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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1948
Page
4
The column surveys postwar politics, praising President Truman as Time magazine's Man of the Year for his lone campaign effort. It comments on the Chambers-Hiss affair, UN policing, TVA and REA electricity reach, and jokes about election ballots, concluding with a nod to regional support for Truman.
Frank Heflin of Danville home from Vanderbilt University works on a thesis about Morgan county history. He notes little material exists and aims to compile the county’s facts for future generations, hoping to publish.
The 1949 TVA report outlines progress across navigation flood control soil revitalization malaria control and low cost power as benefits to five million Valley residents. It notes continued expert use of TVA tools delivering value to people in the region and paying a profit to the U S through these services.
The article argues that when national income falls below expenditures, automatic cost reductions will occur. It notes that experts are unnecessary to identify where to cut, asserting government must align outgo with income like an individual budget.
The Alabama Journal ridicules Joe Langan of Mobile and A L Patterson of Russell for proposing to overhaul Alabama voting, noting Patterson's Phenix City ties and a history of questionable election returns. It urges Patterson to start reform in his home county, citing the 1948 Phenix City primary as a cautionary example.
Washington reports two aging veterans Senator McKellar of Tennessee and Senator Tydings of Maryland vie for the Senate pro tempore post. Both have quietly pushed for the position as new lawmakers join the chamber while the caucus weighs loyalty to the Truman era and party goals.
The piece discusses McKellar’s tarnished bid to stay Senate presiding officer, Tennessee’s aging unnamed senator, Tydings’ lukewarm stance, and Wyoming’s Joe O Mahoney as potential president pro term candidate. It notes a dispute over privileges including use of a chauffeur driven limousine.
Republicans split on leadership with Vanderberg, Taft, and Wherry in a power standoff. Vanderberg hints at a leadership swap, while Millikin of Colorado emerges as the preferred new GOP Senate leader.
The article notes Speaker Sam Rayburn must decide who sits on the House rules committee which can block or kill bills. It highlights Rayburn's influence and past favors, including his handling of Rep. Gene Cox and Rep. Howard Smith, both Dixiecrats, shaping Truman's hopes for his program.
A chaotic social scene unfolds with shuffled identities and banter at a New Year gathering. The dialogue nods to famous figures and royalty while guests swap names, drink, and reminisce about past cases, mocking fame and the era's celebrity culture.
The piece cites Habakkuk 2 20 to assert the Lord is in his holy temple while urging the earth to keep silence before him. It presents a devotional stance on reverence and divine presence.
The text discusses Sam Rayburn’s push to strengthen the rules committee to advance Administration policy. It considers replacing Dixiecrat allies and hostile Republicans with trusted Democrats and liberal Republicans like Patterson, Morton, Hull, and Hagen. The move is seen as shaping national policy for the next four years.
Alabama industrial employment held steady in November but showed signs of leveling off in textiles and coal mining. Mid month manufacturing payrolls reached 228 700, down 2 100 from November 1947 and 400 from October. Non durable goods lost 1 200 while durable goods rose 800. shipbuilding up 600. Coal mining fell 900 workers or 5.4 percent from a year earlier amid slackening demand and shorter weeks.
Mr and Mrs Lewis Swindle left for their home at Washington Saturday after a month’s visit with relatives of Austinville and this community. The children of Mr and Mrs Omie Johnson are suffering with whooping cough. Mrs Eunice Almon of Moulton spent last weekend with Miss Jessie McCaghren. Mrs Biddie Johnson and children spent Monday with her daughter Mrs Leo Sanderson near Moulton.
A group of old friends reunites yearly to renew bonds and pledge lasting friendship. The speaker sends warm wishes for success happiness and luck to all companions for the coming year and to their families.
Washington dispatch notes President Truman seldom risks his neck except when driving in cars. Reporters fear for him on the wheel, while he lands safely in Kansas City and returns to Washington by air despite weather and ground delays.
A weary commuter in 1948 reflects on life, health, and the year’s events. He muses on the UN, Eastern Europe, and war, praising President Truman’s perseverance while hoping for a quieter, happier future.
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