davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Back on the High Seas

One of the queerest things in American history has been the way in which the country has allowed it's merchant marine --once one of the finest and most famous on the seven seas-to sink to the position of unwanted and undernourished step child. A century ago American ships were seen in every port on the globe, and the flag was a familiar sight on every sea. This not only meant that American eX- porters were doing whale of business; it meant that the nation was fully alive to it's membership in the world commun- ity. But during the past generation the merchant marine dWindled and almost died. Save for the coaStWlse tradeS, American-hag ships were rarely seen. An enormous fleet had been built during the war, but it was rusting to obsolescence m remote harbors.
 A few years ago, attempts were made to revive the merchant marine The gov ernment awarded mail-carrying contracts to divers steamship lines, paying out fabulous sums so that a packet Of dozen letters might be dropped off at out of-the-way ports. The contracts were really subsidies, to enable steamers to make runs which otherwise would not pay. Since they were disguised subsidies, they were expensive and inefficient. NOW, at long last, it begins to look as if the merchant marine is to be established on a straightforward basis. The old mail contracts have been cancelled. In their place are a set of straight-out subsidies. The government has signed contracts with 23 steamship companies, under which the companies will receive direct money payments from Uncle Sam so that they can compete with foreign-fag lines on an equal basis.
 Oddly enough, the direct payments are proving less expensive than the indirect ones which were made under the mall contract system. For instance: agree ments which will keep 151 ships in opera tion during the next six months are costing the government $4,6O0, ,0OO; under the mail contract system the cost for the same ships in the same period would have been $7,600,000. Furthermore, the subsidies are set up in such a way that the steamship companies by returning to the government all profits above 12 per cent, actually stand in some cases to return the full subsidy price.
 The net result of this new system should be all to the good. In the first place, it should revive the American merchant marine on sound, healthy basis. In the second place, it will lead to much new ship building-it is estimated that 100 new ocean ships will be built in the next few years. Lastly, it will prove stimulus to American commerce. Our eyes will be turned beyond the seas once more, as in the great old days before the Civil War. We may get away from the Chinese wall theory of prosperity-and, with the world for a market, find strong new prop for our industrial richness.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Six Thousand Years Ago

Civilization grows older as archeolo- gists dig. A remarkable discovery by Americans representing the University of Pennsylvania, recently announced, re- veals that more than 6,0o0 years ago. longer ago than we used to think the world was made - there were people in northern Iraq civilized enough to produce pottery, architecture and varied art works as good as those of the recent Middle Ages in Europe, and in some respects almost as good as we can make now.
 Tepe Gawra, where they delved, seems almost like another Troy, with layer after layer of earth and relics, each represent ing a period of civilization, going down more than 100 feet to the original soil. That rich mound is a museum in which is stored an almost continuous record of human society from time long before Abraham and UT of the Chaldees. Pro- gress was not continuous. Races came and went. But from the cleverest of them, perhaps even proud man of the twentieth century can learn something.
 And this sounds curiously modern. Away down in the sixteenth level below the present surface, says pr. Ephraim A. Speiser, Professor of Semitics at the U. of P, the inhabitants evidently were liv- ing at "a fast, killing pace, emphasizing speed, mass production and efficiency" Perhaps they wore themselves out, and then thousand years later, man some how started again. Heigh-ho Who'll be digging us up 5000 years from now?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

Flame" He returned to more or less stunt music of descriptive nature in his later compositions Some of these he pro duced before such renowned musical organizations as the New York Sym phony, the Boston Symphony and the Philharmonic Society.
 Gershwin will not be forgotten for his "Of Thee I Sing" perhaps the finest thing of this kind, ever to be turned out by musical composer in collaboration with that eminent lyricist, George Gersh- win It goes without saying that Gershwin was the first ranking master of jazz of the age. His melodies, chords and dis cords will finger on.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

We always thought that Dolly Madison gave the world the marvellous concoction known as ice-cream, but we just read the other day that as far back as the days of Julius Caesar form of ice cream was being made and consumed, probably with as much relish as it is today. Whether or not there was any similarity between the two confections, we don't know. Re- searchers would probably have to dig pretty deeply into history to bring out all the facts about this early form of frozen desserts. In the old days kings and em- perors had snow brought down from the mountains to ice their drinks and for other hot-weather purposes.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Master of Jazz

It is quite jump from Tin Pan Alley to the concert stage at Carnegie Hall Nevertheless, George Gershwin, who died at the age of thirty-eight Sunday morn ing following an operation for brain ltumor, managed the leap. Gershwin, termed master of jazz" was a child of the jazz age. He had early worthwhile instruction in piano and theory, which accounts for the muSicianly quality of his jazziest pieces. Much of the music by Gershwin might not appeal to asthetic tastes in music; his aim in musical con- position, however, was to express, Through his provocative themes, the spirit of the American people of this par ticular age. One can detect in his com positions the more or less hectic and hysterical spirit of the age; he showed, as 1t were, through his intricate and tricky harmonieS Americans of all sorts as they have been since the dawn of the tWenties.
 When Gershwin came into prominence he proceeded to make himself person of importance as musical comedy com poser. He later produced those weird children of his brain Rhapsody in Blue," ssAn American in Paris" and "Porgy and Bess." His Rhapsody perhaps ranks as his greatest opus, provocative satire in music introducing strange harmonies, and which brought forth the commenda- ton of well known figures in the musical world. You might not like the Rhapsody as a musical piece, but its melodic pro- gressions were somewhat intriguing.
 A Jew years back Gershwin wrote "Oh, Kayl" and "Strike Up the Band" both lf them full of catchy music. and then he sent quite meIodious in Song of the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

Saturday witnessed an unusual event at Lake Compounce Gathered there were 150 members of the Connecticut Blind Peoples Association. Four of the six dogs that are acting as guides for blind people in this state were also brought to the outing, All of the resorts amusements were at the disposal of the members of the group and majority of those attend ing, according to all reports, patronized them freely. It's remarkable thing to be able to record this. Surely it must have been remarkable sight to see this little group of physically-handicapped persons acting and behaving as their more for tunate brethren are won't to do. There was dinner at the close of the day with speeches galore. We would have enjoyed listening to it. The dogs present were, we presume, those trained at the Seeing Eye in New Jersey.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

Judge Raymond J. Devlin of the Court of Common Pleas in New Haven will be feted by more than 1000 friends and acquaintances at a testimonial dinner tomorrow night. Every department of the state government will be represented, testifying to the high regard in which the youthful jurist is held in Connecticut. He has had rapid and meritorious rise in state politics and his appointment this year was hailed on all sides as we'll deserved
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
In Today's Mail
 Anonymous letters will not be accepted unless accom- panied with writer's name.
COURTS NEEDED TO PRESERVE OUR
 LIBERTY
Editor: Waterbury Democrat:

Editor: Waterbury Democrat:
 The question of packing the Su- preme Court transcends all State as well as party lines. I therefore take the liberty of addressing the citizens of your community through your columns. The question is the most critical since the Civil War. It has now been stripped of all camoufage.
 It has emerged clearly as a ques- ton of principle, principle lying at the foundation of all free govern ments. It is: Shall the courts be independent in their decsiions and so able to render impartial justice to all or shall they be made sub servient to the Congress and Presi- dent, or, as well may happen Sith President granted unusual powers to the President alone? With inde- pendent courts, liberty may be main- tained. With courts dependent on the will of one man, liberty dies.
 The choice yet remains in the hands of the people but it may not remain there long. The senate alone stands between us and the betrayal of the courts, but the vote is close. Ten or so senators, perhaps event. ua!ly one or two can decide the issue.
 I beg every interested citizen and reader to write to these undecided senators and urge them to vote against any compromise plan. The addition of one judge is as bad as six, because it creates the precedent that the decisions of the Court can be altered by packing it. The ad- ministration has practically admit ted that that is the only reason for adding any judges at all.
 In your own state you can do your part by writing to senator's and urging them anew to stand against any compromise. The people have not been allowed to make themselves heard on this matter either at the polls or in discussion of an amendment. The only place now we can be heard is in the sen- ate, and any delay in making our- selves heard there may quickly prove fatal. Again I urge, write or wire at once.
 Faithfully yours,
 JAMES TRUSLOW ADAMS.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

CT officials throwing dead cats into the governors lap; and 1t would put a definite end to branches of the General Assembly and the chief executive screaming You did-I didn't" at each other across the stretches of the capitol build ing. In a large measure Governor Cross is, thanks to the adoption of some features of the re-organ- ization commissions recommends tions, a three-quarter dictator of Connecticut,s government. How 1t will work out lies in the dim per- spective. But at least the plan has one merit: the governor is an elected official. If he does not function a hundred percent in the estimation of the voters he can be busted at the polls. That in es- sence is democratic government. The voters have the last say.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Answers To Questions
cRyushs is,I, MA
By Frederick M. Kerby

Enclose a three-cent stamp for reply when addressing any ques- tions of fact or information Co the Waterbury Democrats Service Bureau at Washington. Legal and medical advice cannot be given, nor can extended research be un- dertaken. Be sure all mail Is ad- dressed to the Waterbury Demo- crat's Service Bureau, 1913 Thir- teenth Street, Washington, D. c.
 e. Who was the Russian min- ister to the United States when this country purchased Alaska in 1867?
 A. Edward de Stoeckl.
 o. Can an inventor obtain a patent without the aid of patent attorney?
 A. Legally, yes. The patent office however, recommends that an in- ventor, unless he is familiar with such matters, employ a competent patent attorney because the value of patents depends largely upon the successful preparation of the spe- cification and claims.
 e. What is the difference be- tween a caddy and a caddie?
 A. They are varient spellings of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

the new Cabinet post for Social Welfare Is created by the govern ment reorganizat tion bill, Harry gets the job.
 Most ruefuI person in Wash ingt0n recently has been Mrs. Hopkins. She hated to see Harry lose that $75,000.
 NOTE-A salary of $75,OO0 usually does not go begging, but the whiskey distillers certainly have had a tough time getting someone to take their cash. Those who have turned 1t down include Jim Farley, Charles Nicholson and General Johnson.
 Earhart Rescue
 There has been a little inside grumbling in the Navy Depart ment over the tremendous cost of the rescue efforts for Amelia Earhart.
 This is chiefly because Navy aviators had repeatedly warned Miss Earhart regarding the risks she was taking in her long over- sea hops, and asked her not to take them.
 Cost of the Navy's rescue work was $250,000 day. Moreover, quite few naval aviators risked their lives in their search flights. Roosevelt Wedding
 Some of the inside highlights of the Roosevelt-duPont wedding have not leaked out yet, one of them being that Anna Roose- welt Boettiger was not the only lady who took off her shoes. No less than five young ladies took off both their shoes and stockings.
 This was because of the ter rife rainst0rm. The deluge was so heavy and the entrance to Owls Nest so wet, that the young ladies simply took off their shoes and stockings, left them in their cars, wrapped their gowns about their knees, put their escorts coats over their shoulders, and dashed for the door.
 Once inside, they dropped their long gowns, hiding their feet, and remained barefoot.
 A total of 1900 of those invited had sent in acceptances, but g. 400 arrived. They all brought in- vitations-which HOO had not accepted-and all were admitted anyway.
 The automobiles were so packed along the narrow road that it took Jim Farley three hours to get to the duPont house. Chief difficulty was in parking. The duPonts had plOwed up a 60-acre field, rolled it, then surfaced it with oil. But the rain soon penetrated this, making it bog.
 Automobiles were mired to the hub. It was impossible to get some of them out. In the middle of the reception, the brides father picked Up the telephone and or- dered two tractors to come out from town. But soon even they were so clotted with mud as to be almost intellectual in pulling the cars out.
 The President and Mrs. Roose- welt were not detained by the mired parking lot. however. They had special parking space, and also reserved and restricted lane of approach.
 Merry-G -G0-ROund
 The visiting Brazilian Minister of Finance found himself in pos- session of hot money the other day. when he learned the cash he had brought with him from Rio. being gold certificates, was con- traband in the United States. He was liable to a penalty of si0,00O and ten years in prison Forced to shift his regular press conference from l0:30 to 800 in the morning. Secretary Morgen- thau talked with the newsmen for fifteen minutes. then bought breakfast for all hands.
 Copyright. 1897. by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Strong Mayor

In Waterbury the city operates under what is known as "a strong mayor charter" The mayor has unusual powers. In the exercise of those powers he is responsible to the voters of the city. If the powers are unused, badly adminis- tered, or abused as against the public interest the voters who put him into office can kick him out of 1t. That is the essence of democratic municipal government. The voters, not set of political or social doctrinaires, have the last say.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Selected Poem
OLD HOUSE IN THE RAIN
(Glenn Ward DreSbach in the Christian
 Science Monitor)

(Glenn Ward Dresbach in the Christian
 Science Monitor) The old house stirred in its sleep To cool breath. as if wings Blocked in while they could keep The touch of upland springs. And on the roof was the sound Of birds feet running, light AS something that stirred on the ground New scents of the summer night. Wings-of the sudden rain!
 And its little silver feet! Leaves tapped at the window-pane- And the old house seemed to greet Its friends with a drowsy smile But dreams were in its glance. Hearing-a little while
 Far music of the dance.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Current Comment

Organized womanhood. filled with a zeal for a righteous cause, is a political power to be reckoned with -as some of our politicians have discovered. -Dr. Ella A. Booie. president.
 w. c. T. U.
 I believe in Americanism and the right of men to work. Daniel A. Knaggs, mayor of Mon-
 roe. Mich, scene of labor
 trouble.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Trend Away

Recently the charter revision commission appointed by the mayor of Utica, N. r., to study changes in the city's government al makeup filed its report. And rejected the city manager form of government. The commission found that "the trend is away from the city manager plan and towards centralized responsibility through an, elective Mayor" The trend" towards centralized re- sponsibility through an elective Governor was the prime cause for making Governor Cross a three
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

powers in the
 g o vern orr s ofnce and, in so d oin g, make him directly re- responsible for the use of the additional pow CTS granted. It would do away c 0 m p I e t e ly with any pass ing the buck by the governor to some other official in the state set-up; 1t
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Daily Almanac

Moon sets ii:i9 D. m. (daylight time). Sun rises 6:3l a. m: sets SPA D. m. (day- light tlme).
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset
 High tide at Milford Wednesday, July l4, 4:s4 a. m; low tide, il:l3 a. m (daylight time).
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Strong Goyernor

One of the reasons advanced for the adoption of the state de- partment reorganization plan was that it would centralize greater
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

There is growing doubt about our bringing on the Golden Age by collecting all the worlds gold.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

quarter dictator in Connecticut. The "trend" indicated by the pro- posed amendment to our city charter is not to increase the naturalization of responsibility through an elective Mayor" 1t is a direct effort to centralize AND INCREASE responsibility in an unknown individual called a per- sonnel director who is not elective and therefore not responsible to the voters of tfN city. As I have written before, the so-calIed merit system is city nanagership in dis guise. We are asked to accept z plan of government which is being junked all over the country. And what slightly irritates me is the fact that people whose signatures to the petition are being so assidu-. ously solicited are not told what they are signing for. However, perhaps, the petition showers are not aware of what they are doing either. Or are they? '.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

Really, ex-kinging isn't so bad. We'd give up most any job for half million cash and a life pension of $100,0OO year, even without Mrs. Warfield thrown in
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Not Even American

The petition being circulated asking the Board of Aldermen to put upon the ballot next fall an amendment to the city charter which would impose a so-called merit system upon the city would in effect scrap the strong mayor charter" The strong powers" now vested in an elected official, . resident of the city and one in- formed of its special problems would, if the amendment gets on the ballot and is approved, be transferred to a personnel director who may come from the Yukon, an efficiency" nomad who knows nothing about Waterbury or its problems and cares less. and who in no sense is responsible to the voters of the city. Such an amendment Is to me the very op- poslte of democratic government. It is even more than that; 1t is a fiat contradiction to everything which its supporters and advo- cates love to call American"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

the same word, and the latter spell- ing is preferred.
 c. On what date will Easter Sunday fall in i940?
 A. March 24.
 e. How many Boy Scouts con- stitute a troop?
 A. A full troop consists of 32 boys, divided into four patrols of eight boys each.
 c. When did the great Boston fire occur?
 A. November g, 1872. The fire started in the furnace room of a dry-goods store about 2 o'clock in the evening. It worked up the ele- vator shaft, and was discovered by a passer-by on the street, who turned in the alarm.
 @. My church is having a play for which we will charge fifty cents admission. How can we avoid pay ing federal tax on the admissions?
 A. Apply to the collector of in- ternal revenue of your district for an exemption certificate.
 Q. Name a mixture of two chem icals that is harmful only if there is an excess of either chemical.
 A. Sodium hydroxide and hydro chloric acid. If there is an excess of either, the mixture is harmful, but if the two are taken in cheni- cally equivalent amounts. the prod uct is sodium chloride, common salt.
 If you want copy of our book let FAMOUS COMPOSERS" write the Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1912 Thir- teenth Street, Northwest, Wash igtOn, ID. c. Enclose cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

Governments, like individuals, spend most of their time getting ready to do something
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

1. What quality of body causes it to float in liquid?
 3. Across which state does the Erie Canal extend?
 3. In French history, what was The Hundred Days?
 1. In which city is the famous park known as Kensington Gar dens?
 s. Which boxing bout drew the largest gate receipts?
 6. Name the capital of Wyoming. 2. Who was August Friedrich Pott?
 8. What is a vestigiai organ?
 9. What is the name for the hy- brid offspring of an ass and a mare?
 10. What is the Decaiogue3
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
Why?

why.
 If the centralization of power in the hands of the governor of the state was good thing-and 1t must not be forgotten that with the reorganization plan the so- called merit system went along how can those who were in favor of centralization, worked for its passage, and editorialized on its benefi:s to the taxpayer now be clamoring for the acceptance of an amendment to the charter of the city of Waterbury which de- centralizes the power now held by the mayor, the choice of the peo- pie, and hands the existing power AND OTHER POWERS WHICH THE MAYOR OF THE CITY DOES NOT POSSESS to a person. nel director who may come from God knows where but most cer- tainly would not be native of the city.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
BY WAY of NO HARM
James William FitzPatrick

The opinions and conclusions appearing writer editors THE DEMOCRAT
 reflection Of their viewpOrtD. staf3t
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Never say. "Not a one was hurt; say, Not one of them was hurt"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13
A Thought for Today

Then Abraham gave up the ghost and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his pcople-GeneSlS 2B:8
 Death is as the foreshadowing of life. We die that we may die no more.-H. Hooker.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-13

The $75,000 is the annual salary offered by the liquor d:stillers of America for a "czar" for their industry. Hopkins was almost per- suaded to leave his WPA job and become head of the Distilled Spir- its Institute. This is the office left vacant by the death of w. Forbes Morgan, uncle of Mrs. Roosevelt.
 Harry turned down the job, but he did 1t little reluctantly. He consulted first with the President. The latter told him flatly to re- ject 1t, indicating that he would make 1t up to Harry in the fu- ture.
 This probably means that when