31 May 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
May 31, 1944
Page
1
Allied reports from New Guinea describe fierce fighting around Schouten Island as the campaign advances. Japanese assaults persist while American and Australian troops defend air bases and coastal positions, with bombardment and counterattacks shaping the rugged terrain near Mokmer.
The Bate farm market at Ash Red leads the county’s first postwar farm to market project under Pad 1 Mullins. Plans call for initial week work in the eastern section toward the heart of the truck route. The program includes a dozen road projects with completion slated as materials arrive and the first pav ed road from Columbia toward Floride state We 2, about 54 miles from No. 24 on Page 3.
George Hoot and Buddy Gibson, escapees from Atmore prison, captured in Dothan after a robbery threat and abduction. They were scheduled for trial in Measton Circuit Court on August 9, following a prior indictment issue and a new bill drawn by the grand jury.
Allied forces push toward the Roman delta guarding the route to Rome as heavy German and Soviet combat actions unfold across Southern Europe Northern Europe and Asia with Allied air power and riverine operations shaping the campaign.
London reports German forces ended a six week lull on the eastern front by denting Russian defenses north of Lasi, with tanks and infantry. the attack caused heavy losses and was likely a feint to disrupt troop concentrations. Moscow says fighting also northwest of Vitebsk as the Red Army repelled a German drive, with 400 enemy killed amid ship combats in the Baltic area.
Chinese and Japanese forces clash across central China as reinforcements push toward Tungcheng and Changteh. Japanese gains threaten Hankow–Canton rail lines while Changsha braces under a major offensive. authorities evacuate non essentials as food stocks are prepared for garrison defense.
STOCKHOLM AP reports a Berlin sent eyewitness account of an American airman lynching near a German village Monday. Aftonbladet cited German censorship and said a crowd struck the airman with a weapon. confirmation of multiple lynchings was not provided.
Houston County fraud petitions seek federal impoundment of the May 2 Democratic primary absentee ballot box. U.S. District Attorney EF Burns Parker received about 80 names and asked the federal court to examine possible misuse of the mail. Judge Kennamer assigned the matter. Parker said he would decide on action later. The petitions, circulated mainly in Bests Five Six Seven, also suggested impounding absentee boxes in other Third District counties.
Tentative plans propose placing the county Service Officer duties on a full time basis and the county Board of Revenue is expected to vote at its next regular meeting on June 12. Judge Saxon P. Poyner, chairman, announced that three board members had been approached.
Desk Sergeant Eddie Kelley of the Dothan police district limped home and woke to an alarm bell dream. He leaped from bed striking a revolving electric fan, cutting the toes on his bare foot. He feared doctors would need a prosthetic or another fan, though his day off complicates the tale.
Milton E Wallace reports Houston County plans a June 12 drive to raise 2 208 000 including E Bonds. A 1100 businessam group will aid under chair EB Poyner Jr with county rural areas organized. Berconnel to be announced. State slogan Meet the Challenge Alabama cited as motivation.
Senator Butler calls for a Senate Elections Committee review of CIO political action committee amid charges by Republican Harrison E Spangler that the group violated corrupt practices and Hatch Act provisions. Early returns show Rep John Newsome trailing, Rep Carter Manasco leading, with Luther Patrick leading in pre-returns.
Federal motor vehicle stamps for 1945 go on sale at the post office tomorrow. Postmaster John Be announced the stamps cost $5 and are valid for 12 months. Owners must purchase stamps and affix them to windshields by July 1.
London dispatch reports Allied daylight raids over Europe as American bombers strike deep into the continent. German broadcasts claim a fifth straight day of heavy raids with fighters reported over Brandenburg and Brunswick Hannover. Mosquito bombers continue attacks on French invasion coast.
Allied troops push along the Timils front from Valmontone to the Alina region north of Cassino, capturing towns as German rear guards withdraw. In the Rome sector, fighting rages 16 to 30 miles south of the capital while near Capistrano de Gandolfo the pope’s summer retreat, six miles from Vesietri, the advance tightens.
The cotton amendment to the Price Control Bill, described as inflationary, was upheld by Senator Bankhead. It would force OPA to readjust textile ceilings every 60 days to raise cotton prices to parity and assure profits for the textile sector, drawing criticism from Roosevelt and others who warn of broader price control risks.
Rep George W. Andrews announced Ward as Houston County postmaster candidate after forwarding to the Post Office Department. Ward, an honorable discharged veteran, would replace J. E B. Cook in Cottonwood. An additional Houston County postmaster change comes with Mrs Ma lone’a resignation from Dothan, effective June 20.
Washington AP report notes railroads expanding use of radio and safety devices after a spate of deadly wrecks. Since March 21 the FCC has received 22 applications for experimental railroad radio stations, a surge from earlier months of 1944.
A joint War Production Board report shows the United States has built 171,257 planes since Pearl Harbor and expects 100,000 more, vastly outpacing Germany and Japan. It notes U.S. output surged 3,400 percent since January 1940, with German and Japanese production lagging or constrained.
The United States proposes a five point plan for an international security organization modeled on the League of Nations. It would consult on force use but leave final troop control to member nations. An international police role could be ordered only by agreed decisions. The plan foresees broad talks among Russia Britain China and the U.S. with potential expansion to ten or more nations and emphasis on small states.
German propaganda warned of a scorched earth policy as Eisenhower’s invasion armies planned to land. A SHAEF spokesman urged fire control and civil defense units to be ready amid great fire danger in battle zones. Two German planes reportedly piloted toward Britain were shot down. Favorable invasion weather persisted with high tides at Calais set for tonight and tomorrow morning.
Washington AP Administration and the executive branch move to require advance notice for war contract terminations to help workers find new jobs. A joint board ordered stronger procedures and agency canvassing before shutdowns. President Roosevelt noted possible contract shifts to Brewster plant in Long Island City amid economic reasons. Senator Murray pressed for mandatory advance notice from Army and Navy. subcommittee hearings continued.
A two count damage suit totaling 5000 against Allsup an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board investigator for an incident at a State Liquor store in Dothan November 8 last year had been set for trial in Houston Circuit Court July 17. The suit by W C Woodham seeks 2500 in each count charging assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment. Allsup has filed a denial.
Allied forces report Chindits strike Japanese communications to Myitkyina base in North Burma as Japanese efforts to relieve the siege continue. Reports say rail lines from Mandalay were cleared and Chinese troops push down the Mogaung valley capturing heavy weapons and disrupting the Kamaing to Mogentine route.
Washington AP reports the United States enters a new taxation era as President Roosevelt signs a sweeping reform bill. The measure cuts income tax returns for about 80 million people, streamlines corporate tax rules, repeals the wartime Victory Tax, and adjusts withholding to tax all earners under 5 000 to reduce annual returns.
Across the nation the walkouts involve more than 60,000 workers with production hampered at Parke, Devis and Company in Detroit and bakery deliveries halted. CIO and AFL unions face War Labor Board scrutiny while some plants consider returning to work. In the Pacific Northwest, a 40,000 worker impact persists as CIO leaders resist calls to resume. In Worcester, Massachusetts, steel workers urge return to the American Steel and Wire plant after an eight thousand idle count.
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