davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19

heartsick in contemplation of hav- ing to find another dog for a long siege of training.
 Clowns in the circus have their own problem. Children these days are more sophisticated than their elders. It is hard to get laugh out of them. Oldet people will at lea st show some appreciation of a diff cult feat
 Zacchini, who is shot out of \ cannon, says his work is difficult and dangerous. Just at present his cannot is not working properly, but he must so on because if he did not, he says, about 25 per cen1 of the people in the Garden woulJ ask for their money back. He caa eat only one meal day. But he has a name now, and is going to play for three more years. when he will lave enough money to retire, he said. ,F
 Even at that he, considers his job a cinch, compared to some of the others, because his stunt only lasts few minutes. There is a German aerial act at the Gardan he can't even watch. They are crazy" the Cannon ball' said, get ting up and leaving the circus. which he had been watching until this act began. Tt is the most dan- eerous thing in the world. They are risking their lives and for what?" This act of five people gets $500 a week.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
HAS SERVED THE CITY WELL

One of the most important posi- lions in the municipal structure is that of chairman Of the board of finance and taxation. Edward K. Hall, who has been the chairman since 1923, when MT. Paonessa picked him 10 succeed Frederick s. Chamberlain. the first chairman of the board, has given greatly of his time and knowledge of financial af- fairs for the benefit of the city and it is with general regret that one realizes he no longer can continue being identified with the board.
 The board has been an extremely valuable wheel in the civic machin- cry When it was created in 1907 by Mayor Landers, at time when the town and city governments were incorporated, it was a new thing in civic government in the community and some thought that councilmanic committees or the Council itself might just as easily carry through the functions ascribed to the board. The board has justified it's existence most acceptably, however, acting as a sort of financial balance wheel in the civic government and under capable chairmen has earned fuli measure of confidence among the citizenship generally.
 After MT. Hall steps down from the chairmanship on June 1 he will be succeeded by William H. Judd. MT. Judd will have plenty on his hands to maintain the high stand ard of chairmanship that has been set, and in all fairness citizens will wish hin, well.
 Very important financial prob- lems will confront the city within the next two years and the board of finance and taxation wilt be in the thick of the discussion. Its delibera- tions, we have no doubt, will be even more important in solving these problems than the discussions of the Common Council, which in financial matters are sometimes merely incidental, it being sort of rubber stamp for financial recom- mendations made by the board. At least, it is rare indeed that the Com- mon Council seeks to override the board in any important matter. It isn't being done, for one thing, be- cause it would be bad public policy and the knowledge is widespread that the board of finance and taxa ton has earned public confidence.
 The board must maintain this standard in the future.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
FRANCE AND OUR TOURISTS

For decades, if not for genera tions, France has attracted the bulk of American tourists, who left a great deal of money there, and whose annual visits were looked for ward to as a period of golden egg laying by the shop and inn-keepers
 But for several years France has been losing considerable of this trade. There have been various rea- sons vouchsafed, chief among them being that the French tradesmcn had become 'too grasping," and that Americans were not getting their moneys worth. Consequently many Of the Americans went to Italy, Spain. Germany or England, and also to Norway and Sweden. It appears that the German "hofbrau" was gaining in popularity at the ex. pense of French wines, this in par ticular beifg a beam in the practical; French eye.
 Now the scheme is to lure Amer jeans with reduced prices for every thing-which probably will help. Every French consul, ambassador, etc, everywhere is expected to function as a species Of tourist agency, where coupon tickets will be on sale for French trips.
 Which sounds well enough. But we have noticed that some of the French competitors in the tourist trade have already been very busy also. The "main thing" as Amos would say, is that Americans abroad in all likelihood will have a good time for less money. And even to tourists this will be something worth considering.
 By the way, the French tourist coupons will guarantee two weeks Of travel, with all expenses paid for s100. How far could anyone get in this country for that sum-
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
"NO NEW SCHOOLS IN FOUR YEARS"

When Donald L. Bartlett told the Parent and Teachers association at the Lincoln school the other day that there would be no new schools built in this city during the next four years, his words were regard ed as official. Whether this was actually the case we are not certain. He at least was not an official spokesman for the Board of EGu- cation, not being a member Of that body and not being identified with the schools in any capacity.
 It may turn out that this is actu- ally the probability, however. if one does not include improvements to present buildings that may be found necessary. Such improvements are made constantly, and after all an enlarged school, although not com- ing under the heading of a new" school, serves the same purpose, which is 10 increase school accom- modations.
 The city has built new schools at a fast pace and Mir. Bartlett doubt less is right when his diagnosis points to the probability that there is no immediate need for additiona! new buildings. But, as previously hinted, this diagnosis does not nec- essarily include cessation Of en- largements when found necessary. The city should not stand still dur ing four years if by such action ade- quate preparations are not made to meet needs that may turk just around the corner.
 Even under present conditions the situation is not ideal in the city. The junior high situation undoubtedly will need considerable attention 10 the next few ycars. Overcrowding should not only not be permitted to develop, bu il should be guarded against in time. is possible to de- termine this approximately by
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
HOLLYWOOD IN A NEW LIGHT

Many of us, knowing how Holly wood has frequently changed the tenor Of play when putting. it on the screen, wondered what it would do with Journeys End" the great and famous British war play which has added more than million dol lars in royalty to Mir. Sheriff, the erstwhile obscure London insurance adjuster who turned playwright and showed the professionals something.
 The play in film form has just been presented to a New York au- dience, and the reviewers are a unit in declaring that 1t is eminently faithful to the original. Scarcely anything is changed; there have been no bathing girls added, nor has any woman whatever been added to meet the so-called girly require ments of the screen audiences.
 Perhaps this was due to the fact that James Whale, who directed the original production of the play in London, and also directed the pro- duction in New York, also was en- gagged to direct the Hollywood pro- duction.
 Well, and after all perhaps that is the explanation.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
Hats Off to "Bill" Hall for His Public Service

Our nominee this week for the Thanks of the Community is Will liam C. Hall former city enginee- who is constructing the public golf course in the north end without profit to his company.
 This is public spirit of the finest type, a spirit Chat should win the praise of an appreciative public, particularly as Mr. Halls object is to render a service that will be of benefit to thousands.
 Time has not sped so fast that many whose business brought them tc city hall several years ago forget the able manner in which MT. Hall conducted the office of city engin- ger. With 8 mind quick to grasp problems placed on his desk, he executed them with thoroughness and without loss of time. He was recognized at the time as one of the most capable city engineers in New England
 Adversity is sometimes blessing in disguise. The city engineers sal ary was not commensurate with the responsibility of the office and the work heaped upon him. MT. Hail decided to enter a commercial en- terprise and it is said that he has prospered far beyond his expecta- tions.
 Here Is where coincidence, be- loved of newspapermen. enters. Mir. Halls assistant was Edward A. Mo
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19

formed. The divorce rate per 1000 population was S5 per cent higher in 1928 than in 1907, the last year for which complete marriage fig ures are available. The marriage rate was eight per cent lower over the same period. Hence the ratio Of diyorces to marriages performed was more than twice as high in 1928 as in 1907.
 The percentage of divorces grant, ed to wives also has steadily in- creased. In 1928, it was Il 1-2 per cent; in 1906, 67 1-2 per cent.
 In 1928 the number of divorces per 1000 married population was S.99. Connecticut stood 4Sd in the list, with a percentage of 1.S7. Ne- vada, of course, stood at the top, with the percentage of S3.19 - this high figure being caused by the states laws making a special induce ment for aggrieved married people from other states going there Tor their divorces.
 New York, where divorce is ob- tainable for only one reason, is filth in the list. South Carolina, where all laws permitting divorce were re. pealed in 1878, is the only state not represented.
 Other divorce statistics: Almost nine out of every ten di- Norces are uncontested, indicating | there is satisfaction on both sides at the prospect of freedom The average length of time between marriage and divorce is between five and six years. About forty per cent of divorces granted involve children, and the ratio is increas- ing.
 This is the problem confronting 1 the marriage relations. In the face of the facts some critics claim that the marriage system is breaking down altogether, but we are unwlil- ing to subscribe to any such view There remain a majority of happy married couples in the land, who are the salt of the earth" and who extend their hearty sympathy to the | less fortunate.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
25 Fears Ago Today

A military carnival will be held at the state armory on Arch street this evening.
 Alderman Landers voiced the sen- tinents of a large and intelligent portion of the community in his resolution calling for an investiga- tion of the value of an extension of the system of water meters in this city.
 The New Britain representatives have so far done very we'll with legislation concerning New Britain. It remains for them to keep up their good record by securing the adoption of the new charter and special appropriation for the hospi- tai.
 Violent and feverish fluctuations in prices of stocks this morning in- dicated the unsettled state of the speculation.
 The ladies' auxiliary of the nights of Columbus Twill give it's first concert and reception next Thursday evening.
 The Y. NJ. T. A. B. society will hold the formal opening of the new building on Wednesday evening, May IT, if the work is fully com pleted by that time. Among the guests will be Rt. Rev. Bishop Tier ney.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19

federal court calendars would be kept as clear as sunlight. That would be one way to keep step with law violations.
 The public, however, must pay the bills of this increased judicial ser vice.
 Representative Bachmann of Wes. Virginia, Republican member of the House judiciary committee, says that IS additional l.. s. judges are better than the law enforcement plans made in the Wickersham report.
 Besides, the creation of Is addi- tional federal bench positions would add just that number of additional berths for faithful jurists of the party. It might be possible for some Democratic lawyers 10 obtain ju- dicial seats, but the majority with out doubt would be those who have done well by Mir. Bachmann's party.
 It may be too bad to consider politics as factor in such a mat ter, but experience has proven aplenty that politics is played all along the line.
 Another way to avoid the ncces- sity of adding s additional fedora! judges 70 the bench would be to have fewer laws to break. But that method is not popular.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
THE DIVORCE RECORD
IN THE U. S. 4,

A French woman, reporting 10 the League of Nations the other day, stated that the rate of divorce in the United States is proof of de cadence"
 Naturally that is far-fetched view. The divorce rate is also very high in Japan, and no one has re- preached Japan, young giant among the powers, with being decadent.
 Other women writers have claim ed that the divorce rate in the Unit ed States Is evidence that women are more independent" than they formerly were; that they do not need to suffer ill-treatment in si- lence, "as they did in the good old days"
 Others assert that the "econom- ical independence" of women has been a Gactor in the divorce rate. Women, aggrieved at domestic un- happiness, are able 10 lift the an- chor Of marriage and support them selves in comfort, as they did be- fore marriage.
 Other observers give it that al- mony rights stimulate the divorce mill. These say that women, know ing they can obtain alimony under certain conditions, are likely to make an effort 10 obtain it when circumstances warrant it.
 A Connecticut judge the other day held that woman receiving ali mony is entitled to continue receiv. ing 1t even after she has remarried,
 All of these items of reasoning do not take into consideration any moral and spiritual values incident to the widespread breakage of mar riage ties. These usually arc consid- cred by churchmen.
 The Presbytery of New York, for instance, voted the other day to make ruling on the remarriage of divorced persons. The resolution passed requires minister to con- suit with a special "consultor" be- fore officiating at the marriage of q person who has been divorced.
 This is evidence of tendency 10 tighten the bars in combating the divorce evil. Of course, in this coun- try marriage is a civil contract and divorced persons can remarry be- fore civil authorities, thus circum- venting whatever inhibitions might be placed before them by religious groups. In all but one statc-Mary- land-is that the case.
 The divorce rate in the United States has been steadily increasing. hile the marriage rate has been declining, The federal census bureau figures for 1928 arc Illuminating. In that year there was one divorce is- sued for every six marriages per-
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
THE OBSERVER- Makes Random Observations
 On the City and Its People

dency of the United States-it's so near and yet 50 far from the eXecu- tive office-but the illness of May or Quigley has given the position great importance this year, and Acting Mayor Nair, who is president pro tenn. appears to be doing well at it.
 Coming to the office of mayor on the morning after his election. Nair's discerning eye at once spotted flaw in the procedure en- ployed in passing a resolution fix ing new fire district limits, and he exercised his veto, properly. AS l lawyer, he was quick to see that the failure of Alderman Talk to put the motion in proper parliamentary form had nullified the act, and anyone who chanced to know of the error could go on ignoring the fire limits at will. The logical thing 10 do was to veto the resolution and send it back to the council, as Act ing Mayor Nair has done.
 Nair also displayed good juds ment and consideration for his su- perior governmental officer, the mayor, when he declined to sign the contract having to do with in vestigation of sewerage and sewage disposal without first giving Mayor Quigley an opportunity to voice his sentiments. This is one of the most important projects now before the government, and fair-minded, citi- zens agree that the mayor should have something to say regarding the modus operandi to be employed
 in meeting the problem. It so hap pens that the plan of survey has been prepared by the state and must be followed to meet the re- ourements of the state water board, but it is also possible that Mayor Ouigley, by reason of his long study ol sewage questions, may be in a position to make beneficial suggeS- tions to be incorporated in the COIL tract.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
Observations On He Weather

Washington, April 19.-Forecast for Southern New England: Cloudy. slightly warmer Saturday; Sunday fair, cooler.
 Forecast for Eastern New York: Partly cloudy, slightly cooler in northwest portion, possibly showers in north portion, Saturday; Sunday fair.
 Conditions: The disturbance that was over southeastern Minnesota Thursday night is moving northeast ward, being general south of Hudson Bay. Pressure is high south of Newfoundland and in the region of Bermuda.
 The outlook is for partly overcost weather Saturday and Sunday in the Washington forecast district with showers on Saturday in northern New England. It will be cooler on Sunday in New England.
 Temperatures will rise on Satur- day in portions of New England.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
Smell of Sawdust No Longer
 Keeps Circus Folks Fascinated

Smell of Sawdust No Longer Keeps Circus Folks Fascinated
 Circus folk, are finally becoming dissatisfied with their lot, according to Variety.
 Spell of the ring or smell of the sawdust or whatever kept them en- thralled is losing it's grip.
 Whats the use of risking ones neck when few oop-oop-a- doops bring in more cash?
 Words to this effect were utter ed by Codona at the Garden in New York. Said MT. Codona. shak- ing his head impatiently. Real cir GUS performers start in infancy 70 perfect themselves. No one knows the constant practice and terrific struggle.
 Tt takes years to bring them to 8 point where they can have a career. Yet some actor can come out on a stage, do a little song or dance and gain success overnight"
 Almost every circus performer las to have fine courage to go into the ring at all. It is always q strain, but performers key them- selves up to watch for mishap,.
 It won't be long, the performers say, before it will be impossible to find circus people even in Europe the only place that is developing any. The best circus people are family acts raised in it.
 Not only are there few good cir GUS performers coming out, but there are no new riders.
 All the circus people feel the same about the present situation. Colleano, tight rope dancer, says the audience does not appreciate his difficult work. A circus official who was in Colleanos dressing room, added, "Oh, but I think so. You set great ovation. "Colleano didn'r seem to agree.
 Mrs. Ella Bradna, with her pigeon and dog act. has anothor phase of circus hardship to discuss No one can realize, she said. the days and days of training it takes to even make pigeons fly into a box She got some new pigeons last spring, and they arc not ready for exhibition even yet. At present he chief dog is old and ill, and she is
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19

watching the regular annual in- crease at any school, and before the limit of accommodations is reach ed there should be some action talk en to prevent such overcrowding. This may not always mean the neces- sity of constructing a new" school building, but enlargements, still pos sible with most of tho school build inzs, need not be overlooked.
 West Enders, who have been agi- tating for a junior high closer to that section of the city, unquestion- ably have a good argument. But the plan to utilize room in the Lin- coin school and other schools for junior high school purposes was a doubtful expedient and, we think, rightly met with disa pproval by the school heads affected. The only log ical way would be to construct junior high school in the West End, but the time is not yet ripe for such an expenditure. This is one of the plans that can well be shelved for about four years; ultimately it may materialize.
 The city must watch its step In anything requiring heavy expendi- lures. The water and sewer prob lens alone are going to cost mill lions. The city is fortunate, in a sense, that at least part Of its school problems have been solved before the water and sewerage problems came to climax. Until these are solved the natural tendency will be to proceed slowly in other matters, and we have no doubt that this was what Mir. Bartlett had in mind when he made his statement.
New Britain herald., 1930-04-19
New Council Members Should Heed Advice on Meetings

11ccu AuNlCS OIl hcctN1SS
 One of the most sensible bits of advice ever received by new mem- bers of the common council was that given by Alderman Falk of the second ward at the republican cau- GUS Monday night, in the opinion Of many who are familiar with the manner in which the legislative body of the city government fun,- tions. The alderman, who is vet eran member, admonished his fel- lows that committee meetings are important and should be attended regularly, fact which is very often lost sight of from election to election.
 The general public unfortunately forms its opinion of the worth of council members by hearing the speeches that are made at the monthly meetings. or by reading some of the outbursts that are made on those occasions, but the better informed voters know that the oratorical qualifications a"e dwarfed in contrast to the real ability possessed by members who speak only when it is necessary Undoubtedly some men serve term after term without familiarizing themselves with the important de- tails of many of the big projects which are passed by the council, while others who are overlooked when the bouquets are handed out from the platforms at political meetings actually give better and more intelligent representation to their constituents.
 As in all legislative bodies, the bulk of the work is done in com- mittee. It is through hearings and discussions of the matters in hand that the meat of the projects is dis closed, yet committee sessions, ac- cording to Alderman Falk, are poorly. attended. The result is that the work of handful becomes more important than the arguments and speeches of the majority, still the latter make the more lasting impression on the multitude.
 Whether Alderman Talks effort to correct this condition bears fruit O. is passed by without considerl- ton remains 70 be seen, but what ever the result, he will have the satisfaction of knowing that he called it to the attention of the members and if only few take heed. he will have accomplished something.