04 Jan 1940
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 22 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Helena Independent
Location
Helena, Montana, United States of America
Date
Jan 04, 1940
Page
1
The Finnish forces near Lake Kiants press the border skirmishes as ski troops snipe Soviet remnants after a major defeat. Finnish command reports repulsed a heavy infantry assault on the Karelan Isthmus with heavy losses, while Moscow pressures with seven divisions and air patrols on Turku.
The Soviet embassy in Helsinki warned against hasty conclusions based on doubtful evidence about reports of war progress in Finland. It dismissed claims of large civilian casualties from air raids on Finnish towns as exaggerated and noted a December 29 news agency estimate of 160 killed and 100 wounded. It contrasted these figures with a Japanese raid on Chungking that killed 72 and wounded 4,637.
Shanghai authorities report the Japanese consulate general has asked American authorities for more information to clarify the alleged slap involving Miss Frances Donald Poz, an American, after earlier doubts about the incident.
The Federal Communications Commission urged consolidation of all telegraph agencies as a remedy for industry woes. Senators urged careful consideration of worker welfare, fearing job losses in mergers. Wheeler said labor protection must be assured, while Truman saw potential merit if labor stability is maintained. The FCC noted competition and changing economics threaten several telegraph firms.
Reports from Haparanda tonight said Russian planes bombed the Finnish town of Tornio at the top of the Gulf of Bothnia. Alarm signals were heard on the Swedish side of the border. Observers at Haparanda, across the Torne River from Tornio, said the railroad to Kempe appeared damaged.
Ice and dense fog yesterday made travel hard across western Montana by car and air. Parts of the state, including Billings and Helena, faced continued icy conditions with limited relief forecast. Plane traffic was halted at Helena airport, main highways remained passable without chains, and crews worked on foothill canyons as minor accidents were reported. A police transmitter antenna was knocked out when a patrol car slid into a ditch.
Moscow January 2. Italian ambassador Augusto Rosso departed by train for Rome after a visit to Soviet officials ended without a farewell. No Soviet officers appeared to bid him goodbye.
Washington January 3. Four months after the liner Athenia sank with the loss of 28 Americans there is no conclusive proof the German submarine torpedoed the ship. Evidence favors an internal explosion over a torpedo, with affidavits from American passengers and officials not supporting earlier war time conclusions.
Washington reports Frank Murphy appears certain to be nominated to the Supreme Court to fill the seat left by Justice Routier's death. Robert J. Jackson is named as attorney general, succeeding Murphy. President Roosevelt is expected to forward Murphy's nomination to the Senate for confirmation, with Jackson awaiting Murphy's fate.
Dublin reports Prime Minister De Valera’s government pushing a bill to curb outlawed factional activity. The lower house passed the third reading by 62 to 9, sending the measure toward final approval before a possible Senate review amid tensions with Loyalist groups.
Senator Wheeler of Montana will address the Colorado Manufacturers association in the morning of January 9. Senator Johnson announced Wheeler will give the Jackson Day dinner address in Denver on January 8. Plans included broadcasting the Jackson Day speech on two national radio hooks from 9:15 to 9:46 a.m.
At least 18 die as flames race through a three story Marlborough apartment hotel in Minneapolis. Fire officials say victims were trapped in a central storage chute and flames spread quickly through the building forcing residents to jump from windows. About 63 people were uninjured or only slightly hurt, 38 unaccounted for, with many believed to have fled to neighbors’ homes or nearby tenements. The blaze began with an explosion and heat buildup in the chute, spreading through the structure and prompting mass evacuations.
London on January 3 war worry department announced that restaurants may serve butter a pat of one ninth of an ounce with meals starting January 8 including breakfast lunch midday dinner tea high tea late dinner and supper. If patrons eat any other meal at a restaurant they must bring their own butter or do without.
German readers received new editorial commentary on the Finland conflict amid press reports of British and French plans. The piece accused Western Allies of provoking Finland to invade the Soviet Union and warned that any Allied troop movements or naval actions would force Germany to respond in the Russo-Finnish theater. Reports also noted arrests in Bohemia Moravia including former Czechoslovak officers and Skoda officials amid protectorate tensions.
New York federal authorities named two former officers and directors of Standard Commercial Tobacco Co Inc in an indictment alleging conspiracy mail fraud and Securities Act violations tied to a $4 million fraud. Indicted are Ery Xechaya president and director since 1916 and Larry J. Moyer former officer and director. Also named are Standard Commercial companies Louis C. George an ex securities firm vice president and Harry J. Routman a New York broker.
Archbishop Stritch of Milwaukee is named Archbishop of Chicago and Bishop Kiley of Trenton becomes Archbishop of Milwaukee. The Vatican announced shortly after midnight that Cardinal Mundelein’s successor would lead Chicago, with Stritch to assume duties following Mundelein’s October death and Riley slated for Milwaukee.
President Roosevelt urged Congress to finance a stronger national defense with new taxes, continue New Deal policies, and foster national unity through calmness and cooperation. He backed tariff reduction talks and pledged no major item cuts except defense, signaling a cautious foreign policy stance amid political scrutiny.
Washington dispatch reports mixed reactions to President Roosevelt's reciprocity trade treaty program. Senate Republicans and Democratic leaders offer cautious to favorable views, noting tension between tariff policy and revenue needs. Responses cite policy coherence and regional perspectives, reflecting ongoing debate in Congress.
A Wyoming prison fugitive, Grover Dinsmore, age 45, was released by the Wyoming Board of Pardons after serving part of a forgery sentence. Identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Bovly, he had been recaptured and sent back to prison, with the board citing a ranch employer's pledge to provide work. Dinsmore was to be freed March 1 under the board’s order following months in custody.
A joint statement from 5,200 Lutheran pastors denounces President Roosevelts nomination of Myron Taylor as a personal representative for world peace. They label the move unnecessary un American and a disruption of national unity, suggesting political influence from religious sources.
Hollywood actor Hichard Dis, visiting Dun Valley Idaho, attempted a ski run today and suffered a dislocated shoulder. Dr. John Morite said the injury is painful but treatment will require about a month to heal.
Washington January 3 Ten Wallace W Placer of New York died suddenly today at the Capitol physician's office. Representative Pierce, 33, had complained of chest pain during Roosevelt's annual message delivery and died of a heart attack. He had been ill for eight months and under doctor care in New York before his death.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.