The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1943-05-27

State Defense Council is going
around with CLEAN in his eye
looking for typewriters which are
sorely needed by the Army and
I Navy, and he cast a loving and af-
fectionate glance at mine the 9TH
er day.
/ imagine there are other folks
besides the Military who would
like to do me out of my typewriter,
but they can have it, for the De-
claration of independence, Con-
stitution and Bill of Rights were
all written with pen and ink and
while it might be bit tough on
the linotype operators, / can have
my say in longhand if the time
ever comes.
My first reaction to this type
writer drive wasn't very enthusi-
astic. l just couldn't quite figure
how they expected to fight war
with typewriters but when
learned that the machines really
were needed at the fighting front
for use in bombers, jeeps and on
ships for quick and accurate
transmittal of vital orders and
messages, changed my view.
Another thing that impressed
me was that all state and feder-
al boards, bureaus and COM
missions are being called upon
to surrender from 10 to Is per-
cent of their machines which
ought to be a good thing. Here
in Tallahassee Governor Hol-
land led off by contributing two
machines from his own office,
while practically all departments
are turning in every possible
typewriter.
Schools and colleges are john
ing in the effort and Defense
Council officials feel confident
Florida will soon reach he
quota. Cooperation is needed,
however, from business and
commercial organizations and if
you have any machines you can
spare, which were manufactured
since Jan. l, 1885, contact your
local Defense Council or the
American Legion. The govern
ment will pay you the ceiling
price for such machines and
your contribution may mean the
saving of many lives and aid in
speeding the war effort. Every
machine viii go directly to an
actual fighting unit and those
who turn in machines will be
advised where they are being
used if they wish such informa
ton.
Last week learned something /
never knew before when attend
ing hearing of the Ringing in
vestigating committee. Testimony
of witnesses revealed the fact that
the State of Florida owns around
third interest in Ringing Bro
theirs, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
While taxpayers from time to time
might have felt that they were
supporting a number of white
elephants, / doubt if many of
them realized they were messed
up with sure huff circus.
Florida's interest is in the form
of stock left in trust fund by the
late John Ringing, and while no
one seemed able to estimate its
true value, it was generally adj
mitted that the circus interest rep
resents substantial sum- This is
in addition to the Ringing Es-
tate and Art Museum willed to
Florida by Mr.. Ringing.
From testimony given the COM
mittee 1t appears that no effort is
being made to keep up the prop
Z erty and because of leaks in the
roof of the Art Museum valuable
and irreplaceable art objects are
rapidly deteriorating. Water has
caused some of the priceless paint
ings to mildew and frames to
warp, while the structure itself
is endangered.
1t is the hope of Chairman Jer-
~ Collins of the investigating
committee that as a result of the
hearings, which are bringing these
facts to light, some way will be
found to provide funds for the
proper care and maintenance of
this valuable property while the
estate is in litigation.
Preliminary testimony was Civ
en- before the committee, which is
composed of Representatives Jer-
ny Collins, Archie Clement, Ben
Fuqua, Leo Wotitzky and Guy p.
Crews. Appearing were Attorney
General Tom Watson and Stafford
Caldwell. serving as special at
torney" for the State, appointed
by the cabinet.
II is the aim of the committee
to find out what has been done so
far, and, if possible, take action
that will end litigation and give
Florida title to the property and
funds represented. Ringing died
in 1896 and while nearly seven
years have passed no settlement
has been reached. In the mean
time the weather, waterbugs,
reaches. rats and mice are making
themselves happily at home