anaheim-gazette 1963-10-24

For Your Information By Virgil Pinkley Editor and Publisher • Gen. Eisenhower's New Book • Eisenhower - Pinkley Relationship • Why I Picked Ik e in 1948 • Exclusive Facts on Nixon's Choice Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's MANDATE FOR CHANGE — "The White House Years, a Personal Account, 1953-56" is a major and fascinating historical contribution to our times. It is highly personal and timely. All Americans who want to know more about our government and political system and how they work should read this forthcoming book, the first of two, published by Doubleday & Co. In his frank and intimate way, General Eisenhower takes us behind the scenes of the four momentous years from 1953 to 1956. As the 34th President of the United States he made some big decisions. He tried to give added dignity to the White House. He believed strongly that the occupants of the White House should set an example. In fact, he tried to govern and lead by setting examples in loyalty, patriotism, dedication and tolerance. He worked to eliminate divisions within our country and pitting one group against another. Pinkley still chuckles as he reminds me of my rather violently phrased and somewhat enbellished 'No.' " In my rather frequent contacts with General Eisenhower in Algiers I was impressed by his administrative skills and his executive abilities. I was then head of the United Press in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Near and Middle East and directing our ex- Shortly thereafter I see from General Eisenhower only exclusive interview granted during the war. I talked about freedom of speech and press and said that we were basic principles in fight to defeat Hitler and itsism. Again he impressed by his civilian outlook and knowledge of industry, nature, production, transport and communications, for trade, proper relations between governments, the home fraternity in time of war or peace, and rights, freedoms and dreaming the individual. More Than Military Here indeed was no "ramstiff general," or a milieu genius who knew little anything else. Ike talked length on the great captain history, their personalities and their important decisions. So certain was I that Dwight D. Eisenhower would be President that I doubted thing save health or death would block his path to White House. In 1949 as editor and pub As the 34th President of the United States he made some big decisions. He tried to give added dignity to the White House. He believed strongly that the occupants of the White House should set an example. In fact, he tried to govern and lead by setting examples in loyalty, patriotism, dedication and tolerance. He worked to eliminate divisions within our country and pitting one group against another. He was always conscious of the need to permit the checks and balances of our system to work fully and freely. He opposed the Executive Branch trying to usurp the responsibilities and powers of the Legislative or the Judiciary. There are two early portions of MANDATE FOR CHANGE which I want to present and comment about, because I participated in these episodes with Dwight D. Eisenhower. I can add some personal first-hand impressions and background information. In the beginning chapter "Prelude to Politics," Mr. Eisenhower writes: **Pinkley Suggestion** "So far as I can now recall, the earliest serious suggestion that I might become a presidential candidate one day was made by Virgil Pinkley in 1943. Pinkley, the newspaper correspondent in the North African theater of World War II, came to see me shortly after the Allies in the Mediterranean had succeeded, at long last, in sweeping North Africa clean of Axis forces, overrunning Sicily, and landing in Italy. In the final stages of these operations all the Allied forces were under my over-all command, and as a result of their successes Mussolini had been ousted as the dictator of Fascist Italy. "Mr. Pinkley, remarking on the magnitude of these operations, observed that in view of a practice that had all but become an American tradition, I would, as the wartime commander of large and successful military groups, inevitably be considered as a strong presidential possibility. "Certainly much in American history supported Pinkley's contention that victorious command in the field often leads to later political consideration:" **DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER** ...A "civilian approach tensive coverage of the war. He always seemed to have more of a civilian approach than a military one to non-military matters. As territories were liberated he exhibited a keen knowledge of and a feeling for political and economic matters, for the rights and well being of the individuals involved. Ike become the first truly Allied commander of great forces, fusing them into one gigantic team resolved to win. Belgians, Frenchmen, British, Canadians, Australlians, New Zealander and Norwegians swore by him, and especially those who worked with him closely. They said when the war was over he could return to their country and be elected president, prime minister or king. **Allied Team** When I went up and down the halls of the St. George Hotel in Algiers, Allied headquarters in North Africa, and visited with officers in G-1, G-2, G-3 and other divisions, I had a difficult time thinking of them as Scots, Americans, Canadians, or French. They talked and acted as Ike did. They were indeed an Allied team, happy and proud to work together. If difficulties were encountered with censorship and we correspondents had a good or logical case, Eisenhower would hear us out, and usually take steps to correct difficulties or overly-stiff military decisions. Before most major actions Ike would brief us thoroughly, even on minor details. He trusted us and we responded with reciprocity. I watched the Supreme Commander handle his top generals and aides like a great symphony orchestra conductor. Ike knew how to get the most from tions, observed that in view of a practice that had all but become an American tradition, I would, as the wartime commander of large and successful military groups, inevitably be considered as a strong presidential possibility. "Certainly much in American history supported Pinkley's contention that victorious command in the field often leads to later political consideration: "George Washington, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, and Ulysses S. Grant, largely but not solely because of their military achievements, had been voted into the office. George B. McClellan and Winfield Scott Handcock, probably the two most popular generals of the Army of the Potomac, were both nominated — but not elected — by the Democratic party. In more recent times this tendency had become less pronounced though Leonard Wood and John J. Pershing had, after World War I, been accorded a great deal of support for political office. "Nevertheless, to say that I was astonished by Pinkley's suggestion is far from an exaggeration; my instant reaction was that he was something of a humorist. "'Virgil,' I said," 'you've been standing out in the sun too long.' "In a difficult military campaign a commander cannot believe that anything else could be as important as winning the battle before him. He becomes so intent on tactical problems and strategic plans — indeed, his whole soul is so given over to achieving victory — that he cannot but react negatively to any suggestion that he should concern himself with extraneous possibilities. Certainly this was my feeling at that moment. I thought it completely absurd to mention my name in the same breath as the Presidency, Mr." Logical case, Eisenhower would hear us out, and usually take steps to correct difficulties or overly-stiff military decisions. Before most major actions Ike would brief us thoroughly, even on minor details. He trusted us and we responded with reciprocity. I watched the Supreme Commander handle his top generals and aides like a great symphony orchestra conductor. Ike knew how to get the most from Patton, Bradley, Spaatz, Montgomery, Alexander. Beedle Smith, Jimmy Doolittle, Norstad, Gruenther, Admiral Cunningham and Tedder. He knew how to deal effectively, too, with Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt and other wartime leaders. In those tense days Ike had his famous grin, his warmth, his humbleness and a willingness to go wherever duty called and to work and serve almost to the point of exhaustion. I knew then he was a great man and destined to go to the White House. I told him so a number of times in North Africa, again in London when he was planning the Normandy invasion, later in Berlin and Frankfurt when he commanded the American zone of Germany and still later when he headed NATO in Paris. Near the close of the war General isenhower instructed General George Patton to come to Paris. Patton had banned the Stars and Stripes newspaper from distribution in the Third Army territory because he did not like Mauldin's cartoons presenting sloppy Joe or the "B-Bag", which contained G-I gripes. Ike told Patton so long as the paper did not give aid and comfort to the enemy and did not violate censorship, that the Stars and Stripes should and would be circulated in Third Army territory as elsewhere. After several minutes of oral conversation about the vention, I told Dick Nixon: I was there and the nature my mission. He listened then said rather slowly and obvious feeling, "this is a honor. I am flattered to be that the General would confer me. But I must be frank could not stand four years of activity as Vice President elected, simply presiding over the Senate and rapping the el. This life would drive mad. "If the General would please me to serve as a sort of lie with Congress, relieve him some routine social duties, him with legislation on the permit me to be an active member of the Cabinet and have some special assignments would be happy and proud accept his invitation if exiled." I returned to report. The ture President said his respite was what he had hoped for that Nixon's request were sonable and good. Shortly after the two men got together and the rest is history. October 22, 1945 Western High School’s Commissioner of Pep, Barbara Blakeman, invites all alumni to attend the various events during Homecoming Week, Oct. 28 through Nov. 2. The Junior Varsity football team plays Westminster Monday, Oct. 28, at 3:15 at Westminster. The “B” team plays Costa Mesa Friday, Nov. 1, at 3:15 at Costa Mesa. The Water Polo team plays Costa Mesa Thursday, Oct. 31, at 3:15 at Costa Mesa. This year’s Homecoming Game will be against Costa Mesa Saturday, Nov. 2. A First The game will begin at 1:30 p.m. at La Palma Park in Anaheim. This is the first afternoon varsity football game that Western will play since it became a senior high school. The theme for the Homecoming Dance is “A Moment to Remember.” The band playing for the dance is “The Ambassadors.” Dressy wool dresses and suits are appropriate attire for girls; boys may wear suits or sportcoats and ties. As a convenience to alumni, guest passes for the dance will be available starting Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the attendance office. Murdy Looks By JOHN A. MURDY Jr. State Senator You hear so much about what’s wrong with the way our state is run these days I thought you might like to reminisce a bit on the first year of state government in California. I don’t mean to give the impression that I approve of everything that’s going on today, but I think you’ll find it interesting to hear of the problems facing us before and around the time the Anaheim Gazette was founded. California actually functioned as a state nearly a whole year before it was admitted to the Union, Sept. 9, 1850. In the immediate years preceding this, California was, to say the least, frought with chaos. Gold Rush The gold rush was on, military governors came and went like the seasons, and worst of all, no uniform law of the land was followed. Business and currency were unsettled and no competent courts were set up to settle disputes, enforce laws, and preserve the peace. Under these conditions came the demand by citizens for an established government and with the secret backing of President Zachary Taylor, the military governor of this California territory, General Riley, called a constitutional convention Sept. 1, 1849, immediately following election of delegates August 1st to draft the proposed constitution. It was later ratified. A governor, Peter Burnett, and a legal institution were elected with state capital set in San Diego. The first legislative session Dec. 15, 1849. First Senate The first Senate had 16 members, only two of them Californians. The first bid had 36 members, not them a native son, and them foreign-born. The cost of living was high in those days. You it’s bad now. Each law received $16 a day duration and $16 for every 2 he traveled to and from capitol. This figured out cents a mile as compared present rate of 15 cents mile in 1963. Food costs were just Meat sold for a minimum 75 cents a pound, butter pound, eggs $3 a dozen, or a quart. Ban Slavery The question of slavery California had been settled by the constitutional law which wrote into the constitution that slavery was ever barred in the states. It is interesting to note ever that California had two Senators to Washington C., who had pro-slavery paths. Both were on the South and it was that any strong anti-Senators might arouse from the Southern Congress who in turn would block In 1949 as editor and publisher of the Los Angeles Mirror I located Eisenhower for President and in 1951 we were the first metropolitan newspaper in West to endorse him for president and urge his election. In MANDATE FOR CHANGE Eisenhower writes on page "Shortly after the presidennation was settled a ball committee came to ask out my choice for Vice Presitent. I read off my list, which is headed by Senator Richard Nixon of California. My reasons for placing Nix's name on this list and at head were my own. First, through reports of qualified observers, I believed that his political philosophy generally coincided with my own. Next, I realized that before the election took place I would have maintained the age of 62. I thought we should take the opportunity to select a vice-presitial candidate who was strong, vigorous, ready to learn, of good reputation." Ike's nomination approached. I was called into conference at the Chicago Condid Hilton Hotel, between Paul Coffman, Sherman Adams and Larmond, all close Eisenhower aides and managers. They asked me how well I knew Dick Nixon. I replied, he well. They asked me if I could contact him and ascertain his attitude if "the General would ask him to be his running mate." We went immediately to the Calmia Hotel where the Calinia delegation was staying. When I reached Nixon's suite and his wife Pat were having breakfast. They invited me have a cup of coffee and Pat excused herself. Chairman, quality control Meet the most important person in our lives: A customer. As a business managed company, all Southern California Edison plans people have the one big objective: Customer satisfaction. We move serve and please our customers. Happily for us (and for our 120 electric living grows and grows in popularity. People say nice thing of our service. And Edison electricity continues to be today's biggest have an important stake in the electric utility industry. To find out read right. OCTOBER 22, 1963. WILGENFELD MORTUARY Faithful, Courteous Service E. Broadway, Anaheim ONE KE 5-4105 Looks Back in History First Senate The first Senate had 15 members, only two of them native Californians. The first Assembly had 36 members, not one of them a native son, and two of them foreign-born. The cost of living was a bit high in those days. You think it's bad now. Each lawmaker received $16 a day during session and $15 for every 20 miles he traveled to and from the capitol. This figured out to 80 cents a mile as compared to the present rate of 15 cents per mile in 1963. Food costs were just as bad. Meat sold for a minimum of 75 cents a pound, butter $1 a pound, eggs $3 a dozen, milk $1 a quart. Ban Slavery The question of slavery in California had been settled earlier by the constitutional convention which wrote into the constitution that slavery was forever barred in the state. It is interesting to note, however, that California then sent two Senators to Washington, D.C., who had pro-slavery sympathies. Both were originally from the South and it was felt that any strong anti-slavery Senators might arouse hostility from the Southern Congressmen who in turn would block California's admission into the Union. That nasty word today is called "compromise"! Beginning of Government To get back to the first legislative session, the legislature convened in joint session Dec. 22, 1849 and elected the state officers, treasurer, controller, attorney general, surveyor general, chief justice and two associate justices. Thus was the beginning of California's state government. The legislators started from scratch, specifying duties of state officers, set up a court system, enacted codes for civil and criminal law, and defined the rights of persons and of property. Common Law The legislature adopted as basic law the common law of the day derived from Roman, French-Mexican background. English common law emphasized the rights of the individual as contrasted with the Roman law which emphasized the right of the state and the will of the prince as being the highest law. The first legislature also provided revenue by initiating the first state system of taxation on real and personal property. The lawmakers also authorized sale of $1 million in bonds, the issue to be paid over a 20-year period. We were in business. The following year after admission to the Union, the first state budget totaled, in 1850, a mere $348,165. Today it is $3.27 billion dollars. The state capitol was moved from pillar to post during the first few years — San Jose, Vallejo, Benecia, and finally to Sacramento, where it remains considerably expanded today. The population in 1880 was about 200,000. Initially, the state as divided into 25 counties and later expanded as the population grew. The basic structure of county government, written into law by the first legislature, still endures today. And that gives you a glimpse of the early history of California state government. As time marches on, the problems can be just as complicated. Promoted John D. Hampton of 2218 Standish St., Anaheim, has been promoted to assistant cashier in the note department at Bank of America's Anaheim Main Office; it was announced by Vice President and Manager Richard W. Gay. Here in the Note department for five years, Hampton joined the bank in 1949 at the Shafter branch as a teller. Born in Oklahoma City, he attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and furthered his professional education at the American Institute of Banking. He and his wife Edna have four married daughters. Answers to key questions about the investor-owned electric utility industry and the all-electric future Did you know you probably "own" part of the electric utility industry? Nearly everyone in the United States has a stake in the future of the investor-owned electric utility industry. It's a fact! If you have a bank account, carry insurance, belong to a "fund" or any organization with money to manage, you are probably an indirect owner—since all these types of institutions are investors in electric utility company securities. How about the direct owners? There are some four million direct owners of America's business-managed electric utility industry: men and women who have invested their savings in companies such as Southern California Edison. More than 100,000 people like you and your neighbors are investors who directly own Southern California Edison. No wonder Edison service is perpetually polished and perfected. The boss is all around us! INVESTORS IN THE ELECTRIC INDUSTRY DIRECT INVESTORS Shareholders...4 million Bondholders...Number unknown INDIRECT INVESTORS Life Insurance Policyholders...130 million Mutual Savings Bank Depositors...22.5 million Members, Shareholders, Policyholders In Charitable, Fraternal, Religious, Educational Organizations and Foundations...Total number unknown This table shows the ownership of America's electric utility industry. It's a picture of power widely owned and well-managed for the benefit of almost everyone. What effect has investor-ownership had on the cost of electricity for you and your family? Despite rising costs and rising prices This table shows the ownership of America's electric utility industry. It's a picture of power widely owned and well-managed for the benefit of almost everyone. What effect has investor-ownership had on the cost of electricity for you and your family? Despite rising costs and rising prices everywhere else you look, the cost of the average kilowatt-hour of electricity to the residential consumer in America has gone steadily down (see chart below). One big reason for this: the business-managed companies are constantly protecting the interests of their customers (who are also their owners) by increasing efficiencies to make electricity one of our age's biggest values. Here in Central and Southern California, the record has been outstanding. The average cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity to Edison residential customers is 26% lower today than it was in 1939. For more details, send for your copy of "The Answers to 30 Questions." Writex Advertising Department, Southern California Edison Company, P.O. Box 351, Los Angeles 53, California.