davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
Don't Swing Too Often

When the axe of economy is levelled at governmental bureaus 1t too often slips from the hand of the operator and knows down or inJures sound timber. It is the idea in any economy program to eliminate only what isn't needed now or in the immediate future. Conneeticut's budget makers have been busily engaged in tossing out stray ap- propriations of recent weeks in an effort to make the budget balance. They succeeded in this last operation, but it looks as if it was obtained at too great sacrifice Take for example the unprecedented procedure of taking away the annual salaries of the mem- bers of the tuberculosis commission. If this was a political football 1t might be un- derstood. but since it is a group which has done an immense amount of valuable work in the state it is hard to see what reason could be advanced for taking such a drastic step.
 And we must agree with Highway Com- missioner John A. Macdonald that the bill introduced in the Legislature to abolish the bureau of roadside development, seems also i'll advised. This branch of the highway de- partment is comparatively short-lived when
 
 space of time in which it has existed it has done more than its share of making Connec ticut nationally famous for its good roads. A well-laned highway is much more than mere ribbon of concrete through the coun- trysde. It is part of the country through which it passes. And this phase of road de- velopment has been happily entrusted to an entirely different branch of the highway de- partment than that engaged in cutting roads through pastures or rocks.
 Commissioner Macdonald describes the work of the bureau of roadside development as follows:-' Maintenance, cleaning and moving of roadsdes: maintenance of old shade trees as matter of safety to the pub lie as well as for their appearance; main tenance of old milestoneS as matter of hls- torical importance; maintenance of rock cuts seeding and planting of slopes and embank- ments to stabilize them. thus preventing landslides into the traffic area as we'll as beau tifying them and reducing maintenance; necessary grading to reduce traffic hazards at intersections and blind curves.
 "Construction and maintenance of high way gardens. picnic grounds, parking areas; grading and improving roadside and waste areas; maintenance of existing trees, shrubs and vines planted during the past few years. The planting of new trees comprises about one-tenth of the work - This is certainly a job that can't be left to the until ated nor can it be neglected. Not if We wish to maintain the high standard which Con- nectcut's roads have established We're all for economy, but not at a price far beyond our means
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
Our Daily Washington Letter
To Abolish Electoral College
BY RODNEY BUTCHER

small margin they won at that democratic convention.
 "A man can run independently for any office except the presi- dency.
 "He can't run independently for president because he has to go out and form an organization in every congressional district in the United States to get his elec- tors on the ballot. That can be done in theory, but not in prac- tice. Organizing another party becomes extremely expensive. The Roosevelt campaign of 1912 cost millions of dollars.
 .:
 Another reason for getting rid of this system of electors is that when you put all their names on the ballot the ballot becomes so long that no one understands it.. The people vote for groups of men whom they don't know and who will have nothing to do after they're chosen"
 The Norris amendment would still give each state the same number of votes-they probably would still be called electoral votes-and' the results would be certified to congress by the gov- ernors. State laws would continue to cover the qualifications for get- ting a candidates name on the ballot. High man in each state election would win the electoral vote, but there wouldn't be any more electors.
 life terms for judges, espe- cially of trial judges, should be eliminated" says Norris, who used to be a judge himself. "The tendency now is for judges to be- come little monarchs. Often their appointments are brought about by corporate interests. They ought to be appointed for specific farpnav
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

We wonder what Senator Hiram A. Bingham of New Haven is saying about this scheme that would bring him and sev- eral other senators into the House of Repre- sentatives in the l934 congressional elee- tions. Senator Jim" Watson, Moses and few others are declared to be back of the movement to get control of the House after the 1894 election. They are now retiring from the scene of their former triumphs, having been defeated last fall in the demo- cratic upheaval. The only fly in this oint- ment is the fact that perhaps the Messrs. Watson, Bingham, Moses, ct alia might find it more difficult to get into the House in l934 than they imagine it to be. Just be- cause former Senator Wadsworth of New York succeeded in getting himself elected to the House is no sign these others will be as fortunate Also there isn't any reason to be- lieve that 1934 will bring such an upset as will deprive the democrats of their re- gently acquired power in national politics. The scheme is merely visionary.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
A Book a Day by BRUCE CATION
Legend Of
 A Princess

A novel which fails to do what it sets out to do can sometimes be more worth reading than one which is brilliantly successful. It all depends on the question, Who wrote it?
 There is, for instance, "Pocahon- tas," by David Garnett.
 This novel. telling the story of that romantic Indian princess Of the early days of Virginia, seems to me to be failure. It starts well and it ends well, but it has a long, arid stretch in the middle in which it becomes a dull recital of unin- teresting facts.
 But because MT. Garnett com mands a delicate and distinguished prose style, and because he has more than the ordinary amount of sympathetic insight, "Pocahontas" makes better reading than many a book which sails right through without a lag.
 Pocahontas herself hardly comes to life uctil the book is more than helf finished. But when she does, she becomes very real and under standable. Her compelling desire to visit London, to learn the ways of the whites and step out in her own world, her gradual conversion from the customs of her own race -these things are skillfully and tenderly handled.
 And Captain John Smith, too, that mixture of heroism and cow ardice, cool competence and ar rant braggadocio-he is represent ed unforgettably.
 Best of all, though. is MT. Gar nett's subtle contrast of the Indian culture with the white, and his evocation of the: spirit that brood- ed over the shores of the Chesa- peake three centuries ago. / "Pocahontas" is published by Harcourt, Brace and Co. It costs $25O
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
A Timely Criticism

The remarks of Chief Justice William M. Maltbe of the supreme court of er- TOTS delivered at the banquet of the Hart ford County Bar association last Friday night were quite similar to some made few hours earlier in the state capitol during hearing on the so-called district court bill. Chief Justice Matbie said in part. When we look at the spectacle which day by day is spread for our delectation on Capitol Hill wonder. of political trafficking in minor judgeships; we consider that throughout the length and breadth of this common wealth there is arising feeling of disgust street is raising his hands to high heaven with the query why must this be?" how long can we expect public confidence in the leadership of the bar to continue?'
 Similar feelings were voiced before the judiciary committee earlier in the day as legislators, lawyers and civilians sprang to the defense of the district court bill which would remove the taint of politics and ''deal' from our minor courts and give to them the same cloak of responsibility which we have gradually placed around our higher courts. We do not think that the General Assembly will long be able to stand up un- der the barrage of criticism and abuse that is being heaped upon it for its tardiness in removing the minor courts from politics. We exempt neither democrat nor republican from the stigma placed on the legislature. All must take the blame. All must unite tc remove the stigma.
 Surely when the chief justice of tbe su- preme court is moved to voice his dissatis- faction with the manner in which judge
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

ships are practically traded over the counter it is high time for the state to take action. Whether or not the district court is the rem edy for the situation that exists in Connect cut remains to be seen. But it is clearly vast improvement over our present system and infinitely preferable to the manner in which we now retain patronage through court appointments. But we do unite, we think in saying that to the governor should revert the power of appointment of judges to lower as well as higher courts Let the 1893 legislature go on record as insttuting in this state a new regime in the courts.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
COMMON PLEAS
(Bridgeport Telegraph

Bridgeport Telegraph
 Prior to the last session of the legislature judges of the common pleas court, like those of the super for and supreme courts, were nom- mated by the governor, subject to confirmation by the legislature. At the last session, the republican ma jority attempted to "score off' Gov ernor Cross by removing this nom- mating power from the governors hands, and putting the legislature completely in control.
 The republicans at that time did not foresee that the next election might put the democrats in control of one of the two branches of the legislature, if not both. Now they are faced with a situation in which the democratic senate is refusing to confirm any common pleas ap- pointsments. If it sticks to this re- fusal, the appointing power will eventually come back to the gov- ernor, after the legislature has ad- journed.
 It was distinctly a step back ward, thus to make a political foot ball out of the common pleas courts. Knowing the character and disposition of Governor Cross and his, reiterated belief that he repre- sents all of the people and not merely a party or faction, we be- lieve that the court appointments might be left to him in entire con- fidence. The blow at the governors office which was struck two years ago was entirely uncalled-for. Its aftermath which was dramatized in the refusal of the senate this week to confirm the reappointment of Judge Charles B. Waller of New London who has been on the com mon pleas bench for 25 years. is likewise unfortunate.
 One way out of the difficulty would be for the legislature to re- verse the hasty and bad-tempered
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
(NEA Service Writer)

N4NIL<A toShN NASO NvAhtSh
 Washington. The next constitu- Senator. George w. Norris to Me- braska-the proud parent of the latest one-will abolish the elec- toral college.
 What the: next amendment ought to be is another matter. Norris says that if he had his way there would be amendments to eliminate life terms for judges and make it impossible for the supreme court to declare an act of congress unconstitutional by a bare majority.
 Abolition of the electoral col- 1ege may become another Morris amendment" as was the lame duck amendment which he finally got through congress after an ef- fort of many years. The progress sive leader has resolution which would provide direct elec- ton of the president and vice president and promises to push 1t in the next congress.
 l: .
 "The electoral college is simply a fifth wheel to a wagon," he says. 'Long ago it ceased to carry out the objects the founders had in view. They supposed the electors would exercise their discretion in picking presidents.
 "They weren't ready to give the people the right to select their own president, nor even their sen- ators. We have remedied the de- feet with regard to senators and there's no excuse at all for the electoral college.
 "Under our political system as it has grown up, the effect of the present presidential election has been to make it impossible for anyone to run for president inde- pendently. Nominations must be made by political parties. Na- tional conventions, as everybody knows, are controlled by political bosses and machines. I believe that Roosevelt's nomination was an exception to the rule. The peo- pie will never realize by what a
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
Character in Public Life

A student of American history remarks Tn all the biographies of George Washing ton, and in the records of his own day, the greatest emphasis is placed upon his charac- ter It was his character which proved the cement destined to hold the Revolution and the new nation together. Men believed in him - in his sound judgment and practical intelligence. his moral integrity and bis sense of honor and loyalty.
 He was not a political or military genius. He had the genius of character. No great revolution is ever achieved and no new order is ever established unless somewhere among the leaders is a man who possesses unquestioned moral authority and prestige of personality The American Revolution was fortunate in finding such" man in George Washington"
 Is there not message for our day in that? A tragic weakness of our democracy is the lack of popular faith in the integrity and good will of public officials. It is astonishing and alarmng-to note how many citi- Zens take it for granted that courts are crooked and police forces rotten, that Con- gress IS interested only in local or sectional benefits, that graft is inevitable that no one is ever interested in public office except for personal glory or gain, that expedency is placed ahead of principle.
 The public overlooks it's own responsl- bility in the matter It often fails to reward with respect and support those public off, cials who serve with honor and loyalty. It would be better for the nation if its citizens paid less attention to detached utterances of Washington on special subjects-such as the 'entangng alliances phrase-and more at- tention to the example of his character
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
So They Say

The man who will serve you against his convinctions will serve you falsely in the end. David $. Barry, former senate
 sergeant at arms, discharged for
 saving some members of con-
 gross are bribe takers.
 The most confounded surplus we have is of moss-backed phil osophers who say you cant oo Louis J. Taber, head of the Na-
 tional Grange.
 Men may stake their lives for money, but there are no ideal forces behind the league or na- tions to kindle the sacred name or enthusiasm.
 Gen Hans won Seeckt, former
 commander-in-ch chief of the Ger
 man republican army.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

Connecticut isn't the only state that is giving ear to the growing demand for side
 walks alongside of highways. Senator Thomas C. Desmond has just introduced bill in the New York Legislature seeking construction of sidewalks along state and county highways. They would be made of cinders. gravel or shale and not expensvely graded. Commenting on his bill Senator Desmond said. Tn these days of higher and higher automobile speeds it is becoming in- creasingly dangerous for' 'either children or adults to walk along the concrete or other hard surfaced pavements of modern roads,
 Several days ago the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles reported that during the calendar year l932. automobiles had caused injuries to 43,6 pedestrians in New York state, with l,562 resulting deaths .'' We don't suppose that it will be possible to get the 1o33 Connecticut Legislature to do any thing about highway sidewalks. Two years ago commission was named to study the need for thes,. It has made i-s report. bu; no action has been forthcoming We sincerely hope that some day modern highway con
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
V V v ON AND ON

Weary river.
 Running tot the sea, At least you're going somewhere, Weary though it be.
 o-O-o Then there was the old maid. so fond of cats, that she took trip to Paris to see the catacombs.
 o-O-o
 Professor Picard has been approached by nine young men, anxious to make the trip to the moon. But if it's as hot on the moon as some say, Pic ard better discard his cellu- Ibid collar before starting. Either that or take along a hand extinguisher.
 o-O--o Zangara was given 80 years for attempting the life of Roosevelt. He can spend the first 70. writing his life story for the pink edition of the tabloids.
 o-O-o
 Now it develops that Zan- gara is fond of contract bridge. Which probably explains why he went to the south for his play.
 o-O--O
 Suggestion for a new song, "How Deep is the Depression. How High is the Market?"
 o-O-o This concludues our regular Tuesday evening program. It was broadcast by DBD and came to you through the courtesy of the Waterbury Evening Democrat, pio- neer in this type of newspaper work. We are signing off at this time, to be back on the air again o-morrow evening at then usual hour.
 Good night.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

We'll it's happened just as it has been predicted numerous times in the last few years. One of the last official acts of Presi- dent Hoover was to send the name of Wal ter H. Newton, his secretary since 1929. to the Senate for confirmation as U. s. judge for second district of Minnesota. We don't know if Mir Newton will have any more success than those other g. o. D.. nominees whom the president has submitted to the Senate for action. We're inclined to think that this appointment, as others, will just gather dust in convenient pigeon-hole. Mir Newton is a former congressman, but &C., cording to all reports isn't held in such high esteem by his former confreres as to warrant any support for federal judgeshp.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
Personal Health Service (By William Brady, M. D.

Signed letters pertaining to personal health and hygiene, not disease diagnosis or treatment, will be answered by Dr Brady. Address him, care of the Democrat, sending stamp and addressed envelope.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

Wethershed is considering plan where by many of its streets would be renamed for historical characters and incidents linked with the towns history. This certainly would be nice foreruner to the states tricentennial to be celebrated in l935. Wethersheld is to play prominent part in that celebration. It would be fitting to re- call the towns part in the early days of Connecticut by restoration of those names associated with them.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

Editor Al Smiths New Outlook" having suffered a slight reversal in the United States Senate. might change its nafne to New Lookout
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
A FORGIVE PASSING
(New Haven Journal Courier

(New Haven Journal Courier)
 There's a world of pride in the heart of MT Heft, of Killingworth, owner of "the largest hog ever butchered in Middlesex county" and his pride is well founded. though perhaps 1t can hardly be comprehended by the modern indi- vidual who is far removed from the background needed for the appre- citation of the ownership of so great a creature of the porcine family.
 Back in the days when Parker Hill road had its periods of freez-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
Good evening.
 o-O-o AFTERMATH
eff ye break faith. we shall not
 sleep.")

Over the crimsoned fields where peoples blow A grey mist hovers like s changing wrath; And voices bring cry from out the mist: ""We sleep not, Comrades; dc ye keep the faithl" They gave their lives to make a better world, Safe for the old, the helpless, and the young Safe for that wider brotherhood of man; What of that victory so dearly wrung? What is this foe with whom we keep the quarrel? What IS the conflict that we must suppress3 What but the idol in the market place
 The symbol of a nation $ selfishnessl Is this remembering, that day by day
 They who were with then" falter to our doors Begging their humble stint of daily bread,
 The heroes-nay, the victims of our wars! That day by day they toll the weary roads. Where little children starve. and women sigh Our granaries OCT flow with golden grain! What say you. Comrades? Is the torch held high?" Far on Olympus. how the gods must laugh! - "The larks still sing; the morning comes anon;" We hoard the golden grain - and fling the chaff! "The peoples flourish - but our rest is gone!"
 -G. E. R. Shaw
 in Canadian Veteran.
 o-O-o Now they claim the clock of the world has run down. Which should prove good boost for the electrical variety ..
 o-O-o
 In civilian life it's mostly charge. In army life, charge and counter charge.
 o-O-o The best sway to start at the top is to have the old man pass on and leave you the business.
 O-O-O
 Who can remember the good old days when the fad in rub bers included the so-called "roll sole?"
 O-O-o We've not only reached bottom, but actually seem to be going through hard pan right now.
 o-O-O
 cn TIT GnEC
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

struetion will make allowances for the ps- desrian. His rights antedate those of the mo- torist by several centuries.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21
You hear the same cry,

EaCn Oay, you Dct, You can sell, but then money Is so hard to get.
 O-O-O Even quick sands are slow at times in making good their threat.
 o-O-o The man who listens in silence is perhaps very hard of hearing.
 O-O--O Life is like an oil gusher. Hard est to control when it means most to those involved.
 O-O---O China seems to be the lame duck of the east. Yet Norris doesn't seem anxious to help.
 o-O-O The debt we owe humanity might be squared if humanity would only recognize the debt 1t owes us.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

action of two years ago. restore the appointive power to the governor and let events take their course. We are quite sure that the governor would exercise the appointive pow CT for the best interests of the state and not for political expediency.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-21

All vehicles must be lighted not later than 6:03 tonight
The Coolidge examiner., 1933-12-29
Various Blue Shades Are
Popular for Sports Wear

Rivaling the dark rich tones which
are so smart for formal costumes
are the various shades of blue which
continue to be exceedingly popular
for sports. Navies, gray blues,
soft medium shades and purply
tones are all being shown In tweed
and knitted outfits for casual wear.
Blue Is a color which many wom-
en- find becoming. Formerly linn
tied to spring and summer wear,
it is now an all-year-round favorite.
A typical sports ensemble is made
of roguish diagonal woolen which
suggests hand-loomed fabric. The
short Jacket is double-breasted with
notched lapels. The skirt has
stitched-down pleats in the front.
Over this is worn loose raglan
coat of the tweed, in three-quarter
length. The sleeves of the coat are
slightly full. fitted in at the wrist
with inverted tucks. A wide shawl
collar of beaver lends richness and
warmth, and there is luxurious pill
low muff to match.