The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas • Page 1

BLYTHEVILLE COURIER NEWS THE DOMINANT NEWSPAPER Of NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AND SOXH-HEAST VOL. ftythevllle Courier Blytheville Daily Mississippi Valley Leader Blytheville Herald BLYTHEVILLE, ARKANSAS, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1954 SIXTEEN PAGES SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS Tight Housing Law Is Asked Stricter Legislation to Halt WASHINGTON (AP) A spokesman for the real estate industry asked Congress today to tighten the law to help pre vent future abuses in the government's housing program. But John C. Williamson, speaking for the National Assn. of Real Estate Boards, made clear he the multibarreled investigations of alleged scandals in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) do not deal a death blow to housing aid altogether.

FHA insurance "has earned its place as a permanent feature in our national mortgage system," Williamson said in testimony prepared for the Senate Banking Committee. "Any weakness within this system of mortgage insurance should be eliminated, we feel, without shaking our confidence in the system itself," he said, "just as we would correct a weakness in our school system or court system without losing sight of the basic need and importance of the institution itself." Probe "Windfalls The Senate committee is one of several government groups, both in Congress and the executive branch, which are looking into irregularities which officials say have brought "windfall" profits of millions of dollars to builders, of apartment projects. The commit- te ealso has before it the Eisenhower administration's housing bill for 1954, already okayed by the House. Urging passage of the measure, Williamson said it co 1 be strengthened against possible abuse by requiring a borrower under the program to certify that his building costs were as large or larger than the loan, or else requiring him to apply the excess of the loan over the cost towards retiring the loan. He also urged stricter checkups on appraisals and "forthright disciplinary action against guilty lenders and dealers." Would Close Loophole The real estate official's recommendation on loans, obviously aimed at curing reported instances where builders pocketed the difference between a loan and their building cost, matched a suggestion from Committee Chairman Capehart (R-Ind).

In advance of the hearing, Capehart said in an interview: "We are through with any approach to the housing situation which would allow builders to make profits out of mortgages. There is no reason why the building industry should have to depend on making money out of guaranteed loans." Capehart said that in any future housing programs, including both rental and sales projects, there should be "no question but that a builder must be forced to return to the lender any excess loan above the final cost of the project." Chain Letter Variation Is Still Unlawful Girls who are thinking of joining the "ear ring" club had best forget it. That's the advice coming from Postmaster Ross Stevens today who pointed out that the new variation on the old chain-letter theme is still contrary to nostal laws. "Whether any money is involved in such a scheme is not the primary consideration. The fact that such a scheme is a lottery in the language of postal regulations makes it unlawful to transmit such communications through the mails," Mr.

Stevens said. Violation of these laws, he pointed out, can lead to fines, imprisonment or both. The earring club worked in the same manner as other chain-letter set-ups. Those receiving a letter with a list of names mail earrings to the name at 'the top of the list and place their name at the bottom. When your name comes to the top, you are to receive a wealth of earrings.

Chain letters, whether money is involved or not, are specifically forbidden under Post Office Department's laws governing lotteries. Bet You Didn't KnowYouHad It So By GEORGE ANDERSON (Courier News Staff Writer) Here is an interesting little tidbit of information being passed on by a national marketing publication: The average spendable income (net after taxes) per household in Blytheville is $3,958 a year! It's a good bet that Mr. and Mrs. Average Blytheville Resident never thought they had it so good and it's an equally good bet that they don't. But this dubious item of information, together with a few others which also stretch the bounds of credulity, is being published May 1 in "Consumer Markets," an annual market data sourcebook compiled by Standard Rate and Data Service of Evanston, HI.

ESTIMATES taken from the publication on population, income and retail sales for Blytheville were sent to the Courier News in an advance press release. The volume, according to the press release, contains estimates for all U. S. cities over 10,000 population derived from "nearly every known factor used in evaluating markets," and is used by national advertisers and manufacturers in estimating market potentials. One item which appears to be somewhat more in line with the actual situation than others is the estimate on annual retail sales.

According to the report retail sales in Blytheville are approximately $30,078.000 annually. On the basis of 5,730 households in BlytheviHe. the number listed the release, this means retail sales average $5.249 per household which is 43 per cent above the national average. While this estimate may be slightly exaggerated, in all probability it comes fairly close to actual sales in 1953. In 1948, according to Chamber of Commerce figures, retail sales here reached $25,315,000, and an increasing trend since that time perhaps has brought gross sales near'the $30 million mark.

BLYTHEVILLE fand Mississippi County) have for some time maintained a market potential rating well above average, both statewide and nationally. At the present time Mississippi County, with Blytheville as the major trade center, is the third largest market in Arkansas, being- exceeded only by Little Rock County) and Fort Smith (Sebastian County). According to the 1950 census, the county had total retail sales of $50,745,000. However, in otner areas of its survey, "Consumer Markets" runs head-on into some facts and figures which are hard to refute. For example, the publication states that during the past year population has increased 11 per cent to a total estimate of 18.000 persons living in 5,730 households.

There are many indications to be found throughout the city, even by the most casual observer, which would raise considerable doubt as to the veracity of that claim. Especially when it is considered that the 1950 census See INCOME on Page 5 UNUSED DOG POUND Here is Blytheville's dog pound, located at Walker Park, which hasn't been used since last year. Former Mayor Dan Blodgett said this morning that the city built the pound last year and employed a dog catcher. He said that during the two years of his administration, approximately 1,000 ciogs were exterminated. Resumption of use of the dog pound is now being studied by the city, which is seeking a dog catcher.

(Courier News Photo) City Again. Seeking Dogcatcher As Stray Dog Problem. Grows After a lull in the dog catching business, it appears that the city once again is going to work on curtailing the number of stray, unlicensed and unvaccinated canines that have been reported roving some parts of the city. The city is "in the, market" for dog catcher. Chief of Police John Foster said this morning.

However, he city does not have a permanent pound or a truck for the catcher use. Increasing numbers of dogs with abies or symptoms of the disease have been reported by citizens and veterinarians in the last few months. Dr. N. G.

Jerome, veterinarian. estimates the number of cases of abies has increased in the last three-fold. These cases, he said, were observed in livestock as weli as dogs. In the past two months, he said. 12 out of 15 dogs brought to him Tuesday and the other two Monday.

All but one of these cases were General Says M'Carthy Sought Rank (or Schine M'Carthy Claims Plot Hurt Red Probes Maj. Gen. Reber Cites Telephone Calls from Solon By G. MILTON KELLY WASHINGTON (AP) Maj. Gen.

Miles Reber testified today that Sen. McCarthy (R- Wis) and Roy Cohn repeatedly pressed him for an officer's commission for G. David Schine, committee consultant eventually drafted into the Army as a private. During the period from July to July 31 of last year, Reber snid he received an average of about two telephone calls a day from Cohn, chief counsel to McCarthy. regarding Schine.

Reber said there also were "two or three calls" from McCarthy, ffnd that earlier the senator hnd called him to his office to talk about a commission for Schine. At that time, Reber was the Army's liaison officer with Congress. He is now commanding general of U. S. Army forces in the Western European area.

Reber was the lead-of witness By MAX B. SKELTON HOUSTON (AP) Sen. McCarthy (R-Wis) has charged that "some good men are being used" in cleverly laid plans to wreck the anti-Communist work of his Senate subcommittee. in the city of Blytheville. she said, as long-heralded hearings began on he has also seen with the disease rabies.

He said cases of cattle recently. At least three dogs with the disease and two cows were reported by Dr. David Miles, veterinarian. Six cases of dog Bites were reported to the County Health Unit this week, Mrs. Annabell Pill, county health nurse, said yesterday.

Four of these cases were reported unit do not, represent the number of cases.of rabies, but all dog bites. The total number of dog bites reported thus far this year has been 22. One dog was taken to Dr. Jerome for observation Monday after it showed symptoms of having rabies. The pup.

Dr. Jerome said this morning, shows definite signs of having See DOGS on Papre 5 Red Divisions Step Up Assaults On Beleaguered French Troops HANOI, Indochina (AP) Vietminh divisions battling to break through into the heart of Dien Bien Phu stepped up fire today against weary French Union defenders at the northwest corner of the fortress. Masses of the Communist-led rebels, pressing steadily closer to the French lines, hammered French positions With heavy ma- chineguns and mortars. The guns apparently were mounted smack up against or under the first line of barbed wire barricades surrounding the strongpoint. WIESBADEN, Germanv A U.

S. Air Force spokesman A French high command spokes- man said the rebels had not yet said toda the American airlift of French troops to Indochina is detouring around India." Prime Minister Nehru announced earlier today the troop ferry on launched any infantry attacks the corner. French guns thundered an echoing answer to the Vietminh fire. The bastion's defenders also rushed a buildup of defenses in the long string of winding trenches barring the rebels' path to the heart of the fortress. The French poured tons of ammunition and supplies into the shrinking defense lines.

The Vietminh now holds trenches on the main Dien Bien Phu air strip and are within grenade- throwing distance of some French positions. Masses of rebel infantry have moved into the two northern outposts captured from the French. Help On The Way As the embattled defenders braced for the next all-out Vietminh at any was on its way. American C124s carrying French parachute troops were enroute to Indochina from France. USAF Says Indochina 'Airlift' Is 'Detouring around India' Weather ARKANSAS Partly cloudy this afternoon, tonight and Friday with scattered thundershowers mostly in south this afternoon and tonight; no important temperature changes.

cloudiness this afternoon and tonight with showers and scattered thunderstorms south this afternoon and southeast tonight; cooler tonight; Friday partly cloudy; cooler southeast and warmer northwest. Maximum Minimum this Sunset Sunrise Mean temperature (midway between his'n and Precipitation last 24 noun to 7:00 a.m. Precipitation Jan. 1 to This Date Lait Year Maximum 69. Minimum Precipitation Januray 1 to date- is.8*.

USAFR Unit Here May Get Pay for Periodic Duty Blytheville's Flight of the 9855 Air Reserve Squadron is one of the components of the 9164th Air Reserve Group which is forming plans under which Air Force reservists will be paid for periodic drills and active duty, it was learned today. The Blytheville Flight is two years old and is headed by Lt. Col: Wendell M. Phillips. Col.

Ewing W. Kinkead. group commander, said in Little Rock yesterday Arkansas recently was included in an Air Reserve Training Center Plan providing for pay to previously unpaid reservists. He said the training units in 18 Arkansas cities will take 24 paid drill periods and one 15-day tour of active duty per year. Reservists will be paid at the rate of one day's pay for each two- hour drill period and full pay and allowances for the tour of active duty.

The group, with headquarters in Little Rock, also has units at Lon- olte, Pine Blufl, Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Harrison, Rus- Mountain Home, Searcy, Conway, Port Smith, Fayetteville. Bentonville, Siloam Springs, Jonesboro and Newport. tent-pitching, fire-building and message-sending and will be grad- fortress ed on their skm as campers Saturday morning, they will be taken on a nature hike an Saturday afternoon the schedule of competitive events will be run off. Saturday night's campfire program will include the district's quarterly court of honor when against expected mass rebel at- tacks looked more and more as if it would be completely up to the foot soldier. Heavy rainstorms last night turned the Dien Bien Phu plain into a sea of mud, bogging down French armor and forcing cancellation of scheduled air attacks on rebel positions.

Heavy black clouds hovered over the beleaguered fortress again today, threatening more rain. In Paris, meanwhile, it was reported the French high command in Indochina, was using artificial rainmaking techniques in an attempt to bog down rebel supply lines from Communist China to the troops besieging Dien Bien Phu. The rain thus far, however, has aided the attackers. Yesterday they dug and crawled forward without fear of French fighters and bombers, grounded by the downpour. Inside Today's Courier News Turley May Be Lucky He Missed That No-Hitter Cardinals Finally Get A Nine-Inning Pitching Job Mat Whitfield Must Put Up or Shut Up Sports Pages 8 and 9 Blytheville Has Own Crises in Crises-Filled World Editorials Page 6 Dell Courier News Photo-Feature Page 10 Battle of Indochina: Ho Chi Mlnh Not Popular But His Control Is Extensive Page for observation were found to have These cases reported to the health the stormy row between McCarthy and top Army department officials.

The dispute turns on the contention McCarthy and his assistants sought by "improper means" to win preferred treatment for Schine and suggested their own investigation of the Army might be eased if this was done. Denying this. McCarthy asserts that the charges as to him and Schine were designed to interfere with (a) his investigation of communism in the Army, and an investigation of what he "misconduct and possibly law violations" by H. Struve Hensel, assistant secretary of defense. Wording At the outset of the televised hearings, before a packed Senate caucus room, McCarthy demanded that the Army officials critical of him present their cases as individuals, not as "the Department of the Army." The "bill of particulars" against McCarthy was signed not by the individuals, but by an attorney for the Army Department.

Appearing in uniform, Reber testified under protest from it was "hearsay" evidence that Schine was "impatient" when he was asked to fill out forms for a possible Army commission on last July 16. Reber said the Army Transportation Corps, the Provost Marshal and the Office of the Chief of Psychological Warfare all found that Schine lacked qualifications for a commission in any of the three units. Cites Phone Calls Reber said he had "two or three telephone calls directly" from McCarthy "urging speed in this case." Ray Jenkins, special attorney for the subcommittee, asked whether Reber felt at any time that McCarthy was "high pressuring" him as to Schine. Chairman Mundt (R-Sd) and Sen. McClellan (D-Ark) had just completed reading opening statements when McCarthy boomed out: "A point of order.

Mr. Chairman." The Wisconsin senator said that he noted charges filed against him by Secretary of the Army Robert T. Stevens, Army Counsel John G. Adams and Assistant Secretary of Defense H. Struve Hensel were labeled as having been presented by "the Department of the Army." McCarthy said the Investigating subcommittee which he had stepped aside temporarily as chairman, had ruled that the Army Department was not a party to the charges that McCarthy, Roy Cohn, his chief counsel, and Francis P.

Carr, committee staff chief, had sought special treatment for G. David Schine, former staff con- would not be permitted to cross his country, a key link on the normal air route to the Far East. -4 The spokesman a the Air Force's European headquarters here refused to divulge the route being followed by the Giant C124 globemasters. Nor would he say whether they were landing in Ceylon, the British Commonwealth dominion off India's southern tip. "But they aren't flying over the spokesman declared, adding: Approximately 150 Boy "All I can say is that the prob- from over the North Mississippi lem has been very well solved." Scout Event Is Tomorrow North Missco District Has Spring Camporee Despite the "detour around India." the Air Force spokesman observed, it is still closer to take he paratroopers for besieged Dien Bien Phu via that route than fly County District are expected to start setting up camp near Big Lake tomorrow afternoon when the district's annual Spring Camporee gets started.

The Scouts will compete in van-1 them to the United States and ous Scoutcraft contests such as across the Pacific. Could Save 5.500 iMiles The direct route from Paris to Indochina, he pointed out, is 8,500 miles, while the westward route would be 14,000 miles. He also termed "highly improbable" a suggestion that the planes might be landing in East or West Pakistan for refueling and then skirting India to the north. That would take them inside the south- Big 3 Still At Work on Parley Plan Paris Sessions Continue on Geneva Agenda PARIS (AP) The foreign ministers of the Western Big Three continued meetings here today to put their plans for the Geneva conference in final form. U.S.

Secretary of State Dulles and P'rencn jforeign Minister Georges Bidault got together last night, shortly after Dulles arrived from Washington, for talks on the problems which will come up at the Far East conference opening Monday. British Foreign Secretary Eden was due to Join Dulles nnd Bidault for a session at the French For- eipn Office Immediately after his arrival by plane from London today. Earlier today, the diplomatic chiefs were closeted with their top advisers, working out the detailed strategy for the coming talks on Korea and Indochina. All talks here are being carried on in strictest secrecy in hope the strategy decisions will not leak out before they are unveiled in Geneva. To Reply To Reds The only thing that has been disclosed officially about the Big Three meetings in Paris is that they dealing with both Korea and Indochina and also are taking up a proposed Western reply to Russia's note March 31 offering to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

A completed draft of the reply was expected, to be approved In time to be laid before the NATO Council meeting Friday, at which the ofreign ministers of all 14. member nations will get together. Russia offered to join up with united Western defense against possible Soviet the West would drop plans for a European Defense Community to include West German troops. The Russians also asked the Western Allies to join them in a European security pact that would keep Germany permanently disarmed and neutral. The U.S.

State Department announced its rejection of such an idea. It charged Russia with trying to sabotage EDC plans and wreck NATO, leaving Europe dominated by the Soviet bloc. Britain and France followed suit. He called no names but said efforts are being made to Change committee rules so as to prohibit hearings unless a specified number of senators are present. He gave no further details of the alleged plot during a San Jacinto Day speech yesterday in the shadow of the 570-foot monument marking the site of the battle in which Texas won its Independence from Mexico 118 years ago.

In Washington. Sen. McClellan (D-Ark), senior minority member of the subcommittee, said there is no effort by anyone on the committee to change the rules. "I don't know of any pending effort to change the rules." he said. "I don't know what he's talking about." Immediately after the San Jacinto speech McCarthy departed for Washington to take part in today's opening of what called a "television show of versus Cohn." He referred to the long-delayed hrvr'ng into his dispute with the Army.

mcCarthy told his San Jacktto audience: "I strongly urge that you watch the maneuvering, the manipulations and the attempts to change the rules to make it impossible for the committee to operate." He said the FBI recently estimated there are 25,000 mists in the United States. "Let us not succumb to the silly, idiotic, dangerous drivel that honest fear, honest concern and att all-out attempt to cope with this great danger is 'hysteria'," said Parents Okaying Vaccine Shots Early Reports Show Half of Stare's Second Graders to Take Part Scouts will receive awards for advancement. Church services have been scheduled for Sunday morning and night games will be run off Friday night. E. A.

Rice, district camping director, poree. is in charge of the cam- Wilson Doctor Gets State Post Dr. Eldon Fairley of Wilson was elected one of three vice-presidents of the Arkansas Medical Association during the state convention held at Ft. Smith yesterday- Hot Springs was chosen as the 1955 convention site after the society took no action on Legislative Council proposal to establish a licensing agency to control all state licensing boards. Bond Forfeited Clarence McCormicfc forfeited bond of $111.75 in Municipal Court this morning on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Lagrone Rogers forfeited $32.75 bond after it had been reduced on ern border of Communist China and Chinese-occupied Tibet. Replying to Communist questioners, Nehru told the Indian Parliament in New Delhi today that his su tant; policy is "not to allow any foreign troops to pass through or over India, by air or any other means." Silent On Number The Air Force spokesman also refused again to announce the number of planes and troops involved in the ferrying operation but previous advices from Paris said possiblj 10 planes were being used to move about 1,000 men. The first contingent took off from Orly Field near Paris Tuesday. In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman refused to comment on Nehru's statement. He said it would be studied in consultation with the State Department.

In Tokyo today the Far Rast Command announced the suspension of rest leave air flights between South Korea and Japan because of a diversion of aircraft for priority requirements. The Tokyo announcement immediately aroused speculation there the command's Globemasters and the troop airlift, although there also was a strong likelihood they are Cites Protests McCarthy said he had received protests by mail and wire "from generals with a combat record down to newly inducted privates" against what he said were attempts of his accusers to cloak themselves with the Army's authority. Sen. McClellan D-Ark), top Democrat on the subcommittee, suggested that in view of the point raised by McCarthy, it would be well to drop the word "chairman" from McCarthy's designation in the proceeding. McCarthy is not acting as chairman in the investigation.

McCarthy replied that he had no objection to Adams and Hensel being designated by their titles, but said he did object to the to make his a con- est between me and the Army." "A few Pentagon politicians are attempting to disrupt our investigations and are naming themselves the Department of the Army," McCarthy declared. This hassle came Immediately after Sen. Mundt (R-SD), presid- Two Polio Cases Are Reported To Health Unit Here Two Mississippi County polio cases were reported to the County Health Unit here this morning. Ricky Eoff, six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs.

Ben Eoff of Rt. 1, Manila, became ill while in school yesterday. He was examined in Manila and now is in Le Bonheur Hospital in Memphis. Also reported to the Health Unit today was Tommy Webb, 3, of Etowah, who, the report states, contracted polio Monday. He was taken to Community Hospital in Paragould.

Retired Doctor First Set of Twins Born At Hospital OSCEOLA Dr. W. J. Sheddan of Osceola, retired for 15 years, delivered the first set of twins to be born at the Memorial Hospital false pretenst. of obtaining money under i being used to rush emergency war ing over the hearings, with a sol- I to Utt Indochina forces.

I MCCARTHY HAPS on I emergency duty when a boy and girl were born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chambers. He was visiting at the hospital Mrs. Chambers' doctor was not hand.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Early reports indicate that about half of the 9,000 second grade pupils in five Arkansas counties will participate in tests of the new Salte anti-polio vaccine. The experiment probably will start next week. Three of the counties have set tentative dates for the inoculations after equipment arrived at county offices this week. The State Health Department said today that it still has not been informed when the serum will arrive. School districts in Pulaski, Jefferson, Craighead, Sebastian -and Mississippi counties sent out forms seeking the approval of the children's parents for the tests.

Each child's parents must approve before the pupil can take part. A poll of all five counties, shows that about 50 per cent of the forms returned by parents ask that their children receive the inoculations. State Medical Society Okays Salk Vaccine FORT SMITH MV-The Rockefeller survey of rural medical facilities and the Salk anti-polio vaccine tests were approved yesterday by the Arkansas Medical Society. The rural medical survey, to be started soon under direction of the University of Arkansas Medical School, was proposed and will be financed by Little Rock millionaire Winthrop Rockefeller. It is designed to determine medical needs of rural Arkansas and the best method of meeting them.

A pilot clinic will be set up in an as yet unspecified area and its operations studied by research staff. The project -previously was endorsed by the AMS Council and the Arkansas Academy of General Practice. In the final Session of the AMS' annual convention, the doctors al- approved the Salk serum experiment under which school children in five Arkansas counties are to be inoculated, next week. A resolution, noting that serum has been criticized by various individuals and organizations, said: The vaccine has been examined thoroughly by Dr. James of the University of Pittsburgh, who developed it; the manuf actur- ers; The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis; and it been found saft for administration to children..