davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Falsehoods Gather Weight

No one knows just how these things happen, but every once in a while the most innocent set of facts gets jumbled up and emergeS as national legend without grain of truth. Take the case of the Memphis, Tenn, dog pound, for example. When the building was first erected in 1886, with the aid of WPA, the story got around that the place was so luxurious that Memphis canine popu- lation was openly inviting apprehension by the dog-catcher just to share the pent- house comfort of the new pound and to enjoy the shower baths which were SUD- posed to be part of the project.
 Memphis tried hard to stop that. But the story with embellishments, kept pop ping up. Just the other day, it reached the halls of Congress when represen- tative referred to southern ladies bring ing their poodles in for shower baths at the $50,000 pound. The facts? First of all the place cost only $19,000 with WPA putting up $13,000 and the city $6,000. And there are no shower baths, except the garden hose used on badly soiled in- mates. Since the dog shelter was opened, there has been not single death from prior to the opening, six deaths were re-
 
 ments for rabies, costing $7 each has declined from 280 in 1885 to GA last year.
 With tears in her civic eyes, Memphis pleads with the nation please to stop the libel. That's not going to be easy. Give lie little push, and it grows larger and larger about as easy to recall as TO- ton boulder crashing down mountain side. The classical example of false hood that received wide and official recog- milton was H. L. Mencken's wartime story of the origin of the bathtub in America. The tale was conjured up in the famous authors mind on dull day. Scientists did research on the basis of it, wrote scholarly treatises Plumbers used the story in advertising and speak CTS accepted it as gospel
 It was not until about three years ago that Mencken chuckled a little and ad- nitted the whole thing was hoax. The story, however, will probably live on for years. If you're thinking of starting a fable you'd better consider well before you start whispering.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Gardens Help Relief

Toronto isn't going to dish out as many relief supplies this year. Instead of the usual weekly quota of vegetables, the city is going to pass out seeds and garden implements and plots of land. From then on, it will be up to each relief client whether he wants to eat or not The city tried it last year as an optional propo- sition, and 1,500 families raised about $50,000 worth of vegetables. This year, every person on relief will have to work the plot that's allotted him, and the city expects to save a comfortable little chunk of cash.
 In a small way, this system has been tried in this country. A few people have been given tracts of land on the outskirts of some cities and have managed to stock up their larders. It might be advan- tageous for cities here to consider using the method on more widespread scale wherever possible. Not only would the city save money, but the clients them selves would have useful and pleasant occupations and would have the satis- faction of knowing that they are earning at least part of their living.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
"Talking Books" For Blind

progressive step in educating the blind has been announced by Robert B. Irwin, executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind, Inc. To sup plement their Braille studies, blind youngsters will be taught through the medium of audible picture books" The idea is to paint for the sightless child a word picture so vivid that an exact image of a scene or situation will form in his mind. The talking books are supple mented with tests, to be administered by the teacher.
 On the basis of such tests, the powers of observation" and retentive ability of the blind can be compared on flair basis" with those of normal children. A great deal has been done in recent years to make life more pleasant for the blind. This latest step, aimed as it is at sight less youngsters, will help to establish their lives on a basis more nearly equal to that of their more fortunate playmates and will speed up the educational pro- ceSSeS.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Who Pays the Bill

Don't gloat too hard if you were one of the people who didn't need to pay any federal income taxes this year. Don't for a minute think you're getting away with something. You're not. You're paying for the privilege of democracy just the same as the man who mailed check with his tax returns is paying for it. Only you don't notice it quite as much.
 If you paid an income tax, you know, at least, where some of the money to run the country is coming from. But the combined income and inheritance taxes collected this year will make up less than 25 per cent of the money needed to oper- ate the government.
 The 1940 census will probably show about 132,000000 people in the United States, but only 3,5000OO of them are paying income taxes. This means that only one out of every 38 persons pays an income tax, or one out of every 15 voting citizens Uncle Sam will collect about two billion dollars from this form of tax ation and from inheritance taxes put to- gether-but the expenses for the year will total nine billion.
 The income tax, in fact, just about pays for WPA, with very little or nothing left over. The number of persons on WPA has varied between two and three million since 1885. A year ago there were nearly three million collecting WPA cheeks - almost as many persons as were paying income taxes. The federal government spent $2,O65 100000 for this form of work-relief alone during the fiscal year ending in June, 1889; and the year next June will have cost about 1-2 billions.
 Who pays for the rest of the govern mental expenditures? You do, of course. It comes in various indirect ways - customs, corporation taxes, undivided profits taxes, taxes on cheeks and on safety deposit boxes, taxes on cigarets, liquor and amusements, processing taxes and taxes on gasoline. Altogether, Uncle Sam has figured out several hundred diff ferent ways of extracting cash from his citizens. Most of them the average per son never even notices from day to day.
 Painless taxation? At the moment of extraction, yes, because you don't notice it; in the aggregate, no. In years time, the pennies and nickels add up to incredi- ble amounts. And remember, what Uncle Sam doesn't collect in taxes, he borrows. That's a little matter which your children, who have had nothing to say about it, will have to settle up.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Our New Bishop

Tradition has again been followed and observed in the designation of the Rev. Henry J. OBrien, President of St. Thomas Seminary, as auxiliary bishop of the Hartford Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church From this seat of learning at Bloomfield have come many bishops of late years, the list imposing and lengthy. The addition of Bishop Elect O'Brien'S name is one that carries with it dignity, scholarship, and brilliant administration. As aide to Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe, the new auxiliary, will prove a capable and splendid shepherd of the flock in Connecticut.
 The Connecticut Diocese has become an increasingly important one of late years. Its population has steadily mounted; its many institutions have doubled in number. The task of admins tering it is tremendous task for any one man. Bishop McAuliffe, though, has proved equal to the task until the last year or so when his health gradually in- terfered with his acceptance of full schedule of episcopal duties. The assist ance of Bishop Elect O'Brien will be considerable, and his youth and known ability of accomplishment will permit him to relieve Bishop McAuliffe of strain and stress.
 Connecticut bishops of the Roman Catholic Church have always been men of strength and kindly, men of vision and practical, men of piety and democratic, men of purpose and charitable. We know that the new bishop is likewise of this same mould.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
In Today's Mail

In another part of your letter you write of United Press dispatch dated oct. 3, 1939 originating in Chicago, Ill.. Where Cardinal Mundelein post humously counsels the nation to let President Roose- welt maintain this country's neutral ity, instead of high preessuring him with letters and telegrams."
 Following the Cardinals death, 8 prominent ecclesiastic scheduled to speak to an audience of youth, dog matized for the benefit of the na- ton. Instead of uttering a we'll couched obituary, he seized this un- timely occasion to plaster politics all over the Red and Blue network. also the Congressional Record. Perhaps you remember this one,. MT. .Cip- riano? ONLY IN THE VATICAN IS THERE IN EUROPE THE GIFT OF STATESNGAN'S VISION POS- SESSED BY PRESIDENT ROOSE- l. WELT"
 This is a very enlightening state ment. God help the Vatican If that is the case! One is reluctant to con- clude that the Vatican would order the slaughter of pigs and the blow ing under of cotton when there was want in the midst of abundance. And one would shudder if the Vat ican would or could compose a speech such as the Chief Executive voiced on the occasion of the re- ception of Comrade Oumansky, the Soviet ambassador to America. For years precisely since 1883, the in- cumbent of the White House has coddled Communists in our Govern ment:: the Dies Committee revealed that 2500 aReds" are holding Hey positions in our. Government; lie has protected them in labor: and he hes shown precocious leanings to the Oommisars of Mexico and Red Spain. Be it repeated in all rever- ence, aGOD HELP THE VATICAN if what the ecciesiastic said is true.
 or perhaps the ecclesiastic ac- countable for such a fsrx-pas as the above, was no better informed
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Murder Comes High

Wars cost us money even when we're not in them. War expenditures of the United States, including defense and veterans care, totaled $2,968, ,408.413 = about 4.S per cent of the national income during the 1889 fiscal year. Because of increased appropriation requests for the army and navy, the bill will probably be larger this year. Of the nine billion dollars the United States will spend this year, more than one-third will go for war expenditures in one form or another.
 At that, we're getting off lightly. Eng land is spending about $26,000,000 day on the war of 40 per cent of the national income. Frances expenditures, exceed ing one billion dollars every quarter, take in excess of 40 per cent of the national income It all adds up to pretty extrav- agant price per capita for murdering men. Especially when New York gang sters can be hired to do the job for $10 or $20 head.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

Jim made up his mind to do this about the same time he issued his recent Massachusetts bomb- shell labeled, My name will be presented to the national conven- ton
 Democratic insiders had known for some time that Farley was sold to the idea of tae President running again, but he sidestepped a positive commitment. He always declared that he was confident the President had no intention to seek reelection.
 In the past month, with Roosevelt slates being entered in various states under obvious White House guidance. -Farley's ,al00fneSS has hardened to out ,and-0ut hostility. From being on the fence he has slid over de- finitely to the anti-third term group.
 a Not only will Jim aggressively N44H1Ib 6 aO4141Q A4A, bIkO 4AC 4o e- pared to denounce it publicly. However, he will not talk out un- til he has had a showdown with Roosevelt, at which time he will insist on categoric "yes" or mo" answer.
 If there is no reply, or an un- satisfactory one, then Jim is pre- pared to express his opposition publicly. He is aware that such a statement would play into the hands of the COP and that it may mean finale for him politic- ally, but he feels that he owes 1t to the Democratic Party and the country frankly to state his views.
 The Massachusetts statement was Tarley's opening gun in his. plan to smoke out Roosevelt. From now on, regardless of their close ties and their still warm personal friendship las far as Farley is concerned), they are two rival candidates.
 NOTE-Farley was absolutely sincere when he declared that he was ''in no combination with any one." Recent reports that he was secretly allied with Garner are unfounded Privately Jim thinks
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

than you are, for he said in refer ring to the OSservatore Romano, that 1t was the official paper. of the Vatican" Every cub reporter throughout the country must have smiled when he read that inaccur- acy-an inaccuracy probably trum- ped up to bolster the idea that the Catholic Church is in favor of lift ing the embargo.
 Following in the course of these dogmatizationS, the obituarist then slurred the letter writers of America, who. taking advantage of THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, plea ded with their Representatives and Senators to hold the embargo; and the slur reflected upon their intel lectuality, if not upon their honesty
 No one takes exception to an ecclesiastic for voicing his opinions on matters of politics, but all per- sons look askance upon any minister priest, or higher ecclestiastic, who tries to wrap the white robes of the Vatican around the flag pole of the New Deal.
 On March sSrd, through the col- umns of the Waterbury Democrat, I challenged you to produce one single copy of Social Justice Magazine with columns not fit to be printed. :"
 Now, If you will post a bond of one hundred dollars with the Editor of the Waterbury Democrat, I will loan you complete file of Social Justice Magazines, said bond to act as security for the return of my property.
 You made a statement that is nothing more than a personal opin- ion. You offered no proof to sub stantiate that statement, you did not produce one single copy of So- cial Justice Magazine to prove to the readers of this column, that you know what you are talking about; therefore. in all charity, I am forced to asks, what does that make yau, MT. Cipriano?"
 Signed
 <l.f sEMPER FIDLELIS
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

@. What is the theme music in the recent motion picture, "The Hunchback of Notfe Dane?"
 A. Bachis rFsugue." @. Does snow fall in Mexico City?
 A. It occurs about once in ten years, but only few flakes fall.
 O. Where was the first trade school established in the United States?
 A. The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute at North Avenue and Cal- vert Street, Baltimore, Md, was es- abolished by municipal ordinance of October 20, 1888. Instruction was given in the use of tools, embracing the fields of carpentry, wood-turn- ing, pattern making, chipping and filling, forge work, molding, solder ing and brazing, the use of machine shop tools, etc.
 e. How much money has been invested in United States Savings BordS?
 A. At the close of 1939, approxi- mately two naillios persons ownsd abcu. two and quarter billion dollars of these bonds. o. Do retired Presidents of the United States, Senators and Con- gressmen, receive pensions? l A. No.
 @. Where were the first chimes manufa -tured in this country? | A. At Plymouth, Mass, by Ben- jamin Hanks, who came to this country, in 1899.
 If you want copy of the book
 let VEGETABLE GARDENS" to The Waterbury Democrats Wash ingt0n Bureau 1913 Thirteenth
 Street, Washington, D. c. Enclose
 10 cents in postage.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

there were some high-powered conferences among the A. F. of L. high command. Before they took place, something happened which hadn't occurred previously in 8 long, long time: A. F. of LIS Gen. eral Counsel Padway had some friendly, cooperative chats with Labor Board staff people in regard to the matter.
 Point of it all is that whereas the c. I. o. doesn't swing many votes in Congress, the A. F. of L. carries quite a bit of weight. If it should decide to go down the line in defense of the board, the boards outlook might be a good deal brighter.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
Semper Fidelis Rides Again
Editor of the Democrat:

In this city where unconscious clowns are bought and sold for 8 dime a dozen, there is none who puts on a better performance than Sam Cipriano, the self appointed defender of "Winchell's Column"
 Maybe MT. Winchell did speak out against Communism as you stated but actions speak louder than words. In your letter of March 18, and these are your exact words; My defense of Winchell was based on sincere knowledge"
 Since you seem to have the inside dope on MT. Wincheu, will you please explain in your next diatrihe why he supplied all Members of Congress with copies of Secret Armies" by John L. Spivak-a book filled with dissertations, fabrications, and Communistic trash?
 The Communistic background of the author, Spivak, speaks for itself. He is contributor to a number Of Communist publications, including The Daily Worker, the New Masses, the South Today. Sunday Worker, and Negro Liberator. He is sponsor of the Jewish Peoples Committee, or ganized by Mike Gold, Communist leader in New York City. He has lec- tured under the auspices of the Communists, and has toured the country with such Reds as William Browder and Ben Myers. He has at- tackled such patriotic societies at the American Red Gross, and the Amer ican Legion. He has appeared before Commission to investigate un- Americanism appointed by the Massachusetts State Legislature, giving testimony which even he could not substantiate. He was branded by the Commission as a publicity seeker who merely sought to divert from the investigation of Communism.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

Garner is getting nowhere fast. His own personal ticket is Hui and Farley.
 FARM-DIPLOMAT WALLACE
 Following publication of a poll showing increased farm support for Henry Wallace, a newsman asked him: Does this have any effect on your personal political ambitions, MT. Secretary?"
 Wallace evaded: T noticed the poll indicated Pennsylvania was 51 per cent Republican"
 ''Mr. Secretary" persisted the newsman, Tdid you hear my question:"
 "N0," said Wallace, grinning. Then he added, "I'm trying to give you something of real in- terest."
 CAPITAL CHAFF
 When the three trustees of As- sociated Gas and Electric under took to take over the holding companies of the billions dollar utility system, they found no of flee, no clerks, no books--just two safety deposit boxes in Whining ton, Del, and Ithaca, N. Y. ... Lieutenants of Senator Styles Bridges saw an omen in the de- feat of Governor Francis Murphy for place on the New Hampshire delegation to the Republican, con- vention. Murphy is credited with third-term ambitions, but like Roosevelt has refused to declare himself. Representative Joe Smith of West Virginia, chairman of the House Mines Committee, has one of the oldest political re- cords in Congress. In the twelve years he has held his seat he has never made campaign speech. McNUTT INCOME TAXES
 The McNutt income tax investi- gation has boiled down to the problem of smoking out big. jovial Bowman CBo') Elder, ex-treasur- CT of the American Legion and finance man for the McNutt forces in Indiana.
 Elder was the man who re- ceiyed the funds from the Two
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

Fer Cent Club (by which state employees gave the party 2 per cent of their salary and he also knew or the Treasury thinks he knew where these funds were diSbursed.
 It is the claim of the McNutt group that while large funds were received, they were all paid out for political purposes, and for this reason no income taxes were pay able. In fact, McNutt himself, then state employee, did not even file an income tax return.
 However. the Treasury insists on getting details on how the funds were spent and Bo Elder is the key to this puzzle. They are Wait- ing for him to talk, and he, in turn, says he will not be made the scapegoat.
 Meanwhile, McNutt forces, jit- 'tery over delay and anxious to push the campaign of their can- didate, demand that the Trea- Sury either exOnerate or indict. A break in the present impasse is coming soon.
 NOTE Truck" Stanley, Me- Nuts discouraged publicity eX- pert, has resigned.
 BORAH STATUE
 The State of Idaho plans to en- shrine the memory of its late great Senator William E. Borah under the lofty dome of tlle Ma tional Capitol, where he served for more than 30 years.
 The State will fill its quota of statutes in Statuary Hall (the ori- ginal chamber of the House of Representatives, where each state is allowed to place two statues). The sculptor has not yet been chosen.
 Borah will be the second Sen- ator by Idaho for this honor. Its other ste.tue is that of Senator George L. Shoup, a pioneer who was the first Governor of Idaho when the territory was admitted to statehood in July, 1890. The Shoup statue is the tallest in Statuary Hall. standing 13 feet.
 NOTE = Mrs. Borah accompan- jed by one of her sisters, soon will sail for Hawaii for a rest. Her plans after returning are inde- finite; she is still undecided whether to reside in Washington or go back to Idaho.
 MERRY-GO-ROUND
 Jimmy Cromwell, millionaire Minister to Canada, knew. exactly what he was doing when he knocked the Nazis in a public speech. The ensuing headlines are bound to help his campaign for the U. s Senate from New Jersey. ... Included in Jesse Jones' pri- vate list of telephone numbers is the name of Ella lMcLaren, pro- fessional fortune teller. Wonder whether Jesse consults her regard ing REC loans or his chances for the Presidency? ,. Costa Rica, whose President-elect. pr. Rafael Calderon. was a White House guest last night, has the highest degree of democracy of any of the Latin American Republics.
 Democracy also is indicated by his salary. Of his neighbor sdicta- tors, Dictator Ubico of Guate- mala receives 5000 a month. but Democratic Calderon of Costa Rica will receive only $500 a month, including allowance. Copyright. 1e4o. by United Featur Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
What Your l. O.?

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
 l. Did Congress ever have four sessions?
 3. Prince Arthur" was the nick name of which former President of the U. s.?
 3. What is meant by light year? 4. Who was the commander of the Bon Hcmme Richard?
 5. Does summer officially begin on May 21 or June 21?
 6. Do house flies bite?
 T. Did England conscript Irishlnen during the World War?
 8. Where is Lake ,Ladoga2
 g. What is the Japanese name for their country? 10. Is the famous Big Ben" bell in London, England, in Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
CAA IS JUMPY AWAITING RECORD
Current Comment

Money need not be a burden un- less you elect 1t to be so. -Edsel Ford, president, Ford Motor
 Company.
 After seven years of narrowing the country, the New Deal has not yet scratched the surface of the farm problem. Dist. Atty. Thomas E. Dewey, ad-
 dressing farmers in Lincoln, Neb.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26

the A. F. of l.. high command over to a posi- ton where 1t is willing to CO., operate to a slight extent, at least - with the Labor Board.
 Before Presi- dent Green is- sued his state ment he said he stiIl thought the Wagner Act needed amend ing, but that Smith went en- tirelv too far -
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-26
A Thought for Today

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same Is my brother, and my sister, and my mother.-St Mark 1885,
 If we look closely at this world, where God seems to be utterly forgotten, we shall find that 1t is He, who, after all commands the most fidel- fly and the most love.-Madame Swetchine