Great Falls Tribune from Great Falls, Montana • Page 1

FINAL EDITION AMERICA See It First. Stand Behind It Always MONTANA'S BEST NEWS GATHERER FIFTY-FIRST YEAR GREAT FALLS, MONTANA, MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16, 1935 PRICE FIVE CENTS TRIBUNE fi I A i. PASSES AWAY Miles City, Is Governor, Senator Holt, Following EAST HOPEI'S ARMY MAKES ITALIANS SET FOR ASSAULT Succumbs Sunday Night at 9:30 to ffliction Heart A Stricken Saturday While in Great Falls Enroute to Helena From Trip to Miami, Florida, State's Chief Executive Puts Up Losing Battle; Wife, Others of Family, With Him at End Gov. Frank H. Cooney, 62-year-old democratic chief executive of Montana, died at 9:30 Sunday night at Columbus hospital as the result of a heart attack he suffered here Saturday.

(', Mrs. Cooney and several of their children were at the bedside. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Since early Sunday evening Governor Cooney's death had been momentarily expected. His strength had begun to decline rapidly and his heart grew steadily weaker.

The last rites of the Catholic church were administered Sunday morning. Governor Cooney was stricken with a heart attack Saturday soon after he and Dr. H. J. McGregor of this city, who was the governor's personal physician and who is chairman of the state highway commission, had returned to Great Falls from Miami, where they attended the annual convention of the American Association of State Highway Officials.

At Miami the governor, whose health for about a year had been declining, was taken ill. His condition, Dr. McGregor said, was sufficiently alarming to require the cancellation of the nit H. Cooney which, espousing Senator J. T.

Sparling of Daniels county, was the left wing faction of the senate. The other group, considered conservatives, supported Senator Holt. Sparling had previously been president ad Interim. In view of the fact that the condition of Governor Cooney's health made It a probability that the president of the senate might become governor, the election of the senate president was considered of vital importance from the viewpoint of political alignments. In the last few years Governor Holt has had much experience with relief and emergency problems In Montana relating to the depression.

He was for a time a member of the state relief commission and In 1934 was acting state relief administrator. MILES CITY, Dec. 15. (JP) W. Elmer Holt, president pro tern of the Montana senate, who will succeed Frank H.

Cooney as governor, was shocked tonight when he was notified of the death of the chief executive at Great Falls. Holt said Will Aiken, secretary to Governor Cooney, telephoned him from Helena of Cooney's death. A personal friend of the governor and member of the same political organization, the democratic party. Holt expressed his sorrow over the passing of Cooney. Holt saW he would leave at once for Helena.

He expected to reach the capital at noon Monday. Details of Holt's assumption of the governorship were expected to be announceeol at Helena, probably tomorrow. Geneva Fearful Selassie Cannot Halt Own Army League Officials Think Warriors Would Ignore Peace Making Concessions to Italy GENEVA, Dec. 15. (Impossibility that thousands of Ethiopian warriors would ignore any peace Emperor Haile Selassie might make granting big concessions to Italy and carry on an Independent war against the fascists was discussed in some League of Nations circles.

In this some league officials saw a further obstacle in bridging the desires of Premier Mussolini and those things which the emperor would be able to accord. It also appeared that both the little entente and Scandinavia might figure in the vanguard nations opposing the Franco-British plan to obtain peace by territorial concessions to Italy. The plan Is to be discussed Wednesday by the leaguo council. A spokesman for the little entente eald any dismemberment of Ethiopia wiU be combated by Rumania, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Like the northern nations, the little entente was said to be anxious to have tha League of Nations establish a lasting precedent against conquest by force.

It repeatedly has refused to accept a revision of its frontier. Renewed Japanese activities In northern China also were beginning to draw the close attention of International political circles. Some Geneva delegates compared the Slno-Japanese actuation with the Italo-Ethiopian, FIST ATTACK North China Japanese-Supported State Uses Military-Methods Several Reported Killed When Tangku Garrison Retired After Fight TIENTSIN, Dec. 16. P) The Japanese-supported autonomous state in East Hope! province threw its arnfed forces into action for the first time today, seizing Tangku, stragetic port and railway center 27 miles east of here.

Several were reported killed and wounded on both sides in a brief battle between the autonomy forces and the retiring Tangku garrison. The attackers timed their assault to take place whUe the Chinese peace preservation corps, under Gen. Shang-chen, retiring Hopel governor, was being transferred southward. Japanese troops stationed at Tangku stood by while Japanese officers mediated the quarrel. Forces Withdraw The result was complete withdrawal of Shang-chen's force from Tangku and with it the last vestige of Chinese government authority, Japanese reports said.

The Tangku seizure followed closely upon the arrest of the Chinese commissioner Sn the Tangku area by the Japanese military because of his alleged rfufal to lease certain wharves to the Japanese army for military purposes. His refusal was based on the vigorous opposition of the present occupants of the wharves. Observers anticipated Japanese de sires would be speedily carried out by the rew Tangku regime in view of the close co-operation between autonomists and Japanese militarists. (The East Hopei autonomous state, comprising a score of counties, was set up several weeks ago and has remained aloof from the semi-autonomous setup efected more recently by Chinese leiders for Hopel and Chahar provinces.) Only Mnd Flat Although Tangku is a mud flat village of only 2,500 persons, it is strategically vital as an ocean gateway to North China and controls Tientsin's huge export and Import traffic. Hence It Is a potentially lucrative source of revenue for the East Hopel autonomists, who have been outlawed by the Chinese government.

They owe their continued existence to the refusal of the Japanese army to permit Nanking punitive expedition against them. The East Hopel regime has emphasized its independent status, forbidding the circulation of notes of Chinese government banks and the payment of any taxes to Nanking. Idaho Sheriff Finds Prosperous Winery COUNCIL, Idaho. Dec. 15.

An observing officer was the downfall of a prospering winery 45 miles north of here. Sheriff Ed Wade of Adams county was returning home from north Idaho when he observed feveral cars at a residence. Another glance disclosed a nearby raspberry patch and several staggering men In the house. Sheriff Wade sent a telegram to Internal revenue officials at Boise and Agent Ed Paris hurried here. The sheriff and Paris raided the place and reported they confiscated 740 gallons of raspberry wine.

5 DEFER Emperor's Son-in-Law Ite-ported to Be Lurking With 40,000 Ethiopians Romans Said to Ke Weary of Waiting for Natives to Make Drive By MARK BARKRON 'Coi'ynght. 1935, by The Associated Press) With the Italian Armies at Lolo, on the Ethiopian-So-maliland Frontier, Dec. 15. P) Ras Desta Demtu, Emperor Haile Selassie's son-in-law, was reported converging today with three main columns of 40,000 Ethiopians on a front 30 miles from Dolo, where a big Ethiopian attack has been expected momentarily since last Tuesday. The Italian troops were weary from waiting.

End prepared lor inward thrusts if Desta's slow-moving divisions did not strike soon. "On the Somaliland front we are on the defensive but not static." Gen. Rudolf Grazzlana. told me. "If the Ethiopians turn, then we will be ready to drive.

'We are well prepared to drive and hard at the Ethiopians. have not fired a single offensive she against the Italians in the south, although, we have made several at-tarks. "That indicates Desta Is without sptrit." Desta's columns have taken two months to come 300 miles along a web formed by the Gestro, Ganale Dorio and the Daua Parma rivers from tha Lake Margherlta region toward Dolo. The Ethiopian commauutr has attempted to camouflage his forces against air attacks and his advancing troops have scattered nightly from their columns, according to a high military authority. "Desta had hoped to cut In on the Italian left flank, attacking from the rear." this authority said.

"After the Gorrahel drive the Ethiopians thought te bit push was there, but instead we were awaiting them eagerly at Dolo." Statistics HIRTHS Mrs. Christian Jacobsen. Carter, at hospital, 1h 15, a daughter. Mr. Kerett Mlkenn.

Hover, at Iea-rones hospital, Iec. 15. a Mn. Mr. Kirhanl l.ancley, Vaughn, at Columbus hospital.

Dee. 14, a son. Mrs James W. Murphy, Geyser, at Columbus hospital. Dec.

1 1, a daughter. DEATH Gov. Frank II. Cooney, 61, Helena. 5He 31 A COVE ZERO was the temperature recorded by the Tycos thermometer at The Tribune building at 2 a.

m. today. At 2 p. m. Sunday it read 3D above.

BAROMETRIC READING The Cy clo-Stormograph reading at 2 a. m. today was 30.30, no change in 21 hours, indicating generally fair weather here today. WEITHIR FORECAST n-r I'. S.

rlhrr Barran Helrn Mon'ana Fan Monday and Tuesday, ex cept unsettled extreme west portion; warmer southeast portion Monday. Wyoming Fair Monday and Tuesday; slightly warmer Monday. 1ESTEHDY' METEOROLOGICAL Br The Associated Press DATA Hieh Low Pcpt Demise of Fra Sfc- WSSJr-EWiF P. JO-y 5W Senator W. Elmer Holt of Custer county, president ad interim of the state senate, becomes governor of Montana because of the death of Gov.

Frank H. Cooney. battles of the session. It was a contest between biparty groups, one of German-English Arras Plans Not Near Agreement Progress Unlikely While War Trouble in Africa Is Disturbing Factor LONDON, Dec. 15.

0P)- The British, government was informed today by Sir Eric Phipps, its ambassador to Berlin, that Reichsfuehrer Hitler of Germany expects little progress from Anglo-German arms discussions while the Italo-Ethiopian war continues. Since Sir Samuel Hoare. the British foreign secretary. Indicated to commons recently that this government feels about the same way. no" further developments of a major character are anticipated for some time.

It was understood Great Britain wanted to make sure how Hitler felt on the question and to see what he would say. Hence Sir Eric was instructed to discuss the trend of events with der fuehrer. LACK OF ENTHUSIASM BERLIN. Dec- 15. A lack of enthusiasm characterized reaction in government circles today to Great Britain's move for limiting European armaments.

Spokesmen recalled Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler had outlined his own program last spring and had asserted he was ready to Join in an aviation pact. But surprise was manifested that the question of limitation should be raised now, with war raging in Africa. PARIS VIEWPOINT PARIS. Dec. lS.W) Adolf Hitler's recent conversation or arms limitation with the British ambassador was seen in diplomatic circles here tcday as a result of the Franco-British solidarity reached by Premier Laval and Sir Samuel Hoare a week ago.

Conceding the Idea of a tri-power agreement between France, Great Britain and Germany was "too nebulous" for comment, officials nevertheless Indicated the current agreement between the British and the French "covers more than the Italo-Ethiopian war," Jews Segregated WAR3AW. Poland. Dec. 15. am Ghetto benches" for Jews were In troduced today by several professors in the technical college of Lwow, under pressure from anti-Semitic stu dents I t.

fT" 1 I i I I I I is "I i 'Xi 3 (oV With the death here Sunday night of Gov. Frank H. Cooney, the acting lieutenant governor, W. Elmer Holt of Miles City, democratic Etate senator from Custer county, automatically becomes governor of Montana. All that remains for him to do before assuming' office is to take the oath.

As Governor Cooney died, his successor was said to be on a train on the way from Helena to his home. Governor Holt had been acting as- governor during Governor Cooney's absence from the state. He will serve until the general election next November. Governor Holt succeeds to the gov ernorship by virtue of having been chosen president ad interim of the senate in the closing days of the legislative session last winter. Under the constitution, the lieutenant governor advar.ces to the governorship in case there is a vacancy in that office.

This occurred when on. March 11. 1933, Gov. J. E.

Exlckson resigned and Lieut. Gov. Cooney succeeded him. Under such a condition the president of the senate Is acting lieutenant governor and as such becomes governor if there is a vacancy, Elmer Holt has frequently been acting governor in the 10 months since the last assembly. He has had considerable experience in state affairs.

In 1913 he was a member of the house from Custer county. In 1932 he was elected to the senate. Mr Holt has long been engaged in the land business. The contest in the senate last March to name the president ad interim was one of the most spirited Politics Buzzing in Washington asG.O.P.Meet National Committee fathers to Select Convention City; May Suggest Platform WASHINGTON, Dec. 15.

(U.R) The capital resounded tonight with the buzz of informal political conversations in hotel rooms and cocktail bars as members of the national republican committee prepared for a meeting tomorrow at which the 1936 convention city will be selected. While the committee's chief Job la selection of a convention city, a six-point program suggested as a basis for the 1936 campaign platform was expected to receive considerable attention. It was suggested by Harrison Spangler. director of the committee's western office. The program: 1.

Governmental economy through a balanced budget. 2. Sound money. 3. Division of federal, state and local powers.

4. Retention of the protective tariff. 5. Treatment of relief as a local problem except in localities unable to cope with it. 6.

Payment of the bonus out of the f4.000.obo.OCO work relief fund. Spaugler said he favored Chicago or Cleveland as the site of the republican convention. Kansas City has put in a strong bid for the affair, and representatives of Atlantic City and Pittsburgh also are expected to seek the award. The committee will set the date for the convention and prescribe the apportionment of delegates. Leaders were chary of any mention of the Townsend old-age pension group, which announced plans to place a complete third party in the field.

Spangler said the pension party would be an "uncertain factor" in the campaign. Increasing Export of Cotton Is Needed WASHINGTON. Dec. 15. W) Sharply increasing: cotton exports to day were described by AAA officials as part of their long sought answer to opposition charges that crop control had ruined the nation's foreign agricultural market.

The commerce department today reported that exports in November were 1.134.874 bales, or more than twice the 572.359 bales shipped during the name month last year. Secretary Wallace quickly stepped forward to add that the November exports were greater than the last 10-year average for the month 1,117,000 bales. Big Gain in Trade MOSCOW. Dec. 15.

VF The soviet-American trade turnover la the first 10 months of 1935 increased by gold rublea over tha corresponding period of 1934. It was officially announced today. New Spanish Cabinet MADRID, Dec. 15. OJ.fO Manuel Portella Valladares, radical, formed a new cabinet today to replace that of Joaquin Chapaprleta, which resigned because of lack of general support.

Dies in Truck Cab NEW YORK. Den. IS. 1 William Bennlng, Plnedale. died tonight from the effect of carbon monoxide fumes inhaled Whiln flepnfnf in the cab of his truck yesterday GOVERNOR COOXEr Regret Expressed Through State at Governor's Death HELENA, Dec.

15. OP) Expressions of sorrow were general over Montana at the death Sunday in a Great Falls hospital of Montana's governor, Frank H. Cooney. Some of them follow: K. Puree II, vice chairman of the state water conservation board "I am shocked and grieved by the untimely death of Governor Cooney.

In the 35 years I have known him, I have always found him honest, honorable and upright. His death Is an irreparable loss." Mr. Pur cell also stated that he felt that the governor's body should lie in state in the capltol for a day or two as a mark of respect and to per mit citizens of the state to view it. Sam D. Mitchell, secretary of state am extremely porry to hear of the governor's death, but I am not greatly surprised because he would never take care of himself or con sider his own well being.

Through my close contacts with him I knew that his health had broken down and that his condition had been serious for the last two or three months. His friends were unable to prevail upon him to save himself." Dr. If. J. McGregor, Great Falls, membrr of the state highway commission and Governor Cooney's personal physician "Governor Cooney's death is distinct loss not only to his personal friends, but to the people of Montana.

He was a tireless worker for the best Interests of the state and had many plans for its future development which he had hoped to see accomplished." S. V. Stewart, Justice of the supreme court and former governor "I deeply regretted to learn of Governor Cooney's death. He was a conscientious worker and a forceful executive." Dr. Emmet J.

Riley, president of Carroll college "In the death of Governor Cooney the state is bereft of an able executive. His exemplary Christian life will ever be a happy memory to his family, his friends and the citizens of Montana." C. Williams, BlUings mayor "Governor Cooney was a -very democratic man in his dealings." I found him always willing to cooperate for the welfare of this and other communities. W. C.

Kell. Billings wholesaler, member of-, the state llsh and game commission "Governor Cooney was a man of determination- and set views. He was a gTeat believer in the future of Montana. He was Industrious, and an energetic worker, loyal to his friends, liberal In his donations to the unrortunat-e." Boekwood Brown, Billings attorney and member of the state highway commission- "Water conservationists have lost a real friend in the death of Governor -Cooney. People had begun to realize in the last year what a splendid executive he was." Sam Goza.

Helena, republican member of state board of equalization "The state never had an executive who gave of himself In an effort to help the state as Frank Cooney did. Governor Cooney was a. man of ver strong beliefs, with the courage to carry out his convictions in the face of very positive opposition." Leon Shaw, general manager of the Billings Gazette "It Is extremely unfortunate that Governor Cooney should have been summoned before the completion or his water conservation program. However, there Is little doubt that it will be carried out. and this will stand as an enduring monument to his remarkable foresight." Tom Stout, editor the Lewistown Democrat-News "However one may "(Continued on Page 3, Column 1) Rail Link Planned JERUSALEM.

Dec. 15. UP) (Jewish telegraphic agency) An unconfirmed report said today that the British government had started negotiations with Eaudt Arabia for permission to build a railroad linking the Mediterranean seaport of Haifa with El Akaba on the Bed sea. Defense Group to Meet WASHINGTON. Dec.

15. OP) Mrs. Harriett Vaughn Rlgdon. chairman cf the women's Patriotic Conference on National Defense, today announced its 1938 meeting would be held Jan. 27.

28 and 29. The conference claims a membership of. nearly women, 1,000,000 known as the "Mcintosh," which has added materially to the wealth of the apple growers of western Montana. First Canning Factory Governor Cooney started "the first canning factory in Montana at Ste-vensville, in 19i3. and operated It successfully for several years.

His business enterprises In the state necessitated considerable traveling, and he was recognized by many as the dean of the Montana "traveling fraternity. Mr Cv-rey J-i tri'" by team, stage and boat and, as transportation developed, by train, bicycle, automobile and airplane. During the many years he traveled on the road he visited every town and hamlet in the state. He saw the vast plains of the eastern part of the state spanned by fences daring the settlement years and witnessed, the range where millions of cattle once grazed, grow smaller as the state developed. Frank Cooney entered politics in 1924 when he was the nominee cf the democratic party for lieutenant governor, but was defeated by W.

S. Mccormick. Again In 1928 he fought election and again he was defeated, that time by Frank A. Hazelbaker. However, four years later he was elected lieutenant governor.

He was elevated to the post of governor March 13, 1933. upon the resignation of Gov. John E. Erickson. whom the new governor appointed to fill the unexpired term of United States Senator Thomas J.

Walsh, who died March 2, 1933. Married in 1899 On Dec. 27, 1899, Mr. Cooney was married to Miss Emma May Poindex-ter, daughter of P. H.

Poindexter of Dillon, a prominent pioneer of Beaverhead county. Besides his widow. Governor Cooney is survived by four sons, John Cooney of Butte, and Walter. Tyler and Gage Cooney of Missoula, and two daughters, Merlie and Virginia, A son, Francis, was killed in an automobile accident July 19. 1934.

near Missoula. Governor Cooney was the last of four brothers who came to Butte in the early nineties. Byron Cooney. one brother, who died in 1932, was a widely known newspaper man and a member of the Montana legislature for several ses sions. Percival Cooney, a hi eh school pro fessor here and later a weU-known writer on the coast, died in Los An geles several years ago.

The other brother, Howard, was as sociated with the late governor tn the brokerage business for many years. upon occasion of banquets for Frank C. Walker, formerly of Butte, who Is known as President Roosevelt's right hand man." the governor told their friends how Walker once drove a grocery wagon for him. Fraternally. Mr.

Cooney was a member of the Elks lodge at Missoula and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Silver Bow club at Bxitte and the Country club at Missoula. Governor Cooney's body Is at th T. F. O'Connor chapel.

Late Sunday night no information was available as to where the funeral and burial would be or whether the body would lie in state in the capitol at Helena. Interment probably will be at Missoula alongside the body of his son. In Canal Zone BALBOA. C. Z- Dec.

15. JT Pile! Dick Merrill landed his Lincoln Ellsworth rescue plane at France field at 3:30 p. m. today after a flight from Tapachula. Mexico.

He will take oft at daybreak for the Straits of Magellan, expecting to complete the flight in two days. Christmas Buying Grows CHICAGO, Dec. 15. vP Christmas and seasonal btiylng in the nation's No. 2 city last week was rated at almost 20 percent greater than the same week in 1934 by the Chicago Association of Commerce.

Improvement Program PITTSBURGH. Dec. 15. Th Jones Laughlin Steel Corp. disclosed a 40.000.000 Improvement and expansion program today la a letter to stockholders, remainder of the governor's Itinerary, which included a visit to Washington.

He and Dr. McGregor immediately left for Great Falls. On the trip back to Montana the governor showed some improvement. For some years Governor Cooney had been suffering from a heart ailment. More recently other physical Impairments set In, including a diabetic condition.

For a few week it August he was at Columbus hospital for treatment and a rest. About the first of September he left the institution and applied himself vieorously to his work. In mid-October the governor was back in Great Falls for a few days of rest, during which he remained most of the time in his hotel room, transacting state business from there. Health Failing for Tear For the last year, according to Dr. McGregor.

Governor Cooney had been fighting a losing battle against failing health. The energy with which he engaged in the activities of his office were a heavy drain on his strength, im til it frequently became necessary for him to seek rest away from the capitol. After the heart attack Saturday Governor Cooney's condition was considered so serious that little hope was held that he would long survive. There was slight chance that he would live more than a few days, at the most. Sunday afternoon it became Increasingly certain that death was quickly approaching.

Bishop Edwin V. O'Hara of the diocese of Great Falls was a visitor late In the afternoon. During the day Dr. McGregor, who was constantly in attendance, called Dr. F.

R. Schemm and Dr. G. A. Anderson Into consultation.

They conferred on the case several times during the day. Had Planned to Retire It Is said that one of the last official acts of the late chief executive was performed here Saturday when he appointed Albert Besancon of Missoula, former democratic floor leader In the state house of representatives, to be district Judge at Missoula to fill a vacancy. Governor Cooney. a close friend revealed Sunday evening, had. because of the condition of his health, decided to retire from politics.

It was said that Governor and Mrs. Cooney had purchased a home In Butte, intending to lire there when he had completed his term at Helena. Mr. Cooney began his Montana career In Butte, but In recent years had made his home at Missoula. Frank H.

Cooney was born at Norwood. Ontario. Dec. 31. 1872.

son of John W. and Mary O'Callaghan Cooney. His father was a native of New York and his mother of Ireland. He was one of four brothers, all of vrhom gained prominence in business affairs. Frank Cooney's educational advantages were confined to the schools of Ontario.

Besides being employed as delivery boy in a grocery store as a youth, he was associated with his father in the nursery business. He came to Butte In July, 1891, and during the next three years did much to equip himself for Independent effort as an employe In a retail grocery store and later in a wholesale department grocery company. In 1894 he and his brother. Howard C. Cooney, established the firm of Cooney and In 1896 Incorporated the Cooney Brokerage Co, with branches in Missoula and Great Falls.

While the business headquarters of the firm have been maintained In Butte, Governor Cooney and his family had made their home In Missoula since 1008. In 1913 Mr. Cooney extended his operations to the Bitter Root valley, where he established large agricultural and livestock enterprises and engaged In tllverstfled farming. Preeminent la his mind was his earnest zeal for the development of Montana agriculture. He long had been a campaigner and lecturer In drives to foster and encourage the use of state products by Montanans.

His father, who had been horticulturist for Martin Van Buren In New York, in Mis-soul developed the varietjr ct A REAL Gift A Year's Subscription to the GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE A gift which lasts for 365 days, bringing the news of the world and of all Montana directly to your door. We will send your Christmas card with the first issue. Fill out coupon below and mail. (See page 4 for subscription rates.) Falls 40 27 Havre 49 Helena 34 22 Kaiupell 34 30 Miles City 22 Cheyenne 38 6 Denver 40 17 Boise 38 2 Calgary 42 28 Los Angeles "70 50 Omaha 38 32 Portland 46 34 .04 St. Paul-Mlnr eapolis 34 30 Salt Lake City 34 IS San Francisco 5l 44 Seattle.

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