Coral Gables Riviera-Times

SATIRO SHOT DELIBERATELY, CUBAN DOCTOR CHARGES AS TRIAL IS RESUMED

By FRANCIS McCARTHY UP Staff Correspondent HAVANA, Nov. 14. (UP)—A doctor testified today that John Lester Mee, Chicago socialite, said shortly before his death last April that Patricia (Satira) Schmidt "shot me deliberately." Dr. Joaquin Piedra, interne at the Anglo-American Hospital where Mee died after being shot aboard the yacht where he was living with Miss Schmidt, testified at her murder trial. The Ohio night club dancer had testified earlier that she had no remembrance of actually pulling the trigger of the 22-caliber target pistol that Mee was shot with. Piedra said he was on duty at the hospital the night Mee was brought in. He gave permission to officials to question the wounded man the night before his death, five days after he was shot, the doctor said. Mee told his questioners, Piedra said, that "she shot me deliberately." The investigators were Jose Mesa, secret police inspector, and Investigating Judge Santiago Mencia. Under cross-examination by defense counsel, Piedra admitted that Mee made the statement after Mencia told him that both Miss Schmidt and Charles Jackson, who also lived aboard the yacht, were in jail and he must clear one or the other.

Meyers Refused Army Trial To Fix Guilt In Trading

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14. (UP)—Retired Maj. Gen. Bennett E. Meyers said today he has asked the air force for a court martial to determine whether he is guilty of any wrong-doing for trading in aircraft company stocks while he was on active duty. At the same time the air forces revealed they had refused the request. Testimony to a Senate war investigating subcommittee has alleged that Meyers made handsome profits on stock in Aviation Corp., while he was doing millions of dollars worth of government business as a top aircraft procurement officer. Meyers told reporters at the conclusion of today's testimony that he had orally asked Air Secretary Stuart Symington for the court martial to establish once and for all whether there had been wrong-doing on his part. He refused to disclose Symington's answer.

Korean Commission Set Up Over Objections Of Reds

UNITED NATIONS HALL, FLUSHING, N. Y., Nov. 14. (UP)—The United Nations General Assembly today overrode Soviet objections and established a special UN commission for Korea. The American proposal was approved by a vote of 43 to 0, with six nations abstaining and Russia and the Slav states not participating in the vote. The action was taken by the General Assembly after a last-minute attack on the commission proposal by representatives of the Soviet bloc. The commission is empowered to go to Korea, set up and conduct elections there, assist the Koreans to establish representative government in preparation for independence.

Sabotage Of Atom Materiel Charged To Labor Union

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14. (UP)—A Cleveland attorney told a House labor subcommittee today that 20 to 30 masked men last October invaded a Kenton, Ohio, electric manufacturing plant involved in labor difficulties and destroyed equipment consigned to the atomic energy commission. The testimony was given by Edward H. Jamison, representing the North Electric Company. He said the incident occurred a few hours after Edward Duck, an organizer for the United Auto Workers (CIO), had warned him that "dire consequences would ensue" if the company refused to recognize and negotiate with the union.

15 1-2 Cent Wage Hike Won For Railroad Brotherhoods

CHICAGO, Nov. 14. (UP)—Two railroad brotherhoods, representing about 200,000 operating employes, reached an agreement with the nation's major railroads today calling for a 15 1-2 cent hourly wage increase. The agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Order of Railway Conductors. The wage increase will be retroactive to Nov. 1. Three other brotherhoods, representing about 150,000 operating workers, still are negotiating wages and working rules with the railroads.

Two-Thirds Rule Advocated For National Political Conventions

CLEVELAND, Nov. 14. (UP)—Restoration of the two-thirds rule in national political conventions was advocated today in the first post-war convention of the Young Democratic Clubs of America. The movement to revive the rule, which was abandoned by the Democrats 12 years ago, was sparked by southern delegates and presented to the resolutions committee by delegates from North Carolina. (The rule would provide that a candidate for the presidential nomination would have to receive two-thirds of the votes of delegates to a national convention before being declared nominated).

Top German Rocket Scientist Killed In British Explosion

WESTCOTT, Eng., Nov. 14. (UP)—Dr. J. Schmidt, top German rocket scientist, brought to Britain to aid in experimental work, was killed today in an explosion at the research station here. One other man was killed and eight were injured seriously in the blast. A number of other German scientists were reported among the injured. Secret fuel for rocket propulsion exploded.

U.S.-Red War In 4 Months Is 'Betting Abroad'-Dirksen

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14. (UP)—Rep. Everett M. Dirksen, R., Ill., said today the "betting abroad" is that the United States and Russia will be at war in four months. Dirksen is chairman of a special joint armed services-appropriations committee which surveyed conditions in Europe. He returned to the capital today.

Railway Express Asks Increase

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 17. (UP)—The Railway Express Agency today asked the State Railroad Commission for an overall 10 1-2 percent increase in charges for shipments between Florida points.

CORAL GABLES RIVIERA-TIMES PUBLISHED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOONS VOL. 21—No. 52 (D) U.P. LEASED WIRE. CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1947 8 PAGES FIVE CENTS

Gables Seen Favored For Truman Fete Country Club Discussed for Official Reception

Coral Gables is an odds on favorite to be the scene of the official reception should President Harry S. Truman find it possible to attend the Everglades National Park Dedication, the Riviera-Times learned today. Truman told his news conference yesterday that he would like to attend the ceremonies Dec. 6 but that he cannot make a definite commitment because of the special congressional session. Whether or not the chief executive can come to Florida for the occasion, it was learned today that the Country Club of Coral Gables is being given top consideration for a reception and dance honoring visiting dignitaries. Conferences between officials of the Gables City government and Country Club Manager Gordon Taylor have already been held. A comprehensive program has been completed for the first sale at the Florida City Postoffice at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, of the three-cent stamp commemorating the dedication of Florida's Everglades National Park. To Provide Formal Rites The program will precede by one day the formal dedication of the park by Julius A. Krug, Secretary of the Interior, in Everglades. Souvenir albums, each containing a sheet of the new stamps and autographed by Robert E. Hannegan, postmaster general, will be presented at the Florida City ceremony to Governor Millard F. Caldwell, Senator Claude Pepper, Senator Spessard L. Holland and to Rep. S. Scott, Miami attorney who initiated the negotiations to issue the special stamp. More than 500,000 pieces of mail, destined for stamp collectors will go out from the little Florida City postoffice that day, in addition to the stamps which will be purchased by attendants at the ceremony. The ceremony will be conducted from a stand in front of the postoffice. Florida City is a community of 1,006 and is one mile south of Homestead.

Briefs Studied In Bus Suit

A damage suit against the city of Coral Gables, filed by Isabel Doyle because of injuries received in a bus accident in September 1946, has been taken under advisement by the State Supreme Court, City Attorney Edward L. Semple reported today. Mrs. Doyle appealed the case when Circuit Judge George E. Holt's dismissed the suit on the grounds that it had arisen out of tort and that proper notice had not been filed. A similar suit, filed by Della Craig is being held pending until a Supreme Court decision is handed down. Semple said that the plaintiff had filed an additional memorandum brief at the conclusion of a hearing last week in Tallahassee whereupon the city also filed an additional brief.

3-Time Winner Finally Takes Trip

Star real estate Salesman Maurice M. Minton is going to spend his weekend in Cuba. Each month Minton's boss, Fred F. Lewis, hangs up a trip to Cuba as an enticement to the salesman whose sales are the highest. Salesman Minton has won the prize twice so far this year, but in both instances he decided to stay at home and save the trip money to pay his income tax. But this time Minton elected to see what Cuba is really like.

On The Inside

Comics | 7 Churches | 3 Crossword Puzzle | 7 Editorials | 4 It Says Here | 4 Our Town | 4 Movies | 3 Radio Programs | 8 Riviera-Time Table | 2 Society, Woman's Pages | 4, 5 Sports | 6

TODAY'S WEATHER

Increasing cloudiness through Saturday. Few showers. Not much change in temperatures.

'CANE DEFEAT SEEN 'SURE BET'

The United Press today selected Vanderbilt over Miami in the Orange Bowl tonight as the "surest pick of the week," but added that some 30,000 partial local fans are expected to watch the power packed Commodores "warm up for Maryland and Tennessee" at the expense of the Hurricanes. Complete details about tonight's encounter and starting line-ups will be found in today's sport section, page six.

City Warns Builders Here Must Maintain High Standards

Discovery of an attempt to employ used and defective pipe as lally columns in a large apartment building project in Coral Gables brought a stern warning from the building inspector today, that such practices will not be tolerated. Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell stated that the pipe had been discovered by an inspector and had been condemned and the builder instructed to replace it with new pipe or reinforced concrete columns. "We have to be on the lookout at all times for attempts to use inferior block, tile and other materials in building under construction," he stated. He added that his department was constantly testing block and tile and rejecting it on many occasions. "We are not going to lower our high standards one iota," Campbell warned. "We have the most rigid restrictions in the area and we are going to keep them that way."

Busmen Facing Charges Were 'Probationary'

Malcolm Clemons, 24, of 5872 S.W. 18th St., one of two Coral Gables bus drivers awaiting criminal court trial for alleged statutory offenses against two 15-year-old high school girls, was released today on $500 bond. Lloyd Goldman, 29, of Galloway Road, was still in Dade county jail, held on $500 bond. Clemons had been employed by the city of Coral Gables transportation system for only six weeks and Goldman had been employed for two months, Transportation Superintendent Chester E. Smith said today. Both had clean records, the transportation head said, with no accidents or complaints. "Neither had full status as a city bus driver, as a six-months probationary period is required. Neither driver will go back to work here, said Transport Head Smith. "In over 20 years of city operation, we've had a good clean record," Smith added. "The department as a whole should not be condemned because of the actions of two new employes."

Bitten By Dog

William June, of 5897 S.W. 19th St., complained to Coral Gables police today that a Daschund had bitten him on the leg. H. W. Jackson of 827 N. Greenway drive, owner of the dog, told investigators that June had ridden circles on a bicycle for half an hour teasing the dog. June had only gotten his just deserts, Jackson said.

Deering Joins Matheson In Key Suit City To File Amended Answers In Litigation

Joining of the Deering Estate with the Matheson family in a suit to exclude land owned by them on Biscayne Key from the city limits of Coral Gables was revealed today by City Attorney Edward L. Semple. The amended petition now makes the suit include the bulk of the property on the lower half of the key, which by charter is designated as being within Coral Gables' municipal boundaries. The original suit was filed by attorneys for the Mathesons when Gables civic interests, led by the Chamber of Commerce, succeeded in killing an exclusion bill in the last session of the legislature. The Gables area is joined on the north by Crandon Park, which lies within county territory. Semple said that he is now preparing an amended answer to the suit which he will file no later than November 22. In his answer, Semple said that he will admit that the area is presently being used for horticultural purposes, and that for many years it was "the plaything of rich people who wanted privacy yet wished to be near the metropolitan advantages of a city." Gables civic leaders have predicted that the Key area will eventually be developed into a hotel and large home section because of its ocean and bay frontage.

Realty Probe Is Proposed

Inability of several members of a Realty Board committee to attend caused postponement of a conference with the Board of Supervising Architects, scheduled yesterday afternoon. The two groups were to meet to discuss an investigation of charges brought by Walter C. DeGarmo, local architect, that the architect's board was "dictatorial" and showed "favoritism". No date for the new conference has been announced.

Courts Trampled

Leo Fullwood, manager of the Salvadore Park at 2509 Columbus Blvd., told police today he had no sooner finished limestone damage to four clay tennis courts than a group of boys on bicycles rode over them, tearing them up again. The boys were not apprehended.

Material Shortage Stymies Million Home Building

Lanford Seeks Overtime Pay In Suit Against Pan-Am GABLES INSURANCE MAN MAKES CLAIM FOR S. AMERICAN WORK

In an action filed today at Dade county courthouse, Louie E. Lanford of the Coral Gables office of the Franklin Life Insurance Co. seeks several thousand dollars from Pan-American Airways, which the Gables man claims is due him for overtime. Lanford spent considerable time supervising airport construction work for Pan-American in South America during the war. He was in Guatamala and Chile. M. H. Rosenhouse, attorney for Lanford, said today that the federal government is holding up hearing of this suit, as well as some 15 similar actions against the airline, because of security regulations concerning South American air fields, which are concerned. The 15 cases cannot be aired until the Federal authorities give their approval, said Rosenhouse. Either the Civil Court of Appeals or Circuit Court will hear the several cases. Lanford's claim is that he was not paid the full amount for excess hours.

Plumbing Seen 'Most Critical' By Campbell

Critical material shortages, particularly plumbing fixtures, are holding up well over a million dollars worth of residential construction in Coral Gables, Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell stated today. Pointing to a shelf, crammed with blueprints, Campbell said that they represented a large amount of home building, approved and ready for permit issuance. "People are leery of getting started because they are afraid that they will not be able to get the materials necessary to finish," the building inspector stated. On the other hand, Campbell said that commercial construction seemed to be moving freely because business enterprises interested in this type of structure were able to import necessary materials or find them somewhere. It's the individual home builder that's suffering most, he pointed out. He said that he knew of one plumbing wholesaler in the area who had 2,000 sets of fixtures but that most of the others had only a few or none at all. Campbell predicted that as soon as cold weather is well set in up North, that the critical situation will be eased and home construction will again spurt ahead. "It's a normal cycle that we follow every year," he commented.

FAN MAIL Every Knock's a Boost -We Hope!

Editor, Riviera-Times: I have been a subscriber for your weekly paper, primarily through the influence of a mutual friend, Mr. Charles H. Hines, your next door neighbor, but I don't know who is to blame, whether it should be me or Charlie Hines, because I realize now I have made a dastardly mistake, and especially since you have tried to jump into a 7-penny publication and a city daily, in fact, there is nothing of interest in your paper. Becoming a citizen of Coral Gables, and I hope I never will be on account of the following, I don't suppose I should complain too (Please Turn to Page Eight)

Precincts Three Are Outlined By City Clerk

Recommendations for boundary lines for three voting precincts in Coral Gables were completed today by City Clerk E. B. Poorman and will be presented to the commission for final ratification at its next meeting. Precinct No. 1 will comprise all of Coral Gables north of Coral Way and west of LeJeune Road. A total of 1962 voters are presently registered there. Precinct No. 2 includes all of Coral Gables north of Coral Way east of LeJeune Road and all of the Gables south of Coral Way and north of Bird Road. It has 1976 registered voters. Precinct No. 3 contains all of Coral Gables lying south of Bird Road and has 498 registered voters.

Funds Needed For Christmas Decoration Plan

The Coral Gables Christmas Committee today called on merchants and business firms who have not yet contributed to the street decoration fund to join immediately with their fellow townsmen to meet an $800 deficit in the operating budget. Following a conference held yesterday evening, Chairman E. D. Rogers reported that $1,200 has already been turned in, but that invoices for wire, sockets and bulbs in the amount of $1,650 have also been received. "A lot of other firms have promised to aid in this decoration program but have neglected to send in their checks," Mrs. James B. Moore, executive secretary of Chamber of Commerce, reported today. An original budget of $2,500 was set up by the committee to purchase material for the miles of street lighting and other decorations.

Early Hearing Is Sought In Block Suit

Coral Gables will ask that condemnation proceedings for a city block to house a new bus terminal, set for hearing in January, be heard at an earlier date, City Attorney Edward L. Semple announced today. The city has instituted the proceedings to obtain the block bounded by Aragon and Giralda Avenues, Salzedo Street and LeJeune Road for a bus terminal and other municipal purposes. Hearings were terminated during the summer months because litigants and attorneys were out of town on vacations. The block is vacant except for a tennis shop, electrical store and Coral Gables Riding Academy.

Baggage Car Honeymoon Follows Bedside Wedding Rite For Dora

GAINESVILLE, Fla. Nov. 14. (UP)—The bride was attired in a white satin nightgown and quilted bed jacket with chintz rose flower designs for the wedding ceremony. Unofficial bridesmaids wore white. The bride and groom were feted with champagne. The newly-wed Mr. and Mrs. Everett G. Livesay of Coral Gables then planned a sort of honeymoon trip—in a railroad baggage car. The auburn-haired, blue eyed bride would have to be carried on a stretcher because she broke a hip bone in an automobile accident last Saturday. The bride, formerly Miss Dora B. Thomas of 250 N. Greenway Drive, Coral Gables, was enroute with the groom to be married at Atlanta, Ga., when the accident occurred in Gainesville, Fla. Now she must be hospitalized for five weeks. But the couple decided not to let that interfere with matrimonial plans. The 60-year-old bridegroom had received cuts and bruises in the accident. But today he was in fine fettle. So nurses decorated the hospital room with chrysanthemums and gladioli. Six nurses of Aluchua (Please Turn to Page Eight)

January Hearing For Bar Suit

The State Supreme Court has scheduled a January hearing for a city appeal to a mandamus action granting a liquor license to Ed Hassen, operator of Howard Johnson's Restaurant on the Trail, City Attorney Edward L. Semple reported today. Hassen obtained a circuit order forcing the city to issue him a license to serve alcoholic beverages in his restaurant or to show cause why such a license should not be issued. He charged that the city's action in refusing him the license was discriminatory. The license was issued pursuant to the court order and an appeal filed with the supreme court by the city attorney.

Texans Visit

Far from the heart of Texas are Mrs. W. C. McCord Jr. and her daughter, Margaret. They're here from Ferrell for a month's visit with Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Plunkett, 816 Avenue Alcazar. Mrs. McCord is Mrs. Plunkett's mother.

Tips Go Down As Prices Rise They're Off 20 To 30 Per Cent, Survey Shows

By ALAN SAFTEL Riviera-Times Staff Writer Waitresses, cabdrivers and bellboys in Coral Gables reported today that their customers are counting their change and cutting the size of their tips. One plate-pusher told the Riviera-Times her tips are now only one third of what they were during the war. And, as she is almost entirely dependent on gratuities since her salary is only a weekly $15, that makes things tough. "You can't live on fifteen bucks," she said wearily. A bellboy said tips were off more than half. The average customer flips a dime, he said. Occasionally there's a two-bit piece flying through the air, but that's seldom. Taximen feel the pinch too. A hackman said his tips were down 20 percent. Another waitress said, "There's plenty of stiffs." She explained that a stiff is a customer who has no qualms about ordering a meal, asking for more bread and second glasses of water and then walking out without tipping to leave the waitress to clean up the dirty dishes. "I average $2.00 in tips from 100 people," the waitress added. Another thing the girl said was that her tips are often less than ten percent of the check. Sometimes there'll only be a dime tip on a meal costing a dollar and a half. Several waitresses agreed that rising restaurant prices are cutting into their tips. "Customers tip the waitress only half as much now and use the difference to pay the increase in the check," commented one girl. "People have less money in their pockets these days," a bellboy said. On the usual Coral Gables run, said a taximan, the fare is 60 or 70 cents. More often than not, there is no tip. When there is, it's usually a dime. But drunks, traditionally high tippers, are sometimes good for a quarter. The bellboy was asked if he ever gets half dollar tips, the way bellboys in the movies do. "Very seldom," he answered. I haven't had a 50 cent tip in the last three weeks."

Musketeers Favored In Local Tilt Sunday

St. Theresa's game Musketeers will be favored for the first time this season to breeze past St. Anthony High school of Fort Lauderdale in a South Florida Catholic league game at the St. Theresa field Sunday afternoon at 3:30. But, although the Musketeers have almost a sure path to the runner-up spot against second-division teams, Coach John Homko of the Gables school said this morning that "we're not underestimating anybody for the rest of the season."

YOUR NEWSBOY

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles introducing the young men who deliver the daily Riviera-Times to your door. Eleven-year-old Leroy Howe, whose paper route runs along the Country Club Prado, Alhambra Court and Avenue Catalonia, shoots golf in the 70s—for nine holes. But Leroy, who plays every Sunday with his dad, aims to shoot that score for a full round of 18 holes some day. Leroy, like most of the Riviera carriers, attends the Coral Gables Elementary School. His home room teacher is Miss Esther Gentile and his favorite subject is English. Leroy joined forces with the Riviera-Times about six weeks ago. This is his first venture in the newspaper game. Some day he'd like to be a sportswriter and cover all the big golf tournaments. What does Leroy do with the money he earns on his route? "I put it away," he says.

SUPPORT YOUR GABLES YOUTH CENTER DURING $20,000 DRIVE WHICH STARTS TOMORROW