The Mercury from Pottstown, Pennsylvania • Page 1

ASJ70L75 COCK I I r. STS 13, A 2 Fine Cleaning Service ROTH Just 2120 A otisuuvvii VOL. 17, NO. ASSOCIATES? PRESS CENTRAL PRESS TELEPHONE 22g3 POTTSTOWN, WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 1947 ASSOCIATED PRESS CSNT3AL PRESS THREE CENT-? A COPY FIFTEEN' CENTS A WEEK eneral Electric, Sears Roebuck lash Prices in War on Inflation 1947 Was Big Year for Four Sisters i I A A I OMIHLUU LIOIO ONE-THIRD GUT ON SOME ITEMS Home Appliances Affected By GE Move; Snyder Hails Break in Spiral Sy The Associated Press The General Electric company yesterday announced price reductions affecting many home appliances the first break in the price spiral by a major manufacturer Continuing the same vein. Scars Roebuck and company last nisht in Chicago announced it has trailed out a regular mid-Winter sales book listing; price reductions i-P 10 20 and 33 percent in some merchandise.

A spokesman for the big mail order house declined to predict, bow ever; the trend of prices in bears' regular 1948 Spring and Summer catalog, due in about ten days Charles E. Wilson, GE president, told a news conference that the price drop, ranging from 3 to 10 percent, is effective Jan. 1 and will affect about 40 percent of the company's total business. Secretarv of the Treasury Snyder and Dr. Edwin G.

Nourse, chairman of the President's council of economic advisers, hailed General Electric's price cuts last night as a i a anti-inflationary move. Both expressed the hope other producers would follow the example. Refrigerators, ranges home jadio and television receivers, are among the General Electric product? affected. No price reductions in electric light bulbs was announced. Expressing the belief that industry must take the initiative In reversing the Wilson said Genera! Electric also is reducing prices of component parts, which it supplies to other appliance manufacturers.

Declaring that the price cuts represent a savings of $50,000,000 annually at the consumers' level, Wilson added: "It is not done to stimulate bnsmess. These reductions come at the time of the company's greatest demand for the goods involved. We could sell in many lines twice what we can produce and it should be so for many months." The Sears sales book the mid-Winter sale "one of tne greatest money saving events (Continued on Page Five) i in micnaet Resigns ii nmmmio Ruler of Romania BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec. 30 (AP)-- Young King Michael announced his abdication to a bewildered populace today, and- government promptly Romania a Hew County Officers To Be Sworn In at Ceremony Monday By Staff Correspondent XGBRISTOWN. Dec.

30 --Newly- electod Montgomery county officials be inducted into office next Monday at exercises scheduled for 11 a. m. in at the courthouse. President Judge Harold Knight, of the Common Pleas court, will administer the oath of office after he has been sworn for ar-other ten- year term by Judge William F. Dannehower.

Following the exercises, each of the new officials will be given a framed certificate to hang on the uall of his office. All but two of the row officers are incumbents. The newcomers arc E. Arnold Forrest, of Con- shr-hocken. district attorney, and Samuel H.

Wilson, of Abington, treasurer. The arc: President Judge Burnett Holland, of Upper Menon, Orphans court: County Commissioners Fred C. Peters. Ardmore; Foster C- Hillegass. Penns'ourg.

and Raymond K. Mensch, Gilbertsville: Sheriff Samuel M. Glass. Whitemarsh; Clerk Courts Houls qe Mormon: Coroner W. J.

Rushong. Norristown: Recorder of Deeds John H. Marshall, Cheltenham: Register of Wills Mary Becrer. Norristown: Controller A. Lafore.

Lnwer Menon, and Surveyor Keibert H. Mets, Lansdale- THE WEATHER For Eastern Pennsylvania: Cloudy snd not so cold toddy. Tomorrow mostly cloudy and slightly colder followed by some rain or sleet. 34 Mercury 1 Antics High Low TEMPERATURE EXTREMES Local temperatures yesterday and early this morning were: a. m.

.20 .19 .18 .17 4 m. 5 p. m. 6 7 p. m.

8 p. 9 p. m. 6 a. 7 ci.

ni. 8 R. m. 9 ft. 10 ft.

m. in 5. rn. 11 jn 21 p. m.

12 24 12 p. m. 1 p. 27 i a m. 2 p.

11 2 a m. a 32 3 ft m. democratic republic." A member of the government said the 26-year-old former monarch was now free UD live in Romania and marry Princess Anne of bon-Parma and Denmark, but the I king abdication proclamation said he was resigning the thtone be- 1 cause a monarchy no longer cided with the "great political, PCO- nomic and social changes" in Communist-dominated land. The people in the streets as nrll as parliamentarians remained in the dark as to whether romance or politics actually had played the deciding- factor in the behind-the-scenes decision. A high government source said Michael "probably will" marry the 24-year-old Princess Anne and may go to Switzerland soon to meet her.

He said Michael was free to "settle down" in Romania or elsewhere. It was in Switzerland that Michael spent more than two weeks recently awaiting in vain for his govern- rnent's permission to marry the blonde princess. (Official British sources in London said the abdication "obviously removes the last obstacle i i-. RED SATELLITES ON GREEK STATE a i of Leftists Disregard U. Stand, Secretary Lovett Says WASHINGTON.

Dec. 30 (AP) T-- The United States warned Russia's Balkan satel- in the way of a new east European dictatorship." Diplomatic authorities in Washington said Michael had been a on some Communist actions in Romania.) The 26-year-old king's abdication was signed at 3 p. m. and read over the radio a few minutes before 4:4,5 p. m.

Three hours later the Romanian parliament, by unanimous vote of 256 deputies present, abolished the old monarchial constitution and ratified the government's proclamation of a republic. By the same vote the parliament approved the creation of a praesidrum on the Soviet model The present chamber win continue in office until a constituent as(Continued on Pare Five) 2 Convicts Caught, 10 Free After Break in Colorado CANON CITY, Colo, Dec. 30 (AP)--Two of 12 hardened criminals who broke out of the Colorado state prison tonight were recaptured as scores of officers battled through a raging snow storm to stop a bloody outburst of shootings, sluggings and kidnapings following: the mass escape. Warden Roy Best said George Trujillo. 23, and Billy Prank New, 21, were caught at a ranch six miles south of Canon City after shooting in which Guard 3, was wounded in the head and Rancher A.

M. Smith, 52, suffered a severe wound in the right arm. The son of Smith, Joe, 17. who had been held hostage by the prisoners was freed unharmed, Best said. Four guards approached the ranch after they discovered tracks the snow, Best said, and found the two prisoners walking with Smith and his son in front of them.

The guards deployed and Yeo attempted to shoot the prisoner holding the elder Smith, Best said, but bullet struck Smith in the arm. The convict returned the lire and wounded Yeo in the head. Mrs. Lonnie Higgins, the wife of a prison farm caretaker, was reported in critical condition after she was slugged by two of the prisoners, one of whom was wearing; the uniform of penitentiary guard. Guard Winston Williams was reported missing after the felons broke from cell block No.

6 and Best said he feared Williams was a hostage The two prisoners who attacked Mrs. Higgins are trapped in the ranch house seven miles east of Canon City, Another group of three es- cr.pees forced their way into the residence of Mrs. Pearl N. Green, three blocks from the prison north gate and ordered her outside to her automobile. Under their threats, she attempted to start the car but was unsuccessful.

The convicts then fled. Best described the convicts Wallace Plan Puts U. N. in Conlrol of European Rebuilding MILWAUKEE. Dec.

30 UP)--In- depen'dent Presidential Candidate Henry proposed tonight a seven-point "Wallace financed 'by all nations "possessed of the means" and administered by the United Nations, to rehabilitate the nations of Europe. Wallace, who last night announced he would be a candidate for the presidency as an independent, said his plan "will guarantee that it is not directed against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty and chaos." The "Wallace plan" includes: 1. A proposal from the U. S. to the United Nations for the establishment of a 13.

N. reconstruction fund. 2. Administration of the fund by an agency of the U. N.

established for that purpose. 3. The fund' to be "made up of contributions appropriated by our Congress and other nations possessed of the means in an amount sufficient to finance an over-all five- year plan." 4. Priority in the allocation of funds to be to those nations "which suffered most severely from Axis aggression." with such allocations "based solely on these considerations of merit and need without regard to the character of the (Continued on Page Five) that any move to recognize the Greek "free state' 1 proclaimed by Communist guerillas would flout the will of the United Nations assembly. Undersecretary of State Robert A.

Lovett said that any such action would "serious implications" and added that wnat the United States might do would depend on en cumstances. He told a news conference that the American missjon in Greece has. under constant consideration the question of diverting more American aid funds from economic purposes to supplying equipment to the Greek ao-tny. The warning against diplomatic lecogni.tion was given in a sharply-worded statement which was the first official United States reaction to the proclamation of the guerilla rump state. It was directed at foreign nations in general, with particular reference to Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria, to whose borders with Greece the U.

N. assembly -dispatched a special Balkan watch commission this Fall. 'The claim of certain Communist guerilla they have established at some unknown point a 'first provisional democratic government free Greece' is a transparent device the true purpose of which will be clear to everyone," the statement said. "It is familiar effort of ments to overthrow the legitimate and recognized Greek government ajid to threaten territorial integrity and political independence of Greece. It came as no surprise.

In itself, it not materially change the existing situation. "But if other countries were to recognize the group, this step would have serious implications. It (Continued on rage UNION LEADERS SAY '48 LOOKS Full Employment, Few Disputes Are Predicted; nope ion op in Knees --Mercury Staff Photo Production was generally good in 1947, but in the local baby field it was outstanding. Four sisters became mothers the" past year, the babies being orn in Memorial hospital. Siarting at the bottom and reading clockwise, they are Mrs.

Dominic Paolucci. 829 Glasgow street, with her son Joseph, born Aug. 22; Mrs. Joseph Ross 438 Walnut street, holding her son Joseph, born Oct. 19; Mrs.

Louis Vanore, 550 East Race street, Stowe, and her daughter Barbara Ann. who came along March 25, and Mrs. John Dolhanczyk, 601 East Vine street, Stowe, with her son John born June 28. only a phkse the Highly-Rated Course for Teachers Lost to Schools in Cordt Dismissal CAA Grants 13 Million For Airport improvement WASHINGTON. Dec.

30 (3)--The Ciul Aeronautics administration announced today allocation of $13,351,751 for state, county and municipal airport improvement in the year ending tomorrow. A total of 131 communities shared in the grants. iPotfcstown. Pa was not included.) The agency has an additional $56,745,249 for distribution between Jan. 1 and July 1.

end of the 1948 fiscal year. Allocation of die full $70,097,000 program for the 1947 and 1948 fiscal years previously was announced by states. Congress has authorized a By FEANK DOST At, Staff Writer) First Article of a Series Pottstown grade schools will start the New Year -with the loss of an eight-year-old teacher training project had boosted their scholastic level and reputation throughout the State, it was revealed yesterday. The loss was directly occasioned by a recent decision of the Pottstown school board to dispense with the sendees of Dr. Anna Cordts, Rutgers university education expert.

Dr. Cordts' methods of leaching reading and the cost of her services had been assailed by the Democratic party during the pre-election campaign on the grounds that S1500 per year for a reading teacher was exorbitant. No mention was made, how- ever, that in addition to teaching' her reading methods, Dr Cordts also was conducting a teacher train- ft ing course in the classroom. It brought the most modern developments in education directly to Pottstown school children and their teacheis. The training program began eight years ago when it was recognized, after working with English, arithmetic, history and geography, that little could be done to improve the children's learning in any suoject When is Glass of Beer Full! Question Poses Point for Argument at Assault Case Hearing The question of how full a glass of beer should be emerged as the starting point for an assault and battery hearing last nieht with Nicholas Korcn.

54. YMCA build- 000000 nation-wide, seven-year air- ing. prosecuting James Machain. 30, poit improvement program, but 12 South Hanover street, propri- thus far has appropriated only etor of the Wallace cafe at the 097.000 Except for land acquisition same address the Federal government will match Koren told Justice of the Peace state or local government funds i Raymond G. Kelley.

Second Ward, dollar-for-dollar. that he had ordered a glass of beer at the cafe at about 8:30 o'clock, Dec. 20. He charged that Korcn served him and William Henley. 1103 South street, "two half brers." Koren testified that, this conversation followed: Koren: "Fill 'em "Rlachauv "Don't you Lkr i Koren: According to Koren.

Macham (Continued rn JPacre Five) until their ability to read was, improved. To this end. weekly visits by Dr. Cordts were begun. She placed initial emphasis on development of reading- skills and techniques, which acted as a factor in onnging up the level of work other subjects.

With teachers trained in basic reading techniques. Dr. Cordts was asked to bring- the latest methods ft the teaching of history, and then geography, in the elementary schools. Under her system, the children were not tolrf to study a lesson, but taught how to study it to lertrn the most from it. As the scope of her teaching techniques widened, she was called upon for refresher couises in reading, to train new teachers entering the schools, and finallv.

to reorganize the teaching of English in the school district. In addition to all these other courses this year she in the midst of developing- teaching techniques among the teachers for a course in social studies when she was notified of the school board's decision. At the beginning of her work in Pottstoun, Dr. Coiats was faced with the pioblem of training veteran teachers in the new method and with some opposition from paien.s who believed their children co lid not learn tinder her tech- n.ques She has since been ac- CMimcd by the teachers and the records of the children SHOT, i.D'A wdl trier have learned. Tne level system grading stu- (Contimied on Pace Five) Bv FKED Writer) Pottstown labor leaders predicted last nignc that 1948 v-ould see plenty of jobs here and few labor disputes.

They a'so supported Mon- Q3'. 's bv boroush business ieaciers oil" ITew year "oT'ssne-" ral prosperity. about th question whether the high cost of living would drop were they reluctant to return a cheering answer. To 'this question, union men made only tbe unanimous an, swer, "We hope so." Here's how the situation looks to union leaders in tour representative industries: Stanley G. Flaggr company-James Corum, president of Local 2326.

United Steelworkers, declared, "I feel strongly that the incoming year will be a prosperous one. We had very gooa. labor relations the past few years, and look for a continuance of the same." About the high-prices question. Corum said. 'If there should be any confusion or trouble next year, it will hinge on that." He added that the aierage labor leader wanted price drops more than wage boosts.

He said he was hopeful of prices falling, and said -if there was a 20 percent rollback, wouldn't even ask for any gen- eial increases next year." Bethlehem Steel-- J. Alfred Marquet, president of Local 2177, USW, asserted. "Right now the outlook is very good." He said that most men are on overtime, with a 48-hour week a common thing. "We're even working New Year's Day," he added, "so you can see we're really pounds ing out the steel He foresaw a year of peaceful labor relations. There may be a move for "some wage adjustments" he said, since "all indications point to our asking for a meeting; April 1 in Nfcw York." The steelmen's contract may be re-opened any time after April 30.

he added. Clothing- Workers i Willauer, 'secretary of Local 138 Amalgamated. 1 Corkers, which covers four area said, "I think it will be prosperous year." He said, as far as employment goes. "I think it will grow; job opportunities here are He said it was doubtful whether overtime would be a general tiling in 1948 but there would be occasional spurts of it. The local clothing industries he said, would probably turn from export orders toward making more for this country.

"As far as local wages go," he said, "they could stand a little upward pressure." "but added he was not alarmed by prices in this section. He foresaw no labor, tronbte in his industry since the nnion's contract has another four years (Continued on Page Five) New Contributors To 'Nancy Fund' Acknowledged previously ...57614.92 Employes. a Products Corporation 25.00 Xo Name 1.QO 1.00 Mary Ellen, Pottstown 2.00 Total S7643.92 "all bad hombres the have in the prison as i worst we Hariensfine Given Kiwanis Club Gave! Officers of the Pottetown Ki- anis club for 1948 were installed in ceremonies held last night in the Elks home. Carroll L. Rulfcer.

past piesident, was in charge of the rites as John Hartenstine Jr hpcfu-ne president, succeeding Dr. Karl R. Stone, and the following officers also were sworn Harrv W. Burdan. first vice president: A.

Ralph Thomas, second vice president: Whitney A. Sanders, secretary, and G. E. Zollers. Carson Potrer.

Stanley I. Davenpart and Wilham A. Shaner. directors. Ammon G.

Rornicn took office for his consecutive' year as Kiwanis treasurer. The 65 Kiwanians also voted on their project, for 1948. deciding to give financial suport to the war memorial Manatawny park. 1947 NEWS HAD ITS UPS AND DOWNS Wentzel Trial, Borough Garbage Plan Stole Spotlight ...34 ...34 ...33 ...32 ...31 ...31 ...31 ...31 ...31 31 ...31 ...32 Open New Year's Day. Catherine and Raymond Shenk, Swamp Hotel.

Free Hoedown and Modern Dancing Fri. night at 8--Frcese Maiket Chamber of Commerce please vote by Friday, Jan. 2. YoungTTurkeyY Now For Sal? Laurel Locks Farms. Phone 427-J.

Levengood's Cup, Charlotte and Prospect. Ice Cream. Frozen Foods. skating af Pruss Hill darn. Refreshments.

Dine DanciJTHarry'iFBar." Sanatoga Kosak Bros. Cooper's Beer. P. 1935-W By HARRY TOLAXP fMercury Staff Writer) 1947 snrglcs down the dram and the mexoracle hard of Time turns on the faucet for 1948. it should be rewarding to see what rings 1947 left in tne tub.

As have been years since his- toi ao was 1947. Hatchet murderers on hatchet mur-, dcrmsr. a i fiends kppt i 11 z. baoy(, i beaters ol cd their trade. Bjsine.

1 as I usual, you might saj But. as always, the year had its differences to distinguish it. These were some of the highlights a lights: By all odds the Wenwel trial, roniiction. and lalrr release on bail took the blue iibbon a 1 npws. Starting with t'np formal charge on Jan.

7, the ca-c did not altogether leave thp neus i Nov. led. He was freed on $15,000 bail the ribbon on 65 years of amalga- 24 when the decision on orsuments ft VP days a i mated i The next i J. Roscr Mover In one week buiter chopped 18 took over the leins of the New to a "good old dav.s" of 67 Hanover Grange. cents a pound, but rose 3 cents on On Jan.

16, and Mrs. David Feb. 7 when, it was explained, the Gerald Wcntzcl for arrest of judgment was deferred bv three Montgomery county judges. Possibly the next most significant story was the adoption of municipal garoage collection on No'v. 25 after i Bechtel, 305 Cheytnu years of hope by Pottstomans that triS irjecisu.t; nictuf law.

It would be impossible to srade other news for interest. But is safe to say that for ycar- 'round drawing riid TIP wcatner. it has been sinrc tne Ire Age. cannot be beaten. 1947 proven no exception.

Although your piooably has been excluded, these of the be.st yarns 1547 pioducec" The New Year started quietly with Pottstown under .1 inches of snow. Three dajs later teachers of West Potlsgrove school made track? through it as they stagerf a one-day strike for higher After questioning. Geiald Wentze! was with murder of Miriam GTOM on Jan 7, a month a her 1 nu body had been found strang- street, tied chilliness of the cows cut their It was February. Then the snows came. Remember? i created a demand an 1 spu alec mice.

Onli a fie deaths of Anna Bi.veriown. Ctrl A Spaatz mother, or. Jan 16. ana Benn.e lannuzzi. re tAura.eir.

famous for his spaghetti The Pottstown hospital, re- turned babies off a "embh line on Jan. 18, believed it to he a record. As 29 -cord. Wer.tzei dictca a-, tr.e grand jury for the n- i ei. On Fco.

2 1SOO "rnrkers sraite" a wask-ou: and SAW hi? shadow fore! bocir.i, rne 1-degree weather to come'four dsys later. Tout-hmff off a long chair, of woe, 32 Pott stown owners ap- ta" re-assessment? on their Jvildsncs en Feb. 10 and the same day both local ilieaters dec ded to tfsf i boroughs orri. in couit. i In hu.sn of a bl.v.kv-': 1 of MIOW Frb.

20 21. i on I-ITT) Golden Guernsey Milk. Phone 584 for delivery. Cail 3830. Fegely Son, 38 High St.

Now open at 17 Chas. Longacre, Jeweler, form'ly in Arcade. I Assorted Colors RytexTM Printed i Stationery. Mercury Office. Chamber of Commerce Members please vote bv Friday, Jan 2.

Open New Year's. a m. to Mid. Howard Johnson 1500 High. Dr.

Alice E. Shcppard will be out Dr. Louis Markowjt-z, Dentist. No of town Dec. 30, 31 and Jan.

1. 1 office hours until Friday, Jan. 2. Plan your New Year's party at I See Poftstown Business School Howard Johnson's, 1500 High St. hdverusemrni, on Pago TCP Skater "sharpened Jonn Don, 10 rsnious Bramb Race stieet, Stowa.

i a A SmiUi, Beer Disi. Ph. Phvsical Tbcrapv Treatment 1 I Open New Yea; Day. ph. 694-R-4 J.

R. Andre. 415 M. York. Ph 387-R for reservations.

Blossom Restaurant Phone 276'J-J. Chamber of Commerce Members John M. Johnson, 149 Hich, 2d il. pl by Inn 2 Eye "Examination. West Eve.

Dr. Philips. Optometrist 340 High i Rob Epp.s orch. onlv. 10 Mack, phone 344')-j 6 to 10.

Canning's Store. Sears Returns to His Office With Ankle in a Cast Borough Manager Dow I. Sears returned to his borough hall office with his nghr, ankle in a cast and a metal rocker bound to the bottom of his foot; Sears oroke a bone in the anklr when he slipped and on the ice at High and Manatswny streets the past Friday but did not he had suffered anjfl'inc wort." 'ban a twisted ankle until X-ray revealed the fracrr.rc 'I'll hair this rh.r.r on rh- next six weeks." he glancms: at tac nietsl on the heavy around ankle and tne caij trm h.s constant companion until the bone -ON THE- MAIN DRAG MARILYN TAGLIEBETT 1 gree'inr on 3. JOSEPH OLOIAN rer.ia-vir.:: cnainc from his car. KAY KOOIEKCK a MRS.

CH TOWEKS fTitnUoias'iC o' FREDA E. GI.O^S o.sappc.ntea rn IV BOB ROBERT 'o i i phone D'VYE COUXDGE mat. YIPS fi5 ALVA STAMM i near apron, MRS. EDGAR io ch -IWSPAPKR!.