davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Fighting Message

It was in no covering spirit that Pres ident Franklin D. Roosevelt sent the 76th Congress off to a start in Washington yesterday. He was full of vigorous state ments about our position in world affairs and he did not hesitate to say that the United States expects to continue to be an exponent of democracy and an oppo- nent of "isms'. Much had been foretold of this fighting speech the President was to make and in which world powers now engaged in struggles for the survival of their new theories of government were to come in for hard knocks.
 Without mentioning names or without, perhaps specific references President Roosevelt let it be known that this nation was not to fall prey to the honeyed words or yelled threats of those who sought to establish a doctrine of rule by force of arms Americans will be univerS- ally glad to see such reaffirmation of our principles, the same ones for which our forefathers fought and died on many fields of battle All will rejoice that this nation will stand up to keep the hemiS- phere in which it is located free from the influences which have brought disaster to former great world powers.
 However, there was subtle warning in the Presidents message, unintentional perhaps, but, nevertheless, there. It was the inference that if the United States wanted to avert the threat of dictator ships and to prove that democracy like our own can survive in this shifting world of events, it must wake up and do things. We are on trial and only sterling per formance in those things in which we have excelled up to now will really avert the menace that hangs so threateningly over Europe and the Far East. Let us take courage from the remarks of Presi- dent Roosevelt and push forward with him in an assault on forces that under mine our concepts of life, liberty, and happiness
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Baldwin Ambitious

Governor Raymond E. Baldwin is most ambitious in his plans for the Legislature at it's present session. In his inaugural message he outlined many plans which he hopes to see changed into state laws before the body conveneS next June. lie will be disappointed in good many Of his proposals but it can safely be said he does not stray far from the liberal paths along which eX-Governor Wilbur l.. Cross walked during the past eight years. There is striking resemblance to former Cross messages in many passages of the Bald win speech. That is complimentary to both the old and new executive.
 Such things as judicial reform are really necessary. It will benoove the 1859 Gen eral Assembly to think long before allow ing any legislation concerning all the courts of our state to die in committee or be defeated in either house. There are many things that could be done for the courts. We think that Governor Baldwin has touched on most of them. He also has not overlooked the fact that many abuses have crept into local government in recent years and he seeks to have the Legislature remedy the situation. Here the going may be bit difficult despite the examples we have now of laXlty.
 The subject of taxation was not given too much attention but there was con- siderable said about economy in govern ment, simplification of present duties, some expansion but more consolidation to eliminate outmoded branches. It may be the new governor contemplates more economical regime in view of heavy out lays for capital expenditures, such as in- stitutional building. And we wonder if we saw concealed plea for toll roads or bridges in reference to the states ever spreading highway system,
 Such stand, though certainly war ranted, we believe, by present-day condi- tionS, might cause as much argument as will the plan to eliminate the motor vehicle tests, which Governor Baldwin says flatly should be repealed. Our hearty wishes for accomplishment of a fair proportion of the new executives aims.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

are on the opposite side of the fence from the party in power. And the Socialist divulged their hand just before the Legis- lature went into session when Mayor McLevy said the two Socialist Senators would seek assurance that their own leg iSlative program, which is designed solely for the benefit of Bridgeport, would get attention before joining either major political party.
 We can't presume to say that the Re publicans guaranteed the Socialists any, thing in return for their support. They probably didn't, or if they did, they over looked the fact that it was logical for the Socialists to support them if they had a legislative program that they wanted taken care of in every detail. Democrats couldn't assure any Socialist program of legislation, lacking both majoritieS in House and Senate and the approval or veto power in the governors office.
 We stress only one fact in this realign- ment of Republican and Socialist forces. The two Socialist members of the Senate are, in the words of their leader, out to secure legislation for the benefit of Bridgeport. Nothing i2 said about legis- lation beneficial to the state at large. Just keep this in mind, you voters who conceive the Socialist party of Mayor McLevy as the answer to pleas and re- quests for less politics in state govern; ment.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Good Successor

The appointment of former governor Frank Murphy of Michigan as Attorney General in President Franklin D. RooSe- velt's Cabinet comes as no surprise. He was among those prominently mentioned for the post ever since it became known that Homer S. Cummings was to forsake official life for the private practice of law. Even before his defeat at the polls last November ex-governor Murphy had been boomed for place in the official family of the President. He has long been one of his favorites and no doubt an adviser.
 As Attorney General he should be as energetic and capable as he has been in most of the positions he has held in his comparatively brief period in public life. As governor of Michigan he was con- fronted with a number of trying situa- tions in the automotive industrial world. It may be point of dispute as to his suc- cess, but it can't be doubted that he acted promptly, with courage, and with fore sight He has not been lacking in vigor and initiative in any of his undertakings. Furthermore he is sympathetic to both the President and New Deal and can be expected to act courageously in their be- half
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Politically Wise

For the second time Socialist legislators from Bridgeport have proved that at the game of politics they are old hands and past masters. Let no one tell you that the organization of Mayor Jasper McLevy isn't up on the fine points of this game of politics. If they do, they aren't fully aware of what is taking place here in this state. We don't blame the two Socialist members of the State Senate for joining with Republicans to organize this body, when they realized that they couldn't wield any balance of power
 It's far better for these two members to be aligned with the party that is in such complete control of the state gov ernment than to be at odds with it. You can't get favors or cooperation when you
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
COLD TO FEDERAL HOUSING
(Meriden Journal)

Proposal to build a million dollars worth of concentrated federal hous- ing in Waterbury has met with an icy reception from citizens who once craved to be bigger and better in everything. The new policy is to let well enough alone and have a heart for the lads who carry the tax load.
 There are idle rents at present, a survey has shown, and most of them are offered at prices which leave but little profit margin for the landlords, If any. Most of these properties can be bought at prices far below the assessments and the present cost of building or reproduction.
 Waterbury, like Meriden and other places, is having a fair amount of healthy building in the construction of one and two-family houses, which is what our cities need. As well put by The Democrat: ITO exempt a great housing project from taxes for many years would not only be great injustice to every present property owner but would decrease the ability of real estate owners to carry even the present burden of taxes"
 In Waterbury, that is SOME bur- den.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

In the excitement of inauguration and legislative openings the resignation of Oliver B. Ellsworth as chairman of the State Board of Fisheries and Game almost went unnoticed. The resignation was accepted by Governor Wilbur L. Cross on Tuesday, one day before he left office. This means that successor will be left up to Governor Raymond E. Baldwin. MT. Ellsworth succeeded to the position when Thomas H. Beck of Wilton resigned in 1885. It may be that this bureau will undergo reorganization during the pres ent legislative term and perhaps such contemplation will hold up the appoint ment of new board head until definite action has been taken on continuation or consolidation of the Fish and Game Com mission MT. Ellsworth did creditable job in view of his many business connec- tionS
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

Bristol is flirting with the idea of a municipal lighting plant. A committee has just been named to investigate the advisability of such plan. We wonder if the fact that New Britain has had this idea for long time had anything to do with it's near neighbor taking action on it. We have yet to find out, though, if New Britain was successful in its efforts to secure federal funds for the construc- tion of a power plant. We're under the impression that any community desiring it's own gas and electric company might have difficulty in showing where it could improve on existing private concerns
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

dictator nations figure that Con- gress probably will lift the Span ish embargo during the present session. The material and psycho- logical effect of this would be terrific, would probably mean a victory for Loyalist Spain.
 If Franco loses, also, he is sure to have rebellion within bis own ranks. Already there is consider able Insurgent unrest, not only at the length of the war, but against the Italians. At present Italian troops are stationed with the Insurgents partly to spur the latter into fighting.
 IL DUCE'S STRATEGY
 But---if Franco scores some im- pressive victories before January II, big brother Benito in Rome can bring pressure on Neville Chamberlain, during their com- ing love-feast, to grant Franco belligerent rights. This would give him the right to blockade U. s. wheat shipments, would end the war in a few weeks.
 Once Mussolini gets a friendly dictator in control of Spain. he, in turn, can get almost anything he wants from France in North Africa. For Spain is the key to the Mediterranean. Whoever holds it can disrupt transportation of French black troops from Africa to France, also can split the French army by forcing France to
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

One of the first things that new legis- lators at Washington particularly those from New England, are finding out is that all the reforms they were going to bring about in proposed flood control legislation are hard of achievement. Even here in Connecticut there were lot of promises and lot of pointed references to Democratic failure to produce results In fact, the results of the September hur- ricane were blamed on Democrats Let's see what increased COP. strength from New England will produce
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

A. It has been forbidden by government on threat of death for disobedience. The men in Turkey now wear derbies, fedoras, and straw hats.
 o. Who publishes a series of booklets on government adminis- tration?
 A. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, H., has series en- titled, Studies in Public Adminis- tration," especially volume III, Government Career Service"
 @. How many soda fountains are in the United States, and how many of them are in drug stores?
 A. The total number, exclusive of small soft drink and icecream cone stands, is estimated at between 90,- 900 and 100000. Approximately 40 per cent are in drug stores.
 o. Has California ever elected a Democratic Governor prior to the election of Governor-elect Olson last November?
 A. J. H. Budd, Democrat. was Governor from 1895 to 1899; George Stoneman from 1883 to 1887; Will liam Irwin from 1875 to 1879 and Henry Haight from 1867 to 1871.
 If you want a copy of our book let, "BUDGETING" send to The Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth St., Wash ington, D. C. Enclose 10 cents in postage. ...
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Book A Day
Plays in Book Form Please
BY BRUCE CAPTION

What with the decline of the commercial theater, most of us outlanders must take our dramatic fare second hand and when new play succeeds on Broadway we must either wait for the movies to film 1t or get what fun we can out of reading its text if and when some publisher brings 1t out in book form.
 Since many plays either aren't suited to movie production or are distorted beyond recognition when Hollywood does get hold of them, 1t is the play in book form that most of us must rely on: and 1t is pleasant, therefore, to report that two current Broadway successes are now being presented between cov- CTS by Random House, at $2 the copy.
 These are Missouri Legend" by E. B. Ginty, and oscar Wilde," by Sewell and Leslie Stokes.
 Missouri Legend" is a surprising ly readable play built around Jesse James. The famous old-time robber (who somehow seems rather quaint and innocent by comparison with our latter-day thugs of the Dillin- ger type) is depicted as a rather pious homelover who carried on his illegal profession somewhat against his will, and whose big ambition was to settle down and become respec- table member of the community. How accurate a picture this is may be question; 1t makes good, ex- citing story. in any case.
 oscar Wilde" drafnatiZes the downfall of the famous poet-dra- matist-poseur. Perhaps this one needs to be seen, rather than read; the book is somewhat heavy going, unless you are already rather en- grossed in the story of the ineffa- ble Oscar. It should be added. though, that 1t gives an intelligent and adult depletion of Wilde's sorry tragedy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Views of The Press
FREE SCHOOLS
(Boston Post)

(Boston PosD
 Accustomed as we are to free edu- cation for all until college is reached a proposal under consideration by Great Britain will come as surprise to many. The suggestion, brought forth through survey by the master of Corpus Christi college, Cam bridge, is that Britain adopt a plan of free high schools comparable to the system in the United States.
 Under the present school system in that country, the sons of the wealthy go to public or boarding schools and most of the others at- tend grammar or day schools. Some of the latter receive appropriations from the state and some are sup ported by endowment. Almost all day schools charge tuition. Begin ming next fall, the compulsory school age will be raised from IA to IS and it is proposed that It be raised to 16.
 Massachusetts having always been
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Selected Poem
ADIEU, GOVERNOR CROSS

(Michael Clarke in the Hartford Courant) He leaves the office he loves so well, And Connecticut suffers loss. As it bids farewell to its leader,
 The lovable Governor Cross, He has served his people faithfully,
 Service is his greatest trait, Hail to the Chief Executive
 Of the good old Nutmeg State. Eight long years of service,
 A record hard to compare; This great scholar, legislator,
 Has been honest, just and fair He becomes a private citizen,
 AS thousands of people regret; The traits of this statesman and leader The people will never forget. May he live in health and happiness, A wish from those he served so true And enjoy the fruits of private life, Adieu, Adieu, Adieu.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

l. Name the largest country in South America.
 2. Who discovered the Mississippi River?
 3. How many times was Notre Danes football team defeated in the 1888 season?
 4. For what do the initials H. R. H. stand?
 5. What proportion of U. s. Sem ators are elected every two years?
 6. What is the correct pronuncia- tion of the word gratis?
 2. Are the top and bottom stripes of the flag of the U. s. red. white, or red and white?
 8. Name the largest national cemetery in the .. s.
 g. How many members of the U. s. Supreme Court did President Taft appoint during his term of of flee?
 10. In which State were the greatest number of battles fought during the Ciyil War;
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

keep one or two divisions on guard along the Spanish border. COOPERATIVE CORDELL
 Roosevelt feels very keenly the importance of keeping Spain dem- ocratic. As the mother country to Spanish America, 1t is the key to fascism or democracy south of the Rio Grande.
 The amount of cooperation Roosevelt gets from his Secre- tary of State is Illustrated by what happened at the Lima Conference. Prior to the con- ference, the United States of ficially queried both France and Great Britain whether they ob- jected to a Pan-American at tempt to mediate the war in Spain. Both replied that they would be delighted to have the war settled.
 So. since the United States did not want to get out in front, it was agreed in advance that Cuba should make the mediation pro- posal, and that the United States would support Cuba.
 But when MT. Hull got down to Lima, and when the Cuban dele gate made his proposal, the United States did nothing. MT. Hull and associates abstained from voting.
 Copyright, 1889, by United
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Current Comment

The toll here is 10 years. Guard at San Quentin to Hale
 B. Streeter, who drove into the prison yard under the impression he was on a toll road.
 If all the economists were laid end to end from Boston as far as they would reach. 1t would be wise to leave them in that position. Dean Herbert E. Hawkes., Colum- bia University.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05


 Committee.
 So far 5000 replies have been received. Tabulation has not been completed. but two of the most frequent reasons given for the dent in Democratic victories are:
 1. Farmer resentment at the
 Administration crop control
 policies.
 9. Small-town uneasineSs over
 the Administrations spending
 and pro-labor policies.
 The returns, which coincided exactly with Gamers personal views, fired him to turn his guns on two of the three Cabinet mem- bers directly involved-Henry Wallace and Henry Morgenthau.
 Garner dislikes Secretary Fran ces Perkins, but so far he has said nothing to her face. GARNER ON RAMPAGE
 However, he tackled Wallace at the last Cabinet meeting, declar- ing bluntly that farmers were fed up with crop regimentation and benefit payments; that 1t was time Wallace did something about 1t or the party would be sunk in 1940. Wallace defended him. self, but Garner cut him short.
 "The farmers don't want fancy theories," he snapped, "they want practical ideas"
 Garner, who owns two Texas banks, aired his views to Mor- genthau in a long letter. He told the Treasury chief that the coun- try was getting uneasy over con- tinued failure to balance the budget and that 1t was time some thing was done about 1t.
 NOTE-When Garner invites a friend to join him in a drink he always says, How about striking a blow for liberty?"
 THOMAS JEFFERSON DOG
 Henry Wallace, who was a scientist when he left Iowa to come to Washington, is scien- tist still. He is not half as much interested in the outcome of an election as in the outcome of a breeding experiment.
 He spent half a day recently at the Beltsville Experimental Farm puzzling over a way to cross different breeds of dogs to produce a new and superior species. He is working with two exotic breeds the Hungarian Pull dog and a Turkish shepherd dog.
 Id. His theory is that if he can combine the best shepherd dog with the best bird dog, the best watch dog, and the best house dog, the result will be a canine aristocrat superior to anything the world has known.
 A friend remarked: "Mr. Sec retary, aren't you trying to produce George Washington or an Abraham Lincoln of the dog wOrld?"
 Wallace replied, "WelI, since I'm a Democrat, I'd rather say a Thomas Jefferson"
 FRANCO AND FLOUR
 It may seem like a long jump between Franco's drive against Barcelona and American wheat shipments to Spain, but there is a connection between them just the same.
 U. s. flour shipments were de- liberately planned to keep the Loyalists alive and fighting dur ing the winter. Furthermore, they were planned by the Presi- dent, himself, in part to make up for the short-sighted policy of his State Department when it op- posed lifting the Spanish em- bargo last May.
 Simultaneously, Franco, act- in cooperation with his chief mentor, Mussolini, has deter mined that if the Loyalists are able to last through the pres ent winter, his battle Is as good as lost. Therefore, he Is put ting his last and hardest punch into the drive on Barcelona to win the war this winter.
 If he loses. or if the Spanish war drags through the winter, the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

how l had smashed up two cars by skidding on icy roads, so he sold me trick tires that aren't supposed to 1kid, for some extra money.
 . Fine, but still I don't feel anxious to drive the new car around in .cy weather, A pallon
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
l)aily Almanac
4:53 D. m.

Moon rises 4:53 p. m.
 Sun rises TIA a. m; sets 4:40 D. m. All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset
 Full moon late this afternoon between and 5 o'clock It should bring fair weather for the next week as it's very propitious augury.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Questions
 and Answers
By FREDERICK M. KERRY

Enclose a three-cent stamp for reply when addressing any ques- ton of fact or information to the Waterbury Democrats Service Bu- reau at Washington. Legal and medical advice cannot be given, nor can extended research be un- dertaken. Be sure all mail Is ad- dressed to the WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU- REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. c.
 THE EDITOR o. What is the origin of the family name Herring, and what does 1t mean?
 A. It comes from an Anglo Saxon personal name of unknown meaning. It probably has no con- nection with the fish.
 e. Is real silver money used in movie scenes?
 A. No. Imitation coins, stamped from special alloys that make them sound like silver when jingled, are used.
 0. Why have the Turks stopped wearing the fez?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

in the forefront in the field of edu- cation, it is hard to realize that such a situation exists in an English speaking nation.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
New York
 Day by Day
BY CHARLES B. DRrsCOLL

New York, Jan. 5.-Diary: That young John Hess, who has a baby only few weeks old and three dogs, finally succeeded in selling me new car I told him
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Merry-G Go-Round
RE w PEARSON
 ROBERT s. ALLEN

 Jim Republicans partial in
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
A Thought for Today

Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee in creaseth continualy.-Psalms 74:2S.
 It is the enemy whom we do not suspect who IS the most dangerouS-Ro
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05
Whats Your l. O?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Do not say, 'T was to the the-
 ater"; say, "at the theater."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-05

Copyright, 1889, by United Feature Syndicate, Incl