The Danville News from Danville, Pennsylvania • 1

Editorial VOL. 65 NO. 226 Our 67th Year DANVILLE, TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1965 8 Pages Today PRICE 7 CENTS Attack South Viet Base Streams Blast Traps Five In Shaft: 5 Miners Trapped; I One Body Is Found feet below the surface, were trapped Monday when an explosion ripped through the mine, searing the shaft with such heat that its walls were like a coal stove. Rescue officials said there was some rubble in the shaft, but the principal obstacle was the deadly gas fumes. Three rescuers were overcome by the fumes but were revived.

The special rescue team, led by S. M. Sampson, superintendent of the Pocahontas Coal Companys Morco Mine, prepared and reinforced the mine shaft so that a giant fan at one of the entrances could suck the fumes out. Rescuers working Monday night in 20 minute shifts be ROBBINS, Tenn. (UPI) A rescue squad early today sent out word that it had found one body in a coal mineshaft deep in the Brimstone Mountains where an explosion Monday trapped five miners.

The squad, wearing oxygen masks, said the body was discovered at a loading point deep inside the shaft. It was not immediately identified and the search continued for the other four miners. I dont see how any of them could be alive. They could either be burned or they could have su'focated, said J. M.

Sisson, assistant director of mine inspections for Tennessee, directing rescue operations. The five men, working 3,000 tM) Li IF ANYONE had the idea -the Glen Alden Coal Company, which claims it cant afford to treat the mine acid it permits to flow into the Susquehanna River, was headed for the poor house, please forget it. Glen Alden, toay the least, is doing all" right in the long green department. So much so, in fact, it might even be able to afford to purchase those pumps, donated by US taxpayers through the government, being used to pour acid mine" waste into beautiful but often filthy Susquehanna. A.

A. List, chairman of the Glen Alden board of directors, the other day indicated to company shareholders that the firm has a few pennies in its jeans and is seeking to branch out some more. The "pennies amounts to from $38,000,000 to $40, 000,000, give or take a few. Glen Aldeng operating profits in 1964 were reported at $6,000,000, and profits for the first four months of this year are said to be higher than last year. There is no begrudging Glen Alden making a buck.

More credit to it. There is some question as to it reaping large profits at the expense, all too often, of people and towns forced to live side-by-side with a polluted river. Pennsylvania has more miles of water polluted by mine drainage than any other state in the nation. The economic future of the Commonwealth is seriously endangered by this pollution, and by the attitudes held by that segment of the business and industrial community which feels the pollution battle is no of their concern. Mr.

List, in his announcement, noted that Glen Alden is on the lookout for other properties to acquire. "The key to the future is how successful we are in making acquisitions." Hes perfectly right, of course. WHY DOESN'T Glen Alden buy the Susquehanna River? Maybe then some of that $38 to $40 million might go toward helping to clean up the stream. Don Safety Patrol Trip Is Slated DANVILLE Members of the Danville Area Joint School safety patrols will be treated to a trip to Harrisburg and Hershey this Thursday, it was announced by Robert A. Hawk, elementary supervisor.

Patrol members will leave the First Ward School by bus at 8:30 a. Thursday, arriving at the State Capitol, Harris, burg, about 11 a. m. Following a tour of the capltol, the youngsters will eat lunch and then depart for Hershey where they will tour the Hershey Chocolate Plant and visit Hershey Park. Youngsters will return to Danville between 8:30 and 9:30 p.

disembarking at the First Ward School. Each patrol member is to provide his own noon lunch and spending money will be given to each member. One of the chaperones will be a member of the Danville Police Department. Chief of Police Robert P. Burke, Danville, is the trip advisor.

Children to make the trip are as follows: First Ward Richard Hall, Jeff Pope, Burch Young, George Smith, Paul Venarchick, Bob Nygren, Timothy Hettinger and Francis Phillips. Second Ward George Adams, Richard Thomas, Keith tivziey, Craig Stout, John Am-mermen and Michael Straus-ser. Third Ward Steve Fermier, Gary Keefer, Benny Linker, Louisa Chappell, Sandy Ryan, Judy Yohn, Mabel Yaw anc John Wertman. Fourth Ward Arthur Bausch, Jan Moser, Terry Patterson, Larry Diehl, Lois Wintersteen. Barbara Kline, Wanda Reibsome and Mary Dunkle.

Mahoning Steve Kase, Dennis Clark and Mike Eyerly. Riverside Scott Jeffreys, Douglas Smith, John Knight, James Van Sickle and Christine Magill. DeLong John Cotner, Jerry Gresh, Gareth Hertzler, Lee Springer and Robert Cromis. St. Joseph Kenneth Buck-ley, John Thomas, Anthony Sa-wistowsld, William Vargo, Robert Tomcavage, Bernard Woll, John Foster and Gary Jones.

Junior High Promotion Set DANVILLE Dr. Nevin E. Smith, pastor of the Emmanuel Church of Hanover since 1940, will be the speaker at the annual promotion exercises pt Danville Junior High School, it was announced by Robert Buehner, principal. Title of his talk will be Value of Another Step. Tbe promotion will be held at 8 p.

m.L Monday, June 7, in the Danville Junior High School auditorium. Dr. Smtih was born in Woodsboro, Maryland, and taught school for two years in Frederick, Maryland He was graduated from Franklin and Marshal College in 1928 and from the Theological Seminary in Westminster, Maryland, in 1931. Dr. Smith received his doctorate in 1949 from Franklin and Marshal.

THOMAS MUCHLER, of Miffilnburg, Zorn Chairman of Pennsylvania District Kay Clubs, was tha speaker at the parent appreciation night held by Danville Key Club at the Ridge-villa United Church of Christ Social Hall. Program Set Here DANVILLE Basse E. Beck and Franklin L. Kury, both of Sunbury, proponents of clean streams in Pennsylvania, will be the guest speakers at the regular meeting of the Danville Ki-wanis Club at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Pine Bam Inn, Danville. Beck will discuss the history of mine acid drainage pollution of the Susquehanna River and Kury will speak on the legal and legislative aspects of clean streams.

Beck is the general manager of the Sunbury Daily Item and has long been interested in clean streams. He is chairtnan of the Clean Streams Committee of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmens Clubs. During the past seven years he has been a close observer of the pollution problem. He has written many newspaper articles and frequently spoken before legislative committees and other. groups on the need for strong clean streams legislation.

Kury is a former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania and serves on the legal committee of the Central Division of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmens Clubs. Kury has testified before the Fisheries Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on the need for stronger clean streams legislation and has drafted an amendment to the law which is presently being considered by the legislature. He is a graduate of Trinity College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. "Show Me The Way To DANVILLE Dimples, a fwo-year-old Dalmatian owned by a Danville RD 4 family, never realized how good he had it around the backyard. That is, not until he began to roam those hills over yonder, discovering to his dismay, as through, the years, that the blankety blank grass is not greener, etc.

Heres the tale (pardon the pun) of Dimples, and his battle with the outside world a battle, incidentally, which he was losing until saved by some kind human folk. The story should prove a good warning to all mutts with wunderlust: stay home, you never had it so good. On -March 12, Dimples, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sponenberg and children, decided life on the farm was much too" tame.

He took off in the direction of the never-never land where the dog Ibones are bigger than boulders, and the sun never fails to shine. Dimples didnt leave a note. The Sponenbergs searched a wide area for the canine, but finally bad to give up on the thought Dimples had vamoo. sed for good. That was March 12.

The other day, the Danville RD 4 family was out riding in the country. They passed the boms of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Vial, of Bloomsburg RD 4. A Dalmatian dog in the yard of the Vial home.

One of the Sponenberg youngsters shoutedThats Dim- (continued on M9 two) Meeting Of Citizens Group Set Tomorrow DANVILLE The regular meeting of the Citizens Organization for Greater Danville wUl be held at 8 p. tomorrow, at Odd Fellows Hall, Danville. Frank Price, president of Nanticoke Taxpayers. League, will be guest speaker at the session. A report of recent meeting with the Federal Urban Renewal officials in Philadelphia win be discussed.

cause of the intense heat, pen itrated about 1,000 feet into the shaft. "Itll be a miracle if theyre alive, said Lee West, one of the rescue workers. A crowd of about 500 persons gathered outside the mine to watch the operations. A small spotlight was trained on the entrance during the night. Relatives of the five men were among the spectators.

The trapped miners were identified as Arthur Norris, 45; Phillip Davis, 55; Lawrence Griffin, 45; his brother, Clayton Griffin, 25, and Russell Webb, 55. All were residents of this Cumberland Mountain region near the Kentucky border about 45 miles west of Knoxville. are Gary Ulrich, left, new local club; Muchler, Terry of the Danville Key Club, and outgoing president of the (News Photo) Soon: Count' Demos The request for a nose count was skid to have come from Davis and was relayed to the Democratic side by minority floor leader John H. Devlin, D-Allegheny. It apparently was made on behalf of upstate Republicans, who consider it 'politically dangerous to vote dSt the school bus program and will do so only if their support is absolutely needed to pass the legislation.

The Democrats are expecteci to provide 19 of the needed 26 votes for passage. The word from the GOP side is that at least eight Republicans will go along if necessary. Democratic sources said Davis also asked the minority to keep the religious issue out of debate on the legislation. The worry over the vote count was one of the reasons why the release of school bus legislation. was being delayed a week.

Another was that 10 members of the Education Committee also are members of the Senate Mines Committee and will be in northeastern Pennsylvania for two days this week for hearings on an anthracite strip mine bill. It had been reported 10 days ago that Gov. William W. Scranton bad told Democratic leaders that school bus legislation would be reported out of the committee this week and given final Senate action the (continued on page eight) Thought For Today W. S.

Gilbert wrote in one of his operettas: "I see no objection to stoutness, in moderation." RIVER READING The level of the Susquehanna River is falling in the local area. The reading at 7 yesterday, was 3.68 feet, falling, while at 7 today, the level was reported at 3.62 feet, with 20 millimeter riannons. Although the spokesman expressed certainty that the planes were American, he was unable to say whether they (continued on peg six) Tax Assessing Change Asked HARRISBURG (News Harris-burg Bureau) Under terms of a bill now before the Legislature, a minimum percentile figure would be established in the assessment of real property in counties of the eighth class such as Montour County. At the present time the law specifies that real property in tbe county shall be assessed on the basis of a predetermined ratio at a value not exceeding 75 per cent of its actual value with no minimum specification. Under terms of the legislation now in committee in the House of Representatives this would be amended to provide that the assessed value of the real property shall not be less than 50 per cent of actual value (with the 75 per cent ceiling remaining unchanged).

Along this same line, another piece of legislation in the House of representatives would require that the predetermined ratio for assessment value shall be established and deter, mined by the board of county commissioners. (There is no specification of this sort at tbe present time.) Also applicable to counties of tbe eighth class such as Moo tour'ls a bill in the lower chamber that would authorize the county commissioners to provide, by resolution, for the appointment of a certified public accountant in lieu of the election of auditors or a controller. A senate bQl would up the fees paid coroners of eighth class counties such as Montour, increasing from $15 to $18, for example, the coroner's fee for viewing a dead body; raise from $8 to $9.50 the fee for summoning and qualifying inquest and returning inquisition, while for summoning and qualifying each witness the coroners fee would be increased from $2.50 to $3. Scouts To Aid Grave Decorating DANVILLE Boy ScoUts of the Montour District will again cooperate with the Frank W. Sidler American Legion Post 40 in marking of graves of deceased veterans in preparation for Memorial Day, it was announced by Herb Fridley, District Commissioner.

Scouts, Scout officials. Legionnaires and other officials will participate in ceremonies at 6 p.m., Thursday, at Odd Fellows Cemetery when Flags will be turned over to Scouts. An Scout units are to have representatives at the ceremony which wifi be attended by the Color Guard from Post 40 and other Legion officials. Rain date for the ceremonies win be Friday at the same time and same location. Flagstvfll be presented to this' years Eagle Scouts who wUl accept on behalf of aU Scouts in the District Welfare, showed actual costs at $22,160 for the past year.

In other actions. Commissioners allocated $4,000 to Danville Borough for the initiation of the borough street program. It was announced the court house will be closed on Monday, May 31, In observance of the Memorial Day holiday. SAIGON (UPI) In one of the tragic incidents of the war, four American jets today accidentally attacked a South Vietnamese military base near the border with North Viet Nam. Five South Vietnamese soldiers were wounded.

One bulldozer was destroyed and another damaged. A U.S. military spokesman said the four planes strayed off course. First reports on the attack raised the possibility the planes were Communist MIG fighters. A U.S.

spokesman at Da Nang, ssuing file original announcement, said the planes were presumed to be MIGs. But that theory was later spiked at a briefing in Saigon called by U.S. military headquarters. Hit in the mistaken raid was the government outpost at Gia Linh, about five miles south of the demilitarized zone between the two Viet Nams. Two of the planes strafed units of the 101st Engineer Battalion of file South Vietnamese army while the other two flew cover.

All four planes streaked out to sea after the attack. "The best evidence we have indicates that file shells (fired by the planes) were 20 millimeter, the Saigon spokesman said. No MIGS are armed Top Of The News FIGHT LEWISTON, Maine The first scene, second act of boxings greatest drama will unfold tonight in a high school hockey rink. Its Cassius Clay vs. Sonny IJston for the heavyweight championship of the world.

INTEGRATION United Press International Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. vowed to lead a delegation today to the state Capitol at Montgomery, which he said would find no tranquility until there are black faces in the legislature." DOMINICAN SANTO DOMINGO This troubled city appeared today to be returning to normal under the supervision of the predom-lnantely American peace force set up Monday by the Organization of American States. SPECTACULAR DISPLAY CAlPE KENNEDY (UPI) Americas Saturn I rocket orbited a huge space duster satellite today, putting on a spectacular display of flame and fury as it raced into the night sky. Minutes after reaching irbit, the bat-like meteoroid detection satellite called Pegasus sprouted 96-feet wide wings and began studying the hazards tiny bits of space debris would pose to three-man Apollo moonships.

FIVE PERSONS KILLED LINCOLN, Ala. (UPI) -Five persons were killed Monday night during an attempt to push a stalled car from the path of a southern railway freight train. The Weather Considerable cloudiness today and Wednesday otherwise fair and mild through Wednesday. Highest temperatures today and Wednesday in the 70s. Lowest tonight mid 40s to the mid 50s.

the election cost the county cents per ballot in the May primary. Cost of operating the child welfare program in the county during 1964 waa also discussed at the session. A report, which was submitted by Commissioners to the Pennsylvania Department of t) Shown in photo president of the Shaffer, advisor Charles Brown, Danville Club. Davis To Release Bill Bus Nose Asked Of HARRISBURG (UPI) Senate Democrats have been asked to inform majority Republicans as to how many of their members will vote in favor of a bill supplying free bus transportation to students of parochial and private schools. The unusual request was revealed by minority sources Monday, only a few hours after Sen.

Preston B. Davis, R-North-umberland, had predicted that the Senate Education Committee, of which he is chairman, would release a House-approved bus bill for floor action next week. Davis also was on record as having told the Republican caucus there are enough votes in the Senate to pass file bus legislation. Housing Project Bids Are Sought DANVILLE The Housing Authority of Montour County is receiving bids for construction of a local housing -project consisting of 55 dwelling units 40 of them for elderly residents and the other 15 for non-clderly qualified peo- pie. Bids will be received until poon, Monday, June 14, at office of the Housing Authority, Beaver Place, Danville.

Proposed forms of contract documents, including plans and specifications, are on file at the Housing Authority office and with the architects, Rinker and Rake, 304 Park avenue, Stroudsburg. In addition to the general construction contract, separate pacts will be let for plumbing, heating, electri--cal' and landscaping work. Hie 55-unit development will be- the second public housing project in Danville. Key Club Fete Held DANVILLE New officers were installed at the annual parent appreciation night of the Danville Key Club held last night at the RidgevQle United Church of Christ Social Hall. New officers are Gary Ulrich, president; Thomas Lechner, vice president; Greg Gaertner, secretary, and John Brown) treasurer.

Bruce Deitman, Lieutenant Governor of Division 14 Key Clubs was the installing officer. The program for the evening was opened with the singing of one verse of "America followed by the invocation by Key Clubber William Ferry. Following dinner, Ulrich introduced guests and file group joined in a song fest led by John Kuprevich. Thomas Muchler, zone chairman of the Pennsylvania District of Key Clubs, speaker for tbe evening, spoke on the Three Rs Responsibility, Respect and Religion." Muchler pointed out the hard way of learning responsibility while young, need for respect which will take one the right way down the long road of life and the necessity for religion, which he termed "the foundation for all undertakings In life. The Chairman said these three Rs are as important as readin, ritin and rith-metlc and anyone possessing the three Rs along with education, is assured of success in (continued on page two) DHS Organ Recital Is Slated Tonight DANVILLE Clair Snyder, an accomplished organist, will present a recital at 8 p.m., today, at the Danville Senior High on the new Hammond Organ recently purchased by ttte school.

Webber Harmony Shop, Danville, is sponsoring the recital. There wilt be no admission charge but a donation will be accepted to help pay the cost of the organ. Guest WISHFUL (Guest Editorial) Heres testimony from Eastman Kodak Chairman Albert K. Chapman which shows what financial faith in private enterprise can do for an individual: If your grandfather had bought and held 100 in Kodak common-stock in 1884, it would be worth nearly $1,000,000 at current prices. And dont you wish he hadl Roch-ester Timss-Union.

Grinobits WATCH-ING DOG ST. LOUIS, Mo. UPI) -St. Louis police today kept in the city dog pound the pooch that solved the crime by biting the thief that stole the car. The dog, "Prince, bit a 17-year-old car thief and slowed him up so police could capture him.

After the episode, Prince was put in the pound for obser- vation. Its law, an official said. "We even bring police canine corps dogs in for ob-eervation after they bite somebody. NO ROOTING CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (UP I) Radcliffe 1 1 e.

coeds have been ordered to remain ip their dormitories and not to cheer on boys during panty raids. Police and college officials said Monday such tactics will contribute to the safety of boys, who may fall and hurt themselves if encouraged to climb file ivied walls- Cost County 7184 Cents A Ballots 15 Per Cent Of Voters Here Turned Out For Election DANVILLE Forty-five per cent of the eligible voters turned out at the primary election in Montour County last Tuesday, it was announced at the regular meeting of Montour County Commissioners yesterday. A report by the chief clerk, William O. Andes indicated.