The Decatur Daily Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 20

THE DECATUR REVIEW Friday, April 18, 1947. Mayor Heads Back to City NOTED SINGER GIVES CONCERT FOR MILLIKIN STUDENTS Macon County Leads State in Sale of Bonds DREAM COMES TRUE New Building Delay Appears Probable Here For Canvass TWENTY PAGES TODAY. i The city council probably will -V Jl 7 Macon county topped all Down-stale Illinois counties in the sale of U. S. savings bonds during March, according to a report released today by Lynn W.

Clark, county, general bond chairman. Sales here totaled $1,240,441.91. The only other over-a-million Dow state county in March was Peoria with a $1,064,376.95 total. Macon county's sales included $579,299.91 in bonds. $128,242 in and $532,900 in bonds.

The state's March sales toUil was $58,792,021.99. including in bonds. $3,839,767.50 in bonds and $21,348,000 in bonds. Cook county's sales totaled as they paused before going onstage. (Herald and Review Photo) Nnnsen and John Langdon.

The two students met him and escorted him to the stage for his appearance. They are shown MARY AND ALFRED FRYDMAN War Orphans Find Home Children from France' Arrive in Decatur Robeson Speaks, Sings at Millikin Another tie-up of construction here appeared probable today. With two crafts unions still at odds with contractors, members of other unions were being laid-ofi because jobs underway were at a point beyond which they could not go without the striking workmen. A union spokesman and a contractor both reported the lay-effs. and both said the slow-down would grow day by day as long as the two unions and the contractors fail to reach agreements.

L. N. Fisher, a member of the contractor association's negotiations committee, said work is slowing up and that unless something happens to break the deadlock, "things naturally will creep bacie until everybody will be off work again." He said that while no men had been laid off on jobs of his fcrm. another contractor had reported he was going to have to take 40 men off jobs that were stymied. II MEISF.MIELTF.R.

whose Hod Carriers Common Laborers union broke the building strike last week, said today a number of men had been laid off ar.d that "very day there will be more and more." He said one contractor had had to drop two-thirds of the laborers on some jobs that were "caught up." The two unions which have not yet reached agreements with the contractors are the Plaster i- Cement Finishers and the Bricklayers Masons. Mr. Fisher said a counter proposal was handed by the contractors to the cement finishers a meeting last night, but that r.o answer on it could be had until the union committee takes the plan before the workmen for their vote. Discussion with the Plaster i Cement Finishers last night, he said, did not get around to issues with the plasterers and further talks with them would have to be held. NO SESSIONS with the Bricklayers Masons are scheduled.

The contractors still are waiting for the union to present a written statement of demands. In addition to wages, issues cf the disputes involve working rules. The contractors want local agreements on working rules, but in some instances, union men say. local unions must stand by rules set up by their national organizations. The major tie-up of Decatur building ended last week when the Hod Carriers Common Laborers union made its agreement with the contractors.

Non-striking crafs who had stayed off jobs because they were picketed by the Laborers went back to work. Three unions, the Painters Pa-perhangers in addition to the Plasterers and the Bricklayers, stayed out. however. Tuesday, the Painters Paper-hangers made an agreement on a 25-cent hourly pay increase to SI. 75.

Rules were to be worked out later. Jury Determines Cox Death Due to Injury The oVath of Alvin C. Cox, an employe of the A. E. Staley Mfg.

Co. for 25 years, was caused by a skull fracture suffered when he cither fell or jumped from a man hoist at the Staley plant, according to a verdict returned by a coroner's jury. An inquest into the death was conducted by Coroner Harold Brint-linger last night in the Dawson Wikoff funeral home. Mr. Cox, 69, of 2268 East Main street died in the Decatur and Macon County hospital at 7:40 p.

m. Wednesday. The accident at 1 p. m. Wednesday.

Mr. Cox had planned to retire from work in September and was teaching Floyd G. McEIroy, a new employe, his duties. Funeral services for Mr. Cox will be held at 3 p.

m. Saturday in the Dawson Wikoff funeral home and burial will be in Fairlawn cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home. Strike Delays Phone Billing No more telephone bills will be prepared until the present strike is over, L. L.

Thomas. Decatur manager of the Illinois Bell Telephone announced today. The bills are prepared in Springfield. Because the Federation of Telephone Clerks of Illinois, representing the accounting department employes, are on strike, the bills cannot be prepared. "Only telephone bills dated April 1 and prepared before April 7 have gone out," Mr.

Thomas said. Scouters Training Program May 3, 4 A spring training program for approximately 50 Boy Scout leaders will be held at Camp Robert Faries, May 3 and 4. Registration will begin at 2 p. m. on the third and the program will be completed at 3 p.

m. on the fourth. Scoutmasters, assistant scoutmasters, troop district scouters and commissioners are eligible for the training program. Woman, Comes Here for Operation, Hit by Car Mrs. Rella Jacobsen, 57, of Broc-ton received severe face and leg bruises yesterday when she walked against the side of a car at Water and North Park street.

The car was driven by Thomas W. Marsh. 946 East North street. Mrs. Jacobsen was taken to the Decatur and Macon County hospital.

She came to Decatur yesterday, planning to enter the hospital for an operation. News from the Sick Mrs. Minnie Hall ol 3500 East William street road, who is recuperating at St. Mary's hospital, is permitted to have visitors. canvass the city election books Monday.

Mayor James A. Hedrick's office said today he would be at work Monday, and Water Commissioner Eushrod Sattley's home said he was due to return this weekend. The mayor left Decatur Wednesday to visit the Lynchburg, training camp of the Decatur Commies ball team. Absence of the two council mem bers from yesterday's council meet ing brought delay of the canvass when Earl V. Smith, who by unofficial election returns was the defeated candidate for mayor, ob jected to a check by only part of the council.

Mr. Smith, who yesterday indi cated he is going to give the vole count close study in the light of the slirrf 711-vote margin by which he trailed Mayor Hedrick. was out of the city today but members of his family said they expect him back here by Monday. He was at yesterday's council meeting to be on hand when the canvass was made, but when only three council members appeared he said he thought the mayor and the entire council should on hand. He said he wanted his opponent there in case either might want to raise some objections.

He also said he wanted to see some of the poll books so that he could check names of persons who voted in one district against names of persons living within the dis trict. Truck Drivers Reopen Contract Negotiations Harcld international of ficer of the Teamsters Chauffeurs union, arrived in Decatur this morning to assist with contract negotiations between Teamsters Chauffeurs locals and four building supply companies here. Strike notices against the campanies became effective last Saturday. A meeting between representatives of the companies and the locals was scheduled for this afternoon, the Teamsters Chauffeurs office reported at noon. The building companies involved are: Decatur Builders Supply Co.

Grohne Concrete Products Co. W. G. Traver Supply Co. Woare Builders Supply Co.

A strike notice filed by the Teamsters is also-effective against Armour 5c Co. Firemen Keep Busy In Series of Fires A short in electrical wiring caused a fire at the home of Hugo Brix. 871 West Center street, at 12:07 a. m. Thursday.

City firemen estimated the loss at $250, with S100 to the building and $150 to the contents. Hot ashes placed against a shed behind the home of Willie Oliver, 619 Longview Place, resulted in the shed being set afire at 3:55 a. m. Thursday. Damage was estimated by firemen at $15.

City firemen answered an afarm to the Macon County Coal Co. at 6:42 p. m. Thursday, where an acetylene torch being used in dismantling work set fire to some tipple limbers. No loss was reported.

At 7:29 p. m. a still alarm was answered to the 200 block East Wood street, where defective wiring caused a small fire in the car of James W. Johnson, of rural route 2. Damage was estimated at S5.

At 8:21 p. m. a general alarm was answered to the Margais cafe, 157 South Water street, where a pan of grease had caught fire. Firemen carried the flaming pan out and smothered the blaze with a lid. No damage was reported A short In wiring in an electric iron caused fire damage estimated at $10 at the home of Glenn Snider.

122S North Church street at 12:48 p. m. today. Firemen extinguished the blaze. Daniel Gage Elected University Club Head Dr.

Daniel Gage of the Millikin university history department was elected president of the University club at a meeting in Kaeuper hall at the university last night. Ernst H. Westlund was named vice president and E. H. Langdon was elected secretary-treasurer.

The new officers will be installed at a dinner meeting in the Scovill golf course clubhouse May 1. Dr. Thome Deuel, director of the Illinois State Museum, will speak on "Rediscovering Illinois" at the May 1 meeting. Rev. Fr.

George H. Powell, pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic church, spoke on "The Philosophy of Education" at last night's meeting. Susler, Schroder Win D. H.

S. Essay Contest Marshall Susler and Merilyn Schroder have been named first and second place winners in the United Nations Essay contest held at Decatur high school March 28. Sixteen students took part in the contest and the winning essays from- Decatur high school will be sent to Washington. D. C.

to be entered in national competition The national winner is given a free trip to Europe or a university scholarship. Judges for the local contest were Dr. Daniel Gage. Prof. A.

T. Mills and Grace Bridges. Singer Paul Robeson came to Millikin university to sing and talk this morning on the invitation of two students. Faith Scout Camp Seeks Land The Boy Scouts want to add land to Camp Robert Faries, across Lake Decatur. The Decatur park district was asked to purchase additional land adjoining the camp at the park board's meeting last night.

Board members agreed to investigate the possibility. The land on which the Boy Scout camp is located is owned by the park district. Park Board Office Rent Up 50 Per Cent Rent on the park district's office in the Decatur Club building is to be raised 50 per cent. The park board was notified at its meeting last night that the rent will be raised from $40 to $60. starting June 1.

The rent will also become payable on a monthly basis. Contract Awarded For Airport Work A contract for the $36,008 sewage disposal plant at the Decatur municipal airport has been awarded to W. C. Hall of Atwood, low bidder on the job. is scheduled to start soon.

Board to Reduce Dreamland Duck Flock Fifty ducks are too many for Dreamland lake, in Fairviev park, the park board decided yesterday. Result: Half of them will be sold to poultry farms and dealers. The board also decided to move a few of its ducks from the north end of Lake Decatur near Faries park, where sportsmen claim they disturb the spawning places of fish. They will be taken to Dreamland. Park District to Buy Water Pump, Mowers A new water pump and three power-driven sickle bar mowers are to be purchased by the Decatur park district.

Bids will be opened May 1. The pump will be used to pump water from the Sangamon river to the "Scovill golf course. The mowers will be used at Nelson and Fair-view parks and at the Decatur airport. Land Near Hospital To Be Public Park The land across Lost Bridge road from the veterans hospital site will be set aside as a "public park, free of buildings." The park board decided last night to pass a resolution to that effect, upon request, from Col. W- P.

Trower, chief of the Chicago office of the army engineers, who will be in charge of the hospital's construction. The park district attorney was instructed to draw a resolution. Standard Offers Low Bid on Gasoline Standard Oil Co. was the apparent low bidder last night on a contract to furnish gasoline to the Decatur park district for sale at the municipal airport. The company offered to furnish 80-octane gas for 12.212 cents a gallon and 90-octane gas for 13 212 cents a gallon.

It would also furnish the necessary equipment tor pumping the gas at the airport. The gasoline is bought by the park district and sold to the pubic by the concessionnaire at the airport, who is paid by the park district. The prices quoted did no' include taxes. Other bidders were Socony, lz. 9 and 13.9 cents: Shell.

13.48 and 14.48 cents; and Phillips, 15 and 16 cents. August Karl Seeks $10,000 in Damages August F. Karl filed suit in circuit court today against Fred O. Rendleman, seeking a personal injury judgment for $10,000. The claim is for alleged injuries received last Feb.

4 in a collision of cars on route 121. three-quarters of one mile south of route 36. few times and were startled at the music from the car radio. THE TASK being undertaken by Dr. and Mrs.

Schlosser is a great one. The children tpc-ik only French nnri must learn English before they can enter school. For weeks the doctor and his wife have studied from an English-French dictionary "brushing up" on a language which they had almost forgotten. "As far as possible, we will speak only English to the children, so that they will be forced to pick up the language as quickly as possible," Mrs. Schlosser said.

"They have so many things to learn that it will be just like teaching babies." Dr. Schlosser said. The first task which must be undertaken to build the children up physically and make up for the years when they did not have proper care. Alfred suffers from a sinus condition and shows the signs of malnutrition more than his tom-boyish strawberry blond sister. Although the children attended classes in the orphanage.

Dr. and Mrs. Schlosser have no way of knowing just how far advanced they are in their schooling. It is probable that the children will be instructed by a tutor before they are entered in the city public schools. Dr.

and Mrs. Schlosser have a two-year-old son of their own. out today are determined that the children they have taken into their home shall have all the opportunities for a successful life that they can arrange. Dump Sites Under Study Dr. P.

A. Sleele. city health commissioner, said three sites for a new city dump are under study and that he also plans to-go to Rockford next week to investigate a new, army-developed method of refuse disposal. Dr. Steele some time ago announced that the present dump, southwest of the city, would be abandoned because it is too close to the residential area and has proved a problem because of fires and offensive smoke.

The city is seeking a dump far enough away from major residence sections to avoid possible nuisance to the people, he said. The Rockford system, which the doctor plans to check, in general is to use mechanical equipment to gouge holes in the ground into which trash is dumped and immediately covered with the dirt which was lifted out to form the holes. This method, he said, was developed and used successfully by the army during the war and since then had been adopted in a number of communities. DISORDERLY FINE Cecil Idelman. 135 West Main street, was fined S9.40 for disorderly conduct.

Two Men Looking For Trouble Pay Fines of $71.90 Two Clinton men, who tola Decatur police late last night that they were looking for trouble, got a little. Gordon Crawford. 41. and George Ellis Overy. 30.

a Clinton bartender, became involved in a dispute in the Overlin -tavern in the 100 block East Main street. Police advised that the two men call it a night and start for home as the best means of avoiding trouble. "We're looking for trouble that's what we want." replied one of the men. according to police. So, they were escorted to police headquarters.

Crawford was charged with disorderly conduct and with leaving the motor of his automobile running unattended. He paid fines totaling $42.50. Overy was fined $29.40 for disorderly conduct. By JOYCE THOMPSON Of The Review Staff The fondest dreams of a million European war orphans are today coming true for Mary and Alfred Yesterday after an ocean voyage and a train trip half way across a continent, the children who speak only French were taken into the home and the lives of an aunt and uncle. Dr.

and Mrs. Max Schlos-ser, 924 South Twenty-first street. Mary, 11. and Alfred, 15. were born in Cologne.

Germany but lived most of their lives in Antwerp. Belgium, where before the war their father was a baker. THE CHILDREN'S father was sent to a German slave labor camp soon after the invasion of Belgium and it is presAned that he died there. The rigors and privations brought on by the German occupation of Antwerp were too much for their frail mother who died, presumably from natural causes, about five years ago. Mary and Alfred were then placed in an orphans' home where they remained until passage to this country could be arranged by Dr.

Schlosser, their mother's brother, and Mrs. Schlosser. Dr. and Mrs. Schlosser, who have lived in this country about 10 years, learned soon after the termination of the European war of the plight of the children through other relatives in Belgium.

Scores of letters were written and finally through a letter to President Truman and the United Service of New Americans in New York, passage for the children was arranged. THINGS TAKEN for granted by American children are a cause of great wonder for the children who remember little of a world not at war. The children gaze in wonder at white bread. Ihe quantities of meat on the lable and are amazed that they are able to eat all the food they wish. Yesterday Mrs.

Schlosser took them downtown for real American clothing and Mary, so confused by the array of brightly colored socks on display, was unable to choose the ones she wanted. Alfred, a shy quiet boy and small for his age. was attired in his first suit of clothes and today, in their new home the children look just like millions of American children. Until yesterday the children had never tasted ice cream. They had ridden in an automobile only a that one of the principal reasons for decreased consumption was the loss of overtime pay by workers During the lush years, many workers looked upon their overtime oay as easy money, or.

at least, providing something extra for luxury use. RETURNED VETERANS also continued free spenders for several months after their release, some of them using money received from the federal government to cover the period of transition into civilian life. One operator suggests the tailing off of patronage of women as con tributing to the slackened business. While many women were cm-j oloyed outside the home, making good money, they spent more in the taverns. They were dressed for the street and it was easy to stop: for a few drinks before they re-! turned home The percentage of women now frequenting taverns is said to have dropped sharply.

The falling off of women visitors, it was suggested, also accounts for some of the drop in male patronage. When a group of men gather in a tavern, it is not unusual for them to confine purchases to a few rounds of beer When the same men are seated with women at fables or in booths, ihev are more likely to go in tor higher priced mixed drinks and spend their money more freely. Negro Singer Talks of American Civil Liberties By C. ALBERT ALTWEGG Of The Review Staff Paul Robeson sang at Millikin university this morning. He sang and he spoke.

And he said he would go on to Peoria to speak tonight. He said he would go to Peoria "in spite of a resolution' passed by the city council that no artist or speaker who has what they consider to be subversive tendencies may appear there." "I consider this an invasion of American civil liberties," the noted American Negro singer said, "so I go into heroic Peoria this eening." WHEN MR. ROBESON spoke, he had been informed that the mayor of Peoria had said last night that Robeson would be permitted to sing in the city hall but that if the singer "makes any subversive statements the meeting will be closed immediately." Mr. Robeson had not yet been informed that the mayor of Peoria had rescinded this morning his permission of last night. "I am going to speak," Mr.

Robeson said in an interview after his Millikin appearance. "I shall be very careful. "I shall speak as long as I can two hours or more on very little. And I shall see where they stop me." Mr. Robeson expressed his deep concern over "what is 'happening in Peoria." IT GROWS OUT of the report of "a certain House committee, a committee which up to now is pretty well discredited" which listed Singer Robeson as connected with "Communist front" organization.

"I was never called before that committee to testify. No witnesses appeared before it and testified against Mr. Robeson said. "And yet, a few men get together and decide, without trial, that I am guilty of subversive activities. And on the strength of that, the Peoria city council passed its resolution tft keep me out of the city.

"Americans must be very careful how they follow this current hysteria," Mr. Robeson said. "Obviously, there must be something behind this. The only times I have ever seen this sort of thing before in the Spain of- Franco, in the France of Vichy, the Germany of Hitler and Gocbbels, and the Italy of Mussolini it foreshadowed the coming of Fascism." HE ADDED that "if the American Fascists had come to me a few years ago. I would have advised them against this sort of thing.

I would have said it is outmoded, worn out, too obvious. But I would have been wrong." Informed, while eating lunch at Water Survey Contract Ready Decatur township officials have prepared a contract with Warren Van Praag to make a preliminary survey to determine the feasibility of proposed water and sewerage systems for the township area out side the city of Decatur, it was reported by Elbert S. Smith, town ship attorney. The contract is subject to ap proval by the town board of auditors, which has a special meeting scheduled for April 23. At the annual town meeting April 1, an appropriation of $7,000 to meet the cost of the preliminary survey was approved.

If the preliminary survey indicates the projects are feasible, they may be submitted at a township referendum upon the filing of a petition bearing signatures 'of approximately 8,000 voters in the township. the Colonial restaurant this afternoon, that the Peoria mayor had changed his mind today and rescinded his permission for the singer to appear, Mr. Robeson said: "What are they trying to do? It's a flagrant violation of civil liberties guaranteed under the Constitution. And as a lawyer, will take legal steps to find out wliat is wrong." Asked if he intended to go to Peoria anyway, he said: "CERTAINLY, I'm going to Peoria. I'm leaving on the two-thirty train.

"I intend to speak on the street corner or the sidewalk, if necessary. But I am going to speak in Peoria!" Informed that the Peoria mayor had changed his mind after receiving a petition against Robeson's appearance from a Peoria post of the American Legion, Mr. Robeson said: "I'm not afraid of anyone. I know my rights. Supposing some other artist, like Danny Kaye, were refused the right to appear in public." PAUL ROBESON came to Milli kin at the invitation of two stu-i dents, Faith Nansen and John Langdon, who obtained his promise after' the singer's concert in Champaign; Wednesday night.

Dr. J. Walter Malone, president of the university, said in introducing Mr. Robeson that he came in his deep interest in students and better race relations. Before Mr.

Robeson sang, Bruce Hayden played the "Meditation" from "Thais" by Massenet. Mr Hayden is a Negro student of the violin at the Millikin School of Music. MR. ROBESON, who was accompanied by Peggy Apperson, a senior piano student in the Millikin-School of Music, sang the following numbers: "Go Down, more familiarly known as "Let My People Go" "Swing Low, Sweet a Negro spiritual. "Water Chinese children's song.

A Russian lullaby, with the introductory comment: "They also sing them. They love their children, too, I found." "Scandalize My Name," a Negro folk song. "Old-Man AFTER HIS PROGRAM of songs! Paul Robeson gave a short presentation from Shakespeare's tragedy And then ho spoke to the students. He told them it was encouraging to find young people working for the furtherance of race relations. He said: "From these things I'm convinced I'm optimistic that we certainly can build a better America together." In introducing his presentation of the last speech of Othello, Mr.

Robeson said it showed the tragic hero as of his guilt, but also conscious of his honor, of his pride, and of that most precious of gifts--his human dignity." 'Jake' Is Sought By Persons Living Near Warren School Now that the old Warren school is receiving some temporary repairs and is nearing the end of its days, some residents of the school neighborhood have asked The Review: "Who is Jake?" Those making inquiry about "Jake" explain that the school has a slate root, possibly the original roof. Whoever put the slate on the roof, saved out each darker piece of slate until he had enough to spell out the name "Jake" in letters several feet tall, near the northwest corner of the school roof. Lighter slate around the dark set out the name plainly according to residents of the neighborhood and now they wonder who this particular "Jake" was. Tavern Business Slumps Blame Slack-Off in G. and Women Catholics Plan Event For St.

Teresa Debt A public Bar-B-Q sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the St. Teresa Booster club will be held June 7 and 8 at Chap's Amusement park. Proceeds will be applied to the St. Teresa building debt. Chap's picnic area is being donated to the sponsors and a percentage of the income from the rides and other amusements wiil go to the fund.

Gordon Gebhart is general chairman for the two-day Bar-B-Q assisted by Bernie Livergood. Both men arc members of the K. of and the Booster club. A pot-luck to advance plans for the event will be held in the Knights of Columbus hall at 6 30 p. m.

tomorrow. Mrs. Carl Raupp. 404 South Crea street, is in charge of the potluck. Girl Scout Troops Get 1,272 Cookie Orders Ten Girl Scout troops of the 57 taking orders for the current annual cookie sale had reported orders for a total of 1.272 boxes ty noon today.

The sale this year is limited to 10.000 boxes. Troops participating in the sale were asked to report their number of orders to the Girl Scout Little House today. Final reports will be in by Wednesday, Scout executives said. The boxes, containing 40 vanilla cookies each, sell for 35 cents. Delivery will be made April 26.

and proceeds will be used for the new Girl Scout camp at Big Creei park. I Merle Voiles Admits Part in 5 Burglaries Merle Voiles. 31. of 890 East Van Buren street, who was arrested yesterday, has admitted he took part in five recent burglaries, ac-i cording to Jerry Sheehy, potxe lieutenant. The burglaries admitted were in Nellie's tavern, the Yates tavern, Chumbley's Dry Cleaners, Cloyd'i grocery and Tom's Grill, it was said.

Three other youths previously were arrested in connection with the series of burglaries. DISORDERLY CHARGE Laurence R. Bescue, 26. of Maroa. was released under bond and Geneva Dees, 38.

of Chicago was held following their arrest on charges of disorderly conduct. The complaint was made by park police. Several Decatur tavern operators are beginning to worry about the decrease in sales of liquor and beer, which in some instances have amounted to 40 per cent, as compared to one year ago. For several years, tavern licenses have been at a premium, and the owner of a tavern who decided to sell, could count upon Boosting his sale price by approximately $5,000 through virtue of having a license. There has constantly been a waiting list of prospective license applicants under the city's plan of limiting the num-er.

The value which may be placed on the license in sale of a tavern is now decreasing, according to one operator, who predicts that be fore the end of the next fiscal year of the city, a half dozen or more operators will surrender their licenses. IT IS REPORTED that Illinois liquor taxes declind 42.5 per cent last March as compared to March. 1946. The local retail trade did not fall that far, because several taverns have increased prices of beer, shots, mixed drinks and package goods during the last year. This tended to hold the volume of dollar sales up.

although the number of patrons and the amount they consumed dropped substantially. Decatur tavern operators agree.