davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Spared
 Glass Eye Gets Life

Yokohama, Dec. 27-tUP)-Tat- suo Gittle Glass Eye) Tsuchiya, first Japanese war criminal to be tried in Japan, was sentenced today to life imprisonment for beating to death an American prisoner of war
 An eight-man U. z. military com- mission convicted Tsuchiya on three charges of "cruel, inhuman and brutal atrocities and other offenses against certain prisoners" at Nit sushima camp where he served as a guard.
 Chief Prosecutor Maj. Louis Of- fen of Atlanta, Ga, had demanded the death penalty. He charged in closing arguments that TSuchiya enjoyed seeing American prisoners suffer"
 After the verdict was announced the commission adjourned until 1:30 p. m. when it resumed to hear the trial of Kei Yuri, commander of prisoner of war camp 17-B.
 The death penalty was asked for Yuri, who pleaded not guilty to charges of inhuman and brutal at- rocities, including directing his guart to bayonet an American sol- dier to death in front of a group of American officers who were forced to watch the execution.
 Tsuchiya was convicted specifical- ly of beating to death Pfc. Robert Gordon Teas, beating and tortur- ing another soldier and forcing the prisoners to line up and slap each other. He was found innocent of three charges that he beat and tor tured three other American prison CTS.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
State Death Rote Lower
 Infant Mortality
 85 Below 1945

Hartford, Dec 2.7.-UP)-Con- necticut's death rate for 1945 prob ably will be slightly lower than for 1944, according to statistics re- leased today by the State Depart ment of Health. So far this year there were 13,602 deaths, or 499 less than for the same period in 1944.
 According to department statistics infant mortality in 1945 is 85 deaths lower than III 1944; there was no death from diphtheria this year; an increase in deaths due to pull monary tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and an increase of more than 400 deaths in the number due to cerebral hemorrhage, apopleXy and embolism
 Although deaths from broncho pneumonia were about the same this year as in 1914 there was 'indi- cated a definite reduction in deaths due to lobar pnuemonia" with 96 fewer deaths through September 1945, than in the same period of 1944.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
31 roPped Cool Pit
Hope of Survival
 Begins to DwindIe

Pineville, Ky, Dec. 27 - (UP) - Fresh crews of rescue workers re- entered the Kentucky Straight Creek Coal Companys No. mine today after efforts to reach 31 or more trapped miners had been halt ed for hours by smoke and fire in the main shaft.
 Rescue crews sent word back to the mine mouth that they were fighting several fires in the shaft where an explosion yesterday trap ped the men. Smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide gas filled the shafts where the men were work ing and even the most hopeful ad- mitted the things look mighty bad"
 The rescue workers estimated they were 4,500 feet-not quite a nlile-inside the shaft. The trapped men were believed to be about two miles back in the mine-more than a. mile from the rescue teams.
 One of Oldest
 The Straight Creek Company's mine, one of the oldest in Bell Coun- ty, has had only one fatality to rec ord in 21 years, officials said. Federal mine inspectors who checked it last Summer said it was in satisfactory condition.
 Today its shafts were filled with avalanches of slate. knee deep in water let in when snoring burst under the force of the explosion. Electric wiring and ventilating lines were torn to pieces by the blast. Veteran miners said there was a possibility that the emergency work CTS might be losing the battle with fire in the mine and that as a last resort it might have to be sealed of to put out the flames.
 AS daylight came, many of the relatives and friends who had shiv- cred at the mine mouth all night hoping for some optimistic words from the rescuers broke up and went home for breakfast
 Nine-year-old Parker Lowell ex- pressed some of the perpetual op- timiSm of miners relatives.
 My brother Herman is in there" i" he said. We think he'll come out all right, though. He always has" Herman Lowell is 19 and already a veteran at digging. coal out of the Kentucky hills. There are eight chill dren in the Lowell family.
 'The main delay right now is getting the ventilation going" said Frank Rhodes, neighboring mine superintendent and one of the res
 Continued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Lady PeppereH
 House Destroyed

Kittery, Me, Dec, 27-UP)- The historic Lady Pepperell house, beautiful Georgian structure built between 1760-65 for a famous grand dame of the Revolutionary War days, was virtually demolished by a fast spreading fire today.
 An irreplaceable landmark, the loss was set at $40,000.
 Unoccupied for two years and used only as a shrine for histori- cal data and antiques, the ,man- sion was found to be ablaze by neighbors It was believed the fire might have started as result of mice gnawing matches in cupboard.
 Originally 1t was built for the widow of Sir William Pepperell, a soldier merchant. Born Mar jorie Bray she lived in the house until her death in 1789-always using her acquired title of Lady Pepperell.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Board Split On Selection
 Group to Elect
 City Fire Chief

It seemed toss-up today as to whom would be named Fire Chief meeting of the Board of Fire Con- for Waterbury at tomorrows special meeting of the Board Fire Com missioners. Reliable sources today stated that deadlock had resulted among board members in choosing between Deputy Chiefs Francis Scully and Martin Campion
 Should Deputy Chief Campion submit his request for retirement, the board undoubtedly will give the nod to Deputy Chief Scully. Should his retirement request not be forth coming it is said a deadlock or hard-fought discussion will be ef- fected by the board members as to a choice between the two men.
 The fire board also is expected to effect more retirements while at the same time some 12 to IS call men may be appointed regulars to replace men recently retired.
 The Board of Police Commission CTS also will meet tomorrow, when some retirements of long service members are expected to be granted.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
(Continued on Page 9
Judge Approues Suit Settlement

Boston, Dec. H.-UP)-A s13,- 100000 compromise settlement of the International Hydro Electric systems $96,000,OOO damage suit against the International Paper Co.,. has been approved by Federal Judge Francis J. w. Ford.
 Under the agreement yesterday in the largest damage suit ever filed in New England, the paper company must pay $10,OOO0 out right and purchase $3,OOO, 900 worth of second mortgage bonds from the Hudson River Power corporation. a Hydro subsidiary. Payment would be delayed, however, in the case of an appeal.
 A bill of complaint was filed last January by Atty. Bartholomew A :. Brickley of Boston, ar Hydro trus- tee, who sought to set aside the sale tt Hydro in 1923, of New England Power Association stock valued at $62, 100000 and the sale of water power in 1882 by the International Paper Co.,, to some Hydro subsidi- aries at $31, 700 900.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Big 3 Agree on Atomic Energy Commission


Stamford Dec. 27-tuP)-six picketS including q representative Of the International Association Of Machinists. AFL, Grand Lodge. were arrested today after more than i25 state and local police broke up a blockade at the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, intended to prevent top-management off, eias from entering the Strikebound lock plant.
 Technical charges of breach of peace were lodged against Grand Lodge Representative Richard l.. Thurer and five others who were stationed at the gates and who allegedy resisted the efforts of the officials to pass through the lines.
 All were fingerprinted at police headquarters and Thurer released in custody of union attorney, Maurice Buckley. The others were detained.
 May File Other Charges
 It was reported that more serious charges might
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Rail Freiqht Rates Same
 lCC Postpones
 Increase Order

Washington, Dec. 27-UP)-The Interstate Commerce Commission postponed indefinitely today the ef- fective date of the new railroad feight rates provided in it's unpre- cedented eualization order of May 15.
 The new rates were scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, after two previous postponements. They have now been on file with the ICC al- most a month, in accordance with commission regulations.
 The proposed schedule provided a 10 per cent increase in so-called "class rates" for the northeastern section of the country and 10 per cent drop everywhere else except the Far West.
 An Tee unit estimated last sum- mer that the new rates would boost the income of northern railroads by 6,0000O0 over 1922.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Faulty Wires Caused Niles Hospital Fire

Hartford, Dec. 27.-CUP)-Inves- tigation of the tragic Niles Street Hospital fire which Snuffed out F lives Christmas Eve, was virtually completed today and the origin definitely was traced to faulty wir- ing on a Christmas tree ill the main office of the convalescent home.
 State Police Commissioner Edward J. Hickey, who also is State Fire Marshal, sad that the wiring had been arranged by an S3-year old male patient, that there were toe many lights on the tree, and that the fire started when plug was pulled from a socket located at the base of the tree. Some of the wir- ing, he said, had been taken from a coli of an old electric clock, and was bare in several spots.
 Sparks flew from the plug when nurse pulled the connection to shut off the lights, and they ignited
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
President
 Maps Stay ] Plans 10 Return { Early Tomorrow

Independence, Mo. Dec. N-(UP) s-PreMdent Truman plans to divide today-ti1e last of his Christmas holiday-between his family at home. visiting friends here and in Kansas City, and having lunch with the news correspondents covering his trip.
 He plans to leave by air for Wash ington tomorrow morning to return to problems of state. MT. Truman still has to put the finishing touches on his early January State-of-the- Union radio speech in which he will reveal directly to the people his proposed legislative program for the new Congress. He also will confer with Secretary of State James F. Byrnes on the Moscow conference which ended yesterday, then tackle the pile of work that has mounted on his desk since he left it Christ mas Eve.
 The President expected to reach Kansas City between 10 and Il a. m. today. He was going to his office in the Federal Building to visit with cronies until he joined his newspaper hosts at the Muehlebach Hotel for lunch. Like the rest of his activities here. there was no pro- gram" planned for the luncheon. The President simply had the time to sit down with newsmen for a midday meal. He has known most of the reporters since he was Sen- ator and he'll just be visiting with them.
 So far, the Presidents visit here has ben typical of those of most men who work away from home and find 1t possible to make a quick Christmas visit. There has not been a single function requiring his at- tendance. His fellow-townsmen and neighbors realized he wanted a quiet stay at home and they let him have it.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
JEW Strike Threatened 100000 Awoit
 Authorization
BY UNITED PRESS

A walkout of 100000 CIO Elec- trical Workers was threatened to- day.
 Officials of the United Electrical Workers announced that the gen. eral executive board would author iZe strike early next month in 76 plants of the General Electric Co.,, Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., and in General Motors Electrical Appliance Divi- sion.
 JEW members are waging a cam paign for $2-a-day pay boost roughly the equivalent of the CIO United Auto Workers 30 per cent demand.
 Meanwhile, labor disputes kept a total 498,000 workers away from their jobs across the country, a United Press survey disclosed. director of the CIO Electrical Work CTS, told reporters after confer ence with Federal conciliators yes terday that unions executive board would meet in New York Jan. to authorize a nationwide strike.
 Tn other labor developments union leaders saw the possibility of a nationwide telephone tieup ii Western Electric employees in New York and New Jersey carry out strike threat Jan. 3.
 Of1icals of the Western Electric Employees Association, affiliated with Nr al phone Workers. said federation members might be asked to support a walkout. The Western Electric Co.,, which manufactures telephone equipment, has offered to grant halt the unions 30 per cent wage boost demand.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

wads of cotton which had been spread under the tree to give snow effect.
 Nurse Aided Blaze
 With the cause of the disaster definitely pinned down, the investi- gation also disclosed that con- tributing factor to the seriousness of the fire was the failure of a nurse to close an outside door when she ran into the street to summon help. A strong draft whipped the flames and smoke up the stairways, caus- ing some of the patients to die of suffocation before help arrived, &C., cording to the commissioner.
 All extniguishers were found to be in proper working order. The nurse, said Hickey, tried to use one out did not invert it enough and believing it defective, dropped it and ran out of the office without (Continued on Page A
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

after Carroll warned the strikers that these men are going in"
 Police threw a protecting flank around the man. agement officials and virtually showed them through the gates.
 warned to break ID the blockade on grounds t con- stituted Illegal mass picketing. which Gov R. E. Baldwin warned against several weeks ago
 Spirit Broken
 Arrival of State Police endorsements took some of the spirit out of the demonstration and after the arrests made the lines reduced and strikers famed out around the 30-acre plant and contented themselves with cat-calls and cries of "scab"
 It the first incident at the plant since the
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

Governor told both labor and management to get io- gether and adjust their differences which have kept more than 5000 employes Idle for two months
 Strikers Jeer Yell
 crowd Of strikers standing on the sidewalk opposite the main gate Jeered and yelled:
 Let's form a labor party"
 This is what the Governor Of Connecticut Is do- ing"
 Nov we know where the Governor stands"
 When 1t appeared that the situation might prove too much for the local police to handle Captain Car roll sent fin call for State Police who had been standing by since local authorities were tipped off" last night that mass picketng probably would be resumed
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Farley Fails
Farley Fails Auto Industry Negotiators Shift Talks to Washington

Detroit. Dec. 27-UP)-Further efforts for an early settlement of the 37-day-old General Motors strike shifted back to Washington today.
 Negotiations between the com- pany and the CIO auto workers, whose 17,000 GM members struck Nov. 2l, were at. a standstill until tomorrow's scheduled meeting with the Presidents fact-finding board.
 GM President Charles E. Wilson deferred announcement until 5 p. m. today whether the company would appear before the board. Walter P. Reuther, JAW vice-president. said he would attend. t,
 As renewed negotiations over the JAWS strike backed demands for 30 percent raise from GM col- lapsed, these developments drew att
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Sugar Shortage Relief Not Seen

Boston, Dec. 27.-(UP)-Only 8 10-day supply of sugar was on hand in New England today and refinery officials said that with no shipments er- route the shortage probably would continue through February The slx-state region was more critically affected than other areas 1t was said, because of poor crops in Cuba and Puerto Rico-princi- pal supplies of the New England market.
 Little relief was seen until late in February when the new cane crops begins to be proceSsed in volume.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Big 3 Map Control Unit For Nippon

Washington, Dec. 27-(UP)-The Moscow Foreign Ministers confer ence agreed to create a four-power control council for Japan patterned in general after the present control council for Germany, 1t was learned today.
 The United States, the British Empire. Russia and China would share authority equally in the con- trol council. Each would have a veto power.
 Gen. Douglas Macarthur would remain as supreme Allied con- mander for Japan to carry out the directives of the council, it was learned. Indications were, however, that MacArthur might not be com- pletely Subservient to the control council but would retain some au- tf ority to act independently.
 Role Not Clear
 The Allied supreme commanders s role was by no means entirely clear on the basis of preliminary infor- nation. Full delineation of his powers awaited tonight's formal an- nouncement of the foreign minis ters' agreement.
 Russia has agreed to set both on the four-power control council and on the Far Eastern commission, which has been sitting in Washing ton. The commission now is ex-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Russian Zone Operated With L,11pressiue Rule

pervised eight-day tour covering 750 miles in two of the six states and provinces occupied by the Red Army.
 Impressed by Work
 Touring the province of Saxony and the adjoining State of Daz- ony in party of five newspaper men, I gathered the general inn pression that the Russians have tackled their occupation problems with realistic efficiency.
 The main problems, as in the Western zone, are food. fuel. trans port and refugees.
 But there is no unemployment. The Russians have wiped out all old bank credits and the Germans must work to eat. There appears Continued on Page A
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

be filed against the six by City Prosecutor Lawrence Epifanio.
 Police estimated there were about 70 pickets at one main gate and 90 at another and about IS at each of four other smaller gates
 Local police. tipped of" that mass plcketlng would be reusmed this morning. were stationed at each gate. There were about 100 officers. led by Chief John B. Brennan
 State Police Capt. Leo Carroll, when the pckets started the blockade. sent in call for endorsements and automobiles rushed to the scene carrying about 30 state officers with nightsticks.
 No Violence Reported
 Aside from some pushing and showing. there was no violence and the picket lines opened reluctantly
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Four Kin to Go
 With Cardinal

Whitman, Mass, Dec. 27.- (UP)-Archbishop Francis J. Spellman of New York will be accompanied by his two broth CTS and two sisters when he goes to Rome in February to receive the red hat of a cardinal of the Catholic church.
 Archbishop Spellman said yesterday he would ask permis- sion of Archbishop Richard J. Gushing of Boston to include in the party the Rev. John J. Starr, pastor of the Church of the Holy Ghost here and a lifelong friend.
 The prelate left last night for New York after a Christmas visit with his family.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

tention on the auto industry labor front:
 1. The Kaiser Frazer corporation resumed contract talks with the JAW today.
 2. Ford Motor Company announce ed that 80.00O workers again would be idle from Saturday until Jan. q because of material shortages and inventory. A similar Christmas holl- day ended yesterday.
 3. Negotiations between the JAW and Ford of Canada were scheduled to start today in Windsor. Ont.
 The question of wages was not reached yesterday in the talk be- tween representatives of General Motors and the JAW. although the finding board had eet . dead- line of tomorrow for report og nro- gress from both sides.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

AP n NY4iiiiStao4pA bi4 dv3ii4ac SAtS&bs The news that the Big Three had reached an agreement on atomic energy was given by Byrnes at press conference which wound up the '2-day meeting of the foreign ministers here
 A long and detailed communique on the three-power conference will be released at a. m. Friday 10 ?. m. Thursday EST) in Moscow. Washington and London.
 Drops Own Bomb
 Byrnes. unkempt and weary after sleepless night and 24 hours of virtually uninterrupted work, dropped verbal atomic bomb of his own at a press conference he held before departing by plane for Wash ington by way of Berlin and Paris.
 When you read about atomic en- ergy in the communique providing for the establishment of a commits sion, you will see that no other phase of the subject was discussed, he said
 Thus came the first official word that Russia, the United States and Britain had come to a meeting of the minds on the atomic problem, one of the graveSt confronting the troubled postwar world and ap- parently the biggest single bone of contention among the Big Three.
 To Meet in Capitol Next
 Byrnes said the next meeting of the Big Three foreign ministers will be held in Washington.
 (The London Evening Stand ard reported that the foreign ministers had agreed to turn over to the 11-nation UNO Security Council, plus Canada, the prob lem of studying and making rec concentrations for exchanging basic scientific information fol
 (Continued on Page Al
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Seuer SWedish Sean1en Missing

Texas City, Tex, Dec. 27- CUP)-An explosion occurred today aboard the Swedish tank CT "Sveaborg" at a Texas City dock. Seven persons were miss ing and believed to have been killed. At least nine persons were injured seriously.
 The explosion occurred at { 8. m. Its cause was not immed- lately learned.
 Nine of the injured were taken to the Marine hospital in Galveston, Tex, where five were unconscious. A clinic in Texas City reported treating eight, re- leasing two and sending six to Galveston for disqualification.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Man Of Year
 FdtherDial Shows Gain

The Rev. John Dial, assistant pas tor of Sacred Heart parish today was firmly secured among top leaders in the nominations for Man of the Year now being conducted by The Waterbury Democrat. Numerous nominations were received today in behalf of Father Dial. Joseph Ia jildeen, also continued among tor
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
yETERAN KILLS SELF

Plainville, Dec. 27.-(UP)-Paul M. Thomas, g, discharged from the Navy last week after three years service, died Wednesday from bullet wound in his head. Ac- cording to police, Thomas shot him. self accidentally while he was talk ing apart rifle in the attic of his grandmother home.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
? MAN OF THE YEAR

leaders with more nominations.
 Tomorrow is the last day nomin- ations will be accepted by mail at this newspaper. Any nominations received after tomorrow will not be valid as judges of the nominations for Man of the Year will choose the final selection between now and New Years Day.
 Other nominations received today
 (Continued on Page 9
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
KrosoW Gets wee Position
 Takes Office Jon. !
 In 5th District

Attorney Harry Krasow, of Wa terbury, former U. s. Commissioner for the 5th Congressional district and recently discharged veteran of overseas service, was named by Gov. Raymond E. Baldwin today to succeed John J. O'Conrell of
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
By CHARLES ARNOT

Berlin, Dec. 27-UP)-In the eight months since the fall of the Reich, the Red Army has con- verted northeastern Germany from a broken war machine into going peacetime concern.
 The Russians are working in close Iaison with a hand-picked corps of carefully tutored German civil ians, many of them Communists.
 What they have accomplished was disclosed during a closely su-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27
Area cured

EDITORS NOTE; The Rus sian occupation zone in Germany was opened to American corres- vpondents for the first time last week. The following uncensored dispatch reveals what has hap pened in the zone in the eight months since the end of the war.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-27

Derby as Workmen's Compensation Commissioner for the 5th District He will take office Jan. l.
 The appointment is for five years at a salary of $8,0O0 annually.
 The appointee, Republican, was an unsuccessful candidate for town clerk in the last municipal election and has been prominently mention
 (Continued on Page 9)