davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
Horrors of War Exaggerated

Imaginative correspondents have pictured some phases of the war In Europe with more shocking realism than the facts seem to have Justified. The number of French soldiers driven insane by horrors witnessed on the battlefield and in the trenches Is by no means as great as supposed. In fact, according to recent dispatch from Paris. serious mental disorders among the soldiers are not much more common than might be expected among an equal number of civilians. The old saying that human beings can get used to almost anything is proved true by the mental and physical en- durance of soldiers under circum- stances which appear at first glance more than any person could stand.
 Professor Regis of the Central h. stitution for Mental Diseases, at Bor- deaux, gives figures showing that of 1232 officers and soldiers sent to this hospital between August 20, 1914, and January 31, 1916, suffering from mental commotion," there were only 69 cases of permanent insanity. Most of these unfortunates were reservists and third of them belonged to the oldest troops called to the colors, their ages ranging from 40 years up. It is reasonable to suppose that some of them might have developed insan- ity even had they never gone to war Although 40 came from the front, there were 21 cases from military sta tions in the interior, showing that in sanity is not limited to soldiers con- stantly under fire.
 It is of course impossible to detern- inc the percentage of insanity among the troops taking part in the war, but these figures indicate that despite the horrors of a conflict that Is at times characterized by the utmost severity and is carried on with the most fiend- ish instruments of destruction ever devised by man, the soldiers of France are bearing up remarkably we'll under the strain. No one expects the ire pressible British 'Tommie" to lose his mind. no matter what he is called on to face, but the French were supposed to be more excitable and tempera- mental until put to the test at Yer dun and elsewhere.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
See. on the Side Lines

The political campaign which~has just
 closed reminds me very much of the base
 bali and football games used to attend
 at the university when I lived in Tus-
 calooosa,'' said Judge James J. Mayfleld of the Alabama supreme court, who was
 in Birmingham for a few hours yester-
 day. 'I have enjoyed watching the fun
 from the side lines. When lived in Tus-
 caloosa I never missed a baseball game
 and even now I attend all the university
 football games if can possibly arrange
 to be present. But always insisted on seeing the contests from the side lines. I
 did not like any of those grandstand seats.
 Two years ago I was one of the can didates, and the contest was not nearly Running for state office is rather strenuous proposition, and it takes much hard work to properly cover the state and see the voters. But no matter how hard the fight might be- one week of good fishing at one of my favorite places was enough to make me forget that I ever had any trouble. There is nothing like fishing to put man in the right frame of mind and add to the pleasure of liv- ing.'
 Judge Mayfleld returned to Montgomery yesterday afternoon, after having cast his vote earlier in the day at his home, Tuscaloosa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
Make Use of By-PrOduct Gas

President J. s. Pevear's proposal to reduce immediately the price of gas to consumers to 70 cents per thou sand feet, provided the commission permits the use of by-product gas, should be accepted.
 Mir. Pevear's proposal, which IS printed on another page of this issue of The Age-Herald, is in answer to a proposal of the city commission that the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company use by-product gas for distribution to the people of Bir- mingham, charging them for the same on basis of 70 cents per thousand feet now, reducing the price to 60 cents per thousand feet a year hence, and to 50 cents per thousand feet two years hence.
 MT. Pevear proposes immediately to reduce the price to 70 cents per thou sand feet using by-product gas, and to make further reductions as the in- crease in consumption justifies the company in so doing. He gives the city the right to examine the books of the company at any time it sees fit, and to order the reduction at such time as the consumption shall reach a point that will justify it.
 The city now has a contract with the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company under which the pres ent rates are charged for gas. This contract does not expire until 1921, and the possibility of the city being able to break it is remote. The offer of the street railway company is vol untary, and means that the company is giving up good portion of it's profits to the gas consumers of Bir- Imingham.
 The city commission should go into the matter with view to accepting the proposal. It means saving to the consumer of $66,000 a year, ac- cording to Mr. Pevear's figures. Of course, the city's proposal of arbitrary reductions at stated periods is more advantageous to the consumer, but this matter should 5e settled on basis that is as fair to the Birming- ham Railway, Light and Power com pany as it is to the people of Birming- ham,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

The highway experts employed by Uncle Sam use needles to test the consistency of asphalt and similar materials for road making. The government has lately found it advisable to manufacture it's own needles, as variations were found in the ordinary No. sewing needles previously used When bitumnous substances were first employed engineers tested them by the crude and rather unpleasant method of chewing a small sample, but it was soon discovered that better results could be obtained by thrusting a needle into the mixture by a machine, noting the temperature time and distance of pene- tration. No. ? sewing needles of a cer- tain make were used for years, but ex- perts were not satisfied with their de- gree of accuracy and the microscope showed considerable variations from the standard needle has been designed of different shape and having dimensions that can be accurately duplicated. It is thought that the needle made by govern ment experts will be adopted by the en- gineering profession as a standard instru- ment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

of detail? Let the people take a business-like view of the matter and cultivate a reasonable degree of civic pride, and s5OO,OOO will be voted for the proposed city building by ma jority as large, or almost as large, as that which is expected to be cast for school purposes.
 With regard to the electric light plant public sentiment is divided, but there should be virtually no division on the other two propositions.
 A practical, concrete application of the get-together spirit will make June 5 red letter day in the history of Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

ad museum, all the money being wasted on costumes and the scenery and appar- ently not on the librettists or the lyric- ists. So, when the only topical song true to the old standards makes hit the fact that so few know how to do 1t is made clear, in that H-that Is, this bacillus
 song"-is immediately requisitioned on the vaudeville circuit and introduced as a speciality wherever it can be slipped in.
 One would suppose that the all too evil dent pleasure of the audience over this solitary topical song would De a sort of preparedness hint to the 'purveyors of entertainment to start a reform. Perhaps they may be doing it now. But they can't act too quickly, for action is cer- tainy needed, since not even the jaded brains of the tired business man. or the lighter head of his supposedly frivo- lous wife can explain the absolute failure of the verse of the average musical com edy to have anything anywhere near the old pitch and point of the Gibertian humoi and the old punch and go andf the snap of the true topical song. By all means, let us have a real revival. And. while one canont get too enthuHastic over the literary merit of the Little Bug Will Get You,', at least it has a verbal felicity and some ingenuity in totaling up the various sundry afflictions that inn pend from the morbific imninence as Pooh-Bah would say, of a possible disso- lution in extremis mortis, and is at least worth the tribute of imitation. If some
 4I-a .I there are brains enough in the operetta end musical comedy crowd actually toI think of another topical song. At present. this one seems lonely as the sole sur-l vival of a once familiar genus, as the naturalist would say, with wide habitat and many species.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
q Am for B.nkhead,,

feDon't think that because I am in Bir- mngham today am not going to vote in the Tenth district congressional race" said Capt. Jack Cranford, who was at the Tutwiler yesterday. "I am going home early this afternoon and cast bal lot in favor of Will Rankhead for Con- gr ess.
 You know I have opposed Hobson in this race, and think Bankhead will win, job as many can testify. Especially is that true as regards the counties which now compose the Tenth district.
 Some of my friends here get on my nerves when talking to me about the Robson Ba nkhead race. have told them all that Bankhead was going to win, but that it had been an exceptionally hard and mean fight. They seem to be rather inn patient that we have not been able to thoroughly route Hobson in this fight Several of them have told me they could take charge of Bankhead's campaign and beat Hobson on his congressional record. That record--or lack of record-night beat some of the congressmen of the state but it seems that Hobson is immune Many of the voters are for Hobson no matter what his record may be-
 Captain Cranford, who was accompanied by Mrs Cranford, returned to Jasper early yesterday afternoon, and cast one of the ballots designed to prevent Jas pers newest citizen from representing the Tenth district in Congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
The philharmonic Orchestra

Birmingham musical set is looking forward to the coming of the New York Philharmonic orchestra Thursday with keen interest" said Fred Vie gand of the Tutwiler, whose father, one of the best known musicians in the county, was formerly member of the organization. Tt is one of the few great orchestras that has never visited this city, and it will surely meet with cordial reception.
 E t'Those are most beautiful pro- grammes that the Philharmonic will Erender here. intend to 'takefin' both 'of the concerts-matinee and night"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
The Bond Propositions

Now that the primary election, in which the interest of the people of Birmingham had centered, is behind us, vigorous campaign of education for the local bond issues is in order.
 As June 5, the date set for the bond election, is less than four weeks off there is no time to be lost in organ izing with view of arousing the pub lie and bringing out full vote and a large affirmative majority.
 Of the three propositions pending $2, ,0OO, ,0O0-for school buildings, $500,- 900 for municipal electric light plant, and $5O0,OOO for an auditorium, city hall and library combined-the first would receive probably the larg est indorsement. And yet, despite the crying need for better school facili- ties, many contrariwise citizens will vote the wrong way. The $2,000,0OO 1LeIn SHOulu Uc IdtlllCQ Dy dl ONCl whelming majority, and will be if the voters will only do little thinking and consider the best interests of the community. Birmingham's excellent public school system will count for naught if suitable accommodations cannot be provided for the rapidly in creasing number of school children.
 Next in importance to the school bond issue is the auditorium Bir- mingham might buy site and erect thereon a large auditorium or conven- tion hall at cost of $350,000, but since by the expenditure of S500,000 an auditorium building, combining a spacious and elegant auditorium, can be provided something that would be credit to the city for fifty years to come--wny quibble over little points
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
BOOTH IN KANSAS CITY
Edwin Milton Royle in Harper's Maga-

Edwin Milton Royle in Harpers Maga-
 zine.
 ZANE of our unique experiences (with
 the Booth Barrett combination
 O was the formal opening of new theatre in Kansas City-that is, if you can claim to have opened building which
 has never arrived at the point where 1t can be regarded as closed.
 When we first looked upon the New
 Warder Grand theatre (now the Auditor
 ium at Ninth and Holmes streets; the openings described here was in October, 1SS7). it boasted of four walls without
 roof, window or door. At o'clock on the
 night we were to play there, it was stlli a fol est of scantling and scaffolding. An
 army of workmen was busy and cy o, clock chairs-undertaker's chairs-were
 propriately put in. and the doors, or
 places for doors, were thrown open to the
 public. Tickets had been sold at huge
 prices in advance, and we had to play CT refund the money. We played. We could look up into the frosty sky and gee the stars, almost hear them crackle. Blasts from the north pole swept the stage and the auditorium. About Soo desperate and idiotic people shivered ana chattered in front, trying to get pneu- monia and their moneys worth. The peo- ple in the shoxes'' looked out from under carriage robes and blankets. We had
 curtain that drew together by hand when it came together at all. We had ore set which did for all the scenes in "Othello." For the Senate we had one Doge. two Senators and one Doge's chair, all of which we carried. A magnetic young man by the name of Augustus Thomas was energizing as a local stage manager.
 We actors put on all the clothes we could conceal about our persons. The first night I may truthfully say was a p1 cnounced frcst. The second night we played "Julius Caesar" No one had been thoughtful enough to provide nice seas- onablA toga .inel with fur. I had on, be- sides my underclothes and my toga, three woolen shirts, three pairs of tights and a thick wig. All day long an engine had II been stationed in the street to pump hot air into the building. 1t had about as much effect as pumping hot water into the Atlsntic ocean.
 There were nc Kansas City Roman cit izens No one in Kansas City could be hired to freeze to death in order to make 1 a Roman holiday. One of our boys had ] to play the part of the populace. The line 1 of Fiavius is. Why do you lead these I men about the streets?" The actors sdaltation to the emergency resulted in;
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

me for a while, I am simply full Of the wonderful spell of that magnificent orchestra. It was the most perfect per formance I ever heard-so we'll bal anced and such wonderful team work feel as if I had been to a soul feast
 T heard Mrs. Baldwin of New York, graduate of Paris Conservatory and prominent musician of Switzerland, who was in New York at the time, say that the Philharmonic orchestra is one of the best orchestras she ever heard"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
Eager to Hear pAilh.rmonic

chairman and treasurer for the May Festival, which takes place tomorrow with the New York Philharmonic or chestra, is enthusiastic over having this splendid organization of musicians here.
 T have wanted to hear them,' said Mrs. Perry yesterday, since I was in New York on a visit to Miss Milder- berger. One evening while there my hostess went to hear them play. When |shc returned home she threw herself upon the couch and said; Don't speak to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
COST OF CULTURE

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
 The college freshman year was prov ing very expensive to father. so father decided to have a heart to-heart'' talk with Charles, home for the week.
 Now. son. said he gravely, but af- fectionately, your mother and I are spending just as little as we possibly can. I get up in the morning at 6:so and work until after 5. But, son, the money just won't go round at the rate your ex- penses are running. What do you think we had better do?''
 For moment Charles head was buried in thought and then he replied:
 Well. father, I don't see any way out but for Sou to work nights.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

"Why do you lead this man about the streeets?" There being no throng, the line, 'Fellew. come from the throng,' had al delightfully."- whimsical twist.
 Our young men played the mob in the Forum scene, and we put an almost un- necessary amount of energy into tho scene in the effort to get warm We lit- erally made Rome howl.
 Tine hit of the entire week. however, was made net by Booth or by Barrett, but by the drunken porter in Macbeth" ," when he said This place is too cold for hell" This sentent was received with such enthusiasm by the benumbed audi ence that Booth remarked: Some wise critic will score him for gagging. One of them abused me once for sharpening my krife on the sole of my shoe as Shy lock-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
NOSE RING ARRIVES


 New York Correspondence Pittsburg Dis patch.
 It is here at last-the nose ring. Cleo Mayfield, who plays in 'The Blue Para dise," introduced it sometime ago on theE stage But yesterday it was seen on tho main street. It's dainty. bejeweled ring that claps itself into the pink and white nose of any young lady who wishes to bel considered chic and recherche and all that Fits in just like an earring and is worn with same abandon, except that the jewels, be they diamonds or sap-E phires or any other precious stone, have a much better chance to glisten in thel sun. A nose ring for the ladiesAespe- cially pretty ladies-is not bad idea atI alL for it would furnish a means byl which some unhappy husbands might hope to keep their pretty wives-most un-l happy Husbands wives are pretty-at u home. From the way the women viewedI the nose ring, it was easily seen theyI are for it., and when the men learn tol what good use it can be put, there isl no doubt they will be for it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
WHO INVENTED "sKYscRAPERsY

From the Chicago Herald.
 Chicago has usually assumed as un- questionable her title to the invention of the "slzyscraper," by which is meant not merely a tall building but a tall steel frame building in which the floors are supported by the frame rather than the walls-in which the masonry walls are, in fact, only 8 covering for the frame and do not carry their own weight from the ground up
 However, the New York Sdn in a re- cent tribute to the memory of D. H. King, Jr., of that city referred to him as ''the pioneer in skyscraper construc- tion." This has evoked a protesting let ter from Thomas $. Chard, based on statements made to him by the late W. l.. B. Jenney of Chicago, for whom MT. Chard claims the invention of the sky scraper' as defined above, and cites the Home Insurance building in LaSalle street of which Major Jenney was de- signer, as the first of the type.
 The relatively tall building is no new thing. Back in the eighteenth century, if not earlier, Edinburgh had stone build ings of six and even eight stories. But the steel-frame building of great height is essentially modern As it has become the most striking architectural feature of all American cities and is gaining accep- tance in ot' CT lands, it would seem of in- terest to have it's origin definitely set tied.
 Since it seems that Chicago's title is not fully accepted everywhere, an inquiry into the facts leading to a definitely proved statement of time, place and cir cumstances should commend itself to the industry of our local historians and anti quarians.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
EVER THUS.

? 'Tis sweet to hear the song of birds,
 Iris sweet to roam afield, In quest of all those rare perfumes
 The wind-tossed blossoms yield. But every time we fain would seek
 Intoxicating smells, Beyond the city's grime and dust, A raucous "honk" foretells. Tn arrival of motor car
 Upon the tranquil scene, To fill the circumambent air
 With fumes of gasoline.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
SHAKESPEARE

By Thomas Bailey Aldrich. The folk who lived in Shakespeare's day And saw that gentle figure pass By London bridge, his frequent way They little knew what man he was The pointed beard, the courteous mien The equal port to high and low All this they saw or might have seen But not the light behind the brow! The doublet's modest gray or brown, The slender sword-hilts plain device, What sign had these for prince or clown? Few turned, or none., to sean him
 twice.
 Yet, 1t vassthe King of Englands kings! The rest with all their pomps and
 trains
 Are morldercc VII. 5snsherea {Fiass
 lis he alol iat aes and reiRna
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

From the Kansas City Star.
 T was grossly insulted the other day." confessed Tobe Sagg of Goshkonong. "A Kansas City liquor house sent me a cir cular and addressed me as The Hon, although I do not drink and have never earn honestly"
 had a dollar in my life that I did not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
RL1ssFuL IGNORANCE.


 Do you know how many miles an hour your car is capable of making?"
 No" answered the cautious motorist. You see, have never been in such a hurry to reach a certain destination that was willing to risk breaking my neck trying to get there" ACCOMPLISHMENT WORTH WHILE. Making much progress with your gar den, Dubwaite?" You will be surprised to hear what l have accomplished"
 You work it every day, I presume?'' "No. I've succeeded in persuading my wife to work it''
 UNAPPRECIATIvE PARENT. t'Old MT. Cobbles has son who has taken several degrees at college.' T notice he loafs around home all the time and never does a stroke of work.'' "Yes. Another degree was recently conferred on him by Mr. Cobbles, the de- gree of N. W. K"
 What does that mean?"
 "'Not Worth Killing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

Richard Harding Davis could write 8 story in room full of people who were all talking at once. However it is inn possible to write love letter in similar circumstances.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10
THE WORM TURNS

From the New York Telegram.
 Automoblist hit garage owner with a blackjack on being asked ? cents gal Ion for gasoline. Must either reduce the price or furnish guards for retailers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

BEGINNING THE DAY--0 Lcrd' heIp me to put myself in the other mans piace today. Help me to Rp- preciatc his difficulties, his mlsun- derstandinEs, his disadvantages. Fin able me to see why he misfnterprets my motives. Why he doesn't see As see, Give me breadth and guick- ness of sympathy. For Christ's sake' Amen.--H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

Human nature is the same the world snapshot of a celebrity there is nearly always some nonentty beaming in the background
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

Paris will be able to find no fault with the last note of the American govern ment on the submarine controversy. It was short and decidedly to the point.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

Those Berlin rascals said to be specu- lating in bread tickets probably don't care hcot what happens to the crown prince at Verdun.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

While ocean travellers may mourn the loss of liners like the Cymric, there is consolation in the thought that they will be replaced by other queens of the seas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

The man who Is called upon to make a keynote speech at a national conven- tion may be excused for taking himself somewhat seriously.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

There is a gloom in the household of the defeated candidates. but his sorrow is shared by the fellow to whom he prom ised a job.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

Ambassador Francis goes to tackle a mans size job in Russia. but he can hold it down to the satisfaction of all con- cerned
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

The Mexican climate does considerably more damage to United States soldiers than the greasers do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-10

For strategical reasons the purchase of the Danish West Indies by Uncle Sam looks like timely piece of business.