The Call-Leader from Elwood, Indiana • Page 1

66 7:00 P. M. It You De Not Get Your CALL-LEADER 5:00 P. M. Saturdays NUMBER 307 OF OUR THE FIFTY-FOURTH YEAR ELWOOD newspaper owned and ELWOOD, INDIANA, Germans Mass For New Drive On North End Of West Front CALL-LEADER home people Leased Wire by United Press) Not Sewell Avery This Time LAST SPRING U.

S. troops carried Sewell Avery, board chairman of Montgomery Ward out of his office when he refused to vacate when the U. 5 took over his Chicago strike- bound mail order properties. Today, another strike has thrust the plant into the news with similar "free ride." given this time by strikers to worker, above, featuring ph to average United Retail, Wholesale and said the strike was voted to force orders of the War Lab Board North District Boy "Court Of Honor" North District 'Court Honor' was held last evening Mangas Cafeteria Annex sponsored by the Elwood Kiwanis Club. Delegates from Kempton.

Al exandria, Tipton and Elwood attended this meeting. one of the largest attended Courts of Honor held in recent years. The arrangements were made by Glenn Auxter, Court of Honor chairman, assisted by Ray Hollensbe. A large legation of Kiwanians, headed by Walter Cleary, president, who sponsorled the Court of Honor for Tipton, were present. Other commissioners and were: D.

E. Leist, Irwin Banta, Ray Girard, and Scout Master Watson Hask: tt. The Alexandria delegation of Scouters and Scout Masters were Committes men Queen and Cassey. Scout Masters Rev. Douglas.

and Buck Kempton, and Scout MasClaude Johnson. Scout ExecuTed tive Robert Ellis, Wayne Thornburg. and Omar Springer wet. present from Anderson. Elwood Scouters wore Fred of the North District: Chairman Ross Hancher, commissioner: Committeeman Roy Hollensbe: L.

L. Squier. and Scout Masters Tom Morris. and Scouters Carl Renner and Rev. D.

McColl. Install Officers Also at last evening's meetings the new officers the Kiwanis Club for the year 1945 were installed. William Starr 18 the new president that will take over the duties of the retiring president. Frank E. Caton.

Other officers to take over positions for 1945. were vice president, C. C. Hillis: treasurer, Haynes; secretary, Walter Allen. The new board of directors include Glenn Auxter.

Edgar A. Ball, Fred Major, Palmer J. Davis, J. O. Stevens, Dan Singer.

Don Cockerham, and Frank Caton. During the meeting the members and guests of the club spent one minute in silent tribute to the memory of Everett Copher, a member who died yesterday See NORTH DISTRICT, Page 6 Weather Forecast: Indiana Light freezing drizzle or light snow north and light rain south tonight. Warmer 1 north and slightly warmer in south tonight. PRICE FIVE CENTS A home Japan Reports Bombings Of Home Islands Enemy Tells Of Invasion Fleet By United Press Tokyo said American warplanes dropped bombs tonight on the south central section I of Honshu Island in the Japanese homeland. An earlier report said the American planes were sighted approaching the Yokohama metropolitan district.

Both the Tokyo- Yokohama district and the Oraka-Kobe Kyoto triangle lie in what might be described as SouthCentral Honshu. Therefore, it was not clear just what targets were attacked. Although there was no Amer-1 ican confirmation of the Tokyo report previous Japanese reports of American raids on their homeland have been invariably almost confirmed. also told of earlier reconnaissance attacks in various parts of South Central Honshu by single B-29's from Saipan. In Indo-China Far to the south the Japs say 10 Lightning and Warhawk fighter planes bombed and strafed the suburbs, of Hanoi capital of French Indo China.

The half-hour long raid took place yesterday. The enemy also elsimed 16 American bombers flew from China bases to bomb the big Pearl river port of Canton in South China. Tokyo claimed seven of the planes were shot down and three more damaged. But the Japs seemed, if anything, to be more concerned about developments in the Philippines than about the mounting American air blows. Although See JAPAN REPORTS, Page 6 Probe Anderson Service Board ANDERSON, Dec.

29. (UP) The resignations of two Anderson draft board members were to be investigated by State Selective Service authorities. The two men J. T. Fitzsimmons and Roy Aynes gave notice after Board Chairman ron Post Services resign.

Selective Director Colonel Robinson Hitchcock said Post was not going along with the general policy on classifications. Hitchcock said the other board members were not asked to leave their jobs. But the board chairman said they handed in their resignations because they shared his views and actions. -BUY WAR BONDS Investigators Unable To Find Crash Cause -BUY WAR STAMPS Story Hour Planned INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 29.

KU.P.) -Navy investigators have concluded their probe into the cause of a Christmas Day navy plane crash at the Indianapolis municipal airport. without results. The four -man board which came here from Olathe, Kansas, has left without determining the reasons for the accident which killed three Navy airmen and one Army passenger. Miss Ivah Stout, librarian, announced that the regular Story Hour will be held at the Public Library Saturday morning. Miss Kay Cotton will be in charge of the story telling and Miss Stout will show films on South Amer" ica.

Miss Stout reported that the library will be closed all New Year's Day. -BUY WAR BONDSVERDICT RENDERED INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 29. (UP) Marion County Coroner Roy Storms returned a verdict of acute alcoholism in the death of a seven-year-old Indianapolis boy. The child Donald Sullivan died earlier this week after drinking whiskey, operated by and for FRIDAY.

DECEMBER 29, 1944 Russians Head For Vienna On 90-Mile Front Leave Encircled Budapest Burning By United PreSs The Russians have left other Axis capital in flames as they struck forward along 1 broad 90-mile-wirle front toward the Austrian capital of Vienna. The Soviet forces were rolling up the Danube valley. leaving behind them trapped Nazi garrisons in Budapest who faced death or surrender. Moscow said German and Hungarian troops in the city were ourning large ctions 01 the capital. Soviet front dispatches desc.ibe the parts or Budapest surrounding the royal palace as INS of smoke and ring flames.

They reported that German troops were destroying the ci' systematically as they retreated to a ughtly- walled section deep in the heart of the beleaguered Hungarian capital LOsing Heavily Mast of the latest Soviet communique emphasized the battle for Austrut 1t stated the Nazis were losing heavily in men and war materiel particularly in the area west of Budapest, between Lake Balaton and the Danube river. In conjunction with these battles, London reported that BritIsh, American and Russian representatives already were discussing armistice terms for Hungary. Incidentally, still another soonto be 'liberated European nation was in the new's in London. It was revealed that an American embassy staff was being trained for use in Norway, when It became to liberated. The one staff of E.u- was expected operate rope's major diplomatic listening posts for the United States department.

In Athens In Athens. British officials said See RUSSIANS HEAD, Page 6 Election Changes Meet Opposition INDIANAPOLIS. Dec. 29. (UP) Opposition was being voiced.

to some of the major reommendations of the Indiana Election Codification Commission by the legislature's Republican majority policy committee. The group, which studied state election laws, will present its proposals to the policy committee next Tuesday. Meanwhile. legislators were discussing prehminary reports made yesterday. The policy committee objected to the proposal which would mean appointment of county election board members by circuit judges.

present. county clerks named the election board personnel Another recommendation opposed by the legislators in the policy group was one for endorsement of affidavit voting where names have been omitted from precinct registration lists. The GOP Policy Committee also voiced disfavor for proposals to extend the central ballotcounting system to all Hoosier counties, to delay vote-tabulation until 12 hours after polis were closed, and to create fulltime election officer positions in each county. WAR BONDS- Asks Caution Over New Year's Holiday INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 29.

(UP) State Director of Public Safety Don Stiver was asking Indiana residents to observe the New Year holiday weekend with restraint in celebration and caution in driving. He pointed out that the seriousness of the fighting men's work made any great celebration in this country out of place. He reminded Hoosiers of the 14 Indiana deaths over the Christmas holiday because of weather conditions, adding that the coming, weekend probably will present hazardous roads. (Full J. E.

Copher, Local Funeral Director. Dies Stricken Suddenly On Visit To Farm The community was shocked to learn of the sudden death late yesterday afternoon of one of its most prominent citizens, J. Everett Death occurred to the well known funeral director while spending the afternoon at his farm, one and one-half miles southwest of the city. Mr. Copher, who was 55 years of age, was stricken suddenly with a heart ailment about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mercy Hospital, where he rushed by his son Phil immediately after the attack.

The Copher family, who reside at 415 South Anderson street, decided to spend yesterday afternoon at the farm southwest. of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Copher, and sons, Phil, David and Charles Joe had finished a sleigh ride, and Mrs.

Copher and the two younger sons had returned to Elwood get her daughterin-law, Mrs. Phil Copher, when the attack occurred. Rushed To City Mr. Copher and his oldest son, Phil, were standing in the barnyard, awaiting the others return when the father suddenly slumped to the ground. His son managed to, get him into the automobile, meanwhile phoning his mother to get a physician, and rushed the stricken Mercy Hospital.

However, the attack had proven fatal and. he was pronounced dead by an ing physician upon arrival at the institution. Mr. Copher had operated a funeral home in this city for the past twenty years and was prominent in civic and fraternal affairs. The firm was known as the Copher and Fesler Funeral Home, with his father-in-law.

Charles Fesler, operating a similar establishment in Summitville. The deceased was a member of the East Main Street Christian Church. He was affiliated with a number of civic organizations and lodges, including Elwood Country Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, No. 368, the Masonic Lodge, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He was also a member of the Madison County Funeral Directors Association and the National Selected Morticians See J.

E. COPHER, Page 6 TO PAY TRIBUTE All members of the Kiwanis, Club of Elwood are asked to meet at Hinshaw's Drug Store this evening at 7:30 o'clock, to go to the home of the late J. Everett Copher, to pay tribute to their deceased member. -BUY WAR BONDS- 'Round Town provided on interesting sidelight on the cigaret shortage on the homefront. Two-hundred enlisted men and two officers with the American Army in France have been convicted of -making enormous sums by selling stolen American cigarets in France at two dollars a package.

According to army official, the G-1's exhibited ingenuity in gaining possession of the cigarets. In one case, several soldiers threw gasoline on a freight car bearing, creating what is called a "hot box." It was necessary to abandon the car on a siding, and the soldiers were able to unload the whole carload of cigarets the train went on its way. The Elwood War Mothers Club who so generously remembered the boys at the Veterans Hospital at Marion with Christmas gifts expressed today their thanks to the clubs, organizations and individuals wha helped them put over this Christmas, party Money as well as gifts were donated. towards this cause and some donated their talent to the program put on for the benefit of these boys. A story from Paris today G-2 Blamed A BREAKDOWN in the can Intelligence Service was blamed as largely responsible for the success of the present Ger-1 man drive by Gen.

Peyton C. March. Army chief of staff in World War I. Maj. Gen.

Clayton Bissel, above, present G-2 head, is the fourth chief of intelligence since Pearl Harbor. (international! Two Groups 'Run' Montgomery Ward CHICAGO, Dec. 29. (UP) Two opposing camps of executives have been set up in the paneled offices of Montgomery Ward Company in Chicago. In one camp was a federal government force, headed by Major General Joseph Byron.

The Army executives moved yesterday under orders from, President Roosevelt to take possession of the Chicago plan: and Ward's facilities in six other cities. a few feet from the office occupicd by Byron and his assistants was the executive headquarters of Sewell Avery, militant chief of Montgomery Ward's board of directors. Despite the presidential seizure, Avery continued to defy the United States government. He has declared: "I'm still in charge. The plant hasn't been over to the government, and I'll be on the job today unless I am thrown out or fenced out." Did Not Come Early At last report, Avery had not yet arrived at his office today.

An Army spokesman has indicated that Avery would not be ejected from the premises, as he was last April when he defied another government seizure. The spokesman said Avery will be free to come and go as he pleased, and will be permitted to operate more than 600 Ward retail and wholesale outlets not includ- See TWO GROUPS, Page 6 Ernie Pyle On Way To Pacific Columnist Ernie Pyle, whose columns are a feature of 'The Elwood Call-Leader, seemed well satisfied with the movie version of his best seller, "Here Your Pyle has stopped in Hollywood to look at some preliminary takes of the film called "The Story of G-1 Joe." He said, "It was all in pieces, but it looked like they were trying to do It right." The correspondent was en route to the Pacific theater a three-months respite from war coverage. He returned' from France for a rest but he said he had not had. 'two hours to himself since he got back and actually was not rested at all. Pyle read the complete manuscript of his latest book "Brave Men" for the first time the other day.

He said he noted. in pass: ing that 15 of the men mentioned in it have been killed. In: his words "15 that I know about, that is." Troops Group For 2nd Round Of Big Push Yanks Drive To Cut Enemy Salient Off Missing Soldier Sends Two Letters Pvt. Dale Noble This morning assurance camel in the form of a letter to Mr. and Mrs.

J. E. Noble of Rural Route Four, Elwood, from their son, Pvt. Dale Noble who was reported missing since December. 2 by the War Department.

Pvt. Noble's wife, who resides at South Anderson street, received a letter last evening, dated December. 16. CHis letter Was dated December 14. Although no confirmation has been made by the War Department as to Pvt.

Noble being found, his parents feel assured that he is all right. Other letters also have been received by Mrs. Dale Noole that have been written since he was reported missing in France. In his letter of December 16, Pvt. Noble related that he was in the same foxhole as usual and everything was about the same with him.

'Ine private is with the Seventh Army and has 'peen fighting in France since October. He IS a graduate of the Elwood high school and attended DePauw University. He has been in service since January 11 of 1944. -BUY WAR BONDS- No Injuries In Five Accidents Five more accidents were reported to local police headquarters, it was announced today by Chief Joe- Hickey. However, all of the mishaps were of a minor nature.

The cars of Leslie Cain, 814 North 14th street, and Robert Stevens of 1503 South street, were involved in a minor collision at South A and Anderson streets about 10:30 o'clock on Thursday morning. A small amount of damage and no injuries. were reported. Small damage, occurred to the car of Elmer Updegraff, 2030 in the 500 block on South AnderSouth street, in an accident son street, at 2:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Rush R.

Carpenter, R. R. 3, Elwood, reported that his car suffered considerable damage, See NO INJURIES, Page 6 Firemen Called To Answer Two Alarms -BUY WAR BONDS FLOOR SHOW PLANNED The Elwood Fire Department made two runs during the 24 hours, but both alanms were of a minor nature. The firemen, were summoned at 9 o'clock this morning to the residence of John Haynes, 951 Main street, where a badly smoking furnace was placed under control. An alarm was answered at o'clock Thursday afternoon to the home of Ora Blake, 2302 Main, where a burning coal shed fire near the alley, was extinguished.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles will be entertained Saturday evening by music of Hook's "Rhythm Aces." Also featured on the program will be the "Tumble Tub;" Wanda Hook, tap dancer, and Wylie, the magician. All members are invited to attend. By United Press The news from the Western Front indicated the Germans were preparing the second round of Hitler's big offensive. Late reports said Marshal Von Rundstedt was preparing A new assault on the Allies from springboards north of the present salient into Bel gium and Luxembourg. An American correspondent, Howard Smith, reported unmistakable signs of enemy concentrations from the northeast end of the salient to ernmost Holland.

He added that the watchword among Americans in those sectors was "keep alert. This time. there will be no surprise attack." From the great battle of the Ardennes, the news continued good this morning. The Americans were making new headway In their two- way drive to shive the German salient squarely through the middle. General Eisenhower's headquarters said American troops pushing down from the north were less than 15 miles from Doughboys punching up from Bastogne.

However. their exact positions. this morning were not revealed. Corridor Narrowed This meant that ends of thousands of German troops in the western tip of the salient. were connected with the eastern end by a corridor less than 15 miles wide.

Only two highways run through this corridor, and both were within range of American artillery. Simultaneous with the thrust up the south. General Patton's Third Army troops were widening their recaptured ground around Bastogne. This salient now was three miles wide at the base and more than a mile wide at the top, where the rescued 101st Airborne Division has attached Itself to Patton's Between Bastogne and the base See TROOPS GROUP. Page of the tie- up Spokesmen for the Department Store Employes union Avery "to comply directive (International) Scouts Stage With Kiwanians of at New Year's Eve Will Lack Noise Now Year's Eve will luck much of the usual noise and celbiation which usually heralds in the year.

None of the public drinking places will be opened in Elwood confirming the idea that most of the celebrating will be done soberly. Many of the war production factories will work New Year's day. Delco-Remy, in Anderson. will start their week Monday morning. The Call- Leader will publish its regular paper.

Only the stores of the city will ob8 I've New Year's Day as a holi day. The majority of them will be closed. The city banks and public library will remain cloMonday and resume activities Tuesday morning. Many will lack the jubilant spirit of the New Year because of the Others will welconie it and hope for a peace that will last for all the New Years to come The hope for L945 IS victory and the return of G. I.

Joes from all over the world. A number of citizens plan to celebrate the New Year's at rival Saturday ev. ning. The Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles both planned to have dancing and entertainment on that evening. A 'Watch Party" is planned tor Sunday evening at the American Legion Post 53, on Main street.

All Legion members and Auxiliary members are invited to attend. -BUY WAR BONDSINJURED AT FIRE INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 29. (UP.) Fire Department Lieutenant Delbert Emhardt was injured seriously when he. fell in a burning building last night.

Another fireman George Lynam was injured, but not seriously. The two men were when they fell on into the basefighting fire the second floor ment. Nazi Planes Bomb Field Hospita By United Press General Devers of the American Seventh Army announced that two Nazi planes bombed and strafed clearly -marked American hospital Tuesday night, causing an undisclosed number of casualties. Denvers said the hospital was at least 40 miles from the nearest battlefront. On the subject of Allied casualties, here Wil.

a grim German port but remember, this was an enemy estimate: The Nazi news agency the ted States 106th infantry composed mostly of men from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio, had 11,840 men before the German offensive started. Today according to the Germans the division has 212 men. -BUY WAR BONDS On War Fronts WESTERN FRONT--The Germans have been reported to be massing men and equipment for new offensive in Northern Belgium and Holland. In the Ardennes Bulge the news was good for the Americans. The base of the big salient has been narrawed to 15 miles and the Germans have been forced back to.

10 miles from the Meuse. EASTERN FRONT The Russigns have Budapest. in flames and have been driving steadily westward toward the Austrian frontier IN THE PACIFIC The Japs stated that American planes raided south central Honshu Island again last evening. Tokyo feported that a big new American invasion fleet. has been attacked by Japanese planes in the Mindanao Sea off the Philippines..