Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi • Page 1

fates Biggest Farm Competition Announced THE WEATHER Friday cloudy and cool, occasional rain in south portion. Sat nrday partly cloudy, warmer during afternoon. Highest tempera ture expected Friday, 64 degrees, lowest expected 36-29 degrees. Sun rise Friday, 5:33 a.m., sunset p.m. Illgest temperature Thursday, 58 degrees at 12:30 a.m., lowest 48 degrees at 7 a.m.

April Is Census Month! Co-Operate With Local Workers When They Call Mississippi's Leading Newspaper For More Than A Century Established 1837 5c PER COPY Jackson, Mississippi, Friday Morning, April 14, 1950 VOL CXII NO. 119 Full AP end INS Report mm Tun Legislature Leaves State Department And Clarion-Ledger Co-Sponsor Contests i inancial Prospect Truman To Push FEPC At Later Date, He Says President Insists He's Not By-Passing The Civil Rights Idea Washington, April 13 (INS) If j. i. 'f K' i ncertain State For 5 v. v.

i. (U, i 7 if 4 rf 4 mmm i- The "biggest" farm achievement program in the history of Mississippi was announced Thursday. It will, embrace an estimated 50,000 participants and award $10,000 worth of prizes. Co-sponsors of the contest are the state vocational agricultural education section and The Clar ion Ledger. State Supervisor A.

P. Fatherree of the education department and Editor T. M. Hed-erman, of the newspaper made today's announcement. The contest is designed to promote better production in cotton, corn, pastures and timber.

It is open to all Future Farmers of America members In the state, veterans engaged in on-the-farm training, and farmers who attend vocational agriculture classes, the announcement said. The contest is already under way, and will close November 1. Early the following month, a statewide rally will be held in Jackson which vocational agriculture leaders estimate will draw nearly farmers. Around 3.000 attended a similar program which honored only corn producers in 1949. Tractors Top Priies Included in the $10,000 award lists are four tractors which will be presented by Ford tractor dealers of Mississippi.

The Lion Oil company chemical sales division is offering 16,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate as awards in the various divisions. Standards of accomplishment have been outlined for each award division- County certifying committees, working under direction of local high school vocational agriculture teachers, will determine county winners. District and state winners will be selected by corresponding committees. Mr. Fatherree explained the purpose of the program as follows: "It has been the aim of vocational agricultural education throug the years to Increase the productivity of farms, thus raising the standards of living.

In a state where yields are as low as in Mississippi, raising the production per acre still means an increase in farm efficiency. It was through this type of farm education that the 100-bushel per acre corn program was initiated in Mississippi which led to an increase in aver-(Contlnued on Page IS) Hood May To Halt Democrat Washington, April 13 W) Clarence Hood, national committeeman for pro-Truman Democrats In Mississippi, said today there may be no Democratic primary In his state this year. Hood told a reporter he plans a court test of a new primary election law in Mississippi and this "might well result in there being no Democratic primary in Mississippi." Hood is leader of a group of Mississippi Democrats who supported President Truman in 1948 after state party leaders walked out of the national convention and backed the States' Rights movement. He conferred today with party leaders, including national chairman William Boyle. He declined to say, however, whether he discussed challenging Mississippi's new primary law.

The law requires all political parties in Mississippi to register with the secretary of state. It prevents the use of the same name by more than one party. Hood yesterday objected to the procedure whereby the governor signed the law in the secretary of state's office and the opposition group almost simultaneously registered to use the name If there were no primary, he said, political races would be decided In the November general election. "We would stand a better chance there." Hood said. Hood also said "we don't propose to fight this battle In a Dixle-crat court.

I'm no lawyer but I have competent legal advisers who say the case can be filed In federal court." "I am against everyone in Mississippi who is not for the Democratic party," Hood said. "That's RENEWING FRIENDSHIPS here is Major General William C. Chase and former Staff Sergeant William (Bill) Ross, of the Clarion-Ledger Composing Room. Maj. Gen.

Chase served as Commander of the First Cavalry Division to which Ross was attached. The visiting Third Army Chief enjoyed "talking over old times," with several members of his World War II outfit during his visit Thursday. He also visited with L. D. Bush, Sgt.

H. V. Strickland and Bill Monie (Photo by Bobby Moulder.) Unification Works At My Level -Chase Attempt State's Primary the position I have held for nearly two years. I want to reorganize the party in Mississippi." Hood still is trying to oust two federal agency heads In Mississip- Di and added: "I have every reason to be lieve they will be discharged." They are T. B.

Fatherree. state director of the Farmers Home Aa ministration, and Tom Patterson, state director of the production Marketing Administration. His prediction was made follow ing a visit to the White House where he was in conference with "one of the President's assistants," and a late afternoon conference with Boyle. "I think some changes are go ing to be made," Hood said, "in key positions in the state wnere the holders of those positions do not have permanent civil service status. Hood is seeking the ouster of Fatheree and Patterson, among others, on grounds they have "not been politically faithTul to the par ty that put them in office.

Fatherree's as assistants at Jackson are Wafford H. Merrell, chief of farmers home operations and Dallas C. Vandevere, chief of the production loan operations Their offices are in the Masonic Temple building. Hood was accompanied to Wash ington by Frank Mize of Forest, chairman of the state central com mittee of the pro-Truman group, and Curtis Rogers of Sytvarenia. Hood emphasized that his predic tions that "some changes are go ing to be made, was his own.

and not that of Boyle or his White House conferee, whom he did not identify. "I am opposed." he said, "to all recipients of favor from the national party who are not loyal to the party." multaneously the resignation of Mr. Spiva and the promotions of Robbins and Corley. Mr. Spiva's resignation was handed to the Commission March 28, with May 1 as the effective date.

The commission says lt received the notice with regret, and termed relations as most cordial at all times. Members of the commission set forth that Cpiva has dene "an outstanding job," and that he holds the confidence and esteem of the commission and the people generally. Director Spiva Indicated In 1948 that he did not seek re-election, but highway study committee completed its work, and a highway (Continued on Page 9) T. C. Robbins Heads State ighway Dept.

Tho Washington Merry-go-Round By DREW PEARSON Oil for lamps of China to Run Low If Soviets Succeed In Frantic Efforts to Get More for Their War Machine; British May Can-eel Recognition of Chinese Communists. Washington, The American em-bassy In Moscow has cabled that a glaot Soviet bureau has been set up to find oil lor the Russian war machine. OH fields In the Russian Caucasus have started to run dry, and the Russian general staff Is frantically trying to develop new sources. This is one of the most Important developments In the cold war because, without oil. the Russian war machine would be paralyzed.

As a result, Molotov has rushed hundreds or Russian geologists to Blnklang Province in Communist China to look for oil. and has ordered urgent priorities for drilling In Kirghizia. In Central Asia and on fiakhalln Island. British Diplomacy Boomerangs U. S.

Ambassador Douglas in London has cabled the sensational though confidential news that the British may cancel their recognition of the Chinese Communists. Foreign Minister Bevtn. he Fays. Is burned up because three months have passed and the Chinese Communists haven't even bothered to acknowledge Britain's announcement of recognition. That announcement Is now considered one of Brittan's worst diplomatic boners, causing her to lose (Continued on Page 14) 4 Military Law Veto Is Seen Solons Find 'Snake' In Bill, Ask Veto A military statute approved by the Mississippi legislature of 1950 will be vetoed by Governor Fielding Wright for fear It may break down the segregation laws In the state's national guard forces.

Sponsors of the bill unsuspectingly steered it through both houses to final passage and laid the bill on the governor's desk for his signature before an alert public official detected the fault. Tho measure Is Senate Bill 448. which provides that "all matters pertaining to the organization, discipline and government of the national guard not otherwise provided, should be decided by custom and usage of the respective armed forces of the United States." Evervthlng was all right about the bill, which is a copy of a measure enacted in another state, until it was remembered that the federal armed forces do not recognize segregation laws of any state. Gov Wright did not say this wm the reason he would veto the bill, but legislators lost no time letting newsmen know they would ask a veto, after they dis-coved the "snake" in the bill. Even the author was amazed when he realized the import, and was the first to ask a veto.

Cancer Drive Needs $22,675 More For Hinds County Quota Hinds county Is rtartlng very slowly in raising $25,000 for cancer research, and sen-ice. Chairman Bagby Halt reported Thursday. As of last night, the total received was only $2,325 on the basis of reports already turned in. Mr. Hair emphasized the point that with citizens of the county being stricken every day with the dread disease, it is essential that residents still free from the blight u.so their dollars to press the fight for control and treatment of the malady.

Assisting Mr. Hal) In the city Alive are Co-Chairman Thad Ryan. Craig Reynolds, George rickett and in the county, George Nell. Special chairmen include J. M.

Tubb for state agencies, Chauncey Camp for federal agencies, Ed Cole for colleges and C. L- A. Stlft for colored. Section chairmen in the drive Include Howard Dear, Norman Btamm. Dumas Mllner, Jim Kerr.

Luther A. Fmtth. John Kerr, Charlie Miller. Lewis Joe Pollard, Webb Bule, Forrest Ponder, Joe Stevens. Bert Oamble.

L. E. Alfred. Bill Cabinlss. Charlie Hooker.

Edd Wllkerson, Kenneth Wills, Steve Hlghtower, L. B. Sheffey. Robert Warren and W. J.

Ehackleford. 50.000 TO ATTEND Washington. April 13 AP) A-bout 50,000 members of the army's organized reserve corps will attend 15 day summer training camp between May 1 and September 15, tb army announced By CHARLES M. MILLS The Mississippi legislature departed from the capi-tol Thursday after a tumultous session featuring increased appropriations. Some uncertainty prevailed as the solons departed because the treasury surplus was obligated in the face of declining state revenues.

But the progressive measures voted were largely of two classes non-recurring, or accompanied by special tax levies. Thus the majority of observers were" confident the underlying financial stability of the state has not been endangered. Taxes were "hiked" as much aa 15 percent on commodities and luxuries alike, and the public will be paying for rural roads in this state and other projects long before such roads and other projects begin to take physical form. Top accomplishments of the leg islature appear to be the enacting of a law creating a four-year medical school; a series of laws laying plans for an 8,600 mile rural roads program; municipal aid programs; equalization of white and negro teachers' pay plan; and setting up of the highway patrol aa a separate unit. The law-makers have raised de- partmental appropriations, institutional appropriations and salaries.

As a result of all appropriations, the state has overspent estimated revenue and surplus by about $1, 000,000, but will realize a surplus of about $1,500,000, If a 4 mill ad valorem tax goes into effect. Estimated revenue for the next two years is $110,000,000. As the two houses quit business Thursday, the law-makers forgot their differences of the session antj hand-shaking and fond farewells were the order. Speaker Walter Sillers of the House of Representatives received a tribute from his group that wilj be cast In bronze as a permanent fixture. Lt.

Gov. Sam Lumpkin drew plaudits of his group In the upper chamber in the form of speeches and a resolution commending his work as president of the senate. Leaders of both houses called attention to the busy days of the session, smoothed over differences that had come about and offered their blessings to the members of the legislature as the 1950 session closed. The business of both branches Thursday morning was taken up (Continued on Page 9) Sillers Retires; May Run For Governorship House Gives Plaque, Standing Ovation Speaker Walter Sillers, of the Mississippi House of Representa tives Indicated Thursday, upon adjournment of the 1950 legislature. that he will not be a candidate for reelection.

In a talk before that body he said he was "indeed grateful to you that I am able to retire with this evidence of your respect and esteem." The speaker was referring to the plaque, which the law-makers presented to him at the session's close. In a later statement, he said he would not seek reelection In his home county. This gives rise to the specu lation that Sillers really meant it when he said recently he "might run for governor." Speaker Sillers has been close ly affiliated with the State's Rights Democrats. He has been a member of the legislature continuously since 1918 and speaker of the house since 1944. He is 62 years' old.

The plaque was presented to him on behalf of the House of Larry Pryor, Greenville. He also received a standing ovation-from the House members. "A thing like this doesn't come but once in a person's life," the speaker said. "I don't know how to respond. I have made mistakes, but they were of the head and not the heart." To be cast in bronze, the scroll reads as follows: IN TESTIMONY Having represented Bolivar coun ty in the Mississippi legislature continuously since 1916, Walter Sillers has achieved a career of great distinction.

As speaker of the House of Representatives since 1944, his rulings have been charac terized by unerring Judgment, un swerving fairness, and unfailing Integrity. A wise counselor, a courageous and constructive leader, his name is synonymous with char acter. A States' Rights Democrat who places fundamental principles of government above all other con- sideratlons, be has contributed vastly of his great ability to build' Ing a better Mississippi In the American tradition. President Truman said today tiiat his fight for a Fair Employ ment Practices Bill will be pushed in Congress despite the temporary sidetracking of the measure. Mr.

Truman told his news con ference that the fight for FEPC will be carried forward to what he termed its logical conclusion. He said the civil rights proposal was set aside In the Senate to get immediate action on the foreign aid bill, which he described as of vital consideration not only to this country but to the whole world. The president said there was no use in keeping FEPC ahead on the calendar when it would start a fill-buster that might delay indefinitely consideration of the vitally-Important foreign aid program. He said that further delay would endanger the foreign aid legislation. Senate Majority Leader Lucas (D) 111, angrily labeled as "political poppycock" a Republican charge that his party has demonstrated a "lack of good faith" on civil rights.

The GOP charge was made by Sen. Taft R) Ohio, speaking for the Republican Policy Committee of the Senate. Taft attacked the Democratic leadership for its decision to postpone action on the fair employment legislation. The exchange brought the controversial civil rights program squarely Into the center of the 1950 political stage. Taft asserted after a policy meeting that the postponement, announced Tuesday, means that only an unsuccessful gesture" can be made on the FEPC bill, which (Continued on Page 16) Truman in New McCarthy Blast Wonders If Solon Can Be Libeled Washington, April 13 MV-Presi -dent Truman today fired a new blast at Republican Senator McCarthy by raising a pointed question whether lt is possible to libel the Wisconsin legislator.

Mr. Truman's barbed comment was made at his news conference when reporters asked him about a statement by Senator Taft (R-Ohio). Taft had accused Mr. Truman of "libeling" McCarthy by saying that McCarthy was the kremlin's biggest asset in the United States. Did the president think he had libeled McCarthy, a newsman asked.

"Do you think that's possible?" Mr. Truman snapped. By way of underlining his views on McCarthy, the president then authorized reporters to use direct quotations. McCarthy, who has been goading the administration for weeks with his charges of Communism in the State Department, declined to comment on Mr. Truman's Jab.

The president went on to say he hadn't read everything Taft had written about him in a column Taft sends to Ohio newspapers. Mr. Truman observed that he doesn't read all the political columns of all the people running for re-election. The chief executive noted that Taft Is up for re-election this year, and he said he thinks the Ohio Senator is interested in something else two years from now the year of the presidential election. Other developments centering on th senate investigation of McCarthy's charges included: 1.

Assistant Secretary of State Edward Barrett, who is in charge of public affairs for Secretary of State Acheson, denounced McCarthy's tactics at a public meeting as "the most shockingly Irresponsible performance I have seen In many years." 2. Senator McCarthy was reported ready to spring a new key witness, described as an ex-Com-munlst, in an attempt to bolster his case against Owen J. Xatti -more as the alleged No. 1 Soviet spy in the United States. McCarthy has already lined up Former Communist Leader Louis Budenz.

now a Fordham University professor, to testify In Latti-more's presence next Thursday before a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee. Lattlmor. a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a one-time State Department consultant on Far East affairs, has angrily denied McCarthy's charges and threatened to sue him for libeL City Negro Charged With Embezzlement Police arrested Pleasant (cq) Richard Johnson, a negro of 1141 Biloxl street, on charges that he embezzled a gallon of white paint and a quart of red paint from his employers, according to Detective Lt. Eddie Browne. Johnson is charged with taking the paint, with which he was entrusted by the Mississippi screening and specialty company, his employers, to do a painting job.

and selling lt to another negro, po lice said. "Unification is working at my level, that of the field Army, to save money, provide more efficiency and to strengthen national defense," said MaJor-General William C. Qiase here Thursday night. Addressing a group of distinguished Jacksonlans at the Walthall Hotel. General Chase made a spirited and encouraging report to the group on current military affairs.

Chief of Staff of the Third Army, Gen Chase is a distinguished soldier of the Mexican war and both World Wars, wounded and decorated in combat operations. He led the famed First Cavalry into Manila and Tokyo after long battles to gain those climatic triumphs. General Chase said the Third Army is handling over 200,000 personnel strength, and spending over $18,000,000 monthly in the Southeastern states. ROTC, Reserve affairs and National Guard interests in addition to Regular Army matters are supervised by the Army, he said. Cooperation between the branh-es of the Armed Forces was described by Gen.

Chase from field experience and observation. He looked forward to Armed Forces Day in May on which unification achievements in behalf of national defense will be celebrated and spotlighted all over the U.S. Betty Lou Marbury Pleads For Support Of Cancer Drive Brownsville, April 13 Lfl Betty Lou Marbury asked wholehearted support today for the current cancer fund campaign. The 11-year-old youngster's plight touched the heart of the nation last winter when she asked for prayers to save her diseased right hand. The hand later was amputated to check the spread of a malignant bone tumor.

In her appeal here, Betty urged that everyone, "please give all yea can. It may save some child's life. Let's all work and pray for this disease to be stopped, and by Jhe help of the Lord we can do it." T. C. Robbins, of Tupelo, Thursday was named new director for the Mississippi State Highway Department, succeeding Walter Spiva whe resigned because of "pressing personal business." The new director will take over as head of the highway department on May 2, the effective date of Mr.

Spiva's departure. Mr. Robbins has been serving as engineer of the northern district of Mississippi with headquarters at Tupelo for the last two years. He will be succeded at that post by Fred G. Corley, assistant district engineer of the southern area, with headquarters at Mc-Comb.

In a statement, the State Highway Commission announced si "We are taking a high type young man Into the Armed Forces through our recruiting activities," the General said, "and we are taking good care of his interests, physical, mental, moral and spiritual. We are making better citizens of these fine young men and women," he added. He pleaded for extension of Selective Service as highly necessary maintenance of national defense in these uncertain days. General Chase was introduced by Col. Stuart C.

McDonald, commanding the Mississippi Military district. Mayor Allen Thompson made a brief talk following the remarks of the general, welcoming him to the city and praising the cooperation of the military forces in this area. Bishop R. O. Gerow of the diocese of Natchez, delivered the invocation.

Jacksonian Hurt In 35 Foot Fall Fractures Skull In Topple From Beam A 34-year-old steel construction worker was critically injured Thursday at 2:30 p. m. when he fell 35 feet from a steel beam during the construction cf a steam boiler at the Rex I. Brown steam generating plant on Trlpps Crossing road. The steel worker.

Identified as Woodrow W. Batte of 464 Wila-man street, was being treated late Thursday at St. Dominic's hospital for a fractured skull, two broken legs and body injuries, received after he fell on a man below him, then landed cn a part of the boiler. The other man, an employe of A. M.

Luckett, contractor, and identified by name only as Lee, was not seriously hurt, according to William W. Aydelott, spokesman for Ebasco Services, Batte's employer. Batte was taken to St. Dominic's by a Baldwin ambulance. A resident of Jackson fcr eight years, he is married and the father of a twelve-year-old daughter.

were radioed to proceed toward the southeast quadrant to get a view of the lighted but otherwise unidentified flying object. These places were in the; area within 30 seconds, but failed to sight the Intruder the object was at an estimated 2.500 feet altitude. The light followed a straight course, bearing southward and slightly east on a horizontal place, indicating it was a piloted or controlled object rather than a meteor. "It was definitely not propel-lor driven due to the speed." veteran pilots observed. "It could have been a Jet plane but there were no regular red and green running lights and the flickering light streak was unexplained.

Also jets generally fly at a much higher altitude." Forger Gives Up To Police Here Says He Took $1,400 From Chicago Firm An Illinois man. who said he Is wanted in Chicago on charges of forgeries amounting to $1,400, Thursday afternoon walked into Jackson police headquarters and surrendered. The middle-aged man. who Identified himself as John D. Johnson, 45.

2524 Edlne boulevard, Zoln. Illinois, told Investigating Detective Sgt. M. B. Pierce and J.

R. Luke he was turning himself over to law authorities after becoming disgusted at being unable to find a Jcb. Johnson, who says he was released from the Illinois State pen-tit entlary in 1945 after serving eight years and three months on a similar charge, says the forgeries took place in December. He said he forged checks on a Chicago printing firm with which he was formerly employed. Johnson said he committed the forgeries after having family difficulties.

He said he had been in New Orleans for the last ten days, but was unable to find a Job. He had started hitch-hiking back to Chicago, but after it took him two days to hitch-hike from New Orleans to Jackson, he became disgusted and surrendered, he told police. Johnson said charges had been preferred against him in December, but he was given his freedom on his promise to get a Job and repay the amounts of the forgeries. When he failed to find a Job in Chicago, he fled south, he said. The Illinois man signed a waiver of extradition late Thursday and Detective Lt.

Eddie Browne put in a telephone call to Chicago to check with law authorities there on the disposal of the prisoner. Dragging Continues For Drowning Victim Hattlesburg. April 13 Search of an abandoned gravel pit six miles north of Hattlesburg, is being continued today for the body of a 23-year-old Laurel Negro believed drowned. Three colored companions of the youth told law enforcement officials here that James Ira Ulmer, 23, a furniture company employe In Laurel, drowned In the lake about 4:30 p. m.

Wednesday while attempting to swim across it. Hattlesburg firemen and volunteers dragged the lake last night and todav in an unsuccessful attempt to find the body. The waters of the old pit vary from 35 to 60 feet deep. it 4 Air Guard Members Wary Of Identifying Strange Object Over Key Field Meridian, April 13 Not that they were afraid of being criticized or disbelieved, but members of the 153rd Fighter Squadron Thursday would neither confirm or deny the identity of flying object sighted at 8:25 Wednesday night over Key Field as a flying saucer. However, several pilots confirmed sighting an unidentified object "of extreme speed" identified only by a white flickering light, not a normal aircraft light, as It raced south-southeastward.

The object "definitely out of propeller type aircraft classification" due to its speed, was seen but 15 second during lis flight near Key Field. Several F-47 Air National Guard lighter planes were la the air and HIGHWAY DIRECTOR T. C. Robbins, of Tupelo, was Thursday named director of the Mississippi State Highway Department, effective May 1. He succeeds Walter Spiva, who has resigned because of "pressing personal business.".