davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
WAR ECHOES

Cleveland Plain Dealer: constanti- nop1e is doubtless in danger; though l the capture of Constantinop1e by the allies Is far distant. With the excep-
 ton of London, no European capital has
 been considered more immune from
 hostile attack. But the present war is
 upsetting traditions. Even London no | longer believes herself safe. Tho fall
 of Constantinop1e may be one of the greatest events of the greatest of wars. 1 Since the signing of the treaty of Berlin European Turkey has been bounded by small and weak nations. l This seemed to preclude any land at l tack upon the Turkish capital. Russia cooped up within the Black sea, could attack only with her Black sea fleet,
 which would probably be insufficient to reduce the city even were it able 1 to force a passage through the Bos- porus. From the rest of Europe Con- stantinople was protected by the forti- | fications of the Dardanelles. usually cIassed as impregnable, or as nearly impregnable as Qualifications could be made. The advance of the Bulgarians toward Stamboul during the first Bal kan war for time threatened the city, but that any of the little neighbor na- tions could progress as far as Teha- taldja had been unthinkable.
 Now the French and British fleets are attempting to approach constan- tinople from the most difficult side. Their repeated attacks on the Darda- nelles Notifications indicate that they are not indulging in mere war play and target practice similar to the dem onstrations of the Italians against these forts during the Tripolitan war The Franco British force Is seriously en-
 deavoring to force a passage through
 the Dardanel1es.
 Twice, according to official British
 reports, the forts have been silenced
 With the forts finally captured or rem dered innocuous the removal of mines
 be a matter of no large difficulty
 Thereafter the advance to Constanti- nop1e would be comparatively safe.
 The only question is whether oeunot
 the forts can be destroyed by the naval guns. These guns. apparently, have a longer range than the Turkish guns. for the ships have not been damaged by the Turkish fire. Liege. which was also "impregnable" fell before the great Krupps. The Dardanelles may be doomed to offer a new proof that im- pregnability no longer exists.
 The capture of Constantinople is de- sirable. from the allies standpoint for many reasons. The punishment of Tur- key is one of the least of these. The main object Is to place Russia .n di- rect and safe communication with her western allies Arms, which are much needed by Russia, could then be sup piled; while Russian wheat, which, is lying useless in the Black sea ports, could be taken out for the benefit of the western nations. It is not impos- sible that the passage of the Franco British fleet through the Dardanelles might be the decisive achievement Of the great conflict.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
San Francisco's Fair

The Panama-Pacific exposition al
 San Francisco is now well under way
 and gives every indication of being great success. The first days at tendance was far in excess of that registered at the Chicago exposition
 and there is no reason to believe, that the San Francisco undertaking will not be more of success than the Colum- bian exposition. Vast throngs crowded the fairgrounds lying along an incom- parable body of water. A scene of beauty greeted their eyes that could hardly be surpassed. Stately buildings, marvels of landscape gardening and exhibits galore delighted the multi tude of visitors and are still fascinat- ing thousands of people.
 To attempt an undertaking on the scale of the Panama-Pacific exposition less than a decade after San Fran cisco was destroyed by fire and earth quake was in itself superb exhibi- tion of courage and resourcefulness, but to make the project even more stupendous and fraught with greater danger of financial loss, the worst war in history had been started and is still gripping the whole world in it's par alyzing embrace. Undaunted by these circumstances, which might well have served for an excuse to postpone the exposition, the plucky Californians have kept at work. Their fair was opened on the scheduled date, com- plete in every particular, and under the most encouraging auspices.
 Not only is the Panama-Pacific ex- position in itself well worth travelling across the continent to see, but there are great many people in this coun- try, surprisingly large number, who have been so busy "doing" the capi- tals of Europe that they have never seen our own far western land. To these the Pacific coast will prove a revelation, while the scenic beauties along the various transcontinental railroads will alone be worth travelling a much greater distance to see. The war in Europe willcause thousands of people to become better acquainted with their own country, who knew but little about it before, and San Fran cisco, indomitable and the supreme mistress of the Pacific slope, will profit by the education" of these American tourists.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
OSCAR w. UNDERWOOD m, tha Anuisfoy1 Star


 Dispatches from Washington yester- day afternoon brought the news that Oscar w. Underwood had attended his final meeting of the ways and means committee of the house, of which he has been chairman since the democrats have been in control of the govern ment's policies.
 The dispatches stated that speeches were made commenting MT. Under woods services to the party and the nation, and as token of esteem Speak CT Clark yielded him the speaker s chair during a part of the delihera- tions of the house.
 This was we'll, for probably there never has been a more serviceable man at the head of the important com mittee which MT. Underwood soon will leave Both as director of ways and means and as floor leader of the ma jority, he has been eminently compe- tent; seldom brilliant or startling. but always safe and dependable, cons erva- tive and constant. He will go to the Senate soon and Alabama may then know that she has a man in the upper house who is the peer of the best, a national character capable of rendering national services in a quiet, dignified manner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

of the United States army. The colonel offered his services and the services of his four sons. Only men who have served either in the regulars or the volunteers or the navy, are eligible. The idea is tohave great body of sea- soned men ready for the tented field at a moments notice. The scheme may look well on paper. It seems to have many good features; but it will probably not get beyond the tentative stage or the jokesmiths' shop. The plan, however, has served to put the colonel on the first page once more, and that's something.
 Seriously, what the United States needs, war or no war, is a greater navy, somewhat larger regular army and very much larger national guard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
UNDERWOOD's RETIREMENT rom the Tuscaloosa News.

Oscar w. Underwood gave up on Wednesday the chairmanship of the congressional ways and means commit tee. From this post, MT. Underwood re- tires full of honors With ripe experi- ence gained during years of quiet ser vice. MT. Underwood assumed the duties of directing this important committee, and the way in which he met the obli- gations imposed upon him won for him recognition from the entire country aad came near making him the democratic standard bearer for the presidency in 1912. His chief work has been the re- vision of the tariff downward and the levying of federal income tax to make up for the loss in revenue due to a low CT tarif. With the beginning of the next Congress, Mir. Underwood goes to l the Senate. Being still young man. | he has years of splendid service be- lfore him. His experience in the House coupled with his splendid abilities should quickly advance him to a posi-
 tion of leadership in the higher body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
As Lloyd- George Sees It

That was speech of more than or dinary significance which David Lloyd d-George, chancellor of the ex- chequer, delivered Sunday in Bangor, Wales. Always serious when discus sing large problems of state he was particularly grave on this occasion. Great Britain had felt for sometime before the war that she was menaced by Germany and she knew that Ger many had perfected the greatest fight ing machine in all military history. Yet the British government was slow to move in the matter of emergency mobilization. Relatively speaking England was almost as i'll prepared to cope with the war situation at the start as the United States would have been if called upon to defend this country against first class power. eff Germany is triumphant over this country" Lloyd George said, "she would be practically dictator of the world. And where could we then look to chivalrous country to protect us- to America? If countries like France i and Russia, with huge armies, and we, with the most powerful navy in the world, could not face this terrible machine, how could America step in? {! It would be more than America could do to defend her interests on her own continent. America is more unready than we were"
 The chancellor expressed confidence | in the outcome of the war, but he said the people hardly realized yet the i'm portance of the conflict in which they were engaged and warned them that victory could not be won without g long struggle. Had England been any thing like so well prepared for the war as Germany was hostilities would probably now be drawing to close
 It is another object lesson in military economy. England now finds, ai
 America may some day find, that il does not pay to be unprepared to meet
 a perfectly equipped enemy.
 The Sixty-third Congress shoult
 have done something worth while fol
 this country's national defense. Will
 the Sixty-fourth Congress profit by
 Lloyd Georges admission and at leas
 reorganize the army on basis ol modern efficiency? This would no'
 necessarily mean large increase il
 men, but a plan should be provide'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

From the Chicago News.
 He's a busy man who pleases his
 friends.
 The proof of the pudding may be ths
 doctors bill.
 Matrimony is the destroyer of many pleasant engagements. When the opportunity arrives to be hero a man Is usually sound asleep. It is better to have loved and lost than to pay alirnony after winning. Men who are truly great forget to remind other people of their great ness. A black eye indicates that the own er looked for trouble and found 1t. A woman's idea of . man with loose habits Is one who often gets tight. The contents of the pockets have a good deal to do with the ht of the trousers. It takes a smart man to dispose of his property in way that will shut out the lawyers as well as his reIa-
 tives
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

for an emergency mobilization of an organized militia and large reserve corps. Great Britain has now 1,000,- 900 or more volunteers in camps of instruction. They have been going through the drill since last fall and shortly they will be ready for the front. But the allies would be far better off today if England had looked well after her military resources a year ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

come a pet None but the best will be | reared, and they will be bred from the
 best breeds and strains. Still there will remain certain sorts of work in the per formance of which nothing can replace him. and people tired of travelling by ma chine power will revert to the uncertain ties and charms of mans old friend, the horse
 There's poetry in the horse, and about him has gathered myth. legend and storJs He is in the blood of humanity, and will not depart from it. At the same time the great age of the horse is past It is hard lines.. however, for this .noblest of animals to have the twilight of his history made darkest night by the slaughter of almost univer- sal war.
 He Is pus1 "a to his very death in carry ing men to s,sher positions in battles He Is hurled against a storm of iron. He Is ridden into wire, entanglements He is left to die in agony on hundred stricken fields.
 Poor old Dobbin! He has carried civili- zation over the world. broken sod for the making of farms. fed, clothetl and housed mankind-and now when he should have been given the grassy pad- dock which is the due of the good and faithful equine servant, to be 50 vilely treated falls almost to the level of sshu- man justice"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
HOW OUR LANGUAGE GROWS ,rander Matthews in Harpers Magazine

HOW OOn AANUOAUh UsNO " Brander Matthews in Harpers Magazine for March.
 Language can be made in the library, no doubt, and in the laboratory also, but it is most often and most effective ly created in the workshop and in the market place, where the imaginative energy of our race expresses itself spontaneously in swiftly creating the lacking term in response to the unex- pected demand. Nothing could be bet ter, each in its own way than pie turesque vocables like scarehead and | ioan-shark, wind-jammer and hem minded, all of them American contribu- tions to the English language and all 1 lish Hen minded is an adjective de- vised by MT. Howells to describe those "women who are so common in all walks of life and who are made up of l only one aim at 8 time, and of mani l fold anxieties at all times" Scarehead and loan-stark are the products Of the newspaper office. while wind -jammer Twas put together by some down-east sailor-man inheritor of the word-form- ing gift of his island ancestors wno lhelped to harry the Armada. Wind
 jammer." remarked Professor Glider
 sleeve, trained by his intimate knowi- edge of Greek to appreciate verbal vigor as well as verbal delicacy,'
 "Wind- jammer is a fine word. grant,
 and so is every Anglo-saxon compound
 that grows and Is not made"
 l But all new words are not of neces- sity good words. Ben Jonson. who was l himselfra a frequent maker of new words. displayed his shrewdness when he de- clared that "Custom is the most certain Mistress of Language as the publicke
 stampe makes the current money" add Iine as caution, But wee must not l bs too frequent with the mint, every
 day coyning."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

From the Louisville Courier-Journa1. I@ REAT BRITAIN professes to be not greatly alarmed at the so- O called ''paper blockade to cut off British supplies. The rates of marine insurance are reported to be unaffected by the German programme. Patriotism might account for the attitude assumed by spokesmen for Great Britain, end for that of the marine insurance companies doing business from London headquarters. But it is. of interest to inquire into the -capa- bilities and limitations of the submarines as the instruments of the proposed de- structon of merchantmen.
 Submarines can destroy merchantmen out interference. The question is whether they can cover the war zone, despite op- position, maintain their espionage of craft traversing it and pick off the undesir- ables at will. Great Britain, apparently, believes that they cannot.
 Seaplanss will probably prove useful in scouting for submarines, especially in clear weather. A duck which dives and disap- pears instantly from the sight of man in a rowboat is plainly visible especially in fair weather, from a point higher than the level of the water. It is difficult for the periscope of submarine to be seen from the crows nest of a ms rchantman, or picked up by a lookout on naval ves- sels but if naval airships with a radius as great, and speed far greater, than suD- marines, cannot aid materially in dis covering them before they are within striking distance of victim the reason for such inability is not apparent. Subma- rines must rise to the surface occasional | ly for new supplies of air. When hunt ing their victims they must run upon the surface if they are to make fair speed, and with the periscope exposed in order speed From a point above the water a submarine close enough to the surface for the periscope to be above water should be seen easily and clearly by the armed airship. It would be unable to return the fire of the aerial enemy. The aeroplane could play about the submarine as easily as a. fshhawk could maneuver apove a turtle. The submarine can move only 12 knots an hour submerged and then for short time only.
 An aeroplane that has once discovered a submarine should be able to keep on it's track. From a point of complete safety it should be able to shoot at it's periscope
 as often as it should appear. One lucky
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

writer says that the cause of tenn perance is the only winner in the Eu- ropean war. And temperance in only one form, while incompetence in hun dred other ways runs riot.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

An Alabama man died the other day who was 10S years old. He had PIT living descendants. Although he remembered several wars, he took part in none of them and that's how he happened to have so many descendants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Belgian art has not been injured as much as reported, say the Germans That's probably true. It's hard to dam- age work of art that has been care fully hidden.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
PERHAPS so

From the Florida Times Union.
 An Indiana merchant who has retired from business says he has all the money he wants. After about six months he may feel differently. Birmingham ~----sA On the other hand, maybe 5 tn keep from feeling differentl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Pancho Villa has decreed prohibit tion for the territory under his con- trol A peon full of pulque is no good as a fighter. His aim is poor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

No doubt there would be more to eat in Germany if the Kaiser didn't have so many non-paying boarders from other countries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

MODERN POLITICAL ARGUMENT ..she's on the shady side of so' Ny dear sir. there is no shady side to so nowadays. Women don't begin to think of getting old until they are past 4O." "Tut, tut, You talk like man who is running for office in. state where women have the ballot"
 HOME REMEDIES. It takes home dope
 To make us chirrup' For instance there's
 old onion syrup.
 Youngstown Telegram. And when your throat
 Is sore, by heck Just wrap a sock
 Around your neck. -Painesville graph-Repuonean. A slice of salt
 Pork round the throat Would get old ton Silitis' goat.
 Houston Post.
 
 The sulphur and
 Molasses cure
 VIII make the blood
 Corpuscles pure.
 CERTAINLY NOT. "she's a perfectly lovely girl "How's her disposition?' "Aheml Well, you can't expect girl to have everything" THAT CRUEL LAW REPEALED. They'll soon put on in Reno A larger traffic force; Once more there's joy in Reno The "City of Divorce
 A VARIATION ITS the 5-cent loaf thing of the past?"
 eNo. It's still possible to loaf an hour in picture show for that price" PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Anybody who drinks absinthe in Strassburg is apt to be imprisoned for one year. which is long enough to re- cover from an absinthe jag.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
rHn MYBTnRu

By William Dean Howells. Once on my mothers breai
 crept,
 Holding my breath: There. safe and sad. lay
 and Eept
 At the dark mystery of Weary and weak. and wo|
 unrest,
 Spent with the strife o mother, let me weep upol At the sad mystery of Li1
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Belgian refugees are said to be pa- thetically grateful to the United States. A person has to starve while before he can fully appellate the way the Belgians feel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Chicago women voted for republican and democratic candidates as calmly as if they had been voting straight ticket all their lives
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

President Wilson shows no original ity in severely criticizing high society. It is the favorite indoor sport of some reformers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Even if Gen. Won Hindenburg neve wins another victory. his place in his tory is secure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

The Philadelphia Public Ledger says that even the baby carriages in De- great little hill climbers, too.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

A decrease of petty crimes is report
 ed in Europe. A minor criminal stands
 no chance when rulers and diplomats get busy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

Despite the alarmists, the grand old Monroe doctrine hasn't been shot to pieces yet
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
should we he taking leave as long 1ermn as yet we have to live, the losth- ness to depart would grow.
 -CymbeIine.
nrcrNNrNG THE DAy-Great

BEGINNING THE DAf-"re"t God, I rejoice in the sunshine. thank Thee for the death it deals and the life 1t invoLes. thank Thee for its revelation of shapes and coIOrs. I thank Thee Tor the rafnbows and the heavenly sky hues which sleep in it. thank Thee to It's amazing cal1 to my spirits. I thank Thee for it's reminder of the abiding miracles and the wonderful love of God. Amen.--H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02

The "Sick Man of Europe" may yet be compelled to take up his bed and 'beat it' for Asia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
WHAT SUBMARINES CAN DO

shot that strikes the periscope makes blind assassin of the submarine. It must come to the surface to see its way to the repair shop.
 Once discovered by the merchantmen or battleship, the submarine, not already close enough to fire torpedo. can be shown a clean pair of heels unless the larger vessel Is too slow to get to shelter before the gap between it and the pllrsuer is closed up by the submarine at sur face speed of IS miles an hour In the case of a battleship or a lightly armed merchantmen, the submarine, pursuing on the surface, would present a good target at any point near enough to make it dan- gerous. It must slow down to 12 knots if the surface is abandoned for the depths,
 Submarine cruising about to destroy low-speed cargo boats, steaming without any sort of protection, and submarines in action in fairly well guarded zone. with seaplanes and fast cruisers on guard, will be a situation very different.
 The machinery of submarines is in about the same stage of development that the mechanism of an automobile was 10 years ago. ''Trouble'' means loss of efficiency at best, and at worst the sink ing of the craft and the suffocatior1 of the crew, even in peaceful msneuvers. A submarine for an extended campaign is, regardless of its theoretical radius and the probable ability of it's crew to with stand the tremendous nervous physical and mental strain of the service, an un- certain factor in warfare. Close to base. or sheltered by squadron, it is of a very different degree of sureness and effective ness.
 It is estimated that in actual service the life of a submarine. considered as a compost unit made up of machinery and men, is but two weeks of continuous per- formance, and a blockade of any kind is slow, waiting game, extremely taxing to the durability of the force maintain ing it.
 The battle cruiser is still regarded by experts upon naval construction as the supreme unit in naval warfare The sub marines with which Getmany proposes to comb the sea for the enemy's supplies will not be allowed carte blanche in the war zone while there is a British navy.
 There is great danger that an increase of the list of Germanys enemies may be caused before the submarine campaign is much older, but the British may be sincere in saying that the proposal of wholesale destruction of merchantmen by the German submarines is not alarming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
NOT VERY STEADY

From the National Monthly.
 farm hand had worked in the field from dawn till darkness. doing the chores by lantern light. I'm going to quit," he said to the farmer at the end of the m~-. U xn promised me a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-02
POINTED PARAGRAPHs

Wheat plays part fin war quite as important as arms and ammunition.