The Greenwood Commonwealth from Greenwood, Mississippi • 1

TEA VOLUME 32 NUMBER 63. GREENWOOD, LEFLORE COUNTY, MISS FRIDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 14, 1947. FIVE CENT3 COMMONS THIS DAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS OUTSTANDING MEET GOP And Truman 1 Slated For Clash Five Are Killed In Bomber Crash Laws Curbing Violence Passed Liner Normandie Was Sabotaged PTA's Discuss Building Program Relative to the bonded indebtedness of Greenwood, Mayor Sat-fold said that at present this amount was $446,944.26 and under the present assessment this amount could be raised to Referring 0 the parking meters, the Mayor said that investigation along with 600 other cities, the present type was adapted. The cost was $39,319.23 and that payments were cared for on a 50-50 basis and that funds for city were earmarked and would be utilized in improvements and further parking areas of, benefit to traffic. The penny and mckel purchases of parking space was selected to fit the various shopping and business demands of time.

The city had purchased 10 trucks, four Police cars, 1 fogging machine and that Given-wood and Jackson were the only two cities in the state owning fogging machines. He also said "the war on insects has just begun, and you have already seen the absence of flies and mosquitoes in its short use." Greenwood's Police Department had been increased to 19 men, the first time in the city's history as protection demanded by the citizens. The Department has the latest type of two-way radio that serves 5 mobile Water and Light units, 4 Police, 1 Fire and 1 Superintendent' of Streets. It is the best in the state and has a range of 35 miles. The city court has been revamped and now has a pioseeut-ing attorney in addition to a judge.

Also in aid to crime- prevention an identification officer had been added, a dark room for pictures required in special services, and a special investigator. Greenwood's Light and Vater plant had made extensions and improvements to the amount of sanitary and storm sewers, North Greenwood Grand Boulevard lighting. $13,153.52, with proper street lighting for that area approximating around $60,000. Streets will soon be marked with Scotchlite signs that can be read at night as well as day. Through cooperation with the Hospital Commission, purchase of 16 acres had been acquired for the million dollar institution planned.

"These are part of what the city has done in answer to those who say we have not done the Mayor concluded. The Agricultural Committee in charge of J. Maury Mclntyre and Agent J. S. MfcBee gave a report and moving picture of the Corn Improvement Program.

Although the first year fraught with unseasonable weather, Leflore county had upped its average 10-year corn yield from 17 bushels to '106 bushels in places. Hybrid and open pollinated corn were used for the tests. Samples of corn (grain form) were given every member present. The pictures in technicolor of the; various fields shown were made by Jimmy Fant. Being Fact and Comment On Greenwood, Leflore County, and Mississippi.

The weiner roast and party for Troop 48 of the Boy ScuuU will be held at the Gill Scout 'Little House Saturday night at 7-30 p. m. E. S. Bowlus, Junior Red Cross chairman for the Leflore County Chapter of the American Red Cross, stated this morning that next week will be Junior Red Cross Enrollment Week in the city and county schools.

The American Red Cross is the junior membership of the American Red Cross and is the American Red Cross in the schools. Avmroximatelv 800 off icers and men of the Naval Air Reserve in- rfudinc many from Greenwood I and surrounding area are expected to attend the first annual military and personnel inspection of the Memphis Naval Air Station and its eight organized Reserve Squadrons on Monday night, November 17th. The Civil Aeronautics Board said today the wrecking of a Delta Airlines DC-3 at Meridian, on Nov. 10, 1946, probably was caused by the pilot's poor judgment in landing on a wet runway under varying wind conditions without ascertaining the wind direction visually. The first postwar mcetii.g of the Natchez Trace Association adopted resolutions yesterday asking Mississippi's congressional relegation to use all influence possible in accelerating completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Glth annual convention of the Christian Churches of Mississippi opens in West Point today. Dr. Griffin of Meridn is president and Dr. B. R.

Johnson of Jackson is vice president. J. Edgar McDonald is minister of the West Point church. A railway grade crossing accident at Pascagoula resulted in the death yesterday of Salem F. Be-donie, 39, business manager of the.

Mobile Labor Journal (AFL). Bedonie was well known in labor circles. Police Chief J. E. Shirley said Bedonie was alone in his car when it was struck by the Louisville and Nashville streamliner "Humming Bird." Camp Shelby all of it has been turned over to the War Assets Administration.

About 35 employes guard, firemen and warehousemen will be stationed on the reservation, said R. C. Bowers of the New; Orleans WAA office. Requesting that the U. S.

Department of Agriculture "make a correct analysis of food cots for the American public," the commissioners of agriculture from various states concluded their four-day session in Biloxi yesterday. The request was inspired by implications earlier in the meeting that "farmer profiteering" is responsible for high food paces. The Mississippi Aberdeen Angus Breeders Association, meeting at West Point last night, elected Eric Beidenhorn of Bovi-na, president, B. Bryan ol West Point, vice president, and Walter Swoope of Columbus, sec-ictary and treasurer, the association agreed to give Angus calves to champion and reserve champion winners in each of the six show districts. in the state at the bhows next spring.

0 Hirohito Visits Gen. MacArikr TOKYO, Nov. 14 P) Emperor Hirohito called on General Mc-Arthur today for the fifth time since the occupation began. The two most prominent men in conferred for nearly two hours on what an aide of MoArthur said Were "routine matters." The meeting was held at the American Embassy. As usual, neither American nor Japanese officials would comment on the topics discussed, but Tokyo was immediately filled with unconfirmed rumors that matters talked over included: The Japanese peace treaty.

McArthur's much-rumored possible return to the United States to become a presidential candidate. -0- HE WEATHER MISSISSIPPI tonight and Saturday. Warmer tonight and in north and central portions Saturday. TEMPERATURES Thurs. Max.

63.3. Min. 36.1. Today's Max. 56.1.

Min. 45J River gauge 11.68. The regular monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce last night was one of the best and most interesting of the year. Aside from two good reports fiom committees, an informative talk was made by Mayor Alien D. Saffold showing the fine progress of the city, the meeting wag concluded with the results ol the Corn Improvement Program that puts Leflore county far ahead on its annual grain yield.

President John Hinman presided. The Transportation Committee, through its spokesman, Aubrey II. Bell, reported that plans for the improvement of the locrj C. G. Railroad and bus terminal, would start January dates.

This matter had been approved by officials of the road after a deiay due to minor details. Progress of the factory for Greenwood was related by Dan Kelly, who stated that through a conference of the Chamber of Commerce committee ami the City Council, an application had been made for a certificate of convenience from the A. I. Board and the matter had been approved. Designs for a factory had been turnid over to a local architect and these plans will be submitted to Best Forms Foundations, for approval.

Following approval, an election will be held to finance the project. The highlight of the meeting was a report made- by Mayor Allen Saffold regarding what had been accomplished the past year. In the list of things done the official told the following: Greenwood had acquired the Greenwood Army Air Base comprising 6S0 acres without one cent of cost with a proviso that maintenance was not to be shunted to the city. This acquisition affords the city with two air snips and holds in reserve a big asset for the city's future development. Worked out deal whereby the entire 16th section lands not in the city of Greenwood had been added to the taxable properties.

In this connection Mayor Saffold said that the realty and personal tax assessments had now reached 112,700,000.00. Through the efforts of the city the State Highway Department had consented to widening of Grand Boulevard without cot to Greenwood. Instead of a 16 foot center strip, it is now 4 feei. Some delay in beautif ying the strip was experienced due to an old water well supplying several families but that city mains were being, installed to care for its service. The city had also install ed its cables for the ligntir.g oi the street.

sA school budget last year of $215,787.00 had been raised to $266,893.00 without an additional raise in millage to the taxpayers. The Police and Fire Department together with other underpaid employes of the city had been increased without a tax raise. In ref erring to the Police Department the official paid high compliment to Chief Rufus Shur-den for his outstanding ability as a law enforcement officer. Meyers Testifies Maj. Gen.

Bennett E. Myers (above), retired, told the Senate War Investigating Committee in Washington Wednesday that Howard Hughes, airplane builder with government contracts, offered hira a house and a job during the war. (AP Wirephoto.) -0- Golden Fund Reaches $56.00 Friends Donations Today Raises Amount To Help Family. The -fund to aid T. N.

Golden and family lost fheir home and all possessions by fire last Saturday has reached $56 today. Donations by several who asked their names be termed a "helping friend" totalled $16 today. Any donation may be sent Th Commonwealth and the money turned over to the proper parties. rK IV 111 I ISSM?" i r-ni irrniiiinT i. in i fffoil Governor Also Given State Police Force To Investigate Incidents JACKSON, Nov.

14 (P) An anti-intimidation to which labor last night expressed strong opposition was killed in the Mississippi senate today by parliamentary technicality with-, out coming to a vote. The bill, one of seven drafted at the special session called to halt violence in labor disputes, was passed by the house yesterday after much debate. Last night at a meeting of more than 200 labor members here, Gov Fielding L. Wright was asked to veto to bill if passed by both houses The governor made no commitment. After setting a deadline effective in half an hour on new legislation to be considered, the senate referred the house bill to the judiciary committee.

Motion to send the bill to the judiciary committee was made by Sen. James A. Blount, of Charleston, one of the members of the special committee which drafted the seven measures introduced to halt violence. The bill set a $500, imprisonment in the county jail for no more than six months, or in the penitentiary for not more than five years as punishment for intimidating or conspiring to intimidate any person by force or violence or by threat of force or violence. Legislation has been completed on bills which would: 1.

Authorize the governor to employ a temporary State Police force to investigate violence. 2. Provide $100,000 to carry out the anti-violence program. 3. Mike it illegal to shoot or hurl missiles at any transportation facility.

4. Make it illegal to possess explosives for violent purposes and establish possession by a person who does not use them in normal business as prima facie evidence of possession for pur- poses of committing a violent- crime. Minor technicalities were being worked out in conference committee on bills which would: 1. Make it illegal to conspire to, or carry out acts which would unlawfully obstruct transportation facilities. 2.

Make it illegal, upon threat of capital punishment, to bomb transportation facilities. The senate appeared willing to outlaw stink bombs and gas bombs but when Jesse Byrd of Leakesville declared "We must look to the future" and illegalize possession of atom bombs in Mississippi, he was voted down. Earlier Byrd lost out on another proposal. He had sought to insert "ships and submarines" into the bill which guards against shooting at transportation facilities. Indications are that legislators will leave town late today for their homes, keeping the session officially open until Saturday noon, however, to give the governor time to sign bills; also to give the clerical force time to complete its work.

-O History Salvation Army Told Lions Capt. J. A. Walker Gives Review Of Organization And Wide Scope Of The Lions Club today heard a talk by Captain J. A.

Walker of the local Salvation Army giving the of the" organization and its service in Greenwood. It was informative as well as interesting. Prior to his talk, Captain and Mrs. Walker and little Miss Margaret Brownwood formed a cornet trio and rendered several numbers. "Sawdust" Sanders, chairman of the Delta Bowl Committee, stated that the selection of teams for the game had not been made yet but would be announced in a few days.

Guests today were Robert Bur-toni Nashville; R. T. Upton, Jackson, and Lewis Tillman. -0- Official Vote Finally Revealed JACKSON, Nov. 14 The official tabulation of votes cast for state offices in the November 4 election was announced today by Secretary of State Walker Wood.

The state wide totals were: For Senator John C. Stennis. William Colmer. 43.725; Forrest B. Jackson, Paul B.

Johnson, John L. Rankin, L. R. Collins (Republican, only non-Democrat in the race), 623. For Governor Folding L.

Wright George L. Sheldon, 4,102. For Lieutenant Governor Sam Lumpkin, Ernest Hos-kins, 5,217. American Taxpayer Headed To Foot Bill But Republicans Say Different WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 Congressional republicans furnished fresh evidence today of an impending clash with President Truman over proposed cost of living controls and tax reduction.

Although Mr. Truman has not yet laid down the anti-inflation program he said must go along with foreign aid, his declaration that European recovery must be financed out of taxes was widely interpreted as indicating he will oppose GOP-sponsored cuts in 1948 income levies. Rep. Bender (R-Ohio) sharpened this issue by calling for a $5,000,000,000 to tax slash which he said can be made if the forthcoming economic aid program "meets humanitarian requirements but rejects extravagance, militarism and adventurism." Bender took that stand in a report he prepared to lay before a meeting today of the senate-house committee headed by Senator Taft R-Ohio The house member said 'his findings were concurred in generally by (Senator Kem (R-Mo) and Rep. Talle (R-Iowa).

Other subcommittee members, Senators Ball (R-Minn) and Sparkman CD-Ala) and Rep. Huber (D-Ohio), did not sign. The report covers Bender's reaction to testimony taken by the group assigned to investigate living costs in the central section of the country. It contends that "the current unprecedented volume of exports resulting from the administration's foreign program is responsible for high prices in agriculture and has a general inflationary effect." -0- World Shqrtag Of Foods Seen Luckman Makes Gloomy Prediction In Summarizing Situation. BOSTON, Nov.

14 (P) Asserting that there will be a world food shortage "for a long time to come," Chaises Luckman, head of the Citizens Food Committee, said last night there must be some type of long-term food conservation. "We must make clear," he said in an interview, "to every man, woman and child at every crossroad and community the need for some long-term type of food conservation plan." Luckman said his committee will meet in Washington today to concentrate on two objectives: 1. "Fulfillment of the program to conserve grain on the nation's farms and to provide not on'iy the balance of grain required for the stop-gap program also for the long-term problem; and 2 "Intensified work with and by the consuming public to sustain gains already made and to provide local mechanisms for any future conservation methods that may be required." He said he expected "immediate action" along both lines by the committee. 0 BULLETIN DERI I) I) ER, Nov. It (P) A tornado struck the business section of Deridder this afterncnn, but there Mere no immediate reports of any casualties.

-0- DEADLINE, DARKNESS AND DISTANCE We call upon our advertisers and the general public for their cooperation. The days are getting short. Darkness comes parly. The newsboys deserve every cooperation so that they may be able to get their papers delivered on time. One of the delays is caused by The Commonwealth's desire to cooperate with its patrons.

When advertisers come in late, we try to go the last mile. When ladies come in with society items wc want to be accommodating. When lawyers" come to us with important legaij, we try to helpful. When friends bring in news stories and publicity releases late, we want to do everything possible to get these things into the current paper that day But the price we pay is a delayed newspaper and the days are short. With this in mind we ask our patrons to cooperate with us.

We will try to be as reasonable and as accommodating as possible with our customers and ask that you be under standing of our problem. After all, a newspaper requires some time to be manufactured and it is a manufactured product. Of course, any ad or news article received too late for one issue will be published subse-. quently. Plane Strikes Mountain In Blinding Snow Storm.

SPOKANE, Wash, Nov. 14 -W -Five men were killed in the crash of a B-29 Supcrfoi tress on Mount Spokane during a "blinding snowstorm" last night and two other men, riding in the tail section whicn fell to the earth just before the plane hit, Wire injured. Three deputy sheriffs later suf-feied facial burns when "something inside the plane" exploded during their investigation of the accident. The plane struck the ground about 300 feet from the Lop ot one knob of the mountain. It broke into flames after the crash.

John Linder, who was operating a snow plow on the road when the plane struck about 100 feet away, said the plane crashed with a loud "whoof." The plane, "all in flames, diop-ped almost in front of" Linder, Mrs. Frank J. Dutton, wife of the superintendent of Mt. Spokane Park, said. Dunton reported the two men who survived were in the tail section which broke off when the plane hit trees before plowing along the ground to a point some cOO feet away.

Dunton said the two survivors reported the pilot was 'flying on instruments in a terrific, snowstorm." 0 AH Food Prices Keep Up Spirals Another Two Percent Chalked Up To Hit Income Families WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 Retail food prices in September hit a record high, sending the cost of living up another two for moderate-income families, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Preliminary estimates placed consumers' price index at a peak of about 164 per cent of the 1935-39 average. The September index is 12 per cent higher than a year ago, 23 per cent above June, 1946, when most OPA Controls were abandon ed, and 36 percent over the August, 1939 level. -0- OUR GOAL $21,000.00 $21,000 20,000 $15,000 In $10,000 $5,000 1 L.

COMM UNITY CHEST FUND Quota 21,000.00 Subscribed 14,527.97 Amount to raise 6,472.03 Nazi Spy Held For Murder Reveals Details Of Plan NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (P) The French language newspaper France Amerique says a mm spy, now being held in Germany on a murder charge, has admitted responsibility for the firo that turned the French luxury liner Normandie into a flame ravaged hulk as it lay at its picf here on Feb. 9, 1912. The newspaper, which saidit obtained its material, from sources both here and abroad, quoted the spy as saying lie "gave oi'dcrs to former members of the German-American Bund, working- a-board the Normandie, to fire the vessel. At that time the 423-ton liner was being converted for troop transport duty.

The story was written by the paper's news editor, G. F. Eatra-ngin. The Maze was touched off, when the German spy's aides used solder lamps to ignite kapok lifebelts spotted at strategic points about the ship. Rumors of sabotage ran rampant after the fire but Manhattan district attorney Frank S.

Hogan attributed the disaster to sparks from a welder's torch and said there was, no evidence of sabotage. The newspaper the spy told the following story "i effect" to an allied information officer in. Germany: "The whole business was planned in New York. I was assigned to those who were goirg to set the fire, to give them the signal, to point out the places at which to apply the soldering lamps to activate the fire. "But I was not the big shot of the sabotage job.

He wai a special representative of Admiral Canaris (Admiral Walter Wil-helm Canaris, German intelligence chief) and I knew him only under the name of number 437 in the course of our meetings in a Harlem cafe which was a spy meeting place. "Truly we didn't risk much. The ship was guarded neither by the Army, nor the Navy nor the Coast Guard." The spy, the newspaper said, asserted that the transport conversion job was being done by a private company which "by chance had a majority of guards who had once been members of the old bund. It had also some White Russians who took a dim view of aid given by the U. iS.

to the U. S. S. R. It quoted him as saying that after the flames had taken hold in the ship's grand salon, the lamps were touched to the woodwork and "it was only at this moment that I threw out the order to give the alarm." The spy was a woman's hairdresser in New York and a German-American Bund before the war the newspaper said, adding that he left for Germany soon after the fire.

In Washington, a spokesman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation yesterday declined comment, on the story and the Army Department said that although it had no information on the report it was cabling American authorities in Germany for details. -O- China Doubting U. S. Friendship Vice President Of Nation Says Help Mere Drop In Bucket. NANKING, Nov.

14 (A) Sun Fo, vice-president of China, today-described the proposed in U. S. aid to China as "a drop in the bucket" and observed "I've always had a hidden suspicion that American friendship was not dependable." The son of China's famed revolutionary hero, Sun Yat-sen, said in an interview the siz of the proposed aid 'indicated U. S. Secretary of State Marshall wai more concerned with the welfare cf Europe than with that of China.

China, he said, must work out its own salvation "instead of depending upon American charity." Sun Fo explained he did not mean China no longer values tht friendship of the United Slates, but rather that the Chinese would; do well to kep in mind that foreign aid is not dependable. He said China welcomes U. S. economic assistance in the form of short term credits, essential goods and long-term loans for rehabilitation of railroads and for industrial development. He added, however, that "$300,000,000 at S20.000.000 monthly, as recommended by Marshall, cannot accomplish these purpos.s." Sun Fo said recommendations by William C.

Bullet, American ambassador to K.issU and France, to give China in aid were "more comprehensive and thoroughgoing." He said Marshall, recommending aid to China, was interested in quitting the republican opposition in Congress "who would like to see China ivcdv equal attention with Europe in financial matters." Call Public Meeting Next Wednesday Night To Hear Details A joint meeting of the-Greenwood: PTA's including North, East and Davis Schools, will be held at 8 o'clock Wednesday night in the high, school auditorium. The building program will be discussed at this time. II. Y. Kitchell, representative of the School Board will take as his subject: "How The Building Program Can Be Financed And The Bond Issue." Aubrey II.

Bell will discuss: "The Amount of Bonds The City Is Legally Allowed To Issue and Amounts Of Bonds Already Issued For Various Purposes." All Patrons and parents of the Greenwood City tSchools are urged and cordially invited to be present at this meeting. Food Controls Bob Up Again Suggestion Made For System If Volunteer Rationing Fails By JACK BELL WASHINGTON," Nov." 14 (involuntary food rationing with a control law ready for use if such a system fails was proposed by a congressional body as one means of combatting the high cost of living. The senate-house group, headed by Senator Flanders (R-Vt), also called for a reduction in taxes on low-income individuals and voluntary restraints on profits and wage increases, as well as a return to installment buying curbs. In a report to the joint economic committee headed by Senator Taft (R-Ohio), the Flanders subgroup also said that further investigation is needed of the 40-hour work week, adding: "We often refer to the miracles of production in the war, but they were not accomplished on a 40-hour week. We may be facing the necessity of a temporary increase in the work week if we are to furnish the products required for European relief and reconstruction, without lowering our domestic consumption." Warren, Stassen Seek Nomination Both Men Finally Give In To Own Urge To Run For President.

By ARCHIE WELLS SACRAMENTO, Nov. 14 ') Governor Earl Warren, only chief executive of California ever to be elected as the nominee of both the Republican and Democratic parties, was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president today. Warren entered the race with only two reservations. He will not make an active personal campaign and he will not seek delegates in other states. LINCOLN, Nov.

14 (P) Harold E. Stassen announced today that he will enter the Nebraska presidential preference primary next April 13. It is the third state in which the former Minnesota gov.ernor, first avowed candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, has elected to have his name submitted to the voters, lit also plans to run in the Wisconsin primary April 6 and in New Hampshire's on March 9. Stassen has stated that he will not contest for the Michigan delegation and that he already has the unanimous pledged support of the Minnesota Republican organization, "ft -0- Jewish Gangs Start Reprisals Two British Policemen Killed As Gun Play Begins All Over JERUSALEM, Nov. 14 CP) Two British policemen were shot to death in Tel Aviv today and a third was slam in Jerusalem Police said they believed the Jewish underground had embarked on a new "reprisal" campaign.

Unidentified gunmen firing from a speeding car shot the two officers in Tel Aviv during the morning and a short time later there was a similar attack on officers walking along the suburban end of the Jerusalem-Jaffa road. A second policeman was believed fatally wounded in the latter attack and a small Jewish girl also was hurt. The killings brought to nine dead and 30 wounded the British casualties since a new wave of undergrounil violence began earlier this week. Despite Gold Cache France Is Begging Hoarded Sum Said To Reach Over Billion Dollars Yet Nation Wrants Money. By DOUGLAS B.

CORNELL WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (h?) Contentions that the French government is clamoring for outside help while its people have some $2,000,000,000 or more in gold cached away complicated the European aid. program in Congress today. When French assets in the United States are added to the top estimate of gold hoarded in France, the figure runs up to That is nearly double the $2,397,000,000 the American government is asking for European aid in; the next 19 months. But House experts on foreign affairs said they can see nc way to pry loose any of the French gold, most of it in the hands of private citizens, in time to cut that bill.

Rep. Herter chairman of a special committee which toured Europe to study foreign aid, supplied the gold figures. He told the House Foreign Alfairs Committee yesterday: Jean Monnet, French economist in charge of the construction program, figures the French people have 82,000,000,000 worth of gold salted away. The Bank for International Settlements an agency originally set up to handle certain financial psrtobiems insulting from Woiid War I puts the total at France has $440,000,000 in gold as reserve to be used in east of currency revaluation. Frftnch assets in this country are woith around These also are privately owned..