davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
THOMS CONSIDERS
 LEGAL ACTION
(Continued from Page 1)


  the emergency relief commission.
 Your claim for the city of Wa terbury was based on the arguments from your letter of Sept. 1 and no attempt was made in any way to bring outside influence to bear on the commission"
 Correspondent Explained
 The correspondence referred to by MT. Brainard was explained by MT. Thomas as being 25 letters from his private file dealing with appoint ments and other matters. MT. Thoms represented the city in nego- tiations with the Emergency Relief Commission concerning Waterbury's Mutual Aid organization. He con- ferred often with MT. Brainard and others during the years of the de- pression how to obtain concessions for the city's relief program.
 Last night The Hartford Courant obtained an interview with MT. Thoms on the charges of the Wa terbury American which resulted in the repudiation of MT. Brainard's comments on the matter and the sending out of "retraction" over the Associated Press state wires, these serving the Waterbury Re- publican-American newspapers.
 Action Considered
 What further action may be talk en by MT. Thoms is under his con- sideration. But it was indicated to- day that the Smear" campaign of the Waterbury Republican organ ization newpsapers had finally en- tered phase where recourse to law may result.
 The Republican-American, in- cluding The Waterbury Democrat in its list of hates, referred to The Democrat as "a lying publication. !" This, with attacks on numerous cit- izens of Waterbury as relates to fees paid them for work for the city, stirred up an anti-administration "smirch attack" immediately after the Republican controller, Sher- wood L. Rowland, took office, &C., companied by representatives of the Republican-American as advisors and publicity staff.
 Added To RetractiOn
 In the Waterbury Republican to- day the following is added to the "retraction" of the Waterbury Americans story of yesterday.
 The payment to MT. Thoms, 8 son of William E. Thoms, former Dem- ocratic mayor, came to life soon after Controller Sherwood L. Row land took over the cntroller's office. A voucher was found noting the payment of $500 to MT. Thoms and carrying the following nota- tion: For services rendered the city of Waterbury in Hartford and elsewhere in obtaining for the city additional allotments from the emergency relief commission"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
Decision ReservedOn
 Lilley Application
Reduction in AlimOny for First Wife Requested
 visions Made in 1923 Proves Puzzling Feature

awaiting for claims for articles purchased.
 Two-Hour Hearing
 The hearing lasted two hours. most of which time MT. Lilley was on the stand. explaining his financial status. He blamed bad investments for his present difficulties. Several voluntary agreements, providing for lessening of monthly payments were exhibited in the court.
 One of the codicils of the decree provides that any funds earned by the daughters should be deducted from the monthly alilnony. Evelyn Theodora Lilley. 9, testified that she had been unable to find a posi- ton. She told of applications filed at the Chase Companies, Scovills, the Connecticut State Employment bureau, and the Vocational Service and Junior League bureaus of New York. She has two sisters, one mar ried and the other a school girl.
 Mrs. Lilley was granted her di- vorce from Lilley, June 28, 1923, on grounds Of intolerable cruelty. The decree gave her custody of the chill dren.
 Since that time Lilley has re- married and now has three more children by his second wife. He resides in Watertown, but works here as president of the Citizens Coal Company, and secretary of the George L. Lilley Company.
 Depreciation
 In his motion for reduction of alimony, Lilley claims the value of property is less than it was in 1923 and his obligations are greater. He asks that as each of the children became 21 a reduction of $100 be taken from the monthly alimony. He also asks that he be relieved of paying any part of the girls ex- penses for clothing or medical at- tention, which are provided in the decree of 1923.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
MINDED
 SENATORS REBEL

Continued from Page D of the naval tests be revealed when the bill, now before the house naval committee, reaches the senate.
 Among those seeking further in- formation were Sen. Robert M. La Toilette, F., Wis; Sen. Bennett C.. Clark, D., Mo; Sen. Arthur Van- denberg, R., Mich; Sen. Robert J. Reynolds, D., N. C.; and Sen. Lynn Frazier, R., N. D.
 Prefer Air Forces
 Possibly of greater significance. was the outspoken preference of many Senators for building up air forces rather than investing huge sums in few battleships which, they said, might be destroyed by a single bomb.
 La Toilette and Clark demanded that the results of battleship-air- plane tests be fully revealed.
 Before the people are com- mitted to spending a billion dollars on ships, they are entitled to know the facts no matter who has those facts" La Toilette said. "It is the duty of the Senate committee to go to the bottom of his question and I hope that will discharge that duty in full"
 Clark said that he believed the Navy is being forced to realize that battleships are becoming ob- solete."
 T have no information as to re- suits of the tests which the news papers say have been conducted" ;" he said, 'but I certainly favor building up our air strength rather than building battleships."
 Build 1900 Bombers
 vandenberg said that if 1,200 air bombers could be built for the cost of one hattleship, he would prefer to put his faith in fleet of planes rather than a warship in time of war.
 Reynolds planned to lead a vigor- ous campaign in the Senate to make Congress lair minded"
 Reynolds said that the United States has sufficient outposts such as Hawaii, the Aleutian Islands, the Virgin Islands and the Canal Zone to permit air fleets to cover all bor- der and coast approaches to this country. In addition, he suggested that Great Britain cede Bermuda, Nassau and Nova Scotia to the United States as a part payment on her war debt.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
YOUTHS HELD FOR
 BORROWING AUTO
Accused Deny Theft of Machine=Arrested FOl-
 lowing Chase Today

Two young men arrested early this morning on 8 charge of theft of an automobile were given con- tinuances to Thursday in city court today. The accused are John Nor tinson, 19, and John May. 20. Nor tinson is charged with automobile theft, while May is charged not only with that offense, but with op- erating a car while under the in- f1uence of liquor and operating without license.
 Patrolman Harold Green ordered a car to stop on Spring street early today when he saw it operating without headlights. Two young men, he said, leaped from the car at Spring and Scovill streets and ran down the latter street to South Main street.
 The policeman rapped his night stick on the pavement before giv- ing chase. Patrolmen George Fla win and Joseph Delaney heard the signal and they, with Patrolman Greene, halted May and Mortin- son.
 The two young men denied hav- ing stolen the car.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
Welch Circle Plans
 Business Gathering
Companions of the Forest Meet Tuesday Night; Legion Auxiliary Sets Date for St. Patrick's Party
W ERVILLE ,
Mra R W. HeniOn-I7S0 ThOmaston Ave.-TeL s-546s

of Thomaston avenue and Mrs. Harry Sizer of Monmouth avenue, who has been patient of St. Mary's Hospital for a long period of time, has greatly improved and it is anticipated he will son be able to leave the hospital.
 The church services tomorrow will be as follows:
 St. Michael's Masses tomorrow will be held at 8. m. and 10:15 a. m. Rev. Michael Heating will officiate.
 Gospel Hall-Morning service will be held at 10:30 o'clock; Sunday School at 12 o'clock noon and even- ing gospel service at 7:30 o'clock.
 Waterville Union-Miss Elizabeth M. Weeks, minister. Sunday School will be conducted at II a. m. Evening service at 7:30 o'clock will be held at the parsonage on Boyden street, and Miss Weeks will speak on the subject, "The Fullness of The Spirit"
 St. Paul's Episcopal - Rev. Ray mond M. Adams, rector. Holy Com munion at 8 a. rn., Church School at 9:45 o'clock and morning prayer and sermon at II a. m.
 Grace Methodist Church-Rev. Al- son J. Smith, pastor The Every mans Bible class will hold 8 meet ing at 9:15 o'clock, Carl Froelich will preside, and Vincent Leonard will be in charge of a class discus sion.
 The regular morning church ser- vice will be held at 10:30 o'clock, when Rev. Smith will preach on the subject, "The Meaning of Lent" Sunday School at 12 o'clock noon, and evening service at ' p. m. the sermon topic to be, Why Pray"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
FINANCE BOARD
 TO GET REPORTS
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Continued from Page D penditures to alleviate suffering of citizens on welfare and receiving necessities through the Mutual Aid The Democrat has learned that the Griffenhagen report will show such items as a portion of its audit re- port.
 Further, it was learned, the re- port, 125 pages long and contain ing criticism and comment on city affairs and the past audits of an- other firm of accountants" will undertake to show some liability" by the former controller for a por- tion of the deficit. This, 1t was reported from an authoritative source, does not take into consider ation charter revisionS of 1887, but is based on the Section 104, utilized by the Republican attackers and furnished to Controller Sherwood L. Rowland at least five times for his appearances" before the board of finance and the board of aldermen, even before he took office in Jan- uary.
 Controller Rowland had claimed a deficit" of $330,000, after deduct ing "cash balance" of about $780, 900. Thus, the work of his personal aide, William J. Armstrong, and his acquired informant, James F. Purcell, ''holdover" in the controllers office, resulted in weeks of work to obtain a figure" now shown to be false. Much of the publiciZed attack ma terial from Controller Rowland'S of- flee has been shown to have less than basis of fact by later develop mentS. The program went with the wind when the states attorneys of- flee here entered the controversy which now has developed into an investigation of the last election. Presently aides of States Attorney Hugh M. Alcorn have been taking pictures of election records and vot- ing lists, seeking basis for a political investigation under the presumed heading of the Corrupt Practices Act"
 This move, was interpreted by local lawyers to indicate that De- tective Edward J. Hickey and his force have failed to find evidence of criminal liability on the part oi former Democratic officials to war rant calling of 8 grand jury.
 All of this will form background today when Controller Rowland meets with the Board of Finance Commissioners for consideration oi the matters agitated to the present status.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
WiU Hold Her To
 Blame For Damage
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North China is entirely false. No such request ever was made by the Japanese government to any gov- ernment. The Ha:lkow report may be a perversion of truth as regards Japanese notes addressed to foreign powers to the following effect:
 'The Japanese government ex- presses the earnest desire that prop erty of nationals of those powers situated in those areas of China where fighting either is in progress at present or is likely in future be appropriately marked SO that it will be free from attack through lack of Identification.
 Using Churches
 Moreover, in view of the fact that Chinese forces along the Peiping- Hankow railroad and areas on the right (southern) bank of the Yellow river have been observed by Japan csc aerial scouts to be deliberately placing such of ti cir military ob- iects as troop trains in areas ad- joining churches, factories and other properties of nations of third (for- eign) powers. the Japanese govern ment expressed sincere wish that the governments concerned would use their good offices with Chinese authorities for he removal of such military objects in such places in future.
 'The Japanese notes were sent with the sole object of precluding all possibilities of inflicting damage upon the lives and property of na- tionals of third powers in case Jap anese forces were compelled to at- tack those Chinese military estab- liShments."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
OBITUARY

RYAN-John H. Ryan, of 658 East Main street. died yesterday after noon at St. Mary's hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Ma honoy City, Pa, and had been a resident of Waterbury for 38 years, during which time he was employed by the Scovill Mfg. O., for B years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Holy Name society of Sacred Heart church.
 He is survived by three sons, John, Jr., James and Francis; five brothers, Joseph, James, Michael, Charles and Harry; three sisters, Mrs. Katherine Murphy, Mrs. Mary Bissenden and Mrs. Robert Taylor, all of Waterbury.
 The funeral will be held from the Mulville funeral home, 270 West Main street, Monday morning at 8:15 o'clock to the Church Of the Sacred Heart, where a solemn high mass will be celebrated at g o'clock. Burial will be in Mahanoy City, Pa.
 FITCH-Mrs. Barbara J. Fitch, widow of Rufus D. Fitch, died at her home in East Hartford yester- day morning, after two months ill., ness. Mrs. Fitch would have been 1 79 years old in June of this year. She is survived by one brother Captain A. L. Hauerwas of this city and several nieceS and nephews Funeral services will De held at the Lowe funeral home, tomorrow aft ernoon at 2:30 o'clock, with burial in Center cemetery, East Hartford
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
 START VACATION

Pupils of the local public schools today started a weeks vacation, pro- vided by the merits of the eight weeks system, under which the schools are now operating.
 When the schools closed yester- day afternoon, teachers and pupils closed their desks and they will re- main thus until a week from Mon day. Another week of holiday, un- der this plan, is given the students the early part of May.
 About 60 per cent of the school systems in the country are now operating on this system, which has been found highly satisfactory by the local board of education.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26

were deliberately seeking refuge in foreign properties.
 Iii a statement in connection with the four-power notes, the foreign office today denied reports that Japan had requested the withdraw al of American citizens from North China war areas. In her notes, he said, Japan asked the powers to have foreign property marked ap- propriately and to try to get China to stop putting troops near foreign properties.
 Reports Are False
 The statement said:
 Reports from Hankow that the American government had rejected through Ambassador Joseph c. Grew (to Japan Japanese request for withdrawal of American nation als from the zone of hostilities in
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26

The application of "Ted" Lilley, to modify his first wife's alimony decree, was heard and decision was reserved by Judge Frank P. McEvoy in Superior Court yesterday after noon. Briefs are to be filed by counsel for each side within week.
 Lilley, son of the late Governor George L. Lilley, and star football player during earlier days at Yale, is now paying his first wife. Mrs. Evelyn Dutton Lilley, alimony of approximately $400 monthly. He seeks to have that diminished to ap- proximately $500 monthly.
 Mother Aiding
 "Only my mothers generosity has made it possible to pay my wife's alimony regularly" Lilley said when testifying. Attorney Terence F. Carmody appeared for MT. Lilley, while Attorney J. Gregory Lynch represented Mrs. Lilley.
 Judge McEvoy said that mterpre- tation of the decree, as recorded n 1923 by Judge Newell M. Jennings, Is rdLleT QlIIlCulI. 11c lC4uOoeSN VAA's the briefs as submitted by counse. contain three salient factors mcluo- ing a short interpretation of the decree as recognized by counsel; the practical interpretation as carried out to date by the parties; and the general claims of each side at tne present time.
 Such briefs would be of material assistance to the court in rendering a decision, Judge McEvoy said, ana in addition would speed that oe- ciSion. su.
 Attorney Lynch suggested to Juoge McEvoy that the decree mlgnt pc modified in some respects, espe- cially such clauses which set out that children could not be taken out of the state overnight without con sent of both parents. Another clause which needed alteration was that providing for purchase ol clothing for the girls. MT. Lynch ] suggestd that MT. Lilley supply a a specific sum annually. instead ol
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
PLAINTIFF GIVEN
 DIVORCE DECREE

Decree of divorce was granted Stephen Kowgan yesterday after noon by Judge Frank P. McEvoy who heard his uncontested petition in the morning. Polyana Kishke- lava Kowgan, an inmate of the Middletown State hospital, was de- fendant in the action.
 The plaintiff set forth that the nlarraige took place in New York September 1, 1912, and that his wife was committed August 9, 1882. The decree was granted on grounds of insanity.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
FUNERALS

The funeral of Mrs. Ethel Rimkus was held this morning at 8:15 O. clock from the Mulville funeral home home, 270 West Main street, to St. Francis Xavier's church, where a solemn high mass was celebrated at g o'clock. Burial was in new St. Joseph's cemetery.
 The funeral of Mrs. Mary K. Hurley was held this morning at 8'30 o'clock from the Bergin funeral home, 290 East Main street, to St. Patrick's church, where mass was celebrated at g o'clock. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
 Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Harrison were held this morning at II o'clock at the Alderson funeral home, 70 Central avenue. Rev. Dr. John N. Lewis. rector of St. Johns Episcopal church officiated. Burial was in Riverside cemetery.
 The funeral of Vincenzo Jamele was held this morning at 8:l5 O. clock from the home, 1406 North Main street, to St. Lucy's church. where a solemn high mass was celebrated at g o'clock. Burial was in the family plot. Calvary ceme- tery.
 The funeral of Armand Ciano was held this morning at 8:15 o'clock from the home, 827 East Main street, to the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where solemn high mass was celebrated at g o'clock. Burial was in Calvary cem- etery.
 Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Laffey will be held this afternoon at o'clock at the home of her mother, Mrs. Emma Blanchard, of Mason avenue, Oakville. Rev. Dr. John c. Walker, pastor of the Sec ond Congregational church, offici- ating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
 The funeral of Casper Morrison was held from the Belleville funeral home. 68 East Clay street, this morning at 8:3O o'clock with a mass at @ o'clock in St. Ann'S church. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
BOSTON & MAINE
 REPORTS DEFICIT

Boston, Feb. 26-(UP)-A deficit of $534,394 after fixed charges, was reported for January by the Boston & Maine Railroad compared with net income of $7l,228 earned ill January 1887.
 A sharp drop in revenues amount ing to $684, ,436 in the month as compared with January last year reflects "the general downward trend in revenues of all forms oi transportation all over the country which particularly affected the freight traffic in January" the road stated.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
Legal Notices
LIQUOR PERMIT NNTVCE OE APPLICATION

This is to give notice that I, Leroy R. Fox, of 40 Albert Place, Waterbury, Conn. have filed an ap- plication dated Feb. 24th, 1888, with the Liquor Control Commission for Package Store Permit for the sale of alcoholic liquor on the premises business is owned by Peter E. Fox, of 10 Waterville St., Waterbury, Conn, and will be conducted by Leroy R. Fox, of 40 Albert Place, Waterbury, Conn.,, as -permittee.
 LEROY R. FOX.
 Dated Feb. 2lth. 1888. 2-26-s-5
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26
Legal Notice

DIsTRYCT OF WATERBURY, ss,
 PROBATE COURT, February 25,
 4. D. 1888. ESTATE OF FRANK
 aABAS late of the Town of Wa
 ferh,,ry in said District, deceased. The Administrator, having exhib- 5ted his account with said estate' to 5fis Court for allowance, it is ORDERED, That the 1st day of March. A. D. 1888, at 1V ociocK' m Probste Office in waterbury. be and fhe same Is, assigned for hearing oI1 the allowance of said account ana the Court directs the Adminis- frator to give notice thereon, py nnbifshinE this order in some news, Sscer haVfnr a circulation in said bisfrict. at least g days before said day of hearing.
 MAR0UMRrrE N. EAHY., .,. S-se-1t Asst. clsrk.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26

L. Greer, who commuted from Hartford daily. In view of the arduous task of investigation facing the staff, now that MT. Alcorn has returned, there is little doubt but what such travelling will be made unnecessary.
 Looks Scene Over
 Special Prosecutor Alcorn in his first official visit here viewed the room in question with particular in- terest yesterday. More than a week ago. Detectives Hickey and Greer visited the room and seemed much interested in its size and location. Undoubtedly, the room would De used by a grand jury, in the event such procedure is instituted by MT Alcorn.
 Should Alcorn ask Superior Court Judge Ernest A. Inglis to impanel a grand jury, there is no doubt but what such procedure would issue.
 The grand jury which indicted Arthur Hivon for the first degree murder of his wife, pondered the lSSuSS u tllG CdoC III NAAS ANStAA which has seemed so attractive to the Hartford Investigators.
 Speculation
 There has been much speculation however, over the question of what Alcorn will do No statements or comments of any description could be elicited from his yesterday as he visited this city and conferred with Judge Frank P. McEvoy.
 In the event he should desire ex- traordinary investigation of the city's condition, he might disregard such an expensive proposition as a grand jury, and ask Judge Inglis himself to conduct the probe, which practice is made possible by Sec ton 691 of the statutes. A state referee could also direct such an investigation.
 Prosecutors
 The three city court prosecutors might also be called to conduct such an investigation. Their powers of subpoena are similar to those in- vested in a grand jury. All such in- vestigationS. however. will subject to the decision. and under the di- rection of Special Prosecutor Alcorn.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-26

provision of adequate revenue to cure for the costs of government, with emphasis on relief appropria- tions during the latter period.
 Bills Were Heavier
 And the deficiency bills as of 1919 and 1921, to cover deficits" of the immediately preceding administra- tions. Republican, at that time, were far heavier in terms of proportion to revenue of the state, than the more latterly deficit" costs of the so-called depression" period. For instance: The deficiency bill passed in the January session of 1919 was for $l.9o3,501; in January. 1921, S2.30o 1000. Thereafter, following the terms of Governors Holcomb and Lake, when the deficiency bills rep resented about 10 per cent of the cash receipts of the state, threat was incorporated in a blanket oeiI- ciency bill, one of three totalling the $2,300,00O of the Lake admlnlstra- tion.
 Would Be Investigated
 This was to the effect that: Any department, official or person who drew or expended funds in excess of appropriations" would be investi. gated by the states attorney or Hartford County (Hugh M. Alcorn3 /. who would cause to be prosecuteo such yiolators of Jaws relating 10 appropriations and limitations oi expenditures". Jurisdiction over the matter was lodged with the superior Court of Hartford County.
 But did this result in economies due directly to the threat? Not for long. it appears, because, althougn there never were suits to recover for "over-appropriations" and com ment on this aspect of the matter at that time was, "A nice trick II VOL can do it." deficiency bills were then "rammed through" at the first sessions of subsequent legislatures. The amounts were reduced for the next two terms, due, in part, to the extremely large deficiency bills o1 the preceding administrations.
 Deficiency Bill Table
 Here is the table showing the var