davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
Next Years Reunion

Camp Wilcox's official delegates to the reunion of the United Confederate Veterans to be held in Richmond June 1-3 will carry an invitation to the or panization to hold it's 1916 reunion in Birmingham. This invitation, originat- ing with the local veterans, will be supplemented, as a matter of course, by invitations from the city commls- sion. the Chamber of Commerce and other civic bodies, and if the combined effort is earnest and strong Birming- ham will stand a good chance of being selected as next years reunion city.
 This year, marking as it does the fiftieth anniversary of the close of the civil war, Richmond, the capital of the confederacy, was, for sentimental reasons, chosen by unanimous vote for the reunion; and several reasons, based on sentiment, will concur to make it an exceptionally large affair. Of those who wore the gray only a few thousand are now strong enough in body to join in a parade, but every old "vet" will put forth extraordinary exertions to get to Richmond. The forthcoming reunion will be more largely attended than any held within recent years. It will be the largest, at sly rate, since the ranks of the veter- s.is began to thin rapidly.
 It is estimated that of the 45,000 or 50,000 Confederate veterans still on the rolls, 5000 or 10000 of them will be in the marching line; and Richmond being popular tourist city prepar- ations have been made Ito care for 100000 visitors.
 As for the 1916 event it will be held in Birmingham in 190S-one of recalled that the memorable reunion Ihe hioSI ldISeiy dIIehueu anu ohe ol the most enjoyable ever held-fol- lowed the Richmond reunion of the year before. It will be sentimentally in order, therefore, for the next reunion to come to Birmingham. But to make sure of securing the prize, active or ganized work should be done by the Chamber of Commerce convention committee
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
CUPID IN THE NAVY
From the Kansas City Star.

From the Kansas City Star.
 'URRAH for Josephus Daniels, Sec
 retary of the Navyl And hurrah A 4 for President Wilson, tool
 Every girl who is in love and every woman who isS happily married to the man of her choice will feel like giving cheer for both the secretary and the President.
 For the secretary has shown himself to be the friend of young couples who are in love and who want to get married, but are baked by an old, musty and cruel naval regulation. And the Presi- dent has backed up his naval secretary as an aid and ally of Cupid. The regulation forbids naval officers to get married without authority of the de- partment, and that authority is hard to get There is too much red tape about 1t, and it takes too much time. Joseph E. Austin, an ensign in the
 navy, was head over heels in love. He couldn't wait year or two for the de- partment to unreel mile or two of red l tape and give him authority to marry, | so he just led the girl of his choice to the altar. He was promptly removed from the service.
 Then Secretary Daniels heard of it and
 he wrote a letter to the President, asking him to reinstate Austin.
 Now, a Secretary of the Navy is popu- larly supposed to be a gruff old fellow,
 with no room in his heart for the af- fairs of young folks whose heads are turned by love. But this is what Secre- tary Daniels wrote in his letter to the President:
 When we follow the lodestar of love,
 we cannot go far wrong. In every walk of life the married man is far more efficient than the single one. The latter has no distinct purpose in | life. But the married man has. There l is the wife and the babies to think | of. And he must of necessity be more
 steady than the man who cares only for himself. Ever since have been l in public life I have advocated mar
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
As to Small Affairs

"An editorial writer in the Louisville Courier-Journal gives most interesting discussion of the 10-cent shine idea, which appears to have gained some head way among the professional bootblacks of that city" said a Birmingham man.
 'The writer does not treat the matter seriously, but pictures the discomfiture of the well dressed man who may at times find it necessary to shine his own shoes. He takes the ground that shine by bootblack is luxury, as no one is to be hindered from welding the brush and rag. But speaking seriously, the bootblacks of Birmingham would not have much chance of being successful in putting over any thing of this kind. In the first place, the 'jitney plan is far too popular, and among all classes of people economy Is becoming a watchword Indeed, the amount of sery- ice that can sometimes be secured for cents seems astonishing. The Greek who has not learned English is glad to earn a nicl<le for about three minutes of light labor and should he decide that his time is too valuable to polish shoes for this Insignificant sum I believe there are able-bodied day laborers in this city now out of employment who would not hes- tate to take advantage of an opening to provide a living for those who may be in want by polishing foot gear at cents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
Who Would Do the City Harm?

If any inhabitant of Birmingham desires to do the city harm he will, if he be a qualified elector, vote against the proposed $1,250,000 bond issue at the special election ordered for April 12. A majority vote against the bond issue would mean the repu- diation of debt which the city owes and which it owes for improvements that the citizens are now benefiting by; and such repudiation would re- suit in a receivership.
 The bond issue of $1,250,000 will enable Birmingham to pay off it's | floating debt, which is being carried at heavy interest rate. The bonds will bear only per cent interest. They are to have 30 years to run, and at the end of 30 years Birmingham will be bigger than Cincinnati is now and almost as rich. The payment of the principal, therefore, would be 50 easy as not to be felt in the least.
 Grave problems have confronted Birmingham, as they have confronted other large communities. Difficult problems confront Birmingham at the present time. But the question of temporary relief is not one of them. It is simple. No one has suggested a better plan than the bond issue. The fact is that there is no better, really no other plan, to suggest.
 The committee of 100 readily adopted the report of the subcommit- tee, of which John H. Frye was chair man, recommending the $1,250,000 bond issue. The legislature halted at some of the Birmingham measures. | The committee to which the bills were referred wanted more time to con- slider them. But there was practically | no USSltdLlOH ICpOl tiiiB the bill authorizing Birmingham to hold an election for the $1,250,000 bond issue.
 Sydney J. Bowie as chairman of the bond election campaign committee is- sues statement in today's Age-Her- aid. Facts are presented clearly and with convincing force. No one has studied municipal problems more closely than MT. Bowie, and no open minded man can read his statement and vote against the bond issue.
 It may be assumed that no thought ful citizen will deliberately vote counter to the city's good. And that is why The Age-H Herald says there will be sweeping majority for the bonds. All that is needed to bring about this result is information and a thorough grasp of the situation on the part of the voters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

As Birmingham is young mans town the central association should have a membership of not less than 5000. The dues are comparatively small, while the privileges are many and worth while.
 Ever since the Young Mems Chris tian association was founded in 1874 in London by George Williams, after wards Sir George Williams, it has commanded the respect of all classes of society, although at one time cer- tain men of the strenuous type sug- gested that the Young Mems Christian association atmosphere might have tendency to develop molly-coddles. But whoever entertained an idea of that sort had come very little in con tact with association life.
 Bible instruction, morality, religious exercises and night school work will always distinguish the Young Mems Christian association, but feature of every association building is a gym nasium, and some of the best amateur athletes in this country have got their training at the Young Mems Christian association. There is muscular Christianity, but nothing approximat- ing moddle-coddle-i in the associa- ton.
 All success to the membership can vass now in progress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
Regarding Government Regulation

It is an encouraging fact that most of the men directly concerned cordial ly accept the principle of government regulation of common carriers and large industrial corporations. Even those who were disposed to rebel at first changed their attitude and be- gan to adjust themselves to twentieth century conditions. The protest of the reactionary in this respect is now seldom heard.
 In the early days of this country s development when transportation lines were pioneering, railroads were built and operated unscientifically. In the manufacturing field monopoly had not reached great magnitude and, there fore, was not much reckoned with by legislative bodies. The railroads were in politics and they made no effort to conceal the boldness of their lobbying enterprises.
 Under protective tariff the indus trial trusts grew powerful, and there was almost no limit to the water that some of the railroads and some of the manufacturing combinations could put into their stock.
 
 But at length leading men in both the old national parties came to feel fhat the trusts must be curbed and the railroads regulated. The rapid increase in the population of the Uni ted States and the marvellous expan oion of every material activity hac wrought great changes in business conditions and with these changes hac come new problems and larger trene of the public conscience. No req statesman or wise man of affairs hesi'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
The Y. M. c. A. Canvass

That was an excellent start which the canvassers for Young Mems Christian association membership made yesterday. They seek to add 1000 new names to the roll. The present active membership of Bir- mingham's central association is about 1900.
 Yesterday by noon the canvassing teams had secured nearly 40 applica- tions for membership, and by next Saturday when the canvass closes the additions to the active list will be, doubtless, considerably over 1000. The Young Mems Christian associa- ton has a splendid building, elegantly appointed and thoroughly equipped. It is an ideal home for young men and as for that matter men of all ages.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
ALABAMA PRESS

Talladega Reporter: With a little over not only broken but it shows the prices would have been low had there been no war.
 Tuscaloosa News: Soft soap is popular in Tsing Tau, China, being ,sold in buck cts. This is the first we have ever heard about that city's being famed for it's politicians.
 Piedmont Journal: We suggest that the recess committee of the legislature get out a little book of instruction regulating the official, private and domes- tic affairs of the governor of Alabama, so as to avert any thoughtless or indis- criminating act which might subject him to official investigation.
 Tuscumbia Alabamian-Dispatch: Ala bama seems to be waking up on the ques- tion of providing better public schools. Tt certainly is time. But the means sought are far inadequate. Not until more liberal provisions are made will the teach CTS be more competent and even average results be secured
 Dothan Eagle: This is the month in which suckers are running. Expect sev- eral that let the fortune teller dupe them here recently wish they had also run.
 Lnevile Headlight: Birmingham is be- ginning to boast of big busincss Some of the war orders are finding their way to the Alabama metropolis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT STEEL RAIL
 ORDERS AND THE CRITIClS1 OF UNDERWOOD

HE newspaper cards of MT. Hassin-
 ger and Mr. Bowron about the fail-
 ure of the Tennessee company to secure the Illinois Central order of steel rails are very amusing. MT. Hassinger seems to assume that the Tennessee com pany don't make or sell anything except steel rails and that it must pay the in terest on all of it's investment from the sale of steel rails alone. As a matter of fact, the steel rail product of the Ten nessee company is a small part of it's production.
 MT. Bowron deals largely in politics. He speaks of tariff legislation creating panics. causing strikes and hard times.
 Such talk is about as accurate as the statements that the denomination of silver caused the panic of '73 As a mat ter of fact, as Mr. Harding told Friday, the denomination of silver had nothing to do with the panic of '73. That was tho result of the Franco-Prussian war. Amer ican securities held in Europe were dumped on this country and the money demanded for them for the purpose of building up the damage done in Europe by this war There are those now who predict that a couple of years after the present war in Europe shall have ended American securities which are now held and which will continue to be held until after this war is over and the rebuilding commences, will be dumped on our mar ket. and that we may have another period of hard times. The prediction, However. is that such period will not arrive until a year or two after the pres ent war is ended.
 MT. Bowron, like some other citizens
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

who like to put the burden of all fail- ures upon the democratic party, wants to put the failure of the Birmingham dis trict getting the talked-of steel rail order upon the Underwood tariff bill Mr. Un- derwood has stood for such things be- fore and he can probably stand this crit Icism.
 As matter of fact, the Underwood tariff law is not perfect by any means Since it was adopted there have been ma terial changes in business affairs of the world, brought about by the European war This government. to raise the neces- sary revenue, has been compelled to adopt a temporary war revenue act. At the December session of Congress it will, therefore. be necessary make very decided revision in the present tariff act. That will be the time for the steel rail manufacturers and other manufacturers of the Birmingham district to present their claims with the facts to back them up. No one connected with the demo- cratic party has any desire to punish the manufacturers of the Birmingham dis trict. On the other hand. MT. Underwood and his followers afe just as desirous of aiding this district and building it up as is MT. Bowron or any of the other card writers and I am sure. if the facts are presented to him that Birmingham is en- titled to protection in any of It's indus tries, we will get it.
 The democratic policy is not free trade policy by any means but one of a tariff for revenue, with protection where it rightfully belongs.
 What is needed is aid in constructive legislation from the manufacturers here
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

needy hospitals at the front. containing peignoirs, socks comforters (we have scarcely enough blankets for ourselves). bed slippers and other slippers, made up ether, chloroform, cotton nor enough gauge to send We have sent 40S pack ages of clothing to the refugees. We need gauge, cotton. chloroform, ether, rubber sheeting, pajamas, nightshrts, bed socks, slippers, nightingaies, blankets, old sheets and pillow cases, as well as new ones warm clothing and underwear in fact, nothing can go amiss. If you will send your packages 10 the surgical dressing department of the ambulance we will see that the contents are placed at the best advantage. Nothing is too small to be of use and we are grateful to every one I forgot to say that unbleached muslin is very hard to secure now as is thread, especially Nos. so and 90 These goods are manufactured at Lille which Is In the hands of the Germans"
 A letter from a soldier showed how much the men appreciate the chaplains 
 says:
 "A padre turned up on the battlefield yesterday. The foe was SO near and the guns so busy that it was not safe to hold a service during the daytime, so we had one at night. We were so glad to have it, and large number or men attended it. There was also quite a large crowd at the communion after the service. and
 it made strange sight. Each side of us was a wood and all was in deep dark ness. save for a few candles placed on an old packing case. The chalice was tin mug, and the soldiers grimy and dirty with fighting in the trenches, and each of us with his rifle close beside him all the time, knelt in a circle round the packing case as an altar It made me wonder and think how there must have been many such services and strange cel- ebrat tions of the communion in those early of the Christians about which par son used to tell us in the village at home.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
Mu.,c Festival Programme

'erhose are delightful programmes that MT. Damrosch has arranged for the fes- tival to be held here April 19-afternoon and night" said a music lover.
 '@rhe afternoon bill is rich in orchestral music-classic and modern-and the night bill is alluring because of it's variety. There will be several fine orchestral num- bers and the Birmingham chorus in Sul- livan's famous cantata, words by Long fellow, will be heard st It's best There will be only one chorus number and it will last only 45 or 50 minutes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
H,eJd3oueQ

riage. It is the greatest steadier in life And I want to say here that no matter what others may think, I do not believe that men should be re- fused the right to obey the dictates of love by red tape regulations.
 When Lucy Hoke Smith, daughter of the senator from Georgia, wanted to get married at the time the Mexi- can situation was acute last spring, she appealed to me. sier husband to- be was in Mexican waters, and I transferred him to the Mayflowers here in Washington, and the wedding took place on schedule. And just about the same time a young master-at- arms on the Georgia was hoping to wed. And I transferred him to the Brooklyn navy yard, and he, too, married on schedule.
 am determined to encourage matri- mony among naval men in every way possible I don't agree with some of the elder disciplinarians of the service that young men are better unmarried My experience has proven that the CoHtldly IS lllt CdSe. A0Q then, you know, 'in the spring the young mans fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love-" and when that love is to be ripened by matrimony he should be encouraged, not reproved.
 When President Wilson received thai letter, having lately seen two of his owr daughters married, he signed the papel that reinstated Austin to his place il the service. Which recalls an incident in the life o Lincoln. While he was President an, the war was at its height he got ar-stained letter from u country gir whose lover was in the army in vir ginia, asking the great President to allow her sweetheart to come home, ''just lon, enough to be married" Lincoln sent tn, letter to the colonel of the young mani. regiment at the front, with this writer across it:
 Let John go home and marry Mary A. Lincoln.' A
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

Col H. Y. Brooke, examiner for the fed eral reserve banking system. declared in Montgomery Friday that were he genii of Alabama and blow It sky high. We know the colonel so thoroughly that we are inclined to the belief that if he had his way he would blow up practically all other institutions as well.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

BEGINNING THE DAf-O Cod, in my intimate life put me in har- mony with Thee. Then may I move outward in thought, speech and act. along lines of sweetness and rhythm. May my life accord with the whole order of things until shall feel the puIsinG of Gods wide symphony. In Cbrist's name. Amen. II. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

Ia view of the fact that no man would run for office unless he was convinced that. he could serve better than those at present in power, it is scarcely compli- mentary to the city commission that sev- eral thousand citizens are daily throwing their hats in the ring.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

The Illinois Central people are not en- titled to censure because they bought rails in the cheapest market. How could the vice president of this company have explained to his board of directors gift of ss5oeo to Birmingham manufacturing plant?
 Neither is the Tennessee company to be eensured for not accepting the order. If it. is their purpose to maintain price of 80 a ton for steel rails. Everyone admires a manufacturing company that sets a price and sticks to it.
 The Tennessee officials have given out no public statements about this matter. They are apparently not complaining be- cause they lost an order; so why should others make much ado about 1t?
 Regardless of one rail order going else where, the Birmingham district is doing very well at the present time and all of the Tennessee company's plants are go- ing All the plants in this district will be going soon.
 MT. Harding comes among us full of optimism. He thinks the financial af- fairs of this country are In good shape at the present time. He looks for pros- porous times until period of a year or two after the European war shall have been settled. He thinks n settlement of this war will be reached within very short while after the fall of Constantino- pie. As to when Constantinople will fall he makes no predictions but the best opinion of military and naval officers is to the effect that this will occur within the next two or three months-perhaps much earlier.
 Ap,6R,aeo
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
WHADDYE MEAN, PRODs

From the Collinsville Courier.
 It's shame to have to prod The Age Herald about that 25,000-ton rail order but we just can't help it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

The Greensboro Watchman says that Jess Stallngs is devilish smart" How ever, he was not the only man who put it all over' the legislative investigation committee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

Of what institution maintained by the state in the Druid City was Dr. Denny thinking when he invited the members of the legislative Investigating committee to spend year in Tuscaloosa?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

Vice President Marshall must have had day that the greatest need of the country was the repeal of needless, unenforceable and dangerous laws.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

It is claimed that prohibition in Russia makes the Cossacks good fighters. Its ad vocates in Alabama contend that it will put fighting on the blink.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

From the Decatur Daily.
 Birmingham has started Built It Now" campaign. But, as usual, the Magic City was several days behind the DecaturS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

It is said that some of the prohibition ists will regret their January legislation when they return to Montgomery in the "beer season."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

The weather Is so treacherous that it might be unwise to Change 'em'' just now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

It will not do for the legislature to rest content with the passage of prohibition laws and the bull bill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

The Lloyds will 'tbetcher'' a million that the war will end either in June or Septem- Der. The Kaiser has a fine opportunity to "cop" some "1oose coin.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

Although spring and love go hand in hand, it is true nevertheless tbat just as the balmy season approaches the doctors wall again regarding the germ theory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28

With the comic publications suppressed in Alabama, we will be compelled to con- tinue laughing at our legislature.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-28
ANSWER TO SHARED BURDEN-

So many kindly hands held out
 To lift and bear me safely up To where the sun is shining fair!
 So full to overflow the cup Set to my lips with tender care; &
 Such friendly faces all about That always wear a smile for mel
 How could sink beneath despairr Or fail to help another bear
 His burden of Humanity. Remembering Gethsemane?