davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
Women Srnugglers
 Causing Customs
 Officials Trouble
Post MatrOns Along Canadian Border Entry Posts tos
 Spot COntraband Bottles of Liquor g4e@-

was explained, the furs represeftss ing profits from "real" liquor trans-D ported a bottle or two at . timets and at a time when customs guardgp' were wasting little time with sfn-s dividual bus, train or ferry pas, sengers. es4lS
 The collector was more optin1isi-s tic about having halted extensive smuggling operations, using hisf' penalty figures as a basis, than ares, downtown bootleggers and the gov- ernment stores in the border cit.: ies across the river. Gl
 He showed that whereas in No-e vember, 1929, penalties totaling ? s21.0O0 were collected here for li-g quor, only $14,000 was collected ina 1880 and $7,68O last month. M |
 A penalty" of $5 bottle is the fine for being caught with liquor on a return trip from Canada. In addition the smuggler must see his liquor poured down 8 drain pipe and sign an affidavit to that effect, which is no little punish- ment in itself. M
 The government liquor store : across the river decided that either the Canadians were storing up 100 much liquor, or someone else was, for it issued an order only the past week limiting persons to two bot : ties of liquor during day. This is to insure that an ample supply of liauor will be available during . the holidays, officials said.
 Bootleggers on the American 1. side have been complaining for some time that their "bottle" trade has fallen to almost nothing. Most ' of their regular customers now buy '' liquor from petty smugglers, pay-Nf ing from $1 to $3 bottle, over ... the store price in Canada, they say.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

New York. December 16 - (UP) - Interest in wheat in- creased today in direct proportion to receding lack of interest in stocks. Stock tickers were barely moving as the end of the fourth hour neared and prices were IT, regular, the majority under the previous close by fractions to more than a point. Wheat showed decided strength at Chicago, the May position ris- ing IA cents above the previous close to 60 3-8 cents bushel. Traders here were predicting 66 cents for that month before the end of the week.
 Buying wheat was induced by various factors, including a rise al Liverpool and reports of adverse temperatures ranging to 109 de- grees in the Argentine. While traders were desertlne stocks to take flyer in wheat some investors took stock and prices firmed up from the lows Steel Common rose a point or so from its low of 39 1-2 off 2 from the previous close and new l6 year low. American Can, Ameri- can Telephone and Du Pont were down 1 to points.
 After brief furry in the stock market said to have been based on the publication of figures show ing the extent of the short position, dealings turned dull. Brokers said there was no reason to take the figures as adverse news. In fact. they said, the mere per cent short interest might be construed as fa- yorable in that 1t would appease the enemies of short selling and might turn away investigations.
 The huge liquidation that has been in effect for some time. mak- ing up 95 per cent of the selling was explained as an operation in connection with year end settle ments of many investment trusts some banks and insurance com panies, for the purpose of makin; a good cash showing in. the annual statements. Individuals were un- loading to take tax losses in some instances. and with business at a low ebb public demand was lack ing.
 In connection with the drop in hank stocks which has been an un- settling factor lately, bankers stat ed the New York banking situation was excellent and that rumors to the contrary were apparently per- nicious attempts to undermine con- fidence.
 New York, Dec 16.-(CP)-Stocks advanced fractions to 2 points to-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
REPUBLICAN VETS IN CONGRESS ARE UP IN REVOLT
Representative Beck Is
 New Head of GrOup- Will Cooperate With
 Democrats in Wet Drive

Washington, Dec 16.-UP)- Republican anti-prohibitionist in the house to-day formally an- nounced their split with the old bi- partisan wet bloc and formation of an organization of their own.
 Representative Beck of Pennsyl- vania was elected chairman and La Guardia of New York secretary at meeting attended by GA mem bers. -.
 A formal statement by Beck said the republicans. would continue to cooperate with. the democratic group. A committee has been ap- pointed, he said, to discuss with Representative Linthicum of Mary land, leader of the democratic anti prohibitionists, the formation of a joint steering committee.
 This committee, he explained would help coordinate the activi- ties of the two groups "in vigor- ously pressing for action" at this session on measures to reform the prohibition situation.
 The republicans had earlier agreed to press for a vote on 2.75 per cent beer and referendum on the 18th amendment. They also will seek to put the prohibition is- sue before the republican national convention.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

Detroit, Dec 16-(UP)-Women smugglers of holiday liquor have become so bold that customs off, cials for the first time in history have been forced to post matrons at all points of entry to "frisk" the feminine suspects.
 More than 85 per cent of li- quor seizures from folks crossing the Detroit river here now are from women" genial, gray-haired Colonel Heinrich A Pickert, col lector of customs. said to-day.
 "It is easy to frisk men return ing by ferry, tunnel or bridge from the Canadian liquor stores, but an expensively gowned woman with the air of dowager and a flask of liquor strapped to her knee pre- sents quite another problem" he said.
 "Of course" the colonel flushed, i've really have had no scenes. We have found bottles in blankets about babies. We have found bot ties in women's sleeves, and some have strapped the contraband to their bodies.
 Most women readily agree to produce the liquor when told of our suspicious. I assure you that in no instance has a woman been forcibly inspected that did not have contraband on her person. And of course, in these cases, we always call for women employees from the office."
 It was recalled that about year ago, when the depression was leav- ing its mark in many cities, many young women of Detroit paraded across the river from day to day in expensive furs.
 They came by them honestly, 1t
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
EARLY PROBE OF z PUBLIC UTILITY
 COS ANNOUNCED
Holding Company Problem to Be Considered First By Interstate and FOr-- eign Commerce Com= nlittee

Washington, Dec 16.-(UP)- Early action on proposals for a congressional investigation of puD- lie utility holding companies was indicated to-day. ;
 Chairman Rayburn, of the house committee on interstate and foreign commerce, announced that the holding company problem would be the first question before his committee for action. Ray burn has introduced a resolution providing for the investigation. He said he also expected to press Tor early action on bill giving the interstate commerce commission authority over railroad acquisitions by holding companies.
 The federal trade commission was told to-day by Examiner Ken meth Miller that a "voting trust" controls 90 per cent of the common stock of North American Light & Power company, utilities holding company.
 Of the 1,45S,695 shares of com- mon stock issued by the company in 1929, Miller testified in the commissions utilities investigation, 1,255,628 shares were held by a "voting trust" comprising the North American, Insull and Stude- baker interests. H
 Miller said that "actual control" of the company, twas in the vot- ing trustees" These trustees in 193O. were Frank l.. Dame, presi- dent of the North American com pany; Samuel Insult, chairman of the board of the Middle West Utili- ties company, and Clement Stude- baker, Jr, president of North American Light and Power.
 The examiner outlined .re- organi- zation transactions of the company in 1926 when it merged with North American Light & Power corpora ton of Delaware. At that time the company was known as North American Light & Power of Maine.
 "The investments of the North American Light 2. & Power of Maine" he testified, "were written up by an amount of $S,467,247, sufficient to create capital sur plus large enough. to take care of the increase in stated value of the securities of the new company over the part valu- ofEthe common stock of the Maine company"
 The company issued 600,0OO shares of common stock at the time of it's reorganization, 510, 900 shares of which were distributed among the General Electric Com pany, North American Company and Middle West Utilities coiApany, Miller said. Each conpany paid $25 per share, General Electric getting 102,000 shares and the others 204,000 shares each.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
0AKvILLE

The Girl Scouts met Monday evening at the Community house with their captain Miss Lillian Sumner.
 After the regular business meet ing two dolls were dressed for Christmas and baskets were pre- pared later. Those attending the netting were: Evelyn Laraway. Dorothy Olmstead, Mildred Davis. Virginia White, Shield Keilty, Carolyn Beardslee, Mildred Be- telle, Dorothy Brandt, Ruth Pratt, Ruth Bradshaw. Germaine Ther- rian, Mary Holdridge, Dorothy Arlington, Martha Gwiazdowski, Helen Hychka,, Bertha Therrian, Isabelle Currie, Maria Boulanger, Bernice Wilson, Anna Daddona, Dorothy Arlington.
 Surprise Birthday Party.
 Saturday evening number of friends and relatives of Mrs Flu gene Deschene gathered at her home and celebrated a surprise party in honor her birthday. Music. games and radio were enjoyed.
 Later in the evening a delicious luncheon was served.
 Mrs Dechene received many pretty and useful gifts from the guests attending who were:
 MT and Mrs Frank Blach, MT and Mrs, Eugene Deschene, Miss Irene Balch, Franklyn Balch, all of Oakville and MT and Mrs Char les Gillette and son Donald of Bristol, MT and Mrs Francis Des- chene and children. Jean and Marilyn of Stamford, MT and Mrs Ernest Blackman, Alice Black man, Gerald Blackman, MT and Mrs William Blackman, MT and Mrs Ebinar Fairchild all of Dan- bury.
 Mrs Bell Entcrtains.
 Mrs Walter Robertson of Bald win street was the guest of honor at a farewell party given by Mrs Ernest Bell of Van Orman street. Mrs Robertson was a member of the Lady McAlpin lodge. Daugh- ters of Scotia and in remembrance of the local lodge the members presented Mrs Robertson with a pocketbook and @ sum of money. Games. dancing and radio music were enjoyed to a late hour. A delicious luncheon was served to the guests attending who were:
 Mrs John Brown, Mrs William Raeburn. Mrs John Raeburn. Mrs Anna Anderson. Mrs Hugh Suther- land. Mrs Lois Raggo, Mir and Mrs Ernest Bell. Mir and Mrs Edward Nutbrown, Mir and Mrs George Cruicksshank. MT and Mrs John McKenna. Mir and Mrs Douglas Cameron, Mir and Mrs Arthur Thompson. Mrs Catherine Williams Mrs William liallihan, Mrs Peter Beverldge. Mrs Mary Wilson, Mrs James Marshall. Mrs Robert Mae. shall. Airs Edward Mcnvoy. Mrs
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
|$3O,OOO ACTIONS
 NOW BEING HEARD
Two Boys Each Claim $l5,OOO for Injuries
 in Auto MisllapS
ONE CASE GONE TO JURY

Two damage suits are before the local courts here at the present time in which both plaintiffs are young boys suing for injuries to their left legs as the result of hav- ing been struck by automobiles. In both suits damages of $15,000 are asked. An unusual feature about the cases is that the fractures in both instances are in the left thigh bones of the youths.
 Evidence in one case, Frederick I1ipsh, 10, against H. A. Hollander, has been complete and is before a jury in superior court for de- liberation. In the other case, Ambrose Carangelo, 12, against the Nutmeg Farm, Inc, the evidence is being presented before Judge FL bert B. Hamlin in the common pleas court.
 The jury in the Hipsh case re- tired for deliberation at 12:3O o. clock, but returned at 1 o'clock without having reached a decision and was excused until 2 o'clock for luncheon. Judge John Rich ards Booth completed his charge to the jury at 12:30 o'clock after arguments were presented by At torneys Michael V. Blansfield and Sidney S. Cassel for the plaintiff and Attorney Richardson T. Bron- son for the defendant.
 The Hipsh boy charged in his suit that he was injured by the de- fendant's truck on North Main street last May 2nd, when the de- fendant's agent, Salvatore Brevetti, was driving. ..
 In the Carangelo case the boy was struck on the Cheshire road by the farm truck. Attorneys Pasquale DeCicco and Frank J. Mcdonald appear for the plaintiff. Attor- neys John H. Cassidy and William T. Keavney represent the defend ant
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
HILLCREST WATER JOB MODEL FOR FUTURE
Similar Contract 2 To Be Applied In
 All Future Work
City to Be Thoroughly Protected in Present Case By
 Terms of Contract and Any Others Made ,s.s<-'E
 Later On ss.

dents is expected to be used as "a model in future years as the de- mand for further such water sales from the Brass City to surround- ing communities becomes greater, it was stated to-day. At Monday nights aldermanic meeting Mayor Frank Hayes was authorized Ito contract with the. Hillcrest district for the water supply but until to- day full information as to the makeup of the contract has not been generally learned.
 Under the contract into which Mayor Hayes will enter with the incorporators of the Hillcrest dis trict, Waterbury is very thorough ly protected. The contract pro- vides that while the cost to the Mid .dlebury residents at the present time will be 10 per cent greater than 15 cents per 100 cubic feet of water, the present rate charged to local property owners, the municipality will have the power of increasing this charge if the local rates are jumped.
 The contract, 1t has also beer ascertained, requires that the Hill crest residents shall install 8 mas. ter meter at, the Waterbury-Mid. dlebury line. The city will not dc business with the Middlebury resi-. dents but with the Hillcrest fire District, Inc, as a whole. The dis. trict will collect from the individ. uals. The city will collect from the fire district as corporation passing its charges on the master meters readings. Delinquency or the part of residents of the Hill. crest district in paying water bill: will not mean any loss to the city of Waterbury, in other words.
 Of course, it is expected that ir the next decade the city will star providing water for other sur rounding communities and the plar drawn up between Hillcrest and Waterbury is expected ito be used ac Q ynodef In flgttlre fra Sa ri ions
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
BY RAY BLACK


 Chicago, Dec 16-(UP)-Per- tumultuous party conclave than the one held May 16, 1860. in a huge ramshackle structure on
 It was there, with the barn-like interior packed with tobacco-chew- ing, whiskey drinking men from the prairies, that Abe Lincoln was nominated by a then new republi- can party.
 Prairie yells and the roar oi cannons atop the "wigwam" and the Fremont Hotel announced the nomination of the rail-splitter.
 If history repeats itself, mex: summers republican convention in the Chicago Stadium, structure as different from the 'wigwam" as the Chicago of to-day is from the Chicago of the sos, may see de- Corum forgotten in Q burst of old time partisan fervor.
 For days, plainsmen poured in by wood-burning railroad train and by stages to attend the repub- lican convention in 1860. The Lin- coin men were at the Fremont Ho- tel, listening to the stratagems of Judge David Davis.
 At the Richmond hotel were William H. Seward. the cultured, eloquent New Yorker. and his par tisans. They had money, flags, brass bands and a close organiza- ton.
 The day of. the convention they paraded, bands blaring and flags flying. Judge Davis packed the "wigwam" with Lincoln men. When the eastern visitors tried to enter, they found the big shed filled. Few except accredited east ern delegates got in.
 William Evarts, famous New
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
PLIERS RESCUED
 FROM SEA AFTER
 TEN HOURS WAIT
Freighter Picks Up Men, Who Were EnrOute to Porto Rico, Some Dis- tance Off Cape May

New York, Dec 16. (UP)-Two fliers were safe aboard the Freight CT Frieda to-day after drifting ten hours at sea in a small metal sea- plane forced down off Cape May.
 The aviators, Paul Zimmerman. 42. and Edmund Noodle, 29, had hopped off from the Newport, N. J., airport yesterday morning with Porto Rico as their destination. They had flown about 800 miles before the mishap.
 The plane was a small open cockpit model designed and built by the former seven years ago. Ohio, is married and lives at Key port. His wife received word of his safety last night. Noodle, also married. lives in Brooklyn.
 A radiogram to the wives said the Frieda would land the fiiers at Boston. The message did not eX- plain the forced landing.
 Zimmerman until recently was employed by the Aero Marine Klemm company at Newport. He was on his way to Porto Rico to visit his mother. Mrs Zimmerman said. She said he expected to en- gage in flying instruction work there. She added she did not be- lieve the fiiers carried much food and expressed the belief that lack of fuel forced the boat down in the ocean.
 Mrs Noodle received radio- gram from her husband last night in which he said that he and his companion were safe and unin. jured aboard the Freighter rrieda.
 ''Safe on Frieda. Boston bound. the radiogram read.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
FIREMEN AWAKE
 TO FIGHT BLAZE

Weymouth, Mass, December 16 = (UP) - After being awakened by policeman, four firemen fought a fire in the North Wey- mouth fire station early today.
 The firemen were asleep in the building when the fire, believed of incendiary origin, started in rear wall.
 Aid was. called from the East Weymouth station.
 Damage was estimated at $50.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
BUSINESS
 MAN DIED HERE TODAY

Julius Swirski, A, well-known meat and grocery dealer of Nauga- tuck died at the Waterbury hos pital this morning. Medical Ex- aminer Dr Edward II. Kirschbanm viewed the remains and recorded the case as one of suicide. The cause was carbolic acid. The de- deceased in a Respondent mood swallowed about two ounces of carbolic acid.' He was rushed to the local hospital, but died within thirty minutes of admission. MT Swirski conducted a store on Bridge street, Union City, and re- sided on Hoadley avenue. He was married and leaves his wife and family.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
Vacations Cut
 This Christmas
Only Five Days This Year Due to InfanIe Paralysis in
 September r-Usually Ten

It's going to be brief Christ mas vacation for the school chill dren this year" The usual pre- Christmas to after New Year vaca- ton has been cut down to a short vacation which starts on Thursday noon, December "A until Wednes- day morning. December 30. This gives the kiddies five days instead of ten days that usually comprises the Christmas vacation.
 The reason for this vacation cut is that the school officials are de- sirous of making up" the days
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

lost through the shutting of schools due to the epidemic of infantile paralysis.
 In previous years, the little tots enjoyed prolonged vacation which started before Christmas and took them into the following year.
 Now, however, they will attend school right until the day before Christmas and will go back on the following Wednesday. This has caused many teachers to cut their bookings as many of them had planned trips to Bermuda.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
MILK PRODUCTION
 SHOWS DECREASE

Boston, Dec. 16.-(UP).-Aver- age daily milk poduction in New England on December 1 was nearly 2 per cent below that of Novem- Der l., accoding to a report by the New England crop reporting serv- ice to-day.
 It was z per cent less than a year ago, but nearly per cent above the five-year average. . The production averaged 14.7S pounds per COW on December 1, against 15.O5 on the first of No vember, 14.89 on December I, 1880, and 14.22, the five-year average.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
PLYMOUTH

Miss Almeda Taylor as secretary of the attendance in the Congre- gational Sunday school has an nounced the following report for the month of November as follows: Total enrolment; 80; main school, 54; primary, 26; average attend ance, AS; visitors. 8; attendance by classes: Mrs. William Kelley. II in class. 60 pc cent; N. F. Root, 5, 80 per cent; Miss Edith Norton. s, 7s per cent; Mrs. Edward Burr. g. 61 per cent; Miss Edith Sutliffe, 4. 60 per cent; Rev. Thomas Carlson. 5, GA per cent. Miss Harmony Buell., 5, 56 perFcent; Mrs. George Langdon. 6. 55 per cent; Ms. Jo- seph Sarasin, 5, b6 per cent: Miss Edith Buell.. 6, 53. per cent; E. J. Morse, 6, 50 pc cent3 Lewis Mat toon, z, 43 per cent; Mrs. Fred Buell., 8, 40 per cent,
 Automobiles Wanted t
 There will be a delegation of 20 or more boys to attend the junior high school boys conclave to be held Saturday from the Y. M. c. A. of Plymouth If automobiles are provided for transportation.
 To Tic Greens
 The members of St. Peters Epis- copai church and parish will meet this afternoon and evening in the church to tie greens to be used for Christmas decorations.
 The annual Christmas tree and pageant services will be held Sum day. December e7th.
 Card Party
 The social committee Of Ply. mouth grange will hold card pa~y in the grange hall on Sat urday night. .t.t
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

William MacKinnon, Mrs George German, Mrs Robert Montgomery.
 Mrs Robertson is to move to Springfield, Mass, in the near future.
 Free Haircuts.
 Saturday morning from S:30 O. clock to 12 o'clock the Central shop in the village owned by Joe Cappello will give free haircuts to the children of the unemployed. Tickets for the haircuts may be obtained from Miss Lucia Leslie, principal of the South school.
 Mems Club Supper.
 The Mems club will hold their monthly supper on Friday evening at 7:00 o'clock. The men will pre- pare the supper. Chief cook, Grover Baldwin: purchasing agent, Frank Menetrey; decorator. Oscar l.. Locke; general committee, II. J. Ande; president, Frank Mene- trey. Grover Baldwin. Loren Chase, Ralph Clinton, Ralph Wheeler, Oscar l.. Locke: Harry Hard has charge of the entertainment.
 Tax Collectors Notice.
 The personal taxes which have ben due since the 18th of Novem- Der should be paid before Tuesday night or the legal penalty of one dollar will be imposed. An exten- sion of day or two Is always granted for those who have made an oversight of the debt. and the hours for this wek in which the taxes may he paid arc: At the Town Hall on Tuesday from 2 to 5 and from [ to Q o'clock; In Oak vile at Brynes Drug store on We'd nesday from to Q o'clock.
 Briefs.
 Mae Villa Babln of WaiertOwn avenmc was the soloist at the fu- neral of Mary keefe at SC Francis church yoatorday morning.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
CONDEMNATION AGREEMENT.

The Country club of Waterbury will pay $l5.76 weekly to Narzio Rinaldl of 316 Orange street, dur ing the iatter's disability with a hernia according to m agreement filed nt the compensation court to. day and approved by Commissioner Frederic M. Williams.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

Construction. of the contract to he entered into between the city of Waterbury and the Hillcrest fire district of Midd1ebury whereby this municipality will supply water seryice to the tout of town resi-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

A wheel weighing 200 pounds flew off, an auto bus at East Falls worth, England, bounded over a five.foot hedge and crashedthrough a window ofaa house. smashing the furniture.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

New zealand's imports from Ger many are decreasing to . pre-war basis.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
Chicago Convention Of 1860 And 1882
 Being Compared
Young Republican Party Nominated Abe" Lincoln at
 First Chicago Gathering Amid Great Tumult

Editors Note:-Some of the stormiest and most significant na- tional political conventions i'll the republics history have been held in Chicago, scene of the republican convention next summer. In this story, first of a series, the conven- tion that nominated Abraham Lin- coin. is described and compared with the one planned by republi- cans in 1882.