News stories from Monday September 3, 1973
Summaries of the stories the major media outlets considered to be of particular importance on this date:
- The Coast Guard is feverishly fighting a toxic chemical fire aboard the freighter "Key Largo" in the Mississippi River near New Orleans. Fire retardant was used, but flames flared up again this afternoon. [CBS]
- Prisoners continue to hold three hostages at the state prison in Michigan City, Indiana. Warden Russell Lash said that he intends to wait rather than rush into prison, causing violence. No deals will be made with the prisoners until the hostages are released. [CBS]
- UAW and Chrysler officials are continuing contract negotiations. Forced overtime for workers remains a big issue in the talks; workers are demanding a better quality of life as well as increased wages. UAW president Leonard Woodcock believes that there will be a rebellion against forced overtime, but Chrysler Vice President William O'Brien stated that Chrysler will stand by its overtime policy even though a strike may result. Negotiators don't expect a strike. [CBS]
- AFL-CIO president George Meany criticized President Nixon's economic policies in his Labor Day speech. UAW president Leonard Woodcock also aimed sharp words at the Nixon administration. Organized labor is returning to its support for the Democratic party after deserting the 1972 presidential candidate.
Many blue collar workers supported Nixon in 1970 and in the 1972 election -- and still do. Longshoreman Tony Laino still trusts the president, and is tired of Watergate; he feels that the Senate hearings never should have been televised. Construction worker Joe Kelly admires Nixon as a fighter, but questioned his choice of aides. Cement mason Pompeo Gestaro believes President Nixon has proven that he's a great leader. Gestaro stated that chairman Sam Ervin and his Watergate committee members are seeking personal glory, and blasted Ervin in particular.
The workers who were interviewed expressed concern over the economy, but they feel that economic problems could be solved by Congress and the President working together. Many workers still have an unshakable faith in President Nixon.
[CBS] - Libya announced that it is increasing oil prices. Libyan prime minister Jallud stated that the United States must stop its support of Israel if it to receive oil. [CBS]
- Arab oil exporting countries will begin talks in Kuwait tomorrow to decide on a common oil policy. Arab power rests on oil and the Western need for Middle East oil. Arab states may use oil as a political weapon against the U.S. to stop American from supporting Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Kuwait has allowed its own oil derricks to rust for now; oil will be even more valuable in a few years to the United States. The Western world must adjust to Arab power. [CBS]
- Sources in Moscow reported a bomb explosion at Lenin's tomb. The homemade bomb killed the bomb maker and two bystanders; the tomb was allegedly undamaged. [CBS]
- Film star Bruce Lee's death may have resulted from marijuana or hashish poisoning. [CBS]
- Italy's cholera outbreak is spreading. The outbreak was possibly started by seafood. Several countries are rushing vaccines to aid Italy. [CBS]
- Defending champion Billie Jean King lost her U.S. Open match to Julie Heldman. Heat and medication caused Mrs. King's problems. [CBS]