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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 07, 1941
Page
1
Washington reports a surge of congressional support for extensive British aid and for arming the nation, as President Roosevelt urged a swift, driving increase in armament production. Lawmakers weigh lending or leasing billions in defense weapons to Democracies while debating timing and budget implications.
The piece argues Britain may seek US involvement if a crisis drives a wartime need for naval support within months. It centers on Hitler’s projected invasion of England as the gravest threat, requiring a colossal fleet to repulse across the English Channel and beaches, with every available ship and manpower called upon.
A wartime note discusses Britain facing a possible call for aid, with Hitler massing in the Balkans and a Dardanelles diversion considered. Analysts weigh whether American naval help would be needed and whether Mediterranean Allied successes could free forces for the British Isles. The piece hints the crisis may come at any time.
Arthur Nutt president of the Society of Automotive Engineers and Wright Aeronautical Corp. vice president argues against excessive pessimism about the air craft portion of the national defense program. He notes rapid facility expansion and urges standardization plus continued basic research despite high industry goals.
Unity over Britain aid urged as President delivers annual message to Congress. Senators Austin and Wheeler clash on fear and liberty while Capper Tinkham Short call it war talk. Roosevelt urges faster defense, higher taxes, and expansion of pensions amid calls for stronger patriotism.
A million British arms workers petitioned an arbitration tribunal for a wage rise of three pence per hour to cope with higher living costs. Amalga mated Engineering Union with 500,000 members led the first hearing, General Engineer Trades Union to follow. Wages average about five pounds weekly. employers argue increases must be proven essential. Shipbuilding workers set to file claims January 16. Judge Sir Gavin Simonds presides with Sir Hector Hetherington and Sir John Forester as members.
In St. Petersburg Florida the pilot leaped from a burning bat-wing aircraft at 500 feet over Bayboro Harbor. The plane crashed into a busy street near the harbor and burned. Early reports identified the pilot as Sam Hughey, son of J C Hughey Atlantic Coast Line district passenger agent in Tampa.
The State Public Service Commission authorized Louisville and Nashville Railroad to discontinue its agency at Kimn Coffee County Alabama and convert it to a pre paid station under caretaker control effective February 28.
Acting on Colbert county grand jury direction Attorney General Lawson filed impeachment against Probate Judge Charles E. Carmichael before the supreme court. The indictment cites wilful neglect of duty and corruption in offices tied to county purchases and excessive rental payments.
Rutledge S. Thomas, Alabama tax assessor, states no further filing is needed to claim the $2,000 homestead exemption if the property is assessed for taxation. The Alabama Supreme Court requires annual filing unless the homestead status hasn’t changed. Assessment must occur before the third Monday in January to avoid loss of exemption and a 10 percent penalty. About 4,500 residents are eligible in the county.
Highway Patrolman Charles Woods attended a New Year dinner at Max McCluskey’s home. Woods arrested McCluskey for driving while intoxicated on New Year’s Day, and McCluskey spent the night in jail while Woods stayed at an Atlantic hotel. A Friday hearing is expected to reveal why neither man finished the meal at home.
E. N. Davidson of 801 Grant street was injured in a fall Monday afternoon at Ingalls shipyards. He was treated at the Che Nault Clinic and Benevolent Hospital where doctors report bruises and no broken bones. He may be discharged Wednesday.
Premier Mussolini's cabinet reaffirmed Italy's fidelity to the alliance with Germany and its resolve to fight on. British sources estimate 94,000 Italians were killed wounded captured or missing in North Africa during the past 28 days. In the Balkans 400,000 Turkish troops massed in Thrace, with signals Turkey would move into Bulgaria if German forces cross the Danube. Hitler’s army poised in Romania for a possible thrust into southeast Europe. In Tobruk front British forces under Wavell reported contact with outer defenses as 70,000 Italians captured so far.
Sussex County Judge John C. Losey upheld the 1935 New Jersey race hatred statutes as constitutional and set January 31 for sentencing of Wilhelm Kunze and eight Bund associates on indictments charging promoting hatred against Jews. Defense attorney plans an appeal. maximum penalties include three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Alabama's wholesale trade in 1939 totaled 415 million dollars, up 36.5 percent since 1935. Birmingham's trade in the same period reached 182.9 million dollars, a 54.7 percent rise from 118.2 million. The figures come from the United States Department of Commerce annual report released today.
German raiders struck a Midlands town and other locations in England today as London endured a three hour alert with heavy anti aircraft fire heard across the capital. Explosions, gunfire and low flying aircraft were reported along with machine gun runs on trawlers off the southeast coast.
Police investigated the death of a man believed to be R A Henderson of Holly Springs Mississippi who died at 618 West Vine Street in Decatur. Officials said the death appeared to be from a heart attack reported around 1 30 PM by a black chauffeur driving Henderson to Decatur on business. The man, a likely representative of a Birmingham cement firm identified as National Cement Company, Martin Building, Birmingham, had complained of sleepiness that morning as officers pursued the case.
President Roosevelt to issue an executive order creating a four man office led by William S. Knudsen to run the defense program. White House officials said the order is ready and to be announced at a 4 pm press conference.
More than 500 Baptists at a one day Alabama Baptist Convention session in Tuscaloosa weigh recommendations to save Judson College and support Howard College with increased funds. Two committee members withdraw support warning the plan may not save Judson and could hinder other Baptists work.
Decatur retail trade rose eleven percent in 1939 versus 1935 per the Bureau of the Census and fell twenty percent from 1929. In 1935 retail volume was 5 448 000 dollars, 1939 was 6 058 000, and 1929 was 7 549 000. Alabama retail business advanced thirty percent over 1935 but remained 16 percent below 1929.
Bangkok dispatches report Thai forces crossed the Mekong into French Indochina today, signaling a sharpened border conflict. Observers fear growing Japanese involvement as French Indochina mobilizes about 9,000 troops and 70,000 natives with 150 aircraft along the frontier. Nearby Hanoi indicates 6,000 Japanese troops and about 150 aircraft in the region.
Rear Admiral John K Towers testifying before the House naval committee said the Navy expects to add about 4,000 airplanes to its fleet this year despite delays and bottlenecks. He noted a January 1 on-hand total of 2,590 planes and projected 354 deliveries this month, with losses offsetting some gains.
Thirteen year old Delno Alan Mc Connell of Richland Iowa is Iowa's youngest convict after being paroled from an eight year manslaughter sentence and sent to Anamosa Pen. He had fled Walter Flanagan's Boys Town home in Nebraska twice claiming punishment was insufficient. He was captured in Council Bluffs after his second escape attempt.
RAF communique cites British forces reaching El Adem near Tobruk and destroying or damaging around 400 Italian planes previously at the airport. Tobruk attacked by hazardous devices as Italian bases shift westward. about 50,000 Italian troops in the area.
John J. McMichael 87 longtime editor of The Index Presbyterian organ died after a brief illness in Atlanta. His widow, who survived him, had been married to him for over thirty years. The notice provides obituary details and confirms his editorial role.
The Tennessee river gauge read seven o'clock with a 4 to 10 degree range and a maximum around 30. No Alabama mention. Warmer in South Portua tonight. Wednesday brings occasional rain and warmer temperatures along the coast and inland areas.
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