Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 1

U.S. Weather Report Cloudy Thurdjr, with rain turning to mow, and colder (CompUt rtport on Pagt 4) METROPOLITAN FINAL EDITION On Guard for Over a Century Thursday, January 2, 1941. No. 243 110th Year 22 Pages Three Cents Star Bette Davis Weds a Boston Business Man Unified State Rule Pledged asVanWagonerTakes and Both Sides Bury Hatchet England Hurls Wide Offensive in Air at Axis Raiders Blast at Vital Points from Africa to Rhineland Base for Italian Navy Is Attacked by R.A.F. ,.,.5 -v.

If li i. Michigan's Man of the Hour Officials Agree to Support Bid for Teamwork US. Ships May Assume British Pacific Routes 'American Attache on Way from London to Discuss Plan Scheme Would Free Boats for War Duty BY FREDERICK KUH I'nltrrf frm torrflondrnt LONDON, Jan. 1 The British and United States governments are considering a plan whereby American merchant ships would take over British shipping routes over an extensive Pacifio area, releasing British ships for urgent war service in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, it was learned reliably tonight. If consummated the proposed agreement would include a provision for British vessels to replace United States ships on these Pacific routes after the war is over.

Attache on Way to IT. S. Harvey Klemmer, representative of the United States Maritime i Commission and attached to the United States Embassy here, left London last week by air for Lisbon and New York in connection with the proposal. He Intended to proceed immediately to Washington to discuss the Pacific shipping project with high Administration authorities, returning to London in about six weeks to continue and if possible complete the arrangements. The scheme itself first was proposed by the British Government nearly a year ago, but for reasons which appear obscure in London it met with a negative United States response.

It was emphasized here that the plan still was in its infancy, if I Iff, i i I IS I ''fit I Jl til I I If iS'V rat i i I ljj wmmt1im- MBirinturrtii r-r OTifnniliniiii-rtmlrnrniiin ifinj-iil iwrmiflimnfU-iini' rVTrtnrrtiiaiiu I fflrwriwww" i- GOV. VAX WAGONER DELIVERING INAUGURAL ADDRESS "You know that I would rather do things than talk about them." HOLLYWOOD? Jan. 1 Bette Davis of the movies and Arthur Farnsworth, described by friends as a wealthy Boston business man, were married last night at Rim-rock, a Warner Studio spokesman said today. Farnsworth, who is 34 years old, formerly was assistant manager of Peckett's Lodge, a White Mountain vacation resort at Littleton, N. near where Miss Davis owns an estate.

The ceremony was performed by a Methodist minister at the ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Dart. Mrs. Dart is the former Jane Bryan of the movies.

Among the witnesses were Mrs. Ruth Davis, the star's mother, and her brother-in-law and her sister, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pelgrem. Miss Davis and her husband left the ranch early today by auto for an unannounced destination, the studio said.

Miss Davis was married once before in August, 1932, to Harmon O. Nelson, orchestra leader, who obtained an uncontested divorce In December, 1938. Soon after she married Nelson, she said that the way to keep a marriage going was never to have breakfast with one's Miss Davis is due to return here Monday to begin a new picture "The Bride Came C.O.D." Anti-Inflation Plans Offered Reserve Board Asks for Precautions WASHINGTON, Jan! 1 -In an unprecedented move to forestall any possible inflation of the nation's money, the Federal Reserve System today proposed removal of the President's power to devalue the dollar, repeal of "greenback" legislation, an eventual balanced budget, and restrictions on bank lending. System officials said It was not presented as an Administration proposal, and that neither the White House nor other, official quarters would express an opinion on the plan, which would require congressional action to make it effective. Reaction Favorable First reaction among the few members of Congress in town was generally favorable.

For example, Senator William H. King, Utah Democrat, said the plan was "by and large very wise" and that the President's monetary powers constituted a "sword of Damocles hanging over the financial system." At the Federal Reserve Board, spokesmen said that while the program was only precautionary and did not imply that there was any immediate threat of Inflation, the rapidly increasing pace of business under the defense program had changed conditions so that so-called Inflationary legislation of the past was no longer desirable, whatever merits it had before. Presented In Joint Report The plan was presented in five points in a "joint report" first of Its kind by the Federal Reserve banks, and the Federal Advisory Council, which represents the 7,000 individual banks belonging to the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Chairman Marriner S. Turn to Page 2, Column 2 Klisura Defenses Seized by Greeks IW the Atnr latfd Pre ATHENS, Jan.

1 Stemming fierce Italian counterattacks, the Greeks were reported tonight to have captured an elaborate fortification line outside Klisura and to have turned back a tank assault along the coastal road to the Albanian port of Valona. A dozen heavy guns, 15 machine guns, a number of trench mortars and automatic rifles were among materials left behind by the retreating Italians, an official spokesman said. In the north, Greek troops were said to have occupied new heights. Greek planes machine gunned and bombed enemy columns moving up to the front, Br th Auotlatfd Press CAIRO, Jan. 1 In a series of raids over a vast area extending from lower Italy to the southernmost gate of the Red Sea, British pilots have bombed a half-dozen vital points In the Fascist war machine, the Royal Air Force announced today.

This aerial offensive one of the biggest in scope yet carried out in the Mediterranean war theater got under way Monday night, went on into yesterday morning and throughout the day, the British said. They added that all yesterday "no contact with the enemy was made." Raids Widespread The pattern of violence resulting was thus described in an R.A.F. communique: At Taranto (the Italian naval base where the British claimed to have crippled half of the Nation's six battleships as well as four other warships On Armistice Day) 11 bombs seen to burst around the units of the Italian fleet anchored there. Palermo Harbor, in Sicily, attacked; the southern Albanian port of Valona chief port of Italian supplies in the campaign against Greece bombed for the twenty-third time. Naples assaulted, as well as the suburb of Torre del Annunziata, along with a chemical factory at Crotone, in Southern Italy.

Fascist troops and motor truck concentrations "heavily attacked" in Libya. Camp Set Afire Flames sec off in a Fascist military camp in Italian East Africa, near Gubba; stores and warehouses bombed at Assab; "numerous fires'' left at Danghiia. Afield, the British continued today to shell the scarred and besieged Italian base of Bardia in Libya and GeneraJ Headquarters also reported without amplification that there had been patrolling and "artillery on the frontiers of the Sudan and Kenya. From headquarters at the siege lines of Bardia, the British announced that their patrols were operating regularly 75 miles inside Libya and said that one British armored car unit spent all Christmas Day in an abandoned Italian airdrome south of the port of Tobruk. Full control was claimed over parts of the coast between Bardia and Tobruk.

Britain Raided by Fire Planes LONDON, Jan. 2 (Thursday) Nazi fire planes returned to the attack late las't night after a bombless British New Year's Day. They dropped incendiary bombs in several East England sectors. No damage was reported immediately from the fire bombs, and they were dealt with promptly by the fire-fighting services. Two high-e 1 1 bombs dropped in one London district, causing damage and some casualties.

The clear signal sounded about 2 a. m. Mist Hides Channel Dover Strait over which many German raiders must fly was lashed by a bitterly cold northeast wind. A mist limited visibility to mid-channel. The British announced yesterday a series of daylight raids against Nazi targets which neutral observers regarded as the most daring and significant blow of this winter's European air war.

Attacks Tuesday on selected objectives from the near-by Dutch coast to the Rhineland were disclosed by the Air Ministry to have been carried out with the loss of only two planes. Neutral sources said that this accomplishment indicated not only the growing strength of the R.A.F. 's bomber squadrons but the ability of new long-range fighters to protect a striking force far from home airdromes. Targets Listed The Air Ministry, listing the R.A.F.'s targets in the daylight hours Tuesday, said that bombs were seen to hit a factory at the Rhineland city of Cologne; that an antiaircraft ship (something new in German coastal defense, apparently) was put out of action off the Dutch port of Flushing and that the docks at Ijmuiden and objectives at Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were attacked. Plane Drops Bombs 30 Miles from Dublin DUBLIN, Jan.

1 (A. An airplane of unidentified nationality dropped bombs in County Meath, near Drogheda, 30 miles north of Dublin, tonight. Early reports indicated no damage. Thousands at Lansing Extend Well Wishes to New Regime Legislative Leaders Also Promise to Aid BV HUB M. GEORGE LANSING, Jan.

1 Amid mu tual pledges of teamwork, and spurred by thousands of well wishers, Michigan's new bipartisan State regime took up its duties Wednesday. Under gray skies of a frosty morning, Murray D. Van Wagoner, Democrat, took his oath as the State's thirty-eighth governor with a plea that partisan differences be buried and asked Republican administrative associates and the Republican Legislature for unity in meeting urgent problems. His appeal found prompt echo, not only from elected executives who shared in the inaugural, but from legislative leaders. Murphy Joins Harmony Bid Lieut.

Gov. Frank Murphy, of Detroit, also a Democrat, joined In Van Wagoner's bid for harmony in a brief Senate talk. Speaker Howard Nugent, Republican of Bad Axe, unanimously re-elected, pledged his utmost ef fort for the common cause, even as he recounted Republican achievements. "We are fully determined to go more than halfway to get thing done for the good of the State," said Senator D. Hale Brake, ot Stanton, Republican, president pro-tern of the upper chamber.

Simple inaugural ceremonies had a bipartisan touch, with Leslie B. Butler, Republican state chairman, and Charles S. Porritt, Democratic state chairman, serving Jointly as masters of ceremony. Chief Justice Edward M. Sharpd of the Supreme Court, administered the oath first to Justica Text of Address Page 3 Emerson R.

Boyies, Republican, who became an associate, then to Vernon J. Brown. Republican audi-tor general; Theodore I. Fry, Democratic State treasurer; Herbert J. Rushton, Republican attorney general; Harry F.

Kelly. Republican Secretary of State, and last to Lieut. Gov. Murphy and ta Van Wagoner. Both Sides Applaud Each in turn was cheered loudly by his partisans and generously by bipartisans.

The American Legion presented handsome flags to Van Wagoner and to Kelly, both Legion members, and offered to respond to any call for service. Not to be outdone In teamwork, Mrs. Leslie B. Butler, wife of the Republican chairman, and Mrs. Charles S.

Porritt, whosj husband leads the Democrats, were joint hostesses at a tea for official wives. For his message to a joint session of the Legislature at 10 a. Friday, Van Wagoner reserved his specific recommendations for legis- GUNFIKE GUMMED LANSING, Jan. 1 The Van Wagoner inaugural ceremonies today encountered one hitch. Because the breach block of the three-inch artillery gun brought down from Grayling for the governor's nineteen-gun salute refused to function, there was no salute.

Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Lewis, of the 72nd Field Artillery, hinted that recently applied paint had gummed the works. lation, purported to be an exhaustive exposition.

There are four main necessities confronting the State Government, he said. The first, he said, is maximum effort toward national defense. Second, he said, is that of safeguarding constitutional rights, including social gains. The third big job, he pointed out. Is that of public welfare.

The last is that of honest, efficient government. Pledges Co-Operation Taking the gavel of the House of Representatives, Speaker Nugent said: "I pledge my co-operation knowing that Gov. Van Wagoner's recommendations will merit earnest consideration." As scheduled by caucuses, the House named Rep. Maurice E. Post, of Rockford.

as speaker pro tempore, Myles F. Gray for his sixth term as clerk, and installed former Rep. Bernie Hampton, of Harrison, as sergeant; Arthur H. Wirkman, of Carney, a former member, as postmaster, and Far-old Hill, of Rockford, as assistant postmaster. named Rep.

Edward J. of Harms, of Hiushton; Clark Adams, of OakUnd: Louis J. of Mt. Cfem-ns; William G. B-u-k- tlcv, Joser F.

N.s.d and Fr.1 J. Gartner, (T; Wayr.e, aa a committee. Footbi Stanford 21 Nebraska 13 Boston Coll. 19 Tennessee 13 Texas 13 FordKam 12 Miss. State 14 Georgetown 7 West 20 East 14 W.

Reserve 26 Tempe 13 Details in Sports Pages Skiers Buried by Snoivslide; 6 Feared Dead Br tint I'nllrd Prm ALTA, Utah, Jan. 1 A rending snowslide today caught a party of skiers and crushed them to the bottom of a canyon under 50 feet of bowlders and debris. Rescuers estimated that six persons were trapped. The body of one man was removed three hours after 100 rescuers began digging frantically. But it was so crushed by bowlders that identification was impossible.

There was little hope that other victims would be found alive. The slide occurred on a hill that had been labeled dangerous, following recent smaller ones, but it was the first fatal one in a decade of skiing In the Alta region, one of the finest in Utah for the sport. 18,913 Marry in Reno; Only 2 14 Divorced RENO, Jan. 1 (A.P.) This divorce capital did a record-smashing marriage-license business in 1940, eight times as many persons being married as were divorced here during the year. County Clerk Elwood Bcemer said that 18,913 licenses were issued, compared with previous highs of 11,061 in 1939 and 8.033 in 1938.

Divorce suits in 1940 totaled 2,314. BETTE DAVIS Marriage unexpected. Reuther Plan Meets a Rebuff But Thomas Predicts Its Adoption Despite Washington criticism of the Reuther plan for utilizing automotive industry facilities for turning out 500 warplanes a day, R. J. Thomas, president of the U.A.W.-C.I.O., said Wednesday that "the probability of its adoption grows greater every day." Earlier in the day, dispatches stated that the plan, proposed by Walter Reuther, regional director of the automobile workers union, had been "reluctantly termed impracticable by high defense production experts." The defense experts, who declined to be quoted by name, listed four obstacles to the plan.

"None of the objections are valid," Thomas declared. "When we encounter some criticism to which responsible parties will attach their names, we will meet it. The plan to use now Idle automobile plants and machinery to step up aircraft production was submitted to the President by rninp Murray, C.l.O. chief. The defense' experts, in rejecting the plans, were quoted as listing as objections to the proposal: 1 The difficulty of obtaining sufficient machine tools, either new or old.

2 The impossibility of obtaining sufficient aluminum production in the six-month preparatory period before the projected start of the 500-a-day plane production. 3 The fact that automobile plants already were being assigned major defense jobs the production of thousands of engines and other parts for 3,600 bombers to be assembled in four Midwestern plants. 4 Lack of immediate armament for so great a number of planes as the U.A.W, plan contemplates. The production experts added that they were reluctant to find fault with the plan because it demonstrated the desire of labor to contribute to the defense program. Thomas is scheduled to discuss the Reuther plan from Washington over the Columbia network Friday from 10:15 to 10:30 p.

m. Gen. Smuts Predicts U.S.Will Enter War LONDON, Jan. 1 (A.P.) Gen. Jan Christian Smuts, prime minister of the Union of South Africa, in a New Year message to the world published today in London, predicted United States intervention in the war and said that it was "necessary for victory." "Deeply as America desires to keep out of this war, they will find the necessity laid upon them he said.

that a new trial has been granted has come through. Kyoshk's jailers, who played cards with him all day Wednesday and kept watching him scanning the clock outside his cell, believe that the hanging will be carried out on the new date. Once when he was a young man, Kyoshk had escaped a similar death penalty for murder. A quarrel over a woman caused him to take the life of his younger rival, Blackbird, according to the testimony of the last trial. His stay of execution came just on the eve of the Nov.

26 date after a special application was made to the Canadian Supreme Court on the grounds of new evidence. However, the matter was referred to the Department of Justice in Ot-! tawa and since there has been I nothing but silence there, jailers saici that Kyoshk probably would take those "fatal 13 steps to the scaffold "some time before sunrise i (Friday." Japanese Free 5 U.S. Marines Apology to Be Asked in Cabaret Incident II? the A.oflnttri Trrsj TEIPING, Jan. 1-C'ol. Allen H.

Turnage, commander of United States Marines here, was understood today to be preparing to demand a formal apology from the Japanese for asserted maltreatment of five Marines after a cabaret fracas. United States officials declared that all five were held 17 hours and that four of them were injured by Japanese gendarmes. Among the five was Pvt Hubert Sims, of Big Creek, Mich. The American version was this: The five were arrested in the cabaret shortly before midnight Monday by gendarmes who threatened all marines present with pistols and swords and refused admission to the cabaret to Marine military police who arrived during the incident. There were released only after three demands by Col.

Turnage. The five marines declared they were insulted and threatened in the cabaret by armed and drunken Japanese civilians. America to Order Dual-Duty Vessels Br th AioriatfH Pr WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 The Maritime Commission announced today its intention to order two passenger vessels with a speed of more than 24 knots and "capable of quick conversion into aircraft carriers." The ships will be 759 feet long and, with aircraft carrier use in mind, will have stacks on the starboard side. This disclosure was made In a commission summary of its activities for 1940, during which the number of merchants ships built or in construction under its program reached 179 at a contract price of more than $450,000,000.

Of these 91 have been launched and 61 delivered. The Navy has acquired or soon will receive 24. DEATH CALLS TWICE LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1 (A.P.) Dorothy C. Erwin, 31 years old, of Long Beach, whose husband and daughter were killed In a Christmas Day accident in Nebraska, was herself killed in an auto accident today.

6 MEN DIE IN MEXICAN RIOT JALAPA, Mexico, Jan. 1 (A. Six persons were reported killed and several wounded in disorders today in the near-by village of Altotonga. One report said that the City Hall was fired in a political clash. Start the Day Right with the Free Press but in leading shipping circles it was considered to offer the possibility of great advantages to both countries.

To Extend Navicert System The Ministry of Economic Warfare announced today that after Jan. 20 Britain's far-flung navicert system for controlling the shipping of all nations in order to enforce the blockade against the Axis powers would be ex tended to Ireland. Irish cxportersJ after that date must obtain navicerts (certificates issued by British consuls that io contraband destined for enemy countries is included) for shipments to Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Rumania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Spain, Portugal and African ports on both coasts. Any goods not covered by navicerts are liable to seizure as contraband and any ship sailing directly for any of these countries without navicert is subject to seizure. One of Two Cars Kills Girl, 17 ALPENA, Jan.

1 Coroner W. E. Nesbitt was unable to termine Wednesday whether Miss Catherine Frederick, 17 years old, of Rogers City, was killed when the car in which she was a passenger collided with a parked tow-wagon, or whether she died as the result of being run down by a third car as she lay in the roadway after the first accident. Passersby removed Miss Fredrick, unconscious, from the first crash and placed her in the roadway. The accident occurred three miles north of Alpena on US-23 before dawn Wednesday.

Radio Reports Russia in Total Mobilization LONDON, Jan. 2 (Thursday) (A. The London Daily Mail reported early today it had picked up a radio broadcast by Josef Stalin in whjch the Russian dictator declared that "Soviet Russia is ready for every eventuality and for this purpose is in a state of total mobilization." (This broadcast had not been reported from any other source, at the time the Daily Mail had it.) High Spots in the Sunday Graphic HITCH-HIKE TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA Michigan's Bob Friers hitch-hiked from Texas along the Pan-American Highway down through Mexico, Central American countries, Panama, into Colombia. South America, and found adventure and big news in road ruts, Fascist menaces, defense and a girl. The Sunday Graphic carries two and a half full pages of his interesting pictures.

THE STORY OF POLAND'S GLORY Photographs of the art treasures which will be on exhibit at the Allied Festival for Polish Relief, Convention Hall, starting January 11. WOMAN OF THE WEEK A candid photograph and story of the new Governor's wife Mrs. Murray D. Van Wa goper. SUNDAY'S FREE PRESS Free rre Photo Fun and Frolic Liven Lansing Governor's Ball Tops Day of Festivity BY JAMES M.

HASWELL FrM Prru I.aiulnt llurraa LANSING, Jan. 1 Inaugural day was an eighteen-hour celebration for hundreds of happy Democrats and quite a few Republicanswho gathered in the Capital to celebrate the new administration. The day began in formality. Black-robed Supreme Court justices and uniformed military aides formed a somber background to the dignified taking of the oaths of office on the capitol steps. Van Wagoner Leads March It ended In fun and frolic.

Genial Gov. "Pat" Van Wagoner led the grand march which climaxed the biennial Governor's Ball in the gayly decorated Masonic Temple ballroom. The schedule In between was a busy one. Many inaugural visitors missed the 9:30 a. m.

inauguration itself, but the crowds kept getting bigger as the day went on. Most of the visitors thronged into the galleries and lobbies to watch the legislators open their sessions at noon. At 2 p. m. a line 100 yards long had formed in front of the Governor's office for the traditional governor's reception.

Officials Greet Visitors For two hours, Gov. and Mrs. Van Wagoner, members of the administrative board and their wives, and members of the Democratic and Republican national committees shook hands with admirers and well-wishers. The evening" banquet swamped the Olds Hotel as 1,200 guests sat down to dinner. Former Governor Dickinson spoke at this affair, as well as Van Wagoner, and scores of political leaders were introduced.

Speeches, political confabs and appointments to high and low office made the day a busy one for those "taking over" the administration of public affairs. But for the great majority of visitors today "the inauguration" was' one long and festive holiday of fun and rejoicing. ness man myself, I appreciate that." Commissioner E. I. Pugmire.

of Chicago, from the headquarters in which the Salvation Army's Detroit division is located, accepted the building. Brig. James Murphy, divisional commander, introduced the chairman, Louis J. Flint, president of the Salvation Army's advisory board. Representing the Women's Auxiliary to the Salvation Army Rescue Home, Mrs.

John C. Hickey, a charter member, spoke of tile auxiliary's- organization in 1914, by the late Mrs. Delphine Dodge Ashbaiigh, then president of the Detroit Federation of Women's Clubs. Mrs. Alfred G.

Wilson, presl- lieutenant governor of Michigan, offered the dedicatory prayer. Scripture wa3 read by Lt. Col. Julia Thomas, of Chicago, worn-1 en's social service secretary f'r. the Salvation Army, i 1 Sarnia Indian Again Faces Noose He Cheated Twice Knudsen Sings Hymn to Give Salvation Army Its Hospital God, our help In ages past, our hope for years to come," sang the head of the Nation's defense program, William S.

Knudsen, New Year's afternoon, joining in the hymn which opened the program dedicating the new wing of the Salvation Army's Booth Memorial Home and Hospital at Fort and W. Grand Blvd. Knudsen, who returned to Wash- i ington by a late afternoon train, 1 was present as president of the Open Heart Fund campaign in 1939 which made the building pos-j sible. "At the time of the campaign I promised that every dollar in pledges would be spent for buildings fully equipped," said Knud-i sen, in making the presentation of th that The fund collected $900,000 and is ahead of schedule on buildings. "When a dollar is given to the I Salvation Army, the bipgest part of that dollar is spent for doing good.

Being somewhat cf a As the hands of clocks crept across 12 Wednesday morning, thousands of eyes left them and heralded in a New Year. But all day Wednesday in the Lambton County Jail, Steve Kyoshk kept on watching the hands of the clock move. The hands will move abound the clock completely, twice for Wednesday, twice more for Thursday and then as they start into their fifth march around the clock, Steve w'ill leave the jail and mount 13 steps to the gallows that have been standing for a long time in the Sarnia jailyard. The execution day of the forty-nine-year-old Walpolc Island Indian has been set for sometime before sunrise Friday morning. Originally scheduled to hang on Nov.

2fi for the murder of Jerry Blackbird, another Walpole Island Indian, Kyoshk was given a stay of execution. However, no word I Page Amusements ig Around the Town 14 Clapper, Raymond 4 Collyer's Selections 16 21 Editorial fi Radio Programs 16 Society 10 Weather Report 4 OPERATION FOR CAROLE BALTIMORE. Jan. 1 (A.P.) Movie Actress Carole Lombard will undergo a minor operation to-: morrow at Johns Hopkins Hos-: pital. She entered the hospital Monday with her husband, Clark Gable, who said that he would have an injured shoulder examined.

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