davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
A YEAR OF DISASTER

According to the most recent tab ulations of the Red Cross. around $50, 900 people in the Mississippi valley are In want and are being maintained in camps operated by this organization. All this has hap pened before the crest of the Missis- sippi flood has reached the lower reaches of the river. New Orleans may be saved as result of dyna- hitting the dam at Poydras. but be- fore another week has passed more people than are in the entire city in all probability will be bereft of belongings, homesteads and worldly goods, relying upon the good offices of the Red Cross and the people who have contributed to it's funds to maintain them until normalcy has again been attained.
 While the mighty waters were seeking an outlet. tornadoes swept half a dozen states, causing 8 loss of life that mounted Into several hundreds and Iniuring thousands. Some of tho states. such as Arkan- sas and Missouri. which have al- ready suffered severely from the flood, were likewise keen sufferers from the high wind. A worse com bination of disaster could scarcely be imagined. The west will take years to recover, crop production will be seriously affected, and prices of some crops, if anything. will be advanced.
 Throughout it all the spirit of the people remains indomitable. Humor is injected into the situation wher- ever possible, as for instance, the naming of numerous babies born during the high tide of the flood. Such names as High Water Smith, Flood Jones, Promontory Hill, and the like, indicate a desire to remain cheerful despite the general woe and devastation.
 All afflictions of nature have been bad this year except the earth quakes. which have been of mild nature. Of course, they scare us, but nature is not yet ready to upset us too indiscriminately in this manner. We are better situated than Japan in this respect, judging by the last official report of the recent Japan csc earthquake. This received no vast attention in this country, yet 24S4 people were killed, 1,190 were injured, and SS were reported miss- ing. Despite our troubles in the Mississippi valley and the west, we have had nothing like this to con- tend with.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

legedly smooth. pavements. But in- stead of every citizen knowing the horses pulling the fire trucks by their names. we know nothing at all about the present modernized equip ment. We don't take the same inter est since the horse flesh Is no long CT a part of the department. When the fire trucks sizzle along usu- ally headed toward Berlin. where most of the fires seem to occur we give a side glance and keep right on our way. The automobiles in the way scurry to the side of the right of way-and sometimes. when the can beat the fire trucks to the rail- road crossing. There is no human interest left in the modern fire de- partments. It meant something to be able to stroll into a fire station and pat the assembled horses on the heads, stroke their names. and talk to them, just as if they under stood. All we do nowadays is to glance inside and make a mental note of the fine machinery on view. But it Is only machinery.
 AS soOeone has said before this, this Is the machine age. No won- der the old truck only brought S7.50.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
BELIEVES IN "DEBCNKING"

Senator, Walsh of Massachusetts, in his travels here and there, is usually heard from in an acrid vein. He believes in "dabunking" things, including New England. Where he is right or whether he is wrong we are not prepared to judge. The senator's main thesis is that condi- tions in New England are not what they ought to he-which probably is true most of the time regardless of the administration in powcr-and that a widespread effort is being made to paint drab conditions in glowing colors.
 This boosting business has some advantages as well as some draw backs. The Chamber of Commerce Of New England, with headquarters in Boston, has been trumpeting in mighty fanfares about the excellent business conditions. Other booster organiza ticns and boosting gentle men are helping in the chorus. AIS well with the world; at least, there are no Mississippi floods or weste ern tornadoes hereabouts. although a savant of some prominence has warned us that earthquakes might come at any time.
 Senator Walsh, it seems, does not belong t0 the booster organizations. He would belong 10 debunking organization, if one existed. He has said in Boston that all this booster business is pure propaganda, and that if the Democratic party were in power in Washington there would be precious little boosting; in fact a weird picture O. calamity would be painted by the same or ganizations Maybe the senator is right; as we said at the beginning We don't like to be the umpire.
 The maintenance of stock prices seems to be prerequisite of the booster spirit. The Boston & Maine, for instance, has not been breaking any transportation records of late;
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
25 Fears Ago To-day

The state conference of brick
 layers and masons was held here
 today, R. x. Buell. was elected
 president and Joseph Quinn, secrc-
 tary. It was announced that if the
 business sessions were concluded in
 time the delegates would enjoy q
 trolley trip about the city. Father Coppens of St. Peters
 church went to Terryville today 10
 assist in the Devotion of the Forty
 Hours.
 Many people visited Fairview
 cemetery last Sunday and decorated
 graves. Flower thieves took advan-
 tage of this and removed many
 pieces and bouquets. One boy was caught but released after being se-
 vcrely reprimanded.
 The affirmative won the debate
 last night on the question: "Rcsolv- ed, That explosives are more bene-
 ilcial to mankind than steam en- zines" The Prospect club thereby defeated the Twentieth Century
 club. The judges were F. F. Han ford. E. C. Goodwin and Miss Smith of the Burrtt school.
 Go. F turned down it's captain last night. He said he had offered the company's services for escort duty | on Decoration Day and asked how
 many of the company were in favor
 Not a muskct moved When he call | ed for those opposed, every muskct was lifted into place. Then men will escort inc G. A. R. in civilian clothes choosing their own marshal This will bar, ont the captain. Mrs. Robert Coe of East church is the guest ofher father, D. c, Dan- | lels.
 Howard LaField Is at Short Beach Mrs. Harry Castle Is home from Holyoke college, where she has . been spending a few days,
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
FREE THINKERS" AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Free Thinkers Society" of New York has waged a steadily losing battle against the plan to permit religious training of public school children during school hours at churches selected by the parents the same system that works satis- factcr.,,y in New Britain.
 As there is nothing compulsory about such training. and as the par ents of the children designate which church schools are to be attended, usually for a short time on speci- fled week day-it Is difficult to un- derstand why the so-called Free Thinkers Society" can object. It lis the business of the parents, not of the society.
 The idea that parents have no rights regarding the instruction to be imparted to their children occurs to nobody but the membership of such society, which in the last analysis is based upon a species of intolerance of all religion.
 The system of allowing religious training In the church schools for short period weekly does not materially interfere with public school instruction. It does not link up the public schools with religious activities. and 1t does not link up the churches with the public schools. Public school attendance remains mandatory; the supple mentary religious instruction is not mandatory.
 The New York Court Of Appeals properly ditched the contentious of the Free Thinkers Society" and if the case Is carried to the Y. s Supreme Court, as is threatened, the decision no doubt will confirm that of the state courts
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
THE AERIAL TRICK

If in 1885 anyone would have had the temerity to say that the red spangled aerial fire truck. pur- chased by the city that year, would once sell for $7.5o he would have been headed toward Middletown. Those were the days when the peo- ple--the common people-took their fire apparati with some degree of seriousness. Whenever there was parade the fire department had to bs in line with its equipment. so that all might see how progress and the latest geegaws in fire-fghting machinery had it's home here. The aerial fire truck. drawn by proud stepping horses-the fastest horse flesh in town-was nothing to sneeze at. Citizens drew a few ex- tra breaths when they saw them stepping along and there wasn't anybody who didn't think this was a real town considering the way money was squandered to obtain the finest there was in such things.
 Now, after some 40 years, during which time the Russwin hotel, which opened in 1885, has been turned into city hall, business offices and what not, the old aerial truck has finally reached the kindly ministrations of a iunllman. We hope he will treat it kindly, re- membering what 1t once stood for in the annals of the town. Instead of prancing steeds pulling the rum- bling truck over uneven rayements, we now have motorized trucks which glide along smooth. or all
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
RUTH AND JUDD ID
 BE SENTENCED FRI.
Defense Will Make Motion to Arrest Judgment

New York. May 1S R>-Tomor- row - Friday tho 1sth-Mrs. Ruth Snyder and her one-time lover. Hem ry Judd Gray. will be officially told they must die in tho electric chair for the murder Of the woman's hus- band.
 Imposition of sentence was ad- vanced late yesterday by Justice Scudder. who found he must ait else- where Monday. the day originally set for tho sentencing.
 A death of sentence in tho electric chair is mandatory on thnir convic- tion last Monday of murder in the first degree for the brutal slayins of Albert Snyder while he slept in his Queens Village home on March 20.
 Two fast automobiles will await at the court house and after sen- tence is imposed the ''steely blonde" and the phtlandering corset sales- man will be sped under heavy guard in separate cars to Sing Sing prison, up the Hudson at Ossining. i
 Edgar F. Hazelton. chief counsel for Mrs. Snyder. holds two cards to play before his client hears her fate. After a conference with Justice Scudder yesterday he announced he would make two motions tomorrow. One will ask that the verdict be set aside. The other will demand an ar- rest of judgment. ..-......
 It is said imme ediate appeal of the verdict would not be followed by its consideration by the court of ap- peals before October or November.
 Mrs. Snyder. facing .ks drabness of cell life in plain brown or blus linen. was reported yesterday as i'm. proved in health. Gray in a state. ment has announced himself as re- signed to his fate.
 Mrs. Snyder's mother, Mrs. Jose phine Brown. visited her for an hour yesterday. It was said they did not discuss the future of the con- victed woman's 9-year-ol1 daughter, Lorraine.
 No action on payment of heavy insurance policy on Albert Shy ders life will be taken until his widows appeal is dealt with. Alfred Hurrell, vice president ard general counsel Of the Prudential Life Insur- ance company. said yesterday. Tho sum of the policy, which it Is be- lieved will go to Lorraine Snyder. will be doubled If the art editors death is classed as accidental"
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

Phaeton for sale. Holcomb sta bleS.-advt.
 The seniors won the high school class field meet. scoring 5lh points. while the juniors had 2S1s. the sophomores 16. and the freshmen 8. R. c. Merwin was . judge, George B. Matthews q field judge. c. P. Merwin a timer. and w. H. Judd starter. The events were won as follows: 100 yard dash, w. Coho- Ian: pole vault. filling: 12o-yard hurdles. Morgan: 220-yard dash. w. Coholan: high jump. w. Coholan: 44o-yard dash. Flannery; hammer throw. Cryne: half-mile run. Alling broad jump. Deming: 22o-yard hur- dies, Webster: mile run. Alling; shot put. Cryne: one-mile relay. juniors.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

For the MOFloS
 Shakespeare and Sir Walter Raleigh are in love with Queen Elizabeth. Sir Walter gains her fa- vor by spreading his coat over a muddy place in the road. Just be- fore Sir Walter leaves to keep a date with the Queen, a servant finds him smoking and thinking he is afire throws a pitcher of water over him.
 fred by Sir Walters failure to show up on time, the Queen calls up Shakespeare and invites him over. They plight their troth, and she confesses that she is not the Queen at all. but Ann Hathaway. whom the Queen has asked to lm- rcrsonate her majesty. Sir WalteI is shown examining bill from the dry cleaners for cleaning his muddy cloak and the suit that was ruined by the servant.
 At the same moment, William Shakespeare and Ann Hathaway come out of a simple rural church at Straford on Avon. They pause beneath the cherry blossoms. and their lips meet in a long kiss.
 For the Opera
 Sir Walter. in bass solo, invites Queen Elizabeth to step on his cloak and save her feet from the mud. She thanks Mm in a contralto aria. Shakespeare, viewing this scene. announces that he is pretty jealous. in soaring tenor solo. The three Of them get together in a trio and tell who they are and what the whole thing is about. At the close of this trio, Shakespeare chal- lenges Raleigh to duel. They fight The Queen throws herself between them and gets killed.
 Seeing what they have done. they ! fall upon their swords and perish miserably. singing a duet which eX- presses their regrets at the unto, ward turn affairs have taken.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

You can get an answ r to any question of fact or information by writing to the Question Editor. New Britain Herald. Washington Bureau. 1922 New York avenue, Washington, D. C.. enclosing two cents !n stamps for reply. Medical. legal and marital advice cannot be given. nor can extended research be undertaken. All other questions will receive a personal reply. Un- signed requests cannot be answered.. All letters are confdential.--Edit
 0. What does the name Clautilla mean?
 A. It Is fromd the Latin an means little lame girl'.
 Q. Which state has the most miles of surfaced roads?
 A. Indiana. It has 4S,1o5 miles.
 Q. What is the leading industry of Canada?
 A. Agriculture.
 Q. How long is 1t estimated the world supply of coal will last?
 A. On the basis of present knowledge of coal deposits it is esti- mated that there is enough to supply the world for two or three centuries.
 Q. Has any change been made recently in the divorce laws of Nevada?
 A. The state legislature recently passed a law requiring only three months continuous residence Gn- stead of six months) before suit for divorce can be filed.
 Q. On what date did Good Fri day fall in the year 1888:
 A. March 50th.
 Q. What is the value of Ameri- can investments in China?
 A. The United States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce estimates that there is about 70 million dollars invested by Ameri- cans in government bonds in China and about 15o or 200 million dol lars invested in educational mis- sionary and other institutions in China by Americans.
 c. Who Carl Schurz the Secrc- tary of the Interior under President Hayes, ever a candidate for presi- dent?
 A. He was ineligible for the presidency because he was not born in this country.
 Q. Where is the 'Levant"?
 A. It refers to the cast end Of the Mediterranean and the adjoining countries whose inhabitants are called Levantines.
 Q. Is Mount Mckinley the high est mountain in the world?
 A. It is the highest mountain in North America. Mount Everest in Indo-C China is the highest mountain in the world.
 e. Which country produces the most coffee?
 A. Brazil.
 Q. What does the Initial "B"
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

but in order to head off any ul- terior effects the plan Is now under way to register the stock on the New York stock exchange. and this alone would result in boosting the price at least 20 per cent. we are told. A good plan: regardless of business, the stock would go up. Anything 50 simple should be adopted.
 Then there Is the condition of the average man. Senator Walsh seems to be one of those peculiar individuals who think the welfare of the average citizens is of some moment. He wears dark glasses when looking their way. Prosperity that doesn't circulate everywhere apparently doesn't appeal to him very much. Conditions around Bos- ton, Fall River. New Bedford, Law renee and other industrial centers up that way apparently aid the senator in his scheme of debunking things. Perhaps he does the popula- tion some good by acting as foil to the boosters. Most men can come to a better understanding of an is- sue when they hear both sides.
 Senator Walsh Is lone voice in the wilderness just now. Perhaps his frequent lamentations do not strike an ultra popular chord, either: yet he has the courage of his convic- tions. says what he thinks, is not going to be bamboozled if he can help It. And that's something.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12

stand for in the name of Prssident Hayes?
 A. His name was Rutherford Birchard Hayes. ... Q. What is the distance from ! New York city to Naples. Italy. A. 4.s15 miles. o. Is tho word "oats" singular or plural?
 A. It is plural. Q. Are olives fruitf A. Yes.
 o. How old must an English walnut tree be before 1t begins to bear? A. Usually 1t begins to bear at the age of to 10 years but not commercially until 1t is IS years old. o. Where Is the lowest point in the United States?
 A. Death Valley. California. It is 27e feet below sea level.
 Q. Is Clara Bow, the motion picture actress. married?
 A. She is not married but 1t Is reported that she Is engaged to Gary Cooper, who was her leading man in Children of Divorce"
 c. What was the last race run by Man O War?
 A. He finished his career as a race horse at Wentworth Park, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. on Oct. 12. 1920 by beating Sir Barton in match race of one mile and a quarter.
 0. How arc bleeding hearts propagated?
 A. By dividing crowns or roots. They should not have a very rich soil. Ordinary lawn soil is best and they thrive in fairly sunny locations.
 Q. Are dogs allowed in Yellow stone National Park?
 A. Dogs are not permitted in the park except by special authority of the superintendent: they may be transported through the reservation provided they are kept on a leash, or in crate, while within the con- fines of the park.
 Q. Where can one obtain a pie ture of "Old Ironsides?"
 A. They are sold by the United States Navy Department Washing ton. D. C.. for twenty-five cents.
 c. Would an electric shock of 11O volts be fatal?
 A. The shocking effect of an electric current depends entirely upon the number of amperes that pass through the body. This, in turn, depends upon the voltage and upon the resistance of the circuit. One hundred and ten volts may be fatal if both contacts are wet, but a 100000 volt induction coil of small current capacity will not give dangerous shock.
 Can a crystal radio set be at- tached to an inside aerial?
 A. Yes, an indoor antennae may be used for crystal reception.
 c. What is the largest newspaper building in the U. S.?
 A. The Chicago Tribune build ing in Chicago.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
ALWAYS BE LADIES AND
 GENTLEMEN! It Is Advisable to Call on Oul Charm School When In Doubt!)


 GENTLEMEN! (It Is Advisable to Call on Oul Charm School When In DoubtD Dear Mrs. Pillar: Is 1t correct for . society bud to speak to her fath. CTS chauffeur?
 Florine King Dear F'lorine: If he gets too rough. you should certainly speak to him! .. Dear Mrs. Pillar: What is the proper etiquette when the sales maoager makes a speech at a ban quet?
 Philip Kohler Dear Phil: Wake up in time to applaud!
 Dear Mrs. Pillar: We were en- barrassed on our vacation last summer because the hotel clerk didn't think we were married. How can we avoid that?
 H. H. Hinkley Dear H. H.: Have your wife stumble going up the hotel steps and say to her, "For the love of Mike. pick up your feet!" -. Copyright. 1927. Reproduction
 Forbidden)
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
FRENCH DISAPPOINTMENT AND SPORTSlLANSHlP

French irritation at the debt terms from America seems to find a. ready outlet in the apparent dis aster that came to the White Bird, and Captains Nungesser and Coli. It Is astonishing indeed that the French are blaming the Americans for the tragic mishap.
 We are charged with sending out wrong weather reports-which may be news to the weather bureau. We stand charged with sending out a false report that the flyers had ar- rived-but strange to say. only in France were such false reports pub lshed.
 The allegedly false weather re- ports seem to be the main source of irritation. No one in his senses would believe that the weather bureau would purposely send out a wrong report: that 1t makes mis- takes occasionally. however. there can be no doubt. If the terrific storm in the north Atlantic was not foreseen by the bureau that does not mean it tried to deceive anyone. In the inflamed condition of the French mind. however, one can easily surnise that such an explana- ton will not suffice. The speed with which American ships began comb- ing the north Atlantic after the fly CTS became overdue no doubt helped to assaugo the French emotions: but Ambassador Herrick in Paris has advised that no Americans at tempt the flight to Paris at this time despite the s25.ooo prize offer CT by Raymond Orteig for such a flight which is still dangling before the eyes of the adventurous.
 The intrepid airmen, however, do not seem inclined to take the ad- vice of the arpbassador. Should any Of the competing American flyers reach Paris the good sports manship of the French people will } do him full honor despite the keen disappointment regarding their own flyers. When the German baker swam the Channel from England to Griz-Nez last summer didn't the mayor and the towns population turn out in a huge celebration Showing that national or racial lines do not long maintain themselves in tho French mind where sporting ex- ploits are concerned. If an Amer ican flyer came within sight of the Eiffel tower after a trip across the Atlantic the F'renchmen would for set all their past or present griev- ances and yield what might be classified as a resounding welcome. Tho French disposition may be peculiar in some respects, but there is no denying its admiration for a genuine exploit.
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
This Side of Paradise!

Mrs Ward: T saw Mrs. Pierce at her window yesterday and her face was all bandaged up.'
 Mrs. Greene: "Yes. she's having it lifted"
 Mrs. Ward: What? Oh. she's foolish. I've always liked her ap- pearance. She's not pretty, but she has such a kind, open face.' Mrs. Greene: Tt may have been open when you saw it. but now it's closed for repairs"
 Philip H. Jacobus
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
VERSES AND REVERSES

VERSES AND REvERSEs
 Euccessl Old Julius Caesar. hic. haec, hoo. Was never mixed up in battle smoke Because, when Jule went out to scrap
 There were no cannon on the map. Queen Cleopat, amor, amat. Was never bothered with her hat Because. on Cleo's River Nile Puellae had no Paris style! And yet both Jule and Cleo, they Were great successes in their day Because, with what they had, you see,
 They did their darndest! - c. E. D.!!!
 R. V. Sharp
 It's Easier Now When my poor grand-dad lost his dough
 My grandma did not shirk; She hung a shingle on the porch And took in seamstress work. And now that I've been ruined, too, My wife. Git seems a dream) Is helping me recover. She's Endorsed a new cold cream!
 -B. l.. Mandell
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
She Misunderstood

Williams (seated at the dining table): "Norah. what's this black jack doing on the table?" Norah: "Why tn mistress told me to be sure an have q nut-crack- CT on tn tablet"
 T. r. Coghill
New Britain herald., 1927-05-12
M.mb.r Audi, Bureau of Circulation

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation Tho A. B. c. is . national organization which furnishes newspapers and adver- ,issrs with . strictly honest analysis oi circulation. Our circulation statistics are based upon this audit. This insures pro- tecticn against fraud In newspaper ds- .ribution fgures to both national and local advertisers