davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18

French troops counter-attacked
bitterly with varying success, gain
ing ground at some points 70 COM
pensate for losses at others.
Admitting that the Germans had
made slight progress at several
points In the Avesnes sector, the
informant said that the French
successfully counter-attacked.
The German attacks were strong
est OF all In the Vervins sector, the
informant said, but diminished last
night on a line fixed by the high
command where French tanks went
forward 10 meet the enemy.
Attacks Repulsed
French troops repulSed German
attacks south OF Sedan, 10 the east
OF the Vervins-AvesneS sector, the
informant said, and even threw
back the attackers.
Formidable German attacks
against French advanced fortified
positions In the Montmedy sector,
southeast OF Sedan, were repulsed,
II was asserted.
From Montmedy eastward 10 the
Rhine, along the Maglnot line, there
was nothing important TO report
the informant said.
At the bottom OF the Meuse pock-
eli, lIkewlse, the informant said,
there was nothing TO report and
French reinforcements were nor
mally taking the battle positions as
signed them.
Strategic Retreat
British troops repulsed heavy Ger
man attacks Thursday and yester-
day along the Antwerp.Sambre
river line, IL was asserted, but q
strategic retreat was ordered In view
OF the general situation. II was In
sisted that the Allies on that front
had repulsed attacks and II was
added that their retirement west.
ward OF Brussels continued
throughout the night without being
pressed by the Germans,
The summation Of French MILL
tary Informants was that ehe bat.
Tie on the southern French-Bel
CLAN front was In full swing, II re-
NAMED serious but II was not 80
catastrophe MS some thought u
Yesterday, and this mornings i'm.
preston was better.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
VAN LOON HAS
CHALLENGED AUSTIN

Greenwich, Conn, May 18.-UPl
Hendrix Willem Can Loon, noted
author, today challenged Represen-
tatiye Albert II. Austin, Republican,
Greenwich, TO q public debate mere
on "The Presidents Public Appear
arce 10 ASK the American People 70
Arm Themselves Against the Mem
ace OF Foreign Invasion was En-
tirely Warranted" - -.
Van Loon telegraphed Austin ~
Warrington. The debate, Van Loon
said, will accelerate your oisap-
pearance from @ legislative pody
where you are merely an expense 70
the Taxpayers. They could use the
money more profitably than TO give
YOU a few years holiday"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
Verdict Comes AS
Surprise In Court
CONTINUED Fgvsn Page y

100000 through manipulation OF the
company's assets. The others In
volved In the case In addition 10 the
three men above mentioned are
George and Robert Dietrich. Musica,
and Arthur Vornard-Musica, broth
ers OF Coster.Musica; Leonard and
John jenkins, brothers OF Coster-
Musica's widow; and Benjamin 81.
mon, former emplcye OF the ex-drug
king.
Coster's Past Revealed
The investigation OF the firms af-
fairs developed that Coster was q
notorious swindler and ex-conyict
whose right name was Philip Musi-
CO, and who had masqueraded Tor
years Oh q highly respected business
man under tho name OF "Coster."
When his identity was made known
and his drug kingdom crashed Cos
ter committed suicide.
The government through TWO OF
its most able attorneys, Irving H.
Kaufman and Howard Corcoran, the
latter tho brother OF Thomas Cor.
coran, President Rooscvelt's right
hand man, tTommy the Cork, who
Ia only ~ years OF age sought TO
prove that Phillips and Merwin used
their connections 10 sell securities
offered by Coster-Musica and ac-
quiesced In his Illegal operations.
McGI00n "COster's Servan"
Mcdloon the government tried TO
prove was the obedient servant OF
Coster. Musica ct o salary OF $ib,-
900 O year, who as controller OF Nc
Reasons, permitted the company's
books to DO used TO cover up the
arch sWindler,
All three men, Phillips, Merwin
and Mcdloon denied knowledge OF
the activities OF Coster-Musica I'm.
TIL the McKesson drug Kingdom, fell
down on him. All claimed that they
were under Coster's spell and Oh
ways regarded him as a genius and
one OF the greatest business men OF
all times, He was referred TO IN
practically the same terms by Oil de-
PENDANTS during the trial, their
words In substance being II thought
he was the greatest business man OF
oil times"
The activities OF Coster were
amazing and 10 colossal that one OF
the countries best known authors Is
said TO be writing book on his ac-
tiv!ties.
Summarized Activities
Young Asst. States Atty. Howard
Corcoran In his argument TO the
Jury against the accused men per-
haps summarized Coster's activities
as we'll as anybody.
"This case has taken us on q
tour around the globe. We've been
10 Europe, Asia, Canada and all
corners OF the earth trying to tell
the story Of Coster. Now It's time
we returned TO New York and got
down TO EARTH" Atty, Corcoran told
the jury.
Coster had plans 10 take over
some OF the biggest corporations IN
the world and Phillips. Merwin and
his other associates believed that he
could, they testified.
The proposition Of taking over a
$5.00O,000 or sl0,000.000 concern was
nothing to Coster. He had plans
TO take over the United Cigar sNores,
the Kolynos Tooth Paste firms and
practically ail Of the big drug firms
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
disagreement would DO reported b,

disagreement would DO reported by
tho Jurors
MGGlOOn Guilty
John II. Medloon, allogodly q CO.
eonspirator with Phillips and Mer-
win, was also found not guilty on
tho charges on which Phillips and
MorWin were freed, but was found
guilty on o separate Securities and
Exchange Commission count, Nc.
Gloon, who WINS controller OF tho g.
gantie drug kingdom OF McKosson
and Robbins when the throne OF
Coster as head OF tho firm crashed,
faces o maximum term OF two years
In prison and q $4,000 fine. His at
torney, Frederick Ironside, an
nouneod following the rendering OF
tho jury verdict that no would move
for u dismissal OF the v0rdist against
his client.
The decision OF the Jury In re-
Speet 10 Phillips and Morwin became
apparent ut 1890 y. m. when the
Jurors entered the courtroom and
announced that they had decided the
cases OF these two defendants, but
wanted further instructions In the
case OF Mcdloon. The decision OF the
Jurors struck tho courtroom Oh o
bombshell as attorneys and those
present In the courtroom, Oh above
stated, had given up oil hopes OF q
verdict and were visloning o retrial
OF the case. The case was In It's elev-
onth week, and while not 10 DO COM
pared with the Waterbury conspiracy
trial In the length Of time required
TO hear II was regarded by New York
lawyers ns ono OF the longest heard
In the federal court In New York In
years. II took nine months 10 try tho
Waterbury case, Things move much
faster In the federal courts than they
do IN the Connecticut Superior
Court.
Judge Surprised
Judge Grover Mosc0Witz, one OF
the best known members OF the fed
oral judiciary OF the country, who
presided nj the trial OF the case, was
On much surprised ut the agreement
Of the jury as anybody else In the
courtroom.
Before discharging the jury, Judge
Moscowitz said:
"While people may disagree with
verdicts OF juries under our system,
they have the final say In cases OF
this character and 10 long as II rep.
resents your conscientious Judgment,
there can be no possible criticism"
Foreman Announces IL
The jury foreman James p.
O'Neill q dispatcher for the New
York Edison Co., announced the de.
cision with regard TO Phillips and
MerwIn ut i0:30 and stated that he
and other members OF the jury were
having trouble with the case OF Nc
Gloon because they could not de-
termine whether he (McGloon) was
aware OF the fictitious inventories In
the McKesson warehouses. The fl
nal verdict In all cases was rendered
Mt 1880 p. m.
Judge Moscowitz continued until
next Wednesday the hearing OF mo-
tions and discussion OF sentences OF
McGloon and six other defendants
who had pleaded guilty.
Grew Out OF Swindle
The charges against Mr.. Phillips
and Merwin and the others In
volvod grew out OF the disclosure 10
months ago that Coster-Musica had
SwIndled the giant drug firm Of tsi,-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
In the nation.
Dummy 90. Set Up

AH viz HubAVAA,
Dummy 60. Set Up
The story OF his setting up
dummy McKesson firm In Canada,
known as McISesson Ltd, Is too well
known 10 merit much repetition. He
set up and done business through
the dummy concern known as me.
Kesson's Ltd" and these manipula-
tons made possible the gigantic
fraud alleged.
Phillips and Merwin were made
the target OF the government at
torneys In the trial OF the case.
They stoutly denied throughout long
and severe cross examination that
they knew Of Coster's activities un"
III the crash came.
BootIegging Charges
Bo0tlegging was ono OF the
charge featured In the alleged ac-
tiyitios OF Coster
The jury yesterday asked for sew
eral exhibits IN the case and had
several portions OF the evidence IN
The case roread TO them.
Phillips, Merwln Happy
Phillips and Merwin were per-
haps two OF the happiest men IN
New York last night and were being
warmly congratulated by o large
number OF friends, who were pres.
Ont In the courtroom when the Jury
verdict was rendered.
Phillips was born In BROOKLYN.
N. Y, and after attending u prepar-
ntory school entered the brokerage
business as runner for n New York
iirm' Within few years he be-
came associated with the r, y
driggs and Co. OF this city and had
phenomenal financial and social sue.
cess.
On Many Boards
Phillips Las been or Is q direc.
TOR and member of the eXecu.
tive committe Of McKesson a.
Robbins, Inc, OF Maryland, and A
director OF the McKeSson ~ Rob:
bins, Inc, OF this state, McKesson
~ Robbins, Ltd, OF Canada, Blge.
low 90. Of New Haven, Clark
Brothers Bolt Co., OF southington,
Bridgeport Brass Co., Automatic
Machine Co., Claude Neon Co. OF
Connecticut, T. A. d. Jones CO..
OF New Haven, Beacon Valley siI.
YER Fox Co., Drummer Engineering
Co., New York, and executor and
trustee OF the r. J. Kingsbury es.
tate, OF New Haven. He Is also O
director OF the Colonial Trust Co
During the World War, he was
vice-chairman OF the Liberty Loan
committee Of this city and for
western Connecticut. He served In
the state guard during 1917 and
1918.
Prominent CIubman
Mr.. Phillips Is president OF the
Country Club OF Waterbury, and
q member Ut Waterbury club, ST.
Nicholas club, Of New York, Black
Rock Yacht club. Of Bridgeport,
WATERFOWL Riding club, Quinni-
piac club, New Haven; Knlcker.
hacker Whist club, New York;
Manufacturers club, Liberty lodge,
Masons, Waterbury. and st. Johns
Episcopal church, Waterbury.
Mr.. Phillips was married Sept.
30, 1914, at Grove Beach, West
brook, TO Harriette Staples Wheeler,
O daughter Of Arthur Martin
Wheeler professor Of history at
Yale university.
Mr.. and Mrs. Phillips have four
daughters.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
WALCOTT's SON DIES

Norfolk, Conn.,, May l8-(UP)--
Private funeral services we're held
today for Alexander q. Waloott, 80,
son OF former U. 8, Son. Frederic
q. Waleott, who died yesterday OF
leukemia, Ho leaves his widow and
q son. Waleott, while O medicine
student, diagnosed leukemia, O blood
digeago,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
DENOMINATION OF
PRESIDENT SEEN
Continued from Page y
Need Issues

/
Need Issues
Assuming that Mr.. Roosevelt u
the Democratic nominee, The Re-
publican problem Is TO discover n
hard hitting campaign issue II the
third term fails 10 arouse popular
resentment, There are plenty OF doc
nestle Issues already raised or on
paper but the almost Incompetent"
gIble turn OF events IN Europe mas
for the time being minImlzcd Their
potential Vote-gcttIng power IN The
opinion OF some leaders. Others, Of
course, are confident that the Dem"
oeratB are riding for n 1910 fall re-
gardleSS OF who N UP.
The southern conservative Demo.
cratic phaianx which opposed MI
Roosevelt through the years OF ms
second administration has criimbled
except for what amounts OF little
more than individual opposition
here and there. Vice President John
NJ Gamers campaign hominally
was predIcated upon the theory that
Mr., Roosevelt would not be o cam
dldate, But u Ia generally accepted
as an antl-thIrd term movement
and was no dealt with by Demo-
cratic organizations where the TWO
men met IN preferential primary
contests.
Wants Vice Presidency
Postmaster General James A,
Farley rs q candidate but actually
iS running for the vice presidential
nomination on p ticket headed by
Hull, The other Democrats refused
even 10 enter the contest pending
word from Mr.. Roosevelt that ne
would not run himself.
The United Press canVaSsed VET"
cran politicians OF both parties for
an eyaluation OF Mr., RooseyeltS
present political position and thclr
answers combined 10 make nm the
1910 Democratic faVorlte a8 OF today.
Republicans are rG-eXamlninB thelr
oyp position In light OF the past
SlgS European developments and
the tremendously favorable popular
reaction TO Mr.. Roo8eyelpB b0OOO"
plane national defense message
Some Republicans now aeKhoWl"
edge the wisdom OF Democratic
strategy In postponing their conyen-
ton 10 July. Publication this week
Of reports that the Republican ma
tlonai Convention would be post
poned from the June "a date now
fixed arose merely from the WISH
OF some Republicans that postpone
ment could be achieved. FeelerS
went out but found Bcant welcome
and chairman John y. M. Hamilton
Of the Republican national commit
lee promptly denied the report
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18
CYCLIsT FATALLY HURT

New London, Conn.,, May i8--tUP)
--Eight.yenr.old Donald Congdon
was struck fatally last night when
the bicycle no was pedallng waS
Gtruek by an automobile operated
by Bessie Home, assistant superin-
tondent OF Home Memorial Hospital.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-18

For some time after the war
started more than 100 marriage IL
censes were issued daily In Birmins.
ham, England.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
TWO CCC BOYS
GET FIFTY DAYS
Leipsic Campers Sentenced
For Carrying Concealed
Deadly Weapons
BOTH PLEAD GUILTY

Judge John P. LeFevre, in Court
of Common Pleas Friday afternoon
sentenced two Wilmington enroll
ees at the CCC camp at Leipsic to
a total of so days Imprisonment
on charges of carrying concealed
deadly weapons. William D. Moore,
who was charged with having a
long-bladed fish knife, was given
20 days Imprisonment. Arthur
Wilson, Jr., who had a loaded 32-
caliber revolver, was sent to jail
for 80 days. Both pleaded guilty.
The two were arrested by State
Police Corp. Sudler H King We'd
nesday night on complaint of the
camp officials that the two had
made threats after being ordered
to extra duty. Moore is alleged to
have threatened Corp. Raymond
Floyd of the camp with a long
knife when ordered to kitchen po-
lice and Wilson is alleged to have
threatened him with revolver
when ordered on extra duty. Both
youths denied the allegations.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
DRIVER HELD
FOR S2,5OO BAIL
AutOist Accused of Running
Down Highway Inspector
South of Smyrna
HELD ON TWO CHARGES

William Williams, 38, of Phila-
delphia, was charged with running
down Norman Wagner, 36, of
Viola, an inspector of the State
Highway Department, on Sunday
night, south of Smyrna. Judge
John P. LeFevre, in the Court of
Common Pleas, fixed bail at a total
of $4,000. Bail was set at $1,000
on a charge of operating an auto
mobile while under the influence of
liquor, and at 81 500 on a charge
of assault and battery by automo-
bile. Williams is alleged to have
crashed the barrier set up by high
way department inspectors at the
beginning of the northbound de-
tour over the road paralleling the
Old Age Welfare Home, south Of
Smyrna, following the washout of
the Smyrna bridges over both the
dual highway and Main Street.
Williams, it is charged, ignored
flares which had been set up and
the directing lights of inspectors.
Police said he crashed into an un-
occupied highway truck after al
legedly hitting Wagner. Wagner
is in Kent General Hospital with
one leg fractured in three places.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
COUNTY CLUBS
MEET IN DOVER
Annual Achievement Day of
Home Demonstration Clubs;
To See Fashion Show
TO HEAR WRITER SPEAK

The annual Achievement Day of
Kent County Home Demonstration
Clubs will be held in the activity
room of the Dover community
school on Thursday, September 10.
Mrs. Duane Lynne of Milford,
county president, will open the
meeting at 1870 o'clock. A panel
discussion led by Miss Louise Whit
comb, Home Management Special
ist, on the accomplishments of the
work so far this year in Kent
County will be first on the pro-
gram. The morning session will
also include a Fashion Show of
basic dresses made by the club
members, presentation of reading
certificates to all those who have
completed the reading course by
Mrs. Royden Hammond, State Lii
brarian, and a talk your Health
by Miss Pearl Macdonald, Exten-
sion Nutritionist. At 2 o'clock the
principal speaker of the afternoon,
Mrs. Doree Smedley of New York
City, will talk to the group on the
subject entitled Your Only Young
Twice" Club members feel very
fortunate to have secured Mrs.
Smedley's services for this meet
ing as she has written several art
icles for Good Housekeeping mag
azine, has just completed a book
which will be published in January,
and has just returned from lee
ture tour over the country. A
flower show and food exhibit will
be held in connection with this
meeting. A list of the classes in
each will be sent to all club men,
bers. This meeting is open to the
public and those interested in the
work are cordially invited to at
tend. For any further information,
get in touch with Miss Hazel Oar
rell, Home Demonstration Agent.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
SO COMPANIES
PARADE TONITE
Estimate 1000 Firemen Will
Take Part i'm Parade as
State Convention Ends
TO HOLD STREET DANCE

The annual parade of the Della
ware Volunteer Firemen's Assoeia-
tion, scheduled for $50 o'clock to-
night, will take the following
route: Starting on Main and
North Streets, south on Main to
Frazier, west on Frazier to Pearl,
north on Pearl to South, east on
South to Market, north on Market
to Commerce, west on Commerce
to Union, north on Union to Mt
Vernon, east on Mt. Vernon to
Main, south on Main to South,
west on South to Market, breaking
up on Market Street Plaza. The
judges stand will be on Main
Street between Mt. Vernon and
Commerce. Chief William ]. Lutz,
of the Wilmington Bureau of Fire,
will choose out-of-state firemen to
act as judges. j. Harper Jones,
chairman of the convention COM
mittee, estimated that approx
imately 1000 firemen will partici-
pate in the parade. SO companies
have accepted, reporting individual
entries of from 15 to IS members.
There will be % cash prizes award
ed. Governor Richard G. McMul-
len will review the parade. I'M
mediately following the parade, a
street dance will be held on Mar
ket Street Plaza. Mayor William
E. Matthews welcomed the dele
gates to the convention yesterday.
II have no key to the city to pre-
sent to you," he stated, "but the
doors of Smyrna open without a
key" Mayor Matthews paid trib-
ute to the local firemen, lauding
them for their work and coopera-
ton when the bridges washed out
here two weeks ago. He congrat-
ulated the general Association for
volunteer services in the salvation
Of life and property. Vice-Presi-
dent John w. Moore responded to
the Mayors address. The newly
formed fire company at FELTON, was
admitted to the Association by
popular vote. The speaker at to-
days meeting will be F. B. 1. agent
CONTINUED on Page Five)
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
ROTARY HOST
TO CHENOWETH
Arthur ChenOweth, District
Governor, Visits Smyrna
Club; Reports Given
DEMOCRACY WAS THEME

The Smyrna Rotary Club last
Thursday evening was host to Gov
ernor Arthur Chenoweth of the
184th District of Rotary Interna-
tional. Preceding the regular
meeting, a club assembly was held,
at which all the committee chair
men had the opportunity to pre-
sent the objectives of their COM
mittees. Some very constructive
reports were made by the chair
men. Vice-President Harvey Jones,
also chairman of the club service,
distributed the first club bulletin
to the members and presented the
objectives of the program commit
tee for the year. Community ser
vice projects were offered by past
district governor w. E. Mathews,
Jr.; Boys work by George Wright,
Classifcations by George Fearon,
and Charles Hall reported on Vo-
.cational Service. The exchange of
national flags was reported as be-
ing one activity of the Internation-
al Service Committee. Elmer Cor
rie reported on the publicity for
the club. District Governor Chen
oweth was introduced to the club
by w. E. Matthews, Jr. Mr.. Chen
oweth lauded the Smyrna Club for,
its outstanding work in community,
service and for this years con-
structive program. Attendance
was cited as of great Importance
to any club, Rotary being just
what each member makes it. Vo-
cationa1 service in the true Rotary
sense is an individual responsible
ity. Each must do something to
improve the standards in his voca-
ton. The speaker emphasized the
importance of the maintenance of
Democracy by the uninterrupted
continuance of the privileges of
free speech, free press, and free
radio and the necessity for the
world to return to the belief in a
supreme intelligence who has an
ultimate plan for world truth and
justice. Davis H. Bell responded
to the District Governors talk.
President George R. Miller, Jr..
presided at both meetings of the
evening. The following were guests
of the club: Mrs. Arthur Cheno-
weth, Mrs. William E. Matthews.
Jr., Mrs. George r. Miller, Jr.,
Mrs. Harvey c. Jones and Mrs.
Harry o. Bostick. Frank Richard
son from the Dover Club was a
visitor William Joyce was the
guest of Rynear Slaughter and
Leon Pierce of William Matthews.
Because of the Firemen's Carnival
next week the weekly meeting of
the club has been called off.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
Kent Democratic Primaries Sept.

Kent DcmOcrdClc fILmdThS StpC. O
The Kent County Democratic
primary election will be held on
September %. The deadline for
filing of candidates will be Sep
tember IS, at 6 p. m. The dates
were fixed Friday night at a meet
ing of the county committee with
Josiah o. Wolcott, Jr., chairman,
presiding. Two vacancies on the
committee were filled by the COM
mittee. Carl Prettyman succeeds
Wilbur Wilds, resigned, in the sec
ond election district of the Third
Representative District, and George
Dorsey Torbert replaces Clifford
Milburn, resigned, in the first cleo
ton district, Eighth Representa-
tive District. The first candidate
to file was Caleb w. johnson, Mag
nolia, seeking the nomination for
Levy Court commissioner from the
Third Levy Court District, Secre-
tary e. Y. Williams announced.
Smyrna times., 1940-09-12
VETERAN DIES
IN CHESWOLD
T. A. Hammond, Last Surviv-
ing Member of Delaware
Volunteers, Dies at SO
THREE LEFT IN STATE

! Thomas A. Hammond, one of the
-four surviving Civil War veterans
in Delaware, died early Thursday
at the home of his sister, Mrs. Will
liam Ford, in Cheswold. He was
98 years old. Mr.. Hammond, q
past commander of the Depart
ment of Delaware, Grand Army of
the Republic, formerly lived in
Wilmington. He was commander
of Thomas A. Smyth Post, No. 1,
Wilmington, named after the COM
mander of the First Delaware In
fantry and also the last Union gen.
eral killed in the war. Mr.. Ham
mond's death leaves Henry Ban
zett of Dover the only Civil War
veteran in Kent County. Others
in the state are George w. Baker,
Wilmington, and Joseph Berry,
Milford. Mr.. Hammond, a sergeant
in the First Delaware Infantry,
served throughout the four years
of the war, including the fighting
at Farmville, Va, that helped to
bring about the surrender of Cen
Robert E. Lee and his Army of
Northern Virginia at Appomatox.
He was the last surviving member
of the Delaware Volunteers 1t
was his boast that soon after the
surrender he met Lee and shook
l. l.
man." Hammond said, "even if he
did fight on the other side" Ham
CONTINUED on Page FIve)