davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Our Natural Hazards

Some remarks that Governor Wilbur L. Cross made last week make us wonder II he is clarivoyant, cautious or merely seek ing facts. He advised all communities in the state, through the proper officials, to list their worst hazards so that in the event of disaster relief measures could be taken promptly Apparently the gov- ernor was quite sincere and serious in his advise. If so perhaps it might be wise for all of the Connecticut towns to draw up lists of what dreadful things could happen to them as well as con- munities in other states and countries.
 Connecticut life has always been more or less sheltered. At least it has become more so with the advent of modern civil ization bringing us all the convenlences to which we have become so accustomed. In the old days, too, there might be some hardships in winter when heavy snoWs marooned families for weeks at time, but those were expected and people made provision for them. People, too, were inured to hardship and didn't mind the cold as we do today. And when rivers overf1owed their banks those who lived in the low-lands simply moved their posses sionS to higher ground until the waters had subsided and they could reclaim their own again.
 Outside of such natural hazards as these, Connecticut has nothing more to fear, save fire and physical violence. The latter cannot be controlled by mere list ing of dangers. Nor can fire, although we can lessen fire hazards and are cer- tainly doing so every day. Tornadoes and hurricanes seldom, if ever, strike with Suf- flcient violence to constitute major dis aster in our midst. Our water supplies could be cut off or so badly contaminated as to constitute a hazard, but we are preparing for that in our own community LandslideS are more or less minor.
 It looks as if before communities can list their hazards, the state might we'll in- dicate just what hazards are most apt to strike us down suddenly. Gov. Cross mentions earthquakes, one having oc- cured here years and years ago. Noth- tng is impossible, so we'll have to accept an earthquake as the worst thing that certainly could befall this valley com munity and make some plans for weather ing the next one that comes along.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Dear John!

This is an open letter addressed to John Mccormack the singer The news papers state that he is seriously con- templating seeking the presidency of his native land, Fire Last week in a few in- formal remarks during a radio broad cast he stated that if his people wanted him for president he surely would respond to their call. That's fine and noble senti- ment for as fine and noble gentleman as John Mccormack is and always has been. But we think that he should weigh well what he plans to do.
 In the first place he no longer is an Irish citizen, but is naturalized Ameri- can. Ireland gave him birth and gave him in the United States he really found his fame and fortune. But no American would keep him from accepting the presi- dency of Fire Over here we would cheer as lustily as they would in Fire. In fact we think there would be more cheers from this side of the Atlantic than the other. Outside of the big cities of Fire and his native home is Mccormack 8 familiar and popular figure over there?
 After his eligibility for the presidency was established one of the first things this writer would ascertain, if he were confidential advisor of Mccormack, would be his potential strength as presidential candidate. And isn't it likewise true that right now all parties in Fire seem about decided on popular candidate? Intrud- ing a Mccormack candidacy in such situation might be disastrous to the sing CTS future as an asset to his native land. Somehow or other we don't believe that MT. Mccormack is too serious about this candidacy business. Perhaps he realizes there are many obstacles in his path, but that his complete willingness to be a pub- lie servant of the land of his birth will go far to bring factions and groups which may threaten the lands future independ- ence.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Flaming Autos

A movement which started several weeks ago as a Chamber of Commerce stunt - the burning of ancient automo- piles - has gained force and is spreading all over the country. It even furnished the germ for scheme originating in De- troit to have all automobiles more than five years old 'plowed under" at govern ment expense. That would be going farther than most of us care to share tax expense on, for there are thousands and thousands of cars in the United States which have passed their fifth birthdays and are still trundling around in one shape and another
 But the bonfire idea is something else. Usually the autos are contributed by secondhand dealers or are bought at sums from to 20 dollars Burning them gets the junk off the street and out of auto yards. Further than that, it pre- vents those rattling death-traps on four wheels from wobbling around the streets where they can't be stopped, started or steered accurately. The more old autos that are burned up at city, dealer or pri- vate expense, the safer the streets and highways will be thereafter.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

fastest operation reaches 26 miles an hour, and is changed in four minutes to ribbons as thin as one-fortieth of an inch, wound in great coils. It has capacity of 100000 tons year. Along with the mill buildings are great laboratories, machine shops, and so on.
 To cool that hot steel, the plant pumps 30,000000 gallons of water day. It is operated electrically by 1,420 motors totalling 123,00O horsepower. The ma chinery's 12,000 bearings are fabricated by continuous circulation of 73,000 gall Ions of oil. There are II miles of railroad in the plant, IA miles of electric wire conduit and 26 electric cranes. AS for workmen, visitor merely sees man here and there looking on and apparent ly doing nothing. The mill machinery can all be handled by electric controls on one platform.
 And yet there are millions of people in America who still seem to think that la bor problems, social problems, economic problems, government problems, can be handled by the simple process of half century ago, when nearly all industrial work was hand labor.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

The first day of Spring. The season when hope springs eternal, or does it? In the Spring "a livlier iris", and all the rest of it. Whatever the weather and what ever the aspect, dull or gay, it is in order to sound at this time note of encour- agement and look for better days ahead; for ourselves, for our friends, for our enemies, for our country and for other countries. The old phrases i've should worry" or "I should worry" are obsolete, for the age we live in seems to be time of worry for all. So to be trite we hope for the best in this best of little worlds, and on this, the first day of Spring, be cheerful in the face of diversity, and trust we may remain happy people without benefit of a dictator who calls Austria "a happy people," with the sublime egoism of someone inspired. To quote the Hartford Courant on this supreme egoistical statement of dicta- tor who may some day find that it is possible to make mistake, ito call such a people happy is to render words mean ingless and to make a mockery of human feelings" But it's the first day of Spring, so let us be cheerful in our outlook.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
PressCOnnent
A GOOD CITIZEN OF THE STATE
 (Hartford TimeS)

Connecticut may appropriately turn for moment from it's ordin- ary preoccupations to feel regrets at the loss of so useful a citizen as Dr. Alfred c. Zones of Bridgeport. He was not widely known outside of the dental profession, of which he was a distinguished member. How ever, the whole State and, indeed, the whole country has benefited by his contribution to the cause of bet ter public health.
 There are men in every profess sion who are leaders for more than merely their knowledge and skill and their high ethical standards They also introduce something which for the lack of better term, might be called statesmanship. Dr. Zones was such man. His chief contribution was the intro- duction of the idea of teaching den- tai hygiene to school children, and of training dental hygienists. He established, in his own office, near ly quarter of century ago, a clinic for dental hygienists, graduat ing his first class in 1914. He in- troduced into Bridgeport the idea of teaching children in school to care for their teeth.
 After a few years the work was taken over by the city. It spread to all parts of the land.
 Dr. Tones supplemented his own pioneering work in Bridgeport with writing and featuring. He had come long ago to be recognized as an au- thority as well as g. pioneer. His leadership in the Connecticut State Dental Society was a vital force in making that organization an im- portant factor in Connecticut. Dr. Zones was the son of Dr. Civilian Tones, also dentist, and unless We are greatly mistaken 8 leader in supporting the claims in behalf of Dr. Horace Wells as the discoverer of anesthesia. His death is loss to more than merely his profession
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Selected Poem
COUNTERPART
Elizabeth Challis Adams in the Christian
 Science Monitor)

Elizabeth Challs Adams in the Christian
 Science Monitor) He stores rich treasure who is country-bred Far keener pleasure than all city thrills To push unshrinkng through deep, swiring snow To walk alone while stars watch overhead In little things like these one sees the proof Of early years of kinship with the hills Among those hills, when winter bites the cheek When farms and fields lie etched in black and
 white,
 When playful dogs leap through the hedge and
 light
 Soft-footed in the drifts-good neighbors speak Of how the snow stands two feet deep their way And Even deeper down our lane" you say. Now near the city when the new snow falls There is no usefulness in human talk The conversation turns within four walls And If one says, I'm going to the town" Some neighbor cries, But surely you won't Walkl" And damps ones ardor with puzzled frown. But never can the country bred forget Or lose the blessings of his heritage. And though he pass long adult years close-tied In city walls and highways will he yet In spirit dwell outside that man-rnade cage And walk in freedom down his countryside.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
T0zUnrd c Forest Policy Sporadic Attention Given Reforestation Along Proper Scientific Lines By Our Con-
 press Since 1890
gress Since 1890
HARTFORD COURANT

l.. or governmentally controlled. On some of the public forests, the pres sure of local interests has prevent ed the application of proper con- servation methods, but most of them are protected against destructive logging. Of the remaining four fifths, small part lies in States where far-sighted regulations are enforced, but the great bulk of 1t is insufficiently protected.
 Taking the country as whole, the United States is today cutting ap- proximately twice as much timber as 1t is growing. But not only is it drawing directly against its forest capital; in too many parts of the country, the logger destroys great CT potential growth than he harv- ests. He cuts clean, emitting to leave seed stock. He leaves the top pings where they fall, waiting only for chance spark to burn over the whole area and ruin it for any pur- pose for years to come. He neglects to care for the growing timber be- fore it is cut. And, by unwise tax legislation, inadequate regulation and poor enforcement, the States in many cases encourage his wasteful practices.
 The whole subject of forest policy and timber practice requires exam ination and definition. The Pres ident has proposed a fruitful field for congressional investigation.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

reorganization also helped Harry Byrd with his.
 Two days after Byrd was elected Governor he presented 8 message to the Virginia As- sembly asking for constitutional changes giving him power to appoint all administrative heads and abolish a number of bu- reaus, boards and departments. This is what Roosevelt has been asking for.
 Among other things Byrd created the office of comptroller- to be appointed by the Governor. Now he objects to possible presi- dential influence upon the Federal Comptroller's office. Also he created the office of auditor of public accounts, elected by the legislature. Now he objects to Roosevelt's proposal of an audi tor general appointed by Con- gresS.
 In other words, the chief thing in Harry's mind is who is doing the reorganizing-he or Roosevelt.
 Mail Bag
 B. L., Petersburg, Va.-The new Washington headquarters of the United Mine Workers of America is not heated by oil. B. s. w., POttsville, Pa.-The German Reich stag is called "the best paid sing ing club in the world" for the reason that it meets only once or twice a year when members hear Hitler's address and sing the two national anthems - deutschland Uber Alles," and the Nazi Horst Vessel Song." For this, members receive 600 marks a month, or about $3,000 year. J. S. A., Corpus Christi, Texas-Chief req son for Mrs. Roosevelt's ruling that no men be admitted to her press conferences was to make jobs for women. Result of the rul- ing was that newspapers and news agencies took on feminine re- porters to assure White House coverage.
 Copyright, 1888, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Inc.)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
In Today's Mail | Anonymous letters will not be accepted unless accom- panied with writer's name.
GOOD PHILOSOPHY OF GOV. ERNMENT NEEDED TO
 PRODUCE 1T
Editor. Waterbury Democrat:

Editor, Waterbury Democrat: After reading an account of MT. Taft'S speech at recent political soiree as recorded in the Democrat of March IT, it struck me as of grave importance for the welfare of coun- try and town that his suggestion of allying with a political party in or der that the Citizens Good Govern ment Assn. prove more effective in its aims be considered as imprac- tical.
 Aristotle came to the conclusion that the polite could best be served under the leadership of a philoso- pher. By this he meant that the universal laws regulating society could be more keenly and appreci- atively perceived by the philosoph- ical mind and orderly and honestly enforced by the character of the true philosopher.
 In a democratic form of govern ment such an Utopia is impractic- able but the role of the "homc sapiens" is still present. I contend that the association in question is philosophical in its aims. Not only must it safeguard the public from the personal immortality of political leaders but it also has another duty viz: the safeguard of the public from having unjust and impractic- able laws thrust upon it. If words mean anything, such is its evident purpose from its name. This is being true lover of social wisdom It takes means to assure good gov ernment and to police the lives o1 political leaders.
 Now to align such 8 society with a political party is to destroy its very purpose. For the moment 1t joins up with political party it becomes by the laws of human nature par tial to its own. And partiality is like familiarity, it breeds contempt and so on till the other party finds out the sins committed. Then we begin all over ct ad inf1nitum. But if this movement be an honest en- deavor of citizens it will champion truth no matter from what party it comes except it come from non- American party which is only socia scriptural quotations from the "fath- CT of lies".
 If this movement be coupled witt and incorporated into the movement newly born in Southbury, foreset 8 strong safeguard of our gloriou. government against the onset o1 those ''isms" which are destroying humanity on other shores and ar, surely eating their way into our owr social body. If the association join! up with party, then consciously ol unconsciously it is guilty of socia mockery since 1t gives evidence O premeditated partiality.
 Thank you.
 THOMAS M. PURCELL,
 Church St.,
 ! Naugatuck, Conn.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

In suggesting as subject for congressional study the conservation of the nations forest lands, the President has reopened a matter to which Congress has given sporadic attention since 1890. Recognition of the ruinous waste of the country's timber resources under ruthless methods of logging is not new. Neither are carefully thought out plans to conserve and, where possi- ble, restore forest resources rare. Unhappily, conflicts of interests have often prevented general ap- plication of the recognized remedies for the waste of timber lands, al- though many States have attempt ed to ameliorate the damage done by the oldtime timbering methods.
 Roughly one-fifth of the country's forest lands are now publicly owned
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
A Book a Day
An Odd Sidelight on U. s. History
BY BRUCE CAPTION

bY BRUCE CAPTION
 An odd bit of obscure American history is dug up and presented in, full-dress regalia by Katherine Mayo in her new book, General Washingtons Dilemma" (Harcourt, Brace: $250).
 It appears that when Cornwallis surrendered, divers of his officers were assigned (under the formal and elaborate code then prevailing) to look after the comfort and we'll being of the British private soldiers who had been taken prisoner. These officers were themselves prisoners, of course, but there was a definitely implied pledge on the part of their captors to deliver them right side up and in good condition at the end of the war.
 Along in 1782, then, some British Tory troops captured an American officer who had been raiding Tory strongholds in New Jersey. Accusing him of various atrocities, they promptly hanged him.
 Washington, highly incensed, forthwith demanded of the British that they turn over to him the Tory officer who had ordered the hanging. If they refused, he said, he would hang one of the British officers taken with Cornwallis, in retaliation.
 The British did refuse, so young officer was chosen by lot and sen- fenced to be hanged. And here arose Washington's dilemma; he found himself forced to execute 8 prisoner whose person he was pledg- ed to keep safe.
 The affair raised a great stir, at the time, and apparently cost Wash ington 8 good deal of sleep. In the end it was settled happily, and the young Briton went unhanged; and Miss Mayo has wrapped it all up here and presented it as a queer lit- tie sidelight on our revolutionary history.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Industrial Giants

A "continuous steel strip mill," called the largest and fastest in the world, has just gone into operation in Cleveland. portant things now going on in the world.
 This plant covers 21 acres. Its job is to produce thin sheets of steel for auto- mobile bodies and various other pur- poses as wide as 96 inches. A slab of hot steel weighing eight tons goes through series of powerful steel rolls quarter of mile long, at speed which in the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

Waterbury will soon have its tallest structure, according to announcement in the news of last week. The building will be gas tank to be built by the Con- necticut Light and Power Company We welcome such news here, because it is encouraging to see that much activity in the building line. It helps the morale in dull times, and sounds an encourag- ing note. It will be welcome sound to hear hammering on steel and the activi- ties that go into the erection of such a tank.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Daily Almanac

Moon rises 11:51 D. m.
 Sun rises 5:56 a. m.; sets 6:O4 p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 Der Tag! You've been waiting for this day for three long months. It's funny how long a span of time 1t is from December 21 to March q when you gaze forward at it, but when you look back at 1t, it's just a mere flight. Spring is here; make the most of It. Enjoy every growing grass and flower.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

1. Name the first successful iron clad in the U. s. Navy.
 2. What state does Senator Will liam G. lMcAdoo represent in Con- gress?
 3. How many rods are in mile? 4. What is a mallard?
 5. Where is the Ubangi River?
 6. Can a naturalized citizen of the U. s. bring his sister to this country if the quota from that country has been filled for the year?
 2. What is dogfish?
 8. At what university was James A. Ten Eyck, who died recently. the rowing coach?
 g. Who was Jean de La Fon- taine?
 10. Name the winged horse of Greek legend.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
COED WORKS OUT FINE

Berkeley, Cal. (UP)-Miss Susan T. Car, University of California CO., ed, fined $5 for speeding, and of fered the choice of paying, attend ance at 8 traffic school or working it out, chose the latter. She was sent to the office of the municipal ] garbage department.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

o. Was there not a ruling by a judge 8 short time ago that the expression and or is not correct?
 A. Justice Chester A. Fowler of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin said: land or is a befuddling, name less thing, a Janus-faced verbal monstrosity, neither word nor phrase, the child of a brain of some one too lazy or too dull to know what he did mean, now commonly used by lawyers in drafting legal documents, through carelessness or ignorance or as a cunning device to conceal rather than express a mean ing"
 o. What is the estimated popula- tion of New York city and Los Angeles, Calif.?
 A. On July l, 1887, the estimated population of New York city was TAPS, 125 and Los Angeles, 1,489,238.
 o. What book contains accounts of the creation stories among an- cient peoples?
 A. Many books, including "The Folklore of the Old Testament" by Sir James Frazer, published by The Macmillan Go.
 o. Is it possible for an inexperi- enced person to distinguish positive ly between a diamond and white sapphire?
 A. No.
 Q. When did the Spanish civil war hegin2
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Questions and
 Answers
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
cA.aaAA iaaa NEA
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
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

The map makers will soon be very busy what with Europe's changing face. But the face lifting is not a particularly happy proceeding.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
Navy Calls State Depomtnet "BAFO"; (British-Arnericon Foreign Office);
 European Crisis Misgouged by U S.;
 Diplomats Taking Cues from British
,Dy DREW PEARSON
anA ROBERT q AILIE1CI

WASHINGTON, March 21. - The Naval War College has for the State Department which is not SUD- posed to be known outside Naval circles It is BAFO, short for "BritishAmercan Foreign Offce" and during the present European crisis unfortunately there i,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21

Europe was like this century and half ago with Napoleon kicking kings around.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Never pronounce blatant blatant; say, blatant.

A. On July IT, 1886, there was a revolt of the political elements op- posed to the Popular Front. By July 30, the insurgents had set up a gov ernment at Burgos under General Franco.
 Q. What are some of the uses for chicken fat in cooking?
 A. It is an excellent shortening for cakes, cookies, and hot breads. It can be substituted volume for vol ume for lard or other 100 per cent fats. If it is substituted for butter a slightly smaller amount should be used.
 If you want a copy of our book let Popular Screen Stars" write to Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth street, Washington, D. c. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-21
T st Y UT Knowledge

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