20 Feb 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Feb 20, 1944
Page
1
A prospective City Commission race faces a nominating process with a bare outline of candidates. Officials consider a runoff date April 4 if the primary fails to decide. The article notes campaign finance, filing deadlines, and the impact of a double primary law on timing while hinting at broader voting process debates and wartime population shifts in Houston County.
London AP reports Soviet and Russian forces push toward Pskov in a three-pronged advance. Moscow claims 73,000 Germans killed or captured in the Dnieper bend debacle, plus 18,000 prisoners taken. The north front seizes 138 more communities and targets Pakov with rail junction gains and air strikes.
F 2 Doak announces general drive for the Houston County Chapter of the American Red Cross from March 6 to March 4. Roy O. Hill leads the Special Gifts Committee and 300 letters will solicit contributions as about 200 women join volunteers to meet the 1944 quota of $33,000. President Roosevelt declares March Red Cross Month and urges donations to the $200,000,000 fund.
Willem A. Pittman seventy died at his home near Dothan after a short illness. Funeral services will be held at Fellows-Forraster- Johnson Funeral Home chapel this afternoon at one o'clock with Rev. Merman B. McCloud officiating. Survivors include his wife two sons W. W. Pittman of Atiesta Georgia and daughter Moe Tom Dodd of Mebilla, a brother J. F. Pittman of Mase, Ga, and a sister Mrs.
Allied and British forces unleashed a heavy counterattack on the Anzio beachhead driving German troops back under pressure. In four days they report wiping out a large portion of several German units while German attempts to break through were repelled. Fifth Army units held firm though fell back slightly to steady lines. The battle is described as crucial in the continued fight to push Germans from the coast.
Labor members of the President's cost of living committee ask Roosevelt to investigate the Eurasian Labor Statistics publication. George Meany and R. J. Thomas say living costs rose at least 43.5 percent since 1940, versus about 24 percent per the BLS index. They send a minority report and argue the index is partisan.
March 71 is out of date for the city primary to nominate City Commissions to fill the now held Aiwline Me inney, Commission president whose term of office expires October 2. The committee, meeting in called session Friday, sat April 4 as the runoff primary should one be necessary, and fixed March 1 as the deadline for qualifying. Qualification fees were set at $28 and the term of office will be for three years. The general section will be held the third Monday in September and the new member of the three man Commission will take office the first Monday in October. In addition to McHinasy, the menos Commission is composed of A. Miler, whose term of office is long, and Cops L. Cus, who was elected without opposition.
Dozens of Londoners died as German heavy and fighter-bombers struck Friday night, dropping tons of explosives and incendiaries on at least three churches, two hospitals, a convent, a folk home, schools, stores and homes. Fires raged but were brought under control by morning as rescuers searched debris and injured were sent to hospitals. Official tallies of planes lost or total casualties were not announced.
Sen George leads Senate Post War Committee attack on Baruch plan to reconvert industry and channel workers back to peacetime roles. He says Congress must set broad policies while any demobilization authority must be accountable to the people’s representatives. The debate centers on whether economic destiny is forged by executive orders or elected lawmakers.
Official figures on the Fourth War Loan Drive show oversubscription by about 200000 in Houston County. Clyde Levern, War Finance Committee chairman, releases per agent bonds sold including First National Bank 1 076 009 25, Dothan Bank and Trust 759 100, and Martin Theatre among others as of November 4.
Report from Tokyo theater where patrons cheered a film showing the execution of five American airmen who bombed Tokyo on April 18, 1942. The depicted scenes included a mock hanging and a train scene with prisoners. The piece notes the wartime propaganda value and mentions a witness Tin Teo.
German espionage leader Gen Friedrich Wolff was released from house arrest in Argentina after a police report named him head of an espionage network. Rear Adm Katsumi Yukishita and Capt Tadashi Kameda also released, with repatriation plans stated. The move followed a German protest and a palace coup ousting Foreign Minister Gilbert as diplomatic ties frayed.
AP reports Finland seeks more time in armistice talks with the Soviet Union as ten days pass before decisions. Finnish diplomat Juhap Pasal kivi remains in Stockholm in private talks while factions diverge over armistice versus unconditional surrender.
Allied destroyers approached Rabaul and Kavieng on Friday, shelling the harbors and causing fires in dock areas. They moved to within four miles of the Japanese strong points, dodged shore batteries, and departed unscathed after dawn. Simpson Harbor in Blanche Bay was hit but not severely. Kavieng remained with naval groups until daybreak.
New York AP reports Tokyo radio urged Japanese to trust the navy and its strategy for a decisive victory, warning against unnecessary battles. Broadcasts noted American landings on Eniwetok and warned of U S air carrier task forces aiming to divert Japan from mastery of the Pacific.
Allied submarines from Japanese waters to the Atlantic and Mediterranean have sunk 32 enemy vessels, possibly six more, and damaged eight. Thirteen vessels were Japanese merchant ships sunk by two American subs. Navy disclosed the patrols’ reach into deep Japanese waters signaling growing sub strength and regular operation along the coast.
U S Pacific Fleet reports rapid Allied gains in the Marshalls. Engebi on Eniwetok Atoll captured with light Allied casualties. several northern atoll islands fell as carrier supported forces push toward Truk. Battleships and airstrips supported landings as Ponape and Russia bases attacked.
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