davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
Disloyal Soldiers
Sent to Prison

m HE Tenafly, N. j., correspond
y ent of the St. Louis Republic
states that 100 soldiers have been
court-martialed at Camp Merritt, near
the town, in the past two months for
disloyalty. One-third have been given
sentences in federal penitentiaries.
The others were dishonorably dis
charged from United States military
service. They escaped prison SEN
tence because it was believed their
un-American sentiments were due to
lack of common sense more than
anything else.
Camp Merritt, it seems, has been a
Ihotbed of pro- Germanism. Activities
of this character became so pro-
nounced that secret service men and
agents of the department of justice
were sent to make an investigation.
In a country like ours, it is likely
that many alien enemies have either
been drafted in the national army,
or have enlisted for the purpose of
getting military information. How
ever, the government is taking the
proper steps to weed out disloyal SOL
diers. The facts are not published,
as rule, yet we may feel sure that
men of this type will not be permitted
to stay in, the army long enough to
do any harm.
! While the situation at Camp Merritt
is probably worse than at any other
mobilization camp, it is an indication
of the problem which the military au-
thorities have to contend with to
greater or less degree at all camps.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
WHO WAS JACOB JONES,

From the Florida Times Union.
Jacob Jones had studied medicine and
then served as the clerk of the Della
ware supreme court; at the age of IL
he entered the navy as ensign, in 1852
owing his commission, possibly, to influ-
ence. He was on the Philadelphia when
she was captured in the harbor of Trip
oil in 1909, and remained a prisoner for
Is months. He was appointed to the
command of the brig Wasp in 1872, and
rushed his attack on the Frolic so hard
that the vessels were close. enough 10
strike the sides of the enemy with the
hammers of his gunners-he won ms
victory in 43 minutes. But the wasp
and her prize were captured immedi-
ately after the fight by the Poictiers OF
"A guns, SO that Congress gave him ana
his men $4,000 as consolation for the
loss of his prize, several states gave
him swords and Delaware presented
service of plate. In 1878 he commanded
the Macedonian in Decatur's squadron
and returned to civil life when the war
ended.
Such record establishes his title to
the rank of hero, and it is not Wen
when his name sounds strange in the
ears Of our readers. Let US remember
that we have Jacob Jones as well as
John Paul Jones, and they may well
meet as equals on the other side-eacn
did his best, and 1t only remains that
we profit by such examples
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
Calling a Halt On
Sedition Mongers.

TT is the duty of every patriotic
y American to help government
agents in running down spies and
traitors. Anyone heard abusing the
American government, and defending
Germany, is either a fool, traitor, or
a spy. If he is a fool, the sooner he
is shown the error of his ways, the
better. If he is conscious traitor or
a spy, his place is behind the bars.
There are still few misguided
Americans who think this country was
wrong in declaring war on Germany.
They do not realize the seriousness of
making unpatriotic utterances. They
would resent the imputation of disloy-
atty, yet their attitude creates an i'm
preston on others who are actively
prof. German that is harmful
Anyone who hears a man or a wom-
an utter disloyal sentiments should
report the fact to the nearest repre-
sentative of the department of JUS
tice. \The department of justice will
do Newest.
While no spy will deliberately make
himself an object of suspicion, he may
be betrayed byNthe careless talk of
those who are in Sympathy with him.
He can frequently beNtraced through
his associates. That is why it is i'm
portant that every suspicious char
acter be watched.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
High Record In
Christmas SHOPPING

III HE merchants of Birmingham
= have always been kept busy
during the holiday season, but this
years Christmas trade has been larg-
err than usual.
Immense pay rolls have made this
district flush with money, and while
the shoppers, at the request of the
government, have refrained from
making extravagant purchases, they
have not stinted themselves in buying
useful presents for their friends and
for those in destitute circumstances.
Much less have they retrenched ~hea
playing the role Of Santa Clau f9s
the children. This was as it sho4!d
have been.
Society is saddened by the wa os
the little folks know nothing q he
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24

line to another. The roads had single
tracks, and connecting lines had diff
ferent gauges; the Erie road, a six
foot gauge, the Ohio roads feet 10
inches and the Lake Shore east of Erie
feet S15 inches to Buffado, etc. 1t was
some problem to move an army across
the country, you may be sure, and it
took a man of Tom Scott's ability to
put the lines in shape so that even rea-
sonable service could be rendered.
IAN occasion arose when the gov
eminent desired to move Hooker's d.
vision from Washington to Nashville,
Tenn. President Lincoln, Secretary
Stanton and General Ha1leck were in
conference. They called in Colonel
Scott. He was asked, How soon can
you move the troops, men, horses,
guns, equipment, etc? General Stager
related that Colonel Scott stood silent
for about five minutes, then he said:
From the time they are on the trains
at Washington, D. c., I can put them
into Nashville in 10 days, on one con-
dition.' What is that? asked Secretary
Stanton. Colonel Scott replied: No in
reference with my orders in making
the movement, not even from the gem
eral in command President Lincoln
remarked: Mr.. Stanton, just as soon as
can get over to the White House
will send the order. Mr.. Scott, get to
work
"The troops were distributed to the
best advantage over the Baltimore and
Ohio, Pennsylvania and Erie roads. and
they reached their destination within
the promised 10 days time. They did
not get through, however. without the
clash of authority that Colonel Scott
had foreseen as a possibility. One gem
eral wired orders that his brigade be
permitted to detrain for a rest en-
route. This general remained in Wash
ington and sent the wire to his adju-
tant. Colonel Scott ordered General
Stager to put the officer under arrest.
His sword was taken from him and he
was quietly escorted to Cincinnati,
where, without any publicity, his
sword was returned and he was per-
mitted to rejoin his regiment, full of
contrition and thankful for the con-
siderate treatment accorded him. He
was really a fine officer, and served
with credit throughout the Civil and
subsequent Indian wars. He had simp-
ly made a mistake as to the extent OF
the authority which Colonel Scott fore
saw that the head of the troop move
ment would necessarily require.
az believe that the authorities in
Washington would, by turning back
the pages of history. find some valua
BILE lessons in the experiences of the
past"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
INDIANS IN TEXAS

From the Houston Post
Many Texans do not know that there
is yet small tribe of Alabama Indians
living in Polk county. Commissioner
Sells calls attention to these Indians in
his annual report, and the facts with re-
gard to their condition are a reflection
upon state and nation which should not
go unheeded. The report says:
THE almost unknown band of Ala
bama Indians, living about IS miles east
of Livingston Tex, and numbering APP
proximately 206 persons, which has been
ekng out bare existence for several
decades, has been brought to my atten-
ton, and I sent a special representative
to visit this band and make an investi-
CATION of their needs. These Indians are
occupying lilo acres Of land granted to
them by the state of Texas more than
a half century ago. The land, originally
timbered, but now partially cleared, can
scarcely be called agricultural, and the
crude methods employed by the Indians
in attempting to raise crops has dete-
riorated it until it is now practically
reproductive.
"It is reported these Indians need
more and better land, training in the
agricultural pursuits, instruction in do
nestle science and some attention to
their health conditions
Commissioner Sells is undoubtedly mis-
informed concerning the land. There is
hardly a foot of land in Polk county
which "can scarcely be called agricul-
tural" That is one of the best counties
of east Texas-and east Texas is one
Of the best and most productive sections
of the state.
But if these Indians have been "elSing
out a bare existence for several dec
ades' something is wrong. They have
not been receiving the attention they
deserve and some one is to blame. 1t
is unfortunate that the commissioner of
Indian affairs has not had his atten-
ton called, to their condition at an
earlier period. Surely he will now pro-
coed to place these east Texas Indians
in a position to become indeed self-sup-
porting, healthy and happy.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
WATCH THE GAS HEATERS
Star.

From the washington star.
An aged woman was found dead from
gas poisoning in this city the other MORN
ing and her husband was dangerously
affected from the same cause. 1t devel-
oped that water in the meter had tenn
porarily cut off the flow OF gas from a
heating stove and extinguished the blaze.
so that when the pressure was renewed
the poisonous fumes filled the room.
This accident should give warning to all
persons who use gas heaters to make
absolutely sure of all the connections.
This means of warming rooms is now
much in use, owing to the shortage OF
coal. and if care is not observed there
will be other accidents. Water in the
meter is a fault that can only be cured
by attention from headquarters. When
ever there is fluctuation in the flow,
which shows in the rise and fall of the
flame, usually spasmodic, there is dan
ger, and the gas should be turned OIL
at once and notice sent to the COM
pany's office. A little pains taken with
the pipes connections and stopcocks 10
make certain that they are In good con-
dition may prevent tragedies.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
Will Serve AS a
Timely Example

@TATE FOOD ADMINISTRATORS
~ RICHARD NJ. HOBBIE is not
going to allow any profiteering If
iolations of the law come to his
knowledge, and in dealing with cases
of excess profit he is acting reason
ably, but at the same time effectively
to the end of stopping the abuse.
z sAs told by The Age-Herald's Mont
gomery correspondent, merchant of
Abbeville obtained "a monopoly on all
sugar in the town and charged Gus
toners 20 cents a pound when 10
cents had been fixed by the food adj
ministration. Sugar being classed as
necessity, the punishment would
have been seyere-$5000 fine or two
wears in the federal prison.
Bat rather than subject himself to
prosecution the merchant promised TO
make restitution. Mr.. Hobbie has re
ouired the Abbeville man to make a
list Of customers who were charged
the excess amount and to obtain from
them receipts for the money re-
turned, and these receipts must be
filed with the state food administra-
ton.
Notwithstanding the wide publicity
which the government has given laws
seeking to conserve food and prevent
monopolistic practices on the part of
merchants, considerable ignorance is
still in evidence. ln time, however, the
law will be more generally understood.
Cases like that of the AbbevNle mer-
chant will make an impression and
serve as a timely example. 1t is Aafe
to assume that there will be few #
any similar cases in this part of the
country.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
HANDLING TRAINS. IN CIVIL WAR
From the Manufacturers Record.

From the Manufacturers Record.
HRSN UT one man in charge of NOV
~ ing the trains" is the sug-
& gestion of a man familiar
with Civil war conditions, as the prop
er way to solve the present vexatious
railroad problem. F. M. Hubbell OF
Baltimore, whose experiences of more
than half century include railroad
construction and operation and the
opening and operation of coal mines,
among other activities, relates his own
recollection of the situation by a storr
illustrating the way trains were moved
during Civil war times
Col. Thomas A. Scott, at that time
general superintendent of the Pennsyl-
vania railroad was made Assistant
Secretary of War because of his abili-
ty as a railroad operator and in order
that he might have charge of the OPP
Grafton of the railroads for the move
ment of troops. He appointed as CHIEF
telegrapher Arson Stager of Philadel-
phia, afterwards president of the West
ern Union Telegraph company, with
headquarters at Chicago, and General
Stager was given absolute control as
train dispatcher over the movement of
every train and car in the United
States
On trip westbound from Philadel-
phia, four years after the war, General
Stager handed Mr.. Hubbell a piece of
paper with the laughing remark, that
order has never been rescinded. I won
der if it would be obeyed as 1t once
was?" "On reading the paper I found"
said Mr.. Hubbell, that it was an order
commanding all railroad officers, of.
ficials and employees to obey any order
or direction of Arson Stager, chief
telegrapher of the war department, in
the movement of troops, equipment or
supplies over any railway or railroad
in the United States; by direction of
the President of the United States; APP
proved Stanton, Secretary of War;
Thomas A. Scott, Assistant Secre-
tary "I asked General Stager what 1t
meant, and he related the interesting
story of it's origin.
THE railroads in the early years of
the war were very much demoralized.
While we have tremendous mileage
today as compared with the mileage
then, the physical conditions of those
days would appall railroad manager
of the present. For instance, there was
no railroad bridge across the Susque-
hanna at Havre de Grace, and trains
q mule team hauled cars from Presi-
dent Street station to Camden station,
and at other junction points mule
teams also transferred cars from one
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS
~ cLEMENT CLARKE MOORE


the night before Christmas when al through the house
a creature stirring not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
that St. Nicholas socn would pc tnere;
he children nestled all snug in their beds
of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And n 'kerchief, and II in my cap.
Had just settled our for long winters
When out on he lawn such clatter
/ sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to he flew like flash,
and threw the sash
breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustreo Of day objects below,
wondering ewes should appear,
But a mir sleigh. and eight tiny reindeer,
little old driver SO lively and quick
/ knew n a be st. Nick.
his they
whistfed, shouted called them by name:
"Nouy Dash Prancer Vixen!
on on, Cupid. Donder Bitten!
of the porch to the top of the wall! q
dash away dash away! dash away all"
s leaves that before the wild hurricane ny,
When they with obstacle, mount to the SKY;
SO Up the house-top the coursers they flew,
cleigh full of Toys st. Nicholas too
And then, n a twinxling the roof
The prancing ana paving Of each little hoof
AS drew in head, and was turning around
Down the chimney st. Nicholas came with a bound
He his head to ms 1901
And his clothes all furnished with asnes ana soo';
A of he had flung his back
HI twnkled! his dmples how merry!
His cheeks like his like cherry!
His drol little mouth drawn up IKE = pow Pow ,
beard his chin Wnte a. tho SHOW!
a held tight in ms teetn
the smoke 1T encircled his head IKE Wrsatn'
little round peiy -
That shook when he laughed like a bowifui OF eny
He chubby and plump right Jolly oiu en-,
And laughed when saw nn IN spi's ~ - my se'A
A wi Of twist or MS mead,
Soon gave me to know had nothing to dread
lie spoke but went straight to his work.
And al stockings; then turned with a JERK
And laying finger aside Of his nose
Andg the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his team gave whistle,
Ana away they ali flew of thistle
Rut I heard him fe drove out Of sight
Happy Christmas all. and to all q good nEht"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
Farm Labor and
Intensive Farming

II 7 is easy enough to increase crop
4 acreage in the south, but the
labor problem is entering seriously
into the question of production There
is idle acreage enough in the south to
grow 50,00o,000 or 60,000,OO0 bales
of cotton. 1t may be some time be-
fore the world will need that much,
although when the war is over, a
rs, 900, O00-bale crop Will be demanded.
More uses are found for cotton every
year, and finer goods are fabricated
from it. But when a bumper crop
is called for, will there be adequate
labor to produce it?
There has been a reaction against
the negro exodus from the south.
Many Of the negroes who were in
duced to migrate have returned. But
the lure Of the cities in this part Of
the country, especially industrial
cities, will reduce negro population in
the rural districts. The Tuskegee In
stitute is doing an excellent work in
training young negroes to cultivate
land with scientific economy, but ten
ant or wage labor will be scarce. 1t,
therefore, behooves farmers with
large acreage to farm more intensive
" than ever, and to make it worth
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24

while for the boys reared in the coun-
try to remain and help till the land.
Farming, like mercantile pursuits, has
its distinctly progressive side, and no
college-bred youth could find any call
ing where his intellectual equipment
would be brought into more active
play.
Next year the United States agri-
cultural department will insist on in
creased food and feedstuffs crops.
There will be an increase in the cot
ton acreage planted, but as the time
has not come for a 25,0O0,0 o0-bale
crop, or even 10000, 000-bale crop,
the mind of the rural south must be
conferred on crop diversification. Of
course, an immense corn acreage will
be planted, and since peanuts and vel
vet beans are proving so profitable,
there should be very large increase
in these comparatively new crops. But
whatever is done, must be done on the
intensive plan. Intensive farming
will go long way in beating the boil
weevil and, more important still, in
offsetting labor shortage.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
commendahIe Movement

Never before in any other place
have / seen the self-sacrifice for patri-
otto purposes as it is displayed by the
Birmingham citizens in forming the
ton" said DR.. Sheldon, the well known
efficiency expert. II believe that in
forming their organization for the
carrying on of the war work which
is not covered by the government. they
have inaugurated a most commendable
movement. l feel that too high praise
cannot be bestowed upon them for
their loyalty in this national crisis.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
BRER RABBITS JOURNEY

From the Coffeyville journal.
Two weeks ago Hiawatha man
caught a big jackrabbit, sewed a small
American flag to each ear. and turned
it loose. This rabbit was seen just east
OF Coffeyville yesterday, going south It
a good speed. but apparently tired. the
flags were faded and still wet. from the
snowdrifts the rabbit had ploughed
through on its way across the state. Ine
ewspapers between here and Hiawatna
tho way.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24

world tragedy and Christmas should
bring to them happiness unspeakable
as in other days.
If majority of the people who had
Christmas money to spend completed
their purchases last week, there are
yet thousands who will make the
rounds of the stores today, and IL
o'clock tonight will find not a few on
their way home loaded with bundles.
In short, this day will be one of the
busiest of days in the shopping dis
trict.
Eva Tanguay, who says she married
her dancing partner more as joke than
anything else, has been granted di-
vorce. Some of the stage ladies have
a queer sense of humor. but Eva was
always eccentric.
prosper. The Houston Post calls atten-
ton to a small band of Alabama In
dams in East Texas who don't own a
single motor car.
$: y =
Inventors are still working overtime to
create new engines of war. If their
schemes only panned out there wouldn't
be enough of the Kaiser's armies left
to shoot at.
A contemporary says the original Huns
were gentlemen compared to the Teu-
tons of today. And to make matters
worse, the Teutons know better.
s. y i.
Carrie Chapman Gait should remem-
Der that a congressman can be as in
consistent as a woman when he's afraid
of losing his job.
!. s. =
Raymond Hitchcock is charged with
starting another theatrical war. Mr.
Hitchcock already had his place in the
sun.
In the meantime are we to assume
that Miss Tatiana Romanoff is still on
her way to the land of the free?
s; y -
General Kaledines is said to have re.
signed for the good of his country. Pa.
triotism could go no further.
* * =
Personal illumination will continue
along the Great White Way, in spite
of the lights being out.
j. = a
Birmlnghams first '1ightless night was
intensified by Blrmingham's Justly ia
nous smoke pail
8. =
Prussians are reported to be eating
clay. That may be preliminary to bit
ing the dust.
Some people will eat turkey on Christ
mas Day, even if they have to buy it
in sections.
Birmingham considers nothing too good
for the men in khaki. They are always
welcome.
Speaking of useful gifts. could any,
thing be more acceptable than a ton of
coal?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-12-24
LIKE MLuKE SAYS

small boy often promises himself
that when he gets old enough to be
boss his meals will consist entirely OF
dessert.
Most any man can make a woman
change her name. But mighty few men
can make a woman change her nina.
1t doesn't matter how often she gets
married, woman is always surprised
to find that matrimony is different from
what she expected.
When a woman wishes to retire from
the world she enters a convent. When
a man wishes to retire from the world
he either marries a famous woman or
gets himself elected vice president.
\ The old-fashioned man who thought
II was impossible to live on air now
has a son who makes big money as
chauffeur Of an airplane.
When a girl is selecting husband It
seldom occurs to her that a good dancer
may make a poor provider.
The lads in the trenches are not en-
titled to all of the sympathy. The man
who is trying to support six children
nowadays on a small salary is entitled
to some of It,
When a mans pipe gets clogged UP
he raises more Cain than II It was his
throat that was clogged up.
One of the joys of married life Is that
the later you get to bed the earlier your
wife will get you UP to explain how II
happened.
Sometimes the children get the idea
that father is mean and grouchy when
the truth of the matter Is that the poor
devil is merely hard up.
We never knew Of a man who was SC
ornery in life that someone wouldn't
throw a hnflntaf hfa Coffin when he
died.
at has become OF the old-fashioned
who was afraid he might be buried
and who had his grave rugged Ut
signalling apparatus as q asafety
precaution?
man believes IN ghosts. And yet
doesn't care TO read ghost stories
as IRE going to bed when he is in the
hS - alone.