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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Misguided Missiles Commissioner Issues Regrets On Tragedy! by Chon Day The following reply from H. J. Corleissen, Chairman of the State Road Commission, to a letter submitted by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce, is probably the greatest masterpiece of nearsighted analogy this newspaper has ever had the displeasure of reading. MONTICELLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE aniiuan iKf roru Larry M. Roe, Betty L Roe, Business Manager Mrs. Barbara Shelley, Office Manager Cornelia Perkins, Society Editor . . Minnie Johnson, Blanding Correspondent Mechanical Department James Bowra, Superintendent Fred Cox, Artist and Photographer . . . . D. Redshaw, Printer Editor-Publish- Chairman, State Road Commission State Capitol Salt Lake City, Utah ..... .... Dear Sir: Your attention is called to the recent tragic accident occuring August 31, 1955, approximately twelve miles south of Blanding, Utah, in which three young boys were killed and seventeen other persons were injured. This accident happened about 3:00 P.M., during clear weather on Utah Highway 47 between Blanding and Bluff, Utah, when a northbound truck in attempting to pass a loaded ore truck, also northbound, crashed headon into a southbound light truck loaded with boy scouts bound for Bluff, Utah on a swimming excursion. The dust created by the ore truck on this unpaved highway so obscurred the vision of the driver of the following northbound truck that all vehicles including the southbound truck were almost completely enveloped in clouds of blinding, swirling dust making visibility impossible and a crash under such conditions inevitable. The Old Settler By Albert My dear San Juaners: I used to think it highly irreverent, if not a mark of crass stupidity to say a word against Old Mother Goose and her nursery rhymes. I had been brought up on them; they occupied a big in my place mind. It Is because they still occupy valuable which space should have been filled with so m e t h i n g real importance that I am ready c Although the driver of the northbound truck which attempted to pass has been cited for improper passing when he could not see ahead, and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, this does not in any way mitigate the fact that this accident would never have happened if the road had been paved. How long must such needless slaughter go on? Must the ever increasing number of motorists who are using U 47 south from Blanding be subjected to a highway hazard that increases the risk of travel on this section of unpaved road well above that encountered on paved highways? One could scarely claim the dubious honor of Prophet were he to forecast more of the terrible accidents which we have just witnessed on this highway; indeed, under the present conditions a series of such accidents is inevitable. Tha Traveler! Safely Service h by Walter Chamblin, Jr. Washington Sometimes politi-cia- l Is it possible that you have not been informed of the constantly increasing travel which now campaign issues develop nathighway? An ever increasing number of tourists awakening to the urally and easily. At other times passes daily over this once little-use- d natural wonders of Monument Valley, most of which lies not in Arizona, but in our native state of Utah, they are produced only by and anguished traval. now traverse this highway daily during all seasons of the year. We here at Monticello Chamber of ComAs of the present time, the Remerce can attest to this fact not only from personal observation, but from numerous inquires directed to publicans have had not difficutly the Chamber Office requesting information as to the condition of this highway; these inquires com- finding the main isue on which will campaign in next years ing from all parts of the United States from interested people who plan to include Monument Valley on they Presidential and Congressional their vacation itinerary. The present Uranium Boom has prompted countless prospectors, miners, mine elections. In fact, they already are proowners, producers and shippers to utilize U 47 in this area to degree not anticipated a short time ago, and far and wide that their claiming d and and vanadium loaded uranium this road it ore rumble daily over with ore trucks at such 9 party has brought peace and untimes does more resemble a country road then the major arterial highway that it is. nad dust-choke- precedented prosperity to the It is our understanding that the State of Utah was to match funds made available by the Atomic tion and that, to assure continu- and proseperity, the Republicans must be given another lease on the White House and be restored to control ed peace four-yea- r of Congress. The Dealers, however, have been experiencing excruciating , labor pains for a long time now in their frantic efforts g Unless we can have immediate action and commence a U 47 in this on program to produce a winning issue. Trac-narea, more auto motorists and truckers will die. How soon can paving of U 47 south from Blanding, Utah these efforts makes a fascinat-na State Line commence? to the chronicle. Even before the votes were counted in 1952 the Democratic Very truly yours, high command realized that the Larry M. Roe Republicans had in Mr. EisenPresident I hower a man with public appeal Monticello Chamber of Commerce is great if not greater than that CC: to Sheldon Wimpfen commanded by their own DemoAtomic Energy Commission cratic chieftain, the late Mr. Grand Junction, Colorado Roosevelt. New-Fai- r road-pavin- g Utah-Arizon- ' before the Eisenhower r took office the Deal propaganda machine (strongly supported by Big union money) was in motion to destroy Mr. Eisehower. Except for pure propaganda itself there was not too much the r Dealers "ould do, as the Republicans were then in command at the Capitol and consequently controlled the investigating powers of the So, Honorable J. Braken Lee, Governor Capitol Building Salt Lake City, Utah New-Fai- t THE STATE OF UTAH New-Fai- State Road Commission Salt Lake City September 9, 1955 ' Congress. Mr. Larry M. Roe, President Monticello Chamber of Commerce Monticello, Utah - Please be referred to your letter of September 6, 1955, wherein you call our attention to the most regrettable and tragic accident which occurred August 31 south of Blanding wherein three young boys were killed. There is nothing much that I could say to express our feelings in this matter nor could we possibly alleviate the grief of the parents involved in this tragedy. 'We have many thousands of miles of highways in the state of Utah and some of them, we realize, are in a hazardous condition. However, I wish to assure you that it is our earnest desire to program for next years Construction a large portion of the road between Blanding and Mexican Hat. What I mean by programsurface pavement. We have already discussed and ming is scheduling for construction, including hard the endeavor (paving) within the next three years from highway to to complete tentatively agreed that our every effort will be made toward this end assured Blanding to the Arizona state line. You may be left behind in this tragedy. who are those for heartfelt Let me again express my sympathy As a result, the first New-Fai- r Deal attack was leveled at Mr. Eisenhowers cabinet The strategy was to destroy one cabinet officer at a time. The Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Weeks, was sel- ected as the first to go. The order of political execution accorded second place to the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Wilson, The Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Benson, was third and the Secretary of Interior, Mr. McKay, wak forth. Other cabinet members were not given the honor of specific listing Monticello 111-11- 2 Monticello 111-11- 2 Monticello 111-11- 2 Monticello 27R2 . Blanding 34R3 Monticello Monticello Monticello CHAIRMAN h reIn three years, according to statistics of the past six months, the State of Utah will be morally traffic Monument from flow of if the Valley fatalities, present sponsible for approximately twenty-fou- r will increase to almost into Monticello remains at the same level. And there is every reason to believe it double with recent developments in Ore, Gas and Oil in that area. Not too long ago, chemically speaking, human life was estimated to be worth approximately ninety-sifor less than $50.00 the cents With inflation It is now evaluated at around $1.92. Consequently, immediate of its instead its offer support to a project regrets State Road Commission can well afford to of families if the those, already a victim Im wondering each However, day. that becomes more critical conciliation at this price. be to to are mourners willing accept future and going State to Highway 47, It seems incredible that the State of Utah can evalute a condition of such emergency on the basis industrial growth on an area completely of a knowing full well the impact of the recent so much lack of enthusiasm. Not to with their and analysis justify devoid of past highway development, schedule. a of omission binding mention the noticeable is finance concerned, the estimated 200 plus tourists cars advised so far this year As far as necessary under present road conditions from Monticello alone, without counting tourist not to attempt the Valley trade from Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona simularly advised, would have created a good part of the finances in gas and sales tax. Its our candid opinion that whoever is masterminding the economic development of Utah is rare stupidity by neglecting Southeastern Utah in favor of other areas. And it seems that the State Road Commission must, by necessity, ally itself with this miscarriage of judgment. What good has it ever done me, cabinet for having taken unfair advan- and of what benefit is it to me But the attempted now to know that Humpty Dumppurge failed. I learned just about every- ty sat on the That King A simultaneous campaign had from to she old was a Coal offer, King soul, and thing merry was being against the Republicans The that the Crooked Man Walked a Coal to Humpty Dumpty waged by 'some of the Dealers in Congress who sought Crooked Man and the Crooked Crooked mile? At that tftne, when Four and Twenty Black things were being written indelli-blto convince the voters that the Mile on my mind, to stay there in natioh was being hurtled into a Birds baked in a Pie, and a list as from bold relief as long as I lived, why as of similar long things admindepression by Eisenhower here to Chelsas. I absorbed it all couldnt I have been given vital istration policies. This effort also failed dismally" with more avidity than I have facts w'hich would have worked absorbed the scriptures. I in with benefit to my philosophy because, after a slight business since decline due to the transition from had an intuitive belief that it was in later years. They need not a econo- IT. I was having it over and over have come to me as hard facts to a peace-timeven before I could read; I they could have been in happy my, the nations prosperity continued to increase and even to thought I was reading, but I had jingles for me to sing and say, learned it from being told in an- and later on to find out as the shatter existing records. swer to my questions about the truth. r Dealers kept But the I maintain that millions of inon trying. When the Democrats pictures. Now what angers me, and I nocent kids are being stuffed were returned to Congressional nower in 1955 they agreed upon a am but one of many millions who with froth at the very time when attack against the ad- could register the same protest, basic truths could and should be them. Not in the way of someministration. lieved that the wealthy and big heavy, to tax their minds First, the Presidents conduct business should be cared for first. thing with the notion of making adults of office would be assailed. ImThis strategy fizzled. While the of them the time they are ten by r Dealers the House accepted the proposal, the mediately but the truth instead of old, years and their sympathizers were com- Senate refused to do so and thus tales and a lot of rubbish fairy on at himMr. not find Eisenhower did every opportunity menting which will cumber their minds all the time Mr. Eisenhower took off self confronted with the planned lives without doing them a their for golf, fishing, the Pennsylvan- political dilemma. a bit of good. Historical stories ia farm and his regular church atThe basic strategy, however, and verses and songs, they can tendance. seemed to appeal to the New-Fai-r be just as attractive to the childDealers. For they begun ish mind, as something without Second, Mr. Eisenhower would be embarrassed politically by to intensify their charge that the a lick of sense or a grain of truth. , sending him legislation which Administration is run by big Teaching children is a would not be in accord with his business and that it has no in- crime sense. common against legislative program but legisla- terest in the common man. Ap- Like little birds with their open tion of a nature which it would parently this is to be the rally- mouth uplifted from the nest, be politically Dealers embarrassing to ing cry of the are pleading for and ready they veto. and you can bet that this theme to receive something worth while to Now lets see what happened. will become very familiar how cruel to thrust an empty The personal attack on the Presi- everyone during the next session nipple in their mouths and leave dent seemed to increase his pop- of Congress and on into the poli- them to suck air only to find out later on what a scrubby trick had ularity. In 1954 the membership tical campaign. ' The Republicans, however, are been played on them.' in golf clubs reached an how Democrats the new wondering clubs were and high being established. States sold 2,400,000 can win on this issue. The Repub- DELEGATES TO MEET more fresh water fishing licenses licans raise this question: How-caThe delegates from the four a majority of the people enrethan in 1953, for an in San Juan County communities Eisenhower pros- will cord of 18,300,000. The farmers joying the at the ASC office assemble of the nation, the perity. be convinced that they in Monticello, Utah on September especially vote administhe should against younger ones, bestowed gifts of 23, 1955, at 1:00 P.M. to elect the all kinds of livestock on the Get- tration under which this prosASC Committee. County , tysburg farm and the clergy rose perity took place? interested person wishing Any the And, Republicans add, enmasse to the Presidents deDealers explain to attend the meeting will be the fense. Deal legislative away the recent statement by welcome. The effort to emoarras the President George Meany, President of the For the finest office furniture, also failed with a spectacular American Federation of Labor, burst. The principal attempt that under the Eisenhower Ad- office equipment and office supalong this line was their proposal ministration labor never had it plies, contact the San Juan to give a S20 cut to every taxpay- so good. er and dependent. The strategy was to send this bill to the White House for an expected veto by Mr. Eisenhower and then make political capital by claiming that GRACE WALKER SHOES the President was not in favor of tax reduction for the common man that Mr. Eisenhower be- - New-Fai- r y war-tim- e e New-Fai- two-fol- d New-Fai- baby-talk- New-Fai- r all-tim- e - all-tim- e how-ca- New-Fai- r New-Fai- r The Finest In . FOOTWEAR W INDEPENDENCE x IS - s e FOR FINANCIAL 111-11- at the very time when my mind was receiving everything as milk poured into an empty bowl, this is the stuff that was poured in. That was the most susceptible interval ofmy learning period. I was getting things for keeps. I was laying the foundation for the vital understanding of things as they are; that is, I should have been laying the solid base at that time, but with the years I wake up to the fact that the foundation was froth, and at a time when I less able to learn I had to lay such foundations as I could I was cheated out of my birth- T0 c c: Governor J. Braken Lee 111-11- 2 R. Lyman STATE ROAD COMMISSION OF UTAH U-or- , . . . WOMEN'S Very respectfully yours, H. J. CORLEISSEN, V right. in the order of liquidation. Utah-Arizon- Energy Commission as part of the AEC roadbuilding program in paving this highway, and that such a paving program was to begin some time after July 1, 1955;-- and it is also our understanding that money has been appropriated and set aside for the paving of U 47 south of Blanding, Utah to the Arizona border. With the information in our files that such money is available, why have not offers or bids been made and contracts awarded for the paving of this dangerous stretch of highway? Is the State of Utah, through its public officials, to be a party to the senseless slaughter that is sure to follow what has been established as a tragic beginning, namely, the recent unnecessary accident south .of Blanding, Utah. wasnt it?" Exciting little chase, You are no doubt familiar with the condition of Utah Highway 47 south from Blanding, Utah a miles. This where the pavement ends, to the state line, a distance of some seventy-fiv- e e because arid road conditions and of that prethe mile gravel-eartstretch is a extreme graded, seventy-fivvail in this desert area, the road bed except for occasional flash floods is very dry and each vehicle traveling the road throws up great clouds of dust that keep the road enveloped in blinding dust sometimes for miles at a stretch, creating a constant hazard of high potential to all who use the highway. - A r 2 Page 13, 1933, THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF SAN JUAN COUNTY, UTAH Published Every Thursday at Monticello, Utah Entered at the Post Office at Monticello, Utah, as second class matter under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879 Monticello, Utah September 6, 1955 Dear Sir: Thursday, Sept. AN AMERICAN TRADITION OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT TODAY! three-year-pla- In sizes AAA, 6 to 10, AA, 5Vz to 10, A, 5 to In sizes AA, 5 to 10 and B, C, 4 to 10. 10 and B, C, 4 to 10. DOVE CREEK STATE BANK MUSTER SHOE STOR Dove Creek, Colorado MEMBER F.n.I.C. MONTICELLO, UTAHi |