davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-05-13

OeF one 1aVOI.
ite Of the net
works, now that
he Is the author
Of . best selling
book, now that
his worth as q
composer an d
conductor has
been recognized,
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glad to add its
quota OF nOm-
age an d has
given him q
leading role with
Bing Crosby In
Rhythm on the
Evening star., 1940-05-13
No Stiff Shirt He

If you think Clark Gable doesn't
dodge night life, listen to this: Re-
quired to wear his dinner jacket
for q photograph, 1t took him three
days to find 1t. When found, it
was packed away in moth balls. The
only time he's worn 1t in three
years was at the "G. w. T. W." pre-
miere In Atlanta.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
Spring Is Here

It's almost unbelievable, but spring is at hand. The season arrives officially on Wednesday the 20th this year, day ahead of time due to the intrusion of that 29th day in February. We can use plenty of spring weather for the Naugatuck Valley has been Winter-bound since be- fore Christmas season. By the end of this month all traces of winter should have been removed from our city streets But for appearances sake we recommend to the city fathers that they flush some of the streets to remove the accumulation of debris. Of course drenchlng rain would obviate need for this treatment.
 Spring is always gladstone season. We start to open the windows little wider and about midday even the front door may be opened, thus inviting the first flies of the season to enter. Back yards get thorough cleanup; cellars are emptied of the ashes and trash that have been tossed into cans or bins. Housewives get that certain gleam in their eyes which only can be linked to housekeeping. Brush and bonfires start to register reg ular alarms at fire headquarters.
 Too often spring is short season. Winter will finger long and retire only after series of prolonged cold rains. The sun disappears quickly behind Scudding clouds. And when this period of discom- fort is at an end we plunge right into warm weather. Make the most of the (layS that are to come in March. April and May run their race relay style, one a bit faster than the other
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

ida is becoming acutely aware of type of gypsy farmer who comes in every winter to pluck what he can of the lucrative fruit trade and leaves in the spring. In Cleve- land, it was recently reported that 2,000 migrants are being maintained on the relief rolls, while hundreds of others are being sent back to their homes as rapidly as that can be done. New York state has been forced to "exile" thousands of such families in recent years to prevent its slum conditions from becoming more acute.
 Unless something is done, the migrant farmer, against his own wishes, will pull down the general standard of living. The time has come when congressional in- vestigation such as that suggested by Representative John H. Tolan Demo crat, California;, may do o lot of good
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
Inventions and Environment

Vermont residents; it was recently de- termined, are the most inventive persons in the nation. Throughout the country, one out of every 2,898 persons took out 8 patent last year. But in Mississippi, least inventive of the states on per capita basis, only one out of every 49,O2O per sons filed patent.
 The figures may prove nothing at all, or they may reflect the influence of adverse natural conditions on the inven- tive spirit. Mississippi is warm, semi tropical; Vermonters must get used to wintry blasts, must figure out ways of overcoming the effects of much unfavor- able weather.
 So have the Films and the people of Scandinavia turned inventive and have fought successfully against natural hard ships. Adversity will always produce genius. Man has way of being goaded into solving his problems if he must.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
"Tommy The Cork"

The romance and marriage of Thomas
 P. COrcoran, one of the So-called Brain
 Trusters" of the Presidents silent cabi- . net, has captured headline space recently. : In typical American spirit everyone, in- lcluding his political opponents, wished the neWly-WedS "good-luck." Many of his
 own party expressed the wish he had married earlier in the New Deal so that this stabilizing influence of marriage and family might have tempered his outlook.
 The. bachelor team of Corcoran and Cohen had a finger in most of the extreme legislative proposals and enactments of
 the last eight years.
 They were the front-left wheel of the New Deal wagon. The viewpoint of a husband and father, thinking of the kind of America he wishes to leave to his children is apt to be much more careful
 ana considerate than that of bachelor interested only in his own personal Suc-
 cess of the moment. To the latter "Suf1-
 cient unto the day are the evils thereof and "Eat, drink and be merry for tomor- row we may die"
 In matters of government or in any
 matter, we prefer the opinion and judg
 ment of the husband and father against that of the bachelor. It is more likely to represent the stabilized, cautious, com
 nonsense viewpoint of a people inter
 ested in it's future as much as its pres
 ent. A nation that doesn't look forward
 Is blind. Best wishes to Mrs. Corcoran
 and her husband.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

and live person is on ecorpse.
 Well, let's get on: Most people don't know about these conditions first hand, and 1t is not pleasant to know about thsm."
 'They have seen the shacks at 8 distance, but have never been up close, they have never met the res- idents."
 Let us break in here for spell, MT. Editor. Could these "Scaven- gers" be more dangerous than, let's say, lepers of Molokai? or cannibals of the South Sea Islands or savages of the upper Amazon-you know there are many gone forth from this, our city to those, distant points to meet such. Yes, and you and I are happy to contribute our mite toward financing their dan gerous journeys and those mission- aries are never happy until they are with such dangers. That is peculiar, or is 1t?
 Well we will get on with our "Scavengers." If the Scavenger gang could be left alone to dim inish of their own inertia perhaps that would be the best way to solve the situation, but their numbers do not diminish, their numbers are in- creasing, their families are large and new members are being born into them, etc. etc"
 Let us break in here again please. Would 1t not be the modernistic way to send Margaret SangSter among these Scavengers. Her philosophy seems to meet your requirements. As perhaps the alternative, might it not be possible these "Scavengers" heed the law of their Creator more rigidly than we. You know that old commandment given to Adam and Eve: "Go forth, increase and null tiply, people the earth" I am afraid, old school mate, our memories are failing us.
 Well, let's get on with our problem. ITO themselves members of "Scav- enger Gangs" are worthless. To Soc- iety they are rapidly becoming dan- gerous-the older members of the gangs are too indolent to attempt crime of any sort except possibly petty pilfering from refuse dumps"
 Pause again, please, and let us get that last paragraph fixed. Can you make it intelligible? I can only understand these "Scavengers" are condemned in your eyes because they are too indolent to attempt criine-I know you did not intend such meaning but I'm blessed to make anything else of the words, SO you may have to "take over" or lad lib" the part.
 At least it isn't like our old St. Mary School days problems.
 The story continues, But their children have not had all this spirit knocked out of them. they are not content to sit forever in grime. They want action and excitement and the only way to get it that they know of is to turn to crime. As q result iuv. chile agencies in many communities have found the problem Of "Scav- enger Gangs" tossed right Into their laps-and they know there isn't much they can do about it."
 Let us try and chew on this mouth- fui for e while. At first it seems
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

Murals in Post Offices and other public buildings, as well as private, continue to stir up criticism, praise, but always strife. The latest outbreak is in New Rochelle where P. O. murals portraying early-day history of the Queen City of the Sound" are under fire. The figures in the scenes are not realistic, declare the critics. They shouldn't be, says the artist. If the majority of New Rochelle people like them, though, that should be the test of worth.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

Repeal of the pari-mutuel betting laws in Massachusetts is being sought by a Citizens Committee". The group has incorporated and claims to have the sup port of many influential men and women in all professions and walks of life It will conduct vigorous educa- ton campaign, the purpose being to cause the voters, when given the opportunity, to reject the law which now allows horse and dog tracks to be operated with pari- mutuel betting in certain counties of the state. If this ban Is enforced, Massa- chusetts can blame only itself for present conditions. We don't think that had the betting been limited to horse-racing only there would be move afoot now to end it. Dog-racing put the Bay State in bad with the general public. It is doing the same in other states where it operates along with horseracing Recent revela- tions in Massachusetts prove definitely that while dog-racing pays, it also builds up an undesirable background in which are mixed crime and corruption.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
Full-Tirne Jobs

The announcement that the Republi- can State Central Committee may soon name chairman who will be full-time official with an annual salary commen- surate with his endeavors is not Surpris- ing. And we would not be moved to find the Democratic Party in Connecticut fol- lowing suit if this action is taken. It is not necessarily to be described as in keeping with the times as more or less natural consequence of the growth of state party organizations in recent years. The time has passed when the office of State Chairman may be regarded as merely an honor to be rewarded for faith full service in the ranks and entitling the incumbent to a fine state or federal ap- pointment when one comes along The State Chairman today has to be an active party member who knows the makeup of the political districts comprising the state and the men and women in his party who are the factors in assuring heavy vote on election day. He has to be on the job not merely during cam paign time, but at any time during the year when his services may be required.
 Both parties at one time thought it only necessary to employ paid secretary dur ing the heat of the campaign And head quarters were only required then. But today it's different and we can readily appreciate the feeling behind the move ment to secure full time chairman. He $ is vital to the success of the party all dur ing the year and not just for a few weeks around election time
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
No Swigging on the Job

Some good advice, directed toward his own unionists, but applicable to anyone who has job, is given by Daniel J. Tobln, president, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers of America.
 "Whatever else you may be guilty of, don't be guilty of imbibing any kind of your % hours N of work" MT. Tobin says. "That is an unpardonable sin ." As for drinking after hours - we'll, your life is your own, says the union leader, but you had better remember to keep your self fit for your job the next day.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

Inspection of motor vehicles will start in Connecticut on or about April 1, ac- cording to the last report from Hartford All is practically in readiness for the re- opening of the testing lanes. Incidentally Waterbury is not one of the several cities which will have permanent lane. When ever inspections are held locally the neces- sary apparatus will be hauled in and set up at the designated point Whether this will be Thomaston Avenue, where the state last held the tests, has not yet been announced. With some of its be- longing still there, it might seem as if this would be the best spot.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
In Today's Mail

tough, but let us not be scared. It may be agreeably disappointing Come back in memory again about forty or so years. Our city, Water- bury had kids then. Remember! We had no juvenile agencies, no Y. M c. A., no park playgrounds, swim- ming pools, etc. etc.-we had our poor, too. Many of them went reg ularly to city dumps to gather cin- ders, brass, copper, other items which might be exchanged for pen- nies which contributed support of large families.
 We did not stand off from these families and call them "Scavengers. No, no, they were and are the Salt of the earth. I am beginning to won der if "Scavenger Gangs" should not be renamed to, say, Gods Chosen Poor" Bring our people closer to these chosen ones and l feel thoroughly confident we will benefit all around. In other words there is no problem here. It IS 8 case of looking through glasses which are not fitted to us. We re- quire our Christian glasses to see correctly. Juvenile agencies, Y. M c. As and such may be aids but the essential remains the same as ever. We are all sons and daughters of the same Father, who is a wise Parent.
 Of course, MT. Editor, this phase could be expanded into infinity as I believe 1t is intended by a Wise Father-so let us keep developing that trail.
 Your story continues, What can anyone do about these people? How are you going to find jobs for them if they don't want jobs? How are you going to do anything to help them if they are unwilling to help themselves? They can't stay and yet they can't go except possibly to new "Scavengers" camps in other cities-the easiest way is to forget them. To look out the other window as we drive past their i'll kept col- onies etc. etc."
 Now, old friend, that is not the way we were taught to solve a prob lem. Ignore it or forget it. That looks too much like a quitter's, a chisler,s. Now, we are not quitters are we? Let us stick to the problem. It is becoming clearer or at least l think it is, to take hold for this last phase of the "Scavengers"-no I mean Gods Chosen" We find they are our brothers and sisters and go- ing back to that old five cent paper bound book we thumbed so often, remember, we called 1t the Catech- isln-it held such questions and answers as--What Is man? Man is Q creature composed of body and soul and made to the image and likeness of God. Remember. also Why did God make me(man)7 Tc know him. to love him, to serve him iil this world and to be happy with him in Heaven. Say, that pair of old time questions and answers shed plenty of light upon our "gcavengel Chosen Poor" do they not3
 Why do we delays They are Him christ-the poor baby born In ( manager. Let us gather them to oul bosoms. I maintain yet t was only newsmaa's joke.
 4 Coniiociicut Yankee
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18


 Not even Secretary of State Hull is in on all of the Welles reports, though he gets them second hand from Roosevelt. Virtually no other member of the State Department knows anything about the prog ress Welles is making.
 Confidential fact is that before Welles departed, he worked out a private code with the President. This code consists of numbers, so that Welles wires back a num- Der and only the President knows what that number means. Thus it is impossible for the Nazis, British or anyone else to break down the code.
 Welles' code cables are sent to Secretary Hull, who, in turn, takes them to the President, who personally decodes them. After Welles' conversation with Hitler, he cabled back a single number, and Mir. Hull took the number
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
SCAVENGER GANGS ARE UN- FORTUNATES, BUT NEVER THELESS OUR BROTHERS
 TO BE CHERISHED
Waterbury, Conn.

WaJerpury, Conn. March 16, 1940 Editor, Waterbury Democrat: Your editorial page item last Mon- day the 11th titled "Scavenger Gangs Grow, contained question, What are we to do about them? If you were not joking or suffering from, say, indigestion while penning that article pull it out of your files and let's get together as in Old St. Mary's School days under that Holy Land of Sisters of Charity Sisters Claudine, Elenita, Ruth, Edna, Mary Alacoque, Marie DePaul, Marie, Athenasia and. dozens more. Remember, problems like these "Scavengers" were pie then. Have passing years changed you and me so much that we are so easily downed?
 Perhaps since leaving old envir- onments we have lost things we have not yet missed-have we? MT. Editor, when I first glimpsed the heading "Scavenger . Gangs Grow" was fearful for time, the possibility of some other secret branch of "The Christian Front" being uncovered made me so, yet complete reading of the "Scaven- gers" allayed any fears on that score. There was neither Christian Front" nor Christian Rear" not a vestige of Christianity in the whole thing and all during these intervening days I have been mem tally disturbed as to what the article meant.
 The more pondered the more disturbed I became. I looked in your pages each night to find clue. None appeared so perhaps it is only @ newspaper joke and I am dis turbed perhaps foolishly. Well, MT. Editor, joke or not want to get together with an old school mate and try to at least clarify the im- plications of that "Scavenger" story.
 Well, MT. Editor, get your "Scav- enger" story out where we can study 1t, let's go; Away down at the bottom of Society, etc. etc. etc. is growing army of dirty etc. etc. etc. misfits who are causing local officials considerable concern, living in make shift huts, etc. etc. along river banks and often near city dumps"
 Now I suppose if these were pigs or cattle one of our national alpha betical institutions could properly take care of them as, let's say. sur- plus this or that. and kill them off. If they were wheat or cotton or corn they could be ploughed under but being only niisfits you continue. ''They are usually men and women. "splritless" men and women offering nothing but bleak promise to their grimy offspring"
 There. believe, is Q serious blunder on your part, Mr. Editor. There Is no such Imisfit or otherwise who is Q man or Q woman and SpiritlesS. Not any more than c dead
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

over to the White House, gave it to the President.
 The President did . little figuring, then said: Doesn't look so good, does it?"
 NOTE-The Welles reports are so brief that obviously he and the President are counting chiefly on personal conversations after his return.
 FDR AND THE LENSES
 Remarked Tony Muto, aewsreel impresario, of the President of the United States:
 'That guy could wear . gunny sack and nobody would know it. He's got 2 personality that steals the show. His facial mannerisms are dramatic, and nobody sees anything else"
 Roosevelt was not wearing 8 gunny sack. but a black velvet smoking jacket when he and
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18

proposed compromise WPA could lump its expenditures this sum- mer and seek a deficiency grant next February or March.
 The current WPA roll is B. 3O0,OO0, the peak under its pres- ent budget. Beginning in April this figure will be slashed monthly until it is brought down to around 1,e00, 900 in June, the last month of the fiscal year. Another 3e0,O0O will have to be dropped in July if WPA funds continue as per sched- ule. Thus a million j0bless would Dc fired by August.
 The final decision is up to Roosevelt. And he hasn't lot of time, since :he House Appro- priations Committee has fixed March 25 to begin its secret de- Alterations on relief. The Presi- dent will have to fish or cut bait by then.
 Copyright. l940. by United
 Feature Syndicate, Inc.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18
Questions
 and Answers
RY FREDERTC M. KERBR

BY FREDERIC M. kEkBX
 Enclose . tlaree-cent stamp for reply when addressing any Ques. tion of fact or information Co the Waterbury Democrats Service Bu- reau at Washington. Legal and medical advice cannot De given. nor can extended research be un- taken. Be sure an mail is ad- dressed to The WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE BU. REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street. Washington, D. c.
 THE EDITOR.
 e. Is the sixteen to one ratio of the value of silver to gold legal In the United States?
 A. No, but there is an Act Of Congress that declares that silver shall constitute one-fourth in value as against three-fourths in gold in the monetary system, and the Treasury is directed to buy silver within a certain price range and store 1t, and issue silver certificates.
 @. What is the total amount of fines assessed employers so far for violations of the Federal Wage-Hour law? How much in back wages have been required to pay2
 A. According to the first annual report of the Wage and Hour Die vision, made to Congress in Janu- ary, 1940, violations so far have re. Quired 139 legal actions, resulting in fines totaling $247 ,85C. Payment of more than $1,000,OOO in back wages due under the law has been arranged with employers.
 o. Who manufactured the first general issue of postage stamps used in the United States? Whose portraits were on them?
 A. The stamps, which were is- sued July 1, 1847, were made by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson and had the initials R.W.H. G E. os1 the lower edge. Portraits of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were used.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-18


 1. How many cabinet changes have there been during the Roose- welt Administration?
 2. Name the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. 3. Is linseed oil obtained from the seed of cotton hemp or flax?
 4. Name the state capital that has no steam railroad.
 5. Which is more nearly correct: "the United States owns more than one-half of all the worlds gold" or "the United States own smore than one-third of all the worlds gold?" 6. What is the name of legal document that is spelled the same forward and backward?
 T. Which President of the United States owned an Ohio newspaper? 8. Name the largest gland in the body?
 g. On what date this year will spring begin? 10. What six letter word may be the name of 8 season of the year a source of water 8 part of an au- tomobile, or an abrupt action?