davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
One More Blast

The state tax imposed on all of the 169 towns of this state came in for stinging rebuke last week when officers of the Connecticut League of Munich palitieS urged its repeal by the Legisla- ture. Their argument against the impo- sition and collection of such tax is mainly that the levy is obsolete and un- necessary in the lace of the many and varied forms of taxation open to the state today. If the state were dependent upon the tax it collects from cities and towns, there might be a logical retort to the ris- ing tide of opposition to it, but actually it is just what the Municipal League officers claim it to be-outmoded.
 When first levied it was one of the few means of taxation open to the state In those days it was felt that every town should contribute tC the support of the state government And of course they should have. But today the state govern ment is more than self-sufficient and self-supporting. Still it takes a generous portion of every towns own tax receipts, which are for the most part property taxes. The individual town hasn't open to it, at least here in Connecticut it hasn't, the variety of tax forms like cig- arettes, gasoline, corporations, etc.
 Today, as in other days, towns derive most of their income from property taxes. It may be claimed, on the other hand, that the state is generous with the individual town and returns lavishly what it receives AS a matter of fact the towns get from the state just about what they pay over to it. So it's more or less a process of taking with one hand and handing back with the other. This is ex- pensive for both state and city and if eliminated would tighten expenses on both ends so that their would be mu- tual gain. Our legislators are going to delve into tax matters again at this ses- sion; let them hearken to the problem of eliminating the state and military tax.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Writers Cramp

To read that the United States is at- tempting to simplify systems under which individuals and business concerns had to render 135,500,0OO returns and reports to the federal government last year brings a mixed reaction. First, there is faint pleasure that something is being done about it. And second there is chagrin that we have allowed ourselves to be overwhelmed in such a mass of bookkeeping
 Many business man can tell you these days of special clerks hired and of the increasing amount of time of regular employees and himself devoted to answer ing questionnaires, filling out reports, and mailing both to Washington. It is serious handicap to the conduct of busi- ness Many times Americans have laughed at the methods of the German dictator ship wherein 60 to 80 forms have to be filled out to consummate an ordinary business transaction. Many times they have laughed at Russian Communist red tape which so ensnarls executives that they dare not make the slightest ad- ministrative move without an endless correspondence with Moscow.
 Are we getting ourselves in the same boat? If there is any chance of it, we'd better get out quickly while there is still time. One of the outstanding advantages which system of free enterprise has over any knd of Socialistic setup is the lack of centralized control, the ability of individual managers and executives to make decisions, right or wrong on the spot without clearing them through a central point. With all the faults of free enterprise, this advantage is real one. It makes for flexibility, speed, efficiency.
 It is difficult, however, to see how any Socialistic system tor any totalitarian system) can help being largely central ized. The sheer inability of any central clearing point to funnel through itself the mass of decisions necessary to the days work of great country is one of the most valid objections to Socialism. But to have the disadvantages of cen tralization without the other advantages claimed for Socialism, is folly. Every scrap of this red tape that can possibly be shipped away without sacrificing ob- jectives that have properly found place in the central government, ought to be sheared off without delay.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
OUTSMARTING ARNOLD
MARTIN OF THE MINORITY
Christian Science Monitor)

Election of Joseph w. Martin, Jr., as minority floor leader in the na- tional house of representatives, gives Massachusetts a place in the lime- light of Washington politics such as, 1t has not had since Calvin Cool idge drove over to the Union Sta- ton ten years ago this coming March to take the train for North ampton. It is largely what he achieves behind the scenes that marks man for the honor the mi- nority in congress has bestowed on MT. Martin. The genial publisher of the North Attleboro Chronicle was a marked man from the moment he engineered a compromise in the mid- term convention controversy be- tween the Hoover and Landon camps, if not when he went out on the Landon limb early in 1886.
 His congressional record, plus his Landon leanings, stamp MT. Martin as a middle-roader, for all that he jumped over the left trace in vot- ing for the wage-and-hour law. As an ardent budget-balancer, and foe of relief politics, the new minority leader has his work cut out for him this session. The Republican gains in the midterm elections, the grad- ual specialization of a conservative Democratic bloc, the Sheppard re- port on WPA, these are but few of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Municipal Airports

Hartford is getting pretty tired of maintaining Brainard Field. Only week or so ago there was talk of having the Legislature pass a bill which would call for the state to defray some of the an nual expenses. We'd like to hear what other legislators have to say when and if this bill comes through committee with flying colors. It's hard to under stand why or how one city or town can have state support for an airport and not all of them. And we don't think that Connecticut is gong to support many naunicipally-owned airports this year or next.
 Over the past weekend another idea came to the fore or Brainard Field. This time the Property Owners, Taxpayers, and Citizens League proposed that the state take over Brainard Field for a period of 50 years. It would be completely state-maintained in every respect. In commenting on this proposal the organi- zation's spokesman said: "We contend further that millions of dollars have been sunk in this mudhole and that as it will never become a paying proposi- ton, there is no reason why we should continue to throw good money after bad. ."
 VCil, 10 CllCLC dIly IcdSOu WHY Lllc SIdLc should throw money into this mud hole" then? So far as we can see and judge at this distance of thirty miles, if the city feels obliged to foresake the air port and it is a "mudhole' the state shouldn't be obliged to pick it up and rescue it. After all maintenance and operation by the state would probably cost the City of Hartford just as much in the long run as it does now. The only difference might be that the rest of the taxpayers throughout the state would also be obliged to chip in for Brainard Field.
 In view of the fact that Rentschler Field in East Hartford seems to be gen. orally satisfactory from all angles why not concentrate on this one airport. If Uncle Sam wants Frainard Field for a war base, let him have it, but don't wish 1t on the state.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Book A Day
Germans Outside The Reich
By BRUCE CATION

A grim and timely Recommendation of Nazi Germany's attempt to rise above international law in the same way that it has risen above domestic law is contained in a little hand book entitled "The German Reich and Americans of German Origins" (Oxford Press: S150).
 This book is a collection of au- thentic quotations from speeches, decrees and articles by leading Nazis, from Hitler on down, touch- ing on the question of Germans who live outside of Germany. Con- piled by a committee which includes such people as Nicholas Murray Butler, Monsignor Ryan, Samuel Seabury and Henry L. Stimson, it amply proves that-whatever the actual effect may be-the Nazis are actively and openly attempting to establish their control over people of German blood in such lands as America.
 For this new theory of theirs is, simply, that Q person of German blood is and always must be @ German, that he belongs to Ger many and owes to that country duty transcending any duty he may owe to the country of which he b actually a citizen.
 So far, as the committee remarks this attitude has not be come danger to America. But if the cam. paign continues, it can hardly fail in the committees words, ito get apart large group of inhabitants of the United States whose duty it would be to render primary allegis ance to the ruler of foreign pow er."
 It is important that the Ameri. can people realize just what is bee ing attempted. This little book presents the picture fully.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

New Britain still fights to balance it's budget for the coming year and to pre- vent drastic jump in the tax rate All this comes on top of the tangle into which the city was precipitated when it was rumored that the September hurri- cane floods weakened the dam at Shuttle Meadow reservoir, the city's main source of water supply. There was quite battle of words between engineers and authori- ties over whether or not the dam was safe. The upshot is that the State Board of Civil Engineers has ordered repairs and changes at the dam If they go through affect the city's tax rate as the water department is self-supporting. It might have to float a bond issue and this is something the Common Council must approve.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Selected Poem
KITCHEN GARDEN

Norma E. Smith in the New York Times) He stood among sweet-scented things, Green tender herbs like tiny wings, Carrot-tops in feathery sheaves, Potato blooms, and rose-veined leaves Of beetS. While with Haunting grace Sunfiowers nodded from their place A plum tree raised its fruited head Above a green-gold lettuce bed. Not far away from where He stood A red rose kissed the barns gray wood. He fingered in the fragrant green. Between the leaves caught the sheen Of His white hair, and then heard His voice as soft as calling bird. The old black cat crept to His feet, The watchdog came from his retreat, A toad each eye ray of light, Topped from mint bush into sight, A robin who was somewhat bolder Flew down, and nestled on His shoulder. The rose I'd gathered to bestow Fell from my hand. watched Him go, A sprig of thyme upon His breast, A kitchen garden He had blest, A kitchen garden, common sod, And yet rendezvous of God.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

simply because he can't be "reached".
 So far their delay tactics have been highly successful. Arnold brought his suit on July 20. The movie lawyers requested an ex- tension of time to November 1 in order to answer an unusually long period. On November 10 they they stalled again by asking the Justice Department for a bill of particulars.
 This was for the purpose of making the government show it's hand in advance, disclosing evidence and proof. The justice Department opposed and Judge William Bondy of the U. S. Dis trict Court of southern New York, still is trying to decide whether to order the bills of particulars.
 NOTE-Under the new rules of federal practice, questions such as this are supposed to be decided immediately. Two months have now passed. Hollywood's stalling seems to be working.
 EDITORS NOTE-Another article on the Government and the motion picture industry will follow in the near future.
 Copyright, 1899, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

Robert MacKellai, 3rd, of Peekskill, N. Y is proud of his handicraft. AS a lobbyist 1t has been his pleasure to construct models of the homes of our Presidents. He's now at work on model of the Roosevelt family home at Hyde Park, N. Y, and one of its interesting features will be the presence of stones from every state in the Union and also from U. s. possessions in the model. Reading about these stones we were in- terested to see what Connecticut do- mated, but no mention of the states contribution was made It's barely possi- ble that Connecticut fieldstone without which this state wouldn't be complete was used
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

Haven't heard much about the way Waterbury dug itself out of last weeks snowstorm. There was plenty of criticism at Thanksgiving time, because snow lin gered on our streets, frozen in by the low temperatures that followed the heavy snowfall. But the latest storm was met with vigor al.d Sunday found the streets in apple-pie order What, no praise for the boys of the Street Depart ment? We'll, take bow, boys, anyway, even if you're not appreciated by all.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

1. What country bounds Nicaragua on the north?
 2. What is the freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit thermo- meter scale?
 3. In law, what is the name of the criminal offense of contracting a second marriage by one who, at the time, is already married?
 4. What ancient people wor- shipped the god Osiris?
 5. What is the popular name for the Rocky Mountain sheep?
 6. How many stripes are there in the American Flag?
 2. What is the correct pronuncia- tion of the word hover?
 8. Name the baseball club that recently purchased 'zeke" Bonura from the Washington Senators.
 g. What legislative assembly build ing has a famous clock tower?
 10. Which former U. s. Senator from Louisiana was nicknamed "The Kingfish?"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

c. Name the universities in Fire.
 A. The University of Dublin (Trinity college) founded in 159l, and the National University of Ire- land, founded in Dublin in 1909. The last named has three constituent colleges, namely the University Col- leges of Cork, Galway and Dublin.
 o. When will all the states have unemployment insurance programs in operation?
 A. When Illinois and Montana begin to pay unemployment benefits in July, 1889.
 0. Is it unlawful for the presi- dent and vice president to come from the same state?
 A. No residential restrictions are imposed either in the constitution or the federal statutes, but the XII amendment to the constitution pro- vides that "The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for president and vice pres- ident, one of whom at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves" It is there- fore, under our party system, a po- litical disadvantage to name pres idential and vice presidential candi- dates from the same state, and it has never been done.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Questions
 and Answers
By FREDERICK M. KERRY

@@@S@ NF@@ Enclose 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 mall Is ad- dressed to the WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU- REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. c.
 THE EDITOR 0. How can peanuts be blanched at home?
 A. Heat them slightly, if they are to be blanched whole, and put them in a cotton bag. Rub the bag be- tween the hands for time to re- move the red skin, and screen out the cleaned nuts. Halved peanuts are obtained by longer heating, which removes the hearts and red coverings when rubbed in a cotton bag.
 -
 o. When did the U. s. s. Lexing- ton furnish electric power to the city of Takoma, Wash?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Daily Almanac
rises 4:4g a. m,

Moon rises 4:49 a. m.
 Sun rises 7:15 a. m.; sets 4:49 p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset
 Changing terrain. A good fall of snow com- pletely changes landscape. It seems to give wider vision. Those who live out in the open spaces where neighbors are few and far be- twen get new and enchanting views of the countryside now for two reasons: the snow provides a good contrast with the drab Na- ture; foliage is at its minimum point.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Current Comment

Gambling may not be sign of wisdom, but it is a sign of life. Rev. John Malick, Cincinnati, O.
 
 The ways of an artist are as strange as the ways of God. William Rose Benet, American poet featuring in Detroit. He knows the way home, but he don't want to walk. -Dr. Knute H. Hansen, Eligin, III, telling his friends not to load his dog Pug into cab and send him home when they found him long ways from home.
 I want justice. Frank Harrison, throwing toma- toes at two wigged justices in the Court of Appeals, London, Eng land.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
"CENT" OR GENTS"
(Boston Post)


 Postmaster General Farley is pre- sented with problem. He must de- eide which form is grammatically correct, "11s cent" or "1k cents" The new stamps of that denomina- tion use the word cents. Some critics claim the designation should be cent. They claim the plural form applies only when the number is two or more" and therefore as IF is less than two 1t should be IF "cent." On the other hand the claim is made that the plural form is correct when the number is more than one" As 1h is more than one, cents" should be correct.
 A good point for some of our gram mar sharps to consider.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

N@ N~NNeASA ings and then fin ds CSC ape through the win- dowless holes in those walls.
 So 1t is in ri m es Square, where the build- ing at 43d and B roa d W ay is sl ow ly coming down under the hands of wreck CTS. So 1t is in City Hall Place, where the old DActAfftnA .,laI1.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Views of The Press

the important political developments which emphasize the opportunities for constructive service confronting an alert opposition. MT. Martin takes over the minority leadership at strategic time.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
New York Day by Day
BY CHARLES B. DRIsCOLL

New York, Jan. 17-Dismantled walls, partly covered by snow. Bleak, staring, dead walls, from which all windows have been re- moved. Where once was teeming life, now desolation. That eerie sound of the wind, as it whips
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

TODAY's COMMON ERROR Do not say, "The virtues that
 are automatic are the best; omit the article and say, "Virtues that are automatic
 are best"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

If you want a copy of our book let THE BOOK OF GAMES" send to The Waterbury Demo- crats Washington Bureau, 1913 teenths St., Washington, D. c. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

Mineral production in Lithuania has shown a marked increase in the last year.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Washington Merry-Go-Round
D R E W PEARSON ROBERT s. ALLEN

WASHINGTON 
  n be
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
Whats Your l. o?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17
A Thought for Today

Then saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.-Eccles:aste 2:13. Wisdom prepares for the worst, but folly leaves the worst for the day when it comes- Cecil.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

FILMS TODAY CLAIM THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE PRES ENT FALLING OFF OF MOVIE ATTENDANCE
 WILL HAYS
 Though Will Hays is supposed to be the czar of the motion pie ture industry, actually he holds no such power over Hollywood as Jude Kenesaw Mountain Landis holds over the baseball industry.
 Hays contracts have run for only three and five years. Result IS that he has to worry about renewals, so is run by the indus try rather than running it. Hays missed his big chance some years ago when Paramount produced a salicious film to which Hays ob- jected. He could have raised big row, threatened to resign, would have won.
 BUT HE TOOK IT LYING DOWN, AND EVER SINCE HAS BEEN PUTTY IN THE HANDS OF THE MOGULS.
 OUTSMARTING ARNOLD
 Tactics of the Hollywood boys toward Thurman Arnold so far are to stall for time. They figure that he is in office for two years only. After that they will have a new man to deal with. Arnold both amazeS and distllrhS them.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

A. From December 1T, 1929, to January 16, 1880.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

Copyright, 1899, by United Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-17

We are beginning to realize that, when we get the Sixth ave- nue el torn, down, we will expose to view one of the ugliest wide avenues in the world.
 The el itself was such shabby thing, and it so thoroughly over- shadowed the street through which it ran, that nobody stopped to think what terribly down-at- heel, shoddy shacks line both sides of Sixth avenue for miles.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-10-30

to Litvinof covered both arrest and mere detention, as follows:
 we shall expecY that the nearest American diplomatic or consular of- ficer shall be notified immediately of any arrest or detention of an Amer ican national, and that he shall promptly be afforded the opportu- nity to communicate and converse with such national"
 What Stelnhardt Must Do
 That is precisely what the state department now is most eager for Steinhardt to do. The department vans to know the actual condition of the vessel when boarded by the Germans and when she entered Murmansk. It particularly wants to know whether, as first alleged by German authoritie the vessel put into Murmansk because she lacked proper charts for navigation to Ger many or whether, as later alleged, she put in because of damaged ma chinery.
 "Testimony of the American crew." the state departments sum- nation said. "as to full facts per- taining to the taking of the City of Flint into Murmansk is not yet avail able"
 That testimony is necessary now to enable the United States to de- termine its ultimate course in this first serious incident involving this country growing out of the European war. But 1t is possible that the de- partment may feel th.t some imme- diate formal portest is warranted by the Soviet Unions failure to enable Steinhardt to talk wiht City of Flint officers, at least by telephone.
 Annoyed, Indignant
 Annoyed and indignant as Ameri- can officials are, the incident has not reached the hot point of that in 1885 when the United States pro- tested actions of the Communist Ir- ternational against this nation. Re- ports of the international meeting in Moscow that year revealed speeches and introduction of resolu- tions directing the Communist party in the United States to bore from within American labor organizations.
 Replying, the Soviet Union re- jected the United States protest. as- serting that:
 "The Union of Soviet Socialist Re- publics cannot take upon itself and has not taken upon itself obligations of any kind with regard to the Com-- munist International" the note said.
 And, the Soviet Union rejection there were mo facts" in the American protest which could be regarded as a violation of the Nov. 16, 1883, pledge.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-10-30
ALICE BRADY I'M FINAL FADE-OUT'|
Star of Stage, Screen Dies
 in New York City; Won Academy Award

New York, Ot. 3O.--(Up)-Alice Brady. star of light opera. comedy. drama and the movies, died satur- day night after a long illness. She would have been z7 next Thurs day.
 She had been in poor health for several years. Her father, William A. Brady, theatrical producer, brought her to New York three weeks ago from Hollywood where her last film work was in Young MT. Lincoln"
 Miss Brady. who made her first appearance in New York in the chorus of the "Mikado" at the age of l8, was best known as com edienne,
 Among her best plays were "The Bride of the Lamb" Mourning Be- comes Electra" Forever After" which ran for two years; Zander the Great" '-The Witch," "Bless Your Sister" Most Immoral Lady 2 Love, Honor and Betray."
 She entered silent motion pictures in 1914, and when she was 25 she was one of the ''big six" &C., dresses of Famous Players company She made pictures in the daytime and appeared on the stage at night Her outstanding silent films were Bought and Paid For" and "The Gilded Cage.
 She had been in Hollywood the last seven years. In 1888, she won the Motion Picture Academy award for her performance as Mrs. o. Leary in "Old Chicago.
 Miss Brady married James L.. Crane, her leading man in Forever After" in 1920 and divorced him in 1922 shortly before their son was born. She will be buried at Tarry- town, N. Y.