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Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Mar 20, 1925
Page
1
Crowds jammed the Capitol as sessions opened with police called in and many spectators turned away. At 7 am today four hundred twenty three bodies were recovered from the ruins of Southern Illinois towns including Murphysboro 124 De Soto 102 West Frankfort 91 Gorham 6 Bush 16 and Parish 20.
In West Frankfort and surrounding towns the tornado death toll is estimated between 800 and 1,000 with hundreds more missing and thousands injured. National Guard Red Cross and private relief teams aid search and shelter as bodies are found among ruined homes and public buildings.
Deaths from Wednesday's tornado across Illinois Indiana Missouri Tennessee Kentucky total 889 with 817 dead reported and about 3 000 injured and 10 000 homeless. Red Cross and courier reports estimate property damage near 200 million. Additional fatalities expected as vict ims are reevaluated in the farming districts of stricken states.
School principal who saw charges die interviewed recalls the disaster in Carbondale where flying debris struck children. Eyewitness reports describe a chaotic scene at the local area as responders arrived and authorities investigated the incident.
In Washington on March 20 the short Senate session drew crowds rivaling a theater, with spectators lining up for minutes of free access to the proceedings. The March 16 vote on the Warren nomination drew the heaviest interest as security and crowd control limited access. Ohio and Columbus reports include passage of the Keifer inheritance tax alignment, Ball’s petit larceny penalties, and the Dempsey Griswold constitutional pay-as-you-go proposal awaiting Senate action and August primaries.
Seventy nine American cities now report populations over 100000 according to the latest census figures. The milestone highlights urban growth across multiple states and the expanding center of commerce and housing in major regions.
Arthur Brisbane notes the English king’s departure for the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Yacht Genoa escorted by destroyers. He will avoid the rough Atlantic, travel via Callas on the royal train ready on French soil, and reach Italy for health reasons. Brisbane compares royal duty to democratic norms and elections.
Attorney General Crabbe announced a Logan County grand jury will be asked by the Common Pleas court to probe the killing of Ray Wren near Bellefontaine authorities say three weeks ago by a sheriff patrol. The inquiry, begun after a lunacy writ siege at the Wren home, found force used only to subdue Harry Wren who is confined as insane.
In Barrackville West Virginia rescuers worked through the night opening 300 feet below ground where thirty four miners are entombed after a Bethlehem Steel mine explosion Tuesday. Five bodies were recovered and crews expect more results within hours as efforts continue.
The city prepares to dedicate the new Athens high school building with open house in the morning and two afternoon and evening sessions. Superintendent Patterson and Principal Harshman coordinate a student led program with honors from four classes and glee clubs. Geoffrey J. Morgan will give the principal address at the evening citizens’ meeting. Two luncheons for men and women will be served at noon by local church women. Approximately 290 guests are planned for each luncheon.
In Glouster on March 20 Mr and Mrs Morgan Williams and children, former Glouster residents, may have perished in the Illinois cyclone at West Frankfort where over 300 died. A West Frankfort inquiry failed to locate any Williams family member and the city’s chaotic conditions hindered contact. If no message arrives soon, the family fears the worst.
Joseph Jennings found guilty of shooting with intent to kill in the trial over the anti Klan rioting in Niles last November. The case was tried in Warren Ohio with the jury reaching verdict late this morning.
Aviators Trivolcano take motion pictures of Mount Etna as authorities warn of a potential new eruption. The volcanic threat prompts aerial observation and emergency planning.
Lucille Jones 19 daughter of Rev T Howard Jones was arrested in Lorain Ohio on charges she led a juvenile vice ring. She pleaded not guilty at municipal court and was released on bond. Prosecutor Weimer says multiple youths will be charged and more than fifty people may be involved in what may be Lorain's worst scandal.
Columbus March 20 Governor Donahey signed the Edwards Davidson bill giving the State Health department control over eliminating pollution of Ohio streams. The Department gains powers formerly held by the Division of Fish and Game and now has authority to curb dumping of waste into waters and ensure gradual diminution of pollution sources.
Forty eight Cincinnati police officers were arrested on warrants issued after seven sealed federal indictments. The force faces charges including intimidating witnesses and taking bribes from bootleggers. The first round involved the Flying Squad and gambling unit members with Chief Copelaw coordinating the arrests.
A humorous note predicts Lady Spring’s arrival at 10 21 on the Athens sky with a one act celestial drama of an old man and a young lady. Old Sol crosses the equator and the vernal equinox is noted amid forecasts of spring fever and seasonal plans.
In Columbus on March 20 the House passed the Roche bill 80 to 4. It restricts the state architect duties to supervising tasks and allows outside aid, while establishing councils on mental diseases, corrections and reform, and education and charitable work with heads of state institutions and related officials. It also adopts a pay-as-you-go debt limit via the Dempsey joint resolution, pending Senate approval and voter ratification at the August 1926 primaries.
The Ohio House approved the Gordon bill 82 to 11, banning attendance at or participation in public dances on Sundays. Violations carry at least $100 fine and 60 days in jail or both. The measure moves to the Senate, where it is expected to fail in committee. The companion rural road house licensing bill already passed the Senate. Home dancing remains unaffected.
The Steubenville Chamber of Commerce filed a protest with the Utilities Commission opposing granting permission for operation of motor buses between Steubenville and Brilliant. It argues the bus traffic would compete with the parallel traction service on the same route.
In Carbondale and Murphysboro, rescuers search wrecked towns after the Wednesday tornado. Principal J. E. Fisher describes guiding 450 students to safety as the clock stopped at 2 32, with many pupils reported missing. Survivors share stories of horror, grief, and aid from neighbors.
Housekeepers face ants bed bugs cockroaches fleas rats and mice remaining exposed to pests. Safe methods include poisoning trapping fumigating and repellents but some approaches threaten human health. The Government booklet Housecleaning Made Easier offers elimination instructions and a free reproduction with a coupon and two cents stamps for return postage.
Frederic J. Haskin of The Athens Messenger Information Bureau in Washington, D. C. encloses two cents in stamps to obtain a copy of the SAUSECLEANING BOOKLET, State.
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