Newspapers / The Kings Mountain Herald … / Aug. 23, 1977, edition 1 / Page 4
Part of The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page 4-MlRROR-HERAXJ3-Tue8day. August 23, 1977 Owen turned down chance to be President John Owen, a now-forgotten Qovemor of North Carolina, was one of the very few men In American history to turn down the clumce to become President of the United States. He was bom in August, 1787, In Bladen County. Owen acted as chairman of the Whig Party's nominating convention In Harrisburg, Pennsylvanls, In 1839. After the party had picked William Henry Harrison as Its candidate for President, the Vice Presidential nomination was offered to Owen. He refused It, and the spot went to John Tyler of Virginia. (Remember the slogan, "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too”?) Tbe Whigs won the election of 1840, of course, but after only a month In office Harrison died and Tyler became President. John Owen's luck, meanwhile, had gme from bad to worse. He had been a very creditable (Jovemor of this state (1^-80) as well as legislator and Judge. Shortly after refusing the opportunity to become Vice President, however, he suffered a humiliating political defeat, losing a ‘‘comeback” local election for state senator In Bladen C!ounty. He challenged his o^Ksient to a duel, but the winner laughed It off and the duel never took place. Owen died, frustrated and disappointed, only a year later. -oOo- Few Carolinians of our time had ever heard of Nat Turner until William Styron's popular novel, "The Con- fesslcms of Nat Turner,” appeared a few years ago. In 1881, however, Turner's name was familiar In North Carolina. Nat Thraer had a decided effect upon the history of this state, although It Is quite probable that he never set foot In It An obscure Negro slave and part-time preacher. Turner set out upon a slave uprising with six followers on the night of August 21, 1881, In Southampton County, Virginia. Before they were captured and hanged. Turner's group GD 9MITH murdered between 66 and 60 people. Word of the uprising spread quickly, and several similar plots were un covered In eastern N(»Th Carolina. The result was widespread unrest among both blacks and whites. Six Nemes were hanged In Wilmington that Tail. Historians regard the Turner uprising as a turning point In the attitude of most whites toward slavery In this stats — and the conditions under which It was practiced here. Until then there had been a great deal of anti-slavery sen timent In North Carolina. The wanton slaughter of whites by Turner's group caused a hardening of attitudes. The legislature quickly passed a number of severely restrictive laws governing the "Institution” of slavery. Among other things, tor example. It became Illegal to teach blacks — free or slave — to read or write, since Turner's supposed "Inspiration" for his rebellion had come from reading. -oOo- Fbrmer Tar Heel (Jovemor Cameron Morrison died cn August 20, 1968, while on a visit to Quebec, Canada. Morrison was a native of Richmond County, but later moved to Mecklen burg. He served as chief executive of the state from 1921-26. In 1980 he was ap pointed to fill the unexplred term of U. S. Senator Lee S. Overman, who had died In office. In 1943 Morrison was elected to Congress. Spell out ‘cooperation’ Kings Mountain has been criticized severely for falling to have a represen tative at a county-wide officials meeting In Shelby last week to discuss the county-wide wcUer system proposal. The fact la Oie city's chief qx^esman. Mayor John H. Moss, was vacationing In Chicago last week and couldn't very well attend this meeting sponsored by the Shelby Chamber of Commerce. However, the mayor did give a verbal pledge to Commissioner Josh Hlnnsmt of Kings Mountain that the city could be counted on for cooperation In the matter. Just what that cooperation would amount to, no one knows at this i>olnt, so the mayor's statement Is a pretty broad one under the circumstances. One of the county commissioners said the first step toward a county-wide water system la an agreement of mutual cooperation between the Cfity of Shelby and the City of Kings Mountain. We assume that means pledging use of the two city's water systems In cases of emergency. The same coimty commissioner also said that prior to his going on the board, the general story was that Kings Mountain "stole" the Idea for the Buffalo Creek source as the beginnings of a reservoir that had been hatched by the county commlsslonera. This may have something to do with the underlying feelings of hostility that seem to exist between Shelby and Kings Mountain. History tells us these feelings go back much further than that. Tb continue to harbor these feelings In this day and time la sheer nonsense. But to take the fact our mayor took much deserved time off for a vacation at the same time a county-wide meeting Is called as this city's imspoken statement that there will be no cooperation with the remainder of the county Is also sheer nonsense. Now Is the time tor the powers that be to get together and spell out some specifics as to what “cooperation” between Shelby and Kings Mountain are to be. The Issue of a county-wide water system has been kicked around for some time and the residents living In the outlying areas of the county certainly deserve a proper and adequate water supply. But we agree with the county commissioner who made the "cooperation” comment that the cltlzena of Kings Mountain should not be expected to pay through the nose to provide a system and the water. We should note that Kings Mountain at present la not only on the record for KM. but (or customers In certain sections of Bessemer City and Into Grover for water. mimWm eWSLWHBSaSCM TtfSSSSV MS TNMtesy •SBLMSATaiBI TSM MdMTTSS , LItMSTHITSWMT •mbmi SSHr eSSTSTSWSST ssssatksvtTie CtySSNIkL MSMMSeS MOSTN CMei.lNS easu AueoATtes TAa Wkiw NAraM A noiiswi e« AiSHiAIai P. 0. brwmr fm. • MMtMiM. N. Cm mm. SwIama am ASnarlAI aA An MCAAAA At m lAHtk VIaSHAAA a»a. Mmm TM. IacAaA CIAAA AASAM AAM At KMSA AAtHA N. C. Ham aa»t W cama. lAMcrMtlAA rtM: M«tr lA-SAlA. tAM M AtiAM M.a r—rtr 1 AMAA. M SA AtAMAAl iAMAAt rAlA AAT AIAA AM Morrison came to prominence In the 1890's as a leader of the Red Shirts, an organization dedicated to militant white siq>remacy. His political career lasted over a half-century. As Governor his chief accomplishment was In paving the state's primary roads. A total of 6,600 miles was paved, linking all of the state's county seats and principal cities. -oOo- Hlnton James, the first alumnus of UNC, died August 22, 1847. Ho was a civil engineer and former state legislator. James became famous for walking from Wilmington to CSiapel Hill In 1796 to become the first student to enter the University- No one asked Bvis who? Poet^s Corner No cne had to ask Elvis who? I never attended one of his concerts, but I listened to his records, saw many of his films and was one of mlUlons who saw his TV special via satellite from Hawaii. But right from die beginning Elvis always gave me the Impression all of the screaming and adulation broke him up. When he was young, slender and fast he threw himself Into each performance and the fans went wild. Later, when he was older, heavier he didn't move so much. He teased. Elvis obviously enjoyed himself on stage In front of the screaming thousands. He was In total control. He would hit a rest stop In a song, stand perfectly still and knew hysteria would break out In anticipation of what move he might make to punctuate the lyrics. He recorded his share of nonsense songs such as "Houng Dog” and "Blue Suede Shoes,” but he also did more than his share of mood pieces, heartfelt pieces, which leads me to believe he was very serious about his music. His lifelong religious training was always evident In the more serious renderings where he used a gospel-style backup group. And he sang religious songs with the same enthusiasm as his rock niunbers. I think his voice Improved with age and as a singer he was much more ef fective when singing the more tender lyrics. “I (Dan’t Help Falling In Love With You” is still one of my favorites. That one came out when I was doing duty as a nighttime deJay down In Belmont and for a long ttme I managed to spin that one at least twice before "the old clock on the wall said It was time to go.” / TOM MclfTTYRG As a film actor Elvis began Incredibly bad, but enthusiastic as evidenced by his performances in "Love Me Tender” and “Jallhouse Rock.” It was to Col. Tom Parker's credit that he guided Elvis' film career into the more lavish, fast-paced and humorous type stories where the music could be Included more naturally. It was a move to get Elvis back Into the thing he did best — entertain. It strikes me as amazing that Elvis was able to resist what so many others with huge followings have not been able to and that's became politically and socially topical. Personally, I ap preciated this because, for me, Elvis helped me retain some minute chunk of the lifestyle lived when I was teenager. Back when entertainers entertained and left the politics to politicians. Elvis Is gone, so Just enjoy the memories and the music and don't you believe It when the sensational tabloids and magazines begin reporting that Elvis Is still alive and living In South America. AN EMPTY HOUSE His chair Is In place at the table God has taken him away Now he's up In Heaven This leaves us so lonely every day. He was such a good boy Everyone seemed to love him When we think how much we miss him Our eyes with tears get dim. He was really very handsome With pretty curly hair He was a good ball player Everything Tommy done was fair. Last Wed. 10th, he passed away It was so sudden and quick No one thought of him dying For he was never sick. No <me knows what Its like Until we lose a child of our own Everything reminds you of him His things are still at home. Dedicated to BUI and Claudia Grissom By MYRTLE M. GOFORTH R€f\D€R DII^LOGUe News service is insurance iobbying toni Dear Editor, It Is Ironic that two recent letters appearing In your newspaper blasting Insurance Commissioner John Ingram came from Michael L. Herman tmd Lamar Gunter, full-time paid employes of the insurance Industry. Herman and Gunter are ministers of propagtmda who try to hide behind the cloak of an Impartial news service. The North Carolina Insurance News Service is another of the expensive lobbying tools of the powerful Insurance Industry, which can spread the Insurance viewpoint at a moment's notice. Hermim and Gunter know fuU weU that under the new Insurance law that Insurance companies, beginning Sep tember 1, 1977 can file and begin Im mediately to use higher rates for so- called "non-essential” Insurance. If the Oommlssloner dlsai^roves rate In creases the companies will still charge the higher rates untU the Court rules. And under the new law, the rating standards are greatly weakened and it may be Impossible to overturn a rate hike once It la In effect The 60-day period which Mr. Herman referred to in Ids letter only appUes to the so-called “essential” lines of In surance — private passenger auto, worker's compensation and homeowners. But again If the elected Insurance Commissioner disapproves rate Increases, the higher rates will still go into effect The law has been drastically changed because rates can now go Into effect whether the Commissioner iq>proves or disapproves them. In the psst, rates could not go into effect without the Commissioner's approval. Mr. Gunter referred In his letter to the fact Commlssicner Ingram "blocked” a rate reduction for extended coverage rates. This so-called rate reduction for extended coverage was "blocked” by Keep sports in its proper piece Dear Editor, I am writing this letter, not as a man who la bitter at the world, but as cne who loves my Lord, my city, my neighbors, my church and my nuuiy friends. Some people call me old which Is true with my age, but I'm still young at heart and still have a feeling and a concern tor young people. I played baseball for several years and still enjoy sports. Up to a certain point or degree, I feel there Is a place tor sports In the life and the programs of our churches, providing we keep the sport In Its proper place. This la the main reason tor this letter. In the first place 1 am much against sports being played on the Lord's Day and especlaliy when they are being sponsored and {riayed by our churches. The fact that last Sunday afternoon, Aug. 14, a church league softball tournament was being played here In Kings Mountain greatly upset me. If my understsmdlng la correct that the "top man” said ths churches had to play on Sunday or get out, then I think It Is time we get a new “top man" or else get out. What happened last Sunday has been done, but It Is my hopes and my prayers that In thinking of the future, at least our churches and our prsachsrs will have enough rsspect and reverence for the Lord's Day that thsre will not be any more Sunday ball playing at least In volving our churdiee. I trust and I deeply believe that many more Christian people In Kings Mountain feel as I do about this matter. J. C. CX,ARY 710 E. Ridge St. Congratulations, your are champs Dear Editor, Our boys and girls may not have won one of the state championship games or the UtUe World Series. There's one thing for sure, they've won the admiration and respect of their fellow colleagues as weU as hundreds of hearts of those who watch them play. A trophy Is nice to have, but far greater the self-respect of themselves was shown. Our teams are to be congratulated by one and all Self-respect and good sportsmanship and sports womenshlp? Our tesuns had It all the way down the line. I say congratulattons to each of you. WlisUiig or losing, you're a champion! EVERETTE PEARSON Kings Mountain the Commissioner because the filing added deductibles to the policies which had never been attached to such policies before. In other words, under a deductible the insurance companies would not pay the first 160.00 or.SlOO.OO of damage. Therefore, this filing was not a true rate reduction. The homeowner would be paying less for lees coverage. When the Insurance Industry filed for a decrease without the deductible, the Oommlssloner approved the filing. The companies at that time took the niatter to Court. Mr. Herman In his letter admits that under the new law there will be higher rates for citizens who live In cities and tor citizens who are placed In the Reinsurance Facility. These are blatent forms of discrimination. Under this new system, safe drivers will pay more (and subsidise bad drivers) simply because they happen to live In a city or simply because Insurance companies choose to place them in the Facility for some discriminatory reason. (Of the 480,000 people In the Reinsurance Facility only 60,000 cost the Insurance companies money. 620,000 citizens did not cost the Insurimce companies anything. Mr. Herman's Insurance special interest wants to line Its pockeU with unfair extra charges from these safe drivers who cost the Insurance Industry nothing.) You can see that this un fairness In the new law damages the safe driver law which abolished age and sex discrimination. John Ingram has always fought for the safe driver - the bad driver should be penalized while the safe driver should be rewarded with a lower rate. A safe driver In a city should not be charged more than a bad driver who lives In a rural area. The letters of Herman and Gunter lUuatrate the most tragic aspect of the new Insurance law - that Is, the General Assembly bought the Insurance Industry's propaganda rather than listening to the wlU of the people of North OaroUna. It Is refreshing to know that all of Cleyeland County's Senators — Otlle Harris, Marshall Rauch and Helen Marvlp — and two of our three Representatives - Bob Falls and Edith Luts - voted against this bad legUlaUon and courageously stood firm for the people of North Carolina agsilnst the special IntereaU! B. E. "BUCK” LATTIMORE Assistant Commissioner of Insurance 'a
The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 23, 1977, edition 1
4
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75