davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
AN ESCORT FOR coRPsEs

Six times during the last Is months al eastbound Union Pacific train has pulle' out of Boise Idaho, bearing a man wh apparently takes his pleasures sadly, peculiar individual who gratifies an ap parent passion for travel by acting as of ficial escort for bodies that must b shipped back east without relative friend to accompany them. This persol keeps in touch with the various under taking establishments of Boise and whel these occasions arise. offers himself professional mourner, conscientlousl looking after all details attending to an. flowers and even going to the easterl funeral, as one of the honored guests Fol such depressing service he is rem bursed with one first-elass ticket to tn corpse's destination. He buys his owl meals and pays all other expenses whicl include his own fare back. The myster is, what possible advantage does he gail by making these trips?
 For it is a fact that this peculiar indl vidual never makes railroad trip unles it is on his self-constituted professions duties Someone must die and be sen east to be buried to furnish him with a. excuse for trip, although he has othe idiosynocrasies, according to local Unioi Pacific officials. They report that las summer, returning from "burying" a some point east of Chicago on a specia colonists rate, he travelled through : Salem, Ore, because it only cost $2 nor than the regular Boise fare although cost him $16 to get back from Salem u
 Boise. Also, starting on his last profes sonal trip, he asked the Union Pacifi baggageman if he could check trunk o the corpse's ticket. Finding that he could as all first-class tickets are allowed 1a pounds of baggage, he went off and rus tled'' another trunk which he will hav to pay excess baggage on to get bacl home
 Altogether Boise has mystery whic the railroad people would like to solvd They advance the theory that as the prd fession of mourner is recognized anI honorable occupation among older civil izations this-is revival of the ancien profession. Perhaps, they say, this ma is descended from some old-time mourn CTS Guild" and through hereditary irl stinct is endeavoring to fellow his anceS tral trade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
POILU "GODSONS" AT HOME

Lille, where he learned his trade
 old mother was shut up in Lille. He h Ed heard no word of her nor of his sisters
 the universal story of the northeN Frenchman and the Belgian refugee
 these days. He preferred to talk of tha fight at Ludlow rather than of the fight3 ing about Arras through which he hal d come unwounded:
 ~Motber Jcnes-now there was d voman The operators were afraid oa Mother Jones. bet if that Mrs. Plank hurst had come out" he said with touch1 ing faith, wed a beat ol John D. han $ down." So touching seemed to be his faith in militant womanhood. He hao learned to play baseball in America ana because he had developed thereby 3 throwing arm. which he let us feel, his captain made him a grenadier bomh thrower.
 However, the remarks of the Poild from Lille and Ludlow interested us rather less, on the whole, than a little drama which the women of our party worked out from the expression of the young French girl. Whenever she peri mtted her gaze to rest on his face heI expression ranged from dsapproval td deep disappointment. Plainly, when sh5s learned that her family was going td quarter soldier on permission Gas tld custom is calledD sine had her young girl s dreams. She expected probably hand some and refined soldier, with silky mustaches and deep, dark eyes. prefer1 ably slightly wounded, so that she could read him poetry while bathing his brow with eau de cologne. She got-this. Il the rest of the family had any sense o1 humor at all they must have loved him but he was not a young girls ideal.
 At the house of an American, where dined the other evening, I found Poild iii full uniform covered by an inharmo] nious apron, waiting on table. He wal the family butler, home on persission1 That morning, learning that madame wal giving dinner, he had expressed req regret that he could not serve it, having no suitable clothes. You might veal your uniform," she suggested. May I?' he answered eagerly. So he served usI and it was a little incongruous-this s bronzed, fit soldier, with the look of del termination and of experience in hid face waiting on us pale, flabby civilians|
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
Will Irwin

Will Irwin in the Saturday Evening Post.
 A ILL this winter, as all last, the
 A French army has been granting leaves of absence, running from five days to a fortnight. But the French army does not believe in turning a sol dier loose on the world-it is bad for discipline. When he gets leave he must go to his family.
 Now there are in the army at least 150, OOo men who live in those parts of northern France held by the Germans. They cannot get home. Also in the French army as in any other, there are men without relatives in France-forelgn iegionaries, rcservists from the United States for example.
 They say that it was an American W, niaa who first proposed that French families make "godsons'' of these men, taking them in, assuming responsibility for their conduct. That idea was much more revolutionary in France than it would have been in America. The aris- tocratic or gourgeois family here is gen erally e closed circle, and the last thing a Frenchman does is to invite an &C., quaintance to visit his home informally it just isn't done in France. Never theless this idea took like wildfire. Everyone has been doing it, even the hotels.
 The stories coming out of this work have been both touching and amusing. In Bordeaux a party of us Americans sat down one night beside a family group-two middle aged women, two mid de aged men, delicately featured young girl of about 17 and the Poilu. He was an amusing little gargoyle of a man, with a front tooth missing, a merry eye and rough but animated manner. Sud- denly he leaned over toward me and asked in English to look at my evening newspaper.
 This, of course, was only an advance toward conversation, and the moment he opened his mouth I knew that he got his English in America, not England. He was, in fact, a coal miner who had come from war to warrior he had fought with his union behind the barricades of Lud- low. Sixteen years he had been mining ill the United States, and five of those years on strike. But at that he pre- ferred American mines to those about
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
Sells Notable Book Collection

"The blind historian, H. A. Ratter- man of Cincinnati, whose celebrated library was lately bought by the Uni versity of Illinois. is the father of Ro- tartan George B. Ratterman of Bir- mingham," said G. Lewis Bailes. I'll. A. Ratterman is perhaps the foremost au thority in America on German-Amer ican history and ranks notably as writer of historical prose and poetry as well. He is the only living member of the German Saengerfest of Amer ica
 "Mr. Ratterman has spent a lifetime in the collection of this library and many of the 5000 volumes are more than 800 years old.
 Tt was the aged scholars one wish that his collection of books be placed In an American university, for the greater number of volumes are his tory, he said. which is not known either in Germany or America
 'The 5000 volumes, valued at $25,- 900, occupied the entire second floor of the Ratterman home, where the old man was continuously engaged in writing and research till blindness overlook him only a few years ago. It is said that even after his blind ness he could immediately put his hand on any single volume of the whole collection in a moment and at will.
 "One quaint volume of the collec- tion which was reserved to be pre- scented to the family of George B. Rat terman is gift from Prince Bismarck to the elder Ratterman made upon the Iron Chancellors eightieth birthday.
 "In commenting on the university's find, a current magazine says: Tt seldom occurs that worthy men find during their lifetime a full recogni- tion and valuation of their accomplish ments. It is therefore doubly pleas ing when one can find an exception to this general rule To the venerable Cincinnatian. H. A. Ratterman, the German American historian and lit terateur of national renown, several distinct and we'll deserved honors have been given. But that which gives our honored old citizen most satisfaction and pleasures is that his unique col lection of books will remain intact and is to be known as the Batter man collection."' MT. Ratterman is now in his eighty fourth year."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15

will revolutionizs and simplify one of the problems which mankind has to face. It
 is my purpose not to profit personally by my invention.
 I care nothing for money, 1 want to make this a gift to mankind; to put it within the reach of all, so that the rich est and the poorest may benefit from it alike. My present difficulty is to find a way to bring my invention before the public without having it stolen by some trust which, having gained the monopoly of it, will put up the price and gain enor- nous profits, to the cost of the public. So fearful am that my secret may be stolen on me-" that I hesitate to give a demonstration. If only I could find some wealthy man as altruistic as myself to help me in getting this before the public! had thought of Henry Ford, but MT. Ford is already very busy man.
 Perhaps you would like to know some thing of my invention. I have discovered wonderful green powder which, when added to a gallon of water and pinch Of chloride of sodium. and then brought to the boiling point, will produce, at cost of about cents, as much energy as would require at present an outlay of 9 cents. The form of energy so produced is the highest type known Mechanical energy, important as it is is but child of the energy produced by my green powder in solution. In short, the energy produced by my green powder is human energy.
 The solution is injected into the human system through the mouth by means of a common spoon It is best that the in- jection be done immediately before par taking of solid food. I have never tried this myself. The claim I have made that 3 cents worth of my green powder will produce as much energy as the ordinary outlay of 25 cents will produce is perfect ly true; in fact, it is an overestimate of the cost, for half a gallon of my powder in solution will produce more energy than any 25-cent table de'hote ever offered.
 Since I have not yet perfected my in vention cannot give all the details of the making of my green powder, but I will go so far as to say that the basic ele- ment is nothing more or less than dried, split green peas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
Living Over Old Days

Yesterday morning, at the hour when church bells were ringing, plc- turesque group of Confederate veter- ans stood on street corner, llvlng over the stirring days of the civil war in song and story. They may have been among the vanguard of early arrivals, or veterans who reside In the Birmingham district, but all had a holiday air which told as plainly as words that so far as they were con- cerned, the reunion had begun.
 One old soldier wore a shabby, ill., fitting uniform of gray and his chin was streaked with tobacco juice, but his eyes were glowing with enthusl- asm and his face showed boundless ap- preciation as another comrade with a struggling goatee and garments that had seen better days, intoned song of the camp fire. The others listened with keen delight to every word, their heads close together. They were ap- parently oblivious to the friendly smiles of depestrians who passed the little group, but not so the singer, who freouently interrupted his song to lit his faded old hat and make sweeping how to each woman who passed. Southern chivalry invincible!
 None of these gray-haired men looked prosperous. Time seemed to have dealt more kindly with them than fortune, who bestowed her tickle smiles elsewhere, but all were happy and their faces were lighted by mem ories of heroic days, the poverty and suffering of later years for the mo- ment forgotten.
 Groups of this character will be common on the streets of Birmingham during the reunion. Yesterday offered perhaps an isolated instance, but to- day and tomorrow and until the re- union ends the veterans will be every where, some laughing, some crying and others too deeply moved for out ward expression as old acquaintances are renewed, old scenes are brought back wildly to them and the absence of comrades who have dropped out of the ranks since the last reunion IS sadly noted.
 And no one who gazes on these he roes of lost cause will do so with out thrill of pride in their heroism and throb of pity for those whom the years have hardly used. All are our guests a,-l t',e citizens of Bir- mingham feel that they cannot be too greatly honored.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
HOTEL LOBBIES
Resumption of Peace Talk

"A change seems impending in the at mosphere of current events,' says Henry Clews in his weekly financial letter We have long been agitated by a sense of keen apprehension that the great crisis through which we are now passing would not end without some sort of disturbance at home. These fears had their inception in the war and our relations with Ger many and Mexico and certainly had good foundation. As regards Germany the outlook has been much improved by the frank admission of responsibility for sink ing the Sussex and the promise of repar- atIon. The promises of Germany to also modify her submarine policy in accord ance with the wishes of the American government are also encouraging. and il fulfilled should insure friendly relations between the two countries
 The situation was immensely clarified by President Wilson's decisive note last week which was practically an ultimatum. There is every reason to hope that Ger many will avoid rupture with the United States. since we are really her best re- maining friend among the neutral powers and can be of invaluable service when peace negotiations actually begin. The de- sire of Germany to end the war is un- questionable. Peace feelers have been repeatedly put forward, and the belief in it's early coming strengthens daily The greatest hindrance to peace now is the strong inclination of the allies to push the war to final conclusion. The final struggle between the armies of the central powers and the entente is prob ably yet to come; as yet neither side has conquered, and no satisfactory or last ing peace can be established until one side or the other has been forced into submission.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
GREEN POWDER
,m the literary Digest.

From the literary Digest.
 One great clarifying invention inevitably brings countless others in it's train. Once the possibility of a former impossibility is demonstrated, other bright-eyed dis coverers and inventors can find thou sand similar possibilities. Thus, the mere assertion in the daily paper that a green liquid has been discovered which, when mixed with large amount of plain water will make admirable gasoline. or super gasoline, turns a hundred other minds toward the possibilities of greenness. If a green liquid will accomplish so much. what would not green powder do? This scintillating thought strikes in upon the brain-pa of TT. D." frequent corre- spondent of the New York Sun. with most remarkable results. He delays not q moment in startling the world with his great news, which, he hints, may well herald product outdoing the discovery of MT Enricht As we read:
 To the Editor of The Sun:
 Sir-I am about to perfect an invention, or, rather let me say. discovery, which
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
The Veterans Gather

The advance guard of the Confed- crate reunion began to arrive several days ago and every train yesterday brought carloads of the gallant men who wore the gray. Birmingham pre- sented an animated scene last night, but the great rush is due today.
 The old soldiers already on the ground are looking as hale as if they had come out of the war only recent ly instead of 51 years ago. But in the large concourse of veterans who will attend this reunion many, sof course, will be far advanced in age, and not a few will be feeble and tot tering. To all such the spirit of veneration will go out. Not son of the Confederacy, not daughter, but will be touched by the bent frame and faltering step; for these men not only served their country on the field of battle for what was felt to be just cause, but the very fact that they are here today to mingle with their old comrades in arms and hear recounted splendid deeds of valor,. plays upon the heartstrings of all who have a spark of sentiment in their souls.
 For all veterans whether strong and well, or frail and shuffling, and for all Sons and Daughters of the Con- federacy, the people of Birmingham have joyous greeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15


 Information obtained regarding 26 mu- nicipal and A private tramway systems , Germany shows that 13,594 women were employed last October, of whom 2799 are wives of men called to the colors. Of the tota. number, 12,54e are conductors 1 9 drivers and 1899 auxiliary workers Since these statistics were compiled the num- her of women employed on tramways has increased it is thought, consideraply'
 There is great diversity shown in wages paid. The average pay is between 90 and
 B pfennigs an hour In some cases 70
 nfennics is paid and in others 471a pier
 nigs A pfennig is equivalent to about
 one quarter of cent The working hours
 range from five to 1l1A hours day. Three
 or four rest days a month are allowed by most of the companies and 9 companies pay wholly or in part for rest days. From
 four days to four weeks are required to train the workers for their duty. In Ser lin the time is one week and noVices are paid 80 marks day while learning In Posen no wages are paid during the train
 ing period, which lasts from 10 to IA days. The wages paid to women employees on tramways equal those of the men only in rare cases, which would seem to indicate that women are not as efficient for this sort of work as men. There is one circuit in Leipsig where women con ductors are paid 35 pfennigs and men 75. The Allegemeine Deutsche Kleinbahn pays marks a month, while men begin at S4.5O marks. 4.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
From the London Globe.

From the London Globe. LUST at present feminity is rife in England; everywhere women and A% are replacing men. Collectively one is astounded at the pluck and endurance displayed, the fine spirit of patriotism that carries them over all difficulties. Individually the working girl, particu- larly in business, is a curious study We have lived long enough to realize that a course of intensive training does not turn out the real thing. This is the kind of conversation one hears nowa- days:
 "Hullo!'
 "Hullo!" Not telephone call this, but a greeting between two girls in one of London's cafes at midday.
 What are you doing now?" queries the first speaker.
 I've just got into an office-topping job. Maisie and I are the only two girls there so far, but that won't last with a slight sigh. Were having simply a priceless time though nothing much to do;" and the two girls sit down to cof- fee and cakes.
 Smartly dressed ana collleo' WedrlhS the last word in hats, they at least 'Iooked'' very successful examples of the new intensive business training" type of girl.
 One turns from the business girl as she is often seen-light, pretty, and friv- olously incompetent, minus ambition and doing as little work as possible, because after all, why worry?-it's only for a time-to an almost Utopian ideal in ''The Business Girls Handbook just pub lished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
Wedding Gown for Flag

General Fucker and I have received many beautiful letters in response to the invitations sent out to the members of Company 7, Seventh Alabama, who acted as General Fuckers escort during the war" said Dr. George Morrow yester- day. General Fucker invited his old com rades to be his guests and camp on his lawn during the reunion. In replying, George W. Halls of Montgomery recalls the story of the flag of the company which was carried during the war. The flag is now in the department of archives at Montgomery, and an effort was made by MT. Halls to borrow it to fly over the tents of the veterans during the reunion, but on account of the age of the flag, it was feared that it could not stand the strain.
 General Rucker while in q reminiscent mood, told the story of this flag. It was carried during the war by F. c. Gregory of New Orleans, a member of the escort company. General Ruckers forces were stationed at Aberdeen and the women of that city desired to present a flag to the escort company, which was commanded by Capt. c. P. Stoors. Material for mak- ing fine flag was very scarce and they were in quandary as to where they could get something suitable for making it, when Mrs. Deedy, the mother of w. B. Leedy of this city, offered to give her wedding gown for this purpose. The gown was ripped up and, with loving hands, fashioned into a flag, which was pre- sented to the boys who were starting out to fight for the south. The flag was carried all through the war and was later presented to General Fucker, who gave it to Captain Stoors. Captain Stoors pre- sented the historic flag to the state department of archives and history, where it is now kept
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
NEW ESTIMATE OF WOMEN

From the Dayton (O.) News.
 The women of this country owe debt of gratitude to Bernard I. Bell, a con- tributor to the Atlantic Monthly MT. Bell has "set them right, in a sense, before the public, or before so much of it as has read his comment.
 His statement is made in connection with the discussion of why woman is more religious than man, but it reaches far beyond the question of religion. Listen:
 "The real reason why women are more religious than men today is be- cause they are more human than men. It is not by nature that they are SO. Social conditions have made them SO. As we have divided the labor of the world between sexes, the work of men is almost entirely concerned with the production and distribution of things; the work of women almost entirely with the production and sustenance of per- sons. We all of us at times notice the great throngs of men who go at the call of the whistle, in and out of our fac tories. To the average mans mind these hundreds Of men are handS, ana the purpose of the factories where they are employed is to produce goods; but to the average woman's mind these hum dreds Of laborers are human beings and the purpose of the factories is to fur nish sustenance, through pay envelopes, to men and women and boys and girls and babies yet unborn. In most of our homes the man leaves human interests early in the morning, devotes the best hours of his day to the welfare of things, and returns to persons again only for the evenings relaxation. His wife, has hardly done an act of labor all the day, has hardly made a plan or had a thought which is not with considerable intimacy related to human beings-her husband. her children, her neighbOrS ''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15

BEGINNING THE DAY - God grant me to live oR the hills, where the air is clean and the sky IS close. Teach me that Thou hast pre- pared a country for me here anu now. which flows with milk anu honey. Forbid that should wait un- til another time to sit beside 1hee in Thy place. For Christs sake. Amen.-H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15
IF THE WORLD WE'RE PERFECT

Anatole Le Braz, in the Outlook.
 If all the world were perfect, an i'm tolerable sameness would be stamped upon humanity from one end of the earth to the other. For the love of God,' someone has exclaimed, "let me retain my defects! That is the only thing I really have" Moreover, there are some really quite captivating hu- man defects. But it is important to con- trol. them so that they may never be- come obnoxious
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-15

The Austrians are said to leave loaded cigarettes lying around for Italians to correspondents turn out when they can't get facts.