Newspapers / The Franklin Press and … / Oct. 15, 1959, edition 1 / Page 2
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and <Jhr Highlands JHaranian WEIMAR JONES Editorial Page Editor The editor controls and takes full responsibility (or thia page. He has no control over or responsibility for what appears elsewhere in the paper. EVER STOP TO THINK? Whose Freedom Freedom of the press ... Have you ever stopped to think what that phrase, ""freedom of the press", means? It means just what it says: That the press is free ? except for the re strictions of laws like that against libel ? to print whatever it pleases. Have you ever stopped ,to ask yourself why it is free? There could he but one reason for granting so great a freedom ? so that you, and other citi zens/ may know. Have you ever stopped to realize that, without an unobstructed flow of information and ideas, democratic government would be impossible? The press is free, that is, not for its own benefit, but for the citizens'; and this so-called freedom of the press really belongs to the citizens in a democracy ? the press merely holds it in trusteeship. Have you ever stopped to consider who has the greatest stake in keeping the press free? It is those who would lose all their other freedoms without this one ? you and all other citizens. And have you ever stopped to ponder what vast responsibility 'goes, with this great freedom? There is your own responsibility* as a citizen, to he infor^ nied ; there is the even heavier responsibility of the press to provide you accurate, complete informa tion and intelligent, honest opinion about what that information means. Conscientious newspapermen have thought long and hard on these things. And four years ago the newspapers of North Carolina tried to put on paper a statement pf. the principle involved, and to pin point the obligations of newspapers and news papermen. At least once a year. The Press reprints that Statement of Principle. It does so to remind its readers of the' importance to them of this basic freedom ; hut, even more, to remind all of us who work on this newspaper of our own obligations. The occasion this year is National Newspaper Week, which start^ today. We invite the attention of readers to that state ment, appearing at the bottom of this page. We in vite them to study it, analyze it, pass judgment on it. And we invite them to help us, through con structive suggestion and criticism, as we strive, during the next 12 months, to meet our obligations as members of a free press. Mindful, of our "own human imperfections", we know we cannot measure up fully. But we pledge our best efforts. A Statement Of Principle (BY N. C. PRESS ASSOCIATION) The newspapers of North Caro lina. conscious of their obligations, and mindful of their ows human Imperfections, rededicate them selves to these principles which guide a responsible press in a free society. I Freedom of the press exists In a democracy, not for the power or profit or pleasure of any In dividual. bat for the common good. The right of the people to know cannot be denied or dimin ished without endangering de mocracy Itself. It is the obliga tion of the press to provide ac curate. timely and complete In formation about all developments which affect the people's political, economic or social well-being. Given the facts, the people usually will reach wise decisions. II The trusteeship of a free press is the final responsibility of the publisher. He may share it. but he cannot escape it. The good publisher provides the necessary money and space for adequate coverage of the essential news and emp'oys personnel of Integrity, ability and sound judgment. He exalts accuracy above every other consideration, and insists upon prompt, full and even generous correction when errors occur, III ?Every citizen deserves the stim ulus of a strong editorial page, on which the editor voices his own well-informed opinion, clearly and forcefully; yet willingly provides .xpace for contrary opinion. The good editor often takes sides, but witout arrogance or Intolerance. He champions boldly the rights of the people, sometimes against government itself. He provides leadership, particularly In his own community. He has a special re sponsibility to defend the weak, to prod the public conscience, and to speak out against the injustices of which a majority can some times be guilty. IV The primary function of a newspaper is to report the news. The good reporter strives con stantly to find and write the truth. This task, no matter how difficult, is his unescapable re sponsibility. i . To be true, a story, together with its headlines, must be hon est. To be honest, it must be fair. To be fair, it must be accurate and complete. Honesty demands objectivity, the submergence of prejudice and personal conviction. Fairness de mands regard for the rights of others. Accuracy demands cour age. painstaking care, and per spective to assure a total plcturc as true as its Individual facts. V The final test of every story, every headline, every editorial, every newspaper is: Is it honest? Is it fair? Is it accurate? To the end that they can more frequently answer these question? in the affirmative, the newspapers of North Carolina adopt this state ment of principle. Reflected Glory? Why The Delay? An editorial in last week's Press asked why, six weeks after announcement of the proposed Nanta hala-Duke power deal, application for its approval >still had not been filed with the N. C. Utilities Commission. Mr. W. B. McGuire, president of Duke Power Company, in his talk to the Franklin Rotary Club last Thursday, night, replied. Since we raised the question, of course fairness demands we give equal space and prominence to his answer. He said there were two reasons. First, the an nouncement had to be made earlier than planned, because word had got out, and it was feared some reporter might break the story prematurely. Sec ond, preparation qf the application involves a lot of work : and, since it is a joint application, it has to he approved by Duke officials, Nantahala offi cials, and Pittsburgh (headquarters of Alcoa, which owns Nantahala). Mr. McCiuire said he hoped the application could be filed with the Utilities Commission this week. That Bond Election What's that spccial bond election, to be held Tuesday, October 27, all about? In a nutshell, this seems to be the story: The last (ieneral Assembly failed to provide funds for capital improvements at the state's colleges, men tal institutions, and for other purposes. Instead, the legislators passed" the buck to the citizens. In the election of week after next, voters in Ma con and the other 99 counties in North Carolina will approve or disapprove nine proposed bond is sues, totalling nearly 35 million dollars. Of the total, nearly 31 million is for capital im provements (chiefly buildings) at the colleges and mental institutions. 9 ISSUES Each voter will vote for or against each of the nine proposed issues of state bonds. Here's the list, with the amount for each : Educational institutions $18,891,000 Mental institutions 12,053,000 Community Colleges 1,500,000 These funds are for grants-in-aid, on an equal matching basis, to the community colleges at Charlotte, AsheviLle, and Wilmington. Hospitals 500,000 These funds are for state participation, through the Medical Care Commission, in local hospital construction. State Armory 100, (XX) Training Schools 466,000 These funds are for the four schools for juvenile delin quents. State Blind Rehabilitation Center l-KUXX) State Ports 500,000 Historical Sites Construction and Restoration 250, (XX) DIVISION OF COLLEGE FUNDS The nearly 19 niilHon for educational institutions would be divided as follows : State Board of Education $1,539,000 These funds are for industrial education centers equipment and an addition to the vocational textile school building. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 5,330,000 Of this total, $1,090,000 is for the School of Public Health. State College, Raleigh 4,799,000 Woman's College, Greensboro 520,000 East Carolina College, Greenville 1,490,000 A. & T. (Negro) College, Greensboso 976,000 Western Carolina College, Cullowhee 1,425,000 Appalachian State Tteachers College. Boone 1,577,000 Pembroke State College 250, OCX) Winston-Salem Teachers College 150,000 Elizabeth City State Teachers College 71,000 State School for the Blind and the Deaf 179,000 ? Continued on Page 3 LETTERS 'Clean-Cut Appraisal' Dear Mr. Jones: . We who are accustomed to a high degree of excellence In the editorial section of our local paper are inclined to take this service tor granted. Your analysis of the proposed power deal, appearing in the Sept. 24 and Oct. l issues of The Press, deserves the acclaim of all who are concerned. I want to thank you for a clear cut objective appraisal of a situation vital to all of us who are Interested in the welfare of our county. H. BUECK, Superintendent, Macon County Schools. Franklin. Ready To Help Fight It Dear Mr. Jones: . I have been away from Franklin for the past ten days, so I was not there to read last week's issue of The Press. How ever, Mrs. Skipwlth mailed the editorial page to me. You have made another excellent presentation of the power situation. I hope the editorial ("The Known Facts", in the Oct. 1 issue) will be digested by the residents of Macon County and surrounding areas. Let no one be misled by the soft, sweet words of the Duke Power Company officials as to their intentions on rates. They will raise them Just as fast and just as high as the North Carolina Utilities Commission will let them. I have been as sociated in the Utility industry all my life and know just what comes after any consolidation such as is being proposed. As you know I am a newcomer In Franklin. I have been ' there less than a year. My Interests and Investments are very small. I do not wish to be labeled as an upstart for project ing myself into this situation when there are so many others who should have a much greater stake in the matter than I. However, I am incensed over the situation, so, if any re sponsible person is willing- to lead this fight and take the i proper steps to raise funds for legal and other expenses, I will subscribe to such a fund. You may put me down for $100 as my subscription at this ] time and perhaps more will be given later, based on the extent to which others subscribe and the nature of the campaign organized. , LEE SKIP WITH New York, N. Y? I Oct. 5, 1959 '/ i Strictly Personal By WEIMAR JONES To me. travel Is always exciting. Even a bus trip to Asheville can prove something of an adventure, as I learned only the other day. My chief business there was a night meeting, but since there were some errands that had to be taken care of before noon, I caught the early morning bus. And I mean early; it leaves at 6:10! It had been quite sometime since I'd got up while It was still dark, and I grumbled plenty when the alarm clock rang that morn ing. Yet, thanks to that early departure, I saw something that morning I had not seen for months ? the wonder of day break. Always a miracle, that time It was a stirring miracle ? dawn coming over dark mountains, with fog filling the valleys. When the bus left here, I was the lone passenger, so I fell Into conversation with the driver. Why, . I wondered, does the bus leave Franklin at such an unearthly hour, is it /so it can make con nection with another bus? No, came the reply; it's so people who live this side of Asheville, but , work there, can get to their jobs on time. Soon the bus began to take on passengers (when we arrived in Asheville, there must have been . a score). And that brought the second Interesting experience. I was impressed by the relations of driver and passengers. Partly, perhaps, because many of them ride with him every day, but chiefly, I'd guess, because of Ills attitude, they were not just driver and passengers, but neigh bors and friends. Each was greet ed with a cheery "Good morning!" or a "How's your mother today?" or a "You needn't have run; we "Tiave plenty of time". And they chatted and kidded with him; "What you got your lights on ? for? Can't you see It's daylight?'' (We'd Just come out of heavy fog.) There's no reason why that sort of thing should be worth remarking. Yet It is so unusual, in many parts of this country, the thought occurred to me: If I owned a bus line, somewhere other than in these mountains, I'd pay Lester McDonald a premium sal ary to drive it. People would be so impressed by his neighborll ness, they'd ride the bus just to experience it. ? ? .* Then, arrived in AsheviUe. there was the inconsequential but amus ing incident of the two cents. Now two cents won't even buy a "penny postal" any more; its value is practically zero. But I don't ftke to be robbed, even of two cents; besides. I think it's the duty of each of us to do our bit toward holding down inflation by protesting against being robbed. So, when I stopped to buy a Charlotte Observer and was told the price was seven cents, I mildly inquired why. (It says plainly on the front of the paper It's a nickel.) "It's seven cents on news stands", the man said. Then he added; "On all news stands." I should have kept my mouth shut, but h^d distorted the truth as well as exaggerated the price, so I re plied: "No, sir; I can buy it on the news stand in Franklin for a nickel ? and often do." I wanted the paper, so I paid the seven cents and went about my business. I was a little self satisfied. I guess, thinking "I gave that fellow something to think about." > Maybe I did, but he got his revenge. Later in the day, passlpg the same place, I dropped in, laid a penny on the counter, and asked for a box of matches. "We have no matches." The place is a cigar store, as well as news stand, so obviously he was lying ? was telling such a big He he knew that I knew it was a lie) What he meant was: "We don't want business from cheapskates". By all the rules, I'm sure I should have felt as he meant me to, very cheap; about like two cents. Strangely, though, I didn't. I chuckled the rest of the day at how I'd laid myself wide open. ? ? * By mid-afternoon, I found my self with tiipe on my hands; and I was a little ashamed to realize that I, like most Americans, dreaded rather than welcomed a bit of leisure. ' 1 sat down in the sun. on a bench at Pritchard Park, and watched the automobiles and pedestrians stream by. hurrying, hurrying, hurrying. Hurrying where? I wondered. Soon, though, I was absorbed by the conversation of those on the next bench, a group of elder ly men, all long retired. And as I listened. I wondered how it is possible there could be so wide a gulf between those of 70 and to day's folks of 30 or even 40. The youngsters would have found the interests, the thinking, even the humor ? perhaps most of all. the humor ? of these oldsters incom prehensible. Much of the talking was done by a peppery man of 79, who in terrupted himself frequently to exclaim, audibly, when he spotted a shapely young woman in the passing crowds. I had forgotten, until I heard him tell, with many guffaws, how he once had beaten a man in a land trade ? beaten him out of two feet! ? I had for gotten, till I heard those old men talk, what a high premium once was put on shrewdness. Then the old fellow boasted of his latest exploit: someone had blocked his driveway, and had hesitated about moving, when asked to do so. "I told him: 'I'll give you five minutes to move ? and two and a half of those five minutes are already gone!'" I had forgotten, too, until I heard their stories, how often, in an earlier era, the humor was at the expense of the weak ? the "nigger", the Jew. the half-wit, etc. The most amusing remark I heard was quoted. An old fellow with a kindly twinkle commented it was time for him to go home; that supper would be ready by the time he got there; and that "Elsenhower may eat in a finer diningroom, but he won't have any better food than I will ? my wife's the finest cook In the world." Then he smiled and re called what she had said to him when he retired: "So you're going to quit work? Well, isn't it time for me to retire, too?" As these old men arose and walked away, one by one, I realized as never before that it is not white hair or the lined face or even the failing faculties that most surely betray age; it is posture. The stiffness, the slight limp, the protruding head (as though the body could never quite catch up), the flumped stomach, the stooped shoulders. I'd have known, when they walked away, that those men were old, even if I hadn't seen the face of one of them. Because I had that bit of idle time, I got my first good look in years at really old men. And as the last one slowly moved away, the thought came to me: Old men are nothing but boys who are tired ? and don't get rested any more. > . I didn't have to reply on others, though, to provide the climactic Incident of that day. It came, as it so often does, from my own bungling of a situation. My difficulty In recognizing people usually can be counted on, on even the dullest day, to create hilarity ? and embarrassment. And that far-from-dull day was no exception. It's a difficulty I'va had all my life; and it hasn't helped to become nearsighted and. besides, to have eyes that just don't function in either too much or too little light. Facing the sun as I walked up a street, I heard a cordial voice say: "Why hello, Mr. Jones." Who could those two ladies be? I wondered; surely someone I'd known during my years in Ashe vllle. So I said: "Hello; I'm so glad to see you again." "You know Patty", said the older of the two. Still in abysmal ignorance of who it was, I chirped: "Sure! Hi, Patty." "She's married now, you know." Undoubtedly, I thought, I haven't seen Patty since she was a small child, so I exclaimed: "Surely not- I just can't believe it!" "Why, didn't you see It in The Press?" What I'd have said to that, I don't know. Fortunately I didn't have to say anything; for the older woman said: "You don't know us, do you, Mr. Jones?" There was no escape now; if I should say yes, what would I say after that? So I told the truth: "No, I'm afraid I don't." And that incident Illustrates how destiny hangs on small things. If I hadn't been so all fired anxious to be pleasant and so hadn't exclaimed that I couldn't believe Patty was married, I might have got away with my bluff. And if I'd been told Patty's full name,' I'd have got those two ladies placed. I But alas! I had exclaimed. And my long-time Franklin neighbor had called her daughter just "Patty". If Mrs. Louis Phillips had only said "Patty Lou"! DO YOU REMEMBER? Looking Backward Through the riles ?( The Press 65 TEARS AGO THIS WEEK (1894) we learn that Mr. Jesse West, of Cowee, has been prospecting (or corundum on his place with good success. He has sunk nine pits and found fine prospects in all of them. The pleasant physiognomy of lohn Swan, Jr., temporarily of Axiuone, was seen in our town a day or two of last week. There was light frost In many places in the county October 5, the first of the season. Misses Maggie and Virgie Crawford left last Wednesday for Greensboro to enter the State Normal and industrial School (now Woman's College). 35 YEARS AGO (1924) rne western uaronna Tele phone Company, with authoriz- ; ?d capital stock of $25,000, and , (6,000 paid In, was organized in ' franklin October 1. Officers ] ?re: Sam L. Rogers, president; ] 5. S. Hunnicutt, secretary; and i u. a. Stewart, general manager and treasurer. Directors are Mr. Rogers, W. B. McGuire, Mr. Stewart, Gus Leach, and Tom Johnston. At the meeting, the ieal to purchase the telephone property of W. L. McCoy was lonsummated. 15, YEARS AGO (1944) A hearing will be held at Jalnesvllle, Oa., Oct. 30, to con lder the application ol H. L irewer, receiver for the Tallulah , Falls Railway, to discontinue the passenger trains on the line. The No. 2 "A-12" gasoline ra tion coupon will expire Nov. 8. 5 YEARS AGO (1954) A Lions Club was organized t Highlands Thursday night. with Neville Bryson as tempor ary president.
The Franklin Press and the Highlands Maconian (Franklin, N.C.)
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Oct. 15, 1959, edition 1
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