23 Dec 1938
Page 1
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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1938
Page
1
A reflection on Christmas joy contrasts with world tension as a Graf ton shooting tragedy and Harry Hopkins rise to cabinet inform the season. The piece notes Hopkins’s WPA past, Iowa board lease amid tax rebate shortfall, and the uneasy mix of relief, politics, and public faith.
Roosevelt's special railroad committee submitted 14 recommendations to restore the nation’s rail system. They call for a national transportation policy, centralized ICC rate powers, universal rate rules, repeal of long and short haul limits, new transportation board, tolls on inland waterways, tax relief, government reimbursement for flood projects, and broader government lending to railroads. The report notes rail issues stem from low traffic and rate instability and sees competition from other transport modes as a factor.
Dr Newton reflects on the paradox of Christmas in a world filled with fear violence and class conflict. He advocates the enduring vision of peace born from the Babe under a wandering star despite brutal realities, calling it humanitys hopeful prophecy.
The city reports 1100 cases with 85 foreigners affected marking a severe epidemic. Health officials urge strict isolation, vaccination campaigns, and rapid hospital response to curb the spread.
Nels Kraschel hints the $500000 emergency conservation fund from a sleepy legislature is exhausted. The disclosure fuels concerns of political racketeering in the state house. Louie Roddewig resigns as assessment board chairman citing illness.
Governor Lloyd C. Stark directs Attorney General Roy McKittrick to purge Jackson county and file ouster actions against uncooperative officials citing breakdowns of law enforcement. He also targets St. Louis and attacks T. J. Pendergast’s political machine in Kansas City.
The Czechoslovak cabinet dissolved the communist party in Czechoslovakia amid ongoing restrictions since the Sudetenland crisis. The move follows long-standing suppression after Nazi pressure, with the party selling its Prague printing plant and being largely barred from political activity.
A thin snow cover over Cedar Rapids and area, three and a half inches planned, melted by noon as Friday brought warmer temperatures. Overnight lows rose from 25 to 32 degrees by afternoon with slippery streets easing. Chambers Inskeep company recorder notes the 2:30 pm temperature at 30 degrees.
In Grafton Ohio an 84 year old farmer Will Case killed William Rousseau 37 and seriously wounded his wife Mac after finding them sawing a Christmas tree on his property. He later surrendered at Elyria county jail amid questions of motive and a prior theft claim. Gifts for the couple's children were found in their car.
New York report says department stores nationwide enjoy a strong Christmas business ahead of last year. The INS survey notes heavy evening rushes and stronger trade in Indianapolis Dallas Cleveland Atlanta and Washington with gains from 5 to 17 percent.
A Cedar Rapids lad once treated as a legal resident must depart the United States by March 22 1939 unless a petition for an immigration visa is approved. The 16 year old, who entered from Mexico as a child, may return if Washington grants relief and Windsor Canada advises on reentry.
Will Kniesel and neighbor Yra Stiles traveled from Kansas to Cedar Rapids after fourteen hours on the road to take Walter Kniesel from St. Luke's Hospital back to Powhatan for the holiday. The Tipton community sent gifts and prayers, honoring the young man recovering from a knee injury and jaw fracture.
Rep Raymond J Cannon was moved by police in a Milwaukee county hospital car after drinking until he lost self-control. A petition seeks court inquiry into his condition. he has three days to answer before possible commitment. Cannon’s term ends Jan 3 1939 and he faced multiple election defeats.
Berlin reported the Russo German agreement for economic credits was extended for another year on Friday.
A satirical note on New York City politics in 1938 mocks Mayor LaGuardia and suggests a boxing instructor could gain a job if the next budget includes one. It laments a perpetual duplication of political posts while criticizing reform efforts.
Des Moines AP Governor Kraschel announced the state executive council renewed a three year lease for quarters used by the assessment and review board at the Des Moines building. The $22 100 annual rent runs through December 31 1938 with space about 17 000 to 18 000 square feet. The council rejected a proposed $125 per square foot rate, sticking to about $115. The governor opposed moving to the Globe building due to fire risk, and noted the renewal occurred near the end of the current term. The lease allows six months termination notice.
Penick And Ford, Ltd Inc will issue Christmas checks Friday amounting to an extra week’s pay for all employees except officers and executives. About 800 workers at the Cedar Rapids plant will benefit, with about 1,500 total across factories in Burlington Brooklyn Columbus Harvey and the New Orleans office. This is the second time Penick and Ford has given the bonus, the first being in 1936.
In Zaragoza the insurgent high command says the government front in Catalonia has been broken in four places by early offensive actions. Franco aims to crush loyalist armies and seize Barcelona as floods of reports describe six attacks along the Segre near Tremp amidst weather and espionage disruptions. Loyalists report mass arrests and Franco’s agents allegedly control essential supplies amid near-starvation conditions.
President Roosevelt named Harry Hopkins to be secretary of commerce and Coly Harrington to act as works progress administrator with Aubrey Williams continuing as deputy NYA head. The moves shift relief leadership away from criticism and place Hopkins in a top New Deal council role while Williams remains tied to WPA under NYA law. Hopkins, 48, Grinnell College alumnus, is known for liberal views and social work.
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