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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 20, 1950
Page
2
Science editor notes hydrogen fusion yields seven times the energy of an equal weight A-bomb. Achieving the explosion requires sunlike temperatures and pressures, and the chain of fusion steps introduces serious technical hurdles that may delay or prevent practical H-bomb development.
Senator Elbert Thomas of Utah argues the United States must lead by building a hydrogen bomb if others pursue it. He calls it morally wrong for the world to create such weapons yet says the U S would be safest and could avoid scaring global powers. His stance aligns with Truman administration thinking on the issue.
Farm markets in Decatur show cotton middling 31.00 and strict low 28.00 per unit. Cottonseed at 40.00 per ton. broilers 204 cents delivered. hens heavy 2 cents. hatching eggs 8 cents per dozen. corn ear white 1.25 and yellow 0.20. wheat 2.10. oats 0.75. milo 2.05. Grade A milk delivered 5.50 per hundred and 1.00.
Cattle receipts mix mostly cows with steady to higher values for week. Canners and cutters 12.00 to 15.00. beef cows 15.50 to 16.50. steers and heifers 18.00 to 21.00 with yearlings strongest. Bulls uneven, stockers 20.00 to 24.00, calves 25.00 to 32.00. Hogs about steady with 180 to 240 lb cattle at 16.00 to 18.25. lighter hogs 14.50 to 15.75. sows scarce, barrows and gilts up 25 to 50 on over 180 lb. Sheep scant, top week 22.00.
In Atlanta on January 20 USDA notes supply has cleared in all sections and demand remains good. Heavy fryers moved out well with prices paid FOB farm Thursday afternoon and this morning ranging from 18 to 29 cents, mostly 18 1 2 to 19 1 2 cents, with plants paying over 22 cents to their own growers.
The piece weighs whether a hydrogen bomb could be built and explode. It notes uncertain science, three hydrogen forms including tritium, and the potential for vast blast radii and radioactivity. It cites limited official access and a death penalty for leaks surrounding atomic secrets.
The trial of 60 year old Talladega farm implement dealer Williams ends in a mistrial after he refuses to answer questions from Solicitor Luck regarding talks with investigators Allen and Ed Lee. Judge Wallace notes concern over juror impressions and Williams previously denied shooting Swalley. Swalley was killed by shotgun blasts in his backyard on Oct. 13 near Wilsonville as his family returned from a movie. Williams had been en route to Atlanta at the time.
Morgan county health officer Dr. L R Murphree reports two Negro children were stricken with a virus similar to polio called New Castle disease spread by chickens.-no epidemic danger. A scarlet fever case in a six year old east of Falkville was also reported. For colds he advises rest and cautions against unproven new drugs.
Washington observers say military strategy underpins a shift in U S policy toward Spain with Western leaders favoring Spain as a Western defense foothold. In Washington the House defeated a Korean economic aid bill seen as a rebuke to China policy. Syngman Rhee pledges Korea will fight communism with U S aid. Japanese communists admit errors as they seek Kremlin favor.
At his attorney's urging Williams told the jury before cross examination that he did not shoot Frank Swaley or know who did. Frank Swaley Jr., 13, testified Tuesday that he saw Williams run from the scene after the shooting.
Auburn grads honored the 1949 Auburn Tigers football squad at the Jefferson County Alumni Club dinner in Birmingham attended by 600. A War Eagle statue and watches were presented to seniors and coaches, with head coach Earl Brown reflecting on the season and prospects for 1950.
Investigators pursued a still slim lead three days after a Brink's robbery as local, state, and federal agencies met with Attorney General Francis E. Kelly. A New Jersey ex convict found with 1762 dollars in Miami was cleared. authorities released suspect Arthur Longano, Englewood, as nonlinked. Serial numbers from 24 050 bills totaling 98000 were published to enlist civilian help.
President Truman indicated tax message changes remain possible as Secretary Snyder attended a Capitol Hill meeting. Rep. McCormack and House Ways and Means members backed delay on excise tax cuts until the tax message is delivered next week. Senator Lucas led opposition to wartime tax repeal motions during the debate.
Gen. Henry H. Hap Arnold was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a knoll overlooking the airfield he loved. Weather forced the 100 canopy plates to be grounded during the funeral as President Truman led dignitaries amid cold conditions and solemn ceremonies.
Washington January conflict over Adm Louis Denfeld end of term and his firing led defense chief Johnson to host Senate Armed Services Committee members at the Pentagon. McCarthy attacked Navy head Matthews while Sherman confirmation looms and Tydings pledges full fact gathering before further action.
Funeral services for Morgan W. Scott aged 63 are set for Sunday at 3 P M at the Southside church. The veteran L N railroad man died just before an operation in a Birmingham hospital. He had been ill since December and had worked over 30 years for the railroad. He is survived by his wife Betty Morgan and several children.
Administration and Republican factions argue over repealing the 21 day rule to control House legislation. Republicans fear a direct vote on the FEPC bill if the rule is changed, so they back postponing the test to next week while signaling support for civil rights legislation.
Dr. Horsley notes nothing of value taken after a 7 P M attempt. Chief Floyd Sheriff Grant State Investigator Sanderson and FBI agents pursue. The burglars knew the office layout but chose the wrong safe. Entry was by skylight and a rear door was forced as they fled.
Under steady snowfall the open amphitheatre held the nation’s hero burial ceremonies as jets and four motored bombers were absent but other rites and honors were observed.
Florida honors Dr John Gorrie noted as ice machine inventor as part of Hall of Fame induction. The recognition highlights Gorrie’s contributions to medical climate control and technology in 19th century innovation.
Defense Secretary Johnson urged extending the Selective Service Act beyond June to maintain a balance in NATO countries and signal U.S. commitment. He said the draft deterred communism in Europe and boosted morale, noting hearings on Truman’s request to extend the 1948 act through June 1953.
Alabama car dealers launch a highway safety education drive in January 1950. A poster highlights the new traffic code effective January 1, sponsored by the Alabama Automobile Dealers Association. Posters go to members to display in showrooms as the association’s top yearly project.
The Census Bureau says the cotton spinning industry operated at 124.7 percent of capacity on a two shift 80 hour week in December, up slightly from November and above December 1948. Active spindles, hours, and output figures show most spindles consuming cotton remained in use, with totals for December near 23.3 million installed spindles and over 9.2 billion spindle hours.
Dr. Mordecai F. Ham, renowned evangelist and Bible teacher, will preach at Fairview Baptist Church Sunday night at 7 30. He has long led revival campaigns and traveled 200 000 miles by air, spanning over 50 cities in five years and preparing for a city wide revival at Riverside high school auditorium January 29 at 2 30 PM.
A driver transporting two 1950 Chevrolet trucks to North Alabama dealers was jailed on a reckless driving charge after a produce truck rolled 25 feet down an embankment on Highway 33 east of Lacey Springs. No injuries were reported.
New York January 20 Judge Sylvester J Ryan orders Judith Coplon 28 and Valentin A Gubitchev to stand trial on spy conspiracy charges after six weeks of hearings denying defense motions to dismiss. Trial to begin next Tuesday with motions allowed after. Coplon previously convicted in Washington for stealing secrets for the Russians and free on bail pending appeal. Gubitchev a suspended United Nations employee. Arrested March 4 1949 after FBI pursuit in New York.
Paris dispatch reports police say the bandit gang led by Roger Senaned which robbed the Aga Khan of 500000 in jewels last summer has been crushed. Five accomplices jailed two fled with loot and the bodies of Senaned and his girlfriend Renee Remy are not found. The Aga Khan and Begum were targeted near Cannes as they returned from visiting Prince Aly and actress Rita Hayworth.
A fast moving fire swept a three story tenement in downtown Jersey City killing a woman about 37, two girls aged 10 and 12, and a three year old child. Five ambulances took the injured to nearby hospitals. The blaze left others homeless as investigators began work at the scene.
Multiple individuals were discharged today from Decatur General hospital and Hamil Clinic hospital including Mrs Ruth Adams 406 Fifth Avenue, Mrs Horace Langford 12 Ferry Street, Mrs Olen Baker and infant, Mrs H J Johnson Decatur, Mrs John Bates and infant, Miss Lou Lemmond Somerville, Mrs W E St John Decatur, and Mrs L C Stephenson Danville.
A new engraving machine integrates a photo electric scanning unit and a heated stylus to cut plastic with depth controlled by light and dark tones. It produces 8 by 10 inch engravings in 30 minutes and runs at about one inch per three minutes. Sam Hobbs will supervise the engraving plant alongside a photo graphic darkroom.
A bridal shower was given Saturday at Mrs William Reese home for Mrs Macie Johnson with many nice gifts. Local residents, including Mr and Mrs Ted White and Manuel, visited relatives in Upshaw Sunday. Ottis White plans to resume the local cafe operations soon. Community members note moves of Adram and Mrs Law to new homes and Shady Ann Ponder visiting the Turner family. An organizational meeting for a Home Demonstration Club is set for January 25 at Mrs Gilbert Hale’s home.
Fire left eight people wounded at a Jersey City blaze. Hospital officials said two were in critical condition. A mother of a three year old and her eight month old baby leaped from a third story window. The mother, Anna Henty, suffered possible skull and leg injuries. The child remained unharmed.
Visitors flood the capital for multiple events with politicians roadbuilders and delegates arriving for Alabama Baptist Brotherhood conference Alabama Dairy Products Association refrigeration engineers meetings and state democratic executive committee sessions. hundreds more expected for cleaners and laundrymen association and municipalities league gatherings.
Army engineers kept watch on Mississippi and Ohio flood areas as crews patrolled 158 miles of the West bank from Missouri to the St Francis. Crests near Cairo were expected at 55.5 feet with 57 feet the danger line for Birds Point spillway. Thousands fled Arkansas and Tennessee as floods rose. Rescue operations continued. Wabash threat near Vincennes ended and guardsmen to quit.
NYC reports a 12 day hard coal stock while soft coal estimates from the Southern Coal Producers Association total 22 million tons, the lowest in 15 years. Rationing hits Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh as retailers report tight stocks and potential cuts. Large power utilities show slim inventories and emergency actions unfold, with officials warning of possible outages and shortages through winter.
Beginning Friday night before the second Sunday in February a weekend revival will begin at the Baptist church. Reverend W. T. Casey will do the preaching. Everyone is invited to attend these services. Mrs. Samatha Turner is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Ted White and Manuel.
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