The Daily News Leader from Staunton, Virginia • 1

"he Evening THE WEATHEK The PUBLIC Interesi FIRST -EABER Increasing cloudiness tonight, followed by light rain Thursday; colder Wednesday. VOLUME NO. 73. NO. 70.

MEMBKB Of THfc ASSOCIATES PRESS STAUNTON, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1941 MEMBKB Or TBB AIDIT BCBKAV or CIBCITLATIOKS PRICE TWO CENTS United as Bill 1776 Passes Aid To Britain Bi U1W ROOSEVELT PREPARES TO REQUEST APPROPRIATIONS TO FINANCE BRITISH AID DESTROYER EXCHANGE APPROVED 1 Jt i44 i Dubbed Intervention By Fascist Editor BYRD WOULD KEEP TROOPS NEAR HOME Mussolini's Mouthpiece Declares "Roosevelt's Gesture is Deliberate, Unprovoked Move Toward War;" Threatens "Disagreeable Surprises to England and United States in WASHINGTON, March 10 Sen-aator Byrd voted In favor of the amendment offered to the lend-lease bill, declaring it the sense of congress that no troops should be sent out of the Western hemisphere without further action by congress. Senator Byrd expressed his opposition to involvement in the European war and stated that he believed that congress should make this declaration as a matter of public policy at this time. The amendment received thirty-eight votes, but was defeated. Senator Glass also voted for the lease-lend bill. GREEKS REPORT HEAVY LOSSES BY ITALIANS Forgetting their differences as the Senate passed the Lend-Lease Bill, friends and foes of the legislation shake hands in a ceremony symbolic of national unity.

Left to right are Senators Alben W. Barkley, majority leader; Burton JL Wheeler, leader of the opposition; and Walter F. George, foreign affairs chairman. 12 Firemen Die As Roof Fall One of Premier Mussolini's editorial spokesmen asserted today that the British aid bill was "open intervention in the war against the axis" and threatened the possibility of "many disagreeable surprises to England the United States in the Pacific." This assertion, made by Fascist Editor Virginio Gayda, apparently referred to action by Japan in the far East. Passage of the bill, he said, might eventually bring the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo axis into play against the United States.

Gayda declared: "Roosevelt's gesture is a deliberate, unprovoked move toward war" in violation of the Hague' convention, and, he added: 'The axis counter-blockade is more than ever determined to bar passage of all supplies to England with quick, massive efficiency." On Italy's central Albanian war front, the Greeks reported heavy losses among II Duce's Fascist legions in a smashing three-day offensive by Greek columns. Fierce aerial activity was reported over the battle-front. 4 Italian Raider Sunk BROCKTON, March 10 (AP) Twelve firemen were killed and fifteen injured early today when the snow-laden roof of the Strand theatre collapsed during a fire which destroyed the building. Firemen and police, search ing through -the smouldering mass of steel, wood, and plaster, uncovered twelve bodies by mid-morning and continued searching. Most of those trapped were in the theatre balcony, part of which collapsed under the weight of the snow-covered roof.

Several were carried through the balcony floor, where rescuers hurriedly pulled away theatre seats and roof timbers to free them. Hundreds of Sunday night moviegoers had left the theatre less than two hours before the fire. Trapped firemen screamed as flames licked at their hands and faces while they were caught in the debris. IF LEASE-LEND BILL IS FINALLY APPROVED AND SIGNED BY TOMORROW NIGHT, PRES-, IDENT MAY TRANSMIT WED-- NESDAY REQUEST FOR CASH AND CONTRACT AUTHORIZATIONS. WASHINGTON, March 10 Pi A prompt presidential request for funds to speed aid to Britain, under the lease-lend program, was forecast at the White House today by legislative leaders.

After conferring- with President Roosevelt, Senator Bark ley, of Kentucky, the Democratic leader, Vice-President Wallace, Speak- Rayburn said: "The President probably on Wednesday, if the bill Is signed tomorrow night, will send up some estimates. They will be for cash and contract Rayburn said the amounts to be included were discussed with the President, but that he could say nothing about them. The congressional leader said the bill as passed by the senate Saturday night would be called up in the house tomorrow for final approval, and sent to the White House by nightfall. The request for appropriations, Rayburn said, probably will be In the form of a letter from the President to him. Informed persons considered it probable that the vast supply of war materials made available to Britain by the bill would start moving across the Atlantic within a few days.

PREDICTS U. S. WILL CONVOY AID TO BRITAIN BALTIMORE, March 10 "The time must come for the United States to convoy materials to Great Britain," former Senator Ernest W. Gibson, of Vermont, national chair-fmn of the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the told an enthusiastic mass meeting held yesterday afternoon In the Alcazar Under auspices of the local chapter of the organization. Now that the lease-lend bill has been passed by the senate, the motto of the committee henceforth will be, "Make Delivery to Britain Now," Senator Gibson emphasized as the auditorium rocked with the applause of the 1,500 persons present.

Moreover, the committee must carry a message to the American people that there has been too much of an attitude of "business as usual" in the United States, and thai; all, from heavy industry to agriculture, must coordinate their endeavors in producing to the utmost both for the defense at this country and for aid to Britain and the Allies, he insisted. The mass meeting at which Senator Claude Pepper, of Florida, was the principal speaker, was the answer of proponents of the lease-lend bill to a mass meeting against the bill addressed the previous Sunday by Senator Burton K. Wheeler in Mount Vernon place Methodist church. THREE CASES OF THIEVERY ARE REPORTED A mild epidemic of petty thievery has been prevalent in and a-bout Staunton during the past few days, reports at police headquarters revealed, this morning. W.

L. Hanger, 1110 West Bever- tley street, filed in a report that a red and yellow "Pioneer Racer" sled was stolen from the front porch of his home Sunday. Mrs. William H. 314 North New street, reports that two sleds were stolen off the front porch of her home Saturday night.

One was described as a fivefoot "Polar Plane" and the other a three-foot "Shooting Star." A report is filed by Sam Ramsey, of the Greenville community, that some one recently broke Into his house and stole, a 32 calibre blue steel pearl handle Smith and Wesson pistol, old make. Also taken was a twerity-one jewel Hamilton open face, yellow gold watch. Officers are' investigating, report no developments. but WASHINGTON, March 10. The senate approved today establishment of naral air bases on sites acquired from Britain in exchange for United States destroyers, an action which the senate naval committee said would have the effect of "congressional ratification" of the exchange.

The action came when the senate passed a $245,228,500 authorization for naval public works. TREE EXPERT IS GUEST OF KIWANIANS Elmer F. Coles, tree expert, as guest speaker at the Kiwanis club meeting today, told something of the problems involved in keeping trees from interfering with transmission of electric current. Mr. Coles, who is engaged in line-clearing for the Virginia Public service company in this state, is a graduate of the Cornell school of forestry.

The speaker's remarks dealt largely with the necessity for and difficulty of maintaining a nice bal ance between non-mutilation or the trees and adequately protecting the electric lines where the and wires are found in close prox imity. Sidney E. Matthews, manager of Virginia Public Service company here, was in charge of the day's program. COMPANY MEN HOME HARRISONBURG, March 10 Eighty members of Company 116th Infantry, now in training at Fort George Meade, spent the weekend here. They traveled in two chartered buses, which gave reduced rates to the soldiers.

Nearly 100 persons gathered on the Court square at six o'clock last night as the contingent started its return trip. They had leave from noon Saturday until midnight last night. NAZI-YUGOSLAV PACT DELAYED BELGRADE, March 10. The signing of a German-Yugoslav non-aggression pact with attendant declarations by the two countries of increased collaboration, generally expected to occur Tuesday, has been postponed for a day or two, reliable sources said last night. These sources, without revealing the cause of the delay, said there was no doubt such a pact would be "signed in the very near future.

Mlllboro "school some twenty years ago. M. H. Bell, present principal at the Valley high school, also meets the requirements of the state board of education, although he does not appear on the list. Whether any of the above-named men will get the nod as successor to the retiring superintendent is a matter of speculation.

The full membership of the board was present, mcluding J. Graham Davidson, chairman; O. H. Ruddle, Ira T. Hornbarger, and John H.

Folks, and Miss Dorr Is Terrell, clerk. VISITOR FILES CRASH REPORT Kenneth Lehighton, has filed an accident report at police headquarters In which he states that his machine was damaged to the extent of about $25 or more Sunday evening about six-thirty on Greenville avenue, at the Hampton street intersection, when It was struck by another car, the driver's name not given. Osterdock states that he was proceeding south on Greenville avenue, and the other machine was travelling In the same direction In front of him about twenty or twenty-five miles per hour. He asserts that he blew his horn to pass, and when he started to pass the operator of the vehicle turned left and hit his machine broadside. Osterdock claims In the report that the other driver failed to give a hand signal of any kind before he made the turn.

No court action was taken, it being assumed that responsibility was settled between the parties involved. ENGLISH BOMB NAZI-HELD COAST A SOUTHEAST ENGLAND COAST TOWN, March 10. Heavy and rapid gunfire shook this town last night and echoed across the hazy Dover strait, leading observers to believe British warships were shelling the German-held French ports. NEW SUPERINTENDENT TAKES OVER ON "HILL" Colonel E. R- Warner Mc-Cabe, recently elected superintendent of Staunton Military academy, assumed the duties of his new office today.

Colonel Emory J. Mid dour, CoL McCabe's predecessor, left Saturday for Pennsylvania, where he will spend a week at his home, before going to Gainesville, Ga, to assume an executive posiiton with Riverside Military academy. 0 YOUNG WOMAN IS SLAIN; BODY CUT TO PIECES KANSAS CITY, March lOFV-Miss Leila Adele Welsh, attractive twenty-four-year-old daughter of a retired business man, was found slain yesterday to the bedroom of her home. Her skull had been crushed and her throat cut. Police said the slayer had mutilated the body and carried away a portion of it.

The window of her first floor bedroom was open. Bloody Implements Found In the room detectives found a bloody stone mason's hammer and a butcher's boning knife. Police said they comprise the chief clues. The girl's mother, Mrs. George W.

Welsh, found the body about nine-thirty a. m. when she went to call her daughter for breakfast. At first she believed the girl a-sleep, since the slayer had thrown a cover over the body before leaving. The Welshes live at 6109 Rock-hill road, a refined residential section.

Mrs. Welsh said her daughter returned home about one a. m. having attended a police circus. During the night, Mrs.

Welsh said, she heard a noise resembling a dull thud, but did not investigate because she believed the noise was coming from the furnace. Miss Welsh formerly was a school teacher. Portion Removed Is Found The portion of the girl's body carried away by the slayer was found In the neighborhood, several hundred yards from the Welsh home. Police reported that a seventeen-year-old girl who lives about one-half mile from the Welsh home was awakened by a man bending over her bed about midnight Saturday. She screamed and the intruder fled.

After leaving the police benefit circus, Miss Welsh and her escort stopped at a cocktail lounge. The young man, employed by an oil company, and Miss Welsh have been dating steadily for several years. There was no attempt at robbery. The young woman was a graduate of Western college, Oxford, Ohio. 0 ELKTON DOCTOR ENDS HIS LIFE; FUNERAL TODAY ELKTON, March 10.

Dr. L. H. Lewis, of Elkton, died at his home here Saturday afternoon about four-thirty from a self-inflicted pistol wound. For several months the deceased had been having periods of despondency and in an effort to overcome them he gave up his practice for a month, which time he spent with his brother in Clifton Forge.

About ten days ago he returned to Elkton and resumed his work. Funeral services were held from his late residence this afternoon at two-thirty o'clock with interment in Elk Run cemetery. Pallbearers were Melvln Sigafoose, T. H. Avery, Victor Bert, Lynwood Flory, J.

C. Bear and Berlin Dingledine. The deceased, a son of the late Daniel Sheffey and IsabeUa Botte Lewis, was born in Harrisonburg May 6, 1880. He received his early education in the public schools of that city and his medical training at the University of Virginia and the Medical College of Virginia. While he began his life work in Elkton, he later practiced In Cape Charles and Covington.

He also served In public health work in both Virginia and West Virginia. In 1933, he returned to Elkton, where he had since resided. In 1916, he married Miss Blanche Leebrlck, who survives him. He leaves two daughters, Misses Ellen and Blair Lewis, registered nurses In Richmond, and one son, L. H.

Lewis of Elkton; also four brothers, M. Botts Lewis, Clifton Forge; John F. Lewis, Brooklyn; D. S. Lewis, Harrisonburg; A.

A. Lewis, Atlanta. Dr. Lewis was a man of kindly disposition and loyal to his friends. His principal, devotion, however, was to his family; his life centering around his home and beloved ones.

LECTURE POSTPONED Due to her Indisposition. Dr. Harriett Elliott will be unable to fill an appointment at Mary Baldwin college Thursday. She will be here at a date to be announced later. BATH COUNTY SLATED TO HAVE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF ITS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE GAME COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 28 Clemmer L.

Miller and Houston I. Todd, Augusta county game wardens, report a meeting of the commission of game and inland fisheries will be held In Richmond March 28. This meeting is of special interest and Importance as sportsmen have been invited to attend and give their recommendations on the hunt season next year. Carl H. Noltlng, chairman of the ccjninisslon, states that the "commission endeavors to release as many quail as possible this year, but in view of the shortage during the past season it feels that to reestablish this fine game bird to the average normal supply we shall have to cut down on the present sixty-day shooting season." Wardens Todd and Miller state that sportsmen In this section are invited to attend this meeting and give their views on the quail situation, and whether the season should be shortened.

0 HOSPITAL PATIENT William A. Mowry, of Waynesboro, was admitted to the King's Daughters' hospital about seven-thirty a. m. today and was treated for a laceration of the forehead. He is expected to be able to leave today or tomorrow.

Hospital officials said that they did not know the cause of the laceration. DR. RIVES IS SPEAKER Dr. J. J.

Rives, pastor of Centenary Methodist church, Richmond, was today's speaker at the meeting of the Staunton Ministerial association, using as his subject "Thinking." Fourteen ministers were present. CUTTING GATE This is what sheep ranchers use when they find it necessary to separate mother ewes from lambs, because, with its simple doable hinge it separates the two quickly and with small effort. We don't need such an arrangement to separate Leader Classified ads because they don't need to be separated, they're all effective and most of them bring results. Just try one and see if what we say Ig not true. A 24-word ad costs only 65 cents for three Insertions.

Drop in and let our ad taker help you to write your ad in the most effective manner. WENT AFTER ONE, SNARED THREE MEN According to information picked around the sheriff's office this morning, Officer E. A. Via, of the Staunton police department, had quite a time with his prisoners Saturday night and early Sunday morning: Sheriff G. M.

Gilkeson, of Augusta county, said that Via was following Gaylor through the city, trying to stop him, and, in an attempt evade the long arm of the law, Gaylor speeded east on Route 250. Via chased him, the sheriff reported, and stopped him at Summerson's row, about a mile east of the city. About the time he was taking Gaylor out of the car to place him under arrest for. driving another car, occupied by Jack Goodloe and Vadus Hale and operated by Hale, "plowed Into" the rrear of Gaylor's machines These two got out of their vehicle and decided that they would give Gaylor some assistance. The Staunton officer took them ail in hand, however, and, as a result, Hale Is to be tried in trial justice court tomorrow morning, charged with driving an auto while drunk, and resisting arrest, and Goodloe wiH appear at the same time, charged with interferring with an officer.

Gaylor was this morning fined $100 and $3.50 in police court for driving drunk and, unable to pay, was remanded to jail. HOLD TRIO ON CHARGE OF BURGLARY Three Negroes are lodged in the county jail, charged by Sheriff M. Gilkeson with entering the dwelling house of the late Mrs. Mattie Gilkeson, of the Barter-brook neighborhood, March 8. The prisoners, Roy Cave, county; Mary Minor, Staunton; and Fannie Rose, Waynesboro, are awaiting' trial.

Sheriff Gilkeson said that he would not- request trial for them until he had picked up another Negro, believed to be connected in the case. Entry was made through a front window in the house, which was vacant but completely furnished. The sheriff stated that he had not been able to make a complete check of what had been taken. DR. PETTIS TO READ PAPERS Dr.

and Mrs. Pettis will leave this afternoon for Danville, where they plan to visit Mrs. Pettis' sis ter, Mrs. S. T.

Adams, and Mr. until Wednesday. Tuesday afternoon Dr. Pettis will read a paper before the Mental Hygiene Society of Virginia, and Tuesday night, before Danville Medical society. South Bill physicians.

Most of the thirty passengers were asleep when the Raleigh -Washington bus left the highway after the crash, climbed a bank, and turn over, on its' top in the mod. Drive Joe Whitley, of Raleigh, said that the door jammed and he kicked out the glass and helped more the passengers through the windshield. SPECIAL TREAT TONIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Evangelistic services are being held each evening this week at Olivet Presbyterian church at seven- forty-five. This evening is "Young People's Night," and there will be a special service for children, and young people which should be of interest to all ages. The messages will be brought each evening by the William B.

Ward, of. Orange. Sermon subjects for each evening are as follows: Tuesday, "The Rich Fool;" Wednesday, Doesn't God Stop the War?" Thursday, "Everlasting life;" Friday, "Choose Ye This Day Whom Ye Shall Serve." There will be a five-rnin ute story for children each evening before the sermon. Those who have heard Mr. Ward testify that they have been helped and inspired by his messages.

All the people of the community are urged to take advantage of the opportunity of hearing him. ANSWER TO BE FILED IN TEN DAYS Judge F. S. Crosby, of circuit court, today heard arguments on a demurrer filed In the notice of mo tion for judgment in behalf of Emma X. Culton, of Waynesboro, against Gilpin Willson Sr.

and Gilpin Willson. Jr Upon request of counsel for the plaintiff, the court gave ten days in which she mignt rue an answer to the demurrer recorded by J. Martin Perry, counsel for defendants. John D. White and Wayt B.

Timberlake Jr. represent the plaintiff. Allegations in the notice of motion for judgment, are founded on negligence. Plaintiff claims that at the time, of her accident, the defendants were limited partners in Fishburne's drug store, Waynesboro; that as. such they were responsible for drippings from the building's' guttering falling upon a with subsequent forming of ice.

Plaintiff alleges she slipped on the ice, fell, and sustained injury, for which she now claims compensation. o- MRS. COYNER QUALIFIES AS DEPUTY CLERK Appointed deputy clerk of Augusta trial justice court March 3, Mrs Coynerhas qualified in the clerk's office of Staunton corporation court, and subscribed to the oath of office. Appointment was made by the trial justice, W. T.

Sheehan. Mrs. Coyner posted a $1,000 bond with a national surety corporation, G. H. Branaman, attorney-in-fact, as surety.

Her headquarters are in Waynesboro. Mrs. M. A. Bergin, clerk of the trial Justice's court, has offices in this city.

THREE MEN DIE IN PLANE CRASH WAUKESHA, March 10. W) Three southern Wisconsin men were killed yesterday when their airplane crashed in a field about a mile from the Waukesha county airport. The dead were Carl Breecher, Waukesha, said by sheriff's officers to have been the pilot; Forrest Christopherson, Waukesha, and Henry Smith, Milwaukee. Ben Turn Wind Lake, flyer, told the deputies he was approaching the airport from the west when he saw the ill-fated ship take off, ollmb to about 2.000 feet and then go Into a tailspin. LONDON, March 10 A fast, powerfully-armed Italian sea raider masquerading In the Indian ocean as a British merchantman has been caught and sunk In a battle with a British cruiser, the admiralty announced yesterday.

It identified the ship as the Ramb owned by the Italian government, mounting four 4.7-inch guns and capable of better than eighteen knots. When H. M. Leander, a British cruiser of the New Zealand squadron, challenged the raider, the admiralty said, she hauled down her Red ensign the flag of the British merchantmen hoisted her true Italian colors and opened fire. But the Leander fired five salvoes from her batteries of eight six-inch guns and the Ramb I struck her flag.

Naval communiques previously had mentioned only German raiders in that vital area along Britain's empire lifeline between the British isles and the Orient and capture of a Fascist surface raider caused general surprise in British naval circles. It was pointed out that the size, speed and arms of the Ramb I made her capable of Inflicting heavy damage on commerce and it was believed she already might have started a campaign. The she was flying British colors and still was challenged by the Leander, these sources said, suggested that the British cruiser was not fooled by the disguise." 0 PREPARE FOR 165 AT STUARTS DRAFT EVENT Approximately 165 people are expected to attend the Stuarts Draft Ruritan club's banquet Tuesday night at seven-thirty in the high school. The banquet meeting Is not only for Ruritan members, A. B.

Booker, president of the club announced, but is more or less a community-wide project. Approximately 125 tickets have been sold to non-members, he asserted, proceeds from which will go to the weekday Bible school. The supper will be served by women of the Stuarts Draft P. T. A.

and girls of the home economics class at the school A moving picture will be shown and the hobby group will have articles on display. Mr. Booker said that the picture is for the purpose of showing the community that the visual education equipment furnished the school by the Ruritan cli'b is be-' ing used to good advantage. A list of the 1941 objectives, to be presented for adoption, will be the main item of business to be transacted. routes serving 875,000 residents of Manhattan and Queens, and commuters from Staten bland and New Jersey.

There was no disorder, but considerable confusion at major transportation centers and at ferry docks. Trolley cars have almost disappeared from Manhattan streets, making buses vital In moving tht city's masses. WARM SPRINGS, March 10 A surprise element; was injected into the last meeting of the Bath county school board when Superintendent T. R. Sinclair informed the board members that he was "not Interested" in another term as division superintendent of the Bath county schools.

The terse annoucement by the superintendent followed the advisement by a member of the board that the time was approaching to elect a superintendent, and suggested a closed meeting to debate the selection. The superintendent did not elaborate on the reason for his declining to offer for reelection. When later contacted he had no comment in regard to his decision, but hinted that a statement may be made at some future date. It Is generally conceded that lack of harmony between the board and the superintendent prompted the action. Mr.

Sinclair has been superintendent of the Bath county schools since 1928, when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of E. Carl Hoover, who resigned to ac cept another position. Prior he had been principal of the Mtll-boro school for a year, and as sociated with the Alleghany coun ty schools. His present term expires on June 30, 1941. The superintendent is elected for a four-year term.

The board voted to let it be known that applications for the position of division superintendent are in order and will be accepted. No definite statement as to the probable procedure was advanced by the board, except that the ap plications may be considered in the regular April meeting or at a call session. The "disinterestedness" of the present superintendent gives rise to speculation as to his successor. On the approved list submitted by the state director of education are the names of the following who are known here: E. Carl Hoover, principal of the Bassett schools and former superintendent of schools for this county; C.

E. May, present principal of the Mlllboro school E. Harold Swartz, Charlottesville, former principal of Valley high school; F. P. CUne, Bridgewater, also a former Valley high prin cipal; and E.

R. Reldel, of Shen andoah, who was principal of the ONE MAN KILLED IN BUS Al AUTOMOBILE CRASH 3,500 BUS DRIVERS I NEW YORK CITY STRIKE SOUTH HILL, March 10. P) Robert LIppett, fifty-five, of New York city, was killed and twenty-three other passengers injured when a northbound Greyhound bus overturned near here i-iay after a collision with an 'dtomoblle. Four of those hurt were taken to hospitals, but none was believed to be in The others were treated by NEW YORK, March 10. crippling gtrike of bos drivers sent hundreds of thousands of bns-iness-bound New Yorkers scrambling for subway lines and into taxlcmbs today as the city's first major transportation tieup in a quarter of a century got under way.

A pre -dawn walkout of 3,500 drivers threw rash hour transportation out of gear on twenty-seven.