davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Senate Set For Bottle
 On Hurley

Washington, Dec. IA = CU.P) - The Senate sqaured of today for g vigorous battle over the confrma- tion of President Roosevelt's two nominees to the surplus property board-Former Governor Robert A. Hurley of Connecticut and Lieuten- ant Colonel Edward H. Heller of California.
 Both men were expected to win ultimate approval, with Heller ap- parently headed for the most vibor- ous opposition. Their nominations were approved by the Senate Mili- tary Affairs Committee yesterday.
 Senator Robert A. Taft, R., O., cahiman of the Republican steering committee, indicated that plans for organized Republican opposition to the nominees had been abandoned but said he probably would vote against both.
 Taft characterized Hurley as "a Democratic lame duck and point ed out that Heller's wife was Dem- ocratic National Committewoman from California.
 The motive in these appoint ments is obviously political" Taft said. And the job of disposing of $100,000,000 Of surplus property is so important thta I don't think that should be the motive
 Active opposition to the appoint ments was expected to be lead by Senator Warren R. Austin, R., Vt, and Senator Chapman Revercomb, R., w. Va. Both are members of the military affairs committee and both voted againts favorable recom- mendation.
 Senator Edwin c. Johnson. D, Colo, ranking committee mem Der, told reorters that he planned no speeches but would ''vote just as I did in committee"-for Heller and against Hurley.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Big Air AssauLt
 On Japs Continues

Photographers showed bombs scattering debris and dust among the low assembly buildings. Many near misses which would cause blast damage to the structures also were shown. The water works and filter system were hit.
 One picture alone showed 40 di- rect hits, indicating clearly where the bombs penetrated the roofs of buildings and exploded inside.
 Although the concrete and steel factory buildings, packed with ma chtnery, probably helped to mini mize the number of fires set by the raiders, many photographs showed smoke funnelling skyward.
 Headquarters spoKesmen said the raid undoubtedly was the most ef- fective of five staged against mili- tary objectives on Honshu, the main Japanese home island. Photogra- phic coVerage was of the best be- cause of clear weather over the tar- get.
 Today's assault against military targets in Thiland was by super fortreSseS based in India.
 Tokyo said the lone superior tress appeared over the capital in
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
9th EnIorees Brid geheod

Rome, Dec. 14--CUP)-Canadian troops of .he Eighth Army have enlarged their bridgehead over the Lamone river northeast of Faenza after repulsing several strong coun- ter-attacks md are thrusting to the north, headquarters announced today.
 A communique reported that Meg zano in the eastern sector of the bridgehead had been cleared of the enemy and advance troops were ap- preaching the Naviglio canal on a wide front north of Bagnacaval- To.
 British troops of the Fifth Army overcame fierce resistance to enter the towns oI ToSsignano and Borgo Tossignano, southwest of Imola which is on the main highway be- tween Faenza and Bologna.
 Bad weather greatly restricted air operations yesterday but fighters and fighter bomebrs hit targets in the Pc valley and on the Brenner route and gave support to ground troops on the Fifth Army Front.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Seize Last Two Fortified Towns On Western Bank Of Roer River To The North
BY JAMES McGLINCY United Press War COrrespOndentg

(Unlted Press War COfreSpOndemtg
 Paris, December IA.
 (UP) = American tanks and infantry today rammed ahead nearly two miles to the western outskirts of the Roer river bastion of Duren, 20 miles southwest of Co., logne, and seized the last two fortified towns on the west bank of the Roer to the north.
 At the southern end of the 25-mile offensive front South- west of Cologne, First Army Infantry captured Kester- mich, IS miles southwest of Duren, and plunged almost completely through h the Monschau forest on the east bank of the Roer at a point where the river bends west
 The First ArIny's 83rd division was set for a frontal assault on Durens key to the Cologne Plain, with Q 3, 3,0O0-yard advance through the western suburb of Gursenich to the rim of the fortress city, which lies astride the Roer.
 The Ninth Army briefly rejoined the battle of the Roer, capturing the village of Vichhoven, seven miles northwest of Duren, while the 1O4th divisions Timberwolves finally cleared Schophoven, mile to tho southeast, after two days of bitter street battles.
 The fall of Vichhoven and Scfop~ hoven cleared the last two enemy strongholds on the offensive front north of Duren and put the Dough~ boys along the west bank of the Roer for a solid stretch of almost IS miles.
 Farther south, the battle of tIle Saar valley ragged on with undim- ished fury along 30-mile front with no appreciable progress on either side, though three additional American crossings of the Blies river east of Sarreguemines were reported. Four more Geman count e-attacks were repulsed by the Third army.
 The Germans also counter ate tackled in considerable force against the Allied flank west of the Rhine some 25 miles below Strasbourg and infiltrated the American lines deep ly in an attempt to throw the AL l lieo offensive off balance before be- ing busted.
 Seventh army forces sweeping across the eastern trip of Francs continued their northward march. however, and penetrated to within two miles of Germanys palatinate border and three miles of the Sieg- fried line west of Karlsruhe. Southwest of Colognye, American Continued on Page D
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Bond Sales Steady Here

Waterbury'S Third Army" of re- tail merchants smashed onward toward victorious Sixth War Loan Drive quota with bond sales returns, to date, equalling almost one and one-half million dollars in all type koLdS.
 Striving toward specific cam paign quota of "E", 'F', and "G" bonds of $1 300 ,0O0 the local Army. to date has sold $1.078,600 Actual sales of all type bonds amounts to s1, 1,467, 200.
 The figures were announced to- day by Major J. Peter Costigan chairman of the retailers division at regular weekly meeting of the latter group held at The Elton.
 Major Costigan, on advice of the committee. today urged the bond buying public who are entitled to auction tickets on the automobile to obtain these tickets personally, fill them out and dropped them into the large box at The Victory House.
 The retailers urged the citizens of the city to purchase war bonds as Christmas gifts.
 Meanwhile the city's effort toward an overall goal of $18,636 and an E bond quota of $4,250,O00 progressed favorable today with all local groups rendering full suuoprt.
 The Scovill Company whistle was blown 4 times today signalizing the purchase to date of 260 bonds of $1 900 denomination This figure is a record for all past drives by more than 10 purchases. It is expected that results Of the current company campaign toward 8 $l million goal will be announced tomorrow.
 Members of the Franco-American Clubs and societies of St: Ann's parish had sold over SIS, ,000 in bonds at noon today.
 E bond sales in Waterbury receiv- ed boost yesterday when the Pol- ish Centrala. sold $43.500 wort of war bonds, all that series at Victory House. Mrs. John T. Sterling was chairman of the committee.
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
By FRED sCHERF
United Press Staff COrrespOnd1


 Washington, Dec. 14-(UP)-The aerial assault against the Japanese Empire continued today with a smash by some 100 superfortresseS at Thailand an attack on Rangoon in Bruma, and new nuisance raid on Toyko, and reconnaissance photos of yesterdays record blow against Nagoya showed at least 40 directs hits on the Mitsubishi Air craft Works.
 The Japanese Domei News Agen- cy said II B-29S attacked Rangoon, Burma capital, about p. m. Jap anese time (midnight E.W.T0 today and claimed five were sAort down by anti aircraft fire. The dispatch, recorded by EGG, said the others were driven of before they could inflict damage.
 Reports from Fist Bomber Com mand headquarters in Saipan indi- cated the damage from yesterdays attack by more than 100 of the B. 29's on Mitsubishi's Hatsukod as- sembly and production plant on Honshu Island was extensive, with fires and explosions heavily damag- ing precision machinery vital to the enemy'S aircraft production.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Truce HoIts Athens Fight
By WILLIAM R. HIGGINBOTHAM

United Press Staff Correspondent
 London, Dec. 14-(UP)-Anu unde- clared truce interrupted the bloody street fighting in Athens last night and dispatches from the shell-torn Greek capital said a compromise settlement of the civil war be- tween leftist forces and the Paoan- dreou government was expected to be concluded today.
 For the first time in more than week the crash of gunfire ceased throughout the city, except for sporadic rife exchanges, as both sides awaited the outcome of meet ing between the opposing factions in British It. Gen. Ronald B Scobie's headquarters.
 British sources in Athens said Russia had rejected an appeal for aid from the ELIAS forces and had suggested that the leftists cease fighting. It was indicated that that recommendation had carried con siderable weight, in view of the Greek Communist strength in the left-wing organizations.
 United Press War Correspondent James E. Roper reported from Athens that Gen. Mitso Hartsalides, secretary of the FAM, or National liberation group, and Alexander SvoloS as spokesman for the ELIAS, fighting arm of the FAM. were ex- pected to confer with Scobie at Brit ish headquarters
 British quarters there believed the leftist leaders would capitulate to Scobie's demand that they lay down their arms and evacuate the Attica area as a preliminary to a general settlement of their grievances. Rop- CTS dispatch said.
 In return, it added, the leftistS
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
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Wells sAttdcks Churchill

London, Dec. 14-(UP)-H. G. Wells, writing in the Left Wing Weekly the Tribune, violently at lacked Prime Minister Winston Churchill today as "would-be Brit ish Fuehrer" and demanded that he resign immediately.
 Tn the midst of still uncertain war, this inefafble prime minister of ours has precipitated us into class war-and on the wrong side" Wells wrote. If we do not end Win ston. winston will end uS."
 Wells said Churchill lost his head completely and is leading Britain with an theology that is a "pitifu tumble of incoherent nonsense.
 He charged the Prime Minister with being completely out of step with the times.
 "A Boy Scout is better equipped, he said. "ae has served his purpose and 1t Is hign time he retired upon ihs laurels before we forget the debt we ov e i.mh' 2 stonmzboy
 we owe him"
 "Winston Churchill, the present would-be British Fuehrer, is a per- son with range of ideas limited to adventures and opportunities of brl- tish political life his ignorance of contemporary social and physical science Is conspicuous" Wells con- tinued.
 The author asserted that Church ill has been getting more and more out of date until he now is 30 years behind the times but still 'unscrup- ulous and pugnacious in the pest best family tradition"
 When Britain had been in dan gerous position in the war, Wells said Churchill came to the fore be- cause he delighted in fighting.
 Wells accused Churchill with try ing to further the snobbish interests of Royalty who the author said are giving condescending approval to underground resistance movements which sustained human freedom during its days of supreme danger.
 We want him to go-now--be- fore he discredits us further for his own sake as well as ours," Wells said. "and if he takes all the Roy- alties in the world with him-so much the better for human hope"
 Attempts to reach Wells were un- successful but his secretary said ''he was qualified to speak" for the author. The secretary's only reply to questions regarding the Tribune article was: You are altogether too curious
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
U. s. DeDelops Super
 Rocket Firing Ships
By CoURTENAY MOORE

United Press Stan COFreSpOndent)
 Washington, Dec. IA = U.P)- The Navy revealed today it has de- velcped a small rccket-carrying ship with two and a half times the fire power of a 45,0O0 ton hattleship.
 It also revealed the existence of 8 flve-inch rocket with the explosive power of a 155 nm shell and a sin- gle-engined rocket-flring plane whose one salyo has an impact equal to that of hroadside from the five inch guns of destroyer.
 The disclosures were made by the Navy following the announcement that it plans to increase rocket pro- duction by nearly 30 per cent within the next few months. Naval rocket production already has made great strides, with November output reg istering 262 per cent gain over June.
 The new rocket-carrying ships are designated as LCT (R)-landing craft, tank, rocket. They are built around the hulls of British-made LCT's which are about twice the size of the American craft.
 Each craft carries hundreds of rockets. which are fired in salvos. The total number of salvos is equal to approximately two and one half times the fire power of a battleship of the New Jersey class.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
TANKS DRIVE TO OUTSKIRTS OF DUREl ELIAS Reported Accepting Peace Terms
77TH PUSHES
 JAPSBACK INTO
 LEYTE POCKET.
BY WILLIAM B. DICKINSON fUnited Press War Cnrresnondentl

BY WILLIAM B. DICKINSON United Press War COrrespondent)
 Allied Headquarters, Philip pines, December IA. - (UP) = The 77th Division struck north up the Ormoc corridor today, tightening a giant American nutcracker gradu- ally squeezing 10000 or more Japanese back against the
 northwest coast of Leyte.
 At the northern end of the corridor, weary veterans of the 2nd Division slogged far ther south to within less than 15 miles of a junction with the 77th, while other forces slowly closed in on the bit terly-resisting Japanese from hills to the east.
 The application of pressure northward" from Ormoc by the 77th division was disclosed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in his daily communique. A spokesman said, however, that the troops mainly were feeling out enemy lines and had not yet begun an allout as- sault.
 American shore batteries sank three troop laden Japanese ships with all hands at point-blank range TueSday night. The ships sailed into the harbor under cover of dark ness, apparently unaware that the port had been captured by the 77th division last Sunday.
 Southeast of Orn1oc, American ground forces were inflicting "ex- tracgdinarily heavy" losses on Sev- eral thousand Japanese troops trapped in scattered pockets behind the American lines. The Japanese werO fighting desperately in an ef- fort to escape over mountain trails.
 American bomberS again ranged far and wide over the Philippines. attacking enemy shipping at Mari- Ia and Cavite. sinking a 3,000-ton freighter transport east of Mindo-
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
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Cigaret Smoke Fogs Solons Probe OF Ciigaret Shortage

the idea. Senator Mead of New York chairman of special defense com mittee, opened the senate's inquiry into the cigaret shortage.
 Most of the gents in the room were presidents, vice. presidents and general managers of cigaret com- panies. Every last one of 'em was smoking cigarets, mostly. chain fash for, and I can announce that one cause of the cigaret shortage is this: The lads who make 'em smoke 'em.
 They probably don't have to stand in line, either, or bribe the cigar girl with theater tickets. All they've got to do is reach into the bin and grab a pack. The head men of the Amer ican tobacco Co, Liggett & Myers, P. Lorillard, and others said there was nothing wrong with the cigaret
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Homestead Claims onMoon May Be m Order In Time

Washington, Dec. 14-(UP)-Land Office Commissioner Fred w. John son today assured would-be rocket travellers that if parts of the moon become public domain they could file homestead claims under pulp die land laws.
 Johnson replied to an inquiry from R. l.. Farnsworth, president of the United States Rocket Society, Inc, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
 Many of our members write in and aNk us how to 90 about filing claim to land on the moon" Farms worth wrote As strange as this may seem to you. t may be , reality
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
C.G.Coptures Nozi TrowIer
RY ESTELLE BOND

United Press Staff Correspondent
 Boston, Dec. 14.-(UP)-CowinE the NaI crew with gunfire, q doughty little U. s. Coast Guard ice breaker on it's maiden mission captured a cleverly camouflaged German trawler ill the northeast Greenland area after hacking its way through ice fields where some of the bergs were nearly a cubic mile in size. it was disclosed today
 The exploit of the ice breaker Eastwind, which occurred in Oct0- Der, thwarted an enemy attempt to set up vital weather station on the Greenland coast, the Coast Guard said.
 With its Swastika ensign flying below the American flag, the cap- tureG trawler, the ExternSteine, was brought into port here by prize crew. Built in Holland, the year-old trawler is trim, freighter type vessel 183 feet long, diSplacing $50 tons and valued at $350.OO0
 It. Curtiss Howard, 34, of (l4.603 Milverton road) Cleveland, skipper of the prize crew, told press con ference that the Eastwind firEd only a few salvos from its main battery before the Ightly-arme4 enemy ship flashed the signal @Wo give up."
 fCnpfint.ad Nx. nara aa
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Continued on Page D
Fling Charges At~ChurchiEI

London, Dec. IA (U.P0 - Angry laborite demands for a state ment on the 'mdrdering of our Greek Comrades" failed today to draw Prime Minister Winston Churchill into further discussion of his governments policy in Greece.
 Questions on Greece were popped at Churchill for a few minutes into the house of commons, and his ans wers were brief and non-committal, but the exchange showed the extent to which official British tempers were frayed by the civil war in Athens.
 May ask the Prime Minister how long this government intends to go on with this policy of mur- dering our Greek comrades?'' Lab orite Seymour Cocks shouted.
 Cries of shame" and withdraw" rose all over the house as Cocks continued to shout and Churchill made no effort to answer.
 Lahorite David Kirkwood was up with another question before the chamber over the first had died He
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Earthquake
 Alarms, Does Little Domoqe.

Epicenter of slight earthquake that shook homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts at 11:15:22 last night was placed at Wallingford, Conn, today by the Rev. Daniel Ltnehan, S. J., seismologist at Vest on College, the United Press re- ported.
 No real damage was done by the quake, the second in this vicinity this year, but considerable alarm was caused, and police, fire depart ment, and newspaper switchboards were flooded with inquiries.
 Noise accompanying the tremors, which lasted two minutes according to Father Linehans instruments, led many persons to believe that an ex- plosion had occurred nearby. A plane flying overhead at the time caused some persons to believe that the city was under aerial attack, while others thought that tie Nazis "V-3" rocket had struck New York
 Many householders ran to check on their heating equipment, believ- ing that blast had occurred in their own homes.
 The shock was particularly pro- noLnced in the vicinity of the Brookside home, where plaster was shaken from the ceiling, said the in- mates prepared to leave b. the fire escapes.
 The quake was felt throughout the state, and caused particular alarm in areas near munitions plants. Pic lures were knocked from walls of homes in Torringto;., and street lights flickered in New Haven. Buildings were shaken in Norwich Bridgeport, Middletown, New Brit ain, and other widely separated points.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
Bishop Is A Little Better

Hartford. Conn, Dec. IA. CUP)- A slight improvement was noted today in the condition of Roman Catholic Bishop Maurice F. Mo Auliffe, critically ill at St. Francis hospital.
 At the chancery it was said he appeared brighter" than during the past several days. and was able to recognize his secretary, who has been almost constantly at his bed- side. Physicians, however, said that the change did not warrant encour- agement and that the bishop still was "gravely ill.,"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14

within generation; consequently VIC would appreciate either telling us how this is done or advising us to whom to diretc our inquiry"
 Johnson informed him that any person wishing to set up house keeping on the moon must meet the following requirements of the Home stead law: Accompany application for land with an affidavit that he has personally examined the land and is we'll acquainted with its char acteTistics;; prepare to establish permanent residence upon the land within six months after his entry has been approved: and take hi6 family with him.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
WILLEvACUATE
 ATHENS UNDER SET CONDITIONS
BY JAMES E. ROPER United Press Staff COrrespOndent)

United Press Staff COrreSpOn0entl
 Athens, December IA. - (UP) = ELIAS sources re- ported today that the FAM had decided to accept terms and evacuate Athens provid- ed the British guarantee general amnesty for ELIAS men and the inclusion of LeftistS in a new national government.
 The report of a decision to end the 11-day battle of Greece lacked official con- firmation immediately.
 It emanateo from the ELIAS armed forces of the leftist FAM faction, and said the central com- mittee of the FAM had decided to convey its decision to It. Gen. Ronald Srobie, British military commander.
 The peace report circulated amidst a lull in the fighting. There was reason to believe the ELIAS forces had lost their last chance of over- running the British, who were re- ceiving constant endorsements, some arriving in spectacular man ner.
 FAM acceptance of terms was re- ported conditioned on Scobie's guar anteeing that a National govern ment would be formed to take over from that of Premier George Papan- dreou and to include proper pro- portion of leftists.
 FAM left wingerS reported the central committees decision would be delivered to Scobie by the EAM's secretary, Gen. Mitso Eartsalides.
 It was understood the FAM was not insisting on any particular rep reSentation in. the proposed Ma tional government, presumably leav- ing that to be worked out after the end of the fighting.
 (Roper's report of the arrival of reinforcements in a spectacular manner" was not explained, but suggested the possibility that the British might be rushing in troops by air in 8 bid for a quick de- cision in the Greek crisis)
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The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-14
BY FREDERICK c. OTHMAN United Press Staff CorreSnOndent

Washington, Dec. IA (UP) = Smoke billowed from room S35 of the Senate office building, logged the mirror on the wall, obscured the windows and caused Sen. James M. Mead Achoo-to snseze. It curled from crumpled cigarets in the crystal ash trays. puffed from half hundred nostrils, dimmed the light from the 100-globe candelabra, and formed layers of haze in varying shades of gray. Some smelled like new -mown hay Chat was Burley) and some like scorched chicken feathers (that was Turkish).
 "H-m-n1-m-m-m-r1-,'' said Sena- tor Mead. Just smell all that cig- arctic smoke
 Ho famed 1t away from his face with both harGs and. yer you get