davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Spare Rome
Fire Hope
Ry r.. n. sHACKFORD
United Press Staff CorrespOndentl

UNITED Press Staff Correspondent
Washington, April 20 - (U.P0 -
Fires appeal to the United States
to spare Rome was regarded today
as an attempt by Prime Minister
canon De Valera to soften what
ever diplomatic blows this country
may be planning to counteract the
Irish refusal to expel Axis diplo-
mats.
De Valeras appeal was a frank
reminder to President Roosevelt
that there were millions of Irish
Catholics in the United States and
that millions of Catholics would
risk their lives" to save the relig-
ious treasures of the Holy City.
The latest development in the
strained American relations
came as the administrative board
of the board of the National Cath
olic welfare CONFERENCE.-THE five
archbishop of the Catholic
Hereby in acknowledgements
for a two-day meeting to consider
1.-The perilous position of his Holt
ness Pope Plus XII and Eternal
City of Rome"
The meeting raised the possibility
that 1t may have some connection
with the new studies which Secre-
tary, of State Cordell Hull said Sat-
urday were underway with view to
sparing Rome.
The Irish legation here released
De Valera's note on Rome last
night after the State Department
CONTINUED on Page -
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Army Ignores
Use Of4-F's
In War Work

washington, April 20-UP)-The
House Military Affairs committee in
formal report declared today that
there has been conspicuous alb
sence" of cooperation by the War
Department to make use of IFS in
the war effort.
War Production Chief Donald M.
Nelson, meanwhile, told the House
Banking Committee that "the only
thing that stands In our way of
greatly increased consumer goods Is
the manpower situation"
The House Military report follow
ed a closed session at which the
Costello subcommittee on draft de-
ferments submitted list of recon-
mendations to force 4-F's into war
work or noncombat military service.
An exhaustive study has re.
suited in the conclusion that the
Selective Service, Army, Navy and
War Manpower Commission are
legally empowered to meet all the
exigencies now presented in relation
to the manpower situation" the re-
port stated.
The committee said that previous
recommendations for induction into
labor battalions of 4-FS who are
unwilling to work in war support
ing activities have been ignored by
the Army and Navy.
80 far there has been a conSpicu-
GUS absence of any representations
on the part Of the War Depart
ment to the committee of an effort
in the direction of charting the
course to be followed by those capa-
BILE Of doing war work, so far as
their placement in industry Is con-
cerned," the report continued.
The report recommended that:
I. Selective Service proceed with
classification of 4-F's for use in
industry 80 long as conditions re-
quire."
2. Selective Service and VINO
compile lists of war supporting in
dustries in which 4-F's may seek en-
ployment and thereby be deferred
from labor units.
3. ATS employed in necessary
industries get certificates of ap-
proval from local draft boards.
4. AIS employed IL nonessen-
tial industry notify local draft
boards Of willingness to accert war
supporting employment.
S. Failure of At to enter OF
show willingness to enter needed
EMPLOYMENT make him subject to
induction into armed forces.
6. The Army and Navy accept
for induction AIS not In war sup
porting activities.
If those procedures do not solve
manpower problems and eliminate
shortages, the committee said, the
same policy should be followed with
men between 38 and As.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Chinese Beot
japanese In
ChenqchoW
(NEA Telephoto)

Chungking, April 20 - (U.P0 -
Chinese troops counter-attacked
and inflicted heavy casualties on
Japanese forces in a battle still
raging at the approaches to Cheng-
chow, important railway junction
in eastern Honan province, a Chin
ese communique reported today.
Japanese have brought up rein
forcements several thousand
strong" the communique said.
Their offensive to clear. Central
China railroads was further sup
ported by three air raids on Cheng.
chow today.
The Chinese forces counter-at-
tackled at Chungchow, east oil
Chengchow, and inflicted 'consid-
cradle casualties" the communique
reported. After bringing up REIN
forcemer1ts from southeast OF
Chungmow, the Japanese resumed
their advance but at a point 1a
miles southeast of Chengchow were
intercepted by the Chinese, the
communique said. At that point
severe fighting still was in progress,
it added.
In northern Honan, the Japanese
who drove westward from Chisan-
tou, seven miles northwest of
Chengchow, reached Mochiting and
were continuing to advance.
The third day Of the Japanese
offensive saw two powerful columns
converging on Chengchow from the
east and north, with strong REIN
forcements previously placed be-
hind each spearhead pouring con-
tinuously into the operations.
The Japanese had reached points
IS miles east and seven miles north
Continued IN page A.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
British Bombs
Raid Bulgaria
By PHIL AULT

UNITED Press War Correspondent
London, April 20-(UP)-Amer-
lean Marauder medium bombers at
tackled targets on the continent to-
day and British HaligaXes struck
from Italy at the Bulgarian rail
junction of Plovdiv as bad weather
reduced the scale of the five-ton-a-
minute bombardment from Britain.
The Marauders, covered by Allied
fighters, hit German targets in
northern France.
Improving conditions over the
Channel after noon enabled Allied
medium bombers, including Mar
auders, to pick up the interrupted
pre-invasion assault on Europe.
Coastal observers saw the day.
light raiders flying high over the
Straits of Dover, apparently aiming
at targets on the French coast in
the Calais area.
United States headquarters an
nounced that photographs taken
during the 2,000-plane assault on
air centers in Germany yesterday
showed heavy damage to a Focke-
Wulf plant and other factories in
the Kassel area.
Direct hits were scored on all the
target buildings but one at Kassel,
the communique reported.
The Paris radio reported that $40
persons were killed and 1,700 in
jured Tuesday night in the Paris
region when the Royal Air force
scattered a record weight of more
than 1000 tons of bombs across
Germany and occupied territory.
Another 1900 were killed and
hundreds injured at Rouen, the
German controlled broadcast said,
and whole districts of the town were
destroyed. The famous Rouen cath
edral was reported in ruins.
Haze yelled the target area over
Plovdiv, 80 miles southeast of Sofia,
but spreading FIRES among rolling
stock and railway installations light
ed the night sky as the big four
engined bombers began their home
ward journey.
1t was the second attack in three
days on the jupnction, key point
on one of Germany's main supply
and reinforcement routes to the
Continued on Page ~
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Brooklyn Ship
Men On Strike

New York, April 20.-(UP)-Sev-
eral hundred laborers employed at
the Bethlehem Steel Company's
shipbuilding yard in Brooklyn went
on strike today for increased wages
The laborers, members Of Indus
trial Union Of Marine and Ship
building Workers (CIO), failed to
report on the 7:30 a. m. shift. More
than 100 congregated outside the
plant. but police reported no disturb
ances.
Approximately 1000 workers. rep
resenting 80 trades, are employed on
day and night shifts at the yard.
The walkout followed a dispute at
both the Brooklyn and Hoboken,
N. j.. yards Of Bethlehem in which
more than 5000 workers refused for
several days to work overtime with
out a l5-nlinute coffee period" at
the end Of their regular eight-hour
day. The Navy interviewed and
persuaded the men to resume over
time work while the matter was be-
W. AEli&Zatad.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20

SheIIed Again
BY. REYNOLDS PACKARD

United Press War Correspondent
Allied Headquarters, Naples, April
20-(UP)-RAF night bombers car
ried forward the aerial offensive
against Nazi communications in
central Italy today with a pre-dawn
strike on three west coast ports,
while fighting on the main land
fronts again was limited to patrol
and artillery exchanges.
Following up a series Of daylight
blows on score of enemy railroad
and highway lines across the center
of the peninsula, formations of Bril-
itch Wellingtons unloaded their
blockbuSters on Livorno Geghorn) 4,
San Stefano and Piombino-through
which the Germans had been run
ming supplies from southern France.
Despite bad weather, returning
crewmen reported direct bomb hits
on the docks and a power station at
Livorno and at least two big fires
in the Piombino Port area. There
were no immediate reports on the
damage inflicted at San Stefano.
14Cdfy WCdtA1CA again SAONAAASu VIC
Mediterranean air force heavies yes
terday and limited operations by the
Allied medium and light bombing
squadronS.
American Marauders, however, at
tackled the Ancona railway yards,
touching off large explosions in the
target area, while Mitchell bombers
hit the Piombino yards.
U. s. Thunderbolt f1ghter-bombers
raided railway bridges in the Flor
ence area and strafed trains and
highway traffic, and other fighter
bombers and fighters raked bridges,
trains and supply lines along the
east and west coasts. Raj MosQui-
toes were out after dark last night,
shooting up two trains and attack
ing highway targets north of Rome
Raj coastal fighters and fighter
bombers again struck across the
Adriatic to bomb and machine-gun
motor transport and railway lines
on the Yugoslav coast and in Al
bania.
No Allied planes were lost in the
daylight operations and COM
(N0Y,tin,,ad m Dora Az
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Cardinal O'Connell Critically
Til With Pneumonia In Boston
By JOSEPH NOLAN
United Press Staff Correspondent

Boston, April 20 - (U.P0 -
william Cardinal O'Connell, be-
loved 84-year old dean of the Cath
olic Hierarchy in America, passed
comfortable night at his home
where he is critically Ill with pneu-
monia, it was reported today.
A formal bulletin, which was to
have been issued at 900 a. M, was
omitted but official word from the
bedside indicated that the famous
prelate was holding his own.
Meanwhile, 'the priests and the
faithful" of Cardinal O'Connelps
archdiocese were called on to offer
prayers for his spiritual and bodily
welfare"
Two physicians, whose names
were not disclosed, were said to be
in constant attendance at the bed
side of the aged prelate.
Throughout the night, the Card
inals nephew Phillip O'Conneu and
three nieceS also remained at hand.
They left for their Newton home
as dawn was breaking, apparently
encouraged at the Cardinals pro-
gress through the night.
However, it was said that the
Cardinals condition still was very
low"
A midnight bulletin from the Do
cesar house-first disclosure that
the world-famous Cardinal was Ill
said:
"Monsignor Richard ]. Haberlin,
vicar-general of the archdiocese,
announced tonight that his Emf
hence, William Cardinal O'Connell,
is seriously i'll with bronchial pneu-
monia. He asks the prayers OF
priests and that faithful of the
Archdiocese for the spiritual and
bodily welfare of his eminence the
Cardinal"
The bulletin was issued by Mon
signor Jeremiah F. Minihan, long
time confidant and secretary to the
cardinal who recently was elevated
to the important post of chancel-
'lor of the Boston Archdiocese.
No further details were given but
a reliable secular source said that
the elderly Catholic leader had been
i'll about a week.
Consignor Minihan declined to
confirm this report but said that
the diocesan house would issue a
statement relating to Cardinal
Continued on Page A
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Army-Novy
NotIn Strike

Army and Navy authorities con-
tinued to hold off this morning
from active intervention into the
Walkout of drivers of the Grove
Transportation and Lombard Bros
trucking companies here and seven
other large companies In New Eng
land, over demands that operators
Immediately pay retroactive wage
increases ordered by the War Labor
Board.
Unofficial spokesman said that
while an estimated 1000 trucks re-
manned idle, actual interference in
war production had not occurred.
They said the union was making
good its word not to hinder, the war
effort, although they were pre-
pared to take action If interruption
developed.
In Waterbury yesterday, two union
drivers were despatched to take so
tons of badly needed supplies from
the strike bound Lombard terminal
to its destination in Pennsylvania,
after Army authorities made the re-
QueSC OI UNION O11lC1dSs
Harold j. Koran, manager Of the
Grove & Co., and spokesman for the
operators, this morning suggested a
joint conference of union officials
and representative of the COM
panies. He indicated. a Willingness
on the part of the operators to
affect compromise on the War La
Dor Board decision.
Union leaders were believed I'M
willing to retreat from their posi-
ton that the companies should
comply fully with terms of the
boards order. Company spokesman
have maintained that such compli-
ance would drive them out of bust
ness inaSmuch as their rates are
fixed and cannot be increased to
compensate for the outlay.
There was optimism in several
quarters this morning that an early
settlement of the dispute would be
reached, but no indication was CIV
en- as to the nature Of any pro-
posed settlement.
Mr.. Koran said plans for driving
the goods accumulated att he Wa
terbury terminals back to the ship
pers had been abandoned because
storage space or other available
the shippers themselves had no
storage space or other available
means of transportation.
The shippers were also reported
to be optimistic about chances for
an early settlement of the dis
pute.
Union officials here remained un-
available for aQpapaant
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
John A. MuehIinq
Dies Vocotioninq

Manchester, N. H., April 20-(UP)
John A. Muehling, 81, retired
publisher Of the Manchester Union
Leader and a business associate Of
Secretary Of Navy Frank Knox, died
yesterday while mentioning In St.
Petersburg, Fla, according to word
received here.
A native Of Conestogo, Ont
Muehling began his career as, a
printers devil after coming to the
United States in 1888 and worked
his way up to become publisher of
the Grand Rapids (Mich.) post.
Later he was manager Of the SAUL
Ste. Marie (Mich.) Evening News
and moved here in 1913 to become
editor and publisher Of the Union
Leader. ,..,s.,,..
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
FALLER LET
STOLFI VOTE
SAYS CASSIDY

Preparations for the de-
tense of former selectman,
Michael Stolfi, charged with
eight counts of fraudulent
voting, was begun today by
his attorney, John H. Cassi-
dy, who in a statement to
The Democrat this morning
declared that eff Stolfi voted
it was because Faller per-
mitted him to do So"
Atty. Cassidy, in his statement,
was referring to the fact that AL
bert o. Faller, Republican registrar
of voters in 1887 at the time Mr..
Stolh has been accused of becoming
a voter illegally. The latter was not
made a citizen until 1899. It was
Mr.. Faller. who first brought charg-
es against Mr.. Stolfi, following
which the lateer resigned as Re
publican selectman.
Meanwhile preparations for the
opening of the case against Mr..
Stolf which is scheduled for City
Court, April 81, progressed this
morning as City Clerk Albert l..
Bronsky made known that he had
succeeded in obtaining jurist to
try the case. Judge Nathan Rea-
back of the New Haven Court will
preside. The services of an out-of-
town jur1st were necessary follow
ing the self disqualification of City
Court, Judges T. E. Conway and
Charlie r. Summa, both Republic
can. Efforts by Mr.. Bronsky to OBJ
tain other jurists had failed until
Today.
Referring to the fact that both
the accused and Mr.. Faller have
long been members of the same
political party Atty. Cassidy in his
statement said that he was aware
that they haven't slept in single
beds" during the period of their
policial affiliation.
Mr. Cassidy's statement, in full,
Is as follows:
IT am informed that the accused
is no stranger to the Registrar of
voters incumbent Republican resis-
trar) who is the star witness and
complainant in the prosecution. In
fact they have been buddies In the
same political household. They
haven't slept in single beds.
"Stalf1 on occasions, by his vote,
has aided Faller to obtain or retain
his job. The law places upon Faller
the duty and responsibility to see
to it that no fraud Is worked in
the preparation mad making of lists
for voting. He has plenary powers
to discover fraud.
IF Stolh voted, 1t is because Fall
Ter permitted him SO to do. Faller
knows or ought to know whether
or not Stolfi Is qualified to vote.
"A word from Faller and Stolf
could not vote. Hence, I ask you, If
Stolfi, voted, do you think Faller
is the guilty party rather than
Stolfl2" End of statement.
Mr.. Stolfi was arraigned In city
court Tuesday and freed on bonds
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Senate Ready To Pass
Lend-Lease Extension

proposed U. S.-Mexican treaty for
ALLEGATION of water rights along the
Rio Grande and Colorado rivers.
California interests were opposing
the compact.
Senate Republican leader, Wallace
H. White, Jr., of Maine, said he
expected the Senate to approve the
lend lease bill without substantial
change"
I'm fact" White said, II feel that
all the major legislation still pend
ing will move along to passage.
There Is natural Discrimination to
oppose legislation that you know
must pass in some form in the final
analysis"
He said some amendments may be
CONTINUED on Para y
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Turkey To Send
Chrome To Nozis

London, April 20 - (U.P) - The
Daily Telegraph's Ankara CORE
spondent reported today that Tur-
key had agreed to reduced chrome
exports to Germany from $4,000
tons a year to $500 tons as a re-
suit of British and American notes
to protest.
The favorable Turkish reply to
the Allied queries also was under
stood in well informed Ankara cir
cletS to have resulted in the cancel
lation of proposed trip to Turkey by
German commercial delegation,
the Telegraph said.
The Turkish decision was said to
have been given the German en-
bassy Saturday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Sabang,W Within 700
Miles of Singapore,
Hit ByU.S. Airnen
BY HAROLD GUARD

UNITED Press War Correspondents
Allied South e asst Asia
Headquarters, Randy, Cey.
lon, April 20. = (UP) = a
powerful Allied force of air.
craft carriers, battleShipS
and supporting fleet units
struck within 700 miles Of
Singapore at dawn yesterday
to bomb and shell the JapaI1-
csc air and naval base az
Sa5ang, on the northern tip
of Sumatra, it was disclosed
today.
Striking across the 1ndian
Ocean for their first great
counter-blow against the
western flank of Japan'a
southern empire, the Allied
battle fleet caught the enemy
completely by surprise ana
blasted his base into a mass
of wrecked planes and ruined
Notifications" l.
At least % japanese planes were
caught aground and destroyed az
the Sabang airdrome and several
others were wrecked in supporting
attack on the nearby Lho Nga air~
field. =
Carrier-based Allied bombers ana
fighters hit the startled enemy ael
dawn, bombing and machine guns
ming the waterfront, barracks ana
air field installations.
A terse communique announcin8i
the strike said direct hits wer9i
scored on dockyard power station
wharf areas, barracks and hangers. !
CA BIC broadcast heard by the
United Press in New York said great
fires were left in the town area Of
Sabang and that two japanese mers
chant ships were hit and two dee
stroyers were strafed and set af1re.)
Admiral Sir James Somervilles
commander of all Allied naval
forces, led the battle fleet almost
into the mouth of the Malacca
straits, which stretch southwest.
ward to the captured stronghold OF.
Singapore, and completed the ate
tack without damage to his force.
The communique indicated that
Somerville was prepared to meet
any naval force the Japanese might
dare to throw against him. His ar
mazda included aircraft carriers
battleShips and cruisers, and an es-i
corting screen of destroyers and
submarines-pr probably the most fore
midable naval force to appear IN
the Indian ocean since the start OF
the war.
The bold attack brought JapanS
southern empire under sea and ain
assault from three sides, with Amer
lean warships and bombers already /
on the offensive from the south
and central Pacific.
Somerville commands all Allied
naval forces in southeast Asia and
Prime Minister Churchill announced !
only last month that powerful !
British feet has been placed at his !
disposal. The communicates refer /
ence to an ALLIED" force indicated ,
that Australian, American, Dutch I,
and possibly French and italian !
warships also may have participated !,
in the Sabang attack.
The attack came less than q |
week after Adm. Lord Louis Mounts !
batten, supreme commander of the
southeast Asia theater, moved his
headquarters from New Delhi I'M 4,
Central India to Ceylon, Somer-
ville's base, for the announced pur- |
pose of getting nearer to his "the-
alter of operations"
With the monsoon season APP /
preaching, during which further
land operations in embattled north
ern Burma would be virtually inn
possible, speculation was mounting j
that naval forces may take over the |
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Hitler IS Today May
See End of Reign Soor,

weapons of warfare and the Luft-
waite filled the sky in Haunting
gesture to the world.
Now, hardly 10000 men could be
found in Berlin, except for the SIS
police troops. Everywhere along the
borders Of the shrinking NaH en-
Dire, the Germans were on the de-
fensive waiting for the attack which
may mean their doom.
The Allies during the past year
have changed Hitler's dreams of
conquest. A year ago the Allies al
ready had started the Nads on the
road to defeat. First 1t was at Fl
Alamein, then Stalingrad.
AS the year went on, Hitler lost
Continued on Page =
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
BY JOHN L. CUTTER

United Press Staff Correspondent
Washington, April 20. = Cup -
Prominent Senators predicted today
that the Senate will pass the House.
approved lend-lease extension bill
without substantial rvision.
The House passed the measure
late yesterday by a vote of 1874 to Il,
but there were indications that the
Senate would not get to 1t before
mid-May because Of other import
ant pending legislation. The bill
would extend the life Of the lend
lease program one year tHvond the
present June 80, 1914, EXPIRATION
date.
Before taking up lend-lease, the
Senate Foreign Relations Commit
tee was scheduled to consider the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
Sedition Jury
Choice Begins
nv ANN HICKS
UNITED Press Staff Correspondent

UNITED Press Staff Correspondent
Washington, April 20 - U.P) -
A panel of 100 prospective Jurors
faced a barrage Of searching ques-
tons today as prosecution and de-
tense turned to selection of jury
to hear evidence and decide the
fate of the 80 defendants in the
wars biggest sedition trial.
The choice of the jury began
after three turbulent days Of pre-
liminaries during which defense at
torney's sought unsuccessfully to
get the whole thing called off and
defendant James Edward Snlythe
of New York played hide and seek
with the FBI. -.
Presiding Judge Edward g. 'Eicher
was ready to begin with the selec-
ton of jurors late yesterday but
weary defense attorneys persuaded
him to postpone it. Government
Prosecutor o. John Rogge had been
ready to empanel jury Monday
but Smythe's absence made it i'm
possible. Smythe, arrested near the
Canadian border, was returned yes
terday.
,FHnok(o,,ad ~, Dora A
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-04-20
BY EDWARD w. BEATTIE
UNITED Press Staff Correspondent

London, April 20-(UP)-Adolf
Hitler celebrated his 55th birthday
anniversary amid the bomb-ruins
of his once-proud Germany today
as Allied armies massed on three
sides of his European fortress for
decisive assaults that may end his
reign before another year.
There was no word on whether
Hitler would speak or otherwise
note the occasion.
But today promised TO be in strik-
ing contrast to five years ago, when
Hitler celebrated his last peace
time birthday. Then he paraded
10000 picked soldiers through Berlin
showed OF the most modern