davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04

Wiles of a Faro King

A strange story is told by George F. Pohlman of St. Louis, member of a gang of faro swindlers, who has made a confession to Assistant District At torney Kilroe of New York. Pohlman says he was prosperous and re- spected business man of St. Louis be- fore he fell under the hypnotic power of Frank T. Thompson, known as the "Faro King" Pohlman's father was twice sheriff of the county, member ot the St. Louis city council and mag istrate's marshal. The family was well known in St. Louis. After finishing school the younger Pohlman went into business with his father and when the latter died he left the concern to his son.
 In 1912 PohIman says a relative told him about Thompson's abili- ty to weave money out of air" Pohl- man arranged to meet Thompson on his arrival in St. Louis, hoping that the wizard of finance" would help him to make money. Impressed by the distinguished appearance of the Faro King" he readily agreed to introduce him to some wealthy men of the city. According to Pohlman, the first victim selected was a broker who was lured to New York to be fleeced ln crooked card games. However, the broker was too wary and refused to play, although told that he would win enormous sums if he followed Thomp- sons directions. Pohlman declared that he then realized for the first time that the Faro King was a swindler. However, he had fallen so completely under the mans influence, he asserts, that he was unable to get out of his clutches and soon took up the work of steering rich men to the card sharps headed by Thompson.
 Henry Gallant, a rich pawnbroker of St. Louis, was thought to be 8 promising dupe and Pohlman intro duced him to Thompson. Gallant parted with S60,0O0 before the care sharps got through shaking hin down." but he was so completely hoaxed that he didn't know he was being swindled. Now Pohlman is un, der arrest, somewhat repentaRt anc apparently willing to tell all he knows. He himself was more or less a dupe of the Faro King" who tool most of the winnings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04

II worst kind of alcoholic poisons are
 being sold in enormous quantities
 to the colored people and the use of deadly drugs is growing daily
 Such misrepresentations do not gc
 unchallenged, and President -Commis-
 sioner Wards vigorous statement or
 another page will be read with wide interest. The Age-Herald has al-
 ways opposed statutory prohibition and contended for the democratic principle of local option. The policy of allowing each city or county, or whatever the local unit might be, to say through the ballot whether or not
 the sale of liquor should be legalized,
 is fair and right But it is inexcusable
 for the advocates of local option to
 use misleading facts.
 Birmingham is not "seething with
 crime The city is financially strait
 ened, but it is not infested with crim- 1 inals and crooks" The worst kind of alcoholic poisons are being sold, no doubt, but drunkenness is not ram pant
 In the same article is reproduced what the Survey had to say about Bir- mingham last September. That jour- nal is usually painstaking, but it's Bir- mlngham story contained some half truths and some mis-statements calcu- lated to put this city in false light. Birmingham has not discontinued it's street cleaning or it's garbage collec- tion it has not dispensed with it's health officer, its city physician or it's market inspector. It has not extin- guished half the lights. If it had to cut salaries of school teachers, other cities have been compelled to do the same. If it has reduced the num- Der of firemen, the fire loss since the retrenchment became effective has been greatly reduced-from S1, ,252,000 in 1914 to $416,O0O in 1915. The fire department never was so eff ficient as it is today.
 Birmingham has cut it's expenses by s34O,OOO, but the city is doing what very few cities ever do, living within US income. The trouble with Birmine- ham is insufficient revenue, due main ly to the fact of it's extremely low tax rate. But as for the enforcement of law and order, Birmingham furnishes a splendid example.
 Let our local option friends stick to the truth about Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
The Jewish Relief Fund

Interest in the fund being raised in the United States for the relief of the Jews in the Russian empire in- creases and a much larger sum will be collected than was expected when the appeal was first made.
 The heart of the nation has been deeply touched by the stories of cruel oppression and actual distress ot the Jewish women and children in War-swept Poland, and instead of $5,00O,000, which the general relief committee in this country set out to raise, the amount will probably reach SS,OOO,O0O or s9, 9,OOO, ,OOO. In New York city alone not less than S3,OOO,OOO will be subscribed. Other rich cen- ters will give literally and there is scarcely city or village in any sec tion of this broad land that will not do it's part
 One of the most encouraging facts In connection with this appeal in be- half of the suffering Jews is found in the large number of contributions made by people of limited means. | Without personal solicitation many man and woman is giving according to his or her ability. If the sum is only S1, or even p cents, it counts.
 Birmingham is seeking to raise $10,O00, in addition to several thou sand dollars already contributed by Jewish citizens. Half or more than half of this amount has been sub- ] scribed and the entire amount named will have been raised before tomor- row night
 But Birmingham should not stop with $10,000. This amount can be doubled if everybody who earns a good living will give something. Of this city's white opulation-upward of ,00O-there are perhaps not less than 10000, including women, who can afford to contribute at least p cents, and there are 5000 who can well afford to give from $1 to S2. Business men who are prosperous and generous-hearted will give according fly, and the $25, $50 and $1O0 checks will round out total of $10, ,000-the amount which the local canvassers have undertaken to collect, while the smaller donations should continue to come in until total of $20,0OO is in hand.
 Montgomery will raise fully $10,000. It will be no credit to Birmingham to stop short of $2O,O0O.
 In the meantime it is believed that the canvassing teams will find to- days work for suffering humanity as agreeable as it will be successful.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04

From the Kansas City Star.
 IN the little church back home they are holding a revival of the old
 = fashioned kind The last issue of the Old Home paper tells about it. In imagi- nation we can see it just as it is, for there are no new fashions in religion in the Old Home town, and the revival of today is just like the revival of 20 or 90 years ago.
 We can see the crowd gathering and the church filling up lat early lamp light" and hear the singing of the hymns, one of which is always; Come to the church in the wildwood, Oh, come to the church in the dale; No spot is so dear to my childhood As the little brown church in the vale
 The sermon, with it's sound Christian doctrine and fervent appeal, the invita- ton to backsliders and the unconverted while the congregation sings softly, "Al- most Persuaded" and Just As I Am; l it is all an old story, of which the Old Home paper makes much.
 It is good to get news of the revival back home. It is good to know that Deacon Zepheniah Wilson is yet alive and taking an active part in the revival, falthough it must go little against his grain to have singing led by an nm ported soloist who gets paid for it and makes a business of it. For many years in the long ago Deacon Wilson led the singing in the little church back home, and he fought bitterly against the in troduction of an organ to the church' and after the organ came, he threatened to quit going to church at all. looking upon that innovation as sacrllegei but Elder Black silenced him and smoothed his ruffled feathers by point I ing out that if the angels in heaven praised God with harps and trumpets surely it was not a sin to praise him l here on earth with an organ.
 l It is good to know that the little church is vet anchored firmly to the l Rock. that it brings it's message of sal yation as of old, and that it gets close tc the problems of everyday living. Call
 the roll of the great preachers of the great cities of this country; nearly all cane out of little country churches ] Henry Ward Beecher, first breat pas tor of Plymouth church,. Brooklyn, get ting his religious training in a little country church in Litchfield, Conn.,, his l first uastorate, little church in Law repceburg. Ind. Lyman Abbott, secon6
 igreat pastor of that church, attending
 as a boy little village church in New
 England; Newel Dwight Hills, third and
 present pastor of that church, converted
 as a boy in the village of Magnolia, la
 lin just such revival as they are hold
 | inS now in the little church in the Ole
 Home town, and his first pastoral worf
 was done in the country; Talmage, tht
 great preacher of a great city, converted
 in an old-fashioned revival in country
 l church in New Jersey. and afterWare
 preaching there; Dwight L. Moody San
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
THE NEWSPAPER TEXTBOOK

Fl om the Pittsburg Sun.
 Brooklyn has started fashion that may, as it should, be taken up all over the United States. This is the use of daily newspapers instead of textbooks, in teaching foreign pupils the English language The custom of devoting a cer- tain period each day to the reading of some good local newspaper should pre- vail in all schools. The teacher could determine on the features of the news and then the reading aloud of such items would impart to the pupils much-to-be- desired knowledge of current happenings. In many cities this phase of teaching has been taken up and certain periods each week are given over to discussion of current events. In this way what is taking place in the world is considered, and boys and girls are made familiar with history in the making. If this pol icy be pursued conscientiously the edu- cation acquired by young folk is broad ened materially.
 To the foreigner the reading of Amer ican newspapers opens new possibilities. He is given a knowledge of language as it is used in everyday intercourse, for there is a marked difference between the personal newspaper style and the more or less suited style of the textbook, which is written deliberately, carefully rewritten and submitted to innumerable revisions. Average newspaper English observes all the rules of grammatic con st. uction, but 1t is more like the English we speak because it is written under pressure and even in the most favorable circumstances receives but a cursory editing. It is the language of the peo- pie, correct free, expressive and virile
 The manner in which news is handled is another thing that recommends the daily paper to the foreign student. Ii gives him the American viewpoint and arouses his interest an local affairs and
 in national life. Thus, he becomes identi fled mentally with the Community, ano subjects he has read in the newspaper become topics for conversation anc thought, and thus the process of making an American is quickened materially The newspaper is a good textbook anc it should become generally recognized as such
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
---------'e'-------- SPEAK OUT, GENTLEMEN! {!

From the Savannah Press.
 | The Atlanta Constitution has joined the Savannah Press in the demand that the
 ; candidates for office in Georgia shall de- clare themselves upon the question of lynch law The Constitution thinks it is at least time the candidates for governor It continues
 Does the absence of declaration against lynching and mob law proceed from fear? Do the candidates think the sentiment for lynching so strong that it would lose them votes if they had the courage to speak out? Do they think the conservative, fair minded Georgians who believe in law enforcement and the pro- tecton of the states good name are in the minority?
 "If they do, and if their silence is war ranted on that ground, then God save the state!'
 Not only should the candidates for sov- ernor be heard in no uncertain manner, but every man who offers for office, county or state, should be sounded upon the question of law enforcement and should preach the doctrine of respect for the law in every public utterance he makes. If 1t has come to pass in Geor- gia that men who ask the suffrage of fair minded men and law-abiding citizens are afraid to cry out against the rule of the mob then 1t would appear to be time to raise another set of Georgians into prominence and power.
 Georgia is not unlike any other section. Management of the affairs of Georgia does not differ from the management of the affairs of any business and we know-all of us-that q business enter prise cannot stand stf11. It must go for ward or backward. And it is so with the good old state. We must sink deeper into the mire of lawlessness or we must rise to a higher plane of regard for the law
 Those who are nearest the people of Georgia are the candidates for office The pulpit can aid in this campaign but tho men who must be reached as a rule are those who do not go to church. The means of getting the ears and at at- tention of the men of Georgia who must be made to feel a keener respect for law is through the political meeting. And the men who must carry the message are those who are asking the votes of honest Georgians at the polls.
 We cannot have a campaign of silence
 upon this important topic and accomplish anything It is time for the men who
 want to represent Georgia to speak their
 convictions to the people they want to
 Nnt to 6n is bn
 stitution has said, to acknowledge their
 1 fear of the mob. God help us if our
 1 public men have stilled their voices and
 stifled their conscences because they l fear to appeal to the best people for
 the putting down of anarchy in the
 south's Empire state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
THE HOMESTEAD

Bliss Carman, in the February Century Here we came when love was young Now that love is old, Shall we leave the floor unswept And the hearth acold? Here the hill wind in the dusk. Wandering to and fro, Moves the moonflowers. like a ghost Of the long ago. Here from every doorway looks A remembered face, Every sill and panel wears
 A familiar grace. Let the windows smile again
 To the morning light, And the door stand open wide
 When the moon is bright. Let the breeze of twilight blow Through the silent hall, And the dreaming rafters hear How the thrushes call oh, be merciful and fond
 To the house that gave All it's best to shelter love,
 Built when love was brave. Here we came when love was young Now that love is old, Never let it's day be lone
 Nor it's heart acold.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
strong in the Middle West

President Wilson as prospective candidate for reelection is strong in the middle west and particularly strong with the democrats of Ohio and Indiana" said Charles H. Moffett of Cleveland. T am not politician, but I picked out MT. Will son for President soon after he became ception of his Mexican policy I have heartily approved of Mir Wilson's admin istration. I believe the President has good chance of being reelected, but the republicans are getting ready to carry or great campaign, with Roosevelt a s their standard bearer. Every republican I meet speaks as if he really expected Roosevelt to be the next President"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
UNCLE SAM, GENTLEMAN

From Life.
 We should take thought alwsys that
 the spirit of the country is honorable
 and sound. It shall not be timid nor
 lazy nor overbearing. It should be the
 spirit of a gentleman; of truth, of help fitness, and of the ready courage that rates all material gains below honor 1 Whenever such a spirit shines out-out of a mans eyes, out of a country's eyes. as now of France-it wins Everybody loves the spirit of a gentleman when they get the real thing. Nothing about
 the French appeals more than their gen tleness-their gentle valor that fights so well, that dies so well. Nothing about the British appeals more than their cheerfulness. Gentleness and cheerful ness are high traits of civilization that
 make for sanity. Our people have them both and love them both. The French.
 and perhaps the English, too, have gen. tier manners than we have, but neither
 of them is any kinder, and, training be- ing equal, neither of them would make
 better soldiers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH


 "A gentleman burglar called at my house last night
 Indeed! Did he wear a dress suit and apologize suavely for his intrusion?"
 "Oh, no. He was a rough looking fel- low, but when I told him that practically everything I possessed, including my watch, was bought on the installment plan and I was still paying so much a month he said he'd been there himself while he was trying to live straight, handed me 15 cents for drink he had already taken out of my whisky decanter ard wished me good nightn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
Birmin 2 hams Fine Improvements

When I first saw Birmingham about three years ago l was greatly impressed with the city, both as a business center and community of beautiful homes, and coming here on a second trip a few weeks ago I was struck with the fine inn prcvements that had been made" said Walter Edmund Willett of Vermont, who represents a New England rail road.
 "On my previous visit the Tutwiler was in course of construction, and now that l see it completed I cannot say too much in praise of it. It is one of the most elegant hotels in the United States.
 My state of Vermont is noted for it's charming scenery, and it's bracing at mosphere in summer, and it is becoming more and more a favorite with tourists. The railroad I represent enjoys a large tourist traffic, but the automobile has hurt us as it has hurt all the railways in, the tourist country of New England, The passenger business of some of the lines has been cut by one-half.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
Business Conditions

No one will dispute the fact that the country generally, with the possible ex- ception of the cotton and allied indus tries, is in very prosperous condition" j" say Rogers, Brown & Co.,, in their iron which appears to trouble some is what will happen at the close of the war?' It is impossible to say just what the an- swer will be, but there are ample grounds for optimism. Former booms were brought about chiefly by good crops and railroad buying. Crops have been uniformly good for the past few years. The railroads are again making money. Their facilities are being taxed to the utmost and they will be compelled to en- ter the market to replenish the equip ment which has been deteriorating dur ing the past nine or ten years, for since 1907 they have done very little buying. Their influence is already being felt to constantly increasing degree. The Baltimore and Ohio closed for 40O0 cars during the week, with other roads in quiring for over 1000 more
 ''Shpbuilding is progressing at capac-
 
 months to come and with a very strong sentiment in favor of some sort of ship subsidy it appears as though that indus try at least is in line for long term of prosperity.
 Another important factor is that in answer to demands from all parts of the country the appointment of tariff com mission seems very likely.
 'The spirit shown by those present at the third national trade convention held in New Orleans during the week, gives promise of great expansion of our for eien trade. It appears that this impor- tant subject is at last being tackled in- telligently and there is little doubt but that the close of the war will find us firmly entrenched in many of the foreign markets. China and Japan have joined those seeking pig iroh rom us, inquir- | ing for good tOnpaPes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
HOTEL LOBBIES
Busy Men as Canvassers

The Jewish relief fund canvassers should all be cordially received when they call on business men Friday and Saturday, for they are busy men them selves, and are giving their time gener- 'ously to this most appealing cause" said J. F. Shelby.
 'I have never known a money raising campaign to arouse more enthusiasm than this in behalf of the stricken Jew ish families of Poland. The SlO,oO0 the relief committee is asking for will be subscribed and more Birmingham should do as well as any city of ap- proximately it's size in the south, if not better"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
A LOST PERSPECTIVE

feated after spending nearly 20 years ir officer"
 Yes
 'Too bad for a man to lose out after laboring so long for his country
 That's just the trouble. His constitu- ents claimed that when he became ma tional figure he no longer considered large appropriations for Improvements in his state of more importance than the interests of the country at large"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
Great Demand for Seats

'One of the best indications that the interest in the Minneapolis orchestra which will give two concerts at the Bijou Wednesday, February 16, is exceptional is the demand for seats this far in advance" said Mrs. Richard F. Johnston, who, with Mrs. E. T. Rice, will manage this great musical event
 The Bijou has a seating capacity of nearly 2300, but by placing chairs on the stage back of the big orchestra, we can accommodate something like 3000 chill dren. Commissioner Barber says he will have firemen and policemen distributed through the house as an extra precau- tionary measure, that parents whose children were attending the matinee would feel no anxiety.
 The little folks will about fill up the Bijou at the afternoon performance. So great has been the demand for tickets for school children that we have post poned the sale of seats for adults for the matinee until next Monday. We might have few to dispose of then, but from the present outlook that will be doubtful. Birmingham has had fine suc-
  before, but the forthcoming event will witness new high record.
 As for the night concert, we will have a big house, probably capacity house. It is a significant fact that of II boxes all but two have been sold and ore of these is being held for a certain patron of music who is almost sure to take it. The sale of so many boxes be- fore the date of performance is unpar- alleled in the history of Birmingham s concert attractions.
 When the Minneapolis orchestra was here a few years ago with 50 players it gave unbounded delight. This time we are to have instead of 50 men, S5 and it will be the first time that an orchestra of this size was ever heard in the south.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
WE'RE ASHAMED TO SAY

From the Houston Post
 Stand up, Birmingham Ala. Jefferson county showed ill 1910 almost twice the population of Harris county, in which the angel hover of Houston is situate. We have identical poll tax laws and our rec ord is 20000. Where are you?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-04
Slandering Birmingham

A statewide prohibition campaign is in progress in Montana and the local optionists are pointing to Birmingham as an example of how prohibition op- crates to the serious detriment of a probs sbition community.
 In recent issue of the Lewistown Democrat-News appears an article in black type, entitled, Tn Bad Way" marked Published and paid for by the Montana Commercial and Labor league, Helena, Montana in which Birmingham is grossly slandered Among other statements reproduced in The Age-Herald's news columns Thursday was this:
 Alabama has abolished the le- gallzed sale of liquor Birmingham
 is one of the most important in- dustrial centers in the south It
 has immense manufacturing plants in full operation; it has an enor-
 nous pay roll. The manufacture of
 munitions and war material brings millions monthly to the bi9 shops.
 Eut social disorder prevails. The city is seething with crime. The startling statement was published a few days ago under a Birming-
 ham date line, that Birmingham is passing through critical crisis. The city is infested with criminals and crooks Crime is rampant and drunkenness is more prevalent than eyel in the citys history. The