The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, April 20, 1940, Page 1

THE DAILY ALASKA EMPIRE “ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME” VOL. LV., NO. 8393. MEMBER ASSOCIATED PRESS JUNEAU, ALASKA, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1940. MAJOR BATTLE EXPECT lc;rg:e Forces Landed sz 29 DIE AS FAST TRAIN | IS WRECKED Nine of Sixteen Cars Jump from Rails Rounding Wide Curve TWISTED WRECKAGE IS STREWN FOR HALF MILE| Bodies of Many Vidims Badly Mangled-Iden- fification Is Hard LITTLE FALLS, N. Y., April 20— A westbound New York, Chicago and Lake Shore limited New York | Central passenger train hurtled from | the rails in the Mohawk Valley shortly before midnight last night and killed at least 29 persons and injured more than 100 other pas- sengers. Nine cars of the 16-car train, which was carrying from 250 to 300 passengers who were mostly asleep, piled up on a wide curve as the train was attempting to make up lost time. Sprung Rail Cause Railroaders said it is believed a sprung rail caused the wreck. The locomotive jumped the rails and hit a stone embankment, killing the engineer and fireman. The cars crumpled like match- | wood. Passengers were strangely calm and those who were able immed- iately began rescue work without hysteria in a scene of greatest con- fusion and desolation. Identification Hard Identification of those killed pro- | ceeded slowly because the majority | were sleeping at the time were in night attire and many of the vic- tims were badly mangled. The wreckage is a mass of twisted steel and is strewn half a mile along the main east and west highway of the Albany-Buffalo barge canal. Rescuers Work in Rain Up to noon today, only 11 of the | 22 bodies recovered had been identi- fied as rescuers continued working | feverishly in a drizzling cold rain. The railroad officials are inves- tigating the first passenger train | fatality in 13 years. It is said the locomotive speed- ometer indicated the train was go- ing 59 miles an hour, a violation of the regulations for operation around a curve which requires a speed of not more than 45 miles an hour, | Five Killed In Explosion Unexplained Accident| Takes Place in Muni- tions Plant LONDON, April 20.—The home peace front was shattered today by an unexplained explosion in North London of a munitions plant which killed five workmen and injured 15 | others. AIR BATTLE, WEST FRONT PARIS, April 20. — Military dis- patches from the front lines said tonight that fighter planes had shot down at least four and possibly five German airplanes in a large scale air battle. The battle is described as the first major air battle over the Western Front since the extension of the war to Norway. First Lady at Migrant Camp H.OODS HIT Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, wife Robert Hardie, manager, as she in; Visalia, Cal. stances we should s 'SUICIDE SQUAD"" STANDS OFF ONE GERMAN ATTACK France Now Working on New Enfenfe Proposals Being Made to Italy, Spain-Mediter- ranean Move PARIS, April 20. — While Great Britain and Russia are making ov- ertures toward trade talks, easing |one sore spot, France has made a gesture towards Germany's non- belligerent ally and hostile critic of | the Allies, Italy. Premier Reynaud told the French Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee that France is looking toward a “Mediterranean Entente” embracing Italy and Spain, whose Nationalist Government received both German and Italian aid during the recent civil war Premier Reynaud declared that France’s purpose in southeastern Europe is the “maintenance of peace and independence of all countries.” 4 Halibufers Sell, Seattle SEATTLE, April 20.—Halibuters arriving and selling cargoes, are as follows: From the western banks—J. B. Ed- wards 40,000 pounds, Eldorado 40,- 000 pounds, both selling for 9% and 9 cents a pound; Eagle 40,000 pounds, 8% and 8 1-2 cents a pound. From the local banks—Hoover 12,- 000 pounds, 9% and 9% cents. HERO DIES LONDON, April 20.—A hero of the World War battle of Jutland, Admiral Sir Ernest Frederick died today in Westminister Hospital. Sir ‘Ernest, who was 65 years old, had a long record of achievement in the Admiralty, She said the plight of the “Okies” was not exaggerated in the controversial book and film, “Grapes of Wrath.” Speaking of a third term for the President, she said, “Except in extraordinary circum- | OHIO VALLEY; PEOPLE FLEE :Hundreds oT—FamiIies Ev- acuating Homes - Part of State Under Water CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 20.— Hundreds of families fled from their homes today as Ohio’s Hocking Val- ley suffered the worst flood since 1913, The rain-burdened Ohio River swept the lowlands and entered Marietta. Many localities are isolated and roads are impassable. One boy is reported to have been drowned. Many swollen tributaries are flowing into larger streams and at | noon today, much of southern Ohio |was under water after one week of Phonephoto of the President, is accompanied by spects the federal migratory camp at tick to our tradition.” | | LONDON, April 20.—A story of a | “suicide squad” cf Norwegians, Swedes and Finns who repelled a | | German attack for six hours With an 1894 cannon, was wired by Ex- w change Telegraph from Stockholm to | | the British News Agency today. The squad of 135 volunteers, all | | veterans of the Finnish war, refused ; | to withdraw from Norwa Kongs- | | vingen fortress when German fire | had put all the fortress’ guns out of | action | " After the Norwegian troops with- drew, the Finnish veterans trundled out an ancient 1894 cannon and successfully but hazardously stood off the German attack for six hours. The ancient artillery piece recoiled ‘ei,;h(een feet after every shot and | had to be hauled back into position. Six hours after the withdrawal of the Norwegian troops, only 35 de- fenders remained, and, 100 men short, Lhe fimclde squad" withdrew. Ship Tle-llp | Now Averted SAN FRANCISCO, April EO—The dispute between shipowners and t! CIO American Communication Un- ion was settled today as negot,inuonm for a new contract were resumed. Terms of the settlement were not | announced, but it was understood | that the union agreed to furnish ra-| dio operators to all coastwise steam | schooners. The shipowners had threatened to tie up about 35 vessels unless radio opelators were supplmd CRACK SAFE BUT FLEE, NO MONEY NEW YORK, April 20.—Burglars who attempted to open a safe in the Tosca restaurant left without loot after knocking the combination off a safe. It was believed they had been scared away. The sife contained $100. HITS MINE LONDON, April 20.—The 1,038 ton British freighter Mersy sank today off the north British coast. It was believed that the freighter had hit a mine. i i rain totaling more than four inches. More rain is forecast. ITALY IS ACHING TO HAVE WAR Premier’s Own Newspaper Infers Nation Is Ready to Join Germany ROME, April 20.—Premier Mus- solini’s own newspaper, the Popolo | d'Ttalia, today published its seconm thinly-veiled threat in two days| that Italy is ready to jump into| the war on Germany’s side. Today’s edition of Mussolini’s paper printed a telegram signed hy; the paper’s managing director and | prominent Fascist Party leader. The telegram urged Il Duce to “free ours hands,” to fight what is| termed “our enemies waiting at| 4 PRICE TEN CENTS D IN NORWAY 4 llies and SPRING Leavmg Baby This British Tommy is putting on a brave front as he bids farewell to his | Ziatis London, before heading back to France. The baby at Waterloo Station, baby was born while the father was saw his son for the first time | Italy’s borders.” Last night the newspaper printed | a caustic article about Allied block- | ade methods and warned that what| was termed “Italy’s hour of des- tiny” was at hand. ‘ Meanwh{le, Premier Mussolinij King Victor Emmanuel, Forelgn\ Minister Ciano and the Fascist| Party Secretary sent congratula- tory messages to Chancellor Hit- ler on his 5lst birthday. They were regarded generally as a further indication of the solidar- ity of the Rome-Berlin axis. — - (ROMWEll I5T0 RUNFOR SENATOR American Minister fo Can- ada fo Seek Honors in New Jersey WASHINGTON, April 20.—A slawi Department spokesman said today | that Minister to Canada Cromwell expects to resign after the May 21| New Jersey Primary Election. He is a candidate for the Democratic Senatorship. It could not be learned whether Cromwell's resignation would be dependent upon his win- ning t\e primary fight or whether he| would resign in any case. The State Department is under- | stood to have said that if the young| Minister wanted to do any cam-| paigning in New Jersey he would be | granted a leave of absence from his post. - KARNES ON VACATION | portant announcement, lout at a party given by Mr. v|® good turnout. FLOODS, 19 for War Duty at the front, and the young warrio” when he came home on leave,, TWO CONGRESSMEN HOLD | By JACH STINNETT WASHINGTON, April 20.—Rep- resentative Martin Dies gave a party the other day—and nobody came, Congress' No. 1 smeller-i outer of subversive propaganda had | an uncle from Texas in town and | was showing him the sights. On Saturday, when all is ordin- arily quiet and peaceful here, Mr. Dies spread word among the boys in the House press gallery that he | was having a little luncheon at the Mayflower. There would be steaks and liquids and things. Mr .Dies was not going to make any im- it was said what will pop Dies? |And besides there would be Mr. | Dies’ uncle and just to show Uncle that Mr. Dies had the situation well in hand, there might be a —but who. knows |word or two of importance. Under such circumstances, Mr. | Dies no doubt should have gotten Uncle could have |told the folks back home in Texas| just how solidly Mr. Dies was in with the Washington press, But Howard W. Smith, Virginia —the old meanie—threw a curve |to Mr. Dies, Mr. Smith's House| Labor Committee came through | Just at high noon with a big story PARTIES;” ONE OF THEM DRAWS CROWD; 'TWAS NEWS gave a party and nobody came? I'm still wondering what he told Uncle. Speaking of parties, Repre- sentative Foster Stearns of New Hampshire and Mrs. Stearns gave a tea the other day and although you couldn’t count the guests, there wasn't a Democrat in the whole ka- boodle. Which may show which way the Republicans around here THINK the 1940 political wind is blowing. The Federal Communications Commission gets the darnedest re- quests. A New Englander wants it to put a ban on war songs, A Pennsylvanian objects to kiddie serials using the terms “Injuns” and “Redskins.” (What are you listening to those things for any- way, Mister?) An Ohioan says radio shouldn't pay any attention to daylight saving. An Tllinois listener wants a ban on cooking recipes that cook up into a mess,| A New Yorker says a certain re- ligious program offends woman in Massachusetts says she’s been cleaning her teeth with a certain tooth paste for weeks and that the radio commercial is him. A| 40 ’DNB CLAIMS ~ TRANSPORT | SENT DOWN Brifish Asserf Not Single Life Lost in Landing in Norway (By Associated Press) The German News Agency, DNB, reports that a British transport has been sunk by German air bombs and hits were also scored on a British ‘cmism and two other transports. This DNB report followed a Brit- | ish announcement that not a single | life was lost in the landing of troops in Norway. 23 Aboard Alaska for This Port SEATTLE, April 29. — Steamer Alaska sailed north at 10:30 o'clock this forenoon with 359 passengers, including 125 steerage. Passengers booked for Juneau in- clude the following: Mr. and Mrs. George Ziegler, Mrs. W. C. Ellis, Mrs. A. E. Smith, Mrs. A. Christian, R. A. Davies, Pat Adams. Col. L. E. Atkins, Mr. and Mrs. Andres Olson, George Jorgenson, Oscar Harri, Mrs. Paul M. Sorensen, Mrs. Frank O. Farrell. O. K. Anderson, Frank Dufresne, Mrs. G. P. Parlat, R. O. Bullwinkle, Mr. and Mrs. R. V. L. Wright, E. A. Rasmuson, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Hess, W. K. Beckwith. - Arrested On Charge, Espionage lieulenantfilonel, Swiss Army, Others Taken Into Custody BERNE, April 20.—Swiss Army of- ficials announce the arrest of Lieut. Col. Hans Trueb and several others on charges of espionage in “behalf of a certain foreign power,” which Territorial Commissioner of Edu-“’" their NLRB recommendations| sy g jie. An Indiana chappie says|unofficial sources declared is Ger- |—and if there was a man in the | inag astrological stuff on the radio |many. cation Anthony E. Karnes, Mrs. Karnes and children left on the‘ steamer Northland for a vacation that day it was graham crackers| Philadelphia trip in the States, They plan to visit| Kansas, House press gallery that had lunch| giyes him a pain in the neck. A | . all| and milk about 3 p.m. Now do you know why Mr. Dies brother wants (Continued on Page Eight) ., President Andrew Johnson was ___ | christened Andrew Jackson John- ! son. & & L4 Germany BOTH SIDES CAUTIOUS IN ~ WAR ACTION Lines Reported Drawn, In- dicating Crucial Con- flict Is Nearing \TWO WARNINGS GIVEN; NAZIS TO NORWEGIANS British, French Divisions Arrive on New Front- Attack Expected (By Associated Press) Allied and German troops are pouring into Norway on a large scale as .lines are drawn for a heavy battle. All reports indicate a battle of major proportions is now in the making. Both the Allies and Germans are making cautious moves. British and French troops have landed on the Norwegian coast at Molde, Laerdal and Namsos. The Stockholm newspaper Da- gens Nyheter reports that British officers are already at Norwegian headquarters. Landings Are Made The newspaper also reports that twe British Divisions and one French Division landed safely at Laerdal near the head of Sogne Fjord, 90 miles northeast of Ber- gren and 140 miles northwest of Oslo. The strength of the troops land- ing at other ports is not given. Norwegians Warned Two German warnings to the Norwegians to stop their resistance have been broadcast. One warning, called “final” is- sued by Gen. Von Falkenhorst, Commander-In-Chief of the Army of Occupation, demands that re- sistance cease under threat of “dreadful results” if refused. Sentences Commutted While the Germans are celebrat- ing Hitler's 51st birthday, the de- mands on the Norwegians are somewhat softened by commuta- tion of death sentences on Nor- wegians who have been doomed since the invasion. But, at the same time, Berlin, came the warning to the Norweglans that Germany intends to end the war on the “Norwe- gian purposeless resistan as quickly as possible. s Germans Lose Battle Travelers from Norway who have crossed into Sweden said the Germans have suffered heavy losses when repulsed in a battle at El- verum, north of Oslo. Earlier re- ports said Elverum had fallen to the Germans, Larger Force Landed Unofficial reports said that the two British Divisions and one French Division total between 30,- 000 and 40,000 men lended at three widely separated coastal points, The Allies are apparently plan- ning a thrust at the German oc- cupied port b Trondheim, key to Central Norway. The Germans are said to be ex- tending their grip in Southern Norway and are estimated to have increased the expeditionary force to between 60,000 and 80,000 men, largely transported to the invad- ed country by plane owing to the sea blockade of the Ame& BRITAIN, RUSSIA ARE TO DISCUSS TRADE AGREEMENT LONDON, April 20.—Great Britain has informed Russia she is willing to discuss a trade agreement, nego= from tiations of which were broken off or- izinally when Germany and Russia cached a non-aggression pact be- lore the European war started.