davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

country stands pledged before the
world to maintain the neutrality OF
the canal at all costs and there should
be no hesitation in taking whatever
steps eventualities necessitate. Should
the United States allow the neutral
zone off the canal to be violated with
impunity some nation might be en-
boldened to try to force the canal
itself were the pressure sufficient.
Although entirely separated from
European problem, the Mexican
situation has not decreased in gravity
despite the victory of the constitu-
tionalists. On the contrary, condi-
tions seem to be steadily growing
more chaotic.
In view of the general efforts which
the United States has made for peace
and to maintain strict neutrality in
regard to both Europe and Mexico
it is interesting to note the attitude
toward this country of the other ma
lions concerned.
The United States is reaping the
usual harvest of the would-be peace
maker-suspicion on all sides. This
country is neither trusted nor liked
by Mexico, or certain of the old world
powers. Feared by them we may be.
powers. Feared by them we may be,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
ALABAMA SANCTUMS

Selma Times. There will be one lone
ture. He will have no responsibility for
his associate members. for he is party
by himself and can always keep him.
self unanimous. He will control no legis-
lation and will have no worries for he
will have no influence.
Montgomery Journal: We are informed
by the New York newspapers that 1O,vO0
tailors in that city are on a strike. 1t is
the patrons of tailors in other cities that
are on a strike. They are wearing their
last years suits, and are glad they have
'em.
Dothan Eagle: This is about the time
thing to write to dig up that old letter
to Virginia. telling her that there is a
Santa Claus
Talladega Home: That sweep of the
Russian hordes is evidently not with a
new broom.
Mobile Item: January /. 1915, is the date
for celebrating the twentieth anniversary
of the founding of Fairhope single tax
colony. The occasion will be properly
observed by the energetic citizens of the
eastern shore community.
Montgomery Advertiser: 1t takes a LOT
of love, energy and patriotism to teach
school In Alabama. where there is not
ali adequate system of local taxation.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
AMT IT THE TRUTH.


$ AMT IT THE TRUTH.
We never blame the tailor when our
pants we have to pin;
We never blame the shoeman when our
shoes grow old and thin;
We never blame THE halter when our
lids we have to fiout,
But we always blame the laundry when
our shirts wear out.
Luke McBuke, Cincinnati Enquirer.
The laundryman is much abusel, he'll
tell you so himself.
1t hurts him to have people think he's
merely out for pelf
But when your shirt comes back all
frayed and specked with oil and
He never blames his old machine, but
always blames the shirt. -
-Sprinfieid (Mass.) Union.
We neverd blame ourselves at all when
things go all a-wry, H
When someone's feelings have been hurt
and someone starts to cry;
When we have looked upon the wine until
we're feeling mellow
We never blame ourselves at all; We
blame the other fellow.
Memphis oommerciai-Appcal.
We never blame ourselves at all when
things we try to do
Are failures. fat and make us feel dis
courased through and through;
We simply say our luck was bad--we did
not stand a show, ~ Is @sf
Although down in our secret hearts we
know that Isn't SO.
HARD WORK.
She, interlards her. conversation with
a great many French phrases"
Eyes. HfeSk
HAS she ever been to Parish
"Oh. no. She has just finished six
weeks course in French and she's trying
to keep from forgetting it,"
NEXT BEST.
"Celestine used to be passionately de.
voted to her bulldog. What became OF
the brute?'
'It died and Celestine consoled herself
by marrying a bulldog type OF man.
PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
LUKE M'LUkE SAYS

From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
What has become of the old-fashioned
man who used to begin letter: II now
take my pen in hand to write you these
few lines to let you know that we are all
we'll and hoping you are the same?"
The man who had the windows of his
residence filled with MAKE Ohio Dry"
pennants before election now has the
windows of his store filled with prune
booze and -the-spot bitters
If Santa Claus can fill some of the
girls stockings he is a wonder. 1t Is
more than nature could do.
If we could see ourselves as others see
US, about $4,000 photographers would
starve to death.
One thing in favor of the man whose
pants are shiny in the seat Is that they
don't get that way from learning to sea
lion dip at a tango temple
In defense of the modern girls who run
around in union suit and two yards of
serge it can be said that the old-fas hioned
variety who wore three petticoats were
always doctoring for the rheumatic.
Eve may have had her troubles. But
she was never tempted to bawl out the
laundry man because the baby ribbon
was missing from her fig leaf combina-
ton.
Father gets mad at the children be-
cause they want a second cup or cofIee
at supper time. Then he will go up to his
favorite corner and get mad because
the bartender wants to close up the place
before father has had time to get his
twenty-second beer.
There was time when Bertha M. Gay
was considered hot stuff. But they didn't
know anything about eugenics and DAM
aged goods In those days.
When the widow is collecting the life
insurance she discovers that we never
realize the full value of thing until we
lose 1t.
Every time a married man digs up a
new excuse for being out late he in.
fringes on some other fellows patent.
Every wife is a leading lady. But some
husbands seem to find the chickens II
the chorus more interesting.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
SWITZERLAND
SWll
BY Voltaire.

by Nolta1re.
There has been in all nations a time
when the minds of the people seem
to have been carried away beyond their
natural character. Such times have
been less frequent in Switzerland than
elsewhere. Simplicity, frugality and
moderation. the preservers OF liberty,
have always been the portion Of these
people. They have never maintained
armies to defend their own frontiers,
or to make entertainments on their
neighbors. They have no citadels.
which may be turned either against
the citizens or the enemy; nor do they
sroan beneath the burden of taxes.
They have neither the calls of luxury
nor the troops of a master to provide
for. Their mountains are their only
ramparts; and every meWber of the
community is a soldier ready armed for
the defense of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
rrnffic Rules should BE Observed

Il have recently witnessed several ex-
citing scenes-accidents narrowly averted
at the street corners in the downtown
section of the city''--said citizen OF
Birmingham.
When street cars come to halt at
the corners where traffic is congested
especial care should. be exercises by both
the emerging passengers and the drivers
and chauffeurs passing on the side of the
car from which exit is made. The least
carelessness in this respect on the part of
a chauffeur who is driving at rapid speed
when passing a street ear which has
stopped or is slowing down to be in read
mess for a halt is apt to result in fatal
accident.
while the holiday rush is here too
much caution cannot be exerted by the
Birmingham public and by auto drivers
in particular at downtown crossings.
Rules governing traffic should be rigidly
enforced throughout the holidays and
in the shopping period preceding Christ
mas"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
THE sIKH's DISC OF DEATH

From Tft-Bfts.
certainly claim to possess tho most
unique form of weapon Of any military
unit in the campaign. This is a hand
thrown missile composed of metal SINH
lar in shape to the discus with which
we have been made familiar In Roman
history. It's edge Is shrapened like q
razor. and the weapon. when thrown
with peculiar circular motion. has
extraordinary penetrating power. 1t cuts
like a knife through paper when 1t
strikes any object in its path. At a dis
lance Of hundred yards tho DISC IL On :
pable of cutting its way through piece
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
A. to Musical Appreciation

zone often hears the remark that this
or that city is particularly musical, mean
Ing that high-clas musical attractions are
we'll attended and appreciated, but my
observation is that no city can lay claim
to be more musical than another said an
old concertgoer, who formerly divided
his time between Washington and New
York. IF, however, 1 were to be asked
to name the city where all branches of
musical art always had liberal support
would pick out New York. Yet Walter
Damrosch writes letter to the Sun in
which he complains of the comparatively
small audience at recent performance
there of a notable chorus work. The dis
tingunshed all round musician and con-
ductor expresses himself feelingly and elo-
quently thus
"'What is wrong with our musical or
rather unmusical public? Wednesday
night I attended a performance of Ell
gar's Dream of Gerontius," given by the
Oratorio society. The work is of inef-
fable beauty and I would rank the first
part of this oratorio with the Benedictus
in Beethoven's great mass and with the
German Requiem of Brahms. To the
believing Christian, be he Catholic or Pro-
testant, the music makes real and vital
what before he may have only dimly felt,
and to him who would listen to it only as
work of art, the nobility of its themes,
the refinement of workmanship in their
development and the richness of the or
chestration must give keenest delight and
satisfaction.
The performance was of superlative
merit. Never have heard greater beauty
of tone from chorus and orchestra, and
the singing and diction of Mr.. ELVES
made the pilgrimage of the soul intensely
moving and uplifting.
but instead of the 1900 or so present
in the audience, such a master work and
master performance should have drawn 10
times that number.
1T is true that many of our very we'll
to-do have so mans distractions and temp
tations offered them by reason of their
wealth that they either cannot find the
time or the strength to enjoy all that is
offered, or the very multiplicity of their
opportunities prevents that concentration
of mind which is the first essential for
self-culture. Our very poor, on the other
hand, seldom have the opportunity to
acquire the fundamental education on
which a proper enjoyment of the beautiful
In art is reared.
But how about our great middle class
1 am afraid that many of tlrese consider
that their duty to society is accomplished
after they have contributed more or less
literally to the various charities and phi
lanthropies of our city, and that they
do not realize their duty toward them
selves and the mental and spiritual de-
development of their own souls. Alas!
with so many of them music as an art
has never been cultivated, or it has been
smothered at a time of life when mind
and heart should be exquisitely sensitive
to its ennobling influence.
".It is true that there is a much larger
public for symphonic music, but while
| such masterpieces of real inspiration as
the Dream of Gerontius" are still being
created, this branch of musical art should
not be allowed to decay for want of popu-
| lar support
About Persons
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

1t is doubtless good idea to send Bibles
to the soldiers in the war. although on
modern bullet. testament carried in
soldiers breast pocket will no longer
save him from being shot through the
heart
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

BEGINNING THE DAY.-o God,
NV God, 1 look 10 Thee this day as
the Giver of all grace anu stfehs,''
i cast my life into the crueibie.
Grant that II may stand the test OF
the fire. When evening comes ana
Thou pourest out the metal. may my
souI be glad. In Christs name.
Amen.-H. NJ. E.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

of hard wood two inches thick 1t is
the peculiar twist given to the weapon
when it is thrown which causes the
cutting edge to bury itself so remorse-
lessly in anything that it meets. 1t is
doubtful whether any but the Sikhs
|could effectively use this unique weapon.
They made deadly use of the disc of
death at the battle of Dixmude. when
10000 Germans as said to have been
slaughtered in brilliant Indian charge.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

When an old-fashioned wooden battle
ship was shot to pieces the sailors aboard
1t had something to cling to. but a mod
ern battleship sinks like a stone.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Colonel Cocktails request for two torpe-
do-boat destroyers to enforce neutrality
laws in the canal zone sounds like a
hurry call.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

The taxpayers of Alabama ought to
have a heart and help out the school
teachers by turning in enough money to
pay their salaries.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

, 1t is barely possible that if the Rus
slams are victorious in the present war
they may go back to vodka again just to
celebrate.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

The Austrians at last acknowledge that
they are beaten by the Servians. The
truth is beginning to filter through the
news dispatches -
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Life says Mr.. Bryan is the worst
Secretary of State we ever had, a state
ment which seems in accord with the
private views of T. Roosevelt.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Even Secretary Daniels admits that We
need more ammunition. A big gun with
out shells is ornamental maybe but not
useful
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

"Uncle Joe's" ability to come back
has aroused secret hopes in the BREASTS OF
many standpatters.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Poland knows exactly how Belgium
feels, but the experience is not a new
one for hapless Poland
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

The allies seem to think that Berlin
didr't want Christmas truce to celebrate
the holidays, but to permit Germany s
armies to get their second wind.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

A tango temple" is not necessarily de-
voted to the worship of Terpsichore. She
represents, we believe, something more
graceful than the tango.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

The very worst kind of Santa Claus is
the one who takes too many drains be-
fore he shows up at the Christmas tree.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Since Mr. Brisbane has fallen i'll, Mr.
Hearst may postpone the bombardment o.
New York by foreign enemy.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Visitors who are here for tho first time
may express surprise at the very cold
weather we are having and make some
playful remark at the expense of the
sunny south, 'ebut they have only 20 re-
main few days and see what balmy,
Indian summer like weather this section
can have round about Christmas time, :,
said e. Fl. Charlton of Chicago.
During the past 10 years have spent
many weeks in the south In the writer;
have been here on New Years Day
when the weather seemed uncomfortably
warm. In the north we are used to zero
spells. We do not mind 1t. But when the
northerner gets far into the south he
shivers whenever the temperature is down
near the freezing point.
ut is safe to say that by next Saturday
or Sunday Birmingham will have weather
that will suggest the spring.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

According to the latest dispatches, Nisl
is not only militant but triumphant.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
BUILDING UP THE SOUTH

tratcs particularly how great progress can
be made by the government In making
rivers navigable, without great expense,
The water power company whose bid for
the power from Muscle Shoals Is deemed
most desirable by the engineers has
agreed to bear most of the expense of
constructing necessary dams. The whole
project will cost about s1S,O0o,000, but the
power company, for the use of power
which can be sold cheaply in the SOUTH
will donate most of the money.
Here. then, is real conservation-the de-
velopment of cheap power for the peo-
pie. And the expense involved, so far
as the government is concerned could be
met by eliminating from the next rivers
and harbors bill just fraction of the
pork" that is likely to be found there
1t was explained at the hearing that
there is no present demand for power
from Muscle Shoals, but the power people,
in their own interest, must create that
demand. and the result will be the estab
lishment of fertilizer and other plants
which will not only make better crops and
reduce the cost of necessities in the south,
but at the same time will furnish en-
ployment to thousands of people.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Tampa's Rapid Growth

tampa is one of the especially pros
porous cities of the SOUTH said Lee
kayser, who was there recently as a rep,
resentative of Otto Marx & Co., where
he purchased $4,000 of the county bonds
In the last census Tampa had pop
ulation of s7,7s2. Its population today
is estiamted at $4,000, and it will prob
ably be close to the 100000 mark in 1920
FLORIDA had big fruit crop this year
but the prices are low. Stlll, the fruit
growers are in very good condition and
the state as whole goes forward
steadily.
"A large tourist business is expected
in FLORIDA this winter. The rush will be-
gin about February l."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
THE DIVIDING LINE

e. M. in Philadelphia Public Ledger
Hes very fond of drawing fine dis
tinctions."
3 "Yes?"
''why. he tried to differentiate be-
tween love and emotional insanity"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

A RARE SORT.
''Pilter is the sort of man who never
wastes word
I'D like to meet him.
you admire taciturn people?'s
Not as a rule, but judge from what
you say that he never discusses the war
in Europe and I would like to form the
acquaintance of at least one person who
doesn't think he knows who's to blame
for it,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

That man that hath a tongue, L say
is no man, if with his tongue he cannot
win a woman.
Two Gentlemen of Verona.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
COMPARATIVE LIBERTY.

COMPARATIVE LIBERTY.
do you believe the poets saying that
Stone walls do not prison make, nor
iron bars a eage'?" asked Mr.. Twobble
II don't know said Mr.. Meekson,
thoughtfully. but 1 dare say that stone
walls and prison bars seem rather in
substantial things to a man who has been
hedged about for 20 years by the glances
Of a watchful wife,.
WHAT THE NEIGHBoRs SAY.
mo matter how sheltered a man may
be, he receives some hard knocks while
journeying through life.''
That's true, and some of the hardest
knocks he gets he's unaware Of"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
A BAD OLD DREAM.

"Oh, Algernon, I dreamed last night
that we were parted forever"
MY darlingl Did 1t brighten you?''
''Ye-yes. 1t seemed that I didn't get
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
ADRIFT WITH THE. TIMES

WORST KIND OF LUCK.
A candidate shed bitter tears,
To see the sad plight he was in;
1t was the first time in some years
He'd had the slightest chance to win.
And just when things were breaking
right
And he was met by marching bands.
He fell and sprained his wrist one night
And had to cease from shaking hands.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16
About Persons

w. H. Skaggs of Chicago is registered
at the Tutwiler. He expects to remain
in. the district for several days, most of
the time in Birmingham
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Harry S. Jenkins of Baltimore and Bir-
mingham arrived here last night from
the east. He us stopping at the Tut
wiler.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

Entered at the Birmingham, Ala,
postUffice as second class matter under
act of Congress March 8 1873.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-16

a ]. Eaton. Jr., and o. e. Young are
the only authorized travelling represen-
natives of The Age-Herald in Its cir
oulation department
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-04
WAITING TO GET
 BULLOCK'S IDEAS
Conference on Tidewater Franchise Matter Is Postponed by Com
 mission Until March II

Following the receipt of letter from Lee Bradley. attorney for the Birmng- ham Railway. Light and Power company, 1t was announced by the city commission yesterday that the conference on the Tide water franchise was again postponed until next Wednesday. March Il.
 Attorney Fcrney Johnston for the Tide water and officials of the company agreed to the postponement. The conference was to have been held today attorneys for each side to argue on the question whether or not the Tidewater has right to use the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power tracks if granted general franchise.
 Mir. Bradeys letter stated that Presi- dent George Bullock of the United Gas and Electric company. which now controls the Birmingham Railway. Light and Pow CT company, will be in the city next Tuesday. March 10. and pending a confer once with MT. Bullock on the matter the company asks that the question be all lowed to rest.
 There were reports yesterday that Mir. Bullock in pursuit of his apparent local policy of friendliness and cooperation, would request that the Birmingham Rail- way. Light and Power company make no fight against the Tidewater on the propos- ton of using his oompany's tracks in the downtown district and that this was the real reason for the delay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-04
M'MEANS CAUGHT
 IN AN ELEVATOR
Though Legs Were in Danger of Being Crushed

Though rainfully injured R. l.. Me Means. president of the office Outfitters company calmly directed the efforts of his assistants to rescue him yesterday morning from a freight elevator in which he was caught The accident occurred at 2o9 Third avenue. the store of the com pany, and MT McMears was caught be- tweer the elevator and the second floor. His legs were pressed So tightly against a wooden beam as to leave an imprint on the wood.
 Accounts of the accident are that MT McMeans was riding on the freight eleva- tor with two companions whep he slipped and fell feet forward ont over the edge of the elevator. His companions caught and managed to pull him back. but not far enough to clear the second floor and his legs were caught just above the knee. Although his companions were excited by the accident Mr. McMeans calmly di- rected how the elevator should be lowered and by following out his Instructions MT. McMeans presently was freed from his predicament.
 An ambulance was duicllly summoned ana ne was removed lo HIS ftsiuence HI 27l9 Tenth avenue, south. where 1t was stated last night that he was resting easily.
 According to c. N. Binder of the Binder Elevator and Electric company, who as- sisted In releasing MT. McMeans, the lat ter narrowly escaped death.
 ''Mr. MeMeans narrowly escaped death" said Mir. Binder, and but for his prompt release would surely have had his legs crushed. was on the scene two minutes after the accident happened and my experience of many years on elevators was used to ge od advantage in releasing MT, McMeans. I am mighty glad I was around.