davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Farmers' Institutes

T look for great results from the farmers institutes that are being held in the several sections of the county said Prof. Charles R. West" as the advantage of having scientific farming explained orally by government ex- perts can readily be seen.
 These institutes form a part of the crop diversification movement that has been started throughout Alabama. They teach practical and intelligent methods in handling all kinds of crops.
 "A distinct feature is that relating to tho animal industry and as it is explained by the government expert 1t seems almost criminal that the farm CTS of our state gi-e so little attention to this branch of farming. Mrs. Mathis certainly made a scathing arraignment of the farmers in the state when she said their corncribs and smokehouses are in Illinois and Iowa. But with the activity displayed by the government and the cooperation of the city and county authorities in furthering the di- versification movement I believe the time Is not far distant when the pres ent conditions are entirely changed and that but little foodstuff will be imported into this county or state"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
POWDER MILL EXPLOSIONS

From the Washington Star.
 If the explosions at powder factories which have occurred recently have been of sporadic origin. incidental to the ordinary workings of the plants. there is no occa- sion for any expression other than of re- gret for the losses entailed through these misfortunes. But If they have been the work of persons who seek to check the manufacture of explosives for the fighting nations the sacrifice of life becomes crime of serious import. The destruc- tion of a powder mill is not a legitimate act of war in a,peaceful a. country. Any person who undertakes thus to hamper the output of ammunition contracted for by one of the belligerent powers is not only guilty of the crime of murder, but is amendable to the laws of the United States in the commission of an act of war. It Is important that this distinction be clearly understood. No matter what the destination of the product of an American mill or factory, the plant itself and the people engaged in it are under double protection of the laws of both the state and of the nation. If these explosions are caused by agents of any foreign power, however, indirectly engaged, that govern ment is committing acts of hostility to- ward the United States.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
ALABAMA PRESS

Marion County News: The prohibition. ists in the legislature would show more consistency if they would pass law for bidding the sale manufacture. ship ping or drinking of liquor in this state Such a law would not be enforced to any great extent but it would show which side the members were on.
 Roanoke Leader: Colonel Roosevelt is
 busily engaged in making all sensible cit izens glad that he was not elected Fresi- dent in 1912, If he had been this country would now be at war almost beyond a doubt.
 Gadsden Evening Journal: Birmingham Is elated over an increase of $5,000.o00 in assessed valuations over last year. This under normal times would not be large growth for the Magic City, but under con- ditions existing the last year shows that there is real vitality in the states me- tropolis.
 Alexander City Outlook: The Sylacausa Advance wants a steam laundry started in Its town, so it's citizens can wear Jaun- dered shirts and collars. Might do like we are doing, send them to Birmingham m and help the Magic City grow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Woes of the Weather Man

The woes of the weather man are rot all of the comic newspaper variety. In fact, the weather mans troubles are sometimes stern realities. At least so asserts an attache of the weather bureau in Washington state. A short while ago, according to the Washington man, farmer in that commonwealth threatened to bring suit against the government because of the failure of the weather depart ment to accurately predict the weath- CT conditions.
 It seems the weather oracle had promised a fine day, and the farmer, taking it for granted that the climate maker was "onto his job," left his alfalfa hay out in the sun to cure in- stead of building it into waterproof stack. Late in the afternoon a thun- derstorm came up, resulting in the loss of the hay.
 Now the farmer wants the weather bureau to pay for the loss of his hay crop, and the dispenser of sunshine and shower is trying to explain to the agriculturist just how uncharted thunderstorms are apt to appear over | the horizon without his volition. The Washington weather man is re- ported to be feeling real discouraged over the occurrence, and is inclined to give up his job of measuring rain- drops and predicting earthquakes. But he should not be disheartened. He has accomplished one thing that can never be explained, and that is: By what magic, what wonderful pow CT, did he ever induce even the one son of the soil to believe in his prognosti- cations to the extent that he abso- lutely farmed by them.
 That mystery will probably never be solved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Birmingham Relief Bills

Several bills which, if passed, would affect Birmingham directly or indi- rectly are pending in the legislature, but there are two measures at least that seek specifically this city's re- lief One is the tax amendment bill giving the voters of Birmingham the right to increase the tax rate up to $1.50 on the hundred for a short period of years, and another is the budget bill requiring Birmingham to live within it's income.
 These bills have been agreed to by the Jefferson county delegation. There is apparently no hitch what ever. But the fact that they have not been passed makes the people of Bir- mingham wonder what is the matter.
 The tax amendment measure is of paramount importance to Birming- ham. Owing to insufficient revenue this city is sorely straitened. Re- trenchment in expenditures has crip- pied the schools, the health depart ment and other branches of local gov ernment and the only way the city can get on it's feet, so to speak, and do the things expected of every pro- gressive community, is for the quail fled voters to have the privilege of in creasing by ballot at the polls the tax rate, which is now extremely low as compared with the tax paid in cities of approximately Birmingham's size, east, west, north and south.
 The Birmingham district is start ing upon a great boom and this city will make great strides in the near future, unless perchance a narrow view should obtain and keep it back.
 Let the legislature pass the Bir- mingham tax amendment bill without further delay. The people of Bir- mingham will surely avail them- selves of its provisions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
INSOMNIA
From the Shreveport Times.

Loss of sleep is more disastrous than most people suppose, not because we can
 do without sleep but because nature has provided a way whereby we gain to some extent sleeps benefits. But worry over the loss of sleep is one of the worst features of chronic insomnia,
 person, after few nights of fitful sleep. begins to brood over the fear of dis
 astrous results, and this does more than anything else to bring on chronic insom- mia.
 Nature, however virtually compels a person to take some sleep. even when they think they have been wide awake the
 whole night.
 Total insomnia for any length of time is almost unknown. There are few authen-
 tic cases in medical annals. People troubled with insomnia gener- ally are benefited by natures substitute for regular sleep without knowing 1t This substitute Is a borderland condition midway between sleeping and waking It occurs, whenever, for example, a per son drowses for a moment. It is a mo. ment. that physicians have proved to be very refreshing.
 Insomnia would be robbed of its great. est evil if people who are troubled by il could refrain from breeding or worrying over 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03

other Independent furnace in the Shen- ango valley expects to blow in by oc' tober 1. Prices of pig iron from this section have been advanced.
 The price of Virginia and Jackson county silveries has also taken ster forward by an increase of 50 cents pei ton. Several furnaces In all districts are getting in position to blow in feeling confident that present ten dency will persist.
 The demand for steel. both do. mestic and foreign. continues active Black and blue annealed sheets art commanding higher prices. Bars shapes and plates are also climbing The demand for machine tools con- tinues active, they being sought after by the warning nations and, to ar encouraging extent, by domestic rail. roads, who during the past week made sizeable purchases.
 ITO sum up then. inquiry Is active iron is being ordered out on contracts satisfactorily, prices continue upward and buyers continue to buy"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Annual Barbecue and Dance

'On Thursday next September 6, the Birmingham Athletic club will have it's annual barbecue said President Ed L. Anderson.
 The affair will take place at the Edgewood Motor club in the afternoon and night, and members of the club with their friends may look forward to an exceedingly enjoyable occasion. Dr. James E. Dedman. chairman of the entertain ment committee, who will have charge of arrangements. has planned some spe- cial stunts for the event. There will be dancing and an orchestra will be on hand to furnish the right kind of music. pr. Dedman on behalf of the club extends special invitation to the ladies, who with their escorts are expected to be present in great numbers.
 "The affair will begin between 2 and 8 o'clock and will be continued until rather late at night, I believe Tickets are now to be had at the clubs quar- ters, Secretary Beavin having charge of this end of the arrangements Let all of the old guard be on hand next Thurs day afternon and evening to participate with friends and associates in enjoying the annual outing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
,RAH FOR BRYAN!
rom the New York World.

From the New York World.
 Kingman, Kan.-Never in the mos' glorious days of the cross of gold and the free silver campaign did William Jen- nings Bryan win on the platform such a tribute of enthusiastic admiration as was paid him by a husky German-American today when he had finished telling why Americans shouldn't travel on British ships.
 He was kissed!
 John Graber, a sixfoot, be-whiskered agriculturist of German birth, who had been sitting in the front row of the local chautauqua listening with eyes, ears and mouth open to the magic Bryan elo quence, fought his way to the front al soon as the speech was over, scrambled to the platform, where the ex-SecretarJ of State was shaking hands with all com CTS, flung his arms around MT. Bryan's neck, and dealt him a resounding smack upon the mouth.
 The report of the osculation, which rang through the chautauqua tent, and was followed by shout of applause from the 5000 persons who had heard. MT Bryan blushed deeply and backed away
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Birmingham as Convention City

Since Birmingham's hotel accommo- dations have expanded no city in the south has been so much in the public view as convention center as this.
 Birmingham's phenomenal growth as shown by the last census figures at tracted nationwide attention and the city has been more than ever adver- tised as a young but full-fledged metropolis.
 The one thing it needs to make it distinctly the convention city of the south is an auditorium with seating capacity of 5000 to 10000. Atlanta has an 8000-capacity auditorium, but Birmingham needs something of the sort on even larger scale.
 The Confederate reunion, to meet here next spring, will be attended by thousands of Sons and Daughters of the Confectionery, to say nothing of visitors generally. We should have a big auditorium in which to entertain them, but the time is too short for that
 The convention of Music Clubs of America will meet here in 1917. That important gathering will bring thou sands of visitors, most of them noted for their public spirit and their cul- ture, to Birmingham, and we should have the new auditorium ready by that time. It would be built from the proceeds of bond issue. The leg islature has amended the law govern ing bond issues so as to provide for q case like Birmingham's, where an auditorium is construed to mean a public city building.
 An adequate auditorium would cost about $500, ,000, including the site. A large fireproof structure could prob ably be built for $25O,OOO. Let the city commission take up the matter of submitting to the voters an audi torium bond issue proposition before the end of the year. It would carry, just as the $2O0,0O0 proposition car ried by an overwhelming majority.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
FOR THE HONOR OF FRANCE

From the Philadelphia Evening Ledger Nothing finer has happened in this war than the action of France in sending back to Switzerland Eugene Gilbert, the avla- tor who was forced to land on Swiss soil in July because of an accident to his motor He was interned by the Swiss government and was allowed to go about on his promise that he would not attempt to escape. He broke his word few days ago. crossed the frontier and reported for duty at the war office in Paris.
 The honor of France as well as the honor of a soldier were involved in his actions, and France, in order that her honor may be unsullied. has repudiated the action of Gilbert The word of a French soldier must be as good as his bond, lest the word of France, when given on a scrap of paper" be regarded as an empty promise.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
King Cotton in War

Cotton's first and most important use in war is as an explosive, in the form of guncotton. It Is said that if the worlds supply of cotton were sud denly cut off, the war in Europe would cease automatically. A substitute might be found in time, but the fight ing for awhile, at any rate, would have to stop.
 Guncotton not only has a high ex- plosive power, but may be compressed or solidified and will keep under water indefinitely without deterioration. Its adaptation to weapons where the bulk of the explosive is an important factor makes it highly useful for torpedoes and mines.
 Guncotton, when closely confined, sxplodes violently, but it can also be exploded by detonation. It is so power
 
 ing about 133 pounds, is capable oi disabling a modern battleship. In the making of shells guncotton is indis. pensable. Germany is said to be turning out 25o,O0O shells day anc che must be using enormous quantities q cotton for that purpose.
 However, it is not only for slaugh' ter and destruction that cotton IS nee essary in war. Thousands of tents ars made of it and all kinds of rubber goods, including automobile tires have cotton basis. Tarpaulin, tubing collapsible utensils and other articles require thousands of tons of cotton In making bandages for the wounded . Gtretchers, slings, sheets, mattresses and articles of clothing for the soldier t is used in enormous quantities. Il
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
THE CURBSTONE SALESMEN

From the Philadelphia Evening Ledger. HOW ancient is the familiar art of Fl the curbstons salesmcn! The men
 A A who stand on boxes near fiickering gasoline torches and sell 10-cent dia- | monds, fountain pens and divers other commodities. but especially cure-alls of human ills, have not by any means dis covered new profession-far from it! They practice an art perfected centuries ago.
 l Who has not paused just for a moment to listen to one of their number? The streets of all the large cities contain many such vending their wares. Youthful spec tators may think them original. and, with some Justification, clever; but their fath-
 CTS, from the time whereof memory rum meth not to the contrary, have often heard the same strains. almost the Identical words, used always by the fakers. These buccaneer princes of the gasoline torch,
 who browse on the small change of the public, never seems to vary their line of talk:
 "Ladies and Gentlemen: I am not l here tonight to sell you anything. I am merely going to introduce to you l a wonderful remedy for colds, coughs, grippe, blood disorders and nervous 1 diseases. This medicine has cured 1 sickness of G years standing and 1 when all other remedies have failed" They tell about the various testimonials and elaborate on the wonderful proper tis of their remedy.
 JUST TO INTRODUCE IT. Now just to introduce this article, the
 merchant continues:
 l T have a few small bottles which
 shall pass out to you tonight and I l am not going to ask you s. nor $4. l nor 8, nor $2-no. nor $1. nor even
 s9 cents, nor 50 cents. But tell you l what am going to do, ladies and gen.
 tlemen. Listen: I am going to give to l you this wonderful little remedy. to
 each lady or gentleman in the audi | ence who passes me up the small
 sum of 25 cents. two bits. one quarter. Never until tonight has this wonder
 full medicine been sold for less than 1 $5"
 Such is the usual hand-out of English
 slung by a New York East Slider or . western looking individual in wide-
 brimmed sIouch hat. who fairly spills the words from his mouth.
 These people seem to have been always with us. If time can honor profes- sion, the street faker deserves Father Times greenest laurels. No one knows who first began curbstone oratory to
 sell ones goods. but 1t probably com meneed shortly after curbstones were first laid~- In Ben Jonson's and Shakespeares time, the "up-to-date" faker hourished.
 In one of Jonsons plays. produced in the year 1905. we see Volpone. disguised as Scoto Mantuano. mountebank doctor selling a medicine on a platform erected on a street corner where he might catch a glimpse of a coveted married woman from nearby window. As the present. lday faker usually has a lackey to catch and entertain the audience. Volpone had such an assistant.
 vOLPONES MODEL SPEECH. Y volpene addressed tho throng h thii
 polished manner;
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03

On June 1, says the Scientific American the number of automobiles in the United States reached 100000 for the first time Estimating four persons to each car, there gro approximately S,00o,000 people in the country who ride in motor cars. The cost of maintaining these cars in use for one year is stupendous. At conservative esti-
 mate 1,OOo,ooo 900 gallons of gasoline would
 be required to run them, valued at $780,
 ooo,0 900; 2o0oO.Ooo gallons of lubricating oil,
 worth sS,ooo,Ooo; 100000 tires worth not
 less than s16 each. or a total of $192, ,000, . 000; accessories of all kinds, at $50 per car $100,O0O. .0Oo; garage charges, other than fuel and lubricants. s100 per car per year, or S200,00o,0 900; repairs, exclusive of tire troubles" $50 per car per year, or $10o,- 000,00o. The total running expenses for all cars in use is estimated at s730, 900. In addition. e00,ooo new cars were pur- chased during the year at an average price of s75o, or s45O00o,Oo0 which gives for the grand total s1, 100000 spent on motoring in one year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
ROT ABOUT CONNECTS
From the Collinsville Courier.

From the Collnsville Courier.
 The state of Georgia was bankrupt when she abolished her convict lease sys- tenn. She put her convicts on the road 5 without a hitch. All this talk from the mine owners and their lobbyists is the dirtiest and f1thiest rot. about it bank rupting the state. Let's remove the blot from the landscape of Alabama. Watch how your representative votes on thz question and be prepared to knife him when he asks you for another office if he votes wrong. There will be more or less suspicion attached to it when a man votes in favor of continuing the lease sys- tenn for no one wants it except those in terested.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
APPLICABLE ELsEWHERE From the St. Louis Times.


 Itis to be hoped that the court will place a quick and permanent quietus on the at- tempt of our self constituted guardians to censor or prohibit the future presenta- ton of the most stupendous achievement in the history of the silent drama A per manent injunction to restrain any inter- ference with "The Birth of a Nation should be granted and enforced. Here is . picture that bears the stamp of ap- proval of at least two of the greatest cities in the country. cities bigger and greater than St. Louis-and yet we have a lot of busy bodies who would butt in'' and destroy one of the few successful the atrical ventures of the last few years When certain parties ask themselves what Is the matter with St. Louis. they might we'll turn around and answer, them selves. It is the picayunish policy of cer- tain of our citisens of meddling with af. fairs in which they should have m con- cern.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03

Lee c. Phillips of New Madrid, Mo, is called the "sunfiower king He makes speciality of growing the flower on large scale for commercial purposes. The seed are sold to manufacturers of breakfast food. MT. Phillips has 800 acres of sun. flowers growing on his farm, which is To- cated in a rich agricultural section. says dispatch in the St. Louis Republic. The expense of cultivation is about ss an acre. and the seed sell from to cents pound. The yield per acre is worth from sS5 to $50 When Phillips forsook politics several years ago and began grow ing sunhowers other farmers in Missouri thought he was crazy, but they have since changed their opinion, as he has made the business highly successful. The seed are planted like corn and two plow- ings are all that is required. While Phil lips sells his product direct to firms that manufacture breakfast foods. he is not prepared to say that sunflower seeds are used for that purpose. Most of the crop is used for poultry food.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
CHEAP INSURANCE

From the Portland Telegram.
 The loss In the great Galveston flood of 16 years ago was about s2O.000,oOO and hundreds of lives. The sea wall which held the city safe against the thrush of the gulf waters few days ago cost approx imatey $2,000,000. Some insurance policy is that sea wall
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03

Most noble gentlemen, and my worthy patrons: have nothing to sell, little or nothing to sell I pro- test, I and my six servants are not able to make of this precious liquor so fast as it is fetched away from my lodging by gentlemen of your city. 0 healthi health! the blessing of the rich, the riches of the poor! who can buy thee at too dear rate. since there is no enjoying the world without thee! Be not then So sparing of your purses. honorable gentlemen. as to abridge the natural course of life. Iris this rare extraction that hath only power to disperse all malig- nant humolrs: a most sovereign and approved remedy; cramps, convulsions, paralysies. epilepsies. retired nerves, stopping of the liver; and cures mel ancholia, hypondriaca, being taken and applied according to my printed recipes. Twill cost you eight crowns. And Zan Fritada, prithee sing a verse extempore in honor of it. sss
 You all know, honorable gentlemen. never valued this vial at less than crowns; but fo rthis time I am com tent to be deprived off it for 6; crowns is the price, and less in cour- tesy know you cannot offer me. ask you not as to the value of the thing, for then I should demand SI you 1000 crowns.
 Well. am in humour at this time to make a present of the small quan- tity my coffer contains, to the rich in courtesy, and to the poor for Gods sake. Wherefore now mark: I asked you 6 crowns: and crowns at other times you have paid me. You shall not give me crowns. nor 5. nor ( nor 3, nor ?, nor 1; nor half ducat. no, nor moccinigo. Sixpence it will cost you. or 96OO, except no lower price for by the banner of my front, I will have only a pledge of your love to carry something from amongst you to show I am not condemned by you. Therefore. now, toss your handker- chiefs cheerfully; and be advertised that the first heroic spirit that deigns to grace me with . handkerchief, will give a little remembrance of something. beside, shall please 1t bet ter than if had presented it with q double pistolet."
 Such was the faker,f How of languag then, and such it Is now.