21 Dec 1948
Page 1
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Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 21, 1948
Page
1
Dublin reports Ireland fully breaks from British rule with President Sean O Kelly signing to repeal the external relations act. The measure ends the last constitutional link to the crown and Commonwealth, with independence to be proclaimed in spring.
Washington report notes Alf Landon’s view that the United States declined when respect for traditional authority faded. It recalls his 1936 near-run for president, critiques Roosevelt and Knox, and references Pearl Harbor era tensions and economic inflation concerns voiced by Jesse Jones.
Senator Taft of Ohio appears an almost sure bet to resume as chairman of the GOP policy committee in the new Senate despite threats of party revolt. His re-election would keep Truman opposed on many proposals, with liberals arguing for a greater voice in party direction. Senator Ives predicted a bloc of about a dozen northeastern Pacific coast and interior lawmakers will push a forward looking stance in caucus.
Grace Purcell, a four year old from Lovejoy Georgia born without hands, dislikes the metal devices strapped to her arm stumps. The Georgia state welfare department supplied the appliances after a specialist concluded surgery could not provide hands. Over $2,000 was raised to fund her arms, started by Henry R. Lee who was moved by her wave to his train.
Rep Mundt of South Dakota urged the House Un American Activities Committee to adopt fairer procedures for witnesses and accused persons. The panel will focus on a report to the new Congress, with recommendations to alter hearing methods. A closed session with Francis Sayre and Anna Belle Newcomb was planned, while Hiss faces a federal trial over alleged disclosure of secret papers to Whittaker Chambers. The dispute with the Justice Department over witness handling persisted.
Dutch forces landed on Sumatra and pushed into central Java as the Indonesian republic urged scorched earth tactics. Key coastal positions like Bagan Siapiapi and Toeban were seized, while Jogjakarta the capital faced airborne capture. Officials warned guerrilla resistance and expanded Dutch control across major towns and transport routes.
A Chinese National Airlines C 54 crashed ten miles from Hong Kong in fog. All 33 aboard were believed killed including pilot Charles Sunby and captain a naturalized American of Danish descent. Quentin Roosevelt aboard fatal plane as aviation sources confirm.
Berlin announces a three power Allied control for the city with France and Britain joining the United States to administer the western sectors. The Russians withdrew from the four power kommandatura last July, but the three powers say the governing body remains in suspense rather than dead. General Jean Ganeral reads the statement as the western Allies assume administration under the existing Berlin constitution.
Tokyo dispatch reports the death watch on seven Japanese war criminals, led by Hideki Tojo, with a 13 minute MacArthur briefing likely fixing their execution timing. Uncertainty remains on whether hangings occur after midnight or later, as prison preparations and a Buddhist priest accompany the condemned to Sugamo.
Paul G. Hoffman announced that the economic cooperation administration has suspended all reconstruction projects in China, halting most engineering planning. He noted the move caps $70 million previously allotted and follows his Shanghai visit and talks with President Truman at the White House.
Fire swept the Westminister Hotel in Philadelphia killing two guests and injuring three others. Charles Mabe, 51, and Madeleine Drost, 73, died of suffocation and burns after being trapped on the fourth floor. Thomas Matthews 54 and Charles J. Wolf 55 and firefighter Michael Kozak 31 were treated for burns.
Laurence Duggan 43 former State Department Latin America expert died in a 16 story Manhattan plunge hours before a grand jury appearance. Prosecutors and medical examiners called the cause undetermined though police said he may have jumped or fallen. Duggan had been named in testimony as one of six State Department officials alleged to pass secrets to Red spies. He was president of the Institute of International Education at the time.
Senator Ives of New York opposes several amendments urged by the Senate House committee on Taft Hartley. He calls the report partisan and says industrial labor relations should avoid partisan controversy. He supports broadening the non Communist oath to include management reps but opposes full repeal of the law.
Attorney General Clark filed actions in the supreme court to obtain federal jurisdiction over Gulf tidelands off Texas and Louisiana. He seeks a ruling of federal paramount rights over lands seaward of low water mark, excluding bays and inland waters, with potential multi‑million dollar royalties. The move follows the 1947 California tidelands decision and faces long political opposition.
Baton Rouge reported that Archie M. Smith found misaligned spending in Lafayette parish police jury books for 1946 47. The audit notes gasoline purchases trucks tires and gravel hauling across wards with inconsistent vehicle use and calls for further local investigation.
A local appeal lists donations totaling 2640.24 with several contributors name to memory and in honor notes. The message urges immediate contributions to reach a 3000 goal to relieve distress this Christmas and expresses appreciation for all donors.
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