davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
Clark Gable Asks Second To Give Him Divorce

Hollywood, Dec. l4-CUP)--Clark Gable asked his second wife, who is II years older than he is, for a divorce today and the movie colony believed that he would marry Carole Lombard by February.
 The film lover last night made the long expected announcement that he was asking his freedom from Mrs. Rhea Gable. who was well-to-do Texas widow when he married her. They have been estranged three years.
 Gable, ever taciturn about his pri- vate affairs, said only:
 @Yes, I intend to ask Mrs. Gable for divorce"
 He said nothing about Miss Lom- bard, and no comment was forth coming from her. But the movie col ony took it for granted that their marriage would follow at once when MT Gable gets a divorce. It was also taken for granted that Mrs. Gable would immediately sue, probably in Nevada where it takes only six weeks.
 Her suit k expected to follow set clement of differences over thess financial affairs which were to be heard by a Los Angeles court today, They were married in 1891, and part
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
STATE EMPLOYES
 GIVEN DECISION
No Independent Union Can Be Sole Collective Agent
 Under Law

Hartford, Conn, Dec. 14-(UP)- An attorney generals. opinion to- day prohibited heads of state de- partments from recognizing jnde- pendent unions as the sole collective bargaining agencies of state em- ployes. Such procedure would nullify the effect of the civil service sys- tenn, 1t was declared. The opinion was asked by Labor Commissioner Joseph M. Tone who said he had been requested by an independent union of employees in his department to recognize 1t as the exclusive bar gaining agency for that division of the state government. Assistant At torney-G General Frank J. Disesa wrote:
 If the employees of each state department were to have the right to form an association designated by them to be union and such unions were to select a collective bargain ing agency for the purpose of enter ing into an agreement with the head of the department concerning con- ditions of employees, binding upon all of the employees of the depart ment and the state of Connecticut. 1t Is obvious that the civil service act would in great measure be usurped and as far as its effective ness is concerned, entirely nullified.
 ''In enacting the civil service act, the Legislature intended that regu- ion of the conditions of employ
 lent 0f state employees should be he of the main objects of the act. It Is clearly apparent that. this sub- ject is exclusively within the au- thority of the state personnel de- partment." The authority of the personnel department, however, is limited by statute.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14

ed in 1885, when Gable said: Mrs, Gable and have separated and property settlement has been reached. Any statement on divorce must come from Mrs. Gable"
 There the matter rested for three years, Gable supposedly waiting for hi5 wife to act, but Mrs. Gable de- clining to file suit without formal request from her handsome husband. Why she insisted upon this was not known. Her friends did not believe she hoped for reconciliation.
 Gables first wife, Mrs. Josephine Dillon Gable, pretty teacher of dranatics. divorced him a year after he signed his first major film con- tract. She was given credit for dis covering him, a telephone lineman "trouble-shoot and coaching him along his road to fame in the movies. K She and the second Mrs. Gable once squabbled over the right to use Mrs. Clark Gable" on their calling cards. The second wife threatened to sue. But when Mrs. Gable No. refused to drop the name, the argu- ment ceased.
 Gables romance with Miss Lom- bard began a few months after his separation. It has since become one of Hollyw0od's most publicized. Both stead dfastly refused to comment on 1t.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
GOVERNOR CROSS
 HELPS BALDWIN
Asks Citizens of State to Give Their Support to
 GOvernOr-Elect

Bridgeport, Conn, Dec. IA. (UP)- Connecticut,s citizens were asked to- day by Gov. Wilbur L. Cross, who retires in three weeks, to support Gov Elect Raymond E. Baldwin against political and all other kinds of intrigue"
 Gov. Cross, Gov-eleet Baldwin and Mayor Jsaper McLevy, the three candidates for governor in last months election, sat side by side at dinner in their honor last night.
 T want to congratulate the peo- pie of Connecticut" Gov. Cross said, lon electing g man like MT. Bald win"
 Baldwin said: T realize the tre- mendous responsibility that the of flee of governor places upon the Re- publican party and myself.
 T hope to approach the distinc- ton of my immediate predecessor and others who have held that high office. I am happy to pay my per- sonal tribute to Governor Gross.
 We all know that no one in the state has the welfare of the state more at heart or Is more sincere than Wilbur L. Cross. He lays down the mantle of g great of1ice. and most graciously, full of honor and rich indeed in the affection of Con- necticut.
 Tn the days ahead. Baldwin con- cluded, i've will need the help of all if we do what is right. If we fail to do that we want and deserve criti- cism.
 McLevy said: sWhen anyone gets me to attend $lO dinner, 1t Is in deed unique"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
RELIEF ROLLSTO
 DECREASE 45,5l4

Washington Dec. 14.-(UP).- Works Progress Administrator Hop- kins announced today that relief rolls decreased 4,514 during the week ended Dec. 10, one of the sharpest weekly declines in WPA history.
 Continuing decline which began Nov. 5. WPA rolls stood at 3,139,- 045 for the week as compared to 3,184,559 for the week ended Dec. 3.
 The decline was by far the largest since relief rolls began dropping from the all-time night, reached Nov. 5 when 3.262,66s persons were tn WPA.
 All but 10 states registered de- clires. Relief rolls dropped in Penn sylvania by 7.l76. Other decreases included: New Jersey, S,741; Cali fornia, 2.124; Michigan, 1,6S6; and Ohio. 2,6e2.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14

Mackenzie has pleaded guilty here to the charge of conspiracy to de- fraud the City of Waterbury of more than a million dollars and is expected to be witness for the state. His co-lobbyist, Charles k. Williamson of Darien, has pleaded not guilty, but is expected to De a witness as well. He selected tria. by court, while the other defendants are being tried by the jury.
 A jury Is now being sought to hear The trial.
 Drug Officials Arrested
 Coster and two other firm offi- cials have been arrested and vii! be tried at the conclusion of an in- vestigation which is now in progress by five investigating units. includ- lnt, Securities Exchange Commission, . federal grand jury, the Attorney General of New York, the Attorney General of the Province of Quebec, and District Attorney Thomas Dewey of New York.
 Mackenzie, who has been i'll for the past several months, is a de- Eealdant in the Waterbury conspir- acy case, which is based on charges made by the grand jury In its sensa- tional 74-page report. On ltnfor- nation obtained from the jury, Special Prosecutor Alcorn gained issuance of bench warrants for the arrest of 27 men on charges of con- spring to defraud the city of about $50, 900 lobby poodle.
 Approximately $5O, 600 was realized by Mackenzie during the l935 and 1887 sessions of the General Assem- bly for his lobbying practices.
 Mention of the McKesson and Robbins Company in the grand tury's report is contained in a lengthy paragraph. The report was sub- divided into numerous para
 (Continued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
VATICAN FEARS
 NAH REPREALS
Eight Point Law May Be Passed That Would Cur-
 tail Catholic Work
By FRANCIS REA

United Press Stan COrreSpOndent)
 Vatican City, Dec. IA UP)- Vatican authorities fear that Ger many is soon to enact a series of laws imposing restrictions of unpre- cedented severity on Roman Catho- lie church activities. 1t was said to- day in reliable quarters.
 So seriously does the Vatican re- gard the prospect, informapts said, that If the laws are passed the Vati- can intends to publsih at once diplomatic white book" kept ready for more than a year, fehronicling relations between the Vatican and the Nad government over 8 long period and citing alleged Naz in- justices to the church.
 Vatican fears are based largely on newspaper and other unofficial re- ports. There has been no official information.
 Situation Is Grave
 Church authorities appeared to take a grave view of the situation, however and according to informants they would not be surprised if the reichstag passed the reported laws at any time. The reichstag is due to meet January 30, 1889. on the sixth anniversary of Adolf Hitler's rise to power.
 Some significance was attached to the publication by the Osservatore Romano, the official newspaper or
 
 (Cuntinuei on Page A
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
Aldermanic Meeting Attracts
 Throngs; Many Protests Fly
Fourteen Speakers Out of an Immense Throng; At-
 tacks Plentiful

, Cheers, whistles, booes; protest oi special groups presenting prepared speeches; IA speakers out of crowd that extended beyond the packed aldermanic chamber into the cor ridor; opinions as divided as right and wrong; these greeted Water bury's aldermen last night at the publicized public hearing called by the Republican aldermen for voic- ing of suggestion, comment, criti- cism, on the 1899 budget, which, at present, provided for appropria- tions amounting to $7,178,O00, a 35- mill tax levy.
 Out of a maelstrom of attack on the manufacturers, the banks, the city, the street, police, fire, and other departments, one voice was raised anent the practical aspects of budget consideration.
 Attorney Galullo Speaks
 Answering what appeared to be a challenge from a Cheshire resident whom he accused of using "in- temperate language, Attorney Michael J. Galullo swept mass sem timent into sullen approval when he related how he had studied the budget as compared with the 1888 outline of city financing; told the massed chamber that nothing con- structive could develop from abuse rather than common-sense conSid- eration of the city's future, not its past.
 It was, in the words of Alderman c. Arthur DuBois, "a show" to which many, without having scanned other than biased reports on the forming of the budget. came to join what ever protest developed. Asked by Alderman Burton H. Walker just how many persons had called to obtain copies of the 1889 budget, City Clerk John P. Fitzmaurice de- clared that fewer than 25 persons had procured such copies, evidencing the lack of practical application to budget study by those at the meet ing.
 There were taxpayers in the
 (Continlled on Page 4) .
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
INVERSION co.
 OFFICERS HELD
President Coster, Assist ant Treasurer Dietrich
 Surrender in Park City

Bridgeport, Conn, Dec. 14-(UP) President F. Donald Coster and Assistant Treasurer George E. Die trich of McKesson & Robbins, Inc. surrendered to federal authorities today in connection with an inves- tigation into reported $1s,0Oo, 900 shortage in the firms assets.
 Warrants issued yesterday by Garrett W. Cotter, U. s. commits sioner at New York, charged them with violation of the federal securi- ties act of 1884 in allegedly filing false information with the securities and exchange commission regarding the financial structure of the ST. O0O,00O wholesale drug concern.
 The officials submitted to arrest at the Fairfield home of Coster where they were arraigned in the library before U. s. Commissioner Robert H. Alcorn of New Haven.
 Arrangements were made to have the two men post bonds of $5O00 each at Coster's home, rather than go to Alcorn,s office at New Haven. and preparations were made for an early departure to New York City.
 The hearing at the CoSter home was held as a matter of convent ence. Coster had been sick in bed since the affairs of the company came under federal scrutiny early last week.
 Both Coster and Dietrich mur- mured a low-voiced yes" when ask ed If they desired to waive examin- ation after hearing the complaint.
 Present At Hearing
 In the library during the brief hearing were their counsel, Samuel and Philip Reich, U. s. Attorney
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
KEMP ON
 WITNESS STAND
Passes Buck to Former Com. of Highways John
 A. Macdonald

Bridgeport, Conn, Dec. 14.-(UP). -G. Leroy Kemp, former state land appraiser, accused of Illegal fec splitting in the $25, 900 900 Merritt Parkway sales, testified in superior court today he had an understand ing" with the highway commissioner he would be permitted to continue his private real estate business while he was in the employe of the state.
 Authority to conduct his personal business, during the years he was the sole appraiser for the super parway rights-of-way, he said, was given by Former Commissioner John A. Macdonald, who resigned after 8 grand jury described him as "en- urely responsible" for alleged extra vagance and waste in connection with the land acquisitions.
 T witness refuted testimony of the state that he had asked or de- manded share in the commissions derived from the sales, or entered into any agreements with inde- dependent brokers.
 He admitted, however, that real estate brokers frequently gave him a portion of their fees, usually 'less than half" of the entire commis- sionS.
 Second Witness
 He was the second witness to be called by the defense since the state rested its case yestrday noon after obtaining testimony from two in- dicted real estate brokers that they divided fees with the agents at the requests of the accused.
 Kemp was called to the stand shortly before the court adjourned late yesterday and asserted he work ed under instructions of Former Highway Commissioner John A. Masdonald to avoid condemnation proceedings wherever possible.
 Furthermore, he said, he had no authority to close deal and could only appraise the land and rec ommend purchase price.
 Regarding testimony of another defense witness, that there apparent
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
PROTESTS ON WPA
 SLASH CONTINUE.
$50 Laid Off Seems to Be Out of Proportion in
 Other Cities

While protest over dropping of 35C men from the WPA rolls continued today with meeting planned by the c. I. O. this afternoon for voicing of complaint, word from New Haven today was to the effect that no fur ther cuts of Waterbury workers ap- peared in prospect.
 This case not in the form of off, cial statement, however, but only by analysis of the general dropping of WPA workers throughout the state, in line with orders from Washing ton.
 It was remarked that the present number of WPA workers in Water bury amounted to 1858 as of Dec. 6. The total of WPA rolls in Bridge port numbered 2,842; in Hartford, 2.0S4; in New Haven, 2,417.
 Cut Here Too Big
 From the fact that the Waterbury cut of $50 men far exceeds the ap- proximate 200 laid of in Bridgeport, 1t was estimated that the difference in paydays was the cause for the Waterbury cut of Monday, just after the Saturday payday Other cities in the state receive their WPA pay checks on different dates, indicating that proportionate cut of person. nel to bring the total laid of to '"be- tween 2,000 and 5000" as announced by Administrator Vincent J. Sulli- van. would mean that further lay- offs are in prospect at Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven.
 Cuts Not Arbitrary
 The WPA headquarters, comment ing on complaint of Mayor Francis A. Danaher of Meriden, and Mayor Jasper McLevy of Bridgeport, about the cuts, issued a statement that the cuts are not arbitrary" in the sense
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
BRITISH, GERMAN
 BREAK REVIVED
Nazis Boycott Chamber lain in Banquet Speech;
 Guard German Embassy
BY WALLACE CARROLL United Press Staff Corresuondent


 London, Dec. 14.-(UP).-A strong police guard was placed over the German embassy today as British German relations took a sharp turn for the worse because Nazis boy cotted banquet at which Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was the speaker.
 Three policemen patroled before the embassy. Others watched dis creetly from nearby vantage po:--ts to guard against any hostile dem- onstrations by people who had seen the screaming headlines with which newspapers reported what they in- terpreted as an affront to the Brit iSh government.
 It was indicated tthat the ban- quet incident was but a chance manifestation of a new diplomatic situation in which Great Britain and France might again find themselves aligned against the totalitarian pow CTS, Germany and Italy.
 All Germany Absent
 Not only German newspaper men but Dr. Herbert Won Dircksen, Ger man ambassador, and Gottfried Aschman, special envoy of Adolf Hit Ter, boycotted the banquet because Chamberlain, in his speech, criticiz- ed the "viturperation" of German newspapers again Earl Baldwin, most respected of our statesmen" and other British public men.
 There was reason to belivee that a special report of Chamberlain's speech, taken by shorthand report CTS at the German embassy by radio, had been forwarded to Hitler to- day. The speech as broadcast was checked for minor departures which the prime minister made from the
 (Continued on Page 9
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
No Juryman Selected At Morning Session New
 Panel Of v In Waiting
Original 100 Has Been Reduced By Ex- cuses; No Religion Queries Today;
 Five Dismissed Today
By JOSEPH P. DONAHUE Democrat Staff Writer)

One lone member of the original venire of 172 remained to be questioned for service in the Water bury conspiracy today, as the forenoon session of the tenth day of the trial concluded at o'clock with no additional jurors being accepted. Five venremen were questioned this morning-two were excused by the court two by the defense and by the state.
 No Religious Questionnaires
 In deviation from the procedure of yesterday, no mention of religious classification persecution was mentioned. It was expected to be returned to the procedure before the end of the day, however.
 77 Left of New Panel
 Although the original panel of 172 has been reduced to one in the person of Hyman Avrutin of New Haven, panel of venireen reported for questioning this ing Originally there were 100 on this new panel but after all excused had been heard " remained Including MT. Avutin there 78 veniremen in the courthouse awaiting questioning as prospective jurors.
 The five dismissed during todays morning session were Benjamin B. Peck of Cheshire, Evans H. Pratt of New Haven Edith Woolsey of New Haven Mabel s. Whit comb of Milford and Mrs Louise Hayes of Meriden Mr. Ayrutn will be the first to be questioned this afternoon
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14

He would have been called at 12:55 today, but Attorney Crawford suggested that the questioning of hi9s would be protracted.
 J Challenges Used to Date
 At the conclusion of this morn ing's session, the state had exhaust ed A challenges, the defense 52 and the court 34, after questioning
 First members of the new panel will be questioned early this after noon, as the quest for the seventh juror continues. During the past three days during which court has been held, there have been no re- suits in the search for number seven juror.
 May Call More Panels
 Comment that even another and third panel of veniremen would be necessary before the jury of I2 would be completed, was common today among observers.
 Because of the thoroughness with which each venireman is now be- ing examined, it is entirely probable that more than the 77 represented on the new list will be necessary.
 Questioning of the prospects did not delve into their religious beliefs, but was mainly in connection with their political utilization, the extent to which they had read about the investigation, and whether or not they entertained any opinions con- corning the guilt or innocence of the accused.
 First to be Queried
 Benjamin H. Peck, 68, a farmer of Cheshire, who was too busy farming to read the papers about the accused, and who has no ra- dio, was the first to be questioned today, the tenth of the trial. He was the l32d venireman to take the stand in superior court, where the trial is progressing, although it is progressing slowly.
 The father of two sons, he said that one Is 8 newspaperman, but could not tell the court where he worked or in what capacity. For 40 years he has been serving on juries, he said.
 AlcOrn Jr.ss Name Used
 While Attorney Crawford was
 Continued on Page 9
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
RETIRED SETH
 MAN IS DEAD

Willimantic, Conn, Dec. 14-(UP)
 Col. J. Dwight Chaffee, s2. retired silk manufacturer who was military aide to the late Governor Phineas c. Lounsbury from 1887 to 1889, died today at Windham Community Me imorial hospital.
 He was . native of Mansfield and was engaged in the silk business for 6A years until Iae retired in 1927. He served in the te house of repre- sentatives iron S7l-72 and in the senate from 1sS s6.
 Two sons and Q daughter survive. The funeral will be held Friday
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
ITALY WILL SPEND

Rome, Dec. 14.-(UP)-The cab met has decided to spend 10000 coo. 900 lire ($526, ,250,0OO on arma- ments, 1t was announced today.
 It was explained that the expen- allure was approved because of ''the urgent necessity of further develop ing and strengthening arlnaments in view of the general situation"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
PROBATE JUDGE DIES

Danbury. Conn, Dec. 14-(UP)-- Funeral services will be held Thurs day for c. Edmond Mason. probate court judge from 1919 to 1882, who died yesterday after short illness. Judge Mason, IS, was former pres idento1 the Danbury National Bank. He leaves ht widow.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
Sidelights Of Famous Trial

Courtroom spectators, who have been for the past part apathetic during the questioning of venire- men, sat up with eager interest yesterday when the religious and racial issues entered the trial. For one of the few times during the trial there was scarcely a vacant seat in the courtroom yesterday afternoon.
 After the long day in the court room, lawyers, defendants and att taches make a bee-line for the door when court adjourns at 5 o'clock. The building is usually deserted within g few minutes af- ter the daily session closes.
 With more than two weeks of the trial, many of those concerned have established ownership" of certain chairs in the courtroom. The lawyers invariably sit in the same places day after day, but some of the defendanst change places occasionally. But all agree that the chairs aren't any too soft.
 The defense has introduced . new line of questioning at the start of each week of the trial thus far. Weekend conferences no doubt result in agreement on what tactics are to be followed.
 Although spectators were at a new high yesterday for attend ance, Attorney Thomas F. Mo- Donough, counsel for Alderman Thomas P. Kelly was missing Several newspapermen who had been everyday witnesses of the proceedings were also missing.
 Joseph Murray, nephew of Att tOrney James D. c. Murray, counsel to Mayor Hayes, a soph- more student at Yale law school, was in spectators row yesterday. He is the son of Attorney Joseph Murray, elder brother of James. The elder Murray is counsel to several brokerage houses.
 : Six yenireman, half of them women were all that remained of the original panel of l72 when the sheriff rapped his gavel this morning for the start of the tenth day of the trial. A new panel of 100 will be available for call immediately upon disqualifi- eaton of the remaining six, how
 Continued on Page x
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
Jurors Accepted
 Up To Present

I. Frank M. Brown, 70, Mill ford carpenter. .g 2. Floyd Griswold, 46, North BranfOrd, carpenter.
 3. Merton F. Wright, 20, North Branf0rd selectman and farmer. /
 1. Clarence F. Roberts, 43, Oxford selectman and farmer. 5. Milton Darlington, 59, Beacon Falls farmer.y
 6. Edward F. Rowland, Ox- ford farmer.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-14
TREASURY BALANCE

Washington, Dec. 14-(UP)-Gov- ernment expenses and receipts for the current fiscal year through Dec. 12th, compared with year ago: This Year Expenses Last Year $3,9S5,172,7I3.22 $3,S04,lOs, ,4s6.66
 Receipts $2, 4,280, ,200.09 s2,e20,55O, ,ll5.39
 Gross Deficit s1,5So.ss2,513.ls s6ss, ,s5s, ,s2i.27l
 Net Deficit s1.5s4.41O,Oss.ls $s4s.s9l.7 .77l.27 $2,s42,ss1, ,7s2.sS s2.5oi.s72.s42.47