davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1937-01-25

: Barney Houston said that the real
danger was past.
The river, meanwhile. main
tained its steady rise and early
today stood at 1873 feet. about rs
feet above it's all-time high here.
Officials hesitated to predict what
the crest might be, but believed
it would be reached tomorrow or
Wednesday if the rain does not
resume.
The swirling waters already have
driven $1,000 from their homes in
the city, and about Is square miles
in the valley sections are under
water.
Trains Can't Come In
Because so much of the city is
built on higher ground there is
not the dire distress here of other
communities.
There are no trains entering or
leaving the city itself, but stop in
the suburbs Is miles from the
heart of town from where supplies
and foodstuffs are being brought
in by motor.
One light plant in town was
completely shutdown and the
other badly crippled. Authorities
ordered electricity used only for
emergency.
Health officials report there is
no danger of an epidemic, but the
number of pneumonia cases is in
creaSing alarmingly. Plenty Of food
for at least week is on hand.
The spectacular blaze which laid
a blanket of flame over a three
mile area was believed to have
started when live wire broke and
fell into the floating fuel.
Spurt Along Water
The high soaring tongues of
flame spurted along the water
and spread over everything in
their path. For time they
threatened the $1,500,000 Crosley
Studio and did destroy some of
TIE other Crosley factories at an
estimated damage of $500.0CO.
The Standard Oil Company esti-
mated their loss at another half
million.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
u. 5. FLOOD AID
UNDER THUMB
OF PRESIDENT
Various Agencies Are
Guided Like War Units
In Major Battle
BY GEORGE DURNO
International News service


President Roosevelt, assuming
active direction of the wartime
relief machine he established to
alleviate suffering in the flood
ravaged Ohio and Mississippi val
leys, functioned virtually in the
capacity of generalissimo today
Reports from the devastated
areas poured into the White House
by phone and radio, while Harry
Hopkins. WPA Administrator,
operated from the White House
Cabinet room as the President 5
liaison agent on flood relief.
A bedside radio intoned inter
mittent reports from the flood
area during the early hours.
President Arises Early
The Chief Executive was up at
7:30 a. m, following the Sunday
night conference at which he
placed the military and relief ma
chinery on a virtual wartime basis
until the suffering of the 100000
homeless has been alleviated.
He remained in his bedroom for
several hours, receiving and max
ing frequent telephone calls from
and to officials of the War and
Navy DEPARTMENTS. the coast
guard, WPA, Red Cross and other
agencies.
It was reported the President
might go on the air personally to
further strengthen his appeal for
the $2,000,000 fund which the Red
Cross desperately" needs.
Hopkins. at the direction of the
President. hurried to the Capitol to
confer with Senators and Repre-
sentatives from all the affected
States. Meanwhile, the President
called Speaker Bankhead and
Chairman Buchanan of the House
Appropriations Committee to the
White House.
With the relief bill coming up
in Congress today, Mr.. Roosevelt
wished to assure Representatives
from the flood areas there was no
need for any immediate appro-
priation.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
FLOOD DANGER
MINIMIzED
IN DISTRICT
Potomac Level Falling,
Despite Showers and
More Rain Coming

Despite intermittent showers
during the night and a forecast OF
more rain, there is no cause for
concern in this vicinity, washing
ION was reasSured today on reports
that the level of the headWaters
of the Potomac was steadily fall
ing.
According to the Weather Blu
reau, the water crest, due during
the day, will probably result in a
rise of about a foot followed by
recession.
Few Signs of Flood
At high tide late yesterday, sole
evidence of river disturbance was
the strong current at midstream
bearing occasional debris, and at
no time did the level reach more
than within three feet of the top
of the seawall near Arlington
Bridge.
United States Park Police, after
inspecting the areas adjacent to
the water and riverfront, reported
that only at Anacostia Park had
the Potomac overfloWed its banks.
At Rock Greek Park and other
Iow-lying sections, the river seemed
well under control" police said.
Trains Are Late
Transportation into the Capt.
tai reflected the extent of the mid
west flood ravages, how ever.
Trains from the West were arriv-
ing from five to six hours late in
some instances after being re-
routed to skirt flooded areas.
On orders of the Bureau of Air
Commerce, extreme precautions
are being taken by all airlines be-
cause of poor visibility.
Spokesman for airlines declared
no planes from the West had ar
rived at washington Airport since
Saturday and that none were ex-
pected today. Neither will there
be any West-bound planes, it was
added, although air traffic to the
South and Northeast will prob
ably be resumed today.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Cincinnati Runs Short
OF Drinking Water

CINCINNATI, Jan. 25 U.N.S0
Drastic steps to conserve the
rapidly diminishing supply OF
drinking water here were taken to
day by City Manager C. A. Dykstrs
as the greatest Ohio River flood in
history pressed on toward an an
ticipated 80-foot crest.
Again appealing to all residents
to rigidly conserve water, DykStra
revealed that more than 25 per
cent of the available supply was
depleted during the four hours OF
use since the city went on rationS
At this rate, he said, there would
be a water famine inside of three
days.
Tonight the water will be turned
on for only one hour instead OF
two. If that does not reduce the
usage to the point of safety, water
will be made available only 80 or
even IS minutes day.
Citizen Warned
The city manager warned Gin
cinnatianS to use water only for
drinking and cooking purposes, re-
minding that the supply must last
for 10 days.
The relentless upsurge Of the
Ohio River continued here today
as firemen fought the last OF a
floating fire that had imperiled
most of the city.
The blaze was-hrought under
control late last night after doing
some $1,500,00O damage in the in
dustrial Mill Creek section. But
only by the saving of two huge
oil tanks was a much worse hola-
caust averted.
Flames nearly 300 feet high shot
into the murky sky yesterday when
film of oil on the floodwaters
became ignited. The fire spread
with incredible rapidity and al
most enwrapped two $4,000 gallon
tanks of the Standard Oil Com
pany.
Real Danger Past
Firemen concentrated their ef-
forts on saving the tanks and sue.
ceeded after 10 hours. The fire
was still alive today, but Chief
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
WRITER VIEWS
PESTILENCE IN
INDIANA
Disease Stalks Wide
Area As Refugees
HuddIe in Cold

Frank A. White, Ueter1n cor.
respondent of International NeWs
SerUtce, tDaS one of the first neUS-
paper men to viSit the tlood-SWept
area OF southern Indiana. White
fought his lDdy into LaUrenceburo,
tUhtch Ueek ago DdS a flourish.
ing city of 1000 persons. He
started his tour If inspection in
an automobile but 1DuS compelled
to use a ro,Oboat later.
By FRANK A. WHITE
LAWRENCEBURG Ind. Jan.
25 Q:N:SO.-Pestilence rode the
crest of muddy flood waters of
rivers that have made an esti.
mated 100000 persons homeless
in Southern Indiana today.
Scarlet fever, typhoid, pneu-
monia and influenza stalked in
the wake of the boiling waters.
Medical officers shuddered when
they estimated the toll of human
lives that the disease-laden
water and exposure will claim
before the story of the flood is
fully told.
DistillerieS Refuge
In a leaky rowboat, with rain
and sleet pounding down for Is
hours without intermission, 1
visited the flood,isolated distiller.
les at Lawrenceburg where the
major part of the 1000 popula-
ton of the city have huddled for
temporary shelter.
There physicians were working
until they dropped in their tracks
with 100 patients in an improv.
ised hospital and almost two
dozen already diagnosed as pneu'
rOoOia
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
ADVERTISEMENT
ONE CENT A DAY PAYS
UP TO Sl00 A MONTH

The Postal Life & Casualty Insurance
Co, 943 Postal Life Bldg. Kansas city,
Mo, is offering a new accident policy
that pays up to 500 a month for "a
months for total disability and up to
81 900. 90 for deaths-costs less than 1c
a day-$350 year. More than 100000
have already bought this policy. Men,
women and children eligible. Send no
money. Simply send name, address.
age. beneflciary's name and relation
ship and they will send this policy on
10 days FREE inspection. No medical
examination is required. No agent will
call. This offer is limited, so write the
company today.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Levee Breaks

LITTLE ROCK. Ark, Jan. 25
G.N.SD Flood waters today were
covering portions of II counties in
Northeastern Arkansas. Governor
Carl E. Bailey expressed fear that
the total number of homeless might
reach the 100000 mark. A leVee
break was reported near Truman,
inundating between eight and ten
thousand acres, and causing 900
families to seek shelter on higher
ground.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Prison Riot QueIIed

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Jan. 25
N.SD.-Rioting which broke out
among terrorized convicts at the
Kentucky State Ref ormatory
Frankfort, KY, when flood waters
Tapped at the second tier of cells
last night was under control to-
day. according to report tele-
phoned here. The warden's office
denied in a conversation with In
ternational News Service that any
Of the convicts had been slain.
Earlier reports said a dozen or
more were killed in the rioting.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Bingham Told of Flood

LONDON, Jan. Is QN.SO BY
transatlantic telephone, United
States Ambassador Robert Worth
Bingham today received a first.
hand account of the floods which
have ravaged his native Louisville.
Bingham was Mortified to learn de-
tails of the flood and keenly dis
appointed when informed his news
paper, the Louisville Courier-Jour-
nal, had been forced to suspend
publication for the first time in
ll6 years.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
PAPER SUSPENDS

LOUISVILLE. Ky. Jan. 25
0.N.SD.-FOr the first time in
its long history, the Louisville
Courier Journal and Times Sus-
pended publication today. The
publishers bowed to the mayors
desire to conserve power even
before electricity was shut off,
at midnight.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
DAYEY AT FLOOD Scene

CINCINNATI, Ohio, Jan, 25
G.N.SD. - Governor Martin l..
Davey arrived here at TAO a. m.
today to personally inspect flood
damage to Ohio's second largest
city. Rising steadily, the river
stage at that hour was 1877 feet.
Other Ohio River stages were re-
ported as follows: New Richmond,
1850: Ironton, 68 feet; Pomeroy.
81 feet.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
LEGISLATURE CALLED

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 25
G.N.SO SO.-Sidetracking all other
matters, the Ohio legislature
was called to meet this after
noon to appropriate $250,O00 to
defray expenses of the National
Guard and other State agencies
in assisting flood-stricken Ohio
Valley towns. About 1900 Ma
tional Guardsmen were on duty
in the flood zone with others
standing by for orders.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
RISING AT PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 25 1.N.SO.
Renewed rainfall that fell with
monotOnOus regularity today sent
flood waters on the rise once
more here today after a brief
fall.
From a crest of 32.9 feet. 7.9
feet above flood level. the waters
fell to 27.9 feet Sunday, but new
rains sent them squirting to 29.2
feet early today with a 3OfOOt
crest predicted.
Rain fell over the entire west
ern PENNSYLVANIA watershed and
more was predicted for today,
although some hope was ex-
pressed by w. S. BrOtzman, U.
S. weather fOrecaster, for colder
weather tonight.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Easing at Wheeling

WHEELING, w. Va. Jan. 25
1.N.SD.-AlthOugh further
rise was declared possible, the
Ohio River was reported falling
here today. The peak was 10
feet above flood stage.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
LOUISVILLE HALF SUBMERGED AWAITS WORST IN FLOOD
Flood Bulletins

'of Kentucky for Federal troops to
aid 100000 people in the Louis
willie flood-devastated area. 1,5C0
United States Army regulars en-
trained here today for Jefferson
Vile.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
100000 LEAVE
HOMES; RIVER
: RISE EAREC0RD
Life Saving Is First
Concern Of Desperate
City Officials

LOUISVILLE. KY. Jan. 25
GN.SD.-Thrown into chaos by
the worst flood in its history,
Louisville faced even greater dis.
aster today as the rampaglns
Ohio River kept on rising.
Nearly a half of the city was
under water today. More than
100000 of the city's population
of $4,000 were homeless and
many suffered in dire want.
Thousands we're i'll and others
needed medical care for the et,
fects of their exposure.
p. Officials we're frankly deSper-
ate. Both Mayor Neville Miller
land Governor A. E. Chandler
made appeals for aid directly to
President Roosevelt.
Guards Patrol Streets
The city was being operated un-
der wartime measures with the
National Guard and Regular Army
forces patrolling the streets al
though martial law had not been
officially declared.
Mayor Miller ordered complete
evacuation of the town west OF
Fifteenth Street last night and At
the same time urged all women
and children and men whose
services were not demanded to
leave the stricken city at once.
He said:
1--WE are not worrying about
property any more. We are wOr
rying now only about saving
life"
His desperation was prompted
by the rise of the river. which
this morning had reached a stage
of nearly SIS feet, almost 13 feet
higher than the previous mark Of
42.7 feet set in 1884.
Is Feet Higher Seen
Meteorologist j. l.. Kendall said
he feared the crest would be at
least 81 feet providing the rain
ceased. His forecast for today and
tomorrow, however, was for more
rain ana possibly snow.
A total of 2.94 inches of rain
fell on the city yesterday and last
night. River engineers said that
every inch of rain would mean
nearly a foot rise in the river.
The city's deSolation was in.
creased during the night when
the power supply failed. Only
valiant and death-defying effort
on the part of the power workers
had kept the city supplied with
any electricity earlier.
They we're forced to work far
below water level at the giant
machinery and we're protected
only by Water-tight bulkheads
and were in danger of collapsing
at any time. They at last gave
way. The crew was believed to
have escaped.
Communications Cut
Communications were badly
disrupted. Telephone service was
almost at a Standstill and many
telegraph wires we're out of COM
mission. Trains were operating
cautiously on the Pennsylvania
and Southern tracks, each string
of cars packed with fear-stricken
refugees.
The crisis was becoming more
acute hourly as food supplies and
medical stores we're depleted. An
epidemic of typhoid was feared be-
cause of the lack of pure drinking
water.
Pneumonia cases were increas-
ing rapidly and virtually everyone
had cold. Fifty emergency
clinics were jammed beyond ca
pacity and doctors and nurses
worked without thought of rest
or care for themselves.
The homeless were crowded
under every available roof. Fac
tories, hotels, the National Guard
armory stores and shops each held
their quotas.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
EASTERN RIVER RISES

HARTFORD, Conn.,. Jan. IS
(I.N.SD A twO-fOot rise in the
Connecticut river was predicted
for today as the result of rising
temperatures and a warm rain
which followed an ice-StOrm
yesterday. The expected rise car
ried no fear of flood danger.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
SHAWNEETOWN EMPTIED

SHAWNEETOWN, ILL.,, Jan.
IS 1N.SD.-The L. 5. Ship
Vandenberg today carried resi-
dents of this flOOd.afflicted city,
isolated for nearly a week, to
safety. The evacuation of the
city was completed as the ram
paging Ohio River rose to new
highs. Many who had huddled
for DAYS in public buildings were
repOrted i'll.
The Washington times., 1937-01-25
Treasury Statement
International News Service

InternatiOnal News Service
Treasury balance January %,
$1,758,311,312.61; internal revenue,
S5,706,864.13; customs receipts
S30,419.922.52,
The Washington times., 1937-01-25

TROOPS TO KENTUCKY
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. IS
GN.SD.-Complying with tn e
plea of Governor A. B. Chandler
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

I heard a door open and rush Of
feet-a little boy and girl dashed
into the room crying: Mamma,
come quick, and see our Christmas
tree" They clapped their hands
and danced about me. Soon the
mother came with box filed with
shining lovely things and my plain
green dress was covered with
sparkling jewels. I hardly dared
look in the mirror for I remem-
bered I was only a humble tree
after all, and what ! saw could not
be me at all; but the great silver
star on my topmost branch made
me feel very happy. I seemed to
draw courage from just looking at
it.
After time I was left to myself.
I was glad, as I needed to rest up
bit and get used to my strange
surroundings. It grew dark outside
and snow was falling; but inside
my star shone and quiet peace
came over me.
Then once more the doors opened
and merry group Of people came
in. This time there were Father
and Grandfather and Grandmother,
too; and Mother leading the little
boy and girl. Everyone was. saying
how lovely was; but did not want
them to look at me. wanted them
to see two little faces outside
pressed against the window pane.
The boy saw them first. LOOK,
Daddy, Mammal" he shouted and
pointed to the window. There are
two children out there. Bring them
in, Daddy; give them some of our
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

Christmas. And the little girl
clapped her hands and cried: "Oh,
do, Daddy, it's cold out there!"
When they were brought in look
ing rather scared, but glad, I was
SO happy I almost shook my baubles
off. Then Mother made music on
big box with shining keys and
everyone sang Christmas carols.
Then Father told the old story Of
the Shepherds and the Star that led
to the Christ Child. Then a jolly
man with red coat and pack on
his back gave everyone presents.
including the little strangers. There
were candies and nuts, plenty for
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

7 AM a happy little tree. I stand
beside the front entrance Of q
white cottage on quiet street.
Each Christmas time ! bloom out
in beautiful colored lights, and all
who pass share my beauty and
catch something of the joy of Christ
mas.
But / was not always happy like
his. Once lived in a great forest,
surrounded by trees so tall could
only catch a glimpse of the blue sky
above me, and I felt very small and
lonely. /, too, wanted to be tall; to
look out on the big world like the
others and feel the sun shining
through my branches. / would
stretch out my limbs as far as I
could, and send my roots deeper in
to the earth, but my progress was
70 slow ! grew discouraged.
One day ! saw man and boy
coming through the forest. The man
carried something oyer his shoulder
and they seemed to be looking
tor something. Then the boy saw
me and cried: Look, father, there
Is just the tree we want" He ran
over to me and fairly Rugged me in
his eagerness. The man looked me
over. Fine" he said. But when
be began digging with the thing he
mad carried on his shoulder / be-
gan to tremble. I felt my roots
map one by one and soon I lay a
wmbled heap on the ground. Life
seemed over for me.
Next was tied to a funny looking
mms on wheels, that suffered and
Gowled when the man and boy
embed in and we started off down
: Misty little road that wound
through the forest, then out on 4
ols shining highway until we came
"a wide driveway that led through
Aopmg lawn to white cottage.
mere was united and put into a
Afee earthen jar filed with sand
.a0 carried into the house, and set
- corner of a big room beside a
sunny window. Oh. the joy of hav-
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

irs the sun on my branches. I be-
gan to feel less scared and to look
about me.
In big mirror opposite I could
watch the man as he fastened me
upright. Then he put a string of
lights from my top to my toe,
whistling softly as he worked. Then
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

Enemy Pilots Waved Greetings
In the early stages Of the World
war planes were not equipped to
tight each other and enemy pilots
merely waved greetings in passing.
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

al, and such . babble Of happy
voices. I felt the thrill Of il myself
and the big star glowed in sympa-
thy.
Q Western Newspaper Unioa.
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

Diamond Does Not Melt
A diamond has no melting point
and it can not be welded to any
other body. ......
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-12-16

r- Sheep Bush Old
Sheep bush has covered the desert
plateaus Of South Africa for CEN
turtles.
Evening star., 1937-10-03
PRYOR SUCCEEDS
RORABACK| IN COP.
Political Novice Appointed
to Republican National
Committee.

Connecticut Republicans have filled
the vacancy in the Republican Ma
tional Committee caused by the death
Of J. Henry Roraback, who for years
was power in the party's councils
His successor is Samuel F. Pryor, jr
OF Greenwich, Conn, a young Re-
publican" and a newcomer to the field
Of national politics.
Roraback, who died last Summer
was one Of the last OF the old guard
a dominant figure in the national COM
mlttee. The selection of Pryor. who
was backed for the committee place
by the Young Republicans and by
the Republican women in Connecti-
cut, is typical, 1t is said, of the change
which is beginning to take place in
the upper ranks Of the G. o. P.
Pryor is 38 years old and known
to stand for infusion OF youth into
the party and for wider distribution
OF party control. His point Of view
was expressed in recent speech when
ne said I'VE must capitalize our
youth and get it into politics" Pryor
thinks the party has been so sue
cessful In the past 1t did not make
the readjustments required by chang
Ing circumstances.
Sent to Yale, Pryor dropped out of
college at II to enlist in the Navy
and saw service overseas on a de-
stroyer. Eddie Eagan, the amateur
heavyweight champion of the world,
taught him boxing and when, after
the war, he went back to Yale, he
Evening star., 1937-10-03

ments of policy up to one page in
length in a daily paper.
That they must, on demand, dis
close the source Of all other infor-
nation.
That. as a penalty, the lieutenant
governor -in-council may prohibit
publication of a newspaper for a
definite period or until further
notice.
That publication Of information
from any person or source may be
prohibited.
Aberhart may get the bill passed
but the newspapers-which are mighty
ndependent-have made it clear that
they don't intend to take it without
a fight. 1t is because they have con-
tinued to say what they wanted to-
despite the premier's threats, that the
bill has finally been brought forward
1t is said that heretofore the gov-
ernment has maintained a blacklist
for reporters who have written stories
which officialdom regarded as untrue
A man on the blacklist was barred
from access to information at the
government offices. Now the premier
proposes to strike directly at the papers
themselves.