davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
Situation Under Control

It was most gratifying to read yesterday that five Waterbury banks had subscribed $500 900 of Sl,500,000 loan authorized by the board of finance. It speaks well for the credit of the city and for the financial stability of our local banking institutions. The money thus provided will enable the city to carry on its business the same as usual for some weeks to come. When the remain der of the temporary loan is floated the city will be in a position to continue its activities unabated until the May installment of the l932 taxes becomes due.
 Coming at this time as it does this ae- ton by the Waterbury banks is doubly reassuring. It was only few weeks ago that Another bond issue of the eitys was taken up by local bank. When our local banks adopt such tactics with the bond mar ket in as unsettled condition as stocks, then Waterburys finances cannot be so bad as they have been painted In the past. Either that or the heads of the local bank ing institutions have confidence in this city to rise above its present straitened clreum- stances In either event the citizens of Wa terbury can show their confidence by paying their taxes when due. That IS, If they are economically able to do SO.
 That the city would have been in dire circumstances had it not been able to raise any of the $l.500.000 temporary loan inn mcdiately is probably we'll known to those who are familiar with the manner in which municipal finances are conducted. Last Fri day night when the aldermen held special meeting there were no bidders for the special S1,50O000 funding bonds which the city was obliged to issue to defray current ex- penses until the next installment of taxes fell due Had the city failed again to secure bidders for the issue there is no doubt but what the numerous city employees would have fared i'll in few weeks when no more current cash was available.
 However, the city has weathered this crisis vxy nicely. thanks to the action of the local banks. There is evidence of civic loyalty in this action, mixed with good common ordi- nary business sense. The banks will not lose by the transaction nor will their depositors. In the long run the investment will be profitable We can rejoice that our banks we're ready in the crisis to carry the city through and also that they were financially able to do so. It speaks well for them in an age when we hear so much talk about bank failures, frozen assets. etc. Waterbury is fortunate in that respect. We should keep that in mind always.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

Here are few timely hints for those who are buying Christmas trees. As so often happens the tree when brought into hot room starts to shed its needles and in few days is almost stripped of greenery. The Izaak Walton League issues the follow ing recommendations for keeping fir trees fresh: When it comes time to set up the Christmas tree, cut off thin piece from the base of it so that new clean surface is ex- posed. Then set up the tree in cross-like support with the base of the tree immersed in a shallow pan of water to which a tea spoonful of sugar has been added. The tree has the power to absorb water from the pan and draw it up into its branches. Enough moisture can thus be taken up to keep the tiny needles nourished and they will not drop off as readily as from those not given this free drink"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
Border Liquor Problem

Kind American hearts may go out in sympathy to the business men of Tia Juana, the famous Mexican gambling, racing and drinking resort just across the international border in Lower California They had a very good thing of it for years. Our pro- hibition system had turned lot of business their way. Americans with full purses poured into Tia Juana the year around. And if the sad truth must be told. they went there more for the liquor than for the gambling and racing.
 Now the situation is changed. The gov- ernment of Lower California, seeking its share of the profits laid heavy taxes on every branch of the liquor business. also on the racing and gambling. The liquor levies were fatal American speakeasies sprang up thekly on our side of the line. paying no taxes to anybody except an occasional raeke- tcer. and underselling the Mexican liquor dealers. So American patronage returned periodically to the American side, and Tia Juana languished Now its chamber of commerce is pleading for lower liquor taxes. to meet the Grngo competition It does look rather unfair. Maybe California should tax those speakeases in fairness to friendly foreign government.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
MIR TILsoN's POST

(New Haven Journal -Courier)
 The consolation prize which the republicacn minority in the House has advanced to MT Tilson is a graceful gesture though 1t does not obscure the cruelty of the blow struck the New Havener in MT Shells election. MT Tilson has been given the second ranking place in the powerful steering conn mittee, and will have an office in the capitol building proper rather than in the House office building, which is an honor more understood among the denizens of Washington than in the country at large.
 The republican delegation thus puts itself in the way of receiving the advantage of Mir Tilson's long experience in the House and the gentleman will of course be graci- ous enough to fall into the general plan. We note that he Is member of committees conferring with the president on matters of policy in the House, and suspect this may be a hint of the true role he Is to play: for his friendship with MT Hoover Is what initiated against him in the battle for the leadership, many of the commentators think. It is ob- viously to the party's advantage, however. to have so special an ad- ministration friend in a strategic place on the steering committee. It is quite likely, we suspect. that MT Tilson will continue in this role to play the more than routine part he has filled for so long in the House of Representatives.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
Here, There And EDerywhere

the reprisals were carried just across the line to an anticlimax when the postmaster-general sol emnly agreed with Pennsylvania senators to accept no more recom- mendations as to appointments of postmasters from McFadden. The senators thereby aggrandized them selves.
 In the congressional view, per- haps. ostracism of this character is discipline of member, but that Is because congressman usually thinks of power in terms of patron- age. In the public view, postoffices are not quite such awesome sym bols of the majesty of government, and losing the privilege of naming the next incumbent at the county seat does not rank as an everlast- the postmasterships whenever democratic president turns up.
 A way to punish McFadden so he will not forget 1t is to deprive him of his high committee places. He was chairman of the commit tee on banking in several con- gresses. His party tolerated him there in spite of his unftness, which has been repeatedly demon- strated in the past. Some queer birds attain important committee chairmanships in both the house and the senate through the work ing of the seniority rule, but there ought to be some test of a mans fitness other than the number of terms he has served.
 The Pennsylvania member is no longer the chairman, but he Is the highest ranking republican mem- berof the banking committee. Why not denote him?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
A BOOKSELLERS PARIS
(New York Herald-Tribune

(New York Herald -Tribune)
 Just what would Paris be with out a horsecab on it's boulevards, without a victoria in which to ride under the chestnuts of the Bois in springtime, is hard to imagine. Even New York, among the least tradi- tion-conscious of the cities of the modern world, still boasts a few oldtime growlers in private fami- lies, a score or so of hansoms and other rigs on the rank at the Plaza, wistful souvenirs of a glamorous and departed era. But now Paris, overwhelmed with the contrivings of a modern age and choked with the fumes of its myriad auto-taxis is threatened with an utter and ul- innate extinction of the ancient fiacre. A recent police department survey shows fewer than two horse rigs still in service in the city by the Seine and pessimists in the Paris press prophsey that in a year or two the mustacched jehu of Lutetia will be no more.
 The colonial exposition was the last allurement which kept a few score graying coaches with their red waistcoats and glazed cockaded hats on their tour of the city's quarters. Now even this last stay and substance has worn thin and the horsecab is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, vanished glory, one with Voisin's and the old bearded kings of Europe who made the French capital synonymous with all that was romantic and rIamorous before August, 1914.
 Certainly Paris will be the poor CT for the passing of the horsecap. if only for the disappointment or old d-fashioned visitors and country folk who will find in its asphaltine bouleyards no vestiges of other times and of pious mourners who would scorn q funeral cortege or unsentimental motor cars.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
NEA serricc yNriter

NEA Service Writer
 Washington - Why does the house of representatives seem 50 ridiculous?
 Much could be written to .dem- onstrate that 1t really is not as funny as 1t appears and other evil dence might be presented which would tend to suggest that 1t is even funnier.
 One reason the house always seems so silly Is that nearly all its members take advantage of every possible opportunity to contend that 1t Is the most intelligent, shrewdest, most companionable. hard -workingest, most upright group of natures noblemen in all the world. Seasoned newspaper men shun interviews with repre- sentatives because so few of the latter can stick to the subject with out breaking off into eulogies of their colleagues as 6 collective body. And when the session ends you will find the congressional Record spattered with outbursts of dog gerel in which congressman vie with each other in rhythmically whooping the praises of the other 434 members.
 Most visitors to the house galler- les have seen the house as 1t or- dinariiy is when in session. They see from 10 to 30 per cent of the membership in it's seats as a lone member stands in the well and pours forth his conception of wis., dom. Sometimes the lone mem Der drones his speech monotonous. ly and sometimes he bawls with all the variations of tone and volume which distinguishes the traditional fiowery oratory of congress. Some times he reads his words laborious- ly and sometimes he speaks with- out notes. Sometimes he knows what to do with his hands and sometimes he just waves them aim lessly.
 But seldom does any other mem- Der pay attention to him--unless It is to make sure he is not running beyond his allotted time. Look down upon almost any member and you find that he is gabblng animat- edly with the member sitting at his side.
 Nevertheless, the subdued tu- mutt of private gabbing Is prob- ably as important as any prepared speech which the lone member Is reading for his constituency and If the gabblers miss anything they can read 1t next day In the Record. The conversation out in the cloak rooms is even more important, from the standpoint of the nations future, and the. secret converse tions between leaders. far removed from tho floor, are most important of all.
 To obtain 0 really fair estimate of the house perhaps the best method is to add all the democratic members say about the republican members to what the republicans say about the demcrats, then dis- count about 50 per cent of the total and take the rest for granted
 Also, some of the more inde- pendent members already in this session have spoken of the house as a whole and 1t may not be amiss to quote them: .
 Sweeney, ohio democrat: "The women of this body behave like perfect gentlemen, while some or the men behave like Q lot of old women. My friend from ohio
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

It was welcome news to read that the state highway department is cooperating with three adjacent states New York, Massachusetts. and Rhode Island. to bring about a reform in road markings Motor ists are often confused by an abundance of road numbers that are often applied to the same road. They seem to change every five miles or so. A simplihed marking will become effective January 1, according to Commissioner Macdonald. New road maps with these markings are now being pre- pared and will be distributed about January IS. Next summer when planning your trip there won't be any confusion over changes in road numbers
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
At The National Capitol DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER A Digest of Who's Who and Whats What
 By RODNEY BUTCHER
LY WASHINGTON LETTER
By RODNEY BUTCHER

Congressman Cooper) is honest. There are few of that type left"
 LaGuardia, New York republi: can: Let us stop all these politi- cal speeches and get down to work. Surely we ought to cut out politics now, get down to busi- ness and do something for the mill lions of unemployed people. |. You can not becloud the issue by nagging the president"
 Huddleston, Alabama democrat: Most of us are dubs. Every body knows how irresponsible am And that because l have no re- sponsibility and speak for nobody. and lead nobody, that can afford to speak the truth"
 After which, one suggests that the best way to learn the low-down on the house will be to keep on listening to the members them- selves.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

There you are, Perfectly simplei How ever. for the time being we'll leave the problem of triseeting the angle to Father Callahan. Professor Ritt. Dickinson. and others. We don't think that the problem of the European war debt our contemplated credit corporation. etc, so complicated after all And in the meantime let's hope some- body succeeds in capturing an angle that actually can be triseeted. If a piece of pie can be cut in three, so can an angle.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
N TQyR21AAY 21AA G'
 / WORLD WAR \. ANNIVERSARY G9R ofGSE.
BoLsHEvIsT PEACE FARLEY

On December 22, 1917, peace negotiations began between the Central Powers and the Bo1shevist government. Count Czernin speak ing for the Central Powers, pro- posed an immediate peace without forcible annexations and indemni- ties.
 The allies lost heavily in naval warfare-France lost nine ships of over 1000 tons during the week ending on this date, and England suffered the loss of three torpedo boats, 13 officers and 1s0 men off the Dutch coast. Torpedoes or mines were thought to have caused the explosions.
 England successfully repulsed attacks near the Bapaume-C Cambria road and southwest of Armentieres, while Italy rcgained the ground lost in the region of Monte Asolone on December 19.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
CONVENTION DATES.
(Springiield Republican,

Whether the republicans blum dered in their early decision on a convention date, giving the demo- crats the strategic advantage of being able to choose a date either earlier or later than June IA, Is Q question which cannot be answered so far in advance. Unless present conditions are radically changed, a blunder on the date won't affect the result anyway.
 The custom for many years has been for the democrats to meet after the republicans. That has enabled them to frame their plat form and select their candidate in the light of prior action by their opponents. But 1t would be diffi- cult to argue that within the last 30 years this has proved of pract- Aeal advantage unless at Baltimore in 1912 when the democrats finally nominated Woodrow Wilson.
 In 1912 the democrats had be- fore them the specacle of the re- publican split at Chicago. Possibly it was easier, as some have argued, to nominate Wilson than if the democratic convention had been held before the republican fracas. But it was the time element, ire spective of the republican conven- ton, which with the two-thirds rule defeated Champ Clark. Clark had gained a large and early lead, long before the convention met; but some of his support was dub ious and the longer the country had time to study 1t the more the way was prepared for the effective ness of Bryan's attack at Baiti- more.
 The question now raised Is whether the democrats will decide to change the usual order and hold their convention first So as to es- pouse a referendum on prohibition, rather than seem to follow the rec publicans in case they adopt such resolution. It Is to he hoped, however this question Is decided. that the campaign will deceiop more important Issues than who mot first.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
slcrADDEN PUNISHMENT
(sprIngfleld Republicanl

When Representative Beedy or Maine replied to Representative McFadden's attack on the Presi- dents personal honor, he took the hide off him." to quote Mo shell. the republican floor leader. And that was very good. When secre. tary Newton Of the White House staff omitted the name of McWad.. den from the list of congressional lenders Invited to bsenkfast, there was memorable punishment. but
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

ever, many don't remember Governor Luzon Morris. And there were long years inter- vening in which republican control of the state and its agencies was made complete. All of which makes the victory of Governor Cross in lo30 the more remarkable. Demo- crats accomplished something of which they could be proud. If they retain this leader ship they can continue to boast.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
QUOTATIONS

The people are cheerful. al- though, of course, they are feeling the effects of the times.
 Vice President Curtis.
 We reflect American life and vitality in our music and study the works of the masters. In Europe they play the masters and study the vitality of American music. B. A. Rolfe, orchestra leader.
 The first woman I ever knew made a new man out of me.
 Clark Gable, movie actor.
 New York Is a good place in which to raise children. Here one easily gets away from the narrow ness of a small town. Rev Harry Emerson Fosdick, Rockefeller's pastor.
 From where I sit it would seem that a vote has been cast against the administration and existing times.
 David Baird. Jr, New Jersey senator.
 Western women are mad with their own vanity. Gandni'
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

Delta, colo.--Those tales of good old winter weather were not dls- counted here recently. when owners of the ice plant discovered tho in- Atltutlon's machinery frozen bee yond operation. Heat from boilern. which operated all night, failed to prevent freezing.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

Senator Waleott of Norfolk. member of the senate banking committee, is much interested in the Hoover plan to establish a $500.000,000 credit corporation. He says that "The plan is much needed. and needed fast. to meet the existing emergen- cy. ." We don't doubt but what he is right. Credit is sadly needed in many sec- tions of the nation but why not limit the quantity of it. that such agencies as the California Fruit Growers Association gets to market product that the law forbids.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
Good evening.
 O-O-o TRYING TO FIND A WAY
 OUT
"A SMILES THE THING"

TRYING 10 oGmS FIND A WAY
 OUT It's hard to smile when things are pretty tough.
 You bet, It's hard to smile when life seems in the rough,
 You bet. It's hard to keep on going, When the tide from you is flowing. And the other set is growing,
 Just you bet. It's hard to try and whistle,
 Just you bet, When life seems like a thistle,
 Just you bet, When the cards that they are dealing. Brings creepy kind of feeling. And hard luck OCT you keeps stealing.
 Just you bet It's hard to play with sunshine.
 Just you bet When there isn't any sunshine.
 Just you bet. But the clouds will soon be lifting. And the old depression drifting. So do your Christmas gifting,
 It will help.
 o-O-o And now the great question of the moment: Which came first, Santa Claus or the reindeer?
 o-O--o Some of the jokes on the radio should bear this label: Not a laugh in carload"
 o-O--o A good motto for American bankers: Leave foreign loans alone"
 o-O-o Now they propose na- t!onal cracker week. l sup pose they figure Uneeda biscuit or sumpin!
 o-O-o Even if Santa does talk through his whiskers we're glad to listen just the same.
 O-O-o
 HNU
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22
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 enyelope
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

gouthbridge, Maas.--At the age of 3s, Wiifrcd Boucher. chain store clerk, is a grandfatheS. fiis dmushter. Lillian, recently gavt birth to an iih.peund bsbv sirh
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

We should think Gandhi's party would adopt the mule as a symbol of civil dis obediepee.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

It's right, Al Smith says. that children should study government. but shouldn't grownups get in on it, too?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

SHhk U BOUk Ok OurlStfudSs Voices loud and free, Everything is in the bag But the Christmas tree.
 o-O--o suppose the vets feel that if booze came back the country would have some liquid assets.
 o-O-o
 The wages of sin are very often Jap butler.
 o-O-o Who can remember the good old days when kids made paper chains and strung popcorn for the Christmas tree? And put silver and gold paint on English orna- ments to serve as decorations?
 o-O-o
 Now congress Is going to in- vestigate the stock market. What congress really should do is investigate itself in an effort to see if 1t can't be eliminated.
 o--O--o About the only thing or some shelves nowadays is shelf paper.
 o-O--o
 TEE, HEB Four little reindeer Running through the sky, Dragging quite heavy sleigh, Guess Santa must iSc night.
 o-O--o A financial genius nowadays is known by the company he keeps ---.on its feet.
 o-O-O
 A woman may be the apple of n mans eyo before marriage but afterwards she's merely crab.
 o-O-o Cross roads of the world meet in Paris and that's where the world is generally crossed and double crossed.
 What America needs to-day is silencer on congress
 o-O-o Life pays its commission in sun shine and happiness.
 o-O-o
 OH DEAR ME Four little end men,
 In a minstrel show. Each ono tells Q smelly joke, And call 1t fun, oh, oh.
 o-O-o If you don't know what to get father for Christmas, try P. A. Tobacco, not personal appearance.
 o-O-o
 It isn't the ginger ale in ginger ale highballs that makes 'em hot. It's the gin.
 n-O-0 If Santy stops at the Empire State building Christmas eve he'll never have time enough to com plete the trip.
 o-O-o
 The man who always has plan to end the depression is a depression in himself. England says she'll muddle through her panic. Congress is already trying to mud through ours.
 o-O-o
 so IT GOES H0oting and bowling and nagging, Pulling that way and this, Shame on the American congress, What a chance 1t seems to miss.
 o-O-o The milk of human kindness seems to be more cream than milk during the Christmas season.
 o-O-0 A lot of songs have been written for rivers but brooks manage to do their own babbling.
 O-O--O This concludes our regular Tues day evening program. It came to you over DBD and was broadcast by the Waterbury Evening Demo- crat, pioneer in this type of news paper work. We are signing off at this time, to be back on the air again tomorrow evening at the usual hour.
 O-O-0 Good night.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-22

All vehicles must be lighted not later than 4.57 tonight.