davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
One Job Finished

The first major accomplishment of the 72nd Congress has been recorded. by vote of 69 to l2 last night the Senate approved the years moratorium on European war debts. President Hoover has accomplished what he set out to do last July. but not without loss of considerable prestige. Sena- tor Johnson, the same fiery nationalist who sent Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations plan into the scrap heap in 1920, reverber- ated through two days of Senate debate in no uncertain fashion. He was the Johnson of old, not an enfeebled legislator of 65 as so many of his colleagues have believed him to be. His was the denuncation of man defending his homeland.
 We bcive that in passing the war debt moratorium Congress has acted for the best interests of this country and those struggling European nations which are as hard hit as we are. But we also believe that in move such as this the result is apt to be coneella- ton of all war debts. It seems inevitable. Perhaps even that will be for the best. clean slate for the entire world would not be amiSs. However, we can't see where the United States should play banker for the entire world when there is need of much H. naneing of the home institutions We are too apt to go international instead of remain ing strictly national in this crisis.
 Senator Johnson uttered some scathlng re- marks about President Hoover in his two day tirade. We can discard much of it, but we can also be warned against too promiscuous approval of the presidents plans for world economic freedom. We don't question the motives of Mir Hoover as did Senator John son. However, we aren't at all convinced that he is capable of carrying this thing through to completion. He is apt to find himself ensnared in tangle of European difficulties that will forever link the United States and Europe in financial and political embroglos. Just because we are willing to suspend debt payments for year IS no reason why the money thus saved should be spent to bolster land, air, and sea armaments.
 It's wise general who always studies bis route into the fray. A Skillful retreat IS worth far more than a complete rout on the battle front We believe that Congress acted in this matter as the majority of Americans desired. This nation has no desire to play the part of Shyloek. It never has, But 1t must be kept in mind that even if Congress hadn' approved the moratorium there would have been no debt payments Those due on December 5th were not paid. You can't collect from bankrupt nations. Con- gressional approval of the moratorium was merely gesture to keep the records clean. Now that our foreign debtors are cared for. let's do something for those at home. Why not scale down their debts Mir Hoover?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
THESE HECTIC TIMES

To the Editor of The Democrat:
 Whatever the final outcome or the depression which now hangs over the whole world, including our own country, may be 1t cannot but furnish a good illustration Of the ruinious policy of too much hoarding as well as too liberal spending. If you can believe what some are saying, a large share or the money loaned to European powers at an outrageously high rate of interest, never will be col lected, so that even our bankers will learn a salutary lesson from the risk one takes in striving to get rich too quickly. 1t has been stated on good authority that the bonus paid some of our bankers almost equaled the face of the amounts loaned, making the like lihood of collection what shrewd investors would consider doubtful. If the moratorium should be made permanent, the bankers will learn Q salutary lesson to be more careful in the future. Tn like manner the ordinary citizen who lived up to and beyond his means while the good times and high wages existed cannot help having his eyes opened at the sudden and unexpected turn things have taken, so that while the dull period Is to be deplored maybe in the long run the experi- epce rich and poor will learn from 1t may in somo measure compen- sate for the plight all find thcm- selves in at the present time.
 D. C. E.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

Ohio asking that they urge that Baker be drafted for the presidency. Through all this storm and strife in which his name oe- CUTS with repeated frequency Mir Baker pre- serves an aplomb that is to be envied. We don't see how he can manage to continue his many and diverse public appearances in the face of the rising demand that he per- nit his name to be used in presidential pri-
 mares, etc. In his letters Mir Davey re- marks that Tt is perfectly obvious that Mir Baker is not candidate. It is equally clear.
 however. that he has never said he would not accept the nomination. ." Ohio primary laws require written consent of the candidate for president Mir Davey hopes that widespread state demand will win this consent. hitherto denied. We hope so too, as the democratic party needs men of Mr Bakers ealibre in the nomination race.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

Quietly and in manner strange to New England. winter stole into our midst yes- terday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. New England. though, is becoming accustomed to freak weather. Where our forefathers were breaking through snow drifts at this time of the year we enjoy mild and a slightly damp climate. If this is to be our lot in the future then we can only pray devoutly for a return of the good old days. This may be a selfish wish, but somehow or other we think good cold snap would end most of the colds that are so prevalent. We can be thankful however. that the season has been kind to the unfortunate.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2s, 19a
No Time For Shouting

Closing of the Merchants Trust Company today by orders of the State Bank Commits sioner is no occasion for panic in our midst. The action was taken as preeau- tionary measure to protect the depositors and stockholders from losses. In the long run there will be no loss occurred by those inter ested in the institution. There will be serl- ous damage done the financial structure ot Waterbury if too many of us pay attention to the rumors and idle stories that are float- ing about the city.
 Naturally every bank will suffer as a result of the too untmely closing Of the Merchants Trust Company just two days before Christmas Small runs may be started at some of the banks. These can be avoided in the main by revival of confidence in ourselves and in our banks to weather the storm that is lowering over the world. lhese are troubled times to be sure. But they will be more troubled if people lose their heads and lose their faith in the well-estaolisned institutions of the city.
 Now is the time for whole-hearted sup port. Not only must it come from those who are more fortunate than their feilow- men. but from the unfortunates themselves. We can all lend helping hand in this hour of need. We certainly can do much by refusing to become part Of any mlsdireeted scheme to upset our present banking strue- ture. The common expression is that each man must look out for himself at such lime as is now with us. That's wrong. Never was there more need of cooperation. Without it we fail. With it we win through to ultimate peace and comfort. And that's ali that any man really asks when you come right down to it.
 Keep your confidence as high as your courage. men and women of Waterbury, We'll win through to a day where the sun shines as bright as ever.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HUMAN
 SPEED?
(New York Times)


 Now that an airplane has been driven at over 400 miles an hour, engineers are wonderful just how fast man can fiy-whether there Is any physiological reason to sup pose that the human body cannot stand the strain of speeds much greater than those so far attained. The pilots who took part In the last Schneider Cup race, when the record was broken, felt no discom- fort on a straight course apart from the deafening roar of the en- zines. For Q second all became black before their eyes when they swirled around a pylon. but they never lost their muscular sense. Since the stresses set up in the air plane at 400 miles an hour are nine times as great ns at 133 miles the racer must of necessity sweep in wide circles. Apart from this, onIy pilots trained as carefully as prizefighters can cut corners at high speed. So far there is not the slightest evidence that anything like the ultimate speed limit has been reached. One British engineer who has examined this question with some care even predicts speed of TAO miles an hour within generation.
 High accelerations are more to be feared than continued high speed. What high accelerations mean IS driven home when an automopiie is started with lurch. The bodyis flung against the back of the seat. In a 5,0OO- mile-an-hour rocketship the starting acceleration might be so high that the passengers would be squeezed into a pulp against a vertical partition as if by an in- visible hand of gigantic power. But if slow starts are possible, there IS no reason for any speed limit on a straightaway flight.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
LOSSES AT SEA

On Dec 23, 1917, the great snow storm started on the Italian front blocking the enemy's line or communication not only with Tyrol but also with the bases be- yond the Isonzo. :.
 The storm started on Dec 2S and continued until Dec 31.
 On the western front the Ger mans drove in the British advance ed posts on q 700-yard line north- east of Ypres. :.
 The British admiralty reported that in the week ending Dec 2S total of IS British ships had been sunk by submarines. Eleven Of these were over 1,60O tons. one was rated as being under 1,600 tons, and the thirteenth was a fishing vessel.
 This was somewhat less than the loss of the previous week when German submarines sank IS Brit ish ships.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
(NEA Service Writcr)


 Washington.-Despite the treas- ury deficit, despite President Hoov- CTS bitter opposition, and despite the American Legion's conspicu- ous lack of support, Congressman Wright Patman of Texas predicts that his bill to cash all soldier bonus certificates will be passed at this session.
 He says 1t would cost $2,200,00o,- 900 and suggests congress stop pay ing off the national debt. divert to the veterans money earmarked for the debt sinking fund.
 Patman's bill to pay full face value of the adjusted compensation certificates at once was the first measure introduced in the House. It is called H. R. No. 1. He has toured the country, whooping up the veterans for the cause and still makes brief speaking trips.
 He reminds you that whom he started his effort last year for bonus cashing no one expected any legislation to pass. But congress did pass, by vast majorities, the bill under which 2,500,000 veterans have now borrowed 50 per cent of the face values of their certificates for . total of about $1.500,000.0 900.
 Patman started the bonus battle last year by rounding up signatures for q petition to get his cash bonus bill out of committee, where 1t was buried. American Legion support, forced by rank and file demand, was responsible for passage of the loan bill as compromise. Patman now has the Veterans of Foreign Wars supporting him, but the Le- zion, after President Hoover's per- sonai plea at Detroit, voted against further cash demands at this time.
 Patman Is tall, roSy-faced, jaunty gent of 38 who enlisted for war service as Q prviate and won commission, but did not get over seas because of disability. He re- calls that under the old bonus loan law heonce paid 1-2 per cent in- tedest on his certificate loan. He was a lawyer before the war and later served as a state legislator and as a district attorney. The last congress was his first.
 Congress always goes in accord with the will of the people," he says. Business men and chambers of commerce would like to see that two billion dollars or more In cir culation. Somewhere near a million veterans are out of jobs. There are $500, ,000 veterans with certificates. which range from $125 to $159O in face value, averaging about 5000.
 "The certificates were given to make up the difference between what the soldier and the lowest paid laborer received during the war. We ask merely liquidation of a debt. Under the present system the soldier is credited proportion ateIy with his length of service at s1.25 a day for overseas and $i a day for home service, plus interest at four per cent dating from 1925. That's why they say the certificates are not redeemable until i94b. propose that congress add six per cent compound interest as of 1917. 1918 or 1919, which would mean that tho certificates matured last October.
 "soldiers need tho money worse thls winter than the government needs tho interest on their loans The loans haven't contributed 6 penny fO the deficit anw cash phy' monf now would tnefenhe iDoney In circulation by SIS per capita for tho entire population. hecFe' taFy Mellon has said that retire
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
Holiday Precautions

The annual sermon to houscholdes is in order. Christmas brings fresh load of re. responsibilities to members of many families. lt also means gaily decorated trees for numerous households. Enjoy them while you can. We only have but one life 10 live and we should take our hll of it while we may, But q word of caution in lhe use of all holiday decorations. Be care. fuI of fires. whether from lighted candles or A,on.eireuited wires The modern tree s seldom decorated with candles to-day. but
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
RENEWED JACOBS LADDER
 (Meriden Journal)

Completion of two more impor- tant highways has been noted and motorists who like to get out and travel over the scenic routes in which this section of the country abounds, will rejoice.
 In creating q new Jacobs Lad der, Massachusetts has done a fine piece of work, replacing the old and dangerous route from West field to Lee with a 24-foot wide macadam road that eliminates railroad crossings. hairpin curves and dangerous grades.
 The original Jacobs Ladder was started in 1894 and finished m 1911. Motorists often traverse t in "doing'' the Mohawk Trail and iig scenic grandeur rivals that Of the trail.
 The Trall has also been im- proved and the loop from West iield to Pittsfieid. to North Adams. to Greenfield becomes pIeasanter trip than ever.
 In New York the completion Of tho extension of the Bronx River Parkway from the vicinity 0f White Plains to Bear Mountain Fridge has been hailed as A nos table event. That is what It in and representis the expenditure of sev' efai millions. Connecticut met0r' iats will take this route for the ride, or ln case they are going 70 New York city from the eFiabs'
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
CHRISTMAS LONG AGO
To the Editor of the Democrat:

To the Editor of the Democrat:
 When I see people of all races, creeds and colors engaged In an effort to observe the anniversary of the birth of the Prince of Peace, l am reminded of one of the late Judge George H. Cowell's reminis- cences of his boyhood in Waterbury. In those days he would remark while seated in his office in the Irv- ing block at this season, one of the many noticeable changes that comes to my mind is the general observance of the Christmas time. When I was a boy used to hear father tell that Christmas was. no more to the people of his time than any other day in the year. He would then go on to tell about con- ditions here in the time of his own boyhood and conclude by stating that until the coming of the Irish and French Catholics nobody thought of Christmas as great festival. the only occasion of the sort being Thanksgiving.
 Judge Cowell had Q story about
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY

To the Editor of the Democrat:
 One who has written to the New York Herald says:S"It is time some- thing was done about these up- starts who propose to do. things that the textbooks clearly state cannot be done-such as trisecting an angle. Have these people no respect for authority?" No doubt some of the SO called upstarts have respect for authority. Are not text books sometimes wrong? And are they not being improved and added to constantly as some new idea IS perfected or new discovery made? Perhaps the chief worry of tho writer mentioned above Is not In the fact that triangle may or may not have been successfully trisect- ed, but in the identity of the tri-
 ONLOOKER.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
At The National Capitol DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER A Digest of Who's Who and Whats What
 Ry RODNEY BUTCHER
DAILY WASHINGTON LETT
By RODNEY BUTCHER

ment of the national debt is $3,- 500, 900, 900 ahead of what congress expected 10 years ago and we can take the money out of that, tenn porarily suspending debt retire. ment. Tho two other methods are, first, a bond issue, and, second, to issue currency to pay the cereif. cates, plan which would stop all interest.
 Soldiers won't repay the present loans or pay the interest and so much of the average certificate will be devoured by compound interest that 1t will be worth only S66.bb by the time 1t natures in 1045."
 Patman says the Legion conven- ton vote didn't represent Legion sentiment - that bonus votes" were traded for "booze votes."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
The Tax Rebellion

The story of the rebellious Philadelphia citizens who forced tax cut of $l3.000,- 900 from reluctant city council is matched by the tale of embattled farmers in the northwest. A general uprising of the eit- zenry in Minnesota counties. townships, school districts and municipalities during the last three months has already checked the mounting wave of taxation and reduced next years budgets by about $S,000.000. The biggest slashes have been made in coun- ty budgets. The revolt is spreading to North and South Dakota. and will doubtless sweep through other states.
 It is a constructive. orderly revolt The taxpayers are not refusing to pay taxes but are insisting that their representatives prae- tice severe economy in next years budgets. They are not only eonsoring local expend- lures but are protesting to the state and na- tional governments against expense estimates and tax rates on the old scale. The time was ripe for such a movement.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
In To-day's Mail - What you with opinions
 the Editor of the Waterbury Democrat
man named Rourke, or Root. he was not sure which name was cor-


 was not sure which name was cor rect, whom he claimed was the first Irishman who came to Water- bury. He worked for Q season with Gideon Hotchkiss of Prospect, at that time a part of Waterbury. Root or Rourke, whatever the mans name may have been, was 8 soldier in the Revolutionary war and came here with some of the local boys who figured in that con- flict. But the judge would dismiss the Rourke story and then go on to tell about the first Irish settlers who came here in large numbers. fixing the date between 1925 and 1885. Well, if Judge Cowell were alive today he would find 1t diffi- cult, if not impossible to give any thing like D definite explanation of the coming of the first members of all the other races that now make up the 100000 souls in Wa terbury, and all vleing with each other in an effort for the fitting observance of Christmas day in the different churches and societies.-- Waterburian.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley. is the latest government official to ask that the Philippines not be given their inde- pendence in the immediate future. He de- clares. as have SO many other public off, fcials that the islands are not yet in a po- sition to be given their economical inde- pendence. We can recall we'll the words of that Filipino economist and lawyer. Att torney Vincente Vllamin. who visited this city last spring. He declared that if the islands were given their independence (they have more freedom now than the bill of rights guarantees any resident of the United States to-day) they would retrogress in- stead of progress. Secretary Hurley visited the islands last summer and his report IS based upon this visit. It will be rendered to President Hoover very shortly. but not before Mir Hurley has shown a copy of it to the Philippine Independence Mission Incidentally there is every indication that Governor General Dwight r. Davis will resign his position in January. lie has just arrived in this country for we'll earned vacation and will be in Washington after the first of the year. His resigna. ton. of course. will revive the Dsvis-for. ce-president boom heard so frequently the last two Of three months.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
QUOTATIONS

Standardization Is more truly liberator than an agent Of slavery --Dr Robert Douglas Bowden, pros lessor ct Youngstown (o), cois lege.
 Government is just as faliible as the faiiible men who run v. --doveFn0r Rstchie of hhryinna'
 
 find that 22 per cent or moss charged with oriine are nvn' nnfuralizod. -~suprsns Court Justice pike es New KoFk,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
Personal Health Service (By William Brady, M. D.)

Signed letters pertaining to personal health and hygiene, not disease diagnosis or treatment. will Dc answered by pr Brady. Address him. care of tine Democrat. sending stamp and addressed envelope
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

That tragedy in Michigan Sunday should serve notice upon many fond mothers and fathers in Waterbury that the ice fatality season is here. A tiny boy, only 7, begged for his Christmas sled to take a few rides on the ice of nearby pond. The ice broke. the boy sank. So did his mother and father and brother. and three other would-be rescuers Keep the youngsters off ponds not under surveillance. Beware of thin ice.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23
Good evening.
 o--O-0 IN A TOY SHOP
"A SMILES THE THING"

Baby dolls that pine for mamas. Baby beds and dresses, too. Trieycles with bells a-plenty. Some of them a Crosby blue. 'Leetric trains with lights
 a-blinking,
 Speeding on tiny track, Going to a far off corner. Then a-speeding cutely back. Drums and whistles on a table, Bowling sets, they're something
 new, Winding autos rich with color. Tops and other things in view. What stack of toys fof Christmas, Toys to please both young and
 old, In a symphony they're playing, And the same old story's told. Toys to please the hearts of kiddies. When they rise on Christmas
 morn, Toys that fairly reek with sunshine, Soon their brillianee will be
 shorn, Soon their day of glory fadeth, They'll be gently pushed away Children tire. oh so easily.
 Of their toys on Christmas day
 o-O-o Christmas comes but once a year If 1t came. any oftener wed all be broke. People who get to the bot tom of things generally are ex- perts at the top. o-O-o
 Who can remember the good old days when tallow from Christmas candles would drip on mothers living room rug and start the an- nual warming. that never again would she permit candles 10 be lighted.
 o--O-o
 And who can remember the good old days when father would etagger home on Christ mas eve with a chicken under each arm, and though plnstered mother would hail him as a hero although the chickens cost him ten times their ac- tual value. You 50 father shook dice for the birds.
 o-O--o
 The honeymoon is over when she puts the table linen away and goes back to the good old table cloth.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

Former Representative Martin l.. Davey of Dsvey Free Tree fame is sponsoring a Bsker-for- president boom in Ohio. lie has just sent out 10000 letters to democrats in
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

It's wrong for governments to pay dole' to anybody but ofieeholders
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-23

Recent events in the Senate are a re- hinder that, as a game hunter informed us last year. wild jaekasses are not so slow and dumb as the tame variety.