davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
HOUSING LETTER TO MEMBERS
 OFT. P. A. IS SENT BY BASS

nent prosperity than it is at this time.
 Stop, Think! What have you done tc forward the interest of this great order during the present year?
 Are you willing to be a laggard? Are you willing to stand idly aside while this great work goes on? Can you afford it? It is not too late, Begin now, and if as msny of you feel this letter in the in- tense personal way in which it is writ ten. and we hope yop will, December will wind up in blaze of glory.
 ''The national president writes: I have been doing some figuring today. and this is the way I figure; From December 1, 1914, to April 3O inclusive, 5sS4 applica- tions were accepted. If you can beat this re cord 2c00 during the same months you can lose 30o0 by lapse in January (which we will never dol and still show by far the largest gain that has ever been shown in the history of the association.'
 Now. boys, take up a notch in your belt spit on your hands!' Grab a root and growl
 "I have never called on you when you failed to respond What are you go- ing to do about it? J. R. BASS, National Chairman Membership Com
 mittee."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Six Carloads of Hogs
 Shipped From Dothan

Dothan, December 12.-(SpeciaL)- carloads of Houston county raised hogs, valued at about $5500 have been shipped from Dothan so far this fall and indications are that probably twice as many more will be ready for market dur ing the winter Hog raising promises to be one of the largest and most profitable substitutes for cotton in this section, and it is estimated that shipments from Dothan another year will amount to many thousand dollars.
 Diversified farming is getting undef good headway in this section, according to County Demonstration Agent L. J. Thompson. MT. Thompson says that at least 1000 acres will be planted in pea nuts for market by Houston county farm CTS another year This will be in addi- ton to probably four times that amount to be planted for feeding rogs. Fah acreage in oats has not been so large, but plans are under way for large in- CT ease in the spring planting. Sweet po- tatoes will also be tried out as a money crop and several car lots will be shipped from here as an experiment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
WHAT MAKES SUCCESS
By MRS. J. H. REID.

you know we do not figure enough on our own nature9 We have the ele- ments of good and bad, the weak and the strong. We neglect these very traits, leave idle our own qualities that on our real fortune and clamor for the praise of the world, glory in their dis corning our forces, naming our sue cesses, when we really know we have neglected the best that is in us, and are sailing on vain glory. Success; that success which stands out today too often spells money"
 We asked a very wealthy woman what her idea of success was, and she said: "Contentment-thi is priceless have known plenty, even luxury and extravaganza, and l would give every dollar l have not to feel restless Then I see the busy folks I wish I was one of them. There seems such freedom to be out among the fclks l have lived a life without intimates and I am lone- some If you wish me to nominate q successful woman I will name one who is content and is making the best of her hours. After all, there are two great elements, greater than all else for making success. These two are dispo- sition and friends"
 Strange these women questioned at different times should have all the idea of success that is a home produce manufactured in human soul, verify ing the oft said truth, we make the success or failure of our own lives.
 The old maid, questioned, replied: Success, why, it lies in home-making think every woman should marry, even if she Is disappointed, and she should stick to her job. You cannot play any game alone, even solitaire re- quires a King and Queen. Success and trying go hand in hand together Life is founded on partnership, no load is carried on a single dray. So I speak for the greatest success in life that success that makes the home it's best Peace of mind is above all else-the only success"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
SYLACAUGA

Sylacauga, December 12.-(Special) This week the water at the light and power plant of the city was turned on the new dam and race and the system has been greatly improved.
 Rev. Leon M Latimer has returned home after spending several days in Montgomery this week attending a meet ing of the Baptist mission board, of which he is a member.
 A union service of all churches will be held Sunday night at the First Baptist church. Rev. Clare Percelle of the First Methodist church will fill the pulpit.
 M. P. Coker. bailiff of Beat Il, in this county, has bought pair of English b'oodhounds to be trained for service in running down criminals.
 Mrs. F.. O.. Batson Is seriously ill at the family residence on Church street.
 It is estimated that 5000 or 1000 bales of cotton are being held by the farmers and merchants of Sylacauga, now stored in the warehouses of the town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
MACON NOW MEMBER OFT T.P.A.DIRECTORATE
Enthusiastic Meeting of Post Held Saturday Night-Alabama Division Has More Members Than Ever Before

sadly missed at the meeting, but Pres ident Robinson is optimistic and hopes that the colonel was merely staying away for the purpose of having more steam at the next meeting.
 Post went on record last night in wishing a merry Christmas and happy and prosperous New Year to travelling statesmen everywhere. The motion was made by F. o. Harvey and seconded by Mir. Fullerton, the vote being unani- imous.
 The local post wrote letter to Fred l.. Blackmon indorsing his movement to repeal the bankrupt law. It follows: Hon. Fred l.. Blackmon, Washington,
 D. C.:
 Dear Sir-We, Post B, Alabama di- vision of the Travellers Protective as- sociation, desire to indorse your move ment to repeal the bankrupt law. Yours respectfully,
 TRAVELLERS PROTECTIVE AssOCI-
 ALTON.
 By J. E. Robinson, President Post B, Alabama Division.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
WIRELESS MESSAGE
 FROM FORD PARTY

Christiania, December 12.-(Via London.) wireless message received from the Ford peace party on board the steamer Oscar II requests that hotel accommodate tions for 160 persons be arranged, A pri- vate Norwegian travelling bureau will undertake to find accommodations for the party Neither the American minis ter, Albert G. Schmedeman, nor Consul General E. Haldeman Dennison has heard anything from the party and will only receive Henry Ford as private citizen.
 The Oscar 1T is due here on December A. The Ford party will receive friendly welcome from the press and the public but nobody seems inclined to support Mir. Ford's peace propaganda. At meeting of the Students society, whose pulpit is open to any sound minded person who has anything to say on questions of pub lie interests, MT. Ford will be given an opportunity to lay his plans before the public
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Victory Medals

From the Washington Star.
 Germany has caused to be made a wonderful series of medals to commence rate her numerous victories since the be- ginning of the present war. She has allowed no incident to be considered un- worth yof a medal. Well known sculp- tors and medallsts have been engaged to design the medals, and not only bronze and silver, but even gold has been used In their manufacture. Many of them have cost considerable sums of money to issue. but in spite of their high prices they have commanded a very large sale,
 ec~re of the victories which have been hcnored with medals are Louvain, Ypres. Naubeuge and Tirlemont The medal for Maubeuge marks the defeat of the Eng fish cavalry brigades. A satirical medal was struck for the entry into the war of Japan. One of the most interesting of all the collection is a silver medal wit hthe portrait of General Won Kluck on the face and bearing the inscription
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13

Mach Paris, 1914" This was made at the time of the anticipated fall of Paris. Another medal which was struck to com memorate this same event bears this in- scription: We Germans only fear God nothing else in the world" These last must be given back to the melting pot.
 The destruction of the English fleet off the coast of Chile and also the sinking of the cruisers off the coast of Holland both received silver and bronze medals. The blockade of England was rewarded with a medal. 1t Is on this medal that the famous phrase "Gott strafe England" first appeared. And still another medal records the services of Count Zeppelin to his government. This medal is of bronze and bears the head of the count on one side an9 on the other there is 8 design and on 'the other there is de- sign Of a Zeppelin in midair dropping bombs down upon a fortified town
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
IT TWENTY NEW ONES TO- BE INITIATEDO ON NEXT
 SATURDAY E EVENING
Banquet Will Follow Celebration of U. C. T. and Charlie Abrams is Getting the Food in Readi- ness-New Gadsden Council to Be Formally Competed Next Saturday

new council will be given the United Commercial Travellers in next Monday $ Age-HerGld.
 Walter Mills blew into town from South Alabama Friday night to spend the holi- days and take much needed rest. The liz fellow reports good season.
 
 A. c. Fancher denies emphatically his intention of starting a stock farm, He says he only got the option on the black beauty to see how thoroughbred would perform
 w. A. Brown says his customers are preparing for a long winter by laying in I eavy supply of his good things to chew. When w. B. Rowe and Uncle Bob Ed wards take their degrees next Saturday night, their firm will be strongly repre- sented in the United Commercial Tray elers' circles, having all but one of their travelling salesmen enrolled.
 
 A Birmingham travelling man, repre- senting firm of national reputa ton which employees more than 100 traveling received last week let ter from his firm announcing that the total volume of sales in November last
  tory This speaks well for the Birming- nam territory and for the progressiveness of the salesman.
 Peyton Robertson, who represents the Buster Brown Hosiery company in the Birmingham territory, read an article on The Age-Herald's page for travelling men last Monday, entitled, -Four Little Devils" This article was, written espe- cially for The Age-Herald by George M. Plaisance and had to do with four com mon excuses for failure to sell a man. Mr Robertson thought so well of it that he sent a clipping of the article to his sales manager with a request that it be mimeographed and sent to all the com pany's salesmen. If you haven't read that article, get copy of the paper and do so. It is well worth while.
 The Age-Herald would be glad to get articles written by trave'ing men for use on it's page for travelling salesmen
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
IS UNITED STATES GETTING READY FOR TRADE EXPANSION? Some Financiers Think Ma tion Does Not Fully
 Realize Opportunity OTHERS, HOWEVER,
 BETTER SATISFIED Many of the Manufacturers Filling War Contracts Are Large Sub
 scribers to Anglo-French
By HOLLAND

New York, December 12.-(Special At the meeting of the international trade conference which was held in this city a few days ago, men of authority in large affairs spoke their minds freely, and in some cases with something of irritation, or at least criticism. These complaints were based upon the assertion that the United States is not preparing, as 1t should be doing, for the world-encircling, intense, although peaceful, battle for the command of markets struggle which is sure to begin soon after the war closes
 On the other hand, some who are of equally good authority intimated that we are preparing as rapidly as possible. although the changes and adjustments which are necessary before we are per- fectly equipped must be made carefully and gradually. There seemed to be an echo in some of the remarks of the state ment made by Elihu Root when as Secre- tary of State he visited South America and spoke in several of the capitals of South American nations. In Rio Janeiro, Secretary Root said that the United States wished to increase it's prosperity to expand it's trade, to grow in wealth, in wisdom and in spirit; but our conception of the true way to accomplish this is not to pull down others and to profit by their ruin, but to help all friends to a com mon prosperity and common growth, so that we may all become stronger and greater together.
 No one can have conversation with those who are leaders in our financial dis trict or in our business life without dis covering that there is no disposition on the part of the United States to gain wealth and prosperity at the expense of any other nation. Yet one of the speak CTS before the international trade confer ence went so far as to criticize American manufacturers and exporters, and in- ferentially, some American bankers. He intimated that our manufacturers were exacting eXorbitant profits and were in that way mourning the hostility of other nations, going so far as to say that that hostility would be openly avowed after the European war is ended. He charac- terized some of the negotiations as very harsh, of the kind which the term Shy nnl~ har i,,-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
rHE members of Post B, T. P. A,

"HE members of Post B, T. P. A.
 here, are in receipt of rousing letter from J. R. Bass, national chairman of the membership committee, urging them to even greater efforts at getting new members. MT. Bass is a Tennessean and for several years has been in the forefront in the record of new members secured.
 His letter follows:
 Grab a root and growl!
 Make a noise like getting a new one for December; 105s new members in No vember, a gain of 325. Here are eight of the leaders; Texas, 136; Missouri 1S2; Indiana. 105; Illinois, 1o4; Pennsylvania, 91; Georgia, SS; North Carolina, ST; Ne braska, AS.
 s'Men, we need 15O0 new members for December, and never was there better time to get them. Never were our mills and factories, our jobbers and distributors nor our travelling statesmen buster than they are today.
 "Never was our nation more certain that 1t stood face to face with a perma-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13

|D IRMINGHAM COUNCIL, No 172' |N United Commercial Travellers of A-< America, will put something like zO 4AAdIdates over the coals next Saturday night and, to amend in a measure for their cruelties, will extend to the mem ! bers Of the council banquet immediately after the initiatory exercises.
 Charles E. Abrams is chairman of the Entertainment committee. and will be as- sisted by Jim Laird, Grandpa" Kennedy and George M. Plaisance in putting the eats over in proper style. A menu that would do credit to the Ritz-Carlton is billed for the occa sion, and the first word that appears is olives. This is quickly ! Followed by celery which is trailed by | both lettuce and tomato salad, wearing a ! determined look. The salad is supplanted ! by oyster cocktail that carries a bite suf- ficient for the toughest man in the crowd. Philadelphia cream cheese sandwiches. ham sandwiches, and pimento cheese [sandwiches will vie with each other for honors in this line, and punch will then have the center of the stage, having as supporters fruit and nut cakes of assorted pattterns. Demi tasse and cigars will close that part of the dinner having to do with food. What else will happen depends upon the quality of the addresses which will be offered the travellers.
 Col. H. B Kennedy, the official keeper of his honorary goat, says he has been feeding the brute on red pepper and gin- ger for several months past, getting him in condition for the initiation next Sat urday The colonel is gathering his forces for the charge and will include some new features in his next appearance. How ever, it is thought that most of the candi- dates will be able to partake of the viands which will await them. A table suffl- ciently high to permit al, candidates 10 stand by it and eat will be in the banquet hall, as it is thought that few Of them will be in any mood to sit immediately after the initiation.
 Anniston council. No. Al, added to it's burden of laurels last Saturday night by rushing through several additional mem bers to it's live council. The total for last Saturday was seven. Col. w. H. Finn, one of Anniston's most prominent citizens, says he is proud of the record the boys are making and he is with them heart land soul. There are few councils in the state that have as much ginger and ag- gressiveness as are to be found in the ranks of the Aniston council.
 .
 Montgomery council also is taking on new life, and seven new members were added last Saturday night. when the nl- Itiatory exercises were held. This is help ing in the fight for 25o new ones, and it will be soon only 50 new ones needed to secure two representatives at the supreme council meeting next year.
 The final papers and charter for the newly formed Gadsden council are ex- pected to arrive this week, and next Sat urday Grand Counselor w. L. Wal or Huntsville will go over to Gadsden and
 install the counicl formally. A live ini- fiato committee from the Anniston council will accompany the grand coun- selor and the details of the birth of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13

n OST B, Travellers Protective asso N citation, met last Saturday night A at the Chamber of Commerce and President J. E. Robinson appohted S. J. Macon as a member of the board of directors to fill the vacancy caused by the death of H. E. Shropshire, Jr. The attendance was unusually good and much enthusiasm was displayed
 A. T. Baugh, Jr., was present and, as usual, was very enthusiastic over the membership campaign. MT. Baugh thinks that no man who is eligible can afford not to become a member of the T. P. A. and never overlooks an op- portunity to secure a new member.
 Tie Alabama division at the present time has more than ever before in it's history. The total is S67, of which 2T new ones were secured in November About two-thirds of this membership is in Post E.
 Col. H. B. Kennedy's usual speech was
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Heavy Snowfall

Richmond, Va, December 12.-The first heavy snow of the season fell through out Virginia and North Carolina tonight. Roanoke. Va, reported fall of five inches at midnight. Danvile reported eight inches with the snow still falling. Railroad traffic was delayed from all directions. A heavy fall also was re- ported at Greensboro and Raleigh, N. c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Another DuPont Explosion

Paulsboro, N. J., December l2.-An ex- plosion at the Repauno plant of the Du- Pont Powder company at Gibbstown, near here, late today wrecked building, but no one was injured. The building. which was blown to pieces, was used n4 and was located in the labora- tory section of the plant. The cause of the accident is not known. Virtually all the employees were off duty when the explosion occurred.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Hahits nf Candidates

From the Louisville Courier-Journal
 What has become of the canIi Ia, c who used tc h.v- his photo tah.n Lc- side a lo.d of "
 "He may be t,ic out of date. l.! w. ever, no candidate has as yet mustered up the nerve 10 havo his photo taken beside a stock ticker.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
ANOTHER PREPARATION

We may never know in detail what the individual or corporation subscr ptions to the Anglo-French loan of $500, 900 OO0 was. But there is no doubt that no small num- Der of the American manufacturing cor porations which have accepted and are now executing large war orders have made use of some part of their profits by subscribing to this loan. Every one surmises-and some who should know be- lieve-that the corporation identified by Charles M. Schwab's name turned a con- siderable part of the profits it's war or ders have given it into subscriptions to the Anglo-Fre loan. There Is one large manufacturing corporation which has been much occupied with war orders which subscribed an amount substantially equivalent to one-third of its estimated profits on the war business it did between November of last year and November 1 of this, year. No small part of the sub- scriptions to the Anglo-French loan repre- sents return to England and France in the form of a loan to be sure-of some of the payments made on account of Amer ican purchases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
AFTER THE WAR

Presumably after the war is ended the Parliament of Great Britain and the like body in France will institute an investi- gation so that it may be determined in what manner the money which these par liamentary bodies appropriated was ex- pended. A conspicuous feature of these investigations will be the searching for information respecting the manner in which English and French money was ex- pended in the United States. Some of the American manufacturers, and not ably J. P. Morgan & Co.,, have caused to be prepared, and will continue to pre- pare, accurate and detailed statements re- specting these expenditures. These state ments will be at the service of any n- vestigating body in England or in France J. P. Morgan & Co. have been so careful that they have not allowed any purchase to be made of commod ties manufactured by any industry in which the house has, directly or indirectly, any interest with out at first informing the authorities of Great Britain of that interest and leav- ing it to the decision of the British au- thorities whether or not purchases of the commodities of these industries shall be made
 Our bankers are as rapidly as possible, and upon terms which are not harshly ex- acting, perfecting credits whereby the foreign exchange market may be ade- quately protected. Therefore, 1t Is the opinion of those who should know that the United States. so far as its financial authorities are concerned, and within cer- tain limits, the authorities in manufac- turing industries are concerned, is en- deavoring to maintain friendly business relations with other nations and to as- sure these nations that this country will undertake. when the war is ended, to re- turn in considerable measure much of the funds and the credit which have been
 - a
 of the war by giving financial assistance, and it is hoped-if the authorities at Washington are willing-also by recip- rocal trade agreement
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
ANOTHER CRITICISM

Another criticism which was voiced to the delegates who attended the interna- tional trade conference was by implica- tion, at least, an accusation that while New York may become the money center of the world as it is temporarily the money center now, nevertheless we are not making preparations by means of which we may mainta n that supremacy.
 Notwithstanding these criticisms, the prevailing sentiment at this convention was encouraging. The belief was strong that we are getting ready as rapidly as possible~ to meet the opportunities which will be open to us at the close of the European war. One of the reasons for this belief lies in the recent association of men of large capital with intent to meet fairly and reasonably the inevitable demand which the world will make upon the United States for aid in financing it's necessities after the European war is ended. This means that we are prepar- ing, and in a large way, to make ad- vances to other nations, utilizing funds and credit which their purchases in the United States have furnished us with.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13
Look! Listen!!!
Our Streets and High,Oays Are In q Dep1orable Condition, Especially Those Connect
 ing the Suburbs With
 Old Birmingham
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? ISN'T THE

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE ISN'T THERE A
 REMEDY?
 Dan A. Hogan pledges himself to investigate this waste of the peoples money. He will advo- cate the removal of the cause or the man or men who are responsible for the almost impossible highways in the corporate limits of Greater Bir- mingham.
 Birmingham has many perplexing, practical problems to be solved and practical business man such as Dan A. Hogan is needed for these problems. His friends in every section of the city are working for him and the people will elect him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-13

new council will be given tine United Commercial Travellers in next Monday Age-Her&ld