davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

Lent, the penitential season. opens to- morrow. The next six weeks are com memorative of period of time in the life of Christ. All Christians, whether Protestant or Catholic, will be acquainted with the events that the season describes from their church teachings and from their study of reading of the Bible. As is the custom regulations are outlined and devotions recommended, many of the regulations rules of the church, which it is expected the individual will obey. One who thinks very deeply on the subject realizes at this time that few deprivations are experienced by majority in this country. To date our personal liberties have not been taken from us; neither do we have to be rationed as to food. Food is in abundance and one eats and lives as he pleases. The subject of personal denial, therefore, should not be summed at this time when one thinks of the con- ditions which exist in European coun- tries. Lent, as we know is an extraor dinary time for self-denial. It is fitting that it is observed in the manner pre- scribed.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Views of The Press

so it cannot be digested in brief space.
 But one thing is brought out by Professor Breed in the very begin- ming of his study. That is, that the common assumption that motorists pay for all of the highways of our state is entirely wrong.
 Motorists do pay in large part for modern state highways though in the beginning the state highways were supported out of the general funds. Before there were any motor cars we had highway system which was supported by the con- mon taxpayers.
 Even our improved highways. greatly as they have advanced over the original models, are still based upon those roads which were laid out by the ordinary taxpayers be- fore there were any motor car taxes at all.
 But the real error in supposing that motorists pay for all the roads lies in overlooking the fact that the hard-surfaced roads in our cities are paid for by the general taxpayers oi the cities rather than by the motor iStS themselves.
 Add all of these roads together in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford Waterbury, Stamford, Danbury and the other larger cities of the state and you have a mileage comparing with the hard-surfaced mileage o1 state highways. And these roads were built by the towns in which they are located and paid for out oi general taxes, levied on homes and businesses and not out of special
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
NEW ZEALAND, 100 YRS. YOUNG
(New York Tines)


 One hundred years ago this week the first shipload of European set- tiers landed on the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. They could not have found a spot on the map more remote from home" Halfway around the world, separated from Europe by ocean wastes four times the width of the Atlantic, they nevertheless proceeded to build a democracy that has pointed the way to others in good citizenship, humane social legislation, progress Sive government. Their memory de- serves to be honored in this coun- try, where we like to look upon the New Zealanders as democrats like ourselves.
 Yet 12,O00 miles of remoteneSS from England have not protected the New Zealanders from what they regard as the duties of their British inheritance. Every town and village down under" has its pathetic war memorial commemorating the 17,000 New zealanders whose lives were snuffed out on battlefieIds of the last war. Now the most isolated of the Dominions is at war again; her seamen fought thousands of miles from home in the cruiser Achilles, in the battle with the Graf Spec of Uruguay; her airmen took part in the early raids on the Kiel Canal. This week the anniversary celebra- tions coincided with the start of severe gasoline rationing which will bring hardship to a country of big distances and lonely communities.
 We Americans can only hope that the war will touch New Zealand lightly. We want this 1OO-year- young democracy to emerge with its strength and sanity unimpaired. We shall need the cooperation of people like the, New Zealanders in putting our democratic world to- gether again when this war is over. ' 2
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

Martin Beck, who had seen him pick pockets in European music halls, had signed him up for New York. MT. Beck was going to take 8 chance.
 The ship slid into the harbor and Giovanni presented his passport and visa to the tmmigra- ton official It was inscribed "Gio- vanni-Pickpocket." The govern, ment man was puzzled by this ex- press candor but he was not as- suming any risks, either.
 So he ordered Giovanni locked up until MT. Beck came to ex- plain. The snowman hurried over and explained that Giovanni was a pickpocket on this side of the law, emptying pockets for the mutual amusement of himself and his victims only. Q. K.," said the official. "Thank you," said Giovanni as he generously return ed the immigration mans cuff links, wallet and revolver.
 Born in Hungary and picked up early in his youth by Russian circus troupe, which took him to Moscow, Giovanni learned about pocket picking from Caucasian "Fagin" in the tent-Show. BROWNING ACHIEVEMENT AT CORONATION
 Later, in Paris, he was a co1n- bination gigolo and newsboy, but these occupations palled and he went to London under a mask of bleak obscurity. But even in his most penurious days, he did not pick pockets for dishonest profit he says.
 His big chance came at the Cor onation of King Edward VIII. The Lord Mayor of London was giving a party at the Hotel Savoy and Giovanni was lolling in the bil- Hard room during the affair. breeding over ways and means to win fame and success.
 A waiter passed by in the cor ridor. He hailed him and made a deal whereby the waiter lent him his uniform. Thus disguised, Gio- vanni entered the party room with tray and served the main guests.
 A little later on, he sent an- other waiter back with a trayful of articles he had lifted from the Lord Mayor and the chief of Scot land Yard. The accompanying card said, with the compliments of Giovanni. London began to hear of him from then on.
 Only recently did the New York cafe men gird themselves and de- eide to take @ chance on him. He worked at the Versailles with emi- nent success and seemed to amuse rather than outrage, his victims at the ringside tables. The Wal dorf- Astoria then hired him and he is burglarizing some of our best families in the middle of the dance floor.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
The engineering super

tory. The engineering super vision, however, will be in the
 Venezuela will get cheaper tires. and the General Tire and Rubber Company will have an investment much less subject to Mexican" confiscation. Chief sufferers, of course, will be Ohio rubber work CTS, who now will make fewer tires for Latin America.
 MERRY-GO-ROUND
 U. s. Minister James Cromwell and Mrs. (Doris Duke) Cromwell made a hit in Canada by respond ing in French to questions put by French-speaking newsmen .,. .-. Governor Ernest Gruening says Alaska offers a perfect barometer of U. s. political sentiment. He proposes to. substitute Alaska in the old slogan, "As Maine goes, so goes the nation" ... Commission CT Edward c. Moran, Jr. insists that there are three admirals. not two, on the Maritime Commission Admiral Lana, Admiral Wiley and himself. For proof, he displays a certificate appointing him Chief Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, with a picture of a prairie schooner for ship of state Moran is a close friend of Senator Burke of Nebraska, once went from Maine to Neb- raska to help in his campaign .. When Attorney General Jackson made an "off the record" talk be- fore members of the National Press Club, it really had stuff in it which could not be published. Such talks are usually pale and innocuous, needlessly protected by "off the record" rules but not Jack sons
 Copyright, 1940, by United Featur
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

A. Comparisons of adjectiyes of one syllable are regularly formed by the suffxes ger and lest. Adjec- tives of more than one syllable, with some exceptions take more and most to form the comparatives.
 @. Does the payment of the old age monthly retirement benefits under the Social Security Act, which began January 1, 194O, do away with State old-age assistance?
 A. No; payments of the old-age monthly retirement benefits under the Social Security Act are in be- half of retired workers and their dependents only, and do not take the place of old-age or other public assistance now being given by the individual States.
 O. Please give an account of Thorne Smith, the writer?
 A. He was born in 1893, at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md, and served in the world War, being editor of the Navy paper Broad side" He attended St. Luke's School, Wayne, Penna., and Darthmouth College. He entered the advertising field in New York City until the war broke out. He is the author of thirteen volumes, mostly humorous extravaganzas, one serious dramatic novel, Dreams End" and volume of poems entitled "Haunts and Bly, ways" He died in 1884.
 o. What is the title of the sell ection played for Lana Turner's tap dance in Dancing Co-ed?" 7. A. Packet Rhythm" In is one of two original numbers by Edward Ward and David Shell featured in the production, the other being "Stealin Apples"
 o. How many families in the United States have incomes of less than $500.
 A. Estimates for 1935-36 show that 4,178,284 families had incomes of less than $500, or about 14.2 per- cent of the total families in the United States.
 o. What is the legend connected with the constellation Great Bear, Ursa Major, of which the Big Dipper is part
 A. According to the Greek legend, Jupiter's wife, Hera, became jealous of CalliSto, and changed her into bear. In that form, Callisto wandered through the forests and, one day, met her son Areas, who did not recognize her and raised his spear to kill her. Jupiter prevented the tragedy by placing both among the stars, Callisto becoming the Great Bear and Areas the Little Bear, Ursa Minor, or the Little Dipper.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Common nouns used as g short form of 8 specific proper name are capitalized as, the Lakes (Great Lakes); the Capitol lat Washington); the Canal (Panama CanaD {; the Government (U. s. Govern ment).
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Selected Poem

JULIA Gertrude Curtis Ryan, in the New York Times) Julia has singing heart, Blithe as any carong bird, And its song is lovelier Than April ever heard. Julia floats on wings of dreams Light and graceful as the birds Dreams of moonlit nights and kisses And lovers words Julia has level head F Under her small feathered hats, And like wise bird always keeps One eye on the cats!
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Daily Almanac
eS 5:35 a. m.

Moon rises 5:35 a. m.
 Sun rises 6:59 a. rn.; sets 5:14 D. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 February is apt to be month of weather contradictions One day person may pick budded pussy willows and the next waIlow in knee-deep snow. There is strug- gle between forces to maintain an icy grip on the elnd with spring slowly inserting her. self into the picture.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
. HIGHllGHTS FROM
 LATEST BOOKS
American Stages Knew About Sun

William La Varre rolls 15 years of
 adventuring and prospecting
 for treasure into "Southward
 Ho"! Doubleday, DOran: $S),
 and the result is one of the
 most thoroughly readable books
 to grace the travel shelves for
 long time. La Varre roamed
 from Yucatan to Patagonia
 where he found gold, fugitives,
 Amazon women, lost cities and
 a sort of One-Eye Connolly of
 the Andes. You will follow him
 avidly to the last mile. EX-
 cerpted briefly here are his
 reflections on Chichen Itza, the
 Holy City of prehistoric
 American civilization in Yuca-
 tan.
 Here lived American wise men who knew that the world was round and not flat as Europe's philosophers thought. Here, in great limestone turret centuries be- fore the coming of the Spaniards in 1902, American astronomers and mathematicians worked and studied, with sun dials and stone theodolites. Watching and recording the semi annual solstices of the sun, predict ing the rising and setting of Venus. they knew more of the movements of the earth and planets than the Egyptians and the. Babylonians. They had devised all the essentials of modern arithmetic centuries be- fore modern man began using them. They had perfected system of re- cording time, 3000-year-old calen- dar, that was more accurate than the calendars of Europe, Africa or Asia.
 Here lived Americans, the early Mayans and Toltecs, who played basketball 500 years before the landing of the Mayflower, who knew how to vulcanize rubber, inlay gold with turquoise, rotate crops, prepare for famine and drouth. Here, while other peo- pie across the sea were still living in medieval superstition, lowing down in abject fear during eclipses of the sun and moon, lived men who had accumulated a vast treasure of science and knowl- edge.
 AS I sat on the Emperor's Throne. in the Temple of the Jaguars, or leaned over the parapet of their stone-doomed astronomical observ- atory, I took deep breaths of exhil- aration, puffed out my chest with justifiable pride. Who said America had no history, no great background of ancient culture, arts or science?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06


 CD That any cotton moved to New England would be allocated to warehouses purely on a com petitive basis; and (2) that no contract would be awarded to a warehouse that was under an agreement to pay anyone fee on government business.
 FIGHTING BACK
 The Commodity Credit Corpora tion's action handicapped O'Don- nell, but it didn't floor him. He returned to the fray, operating through friends on Capitol Hill.
 One of the closest of these is South Carolina's Senator Cotton Ed" Smith, who, although he has yet to make his appearance at this session of Congress, sent a terse note to John D. Goodloe, vice president of the Commodity Cor poration, instructing him to please see to it that the 300,000 bales of cotton are moved out promptly to New England" In this commlll1. ication Smith also referred to O'Donnell as "an old friend of mine."
 Other congressional intimates also have been burning up the wires in behalf of O'Donnell, but so far the Commodity Credit Cor poration stood its ground.
 GOOD NEIGHBOR TIRES
 A unique Good Neighbor ex- pertinent has just been arranged by the General Tire and Rubber Company, which will set up tire factory in Venezuela.
 Instead of going in as American oil companies did in Mexico, and owning the project itself, the tire company has gone into partner ship with Venezuela. Vecezu- clans vii but up half of the capital, and will manage the fac-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Current Comment

They would never have gotten the Bremen-that ought to tell you everything. - Commodore AdOlph Ahrens. Bremen commander, when asked what he would have done had his boat been captured.
 Fascist Italy continues to follow the development of events with 8 vigileot spirit ever ready, if possible. to give once again her contribution to world peace.-C Count Galeazzo Ciano. Italian foreign minister.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

1. For what do the colors in the American Flag stand?
 2. Name the capital of Missouri. 3. Name the Secretary of State for War, in Great Britain, who re- gently resigned.
 4. Why are jewels used as bear ings in watches?
 5. Airplane wings are braced by exterior rods called struts, spanners or pylons?
 6. Who was the leading money winner golf professional in 1939? 2. On what river is Liege, Bel gium?
 8. Name the United States Am- bassador to Argentina.
 g. What is the correct pronuncia- 10. Which is the lightest metal? 'tion of the word gondola?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

aAHAAAy bA An n that a delft dip
 would provide high entertain ment for pleas ure-Seekers, but Giovanni gives everything back. At least he claims he does and there have been no com- plain ts from footed victims.
 Giovanni ar- rived on the American scene some years ago. Thn Sh0WYnan
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Woodman, Spare That Tree

Woodmen didn't spare "that tree"
 which caused so much of a storm in Fairfield county back a year or so ago
 You must remember the tree, the one which critics of the Merritt Parkway claimed had caused the construction en- gineers to put distinct kink in the high
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Questions
 and Answers
BY FREDERIC Al. KERBY

Enclose . three cent siamp iOf reply when addressing any qnes- ti0n Of fact e information Co Che Waterbury Democrats Service Bu. reau at Washington. iegnD ana medical advice cannot be given. nor can extended research be Cn- dertaken. Be sure all mail ls ad. dressed tO The WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU- RRAU, 1918 Thirteenth Street Washington, D. c.
 THE EDITOR.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
WHO PAYS FOR HIGHwAYsi
(Bridgeport Telegram)

c. B Breed, professor of Railway and Highway transportation at Mas sachusetts Institute of Technology has completed a special study of 0 Connecticut road costs, The study occupies the space of a large book
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

taxies levied upon motorists.
 It is one of the inequities of our system that we collect special taxes from motorists for highway pur- poses and then spend the proceeds of these collections all over the state-anywhere but in the towns where most of the money originated.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
Washington Merry-Go-R
sEA s.,s.. h
DREW PEAR 5 o N ROBERT s. ALLEN

 $O7O and government bonds safe deposit box literally foed nies
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 194
A Thought for Today

with the mercifuI thou wilt shew myself merciful and with the upright man thou wilt shew myself upright-H Samuel 22:26.
 MercifulnesS makes us equal to the gods.- Claudian.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

Boy Scouting is thirty years old this week, and the event will have the proper observation. Nice going, Scouts!
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
In New York
BY GEORGE ROSS

New York, Feb. 6.-0ioVanni, the Pickpocket, is wOwing them at the Waldorf-AstOFia. You'd
 1,a~Hlvr k1afn k
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

If you W mt a copy of the book let SEA FOOD COOKING" send to The Wate bury Democrats Wash ington Bureau, 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. c. Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
o. What is a turnpike?

4. Originally it was a road on which there were toll gates, but now the name is loosely applied to any through road, especially one on which tolls formerly were charged. The word is of Scottish origin.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06
What Your I. O.?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

o. Who started the first kin- .dergarten in the United States?
 A. Mrs. Carl Schurz, wife of the famous statesman and the Civil War general, opened the first kinder garten in Watertown, Wis, in 1856.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

o. When are the sufi1xes ger and lest used to form the comparatives of adjectives and when are the adverbS more and most used?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-06

Copyright, 194O, by United Feature
 Syndicate, Incl
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-12-24
NOVEL
"SKY MURDER" NOW
PLAYING AT THE ROYAL

Nick Carter again fares forth on
romance and adventure bent in the
person of Walter Pidgeon in Sky
Murder" third of the popular de-
tective series, now playing at the
Royal theatre. His quest for ad-
venture has him walking an air.
plane wing, battling on a careen-
ing truck, saving a girl from a
bomb, and other thrills. His quest
for romance leads him into hilari-
Gus complications as the result Of
his flirtat.ons. The story deals with
his tracking down a band of inter-
national criminals plotting against
the government, and running down
its secret leader. A sterling sup
porting cast includes Donald Meek
as the delightful "B-man," Karen
Verne, new discovery, Edward
Ashley, Joyce Compton and Tom
Conway.
Royal Varieties program is ex-
ceptional with a swell Terrytoon
cartoon. a Sport Reel and Lowell
Thomas famous Movietone News.
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-12-24
STEPS TO BLOCK
| SABOTAGE TAKEN
Navy To Require Contractors
To Submit Report On
Dangers In Plants

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.-CR-
Two new steps to prevent sabotage
of munitions production were taken
today.
The navy department disclosed
that henceforth all contracts would
contain a clause requiring the con-
tractor to submit a confidential re-
port to the navy department when
ever. for any cause, he has reason
to believe that an active danger of
espionage or sabotage exists at the
plant, factory or site of the work"
covered by the contract. The report
must contain a complete explanation
of why the contractor is apprehen-
sive of such danger.
The contractor also is pledged
whenever directed by the secretary
of the navy, to report "the citizen
ship, the country Of birth, or the
alien status of any or all of his en-
ployes."
He also must agree that he will
refuse to employ, or if already en-
blowing shall forthwith discharge
from employment, and exclude" from
his factory any person designated
by the secretary of the navy for
cause as undesirable to have access
to work or materials for the navy"
On Capitol hill, a bill was intro
d1ced TO give the Justice department
authority to act against sabotage
committed in this country against
goods being manufactured for export
to foreign nations.
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-12-24
DRUMS OF THE DESERT"
is OFFERED AT BIJOJ

Depicting the maneuvers of a
battalion of parachute troops or
the hottest battlefield in the world,
Monographs Drums of the Des.
ert' plays today at the Bijou theat.
ire.
A French Foreign Legion yarn
with several unusual twists, much
Of the action in the film has much
in common with the great wal
campaigns now raging in northern
Africa.
Ralph Byrd, best known for his
forceful portrayal of the super.
sleuth of the comic strips, Dick
Tracy, has the leading role. AS
the gallant Captain Paul Dumont,
ne is special advisor to the Sen.
galese parachute troops, instruct
ing them N the latest methods of
modern warfare.
En- route to his now post. Du-
mont falls in love with Helene.
played by Lorna Gray. She re.
turns his affection until it is dis
covered that he is the best friend
OF her fiance, Raoul, played by
Peter George Lynn. The unhappy
twosome, placing honor above per
sonal feelings, agree to separate.
Added to this program is a pa
triotic short, 1.-The Monroe Doc.
trine," a cartoon, Pilgrim Porky"
and stranger Than Fiction" d
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-12-24
Two Men Are Killed
When Planes Collide

NEW YORK, Dec. 23.-LP-Two
men were killed today when a navy
plane and a small monoplane col
lided eel Floyd Bennett field.
The monoplane, piloted by Eddie
Schneider, 26, an instructor, and
George Herog, 90. a pilot taking a
"refresher" course, went into a spin
and crashed into Jamaica Bay off
Marine Park, Brooklyn.
The navy ship, piloted by Ensign
Keuhner and with Cadet Franklin
Newcomer, as a passenger, made a
safe landing at Floyd Bennett field,
only slightly damaged.