davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
In Keeping With Plans

The session that Mayor Frank Hayes called of departmental heads this week to discuss ways and means of improving their service to the general public, at the same time saving the city money and en- couraging the establishment in Water bury of new industries is worthy of much comment and much support. Waterbury has emerged from the depression years in fairly satisfactory condition. Still it does not pay the city to sit back compla- gently and imagine that it is going to coast along for the next half century. We are entering highly competitive age.
 Cities and towns all over the nation have been sharpened by the last few years. Many are desperate and in des- peration resort to all sorts of efforts to improve their standing and to make their communities livable for their citizens and taxpayers. Waterbury cannot afford to be backward one bit about keeping it's present industrial reputation always in front of the nation and world. And to do this it must be awake and on it's toes. We can only point with some pride to the fact that the Hayes administration has been on the iob for the past few years working
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Wearing Out Tires

There's a good deal of human nature recorded in automobile tires. A nnanu- featuring company made big test of its tires in the following manner. It equipped 56 cars, of the same make and model, with the same make and size of tires, and had the driven over the same roads by 56 different men. The cars were divided into four groups of IA each. The distance in which the tires in each group wore out, on the average, was carefully noted.
 The group of cars whose tires lasted longest had averaged 31 ,000 miles. From that figure the other three groups tapered down to a minimum of 16,000 miles. Some of the cars in the top group natur- ally showed still higher mileage, and some in the bottom group lower mileage. Roughly, the tires in the best group ran twice as far as those in the worst group.
 The difference, of course, was not in the tires but in the drivers. Those who drove carefully and handled their cars sensibly got the big mileage. Those who started with roar and stopped with a jerk and otherwise abused their tires got the small mileage. And very likely the careful drivers were conserving other moving parts of the car proportionately, while the treat -em-rough drivers were wearing out their cars as prematurely as their tires.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
"Impertinent" Lectures

A British managing editor has recently come to the United States for an unusual purpose and with some refreshing views about his people and ours. He is here to visit friends and see some of the major newspaper plants. Apparently he is not here to advertise his latest book - per haps he never wrote one - and certainly not to earn little pocket money by speaking tour. One of his strong opin- ions concerns the flock of British lec- turers who have so much to say to club audiences on this side of the Atlantic.
 Rubbish, absolutely rubbish, is what I think of the impertienece of British and other lecturers who have been coming over here to tell Americans how to run things We would resent people coming to England to tell us what to do. As for our lecturers - Bah! They are nobody at home, in most cases"
 Being kindly, this otherwise outspoken gentleman refrains from expressing his view of the Americans who flock to hear SO many lecturers in the course of sea- son that they don't have time to develop any real opinions of their own.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

One reorganization proposal is meeting with considerable opposition down along the Connecticut River. It is the plan to eliminate for good the Chester Hadlyme ferry, which is the last of this ancient means of transportatjcl along the lower Connecticut River. The ferry happens to be right on direct route from New Haven to Norwich now and it's propo- nents point this out as one good reason why the ferry should be continued. Its discontinuance was asked on the grounds that it does not pay it's way As matter of fact the ferry hasn't paid for it's upkeep in good many years. But this should not be held against it. How would a bridge at this point or how does bridge at any point pay for it's way except in making travel between points more convenient. And that's what the Chester Hadlyme ferry does. And more than that we ought to have at least one reminder along the river in the form of an old-tirne ferry. If for nothing other than to revive memories and recall the days when bridges couldn't be considered across big rivers on account of their cost this ferry should be retained.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Ten Years Too Late

The Danbury News-Times has been endeavoring lately to show up dlscre- pancies in our form of state government. One of the points touched upon by the editor is near and dear to this editorial heart. Inequalities are pointed out III the present alignment of senatorial dls- tricts. Some time before the last federal census was taken we pointed out that after the census was known and published for this state, it.would be good idea for our Legislature to do something about equalizing the senatorial districts.
 Well, there were efforts made along this line in half-hearted way; but there wasn't so much attention paid to this as there was to the new lineup in Congress. With an additional representative grant ed this state by virtue of it's change m population it began to appear as Ii the congressional district lines of the moment would be erased and new ones assigned. There were bills drawing up six new dis tricts. but like all things involving change in which somebody may get thelr toes or fingers pinched nothing was done and we now have congressman at-large. The excuse was we might not have the sixth representative after 194O.
 The only chance we had to do anything about the senatorial district alignment was in 1881. But that session slipped by and no changes in the existing lines were made nor was any effort made to take advantage of the constitutional right to add another district. Startling inequali- ties in the senatorial districts are appar- ent to anybody who takes the time to check them up. They have been there not for few years, but for good many years Now might be the time for the Legislature to prepare itself for action.
 It cannot do anything about changing the lines until 1941, one year after the next federal census is taken. But i1i the meantime atleast a fortnight commission to study not the advisability of changing the senatorial district lines, but to make new senatorial district map of the state paying attention to. past population changes and shifts and giving due heed to those that may occur in the few years that must elapse before any such changes can be voted upon. More popular sup port for this necessary alteration would accomplish the desired result.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

in the interests of the city and not the individual
 We don't have to take back seat for any other city or town in the state in any respect. Waterbury has often been the target of many jests about it's financial condition and it's high rate of taxation, due to unsavory advertising by persons not sufficiently interested in the welfare of the city to look out for the industries and business houses that were responsi- ble for the livelihood of thousands of men and women. That most of the shafts of criticism went wild is amply testified to by many facts. What city went through the depression any better than we did; what city's financial position is any sounder in the money markets than ours? It is proper at this time to make plans for future that includes city progress ing along every front.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Answers To Questions
By Frederick M. Kerby

Q. Why are Soft Shoulders signs sometimes seen along road- sides?
 A. Road shoulders are the edges of road; specifically, part of the graded width of highway. When first laid they are soft, and signs marked Soft Shoulders" are placed alongside the road to warn the mo- torists to keep of.
 e. Whose was the first portrait used on any postage stamp in the world, and when and where was it issued?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

Hartford aldermen are wearing rather pleased expressions these days. A law has been proposed which would exempt all aldermen from paying property taxes up to $1O,00O personal property. Over that would be obliged to dig down and find the cash the same as the rest of us weary mortals. There is going to be public hearing on the question. If it is passed, it will go into effect in January, 1888. The reason it was proposed was to compen- sate aldermen who give their services gratis to the city. It also is believed that it may be an incentive to induce more men to run for it's office and thus keep property owners interested in civic matters
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
TODAY'S COMMN ERROR Never say, My sister and my- self can go to the party; say, My sister and I can go to the party"

A. Queen victoria's portrait was used on the stamps of Great Bri- tain in 1840.
 o. Did Robert L. Ripley write any books before Believe It or Not?"
 A. Yes, a Boxing Record" in 1926, and "Handball Guide" 1927.
 o. What is a simple household test to tell butter from oleomargar- inc?
 A. Melt bit of the fat in pan. If 1t is pure butter the liquid will foam but if it is oleomargarine there will be very little foam and it will sputter.
 If you want a copy of our book let on Etiquette for Everybody" write The Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1912 Thirteenth Street, Northwest, Washington, D. c. Enclose 4 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

man, was sent to Germany on a goodwill tour, then returned to California where he became head master of the Voorhis school for Y underprivileged children. His hob bies are boys, baseball and Ameri- can history.
 Norris Group
 Senator Norris conference to discuss means of limiting the pow CT of the Supreme Court is run- ming into headaches.
 ONE HEADACHE is that its sponsors are hopelessly split among themselves. Some favor the Roosevelt shortcut of "un- packing" the Court. Some demand the long-term job of passing a Constitutional Amendment.
 ANOTHER HEADACHE is that Roosevelt supporters don't want to discuss the Presidents pro- posals at all. Unless this program is barred, ome supreme court cri- tics = especially those within the administration - threaten to boy colt the Norris meeting.
 FINALLY the Senate hearings on the Presidents proposals, be- ginning March 9, threaten to di- vert the spotlight from the Nor ris Conference opening March 15. ''@~ (Copyright, 1887, by United 'l Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
A Book a Day.
Author Finds Russian Life Is No Fun
 (BY BRUCE CATION

The Provincial Lady went to Rus sia to get a humorous slant on com- munism. Those who know her Diary" will agree that Mrs. E. M. Delafield seems an ideal person to send on such mission.
 But she has to admit defeat. There just isn't any fun in the Soviet. She is amusing in T Visit the Soviets" CHarper & Bros: $2.50), when she describes the eter- nal lack of efficiency, the total ab- sence of privacy and sanitation, the discomforts and trials of traveller. But when she gets down to writing about Russia and the Russians, her muse goes definitely serious.
 Her main impression of Lenin- grad is that it has been neglected for years. There she had her first taste of intourist guides. She was amazed by their unlimited capacity for Soviet propaganda, their power of nullifying criticism by fiatly con- tradicting any laudatory comments on capitalist countries, their blind and stubborn refused to admit any, thing in U. s. s. R. is less than per- fection.
 Moscow depressed her with com rades walking the streets, throng- ing the trans, standing in lines, all looking drab and unwashed and solemn. She witnessed marriage and a equally simple and equally joyless ceremonies per- formed without benefit of clergy al the registry once. She tried tc sound out school children on reli- zion and communism, but found them filled with the same formulas the guides were forever reciting.
 In general, I should say her con- clusions are that the chief occu- patton of Russians is waiting; their chief topics for discussion, abortion and the constitution; chief char acteristics, fatalistic apathy, cough ing, splitting, and eating fish. Mrs Delafield's dry sarcasm and exces- sively English modesty and fastidi- ousness make her light and airy im- pressions entertaining reading even If. she can't discover any fun in Russia. D. s. E.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

Bingo playing in Meriden will soon be ended, if the Ministers Association of that city has it's way about it. The group voted recently to ban all bingo games. An effort is being made to interest all groups in the campaign against the game on the ground that it is form of gam bling, which is contrary to law Wonder if the churchmen can succeed in their objective?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Selected Poem
SHADOWS AT NIGHT
GA. J. s. in the Christian Science Monitor)

ShhDOW0 Al NAGnA
 GA. J. S. in the Christian Science Monitor) I sat up in the moonlit night And looked on the world below; Bright, bright was the moonlight On roof and tree and snow. The very clouds were bright with light, But dark the shadows ran From cave and gable to the street, Where ran darker shape and fleet, That was no kin to man. Maybe it was lepoard black That ran there like line With a stealthy tiger on its track? No sound was there, no covered whine; No cat to mew; no dog to bark, Nothing but light, and heavy dark. The street was still in the moonshine. was safe in my bed on high; I looked no more through the window pane; bade the world and the moon good-by; And feel asleep again.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

1. What is an aigrette?
 2. Who wrote the novel, Great Expectations?"
 3. What is the term of years for which an American patent runs? 4. Above what lake at Ithaca, N. Y. is Cornell University?
 5. Name the three sons of Noah. 6. Who was John Gibson?
 T. Should one use 8 fork or a spoon to eat ice cream?
 8. Name the principal river in Me- braSka.
 g. What is the source of the quo- tation, Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days?"
 10. Can an invention be sold while patent is pending?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

T Q v AA " " avoided simply because it is change. But the a b a n donment
 of a principle, particu arly when it is to attain a dubi- Ous end, is nei- tl1er good pol- itics nor good sense. In Con- ne cticut the
 democratic par- ty in the Gen. e ral Assembly |. .~
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Moral Support

There is no intention on my part to impugn the motives of the supporters of the Bridgeport sa1- ary restoration measure. Nor to agree with their analysis of Jas per's opposition. Bridgeport may or not be able to return what it took out of it's employees pay en- velopes. My contention is that the issue was purely local one, that the row is a family row in which horners-in will get beaten up by both sides, and that adherence to sound Democratic principles
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

Since January 5, when Congress convened, Roosevelt has sent eight separat ernessages to Capitol Hill --and there are. more in the, ofiling. Plus routine supply bills, any one of these during normal times would be enough to en- gage congress for @ considerable period.
 Here Is a tabulation of the fod- der he has showed down the con- gressional rnaw so far:
 January 6-Annual message on the state of the Union.
 January 12-Message on gov- ernment reorganization.
 February 1-Message asking legislation to authorize accept ance of the Mellon art gift.
 February 3-Report of the Ma tional Resources committee on
 flood control.
 February 5-Message propos-
 ing sweeping changes in the
 Supreme Court.
 February 10-Report of the
 Great Plains Committee on
 drouth remedies. s @
 February 16-Message on farm
 tenancy.
 February 1S-Message asking for
 crop insurance program. Except for work given the special session of congress called immediately after RooSevelt's irl- auguration in 1888, this Is a rec- ord list. Usually Roosevelt gives congress time partially to clear the decks before sending it new pro- posals.
 But this time 1t was wise stra- tegy for him to emphasize the amount of important legislation awaiting some change in the Su- preme Court before it can be made effective. So Roosevelt has crammed the legislative hopper full in a little over one month. Mexico and Catholics
 When it comes to revolutions, what is secretly worrying the State Department is not Spain, but Mexico.
 Its reports from that coun- try indicate that the church fight Is getting hotter and that simultaneously Plutarc0 Elias Gales, once strong man Of Mexico, together with Luis Mo who are living inc0gnito in San Diego, Cal, are plotting a revo- luti0n.
 The State Department has evil dence that large supplies of arms have reached the Calles-Morones forces in northern Mexico. To suuelch the threatened uprising the Mexican government already has distributed some 60,000 rifles to peasants in the northern states
 Should Mexico flare i'm revolt the Sttae Department would be i'm extremely hot water. To re-
 fuse arms shipments to the Catholics would create bitter re- sentiment against Roosevelt among Catholic clements in the United States. At the same time, Roosevelt has followed . policy of cooperating with what ever Latin American govern ment is In power.
 To do otherwise in regard te Mexico would upset his entii Good Neighbor policy, the seed; of which he scattered so profusely during his trip to Buenos Aires. Rookie VOOhis
 Los Angeles has put across the idea of sending wide-apart ex- tremes to congress. Last repre-. sentatice from California's -l2tt congressional district was Johr Hoeppel. convicted of selling . West Point appointment. Present incumbent Is Jerry Voorhis, 36 years old, sincere ideal ist, and one of the promising youngsters of the present ses- sion.
 Born in Ottawa, Kansas, voor- his went east tot he swanky Hotchkiss school, then to Yale l became an enthusiastic YMCA
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
On the Fire

When the measure, came up for consideration in the senate the members of that august body could have said to its advocates: Look here! We think that the Bridgeport teachers, firemen, po- licemen, and others should get their pay cuts restored. We are for you and we will do anything we can to help. But we cannot as Democrats scuttle the party prin- ciple of Home Rule. How can we use the state blackjack on Bridge port and then squawk when some pumpkin-jumping Republican in the lower house tries to crack our skulls with the same state sap? If we call the state into settle 8 private fight for you what are we going to do when we are asked to call the state in to decide any controversial question in another city. We would like to sit down with you at a victory dinner to celebrate this guy McLevy's defeat but if we do what you want us to do we will have to go on a diet of crow until that highly doubtful event takes place." In view of what happened at the Tuesday session of the House it looks as if the crow was already Ion the fire and coming up."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

There's certainly a change in China with the Presidents American-educated wife broadcasting to the nation in Eng fish. Shall we ever have an Eleanor Roosevelt broadcasting to us in Chinese?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
N DREW RgARe0N
and ROBERT g. ALLEN

WASHINGTON, February 26. = Judging from the amount of homework the President has dumped into the lap of Congress, the soons will be sweering under the Capitol dome well through the summer.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
BY WAYof NO HARM
James William FitzPatrick

Che commnuA Opmlons conclusions appearing alone They not necessarily thOBe Of the editors construed invariably
 reelection Of their VieWpDint.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
The State Camel

Sometimes 1t is the part of wis dom for legislators to get away from traditional party policy. Change is not of necessity or of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26

should have moved the senate to keep its hands off. I can under. stand the desire which Demo- cratic senators from other parts of the state might have to help the Democrats of Bridgeport soap the municipal stairs to ensure Jasper's exit from the mayors of flee by putting him in a spot. I can understand that the senators may have grown weary of seeing Jasper canonized by the hypocrit- ical Republican press of the state. I am fed up on that sort of tripe myself. But it would appear to me that the game was not worth the candle. The bill was sure to be killed in the lower house anyway where the majority will still pay off on what the Bridgeport So- cialiSt senators and representa- ttves did for the Republican ma chine in the 1935 session. The action of the Democratic senate in passing it only furnished a stick with which its members and Democratic cities may be be- labored later. The boys fin the up- per chamber should have con- fined themselves to that well known device of the union labor world known as Contributing moral support" Which interpre- ted means doing nothing which may be thrown in your teeth later on.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
A Thought for Today

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that will pray the Father Tor yOu.-St John 1928.
 Let him who prays, suffer his tongue to out- strip his heart; nor presume to carry message to the throne of grace, while that stays behind. South.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Test Y o UT Knowledge

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-26
Good Bye, Ball Game!

IucSQay aICernOOn the House committee on cities and boroughs did what an ostrich with it's head buried two feet in the sand could have foreseen it would do, to wit: bring in an untavorablel report on the bill passed by the senate. The Republican representatives, again as was expected, opened the win dow and chucked the measure out. And just to rub it in good and hard the chairman of the committee in recommending the chucking out stuff announced that the question was not whether Bridgeport's city employees were entitled to Q restoration of their pay cuts nor whether the city was financially able to do that little thing. It was whether Bridgeport should be allowed to run it's own affairs. The real issue was Home Rule and the Republican majority in the house went for it like Iio- { body's business. Here was the IT. publican devil quoting democratic scripture to suit his own purpose and the unhappy listeners could not have the satisfaction of point ing out the fact. They had to- sit in paralyzed impotence while the Republican majority walked off with the most devastating bit of Democratic thunder. The senate threw a fast bean ball at Jasper's dome and that not-easily fright ened political slugger with Re- publican lower house bat in his clutch stepped away from the plate, spat on his hands, pasted the apple over the fence, and shouted "There goes your old ball game" It did.