davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Honest Acts, Not Enough?

One of the most penetrating comments we have read for many day on todayS world came out of a Panama newspaper the other day. The editor was discussing North American relations with Central and South America, and the manner in which Axis propaganda is trying to un- dermine every step that is taken to in- crease good will. The United States, he believes, twill make no headway if it de- pends only on the honesty of it's acts, the sanity of it's intentions, and the integrity of its attitude being correctly interpreted, because the enemy may always be trusted to act so as to distort and disfigure every act so as to discredit the United States and further it's own ends
 Well, there you have it. Honest acts, sane intentions, integrity of atti- tude - all vain without a propa- ganda which all will persuade people that they are really such, propaganda cutweighing the other fellows 1nsiStence that it is otherwise. This takes pretty pessimistic view, not only of the situa- ton, but of human nature itself. The United States has never in it's history been less imperialistic toward the countries to the south. There is considerable faith here that in the. long run the solid demon strations of action, the repeated mani festations in concrete form a genuine good will, are certain to prevail.
 At any given moment, NaZi, Fascist, and Falangist propaganda in the Latin countries can whip up certain amount of anti Yankee sentiment But If we build solidly, increasing trade on lines that prove mutually profitable, If we inc crease cultural contacts and learn mutual ResDect for each others ways of living, if Ee develop increasing good will in fact, we shall ride through many propaganda sQualls.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Bravery-PIus

Sheer physical bravery is common enough. Even among the luckless Italian troops in Albania and Libya there are probably plenty of men holding their posts and dying stolidly. But among the British there is certain quality added, an ability to make joke of misfortune and to greet the grimmest fate with a wry smile.
 British booksellers are drawing the ad- miration of the entire American book world by their determination to carry on despite fire and bomb. Their export trade, especially among antiquarians, is encouraged by the government because it brings exchange to England for articles produced long ago.
 Stocks of some have already been dam aged but their defiant spirit is well shown by one who recently advertised in poetic tone but grim spirit: "Rumour, thou lying jade, we have not been hit. We are functioning. Our great stocks are intact. Our buildings have not been damaged" Hard to beat the grin that won't come off!
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

That is not to say that the United States could not do vastly more in pre- senting its point of view to South and Central America. It could, and it should. But to ape the German, Italian, Spanish, or Japanese methods would be fatal. There is good reason to believe that many of the southern countries are fed up with the deluge of propaganda showered upon them from abroad Honest acts, sane in tentionS, integrity of attitude will in the long run prevail, provided that we add to them every reasonable opportunity to have them understood.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

T had rather have plain, russell coated captain that knows what he is fighting for. and loves what he knows, than what you call gentle man. and is nothing else. must have men who have the fear of God before them," he explained. "A few honest men are better than num- bers,ns
 Character counts even in battle. Military commanders want to know not only that the men under them have the capacity to fight, but the will to fight, and the character to appreciate what they are fighting for The men who really win battles are the men who understand what they are fighting for. It takes more than training and equipment to make an army-it takes morale.
 So it is in every walk of life. Character is the most important factor that ever enters into any situation. To have that in an em- ploye. a friend. an associate. or a life mate is to have all. To lack 1t means to have nothing.
 All Rights Reserved-Babson Newspaper Syndicate
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
THE SWISS ELECTION
tHartford courallt)

With the death-rate of European democracy rising, it is pleasant to read the news about the recent elec- tions ill Switzerland Although it is surrounded by totalitarian govern mentS, it has not let their mode of living affect its own. Of course, there
 have been concessions, as there must always be when a small country is dealing with greater ones, but the Swiss have maintained their own principles. It has been a policy of
 bending, but not breaking, which
 they have followed.
 Tn periods of war, they have. al- ways had hard times. But the course of the war, combined with a re- markably strong defense, has thus far protected them from invasion. It is not entirely luck that has brought this about, for Switzerland's policies are the result of careful planning and determination to keep its democracy alive.
 This has been demonstrated in the national election. Although the temptation to do away with parlia- mentary procedure must have been strong, 1t was resisted and the yot- ing was carried of according to schedule. The real news about Switzerland lies in the fact that there is no news, that the Swiss follow their own method of gov- ernment. being satisfied that 1t is the best. s
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

N1OWI1 u
 Hillman is the man on the spot in this situation.
 He is up against the general feeling of his fellow commissioners that the big thing now is to get production rolling fast, regardless of the toes that may incidentally get stepped on.
 On the other hand, organized labor r-both camps expect Hillman to fight for labor first, last and all the time. His usefulness depends on his ability to carry labor,s con- fidences and to retain it he has got to persuade c. I. O. and A. F. L. leaders that Ie is looking out for labor's interests in the handling of the defense program.
 PLEA FOR
 BRITAIN
 His job in this respect would be lot easier if it were not for the two famous Ford contracts.
 Hlllman worked for a declaration of policy by which no defense con- tracts would go to industrialists who were not abiding by the federal la bor laws. By Hillman's interpreta- ton, an adverse Labor Board deci- sion against an employer would until upset by the courts-be prima facie evidence that that employer was out of step.
 He got this declaration out of the commission, watered down by various ifs and buts. Then came the first Ford contract.
 On November 6, when most peo- pie were still counting election re- turns, the War Department sent over to the Defense Commission for clearance an award of a $124,O00, ,0OO contract to Ford fer airplane en- zines. It was shortly followed by earnest pleas from Secretary of War Stimson, Assistant Secretary Patter- son and Air Corps Chief General Arnold.
 In substance, those pleas amount ed to this: England is in a bad way. Shes got to have airplane motors. There are no other avail able facilities but those Ford has. Ford won't make motors for Eng land, but if he makes them for us then others can be released for British use. This is a special case, and it has just got to be okayed." :"
 On these pleas, Hillman withdrew his opposition.
 THEN CAME
 SECOND CONTRACT
 A short time later there came through another Ford contract = this one a $2,000,0o0 affair for light weight trucks, scout cars, etc. There was no British angle.
 Final signature on this one was delayed, while efforts were made to work out a modus operandi which would keep the immense Ford fa- cilities available to the government while still satisfying labor that non- brought to time. (That sounds like union employers were going to be a big order, but fair solution was pretty we'll worked out at one stage) Then that fell through, and the whole argument went back to the status quo.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

The tradition and ceremony which has always attended the inauguration of Connecticut governor will be followed in 1941. Governor-elect Robert A. Hurley and the retiring governor, Raymond E. Baldwin, will ride in the same car in the procession from the Hartford Club to the Capitol. They will be attended by their respective military staffs. As in the past the new governor will receive the oath of office from the Chief Justice of the Con- necticut Supreme Court of Errors, Justice William M Maltbie. Of recent years the turnover in Connecticut governors was not as rapid as it has been in the past two years. Ex-Governor Wilbur L. Cross had four successive terms. Before him there was John H. Trumbull with three terms, lacking one day during which brief interval the Honorable Hiram A. Bing ham held sway. Prior to that, though, there was only one extended tenure in office, that of the late Marcus H. Hol- comb, who ruled for si years, the inn portant war years
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

Gazing at the chronological order of Connecticut governors since the turn of the century, though, those three state executives stand out as long termers - Holcomb, Trumbull, and Cross. Charles A. Templeton of this city had one term, so did Everett Lake before him. Simeon E. Baldwin, Democrat, had two terms, but then you can go all the way back to the years 188993 before you'll find an- other term longer than two years, that of Morgan G. Bulkeley of Hartford, four years. Incidentally after the first of the year Connecticut will have six living former governors.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
HOBBIES TOO

cNew Haven Journal Courier)
 The United States is calling the roll of brains as well as of hrawn. Scientists are registering their technical skills and knowledge for possible defense use. They are fill- ing out questionnaires on which their special abilities are noted. These are kept in a confidential punch-card file. Later, if the government needs a man who speaks Romansch, has travelled in Afghanistan, or knows all about potato beetles. it will have only to run the cards through the selectiye machine.
 Hobbies are listed as well as more formal technical qualifications. The amateur photographer, cryptograph- CT, or model-maker may well find the skill to which he has given his evenings and days of has a definite
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

Two different types of bridge are being considered for the Thames River at New London. Bids on both cantilever and Wichert types were called for and sub- mitted by construction companies. The lows apparently are $3,741, ,92O.5O for the former and $3,843, ,195 on the latter, but as yet no decision as to the kind of bridge this toll span will be has been an nonuced. Beauty and utility, of course, should be combined to keep pace with modern roadway construction.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Selected Poem
THE RIVER AND THE SEA
(South Africa)

 Alice E. Adams in the Christian Science Monitor. Umhlangeni! Home of reeds!' Thro the green encircling hills, the river winds
 its quiet way, Steward it flows, then rests awhile in the still
 lagoon. Only strip of golden sand divides it from the
 ocean. Anon the restless tides creep, OCT the interven-
 ing space To greet the waters in the calm lagoon. In summer rains, the current sweeps in flooded
 might Barriers break river and sea mingle and are
 one. Green loveliness clasps the banks and shore, Bananas wild and plumelike palms, Dense foliage of gnarled fig-trees. Dark greens rich hues of tawny gold, Pale greens of a spring morning. The wealth of gold green. and blue This is the song of the Umhlangeni.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

ready is looking forward to the new Halifax era, when senators and lOwly cCngressmen no longer will be the vogue at Embassy
 dinner tables, as they were
 under Lothian; and when the Ambassador no longer will pick up Rhodes scholars from Wash i4gtOn street corners and bring them to dinner without benefit of stiff shirt bosom.
 From now on, Washington can be sure that all Embassy dinner lists will be guarded by that super-guardian of social prestige, long the czarina of the British embassy. So all will be peace full again.
 HALIFAX AND GANDHI
 However, Viscount Halifax will bring a world of experience to his new job. He has been under secretary for the Colonies, Min ister of War, Minister of Agri- culture, President of the Board of Education, Lord Privy Seal, leader of the House of Lords and president of the Council.
 By all. odds his toughest job, and that in which he probably achieved most success, was as Vice. roy of India at one of the periods when India was striving desper-. ately for home rule. Halifax conducted a long series of nego- tiations with Mahatma Gandhi, in the course of which the In- dian leader sometimes would stop at the climax of an important dis cussion and go off to commune with his soul
 So Viscount Halifax, who also happens to be one of the most devoutedIy religious men in Eng
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

land, but who does not oriin-
 ariIy mix religion with govern
 ment discussions adopted the
 same tactics. Whenever he faced
 q difficult crisis i'm the nego-
 tiati0ns, he excused himself for prayer.
 In theh end Halifax got a large part of what he wanted from Gandhi.
 MERRY-GO-OUND
 That set of dishes Mrs. Roose- welt purchased at the recent Na- tional Art Week exhibition was made by Gary Owls, an Indian boy from the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. He learned to make the dishes under N. Y. A. i1- Struction The isolationist America First Committee is doing much more effective job of or ganizing units in colleges than its rival Committee for the Defense of America by Aiding the Allies. America First has several hundred college branches while the opposi- ton has only twelve When Ernest Luik, foreman of steel workers who are repairing the Capitol roof, heard that Represen- tatiye Albert Engel, Michigan anti laborite, had assailed him for making $267 in one week, Luik told friends, Gee, I hope that doesn't appear in the New York papers. My wife will think I'm a millionaire" ... According to tfie congressional anti-monopoly committee, there are 5,800.000 un- iililabitabie homes now being oc-' cupied by tenants in the U. s.
 Copyright, 1940, by United
 Feature. Syndicate, Inc)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Revising Our Smiles

We used to say "cursed like trooper" or, more recently, "cursed like steve dore" or Hike truck driver". Those hackneyed old similies need revising, ac- cording to Arthur s. Colborne, New York president of the Anti-Profanity League. Now it's the women, and especially society women who do the most fluent cursing, Colborne says. We trust he means 'cafe society,"" assuming that there's any difference.
 At any rate it is interesting to note his suggestion that bad language is most prevalent among those who should, in theory at least, know better. We apoloA gize to cavalryman, dockman, and trucker. Hereafter, let the similie be ''cursed like nightclub debutante."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
AUTO INSPECTION BATTLE
(Meriden Journal)

There is speculation in some quar- ters about how Governor -elect atir- ley and his Democratic cabinet will regard state auto inspections, which continue as something of political issue. The lanes were established during c Democratic regime and revived begrudgingly during the Re- publican administration. There is no question that they will be hotly discussed h the next Legislature.
 The politicos cannot forget that 0O,OO0 car owners signed petitions against the lanes preceding the Baldwin election. Governor Bald win expressed his doubts os the value of the senli-nnnunl tests but finally yielded io lle uFgine1 of tho
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Whats Your l. O.?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to back page for the answers.
 1. Which is older, Harvard, Yale, or Columbia University?
 2. The Statue of Liberty is on Governors Island, Bedloe's Island or Ellis Island?
 3. Soldiers are called rockies" when first entering the Q. s. army; what is the nickname for sailors and marines when they enter the service?
 {. How many teaspoonsful are in one tablespoonful?
 5. What is the name Of the curved woo6en missile wilith f properly thrown returns to the thrower?
 6. Will rocket work es well in a vacuum as in air?
 2. What is the general name for the laws in the United States regu- lating traffic in intoxicating liquor ?
 8. Which president of the United States was a Quaker?
 g. A typewriter, unsealed letter is third or first class mail?
 10. Who was Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England"?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Daily Almanac

Sun rises 7:l6 a. m: sets 4:3O p. m.
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty riin- utes after sunset.
 Christmas was never like thisl That's a general statement today and truth to tell few can recall q holiday season that began with weather more suited to late April and it.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

to get character in a soldier than Ito get brawn. A |man with a heavy hand might stand Iup well while the tide of battle was running tow ard victory, but if he had nothing but brute strength, he m i g h t flee, or prove treacherous, or desert.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Views Of The Press
Highway safety Commission.

Highway Safety CommiSslon.
 It is significant that the Demo- crats are credited with having blocked repeal of the optional in- spection statute in the last session of the Assembly, which leads to the opinion that the law of the Cross administration will be upheld and inspections continued.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

ere is 8 deep division of. opinion in the defense commis- sion. Sidney Hillm al is pointing on e
 way and Com m i ssion CT s Knudsen an d Stettinius are pointing anoth- CT, and the most recent effort to work out a compromise has
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

e. When did United States women first lose their citizenship if they married alien men, but did not leave the United States?
 A. Women who married aliens eligible for naturalization from March 2, 1907, to September 21, 1922, inclusive, lost their citizen ship. If the alien husband was not naturalized before September p, 1922, the woman should take proof of her birth in this country to the nearest naturalization office and ap- ply for repatriation.
 e. How long will the proposed highway connecting Alaska with Brazil be?
 A. Approximately 12,0O0 miles.
 e. Has a biography of Victor Herbert been published in book form?
 A. "victor Herbert" by Joseph Kaye, was published in New York in 1881, and contains a full account Ol LIiC Vot1HOoCk D 4AAC 0AAA W. Ao. e. Which fur animals are now being raised commercially to any great extent?
 A. Silver foxes and minks. Mar tens and fishers also have commer- cial possibilities if satisfactory re- production can be obtained in cap tivity. Attempts to raise skunks. badgers. raccoons, beavers and muskrats for their fur are not profitable, because feed and other production costs exceed the market quotations on similar wild-caught skins.
 @. How many naval vessels did Great Britain and the United States have after World War l?
 A. On January l, 1919, Great Britain had TOP and the United States had PA.
 If you want a copy of the book let STAMP COLLECTING" send to The Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1913 Thir- teenth Street. Washington, D. c. A.. ~~.nAe a.n vnm~ka~a
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

TODAY's COMMON ERROR Do not follow one metaphor with another that is incon- gruOus, as: 'sHe was required to wade through the rocky road of freshman algebra" one cannot wade through 8 rocky road, but one can
 travel it.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

value to national defense. Hobbies, generally regarded as harmless aber- rations, have developed versatility and skills which are suddenly seen as national asset. q
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
STRENGTH FOR THE DAY
By EARL L. DOUGLASS. D. D.

CHARACTER ALONE COUNTS
 Oliver Cromwell, with ali his faults, had deep sense of the value of character. In raising his famous regiment. The Irons;des, he insisted that it was more important
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
National Spotlight
Defense Labor
 Policy Nearing
 Real Showdown
BY BRUCE CATION Waterbury Democrat Washington fs Correspondent

Washington, Dec. 27 Showdown on what the administration's de- fe4lse labor policy is going to be can hardly be put off much longer.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 194O
A Thought for Today

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp tation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.-Matthew 26:41.
  God is better served in resisting temptation to evil than in many formal prayers-Penn.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Current Comment

If Roosevelt is reelected. he will go on serving as long as the people elect him.-Raymond A. Moley, for- mer New Dealer.
 All the stories you've heard about shortages tof men and equipment) are sad but true.--Mat. Gen. Lesley ]. McNair, chief Of stan Of u. g.. Army general stail.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Washington Merry Round
British Now Seek Outright Novo Help Convoy Supplies Lack
 of Crews lies Up Some of u S. Destroyers ct Hoifox
DREW PEARSON ROBERT s. ALLEN

 
  the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27
Questions
 andAnswers
YOUR QUEsTIONs AlgsWERED

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Tho Waterbury. Democrat Service Bureau will answer for you free, any question of fact or intOfma- tion, not involving extensive re- search. Write your question clear ly, sign name and address, enc close Q three cent postage stamp. Medical or legal advice cannot Dc given. Address The Waterbury Democrats Washington Service Bureau, 1918 18th Street, Wash { ingtOns D. c.
 Q. How many stars were in the American flag at the time of the Spanish American war?
 A. Forty-fiye. The three states admitted since are Oklahoma, 1907: New Mexico and Arizona, 1912.
 @. When were United States savings bonds placed on sale?
 A. March 1, 1885. The president opened the sales campaign with the purchase of six bonds.
 @. When were Jews first given the legal right to own real estate in England?
 A. Parliament passed such an act in 1753. There was great oppo- sition to the bill.
 a Which E,Ironaai, country was first to manufacture rubber goods?
 A. Probably tlle first white men to manufacture rubber goods were the French, who made elastics for garters and suspenders, also surgical tubes, some time before N180O. The first rubber factory in the world was established in 1911 in Vienna, Aus tria, by J. N. Reithoifer, to manu- facture elastics,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

If you want a copy of the book let STAMP COLLECTING" send to The Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau, 1913 Thir- teenth Street. Washington, D. c. Enclose ten cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-27

Copyright. 1940, by United Feature. Syndicate, Inc.)