davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
Murders in America

This country with all it's educa- tional and material progress makes an extremely bad showing in its record of crimes, especially of murder, com pared with Europe and South Amer ica.
 The Rev. Dr. H. M. Edmonds in a recent sermon written for The Age Herald assembled some interesting figures which showed that Mexico with 142 homicides per 1,000,000 of inhabitants was the only country that led the United States In this land of ours there were 115 homicides to the 100000 inhabitants.
 England had S.4 and Germany only 6.5. In this country Alabama leads in the southern states "ld Jefferson county, according to the coroner's re- ports for 1909, 1910, 1G 1 and 1912 showed an average ratio of 726 per 100000 No intelligent or right minded citizen here will for a mo- ment regard with indifference this county's bloody record or evade the question by pointing to the appalling crime wave sweeping over the Uni ted States from the Atlantic to the Pacific. But the frequency of trage-  dies in high life is matter of deep concern to every American.
 Murder mysteries in the large cities and some of the small towns crowd the daily newspapers. Not only do we read of many killings in ev- cry section of the country; but never, perhaps. has there been so much -fiendish butchery as in the recent past. Public sentiment all over Amer ica should be aroused in solemn pro- test against this homicidal tendency. In most states the officers of the law are quick to obtain evidence. Mur- derers are apprehended, prosecuted, convicted and punished without de- lay. Yet, without statistical informa- tion at hand, it is probably safe to assume that the year 1914 will mark . new high record in crime in this enlightened Christian nation.
 There is apparently more skepti. cism in religious bodies than there was when the country was young. There is now a note of agnosticism among certain of the educated classes that was unknown 50 years ago. The churches are working earnestly in i; social service way to improve mora . conditions, but in this country's pop 1. ulation of about 100,O00,00 the ma jority are unchurched and irreligior is strongly in evidence among thou sands and tens of thousands of mer who went to Sunday school wher they were boys, but who now, to al intents and purposes. are atheists But whatever be the cause of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
Birmingham's Strong Claims

Whether or not Birmingham is to be the seat of the Methodist univer- sity will be decided by the educational commission which will meet in Atlanta today.
 Atlanta is now strong contestant for this great prize. That city made no organized effort to raise money, but certain of Atlanta's citizens have agreed to underwrite money contri- buttons approximating $1,750,000.
 Birmingham's claims are much stronger than Atlanta's. This city has already raised $60O,O0O, and the site it offers is far more beautiful and far more valuable in every way than any site that Atlanta could possibly find.
 Another fact that should be care fully considered by the commission is the extent of Birmingham's mining and iron and steel industries A large percentage of the young men en- rolled in universities are studying to become engineers-civil, mining, me- chanical or electrical. In Birmingham ''tech" students would have an oppor- tunity of object lessons in coal and ore mines and in the production of steel rails and wire, to say nothing of oth- CT important industrial operations. Still another thing in Birmingham favor is its rapid growth-growth more rapid than that of any other city of the south. It will outstrip Atlanta in the next census, and by 1880 it will probably have a popula- tion of 500,OOO or more.
 Paschal G. Shook stressed these points before the committee appoint ed by the commission to analyze and digest the offers made by various towns and cities competing for the university. Nathan L. Miller, in a speech before the committee made a telling argument in favor of Birming- ham. It was MT. Miller, by the way, who in a letter to The Age-Herald first called local attention to the ac- tion of the annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, providing for the establishment of a university east of the Mississippi. In that letter he explained how much such an institution would mean to Birmingham and urged that a move ment be started at once with a view of securing the university.
 Birmingham's public spirited citi- zens have made united effort to win. Contributions of our citizens have been most generous. If the com mission is open-minded after weigh ing the claims of this city and Atlanta it will give Birmingham the decision
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

murder wave, America's prestige will suffer by comparison not only with ] highly educated nations like Ger many, but with countries that are in many respects backward.
 There must be some way to break up the habit of pistol toting. In Eu- rope it is rare exception when a citizen in private life carries a deadly weapon. Evil men who have murder in their hearts will in many cases find some way to put into effect their fell purpose, but the absence of the gun" would greatly minimize the number of homicides. Texas law against carrying pistols is enforced, and the number of homicides in that state has decreased appreciably.
 When the new legislature of Ala bama meets measures will be adopted that will be calculated to reduce the hoiiiocI oi HOlhieiACS III Ohfo otcltC anu especially in Jefferson county. In the meantime public sentiment should be so crystallized as to insure the speedy enactment of comprehensive laws seeking the suppression of human bloodshed.
 As for the apparent increase of crime in the United States, all law abiding men should be ready to CO., operate in any movement seeking to put the United States in better light before the other nations of the world so far as the murder record goes. Many ardent prohibitionists have ac- .quired the habit of attributing all crime to intoxicants. While it is true that a great deal of crime is the re- suit of the abuse of strong drink, a vicious nature or an ungovernabla , temper, and not liquor, is responsible for vast number of murders.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

DC ssible to develop 1t and build 1t up
 when our commerce is carried in the ships of foreign nations. I regard it as the
 foremost patriotic duty of every Ameri- can eitizen to aid in the development and
 building up of our merchant marine Tn order that we may have the facilities for eerrying cur surplus products to for eign markets, and thereby maintain living wages and living prices at home and the continued development of Americas great resources"
 We judge from it's tone that the Char lotte Observer is committed to gov ernment subsidy without equiyocation. While The Advertiser has ever opposed ship subsidy. it is nevertheless interest. ing here to give place to the views of a democratic paper on the subject Com menting on Mir. Unierwoods remarks, the Observer says:
 This is spoken like a statesman It comes with eminent appropriateness from the lips of one of the chief leaders of that party which stands for minimum, not nax xinum, of protective tariff. We maintain that the democratic party IS the logical nne to lay most emphasis upon  the development of so essential an .nstru- ment of competitive foreign trade. Yet Hitherto this party which has insisted that American manufacturers should have 1t put up to them to compete with the foreigner at home and more than make good any loss by gain of commerce abroad has stood in the way of the fundamental requisite for extension of trade. If dem ocratic tariff policies are to be a lasting sueeess-and under the new tariff our exports have fallen off. while the foreigners to us have moderately iP- creased-the democracy must cease short changing the home man in any such way. It must not bid him do something and then ceny him the means. This is a plain case of bricks without straw. The straw is abunda ntly furnished by every other in ports mt commercial country to it's own exporters and withheld by the United States alpne."
 As big as america is. 1t is not big enough to consume all of it's products There Is wealth for us abroad, if we will but get it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF JU DGE JEFFREYS

ale house. The eyebrows had been shaved away; the dress was that of common sailor from Newcastle. and was black with coal dust; but there was no mistak- ing the savage eyes and mouth of Jeff freys. The alarm was given. In a mo- ment the house was surrounded by hun dreds of people, shaking bludgeons and believing curses. The fugitive's life was saved by company of the train bands snd he was carried before the lord mayor.
 When the great man, at whose frown few days before the whole kingdom haG trembled, was dragged into the justice room begrmed with ashes, half dead with fright and followed by 8 raging multitude the mayor was visibly agitated. Jeffreys became so frightened at the attitude of the mob that he begged to be sent to prison.
 An order to that effect was procured from the lords, who were sitting at White hall and he was conveyed in a carriage to the Tower Two regiments of militia were called out to escort him and found the duty difficult one. It was repeat edly necessary for them to form as if for the purpose of repellinAa charge of cavalry, and to present a forest of bikes to the mob.
 The wretched Jeffreys was in convul- sions of terror. He wrung his hands, he looked wildly about and was heard even above the tumult crying. Keep them of,
  off!' Finally he was safely lodged in the Tower.
 On the following day he was examined by deputa ton of four lords He appears to have petitioned for a pardon from Will liam, acknowledging his crimes to have been as enormous as his enemies and promising to discover secrets relating to the succession. Confinement. however, soon began to tell upon his health. He was visited by three deputies from the King, to all of whom he affirmed that the seventies of the bloody assizes had fallen short of the royal demand and that by his forbearance he had extremely displeased the King.
 l Before his case could come to trial and l judgment be passed, the one-time emil nent judge had become so emaciated and weak that it would have been useless to l have carried him to the judgment seat, and he died in prison on April IS. 1869, in l the forty-first year of his age. Following l his death a number of bills were allowed 1 against his estate for the recovery of | sums that he had criminaly exacted from | those who had been brought before him as judge.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

A writer in the London Times, who con- tributes an article on Drinks ex- presses the opinion that more whisky is consumed by civilized people ostensibly
 for medicinal purposes, in curing chlls
 and levers, agues, colds, malaria and
 sl ake bite, than any remedy in the phar- rscopoeia Whisky has almost driven out brandy in the greater part of India, Sc otoh whisky has largely supplanted rye in making long" drinks in the fash ionable circles of the United States, which Britons who carry their British drinking he hits to the tropics come to their graves rr.maturely, tie combined effects of al cohol and a torrid sun proving too much for them. The most remarkable drink ever mace, according to this writer. was cs lied "coomas ep At the close of the Asfanti campaign 1t was found necessary to dispose of quantity of superfluous c, mmissariat stores. Sir Garnet Wolseley gave the order to use them up." The stores were d .mped together in camp ket- ties ard cauldrons. Pickles and sauces, jams and timed sweets, beer, wine, bre1 dy, ohloro oyne and Liebig's extract of beef were mixed in one mighty potion and boiled together. The stuff was drunk hot to tEe health of Queen Victoria and the glory of British arms
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
THE CARPENTER.

THE CARPENTER. My, but the carpenter is slow, With him my patience fails; He even stops his work to go And manicure his nails.
 Cincinnati Enquirer For getting things done in rush He does not care a straw; He'll lay his work aside to brush His teeth upon his saw.
 Boston Transcript. For laziness there cannot be The equal of that lad's His works neglected now, while he Sits there and reads his adz.
 Columbia State. Such laziness in one man stored Is trying, I'll admit; If there's a hole already bored, He will not work bit.
 Birmingham Age-H erald. In spite of all you say, my friends, or good he has his share; For he brings things to u level, and His rule is always square.
 Memphis Commercial-Ap But work neglected always brings Sure ruin, certain fall; He's feeling Hard Luck's sharpest stings For he has lost his awl
 -Florence Leonard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
President Wilson's Busy Life

When this nation was young and the country was sparsely settled the chief magistrate had comparatively easy time" said John C. Blake, formerly a resident of Washington, D. C.. but now living in New York. General Washington and all his successions in the presidential office down to the time of the civil war had many serious problems to deal with, but with Lincoln the nervous strain was greatly aecentuated and since his time the presidency, as a rule, has involved some thing of strenuous life. I was living In Washington when Hayes was Presi- dent. Apparently he had plain sailing, so to speak, but I happened to know that he was a very busy man. He was a hard worker Garfield, during the snort time he was President, had a great strain. Arthur was a man who never worried and his office hours were those of gentleman of elegant leisure. But with the coming of Cleveland. the presi- dential office was an 1S-hour a day prop osition. President Cleveland was prodgious worker. Roosevelt, when Presi- dent, became a synonym for strenuosity; but no chief executive was ever kept so busy, or ever had so many perplexing problems to solve as Woodrow Wilson And the amazing part of it is that he stands the terrible strain with 50 little apparent wear and tear. It is generally believed that MT. Wilson will be candi- date for the democratic nomination again in 1916 One might imagine that he would be glad to retire after four years, but like his predecessors he will be eager to tackle a second term. Ambition is an exacting master.
 'I am republican. but I am willing to admit that Mr. Wilson is making a fine President as democratic Presidents go."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

or often is it necessary to bring
 M to judgment great judge, and
 4 probably no man who was ever
 placed upon the bench deserved more the
 fate he met than did the overbea ring,
 drastic George Jeffreys, who for so many
 years ruled with an iron hand over the
 courts of Europe, dealing out justice and
 injustice with equal facility. He pos
 sessed every attribute that judge should
 lack. He was partial arrogant insolent;
 in fact, the greatest bully that ever sat
 upon the bench. Impotence and ferocity. it Is said, sat upon his brow. His yell of fury, was said by one who had
 often heard it. 'sounded like the thunder of a judgment day
 When still judge of the lower court he practiced methods that were anything but human. For instance, when he had the opportunity of ordering an unlucky ad- venturess to be whipped at the carts tail, "Hangman," he exclaimed 'I charge you to pay particular attention to this lady! Scourge her soundly, man. Sourge her till the blood runs downl It is Christ mas cold time for madame to strip inl See that you warm her shoulders thor oughly.'
 When Jeffreys became chief justice there were few indeed who did not trem- hle before him. It was not uncommon for him to come to the bench and pass judgment when he was so overcome with liquor that he could hardly sit in his chair.
 But when the Prince of Orange arrived and James had abandoned his kingdom, Jeffreys, knowing his unp0pularity, en- deavored to escape in disguise. There was true retributinn in his detection. A serivener at Mapping, whose trade was to furnish the seafaring men there with
 money at high interest had some time be- fore lent sum on bottomry, The debtor applied to equity for relief against his own bond and the case came before Jef- freys, The counsel for the borrower. hay ing little else to do. said that the lender was a trimmer
 When the man was produced at the chancellors request he looked fiercey at him, stormed at him and sent him away half dead with fright. But the day of retribution was to arrive, The trim 1 mer'' was walking through Mapping,
 when he saw a face at the window of an
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Great Pro.perIty .Ju.t Ah~.d

The business situation is improving very fast and I believe a period Of great prosperity Is just ahead of us" said A. E. Thaxton of Chicago.
 The report published a few days ago that steel orders had fallen off heavily may have had depressing effect on some people, but many branches of business are much more active today than was the case month ago, and feel confi- dent that before the last of this month the steel mills will be rushed with orders With enormous crops and good prices business is sure to boom"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

In speaking of Oscar W. Underwood speech in New York July 4, the esteemed Bullock County Breeze observes: Pres ident Wilson possibly did not know that when he pulled Alabama chestnuts out of the fire to beat Hebson that he was play ing into the hands of the reaetionaries who were already organizing for his de- feat and the overthrow of progressive democracy" This reminds us that some of the most distinguished editors of coun- try weelxlies in Alabama do not know that the campaign is over. and do not know when they have got enough.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
SARCASTIC.

Pa, what is feminism?" asked little Willie Blowster
 Tt would take me all. day to explain that, son. said MT. Blowster, wearily.
 T don't think you could do it in a week. said Mrs. Blowster. sharply. "No man is competent to explain feminism who thinks all women want to do is to wear trousers, use profanity and tobacco and stand on street corners talking poli- ties when they ought to be at work
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
UNDERwOOD,s CALL

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 As usual. whenever Oscar Underwood has anything to say on a subject of pub lie interest, his remarks attract atten- ton, and make people think. In a recent speech. the House leader thus expressed hiriYelf:
 "rhe time has come when the most im- poi tant question that ccnfronts the Amer ican people is the development and buiid- ing up of our foreign trade. It is im-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
ODE ON A GRECIAN URN

y John Keats VYNIOU wished bride of quietness
 Thou foster-chld of Silence slow Time, | sylvan historian, who canst thus A howery tale more sweey than rhyme; What leaf-fringed legend haunts about thy shape deities pr mortals,
 n Temple the dales of Already? What men or gods are these? What madens loath? What pipes and tmbrels? What wild ecstasy? Heard melodies sweet but those unheard Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes. play Not to the sensual ear. but, more endeared. fipc to the spirit dtties of no tone. Fair youth beneath tho trees thou not leave Thy song ever can those trees be bare. Bold Lover. canst thou kiss. Though winning the goal-yet, do not grieve:
 She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss.s Forever wilt thou love- and she be fair An. happy, happy boughs. that cannot Shed your leaves ever bid the spring adiei; And happy meodst, unwearied.
 Forever piping songs forever new More happy love! happy, happy love! Forever and still to be enjoyed,
 pantng and forever young, All breathing human passion far above. That leaves heart hi sorrowfu and cloyed.
 A burning forehead and parching tongue Who are these coming to the sacrihe? To what green altar 0 mysterious priest Lead st thou that hefer lowing at the skies, And all silken Hanks with garlands drestf What little by river or seashore Or mountain built with peaceful citadel.
 Is empted of this folk, this pious morn? And little town, streets forevermore win silent Dc, and not soul to tell
 Why thou art desoiate. can ger return {, Attic shape. Fair attitude! with brede marble men and maidens overwrousht. with forest branches and the trodden weed; Thou sil len form! dost tease of thought As eternity. Cold Pastora
 When shall this generation waste
 shalt remain. fin midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man. whom thou sayst Beauty Is truth truth beauty'--that Ia all Ye know on earth and ailye need to know.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

In Eufaula one day last week, 50 blind tigers were rounded up. Bar be ur's prohibition nenagerie is proof positive that prohibition does prohibit,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

It is considered rather significant that fter indofsing prohibition, the democrats of Tennessee nominated for the oIflce or governor a gentleman named. Rye The two actions almost constitute straddle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

Representative Good of Iowa. charges Seer etary McAdoo with using government revenue cutters for "joy riding. Judging from his name, the gentleman from Iowa Is a regular spoil sport.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
VAIN HOPE.

T see someone over there in that held7 who may come to our assistance" said the near-sighted motorist who was strug- giing to put on a new tire.
 I'm afraid not" answered his perspir- ing friend. "The figure you see is that of scarecrow',
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

A floor in the tower of the Woolworth by Frank w Woolw orth, who thus makes sl re of being able to look down on all his neighbors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

The city of Vienna has appropriated s64 GOO for an exhibit at the San Fran cisco fair. A glimpse ,f night in Vienna would be interesting to fair visitors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

BEGINNING THE DAY-Bless the old today. In the evening may It ne light fo them. Gdve them new eyes and ears for the sights and sounds of Thy Kingdom Lead them peside inc stfII waters. And do Thou help me to live today In view of the time when I too shall be walking In the twilight In Christ's name. Amen.-- H. NJ. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

A philanthropist always meets with more or les ss Encouragement. A man got 8 a day job from Henry Ford the au- tomobile manufacturer. by borrowing a wife" and children"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15
COMBINATIONS.

LAMENTATIONS
 Misplaced affection makes fat picking for lawyers.
 The water wagon leaves you with q clear head, but it doesn't follow scenic route.
 Solomon acquired reputation for wis., dom because none of his wives wanted to vote. Love is the greatest thing in the world The man who will wait all day for fish to bite, can't wait five minutes for his wife to powder her nose. P. C.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

"Circumstanc,s conspire to keep Con gress in continuous session." says the We shington Star. However, Woodrow gets the credit for it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

Decaturs Daily; Birmingham seems tt be in earnest about wanting that Meth odst college, and here's horing sh, gets 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

Pittsburg toots the prosperity horn with persistence that makes us fear there is a Lew crop Of Pittsburg millionaires being made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

The distilers have combined to reduce the 1914 output so drinkers can catch up. Somebody has evidently been 'tareripg off"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

Dr. Fucker offers s5 for every plague infected rat fcInd in New Orleans. but no patriotic citizen really wants to find one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

Troy Messenger: A cartoon in a Bir- bingham paper sh ows the hand of "Mur- der holding a pistol and firing a bullet into every date upon the calender. It is averaging one for almost every day in the year up to the present. On one day not long since there were three tragic deaths in the Magic City.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-15

St Louis has been suffering from a record breaking heat wave. bur the brew CTS of that grand old town stuck loyally to their vats.