davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

the lack of play has been contributed many a case of mental duIIness. If your boy has been reared in the city, send him out in the country a week or two before school opens, let him go barefooted and wear overalls. He will get stone bruises and probably stir up a hornets nest, but he will also gain experience that will broaden and help him all through his life-give him happy memories that will recur so long as memory lasts.
 And if your boy be country bred, let him visit the city, let him see it's slum sections as we'll as it's city parks. He will soon plumb the depths of it's shallowness, and the city will lose most of it's charm as we'll as it's new ness. Instead of regarding it as for bidden, altogether alluring place of opportunities, he will have satisfied his curiosity, and return to the farm home all the better satisfied with rural life.
 A successful man, who had all but broken mentally, under the stress of grief and misfortune, was heard to say the other day:
 My trouble is that I do not know how to relax. As boy I never was allowed to play, it was work, work, day in and day out. grew up work ing, and now still do not know how to play-I cannot relax and take recreation as man naturally should"
 The far-sighted parent will provide means of wholesome, normal play for boys and girls, and play can be made as educational as work. This the su- pervised city playgrounds have thor oughly demonstrated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
ORIGIN OF THE TOMATO
From the Pittsburg Post.

From the Pittsburg Post.
 LN ACCEPTING our scientists, there
 are comparatively few people in = this country who ever stop to think of how many important products that now minister to the health, sus- tenance and pleasures of mankind were added to the worlds supply by the dis covery of America. A few of these are incidentally mentioned in an interest ing article on "The Tomato" in the current number of "The Bulletin of the Pan-American Union," by Edward Al. bes. who writes;
 "The greatest febrifuge known to- day-quinine-came into existence be- cause the Incas of Peru had discovered the medicinal properties of the bark of the Cinchona tree; the leaves of the coca plant South American product, have served to alleviate pain the world over by their essence-cocaine; Indian corn, or maize, was unknown to the old world before 1t was found to be the great food staple of the Americans: Irish as well as sweet potatoes had their first home in the new world; the delicious connection known as chocolate, serving man as both food and drink. had been known for centuries by the Incas of Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico before the Spaniards found it in these countries and introduced it into Europe tobacco, whose rings of aromatic smoke now circumscribe the earth, was added to mans pleasures by the Indians of America. Many other products might be enumerated. but among them all per- haps none ministers more delightfully."- to the palate of the modern epicure than does the tomato. that luscious, succulent, refreshing vegetable-fruit which gratifies the eye with its beauty of color and form. stills hunger with It's meat, and assuages thirst with its juice"
 The name tomato" seems to be of Aztec origin, given as tomatl by some authorities and as xitomate by others. and still persits in some few of the older Mexican town names, such as To- matlan, Tomatepec, etc, but the general consensus of opinion among botanists seems to be that the plant and It's cul- ture for edible purposes originated in Peru, whence 1t spread to other sections of the Americas. It is certain at any rate, that it was known and cultivated for its fruit centuries before the Col umbian discovery.
 That the cultivated tomato was known to some of the European botan- ists over 360 years ago is evidenced by the fact that two large varities were described by Matthiolus as early as 1854, but for many years it was only in southern Europe that the value of the fruit for use in soups and as salad was recognized. It was quite gem erally used in Spain and. Italy during the seventeenth century, but in Eng land and in northern Europe generally the plant was grown only in botanical gardens as a curiosity and for orna- mental purposes It was seldom eaten. being commonly regarded as unhealthy and even poisonous. This belief proba- bly, arose because of the close resein- blance of the plant to its allied rela- tive the nightshade. or belladonna, and had, of course, no foundation In fact It was not until the early part of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
STEAM ROLLER CONVENTIONS rom the Kansas City Star.

rTOn the Kansas C1ty Star
 There has been fairly widespread agi- ation in Missouri for constitutional con- vention. There is real need in Missouri for a new constitution. But what is hap pening in the New York constitutional convention is giving a black eye to the whole business of constitution making everywhere.
 The New York convention Is a 'perfect scream of reaction. MT. Barnes and MT. Root are running 1t as they ran the polit- ical republican convention in Chicago in 1912. While they rhave fallen out over some details, their general "principles'' are those they stood for in Chicago.
 Now, suppose MT. Root gets a public service commission. freed from any change in personnel (except by death) or any change in legislative requirements, for % years. Suppose Mir. Barnes gets all legislation for social justice and all possibility of popular direct power, forbid den for 20 years by constitutional 'ukase." Think how the bipartisan ma chimes of New York, state and city, would work with the ballot boxes to put that reconstruction ''acrossg'
 The country in general and perhaps Mis- souri in particular will watch closely these steam roller bosses in the New York con- vention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

The bursar of the University of Wash. ington took advantage of the war demand Tor copper to dispose of a leaky cooper roof on the engineering building of the uni versity at a price greater than that origi- nai'y brought by refined copper He re- ceived nearly sS7OO for the roof, which will be replaced with asbestos roofing at about one-third the cost. The bursar disposed or 2o'ooo pounds of sheeting, measuring 22,- GOO square feet. at 14ss cents a pound The asbestos roof will cost about s14oo. The university authorities are also consid- ering the sale of another leaky roof on Meany hall, which would probably bring about s6ooo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

nineteenth century that the tomato came into general use as a food in northern Europe and even the United States. Since about 1885, however, the use and cultivation of the vegetable mas grown to such an extent that it has now become one of the most im- portant of our garden crops.
 When successful process of canning the fruit was evolved the tomato in- dustry at once assumed large propor- tions. It was found that for all cooking purposes the canned fruit was as good as that fresh from the vine, and as a result the tomato has become staple food the year round, and millions cf dollars are now invested Mn canning } factories in the United States, whose chief output consists of tomatoes. From statistics compiled by the National Gamers association for the year 1874 it is learned that among the tomato producing states Maryland ranked first with production of 5,S50,00O cases of canned tomatoes; Delaware second, with 1,335,000 cases; Indiana third, with 1.295,000 cases. The total production fore the whole country amounted to 15,222,- 900 cases of tomatoes and about 5,000.-. OcO cases of tomato pulp (used in malx- ing catsup. sauces, soups. etc-) The total was therefore over 20,000.000 cases os A two-popnd cans each. or an output of 4s0,00o,0o0 cans. weighing 4so,Ooo tons, and having an approximate value of $2S,000,000 If these cans were placed one on top of the other the resulting column would be very nearly 37,000 miles high, or if placed end to end in a row would encircle the earth one and a half times at the equator. These fg- ures deal only with the canned product of factories keeping accurate statis- tics. When we remember that perhaps twice as many more are eaten raw and canned by the thrifty housewives and girls canning clubs. we may get some idea of the importance in our national economy of the garden tomato.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
The Boys Vacation

Has the boy had his vacation yet, or has he been busy since school closed running errands for the corner grocery-or if he be a country boy, blowing corn?
 Work is good for boys in moderate doses; it is good for them to learn in youth that "there is no excellence without great labor" At the same time play is natural to youth, and tc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Every day improves the furnace situation. Of course there are not wanting voices of caution, for there are many In the trade who fear that things are moving too fast and that it will be wise to make haste slowly. There is always the fear in the iron market of overdoing things. But on this occasion it looks as if that were unlikely-that the demands of the country were so great that it's facilities will be taxed to supply them"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
From the Kalamazoo Gazette.
 There doesn't seem to be any shortage in the crop of war experts' this year.
ENGLAND

 John of Gaunt in Shakespeare's "Richards The Second.'' This royal throne of kings. this scepter'd
 isle,
 This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars. This other Eden. demi-paradise; This fortress, built by Nature for herself. Against infection and the hand of war: This happy breed of men, this little world. This precious stone set in the silver sea. Which serves it in the office of a wall. Or as moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier landa: This blessed plot. this earth, this realm,
 this England, This nurse, this teeming womb of royak
 kings. Fear'd for their breed and famous for
 their birth. Renowned for their deeds as far from
 home, For Christian service and true chivalry, AS Is the sepulchre in stubborn Jewry of the worlds ransom. blessed Mary,s
 son; A4 This land of such dear souls. this dear,
 dear land, Dear for. for, her reputation through the, Is now leasd out q die pronouncnz ifl Like to tenement or pelting farm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
BUT THERE ISN'T

From the Arkansas Gazette.
 In asserting the right of Americans to sell munitions of war, Secretary Lansing reminded Austria Hungary os some former wars in which both Aus tria- Hungary and Germany exported arms extensively This should close the incident, if there is any such a thing in Teutonic diplomacy as consistency.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

BEGINNING THE DAY-The late Alfred Russell Wallnce, In one of his essays, proves that dustless air Is cOlorless. Despised and hated dust is the secret of the blue zenith, and of the deeper, richer glOries of sun rise and sunset. Lord, help me so to convert the small and the unto ward In my life into forms of beau- ty. Amen.-H. M E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
HOPELESS
From the Savannah Press.

From the Savannah Press.
 Mir. Bryan says the amount of money some want to spend on the army and navy would gridiron the United States with good roads. He wants the road experiment tried we imagine in the hope that he may strike the one leading to the White House.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
MIR. BRYAN AND PROHIBITION


 From the Washington Star.
 In the latest issue of the Commoner MT. Bryan says:
 T hope that national prohibition will not be an issue in the campaign of 1916. I prefer to see that campaign fought out upon the economic issues which divide the two leading parties. The democratic party has made splendid record in mat ters of legislation and administration and it's defeat might result In the undo- ing of some of the things that have been accomplished. I believe that, for the present, at least, until after 1916, 1t is bet ter to make the prohibition fight in the states that are ready for it. rather than in the nation. Wherever 1t is an issue in the states I hope to see the democratic party take the prohibition side'
 But what will MT. Bryan do in a case where the democrats of a state take the anti-prohibition side? Counsel the de- feated prohbitionists to accept the de- cision of the majority and support the ticket, as in 1896 he thought the gold dem- ocrats should do? Or bolt, as those demo- crats then did, nominate ticket of their own, and help defeat the regular ticket Kentucky presents case in point At primary election for nominating a state ticket the democrats have just declared against statewide prohibition by a plu- rality of over 4o,0o0 votes. One of the in fuences assisting in securing this result was letter written by President Wilson reaffirming his views on the drink evil. He does not consider the question politi- cal, and regrets its appearance in poll tics. But the Interpretation put upon the letter in the campaign was that it voiced sentiment against prohibition, state- wide or nationwide.
 Notwithstanding the Presidents letter that mo democrat can be prohibition ist, 6o0oo democrats voted at the primary for statewide prohibition, and would as willingly have voted for nationwide pro- hibition. And the problem now Is to have those democrats accept the primary re- suit and support the ticket then nomi- mated. If even a third of them should bolt or sulk the democratic ticket would be in danger. The republicans are united
 
 clared in their platform in favor of the county unit policy, no man of influence among them has declared that no repub- lican can be prohibitionist So that there is no bitterness between the repub- licans and the prohibition democrats on the drink question such as exists between the two factions of the democracy.
 In few weeks the campaign will open. Will Mir. Bryan assist? will he be invited to assist? Heretofore he has been a trump card in Kentucky campaigns. The democratic managers have put special trains at his service, surrounded him with agreeable company. and presented him to large crowds in every part of the state It would be very interesting to see this eminent democrat who is a prohibitiontst touring the reservation of the big chief who holds that a watered democracy is not a genuine brand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
KINGS ENGLISH AGAIN DISABLED

From the Pittsburg Post.
 Sir Edward Grey seems to bein doubt whether the word government" Is sin gular or plural observes a grammarian to "Postmarks." Of his majesty's gov ernment Sir Edward says: "They are unable to admit" but in the next sen tence he says, "The government of the United States intimates its readiness" Of course he doesn't mean to intimate that the United States has a one-man government, particularly as in his final paragraph he speaks of the misappre- henson under which I cannot but feel that the government of the United States are laboring."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
HOTEL LOBRIES
Should Appear Here Two Night.


 T hope Manager Douglas will be able to arrange for Forbes-Robertson to ap- pear at the Jefferson two nights instead of only one. as previously announced" saio Phares Coleman, the well known lawyer, who is an active member of the Drama league.
 "Of course we are particularly desirous of seeing Forbes Robertson in Hamlet since such competent judge as Fred erick Warde says he Is even greater in that role than was the lamented Edwin Booth; but understand he will not enact Hamlet on a one-night stand. owing to the severe exaction that it makes upon his nervous system. If he comes for two nights he would play first The Light That Failed and Hamlet the second night Forbes s-Robertson could certainly draw capacity houses two nights"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Some paragraphers seem to think that the owner of Ford car has no sense 0. humor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
CREAT ON REAsONING

From the Louisville Post
 Germany's reason for sinking the Arabic is probably as reasonable as her reason for violating the neutrality of Belgium
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

An impassioned reformer says the auto mobile encourages immortality. Still there are thousands of automobiles in this country whose conduct is above reproach
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

The floods have receded St. Lonis is lieved that outgoing shipments of beer were delayed long enough to cause suf- fering among ultimate consumers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Secretary Lansing has eschewed grape juice in favor of wine, which is expected to tighten the tension in diplomatic circles considerably.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Americans who boast of our first line of defense" should remember what hap pened to Russia's, which was considera- ply stronger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
Park Music In Memphis

'The people of Memphis are justly proud of their municipal band" said Aaron Traxler, one of Birmingham s clarinet artists. who filled 10 weeks engagement with the band.
 Memphis has a great many beautiful parks and concert was given in a diff ferent park each night during the week. The band was not quite as large this summer as it was last, but it was made up of good musicians and the ensemble was excellent I had the honor of being on many of the programmes for solo,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
A MATTER OF TEMPERAMENT.

When the sun is shining bravey And the skies above are blue, We laugh at old man Trouble For the worst that he can do. But when the clouds are dar<ling And the winds begin to vail, It doesn't take misfortune long To make fellow quail. There's something in the weather Though we don't know what 1t is- That cheers our dropping spirits, Or discounts the promises The fieeting years hold out to those Who never cease to try; For gloomy days bring gloomy thoughts We've often wondered why
 A SHORT STAY. 'I thought you said the Nooritches moved in the best society?" q said they moved into the best so- ciety."
 "Yes?
 And then the best society moved on.'
 A HUMBLE CAPACITY. "You say that seedy looking individual knows how to handle men?" Yes"
 "Ie doesn't look as if he had much ex- ecutive ability"
 ''He hasn't. He's rubber in Turk ish bath"
 NOT NEEsDED T made stupid blunder this morning." said Pluck.
 "How did that happen?" asked Luck. T ventured to recommend myself to fellow who had just inherited s1o,oo 900. ,'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

The Zone" at the San Francisco fair helps weary mortals to forget the war.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

While not doubting the testimony of passengers on board the Arabic in the least, Germany Is 10th to believe them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Italy has thrown down the gauntlet t Turkey and for once the predictions O "experts" came true.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

George M. Conan has put Billy Sunday in play which will bring the 'sawdust trail' home to the tired business man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Colonel Watterson, Colonel Roosevelt and Colonel Hearst are all trying to make themselves heard at once.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Supplying sufficient heat to the trenches during winter will call for the services of an expert janitor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

MT. Hearst calls Secretary Tumulty "Roly Poly" Tumulty, which, of course, doesn't prove anything except that MT. Hearst is 'peeved"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

As long as English liners play dual roles German submarines will be justified in sinking them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

It may be another 100 years before the Haitians appreciate tho benevolent inten- tions of Uncle Sam
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

The opening of the theatrical season will doubtless be marked by the usual famine of chorus girls
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Isadora Duncan who frowns at the latest Paris fashions, should remember that French modistes are working under difficulties
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

If words counted more than deeds, the United States would have the most power full army and navy in the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
ALABAMA PRESS

Union Springs Herald: Bullock is progressing rapidly. Much valuable " work is being done on our public roads and the building of dipping vats pre- paratory to tick eradication. is being carried on as fast as possible.
 Moulton Advertisers: In a tick eradica : tion election, in Sumter county, 29l white men voted for keeping the ticks and against the cows. However, the ticks were voted out by a big majority and the good work continues without the loss of single county where cleo tions have been held.
 Centreville Press: Twelve travelling men spent the night In Centreville one right last week. This doesn't look as if the wholesale houses have quit busi- ness.
 Selby County Sun: The man that planted plenty of grain and gathered has this year is the man that Is in the swim.
 Gadsden Evening Journal: Gadsden has secured the 1916 county Sunday school convention. An auditorium would be nice place to entertain the con- vention. Let's have one.
 Mobile Register: We do not suppose the Chicago Tribune is seeking any opinion from the south, but 1t Is get ting it in good quantity, after its un- Just indictment of whole section of for the fault of 25 men in a Georgia county. Seldom has anything so provincial emanated from a journal claiming a national character.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

MT. Edison enjoys the cartoons of "Bud' Fisher during his leisure moments, thus disproving the report that he hasn't any.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
sCRAPrERs
From the Louisville Post.

From the Louisville Post
 The Germans. after making scraps of paper of treaties. are now engaged iii making scraps of iron out of ocerr liners.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Moving pictures of Sarah Bernhard driving a donkey thrill her admirers be yond words.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

Fortunately for the Russians, they still have considerable territory to fall back on
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
ADRIF'T WITH THE TIMES
FIRST STEPS.

FIRST STEPS. 'Tthis society. 'Raffles.' Now, how did he operator"
 Well first of all, he learned how to dance" Just so''
 ''Then he sought hrst-class tailor. After that 1t was easy"
 PROFESSOR LOSES A RABBIT. "A magician took rabbit out of little Bobby Smithers pocket last night at a vaudeville show" What did little Bobby dor" "He howled until the magician put it back"
 QUEER. Tt seems paradoxical doesn't it?" What does?"
 ''Time usually hangs heaviest on the hands of people who wear wrist watches"
 EXPLAINED. What dislike about Twobble is his lofty condescension He's not to blame for that" N q don't see why" "In his early days Twobble was a traffic cop"
 ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW. Do you know all the dance steps?', He paused a while to say,s.1, ~oh, no. I haven't been round yet Z To see what's out today"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
The ROtarians

Dr. Frank Snedecor. who has just re- turned from the Pacific coast, speaks in- teresting1y of his trip. He said: 'One of the most pleasant days of my vacation was spent at the international meeting of the Rotary club in San Francisco. Each city in the United States of over 60,000 has a Rotary club and each club had it's representative at this meeting. Rotary clubs have for members only active. will ing workers-men who do things. I don't believe l ever mingled with such broad minded men; am sure never heard such fine speeches. There were no discords, no ill feelings, all working together for the good of humanity, teaching men to give to the world the best you've got and the best in the world will come back to you.
 ''The speeches were short, to the point and full of wit. One speaker said he would rather be a one-legged optimist than a centipede pessimist.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

That promised panic in Constantinople seems rather slow in developing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28

General Carranza continues to stand pal behind his justly famous whiskers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-28
BAD INSURANCE RISK

From the Knickerbocker Press. Our notion of an extra hazardo1s oc- cupation is serving in the rear guard of Russia's army.