02 Jan 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Helena Independent
Location
Helena, Montana, United States of America
Date
Jan 02, 1940
Page
1
Hundreds celebrated the new year in Helena as 1940 took center stage. Dances at Knights of Columbus hall Eagles hall and the Montana club drew crowds while Main Street erupts with horn honks and foot traffic. Police reported no serious incidents as revelers filled clubs and cafes, traffic slowed, and midnight horns echoed.
A year end round up reports 346 deaths from violent incidents in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Traffic accidents caused 173 fatalities, with 8 percent from other causes over the weekend including 2 slayings and 12 fire deaths. State tallies include California 38 New York 21 Texas 16 Ohio 16 and many others.
Butte January 1 announcement that William B. Daly will retire as manager of mines for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company after 15 years service. Daly becomes consulting engineer and is succeeded by Damen J. Carrigan, general superintendent of mines sites 1920.
The German freighter Tavema lay anchored in Montevideo Harbor awaiting internment by Uruguay after a deadline expired. Captain Hans Know agreed to surrender, ending a voyage once intended to confront German warships despite the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee seeking refuge nearby.
Constanze Rumania January 1 Premier George Talarenen told the Romanian navy in King Carol's presence that Romania would fight to defend Tesparabia and Timoviza, two border provinces, from Soviet aggression, asserting the population would resist invasion. Diplomats ponder whether Bessarabia and nearby regions may be targets of Russian aims amid wartime tensions.
Britain today pledged all possible assistance to the Finnish government to resist Russia. The move came as official notes were exchanged with Finnish authorities, signaling continued Allied support.
Britain announces a mass conscription plan with two million men to be drafted as the year begins. Business leaders foresee a strong start to the year, with a surge in buying and manufacturing after earlier unease. Analysts note expected adjustments may dampen a rapid expansion, but confidence remains high. Further details are continued on page 2.
Washington dispatch reports the Supreme Court may rule today on the AFL protest against a National Labor Board decision giving the CIO exclusive bargaining rights for Pacific coast longshoremen. The case centers on representation voting across the West Coast and the board’s authority to certify a single union. Other disputes in the batch involve ballot placement for a run-off election at Crown Cotton Power and the rights of workers to join a preferred union.
The German liner St Louis, 16,701 tons, arrived in a home harbor after seven months at sea. It had slipped from New York August 27 and was among 16 German ships aided by Murmansk during the war. The St Louis previously carried Jewish refugees to Mayaguez then ferried them back to Europe with temporary refuge elsewhere.
Tom Star announces that Tom Stout, Montana Democrat and Lewistown publisher, will address Idaho Democrats in Boise on January 8. Stout, a longtime Montana congressman and party adviser, will be the featured speaker for the Jackson Day gathering amid Boise arrangements led by J Ayrke Clements of the Wheeler-for-President club.
London reports the Royal Air Force announces 437 killed or missing since the start of the war as new casualty names are added to the totals, reflecting progress of the conflict through January 1 to 14.
London announces a royal proclamation for registering about two million more men for military service. The order expands the age range to 17 through 45 with previous conscription groups updated. Officials expect a staggered rollout over months and anticipate intensified fighting in 1940. Sir Thomas Phillips signals near certainty of new wartime contracts forthcoming.
A historic Montana measure grants women jury service rights effective January. The law, patterned after broader national trends, is supported by reform advocates and opposed by some older party interests. The statute expands eligibility to women, with the final process managed by county courts and clerks. The measure faces practical implementation details, including deadlines for official enrollment and verification of qualified jurors.
Disaster report outlines widespread devastation across Turkey after earthquakes. Dozens of towns report flooding, fires, and collapsing infrastructure near rail lines and harbors. Emergency crews race to rescue survivors as waters inundate low-lying areas and power is curtailed.
Roosevelt administration faces congressional decision on federal veterans and welfare expenditures as debate over relief and budgetary expansion continues. Senator Herter predicts limited cuts while pressuring for broader spending, with key figures like Representative Cave and Senator Weygand weighing in. The coming session promises lengthy debate and possible policy reversals ahead of the election year.
A blazing vessel trapped 200 passengers aboard as panicked crowds watched the sinking ship. Fire crews battled the flames, evacuating all aboard, while rescuers coordinated from the hull. The incident drew swift responses from coast guards and emergency services, with no immediate reports of serious injuries.
Helsinki reports a heavy Soviet air raid on Turku, with many buildings and a seaport area set ablaze. Russian bombers attacked in mid afternoon, dropping bombs in the heart of the city as fires raged.
A 1959 Associated Press survey shows Montana and neighboring states posting mixed November gains and declines. Major cities report Helena at 13.7 percent rise, Great Falls up 7.3, Missoula up 7.1, Livingston up 28.1, while Kalispell falls 0. Box Elder and Havre show modest shifts as overall retail sales trend varies across sectors and months.
Mevico City New Year message from the Mevican Supreme Court states that losers do not have to pay gambling debts even if argued. The report notes gambling is legal nationwide but playing cards for casual fun in the federal district around Mevin City is prohibited.
Bank clearings for 1939 show higher totals than the previous year with monthly figures and comparisons. The data lists monthly and total amounts in pounds and dollars, highlighting the overall rise across the year.
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