davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

Washington, Jan. 5 - (U.PO -
The imminent crossing of the pre-
war Polish frontier by the Soviet
armies posed for President Roose-
welt today one Of the thorniest dip
lomatic-political problems created
by the war.
OF immediate concern to all Uni
ted States officials was the fear
that the Polish underground, bus
lily anti Russian. may resist the adj
vancing Red Armies. Secretary OF
State Cordell Hull was believed To
have discussed that, among other
problems. with Polish Ambassador
Jan Ciechanowski yesterday.
But the longer range problem
concerned Polandis eastern frontier
with the Soviet Union. Before the
month Is ended. Mr.. Roosevelt HIM
self may be challenged for some
sort of a statement on the United
States position.
The Prime Minister Of the Polish
government In exile. Stanislaw
Mikolajczk, planned TO come here
soon to discuss the entire eastern
European situation with the pfes-
ident There was little doubt that
he win press for an American
premise 10 protect the future Ia.
tfsfitV 81 pKe-Haf RGiana
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Labor Draft
MoyCome

Washington, Jan. 5-CUP)-Chair-
man Andrew j. May, D., KY, Of the
House Military Affairs Committee
was on record today with a warning
that a national service bill for draft
ing of workers will be given commit
tee approval If labor strife mounted.
He told press conference yester-
day that if the situation developed
to the point where action was nee
essary, draft legislation will be
brought out by the committee
promptly"
Concerning the statement by an
Informed source" that the Allied
victory in Europe had been delayed
by labor strife such as led to seizure
of the railroads, May suggested that
those complaining of its accuracy
should apply to Gen. George Mar
shall said by some to be author of
the statement free transpor-
tation" to the battlefronts. there,
May said, skeptics can interview our
fighting men for first hand inform
c.ion' and ceftification of the re-
suit Of strikes on our own fighting
forces
May was certain the army chief OF
staff will be delighted" to furnish
the transportation.
May said he did not know who
actually made the statement, but
agreed that seizure of the railways
had given hope encouragement to
Hitler and his satellite nations and
provided a rich source" OF effec-
tive Nad propaganda.
Referring to some labor leaders"
who had taken exception to the
statement on ground 1t was Critical
OF labor. May said he had confer
red often with Marshall and Pres
ident Roosevelt when labor WIS at
issue "and at no time has either OF
them ever said or done one thing
that indicated the slightest hostility
Inward the American worker"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
A. H. Wells Factory Here
Completed Quilted By Fire

Fire of undetermined ORR
gin, breaking out between 2
and 3 o'clock this morning,
completely demolished the
factory building of the A. H
Wells Company, Inc, 56S
WATERFOWL avenue, causing
damage estimated at between
S15O,00O and 100000 and
slightly injuring three fire
men.
The blaze, famed by high wind,
and feeding on the long wooden
structure. lit up the sky over the
entire city, and threw sparks the
size OF baseballs all over the Bunker
Hill section. Only the fact that the
homes were still wet and snow COW
cred from yesterdays storms was
believed to have prevented an extern
sive spread Of the fire.
Nearby residents, awakened by
the smoke and light. were evacuated
from their homes, and found tenn
porary shelter in houses several
blocks away. Firemen watered
down several structures where the
sparks threatened to take hold.
The Laskas Trucking Co., 800 feet
south Of the factory, was emptied
of trucks. Two of the machines
we're first backed against the load
ing platform of the concern which
adjoins the Wells plant, and fire.
men and drivers hurriedly loaded
and drove out rs flve-gallon cans Of
oil and grease which had been on
the platform.
There was no evidence of sabo-
tage, although the company
manufactures a copper alloy tubing
under war contracts.
The fire was first discovered by
Joseph Andolina, 326 South Main
street. the plants Waterman, who
was alone in the plant at the time.
He reported that he had completed
his 2 O'Clock rounds when he saw
smoke emanating from the packing
room in the center of the factory.
He ran to the yard about so feet
away and pulled the handle OF a
fire box.
Although he did not realize it. no
alarm was turned in. He told fire.
men later that the glass was out of
the box. and he did not think it
necessary to open the box. but
merely turned the handle. While he
was in the yard, he reported. an
explosion in the vicinity OF the
packing room rocked the plant.
First Notification
Firemen got their first notifica-
ton Of the blaze at 1852 when an
alarm was telephoned from Joseph
Bouarassa. Sal WATERFOWL avenue,
who saw the glow from his window.
An alarm was sent in from box on
Aurora street at 2:57, and there
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Reds Stand By
PoIond Claim

Spokesman for Soviet Russia took
positive stand on the question Of
post war European borders today,
while the Red Army fought on the
eastern boundary OF pre-war Poland,
by asserting that Eastern Poland
had been definitely and finally in
corporated into the Soviet Union
and attacking Wendell L. Willkie
because he had suggested that dis
puted territories bordering Russia
might be subject to negotiations
among the United Nations.
The official Communist party
newspaper in Moscow, Pravda, car
ried the attack on Willkie, 1910 Re-
publican presidential candidate and
regarded as a firm advocate OF close
Russian United States relations.
An article issued by the informa-
ton bureau of the Soviet embassy
in Washington stated fatty that the
part of Poland taken by Russia In
1899 Immediately following the
German invasion of Poland from
the west, was liberated" Russian
territory and had become insepa-
rable parts Of the Soviet Union by
virtue of plebescites conducted
among the populace.
(Continued on Page ~
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Jugos Take
Inland Towns

London, Jan. - (U.PO - Re-
inforced Jugoslav Partisan armies
in o sudden burst of strength have
captured three strategic inland
towns and the offshore island Of
Pag, have crushed a German offen-
sive in Eastern Bosnia. and now
threaten to envelop part Of the Nazi
second tank army, communique
reported today.
Marshal Josip (Tito) Brozovich's
headquarters announced the occu-
patton Of Vlasenica, 35 miles north
east Of Sarajevo, and the towns Of
Novovaros and Pacina III an up
surge Of fighting all along the Jugo-
av front.
The heaviest battles were In pro-
gress along a 30-mile front In West
ern Bosnia, while other units of the
Partisan mountain fighters failed
out at the Nazis III a number Of
sectors.
The Partisans were holding line
running from Novi through Prize
dor and beyond Banja Luka. key
stronghold where the Germans es-
tablished armored headquarters.
The JugoSlavs were reported battl-
ing through Banja Luka in bloody
street fighting.
tContinued on Page y
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
GOV. SEEKS TO
HOLD SESSION
TO POINTS

Hartford, Conn, January
S. CUP = Governor Ray
mond E. Baldwin planned
today to confer with Demo
cratic leaders of the General
Assembly to obtain asSur-
ances that the special ses-
sion, which he has sum-
moned for January "a, will be
confined to a Seven-point
agenda submitted by the
legislative council.
Republicans already have prom
ised the Governor they would not
tolerate the introduction of indi-
vidual controversial matters, and
would make every effort to bring
adjournment within the week. In
asmuch as Republicans control both
senate and house, it would be flu
tile for Democrats to attempt to jam
the session with bills and debate on
partisan subjects.
In his call for the special ses-
sion, the Governor pointed out that
after adjournment of a regular ses-
sion, 1.-The only business of the leg
islature is to act in emergencies
and it has no right to enact general
legislation during special sessions"
To successfully block any effort to
submit bills other than listed in the
agenda, it was understood the pre-
siding officers will rule the session
limited to the seven-p point program.
In event of an appeal, Republicans
had sufficient majority to uphold
the ruling.
At least three of the agreed upon
bills will high-light the special ses-
sion.
A bill to facilitate absentee bal
loting by servicemen had general
approval. The method of accom-
plishing the balloting so as to avoid
the mistakes of the last election,
was expected to bring many diff
ferences of opinion. Some legisla-
tors, it was understood, doubted
the ACCESSIBILITY of keeping the
polls open three hours after the
statutory deadline Of 6 p. m, in
state and national elections. on
grounds that little was accomplish
ed in following this procedure in
the last state election. ----s.--.
The farm bloc was reported TO be
ready to support bill extending
the powers Of the State Milk Ad-
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Rep. ShortSaysE DR Creates
Draft Chaos For OlUn Gain

the two agencies so that zone or
ganization could speak, authorita-
lively and finally on matters per-
tanning to supply the armed forces
with men,"
Neither May nor Short. who also
Is on the military affairs committee,
indicated whether congress would
take further action on the issue In
the near future but short predicted
strong demands for some new stop
as soon as congress reconvenes next
week.
Short characterized Mr.. Roose-
velt's executive order as more evid-
ence Of single rule"
'eThe question: he said, rs how he
has fooled 50 many Tor 50 long. /
think. however. most people ore
catching u with hiln
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Demands For
Peace Grow
In Balkans

London, Jan. 5.-(UP)-Ruman1a
has ordered all civilians to evacu-
ate BeSsarabia because of the ap-
proach of the Red army, an An
kara dispatch said today, and peace
demonstrations were reported
spreading through Adolf Hitler's
Balkan satellites.
The Exchange Telegraph agency.
reporting the Rumanian execution
order, said German troops were hur-
riedly throwing up Qualifications
along the southwestern bank of the
DnieSter river. At last reports the
Russians were only IS miles from
the Dniester.
Travellers arriving in Istanbul
from Sofia following restoration Of
railway communications between the
two countries said the Bulgarian po-
htical crisis had reached a climax
with the failure of all efforts to
form a coalition government.
Opposition members. particularly
former Premier Nicholas MuShanov,
have refused to join any coalition
government, the travellers said. They
either did not or could not confirm
European reports that pro-Allied
coup led by Mushanov has over
thrown Premier Dobri Bojilov and
his pro-AxiS government.
Best informed Bulgarian circles
in Istanbul cautioned that no change
could be expected in Bulgariais pro-
Axis policy for the moment, though
the Russian advance may bring an
eruption.
Radio broadcasts from Ankara
and France said parachutists were
dropped in Rumania yesterday, the
Turkish radio reported they were
intended to create confusion, while
the Nazi-controlled French radio
said the parachutiStS landed to or
ganize local forces in Sabotaging the
war machine.
The crisis in the Bulgarian gov
eminent apparently continued and
an unconfirmed report from Madrid
said that regent Prince Cyril was
placed under house arrest while q
new cabinet was being formed.
There still was no confirmation OF
Stockholm report that a purport-
eddy pro-Allied coup d'etat over
threw Premier Dobri Bojilov and his
cabinet in Bulgaria, an unconfirmed
report from Madrid said that gov
eminent crisis had led to the resig-
nation of the Premier and that a
new cabinet was being formed. This
source also said that Prince Cyril
had been placed under house arrest.
Street fighting was reported in
Sofia and state of siege was said
to have been proclaimed at an ur-
gent meeting Of the regency council.
Soldiers throughout Bulgarian were
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

Washington, Jan. 5-(UP)-Rep.
Dewey Short, r.. Mo-. charged today
that President Roosevelt was seeking
to increase his own prestige at the
expense of home front confusion by
Haunting the congressional mandate
to divorce selective service from
innapower Chief Paul v. McNutt.
HIS blast followed an assertion by
Chairman Andrew j. May, D., KY.
Of the house military affairs COM
mittee that the Presidents executive
order for liaison between selectiye
service and the war manpower COM
mission had given McNutt power to
issue orders to Maj. Gen. Lewis y.
Hershey. National Draft Director.
This. may declared. was mot IN
line with the recent act Of congress
calling fog complete separation Of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
REDS TRY TO
TRAP MILLION
NAz| TROOPS

Moscow, January supp
= Russian Vanguards swept
80 miles beyond Belaya Tser-
kov in the first of a series of
wide swinging drives de-
signed to trap perhaps 1,O00,-
900 Germans in the Ukraine
while Soviet forces to the
west extended their spring
board for a full7scale smash
across the plains of old
Poland.
The Liberators of Belaya Tserkov,
German baStion SO miles south OF
Kiev, were rolling southeastward In
an attempt to link up with the
second Ukrainian army at Cherkasi
and encircle thousands of Germans
still holding out along the western
bank of the Dnieper, front dis
patches said.
Other elements of Gen. Nikolai F.
Vatutin's LIST Ukranian Army ham,
mered their way toward the 1deSsa-
Lwow railroad, last practical escape
route for the remainder Of the
Germans in the Ukraine, on board
front, and slashed deeper into the
stragetic network of highways and
railways on the approaches to pre-
war Poland with gains ranging up
to eight miles.
Foreign reports that Vatutin al
ready had crossed the old frontier
appeared premature, but there was
every indication that such cross
ing was imminent.
Six Miles Beyond
(The London News Chronicle
placed the Red Army six miles
beyond the border. A Paris radio
commentator estimated Vatutins
army west and southwest of Kiev
at 1000. 600 men, which he said was
being fed by division after division
for the most gigantic offensive ever
mounted by the RusSians).
The shifting Of the main weight
Of the Soviet assault from the Ko-
Rosten- Sarny Segment Of the Kiev-
Warsaw railroad to the south inn
piled that Vatutin was planning to
drive westward along the railroad
and highway running from Shepe-
tovka to Rowne, the route over
which the Russians invaded Poland
in 1920.
Rowne, 20 miles across the old
border and administrative seat of
the Reichscommissar for the Ukra-
inc, was expected to be brought I'M
der threat of attack soon and it
was regarded a foregone conclusion
that German colonizers Of the area
already were fleeing westward.
The Red Army already was
astride the Downe highway, but
must take the remaining Strech of
the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS hepatovka
and neutrality-suspicious. railways
before 1t can swing westward.
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Continued on Page ~
Chinese Grid
rOffensive

Chungking, Jan. 5.-(UP)-Chi-
nese armies will launch a general
counter offensive against the Japa-
nese in China n 1914 If the Allies
attack such points Hong Kong. Can
ton or Burma from the sea or
land and II they increase their air
strength In this theater, informa-
ton minister H. G. LANG said to-
day.
Several millions in the Chinese
field armies will within this year be
prepared to cooperate with Allied
naval forces In launching attacks
along various fronts" LANG told at
a press conference.
His remarks conceded with spec
ulation in some quarters that Ad-
miral Lord Louis Mountbatten, SUI
preme Allied commander In south
east Asia may undertake amphibious
attacks against Burma, Malaga or
the South China coast this year.
Aiding the Allied and Chinese
offensive against Japan. LANG said
would be the people Of the occupied
territories who would respond by
attacking the molesting enemy. fore
ing him to beat disastrous re-
treat into the sea without any hope
Of escape"
LANG said Chinese forces expect
ed to obtain better equipment from
the Allies but added with avail
able equipment. We stiil viii be able
to launch q counter offensive"
When the Chinese offensive win
open, LANG said. depends upon the
supremacy Allied forces may hold
over enemy skies.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Russo Pole Relationship
ToughNutForFDR to Crack

Such a request will place Mr..
Roosevelt upon a difficult diploma
tic spot" He can do nothing that
will antagonize the Russians in the
midst OF their eastern offensive
against the Nazis. Yet ne cannot
brush aside the claims Of the Poles
for the return Of territory occupied
by, and In turn incorporated in, the
Soviet Union after 1899.
Meanwhile. an article issued by
the Soviet Embassy's information
bureau left no doubt that Russia
considers those parts of Poland "lib-
Grated" by their army in 1899 to be
inseparable parts Of the USSR. as
sorting that these regions are his
torically q part Of Byerlorussia and
the Ukraine, the article said:
1.-The Red army liberated the
working people Of western Byelo-
russia White Russia. and the west
ern Ukraine from the yoke Of the
Polish Usurpers.
''The people Of western Byerlorus-
sla themselves decided the question
OF the form their state was TO take.
The extraordinary fifth session Of
the supreme Soviet Of the uSGR &C.
ceded to the request Of the masses
Of the people Of western Hyeriorussia
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
BOMBS BLAST 2ND FRONT COAST AGAIN
Follow Up Record American
Blow At Kiel And Munster.

London, January 5. -.
{ u. P.) = Strong Allied
bomber formations, stepping
up the pre-invaSion SOFTEN
ing of Axis Europe, smashed
anew at the French second
front" coast today In the
wake of a British nuisance
raid on Berlin and a record
American blow at Kiel and
Munster.
The daylight raiders, with
an escort of Raj fighters,
swept out across the English
Channel only a few hours
after other British bomberS
attacked northern France
and twin-engined Mosquitoes
hit Berlin and western Ger
many last night.
The Mosquito attack on Berlin
probably was designed to keep Ger
man defenses on edge and to assess,
if possible, any additional destruc-
ton wrought in the two heavy
raids Saturday and Sunday nights.
It was probable fires still were
burning in the German capital. All
planes returned safely FROM the
night operations, which included
mine laying.
Upwards Of 1900 AmericaA bomb
ers and fighters spearheaded yes
terday's 3,000-plane attacks on Axis
Europe with devastating raids on,
shipyards at Kiel and railway yards,
at Munster, both in northwest Ger-'
many.
Good results were reported de-,
spite heavy clouds over the targets,
a joint 9th Air Force British ain
ministry communique said.
Huge fires and heavy pail OF
smoke were observed after the
attack on Kiel, one OF Germany'G
principal submarine and warshipI
building centers, the communique'
said, while fires and explosives also
were touched of at Munster, june.
ton through which most reinforce
ment and supply trains for the
French, Belgian and Dutch invasion.
coasts must pass.
Deepest Penetration
Long-range American Thunder4
bolt and Lightning fighters, making
one Of their deepest penetration
Of northwest Germany, effectively
drove OF weak enemy fighter cppo-
sition On tn Kiel raid and destroyed
eight intercepting planes, while the
faiur- engined Flying Fortresses and
LiberatorS destroyed four more.
British fighters contributed to the,
rout Of the enemy fighters by shoot
ing down fire in supporting sweeps
that diverted and tired down enemy
aircraft. Eighteen American heavy
bombers were lost. but one was
known to have made q forced land
ing in Sweden and another IN Nor
way. Three American and British
fighters were missing.
While American heavy bombeEa.
CONTINUED on Page q
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Provide
WiIIkie

AtAOoNOWs O0AAs AAA0
ficial Communist party newspapa
Pravda, in bitter attack on Wen
dell L. Willkie, today accused TIN
Republican leader Of 'double-deal-
ing in American politics and o.
attempting to create distrust Of tla8
Soviet Union among voters In the
United States.
Pravda charged that Willkio was
trying to appeal to the majority Of
Americans who are sympathetic Co
Russia and at the same time was
'curTying favor" with anti-Soviet
elements in America.
The newspapers political commen-
tator, Daniel zaSlavsky, who wrote
the attack on Willie, centered his
fire on q recent article written for
the New York Times by the one
time Republican presidential cam
didate, in which Willkie urged
Americans not to sow distTust Of
Russia.
Zaslavslzy charged that the article
had created exactly the opposite ef-
feet and accused WilllEie oz
''muddying the water" Of Soviet
A1ucI1Cdu tCidb1ukAS.
He expressed particular indignn~
ton at wilkes discussion of the
problems of Finland. Poland ana the
Baltic countries.
Warning Willkie to stop playing
politics with Russian problems,
Zaslavslry wrote:
'It Is time to understand that
the Baltic problem Is an internal
affair Of the Soviet Union IN which
Mr.. Willkie must not meddIe.
Whoever Is interested IA such
questions had better faniliarizs
himself with the Soviet constitution
and the fact that Q democratic
plehiscite once was carried cut Il
the Baltic republics and let hln
remember that we are ab1e e.
fectively to defend our constitul1ua
CONTINUED ca Para Al
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Liberty Ship Nomed
For CoFoIe Lombard

Hollywood, Jan. 5-(UP)-The
Liberty ship 8. 8. Carole Lombard,
honoring the Aim actress who was
killed In q plane crash following q
selling appearance. will be launched
Jan. Is. California Shipbuilding
Corp. announced today.
Film Actress Irene Dunno tenta-
lively was slated to christen the
vessel and company ofhcials said
they hoped Capt. Clark Gable, hus-
band Of Miss Lombard. would be
given Army permission to attend
the ceremonies
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Fire SideIights

So thick was the shower of en-
bers at one time as the roof COW
ering at the factory went up in
burst Of flame that many of them
floated in through open windows
of houses in the area and confront
ed housewives the first thing this
morning.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

Needhanl, Mass. Jan. 5-(UP)-
Or. Arthur H. wilde. rs. founder and
former dean Of Boston university's
School of Education. died at his
home last night.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

Despite the hour a large crowd
of spectators was attracted to the
scene and viewed the blaze and the
efforts of the Fire Department to
quench it from numerous points Of
vantage. The schoOl-yard of the
Bunker Hill School, as well as rear
yards of many houses along Bunker
Hill avenue. was thick with men,
women, and q surprising number
of children.
Traffic had to be diverted from
WATERFOWL avenue and also from
upper Bunker Hill avenue as sew
CONTINUED on Page A.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

Backwards to the west of the
ruined factory area were thick with
cinders and SCOT this morning.
Householders wondered at their ex-
IRENE good fortune in having sur
vived after the shower of sparks
and burning embers that came over
their homes. settled on roofs, trees,
garages, etc., during the fury Of Che
blaze
Only the fact that roOftOps were
we'll coated with snow and ice pre-
vented many fires in the immediate
neighbOrhoOd Of the blaze. How
ever it was nothing unusual to see
a shower of sparks shooting
through the air a good half-mile
away from the fire. That section
of Bunker Hill from the end Of
Grandview avenue west and south
to Revere street, WOOdside and
Delaware avenues reported sparks
and manyaa husband and wife
spent the early hours Of the morn
ing watching for fires.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05
Cloudy. Cold

Fun Weather Rspor. Page :,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-05

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