I I i FAT FAT 5 WAS i BOND DAT -un mums THE ENTERPRISE FOR VICTORY wHIl UNITED STATES WW BONDS-STAMPS VOLUME XLV?NUMBER 48 Williamiton, Martin County, North Carolina, Tuetday, June 16, 1942. ESTABLISHED 1899 Short Term Of The Superior Court Is Completed at Noon Cattle Theft Ring Apparently Broken Up with Trial of C. N. Cowan Cane Clearing its docket at noon today, the Martin County Superior Court dismissed its jurymen and ordered an adjournment, leaving only a few motions before the tribunal for con sidertaion The term was not opened until several exchanges had been effect ad by the judges. Scheduled to pre side over the term, Judge J. Paul Frizzelle exchanged with Judge J. J. Burney who later exchanged with Judge Richard D. Dixon. Comparatively small crowds have bten in attendance upon the court sessions, and the proceedings have nttt attracted very much attention. What some described as the mak ing of an extensive cattle theft ring was unexpectedly disclosed in the trial of the case charging G. N. Cow ett with the theft of three oxen from R. S. Critcher on April 29th. The caae was called Monday and the State built up a strong case with evidence offered by Herman Whit ley and Josh Pritchard. The defense, without counsel, came back strong with a forceful alibi, and the prose cution asked for a continuance of a few hours. Deputy J. H. Roebuck was dispatched to Virginia to get witnesses and their testimony liter ally clamped the lid down on the defendant. It was also brought out by the two witnesses from Virginia that Cowan not only sold three steers to a man by the name of W. L Banks near Suffolk the latter part of April but that he had also carried cattle there a week or two previous to that time. It was also claimed by one of the Virginia witnesses that Cowan discussed the possibility of making deliveries of cattle more or less regularly. In his defense. Cow an maintained he was sick on the day the steers were stolen and he offered evidence to support his claim. Apparently there was some loose handling of the truth in the case, as the evidence was contra dictory. Adjudged guilty by the jury after fifteen minutes of deliberation. Cow an Was sentenced to State's prison for not less than three and not more than five years. Other proceedings in the court: Three divorces, each based on two years or more separation, were granted as follows: Jasper Williams against Ella Williams; Lee King Wil liams against Naomi Williams; Wai ter Rogers against Odessa Norfleet Rogers. TTie case charging Harry Davis with aiding and abetting in forgery and with false pretense, and How ard Griffin with forgery were con tinued until the September term. Charged with bigamy, Wesley James was sentenced to the roads for two years, the court suspending the sentence upon payment of the cost and guaranteed good behavior for two years. The court confirmed the sale of certain lands in the case of Ella Wil liams (now Mrs. T. A. Bland), guard ian for Lee Edward Williams, against Raymond and John Staton Williams. The sale was made for $4,023.00, Commissioners Smith and Roberson being allowed five per cent of the sum for their legal services. Pleading guilty in the case charg ing him with larceny and receiving. Boatman Bland was sentenced to the roads for twelve months. The sen tence was suspended upon payment of the cost and guaranteed good be havior for two years. Marvin Smith, charged with reck less driving, failed to answer when called and papers were issued call ing for his arrest. In the case charging Ben Biggs with carrying a concealed weapon, a motion for judgment of non-suit offered at the conclusion of the State's evidence was granted. Henry Ellison, charged with drunken driving, failed to appear for trial and a motion was made for judgment absolute on bond and the case was continued. Charged with an assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, Romas Little pleaded guilty of as saulting another with a deadly (Continued on page six) a Dr. John D. Biggs Heads Legion Post Dr. John D. Biggs was elected commander of the John Walton Has sell American Legion Post in a re cent meeting of the membership. The new commander succeeds Mr. J. R. Winslow who is completing two successful terms as head of the Post Other officers elected were: W. C Wallace, Joe Ayers, and W. H. Gray, vice commanders; W. E. Dunn, ad jutant and finance officer; Hugh G. Horton, service officer; W. B. Wynne, guardianship officer; Arthur Rober son, sergeant-at-arms; Rev. W. R. Burrell, chaplain; P. M. Holliday, hiaotrian; Bill Gray, athletic offi cer; Bob Taylor, child welfare offi cer; Hugh G. Horton, national de fense officer; Sam Getsinger, graves registration officer; J. A. Ward, em ployment officer; J. A. Ward, mem bership officer. Judge Makes No Charge to the Grand Jury InSuperior Court For the first time in the history of the Martin County Superior Court or for the first time in recent years, no charge or address was made to the regular grand jury here yester day. Opening the regular one-week term of the court promptly at 10:00 o'clock Special Judge Richard Dil lard Dixon, of Edenton, had the roll called and instructed the jury to re port to its room for immediate work. Only one member failed to answer the roll, and he, Mr. Dave Griffin, had answered another roll call. "Hie petit jury was sworn in and within ten minutes after the session was opened, the body had been empanel ed and two divorces granted. The quarterly address to the basic guardians of law and order has been recognized as an institution within itself, and while it is not required the spectators were a bit disappoint ed when Judge Dixon made no charge to the jurymen. The ad dresses in the past, while making news at times, often were forgotten before the court finished its work, but on the other hand when a judge mentioned delinquent tax accounts and ordered grand jury action the talks carried a mighty wallop. A superior court judge recently declared that the grand jury system had about spent its usefulness, and possibly the jurists are getting away from the uge-old practice of deliver ing long charges to the juries at the opening of each court term. SUGAR | The county rationing board is at*in pointing out that appli cants for surplus sugar or sugar used In canning do not have to appear in person, but may apply by letter. The office is open each week day from 8:30 to 5:00 and applications will be received on any of those days except Mon day. When applying by mail, the applicant is directed to state the number of quarts of food can ned last season, how many he plans to can this season and how many quarts of food are now on hand from last season. Appli cants are also directed to keep an accurate record of their can ning activities with rationed su gar as the record is subject to inspection at any time. Owners Warned To Pen Dogs and Cats During Rat Drive Extermination Campaign Off To Encouraging Start Here Yesterday Aside from the real shooting war, there is a determined battle raging with the Williamston populace pit ted against mosquitoes and rats. It is readily admitted that the humans lost the first round to the mosqui toes, but lost ground was regained with the aid of a favorable wind. The mosquito battle is not over by any means, reliable reports stating that the pests are now to reform their lines for another attack. Health authorities are busy however, and are trying to break up the breed ing places and eliminate the main forces. Using modern war tactics, namely, poison gas guns, gas and tricky bait highly seasoned with poison, Mr Carson, playing the role of an ex perienced pied-piper, started a con certed drive on the vast army of rats here yesterday morning. That he was making progress in his first at tacks was evidenced by the large number of casualties. Aided by two men, Mr. Carson pumped poison gas into runways yesterday and today with favorable results. The varmints would rush out and die within a very few seconds. Late this evening or tomorrow, Mr. Carson will use pois on bait and owners are urged to pen their dogs and cats. The first battle will last for about two weeks, ac cording to present plans. Taking leave for about ten days or two weeks, Mr. Carson will renew his drive against the rats during anoth er two weeks. The rats during recent weeks have about taken over storage ware houses and were finding their way into many homes. Thousands of dol lars damage has been done, and the extermination program now under way is quite timely. Householders, wishing to partici pate in the program, may contact the town officials or employees and the drive will be extended to private property. ? Numerous Changes Are Made In The Sell oo 1 Faeulties ProIesHor Boh (bollard Re* xigni* Manual Arte PoaI in WillianiHton School Aggravated by war, both direct ly and indirectly, the shortage of teachers is likely to leave some fac ulty positions vacant in this county next term, according to a report coming from the office of the coun ty superintendent of schools this week. Professor Robert E. Co Hard. | of Illinois, this week tendered his resignation as a member of the Wil I liamston faculty, the office of super I intendent frankly admitting that it ^ was quite likely the manual arts i j post vacated by Mr. Collard could I not be filled. The professor is now engaged in a war industry in Aurora, Illinois. I The return of most of the young men- in the county system is still quite doubtful. Some of the young men will likely be called before the term begins, while others believe it will be six monms oefore they are ordered to report for military serv ice. It is possible that in those cases I where calls will be delayed as much 1 as six months, re-elections will be I in order. Several young men have already resigned and entered the armed forces, and all of those posi tions have not yet been filled. Elections are going forward over the county, but few committees have completed their elections so far. Oak City recently named three new teachers. Miss Alice Blanchard, i i of Gates County, has accepted an appointment and she will teach the sixth grade. A graduute of WCUNC, I Greensboro, Miss Blunehard taught at Aurora last term. Miss Mildred | Manning, of Bethel, will teach the seventh grade. A graduate of ECTC, Greenville, Miss Manning has had several years of experience, having taught last term at Aurora. Miss Hat tie B. Evans, of Fremont, and a grad uate of A. C. College, Wilson, has been elected to the fifth grade po sition. She taught at Pantego last term. Mrs. Oscar Davenport, of James ville, and Mrs. W. B. Gaylord, Jr., of Windsor, have been named to the Farm Life faculty to fill positions made vacant there by resignations. Mrs. E. Ross Froneberger, of Hickory, has been elected to the Bear Grass faculty, but her accept ance has not yet been announced. Mr. Gaylord, Bertie County sani tarian, and Mr. Froneberger, State deputy revenue collector, are enter ing the armed services shortly. Local Young Doctor Geti Committion In The Army Dr. James S. Rhodes, Jr., local young man, has been ordered to re port for duty with the armed forces on July 1st. Commissioned as a first lieutenant, the doctor is to report to Camp Lee. He is finishing his in terneshlp In a Charleston hospital' on June 30th, leaving him hardly time to report for duty. It is likely he will leave the hospital a few days ahead of schedule, and spend a brief period here with his par ents. ,0 THE KING'S ENGLISH Altar hearing King George, of Greece, in his appealing and iiasanilng addreaa over the ra dio at noon yesterday, a custom er dropped Into Gas Rig as' eafe. "Gas, the King speaks English better than yea da," the < The cafe proprietor and said to his good American Drive For Rubber Off To Slow Start Incomplete reports coming from various parts of the county indicate that the drive to reclaim old rubber is making little progress. It is esti mated that less than a ton of old tires, tubes and other rubber arti cle#?such?as?heels, overshoes?and boots, had been delivered up until about noon on the second day of the campaign. When the rubber is sep arated from the fabrics and other foreign materials are removed, there will be comparatively little rubber left for use in keeping the wheels of motor vehicles turning. Reporting for Slade-Rhodes Com pany, Hamilton, Mr. LeRoy Ever ett stated that they bought 742 pounds the first day, the purchases there running considerably ahead of any others reported so far. In Wil liamston between 200 and 300 pounds have been delivered, several station operators explaining, however, that they had not received instructions from their companies and that they were not buying as yet Approxi mately 800 pounds have been deliv ered to filling stations in Roberson ville so far, it was learned at noon today. Other parts of the county have not reported, but it is fairly evident that the reclamation program will hardly measure up to expectations ? County Youth Promoted In The Army Air Corpi Keester Field, Miss? Albert E. Roberson. son of Noah Robcrson, R F. D. 1, Williamston, recently was promoted to the grade of sergeant at the expanding Air Corps Techni cal School here. More Appeals For Supplementary Gas Cards Are Received Five* Application* Rejected by Board During the Past Several Davs The Martin County Rationing Board rounded out a busy week on Monday after issuing a record num ber of supplementary gas cards and rejecting five applications. It was pointed out that the five applica tions were rejected when the appli cants apparently held sufficient cards to meet the new claims. Applications were either rejected or delayed in the following five cases: C. J. Kincaid, Oak City; Wal ter Williams. RFD 3. Williamston; W. B. Cannin. RFD 1, Hobgood; J. B Rodgers, Jamesville. and W B Mi/elle, Williamston. Young men engaged in measur ing land for the AAA prompted a number of car owners to apply for supplementary cards to enable them to get to and from the farms over the county. But after meeting those requests, the board had an unusual ly large number of applications. Supplementary cards were issued to the following: Walter Ellis Everett, Roberson ville, one B-l minus two units. Willis Ward. RFD 3. Williamston, an A card C. M. Edmondson, RFD 3, William - sotn, one A minus four units. Romie Holton Alexander, RFD 1, RbbersonyiUe, one B-l minus two units. B W. Nash, Williamston, two B-l minus two units George W. Whitehurst, Williams ton, one B-3 and an A minus five units. Paul Daniel, RFD 3, Williamston, an A card. Asa H. Crawford, Williamston, one B-3, one B-2 and an A minus five units. C. D. Taylor, Robersonville, an A card. Joe C. Modlin, RFD 1, Jamesville, one B-3 and an A minus four units. Mrs. Cylabet Rogers, RFD 2. Wil llamston, an A card minus three un its. James Outtcrbridge, HFD 3, Wil liamston, an A minus three units. II. L. Roberson, Robersonville, one B-l. Dennis Holliday, Oak City, one B-2 W W Walters, Jamesville, one B-2 minus one unit. T. F. Respass, Oak City, one B-l minus one unit. Vernon Davis, RFD 1. Jamesville; one B-l. H. R. Purvis, RFD 1, Bethel, one B-l minus one unit. V. (1. Taylor, Everetts, one B-3 and an A George S. Haislip, Hassell, one B-l Charlie Rhodes, Robersonville, an A minus two units. John William Harrelson, William slon. one B-2. Clyde Brown. Jamesville, one B-3 and an A Oliver Andrews, RFD. Roberson ville, an A minus six units. Noah Brown, RFD 1, Roberson ville, an A minus six units. George Mobley, Oak City, two B-3's. Madge E. Glazener, Chillicothe, Ohio, one B-l. Mrs. Zeno Beddard, RFD 3, Wil (Continued on page six) 1 Petition To Move Case Is Rejected The old civil case surrounding the Smithwicks Creek Primitive Bap tist Church flared up indirectly in the superior court of the county this week when a motion was made to remove the alienation of affections case brought by James R. Griffin against Elder J. L. Ross to Pitt Coun ty for trial. After explaining that the trial could be held more conveniently in Pitt County, the petition pointed out that the defendant appeared as a witness for the minority group in the church trial and claimed that for this reason there was prejudice against him and that he could not get a fair trial. The claim was dis missed and the motion was denied. Griffin is suing for $10,000 actual and $5,000 punitive damages. The case has not yet been set for trial. BOLL WEEVIL The boll weevil Is making his appearance in the county in fairly larte numbers according to reports from the upper part of the county where cotton ranks as one of the main crops. Check In* up on the pests. Far mer W. E. Smith offered a youngster 25 cents apiece for ev ery weevil he could find. Absent for less than an hour, the youth showed up with H worth of weevils. The offer was with drawn Immediately and mop pine operations were substitut ed. Farmers have already started mopping their cotton, and it would appear that the precau tion measure should be adopt ed throafhout the section. County Youth Missing After Coral Sea Battle Wilmer T. Glover Was On Ill-Fated Aircraft Carrier Anxious Mother anil Father Kagerly Await l.ater Woril from Son Wilmer Tliomas Glover, 22 years old. was reported missing in an of ficial communication from Rear Ad miral Randall Jambs, Chief of Nav al Personnel, In the young man's parents, Mr and Mrs. E. L. Glover, near Oak City, last Saturday. Of fering 110 details, the terse message read, "Tin- Navy Department deep ly regrets to inform you that your son, Wilmer Thomas Glover, avia tion ordnanocman, is missing follow ing action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his coun try. Will furnish you further in formation promptly when received ." Grief-stricken and sorely troubled by the saddening message, the moth er and father and other members of the family still cling to the hope that the young man was saved, that he was possibly picked up by another hip and yet unreported. The brief message, coming as members of the family anxiously waited by the mail box in front of their rural home for a long over-due letter, offered little information. It is fairly certain that he was on the ill-fated aircraft carrier "Lexing ton" when the largest of the ships of Its type was sunk in the last hours if thi' Coral Sea battle on May 8. According ~lo unofficial but reli ible reports, there were 1,899 offi cers and men aboard the carrier when. she. was attacked by two err emy surface craft und a number of bomber and torpedo planes. The re port further stated that 92 per cent if tile officers niH m..n nyed. that all the casualties were in actua battle and that not a man was lost ii abandoning the ill-fated ship. It was an early spring day ii March, 1938, that young Glover, tliei a lad of only 17, heeded his coun try's call to service. A likeable lad with clean habits and numbcrint his friends among old and young the youth, his boyish features si plainly portrayed in a pleasing fan yearned for adventure and roaxec permission from his parents to en list in the Navy Mr. Glover, a vet cran of the Spanish-American war loved and still loves his country am so does Mrs Glover, so they con scnted to the boy's wishes Signing up in Raleigh for four years, the lad was stationed in the Norfolk aren whore he received his basic training Three years ago he was assigned ti the Lexington, one of the world's biggest carriers. His job was to load shells and ammunition on the planes and lir earned a rating there. A short time later lie was given shore leave and visited home A short time be fore Pearl Harbor, he had advised his parents that he planned to mar ry in March of this year and bring his bride home for a visit. The tide of events swept his pluns aside and following Pearl Harbor he signed up for four more years. The picture of his fiunce, Miss Jeanne Butler, of Los Angeles, holds a favorite place in the home of his parents. She is being forwarded a copy of the mes sage reporting him missing On May 2nd he jolted down a message to his parents, advising them that he was "O. Keh" and urging them not (Continued on page six) Oak City Club Is Aiding Lunch Unit The Ruritan Club of Oak City has done special work in connection with the Parent-Teacher Association in aising funds for the Oak City school lunch room. The Ruritan Club gave $25 00 and the P.T.A with the aid of the Ruritan Club raised $43.96 and 300 quarts in jars ^n additional amount was contributed by individ uals which was $8.00 making a to tal of $76.96 in hands of local com mittee for the promotion of school garden and any extra jars which may be needed to take care of the canning project. Officers of the Ruri tan Club are: N. L. Hyman, presi dent; John L. Hassell, secretary, and Mrs. Julian Mizelle, president of the local P.T A. This is a fine spirit of cooperation of the people of our com munity and ^e wish you to make the above announcement in order that all may see and understand just what has been done.?Reported. Flan f)?y Obterved By Church in Oak City The Oak City Christian Church acknowledged Flag Day at the morn ing service last Sunday. The pulpit and stand were flag-bedecked, and the members of the congregation pledged allegiance to these symbols of liberty. Also the hymns used in the service were patriotic ones. Rev. Mr. Topping, the pastor, led the con gregation in the Flag Day relebra tion. DRAFF CALL The United States Army is going all out for numbers, ac cording to a call just received in this county for manpower. No official figures could be releas ed, but the better part of 100 men are scheduled to report to the induction center during next month. A few less than half hundred white men are sched uled to leave the latter part of the month, and nearly two score colored men are on the list for induction about the middle of the month. Both calls are the the largest received in this county so far. It is quite likely that four and possibly more men will be call ed from the third registration group. No New Car Tires Allotted Bv Board In County Monday Fch Classification* Are Given Comparatively Few Tiren For Truck* For the first time since the rub ber rationing program was launch ed some months ago, the Martin County Rationing Board this week allotted no new car tires, and lim ited assignments to a few applicants calling for new truck tires. A certificate for the purchase of a new car was issued to Mrs. Blon zie P. Barrel I, a worker in the office -t+f?the?county agent.?Mrs.?Harrell lives in Oak City. New truck tires and tubes were al lotted to the following applicants ton, two tires and two tubes, for ice and fuel deliveries. Roberson Slaughter House, Wil liamston, two tires and three tubes for wholesale meat deliveries. R. L. Ward Coal and Wood Com pany, Williamston ,two tires and two tubes W. C. Fussell, Williamston. two tires and two tubes, for mail deliv ery on star route. CertificaTes for "recapped TrucTf tires were issued to the following Roberson Slaughter House, Wil liamston. five tires and one tube for meat deliveries. | J B Whitfield, RFI) I, Hobgood, I two tires Harrison Oil Company, William ston, one tire. Certificates for the purchase of obsolete Car tires were granted the following II L. Keel, Robersonville, two tires and tubes for farm use Jas. R. Leggett, Williamston, two tires and two tubes for rural mail deliveries. Recapped auto tires were allotted to the following: S. E. Parker, Robersonville, two tires for farm use. C. B. Roebuck, Williamston, two tires and two tubes for law enforce ment work. M rs. Martha M. Rawls, Hassell, two tires for farm use. W. B Rogers. RFI) 2, Williamston, three tires for farm use. Oliver Allen Westbrook, William ston .one tire for use as assistant su pervisor WPA The following applications, filed since the meeting last week, were carried over: I F Keel, Robersonville, one re capped tire and a tube for a car. Charlie Fowler, Parmele, three car recapped tires. T. J. Roberson, Robersonville, one new car tire and tube. Certificate holders state they are having trouble finding tires of some types. (r ram mar School Entered By Thieven Recently ? Tearing through a door panel, thieves entered the grammar school building here last Friday night and almost wrecked the lunch room can ning equipment. Some sugar was stolen and pots and pans were car ried away. Some of the canned food was scattered on the floor. A note, declaring "I need the sugar worse than you all," and expressing thanks for a good meal, was found. Police are working on the case, but no definite progress has been report ed to date. DEFENSE MEET A large and interested group is expected to be present for the county-wide civilian defense meeting in the county courthouse tomorrow evening at 8:30 o'clock. Chairman Hugh (>. Horton said this morning. The program includes several short talks by recognised au thorities and a picture showing defense operations being carried on under actual war conditions. The public Is invited and there is no fee for admission. American Forces In A Third Successful Attack On The Japs J"| is Believed To llave Lost 300 Ships Sinee the Coral Sea Battle Luikirjg in the Aleutian Islands area, Japanese forces this week tast ed bitter defeat for the third time since and including the Coral Sea battle at tin- hands of American forces. Apparently trying to support an invasion attempt and the estab lishment of air bases in the western hemisphere, the Japs were run down and dealt another blow by American bombers and torpedo planes. One Jap cruiser was sunk, and several other ships including an airplane carrier were damaged. Unofficial es timates place the total Jap ship losses right at 30(1, the figure includ ing those sunk, probably sunk or damaged. These figures do not in clude Jap ships sunk or damaged by the Dutch and British U. S. Navy losses have been officially fixed at 48 ships, sunk, scuttled or damaged, including one battleship sunk and one damaged, one aircraft carrier sunk and one damaged, one aircraft tender sunk, nine destroyers sunk, one scuttled and four damaged, two submarines sunk and one scuttled, and several minor ships in addition to a few other types of ships such as tankers, rescue boats, tenders and tugs The Japanese losses, not includ ing those off the Aleutian Islands and those sunk by other forces, are reflected in the following tabulation: IVarohim. Sunk Battleships 1 Aircraft Car'rs 5 Cruisers 11 Destroyers 1(5 Submarines 13 Plane Tenders 0 Gunboats 9 Minesweepers l Patrol Boats 2 Subchasers 1 Auxiliaries 2 P'bly Sunk 0 3 5 5 I)am a*f