davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27

Pilot Frank Whaley arrived at Nome 145 pm today with the body of Pilot Hans MiroW, and gave the following personal inter view to the Nome Nugget:
 At 1920 am December 23rd, Pilot Bert Lien, flying a CAA Fairchild plane accompanied by Inspector Brunette sighted Mi rows wrecked plane six miles west of Kaltag, approximately 500 feet north of the telephone line. Frank Whaley accompanied by Fred Chambers in Wien Air lines plane were searching along the south side of the phone line in close proximity to Lien at the time.
 Both planes circled the wreck ed plane and returned to Kaltag where six dog teams were i'm mediately dispatched to the scene of the wreck. Frank Whal- ey, by air, directed the dog teams to the location of the wreck. Upon arrival there which was in timber, the airplane (gull- wing Stinson) was found in an almost perpendicular position, in dicating that the plane apparent ly struck the ground at a very sharp angle, the left wing being partly crumpled under the plane
 It is evident that the crash was not anticipated as MiroW and Peter Bystedte who accompanied him, were in their seats with MiroW's hands on the controls; the ignition switch on and the gasoline valves open.
 Pilot MiroW, responding to the distress call of Pilot Chambers, who with passengers was forced down on Nulato River, left Nome at 9 am Decemebr 20th for the scene of Chambers plane, going via Unalakleet, taking on gas at that point and leaving Unalak- leet at 1920 on the same day.
 Notwithstanding the adverse conditions then prevail ing; Mirow, realizing the condi- tions at the Chambers plane where a woman and infant baby were amongst the passengers, evi dently determined to reach them
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
Ten Wrecks On
 Nazi R. R. Systems Since Otober 8

KARLSRUHE, Germany, Dec B (P) - Germany officials an nounced two disasterous train wrecks yesterday and claimed that 182 lives were lost and in- iured 139.
 Fifty were killed and 30 in- jured when a passenger and a freight train collided head on at top speed between Marksdorf and Kluftern. 132 were killed and 109 injured when two pas senger trains collided at Genthin,
 Officials declined to comment specifically but blackout and fog was generally blamed for the fact.
 Ten wrecks have plagued the system since October 8, costing 319 lives and injuring more than 3l1.
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The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
Earthquake
 Is Felt In Los Angeles Area

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 27 iH1 - A quake was felt in Los Angeles at L1:29 am Pacific Standard Time which rocked the Associat- ed Press office located on the fourth floor of the Herald Ex- press building
 The California Institute of Tech nology's seismograph laboratory reported the quake was not large although it may have been strong enough to have caused some dam age. The Laboratory estimated the center of the quake to be about 50 miles from the labora tory but said it couldn't be deter mined in which direction.
 The shaking was felt in Long Beach for about 10 seconds, There were no reports of dam age but it was said to be the hardest since the disasterous 1883 earthquake.
 Glendale and Alhambra also re ported sharp shocks and so did Anaheim.
 In the 33-story Los Angeles City Hall chandelier swayed for a few seconds and pictures on some of the walls went aWry.
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
| ss fs1FH' ~ sseI " 1s8 Films Repulse
 Renewed Attacks

HELSINKI, Dec. 27 (P) The smashing of the renewed Russian assaults on half dozen fronts by the stonewall Finish defense was reported b ythe high command after day of Russian air raids on numerous cities.
 The Russians retreated from the strategic Lieksa sector with the Films following and captur- ing seven tanks the Films an- nounced ad listed a series of ac- tions on the Karelian Isthmus north of Lake Ladoga. A com munique said said all but one of the attacks were repulsed.
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
Hitler Walks
 Into France .On Christmas

BERLIN, Dec. 26 (P)-Author- itative sources reported that Hit Ter walked across the frontier in to France while he was spending Christmas with the German fore es at the west wall Notifications. This was the first time since 1918 that Hitler set foot on French soil. Informants said he was then a corporal in the 18th Bavarian reserves.
 The account said that on Christ mas Eve orderlics carrying gifts packages and Hitler crossed the frontier into that which is now No Mans Land but which until few weeks ago was occupied by the French.
 He spent some time in the vic ia5ty of Spicheren Heights be tween Saarbrucken and Forbach Led by the captain commanding that section he visited the French concrete dugouts then walked through the woods to the extreme front line. Informants said that he made an easy tar get for French guns.
 Hitler promoted the Captain who was his guide to the rank of Major.
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
Christmas Week. End Takes 6S4 Lives In II. s.

UNDATED, Dec. 26 (F9 - A new compilation showed that at least 684 persons died violently on the threea3ay holiday and weekend in the United States.
 AS persons were killed in autos; 5l were burned to death; B were stabbed and shot and put to death by other violence. Every state and the District of Columbia were represented and California's 65 deaths was the largest toll.
The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27

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The Nome nugget., 1939-12-27
Quake Strikes San Salvador

SAN SALVADOR, Dec. 27 (H) A fairly heavy quake shook San Salvador at 5:15 am frighten ing inhabitants but causing no damage here. Whether the shock caused damage in the provinces is not yet known. The quake is the second felt in San Salvador within few hours.
 Several provinces were shaken late yesterday but no casualties or damage was reported.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
INSURGENTS USE
 GREAT AIR FORCE
600 Planes, 3OO,OOO Troops to Smash Loyal
 ists Who Resist

Hendaye, French Spanish Border, Jan. 3-(UP)-Rebel Gen. Fran cisco Franco concentrated the great est air force of the Spanish civil war today in a determined effort to smash the governments Catalonian defense lines.
 At the same time, insurgent dis patches to the frontier reported that the strategic town of Arteso de Segre on the north of Balaguer sec tor had been encircled by rebel troops which occupied Vail le Brera, on the main road from Tremp to Artesa, and the villages of Alentorn and Rubio. From those newly won posi- tions. the insurgents reported, their guns dominated the Artesa-C Cubells road and the main line of LoyaliSt trenches in that vital sector.
 800 Planes to Help
 With the Loyalists claiming to have inflicted many thousands of casualties and slowed the great in- surgent offensive to g crawl, Franco was understood to have gathered at least 600 airplanes on the Segre front in new effort to batter down the strongly fortified main defense
 tContinued on Page 10)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
President Roosevelt. Is Placed On Defensive
 For First Time In Reign.
SECRETARY OF
 LABOR TARGET
House Member to Attempt Impeachment; Dies Com-
 mittee Hits Communists

Washington, Jan. 3-(UP)-Rep. J. Parnell Thomas, R., N. J., a mem- Der of the house committee investi- gating un-American activities, an- nounced today he will introduce within a week a resolution to im- peach Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins.
 He prepared the resolution as the committee, in a formal report to the house, renewed its challenge of members of President Roosevelt's cabinet and charged that commu- nists have invaded the federal gov- ernment.
 Thomas said he would ask im- peachment of Miss Perkins on grounds that she failed to enforce laws for deportation of aliens. He charged specifically that she failed to deport Harry Bridges, west coast leader of the Congress of Industrial Organizations.
 Bridges Denies It Bridges, AuStralian-born leader of west coast maritime labor, has denied charges that he Is a com- munist. Deportation action, based on the communism charge, was in- stituted by the department of labor but prosecution of the case has been delayed pending supreme court | decision of test case involving the right of the government to deport alien communists.
 five been working on the resolu- tion for three or four days and II. have it ready within week, Thomas said I'm going to cite as the grounds for impeachement hel failure to enforce the laws and de- port aliens"
 He said he planned to introduce the resolution without any sponsors The committee, headed by Chair man Martin Dies, D., Tex, renewed its challenge of Miss Perkins and other cabinet members in its report which also asserted that Nazi and Fascist groups are menacing dem- ocracy in the United States. The (Continued on Page 9
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
DEMOCRATS WILL PRESENT REFORMS
Major Political Measures Will Be Submitted in
 General Assembly

Hartford. Conn, Jan. 3.-(UP)- Major political and social reform measures will be submitted by Demo- crats for consideration by the 1889 General Assembly, which convenes tomorrow, 1t was announced today. Among the bills to be proposed was one establishing a primary system of nominating state officials, replac- ing the present convention method. Another called for an annual audit of-all accounts of political subdivi- sions of the state government. The program was announced by State Senator Joseph B. Downes, Norwich, designated as. senate Democratic floor leader. T hope this program will receive the support of the repre- sentatiyes of all parties and the peo- pie of the state generally" Downes said.
 Maximum Old Age Raise
 A bill raising the maximum old age assistance payment from $7 to $9 a week also will be introduced, 1t was announced. Another measure permits persons holding real or per- sonal property to be eligible for old age assistance awards. The purpose of this bill Is to carry out the pledge of the Democratic party to remove the stigma of pauperism from old age assistance" Downes said. The Increased cost of this assistance will be met by revision of general fax laws, 1t was said. k
 Rest of Program
 Restriction of issuance of injunc- tions in labor disputes.
 Redefinition of the term conspiracy in criminal cases.
 Amendments to the state housing act and juvenile court system.
 Constitutional amendment to in- clude the merit system. and another
 
 (Continued on Page l0)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
Two Alternate Jurors For Conspiracy Trial
This Information Came From Very Reliable Source Today-Judge Ernest A. Inglis Is Very Much
 in Favor of Such Plan

Two alternate jurors will be sel- ected to hear the Waterbury con- spiracy trial regardless of speedy legislation which may be completed by the 1899 general assembly which convenes tomorrow. Reliable sources indicated today that counsel for state and defense would stipulate to the acceptance of the two extra jurors, whether or not the legisla- ture passes laws governing such procedure.
 Judge Ernest A. Inglis is heartily in favor of the plan 70 impanel a jury of IA instead of F as pre- cautionary measure against an ad- ded possibility of mistrial. Connec- ticut laws at the present carry no provision for alternate jurors, and only by stipulation of counsel can the extra jurors be impaneled for the conspiracy case.
 May Pass In Assembly
 It has been intimated that the general assembly might, under sus- pension of rules, pass legislation providing for alternate jurors. Such a law has been used successfully in New York. Reliable sources re- vealed today that although the leg islation might be passed, 1t will not be necessary in the conspiracy case because of an expected stipulation between counsel that IA jurors be drawn instead of F.
 The two extra jurors will sit with the first 12 selected, but will not take part in the final deliberations unless one or two of the original 12
 Continued on Page 1O)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
Arrayed Against Him, But Not as Yet Combined, Were New Republican
 Party, Conservative Democrats
SENATE, HOUSE ORGANIZED
 THEN QUICKLY ADJOURNED
By LYLE C. WILSON United Press Staff Correspondent

Washington, Jan. 3-(UP)-The 76th congress, elected in the first popular rebu to the Roosevelt ad minisration, met at noon today in atmosphere of impending political strife. President Roosevelt for the first time the defensive and under pressure to modify the New Deal. Arrayed against him, but not yet in coalition, were rejuvenated Republican party and conservative Democratic bloc goaded by the so-caled purge.
 Called Shortly After Noon Hour
 The Senate and House both were called to order promptly few seconds after House and Senate met separately today They will meet jointly tomorrow to hear Mr. Roosevets annual message. That routine first day of organization. But committees in each chamber ready with reports critical in part of the admnistra ton.
 Two Secretaries Are Hit
 The House committee Investigating unAmerican activi ties shot first with report of its hearings The committee renewed it's challenge against Secretary of Interior Harold Ickes and Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins It cited Naz Fascist and Communist developments in this country las grounds for alarm The political barometer falling as Congress met The Capital sensed storm But there was harmony and laughter and backslappng today.
 Cross Section of America
 There was cross-section of America in the packed galleries for glimpse of opening session that is prelude to party arrng political dispute First comers- those without friend of friend who could get reserved ticket started lining up at 930 , outside public gallery doors Social and diplomatic Washington, a sprinking of lobbyists and others with the password swarmed later to the reserved It might have been fashion show politics could have been moved backstage
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
W.P.A. WORKER HAS
 TRAGEDY IN HOME

New Bedford. Mass, Jan. 3.--(UP) "A New Bedford WPA worker beat his wife perhaps fatally as she slept early today and then committed sui- eide in front of his 14-year-oid daughter. The wife, Mrs. Priscilla valles. 34, was taken to St. Luke's hospital, where her condition was re- ported critical. Her skull was frac- trred The body of her husband John, 37, was found in the kitchen of their first-fioor tenement. He had shot himself.
 The daughter Jeannie. lA. told po- lice that her father had chased her mother from room to room last night, shouting:
 If you want to live, you had bet
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03

Republicans, as usual, controlled the House about four to one. They were expected also. to organize the Senate in the morning session, pre- ceding the inaugural parade. Thus, for the first time since 1930, Repub- licans held practically al 1.-the major state political offices and controlled the assembly.
 Possibility a deadlock in the Sen- ate, where no party has a controll- ing majority, might delay the inaug- uration, as in 1895, dimmed today. Conference committees of Republi- cans and Democrats meet late today to discuss organization of the Sen- ate, which contained IT Democrats, 16 Republicans and two Socialists.
 Two Socialists Aloof
 The two Socialists have refused to enter into any organization discus- sion prior to meeting of the legis- lature tomorrow. Nevertheless, both major parties went ahead with plans to settle differences before regular meeting of the body
 &sSRAbhSA4& cVA2SCos 01CalAtkiAACs discussed plans to speed up early sesisons of the assembly with view to ending the sesison before June. One plan called for extra sessions during the first two or three weeks so that all new bills could be sub- mitted befoe January 20.
 Under consideration was scheme calling for a session next Tuesday when committees will be selected. If the January 20 deadline was adopted, 1t was regarded as likely committees could begin hearings on bills about two weeks earlier than usual.
 Several days ago. Governor-elect Baldwin expressed hope the session of the Legislature could be termi- mated before the statutory closing date the first wee kin June. Usu- ally there is a terrific pile-up of bushes sin the last few days, neces- stating meetings day and night.
 Republican Caucus
 Tonight, Republicans hold final caucuses in preparation for the sessions on the morrow.
 Scheduled for leadership were:
 In the House:
 For speaker: Representative Wal ter Howe. Litchfield.
 For majority leader: Representa- tive E. Lea Marsh, Jr., Old Lyme.
 For Democratic minority leader:
 Continued on Page 10)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
BERLIN STARTS
 TREASON TRIAL
Over One Hundred Per- sons Involved in Plot
 Against Nazi Regime

BY EDWARD w. BEATTIE. JR. United Press Staff C0rrespondent)
 Berlin, Jan. 3-(UP)-The great est treason trial held since the Nazi accession to power six years ago started today before the dreaded Peoples" Court. In all more than 100 persons were involved and of more than 100 persons were in- volved and of these it was forecast that IT or l8 would be sentenced to death by beheading. There were 9 principals, and of these the chief figure is Ernst Niekisch, promi- nent writer and political partisan of pre-Nazi times.
 The principals were charged not only with disseminating propaganda against the Maxi regime but with actually plotting the death of high Nazi leaders. Niekisch and two men
 (Continued on Page 10)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
Democratic Ranks Are
 Reduced This Session
Chance to Have Their Say-Democrats Control Both Houses. However
BY LYLE c. WILSON Omitted Press Staff Correspondent)


 Washington, January 3. = (UP)- The 76th Congress convened at noon today with Democratic ranks re- duced for the first time since 1882 and Republicans returned to major political status.
 This newly elected Congress is pointed toward a spectacular show down with President Roosevelt on modification of the New Deal. not ably the National Labor Relations Act, the Works Progress Administra- town, which. its enemies charge, has been used for political purposes, and social security finance. It will contest the President for control of the purse strings and may chal- lenge his national defense plans.
 Cabinet Changes
 Preseding this Congress was . last-minute cabinet shake-up which supplanted Attorney General Homer s. Cummings and Secretary of Com merce Daniel c. Roper two old line Democrats - with young and enthusiastic New Dealers. The Sem ate shortly Is expected to confirm former WPA Administrator Harry l.. Hopkins as commerce secretary and former Governor Frank Mur- phy of Michigan, as attorney gen. eral. These changes make the cab inet overwhelmingly New Deal.
 The New Deal Democratic party continued in control of both houses, but conservative Democrats were breaking away and they may bolt be- fore the session is very old. Garner sIn Senate
 Vice-President John N. Garner, one of these conservatives, gaveled the Senate to order at noon. South Trimble, clerk of the House, briefly presided over the representatives until Representative William B. Bankhead, Democrat, Alabama, was installed as speaker for another term.
 The supreme court met also at noon for it's first 1939 session and by nightfall the ponderous nachin- cry of q great Democratic govern ment will be moving full speed to six or more vital months.
 At noon tomorrow, before joint (Continued on pax6 Iol
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
Federal Govt Has Taken Over PrOsecutOrn of
 Extortion Case
FORE MASSUCI PUT
 UNDER $lO,OO0 BONDS
Is Brought This Morning Before Com. Krasow;
 Case Put Over to llth

Charged with extortion in a plot in which the life of Mayor Frank Hayes was threatened, Fibre Massucci, 29, of 55 Catherine avenue, was &1raigned before U. s. Commissioner Harry Krasow this morning. Commissioner Krascw continued the case to the 11th, fixing bonds at $10,U00. Unable to post bail, MaSsucci was taken to New Haven County jail.
 Deputy U. s. Marshal Stephen LoPlesti took Massucci into custody at police headquarters this morning and brought him before Commis- sioncr Krasow. After the arraign- ment, the deputy marshal took Mas succi to jail.
 With the government assuming jurisdiction in the case, 1t is ex- pected that a technical charge of blackmail, lodged by the state against the accused, will be dropped. The case is now in the hands of G. Men and postal inspectors.
 Accused Denies Everything
 Despite several days of question ing by local police and Inspector Frank Whelan of the Federal Bu- reau of Tnvetigation, Massucci has steadfastly denied writing two threatening letters, demanding $ 900 to Mayor Hayes. He has ad- mitted, however, seeking to secure from the mayor bundle supposed to contain the 5000.
 Massucci was captured Friday. night in a carefully-laid police trap,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
LOCAL RESIDENT
 ELECTR0CUTED
Only Fatality By Accident Over Holiday Week-End
 in Waterbury

A death by electrocution was Wa. terbury's only accident fatality over the holiday weekend. One local resident was burned in a Christmas tree fire, and another injured in a fall. Police reported no serious au- tomobile accidents. There were sev- eral minor motor vehicle mishaps, and a number of arrests for alleged violations on the part of drivers.
 Walter w. Modrow, g, of 54 Elk avenue, Wce-president and general manager of the Drawn Metal Spe- cialty Company of State street, was electrocuted at his home Sunday afternoon while working on wiring in the attic. Electrical Inspector Martin ORourke said that Mo- drow's head came in contact with a vent pipe as he was holding a charged wire in his hand. The wire was carrying only 115 volts.
 Death Accidental
 Dr. Harold F. Morrill,, assistant medical examiner, said that death was accidental.
 Born in Waterbury, August 26, 1906, MT. Modrow was the son of Albert and Emma Luke Modrow. He was well-known in local business circles. He was member of the West Side Hill Methodist Episcopal church.
 Surviving MT. Modrow are his parents. his wife, Alice Terry Mod- row; a brother, Robert. six sisters, Mrs. Adolph Dressell, Mrs. Louis H. Nichols, Mrs. Charles Payne and Miss Emily Modrow, all of Water bury, Mrs. James Morrow of Wa .terville and Mrs. Carl Abram of Terryville: also by his grandmother. Mrs. Modrow, of Stratford.
 Slightly Burned
 Burns about the face and hands were suffered by Anton Paldauf, of 258 Baldwin street, when a Christ ffyox,ffn1xod soy, DooA fnN
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
Bankhead Named
 Speaker Of House

Washington, Jan. B. The Democratic majority in Con- gress quickly reelected Bank head speaker fo- his third term by vote of 250 to 167.
 Martin voted present"
 Rep. Vito Marcantonio, Amer ican Labor party, New York. voted for Martin.
 Rep. Bernard J. Gehrmann, F., Wis, voted for Rep. Merlin Hull, Pr. Wis, for speaker. Hull. in turn, voted for Gehrmann. Otherwise, the vote proceeded along party lines.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-03
DUKE OF WINDSOR
 ANCERS DUCHESS
He Will Visit England Alone to See Mother;
 Latter Reported III
By HENRY TOsTI RUSSELL

Copyright, 1889, by United Press)
 London, Jan. 3-(UP)-The Duke of Windsor is expected to arrive in England, alone, about January IS for 8 private visit to his mother Dowager Queen Mary, a usually re- liable informant said today.
 The dukes American-born duch- ess, for whom he gave up his throne was alleged by the same informant to be most angry because he had agreed to return, even for the brief est visit. without her.
 It was understood that the duke had agreed to return only because his brother. King George, informed him in 8 personal message that the condition of Queen Mary's heart was causing some anxiety, and that she had wanted for many months to see him.
 First Hint of Illness
 This was the first intimation that Queen Mary's heart was giving trou- ble. Although she will be 72 next May 26, and has been saddened by the death of her husband and the abdication of her eldest son. the dowager queen has remained active and had been considered in robust health.
 The United Press informant as serted that the Duke of Gloucester brother of King George VI and tht Duke of Windsor, prepared the way for the visit when he visited tho duke several weeks ago. It was sait that Gloucester took Windsor the personal message from the king. A plan is being considered to send the kings own airplane to Cannes on the French Riviera, so tnat tht duke can tly direct to sandringham.