davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

1T is difficult = if not impossible = to
quarrel with the logic of the report made
public Sunday which urges coordinated area
control of water and sewer facilities in the
Washington area
And of coarse, as the report prepared
by a private consulting firm and now sub
mitted to a key Congressional committee
points out, the most logical group to SUPER
VIE the supplying of water to the Washing
ton area is the Washington Aqueduct
Nearby Maryland, for years, has been
way ahead of the Virginia area adjoining
Washington as far as water supply facilities
are concerned This can be attributed to the
far-sightedness of the founders of the Wash
ington Suburban Sanitary Commission in
1918. Generally, it has done good job in
filling the water and sewer needs of Prince
Georges and Montgomery Counties on CO.
ordinated basis using the Patuxent River as
its source of supply. Nearby Virginia for
decades was spotted with private water COM
panies which operated separately. And
much-needed coordination is still lacking
there as water is supplied by political sub
division rather than on an area basis.
Anyone who has even casually watched
Washington area development in recent
years, knows that the Potomac River holds
the key to future development. Washington
and its environs are completely dependent
on the Potomac. Each political subdivision
in the area has such a vital stake in the
river that it would be unthinkable = as
water grows more scarce and the area need
become more acute - to fail to set up area
- rather than individual - control of the
river. The plan to have the Washington
Aqueduct, run by the Corps of Army En-
gineers, control the river and sell water to
the various components of the area seems
eminently sensible.
Also the reports recommendation that
a Washington Metropolitan Sanitary Board
be created for efficient disposal of sewage
on an area basis seems to be good one.
Under the plan, each area government
would have adequate representation.
There are many areas of local govern
ment, as we have frequently stated that
must be performed locally - that is, in
Rockville and not in the District Building.
Water and sewer, however, and probably
transportation, can best be handled by a
regional authority.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Roger FurquIaur

other union members from crossing the picket
line as we'll
Perhaps that is true in Foley's case and If 1t
is that is certainly Foley's privilege as citizen.
But the public is certainly entitled to wonder
now that it has seen this demonstration, what
kind of objective performance the new Congress-
man is going to turn in on Capitol Hill.
Foley's interests are known to be heavily
with labor. And many people who voted for him
did so in the hope that he would act Collectively,
once elected, despite his labor orientation.
Is Foley for example, going to give manage
ment fair shake on Capitol Hill when the vot-
ing starts? Or will he automatically side with
labor? Labor can sometimes be wrong and so can
management but it is ridiculous for Congress-
man to side, in principle, with the other
all the time. Each case should be individually
assessed.
1t would be just as unhappy a situation to
have a disciple of the National Association of
Manufacturers in the Halls of Congress repre-
senting this district as it would be to have an
enthusiastic supporter of labor who would always
go along with the latter whether it is right or
wrong.
But, of course this is political naivete. The
hard cold fact of the matter is that officials who
are not married to any faction are probably the
exception rather than the rule. The Sixth District
now appears to be in the latter category.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

commission could be issued Mr. Fig then sug-
gested that the Governor could appoint Mr. Pugh
to serve until the commission was readed. Mr.
Pugh said mo" He wanted nothing but his
commission and that quickly as possible.
day or two before Thanksgiving as the
story goes, Mr. Fig made his third telephone pitch
and told Mr.. Pugh he would be seeing the Cover
nor that night" He repeated his comments on
temporary appointment but Mr.. Pugh had not
changed his mind. His commission came through
normal channels last week and he was sworn In
Monday and is now on the bench
Political know-als III these parts are saying
Mr.. Fig was hopeful Judge Pugh would stay off
the bench until January and that the Governor
would agree to appoint certain Silver Spring
attorney small maneuver which would help
set up that gentleman for bench appointment by
incoming Governor Tawes, if and when fourth
iudgeship is created here next year. Tawes is
said to have friendly feeling for Mr. Figs Silver
Spring friend
1t is the strong opinion of this column that
Mr.. Figs strings have grown long He was Ill
advised when he presumed to suggest discuss
a course of action to a man who had been elected
to the judiciary, though swearing in cere-
monies had not been held. 1t may be news to Mr..
Fig, but under section g. article 49, of the Mary
land Constitution judges term of office begins
with his election and not with the swearing in
process.
The courts of this county and this land must
never be subjected to attempted political juggling
and whimsy The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Is
and will remain unassailabe buwark guard
ing the rights of all people. The Importance Of
that ideology and that fact should be quite clear
to Mr.. Fig. What is not quite clear TO the people
of Montgomery County is Mr.. Figs interest In
their court
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Needed Reform

n ESIDENTS of Montgomery County who
X work for the Federal government should
welcome the news that key Congressional
subcommittee is looking favorably on a bill
to relax the Hatch Act bit.
Government workers, at present, are
forbidden to do anything in politics beyond
attending political rallies to hear candidates
speak and to vote. This restrictive law is
bad in many ways.
In Montgomery County we have vast
reservoir of talent in the form of experts OF
one kind or another employed by the gov
ernment, but they are forbidden to particl-
pate in local government They are, OF
course technically eligible to run for local
office as nonpartisan but that is myth.
A government workers chances of being
elected to the County Council say, or the
General Assembly as nonpartlSan are about
as good as those of a SNOWFALL on hot stove.
He must run under the aegiS OF one OF the
two big political parties in order to get to
first base.
Aside from the fact that the net result
of the Hatch Act in Montgomery County has
been to keep government workers out OF
public office, there has been another more
serious result That is the way the law has
almost completely inhibited SO many resi-
dents on the subject of participation in local
affairs = even of a non-political nature.
Many, afraid to jeopardize their jobs in any
way, won't sign petitions refuse to talk to
newspaper reporter about the most absurd
ly innocuous things, decline to have their
picture taken with an active Democrat or
Republican and refuse altogether to partici-
pate in any way in many other activities
that are completely removed from what the
Hatch Act authors had in mind.
If the Hatch Act is liberaliZed and
we sincerely hope it is - a breath of fresh,
clean air will be blown upon the whole local
scene and the things that the founders of
our Republic had in mind will be apparent
to a much greater degree here than in the
past.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Judgeship Rocket
Misfires for Fig
On fhe Square,

Sam Zig, wealthy land owner, real estate
operator, distilled spirits vendor philanthropst,
civic leader, big brass Democrat, nimble crosser
of party lines, and intimate of the Republican
Governor of Maryland, is man of varied in
terests Mr.. Fig also is a man of influence and
an adroit puller of political strings.
1t appears now a few loose ends de-
veloping i'm MIR. Figs strings and the time
may have arrived when he should consider
well the size of the loads he wishes to pull
before flexing his muscles.
Consider the matter of the recent judgeship
race here and the events which have followed
Mr.. Fig was supporter Of defeated Judge John
r. Reeves. few weeks before election however,
when the Pugh bandwagon was beginning to roll,
Mr.. Fig phoned candidate Pugh and suggested he
(Pugh) stop by for conversation. What conver
sation Mr. Fig intended to have with Mr.. Pugh is
unknown but even to casual observers it ap-
peared Mr.. Fig was considering ride on two
horses. Mr. Pugh however, did not make the
requested visit.
1t now is time to recall that Judge Reeves
resigned Immediately after his defeat. Mr.. Fig
was silent for time but popped up shortly be-
fore Thanksgiving. At this time he again phoned
this time Judge-elect Pugh and suggested
he probably would not want to be sworn in until
January l - since it would take that much time
for Mr.. Pugh to wind up his extensive law prac
tice. But said Mr. Fig, in the meantime, the
Governor could make temporary appointment
to fill the vacancy on the bench. He asked for
the Judgeelects opinion and said he would be
seeing the Governor on the matter
In effect, but less briefly, Mr., Pugh report
cdy told Mr.. Zig h. would be on the bench as
soon as his commission came through and, if
Mr. Fig discussed anything with the Governor,
it should concern the rapidity with which his
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
In Rockville
F---------
P-TAs Ready
For Sale of
Yuh Trees

Three Rockville parent.teacher
groups will launch their annual
Christmas tree sale Saturday on
the Rockville Fire Departments
carnival grounds starting at 1915
am.
On hand for brief ceremonies
will be Mayor Alexander Greene,
School Superintendent c. Taylor
Whittier, County Councilman
David Cahoon, and School Board
Member William r. Thomas Ill
Various kinds of trees includ-
ing spruce, balsam, cedar and
pine, including Scotch Pine, will
be on sale as well as trimmings,
holly, m st toe, greens and
wreaths. Trees will start at 81
each.
The P-TA groups representing
Richard Montgomery High,
Broome Junior High and Lone
Oak Elementary School, made
$2100 profit from the tree sale
last year. The money was used
to purchase, first aid equipment,
library books, playground equip
ment, band uniforms, and for
other miscellaneous things.
Persons manning the project
will be all students,
parents and teachers.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

more doctors all OF which can run as high as
$1,000.
At present the defendant who pleads In.
sanity is sent to State hospital for Observa-
ton and examination by State doctors, who
are then available for court testimony.
Now the whole question of legal sanity is an
extremely complex and controversial one. Legal
insanity, unlike appendicitis or whooping cough,
does not involve clcarydefined set of symptoms
uniformly accepted by the profession.
II is. instead, subject to wide range of in.
depreciation, and no two psychatrlsts are apt to
give identical versions OF any particular case.
Nevertheless our courts say to INDECENT dc.
PENDANTS, in effect: you claim to be insane But
you do not have the right 10 attempt to prove
your point We who are your accusers shall
decide whether you right"
In one recent trial here, the State compounded
the insult by drawing the jurys attention to the
fact that the defense had pleaded insanity but had
brought In no medical testimony to back it up
In actual fact tand this was known to the
States attorneys), the defense attorney had asked
the court to pay for a defense psychiatrist, but
had been turned down under existing laws
When defense counsel attempted TO explain
this 10 the jury ne was silenccd by the court The
ruling was legally correct But the overall per.
formance rather offended layman's sense OF
common decency.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

There are a number of people
who, / am sure. disagree with
your article concerning William
Henry Tibbs, because they would
rather have their tax money spent
for a more constructive reason
than the support of a criminal. J.,
for one, cannot advocate capital
punishment for the sole reason
that many years ago the Good
Lord had Moses chisel out of
stone the Ten Commandments by
which the peoples of the world
are to govern themselves. One
of these laws is. Thou Shalt Not
Kill" There are no ifs, ands or
butts in that commandment which
allow the State to kill. 1t is
written very simply, and very di-
rectly: Thou Shalt Not Kill"
Mrs. Ralph ID. Xander
Bethesda
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Worthy Project
Kay Rush

The American Legion Boys
Camp Committee of Post Sc of
Rockville takes this opportunity
to expires their wholehearted
thanks for your generous con
tribution to the Summer Camp
operation. Without your gener-
osity this camp for the boys of
our community would not have
been possible. The Camp opera
ton needed money, materials,
services and manpower. These
necessities were furnished by
merchants, businessmen, Service,
Civic and Fraternal organiza-
tions and individuals. 1t is real
lied that each person or organl-
zation must assist in their own
individual manner in a way of
cooperation vital to an under.
taking of this type. Your contri-
button played an important part
in this overall successful camp of
1858.
The Camp was a great success.
Up to 100 boys enjoyed the hos.
pitality of the Camp for two
weeks. They were well fed, got
plenty of exercise and had no
opportunity to get into mischief
You, as a contributor, should feel
proud that you played such an
important part in the entertain
ment of these boys because il
was a contribution toward the
future of America.
Again we express our deer
thanks for your valuable help.
Douglas G. ROssignOl
Camp Chairman
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Picket Line Wins
A New Adornment
Viewpoints

1t isn't every day that the public in this area
gets to see their Congressman or ~ If you pre-
fer their Congressman-elect walking in
picket line.
But that is exactly what happened Sunday
when Washington area readers looked at the
Washington Post and Times Herald that pub
lished that day. There was photograph of
John r. Foley, personable grin and all, walking
along in the picket line with striking employees
of the Evening Star.
II came down to encourage these people
much can," he quoted as saying.
"This is vigorous exercise of their cOnstitu-
tional rights. They asked for public support
and I'm giving it."
If Foley knew how many eyebrows have
been raised over the development he'd undoubt
edly work somewhat harder during the next two
years to mend his political fences. They already
need it.
What sort of reasoning could have led the
Soon-tobe Congressman to go out of his way to
inject himself into the middle of something as
bitterly controversial as strike?
He knows should know - that the only
way the disinterested public could possibly react
to such demonstration would be to assume that
Foley is siding with the strikers. That is the
sole purpose of picketer - to show the public
that he agrees with the strikers and to discourage
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Porty Platform

%OUNTY Democrats are hell bent, appar-
X emily, on living up to pledges they put
in their campaign platform several months
ago. This is a good thing. Not only is it
good thing for the Democrats, because it
shows they are living up to their word; it is
also a good thing for the voters because it
restores their confidence in party platforms.
Also, the public wins because there are some
mighty good things in the Democratic party
platform. So far in this deal, everybody
has won. Everybody, that is, except the Re-
publican party. They'll get their turn some
day, however. Meanwhile they should note
what their competition is doing as far as liv-
ing up to platforms is concerned.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
More on CIV

Reference is made to an item
entitled I'VE Rise to Defend
George Washington" in your is
sue of November 81. This con-
Germs the arguments based upon
the fact that John Hanson, Elias
Boudinot, Thomas Mifflin, Rich
ard Henry Lee, Nathaniel Cor
ham, Arthur st. Clair and Cyrus
Griffin were called in turn ''Presi-
dent of the United States Con-
gress assembled" This is sup
posed to detract from the honor
of Washington as the first "PreSi-
dent of the United States" as he
did not receive this distinction
until April 80, 1889, which would
make him our eighth president
if this argument were accepted.
Your correspondent bases her ref
utation upon the assertion that
Hanson was president of the
COnfederated States of America
and that the United States had
no existence until 1889. My ex-
cuse for comment is the refer
ence in the last line to those
who like their history straight" :"
l assume that most of the people
in Montgomery County are in
that class.
The preamble to the Articles Of
Confederation states that on No
vember Is, 1777, "the Delegates
of the United States of America
in Congress assembled" agreed
to the Articles of Confederation,
which are quoted in that place.
This is followed by certificate
of ratification dated July 8, 1773,
and by the signatures of dele
gates affixed at intervals until
March /, 1871. The ratification
on the date of Maryland, the
thirteenth state, put the Articles
in operation.
Article of the Articles of Con-
federation reads: THE stile of
this confedracy shall be The
United States of America" This
shows that the USA existed on
paper for more than three years
and as political entity for eight
more before government under
the Constitution was established
in 1889 with new powers but the
same name. If Mr.. Hanson and
the others were president of any.
thing more than representative
legislative body, it was Of the
United, not of the COnfederated
States of America.
Washington is in no danger OF
being endorsed" Certain sen
sational writers called historians
have stretched points until they
snapped, not SO much to injure
the reputation of the Father OF
our Country as to sell their books
They have their reward, such as
it is; but people who take the
trouble to get their hi S t or )
straight think their achievements
are bit worse than silly.
Roy j. Honeywell
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
County Comment
Old Policy Hurts
Some Defendants

Several recent Montgomery County trials
have revealed shameful shortcOming in the
safeguards which the State offers accused
defendants
Our constitution guarantees the right 10 trial
by jury This has been Interpreted, properly as
including the right TO be represented by com
petent counsel. Accordingly, where the defendant
has no funds, the court appoints and pays defense
counsel.
All well and good. But there Is at least
one special instance In which such "A defendant
is arbitrarily denied the opportunity 10 collect
evidence necessary 10 his case.
This is the plight Of the INDECENT who pleads
innocent by reason of insanity. Here, his entire
defense and often his very life, hinge the issue
of his mental and emotional state
And yet, with freedom and human life at
stake the courts do not allow him funds TO
secure psychiatrc testimony. lie is denied In
effect, the right 10 present evidence bearing on
the heart Of his case.
One courtappointed attorney described his
Illustration thusly: The court charges me with
defending man in court, and then refuses me
the tools with which 20 work.
Psychiatric testimony OF course, Is not cheap
Zone wag calls 1t the high cost Of libdo''l. II
involves, or sh ould involve, extensive psyche.
logical testing and several interviews by one or
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
School Race

There has been so much dis
cussion Of the school board race,
and the results thereof, l would
like to express my opinion on
what think really happened.
The way the names were ar.
ranged OH the ballot many peo'
pie pushed the levers down on the
names on the lower line thinking
those names belonged TO people
of a certain party. It's logical!
In future elections, they should
place all names on one line three
spaces below the candidates for
political offices.
Mrs. Katherine A. Freeburger
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Bor Group Perry

The Montgomery County Bar
Association will hold a banquet
tonight at the Manor Club with
all of the judges of the Sixth
Judicial Circuit expected to at
tend as honored guests. Also at.
tending will be Associate Judge
Stedman Prescott of the Maryland
Court Of Appeals. Members of
the Frederick County Bar Asso.
ciation are also expected to at
tend.
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

cry County" Without doubt it is
the finest comprehensive resume
of important information on the
County schools that l have seen
in any publication including those
of the Board of Education. You
have indeed done us public serv-
ice.
May thank you especially for
the very generous article that you
have included in the Report
Card on the Montgomery Coun-
ty Scholarship Fund.
James @. Reber
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Liked Report Card

Your recent Report Card" sup
plement again exemplifies the
profound devotion of your or
ganization to public service. Your
small lin no way meant to be
derogatory) paper has, indeed, a
large conscience.
Appreciative Reader
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Alaska

Alaska the Great Alaska
the Grand Alaska &.
Alaska the Promise Land i.
There's something about Alaska
that you should know &.
it's not just frozen wasteland
a land of ice and snow &.
there's been a century Of progress
since 1898 and 1901 4.
opportunities are unlimited i.
in the land of the midnite sun
the last frontier is calling
for workmcn, investors and
settlers to help develop
Alaska's forest, oil, minerals and
furs 50 go TO Anchorage,
Fairbanks, Ketchikan or Juneau
.. build your mansion, cottage,
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Letters TO the Editor

cabin or bungalow and build
more airports, roads and industry
Alaska needs more citizens
in that great country I. remem'
ber we need Alaska and
Alaska needs us so, proudly
bear that banner Alaska
or bust"
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11

l am writing to congratulate
the Sentinel OH its excellent re-
porting in the recent supplement
called Report Card - Montgom-
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
Alaskan Poem

l thought you might be inter-
ested in the following which l
wrote:
Montgomery County sentinel., 1958-12-11
ga6lDpnts1
Giu1ASealina

Established 1855 by Matthew Fields
MEMBER MARYLAND PRESS ASSOC.
AFFILIATE MEMBER NATIONAL
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATION
SENTINEL PUBLISHING CO.. INC.
Published weekly. Thursdays, at 2lS
East Montgomery Avenue, by the Sen
tinel Publishing Co., Inc, Cy M.
Campbell, president.
Entered as second class matter at the
Post Office at Rockville, Maryland under
Act OF Congress. March ., 1S79.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Mail in Maryland and the District OF
Columbia:
E1sewhere:
Ons kaaK -------.-.--.----Md.0
The Sidney herald., 1958-11-19

Among the Gold" on her accor-
dian. Mrs. Jack Dunbar read {
poem called "Old Sweethearts"
The gifts were presented to the
couple by Mrs. Peter Pau.
All of the couples immediate
family were able to attend. These
included two sons, two daughters
in-law, 8 grandchildren, 6 great
grandchildren, and 3 grandsons-
in-law.
Out of town guests were; Mrs.
Maude Painter, Mr.. and Mrs.
Peter Norstrup and Ella, Mr.. and
Mrs. Helmer Helgerson and fam
lily, and Mrs. Erwin Bottke, all of
Alexander, North Dakota, Lois
S%alkanger and Mrs. Gary La
Rogue and daughter of Williston,
Mr.. and Mrs. Jack Dunbar and
Mr.. and Mrs. William Lassey and
Mavis of Cartwright, North Da-
kota, Mr.. and Mrs. Kenneth Clark
and family of Savage, Mr.. and
Mrs. Louie Yunek and Princess of
Lavina, Montana and Mr.. and
Mrs. Alvin Diego and daughter of
Beach, North Dakota.