davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
A Concert Saved

A group of Finnish students were engaged to sing at concert in Boston. A prominent piece on their program was to be Sibelius's "Ukko the Fire Maker" Then to everyone's horror, the score of the music disappeared and could not be replaced in this country. Americans arranged to have facsimile of the entire score sent from Germany by wireless, at considerable cost so that the program could proceed as announced.
 This action, taken rather for granted by Americans, aroused tremendous i1- terest abroad, particularly in Finland. The Films were very much pleased to have their singers and their music taken so seriously. They were also much aWed at the extravaganza of having an entire score radioed. Newspapers all over that country commented on Americas demonstrated "limitless possibilities and resources" Incidentally, this is thought to be the first wireless transmission of a musical score. It suggests many inter- esting prospects.
 The Films are right. It was a remark able event. It could not have been accomplished without the financial means plus intellectual and artistic in- tereSt in the music and the concert Re- gardless of business recessions, Ameri- cans are able to do many such notable things without hesitation or counting the cost.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

We were quite interested, and some what amused, by recent selections of the first ten" tennis players in the world over period from 1920 to 1887. The Selectors were Ellsworth Vines and Fred Perry, right now the top-notchers in the world of professional tennis. Both also touched the pinnacle of success while amateurs. AS past masters in the art of serving 'em up," we'd say Messrs. Vines and Perry have no peers. For example, Perry's list is headed by Bill Tilden fol- lowed by Vines; Vines list is headed by Tilden, followed by Perry. Now if that isn't something or other, you name it. And we might also mention, too, that neither of the selectorS was so crude as to vote for himself. Vines did not mention Vines; Perry failed to include Perry. This is, to be sure, gentlemanly, but it also makes both lists inaccurate, for if Vines puts Perry after Tilden, then where does Vines himself come in? And the same for MT. Perry; he certainly can't be eliminated from any possible ranking of the ten best since 1920.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Looks Like the End

While many people have been quick to jump to the conclusion that recently publicized revelations on the Merritt Parkway would result in the resignation or removal of State Highway Commis- Sioner John A. Macdonald, most of them figured that such state of affairs would be produced simply because of what are said to be exorbitantly high prices paid for rights-of-way along this new memorial route. AS matter of fact those who claim to know something about land values and acquisition of land by the state for road purposes state that prices paid to date are within reason and could not have been made any lower even by resort to the courts
 So it would seem that Commissioner Robert A. Hurley's report, just handed to Governor Wilbur L. Cross, may be of vastly more importance in deciding the future of the Highway Department than the Squabble over the Merritt Parkway The latter actually is the result of an inter-party feud among republicans of Fairfield County The check-up of the Highway Department in all it's activities was more or less of Democratic or Inde- pendent origin and properly cannot be laid to partisanShip It goes with what
 
 Public Works Bureau in checking de- partmental work, expenses, etc.
 The little that has been revealed already might seem to indicate that radi- cal changes will be employed in future policies of the Highway Depart ment. Rather they will be advocated now and in the future, should the Supreme Court maintain as did a lower court that the Highway Department Commissioner need not give ground to the Public Works Commissioner. But Commissioners Hurley's may serve to show that there are certain methods now in common usage among states that might well be practiced with corresponding sav- ings in Connecticut. And if his report does serve to bring about such a change as this, it will be well worth the effort that he has put into it.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

Both agree on Bill" Johnston for third place and Rene LaCoSte on fourth. We like this latter selection and would be inclined to move him up notch our selves. AS matter of strict fact a fair ranking would be Tilden, for his super iority over longer period than any other top-notcher, with LaCoste, despite his short-lived international career, inches away. Then you could have your choice of Vines or Perry, both in the same bracket for yours truly. Donald Budge rated fifth by Vines and sixth by Perry might move higher in another year or so. As for the others Borotra, Cochet, Muss- lein, Kozeluh, Crawford, and Patterson, throw them all in a hat and pull out each name. Then when they are ranked put Baron Von Cramm ahead of this group and you're as good as either Vines or Perry in ranking 'em.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

down when Roosevelt ignored his ultimatum.
 Precautions !
 When the Treasury issued the Presidents Silver-price proclama- tion, it took as many precautions as a dog has fleas. This is how it handled the document:
 Mimeographed copies were
 given reporters at p. m. with
 instructions that no story was to be sent over press association
 wires before a. m., or appear in newspapers that went on sale
 before g a. m., and that no
 senators or congressman were to
 be asked for comment until
 9 a. m.
 NOTE-At least two senators from silver producing states knew the contents of the proclamation before the g o'clock deadline. ,
 Message Sidelights
 A terrific "pattle" was conducted on the floor by Mary Norton's bouquet of pink orchids on her wine-red dress Representa- tive May of Kentucky was one of half dozen members bring ing children to the floor; he brought his grandson Secre-' tary Wallace was the only cabinet absentee |. Senator Rush D. Holt, though applauding reluct- antly when FDR appeared, main tained bored sheer on his face throughout the Presidents address .. Mrs. James Roosevelt, Sr., was in the galleries, but not Wife Eleanor Senator Glass re- tained his customary scowl throughout the speech :. Fanny Perkins followed the Presidents words with a mimeographed copy of his speech, the only copy on the floor She was the only official female to wear a hat, wo- men representatives wearing none. Speaker Bankhead and Vice President Garner, who pre- sided jointly, proceeded by means of typewriter instructions on on the desk before them Round after round of applause, which constantly interrupted the Presidents address, was led in al- most every instance by group of northern New Dealers seated to- gether. The group included Healey CMass), McKeough GID, .Gavagan (N. Y), and Sacks (PaJ -. Minority Leader Bert Shell only once was moved to action. When the President mentioned an unbalanced budget again in 1889 Shell hauled a pencil out of his pocket and made brief note .. :. Senator Bert Wheeler yawned. constantly throughout the address =. Senator Bailey's long winter underwear protruded below his trousers Secretary of War Woodring and Cotton Ed Smith. listened to most of the speech with their eyes closed. .
 Copyright, 1938 by United
 Feature Syndicate, Ine0
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
 |PressCOmment
FIRST MAN
(New York Herald -Tribune)

tNeW OrK deralC-l rlDune)
 Our congratulations and good wishes to MT. Omero Caesar Catan, the first man to drive through the new Lincoln Tunnel. This gentle man already had an impressive list of "firSts" to his credit, and his latest victory is merely another, triumph of his ingenuity and perse- verance. We value people like MT, c n; they are distinctively American and, in strange sort of way, charming. To the duly prac- tical and minimizing, it might ap-. pear that MT. Catan's feat is of lit tie importance and contribute; nothing to the permanent spiritual and mental reservoir of the nation. But that cannot be true. As long as he lives he doubtless will cherish the memory of his featS. and if on some distant tomorrow he is fortu- nate enough to have grandchildren he can have a lot of fun tellin. them all about it. They may b bored, but that need not distuTt MT. Catan. It never does. He .I blood brother to the first man te walk across Brooklyn Bridge, tho man who keeps the first brown derby Al Smith ever gave away. the first man to reach Mayor Gaynor when he was shot, the girl who keeps chewing gum thrown away by Joan Crawford. the old lady who cherishes cigar butt that once was smoked by General Grant, and so on and on. They are extremely helpful, these people.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

drawn for a gallery of unique de- sign to be erected on land owned' by the State opposite the Kent Falls State Park, but the General As sembly. neither in 1885 nor in 1886, could be prevailed upon to appro- priate the sum, estimated at $780, 900, needed to construct the build ing.
 So the paintings, rivalling the work of Audubon and of Fuertes in their accuracy and their artistry, will not be made available to the people of Connecticut, but will in stead go elsewhere, perhaps even will be sold piecemeal. The loss is a great one, as the many persons will appreciate who in recent months have come into possession of the paintings of Audubon in the inex- pensive edition just published. Like Audubon, MT. BraSher had put lifetime into making the plates. spending hours, days and weeks in patient observation in order that each detail might be accurate. How much pleasure visitors to Kent would have taken in viewing the paintings in the very region in which many years were made and under cir cumstances designed to set them forth in the most desirable way!
 AS was said at the time that the offer was originally made, the paintings would make a great text book for the parks of the State, and lovers of art as well as lovers of nature would have taken joy in the choice design, the luminous col. bring and the delicate background of each study. Indeed, the prospect of losing the collection is so regret table that the question will inevit- ably be raised whether some way may not yet be found to keep the paintings in Connecticut, for the pleasure and the instruction of the growing number, in and out of the State, who take delight in nature and it's creatures.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
A Book a Day
Full-Length Novel Told in Woodcuts
BY BRUCE CATION

One of the novelties of the dying years publishing season-and a rather pleasing novelty, too-is Lynd Wards new novel, Vertigo (Random House: $3).
 Here is story without words full-length novel told in wood- cuts. I have not counted them, but there must be 150. Printed one to page, they make Vertigo" a full-sized novel. They are uncom- monly striking and forceful, too, and they tell the entire story.
 The story deals with the casuals of great city: with boy and a girl who are carried through the dim streets of industrial America by currents which they can neither understand nor cope with, and which reduce them to passive par ticipants in drama that is de- termined by forces they never see.
 The girl is nice youngster who dreams of growing up to be a violinist. But Ter father, an eld- erly bookkeeper, loses his job when someone lnVeItS macnlne to do bookkeeper's work; he tries to kill himself, succeeds only in binding himself, and the girls dream fades in a dark labyrinth of poverty and defeat.
 The boy has his little dream, too; but the ups and downs of the economic world toss him in a blanket and shake the dream out of him. He drifts from place to place a lost and bewildered mis- fit, and when at last he manages to make a little stake of a few dollars, he and the girl are so beaten, so robbed, of. their high hopes, that the only thing that suggests itself is a trip to Coney Island and a ride on roller coaster. On this not-entirely-suc- cessful bit of symbolism the book ends. .,.,...
 MT. Ward has opened a new field with this book, and all things considered he has done an excel lent job. Vertigo" is well worth looking at. for more reasons than the mere fact that it is a novelty.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Never pronounce Shone with a short o as in on; make it rhine with moan.

Q. How long is the term of the governor and members of the gen. eral assembly of New York?
 A. In the election on November ?, 1887, the voters approved an amendment to the constitution of New York increasing the terms of governor and lieutenant governor from two to four years and of as- semblymen from one to two years.
 Q. How large is Great Inagua Is- land, one of the Bahamas group?
 A. It is 45 miles long and about l8 miles wide: being one of the largest of the Bahamas.
 o. Of the 200 families that went to Alaska for settlement in the MatanuSka Valley, how many have returned?
 A. Fifty-seven.
 Q. What significance has the word Noel?
 A. This is the French word for Christmas and is derived from the Latin natalis, natal, or birthday.
 Q. Are Indians citizens of the United States?
 A. An act of congress of June 2, 1924, made all non-citizen h. dians, born within the territorial limits of the United States, citizens of the United States. The granting of such citizenship does not, in any manner, impair or otherwise affect the right of any Indian to tribal or other property.
 If you want copy of our booklet QUEER FACTS OF GEOGRA- PLY" write the Waterbury Demo- crat's Washington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth street, Washington, D. C. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Selected Poem
STEAM SHOVEL
SIEANI SIfUVEL Daniel w. Smythe in the Poets Corner Hartford Times)

Daniel w. Smythe in the Poets Corner,
 Hartford Times) Look up at the great maw overhead; The wheels spin quickly, iron muscles strain. Steam for it's blood, coal for its meat and bread clumsy responds to mans brain. This man at war with our familiar hill Has hard weapon here It drives and hacks And widenS the brown pit. With restless will On new-cut sod, it lays its struggling tracks. Gear meshes gear and from each whirling spoke Comes the old dinning of metallic speech, We guess its power shooting guest of smoke That makes groteSque shade of its long reach Man at the levers is the one who rips His servant through the once- -nbroken ground The lightleSs stone and root are caught in dips That bring them to the sun and within sound.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
In New York
Rx GEORGE ROSS

New York, Jan. Billy Rose is back. After displacing Davy Crockett as the. running Father Neptune off hero of Texas, Alamo, and after running Father Neptune of Lake Erie at Cleveland, the Mighty Midget or Mad Mahout, as he is variously known. has come back to town. With bang!
 For a month, secret but belle- moth preparations have been made within the French Casino, redubbed the Casa Manana, and every now and then, his moan penetrates the walls and leaks out to a sympathetic world.
 AS usual, Billy sent forth his heralds with noisy clarions. and Roget's Thesaurus to announce that the Casa Manana will be the Most Tremendous, Stupendous, Gargantuan show in the world that it will be a "Veritable Jug gernaut of Amusement, a Thea trical Colossus" and Pageant of Loveliness Unparalleled Since the Dawn of Time"
 For a month he has harbored five tigers, whose ferocity is questionable, near the furnace in the basement and has scared the whiskers of his visitors by strok- ing their names when an audi ence is present. If he doesn't use them in the Casa Manana spec tacle, he threatens to make house pets out of them. #
 Four Walls Too Many
 A mighty Midget, indeed, our MT. Rose, who stands five feet three in his stocking feet and five feet five in his especially constructed shoes. If he moans about the ceiling that hems in his Casa Manana, he easily can be forgiven. He is suffering from an acute attack of claustro- phobia, after having held several hundreds of acres at his disposal for his antics in Fort Worth, Texas; not to speak of the billions of gall Ions of water they bequeathed to him at the Great Lakes Exposi- tion. A roof imprisons him. Four walls, no matter how distantly separated, pain him as if he were in solitary cell. D,
 It all began with Jumbo" That was the hippodrome, as you may recall. which gave equal billing to Jimmy Durante and an elephant and made as much of an alleged yak as it did of the premier dan- seuse. Jumbo" was the extrava- gance upon which Billy cut his wis dom tooth. All his enterprises that went before it were pgymy by com- pariSon. That theater-c cabaret he once instituted, that revue named Crazy Quilt" he shipped around the country, were shoestrings that Billys recalls self-contemptuously. On to Bigger Things
 But life really began when the city fathers of Fort Worth sent for the Mighty Midget and proffered $l. .000 a day for his services if he would condescend to stage a com- memorative circus for the town with budget of three million dollars. Not an awesome. sum-, but one that Billy, at least, could .worF with.
 It was in Cleveland, too, that our Billy fell afoul again of Cupid. Gag ing rapturously at his leading aqua belle. Eleanor Holm Jarrett, he knew that his heart as well as his eyes were vanquished and he gently suc- cumbed. With his lady, he took . high dive into what he earnestly Be- lieveS is the Great Romance of his life. <
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

World War Veterans are anxious for an adequate memorial in this city, such as other communities have provided It's a laudable thought and one that should be encouraged. We often wondered why various groups didn't really push such
 an endeavor. It isn't too late now and such an action need not be regarded as an invitation to war. There are many ideas on this and the more presented, the sooner something can be accomplished.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Safe Drivers Reward

The recent announcements by thirty eight casualty and surety companies that beginning about February Substantial cash rewards" will be granted to motor ists for safe drivi~g has an immediate appeal. According to the plan adopted by the group, they will allow IS per cent of the annual insurance premium to drivers who, from the insurance view
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

l. What is the name for the science of antiquities?
 2. Name the fourth President of the United States.
 3. Into which river does the Red River flow?
 4. Name the president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
 5. What is the birth stone for June?
 6. Which President of the U. S. appointed the first Civil Service Commission?
 '. What is an arboretum?
 8. What state does Arthur H Vandenberg (R) represent in the U. s. Senate?
 g. Name the third letter of the Greek alphabet.
 10. Which states are officially called commonwealthS?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
The BruSher Collection State Loses Priceless Collection of Bird Paintings
 -Is Door Definitely Closed to
Procuring Them?
HARTFORD COURANT

The failure of the State to make suitable provision for housing the
 paintings of the birds of North
 America by MT Rex Brasher of Kent, with the result that the col- lection has been withdyawn from the keeping of the State Park and Forest Commission, is a misfortune
 that later generations may find hard to understand. More than three years ago, MT. Brasher offered the collection to the State provided it set up a proper museum in which it could be shown. Plans were
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Daily Almanac
Moon sets l0:49 p. m.

Moon sets 10:49 p. m.
 Sun rises 7:l7 a. m.: sets 4:39 D. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 This last snowfall so far holds the honor of having stuck fast to the ground longer than any of the other fiurries we have had this winter. That in part substantiates the early fall prediction for long, hard winter with snow remaining on the ground, due to steady freezing temperatures.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Questions and
 Answers
By Frederick M. Kerby

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
 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 un- dertaken. Be sure all mail is ad- dressed to the WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU- REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C.
 THE EDITOR Q. Which of the professional oc- equations show a preponderance of women workers?
 A. According to the 1880 census, three-fourthS of the women profeS- Sional workers were school teachers or trained nurses. The other pro- fessional occupations largely en- gagged in by women were librarians and social workers.
 e. What can I use to cement celluloid to wood?
 A. A solution of 2 parts Shellac in 2 parts spirits of camphor and 6 to parts of 90 per cent alcohol.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
Bob Jackson Definitely FDR's Candidate For N. Y. Governor;
 "Jim" Farley Sacrifices Hopes
 To Play Ball With the President
,M BREW FRAAeOw
anA noBEEF A AE1R'

WASHINGTON, January 2. It is now an open secret that Robert H. Jackson fighting Assistant Attor ney General who has aroused the ire of big business, the Presidents candidate to be Governor of New York
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

Sure radios educational. Look how everybody learns Christmas carols and commercial slogans.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07
I est Y UT Knowledge

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-07

Copyright. 1888, by United Feature Syndicate, Ine.)
Smyrna times., 1938-01-20
STATE SAFETY
COUNCIL NEWS
Good Advice To Motorists
and Others on Care and
Caution on Highways
IN INTEREST OF SAFETY

A great number of accidents oc-
cur everyday due to a defect in the
equipment used. The
Delaware Safety Council points out
that a great number of automobile
accidents happen due to defective
brakes. The brakes should be test
ed each day. Before going half a
black from the garage make a ser
vice test by throwing out the
clutch and applying the brakes. If
possible, select q. dry spot for max
ing this test. Under no circum-
stances should the car be taken
farther if the brakes are not oper-
ating properly; drive back to the
garage and see that the fault is
corrected before driving out again.
To keep the brakes in good con-
dition:
a. Once in two months remove
the rear wheels and wash the brake
lining in kerosene. This removes
all oil and grease which if present,
take the bite" out of the brakes.
Never oil brake lining.
b. Brakes squeal when they are
Smyrna times., 1938-01-20

cent of all motor vehicle accidents
occur at night. the total of the
night accidents accounts for sixty
percent of the deaths.
Lighting of heavily trafficked
arterial highways for their entire
length and illumination of second
airy roads at critical points where
accidents are liable to occur is ex-
tremely important. In proof of this
statement may be cited the expert
ence of Detroit. which recently an
nounced that s3.O00,000 would be
expended for improved street light
ing to replace obsolete installations.
This followed test installation on
three modern street lighting prof.
ects. Before the new lights were
placed there had been forty night
a ut ON bile fatalities on these
streets within a two and one-half
Smyrna times., 1938-01-20
High School Art

Although art in the lower grades
is not very amusing, High School
art is very interesting.
In the grammar grades the class
es are large and everyone must
work on the same project. In high
school fewer students take it and
each one may work with what he
is interested.
This year our high school class
planned to redecorate the teachers
room, a much needed improve
ment; however, because of lack of
money we must wait another year
to carry out our plans. This sub
ject will serve as an excellent op-
portunity for a project for next
years class.
We have found other interesting
things to do and we have learned
much concerning colors and their
uses.
Hester Zacheis