North Carolina Newspapers

The Rocky Mount Herald VOLUME 4, NO. 1 ROOSEVELT SAYS BUSINESS ABUSES MUST BE HALTED | Urges Final Action On Farm Mea i| sure Before Congress ■* * President Roosevelt, speaking Mon day to Congress, said that both cap ital and labor should cooperate with the government in working out tho welfare of the nation. t Jv. Saying "the misuse of the powers of capital" must be ended, the Pres ident gave notice that the capitalis tic system might be destroyed through its own abuses. The message, one of the longest 'xf the administration, totaling about ■I,OOO words covered the whole field of major legislation for this session, as well as business policies and in ternational affairs. j». Chiefly because of national unity . ' in ending mistakes of the past and iqeeting the necessi+-i«8 of today, wa must carry on," Mr. Roosevelt said. "I do not propose to let the people down. I am sure the Congress of tbe United States will not let the M people down." 'y Principally President Roosevelt ' asked for revival of the wage and hour bill, which shelved during the special session; enactment of thd government organization bill; final \ adtijon of the "all-weathe*" farm ■l2l now pending before a joint House-Senate Committee; continua tion of the "none-shall-starve" re lief policy; maintenance of neces- S sary government functions unimpair- expansion of purchasing power mffO a P°' nt at which taxes will pro r-iluce adequate government revenue; / modification of taxes without reduc-[ 1 tion of income. For international affairs the Pres ident projected a policy of peace ''in a world where stable civiliza ction is actually threatened. "But I he declared that in this day of un dependable treaty obligations "on part of others" this nation must be adequately strong in ,aelf de fense." Business practices which the Pres ident condemned were: tax avoid ance through corporate and other . methods, excessive capitalization, in- vestment write-ups and security ma nipulations; price-rigging and col lusive bidding in defiance of the spirit of the antitrust laws by meth ods that "baffle prosecution under the present statutes." Mrs. W. E. Cobb to . purled At Wilson Wife Of Local Tobacco Warehouse Operator Dies At Nashville Mrs. Mattie Suggs Cobb, wife of V W. E. Cobb, operator of a local to bacco warehouse was buried, follow ing funeral services at 2:30 O'CIOCK from tho Pinetops Presbyterian church with Rev. H. R. McFayden of ficiating. Mrs. Cobb, whoso home is in Pine tops, died at Asheville yesterday af ternoon following an illness of sev eral years' duration. She was a na tive of Edgecombe county. Surviving are her husband, a son, W% E. Cobb, Jr., of Pinetops; a sis ter," Mrs. John L. Day of Wilson; three brothers, George T. Sugg of this city; Robert E. Sugg of Jack sonville, Fla., and H. G. Sugg of /(Pinetops; a half sister, Miss Mary " Little Sugg of Washington, D. C.; and a half-brother, F. L. Sugg of Pinetops. ''SHEEP HEREDRS The State Department of Agricul ture »ees an opportunity for the farmt If of the state to go into the sheep raising business. Not neces sarily to produce wool, but primarily to produce spring lambs. The state is Well adapted to the raising of sheep, and is asar the northern markets where the demand for spring lambs is fairly steady. WAR LORD Interviewed a few days ago by a correspondent Chiang Kai-Shek, Gen eralissimo of China, spoke with great est confidence of China's ability to continue resistance to Japan. The i War Lord seemed to be cheerful, and of plans to put 50 or more di p "Vons in the field by next spring, fias given up his civil rule, and yjoting his whole time to militqjy IN WASHINGTON ■ WHAT IS TAKING PLACE BY fj, UNITED STATES SENATOR [ The storm Bignals are out for the current session of Congress. It is already evident that the legislative sailing will not be smooth. Presi dent Roosevelt has donned hi s "exe cutive qnd is prepared to actively and militantly direct the, ship of state through its rocky Con gressional voyage, a role in which he is at his best. All this means that the country can get ready for action and a strong effort to main tain the gains made during the per iod from the depression to the cur rent recession in business. Foremost on the legislative calen dar will be an attempt to g&t at the cause of the existing recession, with its drop in sales, slump in tho manufacture of automobiles and oth er factors leading to unemployment. Are government policies responsi ble! Has the undistributed profits | and capital gains taxes caused the ! slump f Is a minority of poworful j industrial and business groups carry ing the opposition to Roosevelt pol icies too fart Answers to these and other questions will be sought early in the session. ! It is, of course, too early to an ticipate the Congressional course. There will no doubt be sharp clashes of opinion on the faults and virtues of what has already been done. Lines may be more sharply drawn as between supporters of the President and the so-called conserva tives than at any time since 1932. But there seems to be a united de termination to see that the middle classes, small business men and the in-betweens are not pinched in the fight for the protection o fthe lit tle fellow against whatever evils may exist in the monopolistic and con trol-at-any-prico conditions. Some of the things that now stand out may be summarized as follows: THE GOVERNMENT—(lndications that unemployment is greater than has been thought, wjth further drop in employment if the recession is not checked, may prevent any wholo sales moves for economy. The Con gress will be faced with demands of citizens for economy and demands for expenditures. As the result, in dividual mombers will find it neces sary to study budget recommenda tions, revenue yields and learn more about national needs in the light of developments within th last sixty days before becoming definitely com mitted to more or less spending. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY—It is apparent that the capital indus tries, such as steel, utilities, rails, and others, are not moving ahead as is necessary for the national good. Tax revision, clarifying of federal policies, and charting of a definite course of government action may prove helpful. In addition, it is al so apparent that purchasing power is not up to price levols. This situation was feared by many when prices began to move upward at a faster rate than the income of our people. AGRICULTURE—Much of tho gains made by agriculture through higher prices for farm commodities have been offset by higher taxes, higher prices for what the farmer buys, higher prices for farm equip ment and so on. Thus it is essen tial that the Congress act as quickly as possible to assure the farmer what he may expect ahead. THE WAGE-EARNER—It is to be hoped that all possible will be done t 0 bring warring labor factions to gether. Continued friction is certain to be harmful to the great ranks of wage earners. A greatly modified wage and hour bill may be enacted by Congress. Something must be done to raise low wage levels and break the jam now caused by low income and high living costs. Unfnrtunatelj( all these thingg fae 3 ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA, FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1938 CRANMER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Veteran Southport Jurist's Plan To Retire Has Lonj Been Rumored Wilmington, Dec. 31.—Judge E. H. Cranmer of Southport, resident Su perior Court judge, of the eighth judicial district, today announced he will retire when his term of of fice expires one year from today, De cember 31, 1938. Judge Cranmer will be 68 years of age next February 22. When le retires, he will have served on tho bench eighteen years and ten months. State law .provides that when a Su perior Court judge has Reached the age of 65 and has served fifteen or more years, he may retire at two thirds pay. Upon retirement Judge Cranmer automatically becomes an emergency judge. In a statement announcing his long-rumored intention to retire, Judge Cranmer expressed gratitude to the people "who have permitted me to serve them so long." He de clared the loss of his "always agree able" association with lawyers in courts over which he presides will be one of his chief regrets. He said that in all his experience he had known of only one lawyer who tried to "put over a fast one." This, he said he believed, was "an error of the head and not of the heart." Concluding, he said, "I dislike no person on earth and I have the beat of good will for everyone. I hold nothing against any human being anywhere and I have nothing to set tle with any person. I hope that for the remainder of my timo on the bench I will be able to do just ly, to love mercy and to walk hum bly with God." W. M. Cavita Dies Of Illness Funeral Services For ACL Employe Was Conducted From Home Wednesday Funeral services for W. M. Gavin, who died early Tuesday at his home here, was conducted from the home at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning. Mr. Cavin, who was 68 years old, died at 1:40 o'clock, of an illness which he had suffered for seven weeks. He had been troubled by occasional poor health since last Bum mer. Rev. Norman Johnson, pastor of the First Baptist church, and Dr. J. W. Kincheloe, pastor of the First Baptist church conducted the cere monies from the home at 268 Tar boro street. Formerly a resident of Sitatesville, Mr. Cavin was a member of an af filiated branch of the Presbyterian church. He had been employed in the air brake department of the Atlantic Coast Line railroad for about 35 years, until his illness last! No vember. 0 He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lula Borst Cavin, formerly of Pe tersburg, Va.; a brother, Wade Ca vin of Troutmans; and a sister, Miss Meta Cavin of Statesville. Pallbearers were L. E. Hart, W. 8. Holm'an, C. N. Blankenship, J. W. Weisiger, W. S. Johnson, Harry An drews, Ben Mooring and J2. L. Ta tum. All The Wedded Ones Were Ffirds In a double wedding at St. Mar tin's Lutheran church in Stanly county, during the holiday season two couples were wedded and all of them were Efird'e. Maggie Lee Efird became the bride of Luther Brooks Efird and Edith Christine Efird was wedded to Benjamin Guy Efird. One of the brides was a sis ter to the other Efird bridegroom. Congress in an election year. Mem bers will be faced with a desire to be with constituents ayd the call of duty in Congress. As a result, indi vidual members will be forcod to act according to their best belief of the right course, and let the chip 8 fall where they may. Japanese Children Dress the Part ~" JU . I j. ;. At the children's festival in Japan many of the children who were taken to the temple were dressed as miniature generals and admirals. These youngsters were photographed at the Meiji shrine in Tokyo. Are Our Old People Receiving Justice? * _———__ We notice from the press that Mrs. Bost has given out a statement "that it is hoped that none of the old age pen sioners shall receive lees than $5 and that she thought the state average would b«r from $7 to $9." With all the great resources and with all the bragging, a state than can spend $250,000 for a little mere advertis ing publicity it would look like the state would dislike to have the above figuresj broadcasted throughout the country. We boast of our great farming and we boast of the great number of spindles that are being operated and yet we un dertake to give our old people from $5 to $9 and even with this the national government is paying half. Surely some economy can and should be practiced in North Carolina by cutting out .non-essentials in order that we may do more for our old people.. Let us stop and consider. We know there are people going to and fro almost like hoppergrass es spoken of in Governor Vanve's time and while we would hate to see a lot of these people lose their checks but we believe that more gooo, will come fromgiving rt to the old people whom Mr. Roosevelt intended to receive it. W. C. MANNING, EDITOR PASSES We were indeed saddened to read of the death of Honor able W. C. Manning, editor and owner of the Williamston Enterprise. The state has lost one of its finest citizens and this great Eastern agricultural section one of its staunchest advocates. He spoke out always, with understanding and boldness on public questions regardless of what influences his speaking might have upon his advertising columns. He may well be characterized as, "the Dean of the Editors of County News Papers of North Carolina." His paper, The Wilhamston Enterprise, is an institution in Martin Coun ty and is read by the entire citizenship. Besides being an able editor, he was interested in every undertaking in his church, his county, and his state that was for the up building of our people. Following is an appreciation of his character and life written by C. W. Bazemore which is not over stated and we concur fully in it. A Gentle And Good Man Passes On William C. Manning has passed away. Williamston, Martin County, and this State will miss this gentle, just and good man, who was known to so many people and whose life was so filled with deeds of accomplishment. Not only his native community but people far beyond the circle of folk who knew him and loved him best, were reached by the useful works of his busy years. When a man ends this human pilgrimage and hun dreds are saddened to hear of it, and the multitude— the rich and the poor and the old and the young, all come in silent tribute and deep regret to witness the fi nal rites and homage paid to him in this life—such a man must need have jbeen a friend to many indeed. William C. Manning was such a man. He was rich in friepds. He helped countless numbers of folk of both races, and of every walk of life, and he was loved and respected and esteemed by a great many people indeed. Mr. Manning as I knew him was broad, human, gen t}e, just and strong. Like Mr. Greatheart in Pilgrim's Progress, he could pause to wipe away a child's tears, Of stop to answer the voice of some weaker one in need, pr when need should rise, he could gird himself with the strppgth of righteousness and fight mightily toward victory for what was just and true and good. We knew Mr. Manning for years, as counselor and good friend. He was a Christian scholar, a gentleman, an educator, a good father and husbandman, a fearless newspaper man, and a good citizen all the years of his life. Mr. Manning's enduring monument is the record of his life of usefulness and honor to his community and State. He has lived a good life and written his own epitaph in the hearts of his legions of friends. —C. W. Bazemore. PRESIDENTS MESSAGE SUITS THE PEOPLE Congress convened in regular session on last Monday and was addressed in person by President Roosevelt. The message of the President was broadcast throughout the na tion and practically throughout the world. It was one of the greatest speeches that had been delivered in Washing ton. It meets the full approval of our community save an infintesinal minority. The North Carolina Delegation in Congress all spoke in -high praise of his utterances save one. Can we guess who that one is ? Why it is Senator Bailey, the (Please turn to page four) SPRUILL SEES UNITED ACTION TO EMBARRASS THE PRESIDENT LaGuardia Starts Second Term New York, Jan. I.—At two minuteg past midnight, Fiorello H. LaGuar dia took his second oath of offico as Mayor of New York—the first "re form" mayor ever to beat Tammany twice in a row. At almost the same time, in tho Criminal Courts Building, Thomas F. Dewey, who racket-busted his way to prominence, took the oath as Dis trict Attorney of Manhattan. As on January 1, 1934, LaGuardia was sworn in at the office -of former Judge Samuel Seabury, his princi pal sponsor in his first successful campaign. And, as in 1934, the oath was ad ministered by Justice Philip McCock, for many years a political ally of the mayor. Dewey's induction, belief and with out flourish, was of equal signifi cance to political historians. It mark ed the first time in somo 20 years that the office has not been directly associated with Tammany Hall. Burney Announces For Judicial Post Wilmington Solicitor Seeks Eighth \ District Seat Which Cranmer Will Resign Wilmington, Jan. I.—Solicitor John J. Burney of the Eighth Judicial District today announced his candi dacy for the district .judgship to succeed Judge E. H. Cranmer of Southpui-t, who yesterday announced his intention of retiring when his term expires at the end of this year. Burney, a resident of Wilmington, 'has be'en scrtlsl fof ~ fftr Three 'ywrrs-. He is a former Wilmington city at torney, and has been prominent in American Legion, fraternal and civic affairs. Presbyterians Will Seek Mission Funds Nashville, Tenn., Jan. I.—The Southern Presbyterian church will launch tomorrow a campaign to raise $225,000 for its foreign mission work, SIOO,OOO of which will be used to finance "extraordinary conditions" resulting from Sino-Japanese hostili ties. Dr. C. Darby, Fulton, executive secretary of the church's foreign mission committee, said "if one had deliberately planned a war in China to interfere most directly with thn China missions of the Presbyterian church in the United States, ho could not have accomplished this more thoroughly than has been done by the warring forces in the Far East." In addition to tho SIOO,OOO emerg ency fund, the committee expects to raise the annual fund of $125,000. The campaign will close February 6. Quebec Order Raises Pay of 670,000 Folks Montreal, Dec. 29. —An order-in council by the Quebec government increasing the earnings of 670,090 industrial workers, including 155,000 women, in the province of Quebe: will go into effect January 1, 1938, George Cromp, vice chairman of tho Fair Wage Board announced on De cember 28. The order, it is understood, will affect the wages of every industrial employe earning S2O a week or less. Increases range from five to 10 per cent and will raise payrolls by $2,- 600,000, annually. NOTICE Tfcoae desiring to subscribe to The Rocky Mont Herald may do so by sending SI.OO with "«™ and address to The Rocky Mount Herald, Rocky Mount, C. Name Town State Route Ka SI.OO PER YEA# President of State Bankers Amoei ation Declares Roosevelt Little Man's Friend "I think the recession is caused bjr a concerted action of big business and the newspapers to embarrass the President," was the emphatic state ment of F. P. Spruill, president of the Peoples Bank here, and president of North Carolina Bankers Asso ciation, in a talk last niglit beforo the Current Topics Club. Spontaneous applause from the club greeted his remark, "I am for the President and the government agen cies that helped me carry on for my depositors," referring to the banking cataclysm of late 1932 and 1933 when the speaker credited President Roose velt with saving the banks by closing them and restoring confidence. Of the current business "recession," Mr. Spruill repeated his statement made at a recent meeting of the Bankers Association : "I don't know anything about it." He added, "And I have the fine consolation that I know as much about it as anybody else." Explaining at the outset that his comments were lys personal opinions, not necessarily opinions of his bank or the North Carolina Bankers Asso ciation. Banker Spruill rapped se verely bankers, business men and po litical figures who have blamed the Federal administration for the lull in business conditions. "President Roosevelt has been a Godsend to the little man," Mr. Spru ill declared. He expressed his per sonal gratitudo to the President who, he stated, "has given relief to the farmer, has given relief to industry, •Mt4> has -a hiurdcn from the banks that I can never forget." Of banks in the state now, the Bankers Association president com mented, 'North Carolina today has banks ana banking facilities better 'than I have sten in 15 years of ex perience." Mr. Spruill commended i''e work of the government agencies which promote crop loans to farmers. "The banks are doing something now, in making crop loans, that they never would have thought of 10 years ago." he observed. That is possible now, he said, because New Deal government, agencies accustomed the farmers to giving liens in return for crop loans. President Roosevelt should not be criticised for using the power he has been given by Congress and the elec torate, Mr. Spruill stated in reply to criticisms of the administration's in terference in business. The speaker, a local banker for three and a half decades and former chairman of the Nash County Com missioners, reviewed Rocky Mount's experience with panics and depres sions since the beginning of the cen tury, remarking: "Rocky Mount is fortunate that it has never had 3 failure of a locally owned and oper ated bank." Negro's Family Is Honored In Wilmington Wilmington, Dec. 31.—Mary Mc- Coy, Negress, her husband and the 13 surviving children o£ the 23 born to them in the last 21 years, wer9 %uests of honor tonight at a pro gram for Negro people held at the city's living Christmas tree at Hil ton. • The family, -which would have been one of the world's largest if all tho children had survived, wera transported to the tree in a city truck.