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This newspaper page contains 33 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jun 12, 1940
Page
4
A biblical verse from John 11 25 presents Jesus telling Mary he is the resurrection and the life. The passage asserts belief in him grants eternal life even after death.
The American press reaction to Roosevelts University of Virginia address shows mixed views on his aim. Some see a push toward aiding allies with scarce war footing, others warn of potential move toward war. Readers welcomed the Mackenzie articles and AP wires delivering timely commentary.
Across several papers the president’s address is praised for urging strong American production of war materials for the Allies. Critics note his tempered stance on ultimate aims and stress the need for a clear national policy to back a military and economic defense program.
The speaker argues that a president’s declaration to aid favored belligerents implies more than direct material support and that the nation deserves a clearer explanation of the intended meaning behind the pledge.
Reflections on a 1918 Daily file reveal a headline about a woman arrested and declared Wilson forward amid government criticism during decisive wartime years. The piece notes two decades of peace since World War I and public liberty to critique officials.
Decorations committee promises a transformed town during the July 4 to July 7 celebration. Officials say the 120th anniversary event will be among the era’s largest in Alabama, urging residents to plan attendance.
Columnists note that ordinary citizens are pressuring rather than wait for official policy to advance armament and tax increases. The piece describes an unusual but apparent shift in influence toward public demand shaping government action.
Readers are reminded that Congress holds the power to declare war and that the United States remained neutral, a point emphasized in Monday evening remarks. The note urges those who disagree with the address to consider constitutional processes in a democracy.
The passage notes Alabama legislators face public scrutiny as the current session struggles to advance. It mentions federal courts in Louisiana targeting the Huey Long machine and references ex Governor Leche receiving two five year sentences with additional terms to run consecutively.
Washington reports unity between downtown new dealers and anti new deal Democrats on national defense funding. Roosevelt withholds full armament details as Byrd and Smith push economic cuts. Mussolini and fascist aims are cited with broad public discontent. A tax bill with lasting increases faces scrutiny over exemptions and surtaxes.
Nathan Straus says local housing authorities drive mixed occupancy in U S H A and P W A projects. U S H A denies policy, with three mixed projects in New York and others in New Jersey Ohio and Nebraska plus 13 under P W A. Senate poised to tax excess profits while House delays larger housing funding.
The headline notes predicted changes as Pennsylvania's delegation leans toward commerce chief following Mellon's suggestion. Public boxes invite local views on daylight savings for Decatur. Morgan County health unit funding remains under decision by Moyogny County tax officials with action pending. Miss Ann Sophia Guyton and Joe Guyton visit Durant for summer plans. Jervis Jones Jr shows improvement after recent operation and illness. Mrs William Hardage and baby plan a month in Newnan and relatives. Asbury Malone Bill Papenburg and Raymond Britain attend the scene with local ties.
A lighthearted column filled with quips and dialogues about optimism and human quirks. The piece contrasts cheerful surfaces with playful jabs at gender roles and fashion, ending on a domestic joke about aging beauty.
In a humorous scene two men hammer pictures. One man naively hits a nail head first, then jokes that the nail maker was crazy. The other points out the point is on the wrong end, only to be called crazy for noting the nail’s intended wall.
Dialogue captures a mother and son in a small town moment as Tommy laments not learning much and sighs at the end of the term. The mother teases him about returning to school next year, reflecting simple rural life and family dynamics.
A lighthearted tale shows Donald noting his mother asks if mince pie will have some, but with spinach she simply serves it. He explains the difference to his favorite uncle, implying varied parental reactions to foods.
An address to a Washington committee argues U S ship operation requires aid. The ship owner quips that barnacle expenses drain funds, suggesting cheaper barnacle grades or fewer barnacles to cut costs.
In Youngstown Ohio a nominating committee selects officers for the Junior Chamber of Commerce. A business trip is noted. Death of John Buckley who lived in Pawhuska Oklahoma. Mr and Mrs W M Griffin visited Pleasant Point Tennessee. Patricia Hart underwent tonsil removal. Mayor S F E Gibson of Hartselle notes crime seems to have subsided.
A Decature man’s success is attributed to his practice of transacting business directly rather than attending conferences. While others attend meetings, he handles rent installments, car payments, and bank notes to advance his affairs.
The piece uses Elijah’s burnout as a Bible teaching. It describes physical fatigue mental distress and spiritual upset leading to the blues and offers scriptural remedies of rest nourishment and prayer to restore strength and perspective. The message urges readers to seek God’s protection and renewed purpose.
The Daily states it may accept or reject any communication submitted and limits all articles to a maximum of 800 words. Readers are invited to share opinions and local observations for possible publication.
Irwin J. Quinn urges community leaders to honor Decatur’s 120th anniversary and Stephen Decatur’s legacy. He highlights the Greek Mediterranean tensions and the famed toast Our country in her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right but our country right or wrong as a patriotic educational example.
A Texas tourist asked for city attractions and was told about a unique helium plant, described by a hotel manager as the world’s only of its kind. The tourist quipped he hopes it is in full bloom. Helium, a gas used in airships, forms the joke setup and punchline.
A note on the old pro poet and the idea to chase the blues away links a veteran voice to a hopeful refrain. The snippet hints at creative resilience and a mood of turning hardship toward lighter verse.
Walter Winchell reports alleged diplomatic rifts over Lindberghs attitude. Headlines cover marriages dissolving and engagements among society figures, showgirls, and club personalities. Asides mention Rex Smith staying with Newsweek, Joe Schenck tax case hopes, and wartime ambulance fundraising ideas.
NBC singer Mary Alcott fell from a horse six weeks ago while riding in the park and was aided by Dr. A A Scharbius Jr chief resident surgeon at Doctors Hospital. They plan to marry next Friday in a romance likened to a movie.
George Jessel relays overheard chatter from Hollywood child actors about Paris and Hitler. A West 54th Street physician rants at patients promising violence against Winchell over wartime news. Dick Watts recalls an actress vow to act, then quips on people always going to do it.
The Theatre Arts Committee protested Sherwood's play There Shall Be No Night at the Alvin Theatre describing it as inciting war. The controversy recalled Fifth Column and Comintern grievances, but is dismissed as foolish by the writer for the record.
The Rockefellers removed Diego Rivera murals from Radio City. Rivera’s artworks are now relocated to unspecified sites, stirring debate over cultural restitution and public art display.
Readers urge the American Red Cross to organize chorus and show girl volunteers. They note morning hours clash with theater work and propose a 2 to 4 pm shift and midtown hotels offering ballroom space for meetings and activities.
At Hav ana Madrid last night Mr Mefoofsky refused to answer when asked what he would do if Hitler were a prisoner. Others pressed him but he gave no reply lips tightening, phrases spoken with strong dialect.
In a flurry of sharp quips, Frank Coniff, Irving Hoffman, Leonard Traube and Bugs Baer diss the performance and production. Coniff mocks heat and Borina, Hoffman rails at slices of beef aimed at the act, Traube questions banding versus striking out, Baer jokes the referee halts the fight to let both bums board a freight train.
Dorothy Thompson remarks on rain sounds at the Maginot Line where she fires a gun, while an officer explains the noise is bombing. The piece reflects on Mussolini and the era with sharp political wit and historical note.
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