davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Building Advances

So far in 1891 building contracts have amounted to less than in the year preceding. But they are starting up One of the large building corporations of the country sees real hope for the third quarter of the year.
 A little easing of the mortgage loan sltu- ation is helping building, and building will help everything else. Better housing IS one of the great needs at all times People get tired doubling up the living with relatives. At the first hope of real job in the offing they make for more space and more privacy and comfort. A building bobm at this time would be foolish in any community. But it's rare locality which is not in need of few more good houses.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE BAR
(NeW' York Times)

(NeW IOrk T1meS)
 Years ago before the country and the professions were crowded, ad- mission to the bar was easy; almost a matter of course. You read law for a certain period. You went before the county bar examiners. amiable gentlemen with no disposi- ton to perturb the novice by too rigorous an "ordeaI." In the small CT cities and county towns 1t was likely enough that the applicant or some of his family were known to the questioners. An old lawyer in an eastern state remembers with amusement the searching scrutiny to which his legal knowledge was subjected. What is a promissory note?" What is bailment?" What is the Latin for 'feud'?" He passed. The examiners regarded this official duty as bore. There was plenty of sound learning among the elders; and perhaps some distrust of the value of ex- aminations.
 There was high corporate spirit in small local bars. The "shyster," and probably the incompetent, was rare. One is reminded of that an. cient tenderness to young Black stonians by a statement in Alfred z. Reeds Annual Review ol legal Education for 1930," publish ed by the Carnegie Foundation foi the Advancement of Teaching. Fiji teen States will have what Mi Reed calls "bar admission systems of technically primitive type" Examination is made the sole test both of general education and legal knowledge. Thus there can be no preliminary sitting of candidates The task of the examiners is un- necessarily made more difficult. We don't think 1t fair to give the names of these states, some of which are among the oldest and some among the newer American Commonwealths.
 We do not know what the ex- aminations are or what the effect of the system is upon the state bars selected by it or that those bars are inferior to those of other states. Some of the technical primitives" might be able to show as high 2 standard of capacity and integrity as those of the Intermediate" or advanced" type. But 1t is curious to find in almost a third of the states a survival of those pioneer" conditins about which Dean Pound has had such interesting things to say in regard to the conduct of trials and the attitude of lawyers and the public. Without dressing the pioneer" theory too much. 1t Is worth recording that mo state has followed as a whole" the rec concentrations of the American Bar association as to requirements
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

Stray jottings from a vacationist's note book - Lobsters shed their shells. You don't believe it, do. you? Neither did we, until we were shown one of the shells that the "shedders," as they are called, left be- hind It's perfect in every detail down to the smallest antenna and leg. How the iob- ster can emerge from the shell and grow another one is more than we can under stand, yet we were assured that such actually happens. It may be interesting to some people to know also that the large claws of the lobster are never the same size. One IS always heavier than the other
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
NEA Service Writer

N EA 6CEVICC "EltCE
 Washington-The famous old "Conscience Fund" continues to do business as usual.
 The amounts received each year by the treasury from persons who say they once cheated their Uncle Sam fiuctuate perhaps as widely as the human conscience itself and there is never anything to indicate that hard times either stimulate consciences or cause folks to hold back who otherwise might con- tribute. But there IS always some thing coming and an estimate from the treasury indicates that the amount sent by anonymous persons in the fiscal year 1881 about equals the $6,371 received in 1880.
 The fund received $30,000 in 1926 and only $118.76 in 1928, the lowest amount in a very long time. The big year was 1916 with its $54,923, thanks to record-break- ing deposit of $30,00O by a gentle man concerning whose identity the treasury hasn't the slightest idea. Since the first contributor paid $5 in 1911, the government has re- ceived about $8O0,000 in this man. ner.
 There isn't really a "Conscience Fund.- as. seekerst after donations or loans for worthy causes have to be advised again and again. The government takes the money, which is often sent in an envelope without explanation and often with the comment that the sender once defrauded the government, and &C., counts for it's under miscellaneous funds as money, received from persons unknown" The cash goes into the general fund.
 Recent receipts have been large ly from income tax evaders and veterans whose memories go back to the war days or who have since received money from the Veterans Bureau to which they were not en- titled. But there is the annual crop of folks who "once used postage stamp twice" and so send in an uncancelled stamp to square things.
 Religion figures importantly in the explanations. A man in Chica- go recently wrote: "I want to get this off my mind. have been con- verted and am now accepting op- portunities to preach the Gospel and do not want this to stand in my way" Some years ago, it ap- peared, he had taken box of car tridges from a National Guard ri- fie range. Ministers and directors of missions often address the treas- ury for information about the fund" apparently on behalf of persons who think they owe the government some restitution. Some- times they themselves send along money received from such persons.
 Others send articles. the signifi- canoe of the gift being mysterious. Three electric signal bulbs and an old razor have come in. addressed to the Conscience Fund" more or less recently. One man sent in a few dollars with the assertion that he had been impelled to do so by "voices in the air"
 Classic cases include that of the man who mailed quarter to pay for pebbles. acorns and leaves which he had taken as souvenirs from the Gettysburg National Cemetery years previously: the Civil War veteran who paid in $200
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
THE UNCoNQUERABLE HOPE.
(Hartford Courant)


 The Pennsylvania Forest Re- search Institute asserts its convic- tion that the chestnut. which seem- ed marked for destruction a decade ago, is recovering from the blight which killed nearly every adult Ire in the eastern states some years ago. The, Institute says: New shoots from the roots of the trees that were killed by the fungus have been growing rapidly with every evidence of health and strength. A fairly good sized crop of chestnuts will be gathered"
 This news from Pennsylvania IS not greatly different in import from that which came to The Courant last year from several sections of this state. Chestnut blight caused a tremendous loss to New England and the Eastern States, greater we judge than any confiagration that has occurred in the area, but 1t did not put an end to chestnut trees. The blight had less effect on the roots than, it had on the branches. Hence it was that while the trunk and branches became dead wood. the roots did not. but sent up new growths.
 For the first few years these also died for the most part, though not all of them, but the blight decreased because of a lack of material upon which to feed and some of the saplings grew. Last year well developed burs contain ing ripe nuts were found in diff ferent parts of the state, and 1t is reasonable to assume that the crop this year will be larger than in 1880. The. next generation of rural New Englanders will experience the thrill of gathering chestnuts of a windy morning in October. We are sorry that the kindred pleas ure of gathering hiskory nuts may be denied them for most of the hickory trees were felled long ago and no one so far as we know has taken the trouble to plant others.
 The chestnut will care for itself. and may receive aid from man. who wakened to sense of It's value when blight took If trOm him. For aught we know like blight might have appeared before New England was settled. In that case the Indians pursued exactly the same course which has govern ed New England in the past deacde or so, that of doing nothing. be- cause no one has known what to do. But si xweeks hence we cx- pect to hear of chestnuts in Con- necticut.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Campers Health

There has been considerable satisfaction in the development of camp facilities TOT ooys and girls in recent years. Teaching them woodcraft and enjoyment of simple, sell reliant outdoors life has seemed valuable thing morally and physically It is there fore. shock to learn that the number or illnesses in organized summer camps ln- creases with the length of stay of the camp CTS. This was discovered through careful study of more than 500 camps with some l66,OOO campers in 1929 and 1850. he study was conducted by the National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters Of New York city.
 There were various reasons for the illness record. They include lack of sufficient sleep. lack of sufficient and suitable food and over activity in camp fostered by com petitive games These things are obviously bad management. Any adult competent to manage such camp should know that youngsters under the stimulus of exciting surroundings and fellowship are likely to overdo if not especially watched and pro- tected. The hour for retiring at camps IS usually reasonably carly but kids go on performing monkeyshines and whispering long after that and then try to get out and start the new day with the dawn. These things should be watched.
 Extra rations of food and regular qulet hour or nap time during the day are essential to outdoor life So too, is careful planning of the program of activities, so that young sters may be wholesomely tired by nghtfall' but not physically and nervously exhausted Most camps nowadays are healthfully located with pure water supply and other health facilities. Those things are not enough as the illness records show.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

Although public referendum on the matter will be held early in September it be- gins to look as if West Hartford would turn down its opportunity to acquire Charter Oak Park for public playground and recreation center. Just at present the property is in the hands of the Chase National Bank of New York city. It has offered the famous old park to the town at price of $l20,OOO. Purchase of it has been pending in West Hartford for some few months now, but this week the town board of finance turned
 in report to the Town Council vetoing the entire proposition. Of course, it would be an expensive project for a town the size of West Hartford to float just at the present time with business conditions poor and no- body anxious to raise tax rates. Still we rather imag inc that the town will be the loser in the long run by not taking owner ship of the tract Undoubtedly it will be developed along some such lines as it was
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Al The National Capitol DAILY WASHINGTON LETTER Digest of Who's Who and What's What
 By RODNEY BUTCHER
DAILY WASHINGTON LETTI
By RODNEY BUTCHER

not many years ago for a mule stolen during his service: the man who sent a nickel because he had once found one on the street and kept 1t; the woman who sent four cents because she had once re- moved a newspaper from the files at the Library of Congress, and the man who wanted to send $8,000 but cut the bills in half and wouldn't send the other half until convinced that the first package had been received.
 An ex-soldier recently wrote to find out if the unidentified buddy" who 12 years ago had stolen $26 from his pants as he slept on a homebound transport hadn't ever become conscience-stricken and sent $26 to the fund" If so. the loser could still use it. The $26 has not yet been received.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Orderly Coal Production

A government commission in England. after studying the coal industry with view to reorganization. proposes this plan: The country would be divided into half dozen geographical units. each independent of the others, and in each of which only those mines would be continued which can be worked economically. Thus the costs of the industry would be reduced by "concen- tration of productive effort
 This is an obvious step to take though just how the commission proposes to meet the human problems of closing mines and eliminating more than 100000 superfluous miners is not clear. The problem exists in every oal-producing country. Because of the competition of oil and waterpoWer. coal can hardly pay the cost of production any, where.
 Before the world gets through with this problem, governments may take over the superfluous coal properties at a reasonable valuation. to hold unproduotve against the time of need. That time will come sooner or later. Oil will give out. and waterpower is limited in quantity. Govern ments theoretically continuing forever, can do that sort of thing better than mortal owners or ephemeral corporations.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Quotations

Most of the problems of our American students arise from un- wise or stupid use of their leisure time.
 pr Clarence Cook Little. People are doing lot of think ing to-day. They've got to get used to new era. We are in a different era and we've got to face 1t. Henry Ford.
 o-O-o
 am not optimist enough to be- lieve that the 62 years required under the war debts payment plan will go. by before the next war comes.
 Senator Willard E. Tydings of
 Maryland.
 Of all proposals for the econ omic rehabilitation of the world l know of none which compares in necessity and importance with the limitation of armaments. President Hoover. It is not in the cards to take the nomination away from President Hoover. Senator George R. Noses of
 Hampshire.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Hibernians Here

Waterbury is signally' honored in playing host to the annual state convention of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It has been particularly good year for conventions in this city. We are rapidly claiming state wide attention for the hand of fellowship we extend to delegates and visitors from other towns. We hope that this expression of friendship will continue through the years to come and that Waterbury will continue to play the role of the perfect host. It IS an extreme pleasure for the Democrat to well come the Hibernians tonight. Waterbury has always been proud of its citizens of Irish origin. They have played an important part in building big city in the Naugatuek valley and in establishing the necessary con- tacts which make for an ideal home life.
 Anyone who cares to look up the records and the history of the Ancient Order Of Hi- bernians in Waterbury will find the roster filled with names of men and women who have taken prominent part in the mould ina of the large city that We now inhaoit. They came from every walk of life. from all the professions. The society itself dates away back to 1857. It was founded in New York city by Hugh Murray and its object was purely benevolent, providing both sick and death benefits. It has remained true 10 the principles laid down by the origlnai founders throughout the close to one hun dred years of its existence.
 Just after the turn of the century interest in the Hibernians of Waterbury was at such a height that the city boasted six divisions and woman's auxiliary. A year later the famous Hibernian Rifles was organized and during its nearly twenty years Of aetiV'ty
 was picturesque and formidable part Of tho citys military. Although interest in the Hibernians waned to the extent of recent wears that there is but one men branch ana two womens auxilaries membership IS stiii large enough to convince everyone that lrisn traditions and heritages are still thought or and talked about by those who regard the Emerald Isle as their mother
 The large gathering of Hibernlans in Waterbury yesterday and today IS praise. worthy. It is with smile of cheer and hearty handclasp that we greet the visitors
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
TODAY IS THEA ANNIVERSARY SgGZ@
Navy Orders Ships

On August 20, 1917. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels conferred with representatives of 25 ship and engine builders for the purpose of providing the United States with more destroy CTS than any other power.
 "Destroyers," he said, "are the one thing submarines fear"
 Secretary of the Navy Daniels indicated the Navy Department would order all the destroyers the builders could produce. The sum of $40O,0OO,000 was mentioned as necessary to carry out this pro- gram. A four-year building plan was proposed.
 On this date also General Pe- tain won a victory before Verdun, breaking the enemy line and cap turing German defenses on both sides of the Mouse. More than 4,00O prisoners were taken.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
O-O-O IT WAS EVER THUS
They never quarreled while spoon-

They never quarreled while spoon-
 ing,
 But after they were wed. Every kind word disappeared, And cross ones came instead.
 o-O-O A man tips his hat to a friend, he raises 1t to lady.
 O-O--o This is the ''canning season" for mother. I suppose 1t makes dry dad bit jealous. }
 O-O-O
 This completes our regular Thursday evening program broad cast by DBD, Waterbury's pio- neer station, owned and operated by the Evening Democrat. We are signing off at this time, to be back on the air again to-mororw evening att he usual hour.
 o--O--O
 Good piGht
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

originally planned. although it might with in reason become real estate subdivision. The state has found in the past that when it postponed purchase of available land for park or forest purposes or even for high way right of way that it was cheaper to buy promptly and not in the future. as prices were always sure to advance.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

"Yama, Yama Yama Man. Terrible eyes and face of tan ." Remember when Bessie Mccoy was singing that famous tune in her husky tones in The Three Twins
 She died this week at Bayonne, France. She was the widow of the famous writer and war correspondent Richard Harding Davis She will always be remembered, however, as the Yama- Yama girl.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
Personal Health Service (By William Brady, M. D.

Signed letters pertaining to persohai health and hygiene, not disease diagnosis or treatment. will be answered by Dr braoy' Address him, care of the Democrat sehdihe stamp and addressed envelope.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
TEE, HEB

Here lies the body,
 Of Sister Kate.
 She hoarded her money
 And now it's too late.
 O-O--O Then there was the child pro- dizzy who referred to King Winter as a Cold Miner.
 o-O-O
 Who can remember the good old days when folks didn't need q summer house. Instead they sat in weather beaten chairs beneath grape arbors and electric fans were unknown.
 O-O-o Many a would-be college foot ball star peddles ice all summer in order to tougher up and make the team, only to get the cold shoul- der at the first fall practice.
 O-O-o
 The only thing uncertain about some women is their age.
 The latest edition of wall pa per will soon be off the press.
 O-O-o
 They're making gas stoves so pretty now that you feel like putting 'em in the par Tor, rather than the kitchen.
 o-O-o Everything nowadays is control You're asked to control your temper, your car, your children and then they put a heat contro on the gas stove, cold control or the electric refrigerator and an automatic control on the electric iron.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
"A SMILES THE THING"

Good evening.
 o-O-o
 POLITICS Of all the greatest rackets In thi sland of the free. Politics sure takes the cake. With slogan, Vote For Me-" Once year the trumpets blare. The poor sheep fall in line, The while the politicians grin. And find things going fine.
 (CHORl ) It's a racket. racket, There's gravy for few. It's racket, a racket. A racket old, not new, We listen to line of air, Spilled over here. spilled over
 there, Then yell and pull each others
 hair,
 There's gravy for a few. A bloke gets up and speaks his
 piece. Then we all shout hooray. But he won't even know you After election day. He'll shake your hand the week
 before, And pat you on the back, But once the votes are counted. Can go sit on tack.
 (CHORUS) It's a racket. racket, There's gravy for few, It's a racket, racket, A cockeyed racket. too, They promise this and promise
 that, They're only talking through
 their hat, Mere hot air. and that is that, There's gravy for few.
 o-O--o The former bartenders are starting to operate filling stations. A case of from one good tank to another.
 o-O-o An outboard motor may make the dickens of a lot of noise, but then you can't hear the back seat driver talking.
 o-O-o suppose politicians use soft soap to get rid of some of the mud. ~
 o-O-O Now they're playing golf on ocean liners. Well, you never have to worry about a water hazard.
 o-O--o The up-to-date electrical wife Is one who throws ice cubes instead of rolling pins at her husband.
 n
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

High tide at Milford Friday, August 2l, 6:48 p. m Daylight time); low tIde 2:5O a. m. Daylight time).
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

Seyji Yoshihara, "the Lone Eagle" of Japan may soon make his second attempt to fly across the Pacific by way of the Aleutian Islands to Alaska and down the coast to Seattle. Yoshihara has already made a notable solo fight from Berlin to Tokyo and in May failed in an attempt to fly east ward from Tokyo to the American mainland.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

All vehicles must be lighted not later than 8:l5 o'clock Daylight saving time) tonight.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

Many business man is turning this de- pression to good account by perfeeting his golf stroke.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

Item for an economic crossword puzzle - the one form of property that everybody has to come back to sooner or later-word of four letters.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
DING, DING

Fall is nearing,
 When q new style flaps, But there's always the old, The period of spats.
 o-O-o Hunting is great aid to busi- ness. A man spent $150 for gun and clothing to go out and bag about $1.98 worth of rabbits.
 O-O-O The dole system to Eng lands unemployed is raising havoc with the treasury. It looks as if the Union Jack was lacking jack.
 O-O-o Fraternal organizations are los- ing members. A man doesn't need the lodge as an excuse to get out nowadays.
 O-O-O
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20

I saw them pass
 Golden pheasants
 Through the grass; The hayfield,
 Brown and bare and still Seemed changed and gay When gaudy pheasants Passed that way. A flash of green, of gold and b And long tailed pheasants Settled down
 TO seek in quiet fields. The grain, ,asys And bring a gleam 3 V Of jewels there s2lAl Where stubble fields .EgNJ Were brown and bare. aAhzAA
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
TO-DAY'S SELECTED POEM

(By Jessie Linkletter in The Christian Science
 Montor)