davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
OHIO FACING A CRISIS


From the Daily Iron Trade.
Ohio is now face to face with a most
distressing outgrowth of her ill-digest-
ed employers liability and worlSmen'
compensation laws. The Buckeye state
today is placed in the position of en-
coura ging speculation in blood money
While this announcement of vicious
practices is bad enough. morally, yet
even worse is the position into which
the state has been forced just recently
i'm other words, that of driving 1egiti-
mate, fourishing industries absolutely
out of business within her bounds.
Such a condition of state affairs Is
|intolerable and calls for vigorous ac-
ton upon the part of the state admin
istration. Strong protest is being Of
fered by number OF Industrial and
commercial concerns to the present
anomalous situation, but expected CO.
operation on the part of the state au-
thorities does not appear to be coming
forward quickly and frankly.
When the Green law, as bit of liza
bility legislation in Ohio is known, be-
comes compulsory upon all employers
of the state on January it will then
be impossible for Ohio concerns to Sc
cure protection against excessive dam
age claims through the medium of pr;-
vate liability companies. Only state
insurance can be obtained, refusal to
take under it bringing in its train OPP
pressive restrictions as to legal de-
lenses in. personal injury suits which
are intolerable, practically confiscatory
in their application.
A recent decision by federal court
at Cleveland in a damage suit brought
against the Standard Boiler and Plate
Iron company of Niles, Ohio, brought to
a crisis the threatening dangers to in
dustrial concerns under existing liabil-
ity laws, with more oppressive dangers
to come. Previous argument before Leg
slative committees at Columbus while
the legislation was in the making had
no effect. Now it is hoped to prevail
upon Governor Cox to include liability
Legislation in his expected call for a
special session of the legislature which
Is to be held for the purpose of undoine
some of the unwise enactments of the
last regular session.
The governor is deeply interested III
the liability and compensation move
ment, having driven the present law
through the Legislature by mair
strength. He is rather cautious in dis
closing his attitude upon the present
tangle. but it is hoped that he can be
brought to see the justice Of the claim
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Il have visited several states within
the past four weeks, and find that peo-
pie without regard to party recognize Mr..
Underwood of Alabama as next in rank
to President Wilson in the nations Off
cial life, said John F. McNeely of Chi
cago.
of course, the chairman of the ways
and means committee is always an Inn
portant person; but somehow or other
Mr.. Underwood in his modest way is one
or the most popular democrats we have
ever had. have never seen him., but
from all accounts, he is a man of at
tractive personality; though what gives
him his real power is a combination of
honesty, patriotism and large capacity.
He has a passion for work and is a
master In leadership. Everyone in the
north who appreciates real American
craftsmanship expects Mr.. Underwood to
be elected to the United States Senate.
L doubt If there is any other democrat
IN Washington whose name Is so often
mentioned, and mentioned favorably, by
the American public as Mr.. Underwood,
with the single exception of the Pres
ident.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
HE WAS QUITE SLOW

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger
A shy young man had been calling on
the sweetest girl in the world for many
moons, but being bashfu his suit pro-
crossed slowly. Finally she decided it
was up to her to start something. so
the next time he called she pointed to the
rose in his buttonhole and said:
"Ill give you a kiss Cor that rose
A crimson flush overspread his coun-
tenance, but the exchange was made after
some hesitation on his part Then he
grabbed his hat and started to leave the
room.
why where are you going?" she asked
in surprise
ITO the-er-florish for more roses" he
called from the front door.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
Germany and China

The announcement that 100000
will be spent in the Chinese republic
or the construction of two railways
6 another indication of the awakening
If that long-slumbering people. The
railways are to form part of the
Chinese state system under the con-
troll of the ministry Of commerce.
The railroads will have little stra-
tegic influence but will open up great
districts now dependent upon caravans
and river traffic. One line will divert
traffic from southern Chilli which
has hitherto passed through Picking to
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
MONA LISA

(Translated from the E'reneh nv isabel
u. Sullivan
Thy gaze is modest. but tlg lira ast
A hayward lure that yif7s reaf oas
sessed;
Disdainfall, too, thou ar sra vhe "A,
say
What hidden longing sNeiis my sasf
nude breast!
Thy calm is pride to knaa shan a,t n
fair;
A hint Of scorn lies IA thy terfaey
eyes.
Perchance thou smirst yith faint ii..s.
air
At Leonardo's waoing aa aao zbs
The mystery of dream G acias the4
Enhancing all thy be. us aafael
charm;
For 'gainst the landscap. IAisG spa e.
away,
Thou scientist to throb nne low. stt,..
and warm.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
SINGULARLY PATHETIC STORY

FROM the New York Sun, December 22
4 n ISIS VIRGINIA VAUGHN, 81
M years old, In her youth poet
of some note and translator Of
George Sands novels, in recent years
saddened by inability to find publishers
for her writings, was fatally hurt by
trolley car while trying to cross Eighth
avenue at One Hundred and Thirty first
street about 1 o'clock yesterday after
noon. She died in the automobile of
Charles w. Cobb of 2o5 West One Hun
dred and Twenty eighth street, which
was bearing her to Harlem hospital
| She was on her way to dine with her
friend DIR. B. A. Hollenberg of 390 Cen
trail park, west. In her handbag was a
letter from Mrs Nellie Van Slingerland
introducing Miss Vaughan to publish
ers Through this letter and Mrs Van
slingerland, who is In charge of the
clubhouse of the Betterment league at
1872 West One Hundred and Thirty-first
street, the identity of the dead woman
was ascertained.
| About 10 days ago Miss Vaughan in
troduced herself at the Betterment
league and told Mrs Van Slingerland
| that she would like to work for the
league. She seemed exhausted. Mrs. Van
Slingerland said kindly:
Il think you want a place TO stay.
Now, tell me the truth Isn't that SOP"
Yes, do want place to stay" said
Miss Vaughan. Temporarily, you I'M
derstand. until I can"
Then she told her story. She was
| Virginia Vaughan. She was born in the
south-in North or South Carolina, Mrs.
Van Slingerland thinks she said She
studied art and the classics in Rome.
She went to London and wrote poetry.
Her THE New Era a Dramatic Poem,"
was published there. as were her trans
lations of "Antonio," 1.-THE Snowman"
and 'Mauprat" by George Sand, and of
Sailing ON the Nile" by La Porte.
She knew many literary celebrities
agroad; she spoke of Longfellow, Low
ell and Emerson as among her friends
in America.
She returned to her family in this
country, but went abroad again and
lived in London for many years. She
confided to Mrs. Van Slingerland that
she Tell in love with one of the no.
bflity,' but he was married and there
fore she remained single to the end.
She also told Mrs. Van Slingerland with
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25


"While President Wilson leads the
his exalted position can, he follows one
custom set by his predecessors since the
war, that of his medical attache at
tending him on his Journeys" said a
former resident of Washington.
HE has a military aide. although one
seldom sees his name in print. But his
doctor, who happens to be detailed
from the navy, is always near the Pres
ident, rot because Mr.. Wilson is. in
poor health, but simply as matter of
precaution. The fact is that Mr. Wilson
is man of uncommonly fine health,
otherwise he could not stand the ex-
Hecutive strain as we'll as he does.
1.-The first President who had any mil
itary or naval attache, so far as can
remember was Mr.. Cleveland and he
did not put on much style until after
he was married. I happened to be on
his private train the first year he was
President, and the only person he had
along was his private secretary. There
was no physician. Throughout his sec
ond term, however, Mr.. Cleveland had
with him on his travels two navy of
ficers and his physician, who was de-
tailed from the army. 1 Travelled with
President Hayes and he had no Of
fetal attendent, not even a secretary.
But now that 1t is the custom for the
President to have his physician with
him, Mr.. Wilson does right in conform
ing to it, although he is noted for cast
ing aside precedent"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
BIGGEST IVORY MARKET

Antwerp Correspondence New York Sun.
At the fourth quarterly ivory sale, held
a. Antwerp, the amount handled was 304,-
IA pounds, as comapred with 21s,710
pounds in 1912, of which the Congo sup
piled 1886 pounds and Angola S2,1S2
pounds The demand was active for hard
ivory, and $4,000 pounds were sold at
generally firm prices. rhe decline In soft
ivory caused the withdrawal before the
auction of two-thirds of the supply. The
stock of ivory on hand is about Al tons,
as compared with 124 tons ia 1917.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
AL THE SAME

From the New York Tribune.
The holiday rush was on in q big de-
partment store near Thirty fourth street
The elevator was damned, when a woman
who suffers from absent mindedness got
on at the ground floor. AS 1t went up
the colored elevator man announced the
floor. She woke from her reverie just
iE time to hear the last words of fifth
floor! Groceries, sporting goods, toys
Fifth floor!"
"Oh," she said to the colored man. "is
this five?'"
He turned to look at her. Eyes, ma am, -
he said. Fifth am JUS de same as
'five.'"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
HARVESTED WITH GUNS
From the Kansas city Star.

From the Kansas City Star
THE hunter took deliberate aim and
fired into the higher branches of a
l. swamp elm. Only a bunch of fol-
iage, cut from its supporting bough by
the charge of birdshot, fell a yard or so
away.
missed him. was the half-queried
comment of 'tenderfoot," who had
strained his eyes in vain to see the OBJ
ject of the shot.
missed nothing" came the rejoinder.
"Sheotn' green's" he added by way of
explanation. He picked UP the clump of
leaves fecked with waxen berries and
threw into a gunny sack three or four
pounds of mstletoe the reward of his
craftsmanship.
The open season for mistletoe begins
early in December and continues until
only a day or so before Christmas, or, in
the lean years, until the crop is exhaust
cd. The mistletoe on the Kansas City
market comes from Oklahoma, where in
many localities the shipping of Christmas
greens is recognized as a winter indus
try. The old method OF shooting" mis-
tletoe has been in large part displaced,
however, by agile boys, VINO earn mems
wages by climbing for the crop and car
rying it to the ground in sacks slung from
their shoulders. That preserves the fol-
iage beauty by leaving the berries in
tact. When the boughs are harvested"
by the shotgun method the charge jars
many of the globules from their tiny
stems and the fall to earth but adds to
the havoc.
Mistletoe jobbers-and there are quite
o few of them busy in Oklahoma and
northern Arkansas at this season of each
year-are growing more discriminating
and pay top prices for we'll preserved
green's only, the market varying day by
day according to the quantity offered.
During the last week the price has ranged
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
DID HER BEST

From the Columbia State.
A tourist In rural Scotland, who took
refuge for the night in the cottage of an
ole lady, asked her to wake MIN early in
the morning. He warned her that he
was cutie deaf and hoped that she would
rot disturb the other guests by any loud
noises.
Upon awakening, much later than the
appointed hour, he found that the old
lady, with strict regard for proprieties.
had slipped under his door a slip Of
paper upon which was written:
Sir, it's $50. You'd better get up
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
YOU NEVER CAN TELL

From the New York Sun.
William Tell and the Austrian COVER
nor were discussing the morrow's target
practice.
II can~shoot that apple off with my
eyes closed said the Swiss hero conf
IDENTIFY.
The Austrian smiled grimly.
you never can, Tell" he answered
dryly."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
The Big, Black Car

A little negro girl was run over and
killed by an automobile in the streets
of Birmingham last Friday afternoon
The driver of the car sped away, not
stopping to offer assistance or even
to see the damage that had been
done. 1t was kill and flee.
The automobile was going at such
a rate that bystanders were unable to
read the number of the license. But
it is believed that the car was a
limousine. Even with this bit of
unsubstantial evidence, the coroner yet
may be able to establish responsibility
for the killing
He who was guiding the big, black
car had learned a lesson from prece-
dent, no doubt. He knew that some
months ago the wife of a prominent
citizen was run down in the heart of
the city. Then the driver said he was
going for help, threw in the clutch and
passed from view. The car and driver
had been seen by many. No trouble
apparently stood in the way of identi-
fication if the police were able to dis
cover man or machine. But the police
couldn't do it. No arrest was ever
made, no charge was ever brought.
Who doubts but these facts gave
encouragement to the flight of the
driver of the limousine.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
THE INCENDIARY FEATHER

FTOm the VIEW I DIX MdlI
The other evening. at an exhibition
and gathering held IN one of the public
school houses there was fine illustra-
tion of the danger and nuisance OF
these tall plumes. or panaches, that
women are wearing on their hats.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

From. the Louisville Courier-Journal
Had an interview with a farmer Just
row. said the poet, (which gave me
quite a shock"
How was that?'
'He told me that new mown hay had
no points of superiority over hay a year
old
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
LIFE INSURANCE. IN JAPAN
From the Chicago journal

The total outstanding life insurance pol.
icies in Japan aggregate approximately
SIPS, 100000 The increase in business for
the present year has averaged over S. 900, :
600 month, and it is estimated that at
the end of 1918 the total life insurance
business effective in Japan will amount
to fully $5oo,0OoOOo. There are now SO
domestic life insurance companies doing
business in Japan.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
IN HOTEL LOBBIES


Il do not recall a Christmas when
the Christmas spirit was more in evil
dence than now said club man.
The custom of making gifts to
friends is giving place to Christmas
greeting cards-and / like the new
custom. But kind fellowship prevails
more than ever I think, and that after
all is what helps to make life sweet
and bright"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
AN EYE ON VILLA

From the New Orleans Times Democrat.
Judging by General Villas reported per-
formances at Chihuahua. his capture of
Mexico City would not permit the WASH
ington government to relax one jot it's
policy Of "watchful waiting
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

A New York millionaire says that the
quickest way to step from poverty to
wealth is to travel a crooked path. And
yet some insist that a straight line is
the shortest distance between two
points
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Just when many were suggesting that
DR.. Cook be sent to South America to
look up the Colonel. the ex-president
appeared upon the front page again.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

The book of Job is to be presented
sin students. In this day of diaphanous
stage gowns, Genesis might prove more
popular.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

a special from Terre Haute to the New
York Sun says that while stallard Ed
wards was suffering from the amputa-
ton of leg and from other injuries and
was bemoanlng his misfortune and want
ing to die. he was told the story of the
life of Helen Keller. who has been lee
turing here. IT she can do all that for
herself and for others you bet I can
get along" he said. When Miss Keller
was Informed of the incident she wrote
on a typewriter: ITO the man in the
hospital who must begin life over again,
heavily handicapped. Your friend. Helen
Keller" She enclosed a $40 bill and sent
the note to Edwards as she was leaving
the city to spend Christmas with her
mother at the Alabama Home
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Representative Mann's recent vitrolic
attacks upon democrat reform meas
ures have led many to doubt whether
Mann's a man for a. that after all.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

II the so-called democratic hysterfa"
continues to meet the popular approval
of the people, steps may have to be
taken to pension a few ex-republican
office holders.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
COLONEL CATCHES" BOTH

From the Milwaukee Sentinel
Colonel Roosevelt says everyone ought
to attach himself to an ideal. Most per-
sons, however, prefer to attach them
selves to some office.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

President Huerta has a cold, reads a
headline. Probably it's forerunner of
cold feet.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Today. like all Christmases, is donation
day at the East Lake orphanage. The lit
tie ones should be well remembered.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Actions may speak louder than words,
but reaction seems to be making all of
the fuss in Congress.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
ISN'T TAKING AN AWFUL RIsK9
From the PHILADELPHIA Ledger.

Mr.. Bryan is going to Florida for a
weeks vacation. In his absence the Pres
ident will be In charge of the govern
ment.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25


of employers that they be given oppor-
tunity to take private liability insur-
ance If they desire.
In the meantime state compensation
is working out to the end that relatives
of deceased persons who met death
through accident while in performance
of duty get double compensation for
their deaths. For instance, at Youngs-
town suit has just been entered for
damages for accidental death, although
state compensation, some several thou
sand dollars, was long since awarded
the family. The loophole for oppression
is thus left wide open.
Ohio owes it to herself to see that
Justice and fair play to her great in
dustries are not inextricably tangled
up with the political ambitions of both
great and small who occasionally as
semble within the walls of her state
house.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

Three destroyers are being offered
for sale by the government. says a
news item. According to Captain Hob
son the great destroyer" has been on
sale for quite a number of years.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

New Yearks resolutions will not be due
until next week. This il merry Christmas.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
Birmingham i. steel Center

The great wire mill here which win
soon be in operation will not only be a
oenefit as a pay roll proposition, but (,
will add to the districts prestige as a
steel center. Metropolitan newspapers
have much to say about Birmingham.
The trade papers especially pay more at
tention than ever to this district A re-
cent issue of the New York Journal of
Commerce says In part:
"One interesting feature of the southern
situation is that the Birmingham mill of
the American Steel and Wire company
will soon be the controlling factor in the
southern field This mill will have a
capacity of 400 tons per day and is TO
be operated entirely by electricity, hav-
Ing 5000 horsepower drive.
There is reason to expect that the
American Steel and Wire company will
put into effect a Birmingham selling
base which will probably be about 81
above the Pittsburg base price. This will
largely benefit the southern territory"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25
THE MODERN DRAMA

From the Detroit News.
Prologue.
Police Raid.
ACT I.
Sex.
- ACT II.
Sex.
ACT III.
Sex.
Epilogue.
Formaldehyde.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-25

from 81 a barrel upward at Oklahoma
City and Muskogee. Many shipments
originate at these two points
The true mistletoe is a European ever
green, but its American cousin resembles
it so closely as to BATTLE all but botan-
lists The leaves are of the same yellow
ish green and the blossoms, alike in color,
give way in turn to the waxllxe berries.
Both are parasites. growing ON the
boughs of deciduous trees
Apple trees, poplars. NAPLES and elms
seem to best support the vegetable bar
nacle. But it sometimes is found growing
in the oaks and other forest varieties
Along the Pacific coast it frequently il
taken from oak trees, although the yield
in that region is not prolific.
The mistletoe played conspicuous part
in mythology. 1t is symbolical of tho
spear with which ffotherus took the life
of Balder, the white sungod OF summer.
who shall be resurrected at RagnarolS.
twilight of the gods and doomsday of the
world, so runs the old Morse legend.
Among the Druids and the Celts the
mistletoe found growing upon an oak was
believed to possess powers of healing for
many ills, as well as being potent for the
working of magic charms. Small bits of
berries were brewed in.o love philters for
prejudicing the passions.
To the esteem in which the mistletoe
was held is directly traeeabe certain
old Englash custom which survives to-
day. At the Christmas tide every ardent
swain who meath its shadow levies
tribute of a kiss and each half resting
maid who pays, may know their hearts
only bow to rites centuries old and born
when Yule logs fliclSered through CANDLE
lighted halls on wintry nights; when
fairies ruled; when Imagery held sway:
ing and tribute to the mistetoe was
sacrament.