davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Book A Day
Epic Novel Tells Nations Birth

To begin with, "The Tree of Lib- erty" is an epic novel. over the per- iod of some 50 years, Elizabeth Page portrays no less than the birth of America itself.
 Her canvas stretches from the snug, settled Tidewater of the At lantic to the shadows of the will derness of the Rockies. Her char acters are Washington and Jeffer- son, Madison and Hamilton, Henry and Lafayette. With subtle hand, she traces the strong vital cross currents of American democracy itself, dramatizing the conflict be- tween the "haves" and the "have- nots" that the country has known from the first.
 Miss Page spent five years writ ing this book many more in re- search. It runs to nearly 1000 pages. Farrar and Rinehart are publishing it at $3. But you will read it avidly, for somehow Miss Page has man. aged to knit the warp and wool of yesterdays America into every line. The story begins on sunny after noon in 1754 when young Mtathew Howard races to greet his frontiers man Uncle Reuben, long since given up for lost while exploring the trackless Ohio country.
 Howard goes to school in Virginia where he meets young From" Jeff erson, later marries pretty Jane Peyton, daughter of Tidewater planter. There the conflict between two American traditions begins, James family at first opposing mar riage to a "landless nobody" Miss Page fills in her canvas with broad, sure strokes from this point passing through the Revolution, the setting up of the new government Matthews sons carry on, the conflict between right and left continues but in the struggle fusion of both the frontiersman and the Tidewatel artistocrat produces 8 wholly new Amberican, as virile as the expand ing nation itself.
 So grows "The Tree Of Liberty And though the book is burdened al times by the sheer natural weight oi its theme, its scope and massive backdrop, 1t is not too much to cal it a ilenduring novel perhaps even g great onel-P. G. F.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

sett, Mills completed his edu- cation at the Harvard law school, where one of his teach CTS was Justice Felix Frank furter. He ran for the sea vacated by Senator John Mill Ter, RObins0n's successor, and like the campaigns of Ellis and Gathings, it was hot and furious.
 Mills attributes his victory largely to his wife who elec- tioneered vigorously, addressing every woman's organization in the district. Short, dark, attractive, Mills is serious minded without being stuffy about it. He is conscious of his youthfulness but is determined not to let it stand in his way in Washington.
 WILLIAM F. NORRELL, 42, is the oldest of the Arkansas fresh men. Born on a farm, his father died when he was an infant, leaving his mother with five young children. Norrell worked his way through school and col- lege, served in the army during the war and then passed the state bar examination with the highest grades ever attained by an applicant.
 An able speaker, Norrell de- veloped his skill by going into the forest and practising for hours. He became interested in politics because he liked to meet people and discuss public affairs.
 He proved a popular vote- getter, being twice elected to the State Senate. There he was equally well liked and was twice chosen president pro tenn by ac- clamatiOn, the first time in the history of the body.
 In the Senate, Norrell worked closely with Ellis and Gathings in enacting a number of liberal measures. He entered the con- gressional arena when Represen- tative John L. Mcclellan quit to run against Senator Hattie Cara way.
 Tall and heavy-set, Norrell is cold to Townsendism but favors liberalizing the old-age pension law. Ee is also strong for cheap power and for increasing the farmers buying capacity.
 Norrell taught mems Bible class for ten years before coming to Washington and is militant defender of religious tolerance.
 "You can't make any conn., promise on that right" he says, "that is fundamental"
 (Copyrgiht, 1899 by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
They All Do It

Creation of "slush fund.- among the druggists of the state two years ago to secure passage of the Fair Trades Act has never been denied, so far as we know. And certainly Hugh P. Beirne, member of the State Pharmacy Commission, was extremely frank in telling Legislative committee that this week at Hartford. However, it isn't news, for everyone by this time knows that it is customary 10 raise funds, whether .ou call them 'slush" or not, to secure passage of taV- orable legislation. It is indeed unfortu- nate that such state of affairs exists Tn Connecticut, but what can you do about it.
 We have strengthened our laws on lobbying and required the registration oI everybody who intends to appear before legislative committees in behalf of partic- ular bills. But that won't prevent the raising of funds by special groups or ln- terest to defray the costs of a legltl- mate lobbyist. There should be no need to raise any such funds here in Connec- ticut. If a piece of legislation is worth while it ought to be the business of the legislators themselves and not loboylstS to see that it is approved in committee and then passed in both houses.
 We should think that this would be the point where the Legislative Council could play a very important part in mak- ing for better laws in Connecticut. Ger tainly this body was created to make the legislative session more efficient III US operation and consideration of needed legislation. Yet it never seems to work out that way. We still find that pro- fession or group or even a city or town is forced to the point of hiring experts to go up to Hartford and argue their case before the proper officials if there is to be any degree of certainty about securing passage of the desired law.
 If nothing else the Legislature of 1859 should sse to it that henceforth no charge of "slush funds", compulsion or bought legislation can be brought against our lawmakers. They have a job to do; they should be able to do it without calling into operation "paid outsiders.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Press Comment
PARKWAY OPEN; POST ROAD
 ACCIDENTS DOWN
Bridgeport Times-Star)

About the comparative traffic
 safety of the Merritt Parkway itself there's no question. In eight months
 of operation, the parkway has had
 less than 80 accidents-which is a spectacularly low number and which proves that the parkway is nearly as safe as human automotive engineer ing can make it. Of the less than 30
 accidents on the parkway, 9 have
 been blamed on defective car equip
 ment-a fact which is salient in the current controversy over inspection. But Merritt Parkway statistics alone do not give the real picture of
 how much good this new and safe highway has done.
 The primary purpose of the Park way was to relieve congested con- ditions on the Post road.
 That it has done this most eff1- ciently is shown by the accident statistics for the Post road. In the eight months the Parkway has been in operation, accidents on the Post road have shown a decrease of 40 per cent. This is where the real safety dividend from the Merritt Parkway is reflected. And it makes the Parkway seem tremendously
 worth while.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

The growing importance of goat-rais- ing and dairying in this state is recog- nized. A bill faces the Legislature to supervise this industry through the Milk Regulation Board. There are a great many goats in this state today, the ma iori-y of them now probably thorough breds From a hobby goat-raising has turned to a profitable business. Proper regulation to insure the right growth is absolutely necessary.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Current Comment

They are enemies of the American way, the saboteurs of American tra- dition, the termites of American democracy.
 Senator Willard Tydings, of Maryland, speaking in New York of the advocates of gov- ernment control of business. Four of a kind and four queens at that.
 w. E. Badgett, Galveston, Texas, father of quadruplets.
  If he was in Hollywood he'd just be MT. Lamour.
 Dorothy Lamour. telling why she wants her husband, Herbie Kay, to have a career of his own.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Next week is National Wildlife Restor-

Next week is National Wildlife Restor- ation Week and Connecticut is urged to join in all the activities. Governor Ray rnond E. Baldwin has issued a proclama- ton calling attention to the observance. All our states should use the utmost wis dom in their wildlife conservation pro- grams. We are at a point now where a great deal has been accomplished in the long battle to prevent extinction of many species of wildlife. But there is still much to be done to prevent mankind destroying at too fast a rate game ani- mals and birds. We must do much, too, to replace natural cover, containing as they do shelter and food.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Selected Poem
OLD STAIRCASE

OLD STAIRCASE Grace sewen Winslow in the Boston Pos In old New England houses, Within the sheltering wall, The staircase brings me pictures, AS 1t stands there, in the hall. I can see the ghost-like figures Of the people long ago Who polished well the slender rail, AS hands passed to and fro. The scars upon the risers, The marks upon the stair, Will ever bring back visions Of the folks who fingered there. The little childrens hurry, The tread of slowing years, The going up in happiness, The coming down in tears. The tired steps at evening, By candles shadowy light, The tick-tock of the old clock, AS it stood there, day and night. The brides with glowing faces, Coming down with measured pace, Sweet and lovely with theri flowers, Sweeping satin and old lace. Running up the stairs and pausing, Leaning out upon the rail, Throwing down the bridal flowers, So tradition should not fail. Yes, the starcase in an old house, Is the heart of it, know Like the morning and the evening From the days of long ago.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Do not say, "In many respects
 he is an admirable fellow; say, Gin many ways"

A. "Rex Imperator," Latin for king emperor.
 c. What is the title of the theme song of the radio program, "Dr. Christian?"
 A. "Rainbow on the River" by Louis Alter and Paul Webster.
 o. Please describe the monument at the grave of Luther Burbank.
 A. It is a majestic, double e-spired, immense Cedar of Lebanon, in ac- cordance with his oft-repeated re- quest: "When I go, do not raise a monument for me; plant tree" e. Who originated the selective draft plan during the World war?
 A. The late Maj. Gen. Enoch Crowder.
 @. How many employees has the Federal Alley Dwelling Authority?
 A. Nineteen.
 @. What is the capacity of an average freight car?
 A. In 1887, it was 49.2 tons, an increase of 20 per cent over 1916 when the average was 40 tons. @. Can slugs be used safely in a full-choked shotgun? A. Correctly designed manufac- tured slugs can, but homemade Slugs may be unsafe.
 @. Is the letter "g" in poignant silent, or is it pronounced?
 A. Two accommodations of the word are authorized in Webster's New International dictionary. poin- yant and poin-ant. e., Where is General Philip Schuyler buried? A. In the Albany Rural ceme- tery, Albany, N. Y., where a granite shaft marks the grave. If you want a copy of our book
 let STAINS AND SPOT RE-
 MOVAL" send to the Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau,
 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washing
 ton, D. c. Enclose 10 cents in
 postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Questions
 and Answers
By FREDERICK aa. kERHY

1NA@A~ AN@N@ e-&M@NAs
 Enclose a three-cent stamp for reply when addressing any ques- tiOn 0g 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, 1O1? Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. c.
 THE EDITOR e. How many bridges span the Mississippi river? A. Between it's source and the mouth of the Ohio river 13O, and 1 between the Ohio and the Gulf of Mexico. One bridge is under con- struction at Baton Rouge, La, and two more are proposed, one at Natchez, Miss, and the other at Greenville, Miss.
 @. Is the expression 'fhave got" good English?
 A. H. w. Fowler in 'Modern English Usage" says that "have got" for possess or have is good colloquial English, but not good literary form.
 @. What are the colors of the state flag of New Jersey?
 A. Buff, with the arms of the state emblazoned in the center. o. For what do the letters R. I. after the name of king of England stand?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

melted down In the sunken gar- den at Radio City. Its re- moval annual ly is Manhat- tan's first sign of spring.
 The rink goes into cold stor- age until the first snow fur ries next year and the gliding W a iters. good skates all, will get the hot foot on the sunken
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

1. Do American citizens require passports to visit Canada?
 2. Which State is represented in Congress by Senator William H. King?
 3. What fort was built on the site of the city of Chicago?
 4. Name the last Democratic President before Franklin D. Roose- welt.
 5. What is the quotient of 1-2 divided by 1-2?
 6.Name the highest known moun- tain in the world, computed from sea level.
 2. Name the first letter of the Greek alphabet.
 8. What is the correct pronuncia- tion of the word amperage?
 9. Who won the recent bout be- tween Fred Apostoli and Billy Conn?
 10. Can water have a temper ature higher than its boiling point?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
In New York
BY GEORGE ROSS

New York, March IS - True, slush still lies in coarsened fur- rows in the streets as we Manhat- tanites anticipate the spring freshet, but Gotham's official sig nal of winters end has come.
 The ice-skating rink has been
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Daily Almanac
Moon rises 4:30 a. m.

Moon rises 4:S0 a. m.
 Sun rises 6:O1 a. m.; sets 6:01 p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 Only rarely in the course of the year does such third occur as can be seen from the above almanac. The sun rose at one minute past six this morning and is setting tonight at one minute past six. From dawn to sunset just twelve hours exact.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

services provided by these workers are necessary and are efficiently performed. Anyone who wishes to apply the economy ax to such jobs on wholesale scale would
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

OAA CllC SUIIhCll gardens sun-baked pavement un- til next winter.
 Now, with the song swallows winging north, Radio City's plaza returns to a warmer atmosphere, The outdoor cafe scene will. be restored, the Prometheus Foun- tain will bubble without danger of hanging icicles, and before long (my overcoat is not yet in the mothbag), folks will be wining al freSco once more in Rockefeller Center.
 Whats more, the planting of big elm trees along stretch of Fifth Avanue is proceeding and the luxurious thoroughfare should be as verdant as the Champs Ely sees before long.
 Spring is here, as the songsmith sings, but I'm not taking chances, anyway. A cashmere scarf still protects my fragile throat from the winter germs and my rubbers are in the hall closet, the benifi- cent Rockefellers to the contrary.
 But I thought I'd just sing out that Manhattan's Spring is on the way.
 SAVOY STOMPERS
 Among assorted stunts" ar- ranged for the pre-Fair ballyhoo was one cooked up by the bright boys of the Savoy Ballroom which has taken space at Flushing Mea- dows for the exposition of native Harlem dances.
 They were breaking ground for the exhibit the other day and the bright lads thought 1t would be wonderful to cart out an army of shaggers, lindy hoppers, etc., and put them to work on the Fair Grounds, stomping all over the soil. That would have been a natural ground -breaking cere- mony in the bright boys estima- tion.
 So fifty or so shaggers and lindy hoppers stomped all over the ter- ritory and did not succeed in so much as displacing an ounce of dust. Finally, the ceremony had to be carried off with the assist ance of spade and a shovel. I note it merely as another mani- festation of the Manhattan mind. CREAM-O-MANIA
 Still the most fabulous Harlem ite, incidentally, is Bill Robinson, the "Bojangles" of Leno xAve- nue, who is it's most brilliant and beloved hoofer and who passed his sixtieth birthday a while ago.
 The amiable Bojangles looks forty and acts that way, too. Soon, he will be in two shows, the Cot ton Clubs and swing version of "The Mikado," and since he must rehearse them simultaneously, he works sixteen hours 8 day!
 When the day ends, he insists that he isn't tired. Instead, he lures his co-workers up to Lem OK Avenue beanery to pass an- other few hours in relieving his hunger and in gossip.
 Robinson's diet during the day is mainly ice cream. Ice cream is his mania. He eats at least six quarts of it every day. Almost every hour, Harlemanian servi- tor delivers Bills quota of ice cream. Cholocate is his favorite flavor.
 When Robinson takes his coat off at rehearsals, as he usually does, the gun holsters he carries by his sides are openly visible. He packs two revolvers.
 Both are diamond studded. They were presented to him by the police departments of cities tor which he rendered charitable srvices. He carries these loaded ,uementoes with him always.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
A Thought for Today

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.-H Chronicles 1854.
 If you. tell your troubles to God, you put them into the grave.-Spurgeon
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Washington Merry Go-Round
ED1oEs N0IEIhs the
coogr,shl isss. NEA
D R E W PEARSON ROBERT $. ALLEN

WASHINGTON 
  pcieso o human
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18
Whats s Your l. O.?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-18

Q. For what do the letters R. I.
 after the name of king of England stand?
Evening star., 1939-07-23

with the cold humor in his calculating eyes,
Bill lurched toward him savagely, What
the hell are you driving at:?''
Dib smiled crookedly. Keep your shirt on
I'm not mixed up in this mess. just hate to
see dumb guy get kicked around. And you
have been dumb, Squires. Maybe smart guy
like myself might tangle with this story and
get the rights of it
His smile grew derisive. After ALL you're
in the trade 1t reflects on all of us when one
of US is used for sucker.
Bill felt himself shaking. He tried to keep
his voice steady. Then why talk price? Why
ask me what it s WORTH"
Dib said driy, "Ortega wasn't sold out for
marbles Someone collected for the job. Some
one who likes money. might get the proof if
could pay the asking price"
He watched Bill for second, his eyes
narrow and appraising, then showed his glass
away and Strengthened with gesture of final
ity. 1T might interest you to know he said
with brittleness, that was dickering for the
location of Ortega's headquarters. l wanted
that story that you got. A guy told me that
he could fix it. He knew where Ortega hung
out. There was leak somewhere"
Bill reached out an arm and caught Dib
by the shoulder He jerked him around against
the bar His voice was thick and hoarse.
What in hell do you mean, RANDI If you
know anything, talk
Rand shook himself loose. You're not
going to get anywhere with rough stuff,
Squires Maybe know something. Maybe
I'm only guessing. But know one guy in this
town who does know something. I'm going
after him." He gave Bill an enigmatic grin
and headed for the street.
For second Bill considered going after
him. Then he reconsidered knowing Dib and
his reputation. Dib wouldn't part with any
thing unless it suited him to do So He might
know something and he might not. He might
just be indulging in his own brand of sadistic
humor.
Bill pushed the thought of Dib away from
him and turned back to the bar. He leaned
Evening star., 1939-07-23

He gave his shoulders an impatient shake.
He would know these things soon enough. He
would know what Allenby and Dolores would
say and do. Because he was going to hunt
them up now, to stand before them and hear
whatever verdict they had to pass
At the Majestic he waited at the desk for
a long time while the clerk rang Dolores
Ortega's suite When the clerk said, finally
Miss Ortega does not answer, Bill turned
away slowly and walked toward the bar. He
would hang around and wait until she did get
in. He had to see her. He feared the meeting
too paralyzingly much to dare keep it longer
in the future.
The man at the end of the bar turned slowly,
stared at Bill, then gave him twisted,
humorless smile as he drawled. We'll, by all
that S wonderful, if it isn't Ishmael'
Bill waited for Dib Rand to offer his hand
When he did, Bill took palm that was cool
and noncommittal and looked into Dib's
cynical eyes. He began to wonder about Dib
as he remembered things. He recalled that
Dib had been in Spain for most of the dura-
ton of the war. He had a reputation that
wasn't too good When he wanted story he
got it. He had habit of stepping on the other
fellows face to reach it. Bill found himself
wondering now just what lay behind Dib's
surface cynicisn.
Dib hooked an elbow on the bar and his
smile grew more sardonic. He said, Quite
jam you got yourself into. Bill"
Il suppose you believe it, too"
Dib jerked one shoulder. mo one pays off
on what think" His cold eyes laughed at
Bill Have drink, Ishmael?"
IF you don't mind little thing like
ostracism, have one on me-"
Bill drank the rye neat 1t was raw and hot
in his throat. Dib was turning his glass slowly
in his hands. He spoke without glancing at
Bill, tonelessly. What would it be worth to
you to get clearance papers from this spot
you're on? How much could you raise to buy
another story that would clear you?" He
studied Bill, something deep and secret mixed
Evening star., 1939-07-23

there somberly, staring at his empty glass.
Suddenly it was as though someone had
spoken to him. His head came up with jerk,
to peer out through the far door toward the
dining room where luncheon was being served.
1t was as though voice were telling him
that Dolores Ortega was in there now.
Leaving the bar. he began to walk in that
direction. He felt weak and shaky as he
walked stiff1y toward the door He stood in the
doorway, gazing along the rows of tables
where the silver and glasses winked in the
muted light
He turned slowly, as though in the grip of
some outside force that moved him. Dolores
Ortega was at table in dim corner sitting
opposite Ricardo and Marty Allenby. Her
face was still as marble She was like woman
carved out of ice, so cold she became as she
met Bills gaze.
Ricardo Ortega was little more than boy.
He had lean, dark face, immature and yet
fiercely strong as he looked at Bill. His lips
were drawn back from his teeth and his eyes
blazed as he came up out of his chair, one
hand in his coat pocket
Alenby caught his wrist and forced him
back into the chair. He said something in
Spanish and Ricardo shook his head, painting.
He tried to pull his wrist free of Allenby's grip
and snarled like cat when he failed.
Bill walked toward the table slowly. He
tore his gaze away from Dolores and met
Allenby's eyes. Alenby was not the smiling,
debonair adventurer now. His face was like
Dolores, cold and masklike. His eyes were
unwaveringly steady as they met Bills.
Then Bills eyes went back to Dolores. He
walked until he was almost touching the table,
his eyes gripping her. He was the first to break
the strained and brittle silence: you really
believe it? You really believe that did it,"
Dolores said distinctly, IF had gun
would shoot you myself II now"
Without turning his head Bill said. Let
the kid go, Allenby. Let him shoot me now if
that's the way you all feel about it.
Allenby shook his head slowly, his eyes
fastened on Bill. The contempt in his voice