20 Feb 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 20, 1939
Page
1
A runaway freight locomotive collided head on with a Great Western passenger train fifteen miles southwest of Harlan Iowa killing two and wounding more than twenty. The crash followed a steam pipe explosion at Tennant that drove the freight engine crew from the cab.
An Iowa commerce commission investigator reported a corn car rolled loose on a Tennant siding, starting a riderless locomotive dash into a speeding passenger train. State federal and railroad probes began. The car, unbraked, struck the locomotive, bursting steam pipes and ejecting the engineers from the cab.
A runaway locomotive smashed into a grain car and collided with the Twin City Limited near a curve four miles from its start. Engineers Henry Miller and fireman John Sellers were killed. many others injured, including Walter Taylor and James Conners in critical condition. Injured were taken to Mercy hospital as hearings were scheduled by the town commerce commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission.
New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia urged the United States to continue selling planes and other war materials to friendly nations. He argued the nation must reserve the right to pick its own enemies and shape postwar alliances.
The author voices fatigue with dictatorships and war as civilization erodes. They urge rest, cultural renewal, and humane values, insisting people long to live simply and kindly rather than endure endless crises. The piece laments poverty, hatred, and vanishing democracy.
The London house of commons opened a key debate on rearmament with Prime Minister Chamberlain hinting at a possible government decision to send a British army to France if war comes. He avoided specifics on Franco talks while stating no amnesty for conquered enemies and that Britain will not sponsor any settlement terms.
Negotiations between France and Gen Francisco Franco for peace in Spain stalled when nationalist delegates demanded unconditional republican surrender. French and British envoys pressed for leniency and a framework for recognition, amid reports of a new Franco cabinet and continued war fronts.
In Boston Dr. Arthur Cushing argues a moderate amount of body fat protects against disease. He criticizes extreme dieting by the thin, urges controlled girth through self discipline, and notes the potato itself is not the problem but what is added.
The Association of American Railroads disclosed that last year railroads achieved a new fuel efficiency record, using 115 pounds of fuel to haul 1,000 tons of freight per mile.
Franklin Pierce McCall's execution for kidnapping James Bailey Cash was postponed to Friday at 10 am to allow a Supreme Court appeal. The delay came less than 90 minutes before the scheduled electric chair execution and was granted at the McCall family's request.
In Chicago Elsie Petersen, 46, reunited with her father Louis Walter, 77, whom she believed dead for over forty years. After locating his grave, they found no marker and learned he lived at a German old people’s home. Walter, now married to his fourth wife, embraced Elsie, recounting the long separation.
German Nazi outlets attack President Roosevelt labeling him a politician of catastrophe after his hint he may curb a West Indies cruise due to Europe reports. Nachtausgabe mocks Roosevelt as seeing the ghost of war and accuses him of hysteria aiding American arms industry.
In Lewistown Pennsylvania an eight year old girl died after entering her burning home to find her mother. Firefighters recovered the body hours later in the ruins after she dashed inside believing her mother had returned.
Des Moines AP report says the state executive council broadened its inquiry into former Secretary of State O'Brian’s long distance charges. The panel asked the attorney general to assist after he claimed the calls related to state business. Four calls to Chicago and two to Ballinger appear on a disputed Dec 21 to Jan 3 period.
Senator Gerald Nye of North Dakota introduces a measure to ban export of aircraft and parts to foreign powers after the sale of over 600 U.S. planes to France. The bill would stop foreign military flights and impose up to 20 years in prison for violations, as debate grows over U.S. aid to France and Britain. It follows remarks by General Arnold on urgent air defense, while Congress debates naval base funding and an emergency defense bill.
Cedar Rapids report notes discharge of Patrolman Frank Novak was upheld by the civil service commission. It urges immediate city council action to revise antiquated 1929 police rules to restore discipline, improve adherence, and protect officers and the city. Three commissioners signed the letter. no remarks were made in council.
Eleven persons faced charges Monday after police raids Saturday night targeted downtown taverns. Earl Stanley led the operation stopping spiking in public venues including the Loop tavern Magnus Stables Hi-Way tavern and Johns Place. Officials stressed intent to prosecute both genders and urged cooperation from managers like Leonard Porter of Magnus.
Linn County nearly paid twice for a barrel of insecticide when Higley Chemical sent a $139.68 claim attached to an older order dated Dec 7 1938. County jail matron Alice M. Smith denied ordering insecticide saying the county wanted jelly soap for scrubbing. Beeson questioned the claim prompting board review.
In Lima, a brief abortive revolt by Gen. Rodriguez and the fascist like Union Revolucionaria party was quelled after Rodriguez and four others were killed and eight wounded. Police and civil guards were detained as investigators questioned suspects at Panoptico penitentiary while President Benavides vacationed at Pisco.
Eight year old Anna Louise Sweitzer remains missing after last seen Sunday afternoon at a Pasadena playground with a neighborhood gardener named Townsend Davis. Police issued teletype alerts to border towns and state agencies as Davis is described as a 40 year old, six foot tall pianist with blue eyes and brown hair who drove away with the girl in a 1927 Buick sedan.
New York police guarded Madison Square Garden with sixteen officers on duty after a bomb threat letter claimed three time bombs were hidden in the hall A search found nothing pending a Monday night pro Nazi Bund rally.
Federal authorities investigating the government judiciary demand stock exchange records of Judge Edwin S. Thomas former Judge Martin T. Manton and Manton's secretary Marie D. Schmalz in New York.
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