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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 16, 1940
Page
1
An AP chief recalls London’s blitz and how death’s proximity strips away petty aims. Ordinary people gain solidarity and humanity, as a selfisolated maid transformed by shelter life cares for refugee teens, shares tea, and finds purpose amid bombardment.
A. M. Tribble a 45 year old tenant on W. T. Murphree’s plantation eight miles south of Athens is jailed in Limestone County on a charge of assault with intent to murder after Murphree was shot with a birdshot blast as he closed his store Tribble was arrested at the Murphree farm and held without bond as his case is set for January 6 Murphree received non life threatening injuries and is attended by Drs John C. Bragg and L. R. Murphree Tribble allegedly threatened to move and have Murphree sell his furniture for rent prior to the shooting. a warrant sworn by Mrs Dorothy Murphree Swatzell was filed in Limestone Municipal Court.
The Alabama Motorists Association directors adopt a ten point program for 1941 to improve highway safety. It calls for a safety responsibility bill, safer highways, school safety activities, no gas tax increase, promotion of tourism, highway beautification, and removal of unsafe grade crossings. It urges revoking driving privileges after final auto accident liability and missing judgments with required liability insurance after conviction.
Industrialist and noted Christian layman Robert LeTourneau will speak in Decatur on Sunday December 22 arriving by plane at Sheffield and traveling by car to Central Baptist and Central Methodist churches He will address the Baptist church at morning and evening services and speak at 3 PM to a mass meeting of men at the Methodist church The event is hosted by the Christian Businessmen's Evangelistic Club led by M K Vickery
British and Allied forces smash the Italians across Libya and Albania as the Mediterranean battle intensifies. Salum port near Libyan coast becomes a key objective for supplying a continued advance, while the Royal Navy shells Fascist bases from the sea. The strategic Mediterranean stand tests the Axis grip and Britain’s global position in World War II.
Virgino Gayda argues that Italian setbacks are only episodes in the wider war and Britain’s vast resources, sea power, and potential American support may decide the conflict in the long run. He cautions the Italian public but stops short of a full strategic analysis.
Dr. Harry Denman of the Commission on Evangelism spoke three times at Central Methodist, urging church members to witness, organize inactive members, and evangelize children. He warned churches to split into smaller groups and increase prayer meetings, citing poverty and welcome issues. He praised Cordell Hull and urged persistence in faith during evening services.
In Lafollette Tennessee a mine blast at the Dixie King Coal Mine killed W. P. Kirkland 44 of Lafollette. Injured: Albert Burrell 27 George Brown 45 and James Rains 47 all hospitalized with burns. Several others treated at the entrance for minor cuts and burns. Uninjured workers removed the body and aided the wounded.
German night raiders hit Sheffield and nearby areas for the second time in a week while RAF planes conducted prolonged strikes on Berlin. Four Britons killed and 12 wounded in Berlin raids. Sheffield fires and rescues continue after last Thursday’s heavy attack. An East Anglia town was machine gunned this morning and a central German factory fire was quickly contained. The Nazi high command reported limited production impact from the fire.
A Roosevelt letter disclosed by Rabbi Joseph Hager states the commerce department is considering creating a division of small business. The division would focus on practical service, while a Senate committee studies small business needs to guide recommendations to Congress.
President Roosevelt rode toward Washington with grave concern for international affairs that may dominate his agenda in coming weeks. He left a word that he would return in March if the world survives and told villagers he would come back if things go all right.
In Washington on December 16, electors from 48 state capitals gather to cast and mail electoral ballots. Congress will count returns on January 6, with each elector required to name the president and vice president and the vote totals.
Washington reports the incoming Congress will focus on defense foreign policy and Federal finances while awaiting President Roosevelt’s stance before setting a definite legislative schedule. The 76th session faces a potential veto of the Logan-Walter bill and may become the longest session, surpassing the 354 day wartime session of 1917-1918.
Chairman Bloom of the House Foreign Affairs committee pressed for removing legal obstacles to expedited British aid. He spoke as President Roosevelt awaited return to decide on direct financial assistance, destroyer transfers, or navy support sought by Lord Lothian before his death. The president, en route from a Caribbean trip, hinted at brief Warm Springs contacts and a two week return next spring if the world survives.
Birmingham police arrested 62 year old Louis J. Hamner as he tried to open the First Baptist Church safe. Officers found silver chalices counterfeiting molds electric smelting pots and explosives in his car. Hamner claimed hunger and gave an Atlanta address but a U S secret service agent linked him to a nationwide counterfeiting ring.
The Supreme Court ruled 6 to 2 that the Federal Power Commission may require a standard federal license for the Appalachian Electric Company's dam on the New River near It. Justice Reed wrote the opinion, with Roberts dissent. Hughes did not participate. State attorneys general argued against federal overreach citing states’ rights.
Emery Daniel Sharp 41 died after a long illness at his home 1212 Third Avenue South. Funeral conducted at Fairview Baptist Church by Rev. Bud Bynum with burial at Pisgah Cemetery. Survivors include wife two sons Richard and James Sharp a daughter Mary Alice Sharp of Decatur four brothers Howard Tom Clyde Claude and two nephews.
County Agent E Carter announces milk production films shown for two weeks by Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Farm Extension Service. The caravan visits Speake schach on Wednesday and Hope school on Thursday, with shows starting at seven o'clock each night.
The L. and N. Railroad announces two sections of southbound passenger train number three will run daily starting today until after Christmas. The first regular section arrives Decatur at noon, with a second section 15 minutes later.
After a gloomy Sunday with light rain, the sun appeared this morning while temperatures fell. The 24 hour period ended at 7 am recorded a high of 57 and a low of 53 with a forecast calling for fair but much colder conditions tonight and Tuesday across central and eastern areas.
Montgomery reports a mild day with no cold wave materializing as predicted. Officials warn temperatures may still dip below freezing in northern areas tonight while weekend rains pose no flood threat. Readings statewide include Florence 47, Birmingham 59, Dothan 59, Mobile 61, Evergreen 65, Montgomery 54.
Associated Press reports a widespread storm belt from the Gulf to Lake Superior bringing rain and slush across the nation while western snow extends into Missouri and Kansas. Temperatures dip from Missouri to the Gulf, with warm spans in the Carolinas and Georgia. Pacific Coast storms ease a three day cold spell, gale warnings issued along the coast and a mountain blizzard delays traffic on the Ridge Route.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear Rep. Arthur W. Mitchells bid challenging Jim Crow railway cars in the South. Mitchell asserts railroads must provide equal accommodations for Black travelers in interstate commerce. The case previously faced dismissal in the Northern Illinois Federal District Court and now proceeds to argument and a final ruling.
Allied desert forces push toward Bardia as Libyan border fighting intensifies. British claims cross-border incursions in Libya while RAF strikes hit Italian bases. Berlin reports count hospital damage in London and Sheffield amid ongoing air raids.
The river gauge held at 19 feet as highs reached 57 and lows 53. Rain measured 0.14 inches with fair conditions across Alabama. Interior temperatures stay cold tonight while central and eastern areas expect clearing and fresh northwest winds along the coast.
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