davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Connecticut Take Notice

One of the commissions authorized by the last Legislature and which, we pre- sume, will report back at the 1887 seS- sion was that to take stock of our exist ing governmental agencies. The purpose is to get rid of those that are performing useless or obsolete services or perhaps not functioning at all. It is hoped that by ridding the state government of such agencies and then by doubling up others that are merely duplicating each others duties, great saving will be brought about and thus boon granted to the taxpayers.
 It has been one of Governor Wilbur L. Cross claims from the very beginning of his political career that governmental reform in Connecticut was urgently need- ed. For three years he made 1t plank of the democratic platform. In 1885 republicans trying to, as they claimed, make him become specific, gave him chance to bring about reforms by making definite recommendations. This he did. But he went further by stating that only a thorough and scientific study of our entire state government by qualified per- sons would provide us with the data to proceed properly in affecting reforms.
 It may be interesting now to record that at a special session of it's General Assembly, lasting only two weeks, Ken lucky brought about law which reor- ganized every state department. This was done with the thought of providing method, efficiency, and progress. Spe- cialists in government were asked for opinions by the governor; commission had been at work on the problem for several months; public hearings and ex- aminations were conducted. Whether or not we care to follow Kentucky's exact example is beside the point. What we do call attention to is the fact that re- organization was regarded as necessary and urgent. Just as much 50 is it in Con- necticut. We hope the commissions recommendations get more action than did those of the tax revision group year ago.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
A Bit Paradoxical

It may sound paradoXical to say that the news that Bridgeport faces the worst pollution problem in Connecticut is en- couraging to Waterbury. Time was, and it wasn't so long ago, that Waterbury and the entire Naugatuck Valley, from Tor rington down to Derby, were regarded as the most badly polluted spots in the entire state. Evidently efforts that have been made by the various communities in the last few years have changed this state of affairs. And it is this news which pleases us, not the news that Bridgeport is in bad straits with regard to polluted waters.
 This statement on Bridgeports condi- ton was made by General Sanford H. Wadhams, director of the State Water Commission, in a recent address at Strat- ford. Here is the full statement -- "The waters of the Bridgeport area are the most polluted in Connecticut, largely be- cause Bridgeport is the most densely populated city of densely populated state. Connecticut is fourth in the United States in the number of persons per square mile We of the State Water Commission have program for improv- ing conditions. The program has not progressed as rapidly as we had hoped, put we Have SPcIlI COIlolueldDl LlIHe WlLH the problem of domestic sewage disposal, the source of the largest type of pollution. ..."
 We should not let reports such as this, however, blind us to our needs right here in Waterbury. This city will not be do- ing its part in eliminating river pollu- ton, until it has set up in operation complete disposal plant capable of handl- ing the domestic sewage of community considerably larger than ours is right now. True we are progressing towards one by installing the necessary sewage system. But our work cannot ever stop along this line. We must carry on de-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
U. s. Pays the Price

It was the mournful fate of old Bel ShaZZer that his name went down in his- tory as that of a man who couldn't take a plain warning when it walked up and hit him in the face. Probably it was a bit disconcerting to have a ghostly hand come in and start scribbling on the wall just when the party was going good. But Belshazzar must have been pretty heed- less and self-satisfied for long time before that after all, the Persians had got clear to the city gate before he suspected that anything was wrong.
 It may seem silly to try to draw par allel between BeshaZzar and Uncle Sam especially since there hasn't been any thing resembling a Babylonian feast in this country for many weary year. But we have at least been getting our writing on the wall this spring, and if we don't start reading it and doing something about it before long, we are apt to wind up right where Belshazzar did.
 Our warning is being provided by Nature, in the form of dust storms and floods. The Southwest is getting it's warning in the shape of pillar of cloud by day; gritty wind that is blowing the top off fertile farms and giving us per- feet working model of the way deserts are made.
 In the North and the East the warning is taking the shape of floods. Peaceful rivers have gone on destructive ram page; from Main to Ohio, the swirling waters have brought death and destruc- ton, until city after city has been stag gered by the blows.
 And the point of it all is that these disasters are to very large extent man. made. Man didn't cause the winds to blow or the snow and rain to fall; but he did set the stage so that these natural forces could inflict the maximum amount of damage. For in this world, we reap just about what we SOW. When we mis- use our greatest natural heritage, the land, we must expect to pay the price some day. We have the shape of dust storms and floods; and the instaliments will get progressively larger, year by year. unless we mend our ways with great rapidity.
 Such things as erosion control, refores- tation, flood control, the scientific use of land in place of it's exploitation - these are not dull academic subjects, fit for other-worldly brain trusters to Wrangle over, but removed from the sphere of everyday life. They have direct, dollars and-cents effect on our lives and our property. Unless we recognize the writ ing on the wall, and act on it, we shall presently find ourselves in very bad fix indeed - fix like that of China, where the spread of desert and the curse of flood have passed entirely beyond human con- trol and are simply torments that must be endured.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

tons to the heads of higher insti- tutions of fearing in other countries, inviting them to send delegates to the summer festivities.
 But Nazi narrowness and violence had done things to Heidelberg. Some of it's most distinguished faculty members had been dismissed be- cause of their Jewish blood or be- cause they had dared to criticise the Hitler conception of race and gov- ernment.
 Cambridge and oxford courteous ly declined the invitation and the indications are that probably all other British institutions which were invited will do likewise. This has led the Heidelberg faculty, after recent consultation with Berlin officials, to retract all Invitations to BritiShers.
 Regret is expressed on both sides of the channel over the political factors that have become involved in the celebration, the British aver ring that Nazi propaganda will cap- italize the occasion, as 1t had done in prior instances and the Germans replying that this is an unwarran- ted inputation.
 In the United States the question of accepting or rejecting the Heidel- berg invitation is also warming up. Harvard has officially voted to send delegates, as has Cornell. The late ter's student paper is vibrantly op- posing such plan and Is urging re- versal of the faculty's action. It will be interesting to note what oth- CT universities will do.
 Undoubtedly, American unlversi- ties would like to avoid the necessity of punishing Heidelberg for what Berlin did to 1t but neither can they be blind to the shameful policy Hit Ter has adopted.
 Higher learning admirably seeks to keep above politics but 1t cannot honorably be indifferent to political offenses committed against the very heart and life of true scholarship.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

The New Haven Register is the first newspaper in this state, that we know of, which has called attention to the fact that despite the pounding it received in the recent flood waters of the Connecti- cut River the Middletown-P Portland high way bridge is still standing. For quite some few years now this bridge has been termed unsafe. This was an argument for a newer and more modern type of bridge. In fact, the Legislature has been on the point several times of authorizing construction of new span. And if we aren't mistaken, there was supposed to be federal grant forthcoming this year for a new structure at Middletown. No doubt fine new bridge there would be vast improvement over the present forty year old bridge, but at least it can be success fully argued now that the structure must have been built for service and long wear. It has withstood this, the greatest of all floods, in apparently fine shape.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Question Box

e. When was the last yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans, and the last cholera epidemic in New York city?
 A. The last yellow fever epidemic in New orleans was in 1905; the last cholera epidemic in New York city was in 1866. A few cases broke out in 1903.
 O. What is a simple test to deter mine whether an article is made of gold?
 A. Touch it'with glass stopper moistened with nitric acid, which leaves gold untouched, but colors base alloys blue by the formation of nitrate of copper.
 o. Are federal judges retired on pensions?
 A. A judge of any federal court who has served continuously for at least ten years, and who has at- tained the age of seventy, may re- tire and draw a yearly pay equal to his salary at the time of retirement.
 e. Where was Noel Coward born, and who were his parents?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

Cape Hatteras still ranks as the most formidable and treacherous spot along the Atlantic Coast. And Uncle Sam is forced to give up what is called his most beautiful, tallest, and most famous light house at this point, as the seas continue to steal inland and threaten destruction of the 193-foot structure. It has stood there since 1870. The first Hatteras light house was built in John Adams adminis- tration. That lasted 72 years. The next one went 66. A third is now planned. How long can it resist the flow and ebb of Hatteras' tides and surfS.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

pears on the floor of the House wearing a flaming red necktie .. Secretary Dan Roper always sports a swallow-tail coat when mak- ing a speech The women senators from Arkansas and Louisiana, Mrs. Caraway and Mrs. Long, always wear black in the senate chamber New Yorks Republican Representative w. Sterling Cole always appears either in brown or dark blue en- semble, including shirt, suit, tie and socks Representative Finly H. Gray, Indiana, lets his gray hair grow down to his shoulders .. Senator Bill Borah invariably wears double-breasted suits Postmaster General Jim Farley is ever faithful to black shoes. He says tan shoes make his feet look too large Senator Garter Glass is never seen without blue suit, white shirt, stiff collar, black shoes Speaker Joe Byrns' hair is ever rumpled, ever in need of a trim ming.
 Copyright, 1036, by United Fea-
 ture Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
|PressCOmment
ONE THAT HELD
(New Hayen RegIster)

When the flood freaks are listed, an entry should be made of the Middletown- Portland bridge. For years 1t has been asasiled, every two years in the general assembly sea- son and of and on between seasons. as ancient and rickety and a pub- lie menace as well as inadequate as a traffic carrier, all of which 1t has been. But now that the period of bridge -wrecking is over, and count less bridges of all sorts of construc- ton, steel, concrete, stone and wood have been washed away in whole or in part, where is the rickety old Middletown- Portland structure but in the same place 1t always has been. Ice. trees, barns and other debris pounded heavily but did not pound 1t down or away. Of course, some thanks probably are due to the fact that Coast Guard boats prop ped 1t up during the flood. It is @ blessing that it finally is to be torn down and replaced. Yet 1t gave a better account of itself than did many better structures. They must have ben building good bridges when they built that one.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
sOUTHINGTON SHOULD
 FOLLOW NEW BRITAIN
(New Britain Herald)

5outhington has been as old-fash- toned as New Britain concerning the disposal of sewage. And 1t has been as annoying to neighboring town. Houthington has sewer beds in Plantsville. That isn't all, either. as on a recent visit of Homer IT. Judd, field agent of the Fisheries and Game board of the state, the sewer beds were found empty while the sewage went directly into the Quinnipiac river. 6outhington offi- cials deny this.
 But the facts are that southing- ton Is as oid-fashioned as New Erie tain in the "disposal" of sewage. And thank goodnesg. New Britain will be more modern than 60uthing- ton when Che new sewage disposal plant under construction is finished.
 southington ought to catch up to us some time.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
A Book a Day
How Freedom Died in Rome's Republic
By DEUCE CATION


 To read Freedom, Farewelll" by Phyllis Bentley, is to relive your high school days--those days when you were translating Caesars Com mentaries, studying Roman history, and reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar" and getting all three daily confused in the process. For this is one of those histori- cal novels in which people like Caesar, Pompey, Brutus, Mark An- tony, and Cassius go stalking about saying, By Herculesl" and acting more or less as if they had got lost out of @ road show company of "Ben Hur."
 However, Miss Bentley has brought 1t up to date by presenting the problem of ancient Rome as a problem of today.
 Then. as now, there was a rich and stupid upper class, Q set of talkative but inactive liberals. and a confused. miserable, and discon- tended proletariat; and out of this mixture came the death of parliamentary institutions and the birth of the dictatorship of the Caesars.
 And. as you follow Miss Bent- ley's account of the Roman repub- He's death, you cannot help trans lating the whole story into modern terms.
 Judged purely as entertainment, the novel is a bit dull. But its value as q historical object lession will probably keep you reading until you have finislted 1t. And after that you will do some thinking.
 Published by Macmillan, the book sells for 92.60.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

A. Born in Teddington, England, son of Arthur Coward and Violet Veitch.
 Q. Has either Italy or Ethiopia issued declaration of war in the present dispute?
 A. There has been no formal declaration of war by either courl- try.
 o. Did the late King George V of England make Q trip around the world when he was Prince of Wales?
 A. After the death of the Duke of Clarence in 1902, the late King George was made Duke of York. Upon the accession of Edward VII in 1901, he received the title of Duke of Cornwall and made @ journey around the world. On his return in November he was created Prince of Wales.
 If you want copy of our book. let FLOWER GARDENS, write to the Waterbury Democrats Wash ingtOn Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth st., Northwest, Washington. D. c. En- close 10 cents for postage and hand ling.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Dear Old Heidelberg
Black Mark Against Nazi Regime in Germany Is Dethronement of Famed University in
 550th Year of Existence.
HARTFORD TIMES

One of the things for whish one would like to frame bitter griev- ance against the Nazi regime in Germany is the embarrassment which it has brought upon one of It's world-famous institutions of learning-the University of Heidel- berg.
 Celebrated in song and legend but even more deeply esteemed in the hearts and memories of those who have studied in It's old halls or have shared the output of its learn- cd scholars, Heidelberg is this year celebrating the 550th anniversary of its founding.
 Glorying in it's universal historic frame, the university sent invita-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

One of the greatest menaces following in the wake of floods is spread of disease and pestilence from houses which have been ruined by water. Failure to fumi- gate properly often results in wholesale spread of sickness. It is noteworthy that Hartford health officials were quick to prevent any such epidemics. This work is being carried on in a systematic and thorough fashion. It invites compliments.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Selected Poem



 (By Clinton Scollard in the Boston PosD Spring knocks at winters frosty door: In boughs by wild March breezes gwayed The bonnie bluebirds sing once more. The brooks have burst their letters hoar, And greet with noisy gee the glade; Spring knocks at winters frosty door. The swallow soon will northward soar, The rush uplift it's geaming blade The bonnie bluebrds sing once more. Soon sunny skies their gold will pour Ger meads that breezy naples shade; Spring knocks at winters frosty door. Along the reedy rivers shore,
 Fleet fauns will frolic unafraid, The bonnie bluebirds sing once more. And love. the love we lost of yore.
 Will come to twine the myrtle braid Spring knocks at winters frosty door, The bonnie bluebirds sing once more.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Chameleons Change Color


 On the Rounds: Pity the plight of the Fifth avenue firm which specializes in art reproductions. Recently, It's normal course of busi- ness was thrown into violent disor- der by a lady who came in. She wanted a reproduction of a particu- lar Vincent Van Gogh painting. But she didn't like 1t in red and yellow. It didn't harmonzie with the color scheme of her living room. Could they do one for her in blue and green?
 One of Manhattan's better known and more expensive lawyers is counsel for an illustrious American family whose two leading members have participated in nearly bakers dozen of divorces. Recently, one of them decided to get rid of her cur rent mate-and after six reconcili- ations vowed to make 1t final. Sc after q hectic number of weeks she boarded the train for Reno. Two days later the lawyer received an impassioned telephone call.
 Don't tell me-" he said, "thai you've decided to make up and start all over again.
 "Nothing like t." came the an- swer.
 Then what's the tr0uble?"
 I've clean forgotten" came the reply. "the grounds for this one"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Horoscope
BY OCTAvINE

For persons who believe that human destiny is guided by the planet, the daily horoscope Is out lined by a noted astroIoger. Tn addition to information of general interest. 1t outlines information of special interest to persons born on the designated dates.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

Anybody who has solved all the other puzzles might work on the statement of a medical scientist that children now adays live longer but old people don't live so long.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

spite lack of proper financing until the job is finished. Then and only then can the Naugatuck valley hope for results. We are the last of the valley communi- ties to reach the disposal plant state.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Cause for Celebrating

One of the Broadwayltes who is bound to cash in--and rightly too, on some of the glory of the Texas Centennial this year is = Iaiaam Jones. the band leader and eompos- CT. Reasona He penned "On the Alamo" - tho official song Of the state of Texas.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

Readers desiring additional in- formation regarding their horo- scope are invited to cOmmuni- cate with Octavine in care of this newspaper. Enclose . 3-cent stamped, elf-addressed envelope.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

tncSC tebt quCnSiVhot ASss W
 last page for the answers.
 1. Name the oldest institution oi higher education in the U. s.
 ?. On which continents are rhin' oceroses indigenous? 3. What is the name for the science of antiquities9 1. What is the name of the na- tive Australian dog?
 5. Who were the Argonautsp
 6. For whom was the state Of Utah named? 2. Name the alloy of copper and zinc.
 8. Name the great battle between the Normans, under William, Duke of Normandy, and the English, uia- der King Harold.
 9. Who was Johann KeplerP 10. Who wrote Travels With Donkey?"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
MARCH 90

The most easily influenced by to- days virations are likely to have been born from June 2l through July 21.
 General Indications Today
 Morning-Very good.
 Afternoon--Doubtful.
 Evening--Doubtful. The morning favors dealing with elderly people in social way.
 T0day's Birthdate You should be 8 good mer- chant or cotton manufacturer. Avoid becoming extravagant or expanding too much in your affairs during January, 1897.
 Danger of fire, accident or trou- ble caused through rashness from November 28, through December g. 1o36.
 Socially favorable, entertain and buy new clothes from April 1T through 21, 1886.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

The hardest thing for normal citizen to understand in a presidential year is why any man should want~ to be President.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
In New York
Q ieAN NRk
BY GEORGE ROSS

New York, March 27-Hit songs emerge from the wrath of an idea.
 Guy Lombardo was revealing to your correspondent how some na- tional anthems are born to haunt loudspeakers.
 "There was a big hit about five years ago." the Royal Canadian confided, "that they still ask me to repeat every night of the week. If hadn't had a bum arm one night, there wouldn't have been any. But I had, and my brother Carmen, took over the band while I went to talk to Howard Dietz, the songwriter.
 We got to talking about the tastes of the public and at that moment. the light went low and the couples huddled close to each other around the floor. So re- marked to Dietz that that's what people like-dancing in the dark Dietz said, That's great And l asked 'What?'
 He didn't answer.
 1.-TWO days later, Dietz came back with song that he and Arr thur Swartz had written called Dancing in the Dark and asked me to be the first to introduce it. Well, you know how popular that song was."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28

TODAY's COMMON ERROR Never say, "I saw . boy who, I suddenly realized, I owe ten cents"; say, ito whom, ! suddenly realized, I owed ten cents."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Daily MHo,.x,- -pO,,rd Washington sv-~1 7 - - -. DR. TOWNSEND SOKE AT
 BEING PUSHED ASIDE
By DREW PEAR9ON and ROBERT s. ALLEN

Washington March 28 = R. E. Clements, co-founder of the Townsend movement, did not voluntarily resign from the organization, as he and his colleagues an nounced. He was forcibly busted.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
Gag" That Paid

"Gag" That Paid
 No less popular, in fact than 8 ditty entitled Annie Doesn't Live. Here Any More" This also originated with Lombardo's or- chestra but strictly on dare. The song had been addressed to him from an unknown in Chicago with notation by the composer, "Just @ gag" Lombardo wasn't sure whether 1t was supposed to be a funny or sad ballad but played 1t in ragtime tempo, anyway. It developed overnight into hit and to this day, people, including Lombardo, haven't made up their minds about the songs purport, a laugh or a sob. The composer may have been surprised to see an en- closure with his first royalty check that read, Just gag"
 But the legendary tale of all time in Tin Pan Alleys lore is the yarn about Walter Donaldsons war song, My Buddy" that is still fresh on the lips of many Legion- naires. Donaldson confessed that one day, while on his way to visit 8 friend in Chicago, he bought a little music box for the youngster in the family. When he opened the package the lid was off and 1t tinkled a semblance of a tune that attracted Donaldson's ear.
 That night, he sat down and com posed @ song, based on the tinkle in the music box. The song was My Buddy" and the only person who can sue MT. Donaldson for plagiarism is hand in toy fac- tory. he never has.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-28
T est Y o U 2 Knowledge

Can you answer seven Of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.