Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 52, Number 70, Decatur, Adams County, 24 March 1954 — Page 1

Vol. LI I. No. 70. '

Collapsing Wall Kills Two r ' ~7:»iiSai' Bk Hr bju M 5 B jfl <s gsH ' ■ ML jjjpn* AN INJURED FIREMAN, caught under a collapsing wall which trapped a score of his mates and killed two as they fought a Chicago fire, lies in the street after being pulled from the debris. His rescuer looks anxiously through the smoke toward where others clear fallen an< * rubble in frantic diggink for those still buried. The fire destroyed a paper plant on Chicago’s near west side.

Slight Drop In Cost 01 Living Is Disclosed Slight Decline In Cost Os Living In Nation Last Month,. r , WASHINGTON UP -- The cost of living decdined slightly last month, the government reported today. The bureau of labor statistics reported that its consumer price index fell 2-10th of 1 per cent between mid-JaniAry and mid-Febru-ary, putting the index at 115 per cent of average 1947-49 prices. The decline, the third this Winter, was brought by lower prices for food, clothing television sets and radios, movie tickets, and a number of other goods and services. The decline was not enough to affect the wages of one-million railway workers whose pay is tied to the price index. . BLS commissioner Evan Clagtfe noted the “widespread” nature of the February price decline. He said “the general business situation undoubtedly is affecting the price situation." Clague indicated he thinks there may be a further decide in the cost of living this month. He said, however, that prices are “still stable” and there is “no indication" that the bottom is going to drop out. He said he believes prices will continue to fluctuate within a fairly narrow range as thfy have over the past year. The February drop in the index reflected a 4-10ths of 1 per cent drop in retail food prices, mainly fresh vegetables, meats, poultry, milk, and eggs. f)f 46 cities surveyed, 39 reported lower average- food prices. (Jolfee. however, continued to rise —-to prices 8% per cent higher over December, 1953. A 5 per cent rise in February brought the U.S. average retail price to 99.4 cents a pound in mid-February, with reports of further increases since then. Sen. Von Eichhorn Is Lions Speaker State Senator Von “Pat” Eichhorn of Uniondale, outlined problems that face the next session of the Indiana general assembly in a talk before the Lions club last evening. ■ His subjects covered the stj-rte budget, school operation arid financing, health insurance, toll roads and operation of state institutions. Representing Adams, Wells and Blackford counties, Sen. Eichhorn has been a member of the, state assembly for 16 years. During the meeting the members also completed .plans for the Lions “Cleansweep broom sale." Friday and Saturda'y. Hugh J. .Andrews was chairman of the program.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Burglary Attempt Is Reported Here Nothing Is Missing Except Automobile Local police are investigating an attempted burglary at Riehle Tractor and Implement Co. on U.S. road 224 early this morning; the stealing of an automobile parked near the place and the abandoning of another automobile bearing Pennsylvania license plates at the same location. t . Eolice discovered a broken window at the Riehle establishment at 3:-30 o’clock this morning on the regular inspection round. Search of the building revealed nothing stolen. An automobile parked in front of the building belonging to Eugene Mitch of this city, however, had been stolen. Another vehicle bearing Pennsylvania license plates was left in place of the Mitch car. On searching the vehicle, police found two knives and a short handled hunting axe. There were blood stains on the handle of one of the knives and tests are being made to ascertain if the blood is human blood. The construction of the two knives led police that they may have been stolen from a prison kitchen. Blades of both knives and also the axe had been groung to the sharpness of a razor. Fingerprints were obtained from the rear view mirror of the automobile with the Pennsylvania license plates. It is believed that this Vehicle is a stolen car and authorities are being contacted in Pennsylvania to check the license plates. A stolen car broadcast also was put on all police radios for the Mitch automobile. Earl Dawaid Seeks Judge Nomination Geneva Man Seeker G.O.P. Nomination Earl E. Dawaid, Geneva attorney and justice of peace today announced his candidacy fob judge of the Adams circuit court bn the Republican ticket. Dawaid was raised on an Indiana farfn and is a graduate of Valparaiso University law school. While in the navy during World War 11, he was assigned to the University of Houston and Harvard University. His navy duty of more than four years included overseas duty in the New GuineaSchouten Island areas. He is a member'of the Lutheran church, the American academy of political sciene; Phi Gamma Mu, national social, science honorary society,- Sigma Delta Kappa law fraternity, and Inions International. At the present time he,ls treasurer of the Adams county bar association. In announcing his candidacy, Dawaid stated that his objective shall be an “efficient, economical and dependable", administration of the office.

Ike Confident France To Win In Indochina United States Is Willing To Aid In Training Program WASHINGTON UP — President Eisenhower said today the beleaguered troops at Dien Bien Phu should not despair in their gallant defense of the Indochina fortress. lie expressed confidence they will come out all right. Drawing on his long military experience, the President told his news conference he thought the colonel in command of the fort is particularly praiseworthy. He said he told a French visitor recently, -presumably Gen. Paul Ely, that if he had a colonel in such a position doing such a grand job he would make him a general instantly. Mr. Eisenhower said he was assured that his remark would go in the colonel s record. The United States has notified the French it is willing to help in a large scale training program aimed at knocking out the Communist rebels in Indochina. Mr. Eisenhower’s remarks could be taken as reassurance to the French that this offer implies no United States’ feeling of superior military knowledge or bravery. In the past France has been cool to the suggestion that. the IL S. help in training its forces. Officials here, who would regard the loss ts Indochina as a cadamity for the free world, put It squarely up to France to say whether it wants the additional aid in trying to end the long war with military victory. “Effective and aggressive training of Indochinese troops is essential if the war is to be brought to a successful conclusion," Defense Secretary Charles E. Wilson said Tuesday. "We are willing to assist in such training to any practical way." Conferences here between American officials and Gen. Petri Ely, chief of staff of France's armed forces, dealth with both the critical battle now- ranging in Indochina and the long-range problem of gaining the initiative over the Communist Viet Minh. Wilson told reporters that current Communist assaults on stirrounded French and native forces, at Dien Bien Phu were apaprently designed to influence next month’s Gneva conference. The secretary said the United States “probably" will send additional aircraft to the French air force if they are needed and if they can be spared. 'Military observers expected that Amrican technical training in rear areas in Indochina will be stepped up fairly soon. Huge Scouf-O-Rama Planned May 14-15 ~ Coliseum Site Os Scout Attraction Nearly 6,000 Boy Scouts in the Anthony Wayne council area, including those from Decatur and Adams county, will stage a huge “Scout-O-Rama" at the Memorial coliseum. Fort Wayne, May 14 and 15. Every Cub, Scout and Explorer troop in the nine-county area will take part in the show, the largest event ever staged by the council. Activities will center around more than 135 booths set up on the exposition floor of the Coliseum. Each booth occupied by an individual Scout unit, will feature demonstrations of scouting merit badge activities or training details. The purpose of the show, Louis Rastetter, president of the council stated, is to encourage parents to take a more active interest in their youngsters' scouting activities and to demonstrate the value of scouting to young boys who are not yet members of troops. From the nine counties 180 Cub packs, Scout troops and Explorer posts are eligible to take part in the Scout-O-Rama. In addition to the Lions, Rotary and Legion troops in this city, units from Berne and Geneva will participate in the show. Scout officials expect 25,000 persons to visit the show. Admission will be byTiehets which have been distributed to scoutmasters of the troops. INDIANA WEATHER Rain and warmer, decreasing winds tonight. Thursday showers, windy and warmer. Low tonight 40 north, 50 south. Hign Thursday 55 north, 70 extreme south.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN AtIAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday, March 24, 1954.

Pres. Eisenhower Says N ation’s Unemployment Not At Emergency Stage

Says McCarthy Should Not Ad In Own Dispute Says Man Involved Should Net Sit In Judgment On Case WASHINGTON TTP — President Eisenhower, commenting on Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, said today that a man involved in a dispute should uot sit in judgment on his own case. The President at his news conference declined to comment directly on McCarthy’s insistence that he be permitted the right of cross-examination in the investigation of a dispute bet ween his subcommittee and the army. The President did say, however,, that he did not believe any leadership could escape the responsibility for carrying on the tradition and practice that a man should not participate in the judgment of his own case. At the outset of his weekly meeting with reporters, the President was asked: “The Republican leadership has said Senator McCarthy should not participate in an investigation in whifli he is involved. Yet. the senator insists on the right of crossexamination in the investigation of a dispute between his committee and the army. What are your feelings in this matter?” The President said first that he had no feelings at all about a particular situation, but that he felt flatly that in America if a man is a party to a dispute, directly or indirectly, he does not sit in judgment on his own case. The President added that he did not believe any leadership could escape the responsibility for carrying on , that tradition and that practice. Later in the news conference the President was told that McCarthy no longer wishes to sit in judgment, (he has given up his vote), but feels he must have the right of cross-examination. The President was asked to comment. He refused, saying he did not know enough about the details of the case to discuss it. But he added firmly that there are certain things for which the leadership, obviously the GOP leaders on Capitol Hill, could not escape responsibility. The President also said certain types of government files would never be released to congressional committees. Specifically, he said the files ot the federal bureau of investigation are inviolate and would remain so as.far.ashe is concerned. This followed a question referring to McCarthy's recent criticism Os administration retention of a Truman executive order denying secret loyalty and security data tocongressional committees. The questioner cited criticism that retention of this order hampered the work of congressional committees and should be revised.. (Turn To I’awe Five)

Gotten HfecUfatlM (By Rev. William C. Feller, Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church) The Blessed Life Matthew 5:1-9 The Sermon on the Mount has been described as ’Christianity in Action’, and it contains what might be called the constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven and the program of Jesus. The first word in this sermon is ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’. Jesus found happiness in certain qualities of life in which most of us would never expect to find much joy. The world has not yet caught up with- the simplest ideals and requirements of the blessed life. But, if we were to saturate society with the spirit of. the ‘Beatitudes’ and the teachings of this great sermon, the world would be washed pure and the kingdom would be ushered in. The world la eager to hear, but not so eager to follow, the recipe for happiness, for it contains many strange contradictions to the maxims of this world. However much these teachings may be shunned by the worldly miftd that judges and is deceived, by appearances, the spiritual mind recognizes them as the eternal laws of blessedness. Why not try them and learn the real meaning of the ‘Blessed Life’.

Pearson Is Accused By Sen. McCarthy Charges Columnist .Violated Spy Act WASHINGTON (UP) —Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R-Wis., asserted today that 'columnist Drew Pearson engaged in “violation of “the espionage act’* with two former government employes named Murray. McCarthy made the accusation At the beginning of. a senate appropriations subcommittee hearing on the justice department. He said one of the “Mr. Murrays” is a former employ of the munitions board and the other a former justice department employe. McCarthy said he did not know the first name of either, but both had given Pearson "secret” informatton at different times. —■ McCarthy said the Murray who .worked for the munitions board testified before his permanent investigating subcommittee. He ..said this Murray said, he had given “Drew Pearson’s representative . . Secret production figures” and had been “induced to violate the espionage act” in co doing. McCarthy quoted Murray as saying, "Pearson’s man threatened to publish false figures about our production” unless Murray gave him the real ones. *,‘He said he knew he’ was violating the espionage act but felt fie had to do it," McCarthy said Murray told the investigating group. McCarthy brought up the "espionage” case question Monday in questioning Atty. Gen. Herbert Brownell Jr. before the same appropriations subcommittee. He demanded to know why the justice department had not prosecuted an "espionage case" against a newspaperman, whom, McCarthy then did not identify. Today McCarthy read parts of a letter from the justice department. It said the case involving the munitions board Murray had been closed out by the Truman administration with a recommendation for no prosecution. However, McCarthy said, the matter now is under active consideration : again by the justice department. For that reason, he added, the department said it could not make details available to him now. McCarthy told justice department officials at the hearing he wanted Brownell to know that he also is referring to another case involving Pearson and “a Mr. Murray who used to be in t the justice department.”— — McCarthy said the partment Murray called Pearson in “and gave him the complete (Tarn To Page Seven) Pope Outdoors First Time In Two Months VATICAN CITY UP — Pope Pius XII went outdoors today for the first time since he became ill two months ago. Wearing a fur-lined cassock and a white skull cap, the Pope strolled in the beautiful Vatican gardens.

School Boy Is Killed By Auto At St. John's Bradtmueller Lad Killed Instantly & Tuesday Afternoon Robert Bridtmueller, 10, a student in St. John’s Lutheran school, seven and one-half miles north of Decatur on U. S. highway 27, was almost instantly killed shortly before 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon when struck by an auto near the school. The boy, son ot Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bradtmueller, three miles southwest of Hoagland in Allen county, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Adams county memorial hospital, , - — The young victim, a fifth-grade pupil, had just left the school and started to hurry westward across the highway. He ran directly into the path ot a northbound auto, driven by William R. Butts, 65, of 1510 Maumee avenue, Fort Wayne. Merle Affolder, deputy sheriff of Adams county, and Gene Rash, state trooper, who investigated, said the left front of the auto struiji the lad, tossing his body to the Vest side of the highway. He suffered a basal skull fracture and a compound fracture of the left leg. The officials said the boy appeared so suddenly in the road that the Fort Wayne driver had no time to stop. Butts was exonerated of blame in the fatal accident. The boy was born in Decatur July 19, 1943, a son of Otto and Louise Hitzemann-Bradtmueller. Surviving in addition to the parents are a sister, Mrs. Oscar Kruse of Washington township; three brothers, Wilmer H., Edward W. and Otto, Jr„ all at home, and his paternal grandfather, Henry Bradtmueller of Allen county. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Zwlck funeral home and at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran church, the Rev. W. G. Schwehn officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 8 o'clock this evening. Grant Bean Seeks Clerk Nomination Seeks Nomination On G.O.P. Yicket Grant H. Bean, office manager of Decatur Casting Co., today announced his candidacy for clerk ot Adams circuit court subject to the decision of voters in the Republican primary election May 4. Bean, who resides on his own farm, southeast of Decatur, served five years in the U. Si army. overseas during World War II and a period following that war. He also served for several years as a recruiting officer for the armed forces following his overseas service. Bean, who is 37 years of age, received his education at the University of -Michigan, school of comtriefce and finance. He attended several government specialised finance schools and is a certified public accountant. Bean also was employed for several years as an auditor for the New York Central railroad. He is married and ‘Mr. and ‘Mrs. Bean have one son, Edwin Seth, a student at Decatur high school. The candidate is Scoutmaster of Explorer troop of Decatur and is a coach in the LittJe League baseball league here. Bean is the first Republican to announce for the office of clerk and he said he would make an active campaign both in the primary and general elections.

Zone Appeals Board Studies Court Order Plan Final Action Next Tuesday Night The Decatur board of zoning appeals set next .Tuesday night as the date tor final disposition oh its records of an order of Adams circuit court to permit construction of a kingdom hall by Decatur company ot Jehovah's Witnesses at the corner of Ninth and streets. The supreme court ordeg specified that the Witness group should pay costs of the appeal and to date the office of clerk of the Indiana supreme and appellate court reveals that this condition has not been met, the zoning board was informed last night. There is some contention among board members that nothing more needs to be added to the board’s records inasmuch as the state zoning law gives a circuit court power to reverse a decision “either in part or In full." , j. The way the Adams circuit order now stands, after this court revised his original order, following the supreme court decision, the Witness group can construct its building, without abiding by the section of the local ordinance which provides for off-street parking of automobiles, but according to the revised order, compliance with the established property setback line must be met. The local board turned down the petition for a variance originally on both of these grounds. There was no suggestion of any board member to question or ignore the order of Judge Myles F. Parrish, which permits construction and the additional week's time was taken to determine correct procedure, Clarence Ziner, chairman, said. i-■ - . / Imel Ordered To Remove All Junk Order Is Issued By Zone Appeals Board Edward Imel, Decatur and Fort Wayne junk dealer, was ordered to remove all of his junk from the property of William Smith in the south end of the city within seven days. This was the decision of the Decatur board of zoning appeals following completion of a hearing Tuesday night concerning many protests of ' neighbors concerning unsightly conditions, at the Smith property. . Whether Smith, long-time jutik dealer in Decatur, was in violation of the zoning ordinance was taken under advisement by the board. Tire hearing concluded a long Investigation and calling of witnesses. Residents of the area have protested the increase in the operations of the junk yard for more than a year. The present pile of iron and automobile bodies has erv/unn tnvv rxvn (Ln n CIV fCAt 111 Brvvrp .iw*. height in parts of the area. Smith testified that at least three-fou<ths of the material belonged tolmel and that he had permitted him to place it there because Imel could not find another saltable place. Smith also' said that he received no rent from Imel, but that Imel hired him on an hourly basis to dismantle the junk and prepare it for resale. Ed A. Bosse represented Smith at the hearing and the law firm of Custer and Smith represented a group of protesting neighbors. Robert Smith of that firm conducted the questioning of witnesses. The, zoning board was first brought into the controversy more than a year ago and finally decided to question all concerned to ascertain if there was an ordinance violation. The hearing started last November and following a fourhour session was continued until last night. When Smith was on the stand, he volunteered the testimony that he was not the owner of all the pile of junk and the new.approach of banning Imel’s use of'the area (Turn To Pace Eight)

Price Five Cents

No Emergency Action Needed As Yet - Ike Admits Increasing U. S. Unemployment May Be Dangerous WASHINGTON UP — President Eisenhower said today that unemployment has not reached a point where a slam-hang emergency federal program Is necessary. The President made these remarks at his weekly news conference shortly after the commerce department published a report showing that business is still on a slight downgrade — l —-r Mr. Eisenhower said the continuing increase in unemployment is admittedly dangerous. But he added that it has not reached the point where the federal government should take emergency ar- " tion. An emergency program at this time, the President said, might dampen the chances of an orderly business upturn later in the spring. The President's statements were evoked by a reminder from a newsmen that on Feb. 17 he had referred to March as a key month for planning government action if unemployment Jto rise. The President was asked whether, in view of continuing increases in unemployment, the administration is projecting a new policy at this time. Mr. Eisenhower explained that March is normally the month for a seasonal business upturn. But is difficult to measure this this year, he said, because of the lateness of Easter and the resultant delay in spring buying. Because of this delay In the normal spring upturn, the Presidentsaid he assumes the rise in unem- - ployment will continue until April. From what has developed art daily economic conferences at the White House, he said, the only thing he is sure of is that nothing has developed’ to call for a slambang emergency program to be applied at this moment. The President said that, on the other hand, many economic aids already are In operation. He particularly mentioned easier credit and availability of money. The commerce department said in its March “survey of current business” that- the “gradual easing” of the economy, which started last July, continued Tn the early part of this year. Durable goods Industries and mining were reported the hardest hit. Durable goods are such things as autos, refrigerators and television. .sets-.... / - On the brighter side, the agriculture department estimated today that farmers got percent more for crops and livestock they margeted last month than they did the same time a year ago. The total—sl,93o,ooo,ooo— represented a seasonal drop from January, however. The business decline, the commerce department report said, “has resulted In large part from the continued liquidation of inventories, particularly in manufacturing industries, and a further drop in activity in plants producing defense goods,” The dips in these fields have (Turn To Paste Kight) Two Slightly Hurt As Scaffold Falls Two men were injured slightly when a scaffold in the newly-built Catholic church fell Tuesday afternoon while workers were continuing with the interior decorating. Earl Hughes of Fort Wayne and Jacob Bertramm of Che*lot, O„ were taken to the Adams county memorial hospital at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday. They received emergency treatment and Hughes was dismissed that afternoon. Bertrams, who suffered a bad hand injury, is still in the hospital but will probably be released soon.