davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Plea For Party Politics

Proof that Dr. James L. McConaughy, President of Wesleyan University ana Lieutenant-governor of the State of Con- necticut, is fast advancing in the Held or politics was seen last week when he ad- dressed forum in Bridgeport. Among his remarks was one that the style o1 American government demanded our present party system political machines, and party "bosseS." In addition Dr. Me Conaughy stated that in his opinion the great majority of men who really prac- flee politics as a profession are honest and upright,
 So far as we could learn from news paper accounts the Wesleyan proxy didn't delve deeply into Connecticut poll tics, but took the subject more generally We would be interested in his remarks on the political machines that have operated in this state and i'll US muhlcl- palities. He did say, however, that Mayor Jasper McLeyy lives up to the dlctlonarys s definition of poitician--a statesman. We've heard many other definitions of Mayor McLevy as a politician, all agree ing that he understands the profession perfectly.
 There's little doubt but what pr. Me Conaughy has the proper slant on Ameri- can politics To relegate it completely to tke background would be blow at our very Democratic form of government. That political machines become too dominant and interfere too often with good government is a corollary of the above. But when this occurs usually overweight topples the machine or public opinion wrecks it. In good and capable hands the political organization is an in- strument of common good for all of us.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Letting Students Choose

Teachers of English are beginning, at last, to recognize the fact that there may be some youngsters in their classes who don't like John Milton's poetry or Emer- sons essays-and never will The consen- sus of opinion among experts attending the recent New York meeting of the Ma tional Council of Teachers of English was substantially that students individual tastes should be given some consideration.
 A lot of high school and college students don't mind confessing in articulate tones that they don't like poetry in any form. For them, some teachers at the confer ence advocated eliminating anything that rimes. Teaching to an unreceptive group is a waste of time. There must be no fixed and iron-bound system of study. Most of the teachers thought it might be better if instructors troubled to find out approximately what youngsters want to learn and then give it to them.
 Beyond the elementary schools, where a certain amount of rudimentary instruc- ton is essential, students ought to be given a little more latitude in planning their courses of study. And if they happen to like "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" much better than they do Robert Brown ing, the teacher may as well recognize the fact and do something about it.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

It's tremendous mechanical force that the State Highway Department musters at this time of the year to fight winters invasion of Connecticut Reading of the preparations the department has made to keep highways cleared of snow and ice we can't help but think how fortunate are the motorists of today compared with those who ventured forth in the middle of winter twenty years ago. You were a venturesome person in those days if you left the city streets and took to the high ways with snow falling Today it's a different story. Great blows and large forces of men have roads cleared in short order and ice is soon buried under a layer of sand. You don't mind paying for services like these.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Profits vs. Liberties

When war begins, private rights can be taken away overnight. But they are never restored as quickly when the emer- gency ends. Democracy remains in a convalescent state long after a peace is signed and troops are sent back to their civilian duties.
 This invasion of private rights is one of the principal reasons business men in the United States today are unalterably opposed to entrance of the United States into another general war, according to Charles R, Hook, chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers. Most business men went through the last war. They remember government control of railroads and all the rest of the accom- panying industrial regimentation. They don't want any part of that, again.
 Even the profits that might conceiv- ably come from war trade are not allur- ing enough to business men today The price they must pay is far too high And when business will turn away from profits, the reasons must be pretty potent.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Views of The Press

of pedestrians the remaining portion of the highway is not for the ex- elusive use of vehicles but that driver and pedestrian alike must be on the alert at all times to avoid accidents Therefore responsibility is not avoid ed by the motorist who strikes pe- destrian between crosswalks.
 Our law in such matters goes back to the common law and common practice. Pedestrians used highways before there were automobiles and in fact before there were sidewalks Some motorists seem to think that if they are in the clear, that if they are between blocks and if traffic signals are set in their favor 1t Is the duty of all other traffic to give way to them. This is not so.
 Because the motor car itself is a dangerous instrument, because 1t is faster, heavier, more capable of in- flicting injury than any other thing on the highway, the responsibility upon its operator is all the greater It never ceases.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
CAHOKIA (Hartford Courant)

The State of Illinois is restoring the old courthouse at Cahokia. Were the courthouse at South Pekin or Shumway, Marseilles or Honey Bend, the item would pass in these parts without notice, however irn- portant it may be to the inhabitants of the place. But Cahokia! Even in this land of rich sounding place names its gorgeous syllables attract attention. The ears of the Cahoki- ans are probably dulled by familiar ity to the soft music of the name. Like those who live in Hohokus, New Jersey, Passyunk, Pennsylvania, or Kankakee, Illinois, the soft magic of the name eludes them.
 Apparently, 1t has no post office of its own. At least the Postal Guide does not list 1t. But the gazetteer proves that 1t is not, like xanadu, the product of a poets dream. It is down in the southern part of state near East St. Louis, as proSaic a region as one can find in the Middle West. Maybe 1t has slums. Perhaps 1t shares the smoke pail from St. Louis across the river. Trains and trolleys may stop there. No matter. For its name alone, Cahokia is a place of romance, one with Zanizi- bar and Nineveh, an ethereal spot, close neighbor to the land of Nod which lies to the east of Eden.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

Introduction of the name of former Judge Edward J. Finn into the race for the federal judgeship here in Connecticut is not news to good many local resi- dents who have seen in the former Com- mon Pleas Court justice likely candidate for this honor The dispatch from Wash ington would seem to indicate that if Attorney General Frank Murphy had the final say in the matter it might be Attorney Finn whose name would be sent in to Congress for approval by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. There is no gain saying the fact that Waterbury would like to see the popular lawyer put on the federal bench. During his incumbency in the Common Pleas Court he established fine reputation for fairness of judg- ment and remarkable understanding of human nature. His entire legal career is fitting testimonial for his appoint ment if the Washington powers that be should decide to favor Waterbury with the honor.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Questions
 and Answers
BY FREDERIC M. KERBY

BY FREDERIC M. KERBX
 Enclose a three cent stamp tor reply when addressing any Ques. ti0n of fact or information to tne Waterbury Democrats Service bu. reau at washington. IegaI ana medical advice cannot he given nor can extended research be Cn- dertaken. Be sure all mail IS ad. dressed Co The WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU. REAU. 1913 Thirteenth Street, " THE EDITOR.
 O. What is the correct title of the Chief Justice of the unlVeo States Supreme Court2
 A. Chief Justice of the United States.
 @. Who is the author ot "A Christian Looks at the Jewish teues- tion?"
 A. Jacques Maritain, a professor of philosophy at the Catholic 4n- stitute of Paris, born in France III 1882.
 @. Are the ports of the United States open to merchant vessels or all nations, including beligerentsH A. Yes, provided they have no more than defensive arms.
 o. What plant is called "lne Queen of Flowers"P A. The rose.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

Creation of state department of men, tai hygiene may be an aftermath of the Norwich State Hospital investigation. Dr. George K. Pratt, president of the Con- necticut Mental Hygiene Society, makes a strong plea for such bureau in his open letter released to the press this week Further than that investigators seem to lean towards such state department. It certainly would tend to centralize the conduct of all three state hospitals.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY Bridgeport Telegraph

State Supreme Court of Errors has made a ruling in an auto negligence case which ought to be warning to all motorists. The ruling in ef- feet says that even though pedes- trian may cross the street elsewhere than the regularly designated place such as the crosswalk, it is nonethe- less the duty of the motorist to be on guard and to use caution to pre- vent an accident at all times.
 This issue arose in a suit for dam- ages brought by woman who was knocked down by a motor car. It was brought out that she had crossed the highway at place other than the designated crosswalk and the jury found against her after the trial judge had instructed the jury that the defendant motorist twas not bound to anticipate that the plain- tiff would cross where she did"
 The supreme court finds this view to be in error. In a decision pre- sented by Associate Justice Allyn L.. Brown the court rules that while sidewalks, are for the primary use
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

the Program Committee do noth- ing. So, except for an innocuous report spanking the Democrats, it followed this advice.
 ROUND TWO
 Round Two in the inner Repub- lican struggle came just year la ter (July, 1939), when John Ham, ilton suddenly summoned Glenn Frank to Washington and told him to be ready to submit his platform report to the executive committee at its meeting in Wash ington on December 2.
 Dr. Frank was skeptical. He had his fingers burnt once. So he decided to interview some of the "old hands" around the Capitol before he reused his committee to action again. The reaction he got was unanimous.
 You tell Hamilton" Capitol leaders advised Frank, "that you'll make your report to the national convention. That's where 1t belongs. We don't want any platform recommendations floating around for six or eight months for the Democrats to shoot at. You so home and for get it."
 So before leaving Washington, Dr. Frank informed Hamilton what he had been told, and the chairman agreed that perhaps this was good advice.
 THIRD ROUND
 The much kicked-about Program Committee subsided into regional activity and relative obscurity, un- til few weeks ago. Then, sud- denly, the chairmen of its 35 subcommittee received word
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

o, Please state the total enroll ment of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
 A, As of September 30 1939, there were 274,112 enrolled civilian person. mel and 1924 military personnel
 o. What percentage of the total family income is spent on foodP
 A. A recent study by the Nation- al Resources Planning Board esti- mates that in 1935-36 consumers in the United States spent approXi- mately 17 billion dollars, or 29 per- cent of their total income for food.
 o. May a patent be extended af- ter its expiration?
 A. The term of patent is sev- enteen years, after which the inven- ton 1t covers becomes public prop erty An extension of the term can be granted only by special act of Congress, and Congress almost never grants an extension. e. Please give the comparative figures of the debt of the United States when President Roosevelt took office and now. A. On February 28, 1883, the debt was $20, ,934, 728 $50; on October 28, 1889, it was $4l, ,026 ,872,4 ASA. e. When was Fort Griswold Connecticut, constructed? A. In September, i78l, when the British fleet under Benedict Arnold approached Groton, the fort was hastily constructed. Arnold was born at Norwich, only thirteen miles away, and led the attack against his former neighbors. e. What is the name and address of the association of alimony pay CTS?
 A. Alimony Payers Protective League, 792 E, Tremond Ave, New York, N. Y.
 If you want a copy of our book let "FAVORITE POEMS" send 10 the Waterbury Democrats Wash- ington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

from Glenn Frank to hurry their reports, since he had been asked to submit them to the executive committee in Washington this week.
 so FOR A THIRD TIME, THE FAT IS IN THE FIRE.
 Once again the Landon group suspects that Hoover is behind this move, aiming to get the COP ex- ecutive committee this week to adopt a conservative program up- holding the principles of this ad- ministration. This suspicion is induced because many leaders Of the liberal faction have not been consulted, and because Hoover conservatives have now virtually wrested control from the discour- aged liberals.
 Also the Landonites are still convinced that 1t is poor strategy to put the party on record at this time regarding such dyna- mite loaded issues as relief agriculture, unemployment and international affairs. The farm plank is especially difficult, and last week caused pr. Frank to send a frantic sos to COP c)n- gressional farm leaders ask ing for advice.
 But they turned him down, On the eve of a congressional ses- sion in which farm legislation will be a major issue, they want ed to have absolutely nothing 10 do with 1t. Tn fact, they want to have absolutely nothing to do with any program or Brain Trust ideas at this time.
 Copyright, 1899, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
. HlGHLIGHTS FROM LATEST BOOKS
Authors Study Peace Chances

A ~sNNS SAAttAANSo
 With studied objectivity Duncan Akman and Blair Bolles set out to analyze the United States in 1914 and in 1889, and their results, to- gether with some optimistic conclu- sions, are collected in America s Chance of Peace" Doubleday, Dor an: $D.
 The authors have carefully ex- amined the records of America S part in the 1914 struggle and have laid them beside the known facts relating to the present European war They are convinced that the nations entire course of action to- day is as far-removed from the war-inviting tendencies of 1914 as any intelligent guidance could make it This is not a pedantic volume, laden with unintelligible statistics. It is a dramatic pie ture of the two Americas with 25 years laid between them.
 Admittedly sympathetic to Roose- velts neutrality policy, Aikman and Bolles steer their way through the mass of data that has been assem- bled to show that the nations pre- parations for war are the most vital instruments at hand to keep us aloof from the conflict. They develop the thesis that to keep out of war, this country need only study the record of United States diplomacy and policy preceding 19l7-and do just the opposite.
 Not quite as convincing, but equal ly sincere in its viewpoint, is Keep America Out of War" by Norman Thomas and Bertram D. Wolfe (Frederick A. Stokes: $150). Thomas and Wolfe, far from being satisfied with present United States policy, are openly alarmed at what they recognize as the first steps toward American involvement.
 Thomas and Wolfe have relied less on statistics, more on quota tions from speeches of the princi- pals in Unted-States policymaking today to emphasize their points. It is an old political trick to throw back at the speakers statements they made in the past-but it is used with scholarly effect. The book is one you ought to read in the light of present conditions.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
In Today's Mail
PROFESSIONAL PATRIOT" IS TERM APPLIED TO UNITED
 AMERICAN
Editor, Waterbury Democrat

Euitor, waterbury Democrat: America has often been offered the gratuitous service of professional patriots as Nelson H. Bellmay, mem.
 Der of the executive board of tn, United Americans. Of course the
 work of such patriots is to smeal. indiscriminately and hystericaily without any regard for truth, al, who transgress their peculiar Amer icanism", MT. Bellmay is just such an individual. He ought to acquaint himself first, with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights and second, with the ,l3th, l4th and 18th amendments. And especially in relation to the last MT Bellmay ought, for the appreciation of the people of Waterbury, to give us an account of his membership ill the Ku Klux Klan which he has served as a leader.
 Though this was raised once be- fore in connection with the United Americans, MT. Bellmay has never given a satisfactory answer. Put on your hood, MT Bellmay. and let us see what the "Ameri- canism" you love so much looks like.
 MICHAEL RUSSO. Sec. Communist Party.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
JUNKED DIRIGIBLEs
Boston Post)

It isn't likely the public will again see the graceful majestic dirigible Los Angeles in the skies again. De- commissioned since 1882, she Is to be dismantled in the next few weeks. Her active flying career is notable in that she went without a major accident in eight years and she offers in herself an interesting chapter in the story of mighty lighter -than-air craft. Interest in this type of transportation went down with the many tragic miShaps that were visited upon them.
 The end of the Hindenburg was a near-fatal blow. The success of the transpaciflc and transatlantic clip- per ships foredoomed hope of ar immediate revival.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Sec. Communist Party

youth to the National Guard and in the volunteer forces in the war which occurred during his active military age. that against Spain. The World War. found him colonel in the State Guard. Q zealous work CT in all behind the lines activities. By profession a newspaperman, he became also an authority upon Con- necticut history and writer of it.
 For vigorous good citizenship Colonel Burpee merits 'a Tiband to. stiek In bis c0akn
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Selected Poem
TO A BOY, TRANSMITTING HOMER

He reads the Iliad, bronze -browed boy Bending above thumb-worn page, and hears mighty army marching against Troy, Thundering down the annals of the years The school room slips away and time is less Than clocks fevered ticking he is numb Thinking Of Helen and her loveliness Of Menelaus and Hum.
 O Famished Dreamer, O Intrepid Roamer Of conquered worlds, how for a moment you Are Troy's defender as you read what Homer Set down in blindness better than he knew. His words are deathless; see, the spears clash on, And the proud armies never will be gone.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
FATHER-DAUGHTER THEME

How a man whose home is broken up by restleSsness and ambition makes a dramatic sacrifice to keep his grown-up daughter from the same mistake, is the theme of Reno" RKO Radios newest film co-starring Richard Dix and Gail ] Patrick.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
COLONEL BURPEE AT 80 (Hartford Times)

Colonel Charles w. Burpee is en- titled to salute, and military one. on reaching his 80th birthday anniversary. Loyal son of Connecti- cut. if ever there was one, he is proud of it's history, loyal to it's ideals. worker for maintaining its traditions and sustaining the integ- rity of its citizenship.
 He has been no passive figure in this. Son of a Civil War soldier who died in the battlefield and from whom Grand Army post was named. he geva his servinas as a
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Daily Almanac

Moon rises :06 a. m.
 Sun rises 7:01 a. m.; sets 4:25 p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 Long-range predicting hasn't yet brought out any sure forecast for the winter into which we are about to plunge. Either the local prophets are without their customary means of counting up snow-storms, etc, or else they have lost their power of speech, for predictions have been few and far between
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

l. Can water have temperature higher than It's boiling point?
 9. Was the Dominion of Canada ever owned by the United States? 3. Name the Prime Minister of Finland
 4. What is the difference in time between New York City and Rome, Italy?
 5. What is the plural of forum? 6. Name the State flower of Mas SachusettS.
 T.. With what sport is Eddie Arr caro associated?
 8. What are pelagic animals? 9. Name the capital of Chile. 10. What is the rate of letter pos- tage to England?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

an CIlulkulS Ok the lively gent who organized the Doghouse Association the other day in 8 c e n tral hos telry. He is a married m a n and he is often on f. te d with the con- nuplal woes OI MT. Avera az e Husband.
 So it came to his mind one 1 n v e II t iv e
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
In New York
BY GEORGE ROSS

New York, Dec. 5 - Some space pirates are men of whimsy and prankishness. And often they contrive "hoke" that would win. any mans genuine sympathy. I
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
follow. FUSS ABOUT FISH

The Interburough Subway is becoming mighty weary of ang- lers who diSembark from fishing boats at Battery Place, board the subway and hang their catch on the handstraps until they reach their destination.
 One such angler held his haul of codflsh thus suspended from the "sardine' rack from the Bat tery to the end of the line in the Bronx.
 More didoes of William Saro- van, the turbulent Armenian nt- erary man: several friends of his around here are astonished to re- ceive, an hour after he has been in deep and wordy conversation with them, long and voluminous letters from him by sepcial mes- senger in which he makes sure tc c,;;'c ..:':":::.elf the last word.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
Washington Merry-G Go-Round
DREW PEA R s ON ROBERT s. ALLEN

5-Probaby the Admin
  Republican Executive
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
A Thought for Today

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet nave Oe- lieyed.-JOhn 20:29.
 
 Remember that what you believe will depend very much upon what you are.-Noah Porter
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05

TODAY's COMMON ERROR Do not place a question mark after an interrogative sen
 tence that actually embodies . request; as, Will you please
 send me MT. Browns address.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-05
What Your l. O.?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to . last page for the answers.