Alton Evening Telegraph from Alton, Illinois • Page 1

River Stages W. Bureau 7 ft. m. Zero 385 4A Stage 1.2 Ft. Rise .49 Ft.

SeiLevelTa. ett Lock Duo Pool 418.62 Tailwftter 396.68 ALTON EVENING TELEGRAPH Established January IS, 1836. Vol. CXIII, No. 125 ALTON, TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1948 Member of The Associated Press.

5c Per Copy. Weather Forecast Cooler, Lowest Wednesday 60 May Tops Year In Permits for New Dwellings 18 Projects, at Estimated Cost of 97 This Year Father Crosson Presented With Purse by Parishioners May was the to'p point, thus far this year, in the number of projects for new homes In Alton. The monthly report of the city building commissioner, M. F. Whitten, shows 18 permits were Issued for the erection of dwellings, at aggregate cost of $120,700.

The May showing compares with 17 permits for homes to estimated cost of $90,200 in March; and 16 permits for houses to value of $107,150 in April. Excepting for private garages, dwelling permits covered the only new construction projected here In May. Six permits for garages to aggregate' estimated cost of $7700 were granted. And the total of new construction projected under 23 permits had estimated cost of $128,400. May was the first month since January when no new business nor institutional buildings were undertaken here.

All told, 97 permits the larg- Tax Payments Total $320,000 in First 10 Days est number this granted for building work in May, and aggregate estimated cost was $194,231. Total fees earned for the city by the permits was $868.25. Sixty permits were granted for alterations, additions, or repairs to residential buildings, 5 permits for like work on business or industrial structures, $22,300. Three permits covered demolition of as many buildings, cost being indicated at $1300; and 5 Installation permits for erection of signs to total of $2300. Thus far in 1948, records of the city building department show, 62 permits for new dwellings have been granted.

Their aggregate estimated construction cost, exclusive of lot values and service installations, is $372,550, or an average of $6000 a dwelling. In the opening five months of 1947 a total of 45 permits for new homes to estimated cost of $235,330 were issued, average cost being $5230. Thus both in number and the amount of investment, home building this year is running far ahead of last year, which set a home building top for almost two decades. Higher average cost of dwellings this year is ascribed mainly to the building of many larger and finer homes than were to be found in last year's listing, with further advances in construction costs being merely a secondary factor in the monetary show- Ing. New industrial construction thus far this year is running far behind last year, no large projects for new structures having been advanced to permit stage.

With another big tax paying day, Monday, the Alton township collection for the first ten days moved up to $302,039.33, it was announced today at the City Hall office of Collector Krug. Mrs. Irene Harmon, deputy collector, said today that Monday was one of the busiest that the clerks in the tax office have experienced. There was a great inflow of moderate-sized payments that were received from hundreds of callers. Payments over the counter yesterday, she said, amounted to $38,073.

In addition $6239 was received by mail, and was entered on the books after the office closed at 5 p. m. Saturday's half-day collections were close to $20,000 and about $62,000 In all received over the two days. Today there was a fairly steady flow of taxpayers in the forenoon, and another large batch of envelopes, all presumably contlning checks, was received by mall. Total charged on the Alton collector's books this year Is $1,136,342.

If present scale of payments continues, one-third of the total should have been received by Wednesday night. Two weeks more remain in which to pay taxes here. The collector will.close his office June 22, it has been announced. Senate Votes To Let Army Enlist Aliens WASHINGTON, June 8. The Senate voted today to let the army enlist 25,000 aliens.

2 Sailors Hurl In Ship Brawl HONOLULU, June 8 (JP) Two sailors were wounded, one seriously, aboard the liberty ship Angus McDonald in the climax of a seamen's brawl last night. The McDonald had been in the harbor barely 10 minutes. The shooting occurred as it was try- Ing to dock. The freighter, enroute to Mobile, had turned back to port after Capt. O.

L. Snodgress radioed 1o the coast guard he had an "uncontrollable" crew. He was advised that an investigation could be made only if he put into' port. The wounded men are James L. Baptiste, 35, Algiers, pantry- man shot in the chest, and Willie Grover, 49, steward, St.

Petersburg, shot in the left arm, kicked and beaten. Both were taken to the army's Tripler General Hospital. The trouble started shortly after the ship cleared Diamond Head, just out of port. Capt. Snodgrass told LI.

Cmdr. T. K. Whitelaw and other coast guard officers that Third Mate Joseph C. Bourdeaux, 23, of Reserve, reported drunk for duty.

Then, coast guard investigators said, the trouble developed as follows: Bourdeaux was ordered to his quarters. He went instead to the crew's messhall to drink coffee and refused orders to go to his cabin. Capt. Snodgrass ordered Bourdeaux handcuffed and asked Grover to help. Baptiste objected to the steward taking part, beat him to the deck, and kicked him in the back.

The captain quelled the battle by flashing his .38 pistol, the only weapon aboard. He locked up the third mate end put the injured steward cabin. in his own (captain's) The ship returned here to get coast guard aid and to get medical aid for Grover. Thesteward found the' captain's pistol, shot Baptiste and was himself wounded in the left arm. Second Mate Joseph Anderson of Tampa, and Second Ast.

Engineer Jack Carter of Jacksonville, disarmed Grover. Reports to the coast guard were unclear as to whether Grover was shot while being disarmed or had accidentally shot himself. Three shots were fired. mission into the two-year draft bill. Sen.

Lodge (R-Mass) sponsored it. Under Lodge's plan, the enlistees would be eligible for citizenship after five years of service. He said the group would not be firmed into a "foreign legion" but would be spread through the army for service. The idea is that there are in Europe thousands of anti-Communist Poles, Czechs others who would jump at the chance to serve in the American army. Chairman Gurney of the armed services committee opposed the amendment.

He said he dosen't think the proposal ought to be linked to the selective service proposal. As originally introduced, Lodge's amendment proposed enlistment of 50,000 aliens. The Senate leadership was driving to dispose of the Lodge amendment and other proposed changes in the draft revival measure. They hoped for final action tonight. The house has a similar draft bill it will take up once the Senate acts.

Encouraged by the fact the chamber was able to dispose of seven controversial civil rights amendments in yesterday's 11-hour and 19 minute session, acting majority leader Wherry of Nebraska said he will hold the Senate into the night again. But the chances of a passage vote before tomorrow seemed none too bright. At least seven more amendments await action, including one by Sen. Russell (D-Ga) which also touches on the race issue. The Senate wrote in one modified civil rights amendment last night.

It voted 37 to 35 to outlaw the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections so far as members of the armed services are concerned. Southern Democrats talked for several hours against this proposal by Sen. Langer (R-SR) but permitted it to come to a vote. Support of the Langer amendment by Sen. Taft of Ohio, chairman of the GOP policy committee and a candidate for his party's presidential nomination, brought a charge by Sen.

Lucas (D-I11) that the Republicans violated a "general agreement." Taft retorted that he knew of no such agreement. But Lucas said it was generally understood by Senators interested in the draft bill that all seven of the civil rights admendments proposed by Langer would be shelved to avoid the threat of a Dixie filibuster. Actually, three of them were, and another three were defeated without the formality of a motion to dqvice which, if accepted, kills a proposal for the duration of the session. The Senate's first order of business today was an amendment by Sen- Lodge (R-Mass) to permit up to 50,000 aliens to enlist for service in the army outside the United States and its territories. Also on top was an amendment by Sen.

Capehart (R-Ind), to require that the President, start any actual drafting, but only after a 90-day delay. The bill being considered by the Senate would make registration and induction effective as soon as the bill became law. A provision similar to Capehart's Is in the pending House measure. The bill provides for the drafting of men 19 through 25 in sufficient numbers to bring the armed services up to their authorized strengths The Rev. Father John Crosson, pastor of St.

Patrick's Church, will leave Wednesday for New York, and on June 14 will sail for his native Ireland to visit relatives. Monday night he was asked to go to the school for a "committee When he entered the hall, Father Crosson found members of the parish men's committee, their wives, and other members active in a "mystery" campaign of the past week. John Lauer, head of the men's committee of the parish, presented Father Edward Dunn, assistant pastor, who offered prayer; then Introduced Joseph J. Dromgoole, who, for the parish, wished Father Crosson a pleasant voyage, a happy visit in Ireland, and a safe return. Dromgoole then presented, on behalf of the parish, a box wrapped as a gift package.

When Father Crosson opened the box he found that it contained $2500 in cash and checks, from members of the parish and a few friends outside the parish. The gift purse was a complete surprise to Father Crosson who, in his response, said he had heard rumors of "something going on," but had been without any idea that such a gift to him was planned, a party had been arranged In his honor. The pastor expressed his gratitude for the gift. Accompanying the $2500 was a complete list of donors to the fund. After a brief program, refreshments were served, and a number of those present extended good wishes to Father Crosson.

Speaking were J. C. Fallon, Thomas Tuohy, Edward P. Long, John Carr and Emil Schroier, trustees of the Miss Cora Pile Postmaster Harold Klinke, John Maguire, Father Dunn, Mrs. Dromgoole, Melvin Gent, and Chairman Lauer, who presided.

Father Crosson came to St. Patrick's 13 years ago from Gillespie. During the 13 St. Patrick's has achieved outstanding progress, with increase in members of parish societies, a growth of activities, and a notable record In finances. Father Crosson will sail on the Mauretania.

On will be Father the same boat John Heslin of Hillsboro and his sister, Miss Beatrice Heslin, who also are going to Ireland. In charge at St. Patrick's during the absence of the pastor will be Father John Bretz and Father Dunn, assistant pastors. Father Bretz was unable to attend the Monday night gathering because he had gone to Decatur to attend the funeral today of Father Jeremiah Murphy. Father Murphy, 92, former dean of the Decatur area, had been a priest for 65 years, and was ordained in Alton by the late Bishop James Ryan.

Carlinville Jail Escapees'Spotted? Near Benton WJRiver Mayor Hits at Higher Taxes in City Blames Railroads, Shakes Responsibility Off City Administration CARLINVILLE, June 8. Baze, 18, Summerville, and Ernest Morgan, 23, Carlinville, who made a night-long flight after their escape from Macoupin County jail early Monday afternoon, were reported by police officers to be in the vicinity of Benton, shortly after noon today. Benton law enforcement, officers were reported aV-ay from the county jail and the city police department, in pursuit of two youths, tentatively identified as the jail-breakers. The county jail office at Benton said that the local law officers reported having a pair of young men surrounded, but no report of an arrest.had been made as yet. State and county police at Benton had formed a posse, and were closing in on a wooded, area, where trace of the fugutlve pair had been found.

The prisoners forced the lock on the cell block with a bent spoon. The break occurred about 1:15 p. A resident of the city, W. C. Phillips, reported today that he had talked to the young men and had given them the time about 2:30 p.

Monday. He was acquainted with one of them but was unaware that he had been In custody. Phillips later found the wires on his car had been cut, as though an attempt had been made to steal it. Chief of, Police Sam McCormick of Carlinville today reported a series of four automobile thefts and a house entry which he theorized had a connection with the flight of the two youths. The incidents were reported along the routes pursued by the escapees.

A 1937 coach by Marvin Jones of Carlinville, was stolen Monday night, and abandoned at Shlpman, where Carl Schuetz of Shipman reported his car as stolen. Automobiles also were stolen at White Hall and Jerscy- ville during the night, and a farm home south of Carlinville was entered during the night and some men's clothing taken. Chief McCormick and law officers of nearby towns also theorized that at one time during their flight, the two young men were traveling In separate cars. Baze was indicted on the charge of larceny of an automobile, and had made no plea as yet. Morgan was arrested Ip.st week on a charge of larceny of several bicycles WOOD RIVER, June 8.

Lavler D. Humphrey instructed his City Council, Monday night, to dig in and find out why taxes of residents of the city has risen so high, and to properly place the blame for the higher taxes. Humphrey said the city administration Is taking undue criticism and blame for the rise In personal property and 'real estate taxes. "Why should the city get the blame for higher taxation? Humphrey asked. "There should be a check of asseessed valuations on homes.

That would show up something. Actually, the city taxes have Increased very little, yet taxpayers feel the city administration 'is to blame. The blame should be placed on certain sources, political or otherwise, not the tax assessor or the tax collectors, and certainly not on the city administration. Humphrey said he personally thought that a slash In railroad taxes In the Wood River area accounted for a portion of the higher taxes. The mayor said, "For instance, If last year the city needed $100,000 to operate, and the railroads paid $35,000, the people had to pay $65,000.

But as an example of how taxes could risp, if we needed the same $100,000 this year, and the railroads were cut to, say $25,000, the people then would have to pay $75,000." The mayor also said he would like to see an equalized assessment In all cities, towns and villages of the township, and he maintained that at present, Wood River city property Is on a higher assessed basis than other areas, specifically Roxana. Authorization for the purchase of two new city trucks was voted. Bids for a one and a half ton dump truck will be opened Thursday at 5, by the streets and alleys committee, with power to purchase a truck. Authority to buy a truck suitable to its needs was voted to the water department. The city signed a note for $10.000 from the cash working fund to be moved to the general fund, to be repaid at a later date.

Three applications of dog catchers were tabled until the next meeting of the council. The police report and report of the finance committee were read. It was reported that Wood River Cab Co. has paid its full license fee of $500, but that DeLuxe Cab Co. has paid only $250, as a first Installment.

The city clerk was instructed to tell the company to pay the remainder or cease operation. Difficulty experienced in prosecuting speeders within the city limit, especially in the case of one motorist hitting a small child recently, was cited by one of the council members. He said that a drive on speeding won't be effective until complainants will appear as witnesses in court. The council approved action to press for payment for damages to the police motorcycle in a recent accident. Plumbing bonds of W.

O. Cox, Herman Wilkening, Thomas Fleming, and Earl Stocker were accepted. Proposed sewer plans and methods of financing were sent to the War Department. City Attorney Manning was instructed to write Gulf, Mobile Ohio railroad to tell the company that trains again are blocking Wood River crossings, and that if the practice persists, the city will take action. Awards were presented to four boys, members of the Junior G-Men Club, who aided in recovery of a robbery loot.

Freedom Train Stops At St. Louis, Belleville The Freedom Train will not stop at Alton but Altonlans are urged to visit the train during its stops in St. Louis and Belleville. Efforts have been made by the American Association of University Women to have the train routed through Alton, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The train, which will be in St.

Louis June 12, 13, and 14, has aboard such documents as the Bill of Rights- and a reproduction of the Magna Carta. Admission Is free. ColmnbiaFlood WorkersExpect 3 -Week Siege PORTLAND, June 8. The Columbia and Fraser rivers fired their third flood crest down- river today. Weary sandbag battalions defending battered American and Canadian dikes were reinforced for three more weeks of siege.

Scorching weather throughout the Pacific Northwest sent tons of water from fast-melllng mountain snow into the two rampaging river systems. The Kootenay river, one many feeding the Columbia, crashed through another dike In Canada. Elsewhere In the vast, flood-ravaged region of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia men and machines held ihu weakening held thorn. How long they could go on winning, no one knew. Nor did anyone know what to expect from the third crest.

It had not built up enough so forecasters could say If It would top the first and second crests the past week. It all depended on how long the sun blazed down on the snowpack. In both countries, more manpower and carlhworklng equipment was thrown Into the battle that already has cost 27 lives and perhaps $140,000,000 damage. Hundreds still are listed as missing In the Memorial Day swamping of Vmiport, war city of 18,700 on the Columbia in Oregon near Portland. Along the far-reaching flood fronts of the Columbia and Fraser, the fight is against two great rents river and tide.

In American and Canadian lowlands near the Pacific the two combined against man. On the lower Columbia thousands of regular army and navy men, national guardsmen and civilian volunteers work frantically to make the levees higher, plug small breakthroughs and stop the seepage. The Red Sross at Portland revised again its list of persons still unaccounted for in the Vanport disaster. It said the total was 545. Last night, it listed 745.

Within three hours 170 called to report they were safe. Waters covering the city have given up only two bodies. Gen. Mark Clark, Sixth Army commander, was due today from his San Francisco headquarters to inspect Vanport and other points in this flood zone. Long Regime Increases Louisiana Taxes BATON ROUGE, June 8 UP) began to foot an additional $70,000,000 per year tax bill today to pay for some of the campaign promises on which they elected Gov.

Earl K. Long. The scratch of the governor's pen last night made effective six new tax laws which will boost the dally take from the taxpayer's pockets about. $190,000 per day. This is an increase of about 50 percent over former taxes.

Progressive Conservatives Lead in Canadian Vote TORONTO, June The Progressive Conservative party clung today to its control of the Ontario provincial government but its leader, Premier George Drew, lost his legislative seat in yesterday's elections. Final standings gave the Progressive Conservatives 53 of the legislature's 90 seats on about 42 percent of the popular vote. Petrillo Says Margaret Will Work Despite Vote ASBDRY PARK, N. June 8 nes C. Petrillo, head of the American Federation of Musicians (AFD.says he told President Truman not to union will "take care" of getting Margaret Truman a radio job no matter what the outcome of this year's presidential race, Petrillo said the musicians' 51st annual convention yesterday that he had reassured President Truman about the future during a concert In Washington last month.

House Group Asks Cut in VA, Atomic Funds End to GI 'Hobby' Training Urged; Science Slash Put at 9 Magistrate Hawkins Wars On Speeders, Reckless Drivers The number of traffic mishaps due to speeding and careless driving showed a sharp increase over the weekend, and Police Magistrate Clem Hawkins is prepared to do something about it. "Reckless driving and speeding must be stopped," said Magistrate Hawkins. "Too many lives are endangered, too many persons injured, to permit this situation to go on. "From now on, anyone brought Into my court on charges of reckless driving or excessively speeding, If found guilty, will be assessed the full penalty provided by law." Magistrate Hawkins emphasized that he will "give the limit" to any motorist found guilty of reckless driving or speeding to the point that the lives of others are endangered. He pointed out that the city recently has installed stop- and-go signals for the protection of pedestrians, and that other precautionary regulations are provided.

The driving publlq must obey these regulations, must obey the light signals. "All this Is done to protect the public, and anyone violating these regulations and endangering the lives of others will be given the maximum penalty if brought Into my courl," Judge Hawkins concluded. Police and court records show that five traffic complaints were disposed of Monday, and fines were assessed and paid. One motorist was charged with speeding 50 miles an hour on Slate; a second with 70 miles on Washington, a third with 50 miles on College, and a fourth with 50 miles an hour on Washington. The fifth defendant was brought in for lack of a muffler on his motorcycle.

WASHINGTON, June 8. OP) money cuts of nearly 9 percent for the Atomic Energy Commission and 7 percent for the Veterans Administration were suggested today by the House approbations committee. At the same time the committee called for a halt to "hobby" raining under the GI bill of rights. It also said Atomic Energy Commission officials should show less reluctance to consider the "prac- Ical realities" of spending government funds. In a $5,795,048,921 bill to finance six agencies during the year staring July 1, the committee recommended: 1.

Atomic Energy Commission: $501,850,000 In cut of $48,150,000 from what President Truman asked. The actual money to pay for contracts let under the additional authority will be voted next year or later. 2. Veterans Administration: $5,125,309,00 In cut of $43,000,000 In contract authority as requested. The total Is $649,850,000 less than the VA had available this year.

3. Maritime Commission: $102,377,831 In cash cut of $39,475,139 plus $75,000,000 In contract authorization, $14,858,000 more than was asked. 4. Office of Housing Expediter: $15,172,100 a cut of $5,327,900. 5.

Office of Defense Transportation: cut of $105.000. The ODT goes out of existence next Feb. 28 unless Congress continues It. 6. War Assets Administration: $50,000,000 a cut of $56,912,000.

The committee recommended that the WAA be abolished Aug. 31, and that the Budget Bureau supervise the $50,000,000 and look after the, distribution of records and properly now belonging to the WAA. In calling for an end to 'such GI training activities as ballroom dancing for fun and pleasure fly- Ing, the committee said no tuition fees or other charges should be allowed by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who enroll after July 1 In avocatlonal or recreational courses. The VA would decide what courses fall in that category. The committee said these courses have been costing around 000,000 a year, 2 Planes Collide SPRINGFIELD, June 8.

UP) Two small training planes crashed In flight five miles east of Springfield today, killing the two pilots. An official at Fleck's airport identified the victims as Thomas N. Smith, 22, of Springfield, and Charles Durbln, 19, of Hillsboro, The planes had taken off from the airport an hour earlier. Bud Fleck, airport operator, said the planes collided at 1500 feet. One of the planes caught fire after It crashed to the ground.

Fleck said Smith was a licensed private pilot and that Durbln was a student flyer. Smith was flying a P-ll Cub and Durbin a J-3 Cub. 5 PassengersHurt inFreak Pennsy Pullman Accident COLUMBUS, June 8 WI- FI ve passengers, of a Pennsylvania Railroad sleeping car were a freak accident In Union Station here last night. The victims were among 17 passengers trapped in the sleeping car of the New York-bound Spirit of St. Louis when two cars were uncoupled and smashed into the engine of the Metrolopltan Limited.

The second train was waiting to pull into the station. None of its passengers were injured. The Impact of the crash sprung the doors of the Pullman, trapping the 17 passengers In their sleep- Ing compartments of the Spirit of St. Louis. The Pullman and the observation ear were the last two cars on the train.

Mt. Vernon Ends Fast Time After 21 Days MT. VERNON, 111., June 8. OPI saving time had a short life In Mt. Vernon.

Next Sunday after 21 days of fast time, the city will turn Its clocks back to slower standard time. City council adopted daylight time May 23, guided by the ma- jtjrlly rule of a city election. Thus, Ml. Vernon became the only city in southern Illinois outside the St. Louis area to have the fast time.

Last night, however, council heard complaints to daylight time from merchants, labor organizations and factory workers, and arguments In favor of faster time from two veterans' organizations, then voted to rescind daylight U. S. Sending 21 Truce Observers To Holy Lan dA rea 1 final Onpriitnrs Arabs Fi lu to Within. 8 Milc8 Tel Aviv Postpone Talks For 24 Hours Egyptians Land Reinforcements WASHINGTON, June 8 UP) Soft coal operators today asked for another 2 hours in -which to discuss a possible contract offer to John L. Lewis.

At their request, contract negotiations which were to resume at 12 noon were postponed until the same hour Wednesday. The operators held a private huddle at the Statler Hotel over what proposals they should make to the United Mine Workers for a new agreement. The present one expires June 30. Yesterday, Lewis told them the miners had no specific wage proposals, but wanted "Improvements" In pay and also demanded certain guarantees of benefits from the welfare fund. He invited a wage offer from the mine owners.

While the operators talked among themselves, Lewis and his attorneys filed an answer In the federal district; court to Ezra Van Horn's suit to halt payments under the compromise pension plan adopted to end the recent strike. Van Horn is the operators representative of the Ihree-member board of trustees for the miners welfare and pension fund. The fund comes from a 10-cents a ton payment of mine owners for each ton of coal mined. Lewis' answer to Van Horn's suit says Van Horn has blocked any pension plan at trustees' meetings. Justice T.

Alan Goldsborough will hear arguments In the case June 19. On new contract talks, the coal operators showed little Inclination to pick up a bill for $1,000,000 In miners death and disability benefits which Lewis tossed on the bargaining table. Divorcee Ready TavernOwner DAYTONA BEACH, June 8 Wicker planned to take Dorothy Lawlor, his $10,000 prospective bride, on a sightseeing trip today. When things calmed down somewhat after the arrival of. the 28- year-old divorcee from Valley Stream, L.

yesterday, Wicker said he and Dorothy would take a boat trip up the east Florida coast today. Mrs. Lawlor, who last week said she would marry a man with $10,000, came here by plane to talk things over with the proprietor of Danny's Musical Tavern after he talked to her by telephone. Later Mrs. Lawlor, who has custody of two children, salr "as far as I'm concerned we're going through with this.

It's all up to Danny now." Wicker, however, will have to complete divorce proceedings which ho said yesterday had been filed against his wife. "It can all be fixed up in a few days If Dorothy and I decide to get married," he said. LOB Angeles Country Club Blast Kills 2 LOS ANGELES, June 8. least two persons were killed today when an explosion, apparently touched off during Installation of a new gas line, blasted the fashionable Hlllcrest Country Club. One ambulance driver said he had picked up two bodies.

Police said several others, believed to be cooks and chefs In the club, were in the burning wreckage. A policeman at 20lh Century- Fox studio, across Pico Boulevard from the club, said the blast "almost blew the buttons off my uniform." The main roof was lifted into the air and deposited many feet away in a stand of trees. Carbon Monoxide Caused Death of Honeymooners SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N. June 8 listed carbon monoxide poisoning today as the accidental cause of the death of William H. Treyz and his bride, found clasped In each others' arms several hours after they had started their honeymoon in a seashore cabin.

Ocean County Detective Chief George Gibson said police were checking a refrigerator for possible leaks but he said he had no further information on the cause of the poisoning. Court House Expansion Defeated HOCK ISLAND, June 8 proposal to expand the Rock Island County court house was defeated yesterday by a vote of about 80 to one, A $785,000 bond issue was provided in the propQsal, By TUB ASSOCIATED CHESS Twenty-one American military officers are leaving Immediately to serve as truce observers In Pal- estlne, the State Department announced today. Seven navy officers are leaving by plane sometime today. Seven army and seven air force officers will be assigned from the European theater. The request for observers came from Count Folke Bernadotte, United Nations mediator, who has been trying to arrange agreement between Arabs and Jews on terms of a four weeks truce.

Others Sending Observers Michael J. McDermott, State Department press officer, 'said request came In the last few days. Officials understood observers also were being dispatched at Ber- nndotte's request by Prance and Belgium. Arab troops fought within eight miles of Tel Aviv in Israeli territory today while politicians ed the 50-50 chance for a truce. The Jews themselves acknowledged the 'loss of Wtlhelma eight miles east of their seat of govern-; ment.

The place Is within heavy artillery range of Tel Aviv but there was no indication the city was In any Immediate peril. The main notion In the shooting war was 23 miles south of Tel Aviv at Isdud and 30-odd miles to the northeast around the strong Arab triangle In north central Palestine. Ships Land Reinforcements The Jews said one or more Egyptian naval ships landed reinforcements on the coast, to relieve 1000 of their expeditionary force which the Jews asserted were trapped at Isdud. The Egyptians said they captured MIesanIm (Nltsanlm), three miles southwest of Isdud, killing or wounding 220 Jews and seizing more as prisoners. Arabs in the trangle held firm; Russia finally made her move to get both feet into the Palestine act.

Foreign Minister Andrei A. Gromyko said Russia wants to send her own military observers to United States was upset. Russian troops, whether observers or fighters, were exactly what the United States does not want In Palestine. But just how the United States expected to send her military, observers into Palestine and yet keep the Russians out was far from clear. Red troops have in the past used their time abroad spreading the Communist line.

The Arabs promised their reply tomorrow to Count Folke Bernadotte's Palestine truce proposal. The U. N. mediator was said to have devised a scheme which would give neither Israel nor, the 'seven warring Arab countries a military advantage during the four-week armistice and arms Neutral observers in Cairo said the chances of both sides accepting is 50-50. Berniulotte Keeps Flan Secret Bernadotte has kept his'plan secret.

In Parts, the French cabinet approved the six-power agreement on western Germany. The ministers voted to submit the agreement to the National Assembly Friday. Foreign Minister Georges Bidault led the drive for formal acceptance of the accord reached by the United States, Great Britain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. The British cabinet approved the plan yesterday. The other participants also must act formally.

The six-nation agreement provides for a federal government in western Germany, international control of the Ruhr, and safeguards against Germany again becoming a military threat. Occupation armies are to remain until; peace is assured. Moscow newspapers published without comment the west Germany plan. Editorial invective may be expected about Thursday. Communist Premier Klement Gottwald was regarded the most likely successor to Eduard Benes, who resigned as president of red Czechoslovakia yesterday.

The Communist parliament will elect the new president Monday. Benes quit yesterday rather than sign a new Communist constlutlon, The Moscow radio broadcast an Izvestla article reporting bad crop conditions in widespread of the Soviet Union. Anne, Mihai's Children To Be Greek Orthodox ATHENS, June 8 born of the unions of ex-King Mlhal of Romania and Princess Anne of Bourbon-Pftrma will be raised in the, faith of the, Greek Orthodox Church, one of MlhaTi aides announced last night- Mlhal and Anne will married, here Thursday, by ArGhblshpg of the Greelf Or' Church. Mihal member church; Anne is.