davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
WAKING UP BAGDAD the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
 What the war has bi ought to Bagdad, dream city, of the Arabian nights. is worth considering. Where Haroun Al Raschid walked in disguise and tempered justice with romanfe, they are laying the rails of street car line Where Sindbad. the romancer, told his aneazins tales to an admiring group of dusky idlers they are putting up electric light poles, and in front of the latticed window from which Scheherazade peeped down. they are stringing telephone wires. And the atmosphere of romance-which is particularly thick in Bagdad-is being de- odorized by squad of sanitary police.
 Bagdad, beloved of the caliphs, town of mosques and minarets and Persian bazars is taking on the outward semb- lance of modern city. Rooms with baths, and serve-sef restaurants. and self-starters, and movie theatres, are pretty sure to follow, and the old town which attracted Nebuchadnezzar in it's infancy will soon forget the trammelssof it's 25 centuries and Assume the jauntinsss of municipal youth
 The city has been in the hands of the British for 20 months, and in that time has undergone a undermining treatment that is particularly remarkable because of the age and deeply rooted traditions of the town and the indifferent anu largely unfriendly attitude of the peo- ple.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
* * + Membership Campaign Needs Speeding Up

THE Red Cross membership cam
 S paign throughout the country needs speeding up. Last year twenty two million members were enrolled, but up to Thursday night the enroll ment in round figures was only six millions.
 As the present campaign ends next Monday a whirlwind drive will be nec- essary from now on if the result is to equal that of 1917. In view of the fact that there is a plethora of money in all industrial centers, including Birmingham, the total should reach new high record.
 A year ago Jefferson county's mem bership quota was thirty-odd thousand but it went over the top by enroll ing forty-two thousand. In this campaign Jefferson should do much better than that and it will if we have the proper cooperation in the two working days left. Today and Mon day must be intensive days. The cor porations can aid materially in this noble cause by calling the attention of their employees to the situation and insisting on every one of them buying a button. Surely there are fifty thou sand people in Jefferson county who are able to contribute one dollar to the Red Cross membership fund. Re- member the slogan, "Have heart and hy1v a hutton
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

done with the German fleet, surrend- cred under the armistice terms.
 It is evident that both Italy and Great Britain have ideas not in har- mony with some of President Wilson's fourteen points," There is natural desire among those nations who have suffered most to profit by the victory won at such great cost. England has no intention of yielding her supremacy on the seas. The fate of hapless Rus sia hangs in the balance, the situa- ton in Austria Hungary is grave and conditions in Germany seem just now to be even worse.
 No one, not even Colonel House, could take President Wilson's place in the present emergency. One has but to read press dispatches from abroad to learn how disturbing are
  the various factors, which will enter into the Versailles conference. The atmosphere is heavily charged, to say the least. Delegations of many sorts are either in France or on the way there with axes to grind.
 If President Wilson succeeds in his sole ambition to achieve a peace based on strict justice to all and to form a league of nations that will be some- thing more than a name, it will be the crowning triumph of his career, the greatest service, ever performed for humanity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
LIKE M,LIIKE SAYS


 Anyway, a married man doesn't have to go into court to have his objections overruled
 You laugh when you see pictures of the funny styles worn in> the sixties, And 60 years from now people will be laugh ing at the funny styles worn in 1918.
 Probably the best bet we know of is that 1t is sure to be the other side that is prejudiced.
 Another sure way to be popular is never to allow yourMnose to project more than an inch or two from your face.
 When a man is tnkering with a balky auto engine he figures that the makers sold him mule power instead of horse power.
 The reason why married man has to be good liar is because when his wife isn't asking him embarrassing questions his children are.
 Leave it to any trained nurse to act as if she knows more about the case than the doctor knows.
 We are very moral people. But If the critics announce that new play is depraved. vicious, degenerate and sug- |gestive. the house will be sold out 10 weeks in advance. And what has become of the o. f. oman who used to get trading stamps with each purchase? Why is it that boy would rather shovel the snow off neighbor's sidewalk for nothing than shovel the spow off his mothers sidewalk for dime? Some men always look as dirty and un- tidy as a back porch. You can't beat an army of men who can think straight as well as shoot straight That's why Old Glory has a clean record. 1 A man may look untidy when he let's his whiskers grow { for four days, But his wife has little peace of mind. She knows that he isn't flirtihS with other women M
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Progress in Public
 School Activities

1NH HE influenza has been a handi-
 0 cap on the schools in the ma -jority of cities in the United States, but the epidemic has abated and there is promise of uninterrupted activity in the year 1919.
 In Alabama the compulsory school attendance law should be made effec- tive as far as conditions will admit. The statute is liberal and provides reasonable exceptions to it's operation. In the first place the compulsory law, cannot be enforced where there is lack of school room.
 In Birmingham the schools are over- crowded, but additional buildings will be erected in the not distant future. In the county, where the schools are less crowded, compulsory attendance on the part of children is in operation in modified degree and will be fully in effect little later on.
 The good results of the three-mifl tax will be felt in 1919 and the time is not far distant when high schools in Jefferson county will be numerous enough to afford every ambitious pupil an opportunity to receive high school education. The county has one high school now and will soon have another. Six for the entire county outside of Birmingham and Ressemer will, if properly distributed, suffice. A few counties of Alabama have failed to vote a three-mill tax for school purposes, but by the end of lnext year there should not be single exception. Spright Dowell, state su- perintendent of education, is progress lsive and alert and his influence is distinctly in evidence; and the county superintendents are, as rule, ad- mirably equipped for their work. Much has been done to reduce Iilliterary and more will be done in l1919 in that direction. In the federal census of 1920 Alabama will still make a poor showing in the statistics of il- Iliteracy, but before 1880 this blight will have reached virtually the van ishing point.
 With murder mysteries played up on
 the front page and Villa occupying a place in the lower right-hand corner.
 newspapers begin to have prs-war
 appearance
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
ABIDE WITH ME

By H. T. Lyte. 1S43. Abide with me: fast falls the even tide; The darkness deepens; Lord. with me
 abide When other helpers fall. and comforts
 flee, Help of the helpless. Q abide with me I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempt
 CTS power? Who like myself my guide and stay can Thro cloud and sunshine; Q abide with
 me. I fear no foe. with thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitter
 ness; Where is deaths sting? Where. grave.
 thy victory? I triumph still. if thou abide with me. Hold thou thy cross before my closing shine thro' the gloom. and point me to
 the skies. Heavens morning breaks, and earth .
 vain shadows flee In life. in death. Q Lord. ahids with mf'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Liberty Loan
 Savings Stamps

NARTER GLASS, the new Secre- NJ tary of the Treasury, will fol- low MT. McAdoo's policies. The re- tiring Secretary had announced a Liberty Loan for the early spring and continuation of the War Savings Stamp campaign.
 Mir. Glass stresses the imperative need of the fifth. Liberty Loan, but as yet there has been no announce ment of the date or the amount of the Loan. No doubt is entertained, now ever, of the result. The Loan, no mat ter how large it may be, will be well oversubscribed.
 The War Savings campaign, which started last January, has yielded something like one billion dollars. Two billion was the sum sought, but it was too much to expect the goal to be reached in the space of twelve months, during which time intensive drives were made for the large Liberty Loans.
 But there must be no waning of in terest in the sale of Stamps and Baby Bonds. With the enthusiasm main tained throughout 1919 the two billion mark will be overtopped.
 The thrift habit is being developed by the Stamp savings method. If the lesson of thrift were the only mo- tive the campaign would be worth while. But Uncle Sap needs the money and every dollar invested in government certificates will help pay the debts incurred in the prosecution of the war.
 Let's be ready for fresh drive with the beginning of the new year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Away Nearly alYear

My wife anu I returned last night after having been away for nearly year. said Joe Smolian, land we are both de- lighted to once more be at home I put In some months at Camp Johnston in intensive training. Had to get up at 5 a. m. and got to bed about 930 p. m. and believe me, during my waking hours l was some busy man. After getting my commission I went to Governors Is- land, New York, where I was assigned to work in the quartermaster department. The last two months my duties have kept me almost entirely in New York city. It has been a great experience, and I will take up my work here feeling fit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
SAD ROMANCE OF WAR

From the New York Telegram
 There's a world of pathos and romance in the sudden death in France by Hun sniners bullet of Walter Freeman Me- Mahon. the bird walk man" of Newton Center, Mass.
 Nyr McMahon, who was only s9 years old. was a student, scientist, couiu write and paint, but above all ne was a naturalist and loved the woods anu ou wild life. For a, time he was assist ant to T. Gilbert Pearson, head or the National Association of Audubon soci- eties and in that capacity led foiKs on .,,;ra ,val,xsp in Central park and else where.
 A gentle soul. war was far rom the liking of Walter Freeman McMahon'
 "I love to protect things ana he'p them live" he said. I'm interesteo III fair sport, but do hate tnis cohs'a''' a,ra,,,ng on killing, killing. killing! say ,na ,s more in my line. I hate to Kill.
 But when danger loomed to ciVhiAA tion Mac, put aside his gentle pursu''s
 ftar several rejections for physicai roasons he got into the army "en' a,-arss.s with a machine gun company and distinguished himself as scout A1 a soldier until laid low. That nun anr CTS bullet really killed two. Tor the pn1
 n,s,, gentle sweetheart of school oays :
 + to her grave two weeks after he uas hurled by his comrades.
 The .pird man who so hated kilnne' when danger threatened, was iike the quaker whs. buckling on his sword eoi1 rrotesting relatives: T may be pac'lis' r,x, not q - fool"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Exum Suggests New Plan

That was a splendid idea which 'Cul- ly' Exum sprung at the Red Cross roll call dinner at the Tutwiler yesterday" said Paschal G. Shook. ''He is always thinking up some way to help worthy causes and can be counted on to do his full share when it comes to giving or working. His idea is for everyone who has adopted an orphan to take out Red Cross membership for it. He takes out one for his little French daughter, Made line. If others will come forward it will mean at least a thousand extra subscrip tions'' # E
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
JUDICIAL CHANGES NEEDED
By R. C. BRICKELL it Judge of the Huntsville cir,

At the suggestion of Judge J. M. Foster of Tuscaloosa. president <-
 of the Alabama State Bar associa-
 ton, The Age-Herald will publish brief articles by prominent attOr-
 neys of Alabama on the subject Of changes in the judicial system of the state. The first of these articles
 is presented today.
 At the suggestion of the president of the Alabama State Bar association I desire to call attention to few changes in the judicial system of this state which I believe will facilitate the disposition of the business of the courts and would, at the same time, be of practice and procedure.
 l. Our jury law should be changed in several particulars. There is no req son why the jurors already drawn for a week, other than a week in which a capital case is set together with the special jurors drawn the day the case is set should not constitute the ve- nire for the trial of defendant in capital case, and the court should not be required to await the return of the sheriff as to the summoning of the reg Iular jurors before drawing the specla- iurv. and if case is set for week of court in whchA the jury has al ready been impaneled, there is no req son why the jury for the trial or capital case should not consist or the jury impaneled for that week and the special jurors drawn by the court, No reason whatsoever can exist why Jurors already summoned to be in attendance upon the court for week of the trial of a capital case. already lmpaneled and in attendance upon the court should be resumed. The state should also be allowed the same number of challenges in a criminal case as the defendant.
 2. The system of special charges as now provided in this state should be abolished and in it's place, after the conclusion of the oral charge of the court. any party should have the right to request the court to charge further upon any proposition which, Tn the opinion of that party, the court has not sufficiently covered in his oral charge and also the right to rekuest the court to charge upon any proposition which he deems involved in the case, upon which the court has not charged and should be allowed an exception 10 the failure or refusal of the court to charge further upon said proposition, or to charge at all thereupon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
. HINT TO THE EDITOR

From the Atlantic Monthly.
 It is pleasant to contemplate the en- thusiasm of a true lover of literature for master work. whether it is the product of his own of somebody else's brain. ,.f
 Editor, of Atlantic Monthly-Dear Sir: I send to you under separate cover my poem entitled "I'he Rejected Voice.
 If you care to read and review this book, and keep it, I should be pleased.
 "rThe Rejected Voice is the most pro- found and poignant hymn that has ema- mated from the heart of man since the birth of The Book of Job For sheer artistry, also, it shines unequaled, yet there lives not anywhere today a leader of literature noble enough to make known unto the world it's worth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
WHAT PUZZLED HIM

From the Stars and Stripes, France.
 Though strange, unbelievable peace settled over the Argonne with the sign. ing of the armistice, life changed little for the road menders.
 One pensive negro was gravely ladling the soup mud out of the center of the highway when his rowing eye was caught by the gleam of two service stripes on the sleeve of soldier who was walking laughing by The road worker paused in his labors and gazed incredulous.
 My Gawd." he murmured. dat white try an he kin still laff."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
Somewhere in Alabama

Somewhere in Alabama
 We occasionally come across a bit of humor in our drive for the redemption of war savings pledges said Crawford Johnson For instance, the following letter from Somewhere in Alabama:
 MT. Crawford Johnson Dear sir:
 tried to make me some booze for my SICK family and have. kind neigh Dor and he put the sheriff on me md the government fined me for more money than had and had to sell my seed and plgs to pay the fine, so you see, MT. John son. that am left out in the stamp busi- ness entirely. If my fore sight was as good as my hind sight I would be darned sight better off, see? Yours truly,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Glad to Hear From Barham

T had a card from d. H. Barham, the we'll known linotype operator, who has many friends in Birmingham" said w. E. Wolf, foreman of the Birming- ham Publishing Co.,. and I am sure they will be glad to learn that the rumors of his death were untrue. as 1t was cur rently reported that he had died either en route or at the grave of his wife, whose body he was taking to Jackson, Tenn, for burial He writes that he has been desperately i'll but is now able to sit up. Both he and Mf.j Barham had a severe attack of the flu "
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Makes Long Auto Trip

T came through in my car from Nich- olsville. distance of about 200 miles, "i said Rev. A. E. Page, who for. many years served Baptist churches in the Bir- mngham district. T regret that my trip was occasioned by the serious illness of my sister, who is in local infirm- ary. .I came by Selma, Maplesville, and thence to Clanton. and found the roads
 in fairly good shape. I was sure glad to hit the Birmingham Montgomery highway -
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
WELL PRESERVED

From the Detroit News.
 In the autobiography of Colonel House it is said he coined the expression: Freedom of the seas" That phrase hav- ing been used with some frequency in little trouble Uncle Sam had back in 1872. the colonelis pretty well preserved, old gentleman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
A DURABLE GRAND DUKE

From the Nashville Banner
 Grand Duke Nicholas reappears as com mander of Cossack troops. He has died as many natural deaths, been assassin ated and executed as often as any man living and yet is apparently as sound as trivet and full of promise for many future years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
.ruE AMER1cAN-GERMANs

From the New York Sun.
 An American spreader of German liter ary poison was good deal worse than the German propagandist. because. it ap- pears. in almost every case the American vas in 1t strictly for the money.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
Parcel Post Business Increases

More packages are being sent by par eel post this year than ever before, said J. A. Smith. superintendent of the parcel post division at the Birmingham postoffice
 Business has not been quite so brisk today, however. but this is due probably 10 the bad weather. The people began sending packages earlier than usual but as Christmas Day approaches there is no noticeable decrease in the number"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
nuRING THE INTERREGNUM

From Town Iopics'
 Vice President and Mrs. Marshall are ,,ot losing any time in taking advant- age of the position to wnich they sue ceed during the absence of President and Mrs. Wilson. They are soon to be- rin weekly levees and have cards out for dinner parties to the elect in statecraft and diplomacy. The Marshalls have all ways been splendid entertainers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
zMMdAau,1eH
ANorHE CASE OF THE .rLu.

From Stars and Stripes.
 "Dats sho no joke hoy said the negro corporal. 'ifsI was mess sargint I would have ham and eggs, ham gravy wid the heat jest sizzling out en the dish. an biscuits so doggone fat dat four of 'em would make a load fur a Zeppelin. and
 "shut yo mouf boy" said the other coon, *you sho' am talking through . thermoneter.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

BEGINNING THE DAY-Help me today, o God. to cultivate that part of me which lays hold on Thee. May I use by body and my mind, but also my faith instinct, my power to trust. May I try and try and try the wings of my soul. May I hold inst the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In Christ's name. Amen. H. NJ. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

Member of the Associated Press
 The Age-Herald is the only mornins and Sunday newspaper in blrmlhs la III carrying the Associated Press oAs patches.
 The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use for publication CT all news dispatches credited to IL or not otherwise credited in this paper and also the local news puphsneu herein.
 All rights of republication of special dispatches herein are also reserved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
BEING DEMOBILIzED
From the Detroit News.

From the Detroit News. Over the Top. Cooties. Intrench. Dud. Chow. Cob. over There. Somewhere in France. Particularly Pathetic. Nothing Stirring. Blighty. Fritz. Gone West.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
RARE PERFORMANCE.

You say the village beauty is an extra ordinary girl?" Yes" Why so?" .she managed to get through the war and do great deal of hard work with out once posing as Columbia in a pa- triotic tableau."
 D.I-r rsooL-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

Washington, bureau. POT HiDps puiiu- ing.
 European bureau, 6~Henrletta street. Govent Garden, London.
 Eastern business office building, New York city; western ousi ness office. Tribune building, Chicago The s. c. Beckwith Special AseneS' agents for foreign advertising
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
WON'T NEED ,EM NOW

From the Atlanta Constitution.
 If. as her fat, well-fed spokesmen as- sert, "Germany has nothing to eat" they oughtn't to make such face about the teeth-pulling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

A SONG FOR THE DAY. Jogging along, With a laugh and song,
 Facing the worst-and the best, Till we get to the end, Wherever we wend.
 We know there's a promise of rest. In heartache and rue Still keeping in view
 The goal that makes living worth
 while: With a heart that beats warm. You'll weather the storm,
 And follow your star with smile.
 WAITING FOR BIDS. This baseball star says he doesn't know whether he will return to the game or not"
 "Do you think he means that?" Certainly not. That is merely the cue for managerial persons to come forward with contracts in their hands and do little coaxing."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
YOUTHFUL PROTECTOR

YOUTHFUL PROTECTOR. Smart office boy you have" I've never seen his equal for pro- tective work replied the editor, proudly What do you mean?'' 'That-boy can spot poet the minute he steps off the elevator
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

Remittances can be made at current rate of exchange. The Age-herald Wli4 not be responsible for money seA.' through the mails Address
 THE AGE-HERALD,
 Birmingham, Ala. q,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

No communication will be pubhsnea without its authors naIne. ReJeceeu wlu not be returned uhiess stamps are enclosed tor that Mrpo9e
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

Entered at the blrmlnsnam Ala, postoffice as second-class matter. un' der act of Congress, March $, 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

WISE WOMAN. "Jibway pretends to understand wom- en-
 NO one takes him seriously, I hope?" Certainly not. Least of all his wife.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

HANDICAPPED. An old-fashioned gentleman" ".so it seems"
 "He leaped to his feet, hat in''hand, and offered the lady his seat" Yes, and if passengers hadn't been packed like sardines in the aisle. I dare say he would have made her courtly bow, too"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21
SUBSCRIPTION RATES

DESCRIPTION RATES
 By mail in United States and Canada. Daily and Sunday year. ........ts'So Daily without Sunday ........'.. o'v9 Daily and Sunday, three months.. %.SS Daily and Sunday, ont month..'' 'oo Sunday Age-HerAid, per annum' .. S'gv edition, per annum. =. 'oo Ky carrier in tsreater Birmingham lJsilv ana Sunday week..... .2J
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-21

buy a button.