davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1937-12-23
NAVAL BUILDING
PROGRESS IS SEEN
President Expected to Take
Country Into Confidence
in Near Future.
BY JAMES T. WILLIAMS, Jr.

Regardless of the reply which the
japanese government ultimately de-
livers to the demands of the Ameri-
can Government that Japan's attacks
upon and interference with American
rights in China shall end now, the in
dications here are that the building
up the American Navy will go forward
at once
Speculation regarding the number
and type Of capital ships and other
vessels, as well as aircraft to be au-
thorized at the coming regular session
of Congress, has been discouraged by
the President. He is expected, how
ever, to take the country into his
confidence soon after Congress con-
venes and submit specific recommen-
dations upon which he will ask prompt
action
Politics 10 Be Forgotten.
Leaders in both houses of the two
political parties will be encouraged to
keep this defense legislation from be-
coming involved in partisan considera-
tions. 1t is realized that the chief
sponsors Of the proposed Ludlow
amendment to the Constitution taking
away from Congress the power to de-
fend this country against aggressive
war. except in the case of actual in
vasion, will continue to oppose the
building up Of the Navy or the
strengthening Of the Army. The main
supporters OF the wrongly-named
neutrality sct will doubtless continue
to vote and speak against any effective
defense program. But all told they
are minority and agreement between
the President and the majority and
minority leaders of both houses on
such a program will it is believed, in.
sure its enactment long before the ses-
sion ends
Another result Of Japan's attack
upon American rights in China is
the spread of the belief that now is
not the time to turn the Philippine
Islands adrift or to postpone consid-
GRAFTON of the fortif1cation of other
insular possessions in the Pacific be-
sides Hawaii. The termination by
Japan of the naval limitation treaty
leaves the United States entirely free
to fortify any American possessions in
the Pacific the high command of the
Evening star., 1937-12-23
WARNED TO LEAVE CITY.
Foreigners Told to Evacuate Hang.
chow as japanese Siege Nears.

SHANGHAI, Dec. % (P.-Japanese
authorities warned foreigners tonight
to evacuate Hangchow, Chekiang
Province capital and seaport, to escape
the danger of rapidly approaching
japanese siege.
The United States and Great Brit
ain, both of which have nationals in
the area south of Shanghai, were
among powers whose consuls received
the warning from japanese consular
officers.
The notification also included
Shaoshing, near the Gulf of Hang
chow, about IS miles southeast of the
provincial capital.
Japanese declared the defenders Of
Hangchow would be trapped or COM
PEELED to withdraw by forces steadily
completing encirclement of the sea-
port from three sides.
Other American, Chinese and for
eign refugees, meanwhile, were in
flight from Canton, Tsingtao, Hankow
and other Chinese cities where Ja-
pans spreading attack appeared
aimed
Many Americans in Tsingtao, Shan
tung Province port in the north, were
preparing to evacuate aboard three
United States warships in the narbor
the cruiser Marblehead, the destroy
Evening star., 1937-12-23

CURED about l;3O pm, because that
concerned naval aircraft
Notwithstanding by troops from
surface vessels allegedly was con-
fined exclusively to launches and
there was no firing on the Panay
herself.
The point Of my inquiry was to
determine whether officers and men
recognized the Panay, whether they
fired and whether they fired with
hostile intent" Nishi reported.
He said japanese troops crossed
the Yangtze toward Wuhu on Deem
Der IL, the main force proceeding
toward Nanking. The next day
troops moving down the river met
the Panay, he said, and a Japanese
officer boarded the gunboat to pre-
sent his card and exchange cour-
teSies
Nishi's report said the Japanese
force was advancing aboard river
launches.
About 2:30 pm" he continued.
we saw on the horizon about 3
kilometers q miles, distant, one
large steamer and several smaller
craft with red masts. The COM
mander thought these boats were
carrying Chinese troops.
The commander ordered the Jap
anese launches to turn back and
sent the men ashore. A vanguard
approached at about Ia kilometers
Il mile). but saw no flags on the
approaching ships SO the commander
also turned back and went ashore.
He ordered his men to hide in
trenches on the river banks.
The officers conferred and decided
it would be very fortunate if a
japanese plane should appear and
bomb the ships. As a matter of
fact. the officers were most afraid
of those steamers, which could sink
the japanese troops light launches. "
WARNED tn TEAVE CVTv
Evening star., 1937-12-23
Get Christmas Doubled.

MANILA, Dec. 20 (PJ-Santa Claus
comes twice to seven American pas
sengers on the China Clipper. which
left today for the United States.
They will have two Christmas Ewes
on Pacific Islands and two Christmas
Days in the air. The Clipper will
reach Wake Island Christmas Eve
Christmas Day 1t will cross the in
ternational date line-and fly back
into December "a for another Christ
mas Eve at Midway Island.
Evening star., 1937-12-23
Army and Navy decide should be given
this additional protection.
RiTht Never Admitted

Army and Navy decide should be given
this additional protection.
Right Never Admitted.
AS for the former German islands
in the Pacific which were ceded by
Germany in the treaty of Versailles
to the five allied and associated pow
ers-including the United States
Japan's right to retain the mandate
for the administration of these is
lands has never been admitted by
the United States, Great Britain or
France. The mandate given Japan
to administer the affairs of these
islands was agreed to by the other
four powers which share sovereignty
over them and can be terminated at
any time they think best. The fact
that Japan has left the League of
Nations has given rise here to the
question whether in view Of what has
recently happened in China. Japan
should expect to retain this man.
date indefinitely. Furthermore, these
islands could be made very useful
in developing American air trans
portation between the Pacific Coast
and the Philippines and a discussion
of this phase of the problem will
probably enliven the debates of the
coming session of the Congress.
Desire Of People in Doubt.
Whether the Philippine people will
wish to 60 1t alone when the time for
their divorce from American soyereignty
arrives in 1914 is regarded here as bv
no means certain. Should they prefer
continuance of the status quo Con-
gress may insist upon reopening the
whole question.
There Is little doubt in authoritative
quarters here as to what would happen
to the Philippine Islands should the
United States withdraw sovereignty
over them now. The widespread be-
lief is that they would be taken over
by Japan and their inhabitants put to
the same hard work that the struggling
chinese are compelled to do by their
japanese masters throughout the area
OF China thus far conquered and held
by Japan. If this is what the Philip
pine people really want, they will have
chance to get it by not appealing to
the American Congress to reconsider
the advisability of abandoning them
to their fate.
Copyright. 1887. Chicago Daily News, Inc.)
Evening star., 1937-12-23
THREE SUFFER INJURIES
IN DISTRICT TRAFFIC

Henry A. Rittstatt, e6. of 1918 First
street Sc. was injured severely last
night when, according to police, he
walked into the side Of moving auto
mobile at Nichols avenue and street
SE.
At Casualty Hospital it was said
he may have fractures of the hip and
shoulder. Police said the automobile
was operated by David Gilbert, AZ, Of
1860 Morse street NE.
Two other trafic victims were
Eleanor D. Benson. 20, and Claire
Benson, 4, both Of $500 Upland terrace
NV, who were slightly hurt when
the automobile in which they were
passengers was in collision with an
other car at Connecticut avenue and
Northampton street NV.
Evening star., 1937-12-23
PREPARES
. FLEET FOR ACTION
Acts to Provide for Quick
Movement to Orient if
Emergency Arises.

BACKGROUND
With a British vessel fred on in
Chinese tooter and Jdpanese prep
drdtton Jor campaign in South
China near crot0n colony of Hong
Kong haze increased concern In
London over the safety Of Brittsh
nationals and colonial property.
Cabinet has been in session to
map course Of action to be tollotOed
IN an emergency.
By the Associated Press.
LONDON. Dec. 23.-Great Britain
took steps today to insure quick move
ment Of part of her Mediterranean
feet to the Orient in any emergency.
A decision was understood to have
been reached, however, against imme-
diate naval reinforcements in the Far
East.
Authoritative sources said the cabi-
net, at yesterdays day and night ses-
sions, considered the admiralty's tech
nical plan for naval reinforcements,
but left further decision to Prime Min
lister Neville Chamberlain and Foreign
Secretary Anthony Eden over the
Christmas holidays.
The cabinet was understood to have
decided large fleet movements now
might be considered by the japanese
as unduly provocative. 1t was be-
lieved it decided on q restrained policy
at least until Japan replies to protests
against attacks on British shipping on
the Yangtze River. The reply Is ex-
pected soon.
Possible Ship Movement.
Informed sources said they believed
a gradual but powerful movement of
British ships would begin through the
Suez Canal il Japan's answer to Great
Britain's note failed to convince au-
thorities that British rights in the Far
East were going to be protected.
Any spectacular move, however, was
unlikely. they declared.
The Board Of Trade, a cabinet min
istry, was understood to have sub
mitted report at the cabinet meeting
yesterday on the scope Of British in
terests in China
Informed quarters said the report
showed British trade with China
amounted to $4,000 900 $3.50, 900 ,00O)
in the first nine months of this year.
The British investment in the Far
East, not including Manchukuo and
the crown colony of Hong Kong, was
said to have been listed at f240 900 900
Hl 200, ,00o, ,O0O).
Dispatch Of Troops.
II the situation at Hong Kong, on
Chinas south coast, gets worse within
the next three weeks, informed circles
believed here. the troopship Dunera
which left Southampton yesterday,
might arrive at Hong Kong with more
troops abroad than at first was ex-
pected.
dispatch of thousands of japanese
troops to South China in an apparent
move against important seaports has
increased British concern over her
interests there.)
Evening star., 1937-12-23
Panav

Continued From First Page }
Evening star., 1937-12-23
REBEL AID REACHES
- TERUEL GARRISON.
Column Smashes Through
LoyaIist Siege, Insurgent
Radio Report Says.
BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND
The Loyalists yesterday captured
Teruel, strategic rebel stronghold
on the tip OF the Aragon front,
after Week OF terrific battling.
The pictory ,Dds the first important
success for the government since
last Jnne's Madrid engagement.
1t also is the first important test
since Gen. Franco concentrated his
insnrgent strength on the Aragon
front.
Evening star., 1937-12-23
Claims Record.

PANAMA, Okla, Dec. % Op.-
"Shucks, that's nothin'," said T. J..
Barlow when he read that 62-year-
old Walter P. Stanley of Evansville,
Ind, claims to be the United States
youngest great grandfather.
Barlow has been great grand
father since last year, when he was
only 56.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
In the Name of Economy

Economy in our state government has come to stay judging by what is taking place up there in Hartford. You may recall that there were few new depart ments created to handle this and that, one of them to coordinate details and see that the machinery of government worked smoothly, efficiently, and eco- nomically. One of the first things done was to shift a few departments which long had enjoyed ease and comfort to quarters which could probably not be termed palatial, but certainly were suf- f1cient unto the need and demands.
 Now comes the mandate from Pub lie Works Commissioner Robert A. Hur- ley that there will be change in road building policy. Anybody who has read the notices sent out by Highway Com missioner John A. Macdonald for road construction will recall that the term, ''waterbound macadam" entered quite freely in the calls for bids We'll, water bound macadam will no longer play part in Connecticut road-building activ- itieS. It has seen better days. It will be replaced by bituminous macadam, termed by Commissioner Hurley more uP-CO-OoVC, ACoo CAPCAAo4NC III IAAC AOA4S ~ UAI, and better wearing.
 It will cost more to lay bituminous macadam roads, but the cost when com pared to the maintenance cost ot water bound macadam is small, so rules the Public Works Commissioner The actual difference in laying mile of roadway built with waterbound bituminouS ma caGGm is about $4000 greater for the lat fnW v0A lott NiNA pairs for at least ten years, whereas roads built from waterbound macadam are apt to need repairs in two years. The logic of Commissioner Hurley'S mandate is unanSwerable.
 Incidentally the Hurley order proves that his job can at any and all times take him into any state department But the taxpayer won't object to his intrusions if they are accompanied to the tune of such economies as he has to date pro- duced.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
Roads

s. C. Rang of Ranking, China, edu- cated in America, looking us over after 10 years absence, is amazed at our high way system. He pronounces our roads "the envy of the world, not only in meth ods of construction but in mileage"
 They are building roads now in China, he adds. And that is vital matter. "Our highways" says MT. Rang, "have been such only in name, and it was difficult if not impossible for those of one prov ince to become acquainted with their nearest neighbors This condition made for provincial corruption and nurtured district jealousieS, preventing the devel- opment of a national sense of unity"
 The great Chinese emperor Kublai Khan built national highways as the old Romans did, and that was one of the big reasons for his success. The wisdom of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek ap- pears in nothing more clearly than in his highway plans, still rather primitive by our American standards but basic un- dertaking for a country like China's, which is vast aggregation of isolated communities. Nationality, as Americans know, and as the world is learning, is largely matter of roads.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
Illegality Pointed Out

The subject of merit system for the City of Waterbury is not being debated by the city officials. Mayor Frank Hayes pointed out last night that in 1886 he, was elected Lieutenant-Governor on a platform that included merit system plank. He showed how the Democratic administration of Connecticut had pro- ceeded effectively to install such syS- tenn in the state government. He also stated that he is on record as favorably disposed towards Waterbury having the merit system. All arguments to the con- trary, and there have been many, seem to favor of deliberate misrepresentation or complete disregard for the facts.
 The only argument that Mayor Hayes las brought is that the proposed merit system amendment to the City Charter is not the best that the city could obtain. This, of course, is debatable and has been debated and is still being debated by the adherents of the merit system. Corpor- ation Counsel Charles O'Connor has now handed down finding in which he states that the procedure for amending the City Charter, which Merit System necessitates, has been compiled with as laid down by statute, but that the actual amendment is illegal.
 This would indicate quite clearly that the matter now must go beyond the plain argumentative stage and be placed before the courts for ruling It is obvious that Corporation Counsel O'Connor has taken the Connecticut statutes and the City Charter as his guide and that he believes that all requirements have not been full filled. The Merit System Association on the other hand maintains that the pro- posed system for Waterbury is similar to those put into effect elsewhere. That might be so and still conformity with state and local laws be lacking All of which can surely be decided by the courts.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14

More highway protection at nighttime is being urged by the Massachusetts Safety Council. On the basis of two months study, just completed, the coun- Gil released this statement: Contrary to popular belief it is the pedestrian and not the occupant of car most often killed at night upon our highways. The fre- quent death of elderly people is an out standing factor and one requiring an extensive campaign of public education. 4. And here's an interesting finding that may be disputed. The council sur vey revealed that more drunken pedes- trians are injured than are drunken drivers. Other perils are speeding with ''low-beam" lights on and too many oc- cupantS in front seats.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14

ent aims are concerned chiefly with health, motor registration, and obsery- ance of local and state laws with regard to education, taxes, property rights, and so on.
 There is no hostility to the trailer people, but rather a friendly, though own good. The obvious advantages of this strict, effort to manage them for their mode of life and travel are recognized. But there will be no more progress, the regulators say, and benefits will be lost, if there is no proper control, or if states set up varied and conflicting controls.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14

It all boils down to the fact that oil and gasoline are abso- lutely essential tot he waging of modern warfare, and Loyalist Spain has been getting her oil and gasoline from Russia.
 ITALY HAS NOW BEEN SINKING RUSSIAN TANKERS.
 Aside from this, reports from the Loyalists indicate that they have been doing fairly well. Their army is well organized. Order has bene resorted behind the lines. Crops are being harvested. A cer- tain amount of munitions and army supplies are being manufac- tured. ' -@..
 But the sea link with Soviet Russia has been absoluately es. Sential, and alleged Italian sub- marines now have cut that link. If this link remains cut 1t looks as If the LoyaliSt cause Is lost. :.
 This explains the severity of the Soviet notes to Italy. To them this Is the most crucial mo- ment in the entire Spanish war. A few weeks more, or at best a few months more of the Italian submarine blockade, and the Span ish government -canont hope to hold out against the rebels.
 Italian Subs
 American naval officers are not saying so publicly, but there is not the slightest doube in their minds thaet the submarine pirates" in the Mediterranean are Italian.
 Franco has two, very decrepit submarines, neither able to sub- merge = at least, not with any likelihood of ever rising to the surface. -
 Portugal has no submarines. The Germans have been CO., operating with the British and can account for all their vessels. The Italians, on the other hand, have one of the most modern submarine fleets in Europe.
 NOTE-Only other submarines in that area are those of the Spanish government, which woulC not sink their own tankers- though 1t is not outside ytherealm of possibility that htey might have sunk the British vessel, in order to arouse British public opinion against Italy. Justice Black
 Not long before Hugo Black of Alabama was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court he let drop this remark to friends;
 'The Supreme Court should write opinions which the man in the street can understand. Then if it wants to add a few fOOt-notes at the bottom for the benefit of the Iawyers-why, O. K" VI
 Hugo's friends are looking for-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14

Whats the answer? In August of this year there were 37,240 persons employed in Waterbury factories, mercantile estab- lishmentS, and other pursuits. This may not be an all time high for the city, but it represents the very top in employment figures. This should be encouraging, but somehow or other it isn't. We can still get alarming figures about unemploy- ment in Waterbury. There is consterna- tion when talk is heard about discon- tinuing the WPA and any other govern mental agencies that provided "emer- gency" jobs for people. We use quotes purposely around emergency" for when Uncle Sam went into the employment business some four years ago it was os- tensibly only for year or so or until the nation was back on its feet and people were able to find employment in private business. At the present rate employ ment could still soar to new highs, but the city'S unemployment situation would remain unchanged and government aid would still be required. Why?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
In :Today's Mail Anonymous letters will not
 be accepted unless accom-. panied with writer's name.
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME ., ALSO HAS THORNS

I 1 i Waterbury, Conn.
 ''. Sept. 13, 1887. Editor, Waterbury Democrat:
 As there have been numerous epithets published pertaining to the so-called merit system, allow me te enter contribution. The following pathetic epistle might clarify one angle of the abracadabra of the bugaboo, to wit: '}q TT MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOUR
 FATHER SOME DAY"
 Many years ago, there was a man who bought an old horse and wagon His motive in doing so, was to dis pense some of the denizens of the deep to the people in the borough where he humbly resided. Of course in those days the inhabitants, only partook of the filmed species or Friday of each week. The hero oi our story would climb out of the Hay" early on Friday and drive tc the railroad station, get his barrel of fish, and proceed slowly through the streets footing his horn and raucously crying out his wares. Fol three decades the ambitious man continued to ply his huckster busi- ness, whilst he was faithfully bring ing up family. F
 At this period in our narrative one of his sons, after graduating from prominent university was a ''big shot" in a factory located in a borough not so far away. The "bie shots" father at this time decided that he was getting too old to bat tie the natural elements, and he thought he would go to the factory where his son was a "big shot" and get a job, because he was out of funds after spending all the money he made peddling fish to educate his children.
 Trudging his weary way to. the factory, he had difhculty due to his failing eyesight, but he finally got 1, there. He contacted his "boy" and the "big shot" informed him, that he (the old man) would have to go to the employment office and take the psychology test. Of course, the old man failed to pass the test, be- cause when he started to put the eye back in the wooden. fish, he put the tail of the jackass there instead
 Again he contacted the "big shot, who advised him thusly, ''It,s too bad pop but can't do anything for you. You know we have the merit system here now" The old mans eyes dimmed with tears and he queried, "What will do now?"
 The "big shot" countered with, Why don't you go down to the City Hall and see if some of the politi- clans can't do something for your"
 The old man sighed weariIy and replied. "Its no use my son-they have the merit system" down there, too.
 Sincerely yours,
 J.V WALKER.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
Test Y ur Knowledge

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
 l. What is German silver?
 ?. Does the United States own the Panama Canal Zone?
 3. What is the name for the. out CT covering or integument of the upper part of the skull or brain- case?
 {. How many members constitute the British Parliament? 5. In which country of Europe does the river Rhone rise?
 6. Is there Prince of Wales now? 2. Who was Buonarrou Niche langelo? .
 8. In what country is the city of Nantes2 N
 9. Where is the Isle of ManS 10. Who commanded the Union Army at the Battle of 0ettysburgs