davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
A Thought for Today
Of to a Good Start

With the very able William B. Bank head of Alabama, Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivering a forcetul and typically Democratic speech, the na- tional convention of the party swung into real action at Chicago last night, There was no hesitancy about the utter- ances of MT. Bankhead. In oratorlcal manner he cited the facts of the last seven and one-half years which are now bright stars in the Democratic crown of achieve ment. From there he proceeded to cut the Republican platform, built at Phna- delphia, to pieces.
 A quick denial of the claim that the Democratic Party is a war party and seeks to embroil the nation in the European war enabled him to show how completely un- prepared for any act of aggression would be this nation had President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1883 followed the actions of his predecessors. National defense may still be away behind schedule, but it has advanced under the years of Democratic rule whereas nothing absolutely was ac- complished in the preceding term Of Herbert Hoover.
 Had the Speaker of the House decided to lay a perfect groundwork for the re- nomination of President Roosevelt he could not have done better job. We doubt if he conceived that speech with the thought that the nomination would go again to the present White House occupants. But it shows quite plainly why Democrats again and again look to Roosevelt as their salvation in the present crisis. It shows how the party is more or less centered around the figure of Roose- welt; it proves that his has been the dom- inant figure in the nation in the last eight years.
 If the platform-makers can now pro- duce something to go with the keynote address and to match with their candi- dates, there is no reason why the party should not surge to even greater heights in November. There is slowly but surely coming the realization at Chicago that the fanfare of Philadelphia was not neces- sarily for new president in the making; there is the thought that the Democrats with Roosevelt saved us from disaster In 1883; they can do the same in 1941.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
. HIGHLIGHTS FROM
 LATEST BOOKS
Story of Family Has To Do With Slaves

Family sagas are still popular, and So The Unquiet Field" by Beatrice Kean Seymour (Macmillan: $2.50) should meet with approval. Back ground for the family history is the slave trade which brought prosper ity to certain English families in the 18th and early 18th centuries.
 Two of such families are the Sherrardrs and the Vines; who en- gagged in the business in Liverpool. The Sherrards had really been in the ship business long before slaves were suddenly needed for the American colonies. but they were able to seize the opportunity pre- Sented by the sudden demnad for black flesh. Robert Vines entered the firm when James Sherrard's father died.
 One of James minor annoy ances is his daughter, Lavinia, whose sensibilities to the barhari- ties around her are considered, at least, unmaidenly. Lavi'lia resolves never to marry, never does. But had Bartley, her cousin, ever asked her, she admitted she would probably have consented. Like Lavinia, Bartley is distraught and unhappy over the slave business, but he premfers a life of com- placence to any active protest against a world that seems too large to reform.
 Principally from the character istics of Bartley and Lavinia stems the motive power for this story. Bartley's son falls in love with an American girl and a believer in slavery. Lavinia becomes mistress to a nobleman, has a daughter. The destiny of Lavinia and Brt- ley is finally fulfilled when their respective grandchildren fall in love and get married.
 "The Unquiet Field" Is the fruit of considerable research. Refer ences { O familiar historical and literary figures recur throughout the book. It is q careful, palms. taking job - novel that 6 weli done.
 It Is not much more than that. it is not q great novel. But you should be able to take from Miss eeymour's latest work c couple 'of delightful evenings.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

Closing of the famous Rockefeller Plaza in Radio City, New York, caused some be- wilderment among visitors to the big town this past Sunday. Even natives of New York didn't know what it was all about. Under common law this must be done in order to prevent the plaza from becoming public property. The law says the plaza would be public property if used continuously for one year. So once every year Columbia University, which owns the Rockefeller Center land, must rope off the travelled portion to prevent los ing it's title. This is often done where private right of way threatens to be- come public one by constant use.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

bers of the Executive Board of the American Newspaper Guild, including the six referred to in the column as now joining "ca1l to oust the left-wing big four" !" urging .the postponement of non- nations ad election of 8 successor to President Broun.
 ''I was not a candidate for the presidency, and the New York local of which I am a member, seconded the nomination of Ken- meth Crawford: it supported no other candidate.
 "Tne candidates who withdrew at the last minute after Crawford had been widely backed by ad- ministration supporters, are now actively identified with one oppo- sition bloc, which now includes the six Board members.
 Further, the quiet "blitz attack" raller than being started by the administration of the Guild was quietly started on May 2 in 6 mimeograph issued by six oppos- ing members of the International Executive Board.
 While 1t is an interesting de- velopment that newspaper pulp fishers have come to permit Guild members to campaign in their columns for one side or the other in matters respecting their union, it is equally comforting to know that decisions are made by elec- ted delegates at a convention where there can be a complete re- view of facts rather than.of the products of hysteria, and misin- formation"
 MILTON KAUFMAN. CONVENTION MERRY-GO-
 ROUND
 Strange convention visitor to the National Committee head quarters here was John Rascob, chairman from 1928 to 1882 and with Al Smith bolter in 1886. RaSkob, spent a half-hour confer ring privately with Farley ... Two most photographed women at the convention are Evie Robert, pho- togenic wife of the secretary of the National Committee, and state ly, white-haired Mrs. Mack, Ma tional Committeewon1an from the Virgin Islands :. <. Two other un- usual visitors are Mrs. Alice Long worth and Forrest Davis, goateed newsinan, both active in the near ly successful COP presidential campaign of Senator Taft ... Pride of Jim Farley at the con- vention is his attractive, 15-year- old daughter Ann, who acts as one of his secretaries and takes her duties very seriously .... No wonder one of the first things the National Committee did was to enact rule limiting the number of delegates at future Democratic conventions. This one has 1,094 votes and 1,896 delegates. Three states sent veritable armies of del- egates, each with a minute frac- , ton of a vote. Texas, with 46 votes, sent l35 delegates: Missis- sippi, with 18 votes, has 108 dele gates; and Montana, with six votes, has 26 delegates. One Mis- sissippi district with two votes elected 58 delegates .... There wasn't enough room for the alter mates on the convention floor and some had to be seated in the wis., itrs' galleries. Going to conven- ton Is apparently Q big treat for the Democratic boys and girls.
 Copyright. l94o, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
Questions
 and Answers
M rRRnFRrO n9 KERbH.

BY EK8DBlskO hh A11nN
 Enclose . thres-cent stamp Tor reuly when addressing any ones- ti6n Of fact or information to ene waterbury Democrats Service bu. rAau ak Washington. Legal and medical advice cannot be given. nor can extended research be uzl- taken. Be sure all mall ls ade dressed to The WATERBURY DEMOCRATS SERVICE Bus REAU, 1913 Thirteenth Street,
 Washington, D. c.
 e. Under which President were the last two States admitted to tha Unicn?
 A. New Mexico and Arizona, the last two, were admitted in 1912 when William H. Taft was Presi- dent.
 e, How did the A. F. of [. esti- mate of unemployment in tha United States in April, 1040 compare with the estimate for April, 19392
 A. The April, 1889 estimate was 10,s53,7 ,727; in 1940, 10,255,o2S.
 e. Are War Veterans allowed any concessions in rating in Civil Ser vice examinations?
 A. They are given 5 points in ad- dition to their earned rating, and need only earn a rating of 65, to obtain a passing grade of 70.
 @. How many brothers and sisters has Joe DiMaggio, New York Yankee outfielder?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

As Connecticut delegates to the Demo- cratic convention in Chicago gathered for instructions and advice, there ap- appeared to be no serious rift among the 96 who represent this state. The delega- ton is pledged to Roosevelt, but on the vice-presidency can pick and choose. There might be a tendency to swing to Supreme Court Justice William O. Doug las if he proves a serious contender, as his association with Yale made him fairly well-known in the state.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

Anti-aircraft guns for Connecticut won't be available for some time, accord ing to word from the War Department. They seem to be at premium right now what with training in their use increased and every available gun being tuned up for use in practice and perhaps in earnest: New England is certainly one section of the nation that should be amply provided with such means of repelling any foreign invader and we are glad to note that Rep. J. Joseph Smith of this city is doing all that he personally can to assure Connec- ticut of its share of this type of artillery. Special training in the use of anti-aircraft batteries for Connecticut artillerymen can't proceed until the weapons are forth coming. The main reason they are not so plentiful is that all the new type produced now is being shipped to our coastal de- lenses around the Panama Canal, believed the most vulnerable point in North America
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

ulhLL WHO suspects he is being followed even though he can't actually see, anything when he turns his head to look. The realization that the leader of the opposition is, tough and re- sourceful, capable of pulling an un- expected fast one at any moment, is a damper to high spirits--and now and then, a spur to dramatic action.
 That fact partly accounts for the neat 1r1aneuver by which President Rooseyent, on, the eve of the con- ventiop, scotched the third party threat.
 By slipping into message to Congress the fiat statement that American boys weren't going to be sent to Europe to flght--a state- Inent that was proposed for the Republican platform and rejected after three days of bitter argu- ment-the President made practi- cally certain that there won't be third ticket in the field to swipe Democratic votes. Plans for such ticket were well under way; ener- getic Senator Burton K. Wheeler barely week before the conven- tion was declaring that organiZa- tion work could be expected soon after the convention if definite peace pledge were not adopted. After the Presidents statement Wheeler returned promptly to the fold.
 All of which encouraged some party stalwarts to chortle that a long march had been stolen on the Republicans, and that 1t was now the Democrats who could accuse the opposition of being the war party ... which just goes to show home some people overestimate the im- portance of the words which get ut into party platforms.
 IMPORTANT BACKING i WASN'T IN SIGHT
 Nevertheless, averting the third party threat was real achievement. The presidential declaration on non- participation in the war abroad was only a part of it.
 Much more important was the gradual discovery, by all hands concerned, that important backing for such party just wasn't in sight. The 20-odd c. I. o. officials who came to Chicago to work for a third term convinced party leaders that 8 bolt by John Lewis was nothing much to be afraid of. If labor was going to stay put, and if 8 few words in the platform would appease the isolationists, then the Townsendites and the left-wing unionistS could make book if they wanted to and nobodys worry.
 WILLKIE INROADS
 IN PARTY FEARED
 What really is worrying the Democrats is the thought of what Willkie may do to 8 party some of whose important figures are highly disgrunted oyer the way the whole third-term movement was handled this spring.
 How extensive that worry is can be gauged by the fact that the Democrats are figuring they will actually have to make a real cam paign in Texas this fall. One party leader admitted: T can probably collect $50000 in campaign contri- buttons down there without much trouble-but if I were collecting a Willkie fund I could raise half a million" ....
 The most popular form of com- fort indulged in here is the asser- tion that Willkie reached his peak of popularity too soon.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
It Must Be Roosevelt

If the Democratic Party wishes to re- tain it's leadership in the nation this fall it must renominate President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Chicago later this week. That's the only way out of it for the Democrats and careful analysis of all reports emanating from Chicago seems to show that most political writers and ex- ports are agreed on this. They may not all think that this is the best or wisest course for the Democratic Party, but everyone now feels that the President withheld any definite commitments on his candidacy so long that he has killed off the chances of any other potential candidate.
 Had the Republicans nominated any one other than Wendell l.. Willhe, this situation might not be so acute today. But the nomination of Willkie on we'll managed coup and his immediate eleva- tion to popular favor in the eyes of the public made it necessary. for the Demo- cratS to produce as good a campaigner and as magnetic personality. Leaders may not say so publicly, but most of them admit privately that as yet the right Suc- cessor to Roosevelt in his own party is not forthcoming. There may be men who could cary on just as ably, perhaps even better, but they don't hold the imagina- ton and they don't bring in the votes
 Therefore, it looks as if this convention at Chicago would resolve itself first into housewarming for Franklin D. Roosevelt, in which millions will participate; then secondly into battle royal for the run in second place on his ticket. And Demo crats should not lose sight of the fact that second place can be as important as first. The choice of vice-presidential candidate demands as much attention as that of the President. If it is all-import- ant that Roosevelt be retained, it cer- tainly is as vital that he get the right support We don't doubt but here is where the real campaigning will center.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
Daily Almanac

Moon sets sos a. m. (dayiight tilne).
 Sun rises 6:3l c. m.; sets e:2i D. m. (day- light time).
 All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
 Plenty of warm weather is needed for the remainder Of this month fl New England crops are to keep pace with the date. This cool weather that has been prevalent has held us many growing things that only revel in good warm sunshine and not too cool nights, such as Wo have had.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

hemisphere from changing hands as the result of mere military conquest But if other American nations do not care to- assume their end of this responsibility, let no one say that is imperialism" for the United States to protect it's own safety and interests by whatever means remain available. As.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
Selected Poem
TREES

TREES Izabeth Gray Rankin in the Poets Corner
 Hartford Times) Long velvet shadows Of trees in the moonlight; Towering trees Like old-fashioned ladies Spread their billowing gowns. The blossoming apple Drops her petals Regretfully On the cool earth. Dull sheen of pearls Covers the ground Under the pear tree that wept- Tree shadows Cross the garden, Stealing The hot thunder of the sun; Shadows, That tiptoe over willing flowers And shelter Dropping blossoms The incense bearers t -' To the God of Gardens.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

the R ep u blican convention q fort-, night earlier.
 President Roose- welt was an un- seen b ut potent influence at Phil adeiphia. Wendell Willkie is the same kind of in- huence here.
 A on v entioi1 W hich goes to work under that kind of handicap tends to be vague ly uneasy, like a -. L- 2 . 1. .g. L..
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

s5-
 1. Does the average adult human body contain about IS, 27, or 36 square feet of skin?
 2. Which state was the scene of the famous Hall-Mills murder case?
 3. If an alien woman marries a citizen of the United States, does she automatically become a citizen?
 4. Where in the Bible are the Beatitudes? fM
 5. Who wrote "The Four MillionP"
 6. On which continent is The Gold Coast?
 2. Does ''gross tonnage or "dis- placement tonnage" denote the ac- tual weight of a ship?
 8. From whom did Joe Louis win the heavyweight championship?
 g. Dental carries are tools used by a dentist, cavities in teeth or a kind of dental plate?
 10. Which famous opera singer had sons in the German and the United States armies during the World War2
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

e. Which counties in Illinois were formed first? sf
 A. St. Clair County in 1909, fol- lowed the same year by Randolph County. Gallatin, Johnson and Mad- ison Counties were formed in 1872
 e. How may iron be removed from water? r
 A. Dissolved iron in large water supplies has been removed by tho rough aeration, followed by sedi- mentation or filtration through sand or some other filter bed. This method is hardly adaptable to 8 small household water supply. Water containing iron can frequently be improved for laundry purposes by adding a little limewater or washing soda to the water in container, stirring thoroughly, allowing the iron oxide to settle to the bottom, and drawing off the top (clearesD water for use. This water should be filtered through cloth or other ma terial. o. What is the ratio of automobile registrations to population?
 A. One car for every four persons | in the United States. The world ratio is one to 47 persons.
 e. Does the Lutheran Inner Mis- sion Society have national head quarters? !. A. Each city organization operates independently, but under. the ger- eral direction of the National Luth- eran Council, 30 E. 35th street, New York, N. Y.
 e. Which city is called the "oil Capital of the World?"
 A. Tulsa,. Okla, because of the many oil companies with head quarters there, the manufacture of oil field equipment and supplies in its industrial area, and the vast oil fields surrounding 1t. The 1nterna- tional Petroleum Exposition, is held there biennially and attracts visit ors from all over the world, gQ. Does the presidents term e$- pire at midnight on the eve of inau- guration day. and is there an interim during which time there is no presi- dent? s ~s l A. The twentieth amendment to the Constitution specifically provides that the term of the president shall expire at noon on January 20. The inaugural ceremonies occur at noon on that day, and the new president takes the oath very shortly after that hour, 50 that there is no appreciable interim during which there is no | president.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
National Spotlight!
By BRUCE CAPTION
 waterbury Democrat washington < COrresponaent

Chicago, July 16-The shadow of a man who isn't there falls over the Democratic national convention, just, as a similar shadow cast by another abeent brother fell across
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
Washington Merry Go-Round
Jim Farley's Future Biggest Chicago Mystery
 Now That The Third Term Questions Settled
DREW FEARS IN
 ROBERT 8. ALLEN

   nent, the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

If you want . copy of the book let PAN AMERICAN HISTO- GRAPH" send Co The Waterbury Democrats Washington Bureau. 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washing ton, D. c. Enclose twenty-fivs cents in postage. !
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

A. He has four brothers, Tom, Mike, Vince and Domenic; and four sisters, Marie Mae, Nelly and Frances.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16

TODAY,S COMMON ERROR I Never say, 'Lady, can I help
 you?"; say, Madam, may I
 help you?"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-16
What Your l. O.!

Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to last page for the answers.
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-04-28
duel
MARKS CONTEST
Middies' Lone Run Comes In
Eighth As Anderson
Triples

ANNAPOLIS, Md, April 27.-F--
North Carolina university's baseball
team came out Of a tight game with
a FL win over Navy today.
1t was Nays sixth loss in seven
starts as the Tar Heels took a n
run lead in the third inning and
forfeited it with another counter in
the eighth. The Midshipmen's lore
run came in their half of the
eighth when Ralph Anderson tripled
and came home on pinchhitter Har-
old Harwood's infield out.
A Pitchers Duel
The game was q pitchers battle
all the way as Cardinals southpaw,
George Talston, let in five hits and
Navy's sophomore hurler Norman
Smith surrendered.
Cardinals first score came when
Ralston singled In the third, got
to second on an infield out, made
third on an error, then came home
on Jimmy Mallory's long outfield
fly.
The winners scored again In the
eighth when George Stirnweiss rap.
ped out a double, made third on an
infield out, and scampered home on
Jack Jones outfield fly.
The Wilmington morning star., 1940-04-28
PIRATES TO PLAY
A. {. nine HERE
Hewlett And Sinclair 10
Have Part In Opening
Ceremonies

The Wilmington Pirates will play
the Atlantic Christian college nine
at 5 o'clock Friday night May 8, al
the American Legion stadium.
Music will be furnished by the
252nd regimental band.
David Sinclair, district solicitor,
will make a two-minute talk. Add
son Hewlett, Sr., chairman to the
board of county commissioners, viii
throw out the first ball.
A special bleacher is being erected
for children II years of age and IL
der. Those wishing to sit in thse
bleachers will be admitted free.
Advance sale Of tickets is going
rapidly. The largest crowd eXer to
attend a ball game here is expected
by officials.
The Atlantic Christian college e.
Gently defeated the Kinston md
G%oldsboro teams of the Coastal
Plains league and will arrive here
Friday afternoon.
Their probable lineup is as pillows:
C, Geffert; 1b. Houston; 3b, 5ullock;
SIS, T~readway; 2b, Gard'er; CT,
Holmes; if, Davis; RI, Wlndley;
Harper or Hicks, p.
Pirates have been working out
daily and boast one of tie best key
stone combinations ouslde OF or
ganized baseball in GRAHAM EDWARDS
at shortstop and S. lckeithan at
second base.
Other infielders ar Moore, Sellers,
stefano. HarIand Mt<eithan and Nc,
Kenzie will do tie backstopping.
The %outfielders ar Trogden, Afford,
Hines. Carter. an Webster.
Pitching staff ,onsists of Norwood
Skipper, last yea's ace; Jack shoaf,
Lowell, and Lakey.