December 19, 1978

Carter Adm economists believe OPEC decision increases likelihood of US recession and slowing of econ growth abroad in '79; Fed Reserve Chmn G William Miller says increase will raise US import bill by $4 billion and import bills of other indus countries by $8 billion; econ impact of increase as forecast now by Chase Econometrics, Data Resources, Townsend Greenspan, Irving Trust and Morgan Guaranty noted; graph of OPEC prices '73-79 (M)

Supervisors Bd unanimously adopts county budget of $953.5 million for '79 that will result in property-tax increase for most homeowners of about $37 a yr; cuts 75c increase in tax rate for gen fund proposed by county Exec Purcell; table shows rise in county's operating budget, '70, '75 and '78 (S)

President Carter faces a legal challenge. Administration officials said they expected a contest, perhaps going to the Supreme Court, to determine whether he has the authority to bypass Congress and terminate the 13‐year‐old mutual defense treaty with Taiwan. Senator Barry Goldwater has said that he plans to test the constitutionality of the move. [Page A1, Column 5.]

3d article discusses uncovering of heroin empire in course of probe; illus (L)

Sen Ethics Com, 4-1, votes to subject Sen Herman E Talmadge to trial-like hearing on charge that he misused office and campaign funds; com chmn, Sen Adlai E Stevenson 3d, says com has 'substantial credible evidence' of 'possible improprieties'; says he prefers conducting hearing in open session, but will consult with Talmadge before making decision; Talmadge says he is innocent of 'intentional wrongdoing'; charges against Talmadge made by his former aide, Daniel Minchew, recalled; if ethics com finds Talmadge guilty, it could recommend to full Sen that he be censured, stripped of seniority or expelled (M)