davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
FRECKLED GIRLS

From the Washington Post
A Washington dermatologist has just
gone to great lengths to inform wait
ing world that freckles on the face Of
the outdoor girl are there to stay. Once
attained, there's no losing 'em. They
stick closer than a brother and almost
as close as somebody else's brother. You
may paint, you may powder rhe spot, if
you will, but the suns brunette tattoo
will cling round it STILL"
But why, In the name of all outdoors.
should a girl want to lose ncr freckles?
Would you rob the rosebud Of its gem
of morning dew? AS well suggest to a
small boy that you remove the spots from
his agate marble, as to place before the
mature male mind the idea that maid
would be improved in looks by these de-
fects whose very mission it is to lure
and charm and bring back to remem-
brance the secret OF his thralldom. when
every recollection of hat and garment
have been lost in the chaos of his
thoughts.
Let it be assumed that girl folks dress
for their girl friends, Surely. otherwise,
it were loves labor lost. But freckles
are like the late Henry George they are
for. men, by gum! And the man who
won't stand up for them and what goes
with them is no man at ALL
Others than Tennyson nave shed at
the faulty faultlessness of the We're de
We're. What they want is an added per-
lection to the attractions through the
seductive defect that gives them some
thing to swing to- A perfect face is like
the big diamond in the jewelers. win
dow-something for every one to look at
and then pass on. But tip-tilted nose. a
break in flawlessness produced by pout-
ing lips, vagrant curl that won't stay
in it's place, a freckle, or a half dozen
of them, for that matter-these are as the
red peach that hangs invitingly over the
garden wall-a fellow just naturally goes
after it, all oblivious to the broken glass
of matrimony on the edges that futilely
warns him on.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
Happy Experience of Cashier

For four years Miss Margaret Murbach
has been cashier of the Metropolitan cafe
and has handled the checks of thousands
of men. Born in Augusta, her mother a
German and her father Swiss, she is yet
thoroughly American, with Greek en-
ployer who appreciates her services.
Speaking of her experience as cashier she
said:
Il have received always the most cour-
teous of treatment from the men who pa
patronize the Metropolitan. OF course the
high class of patronage is in part the
cause, and the respect which the Amer
lean gentlemen have for women. 1 find
many affable, agreeable men, who say a
pleasant word or two, or perhaps spring
some little facetious quirp.
1--WE are going to make the Metropolitan
bright with Christmas cheer now that the
improvements are about completed
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

On the contrary, Thackeray never had
a good word or a tolerant thought for
one of the servant class. Indeed, It is
hardly too much to say that he degraded
his genius in the concentrated effort
which he laviShed upon making all alike
seem coxcombs and ingrates without a
redeeming trait. ''Jeames Diary" and the
''Yellowplush Papers" are delicious, but
somewhat excessive fooling. They might
be forgiven, but the savage portrayal of
Morgan, the Matchmaking valet of Major
Pendennis the thieving French maid Of
Beck Sharp, the Roundabout Paper on
board wages and numerous other hints
and sketches display such unqualified
venom against all sorts of domestics and
the class they spring from that it re-
mains a freak hard to account for in the
great novelists makeup.
The servant has been more or less a
prominent figure in fiction from time inn
memorial and has been treated not I'M
commonly in the satirical vein. Leporello
and Mr.. Fag with sundry Abigails of the
Restoration drama take the tribe from
the INSCRIPTIONS side, but usually with
a gayety and appreciation of their clever
roguery which disarms resentment. Need
less to say that from Pamela Andrews
down to Esther Waters the feminine con-
tingent have been found by very consider
able masters congenial material for hero
ines. Here and there the lash may be
laid ON harder; Dean Swift once dipped
his pen in gall and NORWOOD to casti-
gate the humble servitors of society of
both genders. But, on the whole, it is
true that Thackeray remains their Bit
terest literary foe. No one else waged
war on them from chapter to chapter
and book to book war in which there
was hardly an exception and no relehting.
Yet it may be doubted whether Thlck-
cray has caused the present reaction
against domestic work has had any
considerable share in it. 1t is doubtful
whether the causes are in any degree
bookish. There realities enough in
the seamy side of household drugery to
account for general reluctance to enter
it. But above and beyond this there are
the new ambition and opportunity born
of modern conditions notably the educa-
ton of children. The Spectators dis
covery' is not uninteresting, but it is to
be taken rather as demonstrative than
real 1t is not because they find that any
author or group of authors and their
readers have been scornful toward service
that the young people avert their faces
from it today, but because they have
themselves acquired some of the stand
ards of their quondam "betters' and so
view its conditions and sacrifices from a
somewhat scornful viewpoint of their
own.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

with economy. One of the best en-
gineers in the south was in charge of
the building of a railroad of several
hundred miles into this district
through long stretches of rugged
country. Difficult engineering prob
lens were involved and after the en-
pineer had finished his work he was
said to have performed engineering
feats that would do credit to any en-
gineer in the United States. When
asked what the first essential of
civil engineer was the man referred
to answered laconically, "horse sense
He simply meant by that that all pro-
fessional engineers had a thorough
mathematical education, but that in
addition to textbook learning an en-
gineer should have broad knowledge
of men and an abundance of common
sense. 1t may be that the state can
get a good man for $4,000 salary,
but it should be borne in mind that
a cheap man is often very expensive
in the long run.
However, it is believed that the
legislature will give all the demands
of the Alabama Good Roads associa-
tion thorough consideration and adopt,
at least, the more important of the
measures, including, let US
hope, the use of convicts on the state
HIGHWAYS.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
TROOP HORSES BURDENS


Cavalry are playing an unexpectedly
large part in the war, and the weight car
ried by cavalry horses in the various
armies is of interest Our cavalry is
armed with the short Lee-Enfield rifle, the
magazine of which holds 10 rounds; the
sword, which is carried by all ranks ex-
cept signallers; and the revolver, carried
by warrant officers, staff-sergeants, SER
eeants, trumpeters and drivers. Each
trooper carries 100 rounds of AMMUNITION
In a bandolier over the left shoulder.
Lancer regiments carry the lance. Alto
gether the British troop-horse carries
about 20 stone.
The Cossack pony carries about II stone.
The average weight carried by the In
dian troop horse when ready for war is
about 10 stone. The Austrian troopers
carry a weight of between q and % stone
and the average in the French and Ger
man armies is about the same.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
Census Figures ON Cotton Crop

THE census reports showing the GIN
ming of 100000 bales of the present crop
of cotton to date of December points to
a 10000, OO0-bale crop" said former cot
ton man.
owing to the market conditions, pick
ing and ginning has been more steady
than ordinarily would have occurred had
there been steady marketing. The time
used in hauling cotton to market or to
railroad stations for shipment has been
put in picking the crop. 1 have visited
several sections of the state during the
past 60 days and have been surprised that
the fields have been so thoroughly
CLEANED, considering the prices that have
prevailed. I believe the 'buy-a-bale'
movement and the propaganda to hold
cotton for 10 cents had the effect of rails
ing the hope of better prices and spurred
the farmers to gather what seemed
crop to be sold at losing prices. Then
too, the favorable picking seasons have
helped and farm labor, owing to the
prices of the two last crops-averaging
1914 cents-was plentiful. But I doubt if
twill be next year"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
LITTLE BREECHEs


BY John Hay.
l don't go much on religion,
never amt had no show;
But I'v got middin' tight grip, Sir
On the handful O. things I know.
don't pan out on the prophets
And free-will, and that sort of thing
But / b'lieve in God and the angels
Ever since one night last spring.
I come into town with some turnips,
And my little Gabe came along
No four-year-old in the county
Could beat him for pretty and strong,
Peart and chippy and sassy,
Always ready to swear and fight
And I'd learnt him to chaw terbacker
Jest to keep his milk teeth white
The snow come down like blanket
AS I passed by Taggart's store;
went in for jug of molasses
And left the team at the door.
They scared at something and started
heard one little sqliall
And hell to split over the prairie
Went team, Little Brooches and all
Hell to split over the prairie
L was almost froze with skeer;
But we rousted up some torches
And searched for 'em far and near,
AT last we struck bosses and wagon
Showed under a soft white mound,
Upset. dead beat-but of little GahA
No hide nor hair was founds
And here all hopes soured on me-
2 OF my fellow critters aid
jest Topped down on my marrow bones,
Crotch deep in the snow and prayed.
BY this the torches was played out,
5 And me and Isrul Parr
Went off for some wood to a sheepfold
That he said was somewhat thar.
We found 1t at last and a little shed
Where they shut up the lambs at night.
We looked in and seen them huddled
= Thar, SO warm and sleepy and white,
And thar sot Little Breaches and chirped.
AS pert as ever you see,
IT want chaw of terbacker
And that's what's the matter of me-
How did he git thar? Angels.
He could never have walked in that
storm.
They Jest scooped down and toted him
To whar it was safe and warm
And I think that saving a little child.
And fotching him to his own,
Is q burned sight better business
Than loafing around the throne.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

The Liebler company. which recently
failed in New York, was one of the larg-
est and Oldest firms of producers in the
theatrical business. 1t was managed by
George C. Tyler and has sent many large
companies to Birmingham in past years.
The company was forced into bankruptcy
by three small creditors whose claims
total only $500, but it is stated that the
liabilities of the firm are $780,, 900, while
the assets. consisting of plays. contracts.
scenery and leases on theatres are placed
at 100000. Although it had been rumored
for sometime that the Liebler company
was in financial difficulties, the direct
cause of failure is said to have been the
loss sustained in producing 1.-THE Gar
den of Paradise" an elaborate spectacle
which did not come up to expectations in
a financial way. This production is said to-
have cost $4,000 before the curtain was
raised on the opening performance.
George C. Tyler is one of the best known
and most popular men in the theatrical
business. He organized Liebler & Co.,
as the firm was known at first, with Theo-
dore A. Liebler in 1896. AT that time Mr..
Liebler manufactured theatrical litho-
graphs and Mr. Tyler was a young news
paper man from Ohio, having entered the
theatrical world as manager for James
O'Neill. The firm began business with
Charles Coghlan as its star, and was i'm
mediately successful. Viola Allen in 1.-THE
Christian made a great deal of money
for the company. 1t is estimated that the
receipts from this attraction alone
amounted to more than 100000 in three
years. Stars who have been managed
by the firm are Eleonora Duse, Rejane.
Albert Chevalier, Kyrle Bellew, Eleanor
Robson, William Faversham, Ada Rehan,
Gertrude Elliott. Mary Mannering. George
Arliss, Cyril Maude and many others.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
The Presidents Address to Congress

Like all the public utterances of
President Wilson, his address before
Congress yesterday was at once sem
tentious, grave and ringing.
If these be days of carnage in the
old world, the United States will not
only remain neutral but so long as Mr..
Wilson is at the helm, it will be the
leader in propaganda for peace.
There has been much discussion Of
late as to the question of this coun-
try's preparedness for war. A far
reaching coast defense system has
has been gradually developed. Ac-
cording to competent engineers and
strategists our coast defenses are ade-
quate. More soldiers are needed-per-
haps ten to twelve thousand more
than the army, with its present nu-
merical strength, can spare to man
the defenses; but the President has
the authority to increase the number
of enlisted men up to 100000. No
Legislation, therefore, to enlarge the
regular military establishment will be
necessary.
President Wilson appreciates the
value of the National Guard, and is
firmly committed to its maintenance
on the present high standard; but he
is irrevocably opposed to a great
standing army. Among the para
graphs in the Presidents address
which were listened to with rapt at
tention, were these:
We are the champions of peace
| and concord. We should be very
jealous of this distinction which
we have sought to earn. We never
| have had, and while we retain our
present principle and ideals, we will
never have large standing army.
If you ask: Are we ready to defend
ourselves, we reply: Most assuredly
to the utmost; and yet we shall not
turn America into an armed camp
We must depend in every time of
national peril, in the future as in
the past, not upon a reserve army,
but upon citizenry trained and ac-
customed to arms.
1t is not new (the question of the
national defense). There is no new
need to discuss 1t. We shall not al
ter our attitude toward it because
some amongst us are nervous and
excited We shall easily and sensi-
bly, agree upon a policy of defense.
The question has not changed its
aspect because the times are not
normal. Our policy will not be for
an occasion. 1t will be conceived as
permanent and settled thing,
which we will pursue at all seasons,
without haste and after fashion
consistent with the peace of the
word, the abiding friendship of
states and the unhampered freedom
| of all with whom we deal.
In view of recent clamor in some
quarters for stronger military policy
on the part of the government, the
President made his peace note doml-
nant and his opposition to anything
like militarism emphatic, but he put
! in a good word for the business world.
All in all, President Wilson's ad-
dress at the opening of the last ses-
sion of the Sixty-third Congress was
one of his most characteristic and
convincing.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
ALABAMA SANCTUMS

st. Clair County News They say it
costs $500 to fire one 14-inch gun. AT
this rate we couldn't shoot a fire
cracker.
Florence Times: The next legislature
of Alabama is likely to make some rad
ical changes in the laws, especially in
the statutes relating to taxation. OF
will also very likely abolish and con-
solidate some of the numerous offices
of the state. And the people would like
to see this done.
Talladega Mountain Home: What has
become of the good old country woman
who used to come to town and sell dried
apples, buy balled thread and knitting
needles?
Dadeville Spot Cash: Just how the
newspapers escaped the war tax we
have been unable to figure out. Usually
they are called on first to help bear the
brunt of all misfortunes.
Marion County News: The state Of
Alabama has been spending more money
since 1907 than she received, and until
expenses are cut down the deficit will
continue to grow. Offices must be abols
shed and salaries reduced and the
state got out of debt at the earliest
possible moment.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
A Former birmingham Man

e. j. Putnam, formerly of Birmingham
but now of Atlanta, has been spending
a few days here. He and his good wife
were among the most popular people of
this community. Mrs. Putnam will be
recalled as a most delightful singer. Mr..
Putnam is now the district director of
the Trus-Con boratories-waterproof
technical paints, etc.-of Detroit.
Il like Atlanta very much, but I have
never lost my interest in Birmingham, -
said Mr.. Putnam. Il have many good
friends here, and I have had the pleas
ure of meeting quite a number of them
on this trip. When 1 lived here some
years ago Birmingham was just begin
ming to make good start. 1t has grown
wonderfully since then. The improve
ments In the business district have been
handsome, and the residence sections are
very beautiful, indeed. The fact is that
birmingham is now one of the most beau
tiful cities in the United States
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
AN AID TO DIGNITY.

Il didn't realize until this dancing craze
swept over the country and octogenarians
rheumatism and the govt are blessings in
disguise"
What do you mean?"
Those two complaints have prevented
great many old ladies and gentlemen
from making themselves ridiculous by try
ing to dance the tango and the latest
trots."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
THE VERY PLACE

une.
Birmingham people believe that
good place to manufacture government
armour plate. OF course it is.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
THE wEATHER's vAeARIEs.

THE WEATHER'S VAGARIES.
When Christmas shoppers throng the
stores
And lovely gifts are on display.
It's then the rain unceasing pours,
AS If to wash the town away.
When there's no reason why we should
From warmth and shelter venture out,
The sun shines down as IL he would
Put bold Jack Frost himself TO rout.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
HIS CHOICE.

Think of those young Englishmen pre-
ferring football to war; exclaimed the
man with red blood in his veins.
mot much difference. after all. is
there?" asked the anaemic individual. 81
should prefer tennis to war;
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
UNMovEp.

"You made me what I am today. hone
you're satisfied"
He warbled from the depths of his de-
spair;
The maiden had stony heart-that could
not be denied
And seemed well pleased to think she'd
put him there.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
BEGINNING THE ID

BEGINNING THE DAY My
Father. give me sensitive con-
science, May even my little sins
hurt me until / shall have them
out. May the slightest turning OF
Thy face Cypress my spirit. MAY
the Ienst distance between us make
me unhappy. Take away my peace
rob me of my sleep. when I wander
from Thee. Amen.-H. NJ. Il.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

Charley Schwab's prompt acceptance of
President Wilson's views concerning the
manufacture of submarines for warning
nations is fine example to malefactors
body.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

By extricating himself from a perilous
position and capturing LODI General Hin
denburg proves himself entitled to few
busts in Berlin, after all.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

1t isn't going to do any harm to find
out just what sort of army and navy
Uncle Sam depends on to uphold his dis
approval of war
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

There's no reason why everybody in
this part of the country shouldn't have
Christmas dinner If the 'possums and
sweet potatoes hold out.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

An .optimist is a person who anticipates
the time when people will revert to the
belief that a restaurant is simply place
in which to eat
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

Anna Held's daughter is in Birmingham
this week. and has no trouble in making
her eyes behave
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

The electrical supply jobbers who are
meeting in Birmingham are the kind of
men known as live wires"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

At any rate those iron helmets the
Prussian soldiers wear prevent them from
being sandbagged
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
NOT THERE.

That man will come to great distress
Who drinks too often pours
And thinks the road to happiness
Leads through some swinging doors.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

There is nothing doing at the Moulin
Rouge, the Rat Mort and other fast
resorts in Paris. Still, that doesn't in
dictate that has Satanic majesty has gone
to the front
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

You never can tell what the future
holds in store. Villa and Zapata may
some day be hailed as the saviors OF their
country
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Christmas checks Being Mailed

I'VE are now mailing checks totaling
about $4,000 to members of our Christmas
club" said Cashier Mooney of the Trad
ers National bank. THE club has made a
fine hit. We started it only this year, and
its membership grew rapidly from the
day we opened the books.
Our Christmas checks especially de-
signed, are naturally emblematic of the
season, and we think them very pretty.
AT any rate, each check will make some
one glad
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

The French Parliament will meet in
hoped to be laying down the law there.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

A great many people are still wonder
ing If the "Y" in Ypres is pronounced
as the "Y in Ypsilanti.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

General Carranza is in the unfortunate
predicament of man with abbrevi-
ated past and no future.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

o. it offends me to the soul to hear
n robustious pcriwig-pated fellow tear
i. passion to tstters, to yer rags.
Hamlet.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09

Representative Gardner speaks of chic
reform. This is no time for anesthetics
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-09
Mr.. Redd's views

'"rhe article of Mr.. William P. Redd Of
Birmingham, which first appeared in the
New York Journal of Commerce, and
which was reproduced in Tuesdays Age
Herald, was most timely, said a member
of the Chamber of Commerce
ut was on the cotton situation, and no
better advice could have been given to the
cotton farmer A great deal that has been
written recently about cotton has lacked
practical ideas, but Mr.. Redds discus
sion was extremely practical and his ideas
were sound Every cotton farmer should
read it,"