anaheim-gazette 1940-02-08

ANAHEIM GAZETTE Established 1870 ORANGE COUNTY'S OLDEST NEWSPAPER HENRY KUCHEL, Editor and Publisher 1887-1935 The Anaheim Gazette has been owned and edited but the same family since 1875. Published every Thursday at 259 East Center Street, Anaheim, Calif. Subscription Per Year ... $2.00 Six Months ... $1.00 MRS. HENRY KUCHEL THEODORE B. KUCHEL Editors and Publishers Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at Anaheim, California, under the Act of March 8, 1879. RELIEF OR AN ANNUITY? Is relief a career, or is it still to be considered an emergency rescue service—a helping hand in time of trouble? That, at bottom, is the basic, all-important question now at issue in the special session of the State Legislature. And the Legislature’s ultimate answer, it is clearly indicated, will determine whether State taxes, which have more than trebled in six years, will continue to zoom upwards, or whether Governor Olson’s new tax proposals will be carted off to the legislative junkyard. It will also determine, in all probability, whether relief, in California, is to become a permanent institution! Outwardly, the major clashes, as the two houses pound into action, seem to revolve around the size of the relief appropriation, radical influences and extravagance in relief administration and the Governor’s request for $50,000,000 in additional taxes. Actually, the major bone of contention is whether relief is a career or a stop-gap. It is the point of conflict between the SRA, which first promulgated the “new philosophy” of relief as a permanent institution, and the economy bloc in the State Legislature. in California, is to become a permanent institution! Outwardly, the major clashes, as the two houses pound into action, seem to revolve around the size of the relief appropriation, radical influences and extravagance in relief administration and the Governor's request for $50,000,000 in additional taxes. Actually, the major bone of contention is whether relief is a career or a stop-gap. It is the point of conflict between the SRA, which first promulgated the "new philosophy" of relief as a permanent institution, and the economy bloc in the State Legislature. And, to large extent, it is responsible for the bitter clashes between Governor Olson and the Legislature. For the Governor, although he has had nothing to say, directly, on the subject of "relief careerists," is fighting desperately to save his SRA setup, which is (so say the legislators) dominated by them. Economy bloc lawmakers, tracing a trend which they insist reveals all too clearly that relief is rapidly becoming a career for many relief recipients, point to the following dollars-and-cents evidence: Three years ago, the State's relief appropriation totaled $24,211,135. Two years ago, it totaled $32,344,021. Last year it soared to $43,510,004. And now Governor Olson has requested $95,000,000 and has set $65,000,000 as a rock-bottom figure that would place relief clients on such a restricted basis that human suffering would be inevitable. Target for heavy attack on the part of the economy brigade is the fact that relief costs have doubled and trebled even in face of improving business conditions—with more employment available than at any other period since the depression. "The facts indicate that relief is no longer considered as temporary aid," asserts Senator Ed Tickle of Carmel, "but is being accepted as a permanent institution. To far too many, it is apparently a career in itself. The time has come to serve notice that relief must be given only to the needy, instead of being considered a permanent annuity for the shiftless and indolent." ORANGE COUNTY WEEKLY WATCHTOWER A Compilation of Observation and Comment by and for the Weekly Newspapers of the County: Huntington Beach News Newport Beach News Garden Grove News South Coast News Westminster Gazette Yorba Linda Star Costa Mesa Globe Buena Park News Coastline Dispatch La Habra Star Anaheim Gazette Brea Progress Placentia Courier Tustin News Seal Beach Post PROPOSED BILL WOULD CLEAR STATE'S TAX TITLES ON MUCH LAND County and city officials alike are watching with interest the progress of the bill introduced in to the special session of the state state board of health will demand with reference to the handling and treatment of sewage in the outfall. Dr. Russell, head of the county health department, acting in his official capacity, is a sort of laison inventive, scientifically - darin world, wonders never cease. Just returned from German Dr. Willy Lange, of the basic science research laboratory of the University of Cincinnati, bring back the word that hungry, was pinched nazis are now making of all things—butter from coal! Many California dairymen haunted by the spectre of surplus production would think it more to the point to devise a means making coal from butter. And such a possibility, in this age pyramiding scientific phenomena may not be quite as fantastic as sounds. For tremendous stride have been made of recent years and months in developing countless new products. New "plastic" products, such combs, pencils, dishes, telephone insulating materials, cigarette lighters, paper and many other gadgets and necessities, already are being manufactured from numerous surplus and waste materials including skim milk, rice hull straw and tree prunings. And chemical experts predict that we are entering upon "plastic age"—an era in which plastics will be basic parts of most of the things which the work needs and uses. For example plastic clothing, plastic building plastic furniture — even plastic ships, autos and airplanes—a forecast by some of the more daing chemical research laboratories and for the use of sugar beet fatties during the off-season for the conversion of vegetable tops a been lack of willingness on the part of the state board of health to say what must be done. Hence their statements have been concerned with what the outfit must not do. Present developments encourage the belief that constructive aid is to be forthcoming. PROPOSED BILL WOULD CLEAR STATE'S TAX TITLES ON MUCH LAND County and city officials alike are watching with interest the progress of the bill introduced in to the special session of the state legislature that would provide for clearing state titles to some 3,000,000 parcels of tax-deeded land in this and other counties of the state. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman J. M. Leonard of San Benito, provides that the property owner be called on to pay his taxes and make arrangements to pay one-fifth of the total delinquencies over a period of time, on the installment plan. If the property owner—and this means banks and other large mortgage holders as well—does not comply the state then may obtain a complete and uncontestable title which would be turned over to the board of supervisors of the county for sale at public auction to the highest bidder. About five years and eight months would be allowed the property owner to pay up his tax delinquencies on the basis of the settlement figure. Inside of seven years, then, every one of these 3,000,000 parcels would be back on current tax rolls, along with valuable improvements that would boost the assessed valuation and thus broaden the tax base and distribute the tax burden more equally. SEE PROGRESS IN SEWER LINE CLEAN-UP Member cities and districts in the outfall sewer system, and other communities interested, are hoping that very shortly there may be made known the minimum requirements which the state board of health will demand with reference to the handling and treatment of sewage in the outfall. Dr. Russell, head of the county health department, acting in his official capacity, is a sort of laison officer between the state board and the various outfall members. Both sides seem to have confidence in his desire to get the whole tangled sewage mess cleaned up with fairness to all, including the general public. Special meetings of the outfall sewer representatives and their engineers have been held to study the situation and it was the expectation that a comprehensive statement of the necessary moves would be made this week. Two engineers from the state board have been in Orange county. It is understood that the recommendations based on their report will in fact be what Dr. Russell suggests to the outfall members. In general it will have to do with proper treatment of sewage, both at the main screening plant and—in some cases—before it leaves the individual city or district lines. No More Local Plants Considerable interest was arduous over actions in Santa Ana and Orange, where proposals to establish sewage treatment plants for those cities individually suddenly were withdrawn. The word now seeps through that the state board will frown on the construction of any individual disposal plants, where it is possible to handle the sewage problem otherwise. There are many details in connection with the handling of outfall affairs which are not apparent to an outsider. One of the obstacles to more rapid action has been lack of willingness on the part of the state board of health to say what must be done. Hencefore their statements have been concerned with what the outfall must not do. Present developments encourage the belief that construction aid is to be forthcoming. HOPE TO CUT DOWN COMPETITION FOR SENATE After several weeks of quietude on county political matters who pers are again in circulation about this and that, especially with reference to the state senatorship. What is happening is a soft-ped campaign in democratic ranks; clear the way for the nomination of a party candidate without competition at the primaries. And if possible the elimination of the principal republican possibility would be welcomed with joy. One trouble is that folks do stay put, and to insist this ahead of time that things are fixed thus and so is the height of political foolishness. Or at least has always proved so in the past observations of this particular Watchtower lookout. The only thing that can be guarded as sure in the way of candidacies for 1940 in this county is that Harry Riley will be out reelection as supervisor from Third district. Riley says he now spending all his time in county business, and expects continue to do so as long as he in office. The only other district elector a supervisor this year is the Fifth or Santa Ana, district. There will be plenty of candidates. The only other county official be elected this year is a super court judge. The term of Judy Ames elected in 1938 and filled the appointment of Judge Weaver after Ames' death, will be before the voters. MODERN PIONEERS Washington Snapshots by James Preston Farmer, businessman, housewife, salaried worker, common laborer—all probably will be confronted soon with a new issue which is being developed in secret Washington hearings. The issue is how many millions the nation's taxpayers (and that includes everybody) are willing to spend to let government employees tell the public what a good job the government is doing. In recent years there has been much general discussion about how many press agents there are working for government bureaus, issuing statements and press releases designed to win public support for these bureaus. Some legislators apparently have awakened to the question. Congress sows signs of wanting to cut expenditures all it can, without letting the nebdy starve, so it is casting the fishy eye on government press agencies and "information" bureaus. Government officials who appear before Congressional committees asking for money are having to explain in detail the press and propaganda setup. Some government "information" services are, of course, legitimate. They supply answers to questions asked by the people. But many concentrate upon trying to sell themselves to the public. In the hearing in just one appropriation bill—and there are eleven — inquisitive legislators addition to doing a good job. By WARREN BAYLEY DETROIT, MICHIGAN—Six time ago I had a long conversation with C. M. Vandeburg, public director of the 1939 Golden International Exposition. Vandeburg is now public relations director of one of the larger motor manufacturer and in addition one of the guiding powers back the Alaska-South American way. A convincing conversation well as a good publicity Vandeburg believes that the method to effect a closer relationship between the two Americans is to make it possible for their races to intermingle. Say greater contribution could made than the building of suv road. Believes that all American people should be acquainted with its possibilities. As previously stated, he convincing conversationalist. Her Vagabond is going to cover completed portion of the from its most northern point British Columbia down to southmost end, somewhere in swamps of Central America. During the course of our conversation the subject of ambition and goals in life, came up. Vandeburg was quite emphatic this addition to doing a good job. The FARMERS CORNER by RALPH H. TAYLOR Executive Secretary Agricultural Council of California This topsy-turvy, but highly alive, scientifically - daring wonders never cease. Returned from Germany, only Lange, of the basic scientific laboratory of the city of Cincinnati, brings the word that hungry, war-naizis are now making—things—butter from coal! California dairymen, by the spectre of surplus motion would think it more point to devise a means of coal from butter. And possibility, in this age of leading scientific phenomena, it be quite as fantastic as it is. For tremendous strides been made of recent years months in developing count-new products. "Plastic" products, such as pencils, dishes, telephones, filing materials, cigarette paper and many other and necessities, already being manufactured from num-urplus and waste materials, skim milk, rice hulls, and tree prunings. Chemical experts predict we are entering upon a new age"—an era in which will be basic parts of most things which the world and uses. For example, clothing, plastic buildings, furniture — even plastic autos and airplanes — are at by some of the more darmical research laboratories the use of sugar beet fac-luring the off-season for the season of vegetable tops and back of willingness on the state board of health what must be done. Here their statements have been used with what the outfall not do. Intent developments encourage belief that constructive to be forthcoming. There is doubtless room for a good deal of argument over how far-reaching the effects of the so-called "plastic age" will be on American agriculture. But one reassuring fact in connection with its advent is that while in nazi Germany it is the result of the scarcity of war, over here it is a result of the abundance of peace. Of equal significance is the fact that the theory of "prosperity through scarcity," which was hatched by the Washington "brain-trust" some years ago, now seems definitely on the way out—even with its creators. There are many tell-tale indications that killing little pigs and plowing under every other row are to be accepted as yesterday's mistakes, rather than today's policies. And government officials now seem to be looking toward wider distribution of farm commodities—and possible conversion of surpluses into industrial products—sounder solutions of the problem of too much abundance. Whether the experiment will fail or succeed only time can tell, but the present Food Stamp plan for distribution of certain surplus commodities to families on relief is a definite indication that the government is seeking means of increasing consumption, instead of expanding its program of paying farmers to cut down production. California, incidentally, is to be the laboratory for the first large-scale experiments with the Food Stamp plan. For while the plan has been in operation in a number of small urban areas throughout the county, the newly-inaugurated programs in San Francisco and Los Angeles counties will provide the first broad-gauged test of its effectiveness. Relief families, under the plan, are permitted to buy "orange stamps" for the purchase of food through regular retail stores. With every four such stamps purchased, two "blue stamps" are given—good for the purchase of specified "surplus"cial committees asking for money are having to explain in detail the press and propaganda setup. Some government "information" services are, of course, legitimate. They supply answers to questions asked by the people. But many concentrate upon trying to sell themselves to the public. In the hearing in just one appropriation bill—and there are eleven — inquisitive legislators brought out that there were 176 employees in the "information" sections of only four government agencies. For instance, the TVA this year has 40 such employees whose salaries total $167,000. These employees among other things, prepared eight pamphlets of which 271,900 copies were issued. And the $167,000, naturally, does not include the cost of printing, mimeographing, mailing, postage, rent, heat, light, and the many other overhead expenses. As another sample, the secret hearings disclose that the Public Works Administration has 12 full-time employees in its "information" section drawing about $30,-000 a year, and that in less than six months they distributed 4,024 press releases. The U.S. Housing Authority is another example. It had 76 "information" employees drawing $272,000 a year in salaries. They are even divided into sections to handle coordination, press service, editorials, information, exhibits, motion pictures, and radio. One agency the Office of Government Reports, has been performing a double function. First it clips newspapers throughout the nation and summarizes news story and editorial comment about government bureaus. Then it attempts to answer unfavorable comments and criticisms, and to build up "good will" for these bureaus. In the last year alone, the Office of Government Reports distributed 32 radio programs lasting 15 minutes, and each program was carried by an average of 175 stations. In this one agency 48 employees are paid more than $4,000 a year each. Naturally, there are dozens of others making less than $4,000. Inventors all over the country are being honored in February at "Modern Pioneers' Celebrations" to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the American Patent system. At the same time, those in high places have been reviving the old capard that in-its possibilities. As previously stated, he convincing conversationalist. The Er Vagabond is going to cover completed portion of the book from its most northern point British Columbia down to southmost end, somewhere in swamps of Central America. During the course of our conversation the subject of ambition and goals in life, came up. Vaburg was quite emphatic that addition to doing a good job his public relation's department his goal in life was the success completion of the Alaska-Scandinavian road. Personnally I'll have to add that I was in rather deep listening to such lofty idem Right then I would have got a lot for some note-worthy oo to call my own. Finally I added I had none but ever since day I have been on the lookout. The only trouble with fixing a cause to crusade for, is that are four or five crusaders every cause already. How today I found one and altho it is probably an old idea claiming it as mine. From this continued progress is to create things that mean better living more jobs. BACK OF WILLINGNESS ON THE LEFT OF THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH AND WHAT MUST BE DONE. HERE-HEIRS STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN ADDED WITH WHAT THE OUTFALL NOT DO. MENT DEVELOPMENTS ENCOURAGE BELIEF THAT CONSTRUCTIVE TO BE FORTHCOMING. TO CUT DOWN PETITION FOR SENATE For several weeks of quietude county political matters whiskey again in circulation about that, especially with reference to the state senatorship. It is happening is a soft-pedal sign in democratic ranks to the way for the nomination party candidate without com-men at the primaries. And enable the elimination of the local republican possibility to be welcomed with joy. Trouble is that folks don't out, and to insist this far of time that things are fixed and so is the height of poli-woolishness. Or at least it always proved so in the past situations of this particular tower lookout. Only thing that can be real as sure in the way of canes for 1940 in this county is Harry Riley will be out for question as supervisor from the district. Riley says he is spending all his time on my business, and expects to due to do so as long as he is vice. Only other district electing supervisor this year is the First, Santa Ana, district. There will be plenty of candidates. Only other county official to elected this year is a superior judge. The term of Judge selected in 1938 and filled by appointment of Judge West-after Ames' death, will be the voters. Rosecrans boulevard in San Diego is reported to be under construction by the National Automobile club. This is the main highway to Point Loma, one of the scenic attractions of the city. The road is being widened and raised to avoid flooding, as the section under construction is bad in wet weather from high water and silt that flows across the roadbed. During dry weather, caution must be used on account of equipment and a few short detours are encountered. Inventors all over the country are being honored in February at "Modern Pioneers' Celebrations" to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the American Patent system. At the same time, those in high places have been reviving the old canard that inventions take away jobs. In this connection, this observer finds it impossible to refrain from bringing to their attention the following letter from the daughter of an inventor with the vision typical of America's industrial pioneers: "About the year 1865 my father visited the Patent Office in Washington, concerning a patent of his own. During the conversation the head of the Patent Office said, 'I am looking for another job before I get too old to find one; this patent office cannot stay open much longer, about everything that can be invented has already been invented. Why a man (Singer) has just invented a machine that can do a woman's sewing for her, you can't beat that.'" "A Congressman tried to put a bill through Congress to prevent these machines from being sold. He claimed that if women had machines to do their sewing it would put all the dressmakers in the country out of business." My father got a chuckle out of the above every time a new invention amazed the world: when the telephone was first invented he said, 'Maybe someone in Washington will propose a bill to forbid the use of telephones featuring the Government will have no further sales of stamps.'" Probably the two types will always exist: the man who holds the gloomy opinion that progress has come to an end and that invention spells disaster, versus the man who sees that the only way to Watson Unafraid of Olson “Purge” Threats by Gov. Olson to “purge” him at the elections this year do not bother Assemblyman Clyde Watson of Orange at all, the solon said this week while discussing the upset of the Olson regime in the state assembly last week at the start of the special session. “I still think in voting to unseat former Speaker Peek and to elect Speaker Gordon Garland, a different kind of democrat, I was doing what my assembly district expected me to do,” Watson said. “I am not afraid of Gov. Olson’s firing squad, I’m still in my right mind and on my feet.” Assemblyman Watson pointed out the increased efficiency already apparent in the conduct of the state assembly as a result of the changes made by the coalition of democrats and republicans. “The assembly committees once more are meeting on time,” he said. “People from the south and other points distant from Sacramento who make the long trip to appear before committees are having an opportunity to present their views on pending legislation. No longer are committee doors shut as they were last year when the governor controlled the assembly. And as a result of the new appointments to committees by Speaker Garland, the committees no longer are ‘stacked’ as they were last year, when they took the governor’s orders on disposition of bills, regardless of the merits or demerits of the bills.” I Can't Afford To Advertise, Business Isn't Good Enough-- Our Advertising Man has heard this frequently and, now asks us permission to answer this: MR. MERCHANT: You can't afford to advertise. Probably you don't realize it, but if you did advertise consistently, business would be better. Oh, I know, your case is different. So was the case of John Wanamaker, Henry Ford, Marshall Field, R. H. Macy and hundreds of others — 40 years ago. Look around you, Mr. Merchant. Who are the leaders in business and industry today? Name the one that isn't and hasn't been a You can't afford to advertise. Probably you don't realize it, but if you did advertise consistently, business would be better. Oh, I know, your case is different. So was the case of John Wanamaker, Henry Ford, Marshall Field, R. H. Macy and hundreds of others — 40 years ago. Look around you, Mr. Merchant. Who are the leaders in business and industry today? Name the one that isn't and hasn't been a consistent advertiser for years. A few years ago several products were well known to thousands of Americans. Among them were Cream of Wheat, Force, Sapolio, Pears Soap, Sweet Caporal, Helmar, Egyptian Deities Cigarettes, Cole, Chalmers, Pope, Hartford, Mitchell automobiles and many others. When did you last hear of any of them? Not for years. The reason is simple — someone was short sighted to believe it was economical to curtail or stop advertising. The result — they soon dropped out of sight, lost business and today are either struggling along in comparative obscurity or have been forced out altogether by the more up-to-date concern that advertisises and keeps on advertising. Name me the biggest businesses today and you'll name the biggest advertisers — automobiles, radios, cigarettes, manufacturers, bus lines, airways. "Yes, my business is different," you say. Oh, Yeah! ANAHEIM GAZETTE Orange County's Oldest Newspaper 259 E. Center St. Phone 2414