PACE POUR

THE DAILY REFLECTOR, GREENVILLE, N. C

Friday, January 29, 1960

Friday, Jamiary 29, 1960

Without Benefit Of Interpreters

East-West Tradition Comeback?

After years of being disregarded almost completely, the old East-West tradition that once was considered a must in North Carolina politics has come back into play.

Whether the circumstances represent a return of the thinking of leading politicians to the old philosophy, or whether it is just a coincidence remains to be seen.

There was a time when Tar Heel politics was practically ruled by the traditioif that top political offices alternated between the Eastern and Western sections of the state. The governor one term would come from the West and the next term the Westerners would step aside and the governor, would. Jro-^ickj^ from among the candidates from the East, 'fhesame thing applied to the office of lieutenant governor which was filled for alternate terms from East and West. The years in w'hich the governor was to come from the East, the lieutenant governor came from the West and vice versa.

In this same tradition there was the unwritten rule that one of the states senators would come from the Eastern half of the state and one from the western.

The tradition got lost some years ago and there were overlappings with the predominant share of top offices going to the Western half of the state.

This year, however, the old East-West division appears to be in the making again. The two major candidates for governor this year are from the East with little prospect of any candidate from the Pied-thont or West enteringrthe race. It is also significant that the Easterners who have been eying the office of lieutenant governor have now all but bowed out of

that race to leave it to be decided between the Western candidates. * *

If this series of events represents a chanite in the thinking of some of the top politicians of the state and perhaps some voters as wellit may well have a bearing on. the outcome of the senatorial race if Addison Hewlett decides to challenge Sen Eiverett Jordan.

Sen. Sam Erwin, from Morganton, is considered by most Tar Heels as the senator from the West. The political geographers have tried from time to time to place Saxapahaw Sen. Jordans residence in the

East, but their efforts have not been entirely successful. Hewlett, on the other hand, being from Wilming-ton* is from the East no matter where you draw an East-West dividing line through North Carolina.

If the line-up of candidates for governor and lieutenant governor is more than just coincidence, this rejuvenation of this East-West political balance in North Carolina may have a bearing on the outcome of the pS-tential senatorial race.

The situation makes for interesting speculation on the states political situation between now and the deadline for candidates to file for the state races. The East-West picture of candidates could change before the filing period closes. If it does not, however, one might assume that the East-West tradition which

played such an important part in Tar Heel politics for many years might also play an important part in the outcome of the 1960 campaigns.

3emo Meeting Set For March 4:

By LYNN NISBET

DEMOCRATS The State Democratic Executive Committee will meet in Raleigh on March 4 for the purpose of fixing dates for precinct meetings, county conventions and time and place for the State convention. It is expected that custom will be followed with respect to these conventions that the State convention will be called tlon for every 25 votes or major primary, which probably wopld put it on Thursday. May 19; that county conventions will be held the preceding Saturday. May 14, and precinct meetings on the Saturday before that, May 7.

There will be nothing new re-onired of the precinct and county meetings. Their main functions will be to name local committees and choose delegates to the next highest level in the convention chain. Each precinct will be entitled to one delegate to the county convention chain. Ea precinct will be fraction thereof cast for the Democratic candidate for Governor in the last election; and each county will be entitled to one delegate to the State convex.tlwi for every 150 votes or major fraction of that number cast for Governor last time.

Technically, there can be no split or half votes. But an altrnate may be elected for every delegate, and custom has long been to let all Democrats attending participate in the convention voting, the only llmita-tioD being that no precinct or county could cast more votes than it was entitled to under the allocation system. Presumably that practice will be followed this year.

NEW There are material and vitally important changes in the provisions governing the State convention, written into the Plan of Organization two years ao and applicable for the first time this year. In addition to fixing dates for precinct meetings, county and State conventions, the State Democratic Executive Committee this year, for the first time, must elect one member from each congressional district to the Platform and Resolutions Committee of the State convention. After these 12 persons have been named, it becomes the duty of the state chairman to designate one as chairman and one as secretary. Then the designated committee chairman ehall call the platform committee together to prepare the partys platform and consider all proposed resolutions addressed to or Intended for introduction at the State convention.

This represents drastic depar-ture from the former custom

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Highway Signs Also Can Provide A Hazard

cf the Governor and the State chairman assigning some persons to draft the text of a platform. the author and the provisions of which usually were kept secret until the text was presented to the platform committee which had been chosen on convention day less than two hours before convening time.

There is no requirement in the new provision that the platform committee must make public prior to the convention the text of the proposed platform. It is provided that on March 5 every Democratic voter in North Carolina can know v/ho will- write the party platform and what 12 persons will recommend it to the convention two and a half months later. Meanwhile, every Democratic voter will have opportunity to make suggestions, propose resolutions and otherwise take active part in party proceedings.

DEMOCTARIC There can be no doubt that this plan affords more democratic participation in Democratic party affairs. (Note the use of little and big initials letters for those words.) It also imposes much greater responsibility on members of the executive committee to attend the meeting on March 4. The committee is composed of nine men and nine women from each of the 12 congressional districts, plus some ex-officio voting members. Of the 216 regularly elected members, average attendance at committee meetings has been between 60 and 75. with proxies voted for some absentees. (Incidentally, the Plan of Organization this year for the first time recognizes proxy voting, although it has been used for years.)

Except for delegates to the national convention (also recognized for the first time this recognizes proxy voting, although it has been used for years.)

Except for delegates to the national convention (also recognized for the first time this year in the printed Plan of Organization) the most coveted position in the party is membership on the platform committee. Heretofore selections for that position have been made at the district caucuses on the morning of the convention. This year they will be made by the executive committee at the March 4 meeting. It IS expected this change will boost attendance at the committee meeting, or at least will give more prestige to proxy assignments.

Prospects are it- will be one of the liveliest meetings o the committee in a long time. _,

North Carolina has carried out an ambitious program of properly marking its highways to give motor-i.'xts all the information they need. There are stop signs, yield signs, caution signs, intersection signs and a host

of others in addition to the traditional signs that tell ^ , tttxt m a xrr

the motorist the number of the highway hes travel- AiiVlN IAYIjOK

ing and the number of miles to such-and-such a town.

eit lo

Young

1 alent

Traveling the highways of the state today, how- ^ J 1*

, we get the impression that North Carolina may '1 1 77 V ^ V

ver enthusiastic about the use of highway signs. LAZj V \^1. J. X J.v^X Xvy V*.yvJ.X..

ever,

be over enthusiastic about the use of highway signs. Just out of curiosity the other day we stopped and counted the number of highway signs at a single intersection.

There were no less than 25.

There are a few motorists, perhaps, who can get the message from all 25 instruction signs as he approaches an intersection, and still keep his eyes reasonably well on the road. The va.st majority of motorists, however, must choose between paying attention to the signs and paying attention to his driving. Fortunate for North Carolina, most motorists apparently choose the latter.

City police are scratching their heads over the telephone call Meadowbrook Branch of Guaranty Bank and Trust Co. got Wednesday.

Seems the anonymous caller Informed personnel at the bank, located north of the river, that he was the heating unit serviceman. He wanted to know when the bank closed so that he could come by to check the heating plant.

Bank personnel became suspicious and called police. The officers went to the scene and waited but nothing concrete materialized.

Of course, the next day the Parkview branch, of the Com-merical National Bank in Kinston was robbed.

Any tie-in? Who knows. Anonymous telephone calls which turn out to be harmless cranks are pretty common place. This could have been so in this case or it could be something more significant.

Mayor S. Eugene West expressed the public officials plight very well at the Planning-Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday night.

A particular problem came be

fore the board fa which two opposing sides were Interested.

The mayor admonished the commission to see both sides of the question and then come to a fair decision.

In this way. be said the decision would be not quite like either side wants it.

By doing that, then both sides will be dissatisfied with your decision, Mayor West said with a familiar twinkle in his eye.

While the state is making a check of speed limit signs in ita quest to eliminate possible speed traps, it might well pay some attention to the highway signs

other than those whoch pertain to speed. There are a O

good many places in North Carolina, we guess, where ( JihPr Knlt(^r^ SnWlTirr

the number of signs put up for the motorists safety O

actually decrease rather than increase the safety factor. If such is the case, the signs should be reduced to a reasonable number in the interest of highway safety.

Net Farm Income

Even the ca.sual observer is probably aware that if every motorist tried to read every sign posted along the highway for his safety, hed probably end up in a ditch in the first 10 miles of his trip.

Start

nexciting

7o '60 Campaign

By JAMES MARLOW

WASHINGTON (AP) Within the space of a few days Democrats and Republicans have opened their 1960 campaign each other. Its been an unexciting start. But theyve set the stage for all that will follow.

The non inflammatory beginning reflects not so much a lack of energy on the part of-the politicians as a lack of burning Issues that can excite the voters.

If theres anything unusual about this campaign, as it gets under way, its the contrast with the beginning of the 1992 campaign when the country was split by McCarthyism and the Korean War.

Neither the Eisenhower administration nor the Democrats, who control Congress, have shown any fierce zeal for years in promoting or pushing anything more than ordinary programs.

The reason probably lies in this: That the American public seems fairly content. Otherwise, there would be tremendous pressures to get more far-reaching things done and there would be a lot of public excitement.

Unless something unforeseen occurs between now and election day the mild tone of the Democratic and Republican campaign openings is likely to continue.

If so, then the voters in November are apt to choose the next president not so much on party or party programs as upon his individual personality.

Last Saturday night at a big dinner here the Democratic presidential hopefuls ganged up to

make a punching bag of Vice President Richard M. Nixon.

Wednesday night, as a speaker at one of a series of Republican dinners across the country, Nixon had a chance to hit back. But he replied in subdued tones, like a man determined not to let himself get needled Into losing his temper.

The big speech of the night came from President Eisenhower in Los Angeles.

He and Nixon teamed up on' one point: Both replied to Democratic skepticism about the adequacy of American defenses against a Soviet attack.

Both men said our defenses are sufficient to discourage the Soviets from military adventure against the United States. The argument on defense will probably continue through the campaign.

All this can do Is leave the voters fuzzy-headed since only experts can speak with authority

But Eisenhowers speech clearly seemed to be stating the theme the Republicans will harp on from now until election day. They will make it their main reason for asking voters to choose another Republican president.

This was the theme: Peace and prosperity. Or to pul it another way, the Republicans will be saying Americans never had it so good, so why change?

'And Eisenhower took the opportunity to restate his philosophy of governmentas little government Interference as possible and his philosophy of government spendingas little of that as possible, too.

(Washington Daily News)

Dr. William L. Turner, head of Extension Farm management, recently told members of the Beaufort County Agricultural Workers council that net farm income will decline again in 1960.

That is a pessimistic statement, but it is one we believe to be true. At least, if it is not true, then a trend which has been in progress for some time now will have to be reversed.

Why can members of organized labor get increases. Job benefits, and the like while the farmer must continue at a pace of ever narrowing profits? A farmer has a right to ask that question, and he should be given some straight forward answers.

Because of what is happening on the farm, in recent years, slowly but surely, we have been witnessing a scene where there are fewer and fewer farmers tilling more and more acres. That has been the only salvation of the farmer. He will make less profit per acre, but the very fact that he is farming more acres helps him in that way.

In our National government today we have a Department of Labor and a Department of Agriculture. Mr. Mitchell heads the Labor department and Mr. Benson heads the Agriculture department. And labor seems" to have the machinery, the organization. the power and Influence. while the farmers seem to have only that still small voice In the wilderness.

Mr. Benson' may or may not be responsible for all the ills attributed to him. At least, his farm program over the past seven years has proved

most

unpopular with farmera of this Southern region. The ranks of labor control Jar more politicians than are influenced by the farm vote. Have you ever heard of fanners compiling a list of congressmen over the nation and then mark these congressmen for defeat? Organized labor has done Just this.

Rugged individualism is wonderful as we understand the term. But sooner or later today in our American way of life there must inevitably come a time when our farmers will stand up as one and demand action.

The prices a farmer gets for his crops have increased In recent years. But so has the cost of producing these crops. And when we subtract the costs of production from the total money received, we find quickly what is happening.

The sad part about the entire problem today is that no long range solution is in sight. There must surely come a time when the farmer cannot continue to enlarge his farming operations. With marketing quotas and with acre controls, the limit could be met anytime.

While Mr. Benson works with the problem, America is seeing an ever Increasing trend in less farm income, fewer farmers, and over production. We seem to forget that there has been no law to replace that of supply and demand. We prefer a surplus to a shortage, but somehow in the years ahead it Is going to be necessary to revise and revitalize our farm program.

We must never forget that America needs the farmer Just as much as the farmer needs America.

A philosophical friend of ours said the other dwy he couldnt quite understand all the doings in Raieigh these days.

He was referring to governors blast concerning Eastern Carolina's attitude toward industry and presumably progress in general-This might be true, our friend mused. But only a few daya before the SUte Board of Higher Education had turned down East Caroliiia Colleges request to grant a masters degree In business administration.

If anything would be a boost for business and industrial progress in the East, It seems that this would be it.

So said our friend.

By HAJ^ BOYLE

NEW YORK (AP)-rKisslng has become a lost art In America.

It began to decline the year we turned 40 and has plunged . downhill rapidly ever since.

Every mans kissing history is roughly the same. It begin.s aa an ordeal, gradually becomes a pleasure and a joy, and winds up as a form of feminine insult.

The ordeal time is when you are an infant. Then you are at the mercy of every loving, motst-mouthed aunt.

Kissing isnt much better when you first start school. Big girls In kindergarten develop a mania for chasing smaller boys, throwing them on the ground and kissing them. The whole business seems, pretty silly to the boy.

But by the time a fellow gets into high school he develops a sudden interest in the matter, only bearable, it can became a form of mutual fun.

Through college and up to his 40th birthday a fellow enjoys kissing as a manly art particularly when strange girls at cocktail parties come up and buss him unexpectedly because this makes his wife so jealous.

But by the time he Is 45 tha situation has changed dramatically.

H4 overhears his wife whls-perin'g td some sweet young thing at a party; Why dont you go up and surprise my husband with a kiss? The poor thing. He does not have much fun anymore.*

Even worse art the wives of friends who in the old days used to like to lure you into the pantry at neighborhood parties for a bit of innocent necking. After 45 they become Ups that pass In the night.

As you step up to kiss them, fondly remembering the days of yore, they turn at the last moment Lnd give you a quick absentminded peck on the cheek.

That is the worst insult of aU to a middle-aged man to b# kissed on the cheek by another mans middle-aged wife.

Here you are certainly entitled to revenge.

If she is smaller than you, stand on tiptoe so that she kisses you on your Adsms apple Instead of your cheek.

But no matter what you do. you might as well face up to it: Kissing has become a loet art in America at least as far as you can determine.

Ah. well, why mourn? Alter all. as every man over 45 knows only too well, the world Is being taken over by the amateurs, In every field.

Quote...

Whoever wins In I960 the Era of Suspended Criticism will end. If Nixon wins (and at thl^ long distance from the event he is front-runner), heaven knows, the Democrats will not be awed Into suspending criticism IThe New Republic.

Strength For Today

By EARL L. DOUGLASS THAT UNYIELDING PURPOSE Recently as I sat in the lobby of a modern inn built after antique patterns, I noticed a great sagging beam in the center of the building. Certainly this beam would hold up nothing. To all appearances it constituted great Jeopardy. It might fall at any time.

what they want. They are definitely set on what they believe- Within a nature which seems soft and yielding is a purpose as rigid as steel.

Ask yourself if such a rigidity or purpose runs through your life. It should- You may be sagging and creaking and breaking and crashing unless you have this strong, rigid purpose.

What I did not know until someone told me was that the beam was only a thin veneer casing. Beneath that casing was a steel girder. There was not the slightest danger that the second floor would fall down on our heads. The sagging beam might convey such an impression but the steel girder prevented any trouble.

GIVE

There are individuals in the world which look like sagging beams, but very often these individuals have within them the support of an unyielding purpose which is as strong as a steel girder. Jesus declared that the meek shall inherit the meek are certainly not belligerent in their attitude, but watch them and you will see that in the end they get their way. And they get their way because they know

THE UNITED WAY

'Rising Mobile Home Production

Opinions In' Brief

T h e traditional American coffee break is pricing It-self out of existence. It is not the cost of the cup of coffee, but of the time lost In taking it. An In-du.'=try statistician figures that to the tYn-cent cost of the coffee must be added $1.00 for the time lost during Uie break, making the cup actually cost $1.10. too much for cost-conscious Industry. The more this is realized. the quicker the break will

more significant change. Instead of the recipe for pancakes formerly provided, there Is this simple capitulation to modern mothers: Make the pancake

batter according to instructions on the box Green Bay Press-Gazette.

go the way of (he dodo.An-dersOh Indrpendont.

The new Boy Scout Handbook has another minor but even

More than ever, in a period of some hope, it is c.ssential to maintain our defenses. Also, if we are to arrive at solutions to world problems, we must realize that Uiesc do not come easily they may well take generations to accomplish. Sec. ol Slate Hcrtex,

By ELMER ROESSNER Production of mobile homes and travel trailers will reach 150,000, valued at $720,000,000 this ycdiT^ihe Mobile Home Manufacturers Association estimates.

Mobile homes range from two-room cottages to 60-foot, split - level mansions with modern kitchens, fireplaces, air conditioners and hi-ji. Travel trailers are smaller, chiefly used for vacation trips.

The mobile home industry didnt do so well last year, because of the steel strike. Complete figures for the year have not yet been compiled, but during the first six months 59.080 units valued at $325.000. 00 were produced. Total production was probably Just under, 100,000 units valued at around $560,000,000. Unfilled orders will help swell this years output.

That would be equal to the 10->8 production, but still under the 1957 record, when 14.3.(M)0 uniLs valued at $325,000,000 were iuanufactiued.

3,000,000 FOOTLOOSE

Mobile homes ranging in price from $3,000 to $11,000 provide permanent or semi-permanent living quarters for more than 3,000,000 Americans who like to be .mobile and who dont like conventional home living or real estate taxes.

Expansion of credit has helped increase the sale of these movable homes. They can now be purchased on easy monthly payments over live or six years and thus payments are completed much faster than on a house and lot.

A plan offered by Universal C. I. T. Credit Corp., which finances a large portion of the mobile homes sold in the country, includes insurance against fire, theft, malicious damage and other hazards while the home is parked in a fixed location. It also provides 30-day insurance against collision damage while the home is being moved.

From 75 to 80 per cent of all mobile homes are sold on in

stalment plans, according to Edward S. Brinsley, C. II. T. vice president. Most buyers pay a third down.

MHO USES THEM

Servicemen and their families are estimated to be the largest single group of owners, accounting for about 20 per cent of the total. Professional people, many of them construction engineers, account for 18 per cent. About 10 per cent are owned by retired persons.

The rest are owned by workers in construction industry who move from job to Job. families who like to remain free of permanent homes, and others.

Mobile homes support another industry: tourists parks.

There are now several thousand such parks across the country. Fees range from $15 to $75 a month per unit, depending on the size of the plots, the size of ,the .home, and the services rendered. Parks provide electric, water and sewer connections. Many have recreational halLs, stores and swimming pools. 1

California, Florida and Arizona lead in the number and excellence of mobile home park facilities.

About 3(X) companies are engaged in manufacturing mobile homes and travel trailers.

STEEL TO USE IIYPOCYCLOIDS TO SELL MORE WARES A hypocycloid is a four-pointed star like figure.

Three hypocycloids and the word steel in a circle constitute the mark the American Iron and Steel Institute will use to promote steel at the consumer level.

The mark, in four colors, is being made available to manufacturers in hang tags,' gummed labels and stickers to be attached to products, ranging from air - conditioners and appliances to bedsprings an4 wheelbarrows.

The promotional campaign may somewhat offset promotions in the aluminum industry, which made many gams at ths expense of steeL