davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-12-16
PRESENT PLAY
SUNDAY NIGHT

Proving timely. not only with the
season of the year, but with world
events as well, a Christmas play,
Peace, Leave With You" will
be presented Sunday evening at
7;30 o'clock by the Fireside group
of Mason Methodist church, No.
2Sth and Madison.
Set in the imaginary kingdom
Of Saxonia, the play has for its
plot, two brothers, fighting on
different sides of a war, meeting
at the family cottage on Christ
mas eve.
Under direction of Regina Hoo
yer, the cast includes Bette Bar
ter. Lyman Ketcham, Norman
Smith, Ted Haley and Wayne
Griffin.
The play is sponsored by the
Music and Drama guild. Kathryn
Magnussen has charge of proper
ties; Amy lack, makeup: Doro-
thy Magnussen, stage; Marshall
Cook, lights; Helen Gessaman,
prompter; Marion Rounds and
Janice Green, and Regina Hoover,
casting.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-12-16
CHURCH PLANS
YUlE PROGRAM
Present Christmas
Pagent Sunday
Evening

A Christmas play, where
Love Is, There Is God" will
be presented Sunday evening
at 7:30 o'clock in First Chris
tan church. SO. 9th and X SITS.
The play. which has its setting
In the 18th century. will be opened
with a group of carols sung by the
Junior choir. under direction OF
Miss Vivian Smith.
The pageant viii be under direc-
ton of Mrs. Mira bennett. Stage
and property viii be in charge of
DR.. L. p. Norton and costume and
makeup handled by Mrs. Maurice
Palmer.
Those cast in the play include
Robert Thornton. Frank Tough,
Bill McHaney, Faye Floystead,
Billy Norton and Mrs. w. C. Nor
ton.
Decorate Sanctuary
A group of over 40 persons have
been busy the past week decorat-
ing the sanctuary under supervi-
sion of Mrs. c. G. Francis and
Harry Fulton.
A Christmas cantata, THE Man.
ger Throne, " will be heard at morn
ing services. A choir of 40 voices
will take part. Mrs. ]. J. Normo
will direct, assisted by Mrs. E. A.
Gragg, organist. Mrs. Edith Lund-
gren, harpist, and Roy Anderson,
violinist.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-12-16
Woman Acquitted
In Murder Trial

ST. MARES, Ia. Mrs. Jean
Anderson, 81, was acquitted of a
second degree murder charge by
a jury in district court here Thurs
day. The jury deliberated more
than IL hours before returning a
verdict acquitting Mrs. Anderson
of the shooting Oct. 16 of Lloyd
Merriman in a beer parlor at st.
Joe. Mrs. Anderson contended the
shooting was accidental.
Evening star., 1939-12-17
War in Air

Not until near end of week did aerial
fighters produce anything approaching
spectacular on any front of Europes
wars. Then came several reports of R.
A. F.. harassing German seaplanes and
bases in North Sea area.
First engagement was reported early
Thursday, with London claim that British
pursuit-patrol ships had intercepted two
big German Dornier flying boats head
ing westward and driven them back to
base full of bullet holes
That night British air ministry said
squadron of British bombers and pur-
suit escort had encountered flight OF
Nazi Messerschmidts. London version
was that four Germans were brought
down, three British; Berlin claimed that
eight Britons were forced into sea, COM
pared to one German casualty.
And on Friday, London reported that
r. A. F. patrol had sighted the ven-
turesome Nazi warship flotilla. Despite
six successive waves of German attack
ing planes, London claimed that only
three of British squadron of 20 had been
Again German accounts differed, placing
British losses at 10, their own at one.
In any event, this sudden increase in
North Sea aerial activity was believed
to have resulted
British PIones principally from
Roid Nozi Boses new er''lsn el.
forts to combat
aerial mine-laying program of Germans,
successful some two weeks ago in spray
ing English coastal waters with loose
explosives in fine disregard of what ship
ping might suffer most. In their coun-
ter, British are attempting to intercept
mine-layers near take-off points through
regular security patrol" flights over
German seaplane bases at Sylt, Borkum,
Norderney and Helgoland.
In Baltic sector communicates reported
indifferently successful Russian bombing
attack on Hangoe, fortified and Stub
bornly held Finnish port strategically
located near entrance to Gulf of Finland.
Perhaps no more successful but at least
indicating that Firms are capable at any
medium of warfare-if available to them
was report that Finnish bombers had
raided Soviet port Of Kronstadt, 20 miles
west of Leningrad.
Early in week, 30 British Blenheim
bombers reached Helsinki for Finnish
service. AS In case of so italian planes
arriving in previous week, Britishers
were brought to Finnish fields by COM
petent fighting flyers, apparently pre-
pared to do more than merely service
ships or train Finn pilots.
Over western front planes from both
allied and Nazi lines continued recon-
naissance flights, added to picture gal
leries which by now must have on record
every square mile of terrain, every bridge,
every discernible strategic point. At 2
mile height delicately contrived aerial
cameras will bring back pictures making
potential combat areas as familiar to
military students as their own back
yards.
That ~ this aerial Bhadow boxing
Evening star., 1939-12-17
Behind the Lines

AS week neared close, Finland gave
Soviet option of negotiating decent peace.
In radio broadcast pointed directly at
Moscow's Foreign Commissar Molotoff,
Finnish Foreign Minister Tanner spoke:
Finland still is ready for peaceful ne
gotiation. but if Moscow's aim is conquest
OF the whole country then the Firms will
fight to the end Why shed blood
so long as there are other possibilities
unexamined?"
Twenty-four hours earlier that inter-
national dowager. the League of Nations,
had given Soviet the royal bounce. Ac-
ton took week of debate and resolutions,
but for what it is worth was conclusive
when finally achieved
Meeting for specific purpose of consid-
erlng Finlands plea for assistance
against Soviet aggression, League As
sembly on Monday heard silver-haired
Rudolf Holsti, representative of tiny Bal
tic nation. caution them that I'VE cannot
protect the Finnish people against ag-
gression, bullets. hand grenades and gas
with international resolutions
Evening star., 1939-12-17
By John C.. Henry.
On All Fronts

Allied fighting ships had one of Nazi
pocket battleshlps ION the ropes" this
week; battered by guns of three smaller
but fierce attackers. Graf Spec lay at
anchor in Montevideo as this was writ
ten, perhaps to remain for duration of
war, perhaps to risk destruction by run
ming gantlet of enemy ships lying on
close horizon.
Meanwhile, quiet on western front is
countered by reports of heavy British
French troop concentration in Asia
Minor, apparently headed for Balkans if
Moscow-Berlin axis decided to slug Ru-
mania. In Baltic, Firms retreated in
north, held on grimly in center, struck
back with some success in south against
fumbling Red armies.
North Sea was principal theater of
aerial operations. Geneva was principal
theater of conversational operations. Out
of latter, or rather out of League, went
Russia.
Here, Finland paid $234,693 on debt,
realized immediate return in good will,
credit, Red Cross aid, etc.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

some day may become warfare in earnest
was limited again during week as British
contracted here for 200 more Lockheed
bombers while French ordered 27O addi-
tional Douglas raiders; to power ships
allies ordered Wright Cyclone motors.
Some $50 900 900 was involved in these
deals. Because of Soviet bombing hab-
its, State Department asked American
manufacturers not to sell to Moscow.
For second time in war, AFRAID
sirens moaned over Gibraltar, brought
defenses of great rock to bear on four
unidentified planes seen approaching
from south
For second time also, British plane
crashed into tough steel cable of Lon
don's balloon barrage, crashed four crew
members to death.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

Reports of great concentrations
OF French and British troops in
French Syria, 10hile Turkish allies
speed mobilization, indicate that
EurOpe'S major land 1Ddr may
come in Balkan Sector-perhdps
1Uith Run11nid SerUinq as battle
ground and prize.
prisoners, all young in years, French
learned that Germans are we'll fed,
healthy, of good morale and supplied
with best field equipment. Their obvious
weaknesses are lack OF sufficient training
in use or in repair of this equipment and
in shortage of experienced officers
But, as has been the case since Soviet
began to defend" itself by invading Fin
land. real fighting of week has oeen in
Baltic area.
With courage that has been inspira-
ton to rest of unhappy world, Finland S
defenders retreated slowly, but in good
order from Arctic limits of country, stub
bornly gave little
FinIond Makes or no ground before
GoIIont Stond Red drive through
center toward
Swedish frontier and head of Bothnian
Gulf, and actually drove Russians back
while recapturing several towns in Ka-
relian Isthmus-Lake Ladoga sector
Behind Arctic retreat, in 30-mile cor
ridor, Firms left dynamited buildings,
roads, hickel mines and everything Of
possible immediate value to invaders.
On all fronts Firms claimed heavy
Russian casualties in men and tanks.
On Karelian front particularly, defend
ers burrowed selves into snow and Man.
nerheim Line Notifications to spray with
machine guns recurring Red advances.
Along Taipale River Firms have stopped
nearly dozen Russian efforts to cross
stream, leaving heaps of dead Reds.
In Leningrad, Associated Press report
ed that churches were being converted
into military hospitals as Soviet Army
casualties stream back to city. And Mos
COW newspapers complain against white
clad Finnish ski units using bandit tac-
tics in sudden attacks on our columns"
They suddenly dart from the woods
to shoot at our advancing units" paper
whiued, than In al hasts they run. tre.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

Sho10n aboUe are scars of the
first big naual battle of the sec
Ond World War. These shell
marks are on the side of the Ger
man pocket battleship, Admiral
Graf Spec, photographed in Mon
teuideo harbor.
Wide World Photo.
Upper right Sho1us French poilus
taking up positions under cover
OF crumbling 1Dals of an old farm
house on the French front. The
picture 1DaS made under enenu
fire. Wide World Photo.
Photograph at right is of Ger
many's heauily fortified naval
base in the North Sea. on the
island OF Helgoldnd. This base
1UdS the target of British bon,bino
planes assigned to halt mine
laying operations of Nasi aircraft.
A. P. Wirephoto.
On Tuesday of past week came star
ting admission from London that British
submarine had
Bremen Aeoin sighted Bremen
Escapes Capture somewhere SOM, en-
mansk to Bremerhaven, but in compli-
ance with rules of sea warfare" had
refrained from torpedoing without warm
ing. With warning, one time blue
ribbon holder of Atlantic service is too
fast for any submarine. Conveniently
nearby. also, was escort of German planes
nh ttch
demonstrated against undersea raiders
Scarcely could British admiralty have
foreseen reaction to their chivalry on
part of London press.
Are we at war or not?" the London
Daily Mail rasped. Every one knows
what would have happened if German
U-boat had sighted the Queen Mary.
She would have been sunk without
warning"
"Why didn't we sink the Bremen?" the
Daily Express screamed in five-column
headlines. why was it not called upon
to surrender = = why wasn't she taken
prisoner?"
Shaking its journalistic finger, the
News Chronicle reminded the admiralty
that Britishers were asking obvious
questions about incident Bremen
Exultant, Berlin reported Bremen once
more safe. credited Nazi planes with
wing off British undersea attack.
AT same time North German Lloyd Line
offices in New York announced that
liner New York, another first-stringer
in German merchant marine, likewise
had evaded British searchers to reach
Bremerhaven by way of Murmansk.
And seemingly encouraged by example
of her sisters, Nazi liner Columbus, 32,-
581 tons, slipped out of Vera Cruz harbor
in early-morning darkness of Thursday
her clearance papers reading Oslo,
Norway Aboard were heavy supplies of
fuel oil and foodstuffs.
In addition to South Atlantic engage
Evening star., 1939-12-17
War on Land

Since war broke in September, con-
tinuing question not only in minds of
civilian experts" but in those of mill
tary tacticians has been that of settling
upon theater for eventual battle-ground
of allied and German land forces
Early reconnaissance and scouting
skirmishes established that Maginot
Siegfried Lines would exact exorbitant
tolls in manpoWer with no assurance
that either side might ever break
through. At one time Germans rushed
great concentrations of troops toward
Dutch Belgian borders for apparent
sweep through lowlands to English
Channel or into France. At another
time, both French and Germans massed
divisions near French-SWiss-Germ
corner. but severe Swiss terrain and pug
nacious Swiss defensive gestures were
discouraging to both belligerents.
Even before war began, French high
command had plotted sudden thrust
through Northern Italy and into Ger
many by broad Brenner Pass. For this
maneuver, the cream of French Army
was concentrated in ust-September
weeks on Italian frontier. But Italy
found neutrality profitable and French
pigeon-holed plan, withdrew most of
troops.
When Russians invaded Finland there
was talk that allies might sweep armies
quickly into Baltic area with eventual
objective of driving at Germany's back
door. But geographic and military OBJ
stacles were obvious in such scheme.
Currently according to rumors seeping
into Washington although not in the
news, the allied command is preparing
quietly for decisive mass action in Bal
kans. In French
Rumors Of Allied Syria, at eastern
Balkan Drive end of Mediter-
ranean and border
ing Asiatic Turkey, it is learned here that
upward of 100000 soldiers and the es-
sential field equipment have been con-
centrated. including not only colonial
forces of both French and British, but
also divisions drawn from western front.
Conveniently handy in that end of
Mediterranean are unusual numbers of
SllARo AOA VI dAASPOlC OuIy, Slldl to
of tricky Aegean channels and Darda-
nelles Straits already aboard
And bound to allies by treaty, Turks
already are reported receiving British
French military supplies, training their
capable fighters in use of best equipment
turned out bv British French munitions
makers. Through Turkish waters or
across Turkish railroad lines, allied
armies might make way with relative
speed to Balkan fields
There, finger is believed on Rumania,
rich in natural and industrial resources,
but lacking in sufficient military strength
to defend self against possible joint
aggression of Russia and Germany,
abetted by Hungary and Bulgaria. That
Germany needs and desires ready access
to Rumanian resources, while three others
mentioned are greedy for slices of Ru-
manian territory, are facts we'll known;
that French and British, already guar
antors of Rumania's territorial integrity
may be preparing to join issue there Is
not implausible.
Meanwhile, on western front British
Tommies, 1889 models Of "old contempt
| ibles" q LOLA, had drst taste ot action II
Evening star., 1939-12-17
Big Naval Batt|e Off Montevdeo in Fifteenth Week Of War
demning Soviet as aggressor. without
votes of nine of 80 members represented,
Assembly approved
Russio Expelled declaration, bitterly
From Leogue condemning whole

Russio Expelled declaration, bitterly
From League condemning whole
course Of Soviet
conduct in dispute with Finland. Hours
later League Council, with three of II
members absent and four more not vot-
ing whipped through its expulsion order
the U. S. S. r. no longer is member
of the League"
In Moscow, press and radio assailed
League as tool of British-Frenc bloc.
"slaves and hirelings of capitalists and
imperialists."
And, mindful of Holstis first-day ap.
peal, League officials followed their reso-
luton making with secretive conferences
on how material aid-money, arms mu-
nitions-cOuld be rushed to assistance OF
beleaguered Baltic nation. Even men, in
foreign legion. may be recruited for serv-
ice on Baltic front; for Finland herself
called up last of reservists only yesterday.
Openly participating in this program Of
helping Firms were British and French,
fully aware that ravage of Finland may
shift similar crisis to Scandinavian coun-
tries-themselves frontier" to vulner.
able British Isles
Engaged in growing rich from war
commerce and shrewd horse trading"
among bellgerents, Rome government
permitted one of its mouthpieces to toss
off some provocative ideas
Rome Eyes during past week. Speak
Colonies ing by radio to bambini
OF sunny Italy. Virginia
Gayda, pro-Mussolini editor, bethought
himself of Italys need of colonies TO
which little bambini may 60 when they
become big bambin. Furthermore. he
recalled, Italy's exit from the Mediter-
ranean is now neatly blocked by British
control of Gibraltar, Suez and the Darda.
nelles.
1T is necessary that Italy be assured
OF free outlet from the Mediterranean"
Gayda qulpped. The colonial problem
means to give new national territories to
every year because they are not going
any longer like vagabonds around the
world at the service of foreigners
The strongest accord in history be-
tween two governments" was completed
during week in financial alliance agreed
upon by London and Paris. Terms in.
clude acceptance of each others money
at face value without transfer of gold
stocks, sharing of common war expendi-
lures and absorption of drains on gold
or dollars of each other.
From Berlin came story that only half
dozen Reich universities, some OF finest
in world have remained open since war.
From Milan it was reported that French
blockade officer had arrested II German
midgets, headed home aboard Italian
liner Saturnia after season at New York
! Worlds Fair
In Paris Paderewski. great pianist and
one-time President of his country, ac-
cepted post on Polish National Council.
In Wardha, India. Gandhi, champion
| of independence, advised his people to
| show no enthusiasm for Europes war. but
to refrain from stabbing Britain in the
| back
In London British peace committee"
began plotting next Versailles.
Evening star., 1939-12-17
Domestic.Fro

On Friday, "in a time of distress, trial
and aggression Finland paid United
States $234693.
1t was the semiannual installment Of
a debt now estimated at s8,142 000-an
obligation which scrupulous Baltic ma
tion has been liquidating steadily through
past 81 years while better able govern
ments piled default on default.
That this shrewd financial integrity is
paying real dividends to beleaguered
Baltic nation has
Firms Make been demonstrated
Debt Poyment in many ways in
recent weeks On
Friday, at direction of President Roose-
welt. it resulted in shunting of 1924 693
payment into special account, there to
be held inviolate until Congress may
authorize use in some manner directly
beneficial to Finnish people.
Among other European debtors owing
United States more than $4,000 900 900,
Of which more than s161 100000 was due
this week, only Hungary made gesture
OF paying, producing 9828-approxi-
mately l per cent of principal owed by
that nation.
Earlier in the week Washington moved
to extend positive aid to Finland in form
of $10,000,000 credit extended through
Export-Import Bank and Reconstruction
Finance Corp. to specially created Fin
nish- American Trading Corp
Convinced on basis of courageous
showing thus far that their only need to
permit indefinite
Procope Seeks resistance to Rus
War Supplies sian aggression is
for ready supplies
of military equipment of modern types,
Firms are seeking aid from many quar-
tiers. Here, Mr.. Procope and Military
Attache, Col. Per Zilliacus, outlined these
needs to War and Navy Department off,
cials, repeatedly were trying to place
orders with crowded American aircraft
and munitions makers.
AT hands of Red Cross and from spe.
cial organization headed by former Pres
ident Hoover despite controverted de-
gree of cooperation between the two)
Finland will receive funds, garments,
medical supplies and miscellaneous aid
for her war victims.
Thus far Red Cross has appropriated
$1,0OO,000 for European war relief, has
received contributions of nearly quarter
million more, and has spent into hum
dreds of thousands for civilian sufferers,
On Friday $3.50 900 was set aside specific
ally for Finland
During week President Roosevelt and
State Department received reports from
one of most astute American observers
abroad-Joseph E. Davies, at present
Ambassador to Belgium.
Navy signed $5,000,0OO contract for %
high-speed torpedo boats and submarine
chasers-a mosquito feet; State De-
partment was diclosed asking 81, 900 900
in l941 fiscal year budget to cover
checks" on international conferences.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

quently taking off their boots to ski
only in their stockings"
But virtually unlimited supply of live
Reds left Finnish cause still precarious.
Norway and Sweden, fearful of what
might happen If Firms finally succumb,
continued strengthening their defenses.
Behind lines Sweden formed coalition
government, named 62-year-old veteran
Gen. Olof Gerhard Phoernell to supreme
command of nations military forces.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

AMBASSADOR DAVIES,
He reported to his chief at Wash
ington, 1Uh0 may keep him here
indefinitely as Ddr adviser.
Underwood Photo.
Initial reaction was curt request on
Moscow that it halt invasion of Finland,
submit Baltic dispute to arbitration; to
answer Soviet was given "a hours.
Twenty-seven hours later, on Tuesday
night, Molotoff wired League at Geneva
that "U. S. S. r. cannot accept
this invitation.
In preparation at time of receipt Of
Russia's rejection was resolution con.
Evening star., 1939-12-17

Moselle Valley encounter with German
scouting attacks.
BE vigilant. be cool and fire low. To
the last man, to the last round and bit
more" Under this order from their field
command. the Tommies repulsed NaN
attackers.
Both French and Germans continued
spasmodic sorties, taking few prisoners,
but inf1icting fewer casualties. From their
Evening star., 1939-12-17

-HuTT7S-E1Olng PHOtO.
ment, British and German navies each
reported casualties to naval vessels. In
collision, British destroyer Duchess was
fatally damaged, went down with loss
of about 12O officers and men. From
explosion, German light cruiser suffered
damage below waterline, was reported
able to limp back to Nazi base, part OF
squadron reported on Friday as target
of r. A. F. bomberS.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1939-11-03
Cokesbury News

Mr.. and Mrs. Morris Birmingham
spent last Sunday with the latter's
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Jack Hurley
at New Church.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Bloxom, Of Oak
Hall, visited their son-in-law and
daughter, Mr.. and Mrs. Ralph Taylor
last Friday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ralph Harris and
family, of Salisbury, spent last Sun
day with Mrs. Harris mother, Mrs.
Annie Atkinson.
Mr.. and Mrs. Marion Birmingham
were visitors at the home Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Sam Dryden at New Church, last
Sunday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Will Merrill, of POGO
moke, City, and Mr.. and Mrs. A. P.
Long of this place motored to Ocean
City, and Rehoboth Beach, last Sun
day afternoon.
Miss Ruby Butler spent last week
end at the home of her uncle, Mr..
Marion Butler of Williams vicinity.
Mr.. and Mrs. Vernon Beauchamp
and son, Roy, visited Mr.. Willard
Pusey at Salisbury, Md, last Sunday
afternoon.
Little Miss Betty Cottman spent
some time last week with her aunt
Mrs. Francis Figgs, of Pocomoke City
Mr.. and Mrs. Marion Birmingham
Jr., of Pocomoke visited Mr.. and Mrs
Russell Bundick last Sunday.
Mrs. w. A. Cottman and Mr.. and
Mrs. H. C. Beauchamp spent Sunday
afternoon with Mrs. Blanche Dorsey
at Westover.
Mrs. Annie Merrill, Mrs. Ernest
Long and Mrs. Wallace Covington and
two sons, Francis and James, spent
last Sunday with relatives in Sails
bury.
Miss Elizabeth Dryden Of New
Church, was guest of Mrs. Morris
Birmingham, last week.