North Carolina Newspapers

PAGE 2 THE KINGS MOUNTAIN MIRROR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1971 Billy Says Romania Box 345 Kings Mountain, N.C. 146 W. Mountain Street Published Each Wednesday In Kings Mountain By The Mirror Publishing Co. Rodney Dodson Editor Lem R. Lynch Photographer SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $4 Per Year In N.C,, $5 Per Year Outside N.C. 4^ rrHiRS ts T/tou6Lt ^OO VOUR OUTV-mSKVOORlfpe THRT'S WMRT WC PRV roo por: Relief Of Congestion Aside from any aesthetic benefits, one of the primary blessings of the redevelopment of the Kings Mountain cen tral business district will have to be the improved traffic flow that will occur.. Traffic on Mountain Street Is obnoxious, creating a center of congestion unfitting a city the size of Kings Mountain. Joe Laney, Director of the Redevelopment Commission, points out that the Central Business District Redevelopment Program, when completed, will eliminate parking on Moun tain Street, and possibly create a 3-lane situation. Plans also call for the creation of considerable off-street parking, and the widening of Gold Street. This, plus the lessening of traffic on King Street when the by-pass Is completed, should greatly improve the downtown traffic probleir., K’s difficult to visualize such dramatic changes In the appearance of our city, as those proposed in this program, but unless the people of Kings Mountain are doomed to drive on streets designed for the T-Model, It’s reality becomes a necessity. Tough Decision Speculation about John Henry Moss’s political future is mounting. Recent articles in area newspapers have attached even more Interest to the question. The 4^er.n mayor of Kings Mountain admits that he has been approached by many people active In the Democratic Party to run for the lOth district Congressional seat next year. The mayor says he appreciates the Interest and Is giving it consideration, ’’but at the present time,” he says he “Is a full-time Mayor with a number of major projects underway,’’ The significant thing. Moss emphasized, is that he was considered by a number of democrats for the race. It remains to be seen how seriously the Mayor is considering a Congressional race, but when a man is asked by members of his party to run for Congress, it Isn’t a decision he’ll take lightly. CURRENT EDITORIALS res SIR/ H§M*S , VOUR SHLMV, SUCH RS IT 19,. . BUT THCN YOU NtVffR RlRUr DO HHHO LHOOm '(( 'Ji't.'.'WiiSjV’J!.',',,. j',-: V. low SALARIES PECULIARITIES OF THE AMERICAN WAY Billy Graham recently told a California audience young people are turning to tlie Jesus revolution, to religion, which may replace sex and drugs as the main theme of rock music. Graham thus joins President Nixon in adopting the mili tants’ word—revolution—as a desirable motivation, or public relations woid. One hopes Graham is right, that young people are turning from some of their less worthy fads, thou^ statistics do not yet indicate it. The likelihood is that no revolution is in prospect. Much of the youth revolution of the sixties is tapering off, fortu nately. Much of the women’s lib movement has been over played. The danger from political and minority militants is less. Every young generation has had its frustrations and fads. What made the latest youth movement different was Vietnam war resentment (and fear) and television, which magnified practically every stunt, demonstration and disturbance, and legitimate black grievances identified with the much- talked revolution. The traditional theme of do unto others, unselfishness, love and forgiveness, is still the best guideline for young and old, if individuals would live wholesome, productive lives and help others. This Jesus taught, as did others before him, and youth inevitably recognize this historical fact over, after or above the pleasure fads of the day, in time. HEWS REPORT FROM WASHINGTON The Deaocrits- Leidersbip Problems- House Divided- The Senale- For some years now Romania has dared follow a some what independent course in eastern Europe, though careful in newspaper articles and official pronouncements to pay proper homage to Moscow and the Communist movement. Of late that policy has included the establishment of friendly relations with Communist China and the United States, including certain gestures and exchanges which have displeased Russia. The world has wondered whether Romania can get away with what Czechoslovakia tried, to a degree at least. Until now Nicolae Ceausecu and his government have done so. But a few days ago official Hungarian publications launch ed a heavy attack on Romania’s “deviations.” Other signs have been noted—that Moscow is applying pressure to bring Romania into line. Yet Romania remains independent to a surprising degree, following in the footsteps of Yugoslavia more than in those of Czechoslovakia. And if she can successfully retain her own identity and independence, this is certain to prove an eventual light of hope to Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechoslova kia, East Gomany and Poland. Poland, in fact, is already moving toward greater independence. The western world did little to support the Prague regime of Alexander Dubcek when Russia and Warsaw bloc powers overran Czechoslovakia with military force; the major western nations should make it clear they now support Romania’s growing independence in every way possible short of military intervention. ^(ashington, U.(!. •• Demo* crats face next year's presi dential election with divided leadership. In Congress House leadership is split and in the Senate some Democrats com plain the upper body's Demo cratic leaders are not forceful enough. Larry O'Brien has made a gallant effort to bring the party together on the national head quarters level, has partially succeeded, but there are many candidates, each pulling in his own direction, and indirectly, working against other candi dates. In the House Weaker Carl Albert seems to enjoy the back ing of most Democrats in a split with Majority Leader Hale Boggs. The Louisiana Demo crat's blunt attack on J. Edgar Hoover was too much for the veteran Speaker. They had dis agreed earlier on selection of a Whip-Thomas O'Neil Jr. of Boston was Che compromise choice. In the Senate Senator Mike Mansfield is a popular Major ity Leader but fellow Demo crats sometimes complain he is too chivalrous, too non committal to be a forceful leader. Some also feel Ted Kennedy was more of a news maker and drawing card than Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia-who replaced him as Whip in January. Democratic leadership, then, is in relative disarray as the 1972 election draws nearer. Senator Ed Muskie of Maine has successfully seized Hubert Humphrey's position as recog nized leader of the party—with many Democrats. Even when defeated recent nominees like Adlai Stevenson remained very much the titular leader of the party. Humphrey ran a good race in 1968. almost winning an upset victory, and millions were spent building his image and familiarizing him with voters across the nation. While Muskie •o«o«o*o«o«o«o«o*o o • • THE WORLD OF o •ENTER TAINMENT S • • •O•0«0t090«0#0«090 Are you ready for another chiller such as “Baby Jane," or “Sweet Charlotte"’ If so, Henry Farrell has written an other screenplay. “What's the Matter with Helen."chat should fill the bill. Debbie Reynolds (Adelle) and Sheley Winters (Helen) play two women who form a mutual comradeship following the conviction of their two sons f(x murder. In the course of time, together they move to Hollywood and set up a dance studio to teach tap dancing to children of actors and wealthy people. The setting and time for the film is during the 1930's and the F.D.R. era. There're flash back sequals particular to this period of American life which will be recognized by those old enough to retain a vivid memory of these years and their economic hardships. Miss Reynolds, appears age less with platinum hair and Miss Winters, as Helen, is a religious nut—terrlbly short on brain power. That, incident ally. is mainly what's wrong with Helen. And as a result you'll “chill" to some of the gruesome fantasies revealed. Dennis Weaver and Agnes Moorehead are suitably cast in their supporting roles in this film rated by the film in dustry as **GP". Despite all these handicaps many Democrats are optimistic, because they see President Nixon in trouble, in Vietnam and on the domestic economic scene. But if Nixon, by 1972, has improved his record in those two fields, Democratic optimism might not be justified. While the Democrats have mil lions more party members, they lack unity and funds—would put them in a much stronger posi tion. made a good impression, also, he needs more selling in a party without money. Despite various efforts across the nation, some of which had been successful, the Democrats have managed to pay little more than interest on their huge 1968 debt in the past two years and face the 1972 campaign needing to collect eight or nine million dollars to pay off debts before financing next year's race. John Kilgo Rhyne Wants Action On No Fault Insurance Rep. Jack Rhyne of Gaston County tells me In an interview that he plans to make every effort to bring up the controversial question of no-fault automobile insurance at the special session of the legislature which convenes on Oct. 26. Rhyne Is one of seven Tar Heel legislators who just returned from the National Legislative Conference in Minneapolis and their chief aim was to learn more about no-fhult insurance. “A federal official made It more than clear to us,” Rhyne said, “that Congress will pass legislation making It mandatory for states to adopt some kind of no-fault law within one year after Congress votes on the matter. Since we don’t meet but once every two years, this would leave North Carolina out In the cold, maybe subject to adopting a federal law that wouldn’t be exactly what we wanted or ne^d.” Rhyne says he has w rltten Gov. Rob Scott, urging him to see to it that no-fault Insurance is brought upat the special session. He says the Governor has not answered his letter. “I had spoken to the Governor about this possibility during the waning days of the legislature,” Rhyne said, “and he told me he didn’t want anything to come up that would complicate his plan for restructuring higher education. The fact about the matter Is that not many people are interested In the higher education issue and 9S per cent of the people in North Carolina are worried about aotomoblle Insurance.” Rhyne says if there is no other recourse, he will stand on the floor of the House and ask that the rules suspended to allow the legislature to deal with no-fhult automobile insurance. “The people expect us to take action in this field,” Rep. Rhyne said, “and if we muff It, we’ll answer for It at the polls. I believe the higher education matter will be resolved before we ever get to Raleigh. Certainly after we dispose of that, we could take up automobile Insurance.” The legislature did not adopt no-fault insurance in Its last session, but asked a committee to study the matter and report back to the 1973 session. Rhyne says the Tar Heel legislators cannot wait until 1973. Both Lt. Gov. Paty Taylor and House Speaker Phil Godwin said in an interview with me several weeks ago that one of the biggest disappointments they had with the last session was the Inability of the legislature to deal more effectively with lia bility insurance. At the National Legislative Conference In Minneapolis, the Tar Heel delegation had an opp rtunlty to hear from Rep. Edward J. Dever Jr. of Massachusetts, who wrote that state’s no-fault insurance plan that went Into effect the first of this year. “We looked at several automobile insurance proposals,” Dever said, “and determined that we had to adopt a no-fault law. We had a 15 per cent insurance premium reduction when the law went Into effect and Fll be disappointed If It doesn’t go down another 30 or 40 per cent next year.” Rep. Dever also pointed out that the federal government “was going to get Into the act” if states didn’t move on their own to bring down the price of automobile insurance premiums. “Most people just want to get their car repaired,” Dever said, “and before we passed no-fault, they were having a very hard time getting their money from, the insurance companies. We also found In Massachusetts that the safe drivers were subsidizing tlie people who had accidents.” Dever said that Massachusetts is finding out that 90 per cent of the automobile accidents fail Into the category of no-fbult and have no reason to end up in court. “And we have had no complaints from lawyers that we took away their constitutional right to sue,” Dever, a lawyer him self, said. “We also find that the public is highly pleased. They get their medical bills taken care of and they get their economic loss straightened out without having to go to court and wait two or three vears.” Dever said his state has found out that no-fault insurance gives the citizens of Massachusetts quick coverage and they can still sue for serious Injury. Meanwhile, Rep. Rhyne of Gaston says the matter of auto mobile Insurance Is a pressing concern In North Carolina and he adds: “I intend to do everything In my power to see to It that the issue Is brought up, discussed and voted on at the special session In October.” '^^Rodne^ Dodson In this column last week, an obscure refrence was made to the Mirror’s entry In the upcoming Mountaineer Days tirade, and a request for a girl to ride In our official entry car. The response was more than we had expected. We appre ciate the Inquiries, and our selection will be announced shortly. Tommy King’s target prac tice came in handy last week. He was crossing the creek at the police firing range when he was stopped cold In Ms tracks by the sight before him. There It lay, a big moccasin. Tommy says he has a natural fear of snakes, and his heart jumped to his throat. He aimed his rifle, flring several shots at the snake, he stopped him. Luckily ka was armedt WASHINGTON NOTES FLAGS FLY AT NIGHT President Nixon has issued a proclamation pemUtting the SO state flags of the United States encircling the Washing ton Monument to be flown at night. Previously the flags, symbolizing the "enduring federal union,” had been dis played only In the daytime. KENNEDY ON AMA Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass), has accused Presi dent Nixon and the American Medical Association of forming "a marriage of convenience” opposed to meaningful refetm of the nation’s health care system. NEW JOBS President Nixon has signed into law legislation designed 10 create up to 200,000 new Jobs for some of theS.S million unemployed Americans. Vet erans who served in Indochina or Korea since 1964 will be given special consideration. MEANY A WAGE-PRICE George Meany, president of the A.P.L.-C.I.O. stated re cently that the imposition of direct controls on wages and prices appeared to be the only solution to the problem of halt ing Inflation In the American economy. Frontier Letters Welcome The Mirror welcomes letu ers from our readers on any subject. All letters for publication should be addressed to the Editor and signed by the wri ter. By: William E. Cox, Hlstorlan-Klngs Mountain Military Park This is the first of a series of articles on various Inci dents concerning the history of this area. The Intent Is not to give a complete history or complete story In each article but rather a glimpse of life as It was almost 200 years ago. Most of the material will be related to the Kings Mountain Battle. Items that appear may or may not be documented. Every ef fort will be made to document articles but there are many legends, illk stories, etc. that have a basis of bet but have not or cannot be proven. Even though we like to be positive in our sbtements we cannot because of the amount of research Involved. Moat of the articles will be from the park files which are birly accurate. Often as we read our histories we find ourselves looking at the footnotes and wondering why didn't the author write more about this or that. This Is what we pro pose to do, hence the name “Frontier Footnotes”. One last comment bkore we get Into todays article. If you have topics that you would like to see discussed that go back to the period of the Revolutionary War, drop us a line In care of this paper. Also, If yon have questions about certain Items, etc, perhaps we can devote a column to answering questions. The Cleveland County of today was carved from a much larger area. During the Revolution the records show that those soldiers living In the Kings Mountain area listed their home county as Ltneoln, In the course of these articles mention will be made as br as possible, of as many of those from Lincoln County as are known. One fellow that Is typical of the American Patriots is Samuel Espey who died In what is now Cleveland County in 1838. He moved from Peimsylvania to North Carolina with his father In 1770. During the American Revolution the British were trying to get the Indians to make war on the frontier settlements. To meet tMs threat Samual volunteered in 1776 as a Corporal under Capbln Peter Carpenter’s command to serve as a ranger against the Cherokees. He served for one month at Fort Mc- Fadden where the Rutherford Court House is now located. His company was then released from duty subject to recall. In August they were told to meet at the home of Moses Moones who lived 6 miles from Llncolnton. Here they were placed under the command of Colonel William Graham. They then marched to Pleasant Gardens, near Marion, where they met General Rutherford and his larger army. Thus began Rutherford’s famed campaign against the Cherokee Nation. This must have been a difficult journey fbr they had to cross the Blue Ridge Mounblns and they ranged up and down the Tennessee River. It was two and a half years later before Espey joined the army again. But this Is the way the armies were made up in the Carolinas during the American Revolution. A man may serve for -3 months or 3 years or at least until the threat of danger was gone. TMs time Espey served under Captain Barton in the militia of North Carolina In the service of the United States. Instead of Indians he was now chasing British Tories led by Ambrose Mills. His next service wasn’t until a year later in 1780 when he entered the Militia and was elected Captain. His men served under Colonel William Graham and General Charles McDowell who ordered them to serve as rangers. Captain Espey’s men spent some time at Cherokee Ford on the Broad River before marching to Cedar Springs, S.C. where they were engaged In battle with the British regulars and tories. Capt. Espey continued In the ranger service until the Battle of Kings Mountain. While encamped at Shire’s Ferry they received work to march to The Cowpens to meet with Campbell, Shelby, Sevier and Cleveland. They arrived on October 6, That night and the next morning was spent march ing to Kings Mountain. In this battle he was shot In the right elbow. Because of his wound In April of 1781 he was discharged. Brief, Very Brief Kleslnger resigns as Chris tian Democrat head. Carriers in Tonkin Oulf still launcMng bombers. Russian’s book reissued, mi nus criticism of Stalin. U.S. testing TV survei lance for Suez Canal use. Burger says Court was unan imous on Times. 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