The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, September 4, 1935, Page 1

wo? . { « North Dakota’s Oldest Newspaper THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE ESTABLISHED 1873 STRANDED STEAMER ” STILL IS POUNDED ON SUBMERGED REEF Leak in Fuel Tanks Increases Danger for 373 Persons on Liner Dixie FIVE SHIPS WAIT CLOSE BY Will Attempt Rescue From Stricken Vessel as Soon as Wind and Waves Abate Four of nine steamers hove to in the vicinity were taking off Passengers, Pilot Roy Keeler, fly- ing an amphibian ship, reported. Rough seas were hampering the work, he said. Miami, Fla., Sept. 4.—The grounded Morgan liner Dixie, 372 persons aboard, developed a leak in one of its fuel tanks Wednesday and was making water in its double bottom as the hurricane-swept sea pound- ed it on French reef. It advised, however, that there was no immediate danger. El Occidente of the Morgan Line, one of five waiting boats held back from rescue of the Dixie’s 241 passen- gers and crew by the turbulent waves, reported the sea was moderating slightly. The latest message, from El Occi- dente to the Morgan Line offices said? “Strong southerly winds. Rough sea continues; moderating slightly. Dixie advises no immediate danger. Standing by awaiting instructions from Dixie.” The master of the Dixie reported earlier that his ship was “resting easy” despite the terrific pounding it was getting 60 miles south of here. ‘Ship Resting Easy’ “Leak developed in one fuel tank,” said his message. “Oil leaking out. Ship resting easy.” The Dixie stuck fast after it was swept onto the reef by the tropical hurricane Monday night. Standing by and waiting for the sea to moderate enough to permit the launching of life-boats were the Pla- tona, El Occidente, Gatun, Limon ‘and Reaper—three fruit boats, one -passenger vessel, one tanker. Captain E. W. Sundstrom, commo- dore of the Morgan Line and master of the grounded liner, decided late (Continued on Page Two) 9 ND, POLL TAX LAW ~<a, ‘ UPHELD BY COURT IN 3-2 DECISION ‘Majority of Justices Hold Legis- lature Had Power to Im- pose 1931 Levy In a 3-2 decision, the North Dakota supreme court Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of @ 1931 state law, imposing an annual $1 poll tax on all « persons over 21 years of age. The majority ruling, written by Chief Justice John Burke, reversed .the judgment of the Ward county district court, which had’held.the law to be unconstitutional. ‘The action was one started in Minot by J. A. Aubol, 64, and Alice Audette, 25, against the Minot city assessor, Martin J. Engeseth, in ‘which a de- claratory judgment was asked to con- strue the effect of the law. It was contended the 1931 law vio~ lated Section 180 of the state consti- tution, which states the .legislature may provide for “the levy, collection ‘and disposition of an annual poll tax inhabitant ‘of the state over 21 and under 50 years of age.” Provides for Annual Levy nual poll tax on all persons over 21 years of age, regardless of. sex, places no age limit beyond which the person would not be taxable. In the majority opinion, concurred in by Justices A. G. Burr and James forris, the supreme court held that Bection 180 of the constitution, “does not, by implication, prohibit Jegislature from imposing @ poll tax ‘on women and males over 50 years of ” E s & BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1935 P | Here, as under a magnifying spiask, jal physical features are clearly you see the whole of the African|Shown. If there should be an Italian country: on which a terrified world] renon iis course may. ati an has glued its eyes for weeks. The!which shows the obstacles as well as dark land is Ethiopia, whose princi-|the actual location of towns and phy-| COUNTRY OF VAST WATER- LESS PLATEAUS COVERED, WITH TALL GRASS AND. ScRuB. sical features. The oil and mineral north to Eritrea. The Mediterranean- concessions hastily granted to a mys-| Red Sea route to east Africa and In- terious foreign company lle in a not-|dia, vital both to Italy and Britain, too-precisely defined area from Lake/|is shown clearly, as are the European Rudolf, lower left, northeast to a|possessions which completely sur- point east of Addis Ababa, and|round Ethiopia. Here Is Ethiopian Situation at Glance (By the Associated Press) Here's how the Ethiopian situa- tion stood Wednesday: Secretary Hull announced at Washington that officials of the Standard-Vacuum Oil company had agreed to withdraw from con- cessions in Ethiopia. Council of the League of Nations meets at Geneva with: war or Peace resting on its decision. Informed Italian circles are con- vinced that Britain's stand has been so weakened by the oil con- cession incident that Anthony Eden may not move for sanctions. ‘They are confident of a diplomatic victory at Geneva. British cabinet ministers are re- turning to London prepared for swift action if warranted. ‘Women with spears and other crude weapons Wolunteer for army service in Ethiopia. The feeling rose in British cir- cles that Mussolini might be plan- ning to adopt Huey Long tactics for a filibuster at Geneva while he drove ahead to reach his “drastic and complete solution” with a swift military campaign in East Africa. Tension was heightened by a re- ‘port Lie) 1 Dave Dad est. ere. 28 launching of his attack Withdrawal of American Oil Firm From Abyssinia Clarifies Situation Italy took the offensive Wednesday jas the League of Nations met to con- jsider her prospective war with Ethio- pia by bluntly warning the conclave that she would not discuss the matter Ethiopia,” another League member, according to Associated Press patches. Asserting that Ethiopia had nof ful- filled her obligations, Baron Pompeo Aloisi, Mussolini's spokesman, asserted that “Italy reserves complete liberty of action so as to adopt all measures which may become necessary for the security of her colonies and for safe- guarding her interests.” Hint of an agreement between England and Italy was contained in the declaration of Captain Anthony Eden, British spokesman, that Italy had promised to respect Great Brit- ain’s interests in Ethiopia and that “Great Britain is sure these interests will be respected in the future.” Council Is Adjourned After Aloisi’s statement the League council adjourned. The Italian pre- viously had submitted a statement showing wherein Italy holds Ethiopia to have been an aggressor by “brig- andage and violence.” The Ethiopian delegation asked time to prepare a reply to Italy and Dr. Ruiz Guinazu of Argentina, presi- dent of the council, said the time for the next meeting would be announced later. Meanwhile, the general situation was clarified by announcement at Washington that the Standard ‘Vac- uum Oil company had agreed not to go ahead under the terms of the con- cession granted it by Emperor Haile Selassie. Withdrawal of the American oil company was considered to have elim- inated whatever chance there was of the United States becoming embroil- ed in the conflict and Secretary Hull’s diplomatic maneuver in this connec- tion was believed to have clarified the issue in the controversy between Italy and Abyssinia. Seen as Aid to Peace ; Observers also saw the move as a bold stroke destined to aid Great Britain and other European nations jin their attempts to calm the troubled East African scene. At Hyde Park, N. Y., President Roosevelt was said to be “delighted” at the turn of events “because he regarded the contract so upsetting to peace negotiations.” The League of Nations met in a special session at Geneva Wednesday in avert war. co «Continued on Page Iwo) “on @ footing of equality with) Italy Takes Offensive as League Meets to Consider Peace Outlook 1 ! ! Late News Bulletins (By the Associated Press) MOUNTRAIL PIONEER KILLED Sanish, N. D. — Dan Hawkins, 79, pioneer of Ward and Mountrail counties, died here Tuesday a few hours after he was struck. by an au- tomobile driven by P. L. Pieghtal. The accident was declared accidental. WHEAT RATES. APPROVED Minneapolis—Word that the I. C. C. had ordered emergency reductions on wheat from the southwest was re- ceived here. The new rates will be effective Sept. 10 and will continue until March 31, 1936. On Tuesday, Governor Walter Wel- ford asked executives of neighboring states to oppose application of these rates as prejudicial to the interests of the North Dakota farmer. ETHIOPIANS SHOCKED Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—The Ethi- opian government was shocked by news that the Standard Vacuum Oil company had agreed to cancel its concession in this country. Girl Is Recovering From Rattler’s Bite Rhame, N. D., Sept, 4—(@)—Rhame hospital attendants said Wednesday Margaret Stricher, four, suffering from a rattle-snake bite, is rapidly re- covering. The girl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F N. Stricher, farmers near here, was bitten by the rattler while gathering eggs. Moorhead Man Loses Life as Boat Upsets Fargo, N. D., Sept. 4.—(4)—Drown- ed when a sailboat capsized in a sud- den squall, the body of Frank With- erow, 20, of Moorhead, was being sought iti Big Cormorant lake east of Moorhead Wednesday. Paul Lutgens, Moorhead, escaped death by clinging to the overturned craft until rescued by fishermen. - The tragedy, which occurred about 5 p. m., Tuesday, was witnessed from & distance of several miles by two fishermen but when they reached the scene Witrerow had perished. My help find Anthony Fokker, world- Washington Flooded With Work Projects Washington, Sept. 4.—(®)—A rush reminiscent of CWA’s drive to employ 4,000,000 men in 30 days was on Wed- nesday in the control room of the ad- ministration’s present effort to end the dole. W. M. Cotton, chief of the project control division, announced that WPA applications had ‘jumped to around $100,000,000 a duy since President Roosevelt set September 12 as the deadline for getting them to the cap- ital. A “big day” formerly was $33,- 000,000. Munitions Probers Seek Plane Builder Washington, Sept. 4.—(#)—Senate munitions investigators have asked! the justice and state departments to famed airplane designer, Chairman Nye (Rep., N. D.), ex- plained the committee desired to look into “some airplane sales transac- tions” and had been unable to hand Fokker a subpoena. A letter to the state department mentioned expecta- tion that FokKer might try to leave the country. Flannigan Confers With Party Leaders Grand Forks, N. D., Sept. 4.—(7)— Nonpartisan league leaders of five northeastern North Dakota counties met here Tuesday with State High- way Commissioner W. J.” Flannigan. Flannigan announced the meeting was to consider appointments and organ- ization. PRICE FIVE CENTS OUTLOOK DECLARED GOOD; TESTS SHOW HIGH MILLING VALUE Color Is Slightly Below Stand- ard But Other Factors Are Above Par CAN BE USED FOR SEED Welford Says All Facilities of State Being Used in Price Battle The outlook for North Dakota farm- ers receiving full value for their wheat steadily improves as state and federal officials speeded their research of the milling properties of the high protein but light-weight grain harvested this year. From the North Dakota Agricul- tural college came news to R. B. Cum- mins, chairman of the national emer- gency council for the state, that cereal chemists there had determined that the wheat could be milled almost as satisfactorily this year as in normal! crop years. Using 100 as a ‘eandard of com- parison, college chemssts declared that the grade of color was 99 while the protein content measured up to 169, an exceptionally high value from the baking standpoint, Cummins said he had been informed. Thomas H. Moodie, state WPA ad- ministrator, who more than a week ago appealed to the U. 8. department of agriculture to investigate the light- weight grain situation, Wednesday said he had been advised by Secretary Wallace that an official of the AAA had been detailed to study the prob- lem from all angles. Some Unfit for Use Secretary Wallace, Moodie said, ex- pressed the opinion, however, that some of the grain, particularly that badly affected by black stem rust, probably would be unfit for milling purposes. From Grand Forks came the word that tests at the North Dakota state mill and elevator definitely proved the light wheat capable of produc- ing good bread. Acting on this information, the state industrial commission decided to bring into play every facility of the mill and elevator and the state col- lege to assure farmers full income for the grain. Governor Walter Welford, emphas- izing tests at the state mill labora- tories, also said a large amount of the low grade wheat is in proper con- dition for seed. He urged farmers to save a supply of the 1935 crop. “Local elevators,” Welford said, “have not understood the marketing conditions as applied to light weight wheat. We have come to the con- clusion that a large amount’ of the wheat can be used for seed. “We are convinced it has a good milling value. Our problem is to get the whole market structure to pay that value.” Senator Lynn J. Frazier and Dean H. L. Walster of the Agricultural college attended the commission meeting at Grand Forks. New Varieties Approved Turning attention to certain wheats which offered a challenge to black rust, department of agriculture offi- cials in Washington pointed to the Ceres and Thatcher sorts as having withstood the epidemic more strongly than the Marquis. Officials said that the rust which practically sliced in half the spring wheat crop, forced the Marquis yield down to only five bushels an acre in the damaged sections of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Compared to this were a reported average yield of 15 bushels an acre for Ceres, a semi-resistant cross de- veloped by the department and North Dakota experiment stations, and a reported 30-bushel average for ‘Thatcher, a Minnesota product. The department said the resistant varieties “stood up amazingly well” against the rust. RED CATCHER INJURED Lousville, Ky., Sept. 4.—(?)—Henry “Hank” Erickson, reserve catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, was injured se- riously in an automobile wreck 25 miles northeast of Louisville early ‘Wednesday. FORMER SLAVE DIES Fergus Falls, Sept. 4.—(#)—William Denham, Negro, 96, born in Tennessee during slave days, died at the home of his daughter here. Hundreds Seeking Moorhead Child Missing from School|:* Fargo, N. D., Sept. 4.—(P)— Missing since being dismissed from his first day of school at F esday, Donald The child had been instructed to wait for his older brother Richard, who is 10, when dis- missed from school Tuesday, but when the older boy appeared at 3p. m., the child had disappeared. Several hundred Fear 500 Drowned in Florida Storm | ush Effort to Raise Wheat Price Area Soon to Be Drenched in Blood Destruction and Death Mark Path Of Tropical Wind Rescue Workers Battle Hurricane Lashed Waters in Effort to Reach Victims on Lonely Keys; Several Settlements Reported Washed Away by Towering Waves .ALL COMMUNICATION LINES ARE REPORTED DOWN Story of Tragedy Is Told by Scattering Survivors Reaching Mainland, Boatmen and Rescue Workers Who Approached Scene of Devastation (Copyright, 1985, by the Associated Press) Miami, Sept. 4.—The destruction of war veterans’ con- struction camps on the Florida Keys, some of them swept by high walls of water rolling in from raging seas, Wednesday brought rapidly-increasing fears of a terrific death toll from the hurricane roaring over the Gulf area. A searching party from Miami reported by radio to the Red Cross an estimated loss of life between 400 and 500. Wire com- munication was disrupted. The devastation was heaviest in the camps of the veterans, engaged in building a highway down the keys to Key West. One of these camps was completely demolished. Another was a mass of wreckage. A rescue train, sent down the keys Monday to bring back the veterans, was reported wrecked. This information came from a coast guard plane which sur- veyed the area early Wednesday. The message said: “Veteran Camp No. 1 completely demolished. Train in upper Matecumbe key. Engine is only part left standing on track. All cars overturned. All buildings wrecked. Camp five, on lower Matecumbe key, . . . the construction site farthest to the north, said the train had passed through there, intending to pick up the veterans there on the return trip.” Rescue workers fought wind-tossed waters in efforts to reach the devastated little islands that form the keys south of here. Battered refugees from upper Matecumhe said the waters spilled over a veterans’ construction camp there like a mill race. Of 64 frame buildings, including a hospital, 68 were crushed like small match boxes by the hurricane. Walls of Water Poured Over Area Walls of water as high as 15 feet poured continuously over these keys for hours as the hurricane raged up from the Atlan- tic, across the tip.of Florida and into the Gulf. . : A boatman who saw 15 bodies without searching the twisted wreckage, | thought many more were swept to sea. Four of one family who sought shel- ter in the camp's hospital apparently lost their lives. A six-year-old girl of the family and her mother saved their lives by clinging all night to wreckage. One veteran said he would rather face a machine gun than go through the hurricane experience again. George Branch, station master at Isla Morada, estimated several hun- dred persons died. Only 25 residents of the island were saved, he said. Branch told the office here he himself counted nearly 150 bodies after the great winds blew over. ‘The principal places where deaths were reported were: Rock Harbor, a camp of war veterans on Plantation key—75 dead, 47 in- jured. (Two veterans shouted the information to a Miami photographer across open water.) Tavernier, on Plantation Key, 16 miles from Rock Harbor—100 dead. (A short wave radio message to the Red Cross from an unidentified source ee St areas, town of perhaps 400 persons, 12 or 15 houses still stand. All down the keys isolated frame houses have been crushed. About them there is no sign of life. Upper Matecumbe, a veterans’ camp on the next Key south of Rock Har- bor—25 to 100 dead. (Refugee estimates.) Once in the Gulf, the path of the storm was northerly. It centered Wednesday morning to the west of Clearwater and gales were expected by Ce es from St. Petersburg, the first since the storm swerved up the west Florida coast, said the tide was rising rapidly and the seas were heavy. Property damage was reported as “considerable.” No loss of life was re- ‘From St. Petersburg came the further word: “Have no knowledge of conditions at Clearwater and Tarpon Springs.” Miami Undertaker Leads Searching Party The searching party out of Miami was led by Jack Combs, an under- taker. The 400-to-500 estimate was for the Keys area only. Refugees from the veterans’ camp on unprotected Matecumbe key told of the force of the hurricane. William Carthorn, one of the vet- HITCH - HIKING AND ei si ses NEW BEER ACTS UP POR CITY APPROVAL Street Widening Project Through PWA Aid Recom- mended by Commission north of St. Petersburg. The 1,200 residents of Cedar are connected with the mainland by only a narrow causeway. The force of the hurricane appar- ently had abated from the intensity of the hours of horror Monday night and early Tuesday on the Keys below Miami, Bismarck’s city commission Wed- nesday placed two proposed ordin- ances on first reading, one aimed at hitch-hikers, the second lb- ing the limits in which beer can be retailed within the city. Hitch-hikers are defined in the proposed ordinance as public nuis- ances and menaces to public safety. ete 7 i F g 8 Te at i e E age fs THE ee g 3 De .