Pittston Gazette from Pittston, Pennsylvania • Page 1

a a a a a a a a a of of of of of of of Newspaper Of Continuous Publication In The Wyoming Anthracite Coal Fie COMPLETE TELEGRAPHIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS WEATHER Rain ending Summorning to portion and and night, tonight. Much colder Sunday Min. 30, 2 a. max. 39, noon, portion Sunday.

en Gazette building. wow furries Pittatond Gasette. by Recording Thermometer TEMPERATURE WEEKLY ESTABLISHED 1850 88th YEAR DAILY EST. RY THEO. HART, 1882 RESCUE WORK IN FULL SWING IN THE FLOOD AREA BRITAIN BROUGHT INTO THE TREASON TRIAL IN MOSCOW By NORMAN B.

DEUEL (United Press Staff Correspondent) Moscow, March Rakovsky, for years Russia's ace diplomat, asserted today at the mass trial of 21 Bolshevik leaders for treason that Great Britain accepted him as Russian ambassador only after learning that he was associated 1 with Leon Trotsky. Asserting that Trotsky was a British agent, Rakovsky said that 'he himself, after being shown a forged letter which constituted a threat to him, was taken to a dinner at a of the Russian section the British London restaurant to the chief meet, intelligence service in 1924, a year after his appointment as ambassador. "I went to Moscow," he said, "and talked to Trotsky. Trotsky said that the forged letter was only an excuse. He agreed that we were to work with the British intelligence." Rakovsky said that he confessed, after eight months in prison, only when he learned for the first time, from newspapers, that Japan was warring on China.

SCRIPPS FUNERAL SERVICE AT HIS RANCH, MIRAMAR San Diego, March funeral services for Robert P. Scripps, who died Thursday aboard his yacht off Lower California, were set tentatively today for Monday afternoon at the Scripps ranch, Miramar, Burial probably will be in a private lot at the ranch. Scripps' widow left Mexico City at a. m. today in a chartered airplane and was due in San Diegoobetween 5 and 6 p.

m. She is accompanted by her eldest son, Robert Jr. Roy W. Howard, chairman of the executive committee of the ScrippsHoward newspapers, and Paul Patterson, controller and general counsel, planned to leave New York by airplane this afternoon for San Diego to attend the funeral. They were the only Scripps-Howard executives to go from the east to the private services.

When Scripps' body arrives in Los Angeles today aboard the S. S. Pertnsylvania it will be brought here by hearse, plans for using an airplane having been abandoned when floodwaters receded from the Los AngelesSan Diego Overland highway. PICKUP TRUCKS ARE RULED PART OF THE RAILROAD SYSTEM Washington, March Interstate Commerce Commission today held that trucks handling a delivery and collection service for railroads were in effect a part of the railroad system and not subject to regulation under the motor carrier act of 1935. It denied the petition of Scott Brothers, for a permit to engage in interstate or foreign commerce, and held that the company was not contract carrier by motor vehicle subject to the motor carrier act.

The company sought a permit to carry commodities for the Pennsylvaria Railroad and Long Island Railroad in the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn in New York, and in Jersey City. The opinion was assailed in a dissent by Commissioner John L. Rogers, who contended it was "legally unsound and administratively impracticable." THREE AIRMEN KILLED Corptis Christi, March Three men, Including Dudley Golding, prominent Dallas oil man, were killed in the crash of their plane eight miles west of here. Now Playing At Local Theaters (With starting time of Feature Picture) AMERICAN "Penitentiary" with John Howard and Jean Parker 1:30. 3:30.

5:30. 7:30 and 9:30 ROMAN "Hollywood Round-Up" with Helen Twelvetrees and Grant Withers 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10 PITTSTON, SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1938 SIX FIFTY DOLLARS CENTS A MONSTER SIX PAGES SENATOR NORRIS FOR RESIGNATION OF TVA CHAIRMAN By ALLEN C. DIBBLE, (United Press Staff Correspondent.) Washington, March George W. Norris, "father" of the Tennessee Valley Authority and supporter of most New Deal policies, accused TVA Chairman' Arthur E. Morgan today' of the agency's program, Norris suggested that Morgan resign.

Norris cast his lot in the TVA directors' "feud" with majortiy members David E. Lilienthal and Harcourt A. Morgan, by bitterly denouncing the chairman as a "bad boy who won't play because he has not had his own way." Pointing out that there had been internal disagreement in the TVA since the reappointment of Lilienthal in 1936, Norris said: "Previous to that time every decision of the board was unanimous. Chairman Morgan threatened to resign if Mr. Lilienthal was reappointed.

Unfortunately, he has not resigned. "A fair investigation will show that the only hindrance that the TVA has had is its chairman." Norris' attack followed President Roosevelt's authorization for publication a statement by the majority TVA members assailing the chairman as pursuing a policy of "rule or ruin." The statement was dated Jan. 18, before Chairman Morgan's recent denunciation of his codirectors and request for a congressional inquiry. Lilienthal and H. A.

Morgan suggested that Chairman Morgan quit because they no longer could work with him. President Roosevelt released the statement without comment. But it was the first time that he had taken public cognizance of the intra-directorate TVA fight. WILL RECOMMEND REVAMPING OF THE STATE JURY SYSTEM Philadelphia, March reorganization of Pennsylvania's jury system to make it impossible for fraudulent or ignorant jurors to decide the guilt or innocence of defendants, will be recommended to the legislature by the Ruth Commission, Chet A. Keyes said today.

Keyes, counsel for the legislative commission investigating Pennsylvania courts, which is headed by 'Senator Frank W. Ruth, of Berks county, said the legislature would be asked to revamp the entire jury system and set up more rigid rules of procedure. His announcement came after District Attorney William A. Frack, of Northampton county, testified at 8 commission hearing that convicts who had served jail terms for robbery had sat on juries trying larceny cases, and that some jurors did not know the difference between the words "defendant" and "plaintiff." Frack said the largest number of talesmen in the city of Easton were drawn from the ward with the lowest rate of literacy, but which has a comparative party vote of 1,300 to 80. The Northampton county district attorney cited one case in which he said a jury stood 11 to 1 for conviction.

12th man tossed a penny and won the whole jury over to acquittal," he said. Convalescent Queen No Melancholy Dane Looking very happy to be up and about again, is Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, shown above in her first picture since a recent serious operation. She was on her way from Copenhagen to a convalescence on the French Riviera, Winning His Greatest Battle- -Against Death Gen. John J. Gen.

John J. Pershing, pictured before he fell ill, is gaining strength in ported. Friends talked cheerfully of for the man who, a few days ago, general's improvement, however, a the brown stucco cottage near Tucson, veteran made his stand against death. physician, remained within calling Schaeffer, Pershing's personal aide for general had "got his old spirits back." T. J.

FITZSIMMONS, VETERAN JEWELER, DIED THIS MORNING Thomas J. Fitzsimmons, who had been in the jewelry business in this city for a half century and was one of the most widely known watchmakers in the State, died at 3 o'clock this morning at his home, 50 Market street, after a few days' illness. He was at his jewelry shop in the American Theatre building as late as Wednesday last, when he was seized with an illness which caused his death this morning. Forty years ago, after several years of labor, Mr. Fitzsimmons manufactured a mammoth clock which established his fame throughout the large cities of the east.

For several years it was on exhibition at various points throughout the Eastern section of the country and watchmakers came hundreds of miles to examine its mechanism. The works within the clock operated a miniature train of cars, which rans on a miniature track through a small tunnel. A watchman was on duty at the crossing who, at appointed times, appeared to flag traffic. About 34 years ago the clock was destroyed by a fire in Owego, N. while it was being exhibited there in Mr.

Fitzsimmons' interest. Deceased born in the Cork Lane district Pittston Township was, had resided here throughout his entire life. He was in business as a jeweler on Main street here continuously for fifty years and was one of the most widely known and respected citizens. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist R.

C. Church and the Holy Name Society. Surviving are his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Ogden, bookkeeper at Cohen store and one son, Damian Fitzsimmons, of Avoca. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from the family home.

There will be a requiem mass at 9:30 o'clock in St. John the Evangelist Church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. GUFFEY ENDORSED BY LUZERNE CLUB At a meeting held in Wilkes- Barre last evening, the Young Democratic Clubs of Luzerne county, representing 62 clubs with 12,000 members, took formal action by resolution pledging "wholehearted support and allegiance" to United States Senator Guffey and other Democratic leaders in Pennsylvania. Officers of the organization said: "This is not a definite break with Dr.

Leo C. Mundy, but an en. dorsement of Senator Guffey and his work with President Roosevelt." THREE KILLED BY BLAST New York, March 5. Explosions described by witnesses as "sounding like an earthquake" destroyed a brewery building in upper Manhattan, took at least three lives, injured 15 persons and spread incalculable damage about the crowded neighborhood. Hundreds of stores and apartment buildings in a radius of many blocks were left without windows and debris was strewn about the streets, KIDNAPERS FAIL TO TAKE $30.000 RANSOM FOR BOY By JOSEPH L.

MYLER United Press Staff Correspondent. New Rochelle, N. March for Murray Levine sought another rendezvous today with the kidnapers of his 12-year-old son, Peter. The ready, but harassed father, an attorney, revealed that one attempt to deliver it and recover his son had failed. An intermediary was unable to contact the abductors at rendezvous somewhere in New York City, of which New Rochelle is a suburb.

For the first time since Peter vanished nine days ago on his way home from school, Levine confirmed reports that he had received several notes from the kidnapers. He tele. phoned the office of Detective Lieutenant George Reifenberger, and dictated this statement: "The last note received by me demanded $30,000. That amount is ready. The go-between directed by that note tried very to deliver the money but failed.

still willhard, ing to act and so ani I. "I am sure that any other reliable person selected by the holders of my boy would also be willing to Police, who have not entered the case officially in deference to Levine's desire keep a clear channel open to his home, were well acquainted, however, with various details. They revealed that the distraught father was notified by telephone on the night of Feb. 24 that his son had been kidnaped that afternoon. Following the phone instructions, they said, Levine found "some kind of a note" in the vicinity of a vacant house a few blocks from his home.

Other notes followed. STRIKE ORDER FOR BERWICK CAR PLANT CALLED OFF TODAY Berwick, March for strike of the Steel Workers' Organizing Committee, to begin at the American Car and Foundry Company's Berwick plant Monday, were called off today by union leaders, State Mediator George Hummell announced. Leaders of the union, an affiliate of the Committee for Industrial Organization, and officials of the company reached 'an agreement on his proposal for postponement of the strike pending further negotiations, Hummell said, Work at the plant will continue Monday as susual, Hummell announced. Start of the walkout, voted at a meeting of the Berwick lodge of the S. W.

O. C. last night, had been delayed until then because the plant is closed Saturdays and Sundays. The State mediator said conferences between officials of the union and the company would be resumed Monday and that William H. Davies, of Washington, a Federal mediator, probably would come here next week to sit in on the sessions.

The plant employs 6,000 men when operating at capacity, but only 1,500 are working at present, it was reported. BONFIRE OF 1,000 CARS Philadelphia, March 000 persons cheered last night as Philadelphia opened the National Used Car Exchange Week with a bonfire of 1,000 antique automobiles. The cars, donated by dealers, were set afire by Mayor S. Davis Wilson after 7,800 gallons of fuel oil had age been which was poured on expected the credited to heap. to bring The the wreck- $4,000, will be police pension fund.

His Life Begins in an Iron Lung Brought into the world byy a Caesarian operation and placed in an iron lung, this baby didn't breathe for 20 minutes. Then physicians heard a faint cryand life began for wide-eyed Raymond Alexander, Texarkana, pictured above in the respirator that has been his one home in this world. REQUEST IS MADE TO REORGANIZE HUDSON COAL CO. By HARRY FERGUSON, (United Press Staff Correspondent.) Los Angeles, March and isolation, consequent to a devastating flood, were reported today from a dozen communities in Southern California. The toll was estimated at 162 dead, 100 missing, and $25,000,000 in property damage.

Rescuers continued to dig bodies from the and debris as the flood waters receded, People here were terrorized for a time last night when thunder boomed across San Bernardino mountain and rain began to fall again. A thousand persons 'who had returned to their half-flooded homes, fled back to the municipal auditorium where they been refugees for two days and nights. Reports of a new storm discouraged the 3,000,000 persons in the vast floodstricken area, where almost a foot of water fell in six days, but the Weather Bureau here broadcast reassuring reports that the storm was local, and that today's forecast was "clear weather." One of the most desolate areas today was San Bernardino, a city in the foothills, 60 miles east of here, where 30 persons were drowned, many were missing and hundreds were still stranded. Looters were at work in several sections of the flood area. A company of National Guardsmen patrolled Anaheim, a town southeast of here, which was deluged by an overflow of the Santa Ana river, after looters smashed doors of liquor stores and helped themselves to the stocks.

"Rowboat pirates," mostly youths, were paddling about leisurely looting houses in the Santa Monica area from which the residents had fled. Police had orders to shoot them on sight, but none had been reported killed although five suspected looters were under arrest. a Citizens formed vigilante groups in some places to deal with looters. Flood waters, which swept. down from the mountains across the great natural basin about Los Angeles, were passing out to the ocean, leaving a ravaged area of 30,000 square miles.

It was the worst flood disaster in the history of Southern California. There were more than 100 towns in the stricken area, and metropolitan Los Angeles was hard hit, the loss there being 13 dead and $3,000,000 damage to streets and bridges. The draining waters continued to create new perils. At Claremont, today, a form of martial law was in force while 400 men worked on the levees trying to stem the flow of water near the mouth of San Antonio Canyon. A hundred families were isolated near Eastern Claremont, where the San Antonio creek left its banks, changed its course and left many persons isolated on an island.

CONVENTION OF HOLY NAME SOCIETY TO BE HELD HERE At a recent meeting of the diocesan board of the Holy Name Societies held in Scranton, it was decided to hold the annual convention of the societies in this city in September. The convention, Man theme and will His be, "The Inalienable DigRights." PETER JELASZUS, OF INKERMAN, IS DEAD Peter Jelaszus, a middle aged man, died at midnight at his home, 15 Wood street, Inkerman, following a heart attack suffered while working on a. WPA project at Bear Creek yesterday afternoon. Mr. Jelaszus had been in apparent good health and news of his sudden death caused much sorrow among his friends and acquaintances.

He was native of Lithuania and had resided in the Inkerman section for upwards of 35 years. He was a member of St. Casimir's Lithuanian Church and amliated societies. The following children survive: Mrs. Doris Ruthkawsky, at home; Mrs.

Mary Karosa, of Inkerman; Peter, at home, and a stepson in Seattle, Wash, Two brothers and two sisters in Lithuania also survive, as do two grandchildren. LATTIMER MINERS TO GET BACK WAGES Announcement that the Lattimer Coal Company, which operates five mines in lower Luzerne county, will be sold and assurance that the more than 1,000 employes will receive 000 in back wages in full was made yesterday at a hearing on the firm's reorganization petition before Special Master William K. Goldstein at Scranton. MINE WORKER KILLED. William D.

Schmidt, of 331 Penn avenue, Scranton, a laborer, WaS killed by a roof fall yesterday 'in the Continental Mines of the Glen Alden Coal Company. A petition for reorganization of the Hudson Coal Company under Section 77B of the Bankruptcy Law was filed yesterday in Federal Court, Lewisburg, by six petitioners, who stated the move was necessary from financial standpoint. Federal Judge Albert W. Johnson fixed March 19, at 11 at Lewisburg for a hearing on approval of the petition. The petitioners listed the coal company's assets at $61,652,000 and its liabilities at $73,968,250.

They said in the petition they expected with other creditors to present a "feasible, fair and equitable plan reorganization under the direction of the court." The petition, it was said, will not in any manner affect the operation of its business under its present officers as other companies, including the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, have been permitted to do under Section 77B. The petitioners said "that the Hudson Coal Company's financial difficulties in the last year have been averted through the medium of advances from the Delaware and Hudson Company which owns all of the capital stock of the Hudson Coal Company." They further stated on "information and belief" that "the Delaware and Hudson Company currently doing less well with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company, its subsidiary, and that there is an indicated shrinkage in the market of the Delaware and Hudson Company's portfolio and that the Delaware and Hudson Company may not be inclined to continue its. policy of extending aid to the debtor company as heretofore." "Therefore." the petition continues, "it is necessary that the debtor should, be put the position where it can raise money by the issuance of obligations. which can only be accomplished under a trusteeship in reorganization." The petition was filed by. Stark, Bissell and Reifsnyder and Julius Levy of Scranton, and Thomas C.

Eagen, of Philadelphia. Confirming the filing of the petition and the date of hearing, Judge Johnson at Lewisburg said he' understood the petitioners were mostly bondholders. Their homer, are on stood to be in New Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Pottsville, Pa. The petition set forth that the "debtor is unable to meet its obligations as they mature." "The debtor is in need of reorganization for preservation of its assets and it is, proposed that the debtor reorganize under' Section 77B of the Bankruptcy Act," the petition stated. The petition further states 'that it is necessary to preserve the assets as part of a unified system for the best interests of all parties." "A fair and equitable plan of reorganization," they said, "will secure, for the creditors and the bondholders, a greater protection through the rehabiliation of the debtor.

Hudson Coal Company employs approximately 10,000 miners in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Its operations in Luzerne county are restricted to the Laflin and Pine Ridge breakers, some strippings, Delaware and Laurel Run collieries, but it owns considerable real estate and coal lands, including the Loree and Boston in Larksville, which have not been operated for about six SECURITY LEAGUE TO HOLD MASS MEETING Port Griffith Division of the Pennsylvania Security League will hold a mass meeting and social on Monday evening at A. O. H. hall, Port Grimth, at 7 o'clock at which speakers will be Allen Kanarr, executive board member, who will speak on "Trends in the Co-operative Joseph Blazosek, who will speak on "Unemployment and Its Stephen Tichy, county executive secretary, who will speak on "Labor Movement." All unemployed and PWA workers are invited to attend.

Refreshments will be served. A committee has been named to contact labor leaders, clergymen, business and professional men to arrange for a delegation to visit Harrisburg and urge upon Governor Earle that there be a substantial increase in relief, medical and dental aid and that full rent be paid for the unemployed direct from the Commonwealth to the landlord. DALTON WOMAN DIED HERE THIS MORNING Mrs. Nettie Morristell, aged 45 years, of R. D.

No. 2, Dalton, who was admitted to Pittston Thospital on Thursday for surgical treatment, died there this morning at 4:30 o'clock, Guaranteed Anthracite Coal, Pea $6.00, Chestnut $7.00. Ask For Our Price On Other Sizes. Consumers' Ice Company. MRS.

G. W. WEISS 97 YRS. OLD. DIED AT WEST WYOMING Mrs.

Margaret Weiss, aged 97 years, widow of George W. Weiss, Oivil War veteran, died at 1:30 o'clock this morning at the home of her daugh ter, Mrs. Mary Malarkey, 563 street, West Wyoming, where she had resided for the last thirty year. of her long and useful life. Mra Weiss had made her home in Nanticoke for many years, where she conducted sub-postoffice.

She among the most widely known resi dents of that city and also had wide acquaintance in West Wyoming and vicinity. Deceased was a member of St. Cecilia's R. C. Church and is believed to be one of the oldest parishioners She is survived by two sons, William of Bristol, and James, of Philadelphia; one daughter, Mrs.

Mary Ma larkey, with whom she resided; seve eral grandchildren and children. NE Pershing above in a photo made only 10 days his fight for life, his physicians reconvalescence and recovery was 24-hour believed watch where near the was still death. being Despite kept the in A 77-year-old military Dr, Roland Davison, the general's distance, sergt. Crawford a 17 years, joyfully declared that the MRS. WILLIAM HOGAN, RESPECTED WOMAN, CLAIMED BY DEATH Mrs.

William Hogan, one of Browntown's most respected residents, died at 4 o'clock this morning at her home, 128 Oak street, after two days' illness of pneumonia. The body has been removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Delaney, 93 Market street, from where the funeral will be held. Mrs. Hogan, the former Margaret McGarry, was born in Browntown and had spent her entire life in this community, earning the wholehearted respect of all who had the privilege of her acquaintances.

Her parents, the late Michael and Anna McGarry, were among the pioneer settlers in that section of the township. Deceased was a member of St. John the Evangelist R. C. Church and affiliated societies.

Surviving are her husband and the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Thomas Curley, of Avoca; Mrs. Joseph Delaney, of this city; Loretta and Michael, at home; Patrick, of Newark, N. J. Several grandchildren also survive.

THIRD ARREST IN SERIES OF ROBBERIES A third arrest has been made in connection with investigations of two Sayre brothers who were trapped Thursday breaking into an Exeter gasoline station, Privates Charles Hartman and Eugene Stansfield of Wyoming Barracks identified the third prisoner as Sherman Walker, of Meshoppen. The brothers, Robert and James Buck, both of Sayre, were trapped Thursday morning by D. W. Morgan who saw them attempting to enter his gasoline station in Exeter. The Meshoppen prisoner is charged with having been with the two brothers when they burglarized two gasoline stations in Meshoppen.

The brothers lived in Meshoppen for several months. MARITAL TROUBLES ARE LAID TO DRINK Judge Farrell, who now has charge of the County Domestic Relations Court, is discovering that drink has a lot to do with trouble beween husbands and wives. Of he first 25 cases heard by him in court yesterday, liquor was the main trouble in ten disputes, As he has done at every session of this court, Judge Farrell several times issued a warning to hubands whose wives complained about drinking. "Any men who drinks too much, shouldn't drink at all," was the court's warning, and in several cases he accepted the promise of the husband to take the pledge for a period of time, three months, six months, or a year, with a promise to report back to the court. UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA CLOSED AFTER DISORDER By ROBERT H.

BEST, (United Press Staff Correspondent. Vienna, March -Authorities close ed Vienna University today after sere ious clashes between Nazi and com bined Catholic-Fatherland Front stud dents. Students defied police. who arated them, and strations- the police forming buffer The disorder began when Cathola students paraded the university corridors, greeting each other with cried of "heil Austria!" and singing Nazi songs. antiNazis began parades of their own shouting "hell Hitler!" and singinel their own songs.

Fights were started. Fatherland Front men rushed to the aid of the Catholics and free for all fighting overflowed from the university building to the streets. Police succeeded in ejecting the fighting students, but the fights continued outside. With difficulty the police separated the fighting groups. Then on both sides of the police cordon students shouted and sang their rival slogans and songs.

FUNERAL SERVICES OF MRS. HARRISON The funeral of Mrs. Margaret Harrison, who died in New York, was held this morning at 8:30 o'clock from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kalafut, Green street, Duryea, and was well attended.

Rev. Michael C. Polcha, assistant pastor of St. John's Slovak Church, this city, celebrated a mass of requiem at nine o'clock in Sacred Heart R. C.

Church, Duryea. Interment was in St. John's cemetery, Duryea. Pallbearers were Andrew, Jacob and Stephen Barbush, John Salansky, Jr. Andrew Gillow and George Vanyo, Jr.

45 ARABS AND ONE BRITISH SOLDIER SLAIN IN BATTLE killed when the British Border Regiment battled 500 Arabs at an Arab village near Jenin, in North Palestine, yesterday, according to news which filtered today through the British military cordon which has surrounded Jenin. Jerusalem, March -Forty-five Arabs and one private were WORK SCHEDULE OF COLLIERIES THE PITTSTON CO. All idle Monday. SULLIVAN TRAIL COAL CO. Clear -Spring, Mineral Springs and No.

9 will work Monday. KEHOE-BERGE COAL CO. William A Colliery will work Montday. JERMYN-GREEN CO. Undecided.

PAYNE COAL co. Colliery will work Monday..