davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Dr. Charles whelsp

The work of Dr. Charles Whelan. one of OUT worthiest citizens, has never been fully appreciated" said a prominent man
 for several years In the capacity of city physician Dr. Whelan has devoted his time and energy to the aleviation of the conditions of the poor and lovlv His efforts brought some of the sunshine of Happiness in many homes and his infIu- ence with the constituted authorities light ened the workhouse sentence of many a poor derelict who just wanted anotber opportunity to renew the battle for ex- istence at liberty and at peace with the world.
 It is at the city jail that the work of Dr. Whelan comes out in bold relief. At this refuge and prison of the rifr-ra fp appear the sick and the injured at all hours of the night. A negro woman will appear with a broken head the compli- ment of worthless spouse, and a basty telephone message will summon Dr. Whe- ian out Of his warm bed to attend the case. This physician and able surgeon is on call at all hours of the day and night and his services are devoted gratis to the poor and suffering of the city.
 With pr. Whelan the question has never been to ascertain the merits of any case, but what he could do in the way of service for the patient. Such men as pr Whelan are necessary in the up- building of greater and better Bir- mingham and he should have at times the hearty cooperation of the public"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Fatal Aeroplane Accidents

Because no authoritative list of fatalities to military avlators In Europe is available, the number of aviators killed in 1914 cannot yet be determined. However, the number of aeroplane fatalities outside the war zone will give one some idea of the risk the average "birdman" runs in time of peace and under normal con- ditions.
 Excluding fatalities directly due to the war, or not reported because of conditions in the war zone, the total aviation death list for 1914, according to an estimate made by Popular Me chanics, contains 149 names. There were 192 in 1913, 40 in 1912, TT in 1911, 32 in 1910, in 1904 and in 1908. This makes a total of 595 per- sons who have lost their lives since the Wrights first made flight in heav- fer than air machines practical. It is impossible to estimate from these figures, however, whether or not the ratio of deaths to the number of fliers is greater or less than in the early stages of aviation. It must be less, for there are now hundreds of aviators where there were formerly only few.
 The activity of aviators in the Eu- ropean war is very great and avia- tion has now become so commonplace and so practical that the loss of life among fliers is probably less, in com parison with the number of men en- gagged in it, than it is in some other hazardous callings. In fact, a mere flight in an aeroplane is no longer considered dangerous. It is only the "aerial joyride" and the sstunts" done for exhibition purposes that are really perilous.
 Last year there were only 15 Amer ican airmen killed, but it must be re- membered that in spite of the fact that Americans were the pioneers in aviation, Europeans have far sur passed us in developing its possibili- ties and the number of foreign air men greatly exceeds the number in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Tho New Majority Leader

,Elaude Kitchin of North Carolina, who will succeed Oscar w. Under wood as chairman of the ways and means committee and majority leader in the next House of Representatives, is not an old man, but he is one of the older members of Congress in point of service. He was born in 1869 and WAS elected member of the F1fty- seventh Congress and of all succeed ing Congresses.
 As a member of the ways and means committee he has been a stu dent of economic questions and Is recognized as one of the ablest o1 tariff for-revenue-only democrats. Congressman Kitchin comes of good o.d North Carolina stock. His older brother, William Walton Kitchin, was governor four years-19O9-l3 The two men were born at Scotland Neck, in Halifax county, where great many stalwart Carolinans first saw the light. It is small town but is known as a stronghold of rock ribbed democracy. Both Kitchins are lawyers by profession and received their academic training at Wake For est college, one of the oldest Baptist institutions of the south.
 Claude Kitchin will find it no easy matter to make record as leader anything like Underwood's. Senator elect Underwood is an exceptionally masterful leader. He is man of con- structive ideas and is an adept at bringing about and preserving party harmony. Kitchin is personally popu- lar, and that will goa long way to- ward his success as leader.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
AN AROUND THE WORLD WAR
Homer Croy in Leslie's.

Homer Croy in Leslie's.
 Vl HEN the war started I was in
 W Singapore. The night before, the careless crowd had been sit- ting on the hotel lawn consuming large quantities of beer and watching the snake charmers. Then word of the war; money disappeared, the cables closed and the snake charmers languished behind the banyan bush. When I reached Rangoon the deadly seriousness of it was forced on me when the ship was on was taken over by the government and the passen- gers so hastily transferred that for all I know some of my belongings are still on the ship.
 As I proceeded toward London by slow degrees the reports of war became more and more serious. even though every word we received was double censored. In h. dia. war showed it's grimy head more alarmingly than ever: more troops were marching, more bands playing. Rajahs and maharajahs were enlisting and financ- ing companies out of their own pocket books. In Bombay, Indian troops were ouartered on the green. their horses
 
 way of tying. In the middle of the night OK carts with army paraphernalia went creaking past. Creeping to my window I could see bearded drivers twisting the oxens tails in an effort to catch a boat. Wandering up the street, I was halted by uniform, and it took me four days to get my camera back. I had crossed over the haf-mile line of the fortifica- tions.
 At Ahmendnagar I saw 300 German rrisoners complacently smoking their pipes and playing football, stolidly taking their imprisonment as one of the forfeits of the game. Two weeks in Bombay had to wait for a ship, so crowded were they with officers and officers wives; during which time almost every daylight hour troops marched past; sometimes to the dock to sail away, none knew where. But mostly the sailing away was done in the night, when none knew how many.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Brilliant YioIInist snturdns

Frank Gittelson the violinist who will give recital under the auspices Of the Music Study club Saturday aft ernoon at 3 o'clock at the Southern club, has a fine reputation said a local musician
 lie has been in much demand this season and notwithstanding his com parative youth he plays with great maturity and finish. according to the critics. The Music Study club deserves high praise for it's enterprise in pre- senting large number of recital ar- tists this season. The club will bring one or two more, I understand. be- Tore the season closes.
 "Birmin sham has had more music of the better sort this winter than ever before. The Sunday concerts managed by two ladies. Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Frazier, have been decidedly success full Miss Jenny Dufau last Sunday made wonderful hit. I can count 16 reeitals that we have already had since the first of last November-some of them local but of rare merit-and I may have overlooked one or two.
 Sunday concerts by the Birmingham Orchestral association will add va riety to our musical activities and af ford great pleasure and concert or two by Memoli and his band would be welcome
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
NOW DYER KNOW ?

We do not wish to criticise the things the ladies wear Their himsy gowns. their cultures or their dainty little hats; But we'd be very much obliged if We could be but made aware Why girls with large extremities will wear those shrieking spats.
 Philadelphia Ledger. If you would know the reason why the girls are wearing spats. Though their extremities reach out twelve inches-or a mile Just ask em why they're wearing gowns and coats and furs and hats. Lord bless em. they are wearing spats because spats are in style! -Rody McPhee, in Springfield Union. The reason they are wearing spats is that they must have seen Some Houston maiden wearing them and got it in their bean That if they put on spats like hers, they'd make the sort of stir She makes whenever she trips by, and maybe look like her.
 Houston Post. We do not mind their wearing spats, if that's the latest style. Nor cen those dinlSy little hats that make a fellow smile, But there's one thing to which our mind most every day reverts, The damsels who are pjgeon-toed shoudS not wear skinpy skirts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
A REPORT FROM MARS

From the Chicago Daily Journal.
 If the oft-quoted traveller from Mars could take a look at the armies of idle men, one can imagine him sending back & report something like this:
 "The earth people, especially those in the part called the United States have finished improving their planet. They have no canals to dig, no transportation system to improve, no rivers to curb, no mountains to pierce, no swamps to drain, no deserts to water no houses to build I have not been over the country to verify these facts, but I know they must be true. for in their cities I see tens of thou sands of men asking for work, and quite unable to find It."
 Since 1t is impossible that an intelligent community would let me starve Tn idle ress when anything remained to be done, I am driv en to the conclusion that there is no useful work left unfinished in the United States"
 The logic of such a report is flawless. It is possible, however, that the Martian made a slight mistake in assuming that the earth is occupied by intelligent beings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Regarding Commission Incrc,s.

It appears that no form of opposi- ton will develop in the state legis1a- ture to the proposed amendment to the Birmingham commission bill to make the commission a body of five men in stead of three," said we'll known man who returned yesterday from a few days visit to Montgomery
 The Jefferson delegation is unan- lmous for an increase of two members. understand, and as far as is known ,here appears no reason why members Of the legislature from other counties should oppose 1t. If the proposition were to be submitted to the voters of Birmingham l think it would easily carry. Therefore, when the bill is con- sidered it is expected it will pass both branches of the legislature, probably without much debate.
 If such a change is made and there seems no doubt of it now, we will have a rather interesting election this fall when the two new members, in all probability. will be elected and when the commissioner of public justice will be up for election,'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Cafe Music

Ten or a dozen years ago hotel pro- prietors and cafe managers were dis cussing the question of dinner music and whether or not it paid. It was a live question, particularly in Lon don and New York, where scores of fashionable cafes maintained expen- sive orchestras. But music has come to be such an established institution during the noon luncheon and the 2 o'clock dinner, to say nothing of the supper after the theatre, that no first class hotel or restaurant could dis pense with it.
 People enjoy hearing a good orches- tra or a good singer while they are eating. It is a noteworthy fact that the quality of hotel and restaurant music has been improved in a very marked degree. It used to be that the winning and dining public would
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22

The corner stone of the first of the new Wellesley college buildings. which will compose the college hall triangle, was re- gently laid. The stone is the same that
 rested on the corner of College hall and
 was recut after having been recovered from the ruins of the burned building.
 The total amount raised for the restora- ton and endowment funds of the college was s2,4so,500. which was nearly s51 GOO in excess of the sum required to secure con- ditional gifts In addition, $420oo was raised to meet deficits for current Ax- penses. Nearly half of the total amount raised was donated by women. or the g, ,4So,5oo. $1.147,00o is in cash and securi ties, besides insurance of $56oooo, and si- 3s333,oOo Is in pledges that will be redeemed January l, 1916. and January l. 1917. The Rockefeller foundation gave s75o,0OO. the general education board s2OO, 900 and An drew Carnegie ss5.OOo. The new buildings to be erected at Wellesley will cost s1,- 74o,Oo0.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22

this country. In the first five months of the year Is Englishmen, 42 French men, 37 Germans, IS Russians, Ital- ians, 3 Belgians and 15 persons of other nationalities were killed. Peace ful accidents in the remaining five months, so far as reported, caused the deaths of T Englishmen, French men and 1 Argentinean. Of these vic tims 116 were pilots and B were pas segers and mechanicians.
 In 1913 nine spectators were killed by falling aeroplanes or struck by propellers, but no accident of this kind happened in 1914.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
POINTED PARAGRAPHS

From the Chicago News.
 Two rights always make wrong speaking of shoes.
 The girl with the most cheek does the least blushing.
 man never tires of attempting to lower his record.
 Wall flowers are rociety girls who have been nipped in the bud.
 Too many sermons are aimed at pocket books instead of at hearts.
 Nobody Is entitled to wear halo just because he has never been in jail.
 A few months in school teaches some children how little their parents know
 No matter how homely a minister is a woman always says he has good face.
 It is easier for a girl to throw a young man over than it is for her to hit what she throws at.
 Even when the doctor doesn't know what is the matter with the patient-but he usually knows enough to keep his lack of knowledge to himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
Bright Outlook for City

The city government has been in
 financial hole for several years,
 and at one time it looked as if it
 might get deeper in; but when Presi- dent Commissioner George B. Ward, especially responsible for the financing of the city, called to his aid an ad- visory committee of 100 we'll known and representative citizens, to report on plans for municipal relief, the sit uation became brighter. And if the committee at it's meeting this after noon adopts the reports of the sub committees-on temporary relief, permanent relief and the city's op- erating expenses-there will be plain sailing, to to speak.
 These subcommittee have labored faithfully to reach practical conclu- sions and they have done so. Each re- iport has definite recommendations The committee on permanent relief had probably the most difficult prob lems to deal with. 1t found that more revenue was absolutely needed and that the only way to raise it during the next few years until an equaliza- ton board could be created and w0r}6u out system fair for all, would
 by increasing the tax rate-not eX- ceeding 30 cents on the dollar-$1.5 instead of $1.
 But the committee hit upon the wise and statesmenlike method of putting the question right up to the voters. There can be no increase according to the recommendation of the ommittee-unless the people vote for it. If they oppose 5O- cent increase they can make it lower. Another good feature of the proposi- tion is that the increase may be for one, two or three years, but no longer than three years without new referendum.
 Prohibition will cut the city of Bir- mingham out of an annual revenue of $142,5 ,500. This fact therefore makes the committees recommendation all the more convincing, particularly in view of the fact that the committee on the city's operating expenses calls for more money for police, sanitation, schools and playgrounds.
 It is hoped and believed that har- mony will characterize the committee of 100 just as the spirit of harmony has prevailed in the subcommittees. Let every one of the 100 be present this afternoon and let every one take broad and public-spirited view of the city's financial difficulties and do all in his power to put Birmingham well on its feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
VISION

By Charles Hanson Towne. Sometimes in a crowded street I see The faces of those that love- and those
 that are loved; And in the rush of traffic. The laundering sounds of the city, l Wondering about their loves-which are
 their lives ! know them by their eyes, and by then glances; l know them in a way may not name. And I know those that have won and
 those that have lost In the eternal battle of the world. But they that have lost have not always
 a sad countenance: Sometimes their lips smile As if with an old comprehension, And one might be deceived, save for
 tragic eyes The smiling, yet unsmiling eyes above
 the mouth. Those eyes have read in the great Book And they are changed, they are changed
 forever, And those lips have kissed the pages of
 the book, And they. too, are changed forever. Only lips can lie-but eyes can never de-
 ceive. And those that have won-not always do
 they smile, Often they seem to be secretly weeping. As if with joy too terrible to bear Strange. strange are the countenances of
 those that love. I know them all-brothers and sisters of
 Love; I know them. and they know me. too. I can tell by their eyes Their eyes that follow me with knQwi- s edge. With pity, with solemn understanding.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22

l Rogers, Brown &s Co.'S Cincinnati re- port, just issued, says in part: "The first three weeks of the year have not produced any unusual features in the iron and steel trade Some branches are prospering more than others; pig iron continues quiet.
 There appears to be an increase in melting by certain consumers and ship ments on contracts are keeping up we'll What irregularity there is in prices is due to each case being considered sep- arately and each furnace looking at the matter from it's own point of view. IL is stated that reports of cut prices re- gently made on large sales in the Buff falo and eastern territories are without foundation.
 Conservative improvement is reflected
 in various directions. Reports from the east indicate that in recent trade meet ings which have been held there the opin- ion as to the future was unanimous While some lines are markedly better, the iron and steel business is Jogging along. There is nothing sensational in
 it's action and it is felt that conditions are sound and becoming more settled Prospects are promising and every day adds to the sum of confidence. From condition of pessilnism the east par ticular1y is changing into active optimistic attitude and the effect is being felt in almost every line
 'The principal element of interest in the iron and steel trade today Is the busi- ness which the railroads are consider ing and placing. They are still conserva- tive in their placing of rail and eauip- ment orders Structural steel business is about on a par with railroad material, the contracting being light It was re- ported that some 300,000 tons of rails have been bought since the first of January and the orders for war material in the metal lines continue.
 'The iron trade revival, as is eml- nently fitting, is gradual and normal. It is not one of the periodic sprees or booms such as have been produced in the past and which it is believed will never re- appear on our business stage. The whole attitude is one of quiet hope and con fdence intermixed with caution.
 .December's remarkable showing of our standing in foreign trade proves that our export business is completely reversed from three months ago and adds another to the general influences for broad and increasingly active business The vol ume of our foreign trade at the present time is a subject for considerable in- terest."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22

In Egypt. war loomed grmier and greedier than ever. Every foot of the miles of the Suez canal was guarded by Egyptians in turbans and mother-hub- hards, riding camels up and down the bank. rifles in ready holsters. Bad-tem- pered looking rapid-fire guns squatted on the bank, while in the crows nests sol- diers sat turning their telescopes up and down the canal and across the desert Fishing craft had been denied the water, for one had been captured mine laying Five thousand Gurkas were guarding the canal night and day, while English troops were out blowing up the wells across the desert to keep the Turks away.
 Closer and closer I seemed to be get ting to the war. The nearer I came to London the louder grew the roaring When I got on at Port Said for actual London l found two Emden victims for my cabin mates: two petty officers now going home to sail away on another ship
 At Malta the rumor began to fly around the ship that spy was on board. Noth- ing can get around faster than gossip on ship, where people haven't anything else to occupy their minds. She was an Eng fish woman who had married a Moham- medan and had embraced his faith along with him.
 At Gibraltar I wanted to go ashore for the two hours that the ship would be in port, but l was refused a permit al- though had plenty of papers. Just what harm an American could do by mailing few post cards ashore wasn't quite evil dent. However, after little maneuver- ing, l got a pass, but it was examined four times before I got foot on the most famous rock in the world.
 For four months, through the Feder- ated Malay States, India, Egypt and the Soudan I had been seeing war The closer I got to London the bigger and blacker 1t loomed I imagined that when got to the city itself it would be all war. But I was surprised. I was astonished-there wasn't as much war in London as in Ran- goon or Bombay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22

put up with anything called music They wanted something frivolous and something noisy
 Today all the best hotels and cafes, including those of Birmingham, em- ploy only capable musicians-artists fit to play in the big symphony or ganizations-and the compositions they play are for the most part stand ard. Of course, people now and then call for the latest vaudeville tunes. At the present time every cafe orches- tra has to play "Tipperary" at least three times day, but ten times as much good music is heard and en- Joyed as the mediocre stuff; all which indicates an advance in taste gener- ally.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-22
MOHAMMEDAN FETvAs

yranyali Muftizade in the Outlook
 fetva, as must be known to those familiar with Islamic Jurisprudence, is a written decision on some point of law. It has two parts. the first is question summarizing the problem; the second, an answer giving the decision on that problem in a very laconic manner. In connection with the present war five separate fetvas were issued. It may be of interest to quote them:
 '.when 1t is found with certainty that the lives and properties of Mohamme- dans are exposed to the danger of being taken and pillaged and the Caliph, ac- cording to his right, declares a jehad (holy war), will 1t be necessary and im- perative for all Moslems in all quarters of the world. whether young or old, to join the jehad with all their might?''
 Answer. Yes.'
 Therefore. when the empire has been attacked-God forbid! with the inten- ton to annihiliate Islam. by Russia, Eng land and France. will 1t be necessary and