12 Aug 1931
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Aug 12, 1931
Page
1
Mobile county officers probe a past record involving a black suspect in two Spring Hill home burglaries. The man, named Wilson, was nabbed early Tuesday with another pair of suspects, as authorities investigate recent robberies in the suburb.
Joseph H. Diggs, a Black man, was shot after a conflict with Norman W. Frank Norman, a former special agent, surrendered to police. Norman, a Tennessee transplant, reportedly struck Diggs over a disputed parking space two days earlier while Diggs was being led away by hotel staff. Enock Craig, Norman’s chauffeur, witnessed the fracas.
Police investigated an attempted break in at 161 Eslava Street the early Wednesday morning. Detectives Connick and Farmer reported the intruder fled after Mrs. Johnson frightened them and her husband was notified.
Two university students fought on a street corner in New Orleans. One student was seriously hurt and taken to a hospital, while the other remained in critical condition after the altercation.
Weather bureau issued a storm warning at 10:30 a.m. for a tropical disturbance about 150 miles southeast of Santa Do. The advisory said the system appeared to be moving northwestward and could curve before reaching the Gulf of Mexico, with several residents in the area reacting to the alert.
A weather brief notes a fair Wednesday night with slightly warmer conditions expected on Thursday. The bulletin mentions river conditions near Aily River with Lions reference and suggests monitoring for minor changes.
The iState Docks Board announces the resignation of its chief effective October 1 after years of service. The engineer cited by officials was quoted as praising progress on dock projects and safety improvements.
Four hundred Mobile orphans leave for a day trip aboard the steamer Eastern Shore to Fairhope with Elks Lodge No. 108. Automobiles gather orphans from city homes, entertaining games prizes music and a luncheon before returning by nightfall.
Walter E. Hovater, longtime high school coach, resigns to take a position on the University of Alabama coaching staff. Hovater previously coached at Georgetown College in Kentucky, and he will rejoin his alma mater.
Board of revenue to confer with County Treasurer George E. Stone and County Attorney Robert Gordon on funding outstanding warrants to place the county on a cash basis. The recommendation arises from the audit and financial report covering January 1, 1927 to December 31, 1930 led by Edward Laurendine.
An anxious mother and children petition Mobile police for help locating missing husband and father Percy L. Courtwright. Mrs Rose Sparks of Toledo Ohio filed the request on behalf of Courtwrights family. The man has been missing 18 months. described as 5 ft 8 in, 220 pounds, with an artificial leg.
Early road construction on a two mile Dauphin Island route is set to begin soon pending a deed transfer. James H Webb attorney for the Dauphin Island Land Company will hand the rights of way deed to the board of revenue at the county commissioners meeting.
A Hertz Drive It Yourself rental car stolen on July 15 was recovered in Cincinnati Ohio. Police in Mobile received a telegram on Tuesday afternoon from Cincinnati Chief William Copelan noting recovery but not stating any arrest.
Mrs Edwards observed a spectacular meteor shower from the Fairhope school observatory during the night of August 11 into August 12. She noted meteors falling at about two per minute as the earth passed through the debris, and plans further observations are expected tonight.
Judges announced winners of a slogan contest after extra days of deliberation due to the high quality submissions. Many entries featured clever ideas and attractive wording despite the difficulty in selecting final winners.
Recorder D H Edington dismissed charges of disorderly conduct against J P Buck Lewis and resisting an officer against Sam Therrel after testimony. Lewis was said to threaten an officer. witnesses backed the defense. In separate action, L L Newberry was fined $25 or 25 days for disorderly conduct. Cyril Moseley received $100 and 90 days for liquor violations and $2.50 and 20 days for a substitute license tag offense.
The Louisville and Nashville railroad announced at Mobile Chamber of Commerce that interstate rates on manufactured iron from Pensacola to Alabama and Florida points are aligned with Mobile. The change applies only to carload shipments and removes a Pensacola advantage for Mobile-area shippers.
Federal prohibition officers destroyed two outfits in Mobile county raids Tuesday afternoon. On Perch creek a 100 gallon box still with fermenters and 100 gallons of mash found. On Deer river near Cedar Point road a 60 gallon drum still eight fermenters and 400 gallons of mash were seized.
Deputy sheriff W. S. Thompson died of shotgun wounds after a raid on a still near the Virginia line. Deputy Chadwell was wounded, and Brooks the alleged operator fled. Brooks later died in Middlesboro hospital. Sheriff Riley said a still and weapons were seized. Brooks admitted firing at Thompson and Chadwell.
Mobile editor speaks to Lions Club on press freedom amid FTC findings that a local paper was chiefly financed by Alabama Power Company and directors of First and Merchants National Banks. He argues real press freedom must arise from within, not corporate control. Bob Herman introduces the speaker. Melba's Modern Maidens orchestra performs.
United States Marshal James A. Stafford returned to Mobile Tuesday night from a trip to Atlanta and Alderson to deliver two federal prisoners convicted of violating the national prohibition law. He transported Flynn to the federal penitentiary at Atlanta and Mrs Rose Zeigler to the Federal Industrial Institution at Alderson. Mrs Stafford accompanied him on the automobile trip.
Willie Nicholas of 904 Davis Avenue was fined $10 and costs after a Wednesday hearing in the inferior criminal court on a charge related to damaging road paving. The case details were partially unclear in the report.
Authorities reconstruct killings of four youths two boys and two girls near Ypsilanti. A bloodstained purse and a .38 bullet are clues. Paul Keene and Lawrence Keene remain in custody with two others released after questioning. Witnesses place victims in a Milan restaurant early Tuesday. A purse found on the road and a bullet from a .38 caliber support the theory of a staged murder scene and arson.
Casualties from four days of revolt reach 36 dead and 58 wounded as insurgents target water reservoirs and Shell Oil storage near Havana. Government says 14 rebels killed and 19 wounded in Pinar Del Rio clashes. police report rebels driven from a Regia water site.
The flying couple landed safely near Nome after a 100 mile flight from Shismaref caused by fog. Colonel Lindbergh said they would press toward Karaginsk in Siberia if weather allows, while remaining in Nome tonight.
In New York on August 12 Jack Legs Diamond received a four year federal prison sentence plus an $11,000 fine for violating the prohibition law. Judge Richard J Hopkins ordered Diamond to serve time at the Atlanta federal penitentiary.
Fractured limb will require learning to walk again though doctors say no permanent disability. Miss Bennett, sister of Constance and Barbara Bennett, likely will remain in hospital for eight more weeks.
President Hoover met at the White House with Walter P. Gifford president of American Telephone and Telegraph to discuss the business situation over breakfast. No details were released by aides. Hoover arrived at his office later than usual.
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