davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

(Continued from Page ) ing at the straps. Then it settled slowly into the chair, giving up the fight.
 Smoke curled from the head and right leg where electrodes connect ed with the flesh. A stench filled the air. Three minutes later, a doctor and the town medical ex- aminer placed stethoscopes to his breast, nodded gravely. It was over, horribly simple death, leaving most of the onlookers almost with out emotion. They carried him out. The time: entered, 9:59; electro cuted, 10:01; dead, 10:04.
 His body will not be taken back to Buffalo. Under Connecticut law, man executed here must be buried here.
 Palka's mother, Mrs. Julia Palka, and brothers Stanley and Edward tried desperately for two days to stave off the inevitable. The gov- ernor was powerless. Six hours be- fore the execution, State Supreme Court Chief Justice William M. Maltbie refused a petition for new | trial.
 Cause of Penalty
 It was on the night of Septem- Der 30, 1895, that Policeman Thomas Kearney and Wilfred Walker sought to question Palka in connection with a $50 radio robbery. Without warn ing, the youth blazed away at the patrolmen, killing both of them. He was tried only for the Kearney slay- ing, however.
 Then the strange course of events began. He was convicted, sentenced to life. The state appealed, win ming a new trial in which sen- tence of death was ordered. Palka's counsel appealed, first to state su- preme court, then to U S. supreme court, to no avail.
 The state board of pardons said no.
 Last Hope Killed
 Then counsel, after 8 third re- prieve from the governor, delayed the execution a fourth time by charging the governor had no power to issue reprieves when the general assembly wasn't in session. This, too, went to the state and U. s. supreme courts, without success. At D. m. yesterday, Chief Justice Maltbie shook his head again. Palkas mother and brothers wis., tied with the prisoner for two hours in the afternoon. Mrs. Palka, ac- Icording to Warden Ralph H. Walker, left in a hysterical state.
 For his final meal, Palka had a hamburg steak with boiled potatoes. coffee and dessert. He made no special request, and left no personal effects.
 He had the privilege of inviting three men to witness the execution. He asked only Father Justin Figas, ] of Buffalo, a friend, to come.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

cept for World war service, 22 months in France; Martin J. Dunn, employed since 1922, except for ser- vice in the World war; Frank w. Uarry) Doyle, employed since 1925; Miss Elizabeth McGivney, employed since 1922; and Miss Bernadine Lawlor, employed since 1881 in the office of the controller.
 May Go Elsewhere
 Report today was to the effect that these employees will be trans ferred at a near" date to work in various other departments, present. ly under scrutiny in a re-organiza- tion program announced earlier but delayed pending court litigation started by the controller over the power to hire and fire. And, further, the question of salaries in the con- troller's office remains the preroga- tive of the mayor by charter stipula- tion which may see general ad- justment of wages in MT. Rowland's office when he has filed the duties of his new staff under the so-called merit system" titles.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
SENATOR HARRISON IS VERY DEFIANT
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ness.
 After receipt of the presidents let ter, Harrison reiterated this belief. Declaring he will fight for the Sen- ate bill, Harrison said:
 T am sure that the whole desire and aim of all the conferees both of the senate and the house is to work out bill which will offer en- couragement to business. Skeleton Retained
 The skeleton of the undistributed profits tax was retained in the bill by the house but was eliminated by the Senate.
 "Modifications shown by experi- ence to be desirable, in particular the exemption of small corpora tions, should be made" the pres ident wrote Chairman Pat Harrison, D., Miss, of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman Robert L. Doughton, D., N. C., of the house ways and means committee.
 "The principle of the tax is sound and it should be retained in our tax system"
 The undistributed profits tax was repealed and the capital gains and losses levy was drastically modified by the Senate in business recovery drive.
 Harrison. conservative leader of the drive that eliminated the pro- fits levy in the Senate without a record vote, quickly challenged the president with a sharp statement.
 "The president is entitled to his views" Harrison said. Of course, he accords to everyone else the same right to their views.
 "The views expressed in this let ter do not coincide with the over Whelming sentiment of the Senate.
 My views are well known and need not be explained in detail at this time."
 Harrison had his statement writ ten on a piece of memorandum pa- per when he emerged from the com- mittee room where the presidents letter was read ter the conferes.
 Smiling, Harrison drew the reply to the presidential message from his pocket when reporters asked for a comment.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

Resigns
 controller designed as part of his so-called merit system" appoint ments.
 Purcell Rumblings
 Rumblings of resentment resulted to day in Waterbury over the re- appointment of James P. Purcell, holdover accountant in the control ler's office, as an accountant. This appointment, however unpopular to both the Democrats who gave him a job in 1880 and to the Republicans and Independent Democrats who supported the controller in the last election, is expected to see Purcell denoted to minor place in the office and with corresponding salary cut from his $4,500 a year, because of the eminence of William J. Armstrong, personal aide to the controller, who, report states, is scheduled for the job of senior ac- countant.
 The Republican controller is SUD- posed to be attempting a form of personal merit system" in order to qualify MT. Armstrong for a place on the city payroll. MT. Armstrong is not resident of Waterbury.
 Other Appointments
 Other appointments to replace the veteran group given walking papers Monday, include that of Elizabeth c. Robinson, as senior stenograph- er." A former employe of the defunct Beardsley & Wolcott Mfg. Co.,, Miss Robinson is the sister -in-laW of Johr, J. Bergin, office associate of Con- troller Rowland in the insurance business. MT. Bergin iran" MT Rowland's campaign for office last fall.
 And the appointment of Miss Grace V. Hanlon, of 181 East Mair street, as junior stenographer, take: care of a position of the other faction of the Fusion group in tht "replacementS" made under tht inert system" Miss Hanlon is z sister of Miss Catherine Hanlon, ont of the leaders of the Independent Democrats.
 One In One Hundred
 Charles c. Foster, salesman fol the American Brass Company for z period, former employe of the Chase Brass & Copper Co.,; and of the Scovill Mfg. Co.,. has been named as "co-ordinator of purchases" He is one of about 100 who replied" te the letters asking for applications sent out by MT. Rowland.
 There developed today the situa. tion that several scores of persons who received these applications either had not been given oppor. tunity to fill them out or had beer unable to get the controller to ex' plain what some of his 11-pagt prospectus was intended to mean At least 500 Republicans and 10t Independent Democrats commented today that they had been left ou in the cold' by MT. Rowland's hast, action, within 10 days of his send ing out the applications" Man, Republicans felt that the "meri system" of the controller was an ex pedient to crowd them out and tha his rush to fill the jobs immediatel. after the court ruling gave him thu right, was to get out from undel in the perplexity which confronted
 MT. Burke Approves | Despite the fact that both ap pointment of Miss Hanlon and Mis- Robinson showed definite patronage by the controller, William F. Burke president of the Merit System asso citation, was quoted today in the Re
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
MRS. HAHN HAS
 ONE HOPE LEFT

Columbus, O. April 3-(UP)-The Ohio supreme court today decreed that Mrs. Anna Marie Hahn, 31, convicted in Cincinnati's mass murder" trial last Nov. 6, should be the first woman to die in the elec- tric chair in Ohio. The high court refused to review Mrs. Hahn's con- viction by the Hamilton county courts, and set May as the date for her execution. Executive clemency by Gov. Martin L. Davey was the only remaining possibility of the blonde German matron escaping the death penalty.
 Mrs. Hahn was convicted by @ common pleas jury in connection with the death of 78-year-old Ja- cob Wagner. At her trial the court permitted the state to present evil dence concerning the poison deaths of several elderly persons to prove its contention that Wagner's death was a part of a plot to kill old people and obtain their savings.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

publican organization paper as ap. proving the choices. MT. Burke wa! quoted as pointing to the qualif1ca' tions of the appointeeS, particularly that of MT. Foster, who, it is re. ported, has been close to Severa members of the merit group and the crowd which comprise MT. Row. lands personal intimates.
 The merit system official failed tC comment on the retaining of Ac- countant Purcell in the office, al- though the merit group was opposed to the administration in court &C., ton last summer. Nor has he com merted, to date, on the appoint ment of Alderman Bane, former in- surance agent.
 Sweeney Audit Expert
 MT. Sweeney, Well-knoWn through out Waterbury, has built up a repu- tation as an expert in audit work and, for about five years before en- tering the controllers office, laid out specification for tools and materials and estimated costs for the Scovill Mfg. Go.
 Another appointment made last night was that of Miss Cynthia E Thompson, of 119 Leff1ngwell ave- nue, as "clerk-typist in the purchas- ing section" of MT. Rowland's office. She has been serving as his personal secretary, according to his former nomenclature.
 Only Three Remain
 Only three employees of the former controller now remain in the office on the week k-to-week" basis of MT. Rowlands earlier designation: Mrs. Julia Oaguna) McFadden, Mrs. Helen (Tehan) Smith and Edward P. Grady. The controller has made six appointments and has fired five veterans, one Sweeney has re- signed.
 Those fired by the controller in- clude: Col. William J. Shanahan, employed since 1906 by the city ex-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
STAN LAUREL IS
 SEEKING PITY
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\SOA1OAloSh 4AOAAA | oSS ~
 license; that she didn't know how to drive. She said, between moans, that she would have driven all right, if she hadn't been SO worried about his toubles with wives one and two.
 Wife number one told Judge Les lie E. Still that she needed $1,355 month to keep their 10-year-old daughter Lois, in the style to which she was accustomed. Mrs. Laurel, the first, itemized her daughters monthly bill thus: $100 for a gov- erness; $1OO for a chauffeur and car; $15 to keep her hair curled; $35 for amusements; $50 for meals in restaurants; $100 for outdoor eXer- else; $75 for emergencies and $15 for presents to school teachers. She estimated further that her daugh- ter needed $2,000 annually for a vacation. Other sums ran the total to $1,355 every 30 days.
 "All I have left out of the thou sands that have earned" Laurel said, "is the income from an en- dowment that pays me $2l7 a month. My wives can sue all they want, but they can't touch that" Laurel told the judge that he eX- pected to be broker than ever, as soon as he collects the rest of the $16OOOO his studio has contracted to pay him this year. I'm not only insolvent now, your honor" he said, but I will end the year with a deficit"
 He said that he had paid five per cent of his income to wife number two, supported number, three, and had to pay all the rest of his money in income taxes, agents fees, and automobile, haberdashery and ln' surance bills. That left him nothing to pay number one. beyond what she already receives, he testified She now gets $248 month. Judge Still said he would hear more tes- timony before deciding the case.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
Fire, Welfare City Depts. On Carpet
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1 is reason to believe that she was examined at greatest length by the jury. Commissioner Mccarthy, Com missioner Minor and Attorney Cop peto apparently waited in the cor ridor for their turn, which has not arrived as yet. All will return this afternoon.
 That others will be called today is a certainty. MT. Alcorn said at the conclusion of the morning ses- sion that todays probe would be continued into the night. The night session indicates that more wit nesses are to be notified to appear this afternoon, or that the witnesses being questioned are revealing in- teresting evidence.
 The jury did not complete its morning session until almost 1:30 today.
 Yesterdays Probe
 The jury concentrated it's probe yesterday on the affairs of Phi Coppeto and the Abrigador Diggers company. As Coppeto himself is ab- sent from the city and reported al various sick retreats, including At- lantic City, St. Petersburg, Fla, anc even Italy, the jury called his wife his brother, and the latter's secre- tary to answer important questions
 Attorney Ralph Coppeto, brother of Phil, protested loudly but in vair yesterday, when aides of MT. Alcorr confiscated several books from his office. He first came to the jury ir the morning and returned in the afternoon session. At 3:30 he Jeff the building hurriedly and ran tc his office on Grand street, but was soon followed by Detective Edward Hickey. As Coppeto left he mur- mured something about persona affairs"
 Return with Books
 They returned shortly with the books, however and it was wher they reached the grand jury floor that Coppeto's voice could be heard in loud objection to the impounding of the books. The records remained in the courthouse in spite of the ob- jections. MT. Coppeto's secretary Mrs. Beatrice Benedetti Pomponic was also a witness yesterday after noon.
 Other Witnesses
 Other witnesses of the afternoon session included R0pco Di0riO Orpr- ator of Waverly Inn, Cheshire; Thomas G. Smith, prominent con- tractor and builder; and Carl D. Ol- sen, who was called apparently to present bank records of the Cop peto brothers. Mrs. Phil Coppeto, who was called in the morning ses- sion, did not return in the after
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
EXPERIMENTS ARE
 NOT DISCUSSED
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(Continued from Page D ment of others will no doubt be con- sidered for reasons of age and dis ability.
 Some Are On List
 In the reports of possible retire. ments, the name of Captain Frank Cutting, night officer in charge, has been often mentioned. Also heard is the name of Sergeant Tim othy Callahan.
 Current for some time have been rumors that several changes will be made in the Detective Bureau, including the transfer of men now in that bureau to other lines of po- lice work.
 Captain Hugh Flaherty, who has been Ill for some time, is also men, toned for retirement, as are several lieutenants, among them Lieuten- ant John Dunphy and Lieutenant James Wagner.
 Retirement of some veteran pa trolmen would clear the way for appointment to the force as regulars number of younger and active men who have been doing supernumerary duty more or less regularly.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

were appointed, seven officers were retired, and several promotions were made.
 The welfare department has also been mentioned previously in con- nection with the jury's investiga- tfons. Martin F. Hayden, clerk of the board of welfare was called be- fore the jury on March Il, and when he appeared he presented minutes of meetings conducted by that board. Warrant sheets of ex- penditures by the welfare depart ment have also been impounded by agents of Alcorn.
 Waiting for Call
 Immediately after MT. Mccarthy resigned as chairman of the board of fire commissioners on last We'd nesday, Special Prosecutor Alcorn Indicated that he would be called as 8 witness. This procedure would in- dicate strongly that the appoint ments, promotions and retirements will come within the scope of the jury's inquiry. Aside from this, how ever. MT. Mccarthy has been closely affiliated with the administration for considerable time, and there may be something with regard to this utilization that the jury wishes to query him on.
 Minor May Testify
 Mfr. Minor did not testify yeSter- day, but it is believed he might have today. As an active administration aide, a police and fire commissioner, assistant secretary of the Diamond Ginger Ale Company, and member of the directorate staff of the Electric Steam Sterilizer Company he will undoubtly be questioned at length.
 Today was the third for Mir McMahon to appear. He made previous appearances on April 6 and T. The jury undoubtedly wishes to question him with regard to his activities as chauffer to MT. Leary.
 To Recall Coppeto
 H6r. Coppeto, brother of Phil Cop peto, president of the Abrigador Digger Company, will undoubtedly be recalled again this afternoon. He made an early appearance this morning, was excused at about 10:40 but returned less than 15 minutes thereafter. It was about this time that MT. Mccarthy also appeared. Mrs. Verdon arrived even later.
 The appearance of MT. Alderman today was his fourth. The auditor, who conducted a special check of the city's books in December, 1937, was first called March 15, and also appeared on March 16 and April 13.
 Mrs verdon Chief Witness
 Mrs. Verdon was undoubtedly the chief witness this morning, as there
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

Easter flower sales. In petition to the prosecutor, seven florist firms asked for strict enforcement of the laws against transient businesses. Signing the petition were represen- tatives of Ryan the Florist, Dean the Florist, the Orchid Florist Shop, the Artistic Florist Shop, O'Rourke & Birch, Leary the Florist and the Dallas Flower Store.
 Verbal Clashes
 The hearing on the Bertuccio case was marked by verbal clashes be- tween Prosecutor Meyers and At torney Fred Bauby, the accused's counsel.
 Lieut.. Shanahan testified that Miss Bertuccio told him she had no license, but had only opened the store last week, in partnership with a friend. She and her partner, she said, are ushers at a local theater.
 Judge to Study Case
 Attorney Bauby then moved for a discharge, claiming that the state had shown no proof that Miss Ber- tuccio was an itinerant or transient vendor. However, Miss Bertuccio took the stand and testified she planned to operate the business on a permanent basis. At this point Judge McGrath continued the case till tomorrow
 Moran was given his discharge when he testified that he had op- erated a cigar store on West Main street since last July and was only selling flowers as sideline.
 Mrs. Cullum was discharged when it was testified that the store she managed on South Main street was only a branch of a Julia's Flower Shop, operated for some years on Meadow street by her sister.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
COAST GUARDS SEARCH

Boston, April 13-(UP) - Coast guards searched by air and sea to- day for Leslie Sargent, 25. missing since Monday in fishing dory off the Maine coast. An Amphibian was to join the cutter Algonquin and patrol boat Harriet Lane this morn- ing. An all-day search yesterday proved fruitless. Sargent went adrift from the Nova Scotian vessel Nellie I. 30 miles southeast of Mon- began Island.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
BABY PICTURE
 TIME AT STUDIO
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NCOuLluucQ lIOLu rage U of the $2OO in CASH, the LOVING CUPS, or other VALUABLE AWARDS.
 Clip the coupon from the an- nouncement elsewhere in> today's copy of THE DEMOCRAT, fill it in, Cor get someone at the studio to fill it in for yoW and GO TO THE THOMAS STUDIO WITH BABY THURSDAY for the FREE PIC- TURF!
 AS soon as the present score and more of pictures are ready for printing, they'll appear DAILY in THE DEMOCRAT and THE MOST POPULAR BABY CONTEST will get under way in earnest.
 Contest Very Easy!
 It will be very simple CONTEST and not any real work. The coupon which you fill out to enter the CON- TEST counts for 500 VOTES for BABY. Then, every SUBSCRIP- TON you get to THE DEMOCRAT will count for 200 additional votes.
 YOU WON'T HAVE TO COL LECT ANY MONEY. Those of your friends who have not been receiv- ing THE DEMOCRAT during the last 30 days simply agree to have the carrier call with THE DEMO- GRAF every weekday and, at the end of the week, pay the regular price, 18 cents.
 Read the Rules
 READ THE RULES in the an- nouncement, if you have not clipped a copy of them for reference dur ing the MOST POPULAR BABY CONTEST.
 REMEMBER!
 TOMORROW AFTERNOON IS MOST POPULAR BABY CONTEST TIME at the Thomas Studio in the Brown building. Between the hours, 2:30 o'clock to 5:30 o'clock, you may have BABY'S PICTURE taken FREE and enter BABY in the CON- TEST for $200 cash and other valu- able prizes.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
KNIFED IN SCHOOL

Boston, April 13-(UP)-Knifed by classmate in a schoolroom, Mousech M. Mousechian, 12, was re- ported near death at a hospital to- day.
 His alleged assailant, Reginald Carter, 12, said young Mousechian was pushed against him while he was sharpening a pencil with a knife yesterday. The blade penetrat- ed a the boys left chest wall and pricked his heart, doctors reported.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
FRENCH PREMIER
 MAY AID EUROPE
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North Africa.
 Mystery Fleet Meanwhile, the United States got a taste of wartime atmosphere in connection with congressional charges that fascist, Nazi and Jap anese spies were active in the west ern hemisphere and the appearance of a mystery fleet of 9 vessels, re- ported to be warships and resumed to be Japanese, in Davao Bay, Phil ippine Islands.
 Suggestions were made at Manila that part of the United States Asia | tic fleet be diverted to Davao to in- vestigate, as no suitable boats were available at Davao. Reports reaching Washington but denied at Tokyo said that Japan was constructing new Init and run" fleet of high speed cruisers ranging up to 18,000 tons instead of the customary 10000 tons and which would carry 12-inch guns. Naval of- ficials said such vessels would be the most powerful offensive weapon at sea.
 In Other Countries
 China-The recent successes of Chinese armies in Shantung prov ince appeared likely to be nullified by strong Japanese endorsements which were reported to have stopped the retreat of invading troops and prepared to open 8 drive on the Chinese provisional capital at Han- koW.
 Spain-Nationalist troops made another small advance in their ham, mering march toward the Mediter- ranean on the Morella sector, press ing almost to the final step in their win the war" offensive. In the Le- rida sector to the north, however, Loyalists advanced counter attack with some success.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13

noon. William J. Armstrong of the controllers office; Attorney Henry w. Minor, and Simon J. Alderman, New Haven auditor were other morning callers.
 Two banquets at Waverly inn, for which the city paid more than $500 were evidently subject of ques- tions put to MT. Diorio by the jury yesterday. The two dinners, one costing $45245 and the other $47310 were paid for by city check, August 6, 1887.
 The jury will wind up the sixth week of its investigation tomorrow. No session will be held on Friday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
Surprise Moue Made By Martin Sweeney
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placed by Republican Alderman Thomas F. Bane, appointed last night by MT. Rowland as an "as- sistant to the coordinator of pur- chases," the title the Republican
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
FRANK PALKA IS
 ELECTROCUTED

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The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-13
FLOWER SALES
 CAUSE ARRESTS

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