Laurel outlook., 1945-08-15

ed the hour-by-hour sequence of
events that began with Japan's Of
fer last week to quit the war as
a vanquished foe.
We day, marking the end of the
war in Europe, had been an occa-
sion for celebration by a grim,
tight-lipped America that was
thankful for the end of one phase
of the worldwide war but was look
ing determinedly to the Pacific for
the utter crushing of the other mai
or enemy. There was no restraint
Tuesday when the second Victory
day arrived; all America, from the
hamlets to the great cities, celebrat-
ed as only war-weary people can
rejoice. Three years, eight months
and seven days of blood, tears and
sweat had come to an end.
In a way the presidents official
announcement was anti-climaxal;
civilians and the armed forces at
home and abroad had known
through the preceding days that the
war would not last much longer.
Speculation had included the posi-
bility of last-minute piece of
treachery by the enemy, but most
people were of the opinion that
Japan was tottering and that the
fall was a matter Of but a short
time.
The presidents statement was re-
ceived here about o'clock Tues
day afternoon, about the time the
day shift for workers in industry
was ending and the stores were pre-
pairing to close. Hastily organized
parades of automobiles footed their
way through the streets, a few
church bells pealed and the city's
fire siren gave long scream. In
the larger communities the per-
formance was duplicated on a much
larger scale. Billings residents
flocked to their downtown district,
danced in the streets to the music
of a civic band, marched and toot-
ed automobile horns.
President truman declared a two
day holiday for federal employees.
Governor Ford of Montana declared
a holiday of two days, Wednesday
and Thursday, to be effective
throughout the state. AS a conse-
quence virtually all places of busi-
ness were closed, the exceptions
being those engaged in must" ac-
tivities. In England, Prime Minis
ter Atlee also declared a two-day
holiday. In Australia, Canada,
British South Africa and elsewhere
the people were set for like periods
Of celebration.
By the terms of the surrender,
Japan's emperor became the mouth
piece of the Allies and as such was
instructed to order the
Japanese forces to cease fighting
and surrender. 1t is expected in
America that not all Japs will obey
and that it will be necessary to
lean out isolated garrisons of die
1ards.
President Truman's announcement
oaralyzed many things that had be-
,ome commonplace. For instance,
hight crews at many airplane fac
,ories and shipyards did not report
'or duty, and munition works went
suddenly idle. However, farmers in
he midst of harvest went ahead
With their work.
1t was announced Wednesday that
gasoline rationing had ended, and
here was talk about abolishing
some of the food ratioHing rules.
This latter, the food, will likely re-
main under control for some time
Is America must provide for at
east part of the world during the
coming winter.
The war manpower commission
.losed up shop and a free labor
market was declared. The office Of
var information said Tuesday night
hat it expected to close. The Of
ice of censorship closed, and there
ire no more restrictions on news.
While the thoughts of many are
IN jubilation and reconversion, 9TH
,rs have memories that continue
With them. A discharged veteran
said Tuesday night, T can't help
about the fellows who
iidn't make it through"