davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
BE IIhI. AN O!D TIMER.

Old-timcrs, and many a young timer got a peculiar thrill out of listening to the old-timc songs dis pcrscd by the old-time minstrels at the Tabs hall the past few nights. How the old-timers resurrected all of those ancient ditties must be ac- cepted as a remarkable indication Of their memories, Some of the old boys merely remembered the words and the tune, and the latter had to be taken down by an obliging musi- clan. Most of the songs were long out of print.
 One example, one indicating how song title can become an axiom that lives down the years; "Iou're as Welcome as the Flowers in May was no longer sung more than 20 years ago, but the phrase has become part Of the popular phraseology. Come to think Of it, they didn't have such bad songs in the days gone by; for ideas clever words, and snappy tunes they will compare more than favorably with great deal of the present output of tinpan alley.
 As for the old-timers themselves anybody with a breath of sentiment in his veins will take off his hat. When the boys past 60 can do a Henry Ford shuffle, unlimbering the creaky limbs and making fog horn throats resound like yodcling opera singers-that's something, we'll say, greatly to the credit of the oldsters.. And there was that gentleman of 74-for the love of everything that's marvellous, imagine a man of that age getting up in front of an audi cnce and doing his stuff, just about like he did it when he was merely 4.
 For those who think old age means a slowing up the oldsters in this show were eye-opcners. They don't slow up any more at all, by golly; they are just as chippcr as the young 'uns.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
THREE GREAT TUNNELS

News from Denver yesterday had 10 do with blizzard which devastat- cd the city and marooned a lodge of Elks which was en route 10 the Moi fatt tunnel to celebrate the opening of this siX-mile bore under the back bone Of the continent.
 This tunnel is one of three ma jor construction works of the kind build ing and projected. It is nearing com- plction, and there no doubt will be great rejoicing in Denver at the prospect of early direct train service to points farther west without the necessity of first travelling hours due north to Cheyenne or hours due south to Pueblo.
 The other enormous tunnel being p!anncd-this word is used because not much of the preliminary work has been done-will be under the Cascade mountains in the state of Washington, and the bore will be eight miles in length. Much more will be written about this great pro- jcct when the work is accomplished.
 The other tunnel of significance is one nearer home. The Holland tube under the Hudson between New York and Jersey City will be opened this spring. As is generally known, it will be the first vehicular tunnel un- der the Hudson and is certain to be popular from the opening day. Its influence upon the direction in which New York autoists are wont to travel at the week-ends will be con- siderable; that it will draw some of this type of traffic away from Con- necticut there can scarcely be a doubt
 At present the easiest access out of New York for autoists is driving up the Hudson, churning over into Long Island, or taking a trip up into Connecticut. The Nutmeg state certainly has been getting it's full share of New York automobile parties, and they have greatly con- tributed 70 the week end congestion of the Boston Post road in the southwestern part of the state. When the Holland tube is in use thousands of New Workers will be enticed to motor into Jersey, people who now remain out of that state when auto- ing bent on account of the long de- lays due to ferries. New Jersey will gain what Connecticut loses. So far as We are able 10 judge no one ex- ccpt the hotel keepers, restaurants, refrHshmcnt stands and gas station rropriotors in Fairfield county and 10 lesser extent elsewhere will re- grct the change.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
I'll, CALIEOENIA STORM

"The most severe weather ever recorded in California" must be re- garded as of more than passing or local interest. The storm which has inundated a vast territory, particu- larly in southern California, where fine weather is one of the chief topics of conversation and one of the mainstays of trade, calls attention to the fact that this region is not as perfect as the boosters organizations would have us belle Q. Whenever there is a severe storm or a blizzard in other sections of the country the California papers are at pains to in- form their readers; the comparison with southern California's perennial sunshine glistens from every line.
 At this moment the remainder of the country contemplates the dam age in California and concludes that fabled land certainly has everything from genuine earthquakes. moun- tain lanlsIides. storms, gales and high winds. or course, the loyal na- tive son of the Pacific coast can re- tort-whcn he has recovered from his fright-that the big storms only come once in while; but the native sons of other regions have the same privilege.
 The next time New England has a blizzard the California papers will chronicle the fact in glowing type. in flc,; btt just now the big type is elsewhere. California papers are not yet at hand and WI have been won doring whether the loyal Los Angeles Times has tho California storm story buried away on the want ad page or whether it is displayed on the page one show window. Bctting is even that cycn the news from China is iomel Of grrater importance in the California papers.
 After ,he wr"oha@o has been clear @l away and ,ao funerals held, pro Ha21nda will come from southern California That the storm accounts wre "NastIy cNaggorotad." as was a79o after the recent Florida hurri- cane. All one needs 10 do 10 play ea@ is to discount the propaganda when it comes.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
WHERE IS MY WANDERING BOY
 TONIGHT? (A Fun Shop Drama) IN THREE ACTS By Henry F. Dahmn

(Sccno: X train speeding toward the Big City. Josh Riddle, a young farmer, is sitting next 10 the window in a daycoach seat, eating peanuts. Beside him sits Lulu Dixon, an act rcss.)
 Lulu: Where are you going, young man?'
 Josh: I'm going to the biz city" Lulu: You must be careful in the big city. or somebody will get you in trouble"
 Josh: That's what my pa told me. Never mind, I can take care of my self. Nobody will get me in trouble D
 ACT TWO
 (SCenc: The same. The train is pulling into the Big CityD
 Lulu: You must be careful not to speak to strangers. They'll get you in trouble"
 Josh: That's what my pa told me"
 Lulu: "Tll tell you what to do. You come along with mo, and I'll show you all the sights, I'll see that you don't get into trouble.'
 ACT THREE
 (Scono: The general store back homo. Saturday night, Josh is telling an admiring crowd of his adven- lures in the Big City)
 Josh: And then she took me to see the monuments, and then we went to the park, and she bought me an ice cream cone, and all the while she was a-tiCkling and a-pok- ing mo, and a-kidding me about be- ing baShful, and we sat there on the park bench. and she tickled mo on the knee and we just fooled around and had a heck of time.
 Gle pauses thoughtfully).
 Josh; "You know. I think if Id worked it right, could of kissed that girl.'
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
LESS PROPORTIONATE SCHOOL EXPENSE,

The city will learn with satisfac- ton that although the appropri- ations necessary 10 maintain the schools and pay the years install ments on the obligations is slightly higher this year than last; for the first time in several years the rela- tive cost of the schools in propor- tion to other civic expenses is less. This probably means that the city has reached the turning point in school outlays and that henceforth the relative cost of school expense will see a steady decrease as con- pared with the other expenses of the city.
 It Is the proportionate expense that counts most in the makeup of the city budget. The school depart ment this year obtains a smaller percentage of the total city outlay than formerly because expenses other than school requirements have decreased to a greater extent. The peak in school expenses has about been reached; there may be slight pro rata increases in the next few years; or there may be slight pro rata actual decreases But in either event it is logical to reason that the percentage of expense compared with the ether expenses incurred by the city will continue 10 decrease.
 The city wlthal has the satisfac- ton of knowing that it met the school problem in two- listed man. nor by increasing the facilities and thus meeting tho requirements inn posed by the increasing population. It was a sort of major operation which cost money, but which has been entirely successful The patient has reached the turning point of complete recovery. So far as the schools are concerned inc situation now is to be more satisfactory than it has been for a long time
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17

lowed by rain late tonight and Fri. day; warmer in south portion to-. night; colder Friday; fresh to strong south winds
 Conditions: The disturbance that was noted yesterday in the lake region advanced to the Southern New England coast and produced rain and rising temperatures in tho middle Atlantic and New England states, with snows in Maine. An- other disturbance is central this morning over Kansas and pressure is low eastward and northeastward to the Ohio valley and upper lake region. A strong area of high pres- sure is moving southward over the plains states from the Canadian northwest, attended by much colder temperatures in the northwest.
 Conditions favor for this vicinity unsettled weather followed by far and colder.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17

conditions existing in many other cities, many of which are in a posi- ton where they cannot accommodate large gathering. New Haven owns to some pride in such matters, and as tho largest city in the state real izes it needs to have an auditorium commer 'urate with it's impc-tance. Members of the city building con- mission, therefore, favorably and unanimously passed a resolution to provide for this structure for gen cral public use, education and en- tcrtainment to be built in conjunc- ton with the proposed construction of q new city hall. Colonel Ullman, still showing his fine hand as a civic leader, made the practical suggestion that q committee be appointed to visit other cities having civic audi toriums, this by way of obtaining ideas
 New Haven sometimes is looked upon as not being as progressive as it might be for it's size. In this mat ter it is showing both wisdom and progress. For city of consequence not to have large public audi torium for general use is as illogical as for a small town not to possess a town meeting hall. All the small towns have gathering places large enough to accommodate the towns | people. some of them being large enough to accommodate all the sur rounding population at one time | Such halls for community gatherings form part of the camaraderie Of vii.
 lage life. II is in the larger cities where the perspective has been lost
 New Haven is going 10 be the first
 city in the state 10 regain this perspective.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
William and Mary in Virginia?

William and Mary in Virginia?
 A. It was established in 1893.
 Who is president of Chile and where does he live?
 A. Emiliano Figueroa is presi- dent and his home is at Santiago, Chile.
 c. How many blast furnaces are in the United States and how many does the United States Steel Corpora ton operate? What is the record production of blast furnace?
 A. At the beginning of 1926 the United States Steel Corporation had 112 blast furnaces out of total of 3S5 in the United States. The Iron Age for January 6, 1927 states that new high tonnage was reached when No. furnace, Duquesne Works, Carnegie Steel Company, Pittsburgh. Pa., produced 1,o35 tons in A hours.
 Q. What is the largest railroad station in London, England?
 A. Waterloo Station which has 1.1S0 trains daily and an area of 24l2 acres.
 c. Which has the lower altitude, the Desert of Sahara or Death Val ley, California?
 A. Death Valley is 276 feet be- low sea level: the Desert of Sahara is estimated at 150 feet below sea level
 Q. How are the locks of the Panama Canal operated?
 A. The machinery operating the locks of the Panama Canal is run by electric motors, each having it's own generating plant and being operated separately from the others. The locks are filled and emptied through a system of culverts. The main culvert, 255 feet in area, ex- tends the entire length of each wall; and there are several smaller cul- vcrts communicating with the lock chamber through holes in the floor. These are controlled by valves. which are opened at the upper end and closed at the lower end for the purpose of filling . lock. the process being reversed for emptying. The average time for filling and empty ing the locks is about 15 minutes. Strong fender chains attached to powerful springs are placed at each entrance. 10 prevent damage from ships. A floating caisson gate per mits repairs to be made on the per manent locks and bottom sluices
 Q. What is the deepest gold mine in the world?
 A. It is said to be the St. John Del Ray mine in Brazil. South America It is 6426 feet deep.
 Q. What is birds nest soup made of?
 A. The nests of the Salangane, an East Indian swift These birds breed in large numbers in sea fronting caves. and attach their. small cup shaped nest to the rocks in the dark interiors of crevices and cavcrns. The nests are composed chiefly of the elutinous saliva pro- duced by the bird with a small mix ture of foreign materials such as bits of straw and feathers.
 Q. If an alien woman married an American citizen on July 19, 1922 is she still an alien?
 A. The law providing for sepa- rate citizenship for married women did not become effective until Sep tember %, 1922, consequently American citizenship was acquired by marriage prior to that date.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
QUESTIONS ANSWERED

You can get an answ 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 in stamps for reply. Medical, legal and marital advice cannot be be undertaken. All other questions will receive a personal reply. Un- signed requests cannot be answered. All letters are confidential.-Ed Editor.
 Q. Who invented the electric chair that is used for capital punish mcnt?
 A. A New York commission, consisting of Elbridge Gerry, A. P. Southwick and Matthew Hale, was appointed to investigate humane ways of inflictng the death penalty. They reported in 1888, and sug- gcSted the construction of a chair in which the criminal could be placed for clectrocution. Such a chair was devised 1, by T.. r. Davis, state electrician, New York in 1SSS-1SS9.
 e. Are hail stones ever as large as eggs?
 A. In examining weather records the department of agriculture dis covered several instances where
 
 pounds each, and at least one that was reported to have weighed four and onc-half pounds. On April IT, 1874. in Natal, hailstoncs weighing a pound and q half perforated cor rugatod-iron roofs and in New South Wales. in 1S47, stones four teen inches in circumference fell during a storm. The fall of four and one-half inch hailstonos was reported in Cazorla, Spain, on July 15. 1929, and in Q storm almost as destructive at Cette, France, when houses were wrecked and ships sunk
 Q. How do the Canadian Nation al Railway lines compare in length with the largest railway system in the world?
 A. The largest railway system in the world is the New German Rail- way company, 33,000 miles in length. The Canadian National Railways has a total mileage of 21,S44 miles.
 Q. In what opera is "The Anvil Chorus?
 A. Ncrdi's Fl Trovatore".
 e. Who was the first president of the United States born after the country had declared it's indepcn- donce from England?
 A. Martin Van Buren.
 Q. What is the nationality of Luis Firpo? How old is he?
 A. He was born October II, 1896, at Bucnos Aires. Argentina. His father was an Italian and his mother a Spaniard.
 Q. How did San Diego get It's name?
 A. It is corruption of the name Saint D Iago, the patron saint of Spain. San Diego was founded by Spanish immigrants,
 Q How old is the College of
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
Because, of course, it crooked.
 Ellis Parker Butler.

Because, of course, it crooked.
 Ellis Parker Butler. II. Mary had a little beau, Who always stayed TOO late He seemed to think he owned the place, So Dad gave him the gate.
 Thomas Forster. Mary had a little lamb, Asa some hootch she brewed: But when she reached her home one night She found the lamb was stewed,
 R. K. Barlow. Mary had a little bull And HOW the ncighbors knew 1t. For all she did from morn till night Was stand around and throw it.
 Harry l.. Reyes. Copyright. 1927, Reproduction
 Forbidden)
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
2 Fears Ago Today

There was q largo gathering last evening at the rooms Of the Vega society when that organization eel "bratod is 2$rd anniversary. Pres idont John Johnson made the prin- cipal address. William Mueller sang q couple Of solos. Otto. Lenpston sang. and there were doclamations hY John F.. Hultgrcn. There were other forms of refreshments.
 William A. Bradys beautiful pro- duction of the successful Clyde Fitch play. Lovers Lane" will have its first appearance in this city at the Lyoeum Wednesday evening.
 Buy Lillian Russcl fivc-ccnt cigars.
 One-fOurth Of tho number of vol OTIS Of tho city will control the cau- cusses this spring. only 1505 being registered. Of these i249 are repub- Iicans and 25G democrats.
 There was no school during the storm yesterday and the drifts were too high today for sessions in the morning. The water department had men shovel Inc snow away from the fire hydrants and then learned with l9;ignation that many property own CTS, in 'shoycllinE their walks, had covered the hydrants up once more.
 Driver Dick Hartnctt of No1 hose wagon was out behind four horses rils morning The horses seemed 10 be enjoying the novelty as much as the driver.
 Hjcrpe and T.oomis, plumbers. have dissolved partnership and in . the future Mr. Loomis will condnct the business, Mr. Hjcrpe will go into i business for himself in the rear Of l his brothers store on Arch street.
 Attorney Charles r. Conlon ap- peared in the Bristol police court yesterday to defend a man arrested
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17

at a cock fight in Harwinton.
 Rev.fJ. F. Klingberg, pastor of the Swedish Baptist church, has gone to Manchester, N. H.. for a few days.
 The sewer and street committees were scheduled to meet last evening, but tn storm held the attendance down to almost nothing and the meetings were abandoned. The only members to be on hand were Alder men Curtis and Wiegand.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
\ CITY WITH \ VISION

ra" city of Npw Haven is on thc r-" track in planning the construc- uoa 0. a new city hall 10 take the place Of inc present 1ilapidatcI and oEororowdod building. Instead Of merely providing for d larger city hall on the usual lines, the authori- tics from the mayor down, and also Tn" general public want large public auditorium 10 be included. one seating at least 5000 people.
 The lack Of a large public audi torium in New Haven is similar to
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17

Now Britain,
 Feb. 16, 1927 Editor Herald,
 Dear Sir:
 Would you be so kind and insert the following lines in your valuable paper?
 l was very much interested by the statements made by Councilman Zapatka in the Herald. Feb. 14 con- corning the increase of the tax rate He certainly is interested in q good cause when he pleads for the hard laboring man who is endeavor- ing to have a home of his own. It would be a noble act if others also would join in and plead tho cause of the working man.
 All the others seem to hn able right.
 The question is: Will thoy ever stop to increase the tax rat"@
 In 1919 I paid S90 tax for 3 3 tenement, j room house.
 Last year I paid Sl44 for room l.. And still they want another in- crease in the tax rate.
 Last year the tax took nearly 5 months rent out of my rent money. depriving mo of money which I could have used for necessary re- pairs.
 But as long as there is an inter- est 10 raise the salaries of city off cials and employees, etc, why of course more money is needed and therefore the tax rate will have to hc increased again. and the already overtaxed laboring man will have another additional burden laid upon him.
 Now the overtaXed landlord in or der 10 raise the extra money will in many cases boost up the rent again and thereby putting heavier burdens on his fellow laboring man. who also is paying too much rent already I hope that Councilman Zapatka and others, of authority will labor to reduce the tax rates and then when taxes are low property owners can reduce the prices of their rents, which arc in many cases unrcason- ably 100 high and that will certainly be 2 great benefit to the hard work ing man.
 TAXPAYER.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
TAXPAYER.
FEWER HOMELESS BOYS

New York, Feb. r UP)-Bo- cause i've have nearly cleared inc str"cts Of wandering. homeless boys" the Children's Aid society an nounced the closing of the 4tth Street Boys Lodging house founded in 1888 10 shelter homeless street boys. The house will be used as boys club.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
MACDDN AIDS BLOW AT STOr-GD LIGHTS

Criticism of the stop-Eo automatic traffic signals at las, has reached high places. We credit ourselves with having been among the cary cyuics in connection witI these modern contraptions greatly to the regret of the august gentlemen who irGir4- cd the things upon an unounr1u- ely and who have a plan 10 maa. the entire downtown section look Ike the maze of red and green lights in railroad freight yard.
 The emphatic denuncia,ion of thu, stop-go lights cnunciatcd by John A. Macdonald, the state highway uom- missioner, ought to meet with rou- siderable approval. Our highway commissioner was one of the speak CTS before the third annual con,.u- tion of the Association Of Highway Officials of the North Atlantic States. of which he is a past president. and the address was given in Atlantic City.
 Note these smashing words from the address:
 "1t is my oIn',n hat the
 automatic traffic Ignal, under
 Its present method Of operation.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
Observation On He Weather

Washington, Feb. 17.-Forecast creasing cloudiness tonight; Friday rain colder at night; moderate west to southeast winds, ln- creasing.
 Forecast for Eastern New York: Increasing cloudiness probably fol-
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
Stronghoart, the Pup
TOO GOOD

Hathaway: "Once I had an cleo tric-lght bulb that burned for three years"
 Fraser: "Wondcrful." Hathaway: "Ycs, l wrote letter to the company and told them about it, and they hunted up the workman who made it."
 Fraser: Did they congratulate him."
 Hathaway: No; they fired him."
 Frank II. KrGomcrs.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
Member Auutt Bureau of Circulation.

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation. The A. B. C. ts national organization which furnishes newspapers and edVer- t,scrs with 8 strictly honest analysis Of circulation Our circulation statistics are based upon th,s audit. Ths insures protection sgain-: fraud in newspaper distribution figu es to both national and local advertisers.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17
CORRECTLY NAMED

Bank President: 'Is everything all right with us?' Bank Examiner: ".tll but the sink ing fund"
 Bank President: "Whats the mat ter with it?" Bank Examiner: 'Its sunk"
 Alma c. 1larman.
New Britain herald., 1927-02-17

A southern evangelist says there are automobiles in Heaven.
 At the rate people are going there. in fifteen or twenty centuries they'll have 10 have traffic cops.