davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
MUSIC AND WAR

From the New York World.
 Could there be a sillier exhibition of false patriotism than the agitation to suppress Wagnerian opera at the Met ropolitan next season. now that the United States is at war with Germany :? The outcry in Paris against Wagner when France was in the first throes excuse of forty years of passion. But it was supposed that the ghost of this foolish prejudice had been effec- lively laid. What possible reason is there for reviving it now? The American people have not declared war on Wagner, but on the German govern ment, They are not arming to destroy German music or art or literature, bul to destroy militarsm.
 For the Metropolitan mana cement to ban Wagner would be as unjustifia- ble as for the Philharmonic to boycott Beethoven. The sudden clamor against the German composer is all the more inexplicable in view of the fact that during the season just ending, and at :. time of increasing sympathy for the cause of the allies more Wagnerian operas have been produced than those of any other composer.
 l is to be hoped that manager Gatti- Casazza will continue to run the Metre politan as he has been running it--on musical and not on military lines. To do otherwise, to subordinate neutralit, :, in operatic art to the prejudice and passion of war would be to indie. American civilization. If Venice coulc dance to Strauss waltzes while subjec to the hated Austrians. New York car certainly enjoy Wagner without loss of patriotism.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
DOING HIS "BIT."

A loyal man is William Trott, Who's working on a garden plot But since the days are growing hot,
 He shortly may desst. Enthusiasm gins to wane When precipitation drips like rain And oft is he heard to complain
 Who seemed an optimist Upspringing weeds and chickens, too. May fill Trotts hopeful heart with rue And maybe lead him on to do
 A deed he will regret. But let us give unstinted praise, He's labored hard some truck to raise And hasn't quarreled-so he says
 With any neighbor yet
 UNDER SUSPICION.
 I've noticed one thing"
 And what is that?"
 "No matter how hard the husband of a prina donna works, nobody ever gives him credit for earning his own living"
 A MATTER OF MONEY.
 T thought you said Dubson was a pa- cifst?"
 "so did, but Dubson has had change of heart"
 What brought that about?'
 He thinks he may be able to get a commission in the army that will pay him twice as much as he earns as a shoe clerk.
 
 TWO SIDES TO THE QUESTION. A man may make the best of life And still have troubles with his wife; And similarly women will Get married to some Jake or Bill Whose only aim in being wed Is to procure free board and bed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24

Little Chip the comedian who die' the other. day, was a great favorite ii Birmingham, where he appeared man! times with Mary Marble. In the east Int was known as Sam Chip. < a *
 The laborer is worthy of his hire, tc be sure. but such considerations don'i enter into the signing of a contract by 3 moving picture star. He usually gets | times more than he's worth * * *
 A Boston contemporary says the con- certina is helping to mitigate the hor- TOTS of war. Yet, there are a great many people who would rather fight than listen to a concertina
 < * *
 Comparatively few limousines are found around Billy Sundays tabernacle in New York Most of the swagger cars con tinue to line up at the cabarets and the atres.
 * * *
 The Germans always have a good ex- cuse for sinking an English hospital ship that is. about as good as the excuse offered for violating Belgium.
 New York publishers are opposed to a press censorship. They must be afraid they won't be able to get out a dozen war "extras" every day.
 There is no getting around the fact that the Germans are popular in Mexico. However, they are unpopular nearly everywhere else.
 shortage of dyestuffs was reported, but where do all these bilious looking coats come from the women are wearing nowadays?
 The manufacturer who tries to make an exorbitant profit out of American flags is in the same class with the food pirate.
 Mr. Balfour was impressed by the peaceful air of America. He may lose that impression if he attends a baseball game.
 "Is Germany cracking?" asks the New Y York World. It is believed that the Kaiser has been cracked for sometime.
 *
 The pat of butter in your favorite res- taurant has been reduced in size and may soon reach the vanishing point
 * Those Red Cross dogs are still at work in Europe, but they are not receiving as much publicity as they used to get. The oId-fashioned woman who always had a hyacinth bed every spring is rais- ing something to eat now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
Bankhead Highway
 Highly Appraised

NNF the three great highways of NJ historic interest-the Lincoln, the Jackson and the "Old Western Trail''- Lincoln and the Jackson have especially strong appeal to tour ists;. but the Bankhead line from Washington to Los Angeles, 5000 miles, recently planned, promises to be the most popular of all. Even now in it's tentative stage it has aroused marked enthusiasm. Already Virginia is wrought up over the location of the route through that state.
 It is understood that many boosters at the Washington end of the line fa- vor the Lynchburg route, but tourists in general would naturally throw their s influence to the route through Fred
 icksburg and Richmond. Those two
 ies are not only among the most
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24

historic in the United States-Fred- ericksburg even more so, perhaps, than the Confederate capital-but in them are combined in singularly pleas ing way colonial architecture with modern construction and adornment. Richmond has the advantage, too, from the tourist point of view, of be- ing only forty-eight. miles from Will hamsburg, the ancient capital of the Old Dominion, which in turn is only few miles from Jamestown.
 But the pathfinders will soon traverse both of the proposed Virginia routes and make their recommenda- tion. It may be that the Bankhead Highway association will follow the example of the Jackson highway com mittee in settling the route question in this part of the country when it gave Mississippi the official main line, but featured Birmingham as the chief attraction for detour. The official Bankhead route might be through Lynchburg, but the larger pleasure travel would be through Richmond, especially since the highway from W, shington to that city is practically completed and is more traversed now than any road in the south.
 The locating scouts, accompanied by government engineers, will cover the entire distance between the na- tional capital and Los Angeles within the next eight months. While there will be question with regard to several important cities in their relation to the 3000-mile highway, Birmingham, it is good to know, is already on it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
Need the snIrit of ,ze

More of the spirit of '7e! That is what the American people now need" re- marked Max Smith of Birmingham yes terday.
 True, we are in way patriotic. But we need to get back to first principles. The rich man should remember the ex- ample set by that Virginia planter called the' father of his country, who, though he possessed a fortune at the beginning of the strife with Britain, did not hesi- tate to cast his lot with his native land. Let the legal fraternity remember Pat rick Henry. And let those who are not quite so fortunate in the possession of worldly goods remember the stalwart veterans of Valley Forge, who endured untold hardship for the cause of free dom and who later swept the Hessians before the fury of their attack. The spirit of '76 is alive today but partly slumbers. Let us awake to the exigency of the time."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
THE WEASEL AND THE JUDGE

Ernest Ingersoll, in The Nation, New 1 York
 i TIT is proverbially hard to catch 8 l weasel asleep-it is hard to catch a
 weasel at all. John T. Trowbridge
 knew that:
 l The weasers head is small and trim,
 An he is little an long, an slim,
 An quick of motion an nimble of limo ! An eff you'll be advised by me- 1 Keep wide awake when you're catching him.
 This displays his traits. He is a cap
 He lacks reciprocity He has no hesita- ton in going where he is not wanted,
 and is fond of surprising you by unex- pected visits, but refuses any welcome to you. He has the alertness and audacity of a Cossacl1. He wants to catch you that, is your chickens-when you are asleep, but won't give you an equal chance at him. He Is animated by an overweening suspicion, for this is fear some world and also by an indomitable curiosity. 'T smell a mouse" is his con- stant thought. Follow your nose" his rule for success, and he makes his way by insinuating boldness.
 The weasel regards himself from point diametrically opposite to that from which you view him. His mind is intro- spective; he thinks always of his in- terior. You, on the contrary, look only at his exterior. His long, 1.-the, graceful body, beautiful in it's sleek and change able suit of fur, expresses to you only pelt and pelf. When, by taking his life, you have extinguished the wit of that keenest brain in the Ancient Order of the Carnivora, whose emblem is the canine tooth, you slit his throat and then peel off his hide as you would turn backward the finger of a tight glove. Thus you gain your pelt What will you do with it? The answer solves a burning question in philosophy: Why is a weasel? The answer is: To pop!
 But that also calls for explanation This
 is forthcoming when one learns that once upon time a weasel's skin was the fa- vorite form of purse. The animal had then exchanged his filling of mice for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
Emergency
Food Waste Must
 Not Be Overlooked

Not Be Overlooked 07HHE federal governments appeal 0 to farmers and horticulturists, followed by the appeals of agricultural commissioners of the various states, and the state colleges, is bearing good fruit. Reports from all sections of the country tell of increased acreage in food crops:
 It is noteworthy that the increased acreage in the south is relatively greater than that of any other part of the United States. Corn, the south's most important crop next to cotton, is being largely extended in acreage planted, and potatoes, Irish and sweet, are being planted on a larger scale than usual
 But after all is said, the demand for food conservation looms high, almost as high as increased acreage itself When it is remembered that the gov ernment's estimate of the annual household waste of food alone amounts to S700,000,000 the people, regardless of class, should turn their minds to systematic saving. As a Chicago specialist on food conditions says: Every spoonful of cereal is worth saving as a thickener of soups, gravies and sauces. Stale bread, skinned milk and sour milk, every scrap of meat and fish should be utilized"
 The Age-Herald showed recently that overeating on the part of men accounted for an enormous depletion of the worlds food which otherwise would be conserved. Waste in the kitchen and gluttony among the well-to-do can be reduced, and it must be if the United States is to escape serious food shortage.
 In this ideal weather every farm and every home garden is smiling. Nature could not De kinder. Let the work of producing something to eat go on with all energy. There is no possibility of raising too much. But we must not overlook the food waste.
 * * *
 Nobody thought in 1912 that the Amer ican flag would ever be flying so freely in London.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
XANTIPPE'S WORK
Washington Star.

From the Washington Star.
 George Ade said at a Chicago wedding breakfast:
 'The great and good Socrates was married to scold. Otherwise, perhaps, he would have spent more time at home and less time in the market place finding fault with the Athenian government.
 This thought occurred to me at a school treat, where I asked a bright lit- tie girl:
 How did Socrates die?'
 He died, the little girl replied. from dose of wedlock' '
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
Once Considered Missionary

A. G. Batchelder, executive chairman of the American Automobile association, who attended the Good Roads associa- tory of the country has there been a more urgent time for the improvement of the highways and the linking together of these arteries, for never before were agriculture and military necessities so closely interrelated. We must raise more foodstuffs and we must get these prod ucts to the nearest market in the most economical manner. We must prepare the most used roads, particularly those on our seacoasts and along the south western border for the hardest possible kind of usage.
 This is the moment to weld ourselves into real nation and to recognize the evident fact that the good of any one section is of concern to all other parts of the country. One cannot measure na- tional benefits with a yard stick, but we are starting to think in the biggest unit and 1t is the motor driven vehicle and the travelable highway which jointly are accelerating this countrywide un- derstanding and relationship.
 "Once upon a time a member of Con- gress who had the temerity to put for ward the legislative suggestion that the national government should help the sev- eral states in road building was looked upon as visionary of a quite extraordi- nary type. Senator John H. Bankhead was one of these impracticable lawmak- CTS, according to the then opinion, but he stuck to his task, in season and out of season, and no other man deserves greater credit than this far-seeing states man who had so much to do with the pas sage of the federal aid road act"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
General Christmas Ready

~zSNRS@4NReS NSSes -0
 to Fight for America 1THAT gallant soldier of fortune, H Gen. Lee Christmas, has arrived in the United States from Honduras, where he resigned government posi- tion. He lost no time in returning to his native land when he heard that the United States declared war on Ger many.
 General Christmas is one of the most romantic characters this country has ever produced. For about twenty years he led an adventurous life in Central America, taking part in numerous revolutions. The most inn aginative writer of fiction has. never surpassed in his books the actual ex- perience of Christmas in turbulent part of the world which attracts many restless spirits, particularly Ameri- cans.
 General Christmas will offer his services to President Wilson, it is re- ported If any complications should arise among our southern neighbors his knowledge of conditions there and his wide acquaintance with military leaders would prove of great value. The career of this remarkable man has naturally gotten into print more than once. The accounts of his exploits rival in fascination Richard Harding Davis best stories.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
''H0w the Southern
Met an Ernergemcy'

1 AV4SS GULL Ua8A4GG S1GOW 1 MI OTHING has portrayed in such S N graphic form the floods of. last July as does the publication just is- sued by the Southern railway and dis tributed from the office of President Fairfax Harrison.
 The Southern suffered by far the greatest damage of any interest in the south by the unprecedented rainfalls following two tropical cyclones in July, 1916, which were most severe in Alabama and the Carolinas.
 With dozens of bridges washed away and scores of miles of track and roadbed swept out of place by the rushing waters the executives of the Southern faced stupendous task in restoring traffic, especially on the mountain lines of the Carolinas.
 The publication just issued tells how the problem was met and solved. It gives dozens of views of the storms havoc. It recites in simple but im- pressive language how the railway systems employees colnageously faced the task of restoring traffic It men, tions the names of the men who did the work. Every one of the books 130 pages is interesting and inspir- ing. The publication is well entitled, "How the Southern Railway Met an F,noeroencv
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
* X :.s
These Are Trying Times

for Count V0m lReyemGl@w THE German announcement that
 U there were no U-boats in Ameri- can waters is evidently regarded at home as another blunder in statecraft. Count Von Reventlow is reported to be highly indignant.
 It has been suggested that German leaders may have hoped to palliate American sentiment in some degree by making the announcement, but viewed in any other light, it would seem more in line with the policies of a warlike nation to keep the American people guessing. It would have been good thing for this country if the pacific element had not been reas- sured by the statement from Berlin regarding submarines. Once let the impression get out that our ports are blockaded and it will speed up re- cruiting immediately.
 However, it is wise not to put too much faith in the assurances made by the German government. The only reason why we have not been attacked is because Germany already has her hands full. Her battle fleet is bottled up and a submarine blockade could not be maintained so far from German waters, without numerous conveys and supply bases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
BOTH PATRIOTIC.

"The farmer who drops the blow lines and joins the army is patriot, all right"
 "Yes, despite the. fact that he might do his country more good by staying at home But does he deserve any more credit than the woman who drops her poodle and becomes Red Cross nurse?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
SHORTAGE OF FOOD.

SHORTAGE OF FOOD.
 q, believe those pesky Germans would rather fight than eat" declared the fret ful citizen.
 Tt may not be altogether matter of choice" replied the man with a war ex- tra in his hand, tbut they seem to be do- Ing a great deal of the one and not much of the other" PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
CRAFTY.

That press agent in here just now said he didn't want thing" chirped the cub reporter "He just dropped in to sbake hands with the newspaper boys"
 Beware of that fellow" growled the grizzled city editor. Whenever a press agent talks like that he has designs on the front page"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
Readx to Co-onernte

In letter to the Chamber of Commerce President H. G. Culverhouse of the North Birmingham Civic association announces the organization of that association, and it's intention of cooperating with the Chamber of Commerce in all matters pertaining to the betterment of the city at large.
 While we are organized for the pur- pose of aiding our own community and bettering conditions right here in North Birmingham, we are at your service when you need us." says President Culver house.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
cAo~IEzMzN119aut6H

F. S.-It was Breck Musgrove who made the trip such bowling success. He just took charge of us
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24

BEGINNING THE DAY My Father, I thank Thee for the word "Morning:- the long night shall end, sorrow itself shall be worn out; the tears of the darkness shall gIisten as the dew in the morning Iight.-JOwett.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
A DRowsY CREATURE.

"A hippopotamus doesn't eat much"
 1T understand he sleeps about IS hours day."
 Maybe that's why circus lithograps al- ways depict the hippopotamus with his mouth open. He's probably yawning"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24
HOTEL LOBBIES
Will Attain Desired Good

The membership campaign inaugural ed by the Birmingham Civic association for thousand members will not stop un- til the goal is reached, according to Sec retary Babb
 ''We now have s31 members, and they are all live wires, boosting every day for Birmingham. We are going to have 69 more before we stop"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24

From the Washington Post. HR N IL Europe may be all cossacl5
 A\ or all republican," This sig S IS nificant remark was made by
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-24

Here's hoping that everyone who reads this story of Sunday in an automobile will do what they can to carry on the food propaganda and help to win the
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1917-09-13
ANOTHER HOVER
PIONEER PASSES
Mrs H. C.. Graft Dies Following
Illness of Several Months
Body is Shipped

Mrs. Carrie Graft, aged 60, wl1e OF
II O. Graft. died at the family home
in Hover Monday afternoon at l:So.
Mrs. Graft has been in very poor
health since the first of April, Dut
was not confined to- her bed until the
last two weeks. She has lived IN no
YER for the past ten years and mas
heen a leader in beth church and social
work and will be greatly missed by
everyone.
B. sides her husband, she leaves SIX
children to mourn her loss, Harry
Graft. of Walla Walla, Victor Gran
and Mrs. Chas.' Bartel, of Spokane
and the following three from former
husband, Mrs. Anna Fisher, OF May
wood, Ill, Mrs. Carrie Morse, OF De'
troit and Rene Edison, OF battie
Creek, Mich.
The body was taken to Spokane OF
Tuesday where the funeral services
will be held and interment will b'
made in the cemetery at Orcnare
Prairie, the former home of the Graffs
The many friends of the family ex
tend their heartfelt sympathy to tn
bereaved family.
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1917-09-13

If the summer at work in the Horse
Heaven section, returned home Mon
dav and is now back at WORK ia nus
senior year at high school.
Miss Tegland, of Yelm, who came
with Mr.. and Mrs. Lawrence Smi'n
On their motor trip from Tacoma ana
is now substituting in the Kennewlck
school is a guest at the home Oh hef
aunt. Mrs. Ingwall Smith.
Miss Elsie Moeller left Sunday TO
take up her school duties at Mottnger'
Mrs. Mounsey's mother, Mrs. Ear,
hart. of CAROLS, is a house guest al
the home of Mr.. and Mrs. G. Mounsey
Mrs. Earl Carpenter, who is a cues
at the home of Mr.. and Mrs. Il. =
Carpenter, is spending few days II
Pasco.
Miss Annie Halvorsen leaves TIM
week. for Walla Walla where she WA
begin a three-years' training cours'
at st. Mary's hospital.
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1917-09-13

Rev. C. A. Burris returned Monday
from North Yakima, where he has
been attending the Methodist confer
ence. We are glad to know that he,
has been returned here for the year.
Mrs. J. r. Ayers, who is teaching,
this year at Council, was down home
to spend the week end, returning Sun
day.
Clyde Bush visited friends in Spo-
kane Monday and Tuesday.
w. H. Mather, of Kennewick, was
down Wednesday looking after his
place on the river. E.
Mrs. Jesse Long, OF Kennewick, is
visiting this week with her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. E. E. Robinson.
Mr.. Mcdowell and family, of Mon
tana arrived this week and will make
their home with us. They have bought
place on the river and will occupy
the Mcvary house until they can build.
Mr.. Striefier of Richland was a
guest at the Fred Ably home Tuesday
and Thursday, visiting his sister, Mrs.
Henry Ably.
Mrs. Robt. Cannon, who has been
visiting her daughter, Mrs. J. Day,
of Cashmere, returned home last
week. . ...... IN.