Newport Daily News from Newport, Rhode Island • Page 1

Weather Data Thursday Sun Klscs Sets 4:25 Tdcs high 1:21 A.M. 1:51 P.M. Lomv 7:03 7:29 Tuesday's Temperatures high 39 low 16. Local Forecast Little change In temperature tonight. partly -cloudy, nut quite so cold.

(Detailed report on Page 2) ESTABLISHED 1846 VOL. 117--NO. 273 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2,1968 16 PAtiES PRICE SEVEN CENTS Copper Firm Backs U.N. On Congo LKOPOLDVILLE. the Congo (AP) The slant Union Miniere copper mining combine fell in II with United Nations plans for quick reunification of the Congo, even while sporadic fighting "persisted within Katanga, the secessionist province.

At the same time, Moise Tshombe, beleaguered president of the breakaway province, appealed ID U.iN 1 Secretary-General Thant for a mooting with some U.N. representative "not engaged in the operation now in progress" in Katanga. The company with Belgians, Britons and Americans among its backers--announced in Brussels experts will leave tonight for! Loopoldville. I Their mission, as defined in a company communique: "To assist representatives of the Congolese central government and of Katanga in the drawing and drafting ot a project for repartition of the currency resulting from the sale of Union Miniere products." The announcement came less Uian 21 hours after Tshombe, leader of a cause that seemed militarily doomed, agreed conditionally to return to Elisabethville for renewed dickering on unification. A U.N.

spokesman in Lcopold- ville said the world organization so far had not taken cognizance of Tshombe's newest appeal. In a message to Thant from diplomatic sources in Katanga, Tshombe said: "I beg you to arrange an immediate meeting between myself and one of your representatives not engaged in the operation now in progress. "I confirm my adherence.to the Thant plan (for reuniting the Congo)." Thanl's unity plan, which he wants put into effect by Jan. calls for a 50-SO split of Katanga's revenue with, the impoverished central government of Premier Cyi-ille Adoula. Most of the revenues come from Union Miniere.

Tshombe's government has been getting about $40 million a year from taxes, royalties and dividends. A delayed dispatch from Elisa- bethville and fresh radio reports from Belgian sources in Elisa- bethville told of heavy lighting between U.N. troops and Katan- gans on the Elisa'belhviUe-Jadot- road, which leads northwest headquarters in Kolwezi. A dispatch fmm Northern Rhodesia, said heavy fighting continued today. The -dispatch, 1 quoting radio broadcasts from Elisabethville, said white soldiers of Tshombe's gendarmerie were believed to make up most of the opposition.

Tshombe has called for a cease- fire in this action as one of his conditions for return to his U.N.- occupied capital. Tlie secessionist president, in messages to diplomats here Tuesday also demanded guarantees for his safety and freedom of movement and that American, British and French consuls escort him on the last third of his journey from Kolwezi to Elisabeth- ville, liis capital. There was no immediate U.N. reaction, but Thsombe's demand a cease-fire on the road from Elisabethville to Kolwezi was likely to cause difficulty. U.N.

Secretary-General Thant already has staled that Tshombe and his ministers would not be molested in Elisabethville if they refrained from stirring up trouble for U.N. forces ccupying the capital. But Robert K. A. Gardiner, the Ghanaian chief of U.N.

operations in the Congo, lias declared the United Nations would not "make the same mistake again" of allowing Katangan armed forces a chance to reorganize. He referred to U.N. military operations in Katanga in September and December 1961, which ended inconclusively. As Tshombe's offer was received, Indian U.N. soldiers were halted temporarily at the Lufira River, 50 miles northwest of abethville.

by the destruction of two bridges. Emergency bridging equipment was reported en route from Elisabethville. Need Of Newport Bridge Underlined By Governor GOVERNOR TAKES OATH This was scene in Veterans Auditorium, in Providence, yesterday iis Republic. 1 in John 11. Cliafc-c administered of office by Secreiary of Slate August P.

LaFrance. (Marcollo Photo) Viet Nam Reds Blast 14 Copters; 3 Americans Killed, 4 Wounded SAIGON, South Viet Nam (AP) --Corjmunist groundfire today blasted a fleet of U.S. helicopters flying government troops into battle. Three Americans--including an Army captain--were reported killed, and four others wounded. It was His deadliesl blow struck at the U.S.

forces aiding President Ngo Dinh Diem's pro-Western government in the civil war against the Viet Cong. Red gunners hit 14 of the 15 U.S. helicopters taking part in the mission in the Mekong della, bringing down about eight aircraft. South Vietnamese foices reportedly suffered an estimated 50 casualties. The Communists, fighting at battalion strength of 400 men or more, stood and fought against relays of government fighter bombers striking at them instead of running for cover as the Reds usually do after an attack.

Hours after the helicopters were 11 Thought Dead, 37 Injured In Packing Plant Explosion TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP)-An explosion tore through the Home Packing Co. plant today and li were feared dead and at least 37 injured. Fire Chief Norman Fesler said eight bodies were removed from the nibble, and three others spotted in the ruins were presumed dead. The rabble reeked with deadly ammonia fumes and scalding steam.

At least one survivor was in the ruins, and rescuers worked gingerly toward him, hoping to avoid injuring him more. Police and firemen believed the blast occurred in a basement boiler room, demolishing a path across the production section of Time To Act, Tshombe Told UNITED NATION'S, N.Y. (AP) --A spokesman for Thant said today the U.N. secretary-general a I "aclions and not words" from Katanga President Moise Tshombe. The statement was released at U.N.

headquarters about the time Leopoldville reported an appeal from Tshombc for a meeting with a U.N. rppresnnl alive not engaged in the U.N. operation in secessionist Katanga. Tlie spokesman's statement declared a Thant believes it is too lale any negotiations with Tshombe and a Ihe only discussions required now are on technical mailers connected with Ihe secretary-general's plan for reunification of the Congo. Tho spokesman said his statement wns issued because Thanl (oil Ihe need for clarifying "certain interpretations of his (Thanl's) position on Ihe Katunga problem." JFK May Cut Tax Demands PALM BEACH, Flu.

(AP) -President Kennedy, deeply worried about the fate of his legislative program in the new Congress, is ready to settle for a gradual $5 billion to 510 billion tax cut. In order to compromise with powerful critics, the President lias ordered the Treasury to prepare a tax bill that would bring about the reductions, in several carefully spaced slops. The aim is lo lessen ihe immediate adverse impact on the federal budget deficit. The President's action, learned from sources privy lo Kennedy policy secrets, was influenced by the much-publicized deficil fears I the two-story riverfront building. The southwest comer of the structure was left intact.

Ammonia gas, apparently escaping from ruptured refrigeration lines, hampered the rescue work, and a coal mine rescue squad used gas masks to dig into the rubble. Company officials had trouble determining exactly how many production workers were in the wrecked section. They set up a temporary office, asking other workers to register for an accounting. Early estimates had about eight unaccounted for in the ruins. The blast occurred about 7:30 a.m.

(CST) as the day workers were reporting at the riverfront plant. About 73 workers joined in rescue efforts, including six fire companies, civil defense workers and city and slate police. Terre Haute, a city of 72,500, is 70 miles west of Indianapolis near the Illinois line. The plant is located on the Wabash at the west edge of the city, two blocks north of U.S. 40.

No main thoroughfares were blocked. Ten firefighter units dug inlo the rubble to search for those unaccounted for. A boiler explosion was advanced as the possible cause of the blast. No lire resulted. More a 30 members of Ihe day production force were at work when the blast blew off the root and demolished the southeast wall of the plant.

of Rep. Wilbur Mills, irman of Ihe House Ways a chai Means Committee, and Sen. Har- ry F. Byrd, chairman the. Senate Finance Committee.

These two committees must approve all tax legislation. It was understood that Kennedy agreed to the compromise approach because lie believes without i reduction nation will return to unemployment levels known only in periods of deep recession. But he hopes that if Congress accepts the tax plan Ihe unemployment rates will drop to the lowest levels since Ihe boom that followed World War II. But while Kennedy is willing to try compromise on his tax program, authoritative sources said he is determined to push harder for American proposals for salving cold war problems oven if it means treading on the toes of sensitive allies. Apparently emboldened by the success of the Cuban blockade, Ihe chief executive was said (o he willing now to accept criticism from abroad in order to pursue what he believes are the most promising nppoaches lo woild issues.

He wns depicted as accepting complaints from allies an inevitable by-product of progress. P.iit there is also Ihe problem of his legislative program's progress. Kennedy concedes his entire program is lost it Ihe U-momber Rules Committee isn't expanded to head off control by i conservative coalition. Cuba Marks Anniversary HAVANA (AP) Long lines of Soviet-built tanks moved into position today to lead Ihe military parade on Ihe fourth anniversary celebration of Fidel Castro's rise to power. Heavy armor stood by ready In roll down the wide route through Plaza la Revolucion, where the prime minister and other digni- tarios will review the troops.

Havana papers carried messages of congratulations to the Cuban revolutionary regime from the Communist world--playing up those from Peking and Moscow. Crowds converged on the capital for the celebralion. Trucldoads of Caslro sympa- thisers rolled through the streets sounding their horns and beating out Caribbean rhythms in advance ot a military parade and a mass rally at which Castro was lo speak. Ceremonies launching the anniversary festivities took place in Ihe presidential palace Tuesday i with Soviet cosmonaut Pavel Popovich, one of the spare twins of last August's dual orbit, as Iho main attraction. In Moscow, Ihe Communist par- ly newspaper Prnvda published an anniversary editorial emphasizing Soviet support nt the Castro demands voiced during Ihe October crisis, one of which calls fnr American withdrawal from the U.S.

naval base nt Guantanamo. shot down, the fighting still raged 50 miles southwest of Saigon with guerrillas attacking in waves in an attempt to reach the downed aircraft. All American casualties were reported evacuated under blistering automatic small arms and cannon fire. Communist armor piercing shells held up armored personnel carriers sent to relieve the defenders before the rescue was carried out. There were no reports here on ground casualties but losses were believed heavy on both sides.

The Viet Cong sprung a trap on the government forces airlifted by the American helicopters for an attack along a tree-lined canal. Returning crews said the Communists held their fire as the groups of helicopters landed and then "all hell broke loose." The government operation was launched early in the morning in rice-field country bordering the Mekong Kivcr. yictnamese sir force planes left Saigon with paratroopers just before dusk. Reports of ground aclion were vague, but sources said fighter bombers were first called into action in midmorning, a few minutes after eight helicopters were hit as they moved in to land troops at an objective near the delta town of Vinh Long, 50 miles southwest of Saigon. Ten fighter bombers were sent inlo aclion, and military sources indicated they would continue sorties until dark.

Two of the helicopters hit were escort craft armed with rockets and machine guns. One was reported able to fly out of the area, but the other was clowned. Six other troop-carrying helicopters were hit. Four were downed but two got away- Government forces also launched an unusually large operation a short distance from the Cambodian frontier in the province of Tay Ninh, northwest of Saigon. Five hundred troops were lifted in by U.S.

helicopters and more than 1,200 paratroopers were dropped. About S5 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, helicopters and transport planes participated. No initial contact was reported. Some of the paratroopers were hung up in trees, and several helicopters reported difficully landing because the Viet Cong had scl up helicopter stake traps in the area. Governor Chafee yesterday pre-' sented a 14-point program containing his "ideas ami goals" for the year ahead and asked the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to join him in making a "really worthwhile contribution to the future welfare of our state and its The governor emphasised the need fo'r the proposed Bay Bridge and was the first chief executive to include such a recommendation in his inaugural address.

Both parties, he pointed out. have espoused construction of the bridge and lliis "must be pressed Its construclion, lie said, Is a key lo development of a large area of southern Rhode Island and would be beneficial to the stale as a whole. lie said Ihe Jamestown ferry is unable to provide satisfactory service and con- stilulesvSa large and increasing drain on Ihe stale budget. In a relatively brief inaugural message largely general in nature --specific measures will be introduced in the weeks ahead--kho new governor called for an open convention late this Spring to rewrite Ihe stale conslilution. election and primary law reforms, tax incentive, lo encourage expansion ot existing plants and attract new ones so as to provide more and better jobs, preservation of the metropolitan area's mass transit service, early construction of a Newport-Jamestown bridge, textbook aid for non-public school pupils and expansion of vocational training faciliiies.

He pledged slitter State Police action in against "widespread illegal gambling activities" and greater use of State Police patrols to cut down the highway toll. And he recommended slate acquisition of more recreational facilities close to population centers, with a "modest" grants-in-aid program io encourage local corn- muni lies to buy small areas in residential developments to preserve play space for children. He urged implementation of Baby Hoover commission proposals to reduce state expenditures but conceded that built-in budgetary increases are inevitable and promised to recommend whatever action is necessary to provide the revenue needed lo finance services to which the people are entitled from the state. That is the closest he came to mentioning the fiscal problems confronting him and Ihe General Assembly and the probable necessity to enact new or Uglier taxes. He is expected to outline his administration's solution when he presents his budget due month, but he gave some indication of his thinking when he ruled out a state tax during the campaign and said later that an increase in the sales lax is "in Uie realm of speculation." Speaking to many of his former colleagues from the rostrum of the House in which lie has served as a minority member and leader for Ihe past six years the new governor acknowledged Hint differences may arise thorn but added they should not be insurmountable "if we both arc able lo apply one basic gauge for our views namely, what is going to be best for Rhode Island, not merely immediately, but also in tiie long term." The need for draslic overhaul of the stale constitution, he said, has become apparent in the past several years.

He said major, rather than piecemeal, revision is necessary and added an open constitutional convention sh I be called for Uiat purpose late this Spring. He said Hie selection of delegates will undoubtedly be Ihe most difficult problem in that connection. Basic guidelines for constitutional revision and the selec- of delegates have already been provided by the a commission, he pointed out. Experience in two of Hie lasl four elections, he said, clearly in- dicates the need to revise procedures so that the results will be known more promptly and expedite orderly transfer of'the responsibilities of office. He said he would submit legislation to assure every qualified citizen the opportunity to vole and at the same time speed up ihe electoral process.

And he said he would! also propose revision of the primary law reducing the 20-month ban on Ihose who have signed nomination papers of one party's candidale participating in another party's primary. It has become apparent, lie said, that widespread illegal gambling nativities exist which local and state police have either been "unable or unwilling to prosecute to (he fullest extent He said he would instruct the new Sinlo Police superintendent lo "pursun this problem with all possible diligence and further to enlist in this cause Ihe cooperation of all local police departments that are prepared and willing to attack this situation with the vigor The State Police, he added, will cooperate with the attorney-general's department and federal authorities in searching out and prosecuting such illegal activities. He pledged highest priority to speedy completion of Interstate Highways Dj, IDS and 295 because "fast, safe highways, are today's main channels of commerce" and until the network of roads is substantially completed local industries will suffer a competitive disadvantage they can ill afford. Moreover, he said, Ihe slate's efforts to attract new industry will also be handicapped. In the areas of recreation and conservation, Ihe governor said the slate has a duty to preserve for future generations as much as passible of its natural beauty, green undeveloped spaces and unpolluted waters where wildlife can survive and where opporlunilies' are available for recreation.

He said immediate action should be taken to that end. It is essential, he said, to provide additional recreation facilities close to major population centers. He said in one step to that end he would sponsor legislation to acquire tiie Colt Estate in Bristol for development as a public park. He said he would also propose that the slate embark on a modest program of making grants to local communities to help buy small areas within residential subdivisions so that some open spaces may be preserved as play areas for children. Even if these are not developed immediately, he said, il is important that they be saved for that purpose.

Finally, the governor said that other important matters would be called to the General Assembly's attention in the months ahead. "Each problem represents a challenge and I am confident that working together we can successfully respond to these challenges to the end that Rhode Island will be a better state when our work is he said. Chafee Takes His Oath ui umce Before 2,000 In Vets Auditorium PROVIDENCE Republican Governor John II. Chafee and other general officers of the state- all Democrats took their oaths of office during a colorful ceremony yesterday in the Veterans Memorial Amliibrium attended by some 2.000 persons. Many of them later trekked across Francis Street to the Slate House to hear the new governor deliver his inaugural address and to witness the opening of the 1963 General Assembly session.

Spectators, special guests Including outgoing Governor Nolle and former Republican Gov. Christopher Del Sesto were spared exposure to the below- freezing weather when the swearing-in ceremony was shifted inside instead of being held on the south terrace of the State House as originally planned. Only the National Guard battery which fired the 19-gun salute when Chafee look the oath was forced to brave the elements on the State House lawn. And, in his final act as sheriff of Providence County, Robert J. Connelly stepped outside on the balcony off Hie governor's office to make formal announcement that the state had a new chief executive.

At the auditorium across the slreet. the program opened with a concert by the 8Sth Army National Guard Band under the baton of Warrant Officer Gcorgo Theroux. This was followed by posting of the colors by a Marine Corps Reserve color guard. The assemblage sang thr National Anthem with Ernest Tripplctt as soloist and the convocation was called to order by Secretary' of State August P. LaFrance.

The Rev. John L. Pickells, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in East Greenwich, gave the invocation. Chairman Albert J.

Lamarre of the slate Board of Elections then presented a certificate of election to Governor Chafee and the oath of office was administered lo him by Secretary of State LaFrance. Governor Ctiafee swore in LaFrance who. in turn, administered the oath to Lt. Gov. Edward P.

Gallogly. The governor then Performed that service for Atty. Gen. J. Joseph Nugent and General Treasurer Raymond II.

Hnwksley Prayers were offered by the Rev. John A. Limbcrakis, pastor of the Church ol the Annunciation in Providence; Rabbi Abraham Chill of Congrogalion Sons of Abraham in Providence and the Rev. Joseph B. Coleman.

assistant pastor of Huly Name Church in Providence. In addition to the two immediate predecessors ot Governor Chafee, distinguished guests on the platform included U. S. Sen. Claiborne Peil, U.

S. Reps. John E. Fogarty anil Fernand J. St.

Germain. President Bamaby C. Keeney ol Brown University, President Francis H. Horn of'the University of Rhode Island, members of the federal and stale judiciary, legislative leaders of both parlies. In general charge was Maj.

Gen. Leonard Holland of Pawtucket, adjutant general of Rhode Island. Governor Chafee and the olher general officers greeted guests at a ceremony in the State reception chamber shortly afterwards, while the House and Senale convened and organized. The Senate, upset by Die fatal stroke suffered by Sen. William M.

Davies Democratic majority leader, just before it was called lo order by Lieutenant Governor Gallogly. shortened the opening day agenda. It a rales, which also name the chairmen of standing committees and the Democratic majority members, without opposilion, although GOP Leader C. George DeStefano of Barrington said he intended to offer amendments to give the Republican minority more representation. It reelected Walter Costello of Cumberland as reading clerk and Gordon Smith of Narragansetl as Republican minority clerk.

Senator Francis P. Smith, D-Woonsocket, was renamed president pro tem. Acting Majority Leader Frank Sgambato, D-North Providence, said Governor Chafee had agreed, in view of Senator Davies' collapse, lo defer sending in his department head nominations. The House was called to order by Rep. William J.

Champion senior member from Newport, as provided by Ihe constitution. Secretary of State LaFrance, earlier administered the oath to members of the Senate, then performed the same duly for the 100 members of the House. That branch, with 75 Democrats and 25 Republicans, then reelected Harry F. Curvin of Pawtucket for. his 12th term as speaker, the longest tenure in that post in the state's history.

Curvin's nornjna- tion was seconded by leaders on. both sides of the House and his election, as lias been the case for several years, was unanimous. Paul B. McMahon of Pawtucket and Dr. Salvatore Cesario of Providence were reelected as reading and recording clerks, respectively, also without opposition.

The House adopted rules for 1963-61 which are the same as those used in 1961-62 and also provided for daily sessions to start at 1 p. m. Tuesdays through Fridays. It was approximately 2:20 p. m.

before Governor Chafee, the other general i distinguished guests and their families were escorted into Ihe House chamber, where members of Ihe Senate also gathered to hear the new gover- i nor deliver Us inaugural address. Sheriff Silvia Swears In Five New Comity Deputies IlKI'liTV SHKIIIKKS SWORN i Sheriff 0. Silvia, at swears in his new deputies In District Court room this morning. From left are Francis K. Johnson of Little Complon; Goorgo A.

Peliiilcini of Tlveiion, Manuel A. 13olellio and Arthur M. Marshall Jr. of Middlelown, and William F. Blake ot Newport.

(Daily News Photo) Sheriff Joseph G. Silvia, who was sworn in as Newport County high sheriff yesterday by Governor Chafee, this morning obligated bis deputies. They then took ovei' the routine of Hie office. Sworn in were William F. Blake of Newport.

Manuel A. Botelho and Arthur M. Marshall Jr. of Middletown, George A. Pcladeau of Tiv- crtnn and Francis E.

Johnson of Lilllc Complon. Because Portsmouth has not yet named its preference for deputy. Deputy Sheriff William Wicks of Middletown was sworn ill temporarily to til! the position i the Portsmouth deputy is named Wicks has been a Democratic-appointed deputy for the past two years. Robert J. Dclehanty sher- i clerk, is continuing in that position.

Sheriff Silvia said that he would only stale that "it is uncertain" whether Delehanty will br replaced, for a clean sweep of all Hie sheriff's slaff. or not Deputy Sheriff William P. Sullivan was not rcappointcd. and it is expected that a controversy will develop over this. Sullivan, according to Ihe stale Civil Service Commission, had been certified lo it by the state Retirement Board as having tenure because of more than 20 years in the slate's unclassified service.

According to the Civil Service Commission, a law adopted by the General Assembly last year granted tenure to anyone in Ihe unclassified service who had seived over 20 years, and if the particular posilion is abolished. Hie state must place him in another job of equal status. Republican lawyers have advised Sheriff Silvia, it is understood, that Ihe commission has overlooked a clause in the act which says Ihe section shall not apply to any employe whose method of appointment and salary and lerm of office arc spccilically covered by statute. They point out that Ihe deputy sheriffs come under another slat- tile which gives the sheriff the power to name his own deputies, who soi-ve for Hie sheriff and whose salary is set in Ihe anmir.l budget. Furthermore.

Ihe lawyers point out, sheriffs are appointed as deputies to a specific sheriff and that when that sheriff steps out of office his deputies automatically lose their positions. When a new sheriff is appointed, he has no deputies until he ap i them. Outgoing Sheriff Dennis E. Collins and his entire staff, except Depuly Sheriff Harry Van Neman, who is in Ihe hospital, attended the swearing-in of Ihe new deputies at Hie Court House this morning. They were Collins' deputies Sullivan.

William F. Walsh, of Newport. Wicks of Middletown, Frank Ki of Portsmouth, Francis McGreavy of Tiverton, and Delehanty. Sheriff Collins pinned his badge on Sheriff in the District Court room. Silvia 1 i 1 thanked Collins for his cooperation and assistance in turning the office over lo him.

"1 don't know whal I would have done without Sheriff Collins' help," Sheriff Sil- I via said. New U.S. Berlin C.O. Vows To Stay There BERLIN (AP) Maj. Gen.

James II. Polk became he U.S. commandant in Berlin today, pledging continued presence of American troops in the divided city to assure its freedom. "We are here to stay and will slay with no change in our well- cslablislu'd missions," Polk said at a l.Vmimile ceremony. He received the Army garrison flag from Maj.

Gen. Albert Wai son II. Watson, commandant for 20 months, is lo take command ot the U.S. Army Ft. Mc- phcrson, fia.

U.N. In Congo Fight To Gel U.S.. Supplies WASHINGTON (AP) The United Stales will furnish supply transport equipment, includ- ing trucks and armored personnel carriers, quickly to U.N. forces fighting in the Congo breakaway province of Katanga..