davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
A Thought for Today


Because kidnaper killed little Charles
Mattson after the Omen had taken
charge OF the case, the smoldering criti-
cism of that much-publicized outfit Is
beginning TO break out into actual flame.
The dumbest police force in America, we
are told, could hardly have brought the
case TO a more tragic conclusion -- the
death OF the kidnapped boy. Indeed, 1t Is
argued that the arrival OF the Omen
actually caused the killing, by filling the
kidnaper with such fear that he fastened
to dispose OF the body OF his captive with
Z out trying to collect the ransom.
And this, in turn, brings TO head
other criticisms of the federal operatives.
We are reminded that they recently ar
rested crook in New Jersey with max
irnum OF gunfire and display; that local
police generally hate the sight OF them;
and that this, that, or the other kidnap-
ing case fthe past was really badly
bungled by the "headline-crazy hire
lings" OF Uncle SAM 1t would be foolish
to try to soft-pedal this sort OF talk. 1t
might as fell be brought out into the
open and examined for what 1t Is worth.
81 Now the only fair way to come to
verdict on the Omen Is to look at the
record - not Just the record OF this last
case, but the record that goes back over
a term Of years and takes in their work
az a whole. If we do, what do we find?
We find first and foremost, that the
"big league" crooks Of former day have
vanished from the scene. The Capones,
Dilingers, Floyds, Nelson's, and that
crew - one and ALL they are behind the
bars or under the sod.
There can be no faintest question that
they are in those extremely suitable
places be cause OF the federal men. We
find, next, that kidnapping as CONNER
cial racket has Just about ceased TO exist.
Unless every surface indication Is mis-
leading, the Mattson kidnapping was the
work Of pathological freak, not OF a big
city gang. The gangs have given 1t up
and here, again, there Is no shadow OF
doubt that the Omen are responsible.
We find, in addition, that change has
come over the national psychology in
regard 10 crooks. No longer are young
sters subtly drawn TO admire the big shots
OF the underworld; instead, it Is the
guardian Of society who arouscs their
enthusiasm And If the Omen have been
getting lot OF headlines, we ought not TO
forget that few years ago it was the
UNDERWORLD TdL VINO WAS BcttInB tIlcLl'
The Omen didn't take the spotlight away
from the police; they took it away from
the criminal, and an everlasting good JOB
! Of work it was, too.
That they have aroused jealousy and
enmity in certain quarters Is not surpris-
I ing. That this jealousy and enmity
! should come out into the open as a re-
Z suit Of the Mattson tragedy Is only
NATURAL But VIC az people would be
! exceedingly foolish If we let ourselves be
persuaded, az result, to put crimp in
the activities OF Mr.. Hoover and his men.
j We owe them altogether too much for
7 that.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Can't Be Ignored

There are 80 many fresh demands for
money coming TO the fore right now that
probably members Of the Legislature will
throw up their hands in despair and
grant none OF the demands. Yet If each
and every one OF the planned projects OF
various departments were examined care
fully it would be seen that what IL asked
! Is nothing more nor le88 than IL
due. Take, for example, the State Park
and Forest Association request for
$4,000, 900 bond issue with which needs OF
the State Park and Forest Commission
would be cared for In the next bicnnium.
Probably majority OF citizens OF this
state might be persuaded TO vote against
any such proposal as this II II were placed
before them on a strict yes and no basis.
But II those who are behind the drive 10
secure such q tremendous amount Of
money for our state parks and forests
were allowed time 10 develop their theme
and to show how they have been slighted
and overlooked in the past, we doubt II
the idea could be beaten. We think the
people would vote for the money to be
used In the purpose intended.
1t isn't waste OF money to put into
the development OF vast areas Of land
now serving no good purpose. Connecti-
cut Is fast being recognized as one Of the
foremost states In respect TO It's area de-
voted TO recreation and forestry. State
Forester Austin r. HAYES In a recent re-
port, too, showed that the low mark In
the decline Of Connecticut numbering has
been reached. Such strides have been
made In reforestation that the years 10
come will probably see less and less wood
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

imported into this state. We cite this
merely TO show how progressive Cornecti-
cut has been.
And this despite the fact that only linn
tied funds have been available for the
work. A fine department, manned by ex-
cellent officials, has overcome many OBJ
stacles. Add to this the interest shown in
the state forest and park system by pub
hc-minded citizens and you have the net
result today-a fine one Of which we can
boast. Therefore when the request is
made now for over two millions to con-
tinue the good work, 1t cannot be ig-
nored or laughed at. 1t must take rank
with other requests for large sums, all OF
them constituting very serious problem
for our legislators to solve.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
An Editors Opinion

Not the least interesting OF recent news
items Is one about libel suit in Cali
fornia. P. Milton Smith, editor OF a
weekly paper at Mountain View, was
hailed before justice Of the peace on a
complaint filed by citizen OF that town.
The complainant, president OF the local
Patriotic League, alleged that the editor
had libeled President Roosevelt on No
vember n, in calling him "a man uni
versally hated for smiling hypocrite, a
mountebank Of the lowest order and the
biggest "false alarm" since the creation
OF man.
The justice OF the peace, Grandin II.
Miller, dismissed the complaint on the
ground Of insufficient evidence" declar-
ing: my impression Is that the allega-
tions In the complaint arc not libcllous.'
One Is left with the impression that he
considered such allegations as made in
pardonable spirit of craftsmanship or
meant merely as good, clean fun"
However, that may be, fellow-crafts-
man might be inclined to convict the
alleged offender of something quite diff
ferent from libel, and very unfortunate in
a newspaper editor. That Is, not getting
his facts straight. Quite aside from any
man who gets 28,0OO,000 votes is not uni
versally hated" Editor Smith would
probably fire reporter for such a
blunder as that.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

The governorship OF State Senator
Joseph II. Lawlor Of this city having
lasted one day, he now takes rank with
Hiram A. Bingham in this respect. The
latter Is also down on Connecticut record
books as having served but one day in
the chair Of governor TO which he was
elected in 1924. Mr.. Bingham, it may
be recalled, made history by holding
three elective offices at one and the same
time. He was Acknowledgements fin
ishing out term when nominated for
governor. He was duly elected governor,
but before he could be sworn into office
U. s. Senator Frank Brandagee died and
Mr.. Bingham was nominated for this
office and at special election duly elect
ed. To make 1t legal he was sworn In as
governor then resigned and John H.
Trumbull succeeded him. OF course
Senator Lawlor was only Acting Cover
nor while Governor Cross and Lieuten-
ant-Governor Hayes were out Of the state,
but he can claim his term Of office as
ranking with the shortest in state history.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

There are only two other instances OF
short terms -- less than a year $780, among
our governors. And oddly enough Water
bury is concerned in one Of them. When
the late George l.. Lilley died in 1909 he
had only served three months and fifteen
days Of his term He was succeeded in
office by Frank B. Weeks Before that
Charles II. Pond OF New Haven served
eleven months as governor, the next short
est term. He succeeded to the office when
Governor Thomas II. Seymour resigned
TO become Minister OF Russia In 1853 He
was Acknowledgements at the time.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

guagc of u. s.. opinion. Perhaps
this ~ becauSc he typically rep
rc8cntg the United States.
Most American ambassadors
IN London have been bcfuddIcd
with court flattcry have had
their heads In the sand Tor In
the clouds regarding America.
Walter Hines Page, wartime
ambassador, became more Bril-
tisb than the British. Charles
Gates Dawes was too busy
cI0wning 10 be taken seriously.
John w. Davis forgot what the
country he represented was like.
Andrew w. Mellon never knew.
But when Bingham tells the
Foreign Office tina, there will be
no war loans raised y the United
States until the British war debt
III squared in full, they know that
nc talks not for the bankers Of
the Atlantic gcaboard, but for the
politically potent midwest.
HE HAS KEEP THEM FROM
MAKING MANY MISTAKES.
Mcrry-GO-Round
Ambassador Bingham's daugh-
ter ~ an old friend OF Foreign
Minister Anthony Edcn'8. The
two met many years ago when
Bingham and his family gpent
their summers at o. shooting lodge
IN Scotland Bingham III
rated one OF the best shot Sin Lon
don. Iio Ii a popular guest at
weekend shooting parties. These
play an important part In Dip
lomacy, for during the week end
some OF the most important prob
lcms Of Britigh craftsmanship
frequently arc thrcghcd out :.
Among Ambassador Bingham's
close friends are some Of the fore
most Newspaper publishers In
England. They have s. very
healthy respect for the high
standard Of his own paper. the
famous LouiBvillc Courier journal.
Colonel Raymond Lee, YER
cattle u. 3. military attachc In
London, Jumped from the Job Of
commanding CCC camp ON o
Vermont mountain 10 his present
difficult post in London. He is
rated one Of the most popular
and able attaches here.
Copyright, 1897, by United
Feature Syndicate, Inc.)
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Selected Poem
A STRANGER FRUIT

A STRANGER FRUIT
ralph Friedrich In the New York Tines
Now let the dead be- arrogant
And let the quick be mute,
Beholdng how the tree Of death
Bears yet a holy fruit.
Not even Eden's balcful tree,
With godhood In itE veins.
Could flower 10 such excellence,
Nor yet the Grecian plains
Enchanted oaks, for all their high
And cryptic prophecies.
The dead have tasted stranger things
Than fruit Of earthly trees.
II In dark and nameless seed
The flesh engenders now;
~ is a furtive bloAsoming
Upon a hidden bough.
This In q tale the dead may tell
TO watchers who abide
The coming Of q secret hour
When nights retreating tide
Flows westward, and signal star
Stands high against the east
Who watches then may know what fruit,
Provides their endless feast
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Answers To
Questions
BY Erederick N. KERRY

@. How many English language
daily newspapers are published In
New York City, and how many In
each Borough?
A.. In New York City, 20; The
Bronx, /; Brooklyn, 3; Manhattan.
0; Quccns, o; Richmond, l.,
@. Are civil service positions In
the federal government open To
men dishonorably discharged from
the Army2
A. No.
q. How many banks that were
closed when President Roosevelt Or
dcrcd the banking holiday, are still
in process Of Liquidation?
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

A. Two hundred and ninety five
as Of August, 1886.
G. What was the year Of Queen
Victoria'B Diamond Jubilee?
A. 1906.
@. What Is the standard ma
chine gun of the U. s.. Army?
A. The 30 caliber Browning.
q. What III the home address OF
Noel Coward?
A. II Gerald Road, London, 5.W.
], England.
II you want copy Of our book
let on "PRSVERBS" write The
Waterbury Democrats Washing
ton Bureau, 1912 Thirteenth g.,
Northwest, Washington, ID. q. En-
close cents In postage.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

Tic HlhLHT VI
introduc ing
bills for the
consideration OF
state assem-
blics and ma
tional congress-
es. Old hands
In the legiSla-
tive mill are
apt TO sit back,
twiddle thei r
thumbs and let
their younger
associates clog
the Upper.
Some OF the
neasifres nre.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

!. Where rs the Niger river?
2. What Is polnol?
3. What was the common name
for the earliest form Of Russian
revolutionary anarchlsm?
4. Name the states that we're
formed from the Louisiana pur-
chase.
8. TO what division of the animal
kingdom do crabs, Holsters, and
shrimps belong?
o. Who was Ludwig Ganghofer?
Z. What In n gnu?
3. Name the important British H.
land possession off the south coast
OF China.
o. What sport Is nicknamed the
sport OF klngs?"
10. Does gravity affect articles In
vacuum?
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Everywhere

Loony legislation Is not confined
TO any particular section Of the
country. The North Is no more
free from II than the South. The
East shows the same effort to
write cuckoo laws upon the stat
ute books as does the West. The
practice may be described as q
form Of dementia leglslatoria
Americana and Connecticut Is not
free OF It. The current session OF
our legislature has Just begun and
already the calendar has been
loaded up by two measures which
provoke the opposition Of this de-
partment. The fact that both
have been introduced by expert
enced law makers whose friend
ship the writer enjoys does not
lessen his opposition. One was
presented by Senator Telesca Of
Torrington. The other by Senator
Joseph Pugnacious Cooncy OF
Hartford.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

scented are Just plain wacky. 9th
ees, intended TO safeguard or In
crease the dominion Of special
interests, are downright vicious.
Some because OF their very nature
are destined 10 die aborning In
committee or doomed 10 defeat
upon a vote. Still others while
excellent In purpose are !ll-
advised and propose a cure which
rs worse than the disease. Neither
the national congress nor any
state legislature can escape the
flood OF useless, bad, or unncccs-
sary bills which opening sessions
invariably raise.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22


After ignoring IL for nineteen
years, the British suddenly have
discovered the Importance Of
American friendship. II rs now
uppcrmogt in the press, In the
speeches OF gtatcsncn, the atti-
tudc OF diplomats. A series OF
lunchcons are being arranged at
the Hotgc OF Commons where VS.
ting Americans can FTtcn 10
paeang of praise for thc-r coun-
try. They arc even permitted TO
shake the hand Of Stanley Bald
win.
Where Americans we're mud, be
fore, they are now treated with
Difference, even with respect.
Reason Apparent
Reason for this sudden koWtow-
ing, OF course, NJ the aWeSome
realization that another war "
1ugt around the corner. That
also IL the reason for the sud-
den talk Of paying war debts.
The United states In the only
country In the world where
money and Iargc-scalc war ma
terials are available. 80 Bril-
tain is out 10 break down the
present American prejudice
against throwing good money
after bad In Europe.
II will be q tough job, but the
British can be az subtle propa-
gandists AZ the American public
can be gullible.
Thinking EngliShmen actually
are beginning TO wonder whether
the greatest error OF theif post
war diplomacy was failure 70 con-
tinuc war debt payments 70 The
United States.
Visiting Britishers
A delegation OF BrjtiBhcrs Schcd-
ulcd to visit the United States
10 strcngthcn "the common bond
between the English speaking
pcopIes," first called upon
u. IS. Ambassador Robert Bing-
ham.
They asked his advice on what
they should do In the United
States.
"If you 70 over 10 lecture the
American people" ne said you
might an well gtay at home. We
are tired Of being Icctured To.
But n you 70 10 learn about
the United States and the
American people. the trip should
be n great success
TO others who requested AmbaB-
gador Bingham'g advice regarding
the improvement Of Anglo-Afncri-
can relations, he replied:
Instead Of spreading propa-
Randa In the United States,
learn something about the
United states. In our high
schools no student can gradu-
ate without . course In English
history and English literature.
But your schools teach nothing
of American history or Amcri-
can literature.
"If you want 10 improve reIa-
lions with us, learn 70 know ana
understand w."
American Doors
The British are a bit worried by
the fact that although hundreds
OF prominent Americans 10
through London every year--ii1-
GLIDING senators, cabinet MEM
beers. gIprcme court justices--iiot
one In recent years has been re-
ceiyed by the king or queen. The
royal family looked upon Ameri-
cans as Doors.
Not even Stanley Baldwin re-
ceived American dignitaries.
Ambassador Bingham
Robert Worth Bingham, thin
bespcctacIed u. y. Ambassador 10
the Court OF st. James, serves
soda pop 10 visiters Though he
comes from mint Julep drinking
kentucky, keeps his house 30 hot
Londoners can't stand II. wears O
swank fur coat, and gives the
Foreign Office sound advice Ur
what they may expect from the
u. 8. government.
Bingham IN direct, simple
charming, prctends 10 be no dip.
lCnat. but probably Is the mos
reliable Ambassador the United
States has had IN London foI
some time.
REASON; Bingham d . canns
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Current Comments

The most subtle type OF revolu-
ton ID that easily and silently
possible through taxation.
Nicholas Murray Butler, presi-
dent, Columbia University.
Not only Il good will q compare.
tive newcomer In world iotil
dominated by prejudice. but tiS
future belongs 10 IL, II thsre u TO y
any future worth having.
--Dr. Harry Emerson Tosdick, Ms
York City.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
ANTI GERMAN BLOTTERs
BANNED

Cape Town. up The depart
mcnt OF education has banned the
lisc OF anti German" blotters In
Cape Province schools. Blottcrs
bearing the inscription Boycott
Everything German" were said 10
have been used In some schools.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

And while on. the subject OF governors
it might be interesting to know that there
are four ex-governors still alive in Con-
necticut. They are, going back in the
order they served John H. Trumbull,
Hiram A. Bingham, Charles A. Temple
ton, and Everett j. Lake. And strangely
enough, too, they followed each other in
office.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

Sturdy citizens who used to brag about
their "old-fashioned winters" now hold
up for the winter, while their children,
with hardly anything on, 90 out and play
In the snow.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Bills. Bills. Bills.

In their lush feryor 10 cure the
land Of the divers Ills which beset
It, legislators just elected are
prone 70 60 on the deep END IN
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Daily MH~ Dl
Washington ~. e - - 80.
BRITISH NOW KOWTOWING
TO WIN u. s. FRIENDSHIP
- by DREW PEARSON and ROBERT s. ALLEN

LONDON, January g. - Rearmament is not the
only important war preparation undertaken by the
British Very quietly they are mobizing the greatest
drive for theSea sentiment in history.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

Little Food In Madrid" says the re-
port. Except for thought.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Difference of Opinion

For a long time and through
out the country this double tax
alton injustice has been o matter
OF discussion by and economic
irritation 10 those who have TO
put up with 1t. 30 far as Catho-
lies are concerned there has been
no definite attitude assumed by
the constituted ecclesiastical att
thoritics. While there rs no DIFF
ference OF opinion ON the injustice
there rs wide disagreement on the
means for It's removal. Since that
is the case the whole question Is
ono which Is open TO argument.
There Is nothing In 1t which has
TO do either with faith or morals.
Therefore am just AZ free to
oppose Senator Cooncy's bill as he
IL free TO present 1t.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Objections


~ The first objection I have
10 the confederation OF the bill Ii
that u u sure TO rouse and keep
rotised the worst elements OF re-
ligiolB blgotry IN the state. In
lnnumcrable small towns and some
large cities the nightly hunt 10
discover the pope under the bed
VIII start. Not particularly I'M
portant. / am willing TO admit
~ The second objection Is OF
vital Importance. Once the state
begins 10 pay out money TO the
parochial and private schools the
State Board of Education g bound
TO insert It's grabbing paws.
Standards OF education could be
ret up according TO the dictates
OF board for whose intelligence
I for one have no respect what
ever; approval OF textbooks could
be jmposed: courses of study
could be ordered, In sex hygiene,
for example, which would be in
tolerable; and In no time at all
the State Board OF Education
would be running the parochial
and private schools OF the state.
just M 1t " now running the
public school system. AND
HOWL! The state board IL the
lineal descendant Of the camel
In the fable. That animal was
allowed by the tailor 70 insert his
nose into the shop TO keep said
noSe warm. Before the tailor
knew " the neck followed tho
nose, the hump followed the neck.
and the hind legs followed both.
Az result the camel occupied the
shop and the tailor stood In the
street wondering how he hap
pened 70 be there. ONCE LET
THE STATE BOARD OF Ed
UCATION GET ITS NOSE INTO
THE PAROCHTAL AND PRI-
vATE SCHOOLS THROUGH
GRANTS TO THEM OF
MONEY AND IT WILL NEVER
BE GOTTEN OUT.
81 The third objection rs that
the parochial schools of Connec-
ticut ware founded and are atlp-
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
Double Taxation

Senator Cooney's measure Is
intended TO do away with what "
an undeniablc injustice. Catholics
and come non atholics maintain
and support q school system In
which religious training and In
struction Is an unqualified essen
tial OF the curriculum. They also
pay their share Of the tax which
goes to support the public school
system Of the towns and cities Of
the state. Whether one Is yolun-
tary and the other obligatory has
nothing 10 do with the situation.
The fact remains that members
Of the denominations mentioned
pay a double tax. 1t Is also fact
that by maintaining and support
ing their own schools Catholics and
non-C Catholics save the towns and
cities and the states millions Of
dollars annually in teachers SAL
aries, equipment, and upkeep Of
buildings. That, In brief, u the
existing condition not only In Con-
necticut but throughout the United
States.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22

only 70 plenbe Wuuom Js k1eH~
drich. former member Of the State
Board Of Finance and Control.
The COOny Bill
Senator Joseph Pugnacious
Cooney's bill lies In the category
Of well Intentioned but ILL
advised legislation. 1t would, II
passed which, at present, II will
not be, call for the inclusion Of
parochiaI and private schools in
the state aid grant given only TO
public schools. The system now
in operation Is described as fol-
lows In a despatch TO THE
DEMOCRAT:
AT the present time when
school enumeration figures are
submitted TO Hartford by towns
Of this state the figure includes
both public, private, and par
ochial school registrations. And
when the state allotS the per
capita grant 1t Is based on total
registrations. But only public
schools share In the state grant"
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-22
T est Y o ur
knowledge

Can y0u answer tcvcn Of
these test questions? Turn TO
last page for the answers.