North Carolina Newspapers

Page 2 THE WAYNESVILLE MOUNTAINEER Thursday: july The Mountaineer Published By THE WAYNESVILLE PRINTING CO. Main Street Phone 137 Waynesville, North Carolina The County Seat of Haywood County W. CURTIS RUSS - Editor MRS. HILDA WAY GWYN .... Associate Editor W. Curtis Russ and Marion T. Bridges, Publishers PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year, In Haywood County ..f 1.50 Six Months, In Haywood County - 75c One Year, Outside Haywood County 2.00 All Subscriptions Payable in Advance Entered at the post office at Waynesville, N. C, as Second Clan Mail Matter, as provided under the Act of March S, IS7D, November 20, 1814. Obituary notices, resolutions of respect, cards of thank, and all notice of entertainments for profit, will be charged for at the rate of one cent per word. 'North Carolina : MESS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL EDITORIAL a t C fr I ATI f k I J I U Jlt&tuJt THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1940 Gold There has been a great deal of conversa tion about gold in this country. It seems a difficult matter to understand, at least to those outside of banking circles. Calamity howlers pounce on it with both feet, and when they get through, it is worthless, like bo much dirt under their feet. We were interested in a recent article in the Baltimore Evening Sun, excerpts of which follow: "That nineteen billions of gold in a hole in Kentucky is a popular topic of conversation. It is embarrassing to a lot of people. At the end of 1914 our gold reserve stood at the modest figure of $1,206,000,000, valued at $20.67 an ounce. The treasury report for June 25, just passed showed our total gold assets as $19,855,859,026.68, valued at $35 an ounce. In one year no less than $3,791, 601,950 'had been added to the hoard. And it is still going on. "Can the flow of gold be stopped? One suggestion is that it could be if the Treasury were to reduce the price from $35 an ounce to a lower figure. "What is the future of the nineteen bil lions of dollars of gold? The Germans offer an answer. They say that already the to talitarian governments, Russia, Germany and Italy, are making themselves independent of gold. As early as last February it was reported that Japan was nearing the end Of her gold reserve and would have to devise some other medium of exchange. Before the fall of France, even she, and Great Brit ian, capitalistic countries had made arrange ments excluding gold payments between them. "Now according to the Germans, as soon as Hitler has conquered Great Britian and made himself the master of Europe he will declare the gold to be of no value and forbid its use in all the countries of the world which he controls. But on the other hand many experts be lieve that Hitler will never declare gold worth less for a very good reason. When, and if, he conquers the British Empire, he will be in possession of the greatest gold producer in the world. South Africa alone produces over $425,000,000 in gold each year, Rhodesia over $28,000,000 in gold, West Africa over $24,000,000, Australia over $54,000,000 and the British Indies over $11,000,000. If Hit ler wins all this wealth it does not seem reas onable that he would willfully destroy such an asset. "In the case of Russia it does not seem likely either as she produces some $184,000, 000 worth of gold annually from her own mines. The world production of gold amounts to some $1,117,000,000 annually. Of this the United States produces only about $176,000, 000. Therefore though she may buy all the world produces she will never have it all be cause the world will continue annually to produce close to a billion in gold." These facts should certainly have a ten dency to calm those who have worried so much about our hording of gold, for it would appear on the face of the foregoing that it will continue to be used for its full value. In a recent speech Secretary Morgenthau said, "Let me assure you once and for all. As long as there are independent nations, and as long as there is international trade in goods and services, so long will it be necessary to settle international balances. Gold is the international medium par excellence." The state's revenue for the fiscal year end ing June 30 will pass the $75,000,000 for the first time in the history of North Carolina and Tar Heelia breaks another record. Keep It Up We notice with satisfaction that the strip of pavement making up the driveway into the Dunham House has been mended by the town authorities. This has been needed for sometime. In fact it had reached such a state that walking over the section reminded one of a rocky edge of a stream. Not exactly suitable for a sidewalk on a town as progressive as Way nesville. We hope those who have the authority to remedy such things in the town will make a careful trip up and down each side of the street and that as a result the "good work" of mending pavement will keep up. Revenue Going Up Reports show that during the past fisca year, the State of North .Carolina had the largest revenue receipts in its history. It has been pointed out that since there has been little change in the tax structure, the only possible explanation of this encouraging fact is better business conditions. While all important tax sources are said to show increases, the largest was shown in the gasoline tax, which has reached figures not expected by the most hopeful. The increase in this tax shows not only better business in North Carolina, but also in the country at large, for much of it has come from tourists traveling through the state. Money In Trees J. M. Broughton, Democratic nominee for governor, made an address before the North Carolina Press Association at Hendersonville recently. He spoke of the "vital problems" concerning the state and especially of the development of a wise timber program in North Carolina as a "source of wealth." This should make an appeal to the people over the state, but has a special message to the people of Haywood County. During the past thirty years many of the great forest areas have been out, and some have been left in an undesirable state for further reve nue of timber, but could be cared for in such a manner-that they would produce not only again, but have a continued commercial re turn. . The Greensboro Daily News in comment ing on Mr. Broughton's timely remarksstat ed that such a program would serve to bal ance the recent loss of markets for the state's leading farm products, cotton and tobacco. "Certainly when North Carolina forests offer an offset to these losses a balance where other crops are failing, it is imperative that no short-sighted policy be followed but that the best possible usage of the new oppor tunity be advised and applied," says the Daily News. Now since the Scandanavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland, which served as a main source of supply for newsprint used in this country, have been eliminated, at least temporarily from trade from the United States because of war, the possibility of this industry in North Carolina and the south seems better than ever before. The establishment of the newsprint indus try in the South has been urged for years as one of the remedies to aid economic pro gress, and now seems the opportune time to start. In Haywood county we have learned the value of a market for our timber, and here would seem an opportunity for the develop ment of an industry, that the county farm agents have been urging for years. To develop the industry along permanent lines, there would have to be a continuous supply of timber, and the program of re foresting and cutting would have to be de veloped along far reaching lines to serve the purpose.'' ; .1 Here and There -By-HILDA WAY GWYN As we have remarked before, there are few things in life more beautiful than . . . gratitude . . . on a bus ride into Asheville the other day a small girl of some 10 or 11 summers asked if she could sit with us ... we saw she wanted to talk . . . this was her first trip alone . . . she would be several hours getting home . . . her mother had brought her up to Waynesville to visit relatives . , . she had help ed make the money to buy a return ticket home ... she had. a note from her mother to the porter . . . she was very nervous . . . as one can be on a "maiden voyage" . , . she asked us to hold her ticket and "give it to the porter" . . . and we complied with pleasure . . . when we handed it over to the driver . . we asked about her connections in Asheville . . . she had to wait over an hour . , . she was some what panicky over what to do about getting oft the right bus . . . she was afraid she would get on the wrong one . . . so we reassured her , . . and told her we would see her through . . . she did not know there would be so many buses . . we bought her ticket with her savings . . . then went over to the fountain and got her some sandwiches and candy . . .and ber eyes grew big with excitement . . as she asked . , . "You aren't buy ing that with your own money are you 7 ' . . .. when she saw us pay for it . . . we then put her in care of the travelers aid . . . with in structions about her bus and so on we turned to leave . . . and not in many a day have we seen registered on the face of a human being such gratitude ... it brought a lump to our throat . . . and all day . . . and even now . . . the remembrance of that child's face makes us smile , . . and happy. . MORTAL STORM at a K. -. J T-fJE 'T, , 4J. mm 73 Voice o-jf ke People In The Same Line The following notice from a California newspaper does not fail to create a consistent "atmosphere:" , "Bill Jarrett has returned from working on the graveyard shift of the Corpse Mining Company in Coffin Mine, located in Dead Man's Canyon in Funeral Range at the edge of Death Valley. He leaves next week for a prospecting trip to Devil's Playground in Hell's Half Acre." Fear grows daily that we may have to adjust ourselves to a slightly less abundant life. The fat of the land will now have a chance to work it off in common defense. In a laboratory experiment, thirteen out of seventeen rats preferred alcoholic drinks to water. The reader may draw his own conclusions as to what this proves. Christ ian Science Monitor. It is a funny about news . . . how elusive it can be . . . and how much effort is put out on only a few inches of printed space at times ... last week the editor said . . "find out about the new car that has been pyt on the Murphy Branch" , . .''.'it sounded so simple . . . only a matter of a few seconds or minutes at the most . , , Mon day morning would take care of the brief Story . . but one never knows . . . in newspapering . . , as the following will show . . . we let the time slip up on us ... we heard a train blow . . . we rushed out of The Mountaineer office . , . the whistle shrieked louder and near er . . . it sounded as if it might be coming through Brannercrest cut ...... we reached the entrance into Depot street . .. . we started running . . . on the way down we passed a couple of colored boys . . . one of them seemed rather surprised at our speed . . . called . . "Oh, Mrs. Gwyn, please stop a minute . . . we have a taxi up n ere we u iaKe you down . . we thanked him but called back that we did not have time . . Mrs Mullis called from her shop and asked if there was anything she could do . . . as we passed . . breathless we arrived at the sta tion . . . to find an old freight train putting and backing. . In view of the increasing volume for the use of the county agents." of work that goes through the of- fice of the county farm agent and w D. Keyter ''From what I home demonstration agent, would j jnow about the office, they seem you approve Haywood County rent- crow(je(j an(j i would approve a ing or acquiring a separate Duua-plan, t0 gjve tnem eniarged qUar- ing devoted entirely to the agri cultural interests of the county? Miss Edna Hays "Yes, I would approve the county having a separate building for the county agents. It is greatly needed." Henry Francis "Yes, I certainly would approve such a plan," M. O. Galloway "Yes, I would favor having a separate building for the farm work, as it is growing so much." . Ernest J. Hyatt "I am not fa miliar enough with the situation to give an opinion." ters." Captain W. F, Swift "Yes, I think the county agents need am ple room for their work, which seems to be growing." J. T. Coman "I think all ag ricultural interests im the county should be encouraged, and since the offices of the farm agent and the home demonstration agent are crowded, they should have more room to expand their work." , Captain George Plott "Interest in agriculture is increasing, and no town is bigger than its sur rounding farming industries. I think the buildinfl' is much needed. and I would approve of having it ' see the offices moved." John R, Hipps "I know of nothing more important to Hay wood County than the work of the farm agents. If they need more room they should have it. But I approve of them staying in the court house. The farmers liffli to go to the court house for such matters, and I would not like to Stewart Says senator vneeIer Steadily Bee,, "ore Formidable By CHARLES psTjd Centra! Press Cot, Zl BURTON K. WhfpiCI tana's sm UHEELEpJ president Rn unques isevelfs most Senator r0.p. jc m Of ' Lh 'a r"y good jf ',r "Wit r r- a little i if ? to get tt The M0, re)"! scatter,"1 i wrs arou,14 j yj . Chas J more I Senator Wheeler Burtu i pend much on Mocution, Hi COlffli It seems it was all of 20 min utes until the passenger train from Asheville would arrive . . . on which the air conditioned coach we wanted to inspect would be at tached . . . as we waited for the train to roll in . . . we looked about at once familiar surround ings . . . which now from infre quent visits seems like a picture irom out the past , . . something we nao Known quite well long ago . . . but was a bit strange . ... and as we took in the beauty of the rhododendron on the high bank on the Parkway Hotel grounds We regretted that the motor visitors do not get this glimpse of the town . . . . there is nothing more picturesque in the village ... or appropriate for this community s a anting . , . make a special trip to the station Soon . . . be- iore ine Diooms have shed ... and you will agree with Us . . . the clerks at the station told us that wey had a strenuous time keep mg trespassers out . . . the lower Dranches showed recent inroads . . the loveliness of the bank made us realize . . ... what a co-operative planting in this year of 1940 would ttiean to the town 20 years hence . . . or what a planting 20 years K" wouia mean today. ... But we came back to the mat ter in hand ... the whistle of the passenger train cut the air the tram pulled in , . . but no air conditioned coach . . . it goes into Murphy one day and back the next . . it was the day for a return trip . . . it would mean, another wait of 2 hours or return . . . or another day . . . we took the latter ... which all goes to show that the readers never know the story behind the news. ... . We reprint the following contri bution to this week'a column . . . from a reader . . , which seems to nit the nail on the head about the queer inconsistencies of life . . "When a maa U little the big girla Letters To The Editor Editor The Mountaineer: Dr. G. C. Crittenden, secreta ary of the North Carolina Histor ical Commission and chairman of the executive committee on His torical Markers, stated some weeks ago that the committee has de cided to place a memorial in Waynesville, "Marking the Sur render of the last Confederate force in North Carolina, May 6, 1865." The quotation is taken from a letter of Dr. Crittenden's to this reporter under date of July 13, 1940. Although Dr. Crittenden speaks of the event to be commemotated as being the surrender of General James U. Martin, who was sta tioned at Asheville as the com mander of the Western North Car olina district of the Southern Confederacy during the last year of the war, people generally do not know the event by that name. It is, in fact, the same event that Major W. W, Stringfield, Joe Col lins, and other well known vet erans of the Confederacy, now passed to their reward, spoke of as the treaty between Colonel Wil liam H. Thomas and Colonel Bart- let, of the Federal army. The only discrepency in the two accounts is as to the date, Stringfield speak ing of it as May 10, 1865, where as the true date is May 6, 1865. Major Stringfield, who was com mander of a battalion in Colonel Thomas's Legion, had been made in April, 1865, the commanding of ficer of the western end of the kiss him . . . when he is big the little girls kiss him .... if he is poor he is a bad manager . , . if he is rich he is dishonest . i . if he is properous . . . . everyone wants to do him a favor . . . if he is in politics it is for graft if he is not interested in politics he isn't a good citizen ... if he does n t give to charity ... he is a stingy 'cuss' . . . if he does give to charity, jt is for show , ; a he is active in the church, he is a hypocrite . . . if he is not inter ested in the church he is a hard ened sinner f . . lt he affec. tion . . . he is a soft specimen . . if he care for no one . . . he is cold blooded ... jf he diea - there was a great future for him ... if he livps n u he missed his calling . . . if he Asheville area, but he was not present at the "Surrender of Gen eral Martin," having been sent by General Martin with a flag of truce to General Stoneman, the Federal officer stationed at Knoxville in command of the Federal army in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Stringfield and his Squad when they neared Knoxville were captured and put in prison in the Knoxville jail. Major Stringfield wrote more about these closing events of the war in Western North Carolina than any other man. Joseph Col lins, who died a few years ago at his home near Clyde, has also given a story of the event as he saw it. He told the writer a short while before his death that he was pick ed out as one of the twenty men on the morning of May 6, to. go with Colonel Thomas to see Col onel Bartlett in Waynesville. He went and heard a part of the con versation between the Confederate officer and the Federal officer. Colonel Thomas, Mr. Collins said, was in no mood to surrender. On the contrary he told Colonel Bart lett if he did not stop Kirk from stealing horses and burning houses in Haywood County, he would turn his Indians loose upon them and have them all scalped. The news of the surrender of both Lee and Johnston had trickled through to the mountains by that time, and after Colonel Thomas had cooled off some, he was willing to enter into terms, of peace. In the meantime, General Mar tin had been commissioned with in Asheville and the peace terms were agreed to and signed. People in Haywood County know of the event as a Peace Conference, and that is what it was. It may be called a surrender as being1 a better term, but it was in reality only a peace conference according to several veterans of those times with whom the writer has talked. W. C. ALLEN. CLIPPINGS HONEYMOON BRIDGE (The Thomasville Tribune) There is symbolism in the fact that work is humming along mer rily on both sides of the Niagara nver in replacing the old "Honey moon Bridge" that collapsed in an ice-jam in 1938. Ever since 1869 there has been a bridge across the Niagara gorge i or near this point, linking Can- IlHfl anJ 4.1. TT , fii . i saves Mm k. : . . . , 1 - ""s u ill Leu otates across a . . ' new nnnra HnnovmAAn Kvilcra ana a 8Dendt.hr ff . , ..(., .t " "i 1 e U MC KCU money, he is a grafter ... if he doesnt, he is a bum ... o what's me useT" . . . . the visitors called it) carried more "-an 1,600,000 people across the oorder in its last year, DDt.t I. ""l"""B on account urn ir In : i. i 11 1 7 --n ne says thir.J ujr virtue oi me things he s VI course, there are Ren. vviio are emphatically. Roosevelt as either Ru However, they're soraeJ couruea ny the fact that supposed to be of the tion's opposition party. fel ir any or tnem. have Burt'sl ureworKS, either. Burt's Sincerity uui l nt-eier s suiceri someming awful. I wouldn't say that thtr otner politicians who are cere as he is, but it would to find another one who lias it as ne has. Out in the mining i. w. w. days, some"W were due to be tried on chi dynamitings, assassinatio: miscellaneous other crimes. They were so hated that they scarcely coi a lawyer to defend them tana's courts. Risking; hi career and maybe hii safety, right then, Burt courage to take on the handled it well. Montana unexpectedly nized his nerve, chose fice and presently he In Washington as a Democra: for. Never a Consenatu Senators have a tenda turn conservative, but Burt er didn't. The Democrats prove to be as liberal hoped, but he couldn't see Republicans were much be: At that juncture the el; ator Robert M. LaFolle: runnine for president on th ally independent Progress'.! et. He offered Burt sewn on his ballot. It looked sacrifice of a scnatorship 6ure licking. Nevertheless, had the intestinal fortitude cept. He was Progressively as expected, but uni . Montana, still admiring hihi on as a Democratic I don't know iust how I state stood by him on pi sonal grounds or how far recognition of him as a democrat (little "d"). . Anyway, the other day. hi to have begun to suspect Roosevelt administration nlates participation in the world conflict in some (as: entirely "short of war. No War for W Thereupon, he annor.: the npmocratic party' 1 party" he no longer betei It was quite an considering that Bun s for senatorial re-election. Democratic ticket, this nl If he wins, he'll w cratic outlaw (adminf sripakine-) and normally hard stunt. But Burt's f Hmwver. that isn't a"- .'whipiii seems to ha" fVio nnrinsion. not only administration Democrat , He accuses it of ha" conservative. . When President respectively, for his ea PI Will a"" ,(,,( is that F. D. K. choS conservative Kepucu . r..: ' orfministrt' Wheeler, not only PH economically reacw-y T.,.tn k, has been "1 icaUy tmed aboutPI less. durin Honeymou - mentai; i w Th foundations simultaneously ,w A between two tiJjf In the cHc r certain f f symDoi i- andF? -nraf While tw'-wi' States are rnak m t, nations' 7, cT-otarv 01 " -TcAtf't NO Last farms m The new Rainbow Bridge (which home pardea