Mexico Ledger from Mexico, Missouri • Page 1

Covers TKe Fielcl TFe Dew Does Little ixie 12 PAGES WEATHER SLOWLY RISING TEMPERATURES DAILY NEWSPAPER IN AUDRAIN COUNTY MEXICO, MISSOURI, THURSDAY AFTERNOON JANUARY VOL. 285 Truman Word For Allison Gets Thanks Candidate Says Presidential Nod Is 'Generous' WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. President Truman threw his support today to Emory Allison as a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate from his home state of Missouri. The President told a news conference he thought Allison, ranking Democrat of the Missouri State Senate, would make an excellent senator.

He said he to vote for Allison in the August primary. The President declined to discuss the Democratic primary in Ohio, asserting he does not propose to dabble in primary politics except in his home state. HOLLA, Jan. 5. (ff) Emery W.

Allison expressed surprise and appreciation today when informed that President Truman support him for the Democratic senatorial 'race- He received the first word from the Springfield Leader and News in a telephone call. "It is very generous of President Truman," Allison said. "I appreciate an old friend thinking of me and I am highly honored." Asked if he had expected the President's. support in the race, the state senator said he had not expected It but had hoped for it. Allison said he had known the President since the 20s when he a member of the House and Truman was presiding judge of the Jackson county court 'They became acquainted -when Truman would appear at the'capitdl before various committees on matters pertaining to Jackson county.

At Jefferson City Gov. Forrest Smith had no comment on the President's stand, The governor and Democratic State talked with the Piesldent about the senatorial race he was home for the holidasrs. Later it was widely reported they had agreed Allison would be the strongest candidate to challenge the Republican incumbent. Sen. Donnell.

Doctor Says Innocent In Mercy Death MANCHESTER, N. Jan. 5. Hermann N. Sander today pleaded innocent in a loud voice to an indictment charging first degree murder in the so-called mercy slaying of an incurable cancer patient.

The state agreed to his freedom pending trial under a continuance of his $25,000 bond with the stipulation that he refrain from medical practice until disposition of the case. Dr. Sander's attorney, Louis E. Wyman, said the stipulation about refraining from practice was over the protest of defense counsel because of the presumption of innocense at this time. Sander stood erect and showed no emotion while Cdurt Clerk Arthur; S.

Healy read the indictment. Fear St Louis May Run Out Of Coal Soon ST. LOUIS, Jan. 5. fear that St Louis, the nation's eighth largest city, will run out of coal unless production is stepped up.

An appeal was sent to President Truman yesterdav by Roscoe Hobbs and Scott R. Deklns members of the Citizens Fuel Committee. "The fuel supply for householders here in St. Louis is criticallj low," the telegram read. "Within a few days great hardship will occur.

Temoerature now is 11 degrees above continued cold predicted." Baby Derby Winner Titles Are Official; Prizes Are Ready The 1930 baby dertjy winner titles arc now official, and proud papas can pick up their stacks of grift certificates from the Ledger baby derby editor. It was the biggest baby derby in history, "with more awards than any before. It, the quickest finish on record, too, with all three winners accounted for by New Year's noon. The winners are Joe Tom Forster, son of Mr; and Mrs. Clark Foniter; Mary Lavon Rehma, daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. John Rehnw; and diaries Cheafham, son of Mrs. Edna Cbeatham. But Who Gets Up at 4:00 A.M.?— Negligence, Daylight, Best Conditions Cause Accidents If you want to drive in Mexico under the safest conditions, you'll drive between 4:00 and 6:59 a. m.

Monday on a wet or snowy day through the shopping and business district in a truck. But if you want to drive with chances best for an accident, you'll drive in the residential district in a passenger car, with streets dry and visibility good, between the hours of 4:00 p. m. to 4:59 p. m.

on Saturday. These are composite conclusions based on the statistics of Mexico's 50. reported traffic accidents from September through December, compiled by Traffic Officer Charles Ken- mert Rehmert's findings revealed some interesting- facts on what, where, when, how, and why fenders and grilles get bashed. Safest day is Monday, at the above stated hours, worst is Sat- 61st Audrain Fair Will Be Aug. 8 Thru 12 Dates for the 61st Audrain County Northeast Missouri Fair were set for Aug.

8-9-10-11-12 at a meeting of the Board of Directors at the Mexico Savings Bank Wed- ensday night. The meeting was presided over by B. Turner Williams, Fair president. It was announced that the sewer line near the Fair Grounds will be completed well before the 1950 Fair. The directors discussed various ways to raise the needed money for toilet fixtures.

"one of the most sorely needed additions for bur fair." It was announced that the" election of-officers for the new fair year will be held at the next board meeting. Name First Baptist Church Officers Officers of the First Baptist church were elected Wednesday evening at the annual business meeting presided over by the church pastor, Dr. C. Spurgeon McClung. Deacons named to serve for three years were Smith Black.

Maurice Maze, Robert Scott and Rupert Singleton with R. H. Crews and O. F. Rohlfing named to fill unexpired terms to serve with the other six deacons.

Other officers elected to serve for one year were Mrs. E. R. Jackson, organist; Mrs. George Koen, assistant organist; Miss Fannie Edwards, secretary; Miss Reita Allen, church auditor; Capt Ivan Bidewell, local treasurer; Mr.

Scott, building fund treasurer; Miss Mildred R. Glandon, librarian; and ushers, Roy Mayhew, Charles P. Mayes and Mr. Singleton. Committees appointed to serve during the year were Mrs.

McClung, Mrs. Loren Baker and Miss Edwards, librarian; Harold McLane, Mrs. Ralph Ward, Thurman Mayes and H. V. Holcomb, hospitality; Mr.

Mayes, chairman, Mrs. John Beckley and Mr. Holcomb, house committee; Mr. Koen, chairman. Mrs.

Jackson. Mrs. McLane and Mrs. Bidewell, music; Mr. Maze, chairman.

Mrs. M. T. Myers, Mrs. Luke Brown and Mr.

Holcomb, recreation; Mrs. Robert Adams and Mrs. Leonard Earle, decoration; Mrs. Frank Farrah, industrial; Mr. Mayes, camp member; and Frank Arnall, executive board member.

The meeting followed a covered-dish supper. Dr. Walter Maier Reported Recovering ST. LOUIS. Jan.

5. Dr. Walter A. Maier, conductor of the International Lutheran radio hour, was reported recovering today from a heart attack he suffered last -Thursday. Attendants at Lutheran Hospital described his condition as "satisfactory" and "improved." Dr.

Maier, 56 years old, has a leave of absence from Concordia Seminary here to devote his full time to his radio work. urday ditto with Friday and Wednesday in that order coming close. Seventy-five percent of the accidents occurred under best driving conditions, with only 25 percent occurred during wet and snowy conditions. Fifteen percent of the 25 percent happened when visibility was obscured by rain or snow. Seventy-three percent of the accidents indicated negliglence on somebody's part, with only 27 percent falling in the so-called "no ilame" class.

Twenty percent of the fifty accidents were caused by following the car ahead too closely, and 16 percent were caused by failure to yield the right-of-way. Living in the city limits and being familiar with the streets and laws is no help. Of the 90 drivers stating-, addresses involved hi the base 50-accident figure, 54 lived In Mexico, 17 lived in the Mexico area, and only 20 came from out of town. Passenger cars took the brunt of accidents, with 81 cars involved as compared to 13 trucks. Twenty-eight accidents happened in the residential areas, as compared with 22 in the business district.

Speed statistics are somewhat misleading, with the highest number of accidentsr-19-in the 0 to 10 miles, an hour speed bracket. Seventeen occurred in the 11 to 20 m.p.h. bracket, and 11 in the 21 to 30 m.p.h. bracket. The extremely low speed number was brought about by driverless or parked vehicles involved in the accidents.

Incidentally, 10 per cent of the total vehicles Involved were driverless. In the age brackets, the highest accident ratings Svent to the 20 to 30-year bracket, anyway by number; Ten drivers were in the 16-19 bracket; 23 were in the 2024 were in the 25-34 age bracket, and 12 in the 45 to 54 bracket However, Rehmert pointed out," in percentages the teenage bracket rates as most accident-prone. Brightest note'of the 50 accidents, brity 14 persons were injured, and nope, seriously. Mrs. Akeman, 80, Centralian, Dies Thursday Zellah Watson Akeman, 80, died Thursday morning at 5 o'clock at the Hulen Nursing Hmoe here.

She had a patient there for several weeks after a fall when she broke her leg. The body will remain at the Ballew Funeral Home until taken' to the Parker Funeral Home in Columbia for sevices Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Lee Shepherd, pastor of the Baptist church in Columbia, will conduct the services, and interment will be in the Columbia cemetery. Mrs.

Akeman was born May 15, 1870, near Midway in Boone county, and was married to G. M. Akeman, who preceded her in death 30 years ago. Survivors include a son, Brown Akeman of Centralia, with whom she had been residing; two daughters, Mrsl Shannon Palmer of Columbia and Mrs. W.

of Hot Springs, S. seven grand children and 13 great grandchil dren. 3 Break Jail At Rolla; Are Caught ROLLA, Moi; Jan. 5. Three prisoners from Detroit broke out of the Phelps county jail'early today but failed in a dramatic attempt to free the wife of one of them from the city jail.

In fact, their daring try led to their arrest a short time later near Union, east of here. First reports from Deputv Sheriff James Yerger said five prisoners had escaped from the county jail. Hours later, however, two prisoners -were found sitting calmly in their cells. Capt Thomas E. Whitecotton of the Highway Patrol here identified the escapees as Fred E.

Stulhman, 23. John Edward Miller, 28, and Thomas A. Clark. 32. All three have prison records in Michigan.

Whitecottori reported. Smith Vetoes $5 Million Appropriations State Ought To Have Nest Egg, Governor Says JEFFERSON CITY, Jan. 5. -Gov. Forrest Smith whacked $5,545,000 out of a postwar reserve fund building bill today.

Most of the cuts were at the expense of the University of Missouri and the state colleges. His action cut the big fund bill's total from $16,273,823 to counting amounts re-appropriated. Left untouched was $5,000,000 extra state aid for public schools item that touched off a bit- fer last minute fight in the legislature. The vetoes were the Governor's iirst major reduction in the assembly's record appropriations. They left about $7,500,000 in the postwar reserve, which has amounted to $55,000.000 since it was established.

"I think the state is like an individual," Smith said. "We ought to have a little nest egg to fall back on In an emergency little for a rainy day. "All these new buildings are desirable but there is no urgent need for them right emergency." For the most part, the Gover- lor said, he cut out proposed new buildings but left standing the amounts set aside to repair state institutions. "I think it's more important to maintain the present buildings than to build new ones," he said Cut from the bill, among other ferns, were these: $25,000 for the director of menial diseases to use in arranging rahsfer of a senile hospital sit; from the federal government cut to $10,000. State hospital repair and re placement funds were left intact Rites Friday For Clifton Blattner Funeral services for William Clifton (Happy) Blattner, 59, for-, merly of Mexico, will'be held at the Arnold Funeral Home Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

The Rev. Philip Byron Carlisle, pastor of the First Christian church, will conduct services, and interment will be in Elmwood cem-e tery. Those asked to serve as pallbearers are: Curtis Blattner of Fulton, Fred Blattner and Otis Yelton of Wellsville, and Clyde Blattner, Fred Garner and Sam P. Locke Of Mexico. Mr.

Blattner died at his home in St. Louis Tuesday morning. He had been in failinf health for about a year, and death was attributed to a heart condition. He moved from Mexico to St Louis 18 years ago. Son of the late Mr.

and Mrs. J. E. Blattner, Mr. Blattner was born in Mexico on November 2, 1891.

He was married to Miss Alice Brashear hi 1919. She preceded him in death in 1925. Survivors include two daughters, William Shields of Kansas City and Mrs. Harry O. Richards of Wichita, two brothers, Stanley E.

Blattner of Mexico and L. Pemberton Blattner of Chicago; and three sisters, Mrs. Kate B. Travis of Fortuna Mrs. William E.

Thomas of Ferguson and Mrs. L. Owings of Bowling Green. National Phone Strike Is Planned Quantico Road Subdivision Is Newest Addition to City The latest subdivision to be added to Mexico is the area north of W. Boulevard and west of S.

Fairgrounds in Lawrence M. Barnes subdivision No. 1. The plat of the addition, filed in the recorder's office, shows 37 lots along a new street named as Quantico. Road, constituting the first Street west of and parallel to FSirgronnds avenue and running February Health Unit Vote Opens 1950 Elections City, County, School and State Votes Scheduled While national 1950 elections come in for study and comment, Mexico and Audrain county voters are preparing to vote in several local elections this year.

The even-numbered year brings the biennial county and state primary and general elections for county and state officers, but in addition several other elections 'are set for the year. First to bring citizens to the polls will be the special county election called for Tuesday, February 21, on the proposed county health Petitions filed with the county court by a county-wide committee asked the election be called for the vote to decide on establishing- the health unit with a 10-cent tax and building bond levy. The election date was set in order to allow time for necessary action in the event of passage. Mexico may vote Tuesday, March 21, in the annual city primary. Under the city manager state statutes, candidates will file -ten days or more prior to the primary.

If more'than twice the number to be elected file, then Jhe top two candidates in the primary will go into the general election Tuesday, April 4. If no more than twice the number to be elected file then no primary will be held and the candidates will be voted on at the general election. One councilman is to be elected for a three-year term. The one- year term to which Councilman W. Jim Hoffman was named last spring expires in April.

Next year-two will be elected, and the same number in with one to be elected in 1952. i 'fliprtt'4, win notion- ly bring the city election, but school district voting and a special state election on the road program. In the Mexico school district, the levy will be voted on, and two members of the school board will elected for three-year terms. Members whose current terms are expiring are Mrs. P.

C. Ekern, vice-chairman of the board, and James F. Cooper. Other members are Sam Groff, chairman, Mrs. Florence Moe, Denver Hudson, and Jackson Wright.

The state-wide votihg April 4, for which County Clerk Glenn M. Barnes has received instructions from the secretary of state, will be on the referendum petitions filed by opponents of the road program urged by Governor Smith and passed by the legislature. Those who opposed the bill circulated petitions for a referendum vote, and the law, including a 4c gas tax and apportionment of Ic to rural roads, has been suspended pending the vote. The primary will come on Tuesday, August 8, and in this traditionally Democratic Little Dixie county, candidates named in the Demomratic primary have been unfailingly elected. On the ballot will be the offices of county clerk, circuit clerk, probate judge, collector, recorder, treasurer, representative, prosecuting attorney, prc' siding judge of the county court, judge of the county court from the eastern district, and judge of the county court from the western district.

The representative, prosecuting attorney, and associate judges' terms are for two years the others for four. The general election, in which Missouri will elect a United states Senator and auditor, comes on Tuesday, November 7. Tornado Precedes Heavy Rains 7 Ice This house at Spanish Lake, was torn from its foundation and thrown into the gutter by a tornado which struck through eastern Missouri into parts of Illinois. No one was injured but communications were delayed many hours. Following the wind, heavy rains flooded parts of St.

Louis, stalling traffic. Freezing rain laid a 200- mile carpet of ice across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas between St. Louis and Fort Worth, Texas. (NBA Tciephoto). Not Much Relief In Sight For Weather-Plagued State KANSAS CITY.

Jan. 5. creeks and rivers in western Ken- Floods, ice coated roads- and low tucky. luu Bitter cold continued most temperatures continued to plague rpi i cst Missouri today. Hardest hit appeared to be the southeast section where the mer- ury dipped below the 20 mark after two inches of ice and sleet.

Highway conditions were re- jorted hazardous in the area. Black River, swollen by tor- ential rains before the freeze, eached a crest of 17.6 at Poplar Bluff. It blocked U. S. Highwav 53, and at Poplar Bluff U.

S. lighway 60 was under six inches water. Not much relief appeared in sight. The Weather Bureau Wellsville north of the Boulevard. The subdivision includes 18 lots on the west side of Quantico and I 19 on the east side.

The addition I includes an extension, slanting to the southwest, of W. Buchanan street, crossing the: new Quantico Road. The area, city limits prior to December 6. was included in the annexation-Vote-which extended the WASHINGTON. Jan.

5. A nationwide telephone strike is planned by a r.ewly-chartered CIO union for earlv next month. The CIO's Communications Workers of America said it will call the walkout unless the Bell Telephone System yields to demands for a "substantial" wage increase, shorter apprentice periods, and a 35-hour Week. A. T.

Jones, CWA's vice-president, said 100,000 workers are in a position to strike at any time now. Another wave of 150,000 workers, he said, will be readv to quit their jobs by the end of February. In answer to Jones, a spokesman for the American Telephone and Telegraph company, parent firm of the Bell System, said in a statement that telephone workers are "well paid." i MeGGS IfltO loo rsen rs Car GERALD, --Charles T. Hardy, 10, apparently i drowned last night when his car was swept off a highway and into by iluoU-vua- or sleet for the extreme south- I tcrs last-night. 1 east portion this afternoon.

The acc.drnt happened sevcp Elsewhere road'conditions had south of here, in FrnrtKlm not changed much. The highway liccr vho wit patrol reported that temperatures climbed to the top of the machine after it: war, swept 100 yards i downstream and caught on a sub- mergpfl object. i Scheer imported that Hardy lost his grip r.nd disappeari 1 a fe US Hands Off On Formosa, ys President Says US Won't Become Involved In China Conflict WASHINGTON. Jan. President Truman today declared an American hands off policy ward the Chinese island of Formosa.

In a news conference statement, he said the United States has no desire to use its armed forces there or become involved "in the civil conflict in China," He made clear the only help Chiang Kai-Shek's government in Formosa can expect from the United States is contlnulne economic aid. Mr. Truman said: "The United States has no predatory designs on Formosa or on any other Chinese territory." "The United States has no rip- sire to obtain special rights or privileges or to establish military bases on Formosa at this time. Nor cioes it have any intention of utilizing its armed forces to interfere in the present situation. "The United States government wiH not pursue a course which will lead to involvement in the civil conflict In China, "The United States government will not provide military aid or advice to Chinese forces on Formosa.

In the view of the Unltptl States government, the resources of Formosa are adequate' to enable them (a obtain the items which they might consider necessary for the defense of the island. "The United States government: proposes to continue under existing legislative authority present ECA program of economic assistance-." Mr. Truman's declaration-followed weelis of growing controversy at the capitol over policy-toward Formosa. Sorre Republicans among them former. President Herbert Hoover and Senator Taft 6F were too low for thawing and the coating generally too thick and lard to be moved by snow equipment.

Tarkio again was the state's cold spot with one boiow. Kirksville had an even zero; C'olum- bil and had one above; Chillicothe -I. and Kansas City and Clinton Xew Florence St. Louis 10 and West Plains 13. Mexico had 2 degrees above zero.

At. St. Louis motorists and ned- estrians found the going still hazardous as a result of yesterday's ce storm. Service of six street car lines still was disrupted. A ight snow fell this morning.

Lows tonight are expected to range from 10 above in the north 10 to 15 above in the south with. Friday's high in the middle 20s. The State Highway Department today reported these highways blocked bv high water: Route 3. north of Clifton Hill; Route 94 moments later Iho Hood The body had not been recovered. STEKLVILLK.

Mo. -Fan. 5. Searching with in near zero temperature, volunteers from two communities today found the body of a woman drowned Tuesday night in the icy Meramec River. The body of Mrs.

William J. Phelps, 2:5. of Lebanon. was discovered snagged in debris onlv a short distance from where her husband las', s.iw her clinging to a tree. Volunteer-, from Stnclvillc anfl St.

James spotted the body about a. m. The ranged from 5 to 8 degrees above zero. I Mrs. Phelps' husband collaosed United States use its Navy, if necessary, to keep the Chinese, com- mi'nists from gaining Formosa.

The island, lying about 100 miles off the Chinese mainland. Us the last stronghold of the Chinese nationalists. WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. (IP) President Truman said today he is working on a program to provide the whole country with public power wherever it is feasible.

The President told a news conference that ho is anxious to the St. Lawrence Seaway andpower project. But he will never agree to. develop the power project asa separate program, he emphasized. He said he wants the country to get the benefit of the Lawrence project.

New Canton And Auxiliary Officers In A joint installation service for MUbijiii.u i -i when he learned of the discovery. electee 1 He and his wife were washed into the flood-swollen stream when their car was swept from a bridge as they were returning to Indiana after a visit in south Missouri. St. Charles county south of Matson; Route 8 in Crawford count west of Steelville; and Route D. south of Alba in Jasper county.

Cold, floods, rain, sleet and snow dealt damaging blows to wide area's of the nation today from southern California into Dixieland. Freezing weather has caused some damage to the mutli-million dollar citrus and vegetable crops Of southern California desoite all at tno General hos- night orchard firing Further Thursdav mol njn at 10:20 damage is feared, although pre- tj Mrs. Bertha LaForce Dies Here Thursday Mrs. Bertha LaForce. 63.

of dawn temperatures today were a little above yesterday's lows. Scores of families were marie homeless bv floods in parts of Illinois and Indiana. Several roads were blocked by rising there since October. Survivors include two sons. Hollis and Preston LaForce of Stephens, and a daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband. No Snow There Mr. and Ellis of near. Mexico are reported to be a fine winter with-their daughter, Mrs. Park Stillwell, at San Fernando, Cal.

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis left Mexico Nov. 28 and plan to stay in California until the first part of March. Benjamin H.

Clare of Wellsville would sure like to know how many people worry about the fire hazard of parking- their car beside their house, or in a garage in or attached to the house. reason he'd like to know is because he now has a patent on a dashboard switch which could be flipped and "presto," the entire electrical system of the car would be disconnected. And if Mr. Clare had some'idea of the number of people wanting to make sure there isn't a fire hazard of this kind, he'd have some idea of just how far to go in putting his "safety cutout switch" on the market. Mr.

Clare spent a part of the last seven months inventing the switch and getting a patent on it. He has not made any arrange- mets for its -production, yet. His place of business in Wellsville is Clare's Garage, his-home address is Hudson Street, Weils- Mrs. Clare have two children, Warren, 13, and Vcrriie Julius, nine months. When the road is slippery and yea want to slow down, pick dry 'spots on the pavement and apply the brake evenly.

To reduce speed. let two wheels ran on road's shoulder, provided it's solid and you treat minx too fast of Canton Craig head No: th Ladies' Auxiliary. Patriarch'-Militant, was held Wednesday evening the regular noting at the IOOF hall. Brig. General He I Mrs.

Roy Featherston 6fMober- Iv. state president of the Auxiliary, were installing officers for the evening, and were assisted by Dr. A. H. Domann of Auxvasse.

adjutant, Mrs. Cl'evc Lipp anrl Mr. Featherston. Canton officers include: Lipp. captain; Carl Cleeton; lieu tenant; Leonard Snvder, ensign: Ben Langenbach, clerk; Walter Crowder.

accountant; Charles F. Kehl, chaplain; Leo Hall, banner bearer; Scott Rankin. guard; J. R. Edwards, sentinel; and Dr.

Domann. picket. Mrs. Harry Van Noy of Auxvasse is president of the Auxil- iary with Mrs. Rankin.

vicc-pres- ident; Mrs. Burr Crawford, secre- i tary; Mrs. Homer Martin, treas- ure'r; Mrs. William Wilson of Auxvasse. chaplain; Mrs.

Leo Hall, musician Langenbach. color sergeant; Mrs. Domann. I st-ntrv; Mrs. officer of I the day: ard Mrs.

Thomas wood of Auxvasse, officer of the i guard. Other officers include Mrs. Cleeton anrl Mrs. Lipp. aides to Mrs.

Crowder and i Violet Weist of Centralia. aides to vice-president; Mrs. Bourbon Esteppe of Centralia and Mrs. i James White, aides to the chaplain; Mrs. Leland Crews and Mrs.

Charles Styles, aides to past president. Mrs. Roy Maddox. In behalf of the Mrs. Featherston presented Mrs.

Maddox a past president's pin, anil i Mrs. Featherston was given, a i gift from the group. Mr. Styles is retiring captain. Janice Lee Hayes I A three pound, ounce daughter was born to Mr.

and I Mrs. Ralph Hayes of 609 E. Holm street Wednesday evening at 5:13 o'clock. The baby has been narh- i ed Janice Lee. Mr.

Have 1 ployed-by the Wabasfc i.