anaheim-gazette 1940-04-18

ANAHEIM GAZETTE Established 1870 ORANGE COUNTY'S OLDEST NEWSPAPER HENRY KUCHEL, Editor and Publisher 1887-1935 The Anaheim Gazette has been owned and edited by 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. CALIFORNIA IS LAGGING There is no use in not facing facts when they come to your attention. The following facts cannot be controverted but at a later date we will go into the question of what the state can do about it. Every other State in the nation is pulling out of the depression doldrums faster than California. That includes, by the way, Oklahoma and Arkansas, from whence hail such a disproportionate share of newcomers here. Puncturing California's pride, Business Week has released State figures on gains and losses for the past year, which every Californian who loves his State should study thoughtfully. In automobile sales, only six States made as slight improvement last year as California. They are Minnesota, North Dakota, Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska—and Oklahoma. In gasoline consumption, the low gallonage of Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Louisiana, Tennessee—and Oklahoma—brought the nationa laverage down to a 6% gain. Little brought the national average down to a 6% gain. Little Of the 48 States, California placed 39th in household refrigeration. Again, Oklahoma gained 56%, Arkansas 72%, Nebraska 57%, California 41%. Washington and Oregon both outstripped us, increasing their sales 71% and 59% respectively. California placed 39th, too, in life insurance statistics, falling far below the national average. Significantly, in value of checks drawn, the whole nation, State by State, showed increases, with the exception of California, Wyoming—and Oklahoma. In but one category did California outdo any appreciable number of States. Pickup in farm income placed her ahead of 20 others—behind 27. Of the 48 States, California placed 39th in household refrigeration. Again, Oklahoma gained 56%, Arkansas 72%, Nebraska 57%, California 41%. Washington and Oregon both outstripped us, increasing their sales 71% and 59% respectively. California placed 39th, too, in life insurance statistics, falling far below the national average. Significantly, in value of checks drawn, the whole nation, State by State, showed increases, with the exception of California, Wyoming—and Oklahoma. In but one category did California outdo any appreciable number of States. Pickup in farm income placed her ahead of 20 others—behind 27. Since the Florida-California comparison is always awaited with starry-eyed confidence by both States, here it is: The Florida business comeback outclassed California in every department. Florida car sales improved 63% to our 27%; gaspline consumption 7% to our 5%; refrigerator sales 49% to our 41%; life insurance 4% to our -4%; value of checks drawn 10% to our -1%; heavy construction 138% to our -11%. Briefly, bitterly, California in but one instance, farm income, came up to the national average. It is hoped that sorry story will shock every citizen into honest analysis of the facts which anyone with half an eye can see. California is struggling under a relief and pension load, half of which belongs to other States now scrambling ahead economically; under a governmental bureaucracy unparalleled in cost; under a throttling burden of "gimmie" groups whose sole philosophy is to get theirs while the getting is good. Now that the facts are out for all to see, will California be content to trail forty-seven States? Or will she dust off her pride and set a new course for sanity and fair play? ORANGE COUNTY WEEKLY WATCHTOWER A Compilation of Observation and Comment by and for the Weekly Newspapers of the County: Anahalm Gazette Huntington Beach News South Coast News Costa Mesa Globe La Habra Star Placentia Courier Newport Beach News Westminster Gazette Buena Park News Yorba Linda Star Coastline Dispatch Brea Progress Seal Beach Post Garden Grove News Tustin News TAX COLLECTOR TELLS COST OF DELINQUENCY What does it cost to let your county taxes go delinquent? With many ranch owners hard pressed for cash, but with prospects of better returns from this valencia crop, the above question became more than usually pertinent. Anticipating requests for an answer, County Tax Collector John Lamb prepared a statement in a form which any taxpayer can understand. It is just as interesting and applicable to other taxpayers as to citrus growers. Here it is: Delinquency Charges on which they are to work out and report their budget estimates for the following year. After these are returned a county budget estimate is made up and laid before the supervisors. They do what they can with it, usually trying to trim off a little here and there and hold down taxes as much as they can—they hope. It usually turns out that most of the final work on the budget is done in a rush at the last end of the legal period. This year an attempt will be made to change that. A request has gone out to the officials to have their material ready a month earlier. That will mean more budget hearings, more argument, and perhaps a better farmers, beware! Petitions are in circulation (on will be, shortly) for the new Ham and Eggs amendment—now called “Twenty-Every-Thursday.” And to California's farming industry, the new act is far more dangerous than the old. The 1940 version of Ham and Eggs, with its fantastic provision for a three per cent gross income tax, would mean a gross transaction tax—a turnover tax of three per cent, applying to every farm transaction, from the grower to the ultimate consumer. According to the most conservative estimates, that would mean a 10 per cent tax on every farmer's gross income—for farm turn over from three to five times (or more), in going from the farm to the table. How many farms in California could afford to give up 10 per cent of their gross income and still stay in business? Ask yourself that question, before you sign a check for Ham and Eggs petition circulators. For farmers can sell dom pass on their increased overhead. Whether from taxation or other causes, the farmer pays it for the prices of farm commodities are governed by supply and demand—and world conditions—and can not be arbitrarily “marked up” to meet increased costs. And a 10 per cent tax on gross income (that's a conservative estimate) would simply spell ruin and tax confiscation to California agriculture. No farmer needs to take the writer's statement for that fact; all he needs to do is to consult his own books and arrive at his own decision. Sponsors of the new pension scheme undoubtedly will seek to obscure the issue with farmers by arguing that the new act would repeal existing taxes, including property taxes. But at what at price! Every time the farmer bought feed or fertilizer, supplies or equipment, food or clothing, every turnover of every purchase would be taxed three per cent. And every time the farmer sold a shipment of farm produce, that shipment would be taxed three Anticipating requests for an answer, County Tax Collector John Lamb prepared a statement in a form which any taxpayer can understand. It is just as interesting and applicable to other taxpayers as to citrus growers. Here it is: Delinquency Charges on Second Installment Tax Bill of $100.00 3% penalty 3.00 Carrying charge .50 Total if paid between April 21 and July 1 $103.50 Additional Penalty after July 1—1% per month: If paid between July and August 1—1% 1.00 $104.50 If paid between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1 $105.50 etc. per month Or, it will cost the owner $13.50 to defer payment to July 1, 1941. If more than one lot or parcel is involved, add 50c carrying charge for each parcel. If Both Installments Delinquent $100.00 tax bill $100.00 First inst. of $50.00, 8% penalty added Dec. 6, 1939 4.00 First inst. of $50.00, 3% penalty added April 21, 1940 1.50 Second inst. of $50.00 3% penalty added Apr. 21, 1940 1.50 Carrying Charge .50 Total if paid prior to July 1, 1940 $107.50 After July 1, 1% penalty per month as above. WANT MORE TIME ON COUNTY BUDGET The law requires that on July 1 the county auditor place in the hands of all county officials and department heads a blank on what they can with it, unless trying to trim off a little here and there and hold down taxes as much as they can—they hope. It usually turns out that most of the final work on the budget is done in a rush at the last end of the legal period. This year an attempt will be made to change that. A request has gone out to the officials to have their material ready a month earlier. That will mean more budget hearings, more argument, and perhaps a better budget. KUCHEL A CINCH FOR SENATORIAL NOMINATION Announcement made yesterday by Thomas Kuchel for the republican nomination for state senator was the opening gun in the partisan primary campaign which extends from now until next August. Kuchel is assemblyman from the 75th district, which is North Orange county. It is not expected that Kuchel will have any opposition in the republican primary. Who his opponent in the November election may be nobody has as yet volunteered to guess. Kuchel's announcement is expected to bring out something more than rumors about candidates in the assembly race. So far they have been held back until it was found out what Kuchel proposed to do. CONGRESSIONAL STUFF; "GRASS ROOTS" PULLED UP Among namees heard "mentioned" as having congressional aspirations in the republican party are one from Orange county, one from Riverside and two from San Bernardino. One of the latter is in fact more than a "mention." It is an actual announcement. Burton Thrall, who is county superintendent of schools in San Bernardino county, sent out a letter last week stating that he proposed to be a candidate for congress. He addressed himself to the chairmen of the republican central committees in the three counties, and through them to the committees themselves. However, central committees traditionally are supposed to have nothing to do with pre-primary activities, so the information was received without official comment. If developed last week that there is no likelihood of the republicans in the 19th congressional district holding a "grass roots" convention, such as was organized and carried out two years ago. Several hundred people in Orange county got a good deal of "kick" out of attending the 1938 affair, and some of them have been looking forward to another but it seems to be out of the picture. On the democratic side, this signs all point to Congressman Sheppard as the candidate to succeed himself. He has built up pretty strong group of followers and is top man in his home county of San Bernardino. There will talk of a democratic convention nominate by acclamation, but plans for it fell through. THE MOTHS AND THE FLAME Americanism Day Event is Planned Plans for the gigantic "Americanism" event to be staged in the Santa Ana Municipal bowl on the evening of Wednesday, May 1, are being developed by a committee drawn from the Santa Ana Elks lodge, masonic orders, American Legion post and several Catholic organizations. The program at the bowl will start at 8 o'clock, following a parade through Santa Ana streets which will begin at 6 o'clock, it was said. About 500 uniformed musicians and marchers will participate in the parade and program. Guest speaker of the evening will be Joseph Scott, prominent Los Angeles attorney. Superior Judge Franklin G. West will serve as master of ceremonies. Santa Ana Man to Speak at Meeting A. M. Mapes, president of club No. 6 of Santa Ana, and Mrs. Mapes, will be guests of honor at the regular meeting of Prosperity Townsend club of Anaheim, tomorrow evening, at 7:30 o'clock. Mapes has spoken before many Townsend clubs of California, and also in New York state as well, and is well qualified to explain the Townsend Recovery Plan. County Library Has Gain in Circulation A gain of 728 volumes was recorded by the Orange county library and its branches in March over the circulation figures of the same month last year, according to Young People Will Speak at Service. "The Function of Young People in the Church" will be discussed by high school students Sunday night at 7 o'clock at the White Temple Methodist church. Several students will speak for three minutes each. At the morning service at 9:30 o'clock the pastor, Rev. R. Keen Swenerton, will preach on the theme, "Can We Maintain Peace in a Warring World?" Student Show Will Be Given Saturday Fullerton junior college's annual student talent show, featuring one-act play, will be presented for the public Saturday night in the school auditorium at 8:15 o'clock. The show is the main attraction of the annual Blue and Gold day and the theme is "Hollywood Hysteria." Virginia Lea Peterson of Anaheim is general director of the show, and Bernice Hargrove of Anaheim is in charge of the play "Murder in Hollywood." Summer School to Commence June R. W. Borst will again serve director of the 16th annual summer school session which opens June 17 for a six weeks term. It has been announced by the board of trustees of Fullerton univ. high school and junior college. Courses on both high school and junior college level will be offered in commerce, French, family relations, English, science and other subjects, it was said. TO BUILD HOME John H. Holly of 316 No. By Ralph H. Taylor Executive Secretary Agricultural Council of California Years, beware! Ins are in circulation (or shortly) for the new Ham amendment—now called Every-Thursday." To California's farming industry, the new act is far more than the old. A 1940 version of Ham and its fantastic provision would mean a gross transac-tion—a turnover tax of three cents, applying to every farm on, from the grower to the consumer. Liking to the most conservanates, that would mean a cent tax on every farmer's income—for farm turn over three to five times (or more) from the farm to the many farms in California would give up 10 per cent of gross income and still business? Ask yourself question, before you sign a Ham and Eggs petition. For farmers can sells on their increased overwhether from taxation or uses, the farmer pays it, prices of farm commodigated by supply and—and world conditions—not be arbitrarily "markto meet increased costs. 10 per cent tax on gross income (that's a conservative act) would simply spell ruin confiscation to California sure. No farmer needs to write his statement for all he needs to do is to this own books and arrive own decision. Others of the new pension fund doubtedly will seek to the issue with farmers by that the new act would existing taxes, including taxes. What at price! Time the farmer bought fertilizer, supplies or rent, food or clothing, every year of every purchase would cost three per cent. Every time the farmer sold part of farm produce, that would be taxed three per cent of every turnover, so long as it remeained in the state of California. Even granting that California consumers would pay part of the tax, when the goods were consumed here (and that is entirely problematical), what position would California farmers find themselves in when they shipped their products to other states? No other state would assess this confiscatory three per cent turn-over tax. Yet California, the No. 1 farm state in the union—which sells its produce in every state in the country—would be expected to stay in business and compete. How? Ask yourself that question, too, before you sign the Ham and Eggs petitions. Apart from the tax aspect of the Ham and Eggs amendment, and its disastrous effect on agriculture, every taxpayer and every citizen who values his livelihood, should consider the pension and scrip provisions of the measure. The new act, instead of providing Thirty-Every-Thursday, would provide for the issuance of twenty scrip "dollars" every week to all persons over 50 years of age, who are unemployed and whose net incomes do not exceed $2400. Then comes a new proviso: All unemployed under 50 years of age would be entitled to receive seven 'dollar' warrants every week, as long as they remained unemployed. And every school student would likewise be entitled to $7 in warrants each week. One wonders, reading this amendment, just who would be foolish enough (if the act would work) to remain at work? Who would fry the Ham and Eggs and wash the dishes? If everybody over 50 in entitled to Twenty-Every-Thursday, just because they have reached that great age, and everybody (unemployed) under Townsend clubs of California, and also in New York state as well, and is well qualified to explain the Townsend Recovery Plan. County Library Has Gain in Circulation A gain of 728 volumes was recorded by the Orange county library and its branches in March over the circulation figures of the same month last year, according to the library's monthly report. The total for March was 33,968. Books circulated for home use in the 43 elementary schools belonging to the county library system totaled 6697. The Laguna Beach branch, with a circulation of 5911, had the largest total, and Costa Mesa was second with 3336. Marketing of Eggs Theme of Meeting A new method of marketing Orange county eggs on the Los Angeles market will be a topic of discussion at the next regular meeting of the Orange County Farm Bureau poultry department. The session will be held next Tuesday at 7:30 o'clock in the Farm Bureau building, 353 South Main street, Orange. STRUCK BY AUTO Raymond Flores, 9, of 317 West Santa Ana street, suffered only slight bruises when he was struck by an automobile operated by D. F. Lehmer, 711 West Broadway, Saturday evening. The mishap occurred on the parking lot next to the Safeway store. 50 is entitled to Seven-Every-Thursday, because they haven't reached that age, why work at all? Why not just relax and let Mother Nature take care of us? Absurd, yes! But California voters have had a careless habit of signing almost any petition submitted to them. Stop, Look and Listen! Count the cost, before you sign! ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! All Whites BY FLORSHEIM White for cool looks has been an adage for generations... Florsheim put a double meaning in "cool looks" by adding correct styling to cool lighter-weight features and brought the proverb up to date! YUNGBLUTH'S 145 West Center Street Phone 4130 YES! 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