The Daily Journal from Fergus Falls, Minnesota • Page 4

Invasion Rumors Scared Peking Daily Journal Sept 11, the OPINION PAGE THURSDAY, OCT. 9, 1969 Bditorlila wrttlta hT J'" Iru. Alrln EfrltUnd einrlo IWririm Thorn Resigns N. Brucs Thorn has resigned his jobs as executive vice-president of the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and manager of the Olter Tail Empire A'ssodalion. He still retain) his position as director of Economic Development.

His decision was-announced yesterday at a board of director! meeting. "Activist" Is the word best describing the Chamber ol Commerce under the leadership of the energetic and aggressive Thom. These last 3': years the Chamber has known no limits to its activities, and has involved itself with anything that seemed to bear on the destiny of the community. Being -engaged in so many city-related activities has ipread the Chamber a little thin, but Thorn's boundless energy his brought success to much it has attempted. Of course Chamber projects have had their set-backs too.

tut on Ihs whole the Chamber of Commerce has never been more potent community force than it is today. Certainly 1r B. Rosenblatt plant and Central Stales Industries would rmt be in existence in Fergus Falls wilhout its participation. In fairness, credit should also be accorded the presidents who headed the organisation during ihis period 0116 Korp, Mersld Enstad, Maurice J. Ness and P.

J. "Jim" Brewer, Their enlightened attitude gave Thom the free rein he needed to range far and wide, while risking controversial reaction from the Chamber slicking its nose into new corners. We're sorry to see Bruce Thom leave his Chamber job, but we ere hopeful that the momentum his drive has generated will enable the Chamber of Commerce- to continue rolling long at the senae pace and in a similar direction. Gen. Turners Story Retired General Carl C.

Turner, Army provost marshal at the time of his retirement last year, blandly told his story to the Senate subcommittee. He was a registered gun dealer and collecting was also his hobby. In April of 1968 the Chicago police had given him 397 guns earmarked for destruction In a steel mill-f jrnace. No strings were attached to these guns, he said, even though he signed receipts for them which contained the disclaimer: all of said property will be retained by the U.S. Army He insists he told Chicago Police Supt James Conlisk that the guns were not for the Army.

Turner claims Conlisk said, "Well, this is the only way we have to clear our records." Turner sold some of the guns for personal profit and lost the records of the transactions. He believes there was nothing improper in his actions. It all sounds quite plausible, as Turner 1eils.it, and there li probably no doubt that his actions were entirely legal. There is also no doubt that his actions were most Improper. This is another one of the too-many cases lately which cast doubt on Ihe integrity of public servants and cause cynical questions in the mind of the public.

Too often governmental officials use their positions of frust to make a fast buck. Without his uniform representing the United Stales Army and without Ihe two stars denoting a Major Turner would never have been able to gain possession of the guns he subsequently sold. No.wnpder young people.have trouble Jittiug.democracy arfheyhave come to Itncw it together-with honesty, and high ideals. WILLIAM BYAN AF Special ConnoHt It could be that Peking was biidly shaken by what many Interpreted as inspired rumors In Moscow that the Soviet military' brass was weighing the possibility of action against Red China, perhaps. even pre-emptive ilrike against China'i burgeoning nuclear arsenal, Peking's statement Tuesday on the border situation suggested fright at the idea that there was more to the rumors than Moscow cared to admit.

There seemed an agitated "don't you dare" nole in the statement. "Should a handful of war maniacs dare to raid China's strategic sites in defiance of world condemnation, that will be war, that will be aggression, and the 7 million Chinese people will rise up in resistance and use revolutionary war to eliminate the war of aggression," Peking said. The statement was presented In the form of a letter Id the Kremlin 'agreeing to new talks at the deputy foreign minister level to seek measures to preserve the status quo along the nervous China-Soviet frontiers, The talks are expected to start wit lii the next two weeks. The statement hastened to assure Moscow and the world that China has no warlike Intentions and does not even seek tbe return of land it has long claimed was taken by unfair treaties in Russia's imperial days. Moscow has denounced the rumors that a military move was being weighed.

But one source cf the minors was VictDr I.ouis, writing as the Moscow correspondent for a British newspaper, and that is certain to make Teking suspicious that the Kremlin planted the rumor. The Louis, also, known as Vitaty Lui, is a Soviet citizen 'with remarkable access to high places in Moscow. Western sources say he has connections With the KGB, the Soviet intelligence service. Unlit Premier Aleei Kosygih visited Premier Chou Enlai on Joinf Bidding on Oil and Gas Leases Probed WASHINGTON (AP) The povemment's antitrust chief has confirmed he is looking into Joint bidding by oil companies on U.S.' rtil and gas leases, says Sen. William Proimire.

The Wisconsin Bemocrnt has that bidding, such as that In Alaskan North Slope sales, "would seem to be clearly in restraint of trade and anticompetitive." lie released Wednesday a letter from Asst. Atty, Gen. Richard W. McLaren, head of the Justice Department's antitrust division, division lawyers are "presently conducting an inquiry into the practices and procedures, including Joint bidding, used by varans oil companies on offshore oil and gas leases." Strictly Person! Art Calls for Suspension of Judgment all. belligwenc.

In rteent weeks, while they luw Kill been prodding the RuuiiM as "social imperialists," tbejr hm lowered their voices noticeably. China has set off 1 successful nuclear explosion and probably has a fair-sized stock of wearjotu which could do serious damage to Soviet target, But China would hardly nave a prayer against Soviet power. It is unlikely that the Russians want to act thus drastically, however annoyed ihey nay be. To move might involve the in years of "people's war" that could make Vietnam look like peanuts. But they could thrw I scare info (he Peking regime and hope to muffle the noise-from China which has become a major problem to international Decision Made on Road Funds AITKIN, Minn.

(AP) Gov, Harold LcVandcr said today he has reached a decision on what to do about requested federal cutbacks In interstate highway construction but won't announce it until Friday. LeVander and Highway Commissioner N.T. Waldor- conferred Wednesday en route to joint, appearances at Grand Rapids. Robert Hinlley, the governor' press secretary, said the governor will hold a news conference Friday morning to announce hit decision. The federal Department of Transportation has asked the states to defer interstate highway construction as part of president Nixon's efforts to curb inflation.

LeVanrler has long opposed such freeies in the highway program, contending that highway constru-ntion is not inflationary. The governor has, in the past, been extremely critical of former President Johnson for "turning the highway program on and off." With a Republican president now in. otTiee, Levander is caught between his own feelings' and political loyalties. Waldor said Wednesday that any cutback would affect highway projects which are not yet begun, but would not affect thase on which bids have already been called. -Ahmrt 1SA In iSn nersnrei turn ed out at Grand Rapids Wednes- day night for the third "people' forum" scheduled by the Governor.

When questioners complained about taxes, LeVander said they should attend budget sessions of local governing bodies, such a school boards. It is there, Le-. Vartfer said, that property taxes are actually set. LeVander attended a community leadership breakfast today in Aitkin before returning to the Twin Cities. tht safrtr and wrl-h Inn or tha station (h.

irw.it km Wf necond by Air. Hainan and ravrii. Upon ttifttUm cif Mr. R(nan a.iln!nl!iLra.tiya offic unit, Th as catieo to order at by Harold Erlckuon. Chairrra-n irestiit: Dr.

Thevirer, nr. Torter, Mr- Eficktion. (n-Uent linker. MftmUtr Jr. Hhiv nnd Betllrtjc ih Mr.

Dlcr.elh frfivrttl the follow-tnjr resolution an! moved its adopt Ion: uwnmoir ADormra Doaril ui En rlri ii'Toii firliiir-l Di-n 1 rrct No. Ml 0m -Mr I i-jc turiffet for lh Jl B5 11 ichml year: ftQXOOL T3AS SI? J.5H.1I TT.QOO.OO i.5ie.:&3.6S U.S31.fi Mr. Diath and upon a roll call of Mr. DJetelh, Mr. Mr, tie trite, somewhat too "realisT tie" and "pictorial" for our taste.

If has almost assumed the status of a museum piece: We may admire it, or deplore it, but we cannot possibly get excited about if. It is worth keeping (Ms mind, as I say, the next time you visit im art gallery. It is worth remembering that each" generation is too close to the K-work of its contemporaries to judge it fairly and rationally. We should not feel that we have to appreciate what Is new and startling; that is mere snob-bism. But neither should we feel that we have to despise or dismiss whatever is' new and different; that is mere stuffiness.

We to suspend our ultimate judgment until we have learned a new way of looking at a new object. The picture, of course, is now commonly known as "Whistler's Mother." School l.rt.iiibtr S3. 14 The i-et-wd muiUhlj cnMlinir SoliiHii ruiatil nf I ride Demit th'jiTKV Nm. Battle Deaths at Low Point SAIGON (AP) The total of American battlefield deaths in Vietnam dropped last week In 61, the lowest weekly toll since December 1966, the U.S. Command announced today.

The reduction in Amcrlcen casualties continued a generally downward trend that began three months ago. Official sources said i( this trend continues, it could prompt President Nixon to speed up American troop withdrawals. However, the sources cautioned that although significant enemy activity is at its lowest level for this year, captured en- my documents and prisoner reports indicate a winter campaign beginning in November, Therefore, American forces have not curtailed their offensive operations to keep the enfr-my from getting set in rosition. Casualty totals for South Vietnamese government forces and for Ihe enemy also were down considerably lat week, and the government's military headquarters said in a mmmumriuc: "The level of enemy activities during last wepk was the lowest since the beginning of the year and it decreased six per cent compared to that ol the previous week." The U.S. Command reported 9D0 Americans wounded in action last week, the lowest total since 399 were wounded during the Eiiai week ol the year, Dec.

2S-Jan. 4. The weekly report raised to the total romber of American Iroops rciioi'tctl killed in action in Vietnam since Jan. 1, 1561. The tolal number of American battlefield wounded reported rose to The U.S.

Command said enemy battlefield deaths now tolal since the beginning ol 1S61. U.S. headquarters also reported two American aircraft shot down Wednesday. An Air Force F4 Phantom fighter-bomber was donned 10 miles southeast of Da Nan, but the two crewmen cscaiwd unhurt. A small army observation helicopter was shot iIov.ii 22 miles southeast oi Saigon, wounding two crewmen.

By SIDNEY J.HARRIS The next time you visit an art gallery, or otherwise subjected to what is known as "modem nrt," try 1 keep in mind this little story about a. picture called "Arrangement in Cray and Black." It was painted p.bout 90 years Bgo. Looking at it today where it is one of the most precious possessions of the Louvre we' sec only an elderly woman in a "dark dress and a --little shawl, sitting calmly in'a chair. To our eyes, it is a quid and conventional picture, almost qirr.intly oldfashioncd. What in this peaceful arrangement could have stirred the critics, the public and many fellow arlisls of-1S50 to such wild out bursts of indignation, scorn and Yd it did! Submitted to the Tioyal Academy in London, the picture was condemned by the committee to the dark cellar of the' rejected.

They contemptuously described it as a "tiling," "a confoundcil 'arrangement' nr 'symphony' or something of tiie kind." It was the last picture Ihis artist ever. painted thai was to he seen at the Academy during his lifetime. The painting ultimately round its way to the Wils-lach Collection in Philadeloliia, and was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. But ho individual or institution in America would then pay even a thousand dollars for a painling which is now deemed priceless. II seems inconceivable to us in 1333 that this familiar picture was ever attacked as revolutionary, half baked, incompetent, and insulting to llic classic tradition of painting.

If anything, we liud it a lit- Today in By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Today's highlight in history: On fhjs date in 1S57, Russia formally transferred Alaska to Ihe United States. On this date: In 1701, Yale College was founded. In 1760, the Russians cariUiTOiJ Berlin. In 1915 some 400 persons perished in forest fires which destroyed sii towns in northern Minnesota. In 1934, King Alexander, on a slate visit to France, ivas assassinated by a Croatian student in Marseilles.

Board Proceedings History In 1958, Pope Pius XII died al the age of. 82. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy approved Ihe sate of 5250 million north of wheat 1o the Soviet Union. Five years" ago Venezuelan terrorists kidnaped the deputy, chief of the U.S.

Air Force mission in Caracas, LI. Col, Michael Smolen. He was released three days later. One year ago South Vietnamese Kovcmrnent said nn attempted coup agninsl Presi-dtrl Nguyen Van Thieu had teen foiled and several officers seized. H.

111 Mill FfTtm Fill. Sccaod clas Si SO; moj, I. Other Kittn: I yr. ncwss-asier ai ll in tlie board room In th.i aflmlr. -13111 in this FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURKAL Charles Underwood, Publisher Jtmr- (Tray, News Editor George Marotleck, Business Mgr.

Glenn E. Olson, Advertising Manager m. Mtnulten pT3nt Dr Thtur- 1 rr Hr. Shaver, fir. I'orlr-T, Mr.

Itcinnn, Mr. nieseth mrl Huperln-leiuicEit iJnVer. i Mr. fcrk'kson. Dr.

1'ijricr movt-tl lo upnort Kit wtrk adjustniniit urogram tVr Ulfili sHirjol siiectnl -education ilgiUs for the balance cf the Tw -idiot)! term. The motion wi FccrjnjcJ by Mr. Heimn and car-Tied. Dr. Shaver moved to lutnoTt the employment of the equivalent nnft fldfiillonal secretary far administrative offices.

Tkr iiiotloji was seconded by Mr, Hel-rtan ami carried. Dr. Theurer moved that the Ftmus Journal Co Winn. 6 6 fc 7. daljj ecetn aunnaj-s tnu iio.i".

ynmit mid Frsui Kails, Mtnn. SUBSCRIPTION RATES KllJiln clur llmlti Ly carrltr. S1.49 wr ma Br ma 115. I 17,01., (S; 1 ii. cannot handle, blrtn to be opened iqueEtmiC llir: srr-, lr- if Ell no ftlL Libtf illc- Ijke rnn rii.

bracery uurinit in noon iiciij. 1 hour In crJer to rev em vawlaV seccTiderl by Ur. Shaver anii fled by ur. Hurler ana carried. Ur.

PorLer mui-ed that the clerli lie authorized to sfpn the fellow-Iiir clitise OTilcrsi tlalcd August umps the andllorla IlU.gO IOJ lti.iaii:Uiii:i cooler. E-U J407.CD fu tlvtja.1 clwk 3uenlir.s nH r. hi-aver and tarried. wa? cir- arter moved that a formal rentiest lie mailt the Fircus VaII 'lty Cu unci I to exltrtl the sidewalk Alunf Ihe levee acrods tha iracka to Lincoln Avenue I OK tr I MIOIVTlOir IllttlS call TA UTT fori Hatlo's They'll Do It Every Time mtTH KRUIAUWNS P.KfT I VKXJLWfr PUT IT PAST X. -HOT MUCH ACKNOYYLEDSE THE Ej THEM TO PUT THEIR CARD Oi 7 SLBOU ROCV, INVITATION, 3iJT EVERY- SGWEBOW ELSE'S YfEDOiHG egg? THIS table! hey-- rvN CHXrAPAeNE IfTWJK MO FSAU WILL SET IN WITHOUT 3 i n.

ft mniion KdnaTi ind Trftnrcr Tnvestmcntfl roM Srvtc Cash Biirllnff Cash lnvestm-cnlo Auxiliary r.i TOTAIi Cash Investments he motion tvas secondfd Ericksotrt and-upon 1 roll Traffic Takes Two Lives Tiy THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Traffic accidents in Minnesota early today took the lives of two persons, raising the stale's highway loll for the year 74J compared with 811 a year ago. Dennis E. (Gene) Drunriic, 17, nf Slantnm, Minn, was killed about 6 a.m. today when his car left Highway 10 on the edge of Northfield, and struck a tree. Rnmdige, a bartender at the-Northfield municipal liquor store, came here recently from Fort Iowa.

An elderly 'woman was killed about 6:30 a.m. today white crossing a street near her residence. Authorities withheld irirnlica-lion of the woman until next ol kin could be notified. David IV. Ficken, 17, Shcr-hnrn, Minn, was killed Wednesday when his motorbike and a pickup truck collided a mile and a half south of Sherburn on a Jfartin County road.

Gary Buck, IS, llayfield, was killed earlier Wednesday when his car and freight train collided near llayfield. tafcsn tfl raiftwlnrt it Htnoivta. oy Mnooi 1 vm train, tittn the vo-r thereor: Mr. DJe- Uoard of Independent Kchool Dls.1- meinb-ra votid in Civor ffith, Mr. ntfiuti.

Mr. Eritlison. rlct Ns. BM thai a tai levy Di. PrTIrf Dr.

Theurer an-rl the (l.Wl.Wfl mart for the 36i0 ItTikkauJi Dr. Potiet and tht fol- miiuwuiij Toten iigPinsL None. The motion wm teclarrd r.irried nnd the resolution rt Further Resolved that TlieuTer, The motion vai monltB from thU'Uty bo auread carried and Itn rt stiluses "nyL-is follow: Jed, School Maintenanca 5,00.9 I Upon nnctlor. of Mr Ftlnan, Capital Outlay aO.DOO.-O I Seconded hy Mr. Exlckfton, th Eeut Btdemplton STtf.OOd.O mettlrr adJoutfi4 tit Ir.

Ilehan ctSettA the follow.