davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

The worst is now being realized with regard to salvaging of the capsized Normandie in it's Hudson River berth. According to Admiral Adolphus Andrews, commandant of the Third Naval District, the vessel is practically 6O,0OO,0 ,000 loss That's as disheartening as some of the reverses suffered by American and British forces in the Far East While the boat isn't of American make and cost us little to date in taking it over from the French Line, still the mere fact that a verltabe floating palace has been reduced to pile of wreckage lying on it's side in the river is appalling. And all this, apparently through carelessness. There seems to be no other good explanation of the disaster It is doubtful if we will ever get any practical use from the boat now except at tremendous cost and presumably we will be in duty bound to make some form of restitution to the French Line after the war is over. So we remain losers all around.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

didn't expedite the building of re- crcational Centers for service men. These centerS are operated with USO funds and personnel.
 Later the War Department took charge of construction, and things began to movc-but still not fast enough for Dewey. icecently he complained to intimates.
 'I'm just about fed up with the whole business. I've gone out and raised 15 million dollars and we still have a lot of it in the treasury, where it's doing no good, simply because we haven't received the proper cooperation from government agencies. As head of the USO, I'd be in an embarrassing position if donors started asking questions about what happened tO the money they contributed for the boys in uniform"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
EDWARD RYAN TAKES THE EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN
 FOR A SLEIGH RIDE
Thomaston, Conn. Feb. IT, 1942.

Thomaston, Conn,
 Feb. IT, 1922
 Editor of The Democrat:
 Edward J. Ryan of Thomaston to- day answers an editorial which ap- peared recently in the Waterbury American in which the editorial writer of that paper admitted his bewilderment at seeing MT Ryan at the Lincoln Day Dinner. MT. Ryan has issued a duplicate of this state 1 ment to the Waterbury Democrat for publication, which Is as follows:
 At the outset 1t might be well to mention the fact that have always been able to rise above the editorials of the Waterbury American, never have I been able to sink to their be fitting and proper to answer, through this medium, your Alice in Wonderland" editorial of last Friday in which you attempted to interpret my purpose for attending the Lincoln Day Dinner held last week
 It might be well at this point to admit that I was surprised to read where you frankly admitted that my presence there gave you the im- 1 pression of An illusion created by the smoke or some fllmy vapor aris- ing on the alcoholic fumes of our own or some one else'S breath. For the alcoholic fumes to arise from your breath, MT. Editor, you nat urally imbided, perhaps bit too freely. If this Is true, and you ad- init it is true, MT. Editor, I can un- derstand why you wrote the child ish editorial about me and Alice in Wonderland. Some people after such indulgence see pink ele- plants" others rave or write about Alice in Wonderland
 Of course it is an accepted fact, well known by the people of this section, that your newspaper will do all it can to prevent our people from regaining control of the two major political parties. The only method you can employ in this d. rection is to write smeary editorials about me whenever the fancy strikes because you well realize thatin days to come I shall again, and again speak for our people It will be thus in the fall, and make no mis- take about that.
 You saw with your own eyes the warm, friendly manner in which was received at the dinner and by those who have opposed me i'll the past.
 This should have convinced, even you. MT. Editor, that the politicians in the Republican party (and in the Democratic party 'as welD are fear full of what the people may do 1T the fall state election. Politicians quite naturally. want no third party or fourth party in the field when the state elections roll around. Yes MT. Editor, the politicians will have considerable number of head.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
The Bicycle Enlists

The comeback of the bicycle, which really started about 1886, has, of course, been speeded up by the war. About 150 bicycles can be made from the amount of steel that goes into an automobile and the industry can turn out between five and six million bicycles a year without much expansion.
 Further, standard war model' has been adopted instead of the 375 different models formerly made. It will be stripped of nearly all gadgets and bright metal. As the number of automobiles on the road decreases and it Will-cycling will be safer and easier America will soon be pedaling it's way to victory
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
Selected Poem
FRENCH WOMAN

Mary Louise Kempe in the Christian
 Science Monitor) Even on WarneSt summer days Her house was always cool, The blinds drawn neatly against the sun, And shadows making a pool Around the legs of the tables and chairs Starchily armored in white, So. coming in, you would blink, at first, In that eery, mid-afternoon light. But though she was old and you were young, Of course you were never afraid; For there would be lemon-drops and mlnts, And better still if you stayed . She might even show you the crystal Jars That her dressing table held And touch your handkerchief with scent From the bottle you longingly smelled. This part remember the best of all Along with the dresses she wore And her eyes jet-bright and her soft white hair Smoothed high in a pompadour- I best remember, children will Through all of the vanished years, How she held stopper daintily poised And touched cologne to the lobes of her ears.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

There's more to that fight over control of the waters of Lake George than came out in the early reports. The State of New York claimed that a private utility controlled the lakes outlet through dam and maintained the lake waters at too high a level, thus causing erosion o1 several state-oWned islands as well as destruction of privately-owned docks and boat-houses Now the public utility points out that dam has controlled the lakes outflow ever since 1906 and that the real cause of damage in recent years has been drought conditions, which could not be corrected were the dam to be removed So the courts will have to ponder long and thoroughly on the merits ol the case
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
Current Comment


 Do you want me to give you an oration?
 War Secretary Stimson, asked about the attitude of the Armys soldiers.
 Tn time of war the moral princi- ples of normal times are superflu- ous and at times bothersome.
 --Benito Mussolini. It seems to me the American people, even yet, are not entirely aware of the dangers that surround them.
 Miguel Aleman, Mexican minister of interior. The three R's" today are not readin', Writin and 'rithmetic, but respect, responsibility, and religion. Mrs. Agnes w. Price, American Farm Bureau Association.
 The armed forces were not on the alert at Pearl Harbor, but neither were the American people on the alert.
 Capt. Howard l.. Vickcry, U. 5. Navy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
What's Your 70.
Can you answer seven of these test questions? Turn to back page for the answers.

1. Which of the Virgin Islands O the United States is the largest 1T area?
 ?. Does gross tonnage or "dl' placement tonnage denoted the actual weight of ship?
 3. To which country do the Gel. ebes islands belong?
 4 Mexico is bounded on the eas, by which state ard body of Waterf
 5. Was Rehoboam king of Israe or Judah?
 G. Cygnet is the name of a young swan, miniature cigar, or piece of jewelry usually worn on the nm ger?
 T. In which city was the 194l Major League All-Star' baseball game played?
 8. Name the Spanish conqueroi of Mexico
 g.. ..Hummingbirds can fly back ward; true or false?
 10. On what date was the Dec laration of Independence adopted,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

If you're a boating enthusiast and take to the waters of Long Island Sound during the summer months, watch your navigation. Not only will the Coast Guard be checking the movements of all private craft, but various waters now are nlned Narragansett Bays entrance is so well mined that craft can only proceed lnto IL under escort after first being examined in an area outside the bay proper.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
Questions
 and Answers
yo,rR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
 The Waterbury Democrats Ser vice Bureau will answer for you free, any qufestion of fact or in- formation, not involving eNfcr. sjve research. Write your ques- ton clearly. sign name and an- dress, enclose a three cent postage stamp. Medical or legal advice cannot be given. Address water bury Democrats Washington Ser vice Bureau. 1913 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C.
 Q. How did the entry Of tht United States into the war aHe@t commodity prices?
 A. Prices Of grains, livestock and foods rose sharply. Prices ol most industrial materials traded Tn the organized markets, being limited by federal regulation, showed Dt- tle change. Additional measures to prevent advances in wholesale prices were soon announced for wool and shellac and for such imported foods as cocoa, coffee, pepper, and 1als and oils. Retail prices of food anc other commodities which had risen in October and November, continued to rise in December
 o. When was the 1940 Draft Act enacted and what were the dates of registrations?
 A. The Selective Service and Training Act Of 1940 was approved on September 16. The first registra- tion, for men from 21 through 8, was on October 16 and men who be- came 21 after that date registered nn .IllV la41
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
MERRY-GO-ROUND

The mysterious fire last fall at the Firestone Rubber company's Fall River, Mass, plant destroyed enough crude rubber to have made 100000 tires. Origin of the fire never has been fully determined The U. s. is now produc- ing more ammunition and shells of all kinds than ever before in the history of the country-and the amount will be tripled, this year If you Wan: handy compilation of Immortal words of famous Americans" for speech writing or literary purposes, write Senator Scott Lucas of Jlli- nois, for copy of leatlet he has prepared. He will send you one free.
 Copyright, 1942, by United
 Feature Syndicate, Inuco
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

are destined [ 0 revolutionize { h Q trucking industry to a degree which few A m eric a n people realizes.
 It is estimated there are rolling over the nations highways o q a y some 4.5 million trucks. That's one truck for every 90 people, a ratio n o W h ere ap- preached in any other country. Of theSe 4.5 million
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
. NATIONAL
 SPOTLIGHT
War Means
 Big Brake on
 Truck Industry

This is the third of series on the wars impact on II. ;. automO- bile civilization.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
Washington Merry-Go Round T"
Rubber Provides Lush Bononzo for Private Company Original Changed Reduce Government Sofeguord
DREW PIE 4 R $ 0 N
 ROBERT s. ALLEN

WASHINGTON February IS advisers are urging the President
  California
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

O. Was Abraham Lincoln ever a postmaster?
 A. He was appointed postmaster at New Salem, H., on May T. 1883 during the second administration Of President Andrew Jackson. The of flee was discontinued May 30, 1886
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
By PETER EDISON Waterbury Democrat Washington
 COrTeSpOndent

Washington, Feb. 18-Just as the country's passenger transportation is dependent on the private auto mobile, so its hauling of goods is dependent upon trucks. The chang ing conditions of a war economy
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

O. Is white object visible ip total darkness?
 A. No; because visibility is ob. tained by the reflection of light rays and if there are no light rays, noth- ing will be vi&ible, If light rays are not completely absent. however a white object may be distinguished, because white will reflect those rays.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
Daily Almanac

Daily Almanac Moon sets l0:07 D. m (War Time. Sun rises 7:43 a. m; sets 6:30 D. m. War Time) All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

trucks, more than 25 million are heavy and medium trucks weighing 9, 1000 pounds or more, the rest light deliveries. Before Pearl Harbor, more than fourth of these trucks were hauling defense goods.
 In the current truck model year.
 ending July 31, the motor truck in-
 dustry will turn out 1,l89,900 trucks, Or 200 GOO more than in the preced-
 ing model year. By Aug. l, 1922, there will be an indicated 5.7 mil lion trucks on the highway. l There isn't the conversion problem l in the truck factories that there IS 1 in the passenger automobile m- iduStry. Production of light trucks
 was stopped this month, but in the
 medium and heavy truck industries
 the shift to military models and then full speed ahead with an Az lprioritics order to insure that they iget the necessary raw materials
 For q lot of these trucks, however,
 there are no tires. They'll simply have 10 go in storage tlll rubber is available
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

O.. Are any lizards poisonous?
 A. Ditmars says that the Gila Monster and the Mexican beaded lizards are the only poisonous varie- ties. The Gila Monster is found ill desert regions of Arizona and Few Mexico, the beaded lizard is found in the arid regions from central Mexico to northern Central Amer ica.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

EDITORS NOTE: If you arc desirous of securing this week, booklet, "WEIGHT CONTROL" address r. M. Kirby, Dept. 8-lO! Waterbury Democrat Service Bu reau, 1913 Thirteenth st., Wash ington, D. C., with 10 cents .t cover pOsatgc.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
A Thought for Today

If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.-Mark 9:23.
 The only faith that wears well and holds it's color in all weathers is that which is woven ol conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience.-LoWell.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

Q. Do Jewish merchants believe that if sale Is made to the first customer during any week, the whole week will be successful one?
 A. It is firmly established be- lief and merchant frequently vii offer gooGs for almost nothing il order to make first sale. The week begins at sundoWn Saturday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Every beginner must be new at what he or she she be- gins, consequently it is incor- rect to speak of new begin ner.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18

o. How far is the Dutch island of Sumatra from Singapore? Is the population large?
 A. Sumatra is the second larg- est island in the Ouch East Indies and it's central eastern coast is only sixty-ive miles from Singapore, across the Straits Of Malacca. The island is crossed by the equator, ana is plagued with malaria. The total population is between eight and nine million and the more important set dement's are on the western sioe, including Pedang = 50,0O0 poplla- ton. It is an important source O. rubber, petroleum, copper tea and tobacco.
 O. Who was the first woman 10 be apponted head of a post office in the United States?
 A. Miss Mary K. Goddard, ap- pointed rostmistress of Baltimore, Md, in l775.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-18
IMPORTANT TO l WAR PLANTS

To give you all idea of how the war industries depend on trucks, consider few typical war produc- tion plants. At the Ford Ypsilanti bomber plant, a fourth of the raw materials will come in by truck, three -fourths by rail- Outgoing, 60 per cent of the production will move by truck, 40 per cent by air. At the Chrysler tank arsenal in Detroit, 50 per cent of raw materials will come in by truck.
 l The whole idea of sub b-contract l ing is based on transportation Of parts from the sub-contractor to the assembly plant by truck. If the truck transport system breaks down, war prdouction breaks down. It's that important War production means nothing unless the goods can 1 be moved.
 This is as Transportation Direc- tor Joseph B. Eastman says, not a job which can be shifted to the railroads "The fact is" says East man, "the railroads themselves arc among the largest users of trucks i'll railroad terminal operations and in substitution for the old way freight train service"
 Next to this neavy industrial truck freight traffic, perhaps the most important truck factor is farm use of such vehicles. One-fourth of al ltrucks in service today are on , farms. According to Robedt F. Black, head of White Motor Company, these farm trucks haul to market some 27 per cent of the nations butter, 8 per cent of it's eggs, 40 per cent of the fruit and vegetables, 62 per cent of its cattle, 68 per cent of it's hogs, 53 per cent of the total 1 livestock.
 Cut down on the farmers use of trucks and what happens to the nations food supply? It's bit too scary to think about.
 SERVICE AS
 USUAL" OUT
 It is the threatened restriction on ] light truck use which hits the urban dWeller harder than any other cur tailment, for here you get into the whole field of city deliveries which stores have built up so extensively in recent years. Tine whole concept of service as usual" is in for q change.
 Competing dairies might have to consolidate their milk routes. The same thing goes for the bread wagon and the huckster Already customers are being requested to carry home their own groceries to save rubber on delivery trucks.
 Taxicab service may have to be curtailed tremendously. TWo-car families may have to get back to a onc-car basis.
 The 32,000 rural mail carriers now riding on rubber may find their regular daily trips cut down, or take to horse. Express pickup and de- livery procedure may be modified
 Your doctor, the ambulances, the health services nad similar essen tials will be kept rolling, but in practically every other phase of transportation the country stands ready to be put back where it was some place in the five years preced- ing World War l.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
COLISEUM TT NOW - 2-FEATURE PRoGRAM-2

and initiated one member, Phoebe Ann Logan, who chose the name of Star" A hike for 10 o'clock Sat- urday morning was planned.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
UNLU(KY TODAY! WAS
 SECOND FRIDAY, 18TH

Keep your fingers crossed today? It is Friday the thirteenth, you know, the second in row.
 Friday may fall on the thirteenth of the month several times a year but seldom comes twice in row The proverbially unlucky day came this year both in February and March, because February was a four-square month, beginning on g Sunday and ending on Saturday.
 According to superstition, whicf you may or may not believe, you are supposed to be especially careful on this day about walking under ladders, letting black cats get under your feet, breakin gmirrors and 2 dozen other taboos. So if you passed through both February ant March Fridays successfully, you may consider yourself born under a special star of luck.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
DOUGLAS
 NEWS
VARIETY OF ISSUES ARE
 BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The regular meeting of the Doug las Volunteer Fire Department held last evening afforded the op- portunity for disposal of a number of issues of varying importance to the community at large. The D. F. D. boy scouts committee was revised by appointment of Nor man Rustad to succeed Victor Rue as member. Capt. Andrews of the Home Guards deplored the lack of interest shown by the Depart ment, sponsors of his organization. Starting with membership of 50 attendance at drills has dwindled to about dozen he said.
 Matter of change in prospect be- ing made in Fireman's control of the natatorium was reported and desire expressed that the depart ment be given first consideration by the Council
 Progress was reported by the committee in charge of improve ments for the fireman's comfort headquarters. Participation in the Nenana ice guessing as usual was voted. Mark Jensen and Ralp h Mortensen were delegated to handle the tickets and members only to make their committents on or be- fore April l.
 Tn cooperation with the Territor- ial Health Department all members were requested to get their blood type registered with the proper officials in the Territorial building in Juneau after required tests.
 Need of Fire drills was given at tention by communication from the fire chief, only issue of which was manner of time when they are to be. held. Preference was given i to notice in the Empire on the even- ing preceding the proposed drill rather than by use of the siren.
 Adolph Hirsch was ordered rein stated as member and the name of Charles Tuckett placed on the waiting list. Committee to select ] candidates for the various offices of the Department for the Spring election was appointed as follows; Angus and Alex Gair, and Glen Rice.
 Maintenance Committee for the ensuing term is A. E. Goetz, Tom Popovich, Glen Edwards, and Ralph Mortensen. The social committee is Calvin Pool, Frank Pettygrove and Tony Riess.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
ACTON, LAUGHS IN WESTERN AT
 2OTK CENTURY
Texas Rangers Ride Aqain Stars John How
 ard, Drew and Robson

Bullet-speed action, lusty laughs and high-ridin' romance will be un- rolled tonight, when Texas Ram gers Ride Again" opens at the 20th Century Theatre, to the accompani- ment of galloping hooves and barking six-shooters.
 Featured in the notable cast are John Howard and Ellen Drew, in the romantic roles, Akim Tamir- off, May Robson, Broderick Craw- ford, Charley Grapewin. John Mill jan, William Duncan, Anthony Quinn and Harvey Stephens. Each is provided with roles in which they can do full justice to their talents.
 Set in the majestic spaces ol Texas, the story concerns itself with the mysterious disappearance of cattle from the White Sage Ranch owned by May Robson. Unable tc stop the cattle-rllstling, she asks the aid of the Texas Rangers, who send two of their crack men, John Howard and Frederick Crawford Howard has to pose as the Pecos Kid, a desperado, in order to join the rustler's gang and bore from within.
 Towards rudeness and fresh manners are apparently what love- ly Ellen Drew likes, in her role of May Robson's granddaughter, but she pretends distaste until the final scene. The banter that passes be- tween them contains some really fresh, witty lines.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
TN THE NAVY" C0MESSATURDAY
 T0CApIT0l SHOW
Abbott and Costello Star with Dick Powell in
 Hit Laugh Film

Abbott and Costello, those scream ingly funny fellows who won screen stardom through their work in Uni versals hit laugh film, Buck Pri- vates," are back on the screen in new Navy comedy in which Dick Powell is also starred. The picture opens Saturday at the Capitol The atre.
 This latest feature in Universals series built around the various un- it's of Uncle Sam's military service is said to surpass Buck Privates.' box office record breaker It is Tn the Navy
 In leading featured roles are such outstanding players as the three Andrews sisters-Patty, MaXene and LaVerne, Claire Dodd, Dick Foran, Butch and Buddy, Shemp Howard, and the Condos Brothers.
 The picture was directed by Ar thur Lubin,. who so successfully filled a similar assignment in Buck Privates."
 Alex Gottlieb, associate producer on the latter production, did re- peat on the Navy film.
 Tonight Only A double feature bill on the Capi- tol Theatre program for tonight only includes Sweetheart of the Campus" with Ruby Keeler, Ozzie Nelson and his band and as the second feature, Free and Easy with Robert Cummings and Ruth Hussey.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-03-13
MONDAY E LAST DAY FOR FILING
 INCOME REPORTS

Juneau residents have only until Monday night at 10 o'clock in which to file their income tax re- turns, Wes Overby Deputy Col lector of Internal Revenue, said to- day. Because the usual deadline March Is, falls on Sunday, the deadline this year is Monday.
 The office in the Federal Build ing will be open until 6 p. m. to- morrow, Sunday from to p. m. and Monday until 10 o'clock al night. All reports filed after Mon- day will be considered delinquent