davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Not Too Smart

It may be that the task of a Republican taking over an office held by the Demo- crats for sixteen years involves certain changes which are difficult to accomplish in a few moments or few days. We can see that taking over such an important position as Controller of the City of Wa terbury would not be something that could be accomplished overnight. Saying this we call attention to the fact that for the first time in eight years certain en- ployes of the City of Waterbury failed to receive their pay-checks yesterday noon, when they were due.
 We have no desire to make this out as a blotch on the career of Controller Sher- wood L. Rowland, who assumed the office on Monday. He is new to the office and he assumes it, Republican surrounded by many Democrats We want to be char itable, but in the face of the g.o.p. bar rage that is now being thrown up and has been thrown up for some time, we cannot help but perceive in the entire situation an obvious attempt to cast more criticism on the administration of May or Frank Hayes.
 The entire business smackS clearly of an effort to discredit the retiring Con- troller, Daniel J. Leary, who has been hailed by everyone, including Republi- cans outside of Waterbury, as the best watchdog the citys finances has ever had. When the Connecticut State Jour- nal, Republican organ in this state, pays him high compliment and insists on the sincerity of the same, then MT. Leary need feel no bitterness about this patent at tempt by the local g.o.p. machine to cru cify him, his conduct of office during the past eight years, his office employees, and his methods of conducting the financial affairs of the city.
 If we are right in our interpretation of the entire smoke-screen, it is nothing but that and will be easily seen through by discerning citizens.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

boycott was so effective that the Chinese government was able to regain the prov ince for the nominal value of German properties seized by Japan. The Japa- nese, however, remained in private pos session of large industries there, and made further investments.
 Now those investments are mostly gone up in smoke, with loss to the Japanese owners estimated at $200,000,- 900. The Chinese burned them as the Japanese army approached. The beau- tiful, prosperous seaport is now an empty shell. The Chinese themselves are the chief sufferers, but such is their patriotism today that they evidently consider it worth while to destroy their own means of livelihood if they can in- flict loss on the invaders.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
PressConnnent
BILLIONS FOR FUN
(New York Times)

There is some evidence that civilization in the United States. as elsewhere, is on the down grade or will be if we don't look sharp. There is also some evidence that 1t Is not. According to an estimate of the American Automobile asso- ciation, 100000 persons i'll this country nearly one-third of UT populat tion annually take vaca- tion motor trips which cost them an average of $l00 apiece. Approxi- mately 100000 others make pleas ure excursions by rail, boat, plane or bus. If these latter also spend $100 apiece we reach total of about $5,000, ,0O0, 900 spent on vacation trips This sum is $500,0o0,00o more than the estimated total of local taxa tion for 1887, twice the estimated total of taxation by all state gov- ernments, only $500, 100000 less than the estimated tax revenues of the federal government. It is two-fifths of the estimated total tax revenue collected in this country by all agencies in 1887.
 Taxation in the United States is problem, and serious one. PreSent-day taxation, coupled with the future taxatoin which will be necessary if the growing indebted ness of governments is to be paid off, weighs heavily on business, in- dustry and the consumer. Yet if we look at the other side of the page, consider these billions spent on various other forms of entertain ment and recreation, we perceive that we are far indeed from scrap ing the bottom of the cracker bar rel. We are still wealthy nation. We still have an enormous reserve, not only of wealth but of what the New Englanders call git-up-and-go. And in this situation. and the na- tional qualities that go with it, there is hope, not merely for the one-third who spend rather lavishly on vaca- tions but for the least fortunate third who still wait for the wheels of industry and business to quicken their speed.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
The Shantung Sacrifice

Tsingtao, the rich seaport in Shantung Province, is now an empty shell, de- stroyed by the Chinese themselves to make it valueless to Japan. It might be regarded as symbol of China The Germans were established there before the war, having taken possession in re- taliation for the killing of two German priests. They dug in and extended their authority and investments widely through the province, making Tsingtao virtually German capital Then during the World War Japan moved in, that being her chief contribution to the war as nominal member of the Allied Powers.
 After the war the Chinese rebelled against Japanese possession, and their
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
The interesting probability is voiced in

The interesting probability is voiced in Waterbury that election of Alderman Patrick Perriello to presidency of the Board of Alderman is illegal. This is based on ruling handed some twenty five years ago in which a school board member was disqualified for voting for himself in an election. The assumption in this particular case is that one of the eight votes cast in Mondays election for the presidency of the aldermanic board was Mr. Portfolios own vote for himself. The remaining seven are, therefore, those of the seven Democratic alderman. By the same token, then Alderman c. Arthur Dubois, who was the other candidate for President, voted for himself and conse- quently, if the same court ruling applied in this instance, would have to be dis qualified. We wonder, though, if mans right to vote as member of legislative board can be questioned, whether it is for himself or his opponent.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

Governor Robert E. Quinn of Rhode island is nothing but dauntless. Now that the storm over the Narragansett race-track and it's director, Walter E. OHara, has died down bit, he is pre- pared to have Little Rhody" inaugurate a state income tax A maximum levy of 5 per cent on all incomes in excess of $5,000 is proposed. We don't know how residents of Rhode Island regard this pro- posal, but we'll wager that more than one of them will favor retaining legalized horse-racing betting rather than flat tax like this. It may not have the same effect on business, but taxpayers, as rule, don't overenthuSe about state in- come taxes.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Long-Distance Power

In a discussion of rare metals by the American Chemical Society, Dr. c. w. Bake of Chicago told of the remarkable properties of metal called "columbium." It readily absorbs gases when heated in a vacuum tube. It is very resistant to heat and corrosion, and remarkably well adapted to carrying high-power electric currents. Thus, says Dr. Bake, it is avail able for use in certain types of high powered electronic tubes which transform alternating current from power plants into "pulsating direct currents"
 Here the peculiar value of columbium appears. The pulsating direct currents can be sent by wire to a much greater distance. than alternating currents of the usual type, with very little loss of power. With it's use, currents from power plants, now practically limited to 15O or 200 miles, may be transmitted over radius of 500 miles, This is said to have been accom- plished by the hydro-electric plant in Dnieperstroy, Russia. So far in America it has been considered rather remarkable when power was transmitted 150 miles from Boulder Dam to Los Angeles.
 If this is true, and enough of the metal is obtainable, the great hydro-electric power projects being built in this coun- try may have less difficulty in disposing of their power than has been expected. The whole country might be electrified with surprising rapidity by reasonable arrangement of public and private power.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

should ask report from his own ap- pointee, Highway Commissioner Macdonald, who had complete charge of buying the land. Investi- gations by the controller, who draws orders for all expenditures of state funds, and by the public works com- missioner, who has taken charge of the highway department, are proper. But the highway commissioner is the one from whom the real ex- planation is due.
 It is necessary to withhold &C., cusations until ground for making them is established. However, aside from the high prices paid for the land, and the discrepancies between those and tax valuations, attention focuses upon the great number of corporations with which there were deals.
 Presumably some bonafide real estate companies owned land in the area which they were developing or holding for development. There is room, however, for at least a mild suspicion that some corpora tions had their origin in a desire to ex- ploit the states necessity of pur- chasing.
 The highway commissioner can- not, of course, give the facts about that. Nevertheless inquiry in that direction suggests itself.
 Perhaps the best procedure would be to summon grand jury to in- quire into the whole matter, as was done in the medical fraud cases. Or dinarily Connecticut has used the grand jury only in murder cases but, as States Attorney Alcorn demon- strated with reference to diploma mill doctors the machinery is avail able for other inquiries.
 Governor Cross may not feel yet that the situation warrants grand jury procedure. If he eventually concludes it does, 1t is quite certain the people of the state will thor oughly approve. Such prices as have been paid for land call for thorough and complete explanation.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

the House Judiciary Committee to investigate.
 Now the Justice Department proposes a new suit before Q grand jury in different city and before a different judge.
 Pending final decision, how ever, the department is making an exhaustive investigation of Geiger's record in preparation for an aggressive attack against him before the House committee. There is talk of impeachment.
 Judge Geiger is noted for his severity against unions, has hand- ed down five decisions against the National Labor Board-everyone of which was overruled by a high. CT court.
 NOTE-Judge Geiger was ap- pointed by Tatt in 1912.
 Merry -Go-ROund
 When ex-Brain Truster Rex Tugwell comes to Washington, which is oftener than Is reported in the press, he does two things: has a chat with the President, and takes a stroll incognito through Greenbelt, model resettle-' ment community which he launched in nearby Maryland. Tugwell considers this project his greatest achievement. Labor's Non-PartiSan League, preparing for an aggressive campaign in the coming elections, is publishing 100000 booklets for its members on How to Organize and Run Po- litical Campaign," Jerome Frank, new member of the Secur- ities & Exchange Commission, and Judge Florence Allen, who pre- sided at the recent Chattanooga, Tenn, IVA trial, were classmates at the University of Chicago law school.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Current Comment

We expelled 86 last year for de- serting their wives. Jefferson Davis, hobo "king," ask ing his subjects to go home for Christmas. It would have been enormously useful to us, and the sooner it is revived under auspices congenial to American labor the better. George Bernard Shaw, comment ing on the Duke of Windsor's s
 cancelled tour of America. Horses still have an important part in military operations /. mounted troops are of great value in certain situations. -U. S. Secretary of War Harry Woodring. should like to play the organ and have the Cleveland orchestra play with me. Kenneth Wolf. 6, Cleveland, O..
 considered a child prodigy pianist. Women who complain that this is a mans world do not have my sympathy.
 Mrs. Catherine Filene Shouse,
 Boston clubwoman.
  Like the moving pictures, the average program of the broadcaSter is addressed to an intelligence pos seSsed by child of 12.
 Federal Communications Commis-
 sioner George Payne.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Selected Poem
ADVICE FOR A GARDENER

ADVICE FOR A GARDENER John Ritchey in the Christian Science Monitor Guard then the rose
 but guard the memory more of ventured bud that whirled into flower. Roses will be-
 as they have been before, Dusky and brief, veined with a terrible power. Guard then the rose
 but guard the moments known when out of dark you watched the sheathed green unfold; the emerald lance ascend
 the bud swell fully grown: free of the earth,
 free of the fallow mold. Guard then the rose
 and bed it warm and deep, and build wall against encroaching snow. But more than this:
 guard for the winter sleep The secret gardeners and roses know
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
A Book a Day
America Has Charms for Gertrude Stein
BY BRUCE CATION

When the publishers announced that Gertrude Stein,s new book was written in her most lucid vein, your reviewer stirred restlessly in his sleep and mumbled that he didn't know she had one.
 However, this world Is full of sur prises. The new book-"Everybody's s Autobiography" CRandom House $3)-proves to be relatively clear. You may not like 1t very much, to be sure, but you can at least under stand 1t. Which, after all, is some- thing.
 In this book Miss Stein tells about her trip to and through America. She had good time. She admits as much
 Tt is very nice being a celebrity 8 real celebrity who can decided who they want to meet and say SO and they come or do not come as you want them. I never imagined that would happen to me to be a celebrity like that but 1t did and when 1t did I liked it."
 So, in the process of enjoying a celebrity's privileges, Miss Stein de- cided that she would like to meet Dashiell Hammett, Thornton Wilder, Saroyan. Charlie Chaplin, Harry Leon Wilson-there is a collection for you-and she did meet them and liked them all.
 She seems. in fact, to have liked the whole trip. She liked American foods, the University of Wisconsin, drive-yourself-cars, airplane rides, Ohio farmhouSes, wooden houses by the railroad depot in small towns, riding around Chicago in a police squad car, newspaper reporters, those rhymed roadside shaving cream ads. nut shops, and all sorts of other things.
 You'll probably find her book more interesting than you expect. but for the most part the thing is chatty, interesting, and-well, lucid.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Questions and
 Answers
By Frederick M Kerby

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Enclose a three-cent stamp for reply when addressing any ques- tion 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 e. What is simple way to pre-. vent rancidity in bacon7
 A. Dust the surface of the meat with oat flour before 1t is packsged. e. What kind of work Is done at the U. 8. Arsenal at Springfield, Mass?
 A. Manufacture of small arms. e. have heard that most cement bags are fastened before being filled with cement. Is this true?
 A. Yes. nthe bottom of the bag is a slit about two inches long
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

And incidentally if Rhode Island drops legalized or pari-mutuel betting at tracks, will it move across the state line into Connecticut? We wouldn't want to pre- dict anything of this nature, for we face a state election this coming fall. Still it was only a gubernatorial veto that pre- vented legalized betting few years ago. Governor Cross undoubtedly would do the same again, but will he be succeeding himself year from now?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Like Olden Times

Like Olden Times
 So it was with keen antici- patton that playgoers looked for ward to Jed Harris first gesture on Broadway in a couple of seasons. They knew that Harris revival of an Ibsen drama would be distin- guished; they didn't know if it would be effective. But when the cutain fell on "A Dolls House" at its premiere, a stirred audience sat be- hind for more than quarter of an hour to recall the players and deaf en them with resounding applause. And to acknowledge the Harris genius for stage craft that had talk en 8 worthy drama out of the library and breathed dramatic life anew into it.
 The performances are brilliant AS the muddled Nora, Ruth Gordon gives a better portrayal than she ever has, and as her methodical husband, Dennis King proves that he can fit from the romantic frills of musical comedy to serious roles WA1AA 4oS141Iy. AnC OAdVOo 4O1 6dul Lukas (who, though a film idol, never has appeared on the Ameri- can stage before), attested to his triumph, and Sam Jaffe, the cring- ing Kringelein of Grand Hotel" rouses the emotions again in "A Dolls House."
 The Wonder Boy" then, is en- couraged., He has big plans for the future. the next one being play by Thornton Wilder called Our Town" Harris says 1t is one of the best plays he's ever had. So, who may tell? The Harris meteor may be on the up- ward swing again. Broadway is not the place where fortune follows the astrological charts.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Inquiry Maybe? Facts Will Show Necessity or Not of Pushing Probe Into Land Sales Any Further
HARTFORD TIMES

Governor Cross has taken a posi- tion with reference to the Merritt Highway revelations which was in- evitable. With expenditures for land likely to reach $6,500, 900 the chief executive could not do other than demand the facts.
 It is appropriate also that he
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Daily Almanac
Moon sets 9:46 p. m,

Moon sets 9:46 p. n.
 Sun rises 7:l7 a. m.; sets 4:38 p. m,
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset
 The occurrence of the new moon phase last Saturday shortly after noon was regarded in weather circles as signs of dismal out look. Foul weather the preGicters claim, but 1t has not remained foul in this district since Sunday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

Statistics are getting terribly contro- versial It's time business statistics started lobbying for the multiplication table.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
A Thought for Today

That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth-PSalms 83:18.
  We should give God the same place in our hearts that He holds in the unverse.-Joubert.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
Charley West, After Ickes Row,
 Seeks New Official Position
ma nongRr a A14@
" @@gW PRAMe0@

WASHINGTON January G. - Charley West, the boy who is supposed to grease the Presidents legislative program through Congress is looking for official i0h
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

If you want a copy of our booklet QUEER FACTS OF GEOGRA- PHY" write the Waterbury Demo- crat's Washington Bureau. 1913 Thirteenth street. Washington, D. c. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
In New York
By GEORGE ROSS

New York, Jan. GA revlval or a play by Hendrix Ibsen usually isn't astounding news to Broadway. Be- cause while Papa Ibsen may be first rate theater. he is an insurance risk at the box office
 There were several reasons, then, for the keen anticipation of the Rialto when Jed Harris ex- humed "A Dolls House" not many nights ago. First, isn't Jed Harris still the Wonder Boy of Broadway? Secondly, when has an Ibsen revival claimed so stel- lar cast as to include Ruth Cor don, Dennis King, Paul Lukas (of pictures) and Sam Jaffe?
 It has been a decade since the aterdom gave ubiquitous Jed the flattering title of wonder Boy" He had been fairly unknown when he flashed the sensational Broadway" on the stage. But his name soon was to become the best known and most powerful on this side of the footlights. Fol- lowing Broadway" he gave playgoers "Coquette," that drama which involved Helen Hayes in "an act of god," over every front page of the country. Then he produced 'The Royal Family" that colorful comedy-saga about the Bar rymores and followed it with the memorable Spread Eagle" After which, he clirnaxed meteoric rise with Ben Hecht and Charles Mo- Arthur's mforgettable The Front Page"
 And Then
 To awestruck theaterfolk, Jed Harris had become the symbol of success. They said that his various enterprises yielded millions by the year and actors and playwrights by the hundreds hovered near his door for moments audience. It didn't seem possible that the invincible Harris could be implicated in a fail- ure.
 The Harris star, however, seem- ed to pause somewhere in its as- cendancy and reverse its flight. Flushed with success, "The Won der Boy" indulged in an orgy of Russian dramas. all breeding and moody. Artistically. they were all right. Commercially, they did not ring the bell on the cash register.
 Then, as famous line put it, he "combed the Cossacks out of his curls' and engaged in an assortment of satiric comedies, mystery plays, social dramas and-creampuff char ades. They failed, too, and with each passing flasco, the Harris star dipped down the Armament. He was still the Wonder Boy" but the tense was in the past and showmen shook their heads cynically about his fu- ture.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06

Q. Is 1t considered proper for a bride to wear white satin gown and veil if the groom wears busi- ness suit?
 A. No.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-06
TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Never pronounce several-sev'-
 ral; say, several

through which the bag is filled, after which a flap closes the slit.
 o. What is the middle name of Homer S. Cummings, attorney gen. eral of the United States?
 A. Stille.
 @. Can you describe the seal of the Vatican State?
 A. It consists of the triregnum and crossed keys enclosed in four concentric circles which bear the epigraph State of Vatican City"
 o. What is the religion of Ron- aid Colman, star of "The Prisoner of Zenda?"
 A. He Is a member of the Church of England.
The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-07-26

the R.SF.S.R. and most mpor-.
tant The setting asidr for Jewish
settlers 10 years ago of E!robld-
ian. one of the richest districts OF
the far eastern province of the
G.SS.K. There are some GO0,OOO
Jews IN collective farms, Includ-
in. Hirobidian.
RICH AREA SET ASIDE
Hirobidjan was made Il Jewish
autonomous region in 1924. Its
land is fertile and il is rich III
gold, iron, coal, asbestos, graphite
and other minerals.
During the 10 years since its
settlement Il clothing factory, lime
plant. wood working factory. five
brick kilns and scores Of minor
state enterprises have been
launched. In the first six months
Of 1891, Birobidjan's industry
produced Il value of 5,ll0,OOO
roublcs. Industrial cooperative
societies Of the region turned out
$1,000, 900 roublcs worth Of goods
in 1897.
The Jewish collective farms Of
the region have been allotted
1875. 900 acres of land, of which in
1887. $4,000 acres were sown.
Twenty thousand Jews migrat-
ed to Birobidjan during its 10
years of development. The CAPT
tai, Birobdian. is town with
large buildings, a park of culture
and rest and state Jewish theater.
Fifteen thousand children at
tend the 100 schools of the PROV
incr