate Editor WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1946. CLARK HOWELL, President and Publisher H.

H. TROTTI. Vie President and Business Manager The CASE. IS RALPH McGILL Chief Brosnan find 'Doc' Winchester A lot of persons have thumped a tub for Fire-Chief D. W.

Brosnan, down at Albany, (known fondly as All-Benny). He doesn't really The President's Merger Plan -1 w0 'Wg yassgs tiff -CTtiigil lit tvf-vivV tuJ5 -t 'y I-- J---? -1 v-- 1 r- j- The President's proposal also called for a Council of National Defense to integrate our foreign and military policies; a National Security Resources Board; joint chiefs of staff to formulate strategic plans; a central intelligence agency; a procurement and supply agency to, prevent wasteful competition between services; an agency to co-ordinate scientific research and an agency to study military education and training. The two secretaries, Gen. Eisenhower, Chief of Staff, and Adm. Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations, have assured the President that they will support a plan such as the one he offered.

As President Truman said, "One of the most important problems confronting our country today is the establishment of a definite military policy." If we now had a definite military policy, it would be a great help to Secretary of State Byrnes in Paris and to Gen. Marshall in China. It would make the people feel better and clear up considerable confusion in the armed forces. Chairmen Walsh and Vinson of the Senate and House Naval Committees have stated that Congress would not accept a plan calling for a single Department of National Defense with a single Cabinet member, but one finds that difficult to believe. The President's plan should be passed immediately.

The overwhelming forces of logic and public opinion demand that it not be blocked. President Truman has sent Congress his plan for merging the armed forces. The basic plan calls for a Department of National Defense with a civilian as its head. He would be a Cabinet member. The Army, Navy and Air Force each will have a civilian secretary who will not be in the Cabinet.

President Truman's proposal comes after studying a report of unification submitted to him by Secretary of Navy For-restal and Secretary of War Patterson. These men were in agreement on most of the points involving merger. The President's ruling for a single department under one Cabinet head was an Army recommendation. He sided with the Navy in "maintaining the Marines as a constituent part of the Naval service." The Army had suggested restrictions in the use of Marines. He sided with the Air Force in several instances in which Naval aviation and Air Force duties overlapped.

Under his plan, the Air Force will operate land-based aircraft in Naval reconnaissance, anti-sub-marine warfare and protection of shipping. These, of course, are Air Force duties. Undoubtedly the only reason the Navy sought to retain them was to keep from reducing its strength so much as a single pilot and plane. Some of the very finest work by the Luftwaffe was long-range Naval reconnaissance in the North Atlantic. Certainly, the Coastal Command of the Royal Air Force performed these tasks with great efficiency.

need another tub thumper, but I want to hit a few thumps for him because I know he won't mind and I can use him to illustrate a point. While at it I will also hit this tub a few licks for Dr. M. E. Winchester, of Brunswick, and the marshes of Glynn, and ring him in to support it.

Chief Brosnan has been fire chief down at All-Benny for nigh on to 30 years. In that time he has never lost one of his own men or the life of a citizen. He has had some tough fires, too. Once he had to go in and pull out some of his own firemen, put them on an elevator and get them out. They were unconscious at the time.

The fire had burned most of the oxygen out of the air and their masks were no good. The chief had no mask. To this day the men don't understand it and the story has become a legend. The legend has it that the chief's chew of good, fine-cut served as a mask, filtering out the gas. Cah Insurance rates in All-Benny are lower than uaan ixviueuua in any olher city jn Gcorgia and think the South.

The Chief has given All-Benny fire protection that has won for that city so many national awards there isn't room on the city hall walls to hang all the plaqfues. The chief has his entire department out every Friday morning, rain or shine, hot or cold. They climb buildings, lay out hose, use their drill tower and otherwise keep in shapes "I figure that if a baseball team needs practice a fire-fighting team does, too," says the Chief. So practice they do. (It would be interesting to check up on hoy many times Atlanta's drill tower at No.

7 Department has been used for practice? And how regularly.) The Law A'lBenny has a first-rate building code. It is not better than the one voted by other cities. But Chief Brosnan makes it stick. Some of the builders squeal like pigs moving toward the packinghouse knife when the Chief says, "Put some automatic sprinklers in there." But they put them in. There is no such thing as a fireproof building.

And the automatic sprinkler watches all the time. The chief has the say so and he makes the law stick. There are no politics strong enough to evade the law. And, it must be said, the people of All-Benny, even those with "influence," have enough sense and civic enterprise not to try too hard. Maybe the reason is they know the Chief would quit before he would cheat on the law.

So, the law sticks. And every businessman and citizen of his city gets the benefit in cash reduced insurance rates. Incidentally, the Chief says hotels, even the so-called fireproof ones, should be "sprinkled." Glvnn He is a Srand person is the Chief. With one final enthusiastic thump for him and the people of his home town let us turn to another Dr. Winchester and Glynn County.

Glynn County's milk is all right. If it isn't up to standards it isn't sold. Glynn county's restaurants long ago had to pass strict inspection and hang up where customers could see them the or rating cards. Glynn County had a great influx of war workers, tripling the size of the city and putting a tremendous strain on its sanitation facilities. Almost every city Atlanta among them let down the bars to some extent.

The health inspections were not so tough. Violations of the law were "overlooked." But not in Brunswick. They toed the mark. Or they closed their doors. The result no increases in diseases, even venereal.

Atlanta, by way of illustration, is just getting around to making its eating places meet' moderate health requirements and it is better not to ask questions about the sort of milk competition our several really good dairies have to meet. The people support their health officials, as Albany supports its Fire Chief. There is no big shot who can go around and whisper in someone's ear and evade the law. It is a simple thing that any city, large or small, or any county, large or small, can do. Hire the right sort of man.

Pay him enough. And back him up to the limit. That's all it takes the wish and the will to turn a back on greed and do it. War Trials ROBERT QUILLEN JACK TflRVER How To Lick The Devil Whoever Wins, Mike Jacobs Won't Lose Joe Louis meets Billy Conn tonight for th heavywreight championship of the world. fin Unworthy and Irrelevant Accusation Observing the world in turmoil, Satan said: "This will be a good time to conquer it all at one lick." So he moved up to New York, bringing his smartest agent, and leased a penthouse atop the tallest building.

"I'll stay here," said, "for people might notice the smell of brimstone, even in New York. While I exert my influence as usual, you circulate and learn what is happening and report to This is the biggest scrap since Adolf threw in the towel. In fact, a lot of citizens have parted with to view tonight's imbroglio who wouldn't have used an Annie Oakley, front- row center, at Salerno. Ducafs for the bopping-bee are a hundred-dollar ringside. Those in the two-buck seats will be apprised of the results by carrier pigeon.

i Louis has been champion for nine years now. It was from his good right hand they got the idea for atomic disintegration. In his heyday, the promoters used to advertise: "Get there early; it won't last long." But Conn's backers are confident. Billy went 13 rounds with Louis in '41. And the champ has aped five years since.

Ax who- besides Little Orphan Annie hasn't? At any rate, it will be a great sViow: The winner will get th world's acclaim, and the loser a rematch in the FalL parties at which PCA has been host. The implication that such entertainment plays any part whatsoever in the high esteem in which PCA is held locally is exceedingly petty. Indeed, had such social activities anything to do with the city's position on the matter, the latter would most certainly reflect Eastern's opposition to the petition. Atlantans want additional airline service here by PCA and any other reputable organization for one reason and one reason only: We are convinced that more and better facilities are essential to the city's growth and progress. Any inference to the contrary is not only utterly unworthy of an old friend like Eastern but also wholly irrelevant to the application under consideration.

Over a period of years, Eastern Airlines has built up a reservoir of friendship and good will among Atlantans. Because it once maintained shops here; because Atlanta has watched its growth from a struggling newcomer to pre-eminence in its field; because its President, Eddie Rickenbacker, has a host of local friends, this city has felt a kinship for Eastern and has constantly endeavored to work with it in promoting- our mutual interests. Thus it comes as a slap in the face that a spokesman for Eastern, seeking to block the coming of additional airlines to Atlanta, infers that local interest in Pennsylvania-Central's application to serve this city stems in large measure from cocktail 1 i i SSm L. ST. JOHN At me when you hear anything.

Soon the agent came back and said: "Great news. Boss; They've developed a better bomb that will wipe out a whole State." "You half-witted dope." said Satan politely: "that won't help me any. I'll get the blame, and a lot of innocent people will die before I get a crack at them." So the agent went out again and was gone a year. When he came back he cried: "Swell news this time! Diplomats have quit trying to agree and the nations are arming as fast as they can." "You blithering ass," Satan said sweetly; "will you never learn? The fools will soon be at war, and in time of war they all get religion. Now get out of here and stay out till you learn something that will help me." This time the agent was gone only a few months.

He came in with dragging feet, and his forked tail was between his legs. "It's awful," he moaned. "The governments all got scared and passed resolutions to abolish war and guarantee freedom and justice to all nations, even the little ones, and it looks like peace forever hereafter." "Your judgment," said Satan, "is as rotten as your grammar. Mountain People fipplaud Jimmie THE PULSE OF THE PUBLIC i i i a White Supremacy Issue Editor Constitution: I am neith The Constitution welcomes letters from its readers. They must be signed, should not exceed 200 words.

CLARKESVILLE The people of this Northeast Georgia mountain County of Habersham have heard the three major candidates for Gov er a politician nor a Georgian, but I am a Southerner and am inter ested in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Georgia. It appears that the main plank in one candidate's platform is simply one of "white supremacy." Never before have I known of a candidate to be so decidedly upset about an issue that is groundless 1 i I if we are to still abide by the pro COLUMBUS LEDGER-ENQUIRER Race Issue Is Strictly Phony (Editor's Note: Ralph Jones is on vacation.) Upon the assumption that the average white Georgian is reasonably sane and intelligent, The Sunday Ledger-Enquirer suggests that Eugene Talmadge's "white supremacy" issue is pure caterwauling designed to appeal to the basest human instincts. In other words it's strictly a phony! Mr. Talmadge would have you believe that Jimmy Carmichael and those who support the Carmichael candidacy, are all "scalawags," bound and determined to give all Negroes "40 acres and a mule," and then see to it that they are elected to office in order to govern white people. He would have you believe, further, that the simple act of letting a few of them vote will mean their total domination of Georgia's political machinery; that they will over-run the State Legislature, elect themselves to City and County Commissions, and in general have things completely their own way just overnight! Of course it's all a lie.

And the best way to prove it a lie is to look soberly at the Georgia scene, and see what's happened. What is "white supremacy" anyway? It is simply the control of politics, and indeed of the whole Deep South economy and the Deep South social order, by white men and women. The Editor of this newspaper is a Georgian born and bred; the idea of white supremacy has been inculcated into him since earliest childhood, and he believes in it. He knows it is ethnologically sound, and if the day should ever come when other than white men rule Georgia, he would no longer care to live here. This sense of prejudice unadulterated racial prejudice does not extend, however, to denying some voice in Government to that small minority of Negroes who are legally qualified to vote, and who, as taxpayers living in a democracy, are morally entitled to make their minority voice articulate.

How could the fact of Negroes voting ever threaten "white supremacy" in Georgia? The only conceivable condition under which such a thing could happen would be for Negroes to outnumber white people at the polls, and there is no remotest chance of any such cataclysmic change. And if they should ever really out-number us, the existence of a "white primary" would be no protection, anyway, because they would simply put up their candidates in the general elections where they have the undisputed right of suffrage and out-vote us. The arithmetic of the Georgia picture is that our population comprises about 35 percent Negroes; 65 percent whites. But in the voting lists, the preponderance of whites is, and will remain, far more impressive, because a greater proportion of whites will always be able to qualify, even under the most elementary literacy tests. We repeat How can 35 percent of the population "threaten" the supremacy of 65 percent, particularly since so few of the 35 percent can possibly qualify? It can't be done, and that's why Mr.

Talmadge's "white supremacy" issue is pure phony. No, "white supremacy" isn't an issue in Georgia this year, because the real basis of white supremacy is superior numbers, superior breeding, superior superior mental capacity, and, if you please, a superior sense of personal fastidiousness! The Negro, at his best, will have only a small voice in Georgia politics. If we believe in the democratic concept which means, among many other things, that even minorities are permitted to help shape their own destinies we can do no less than make his small voice articulate, and in so doing we imperil nothing that affects the security of Southern white men. The Deep South's "white supremacy" is thoroughly respectable; it has the dignity of tradition, and the strength of sincere conviction. Because it is honest, it can afford to be tolerant, always fair, and perhaps even compassionate toward lesser men.

It is not a "master race" concept such as Hitler's, but rather the practical and we hope humane application to everyday life of certain ethnical facts, to-wit: (1) The white race happens to have, been civilized a lot longer than the black race; (2) It has achieved over centuries moral standards and scientific skills unknown in the jungle, and which could not possibly be transmuted to a less fortunate race within the span of a few brief generations; (3) Because of these superior acquired attributes, the white man's capacity for judgment is more mature, his reactions are more certain, and his scruples are more rigid. For the lack of better nomenclature the doctrine has come to be known as "white supremacy," but decent Southerners do and must consider it shameful to u.e their great strength to deprive other humans of ordinary civil rights. Summed up, the Deep South's concept of "white supremacy" is a philosophy of gentlemen, not of demagogues or hoodlums. As such, it. never forgets noblesse oblige, which is and has always been the criterion of genuine superiority.

Clarence and I Editor Constitution: The scathing attack on Westbrook Pegler by this man W. C. (Clarence) Bailey and his extreme praise, to put it mildly, ot Frank Roosevelt are interesting indeed. Frankly I like Peg very much and think his articles are a very valuable asset to your paper. More paper should be used for such a good purpose.

But how one can be so shortsighted to the extent that he would expect everyone else to agree with his ideas, is hard to understand. And vet it shouldn't be, coming from this fellow. We all thought that he went to the extreme more often than not, and generally in the wrong direction. On the other hand, perhaps I'm short-sighted, too. Maybe it is a family trait.

Being a Republican since the Wilson-Taft campaign and never so much as voting in a Democratic Primary, naturally I could not think much of Mr. Roosevelt's political ideas or ideals. Still, being the good Republican that I am, I wouldn't expect everyone else to agree with me. Maybe there are some good things in the Democratic Party, but they have never impressed me as such and I haven't the slightest objection to someone else thinking there is nothing better just don't try to make me believe the same way. All of which reminds me of Alf and Bob Taylor in "The War of Roses during their campaign for Governor of Tennessee many years ago, one running as a Democrat, the other opposing him as a Republican, and the two sleeping together every night.

For you see, Clarence and I are brothers. ALBERT L. BAILEY. 522 Grant S. E.

Livestock and Cope Editor Constitution: I just want to congratulate you on the improvement in covering livestock and farm news in Georgia and particularly the column written by Channing Cope. I have heard many people express themselves very favorably on Mr. Cope's column. He writes in such a way that the ordinary as well as educated farmer understands. Permit me to encourage you to even better coverage of the livestock siuation in Georgia.

It is the future of this state in my opinion and this opinion is shared by many others. If you could devote a column to pasture improvement, suggestions from a practical standpoint about diseases of live-Mock and the feeds best suited for them under local conditions it would be of great value. T. ROSS SHARPE. Lyons.

ernor. They will cast their ballots, so say local political observers, for Jimmie Carmichael on July 17. The observers base their predictions on the impressions created by ex-Governor Rivers, ex-Governor Talmadge and by Jimmie Carmichael in their talks her, as well as on the records of the two former Governors and reputation of Carmichael. Although noted for their the mountain people began applauding Carmichael midway in his speech and they were hi crowd from then on. When he concluded, the mountain people, who are slow to show their emotions, crowded around the young candidate to shake hands with him.

The size of the crowds drawn by the three major candidates were pretty much the same. Habersham County never has gone for Talmadge, observert reported. In fact, Talmadge said he was counted out in Habersham County in his race against Sen. George. Carmichael mad a strong bid for the 600 newly registered voters in this county.

The crowd was well filled with young people, both men and women. rrtP Th tpp Tnwn: The meeting at Clarkesville was th oame inree lOWnS lhird time in one week that Carmichael and Talmadge spoke in the same town. It is possible that Carmichael will carry all three of these towns. Crowds at Winder, Elberton and Clarkesville were pretty well balanced in size between the two candidates. Talmadge usually carries Elbert County, but with 2,000 new voters already signed up, Carmichael supporters are confident they will stake Elbert County into the Carmichael column this year.

At Winder, where Carmichael followed Talmadge on the stump by a day, the ex-Governor probably drew a little bigger crowd on the Courthouse lawn. Talmadge held onto his supporters from the "wool hat" boys in Barrow County, while Carmichael's crowd was composed largely of women, veterans, young people and business people. The young candidate drew a scattering of farmers. Barrow County is closely divided between Carmichael and Talmadge, local observers said, with very little Rivers strength in that section. One'thousand new voters already on the registration lists are adding to Carmichael's bid.

Carmichael made a hit with Sen. Russell's homefolks when said that Carmichael is the only one of the three major candidates who is not a threat to Russell. Carmichael is expected to pull Franklin County and Hart County out of the "red gallus" column this year. He had a good meeting at Royston, with people from five counties in attendance. Without any organization, and without candidate Ellis Arnall making a speech in that county in 1941, Franklin came near favoring Arnall over Talmadge who has traditionally carried the county.

This time, Carmichael made a big hit with his speech there, and he has a strong organization, including such leaders as Mrs. Stewart Brown, civic leader and wife of this section's prominent physician, and Editors Rush Burton, of Lavonia; Eugene Dyar, of Carnesville, and Hubert Dyar, of Royston. Sheriff Cary Carter and Editor Louie Morris, of Hart well, who were seated on the Royston stage, predicted Hart County will swing from Talmadge to Carmichael this year. Rufus Hardin, Toccoa business and civic leader, placed Stephens County for Carmichael, saying it usually trounces Talmadge. ciJ.l One of the first men to ask Jimmie Carmichael t(J run for Governor got to hear him in a campaign speech for the first time the other day up at Canton.

Rep. Otis Brumby, whose Cobb County Times suggested Carmichael for Governor many, many months before the young lawyer finally decided to make the race, had been ill and unable to go to any ef Jimmie's stump speakings over the State After listening to him in neighboring Cherokee County, where Carmichael was given a good reception, Otis said he was highly pleased with Jimmie as a campaigner It is our belief that each of the major gubernatorial candidates will carry his home county but if any one should lose his home county, we uould say Eugene Talmadge is in the greatest danger of doing so, and E. Rivers i in the second greater danger because one of Talmadge's homa town papers has indorsed Carmichael. and so have some of th political leaders down there and because some folks in Rivers home town were not overly pleased with him throwing out of of fie Highway Chairman Lint Miller, of Lakeland. Golden Stairs Editor Constitution: Back in 1885 or '86, I am not sure, but I think Henry Grady was editor of the Constitution.

I do remember that Bill Arp, Sarge Plunkett, Betsy Hamilton and Sam Jones were contributors, and as I remember it, "Jiggs and Maggie" came into being about that time. I remember a poem entitled "The Golden Stairs" was published in the Constitution the latter part of 1885 or '86, the first verse of which read like this: Saint Peter stood at the Golden Gate. With solemn air and mien sedate, When up to the top of the Golden Stair, A man and woman applied for admission there; The woman was long and lean and lank and thin With a little beardlet on her chin, The man was short and thick and stout With a girdle wrapped round about. The balance of the poem I have forgotten, but I was wondering if anyone knows the rest of it. I think the poem will be found in the weekly edition but it has been so long, I have forgotten.

I have been reading The Constitution fiO-odd years and it is still my favorite. L. H. JENKINS. Alma.

(Editor's Note Does any reader know the rest of the poem?) Relatives of Bill Arp Editor Constitution: 'One Chas. H. Smith was a great Southern writer and his letters of Domestic Life in War and in Peace appeared for many years in the Atlanta Constitution. He wrote under the name of "Bill Arp." He wrote a book "The Farm Fireside" which was published by The Constitution Publishing Company in 1891. I have information that the writer who used the name Bill Arp died in 1903.

I shall be very happy if it is possible for you to furnish me with the name and address of any of his living relatives. I also have the information that a son by the name of Dr. Ralph Smith practiced medicine in Atlanta. A. K.

BELL. Alderman, Gonzales, Texas. (Editor's Note Will the relatives reply? Don't worry about what men do when they are scared. When the scare is gone, their good resolutions are forgotten. Now scram." When the agent returned, he looked as dejected as a housewile after shopping for a beef roast.

"It looks mighty bad, Chief," he wailed. "The whole country seems lost. Congress has passed a law requiring everybody to be decent and fair and tolerant. That ends all class strife and race trouble and spoils your best trick religious quarrels." "Oh, sublime and abysmal fool," chuckled Saton. "You are so dumb it's funny.

Don't you know that people can't be made good by law or force?" He laughed heartily and kicked the agent through the front door. Well, a year passed, and one day the agent came in whistling. "Nothing to report," said he. "Just dropped in to tell you a funny story." "It better be good," said Satan. "It is, said the agent.

"It seems that some sap started telling people he had a sure cure for all of the country's troubles. They fell for it and it became a fad. And there's nothing to it except that everybody is kind to everybody else." Satan leaped from his chair and came down running. "Start packing," he howled, "and let's get to hell out of here. I am licked." GEORGIA EDITORS SflY: TIME FOR HONESTY (Jackson Press Argus) Any individual who is fair and honest will ask himself the question how so many services are to be furnished the State without an increase in taxes.

Certain candidates for Governor are making promises that cannot be carried out unless the taxpayers of Georgia are called on to foot the bill. The expanded program promised by the will 'run into big money. No plan has been put forward to raise the money. The candidate who promises millions for increased services ought at the same time come forward with a practical plan to finance the program. visions as set forth by our forebears in the Constitution.

At the same time he is overlooking major points that concern statewide advancement and sound government policies. It seems probable that this candidate is trying to play upon emotions of the Georgia citizens (emotions that should have long been dead) and ride to victory unjustly atop that one point, which should not be "an issue in a governor's election. I should think that by now the people of Georgia have become advanced and broad minded enough to realize that this election is not one to decide white supremacy at all. No one is contesting such so-called supremacy. Any group of people who have helped build our democracy, paid taxes and had members of their race die in battle, should be allowed a vote in an election.

If you want a man who from all indications, will do his utmost to hinder the educational, religious, and economical development of the Negro; who will incite riots that will cause murders and create murderers; who will encourage hatred and degradation in a portion of the population and who in general will lower the standards of government by racial discrimination; then it is your privilege to vote this year for a man who advocates as his strongest campaign issue, "White Supremacy." This year may see the beginning of a new and far greater future for Georgia. FLETCHER HESTER, PhM U. S. Naval Hospital, Dublin. Marry a Cook Editor Constitution: We sympathize so completely with Mr.

Albert Dexter's dilemma about bad food in public eating places, that we wish to suggest one way out for him. He could advertise for a Southern cook or else marry one. We hear that there a few of them left if you look closely and know where you can get sweet cream butter. MAY FRANK DUFFEY. 78 Lindberg N.

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