davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
Where Cops Are Kind

The ways of the London police force are beyond American understanding. They maintain order and capture criminals with promptness and efficiency. yet they carry no firearms. That. however. is nothing. Consider how they treat traffic violators. First the traffic officer assumes that the traffic violator is not wilful criminal He may stop the speeder while he politely takes name and license number. But he doesn't indulge in heavy sarcasm or loud bawi-out. Later on, the traffic offender may receive gracious note from the office of the com missioner.
 The New York Times tells about it, thus: 'The letter apprises the recipient that the commissioner has heard of the traffic off, fense, but after having given the matter his careful consideration, the commissioner has decided that he will. in the present instance. refrain from taking Sarther steps. He will remember it. says the letter. should similar violation be reported.
 Perhaps the difference between London police and American police is based upon difference between Britishers and Americans One of the latter. receiving such letter doubtless would boast of his influence at headquarters and go forth to commit great number of other traffic offenses. One of the former however. appreciates the eommis- sioner's faith and courtesy and refrains from repeating his offense.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27

George Bernard Shaw now feels himself qualified to speak on prohibition as it af- feets the United States. He states that There's an industry called bootlegging in America and its profits are so large that the people who conduct it have immense sums for the corruption of justice. In some of the eastern states this corruption of the po- lice and bench has meant that the work of the bootleggers has become quite safe. That is very serious result. but it is not reason for going back on prohibition. Rather it is reason for the reorganization of law and order. :" All very we'll and good. Mir Shaw, but why not talk on conditions in England. Great Britain faces crisis. financial and political. Yet we hear noth- ing of prohibition as measure of restoring public confidence. No and we won't.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27

Here's a tiny contribution all the way from Chicago where they pay city officials in scrip and bold bad bandits make faces at each other. It's from the Hit or Miss Column of the Chicago Daily News and we know it will give certain editor on the Hartford Courant a sinking feeling in his innards if he should happen to read it. The reason is apparent. Here goes SPEAKING OF YORKTOWN. Gene is off to ole Verginny to verify the reported surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Which reminds us that about dozen years ago the Hartford Courant slipped up on date cited on its editorial page, and there after was ehaffed at frequent and regular intervals through the editorial page of the Hartford Times Eventually the editor of the Times left to become editor of news paper in Massachusetts. and the editor of the Courant was called on to speak at the farewell press dinner He said: Much as regret my colleagues departure. it will be relief not to live in dread of typewriter whose owner never forgets that Cornwallis did not surrender at Yorktown on July 4. l776." The Times editor referred to has gone to his Maker. Waterburians will re- call Roland Andrews. The Courant editor might have been Charles Hopkins Clark who also has gone to the limbo where dyed-in-the- wool newspapermen congre- gate.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
BOTH TIMBER AND RECREA-
 TION
lNew York Herald-1

(NeW York Herald-Tribune)
 While the primary purpose of the proposed reforestation amend ment is to utilize idle land for a future supply of timber. voters will also take into account its value for recreation. The point Is not over looked by the New York State Grange, which Is giving powerful support to the amendment. The Grange people are strongly in fa- vor of the states acquiring 1.000,- 900 acres of submarginal land for profitable use. They welcome. too. the promise of public hunting grounds on the reforested areas. being at one in that respect with sportsmen, whose interests and theirs do not always coincide.
 The Association for the Protec- ton of the Adirondacks approves of the amendment not only for the maintenance of lumber pro- tershed protection but as well for the enlargement of opportunities for hunting and fishing and other outdoor pleasures. Like the Adi- rondacks and Catskilis parks, the reforested land will afford cover for wild life. This merit of the amendment is emphasized In lef- ter on this page by the chairman of the conservation committee Of the Camp Fire Club of America. Wild lise and recreation certainly are among the important forest products to be subeeEved by the "-H~ram of Amendment z:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
TWO OLD FRIENDS
fHartford Timesl


 Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt and former Governor Alfred E. Smith are reported to be "at odds" over a proposed $19,000,000 state reforestation measure backed by the Roosevelt administration. 1mme- diately from New York has come fresh talk of a breach" between the present governor and the man who originally drafted him to ac- cept nomination for that office. It was as a personal favor to Smith that Roosevelt re-entered politics despite physical handicap.
 It is simply among the things in- credible that Governor Roosevelt could have proceeded to pursue his present aspiration for presidential nomination without perfectly amicable understanding with Alfred E. Smith. Nor do we believe that a mere difference of opinion toward a matter of conservation policy could touch the tempers of either gentleman. Mir. Smith has twice publicly opposed that feature of the reforestation bill which would au- thorize the state to remove tim- Der from abandoned farm lands to be purchased under the act If 1t passes. And he will oppose 1t again in a radio address, next Monday night. Such being lat odds" rep resents nothing more than citizenly difference of opinion.
 If 1t can be that in reality there has developed. contrary to. any re- tional likelihood, ill-feeling to mar the long-standing friendly associa- ton of Roosevelt and Smith, 1t must be founded upon matters that have had no public airing and could have no direct reflection in the views of Alfred E. Smith on a pub lie question while that gentleman retains the sincerity of convictions and faithfulness in public service which have characterized his entire career
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
How Frail A Thing

Tho death of Cadet Richard Brinsley Sheridan at the New Haven General Hospital yesterday afternoon was sad climax to the annual Yale-Army football game. Little did the 7O,OO0 spectators realize when the injured Army end was carried from the feld during the height of the game that tnis young man in the flower of his youth was shortly to meet his Maker. We'll, we can echo how frail thing is man. To express the universal regret that the young Cadets death has produced is rather hard. It would have to be done by some master phrase builder and word coiner
 Perhaps we in Connecticut were more in- terested in the outcome of Cadet Sheridan s injury. Many Waterburans witnessed the play in which he was injured. Certainly the proximity of Yale and likewise West Point naturally made it seem as if it were some- thing with which we were intimately con- cerned It is not enough to say that we are sorry. There is another state to which such tragic events carry mankind. Somehow or other it makes us all akin. We realize more fully our own frailties and begin to wonder when our turn to account for our lives will come.
 The death of Cadet Sheridan will, of course, have a depressing effect upon his teammates, most of whom were close to him when he made his last headlong dive to bring down the ball-carrier. They can carry on, though. with the knowledge that their teammate died perhaps not as he would have chosen but certainly from which he would never have shrunk. He was passionately fond of football SO we are told. He evi- dently played the game for all he was worth Although not gifted physically with the height and brawn that goes with the aver age player he made up in grit and determi- nation what he lacked in weight.
 To his sorrowing mother and brother who endangered their own lives to come to him before he died the sympathy of the na- ton is extended. Nothing we can say or do will ease the first moments of sorrow. But there is the consolation perhaps that Cadet Sheridan is now romping over a greener gridiron. making tackles. blocking plays, snatehing passes. intereepting them. Taps sound. A streak of silver across the gray clouds Richard Brinsley Sheridan has been taken to the bosom of his Lord
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
LOOK TO YOUR TIRES
(Hartford Court)


 A conviction in the Borough Court of Stafford Springs carries q warning to all motor vehicles operators to keep their cars and equipment in condition for safe operation. Tn this case driver had lost control of his automobile. which left the highway and crash- ed into a stone wall. He was fined $26 and costs on a charge of speed ing. A state patrolman who in quired into the cause of the acci- dent showed the court two tires which he had removed from the damaged vehicle and which he con- tended were so nearly worn out as to make the driving of the car at high speed dangerous. both to its occupants and other users of the highway. The presumption was that the accident would not have occurred had the times been in good condition; that they were re- sponsible for the inability of the driver to keep the car under con- trol.
 The motor vehicle department is very properly insisting that it is not enough, for an operator to give proof of his proficiency; he must also maintain hts automobile in q at operating condition Ut all times. The brakes the steering gear. the king pins. the lamps. the horn. tho windshield wiper. the tires and so on must be capable performing the functions required of them. This waa aIWnws 'v~-~-tf~' "NT~
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
Elections Coming

Jouett Shouse. chairman of the demoera- tic national executive committee. IS quite op- timistic as regards the chances of his party organizing the House of Representatives when it convenes in December. At the present writing the democrats hold paper majority of one in the House with seven vacancies to be filled between now and December. Five of them will be filled next week when numerous states hold elections on Tuesday, November }. New Hampshire and New Jersey will hold special elections later in the month, their respective statutes pre- venting polling as early as November }.
 Although Connecticut isn't interested ac- lively in the November elections this year she is in their outcome. On it much de- bends particularly for Representative John O. Tison of New Haven. He has been the republican floor leader for the last two sessions and stands probably the best chance of any member of his party of being made Speaker of the House if the republicans con trol it. We don't deny the fact that there is open opposition to Mir Tilson's election to the important speakership. but when the time comes and pending on its strength the g.op. will undoubtedly turn to Mir Tilson. We hope SO for his sake at any rate.
 However democrats are making mighty effort to capture congressional seats in the first Ohio and the eighth Michigan districts. Normally they are republican. In fact. the former was the late Nicholas Longworth's S own district But it was perhaps his prestige and power at Washington which permitted him to be returned year after year to Con- gress. His strength was noticeably waning. though. in the last few elections. The chances of democratic victory there are bright. !, Over this and the Michigan seat democrats are making strenuous fight They are definitely assured of two other seats in the special elections while republicans are sure of three. including the two that will be filled at special elections.
 Should the democrats capture the four seats they have set their eyes on there would De no question of controlling the House. It would give the party an actual majority of two without the aid of the Farmer-Labor ,nember, Paul J. Kvale of Minnesota. And. Of course. by the time Congress eonvenes on December 7. there may be few more vaean- cies to be filled. Also there is never full membership no matter how necessary it is to have one. Illness accounts for many absent lins themselves All in ali the chances of tie democrats boosting even larger major itv than two when it comes time to organize are good. We don't blame Mir Shouse for exhorting his party to get out and work between now and December 2. Considerable depends upon demoerztie control of the n<xt Congress. Is is high time the party exefted itself.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27

Commenting last week on the stand taken by Representative William L. Tier ney of Greenwich we stated that the entire Connecticut congressional delegation was practically as one against prohibition. Rep resentative Tierney says that Tn my opin- ion modification of the Volstead Act would not only guarantee source of steady rev. enue to the Treasury but such action by Congress at the coming session would have a tremendous psychological effect on the people of this country. We still believe that the main effect would be eco- homie. We do not claim that beer brew ing or wine deeanting would relieve the present distress but it certainly would act as an impetus as we'll as supplying many men with means of securing livelihood. In ad- dition 1t would mean lower taxes. both state. civic. and national. And that is big thing to-day. People want lower taxes. At the same time they want civic progress. Somsthina must be done to secure both.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
ArHREAr or VANDALISM
fNew York Heraid-Tribune)


 The proposal to connect Lexing- ton avenue with Irving Place oy cutting through Gramercy Park Is not a new one, but each time 1t bobs up 1t does and should incur the anathema of every New Yorker familiar with the beauty of this little oasis and concerned for its preservation. With the invasion of towering apartment buildings in place of the historic houses which once ringed it about. the park, to be sure, has lost something of it's old gracious character of privacy and repose. Stil., even as well of landscaped greenery hemmed in by cliff dwellings, 1t remians one of the few lovely and livable spots on the Island of Manhattan. To cut it in two for the convenience of traffic would b. a dissertation to make the heart sick.
 The question involved is bigger than the fate of Gramercy Park. It has to do with the policy under lying the whol eprogram of civic improvement. What it asks in ef- feet is whether New York intends to build for the comfort of Its resi- dents or for that of its automo- piles. Heaven knows It's traffic problem is serious one, but so is its problem of providing air and light. peace and beauty for its in- habitants. And the latter problem obviously must take precedence unless the city is to be content hereafter with a purely transient population.
 The two problems are, of course. intertwined. No one can deny that on occasion a compromise solution Is necessary. But the case os Gramercy Park offers a perfect ex- ample of the need to uphold the prior right of the citizen against the demand of the machine. As the spokesman for the Twenty-third Street association has pointed out to the borough president, neither Lexington avenue nor Irving Place is broad enough to accommodate any substantial increase of traffic To unite them at the appalling sacrifice suggested would result in no compensating gain even from the traffic point of view. To-day the only interruption to the flow of vehicles from one of these streets to the other is little jog around the end of the park possl- bly, a block longer than a straight away through its midst, and quite as wide. There Is no excuse what ever for the prak's dismember- ment beyond a fixed idea apparent Iy current in some quarters that the city was made for traffic and not traffic for the city.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
Here, There And Everywhere

days of high speeds it is more im- portant than ever. The vehicle that is rendered unsafe through long continued use or neglect has no place on the highway. It is a con- stant source of danger to its owner and to others.
 Perhaps no part of the equip ment is more important to keep up than the tires, especially those on front" The combination of fast driving and poor tires is almost certain to cause trouble. The driver bent on getting the last mile of his tires is not exemplifying the virtue of thrift. He is merely counting an accident which could be avoided by making the small investment that good rubber all around" now re- quires.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27

The Bronx Zoo in New York is just 1000 pounds lighter to-day. Khartoum. the 2o year old elephant. died yesterday. He was the largest elephant in captivity and probably came closer to P. T. Barnums Jumbo than any other elephant this coun- try has seen. Khartoum had pretty good life, 26 years of it in the Bronx Zoo which isn't such a bad place after all with Africa and India just filled with ambitious Ameri- can big game hunters. Of course of recent years Khartoum was slightly iraseible. but mark that down to boredom.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
TODAY IS THEA
 ANNIVERSARY s
ANfr,nICANs IN ACTION.

AMERICANS IN ACTION.
 On Oct 27, 1917, it was formally announced that American troops Tn France had fired their first shot in trench warfare.
 American artillerymen. using a French "75," opened fire on the German lines. 500 yards distant. The shell case was preserved to be sent to President Wilson,.
 Meantime the Germans on the Isonzo front claimed the Austro- German forcer had captured 6O.O0O prisoners and 500 big guns. The italians made a stand, holding the enemy in check in the passes west of the Isonzo river leading to she Venetian Plains.
 Five hundred thousand Austrians and Germans were reported facing the italian lines.
 French troops under General Petain continued to press back the Germans in Flanders.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
Quotations

Anyone who thinks science Is trying to make human life easier or more pleasant is utterly mis- taken. Albert Einstetn.
 
 Public officers are not infallible.
 Calvin Coolidge.
  Has it ever occurred to you that If MT Hoover is responsible for the depression. then he must have sta; ted the World War and put Germany in debt to the Allies and the Allies in debt to the United S.ates.-Mrs Dolly Curtis Gam.
 
 Crime today Is no longer mat ter of mere social interest. It is an econ. mic question. A. Mers sath 1T. special agent of the Philadelphia Grim inal Justice association. There Is no blessing in the world like q little poverty.
 -Dame Madge Kenall. The public wants Mae West.
 Mae West.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
lNEA Service Writerl


 Washington.--American business men, with business not so good. have been stimulated to try out all sorts of new stunts and other eff forts designed to attract trade, one finds in reports which the depart menet of commerce picks up here and there.
 Hotels are developing the idea of providing room, meals, sight seeing shows and other entertain ment at a combination rate for the entire service, increasing their flow. of guests. All-expense week. ends are becoming more popular and were offered especially in re- sort hotels during the summer.
 Miniature" trout fishing has succeeded the pee-wee golf craze in some states and Fisheries Com missioner Henry O'Malley thinks it may become generally as popu- lar as the pee-wee enterprise did raceways are installed and stocked with legal sized trout obtained from commercial hatcheries. The "player" pays a fee for admission and use of tackle and then So much an inch for such fish as he catches. He can keep the fish, of course, to eat. Suitable surroundings and water supply are necessary, how ever,. limiting the possibilities of this new industry" in the cities.
 Eight merchants in one city com- bined to persuade everybody to throw away straw hats and buy fall hats, September IS. They got the mayor to proclaim an official fall hat day." released from air planes old hats tied to parachutes and gave new hats to the finders when they presented them to the stores from which they originally came.
 A beverage firm Tn the north west Is using living billboards," with live models, to attract cus- toners. Big crowds gather be- fore them and business at nearby soda fountains has picked up sur prisingly. Grocery chains are extending their closing times and many may now be found open from 6:30 D. m., as in Washington. to as late as 10 D. m., closing hour report ed from some western cities. A New York department store has been promoting "Dress-of- the Month" scheme, carrying 'the smartest dress in New York, priced reasonably" and in a limit ed edition, for a month at a time and no longer. Many national weeks" are be- ing ballyhooed, most conspicuous ly National Wool Week" begin ming November g and designed to interest consumers in products made from wool.
 Booksellers are offering, trade-in allowances after the fashion of automobile dealers. Many of them allow 25 cents for clothbound, secondhand books on the pur- chase of any new book. although the book traded in has to be con- sfdered saleable on second hand tables.
 A sports shop has an annual "best-dressed golfer" contest in connection with the annual city tournament, stimulating sales for golfing outfits. Another store dur ing the summer gave away four free swims in a local pool with each bathing suit sold.
 A Canadian mail order house is inssuing a new catalogue every two months instead of each six months and a mail order house in the United States has inaugurated
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
Good evening. o-O-O
 SIGNS OF WINTER

Old Man Winters getting set
 I'm sure of that. He'll be with us soon, you bet
 I'm sure of that. Trees about the town are nude, Lunch rooms feature winter
 food; Summer seems thing. quite
 crude
 I'm sure of that. Old Man Winter knows his
 stuff
 I'm sure of that. Surely treats this old world rough.
 I'm sure of that. Icicles form his glistening beard. His white hairs long and very
 weird; In fact, he makes us sort of
 skeered-
 I'm sure of that. Soon he'll thunder down the street I'm sure of that. Nipping ears and nose and feet I'm sure of that. Without him life's far from sublime,
 For winter brings the Christmas time; And now I guess we'll end the rhyme You're sure of that. o-O-o I suppose even gold fish are able to vision the silver lining. o-O-o Many a man thinks he is in- spring to others when he's merely expiring. o-O-o An insect exterminator is always going buggy dashing. o-O-o Before marriage she's his Molly. After, his Molly coddle. o-O-o Many a so-called Oriental rug is a laugh on the Orient. o-O-o
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
At The National Capitol DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER Digest of Who's Who and Whats What
 By RODNEY BUTCHER
DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER
By RODNEY BUTCHER

a monthly publication to supple ment it's catalogue.
 The National Association of Shirt Manufacturers has asked the bureau of standards to estab- fish a practicable shrinkage limit for shirts and determine prevalent practice as to dimensions of shirts of pre-shrunk material. A south western department store, to dem- onstrate non-shrinkability and wearing qualities of a new line, had several shirts laundered 25 times in succession and then dis played them.
 Fresh fruits and vegetables wrapped in transparent cellulose covering are being pushed by a grocery chain. Caulifiower can be kept a week longer and tomato spoilage reduced materially, 1t is claimed.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27

It was the same Khartoum who refused to let keepers enter his cage that played host to many family of robins. The animal house at the Bronx Zoo had no sooner cast off its winter dressing than family of robins would find refuge in Khartoum's cage. He supervised the building of the nest and watched the young robins as carefully and as tenderly as did the mother herself. Poor old Khartouml