Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat from Moberly, Missouri • Page 1

i i MOBERLY MCHVITOR- and MOBERLY EVENING DEMOCRAT 8 Pages NUMBER 45 MOMTOB. ESTABLISHED SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 22, 1936 DEMOCWAT. MEMWKll ASSOCIATED PRESS FULL LEASED WIHJB SEHVICB MOBERLY IBTDEX. EST. VOLUME 18 MAN KILLED IN BLAST AT SANITARIUM Two Others Injured by Explosion Which Shakes AH of Excelsior Springs TAXI DRIVER STRUCK BY FLYING BRICKS Body of Painter Extricated From Basement an Hour After Explosion EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Aug.

22. IP One man was killed, two others injured and several narrowly escaped entombment today when a 1-story brick building at the Ball, Health School here was -wrecked toy an explosion of undetermined origin which shook the city. William Hildiebrand, 24, maintenance worker at the institution, was killed when the concrete first floor crashed him as he worked in the basement. The injured were Lee Knote, Excelsior Springs, an employe ofi Dr Ball, head of the health 1 school, and W. W.

Cupp, a taxi driver, Knote, wtuo was windows in the buildups: when the explosion occurred, was blown about 15 feet through a door into the street. He suffered lacerations and bruises. Hit By Flying: Bricks Cupp was injured slightly when Hying bricka -and debris crashed into his motor car as he was driving past the building. He drove farther down the street, parked his cab and returned to the scene. Damage was estimated tentatively at to $15,000 by firemen and city officials, but expensive clinical equipment housed in the building was not fully included in the estimate.

Dr. Ball declined to estimate the damage but indicated the loss would exceed $15,000. i Firemen Hurt i Fire Chief said Hildie-j brand was painting in the basement when the -explosion occurred. His body was ncjt extricated until an City Firemen Boyer and Warren Swearingen received minor scatch- es in the rescue work. The unit wrecked was built for a women's bath house, but later converted into a clinic.

It had been closed recently for remodeling as a general office. The general building of the school is located a block from the scene of the explosion. Dr. Ball, said the loss was covered by insurance. The explosion was followed by small blaze.

Crowds at the scene became so large at one time that Chief Payne roped oft the street to enable, firemen to search for Hildiebrand's body. Oity said an investigation will be made to determine cause of the explosion. Chief Payne expressed opinion the explosion may have been gas seeping from sewer mains. The wrecked building is only a block from the city's main street and an equal distance from Siloam Park, where the new hall of waters project is under way Wreckage Hurled a BlocK Wreckage of the building was hurled a block away, but -no one was hurt. Several persons standing in an alley near the bmldmg narrowly escaped injury from fly- in- bricks.

The south wall of the building was ordered razed to prevent another collapse. A across the street from the building was not damaged. Dr Ball indicated a new structure would be constructed soon. "This is the worst explosion that has occurred here so far as I know," said -Bernard S. Alnutt manager.

"It is fortunate one else was injured and killed. Employes of the Ball organization said Hildiebrand had 2 en employed there only a fev. 'weeks and that they had no record of his address. Outdoor Narrowly Escape Being Crushed KANSAS CITY, Aug. 22 at dawn today by traffic on the street bordering their home, Wilma Hodge, her sister, Gorgia Pearl Hodge, 12, left a -mattress on which they had been sleeping on the front porch.

A. half hour later the family was startled by a cras which fhook the entire house. Opening the front door they found a truck wedged against the wall of the house, the porch splintered. The 'mattress, ripped by the impact, was jammed tightly between the truck and the house. Gov.

Olson Takes Turn for Worse ROCHESTER, Aug. 22 (JF) Gov. Floyd B. Olson's condition took a turn for the worse shortly after noon today. A bulletin issued by the MayoClinic said opiates were required to alleviate Increasing pain and feeding became more difficult THE WEATHER 4.

MISSOURI: Partly cloudy, local thundershowers in extreme west portion this afternoon or tonight; Sunday generally fair. Not much change in temperature. Temperatures today: 81--Low last night. 103--At 2 o'clock. High yesterday--104.

The Outlook CHICAGO, Aug. 22. er outlook for the coming week for the upper Mississippi and lower Missouri valleys: Generally fair weather, but some indications of showers toward end of week; temperature above normal south and near normal north portion. SIX BABIES BORN BUT FIVE ARE DEAD Chariton County Mother Nearly Attains Greater Fame Than Mrs. Dionne PHILIP SPEICHINGERS HAVE NINE OTHERS MENDON, Aug.

22 The only survivor among sextuplets an apple-cheeked baby girl cooed happily today to a. slender farm woman who, according to tne family physician, might have gone Mother Dionne one better and had six live "babies had her health been "better. Two weeks ago, on Sunday, Aug 9. Mrs. Adeline Speichinger, 36 'already the mother of nine children, gave birth to the six, five still-born, but the news was slow in spreading through, the countryside.

The doctor, the parents, and others in the neighborhood were not greatly impressed by the multiple birth- Only today had the word through the country-side, bringing visitors to see the blond, somewhat slight mother. "Marjorie Louise was born about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, Aug. 9," related 80- year-old Dr. William B. Lucas.

Fears for Mother's Life "The mother began to sink and I feared for her life. I called my son Dr. John H. -Lucas, from his home in Erookfield. A short time later the five other were born.

Marjorie weighing 10 pounds about week re ery other 'respect. All six might naye survived if Mrs. Speichinger- had been in better health. "The condition of the mother became so. critical that the JRev.

John J. Groetsch, of Brunswick, was called. TNe Catholic priest was prepared tc administer 'extreme unction." Then Mrs. Speichinger rallied. "Of course, I'm proud.

of my family but it means a fellow must keep going." said 43-year-old Phillip Speichinger. Dr. Lucas said the five still-born infants died in the embryo stage after two months development. Sex Not Determined No attempt was made by the doctor attending the mother to determine the sex. of the five babies which were born dead.

The nine other children all are living and are normal in ail respects. Mrs. Speichinger said that so far as she knew this was the first plural birth that ever took place ia the families of her and her husband- 5 Weighed Only Pound "Marjorie Louise weighed about 10 pounds 'at the country physician said. "The other five all together probably did not -weigh more than a pound." Lucas, wBo is SO years old, said he had' delivered several pairs of twins, but his experience with multiple births had never. extended beyond that.

just about had returned today in the 4-room home on 120-acre Speichinger farm. Mrs. Speichinger, although pale from her recent confinement. was up and about the house. Mrs.

Ella Speichinger, a sister-in-law, had come iii to aid in caring for the ten children, five boys and noXv with Marjorie Uouise, five Mrs. Speichinger, was asked what she thought when informed of the multiple birth. It Was Hard To Believe "I didn't hardly believe it," she said. "I don't remember whether it was my husband or Dr. Lucas who told me.

Then I didn't think much about it. "It's a lot of work looking after a big family," she ssid as she fanned her youngest born with a newspaper. "But it's it. Some of the children are getting old enough notv that they can help." Mrs. Speichinger was asked if (Continued on Page Four) DUCE MAKES FLIGHT TO ISLE OF ELBA ROME.

Aug. 22 Mussolini this morning took off on an unexpected flight to the Isle of Elba. The.presence of Lt. Gen. Achille Starace, secretary of the Fascist party, and of Giuseppe Valle, under-secretary of.

the air ministry, led to beliefs -that Duce would study the possibility of establishing a new seaplane base. It was explained, however, that i II Duce wished to inspect iron mines. THE CHOICE AS LANDON VIEWS IT 'Pig in Policies or Heritage pf Freedom and Opportunity' the Issue HIS FIRST FORMAL CAMPAIGN SPEECH Some Hurrahs for Roosevelt Heard-as He Rides to Meeting Place WEST MIDDLESEX, Aug. 22 JP Gov. Alf M.

Landon put before the -electorate today what he termed choice" in the 1936 presidential campaign "between pig in the poke policies" of New Deal and "our heritage of freedom opportunity." From an open air platform, facing a crowd which stretched before him over the Tarn O'- Shanter golf course, the Republican candidate "Let us not abandon qjir determination to win security, and abundance without scarficing any of our precious heritage 'of freedom." 40,000 At Meeting. The Kansan stood -bareheaded under the afternoon serious faced, and spoke into a microphone on the' subject of "the American way. life." Robert Outhwaite, of; the Republican National Committee staff, estimated that 40,000 people, drawn from Pennsylvania, West. 'Virginia, and Ohio, heard the nominee over loud speakers. The mile and." a drive.from his special train, to the speaking platform was almost solidly with onlookers.

One or two "boos' 'and "hurrahs for Roosevelt" were heard amid the cheering as the governor drove through his village birthplace. M. Harvey state Republican chairman, introduced the. nominee 'and cries of "Come on, Alf" greeted him when he stepped forward to begin his address. Dressed -r'in a blue summer suit, he raised his arm stop the-, terK, rcunut SURVIVORS ON ROAD TO RECOVER! Demm'er Sexton Only Partly, Conscious- But J.

W. McCann 'Safe' 1 EDWARD STONER 'S FUNERAL SUNDAY; AS TWO MINERS WERE BROUGHT OUT ALIVE Few Injuries Found on of Victims; Mine jj to Be Sealed of Speech An abstract Landon 's address, his' formal the presidential campaign, -follows: He Defines 'American' xxx jmeans an of heart and mind Landon "an on life. It means not. only deep love of 'liberty- and justice, but courage face the dangers responsibilities that go with b- xxx. "This American way of life -is being challenged.

We are told that it does -not- meet- modern requirements. xxx Some are trying to supplant our institutions by others from abroad. "Periods of depression are favorable for reviving ancient and discredited systems of society and government, and presenting them as the sure way of gaining Utopia. xxx The confidence of many of our people in our way of doing things has been shaken. They -are wondering whether we may not have to scrap our American insti- (continuea ou page HEAT TO HANG ON SEVERAL DAYS Chance for Rain Tonight But No Decided Temperature Change is Indicated ST LOXJIS.

Aug. 22 rP--There was little prospect of a cool weekend in Missouri today as temperatures mounted to -torrid heights for the llth consecutive "Forecaster Roscoe Nunn of the weather bureau said there were no indications of any change in temperatures in the next two or three days, and little chance for general rains. Local showers were predicted for the extreme west portion of the state this afternoon or tonight. Mid-morning temperatures included 96 at Columbia and Kansas City, where the mercury was expected to rise above 100 for the 44th day this summer, to equal the 1934 all-time record. CoHimbia's minimum temperature of S5 last night was the highest, ever recorded there.

Four more heat deaths were reported in St. Louis, bringing the total to 24 there during the current hot spell. Low water in the Mississippi river and in the Lake of the Ozarks has greatly reduced the output of hydro-electric plants of the Union Electric Light Power Co. at Keokuk and Bagnell, requiring the company to rely chiefly- on its steam generating plant at Cahokia, For the last week the Mississippi at St. Louis has ben below previous August low levels.

The stage yesterday was 3.7' below zero on the gauge, a new low mark foe tie znonth, Physicians' reports thjs morning on the conditions of J. W. McCann and Demmer Sexton, survivors the Sexton-Stoner mine disaster 1 a happy epilogue to the story of. tragedy that claimed the lives of two other men and for 72 hours was -the focal point of na- interest; "Both men are doing Dr Jesse Maddox said after examining them at the McCormick hos- pitall "Sexton is improved today. McCann is perfectly rumor was widespread here night- that Sexton, taken from the mine yesterday afternoon in.a; weak condition, had died.

He lay this morning in a partially con- condition caused by exhaustion, but he had improved during the night i Lungs Are Clear 'T have tested the lungs of bothi men;" Dr. Maddox said, "and found-them clear except for some: dirty mucus that they will have to expectorate. There is no indication of pneumonia developing in either man." Dr. Maddox asserted positively that any superficial injuries or abrasions on the bodies of the mine victims had been tfce natural result of their efforts to preserve their lives until rescue workers penetrated the burned, caved-in shaft to them. "Any other talk is absurd," he said.

"Of course there are some on the bodies of the men, but "all injuries they sustained were accidental and self-inflicted." Some Mjnor Injuries McCann had several his. legs Maddox said, "has "two-patches of bad skin oh the.left scapular shoulder) on the These are places where the skin has been devitalized and' were caused by his lying too upon his back. When that bad skin peels off, the spots heal quickly." There were no lacerations on body. Skin bad been scraped from the of head of George T. the Negro mule driver, in, a.manner that suggested to Dr.

Maddox that he might have flung himself against the side of the tunnel in which he and the others were trapped "I was violently distressed and- probably hysterical," Dr. Maddox explained. lie must have struck his head- while running hysterically along- the tunnel." Rigor mortis, which claimed the i bodies of the dead men after they succumbed, still held them when they were-, brought above ground. "Rigor mortis persists for. about twelve hours in normal, conditions," Dr, Maddox said, "but these men'were in-a temperature of about 60 degrees at the bottom of the mine.

Their clothed bodies were rigid! Rigor mortis (which is released by decomposition) was not present in their heads and necks." Scene of Desolation The mine was a scene of desolation, sharp contrast to the four anxiety-frought days in which weary rescue crews ripped debris imprisoning the four men. Trains roared their slow orders lifted. 1 Traffic on the highway bordering the included an occasional group of merrymakers, bound for one of their favorite roadhouses. The only activity was moving of emergency equipment brought to the mine for rescue work. Somber workmen slowly dismantled air compressors, timber and hoisting devices which had been set up.in them the tragedy more than a passing incident: Spectators gathered in groups on the sidewalk, eager to-recall the heroism of workers who battled exhaustion to take two half- dead men from the 'mine.

The Nova Scotia gold mine disaster was recalled by many. Bat the sentiment of all was: "You often read of things and now we really know, (GontlnuaO on Page Four) RECORD FOR HOME RUNS TO PROBE MINE FIRE DISASTER Evan Jones, Deputy Inspector, to Conduct Investigation of Tragedy SAFETY CHANGES HAD BEEN ORDERED Hazards Recognized on vious Visit; Griffith scribes Finding of Men I An investigation to determina the cause of the Sexton-Stoner mine will TDC launched, probably early next week, by the State Mine Inspection Depart-' ment, Arnold Griffith, chief state mine inspector, announced here today; The investigation will be in. charge of Evan Jones, Higbee, deputy mine inspector in the district, Griffith said. "It will be begun, as soon as 'Buck' has chance to recover. He's horse, so I guess that won't be very long," he inspector said.

May Delay Inquest Although the coroner's- inquest into the death of Edward Stoner; and George T. Dameron, negro, has been set for Monday, at may be several days before it can be conducted. The delay would t-o permit Demxner Sexton and W. McCann, the survivors, to recover sufficiently to be able to testify. Members of the coroner's jurjj will be: Victor Vanderbeck, Route 2, Huntsville; Pete Headrick, Route 4, Moberly, John.

Groeber, Charles Patrick, C. S. Martin and J. T. Pogue, all of who has more than 400 mines under hia supervision ia the district, had inspected this mine several months-ago.

listed with the state department at that time as the Holbrookand Esry mine. Jones said, however; he understood they nad not operated it for the six months, and that he baa Siuy jnapection since. "3 vt McCann now weii-on road to -recovery after being trapped hours In the Sexton-Stoner above about to drink a cup of after being placed in an ambulance near the The beside him Is Frank Bunch, a deputy state mine inspector from Richmond. The shows Demmer Sexton being; carried to the ambulance after being removed from the.mine- th head ol the stretchr Is Harry Motorcycle Patrolman Harley Patrick- is the roan to the right of Kraft while Deputy Sheriff'Eugene Pennock, (In straw hat) be seen to the Krail. Sexton I still a Very sick a i expected recover.

Fiinds Asked for Families of Mine Victims RED CROSS TO AID National Headquarters to Reimburse Organization Relief Work ASSISTANCE)! 1 PERSONS RECOGNIZED Work of the Randolph Red Cross done in providing food for reserve Svorkers the Sexton-Stoner mine will be financed-, by treasury, of the PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 Paced by three Kuh'el Carl Reynolds Red Kress in the fourth inning, tying the American League record, Washington came from to- defeat the Athletics 12-to S. in the; first game of a double-header today. Pinky Higgins "of the A's also Mt for the circuit. (BasebaU on many donations'were received, unsolicited," -Mr.

Davis said, we issued no call, for local, subscr p- tions. "Now we have been notified that for all -expenses which me local chauter incurred by its worK we will be.re-inibursed by national The notification from national headauarters stood today as an testimonial of -we world-famed Red Cross service. Many recalled today that when the local annual'-'drive, for KSI Cross fundsi here fall, workers said: "We never: know when disaster may strike- Many Aid in. Work The local Red-Cross was-aided its work by numerous local firms and individuals who. donated stuffs, tobacco ana miners' equipment.

Coffee and "sandwiches were provided for the rescue workers tne evening of the disaster, and. beginning Wednesday morning, with tne An- appeal -for by' more than $160-quickly subscribed by local businessmen, went put today of 'and the surviving-relatives, of the'four miners 'entombed by, the Sexton- Stoner mine" disaster, The suggestion was -heard first; G. pastor 'of Zion Lutheran church. Very soon' afterward subscriptions were' offeredy'Ray Eckles and Henry Taylor, local businessmen. Within a-'few.

minutes a dozen- signatures 'had been, added to the list. Thereafter "the list and' the accompanying fund grew To Be Apportioned The fund subscribed -will-lie', divided among the families- of the four miners, help "defray'household, hospital and funeral expenses, incurred. Judge Aubrey Hamtmett, whose father "owns 'the property on which. the mine is said this afternoon he', "pretty sure" the "families are in financial- need. Mr.

Hammett is close ac-" quaintance of and mem'-, bers 'of "I think the fund- that has been started is wonderful he "It -shows" magnificent Mr. Hammett, gave uu- spaj-ingly of his time resources, during the disaster! Although he at the scene'of the disaster almost constantly -and incurred numerous obligations in materials for the rescue work, Mr. Hammett modestly disclaimed any-credit or public recog- only did'it for the men," he said. love every one of "them." Committee of Five Chairmen-who will control and divide-the fund are: Mayor EL A. Willott, Ted Davis, local theater manager who is county chairman.

of the Red Cross chapter here; W. on epMOATESME EXPENSE REPORTS Rep. William Nelson Spent $150 in Campaign, Report Shows JEFFERSON CITY, Aug. 22. --Primary campaign expenditures are Beginning to be turned -into the secretary of state's office, as required by law, "by both successful and-defeated candidates in 'the Aug.

4.election. David' W. Hill of Poplar Bluff and; '-Charles A. Hendricks of Stockton," both unsuccessful for Republican, nomination for judge'of the Springfield 'Court- of Appeals, listed expenditures at 018 and $365, respectively. William, L.

Kelson of Columbia and Orville Zimmerman of Ken- iiett who were renominated on the "Democratic ticket for representatives in congress $150 andv $471, respectively. 'George N. of St. Louis, defeated for the Republican nomination for congress the 13th district, listed bis expenses at exclu- 'sive'of-'his $50 filing fee. Although unopposed for publicaa nomination for Supreme Court Judge, Conway Elder of St.

Louis spent S165, including, his $100 filing fee. The unsuccessful campaign of Fred M. Crawford of Eldorado Springs for the Republican-nomination for secretary-of state cost S2 i. C. R.

Fritz is visiting- to St." Louis. At the time of inspection, he saad, he realized the hazardous condition existing at mine and ordered the airshaft opened up immediately, all the water pumped out, and that bonnets and safety catches be installed on the cage at the: shaff. "When the mine was reopened by Sexton and Stoner recently, they ktarted operations without giving notice to that effect to the mine inspection department," Griffith said, "or to Jones." Under the law no formal license is required to operate- a. mine, continued, but notice' must be filed with the depart 7 ment of intention to operate. "Had the new owners of mine notified Jones or the department that they were going to operate it, the same orders would have been issued to them as -were given, to the original Griffith stated.

"Had the improvements; ordered by Inspector Jones been com.7 plied with, this tragedy would possibly have been prevented," he asserted. "Tins is just one of the many hazardous problems the men in, the mine must fact daily," inspector continued. Praises Cooperation He was high in ms praise of the people of the county for they: cooperation in the rescue work. "The state has no funas for asters such, as this," -he said, "and everyone was quick to act when asked to provide some necessary equipment. "We gave no confederation to expense.

The thing we were con- fronted with was the hope we might reach the men before they died. I can't meet each and ev-. eryone personally, but want to express toy heartfelt thanks to every man and woman who aidr ed any way, even to jeopardizing their own lives. "It certainly was v. that stay of the four came out alive.

In my opinion, the crew, that made it possible to save two- oi the wen it was the crew who with me into thu old air shaft and tunnel, at a time when- their lives were in great danger, and removed the leading, to the back entry. Removal of brattish allowed of air into the tunnel where the men were found, and that lathe only way they survived." of I-ast Minutes Griffith today also retold the story of the final efforts ia reaching the men. It follows: "When we first broke through into the tunnel in which the men. were found, we Immediately stopped digging and, pumped air into the- tunnel- for 35 mimites. During that time- only the three men and myself who were in the shaft knew that we had broken through.

-After 35 minutes we- rope on a coal oil lantern "and dropped the lantern through, a hole to the floor of the tunnel, which was about Tune feet beloia- -was to test the air m-.