davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
LAST MANS CLUB
 FL0UTS THIRTEEN
Superstition Cast to the Winds as Waterville
 Vets Hold SOiree

The number "13" was the omen of the day yesterday to many. And to the Last Mans club of Waterville, comprising membership of B former servicemen, it was important as the date of their superstition-defying dinner last night at the Press Club Brook street.
 Usually the club meets monthly at the home of 8 member but when the rare occurrence of Friday falling on the 18th day of the calendar comes around, when the club members hold dinner meeting. There was as guest of honor a large black cat, decorated with a large red ribbon. Other "ill-luck" omens also were Haunted and flouted.
 The clubs roster follows: Sec- retary-treasurer, Frederick F. Sei- del, Edward L. Martin, Alderman c. Arthur Dubois, William E. Roo- ney, Everett L. Cook, Elmore Lester Platt, Walter P. Painter, Harry j. Simpson, Martin J. Dunn, Louis H. Dadario, Joseph F. Kenney, Fred erick Poudim and Robert E. Cos griff.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

sell her oil. Newspapers yesterday called the last claims note malevol- ent and said that if Mexico were 8 great power, Britain's attitude would be sufficient cause for 8 formal break even if 1t meant war.
 President Acts Quickly
 Then President Cardenas acted, with the swiftneSs and determin- ation that has characterized his pursuit of his policy to end foreign domination" in Mexico and i'm prove the lot of the poorer classes.
 He recalled the minister and closed the London legation and Hay handed handed the Mexican note to O'Malley. The note said that owing to the unfriendly attitude of the British government regarding oil, and the climax of the claims demands, the presidents action had been necessary. The legation ar- chives, he informed O'Malley, would remain in custody of Consul Gen. eral Gustavo Luders De Negri.
 As regards the claims demands, Hay informed O,Malley, the claims agreement itself was concluded by Mexico only as a matter of grace and was not obligatory under inter- national law. Further, he said, the agreement acknowledged that Mex leo might defer payment of annui- ties so long as 1t paid interest on them for the period of deferment. Still further, he said. the British had made 8 slight mistake in their calculations and claimed nearly 10,- 900 pesos more than was due to it.
 Leads Up To Taunt
 Since the British note aimed at requiring the above payment" said the note, T abstain from taking into consideration references to the status of both the internal and for. eign debt of Mexico. I have kept ir mind that His Excellency's gov ernment is in no way entitled tc analyze Mexico's internal situation aside from forgetting the compli- cated present situation which ex. plains-even justifies-Mexico's at- titude."
 Then came the taunt that mot even powerful states" had been able to boast of fulfilling their obliga. tions.
 Minister oMalley declined to dis.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
CITY BOARDS TO
 USE FEDERAL FUND
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 for the eligible list of the welfare de- partment. The local WPA admins trator, William E. Kennedy, reported that more than 200 Waterbury men have been assigned to work on the state institution for mental defec- tives at Southbury because there were not places for them on local projects, due to lack of funds.
 Pick Out Work Needed
 It was with the understanding that the city engineers list of new projects is being submitted only to provide "backlog" from which the city later may pick such construc- tion work as local boards deem es- sential that the finance commis- sioners voted to seek federal ap- proval of the new projects. They in- clude sanitary and storm sewers for 35 streets, which would require city contribution of about $169 000 to be matched by $674,000 in federal funds; about $4,000 for continuation of the sewing project with $80,000 from the government for this item; laying of water mains, city's share, $47,500, governments, $l03, 3,000; wir- ing of schools, city's share available from supplies on hand, governments share, $8,800; cleaning public build- ings, city share, $147, governments share, $7,750, and others.
 City Hard Pressed
 The mayor remarked that even with the approximate $l92, 900 which may be turned over to the welfare department from the salary cut of 10 per cent of city employees, ordered through the board of finance last week, did not seem likely that the city would be able to pay the entire amount called for as share for the new projects. But fact that the time taken by WPA authorities to ap- prove projects might cause throwing back on relief of most of the ap- proximate 1,700 Waterbury WPA workers made it essential that the city take immediate steps to fulfill governmental requirements he said.
 200 More Will Work
 With 200 more to be placed Thursday on WPA work, probably at Southbury, there are 1,4e5 per- sons on WPA projects locally, 1.346 men, 149 women, and 165 were plac- ed last Thursday. The mayor fig ured the average payroll on the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

Supernumeraries Done
 About eight or 10 men now doing supernumerary duty will go off active duty beginning tomorrow, Supt. Roach said. They have been working regularly in the absence os sufficient number of regular pa- trolmen.
 When the appointments and pro- motions voted by the police board go into effect tomorrow, the police department will be filled to its legal limit, according to Supt. Roach. The department is limited to 139 patrolmen, and lesser numbers of captains, lieutenants and sergeants. Promotions Tomorrow
 Promotions effective tomorrow incude: John V. Leary, from lieu tenant to captain; Ernest Pakul and Patrick Hobart, from patrolmen to lieutenants; and Anthony Mar iano and John Mates, from patrol men to sergeants.
 The promoted officers will all re- main at their present assignments. Capt. Leary and Sergt. Mariana will remain in the detective bureau Lieuts. Pakul and Hobart will con- tinue to do plainclothes work with the vice squad, and Sergt. Mates will continue as chauffeur for May or Frank Hayes.
 New PatroImen
 The men going on duty as regular patrolmen tomorrow are as follows:
 James R. Wagner, 46 Columbia Boulevard; Henry McCann, B Sav- ings street; Francis Mccarthy, 1513 Baldwin street; Raymond T. Grady, II Fairmount street; Conrad A, Baril, 353 Hamilton avenue; Gordon P. Jones, 71 Ives street; Anthony F. Mole, 195 North Main street; An- thony Stango, IA St. Paul street; Ralph s. Belloisy, 1O2 Hill street; John F. Walsh, 91 Idylwood avenue; William H. ODea, 8 Ridgewood street; E. Rufus Chapman, Colum- bia Blvd. Ext; Joseph T. German, 131 Greenmount Terrace; Walter Ogrisek, 2 Watertown avenue; Mat thew J. Kosakowsky, 152 Hill street; Jamse P. Sweeney, rear 1O6 Bridge street; Timothy V. Kane, 5O3 Bald win street; James E. Stack, 404 Will low street; Joseph J. Dereskevich, 3l Lawrence street; Joseph F. Tier ney, 610 Baldwin street; James Downey, 1268 East Main street; Paul Moynahan, 149 Sunnyside ave nue; George J. Roberts, 260 Beech- CT avenue: William B. Lizak, 100 Burton street; Frank Vitarelu, 70 Alder street.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
Donald E. Brouun
 In College Band

Yellow Springs, O., May 14- Donald E. Brown, son of MT. and Mrs. Raymond N. Brown, of North street, Plymouth, Is rehearsing for a concert tomor- row with the orchestra of An- tioch college, where he Is . student.
 The Requiem of Brahms Opus No. 45, by the Glee Club, and Mozart's Symphony In G Minor, by the orchestra, will comprise the major part of the program.
 The orchestra and Glee Club are under the direction of Will helm Fiedler professor of music at Antioch. Fiedler, who came to Antioch from Berlin last autumn, is the son of Dr. Max Fiedler, former conductor of the Boston Symphony orches- tra.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
FUNERALS

Funeral services for George Cop- pola were held this morning at g o'clock at his home, 49 Robinson street, Rev. Felix Scoglio officiating. Burial was in the family plot, Cal- vary cemetery. Military services were in charge of Sergeant Wallace J. Inglis.
 The funeral of Mrs. Francis D. O'Dell will be held Monday morn ing at 8:15 o'clock from the Mul- vile Funeral Home, 270 West Main street, to the Church of the Immac- ulate Conception, where solemn high mass will be celebrated at g o'clock. Burial will be in the family plot, new St. Joseph's cemetery.
 Funeral services for Harry Sysook were held this morning at the De- links Funeral Home, IT Congress avenue, at 10 o'clock. Burial was in new Pine Grove cemetery:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
Climax To Jury Is
 Nearing Rapidly
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celved close to three-Quarters of a million dollars from the city for contracts during the past eight years. Almost $5O,0OO was located in a New York bank, deposited in the name of Coppeto. These funds, of course, cannot be touched by the investigators at the present time.
 The jury adjourned at the regular time yesterday afternoon. Early in the afternoon, however, MT. Alcorn conferred for about half an hour with Judge Ernest A. Inglis, who has directed the judicial phases of the probe since the start.
 Working On Report
 That the jury was working on its report yesterday and the two days previous became a foregone conclu- sion because of the series of incl dents which transpired. Not a single witness was called yesterday, and several boxes of legal foolscap (tc be used for the report) were brought to the jury by Roger P. Rose, of the Rose and Morton Typewriting con- cern. It has also been noted that chairs which had been placed in the corridor of the third floor of the courthouse, for the convenience oi waiting witnesses, have been removed.
 The rapid clicking of typewriter was heard all yesterday from the vi- cinity of the jury room, as the stenographer apparently either typed off the report or prepared bench warrants.
 Alcorn Still Sphinxlike
 Despite all these indications, nc official commentary on the question of completion of the probe has been given by MT. Alcorn. He has not de- nied, however, that the probe is nearing an end, and that the report will be filed next week.
 No trace of Phil Coppeto has been seen here since early in April when the jury first announced its desire to question him as a witness. Since that time 1t has been reported at various times that he was in Atlan- tic City, Florida, and even Italy. His wife has disclaimed any knowledge of his whereabouts, and in this re- spect was questioned by the jury His brother, Attorney Ralph Cop peto, and the latter'S secretary have also been questioned.
 Contributions
 The Coppeto firm received about $75O,0OO for construction work, al- though Coppeto equipment was as- sessed for $3,735 in 1887, consisting of a steam shovel, five dump trucks @ pickup truck and 8 sedan.
 Burns, who received about $12,00C from the city for two months rental of equipment assessed at $2,500, has been a frequent witness before the jury. His firm is known as the Con- necticut Supply company.
 In connection with these con- tracts, and the connections of these two men with the city departments several officials and employees of the city yards have been called as wit nesses. Considerable question is said to have arisen over the owner- ship of the steam roller used on projects by the city.
 Ex-Mayor Donovan Missing
 The list of missing witnesses be- came six yesterday when reliable sources said that former Mayor Daniel J. Donovan of Meriden, who has been sought for questioning since March, has not returned from 8 trip abroad. It is understood that he received funds from the city for some business transactions.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
OBITUARY

BUCHS-Maurice August Buchs, 67, of 60 Giles street, died this morn- ing at his home. He was 8 native of Switzerland. MT. Buchs had been employed as tool maker at the Chase Manufacturing company. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Martha Glauser Buchs; two daugh- ters, Mrs. Martha Baribault and Mrs. Marguerite Ger; three brothers, Leon of this city, Ulysses of Stam- ford, and brother in Switzerland; five sisters, Alice Buchs of Oakville, Mrs. Annette Tilliot of Stamford and three sisters in Switzerland and one grand-child.
 Funeral services will be held from the Alderson funeral home, 70 Gen. tral avenue, time to be announced later. Rev. pr. John N. Lewis will oficiate.
 BROWN = William Randolph Brown, 93, died at the home of his son, Ernest c. Brown, 57 Morning side avenue, last night after . long illness. He was born in Southbridge. Mass, but had lived most of his life in Naugatuck. He worked as a , die-sharpener in the U. s. Rubber Co. at Naugatuck for many years and was retired some time ago on @ pension.
 He Is survived by . daughter, Mrs. Emory Allen of Bristol; two sons, Walter E. Brown of West brook and Ernest c. Brown of Wa terbury; flve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 Funeral services will be held to- morrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Bailey-Snyder funeral home, 94 Willow street, Rev. Theodore C.. Bobilin, pastor of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church, officiating. Burial will be in woodbury. Friends may call at the funeral home this afternoon from 2 to 1 and this eve- ming from T to 9 o'clock.
 Charles H. Brazil of 70 Vail street died this morning at the Waterbury hospital after brief ill., ness. He was . resident of this city for 25 years and had been em- ployed by the Waterbury Machine Co. He was . communicant of St. Patrick's church.
 MT. Brazil is survived by his wife, Julia Lynch Brazil; two daughters, Mary Frances and Kathleen Brazil; his mother, Mrs. Marie Brazil; California and two brothers and one sister in California.
 The funeral will be held from the Mulville Funeral Home, 270 West Main street on Monday morning at 8:l6 o'clock to St. Patrick's church where . solemn mSss of requiem will be celebrated at 9 o'clock. The burial will bs h new st Joseph's cemetery.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

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 burg, Pa., since the overwater flight Thursday, and were ordered to pro- ceed to Aberdeen, Md, where they load their bombing racks and head for the Chesapeake Bay.
 Col. Frank Explains
 Col. Walter H. Frank of head quarters staff said the maneuvers thus far indicated that the land based bombing planes were able to operate at a flying radius of 100 to 200 miles greater than the invad- ing fleets aircraft, due to the neces- sity for heavier landing gear on the catapulted planes and a correspond ingly lower fuel supply. AS 8 result, five of the eight Black Fleet" air. craft carriers have been destroyed or disabled thus far. The speed with which air forces have been able to operate against the enemy fleet, coupled with the navigating preci- sion of the Boeing "fortresses" and the theoretically superior range of the big Douglas bombers, has made it virtually impossible for the at tacking forces to operate close enough to the coast to carry out an effective landing maneuver, army experts said.
 Bases Untenable
 The bases established in Chesa- peake Bay are regarded as 'untena- ble," the army intelligence service reported, due to the prcarious pro- lection afforded fuel supplies and the inability of the attackers to consolidate positions.
 Today's maneuverS were designed to drive the enemy from the area they seized after the first trip-ham- mer blows at the Atlantic coastal areas on the first day of maneuv- CTS. The "Black Fleet" established a temporary landing base in Penob- scot bay on the Maine coast, but defending squadrons from the first wing, under Brig. Gen. Delos Elm mons, quickly demolished the base and wiped out the landing forces. Headquarters staff has estimated elidU AliOAC t1ldl1 OVV CllCuly pldIltS have been shot down or destroyed, while IF defending planes have been lost. The original enemy force was estimated at approximately 300 planes, with several hundred ad- ditional replacements shipped on cargo vessels.
 Enemy Whitfield Down
 The first two days of the "war" theoretically more than a week. resulted in whiting down the en- emy air force to equality with the defending forces, at about 600 planes each. The actual number of defending planes operating is only 187. With the land based bombers proving far more effective than the fictitious "black fleet" planes of similar size, it was regarded as a foregone conclusion that the enemy would be driven off" by the end of the maneuvers, which will be climaxed Monday night with a "black out" of the village of Farm ingdale, N. Y, few miles from here. This will be the first "black out" ever attempted in this coun- try, and will test the ability of the civil population to cooperate with the military forces.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

statute governing grand juries holds that only the jury shall conduct the investigation, and that they shall be alone throughout the investigation The arguments presented in favor of Kemp's claims were forceful and clear.
 Alcorn Has Helped Here
 The Waterbury jury, at all times since the probe started, has been aided by Special Prosecutor Alcorn and his staff in their questioning of witnesses and planning procedure. In this case, also, the Waterbury jury is similar to the Bridgeport jury in procedure.
 Former Controller Daniel J. Leary whose office practices are in reality the nucleus of the investigation, ob- jected to this procedure before even the Waterbury jury had gotten underway. At the conclusion of the probe he is expected to object even more strongly. But the rulings in the Bridgeport case, which might be applicable to the Waterbury case, might be completed by that time.
 Leary Believes Same
 MT. Leary has declined an invita- ton to be a witness before the Wa terbury grand jury and 1t might be possible that his action in refusing has been based on his opinion that the Waterbury proceedings are ille- gal. His counsel, Attorney Josiah H. Peck presented motions to Quash the entire jury probe, on the grounds that the methods were other than those prescribed by statute, at the beginning March 8.
 Shonl1 Judge Wynne, overrule --r. tions to quash, and hold ra inns are invalid, and that r tried on the conspiracy
 the question is certain e s- in the Connecticut su- ..a of errors and also the le court.
 uId Kemp Win
 other hand, if Judge @v-. Id decide that the jury's l -.ure was illegal, and quash the indictments against Kemp (which would result in quashing of all other Merritt jury indictments), the state is expected to appeal to the supreme court. In this case the double jeop- ardy" question is sure to arise. This question arose in the case of Frank Palka, who was recently electrocuteo for murdering two Bridgeport po- licemen.
 Palka brought up the question
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
basis of about 1,7o0 persons at $l5 per week in WPA wages would

basis of about 1,700 persons at SIS per week in WPA wages would amount to more than $25, 900 week. ly. This, of course, would mean more than $l00,000 monthly, and four months wages at this rate amounts to more than the welfare departments appropriation for the current year, about $367, 900.
 A committee of five WPA work CTS engaged in repairing local schools appeared as representatives of the no persons doing this work and told the commissioners the need for this project. Mayor Hayes remarked that there was mo ques- tion in my mind" that the work was necessary but added that he couldn't speak for the board.
 Merit Of Work
 Commissioner John H. Goss said that 1t wasn't the boards concern to question the recommendation of the board of public works and well fare as to merit of the work but to find the money" Eventually, in the more than three-hour meeting, the finance board approved appropria- tons of $l000o of the $2i, ,860 re- quired for three related projects at the schools to carry the work through September 1, after which transfers of funds from the salary items may be made.
 Controller Sherwood L. Rowland moved that this salary saving, es- timated at $192,000 be encountered to assure that 1t would be available for welfare costs later and this was voted.
 The controller also attempted to have the board of aldermen trans- fer that amount to the welfare de- partment but was informed by Commissioner Goss that he could not do that until much later whe, the amount of the salary cut item will be definite.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
Biscuit Company
 Reports "Break''

Officials of the National Bis cult company were checking to- day to determine the value of merchandise which might have been taken from . freight car on their West Liberty street siding last night. The car was laden with cookies and other such merchandise. Joseph Kelly, manager of the local agency, said he did not believe anything of value had been taken, and admitted that the company had been bothered by similar occasions during the past.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
BOURASSE ESTATE
 APPRAISAL FILED

Inventory of the estate of Hector Bourrassa, late of Waterbury, was filed yesterday with Judge Dennis J. Slavin in the Probate Court and showed total assets of $8,404 50. The principal item was $5,000 on deposit in the Banque Canadienne National, Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada.
 Other items in the estate are:
 Waterbury Savings bank, $1,119.60
 American Brass company (back pay), $21.72.
 Prudential Insurance company, group insurance, American Brass Co.,, $1,250.
 Social security, $68.18.
 Total $8,404.5O.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
CHANGES EXPECTED
 AT BOARD MEETING

Dr. Thomas J. Condon, superin- tendent of schools, admitted today that several teachers resignations are expected to be rendered at the Monday meeting of the beard of education, but said he could not name those who might be included. One principal and a large number of teachers, 1t has been rumored will either retire or resign.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
ST. PAUL'S SOCIETY
 MEETS WEDNESDAY

The Ladies' Aid society of St. Pauls Methodist Episcopal church will meet Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the church parlors. Thursday evening the group will sponsor a social at the church. Mrs. John c. Walker will give a talk and show pictures of her recent trip to Australia.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
City To Pay $500, ,OOO
 On Temporary Loan
Controller Rowland Corrects Statement of Previous
 Payment OConnor Gives Opinion on Buying

Contrary to recent report of Controller Sherwood L. Rowland by his publicity staff the $500000 he i- sructed pay temporary tax loan has not been paid but be paid Monday the controller reported to the Board of yesterday at the adjourned meeting to adjust WPA participation by the city.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

The government of Ireland has inc
 creased Its subsidy to the Abbey the- ater in Dublin.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
CARD OF THANKS

We wish to thank the members of the Fire Department, Officer Joe Me- Carthy of the Police Department, and especially our many good friends and neighbors for their
 kindness and help during the recent loss of our home.
 Signed: MIR. AND MRS. JOHN BLAKE AND FAMILY.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

Fully 100000 tons of cement will be used in construction in Man. chukuo this year.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
DIED

DIED BUCHs-In this city, May 14, 1898, Maurice A. Buchs of 69 Giles street. Funeral arrangements later from Alderson Funeral Home, 70 Central avenue.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

Germany has a "Prettier Girls" campaign. ., NalRu
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

The Isle of Jersey has adopted old age pensions of $5 a week be- ginning at the age of 70.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
MASSES

quiem will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 7:30 o'clock, at the st. Peter 6 Paul church, for the repose of the soul of the late Mrs. Patrick McCabe.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14
IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMUHIAM HOLMEs-In loving memory of Mrs. Sarah Holmes, who passed away May 14th, 1892. Signed:
 THE FAMILY.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-14

BROWN-In this city, May 13. 1888, William R. Brown of 57 Morning afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from Bailey-Snyder Funeral Home, 94 Willow street to First Methodist Episcopal church. Burial in Wood. bury