Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 41, Number 183, Decatur, Adams County, 4 August 1943 — Page 1

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10. 183.

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DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

To Order Fuel Five Days In Advance Washington, Aug. 4—(L’P)—The fuel consumer In a labor shortage area muat place an order with his fuel dealer at least five days In advance. The war manpower comniiaaion has ordered dealers who want labor priorities to conform to this rule. In thfai way the most eficient use can Im- made of trucks and tabor. W. M. C. regulations ateo ban delivery of iess than one ton of coal or one cord of wood except In on emergency. —o Identical Garbage Bids Are Rejected Receive New Bids At Next Meeting The city council. In session at the city hall Tuesday night, approved the action cf the board of public works and safety in rejecting both bids submitted two weeks ago for the collection of garbage In Decatur, beginning September 1. Identical blds of 12.700 were submitted at the last meeting of the council by F. J. Schmitt and Fred Ahr, and referred to the board for action. The present contract, held by .Mr. Ahr, which expires on September 1. was let for a figure of fftuu. New blds will be received at the August 17 meeting, the council decided. A petition for a sidewalk on Twelfth street in front of the Arthur Garner home was read to th * council and referred to the afreet and sewer committee. The same comipittee was given a petition for replacing the brick sidewalk from 410 Fornax street to the intersection of Fornax and Rugg streets, which also asked that the curb be moved back from three to live feet. "The petition cited the fact that moving the curb would provide a •afer and wider turn for autos and was signed by Joe Linn, Otto Spiegel and Fred Colchln. Street commissioner Phil Sauer informed the council that hir department planned to Improve Dayton street from Tenth street west and North Second street near the Acker residence. He said that application had been made for 211.000 gallons of asphalt, but that the city was alloted only 2,000 gallons, restricting further improvement* Ralph E. Roop, city engineer and water department superintendent, reported the completion of laying 1.135 feet of water line in the new Park addition. Routine reports were made to the council by Mr. Sauer. Mr. Roop, Lester C. Pettibone, light department superintendent and Ed Miller, police chief. Councilmen Harry Hebble, Alfred Beavers, Dorphus Drum and Joseph Brennan were in attendance at the meeting in addition to Mayor John B. Stults, clerk-treasurer H. Vernon Aurand and city attorney Huber M. DeVoss. O'" — Seek Simplification Os Taxpayer Reports ■Washington, Aug. 4—(L’Pl—The treasury department announced it will ask congress to change the tax law so that taxpayens' reports can be simplified. The treasury say* it has been much concerned over the Increasing complexities developing from accumulating tax laws. o Steady Downpour Os Rain Drenches City Inch And Half Fall In 24-Hour Period Once more, basements and cellars In Decatur's homes and business houses were iooded last night and this morning during a steady downpour of rain. Up to 7 a. m. today 1.54 Inches of rainfall bad been experienced during a 24-bour period, according to Herman Meyer, local precipitation observer—and more fell after that hour. Overcast skies that left a bo* sun break through at varjous Intervals corroborated the weather man's predictions of more rain to come late today and tonight. Added to the discomfort caused by the rain and high temperatures today waa the intense humidity Stores sad homes were sultry and oppresive throughout the day.

Although damage lo basements was not as groat test night as has been tbs case a anmber <4 time a In th* past two swaths, there were • somber of persons who reported the cellars hooded — one with a* mech as two toot of water.

Japs Stiffen Resistance In Munda Battle American Soldiers Reach Final Defense Os Japanese Base (By United Press) The Japantwe are putting up ever stronger resistance in their laet ditch fight to bold .Munda In the Solomon*. American troops now have reached the final defenses of the New Georgia stronghold. The Allied communique confirms earlier report.i that our troops are at th'* eastern edge of the .Munda airfield. Other unite of our jungle force—led by tanks, planes and flame-throwens ■ have routed the Japanese from some of their hill-top defenses north of the landing strip. Eight miles north of Munda another Japanese garrtaon is making a fight-to-the-death stand at Bairoko harlior. American fliers have dumped another big load of bombs on Bairoko harbor. I-arge fires and explosions were started. Allied fliers are also keeping up their air offensive to knock out Japanese shipping in the south Pacific. The enemy is coming to depend more and more on inter-island barges for the shipment of their supplies and re-inforcements. But even though they offer a much smaller target, our fliers are destroying them in rapidly increasing numbers. Yesterday 19 more of these barges were sunk, boosting the total for the past 10 days to nearly 200. An Allied bomber also scored hits on what appeared to lx* a Japanese destroyer in an early morning attack off the coast of New Britain. On New Guinea, flying fortresses and Mitchells blasted enemy targets near Calamaua with another load of bombs. Two enemy planes were shot down during the raid and one of our planes was lost. American air superiority has stopped a Japanese drive in northern Burma. A delayed report from eastern Assam in India says American P(Turn To Psge t. Column 5) ■ - O -■ — Urges Construction Os Storm Sewer Here City Engineer Cites Heavy Rain Damage Flnst steps toward the construetlon of a storm sewer for Decatur were taken last night by the city council in regular session at the city ball. Although present war restrictions would prohibit immediate construction. the storm sewer is to head the list of post-war plans for Decatur, the council agreed. Ralph E. Roop, city engineer, cited the nerd for better sewer facilities in Decatur, especially during such a rainy season as has been experienced here during the past two months. Cost of construction, he asserted, would be negligible in comparison to the extensive damage which has already been caused by flooded basements of stores and homes. He suggested that a storm sewer be constructed or present deep sewers b«- enlarged. U»ster C. Pettibone, city light superinun dent, stressed the seriousness of the present situation, asserting that during one of the recent storms II almost became necessary to shut down the municipal plant, because water was flooding the building. The matter was referred to the street and sewer committee, which was asked to open investigation of the possibilities of construction. Seeks Filters Mr. Pettibone also asked the council to consider the purchase of Alters for the water supply to the plant from the river, the filters to be installed at the river rather than at the plant He aeerted that the present system of Altering the water at the plant was not adequate and that the water uhould be cleaned at the river, thus eliminating the clogg lug of the system at the plant. He estimated the cost of the Biters at ««145 o— Lions Enjoy Question And Answer Program Ed Bocrtrcht. local gas and oil dealers, conducted a question and answer program last night to entertain members of the Decatur Lions club in the weekly meeting at the Knights of Pythias home.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Wed nesdoy, Auqust 4,1943.

CHIEF REVIEWS WACS ABROAD

... * i < * > aB ** M

Veteran* of foreign service for six month* member* of the WAC on duty at Allied headquarters in North Africa are reviewed by their chief. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, commsnder-ln-chlet ol all Allied force* in the western Mediterranean.

Exped Lifting Os East Driving Ban Announcement May Be Made Next Week Washington, Aug. 4.-(UP)—OPA chief Prentiss Brown says eastern inottrists can expect action early next week on the question of lifting of the pleasure driving ban. While Brown would not say s') directly, it wa* Indicated that the action would be announcement that the ban would be lifted in the reasonably near future. It is expected that this will be accompanied by an equalization of gasoline rationing throughout most of the country except the far west. The eastern 'A" card motorist now get* an average of only one and one-half gallons a week: in the rest of the country the “A" coupon is good for four gallon* a week. Brown’s promise of early action followed a conference he held with with war production chief Donald Nelson. Chester Bowles, new OPA general manager, also participated. Brown would not predict whether or not the ban would be lifted. But he added: "I'm against the batt" and hi* statement wa* echoed by Bowles. The conference between Nelson and the OPA official* came ax aides of mobilization director Jamea Byrne* rushed completion of a report on the Whole gasoline situation. Repeal of the pleasure driving ban and equalization of rationing are expected to be based on that report. Committee Bitter Kansas City. Aug. 4. — (UP) — Senator Bennett Clark's committee on the gasoline and petroleum (Turn To P*g* ». Column •> o Adams County Over Top In Bond Sales Exceed Bond Quota 7th Month In Row' War bond sale* in Adam* county during July went over ths top for the seventh consecutive month thl* year, exceeding the county's quota by 222.000 and totaling 2134.15 X 25. Chairmen Theodore Grallker and Earl Caston of the war finance committee, reported today. Sale* in Decatur alone amounted to 2>4.5«2 a splendid showing in comparison with the county quota. The August quota I* 2107.371. or about 25.000 les* than last month, and plan* were under way by the war finance director* to meet It. In addition to the war bonds, many people purchased stamp* In the drive to raise 2130.000.000 for the building of the carrier. ShangriLa. These stamps will later be converted into bonds Sales made at the bank* and post offices in the county last month follow: Decatur 224.562; Berne. 223.212 M; Geneva. 211.800; Monroe. 2618.75; Pleasant Mills. 2675; Preble. 13.222 Plans are also underway for the third war loan which will be launched th rough out the country on September 2. Adam* county's quota of the 115.0M.000.000 nation al quota has not yet been announced, Mr. Grallker said.

Local Boards Will Administer Control Chicago. Aug. 4 —(UP)— Local price and ration hoards in the midwest will administer price controls for restaurants and tavern*. Raymond McKeough ordered the Itourds to see that prices are maintained at levels no higher than those prevailing during the week of April 4 to 10. All restaurant* and tavern* In the midwest region already have filed menu* for the ba«e period with their boards. Customer* are urged to report any unwarranted increase* to their local board*. Three-Day Old Baby Kidnaped In Oregon Child's Mother In Critical Condition Albany, Oregon—Aug. 4 (UP)— The feeding formula of a kidnaped three-day old baby I* being broadcast—in the hope it will save her life. Blonde, blue-eyed Judith Gurney wa* stolen from her crib in a hospital nursery yesterday while lwo nurse* were out of the room. Police ruled out the theory that the newly-born baby was stolen for ransom, since the child's parent* are In modest circumstance*. They advanced the belief that the kidnapper wa* a woman unable to have children of her own. Police Chief Perry Btellmacher say* “one peraoti" is under suspicion. but he has refused to give detail*. Detective* believe the child * abduction wa* pre-arranged by a kidnaper familiar with the hospital'* Interlo.'. In an attempt to cover up the infant* disappearance, the abductor rolled a blanket In the child’s place to resemble her ixjdy. Physician* throughout Oregon have been asked to report any strange woman seeking medical attention for a new-born baby. Judith's father—B W. Gurney — is a foreman In a plywood plant. The life of the baby's mother hang* on a slender thread. Doctor* say she I* suffering from the •hock of learning that the baby girl had been stolen. She ha* been hysterical ever since she waa told of the kidnaping yesterday. Georgians Favor Lower Voting Age Atlanta. Aug. 4—(UP)- Georgia voter* appear to have approved a constlttuional amendment to lower the voting age to 18. Georgians voted yesterday on 28 constitutional amendment* sponsored by Governor Ellis Arnail. And return* indicate that all of them have been approved Georgia I* the first state In the union to confer the voting privilege on ISyear olds. Building Leased For Creamery Warehouse A Cloverleaf Creameries. Inc. sign I* being placed on front of the Sc bug building on South Second street, formerly occupied by the Saylor* Buick Sale* company The building ba* been leased by the creamery for a storage warehouse.

Allied Armies Threaten To Split Principal Axis Line In Sicily Wide Open

15,000 Tons Os Bombs Fell On Reich In July American Figures Not Included In British Statement (By United Pre-s) Fliers of Great Britain's bomlier command pounded Germany with 15.000 toner of Iromlrs last month. The figure revealed by the British air ministry — does not include bomlM dropped by American planrsi In Washington, the war department reveals that we lost thret* planes in the history making raid on Rome. Five hundred and 21 heavy and medium Irombers took part in the attack. ReconnaiMance photos reveal that the bombardiers were extremely succemiful in concentrating on rail yards and other military objectives. They dropped 1.100 tons of bombs. Britain's big Itombers apparently were at work again last night. Great formations of thorn were heard flying over the English coast toward Europe. The Naxl-controiled Paris radio says Allied plane* pas-ed over Sweden during the night. It claims that the crew of one plane bailed out because of engine trouble and that the filer- were Interned. But no word has come from the air ministry. And It is possible the planes were on a mine-laying mission or some similar operation. Montreal Aircraft Workers On Strike .Montreal. Aug. 4 — (UP) — laibor conciliators are working to end a strike which ha- halted production in three Montreal aircraft plants. Twenty thousand aircraft workers walked out yesterday in protest agaitMt a war labor lioard ruling on their cost of living bonus. The luiard granted them a Ixinue Increase of 22.75 retroactive to March. 1943. But the workers, member* of an A Fl. union, demanded that the increase be made retroactive to June. 1942. o — Argentine Government Defies Axis Ruling Buenos Aires. Aug. 4 —(UP) — The Ramirez government of Argentina ha* defied the Axis by ruling that Argentine ships may dock in New York. The ruling is In the face of a German declaration that New York is In the war zone. The deposed Castillo regime decreed that Argentine ships must stay out of New York after two vessels were sunk by U-boats. Observers Iselieve the new ruling indioate- a change In policy toward the Axis. — o Higher Income Taxes Foreseen Next Year Congressional Tax Expert Study Bill Washington. Aug 4 — (UP)— Higher income taxes are in the offing tor American taxpayer* when Congress reconvene* In the tall Congressional tax expert* and treasury official* are busy laying the groundwork for a new tax bill. The administration already ha* put in a bid for fl 2.000.uoo.OM) in additional revenue. But some Senate and House members think the figure is too high. They believe the bill should be whittled down according to the taxpayer's ability to pay. Representative Doughton. chairman of the Hoose Way* and Means committee, would reduce the total to 17.000.000.000 And Benator George of the Senate Financing committee say* he think* IS.tMO.oeo two is anough In addi'ion to higher Income tax rates, members of the House Way* and Mean* committee predict that some form of forced saving and a sale* tax will be Incorporated In the proposed bill.

Two Trainmen Killed In Crash At Albany Two Freight Trains In Head-On Crash Albany. Ind.. Aug. 4 (UP)—The bodies of two trainmen have been recovered from the wreckage cf two Nickle Plate freight trains which crashed head-on near Albany last night. The bodies of Louis Ellerman and Robert In-nny of Lima. O, were taken from the twisted wreckage this morning It was discovered that a third man believed killed In the smashup F. G. Barber of Lima—had left the train at Muncie and later was helping rescue crews clear the track. Five other men were injured when tile two freight train* collided head-on at full speed and burst almost immediately into flames. Fifteen car* were derailed. Wrecking err ws from Frankfort and Lima hope to have the track* cleared by nightfall. The Injured men include the engineers of both trains W. Conrad and D Gordon, both of Lima Three brakemen — Charles Plougher anti F. B Minor of Lima and E. L Phlllippo of Frankfort. Ind , also were hurt They were given treatment at the Ball memorial hospital In .Muncie. Seven Killed Warden. Wash.. Aug. 4. (Ul'i Seven men were killed and 12 other* Injured in a train crash early this morning near Warden. Wash The accident happened when a west bound passenger train smashed Into a branch line train, overturning both engine* and crushing a tourist car on the main liner. Name* of the victims were not immediately available. Suffers Loss Os Leg In Nation's Service Sgt. Jerry Grothaus Wounded In Africa Sgt. Jerome Anthony “Jerry" Grothaus. 25. formerly of Decatur, lost a leg. presumably while fighting with the U. S forces In Africa. It was revealed here today. Sgt Grothaus is now in a hospital somewhere in England recuperating from his wounds, according to Information received In Decatur Sgt. Grothaua. who was bom in Delphos. 0.. on January 11. 191*. was working and residing in Decatur when selective service was started. He registered with the Adams county draft board and on February 3. 1941. volunteered for service with the U. S army -then one year of training He waa Inducted at Fort Benjamin Harrison on March 11. 1941 After donning the uniform, he wa* back In Decatur on furlough that he was with the U. S. forces several times. Friend* learned ‘n Africa. Thu* It is presumed that he wa* wounded while serving on the dark continent. Hi* letter, telling of his injury, was written to hl* mother at Mndeck, near Ib-lpho* Il gavn no details, other than the fact that he had lost a leg. It is known that Grothaus was serving a* me** sergeant in the army Before entering service he was employed at Frickle'* Place and Bud's Place In thi* city. Draft board record* do not Include the name of hl* patents. — 0 *llll Run-Off Primary In Mississippi Likely Jackson. Mi**--Aug. 4 —(UP) — With more than half the state's precinct* reporting return* from yeaterday's Mi**i»*ippi’« Demis crallc primary, former Governor Martin Sennet (Mike) Conner i* holding hi* alrong lead for the governorship. But he will probably ba forced into a run-off primary on August 24. Democratic nomination I* tantamount to election A* returns continued to come in. Thoma* Halley of Meridian slipped ahead of Lieutenant Governor Dennis Murphee to take second position behind Conner. For the past three years Conner hs* been commissioner of the flouthvaautu atWvtiC GvaXwcpve,

Buy War Savings Bonds And Stamps

Price Three Cents

American, British, Canadian Forces On Move; Naples Again Target Os Bombers Bern, Aug. 4—(UP) —Report* from Italy say Premier Marshal . Pietro Badoglio ha* issued a decree forbidding Italian* to litten to Allied radio broadcast* and providing stiff prison sentence* for violator*. <By United Press) Allied armies today ar.- threatening to eplit wide open the last main Axis defense line on Sicily. American, British and Canadian forces, on the march everywhere, are hurling their heaviest blow* ai enemy defense* before Adrano. the main pivot of the Mt. Etna line. Great pile* of German dead — testifying to the flercenes* of the fight Ing lie behind British eighth army troopu pushing out from Onturipe toward Adrano now less than six mile* away. Allied air fleets are concentrating on the vital link in the enemy's defense line. And the Germans are reported to be thinning their line* to the southeast to reinforce their mountian garrison* and hold Adrano at all costs. To the north. German and Italian troops alto are reported to Im- preparing for a last stand against onrushing American force*. The Yank* already have captured the strategic town of Caronia on the northern coast and have driven six mile* beyond to within 55 mile* of Messina. The retreating enemy is believed preparing for a major stand 11 mile* to Hie east along a linn *tretching from Han Agata. on the coast to Cesaro, 16 miles to the *<«th. American cruiaer* and diwtroyer* aided the advance of out troops by bombarding enemy defenses and road* over which reinforcements and supplies were being rushed to the front. Other Allied warship* liombarded enemy supply lines along the eastern coast where the British eighth army still i* feeling out the strength of Axis defense* before Catania. On the central front, British troops smashed a German tank assault. destroying three of the enemy iron-clad*— one of them a giant 66-ton Tiger- and resumed their advance. Catenanouvs, 21 milre west of Catania, fell to Canadian troops yesterday after being by-passed by the column that captured Centurip. five mile* lo the northeast. Aglra, 11 mile* northwest of Catenanouva. changed hand* several times in heavy fighting before the Canadian* tinaly consolidated their position* in the city and pushed on well beyond it. An Allied communique says bitter lighting still continue* In this general area with the enemy suffering heavy losses. The northwest African air forces stepped up their attacks on Axis transport and communications in support of tlie Allied ground offensive. British Wellington bombers gave Naples. Italy's biggest port, it* third raid in 36 hours Monday night. American Ihwion* and British and South African plane* teamed (Turn To P*C« Column 5) I. U. Officials To Government Posts President Wells, Briscoe In Posts Gary. Ind.. Aug. 4.— (UP)— Th-* president* and vice-president of Indiana university have been given leaves of absence to enter government work at Washington. Ora Wildermutb. president of tbs university of trustee*, announced at Gary that the board had approved the action. Dr. Herman Wells, university president, has accepted * pot. it ion In the state department a* administrator of economic program* tn enemy countries occupied by Allied nation* Dr Herman Briscoe. I. U. vicepresides!, waa made chief of the division of professional and technical training of the war manpower commlksion This post wae left vacant by the recent resignation of Dr. Edward Elliott, president ut IMIMH fI44»W»U£.