davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Despite an increase in the pneu- monia death rate in this war year, fears that 1t might foreshadoW the approach of an influenza -pneu- monia epidemic such as occurred during the close of World War I probably unjustifed, according to the statisticians of the Metropoli- tan Life Insurance Company. For the past six months, the pneumonia death rate has been higher than in the same period a year ago, and the statisticians attribute the in- crease largely to the so-called virus type of pneumonia, Such pneu- monias, they point out, do not res- pond to treatment with the sulfa drugs that have worked wonders in curing the usual varieties of pneu- monia. However, the virus causing many of the recent deaths from pneumonia seems to bear little, If any, relation to that causing in- f1uenza of the type prevailing 25 years ago.
 Tn Army Camp
 Virus pneumoniaS of the sort now prevalent are by no means new, 1t is explained. Similar cases have been reported from time to time for number of years back. Such pneu- monias became more common about three years ago, and began to ap- pear with notable frequency more than year ago. The presence of cases was noted particularly in the Army camps. Last Fall the number of cases in the camps began to rise very rapidly, reaching maximum early in 1943. Since mid-January there has been an irregular decline from the peak, but even in early March considerable numbers of cases were being recorded. and the morbidity rate was as high as in mid-Novcmber or early December, Probably 40 to 50 per cent of the pneumonias among soldiers are Of the "atypical" or virus variety. and such cases are largely, If not who'll ly, responsible for the increased pre- valence of pneumonia, which for several months has been two or more times that of the preceding year. However, mortality from the disease has been low in the Army"
 As for the civilian population, the situation is less clear In uppper New York, virus pneumoniaS have accounted for one eighth of the re- cent cases reported. Among the pol Icyholders of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a study of the ] 150 deaths from virus pneumonia
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
ALLIES WINNING
 ATLANTIC FIGHT
New Secret Weapon One of Attributable Factors;
 Nature UndisclOsed
BY HARRISON SALISBURY United Press Staff COrreSpOndentl

United Press Staff C0rrespondent)
 London, May 17.-(UP)-For the first time since the United States entered the war, the balance in the battle of the Atlantic is tipping strongly to tho side of the Allies at a time when huge shipping ca pacity Is needed for rushing in- vasion troops, supplies, equipment and munitions to Europe.
 There has been no official state- ment to this effect but 1t can be asserted confidently on the basis of known published information and certain developments which still are regarded as military secrets.
 The greatest boost was clearance of the Mediterranean convoy route by the Tunisian victory which the Allies estimate released at least g. O0O,0o tons of shipping for other purposes.
 Logistic estimates call for an aver age of 150,00 tons of shipping per division of troops. This means that the Allies overnight acquired suf- ficient shipping to move better than 200 ,000 troops across the Atlantic al single time.
 How often this fleet could turn around is a military secret but ob- viously 1t could make at least one delievery each month and possibly more.
 In addition, 1t has been stated in Washington that April sinkings by enemy submarines have been less half those of March and that the improvement is continuing ths month. March was bad month but April was one of the best in long time.
 As long as the rate of sinkings can be held that low, the huge pro- duction of American shipyards will pile up sharp surplus of capacity above losses.
 The sudden improvement in the battle is attributable to several fac- tors, including the heavy stream of new United States escort vessels go- ing into service. Another reason is the employment of new secret weapon which was mentioned in connection with the announcement last week that a record breaking number of about 10 submarines was believed sunk.
 The nature of the weapon has not been disclosed but 1t Is known to be much more effective than standard methods such as ashcan
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

(Of course, a good many old stags and lard animals are sold at weights running up to a ton or more. The prize winning boar at the Iowa State Fair in 1892 weighed just about the same as my Plymouth sedan)
 The cattle situation is some- what the same, as far as the eco- homie incentive is concerned. At the moment, beef seels about one fourth higher-i. c.. IA cents against IS cents in very rough figures with out regard to grades-than pork, but a SOW will produce three times more poundage-and these figures are only approximate and subject to criticism-in one year than heifer vii. in three.
 That is, if there is plenty of feed. There happens to be plenty of feed. "INCREDIBLE" ADVANCES
 The improvement of farming in this country over the past 20 years is-one looks for the word and the word is not there-but incredible" comes closest. But the figures speak for themselves; with fewer resources Tn power and personnel than in 1918 the American farmer achieved his greatest output last year, and broke the figures Of 1916 by 40 per cent, under good conditions, but none that were significantly improved over those of 1918.
 This country will never go hun gry, unless the Gestatpo takes its food The very providence of food has made us impatient about any direction in provision. Ration ing, ceilings, questionnaires tempor- ary shortages in the local grocery store provoke people who were &C., customed to buying anything when they had the price, and who find now, when they have the price and the greatest amount of food in his- tory, that purchaseable steak is hard to discover.
 "Its going to the Army" is no answer. The Army ration and that of the other forces is bigger and better than that the average militiamen ever enjoyed before but the differential doesn't ac- count for shortage" in our most productive year. The boys weren't living on oxygen in all the years before they put on uni forms.
 EVEN EXPORT ISN'T ANSWER
 "I.end-lease" is another and bet ter explanation. but a glance at the shipping tonnage figures available so far during this war as compared with the foods normally exported by the United States, does not subtract to shortage"
 The civilian population eats more because 1t works harder. An automobile uses more gas at 60 than 1t does at 35.
 The details can be considered later, but we can work from one fairly evident conclusion-America will win the war and 1t will adjust the peace with the greatest food re" sources and depots the world has ever known.
 The gold .eserve is speck - the conservation of our land Cpay- ing farmers not to farm" as they called 1t few years ago)-our great grain reserve, our potentialities Tor the production of beefsteaks ana pork chops, our success in replacing palm oils with soy beans and other oils-these preparations have mace the housewife and the grocer. impa- tient, but they have made the na-. ton secure for the war and most secure for the peace.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
MOOSE RESPONDING TO CALL FOR HELP
Local Lodges Throughout Nation Dedicated to Task
 of Selling War Bonds

Mooseheart, H., May IT - The U. s. Treasury Department has ask ed the fraternities of the nation to dedicate the month of May to the sale of War Bonds. The Loyal Or der of Moose has assured the Treas ury its complete cooperation, and has for itself set the goal for the purchase of the worlds greatest se- curity, at one million dollars for this month alone.
 To inspire increased effort in the sale of War Bonds for 1943, the U. s. Treasury Department is making this attractive proposition: Every city or organization that Is directly responsible for the purchase of a quarter of a million dollars worth of War Bonds, in the current drive, will have a bomber or fighter plane named after 1t.
 Malcolm R. Giles, Supreme Sec retary of the Loyal Order of Moose, is of the opinion that 1t will be easy for the Moose fraternity to gain this coveted award. He points out that the Supreme Moose Lodge of the world, the Moose lodges and their auxiliaries, have already purchaed more than four million dollars worth of War Bonds.
 When our purchases reach the required amount established by the U. S. Treasury" he said, "the Moose Order hopes that the name Spirit of Mooseheart' will be acceptable to the Treasury for christening a bomber or fighter plane. That name is particularly significant this year to every Moose, and will be most acceptable because the Order, as q whole, is now celebrating the 3Oth anniversary of the founding of Mooseheart, its child city in Illinois
 Furthermore" MT. Giles ob. serves, "Mooseheart is the symbo of all that Is highest and best ir 1 fraternal effort today"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
JUBILEE OBSERVED BY DEAF SOCIETY

Five charter members of the loca branch of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf were honorec at the 25th anniversary observance held Saturday night at Patsy Browns restaurant on West Main street. Members since 1918 when John Moran of Bloomfield organ ized the unit Howard Backus, John Grady, Sacerio Minicucci, Michael Walsh and Jacob Marcella were commended for their participation in organization activities for the quarter of century.
 MT. Moran served as toastmaster, while speakers included Theodore Ercolini president of the Waterbury unit, Francis Heating of Danbury and this city, and Harry Jarvis of Maine. A floor show was presented during the evening and dancing was held.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

said, "Hi, fellow--how things go- ing?"
 Fine" said Thad, fine. had breakfast, and 1t ain't time for din ner yet"
 This, I found last week in trav- cling through what is variously known as the American Food Bowl and "The Breadbasket," is about the attitude of everyone concerned with agriculture, from Staff Headquarters in the De- partnDent of Agriculture down to the shock troops on the individ- ual farms, with regard to both the problem of food production and the related problem of farm labor.
 PROUD OF RECORD
 The farmers are proud, and justly so, of their record last year when they produced substantially more foodstuffs than ever came out of the American land before. With nine per cent less manpower and IA per cent less horsepower (animal and motor) than they had in 1918, they produced 40 per cent more food than they did in that previous war year.
 They expect to produce still more this year, though the results are subject to some unpredict- ables - the weather in l942 was almost miraculously favorable; the machines were one years wear bet ter than they will be this year; most important of all, perhaps, there was no serious shortage of experienced farm labor.
 There is no serious shortage now, in the Corn Belt, but as the banker in Keosauqua, Iowa, told me, Were not hurt yet, but If they take just one more farmer out of the county we will be-"
 With even moderately favor able conditions there will be more pigs fattened cattle, wheat and foodstuffs in general in this country next December 7th than, there were on the day of Pearl Harbor. There will not be as
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
HURWITZ LEAVING
 FOR NORTH AFRICA
Prominent Jewish Leader of New Haven to Direct
 Civilian Relief

Donald B. Hurwitz, prominent Connecticut social worker, will leave shortly for North Africa to engage in refugee and civilian relief and rehabilitation activities there as a representative of the American Jew ish Joint Distribution Committee, major American agency for aid to Jews overseas, according to an an nouncement made in New York City today by Joseph c. Hyman, eXecu- tive vice chairman of that organiza- ton.
 MT. Hurwitz has resigned as ex- ecutive director of the Jewish Vel fare Fund and Community Council of New Haven, post in which he served for the last two years, In order to accept the overseas assign ment. He will report to Lisbon, Joint Distribution Committee head quarters in Europe, and then pro- ceed to Algiers and Tunisia to join Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz, European director of the committee, and Kurt Peiser, noted Philadelphia social worker, who are at present en route to North Africa. The three men will comprise the first group of American Jewish social welfare workers to undertake relief activi- ties in an area ravaged by the Axis They will confer with local com mittees in Casablanca and Algiers through which the Joint Distribu- ton Committee has been operating for the last two years on behalf oi native and refugee Jewish popula- tions, and will work closely with former Governor Herbert H. Leh- mans Office of Foreign Relief and Rehabilitation Operations in map ping a rehabiliatiye program for thi' area.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
.LENIENCY SHOWN
 IN GIRLS CASE
Two Youths Ordered Held for Trial Under Robbery
 With Violence

Louise Casivant, 18, of 58 Canal street, was granted suspended sem tence and placed on probation fol six months by Judge John L. Gaff- ney in municipal court Saturday or several charges of theft. Accord. ing to Prosecutor Attorney Frederick w. Palomba, the young lady, ha6 stolen articles valued at $100 iron homes in which she worked as servant.
 Other cases called and their dis positions, were:
 Lawrence J. O'Connor, 25, 24 Park place, breach of the peace ana resistance, suspended; intoxicatIon $5 without costs.
 Bennie Bush, 34, colored, 34 Vins street, breach of the peace, $15 ana costs; assault, suspended.
 Frank Koopstus, 26, 561 River. side stret, prowling, $10 and costs breach of the peace, suspended.
 Theodore E. Dyson, IT Wolcott reckless driving, continued to June 30.
 Walter Abney, 36, colored, Vine street, breach of the peace, contin' ued to May 24. <
 Jack SomensteiA, 26, 1z4 Plaza avenue, breach of the peace, nolled.
 Raymond A. Lanoie, A, Meriden, violation of the rules of the road, nolled upon payment of $l5.
 Frank B. Healy, 42, 50 Grand street, breach of the peace and assault, continued to May 24.
 Salvatore Licciardilli, 53, 30 Union street breach of the peace, nolled.
 Michael Cahill, 38, 57 East Clay street, intoxication, 30 days in jail; resistance, $25 and costs.
 John Pierce, 5l, 28 Scovill street ordered arrested when he failed to appear to pay a $10 fine i'm. posed on April IT.
 Harry Giggy" Gary, IT, colored 28 Adams street extension, wal granted a continuance to May 2! under $5,000 bonds set by Judge Gaffney on the charge of robbery with violence The accused was ar. rested Friday night in connection with the "mugging" of Frank E. Wright, 55, of 271 Grove street, in front of his home and robbing him of $200. Two other accomplices in the crime have not been discovered yet, consequently complete informa- tion is lacking.
 Louis Gallucci, 16, of 727 Merider road, and Leonard Cipollone, Is, 98' Bank street, were granted continu- ances to May 28 under bonds of $2, 500 each of charges of assault and robbery.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

depth charges, bombing by planes and gunfire from escort craft. It is believed the weapon is generally employed along the Atlantic sea- lanes in quantities which almos' guarantee a steadily rising toll of submarines.
 Another factor is believed to be more efficient employment of avail able escort craft.
 Air cover also has been improved all the way across the Atlantic.
 Naturally, the Germans are going to make a desperate effort to coun- ter Allied protection methods. Itl can be expected that increasing numbers of U-boats are going to Del employed along the convoy laneS with the specific purpose of try ing to halt the building up & second front forces in Great Britain.
 It also can be expected that tn Allies are going to continue to sui fer casualties in the ceaseless A lantic fight.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
Startling Increase In Pneumonia Death Rate
Little Danger of Situation Approaching Tragic In-
 fluenza Epidemic of 1918; Virus Type Rampant

which had had occurred since last November, showed that 36 per cent were between the ages Of IS and A, as compared with only IS per cent in a normal year.
 "The recent rise in pneumonia mortality" the statisticians say, may be disquieting to many who recall the devastating pandemic of influenza pneumonia which struck toward the close of the first World War. Their fears should be allayed, however, by the fact that virus pneumonia is different clinically and in other essential respects, from influenza generally, and appears also to be distinct from the pneu- monia which complicated influenza during the pandemic.
 Exceeds 1942
 Certain features of the current situation are further reassuring Throughout the first quarter of 1943 the pneumonia death rate has been fairly stable and although 1t is one fifth higher than year ago, the rate in this period Is more favorable than the corresponding months in all the years preceding 1941, in fact, as much as 35 pqer cent lower than in the first quarter of 1888 and 1889.
 Nevertheless, the situation needs careful watching" say the statisti- clans. Tt must be recognized that war conditions favor outbreaks of respiratory disease, both among civilians and the military forces. Consequently, the g reatest pos- sible health precautions must be taken. Those doing hard, manual labor or putting in long hours of overtime should be encouraged to get as much rest as possible in their free time. Every effort must be made to maintain good nutrition, which is entirely feasible within the limits of rationing."
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
TWO DEGREES GIVEN
 IN DIVORCE ACTIONS

Ray Ellison Ensingcr of Nauga- tuck was granted a divorce from Sarah Ensinger of Williamsport, Pa. in New Haven superior court last week. The couple married Aug. 2, 1928 and the petitioner claimed his wife deserted him.
 A divorce also was granted to Elsie Welch of Cheshire who said she was deserted by Lawrence Welch of Westport. The marriage took place Aug. 6, 1918.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
TRAIN HITS BOTTLE TRUCK

Liyermore. Cal, (UP) -- In the state wide drive to meet the beer bottle shortage by collecting the million empties known to be strewn about the state a slight "coftre- temps was encountered when train hit a truck here hauling 8,648 Deor bottles and scattering them along 800 yards Of the track. Most of them became dead soldiers" for good.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

many cans in the grocery stores, of course, but as far as bread and meat are concerned, the country will be amply provided to feed Its people, in and out of the armed forces, and to make increasing contributions to its allies.
 If there had been no war the shortage" of foodstuffs in this country would be one of the most catastrophe surpluses the farmer has ever suffered. The wheat surplus is expected to in- crease this year. Nearly 7000,000 hogs were slaughtered last De- cembcr, the largest number in history, and about one for every fourth family in the country, even counting the part of the family in the Army or Navy or
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
Good Evening.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

News em Seemen Sell Schoohouse and Propery) The old schoolhouse doesn't sit beside the road, There's ragged begger sunning round about still grow And blackberry vines running Long years ago many winters suns 1t at setting, The little old schoohouse on the hill Where teacher did plenty of freting- Would all children today? Would Polly Perkins be the mumpsP Would Brown forget his books? the blackboard break riding the bumpSP get to school next day? Would there be blizzard by mornp Would her behave? gaoshes that Sylst be worn The little schoolhouse by the side of the road Where you eight years drumming, Is less thing of the past, the ragged beggar summing.
 FEM EM.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
SHIP FOR GERSHWIN

Los Angeles. -UP)-A Lib erty ship has been launched and named George GerShwin, after the distinguished composer. The com poser's sister in law, Mrs. Ira GerSh- win. sponsored the launching.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
"Nation Won't Go Hungry" Author Decides As Proud Farmers Seek To Best '42 Record

Into the nations midwest food bOwl'', on assignment from NEA Service, went Phil Strong to talk to farmers and farm lcaders-and to report on their wartime prob lens. This is the first of series of six dispatches from the author famed for his novels of farm life.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Marines of WAACs, etc.
 Nebraska and Kansas have in- creased their hog production tre- mendously; they began the year before Pearl Harbor. Iowa, which usually leads the country in hog production, increased its brood sows 30 per cent last year.
 In terms of food, there are not quite half as many hogs as peo- ple-again including armed forces in the United States. A brood SOW that does not produce three or four tons of potential pork a year is not esteemed. Ten years ago hogs were sold at 200-250 pounds to get the best price, but now they are sold at 350-up; so a SOW that averages litter and half a year will furnish the sprouts for about the tonnage mentioned.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

The appearance in Waterbury next December of Martha Lpton contralto in the Fine Art Series will be an exciting occasion for Mrs. J. Winifred Beecher and Mrs Lucen Derouin of the Mattatuck Musical Arts So ciety Wher Miss Lipton the National Federation Award of 00 in 1941 both these representatives of the local society present when the award was made
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
By Phil Strong Author of "State Fair"
Written for NEA 5ervice)

Very early one morning several years ago, Thad Sherod's store in Keosauqua, Iowa, burned to the ground. With the splendid timing that accidents usually show, Tbad
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Charley Kellert of 292 Hillside Avenue veteran chef at Jerry McCarthys Grand Street restaurant, is a very sick man at St. Mary's Hospital l missed Charleys delicious scallops last Friday when learned he hospitalized Here's hoping he's back in his white hat, apron and coat very shortly.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

had neglected to renew his fire insurance for a few days.
 Later in the m orn in g a neighbor trades man met Thad, whistling, on the street anr, wish ing to express s y m pathy, as M 1 d W e S t ern- CTS do, without blowing his top off about it, slapped Thad on
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Herb Karpelman, son of Patrolman and Mrs. Michael Karpeman of Melrose Avenue is with the 208th Coast Artillery somewhere in New Guinea He's been across 16 months now and writes everything is fine and dandy with him. Before entering the service Herb was en- ployed by Chases in WaterVie.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17
EQUIPMENT LOANED

$50000 of U. s. Army Air Force equipment has been borrowed from March Field Air Base for use in the American Eagles number Oj Irving Berlin's This Is the Army" now in work at Warner Bros.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Private Walter E. Buell. has been assigned to the S6th General Hospital at Fort Bragg N. c. =. Irving Cooke is sergeant with the military police division at Togus Maine Fred R. Daniels Jr, recently was pro- noted to corporal in Washington, D. C. Private James R. Dusenbury is receiving his mail in care of the postmaster at San Francisco, California. Ditto for Sergeant Demar Leroy Dunn. Private Walter E. Dunn is with the 413th Signal Company at Mitchell Field, N. Y.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-17

Captain and Mrs. Eugene F. Oviatt have christ ened their of May 4th David Frederick Mrs Ovatt is the former Harriet Gibbs, who is residing with her parents Mir and Mrs. Leroy M. Gibbs, while her husband is in active duty abroad.