The Key West Citizen Newspaper, December 14, 1954, Page 1

Do Your Part Tomorrow To Make S-D Day Successful InKey West Key West, Florida, has the most equable climate country, with an average range of only 14° Fahrenheit VOL. LXXV No, 296 in the Sewer Bond Sale Proposal Atred Chances Of City Floating Issue Depend On Prices The chances of the city floating a refunding bond issue to re-finance $900,000 in sewer revenue bonds, ap- parently hinges on its abil- ity to sell the new bond issue at a substantial premium. That fact was indicated by Ha- good Clarke, Jr., a representative of Atwill and Co., Miami Beach bond brokers when he pointed out that the amount of the new bonds may not exceed that of the orig- inal issue under state law. Commissioners’ Preference Some members of the city com- mission had said that they would prefer to have the cost of the pro- gram ($45,000) added to the re- funding issue so that the city will not-have to make any actual cash ‘outlay. Total cost of the issue, if it is floated, would be an $18,000 fee to Atwill and Co., and a $30 per thous- and recall premium to the owners of the sewer bonds amounting to $27,000. The city does not have the money available, according to the com- mission. Clarke told the commission that he feels the bonds will be attrac- tive enough so that bidders will offer prices above their $100 par value, so that proceeds of the sale woul take care of the costs. Price Predicted larke said that he thought that he bonds will sell for about $103 for a bond with a par value of $100. The original sewer bonds, sold when the market was “depressed,” brought only $98 — a two per cent discount from par value. , ‘Atwill and Co. is also asking for a contract with the city to act as its sole financial agent for a three year period. The city, however, has pointed out that they are limited to a one year agreement because of an ordinance passed last year. The Miami Beach firm has told the city that a saving amounting to more than two hundred thous- and dollars can be effected by re- funding the bonds. Van Fleet Quits As Supporter Of McCarthy AUBURNDALE (#—Gen. James A. Van Fleet has resigned as spon- gor of Ten Million Americans, an organization formed to support Sen, Joseph McCarthy. ‘The former commander of the Fighth Army in Korea said he is disappointed “with McCarthy’s ,in- creased ego in statements against the Senate and now against our President. I cannot be associated with such unAmerican methods. Van Fleet sent a telegram of resignation yesterday to the head of the group, John G. Crommelin, a retired rear admiral. Last week Van Fleet sent Mc- Carthy a telegram withdrawing all support because of the Wisconsin Republican’s conduct during the Senate censure hearing and “your pitter, personal attack” on Eisen- hower. OUTBOARD STOLEN A thief stole a 10-horsepower Johnson outboard from Jack Mil- Jer’s Tackle Shop at Marathon last night, the sheriif's department re- ported today. ——————— LICENSED - .NSURED ANGELO LETO PAINTING CO. Installment Plan HOUSE PAINTING NO JOB TOO LARGE —OR TOO SMALL Convenient Monthly Terms Call 2-8845 Herz Is Named 'To Head Medics Dr. Ralph Herz was elected president of the Monroe Coun- ty Medical Society at a meet- ing last Thursday, it was an- nounced today. He also is delegate frem the Monros County society to the Florida Medical Association and has been designated to handle public relations for the Mon- roe County group. Others officers elected at the meeting in Monroe County Gen- eral Hospital were Dr. C. W. Morrison, vice president, and Dr. William Ploss, secretary. Is Youls, Or Is You Ain't Our Phantom? Police Dragnet Called Off As Man Pays Fine By JIM COBB “Follow that car!” “Send out a general al- arm!” “Call in the reserves!” “Manhunt!” “The Southernmost Phan- tom is loose!” Members of the Key West Po- lice department were galvanized into instant action shortly after 9 o'clock today when Thomas Young, who had been serving a 30 day sentence on a drunk and disorder- ly conviction calmly walked out of the city jail and disappeared a- round the corner. TV Interrupted Police, who had been lounging in headquarters watching a program known as Ding Dong School on television, leaped to their feet. When the escape alarm was given, the cops immediately sprang into action, knowing exactly what police procedures to follow since they are all avid viewers of Drag- net on their new television set. “Stop that man!” one of them shouted. A trio of officers led by Lt. Gene Hernandez leaped into the patrol wagon and took off with squealing tires to search for the fugitive. Firemen in the city hall rushed out- side to see what the excitement was about. “What happened?” was the ques- tion voiced by scores of spectators. He's Loose “The Phantom is loose,” was the grim reply from police officers. Word spread like wildfire, Meanwhile, police continued their search. Desk Sgt. Ansel Albury huddled over the police radio wating for a report on the progress of the search No report came through. A few minutes later the patrol wagon returned to the station bear- ing three red-faced cops. The Phan- tom was not in the wagon. Nobody knew where the Phantom was. One of the officers had remem- bered that Young had paid his $25 fine earlier and had a perfect right to leave the jail. He wasn’t an es- capee, after all. The red-faced cops went back to their television program, DESTROYERS RETURN The destroyers Sarsfield and Sau- |fley returned here this past week- | end after a seven - month absence, |the Navy announced today, Both ships recently completed regular | shipyard overhauls at Charleston, 8. C. CEMENT, LIME, PLASTER — at Strunk Lumber | 120 Simonton, near Post Office THE os SOUTHERNMOST NEWSPAPER KEY WEST, FLORIDA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1954 = IN THE Che Kev West Cilise U.S. A. Pioneer Key West Doctor “S-D DAY”—Deputy Sheriff Jim Wilder, local director for S-D Day, attaches an official bumper strip to Judge Thomas S. Caro’s car as the judge looks on approvingly. December 15—tomorrow —has been set aside by Presidential proclamation as “Safe Driving Day.” program is to have one day without traffic accidents. S-D Day Citizen Staff Photo, Don Pinder. Goal for the 24-hour is being observed nation-wide.— [Racing Commission Activity, | Detailed In Hearing Today TALLAHASSEE (#—Suspended Chairman Curtis Haggard told Gov. -Elect LeRoy Collins today that the McCarty racing commission | saved the state $45,000 by hiring | its own attorney to help defend a | lawsuit attacking the 1953 dog track tax increase. Acting Gov. Johns suspended the | McCarty board because it paid Boy Continues Fight For Life After Accident Clark Rodgers, 8-year-old son of Commander and Mrs. Robert R. Rodgers, 1420 White Street, is still fight- ing for his life today at the Naval Hospital. Young Rodgers collided with an automobile while riding his bicy cle | on White Street at Rest Beach Sat- urday. The force of the blow knock- ed him off the bike and onto the pavement. Full extent of his injuries has not yet been determined but it is known that he is suffering from a fractured skull and possible spinal | injuries. Taken To Hospital The driver of the vehicle, George | D. Ray, 77, of 619 Fleming Street, ' immediately took the boy to Mon- | roe County Hospital from which he was later transferred to the Na-| va! Hospital upon the arrival of his | parents. | After hovering between life and) death last night his condition is | only slightly improved and he Fe-| mains on the critical list | His father, Commander Robert R. Rodgers, U. S. Navy. is Com-} manding Officer of Squadron HS- | 1 at the Seaplane Base. | Public Hearing To Erect a Standard Filling Station on the So. E. Corner of Josephine St. and Flagler Ave. All those opposed come to a Public Hearing on December 27th at City Hall, Greene St. CECIL CARBONELL, Chairman. commission attorney Walter E. Dence a $5,000 fee for helping de- fend the lawsuit. Johns charged this was a violation of law which | provides the commission may hire a lawyer at a yearly salary not to exceed $3,000. Haggard, a Miami dentist, said the commission had discussed the possibility of hiring outside counsel to defend a suit by the Biscayne Kennel Club and the Volusia Coun- ty Kennel Club against the 1953} law setting up a graduated tax scale,, which would have increased the state’s revenue from dog rac ing about two million dollars a year. Haggard took the witness chair as Collins resumed his public hear ings into Johns’ suspension of 17} major McCarty appointees, McCarty’s Order Haggard said the late Gov. Dan 'McCarty told him to hire Dence not only because it was good busi- ness and would save the state mon- ey but because the commission attorney had helped draft the new tax bill “and probably was more familiar with it than any man in Florida.” The law was declared unconsti- tutional by the Court. William Frates, Miami attorney representing the ousted racing | commission, told Collins that the special fee to Dence had been ap- proved by McCarty and the comp- troller’s office. Haggard testified that Johns on! Nov. 10, 1953 “told me he wanted me to resign. I asked him why. |He said he just wanted people he knew and could depend on. “TI told him I thought the racing state Supreme | SaaS SSeS Fovusxsze-Toe Hoad | Amphibious Group| Rear Adm. George C. Town- er is being transferred to com- man? of Amphibious Group Three, the Navy announced to- day. A spokesman said Towner’s official orders have not arriv- ed here yet but the informa: tion that the admiral was being shifted to the west coast was contained in a dispatch from Washington. The exact location on th west coast was not known here. Towner will be relieved dur- ing January by Rear Admiral Harry H. Henderson. Towner, who will be 54 next March, was graduated from the Naval Academy June 4, 1924. He was promoted to rear ad miral July 19, 1952. Montgomery Will Head Shrine Club Jesse J. Montgomery was elect- ed to head the Key West Shrine | Club for tHe coming year at a | meeting held at the Scottish Rite | Temple last week. His roster of fellow officers in- |cludes Munro J, Horre, first vice | president; Oliver L. Blossom} sec- ‘ond vice president; and directors | Charles Blundell, S. W. DeMerritt, | Willard Cook, Dr. Ralph Herz, and |John P. Goggin Marathon. Installation is slaved for a Janu- ary date to be decided on later. It will be carried on in conjune- tion with a Fellowship Night. AID TO SHOPPERS commission was doing an outstand-| ing job and told him of some of the policies we had inaugurated. “He said, as best I can recall, that if we had come in and now he had to move.” CENTREVILLE, Md. (#—Park- \ing meters in Centreville have} }been covered with bags bearing | a greeting which read: “Welcome} |throwed ’em on the table’ he/|to Centreville. No meter charges} | wouldn't have to disturb us, but /Dec. 13 to Dec. 31. Merry Christ- |mas and a happy new year.” NOTICE! All persons holding reserved 1955 Auto Tags must call at the tag office and pay for same on or before January 3, 1955. Failure to do this will result in your losing your reserved numbers. HOWARD E. WILSON, Tax Collector. pwith ths Dies Today Devoted His Life To Service To Poor, Locals Say Dr., Enrique Rodriguez, | 87, well-known Key West/ physician, died today in| Monroe General Hospital. Dr. Rodriguez, who is credited | with delivering thousands of Key West babies during a practice which spanned more than 50 years, had been ill for several months. He had devoted his life to ser- vice to the poor. ° Cuban-Born Born in Havana, Dr. Rodriguez studies medicine at the University of Barcelona and took post gra- duate work in pediatrics in Paris and in Switzerland. He came to Key West in 1903, but returns to Havana in 1906 to accept a post uv. Ss Marine hospital there. Hé returned to Key West shortly and has lived here ever since. A friend of Jose Marti, Cuba’s most revered patriot, Dr. Rodri- guez once owned three drugstores in Key West and was medical di- rector of the Gato Hospital. One- time president of several local La- tin American societies, Dr, Rodri- guez was also a member of the Elks Club. Dr. Rodriguez lived for many years with a nephew, Dr. Ramon} Rodriguez, at 926 Fleming St. Other survivors include three sisters, Mrs. J. M. Lara, Mrs. Ro- sita Gato and Mrs. Consuelo Diaz, | all of Havana. Funeral, services will be held Wednesday at 5 p. m. in the Cha- pel of the Pritchard Funeral Home | with the Rev. James B. Statham, of | tke Fleming St. Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the family plot, city cemetery. Honorary pall-bearers are: Cir- cuit Judge Aquilino Lopez, Jr., W. Curry Harris, Cuban Consul Osear Morales, Dr. Delio Cobo and City Judge Enrique Esquinaldo. STOCK-UP TODA with smoother tasting Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer FOR COMPLETE FIGHT WIGHT ENJOYMENT Febet Blue Ribbon PRESENTS Championship Fight “Boho” Olson ssataaiine Champion Pierre Langlois Monroe Beer Distributors, Inc. 4 Already more than 30 City Commission |Sets Special Meet A special meeting of the city commission will be held Wed- nesday at 5 p. m. Slated for discussion at the meeting are proposals to move the city hall to the present USO building on Whitehead St. and for the purchase of an off- street parking lot at Angela and Simonton Streets. Fred Dion, representing the owners of the lot, and members of the USO board of directors are expected to attend Wednes- day’s session. Sheriff's Dept. Handles 100 Cases In Nov. The Monroe County sher- iff’s department handled 100 incoming complaints during November, accord- ing to the monthly report released today. The new complaints were brok- en down this way: Deaths, 3; aggravated assaults, 2; breaking and entering, 17; lar- ceny, 18; auto theft, 4; simple as. saults, 1; embezzlement and fraud, 1; weapous violations, 2; family and children, 5; narcotics, 1; drun- kenness, 2; disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated, 2; ac dents, 7; other auto violations, 3; miscellaneous, 28 Prisoners Tallied Prisoners in the county jail on Oct. 31 numbered 23. There were |78 incoming prisoners in Novem- |ber for a total of 102. During Nov- ember, 80 prisoners were releasd lleaving 22 in jail on Nov. 30. Cases on hand Nov. 1 number- ed 57. The 100 new cases during | November brought the total to 1 | During November, 84 cases were | ciosed, leaving 73 on hand as Dec- 'ember began The vehicles of the department | travelled 9,525 miles during Novem- |ber. Five deputies worked a total jof 1,4 hours. For Quick Use CLASSI reach _,baye qa glenaats < — search for * | Zainst | E JUST IN! Carload Shipment Christmas Trees | Overseas Fruit Mkt. | 934 TRUMAN PH. 2-7742 nunication, Ads! You'll id sellers— S... Just 61 “or 2-5662 Today PRICE FIVE CENTS ——___ Shrimping Season Predicted As Best Here Since 1950 More Than 300 Boats Crowd Harbor To Prepare For Work Key West’s shrimping season—which will reach its peak shortly after Jan. 1—promi 1950, a survey of local dealers.indicated today. $s to be the best since 0 boats have crowded their way into Key West harbor to begin preparations for the shell- valuable fish. More are expected daily from east and gulf coast | fishing ports. | However, last year’s influx of boats from New Bedford, Mass. is not expected to materialize this year. Few New Englanders Only three boats from that New England port are currently fishing out of Key West and indications jare that few others will follow. | Reason, they say, is that New Eng- land skippers had little success in shrimping last year. Spokesmen for fishing interests here said that they believe this year’s fishi operations will re- in for Key West the title of hrimping capital of the world” a reputation gained after the discovery of the Dry Tortugas | shrimp beds in 1930. Thousands of tons of shrimp have been taken from the waters sur- rounding Key West since the dis- |covery of the beds by a St. Au- | gustine fishing expert. | Needs Here Reported | Since then, however, Key West jhad fallen back as a fishing port ; With fishermen complaining about lack of aceémmodations, poor ser- | vice and supply outlets, and many moving out to Ft. Myers and Tam- a | Reports are, however, that they fared little better and are back in |Key West for the season. A tre- |mendous increase has been evi- jdenced in the amount of service jand suppliers for fishermen in Key West The big ‘‘if” is the weather. After |a blustery fall season, fishermen |are hopeful they will*get fair wea- jther for the balance of the win- j ter. | Reports of good catches are com- jing in both from the Dry Tortugas ~|and the Campeche fishing grounds. Williams, Russo Face Debt Suits In Circuit Court Two suits for debt were on file today in Circuit Court — one a- a plumbing company and the other against a Stock Island fill- ing station = The South Dade Plumbing Co. of South Miami has started action against Aaron H. Williams, doing business as Williams Plumbing Co. jto collect $644.65 owed for supplies jsince Sept. 4, 1954. The Republie Oil Refining Com- |Pany is suing Frank J. Russo, do- jing business as the Overseas Gare age for $1,603.84 worth of gasoline owed since Nov. 19, 1953. pobert F. Sauer of the law firm of Neblett and Youmans is attor- ney for plaintiffs in both cases. Wonderful Food _ REASONABLY PRICED Nightly In The Lounge LOVELY CAROL COLLIER VERSATILE JOSE TORANO