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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1931
Page
6
An Evansville Indiana man was granted a divorce on the ground that he had not taken a bath for four months. The court noted his preference for independence from soap and water as the reason for ending the marriage.
The piece notes that many resolutions related to conduct and ideals are rarely kept, as starting anew near year’s change is easy to sidestep. It suggests the year’s start can still become an occasion to turn over new leaves and give them practical form.
Governor Alfalfa Bill Murray faced voter backlash as Oklahoma ballots defeated four of his tax measures by margins of 40 000 to 60 000. The setback suggests his popularity abroad is higher than at home, echoing the old saying a prophet is honored elsewhere.
The article argues that wresting control of the national congress from Republicans by Democrats may not benefit the dominant party at this critical moment. It notes Democrats will face censure for mistakes and gain little praise for good measures, stressing that politics dictates an uncertain outcome dependent on the governing party's legislative efforts.
The Ford's Theatre building in Washington DC, scene of President Lincoln's assassination, remains standing and hosted its last theatrical performance the night of the shooting. It has housed government offices for years and will be converted into a Lincoln museum after the first of the year to display relics from Lincoln's life.
The latest critique of Dr J R Brinkley cites New Age magazine claiming a talk on Free Masonry by Albert Pike distorts Morals and Dogma. The New Age accuses distortions while noting Brinkley’s programs are high in quality but many listeners doubt the station’s purpose.
Knoxville preacher Reverend Herbert Knickerbocker of the First M. E. Church offers a one dollar reward to any member who can stay awake through his sermon. He muses on why people sleep in church, noting sermons that lack engagement lead to drowsiness and referencing prior articles on hypnotic influence during sermons.
A News Dispatch notes the Labor party defeat in Australia and a new administration promising sane government. Local interest centers on Mr. Cox of Rosscreen, visiting our city, who spoke on political abuses under the retiring regime and predicted reforms as voters awaken to the seriousness of the situation.
Fifty eight witnesses have been summoned for the second trial of L F Wheelock a Des Moines stock broker charged in a car crash that killed Mrs W J Telford and two Prairie City children last June. The first trial heard sixteen witnesses testify he was under liquor influence which aided conviction prospects. Public opinion remains unsettled on his guilt regardless of the outcome.
The text argues state teachers are victims of a low salary scale and unemployment pressures. It claims insufficient encouragement in the arts and education, noting some are well paid while many face months without work and must spend income on education and travel to stay prepared for teaching.
The text argues that religious life should be joyful not gloomy, noting even Pharisees viewed excessive solemnity unfavorably. It emphasizes that experiences connected with religion ought to be happy, while warning against overstepping limits that would turn faith into mere effect.
A breezy note wishing a prosperous and joyful new year, mentioning many Dans sharing the honor of beginning the year together in a light hearted, holiday tone.
In a column of locals and light humor, residents trade snippets about misprints, late-night wrecks, church frost, Santa dates, baths for a police dog, college chapel laughter, single life, and street cleaning. Notes mention Eddie Cantor, Valentine jokes, and annual counts like 364 shopping days until Christmas and 52 days until George Washington’s birthday.
Harlan Miller of the Des Moines Register questions the punishment of a woman who aided top figures in obtaining liquor for their events. He argues buyers drive sales and sellers, yet the law treats both as criminals, highlighting legal ambiguity in social circles.
A week ago twenty Perry men attending a stag party were robbed of 1200 dollars. Averaging sixty dollars per guest, the haul seems large for the era. The piece muses on early Christmas shopping and local redress.
A business leader asserts that success hinges on convincing people they want what he offers. He argues the fastest route to attention is advertising in the local newspaper columns, with other factors equal.
The city of Leeds has chosen Doctor A Hawkyard as Lord Mayor. He notes he is a doctor who takes his own medicine and claims to have ingested 23,000 pills over seven years. The remark prompts debate on doctors prescribing medicines.
Republicans fret over Democratic disunity as the party clings to Hoover era optimism. The piece casts doubt on prophecy of discord being fulfilled, likening it to Hoover’s 1928 prosperity pledge that helped his election. The tone mirrors a period voice critiquing political expectations.
The Sigourney Review complains that radio broadcasts squander listeners time. It notes WSUI morning news interludes followed by phonograph songs like Sleepy Time Down South and River Stay Away From My Door, arguing the station forces unwanted content on audiences while they could be working.
In Prairie City district court Judge J G Patterson pronounces a one year suspended sentence for James C Cooper 46 of Runnells on charges of assaults to commit great bodily injury. Cooper pleads to that charge after previously denying assault with intent to murder in the June attack on Harold Rejohn 25 of Vandalia. The defense cites temporary insanity and marital scandal with Mrs Cooper as context. Cooper is paroled to Harry Brunner of Vandalia.
In Adel area farmers long hunted a notorious female wild dog blamed for stock losses surpassing 500 dollars. Clyde Wright shot the animal, earning a county warrant for 10 as a reward for his marksmanship. an organized, forty-man hunt previously failed to trap it.
Youth faces greater temptations and complex pressures as materialism grows. Elders must accept responsibility for conditions shaping youth, offering fair chances and constructive guidance rather than protests. The piece argues for earnest effort to heal society and support tomorrow’s citizens.
Two dozen Pella Masons helped Leighton lodge confer the third degree. Dr F F Carpenter moved his office to rooms over the Jaarsma bakery. William T Murphy of Knoxville wed Miss Carrie Slycord. Dick C Van Zante elected commander of Van Veen Van Hemert Post American Legion. Mrs A Woolard called to New Sharon for funeral of Ellen Bucknam. A son born to Mr and Mrs Roy Vander Linden of Monroe. Walter C Burrill died at 55, former resident of American House.
A fragment from a local paper notes Miss Mary Bysink's surprise party hosted by the Sunday School. It mentions a fire at Keables drug store caused by an electric spark igniting Christmas decorations, and lists marriages, deaths, and wedding announcements including Perry Kruidenier with Ruth Edwards, and Dr C N Bos elected Marion County Medical Society president. Additional notices reference several weddings and stork calls with incomplete names and places.
In urging subtle modern guidance, this note suggests parents seek top teachers and key books. It lists city library holdings including Path The Question Child and Psychology of the Kindergarten, among others, and notes library closure on Dec 31 evening and New Year Day.
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