Altoona Tribune from Altoona, Pennsylvania • Page 1

40 Blair Traffic Toll '39' 287 Accidents .437 408. Injured 416 18 Dead 18 THE WEATHER MOSTLY CLOUDY AND COLD YESTERDAY'S TEMPERATURE? HIGH 3S LOW ift rr 1 3 UN KAL rCIMlMfLYAIMIA ALTOONA, FRIDAY MORNING, NOVEA 2 42 St pa VOLUME 84 NO. 261 Member ef tb Audit Bureau of Circulation mm mm Reporter Tells of Escape From Death As Bridge Falls Greeks Dig In As Italians Open Main Offensive THREE CENTS Plan Tax On All U. S. Bonds President Faces Big Problems As He Returns To Roaring Welcome In Capital WASHINGTON, Nov.

7 (IP) Facing the big questions of higher taxes, an increase in the national debt limit and the whole broad subject of defense and assistance to Great Britain, President Roosevelt returned to the capital today, received a roaring welcome from Washingtonians and engaged in a long series or conferences. ICKES' RESIGNATION He talked with the defense com-mission, with Arthur B. Purvis, British purchasing agent, received a letter of resignation from Secretary Ickes tendered to give the President a free hand if he wishes to reshape his cabinet and found himself at once facing a fight on the question of the debt limitation. Secretary Morgenthau, saying that "we've just be.run to rearm," announced that the treasury would request that the statutory restriction upon the size of the debt be raised from $49,000,000,000 to $60,. 000,000,000 or $65,000,000,000.

Senator Byrd (D-Va), leader of the economy bloc, said immediately that a raise of more than $5,000,. 000,000 at this time would bo fought. The government, he said, should cut "non-essential, non-defense spending to the absolute minimum" and raise taxes. If the occasion arises later, he said, a i further increase in the debt limit can be authorized. was something new in my experience with the bridge.

Heretofore, the noticeable motion has been up and down. TRUE STORY FIFE, Nov. 7. () Carol Peacocke, Fife Higk school senior assigned a "just suppose" story for her journalism class, let her imagination run wild as she wrote last night. "Narrows Bridge Collapses," she titled the story.

Today the bridge collapsed. Before I realized it, the tilt from side to side became so violent I lost control of the car. I jammed on the brakes and got out, only" to be thrown onto my face against the curb. I tried to stand and was thrown again. Around me I could hear the concrete cracking.

CAR BEGINS TO SLIDE I started back to the car to get the dog, but was thrown before I could reach it The car itself began to slide from side to side of the roadway. I decided the bridge was breaking up and my only hope was to get back to shore. On handg and knees most of the time I crawled 500 yards or more to the towers. Across the roadway from me I became aware of another man, alternately crawling and then running a few steps in a crouched position. My breath was coming in gasps, (Continued on Page Col.

1) 4H Club Baby Beef Winners Named at Show hKI A I MLJKIMIIM19 J. NewTacoma Span Plunges 190 Feet Bridge Open-ed in July Cracks Up in High Wind; Several Persons Have Narrow Escape TACOMA, Nov. 7. (JPj The third longest single suspension span in the world, the new Tacoma Narrows bridge, cracked up ana fell with a roar 190 feet into Puget sound today after swaying crazily in a high wind. It had a center span of feet.

The bridge's last occupant, Leonard Coatsworth, a Tacoma News-Tribune reporter, leaped from his automobile after the first cable broke and crawled 500 yards to safety while the structure tilted at a 45-degree angle. GOES DOWN WITH BRIDGE The car, occupied by Coats-worth's dog plunged into waters of the sound. The coast guard patrol boat Ata-lanta, near the bridge when it began to sway, reported that an automobile on the structure overturned and its occupants had dif-ficlty getting ashore. Several hundred spectators, standing on the shore near the east approach, watched the steel cables suddenly give way and huge blocks of concrete began to fall. INSURED Officials said the structure was Insured against "all risks" and that the state and bondholders would not lose.

The span, completed only last July, was built by the state toll bridge authority, a division of the state government. It was financed originally through a PWA grant and $3,520,000 in bonds sold to the Federal Reconstruction Finance corporation. The bridge shortened the distance between the mainland and the Olympic peninsula. The wind was blowing at about 35 miles an hour when the bridge started to disintegrate. APPROACHES BREAK UP Shortly before noon the giant structure's two approaches on either end began to give way, cracked up in small pieces and fell.

A 100-foot section was the first to drop, followed by a weh-d roar as the rest of the suspension cracked and fell into the water. The entire bridge, except the two 425-foot steel towers sunk deeply below the water, collapsed. "GALLOPING GERTIE" Since its opening the bridge had been nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" because of its strange weaving motion in the wind. Travellers over the span usually detected the swaying motion and some reported "seasickness." Engineers repeatedly have tried to take the sway out of the long structure. cables anchored in concrete blocks at each side of the narrows snapped as they were being put Into place the first time.

When the center span continued to swing and buckle, cables again were installed, but these, too snapped today. Gov. Clarence D. Martin, who came to view the wrecked structure, said it would be rebuilt immediately. PLACES BLAME -C.

E. Andrew, chief engineer of the bridge, said the collapse probably was due to the fact that flat, solid girders were used on the sides of the bridge, offering resistance to the wind. He said originally plans called for open trusses but that plans were changed by another engineer. (Caatinaed Page 1C, Col. PHONE 8181 Judge to Be Armistice Day Speaker Here Judge Patterson to Deliver Address at City Hall; Chief Marshal W.

A. Morgan Announces Parade Orders Judge George G. Patterson was announced as the speaker for the city's twenty-second anniversary of the observance of Armistice day Monday at a meeting of the general committee last evening in the Rowan Legion post home. Captain W. A.

Morgan, chief marshal of the parade, announced the route and parade orders. He will issue the today to his aides and to participating organ-iations. Promise of the largest and most impressive Armistice day parade in the history of the city was given by General Chairman Bru-baker. He stated the committees have made every effort to arrange a celebration which will not only pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the World war but will relnstlll into the hearts of every Altoonan the desire to protect the United States by making democracy work. FOUR DIVISIONS Chief Marshal Morgan said the four-division parade would move promptly at 10:45 a.

m. Monday. As th unitg march up Eleventh avenue, a two-minute pause will be made at 11 o'clock. After shop whistles and locomotives cease blowing, taps will be sounded by buglers In each on after the other. Program Chairman Clyde B.

Saylor disclosed that judge Patterson would speak at the outdoor exercises at city hall immediately after the parade reaches that point. Chief Marshal Morgan will Introduce the honored guests, including the commanders of the veterans' organizations and presidents of participating societies. PARADE ROUTE Route of the parade: Chestnut avenue and Eighth street, to Eleventh street, to Eleventh avenue, to Sixteenth street Twelfth avenue to Twelfth street, to city hall. Following an es ort of city police and firemen in uniform, the chief marshal and his staff, Clyde B. Saylor, J.

Al Brubaleer J. P. Huller, Harry Hallett, Dr. Daniel Bohn, and Commander Clair Nale of the War Veterans' coun- cil will head the parade. Members of the Blair county chapter, Re serve Officers' association will be next in line.

FIRST DIVISION Captain George T. R. Wicker will head the first division which will form on Eighth street between Chestnut and Lexington ave nues, with the right resting on Chestnut avenue. It will consist of the 110th in fantry band, regimental headquar ters 2nd battalion de tachment and company 'G, all of the 110th infantry, headquarters battery, 190th field artillery, and Penn sylvania National Guard motor equipment. SECOND DIVISION Captain Harry E.

Clarke is'mr- shal of the second division which will form on Lexington avenue be tween Eighth and Eleventh streets, with the right resting on Eighth street. It will consist of the Altoona Catholic High school band. Admiral pewey camp, No. 86, United Span ish War Veterans; V. F.

W. band, James L. Ncble post No. 3. Veterans of Foreign Wars, its.

drill team and the V. F. W. Bicycle Safety club and French tank; Sons of Legion drum and bugle corps, Charles R. Rowan post No.

228, American Legion; Blair voi- ture No. 350, Forty A Eight soci ety; Rowan Legion Boy Scout troop No. 22; Junior Legion auxil iary drill team, Maccabe Girls' rum and bugle corps, Altoona Chapter No. 34, Disabled American Veterans; P. R.

R. Middle Division iband. THIRD DIVISION Th third division will be mar- khalled bv Harrv Smith official. It win form on Lexington venae, between Eighth and Sev enth streets, with tie right restin Eighth street. Jt will consist of the Roosevelt trfnior High school band, P.

O. of K. auxiliary. Kn-tghts of Columbus. Columbian Squires.

combined troops of ie Roy Scouts of Amer- (Caatiaaea rsgc Cl. 1) British Raiders May Bomb Rome By the Associated Press LONDON, Nov. 7. The government made it clear today that Britain would "reserve full liberty of action in regard to Rome" since Italian fliers now have joined the Germans in bombing attacks on London. This unamplified observation on the status of the Italian capital was made by R.

A. Butler, undersecretary for foreign affairs, while signs indicated that the Royal Air force was urgently preparing to increase not lessen-the tempo of its counter-attack during the coming winter. SEEKS AIR CONTROL Nothing short of control of German skyways and a complete "bomb blockade" of Nazi heavy industry, said one neutral air observer, is the British winter and spring aim a step to a possible attempt to fight to the decision then wth field armies. LONDON ATTACKED In the battle for Britain, the Germans scattered fire and ex plosive bombs over London in their regular nightly air assaults. Berlin declared the aerial siege would be matched soon by an even fiercer counter-blockade of Britain by sea and claimed considerably more than a third of shipping space available to the British at the outset of war already had been destroyed.

Britain, stepping up the tempo of her own air counter-offensive, announced new heavy raids on Berlin, other vital targets in Germany, the continental coastline and 'the Italian naval base at Brindisi, at the "heel" of the Italian boot. In addition to the attack 'on Brindisi, carried out by the RAF from Africa, the British command at Cairo announced its first notable offensive thrust of the Sudanese campaign with the recapture of Gallabat. This town on the border between Ethiopia and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was seized by Italy early in the war. Hundreds Attend Soviet Reception WASHINGTON, 7. W) Soviet Russia's-pivotal position in world affairs vas evidenced tonight when diplomats and others flocked to the elaborate annual -reception at the Russian embassy.

The reception, held in observance of the twenty-third anniversary of the Bolshevist revolution, was in marked contrast to the fete last year when many persons remained away because of the Russo-Finnish war. The attendance tonight of the Finnish minister, Hjalmar J. Pro-cope, and his wife symbolized the changed attitude of several countries since last year. More than 900 persons, including representatives of all the belligerent European powers, were greeted by the Soviet ambassador, Constan tino Oumansky, and his wife and sauntered from room to room in the ornate building on Sixteenth street Chief Marshal CAPTAIN W. A.

MORGAN Must Return Questionnaires In Five Days Questionnaires are now "being mailed to the county's registrants for the military selective service and training program by the draft boards of the county. Chairmen of the boards said last night they are mailing these ques tionnaires out only to those men who are most likely to be called for the first quota. All boards caution ed registrants that these eight page questionnaires must be re turned to the board within five days after the mailing date from the board. Failure to complete and return the questionnaire within that time is an offense punishable by imprisonment or fine. City draft board No.

2, located in the old postofficc building, yes terday poste.1 notices that any registrant whose order number was between No. 1 and No. 25 in clusive and who seeka a deferred classification, may within five days from date, submit proper affidavits to this local board. Twenty-five questionnaires have been mailed out by this board including two questionnaires to volunteers who will be accepted first if they pass the examinations. Registrants are warned not to pay any person to aid in filling out these blanks and affidavits as each board has a legal advisor appointed by the governor to take care of this work.

Any member of the local board or their chief clerk is authorized to receive these affidavits and swear the registrant in for the questionnaire. County board No. 2, with headquarters located in the Tyrone postoffice, has posted copies of the serial numbers in several sections of the district, including Greenwood Are hall, Pinecroft Are hall and at Lakemont for the convenience of those persons "living In those districts under the Jurisdiction of the county board No. 2. Local boards are preparing to mail out cards bearing the order and serial number of each registrant as fast as they can check them off the master list Probe Into Campaign Contributions Launched PHILADELPHIA, Nov.

7. A federal grand jury, investigating how much Republicans and Democrats spent in the election, questioned Pennsylvania political leaders briefly today and then directed them to submit by next Tuesday statements listing all contributions and expenditures between May 1 and election day. More than a score of the Democratic and Republican parties' r.ieh command in Philadelphia and the state appeared. Among them were Joseph N. Pew, Jr.

millionaire oil man and a contributor to the Re publican campaign; John B. Kelly. Democratic City Chairman; Jay Cooke. Republican City chairman who was defeated for the U. S.

sen ate by Senator Joseph F. Guffey; democratic State Chairman Meredith Meyers, and Republican State Chairman James Torrance. xy I CM- Ml PS' EDITORS NOTE Leonard Coatsworth, Tacoma News-Tribune reporter, barely escaped death today as the Tacoma Narrows bridge third longest in the world crumbled and fell into Puget Sound. Here is his story: By LEONARD COATSWORTH Tacoma News-Tribune Reporter (Copyright, 1940, by the Tacoma, News-Tribune) TACOMA, Nov. 7.

VP) I saw the Narrows bridge die today, id only by the grace of God escaped dying with it. I have been near death many times in my life, but not even in my worst experiences in France did I experience the feeling of helpless horror that grippe me when I was trapped on the bridge this morning. Before starting over the bridge I had driven underneath the approach to watch the motion, xxx The undulations were more rapid than I had ever seen before. This, however, was the only difference I saw from other times when a strong breeze was blowing. 'SOMETHING WRONG I started across.

In the car with me was my daughter's cockei spaniel, Tubby. Not until I reached the first towers did I realize something, was wrong. Either just as I reached the towers, or just as I 'drove past them, the bridge began to sway violently from side to side. This Education Week Proclaimed Active participation in American Education week which opena Sunday was urged yesterday in a proclamation issued by Mayor Charles E. Rhodes.

The program in Altoona is being sponsored by the Altoona school district and by Charges R. Rowan post, No. 228, American Legion. The mayor's proclamation: "Whereas, the twentieth annual observance of American Education week will be held from November 10 t0 16, inclusive, with the general theme, 'Education and the Common Defense, and "Whereas, American Education week grew out of the World war when 25 per cent of the men examined in the draft were illiterate; 20 per cent were physically unlit and many were foreign-born and had little understanding of American life, and "Whereas, a long range program for the extension of education was needed to reduce illiteracy and physical unfitness, and "Whereas, the broad purpose of the week has become that of acquainting people with the needs, (Condoned on Page IS, Co. Juniata Shops To Hold Annual Party Probably the most democratic place in the entire democracy Saturday night will be Jaffa mosque where the annual party for Juniata shop employes of the Altoona works and members of their families will be held under the auspices of the Juniata Shop Foremen's association.

It will be so democratic that no official or guest will have an advantage over a shopman for seats In the huge auditorium. In othe words, no seat Is reserved. Every one of the 4,200 seats in the auditorium is expected to be filled at 6:45 o'clock when the P. R. Middle Division band will begin a concert which will last until 7:30.

At that time, 3. Lucian Root will lead the assembly in the national anthem and the show will be on. A talented vaudeville troupe from out of the city has been secured for the party. Before the dancing starts later in the evening valuable door prizes will be awarded those holding the numbers drawn. Earl-E.

Hoenstine is president of the foremen's association. The commlt'ce In charge of arrangements consists of R. D. Curry. W.

R. Brown, W. T. Lee, P. Reynolds and J.

K. McNeal. Defenders Move Back To Principal Fortifications As 'Big Push' Starts Ry the Associated Press ATHENS, Nov. 1. Greek forces dug in tonight in their main fortifications near the Ionian sea to fight it out with the Italians, whose grand assault appeared under way.

The Italians, launching a massive offensive by land and air, were reported reliably to have established contact with the main Greek lines at some points on this extreme left of the slanting battle-front after the Greeks made a "slight" retreat to new positions. FIRMLY ENTRENCHED Neutral observers said, however, the Greeks were firmly entrenched in their well-fortified emplacements blasted from the sides of the rugged mountains and that the Italians would have an extremely difficult time dislodging them. (The Italians reported their forc es had crossed the Kalamas river In northwestern Greece and were attacking the Epirus defenders with mounting fury.) The Greeks disclosed the Italians also had tfirown newer and faster bombing and fighting planes into the battle. Heretofore they had used biplanes which neutral air experts regarded as second-line craft. Military experts said the Italians had moved heavy forces into the Epirus battle to divert Greek pressure from Koritza, Fascist base 100 miles to the north.

Greek artillery is declared to have Koritza, 10 miles Albania, under its control. It was possible that Greek capture of Koritza might slow down or even halt the Italian coast drive through a rearguard threat. Cold Weather Brings Three Flue Fires City firemen answered two general alarms and one still call last night, and consequently" subdued three flue fires, suggestive with the advent of typical wintry weather. One fire truck met with mechanical difficulty and had to be replaced while en route to one call. Companies 5, 6 and truck went to the home of Mrs.

G. Neuge-bauer, 697 Twenty-fourth street, at 7:45 o'clock and quenched a flue blaze with a booster tank. On the way, truck was disabled at Seventh avenue and Twentieth street, and truck A was substituted, although neither was needed for service. Another flue fire at the home of W. E.

Thompson, 311 Willow avenue, was put out by firemen of company 5 with the use of three gallons of chemicals. A still alarm as answered" by firemen at 7:53 o'clock. Companies 1, 9 and truck A to a general alarm from box 324, Twenty-third avenue and Eighteenth street, at 9:56 o'clock and extinguished a flue fire at the home of W. S. Miller, 2319 Eighteenth street, with three gallons of chemicals.

Germany Refuses Safe Conduct for U. S. Vessel WASHINGTON. Nov. 7.JPh-Germany's refusal to join Italy in giving assurances of safe conduct made it unlikely tonight that an American ship would be sent into the European war zone to bring about 1,200 United States citizens home from the British isles.

The state department announced that Italy, "very promptly responded favorably" to a request from the United States for a safe conduct. Germany however, replied in a note delivered yesterday that it was "not in a position to furnish any sort of assurance of the nature requested." In view of this, officials here indicated they could not assume the risks of sending a ship into the combat area. Mr. Roosevelt reached the city early in the day from his Hyde Park home, and found that Washington had organized a welcome home party. Union station plaza was jammed with a crowd which police estimated at 50,000 to 60,000 and the national guard was out.

All the way from the station to the- White House crowds thronged the President's route, sometimes as much as 20 deep. Another crowd was waiting at the White House grounds. But before proceeding, Mr. Roosevelt stopped on the plaza long enough to express his thanks, A little later, Secretary Morgenthau met newspapermen at the treasury and announced the coming request to congress for an in-crease in the national debt limit. A raise to $60,000,000,000 or he said, would cover the possible deficits up to June 30, 1942.

Congress also may be asked, and at the present session, he said, to remove certain restrictions which were placed upon the financing of the last debt limit increase of It will be urged, too, to make future issues of federal, state and municipal bonds subject to taxation. Rohertsdale Man Killed As Mine Engine Wrecks John Ellsworth Watson, 43, of Robertsdale, was killed Wednesday night at 8:30 o'clock when the ine engine he was operating got QBt of his control and wrecked. Born in Benscreek, June 19, 1897, he was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Clark) Watson. Members of the family include his wife, Mrs. Ellen (Nagle) Watson, and these children: Mrs.

Robert Miller -of Akron, Alex of Hopewell, Mrs. Lester Wagner of Broad Top, Joy Lovetta of Flinton, Walter. Mary, Elizabeth. Edrie Jean and Jack, all at home, and these broth ers and sisters: William of Robertsdale, Alex of Blairsville, Mrs. Janet Lewis of Amsbry, Mrs.

Jane Miller of Juniata, Mrs. Violet Henry of Altoona. and Mm. Clyda Perry of Bradford. Friends are being received at the home.

Samuel Black of Sinking valley took a jump yesterday. He jumped from sixth place to Arst and produced the grand champion Hereford in the third annual Blair county 4-H club Baby Beef club rooundup show and auction yesterday afternoon at the 190 field artillery armory, Franks-town road. The youth placed sixth last year. Seventeen bright-eyed boys and nine girls longingly looked at meat dealer bidding as Burgess Guy Barley of Martinsburg auctioned off the baby beeves which the 4-H club members had cared for and fattened since January 1. RECORD PRICE At a record price of 42 cents a pound the grand champion steer of Black's wa, sold to the Atlantic Pacific Tea company all 1050 pounds of it.

The other 19 steers sold brought anywhere from 17 to 29 cents a pound. Last year's grand champion brought 36 cents a pound. C. A. Burge, beef cattle specialist from State' College, yesterday morning picked 11 steers for awards from the 26 Herefords entered.

Sponsored by the agricultural committee of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce, the roundup and auction drew a crowd comparable to last year's 1,000 persons. County Farm Agent Eugene C. Hamill was on hand all day to assist, as was his aide, Lee Bull. Colonel John s- Fair, chairman of the C. of C.

agricultural committee, presided. Speaking briefly1 was Samuel Black, who is president of the 4-H club in addition to raising the champ. WINNERS Baby beef winners were: Samuel Black, Sinking Valley, first; Samuel Tussey, Hollidaysburg, second; Allen Smith, Hollidaysburg, third; Thelma Brumbaugh, Williamsburg, fourth; Willis Greaser, Williamsburg, fifth; Emerson Crissman, Hollidaysburg, last year's winner, sixth; Byron Sollen-berger, Curry ville, seventh; J. Robert Kauffman, Roaring Spring, eighth; Dean Hearn, Williamsburg, ninth; Edward Bridenbaugh, Martinsburg, tenth; Richard Long, Blue Knob, eleventh. Second to seventh place winners were not sold, being saved for the state show at HarrUburg in January.

Pens of three lambs each belonging to Sheldon Fleck, Sinking valley, Dorothy Horton Louise Clare and George Brenneman, all of Williamsburg, and Merle Metx, Martinsburg, were sold. Those of Dorothy Stacey, Williamsburg; Clem Lehrsch, Altoona; Robert Hamill, Hollidaysburg. and Carl Helsel. Duncansville, took honors and will compete In the state farm show. The Hereford steers were (Coatiasea face CL 4) Food Market (Guide A TIME SAVER! In the table below for every Friday it points the way to Altoona's finest food markets.

Use it regularly. Page AXP FOOD STORES SUPER MARKETS 17 CLOVER FARM STORES 1 ECONOMY STORES 19 GABLE'S GROCERIES II GABLE'S FISH MARKET Yt ISKNBERGN SUPER MARKET NATION-WIDE STORES 14 SHAFFER'S GROCERIES 5 SHAFFER'S TENDER MFATS 4 TINGLING SUPER MARKET 1 MILK STROEHMANVS BREAD HILEMAVS MARKETS i 28 Bird In Dish Water MOUNT AINTOP. Pa, Nov. 7- IJP) The unexpected can happen even when one is performing such a routine task as washing dishes. Mrs.

H. J. Snelson was at tha sink in her home here when a pheasant crashed through the win-dow pane over where she Vrtl working. She treated the bird for a cut neck, was unharmed herself. SIMMS FOR GRIT EN WATCHES.