1. 4 he 3 4 NAZIS TAKE OVER TASK OF STOPPING BRITISH IN LIBYA GERMANS CLAIM SUCCESS IN FIRST AFRICAN BATTLE Say British Halted; London's Forces Claim Control of Italian Somaliland NAZIS ARE DUE TO GO INTO BULGARIA SOON Balkans Tense; Hitler's Airmen Blast Malta Bu The Associated Press The British hammered relentlessly at Italy's empire yesterday, unofficially claiming control of Italian Somaliland with the capture of its capital, Mogadiscio, and announcing the occupation of A Italian island seaplane base in the Mediterranean. Nazi- in Libya Simultaneously, Germany and Italy announced tierman soldiers met the British in their first African hattle 100 miles South ot Bongasi, Libya and asserted British tanks and trucks were destroyed without loss to Ger. many. The Italian high command thus dicated Germany was taking over the Job of stopping the British in Libya.
('1 home front, the British took further precautions against by sending waves of bombers over the docka of Calais, France, and Northein France. Observers on the English coast said there were so many planes they were sure the R. A. F. had its busiest day of this Dear.
The Germans returned fiercely to the assault on Britain last night, causing two night alarms in London, bombing many districts in the southeast English coast sector. In A day raid on a Thames Estuary town many residents were trappel in their homes by Nazi bombs. The reported fall Mozadiscio meant the British had penetrated 400 miles into Italian Somaliland within a month. The country north of, Mozadiscio (Continued on Twentieth Page) GREENFIELD MAN DIES OF AUTO FUMES Brother Is Revived; Were Running Engine to Charge Battery in Garage The Most Widely Read Newspaper in Western New England VOL. LXXVIII, No.
55 GREENFIELD. Fob. 26. Norman Whitcomb, 47, of Armory Street. WAR dead.
while his brother, William, 18. same address WAS in serious condition at the Franklin County pital tonight from breathing carbon monoxide fumes for some time At their garage while running the motor their unregistered car chargo the battery. Both men were found by Norman's daughter, Marion. who with Armand Foote went to the garage at the Harold Watson residence at 11 Armory Etrect, shortly before 0. Together they dragged her father out from behind the wheel of the car.
William WAS found on the garage floor unconscious. Police and firemen worked over Norman for more than an hour hut were unable to revive him. William rogained consciousness. However, almost AS SOOT as he WAS taken from the gas filled parage he WAS taken to the hospital where he is being trentel by Dr. 1.
E. Ilubbard. Patrolman George Fosmire, who investigated, sald the brothers went to the 'garage the street from their home at about 6. They planned to run the motor and charge the battery 8.9 they have done before while (Continued on Sixth Page) THE MORNING SPRINGFIELD 3 SPRINGFIELD, PUBLISHED AND EVENING Sleeper Plane With 18 Aboard Is Overdue on New York-Atlanta Trip Eastern Airlines Craft With 15 Passengers, Three in Crew, Unreported Early Today; Weather at Destination 'Not Too Favorable' NEW YORK, Feb. 27 (Thursday) (AP) Airlines announced early today that a sleeper plane carrying 15 passengers and.
a crew of three was overdue on a Alight from New York to Atlanta. The plane was last heard from at, Thomas, copilot, and Clarence Moore, 12.14 A. m. (E. S.
and was due steward, Names of the passengers were not at Atlanta at 12.55 A. m. immediately available. The plane was in charge of Capt. (Atlanta said it was possible the James Terry, pilot, with 1.
I plane's radio had failed.) Wheeler Says Roosevelt Trying to "Flim-Flam" Public on War Issue Angrily Replies to Chandler's Charge That Foes of Lease-Lend Bill Seek to Undermine Confidence in President OP WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 tempers, the Senate today accuse opponents of the lease-lend dermine public confidence in In turn, Senator Wheeler (D-Mont.) Angrily replied that Mr. Roosevelt Wag trying to the public. He repeatedly described aS "shockins" the J'resident's statement of yesterday that the task of winning tho wAr must take precedence over any talk of peace aims. He called it indicative of an attitude that the United States was already in the wAr.
It WAS the first real debate, anal OP heard Senator Chandler (D-Ky.) (AP) -In a tumult of snapping bill of endeavoring to unPresident Roosevelt. the first sign of ebbing patience, of the nine days the Senate has devoted to the bill. A session which began in quiet fashion with Senator Nye (R-N. continuing A speech begun last week, was suddenly transformed into A scene of excitement. First of all, Wheeler interrupted Nye to say that Mr.
word indicated a position which this couir (Continued on Twentieth Page) Coakley, Madden Helped Free Prisoners Who Were Later Convicted of Crimes Councilor and Senator Named by Special Commission in Cases of Mee and Pisco, Called "Examples of Political Interference" 3 in the report of the special legislative commission which exposed Editor's note: This is the 10th of a series of articles summariz the pardon and parole racket in Massachusetts. The full text of the report, published ax House Documents No. a and No. 1000, may be obtained by written request to the Governor's office, or to the SpeakCr of the House, State House, Boston. Coakley.
'Roth parolees were subBy John Dry sdale sequently arrested and convicted for parole cases of the prisoners crimes: possessing Pisco firearms. for robbery: Mee for SIpe and l'isco are not only striking a examples of political interference with that appear from record It would the release procedure, but Also are in- in brief follows: an His record Mee is now orphan. stances of Attempts by politicians to obtain different and more favored tenced In October, 1032, Mee was sento 21 years to three years at treatment by parole agents for their friends on State Prison for the crime of accessparole," asserts the special pry after the fact commission on pardon and parole. dangerous of assault with The commission cites weapon with intent to mur. intercession der.
When his for l'isco by Senator Madden and for minimum term for this Mee by Governor's Councilor Daniel (Continued on Fifteenth Page) SUGGEST A NEW LABOR BOARD TO ACT AS "COURT" High Officials Working on Plan to End Trouble in Defense Industries WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (AP)plan for a new labor board to serve as a "supreme court" for strikes and disputes in defense industries which cannot be settled by the established machinery of Federal mediation, was reported taking shape today in the hands of high officials. May Be Hastened One well-informed official who declined to be quoted by name said an executive order for the creation of such a board the final stage of drafting, and might be hastened by the threat of A widespread strike in the Bethlehem steel mills, loaded with defense orders. The plan as authoritatively lined would set up an boarthree to represent the public, four for labor and four for employersto do a job of fact -finding and fact. publishing in labor dispute cases where the ordinary processes of the U.
S. conciliation service were not sufficient to bring about a settlement. 'The board of nonsalaried members would intervene only in cases cortified to it by Secretary of Labor or Perkin, whose jurisdiction embraces the conciliation service. Nine-Years-Old Boy Enlists as a Mascot In U.S. Marine Corps SAT.T LAKE CITY, Fob.
26 (AP) Robin Hurt, who enlisted as a Marine Corps mascot today, awaits "shake. down cruise" to San Francisco as part of his 30-day probation he. fore receiving A first sergeant's rating. The boy Is A nephew of Bern Woolley, Buffalo (N. ro.
search chemist who enlisted here at the ago of seven and took part in the Marine Corps recruiting drive in the World War. Capt. Con D. Silard, in charge of recruiting, said Robin's princinal duties, if he 'is arceptol. would he A series of tours of Western Marine Corps offices and barracks.
3 UNION 22 PAGES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY HAYES IS PLACED ON TRIAL BARKER AND CURTO GUILTY; WILL BE SENTENCED LATER; IS ACCUSED OF SEEKING "GIFT" ON TAXI ISSUE Former Alderman Waives Jury Trial; Evidence Will Be Heard by Judge IS SAID TO HAVE BUS SALE FORCED Hayes Allegedly Told Shenas License Depended on It Irving C. Hayes of Thompson Street, a former member of the Board of Aldermen, and a member of the Transportation Board in 1936, was placed on trial before Judge Walter L. Collins in Superior Court yesterday on an indictment charging, that 011 he Feb. corruptly 18, 1939, request- from William Shenas in connection with an application to operate taxicabs from this city to the Agawam race track. Waives Jury Trial When Asst.
Dist. Atty. Joseph M. Kelly moved for trial of the Hayes case, James F. Egan and John 1.
Hennessy, counsel for Hayes, said that the defendant waived trial by jury And Judge Collins will hear the It is charged by the Commonwealth that Hayes visited Shenas and talked about his application for a. license 10 operate to Agawam, and the purchase of a bus by Shenas. Hayes was sals. man for the -Mack Truck Company. Shenas was not interested in buying a the court IVAS told by Kelly, AS he had 15 or.
16 taxicabs which he intended to use on the Agawam route. The court was told that Shenas was told by Hayes that he would get his license only if he purchased the bus which cost $1000. About April 13 Shenas signed a contract for A bus And gave a check as a down payment and June when da as delivered by Shenas And the application was pall $1000. The La via eldoni used, still pending- -until May, when it was approved. The Mayor refused to sign the license however, and layes is (Continued on Ninth Page) SAY MARIJUANA IN POSSESSION OF ARRESTED MANI Police Declare Musician Is Believed to Have Been Selling Drug Marijuana was.
allegedly found in the possession of William L. Thompson, 20, who resides a.t the Crown Hotel and who WAS arrested there yesterday by vice squad officers. POlice said it is the first time that this weed, which is feared greatly by police and social workers because souths frequently fall' prey to its use, has been found in this city in recent years. Say Drug in Room Two ounces of this drug, which is used by rolling it into cigarets and smoking it, were found in Thompson's room, the vice squad officers claim. He was charged with ing Sec.
197, Chap. 24, of the eral laws by having narcotics in his possession. Thompson, police said, is a saxophone player in an orchestra which (Continued on Twentieth Page) Mass. Councilor Burnett Dies Succumbs After Being Stricken at State House BOSTON. Feb.
26 A P) -Governor's Councilor Eugene A. I. Burtnett, 70, died today after being stricken ill at the State House. He was filet named councilor in 1933 and except for one term has held the office since. He WAS a Republican, and lived in Somerville.
Roosevelt Sees Defense Officials May Want to Know What Aid Can Go to Britain WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (AT)President Roosevelt met top ranking defense officials today in a series of conferences believed to concern administration of the pending lease. lend bill and what existing equipment of the Army and Navy could be spared to Britain and other powers upon the passage of that mons'ire. None of the conferees. who Ineluded Secretaries Hull, Stimson and Morgenthau and the Army and Navy high command, would disclose to reporters afterwards the subjects that were discussed.
The opinion was expressed in well Informed quarters, however, that tho President was taking steps to have additional aid to Britain, Greece and China ready ag soon As the lease- lend bill was passed. TO DEMONSTRATE GUNS WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (AL') The Army's newest tanks and antiaircraft and other guns will be demonstrated Friday at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, to members of the Senate and House military affairs committees. Correspondent Describes Nazi Propaganda Machine "Britain Started War," Germans Are Repeatedly Told, but "Reich Will Win It" Editor's note: Lynn Heinzerling, uho with Edwin Shanke is doscribing conditions in Germany in a series of six daily stories for the Special News Service and The Union, tells here of the propaganda machine forged by Dr. Joseph.
Goebbels and of the work of (L 100 correspondent in Berlin: Heinzerling and Shanke, assigned posts in Germany before the war started, hare just returned to this country. Heinzlerling the same lowest thesis: party functionary started comes this to the By Lynn NEW YORK. Reb. 26-Dr. Joseph war.
Germany will win It, and Ger. Gorbells has been in the public eye many and Italy together will then little in recent months, but the ept un A new order in which mighty Instrument which he has kind will be happier, more prosperous forced to spread propaganda and and frond of wars for all time." enlightenment among the Germans To fire these ideas at the people and throughout the world works 011 day after day, month after month. unceasingly. An organization of thousands of work'The Same Thesis has heen created, and millions Over the air wave. in books and of marks have born spent.
From all nowspapers and out of the mouths of Nazi leaders from Adoll Hitler down (Continued on Twenty- -Second Page) THE WEATHER Snow Today or Tonight and Tomorrow 27, 1941 Convicted on Bribe Charges 4 VINCENT A. CURTO FREDERICK S. BARKER Be for Distant Bases, Including Guam House Studies Emergency Fund Bill for Army, Navy Most of $1,533,439,702 Appropriation Would WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 $1,533.439,702 emergency and Navy today and almost charge that "unreasonable had occurred in defense The lion's share of the money, 321,702 in cash and contract tions, would go to the Navy for de. of its far flung bases--in eluding establishment of naval a tion lookout posts at Guam and submarine chasers on And other small Samoa-to start construction of 400 craft to speed up the delivery of 35 destroyers.
Money for Army A direct appropriation of 000 included for the Army, chiefly for cantonment construction and other housing. Or that amount. $335.880,000 was requested for the completion of 156 projcets already under way and for which the original estimates were too low. To present at repetition of the delays and increased costs experienced in the Army construction program in the he event that the land forces are expanded further, the House Appropriation3 Committee recommended A $15.000.000 special fund to enable the War Department to mako advance engineering studies. That Sull was (Continued on Fifteenth Page) MASS.
MUTUAL RANKS HIGH ON FEDERAL LIST Shows One of Best Records as Regards Ledger Assets That Earn Adequate Interest Special to The Springfold Union WASHINGTON, Feh. 26 -The sachusetta Mutual Life Insurance Company of Springfield shows one of the best records among the Nation's insurance companies 88 regards ledger assets that carn adequate interest, the 'ederal Monopoly Committee's insurance monograph, issued tonight, shows. The average for 20 of the large companies reveals 31.19 per cent of their ledger assets "earning Jess than tho amount of interest necessary to maintain reserVes, that is, to meet interest it is stated. The percentage for the sachusetts Mutual is only 22.41. "With the fall of interest rates which has taken place in recent years," declares the monograph He which wAR largely written by Gerhard Gesell of New: Haven, special counsel for the Insurance coction of SIt, "the life insurance companies have been brought face to face with 7.
serious investment And operating problem the problem of carning enough Interlost 10 mPPt policy guarantees. The from the. fact that on the average acuteness of this, problem is apparent the 26 (large) companies have 31.19 (Continued on Ninth Page) Meteor Reported In N. Y. State 1 Flash Also Seen as Far South as Philadelphia ALBANY.
N. Fob. 26 (AP) A large vari-colored ball of fire sped from past to west across the northern sky tonight and experts to diately decided it WAg A meteor. William Tracy, United States meteorologist stationed at Syracuse, said persons who saw the phenomenon described it in different WAYS. One viewed it as a bright blue flash that exploded into A daik red glow.
The meteor was seen widely in tral and northern New York at approximately 7.30 p. F. S. but 1t also was reported sighted as far south as Philadelphia, Pa. In Rochester soma residents thought the Army again was experimenting with huzo flashlight hombs used in night aerial photography.
TWO CENTS Nazis Show Turks Film Showing What Happens to Enemies NEW YORK, Feb. 26 German radio today said Franz Von l'apen, German an bassador to Turkey, had given a private showing of the Nazi film "The Victory in the West" for Turkish Prime Minister Refik Saydam, Foreign Minister Sukru Saracoglu and other Turkish officials. The Alm, which shows fierman operations in the Lowlands and France, was exhibited in Ankara At A. dinner. The radio sAid the Turks were "profoundly Im pressed same Aim was shown last week in Sofia, Bulgaria, to ier Bozdan and members of his cabinet.
A similar in Fall of Poland'-was shown to Norwegian officials most on the eve of the Nazi sion of that country.) STRIKE CALLED AT BETHLEHEM STEEL PLANT C.1.O. Also Files Notice of Walkout Intentions at Three Ford Factories N. Feb. 27 (Thursday) -Violence flared early today along the tiro mile picket line at the Bethlehem Steel Company's plant in Lackawanna as strikers sought to keep ers from entering gates leading to plant property. Five automobiles WArP battered with And windows smashed.
Ten cars were chased away. By The Associated Press C. I.0. strike was called last night at the huge Lackawanna (N. plant of the Bethlehem Steel Cor.
poration and another was threatened at three plants of the Ford Motor Company. Roth situations loomed ture. darkly on the defense production pie: U. S. Action Fails Federal conciliators conferred with representatives of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee in a last effort to avert the Bethlehem strike but failed to find a hasis for settlement by the union's 0 D.
m. deadline, and picket lines were formed at seven gates of the Lackawanna plant, which covers a two mile area. The strike was voted Tuesday with the stipulation that it could be avert- (Continued on Nixth Page) U.S. IS PLANNING NO CENSORSHIP, MELLETT SAYS Asserts Only Usual Military Check Contemplated in Event of War WASHINGTON, Teh. 26 (AT) -A White House aide asserted today that the Government is contemplating no press or radio censorship aside from the customary military censorship in event of war.
Lowell Mellett. gray haired director of the office of Government Reports. made the statement in urging the House Exponditures Committee to es. tablish his bureau 011 a permanent basis. After his testimony, the committee quickly approved a hill authorizing a ycarly $1.500,000 appropriation for the office.
Chairman O'Leary (D-N. said that the five Republicans present voted against it, with all Democrats present favoring it. Rep. Whittington (D-Miss.) said the appropriation represented virtually a 100 per cent Increase. Mellott.
seated with committee mombers at A big oval table, read an OX planation of the work of his office, (Continued on Ninth Page) Britain Plays Strong Card In Sending Eden to Turkey His Last Trip to Africa Was Followed Quickly by Offensive in Libya By Kirke L. Simpson Britain has played a powerful card in the Balkan crisis in sending her ace diplomat, Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, to Ankara to confer with Turkish officials. Uncertainty as to Turkey's attitude in the event of a German march into Bulgaria is the most confusing factor in the situation. It might be well to recall that Mfr. war, it that comes, than in the den's last trip eastward from Lon- Italian fighting In Albania.
don carried him to Africa, and waS It is to be assumed that the groundfollowed swiftly by the British Alri- work for British- Turkish war co-opcan offensive, Prestinably Eden car- oration has been laid in previous ried the go-ahead signal to the Brit- forences between army staff ish army of tho Nile. sontatives in Ankara. If in in A British Force Freed position to pledge quick transfer of The British Ictorics in Africa British fighting forces to Turkey or might prose very persuasive to the Macedonia it might easily ho the Turks if they need persuasion to ful- deciding factor In shaping Turkish All their treaty obligations policy. Ain's potential wAr ally. These Mar Force Nazis Hand nursia and the progress boing made Tho Ankara conferences seem in mopping up operations 1n Fast culated 10 force Berlin to move in Africa unquestionably have served to the East, or to exhibit A.
significant A powerful British force for use weakness, the Mediterrancan. Germany engaged in war in the Although British desert armice dif0cult Balkan mountain terrain, 0uld have to be seasoned anew for with powerful Turkish forces Active winter Achling alongside the Greeks on her flank and British bombers Albania. this would not apply in battering her line of march and zupTurkey. climatic conditions would he ply depots, would he weakened for much more favorable for British army participation in a Turkish German (Continued on Twentieth l'age) PAIR CONVICTED HERE BY JURY IN SUPERIOR COURT Former Alderman and Former Councilman Convicted of Secking. Accepting Bribc ALLOWED TO REMAIN FREE ON $1000 BAIL' 4 (AP) -The House took up A appropriation bill for the Army immediately heard a Republican costs and unreasonable delays" program.
BERLIN CLAIMS CHARGES FILED AGAINST EARLE Says U.S. Envoy Accused of Assault Due to Sofia Cafe Incident BERLIN, Feb. 26 German news agency, reported today 111 A Sofia dispatch that charges had been made in the Bulcapital against U. S. Minister George H.
Earle as 2. result of last Saturday's cafe bottle -throwing incident. "J.ight Bodily Wounds" DNB said Earle was accused of "inflicting light bodily wounds." The ageney added that "numerous citizens appeared as nesses." (Earle said the altercation 01'09P When A Juan he identified a 8 A Ger. mAn objected when the orchestra played "Tipperary" at Farle's re. quest.
'The man was hit by A bottle and Earle suffered cut on his arm in warding off A. bottle.) Say Earle Can't Be Arrested WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (AT) -Offi. cials said today that George H. Earle, TI.
S. minister, can't legally hp ar. rested or tried on the assauit charges to have been filed against him In Sofia, They asserted that Earle has diplomatic immunity. The State Department had received no report late today that charges had been filed against the envoy, M.IF. GEN.
G. D. LIGHT TOLEDO, Feb. 26 (AT) Maj. Gen.
Gilson D. J.ight, who spent most of his life in the State's aimed forces land became adjutant general of Ohio And his state's selective service director, died tonight of a cerebral Two Men Are at Liberty, Pending Sentencing Conviction of former-Alderman Frederick E. Barker of Tremont Street, and of former-Councilman Vincent A. Curto of 837 Main Street Oli charges of soliciting and accepting a $50 bribe, respectively, from Robert M. Feldman was recorded in Superior Court at 4.25 p.
m. yesterday. Jurors who deliberated one hour and 45 minutes, reported their verdict to Judge Walter L. Collins. Free on Bail Asst.
Dist. Atty. Joseph 1. Kelly who prosecuted the two former City Property Cominittee members for three days of their trial, Asked Judge Collins to permit the defendants to remain free on hail of $1000 PAch until later In the present session when Dist. Auty.
Thomas W. Moriarty will move for sentence. This was curred in by Arthur T. Garvey sel for. Barker, and Poster Percolo And John M.
Noonan counsel for Curto, Feldman charged that pressure was exerted upon him 10 pay $30 10 Barker after he had filed an application for use of the Auditorium for A wrestling match. A. fow days after the application WAS introduced he that he met both defendants on the street at different times and hot.h told him he would have to pay $50 to Barker, or that the permit would be: revoked. Jury on Cases Jurors who heard the evidence wore: laymond W. Miller of West Springfield, foreman of the Jury; Alcide Berthelot, Seward Norman Brown, William Cunningham, James Heady, Charles A.
Saab, all of (Continued on Ninth Page) a the to to in as don ried ish All in SAYS AXIS WILL STRIKE BACK IF U.S. INTERVENES Nazi Paper Asserts Germany, Italy, Japan to Guard "Living Spaces" BERLIN, Web. 26 (AP) The signatories of: the Axis tripartite pactGermany, Italy and Japan -are ready LO strike back at any American armod intervention in their "lebens. raeume" (living spaces), the vial paper Doersenzeitung warned tonight. Writing under the heading, "Japan, master in the Western Pacific," Krauss in the paper's leading editorial said, "for Italy, Japan and Germany this war is a question of life and death which American politicians think they can negate by shipments of moncy and munitions." "The highly praised American do.
mocracy now 1s supposed to become A personal Roosevelt rulership so perhaps tomorrow the heaten English partner can he supported by American armed forces," the editorial said. "The defense forces of the three DOWPIS are prepared for this arbitrary attack and will throw it hack with iron will and superior might. No American power will be able to digturd the natural law of the world, developments in the 'lebensranume' of three peoples and the fulfillment of their vital demands." "Breach of Trust" by Some Insurance Directors Seen Funds of Many Life Policyholders in Jeopardy, SEC Staff Members Say in Report WASHINGTON. Feb. 26 (AT) -The Monopoly Committee made public 10- day A report by two members of the Securities Commission staff which serted that funds of many life insurance policyholders "will remain In jeopardy" until "flagrant cases of flict (of interest) and breach of trust" by some insurance directors are nated.
Report by Gesell, Hone The report Ag written by Gor. hard .1. Gesell and Ernest J. Howe, members of the SEC staff who were in charge of a study of life Insurance companies undertaken for presenta. tion to the Monopoly Committee.
In making the report public, Chair. man () Mahoney (D- Wyn.) and ner T. l'ike. SEC member of the committen, said that it represented the views of the authors onlv and WAS not an expression by either the committee or the SEC. The report made no specific mondations, but l'ike said dations dealing with insuranco would he submitted to the committee 011 behalf of himself and (josell at a.
(Continued on Ninth Page) The Weather FORECAST -For Massachusetts: increasing clondiness followed by light late today or tonight: Friday light snOW, slightly warmer. (Details on J'age 10.) ALMANAC- -Sun rises 6.29, Apts 5.37. Light all vehicle lamps at 6.07. TEMPERATURE- Maximum 42, minimum 18. (U.
S. Armory figures for 24 hour period end. ing at 4 p. m. Wednesday.) News Index City l'agos 2, 3, 4, 6, 11 Chicopee D'ace 6 West Springfo'd Pare 6 Paul Mallon Page 8 Paze 13 Answers to Dago 16 the Tago 8 11 Radio 7 cartoons and Pace 16 11, 15 Sporting.
PaRoR 17, 18, 10.
