21 Dec 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Kingsport Times
Location
Kingsport, Tennessee, United States of America
Date
Dec 21, 1939
Page
1
Kingsport voters approved a city bond package not to exceed 290000 to finance four improvements. Among the measures, 606 to 49 backed a new station at 75000, 557 to 7 supported an athletic field project, and 540 to 87 favored completing the auditorium with a 26000 allocation.
Kingsport Housing Authority awarded the contract for 176 low rent units to A H Whisman Co of Knoxville with a low bid of 484 000. Seven bids were submitted from Tennessee New York and Atlanta ranging from 184 000 to 834 000. The bid covers 26 buildings 20 white project 6 negro project with plumbing heating wiring landscaping by subs and work set to start the first week in January.
Washington reports caution on Japan opening the Yangtze to commercial traffic as a potential sign of easing tensions with the United States. Officials weigh economic benefits against restoration burdens while watching for broader diplomatic impact beyond the commerce treaty.
Kingsport merchants report a record Christmas season with high sales across furniture clothing jewelry and even automobiles. Local shopkeepers including SH Anderson and SF Dobyns note unusually strong turnover and optimistic outlook as the holiday rush nears its end.
Washington December 21 Liberal Democrats and Republicans may convene a national conference to back a liberal banner in 1940. Ickes said the meeting could occur before or after Roosevelt's decision on a third term and would not form a new party. If no clear option emerges liberals might back a party then risk a third party bid.
In New York six immigration inspectors interrogated survivors of the scuttled liner Columbus on Ellis Island to determine immigration status. The missing crew list complicates the process with at least two days of questions ahead. Federal agents observe to identify potential German naval or military intelligence links. Visitation and mail are restricted pending status decisions.
The Tennessee Valley Authority announces plans to acquire important electric properties in north Alabama while expanding its cheap electricity program. J A Krug says a $2 million transfer completed in Mississippi shifted private control to public, with negotiations under way for Alabama properties.
Washington December 21 Secretary Morgenthau voiced opposition to further consumer taxes and said he was against the proposed certificate plan to raise farm parity benefits. He noted the administration had not reached a final decision and Wallace was to attend a second meeting to discuss the idea.
Berlin relays protest to Argentina over detaining officers and crew from the scuttled Graf Spee. German officials cite precedent with Dutch shipwreck survivors and demand classing Spee personnel as shipwrecked. Argentine response said to study international law before decree.
Americas nations prepare to issue a joint declaration of sympathy for Finland as it resists Soviet invasion. Reports from Buenos Aires and Washington describe officials arranging statements and coordinated action among Western countries.
Rep. Ramspeck urged the resignations of NLRB members Madden and Smith and proposed Wagner Act amendments. He urged abolishing the three member board if they refused to resign and pressed for protections for small unions and firm election rights for employers, with hearings planned after Jan 3. Finland seeks a $40 million U.S. loan for war materials to resist Soviet forces.
Moscow reports a nationwide celebration of Joseph Stalin's 60th birthday with praise from the press calling him the pillar of hope to workers in capitalist states. A new Kalinin biography lauds his leadership while a million‑copy book print run debuted.
Dutch anti aircraft guns fired as foreign planes crossed from the east, smoke curtains followed by heavy firing and shell plumes. Residents watched an air battle over Utrecht with reports of eight or nine planes, others noting two or three.
Finnish reports say Soviet planes bombed Helsinki area killing and injuring civilians. Hospitals and a blind school were damaged along with several hospital buildings. A battleship October Revolution was reportedly hit, with heavy fighting on three fronts amid blizzards and cold.
In Williamsport a nine year old boy and his twin sister, who reportedly never met, attend court as their custody fight resumes. The Arrow family from Toronto seeks custody of Eten Ethel, while Ira Reynolds of Williamsport pursues adoption amid financial reverses after the children’s early years in Cleveland and later in Cascade.
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