davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
City Pension Bill Meetinq Opposition

A delegation Of 18 local teachers today confronted Mayor John s. Monagan to seek explanation of the proposal contained in the revamped city pension bill, whereby ] ocal teachers will not be eligible for city pensions. The delegation planned going to Hartford later this morning for consultation with legislators. Mayor Monagan told the teachers s committee he had no objection to their being included within the city's pension system and had sup ported such move in the original bill. He pointed out that the pres ent bill was drawn up by the legis- lative committee headed by Repre- sentative Arthur Tanner, (Wood- bury,) who also is a member of the Public Personnel Committee at Hartford.
 Meanwhile, local fremen and po- Icemen are said to be particularly agitated over reports that the re- vised bill will not grant them bene- fits heretofore enjoyed.
 The revamped bill, revision of the original bill of the commissions is scheduled to be entered into the Senate or House next week. Under it's terms the city will pay but $425,- 900 to $40, 900 annually instead of the $600,000 required under terms of the original bill
 Local teachers are said to be par ticularly concerned because legisla- tive sources declare the latter have been eliminated to help reduce the city's annual contributions. RevisorS of the bill have eliminated the teachers, on this basis, because the latter are members of the state re- tirement system. Heretofore all To- cal teachers received $500 city pen> sion. Under a recently passed state act all teachers who heretofore were members of the state sys- tenn are now permitted to enter by paying back assessments and in- tereSt.
 Bremen and policemen are par ticularly concerned with the clause contained in the new bill whereby widows of the men who have not died in line of duty will receive pen- sions only if their husbands had elected to accept reduced retirement benefits with the idea of the reduced
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Today Co!dest June 1st Ever Recorded

Boston, June 1-UP)-To- day was the cOldest June l in t he history of the weather bu- reau.
 The temperature dipped to 41 degrees early today, three degrees lower than the previous cold record established for this date in 1876.
 The weather bureau forecast five straight days of cool weather. Officials explained the cold spell as resulting from an intense storm over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 'The cold Canadian air speeds from the Hudson Bay region to New England and doesn't get much time to warm up," the weather bureau said.
 Atop mile high Mount Wash ington in New Hampshire the wind velocity reached 164 miles an hour last night. Snow fur ries throughout the night were reported in Aroostok County, Maine.
 Some relief will be provided New Englanders Monday, the weather bureau said, when the temperatures will climb to the eos during the afternoon.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
No Judgeship Agreements,
 Says Maher Playing COPS

Hartford, Conn.,, June 1.-(UP)- Democratic State Chairman Adrian w. Maher announced flatly today that there will be no judgesiip agreements" and accused Republi- cans of blocking negotiations for peaceful settlement of the minor court patronage problem which has stymied the general assembly for months.
 In a statement concurred in by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Leon Ris Cassi, Hartford, Maher said:
 "Al indications are that the Re- publicans are fooling around play ing a game. Apparently they want the governor to make the appoint ments, and that is okay with us"
 Beyond that. neither Maller noi Ris Cassi would comment.
 Action on all of the governors nominations. and county commits sionerships hinged on the settle ment of the judgeships for the 6s minor courts of the state. Maher as much as intimated that unless the Republican leadership came abegging to get the judicial appointments straightened out be.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Forts Scorch 3 Jap Cities
BY RICHARD W. JOHNSTON

Guam, June 1-(UP)- Japan's three greatest cities lay scorched by superfortress fire bombs today as the B29's followed up their demoli- tion of Tokyo and Yokohama by starting raging conflagrations in Osaka, Japan's great industrial center, with a 3,2O0-ton incendiary attack.
 Returning airmen reported that smoke from burning Osaka bil- lowed five miles into the air and radio Tokyo admitted flames still were Scourging the city many hours after the bombers had left.
 Pilot reports indicated Osaka had suffered the same fate as the port and industrial center of Yokohama attacked Tuesday. Intelligence re- ports of Fist Bomber Command re- vealed today that nearly nine square miles ot Yokohama have been burned or damaged-just un- der seven square miles being at tributed to the Tuesday attack.
 Details of the huge fires which ragged in Tokyo last week-destroy- ing by Japanese admission, the bulk of the central city district were still being reported by Tokyo radio.
 Tokyo said the central govern ment would stay on in Tokyo even if the whole metropolis is reduced
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01

There was no immediate explana. tion whether the order was sent from Paris or given by the French commander in Levant on his own initiative.
 In any event, t complied to thG letter with Prime Minister Churcn- gl's virtual utimatum of yesterday to De Gaulle. Churchill had ordered British forces in Levant to intervene to prevent further bloodshed. A Beyrouth dispatch said tho French had instructed their conn., mander to play ball with the Brlt- ish" and asserted shell-pocked Damascus today was quiet as grave"
 Consents To Order General Humbolt, the French commandant in Levaut, met with General Pilleau, British area cor11- mander, in Damascus last night, the Beyrouth dispatch said. Humbolt consented to the British orders.
 Good progress has been made in the execution of the orders and no incidents have been reported since, the dispatch said. One large fire still was burning in Damascus this morning and Sy- rian sources estimated damage to their capital at $40, ,000, ,000.
 General Sir Bernard c. Paget, British and Allied commander for the Middle East, arrived in Syria during the morning.
 A British foreign office spokesman in London said Anglo-Annerican- French conversations on final so- lution of the Levant situation would begin in London as soon as pos sible." s.+
 The United States already has agreed to participate, he said. but Frances reply has not been receiv- ed.
 Syria and Levant will not take part in the initial conversations, but will be brought in later.
 The American embassy in Paris said De Gaulle's reply to an Amer ican note regarding Syria had been received and transmitted to Wash- ington Thursday night. The text oz the American note was published in France newspapers today.
 In London, British Foreign Sec- retary Anthony Eden told a cheer. (Continued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Jops' Escape Chances Slim

Manila, June 1-CUP)-American and Filipino forces opened drive today to annihilate 10000 to 30,000 Japanese troops trapped between them in the Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon.
 A spokesman at Gen. Douglas MacArthur's headquarters an- announced that all hopes of escape for the Japanese-the biggest re- maining enemy force on Luzon-had been cut off by Filipino forces mov- ing down from the northern coast.
 Several hundred Japanese who att tempted to fight their way across a river between Aparri and Tugue- garao on May 18th were turned back with heavy losses by the Fil- ipino fighters. the spokesman dis closed.
 Today's communlque reported that American troops were liquidating the remaining enemy elements around Santa Fe, at the southern entrance to the Cagayan Valley. East of Manila the retreating foe was being driven deeper into the mountains.
 American planes of al types dropped 204 tons of bombs on the Japanease holdout positions in SUD- port of the land drives.
 A Domei news agency dispatch broadcast by Tokyo reported that American planes have beer using gasoline jelly fire bombs on Jap aneSe positions on Luzon since early this month.
 The new jelly bombs are consid- cred one of the most effective air weapons so far used against the enemy. However, Domei described them as "makeshift" and claimed they show how desperate the Amer ican situation had become because (COntinlIad on pape Al
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Boby's Body Found In Lot

Philadelphia, June 1-CUP)-Two little girls who liked to play with live" dolls were sought today by police Investigating the death of Three Thomas Valen- tine Ripley, Jr.
 Thomas body, unclad except for his pink blanket, was found in a vacant lot last night, seven hours after his mother reported him miss ing from his carriage outside her West Philadelphia home.
 The infants mother, Barbara, 30, has been separated for a year from her husband, a medically discharged Marine He lives at Ventnor, N J.
 The body was discovered few yards from the back porch of a de- serted University of Pennsylvania fraternity house where two small girls had been seen cuddling a baby.
 Physicians at General hospital said Thomas apparently died of ex- posture. A death certificate was to be issued later today.
 According to a neighbor of Mrs. Ripley, Mrs. Gertrude O'Connell, the two girls evidently had been playing mother" They were said to have been wearing women's clothes
 A youngster of the neighborhood told police he heard one of the girls say We found a baby and now we're playing house."
 The body was found by officers who went to the empty lot after Mrs. O'Connell read of the baby's disappearance in newspaper and, remembering the two girls, phoned police.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Worm Spell
 Due Monday

Boston, June 1-UP)-The eX- tended weather forecast for New England:
 The temperature in New England during the next five days, Saturday through Wednesday, will average from two to five degrees below the seasonal normal. Cool weather will prevail most of the period except for a brief warming about Monday.
 A few normals for the period are: Boston 63; New Haven, Conn.,, GA; Providence, R. l., 65; Nantucket, Mass, 58; Concord, N. H., 60; Bur- lington, Vt, 62; Portland, Me, 59; Passport, Me. 52; Greenville Me, 56; Presque Isle, Me, 55.
 Rainfall during the period will total between 1-3 and 2-3 inch Oc- curing late Sunday or Monday and again about Wednesday.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
(Continued on Page D
New Rule For 18-Yeor-OIds
BY REUEL S. MOORE

Washington, June 1.-CUP)-Ihe Army has put into effect a Congress sional mandate requiring soldiers under 19 years of age to have a minimum of six months training before entering combat.
 The first step was taken immedl- ately after VIE Day when the period for individual training at in- fantry replacement training centers was restored to IT weeks. The in- fantry training period had been re- duced from r to IS weeks shortly after the Germans attacked in the Ardennes last December.
 In addition to the restored IT week basic training, all arms are now initiating a nine weeks course of advanced training for all re- placements under 19 which will give them total of 26 weeks of training, plus furlough time. before they are sent to replacement depots yubject to shipment overseas.
 These advanced courses will stress unit training similar to that re- eelVeO III LIlc Illldl IWO WCCho OA bivouac period of the original IT weeks training.
 Camp Fucker, Ala, Camp Shelby. Miss, Camp Maxey, Tex, and Camp Howze, Tex, have been desig- hated as advanced training centers put of the IA infantry replacement training centers in the country.
 Fort Bragg, N. C., will gve the first r weeks artillery training and Fort Sill, Okla, advanced artillery training in addition to the IT weeks basic training.
 For the other arms the full 26 weeks training will be provided at their respective replacement train- ing centerS which are: armored units, Fort Knox, Ky, tank destroy CTS. Camp Hood, Tex, paratroopers. Fort Benning, Ga.; anti-aircraft artillery, Fort Bliss, Tex; and cav- airy, Fort Riley, Kan.
 (Continued on Page D
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
More Marine Troops Sent
 Against Japs
By WILLIAM F. THREE

Guam, June l - (U.P) - The 10th Army smashed the last vestiges of the main Japanese defense line on Okinawa today and-by Tokyo accounts threw two more Mar inc Divisions into battle for speedy conquest of the southern tip of the island.
 Radio Tokyo said eight American divisions-possibly 10000 men in au-were attacking the last 20,000- odd Japanese holding the southern end of Okinawa.
 Latest to move into line, Tokyo said, were the Second and Seventh Marine Divisions of perhaps 30,000 fresh troops, both sent to the new American focal attacking point" on the east coast.
 American forces on the east coast already were within two miles of the south coast and had outfanked deeply new enemy defenses in the inland hills.
 Another Two Weeks
 American front reports indicated the complete conquest of Okinawa may take another two weeks or more, but told of only five Army and Marine divisions in line. A sixth was policing rear areas.
 The collapse of the main Japan csc defense line was completed with the encirclement of it's last 1000 diehard defenders in the Shuri area.
 A Pacific Fleet communique re- vealed that the 10th Army was kill ing the Japanese defenders at the rate of more than 1000 a day. In the first 60 days of the campaign through Wednesday, 61,519 Japan csc dead had been counted. Another 1858 Japanese had been taken pris- oner.
 The 96th Infantry Division com- pleted the destruction of the en- emy's Naha-Shuri-Y -Yonabaru de- fense line and the encirclement of it's last 1000 defenders by linking up with the First Marine Division 800 yards southwest of Shuri Castle af-
 (COntinued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01

fore adjournment next Wednesday, acknowledgements major bills would be sabotaged in the Demo- cratic-controlled senate.
 His statement was directed princi- pally at the Republican state cen- tral committee which reportedly had split with the governor and was secretly undermining negotiations to settle the judgeship slate.
 Two programs were under con- sideration. One, agreed upon by Democrats and Republicans, called for a division of the courts on an overall personnel basis. The other called for just a division of the judges and deputies.
 Before Maher's statement, Re- publican House Minority Leader Rep. Herbert Wanderer of Bethel said that the "judgeshlp situation Is in a state of fluidity."
 Advised of Maher's declaration Wanderer had nothing more to say While refusing to comment on the judgeship problem, Ris Cassi sait that the Democrats would continue their rolicy of considering all legis- lation on it's merits and without regard to the patronage situation
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01

Hartford, Conn.,, June l. (UPO- Gov. Baldwin has notified State Motor Vehicles Commissioner John T. Mccarthy, whose four-year term expired last midnight and who re- ported for work as usual today pend- ing senate confirmation of his suc- cessor, that he would consider him a de facto officer of the state.
 The Governor told Mccarthy that on April 25 he nominated Col Elmer s. Watson, Wethersfeld War veter- an, as motor vehicles commissioner. He pointed out that the senate, as provided by the general statutes, had failed to act within ten session days on the nomination.
 "The term of your appointment expired at midnight on the 31st day of May, 1945," said the Governor. Since I understand that it is your intention to occupy the office after that time. I think it's right and proper that I should advise you that I shall consider your occupancy as that of a de facto officer as one hold ing over until such time as the Gen. eral Assembly may act, or the Gov esnor. upon adjournment Of the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Nozis Murder Yonk Airmun
By JOHN McDERMOTT

Ahrweiler, Germany, June -(U. P0 A witness testified at the murder trial of three Germans to- day that he saw German civilians shoot and beat an American airman to death when he parachuted into the Reich from crippled bomber last August.
 The first trial in American-occu- pied territory of German civilians accused of war criminality opened before a military commission in tiny courtroom of the Ahrweiler City Hall.
 Peter Kohn, 8 crane operator from the town of Preist; Matthias Gierens, Preist railway worker; and Matthias Drein, blacksmith and rural policeman, were accused of murdering a U. s. flyer whose iden- tity never was established.
 The Germans pleaded not guilty. A handful of German civilians att tended the public hearing c the charges and testimony.
 The chief witness for the prosecu- tion was Nicholas Nospes, "A. He said he saw the airman shot in cold blood, then clubbed mercilessly while he still bled from the bullet wounds.
 Nospes said he was cutting wheat in field near Preist, 60 miles south of CoblenZ, when the American parachuted down from the crippled bomber.
 Townsfolk rushed to the scene of the landing, Nospes said. Peter Back semi-cripple, hobbled from a mo- torcycle, drew a pistol, and shot the airman in the head. Back has not been found.
 Continued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Big 3 Farley
 Reality Soon Says Truman

Washington, June 1 = (UP) - President Truman told his news conference today he could now say definitely that a Big Three confer ence will take place in the not-too- distant future.
 MT. Truman also said that he has been in daily communication with Prime Minister Winston Churchill regarding the crisis in the levant.
 He stated definitely that the French have ceased firing as a re- suit of a message that Churchill sent to Gen. Charles DeGaulle. This message was approved by the Am erican Government.
 He said, too, that he expected the San Francisco conference to end within 10 days.
 He still rejected any suggestion that the Big Three meeting might be expanded into Big Four or Big Five conference, including France or China. When asked about this he said that he had only talked about one meeting-a Big Three meeting
 The president told reporters that the Big Three meeting was getting closer. Although details had not been decided, he could say that the meeting definitely would take place.
 Asked if a delay of as much as two weeks in the conclusion of the United Nations conference at San Francisco would affect the timing of the Big Three meeting, the pres ident said it would not.
 He also saw no reason why the French Syrian crisis would have any effect on plans for projected meeting with Gen. Charles De- Gaulle. but he added that no date had ever been set for such a meeting
 He said he had been following the Syrian situation closely and had been in communication with Churhill as recently as this morn ing, yesterday and the day before, exchanging messages by wire.
 A reporter wanted to know whether 1t was possible that Big Three meeting would be held in this country. The President chuckled and said it was possible, but not very probable.
 In the field of foreign discus sion the President was asked again about recurrent reports that he planned to name new secretary of state. He said he could not make it more emphatic than he did at his last conference when he said he had no such plans.
 Turning to other matters, the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01

as the senate has not yet confirmed Governor Baldwin's nomination of Col. Elmer s. Watson, Wethersfleld, as his successor, Mccarthy has elected to stay on the job until he learns definitely whether he is in, or out.
 A legal clause stating that the commissioner shall serve until a successor is duly appointed and qualified" is McCarthy's ground for refusing tU vacate the office.
 Gov. Baldwin nominated Watson, an overseas veteran, more than a month ago, but the senate has failed to ratify him. In fact, 1t has held up confirmation on all of the gover- nor's nominations until the judge ship situation is adjusted.
 What happens to Mccarthy after tine legislature adjourns next We'd nesday, however, posed another question-whether the governor could declare the office vacant and install Col. Watson. If such should
 (Continued on Page D
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
Fibre
 Killed m Action

Two Waterbury servicemen were killed in action in the Pacific thea ter of war last month, according to word received by relatives yester- day.
 Pfc. John J. Mccarthy, 30, prac- ticing attorney in Providence, R. l., prior to entering the service in 1942, lost his life on Okinawa on May 5, according to War Depart ment telegram received by his father, John J. Mccarthy, 184 Bridge street.
 The infantryman participated in the initial assault on the island on Easter Sunday. His last letter, written on May l stated the fight ing there was very rugged and he had experienced many trying moment"
 Going overseas in April, 1943, Pfc. Mccarthy served at Attu, the Mar shall, and Leyte prior to the inva- sion of Okinawa. He trained at Camp Wheeler, Camp Butner, N. C., and Fort Ord, Calf.
 Pfc. Mccarthy graduated from Crosby high school, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama Law school. He was at tached to the legal department of the Aetna Casualty and Surety Go. of Providence at the time he en- tered the service.
 Survivors include his father, sister, Emma Mccarthy, and brother, William Mccarthy.
 Marine Pfc. Richard Fibre, 9, son of MT. and Mrs. Michael Fibre, 2160 North Main street, was killed in action in the Pacific on May Il, and was buried at sea, according to a telegram received by his parents from General Vandergrist.
 The young Marine was last known to have been an aide to Admiral Mitcher. Enlisting in the Marine Corps, in June 9, 1943, Pfc. Fibre vast stationed at San Diego where he served as swimming instructor until six months ago at which time he left for overseas duty.
 He was a graduate of Crosby high school, 1940, and attended Post Business college. Active in all types of sports, Fibre was elected presi- dent of the Y. M. c. A. in 1941.
 His parents are the sole survivors.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-01
French Shells Hit Two British Cops

Jerusalem, June 1 - (U.P) - An untimed United Press dispatch from Damascus today reported that French shells had hit the British Military police station there, wound ing two British military policemen, one seriously.
 The shelling apparently took place before the French "cease fire order.
 British army telephone lines were cut last night as result of French bombing of the Syrian capital.
 One witness to the clashes in Da- mascuS told the United Press that French Senegalese troops were forc- ing their way into houses and talk ing hostages.