davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Allies Promise Aid
i Films Decide
To Continue Fight
Sources in Poris List
Large Quantities Of
Arms Already Sent
BY the Associated Press.

PARIS, March S-Britain and
France, who already have sent con-
siderable aid to Finland, are ready
to continue their assistance If the
Helsinki government decides to fight
Ito the bitter end" sources close to
the French foreign ONCE said today.
Commenting on Swedish efforts to
negotiate peace between Finland
and Russia, these sources declared:
Finland has the possibility of
taking the road which Sweden has
invited her to explore or of appeal
ing to the allied powers to increase
their action. France and Britain.
who have carried out their Geneva
decisions In favor Of Finland. are
ready to continue their effort to
safeguard the independence Of that
nation"
Technicians Asked.
The same sources said Finland
had appealed to France for techni-
clans to supervise the use Of equip
ment already dispatched by the
French British allies, which was re-
ported earlier in the day to include
405 airplanes. 9l6 cannon and large
quantities Of lesser arms. Two
thirds Of the material already has
arrived. 1t was said.
Britain has sent $50 planes, Of
which 81 were bombers, and France
has shipped ITS pursuit planes, the
announcement said. Britain's artil-
lery contribution was 240 pieces and
Frances 496. Other allied contribu-
tions were listed as follows:
One hundred twenty-four machine
guns, 5000 light machine guns, $50
ant-tank guns. 1890, 900 shells,
10000 grenades, 1850 sea mines,
10000 anti-tank mines, $4,000, 900 to
100000 cartridges.
Besides the armaments that Great
Britain and France have contributed,
Italy and Spain have been routing
arms consignments through France
for the Finnish armies.
Maxi Pressure on Sweden Seen.
The influential newspaper lie
Temps. which often reflects au-
thoritative opinion, declared in an
editorial that German pressure had
been put on Sweden to open peace
talks with Finland, adding:
1T is up to the Firms to decide
how they are going to reply to the
Russian demands. In weighing this
decision they must tell themselves
that France and Britain, who al
ready have given them appreciable
aid, are ready to furnish them con-
siderably more, and more direct aid
hencefortlA the German peril
is inseparable from the Russian
peril" 5.-
Evening star., 1940-03-08
'Beady-Eyed' Bandit
Suspect Gets Z 10 g Years

David H. Martin, colored, rs, de-
scribed as the "beady-eyed" bandit
who terrorized numerous women in
raids on homes in the Northwest
section, was sentenced to from IL
to 80 years in prison today by
Justice Peyton Gordon in District
Court. It was one Of the heaviest
penalties Of recent months.
Martin previously had pleaded
guilty to Is charges, including rob-
berry, HOUSEKEEPING and larceny,
and assault with intent to commit
robbery. Justice Gordon today per-
mitted the prisoner to Withdraw
guilty pleas In seven Of the cases.
Martins attorney told the court
the accused pleaded guilty to an Is
charges because he had q record and
was convinced no one would believe
him. 4
The district attorneys ONCE is
studying the seven cases with view
TO bringing Martin to trial on them.
Justice Gordon appointed John Il.
Wilson, prcsninent cclored attorney,
to defend Martin.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Late Bulletins

A man identified by police as
John Waugh Brown, about IS, of
1854 Calvert street NV, plunged
headlong from the Calvert Street
Bridge about o'clock this after
noon. He was dead on arrival at
Emergency Hospital.
A witness, E. L. Fike, employed
on a construction project in the
parkway beneath the bridge, said
Brown fell some 100 feet head
first onto pile Of thin steel tub
ing. Three of the tubes were
crushed almost nat by the i'm
pact. Eyeglasses and false teeth
were shattered. Another con-
struction worker, A. Moeller of
Cheverly, Md, also witnessed the
fall.
LONDON, March 8 (R.-The
air ministry announced tonight
that British war planes had
bombed three German patrol
vessels near the naval base Of
Borkum and q German naval
auxiliary near the Island Of Sylt.
The communique did not say
whether the planes scored hits.
Earlier story on page A.O
Evening star., 1940-03-08
BY the Associated Press.


LONDON, March 8.-After three
months of intensive work, British
scientists believe they have de-
veloped the answer. to Germany,s
magnetic mines-an electric girdle
for ships designed to destroy the
effectiveness of the underwater
terrors.
The world received its first inkling
Of the device when the liner Queen
Elizabeth arrived in New York yes
terday wearing one of the belts, but
the details Of how the invention
works were closely guarded.
The visible part Of the apparatus
consists Of an electrically energized
wire encircling the upper deck of
the ship. In effect, the ship is
rendered non-magnetic, thereby
neutratzing the trigger action Of
the mines, which are discharged by
the magnetic field Of passing steel
hulled vessels.
Intend 70 Equip All.
The apparatus has been installed
on hundreds OF ships, ranging from
yachts to mighty battleships, and
the admiralty intends to equip every
British vessel.
The principle involved was de-
veloped BY naval techniciaras, and
tho navy calls the device the
.De-Qauss Equipment" The gausa
b . unit usod To measure the In
tsu$jky Of 3 magnetic fleld.
Naval man eaid the equipment
Evening star., 1940-03-08
BY ]. A. OTEARY.

The Senate today entered the
fourth day Of battle over the Hatch
Act and its extension to State en-
ployes paid from Federal funds,
with halt q dozen controversial
amendments still in the bills path.
While Senate Majority Leader
Barkley hopes for final passage this
evening, he plans session tomor-
row, II necessary, to try to dispose
OF 1t this week.
Meanwhile, Senator Miller, demo-
crat, OF Arkansas, who led the fight
that almost succeeded Wednesday
in lifting the existing political ban
from Federal employees, announced
today that, since the Senate decided
to keep the restriction on Federal
workers, he will seek to broaden the
scope Of the bills application to
State personnel.
Would Include Governor Appointees.
Emphasizing that he is not against
the bill, and believes it will pass.
the Arkansas Senator will move to
bring within its scope all State
omcials appointed by a Governor
and confirmed by q State Senate.
He will seek to apply it also to
heads of departments, unless they
are constitutionally elected officers.
The Arkansas Senator contended
that, since the bill exempts q Gov
ernor's appointees who are con-
flrmed by the State Senate, it would
(QAe TyATcH pooo A-c0
Evening star., 1940-03-08

1t was said that the presence
of Finnish representatives in
Stockholm indicates that tenta-
tive plans have been made for
some meeting of Finnish and
Russian representatives with a
third nation as mediator.
The London Evening, Standard
said editorially that an offer by
President Roosevelt to negotiate
peace between Russia and Finland
would change the whole complexion
Of the affair.
"It might save thousands of brave
Finnish lives and the independence
of the nation which has won the
right to freedom by the sword. We
know the difficulties, but we hope
this call at least will be considered
in Washington"
A Reuters dispatch received in
London said that Elias Erkko, for
mer Finnish foreign minister, and
Frederick A. Sterling, United States
Minister to Sweden, conferred at the
American Legation In Stockholm
this morning.
The same dispatch said it was
learned that direct discussions be-
tween Finnish and Russian repre-
sentatives were taking place today,
not in Stockholm, but ELSEWHERE" +"
It quoted Ekkro as saying that pub
lie opinion should await events be-
fore jumping to conclusions. ""The
war in Finland still is going on and
there has been no armistice," he
was quoted as saying.
Berlin Keenly Interested.
That Berlin also was keenly inter-
ested in the peace move and might
be a center for negotiations was in
dicated by the arrival in Copen-
hagen and immediate departure for
Berlin of Per Ervind Svinhufvud,
79-year-old ex-President of Finland.
It was believed the Firms, through
him, might ask Germany to use her
influence at Moscow for ending the
war.
From Helsinki came evidences Of
Finnish determination to fight
rather than bow to q victorious
Russia. But the Finnish govern
ment was said to have placed the
choice of peace or war in the hands
Of Marshal Mannerheim, and a
Stockholm newspaper quoted Finn
ish Foreign Minister Vaino Tanner
as saying his government was "in
contact with a go-between for the
Soviet government, and this contact
has not been broken"
Authorized Berlin sources declined
to confirm or deny reports of posi-
BILE German mediation, but it was q
matter Of common gossip in Berlin
diplomatic circles that Germany has
been interested in Swedish efforts to
end the Russian Finnish war.
Trustworthy sources said that the
famous Swedish explorer Sven Hedin
visited Adolf Hitler several days ago
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Burke Is Renominated
As D. {. Postmaster

Vincent c. Burke was renominated
by President Roosevelt today as
postmaster for the District Of CO.
lumbia. His name was submitted
to the Senate for approval.
Mr.. Burke has held the post since
1896, when the President chose him
from the ranks Of Post Once De-
partment career men for the Job.
He was formerly Deputy First As
sistant Postmaster General.
The reappointment Is made in
accordance with q new statute
which makes 1t possible for Mr..
Burke to keep the job for life.
The postmaster entered the postal
service In 1905 In Louisville. KY, as
. clerk. He lives with hts wife and
three children at 1900 Connecticut
avenue NV.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
By DON s. WARREN.

Hearings on proposals for reor-
ganization OF the municipal govern
ment were completed shortly before
noon today and Chairman Kennedy
OF the House Reorganization Sub
COMMITTEES Immediately announced
tentative plans for drafting q re-
port to the full District Committee.
Only f1ee witnesses asked to be
heard when the session was resumed
at 1890 am. and when they had
finished Mr.. Kennedy said he would
confer with other members of the
subcommittee Monday, adding he
hoped it would be possible to make
a report to the full committee by
a week from Monday.
Mr.. Kennedy was the only men,
Der Of his subcommittee who attend
ed today's session and only a few
spectators were present.
Requests for granting suffrage and
national representation to the Dis
trict were heard along with criticism
OF the Commissioners and criticism
of of1cials of the Board of Trade
and other business groups who yes
terday threw their support to the
Commission form of government and
praised the present Commissioners.
Attacks Defense Of City Heads.
Mrs. Lester Buchanan, a member
of the Voteless D. c. League Of
Women Voters. criticized members
OF the Board Of Trade shortly after
hearings were resumed today. She
said:
These representatives of the
Board of Trade may know business,
but I don't think they know any
thing about the city institutions or
Washington's slums.
When they say the Commissioners
Continued on page A-l4, column -
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Restaurant Proprietor
Found Deud, Gun Neur

Kay GreAthouse, 39-year-od pro-
prietor Of . restaurant 1t e25 Tenth
street NV was found dead IN the
rear Of his cate early today, with .
wound In the head and . revolver
lying nearby.
Coroner A. Nagruder Macdonald
withhtld issuance Of . death cer-
tiAests Dending complstion ot .
police ineeGt1tAtien.
Evening star., 1940-03-08

PITTSBURGH, March 8 R).-A
letter containing an advertisement
and mailed 80 years ago in Brook
lyn, N. Y, finally has reached r. E.
Graham. The merchant can't un-
derstand why 1t took Uncle Sam 50
long to find him. He's moved only
once-from one side Of the street
to the other-since the letter was
mailed.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Nations Loneest-Servi ing
Postmaster Renamed
By the Associated Press

By the Associated Press.
Miss MolIe Stewart of Oxford,
Nd, the Nations longest-serving
postmaster, was nominated for an
other term today.
Miss Stewards name was included
In a list of 10 Maryland postmaster
nominations sent to the Senate by
President Roosevelt.
Appointed in 1877 by President
Hayes, Miss Stewart, now 81, has
served continuously for 81 years,
longer than any other postmaster
in the country.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Plea to Mediate Russo Finn War
Is Believed Carried to Hitler;
He|sinki Cold to Soviet Terms
Viipuri Defenses
Holding Firm,
Soy Army Chiefs
BY the Associated Press.

HELSINKI, March S.-The
Finnish high command reported
today its hard-pressed forces de-
Tending the approaches by ice
and land to strategic Viipuri
were holding Arm despite con-
tinued Soviet Russian attacks.
The Nations dwindlink man.
power kept up the stubborn resist
ance to the ever-replenished forces
of the invader in the midst Of peace
talk in which Russia was reported to
have made far-reaching, ultimatum-
like demands as the price Of peace,
Finland was silent officially on the
demands, but the unoncial reaction
was that she would reject them.
Success for the Finns all along
the KArelian Isthmus front from
the ice-bound coast south and south
west Of Viipuri to Lake Ladoga on
the eastern front was reported by
tho high command.
Tanks Reported Destroyed.
In the island dotted vicinity Of
Viipuri the army said It's forces
destroyed several tanks and at
least eight guns Of batteries brought
by the enemy onto the ice"
East Of the seaport the bodies of
400 Russians killed in Wednesdays
fighting were left in front of the
Finnish lines and the Firms said
Russians lost seven tanks and two
armored cars yesterday.
The army estimated 1000 Rus
sian dead were left on the field after
an attack at Kollaanjoki. northeast
Of Lake Ladoga, on the eastern
front. while elsewhere there was
minor activity and local attacks
which were repelled."
Naval and coastal defense forces
joined in warding OF the attempts
of the Russians to cross the ice in
the Viipuri region and gain foot
holds for heavier attacks.
Red Concentrations Blasted.
With gunners defending the
headlands OF Vupuri Bay blasting
at their foe on fields Of ice in per-
haps the bloodiest fighting Of the
war, the Finnish air force con-
ttnued its bombing and machine
cunning Of Russian concentrations.
'Close-packed enemy units, trans
port vehicles, tank and troop COLI
unans and artillery batteries crowded
On the Islands and ice Of the Bay
Of Viipuri we're bombed and ma
ci1ine-gunned." the high command
communique said.
Russian planes also were active.
but no Finnish losses were given by
the Army. It said at least six and
possibly eight Russian warplanes
were shot down.
Ultimatum Reported.
There was no oficial confirmation
that full details of 4 Russian peace
offer had been received by the Gov.
ernment, but there were reports one
had been made which had the char
acter Of an ultimatum-accept or
undergo even heavier attacks.
(Copenhagen reports said the
Russians set midnight tonight as
the deadline.)
The government, nevertheless, was
known to be in possession of at least
the main points Of an offer contain
ing terms more far-reaching than
the original Russian demands which
resulted in the outbreak Of war, No.
vember 80.
At the same time the Finnish
government was reported concerned
over Sweden's supposed part IN
transmitting Soviet demands con-
(See HEI SINKI, Page A-3D
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Nozi Vessel Uruouoy
ScuttIed, Soy British
BY the Associated Press.

by tne ASsociAted Press. =
LONDON, March 8.-The ad-
miralty announced today the scut-
Ting Of the 4,846-ton German mer-
chant ship Uruguay by her crew
when intercepted by q British war
ship IN the North Atlantic. AL Of
the crew were saved.
The Uruguay, operated by the
Hamburg South America Navigation
Co., was reported February IL to
have left Pernambuco, Brazil, for
an undisclosed destination.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
D. {. Reorganization
Hearings End, Plans
Made for Report
Kennedy Hopes to Give
Views to Full Committee
By Week From Monday
BACKGROUND

Seal plan for reorganization
OF District government contem-
plates granting OF increased poD-
ers to District Commissioners, es-
tablishment of Citizens Advisory
Council appointed by them. Al
ternate Gri1enhagen plan calls
for city manager as 1dministra-
the head OF city, retention of
Commissioners as local legisla-
the body. Reorganization hear
ings before House subcommittee
began last Ueek.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
More Controversial
Amendments Confront
New Hatch Bill
Possoge This Week
Forecast by Session
Tomorrow if Necessary
BULLETIN.

The Senate rejected today a
new effort to kill OF legislation
expanding the political prohibi-
tions Of the Hatch Act to cover
State employees paid in whole or
part with Federal funds. It
turned down, - to n, an amend
ment which Senator Maloney,
Democrat, of Connecticut frank
ly told the chamber was designed
to destroy" the pending bill
offered by Senator Hatch, Demo-
crat, of New Mexico.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Killed by Streetcur

SEATTLE, Wash, March 8 R.-
STOPPING to pick up dollar bill Mrs.
May Woods, IS, was killed by 4
streetcar.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Ribbentrop Sees Fin|ond's
Ex-President and Swedish
Envoy; U. S. May Get Bid
BULLETIN.

BERLIN, March 8 Q9.-Foreign Minister
Joachim Won Ribbentrop will leave for Rome to-
morrow for conferences with Premier Mussolini,
the foreign Office disclosed tonight
The visit was described as in keeping with the
Rome-Berlin agreement of the axis partners to
keep each other advised concerning foreign
policies.
BERLIN, March 8-Per Evind Svnhufvud 79-year-
OLD former President of Finland arrived here by plane
today and Immediately entered the office of Foreign Min
lster Joachim Won Rbbenrop accompanied by the Swedish
Minister to Berlin, Arvd Richert.
Diplomatic circles believed the of Finland and
Sweden would make appeal to Adolf Hitler ntercede with
Russia Tor terms on which RussianFinnsh might be
negotiated.
These circles believed the emissares would Hitler
that such mediation his part the only of averg
Intervention of the western powers in the struggle.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Summary Of Todoy's Star

Foreign
British develop protection against
magnetic mines. Page Al
Russo-Finnish peace plea believed
made to Hitler. Page Al
Firms indicate rejection Of Russian
peace terms. Page Al
Britons demand retaliation for Nazi
raids. Page A
Buenos Aires province quiet under
emergency rule. Page As
Mexico reported in settlement with
Sinclair oil. Page Ais
National
Senate Finance Committee approves
trade pacts bill. Page Al
More Senate amendments confront
new Hatch bill. Page Al
Anti-mine devices on Queen Eliza
beth mystify experts. Page Al
Senate probe Of political wire-tap-
ping" forecast. Page Al
Army expects first deliveries Of war
planes soon. Page AS
Wagner Act amendment supporters
to seek House vote. Page A.
Youth held Ia Judy Garland kid
nap" plot. Paee ~
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Trade Pact Bill
Voted by Senate
Committee
No Changes Made;
Form Issue Also
Neors Crucial Test
BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND
Administrators authority to
negotiate reciprocal trade agree.
ments Without congressional rati-
fcdtion expires June IL. Oppo.
sttion.to lot1-tart6 aspect OF pacts
gre1o last summer, chiefly In dg.
ricnltur1I West. In message to
Congress-, President Roosevelt
emphasized need for program as
fundamental part OF world peace
foundation. House has passed
bill extending Trade Agreements
Act three years.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Letter 81 Years Lute

Continued on page ALA, column II
Evening star., 1940-03-08

(See CONGRESS, Page A-70
Evening star., 1940-03-08

(See HATCH, Page A-6)
Evening star., 1940-03-08

Fair tonight and tomorrow; little change
in temperature; lowest tonight about 80
degrees; moderate northwest winds
Temperatures today-Highest, ~, at !
pm; lowest, 80, at Z am.
From the United states weather Bureau report.
Full details on PAGE Az
Evening star., 1940-03-08

(See HEEL ISINKI, Page A-30
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-09-26
Discuss Plans To
Launch A Final
Hospital Drive
Around $500 to $4,000 All
That Is Needed. To Get
WPA Water Project.

At a meeting of the trustees of
the Ashe County Memorial Hos
pital Association Monday night,
plans were discussed for launch
ing a drive to raise $3,5O0.00 to
purchase plumbing, heating and
lighting fixtures and to cover the
sponsors part of a sewerage and
water system.
Lem Hafer and Wade Eller are
chairmen of the finance commit
tee and this committee will meet
tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock
in President w. 3. Austin's Of
flee to map out final plans for
the drive.
A committee, composed of Roy
Badger, B. D. Barr, J. B. Hash,
Wade Eller and L. P. Coward, is
now busy getting ready to sub
nit a water and sewerage project
for WPA approval.
With $4,000 to $4,000, the trus-
tees feel that the building can be
Continued On Page Eight
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-09-26
England Now Taking Offense
Against Germany And Italy

Defenders of London, spurred
by words of encouragement and
optimism from King George,
gave German raiders a hotter
than usual reception yesterday as
the city rocked with the explo-
sions of anti-aircraft shells and
Nazi bombs for the 18th consecu-
tive day.
Ground batteries spewed up a
hurricane of exploding steel that
seemed to Guido anything heard
heretofore and small anti-aircraft
guns sought small groups of Nazi
planes striking at London.
Taking the offensive again, Bri-
fish aircraftmen, lodging shells,
fired two miles out over the sea
and the Nazi-he1d coast from Ca
lais to Flushing was ''lit up like
a front" by the savage R. A. F.
attacks.
Long Attacks On Berlin
!, And again the low-flying Bri-
fish planes subjected Berlin to its
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-09-26
G.. M. GRAPHICAL Estate Is To
Be Sold AT Auction October 2

The c. M. GRAPHICAL estate, con-
sisting of $50 acres of land, To-
Gated in and at West Jefferson,
subdivided into lots and tracts,
will be sold at auction next We'd
nesday, October 2, starting at 10
o'clock in the morning.
The sale of this valuable pro-
perty will be conducted by the
Cumbow. Land Company, of
Abingdon, Va, and one of the
high1ights of the sale will be the
awarding of a free new Ford Sc
dan. Lunch will be served on the
grounds.
eve have an ironclad contract
with Mr.. B. B. GRAPHICAL, trustee
for the c. M. GRAPHICAL estate, au-
thorizing us to sell this valuable
property regardless of price"
Mr.. Cumbow stated. "Confirma-
ton is guaranteed and also a per-
feet title"
The sale Of the property was
postponed from July Is, because
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-09-26

of a minor legal technicality,
which has since been cleared up
completely and the ''title to the
land is now clear, Mr.. Gray
heal stated.
The new Ford sedan will be
given away without obligation to
bid or buy, but the winner must
be present and be over Ii years
of age, it is announced.
This land is ideally situated for
business and residential purpos-
es. On it are several buildings,
one of which is 40 years old. The
property has been in the Gray
heal family since ITO. Mr.. c. M.
GRAPHICAL who died about II
years ago, had six sons and two
daughters. Both daughters are
dead. The sons are: Will Gray
bea1, Washington College, Tenn.
E. H. GRAPHICAL, J. M. GRAPHICAL
and A. c. GRAPHICAL, of Washing
ton state; Arthur GRAPHICAL and
Amos Graphical, of West Jeffer-
son.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-09-26

longest air raid early Wednesday,
lasting almost four hours, despite
the heaviest anti-aircraft barrage
yet thrown overhead by the Ger
mans. Millions huddled again in
shelters underground while Ger
mans claim 81 English planes
were shot down.
During the first few days OF
the week mid-London offices of
American firms were struck by
German bombs starting fires,
which were quickly distin-
guished. Meanwhile Britain's own
bombers struck back at Nazi CT
ties, factories and railroad cities
from the North Sea to Italy and
for several consecutive days
dropped bombs on all parts of the
German capitol.
More War In Africa
Early Wednesday an open but
undeclared warfare between Bri-
fish and French forces broke out
Continued on Page Eight)