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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jul 31, 1940
Page
1
Algeciras Spain reports several bombs dropped on the Gibraltar fortress by planes believed to be Italian. Anti aircraft fire opened, but no immediate damage confirmed. London orders Arctic to Africa blockade requiring navicerts for non British ships to access Britain’s ports.
The air ministry reported 240 German planes were shot down in July. RAF daylight raids hit military targets in northern France and Holland, gun emplacements in Norway, Emden naval base, a supply ship off Norway, and land targets in Belgium and Holland. About 600 German officers and men were killed or captured.
Shipping lines entering British ports face water scarcity as the new economic warfare policy targets blockade running. The ministry says the measure will remove control bases used to check suspected contraband at the war’s start and labels vessels tied to enemy ports as carrying contraband. Italy and Germany named as enemies. vessels trading through those ports may be deemed contraband and liable to action.
Federal Judge Murphree ruled the Tennessee Coal, Tran & Railroad Co and five others cannot recover $293,551 paid in capital stock taxes. He said the taxes on excess profits in 1935 and 1936 are constitutional and that taxpayers may declare their capital stock value freely. Other claimants included Universal Exploration Co and Birmingham Southern Railroad Co, among others.
The agricultural adjustment administration reported 908,468,872 in fiscal year expenditures ended June 30. Most funds supported price adjustment and soil conservation payments to farmers. Texas led states with 99,440,488, followed by Iowa 61,464,852 and Illinois 42,844,046. Alabama and Georgia also show notable figures.
Gunter's on Second Avenue was broken into overnight. Jewelry and a small amount of change were taken after thieves climbed in through a back door and broke a small upstairs window. The owner estimated the loss pending complete check and police investigated.
Bus drivers from Morgan County meet in Hartselle to take driving examinations conducted by state patrol officers Patrolman Thornton and Patrolman Fusch.
In Ades Georgia a child bitten by a rattlesnake during a religious sect service near Adel prompts a jail hold for Albert Rowans father and Rev. W T Lipham. Judge Will R Smith orders no bond pending a commitment hearing as officials cite constitutional rights and a known snake handling sect. A prior 1938 incident linked Lipham to fatal bites at Brushy Creek church in Cook County.
Virginio Gayda, a leading Italian fascist writer, cautions Italians against expecting a rapid invasion of England. He suggests Hitler will act when conditions favor it, likely after bombing Britain into impotence, with a heavy air assault preceding any land invasion.
The piece argues the Anglo axis war will bring greater tragedy in Europe. It contends Britain seems tougher than censorial dispatches show and foresees possible invasion and a war of attrition with blockade as a starvation weapon. Continued on page seven.
The Havana conference united 21 American republics in a three point program to oppose European influence, coordinate mutual defense and economic policy, and safeguard continental unity. The act of Havana and agreements were signed amid reservations by Argentina and others, with Hull praising the bloc’s resolve to deter non American encroachment and to act in emergencies.
In Opelika Alabama 50 year old Jim Penn collapsed and died after seeing a store across the street burglarized. He managed to sound an alarm before dying. Police arrested a 22 year old Black man who allegedly admitted two burglaries last night and three more at filling stations in the past three months.
Decatur eyes two new ventures a Sunday boat races drawing 20000 and a marine park with TVA aid across the Tennessee River. TVA data show over 500000 fisherman days on four Alabama TVA lakes. Races feature 40 entrants for five two lap events with 560 dollars in prizes under National Outboard and Dixie Motor Boat associations.
Inspection of the new Morgan County jail, valued at about $100,000, was delayed today due to the late arrival of a Birmingham architect. The board expected open house Thursday, but officials feared inspection and open house could not occur the same day, possibly delaying the inspection to Friday unless the architect arrived early.
The American Iron & Steel Institute reported that the steel industry expanded payrolls by 25 000 workers in June reaching the month’s highest total since 1937. The gain reflects continued demand and production activity across major steelmakers.
The heat wave continues with high temperatures and sultry conditions. Decatur reached 95 degrees yesterday as a trace of rain and cooling breezes offered brief relief before more sun dominated today.
A summer heat wave continues with scattered showers offering only temporary relief. Forecasters predict more rain for the Plains, Great Lakes, and upper Mississippi Valley as temperatures remain well above normal east of the Rockies. July 30 saw many areas above 100 with Oklahoma reaching 107 at Waynoka and Indianapolis at 102.9 marking the hottest day in 27 years. Deaths linked to the heat reach 858, including 448 heat deaths and 410 drownings as violent storms hit New England Coast cooling Boston temperatures from 94.6.
TVA officials led by David Lilienthal announced that directors and employees will take no part in the presidential election campaign. He emphasized a policy beyond the Hatch Act while outlining rapid construction plans for hydroelectric dams on the Holston River to speed defense material production and aluminum supply.
George Cleere of Montgomery was chosen as Alabama American Legion commander at the annual convention in Birmingham succeeding Charles Wiggins. He vows fullest cooperation with authorities to establish a home guard and aid national defense in all phases, as delegates hear calls to act against subversive elements amid immigration concerns.
Washington July 31 The Senate military committee amended the Burke Wadsworth bill to require a registry of men aged 21 to 31, replacing the 18 to 64 range. Secretary Stimson testified urging swift universal service, and the War Department endorsed the measure. Final action was expected tomorrow with continued Senate consideration.
The House approved a $4.96 billion defense bill to fund a 70 percent navy expansion and a 2,000,000-man army, boosting session outlays to $10.04 billion. The measure passed by voice vote with Rep. Marcantonio the sole audible dissenter, while Republicans attacked defense limits tied to wage hour and labor acts.
Supporters estimated the age alteration would reduce the number of men to be registered from 42 million to about 12 million. Army officials noted that while men from 18 to 21 were to be registered, only those between 21 and 45 would be subject to selective draft.
A United States army bomber from France Field crashed and burned near an isolated area about 40 miles southeast of Panama City. The aircraft was towing aerial targets and initial reports did not confirm crew numbers. A pilot observed the plane burning on the ground and three parachutes were seen nearby as an army rescue crew was dispatched.
Weather details report on the Tennessee river gauge and regional conditions. Forecast cites rain chances and cloud cover with cooler nights and warm afternoons. Strong winds along the coast and variable northern south weather noted for Thursday.
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