Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 52, Number 51, Decatur, Adams County, 2 March 1954 — Page 1

Vol. LIL No. 51.

Congressmen Victims r WWyA?T"' ,i; i Ji' ■ w ** ft Jr ■**s*?& h w ■ ft ■, . ft &> WW ■Ks& Kt ,| ■ mb ' .*&■ ■ft <ftoK ■ 'ftftft 11. WK ft WfC, • -»W VW. ’■BJl W* '? ''M iSk /Wl Effik, ■ [■■iujßgsHß ' f . S■, ' : -i t4’ , iMSp J MOST SERIOUSLY WOUNDED of the five congressmen shot down during a session of the house by three Puerto Rican terrorists, is Rep. Alvin Bentley. (R). (left) of Michigan who is in Casualty Hospital in Washington with wounds in the chest and abdomen. Also in Casualty Hospital is Rep. George H. Fallon (D), Maryland, who suffered a flesh wound in the leg. Bentley's condition was pronounced “critical.” '

Extraordinary Security Moves Oh In Capital Swarms Os Police, Plainclothesmen Are Spread Through City WASHINGTON UP — Swarms of police and plain-clothesmen spread through the city today to protect members of congress,. President Eisenhower and the cabinet from possible new attacks by armed Puerto Rican terrorists. Congress met under a heavilyreinforced police guard. Visitors ■were banned from house and senate galleries unless they submit admission cards signed by a member of congress. Tn'the wake of-the wild gun tHe ‘ tack on house membars by Puerto Rican Nationalists Monday, extra security measures were extended dramatically throughout the capital. Secret service and White House police protection of Mr. Eisenhower was’tightened, even though it's never relaxed. SS men resumed a wartime station at the main gate or the White 'House. The White House uniformed force in the sentry booths around the executive mansion was alerted. Tor the possibility that other>Puerto Rican gunmen might bein the capital area. Special police guards were placed at the homes of secretary of agriculture (Ezra T. Benson’ and interior secretary Douglas McKay. Because of (Monday's shooting, -Benson cancelled a flight to the Virgin Islands today because, according to an aide, his presencd might “strain their security guard down there.” -Benson and McKay are directors of the Virgin Islands Corp. Police at the supreme coui;t were ordered to be "very watchful.” A decision on whether to restrict visitors in the high court chamber will wait until the justices go back into session next week. The department of justice ordered a new '24-hour guard in its - building “until further notice.” The u justice department guard detail was cut down recently for economy reasons, but quickly strengthened late Monday. (Extra guards were requested during the night for the interior and justice buildings, plus the executive offices of the President which are housed in the old state department building across a narrow street from the White House itself The tension generated ■by“Mbnday’s gunplay was centered in congress where admittedly concerned lawmakers demanded, and were promised heavily increased protection. House speaker Joseph W Martin Jr., said the Capitol's own police force Would be augmented today by an armed detail from the metropolitan police. Martin, in announcing that only’ visitors with cards from congressmen would be admitted to the galleries, said, "We are going to hold each member responsible for the cards he issues.” Senate Republican leader William F. Knowland,- after a security conference with Martin, said the senate would follow a similar rule and see that it is "rigidly enforced." ■ ■Sightseeing parties touring the Capitol will not b admitted to the galleries for the time being.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT ■ ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMB COUNTY '

Mightiest Nuclear Explosion Nearing First 1954 Atomic Test Held Monday WASHINGTON UP—The mightiest nuclear explosion in histor/ was believed to be in preparation in the Pacific today in the wake of the first atomic test of the government’s 1954 series; f An atomic energy commission statement disclosed Monday that an “atomic device", has been detonated at the Eniwetok-Bikini • proving ground. The AiEC called the explosion the “first in a series of tests.” The series is expected to include a hydrogen bomb explosion of roughly twice the violence of the hydrogen “device” which wiped out an island on Nov. 1, 1952. - ilnformed sources said “atomic devlcd” was a carefully chosen ex- , pression in Monday's announcement. If could refer to a test “gadget”, an atomic weapon, an atomic trigger for hydrogen weapons or an actual hydrogen bomb. Authorities, however, refused to encourage speculation that the socalled spring tests had begun with a hydrogen explosion. The test of the .first “practical” hell-bomb is expected to come later. A congressional delegation is preparing to leave for the Marshall Islands test site next weekend. Some military men indicated there stil Imay be time to reach the area before the big hydrogen test. Puerto Rico Leader Denounces Shooting —Says Entire Notion Indignant.At Act SAN JUAN. P. R. UP —Puerto Rico’s Gov. Luis Munoz Marin said today his country is a dependent of the United States by choice and indignantly denounced the Nationalist shooting of American congressmen in Washington. Munoz sent a cablegram to House Speaker Joseph Martin (RMass.) expressing the concern of the Puerto Rican people for the irresponsible action of an extremist minority clamoring fpr independence. “The whole people of Puerto Rico are deeply indignant because lof this savage and unbelievable lunacy which does not express even in the most remote way the peaceful and decent nature of the people of Puerto Rico.” Munoz said. The governor said Puerto Rico is associated “to the United States -by- the repeated favorable decision of an. enormous majority of its voters. “Please convey to the House as well as to its wounded members the deep solidarity of the whole Puerto (Rican people.who condemn with all their strength the distardly deed,” he said. Initial Report On Red Cross Campaign A total of $148.45 was brought In during the first day of the 1954 Red Cross fund drive, according to Mrs. Joseph Oelberg, executive secretary. Bill Lose Jr., chairman of the advanced gift division has collected $275 from one third of those he has contacted. He expects the other two thirds to fin the quota of SSOO from his division. Returns from rural sections of Adams county Monday amounted to $173.45.

Suggests U. S. To Free Island Os Puerto Rico To Make People Subject To U. S. Immigration Law WASHINGTON, UP—Rep. A. L. Miller, angered by the terror attacks of Puerto Rican Nationalists, suggested today that the United States might free the island to make its people subject to U. S. immigration laws. Miller, R-Neb., chairman of the house interior and insular affairs committee, raised this possibility after three Nationalists wounded five congressmen in a wild shooting spree in the house of representatives. Miller's committee handles legislation affecting Puerto Rico.

Rep. Wingate Lucas. D-Texas, one of the congressmen w h o helped disarm the gunmen, also said the government should- end the present free movement which has allowed nearly a million Puerto Ricans to become residents of the United States. But he said the Nationalists’ terror tactics, which included an abortive attempt on President Truman's life in 1950, are not responsible for his views, -g* < Resident commissioner Antonio Fernos-Isern, Puerto Rico’s spokesman in congress, reiterated that Monday’s attackers “are certainly but ol .touch, with the . political situ-.. ation in Puerto Rico." He called the murder plot part of "a Communist attempt to. disrupt national harmony.” The island’s electorate voted overwhelmingly in 1952 to associate Puerto Rico with the United States as a self-governing commonwealth. And Gov. Luis Munoz Marin and the legislature in January declined Miller’s offer to sponsor legislation giving them either independence or statehood. Earlier Resident had offered White HoUse support if the Pureto Rican people requested independence. Suggest Relaxing Embargo Rulings Secret Conference For Trade Experts LONDON, UP — Easier and more profitable trade between Western nations and the Iron Curtain countries will be sought at a secret conference of western trade experts in Paris this month. Representatives of North Atlantic treaty organization countries and West Germany and Japan will study suggestions for relaxing export embargo regulations which have sharply curbed east-west trade.

They will review the lists of articles banned from shipment behind the Iron Curtain by agreement among the Western nations. The initiative for thiil revision is supplied by Britain. Last week Prime Minister Winston Churchill set the ball rolling in a speech in parliament calling for greater freedom of east-west trade. The maximum aim of the secret negotiations is to limit restrictions in the future to arms and such other goods are specifically destined for arms production. —-—— Relaxations are envisaged primarily for trade with Russia and her satellites and not with Red China — at least for the present. The United States recently has adopted a more lenient attitude on easing east-west trade- This has Inspired Britain and Western European countries to hope for a revival of traditional exports to the east. The rising demand in Britain and some of the European nations for a relaxing of restrictions is expected to be expressed strongly in the forthcoming Paris sessions. In Britain the demands are largely motivated by the fact that British industry is feeling the pinch of German competition and pressures on world export markets lyPolitically, some sources believe that more trade between the east and west will contribute to reduction of tensions. INDIANA WEATHER Cloudy with light snow north, occasional rain or snow south tonight. Wednesday cloudy with llgnt snow, somewhat colder. Low tonight 25-30 northwest, 30 - 35 .soutneaeL High Wednesday 32-38.

# Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, March 2, 1954.

Congress Meets Under ___ Security Precautions After Monday’s Affray

Year's Delay In Corporation Tax Decrease House Group Votes Year Postponement In Scheduled Cuts By UNITED PRESS The House Ways and Means Committee voted overwhelmingly today to postpone for one year a 5 percent drop in corporation income taxes scheduled for April 1. In a surprisingly top-heavy vote of 22-2, the tax-writing committee endorsed President Eisenhower's request that the corporate levy be kept at the present level of 52 percent instead of dropping to 47 percent. •—* ——— Committee chairman Daniel A. Reed meanwhile introduced a bill calling for a one-billion-dollar a year slash in federal excise sales taxes on furs, jewelry, cosmetics, admission tickets, travel fares, telephone tolls and other items. The legislation, which the committee will consider Wednesday, would cut all of these excises to 10 percent. They now range from ,15 to 25 percent. Mr. Eisenhower’s budget mesbage to congress did not recommend any excise tax cut's, but, neither did it slam the door on those proposed by Reed. Mr. Eisenhower's only recommendation on the subject was that current excise rates on liquor, beer, gasoline, cigarettes and automobiles be maintained for another year instead of dropping April 1 as scheduled. The committee will act on that proposal Wednesday, too. Those tax bills are in addition to a catch-all measure, already approved by the committee, to grant about 1% billion dotftirs In selecjtlve tax relief to business and individuals. Other congressional news: Supports: A special house dairy committee recommended rush legislation to forestall a 15 percent cut in dairy price supports ordered by secretary of agriculture Ez(Tura To Page Five) American Newsmen Manhandled By Reds UN Command Makes Explanation Demand PANMUNJOM, Korea, UP — The United Nations command today demanded a “full and adequate explanation” from the Communists for manhandling two American newsmen photographing the turnover of 37 Korean civilians to the Reds. The two newsmen were United Press photographer Warren Lee. who was pushed by North Korean officers, atid television cameraman Wade Bingham, who was dragged from a jeep. Some 30 Communist photographers present were not bothered. ___ Maj. Gen. J. K. Lacey sent a strongly worded note to the Communist command 4a Kaesong call ing the incident a “gross violation” of the agreement 6n repatriation of displaced persons which provides for free movement of newsmen. Nearly 30 Chinese, Polish and Czech Communist reporters and photographers were permitted full 'use of their cameras during the. repatriation today at Panmunjom just inside the Communist half of the demilitarized zone. “I took one picture,”* Lee said, “and a Communist officer jumped in front of me, threw up his hands in front of my lens and told me to stop taking pictures. "I tried to avoid him but another North Korean came up behind me and pushed me. Bingham was standing in a jeep taking pictures and the Communists dragged him out.” Lee said a Korean officer told him he had orders from “‘higher headquarters" to permit no pictures today.

Subversive Data On 383 Fired Employes Civil Service Head Gives Information WASHINGTON UP — Chairman Philip Young of the civil se/vice commission said today “information of a definite subversive character” was turned up on 383 of the 2.427 government employes who resigned or were fired last year under the Eisenhower administration’s security program. But he told the senate post office and civil service committee “that 383 figure does not mean that 383 persons were fired because they were Communists or subversive." “It merely indicates that in 383 cases information of a definite subversive character was in their files,” he said. — Sen. Mike Monroney D-Okla. broke in to demand “if this figure iS reliable enough to be broadcast, then certainly these 383 can not be —in the interest of our national security—allowed to escape grand jury actidn to prove the sufficiency of the charges.” Young said he would not agree to that. Sen. Olin D. Johnston D-S. C, demanded to know if any of the 383 nave been prosecuted? "I do not knoy,” Young retorted. ‘That information is available to fe* justice department/’ Johnston? tried to get Young to admit that the Elsenhower “employe security” program is so “vagtte” that “you can fire anybody for anything and then, even if they resign, list them ■as a security risk.” Venezuelan Police Are Put On Alert Fear Effort To Harm American Delegates CARACAS, Venezuela UP — Venezuela put its security police on a double alert today for signs that fanatics might attempt to harm American delegates to the 10th Inter-American Conference. The shocking outburst of gunfire in the U.' S. house of representatives by Puerto Rican Nationalists Monday was linked directly forthcoming debate here on colonialism in the Western Hemisphere. Delegates noted that the . shooting of five American congressmen by the Puerto Rican plotters occurred almost instantaneously with the opening here of the conference on inter-Amerfcan affairs. Rigid Security measures, particularly protection for U.S. secretary of state John Poster Dulles, were certain to be tightened during the remainder of his stay; .. Dulles rode to and from conference sessions iMonday in a special bullet-proof limousine owned by the Venezuelan government Pedro Estrade, chief of Venezuelan security forces, and his men in uniform and plain -clothes watchd every movement made by Dulles. The conference was in recess today becatrse of Caracas’ celebration of Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent. Normal activities halted as a Mardi Gras atmosphere prevailed. Schnepf Funeral On Wednesday Morning Funeral services for William C. SchnepL prominent farmer who died Sunday evening, will be held at 10 a.in. Wednesday at the Zwick funeral home and at 10:30 o’clock at the Zion Lutheran church, the Rev. Edgar P. Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in the Decatur cemetery. The names of four sisters were unintentionally omitted from the list of survivors. They are Airs. August Finck of Rock Rapids, la., Mrs. iR. O. McMillen of Van Wert, O„ Mrs. E. J. Matheson of Eldora, la., and Mrs. Irwin Fifiek of Doon, Ig.

GOP Chairman Hits McCarthy Army Attacks Hall Confers With Eisenhower, Lashes McCarthy's Tactics WASHINGTON, UP — Republican national chairman Leonard W. Hall said today at the White House that he could not “go along” with Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R-Wis„ when the senator attacks army generals who are fighting Communism. Hall made the comment after a conference with President Eisenhower. He calls on Mr. Eisenhower at fairly frequent intervals to discuss political matters. He told reporters frankly today that he came in td discuss "the socalled McCarthy situation." The chairman said he thought the “situation” tended to befog the true purpose of the Eisenhower program as far as the public was concerned. Asked whether he thought McCarthy is still a Republican asset, as he had said recently, Hall answered “I don't like the situation as it developed last ’ *• ; “My feelings are that while Joe Is fighting Communism, we all go along,’ Hall said, “but when he begins to attack ’persona who are fighting Communisnf just as conscientiously as he is, I can’t go along with, him.” Hall obviously referred to the current dispute between McCarthy and army secretary Robert T. Stevens over the Wisconsin Republican’s treatment of army witnesses before his investigating subcommittee. He declined to commit the President in the matter. McCarthy, meanwhile, was still involved with the army. He indicated he will propose at a forthcoming meeting with Stevens that “special labor camps” be established for Communist suspects In the army. The Wisconsin Republican said he hopes to discuss some plan with Stevens which will '‘‘clearly label” Communists in the army. Stevens appears before McCarthy’s permanent investigation subcommittee either Thursday or next Monday. He was invited before the group after offering to appear. McCarthy said discharges are not the answer for suspected Communists or those who invoke constitutional privilege in refusing to answer questions on subversion. Instead of such a "convenient draft-dodging device,’ he suggested that such persons be placed in special labor camps similar to those set up for conscientious objectors. One Bid Awarded By Commissioners Okay Transfer Os Recreation Funds John Augsburger was awarded the bid on five tons of fertilizer for the county home at Monday afternoon’s session of the county commissioners. His bid was >or.av per ton on 3-10-10 and $48.70 on 3-12-12. Three other bids differing just a few cents were received. ■* The commissioners took under consideration the matter of installing a water softener at the county home requested by James Elberson and Clarence Ziner. Approval was made by the commissioners on the transfer of recreation funds for the oounty extension office. They agreed to the transfer if the state board of accounts will also approve it. A letter will be sent to the state board concerning the matter. s '■ .

Egyptian Officers Charged With Plot Eight Officers To Be Court Martialed CAIRO, Egypt UP —Eight army officers have been charged with' plotting to overthrow the national revolutionary council which forced President Mohammed Naguib to resign and then reinstated him. it was announced today. All eight officers, captains and lieutenaifts of cavalry, are under arrest and will be court martialed soon on treason charges, a government spokesman said. It was announced also that 40 civilians had been jailed in connection with the rioting in Cairo which followed Naguib’s restoration to office. The government refused details of the alleged cavalry officers’ plot against the council, which has ruled Egypt since the overthrow of King Farouk. But it was reported that the plot centered in a Cairo cavalry barracks among officers who opposed Naguib’s ouster. It was recalled that a few hours before Naguib was restored to office last Saturday a group of cavalry officers visited his villa to urge him to retake the presidency. Naguib returned to Cairo today from Khartoum, in the Sudan, and said he was sure the Sudanese government would punish severely those responsible for the rioting there Monday in whiqjti at least 25 persons were reported killed. Naguib went to Khartoum to attend the formal opening of the first parliament since the Sudan was freed. The opening was postponed to March 10 because of the riots. ■> ' County Is Assigned For Disaster Relief State Civil Defense Department Reports UP — In thd event of a “saturation” type enemy bombing attack, the seat of Indiana government would be transferred to Pendleton and stricken counties would receive Immediate aid from their more fortunate neighbors. , These and other grim facts and figures were detailed today in an 80-page document released by the Indiana department of civil defense. For instance, the department estimated such a bombing attack would result in a minimum of 214,185 killed, 114,635 injured and 462,180 disaster affected people. Frederick T. Cretors, director, said it would take half of all ablebodied persons in every county just to handle the dead, injured and homeless. . The pamphlet recommended 40 steps in the development of county civil defense programs, including establishment of disaster headquarters and mobHe support check points along civil defense highways. Cited as critical target areas by the department were Allen, Lake, Marion, St. Joseph and Vanderburgh counties. Secondary target counties were Clarke, Dearborn, Delaware, Floyd, Grant, Henry, Howard, Jefferson, Madison, Martin, Tippecanoe, Vermillion and Wayne. Under the state’s master defense plan the following counties were assigned to provide immediate disaster relief to target areas: Adams, Benton, Boone, DeKalb, *Elkhart, Gibson, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Huntington, Jasper, Johnson, Knox, Kosciusko, -Whitley, Noble, Pike, Porter. Posey Shelby Starke, Warrick, Wells and La Porte. Other counties were assigned mobile support roles. ? “This 'basic organization of people and control of disaster operations will be required regardless of what weapon may be used against us,” Cretors said. “If this plait-is established and (Turn Ta Page Etght)

Price Five Cents

Guard Against New Outbreak Os Terrorism Tighten Admission Restrictions After Wild Shooting Spree ■WASHINGTON. UP -A Congress met today under emergency security precautions against any new outbreak of terrorism like Monday’s gun attack on the house of representatives by Puerto Rican Nationalist fanatics. Speaker Joseph W. Martin Jr., said he believed the Puerto Rican terrorists "undoubtedly are Communists." Police guards were doubled at some key White House posts. Both the house and senate tightened restrictions on admittance of visitors \ to the galleries. Metropolitan police took up posts in the Capitol. It was from the house gallery at about 230 p. m. EST Monday that four Puerto Ricans—led by a freedom - spouting woman—poured a hail of high velocity pistol bullets which wounded five members, one of them critically. - With tlie assassins jailed, their bail fixed at SIOO,OOO each pending further hearing March 10, there were these developments physicians summoned a specßdiat from Cleveland for an emergency cohsultation on treatment of Rep. Alvin,'M. Bentley, 35-year-old millionaire Republican from Owosso, Mich. His condition remained critical. The assassins are charged with, assault with intent to kill. If Bentley dies, the charge will be changed to first degree murder, for which the penalty is death. Physicians said Bentley’s chances are 50-50. . The other four wounded congressmen were in good condition. They are Reps. Kenneth A. Roberts,, D-Ala., George H. Fallon, D-Md.. Clifford , Davis. .Dt-Tenn., qud Ben F. Jensen, R-lowa. 2. At Bentley’s request, the Rev. Bernard Braskamp, house chaplain, opened today's session with a prayer for the terrorists’ forgiveness. 3. Speaker Martin eaid the assassins “undoubtedly are Communists.” Chairman Harold H. Velde, R-111., called a.special meeting of the house un-American activities committee to study any “subversive aspects” of the shooting. 4. Puerto Rican Governor Luis Munoz-Marin flew here from San Juan to express to President Elsenhower and congressional leaders personally the “deep indignation" of his people for the “ghastly act." On the house floor Puerto Rican Commissioner A. Fernos-Isern publicly apologized in behalf of his country for an act of “fanatical terrorism.” Members gave him an ovation. Munoz Marin said he did not know whether Communists had any direct connection with the attack, but “the actions of this group (the assassins) tally fully with the Communist line and what the Communists are trying to do - all over Latin America.’’ 5. Rep. Overton Brooks, D-La., - > introduced a bill t to enclose the house gallery with bullet-proof glass. Speaker Martin said the possibility of erecting such a barrier between congressmen and the public was discussed at a special security conference which preceded today’s session. Rep. Hugh D. Scott, Jr., R-Pa., introduced a bill to make it a crime for any unauthorized person to carry a gun anywhere around the Capitol and its office buildings. 6. Martin cancelled all outstanding cards of admission to the house galleries and issued 10,060 new cards -to members with a warning to be careful about giving them out Because of the new restrictions only a handful of visitors were on hand when the house convened. But attendance of members was better than usual, with 200 to 250 on hand at the start. —