Doubt - No 50

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: Vol. II
Issue: Whole Number 50
Date: 1931 A D
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country: USA
Price: 35c. (2/- in Great Britain)

This issue of DOUBT, The Fortean Society Magazine, presents a collection of curious and often bizarre news clippings and observations, curated by editor Tiffany Thayer. The cover prominently features a "NO SMOKING IN GROUPS" sign, attributed to the "SMOG CONTROL BOARD," alongside a quote from Emerson: "Science does not know its debt to imagination."

Contents and Key Articles

The magazine is structured around the Fortean Society's mission to document and explore anomalous phenomena and unusual events. A significant portion of the content is dedicated to "First Prize" submissions, where readers contribute peculiar news items. This issue highlights several such contributions:

• Milton Smith is credited with copying a quote from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, June 1955, by Eugene Rabinowitch, stating that the scientific community is one where "no authority is recognized, and every young student is permitted—and encouraged—to argue against the most famous professor."
• Bob Bishop submitted a headline from the Humboldt Times concerning "GUARANTEED ANNUAL PAY DENOUNCED AS IMMORAL," quoting Rus Walton of the National Association of Manufacturers.
• Milton Subotsky shared a piece from Publishers' Weekly about the Olean (N. Y.) Board of Education voting to recognize Golf as an official sport, funded by cutting book budgets.

Other notable submissions and observations include:

• Bob Steinberg provided several items, including a report on the average Frenchman shrinking between dawn and dusk, a story about a Dual King who robbed a bank after losing a sheriff election in Selmar, Tenn., and a report that the Canadian National Research Council has "stringent regulations preventing married couples from working at the atomic energy plant" due to potential radiation effects on "Genes."
• Dr. W. Grey Walter, a British neurologist, invented a machine to predict compatibility through brain-wave rhythms, noted by MFS Mitchell and Mrs. M. Fraser.

Elsender's Grits

The "Elsender" section, a regular feature, compiles various oddities:

• A "Hairy Ghost of Edison" in Georgia was attributed to a farmer using a sheet, debunking earlier reports.
• A report from Felling, England, about a conversation being interrupted by a "police" voice, followed by a Canberra bomber pilot reporting engine trouble, which was later denied by RAF stations.
• Osmond Edward and his wife Grace recalled a similar "Emergency!" call and a plane landing.
• The practicality of windmills and the development of a new "inhalator" are mentioned.
• Richard Russell Mains, a boy from Pembury, Kent, who reportedly feels no pain, is still under observation.
• John Tuck of Stockton is noted for paving the street in front of his home.
• The discovery of cranial bone fragments in Swanscombe, Kent, dated between 100,000 and 270,000 years old.
• The proclamation of St. Matthew as the patron saint of bookkeepers and accountants.
• A statue of Venus in Castelvetere, Italy, caused controversy when a statue of St. Nicholas was paraded, leading to a dispute over covering Venus.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Radioactive Eggs: Ducks at a Hanford, Washington, atomic energy plant were found to lay radioactive eggs due to phosphorus absorption from waste.
• Diamond Mystery: New York diamond dealers, pawnbrokers, and scientists are investigating why sparkling stones turn dull yellow in a few days.
• Uranium Dust Therapy: Jesse F. Reese's farm near Comanche, Texas, is charging $2.00 for people to bury their feet or hands in dust containing uranium, hoping for cures.
• Mexican Land Conflict: Farmers near the Vera Cruz border are reported to be arming and fleeing due to mysterious hangings.
• Irish Child's Coffin: A baby's body was sent to Fintona, Ireland, in a brown paper parcel with a stick-on label.
• Mysterious Water Flow: A house in Beech Grove, Bedlington, has water flowing under its floorboards with no identifiable source.
• Inhalator Mishap: A volunteer fire department in Keswick, Ontario, bought a new "inhalator" but no one knew how to start it when a man drowned.
• Operation "Fiasco": The deputy director of wardens in Washington, D. C., was fired for calling a Civil Defense operation a "fiasco, not a drill."

Markham Erupts

This section features contributions from MFS Markham, focusing on reports from Denver and Washington D.C.:

• A report by Representative Fogarty stated that 3 to 5 million children are in the "mentally retarded" category and that the problem is "almost unnoticed by the leaders in education and in medical research."
• Capt. Elmer L. Caveny of the Navy suggested that the U.S. military might need "sub-normal persons" for future manpower planning.
• In Los Angeles, Henry Quintana was found dead under a bridge with a bullet wound in his abdomen, though no weapon was found.
• Elmer Glacklin was found bleeding from arm and wrist wounds, with a note indicating suicide, but no weapon was found.
• Steele School principal Vance L. Wise requested that students not bring knives and guns to school.
• Representative Charles B. Deane (D) of N. C. stated that America needs a superior ideology based on "absolute moral standards" to win the fight against communism.
• The Army is planning a "NEW COURSE IN KILLING" to make soldiers more efficient, with Dr. Francis E. Jones evolving methods to make killers more competent.
• Observations from Russia indicate a lack of civil defense measures, unlike in the U.S.
• A man in Morocco was arrested for putting needles in asparagus sold near a U.S. air base.
• A pediatrician in Colorado Springs reported a 600% jump in juvenile ulcers after the town got TV.

Data Blizzard

This section compiles a large volume of data, possibly for a future book, from MFS Gustine:

• India: 200 unburied bodies found in Rupkundt Lake, Himalayas, discovered in 1942.
• Germany: Firms selling an "electrical device" to neutralize "earth rays" and prevent illness.
• Swaziland: A convict shot "at his feet" stopped and died without apparent injury.
• USA: A 5-year-old boy's pop-gun allegedly killed a pheasant.

Mitchell's Best

• West Germany: Anti-Polio injections of the Salk formula were halted.
• Great Britain: The Salk inoculation program was cancelled.
• Peoria, Ill.: No Civil Defense drill was held on a specific date.
• Coral Gables, Fla.: Mrs. Martha Brumenbach began a "fast unto death" until her son is released from military service.

Satellite Exposed

This section questions the reality of artificial satellites, suggesting that the announcements themselves serve the purpose of keeping the economy inflated and employing people, rather than indicating actual technological achievement.

Down the Drain

By Jay J. M. Scandrett, this section presents a series of "self-evident truths" about the relationship between government, big business, and the populace, framed as a critique of American governance and military spending.

• Truth I: Governments exist to secure the rights and powers of Big Business owners.
• Truth II: Big Agriculture and Big Labor Unions receive recognition proportional to their political pressure.
• Truth III: The majority of citizens should subordinate their lives to governmental policies.
• Truth IV: Anyone recalcitrant is a "pinko, a security risk, a fellow-traveler, a creeping socialist, a subversive, an anarchist, a filthy bastard, and a communist."
• Truth V: Giant Business Corporations are divine and immortal.
• Truth VI: "Whatever is good for General Motors is good for the United States."
• Truth VII: A gigantic military establishment is the most efficient agency for absorbing endeavor at a profit.
• Truth VIII: Political office-holders deserve recognition for their share of the "rich gravy."
• Truth IX: A "superb quantity of Big Brass" should be authorized to effectuate these principles.
• Truth X: Waste is essential but should be downplayed as incidental.

This section also lists various examples of "Left Behind In War Areas," "Mine In Sea Report," "Fishermen Haul Up A 500-LB. UNEXPLODED BOMB," "Korean Scrap," "Reported Dead In Ship Blast," and "Game Preserve" (referring to stored military equipment). It also details issues with U.S. warships and a large Chrysler tank order.

Atom-Bomb

• Two Great Delusions About the A-Bomb: The N. Y. Times Mag. lists two delusions: that the bomb insures complete security, and that secrecy means security.
• Atomic Work Cost: The cost is up to $4,938,092,939.
• Giant Atom Hoop: A hoop to create energy of 25 billion volts is to be built at Brookhaven for $20,000,000.
• Sealed Containers Dropped by Navy: 1500 tons of radioactive waste were dropped into the Atlantic.
• Police Dump Load of War Souvenirs: Explosive war souvenirs were found and dumped.
• Clay May Save 25th Century: Clay is being explored as a method to combine radioactive substances for safe disposal.

Guided Missiles

• Army Wants Long Islanders to Like "Nike": The Army is establishing Nike missile bases and conducting public relations programs to convince residents.
• Protest Won't Halt Work on Amity Nike Base: Construction of a guided missile installation in North Amityville will proceed despite public protest.

Other Military and Defense News

• "The Brain" Blasts Robots: A new anti-aircraft gun incorporating radar and a computer.
• Republic Sees Prosperous 'SS. Profits Up 400%': Republic Aviation Corp. reports significant profit increases.
• Air Force Assailed on Rocket Contract: The Air Force is criticized for awarding a contract to a company whose launchers were rejected by the Navy.
• Army Secret Classified Right Out of Army: The Secretary of the Army requested funds for secret military construction work.
• 266 Millions for Tanks: The Army has accounts for 9,000 tanks thought lost.
• Admiral Defies Anyone to Say Lift-Trucks Aren't Junk: Concerns are raised about the quality of lift-trucks purchased by the military.
• Chrysler Wins Big Tank Order: Chrysler awarded a large contract for medium tanks and guided missiles.
• Surplus Equipment: Reports on surplus arms for the Atlantic Pact and surplus rubber heels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the documentation of the unusual, the unexplained, and the seemingly absurd aspects of modern life, particularly concerning scientific claims, governmental actions, and military spending. The editorial stance, as embodied by The Fortean Society, is one of critical inquiry, skepticism towards official narratives, and a keen interest in phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The magazine actively encourages reader participation by soliciting curious news clippings, fostering a sense of shared investigation into the "monstrous births" of information that challenge ordinary perception. There is a clear undercurrent of distrust towards authority, whether scientific, governmental, or military, and a persistent effort to uncover hidden truths or expose perceived absurdities.

This issue of DOUBT magazine is primarily dedicated to presenting "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT," a continuation of Charles Fort's extensive catalog of unexplained phenomena. The material is presented chronologically, starting with entries from 1868 and continuing through the early months of 1869, with some references extending to earlier or later periods. The notes are transcribed from Fort's personal manuscript notes, which are described as difficult to read, often written in symbols and code. The magazine aims to print these notes consecutively until all 32 boxes of Fort's records are covered.

Interspersed with Fort's notes are several short news items highlighting instances of government waste and surplus, drawn from various newspapers and dated between 1947 and 1955.

Charles Fort's Notes

The "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT" section begins with entries from October 1868 and progresses through November 1868, and then into January 1869. The entries detail a wide array of unusual occurrences:

October 1868

• October 21: A severe earthquake shock occurred in San Francisco and other parts of California, causing damage and fatalities. An editorial noted a smoky atmosphere along the coast for several weeks preceding the quake, which was not attributed to forest fires and disappeared after the event. The destructive nature of the quake in other California locations is also mentioned.
• October 21: A dry fog and quake in San Francisco, accompanied by a smoky atmosphere.
• October 21: References to Edward S. Holden's catalog regarding this quake in California.
• October 21: Severe shocks in California at 7:50 a.m., with earth opening and water gushing out in many places. The San Francisco Bay area was not disturbed, though vessels felt the shock.

November 1868

• November 1: A quake in Melbourne, Australia, accompanied by a loud clap of thunder. The Argus newspaper is cited.
• November 1: A quake at Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia, with vibrations and a loud clap of thunder.
• November 1: A report from The Argus mentions a shower of worms in Melbourne during a storm, falling from the sky.
• November 1-6: Mentions of quakes in Mexico and BA '11.

January 1869

• January 1: Santorin volcano is noted as still active, with activity recorded from 1867.
• January 1: Comrie is mentioned with recorded shocks in 1851, 1857, 1867, and 1869.
• January 1: Mentions of lists of earthquakes and meteors from France, with references to BA 68-281.
• January 1: Quakes in Greece and meteors in Germany are noted.
• January 13: A great meteor shower is reported in the U.S. and Italy, with thousands counted.
• January 13-14: Meteors observed from 10:30 p.m. until sunrise, moving in all directions, seen from a ship at sea. Also mentions a display in San Francisco that surpassed the 1867 event, occurring with earthquake shocks.
• January 14: A splendid display of Leonids is reported near Calais.
• January 13-14: Meteors observed in Toronto, with approximately 3000 counted.
• January 13-14: Meteors seen in New York, with several directions noted.
• January 14: Subterranean detonations at Verona.
• January 14: Meteors observed at sea and from various locations.
• January 14: A great falling of meteors reported in North Unst, Scotland.
• January 14: An extraordinary number of meteors observed in Switzerland.
• January 14: Mentions of met trains in various U.S. locations and meteors reported in the New York Times.
• January 14: Meteors observed near New Haven, Connecticut, and in Brazil and Spain.
• January 14: An extraordinary display of meteors observed at Shetland, originating from one point in Leo.
• January 15: A great eruption of Vesuvius, followed by a heavy shower of ashes.
• January 15: Meteors observed in Bahia, Brazil.
• January 15: A great meteor at Bahia, Brazil, with reports of displays on the 14th.
• January 15: Eruption of Vesuvius mentioned again.
• January 15: New York Herald reports on meteors of the 14th.
• January 15: Vesuvius eruption and meteors noted in French publications.
• January 16-27: Smoky atmosphere in Hawaii, possibly from Mauna Loa.
• January 17: A slight shock at Lahore, followed by severe tremors at Dera and a meteor shower.
• January 17: Cyclone at Akyab.
• January 17: Violent shock at Bucharest.
• January 13-14: Meteors reported by Prof. Daniel Kirkwood, described as "unexpectedly brilliant."

Box A (Resumed) and Box 3 (Resumed)

These sections continue the chronological entries with further reports of phenomena:

• January 20: Disappearance noted in New York.
• January 21: Shock at Paducah, Kentucky.
• January 24: Vesuvius eruption noted as less violent.
• November 27 & December 5: Gray stones found near Etna.
• November 27: Etna eruption begins.
• November 28: Etna eruption subsides but with renewed violence.
• November 27: Etna eruption mentioned again.
• November 30: A smart shock and earthquake in New Zealand.
• December 1: Quakes and volcanic activity in Iceland.
• December 2: Stones found near Frankfort, Alabama.
• December 5: Event near Frankfort, Franklin County, Alabama.
• December 8: Etna eruption at Malta, described as magnificent.
• December 8: Meteors at sea, possibly Geminids.
• December 8: Mentions of meteors from Gemini.

Miscellaneous Waste Section

This section compiles various news clippings detailing government inefficiency and financial waste:

• Heels Stockpile: A report found millions of pairs of surplus rubber heels in military warehouses, with the Army's total supply being significantly less than initially stated.
• Army Bolts: An Army engineer reported an excessive surplus of 15,525 eighteen-inch steel bolts, enough for 300 bridges, with no practical use.
• Plane Valves: Illinois police discovered over $1,000,000 worth of high-quality Army aircraft engine valves discarded in a dump ground.
• Quix-Mix: The Navy was consuming large quantities of a drink called Quix-Mix, with some stewards refusing to serve it due to its poor quality.
• Defense Budget: A 1949 Readers Digest article highlighted massive defense spending, listing costs for bombers, warships, and military budgets, alongside significant amounts for public relations and equipment modernization.
• Withheld Records: A military hat-maker, Sol O. Schlesinger, refused to open records to senators, citing potential self-incrimination and denying payoffs.
• British Jet Engines: A U.S. Representative claimed that enemy planes shot down in Korea were powered by British-built jet engines.
• Military Budget Costs: The U.S. Defense Department spent £10,000,000 to determine the 1954 fiscal year budget, involving 12,000,000 man-hours.
• "The Shadow" Sponsor: Senator Aiken noted with surprise that "The Shadow" radio program had a new sponsor: the United States Armed Forces.
• Antarctic Air Base: The U.S. Navy planned to build an air base on the Antarctic continent.
• Soldiers in Tins: Air Force engineers were experimenting with metal containers for holding infantry.
• Army Blast: Army engineers conducted a 160-ton TNT blast in western Utah to test the effect of underground blasts on buildings.
• U.S. Science Costs: A report indicated that U.S. government spending on research and development was slightly down from the previous year, with a significant portion allocated to national security.
• Wind Tunnel: Moffett Field was set to receive a new $27,500,000 wind tunnel.
• Navy Oyster Forks: The Navy had 11,000,000 dozen oyster forks on hand, with no clear purpose.
• Electric Organs and Supplies: The government was purchasing electric organs and had accumulated large stockpiles of peanut butter, sugar, condensed milk, and black pepper.
• Department of Justice Lawyers: The Department of Justice had 1,600 lawyers, with some engaging in private practice while on full pay.
• Army Dogs for Planes: The Army was considering using German shepherds as plane spotters.
• Surplus Property Sales: The Air Force expected to sell over $1,000,000,000 worth of surplus property, but was only recovering about five cents on the dollar.
• Feminine Underwear: A discussion arose regarding the purchase of olive-drab panties as military items.
• Japanese Arms Demilitarization: Items and tons of equipment were dumped in the ocean by MacArthur's forces to demilitarize Japan.
• Synthetic Fiber: A new synthetic fiber was mentioned, and a Japanese aircraft company received an order to overhaul training planes for the Japanese air force.
• Government Agriculture Stockpiles: The government held significant portions of cotton, wheat, peanuts, flaxseed, potatoes, dry beans, and butter, with vast amounts of corn stored across the Central States.
• Dried Eggs: The government had a nine-year supply of dried eggs stored underground.
• Steers on Potatoes: Hereford steers were being fattened on surplus potatoes, which were dyed to prevent them from re-entering the commercial market.
• Potato Surplus: The Department of Agriculture bought millions of bushels of potatoes, with a large portion to be dumped or plowed under, despite a need for alcohol for synthetic rubber programs.
• Alcohol Purchase: Congress was informed it would be cheaper to buy alcohol from France, while the ECA allocated funds to France for alcohol purchases from the U.S.
• General's Mansion: A U.S. Army General spent $2,000 (equivalent to £18,500) redecorating a German mansion, using false bookkeeping.
• Street Lighting Bids: Four out of seven firms bidding on street lighting equipment for Wembley quoted the same price.
• Blocked Aid: United Nations officials charged that South Korea's non-cooperation had tied up $36,500,000 worth of U.S. air materials.
• Government Businesses Inquiry: The Senate Committee on Government Operations was considering an investigation into government-operated businesses.
• Tomato Shipments: In 1951, the Army shipped 807,000 pounds of tomatoes from the West Coast to New York, while the Navy shipped 775,000 pounds in the opposite direction.
• Destroyed Drugs: The Army destroyed 11,000 bottles of quinine sulfate tablets, valued at $28,050, because they were no longer economically viable for surplus market sale and had been superseded by more effective drugs.
• Potash Scheme: I.C.I. abandoned a North Yorkshire potash scheme after spending £400,000.
• COI Films: The Central Office of Information produced films on telephone calls, prison, and British leisure activities at significant costs, with partial recovery through exhibition.
• Peanut Stockpile: The government had approximately 246 million pounds of peanuts in storage, enough to supply major event seats for 300 days.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sheer volume of unexplained phenomena documented by Charles Fort and the pervasive nature of government waste and inefficiency. The editorial stance, as implied by the selection of news items, is critical of governmental spending and management, highlighting absurdities and excesses. The presentation of Fort's notes suggests a belief in the importance of recording and examining events that fall outside conventional scientific explanation, positioning DOUBT as a platform for such investigations.