Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Eugene register-guard. (Eugene, Or.) 1930-1983 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 1947)
Pag 16, Rcgister-Guard, Eugene, Or., Sunday, Pee. 11, 1MT AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER iPublithod Kvar EvanlnM and Sunday) EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ... , Alton t. Bakr MANAGING EDITOR . . William M. Tufman mpw reuvthb Atmoelated Preu. unltM Mi 1SMBEK , Audit Bureau of Circulation Entered at th Post Offlca at Euftna. Oregon, aa Mcona- alftKs mat tar. The Register-Guard'i policy U the aompleta and Impartial publication in 1U ntwi pagei of an new ana iiaiemenia on newt. On thla page the edlton of The Register-Guard offer their oplnlom on event of the day and matter of importance to the community, endeavoring to be candid but fair and helpful In the development of constructive community policy. Question From The Eugene Side It is interesting to note that the very first question concerning' our long analysis of the Springfield financial problem (and our sug gestion of an Area consolidation and tax equalization) comes not from the Springfield side of the river but from Eugene. An owner of downtown property in Eugene (conse quently a large taxpayer) asks: "Just what would that get us into in Eu gen? Wouldn't we be bled white to Improve and embellish these outlying areas with little direct benefit to Eugene especially if we mere ly contributed to their tax relief without re taining a very strong control of expenditures?" That's a good question. It is not possible, at this stage, to make any final or detailed distribution of funds or costs, but it is pos ' sible to give a rough outline of what could ' be done, and it shows that the Eugene tax ' payer would NOT be unduly burdened. The 'present city levy for Eugene is 16.9 mills (which includes 5 mills for sewer re serves and 1 mill for city hall). The present city levy in Springfield is 23.3 mills. Let us assume that in. spreading municipal services over the entire Eugene-Springfield urban area, we would require an average levy of 20 mills for all purposes, including debt serv ioe. and that this revenue would be allocated on the basis of population in the principal units. On an aggregate taxable valuation ; of better than $30,000,000, there would be a tax revenue of $600,000 a year which would apportion as follows (using the major school districts as provisional boundaries): Population Allocation Springfield (Dist. 1) 13,732 $162,200 Bethel (Dist. 82) 1,825 22,800 Danebo (Dist. 133) 817 12,000 Glenwood (Dist. 180) 1,411 17,000 Outlaying parte (Dist. 4) $,060 37,800 City of Eugene 27,000 337,800 (NOTE: In the present situation the city of Springfield gets only $81,848.87 tax revenue despite Its high levy; Eugene gets $302,786.88. Springfield pays higher fire insurance because its station is badly located and Its force under manned. All of the suburban areas pay higher fire insurance, higher water rates, and make substantial fire district and water district levies). However, a consolidation is not as simple as outlined here. One great need Is an amend ment to state law so that tracts still in farm use can be exempted from oity tax except as they are developed, populated to get serv ice. Under law, outstanding bond issues and obligations must be absorbed. Some plan would have to be worked out with the Eugene Water Board for absorbtion of water dis tricts into its system. Springfield's Willama lane park district would be a' special prob lem (we would favor extending it to cover the Eugene area, thus divorcing parks and recreation from other municipal functions). Olenwood and the Garden Way area would be important to any effort to bring Eugene and Springfield together because they would establish contiguity. After estab lishing the boundaries of the consolidation, there would be the problem of agreements of charter revisions to fix the basis of repre sentation, controls, distribution of funds and functions. Water, fire protection, police protection, sewers and sewage disposal, streets are the great primary and common needs of the area. One of the greatest elements of strength in the program would be consolidated bor rowing power. On $30,000,000 valuation the credit ratio (5 percent of valuation on a 60 percent ratio) would be over $1,800,000. (Springfield now has only $20,000 credit lee way for general purposes). There would be proportionate increase in ability to finance sewers and other special improvements which come outside the general limitations. We cannot say truthfully that the Eugene taxpayer would pay less than before (al though with good management over the years that might be achieved). He would NOT be overburdened and he would certainly share in the benefits which would come from clean . ing up some of the mess which too rapid growth has created. GOP Forces Its Control Plan The program for inflation control will be the Republican party's program, or Sen- ator Taft's if you prefer to put it that way, President Truman's much more drastic prop osition to restore price, wage and commodity controls was given short shrift. The three point Republican substitute was Jammed through, the essentials being: 1. Voluntary price agreements within Indus tries under suspension of the Sherman anti trust act (not unlike the late lamented NRA). X. Extended export controls. 3. Extended transportation controls. President Truman is reported ready to sign the measure, under protest. He and the Democrats claim it is entirely inadequate, that it places on the Administration a great burden of supervision without the authority to make effective regulations and make them stick. The proof of this pudding will be in the rating (or lack of it for the people who have the votes. It seems to us that the worst fea ture of the GOP's plan was not the plan it self but the high handed parliamentary tactics used ta shut off debate and amend ments. As might be expected, Oregon's Sen. lor Morse is alliened with the forces of protest. Thinking has come a long way since the days of the "Blue Eagle" and the late Gen eral Hugh Johnson who god-fathered that unlucky bird. This plan does not seem to be so elaborate as NRA, but there may be a question whether it can stand the same sort of practical and constitutional tests which defeated NRA. The theory of self-regulation within in dustries is fine, but it is not likely to stand under the hard tests of competition for scarce materials and the temptations to grab and advantage in price. Politically, it can be said that the two parties have chosen their own risks. If the inflationary trend is checked the Republi cans can take a big bow. But if they are not checked the Truman campaign slogan will be: "I told you so!" The demonstration of solidarity in both parties is the most impressive aspect of this pre-election legislative event. The Elks Christmas Party This is the season of Christmas parties, but there is always one that stands out, and that is the Elks' annual party for the children of Eugene. It has been going on for years, in good times and bad. It would be difficult to estimate . how many boys and girls have shared in this festivity over the years. Many of them are now grown, and they send their kids. Way back yonder somewhere when the late Jack Luckey was secretary of the Elks, there came to be a saying: ' "When there is some big community need, go and see. the Elks; the Elks get things done," That is a very fine tradition. We can re call go many instances of action by the Elks that we hestltate to make a list. No, the Elks are not an "easy touch." Don't get that idea. The funds of the lodge are carefully and shrewdly administered. But they are always attentive to any need; they are an organiza tion created for mutual benefit, and they are famous for their love of fun. What we like is that somehow they have achieved a tradition of "the open mind and the open heart." This big party for children goes on and on. Sometimes we suspect that the old boys have as much fun as the kids themselves. Why not? That's what makes good. This thing is our way of sending a sprig of holly to "some grand guys." Ajax McGurk says that after watching one of the Town's Big Shots trying to wrap a Christmas package, he has less faith than ever in "intelligence tests." Somehow or other that Republican plan for stopping inflation by purely voluntary effort reminds us of the brave mule who balked in the tracks to stop the express. Ardent Wayne Morse fans say he is just trying to prove that he is a better Republi can than all the rest, and if they and he are right, he may be the only one left. Messrs. Molotov, Gromyko, et als, keep trying to prove that poor old Uncle Sam is trying to capture the world when as a matter of fact he'd be tickled to death to remove to a less troublesome planet. In The Editor's Mailbag POOR FARM EUGENE (To the Editor) Upon mv observation and conver sation with some of the people who live in the Boor Farm it would be a privilege for them to get away from the place. Mr. Wheeler says that it is a orivileEe for these people to live out there. Let Mr. Wheeter and some of the County Court people go out when not expected for din ner and see what they feed them. No butter and sugar, beans, po tatoes one day, potatoes and beans the next day and for the next week made into potato cakes until its sour. The people at the Ferry Street bridge are better off than the peo ple at the poor farm, they would get away if they could. The toilet for the old people Is way out in the yard, tor these people who are blind and crippled. They all have to tend to their own fire. :ir. Hoare could do better. If he can't the county commissioners had better see that they do. I think It s awful, those old peo ple don't eat much I'm sure. Soup and a few nice extras would be better. From one who knows, MRS. I. J. KAUPAL. 1350 Lincoln. P. S. We are giving to Europe. I think charity begins at home, EUGENE (To the Editor) Your article in tonight's Guard makes me cry out. "Aged Folk at Poor Farm Worry over Where to Go." Certainly Eugene is not go ing to let those old people take to the Road, with no place to go. To sell the poor farm at this time seem to me, is there a word bad enough to describe it Make another door to door can vass, bring out the dollar bills and take care of the helpless for just a little time longer. Surely this inflation and crrwded housing isn't going to last forever. I've come here from a richer state, but it wasn't always rich. I also am not too proud of Penn sylvania, though I love it. I won der now what they did with their poor. on yes, they had some com pensation. And we did have a swell Welfare Department when I left seven years ago. Don't let these people down. MARIE L. PARKHURST. POOR FARM EUGENE (To the Editor) There is nothing more deplorable tnan robbing these poor helpless people of their rights, for they have all paid taxes in their time, that went for the upkeep of this home. It is too bad that the ex pense of this home is too great a tax for the county. These Doerfe helped build our county and country and were good citizens in their time. They are not a burden to nobody m the home and enjoy each other's company more than they would that of relation, whom they might try to livj with. A large portion of our welfare coun ty and state officials put in their time seeing how little can be spent on tnose in need, that the tax is intended for and how much they can get out of it for their own wage as office holders. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have a Christmas ship at home for these people of our own? We don't seem to mind sending billions to Europe to the ones re sponsible for the killing of the prize of our nation. There are no people in our country or else where that .deserve our help any more than our poor old folks. This lies at the door step of all welfare offices and organizations and such officials as might have a say in the matter. Let's please v.... v,oin from other svm- Iuavc ot -i- - - -pathizers for these people before they can t be neipea. C. 5. Anivir,, Ki E. 31st, Eugene. MAIL SERVICE rair.FN? fTo the Editor) I don't know whether you will use space on the editorial page ior inu letter or not, but I hope you do. If not throw It in the waste basket. Just before Christmas Is no nnht nmr time tn bellv acre. but I'm getting scared. I'm afarid someone might invite me over ior Phrtetma. dinner and wa wouldn't get the letter till next year. To day's mail brougnt tne usuai as sortment ol cards, etc., some were miiu nf ia In Ohio: also a post card mailed in Eugene Dec. 6, arrived today, Dec. 18. iast weex we received a large letter, nrsi class, containing an insurance policy from our agent in Eugene urhfoh hA mailed find was can- r-llprl at thA T.nfene Dost office Wmr itt ami wa rApeiveri it nn Dec. u . - -- - 12. Only 2 weeks, but I guess that's not too bad, since we live wav out In the country, almost to Danebo. ThA main thins that worries me nnur tm that mv hlrthnHV COmAS in March and just in case anyone plans on sending me a present, please get it mailed right after tViA PhrictmaR man an I'll be rea sonably sure of getting It on time. If anyone doums my wora about the letter and post card. just drop me a line no, don't write, come on out. Sincerely yours, . CLIFFORD VANSCHOIACK. Rt 1, Box 438-M, Eugene. THAT FARM OAKRIDGE (To the Editor) Thank you all for that very Im pressive illustration In your yes. terday paper: the Lane County Poor Farm. Yes, very impressive illustration indeed, doing great credit abroad to us as a Free and Rich Country; the fact and matter is, and it is well known no other country in the world treats its needy and un derprivileged class more niggard' ly than our own U. S. Billions for Europe, to Hell with the poor here at home. Knute F. Turnqulst. lons and other fixed incomes, with surprisingly little yelping in evidence, at least not near as much as the situation calls for. Congress is far from blameless for this state of affairs. It created a set-up whereby money was bor rowed from the banks to finance the war, and, of course, the barjks issued new currency to the extent of their loans. The war material was destroyed, but the money which went to pay for It Is still circulating, creating an excess de mand for consumer goods. I think it would have helped the situa tion if Congress had siphoned off the excess dollars by levying heavier taxes during the war. But having failed to do this, it ought now to find some way of restoring the value of the dollar and the E-bonds. . 03car R. Anderson, 1483 Oak Street Emma Abshire Emma Ahahlia in j,.. at her home in Springfield si! was born at Bloomlngton InSe iOct. 6. 1889. and m.l.Ji' 1' Abshli- nt Casper, Wyo D ,T Besides T-av . Chell. Elicr.n. ' '"7 Mlt" Services will be at Pool-Un.n Mortuary Monday at 3 p. mTwitS iM Hev.r. -4m lit iUniti vwnHm HQS i "4 1 1 n RUSSIA AND V. S. EUGENE (To the Editor) I find that I enjoy reading most of your editorials, as they present issues and problems in an inter esting and logical manner. Would like to make a short comment on your editorial of Dec. 17 regarding Russian monetary troubles, the last sentences of which reads: "What we do we do with lots of yelling! Just let Congress try to cut your E-bonds in two." But that is practically what has happened to the E-bonds, if one wants to convert them into ood that one could buy In 1841, when we iirst started to put our hard- earned savings into them. The same thing is happening to pen- Why suffer any longer Whan othara fan, nia aor Chlneie remadiea. Amailna ineeaii lor 6000 reari In China. No matter with what allraonta yoa ara aMietod dliorderr, lnaaltli, heart, lonn, liver, kldneyi, gut, constipation, nleori, dlabetci. rhearaatism, rail and bliddtr fov-or, kin, femalo complaint!. CHARLIE CHAN CHINESE HEBB CO. Tit Willamette OFFICE HOURS 4:30 to 6:80 Wednesday Only Santy Claus flying over the rooftops has nothing on some of the guys who infest the highways at this season, only reindeer seem to be a lot more controllable than gas. The Eugene Water Board is struggling to keep the voltage up, and some of the cus tomers are trying to keep the blood pressure down when the lights go off these nights. . Congressmen are in a scramble to get home for Christmas. Can't blame 'em for wanting to get in on the good will while it lasts. PAC is reported to be divided on whether Henry Wallace should bust the Democratic party or start a third party, but some of the boys think the problem is to get Henry down off the roof first. Henry Wallace is reported to have pro duced a new breed of chickens that will lay more eggs than any known breed to date. Some of the wags say that is quite appropriate. FRIED CHICKEN DELIVERED To Your Home No Charge lor Delivery In City Limits Order Includes chicken, French fries, toast and collee U5 -Ar Orders will be delivered by DeLuxe ' Cab Co. to Insure their being hot on arrival. PHONE 172 FOR ORDERS (Closed Thursdays) WHITE PALACE CAFE 47 East 10th A good many men are puzzled over what to get the wife for Christmas, but old Adrian Fuddle insists that the real puizle is what to get it with. U. S. Treasury is making moan because dollar bills ,wear out too soon. It was our impression that they merely evaporate. The game of horseshoes is always pop ular with elderly men at southern resorts. Maybe because it requires only a few shoes and a couple of chews., The easiest, way to break drop it. j habit is to DICKENS Christmad (arot Will Be Presented on COLLARD CLASSIC HOUR STATION KORE - SUNDAY 4 P.M. .WitH Best Wishes for the Holidays from Collard Motors T2 E. 11th, Eugene QUAKER Curtain Stretchers Now Available JOHNSON FURNITURE CO. 649 Willamette Phone 2893 KUPPENHEIMER CLOTHES Byrom ft Kneeland THE MAN'S SHOP 12 Fast 10th Pt SPIRAL BRISTLEC0MB IN A STIIKINO NIW OI'T SOX Avoid lottllnt Shop lha eair, comforablt Foliar war illbi in roar , own none. CALL O WRITl Phone 2230 or 3425-W 215 Hampton Bldg. We Will Remain Open For Your last minute Christmas Shopping Mil l FR Y We are CLOSING 01 THE FOLLOWING rmisD, TOY DEPARTMENT METAL WHEELBARROWS neg. sa.ss Toy CARPET SWEEPERS . Toy LAWNMOWERS LARGE REDUCTION IN rk;u.... TiDi r . ... X.....U.CH1 imduc and tHAIR SETS DOLLS . . . WAGONS Entire Stock of BEDSPREADS Choice.... $5M Table Lamps Besides these specials, we have a larpemJ of Christmas items lot & honui LAMPS MIRRORS SWING HOOBRI OCCASIONAL CHAIRS BOUDOIR CHJWI PHLLCO RADIOS . AND MANY OTHER USEFUL HOMS fflTIi JOHNSON FURNITURE CO, 649 Willamette TelefhoM lit rave uouf hair a dedined and cut to jit you, . , 4 By -DOROTHY AAS oCet a hair desiy P m k ner ii i muern cui ' , - j. . ) h V DOROIHT AA8 your Hair Permanent Waving ' Our Specialty Machineless . . $7.50 and'. O Cold Wave... $10 The Victory Cut" design particularly for busy poP! Requires no fussing. Just run a comb througH AN ALL PURPOSE CUT THAT CAN BE SET IN MAW MILLER'S BEAUTY SAL w Jtha ,'bani i
