davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
THE DAM THAT BURST

The St. Francis dam in Calltor- nia was built only year ago, Dams are constructed to last long time; but here we read of a dam, practically brand new. which was so weakly constructed that seepage through an abutting hill is believed to have caused it to collapse.
 No one noticed any weakening of the dam perhaps regular inspection was not deemed necessary. Anyway, it broke, and with the avalanche of water down San Francisquito can yon went a distressing toll of life sudden death coming to victims in the middle of night.
 Of course there will be some sort of investigation, and perhaps some thing or other will be blamed for the catastrophe. Maybe it will be blamed on the legal fiction of being an Act of God"
 We are 5000 miles away from the disaster, and this distance may cause us to be over-critical. The common belief cannot help being that the dam was not constructed properly, and the blame for the dis aSter properly belongs at the feet of the proud city of Los Angeles
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
PERIL IN THE AIR

One would think that with im- proved airplanes there would be fewer fatalities. The front pages of the newspapers, however. do not give that impression. Either the pilots are not as skilled as they ought to be, or there are too many stunt flyers in the air. or the ma chimes are more unreliable than is commonly advertised by the plane manufacturing interests and others having a more or less vested interest in the development of airplanes.
 The front page of the Herald told q distressing story yesterday. Three prominent British avators. one q woman, paid with their lives within two days In two of the cases the planes suddenly plunged down: in the other case an eminent aviator met his end while stunt flying.
 At about the same moment when these ilarassing tales passed over the cables Captain Walter Hinch- life began an attempt to fly the Atlantic from east 10 west, q feat that has never been successfully per- tormod in a northern latitude.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
BOYS AND RIFLES

How is it that boys are allowed to play with firearms in the city? Who looks after the boys, prevents them from foolng with dangerous weapons, and sees to it that they exercise sense and caution?
 In some cases evidently nobody The youths on Oak street undoubt- edly would have been playing with somebody's .2o caliber rifle yet had one of them not been shot.
 It is against the law to discharge firearms in the city but here were youths who spent considerable time shooting at targets before the inev- table happened One wonders wheth- CT the police ever hear the reports of rife shots, or whether they bother about them after they are heard. or whether there IS a police officer in those parts anyhow.
 Parents who permit youths to play with rifles are making a bid for tragedy, in addition to giving their sanction to a plain violation of the law.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

merce Secretary Hoover is loaded up with the title of being a radio ear.
 The Radio Commission, of which much was once expected, hasn't been as efficient as its friends had hoped. It has been clear to all that the big New York stations have been able to get nearly everything they wanted, from favorable wavelengths to increases in power. The remain der of the country has been greatly peeved. Of course, particularly in the west and south. A great many congressman hail from those areas, and for this reason the House couldn't agree with the Senate.
 The plan seems to be to force Herbert Hoover to wrestll with the problem once more. That will be a rather hard job for a man running for the presidential nomination, for it Is well known that no matter what a radio czar does q large section will not be satisfied. That. indeed, is the idea behind the Democratic plan to shelve the commission and hand the job over to Hoover.
 But suppose Hoover happened 10 settle the radio situation properly ? Wouldn't he be playing a nice joke on somebody?
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
APPROXIMATION STRATEGY

There is a die hard section in the Republican party which is bound to force the nomination of Coolidge at Kansas City: but as the situation requires strategy they are going They are giving the impression they favor Dawes.
 This faction in the party centers Tn New York, Massachusetts, Penn- sylvania, Ohio and Indiana, with perhaps a few other states in re- serve. The delegates from these states, it appears, are to be billeted for Dawes, knowing fully that there is no chance for this candidate to get the nomination. By having the delegates instructed for Dawes, how ever, will prevent their being in- structed for Hoover, and this is an important preliminary. After the first few rounds of the convention fight are over the Dawes delegation can be released at the moment somebody starts a shout for Cool idge.
 It is a fine plan and may work, If nobody is watching.
 The Democratic party also suffers from preliminary strategy, particu- larly regarding the nomination of Governor Smith. With Senator Reed of Missouri aroused to a high pitch of oratory in the west, and Senator Walsh of Montana brought forward as Catholic Dry. the rumbling is like a springless wagon going over bad road. As hero of the oil scan- dal investigation Senator Walsh stands very high among citizens, and the fact he is a Catholic can pos sibly lead such southerners who in- sist they do not object to a Catholic candidate so long as he is dry 10 prove it by favoring him over Smith.
 Snags of this nature are inevitab ble during a pre-convention campaign that under the circumstances lasts for months. They have been fatal to many a candidacy. too. Messrs, Hoo- yer and Smith, the leading candi- dates in both parties, could not be expected to ride along to victory without fight. In spite of the diff culties with which their campaigns are beset they are still the leading candidates. Both are fighting against the field. and to date both remain in the lead.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
THE OIL MESS WORSE

l. is not pretty spectacle 10 have our secretary of the treasury placed on the witness stand and pumped of his knowledge about the tainted Lib- crty bonds which figured in the Tea pot Dome oil scandal.
 The question is being asked why Secretary Mellon did not volunteer all the facts in bis knowledge since the furorc about the oil scandal started. II is q legitimate question. It becomes more evident every day that the politicians have known more than has been made public up 10 this time. Their actions on the stand have given the impression Of being on guard against referring 10 anything not specifically in- quired about. There has been no whole hearted attempt to assist in solving the riddle Of the bonds. and the public can come 10 only one conclusion
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

and New England and drifted by gales that lasted several days to depths ranging from to 20 feet.
 o. What year were the Olympic Games held in Stockholm, Sweden?
 A. In 1912.
 Q. Has the United States ever coined four dollar gold pieces?
 A. No.
 0. How old is Mary Pickford?
 A. She was born April s, 1893.
 Q. Is Coal mined in South America?
 A. Very little coal is mined there. Chile is the only country that has coal mines and it does not produce enough for it's own use.
 Q. What is the duty of valet? ?
 A. He is mans personal servant who takes complete charge of his masters wardrobe and per sonal comfort.
 c. What is the total railway mileage of the world and of the United States?
 A. The world total as of Decem- Der S1, 1924 was 750.925 miles of main line. The United States in cluding Alaska, has 25o,966 miles.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
WIDENING ROADS

All signs point to the possibility that the state highway department IS heginning q drive toward the widen ing of important roads. The racket m Wetherstield the other day was what might be termed the opening gun; now we have the prospect of q similar rumpus in Berlin, where residents are appealing to the Su- perior court against the highway Apartments plan 10 widen Farm ington road. The state highway de partment may have other widening projects in view and we undoubtad- ly will hear more Of them as time passes.
 There has been much liscusStou Of lhe road situation in recent yoalS regarding V hat can best log done 10 eliminate the congestion on i'm por,ant roads, Two plans haze been most before inc public eye-the construction Of additional highways even when parallel 10 'Nisting routes. or the widening of those that Aist- F.w will claim that on. or th. other is not necessary.
 There may be instances, ho~'ver. w here the construction of alternate routes it quite out nf the question only widening Of the existing
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
25 Years Ago To-day
(From Paper ot That Date)

W. F. Felt represented the Maple Hill Golf club at the annual meet ing Of the state league in New Haven yesterday and was elected a member of the executive commit tee.
 John F. willis. the boxing pro- moter. has been conducting a class in reducing and reports great sue cess. He says that for the first few days he had the heavyweights in ac- ton it was necessary to have boy continually hopping the sweat off the floor.
 Among the members of the con- mon council whose terms expire next month are Orson r. Curtis. Clayton A. Parker and F. N. Hum- phrey. All will be candidates for reelection. The check-u on attend ance at council meetings for the past year shows that, as usual. City Clerk Thompson was present at all meetings. while Alderman Curtis had like record.
 The city tax was laid last night. being mills to cover the estimates and an extra 2l. mills as a legacy from the smallpox epidemic to meet the bills then incurred.
 The annual freshet of the Con- necticut river has begun, and the exodus of residents from the river | streets in Hartford is under way.
 Five hundred spectators were present last evening as Co. l de- feated the Governor's Foot Guard at indoor baseball hy 17-o. Co. I is now in second place.
 Meriden vs. N. B., seats at Chat 1 fields
 Plainville is shouting for a trolley waiting room at the center, where 1 three lines meet.
 The Berlin Iron Bridge band vii give q dance after Easter.
 New Britain today concluded it' le gislative fight 10 get water right! in the Peqllabuck river. The clos ing arguments were very strong anc New Britain has made out an cX cellent case.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
SPIRES AND GARGOYLES
Mir. and Mrs. BusincssMan Have
 An .ArguNlcnt:


 Mrs. Business Man: Take this dictation; have had no reply to my request of recent date re: funds for silk stockings, semi-colon, please remit at once and avoid further trouble. period
 Business Man: Dear Woman. colon, your request for funds. dash. filed under head of silk stockings, comma, at hand. comma, and ln an- swer to same will say that pay ment at this time is impossible due to pocketbook situation, period. Hoping that next week will be sat isfactory, l beg to remain, comma yours respectfully"
 Mrs. Business Man: "Contents of your reply duly noted, period. Re: pocketbook, comma, take the liberty to say that same is highly inflated and that your excuse is the punk underline bunk-exclamation point. Now are you going to come across, comma, or will l have to keep you in every night for week. question mark"
 Business Man: 'In reply to your recent favor, comma. will say, col on, take the money. comma, honey, comma, take the money"
 Martha w. Poehler
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

highway Is then possible if conges- tion is to be eliminated.
 The Pennington road situation, according to reports from 1he high way department. comes somewhat under the latter category. We do not know whether this conclusion is correct: but it is evident that if res idents of Berlin who object to the widening are to make an impression when the court decides the case they can do no better than putting forth a different plan.
 It is hard to get local residents to agree upon any plan, however: the recent disagreement in Plainville over the proposed elimination of grade crossing Is a case germane to the point Perhaps the highway de- partment is accustomed to opposi- ton to its plans: if it isn't it is time it became inured to the hazards of it's job in this respect. But It must realize that local residents have rights; they usually were or hand long before the roads became con- gested.
 Whichever way the decision goes the losers should accept it grace fully. The details of widening high ways and the eliminations of cross ings is a fruitful cause of argument throughout Connecticut: but when q final decision is made about plan let there be 100 per cent satisfaction. It's just as chear.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
S0 !" IS

Sounds like the score of an Eng lish cricket match. but it isn't that. It means S9 railroads of the land suffered a decrease in net operating income during 1927. while IS enjoy ed an increase.
 Among the IS fortunate lines is the New York. New Haven & Hart ford.
 When 1t is realized that such strong lines as the New York Gen. tral. Pennsylvania, Baltimore X Ohio, Union Pacific, Southern Pa cific, Chicago & Northwestern, and Atchison are numbered among the the New Haven increases ones re- spect for the present management.
 Another New England road. the Bangor & Aroostook, also is num- bered among the fortunate IS; but the Boston X Maine is numbered among the S9 unfortunates who showed a decrease from 1926 earn ings.
 The year 1927 was a good year for lines which were less fortunate during previous years. There is the Rock Island, for instance, which showed a substantial gain: the Cen- tral of New Jersey. which runs into New York minus fine station, like wise showed a splendid gain: the Denver & Salt Lake, which operates the recently completed Moffat tun- nel. and the Long Island, a com- muters' paradise, were among the fortunate IS.
 As far as the railroads are con- cerned. 1928 will not have to be q boom year to show an improvement over 1927. As a barometer Of trade, | last year on the railroads was the genuine article.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

You can get an answer 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 gents in stamps for reply. Medical. legal and marital advice cannot be given. nor can ex- tended research be undertaken. All other questions will receive per- sonal reply. Unsigned requests can- not be answered. All letters are con- fidential.-Editor. Q. What states produce the largest amount of wheat and corn?
 A. Kansas produces the most wheat and Iowa the most corn? c. What is the middle name of Francis x. Bushman
 \. Xavier. c. What was the approximate cost of the Woolworth building in New York City? 4. Including the site. it cost ap- proximately fourteen million dol lars.
 .. Is Lamb and mutton the same meat?
 A. Lamb is the flesh of lamb or young sheep. Mutton is the flesh of old sheep. Q. When did the Boer war begin and end?
 A. The first Bocr war began in 1880 and ended in 1881 without per manently settling the conflict be- tween the British and the Boers. The South African war began October ?. 1899, and peace was signed at Ncreeniging May 3l, 1902. c. What was, the date of the Chicago fire?
 A. Wednesday. October 9, 1871. Q. What is the method of capi- tai punishment in California? A. Hanging. c. What is the "B' mai B'rith ?" A. 4 Jewish fraternal organiza- tfon founded in New York in 1S43. The name is in the Hebrew language and means Sons of the Covenant
 Q. How much unemployment is there at present in the United 1 States?
 4. Recent estimates give four million out of work. Q. How large are the new air plane carriers Lexington and Sara toga?
 A. Both are SSS feet long and 1 10G feet wide. Can a lottery be conducted legally in the United States?
 A. No.
 Q. What is the nationality and meaning of the name Gordon? l A. It is Gaelic and means gener- ous, hospitable.
 c. What is psychology?
 A. It is the science of the human mind and its operations, powers. functions. etc.
 c. Where and what is Devils Island?
 A. A small barren island off the coast of French Guiana. South America. about 30 miles northwest of Cayenne, famous as the place | where odpldlIl Allltu DttS4ho "d' imprisoned. Near Devils Island arc the two small Branch penal islands Of Saint Joseph and He Royale which were formerly known witt Devils Island as Hes du Diable, but later received the name Hes dl Salut.
 Q. How deep was the snowfall ,v~i, ,f the blizzard of March 1888.
 A. Snow fell to the depth O. three feet over the Atlantic state!
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
Observations On He Weather

Washingon, March 4.-Forecast for Southern New England: Fair and colder tonight and Thursday: fresh southerly winds shifting to westerly tonight.
 Forecast for Eastern New York: Generally fair tonight and Thurs day. except snow fiurries tonight in northwest portion; colder tonight and in north portion Thursday; fresh west and northwest winds.
 Conditions: The disturbance noted yesterday in the upper Lake region is moving slowly eastward with center this morning near Doucet, Canada, o9.54 inches. A trough of low pressure extends southeastward over the eastern DOT tions of the Middle Atlantic states to the Southern New England coast.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

which has just been handed down. The manner tn which you have set Cp this news item is somewhat misleading The portion of our claims which was rejected was for a comparatively small amount. That portion Of our claim in reference to which the Board bf Tax Appeals up- held Us involves a considerably larg- CT amount. In other words. We won upon the important part of our case, and lost the unimportant or minor portion of 1t.
 We should be very glad to have YOU correct the erroneous impression caused by the headlines in your article.
 Yours very truly.
 THE WALLACE BARNES co.
 D. C. Buffum,
 Asst Treas.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
BI \GLI<G THE ETHER

Politics and general inefficiency have locked horns again. Both the Senate and the House have passed radio control bill. but the original Senate bill and the House amend ments thereto differ so vastly that the linen will have 10 be sent 10 the conference laundry for an iron ing process. Meanwhile the much advertised Radio Commission may end it's executive control and Con-
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
Bringing Alleged N. H.
 FOrger to Boston

Portland, Maine. March IA R,- Alfred Carbonneau. 51. of Medford. Mass, alias Fred C. Rade, alias Frank Morton, alias R. c. Martin, alias Peter Bcaudoin, reached here last night in custody of Police h. spectors James J. Driscoll and Will liam Leblanc of Boston, for which city he is headed to answer a charge based on the presentation of 5000 certified check which he admits
 forging, to the Liberty Trust com
 pany in Boston on February IS. It
 was on New Jersey bank.
 tarmonneau told last night how
 he rubber stamped the certifying in-
 scription. On the basis of this check,
 h. established an account and got a
 s1, ,ot0 certificate deposit. A week later, by presenting this certificate in Berlin, x. H., using forgerles and
 what he acknowledged 10 be meth o1s of the expert confidence man, he succeeded in persuadlng presi- dents of three Berlin banks that he was big real estate operator. and he departed from the city with S5.- 800 i'll leash and negotiable paper. ifo was caught at Shelburne. x. H., 10 days ago.
 The Boston inspect ors are bring ing him by auto from the Coos county jail at West Stcwartstown
 \. H.. 10 Boston. They remained here overnight.
 Carhonncau last night told re- portcrs that his life of crime for l : years paid well, although he had spent half of that time III Jail. He talked freely ot criminal cscapades | in New England and New York and
 chucklcd over the way he declares he outNittcd bank officials.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
THE CAT AND THE BROOM!


 By Paula Hopkins The broom looks tattered and tired today,
 The raggedest stick of a broom, It couldn't reach up for a cobweb grey
 Or sweep out the smallest room. And Punchy Hopkins our little black cat.
 With fur like the finest silk, Is curled up tight in ball on the mat
 Too sleepy to drink his milk. But the bad old broom looks rakish and Sly,
 As if it had been on spree, And Puss from q marrow satin eye Looks wickedly out at me. Ho, ho! l know what the rascal pair In the midnight hours were at, It wasu't housing or sweeping the stair That made THEM look like THAT. l know by the old broom's battered plight
 And Punchy's look of sin They were both of them out with a witch last night, And they've only just got in.!
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
The Queens Husband!

Gilbert: Whats the matter, Bill? You seem depressed this morning. William "Wife's got a grouch. and I didn't get decent breakfast. Gilbert What's the matter? Is she sick?"
 William: Now. She was out to a dance last night
 Gilbert: "Oh! Tired out, s'pose?' William: Nav. She's sore"
 Gilbert: Hard luck with her partners?"
 William: Nav. She didn't stay Gilbert: Rough party?"
 William: Nav. Y'sec, it was this way. She wore that new part. dress sine made herself and we was goin' to the annual ball of the Junior League-some swell affair. But got her off at the wrong floor in the hotel where the Elks were hav- in a costume party, and the com- mittee grabbed her an awarded her a prize for the funniest costume, an darned if she don't blame mel"
 Ellis Crimmins.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

Rains have occurred in the Lake region. Ohio valley and most of the north Atlantic states during the past 24 hours with foggy conditions along the coast. A ridge of high pressure extends from the Canadian North west southeastward over the Mis- souri and Mississippi valleys, the Ohio valley and portions Of the southern states. It is attended by cooler weather which is overspread- ing the northern districts.
 Conditions favor for this vicinity unsettled weather followed by fair and colder.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
: " "C[!o5NNN.!:E!';;G{::rNIciU5T1'7 N.!:!';; 2: 51'7
 CONNECTICUT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rubber Goods; Brushes; Leather Goods.

Seven rubber goods other than rupper es shoes manufactured Ill The United States Connecticut factories The value of rbberzed fabrics clothing and belting and goods produced in Connecticut during lso was s12s55s2 Connecticut fifth with Massachusetts lead inc and New Jersey second output During 1923 tonnecticus output worth $27o2S77 and during 9?l s42o27 An average employed in industry Connecticut during 1925 Their wages toaeo ~s237es77 and materials cost $s,6s127c.
 than rubber) worth s675733 during 1925. This S of the total value for all United Materials sl562S05 New York led all states in O Connecticut was sixth
 Connecticut engaged in leather industry number establishments engaged in each only of ten divisions under the class ticaion by the Census of Manufactures
 These are leather curred and fnished and leather The value of the products of 1925 s7925 and the latter S.$17 ranked 18th in total value of the first and eighth the second
 Tomorrow-Connect1t's Indian Reservation.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

This is a free country and anyone can guess: Ours is that T. F. kear- ney. former superintendent of streets who was busted by the board of public works, is having a nice laugh all to himself since being made gen. eral superintendent of large con- struction company.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

The entrance to Walnut Hill park on West Main street is getting holier every day: and the fact that more springs are not broken thereapoutS is due to the excellent springs rather han to the skill Of drivers ill ayoid- ing the depressions.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14
Member Audit E3ureaa of Circulation

Memhev Audit BureaA of Circulation The A. E. c. is national organization which furntshes newspapers and adVer. t;sers with a strictly honest analyHs oi circulation. Our circulation statlstlcs are Eaaed upon this audit. This insures pro- tect,oa against fraud in newspaper d.s- tr,hutiou ngures to both national and loca. advertisers.
New Britain herald., 1928-03-14

Man is an animal who lets his in- fant progeny alone and then feels mistreated because it doesn't like him as well as its mother.