02 Jan 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jan 02, 1939
Page
1
A reader recalls Father Coughlin's broadcasts on Americanism and war, argues newspapers cannot be bought, cites Morgans’ influence in 1917, praises editors' independence, yet notes press roles in war propaganda. Roosevelt as propagandist is criticized while editors balance news with government influence.
Five desperates escaped from Lima State Hospital for the criminally insane armed with hatchets and razors after slugging guards and abducting the day and night superintendents. They fled in a 1934 Ford coupe with Ohio plates 621 YN, seen heading toward Chicago via Indiana. Leaders include Willard Bucks, William Blatz, Frank Haines, Marion Pierce, and Russell Nickels.
Editorial discussion notes that proofs or disproofs of the Coughlin charges may appear in editorials and columns. It warns publishers to guard against charlatans and undue influence at both sources of news and relay points through which it travels.
Cedar Rapids police were told by Mrs. Clifford Wayman that her daughter Virginia, 19, has disappeared after leaving with a Minneapolis man named Rig ostensibly to visit a friend in Waterloo. Virginia is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall with blue eyes and dark brown hair, wearing a gray pebble weave swagger coat. The girl friend has been in Des Moines since Christmas.
Father Coughlin argues big advertisers push editorial bias to sway toward war and accuses communistic forces of aiming to destroy democracy. He suggests Roosevelt’s defense spending and a radical-backed attorney general are linked, while denying Stalinist influence in U.S. outlets. The speaker notes these are bewildering times.
A 1939 reflection urges readers to start the year with faith over fear, shedding old grudges and embracing physical, mental, and spiritual fitness. It calls for disciplined daily living, kindness, learned wisdom, and trust in God to guide toward a juster, kinder world.
London reports the Herald says Britain will raise naval estimates for 1939 by several million pounds in response to Germany seeking submarine parity. The plan reportedly adds two extra flotilla leaders and 14 destroyers and funds numerous fast motor torpedo boats.
Premier Edouard Daladier arrives at Ajaccio aboard the cruiser Foch with Navy Minister Cesar Campinchi to challenge Italian territorial claims. He asserts France will not yield any colonial possessions, while Rome’s fascists debate the ambassador’s calls for peace and reckon the dispute may be settled peacefully.
Washington bulletin reports Senator Arthur Vandenberg expected no opposition to Frank Murphy's confirmation as attorney general. Murphy, former Michigan governor and New Deal ally, traveled to Washington to be sworn in in the White House study. He faces Senate confirmation with questions over 1938 automobile sitdown strikes and enforcement of a court order.
The Associated Press reports 1939 New Year deaths via accidents totaling at least 193 in two days. Auto crashes exceed 150 fatalities. fires drownings homicides and other causes fill the rest. NY area saw 14 suicides, including Dr Henry Stein in Times Square. California led with 20 deaths. New Jersey and Illinois had 15 each.
Geneva Reed daughter of Mr and Mrs W E Reed 1673 Eighth Street NW is Cedar Rapids first baby of 1939 weighing 10 pounds arriving at 445 am New Year s Day. The Reed birth came nearly four hours before Leta Elaine Blood born at St Luke s Hospital to Mr and Mrs L A Blood 212 Twelfth Street NW. The first out of town baby is Carol Annette Womochil daughter of Mr and Mrs Ernest Womochil of Fairfax arriving Sunday at 1 15 am at Mercy Hospital.
The weatherman reported a mild New Year start with morning clouds dulling sun. Temperature rose from 15 degrees at midnight Saturday to 42 by 2 PM Sunday on the Chambers Inskeep recorder. The line moved from 25 at 7 AM Monday to 33 at 10 AM.
Rebels push forward on three fronts near Hendaye as Generalissimo Franco predicts 1939 will be decisive in the 30 month civil war.
New York police revealed that wealthy retired physician Dr. Ebon True Aldrich of Lowell Massachusetts, who disappeared in 1934, was found in a potter's field as James Harrigan. He died August 12, 1935, and left behind an estate of about $100,000 in a Cambridge bank. Despite ample means, he lived as a derelict in Bowery lodging houses and hotels, with relatives unsure why he vanished.
Washington AP describes how John Nance Garner wields unprecedented influence as vice president in a strengthened leadership trio with Barkley and Rayburn. As Congress readies for a crucial session, clashes over WPA relief and defense loom, with Garner and Bankhead set to open the session and the President to deliver the annual message amid GOP calls for WPA reform and cautious armament plans.
Arthur Baer argues a five dollar rail fare from New York to California could lure youths into cheap travel. He warns railroads would exploit riders with extra charges and rough treatment, sketching a plan to bankrupt the system while courting juvenile delinquency.
Treasury data show 1938 income taxes from individuals firms and partnerships on 1937 incomes totalled about 2.6 billion, surpassing 1937's record. Despite a late 1937–38 recession and lower overall national income, tax receipts rose as business activity recovered, with projections of 1939 income tax uptake possibly lower unless rates rise.
In Detroit AP file Rev Charles E Coughlin says if communism and nazism clash America should remain independent. He cites a 1917 Caraway memo alleging J P Morgan interests manipulated 179 newspapers to influence U S policy. He warns 1939 may see a group pervert democracy into dictatorship via press control.
Miami Beach report states Col. Lindbergh told Prime Minister Chamberlain directly about Germanys air strength. Kennedy confirms Lindbergh flew over Germany with exclusive privilege and described 9700 German combat planes versus Britains 1500, altering Munich policy.
Two Washington high school students Joseph Measel and Beatrice White recount crashing President Roosevelt’s New Year’s Eve White House party. They received autographs from the President and First Lady before being politely admonished by Mrs Roosevelt for trespassing. The incident shows guards and officials responding to the unexpected visitors.
Carl Wickham reports a hit and run driver crashed into his parked car on Fifth Avenue SE, leaving $25 in damage. Police logged eight such incidents over the holiday weekend with no injuries requiring medical aid.
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