Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 44, Number 125, Decatur, Adams County, 27 May 1946 — Page 1

13K Tuy- 125,

MNERS DEFY TRUMAN, REFUSE TO WORK

i?aif Traffic Back To Normal

ll Shortage i Beat May Cut ■it Service -BLst Labor Crisis ■ Nation History ■ Ended Saturday By fjilrwl* i<turn»-d io norI,lit J rnr.-ot-n-d <otll may f" rl <- Wfl wor«! labor crisis In the fl., hl'tory. however, had jn<! freight ‘rains loaded materials for industry for lilies With short were rolling once more, roads reporte I normal or service The Penn Iflu repor’id that normal ana p.isM-nget schedules at EST, if I I- after the strike HKwyivanu official* said ptiflfcl lieeti given Io the move of coal, and that all loaded I tin which h;ul stood Idle VHcin. sidings luring the rail , Were enroute Io deslina- j afl Th '’ "’ ail al '" Wl "* *’ to ihe mines for «fl|y rtug coal. Illi' With the min- ■ < strike again the empties 1 ■fl doomed ■<> stay that way. ■fls rai'roail - themselves prohhe the first to suffer| ■B the effects of the renewed « rt lte Their coal stockalready had been reduced low levels by the of defense transportation warned rail freight emwould he ordered again ■B passenger traffic reduced if shortage is aggravated. SBr.nt began moving almost ■fleun-iy after the strike end- ■■ tt I p in EST Saturday, ■■tut- engineers ami trainmen KflW hark to work with unex-i |flM speed But there was a |fljoh to Is- done Freight, In-■Bti’-t [-eri-halde food, hail pile ! 'be yard-, ami some roads |fl»-rli-4 week before they ffiE coeernment returned the to private ownership and (i f defense fransportalifted its embargo on unes■M*«l freight and express shipstrike WaM o¥Pr ], jit |] l( , SHd*' ll To Pag* I. Column 41 — ——— ■ life School Opens ■w Ibis Morning Young People i® ;e Enrolled Here total of *l4 ymnig people of KV'tty were enrolled today the MKr **f of the union daily vaeakible school, it was reported MIW R.v y „ W | )Ur(t ~„ al| of flf»h<xd. K*v Willard also announc|B! leat hers, who reported Mt l "*' ir nrM assignment They are: (four-year-olds): Mrs. ■‘"-’t Lehman and Mrs. Lewis 'J-tt-’aricn Mrs. George Hoop ’ John Beery. fl"*" 71 first grade, Mrs. Vir and Mrs. Karl Black fl? ‘* oo4 grade. Mrs. Weldon fl? * r and Mrs Paul KirchenUtird grade, Mrs. Lyle f 1,7 i,n,i Mr * HttroM l<ll p w‘ne r ” : Mr * 8. E. Leonardson, K ■>*n Marshall. Mrs. Guy Ag- ®’ ' V r nn “nd Mrs. fl? the Bev. Ginn “nd Mrs. Norman WinT^ERMOM 'f T K H fI»* MRATURi readings fl» 60 B "*• --22™ — w M tkarl WtATH <« c * el tsnisM- || ’nd warmer.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Public Library To Be Closed Thursday The Decatur public library will be dosed all day Thursday, Memorial Day and will begin a sum-1 nier schedule of hours next Mon-, day, June 3 when it will close eve-' nings at 6 p m. o— — Molotov Takes Biller Slap Al U.S., Britain Denounces Actions Os Anglo-American Leaders At Confab London. May 27 -(UP)—Foreign minister V. M. Molotov acidly denounced the United States and Britain today for forming a bloc against Russia and said no. self-respecting state would sub J mlt to the maneuvers used by the Anglo-American alliance at Park. Molotov said in a Moscow news-, paper Interview it had become . clear “that the peace offensive I publicized in some American circles consists in imposing the, I Will" of United Blates and Brit I i aln upon Russia. This appeared a direct slap at I secretary of state James F Byrnes, who told the American | people after returning from Park that American policy was to conduct a peace offensive for a fair European settlement. Molotov accused Byrnes of trying to break up big three coordin iat ion mid attempting to "utilize j methods of pressure, threats and I Intimidation" against the Soviet Union. lie condemned Byrnes' suggest lon of iMissildy putting the peace treaties before the United Nat-j j ions, which he said was not con ' cerned with the question. Molotov also accused Byrnes ' of making a "somewhat Inaccurate statement” when he said at Pari* I that premier Stalin hud agreed In principle to the American propoa al for a 25-year big four treaty on disarmament. In still another attack on Byrnes’ Paris proposals. Molotov said that any attempt to force the American plan for a 2! nation full dress ■peace conference before the hig; four had drafted elaborate trinities I with agreement on all basic points I might lead to a deterioration In friendly relations among the great powers. The Soviet foreign minister made his first public Mtateinent on the Pails conference in terms that Indicated little or no progress toward big power agreement during the recess period. Hla statements were -presented as answers Io questions submitted by the newspapers Pravda and Izvestia. Molotov condemned Byrnes' proposal to refer the peace treaty question to the United Nations assembly if *he lug four cannot ’ (Turn To Pago 2. Column «» Memorial Service i Is Held By Moose Joint Service Is Heid Here Sunday ' Joint memorial aervlces were held Bunday at the local Moose home by Adams lodge 1311 and the Women of the Moose arxllla.-y. Weeley Titus, governor of Adams lodge and Mrs. Robert Gass, senior regent of the Women of Moose, presided over the ceremony 1 honoring deceased membetw. The entire ceremony was conducted by candle light, with a flower placed on the altar as each of the deceased's name* was read. Following the ritualistic ceremonies. an Interesting address was presented by French Quinn. Decatur historian and lecturer, who recoun’ed the growth and various activities of the lodge and Its auxiliary.

As Truman ('ailed For Strike Curb From Congress | » ’SC 8. *■ i'aJß r 1 SB gi J v <>.- f Jl;’ ® Ji IF d & ’> H | I ■ i ■■■ * * 1 H£ / J — PRESIDENT TRUMAN Is shown above as he addressed a Joint session of Congress calling for legislation .io draft strikers on government-seized properties into the Army. Seated behind the chief executive are Senator W. F. George, left, of Georiga and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn of Texaic

I , „„ le 'Superseniority' 01 Veterans Is Denied I 1 U. S. Supreme Court i Gives Ruling Today Washington. May 27— (UP) — ' The supreme court ruled today that | t re-employment guarantee* of 'eelective service act do not give veteran* “superseniority" over 1 non-veteran*. The court mail" a 6 to I ruling written by Justice William 0.. ; Douglas. It decided that under the act a re employed veteran I* liound by provisions of collective bargaining agreements, and may be laid off while non vetvran* with greater seniority retain their jolta. “We have searched the legislative history In vain for any statement of purpose that the protection accorded the veteran was the light to work when, by operation of the seniority system, there was none then available for him," Doug- | las said. Justice Hugo L. Black dissented. The decision we? made In a case brought by Abraham Fishgold, a welder for the Sullivan Drydock, tc i Repair Corp, of Brooklyn, N. J. Fishgold was rehlred after hte discharge from military service. Seven months, later, during a slack season, he wan laid off for nine days while non-veterans higher on the company's seniority list were kept ut work. A federal district court awarded Fishgold |86.<0 In damages. The second circuit court of appeals reversed thU decision <>n grounds I that congress intended workers i should be returned to their orlgl- ! nal status. but not to any. status i superior to that. The Industrial union of marine and shipbuilding'workers of America (CIO), which had a contract with the Sullivan company, opposed Fishgold'* position. It maintained that the sanctity of collective bargaining agreements was involved and that the whole field of industrial relations would be thrown Into chaos if superseniority were upheld. The same question of superseniority arose in a number of other cases throughout the country. Borne court decisions were in favor of the veteran claiming superseniority and some against him. Selective service director Lewis (Turn To Page 4, Column 5) Spring Rogation Days Being Observed Here The three spring rogation days are being observed at St. Mary’s Catholic church today through Wednesday. Prayers are said asking God’s blewing on the crops and for a bountiful harvest. Many farmers attended the 7:30 o’clock moss this morning.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY Decatur, Indiana, Monday, May 27, 1946. — _

May Devotions Are Held Last Evening Devotions to Mary, Queen of May, were held at St. Mary’s Catholic church last evening, members of the Catholic high school graduating clans participating. Procession was held and the sermon was given by the Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Seimetx. pastor, followed by benedict Io n. Crowning of the Queen of .May was done by Celeste Geels, who had Iteen voted by the senior claw to represent them In the ceremony. Heavy Rainfall In County Last Night Cloudburst Washes Out Portland Power DvcuiUr failed io experience the cloudburst reported hi southern Adams county and In Jay county, a check of last night’s precipitation revealed today. Herman Meyer, precipitation observer. reported rainful during the 24 hours previous to 7 a m. amounted to .36 of an inch, in comparison j to 1.67 Inches reported In Berne. | The town of Herne reported flooded streets and sewers last night and early today, with Main street there still flooded at 8 o'clock this morning. Mr. Meyer reported a fall in the St. Mary's river here, with this morning’s reading at 6.42 in com- ■ parison to the better than eight-1 feet readings of last week. Residents here hoped today fori a respite from the rainy season ( after promises of fair and wanner j weather for Tuesday. Portland Hard Hit Portland, Ind., May 27—(UP) — A cloudburst washed out this Jay county farming town's electrical power shortly after 4 a.m. today and officials of the municipal power and light company said service might not be resumed "until noon or later.” The downpour beginning at ft p.m. last night, flooded the basement of the power plant and forced Its closing. Streets, residential and store basements and surrounding farm lands also were Inundated by what the Indianapolis federal weather bureau called a “local storm." Rainfall of 3.24 Inches wan recorded, the weather bureau said. The Salamonle river was several feet out of its banks. Lack of power closed all of the city’s factories, but stores carried on business “as usual.” Industrial workers were told to report for work at noon. The city hospital, which has an auxiliary power plant, wan not affected. The Portland Hun planned to publish its regular edition today and hoped to meet Its deadline If power returned as scheduled.

Drastic Changes In Army Rules Needed 'Gripe Board' Puts Blame On Officers Washington. May 27 — (VP) — A special army Investigating board today recommended revolutionary changes In army regulations to correct abuses by officers and to strengthen the rights of enlisted men. The “gripe board" headed by Lt. Gen. James H. (Jimmy) Doolittle blamed the caste system abuses on a minority of poor officers and remnants of Prussian militarism in army routine. The board, formed !»y secretary of war Robert P. Patterson to study Gl complain:*. h< n. <1 or i took testimony in writing from hundreds of witnesses. "The present system does not permit full recognition of the dignity of man," the board concluded. “More definite protection from arbitrary acts of superiors is essential.” To accomplish this, the board recommended that the army: 1. Provide a system for quick dismissal of incompetent officers, . with promotions to bo based on I merit instead of seniority. 2. Abolish rules against social fraternization of officers and enlisted men. 3. Give enlisted men and officers equal food and equal allow(Turn To Page I. Column Z) - 0 Aged Adams County Farmer Dies Today John Beery Funeral Services Wednesday John H. Beery. 92. retired Adams county farmer, died at 10 o'clock this morning at the Adams county memorial hospital after a week's lllhe** of Infirmities. Born in Ohio January 8, 1854. he had resided In Adam* county 65 years, and for the last three years was a patient at the Adams county horn®. He wax a member of the St. Luke’s Evangelical and Reformed church at Honduras. His wife, formerly Mary Shannon, preceded him in death. Surviving are a son. Charles Beeiy. of Craigville; a daughter, Mrs Harle« Rooker of San Fran cisco, Calif., and three grandchildren. One daughter Is deceased. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Wednesday at the church at Honduras, whh the Rev. H. H Meckxtroth officiating. Burial will be In Elm Grove cemetery at Bluff ton. The bod| will remain al the Jahn funeral home in Bluffton until time of'the services.

Nation Faces New Labor Crisis As Miners Defy Pres. Edict

Truman Strike Bill Meeting Bitter Fight ■" ' j Emergency Measure Asked By President Meets Opposition i Washington, May 27— (UP) — I The "work or draft" section of President Trumans emergency j strike bill was challenged In the senate today with an argument that drafted strikers could be shot as traitors for refusing to work in a government-seized Industry. The charge was raised by Sen. Robert A. Taft. 11, O, in a heated debate with senate Democratic leader Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky on the bill to give the president unprecedented powers to cope with strikes In the reconversion period, Barkley accused Taft of asking j ’.‘ridiculous questions" when the Ohio Republican demanded to know whether drafted strikers, union leaders and company offl- | dais would be paid military or civilian wages, what use there i would he In drafting union leaders and whether the ultimate sanction against a drafted striker couldn’t l»e the death penalty. Barkley protested that Taft 1 was taking an extreme view on H possible administration of the I treasure. The "work or draft" proposal '! In the emergency powers bill ■ drew first fire as Barkley assenti bled the senate in an hour earlier than ’usual and contemplated i night sessions to rush the house- , approved measure into law. < J Barkley reported after a White » House conference that settlement r of the rail strike and hopes for i settlement of the soft coal dispute do not eliminate President Tru(Turn T» Page 3. Column 6) — j —O~T Unable To Locate 1 Man Wanted Here < I v Railroader Sought i Following Attack County sheriff’s department an- , thorities today reported that they had been unable late today to locate Frank Flaharaty, aged about SO, wanted here on an aasatilt and ; battery count as a sidelight to the rail strike Saturday. Sheriff Leo Gllllg said that he , had been unable to find the dei fendant at the Pennsylvania railroad company here where he had been employed as a conductor. He eaid railroad officials reported he bad not returned to his Job sfnco Friday night, when, according to an affidavit placed against him, he struck and beat lairen l_ Nye, 26. army veteran. >. The charge against the former g Notre Dame football player and r Fort Wayne Central Catholic coach wae filed In circuit court Saturday , by Prosecutor G. Remy Bierly. A y warrant was issued to Sheriff Gilp iig for his arrest some time later. g Flaharaty iu charged with striking Nye, a local telegraph operaL tor, after calling him a "strikep breaker." Telegraph operators did ~ not participate in the strike last l’ week. * Bar Association To I- Meet This Afternoon iA meeting of the Adanw county t liar association was to be held h late this afternoon In the court I rooms of the county court house. If Memliers of the bar said a sums. mer schedule of office hours for „ attoruey members of the aeeocia-i-ition would lie set during the meet- • Ing.

Pastor Returned 01 < I i ( I I I I I ■ Dr. M. O. Lester, pastor of the First Methodist church of Decatur since 1942. was returned to the local pastorate at the dosing session of the annual conference Sunday at Mishawaka Dr. Lester Returned To Local Pastorate Reappointed Pastor Os Methodist Church Dr. M. O lister, pastor of the Firm Methodist church of this city since 1942. was returned to the local pastorate at the dosing session of the annual Northern Indiana conference of the Methodist church. The appointments were read by Bishop Titus H. Lowe, of Indianapolis. Sunday afternoon at the First Methodist church in Mishawaka. Dr. Lester, who served ns superintendent of the Wabash district for eight years, is a graduate of DePai.-w .-.i... r-ut.h esrllies, and aso attended Harvard. Prior to coming to Decatur, he served charges at Fail River. Muss, South Yarmouth. Cape Cod, Mass, Columbia City. Noblesville First church. Mlshwaka First church. Dr. Ix’ster was registrar of the Northern Indiana conference for elx years, was director and vice (hairman of the Wesley foundation of Purdue university for eight years, and ofKclal visitor at DePauw university for four years. At tho present time he Is serving on the following important con- - ference committees:, ministerial . qualification, conference board of education, trustee and vice presI Ident of preacher* aid. dirtcor and . president of the Epworth Forest foundation, and leader of the De- . catur group of the Fort Wayne (Turn Tn P*r- 3, Column ii 0 I Legion Holds Annual I Memorial Service I ■ Service Held Sunday ! At Lutheran Church r ■ — L The Rev. Paul W Schultz paid , tribute to war dead of the American legion Sunday In special ’ nervlces at the Zion Lutheran church. The Rev. Schultz delivered the I annual memorial service sermon t at the request of Adams post No. [ 4). American Legion, In honoring deceased members of the local organization. Members of the Legion, accompanied by representatives of Limberlost Post. Veterans of Foreign Wars, of this city, at- ' tended the service after march--1 Ing in a body from the legion 1 home. J. Henry Faurote. chaplain of • the local post, who was in charge r of arrangements for the metnor- • ial service, and commander Floyd • B. Hunter led the Legion delegation.

Price Four CenH

Only Few Scattered Mines Reopen; Coal Miners Paying Little Heed to President By United Press Most of the soft coal miner* struck today In defiance of President Truman’s edict on “strike# against the government." and ,h ‘’ nation again faced a labor crialsMr. Truman did not have to carry out hla threat to draft striking engineers and trainmen because they capitulated at the last moment to end the rail strike. But as the miners walked out. It appeared that the President's vigorous pronoucements might iw put to the test. Only a few hundred of the 104).(MM) miners In the rich Pennsylvania coal fields went back to work today. Reports from other mining regions showed that only a few scattered mines were reopening. The miners appattntly were paying little heed to the possibility of l>eing drafted into the army ami digging coal for a buck private a pay. The renewed mine strike technically began only eight hours after settlement of the rail walkout, which had shoved the nation to the brink of disaster. Sunday, however, was a mine holiday, and it was impossible to tell until today whether the miners would walk out. Prwident John L. I-ewfs of the united mine workers < AFL), conferred with President Truman last night but did not order his men back to the pits, and today they carried out their tradition of “no contract no work." While its effects may not be felt swiftly, the coal strike if continued would deal industry a second devastating etback hard on the heels of the railroad strike. In addition to the Pennsylvania miners, six Illinois mines in tho Springfield-Taylorsville district remained doted when 3,000 miners stayed home. In Franklin county, Illinois. 9,(00 miners were idle and all 12 mines cloned i'.MW officials said n-porte from all of Illinois showed that not one of the union’s 27,000 members in the state had gone to yrork today. Throughout Kentucky the only miners working were 75 to 85 men at Madisonville and 4,000 non-union and independent men Indiana operators said all Indiana minns were idle, with 9,000 I’. M. W. miners refusing to work for the government. In Ohio, tho state's entire 20,000 I MW members stayed away, and in West Virginia a few men reported, found no coal ears available and went back h >me. Reports from Alabama, New Mexico, Okhaloma an.l Arkansas also Indicated that none of the I’.MW men were returning to the pits. In Alabama a 22.000 wer<« idle, in New Mexico 1,300 and In Oklahoma and Arkansas, 3.500 — just about the total L’MW enrollment in ail four states, The rail strike had dealt Industry and commerce a staggering blow. Coal production had dropped otf sharply because there were no trains to haul coal from the mines. Coal industry spokesmen said that If there is another prolonged work stoppage in the mines another Industrial crisis will result. The nation’s coal reserves already are low. If the rail strike had continued , government authorltiaa planned to order brownouts in 21 eastern states this week to save coal. (Turn TTpaga Z, CoteSuTT) New Serial Story Zelda Popkina's famous story, "The Journey Home." a recent best seller, will appear in the i Daily Democrat as a continued story, starting Tuesday. May f 2«- ( The story is said to he one of the best ever to appear In I serial form in daily newspapers.