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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Aug 22, 1940
Page
4
A collage of historical quips and references spans 1912 to 1940s era, touching on press rights, poll taxes, agriculture, near East strategy, American politics, industrial shifts in Decatur, Alabama mortality figures, naval aid to Britain, labor services in Alabama, draft age debates, and German leadership remarks. The piece blends varied opinions and events without a single cohesive narrative.
A reflective note questions a man who boasts of ability, suggesting he should act rather than preach. It cites a Birmingham estimate of 30,000 dogs and jokes that Decatur’s dog population would surprise no one with a bite.
The passage urges citizens to invest time and energy in community efforts, noting that outcomes may not align with all hopes. It emphasizes that a good winner is also a good loser and calls for collective responsibility in shaping Decatur’s fate.
The Alabama State Chamber of Commerce continued its campaign to attract investment as six new industries and six expansions chose Alabama locations in July. Investments in these projects exceeded $500,000, signaling a strong push for future growth.
Census data shows a sparse foreign born population within 25 miles of Decatur totaling 0.22 percent of residents. The Jefferson County Equalization Board raises taxes by over two million dollars, while local officials debate justified tax levels and administrative actions.
Chaplin's new film The Dictator opens with a $2,000,000 production. He plays the dictator Adolf, while Jack Oakie portrays Mussolini. The satire targets self important rulers and mocks their pretensions as world leaders.
Late dispatches say the American Legion has passed the most dangerous leg of its voyage and, barring unforeseen developments, may reach port with about 900 refugees. The Daily questions the need to risk mine fields and a potential war over the ship and calls for public disclosure of the reasons behind the perilous course.
The Daily notes the public cares more about Congress actions than Roosevelt or Willkie. Voters demand immediate defense measures and warn lawmakers to stop politicking and focus on arming the United States. Warning that some members seek political safety over national security, the piece urges swift, united legislative action.
Washington reports a circulated German plan to overthrow Churchill and ally with Hitler including colonial restoration and domination of the Dutch East Indies. It spurred President Roosevelt toward stronger defense pacts with Canada and Britain, while officials deny formal peace talks.
A fragmented social column notes visits among Limestone County residents. Mr and Mrs Guy Roberts and baby of Chattanooga Tenn spend Friday night with I B Roberts family. Mrs A B Grantland and girls visit this week. Mrs Clarence Leopard and Mettawee join husband in Gilbertsville Dam Kentucky. Others include Mr and Mrs Comer Cole and Sarah Elizabeth visiting Payetteville, and Flossie Batch with Ophelia.
The article recounts early 20th century science on anaphylaxis and allergy starting with Richet in Paris, linking sensitization to hay fever and natural allergy. It notes the mystery of dose effects, the Nobel Prize, and hints at later vaccine treatment discussion.
Horn and baby of Madison spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Sanderson and their daughters, and with Mrs. C. B. Newby. Mr. Clayton Pepper of Bartow, Florida, and Mrs. Rebecca Pepper and Christine Johnson spent Tuesday with Mr. and Mrs. Will Wor they and family.
The editor notes Dr. Logan Clendening offers seven pamphlets, each priced at 10 cents. Readers may obtain any title by sending 10 cents and a self addressed stamped envelope to Dr. Clendening, care of the paper. Titles include Three Weeks Reducing Diet and Infant Feeding.
Aug 22 reports from Ala describe fuse blows at the Bienville pumping station. Alabama Power troubleshooters traced a short to an electrocuted snake lying across the wires in the switchboard area.
A humorous exchange sketches city life with officious chiefs and busi ness of others. A police chief chides an officer for inaction while a cheerful beat cop asks for gloves. A joke about Sunday as the strongest day and a tale of a landlady saving chicken gravy adds light local color.
A collection of short vignettes shows a social worker comforting an unhappy girl and a man recalling a dreamy romance while comments on gossip and pride surface. The text contrasts the urge to sanctify reputations with blunt humor about relationships and gender dynamics.
In a reported duel both combatants failed to wound each other as pistols went off harmlessly. A seconds intervened and suggested a peaceful settlement to avert further bloodshed.
Walter Winchell roams Hollywood Boulevard asking locals why they hurry. He chats with Mrs. Rachael Garrett rushing to bargains, Weldon Heyburn fearing a Gable comparison, a dress-clad woman chasing a streetcar, and others chasing time. A racer carries a peace-ray author seeking post office air mail.
A reporter describes encounters with diverse pedestrians as he races to file a report. The piece blends a futuristic Peace Ray concept with everyday urban life showing ambitions, impatience, and brief encounters. The closing note hints the author is late for dinner with guests.
A dialogue features a student and teacher debating fort versus fortress. The punchline notes the fort is easier to silence, while hands shake in an exchange that lasts half an hour and touches on promotion chances.
WPA personnel on the Mobile air depot project grow to 1,000 with 100 added Tuesday and 300 more planned in six months. Oscar Mason, district WPA director, says two six hour shifts operate daily as clearing and construction continue on the eight million dollar project.
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