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SECTION 2 - PAGE 8 - PLAIVDEALER-WEDNESDAY, MARCH !«, 1877 FDITORIAI 9 State Highlights 100 Years Ago WKMwiJm I ̂^0 I ill 1 (MARCH IN ILLINOIS A governor of New york, 184- few of those present were St. Patrick s day parades ai Controlling Opinion Recent television "documentaries," plus news slanting, bring into clear focus the threat television poses today as an instrument to control public opinion--and thus the government itself. Television attempts to share the bed of the free press. But it's a different news medium and cannot be afforded the same privileges as the print media for fundamental reasons. First, there's no adequate corrective process in television. Even errors on news programs often go uncorrected. Nothing is in permanent print form and it's difficult for commentators to be called to account. Additionally, television has a different audience every day. unlike newspapers with fixed subscription lists. Further, slanting is possible in so many subtle ways on film--not possible in print. Appearances can be all-important.selection, the attitude of the commentator, background video, innuendo--visual and audible, intrusion of opinion into commentaries, etc. The process is so fast and transitory, with no printed account for the viewer to analyze leisurely and carefully, there are almost limitless opportunities for slanting. Also, television news and documentaries tend toward the dramatic, toward action. 'If events are not dramatic enough, documentaries over-dramatize them News treatment favors action film, and even creates the action at times, to make a more dramatic film. All this--and the fact that there are only three giant commercial networks, often in close consultation in one city--poses a serious threat to American democracy, since the people are not assured of getting the news straight or uncolored. Unless the average citizen has all the facts, he can't vote intelligently, as an informed elector. For years Congress and Presidents have ignored this new threat. Yet it's now obvious some kind of historical commission must be established to monitor documentaries presented as history, as a first step. A group of the nation's most distinguished history professors, without censoring, could require labels on "documentaries" denoting whether fiction or fact. " President Carter and the 95th Congress should, at last, address this problem. World Population The latest population estimates for the world's 164 countries show Red China with more than 950,000,000 people--a greater population than official Chinese census figures admit. The figures estimate Indian population at more than 650,000,000. After China and India, Russia is the world's third most populous country, with 257,000,000 inhabitants. The United States, with a growth rate higher than that of the Soviet Union, is fourth, with 222,000,000. These four countries contain half the world's people. Only three other countries contain more than a hundred million inhabitants. The next three, in population size, are Indonesia (143 million), Brazil (113 million) and Japan (112 million). A fascinating feature of the new estimates of the Environmental fund in Washington is the conclusion that some countries (Britain, Austria, Malta and Barbados) have achieved zero growth. Others (East Germany, Portugal) are experiencing population declines. Building Permits (city of McHenry) The following building permits were issued by the city of McHenry during the month of February: Brittany Builders, 5524 W. Sherman drive, sign. . Anthony and Charles Pintozzi, 4618 W. Rt. 120, sign. - Casey Proctor, 1920 Oak drive, single family dwelling. Martin Spoto, 3910 John street, commercial. World Over Travel incorporated, 1311 N. Riverside drive, sign. - R. E. May, incorporated, 3428 W. Elm street, sign. Henry Tudor, 5215 Shore drive, fireplace. March builders, 4401 Prairie, single family dwelling. Richard Wurm, 4913 W. Dartmoor drive, single family dwelling. Thomas Tucker, 5006 W. Dartmoor drive, single family dwelling. Barry Wilson, 4912 W. Dartmoor drive, single family dwelling. Vincent A. Giacomin, 4913 Bromley, single family dwelling. Thomas Ruhnke, 5108 Shorehill drive, single family dwelling. March Builders, 1701 Meadow lane, single family dwelling. Roy Carlson, 4013 Maple avenue, garage. Bill Anderson, 3713 W. Freund, family room. James Patzke, 5220 Hunter drive, single family dwelling. Spring On the 20th the hours of daylight will approxi­ mately equal those of night for the first time since September and spring will begin in the northern hemisphere. It's a season awaited eagerly through the winter by many, perhaps the loveli­ est exhibition of nature during the year. Spring means new life, which is evident all around us; it brings East­ er (April 10th), a symbol of new life, warmer weather, baseball, the ap­ proach of holidays and spring fever and taxes. As we witness the resur­ gence of nature's vital forces around u£, many seek to grasp the moral, the hope represented therein. These inexorable laws of nature continue year after year their inevitable procession, inviting men and women to enjoy the delightful experience, to think about spring's meaning and the funda­ mental purpose and cycle of life, death, and time. From the 20th until September 22nd, six months hence, our days will be longer than nights. They will also be the warmest of the year, at the end of which we will once again welcome cool­ er air and brisk days-and be ready again for what nature has in store-in its life rvcle. SOYBEAN SEED Good quality soybean seed might become very difficult to find in the next few weeks, according to Illinois director of Agriculture John Block. "Soybean future prices will certainly stimulate interest in raising soybeans this year. However, a smaller than normal crop of certified seed last year has cut supplies to the point where we are already experiencing a scramble for the popular varieties in some areas." The shortage extends to other states, Block said. This means that the tight supply situation in Illinois will not get much relief from neighboring states. For Your Information ind Dear friend*. The fan thai people die. have limited power*, that life itnelf ha« limit* and in uncertain in its duration, are all evident to the very young child. However, the five-year old cannot conceive of death for himitelf or hi* mother. Between f» and 9 yearn, he come* to realize that death is not reversible. He con­ siders himself immune to it. but not his parents. Bet­ ween 9 and 12 years, children understand death as a final and inevitable outcome of life for all. • Respectfully, PETER Ai JUSTE N & SON FUNERAL HOME McHenry, Illinois 385-0063 (MARCH IN ILLINOIS HUNDRED YEARS AGO) In 1877, the cliff-hanger Presidential election of 1876 was finally settled on March 2, and Ulinoisans enthusiastically observed St Patrick's day and experienced some weird March weather Those were the subjects that claimed a major share of the attention of Illinois newspapers in March a hundred years ago, according to a sampling of the files of the more than 110 papers of the period in the Illinois State Historical library in Springfield. As reported in the Illinois press, the first week in that month was one of the most hectic in the history of the national capital The electoral vote of the thirty-eight states then in the union was not completed until shortly after 4 a.m. on Friday. March 2, when, following an 18* 2-hour session, both houses of Congress ap­ proved the count recommended by a special election com­ mission. The final result gave Rutherford B Hayes (R), governor of Ohio, 185 electoral votes and Samuel J Tilden (D), governor of New york, 184- although Tilden had carried the popular vote 4,285,992 to 4,033,768. When his election seemed assured, Hayes resigned his Ohio governorship and set out immediately for Washington where he arrived at 9:15 the morning of March 2. After breakfast he went to the White House where he interrupted President Ulysses S. Grant's last cabinet meeting for a round ef hand shaking. The President-elect then went to the office of the vice-president in the capitol for an "informal reception." President Hayes was sworn in twice, according to reports to the -Chicago Inter Ocean. President Grant's term was to expire at noon on Sunday, March 4, but some officials feared that the oath of office, if taken on Sunday, would be considered invalid. Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite was summoned to the White House the evening of Maceh 3 and administers the oarh just before President Grant's farewell state dinner which Hayes then attended. The Inter Ocean said "only a few of those present were aware of the important tran­ saction, as silence was agreed upon. The secret leaked out, however. thi£ morning in a way unknown " Congress in the meantime met "from 8 o'clock Saturday morning until noon yesterday" (Sunday) to pass necessary legislation that had been delayed by the filibustering over the election count. That final session was marred by "more disgraceful scenes . . . drunkenness and knock-downs being among the features.' " It was near noon on Sunday when President Grant signed his last bill which .had been passed about 10 a.m. but "required a long time to be enrolled." President Hayes was for­ mally inaugurated on Monday, March 5, at the capitol. "The procession (parade) was not so imposing as on some former occasions, but there was quite a fine display of military and civic societies." By St. Patrick's day the excitement over the inauguration had been prac­ tically forgotten and the usual St. Patrick s day parades and balls were held in Chicago, Bloomington, LaSalle, Moline, Danville, and Springfield. In Chicago the parade "took thirty-five minutes to pass a given point" while in Springfield, the Illinois State Journal reported, "the weather overhead was favorable for a turnout, (but) the muddy condition of the streets prevented any extended line of march." Springfield's St. Patrick's day mud had been preceded by a snow storm on March 8, which in Champaign was called "the worst of the winter" and at Pontiac "the most boisterous we have had." There was six inches of snow at Mendota and trains were "over three hours late." Another heavy snow hit the state on March 20, causing the Inter Ocean to remark: "Lucky if lingering winter does not gobble spring up entirely." The paper also said it was the sixty-fourth snow storm of the winter and that there was "wind, snow, hail, sleet, thunder and lightning and rain" in many parts of the state. PUBLIC PULSE (The Plaindealer invites the public to use this column as an expression of their view on subjects of general interest in our community. Our only request is that the writers give-signature, full ad­ dress and phone num­ ber. We ask too, that one individual not write on the same subject more than once each month. We reserve the right to delete any material which we consider libelous or in objectional taste.) PRO-SENIOR CITIZEN "Dear Editor, "I am writing about the person who wrote the letter to the Plaindealer saying that the Senior Citizens should be ashamed of themselves for asking for help in setting up a nutrition center in McHenry. I am sorry that person is so uninformed. "In the Plaindealer some weeks ago, a legal notice was published stating that any group, senior citizens, clubs, etc., wishing to put in their bids for funds from the Revenue Sharing funds, should meet with the city of McHenry council members in their chambers. I do not believe the writer was aware that Revenue Sharing funds are not charity, but tax money refunded from certain revenues. This can be ex­ plained by the city clerk in detail to anyone in doubt. "The writer also said we had big cars, took trips, etc. True, we do have cars but can you imagine any person, living alone, without adequate income or means of transportation, getting around to do anything for themselves? Especially, since the city provides ab­ solutely no transportation. We earned those cars, those trips, and many of the people who now find thenselves in un­ fortunate circumstances also earned them, and also the right to grow older with dignity. These are the people who have the right and must have the opportunity to use a senior citizen center, not only for food, but for companionship and whatever help they can derive from it and if we don't help get it, who will? "We have a large committee of dedicated senior citizens who believe in helping others. We are spending hours going to the FIRST DAY OF SPRING CSPS centers in Lake county where the townships, cities and Catholic charities help to make life more meaningful and livable for their older citizens to see how they operate and how they help. You would be amazed at how Lake county does help. "We are far from being ashamed. We are proud that we can and will continue to try to help our fellow beings. We have a Senior Citizen council in Woodstock with a most dedicated worker, Marge Jones, and we only hope, all of us, that with her help and the assistance that we believe is our right to expect from McHenry township, the City Council and the Moose Lodge, whose premises we shall use, we can help others to live healthily and happily. "When we open in the Moose Lodge, they will not accept rent, but we will be able to contribute a very substantial sum to the children of Mooseheart and if all the help we can give our own senior citizens and the children of their community is something to be ashamed of, so be it. But for those of us who are working toward this end, make no mistake, we are proud of what we are doing. Come join us." "Sylvia Grayson" • • • • Gossip is an elusive, but dangerous, sub­ stance. Avoid it. St. Patrick's Day St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died on March 17, 493. The anniversary of his death has been celebrated regularly in recent times by not only Irishmen but those of many other races, and not only Catholics but those of other faiths. In fact, the New York organization in memory pf St. Patrick, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, was organized by both Irish Catholics and Presbyterians, and its first president was a Presbyterian. The most famous tale about St. Patrick is the one which tells of his banishment of snakes from Ireland. Yet Cardinal Moran, who some years ago wrote ai| article on St. Patrick for the Catholic Encyclopedia, fails to mention it. He does mention the ordeal of St. Patrick when he was surrounded by demons in the shape of vultures, and tells of the drowning of the demons in answer to his prayers. Chuck Lewandowski Are You New In McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO OUR AREA!!!!!!! CALL JOAN STULL 385-5418 McHenry Tony Fick Chuck Lewandowski \ i i i LET'S GET TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT LOW-COST AUTO INSURANCE. GIVE ME A CALL FOR THE FACTS ON LOW-COST HEALTH INSURANCE. I 'D LIKE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ON LOW-COST HOME­ OWNERS INSURANCE. I 'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU THE FACTS ON LOW-COST LIFE INSURANCE. ^ hUk'mw % % %A Tony Fick Call us for Details AMERICAN FAMILY N S U R A N C E AUTO HOME HEALTH •m* AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANC! COMPANY* MAblSON. WIS. S3701 KNOW YOUR AREA-ROYAL WELCOME DOES IT BEST DooooooooooooBOoeooooooooooooooocooi ooi Chuck Lewandowski Phone: 385-2304 Tony Fick Phone 344-2438 Service Line McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 385-4300 FAMILY SERVICE A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 3409 W. Waukegan Road McHenry 385-6400 PARENTAL STRESS LINE OF McHENRY COUNTY Meeting Place: McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call 312-463-0390 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8660 Hours 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not know where to call? And then been given a runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Phone 800-621-4000 (For confidential conversation on problems dealing with run-away children) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424-9213 (Complaints about interestate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phone 800-638-2666 (For questions or complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES Child Abuse Center McHenry County (312) 546-2150 Now He Does A fond mother received the following letter from her son: "Dear Mum,--I joined the Navy because I like the way the ships were kept so clean and tidy. But 1 never knew until this week who keeps them so clean and tidy.-Love, Jimmy." Serv** & , profess""10 pirecl°r^ EARL R. WALSH & JACK WALSH INS. Fire, Auto. Farm, Life Representing .ACHIABLE COMPANIES " 4410 W. Rte. 120. McHenry 315 3300 DENNIS CONWAY AUTO LIFE FIRE State Farm Ins. Co. 33t*W. Elm St. McHenry, III. 3as-7in DR. LEONARD B0TTARI 303 N. Richmond Rd, McHenry Eyes examined - Contact Lenses Glasses fitted Mon., Toes., Thurs., Fri.,4-«p.m. Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7* p.m. - Sat., * 30 to 3 00 Ph. 3I5-4IS1 or MS-2U2 McHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES-SERVICS * RENTALS Mon-Sat *-5:30 Friday til 9:00 *3 Grant St., Crystal Lake Ph. 45*-1224 McHenry Telephone Answering & Letter Seivice • Answering Service • Car, Telephone & Paging Service • Complete Mimeographing & Printing Service • Typing & Photocopying Ph. 385-0258 3932 W. Rt. 120, McHenry "GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE" CALL US (815) 385-4810 Farm Equipment George P. Freund, Inc. Case - New Holland 4102 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHENRY Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 IRELLI RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc . 2318 Ute. 120 815-385-0700 Copuit! M at our quick quick-action copy center. FINEST QUALITY COPIES MADE ON XEROX EQUIPMENT See us, also, for every kind of Printing Need 11 3909 W. MAIN 385-7600 A NEW TRAILERS used ' HILLSBORO & OWENS , DUWP-FLATBCDS-CAR- HAULERS, Stidhaiq Horse & Cattle Trailers t I Plus A Complete Line Of Bradon Winches ADAMS ENTERPRISES e E 3017 W. Rte. 120 ^McHENRY, ILL.4 815-^83-5970^