davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
Comptroller of the Currency

President Wilson has nominated to
the Senate John Shelton Williams for
comptroller of the currency. This
selection is most fitting.
While the style of the office, comp
troller of the currency, is somewhat
misleading, the position has always
been considered important. The
comptroller is really the supervisor
or general superintendent Of the ma
tional banks. In order for the comp
troller to fill his office satisfactorily
practical banking experience is neces-
sary. Many bank cashier with
political influence has been appointed,
and it would be difficult to recall any
comptroller who was not capable.
Mr.. Williams is a practical banker,
but he is more than that. He is an
accepted authority on fiscal mat
ters, and has gained high reputa-
ton for constructive ideas concerning
all large financial questions. But
since the banking and currency law
recently adopted makes the comp
troller a member of the govern
ing board of federal reserve banks,
the office henceforth will have
added responsibilities of distinct i'm
portance. With Mr. Williams integ-
rity, experience and proved capacity,
President Wilson's selection is simply
ideal
The south has produced many great
statesmen. 1t was represented in the
national legislature before the war by
brilliant political leaders who were
patriots of the finest type. SINCE the
war many southern statesmen have
welded commanding influence, but
Mr.. Williams of Virginia, now as
sistant secretary of the treasury, is
the first statesman-b banker who has
won national distinction in office in
Washington. The Senate should lose
no time in confirming President Will
sons nomination.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
No port is free; no place,
THAT guard, and most unusual vigilance
Docs not attend my taking.
king Lear.
Thorn That Blooms at Christmas

A little thorn bush in Trinity
churchyard, New York, is now the
subject of much speculation and' the
object of considerable observation.
When Joseph of Arimathea came to
Glastonbury in England, so the legend
runs, he was seeking for place IN
which to deposit the Holy Grail. At
Glanstonbury his staff, which was OF
thorn wood, blossomed though it was
Christmas Day. Here he left the Holy
Grail and here he planted his staff.
The staff took root and grew and
every year it blooms upon the day
celebrated in olden times as Christ
mas. Certain it is that it blossoms on
January z every year, bearing a pure
white buttercup.
Several months ago branch, or
cutting, was taken from the Glaston-
bury bush and brought to New York,
where it was planted on the north side
of Trinity in the churchyard and sup
ported by two stout rods.
The transplanted bush failed to
bloom on the 7th of the present month
and many assert that the failure is
due to the transplanting, all of its
vitality being needed to aid it in TAX
ing firm root.
Others assert that the New York
Innate will prove inimical to the
orn and express the fear that it will
live. This latter opinion is shared
he Trinity officials.
e Holy Grail has long since dis
ared from Glastonbury. In fact it
the quest for the Holy Dish"
h constituted the boon so sought
after by the knights of the Round
Table in King Arthur's day, but it
may be that the soil of it's initial rest
ing place was consecrated thereby,
and that only in such consecrated
spot will the thorn bloom in Janu-
ary.
This fact it remains for Mr.. Man
ming, rector of Trinity, and his church
officials to learn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
AN AIRSHIP AT JERUSALEM
the indianapolis Star.

FROM the Indianapolis Star
On New Years Day an airman landed
near the pool of Sloan, which, as the
old phase has it. is over against Jeru-
salem. Many pilgrims have come to the
ancient city of David in the passing CEN
tures, but never before one who winged
his way just beneath the clouds.
Away back, after the days of the cap
tivity, a multitude came to this city, trav-
cling by caravan, afoot and with horses
ana mules and camels. ''The whole con-
congregation was AZ, $780, besides their SER
wants and their maids" In later cen
tuIy was another entrance to Jerusalem
when the word of the prophet was full
filed, which said Behold thy King
cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon
an ass, and colt, the foal of an ass"
And it Is written that "a very great null
titude spread their garments in the way;
others cut branches from the trees and
strewed them in the way"
Then, after 1900 years, it came to pass
that a railroad was builded to the an
cient city and travellers could pass
through the storied land of Judea in a
train drawn by a putting, smoking loco
motive. 1t was heralded as triumphant
achievement of civilization, when that
was accomplished, but there We're some
who would have preferred to leave the
land as it was when the Master walked
there. And now adventurer has ar
rived by airship and the railroad ceases
to be a modern wonder and an anachron-
ism. The flying machine marks still fur
ther departure from the days of the car
avan and of the pilgrim with his staff
Not even Jerusalem can stand untouched
by what we call progress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
Missionary Work Needed at Home

Incredible as it may seem there ex-
lists in the mountains of eastern Ken
lucky a community the members of
which have never seen a Christmas
tree, have never owned a doll, have no
wagons, no roads except creek bot
toms, and who, when upon a pro-
longed visit, carry with them black
covered, home made coffins.
And yet these people once owned
valuable timber and mineral land
which they sold for two and three
dollars an acre. and they are now
mining coal from these same lands at
starvation wages.
Miss Orpha Moore, missionary of
the Southern Presbyterian Home Mis-
sion board, reports that she has
worked among these people for two
years and last Christmas erected for
them a tree covered with tinsel and
popcorn and bearing bags of candy
for the children.
So astounded were the natives at
the sight that little fellow who was
to recite upon the occasion claimed
that he had not the time to do so
because he had to watch the tree. A
woman of 70 years who had never
seen a doll accepted one with inordi-
nate delight and rocked herself and
doll to sleep sitting in chair.
The women assist the men at their
labors and are deemed old at the age
of 30 They marry quite young and
severe toll soon brings on wrinkles,
age and decrepitude.
We boast of our era of progress and
civilization and while it is highly
commendable to subscribe to foreign
missions, it does seem that there is
work of this character to be done in
our own country. Missionary labor,
like charity, should commence at
home
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14

From the New York Sun.
How do You pick out your stenoera-
phers?" by their clothes or for their
looks?" asked the sales manager of the
corr espondence man.
by neither. Just by their hands.
look at those much more carefully than
| do at their faces A combination of
rings and ink stains, or rings and care
lessly kept nails means that the girl
cannot have the job.
1T Is simple enough when you come to
think of it. The girl who takes pains to
keep her hands Immaculate and her nails
trimmed will turn out letters that are
just as carefully neat. If she has a white
clean well kept hand she will be good
employe and you are welcome to the in
formation. 1t took me some years to dis
cover it for myself. How do you pick
out your salesmen?"
Not by their hands," laughed the sales
manager, "but by another physical char
acteristic. j pick them out by their
mouths
Every man who applies has recon-
mendations. l never read them. If a
mans jaws dose with snap when he
talks, that man has opinions that are
strong and can put up a good argument.
He Will put up good argument with
our customers and a convincing one.
''On the other hand. II he closes his
mouth loosely or his jaws wabble when
he finishes a sentence he will put up a
lame and uncertain line of argument with
an obstinate customer, and obstinate GUS
toners are the ones we are after. Take
a look at the jaws of the men who have
been great vote getters and politicians,
and you will see what ! mean. It's a sim
pie thing after all isn't it?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
THE DANGEROUS, AGE

From London Answers
There is much talk at present by emf
nent scientists as to what form the
spirit takes after death. Through all
the ages men have sought the clew to
this great mystery and in all probabil
ity the theories which are being ex-
pounded today were expounded thou
sands of years ago by the wise eastern
men.
1t is certain, however, that there are
moments in the course of the average
persons life when the spirit of death
hovers perilously near
1t is just after birth that the angels
OF life and death fight their fiercent
battle, and the next most dangerous
age is that OF II.
The age of 8 comes next in impor-
tance in this respect Almost ONE
fourth of all babies born die during the
third year.
From 3 to 40 is comparatively safe
period, but the latter age is admit
tedly trying and dangerous one.
Reach 45 safely, and you may rea-
sonably hope to reach II, the period
second in danger to the first few hour.
after birth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
Radium Not a Panacea

The great shout of joy which went
up from suffering humanity all over
the country at the announcement of
the discovery of radium as cure for
cancer has been considerably tempered
in the light of subsequent events and
the statement of DR.. Howard A. Kel-
ly relative thereto made few weeks
ago.
In his Washington address DR.. Kel-
ly said: 81 desire to state most en-
phatically that | do not believe radium
will eradicate this human scourge. 1t
should be understood that no one who
is familiar with this most wonderful
chemical force believes that it will ac-
complish such a result, at least in the
near future. / feel satisfied, how
ever, that while it will not displace
surgery in the treatment of cancer
it will be an excellent helpmate. In
some cases / believe that radium may
suffice to bring about cures"
This is bitter disappointment to
humanity for cancer is now affecting
at least $4,000 people and is increas-
ing at remarkably rapid rate. 1t per-
meates all classes and conditions of
society, being found among the rich
and the poor alike, among the good
and the bad.
Frequently the origin of the dread
disease can oe traced to filth, but in
cases of cancer of the mouth, lips and
throat the greater percentage is laid
to the habit of excessive smoking.
This leaves surgery still the only
successful combatative of cancer with
radium as valuable accessory after
the knife has failed to affect a, cure
in the first instance. An early dag
nosis is the most essential and effec-
tive medium in fighting the dread dis
ease and when this obtains surgery
rarely fails in accomplishing the rest.
1t is one of mankind's most insidu-
ous enemies, yet its presence does not
often escape detection when subjected
10 the scrutiny of the skilled physician
And we must be content to wait until
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
Germany Ruled by Sabre

Stormy times are ahead of Ger
many as a result of the Zabern incl
dent in Alsace-L Lorraine in which civ
ilians were grossly abused and NAL
treated by officers of troops quartered
there. The officers have been ac-
quilted after courtmartial, which
upheld acts which the imperial chan
cellor had earlier declared to be un-
questionably wrong and illegal.
1t is generally regarded as a de-
fiance of the civil authorities by the
military and proclamation of the
doctrine of sabre rule in Germany.
The German people as whole are
deeply stirred by the affair and that
matters will not rest with the ac-
uuittal of the guilty officers of the
Ninety-ninth infantry goes without
saying.
Immediately after the situation at
Zabern became known there was great
Indignation and vote of lack of con-
fidence carried by an overwhelming
majority in the Reichstag. Those
political parties which voiced the non
confidence in the government are now
said to be lining up to defend constitu-
tional principles and demand the modi-
fication of the power of the military.
France meanwhile looks on with an
anxious eye. Everything which hap
pens in Germany interests France, but
anything which affects Alsace- Lor-
raine, once French provinces, is doubly
interesting. Much strongly repressed
bitterness has been manifested over
the affair in the French press, which
seems to regard the incident as proof
of the supremacy of the sabre in Ger
many.
But the end is not yet. The millions
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
BIG-STICK-LEss LEADER
e Springfield Republican.

fTCm lne Springfield RepuDlcan.
Mr.. Wilson's influence over Congress,
though more quietly exerted than that
of Colonel Roosevelt. must by this time
be recognized as more effectual. He has
beer in office less than 10 months, and
10th the new tariff act and the currency
act are on the statute books. But to
date he has not found it necessary to de-
nounce those members of Congress who
differ from him or to suggest, as did
Colonel Roosevelt. that secret service de-
tectives are needed to keep track of them
There We're many of Colonel Roosevelt's
most fanatical supporters who felt that
in order to get results the only way to
handle Congress was with club. 1t is
well for the country, aside from the i'm
mediate results achieved, that we have
ell been shown the effectiveness of quiet
6ignified, courteous and yet determined
persistence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
A RlrihdaY Dinner

That was a notable event in the social
life of Columbus, Miss, a few days
ago when Mr.. Harrison Johnston, who
has property and relatives and friends
in Birmingham, celebrated the 99th ami
mercial of Sunday said that Mr.. John
ston attributes his longevity to the fact
that he had led an industrious life, hao
attended to his own affairs and not med
died with those of other people. Mr..
Johnston is still well and hearty. He
takes a drink when he wants one" says
the Commercial, but his inclination to itr-
hibe has not been frequent.
Mr.. Johnston was born in Frederick
member of the Richmond Hussars he par
ticipated in the Seminole war and is now
drawing pension from Uncle Sam for
valiant service. In describing the birtl,-
day dinner the Commercial says.
MANY toasts were featured. one of the
most graceful being Colonel Leedy' S
tribute, to which Mr.. Johnston responded
appreciatively before giving his own
toast to My Young Friends An ell =
giant course dinner was served, and with
the last course came a huge pyramid Gaze
bearing 80 candles aglow.
Mr.. Johnstons guests were: Mr.. and
Mrs Melville Bremen, Birmingham; Mrs
H. r. Johnston, Colonel Leedy of Bit
mingham, Mr.. Harrison Johnston, Jr..
of Kansas City, Mrs. Walter Weaver,
Miss Edna Johnston, Mr.. Harrison Shull
of BroOkyille Mr. and Mrs Claude Ayres
and Mr.. r. T. Williams.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
The Regional Reserve Banks

John Sketon Williams of Richmond
and Baltimore, and presently of Washing
ton, who has been NAMED by President
Wilson for the comptrollership of til.
currency. will be glad, no doubt, to help
Birmingham secure one of the regional
banks said a prominent member of Bir-
minghams Virginia colony.
"Snee there are to be only eight re-
gional banks in the whole country, it
can hardly be expected that more than
one southern city east of the Mississippi
would be favored.
Richmond is making a fight to secure
one of the reserve banks, but Mr.. VIII
liams cannot afford to strain a point
simply to please his home town. Balti-
more is logical point for one of the
reserve banks, and l rather think the
board will so decide The Carolinas would
insist upon being made a part of the
region of which Baltimore or maybe
Washington, d. c., will be the center.
This, of course, would cut out Atlanta
and would assure a victory for Birming-
ham.
Ever since Mr.. Williams was made
president of the Seaboard Air Line some
years ago he has entertained a strong
sentiment for Birmingham. With Will
liams as comptroller of the currency we
may be sure that Birmingham will not
be forgot
MIR. Williams is now assistant secre-
tary of the treasury. When he accepted
the position it was understood that he
would later on be made comptroller"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
RECRUITING OF poLIoEwoMEN

From the Survey
Canada is becoming interested in
polieewomen. Alice Stebbins Wells,
poilcewoman No. of Los Angeles, who
has just returned from a trip across
the border, explained the growth of the
movement and the good which it is be-
lieved policewomen can do. to the Duke
of Connaught. governor general of tie
dominion. The latter declared his firm
belief that every city would be benefited
by having plain clothes women as we'll
as plain clothes men,
Toronto was the first Canadian city to
appoint women to the police force with
full power. 1t now has two such Of
nclals. ottawa has recently given police
power to~two women. At present their
salaries are paid by a private organ
cation, but 1t is expected that their
names will appear on the city poy roll
soon Peterborough. Montreal, st. John
and Halifax are actively interested in
the movement.
In the United States the number of
cities and towns which have placed
women on the police force with full
or partial power is increasing so raD-
idly that 1t is no longer possible to
Keep count. Chicago, of course, is the
recent shining example. Within the past
two months San Francisco has changed
It's charter so as to admit women to the
force without meeting the physical re-
quirements which apply to men. Three
women have already been appointed.
Fargo and Grand Forks, N Oak; To-
peka, Kan; Ottawa, Ill, and Kansas
CITY are other places which have re-
Gently entrusted police power to
women.
To what extent the movement has
been favored in Europe is not matter
OF record. 1t Is said these are police
women in Sweden. Mrs. Wells has re-
ceived inquiries into the nature Of
policewomen's work here from Austria,
England and other countries
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
TROUBADOUR AND JESTER
SAD ISOFAR.

IN Nuoia grows plant called tn,
isofar, the stalk of which is perforated
by beetles in search of it's sap The wint
sings through these perforations, creattns
sound like the notes of a lutte Tn,
natives do not understand this and at
tribute the sound to magic.
On Nubia's sweeps of saffron sands,
Beneath a midnight star,
hear the voice of silver lutes
Breathed by the isofar.
Thrilled by the notes of mystic birth.
The nodding poppies sway
And salaam to the saffron earth
AT isofar's sad lay.
1t takes me back to home and friends
Beyond the purple sea,
And to my soul voice it lends;
A heart-born threnody
But still sing on, sad isofar
Beneath the star-lit dome;
Thy song may reach some wanderer
AND lure him to his home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
TEETH BY DESCRIPTION
m Everybody's Magazine.

From Everybody's Magazine.
DR.. Evans, a well known American den-
tist in Paris. once showed all of his curios
to John s. Sargent, the painter. Among
the curios." said Sargent, There was a
letter that amused me greatly. 1t was
written to DIR. Evans when he was prac-
ticing in America, years before, by a
young farmer in Vermont. who wanted a
set of false teeth made and sent to him.
He wrote for the teeth in some such way
as this:
My mouth is three inches acrost, five
eights inches threw the jaw. Some hum
mock on the edge. Shaped like hoss
shew. toe forward. If you want to be
more particular. shall have to come
thar.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
Nisit After Three Years

Birmingham has made splendid prog
ress since I left here three years ago"
saiG James Roscoe Parker of Richmond,
who has been prominently connected with
the Postal Telegraph company, wi n
headquarters in various southern cities,
The Birmingham district was the center
of great activity when l was living
here. and it seems now to be more
than ever bristling with life.
Richmond continues to grow steadily.
Notwithstanding talk OF hard times by
some people. the merchants and banks
of Richmond enjoyed great prosperity
in 1913, and all feel hopeful of even
greater things in 1914
Now that work on the new postoffice
in Birmingham is to -,egm soon the
government should profit by the con
gested conditions in offices in all grow"
ing cities. Uncle Sam has spent over
million dollars on the new postoffice
in Richmond. 1t is a splendid building,
and required several years in construc-
tion. Now that it is finished, more room
is found to be necessary. The govern
ment has just acquired additional prop
erty at a cost of several hundred thou
sand dollars.
"If Richmond has a congested postoffice
business, what will conditions be in Biz
mingham, a city that is growing at Il
phenomenal rate? The government has
purchased a site here measuring 400 feet
front on Fifth avenue and running back
100 feet. Will this be large enough? 1t
ma be ample for the next five or six
years. but before the new building has
been up and in use year the problem
of acquiring more ground will present
itself. 1t seems that nothing these days
is built large enough for the future;
mean in the steadily growing cities -
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Business I'm the Northwest

In the northwest business conditions
are excellent said Henry L. Washer of
Milwaukee.
while trade was not quite as brisk
last fall as usual, it was not a dull sea-
son by any means. We heard of de-
preston in the east. and especially CT
tight money in New York. But In my
part of the country business went along
in a normal way, and today it is all
right. With the opening of spring pros
perity will be marked not in one sec
tion only, but all over the country.
II am glad to know that the south
is as prosperous as it is. Friends
meet from different sections tell me that
accounts of the south's wonderful thrift
have spread all over the United States
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF HON. D ANIEL E. SICKLES

one by one, and all restraint was forgot
ten in the anxiety to see their faces.
Benches and forms and tables were
mounted by the excited and venturesome
The verdict they rendered was mot
guilty"
No verdict following a murder trial was
ever received with more general approval
than the Not guilty in Mr.. Sickles'
case. Beautiful. ruined and sorrowing
Mrs. Sickles lived but few years after
the terrible tragedy. Mr.. Sickles served
with distinction during the civil war, ris-
ing to the rank of major general and
later he became minister to the court OF
Madrid.
Tcmorrow-Trial of John Bellingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14
FABLE FOR SONG WRITER'S

From Golfers Weekly.
Once upon a time there was modern
song writer who put over melody COM
piled of clean sentiment, reasonable
meter and a riming status that the aver
age motorman might not refuse to stand
for Also there was no reference therein
to bear kid" big doll.'' chicken. .
or even "squab''
Fine chance. The rest of his craft
begged him full of poisoned javelins
within an hour and tossed the residue to
the coyotes.
Moral-.rhe last part of it sounds prob
able enough.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-14

Through an orderi by Supreme Court
Justice Seabury of New York last week,
setting aside a judgment for $3.50 OBJ
tanned by default against Carroll NJ.
Robertson of the brokerage firm of Her
bert Robe,sson & Co, Robertson will have
a chance to defend the suit and prove
that the action is brought on a poker
debt. His counsel said he would. TIE
papers in the case alleged that the poker
game took place last August and that
one J. II. Connolly won $500 from Rob
ertson. The latter got a check for the
sum from Robertson, but payment was
stopped on it, Connolly then sued. The
plaintiff attorney served papers on a
man in Robertson's office who said he
was Robertson. The defendant failed
to serve an answer and Connolly got
judgment. Robertson asked Justice Sea-
bury to vacate the judgment because
he had never been served. lie presented
affidavlts to show that on the day he
was alleged to have been served he
was in Morristown n. J.