Las Cruces Sun-News from Las Cruces, New Mexico • Page 1

OUR HOME TOWN Las Cruces i the home of New Mexico A. and M. College, the heart of tile Mesilla valley, trade center for the richest and most thickly populated agricultural area In New Mexico. LasCr in TH6 LAS CRUCES. NEW MEXICO.

SUNDAY MORNING MAY 25, 1941 'Billy the Kid Be NO RIO ORANOE FARMER SUNMY NSWSMPEA swm SOUTHED NEW MEXICO -News THE WEATHER Forecast for Las Cruces vicing ty: Cloudy Sunday and Sunday night, warmer. Maximum temperature, 74; mini 54; mean, 64.S; precipitation, .55. By WALLACE 1'BHRY Las Cruces is coming up in Ihe world of movies. For, all in one week, plans for a new movie house and the coming of Cruces' first world premiere of an outstanding picture are announced. Personally, I've always thought that Americans generally particularly those of the southwest --are too much inclined to lionize their outlaws, especially after they're in films and fiction, as well as in conversational fable, we go to extravagant lengths to make heroes of them Maybe it's only our bent for crime news crime news which many deplore but which the peopl insist on reading.

Feature Cruces' STARS OF CRUCES PREMIERE First Premiere In the Movies After all, the makers of pic lures, the writers of fiction, the "true story" magazines and tin. newspapers all strive to give the people what they demand. And you can't have a western thriller, of course, without gunplay usually with a crime ele- mcnt back of it. Furthermore, if we're going to I have a Billy the Kid picture-and we all have to admit that the type is a part of our American life, which the movies-merelyarc attempting to reflect in all of Its phases--no more appropriate place than Las Cruces could be found lo fealure ils opening. For.

while Billy Ihe Kid is re puted to have started on his career of outlawry in Lincoln county, it was here--at old Mesilla- that he was jailed prior to his trial and conviction; it was in 'and around this section of New Mexico that he shot his way to fame, or noloriely; it was a Dona Ano county sheriff who killed him. and it Is in this vicinity--again at Mesilla--that the only, authentic Billy Uie Kid museum is maintained. And, Incidentally, tho populai ty of that Billy the Kid museun over a long period of years, only another example of the lute esl which morbid curiosity urou es in the macabre. I can'l quile picture Robei Taylor, the handsome, debonai idol of lady movie fans, in tl role of Ihe notorious New Mexic Four "Billy the Kid Days' are lo be proclaimed in Las Cruces, Mayor Sam Klein announced Saturday night. They are the four days beginning Saturday, May 31 when Las Cruces is to get ils first world premiere of an outstanding film in the movies-the "Billy the Kid" picture which is to have its national release ten days later.

Seek Outside Crowds The mayor's proclamation is to be issued, about midweek, at the requesl of Manager Ike Byrne Ihe Rio Grande theatre, at whic the Kid's slory, in pictures be relived here. It's part of a program to buil up a wide outside patronage fo the premiere and to gain Cruce advertising, as well as immcdiat benefit, from the showing. Auto bumper strips are being printed--to be distributed to toui isls. Billings are lo be sent all neighboring towns, Including those north to Hot Springs, wcs to Deming, south to near El Paso and east and northeast to Alamo rordo and possibly several towns Lincoln county where Billy the Kid is reputed to have started his career of outlawry. A campaign to decorate Cruces ill be made.

Based on Authentic Story The Billy the Kid picture is based on the authenlic slory of Ihe fabled outlaw's life, "The Saga gun-man. But, after all, some of our mos notorious outlaws were "lady kil frequently, their "molls" ai Ihe cause of their downfall. And the mildest of men some times "get tough." At least Robert Taylor is popular film hero; even in this new type of role, he ought to be ai outstanding box-office appeal. The coming of a film premien ought to be good business for Lai Cruces. Such a thing always is good pub liclty.

It'll gel Ihe old town's name on the map in places where it prob ably never had been heard of before. And, from that standpoint, il from no other. Las Cruces can afford to back it in a big way. Hunl Dozen Missing In Carlsbad Floods CARLSBAD, May 2-1 UP)-Searching parties hunted the banks of the Pecos river south of Carlsbad today for a dozen persons stll missing from two days of disas trous floods here. Approximately 1.000 homeless settled themselves in temporary quarters.

New floods raced down Hackbor- ry draw and poured Into the Pecos today, but there wan no additional damage. of Billy the Kid," written by Walter Noble Burns. It's in technicolor and Metro- Goldyn-Mayer is reputed to have spent as much money in its mak ing as was spent on "Northwes Passage." Plan Stars on Telephone There'll be no attempt to have stars of the picture to make personal appearances here, Manager Byrne said Saturday; but an arrangement is being worked out whereby Robert Taylor, who carries the title role, and Brian Don- "Billy the Kid" is always- "News" to Las Cruces people but the irst showing of the already famous-before-releasc motion' ct ure which will have its first showing in Las Cruces becomes a memorabTc event. Termed by its producers "A flaming history of this story is the most spectacular outdoor thriller since "Northwest Passage!" Robert plays in litle role in the Technicolor production with Brian Donlecy and Mary Howard in support levy, talk lo supporting role, Saturday night's will Grande audience over a long-distance telephone hookup from Hollywood. Billy the Kid relics are expected to be dragged out of hiding for the event.

For many memenloes of New Mexico's most notorious outlaw and gunman are in existence here and nt Old Mesilla, where a Billy he Kid museum ha been main tained for years. Takes Movies of Troops Springs Action Universal Pictures, Satur- aytook the first movies of Unit- States cavalrymen and engin- ers in aclion at Radium Springs for the past two weeks, 00 lo 300 of them have been re- earsing the building and use of ontoon bridges over the Rin rande. Filming started at 7 a. and lasted until around 4, when the films were rushed to Washington --by airplane from Los Cruces-lo be censored by Ihe war department before being released for public exhibition. They've bridged the Rio Grande four or five times a day, observers said Saturday night, one uni alter another utlempling to bea the time made by the builders wh preceded them.

Each time a pontoon spans the river, it's put into Immediate use --by horsemen, by tank units, by soldiers. It's one of the spectacular feats He Made'a Dille'of A Hubby, Wife Says, For One, Lone Day It was a 'dille' marriage--lasting one day. So charged Mrs. Jane Dille today, when she filed divorce proceedings against Ivan Dille. Mrs.

Dille charged that she and her husband were married Feb. 1841. and that on Keb. 2, same year, he deserted and abandoned her. Mrs.

Dille is seeking general relief and restoration of single status--including her maiden name, June Tidwell. Ask $77,000 U.S. Loan For Rio Flood Repairs ALBUQUERQUE, May 24 request for a $77,000 loan from he Reconstruction Finance Corp. pay expenses of fighting the io Grande flood has been made directors of the Middle Rio rande conservancy district The money would be used to ay $47,000 in bills already in- irrerl and $.10,000 more which tnnlcy Phillippi, chief engineer, slimated wonk; be needed if the gh waters continue until June )f Uncle Sam's army in training. The soldiers who have been camped at Radium Springs for the past two weeks today will be preparing to return to Fort Sill, from where Iheir assignmenl came.

They'll he leaving, it was said, about Monday or Tuesday. But other units are expected to follow, nt intervals of about two weeks, throughout the summer. WOtll.l) HOO.ST niKIDATlON WASHINGTON, May 21--Senator Carl Hatch of New Mexico has asked the senate appropriations committee to add 92,000,000 to the reclamation bill for (he Tucumcari Irrigation project Wife Asks Divorce nd Two Children Rena Lewis filed suil for divorce here Saturday charging Morris H. Hannum with abandoning her and minor chil dren In 1031. The couple were married in Oct 11)20.

Mrs. Hannum only Ihe i vorce and cuslody of the two children. Sanla Fe Officials for Fraud SANTA FE, May 24 Wl--Both Andrew Lujun. Santa Fe county auditor, and W. A.

Thnycr, coun- treasurer, have been Indicted by the Santa Fc county grand jury for embezzlement of public funds. Both Indlclmenlo were Included In a sealed reporl which grand jurors filed with Dlstrlcl Judge David Chavez, opened nflor they recessed unlll June 2. Thayer already faced formal charges of embezzlement filed by Dlst. Ally. David Cormudy.

County funds, it Is charged, arc shorl $41,000. 17 lo Graduate From Holy Cross Graduation exercises of Hoi Cross school will take place in si Genevieve's church at the 10 o' clock mass this morning. The Reverend Lawrence Gayno will be Ihe celebrant of the mass With Miss Gcnevieve Riley at tht organ, Ihe Columbian Squire glee club will singe Strike Averted Immediately in Soft Coal Fields By ASSOCIATED PRESS With the threat "of an immediate strike removed, the defense mediation board Saturday began formulating recommendations for settlement of the dispute between the soft coal operators and CIO's United Mine Workers of America, ulvcs Board a Chance, W. H. Davis, chairman of the board's mediation panel, announced that it hod been unable to obtain any agreement in conferences between reprcsentalives of northern and southern operators and the Union, but John L.

Lewis, president of the mine workers. Davis said, had agreed lo "maintain status quo" until the board finished work on its recommendations. That, Davis said, probably would be Monday, Lewis earlier had insisted that the mine workers would walk out again unless agreements we reached by Wednesday. I'lead Delay In Aviation Strike The mediation board also ask the CIO to refrain from strlkin against North American Avlatio of Inglewood, un it could make an effort to a just the dispute there. The union threatened to strik Wednesday unless Ihe compun meets its demands to Increase mil imuni wages from 50 to T5 cent an hour and boost all employe 10 cents an hour.

The board set a henrlne fo Tuesday. 'Buck to Work" Gains Meantime, General Motors face a new strike threal al Ponliac where the CIO United Au tomobilc Workers filed walkou Intention, charging the manage mcnt with anti-union activity. In San Francisco, where CIO machinists are striking against 11 shipyards and drydocks, the back- to-work movement started by A F. of L. leaders appeared to lie gaining ground.

ARMY AIDS HEIR EVADE SUIT Rossini's "Orbl; Factor" mass, with Gregorian Gloria and Credo. The Squires have-selected Pollcri's "Eeco Panis Angelorur.i" as an offertory, together with the Proper of the Mass Jy Toxer. Graduates Gel Diplomas The Reverend G. W. Caffery vill present the diplomas to the after which there will ollow benediction and the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Members of the graduating class are Francis Ahleretle. Paublita Arambula, Locadia A a John Calderon, Ruben Carbajal Katherlne Gentry, Irene Hare. David Luccro, Ruben Mayncz, Mary Ester Morales, Mary Miramonlos, Fabian Pena, Ramon Rodriguez, Joseph Ruiz, Beatrice Sanchez, Juanila Vlllegas and David Vlramon- les. Following Ihe graduation oxer- CJHOS a communion breakfast will be served. Decorations will have Die class colors of crimson and while as a predominating motif.

Al this i the class will will be read by Joseph Ruiz. Mary ter Morales will present the class (Continued on page two.) Student, Rescuer Crash to Deaths WICHITA, May 24 im A suicide-Intent flying student and a would-be rescuer crushed to the deaths here today a dn malic struggle in the air for con trol of a training plane. The dead are William Wood ward. 20, who. the coroner said left notes indicating that he In tended to crash, and John Elan pied, 21, another student pilot wh attempted to stop Woodward Woodward taxied out a plan he was unqualified to fly.

Blanpicd evenlually gol inlo tin front cockpil, after ineffectual!) throwing off the Ignition twice. With Blanpied gesturing an shouting, the ship dove and crasl 'd near the nlrporl. A few minutes before Michael John Cudahy, M-ycar-old heir of the Cudahy, arrived with papers In JOOO-n-niiinlh a i I Flood Dumps Loads Of Mud into Butie A May 2-1 -The roily R( Grande is ing to 400 acre fret of mud nto Elephant Butle reservoir 24 hours, engineers of I lie conservation service said lo- lay. They Hie rate of silt- ng at 12 times normal and ex reeled high watera in the river during May alone would curry more mud into the reservoir than he yearly average of )l)0(l acre since Onion Brings in London LONDON, May 24 A single nlon--one onion--that was pur- based for $12,000 was on display London today. whole box of onions $137,532.

The onions, now extremely rare In Britain, were raffled off as a feature of grealer London's War Weapons Week which ended Saturday with subscriptions for war bonds and certificates totalling $402.400.000. DKMINd DIES DEMING, May 24 It. Y. Me- Kcyes, one of the original 27 or- of Demlng's "Old Tim- Is dead In Little Rock, 'rlcnds here are advised. He has )een resident of Doming since Mattress SOIJLlTOIl SUKI) SANTA FE, May 24 Allan Clark, Santa Fe sculptor, has been sued by his former wife for an accounting on ranch property.

To Receive Bids On New Capitol SANTA FE May 24 -Although two legal attacks against the 1941 stale office building net still are pending, Gov. John E. Miles today said he would receive iebenlure bids and architect's ilnns for the proposed VTonday. His announcement on Ihe pro- josed million-dollar structure fnl- owed a statement Friday a ho vas considering the possibility of withholding cum iction a settlement is reach of court actions challenging Ihe ct's validily. Two legal tests of the law are be heard by Judge David Clln- In Santa Fe 0.

The capitol commission is srlu-d- led to meet Monday. Senaior Urges U.S. Trade for French Islands WASHINGTON, May 24 i Senator M. Mead today urged Secretary of Sin Cordell to a "Wen i ly negotiations" i the Vidi government for the establishmei of defense buscS on A and other French i this hemisphere. "Should this prove i Mea wrote the secretary of "should it he the judgment of on government a Ihe interests this hemisphere arc in jeopard) seizure by force should bo necoru pllshed without delay." Kennedy Warns of "Delusion" In Atlanta tonight.

Jos. P. Ken- ncdy. former American nmhassa. dor to i a i urged Ihe Unlle, States "not to he deluded by an.v claim a self interest should a guardians of the peace the rest of 0 world." He told an audience al the Og lethorpe University commence "Can'l Divert Revolution" "We cannot i tides the mighty revolution Destruction of Biggest Warship Blow to British By ASSOCIATED PRESS The RAF was back in the battle.of Crete early Sunday Big bombers, fitted as long- fighters, flew from the Egyptian desert to engage and German airdrome forces which were fighting to widen their hold on the Malemi sector in the west end of the island.

While the British announced their heaviest loss since the war began the sinking of their mightiest battle cruiser, the Hood, by the German battleship Bismarck somewhere between Greenland and Iceland--New York picked up a radio broadcast that the Germans still were dropping parachute troops widespread over Crete but that the principal fighting centered around Ma- cmi where a "fierce struggle is taking place." Virtually All Lost The Hood was blown to pieces went down with virtually all irclay. A shell from the Bismarck tore nto the Hood's magazine and Britain's pride sank haltered in a few seconds 1'irst news of Ihe dlsnslcr came a sudden, sensational announce- ient from Berlin thai Germany's Ig new battleship, the Bismarck ad fought and destroyed "a Bril- battle cruiser, probably the ant Hood, in bntt 0 Iceland." Powerful Bullltwhlp" The brief Nazi high command announcement said a the Bismarck herself hud engaged and sunk the great capital ship and a a second British battleship I rued away. Britain acknowledged the loss shortly after the Nazi announcement. The British announcement how- said that the Bismarck her- sell was damaged, credited the loss an "unlucky i and insisted hal "pursuit of Ihe enemy con- nines." I-! Troop Transports The A claimed that their iiikeshift fighter planes, plus reg- lar bombers, accounted for 14 ig tiuntports Crete in one ay. The British radio said tftc Brith bold positions east of Ihe Maini airdrome.

Detachments of arly Sunday landed at Cauadla "I Rellmo: "but those detach- nts met the same fate as those opped in tho same places sat- day," the Brlllsh broadcast said "They Were decisively dealt with Allied forces," the radio news- si added. "Elsewhere jn the is- id our troops are mopping up 'lilted detachments of the en- ICK DISTRICT ALBllQUERgUK. May 21 Tin lo Grande consi-rvnncy dlstrlcl is named Frank Butt, rc-signec' lard chairman, as i a a Hiiffln was i of the board. Ash, and Kurope. Tl, not of our they will not be subject to control, no a ler how courageously or ex- i i i i i we strive tn subject tl Mead's HUgficstlun supplemented numerous recent from members of both houses of congress a i i States shmild neiiulre French possessions in I western hemisphere (XJUIT OOUNTKV CMIDIIKKS PUEBLO.

May 'J-l Six directors of the Pueblo Golf anil Country club, have been un charges of permitting, i games lit the club house. Over .13,000 improved beds for in Ihe sounder, heallhler, sleeping f.ir New Mexico farm will re- suit from the deportment of ngrl- culler's cotlon mattress program. II was estimated Saturday al Slate College by officers of the Col.ig-: exlrnslo'i service and the cultural tidjiiutment admlni-ilralicn of the depnrtment. Could I'svn Kond lo' Kl I'nwi KstlmiilinK that application for surplus oollon materials lo onstruetlon or tresses had been in county agents' offices by May 111 closing 'ato, Mrs. Helen I).

Cran dull, stale home I will) the extension nervlce, the nmltros.iei made in Mexico under program, If placed end to end, would extend 44 from Cruces to El Paso. If ntncu.Ml flat, onn on tcp the other, the iniiltrnuirn wo.ild niul.n pile over 10,000 feel high, el. c'f Peak Is a'n-ve fen Threefold Objecllve Designed an three-fold campaign to reduce price ilepi rasing cotlon surpluses, Introduce a now and useful skill to rural people, and lo improve home rumlltlnni for farm families, Die mattress program has Involved the cooperative efforts of the Mar- Hetlng administration, AAA and (lull said. Filling and ticking for Ihe mill- IreSHCs are being supplied SMA stocks, AAA comity conn.ill. lees certify a i a inn.1 order Ihe malerlals, and a i i tural mid home agents tench the people how to make the mattresses and supervise the w-jrk renters, According to Mrs.

Crnmlnil, officially sponsored millings mak- (Continued on page two.) 'Crazed' Greek Tries To Kill Ilalian King HOMIC, May 21 ifli Orp dechin-d to be "affected by poet) madness," ompliod his i moli.r car in which i Vlttorli a i i was riding i the A bnnliili premier i the monarch's recent visit to Albania, it was i i a unmiunccd loday. The shoi.tlms occurred May 17, II was said; the shots went wild. 'I'he I a i a announcement indicated that they were aimed at Premier Shofkel Veilacl. I I WATElTiTiTliiKllS NOW LONDON, May 24 The Germans now arc using gliders new secret weapon lo land Iroops on Crete, 'ItOMOTK N. M.

IMMTOWICKM WASHINGTON, Kay 24 -U. s. jiostofflces at Hanover, Bayard and ColumhiiM, N. have been raised from fourth lo (bird class. rry Service Continues Cairo military sources could not tell how the would go.

The situation in Crete still was serious for the defenders; the German plane ferry service from the Greek mainland continued without a sign of letup. Germany insisted thai her airborne Invasion troops had success- established themselves on the western end of Crete. The British admitted Intense "Billing there, even while reporting Ihe challenge to the Luftwaffe by British bombers and long-range fighters. "Fight lo Iho Finish" London emphasized thai Iho bal- tlc of Crete Is a fight to the finish, with no thought of retreat. The Germans admitted tho death of Colonel General Ulrlch Qraucrt, one of the highest officers of the Nazi air force.

They declare his death didn't occur In Crete, bill didn't say where, nerely announcing that It 'while leading ihe fight against ingland." The Italians declared that Axis ilr units had sunk four and damaged three moro British cruisers. Up In Ethiopia Iraq's war simmered, floods In he south hampering British troop novements. In north Africa, there was fight- ig on small scalo, with aand- torms raging near beleaguered Tobruk, where British garrison (Continued on four.).