davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
Local Merchant Seeks 10
 Recoper Federal Fine

discarded as invalid. If the bill has been declared invalid. Mir Spirit claims. he should be given his money back with interest. w
 Congressman Goss' bill. there- fore. would not only refund $1,50O to Mir Spirit but also give him five per cent interest from the time of the payment of the fine.
 During the latter part of the war and in immediate postwar days. sugar became very scarce and Waterbury householders recall clearly how they were forced to buy the sugar q pound at a time and sometimes in lesser auantities and pay high prices for the com modity. The Lever act was passed In an effort Co relieve the scarcity and to prevent hourdine. Mir Spirit was charged with hoarding and was convicted under the Lever act. Subsequently, the law was de- olared invalid and was wiped off the books. hence the Hpet claim for refunding of the s1.50O fine. plus interest.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18

When infomred that her chances
 os living were very slim Mrs Kvietkus last Saturday night named Joseph Blenstrudas, 3S. of 100 Rockland avenue as the man
 responsible for the doublt attempt lac murder. She has since refused to retract her statements. She ap- pears to be positive in her identi- flcation. Since the night the of the shooting Blenstrudas has been de- ta i1ed at police headquarters without bonds. He has tearfully protested that he Is innocent Of |the charges.
 Acting on orders from States Attorney l.. l.. Lewis, County De- |tective Roland Alling and Lieuten-- |ant Matthew Balanda of the local detective bureau started out this to investigate a new tip lon the shooting, It may lead to that will tend to |proye the hurch that liquor feud |anA not a neighbors' quarrel ever trees resulted in the shooting. It was claimed shortly after the hear double Killing that Bienstrud- |as' possible motive was one of re- |yenge over the fact that he and Mrs Kvietkus had quarreled over his actions in cutting down two trees on some land over which she had supervision. Blenstrudas ad- bnitted that they had some words. but denies that he went to such |extremes to show his ill-feeling. |Bienstrudas' reputation in the |Town Plot section of the city and (Continued on Page 16.)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18

Morris Spirit. local merchant. who in 1919 was fined s1.500 by the federal court for hoarding sugar under the Lever act. has be- gun agitation in Washington. D. C.. to have his money refunded to him. Spirits conviction. which came in the. post-war period when sugar was scarce and household CTS were sent hither and thither in search of the commodity. caused much comment at the time. A bill to recover. the amount of the fine has been offered in the house by Congressman ID. w. Qoas.
 The bill, according to Washing- ton reports, ig a rather unusui one. A hearing on the worthiness Of the bill will be held soon. 1t is expected. Mir Spirit. Congressman Goss. and others are expected to appear. N
 Tho claimant ana congreasman oioas set forth ag their grounds for passage Of tho biiI tho contention that tho Lever act has since been
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
HELEN KNOX SMITH
 DIED YESTERDAY

Farmingtop. Conn. Dec 1s- (UP)-A member of President Theodore Roosevelt's tennis cab inet," Herbert Knox Smith, died at his home here yesterday after noon in his 63d year after heart attack. a taf'
 He served as commissioner of Of corporations under Roosevelt and followed him in his progress i've" bolt from the republican party. He ran for governor of Con- necticut in 1919 as "bull moose" candidate. 'N
 He left a wife, a national leader of the League of Women Voters. Funeral services will be held Sat urday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
By GERALD F. ovERToN

Kansas City, Mo, Dec 18.-(UP)
 Nell Quinlan Donnelly, whose "Nell-Don" frocks carried her from the obscurity of a midwest ern houbewife to fame as Q garment manufacturer. was freed to-day from kfdnapers who had held her In $75,000 ransom.
 Dishevelled and hatless, the at- tractive matron was found walking along a road in a Kansas City, Kas, suburb to-day with her negro chauffeur, George Blair. She was near exhaustion. For 36 hours she had not slept because of the filth of her hiding place, and had eaten almost nothing.
 Ransom had not been paid. 1t was said. Although kidnapers had threatened that the woman's sight would be destroyed and the chauf- feur slain if the $75.00O was not given. relatives said the kidnapers' demands had not been met. Sena- tor James A. Reed had pledged his word that for the safety of the woman he would assure pay ment of ransom and that in case of harm to her he and her hus- band. Paul, would devote their lives to rounding up the gang
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
By H. ALLEN SMITH

New York. Dec 18-(UP)-A lean young man by the name of Theodore Lightner who can sniff his nose and make 1t look like a personal insult. joined forces with Ely Culbertson last night in the Cuibertson-Lenz contract bridge squabble and practically proved the ruination of sidney Lenz and Oswald Jacoby.
 Lightner. a young man of about 34, with glasses which set way up on his nose succeeded Mrs Jo CuIbertson as Ely's partner.
 By the time he was through with his fancy bidding the Culbertson team was 4,96s points ahead. And they played only six rubbers last night. Fawncy!
 Mrs Culbertson, who left the contest simply because Christmas is drawing nigh. and little Fifi and Jump-fsid Bruce are expecting e lot of thlngamagigs from santa Claus, took up her post in the press room for the evening.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
WOMAN HELD FOR $75,OOO RANSOM
 IS BACK HOME
Millionaire Garment Manufacturer of Kansas City Found in Argentine, Kansas, To-day Unharmed

which perpetrated, the boldest kid naping stroke in crime history of the midwest.
 The Kidnapping started in the fashionable district where Mrs Donnelly has resided since she built her home-frock organization into a concern which now has gross business of more than $3,O0O,O0 annually. She left her midtown office Wednesday evening and started home in her automobile with Blair driving.
 At the entrance to the Donnelly home a motor car was parked across the driveway. Blair stop ped. Three men approached seiz- ing Mrs Donnelly and Blair.
 T don't see why you have to take woman," Mrs Donnelly said.
 Sorry lady, but we've made a mistake and we've got to go through with 1t now,' she quoted one of the men as saying.
 Muslin sacks were placed over the heads of Mrs Donnelly and Blair and they were forced into her automobile. Two men got In with her and a third drove off in the kidnapers' car. Mrs Donnelly saw only three men but believed (Contlnued on Page 16)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
 l IS RAMPANT IN LEPER COLONY

Carrville, La, Dec IS. (UP)- frhe spirit of Christmas ruled this f'colony of living dead" to-day. for
 R5 of the 360 men, and women teprosy sufferers here have been healed, and soon may |rejoin the land of living men. The colony lies sheltered from Ehe rest of the world, almost iso- lated, officially designated as the |U. S. Marine hospital. It is the only Institution for treatment of leprosy within continental United States. Trim, pleasant Dr O. E. Denny &s in charge. He Is proud of his record of II years administering Eto the ailing; and points to an
 average of 20 "cures' a year for Ehat period. The hospital. chain of small |sottages spread over several acres |,f reclaimed swamp land, Is set In N tropical atmosphere of century. bid live oaks, palm trees and moss lowered shrubbery. It is tucked hway in the far corner of a great
 bend of the Mississippi river, a |iozen miles off main travelled high |ways. 5Y But the Christmas spirit has a |way of penetrating the most ob- |scure places. It has found its way Eo Carrville, too.
 Patients, forgetting for the mo- |nent the dread disease which has made them outcasts from society. have embraced the holiday spirit with the fervor of the happy en- IhusIasm of children. Every mail brings kifts from loved ones in distant parts. These |yill be distributed by Santa Claus ht the close of the Christmas eve |'eligious services.
 A special "talkie" picture on day and a dance for |nen and women inmates that night will conclude the festivities.
 Radios have been installed to carry |o the bedsides of the infirm. the programs of the world beyond the marshes.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
HOOVER IS
 ACTIVE IN
 DEBT PLAN
Calls Democratic and Re- publican Legisla t Ors Together to Support Moratorium -Reserva- ton Is Voted Into the Measure to Be Heard To-day

~ .lf itt4 Ff d 7
 Washington, Dec. 1S.-(UP).- Presiden Htoover to-day took a personal hand in the fight to bring about passage by congress of his war debt moratorium and his pro- posed financial legislation.
 He called group Of republican and democratic congressional lead CTS and others to breakfast at the White House and urged coopera- ton in the passage of his program. The president pleaded that the democrats join republicans in non- partisan action.
 Democratic Floor Leader Rainey after the conference announced he would hold the house in session to- night until the moratorium ratifi- cation bill is passed. He expected a final vote before midnight.
 He said the house tomorrow would complete action on the ad- ministration measure to provide another $1O0. 100000 of capital for the federal land banks.
 Speaker John Garner of the house, Undersecretary of the Treas- ury ogden Mills, republican; Strong, republican, Kansas, and about ten others were at the break fast.
 Leaving the White House those who attended were non-committal as to the exact outcome of the meeting. It was learned. however. that the president had been. given some encouragement in his requests for unified action.
 The chief poinst upon which the president asked cooperation were the moratorium, the extension of federal farm loan bank system and the formation of the reconstruction finance corporation.
 Walter Newton. presidential sec-
 (Continued on Page, 16)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
EVANGELIST SHOT
 IN DEATH PACT

Indianapolis. Ind. Dec 1S-(UP) A Bible clutched to her bosom, Mrs Bernice owens, evangelist and widow, was found slumped in a chair in her room to-day. near death from a bullet wound in the temple. On the floor a few feet away lay the body of Arthur S.. Long, 55, a bullet hole through the brain.
 In Longs right hand was a re- volver. Authorities said Long ap- parently had shot the evangelist and then turned the gun on him. self. Since the two were long time friends, 1t was considered likely that had entered death pact.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
FROZEN ASSETS CLOSES BANK

Hartford, Conn, Dec 1S-(U. P.)-Thc state banking depart Inent issued Q restraining order to-day closing the Danielson Bank and Trust Company at Danicls0n for tho protection Of depOsitors.
 State Banking Commissioners George J. Basselt said the same situation which caused closing of che Hamden Bank and Trust yesterday - frozen assets - prompted his action at Daniel son.
 The DanicIson bank is capital ized for $fOO,O0O and has toe tai assets of &3, fS3,S02. the commissioner said. Surplus and undivided profits are $fS3,O00.
 Heavy Christmas with drawals Of savings and inability of hank officials to Iiquify assets with sufficient promptness ncc- cssitatcd suspension.
 Commissioner Bassctt added Q statement that Connecticut banks aro generally in . strong posi- ton due t0 the statutory requiEc- Inents regarding investments. They are managed by mcn of high calibre. hc said.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
W0ODLOCk IS
 ASKING PROBE

New York, Dec 17.-UP)- Thomas F. Woodiock. former in terstate commerce commission member and now contributing edi- tor of the Wall Street Journal, be- bore the Bond club to-day urged m investigation of the railroads SO they may, work out their fu- ture in the light of changed busi- ness conditions. tR#
 A readjustment of traffic rates should be made just as soon as business improved; meanwhile the groundwork for it should be laid. The proposed congressional in- quiry might be very useful if con- ducted in proper spirit.
 But it is also imperatively necessary that railroad executives should take measures to set their own house in order by restraining unwise and expensive competition" he said.
 Wodolock characterized the railroad bond market as an unprc-. cedented "bargnin counter"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
CREDIT CORP. BILL UP SOON

Washington, Dec 18-(UP)-President Hoover's proposed reconstruction finance corporation to relieve the financial situation endorsed era board to-day before the House banking and currency committee. The committee met in effort to hasten the relief program proposed by President Hoover Majority Floor Leader Rainey announced the $500,000 900 reconstruction bill would be the first major piece of legislation taken up by the House ofter action the moratorium ratification and the land bank measure, sometime after the Christmas holidays.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
POLA NEGRI HAS
 RESTFUL NIGHT

Santa Monica. Cal. Dec 18.- (UP)--Pola Negri, film star. spent a restful night but her condition still is serious. Dr Leo J. Madsen, her physician, announced In bull letin at 7:35 a. m. to-day.
 Miss Negri condition is still serious but her night was more restful. Temperature 1912; pulse l0s; respiration 20." the bulletin said.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
RANK GETs MONEY

New Haven, Conn. Dec 1S--(UP) The New Haven Clearing House association to-day placed $500. .000 at the disposal of tho Broadway Bank and Trust company after ru. mors has caused an incipient run on that institution. The resources of the bank were said to be s4,- 0o0s s000.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
FORMER CARDINAL IS DEAD

Rome, Dec 18-(UP)-Louis Billet, former cardinal who resigned from the Sacred College after political disagreement with the Vatican died to-day at the Jesuit retreat where he had lived since his retirement He 85 and was born at Sierch Moselle, France. He was created cardinal deacon in 1911 after having been consultant of the holy office for two years.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
\ BOXER IS SHOT TO DEATH

Schenectady, N. r., Dec 1s-(UP)-Johnny Cic- cone, 22 widely known Schenectady weterweight boxer building was found by group of girls enroute to work He had been dead only few moments, police said. As walking when shot through the head before he had opportunity to defend himself.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
FOURTH ATTEMPT TO "GEY'
 HIM SUCCEEDS FOR GANGLAND
By PAUL H. KING

Albany, N. T.. Dec (UP)-Gangdom 'got" Jack Legs Diamond early today As the climax to hysterica all night party in celebration of his beating the rap" kidnapping charge the New York city and Cask Mountain gangster cornered, shot and killed here.
 Several hours after his death police were still uncertain who had fired the shots the circumstances of the killing They held his wife, Alice Schiller Diamond for questioning
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
Late Bulletins
NO WARRANT FOR MAYORS SON

Boston, Dec 18-(UP)-Judge Frankand Miles of Roxbury municipal court refused to-day to issue rant for the arrest of Mayor James M. Curleys 16- year-od son, Leo, on manslaughter charge. Police Sally Bean, 48 of 13O Byers street. Springfield, from injuries suffered when she struck by autoino pe Dy young on h saca 6sy
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
John Kvietkus Succumbs to GunshOt Wounds in Abdomen at St Marys Hospital To-day = Police Scout Story of Tree Fight Incline to Liquor Theory
ACCUSED NEIGHBOR STILL
 HELD WITHOUT BONDS

ud liquor developed into murder today with the death in St. Marys hospital John Kveku 52 of Wend in the Town section the city, Kvetkus died of wounds in the abdomen his wife, Anna whose condition regarded as critical today were shot the kitchen of their home last Saturday evening by masked gunman.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
ELECTRIC SERVICE SHOWS GAIN

Hartford, Conn, Dec 18-(UP)-Connecticu Elec- trc Service Co reported net income for the year ended November 30 was $42S3635, against $418565O in the preceding fiscal year. Hartford Gas Go declared tra dividend of 25 cents share the $25 par stock
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
MORE MILI4roNs

Bridgeport. Conn. Dec 1s.-(UP) More than 32.O0O,O00 in cash and securities was moved through the streets of this city under heavy guard during the night as part of the consolidation of four Bridge port banks into two. The Bridge port City Trust company and the First National Bank and Trust company absorbed respectively the Guarantee Bank and Trust com- pany and the Newneid Bank and Trust company.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
EIEGS'' DIAMOND PUT ON SPOT
Racketeer Who ''Beat
 Rap" Last Night Is
 Found Dead To-day

Diamond Jubilant at Acquittal Last Night on Kidnapping Charge, Cele- brated With All Night Party Police Still Seek Those Who Killed Notorious Muscle Man. of Beer Racket
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
Saturday

Complete Weather Report Pase ss
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
TREASURY BALANCE

Washington, Dec 1s.-(UPl-The treasury net balance December 1s was S735,11O.S43.S7.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18
The WeafIaer

Cloudy Tonight and
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-18

Last Minute News Flashes
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04

While passing bouquets h there and everywhere for the soed Waterbury plan of aiding the obs don't forget Corporal Coyle American Legion It the welfare committee of post which conceived the idea of helping needy by ask who working contribute share of their earnings general fund This done The legion hired unemployed the home and them three dollars day for eight hours of work Its plan adopted several months later by the city Waterbury The legion also collected clothing and shoes for needy And the city fell in line and followed the legion plan.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04
To l 7

Eddie Udelowtz whose United Fronts ripped up the back be depended take the chin like veteran and not pull any bomdes from the political bag of tricks T given good licking said Eddie. land have albis offer. There sung of ballot boxes We put up United Front but they broke back However primary doesn't make party history and foun-
 pen back from the repair factory intend to issue long statement telling future aims and possibilities of the United Fronts. thank No Swapa Horse Nick Jamele for advertising the United Fronts If Nick had started his campaign sooner, we'd rolled up larger possibly 5 instead of the 50 given However, say that Nick is good fighter we'll good oser He this week but he'll lose at the election. So that him 50 break the got There need for the United Fronts in Waterbury Sic gloria mundi they Baubys meaning sf Wh lasting than brass I've been in politics began wearing knkers when Mike Carroll electrical inspector and intend stay until the pair of knieke, out What is defeat Udelowz! Napoleon had many
 setboek and finally summer home the island of St Helena. Who knows, I may win up Salt river. Quid Perennu they the Chamber of Commeree mean n of course, Investigate, Before You Invest That's what the future going do We have only started And remember hs I'd rather lose that know to be wrong than win in that know can't Tell them, tell them through your column that Udeowitz will fight to the las- kniekers." ..t.....r.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04
.To l.

Hello Christy: mention your column of my You need red fnnes here Best wishes Jack Freny Old Orchard Maine Sending em right Jack prepare itch. - Christy)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04
Uncle Rays Corner

greatest food crop. Wheat has been gaining in late years, but rice probably Is still first in rank. Fig ures on rice production are poor ly kept, especially in China. but the world production of rice is esti- mated at more than 200,000,0OO tons per year.
 Half of all the farming land in Japan is used for growing rice. India produces about 30,000.000 tons of rice each year. The people of India consume most of the rice they produce, but the grain is not so popular in India as in China. India produces about S,000,o00 tons of wheat each year. Rice is a fairly important crop in the United States. More than 1000 square miles of land in Louisiana, Texas. Arkansas and California are used for rice-grow- ing.
 In countries where rice is the chief food, about one pound Is used
 for each person each day. Thus a family of five personf sill consume
 almost a ton of rice Tn a year.
 Most rice sold in this country is white-in other words, IL mas peen polished so it will Hook well. :"
 Tests have proved, however. that brown rice is far more healthful than polished rice. Brown rice may
 be obtained at many stores, and
 makes an excellent food. Rice straw is used in the Orient for making mats and sandals. It is also valued for making cardboard.
 "Rice paper" is made from the pith of the ''rice-paper tree." not from the common rice plant. The
 rice-paper tree is a shrub widely
 grown in Japan and China. Its pith
 is removed and fiattened out to form thin sheet of paper. l (Pastc this article in "Georg-
 raphy" or TraveF' section of your
 scrapbook.)
 To.norrow-A Little Saturday Talk.
 | UNCLE RAY | FIVE MAGIC TRICKS are
 included in the Surprise Leaf- let" offered without charge to
 readers who write to Uncle Ray
 and ask for 1t. Be sure to enc close stamped return envelope.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04

Whispernss Bill Dunavey. past grand chief ranger, Walter MeGowan, grand chief and Tom Byrnes sening Waterbury in Boston the convention of the F. of A. Sergeant Hugh Flaherty is back duty after months leave He's wearing the peaked hat which mighty niftk If you think the fates and fur tossing for
 up. Consider Mrs Frances ODe, who lies in the Waterbury hospital with broken neck She's and must remain least months But despite the appendag Mrs od the happest patient there It's the kind of spirit that old game with down and the bases loaded in the ninth. Give the lady big hand she's earned it Officer Pat MCabe treating poison ivy Pat old Doctor Woodland Nature and fascinated by the ivy leaves He picked
 few. they picked him and Pat picking ontments Sorry old
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04

September seepngs Druggist Bill Kenausis is registered at New York hote Bill Drwn Springfield Tues day night to Ted Lewis Tony Barres caught the races last Sunday witnessed the tragic spills He aided in getting Anderson into ambulance Here's for the book Joe Teller basketball game the Wby gymnas um winter Two weeks ago the returned via parcel post Come wnter said Joe after opening the bundle Frank Pearsons has closed his summer manor Oeansld at Tenants Hbo Maine and back in town with the payooy The goldfish glad him.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04

Gossip. Thanks to Helen Traver of 1902 East Main Street for donation of foil And Heen quite lovely little girl if you don't mind. Heard in central marke adv to man behind Say, the who took my leg of lamb?" oh oh Nieoina Flammia tells me that windows in the University of Chs library have not been cleaned year This order issued in order to give the Ii and atmosphere of antiquity And Neona by the way is now steady Persons magazine wall pub lshed New York John Barry and popular ex service being hoptazed the government hospital in Newngon. Johns many friends wish him speedy recovery
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-04
MONUMENT TO FRENCH FYERs

Rouen-ThIs ely has Q monu' ment commemorating the Paris New York flight of costes and Bel lonte. The monument is placed on the spot, between eaint-Yaitery"en- caux and veuias-ies~ Roses. over which the two flyers eircIed to gel their bearings before heading out over the Atlantic.