davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
Ford Party's Earnest Appeal


 At the time of sailing Henry Ford announced that he had formulated nc plans for ending the war, but the peace missioners accompanying him on the steamship Oscar II have eff fected an organization out at sea and according to news reports by wire less, each day is busy day
 The Rev. Dr. Charles F. Aked of San Francisco seems to be Mir. Ford's minister of state, with the Rev. Dr Jenkin Lloyd Jones of Chicago his special counselor. Judge Ben Lindsey of Denver is prooaply acting attorney general.
 The members of the party are not in full accord on all the questions submitted for consideration, notably on the question of President Wilson's preparedness programme. The reso- lutions condemning the administra- tion's policy were offered by several of the missioners, Judge Lindsey being one who refused to sign. But there was virtually unanimous agreement on the appeal for an i'm mediate truce sent by wireless to the heads of the warning nations. II
  is a carefully framed document and is inspired by the spirit of Christian charity. To those who regard MT. Ford's project as altogether feasible
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
DEAREST MYTH ATTACKED

From the New York Times.
 l Nothing has done more, perhaps, to give George Washington the unlkeness to- and l elevation above, ordinary humanity which 1 is the attribute almost invariably ascribed ! in public minds to the founders of na- l tions and dynasties than the pretty tale
 that in his boyhood he once professed in-
 ability to tell a lie That ingenious prod
 uct of the clerical imagination has been
 not the less gladly or widely accepted | because of the fact, too obvious to be seen ! by those not looking for it, that any l boy or man who made that profession, by 1 the making, disproved his claim. And so ! rarely has it been subjected to anything
 1 approaching the higher criticism that few people will fail to experience surprise amounting to shock on learning that ap- ] plication of that powerfully corrosive acid has even once been ventured.
 An instance of it, however, can be found in "Erewhon Revisited" the more curious sequel to the curious Ere whon," those little-read books by Samuel Butler, which so we'll deserve the read ing of anybody appreciative of originality and not afraid of audacious satire. It is Tn the nrSt mentioned OI these HlOl6 tHei slightly amazing works that the author lets his genius play upon our sacred cherry tree story-which, by the way, he calls an apple tree story, a mistake rather characteristic of higher critics
 The common interpretation, Butler writes, of the noble boys statement, T
 cannot tell lie," is quite and absurdly wrong; the announced inability was due, not to moral inhibition or paralysis unknown to human beings of normal in- telligence, but simply to the realization that circumstances were so convfncinSly and convictingly against him that lie would only cause bad matter to become worse, while In frank confession there would be whateve benefits can come to him who makes a virtue of necessity. There is certain plausibility about this theory or explanation of the famous incident Those whom it offends--and probably there will be some-can truth fully say that it's only real basis is the assumption that valuable tree was cut down for no better reason than to try the edge of a new hatchet, and that what George wouldn't do, though he doubtless could. was thing equally stupid and vi- cious.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
CHiNA,S MERCHANT MARINE

From the Pittsburg Sun.
 That Chinamen propose to have fleet of merchant vessels on the Pacific IS quite evident from the energetic manner
 in which the sponsors of the plan have gone about interesting their fellow-coun-
 trymen in the proposition. A company
 has been organized, one ship bought
 which is now in commission, and others
 will be either bought or built as soon as
 the necessary money can be raised. TO
 secure the required sum, rich Chnamen
 in the Orient are taking stock, as are the
 wealthy ones on the Pacific coast While
 Chinamen residing on the Atlantic coast
 and in the inland states are taking stock
 to the limit of their purses. This means that in short time there will be some opposition to the Japanese Pacific mari time monopoly.
 When the Pacific Mail Steamship com pany decided to quit the Oriental trade and dispose of it's vessels, Japan, which goes in for subsidzing her merchantmen, started to grab all the business. Orders were given to conserve Japanese trade
 and to stop only at Japanese ports, while there were native cargoes for export In this way goods in China and the Philip pines intended for shipment to this coun- try were neglected. The Oriental ex- porter and the American importer were and are at the mercy of the Japanese l merchantmen who, in turn, are controlled by the subsidizing government.
 l With the coming of the Chinese mer- chant fleet some competition will be of- l fere6 the Japanese and possibly it will be | strong enough to fight off the consumma-
 tion of a Nippon monopoly until we awaken to the need of encouraging Amer ican merchant fleets on the Pacific. The trade of China is enormous, that with the 1 Philippines is constantly increasing, and I even though this were not true, pride and l the necessities Of the case should be enough to cause us to maintain regular
 line of merchant vessels with our own far eastern possession and by every means within our power strive to promote the
 welfare of the islands and incidentally of
 the natives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
"JoYOUsNEss OF THE TRENCHES
Jeanne Saurin, in Southern Wom Magazine.

Jeanne Saurin, in Southern Woman's Magazine.
 We had first seen the poilus in the in terior, far from the battle line, convales- cents and those on leave, and tese, too. were gay, but their ga:ety had not so im- pressed us-it seemed the joy of relief. Sc we were not prepared for the joyous ness of the trenches. And when we first ! reached the front. at villers-Cotteret. we wore a solemn countenance, as of those in the valley and shadow of death, not thinking it fit to smile. But our solem- nity was soon disturbed by laughter when we entered the small hotel. It was time for luncheon, and the place was crowded with officers. The garden was filled with tables and the tables were crowded. and with such a gay crowd Laughter was a running accompaniment to the. chatter and chatter of knives and forks-for they ate with great appetites, their poilus. We found table in the din- | Ing room. beside that of some higher of
 hcers just back from the trenches. They were all strong, handsome Fellows, most of them decorated with the coveted cross, and some having two or three medals. l They were having such a jolly, boyish good time. laughing so heartily that, in I spite of the emotion we felt in the pres ence of heroes, we were forced to join them. That was probably a mark of sympathy. for the oldest of them turned and asked us to take our coffee with them. We were received with open arms and were soon listening open -mouthed to
 their wonderful stories.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
The New Commissioners

John k. Hornady and J. D. Truss, who were elected city commissioners yesterday in the run-off contest, are representative citizens, and, as each is known for his civic ardor, the public will have reason to expect from each tireless service in promoting the best interests of Birmingham.
 MT. Hornady was the earnest ad- vocate of the commission form of government many years while the old aldermanic system was still in favor and it was but natural that he should aspire to a seat in Birming- hams new governing body.
 On and after today the commission will consist of five instead of three members. Under the new law Presi- dent Ward will be invested with larger powers than he had hitherto possessed. Up to this time the presi- dency of the commission carried with l it a little honor, and little more pay than that received by the other commissioners. But the president had no more voice in the city's ad- ministration than his colleagues. It will be very different after today The presidents prerogatives make him to all intent and purpose gen. eral manager. And as one of the principles of commission government is concentration of authority with 8 corresponding sense of responsibility on the part of the commissioners, any thing like an approach to the general manager plan should be welcomed. But notwithstanding the autocratis character of the office of president it is hoped that harmony will pre- vail, and that the game of politics will be eliminated from the city hall
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
DEATH OF STEPHEN PHILLIPS

drama as a protest against the vapid foolishness of so much of the prose plays written in the nineties-and still written, by the way It was not in- tended by Phillips, however, to take his cue from the Elizabethan drama for, Cambridge man as he was, he refused to accept the Shakespeare form as his model. but sought inspiration in the more uniform and artistically coherent Greek tragedies and comedies. Indeed, he did more, he inveighed against the older English traditions, saying:
 Look at the Greek tragedians. They
 wrote their verse in simple, pure, collo- duial language. They could treat, in dents-a servant at the door, and SO
 on-without any suggestion of unnatu- ralness Such being his theories his plays certainly proved them, and although the British censor would not allow his David" to be given, though it was brought out in Germany, his plays ex- cept 'David' were produced and were all that he claimed for them Beauty of diction, elevation of thought and a vivid word painting and fine dra- matic sense, which was logically worked out, gave every one who heard a Phillips drama sense of the value of art and artifice in rhythm and verbal finesse as handmaidens of dramatic effects. Having no imi- tators or followers. Phillips Is his own school, but he put contemporary English verse in his debt and added substantially to the long | line of achievements of those who have eng of love and beauty and life
 and the old remembered tales that sir mems hearts and souls.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
Underwood's Committees

Senator Underwood's long expert ence in legislation and his masterful leadership in the House of Repre- sentatives entitled him to important committee assignments in the upper i house and each of the three commit l tees of which he is now a member 1 interstate commerce, appropriations and interoceanic canals-will afford him new opportunity for high achieve ment in the service of his country. tee are referred many questions of lfar-reaching import, including what ever relates broadly to the transpor- tation situation, and as Senator Underwood has given much thought to railroad problems and has aroused wide interest by his clean-cut discus sion within the past twelve months, he will naturally be counted upon for constructive work in this new field of activity.
 1 Senator Underwood's suggestion that Congress create commission to go over the interstate commerce laws and recommend legislation seeking to 1 improve the conditions under which the railroads are operated was readi- 1 ly accepted by President Wilson, and the Underwood idea was not only en- | bodied in the Presidents message, but was pressed with great earnest iness.
 The interstate commerce commits sion is composed of able and con- scientious men, but their work is too heavy. The commission should be en- larged. The commissioners have done what they conceive to be right in the ! light of their duties defined in fed eral statutes, but in many cases their attitude to the carriers has seemed more antagonistic than otherwise. Railroad interests have often com- 1 plained that they have not received the treatment they felt was due them. But be this as it may, the fact is that all except the great trunk lines, es- pecially favored by natural conditions, have suffered There is trouble some
 where, and it will be the province of a congressional commission to get at the bottom of it and propose the proper remedies.
 Never were the railroads of this country better managed than they are today; never were they operated with
 such scientific economy. Many of the
 railroad presidents and their execu- tive associates are distinguished for
 their capacity, broadmindedness and
 patriotic spirit. If the government will only give them assistance and en-
 couragement the grave problems that Senator Underwood has alluded to
 will be solved in way that should
 satisfy the public.
 Much will be expected of Congress in this connection and it is believed
 the country will not be disappointed |
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
JAMES WAS ON THE JOB

From the PhEadelphia Telegraph.
 They were speaking of country stores the other night when this anecdote was recalled by Congressman Claude Kitchin of North Carolina.
 Some time ago the general storekeeper in New England village hired a new clerk. and proceeded to put him wise to the ways of the business.
 James" said he among many other things. we may not always have just what the customer wants. and in that event you should suggest something as nearly like it as possible. Later in the day a farmer entered the store and headed for the proximity of the new clerk.
 Young man. said he. '.ye kin give me about pound O paris green" 'I am very sorry, sir returned the clerk. looking along the shelves, "but we haven't got a bit of paris green left in the place. How about some nice bluing?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
Music In America


 "All musicians and music lovers re- mark the fact that high class musical art is much more appreciated in the United States-in the small cities as well as the large-than it was 20, or even 10 years ago, but there is still room for progress in this respect" said J. w. Frederick of Chicago
 T am only music lover but not in 25 years have I missed attending many symphony concerts when such were of- fered, and I have noticed that the au- diences of today are larger and more eager than those of former years. But 1t will be many years yet before Amer ica is as musical as Europe. On this question Musical America has this to say, and it is timely and Illuminating
 Count Eugene dHarcourt, who comes to America from France to in- vestigate musical conditions in Amer ica, and who has been spending a few weeks in San Francisco, finds that the inhabitants of the city of the Golden Gate are not truly musical, that they are fond of music, but without a prop CT discrimination.
 "'The distinguished Frenchman's s powers of observation are greater than his powers of deduction, and in the nature of his criticism lies one of the most hopeful things about America, unsteady.
 San Francisco should not be singled out as the scapegoat in this matter, which is applicable in gen. eral way to the whole United States. The French are very definite. refined 1 and discriminating in matters of art 1 It Is part of their ideal and is a re. 1 suit of long evolution toward that | ideal. To a Frenchman a lack in a l similar respect in another must be a sad and unpardonable deficiency. | If such a quality as the French man seeks were to be found in Amer ! lea, what would it mean? It would ! mean that America was prematurely old. It would mean that this country had exercised its final test upon mu- sical art, and that it had come to its last and definite decisions
 l "It is precisely in the absence of such 8 condition that our hope, as a | nation, lies. We are still young, stil. listening eagerly. gladly, impression ably, to what all the world is saying in tone. It is our time to enjoy heart fly all that we can enjoy. and in most l that the different nations of the world send us there is something that can be ! enjoyed Discrimination, little later on, when we know ourselves musical
 ly somewhat better, will be as inevit. able as it will then be desirable. Or, if MT. d'Harcourt wishes to find l less delay an indication of the direc- tion which our national discrimination will take, let him study carefully the work of 20 or 30 of the foremost>Amer- | ican composers. There Is the crucible in which the issues of this matter are being worked out"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
The Next War Move

With the completion of the cam paien in Servia, which left King Pe- ter without a country to rule, the European war practically came to a standstill, so far as any important movements were concerned, state of affairs which still continues. The Russians are having no difficulty Ill bolding their lines against the de- pleted forces of the Teutons, who have withdrawn troops for operations in the Balkans. They are reported plentifully supplied with shells and hopeful of regaining some of their lost territory soon, but just at present are apparently content to abide where they are.
 In France there is the usual can nonading by heavy artillery, but no momentous developments are re- corded, nor is there any reason to believe that any are anticipated in the near future. On Gallipoli peninsula the allied troops have been able to accomplish little against the strongly entrenched Turks and operations there are generally considered fail ure. The hapless Britons have also met with defeat in Mesopotamia, and now that the allied forces in the Bal kans have been driven back on Greek territory, it remains to be seen whether the central powers will fol low up their recent successes or wait the next move by the allies.
 Greece is in the unenviable pre- dicament of being compelled to sub init to serious violation of her neu- trality by letting the allies entrench themselves at Saloniki. This is 2 strategic point of great importance and would be well adapted for launch. ing campaign for the redemption O Servia. Unless the allies start theil next offensive on Greek territory the fate of Servia and Montenegro would seem to be settled. A large Rus sian army was reported massed nea the Roumanian border, but it has ap parently done nothing.
 As for the Italians, they seem, lik' their allies, to be making little prog ress. The Hull may mark the turn O the tide for the allies, or it may DOT tend peace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
A TRIPLE

By Henry Timrod.
 know not why. but even to me, My songs seem sweet wben read to thee Perhaps in this the pleasure lies read my--thoughts within thine eyes. And so dare fancy that my art Hay sink as deeply as thy heart Perhaps love to make my words Sing round thee like so many birds, Or may be they are only sweet As they seem offerings at thy feet. Or. haply, Lily. when I speak think, perchance they touch thy cheek Or with yet more precious bliss, Die on thy red lips in a kiss. Each reason here-I cannot tell Or all perhaps may solve the spell. But if sine watch when I am by Lily may deeper see than l.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
HOTEL LOBRIES
Compared With a Year Ago

Nearly all lines of business show verNmarked improvement as compared with year ago and the piano trade is no exception to the rule" said E. B. Burton, vice president of the Cable Shelby Burton company.
 Our sales in November were larger than in October and as matter of course, far ahead of November, 191 A. Business conditions in Birmingham give eevry promise of continuing good through the winter and everybody is expecting a great degree of activity in the spring."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

A New York woman had to be forcibly elected from theatre on fire because she had paid to see the show. Indicates distinctly feminine process of reasoning. There couldn't possibly be any show under the circumstances.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

The Christiania Students society, whose pulpit lis open to any sound minded per son." will give MT. Ford an opportunity to speak. The Students society has evi- dent1y not heard about those squirrels sent aboard the peace ship just before it left New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

The ice skating craze threatened for time to cause a shortage of skates in New York. However, there never was any shortage of stunning skating cos fumes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

The American note to Austria Hungary on the Ancona is considered stronger than any of the notes dispatched to Ger many Well, we got away with those German notes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

Although St. Louis nas a large German population it is not believed that any at tempt will be made to blow up the demo- cratic national convention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
A HAPPY THOUGHT.

Young Cholly Sappington is not so stupid as I thought him..
 What caused you to change your opin- ion?'
 His behavior when my motor car broke down 20 miles from the city,
 ''You don't mean to say he could do anything to help?"
 "oh, yes. He strolIed with the ladies of the party to spring nearby and gave me chance to do little plain and fancy swearing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

A Detroit paper says Henry Ford has no knowledge of history. Still, Henry
 must know that a few things happened
 before the Ford car was put on the mar ket
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

Richard Harding Davis is writing for The Age-Herald some wonderfully graphic accounts of the devastation of war in France
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

One of the German newspapers says America is filled with holy egotism. There is nothing particularly holy about the American brand of egotism.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

If old Father Noah had not been be- lever in preparedness, there is no telling what would have happened to him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

1 London has been socially depressed ever 1 since King George fell off his horse, ayers 1 a correspondent. Perhaps English pride was a trifie hurt, also.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
DOESN'T FOLLOW

From the Nashville Banner.
 common error is in regarding a man who has made success in one thing as| an authority on everything.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
BEGINNING THE DAY--Ms

rest in Thee more; may | be silent unto Thee, may I be dumb before Thee; may I have less compiainins before Thee; may talk to Thee less aud listen to Thee more. speak 10 me in the way. Comfort me, guide me. For Christ's sake. Amen.-H M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14
ADRIF'T WITH THE TIMES
WHO DOESN'T?

If l could live my life once more I'd profit by my past mistakes, But I would still find life 8 bore Each time it brought me pains and
 aches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

President Wilson does not seem to be very popular in Germany. However, the Kaiser is not very popular in America.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

From the Florida Times-Union
 If Henry Ford should succeed some or ficial personages would kick themselves the balance If their lives for not trying
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

China will celebrate Yuan Shi kais ac- cession to the throne. Yuan is expected to enter fully into the spirit of the occa- sion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

Mobile Register: Reports from all over Alabama indicate that the pos sum crop will come to the aid of the farmers who are determined to follow the Tive at home" doctrine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

The peace crusaders will be cordially re- rare that any sort are welcome now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

A Russian general says the time is com ing when Russias armies will advance. However, he wisely refrains from fixing a
 date,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

Talladega Home: Rigid vigilance is
 used to prevent the destruction of the Anniston munition plant. That plant is safe until the baseball season opens,
 so far as Talladega is concerned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

After a man has wrestled with the grippe while he hasn't enough optimism left to be happy when he eats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

New Decatur Advertiser: Texas ought to have the next national demo- cratic convention. She has had about every other calamity possible in the last few years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-14

Each substance of grief hath twenty shadows, Which show like grief itself, but nre not so. -Richnrd IT.