Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 53, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 12 February 1955 — Page 1

Vol. LUI. No. 36.

Stalin a Daughter And Grandchildren I ' ik gfc/ • ■ ■ j2W ini KmJI h .’ jt*L'x «z ■ ,:■<. i Z Rir »• I \ '•*• $* - K*■ m i ■■. Z;: < * MtaOw.M«B ZJF ■ 1 x- ‘\Wlht z’KV- ',i|Jl B/’ * fl -s ■MI •■nflKb-- OHHW 4 I ■ EmRI J| ' ij i 40 BVTLANA STALIN, only daughter of the late Russian premier, Joseph Stalin, poses with her five-year-old daughter and her son, Joseph, 10, for “the first American” ever to interview her. The exclusive photograph was made during an interview with William Randolph Hearst, Jr., on the publisher's current visit to Russia. Sytlana told publisher Hearst and J. Kingsbury Smith. European General Manager for I.N.S. that her brother. Vassly, once a high officer in the Soviet air force, is “very, very ill.”

South Bend's Mayor Hit Os Legislature - Lincoln Day Speech Topic Os Discussion Among Legislators INDIANAPOLIS (INB) — The smashing success of Mayor John A. Scott of South Bend In his Lincoln Day speech before the general assembly Friday was a major topic of lawmakers and Republican leaders today. While the legislators were in week-end recess on Lincoln's birthday today, members of both Craig and antl-Craig factions said that Scott had made an outstanding impression at his legislative Scott was invited by house speaker George Diener, a leader of the Governor George N. Craig faction. Many politicos believe it Was a sort of a trial run to determine whether the South Bend mayor has the power to be the Republican nominee for Governor in 19j>6. \ The senate Friday passed a senate measure which would increase the emolument of the politically powerful automobile license branch managers. It would hike the notary fee from 25 to 50 cents. Operators of smaller bureaus would profit chiefly, because the bill also provides that when the gross of fees is more than SIO,OOO, the manager and the state would have to split the total. — Other senate bills passed would: Allow lessening of sentences for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for good hbhavtor. Create a commission to plan remedies to enhance the dwindling water supply, particularly in southern Indiana. Let women prisoners earn money in confinement, as male convicts now do. The Kellum bill to force all operators of tractors on state roads to have automobile driver’s licenses failed to attain a constitutional majority, 22 to 23. The house late Friday passed f 845 million of the proposed record state budget after rejecting all cuts. Still to be approved Monday are three other budget measures providing a S3O million appropriation for construction projects at universities and colleges, hospitals and penal institutions. House ways and means A committee chairman Laurence Baker, Kendallville Republican, pointed out that 85 percent of the budget goes to highways, welfare, education and mental health. The house Judiciary B committee killed a proposed $2,500,000 appropriation, which the Indiana toll road commission said was needed for immediate launching Os ao Ohio river toll bridge project. The commission now is building t toll bridge across the Wabash river at Mount Vernon and Canneltdn and Lawrenceburg have been mentioned as other possible (Continued on Page Six)

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Reaction Varies To 'Pay As See' TV Movie Executives Expressing Fears WASHINGTON (INS) — The government’s decision to consider proposals for “pay-as-you-aee” television was greeted today with mingled hopes and fears by TV officials and movie executives. The federal communications commission asked the broadcast* ing and electronics industry Friday to present their views on /he plan before May 9. Another month was set aside for replies to these statements. After that, the FCC will decide whether hearings and demonstrations will be held. Under the proposed system, subscribers would place a coin in a slot or sign up at monthly rates and receive special programs on adapted sets from existing TV Stations. . Reception on regular sets would be "scrambled,” thus barring ineligible viewers. The changeover to adapted sets is relatievly simple and moderately priced. Proponents of the plan foresee the day when millions of homebodies will share the cost of championship boxing matches. World Series baseball games, dramatic and variety shows and first run movies. In Hollywood, however, film producers felt that FCC’s action could prove a hazard to the Industry. And one spokesman said exhibitors throughout the U. S. are “Scared to death.” Mervyn Leroy, veteran producer at Warner Brothers studio, said he doesn't think “fee-TV” would put “us out of business," but he added: “If the system isn't carefully worked out, it could prove a definite danger to the motion picture industry." . In New York. NBC, ABC and DuMont declined comment, and a CBS said only that his network was giving the decision “careful study." In Chicago, Comdr. E. F. McDonald, president of Zenith Radio Corp., a leader in the legal battle to make subscription television available to the public, said he was "delighted.” The FCC Friday rejected Zenith's request for prompt authorization of its service and decided, instead, to tackle all angles of the problem. In Hollywood, Telemeter corporation's vice president, Paul McNa(Continued on Page Three) Husband Protests Parakeets In Home CHICAGO (INS) —A Chicago husband has appealed in circuit court for help against his wife’s dive-bombing parakeets and the defamatory shouts of a myna, or “talking bird.” John Myers, 59, a bakery goods salesman, told Judge Charles S. Dougherty Friday that his wife, Adrienne, 47, has at least 93 parkeets and one myna bird flying free in their apartment.

Evacuation Os Troops From Tachens Ended Islands North Os Formosa Left To China Communists TAIPEH (INS) —The Americanprotected evacuation of some 16,000 Chinese Nationalist troops from the Tachen islands was completed today amid indications of a Chinese Communist buildup of military power near Formosa. The Nationalist defense ministry announced in Taipei that the Tachen were officially abandoned at 1 p. m. (midnight Friday EST) when the last evacuation ship sailed for the North Formosa poytof Keelung. There was some ddmy in the departure of the last -few ships because of tidal conditions. Official announcement of the conclusion of the evacuation was made both in Washington and in Taipeh. The Islands 200 miles north of Formosa were abandoned to the Communists under President Elsenhower's plan for tightening defense lines around Chiang KaiShek's Formosa bastion.) Presumably the Reds will move quickly into the Tachens from nearby islands and the mainland. INS Far Eastern director Marin Stone, one of the last persons to leave the Tachens, said one goat and a half a dozen rabbits were the only sign of life on the islands. As evacuation ships departed, explosions of ammunition-part of thti Nationalist "scorched earth” program-rocked the islands. The buildup of Red troops along the China coast was reported in a Nationalist defense ministry communique. The ministry said that during the 48 hours preceding the end of the evacuation quickened activity among Chinese Red junks in coastal waters was noted near the Matsu islands, about 100 miles north of Formosa. The Nationalists said about 70 armed and motorized junks along With a number of Red gunboats were spotted on the move near the Matsus. Nationalist sources also reported a massive buildup of Red Chinese transports within ten to twenty miles of the Tachens. It was believed the Reds maymove some troops into the Tachens by air since, according to the Nationalist air force chief, they have about 100,000 paratroopers ready for action. The Nationalist air force leader pointed out that such an operation would be excellent training for troops In the event the Reds ever decide to invade Fdrmoea as they have frequently threatened. On the Tachens the Red will face no strenuous opposition but as a parting gesture of defiance the Nationalists left land mines which may presumably cause casualties. The Washington announcement on the evacuation came from the (Continued on Page Three)

Little Headway On Anti-Ganiing Bills May Be Lost In Legislative Jam INDIANAPOLIS (INS) — All an-ti-gambling bills were almost stationary in the general assembly today and fears were expressed that they would be lost in the legislative jamRepublican Senators Thomas C. Hasbrook and C. Wendell Martin, of Indianapolis, said the scope of their anti-gaming bill is being narrowed to protect non-professionals in view of objections by the senate public policy committee. Republican Senator Albert -W. Wesselman, of Evansville, committee chairman, refused to disclose what forms of gaming he wishes excluded from the bill, but it was learned they include social gaming and bingo. Hasbrook and Martin also said much opposition had been expressed to restrictions against manufacture and possession of gambling equipment and transmission of information which might be used for gaming. The two senators said they had higher hopes for two other measures. I‘ One would make it unlawful to conspire to violate laws against gambling and the other would prohibit the Indiana alcoholic beverage commission from granting licenses to holders of federal gaming stamps and calls for revocation of present permits held by anyone who buys a gambling stamp.-

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday, February 12, 1955.

18 Persons Killed In Hotel Fire On Chicago Skid Row Early Today

Declares Red Threats Bluff To Take Isles Sen. Smith Warns Threats Bluff To Take Key Islands WASHINGTON (INS) — Sen. H. Alexander Smith (R-N. J.) said today that Red China’s "liberate Formosa” campaign is a “bluff” designed to disguise its plan to capture Quemoy and Matsu islands without a fight. Smith, former chairman of the senate far east foreign relations subcommittee, declared in an interview that he believe the Peiping regime would accept a ceasefire in the Formosa straits in exchange for the offshore islands. He* added, however, that the U. S. should “stand firm” arid not resort to “appeasement" in dealing with the Communists. “If we stand firm,” he said, 4ie is certain the British will support the U. S. Smith also came to the defense of Chinese Nationalist foreign minister George Yeh who claimed he was “misquoted" on a statement concerning U. S. policy on Formosa. Yeh was quoted Thursday as saying the U. S. had agreed to defend “all the offshore islands,” including Quemoy and Matsu. Friday, as he boarded an airplane en route to Formosa, he said he was "misquoted.” Smith said he was sure there was a "mistake in interpretation” of Yeh’s comments on the U. S.Formosa mutual defense treaty. Yeh explained that while he felt Quemoy and Matsu were "within the scope” of the Formosa defense zone, and that he “hopes” the U. S. will defend them, the decision is an American matter, resting in the President's hands. Yeh emphasized that the Nationalists’ “major goal” remains the “liberation of the Chinese mainland" from the Communists. A high U. S. official on Formosa told newsmen that President Eisenhower had given Nationalist President Chiang Kai-Shek certain “assurances" concerning the defense of Quemoy and Matsu, but that the details were "top secret". In the senate Friday, Sen. Wayne Morse (Ind.-Ore.) challenged Mr. Eisenhower to say whether the Chinese Nationalists (Continued on Page Blx)

Appreciation Day For Korean Vets Feb. 20

Appreciation day for the Korean war veterans will be observed by Adams county with a special service at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Feb. 20, at the Decatur high school gym. This day was recently set aside by the Adams county commissioners for this service. All men and women from the county who were in the armed forces from June 25, 1950 to date have been invited to attend, and the public is welcome to be present. Edward H. Kruse, Jr., Fort Wayne attorney and former fourth district congressman, will be the principal speaker. A certificate of appreciation will be presented to each veteran. The appreciation day committee is headed by the Rev. Otto C. Busse, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran church at Preble and former chaplain of the Indiana department, American Legion, and Hugh J. Andrews, Decatur high school principal and member of the county selective service board. Following U a list of Korean veterans of the county (in event any names have been inadvertently missed, the fact is to be reported to the selective service board in Decatur): Abraham, Charles Wilke Adams, Joseph Eugene Affolder, Howard Affolder, Loren

Hoosiers Promised Break In Cold Snap Temperatures Rise Slowly Above Zero INDIANAPOLIS (INS) — Indiana temperatures rose slowly above zero today after a predicted . temperature of 10 to 15 degrees below zero failed to mature Friday night. ' lowest mark at Indianapolis was one below, compared to five below the night before. Fort Wayne reported two below. The Indianapolis weather bureau predicted fair and warmer for Sunday. Main Indiana highways were reported passable today but there were many slick spots. However, the death toll from the cold wave had reached nine today and there were many nonfatal accidents, school closings and threats to crops. ’ Earl F. Loser, 42, and Thomas J. Wesley, 38, of Chesterton, were killed when a New York Central railroad express train struck their automobile at. a Chesterton crossing. Sara King, 26, of Rochester, met death when her car was struck by a Nickel Plate railroad train at a crossing on Road 331 in Marshall county. Edward F. Vaillancour, 48, of Lorain, 0., died of a heart attack while trying to help push stranded motorists out of a ditch five miles west of South Bend. A seven-months old baby, Rickey A. McHale, of River Haven, Fort Wayne suburb, was burned to death at; the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William MeKale. Many thousands of motorists were stalled on the snow-covered roads and thousands of others were unable to start their automobiles, , - Fears were expressed for the wheat and peach crops, but Purdue University authorities said most crops were in a dormant state and were not too much in danger. The snow and cold closed rural schools in LaPorte and Porter counties. INDIANA WEATHER Fair and continued cold tonight. Sunday fair and warmer. Low tonight 5 above to 5 below north, zero to 8 above south. High expected Sunday 14-18. — ■ ,

Ahr, James Albert Allen, Clyde Richard 1 Allspaw, Earl Wesley Amstutx, Valier Grant Andrews, Albert Louis Andrews, Max Franklin Arnold, Billy Leßoy Arnold, Lawren Keith Arnold, Robert Arnold, Warren Kenneth August. Robert Lewis Backhaus, Lester Arno Bailer, Adam Roland Bailey, Leo Merlin Bailey, William Andrew Baker, Eugene Carl Balsiger, Herman Lou Barkley, David Alpha Barnett, Jay Franklin Bassett, James Ralph Baumgartner, Harry Herman Baumgartner, Paul Lloyd Baumgartner. Richard Lee Bausser, Dailey Eugene Baxter, (Robert Gene Bayles, Thomas K Bebout, Harold Richard Bebout, Robert Edward ' Becker. William James Beitler, Luther Paul Beitler, Robert Lee- -— - - Bergman, John Wesley Bernstein, Kenneth Moore Bieberich, Donald Leßoy Bieberich, Robert Louis Bixler, Merlin Eugene Bleeke, Norbert Leßoy Bleeke, Vernand Blocker, Norris Gene QOontlnued on Page Four)

Two-Thirds Os Nation Gripped By Arctic Cold Report Warming Air Moving Eastward, May Bring Relief (By International News Service) An icy grip of Arctic cold covered two-thirds of the country today but relief was in sight from the intense winter blast. Warming air was reported moving eastward from the northern Rockies and is expected to arrive in Minnesota and the upper Great Lakes by Sunday. Meanwhile, fitter cold air engulfed the nation from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rocky Mountains to th Atlantic Coast. The giant freeze extended southward to the Gulf coast in some places and a short distance inland readings were in the 20s. Florida listed startling temperature drops since Friday Afternoon because of the cold wave. At Miami, the temperature fell from a high of 80 degrees Friday to 46 early today. It was still dropping. A vigorous storm was centered in northeastern Maine. It brought heavy rain and snow over much of the northeast. Other parts of New England reported gale winds, enow squalls and rapidly falling temperatures. The coldest spot in the country was through the northern plains where temperatures were around 20 below. Bismarck, N.D., was the cold spot with 24 below early today. The Far West and the Rockies continued to have cloudy skies in the north burKir _ weatßer“iM>uffi. Temperatures showed little change. Los Angeles reported a warm 58 early today and expected a high of 70.

The cold weatner was blamed for the derailment of a Great Northern passenger train near Sauk Centre, Minn., Friday night tn which 40 persons were injured, none of them seriously. It was 14 degrees below zero at the time and the extreme cold broke a rail, derailing the crack train, the Western Star. The extreme cold threatened to cause huge damage to Florida citrus trees. Smudge pots were used-throughout the night in order to ward off falling temperatures. Mayor Chairman Os Crusade For Freedom Radio Free Europe Supported By Fund Mayor John Doan has been named chairman for Adams county of the annual Crusade for Freedom drive which starts today and ends on Washington’s birthday, February 22. The drive, which supports Radio Free Europe, will seek to raise $15,000 in Indiana. All of the funds go toward sending messages of encouragement through the iron curtain to those people in Communist countries who still desire the freedom which prevails in America and part of Europe. The annual drive for funds is a project of the American Heritage Foundation and Henry Ford II is board chairman of the national organization. Walter Bedell Smith is president Fred C. Tucker, head of the Tucker Realty Co. in Indianapolis/ is state chairman of the 1955 drive. With the state quota so low. Mayor Doan, ’in accepting" the county chairmanship, pointed out that it would only be necessary to raise about $175 in each Indiana county. Last year Adams county citizens responded well to the crusade’s drive.

Passengers Escape Injury In Wreck Crack Passenger Train Is Derailed AUGUSTA, Me. (INS) — The more than 100 passengers who survived the derailment of the crack Pine Tree Limited on a desolate stretch of track five miles north of Augusta, were evacuated today as work crews were rushed to the task of clearing the Boston and Maine railroad rails. Relief trains were sent to the scene from Waterville and Augusta after word was received that only four of the 114 persons who were tossed about like tenpins appeared to. have been seriously hurt. State Police Lt Norman Hamilton, one of the first rescuers to reach the shelf of earth above the Kennebec river where torrential rains washd out ’3O feet of track, and caused the wreck, identified one of the injured as Mrs. Alta Cox, 61, of Jonesboro, Me. She was taken to Waterville aboard another train and taken back to Augusta, where they were transferred to Augusta general hospital for treatment. Hospital officials declined to disclose their names immediately. When the relief trains arrived it was discovered that some of the passengers, not content to wait, had hiked out to tke main road, a mile and a half across rain-soaked fields, and hitched rides. Washington Traffic Snarled By Storm ‘ WASHINGTON (INS) —Washington Is recovering today from a suddeif wind - whipped, two-inch snowfall that snarley homebound trawc for Hours last night. At the rush hour Friday night, scores of autos moved bumper-to-bumper in the downtown area, and at one time street cars were lined ten deep on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Eisenhower Lauds Abraham Lincoln Exemplifies U. S. Battle For Freedom THOMASVILLE, Ga. (INS) — President Eisenhower said in a Lincoln Day statement today that the civil war President exemplifies America's cause in the worldwide struggle between "freedom and tyranny.” Mr. Eisenhower paid tribute to the first Republican president id a message issued from Thomasville, Ga., where he is spending a quail-hunting holiday. / He declared: “In the present worldwide struggle between freedom and tyranny, Lincoln exemplifies the cause of America by his faith in the individual man and woman; by his devotion to the concept that they are in fact endowed with liberty and inalienable rights; by his high resolution that 'government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth’. "The greatness of the Republican party is, and will be, measured by the intensity of its devotion to the faith of Lincoln. “For all America, this year’s observance of Lincoln Day should renew our determination to uphold the historic freedoms upon which our progress, security, and happiness as a nation continue to depend.” President Eisenhower planned to try his luck at quail-hunting again today on the Milestone plantation of Treasury Secretary George M. Humphrey, where he and the first lady are weekend guests. Chill, rainy weather and high winds kept the hunters from bagging any birds Friday, but prospects were for favorable conditions today.

Five Cents

Others Feared Dead In Hotel On Skid Row Fire Is Believed Started By Human —Torch Early Today CHICAGO (INS) — Eighteen persons perished in a hotel fire—believed touched off by a “human torch"—on Chicago’s skid row early today and firemen fear additional victims may be found in the ruins. Six hours after the extra alarm blaze turned the ancient Barton hotel into a mass of flames, firemen probed the debris of the structure on the edge of Chicago’s loop for possible other victims. Firemen said 18 bodies have been recovered from the still smoldering cheap, crowded hotel where 245 skid row habitues rented shoddy oubby-hole sleeping booths at from 65 to 85 cents for the night in order to escape subzero cold. “rt;-. The majority of the “forgotten men," who fled the West Madison street hotel groped their way to safety though ..half - blinded by smoke and after-effects of cheap whisky. The Barton hotel, offered 566 partitioned sleeping quarters for the destitute, broken down men ' who go to skid row to drink and. be forgotten and to dream about what great persons they could* have been if they had not met with misfortune. It offered bargain rates for a night’s lodging, beginning at 65 cents, 75 cents and 85 cents. Its address waa'a familiar one to poor derelicts who seek to hide — 650 W. Madison St. — Vor many it was a pyre. Forthe others it was a nightmare. " The latest count showed 13 injured but a large number of those who managed to escape were overcome by smoke. They were treated at the nearby Harbor Light—a Salvation Army mission on the street of broken dreams. The identity of the dead and injured was difficult. Some had used false names and forged social security cards. Their names may never be known. One man who was injured was found sitting in a chair on the third floor of the building after the blaze was extinguished. It was not known if he would survive. One-sixth of the cityjs fire-fight-ing equipment was ordered to the scene. Icy hoses were tangled over the snow-covered streets. Weary firemen, their outer garments coated with ice, battled to control the towering flames. Firemen tried unsuccessfully to - ? enter the blazing structure several times. Once a huge wall of fire burst ,at them as they reached the third floor. It forced them to retreat. A short while later portions of that floor caved in. It was not determined if any persons died at that time. The building housing the hotel Is five stories high. On the first floor are business establishments catering to the demands of men from the street of broken dreams. The fire reportedly started Ina second floor cubicle occupied by Joe Aramatzo, 70, a cripple, who was in the habit of massaging rubbing alcohol on his numb legs. Charles Toms, 34, who “lived” in a nearby sleeping area, said he heard Aramatzo scream and stagger toward the door. "His naked body was covered with flames and he looked like a human torch," said Toms. Toms said he dragged the 70-year-old man into the hall and tried to smother the flaiftes with his hands. He was unsuccessful and he thought next of the other occupants of the hotel and shouted, "fire!” When the frightened men began fleeing from the building the elec- . . (Continued on Page Six) NOON EDITION