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Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 14, 1939
Page
1
An explosion at a Zarnesti cellulose plant under military control killed eighty and gravely wounded about two hundred as a 1000 gallon chemical kettle overheated. Flames and chlorine fumes driven by wind forced evacuations and many families perished in their sleep.
Governor Earl K. Long charged in Winnfield that State Treasurer A. P. Tugwell should have known of the graft and misused funds to aid alleged crooks. Long cited transfers between funds and a 28‑hole golf course project, plus wasteful Leche administration spending, as examples of corruption and mismanagement.
Instruction to register and obtain poll receipts for the coming primary. Registrar’s office closes next Saturday thirty days before the primary. Sign the poll book anytime before December 31 at the courthouse.
Finnish forces poised to counter attack after halting Soviet invasion on the Karelian isthmus. Finnish communique says Reds stood still with localized fighting while Russians suffer heavy losses. Reports of advances on eastern front and air raids accompany the brief update.
Veracruzen anchorage shift before dawn. The 32,581 ton German liner Columbus prepared for a trans Atlantic voyage to a German port as allies patrol the blockade. A tropical storm delayed final clearance papers and the ship remained at the harbor mouth. Continuous rumors of British warships add to the suspense of the attempt.
The Graf Spee, crippled after a 14 hour battle with British ships, clings to Montevideo harbor as two British cruisers guard the mouth of the river. Exeter limps to sea lane, reports say many dead and wounded aboard others.
A white couple using the names Mr and Mrs F L Bradley were jailed after a chase by police. Leo Graham escaped as an arrest was made in West Monroe. The group allegedly posed as investment service reps, sought 5000 cash, and fled with funds after displaying fake wealth. Police seized forging equipment from a 1940 Dodge driven by Bradley alias B L Bishop.
Former Governor Richard W. Leche and two other officials were indicted on mail fraud charges in Lake Charles Louisiana. The indictment centers on a large fund used to finance political campaigns across the state. two co defendants were unnamed in court and expected to be arrested soon. The grand jury adjourned until May after returning the indictment and routine bills.
Lancaster firemen were warming by an electric heater when a short circuit sparked flames that damaged gear, causing $25 in losses. In Berkeley, police were alerted at 23 University of California fraternity houses as Christmas vacation began to recover scattered items.
In New Orleans on December 14 Judge Wayne G. Borah heard motions for directed verdicts of acquittal for five men charged with mail fraud in the Louisiana investigation. The case shifted to the defense at 11 a.m. with the jury dismissed until 2 p.m. The defense opened its case for Abe L. Shushan and four associates allegedly sharing in a 496000 fee paid in 1936 to Newman Harris and Co. for a refund.
Monroe and West Monroe prepare for the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at Hotel Virginia on Friday at 7 30 p m with over 200 including wives and business leaders from the Twin Cities area 35 to 40 industry captains from northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas as guests of honor James E Gheen famed after dinner speaker will deliver a community building themed address after entertainment and a toast by A O Evans chamber president.
A charity drive lists donors including Meret ME, Morrison, Kincade, and the Business and Professional Woman's Club contributing to the Good Fellows Fund. The piece highlights Gus Kallio aiding shivering youths at Walnut Street arena, providing warmth, food, and small comforts while his own Finnish homeland endures Russian aggression.
The League of Nations voted unanimously to expel Soviet Russia for its invasion of Finland. The council acted after Finland appealed and the assembly condemned the USSR as aggressor. A separate report noted the British destroyer Duchess sunk after a collision with unknown loss of lives.
Leaders from 11 western states meet in Salt Lake City to discuss a new permanent regional organization to boost western prestige and influence in national politics. Republicans invite hundreds while Democrats earlier formed a coordinating bloc, aiming to amplify western voices against perceived neglect of their states.
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