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Newspaper
Lawton Constitution
Location
Lawton, Oklahoma, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1945
Page
1
The Army announced another cutback in discharge requirements effective December 19, extending eligibility for separation to about 600,000 more personnel. Enlisted men and WACs face lowered point scores and shorter service times, with medical and dental officers receiving adjusted age and qualification criteria.
City councilors wrestled with complex paving district 55 issues after a special committee recommended proceeding amid protests. Debate focused on protest validity and the master arterial paving plan, with a vote deferred to Attorney Godlove for a formal validity study.
Report notes that France was not invited to the three power conference involving the United States Britain and the Soviet Union. Ambassador Georges Catroux met with Byrnes and Bevin while Molotov held private talks. Bevin and Byrnes were expected to meet Premier Stalin as discussions continued.
London reports that Dye, son of a former cabinet member, was hanged at Wandsworth for high treason during World War II. The execution followed a trial with witnesses testifying to his actions aiding Axis propaganda and collaboration.
City Clerk C. W. Simpson's office reports three building permits for property improvements. SAYSOR authorized a 22 by 20 foot frame residence at 1311. A permit to C. C. Walker covers repair of a frame garage at 1335 Ash. An additions permit, to Charles Kelsey D. Ve M, for a 22 by 20 foot concrete block office and veterinary clinic at 1251, with completion expected mid January.
Washington reports that President Truman intends to pursue the unification plan for the armed services. The Pearl Harbor inquiry summarized Nazi and Japanese code breaking data from 1941. Evidence shows Japan did not fully change codes despite interceptions.
Two near simultaneous fires hit a laundry and a downtown department store in Tulsa causing more than $850000 in damage. Renberg's department store and Barres Manoy laundry and dry cleaning each suffered major losses while fire crews fought to prevent the blaze from spreading to Clarke's store. Fire officials noted racks of clothing contributed to the spread and described the effort as strenuous.
Oklahoma Governor Kerr criticized the state regents for higher education as engaging in "bureaucracy of the most obnoxious kind" by diverting $450,000 in building funds from the University of Oklahoma medical school and hospital to other purposes. Board member Frank Buttram defended the positions, arguing funds were allocated by the legislature for health facilities and should not be shifted.
The Truman administration moves its fact finding board to oversee a five day public hearing on the 29 day old CIO United Auto Workers strike against General Motors. Detroit reports note Ford offered a 14.5 percent wage rise, UAW endorsed continuing the walkout for a 20 percent raise, and Packard shut plants due to shortages as 10,000 workers face impact. Picket lines blocked entry at First Michigan AC sparkplug plant. Flint unrest remains tense. Western Union telegraph operators south of New York City warned to be ready to strike See Col 2.
Sgt. Leffel was shot in the lower chest during an argument at the Rock Tavern near Lawton. A Lexington man was held pending reports as the cab driver and a fourth person face investigation. Spt. Tilford E. Smith injured. Leffel remained in critical condition after a transfusion. The navy liquor found in the car was impounded.
Rock Island announces contracts for a new Fort Sill station to replace the present frame depot. Work will start around January at the same location across Highway 277 from Gate 1. The plan includes stucco brick tile building and adjacent train sheds with a larger footprint.
President Truman calls for unification of the armed forces into a single national defense department with an air force equal to land and sea powers. He proposes a civilian-led structure, rotated chief of staff, and broad officer involvement from all services. Opposing views from Navy officials cited. universal military training also urged.
Ona Alta Sipe, 58, a Gormanche county farmer, died suddenly at 9:30 a.m. after a heart attack at the farm home three miles south and a mile and a half west of Lawton. Born in Wise County Texas September 16 1887, he served in the U S Army Engineering Corps in World War I. Survived by wife Alice Ward, Wichita Falls, three brothers Earl Rufus and Chim, and three sisters Mrs A H Shyley Mrs Ed Looney and Mrs Donna Mitchell. Funeral arrangements by Ritter.
Medical examiner reports infant Ronald Carlan died of natural causes from infection pneumonia and asphyxiation linked to inhalation of food. District Attorney Foley notes multiple prior similar cases and delays prosecution pending final state chemist report.
Lawton and Comanche county faced a record cold wave with minimums at 2 degrees, 10-degree readings in Lawton and 10 below in Bartlesville. Roads were open though Kassil i roads were icy. no livestock losses were reported and officials expected warming with snow and rain possible later.
Comanche county totals for the United War Chest reach 11134 with a Dec 25 goal of 83500. Chairman B A Allen urges canvassing and prompt report submission to the Chamber of Commerce drive office. Will Rogers school reports 31 60 from the residential area.
Lt Cen Masaharu Homma, commander of Japanese forces in the Philippines 1941-42, pleaded innocent at an army war crimes commission arraignment. Trial set for January 3 after denying defense delay request. Homma asked for English court-appointed counsel.
The United Press reports frigid conditions blanket the northern U S with subzero temps and heavy snow. Temperatures drop across Missouri, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, and eastern Colorado, extending to the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes by night. Snow depths reach eight to 12 inches with drifting in northern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern New York.
Mrs Elmira Lawton 68 resident of Lawton for 24 years died at 3 am at the family home 160. Born May 10 187? in Kentucky she married P. Lawson in 1896 in Erath County Texas. Survived by four sons Ernest Romson Cal Virgil Richmond Calif. five brothers Tom Shoopman Oklahoma City Andy John Shoopman Lawton Edgar Shoopman Anadarko Jack Shoapman Seymour Tex two sisters Lizzie Christy Canton City Sarah Lawson Burkburnett Texas. Funeral arrangements are pending from her sons with services to be announced by the Lawton Funeral Home.
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang arrived in Nanking, the prewar capital, amid a triumphant reception. The visit follows his government’s 1937 exile, while Shanghai and Peiping reporters note hopes for renewed U.S. policy commitments. General Marshall is expected to visit Nanking tomorrow.
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