davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Not Very Harmful

Considerable resentment no doubt IS aroused many times when motorists observe the initialed plates that thelr neighbors Haunt on their automobiles. What with the semi-permanent plate now used in this state we get more op- portunity to observe how many motorists took advantage of the opportunity to get this type of plate or petitioned for cer- tain low numbers and initial comb1na- tions that give them definite 1dentltlca- tion. We'll, the Legislative Councn eVl- dently took heed of this state ot affairs, for it speaks of the service in it's recent report.
 The Council in it's recommendations to the Legislature urges that plates only be issued in the future that bear numer- als or combination of numerals ana letters. To this Commissioner of Motor Vehicles Michael A. Connor has re- sponded saying that his department had not showed favoritism in granting initial plates, but that departmental routine had been followed from the be- ginning in this custom. It must be kept in mind that an equal opportunity has existed for years for motor car owners to obtain special numbers or the same num- Der year after year.
 It may be that the initialed plates seem to be carrying such privilege too far. but after all the initials are as sure g means of Identification as numerals or numerals and letters combined. Per- sonally we never cared what number or combination was assigned us. Neither did it bother us if somebody got nice low number We can see no particular advantage to anyone, but if some driver is tickled pink to get his initials who are we to deny him this pleasure? Let's not be too sensitive or petty about this plate business. If it's overdone, draw the line; if it's not, why be zealous?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Westchester Toll Roads

Westchester County which has given the northeastern section of the Unlted States some of it's finest highways in the last ten or fifteen years may finally be pushed to the point where it will develop its latest one as tol, project. While there is opposition to this scheme gen. orally throughout the county, there IS still pretty strong undercurrent ot offl- cial opinion demanding that toll be col lected from all traffic that passes along the Cross County Parkway at Fleetwood.
 At this particular point the route De- comes a narrow, second-rate road which bottlenecks all traffic endeavoring to get from the Hutchinson River Parkway to such other important road links as the new Henry Hudson Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Construction of an overpass or viaduct at Fleetwood has long been considered and all sorts of plans have been conceived for the elimination of the bottleneck. Now the latest plan calls for establishment of toll station here, where ten cents would be collected from every passing motorist.
 We presume that tolls would be col- lected only so long as would be necessary to pay off the $1,800000 that is said to be needed to put in this one vital link in the county's now we'll rounded-out system of pathways. In Connecticut here authorities will watch to see what WeStcheSter County does with this parkway extension and overpass, not so much the actual construction as the fi- nancing of the same. We talked about toll charge on the proposed new high way bridge across the Housatonic River which will act as a disbursal point for of Ian fro I@ao dod ct Merritt Parkway.
 Everyone seems to think that tolls on highways or bridges are return to stage coach days. The idea may be old, but in it's application is still to be found a sound theory of economy in road or bridge building. Those who use the road or bridge pay for it. Those who don't aren't taxed. That's strict ap- plication of the pay-as-you-go theory which many believe could be applied to all future highway expansion plans.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Longer Life-New Problems

Business depression in some ways can't be so bad as we have thought Through these bad years mortality rates have been longer, but has actually grown longer. Dr. Harold M. Frost, medical director of a big life insurance company, reports that 85,0O0 lives are being saved this year in the United States. That many people who were expected to die, on the nasis of last years mortality record, are not dy- ing. Present deaths among policy-hold- CTS have been diminishing for long time and the downward trend is stronger in recent years.
 "In specific figures" reports Dr. Frost, "747.9 of each 100000 policy-holders will have died this year, as compared with 7943 in 1887. This represents an i'm provement in the death rate of 5.8 per cent, a saving of 46.4 lives for each 10O,- 900 policy-holders."
 It means not only fewer deaths per thousand or million in this country, but fewer deaths for larger population Now if we could only improve our economic system as we improve our health! Longer average life means longer period of old age, at a time when the usual pro- ductive period is lessening. So the liv- ing of the extra years makes a new problem.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Mrs. MaCunIey
Death of Former Genevieve Garvan Stirs Hart ford - Family Name Well-Known, Revered -
 Mrs. Macauley Noted for Philanthropy.
HARTFORD TIMES

Her benefactiorls were all but coun- less, her leadership inspirational.
 Hartford, of course, has particular reason to deplore the loss of Mrs. Macaulay, formerly Genevieve Gar van. Member of one of the city's best-known families, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Gar van, successful manufacturer; and sister of the late Francis P. Garvan. She was sister, too, to the late Ed- ward Garvan, and Thomas, well re- membered here, and to the sur- viving John s. Garvan. She was sis- ter to Hartford's Mother Mary Ar1- geline, bursar of the Connecticut Community of the Sisters of Mercy, as also to Mrs. John J. Cavanaugh, now of Norwalk.
 Francis and Genevieve, married respectively, Mabel and Nicholas F. Brady, of New York. Both enjoyed the blessing of ample fortune, each used it in the same spirit of loyalty to simple but exalted ideals of love for home, friends, country and church. Their demonstration of the doctrine of service, zeal to do good, in each case was memorable.
 MT. Brady died eight years ago.
 Mrs. Macaulay had the unique distinction of being the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Georgetown university in the 134 years of its existence She had been decorated by the governments of Belgium and France in recognition of her work during the World war as nurse, organizer and true sister of mercy in the battle areas. Pope Plus XI conferred upon her the rank of Papal Duchess.
 There are literally thousands to recall her name with affection and respect. In her young wotnanhood she was founder and donor of the Carroll club, originally for war nurses, later for Catholic working girls in New York and was active in behalf of the poor in New York city hospitals. Her whole adult life was spent upon errands of kindness, la Dor for the unfortunate, for the re- lief of distress, always with gracious ness, self-affacement and efficiency, To the Catholic church she was in- deed an ornament and stay, an ex- emplar of beautiful character.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
In Today's Mail !
 Anonymous letters vii, not be accepted unless accom-. panied with writer's name.
CALL TO ARMS WENT TO BOTH
 JEWS AND CHRISTIANS

Editor, Waterbury Democrat:
 Reverend Charles E. Coughlan seems to be on the receiving end again this time due to an appar- ent mixup of word meanings.
 It, at first glance, looks like an incomprehensible impasse of ver- biage.
 For short time it is giving our American public another thrill, yet the thought sticks in my mind that it is all irrelevant to the main issue.
 My understanding is that the Rev. erend Fathers radio broadcast of November 20th, repeated Novem- Der 27th, was the cause of all the tumult.
 Those November discourses were clearly and distinctly a call to Christ-loving Jews to join their Christian neighbors in denouncine and combating atheistic Jewry and atheiStic Communism = the world is alert and awaiting a clear and distinct yes or no from our Jewish neighbors.
 All other verbiage is just plain smoke screen - yes or no is the answer.
 George M. Corcoran,
 34 Scovill Street.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

It would seem as if State Senator George T. Culhane of this city should get the support of the Democratic members of this legislative group for leader in the forthcoming session. Together with Senator Malkan of New Haven he holds the distinction of being the oldest in point of service He will be returning for this third consecutive term and cer- tainly his experience in the Legislature has not been confined to mere attend ance at sessions. He has been active, both on the floor of the Senate and in the committee room. He has sponsored a lot of legislation, some of which has come to be regarded as highly important Democrats would do we'll to consider the Waterbury man before choosing somebody else at their informal caucus tomorrow night.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Nausea is pronounced nau'-
 shea; not nau'-sha.

AAll condemned meat is constant ly in charge of inspectors until destroyed for food purposes, as by reduction to fertilizer and inedible grease.
 o. Does Rhode Island have two capitals?
 A. Providence shared with New port the honor of being the seat of the state government until 1900, but since then it has been the sole capital.
 Q. With which state in the Union is Palestine most nearly comparable in area?
 A. Palestine has an area of 10,- 100 square miles, and is about com parable in size with Vermont, which has 9,564 square miles.
 o. Has Robert Gechner been the Director of the Civilian Conser- vation Corps since its organization? ; A. Yes; he was appointed April 5, 1893.
 @. What material has the great est magnetic permeability?
 A. Probably the material known as permalloy, which contains approx imately 78 percent nickel and 22 percent iron. However, pure iron has been treated so as to have a maximum permeability comparable with that of permalloy.
 Q. How many votes did Cover nor Lehman and his Republican op- ponent Bleakley receive in the 1936 election in Queens county, N. "?
 A. Lehman: 247,046 Democratic votes and 14,e06 American Labor party, total 261 ,952. Bleakley, Re- publican: 215,793.
 If you want copy of our booklet, THE BOOK OF GAMES" write to Tn. Waterbury Democrats Wash ington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. 0. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Profitable Stamp Tax

The wonder grows, among non-phila- teliStS, that nation which once fought q war to dodge a stamp tax should now welcome one. For surely the system operated by Postmaster General Farley is, from a fiscal viewpoint, nothing less than glorified stamp tax pouring reve- nue into the public treasury.
 Take this "presidential series'' of 32 stamps, began last April and reaching fte climax with the release of the final denominations on December 8. The sales On release dates alone for these stamps are estimated at $600, ,000 Speci- mens like the 3O-cent Theodore RooSe- vgIg stamp and the 50-cent Taft stamp obviously run into real money. MT. Far
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

The good old Berengaria is on her last trip The famous Atlantic liner which began service under a German flag as the Imperator and ended as a Cunard boat is headed for the junk-yard. She goes to Jarrow where the boat will be torn down. Scrapping of the famous vessel was made possible by the intervention of Sir John Parvis who bought the 26- year-old liner for $5OO,O0O. By sending it to Jarrow work is provided for unem- ployed of this seaport, where jobless shipyard workers have been many of recent years. Southampton docks mourn fully, saluted as the Berengaria put out to sea-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

ley, stamp fanatic himself must have hauled many million dollars into the public treasury, directly and indirectly, by his exploitation of this curious fad.
 For "curious" it is, almost to the point of incredulity, among citizens never bit ten by the stamp bug. But such Scoffers have no complaint to make. And if this mania, already affecting millions of citi- zenS, continues to spread, we needn't worry about federal finances. The phila- telists may yet pay off our public debt.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

graduate of the University of Chi cago in his doctors thesis finds that if there are any radio programs being broadcast today with an educational value, it is not intentional. Radio, he claims, is strictly governed by it's ad- vertising possibilities and by nothing else. We don't suppose that this will set well with the big radio moguls, but they might as well admit it. In some degree this is true also of the newspapers of the na- However, we do think that if radio is go- ing to entertain the children, it might do so in more healthful manner.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

The death in Rome of Mrs. Will liam J. Babington Macaulay, wife of the Irish minister to the Holy See, makes indeed deplorable news. Her works of benevolence and charity, registered in many lands, had been internationally honored. In all the world few women equalled her in devotion to her faith and constant, generous service to philanthropy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Right Guy

"A NlgnC Ouy
 Of all the big-name figures in Washington, none is more highly esteemed by the press corps than General Malin Craig, chief of staff of the army. The following incident explains why the correS- pondentS rate him tops.
 A reporter telephoned Craig about rumored change in the status of the commander in the reporters city. Craig gave the information and the newsmen wired a story to his paper.
 Next day the officer denied the report. The correspondent called Craig again.
 There was . change in plans after you talked to me-" said the Chief of Staff. "The officer asked for . transfer to another branch of service and we held up our original plan. I'm terri bly sorry about this; will 1t hurt you with your paper?"
 Well, it won't do me any good, general. I sent the story and I'm supposed to know what I am writing about"
 "Of course, and it was all my fauit," Craig said.
 An hour later a messenger brought the reporter letter from Craig taking full responsibility for the error and asking him so to inform his editor.
 There are certain high placed civilian officials who could take a lesson in gentlemanliness from General Craig's conduct.
 Unique Congressman
 The Republican triumph at the polls means, among other things, that the long shadow of the sheriff of Fort Wayne, Indiana, will be cast across the floor off the House of Representatives.
 The voters of the Fourth In- diana district turned out Dem- Ocrat Jim Farley (the congress man, not the postmaster gen. erai) and elected instead Sheriff George W. Gillie, Re- publican, who stands 6 feet, Az inches in his stocking feet.
 Gillie, who lives in the sheriffs quarters of the Fort Wayne jail. promoted his popularity among the voters by staging jail par ties. A Kiwanian, Gillie brought the Kiwanis club to the jail for their annual dinner. The food was cooked in the jail kitchen, and served in the prisoners din- ing-hall, with trusties acting as walters.
 Gillie staged his bridge parties in the same way. Instead of of- fering a booby prize, the sheriff would seize the booby and lead him off to the cells for solitary confinement.
 The jail solved the social prob- lem for the entire Gillie house. hold. Daughters Charlotte and Jean entertained the young set of Fort Wayne with dance in the prisoners assembly room. An additional attraction was a trip through the jail to visit the in- mates.
 Apparently the prisoners didn't mind. Gillie, who served as sheriff for eight years, claims that in the recent election he boiled a 100 per cent vote from his students" who had 'gradu- ated".
 NOTE-Scotchman Gillie will promote thrift in Washington. He promises to cut down printing costs by making no speeches in the House.
 Copyright, 1888, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

Multiple-lane super-highways across the country will be well recommended to the incoming Congress by the Federal Bureau of Public Roads. Three east west and three north-south routes are under discussion and may be mentioned in the bureaus report, scheduled to reach Congress about February One of those east-west routes was originally planned to have it's east terminus in New England.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Questions and
 Answers
caarsshl ,S1H NEE
By Frederick M. Kerby

Enclose a three -cent stamp for reply when addressing any ques- ton of fact or information to the Waterbury Democrats Service Bu- reau at Washington. Legal and medical advice cannot be given, nor can extended research be m. dertaken. Be sure all mail is ad- dressed to the WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU- REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C.
 THE EDITOR @. When was the National Flu. charistic Congress held in Omaha A. It opened September g, 193O c. What is a sustaining pro gram?
 A. The term as used in broad casting, refers to network or loca program which are not sponsored for commercial purposes.
 @. What is done with condemned meat and meat products?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
In New York
Rx GEORGE ROSS


 New York, Dec. 8.-Society debutantes have monopolized the field as club entertainers. Now one economic royalist" has invaded the the field.
 The other day we were wit ness to a dance exhibition by gen. tleman named Arthur L. Van de Mark. He wasn't bad-not bad at all. He probably will make fine ballroom dancing partner, even if this is the sixty-first year of his life.
 De Mark -Was an important oil man up to a few years ago. His partner was-and still is-Sam w. Mellon, cousin to the late and fabu- lously wealthy Andrew Mellon. To- gether they once controlled $25, ,000,- | 900 worth of oil holdings out west We don't know exactly what hap pened, save that the oil wealth dwindled in the past decade. And de Mark, who always had liked to glide across the dance floor as a paying guest, decided that he would like to be paid for doing so. So he took up ballroom dancing, under the tute- lage of Fred Le Quorne, and struck out for himself in that terpsichorean field.
 The other day he received phone call from California. His partner Mellon, was on the wire to say that a 112-acre field out there was about to yield some of the liquid wealth they had hoped to find in it. And would deMark please deSist from this mad career upon which he was about to embark.
 But the terpsichorean titan lent a deaf ear to the long distance call. He hung up. Oil or no oil, he is go- ing to dance as a professional en- tertainer.
 , Check Relief
 Ben Hecht and Charles Mac Arthur are back in Hollywood's swim and the other day they asked their old pal, Oscar Levant, If he wouldn't t come out and join them. Levant emphatically said "No!" And heres. the reason why. A couple of years back, Hecht & Macarthur were making pictures on their own hook at Astoria and invited Levant to join up for $S5 week. They gave him no job in particular. Just asked him to stick around. He did. When the pay envelopes were passed out on Saturday, he was the Forgotten Man. So he squawked Macarthur said not to worry, next week his pay would be boosted tc $25O week. But the cashier ignored Levant the next day, too, and Mac Arthur urged him not to fret, fol henceforth the Levant salary was te be upped to $500. Levant never saw a cent of 1t. Finally, he approached his two sponsors" Listen" he pleaded, put me back on $50. With all those pay raises, Tim starving to deathp
 Actors Manners
 Maurice Evans success with the marathon Hamlet" reminds 8 tav- ern raconteur of the time John Barrymore was portraying the Melancholy Dane on Broadway. Jane Cowl occupied g stage box at ont of the tnatinees; and Miss Cowl is not inaudible when she Is in the public limelight. In fact, the audi ence soon knew she was there. Bar rymore became aware of her pres ence, also. but didn't acknowledge Tn making his customary curtain speech, he bowed in the direction of the famed lady's box. And, iI, conclusion" he finished oil, may take this opportunity to thank Miss Cowl for the privilege of eo-starring with her this afternoon"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Selected Poem
WOOL GATHERING

WOOL GATHERING (Eleanor s. Lockwood in the New York Sum The teacher said, Now if x is Equivalent to y" ... Susanna watched race between rain-drop and fly. The dying Caesars words rang out In Lit: "Et tu, Brute!" Susanna wished that Shakespeare had Not had so much to say. The emperor turned up again Within the Latin room And while he was in hither Gaul Susanna was in gloom In French, Madame cried, "Bonaparte, He had grand aplombI" Susanna wondered what shed wear Up to the Groton prom.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Daily Almanac

Moon rises 6:06 p. m.
 Sun rises 7:04 a. m; sets 4:24 p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset
 Yesterdays full moon appearing in the early morning hours was harbinger of foul weather for the ensuing week. It failed to materialize, however, save for the early hours.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08


 1. What is the nickname for the State of Idaho?
 ?. What is the cup or bowl from which Jesus drank at the Last Sup per called?
 3. What is the political utilization of Herbert R. C'Cunor, newly elect- ed Governor of Maryland?
 1. Tn what city is Scotland Yard? 3. Where does the accent fall in the word quintupletsP
 6. What nickname was applied Co Thomas Jefferson?
 |, Describe the flag of an Admiral of the U. s. Navy.
 6. Did Babe Ruth ever hit four hcmehnsHe runs in one game iA the Major Leaguesf
 g. Which State borders Narragan- sett Bay9
 10. when was the first five year plan" Of Soviet Russia inauguFatade
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
BEERY RIDES AGAIN

Warrior. the black and white stal- lion which Wallace Beery tides II, Metro Goldwyn- Mayors stand IJp and Fight" also carried him h Viva Villa and ''The Bad Man oi RfimstOne.p
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Joe Kennedy Returning Home to Mend Political Fences and Butter Up Press;
 Not Asked to Come; Criticism Hurts
 His Aim for the lo4O Vice Presidency
By DREW PEARSON
lnA ROBRRT Q AIA.EN

WASHINGTON December 8. - Despite his state mes to the contrary official business is not the reason why Ambassador Joe Kennedy popping back home for a few weeks. He was not asked to come.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

The difference between Democratic and totalitarian governments is that we have our banditry at the bottom and they have theirs at the top.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08

It's queer that no feminine hat design CT seems to have thought of Sundial.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Current Comment

I'm starting my second hundred years in a lot better shape than I started my first hundred. Avery s. Beardlsley, Detroit, on his tooth birthday.
 What is still worse, we will have lost our own self-respect. Lloyd George, discussing the
 Munich peace.
 can speak English. Charles Liepis, New York, before judge on a charge of possess sion of illegal whiskey.
 The obtaining and granting of divorces has almost become an in- dustry. Court opinion in the case of Merry Fahrney of Chicago reversing her
 third divorce after her fourth
 marriage.
 If I keep on like this I'll be the richest man in Memorial cemetery. Anonymous Hollywood space wri- ter complaining of overwork.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
A Thought for Today

Thou arc snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth'- Proverbs 6:2.
 It is as easy to deceive ones self without per ceivng it. as it is difficult to deceive others Wlt- out their finding it out-Rochefoucauld.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-08
Test Your Knowledge

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.