davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-05-16
God Help Us

Now that the Planning Conn.,
mission has gotten rid of Her.
bert Wells and Arthur Stell-
horn, it takes the next logical
step in the sequence and
shelves the General Plan.
The reason, for the person
mel changes, now becomes
even more obvious and boils
down to one important fact =
the conflict of interest between
those looking for an easy dol
lar or fast buck" and those
who want to protect and pre-
serve, for future generations,
some of the agricultural, wild
life, forestry, recreational and
scenic values of the land areas
Of Prince Georges and Mont.
gomery Counties that will not
be needed for dense develop
ment in the next 40 or so
years.
The General Plan was sup
ported by every major civic
organization in both counties
and opposed by every major
farm, real estate and business
group. 1t is apparent, now,
that these affluent and well
organized farm and business
groups have been exerting
political pressure to sway the
county authorities to drop the
plan.
Abandonment of the plan is
unreasonable and unfair to the
less well organized majority of
the citizens of both counties.
Ever since we have had gov
eminent we have had some
kind of planning for the
future. All such planning has
resulted in restrictions on peo-
pies rights to do as they
please IF for no other
reason than to prevent those
with the sharpest claws land
most money! from scratching
the life out of the weaker
members of the community"
1t is time for ordinary citi-
zens to become informed about
what is going on behind their
backs. It is time for them to
join with the civic organ
izations and demand that
the county authorities adopt,
promptly, a plan to insure
sensible orderly development.
The alternative is chaos. Ever
Increasing sprawl polluted
and flooded streams - dust
and smog - septic tank con.
taminated water - the loss
forever of much Of the natural
beauty of the country side and
ever increasing taxes to sup.
port the public services, roads,
schools, etc., required by an
ever increasing number Of
scattered developments. God
help us if no plan is adopted.
H. b. Atkinson Jr.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-05-16
Short Reply

This is in answer to a long
letter in the May tenth Sen
tinel signed Contented Repub-
lican. If the thigh quality edu.
cation" he is proud to have
received 800 miles from here
can be judged by the errors in
grammar and rhetoric in his
generally inarticulate letter, I
sincerely hope that the teach
ing of English in Montgomery
County schools will never be
pulled down to the level he
evidences.
COntented Democrat
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-05-16
COP Views
Open Letter From Steers
by Gerda Crow

Each of the seven Congressional District
chalrmen work with me through the Repub-
lean county chairmen in the distribution of
petitions obtained from the League Repub-
lican chairmen disseminate them to their
workers for the necessary signatures.
AS one who was forced to run statewide
for Congressman-atlarge last year, know
just how burdensome such a race can be.
But distaste for an at.large seat must not
blind US to the fact than an unfair law has
been put on the books. Petitioning this law
to referendum so that 1t can be voted down,
is our only means of redress. Let's protect
the one right = the right to vote - without
which all our other rights can be diluted,
depleted and even destroyed
Yours sincerely,
Newton l. Steers, DR., Chairman
Dear Newt
Montgomery County Republicans agree
enthusiastically The Federation of Republi.
can Women long ago endorsed and worked
for the Perusse redistricting plan. At the
same time they pledged assistance to the
League referendum drive should S. B. 257
prevail. When that unhappy event occurred
the Federation went on record again in sup
port of the League. AS soon as petitions were
available the Republican ladies began their
drive.
Not only that, the Republican precinct
organization is hard at work. Every precinct
is being canvassed. The Republican Party Of
Montgomery County intends to produce
minimum of 10000 signatures for the League.
We are vigorous part of the vocie Of the
people of Maryland who want fair representa-
ton and no further "Tawesmandering."
Yours truly,
Gerda
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17

On the afternoon of Oct. 6.
the Rockville Little Theatre
and many of the residents of
the area were involved in an
unfortunate experience; the
number of tickets sold far ex-
ceeded the number of seats
available. The Rockville Little
Theatre sincerely regrets the
inconvenience and disappoint.
ment experienced by those
families who could not be seat.
ed to enjoy the Little Theatres
production of peter, Peter,
Pumpkin Eater"
The Rockville Little The
aires board of directors has
taken steps to insure that such
an occurrence will not reeur
and that all people holding
tickets, whether purchased in
advance or at the door. will be
seated upon their arrival at
the theatre.
Robert Insley, Jr. for
The Board Of Directors
Rockville Little Theatre
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17

Mon+y's Almost Real!

The existence of the Gopher family could
be easily rationalized by taking the position
that as Wolfe created the Giants, and Faulkner
the unsavory Snopes, therefore I can create
the Gophers Of Mungummery County
Yet I do not know exactly the forces
which inpelled me to create Monty, Sarana,
his wife, Goober, Peteykat and Pootykat and
Harlotta. All Of these are as imaginary a.
Pooh Bear was to Christopher Robin and per.
haps Robin wanted to endow his lovable
fictitious bear with the attributes of friends
In the same fashion, believe that I have
created Monty Gopher in the image Of the in
numberable men Of Mungummery County who
have crossed my life.
I at first intended Monty to possess the
weaknesses and the strength of the men who
represented the great clans of our county. In
one OF the columns paid my respects to these
clans, and, If Monty seems to possess weak
ness also possessed by clan, certainly do
not mean to impugn any of the honored names
of our county.
do intend to delineate Monty Gopher rs
man with conflicts which have prevented
him from realizing the greatness which really
belongs to him, II he could only break the
bonds Of his provincialism.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
From This Angle
Violence As A Virtue

Years ago the science fiction writers told
tales of machine which refocused light rays
from outer space. These light rays that once
shone on the earth, when properly col
lected and refocused, would show George
Washington leading his troops or Daniel
Boone in fight with the Indians There is no
scientific basis for this theory, but it does set
the Imagination whirling.
It's too bad we can't refocus some of our
early historical characters on q television
screen to replace some Of the white-washed
creations seen today. Billy the Kid is an ex-
ample. Billy, really a William Bonney from
New York City, killed d men in short per-
iod of time. He was a cruel and cold-blooded
killer. No doubt one of his primary reasons
for killing was the respect and fear he gained
from his fellow pluguglies and killers. 1t is
the same reason that gangs of teenagers in
some Of our cities slice one another with
knives, wrap aut o m obile radio-antennas
around each others necks, and drill neat little
holes in one another with zpguns.
Violence has been and probably always
win be part Of mans experience. Under GER
tain conditions, war, for instance, it is q vir-
tue when used against the enemies Of ones
country. 1t Is considered a virtue on the
football field, although here it is . controlled
violence 1t is considered q virtue in q prize
fight. 1t Is considered . virtue when used
against "bad" men.
Once we have given violence the status
OF virtue, we have opened wide avenues for
its use. AS long as it is used in friendly" com.
bat or against bad" guys, all is we'll In a
criminal society, as Senate hearings have
shown, violence against the informer or bad"
gangster is q virtue of the highest sort. When
the state uses the violence of an electric cur
rent, OF hangman's moose, or of poison gas
against convicted bad" guy, it is also a vir-
tue. It's all matter Of identifying the bad"
guy.
Our society does not consider violence
bad in itself. That is why television and the
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
Teacher Pay Hike

Our economy -mnded School Board should consider
most panstangy the request it has before it for
teachers salary increase
The request does indeed seem reasonable and neces
sary" School Supt c. Taylor Whittier declared when
he formally proposed it Monday To many, it
not enough
the Montgomery County Education Association for
annual salary of $4,000 for 10-month teacher with
bachelors degree Despite the fact that there many
in society who $3.50 week. more who do not
have nearly the education responsibility thrust upon
them that teachers do the practice Of underpayng
teachers too deeply enrenched to permit overnight
cure.
DR.. Whittier's request amounting to only two per
cent far different matter however It u.s. believe
absolutely mninal.
Many of us here in comfortable suburbia are much
too prone to devote time and attention to acquiring
another fancier home another TV SET pref
tier lawn for the neghbors to admire than to the
problem of finding better ways to provide education for
children The best way to do this, of is to hire
better teachers and they hired to give them
favorable climate in which to teach The better teachers
usually wind up where the better salaries are
County teachers with degree now start at $500
and at the end of II earning $780, Dr. Whittier
wants increase this $4920$8160 starting next school
year. Starting salaries in other systems with whom
must compete for good teachers Arlington, $4,000;
Washington $5000 Baltimore City, $4,000; Alexandria,
$4900 Baltimore County, $780, Prince Georges $4,000;
Fairfax, $4,000, and Falls Church, $4,000.
1t is estimated that to grant Dr. Winters request
will cost $13 million. Almost that much is lying idle
in the county treasury in the form of school surplus
funds
The county still rates well in salaries paid at the upper
levels of teaching experience And that indeed should be
the considering the contys income and education
both of which almost lead the nation.
But starting salaries extremely important. 1t
doesn't make that Montgomery County, consider
ing its resources should trail behind Washington and most
other communities in this respect. We want good
teachers need good teachers; afford to pay
them. The School Board should approve Dr. Writers
extremely modest request
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
Giles Case

The seeming attitude of open hostility displayed by
Gov j. Mard Tawes and his two key aides Secretary of
State Lloyd L. Smpkns and Attorney General Thomas B.
Finan at Tuesdays cemency hearing in the GesJohnson
case, is extremely hard to understand.
1t Is simple truth that enormous amount of new
evidence has been uncovered in the So much in fact
that five of the IL jurors have willingly - in
eagerly signed statements certifying that If they had
had before them all Of the evidence at the time of the
trial the earlier outcome would have been far different
What else does the governor want or need?
The story Of the young Negroes that the white girl
consented Is admittedly absurd for anyone to be-
eve, especially the jurors But in the perspective of the
girls exeme sexual promiscuity that is known the
story Is entirely plausible It appears that the deen
dants telling the truth But at the very least there is
enormous amount of doubt about the facts in this
Perhaps will know the truth AS pointed out
Tuesday at the hearing by Defense Attorney Hal Witt
Our cherished rule Of law is that where there Is sustan
a doubt man shall not go to Jail at ALL" If there
was where there substantial doubt this is the
Only the minimum sentence for rape in Maryland
l8 months is deserved in this And the three defen
dants have already served than two years in JAIL
The should not be afraid of precedent and free
them at once
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
by Barney Welsh

But on the other hand, conceive that
this same provincialism is the source of the
strength Of the man. 1t is this constant war
in Monty which think exists in all of the
facets Of Mungummery County. There is in
Monty and our County 4 tremendous drive
to adopt new ways, to succeed, to demand and
receive respect from outsiders. Monty and the
County look to the space age and, at times.
feel at home sitting in the drivers seat of an
astro-rocket.
But the fact remains, that seated at the
controls Of an astrorocket, Monty Gopher
and much Of the County, may find himself
charter member Of John Birch Society, hell
bent for segregation Of Jews, Negroes, Cath.
olics and Indians, extolling the virtues of Nc
Guffey's Reader and taking black strap molas
Ses for virus infection.
There Is q great deal Of symbolism In the
Gopher family. Sarana Gopher may well rep
resent the dutiful up-County housewife who
has been indoctrinated into servility by her
less gifted husband. Her flight into sooth-
saying and witcf's brew is substitute for the
college education she did not get.
Harlotta, to me, Is the most interesting
Continued on Page A5)
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
by Les KimbIe

movies have been able to portray cold-blooded
killers as heroes. Some of these men had
great physical courage. They practiced long
hours until they were adapt at the quick
draw 1t didn't matter that their opponent
might be less practiced than they, that he
might have less supple fingers or that he
might have slower reflexes. As long as both
started the draw at about the same time, it
was fair" fight, and the violence that tri-
umphed was good violence in the eyes Of
many.
In some Latin American countries vio-
lence is an accepted method Of holding cleo.
tions and ruling the country. In the South
someone was able to identity Negroes as
dad" guys and wipe out four children with
. bomb. 1t doesn't matter who uses violence,
1t will produce violence in return. An example
Is the murderer who says, II would just as
soon kill you, mac, for I'm already facing =
murder rap. They won't hang me any higher
for one more"
Last Thanksgiving Day in Washington,
violence Of a football game lunged off the
field and ran amuck in the stands. / don't be-
heve that such a thing could have happened
at a baseball game. Violence might be COM
pared to fire. At anytime it may escape con-
troll and do great harm to man. The Catholic
school administrators of Washington recently
curtailed athletics in the high schools, appar.
emily because Of last Thanksgiving Days vio-
lence. These administrators showed courage
and leadership.
For many decades, violence has been
common in motion pictures. For some wears
violence In the television programs has been
part Of the living room entertainment for our
children. Recent experiments by Stanford
psychologist show that children do initiate the
violence they see on television. The Thanks
giving Day riot shows that violence Of foot.
ball game can escape to the spectators. I don't
know what can be done to change our cul-
lures obsession with violence but it would
seem that sooner or later we must take steps
to remove violence from the pedestal on which
1t Is now enthroned
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
Needed Reform

I have read q good deal of
the material regarding the
Giles,Johnson case.
On the basis of what l have
read 1t seems clear that if a
crime was committed, it was
not the heinous one for which
a conviction was obtained. Con-
sequently / believe the COVER
nor should free these three
young men now, as they have
already served the minimum
sentence applicable In their
case.
But above all, 1 believe some
one should introduce legisla-
ton to prevent a continuance
of this sort of injustice. Two
things are required to accom-
plish this end: one is outlaw
the use of capital punishment
in the State of Maryland; the
second is to create a perma-
nent agency, either executive
or in the courts, to perform for
all felony convicts the func.
tons that Mr.. Knapp has per-
formed for Mssrs. Giles, Giles
and Johnson. This should be a
sort Of State established legal
aid society with sweeping sub
poena powers to be used by the
State to correct those few in
Justices that may, from time to
time, occur. Hence, it would
never let q case rest as long
as there might be any doubt
in the minds of any people that
a conviction Is Just. It would
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
COP View.
BY Don r. Kendall

David Cahoon and other members of the
county governmentin-exile" still can't accept
the fact that the voters turned them down last
fall. They seem to believe they have to run the
county from the sidelines, despite the rejection
suffered at the polls last year.
Surely even they know that the County
Council this year cut the tax rate by 10 cents.
Tax bills are higher for many people this year
because their homes have been reassessed at
higher values. In some cases their homes had
not been reassessed for several years, and the
boost was quite high.
Assessments are made under the author.
ity Of the Maryland Department Of Assess
ments and Taxation and the County Council
has no control over them
The previous Council had a real talent for
increasing property taxes, and 1t may be that
Mr.. Cahoon believes the tax rate should have
been raised again this year. Even so the re-
duction Of the tax rate cannot be denied.
Az to various school matters, we saw the
Democrats last fall brag about the schools as
II they were special gift from their party
The Board Of Education is elected on a non
partisan basis. Republicans have tried to re-
frain from involving school problems in party
politics, despite repeated provocations such
as those of Mr. Cahoon.
Turning to the matter Of conflict of in
terest, Is Mr.. Cahoon aware that 1t was q
Republican member Of the County Planning
Board. Mrs. Caroline Freeland. who proposed
that all members file affidavits of their real
estate holdings, and that the one member who
has refused to do so is Democrat who was
appointed by the Council Of which Mr.. Cahoon
was a member?
The point of the affidavts is TO create
a public record of land holdings in which any
board member might have conflict of inter-
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
Public Forum

legal rights are being violated
in a similar case?
l congratulate these three
teachers and those supporting
them for standing up for their
citizenship rights and their
professional rights. l urge
them to appeal this decision
with the expectation that the
judges own statements will re-
veal the weakness of the rea-
soning. Regardless Of the
ultimate decision in this case,
its far.reaching implications
ought to give both jurists and
laymen alike pause for
thought.
Robert w. Bogen,
Executive Secretary,
Arlington Education
Association
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
School Suit To Be Aired

Prettyman, said 1t will seek to
acquire the money for the adj
ditional teachers through other
means.
"The Council has attempted
to exercise control of education
al policy and educational needs
within the school system" its
suit says.
The board also asks that the
Council be compelled to turn
over more than 81 million in
surplus funds collected through
school taxes which have not
been appropriated.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
Reply to Cahoon
by Gerde Crow

est. 1t is an attempt to get at the conflict of
interest problem.
The Republican member of the Washing.
ton Suburban Sanitary Commission. Anthony
Morella, has suggested that the WSSC tighten
It's procedures to avoid any possible conflict.
SO lar, the WSSC has taken no action, but
here is real opportunity for the Democrats
on the Commission (which includes member
OF their Central Committee) to do something
positive on this subject
Mr.. Cahoon is extremely unfair To the
former county newspaperman who prepared
our republican Report. In return let me say
have seen the latest Democrat publication.
II is Titled the Observer, which believe is APP
propriate for "government.in-exile" won't
call 1t slick" because it's pretty rough in
spots.
interestingly, however. II Il absolutely
silent on the subjects which Mr.. Cahoon be.
neves are 20 vital It II absolutely silent on the
problems OF conflicts Of interest, law enforce.
nient, economic development, coming or plan.
ming.
Maybe Mr.. Cahoon should direct a ser.
mon to the Observers editors, listed at Blair
Lee III and Richard A. Salem.
Furthermore the Observer apparently can
not see beyond the boundaries of Montgomery
County, for it has no word of defense, even
for Gov. Tawes and his stumbling adninistra.
ton, nor for the lost horizons of the New
Frontier, about which silence is very Chart.
able indeed.
Now we see the goal of the local Demo
Gratis. They will carp about the problems of
local government, which the voters In their
wisdom removed from their hands, and thus
try to divert attention from the failures of
their own State and National Administration.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish
the grapes Of wrath from sour grspes-but
they both produce wine that is bitter.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17
0 Federation
Continued from Page u

charges that the Washington
Suburban Sanitary Commission
is encouraging development in
the Patuxent Watershed, which
they say is "in direct peril to
the water supply of this coun-
ty.
1T is doing this in an In
direct fashion," they continued,
while it piously claims to OPP
pose dense developments in this
watershed. Such hypocrisy by
a government agency is an af.
front to the. citizens of the
county"
The Federation commended
Council member Mary A, Hep
burn for her efforts to have the
Council hold a public hearing
on the WSSC program and re-
ject the proposed acceleration
OF the Northwest Branch sewer.
They expressed disappoint-
ment that Mr.. John Al
Floyd, whose efforts and voting
record in coming matters have
been, almost without exception,
in the best public interest.
should have taken the lead in
proposing the accelerated
Northwest Branch program"
In other matters, the civic
group passed a resolution
that the 10 largest bene-
fetal owners of land or proper
" be listed on a rezoning appi-
so that inquiry may be
made ss to conflicts of interest.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17

The School Board majority
wants protection of the pri-
vacy Of Junior College fresh
men from electronic data
computers.
Not long ago the same ma.
1ority tried nightly to re-
move the protection of privacy
from certain personnel records
Of school teachers.
What kind of relative values
does this contrast convey?
Harold r. Brelmyer
Kensington
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17

The Montgomery County
School Board is pinning its
hopes for additional teachers on
a suit which will be heard to.
morrow in Circuit Court to de.
termine If the County Council
improperly refused TO appro-
pirate money for 200 additional
teachers last spring.
After being turned down by
the Council last week In its
attempt to get 80 new teachers,
the board, acting on the advice
of its attorney, Charles w.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-10-17

seek out the bits of evidence
that a jury never hears-or at
any rate never heard in the
Giles-Johnson case. 1t would
be a part of the States nag
ging conscience.
Marshall ID. Gibson III
Chevy Chase