davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Timely Reply to q Pacifist

The Rev. George E. Hunt, pastor of a Presbyterian church at Marion, Wis, who has been numbered with those who believe in unpreparedness, desiring to be informed as to the individuals or inter- ests financing the Security Leagues propounded certain questions to Henry A. Wise of New York; chairman of the conference committee on national pre- paredness. This minister's attitude to- ward the national defense question is like that of thousands of other pacifsts. It is based on suspicion and a false per- spective. Chairman Wise's reply is pa triotic and should it is thought, satisfy any open-minded inquirer. Among other things, MT. Wise says:
 The funds whic hthe conference com mittee on national preparedness has re- ceived have been very small and have been contributed entirely by men who are interested in the wolsS of preparing the nation against war. There are but two persons employed by the conference committee who receive any salaries, and the combined salaries of these two are so small as to be absolutely negligible. The principal part of the work of the conference committee is done entirely free Of charge and Entirely from patriotic motives
 ''As far 1 know, there are no con cerns interested in promoting prepared ness for selfish reasons. The conference committee on national preparedness has never received a contribution from any person directly or indirectly interested in the manufacture of arms or munitions Of war or who would be benefited in a commercial way by preparedness. The security league has publicly stated on several occasions, through it's president, that it has received no contributions from manufacturers of munitions of war, and has offered its books for the inspection of anyone who cared to investigate.
 The United States should increase it's army and navy so that our present de- fenseless condition may not be an in- vitation to the marauding nations of the world.
 "A dequate preparedness not only makes for peace but in the hands of righteous nation, such as our own, It insures peace, lege but the solemn duty of all of us to do what we can to retain the ad- vance of spiritual and civil liberty that has thus far been made in this country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
St. Louis Hotel Rates

Democratic congressman and other prominent party men are raising viz orous protest against the eXorbitant
 rates that certain St. Lous hotels are charging for room reservations for convention week
 It is the same old story. There is always complaint every four years about high prices charged by hotels in
 the national convention cities. One congressman, who applied for six
 to pay at the rate of SIP a day per | room-$72,
 The national democratic committee was assured by representatives of St. 1 Louis. who extended the invitation for the convention, that the hotels would not exact excessive rates It was un- 1 derstood that prices only slightly in 1 advance of the usual schedule would 1 De dShtu. Tau IL DtCH OthCl W loC,
 some other city might have secured
 the convention.
 The committee acting upon the
 complaints of party leaders will doubt
 less take up the matter, but it is prob able that the $12 a, day charge is not
 general It may be that those who are complaining wanted to engage par ] ticularly luxurious accommodations i suites in the bridal chamber class Ii
 so, they would have to pay fancy prices
 at any time.
 St Louis is splendid city and at 1 all times a hospitable city. It's hotel
 and boarding house accommodations
 are ample to provide for great con l vention crowd, and it may be assumed
 that most of the hostelres will be glad to receive guests at regular rates
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Is Austria Sincere?

The activity of Austrian sub marines in sinking passenger vessels without warning following so close upon the heels of the assurance by Austria that she would observe the laws of humanity, gives rise in the minds of many to grave doubts as to the sincerity of the Vienna protesta- ton. The Age-Herald, however, does not agree with this view.
 In considering the present situa- tion it must be remembered that the modern submarine operates hundreds of miles from it's base and reports possibly once in two weeks. It might well be that the commander of the submersible that sank the Persia had not received notification from the ad- miralty to discontinue operations against passenger ships without giv- ing passengers time to depart.
 Austria, however, is in no position to assume a virtuous air, and the talk ing up of the submarine warfare inn mediately after Germany had discon- tinued it might be construed as a deliberate slap in the face of the Uni ted States in view of the very vigor- ous representations that had been made to Berlin.
 Political action at Vienna is merely reflection of Germany's desires, and some believe that the Kaiser is not averse to embroiling his ally with the United States while working out his own ends. Reports have it that there is little love lost between the Aus trians and the Germans, and the Kaiser may again be using Austria as a catspaw as he did in starting the war.
 Be that as it may, should the re- ports that an American consul was lost on the Persia prove true, and, from indications they are correct, Washington will be confronted with a situation more serious than it has yet faced. This government can hardly overlook the murder of an of ficial representative, and President Wilson is not the man to do so. The controversy with Austria is, there fore, still far from ended.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
JAPAN AND HINDUSTAN

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer From German sources come persist ent rumors of serious disaffection in India. It is now alleged that the Gos- pei of disloyalty is being clandestinely disseminated by Japanese agents, and that Japanese money is backing se- ditious movements in many parts of the empire.
 Japan, it is said eagerly desires westward commercial expansion, and finds British India an insurmountable barrier. An independent or autono- nous India would be much more to her liking.
 An animus for such reports might be conjecture Great Britain and Japan are close allies, and both are at war with the Germans Dissension between the eastern and western powers would Germay. Accordingly, reports on In- dian affairs emanating from Berlin will not be readily accepted.
 There is, however, some basis for a belief that the cordiality of Anglo Japanese relations suffered a recent dminution. The Japanese are frankly disappointed at the British military achievements, not only in Europe but also in Mesopotama. In the Mesopo- tamian defeat Nippon sees danger of lessening of Britain's eastern power, while in the threatened Turco- German attack on Suez is read a direct menace to Japanese trade. Nippon is beginning to fear that active Japanese partici- patton may be necessary in Europe or at least in Egypt. Japanese states men are already admitting the Hkeli- hood that a Japanese fleet may soon be sent to the Red sea to aid in the protection of Englands Egyptian hold ings.
 Disappointment of this kind, how ever, need not mean that Japan is Se- cretly trying to undermine the British power in India or elsewhere. More than ever is Japan dependent on the British alliance, and in proportion as Britain grows weaker Japan will lend more and more aid. The possibility of a German triumph in Europe cannot be considered at Tokio without the gravest misgivings for Japan's fu- ture
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
FAMOUS CORRESPONDENT

From the Boston Globe.
 In the days when Briton and Russ were face to face in the Crimea Sir Gar net Wolseley, writing from the soldiers standpoint, spoke of Those newly in- vented curses to armies-I mean war cor respondents" The editor of the London Times was responsible for the invention.
 One day in February, 1851 William Howard Russell, while in the office of the Thunderer," was offered a very de-
 jghtful position, England was about to show Russia that Turkey. whose in tegrity was then important to British en- terprise, was not to be disturbed. The guards were off to Malta. Would Rus sell go with them? The trip would be de- lightful. Wife and children could go along and all be home by Easter.
 Russell went, but he was wise enough to leave his family behind More than two years passed before he saw them again. The guards went on through Con- stantinople to the C2imea. When Russell returned to London he found himself famous and his paper more powerful than ever before. All because of his dis patches.
 England botched the job The commits sary and sanitary departments were cha otic and the effect upon the soldiers awful. Russell sent the truth home. England has probably never doneg quite 1 so badly since, but the Dardanefes cam | paign would have been shorter or differ ent if another Russell, with the Freedom lof the first had been with that disas- trous expedition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
HIDDEN LIVES

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
 A PUPIL of an old organist who died
 A not long ago, in writing his rem
 I A iniscences of his master, says:
 Once during a lesson, when he was in
 ssting upon a small detail in phrasing an
 inner part, I said that the part was so covered up at this point with the other parts that listener could never hear how it was phrased. He thereupon had me go with him into the chancel. Look ing at the stainedglass window there, he pointed out that one of the most beaut1-
 full spots in the window was hidden by a small architectural ornament at the top of the altar, but that was no reason why
 that part of the window should not be
 beautiful
 A player in an orchestra might say: ''There are fourscore players around me, |submerging my performance. The audience cannot hear my violin-it is lost in the or chestra's S great voice. So it is not worth while to take pains to put my fingers
 down in the right place and draw the bow so as to make a pure, clean sound. 1 may play as carelessly as l please, and con tent myself with going through the mo- tions." How many of such players would l it take to defeat perfection? Exactly one | The lonely sentry says: T am here to 1 give warning of the foes approach, and l am forbidden to sleep. But the darkness round about is peopled by other sentries who have the same duty to perform
 There are so many that 1t will do no harm if I take the rest l need" Then the enemy through the night strikes the vul- nerable point and breaks through, and the day is lost.
 Great enterprises often rest on one man in an inconspicuous place, who stands the breaking strain without giving way. It might be the last man most thoughtful mortals would choose for responsible post-the stone rejected by the builders now become a foundation stone. Aston
 ishment Is general that such weakling should be chosen where a strong man is
 evidently indispensable. Yet somehow the
 weakling builds better than he knows, and
 better than any one else knows, and finds himself and comes into his own.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Wilson's PnnuIarifY

Indications point to President Wilson $
 reelection by a decisive majority" said Andrew Hosworth of St. Louis. MT. Wilson seems to be more popular today than ever l was in New York 10 days ago and every democrat 1 met there was an ardent admirer of the President, and not only so, but I met many inde- pendents and nearly all of them said they expected to vote for Wilson next Nc vember.
 From all I could gather by talking with men who voted the progressive ticket in 1912, the republicans will unite
 on Roosevelt for the standard bearer this year. There is a strong sentiment for Justice Hughes among the old line re- publicans, and some of the progresSves would be satisfied if he were nominated but the chances are Roosevelt will cary off the honor."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Generous America

The American people may we'll take comfort in the thought that they have done a great deal to alleviate suffer- ing in Europe Probably never before in the history of the world have ap- peals from stricken peoples met with a more generous response According to the American Commission for the Relief of Belgium, we have estab- lished a "record unparalleled in the annals of philanthropy. The Belgians are extremely grateful to the United States. and it is but fitting that they should be, since this country has con- tributed to their relief on an unpre- cendented scale.
 The food situation in Belgium is considered improved, it is announced. Now that winter is at hand and the Belgians are poorly equipped to with stand it's rigors, contributions of shoes and warm clothing are requested. It is stated that the record for December approximated relief ship for every day in the month, either entering Belgium or proceeding there.
 Whatever criticism may be made of American neutrality abroad, the fact remains that the American people have responded nobly to the appeals of the war victims. In relief work and in hospital work splendid self-sacri- flee and devotion have been shown, which will in more settled times do much to oblterate the unfavorable impression made abroad by some oth- CT phases of our neutrality" which are not so commendabl
 No one could fins Eault with the relief work in Belg @, where it was sorely needed and las been done in a highly competent manner, but equal ly deplorable conditions have existed for sometime in other parts of the war zone, notably in Poland, and while these stricken countries are less accessible than Belgium. they are
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
KIPLlNG AT FIFTY

significance as did Mir. <ipling with his Lest We Forget" His "Barrac ck- Room Ballads" and his army and Indian tales have been a vital force making for democ- racy and fellow-feeling. Children of many generations will hold his name in their hearts with love all their lives be- cause of the delight his "Jungle Tales have given them. Hardly line of all his poems but strikes free, vital inspir- ing note for which the world is the better.
 Rudyard Kipling's 50 years have been full to overf1owing with work that has brought happiness and benefit to his fel- low men. And every one of his readers and lovers ought to take a moment in which to think how much his life ana work have meant for them and to be glad and grateful for his life and his gift
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Associate Justice Lamar

The United States supreme court, distinguished for it's strong personnel, had no abler member than Joseph R. Lamar, who passed away last night after an illness of several months. A native of Georgia and educated in the south, he was a fine type of the old southern school, which, for the lawyer, connoted broad culture as well as a profound knowledge of jurisprudence, albeit he had not reached the age of threescore.
 Justice Lamar has been often hon ored by his state and everybody in Georgia knew of his eminent attain ments and his successful practice, but not until President Taft appointed him to the supreme bench five years ago was he known outside of the south. He had not been long an as- sociate justice, however, before his legal learning, his rare poise and his power of insight were recognized by those practicing in the highest court of the land. He soon won national fame as justice, but with it all he was modesty never caring for public applause.
 Such men as Associate Justice Lamar can ill be spared and the en- tire country will lament his death.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
From the New York Times.

From the New York Times.
 @ JTDYARD KIPLING celebrates his
 fftieth anniversary It is hardly
 \ \ more than 9 years since he came
 young and unknown, from lndia' With
 vital and interesting things to say ana
 swinging, engaging masculine way or saving them. And now the authorizeu'
 collected editions of his work contain -a
 volumes of prose and poetry, of when
 some have been published in pracucauS every written language. It IS impossipie to estimate how many million copies ol his books have been sold in all parts or the world where books are read. In tue United States his army of readers grows with every year. The enlistments began and they are always for life-when Inaner-covered edition of "Plain Tales from tba Hills" was put on sale on news stands a quarter century ago, and every one who read it made haste to tell all iis
 friends of this new author and every one
 began asking who this Rudyard Nipiiis
 was Today his works are Tar more pop- ular in this country than they ever were before most of them outselllng their reo- ord of 10 wears ago by 10 to one, ana some of them selling 15 times as many copies per year as they did then
 If Mr. Kipling ever turns his magma ton to the pleasant task of visuailzins to himself his mighty host or eager ae- liehted stirred readers he must feel their warm response of heart and mind recompense immeasurably more rare and precious than any material reward or nonav ar of honors that the years have brought. He can well feel also keen satisfaction in the important part he has played in the making of the British em- hire into an organized, vital whole out Of q congeries of related parts. His poems and in less measure his stories, telling the people of the home isle how little they know of England who only England | know interpreted the soul of the col i onies for the motherland as had never been done before and made both of them l freshly aware of the sentimental ties that bind them together. Statesmen decreed the British empire. But Kipling was one of l the men who breathed into it the breath I of life And to him it is hardly too much ! to say that he alone set it's heart to I beating in conscious unison because he
 was the only one of it's makers who ap- pealed to the hearts and feelings of the
 men and women who make the empire in | all the four quarters of the globe.
 l To few authors has it ever been given
 English speech q wave of such solemn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Supremacy of Sunday Age-Herald

All sections of the world are drawn upon for interesting photographs for The Sunday Age-Herald's Roto- gravure Section. Yesterdays section featured a scene from far-away Sid ney, Australia, showing thousands of Australian soldiers, cheered by the populace. as they marched to ships en route to European battleflelds. There was also an especially interest ing collection of Birmingham views yesterday.
 Sundays Age-Herald is distinctive for the authoritative treatment given feature articles. Yesterday State Examiner German presented his arguments for the bond issue, while John B. Weakley spoke for the oppo- sition. Dr. Days article from the Manufacturer Record Snould SUIT the pride of every southern citizen. Mrs. Ullman had a striking article on Warden Osborne and Sing Sing prison methods, which she recently in spected. Hugh w. Roberts is writing the most interesting gossip from Washington now appearing in the south.
 In it's regular news departments no other newspaper in the south ap- breaches The Sunday Age-Herald for completeness and leadership.
 In yesterdays issue there were 4S5 separate and distinct advertisements, occupying 2466 inches. gain of 35 per cent over the same Sunday last wear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
MOST souTHERLY TOWN

From the New York Independent
 Ushuaia is the most southerly town in the world; it lies in latitude 55 south. and is only 70 miles from Cape Horn. As the capital of that part of Tierra dei Fuego which belongs to the Argentine Republic, it brides itself on being the residence of the governor, and on pos sessing a wireless station, fishing and canning company, several stores, a church and one hotel. It is also the penal settlement of Argentina; in the large building at the back of the town there are over 1000 men imprisoned for terms varying from five years to life time.
 Mount Olivia, which is 4600 feet high and the highest mountain in the island, overlooks the town; it is never entirely free of snow. For eight months in the year a hard sheet of ice covers the ground. on which the only vehicles to be seen are sleighs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03

1 There are countless hidden lives that never find the limeight and the headline, and are beautifully spent All merit does not take the middle of the road or below l from the housetop. Much of the best of earth is quiet spoken, unassuming, simple and sincere. You can easily think of per- sons who were great and were not fam ous. That teacher you had was engulfed | in one crowd after another of boys and girls. Her pupils were always young, for they came and went; but she grew older
 and older, and at last she was placed | on the retired list and then her eyes
 closed in peace after the fruitful labor i of long years. Her memorial is in the | membrance of many hearts But what | reverberant noise did she make in the world at large? When she was young she had an ambition to sing, or to paint, or to write poetry-to make her way and | leave name She died, and new day crowded with figures marching across the landscape comes between us and the sum-
 down of her life. Yesterday reclaims her, and she is gone.
 But that life of a noble and quiet influ- ence is immortalized in lives that for a time stood close to it and drew from it more than books and all the impersonal apparatus of a school can teach. Many times she was discouraged by the feeling, | Who cares? What difference do I make? | I am unnoticed and obscure" But a chance remark she made struck fire, and out of scores and thousands there were ! two or 10 to whom she gave wings, who l ''htched their wagon to a starr because Of her. Tt is worth while running this 1 school for that one grl'' said principal; and a college professor remarked that a l teacher with one pupil who would follow l him was fortunate.
 Whatever the work, whatever your part l in it, your life if you live abreast of your ] full duty in your place cannot be with drawn without damage to the whole fab-
 ric. You cannot shirk and you must not desert, for
 | It may he, in yon smoke conceard | Your comrades chase cen now the fliers, 1 And, but for you, possess the field
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
MUSCLE SHOALS EDITION

From the Sheffield Standard.
 The Age Herald's Muscle Shoals edi- tion was creditable effort. In pre- senting the edition The Age Herald calls attention "to the greatest unde- veloped water power project in the United States"
 Excellent articles on the Tri-Cities article by eX-Governor O'Neal, in which he quotes the late Senator John T. Nor gan, was by far the best article of the special edition
 The people of the state are awaken ing to the necessity of developing this wasting power, and it behooves every citizen of north Alabama to take this matter in hand and see that our Con- gressmen give their undivided support to the project.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-03
Accounting For Negative Votes

"I have been told that many voters in remote country precincts cast their ballots against the Birmingham amendment be- cause they did not understand the ques- tion. They thought they were voting against a prohibition amendment said w. c. Radcliffe.
 Tn 1909 the entire state was stirred up over the amendment seeking to put pro- hibition in the constitution. Many who voted against constitutional prohibition
 thought the same proposition had come up again and voted accordingly
 q was surprised as well as sorry that the tax amendment was defeated. 1 am
 afraid many people will vote against the state bond issue amendment for the same
 reasons they voted wrong on December
 27 About the only way a full vote can be
 brought out is by an active speech mak- ing campaign