davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
THE WOODRUFFS OF
 LITCHFIELD
(Rristol Press)


 We do not know how many gen. erations of Woodruffs have made their home in Litchfield. We do know that at least three genera tions have lived there and With the death of James P. Woodrun who to-day is laid beside his an- cestors in the village cemetery. the last male descendant of the Wood- ruffs is gone. ,,
 Marked courtesy, even courtli- ness, was the characteristic or this family. It was our privilege some twenty years ago to be present at the golden wedding of the late George M. Woodruff and his grac- ious wife. It was an occasion which impressed itself very forcibly upon our memory by reason of the ex- hibit of good manners which was evident on every hand. All or the Woodruffs and their relatives were so anxious that everyone present be shown every courtesy.
 The late George M. Woodrun who died only a little over a year ago, over ninety years of age. had been president of the bank tn LitchfieId. had been a lawyer trusted and respected. e deacon for many years of the Congregational church and in every way a pillar of strength in the community on the Hilltop. He was present as mourner at the funeral i've years ago of his son. George c. Wood. run, who for so many years was
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1881
The Legion Takes Command

The action of the American Legion, as sembled in national convention at Detroit
 in voting by more than two to one for referendum on repeal or modification ot the prohibition laws has been praised and damned good many times by now, depend ing upon the opinion of the individual. AS Dr Clarence True Wilson viewed the na- tional convention of the Legion was noth- ing more than drunken shambes with headquarters established in government 1quor store at Windsor, Ontario, across the Detroit, river. On the other hand Legion officials remarked that the convention itself presented fewer actual cases of drunkenness than in former years.
 Disregardng these side remarks we must take heed of this Legion movement If the Legion was so able to sway Congress that It .unlooSed the purse strings of Uncle Sam when it should have kept them tightly drawn it certainly will exert like influence If prohibition questions perplex Congress at the 72nd session.. We refer to the pay .ments on the veterans adjusted certificates .early this year. There will be no further demand for full payment as the Legion needed the plea of President Hoover and voted down the proposal to pay off the cer- 'tifioates in full.
 For this latter action the Legion will ind favor in the eyes of the administration. We don't know if it will be sufficient to reeom- ..pense for the vote on the prohibition refer 'endum. In the eyes of the president that seems to be heinous offense, though he Tightly overlooks the action of his fellow .Californians and former federal official in the Department of Justice in. marketing grape concentrates purely for vinous pur- poses. We are afraid that even if he doesn't overlook this demand by the Legion, he will find himself overruled. Sentiment IS gradu- ally swinging. To paraphrase that famous expression of Horace Greeley's today the .cry is Go wet, young man.
 If the various agencies throughout this nation that have showed their dislike for .thc present dry laws could only meet on Common platform. we think prohibition would end speedily and some substitute for it be offered. But today we seek referen ..dum on the dry laws. Yesterday we were shouting for legaized beers and wines. The 18th amendment can be modified. It should be repealed. not modified. Establish gov- .ernment liquor states. Give the states the fright to decide whether they will sell liquor .or remain dry. It is hard to move forward with such diverse demands. When We all unite behind one demand it will be fairly easy to obtain. as the majority IS now op- posed to present conditions which can be blamed primarily on prohibition.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

Massachusetts has assuaged the feelings of contractors of Connecticut and Rhode Island and also averted federal wrath by awarding a contract for a stretch of road way between Worcester and Miliville to a Hartford Conn. firm. It was the lowest bidder, but it was expected that the con- tract would ultimately go to the lowest Massachusetts bidder, all outside firms being disregarded. A short time ago Governor Ely and his executive council decided to al- lot road work to local contractors only whether or not their bids were the lowest. This brought complaint from federal au- thorities. SO it's all of for the home town talent when it doesn't meet the price.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
enterprises.

It seems sort of good to have that old war horse of the democratic party in politics again. Missouri is preparing to switch from Governor Roosevelt as its presidential candidate to James A. Reed. Active at 70 it is believed that Reed will actually make last stand fight next June at the democratic convention. If so. we feel sure he will receive heavy vote We doubt if he can swing two-thirds of the delegates but there will be many to honor the former senator. Read out of his party in 1920 for his opposition to Woodrow Wilson on the League of Nations issue Reed stuck to his guns and saw himself practically acknowl- edged as the leading democrat of Congress in later years. He has always been fighter In 1928 he was prepared to make contest of the national convention in Texas, bu, finally came to the support of Al Smith and proved a valiant eampaigner in his behalf throughout the middle West. He was also a candidate in 1924. but didn't have the support of his own delegation then. His service in the Senate lasted Is years and might have been longer had he not declined the nomination in 1928. It will be pie turesque convention if Jim Reed takes the floor as an active candidate for the presidency.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
The Rural Bank Problem

Is it true that the condition of banking "a national disgrace" and an anaehronism in this modern commercial age'? Charles Wallace Collins, former Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, answers this question ably in his book. Rural Banking Reform which has just ben published. The subject MT Collins discusses is of particular interest in view of the banking legislation which probably will be proposed by Congress to prevent a recurrence of the 1930 bank fail ures.
 The author analyses the whole banking and currency problem from colonial days through present times. He discusses city banks and the Federal Reserve System, gov ernment control over banking, branch. group, and chain banks as well as the strictly independent rural institutions It is the last named group that gives Mir Collins most concern. He shows how highway improve ments, telephone communication. and mass production have drawin rural depositors to the doors of metropolitan banks.
 Inadequate facilities for diversifying loans and handling trust and security funds have handicapped the unit bank" the author points out Banks in the wheat country depend upon wheat, banks in cotton states must depend largely upon cotton writes Mir Collins. Tn times of prosperity in these sections, banks are prosperous, in times of diversity banks fail"
 Although the author suggests no specific remedy for these conditions he does point with approval to comparatively recent toward group banking The chief feature of this system is ownership of majority of the stock of several banks by holding company. The development of group banking. MT Collins believes, is a logical concomitant of our expanding economic enterprises.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
Quotations

The fact that so many persons in America are wealthy should aid that nation in overcoming the present economic depression. Count Alexander Tolstoy
 
 Even in a film there should be a suggestion that marriage might be a lovely thing.
 A. A. Milne. We Americans are the richest nation in the world with the long est breadlines. Ernst Morris The (Wickersham) prohibition report drew brickbats from both sides which convinced us of its fairness.
 Judge Kenneth Macintosh IL Is inevitable that the entire banking system must be socialized in the public interest.
 Professor colston. Warne
 
 I don't know anything about banking because [ have not enough ice water in my veins.
 --Gov Murray of Oklahoma
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
TODAY IS THEA
 ANNIVERSARY S SGeAA
PEACE NOTE REPLY

On Sept 25, 1917, Dr Won Seyd- Ter, the Austrian premier, gave his opinion on the peace proposals or Pope Benedict. Won Seydler said In part:
 "Our readiness to arrive at an agreement with our enemies is absolutely serious and sincere and is inspired by the conscious ness of our strength. But If our enemies are not prepared to take the proffered hand we will con- tinue our defensive war to the ut most.
 "Believing that strong Aus tria, insuring contentment Of all races, is the best guarantee or lasting peace, we are striving to reform the constitution, and the government resolutely condemns the mistaken view held by certain parties that Austria's salvation is to be hoped for from Austria's enemies"
 On this day in the World War. Germany and France each lost famed aviator when Captain Guy nemer, French airman and Lieu tenant Vosse, German, were killed in battle.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
Public Works

, Hartford will vote this fall on an $S,-
 900, 900 project which will be nine years in ' the making. The eity's additional water supply, as we'll as that of surrounding towns, will cost S8, 100000 and the entire
 amount will be paid from income on water
 rents Inasmuch as the Legislature approved !, the additional water supply plans of the metropolitan district this spring there is no likelihood of the voters turning 1t down. {. It may be recalled that the bill was changed around several times before it met with the
 approval of the General Assembly, especially
 those members who came from the district . in which the proposed new reservoir will 1. be built.
 Hartford had far reaching plans in the
 beginning. They involved dams on both : the east and west branches of the Farming {. ton river in Barkhamstead, not to mention i. an electric power generating plant at one of . the dams. As most critics said what was 1. the idea of developing electric power when a water supply was merely being sought. It . perplexed SO many people that finally the . idea was dropped and Hartford decided to . permission to build new dam to impound . such waters as would assure the metropoli- 1. tan district of good supply until 1870 or :. 1975-
 . The present water supply of Hartford |. is consdered adequate until 1858. At the earliest the new development cannot be . available until l940 which means that for . two years Hartford and environs may be . hard pressed for water. If the coming years . are above or just normal in rainfall the city 1. can get along safely. If they should fall . below normal like l930 there might possi- ply be water famine according to officials. . All of which is apt to be brought home to . the voter when they go to the polls this fall to elect their city officials. We doubt : if either candidate will be able to capitalize the water supply development as both par ties seem to be in agreement as to its need.
 As means of supplying employment and encouraging public improvements an
 S8.000.000 project cannot be lightly g- nored. It should furnish work, perhaps not steady, for many. lnasmueh as the work will be paid for out of water income we can't help but wonder if the city hasn't got ouife a problem on its hands Water board officials say there will be no increase in the prsssnt rates. Evidently then the water de- .artnent of Hartford is more than paying its way as it goes. Would that others were ;n like condition and not working hard 1hio upon domestic eonsun,ffs'
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
JUDGES SPEAK UP
tNew York Herald-Tr

(New York Herald-Tribune)
 Besides our own fair land the only other nation in the world to stick to prohibition is Finland. Finland meanwhile has been suf- fering, as we have from the char acteristic evils of the system, so much so that the Federation of Finnish Judges has just addressed a communication to the govern- ment emphasizing the utter failure of the Finnish prohibition law. From their observations in court and their daily contact with the violence and crime to which pro- hibition gives rise. these judges es- timate that the liquor consumption of the Finnish people has increased 50 per cent since the introduction of prohibition twelve years ago. The wholesale repudiation of the law, they say, has undermined re- spect for all law. They find parti- cularly disquieting the drinking habits of the younger generation, which, they believe. threaten the nations moral and physical future.
 How familiar all this sounds. ex- cept for the candor with which IL IS officially expressed. Privately, the great majority or our own JuuSes probably hold the same view or prohibition that is here set forth as the maturer opinion of their Finnish brethren, but they lack the organization or the courage to say So publicly and in chorus.
 The nearest approach in this coun- try to anything of the kind has been been the report of the w i k e rsham commission. or which several judges were mem bers. But in this case the effort to soften the indictment to avoid po- litical embarrassment produced a document which seemed to say one thing officially and quite another when the conclusions of the indivi- dual commissioners were can vassed.
 Finland, we hope. will heed the voice of it's bench and denounce an experiment that has provoked in- temperance and lawlessness where ever 1t has been tried on a large national scale. We congratulate 1t on a type of public servant that IS not afraid to speak up when the welfare of the state demands 1t, regardless of the pressure of fan aticiSm.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
At The National Capitol DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER Digest of Who's Who and Whats What
 By RODNEY BUTCHER
DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER

ican policy. Robert Lansing ac- companied President Wilson to the Paris peace conference. Bainbridge Colby visited Brazil to open some sort of an exposition. Charles Evans Hughes went to South Am- erica to unveil statue dedicated to Pan-American friendship and later to Europe as president of the American Bar association. In Eu- rope Hughes also travelled and talked with various national lead- CTS. Frank B. Kellogg sailed to Paris to sign the Kellogg peace treaty and to return the call made here by President Cosgrave of the Irish Free State.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
Here, There And EDerywhere

editor of the Litchfield Enquirer. Many will recall how George while editor of the paper would appoint his brother, Jim, as editor pro tenn when the aforesaid George went on one of his jaunts either to the Far West or the Far East and then the Democrat Jim would upset the beloved policies of the Republican George, but the Litchfield En- quirer went on just the same.
 A few weeks ago just toward evening we drove into the beautiful cemetery to visit the graves of the Woodruff family. We found the lot and the graves of Editor George and his father, the late George M. To-day fresh grave is there. Jim also lies by the brookside in the village cemetery. Thus a distin- guished family goes out from Con- necticut history.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
PROBLEMS FOR DOCTORS
New Haven Times)

There used to be a story hinging around the perplexity of the school boy who was asked to figure out how long it would take cat to jump out of we'll if 1t kept al- tentatively jumping up four feet and falling back five, and some- times we are forced to wonder if medical science in these days is not confronted with something Of the same dilemma. It is holding its own, of course, better than the cat of the story, but medicine appears to be conquering one disease only to face another that never before gave it much worry.
 Health statistics give us the hint. They show how certain dis eases which secured the race for merly have been overcome, but they show, also. how others have arisen to confound the profession.
 In 1909, for example. in one par ticular city, the death rate from typhroid fever was. 110 per 100.- 900. To-day 1t has dropped to 1.6.
 In 1900 the death rate from smallpox was 56.4 per 100000. During the past year. in the city under consideration, there was but one death from smallpox-and the city's population is over 900,000.
 In 1900 the diphtheria death rate was 56.6 per 100000. At present 1t is only Al.
 Those figures point to some of medicines greatest triumphs. But there is another side to the picture.
 The death rate from diabetes, 80 years ago, was A per 100000: to- day it is 19.5. The cancer death rate in 1900 was 54 per 100000; to-day it is 108.6. The heart dis ease death rate at the turn of the century was 98.4 per 100000: to- day it is 1884.
 Medical science, then, in 30 years, has made diphtheria. ty- phoid fever and smallpox relatively unimportant; but at the same time these other diseases have ad- vanced to more menacing positions than they ever held before.
 Is the light on disease. then, use less? ? Not quite. For during the last 30 years, in this city that fur. nished the above figures, the gem eral death rate declined sharply from 17,6 per 1000 to II per 1.- 900. There has been definite gain. Medicine is a little better of than the luckless cat in the we'll.
 The figures do show, however, the round about way In which medical science must make its advances. Raising the health aver age of the human race Is a toiisome and laborious business.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

It was interesting to read news dispatches stating that the Ukiah Grape Products Com pahy. Inc. of New York had been indicted by federal grand jury for alleged sale and possession of wine and grape concentrate capable of producing vinous liquors. Trial will start on October in Kansas City. If the decision is adverse there will be an ap- peal to the United States Supreme Court to establish the law on grape concentrates. Yes, we would like to have that law established. It would set Mrs Mabel Walker Vile brant. former assistant attorney general of the U. S. in charge of prohibition enforce ment. right on the matter. As counsel for the California Fruit Growers Association Mrs Willebrandt and a number of other Californians. who the Outlook and lnde- pendent point out are oddly enough all per
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
Good evening.
 o-O-o WE WANT BEER"
(The Legion asks for a vote on
 prohibition)
"A SMILES THE THING"

prohibition) Across the vast convention floor,
 We want beer Beyond the far-flung outer door,
 We want beer" The veterans of a mighty strife, Enjoying new lease of life. Blew on the bugle. flute and fife.
 We want beer It seems to me childish thing,
 We want beer, And yet these veterans choose to
 sing,
 We want beer. The time they figured quite adroit. The city, we'll it was Detroit. And what a place to stage a foit.
 We want beer. Oh, docs it mean the legion's wet?
 We want beer, The vote, it's not been taken yet,
 We want beer, The men who formed the Big
 parade,
 Who worked with death where death is made. And saw the price that war wa.
 paid,
 Are asking beer. The bride is the RING leader In every wedding ceremony. o-O-o The campaign in Waterbury this fall has developed noth- ing new. The whole racket is just one of those you're another" affairs. o-O-o Mama's little lamb will probably have a sheep lined coat this win ter.
 When mans stomach starts to come out, his hair generally follows suit.
 o-O-o In politics, when the party or- gan starts playing. there's little consolation for the man at the console. o-O-o
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

We don't know how many people watched the sunset "Wednesday night. It certainly was fitting welcome to Autumn. While the new season didn't arrive official ly until 724. standard time, SPA daylight time, there was a wonderful red glow short ly before that time as the sun sank behind the western horizon. It was short, but while it lasted it glowed as if there were fiery pot below it. Overcast skies had earlier augured dampness, but the welcome red skies assured us of pleasant weather for a few more days.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
DIESEL ENGINES FOR TRUCKS

Columbus. Ind, UP)-Produc- ton of Diesel engines for trucks and busses will be started at the Diesel plant here within six months, according to Clessie Cum mins, president. Cummins recent ly directed a transcontinental trip in a Diesel powered truck. using oil as fuel. for which expenses for fuel were $11.22.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

sonal friends of President Hoover. have deemed it legal for grape concentrates to be marketed. So far her distributing company has not been molested. Certainly it won't with the Federal Farm Board loaning it millions.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

High tide at Milford Saturday. Septem- Der 26, l2.0o a. m. daylight time) low tide, 405 a. m Daylight time).
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
Personal Health Service (By William Brady, M. D.

Signed letters pertaining to personal health and hygiene, not disease diagnosis or treatment. will be answered by Dr Brady. Address him. care of the Democrat. sending stamp and addressed envelope.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
FRIDAY SPECIAL
A real estate dealer,
 Sleeps here. Jack Fox, He died from the weight Of too many blocks.

VI tOO DAoNnos
 O-O-O What has become of the old fashioned Waterbury mother, who just about this time of the year would lay in supply of goose grease to take care of colds during the winter season?
 Tom Thumb golf courses left many an owner with mighty sore thumb.
 o-O-o Farmers are using wheat as tick cts to attend country fairs. We'll. it's the type of ticket hat will require on pocket searching.
 O-O-o Gandhi may represent the strength of India, but if physi- cal appearance means anything the strength" looks mighty weak.
 O-O-o Nowadays when a chap is asked if he has P. A. the poor cuss doesn't know whether it means Prince Albert or Personal Ap- pearance.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

All vehicles must be lighted not later than ZIG Daylight Saving Time) tonight.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

White stone and marble were used in the construction of the $47.OO0. .00O railway station which just has been opened In Milan, Italy. 90 years after work on It was started.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

We Americans would cheerfully cancel Europes war debts if somebody would can eel our peace debts.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
DING-A-LING

A chicken cacklcs,
 When 1t lays; that's fair, But a fish just smells.
 And we know it's there.
 o-O-o Men run for office and the public walks to vote.
 O@O-O
 Fewer songs have been pub lished during the depression so we have that much to be thankful for at least.
 o-O-o Then there was the fat woman who bought a bathroom scale but lacked the nerve to hop on.
 o-O-O
 The American Legion wants a referendum on the wet and dry issue. It should have asked for one on the World war. It might have saved the lives of thousands of Ameri- can soldiers. Chicken may be a great dish. but it can't compare with the first batch of sauerkraut after 1t 'come through" in the barrel down eel lar.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

If women are going to appropriate mems clothes we suppose men will have to wear women's so they won't be mistaken all the time for women.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25

Labor disputes in the Philippines are continuing.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
O--O-O OH DEAR

Life is just battle, From dawn to setting sun, Some lose out in fighting, Some see their battle won.
 o-O-o You couldn't very well say that the center of Waterbury turns green with envy.
 o-O-O The depression has popular ized golf suits-nine to IS holes in them.
 O-O-o More stuff is cooked up over the back fence than on new gas range.