davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1940-05-24

Worth Kramer, youthful con-
ductor of the famous "Wings Over
Jordan" choir heard over the coast
to coast network of the Columbia
Broadcasting System each Sunday
morning, is frequently asked, "Who
are the composers Of the spirituals
sung by the choir?"
During his early association
with "Wings Over Jordan" Mr..
Kramer attempted to find the an
swer to this question. All his re-
search and study of Negro music
seemed to lead to the same re-
Spouse. The authors of the Sc
lections which "Wings Over Jor-
dan" or any other true Negro Spir-
itual choir sings are unknown.
Possibly this is one of the in
dications of the fact that these
spirituals are really a true form
of American folk music. Many of
the composers are lost in anti
putty long before the songs reach
the attention of trained musical
groups. Occasionally, however, the
choir sings a number contributed
by a contemporary Negro compos-
er. With several exceptions, the
selections presented by the "Wings
Over Jordan" choir, on it's con-
cert tours, were born in the days
of slavery. The musical scores
were never recorded in any form.
They are the result of native
desire to sing, which is an Unborn
characteristic of the Negro. The
songs express his emotions, his
mental and spiritual conditions at
the time he was inspired to sing,
and the lyrics carry a world of
philosophy, never taught in any
institution of higher learning. This
displays his ability to put vol
ume of thought into few words.
A typical example of the spir-
ituaPs ability to remain in the mind
of one who appreciates the music,
is noted in the selection, "Over
My Head" which was recently pre-
sented on the air for the first time
by "Wings Over Jordan" The
melody and lyrics of this selection
were hummed to Kramer by Homer
Rodeheaver, famed evangelist and
well-known white musician, on the
occasion of his return from trip
to Florida.
While in the south, Rodeheaver
went fishing in small boat. His
only companion was Negro boy,
who went along to row the boat,
and guide Rodeheaver to the fish
ing grounds. AS he rowed, he
hummed tune. Rodeheaver quer-
led the boy about the origination
of the melody he was humming.
The inquiry led to the fact that
the boy had heard it from his ia
Their and had "just picked it up"
Other than that he could give no
explanation.
Rodeheaver happened into Kra-
mer's office one day, and told him
the story. He hummed the tune,
as he had heard it in the south,
and Kramer jotted down the mel
ody and lyrics. Several weeks la
ter, the selection made it's debut
on CHS, and is now a featured
number in the groups concert re-
pertoire.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1940-05-24
Card of Thanks

We wish to extend our heartfelt
thanks to all who so kindly assist
ed and for the words of sympathy
and beautiful floral and spiritual
offerings extended at the death of
our beloved daughter, mother, and
sister.
Mrs. Emma Shealley and Family.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1940-05-24

have not yet made their protest
to Barley to get busy and send
in letters and kilograms calling for
action on the bill at this session
of Congress.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1940-05-24

Hear wings Over Jordan"
Minneapolis Auditorium, Sunday
afternoon, May 26.-Adv.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1940-05-24
William Ma olson, Indian
Leader, Says State Should
Mark Landmarks

William Madison, White Earth,
Minnesota, full-blooded Indian in a
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17

remedy" Leaving aside the question of
civil liberties and the possibility of using
any such law as an instrument of perSe-
cution of a minority, will any such pro-
posal work? Will it do any good at all?
How can such a law be drawn without
making lot of potential trouble?
How about the International Rotary
and KiwaniS clubs? The International
Typographical Union? The Federation
Interallie DIES AncienS Combattants I'm
ternational veterans organization)? The
Red Cross? The English-Speaking Union?
international Telephone and Telegraph?
The International League of Professional
Baseball Clubs? They all have inter-
national affiliations.
Agitational political parties are not so
easily eliminated. In Germany, with in
slant death staring them in the face, there
are underground" parties opposing Nazi-
ism. Can Dies be SO innocent as to think
that in a registry provision of this kind he
could have the final remedy" for any
thing? Let it be said for the thousandth
time: There is only one final remedy for
the growth of "foreignisms" in this coun-
try That is to produce conditions such
that no mass support will ever be drawn to
that fringe of inveterate agitators whose
nature is such that they will undoubtedly
picket in Heaven.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Beware of "Final Remedies"

Politics is "the art of the possible" That
old definition is very acute 1t means
simply that he is successful in conduct
ing human public affairs who can balance
off what he thinks ought to be done
against what can be done. Prohibition is an
example. Former President Hoover was
perfectly right in calling it ian expert
ment noble in purpose" 1t was. But in
practical application, it fell short of that
purpose. Even people sympathetic with
that purpose today realize that it must
be achieved in a different manner
The roads of national history are streWn
with Wreckage of that kind, with broken
legislative Wands waved in vain Final
remedies are few and far between in pub
lie affairs. That is why even those who
are sympathetic with the detectives of
Representative Dies will shy off a little
when they learn that he believes he has
the final remedy for un-American
activities in a single proposed law.
AS We understand it, this remedy he
emissions is law to compel organizations
with international affiliations to register
with the State Department, and file men,
pership lists. After two years of probing
into un-American activities Dies, it is
reported, emissions such bill as final
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
It's Still Apparent

The sad discrepancy in the size of Con-
necticut'S five congressional districts be-
comes more apparent with the passing
years. The latest criticism of the set-up
is contained in the figures offered by the
commission named to investigate the
election laws prevailing throughout this
state. The figures today, though, are no
more out of focus than they were ten
years ago when the 1880 census was about
to reveal that the states congressional
delegation was going to be increased by
one.
Whether or not anything can be done
from a practical standpoint ABOUT re-
districting the state, at least we should
be committed to the general idea of
giving equal representation to each and
every elector. AS a matter of fact few
more people in one district than another
doesn't actually amount to very much.
But the principle of the thing is that con-
gressional districts are supposed to be set
up in such a way that they will be as
equal numerically as it is possible to make
them. Area does not count for anything.
A unit is used in determining the num-
Der of congressman to which state is
entitled on the basis of total population.
Therefore it would seem as if state au-
thorities had some sort of duty to see
that this same integer was used in de-
termining the extent of congressional
district. Undoubtedly this was done at
one time, but population shifts have been
noticeable in this century, so much so
that any state which has repeatedly redis
tricted is just the same as Connecticut.
The 1941 Legislature might pay some
heed to the question of new district lines,
If the matter can be actually separated
from the political lines that mark our
House and Senate in the General
Assembly.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Dig a Little Deeper

Controller Thomas Conlon's figures on
the amount of money that was owed the
city as of last December 81, 1889, are not
staggering nor alarming. Still the mere
fact that this city is owed over 100000
in back taxes of various sorts is enough
to make most of us bit uncomfortable.
Everyone wants to know if ne or she is
included in the list of delinquent tax
payers Sometimes man or woman may
overlook a back bill, but not very often.
When the majority of these cases are
sifted out it is found that there are two
definite reasons for non-payment - In
ability to pay and refusal to pay.
OF course you can hardly classify the
latter reason as legitimate one for not
paying the money owed the city. 1t isn't,
naturally. But there is tremendous
amount of money tied up by refusal of
persons to pay bills sent to them. There
may be valid excuse for some of them,
but not all. So when you get down to
essential facts and figures the best part
actually owed the city. 1t is just obli-
cation, one that we are morally and legal
ly bound to respect.
We sincerely trust that throughout
the administration of Mayor Vincent
Scully the amount of delinquent tax
money will steadily decrease. 1t would
be an encouraging sign for the entire
community and would, of course, enable
the city fathers to make further conces-
sions to the taxpayer when it comes time
to set up the grand list and estimate run
ming expenses for the next fiscal year. At
least we are assured of constant efforts to
bring in this back tax money which is
the only thing that public officials can
justifiably do.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
LowER-CosT ELECTRICITY
(Hartford Times)

In an effort TO- obtain special
wholesale electric rates for their
loW-cost housing projects, officials
Of Bridgeport, New Haven and New
Britain have conferred to consider
whether a diesel-powered electric
plant could be installed more eco
nomnically than results from the
best rate obtainable from the utility
companies.
These officials also understand
that electric light companies in
more than one city of the State
have granted special wholesale rates
to few large users, who were plan
ming to install their own diesel
plants. Since such special rates are
required to be filed with the State
Public Utilities Commission, it
should be possible to determine the
facts. If 1t appears that diesel COM
petition has made 1t advisable for
utility companies to make special
concessions in the case of some pri-
vate users, similar approach to the
problem by Housing Authorities
might produce results.
Whether the dieSel-poWered cleo
uric plant Is feasible means of pro-
ducing current for housing projects,
is a matter on which competent en-
gineers can no doubt give enlighten-
ing advice. r..
There will be general public ap-
prevail Of the idea that low-cost
housing projects should have the
benefit of the lowest electric rates
than can legitimately be had.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Selected Poem
INTERVAL BY THE SEA

Games L. Wilson in the Poets Column,
Hartford CouranD
l wandered where the surf comes in
Along a barren shore,
Where sands are warm against the wind
And angry breakers roar.
The sun was down across the bay:
The tide put out to sea.
A steamer went its lonely way,
And the shore was left to me.
Above me on a rocks rough plane,
I traved this ancient scroll:
Two victims of the hurricane;
May God have found their souls.
This, mimic OF a churchyards keep,
Alone on this atoll,
Stand guard while these two mortals sleep
Lest waves again enfold'
l wandered back to the surf again,
Along a barren shore,
Where sands are warm against the wind,
And angry breakers roar.
A host OF stars looked down on me.
And scowled as if they said:
This is the kingdom OF the sea
And the castle of its dead.'
l laughed, but silence grippcd my throat,
And echoes passed along
The line of dunes to place remote,
And the sea took up its song.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
In Today's Mail
LAY OFFS IN EMPLOYMENT
CONSTITUTES SERIOUS
PROBLEM HERE
149 S. Main st.
April 9th, 1910.

There is problem confronting
local employers, employees and
through them the whole of Wa
terbury. This problem has to be
solved in order to avoid more seri-
Gus consequences later.
The problem is the tendency to
employ large groups of men for pc
RODS of a few weeks or months
then lay them off. The same APP
plies throughout the country. We
need only be concerned locally
those of you who are so fortunate
as to hold steady positions need
not think that this problem does
not affect you because it surely
does now and is increasingly max
ing inroads on your living STAN
dards, 1t hurts every man, wom-
an and child in Waterbury.
A salaried man has to draw a
salary every week nowadays, to
keep even, that is a big part of
of our problem, the drawing in OF
strange help and the resulting
picking of the best, the worry OF
a thus insecure employee, the con-
niving of handshakers, the disrupt
ing of business, of city government,
will if continued seriously under
mine the whole city as it has in
varying degrees thus far.
Not thinking of myself but rath-
er the newly married man, the
young fellow after his first job, the
man over forty fighting his last
battle for future security and last
ly the man like myself having
grown children and the mind and
heart to try and give them a bet
ter chance.
I particularly hope that this
reaches the attention of a man
in position to help and possessing
the spirit of Americanism, the spirit
Of civic interest at heart and the
brain to plan a course with his fell
low industrialists to really do some
thing for Waterbury, 1t is highly
possible that a solution would help
America as a whole.
Sincerely,
GEORGE N. SMITH.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17

retire $4,000, O0O, 900 worth Of out
standing government bonds. Auto
matically, this would reduce the
outstanding debt, so that instead
of the total being near the 49,
O00,0O0O0O limit it would only be
slightly over $4,000, 200, 600.
That would leave room within
the statutory limit for $2,000,-
100000 of new spending, ample
to cover the 5000, 100000 tackled
on to the farm bill, the additional
$500, 100000 desired for WPA, and
the $3.50, 1000 to $500, 000, 900 pro-
posed for a new PWA program.
The New Dealers admit their
plan is roundabout and that it
would be simpler to divert the
$4,000, 100000 directly into the
general spending Sund. But
Morgenthau opposing, they see
no alternative.
Furthermore, they predict that
If a Republican regime comes into
power next year, this is exactly
what it will do to balance the
budget.
DANISH PASTRY
Shortly after the Germans in
vaded Denmark and Norway, Kurt
Sell, German newsman, walked
out to lunch with an American
newsman, Walter Fitzmaurice.
Crossing Seventh street, they were
debating the choice Of -estaur-
ants. --5 ~.
Said Sell with a grin, ''You can't
expect me to 60 to the Allies
Countered Fitznaurice, How
about the Danish Rose?"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Views of The Press
FAMOUS STREETS
(Boston Post)

.T (BOSCOn POSC)
Broadway in New York is prob
ably the country's most famous
street with Fifth avenue ranking
high. If plans now being discussed
materialize, another New York
thoroughfare may become, not only
the country's, but the worlds most
famous street. It is Sixth avenue.
Right now Sixth avenue is a pretty
sorry looking place. Removal of the
old elevated structure has, it is true,
revealed fine architecture here and
there. But the old buildings are
covered with SCOT and CRIME and
their adaptation to commercial US
ages has robbed most of them of
whatever beauty they may have had
originally. But the Sixth Avenue
Association hopes some day to make
it a boulevard of arcades, trees,
flower boxes and gay colors like
some of the famous streets of Paris
and Rome. Such a romantic setting
in the heart of New York would
indeed spread its fame through the
world.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Current Comment

Looking ahead, it is conceivable
that, in our own interest, we
should enter the war now in order
to prevent stalemate.
Maj. Gen. John F. Organ, for
mer commander, 9th division,
U. S. Army.
China will sooner or later wear
Japan out because there are 48O
million people there, one-fourth OF
the population of the world. Japans
task of conquest is impossible.
DR.. Egbert w. Smith, senior sec
rotary, foreign mission committee
OF the Southern Presbyterian
church.
We must have a free legal pro-
fesSion If we are to have freedom
in America.
Charles A. Beardsley, president
American Bar Association.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
@. Who invented the monograph?

@. Who invented the monograph?
A. The invention was conceived
by Thomas A. Edison August %,
1877, who gave instructions on how
to build 1t to John Kreusi, one Of
his mechanics. Edison applied for
patent December "a, 1877, and 1t
was issued February 49,, 1887; No.
2OO,521. 1t is said that edison in
tended to invent telegraph re-
peater, but instead invented the
phonograph. The first words spoken
into the new instrument were the
lines of the verse, MARY Had A
Little Lamb"
@. When were the first United
States coins minted?
A. The monetary system was es-
tablished by Act of Congress ap-
proved April 2, 1892 and the first
coins were struck in 1893.
@. Was the murder OF Stanley
Ketchel, middleweight boxing cham
pion, ever solved?
A. Ketchel was shot and killed
October Is, 1910, on a ranch near
Joplin, Missouri. Walter A. Dipley
(alias Walter Hurtz) confessed to
the crime, claiming that he was
jealous of Ketchel for attentions he
received from Goldie Smith. cook
at the ranch where Ketchel was
living. Dipley was sentenced to life
Imprisonment
@. What is the highway distance
from New York to Washington?
A. 234 miles.
If you want Opy of the book
let ''The Dog and Cat Book" send
to The Waterbury Democrats :
washington Bureau, 1913 Thir-
teenth street, Washington, ID. c.
Enclose 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
What's Your |. O.?
Can you answer seven of these
test questions? Turn to last page
for the answers.

l. How many amendments has the
United States Constitution?
2. Which were the first people to
make paper, the Chinese, Egyptians,
or Greeks?
8. Which is correct: Can it be
them, or Can 1t be they?"
4. BY what other name is the
House of Representatives Special
Committee to Investigate Un-Am-
erican Activities" known?
S. How long did the Russo-Fin-
niSh war last?
6. What is the meaning and cor
rect pronunciation of ex libris?
7. What is the highest rating that
can eventually be bestowed on
graduate of the U. S. Coast Guard
Academy?
8. Where is Little America?
9. From what country did the
United States purchase the Virgin
Islands?
10. What famous English poet
went blind?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
MERRY-GO-ROUND

Most distinctive diplomatic car
is the British ambassadors, Lord
Lothian. It's Bentley, British make,
with right wheel drive, long, low
slung, and called by British "a
fOur-and-a-quarter litre car
Congressman Tom Hennings of st.
Louis has found seven million dol
larS-in the hands of New York
bankers-which he believes can
be used to pressure Mexico in
settlement of the oil dispute. The
Mexicans claim title to the money,
but Hennings would appropriate
it, as retaliation against Mexican
appropriation State Depart
ment's Ben Cherrington, chief
of the newly established Cultural
Relations Division, is on the way
out. He willie go back to Col
orado Twenty three years
ago the U. S. purchased the Virgin
Islands from Denmark. The other
day the Interior Department re-
ceived a letter from a Connecticut
clergyman reading, "Can you give
me any data on the group of
islands recently purchased from
Denmark? AS a young minister
I feel it my duty to teach the
heathens the true way of living
and worship" The first Christian
church was established in the
Virgin Islands more than $50 years
ago.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
FITTING RECOGNITION
Boston Postl

Launching Of the submarine Tri-
ton and the christening Of the vessel
at the Portsmouth Navy Yard by
Mrs. Ernest King. wife Of Rear Ad-
miral King of the ilavy'S general
board, is OF peculiar New England
interest. Admiral King, who later
headed the navy,s bureau Of aeron-
autics, was commandant Of the big
submarine base ct New London and
capably directed the raising Of the
S-51 when 1t was rammed by a
tanker off Block Island. It was 1T
ting that Mrs King was selected to
sponsor the Triton which has thus
been added to the big list Of our
submersible defenders turned out
by Portsmouth's mechanics. Such
recognition Of living officers who
have contributed to the rebuilding
Of the navy and have taken part
In its thrilling exploits u naturally
q source Of pleasure to navy men.
enlisted personnel and officers alike.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17

Windsor didn't do much celebrating
last Saturday night when the last trolley
car from Hartford rolled into town and
then pulled out on it's farewell trip to the
barns. Windsor today is linked with
Hartford by bus. The trolleys came to
town As years ago amid much fanfare,
but it was very quiet when the last ride
was made Saturday night. And so it
goes with the passing of major mode OF
transportation The auto has squeezed
the life out of the trolley.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
Daily Almanac

Moon sets 2:O9 a. m.
Sun rises Sill a. M; sets 6:33 p. m.
All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes
after slmslt.
Another phase OF the moon must turn be-
fore April really resolves herself into present.
able spring weather. AL of which may mean
late crop of spring vegetables. Flowing is
late this year because the frost penetrated so
deeply this winter.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
GROWER WILL GET
SMALL SHARE

Cotton is different sort of prob
lem. Most of the money spent on
the food stamp scheme found its
way to the farmer. With cotton,
not more than about 20 cents out
of every dollar will go to the grow
err; the rest will go to labor, to dis
tribution and to the retailer. It's
the first time the stamp plan has
offered a cut to agricultural
labor, which will get the biggest
slice of all.
Plan will be the same as for
food stamps, in that the same peo-
pie reliefs will participate,
and will get free stamps, good in
, any store, along with the stamps
they pay cash for. Stamps will be
good for purchases of cotton goods.
The plan will be different in that
stamps will be distributed quar-
terly instead Of twice a month;
also the outlets will be mostly de-
partment stores instead of grocery
stores.
Nobody knows yet, of course,
whether it will be as popular. No.
body knows what sort of cotton
goods the stamp recipients will
want-mattresses, shirts, under
wear, sheets, or What-not. Nobody
is even sure that the plan is adj
ministratively feasible. That's why
it'll start slowly.
STAMP PLAN
EXPANDS
Meanwhile, the food stamp plan
gives every sign of being destined
to go on getting bigger instead of
smaller. It's expanding FAST now; is
operating in so cities, will start
presently in 20 more, will probably
be in 100 by July and 125 shortly
thereafter
Which means costs are going up.
BY March l of this year, $780,
900 had been spent on it; to main
tain it through the next fiscal
year, which begins in July, at the
rate it will be going when July
comes, will take anywhere from
SIS 100000 to $1OOOOO,0 900.
Even that doesn't tap the plans
possibilities. Operating in 1875 cit
les, the plan will reach only g.
100000 people-and there are TO-
100000 eligible in the U. S. To let
than p'l ir on it would take
around $36O,OO0,0O0 a year.
Don't be too sure congress won't
eventually vote that. The plan
builds up coolies of home
pressure. This spring, when the
senate was asked to tack $85 ,O0O,-
900 in stamp funds onto the farm
bill, the vote in favor was 70 to 0.
The thing may easily keep on
growing until it approaches the
maximum.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-17
CONNECTICUT HERO
Boston Post)

Not all the heroes are on the bat
tlefieldS of Norway. Near at hand we
have Oscar James, the truck driver
Of Stonington, Conn. Weakened from
sleep at dawn on Tuesday morning
by the heavy odor of gasoline, he
discovered his community in danger
of being wiped out by a gasoline
leak and sounded the alarm. His
action, prompt and intelligent, saved
the lives perhaps of hundreds of
people and averted a major catas-
trophe. He deserves medal as
much as any soldier.