Dr. Baxter to Return For More Readings
Christmas Prose, Poetry Slated For Tomorrow Night in Bovard
A second program featuring Dr. Frank C. Baxter’s celebrated annual Christmas readings, this time sponsored by the Trovet’s Living War Memorial Scholarship fund, will be held for the general public tomorrow night at 8:15 in Bovard auditorium. Phil Quinn, Trovet president, announced.
! In their 14th annual presenta-
LWM Variety Show Freezes In Bare Bovard
THE ROSE BOWL'S 'COFFIN CORNER'
by Don Desfor
Film comedian Joe E. Brown and other entertainers played to an empty house in yesterday’s badly organized Living War Memorial variety show in Bovard auditorium.
Substituting for Dick Merritt, talent and show coordinator, who failed to perform as emcee, was AMS President George Gonzales.
Gonzales made a valiant effort, but couldn’t keep the show moving for the sparse but enthusiastic crowd.
Piece de resistance of the show was Joe E. Brown .who said a few words about the drive before doing his mouse and baseball routines.
'This place should be overflowing with people—not because of the entertainment, but because of what this drive represents,” Brown said in his warmup.
The show opened with a few words by Postmaster Michael D. Fanning. Then Gonzales, after calling for the Martin Brothers, Ken Shanks, and Jane Clemens, none of whom appeared when scheduled, went into his “money pitch."
A musical quartet, the name of which was never correctly divulged. played several straight and comedy numbers from the pit, but not before musical instruments were tuned, fixed, and a microphone head was replaced after falling off the stand.
Jane Clemens played and sang a few piano numbers but the Martin Bi ''♦hers never did appear.
Arrangements for the appearance of Joe E. Brown were made by Larry Courtney, former Trovet president. Other entertainers were obtained by Mel Shestak and Mrs. Phil Quinn, wife of the present Trovet president.
tion. Dr. Baxter’s readings have received national recognition. The evening performance usually fills j the 1800-seat auditorium.
The first readings, given yesterday afternoon for students and faculty, was w'ell received. Quinn said.
Yesterday afternoon’s presentation was sponsored by the Student Council on Religion.
Poetry and prose scheduled by Dr. Baxter for tomorrow' night’s I readings are “A Christmas Carol,”
I Charles Dickens; writings by Ro-! bert Benchley; “Three Ghosts : Came Riding By,” Walter De la I Mare; from “Far Away and Long Ago;” “The Maidservant at the Inn,” Dorothy Parker; and “A Soldier’s Prayer.”
Soldier’s Prayer
In addition to this, Dr. Baxter will read verses from Ogden Nash, and will present some of Christopher Fry s works.
Copies of “A Soldier’s Prayer” will be sold after the readings for 25 cents, and donations will be sought for the Living War Memorial fund.
Total collections for the LWM drive now exceed $830, finance chairman Don Kimble said.
$10 Donation
‘This is still poor in comparison with previous years’ LWM drives,” Roy Foreman, general chairman said, “but many fraternities and sororities have suggested a blanket $10 donation from each house.”
Contributions from sororities and fraternities as well as the donations from tomorrow night’s Christmas readings should push the LWM fund total over the $1000-mark, Foreman said.
Trojan Knights and Squires will usher and make collections tomorrow night.
-I>rath Hat Xo Holiday-
TV CONSCIOUS
Knights Plot Halftime Rose Bowl Pageant
trrd (hr Rfd ft Grwn-
Play to Have Last Run
“Darkness at Noon,” starring Don Davis and Dorothy Bromley and directed by Herbert M. Stahl, runs for the last time tonight in Bovard auditorium starting at 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Carol Service Today
A Christmas carol service conducted by the Westminster Student Fellowship will be given in the Little Chapel of Silence today from 12 to 12:40 p.m.
Rev. John C. Walker, Presbyterian university pastor at SC, will give invocation and benediction. Francis Bonnev, organist; Warner Johnston and Bob Warren, trumpets; and Al Mellot, violin, will appear. Betty Hovey and Claudine Slagle will give the commentary and scripture.
Christmas carols also will be sung.
Halftime card stunts at the Rose Bowl will be designed for the television audience as well as for those at the stadium, said Jim Cooke, chairman of game activities.
“They are going to be mainly big block designs with contrasting colors,” said Cooke.
The TV cameras will be directly opposite the card section instead of at an angle as at the Coliseum, so better pictures should be televised, said Cooke.
The Victory Bell, newly painted cardinal and gold, will make its first game-time appearance since being won from UCLA.
Some of the ten card stunts planned for half-time include the “Rose Bowl,” a' large rose; “George Tirebiter,” SC mascot;
“Ivy and Jess,” pictures of the two coaches; and “Queen Leah,” the Tournament o# Roses queen.
Gate time at the Bowl is 11 a.m. The rooting section will have the seats between the two 35 yard lines from top to bottom on the east side.
Students sitting in the rooters section must wear white shirts or blouses, and present their activity book cards along with their Rose Bowl game tickets at gate C in order to get in. Game time is 2 p.m.
* Seat numbers in the rooting section don’t mean anything. It is “first come, first served.” said John Morely, ticket manager.
This does not affect students not *in the rooting section, who will sit in the seats designated on their tickets.
Stiff Staffer Gets Backtalk from Bright Light
Tardy Ticket Buyers Given Reprieve
Students without activity cards w’ho purchased Rose Bowl tickets must pick them up tomorrow at the ticket office in the service building, ticket manager John Morley said yesterday.
Members of the ticket staff will not be in the office today because they are needed to help in the public sale of ducats at the Rose Bowl. They will be at the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, howjever, to distribute the remaining tickets. Morley said that two-thirds of the tickets remain to be distributed.
Students who lost their activity books and have already obtained a release ror a ticket may pick up their tabs at the ticket window, second floor, Student Union.
Morley reminded that activity books and have already obtained the gate at the Rose Bowl and any books not in the correct owner’s possession will be confiscated.
-Slow l'p, Live Longer-
by Stan Kiefer Daily Trojan City Editor
Traffic signals as a group are very uncommunicative. This is perhaps why I was somewhat surprised when I came across a signal that was willing and even pleased at the opportunity to converse.
Things are still hazy. I know it was late, very late. I still don’t know how I got there. In fact, I don’t have any idea where I found him.
There was a party: there were refreshments: and then there was a talking traffic signal.
“Hicr’
I was walking down the street. No. I cannot tell you the name of the street. I paused at a corner and leaned against the traffic signal in an attempt to regain my equilibrium.
Whereupon a voice said: “I say old chap, would you please remove your elbow?”
Being in an obliging mood. I promptly removed my elbow. Many people might have vehemently protested at this request as an infringement of their rights and might even have been shocked at hearing a traffic signal talk, but . . .
Bright Light
Although this was my first experience in conversing with a traffic signal. I would hasten to *ay that he was a very erudite chap. obviously a well-read and brilliant traffic signal.
“You know,” he continued, "you are quite jirunk.
“However, I would like to commend you on one thing. In your condition, you were wise enough not to attempt to maneuver an automobile.
“You know, I see a lot of things, standing on this corner. I have been witness to some of the finest and bloodiest automobile
accidents anybody has ever been privileged to behold.
Peace-Lover “Humans sertn to abhor violence, and war, with its great loss of life, is a repugnant thing. Yet, stand on this comer for a few days and view these same peace-loving individuals when j they are endeavoring to drive.
“Do you realize that most drivers are cheaters? Yes, they are
outright cheats. Watch them cheat on the signals, on the turns, on everything connected with driving.
“Now don’t stand there with a silly grin on your face, and an imaginary halo over your head. Even when sober, you are probably the worst cheater on the roads.”
‘Sir!” I countered, “I resent your calling me a cheater. And
OUR WELL-LIT CITY EDITOR, Stan Kiefer, talks to traffic signcls. "but it couldn't have been this cne. This signal's last word was. “GO," but the driver didn't go far. That shot of booze may reward you with Kiefer's experience, or with that of the driver oi this car.
please do not refer to me as being drunk. After all, if I were intoxicated, would I be standing here, in the middle of the night, speaking to a traffic signal?”
“Hm, that is a difficult question to answer,” my friend blinked. “Nevertheless, the digression was definitely uncalled for. Let us return to the subject of killing people with a weapon called an automobile.
2 Million Coming Up
“Last year at this time, the statisticians were readying themselves to tabulate victim number one million. Now, I see that you and your fellow drivers are well on your way to getting victim number two million. And at the present rate it will take far less time to get victim two million than it did to tabulate the first million.
“Maybe I am fortunate because I have never driven a car. But, I have seen how people change completely when they get behind the wheel of an automobile. You know what I mean. I’ll bet you would cut your mother out if you were attempting to make a left turn.
Serious Problem
“I hope I have not confused the subject too much, and yet at the same time, managed to convey my feelings on the matter. I don’t want to preach. I will leave that to those who are trained for it. But it seems to me that traffic safety is a serious problem that deserves SERIOUS thought. Getting individuals aware of the problems of traffic safety and keeping these same people aware of the problems and responsibilities of operating an automobile is one answer, I think. What do you think?”
Xmas Lunch To Feature Troy Coaches
The SC coaching staff will meet with 175 members of the Recreat-tion Directors association at noon Tuesday for a Christmas luncheon in the Town and Gown banquet hall.
Dr. Earl Cranston, dean of the School of Religion, will speak on "The Christmas Spirit in a World at War.”
Three prominent association members representing recreation, education, and business will be honored at the gathering. They are George Hjelte, general manager of the Los Angeles department of recreation and parks; Dr. Lloyd Eastwood, dean of men at LoS Angeles State college; and Robert Jamison, of the Jamison Manufacturing company.
Officers for 1953 and special guests from recreation groups of the Los Angeles area will be introduced.
-Stop Sirna Mean Stop
VoL XLIV	Los Angeles, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1952 No. 64
■¥- Yes, That's Your Blood
Safety is a nice-sounding, intangible word. We’re all for it—just as we’re
against sin and for home and mother. The Daily Trojan has been trying to sell safety during its weeklong campaign to prevent traffic accidents, but it’s not an easy job.
The trouble is that some of our best potential customers just aren’t around anymore. They’re dead.
We’ve tried selling safety to the rest of you. You cringe when blood and guts are hauled out. Thanks for reacting. Now get that lead foot off the accelerator pedal and do something about saving your own life.
Safety can’t be spoon-fed. And we haven’t tried to be gentle. Policemen and newspapermen, hardened as they are, have softhearted moments as they watch you being thrown together into an ambulance and hauled off to the morgue. Yes, that’s your blood the firemen are washing off the street.
Squeamish? slow down. Live awhile.
We saw a catchy sign the other day.
“Fit him for a box of pine—he ignored a traffic sign.” Clever little jingle.
The Daily Trojan has written slogans too. We’ve run pictures and cartoons. One staff member even visited the morgue. Got a warmer welcome than most people who went there. Two other reporters followed the police around on a traffic beat. Couple of juicy accidents there too.
We’ve interviewed psychologists, ministers, accident victims—even the chief of police—about traffic safety.
An interview we didn’t print was one with the parents of a 16-year-old girl who was killed in a train-auto accident. A bit of her yellow dress,* her wristwatch, and a dollar bill in a detached hand was about all that was left of her. Her funeral was not pretty.
It was mean and ihard and sad and coarse to watch.
We meant to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We’ve said it. Now go put the words “merry” and “happy” into your driving.
P.S.: That Rose Bowl traffic is always bad. In fact, it’s murder.
SHEER WANTON VANDALISM may have
been responsible for this and thousands oi other accidents. Tampering with traiiic saie-ty signs is a vicious and murderous pastime.
Because gay "pranksters" make oii with souvenirs ior their clubhouses or iratemi-ties, drivers are deprived oi an ounce oi caution which may have saved their lives.
AROTC to Hold Formal Parade
Two SC men—an alumnus and a currently-enrolled student—will be honored by the United States Air Force at today’s formal parade of the campus AFROTC unit at noon on the track field.
Major Richard Haney Patterson, former student, will be presented the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service.
' Staff Sergeant Marion L. George, senior in mechanical engineering, will be awarded the Commendation Ribbon for meritorious service.
L.A. Police Car Takes Staffers 'For a Ride' ★ ' ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DT Reporters Tour Accident Beat
by Beverly Chuchian
The sickeningly swet odor of burning flesh assailed the notrils of several spectators as a traffic victim burned to death before their eyes. The agonized cries of pain from the helpless victim turned more than one person away from the tragic scene. Several stand-ers-by had joined the police in an attempt to pull the man out from his over-turned car. His legs were pinned under the wreckage, and as the crew moved forward, the car sud denly burst intc flame. Those res-
cuers nearest the victim were seriously burned, and all attempts were called to a halt. There was nothing to do but stand by help lessly and watch the man slqwly turn into a human torch. The cause of this collision? The re moval of a boulevard stopsign!
The man pinned under the car was plowed into by another car at an intersection that once had two boulevard stops. With the removal of one, no one could blame the driver of the second car for not stopping for he had not violated any law.
Real Violator
The real violator was the person who removed the sign. If his identity were known, he would be held responsible for all damages.
This story came from Sgt. Ohen H. Tucker, who has been a member of the L.A. police force for 24 years.
Such wantonness is uncalled for, Sgt. Tucker said.
“Mischief is all right—I believe in kids having fun—but when they cause accidents such as these, it turns my stomach.”
He told this story to two DT reporters in his squad car as he drove them down an alley behind the Row last Saturday night. There he showed them a boulevard stop, a no-right-tum, a no-left-turn, and two no-parking signs in back of just ONE house! Potential Killers
Cruising down West 28th street, still another boulevard stop sign was found in front of a sorority house.
Could it be that, indirectly, an SC student was the cause of this accident? With all the stolen traffic signs on the Row, one or two pranksters could be responsible for a similar or worse collision.
Sgt. Tucker told the two reporters- assigned to cover the investigation of traffic collisions, that the removal of signs is but one of many causes. The majority of collisions occuring Saturday
night were due to drunk driving.
The first call came over the radio at 6:35 p.m. The Sergeant was instructed to report to 30th and 4th avenue for investigation of a hit-and-run case.
Another traffic car was at the corner by the time we arrived, and the officers were questioning the driver.
Sgt. Tucker immediately suggested giving the suspect a 520, or sobriety test. The two traffic officers then proceeded to have the man walk a straight line (a crack along the sidewalk), from which he deviated a foot-and a half every third step.
Left From Right
Following this first failure, the man was asked to place his feet together, throw his head back close his eyes, and touch the tip of his nose*with his left hand. He managed to touch the general area of his nose—but with his right hand.
The officers asked him to use his left hand several times, and the man repeatedly used his right hand. After this second failure, the man was given an intoximeter test.
This is a field test given by the officers to determine whether the suspect is under the influence of alcohol or if there is another reason for the psysiological characteristics of drunkenness.
Blows Balloon The man first blows into a balloon. The air from this balloon is then released into a tube containing sulphuric acid-treated crystals. A solution of potassium permanganate, a purplish liquid, is poured over the crystals. If there is a color change, the liquid turning dear in less than 39 seconds, the man is believed to be under the influence of alcohol. This man’s time was checked at 28 seconds.
Another phase of the test is handled by the crime laboratory. It is a more complicated proced-(Continued on Page Four)
SC Caravan To Welcome Badger Team
The Trojan carpet will be rolled out for the Wisconsin gridders tomorrow afternoon when they arrive at the Burbank airport by charter plane.
The SC caravan to welcome the Wisconsin gridders will form tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at Tommy Trojan under the direction of the Trojan Knights.
“AH students are encouraged to join the caravan and help welcome the Badgers,” said Beryle Duca, rally chairman. “Rides will be found for those without cars.” George Tirebiter II, California oranges, and SC coeds are among the noted California features that will be on hand to show the Badgers a bit of Western hospitality.
“The caravan that welcomed the Northwestern team had a very good effect and was highly appreciated,” said Duca. “The Northwestern team said it was the first time that they had been welcomed upon arriving, and they carried very good reports back to the Big Ten about SC hospitality."
The Wisconsin plane is scheduled to arrive at Burbank at 1:45 p.m. Students unable to make the caravan may go directly to the airport, said Duca.
The rally planned for tomorrow was canceled because the SC football team is on a strict training schedule and none of the players or coaches would be able to attend.
BOWLS. NOT FOR GRAVEYARDS
f