davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21

hands and may be sent from Sweden half way across the world, to be had in every nook and corner of the land for the inconsiderable sum of 1 cent. The penny box of matches is in- separable from the average smoker. It would be interesting to speculate how many match boxes of other and more expensive types it has displaced. The man who carries match box nowadays, of metal or any other ma teriai, is rarity. The penny box of matches has solved all his problems, and if one is lost, or dozen, he | never hurries to the nearest newspa- per office and puts an advertisement in the "Lost and Found" column to recover his property.
 And what far cry from the cheap safety match of today to the flint and steel! And in what a brief space of time have we progressed from the link boys who used to stumble about the murky streets of London town at night to the brilliantly illuminated Great White Ways" of our modern cities!
 | It is reported that J. Ham Lewis has sartorial rival in Washington. That being the case, there is no use Illuminating the Washington monument. The capital after dark would be too dazzling.
 Vast quantities of food are stored in and around New York, waiting for ship ment to Europe. Probably one reason
 why the high cost of living is one of the topics of the times.
 Another sign that Christmas will soon be here is the large number of ragged, hungry looking children who are appear ling in newspaper drawings these days. K
 Of course it would never do for the
 allies to place their heads in a moose, if Germany is to hold the end of the rope
 Maybe Uncle Sam might agree to hold
 it as a mediator,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
THE SHOPPERS

Some a-shopping go on foot,
 Some in limousines; Some rare enjoyment put
 Into Christmas scenes. Some are such a grabbed sort,
 Sorely veXed and tired, They give answers sharp and short More so than desired. Some are old and feeble, too, Some are young and gay, Some are deep in debt and view Christmas with dismay. Some are wondrous fair to see, Faces all aglow; Some are homely as can be.
 But their hearts, we know, Bri1n with love and kindllness At this time O year, Though no richness in their dress Truly doth appear. Thus they throng the city's streets, Stores and crowded aisles, And for every frown one meets
 Bout a thousand smiles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
00 WASHINGTON, December

WNW Special )-"Less than 30 miles
 V east of Sulina, the only impor- tant Black sea port remaining in the possession of Rumania since Field Mar shal Won Mackensen captured con stantza, is the tiny Island of Serpents, around which cling many fantastic leg ends of fascinating interest as well as several historical episodes which at one time threatened 10 become of interna- tional movement says war geography bulletin issued by the National Geo. graphic society.
 "Unlike the monotonous reaches Of reed-covered marshland which stretch for 50 miles along the Rumanian and Rus sian shores to the north and south of the Sulina mouth of the Danube and seldom attaining an elevation of more than two feet above the level of the Black sea-. the Island of Serpents, or Fido-nisi' thrusts its precipitous cliffs above the water to heights ranging from 50 to 100 feet. It is mere fleck of rock in sea whose depth a few yards from the shore is 20 fathoms. The islet is scarcely more than a mile in circumference, but 1t has been beacon guiding ships to the Dam ube for many centuries, it's elevation being in such striking contrast to the delta land of the great river.
 Tn ancient times F'ido-nisi had va riety of names, but Grecian poets and travellers referred to it most frequently as Leuce or the White Island, on ac- count of the numerous sea fowls which, at certain seasons of the year swarmed over it's cliffs.
 .'It was to this island that Thetis, the marine goddess, is supposed to have car ried the ashes of her son, Achilles. hence the temple erected here in honor of the hero of the Trojan war Another legend relates that Thetis snatched the body of Achilles from the funeral pyre, that he was restored to life and that there- after he lived on the island with Iphige- neia. the daughter of Agamemnon, who had been saved from sacrifice by the goddess, Artemis.
 "One of the most poetic descriptions of the island and it's temple is given by Arrian in the account of his voyage around the Black sea in the second cen
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21

marked lack of dignity about the sys- tenn.
 'T have been coming over to Birming- ham for sometime to see all the good shows, but it seems that I have been missing some of the best entertainments of the season by not attending the weekly meetings of the commission. Of course this is a matter which concerns the peo- pie of Birmingham primarily, but as visitor to. the city every few days l must necessarily be interested. It looks like Birmingham has a problem on her hands which demands solution at the earliest possible moment"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Successful Drama League Work

league meeting of Tuesday" said Mrs. W. D. Smith, president of the Birming- ham center. Tt was one of the most interesting we have had. and the beau ty of it all was 1t was the league en- tertaining itself.
 This discussion of the contemporary New York drama by those of our mem- bers who have seen the plays, was de- lightful and interesting. Many of our members have said to me, Do let us have more of this kind of meetings.' It is in line, too, with the educational work, for any stirring of the soil about the roots of the drama can but be beneficial"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21

The poet who invited his love to live in his heart and pay no rent, was not like the average proprietor of an apartment house. He wants his rent in advance.
 France has about reached the conclu- sion that strong drink is raging. although in days gone by it was merely considered as an inducement to dance
 * * *
 The custom of having municipal Christi mas trees is spreading in Japan, but the thrifty Jap is not the sort to encourage reckless Christmas giving.
 The present Emperor of Austria was formerly seen in public pushing peram- bulator. His wife is probably one of those 6trong-minded women.
 A maiden lady of Pittsburg, 40 years old, has been awarded s17o0o0 in breach of-promise suit. Maybe she doesn't be- leve in Santa Claus!
 * *
 Soldiers in the trenches are getting five meals day, but there are serious disad- vantages in trench life, which need not be mentioned
 A famous comedian tells a magazine what he considers to be his best joke. As might have been expected, it isn't his best,
 The price of musical comedy has gone up in New York, but not because it costs more to keep chorus girl looking young The automobile manufacturers are sen slble men. They don't advertise theil cars as the Indispensable gift" A Uncle Sam is getting large around the waist. but let us hope war won't come along and force him to reduce. | No peace terms should be considered that don't provide for the speedy restora- tion of battered Belgium. x 1 The world just now is full of good little boys who are active little fends for a large part of the year.
 In the matter of eloauence, at least Lloyd-George seems to be the W. J. B. ol Great Britain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Yes. Abolish Commission Government

The Ageerad repeats that commission government in Blr lmingham has been rank failure It should be changed
 The powers the present associate commissioners
 cay equal with the result that each commissioner is appar enty jealous of his authority and prerogave and the recent meetings have been wrange after another without the compishment of anything practical.
 There should be responsible head of the city government of Birmingham As mayor, Commissioner Ward success He proved himself good nancier and able executive
 But commissioner handicapped by the petty vares and eaoues of his colleagues andn his efforts to maintain har the commission he has been unable to accomplish that good which he really could do had he assumed the authority which is his under the law.
 It is unfortunate that he should be placed par with commissioner who candidate and who apparently more ambitious become fooght favore than to do detail work
 There are good the Birmingham commission, but taken whole because of the personnel of its makeup and of the equal powers of the it, has accomplished but little Either the system wrong the personnel is fortunate
 The Herald believes that the time has to return to the former system of local government with mayor and city council; the mayor having the veto power
 In other words, Birmingham should be governed these
 United States governed The adermanic system will give every section of this great city the proper representation At there favored sections and unavored sections and people whole thoroughly dissatisfied and dsgusted with the present form of and the present admns traton of the affairs of this city.
 The AgeHerad does not desire criticize member of the present commission As individuals they probably ing their best but personally they do not fit together They have demonstrated that they work Their a ousies and personal ambitions such less antagonisms.
 The public sorey tired of performances at the city hall and The Herald but believe that the purposes lthe Wilkinson petition correct.
 Give the people opportunity to vote whether not they desire abolish the present form of government and turn to that form under which Birmingham obtained its oun daon and it's real standing among the great cities of the south
 Birmingham properly governed should be the premier city Iof this southland
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
SOME EXCITEMENT

Anything doing in town today?" asked the visitor.
 You are broad-minded person and l don't object to telling you," answered the well-informed citizen. "There is most assuredly something doing in town to- day A 10-foot kiss is being shown at one of the movie houses"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
GREAT PRESSURE

"The old-fashioned miser was said to squeeze a silver dollar so hard he made the eagle scream"
 "Yes. You don't see many silver dol lars nowadays. The modern tightwad puts crease in dollar bill that stays there until it is redeemed by the govern ment."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
NO CHANGE

You don't hear so much talk as for merly about making New Year resolu- tions'
 whats the use? Prohibitionists say the country's going dry and living is so high nowadays that the cost of the bad habits most men fall into is simply pro- hfbitive.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
GOING TOO FAR

"As a rule. I don't censure the type of man who is more ornamental than use- full"
 "Yes?"
 ''But drat the chump who poses in a club window as if sculptor somewhere in the background were molding his fault less lines in clay!' PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
TEST OF COURAGE

TEST OF COURAGE In days of old The knights were bold, From perils never shrank; They dragons fought, But never thought To meet a British tank" Twas just as well, For who can tell But what they might have auailed, Or wildly fled, Consumed by dread If by a tank assailed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Appereaiuainag to
 the Safety Match

the Safety Match
 TN the hurry of modern life few 4 people stop to consider the cheap, commonplace conveniences which make the pathway of existence smoother.
 Take, for instance, the penny box of Safety" matches. Each carton contains approximately 100 matches, every one perfect and identical. The box itself, though flimsy in construc- tion, iss marvellously well adapted to it's purpose It is light, of size easy to carry, is provided with two sides prepared for igniting the match and can be opened in the twinkling of an eye. Each box of matches, not so much in the making, for machinery is used, but in packing, shipping and distribution, passes through many
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
DON'T REALLY MEAN IT

wishing your friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas is pleasing custom"
 True. but I have conscientious scru- ples against doing so," answered the thoughtful man.
 What do you mean?"
 q fear a great many people say Merry christmasp in much the same spirit that they ask, How do you do? They don't care a hang how you do,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
school Children Interested

Reports from over the state indicate that the school children of many cities and towns are becoming exceedingly en- thusastic in regard to the Young Cru saders' campaign" states Dr. B. l.. Wy man, president of the Alabama Anti Tuberculosis league.
 "In Birmingham this movement is proving very popular; but it is even more gratifying to learn of the zeal shown in the smaller cities and towns of the state.
 AS an example of what can be accom- plished in this way. let me cite Scotts- boro, where practically every child at tending school took up the work. As a result each grade has earned banner for the sale of large number of seals; and practically every pupil will receive a badge. A goodly sum will. in this man. ner. be turned into the treasury of the league from different parts of the state
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
ACUTE DEPRESSION

Have you ever met an egg king'?'
 Not yet" answered the pessimistic consumer ''but if the price goes much higher, anybody who owns a dozen eggs will look like an egg king to me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21

The old Hebrew word Sabbath means to rest. But Hebrew words are picture words, and Sabbath really means to catch one's breath. In our fast running we do not realize now tired we are. We become over heated. we lose our course, we TOT
 get many vital things. We ought t0 have a little breath-catching time every day, and a full breath catching time every week.--H. M' E'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
BLACK SEA ISLE OF SERPEN1TS

tury of the Christian era. He wrote:
 It is related that Thetis gave this island to Achilles and that he still in habits it. His temple and status, both of very ancient workmanship, are seen there. No human being dwells on it; it has only a few goats which mariners convey to it as votive offerings. Other offerings or sacred gifts are suspended in honor of Achilles, such as vases, rings. and precious gems
 Seabirds, divers, and sfowl innumer- able frequent the island and these birds alone have the care of the shrine. Every morning they repair to the sea, and, dip- ping their wings in the waves, sprinkle the temple, and afterwards sweep with their plumage it's sacred pavement.
 "The name Island of Serpents grew out of the fact that numerous black snakes from four to five feet long were discovered here by mariners. Many of the reptiles are said to have fallen in the cisterns of the island and polluted the waters which are now undrinkable. It is interesting to recall in connection With the name oI lHe lSldflu lnal ACiiiiies was often referred to as the snake-born and that his mother, Thetis, frequently assumed the form of a snake.
 "The Amazons are supposed to have attempted to seize this island on one oc- casion, but the ghost of Achilles ap- peared and so terrified the horses of the female warriors that the riders were thrown and severly trampled upon. whereupon the expedition was abandoned.
 This meagre rock brought England and Russia to the verge of war 60 years ago, following the treaty of peace which ended the Crimean conflict The island was not mentioned in the terms of the treaty and when Turkey sent small party to relight the lighthouse which had been dark throughout the struggle of 1S5S-5s. Russia attempted to take control of the beacon which stands as 8 guide post to the Danube's mouths. England protested, and sent a fleet across the Black sea to enforce her demands in behalf of her recent ally, the Sultan. Russia, after a brief threat of resist Rumanian hands when that nation threw off the Ottoman shackles in 1877."
 '''''''''''''''''''''' glory. With his shovel and luncheon box under his arm the Italian managed to reach the desk before he was discovered, but as soon as Detective Smith spied him
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
It Must Be Am Appoma&Gox

The note of the President to the at IS one ot words well chosen and from the heart of great and great ident. It worthy of Washington Lincoln.
 But 1t will not be timely to England France Russia For than two years these nations have fought at dadvan tage. They entered world war unprepared.
 Words like those contained in the Presidents note had been often presented them in Hague conferences and in public print Such words accepted words of sincerity But not so Of sudden they war within few months there after met defeat after defeat
 Now England France and Russia have equipment and sup plies and pressing forward regain their losses To to consider compromise proposition would mean the disruption of the British empire The flag that enclrces the globe would become many flags of small nations France would become petty republic and Russia congomeraon of states
 President Wilson's purpose is splendid but the allies will merely thank him for his kind words.
 The worlds future peace depends upon conclusion of this like unto that at Appomattox.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21

glory. With his shovel ahd luncheon box under his arm the Italian managed to reach the desk before he was discovered. but as soon as Detective Smith spied him he gave the foreigner the high sign. It, however, was misunderstood, so it was necessary for couple of huskies to eject the unwelcome guest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Modern Prototype of

Ab@W Ben AdlheEn F@WRdl T7T1 HERE is no use looking any 4 further for the modern proto- type of Abou Ben Adhem. He has been discovered in Albany, Ala, and owns a large mercantile establish ment in that town. A believer in the pulling power" of advertising, he uses a great deal of newspaper space.
 The other day this gentleman walked into the office of an Albany newspaper and said: "You newspaper publishers must be worried a great deal by the increased cost of white paper" He was answered in the af- firmative. "Well, beginning January 1 just increase my advertising rate 2 cents an inch. That may help a little."
 The veracious correspondent adds "He is the first man in the history of journalism who voluntarily increased his own advertising rate" There is certainly no record of any other per son ever having done so anywhere on the face of the earth, since the art of printing was perfected.
 
 The name of Albany's enlightened and public-spirited citizen is with held. It should be heralded through out the land as an inspiration and an example. Another Leigh Hunt should rise and sing his fame to future gen erations in imperishable verse as one who loves his fellow man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Steel Passenger Car
As a Life Saver

ANS a 4ANUS 9GIVOA
 THH HE steel passenger car has agaln ll been the means of saving many lives. Yesterday there was a wrecK of the Seminole Limited llo miles from Birmingham due, it is stated, to broken rail.
 The famous train of the Illinois Central was going at high speed. The entire train, with the exception of the observation car, plunged from the track. Cars were hurled with tre- mendous force, but only one person was killed. Had the Seminole Limited carried wooden coaches, the loss ot life would no doubt have been ap- palling.
 About 25 passengers were injured. In such terrific crash it is surprls- ing that more were not bruised and battered. Under similar circumstances wooden coaches would have been re- duced to splinters and fire might have speedily added to the horrors of the accident.
 The time is coming when the trav- cling public will not tolerate wood en railway coach.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-21
Lack of Dignity

T would not care to indulge in any dis
 cusson regarding the city government of Birmingham. but it has appeared to me for sometime that there was some thing wrong with the present system" '" said Col T. H. Renne of Pell City, a prominent cotton mill manufacturer, who was at the Morris yesterday. All l know about the situation is what l read
 in the newspapers. From this source of information, it would seem that there is
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-05-05
Parents Should Know
this Splendid Remedy
Simple Laxative Compound Helps
to Correct Constipation
in Children.

With all children there are times
when h bowels fail to act naturally
and it becomes necessary for the par
ents to administer a remedy. Cathar-
tics n purgatives should never be
used as these agents afford only tenn
porary relief while their violent action
shocks the system unduly. Mrs. Eva f..
Gaff, 517 10th St, Washington, D. C., says
that her little girl, Marie, had been
subject to constipation. and that she
found DR.. CaldwelPs Syrup Pepsi the
best remedy because Of its mildness,
and now always keeps a bottle Of it in
the house
DR.. Caldwelrs Syrup Pepsin is a com
pound OF simple laxative herbs, free
from opiates or narcotic drugs Of any
kind, n is an ideal remedy for chill
dren because Of its mild action and
effect Its use tends to
strengthen the impaired bowel action
and restore normal regularity.
It is important that parents should
know Of a dependable remedy with no
unpleasant after effect, gripping or
strain. DR.. CaldWeITs Syrup Pepsin
costs only so cents a bottle and
can be procured at any drug store. To
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-05-05

nation or the humiliation OF having to
go to the infranchised negroes. Next
cam n illiterate emigrants and beg
ginE them to recognize her political
equality by giving her a voice in the
government Of the nation Of which sne
is an uureDresented half.
To Protest Mt Tnxes.
The league decided to adopt the suf-
frage tax protest. which is to be en-
closed with all taxes that women have
to pay, The protest reads: This tax
is paid under protest by n woman tax
payer. because the government denies
her the right OF representation by the
vote, and taxation without representa-
ton IS tyranny"
Miss Ella Harrison. Of New York.
spoke on the opportunities offered for
suffrage work and the need of taking
advantage of all Of them. She aid that
as ex-Gov. o. B. ColQuitt. who is a can
didate for nomination as senator from
Texas. had put himself on record as be-
ing unalterably opposed to enfranchis-
ing women, Il was the duty of the wom-
en- Of h state to oppose his nominal
ton.
Lecture Next Thursday.
The lecture on Liberty, Equality and
Fraternity" which is to be given under
the auspices Of the league by Miss Isa-
belle HolbrOok, Thursday evening at s
o'clock. was announced. This lecture is
open to the public Hiss HOlbrook is
a prominent suffragist and is aid to
be an able speaker. At the lecture,
there will be violin solos by Miss Vir-
ginia Bean.
It was planned to have a banquet in
honor Of the three visitors, Miss Rich
ardsOn. Mrs. Burke and Miss Holbroolz.
Friday. The meeting was very well
affaudpd