davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
WAR ECHOES

Cleveland Plain Dealer: The primary obligation resting upon every American in these trying days is to keep cool
 Another merchant vessel flying the United States flag has come afoul a mine and been sunk. The grimness of war is brought home anew to neutrals across the sea. Treasure IS sacrificed and perhaps some lives lost
 But this does not mean that America is nearing war. It does not involve our national honor It means only that the people of the United States need to take a firmer grip on themselves
 As usual in every national crisis, the ;ingo is abroad in the land shouting his senseless riot alarms. Even in Congress men are found short sighted enough to try the coining of their nations peril into partisan advantage. They are few. thank heaven, and may their numbers grow lcss
 It is time for the sober common sense of the people of America, dscern- ing the difference between the real and the sham in public counsels, to remain firm in their faith as neutrals toward the war abroad There can be no mid dle ground. The United States must re- main neutral or be drawn into the vor- tex of the most disastrous conflict n the history of the world.
 We approach the fork in the road. In one direction lie continued nationaf non- or. comparative immunity from the scars Of conflict and a position of world use fitness. In the other lie disaster, a sur render of the ideals on which this na- ticn was founded, suffering untold and a setback to national growth which e century of peace could not overcome.
 stand by the President says William H. Taft. Stand by the government of the Ufited States. every patriot echoes.
 It is tremendous burden of responsi- hiiity which the administration heads at Washington are bearing. Delicate issues of international law arise every day In a large measure the position of the Unitcd States in respect to the war of the powers is without historic precedent. Stat, smanship must blaze path through forest of intricate and perlous compii- cations.
 But the wisest and abest administi a. tion could do little without the intelligent cooperation of the millions scattered across hill and slope and valley from one ocean to the other. And these are peace loving people. whom the issues of war abroad do not concern; whose safety for the present and hope for the future cerend on their country's continued pur- suit of peace.
 Let ITS be Americans first. whatever we are afterward. And, being Americans, true to the creed of the patriots of each Fer reration. we shall have the stability of character to keep cool in the present csisis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
Uncompleted Prohibition Legislation

There is certainly no rest for the faithful members of the Alabama leg islature. January 12, they convened in regular session and instantly jumped into harness. In a period of forty days, they worked twenty, and
 succeeded in enacting several rigid
 laws, some of them tending to pre-
 vent the sale of liquor in Alabama,
 and othersatending to make the former
 possible of enforcement.
 And having fulfilled their mission,
 the legislators, very tired from long
 and arduous service, convinced them
 selves that they were entitled to a
 rest of five months, nearly half a year. Whereupon, they passed a
 resolution in which was inscribed, "We do now adjourn" But scarcely had the lawmakers returned to their several homes and inclined their worn bodies on feathery beds, scarcely had they in ruminating over what had been accomplished, reached the con clusion that the second half of the ses- sion would not entail any extra ordinary duty, than flaws were found by hypercritical persons to exist in the net accomplishments of their pre- vious labor.
 It is now said that the prohibition laws will have to be made perfect, will have to be, in other words, com pleted. For some contend that viola tions might be indulged in by having whisky sent in packages labeled ''beer," and that vast quantities of creme de menthe and other alcoholic mixtures which are neither whisky nor beer, might be shipped into the state at will.
 So the situation is serious. Just a week ago, the legislators were thor oughly convinced that on reconven- ing in July their sole duty would be the completion of legislation regard ing the bull of Senator Bonner. And now it appears that in the "heated term" they will actually have to bend their legislative backs again in a des- perate effort to make Alabama "dry."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
A Remarkable Woman

Undaunted by months of suffering and surgical operation dangerous for woman of her years, Madame Sarah Bernhardt faces the future with the confidence and the buoy ancy of youth. Nothing is more indi- cative of this great woman's courage and optimism than statement credi- ted to her by newspaper correspond ent at Bordeaux. He writes:
 "Seven months of suffering and the shock of the operation have paled Sarah Bernhardt's cheeks, but her eyes have the same wonderful depth, end her voice the same tones. Lying in her great white bed, she is unhappy, because the eddying wind which bends the pines and magnolias prevents my having the window open, she said yesterday. To the question, Were you not frightened?' she answered.: ANOt db dil- lCil dSlCCP quite naturally, hearing far away harmonious chimes Then I awole to live again. Already am free from suffering, happy and full of courage, and now I am going to get well quickly. I shall obey the doctors inn plicitly, but as soon as they permit shall retake my place in the world. As soon as l have recovered complete ly shall resume my classes at the conservatory and then move heaven and earth to realize my dream Rostand's Princess Lointaine
 No wonder the world has ceased to marvel at the "Divine Sarah" She is still the actress, no matter in what circumstances she happens to be, and at time of life when the thoughts of most women turn to their grand children in one direction and to the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
- -
The Bull Bill Amended

It will be learned with joy by those citizens of Alabama who have trem- bled regarding the provisions of the famous bull bill, which immediately following.his splendid work in secur- ing prohibition legislation, Senator Bonner of Wilcox endeavored to enact into law, that the measure has been amended.
 Representative Ira B. Thompson of Baldwin county, having secured the amendment, is entitled to all the credit which is given in justice to one who tries against desperate odds to save his country. Very modestly Mir. Thompson, writing as follows in the Baldwin Times, lays claims to the dis tinction rightfully his:
 There has been some interest taken
 in the Bonner bull bill, which if it
 had passed the house in the form it
 passed the senate would have been
 very disadvantageous to our stock
 raisers This bill has not yet passed
 the house. but 1 want to assure the
 stock raisers they need not have any
 fear of it working hardships on them.
 I have attached an amendment to 1t
 which was satisfactory to the commit tee, also to the author of the bill, and that is that it shall be put into
 hx+ ha sioners.
 There are two features of the letter of MT. Thompson requiring attention The first, of course, is that which proves beyond all question that the legislature which is now serving the state regards very seriously the bill introduced by the father of prohibit tion and concerning which the state which is served has been and is still convulsed with laughter. The second feature is that which Spreads joy" throughout the commonwealth. For a careful reading of the letter makes it plain that every section can be re- lieved of the effect of the bill pro- vided the board of revenue are amen- able to ordinary reason.
 It is certain, therefore, that MT. Bonner's brilliant victory will be half . defeat after all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

Louisville and Nashville Railroad ha
 ever made has been in it's legitimate
 newspaper advertising, for in these ad- yertisements 1t has presented to the public it's facilities for doing business. it's part in the up-buildipg of the states 1t traverses and it's good qualities gem orally. As a matter of fact, the Louis- vile and Nashville Railroad is a great system. It has done more than any oth- CT one medium. outside of the Tennes- see Company. to build up the Birmipg- ham district.
 Regardless of the political mania of some of its controlling officers for power it is a great system and will be better one now that It's officers know they must keep out of corrupting pol itics or go to the penitentiary.
 If the street railway company, the gas company the electric light con- pany. the water power electric com panies. the coal operators and manu- lecturers and producers generally would use more newspaper advertising space to tell the public frankly what they are doing, what they have for sale and on what basis their charges are made they would all fare very much better and cause a more general use of that which they have to dis pense to the public. As a matter of fact. the great mass of public service and other corporations and manufacturing concerns are operated honestly and make reasonable prices, according to conditions, to the public Most of them are so close-mouthed and mysterious in their dealings with the public that they are looked upon as >grasping rath- CT than honest and straight forward concerns
 Practical and intelligent use of the advertising columns of newspapers pre- duces better results than any other
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
Europe. Cotton Demand

Since the beginning of the European war the foreign demand for cotton has been very heavy,' remarked Birming- ham broker
 indeed, cotton goods may be accounted great quantity of the staple is used in preparing gun cotton, and, of course, this is now being burned with great profusion by the opposing armies. One authority, believe, estimates that 100000 bales have been used in this manner since the opening of the war.
 "A vast amount of cotton goods is also used for the manufacture of tents and uniforms Wool is now so scarce in Eu- rope that it is unavailable for these pur- poses, and this naturally tends to increase the demand for cotton goods abroad The German army alone uAes an enormous quantity of cotton. l understand that one of the regulations of It's wonderfully eff ficient commissary department is that each soldier must be furnished with new uniform every five weeks and that other clothing must be kept sanitary and in good repair. This. of course, calls for heavy additional supplies of the souths staple.
 'In fact. since the beginning of the war more than 5,0oo,oOO bales of cotton have already been exported, and fully 100000 bales are now contracted for early de- livery: and unless cotton is declared con traband of war there Is no indication that the foreign demand will in any way di- min'sh. There is, however. at the pres ent me some fear among dealers that this step mae be taken shortly. But whether contraband or not, the belliger- ests~ must be supplied in some manner with their cotton goods requirements"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
the last great war-until the next

be the last great war-until the next
 one.
 In all the peace congresses and in
 all the preachments on loftier ideals,
 some idealist will contend that war is
 sinful in itself; that war is always
 sinful. But if we go to the scriptures
 we find that war was often com
 manded by God Himself. In the New
 Testament the military profession is
 treated with respect-treated as an
 honorable calling. Christ declared that
 He came mot to bring peace, but a
 sword" And in the book of Revelation
 we are told that there was war even ] in heaven; tremendous battle be- tween Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels.
 There have been small Christian sects whose members take vows never to bear arms. And only the other day society met in a large American city and announced as it's object the pledging of it's members never to per form military duty.
 At the annual meeting of the su- perintendents' department of the Ma tional Education association, held in Cincinnati last week, the suggestion that military training be made part of the vocational work of the public schools, caused one of the educators present to give expression to vehe- ment protest. He arraigned bitterly the military profession and was op- posed to training the youth of this land to calling in which spies were employed, in which deception was practiced as an art and in which even bareface lies were sometimes justified. But only few days before the public schools throughout the land were listening to eulogies on George Wash ington, who was a great warrior first in war;" as he was first in peace." There will probably be no sufficient reason for introducing mili- tary drill in the public schools, al- though for the average college the military feature has much to com mend it. But no matter whatever part military training may have in the education of the future it is of the highest importance that along with ethical culture and the raising of ideals, lofty patriotism and pre- paredness of a nation be kept well in the foreground.
 Some wars are righteous and some are not. The difficult question is, how to determine But let the time never come when the American youth | will think it unholy for him to shoul- l der gun and learn to shoot. Also. l in these troublous days it is well to recall frequently the refrain of Kin ling's great "Recessional"- We Forget"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
ALABAMA PRESS

Gadsden Journal: Birmingham should be happy now. The whisky question has been settled by the legislature, and the water problem by the city commissions
 Opelika News: Where can you find q taxpayer who will disagree with Cover nor Henderson in his suggestion that he be given the authority to withhold a certain per cent of the money being drawn by employees from the state until s'.ch time as the states obligations to outside pArties get in such shape as to authorize a resumption of full payments to it's officials and employees?
 Montgomery Times: Kansas has de- cited not to pass law making it mis- dcmeanor for women to use cosmetics and pierce their ears for earrings. Even a state legislature occasionally realizes that it is making a collective ass of it. Birmingham Age-Herald.
 II our Birmingham contemporary don't learn to speak of these legislators with ircre respect. that paper will certainly he suppressed.
 Selma Times: If the committee under- takes an investigation of the convict de- p.rtment the inquiry should not be re- st.icted to the Q Neal administration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
An Interesting Cartoon

"Of course, the readers of The Age- Herald are familiar with what the legis- lature accomplished and especially what 1t failed to accomplish" said Walter Minge yesterday. But a cartoon pre- sented in a window of a Third avenue store Illustrates perhaps better than any other l have seen. just how the majority of the people feel.
 There are two features, man repre- sented as the state. and an ass repre- sented as the legislature. The man has been in close range of the heels of the ass for hs is covered with bumps and bruises. One of the bruises is labeled prohibitions another 'anti-advertising bill,' another 'anti-shipping bill,' another the bull bill.' another failure to restore the public credit, and so on ad in- finitum.
 The state, as the ass disappears, is saving, At any rate, he didn't give me the woman suffrage kick The subject of the interesting cartoon is, What the legislature has done to the state'"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

70 one can defend the Louisville M and Nashville railroad for the
 findings made against it in the investigation and report of the inter- state commerce commission. It has undoubtedly spent volumes of money in controlling legislators and state officers It has in the past dis tributed cash profusely in this state to those who were willing and could serve 1t in legislative matters. Much of this seenis to have been charged up to newspaper publicity
 It has only been recently, however, that the Louisville and Nashville rail- road, like other railroads, public ser vice corporations and department stores has begun to use advertising space of newspapers to tell the public what 1t Is doing and to advise them of the facilities 1t has for transporting people and freight.
 The Louisville and Nashville railroad spends quite a volume of money an- nually in newspaper advertising. but this advertising is as plainly marked advertising as is that of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb; and it is not fair to the newspapers to have it appear that the amount spent in what is termed as "molding public opinion has been spent in newspaper advertising.
 This railroad has owned newspapers or contralled them as it did the Nash vile American, and the general public has suspicious that it probably owns large interest in or controls some other newspapers. But the great majority of the newspapers of the states tra- versed by the Louisville and Nashville railroad are not subject in any way to it's control or influence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
From the Chicago News.
 Wnfnan makes a nnnr silent marlin

From the Chicago News.
 Woman makes a poor silent partner.
 No artist can paint woman as she can paint herself.
 Once in a great while a man falls in love with his wife.
 And no man can judge cigar or a woman by the wrapper.
 Women live longer than men. They are never talked to death.
 About the time a man thinks he knows woman he finds that he needs another think.
 Money may not bring happiness. but the average man is willing to take a chance with it.
 Judging by the looks of some husbands. it looks like d safe bet that their wives annexed them. merely to keep out of the spinster class.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

and finding the important part cut out because liquor advertisement was printed on the back.
 'The arrest of MT. De Laye,H genially explains the sheriff. was in no way in the nature of making a test case, but means that he will be arrested every day, and possibly every five minutes, if he keeps on violating the law.
 This is prohibition run mad. It is said to be the logical result of prohibition IT 1t is. so much the worse for prohibl- ton. Granted that prohibition is good thing. still there are other interests in government and in human life, and they should not all be sacrificed to this, IS if it were not only the most important but the only thing in the world Carried to it's logical extreme, this would permit states in which anti-cigarette or anti racing laws exist to add thereto the anti liquor provision, and by the time all these advertisements have been cut out the cus- toner would not get much for his money.
 It would appear that there is little left in the way of insanity for the prohibi- tionists to enact into law. One thing does remain. They might enact law providing that if a citizen taken a drink in Tennessee and crosses into Alabama he should be arrested on the ground that he had carried liquor into the state
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

A young woman who was a model for many drawings by Charles Dana Gibson and Howard Chandler Christy was arrast- ed in Philadelphia for drunkenness. She at least had the good sense not to say her downfall was due to an artistic tenn perament.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

BEGINNING THE DAY--O God, redeem this day from cOmmOn- placeness. Make every difficulty he an adventure, every temptation challenge. May work he n crusade. May meeting my fellow men he like striking hands with kings. May living he walking with God Grant it for the sake of Him who prom ised the abundant life. Amcn.-H. M. E,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

When March comes in like a lion if ground hog forecast sometimes fails, but weather profits say that the first of March rule always holds good
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

Amsterdam. N. Y, proposes to change its Carnegie library into a jail In that case, Andy will probably not insist on keeping his name above the door.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT THE REPORT
 ON THE l.. & N. RAILROADS EXPENDITURES

 form of publicity. It is the practical way to come into close touch with tie consumer
 l believe in it and everyone [ know who has tried it fntelligently believes likewise.
 was in Washington and New York last week and didn't find in either place any more optimism or evidence of good times than we have right here in Bir- mingham and in Alabama Every one is to a degree hopeful of better times, but couldn't find anyone except those who have European war contracts who were able to show tangible evidence of hav- ing grasp upon said prospective good times.
 < :. $
 In Washington the feeling among the democrats is that the general work of this session of Congress has practically put the democratic ship out of commits sion for the contest next year. It is be- lieved that the bull moosers will return to the republican fold and the present prediction Is that either Myron T. Her rick of Ohio or ex-Governor Hughes of New York will be the next republican nominee and the next president.
 President Wilson's persistence in att tempting to put the shipping bill through Congress as permanent measure for the government to go into the steamship business has almost dis rupted the democrat party The presi- dent and his postmaster-g general seem to be in favor of government ownership to the fullest extent and are apparently eager to bring about railroad ownership.
 The people of the country are, however, not yet educated up to that standard and the great mass of congressman know it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

It is estimated that the total cost of the Mexican policy to the United States is $13000,0OO, large sum considering what we failed to get in return.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
aUITE \ CONTRAST

flom the Chattanooga Times.
 Birmingham is jubilant over the pros spec tive decrease in water rates, andA Memphis must be wondering how any, hs q, can take any earthly interest in the price of water.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

Madame Bernhardt is already making plans to resume her stage career How ever, she'll need cork leg before she needs manager.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

The price of doughnuts has gone up in Chicago. There will be some real excite ment when the price of pretzels is raised in Cincinnati
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28
ADRlFT WITH THE
MON,T LAST IONG
The best expenditure of money t

WON'T LAST LONG. Her heart is with the soldiers, She dreams of them all day, While busily she's knitting Warm socks to give away. Her heart Is with the soldiers, Her face is very sad, But like a lot of girlies,
 With her it's just a fad.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-28

A New Jersey woman says she found life with her husband one "dont'' after another An habitual user of don't is all ways a bore.