davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
The Builder

In little Texas town few days ago, two men died. One was president of a national bank and the other was a carpenter. They were buried in diff ferent cemeteries, for one was rich and the other was poor.
 The rich man went to a we'll kept lot adorned by granite shaft. Hun dreds of people followed him, in a long line of autos and carriages. The carpenter was carried to an obscure little cemetery and scarce a score of his fellows followed to do him honor.
 One man had been rich and hun dreds crowded to show him final re- spect-the other man was poor and lowly and was well nigh forgotten even before his burial.
 Yet let us compare the lives of these men, The bank president was known to have spent his life in the accumulation of wealth, for himself. No mercy did he show to the poor land or home owner who was unable to meet his mortgage obligation. The banker did not hesitate to foreclose and take from the widow the home she was toiling to pay for. Wealth and the position which wealth \ affords were
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
NOT IN POLITICS

harder than the hardest kind of work 1t Is not noble pursuit either And it has no place for the women and the chill
 dren. It's sordid, dirty-worse luck. That is one side. There is another. The
 German long since discovered that the
 game of politics, as it is played, inter-
 feres with business-and he is first of all
 business man. He discovered further
 that it's prizes are dead sea fruit-and he
 has practical appetite And he knows what Herman Ridder seems to have for gotten-there is no such thing as Ger
 man vote. These 2O,O00,0oO or 2,OOO 00O-and 1t makes no difference which-cannot be boiled as a body. They are of more shades of opinion than there are king
 doms, grand duchies, municipalities, and free cities in the German empire.
 The war in Europe, very naturally. has
 brought them together. They sorrow with the fatherland and they rejoice with the fatherland It would be amazing if they did not. To assert. and to affect to be- lieve that they are thereby joined in a political conspiracy, in an anti-American crusade, is almost as absurd as to try to lead them in that direction. The one nightmare is Henry Watterson's Is the other Herman Ridder's? If it is not his
 own words and manner have deceived us Not that it is anyways important. We
 have lived among these good German
 souls in more lands than one. And our experience has varied little. They love
 the roses and accept the thorns They do
 not expect something for nothing. They are disposed to gloom when the sun goes into hiding. They worship Frau Musika.
 Finally, they associate politicians with
 mountebanks and confidence ,men and
 Unsinn generally. They are Bavarians
 and Hannoveraners and Badensers. They are even Prussians-so much for Aud Lang Syne And at the end of the chap ter they are just about as good citizens as the rest of us-and no whit easier to be herded.
 They will not flock together into a Ger man party to please anybody. They hang out the sign: Don't Talk War Talk Business Tolerable good sense, We think.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
GOES TO ALABAMA

From the Raleigh News and Observer
 It Is matter of large regret that Prof Zebulon V. Judd has been impelled be- cause of what he holds to be larger op- portunities to leave the field of educa- tional work in North Carolina to enter into the educational field in Alabama as a member of the faculty Of the Alabama Polytechnic institute at Auburn. his posi- tion that of the head of the department of education of that institution.
 MT. Judd has been a factor for educa- tional progress in North Carolina and his recent entrance upon work at the State university In the chair of rural ed ucation has made possible his larger con- nection with the educational activities of the state. A graduate of the university In 1903, he taught for two years in the University of Florida, being called from his post there to become superintendent of public instruction of his native county of Wake. His services in this field tili the beginning of the present year have been such as build up the waste places'' in education. giving an impetus to the work, and high rank to the schools of this county.
 MT. Judd's worw and activity attracted attention to his worth in the educational field. and this has been given large rec ognition. Especially has this been so in advance steps for rural education, in which he has blazed the way in original work. Active. enthusiastic. throwing him. self entirely into his work the record of success made by Professor Judd is such as to warrant the belief that under his headship the department of education of the Alabama Polytechnic institute will be conducted in such way as to prove an inspiration to the cause of education in Alabama.
 Those who know Professor Judd will have personal regret in his departure from the state. and it will be matter of concern to North Carolina that in other states there are salaries paid in such amounts, and larger opportunities offered by reason of more money invested in ed ucation, that there continue to be drawn from North Carolina it's sons who should be held within its borders to give 1t their service in it's progress in the making of a greater state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
ARE THE GERMANS WINNING.

From the Boston Herald.
 If the fall of Warsaw may now be taken for granted, the Germans will mark the end of a year of war by demonstra- tion of extraordinary power on land. They will have cleared their own soil- barring small piece of Alsace-from all invaders, and be maintaining a war in both theatres of operation on alien terri tory. In clearing them out of Belgium, small progress has been made by the An glo-French alliance. while the latter's at tempt to crack open the Dardanelles has thus far been marked by failure and at enormous cost
 But this does not mean that the Ger mans have proved themselves invincible or that they can impose their will on the European continent Their ships have been driven off the seas. Their subma- rines, though an annoyance to British and neutral commerce are really but a drop In the bucket in proportion to the great volume of safely moving British traffic. Their colonies have fallen from their hands. They are, in fine, paying a prodigious price for the maintenance of the struggle. How much longer can they pay 1t? How much further can they go? Can they indefinitely capitalize con tinuance of hostiities. and will it's re- wards be compensatory?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
DISCIPLINE OF PRISONERS

From the Pittsburg Sun.
 It is good in these days of welfare leagues" golden rule associations" and other fanciful societies in penitentiar ries. to hear someone talk right out in meet ing Too many of the prison wardens now adays are obsessed with ideas of gen eral uplift that results in the destruc- tion of the idea that a penal institution Is a place of correction Warden Osborne in Sing Sing and Warden Allen in Joliet and many others have gone to the ex- treme in treating with gentleness and un- der the "honor system" the vicious who have been placed in their charge
 In a recent interview Katherine B. Davis. New York's commissioner of cor rection, gave voice to some ideas she has on the subject and they come nearer hitting the mark than do the Utopian ones of Warden Osborne. She was dis cussng discipline of prisoners when she said: Personally, I should prefer to give some of those prisoners a good sound thrashing, for that is the only kind of treatment to which they will respond. But that is against the law and I believe in obeying the law"
 Miss Davis is apparently more competent to deal with the question of prison dis cipline than are a lot of others who are so saturated with mistaken ideas of their duty to their fellow men that they for get the necessity of applying proper cura- tive measures. More than a majority of criminals, men and women are so be- cause they want to be, and not because they have to be. No argument or no treat ment, however kind and generous, can make dishonest man honest Disre- spect for law and order and disregard for the principles of honor are born in the bone. and it is folly to argue other wise. Miss Davis is right. "a good sound thrashing" is sometimes the only thing to which certain classes will respond
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
The Anti-Ciearette Folly

q am surprised to learn that a bill to prohibit the sale of cigarettes in Alabama is now pending in the legis- lature and that it has considerable support" remarked J. W. Culbertson of Philadelphia.
 While excessive cigarette smoking, like every other excess, is harmful to the nervous system. 1t Is not too much to say that the majority of men who indulge do so in moderation. smoke a half dozen cigarettes a day and I feel no i'll effects
 Boys should not smoke cigarettes because the young are likely to form the habit of inhaling the smoke; but l would no more think of stopping grown-ups from indulging in this use of tobacco than I would from drinking tea. coffee or coca cola
 Tn most states where there is an especially cigarettes, the sane people who bring about or try to bring about the prohibition of the sale of liquor are back of it.
 T am not far from being an anti saloon man myself and a prohibitions ist with regard to every beverage con taining alcohol except beer. but If the ti-saloon people are so fanatica1 as to try to stop the sale of cigarettes it will not be long before very pro- nounced reaction will set in against prohibition Such is in the nature ol things"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
Russia at Bay

The Czar's armies are now opposing the Teutonic allies on Russia's first lines of permanent defenses. The tre- mendous drives of the German gen. erals have forced the Russians back until they are strictly on the de- fensive and an independent Poland with Saxon King is predicted by some observers. At any rate, Warsaw is now the big prize of the desperate struggle that is being waged in the "eastern theatre" of war If the Ger mans are victorious to such an ex- tent that there is no danger of another offensive movement on the part of Russia for year or more, it is eX- pected that the Kaiser will hurl his legions on the allied battle line of the west. Then the fate of Europe will truly hang in the balance. The Kaiser dreams of an empire greater than that conquered by Napoleon and even the most sanguine of the allies are no longer certain that it is an idle dream.
 Warsaw is a very rich city and could pay an enormous tribute. It is not fortified, as it is the practice of the Russians not to subject the popu- lations of cities to the hardships of a siege. The front north of Warsaw is strong, the region of chief peril being on the Lublin front. Th,Jspresent Ger man. Austrian attacks are directed against Warsaw on the east and Lublin on the south.
 The political advantage that would result to the Germans from the cap- ture of Warsaw is very great It would not only encourage the population of Germany and Austria tremendously, but would have decided effect on the Balkan states. The capture of War saw would prevent the Balkan states from coming to the defense of Russia, it is declared, and might encourage an active alliance with Germany. It is believed that the German occupation of Warsaw would be followed by the crowning of the Prince of Saxony as King of Poland. Saxony is now one of the minor states of the German en- piro
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
DAUPHIN ISLAND

From the Montgomery Advertiser
 Dauphin Island. now being developed by Birmingham. Chicago, Cleveland and New York capitalists as port, coaling station, summer and winter resort, is sit uated at the mouth of Mobile bay, 30 miles south of Mobile. and is the first and largest of that chain of islands lying between the Gulf of Mexico and Missis- sippi sound.
 From the earliest advent of mankind in America Dauphin Island has been in use. The great shell banks on the north side, interspersed with Indian wares, attest the habitation of the Indian, the domi- hating tribe in history being the Choctaw division of the great Muscogee race. The island passed from Indian to Spaniard, from Spaniard to French, from French back to Spaniard. from Spaniard back to French, and thence to the United States.
 It has peculiar interest in that 1t was the mother settlement for the gulf coast and for a long period was the capital of French possessions in America. No other spot in the United States has known So much of war and fighting. The British, after the battle of New Orleans, made Dauphin Island vast camp for their defeated army, which was probably the largest encampment and longest ocou- pancy by the British on American soil. During the French period Dauphln Island was the only harbor of Mobile. Being strategically located near deep water, and being at the mouth of the river systems of Alabama which pierce the heart of the coal fields of the Bir- mingham district, it should become not only a great ,coaling station, but a port of world importance and influence. No other port south of New York will be able to harbor ships large enough to en- gage in the oriental trade, which fact alone will probably change the lines o1 traffic in this country as related to South American and oriental business
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
Famous Old Theatre

Wallack's theatre, which was re- gently torn down in New York to make room for skyscraper, was one of the most famous playhouses in the world and enjoyed undimmed prestige until it disappeared before the de- mand for building space.
 At one time Wallack's had a large and fashionable patronage, which was weaned away from it in later years, but the splendid traditions of the house were preserved and no later than last year it was one of the most successful theatres of the season, dur ing long run of Grumpy" with the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28

his, but In the hearts of his fellow men there was little affection for him.
 The lowly carpenter had toiled hard all his days for modest wages. Neat little cottages of his building dotted many a village street. Old houses, fallen into decay, blossomed into new beauty and comfort, under his hand. New porches were placed where rickety old ones had been-porches on which little ones romped and played and old ones laid plans and built air castles.
 The carpenter, himself homeless, de- lighted in erecting the homes for oth- CTS, and fitting in them all the little conveniences his constructive brain could devise.
 In fact, wherever he went that place was made better, more comfortable, more fit for human habitation and happiness. Always he builded for the future, always his work benefited his fellow man.
 By what standard should the lives of these two men be judged-by the amount of pomp and the length of the procession which marked the burial,
 
 or by the amount of help and happi- ness his life yielded?
 surely people are shortsighted when it comes to rendering honor where honor is due.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
To Extend Military Training

To Extend Military Training Europe's titanic war, with its pitt less slaughter of human lives and it's tremendous waste of money, has not only appalled, the world, but during the first few months after hostilities started peace and arbitration leagues in America received fresh impetus.
 The pacifists were strong in num- bers and among their leaders were many men of prominence. But some of these pacifists preached peace-at-any- price and became pacifimaniacs, thus putting themselves in class of unde- sirables. Not few of these anti military extremists have gone so far as to urge young men to sign pledge never to enlist in any circumstances for military service. We'll may the followers of peace-at-any- price apos- ties be characterized as mollycoddles. But all true Americans will rejoice in the fact that vast proportion of the men, young and old, included in our population of 00,000,00 souls, are first of all imbued with the spirit of patriotism; a patriotism as sturdy as that which filled the breats of those brave men who followed Washington through the revolution. Hence it is that the ultra-pacificts are drifting out of notice. The National Security league, headed by distinguished Americans, has sane and patriotic policy, as the title of the organization might imply. Its motto is something like this: "In time of peace prepare for defense against foreign foe"
 The United States is learning many lessons from the European war, and one of them is the value of military training for the great body of men who make up nation. Militarism should never win favor in this coun- try, and it never will. But without any tendency in that direction mili- tary education and military organiza- tion should receive wide attention. Both the naval academy at Annapolis and the military academy at West Point should be enlarged Instead of the naval academy graduating 300 midshipmen each year the number should be doubled; and instead of the academy at West Point graduating 150 to 160 cadets each year the num- Der should be increased three or four fold.
 The student body of every college and every public high school should be formed into a cadet corps The military feature need not predominate. It should not be expected that military science would be taught as thoroughly as it is in institutes and academies essentially military. But every youth should make all the better man if he has been subjected to strict military discipline; and when the United States needed big volunteer army, trained material would be forthcoming.
 The war and navy departments will soon lay before President Wilson, in response to his orders, plans for the strengthening of the national defense. Whether the administration will urge large increase in the regular army has not been determined, but it is safe to assume that Congress will make provisions for an extension of mili- tary education. Money so spent will be economy in the end.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
A GLOOMY INTERVAL.

When optimism fails you and life's petty
 cares annoy, And all the world around seems dark
 and drear What though thousand feathered
 throats uplift their songs of joy, They fall upon dull, unheeding ear. The cheerful tune the brook sings on it's
 Journey to the sea, A genial sun and flowers by the way Cannot disperse the shadow-shapes, nor
 win a sad heart free From spectral forms that startle and
 dismay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
The National Guard

"The Alabama National Guard has improved wonderfully in efficiency in recent years and it's closer contact with the regular army accounts largely for this improvement" said Maj. J. B. FL liott, on the guards retired list.
 "If the organization of citizen sol dlery were to receive more encourage ment its ranks would be fuller. What would help very much. believe, would be small pay from the United States government. No matter how little the pay, 1t would be an appreciation. AS il is the Alabama National Guard is In good condition and is ready to rem der excellent service whenever ordered out'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
In SOuthWentern Virginia

The mountain scenery around Abing- don, Va, is very beautiful said R. H. Baugh, who recently returned from a visit to his family, who are spending the sum- mer there.
 Abingdon was pretty town when I first saw it many years ago, but large im- prcvements have been made there since then. Wealthy northern people have built handsome summer homes in and around Abingdon.
 Southwestern Virginia, in which section of the Old Dominion Abingdon is situated. is highly prosperous. It produces fine cat tie, and all of the men engaged in the in dustry are growing rich"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
The Rank of Lieutenant General

'If the recommendation of the war de- partment is acuuiesced in by Congress, the chief of staff of the army, at present Maj Gen. Hugh L. Scott, will have the rank and pay of a lieutenant general" said c. R. Ammon of Washington, D. c. "As Congress few years ago abolished the grade of lieutenant general. there is no one of that rank on the active list and Congress would have to pass a bill reviving the grade.
 T can understand why the rank of full general is reserved for men only of ex- ceptionally great military achievement in war times. but I think Congress a bit too chary when it comes to the question of lieutenant general"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
THE LAST INVOCATION

By Walt Whitman. At the last. tenderly, From the walls of the powerful. fortressed
 house. From the clasp of the knitted locks-from
 the keep of the well closed doors Let me be waited. Let me glide noiselessly forth; With the key of softness unlock the locks
 with a whisper Set ope the doors. O soul. Tenderlyl be not impatient. Strong is your hold. o mortal flesh. Strong is your hold. o lovel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
BEGINNING THE DAy-u.ord !,

BEGINNING THE DAY-sLord, I believey help Thou mine unbeIief''- the seeming contradiction of the man whom Jesus asked if he be- 1ieved In the Son of God Yet, this is the process of faith. We believe yet we would believe more. Nay, we must believe more, for faith can- not stnnd still. It is the light, which begins with a mere smoIder. then . gleam, then the shining more and more unto the perfect day.-H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
NOT IN GREENvILLE
From the Mobile Register.

From the Mobile Register
 The Greenville newspaper, known as "The Living Truth. has moved to Floma- ton to live; also with truth. no doubt. The Greenville Advocate wishes the enter prise well. and says the fault was not in the paper but in the locality that is not large enough to support two news- papers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
The Altitude af JnrIen

point on the convict lease sys- tenn that. l have never before heard brought out" said Ross c. Smith, twas mentioned the other day to me by an out-of-town attorney with whom 1 was discussing the question. He made the statement that jurieB would not give as long sentences when they knew the prisoner was to serve in the mines as they would otherwise
 T had never thought of this before and had never heard 1t mentioned. The lawyer, however, cited cases He mem toned one murder case in which the Jury found a prisoner guilty but gave him only three years. it later being discovered that the leniency of the jury was due to the fact that the 12 men had been deeply impressed with the many bad features of convict life in the mines under the lease system and they thought that three years under these conditions would be sufficient punishment.
 The lawyer cited other instances and stated that he had many times seen the point brought out in the courts of the state. Especially was the matter true regarding country juries. where the impression of the evils of the lease system are more vivid prob ably than among city jurymen."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-28
ALABAMA PRESS

Gadsden Evening Journali The move , ment to establish a mattress factory in Gadsden Is a move in the right direction. More work and less talk will build up the city.
 Huntsville Daily Times; The abolition of tho convict lease system in Alabama will at once put thss proud commonwealth in the roll of states that are in line with progress. At the same time it is also good to know that the good roads of the state will blossom as a rose directly as a re- suit of this stroke of Christian enter prise.
 Talladega Daily Home: While the aver age industrious citizen is trying to pro- mote something the average industrious legislator is trying to prevent something. Decaturs Daily: About the only thing that the Inquiry into the case of the Eastland disaster will reveal Is the truth fulpess of the old axiom-"an ounce of prevention Is better than pound of cure"
 Gadsden Times-News: The pipe shops will all start up Wednesday and Gadsden will again resume her normal status-all wheels turning