davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Punish the Trainwreckers

Preliminary investigation of yes terday's wreck of the Illinois Centrals s Seminole Limited train near Nauvoo, Ala, shows it was the work of train wreckers who cunningly placed a spike on the rail in such manner as to throw the engine off the track and send it crashing through trestle.
 Such diabolical acts must De stopped in Alabama. There should be Sthe most searching investigation and pur- suit of the men guilty of this crime. Two weeks ago a Seaboard train was deliberately wrecked only few miles from Birmingham.
 These crimes are reflection upon the whole south. Travel must be made safe in this section of the country.
 Men who will send innocent people to death by deliberately wrecking pas senger trains deserve the laws se- verest penalties. Those guilty of yesterdays horror must be found and punished. Such criminals must be given speedy trial and punishment so that their fate may deter others.
 Let every legal resource be utilized to make railroad travel safe in Ala bama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
AT DEATHS DOOR
, Dallas Morning News.


 Shortly after 2 o'clock one bitter win ter morning a physician drove four miles in answer to telephone call. On his arrival, the man who had summoned him said:
 Doc, I ain't in any particular pain, but somehow or other I've got feeling that death is ngh.'
 The doctor felt the mans pulse and lis- tered to his heart.
 Have you made your willY' he said finally.
 The man turned pale.
 "Why, no, doctor. At my age-oh, doc it ain't true. is it? It can't be true---''
 Who's your lawyer?"
 "Higginbotham, but
 Then you had better send for him at once"
 The patient. white and trembling. went to the phone.
 Who's your pastor?" continued the doctor.
 ''The Rev. Kellogg M Brown" num- bled the patient. But. doctor, do you think"
 Send for him immediately Your father, too, should be summoned
 Say, doc. do you really think I'm gon' to die?'" The man began to blubber softly. The doctor looked at him hard
 No. don't" he said grimly There S nothing in the world the matter with you But I'm not going to be the only one in this town you've made a fool of on a night like this"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24

been espoused that led directly to anarchism.
 Much mischief has been done by some of the so-called advanced teach CTS, but their freedom of discussion has seldom been restrained.
 As to the Scott Nearing case the public will not be able to judge whether the trustees of the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania acted wisely or not until it is known what he said. If Dr. Nearing's utterances could in any way be construed as incendiary or subversive of the principles of law and order, then, of course, the trustees were right in pursuing the course they did.
 Freedom of academic speech can be carried too far. It sometimes becomes rampant and it may have been so with Dr. Nearing. Let the trustees publish a verbatim report of the doc tors remarks. In the meantime the Nearing incident will be the livest of live topics in the educational world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Rifle Club Doing Well

"The Jefferson County Rifle club is do- ing finely" said E. F. DeFuniak, one of the well known members of the associa- tion. We have held four shoots and the attendance has increased at every one. Thursday afternoon we expect to have some representatives of cartridge com panies with us and we expect to see some fine shooting.
 "While many of the crack shots of the National Guard are members of the club still I want to emphasize that 'dubs are entirely welcome and are made to feel at home no matter how poor a string they may shoot.
 You have no idea how soon man acquires the knack of accurate firing. know of one case where man doubled his score by the third week he shot with us.
 VI expect the club to grow even faster in the future than it has in the past as we have received our charter and are now associated with the National Rifle association and under government super vision By the charter we are enabled to purchase our equipment at cost and 1t is surprising how little it costs to have an evenings pleasure once a week: "We have a number of ambitious plans for the club, which will be announced in good time. We are all very proud of our organization and are exerting every effort to make it known outside the state. This should not be difficult, as we have a number of exceptional shots in Bir- mingham."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
LIKE M,LuKE SAYS
rom the Cincinnati Enquirer.

From the Cincinnati Enuuirer.
 Some of the June brides who are now
 living in castles in the air will soon be
 living in furnished rooms up near the
 attic.
 There was 9 time when copy of "The
 Pilgrims Progress was considered an
 appropriate birthday gift for boy. But
 the modern boy doesn't know whether
 "The Pilgrims Progress' is a new game or a new story on the jitney automobile The man who minds his own business doesn't have to carry rabbit foot and a four leaf clover
 It takes wise man to realize that he doesn't know anything about women. The lad who carries a big safety first sign on his automobile often goes home and forgets to frisk his coat for long blonde hairs before he enters the house. Somehow or other the doctor never has ercise. This advice is always reserved
 for daughter.
 After all, 1t Is good thing that the | girls have not taken to wearing trousers If they did they would want to wear them as tight asfthey wear their skirts. and
 that would be awful
 1 Father will go to sleep resolving to cut 1 out the use of cuss words. And when he wakes up in the morning he will discover that mother has spilled a whole box ol face powder all over the only decent tic l he has to wear.
 l Most of the leaders of men do not gel | their names into who's who. They are
 usually busy in the kitchen preparing din ner for the men they lead. 1 Class Is everything. Some women lool, 1 good in a cheap outfit, but when others | are dolled up in expensive finery they 1 look like 3o-cent dogs wearing s3o,00o col l lars.
 serious one. If they close the saloons Iwhere are VI SoinGto- dghtafha Nuropeau
 NoCxova1n1miGAtH -ss-u.-----...
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
A Boom After the War

If the Teutons keep on winning vic- tories it will not be long before the allies will be forced to consider plans for medi- ation; at least. that is how it looks to me and great many of my acduaintances who started out in sympathy with Great Britain" said John s. Weightman of Phil adelphia, now on a short visit to relatives in Birmingham.
 England has been a disappointment. With all the desperate appeals which Lloyd-George has made to the workmen in the munitions factories and to the peo- pie of Great Britain generally, there seems to have been a lack of the patriotic spirit so essential in a crisis like this. Great Britains allies are beginning to show signs of dissatisfaction at the poor showing that England is making In the war.
 My guess is that the war will end sometime this year. Whenever hostilities do cease, there will be the greatest busi- ness boom in this country ever known. Prosperity will certainly be spelled with big P.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Beauty in the Schoolroom

The price of cold creams, cosmetics and other alleged beautifiers threatens to rise by leaps and bounds. No, this IS not due to war time restriction of trade. But, if the propaganda of one Dr. Henry Curtis, play" expert of New York city, becomes widespread, such condition of jnfla.ed prices may prevail. Dr. Curtis says:
 Every American boy and girl has an inalienable right to have good looking school teacher and the school boards should be willing to pay $15 a month more for comedy instructors than for homely ones"
 Dr. Curtis also expresses the belief that pretty school "marms" are better disciplinarians and more efficient in- structors. Physical training should be part of teacher training courses, in or der that the teachers shall be better looking and enjoy improved health.
 According to the same authority, play should be compulsory as well as work-every child having his share in life and sports. Otherwise, the per- centage of insanity later in life will continue to increase. If children are taught to play while they play, and do a full hours work in one hour, when they are working, there will be fewer grown-up "daudlers" and inefficient men and women.
 Certain it is that if the pretty teacher edict be enforced, the school room will gain in popularity and moth CT will have less difficulty in inducing Johnny to wash behind his ears.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Were the Trustees Justified? ?

The University of Pennsylvania is now an academic storm center. The trustees saw fit to drop from the faculty Dr. Scott Nearing, associate professor of economies, because of "intemperate utterances" which he addressed to his class in presenting his views.
 Although Dr. Nearing is only 32 years of age he is widely known as a student of sociology and especially of child labor problems and problems relating to the compensation of work ing men. He is the author of several books treating mechanically social questions of vital interest. He is what might be called social radical, but just what he said to his class which the trustees deemed incorporate has not yet been disclosed. Many promi- nent members of the faculty-most of them, it is said-are defending Nearing and are expressing them selves strongly in criticism of the trustees. It is probable that the American Association of University Professors, of which Prof. John Dewey of Columbia is president, will take the matter up and cause an investiga- tion.
 Dr. Nearing's champions contend that the dismissal of this sociological authority because of his teaching and the boldness with which he sets forth his notions in the classroom is blow to the freedom of academic speech.
 It has come to be the fashion for instructors in social science and re- lated subjects, even in theology, to startle conservative minds. In de- nominational schools where young men are trained for the ministry those professors who show tendency toward latitudinarianism usually get into hot water, so to speak, and heresy trials follow. This has beer 90 for many years past, but in the United States the sociological expert is comparatively recent product o1 the higher education.
 In Europe, particularly in Russia and Germany, academic socialism often extremely radical, has long been taught in the universities without bringing censure from the governing body; and among certain class of ttudeutA politico-s doctxinesshaxe
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24

The Lpstania, sunk by German sub marine, is supposed to be resting on a of water. The ship and some cf her car go are worth recovering as salvage prize If this can be accomplished within a reasonable length of time So long as the present war continues it is doubtful if any attempt will be made to raise the ship and it is believed that no plans to this end have been made Engineers think the Lusitania might eventually be raised, but they put the cost so high that it would be almost impracticable. It is esti- mated that ship and cargo would -epre- sent weight of about 10000 tons. No -es- raised. even from less depths. A writer in Popular Mechanics thinks that much would depend on the ability of divers to descend at least 100 feet lower than the record and perform any useful work sfter getting down. However, marked inprcve- ments have recently been made in diving equipment and a recent invention is a metal sphere. by which 1t is claimed divers can be lowered to depth of 1000 feet, with control of the vehicle to permit them to move it about or anchor 1t at the side of ship, and windows through which they can direct the work of placing chains and cables. using telephones to communicate with workers on the surface. By this device it might be possible, engi- neers say, to raise the hull of a large ship, drag 1t inshore until it struck bot tom, then raise it and drag it again, con- tinuing the operation until shallow water had been reached.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
HARD WATER

From the Youths Companion.
 Do you realize how hard water is when boat sails through 1t at full speed? Water passing at 50 miles an hour is not the limpid liquid We are accustomed to bathe in. If you put your arm overheard from hydroplane, run ming 50 miles an hour, and strike a wave crest, the probability is that you will break your arm or wrist. because at that speed the water has not time to give. or even to change shape, and striking it is like striking so much metal
 If swordsman should enter one of the great hydraulic quarries. where a stream of water. under enormous head, is used to wash down hillsides, and at tempt to cut into one of those streams, his sword would fly in pices without Icing able to penetrate the water. Ina stgesm-teuliksss.baxzoflaron<
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
BRITISH FLEETS WIRELESS .ou, fhe yVfreless World

rom tnt W iTtitSS WOIlo
 In what precise manner is wireless telegraph employed in naval warfare2 ? In the case of fleet of battleships at sea, each ship in the fleet has it's wire less installation adjuster so that it can send and receive signals and messages to other squadrons at sea or in harbor, and to stations ashore. One ship of that fleet is always in direct touch with the British admiralty whence the latest information received at head quarters from all parts of the world is immediately transmitted to the fleet, while each of the other ships compos- ing the fleet is similarly responsible for some particular station ashore or for cruiser squadron or flotilla of torpedo boat destroyers.
 For the purpose of obtaining infor- nation as to the whereabouts of the enemy and guarding against surprises, wireless telegraph is. of course, in- valuable. A great number of cruisers are sent out ahead and spread many miles across. The duty of these ships is to keep a thorough lookout and re- port to the ship in the battle fleet looking on, on their particular wave length. This ship. in turn, reports by semaphore or Morse lamp to the ad- miral of the battle fleet. The cruisers are sometimes assisted by torpedo boat destroyers. Now, if 30 of these ships are used it will be readily seen that the area of their vision Is enormous and 1t would be almost impossible for fleet to pass unobserved. Immedi- ately any of the ships sight the enc mys squadron they would report at once by wireless, stating the number of ships sighted with their speed, lati- tude and longitude, etc The admiral would then give his orders, also by wireless.
 Endeavors to jam wireless messages have failed entirely, and the cabinet, no less than the admiralty and war office. have been kept in uninterrupted touch with the entire theatre of war. Numbers of misleading messages have been re- ceived with the obvious intention of de- ceiving the responsible officials, but these have been detected and dealt with &C., cordngly. Thus while the danger of in terference from Germany with our wiz less system has long been recognized, the system adopted for circumventing any such action has stood successfully the se- verest tests.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Oleomargerine Frauds

Secretary McAdoo has announced that the government expects to recover $27 ,O0O,O from violators of the oleo- margarine law during the past few years. Investigations show that ap- proximately 2OO,OOO,OOo pounds of oleogargarine have been sold to the unsuspecting public for butter since the law on colored oleomargarine went into effect, on which the government tax of 10 cents pound was not paid.
 The commissioners have already re- covered more than $85O, ,0OO. Forty-two violators of the law have been con- victed, of who twenty-nine are serving prison sentences. The fines imposed on these men amounted to $148, ,OOO. Ten other alleged violators of the law are under indictment and numerous minor criminal cases are pending. AL though about $27,OOO,OOO is due the government from the larger offenders, only $4,65O, ,000 of this amount can be obtained without suits. Legal steps will be taken to get the balance.
 It is believed that the activity of in- ternal revenue officials has largely put stop to the practice of coloring oleo- margarine and selling it for butter
 but the dear public" is keenly inter ested in learning how handsomely il has been duped by interruptions manu
 lecturers. Probably more than 200,
 900, ,000 pounds of butter" have beer palmed off on the ultimate consume, since the law against coloring matter went into effect, for all of which ht paid more than it was worth because he thought he was getting real butter
 Just what the margin of profit wa! would be difficult for one not familiar with the business to say, but the fac that plant t-ssi& &edI bysthe govern
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
ALABAMA PRESS

Montgomery Daily Times: The public cares little who discovered these short- con1ings of the state officials. The gov ernor is glad they have been found. and is not worrying over who is entitled to the credit.
 Talladega Daily Home: Some people are never satisfied. In New Decatur the per capita consumption of that cleansing, health-giving fluid known as water is 900 gallons per day, and the waterworks com pany Is kicking.
 Gadsden Evening Journal: The local Chamber of Commerce has taken on so much life as to overshadow other things and events in the city.
 Anniston Evening Star: The Nashville Tennessean writes an extended editorial on how to use ones typewriter without the letter "j.' We can get along without the 'j'' all right. but on hot days like this it's pretty hard to get along without little "t."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
THE ECLIPSE.

"I cannot tell what moves my heart to
 sing" The poet said. his spirit all aglow Tt does not need the cheery call of spring, Nor smiling fields where myriad bios
 sons blow. When winter rains beat on the sounding
 roof And from the caves in rapid torrents
 pour, My muse, methinks, Is even less aloof Than when the world is radiant out Of
 door" Just then was heard a most impatient knock, Forthwith the poet lost his raptured air, Recoiled as one whod d felt a, sudden shock And ran his fingers through his tupbled
 hair. well-known figure stood within the
 room, A sheaf of bills he grasped in one soiled
 fist; The stricken bard collapsed and all was
 gloom . Where erst were hues of rose and ame-
 thyst.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Ideal Man for Secretary of State

Ideal Man for Secretary of State
 President Wilson has, with few ex- captions, displayed fine judgment in his appointments. In appointing Rob ert Lansing, who has been Secretary of State ad interim since the resgna- tion of MT. Bryan, to be the head of the state department, he has acted most wisely
 The office of Secretary of State, of great importance at all times, is now of transcendent importance, and the President was fortunate indeed in man of MT Lansing's especial equip ment.
 A widely recognized authority on international law, MT. Lansing, since serving as counsellor to the state de- partment, has proved himself to be a master in the intricacies of diplomacy and man of rare constructive capac- ity.
 As a matter of course President  Wilson consulted MT. Bryan while the latter held the state portfolio, but it was known that he depended chiefly for assistance in handling grave for eign problems on MT. Lansing.
 Although the new secretary had been long in the public eye as professional man and had come in close touch with public life, he had never ap- peared in the role of politician further than to vote. the democrat ticket. But this was one of the times when the President wanted an ideal man for the state department, re- gardless of partisan record. and he got him.
 MT. Lansing has been in thorough accord with the administration for eign policies and now that he is in full charge of the department the President will feel heavy burden lifted from his shoulders. Democratic politicians may be disappointed that the President did not look over the field for an active party worker for this cabinet vacancy, but the public will applaud him for rising above such a consideration. His administra- tion will be not only all the stronger for MT. Lansing being part of it but the country will certainly feel a distinct sense of relief in the fact that | this government has now a Secretary of State who will measure up to the highest standards of other years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
Police in the Navy

'One of the many things which the American people do not know about its navy is that there is a regularly main- tained police force on every battleshp,' said H. w Fuller, formerly one of the men behind the gun. "On every ship there is a force of men set apart under sepa- rate officers known as ships police and these men enforce order.
 "A battleship that carries a crew of 900 men will have a police force of 52 under four masters-at-arfns and a chief, who ranks with the chief petty officers The force must enforce the naval regula- tions, see that there is no gambling aboard and generally supervise the main- tenance of discipline.
 Even the officers are not immune. and have known of instances where mas ter-at-arms informed a party of officers that they were making too much noise and would have to be quieter. Frequently the officers come into collision with the police, but usually come out second best.
 q recall one instance where young officer threatened to report a member or the force to the department for entering his quarters. It seems that party of young bloods had decided to have a game of poker A master-at-arms got onto 1t and secreted himself behind the curtains in the quarters of the officer in which the game was going on. After things were pretty well under way the men stepped out from behind the curtains and broke lit up. An officer threatened to take 1t to the department at Washington, but the captain would not allow him to write,'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-24
AN INvocATloN ro NwANNoN

florens Folsom in July Nautilus kwannon Is the Japanese world Madon- na. Goddess of Universal Mercy. She re- fused to accept freedom from rebirth and world attachment. and returned as . Nirmanakaya. to watch over and help the destinies of men.
 Be patient with these dreamers. These bitter soul blasphemers-
 Their dream shall soon decay: The schemes of all the schemers Must vanish quite away.
 Compassionate these sleepers, These gatherers and heapers,
 Of phantoms. crumbling clay They are the ,startled weepers Of . near-looming day.
 With unperturbed pity
 0sze OCT the tossing city,
 Distraught by feasts and strife.
 Clamor and frenzy gnaw them, Haste, hate-all passions score them Deep. to their quick of life.
 0 spirit breeding, yearning,
 Wide mother, bosom burning
 With longing to enfold.
 Thy face of wistful splendor, 1. piy1naI AllpkipGs taQt4Ek