davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

To Increasing Regular Army

As To Increasing Regular Army
In the years Immediately following
the Civil war the United States army
was only handful, so to speak. It's
authorized strength was $4,000, but it
was often under 10000. Each COM
manding general in his annual report
recommended an increase of the army
to $4,000; but Congress paid no heed
to the recommendations.
The enlisted strength of the regular
establishment was limited to $4,000
until the Spanish war came. 1t was
then doubled, and was still further in
creased after the war with Spain. To-
day it has a maximum authorized
strength of 100, 900. But in these days
of mighty armament the United
States army is singularly small.
While this country must always
avoid warlike policy it should look
well after it's coast defenses and it's
army both as to numerical strength
and efficiency. But if Secretary of War
Garrison asks Congress for an in
crease in the enlisted strength of the
regular army he will have to be ex-
tremely convincing for the national
lawmakers to make any appreciate
increase.
Gen. w. w. Wotherspoon, who has
just retired as chief of staff, recon-
mends standing army of 100000 and
an organized militia or national guard
of 100000. 1t is more than likely that
the Sixty-third Congress, which will
expire next March, will pass the mill
tary policy over to the Sixty-fourth
Congress.
After the European war is ended a
peace propaganda will be started
anew. The WORLD will be full of anti
military agitation, and the United
States will be to the front as a peace
power.
Army men are emphasizing this
country's unpreparedness for great
foreign war, but during the coming
winter, at least, the democrats in Con-
gress will talk and practice chiefly
retrenchment and reform. Later on
something should be done on a large
scale for our coast defense.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
Increasing Demand for Steel Products

Increasing Demand for Steel Products
One of the best barometers of the
business world is the steel industry.
When the steel mills are operating at
anything like full capacity the bust
ness of the whole country is prosper
ing. Wise versa, when the steel mills
are shut down business in all direc-
tons is at low ebb.
According to one of the leading
financial papers OF New York the
steel plants throughout the United
States show a fair increase over the
past week. At one time steel produc-
ton was running at the rate of 40 per
cent capacity. It is now at the rate
of between 40 and 45 per cent; not a
large increase, but it is significant.
Rock bottom has been reached "a
feature of the Market" says a New
York authority, (which is regarded as
encouraging is the demand for miscel-
laneous products"
The eastern railroads are pressing
their petition before the interstate
commerce commission for an advance
of per cent in freight rates. Such a
petition was considered and rejected
some weeks ago so far as the lines
east of Pittsburg were concerned.
The roads that were allowed to in
crease their freight rates were only
those operating between Pittsburg and
the Mississippi river. But these were
small in the aggregate compared with
the lines between Pittsburg and the
Atlantic coast
Should the commission now author
ize the big eastern carriers to increase
the rate 5 per cent the railroads would
place large orders at once for all man.
ner of equipment. Steel rails would
be in better demand than at any time
within the past two years. Every ina
dustry would be stimulated and with
many factors now making for i'm
provement prosperity would soon
reach high water mark.
But the small improvement in the
steel trade has come without any as
sistance from the railroads. 1t is, of
course, encouraging and still fur
Their increase is looked for next week.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

to arouse public spirit and get the
"hustlers" of the community together
at luncheons and dinners which are
usually followed by timely addresses
from experts in various lines of work.
Baltimore has large and flourish
ing city club, installed on the top
floor of the Munsey building, where
magnificent view over the harbor is
afforded the business and profession
al men who lunch there. This club has
been a great factor in the great trans
formation that has taken place in Bal
timore in the past few years, during
which millions of dollars have been ex-
pended for street paving, new sew
erage system and an improved water
supply.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
ALABAMA SANCTUMS

Selma Times: A Birmingham undertake
err announces that he has had a handsome
increase in business. We suppose this
is part of the boosting game that rests
on all loyal sons of the Magic City.
Winston Herald: The republican sus-
marine fleet. seems to have struck the
democratic majority and sunk the greater
part of it,
Troy Messenger: If the bomb throwers
of New York city continue their work
much longer the judiciary of that state
will have to work in trenches.
Tuscaloosa News: If war is hell as Gen.
erai Sherman is alleged to have said,
how would you describe Tennessee poll
tics? >
Gadsden Journal: Alabama banks total
resources amount to SLAB ,11257a1. Don't
know how much that is, but it's enough
to keep the wolf from Alabamas door.
Montgomery Journal: The decision of
an eastern judge that no man can dance
l"h9o with "ioehel wire, would seem
to exclude wives altogether from tango
ing as no man wants to tango with his
own.
Montgomery Advertiser: Henry Waiter
son, democrat, has nominated the re-
publican ticket for 1916 The colonel fs
not acting the part of a prophet in the
matter, but more as a philosopher. Evil
IDENTIFY he thinks it would be the logical
thing for the republicans to accept his
suggestions. He suggests Boies Penrose
for President and Joseph G. Cannon for
vice president.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
MORE BOOKSs

MORE BOOkSs
From the Keokuk, Ia, Constitution Dem
ocrat
1t was the late Frank Norris who many
years ago wrote, regarding the reading
habit, Get them to read anything, no
matter what, If they will only read"
That spirit has largely permeated our
reading and our publishing in this coun-
try. But once in while we do we'll to
stop and question this means of encour-
aging the reading habit.
Even the makers of books have stopped
to question the wisdom of this theory
Fewer books and better has been adopt
ed as the slogan of certain publishers
And when one stops to consider the flood
of Indifferent volumes that is being per-
petually rushed upon the market it seems
that if the tipie for merely more books
had passed, if indeed it ever existed.
There are hundreds of critics all over
the country engaged in the rather thank
less task of trying to tell the public some
thing about all of these books. There are
so many reviews that obviously very
busy person would have time to read only
a small number of these. But with our
flood of so-called literature we do not
appear to be producing any more deserv-
ing books sor any more discriminating
readers. We do not even seem to be en-
couraging the reading habit in the best
sense of the term
One is inclined to believe that the sane
and appreciative reader needs something
more than the mere liking facility for
Swimming through Indifferent novels To
the person who loves and understands the
best writing it ought to be bore to have
to read mere trash. 1t may be that what
we heed more than much reading is the
habit of thoroughness, the taste for gem
uine artistry in writing, and the economy
which forbids us to waste our precious
leisure over pages that are stupid or
empty of any enduring message or truth
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
HOW BATTLES ARE FOUGHT


Martin Marshall in Leslie's.
The popular idea of a battle line is an
array of men standing shoulder to should
err and many ranks deep. Such, however,
is not the reality. The line consists of
garrisons of varying sizes and separated
by intervals of a few hundred yards. I'm
der such conditions as prevailed during
the first half of November these garri-
sons dug themselves into the EARTH
by excavating trenches which they COW
cred with logs and earth to depth of 5
or feet, thus securing protection from
shell and rifle fire. These trenches, when
covered, are known as ''bombproofs," and
the garrisons may range in size from one
or two companies to a regiment or oven
more in important positions. Military ex-
perts estimate that the men massed on
the first and second firing lines average
about two to the yard, or about $500 to the
mile The outposts are SO arranged that
one supports another and the open spaces
between are covered by rifle fire. Back of
the first line, at varying distances, is the
second or supporting line, which is also
sheltered in trenches and bombproofs.
From this line reinforcements can be
moved rapidly to points where battle
pressure is strongest In the rear of the
second line, say a mile or less field ar
tillery is placed to hurl shells and shrap-
mel over the heads of the infantry into
the positions of the enemy, which are
generally invisible to the artillerymen.
The selection of vantage points for the
artillery is of immense Importance and as
it is in danger only from artillery on the
other side, every effort is made to con-
ceal it, advantage being taken of WOODED
spots and hillsides. The observers VINO
give the range to the battery are posted
at some distance and communicate with
the gunners by means Of field telephones.
Reserve infantry is usually posted on
the rear of the artillery, but cannot be
used effectively If it is more than two
mr. three miles from the first line OF ire
a. II must be hurried quickly to whatever
points are yielding, under pressure from
the enemy. The operations of the cavalry
are largely restricted to scouting and
screening the advance of the infantry and
artillery. Under conditions such as the
deadlock prevailing for many weeks be-
tween the allies and the German army,
the duties of the cavalry are minimized.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
A Prosperous City Club

The Boston City club closes it's
fiscal year with a net profit of $27,
01184 and thus strengthens its claim
to being one of the most remarkable
organizations in the country. 1t was
organized few years ago to promote
public spirit and bring together in
some common meeting place men rep
resenting the social and business in
terests of the community. The club
met at first in a rented house, but de-
cided year ago to erect its own club
house. The building is now nearing
completion and will be one of the
finest structures of its kind in the
country. 1t will cost, with the site,
$3.50, 900. Public spirited men who UNI
derwrote the club at its inception have
financed the new building and have
made arrangements for the payment
of the bonds in installments.
The annual dues of the club were
originally $12, but have been in
creased to SIS. With total member
ship of 5000, it can readily be seen
that the dues alone provide hand
some income. However, all depart
ments of the club have been managed
ut a profit, including the restaurant,
which cleared $4,000 last year; the
cigar stand, which showed net prof
It Of $4,000, and the billiard room,
which brought in $500 above running
expenses. This fine showing is COM
pliment to Boston and the proverbial
New England thrift.
The city club idea is splendid one
and productive of much good. The
plan has been adopted in other cities,
without hope of financial gain. merely
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
TRUE GLORY
By Milton.

ilton
They err who count It glorious to subdus
BY conquest far and wide, to oyerrun
Large countries. and in fl cid great battles win,
- Great cities by assault; what do these worthless,
But rob and spoil, burn. slaughter and ensiave
Peaceable nations, neighboring remote.
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more
What those their conquerors, who leave behind
Nothing but ruin whereso er they rove.
And all the houIishing work Of peace destroy,
Then swell with pride and must be titled godA.
Great benefactors of mankind dsuverers
Worshipd with temple priest and sacrifice;
Ono is the of Jove Of Mars the other;
Till Conqueror Death disc them scarce men
Rolling in british vices, and deformd,
Violent shameful death their due reward.
But If there be in glory aught Of good.
L may by far different be attain'd
Without ambition, violence;
BY deeds of peace by wisdom eminent.
BY patience, temperance.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
STRANGE MISSILES OF FRENCH

FROM COlller 3.
l was sent on here with field lineman
and an operator, accompanied by Major
Moore of the signal service, to establish
a field telegraph office. They naturally
selected the old government telegraph
and telephone office because of its equip
ment. but it is the last house on the
street and exposed on the side next to
the bridge, and we were forced to move
further into the heart of the town, for
shells or parts of shells are constantly
passing through the upper stories.
The bridge has been sheled incessant-
ly, day and night, for four days to pre-
vent infantry and artillery passing over,
but the English have never stopped.
German artillery and range finders are
excellent, but the timing is bad. Over
60 per cent of their fire is wasted.
Not with the shell fire of the French.
1 saw some of their work today. Their
shells seem to have the ability to send
shrapnel in many directions when burst
ing. In trench of German dead. men
will be found killed from being hit on
the head on both left and right sides.
I saw on one side of strawstack
some men killed by shell fire and on the
other side were men dead without a
mark on them. This must be the new
ext losive of the French. 1t is almost
unbelievable, but this explosive is SO
terrible that the air currents 1t sets up
sha tier the lungs of any living thing
within radius of 100 yards.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
Ladies serve Good Dinner

The ladies of the South Highlands
Methodist church are certainly serving
good dinners for 80 cents at their bazaar
next to the corner of Twentieth street
and Third avenue" said gentleman who
had tried one.
This bazaar is being held for the bene-
Ut OF the local missionary work of the
Highland church, which includes the
wesley houses at Avondale and Ems
ley, where useful work is being carried
on feel as il I had gotten the worth
OF my money as we'll as having helped
out good cause. I am going back again
Thursday Friday and Saturday"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

From the Kansas City Star.
HNHE old-fashioned conception OF
heaven as a place where the godly
\ in white robes and halos spent
their time playing upon golden harps has
never appealed strongly to the writer
Although brought up in an exemplary
Presbyterian household he had never.
even in earliest childhood, been able to
work up much enthusiasm over the pros
pect of an eternity spent in playing the
harp. Our ideas about harp playing, how
ever, have received radical jolt. We
are willing to admit that 1t is an en-
tirely worth while occupation and should
add largely to the joys of paradise. All of
which was the result of attending one of
the Fritschy concerts and listening to the
Trio de Lutece.
One of the Trio de Lutece is Salvatore
de Stefano. and Salvatore de Stefano
plays the harp. He does much more than
that; he makes the harp a living, breath
ing thing, grooming, sorrowing. rejoicing,
tenderly exquisite. Hearing him play,
you conjure up strange and beautiful pic
lures thousands of years away from the
plump, bald-headed little man sweeping
his fingers lightly over the great golden
instrument upon the stage. For the
music of the harp, as played by De
'Stefano, is beautiful beyond belief SO
soft, so full of shadings and emotions
a very wondrous thing, this harp of his.
You close your eyes, and you remember
how King Saul, when the black mood
was on him, used to send for the boy
David to play his harp. And you under
stand why David with his harp could drive
away the devils and unrest, soothe the
heart-heavy King and take him away
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
MODERN PHILANTHROPY

From the Washington Post.
When Christian charity reaches the
height Of presenting nice new doll to
little war orphan to help her forget q
lost papa you just have to admit that
the worlds growing better every day.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Sporadic efforts have been made by
American poets to celebrate in verse the
career of the Emden, but in most cases
they have been halted before they man.
aged to get into print
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

BEGINNING THE DAY-O God,
help me to believe In and try to
awaken the hidden hero in every
sIuggard, the buried beauty in ey-
cry ugIiness. Give me fond faith
In the ultimate victory of God In
His efforts with men. In Christ.s
name. Amen.-H. NJ. Il.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Kansas City is wearing the honors of
her new depot with becoming modesty.
After city waits as long as Kansas City
has for a new depot it outgrows con-
ceit
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

AS neither side In Europe seems to be
making any Roadway, why not in the
name of common sense and humanity,
call it q draw?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

England is at last beginning to take the
war seriously. 1t is said that her unem-
ployed are being given jobs blowing up
golf links
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Christabel Pankhurst says that the Eu-
ropean war happened because women
We're denied the vote, which is merely
another statement which can neither be
proved nor disproYed.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

While the Bishop of London, good man,
is confidently looking forward to 1000
years of peace, majority of his fellow
countrymen are fearfully looking forward
to a Zeppelin invasion.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Every citizen of Birmingham should
ieel a lively interest in any effort to
induce Uncle Sam to start work on the
new postoffiee during the coming
year. Senator Frank S. White is ready
to lead in the matter. All he asks is
hearty cooperation on the part of
the people. The meeting to be held at
the Chamber of Commerce this after
noon in furtherance of the postoffice
project should be largely attended
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

The report that John d. Rockefeller, Jr.,
has learned how to knit will be taken
as another evidence of weakness by sur
viving members of the "vice trust"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
) business Continues to Improve

There has been very marked improves
ment in business within the past week or
10 days, said Joshua NJ. Middleton, who
is connected with New York manufac-
turing establishment.
while there has been no great in
crease in the volume of business this
month, it is safe to say that there will
be a very decided increase between now
and the middle of December. The general
sentiment in the business world Is strong
~ optimistic. There is confident feeling
that the new era of prosperity WIN be of
the record brea king kind
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
MUSIC HATH CHARMS"

into never-neyer land of sunlight and
beauty. And how, when the playing was
ended, the King was chastened and at
rest once more.
You would not think an instrument
of strings held SO much magic, so great
a power of expression. He played a ball
lad, and your mind went back, straying
down half forgotten roadways of dead
time the middle ages rise to view once
more, turreted castles, winding mountain
roads, men richly habited in varicolored
robes And you see minstrels plucling at
their harps in the great castle halls, half
hidden, half revealed by Pickering fire.
light; round them crowd the eager folk
OF the castle, master and servants, for
getting for the time all class distinction
made one by the strong witchery of
music How they strain eagerly, holding
their breaths lest they shall miss the min
strel's slightest word. And how en-
tranced they are in the story he tells-a
story with a maid in it and knight of
course, and the sound of horses-great
and strange adventures. and not without
the softening blend of sorrow.
Now the scene shifts-this that he plays
Is called a dance of sylphs. And how In
very truth the music dances, light as
dancing leaf; you see the play of sunlight
through the leaves, and the sylphs, white
and slender; and your breath is held lest
by some clumsy move or untoward sound
you frighten these shy woodland creatures
out of sight. And then at last you see
them disappear into the greenery from
aiSb
you wonder II it were not dream you
ever saw them.
And the music dies. You smile little.
For it was a dream.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Cliff 3. Stone of Nashville, the general
agent of the New Jersey Fire Insurance
company of Newark. is in Birmingham,
on business for his company. Mr~ntone,
while strong Nashville booster, said
he was struck with the improved appear
ance and progress shown in Birmingham
since his last visit
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
QUITE SEVERE.

QUITE SEVERE.
L understand that about the only lit
erature now being produced il England
is war poetry"
We'll what about il? '
Having read some of the Stuff. think
know where a bomb from q Zeppelin
would do the most good"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
Made in Jefferson County

Speaking of dresses made of cotton,
have seen very beautiful plaids made
In JEFFERSON county on the old time hand
looms" said James II. Hard. "They were
made from cotton grown in the fields
neleabouts, carded, spun and woven by
hand, dyed with native herbs. fashioned
into gowns of the directoire style and
worn by the fair maidens of this county.
1 have also seen handsome blankets
mace from wool grown on sheep grazed
on our nils and carded, spun and woven
by our native women, which were fully
as warm, durable and handsome as the
Navajo blankets fashionable some years
ago. l would like to see more of them"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

The republican fold is being rapidly en-
larged to take care of the wanderers who
are returning.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19
A PHILANTHRoPIsT.

A PHILAHTHROPIST
What have you done to help the starv-
ing Belglans3'
I've nearly worked myseir to death for
them
Yes. I've written several pieces for
the newspapers about them. I've made at
least half a dozen speeches and tell
everybody 1 meet that something should
be DONE
That's fine. Now, il everybody would
work as hard as you have and make the
large donation that I'm sure you have
made, why"
"Ahem! Well. to tell The truth.
haven't decided yet whether 1 can afford
to subscribe any money or not
PAUL COOK
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

What w. NJ. Trotter of Boston seems to
have overlooked is that If he had been
white man and had been as ill-man-
nered in the White House. he would
have received exactly the same treat
ment.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Woe to you, Nippont' says a German
editor, but Nippon replies with the Japan
ese equivalent of "Ish Sa bibble."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

It's too bad that heavy rains should
drench the armies of the allies. great
many British soldiers are already SO
hoarse that they can no longer sing IT'S
a Long Way to Tipperary."