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Newspaper
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Location
Bluefield, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Dec 07, 1939
Page
6
A National Consumers Tax Commission report says nearly eight percent of the food bill is hidden taxes built into prices. It cites Bluefield households paying 128232 yearly, with 1935 Bluefield food sales at 1644000 and most hidden taxes funding state and federal programs rather than local government.
A university professor notes American interest in plays with estimates that one million plays are produced yearly and five percent aim for Broadway. He cites 40,000 reaching agents while only one finds fame, reflecting broad enthusiasm yet high failure in playwriting.
The text argues that aboriginal tribes developed dramatic instincts yet rejects primevalism. It asserts that civilization does not suppress ambition and that modern life holds romance, tragedy, and comedy. Playwriting may be a natural progression of human culture and life.
War is praised as a path to lasting peace yet often fuels hatred and misunderstanding. It tends to subjugate nations and perpetuate suffering, not create the safe, happy world many seek.
The piece argues the press must reveal whether Roosevelt plans to run again. It notes officials urging a peace commission amid European war and mocks past peace efforts while warning that upcoming campaigns will spotlight loud orators and public knowledge of Russian officials.
The piece highlights Philip D. Reed, a 40 year old Milwaukee native, who advanced from GE legal department to chairman in thirteen years without federal subsidies. It contrasts Reed’s self reliance with critics who blame the New Deal for youth stagnation, praising industry and thrift as paths to success.
The piece states Hitler seeks conquest by terror across lands and minds, with mass executions as proof. It argues his pause stems from facing a foe his size and incomplete domestic control, implying ongoing aggression and fear.
A playful poem fragment describes an autumn wind as an imp that chases the speaker down the street. Leaves swirl, hair is whipped, and laughter follows as the speaker esquives the wind’s teasing moves.
A quirky column blends a child's Christmas letter with satirical asides on politics and sport. It includes a pretend Santa list featuring skates dolls and a moving picture machine while lampooning figures like Ed Barrows and Dewey with political jibes and World’s Fair notes.
The record quotes Joseph Lash praising a line about eliminating unseen threats and mocks the Dies committee. The piece notes the committee's slow response to internal probing orders, and hints at tensions within the hearings atmosphere.
The deadline to equip Bluefield bicycles with license plates under the November 8 city ordinance moved from December 11 to December 16. Chief C N Wilson said tags cost fifty cents and are sold at department offices. The ordinance requires licenses for bikes ridden after dark and enforces traffic rules for cyclists.
Charleston West Virginia December 6 officials report the conservation commission estimates more than 600 deer were killed during the 1939 season. Final figures show a kill around 650 for the three days of hunting with weather not as favorable as in 1938.
Hollywood star Paul Muni arrives back on Broadway in Maxwell Anderson's Key Largo at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The welcome crowd blocks passage as Muni, famed as Mr. Paul Muni, is greeted by throngs in New York. Muni, born as Muni Weisenfreund, grew up in Yiddish theater and set aside seven years for film before this stage comeback.
The article notes rats cause about 189 million dollars in annual damage in the United States. Over 20 years the rat population is believed to have been reduced by about half. About half of the remaining rats live on farms.
Bruce Catton summarizes Phil Stong's Ivanhoe Keeler a Mississippian tale of fortune love and freedom. It follows Ivanhoe Keeler a violinist whose wealth grows and whose romantic defeats shape a 1840s era voyage with Samaliel a freed slave and a trio of other strife filled companions.
A ten pound cannot ball was found on a west coast golf course likely left by a golfer who could not hit balls. Japanese girls in a play afternoon game of Chinese checkers sparked reports the Sino Japanese issue might be settled. Iowa relief clients may no longer call for rations in taxicabs and must endure privation. A thief discarded 250 coffin handles he had stolen, possibly hoping to sell them in Europe.
Operators asked the bituminous coal division today to fix minimum prices for their areas at once. It was the first operator suggestion that the interior department's coal control division do away with routine procedure and set up a schedule of prices as an emergency measure. Officials believe the request unlikely to be granted. Hearings on final prices are underway and Secretary Ickes hopes the schedule for the entire soft coal area be announced around the first of the year.
The piece surveys star pairings and ideal on screen teams. It mentions Jane Withers Gene and Mae West with W C Fields, and notes Cagney Raft Astaire Powell Rooney and others as potential or actual on screen duos and the limits of contracts.
Alfred E. Goodwyn, a Bluefield barber, was elected secretary of the West Virginia Barbers and Beauticians association state committee at a meeting in a West Virginian hotel. He succeeds W B Lantz of Philipp. About 135 applicants seek barber and beautician exams this week. Bat migrations are being studied by banding.
A political analysis outlines a strategy to dodge tax hikes and debt increases. It argues President Roosevelt could pare flexible budget items to cover only the first seven to eight months of the new fiscal year, avoiding extra legislation before January 1941 after the campaign.
A fragmented passage notes that Congress refused to grant a campaign request last session and that any such issue would disturb democracy and threaten peace on election eve. It hints at plans to press for action, though prospects remain uncertain.
The president comments at a press conference that the St. Lawrence project should be separated from any big government grid. He endorses expansion of private power for national defense and downplays calls for a nationalized system. Ickes critic and pro utility lines clash as officials debate grid policy.
A political observer says the St. Lawrence affair will be handled separately and the new treaty with Canada faces a two thirds Senate majority for ratification. The hurdle is high and unlikely if tied to the power program.
The article argues that Finnish capitulation was expected within two weeks if pressed, based on Russia’s assumed stance. It notes initial Red Army pressure and a subsequent news silence suggesting Moscow believed Finland would yield with time. The piece questions whether this longer delay has changed the outcome.
A fragment from a war era column discusses December 19 bidding for manganese needed for stores of war materials. It jokes that the Russians will be the low bidder and warns of political risk if the U S government buys from the Reds. The piece also alludes to public reaction to wartime procurement and tax enforcement.
Forty years ago today P. H. Hain of Bluefield traveled to Roanoke to promote his locomotive wheel invention. Meanwhile Collins shot and injured Eph Mounts at Keystone. Deen Pater Elton returned from a Giles county visit.
Thirty years ago today J. R. Crutchfield of Groseclose Virginia visited Bluefield to discuss plans for a new hotel. The Telegraph noted the city’s scales on Main Street should be painted to look attractive.
Clarence Johnson, 30, son of Mr and Mrs D T Johnson of Russell Street, was shot to death in Hurley Virginia. The report notes the victim as a local resident with a family connection to Russell Street. Police are investigating the shooting.
Ten years ago today W. H. McKhaney visited Huntington when Leon Hart, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hart of Princeton Avenue, was seriously injured in a fall from a truck he had been riding. Mrs. Stee Wee MEES her hetae os Marshall's.
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