21 Apr 1953
Page 1
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Newspaper
Raleigh Register
Location
Beckley, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Apr 21, 1953
Page
1
Second batch of Allied prisoners report Bataan style death marches and calculated brutality by Chinese captors near Pyoktong and Kuna. Soldiers recall freezing marches, meager rations, and incomplete repatriation under truce terms. Some ill prisoners remain, while guards and Russian observers are cited in one march episode.
Raleigh County Sheriff John C. Ward appealed to the Supreme Court seeking intervention in a dispute with the county court over payment to deputies. He said the court approved some accounts but refused six deputies’ pay, citing a 1950 directive limiting monthly expenses to 125 dollars. Ward warned the decision could hinder deputy service and his ability to run the office. He urged rescission of the 1950 order and approval of the unpaid accounts, noting the court had not recorded its action.
A 17 car Atlantic Coast Line steamliner bound from Miami to New York derailed near Dillon South Carolina, killing at least five and injuring more than 125. Rescue workers freed trapped victims as flames lit the scene. the accident occurred minutes before midnight, with crews from multiple towns rushing to hospitals and many passengers still unaccounted for.
Report of a possible postponement of a county levy election remained unconfirmed as officials prepared for a 3 pm Court decision. The School Board opposed a combined election, saying it could hurt teacher supplements. The May 12 levy date and potential double election costs were discussed. County Clerk Anderson declined to forecast the outcome. Court President Farmer doubted feasibility of rescheduling, citing extra taxpayer burden.
Extended West Virginia forecast shows above normal temperatures and rapid warming. Rain expected Thursday and Thursday night totaling a quarter inch or less. Normal temps: around 54 to 56 degrees across northern and southern regions. Weather readings include Beckley Oak Hill and rivers at Bellepoint Greenbrier and Bluestone Reservoirs, with clear conditions noted in those areas.
Attorney General Brownell filed a civil anti cartel suit in Federal District Court charging five major U.S. oil companies with participating in an international oil cartel. The action aims to replace the criminal anti-trust inquiry, which was presented to a grand jury by former AG McGrannery, and was dropped for national security reasons. Defendants named include Standard Oil of New Jersey, Standard Oil of California, Socony Vacuum Oil, The Texas Company, and Gulf Oil Corp.
Charleston The Supreme Court heard opposing deb ats today on a proposal by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway to establish an auxiliary motor freight system in Southern West Virginia. The railroad seeks review of a final order of Feb 16 in which the Public Service Commission denied its application to set up the trucking service between Charleston and Huntington.
Charleston faces Toledo Sox in the home opener as the Senators aim to rebound from two early-season losses. Mayor Copenhaver to throw out first ball amid parades and visiting dignitaries including Bruce Dudley and Gabe Paul.
Washington congressional panel launches public inquiry into 1.4 million Army overcoats ordered in 1946 for 50 million dollars. Riehlman says designs were too complex with a zipper appendage acting as leggings, rendering coats unusable. Army spent around 5 million to remodel half, which also proved unfit for use. Mystery remains about their fate.
Williamson Rotary Club president King said more than 100 Rotarians are expected for the 274th district meeting Friday and Saturday with Rev B W John of Princeton scheduled to address a banquet session Friday. Governor Marland named John S Rockwell of Romney to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin to fill the three member panel until the next Senate session, succeeding George H Williams whose term expired March 26.
In Berlin eleven Protestant bishops from across Germany denounced Communist pressure on the church in East Germany amid arrests of pastors and youth leaders. They represent about 18 million church members and urged believers to hold fast to their faith despite the crackdown.
Peggy Kessinger reports that the total missing in action among area servicemen has fallen to 93 after four men are released by Communist forces. The first to return was Pfe. Paul O. Blanton from Freedom Village, Korea, who had been listed as missing since May 27, 1951. Blanton lived in Stotesbury before his family moved to Brodhead, Kentucky, four years ago, and he attended Mark Twain High.
Thirty Americans freed from Communist camps arrived in Tokyo on the first leg of a voyage home after two years or more apart. The group included four Turkish soldiers, a Greek, and a Filipino, repatriated in the Korea War exchange. Ex-prisoners rest in Tokyo hospitals before potential further flights east.
Panmunjom Korea one of the Americans released by the Communists today is believed to have been Maj. Gen. William F. Deans orderly in a Pyongyang prison camp. The soldier is Pfc. Fon Mitchell 22 of Roderfield West Virginia captured December 1 1950 with the 38th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Division. Mitchells name was the only one listed with General Dean in the Dec 1951 Red prisoner list. Dean captured August 1950 longtime prisoner moved to another camp in North Korea. Mitchell was briefly interviewed at Freedom Village but Deans name was not mentioned.
The inspection of a lot in The Register Jaycees Garden Council Clean Up campaign has been moved to Thursday due to bad weather. Today is the final day to place free classified ads for part time clean-up work. ads placed now will appear tomorrow for one publication as the two day limit ends.
Fire Marshal C A Raper announced two men questioned in a Fayette County three death blaze last Saturday night were cleared of any linkage to starting the fire. The pair, held in the Fayetteville jail, were released to county authorities on drunkenness charges after extensive questioning and lie detector tests. Three children Charlotte Gill four, and twins David and Daniel Lewis 18 months perished when a two story Meadow Bridge frame house burned. Raper said the investigation continues.
President Eisenhower concludes his vacation in Augusta after one more round of golf at the Augusta National course with club members. He plans to fly to Washington in the afternoon, following a reportedly pleasant game yesterday with Senate Republican leader Taft who described their 18 holes as ragged golf.
Pfc. Arnold E. Loudermilk of Frankford is reported killed in action per Casualty List 794 released by the Defense Department after being missing in action earlier this month. He is the 155th area serviceman to die in the Korean conflict. Marine Pfc. Robert L. Shorter was reported wounded, son of Rhodell residents.
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