davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21

amusing raillery saves situation, there
 are others wrecked by the same means. When. for instance, her husband comes in tired and cross at the end of the
 day she is amusing at his expense (often very amusing, for a man can be ire sistibly comic when he is ruffed and wants his dinner) but the moment for being funny is i'll chosen and she must not be surprised if he shows no appre- citation of her wit
 If she would only put off being anus ing till after dinner, she would prob ably get her tribute of laughter, and surely from the merely selfish point of view, it is pity ito waste good things"
 upon an unsympathetic audience Probably most of us know men and women to whom we should hesitate to
 speak seriously upon any matter of grave moment to us. Not because we do
 not like them, not even because we mis-
 trust their real sympathy and good feel
 ing, but because we fear that some comic interpretation may be put upon word
 or phrase in our recital which will jar upon mood.
 We are afraid that our listeners will be funny" and there are moments when
 we shrink from wit, however brilliant It is a pity, not so much for the per
 son who for this reason withholds con- fidence, but for the irrepressible "farceur' who never hears the gravest and most
 deeply interested things of life. And even with regard to their own personal affairs those individuals with
 an overtrained sense of humor often sui fer considerably. Their recognition of the comic sometimes extends to the comic in themselves and the result is check ing of their own possible achievements in the world.
 Like gods they sit above their own personalities, irconically amused at their own struggles till laughter kills endeavor, and the gods are left smiling at futile and merely mirth provoking existence in which they too are involved. Admirable
 as it is to laugh at oneself in moderation, it is fatal to laugh too much. Scarcely is it too much to say that no important work was ever done by man or woman cursed with an exaggerated sense of humor.
 But apart from the graver evils which may result from an indiscriminate use of delightful gift. there is no one which could hurt the vanity of those fortunate enough to possess 1t. Its incessant use tends to become boring.
 The man or woman who scintillates all the time is most unrestful companion, and to live with such a person would be like witnessing an ending dis play of fireworks How one would long for darkness and the quiet stars. Yes, a sense of humor, though a price, less, is dangerous gift. Combined with the equally priceless gift of tact, it sea- sons life and gives Zest even to the dreariest existence. Divorced from it, it's possessor may easily become an ir- ritating bore.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
FEEDING A NATION
By BEN H.RvuE BRANscoMp

agement even down to the minute de- tails of the distribution of the food. and the American people need have no fears most efficient manner.
 In the actual distribution the popu- lation has been divided into two classes those who have funds with which to purchase their food, and those who are absolutely destitute. To the former class the imported flour is sold at a standard price which is practically the same as that which would have to be paid in London Paris. The object of this sale is, of course, to impose upon the well-to-do of Belgium their share of the task of supporting the destitute. To the latter class not only bread but daily ration of soup containing meat and veg etables Is supplied without charge. The division into these two classes is made only after an examina ton into the mer- it's of each particular case and tickets entitling their possessor either to buy so much bread per day from the bakery of his choice or to received so much food per day from one of the free dis tributing centers are issued to every per- son.
 But whether rich or poor, each one receives exactly the same amount of bread. The well-to-do buy, but they can buy only so much per day, which amount Is exactly the same as is given the starv- ing man on the streets. This daily all lowance of 250 grams per capita sounds rather large to us at first but seems pitiably small when We compare it with the military allowance of 750 grame to the German soldier of the line. I would adNise all socialists to emigrate inn medately to Belgium for there they will find & gustatory democracy transcending their fondest dreams although along with il there may be Il few minor discom- forts in the form of shells, Zeppelins and the like.
 Yet although the commission at pres ent is able to sell considerable of it's food, thus aiding the continuance of the work the pathetic part of the situation is that the number of those able to purchase is constantly growing smaller, since there are many families who are buying their bread with little savings reserved against the rainy day" and whose capital is thus rapidly decreasing. This explains the ever increasing number of the second class who must look to the charity of the world for their sustenance.
 There is still another element that makes the situation even more desper- ate. As is usual in a country under in- vasion, the men are largely at the front. Hence so many families are left with out father or husband to provide for their wants. One of the most striking things about the cities and towns Is the great preponderance of women one sees on the streets. But for those few men who are there, there is no employ ment. One cannot see these things and not realize the absolute necessity of as- sistance from the outside world The suf- ferings and privations now to be seen are pitlable but they are not to be com- pared to those which would result should the eagerly awaited American boats cease to arrive.
 When the work was first begun there
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21

It is one of the greatest advantages of s Rhodes scholarship that it's possessor has the opportunity during his vacations of visiting the countries of the old world and seeing the life of the people there in a way impossible 10 an ordinary tour st. It was my good fortune to spend the last eight weeks just back of the German military lines engaged in the work of the commission for relief in Belgium
 The purposes of this commission are without doubt familiar to every reader of The Age-Herald. and I am told that to most of them it's needs have been presented in a very personal way But until one has been on the ground oneself. it is difficult to realize the condition of an entire nation without food and without the means of procuring it. This condition arises from the fact that Bel gium is fundamentally an industrial country, five-sixths of her population be- ing dependent upon mining. manufactur- ing and allied industries. The food sup ply in normal times depends upon inn ports paid for by their industrial exports.
  ton of cereal foodstuffs Is about 270, GOO tons per month only about 400o0 tons of this are produced in their own country. Hence as soon as the frontier became closed famine began to confront the na- ton. In addition to the cessation of these imports came the failure of their own small crop due to the devastating war which rolled across the country. These causes coupled with the levies of the occupying army and the consumption of the population have produced a com plete exhaustion of foodstuffs.
 Probably the most salient feature of this work is the business-iike manner in which 1t is being conducted. There are at the head of the commission group of business men whose equals in con ducting an efficient. economical organ iZaton on a large scale it would be most difficult to find They are men &C., customed to handling large enterprises and to handling them most successfully The whole organization and administra- tion has on it the stamp of efficient man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21

Was great deal of talk to the effect that all this food imported by America eventually would find it's way to the mess rooms of the German army. But much ts the surprise of most people and al most to the disappointment of some few, the commission has had absolutely no trouble with the military authorities in that particular. Not only has the agree ment that no food imported by the com mission be requisitioned been faithfully kept but I think it was the experience of all the American delegates that the officers who were acquainted with the commission and its purposes were ready to lend. all the assistance possible. In little towns where the troops were quar- tered upon the people arrangements were made whereby the soldiers ate in their own mess hall or else there was re- turned to us gram for gram the food which was consumed by them. There is no doubt but that the food is going to the Belgian population.
 And are the people grateful? It is the most touching part of the work to see how the rich and poor alike have tried in every way possible to show their ap- preciation to the American people. Those of us who were in Antwerp were enter tained by one of the weathest men of the city who moved out of his city home and placed 1t. servants and all, at the ulSpOSdl Ol our A1neTlGdn DeUeIdcIOIS- - When the boat load of Christmas pres ents from the American children arrived the city ordered that the famous old platin press, now in museum and used only upon great state occasions such as the notable jubilee of the late King .Leo-. pod, be employed for printing notes of thanks which the Belgian children would send to their little friends across the wa ter. It took a special dspensation from the military authorities for them to cross the frontier but at this moment they are well on their way to America. The appreciation of the poorer classes was pathetic. Wherever l went in Antwerp little ragged youngsters kept me busy returning the salutes which they made with great gravity to the little flag which fluttered on my coat lapel. One morn ing man who could speak no English brought to the door small pot of white flowers and told us in a little speech which he evidently had previously pre- pared and memorized that it was a token of the regard of the poor of Antwerp to their American friends.
 This task of feeding seven millions Of people which has been assumed is by no means an easy one. But the very fact that the American people have un- dertaken it is indicative of many things It shows the development of world consciousness a sense of world obliga- ton, which the balmiest of the good old days never experieced. It is a con- plete refutation of that pessimistic old doctrine originally propounded, suppose. by some bucolic old philosopher to his audience in the village store when he said: No there ain't no way round it, the times jest ain't what they used to be-. It is a great work and will do more if successfully continued to bring us the respect and regard of the nations than to have won an hundred battles.
 F Wadham College, Oxford, February 9, 1915.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
GLIMPS OF DEFEAT OF
 TURKS BY RUSSIANS

Petrograd, February 20.-(Special) A Tiflis correspondent sends the follow ing dealing with the fighting south of Kara Urgan:
 "The order to attack was given at daybreak. Deep in snow the Russian outflanking columns. with superhuman efforts making not more than half a verst {th-ee-tenths of mile) an hour, scrambled up the hills to the height of 10000 feet. From this altitude they descended and charged with the bay onet The Turks stood their ground and fought desperately. Suffering heavy losses. however they were eventually compelled to abandon their positions. The Turkish left flank was gradually enveloped by close ring formed by the Caucasian and Turkestan regiments.
 Simultaneously the Siberian Cos sacks. who were posted at -, directed their efforts to breaking down the re- sistance of the seperate Turkish regi- ments, which formed part of the Thirty third division, and delivered a pertinacious attack on their extreme flank. Eventually the opposition of the Turks was broken. The enemy's troops were fin no condition to carry off their guns in their retreat. These they dis jointed and flung into snowpits"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
RELIEVED OF DRUG USING
 AND ASTHMA
T. M. Gordon Recommends the James Treatment to Those Addicted to the Use Of Drugs, WbisI<ey and Tobacco. New Sanatorium 935 s. Bellevue.

l had run my daily dose up to 10 grains This was the amount l was using when l went to you for treatment. Now, thanks to God and his remedies, the James treat ment, l am thoroughly cured of both the drug habit and the asthma. I enjoy a fine appetite, have gained 20 pounds sleep like child, no bad dreams. my bowels are regular, have no aches or pains and although l am now 59 years old. I do not really feel that ] am over 40 I work on my farm every day and I feel as strong as l ever did in my life. To the unfor- tunate of this class will say that every body connected with the sanatorium is kind and considerate and give the pa tients every care and attention.
 J. M. GORDON, R. F. D. No. 9, New Albany. Miss, March 19. 1914.
 For further information and booklet containing testimonials in regard to san atorium treatment, address Chas B. James Sanatorium, 935 s. Bellevue Blvd. Memphis Tenn. Correspondence confl-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21


  spend potab yourself Mr. Piz believes in these bargain and be making the something This starting merchandising each day Be here
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
James Home Remedies.

Cost of treatment for drug addictions alcoholism, tobacco and cigarette habits and neurasthenia is dependent upon age and physical condition. kind and quantity of drug used, etc. City office. Home Rem edy Co, 60 Monroe ave, open Sunday from 9:30 to 12:30 a. m. Correspondence confidential. Adv.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21

INA SHEPARD, MANAGER.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
LEGAL HOLIDAY

MONDAY. FEBRUARY P (WASH- lNGTON's BlRTHDAA), BEING A LEGAL HOLIDAY IN ALABAMA. ALL BANKS OF THE BIRWINGH M CLEARING HOUSE ASSOCIATION WILL BE- CLOSED.
 INA sHEPARD, MANAGER.
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12

thousand acres of West Virginia coal
lands. II is further claimed that the
oonspirators" already have bought up
all the steamers and barges plying in
the Ohio and Kanawha rivers to pre-
vent the product from this section
reaching the market and escaping the
prohibitory proposed freight rate. A
fund OF $4,000. 900 has been set aside
by the Pennsylvania conspirators TO
carry the deal through. It is said.
AS the whole matter is now before
the Interstate Commerce Commission.
If any such conspiracy as alleged ex-
lists we see no escape from its exposure.
There is no doubt that PENNSYLVANIA
end Ohio coal interests are interested
in curbing the output OF West vir.
ginia coal. but it is difficult TO believe
that any such wild scheme Is contem-
plated as that reported from Charles
ton.
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12
TRYINo 20 sAIFT &c elAMe.

Christian Herald
believers in Peace and in the Prince
~ Peace have been Mortified BY the
persistent efforts 10 implicatc the
Deity in The present hcndish war a
prominent New York clergyman said
recently in a Sunday morning ser.
mon: The world o. losing its soul.
we needed a. cross. and God has laid
This cross upon tho world lie dc.
c.arcd that "this war BE- the greatest
blessing that has fallen upon mankind
since tho German Reformation"
such expressions are extremely 70.
rrettane. Not God but man Is drown.
ing Europe in blood The war ie not
Gods giit or Gods punishment or
Gods VIII God hates war. and Christ
has told the world 90 There ~ no
need FOR tangling up the unanswor.
able problem % pain with the perfect.
l} anFwerabia problem Of war
War takes place because men hate
one another. Not even Tor the sake
OF Furnishing sin win God learn men
20 hate. or sanction that hatred and
iie truitage Men began the war Men
arc prolonging t Men arc prevent.
ing tho dawn Of peace. The war would
cease o. once. n men would Uft m
thoir minds 10 God and remember that
he is the kinr OF Love
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12
MODERATION WILL WIN.

tmay be that some will see in the
nieeting in this city. this week, Of the
advocates OF the strict enforcement Of
he prohibition law a reflection ON
Wheeling and Ohio county. but The
intelligencer cannot conceive OF any
mpropriety in such selection. Exag-
Eerated stories have gone abroad about
conditions prevailing in Wheeling. and
may be well for these people to see
Tor themselves that the "lawless reign
of the bootlegger" rs not what il has
been painted. IL the advocates Of the
etrict enforcement OF the law are wise
IN their deliberations they will use
moderation in their treatment OF the
Fituation Instead Of taking snap judg-
rnsnt Of = peculiar condition and vim
bictively and heatedly assail the COM
munity for any shortcomings their
zeal may transform into querulous
enormities. This Is said in all kind
ness, without thought on the part OF
The Intelllgencer of debating to the
aw and order league what IL shall do
pr shall not do. IL merely points out
What il considers the better way of
obtaining the results sought. which
reasonable minds will appreciate when
acquainted with the true situation in
his city and county.
While It is true the prohibition law
has not been observed inviolate in
ohio county. II has met with a more
general acceptance than the commu.
Pity has been credited with. Il Is un-
Reasonable. however. TO expect that a
Feversion OF the customs of lifetime
can be accomplished in a day. A
arse number Of citizens were opposed
20 the adoption of the prohibition
amendment. but the most Of them have
Peeepted the result. This class have
been accustomed to the use OF malt
ind vinous liquors all their lives. at
heir homes and in their social affairs.
They have strong convictions as to
heir personal privileges In this mat.
Ter. They are all Iaw-abiding citizens.
they pay their debts. they are con-
structive factors in the prosperity and
welfare OF the city. and measure up
N every way with the best standards
of citizenship in any other part OF the
state. The cause OF inhibition. there
Fore. must be a matter OF growth rath.
er than Of force: II can never be a
question Of change in a day. Il will
rome n II IL properly encouraged by
noderation and consideration. but II
uili Be long delayed by indiscriminate
httack and unjust elimination. which
BIN only inspire resentment.
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12

A committee Of the National
Assembly OF Civil Service Com
missions submits a plan. devised
mainly by Robert Catherwood OF
chicago. for securing a non-politi-
cal commission. IL provides that
the COMMISSIONERS themselves. like
the rest OF the classified service,
shall be selected by competitive
tests But who is to examine the
commissioners? The question 3
like that old mytholosical one as
10 what supported the world. IL
was said to rest upon four ele-
plants and these upon a tortoise;
but upon what did the tortoise
stand?
AS to the ultimate source of ap-
pointment there must be some
discretionary power somewhere.
The important thing is TO reduce
this 10 a minimum: so the plan
devised proposes that. in all those
states where there is a state civil
service commission. that body
shall conduct the examinations
for positions in the various NUM-
cipal civil service boards. This
settles one difficulty
But who shall conduct the ex-
aminations for the state commits
mission or for cities in states
where there is no such commits
sion? For this emergency a spe-
cial board OF examiners is pro
posed. to be appointed by the
Governor. This board Is to De
composed OF three persons: First.
some one who has served continu-
ously for two years or more as q
member. secretary or chief ex-
aminer of a federal. state or mu-
nictpal civil service commission;
second, some one who has been
engaged continuously for two or
more years IN selecting trained
employees for positions involving
trained OF technical skill: and
third. some judge or a court OF
record within the state. Ihis
board shall hold examinations and
prepare ar eligible list from
which commissioners are to be
appointed.
In the federal civil service,
where the commissioners are ap-
pointed by the President. they
have generally been men of high
character and in sympathy with
the reform system: SO also IN
some OF the states and in many of
the cities. while in others we ind
a comparatively low grade of men
appointed to these important
places and these men have some
times succeeded in making ducks
and brakes Of the entire classi-
ned cervice. For instance. under
the former commission in Chi
cago, the law was admirably al
ministered and many progressive
measures OF great value were in
trodaced while the present com
missioners, appointed by Mayor
Thompson. have undone much or
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12
THE ARMENIAN HORROR.

Manchester Guardian. ,
Inc article which we publish TODAY
On the Armenian massacres IS the
most comprehensive survev ~ ,he
situation which has yet appeared Go
gross and palpable Is the inhumanity
90 the Turkish government and fha
iieroclty OF its servants that only pnb-
hSity is needed to form a solid body
~ 81 OPINION In all countries which cali
themselves civilized. There is no
point which is left obscure by the ar.
ucIe The massacres and deporta.
Mons stretch over all the provinces
IN turkey, and have even approached
~ ihey nave not already taken place
~ me capital The roads and waters
mouse. II should be observed that All
ne male population capable OF nut
ing up resistance have been on
! Ioheo as workers" in the army. and
mat their uniform has not prevented
. mem from being massacred. OF the
resi- OF the population some have been
aaken 10 minister to the lusts Of the
iurks. The rest have almost All
sooner or later, persisted. The article
tufther makes IL clear that only in
rare cases and under certain condi-
accepted as a ground for exemption
from massacre-another proof. III anv
were needed. that the intention OF the
Turks IS 10 extirpate the race.
ne horrors which accompany the
process OF extirpation are amongst the
most awful In recent times: IL Is luck
lly beyond the power OF human imaEi.
nation TO realize them in all their raw
brutality. No wonder that the Ger.
man nurses who say the drowning OF
women and children in the Euphrates
ga hot rest until they had protested at
the embassies in Constantinopie. Even
m Germany there must be many who.
III they knew the truth, would cry out
against the fiendish barbarities which
are being committed under the protec-
ton OF the Turco-German alliance.
The German government knows che
truth. but not word about the out.
RACES Is allowed TO appear in the Ger.
man press. The good relations with
the Turks must not be disturbed-and
tration OF a crime OF which A ma,
tairly he said that history has never re
corded. or spoken Of. his like
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-12
KEEP GOING.

Is the goal distant. and troubled the road
And the way long,
And heavy your loade
Then gird up your courage and say, Il
am strong"
And keep going.
is the work weary. and endless the grind
And petty the pay?
Then brace up your mind
And say. Something better Is coming
my way"
And keep doing.
Is the drink bitter life pours in your
cup
Is the taste gall?
Then smile and look up
And say. God is with me whatever he
fair
And Keep trusting
Is the heart heavy with hope long de-
ferred
ana with prayers that seem vain
Keep saying the word
And that which you strive FOR Won VAT
shall attain:
Keep praying.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox.