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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
May 15, 1950
Page
4
The Nashville Boosters from Tennessee’s capital city intend a North Alabama trip later this month. The annual visit has long been a marquee event in the Tennessee Valley region.
John W. Fisher of Toronto told Kiwanis International in Miami that helping the world recover is worth billions in taxpayer costs. He praised fair play as the example f or the world and urged continued decency and sympathy to assist others in becoming self sufficient.
The Daily undertakes two spot checks on census work in Decatur. Redus Collier, vice president of Mutual Savings Life Insurance, will use agents to verify customers on their routes are counted. The Daily circulation staff will check one block per carrier to detect any missed residents.
The Daily questions advocates of poll tax elimination and mass voter registration while noting low turnout. Alabama's Tuesday primary drew over 400000 votes, yet Morgan county registered 12000 more voters produced only 9009 ballots and Jefferson county with 80000 registered produced about 55000.
Debates over Southern Railway dieselization spark a strike as unions demand extra helpers for diesel locomotives. Harry DeButts cites hundreds of millions invested and safety gains, while unions argue for jobs and featherbedding. Public-inconvenience grows as dispute continues.
Washington Merry Go Round recounts Oklahoma Congressman Victor Wickersham facing scrutiny over salaries paid to an employee who worked for a private company, another who spent time in a real estate firm, a father kept on the payroll as a watchman, and use of a rent free parking lot. Drew Pearson notes Wickersham’s later apology claim.
The Merry Go Round column from December 12 1949 exposed a salary kickback scheme in Congressman Wickershams office. Letters from employee Lloyd Matthews describe urging secrecy and possible West Point offers while FBI involvement followed. Witt later gave a signed statement contradicting the congressmans denial and Wickershams house speech claimed he asked for the probe.
FBI was probing the facts highlighted by the columnist and Wickersham’s staff faced scrutiny. Matthews wrote to Witt on December 24 noting that Mr Wickersham and his wife were in a pronounced state of worry. The assistant attorney general Alex Campbell ordered the investigation.
The article describes William Lyon Phelps's nervous breakdown and recovery through engaging reading such as Life of Carlyle. It urges filling time with high level activities to leave no room for worry and suggests practical methods to keep minds occupied and joyful.
The Alabama State Highway Commission selects Alabama Street as the site for a new bridge over the Tennessee River. Lois Wilson named Alabama's greatest actress in the state hall of fame. Henry B. Walt Hall and Elise Sparrow ranked second and third. Eugene Morrow’s Lafayette Street home suffered slight fire damage. Bany high school senior class play slated for May 27 under R. Johnson. Moye's barber shop adds a permanent wave machine. Mrs. W. K. McNeill hosts event.
The letter proposes FBI checks on a young aide named Matthews in Congressman Wickersham 1949 payrolls. It asks why Matthews earned 460 monthly from a 200 starting salary, queries a 400 January 9 bank deposit, and questions a 77 monthly note for electric typewriters.
HAL BOYLE argues against a renewed world war five years after a devastating conflict. He urges young adults to pursue college and future careers rather than join future drafts, insists a lasting peace depends on expanding shared prosperity, and calls for diplomacy to bridge tense world powers.
The article warns that infant colds can signal serious illness, urging masks for caregivers and isolation in hospitals. It notes vomiting and diarrhea in nurseries linked to maternal or staff colds, higher pneumonia risk, and the need for prompt treatment including antibiotics. It covers fluids for dehydration, keeping breastfed babies nursing, caution with ear infections, and possible minor procedures to drain infections.
A NY writer critiques the national adoration of mothers, noting their economic influence and the conflict with traditional roles. He cites a 30 million mothers and 200 million cards, traces origins to Anna Jarvis and Wilson in 1914, and laments lingering sentimentalism in cards and music.
Alabama expert M. J. Funchess told a South-wide conference that increased livestock production lowers costs and expands the Southern share of consumer spending. He argued cheaper, abundant farm products will capture and hold market share, urging continued research to boost low-cost methods and crops.
In Birmingham on May 15 state prosecutors began their fifth attempt to convict 11 men charged with floggings boycotting and burglary. Circuit Solicitor Emmett Perry said the group was ordered to face trial for interfering with business and other related crimes as prior trials ended in acquittals.
A historical fragment argues that humanity must avoid wars waged by mad leaders, asserting people have grown wise to choose life over death after many centuries of chaos. The text emphasizes the need for rational leadership and avoidance of destructive conflict.
The first mechanical refrigerator was patented in 1856, with electricity not applied to refrigeration until after 1890. This marks a shift from manual to electric powered cooling in the late 19th century.
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