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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Mar 20, 1949
Page
4
A Decatur Kiwanis sponsored message argues the town would falter without churches, urging all families to attend. It recalls eras without church and praises local congregations for funding and community roles, noting civic groups support church-backed projects.
A Decatur plant fire caused about 150000 in damage and exposed the need for better crowd control and traffic rerouting. The writer praises the fire department, notes dangers from high voltage lines, wind spread, and calls for loudspeakers and fire lines to keep civilians away while urging city-wide emergency planning.
The Senate heard that the Marshall Plan funds totaling 350 million dollars would go to the Netherlands, despite claims U S money financed the Dutch army in Indonesia. Spokesmen argued Dutch aid would keep them out of the North Atlantic pact, while critics questioned the Dutch word and imperial monopolies in rubber quinine and oil. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee nonetheless approved the aid after State Department briefings.
In a secret Senate Interior Committee vote four Republicans and one Democrat backed John L Lewis to delay action on James Boyd, director of the Bureau of Mines. Senator Sheridan Downey opposed Interior officials, despite limited California mining relevance, and had criticized the department amid reclamation disputes.
The report notes intense wind and showers of sparks causing many grass fires, yet only one building suffered a serious blaze. Residents express gratitude for the narrow outcome and safety on Wednesday night.
A reflective piece cautions against harsh judgments of others. It contrasts external faults with the temptation to imagine everyone is like the reader, warning that such a view would distort life and community. It questions how a world would function if everyone mirrored the reader’s flaws.
Utah Senator Arthur Watkins argues 90 percent of rank and file miners know little about Boyd while praising his choice of Jack Forbes to lead the mine safety division. He notes Forbes has 20 years experience and was recommended by John L. Lewis, countering Lewis’s influence.
Senator Clinton Anderson urged immediate action on the Boyd appointment while Senator Millikin pressed a separate mine safety bill. Chairman Joe O Mahoney demanded more federal authority to enforce existing rules, and Millikin lost the countervote by a slim margin amid GOP defections. The final tally showed Republicans largely backing Boyd with Downey abstaining. Boyd had strained finances, borrowing from Baltimore Trust and housing his sons with relatives to support his family.
Behind the scenes moves show Senator Wherry pressing for credit on a filibuster settlement while Lucas resists naming the plan. A fringe compromise trudges along through Byrd Russell tensions and private talks, ending with emotional hesitation over party lines.
So Russell acted as spokesman he said his heart is bleeding and he does not know if he is doing the right thing but wants to do all he can to settle the matter in a way that will be good for the country.
Tim Buck leader of the Canadian Communist Party says candidates will run in about a dozen constituencies with Buck himself aiming at Trinity Toronto. The date for general elections is undecided with guesses ranging from June to October. Buck vows to push peace, Canadian independence, and denunciation of Wall Street war plans while seeking to oust American troops from strategic sites. Buck previously placed third in 1945.
In a tense session, Wherry pushes a constitutional two thirds cloture plan. Senators Saltonstall and Lucas waver, Millard Tydings urges signing, but Lucas and others refrain. The filibuster resumes until 52 senators sign the Wherry proposal.
Washington industry forecasts that steel shortages may ease after midyear but the Commerce Department remains cautious. President Truman seeks an extension beyond September of voluntary set-asides and stand-by allocation powers to keep essential users supplied, while avoiding a clash with steel interests.
Three large independent petroleum producers sign 12-year contracts to drill new wells in Mexico. It marks the first major American activity since 1938 when Mexico canceled U S concessions. Major producers show little interest in returning soon, and the Mexican government seems wary of the big interests resuming ventures.
Berlin notes anticipate destruction of the final pill box and tank obstacle in the Siegfried line by month end. Paris reports government aims to end rationing on sugar coffee butter soap and high grade cheeses this year. Warsaw records government spring sowing credits for peasants relocated to former Eastern Germany.
Washington reports that the B 36 has averaged about 200 mph on long-range missions and flew at relatively low levels. A single test run covered 6000 miles at over 300 mph, with engines running above normal power and a heavy fuel load carried.
Vic Bubbetts column highlights the AAUW art exhibit at the public library with gallery talks and tea by University of Alabama figures. It notes alternate hours, Decatur Jaycees planning state conventions in Montgomery and Colorado Springs, Lions Club speaker Nickerson, and a push to fund a library for the Red Shield club to boost youth reading.
A pastor explains why regular church attendance matters citing biblical examples from Luke 4 16 and Hebrews 10 25. He argues personal devotion cannot replace communal worship and that supporting church programs strengthens the Church and sets a positive example for others including children and families.
Plans for a banquet on the 28th honor the current basketball tourney champions and league captains with Salvation Army officials and Decatur leaders in attendance. Jimmy Oliver will replace Jack McDonald as Red Shield club leader, assuming duties Monday as McDonald moves to Ensley. The Tennessee Valley Holiday cruise will host Shep Sheppard's Poly-Wog from Euclid Ohio, famed for a 7000 mile water voyage across 14 states and 69 streams with six Sheppards aboard and writers from the Cleveland News.
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