davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
IS RAGT1ME ARrs
From the New Republic.


 Ragtime is a type of music substan- tially new in musical history It has persisted, grown, evolved in many di- rections, without official recognition or aid. You may take it as certain that if many millions of people persist in liking something that has not been rec ognized by the schools. there is vitality in that thing. The attitude toward folk music at the beginning of the nine- teenth century was very similar. A Russian folk song was no less scorned in the court of Catherine the Great than a ragtime song in our music studios to- day. Yet Russian folk song became the basis of some of the most vigorous art music of the past century. and no musician speaks of it today except in tetms of respect. The taste of the popu- lace is often enough toward the shoddy and Outworn But when the populace c. eates it's own art without official en- ccuraeement, then let the artists listen
 <lbaven't a notion whether ragtime Is going to form the basis of an American school of composition.'' But I am sure that many a native composer could save his soul if he would open his ears to this folk music Of the American city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

cabinet. General Sukhomlinoff, who had been Russia's war minister since 1909, had to relinguish his high of flee few months ago. The Grand Duke Nicholas, Russia's great military commander-in-ch chief, has been de- noted, and Delcasse, one of Frances ablest statesmen-the man who was most active in bringing about the com bination of nations against Germany -is out
 These facts should, at any rate, en- courage would-be mediators to pro- pose terms-of peace.
 If the men who brought on the war were still dominant there would cer- tainly be less chance for an early set dement,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
The European War

Great Britain's coalition cabinet, formed several months ago, to meet war emergencies, has been failure, and important changes in the govern ment may be expected shortly. It will not be surprising if the premiership passes from MT. Asquith to stronger leader.
 Sir Edward Grey, secretary of state for foreign affairs, has enjoyed a reputation as a master of diplomacy, but he is not big enough to cope with present conditions, which are becom- ing more and more desperate every day.
 England, as the leader of the en- tente powers, has done her part ad- mirably in financing the allies, but on the battlefield her soldiers have been few in numbers compared with the armies of France and Russia.
 Passionate appeals have been made by the British government for volun- teers, but the response has been woe- fully inadequate. The chief recruiting officer, in speech few days ago, said that in order for Great Britain to win in this struggle with Germany 3,000,000 more men would be needed. In the meantime the Germanic allies make headway and they may we'll feel confident of victory in the Balkans.
 England's navy is intact and it will remain intact. No matter how many triumphs on land may crown Ger many's efforts the Teutons can never invade England. On the other hand, Great Britain, at the end of the war, will be able to keep all ports closed to her aggressive rival for world trade.
 As the situation is today it looks as if the war might be concluded in the coming year-many observers think in the early spring-by reason able compromises. And in view of the fact that many of the forceful states men in the different cabinets at the time hostilities began are now out of office or are occupying minor posi- tions, compromises would not be diff ficult.
 Austria -Hungary's prime minister who made unreasonable terms for Ser via-Count Berdholdt-is out. Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George have been subordinated in. the British
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
Spanish to the Fore

One of the biggest banks in New York is conducting a school after banking hours, in order to prepare it's employees to take up work in South America. The course includes in- struction in banking and political economy, but the principal considera- tion is given to teaching Spanish and Portugese, and also to drill the stu dents in the manners, customs and prejudices of South Americans.
 The bank proposes to extend it's banking operations in the countries to the south of the United States, antici- pating big development in trade and business relations between the two Americas, as a result of the Euro pean war.
 The average United States business man is direct even to brusqueness, which has offended the sufve descend ants of ancient Spain( They are touchy, and it requires [ certain diplo- macy and careful att 4ption to the smalI amenities which tll E red-blooded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
A Real Farewell

Forbes Robertson farewell to tile stage is a real farewell. When he ap- pears Thursday and Friday nights at the Jefferson" said Brown Parks it will be for the last time in this city.
 Thus, the greatest English speaking actor Of this generation will establish a new record in theatrical farewells. Not since the time of Macready has an actor actually retired after taking his fare well of his public. Macready, it will be recalled made his farewell appearance
 in London at Drury Lane and he never again appeared in public. It will be the same with Forbes Robertson when he makes his final appearance this season. Curious enough, Forbes Robertson made his London farewell at the same theatre that saw Macready's farewell-Drury Lane Theatre Royal. But not even Mac ready knew the extended success that has been es-Robertson On the final night of Forbes Robertson's farewell sea- son at Drury Lane an audience which filled every seat and every inch of avail able standing room--over 3500 persons witnessed his Hamlet which is regarded as the Hamlet of this age"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
Faults in Baby Submarines"

The miniature submarine, the sub- ject of heated controversy between Henry Ford and Prof. Herschel C.. Parker, who is perhaps best known for his exposure of pr. Cooks north pole and Mt. Mckinley claims, is un- favorably criticized by writer in Popular Mechanics magazine.
 It will be remembered that Profes- sor Parker applied for patents COW ering an underwater craft, from 30 to 40 feet long, carrying one torpedo tube and a crew of two men and pro- pelled through the water by a gaso- line motor at the rate of 40 miles an hour. The idea of running sub marine by gasoline motor is not new, and was tested by Simon Lake, who finally abandoned the plan in fa vor of the storage cell The chief ob- jection to the use of a gasoline motor in subsea boats, it appears, is the ne- cessity of drawing air into the engine through pipes which extend short distance above the surface. In earlier types of submarines so operated these pipes struck out of the water like peri scopes and were equipped with auto matic valves so arranged that the tube could be quickly closed if the top of the pipe became submerged. Even when closed the engine could run for a short time on air contained in the boat, or in compressed air bottles.
 Prof. Parker admits that he might have to use an engine of 5000 horse power. If motor of this size were developed it would, experts say, con sume an enormous amount of air in a few minutes and if the air intake pipe were submerged, it is seriously ques- toned whether the "baby submarine" would be able to carry enough com pressed air to keep the engine run ming. Also, in disposing of the ex- haust gases while the boat was sub- merged steady stream of bubbles would be sent to the surface which form a very noticeable wake and quickly betray the submarine to de- stroyers.
 The miniature submarine may be a practical invention, but so far it has not impressed scientific men who have studied it's details. It may share the fate of many other freakish devices brought out by the present war, al though the basic idea is not bad one and the cheapness of the "baby sub- marine" is point in it's favor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
A wOMAN,s PRoBLEM

From the New York World.
 A story old but ever new is that ot the young woman winning the sympathy of the Chicago aldermanic committee investi- gating the garment, workers strike, who said that in dull times her earnings had been no more than 7S cents a week. Yet she persisted in the trade and when the lockout came she thought SO well of her job that she went around beating up scabs."
 Dull times and busy times, there is al- ways in Chicago. as in New York, a demand for houseworkers which never contemplates a 7S-cent wage and never cffers any Inducements for beating up scabs On the day that this witness testified, it is probable that thousands families accessible to her by street car were in need of help.
 The excuse for the refusal of young women to engage in housework is that it offers no independence. What respect able independence is there on 7s cents a week? It is said that in domestic serv- ice the hours are long and treatment re- ceived is humiliat!ng What hours can be longer to self-respecting woman than those which yield 7S cents week. and what conditions of labor can be more humiliating than those which lead nat. urally to beating up scabs?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
HE QUIETLY VANISHED

TiOIn 11I-B1IS.
 The advantages of a glass eye give the point to the following joke.
 A few days since a traveller for an op- tlcal instrument house called at a shop in Manchester, and while exhibiting his salnpies produced box of artificial eyes of all colors and began to descant upon their superiority.
 While enlarging pompously upon the beauty of his goods, little man broke in with:
 You may talk about your goods being the finest in the market. but can you prove your assertions? No, sir, you can not. Just look at this left eye of mine If you would see perfection
 The optical man examined it closely and with half sheer in his voice asked
 Where did you get that eyer"
 Got it in London
 Well. sir, l can assure you that you didn't get 1t from our house."
 NO, I got it at another place.
 Exactly; such botch work as that is never allowed to leave our factory. The least defect of an eye condemns it, and yours is full of blemishes In the first place, it is of too light shade to match the other one, and anyone can see that 1t is a size too small for you. Again 1t Is not natural in it's appearance. It will deceive no one. It's artificial points creep out on every side, and it has not one single aspect of the natural eye. How long have you worn it?'
 Ever since I can remember. You see, I was born in London, and this eye was born with me. It's a natural one, and a mighty good one too.'
 The eye. man picked up his samples and faded from view.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
DIR. DuMBA AND THE CARTooNrsr

DIR. DUMBA AND THE CARTOONIsT
 Not since the retirement of Bryan from the office of Secretary of State" says a writer in Cartoons Magazine have cartoonists had so good an op- portunity. Cartoons, both ludcrous and serious, have appeared by the score. No this is America the working man is represented as saying 'as the ambassa- dor approaches him with his strike plans. Again the American laboring man is pictured with his hands up, as Doctor Dumba disguised as a road agent and armed with a brace of revolvers de- mands his job or his life. The Kaiser as a walking delegate, pastes a notice to factory wall warning all German Americans that they are amenable to the penal code of Germany. and must quit work in the ammunition factories, or be prosecuted on charge of treason. Dumba is seen on top factory chimney, per- spring after having been smoked out. In field labeled, Industries a polecat is rapidly disappearing as Uncle Sam goes eunning after the animal Dumba is tossed into the ocean by the recoil of his own gun. which, loaded with strike plans, he is discharging at an American fac tory. Uncle Sam has caught him in the act of placing bomb under a munitions plant, and grasping the offender by the seat of his trousers, demands, Whose country is this, anyway?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
THE SACRIFICE.

The patriots blood is freely spilled,
 He's not afraid to die In wars by kings and statesmen willed, Nor asks the reason why. He hears the stirring call to arms, A nations wrongs to right. Let women tend the shops and farms The men, the men must fightl'' Ere long, upon some battlefield,
 His eager eyes grow dim; His strength ebbs fast, he can but yield To Death, who summons him. What of the tears his children shed. The grief his wife betrays? He is but one among the dead
 And war a million stays.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

From the Herald of Osteopathy.
 A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood Trying to mako the matter clearer. he said: Now, boys, if I stood on my head the blood, as you know, would run into it, and should turn red in the face"
 ''Yes. sir.' said the boys.
 NOW continued the teacher. what l want to know is this: How is it that while I am standing upright in the or dlnary position the blood doesn't rush into my feet?'
 And little fellow shouted: Why. sir, because yer feet lsint empty.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
"THE SOUL OF FRANcEv

From the Kansas City Star.
 Lieutenant Chatanay, an officer of the French reserves, was killed in battle re- gently at Vermele. In his pocket was found a letter addressed to his wife. This letter has been printed on the first pages of French newspapers under, the heading
 'The Soul of France:'
 T write this letter because one never knows what may happen. If you get it, it will mean that France has wanted all could give her. Don't mourn for me- for I shall have died happy. The only thing I worry about is the position you will be in with the children. But as for bringing up the girls I am not anxious You will manage as well as could have done. Kiss them for me, and tell them that their father has gone on a long journey, and did not forget them.
 There will also be another baby whom shall not know. If it is boy, should like him to be doctor, unless. of course, after this war France should still be in need of officers. Tell him when he is old enough to understand that his father gave his life that his country might be greater and stronger. I think have told you all the essential things. Promise not to bear any grudge to France if she takes me. hope we shall meet again some day. My poor darling, I haven't even had time to think much about our love, great and strong though it be. Good-by, the long good-by. Be brave-Thy Jean'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
New York Man. Impression

T am visiting Birmingham for the hrst time,n said w. G. Welsh of New forhs who is registered at the Tutwiler ana am most favorably impressed With the general appearance of the city. l Will pc here two weeks and in that time l nope to see the industrial suburbs and all the beautiful residence sections about Wnieh we people in New York have been near ing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
DELAYING THE COUNT.

Do you think mirrors will be placed in voting booths for the woman voterT
 q hardly think SOL replied the praeti- cal politician "It would mean that every woman voter would spend at least half an hour in a booth and at that rate an elec- tion would require a week or more"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
Good Feeling Among All Chase.

q have recently had an opportunity of getting out among the people in all parts of the city,' said w. 0. Broyles, a candidate for one of the commissioners ships in the coming election.
 "The most striking thing I noticed was the general feeling of contentedness among all classes. People are employed again and workmen are evidently rece4v- ing good pay. Naturally, they are op- timistic over the future and are in cheerful frame of mind.'
 "A great deal of interest is centered in the coming election. and the people seem to realize that the time has come to put sound. conservative business men in charge of the city government. It is interesting to see so many people face to face each day and learn their views on the diefferent vital questions which are being agitated by the different candi- dates in the coming election. l predict a record vote on the 11th of December"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

A California man has established new record for suspended respiration by holding his breath 10 minutes. That fel- low could ride by the stoclSyards In Chi whatever.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Literature sent out from democratic national headquarters lends color to the supposition that a certain gentleman named Wilson will be in the presidential race next year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

A British solder, returned from the wars, declares emphaticaly that he will never go back again. Six months in the trenches would cool the ardor of Berserker.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

It is reported that the Villa brothers will Tive quietly in the United States. Still, with so much wealth it will be inl- possible to avoid a certain amount of ostentation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
PHOTOGRAPHER CoMrLIMENTED

From the Colbert County Reporter.
 The Birmingham Age-Herald's roto- gravure section is an artistic and pleas ing accomplishment and many compli- mentary expressions have been heard of The Age -Herald's progressive policy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Now that he has been ennobled by
 Emperor Francis Joseph, pr. Dumba' s lacerated feelings will doubtless experi- ence a quick recovery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

The small strip of Belgian territory held by the allies is reported to be extremely active. Still it doesn't seem to be pro. ducing any decisive results.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Anton Lang, who gained fame for his interpretation of Christ in the Oberam- mergau Passion Play is reported to have been killed in battle, where his perform ance was, doubtless, anything but Christ like,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Andalusia Standard: That new poly muriel gown, said to be adjustable to any occasion, must be something like fathers one-suit of clothes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

A submarine with steaming radius of 600O miles has been tested by naval authorities. vessel of that type should be able to bring home the bacon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
FISH AT q A FOUND

From the New York Times.
 Chicago.-rwo well known Chicago epi-- cures today enjoyed fish at approximately q a pound. 1t was the first time this kind. of fish had been put on the table
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
BEGINNING THE DAY.-O Thou

BEGINN1NG THE DAf.-O ThO1 great Husbandman of the vineyard, teach me that if I nm in my ap- pointed place among the vines, my lnbOr Is a part of the great ~iiapa- son of the worlds order and hnr- mony. May walk i'm conscious step with the chariotcd sun and with the singing spheres. Give me to join the company of all the stalwart sons of toll who from the morning until now have obeyed the uni versnl law and done the work of the world. In the name the Carpenter of Nazareth. Amen.-H. M. k.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

King Georges appeals. increase the lin raid to bring the lesson home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
WHOSE HEAD

In another month the janitor will again be the court of last resort.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

reformed crook" says the dance craze has let down the bars to gentry of his class, True, and unfortunately the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

The Jackson highway pathfinders found Birmingham pleasant place to tarry in. although not exactly an oasis in the desert''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Nish is no longerfa capital, but the world can't afford to lose European town with an easily pronounceable name.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
HOTEL LoBRIES
Birmfnsham,s Rapid Bushes. Recovery

blrmin Gnanfs Aap1a busihess
 The last time l was in Birmingham depression was prevailing throughout the country and the industrial pay rolls here were. of course, far below normal zpnt Y is very different today said J. Il. Rags dale of Pulaski, Tenn
 The pay rolls of the Birmingham ois- trict have increased rapidly since the sum mer. and this city is now looking wonder fully prosperous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

The Georgia preacher who advocates the abolition of football seems to be making desperate effort to keep in the lime light.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Greenvile Advoeate: The Talladega Mountain Home has correspondents who sign their communications Alto" and Tenor It is a lot easier for The Home, we suspect. for them to write their copy than to sing it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

A magazine writer says ragtime could teach high brow composers a thing or two. Doubtless, but not the things they want to learn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

If the Germans reach Constantlnople, be speedily ended.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26

Tuskesee News Eyen the bell boys in the hotels in Birmingham are being con victed for selling liquor. It used to be that they could run a. thriving business In their liquid refreshments and not be caught up with, but now things are dif- ferent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
MERCENARY MOTIVE.

MERCENARY MOTIVE. What was the subject of the lecturers s address?' Peace at Any Price. D Did he prove his case?" ''No. The audience was rather small and he cut out some of his most eloquent periods because he failed to get his price"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
ALABAMA PRESS
New Decatur Advertiser: Birmingham g oriflame to day is a Barber's poll

Gadsden Journal: Tt Is now possible to telephone by wireless from New York to Paris. It also is possible to eavesdrop from Honolulu.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
HYrHEN A PERSONAL TRAGEDY

From the New Republic.
 Since the war began the Germans in America have suffered acutely the pains of denationaiization. Almost overnight a burst of hate was let loose upon the fatherland. The place where they were born was denounced as barbarous. They were practically called upon to denounce Germany or to be denounced themselves. The country to which. their earliest mem- ories were attached had become moral outlaw. Of course, they couldn't believe if. It was the place of their childhood. It was the home of their parents and childish games reason and evidence could make no impression upon what their hearts told them was fine. At the same time they had newer attachment 10 America, the scene of their ambitions. A more cruel choice was never offered to any body of people. The result we know -slr instinctive devotion to America The hyphen was cut between their sdumt but deepest affections and their con scious duties. Their spiritual life has been a terrible torment to them, and their effort to find a decent compromise between their childhood patriotism and their, mature citizenship has been sro- tesuue when it wasn't pathetic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-26
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
EFFECTIVE CuRE.


 Ever feel the call of the wi,d?v asked the first clerk. l Lots of times" answered the second clerk. What do you do?'
 "oh, I usually go out and dodge few automobiles. The feeling soon wears off" THE HAPLEss CONSUMER. How Is your milkman?" 1 Very reliable. He never misses. our house." "Bu how is his milk? Is it diluted" Well. I really can't say. You see. I've never kept a COW and I don't know how milk in its natural state ought to look"
 HARDER STILL. Well, have you reached the point where you can assemble a motor carr" asked MT. Chugson.
 No, indeed" answered MT. Johson. Tn fact, haven't yet reached the point where I can assemble the price, TOO AMBITIOUS.
 My son is a Boy Scout and knows how to give first aid to the injured" That's fine" "I don't know whether it is or not. He hasn't had any patients to practice on except a few cats and dogs, and I fear he's disappointed because some member of the family hasn't broken an arm or a leg" A GOOD DISPOSITION. A lovely girl is Minnie Winks And never, never firts; Although she says just what she thinks, It very seldom hurts.