davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Signs of the Times

With Waterbury only having to borrow S30000 later this month to tide it over between January and June some sort of a financial record will be set by this city. Never in recent years has the city been able to keep its temporary loans, floated in anticipation of taxes, down to this fig ure. Usually they have been a million or more. And once upon time they went as high as two million. So, we can sort of perk up and eXude pleasure at the an- nouncement from Controller Thomas Conlon'S office.
 At this rate the city, all things being equal, could be expected to arrive ultim- ately at the point where it won't have to borrow anything to get from one tax payment period to another. And that's what every municipality should strive for. A good many years ago strenuous efforts were made throughout the state to lni- tiate city financial methods which would provide for uniform tax methods, the same taX-due dates. and elimination of borrowing in anticipation. Unfortunately, our big communities couldn't get together on the idea.
 Now with Waterbury making rapid progress toward elimination of this finan- cial arrangement, it looks as if better days are coming. Of course we can't tell any thing about the postwar period It may not be like the present period when taxes are easily paid and there are few delin- quentS on the city'S tax records. It's no wonder that we can keep our temporary loans so low. All praise to the taxpayers who make this possible, and the officials <. who administer our affairs in such buSl- EeSS-like fashion.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Chance to Comment

If anyone wants to voice an opinion, for or against, the proposed budget for 194S tonight's the night to do So Therell be a public hearing in the City hall for just this sort of thing, Years ago there used to be a series of these hearings, but it got so that few if any public-minded citizens appeared, so city fathers evi- dently figured they were wasting their time At any rate tonight is the night set by charter requirements for a public hearing on the figures for 1943 as pro- posed to the Board of Aldermen by the Board of Finance.
 It will be interesting to note what If any criticism is voiced at this session. Not that we expect criticism, for judging by the preliminary figures offered in last nights Democrat good job of preparing the 1943 budget has been done by those charged with this responsibility, Proper consideration has been given we think to all concerned with the outlayS to be made. There is provision made for eX- pansion of the city'S payroll, just as there is for contraction of expenditures for public works which from now on will be a negligible feature of all municipali- ties.
 It can't be said, however, that ample opportunity hasn't been provided to call attention to shortcomings in the budget, if there be such. Usually they exist only in the viewpoint of the aggrieved or ln- tereSted individual. But what would a democratic form of government be if 1t wasn't so constituted that everyone was permitted to exercise an opinion. After all it's only such an interchange of opin- ions and ideas that usually results in a finished product. On this score Water burys budget for 194S ought to be fairly satisfactory.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

Down in New Haven city officials are hoping and praying that this will be an open winter. If it's what we refer to as one of those old-fashioned winters it's go- ing to be just too bad for the New Haven CTS. Due to lack of manpower the city is not prepared to do much in the way ot snow removal. As matter of fact there are few communities in Connecticut or in New England that will be able to de- vote a lot of time to snow removal Mo- where is there sufficient manpower to combat a big snowstorm in the manner to which most motorists have become accustomed of recent years. The central business section of New Haven will get most of the attention. After that there'H be efforts to clear out other business areas or the districts in the immediate vicinity of churches, schools, hospitals, fire-houses will be taken care of. That's probably going to De the same pattern all through the industrial East. All ot which means that if the snow does come in any great volume we had better be prepared to pitch in and help out the city fathers, for only by some such plan of cooperation can we open all arteries of travel.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
This One Kicked Back

Even before the new Congress takes over, with its relatively even party bal ance. there is evident a new spirit of dis elimination at the Capitol. Among other things, Congress betrays strong reluct- ance now about granting sweeping powers to the executive. This can prove good or bad in the long run Obviously in time of war it is necessary for the executive to have certain powers which he cannot explain to the public, and therefore cannot discuss with Congress as a whole.
 But whether it is good or bad, President Roosevelt brought the change on himself, in good part, when by executive order he placed a 5000 top limit on net salaries, with certain minor adjustments. Con- gress had refused, explicitly, to adopt $25, ,000 income limit, as demanded first by the Communist Party in it's 1928 na- tional platform; as proposed early this wear by the left wing Automobile Workers Union; as sponsored by Mrs Roosevelt in her syndicated column.
 Congressmen are saying publicly that they had the promise of recognized ad- ministration spokesmen, when the Pres ident was given sweeping powers to act
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

against imitation, that the $25,OO0 limlta- ton would not be imposed by executive order. Now, rather naturally, the peo- ple'S representatives are saying that they were flagrantly deceived and that they do not feel that they can trust the White House with future broad powers unless reservations are made explicitly to cover all contingencies,
 Such reservations or even their pro- posal - have the unfortunate effect at times of forcing MT. Roosevelt to disclose things that might better not be discussed publicly. They open the way to pro- ionged, heated arguments in Congress which delay action on pressing business. Granting all these things, Congress- is acting within its proper rights when it insists on exercising control over matters of major policy.
 The simple question whether anybody is entitled to receive more than $25,000 net in salary, or in total income during any year does not directly affect enough individuals to create much furore. The question whether the executive, taking advantage of wide discretion given to him for other purposes, can promulgate such an order, rejected by Congress, seems to the lawmakers and to many others to be of tremendous importance That order was terrible mistake. It has kicked back hard. Its reaction is going to bring a lot of gray hairs to the Presi- dential head.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Faster Liberty Ships

Liberty ships are being redesigned to give them more speed. This is welcome news for two reasons. The speed of a convoy is controlled by that of its slowest units. Sluggish vessels hold conveys to a speed that gives the U-boats greater opportunity for striking. Faster Liberty ships will save craft, cargo and sailors lives.
 Moreover, the slower vessels are purely wartime carriers, which could hardly compete in post war commerce: The new design may we'll enable the building up of merchant fleet which, when peace comes, will be invaluable to our rehabili- tation economy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

for Dan Tobin (who was once a member of the White House sec. retaFiat), but he stood his ground against the appointment of labor leader to head Manpower. Since then, Murray and Tohin have been voicing disapproval to friends.
 CAPITAL CHAFF
 Wire-tapping has become so bad in Washington that some people are taking the advice of Ambas- sador Bill Bullitt. When he was in Moscow he never talked on the phone without assuming in ad- vance that his wire was tapped. So he adopted the practice of tap ping a pencil against the mouth- piece of the phone, which. Bullitt says, jars the wax recording Of the conversation and makes it un- ineligible Justice Felix Frank further is convinced that his phone is tapped. He has friends call him up from time to time to test his wire Undersecretary of the Navy makes no secret of the fact that a dictaphone is in his office to take down conversations. Greet ing a member of Congress the other day, he said to his secre- tary: Be sure that thing is turned off. I want to talk to a member of the United States House of Representatives"
 Copyright. 1922. by United
 Feature Syndicate, Incl
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

Also Grant tells in his Memoirs that General Meade, after being sIbordinated to Grant, assured the younger man who had supplanted him that he wished to be given any detail of duty no matter how humble it might be, and expressed the hope that his having formerly been Grants superior would in no way embarrass Grant in the issuing of any orders whatsoever. ''The issues at stake," said Meade, ''are so important that I hope no thought of personal feelings will ever be allowed to interfere"
 Few men can rise above the bit- terness involved in demotion Meade had won the battle Of Get tysburg. but he had allowed the Confederate army to escape, and as a result had been taken out of first place and made subordinate in rank to Grant. He might have re- membered the humiliation of the incident; instead he remembered only the importance of the issues involved. He knew Grant was a good soldier and a real man and he knew that he and his hurt feel ings were insignificant compared with the national issues at stake.
 All Rights Reserved
 Babson Newspaper Syndicate
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Press Comment
DRAFT STRAIN ON COLLEGES
(Hartford Times)

A11dI lAOAQ 4AlAiSsB
 Some fifty small colleges have al- ready closed their doors because their student enrolment had dwln- dled to a point which made opera ton inadvisable. The next semester which begins in February, is likely to see many more casualties among the colleges. IL then will be notice able to what extent the new draft law will affect the boys who com- pose large part of the college un- dergraduate body.
 Many of the large colleges. espe- cially whose which have facilities for teaching technical courses, will be taken over in whole or in part by the military. Princeton has 5000 naval cadets on the campus. Har- yard has several hundred, a mere beginning, students of naval radio At Yale, the Army is to take over part of the campus at the first of the year.
 Tn no prior war has there been such a vast dislocation Of manpoweT as in this one. No other war has mobilIzed the young men Of college age in such numbers as the new draft law provisions will do in this war. The unprecedented situation is but proof of the extraordinary challenge and menace that face this Nation. The colleges have their sacrifice to make. Without that
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Current Comment

We just prayed and kept nov ing. And believe me, we did lot of praying. - One of six marines lost among Jap-infested Guadalcanal jungles.
 When this war is won it will be our first duty to watch over the victory we have gained and in sure taht no new tyranny is again allowed to loose tragedy upon the world.-Winston Churchill.
 The high-strung. intensely am- bilious man driving himself to ulcers may find military life a haven Of peace. Others will do the planning. He1i relax forget per- sonal schemes. and presently find that Army chow goes through his food canal without a whimper. - pr. Walter c. Alvarez of University of Minnesota Mayo Foundation.
 By the end of this year we will have more than 1000, 900 men over- seas. Undersecretary Of War Robert P. Patterson.
 
 The problem of victory and peace can be solved only by free and un- selfish collaboration of al lthe citi- zens of this democracy. banded to- gether by a common danger and a common DtirDOse. - President Roosevelt.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

According to some reports we've seen the dim-out here this week hasn't been generally successful. Throughout the residential districts there apparently has been a notable effort to comply with the directions of the Army officials. But local authorities say that throughout business areas there have been a great many instances where little or no attempt to conform to the regulations has been made. That certainly can't be in the central shopping district for it is well dimmed out every evening at the re- ouired time. Naturally there will be period of trial and experiment. It will be some time before all the street lights are converted But excuses for not dimmlng out can't hold forever The city must act promptly and firmly to compel con- formity with the law.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

e. Which is heavier In proportion to the horsepower, an airplane or automobile engine?
 A. Advanced airplane engines weigh ony about one pound per horsepower compared with ten pounds per horsepower for the average automobile engine.
 e. How was Nathan Hale executed during the Revolutionary Wara
 A. He was hanged as . spy in New York, September g. i776. His last words on the scaffold were T only regret that have but one life to give for my country" He was born at Coventry Conn., on June 6, l155.
 e. Please give . brief biography of the film actress, Teresa Wright,
 A. Born in New York City, Octo- Der 27, 1920: attended high schoo in Maplewood, N. J.: daughter o: an insurance salesman. Unable to type fast enough to pass a Stenog- rapherS' test, she spent two sum- mers with the Wharf Theater play. CTS in Provincetown, Mass, and went from there to Broadway. After two years in Life With Father" she was signed by Sam Goldwyn for the role of Bette Davis daughter in '"rhe Little Foxes" Her next role was in Mrs. Miniver," and after that she played the role of Mrs. Lou Gehrig" in "The Pride of the Yankees"
 c. How do the other planets compare in size with the earth?
 A. The largest planet is Jupiter, amost eleven times the diameter of the earth. Next is Saturn, a little more than nine times the earth's diameter. Neptune and Uranus are each about four times the earths diameter. Venus is only a trifle smaller than the earth: Pluto is about seven-eighths the earth's size; Mars is about half our diameter; and Mercury about one third.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

Gvernor Gruening tld how 400 censorship employees operate in Seattle, reading all mail between Alaska and the United SttaeS, and how many of these letters, called "intercepts" are mimeographed and circulated to 3l U. s. govern ment offices, and four British agencies.
 The same censorship applies to Puerto Rico and other territories of the United States, though they are supposed to enjoy the rights and advantages of being under the U. s. Government. Despite the manpower shortage, total of 1l,000 persons are reported to be engaged in opening and read- ing mail and circulating it around Government bureaus.
 Most letters arc strictly private and between army officers and their wives, discussing plans for visiting each other. Some letters complain about the price of food, others about living conditions. WISE GENERAL BUCKNER
 Another letter from Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, U. s. commander in Alaska, was addressed to Sena- tor Styles Bridges of New Hamp- shire, member of the Senate Mili- tary Affairs committee. Buckner wisely stated that he didn't trust letters, so wanted to come to Washington and tell Bridges some things.
 Various letters written by minor government officials were critical of their chiefs. Many letters were highly amusing, but gave absolutely no military in- formation.
 In fact the only letters the sem
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Selected Poem
TIE RAIN AND THE BROOK

CMartha Banning Thomas in the Christian
 Science Monitor The rain falls everywhere But the brook has dug for itself way to the sea! Deep and steep, It springs from the rocks, Shaking the loosened leaves And the dry and saDered grass By the sounding wind Of it's passage. -'he rain is thin and spare, Sliding down smooth long stones To the mud of the ditch-peckng the powerful
 tide, And dripping tamey from household caves; The rain is spread the countryside. Blowing, transparent wide; The brook is big with boisterous noise; It pushes outward in ribboned curtains, Arcs in the air, To drive with tumbling thrust From the mountain top to the sea below
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

ators examined which might have contained military information, told of a snowstrom in Alaska and an ice avalanche.
 Before Governor Gruening tes- tified before the Senate Judiciary Committee he got the approval of his chief, Secretary Ickes, to call on Byron Price, efficient chief of censorship. Accompanying him were Jack Diamond, Congressional delegate from Alaska and Ben Thoron, chief of the Bureau Of Territories.
 Gruening argued that the prac- tice of censoring mail between different divisions of the United States should stop.
 "It's un- American" he argued.
 "It's very useful information" countered Price.
 "Yes, and 1t also might be use- full information if we censored every letter mailed by 100000 people," replied Gov. Gruening. Besides" he added, tits unlaw- full"
 Price admitted that there was n w law to back him up, but did not mention that law was pend- ing in Congress, in fact that al- ready passed the House.
 CENSOR BILL STOPPED
 Finally he agreed to two of Gov. Gruening's contentious: 0D that that copies of American news papers and magazines need not be clipped before being sent to AL aska and the territories; @ thai colored films need not be cen- sored when shipped to Rochester, N. Y, to be developed. Gruen- ing had argued that if spies were going to take pictures of Alaska they would not ship their films to Rochester, as is necessary for the development of colored films. However, the Office of Censorship had been censoring these films anyway.
 Price did not agree, however, to stop reading personal mail between the mainland and American territories.
 Shortly thereafter. the new censorship bill came before the Senate. Having pasesd the House, it gave legal sanction to what the Censorship Office alreday was do- ing without legal sanction.
 
 As the bill was about to come up for a vote, Senator George Norris of Nebraska, who had learned what the bill was all about, gave notice that he would launch a long attack, un- less 1t wsa sent back to the Ju- dietary Committee for further consideration. Other senators also got rebellious.
 So the bill was stalled, the committee called Gov. Gruening for a hearing. and the fate of the censorship between the U. s. and it's territories is now in the hands of hte Judiciary Committee. HAROLD ICKES' ENEMIES
 President Roosevelt gave his own very frank opinion of the nations attitude toward labor when CLOS Phil Murray and AFLs Bill Green called to ask that a labor leader be made Manpower chief.
 They proposed the name of Dan Tobln, AFL Teamsters' boss as Secretary of Labor and head of Manpower. The President. how ever, countered with the name oI Secretary Ickes.
 This is a Job for someone who isn't afraid of making enc. miles," said the President with a grin. Harold Ickes should fill the bill perfectly. He has mere enemies than anyone in the cabinet"
 Green and Murray chuckled at the quip. Then they froze when the President went on to say that public sentiment at the moment would be antagonistic to the ap- pointment of a labor leader as chief of Manpower.
 The President hastened to say that he had the highest esteem
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

Most of us didn't notice it the other night but that heavy rainstorm which visited us brought with it to the coast tides only second to those which swept in back in September 1888, when great section of the state was devastated. Re- member that Rhode Island residents IT. some shore sites were evacuated thls week which shows how serious the situa- tiOn was
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

You may have the impression that this capital fight for power was a personal fued be [ wecn w P B Chairman Donald M. Nel- son on the one hand and Lieut. Gen. Brellon B. Somerville, com m a n ding the Army Services of Supply, on the other. the issue heing who is to be war production hncc
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

CT an t stopped the m inmedia- tely because he said that a dis play of this kind would sadden the hearts of Gen. eral Lee and the Confederate Sol- diers, "who." as Grant reminded them, "are fel- low countrymen Of 0lirg ,'
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

present loss there might be no free- dom of teaching and learning . the years to come. Victory will open all college doors again, not. to be sure, to begin life where it left oil in ie42 and later. but to resume academic studies in the light of the day that shall then 5e. There will be need for study, knowl- edge and wisdom.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
. NATIONAL
 SPOTLIGHT
Whats Behind
 Washington's Aircraft Battle?
BY PETER EDISON Waterbury Democrat Washington Correspondent

Shooting strictly from the hip and without careful aim, 1t Is possible to cut loose with a couple of rounds of random, ricocheting opinion that there is Q darn sight more than meets the eye to the Washington battle over aircraft production con- trol between the War Production Board and the Army.Navy bhass hats.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

Late news dispatches disclose the fact that Italy Is being over run by German tourists" with a machine gun in the hand that used to bear a valise and a hand grenade in the pocket that used to carry a camera. 4 little moral support for Mussolini. perhaps?
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

TODAY'S COMMON ERROR Q. Why am I wrong when !
 speak of people being light. complicated or darkroom
 plected?
 A. Because complicated means
 ''interweven" and ls . vul-
 Rarlsm when used in con.
 nectlon with complexion. Say llght.complexloned.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
STRENGTH FOR THE DAY
CAN you TAKE DEMOTION?
By EARL L. DOUGLASS D. D.

After General Lee had surrender ed to General Grant at Appomat- tox, the Union soldiers without Grants orders began to fire salutes to their victorious leader. But
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
A Thought for Today

Even as have seen, they that plaw inquity, and SOW wickcdnesS reap the samc,-'Nb 4;S.
 
 The very curse of an evil deed Is that 1t must always continue to engcnder evil-Schsller.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Daily Almanac

Daily Almanac Moon rises 3:39 a. m. (war timel. Sun rises 7:59 a. m: sets 5:25 p. m (war timel. All vehicles must be lighted thirty minutes after sunset.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
Washington Merry Go-Round
BY DREW PEARSON

Pvote a U and Territories Strictly Censored; Many Intercepted Sent Our Own and British Asenees Chief Censor and Senate Comttee He Won't Name Any Leader MonPower Boss Judiciary Committee dreamed existed
  Gruening of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

e. what organization in the United states accepts contributions for the stricken people of ureeees
 A. The Greek War Relief Asso- clation, 7e0, Fifth Ave, New York. N. Y,, Is collecting money to aid the people of Greece. They have sent food to Greece for sometime that has been distributed to the peope in ell parts of tho country.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04

e. What is the name of BelgiumS African colonys
 A. The Belgian Congo.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-04
HEADLINES
 and HILARITY

Harold L. Ickes is now being considered for two more jobs, Secy. of Labor and Director Of Selective Service, which would enhance his titular rank consider ably. That would make l6 names you could call Harold without be- ing offensive - and Washington columnists wouldn't use any Of them.
 The claim is being made now in Washington that New Dealers are the only amateurs" who ever got paid for their work.
 Gasoline ration boards, taking a hint from football. are employ ing a T formation all their own for commercial vehicles. Tn ra- tioning. T means gas to make the wheels go round; In football. ts means "gas" to make the nan quet circuit go round.