17 Oct 1941
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Oct 17, 1941
Page
1
The piece surveys the Kearny incident as an undeclared war, US reluctance for a full war declaration, and Japan’s shifting stance. It critiques authority over aluminum controls, inflation risks, and prioritizes living standards, while noting everyday American life amid massive headlines and local curiosities.
The Navy department said a few American merchant ships were ordered to port for voyage instructions. Navy authorities directed all ships in Oriental waters to head to the nearest American or British port, with many bound for Philippine waters. Marines added ships bound for Oriental waters were told to return to Honolulu. ships en route to Japan had not recent movement, and Australian southbound routes were reportedly unaffected.
Washington sources said all U S merchant ships were ordered out of Japanese and Chinese waters due to the Pacific situation. Most American ships remain in the rest of the Pacific while officials declined to comment. Informants say the order is small in those waters, with more ships in the broader Pacific. Shippers in New York expect special arrangements to evacuate Americans from Shanghai.
President Roosevelt suggested possible direct intervention by the Office of Production Management in extensive defense strike activity. He offered no specifics on any forthcoming action but noted concern over an increasing number of strikes in defense industries.
Hundreds of Cedar Rapids newcomers seek living quarters as Gazette Want Ads spark many inquiries. Ads like NICE ROOMS bills paid adults 1444 C Ave NE draw rapid calls, offering rooms or selling used items.
Washington AP reports the House approved arming American merchant ships 259 to 138 after torpedoing of the destroyer Kearny. The bill now goes to the Senate as debate touched on neutrality and potential war preparations. Representatives Cunningham LeCompte Gwynne Jensen and Talle aligned with or against the measure amid broader foreign policy clashes.
Cedar Rapids Community Chest fundraising reached 539,987 toward 589,847 with one more report meeting before a Victory dinner next Wednesday. Women workers led by Mrs. Van Vechten Shaffer topped section 30 and exceeded its 1,156 quota by 37. Transportation, led by Charles Shackell, also beat its 1,530 goal by 7 as a national campaign urged local effort. James L. Cooper urged individuals to donate personally, noting organization gifts cannot replace individual responsibility.
Washington officials disclosed President Roosevelt ordered the army navy and Office of Production Management to draft a victory program costing 50 billion dollars yearly for defense and aid to Britain and others. The plan, still formative, would nearly double federal expenditures and requires evaluating how to fund such a shift as the national income climbs toward 100 billion.
E A Huber 30 of Marion was taken to the county jail Thursday at 6 15 p m on a charge of drunk driving. He was arrested by Highway Patrolman James Clapp after being seen driving in an erratic manner five miles north of the junction of highways 13 and 151. Arraigned before Judge C J Haas Friday morning Huber pleaded not guilty and was released on bond. The patrol was told by Mount Vernon Marshal Ed Gill that Huber had sideswiped a car on a curve between Mount Vernon and Lisbon at about 4 45 p m and had stopped but failed to identify himself.
Duane J. Leamer of Davenport was elected president of the Iowa Association of Real Estate Boards succeeding Allen F. Beck of Mason City. James R. Leverett of Council Bluffs was reelected secretary treasurer with Otto Knudsen Eagle Grove Bruce West Cedar Rapids George Towne Des Moines and George Scully Jr Waterloo named to vice presidencies. Roy Clay Council Bluffs became a three year director. Francis Beck Mason City Fay Belle Burlington held one year directorships. Bert Frahm Davenport George Koser Iowa City Fred D. Mathis Des Moines KP Cotton Sioux City Emery Loomis Waterloo and Alex R Krause Fort Dodge were held over as directors.
The British radio said Stalin is still in Moscow while Soviet dispatches claim German pressure on Moscow has slowed. Reports note Red army defense lines coalescing in front of the capital and that government leaders were seen moving toward Kazan as the battle rages around Vyazma and Klin.
Tokio AP reports Lieut Gen Eiki Tojo was named premier designate after Prince Konoye resigned. The 56 year old war minister and son of a soldier has long admired German military methods and urged Japan to be ready to fight China and Russia. Cabinet selection likely after Yasukuni shrine ceremonies.
The U S S Kearny destroyer was torpedoed about 350 miles south and west of Iceland while on patrol. Navy dispatches report no casualties and the ship remained afloat and able to proceed under its own power. Roosevelt had ordered shooting on sight in American defensive waters, with the attack prompting calls for retaliation. The incident follows a similar event near Greer and reflects heightened Axis hostility in the North Atlantic.
President Roosevelt stated the U S S Kearny was clearly within the American defensive zone when torpedoed Friday morning. He indicated navy retaliation would follow regular orders and avoided committing to broader actions or new anti submarine protections. He deflected questions to the navy and offered little on potential piracy at sea.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.