davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
GENTEEL POVERTY.

According to his biographer. a success full financier was comparatively poor only a few years ago."
 "A struggling clerk, presume. who tried to make both ends meet on a salary of s15 a week?"
 Certainly not. He merely had one motor car and all told not more than SIX servants"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT NATIONAL AFFAIRS
 AND THINGS CONCERNING US HERE AT HOMIE

government g. real government.
 In listening to the bickerings of his as- sociates and in responding to their petty complaints, he has devoted too much time.
 < * *
 Birmingham needs more or less of martinet in charge-a man of the type of James Bowron. who would conduct affairs with fairness and decision.
 George Ward as Mayor would make good one, but 1t seems that he has de- clined to become a candidate again. In that event, the people of Birmingham should not seek a politician, but should select a. strong minded business man who will handle the affairs of this city as MT. Bowron has handled those of the Gulf States Steel company, and George Gordon Crawford has handled those of the Ten1 nessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company. have no man in view and care not who he be, but he should be business to the core.
 By the way, Birmingham is soaring in a flight of prosperity. The streets of New York are not more crowded than those of Birmingham. The shopping centers of no place in the world have more people per square yard than Birmingham has had during these Christmas holidays. Every department store and every other store in Birmingham has sold everything it has that is worth the having. The toys and gewgaws and the substantial things have been bought; the most of them have been bought for cash. The bank deposits from the merchants have been greater than in any other period in Birminghan's his- tory.
 Everything is high, of course but every body who wants to work is having the opportunity and at good wages.
 I have no hesitancy in predicting that 1917 will be the best year Birmingham has ever had.
 2,eJn n1,ueo~
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

BEGINNING THE DAY--May this be a true Christmas in nay heart' Save me from all seifishness' "iie | gratefully receive the thris'"'"s blessings may my heart pe
 .aw,rd nlI the world in sympath! ..a LindIv interest. Make my life |" song. may I go everywhere with Jo. o,, n,v face and on my Iips.--MiiIeA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
IPostosfice As
Business Barometer

R1HE receipts of the Birmingham J postoffice for the year-De- cenber estimated-will total about S75.0O0 more than in 1915. The conn parative figures which appeared Tn the local press this week were correct insofar as the monthly items were concerned, but the footing for 1916 was wrong. It should have been $57O,- 4e3.34 instead of $5o8,O00, as pub lished.
 It is found now that the Decenl- Der estimate as reported was too low by several thousand dollars. Post master Smyer's revised figures show clear gain considerably greater than had been anticipated. The holiday rush is over, but if this weeks re- ceipts come up to the normal the total for the year will be between $58O,OOO and s5s5, ,O0O.
 Every month in the year shows a good increase except November, and the small decrease then is accounted for by the fact that one of the large railroad companies purchased enough stamps to last into 1917.
 As the postoffice revenue is one of the best barometers of business con- ditions, it is gratifying to know that the year just closing witnessed new high record. It is now easy to see that the receipts in 1917 will put Birming- ham in the $60O,O0O class.
 Birmingham the Place
 For the Arrmor Plant THE site for the governments A armor plant will be chosen in January.
 Birmingham's claims have been fully set forth and this city stands an excellent chance to get the plant. The location is ideal and meets all the governments requirements. The re- sources of this district are so great that it was immediately recognized as strong competitor when cities in all parts of the country were contesting for the prize.
 Now that the choice has narrowed to a few claimants, Birmingham ap- pears as the strongest competitor. Safety from attack by sea was one of the requirements and in that respect Birmingham takes first rank.
 If the government decides to build its armor plant here, as now seems probable, the entire state will profit. 
 While this city has no desire to min- imize the advantages of other sites in the state which has been suggested, the fact that Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama must nave weight.
 The government will be able to manufacture armor cheaper here than anywhere else in the country. All the facts have been ably brought out and the army experts who will choose the location have been greatly impressed by the advantages which Birmingham has to offer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

*
 The Age-Herald's advocacy of the re- call of the present city commission and the abolshment of commission govern ment seems to have struck a popular chord.
 The substantial citizens of Birmingham are sorely tired of the vaudeville per formances which have occurred weekly at the city hall for many months past.
 This has been show which has given the newspaper reporter great oppor- tunity, and which has amused the hu- morous public. To the serious minded deep annoyance. It has made Birming- ham as city, and it's administration of local government, the laughing stock or the country It has made this city morr or less of freak town
 Either we should return to the govern ment of Mayor and City Council, or to the City Manager plan, with an advisory board. No business institution of any kind whatsoever can be successfully con- ducted without a substantial head-one who assumes authority.
 George Ward as Mayor was corker; but as city commissioner, surrounded by a coterie of prancing political colts, as- suning equal authority with him, and kicking about at random, he has failed to exercise the true prerogative of gen. eral in command.
 George Ward really has the stuff in him. He knows the business of city affairs; and whether or not commission govern ment is or is not rescinded, he should as- sume the authority delegated to him and proceed at once to make Birmingham s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
FURTHER ACTIVITIES.

When the whole country has prohibit ton, what are all these prohibition work CTS going to do?"
 "Oh, maybe they'll go about delivering lectures on how the great fight was won. "
  it. There are not likely to be many heartaches in official households nor among the plain people over the loss of the abused privilege of dancing Presi- dent into office.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
A NEW ECONOMY

From the Washington Star. He was always trying to save himself trouble.'' And did he succeed?" "Yes. He has saved up a whole lol
 | more than he can take care of"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
Preparing for
 Two Big Events

E77 HE national capital is preparing
 U for two big events set for the coming year-President Wilson's sec ond Inauguration, March 5, and the annual Reunion of the United Confed- erate Veterans and Sons and Daugh- ters of Veterans, beginning June 4. Col. Robert N. Harper, a member of the District of Columbia's Virginia colony and one of the best known
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
PLAYING FOR A BIG STAKE.

PLAYING FOR A BIG STAKE. "Could I interest you in a money-mak- ing scheme?' said the suave stock sales man. Now, I have some oil shares that"
 "Go away and don't bother me-" said the man with a preoccupied air. T have no time for trifles. I've got chance on a Christmas turkey that's going to be rallied off this afternoon"
 OvERAWED.
 Some of these motor establishments are almost as elaborate as drawing room.''
 "So they are" answered the plain citi- zen who is thinking of buying a car. And after have listened to one of those polished automobile salesmen talk for a while I feel like a rough uncouth person who has no business being in such a cul- tured and refined atmosphere"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

bankers in Washington, IS general chairman for both affairs, and those who are familiar with his record as an organizer can vouch for his emil nent fitness for putting the host city in it's best gala form.
 The subcommittee on arrange ments for the reunion are already busily at work. Many of the veterans long resident in Washington still sur yiye. and as for the Sons and Daugh- ters, their name is legion. The old fellows who wore the gray will feel like boys again as they welcome their comrades from the south, and with the active assistance of the juniors and the citizens of Washington in general the reunion of 1917 will be one of the grandest ever held. It will probably be the last, but whether that proves to be so or not it will be attended by the greatest crowd assembled in re- cent years.
 Although the date is more than five months off it is not bit too soon for the Alabama veterans to begin mak- ing their plans for moving on to Washington.
 Holiday Mails
 Greatly Comgested l ~ HICAGO seems to have had bet W ter success with it's outgoing mails during the holiday rush than New York. The "Windy City, is handling the heaviest holiday business in it's history, and with comparatively little congestion. It sent out eleven hundred tons of parcel post and first class matter in the twenty-four hours ending yesterday at noon; but the railroads are swamped, and it may be several days yet before all the Christ mas cards and Christmas packages reach their destination.
 In the eastern cities there has been serious congestion ever since Mon day or Tuesday. New York papers have been several days late in reach ing the south, due to several causes, among them inadequate facilities in the New York postoffice, inadequate equipment of the railroads, and the cold snap. When the temperature drops ten or twelve degrees below freezing, trains in the south have hard sledding until the engines get fused to the change in the weather.
 The volume of Christmas mail is exceptionally large this year. Cards bearing holiday greetings are as much in vogue as ever, and as result of abounding prosperity Christmas gifts lin the form of books, pictures, con- fections and jewelry are much more numerous than in ordinary years. As the overworked postoffice employees and railway postal clerks are doing the best they can the public is dis posed to make allowance for delays in delivery.
 Because of the paper shortage, hun dreds of weekly newspapers have sus- pended publication, leaving their editors out in the cold world.
 * * *
 ], The hotel business in Cordova is flour isbing as never before and the first thing Cordova knows it's going to acquire the taxicab habit.
 China has been wrestling with the high cost of living for centuries, although a person can live there on few cents a day.
 Villa is wasting money on a publicity agent" He is sufficiently advertised by his msdeeds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

was full of commuters-all of the male persuasion-and they were having the
 time of their lives. They didn't mind the
 storm bit, and know of one or two
 instances where the most pathetic mes
 sages were sent sizzling over the phone to their wives while the sender was grim ming with glee all the tme.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

a that mems ears should be To counsel deaf, but not to fiatterS'
 -TimOn of Athens.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
A KNOWING LAD.

''well, well, little man! So you are writ ing letter to Santa Claus?" "Yes, sir" answered the precocious youngster, 'but I know thing or two about Santa Claus. I don't intend to waste two-cent stamp on this letter. I'll hand it to father myself"
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

was compelled to make complete sur render
 No compromise is possible. Either Eng land or Germany must admit and accept defeat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

SNRESIDENT WILSON and Secretary I0 Lansing are apparently lacking
 bit in team work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24
-Ae.1,ueQ
A PRIVATE MATTER.

A PRIVATE MATTER. What is that Miss Yowler singing?' asked father.
 I'm Falling in Love With some- one,'" answered daughter. Well, there are a lot of gossips in this neighborhood. If that's the way she feels she ought to keep 1t to herself''
 THE WEATHER MAN. Fair and warmer'-joyous tidings Issued by the weather man; Though he oft comes in for chidings, Still he does the best he can. Flair and warmer" --let's believe him And forget about the past. Though the signs sometimes deceive him, Wait. He'll hit it right at last.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-24

TELEPHONE Bell (private exchange connecu"s " departments) Main 49OO.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
CHAMPS CHANGE OF FRONT.

In declining to consider the Demo-
cratic nomination for governor. Champ
Clark, Missouri's greatest citizen,s
declares his opinion that "any clean
Democrat Of gubernational stature can
be elected, for the signs Of the times
at this writing indicate that this is
to be Democratic year, and it is
inconceiyablc that with the country
going Democratic Missouri will 90
Republican"
Can it be that st. Louis secured the
Democratic convention under false
pretenses? One Of the strongest ar
guments put up to the Democratic
committee was the political uncertain
ty OF Missouri, whose Democra tic
Governor Major apears to have made
more or less of a botch Of his admin
istration. And stranger still. the
very Champ Clark who was so con-
fident than ANY Democrat can be
elected" is the man VINO presented the
plea for the national convention.
We do not doubt the ability Of St
Louis TO show the Democrats good
time next June Neither do we lose
sight of the fact that certain inter-
ests are urging Speaker Clark as an
opponent to President Wilson for the
nomination and that ones home state
has a decided advantage in such an
emergency. But Mr.. Clark will do
well to explain why he was so uncer-
tain when declining to run for gov
ernor Of his home state.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
of Interest to Prospectors.

Fred Carroll, Colorado commission
er Of mines has issued the following
statement: The state bureau OF mines
mas cooperative agreement with
the Colorado School of Mines at Gold
en-, by which certain work important
to the prospector and unframed man,
will be done free OF charge. II is
proposed TO identify rocks, and when
warranted, qualitative aud quantative
analyses will be made for rare ana
senli-rare metals and non-metals OF
commercial Importance. Samples
should be labled. numbered and sent
charges prepaid, to the state bureau
of mines, Capitol building, Denver. A
notice should be made to the COM
missioner OF mines Of the shipment
of samples, giving the name of the
mining district and the county from
which they were taken.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
Surprise

pui piisN
On the occasion of birthday of
Mrs. James H. McHolland, yester-
day, the ladies' of the Eastern Star
Sewing circle arranged surprise for
her. The friend who telephoned her
that she would call on an errand,
brought the whole club, and they
swarmed into the beautiful new Me
Holland home at an early afternoon
hour, leaving suspicious looking bum
dies in the kitchen. For more than two
hours spirited games of 500 occu-
pied the guests and then the presi-
dent of the club. Mrs. W. II. Wiggles-
worth, presented beautiful tray with
the following appropriate words: On
this, the 18th day of January, we,
the members of the Star Sewing cir
Gle, are most happy in our privilege
of observing the birthday of our be-
loved sister, Ella McHolland, the
originator of our club idea. Three
years ago she invited into her home
the sisters Of the o. e. S. for the
purpose of organizing for mutual
pleasure and benefit in social way.
At first only a few members respond
ed, but, dear sister thru your sweet
perseverance and generous hospital
lty, the circle has grown in member
ship until the whole chapter has felt
its influence, for we are drawn closer
together in the bonds of fellowship
and love, and appreciation of one an
other. 1t is with deepest gratitude
that we come here today. We at
tempt by this small token to express
this gratitude and our own affection
for you, and we, one and ALL wish you
most sincerely. many, many happy
returns of the day." The bundles
were then opened and delicious
luncheon was served which was elm
axed by the appearance of the birth
day cake with its (?)teen candles. 1t
was late when the party dispersed,
leaving with the hostess such good
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
A DEMOCRATIC ARMY.

With all this talk of an army in
crease, there is also some study of
The armies of other nations. The Swiss
system has its ardent advocates, as
mas the Australian, and the two are
similar, each providing short periods
OF training for everyone of military
age and physically fit. And, incident
ally, the wonderful French are COM
ing in for consideration, and one
wonders why our army isn't conduct
ed more along the French plan, this
country being equally as democratic
as the French republic. But those
who know our army, and have at
least a readers knowledge of the
French system, know that our army
isn't anything like theirs in the rela-
ton of officers and enlisted men.
Perhaps the difference is that our
army is a somewhat mossbacked in
sutuuon. Our country originated
irom British colonies, and so, natur-
ally enough, our army was founded
on British lines, and, while there is
much of political democracy in Great
Britain, socially class lines are still
drawn in a marked degree. And so
our army has run on thru the cen
turies, maintaining or attempting to
and enlisted men. Socially there Is
even a gulf between West Pointers
and officers who have come up from
the ranks, altho of course this Is
less marked, and there have been and
Will be again, supreme commanders
who never saw West Point until they
had seen much service. Miles and
Craffee came up from the ranks;
Macarthur came up from the volun-
tecrs' as did Wood and Funston, and
there are other less noted examples
aplenty. Still. the effort to make of
ficers of class apart prevails, and it
doesn't do much good, and frequently
does harm. In France, officers and
priyates mingle ON terms of social
equality, and none will say the French
are. not great fighters. An army needs
officers, jrst as a factory needs fore
men, but neither needs snobs. And
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

more young men would be willing TO
enlist if enlistment didn't include n
seryile attitude toward those wha may
be superior in nothing but rank. Not
all army officers are snobs, by any
means. but some of them arc, and the
system is snobbish. A different plan
prevails in France; plan more like
civil life in America, which makes
one man as good MS another, and
makes officers forcmen and guperin-
tendents of the work in hand, as they
should be, instead of an exalted
clique, as tho made Of finer clay.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
, a r Install Officers.

Last night The G. A. R., the organ
ization of grizzled heroes of the Civil
var installed the following officers
to direct the Post for the ensuing
year. John W. Wingate acting as in
stalling officer: Post Commander,
w. H. La Count; Senior Vice, j. w.
Dobbins; Junior Vice, Peter Fassbind-
ar; Adj. ct. Master, Johu w. Win
~ate Sergeant e. S. Hubbard; Chap
am, s. NJ. Biggs; Officer Of the Day,
Wm. C. Davidson; Officer of the
Guard; A. Buruham; Sarg't Major,
VIM. E. Milton; OF Master Sarg't,
Samuel F. May; Patriotic Instructor,
r. B. Whitaker.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
Harrington Enterprise
Changes Hands.

Messrs. Bra Me and Beerly are the
new editors of the Pennington En-
terprise. The paper passed to their
control this week. Orval Ricketts,, who
during the past seven years has been
connected with it in various capa-
cities from office devil to editor, is
no longer interested in the sheet.
This morning he was on his way to
Santa Fe where he has a good posi-
tion with the State Record awaiting
him. Mrs. Ricketts, is still in Farm
ington, but will join him shortly.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

The Herald is for Republican doc
.rines but we are not for every Tom,
Dick and Harry that pops up Tor
office. Nine out of ten are all smiles
"hen a candidate but combination
OF grouches when elected or defeat
ed, while another class are in it for
themselves alone, being willing to
work their friends to a limit and
lhen let both friends and party go II
after they get what they want. We
are dead against such tactics.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

The Herald will be sorry indeed to
have anyone arrested and fined for
bootlegging. AT the same time it is
the duty Of everyone to furnish in
formation that will lead TO convic-
ton if we have those in our midst
who are guilty. 1t is not fair TO
close up some places and permit 9TH
ers to engage in the traffic under
cover. Anyone who gets caught has
no sympathy coming because they are
well aware of the penalties before
violating the statutes. Therefore, we
are for the full punishment being
meted out to transgressors.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

A report from Ottowa states that
there has been great rush of hay
to the United States this year, so
great that the authorities, deeming it
necessary to assure an adequate sup
ly for the war needs of the allies,
have issued an order in council pro-
hibiting the export Of Canadian nay
except to Great Britain and the allied
countries. This order will entirely
offset the reduction of duty on hay
provided for in the Underwood tariff
law, which cut the duty 80 per cent.
1t is another example of the war act
ing as protective and in certain
cases, prohibitive tariff.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

1t is all right for Mexicans to mur-
der innocent citizens of the United
States and there is nothing done by
The administration, but let an Ameri-
can be blown up by a submarine and
Washington becomes as excited as a
hen with brood of chickens. Notes
thick and fast and the u S. is threat
ened with war. Did you ever en-
counter such a way of doing business I?
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
One Good Building
Deserves Another.

Now that a modern high school
building is assured, it is rumored the
Woodmen Of the World are seriously
considering the erection of a fine
structure on their Second avenue lots.
For years they have been accumulat-
ing money for the building and many
Of the members think this is the op-
perfume moment to start the work.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

Some people believe if Teddy is
nominated Texas will go for him this
year, the people Of that state being
thoroly sick and disgusted with MIR.
Wilson's Mexican policy. Might as
well expect the leopard to change his
spots as for Texan to switch from
the Democratic party. Here in Colo
RADIO voters are more independent.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

A year or more ago the Herald ad-
vocated the United States warning
the fighting generals of Old Mexi-
co that the first outfit that killed
American citizens this government
would send armed force and demand
redress from the offendinp party. Now
we have resolution In the U. S.
senat advocating the same thing.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

If man by the name of Work
66obs up for the senate again his de-
feat is as sure as it was in 1914. Work
was elected in the primaries, but the
voters would not stand for him at the
polls. has no claims on the party
or on the people.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
plead Guilty.

The Florida lad who was arrested
IN lgnacio the other day on the
charge of stealing n saddle, saddle
blanker, bride and chaps from the
c. Il. Hampton place, plead guilty
to the charge in Justice Maddox court
this morning. His $500 bond. fixed i
few days ago, was continued. He IS
in Jail where he will probably remain
until his case comes up in the district
court.
Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17

yorters Of fish were driven out of
The field. Thus the war is acting as
q protective tariff on behalf of the
fishermen Of the United States. who
suffered disasterously during the first
year of the Underwood tariff law,
which put fish on the free list and in
vited competition from abroad, as well
as nearer home "Fishermen's luck"
appear to have taken a turn for the
better.