L pedicaied To The Progress Of --—— WILMINGTON Served by Leased Wire of the And Southeastern North Ifr ASSOCIATED PBESS Carolina I XI I~ With Complete Coverage of - ▼ State and National News to—NO. 177 “_______ WILMINGTON, N. C., MONDAY. MARCH 25, 1940__+ +_ESTABLISHED 1867 SNOW, LOW TEMPERATURES SWEEP OVER N. C. ** . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *___ . __ British bub SinJ^ Second German Vessel Coal Steamer Is Destroyed Off Denmark Nazi Merchantmen Find Sea Routes To Scandinavia Increasingly Hazardous THIRD ship aground Denmark Begins Probe To Learn If Attack In Territorial Waters By LYNN HEIXZERLING COPENHAGEN, March 24.—UP)— German merchantmen found the .•a routes to Scandinavia increas hazardous, as a British sub aVine sank another German •reighter off the Danish coast to j,v. and Norway protested against t,vision of her waters by British m of war to intercept German ships. British warships in seemingly large numbers hovered off the tsasts of Denmark and Norway »aiy to swoop on unwary enemy vessels. The German freighter Edmund Hugo Stinnes, 2,289 tons, with her cargo of coal, was sunk this after noon west of the spot where the 4,-947-ton ore carrier, Heddernheim, was the victim of a British subma rine four days ago. Third Ship Aground A third German freighter, the 5,090-ton Ostpreussen, loaded with coke, was aground after three days it harried cruising off the west toast of Denmark to avoid British warships. The Stinnes was shelled by the submarine, and after an explosion sue went down about three miles off the West Danish coast. Twenty of her crewmen, two of whom were injured, were landed safely, but her captain was captured by the British. The ship had almost reached Staw (Skagen) at the extreme northern tip of Denmark on the Kattegat entrance to the Baltic, Khen it was ordered from Germany (Continued on Page Three; Col. 1) MAUD S REGIME MINING STRENGTH Wavering Members Of Chamber Press Rally To its Support PARIS, March 24—W—The new fo'wnment of Paul Reynaud, which t5t off to a shaky start last week, Wiy js gaining- strength as waver "S members of the chamber of dep *•« ahd previously critical sections of the rightist press rally to bis •"Pport. The one-vote majority which the Premier received in his first test in e chamber Friday was increased ? 17 as the official journal dis tosetl that several deputies had ‘"itched their stand. °f five who voted against Rey ud, three announced they are now ‘Mm and two announced them ,.'ves as abstaining. Of two others tid'f 35 not votinS- one has de‘ for the new government and ,lle against. he?56 clmn8,es’ coming on the ,s others recorded yesterday, e Reynaud a total of 277 votes •forth r. F0RRCAST (dim Carolina: Clearing and con tlovriv .1°. Monday; Tuesday fair, • nsmg temperature. data for the 24 hours 6 ‘-dlJ !>• m. yesterday). 1:30 - Temperature 1. 45-' 471 7:30 a. m. 36; 1:30 p. hioimj,. ‘ P- w. 35; maximum 53; > moan 44: normal 55. 1:30 a „ - Humidity *. 50; 7:30 a. m. 54; 1:30 p. ' '•■« p. m. 7a .T«tai Precipitation 5® inch.. 4 hours ending 7:30 p. m., honth ,h ;. total since first of the ’ inches. Tides For Today 'iiiBin-, High Low "Et°h -it :01a 5:56a 'hlOiibom , , 11:33p 6:18p Oto I"Iet _ 8:54a 2:4Sa .Side 6-00 9:25p 3:Wp - S ®r,. ' J9a; sunset 6:27p; moon p' moonset 7:20a. Jj“tu‘h«l on Page Three; Col. 7) -t y> & —__* Jessel’s Moth f Be) --.«0° Lois Andrews, J6-year-oid showgirl who is going to wed comedian George Jessel, 42, phones her fiance to come up and meet his mother in-law-to-be, in New York. Mother is Mrs. Geraldine Gourely, 33. of Los Angeles, who counselled the couple to “wait a while.’’ Fighting Nations lake Time To Observe Easter ' WAR’S ENGINES STILL Celebration In Holy Land Opened With Service In ‘Garden Of The Tomb’ (By The Associated Press) A world with half its population under arms paused in its blood shedding Easter Sunday to cele brate the Resurrection of Christ. .In the name of the Prince of Peace who died to end strife be tween man and man, war's engines were all but stilled on Europe’s deadlocked western front in a tacit truce. From his throne in the Basilica of St. Peter in eternal Rome, Pope Pius XII broadcast a deeply troubled plea for “peace, concord and unity” among nations. .v Soldiers Worship The war prevented the usual large influx of pilgrims into Palestine for Easter, but hundreds of Australian and British soldiers worshiped at a brilliant service in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The celebration in the Holy Land began with a dawn service in “The (Continued on Page Three] Col. 8) JAMES B. ALLEN HURT IN WRECK Automobile In Which He Was Riding Collides With Bus At Sunset Park James B. Allen, young White man of 2119 Gibson avenue, was slightly injured yesterday afternoon about 4:30 o’clock when the car e w driving collided with a Tide Water Power company bus at the tion of Central boulevard at Sunset Park and the Carolina Beach road. He was treated for lacerations of the head and released from James Walker Memorial hospital. The accident occurred just as the bus left the side road and entered the highway. Allen told officers he was traveling between 50 and 55 miles per hour and was unable to stop in time when he saw the b enter the highway. Two other persons in the car with Allen were not injured, nor were any passenger on the bus. No arrests had been made last night. NORWAY PROTESTS TO GREAT BRITAIN Claims Battleships Seeking German Vessels Have Violated Neutrality OSLO, March 24.—(fP)—A protest against violation of Norwegian neu trality by British warships seeking out German vessels in Norwegian waters has been sent to London, the Norwegian admiralty announced tonight. The communique, coupled with the sinking of two German vessels off the Danish coast within the last three days, indicated Britain is seeking to draw the strings tighter on German shipping in northern waters. The Norwegian statement said that on the morning of March 21 naval authorities were asked by a German trawler sailing into Hustad Bay for protection against a Brit ish toi*pedo boat sailing in Nor wegian waters. Later in the day, the communique said, while a Norwegian vessel was escorting another German freighter, a British ship entered Norwegian waters and signalled for the name of the German freighter. The Norwegians refused the in formation and ordered the British to stand off, the communique said. The statement added that an in (Continued on Page Three; Col. 2) Huge Sun Spot Affects Wire, Radio Service Long Disruption Of Com munications System Is Worst In 30 Years CAUSE IS EXPLAINED Large A. P. Network Out Of Use For Four Hours And Ten Minutes NEW YORK, March 24.—W—A huge spot on the sun played hob with communication today. Disruption of telegraph and short wave radio service was the worst in 30 years, some experts said. The American Telephone and Telegraph company, largest land-line owner in the country, said it was the worst case of traffic impairment its en gineers could recall. Cable communication between Eu rope and the New York AP office broke suddenly at 10:20 a. m. One channel was restored at 1:50 p. m. and a second at 3:07. Service to Latin American countries was unaffected, inasmuch as it follows a north south course. ' Direct Cause The direct cause, according to Di rector William Barton of the Hay den Planetarium, was an “enor mous” spot on the sun, resulting in severe earth currents. What happened was this, he s-ald: The sun spot is caused by a tre mendous electrical disturbance on the sun; Tlie disturbance bombards the earth with a stream of electrical charges; mi— __ii. *_ 'lects this stream of charges toward .he North and South Poles and the stream, in heading toward the poles, lisrupts other electric currents trav jl'.ng at right angles, like conflict ng streams of traffic; The force is so strong that it will sometimes reverse the direction of current in a circuit; „ Aurora Not Visible The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a manifestation of this rush of particles to the poles; pass ing through the atmosphere it lights it up just like a current illuminates the gas in a neon tube sign. The Aurora was not visible last night, however. For four hours and 10 minutes, starting at 10:30 a. m. (EST), the Associated Press network of 285,000 miles of leased wires was out of use —except in a 500-mile radius around New York City. The A. T. & T„ besides being cut off entirely from Europe for hours, reported domestic telegraph service disrupted intermittently as far away (Continued on Page Three; Col. 6) k__ Surrenders Louis Martinez, 23, nonchalantly lights a cigarette after his sur render to police in Oakland, Cal. He was wanted for questioning in the death of his 20-year-old wife who was found stabbed to deatli with a cannery knife in their home. FOREIGN AIRPLANES FLY OVER HOLLAND German Command Charges Allied Craft Violated Netherlands Territory AMSTERDAM, March , 24.—UP)— Netherlands air patrols reported at 10:20 p. m. (4:20 p. m., EST), to night that several foreign airplanes were flying across the northeastern part of the country in a southwest erly direction. The identity of the planes was lot immediately disclosed. Early today lookouts had report id several unidentified planes had down over the northern provinces, Uso in a westerly direction, and :hat others, headed east, had pass id low over Friesland province. Lookout stations signalled one mother after sighting the planes Eirst at Winschoten, near the Ger man frontier, shortly before mid night. Lookout reports traced their progress across the country west ward. VIOLATION CHARGED BERLIN, March 24. — (S’) — The German high command charged to day that Allied warplanes had vio lated Netherlands territory eight times late last night and early to day in scouting flights over Ger many in which German anti-air iraft shot down one invader. (Lookouts in the Netherlands re ported several unidentified foreign planes over the northern part of (Continued on Page Three; Col. 5) t World Peace, Unity Urged By Pope Pius - J Advocates Settlement Of Relations By Rules Of ‘Truth And Justice’ WORDS BROAD CAST Says Mankind Turning In ventive Genius To Use Of ‘Slaughter, Ruin’ By RICHARD G. MASSOCK VATICAN CITY, March 24—<7P)— Pope Pius implored for “peace. Con cord and unity’’ among nations to day in an Plaster homily in which he advocated settlement of their relations “not by force, but by rules of truth, justice and charity." The words of the pontiff, who spoke from the throne briefly in Latin immediately after celebrating Poster mass in the Basilica of St Peter, were broadcast by the Vatican radio and rebroadcast in the United States. The pope' expressed fear that the European war would bring more frightful sufferings, with ruin for nations. The pontiff, declaring that treaties had been violated, also de plored violations of international law which he said had occurred in bom bardment of open cities and civilian populations. - No Countries Named He said mankind was turning Its inventive genius to the use of “slaughter and ruin.” He named no countries in deploring violations of treaties and international law but in * auLau wivico XL waa saiu iiictt lie has been saddened by the suffering of Poles and Finns under German and Russian attacks. Only by returning to Christian principles, he said, could peoples eventually get together in under standing and friendship. Although Pius XII had celebrated Easter masses in St. Peter’s when he was an archpriest of the church, today was the first time he had cele brated the sacrament there as pope. Last year he watched from the throne as Federico Cardinal Tede schini led the Easter rites com memorating the resurrection of the Prince of Peace. After the mass and the homily the pontiff appeared on a balcony and, (Continued on Page Three; Col. 2) COOPER ANSWERS INSI NCE QUERY Explains His Plan For Fi nancing Retirement Plan For Officers, Firemen Replying to a query from S. G. Otstot, executive secretary of the North Carolina Association of In surance Agents, Mayor Thomas E. Cooper, candidate for governor, yes terday explained his plan for fi nancing a pension or retirement fund for firemen and police officers in North Carolina. Cooper announced he contemplat ed taxes on non-resident insurance companies for this purpose when he announced he was a candidate for the democratic gubernatorial nomination some time ago. Saying, “I am always ready and glad to commit myself on any mat (Continued on Page Three; Col. 5) Britain Shows Concern Over U. S. Views On War LONDON, March 24—UP)—Britain showed mounting concern over what the United States thinks about the war which today was keeping up a steady pace of isolated air and sea engagements. The question of America’s attitude overshadowed accounts of actual de velopments—the loss of one British plane in a night reconnaissance flight over Germany and reports from Copenhagen that another Ger man merchantship had been sunk by a British submarine. Britain also counted her 31st naval loss of the war—the sinking by mine of the 210-ton trawler Loch Assater, an Aberdeen fishing boat converted to naval uses. All the crew members were rescued. “Hitler Thinks He Can Fool the United States by Talking Peace and Good Will,” “Goebbels Gulls Amer ica," and "Britem Losing War of Words: Goebbels’ Lies Sweep Amer ica” were some of the headlines with which the Sunday press showed growing interest in the United States’ reaction to war incidents. Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax, in a message broadcast during the British Broadcasting company’s (Continued on Page Three; Col. 3) FOUR SENATORS MAY HOLD BALANCE OF POWER IN TRADE ACCORDS TEST WASHINGTON, March 24.— Mont), Overton (D-La) and Dow ney (D-Calif). Senator Minton (D-lnd), dem ocratic whip, said that while he believed the administration had an edge as matters now stand, “a change of three or four votes would make a lot of difference.’’ The senate will take up tomor row house-approved legislation to continue the trade program for three years from next June 12, with Chairman Harrison (D Miss) of the finance committee opening debate by urging ap proval of the resolution. Debate is expected to delay a final vote for at least 10 days, but a test of sentiment is ex pected earlier on a proposal by Senator Pittman (D-Nev) to re quire senate ratification of fu ture agreements. They should remember, Pittman said, that it was possible, that the country might be “unfortu nate enough to get a high-pro tection republican” in the White House who could reverse the present trend toward lower tar iffs. He added that a “high-pro tectionist” republican could in crease tariffs 50 per cent with out approval bv congress. Senator Walsh (D-Mass), who contends that senate ratification of the agreements would kill the program, said he was disturbed by the same thought, although neither he nor Pittman would agree that there was more than a “bare possibility” that the re publicans would win in Novem ber. Walsh said he thought that, on the whole, the effect of the 22 agreements maue with other nations had been beneficial to the United States. There were reports on Capitol Hill that President Roosevelt had indicated to legislative lead ers that he would veto the leg islation if it reached him with (Continued on Page Three; CoL 2) •}\ WHITE EASIER EXPERIENCED; IS COLD HERE 25 DEGREES HERE Inclement Weather Slated To Continue With Low Of 33 Degrees Today RAIN IS EXPECTED Agriculturists Say Frost Would Result In Dam age To Truck Crop A 35-degree thermometer reading combined with rain and sleet prac tically cancelled Wilmington's Easter parade yesterday and only a few hardy souls ventured forth with their ne wfinery during the afternoon. The inclement weather is sched uled to continue today. The weather man predicted last night today’s minimum will be about 33 degrees with cloudy skies and probable light rains. Rain And Sleet Yesterday dawned fair enough, al though it was cold. But as the day grew older the elements seemed to form a combine against the paraders as it rained, sleeted and dropped nearly to the freezing point. The minimum was 35 degrees, oc curring at shortly after dawn yester day. The maximum, reached yester day afternoon, was 53 degrees. Agriculturalists in the county pre dicted last night if frost occurred it would do considerable damage to fruit trees and truck crops now above the' ground—throughout the county. Now well under way are carrots, beets, lettuce, and turnips and most fruit trees are in full bloom. Farm ers predicted the fruit crop will be cut two-thirds if a hard freeze or heavy frost hit during the night. The temperature at midnight was hovering just above the freezing point and a light wind was blow’ing. Farmers said if the wind continued it would avert visitations of frost. Wilmington and New Hanover county were not alone in their dirty weather and low temperatures yes terday as a wave of snowstorms and freezing weather swept the entire state. Five inches of snow were re ported in Raleigh and in Greensbor the golf tournament was called off due to snow. Weather men predicted higher temperatures and sunshine will ar rive early this week. N. C. HOUSING ACTS TO BE CHALLENGED Kinston Citizens Seeking Invalidation Of Housing Authority There RALEIGH, March 24— (IP)—Con stitutionality of housing authority acts of the 1939 general assembly will be challenged this week before the state supreme court, which will reconvene Tuesday to hear a capi tal case from Cabarrus county. Legislative enabling acts for hous ing authorities are challenged in an appeal by John G. Cox and other Kinston citizens for invalidation of the housing authority of Kinston. Judge R. Hunt Parker denied the plaintiffs an injunction, and his de cision was appealed. Kinston plaintiffs, setting forth that they own property on which rentals will be reduced by new hous ing, contend that all housing au thority acts and actions are “il legal, unconstitutional and void” be cause they delegate legislative and judicial functions to city aldermen and housing officials, because they change the map of the municipal corporation, because they are dis criminatory and because they take private property without due pro cess. Judge Parker found that Kinston had unsafe and unsanitary housing that constitutes a hazard to life and increases crime, disease, sick ness and vagrancy and retards school children. He ruled that housing acts and certificates are legal, housing leg islation constitutional, housing pro motes public welfare and plaintiffs were not entitled to maintain an ac tion against the authority. TRIPLETS CHRISTENED LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 24. - UP)—Faith, Hope and Joy, 6-monri old triplet daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Franz were christened at Easter services today by the Rev. Paul F. Hausm’nn at St. Peter’s Evangelical church. < ANNUAL PARADE HIT Winston-Salem, Greensboro And Several Other Cities Receive Snow SPORTS POSTPONED Crews Put To Work In Ef fort To Remove Sleet And Snow From Highways CHARLOTTE, March 24.—<•£>>—A mantle of white hid the green grass and myriad spring flowers through out the larger part of North Caro lina this Christmas-like Easter and milady who watched the moon in a cloudless sky last night with visions of sunshine and splendor had to put her low cut dress, open sandals and Lnnvmt- v-in-ltf honlf ill the band box. Sunrise worshippers found the temperature about or below freez ing and those who attended regu lar church services In mid-morning found when they left to go homo that snow, anywhere from one to five inches, covered everything, and showed no sign of abating dur ing the dull gray day. And at many places the snow was still fall ing tonight, making some highways slippery and dangerous for holiday travelers. Crowd Shivers At Winston-Salem an estimated crowd of 35,000 worshippers—small er than usual — shivered In suo freezing weather as they were awakened before dawn by the rov ing Moravian band to attend the denomination’s traditional sunrise service at the Home Moravian church, held each Easter. Hardly had the liturgy been read at God’s Acre, the Moravian burial ground, than snow began falling from a leaden sky. The steady fall of the snowflakes played havoc witfl the sports events. At Greensboro the second round of the $5,000 Greensboro Open golf tournament had to be post (Continued on Page Three; Col. 4) BRITAIN WILL CUT COTTON PURCHASES Move Is Another Step In Effort To Conserve Its Foreign Exchange WASHINGTON, March 24.—(-T1)— British trade authorities have in formed American officials that the United Kingdom expects to curtail purchases of American cotton in a further move to conserve foreign exchange. Disclosing this today, agriculture department officials forecast diffi culties in disposing of 1940 cotton abroad and predicted that the gov ernment would again be asked to advance large sums to growers in the form of loans on unmarketable surpluses. The United Kingdom has been by far the largest recent importer of American cotton. It took 1,526, 000 bales during the seven months (Continued on Page Three; Col. 3) Springtime Is House-Renting Time The Spring renting season is here, and many prospective tenants are relying on Want Ads to bring the descriptions of houses, rooms and apart ments that are now available or will be available in the next 30 days. Delivering renting messages to the thousands of families that read the Star and News leave* no time for Spring Fever. If you haven’t already ad vertised your vacancy, do so at once, for the prospective home-seekers are on the look out for desirable listings every day in the week. Call 2800 To Start Your Want Ad Charge It :