davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

Will Irwin in the Saturday Evening
 Post.
 7SPENT the day ranging Venice. which
 Is almost as beautiful in it's war = dress of sandbags as it used to be in peace dress, when it was the heaven of tourists Probably it has been the most consistently air raided town in Europe. The enemy, with that streak of the bad boy which seems to exist in every modern Teuton, has tried as hard for the ancient and irreplaceable monuments of Venice as for more useful destruc-- tion.
 There is no doubt that beautiful St. Marks has been a steady target. It has been steady target. It has escaped damage so far-the religious believe through the intercession of the Virgin. whose miraculous statue stands on one of the few altars not now covered with sandbags. Indeed, as the record of in juries show, Venice has been very lucky.
 The gondolas still ply as of old, and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
From the New York Sun.

From the New York Sun.
 SM EFoRE the movement to have pig lN in every home has gone far Wash S-) ington will undoubtedly issue a pamphlet on Swine in City and Suburb; or, Points for Pork Producers" Mean while, since the society folk of Nassau and other neighboring counties are going in for the harboring and culture Of little pigs, word of advice to the enthusiasts is not out of the way.
 Pigs do not like polished floors They have no pads on their feet and they not only slip but they scratch the veneer and make a clacklng noise If the pig is to have the run of the parlor there must be plenty of rugs or rubber mat ting.
 When pig is allowed in the dining room at meal hour it is best to have it we'll bathed in advance. When food is tossed to him by the diners the pig will not sit up and catch it. as a dog would, but will wait until it falls and then devour it.
 It is we'll to keep the stairs barred at the bottom when the pig is in the house. A pig does very we'll going upstairs,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
TO A SOLDIER ON LEAVE

TO A SOLDIER ON LEAVE From the Westminster Gazette. I saw you. Gilberti It was yesterday, When you were climbing on a motor At Charing Cross; and Gilbert. may l hardly knew you, thus? Things must have happened to you since
 we met
 A dozen times week, as once we did, For points of yours that cannot tor Are now completely hid. No press had left it's mark on your at
 tire;
 No tailor would have mentioned you
 with pride As one who served his scissors to in-
 spire
 His skillful chalk to guide You had a quite distinctive taste in ties, In those old days, and wore them with
 an air, Your shoes were exquisite. and of a size That left no room to spare. Your hats were classy was always
 told;
 And you were careful in your cholcesof
 canes. Ols w neFe s lue SrllDeTt NaOm Knew or
 old? What trace of him remains? If you had seen yourself you would have said That you were dressed no longer-no,
 rot dressed. But merely covered, that you were ar rayed In what disguised you best.
  Ycu. to whom parcels caused acute iis- tress X few short years ago. now boldly bore A lead of goods and chatteis, more or Befittins what you wore. { Your t.oots-but let us talk of something less Repulsive to taste that is refined, Your hands were grimed: your tunic in . mess; Your--oh. well. never mind. There was Hook about you that was Ar air that ret appearances at naught, Hetokening an altered point of view, A richer vein of thought And who held you cheaply in the past. Was rather proud to think that had
 been your friend. May fortune go back with you when at
 las.
 Your leave comes to an end! S..sssl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
s T x Opportunity for the Alabama Farmer

1N HE federal government will sell
 0 to farmers, through county agents, 100000 tons of nitrate of soda, recently purchased in South America at a cost to the buyer of $75.5O per ton, plus freight charges and the state fertilizer tag fee. Off, ficial announcement is made that any farmer desiring to purchase a portion of this nitrate should place his appli- cation on or before February 4.
 The applicant must fill out blank, which will be furnished by the gov ernment, setting forth the crops he will plant and the number of acres he will devote to each crop. Nitrate that used to sell at wholesale for $3 a hundred, brought $4 wholesale last year and at retail $6 to $7. It is seen, therefore, that the governments price of $75.5O ton of 2000 pounds is bargain.
 As 100000 tons will not be enough to supply this country's demand the progressive farmer will not delay in handing in his application to the county agent or one of his deputies, for shipments will be apportioned to those first in line.
 As larger production will be needed this year than ever before, no trucker or cotton or corn grower can afford to be indifferent to the governments offer
 The "dry'' machine is being we'll oiled and put in condition to go lover the top'' in Alabama. The fight for the prohini- tion amendment to the constitution may make previous contests seem tame in
 comparison.
 ~ E < l The German SPY Is being utilized by
 writers of lurid fiction. However. those I stories are not true to life. The spy is
 usually caught and killed by the master
 detective.
 * # < It frets a man who hasn't been able to get warm since about the middle of De- ccn,ber to be told that it is time for him to begin work on his garden.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
ANOTHER STORY

'Ive just been reading in this news paper about an elderly millionaire who claims he was victimized by a design ing woman
 "Ahl The same old story, I presume. Fervid letters, protestations of undying affection, talk of marriage and then-a breach of promise suit.''
 NO. You are all wrong. He's being sued by a modiste who wants $500 for designing three gowns for his wife"
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
POOR SHOWING

What we need here is more team work" said the efficiency expert.
 What kind of team work?s growled the boss.
 "why, everybody ought to get together and go after business
 "Umph. That's all right. l was about to say that wouldn't donate any more balls, bats and gloves to a baseball team that let that crowd from Biithers & Blazes across the street trounce them three times running last summer"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
SOON FOUND OUT

q want you to understand that have will of my own said Mrs. Gadspur.
 why dwell on the subject, my dear?" asked Mir Gadspur, in plaintive tones. 'Fm thoroughly convinced of the truth of your statement. In fact. I conceded as much without debate 24 hours after we were marred.'''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
TRUTH SOMETIMES HURTS

From the Memphis News-Scimitar.
 A British officer has occasioned con- siderable criticism because he said, in speaking. to a Canadian audience, that the United States air programme would occasion the eermsM very little incon- venience next summer. Such statements should not be circulated. What we want to disseminate is transformation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
A LARGE ORDER

From the Minneapolis Tribune.
 Germany has undertaken to pay 666O0O pesetas as an indemnity to the family of a man who lost his life when a Span ish ship was torpedoed by German sub marine. At that rate there will not be money enough in the world to pay the just claims against Germany as re- suit of her submarine murders.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
eas.lNttlxl@asselI.
WRONG AGAIN

From the Charleston News and Courier.
 All the New York newspapers con- tinue to scream their rage at the fuel orders, but 1t has been proved more than once that the New York newspapers arc notoriously bad interpreters of public opinion, even in New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
AN ACHING VOID

From the Washington Star.
 Another climatic hardship presents it. self in the arrival of a whole worlzless day with no baseball game to go to.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
NJ. cAILLAUx,s WEAKNESS

From the Nashville Banner
 The great fault of M. Caillaux was his inordinate craving for limelight. It finally led him to crimes Which promise to remove him from ordinary daylight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
INEVITABLE

From the Montgomery Advertiser
 Jefferson county threatens to poll the heaviest vote in its history next summer. but nothing can be done about it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

BEGINNING THE DAY-Lord, help me to be truly sorry for my sins. Show me how ugly they are and how unclean, how utterly to he hated and despised. Show me Thyself in contrast. 0 sicken me and then make me well again with the vison of Thy 1Oveliness. In Christ's name. Amen.-H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
THEY NEVER oUrGRow IF

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
 Philadelphia man is suing his 7S-year- old wife for divorce. alleging that she Is "a flirt." Couldn't he be patient with her till time and maturity bring dis cretion?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
Caught in Blisxard

tT landed in New York on, New Years Day with my wife," said l.. l.. Doty. the popular manager of one of the departments of J. Blach & Sons. q found that New York was in bad for heat. All of the stores and man ufacturing places were icy cold.
 never got warm all day until I got back to the hotel. We started home and got caught in the blizzard. It was something fearful. We were delayed IS hours between New York and Nash- vile. A lot of fellows who don't know think buyer has a swell time when he goes east to lay in his stock, but can say that my recent trip made Birmingham look mighty good to me"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
Bring Neeroe. Back

"The cold weather which has gripped the country is sure to have one good effect" said William Leary. Tt will cause many negro who went to the north and the west to come back south just as soon as way opens. Few of them realize the extreme weather con- ditions we have had. All they know Is they have nearly frozen to death in the bitter weather in their new homes. They think of home as the sunny south. Just watch out for their home coming. They ought to be encouraged to do so and when they get back they ought to be welcomed"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
HAD A COLD YET?

Don't think I'm always full of bile And grabbed. too, and cranky; But every time l try to smile
 I have to use my hanky.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
winburn Recalls Boyhood Days

Winburn Recalls BOyhood Days
 w. A. Winburn, president of the Cen trsl of Georgia railway, is a real hu- and who recalls his boyhood days with great pleasure" said an old newspaper
 man yesterday. q wrote him recently to join me, when next in Birmingham, in some sausage and spareribs and back bone from my own farm. In his reply, he says
 Your note brings back to mind mem- ory of boyhood days, when the hog-kill- ing season opened with the heating of stones on some frosty morning, the sig siing water in the big barrel, the squeai- ing of the butchered pig, his beautiful white carcass strung up by the hind legs; a bladder that went as a prize to the smallest boy, who immediately filled if with dried peas; the dlsnenberment that exposed all the beautiful tidbits; tho backbone, spareribs and even the tail that was considered prime deli cacy; then the preparation of the hogs head cheese. the sausage, the cracklings that make lthe finest corn bread, and last, but must say that in a whisper, the delicious chitterlings should like to go through 1t all again, but, perhaps, it Is best just to keep the picture, because the reality might be disappointing-just like the hills, which look so difficult, and have now faded into insignificance. Ger k.t. IA rx,t.s .sot, permitted us to eat any or all these things to our hearts content is no longer what it was.
 The doctor has already advised me against sausage, but if could be with you when the Tamworth comes back, properly mixed and seasoned with salt, red pepper, plenty of sage and little thyme, know should not be able to live up to his instructions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
No Heat at Goodyear's

T wish to say that the Goodyear Raincoat company's place of business we closed early in the morning and opened only to deliver some coats all ready sold when the rainstorm came up" said Frank Rutstein, the mana ger. Not only did the Birmingham store faithfully carry out the orders of the fuel administrator but all of the stores throughout the south glad ly compiled with his request."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
ADRIFvT WITH THE TIMES
WELCOME CHANGE

When the sun came peeping through the
 clouds
 And bathed the world in brightness, You noticed in heart-weary crowds An unaccustomed lightness. They lost their looks of blackest woe And not a few were smiling; Fen those who can't pay what they owe Found life once more beguiling. And some there were who straightaway
 ceased
 The coal man fir. precatlng: And that poor devils cares decreased Till he felt like celebrating.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
Pershing Defends
 American Soldiers

M denial of the charges made against American troops in France should silence the fanatics who have besmirched the good name of our sol diers abroad.
 In order to set at rest rumors of wholesale drinking and immortality among our troops Secretary Baker cabled to General Pershing the con- tents of letter received from Gov ernor Capper of Kansas regarding the alleged sale of liquor to American soldiers. General Pershing's reply was characteristic of the man. He said: "There has never been a similar body of men to lead as clean lives as our American soldiers in France" Continuing, he paid a high tribute to the loyalty and zeal of our soldiers, saying that they fully realize their re- responsibilities and twill shed a new luster on American manhood" when the hour comes to prove their mettle fin battle.
 American mothers need have no fear of their sons going to the dogs. In fact, it was not American mothers who professed to be most concerned about the morals of their boys, but the type of misguided reformer with whom we have become, alas, too we'll acquainted in this country.
 Let General Pershing's message be the last word on this subject-an at tempt to make mountain out of a molehill. General Pershing has all ways been strict disciplinarian and every good officer knows that, aside from moral grounds, dissipated sol diers are menace to the army.
 * * *.
 Estates in Britain
 Being Steadily Reduced
 NITITHIN the last 50 years not a
 w few of the large estates in England and Wales have been divided into farms of moderate size, and as result of increased tax rates made necessary by the war many famous estates are being reduced from thou sands of acres to hundreds.
 A large part of one of the most historic parks in Great Britain, that of Hawarden, in Wales, just beyond the English line, is now offered for sale. The estate comprises about 5000 acres and was owned by the late William E. Gladstone, who be- queathed it to his sons. It was the great statesman's desire that Ha- warden be kept in the family intact, but it is burdened with heavy debt and the tenants will now have the opportunity to buy the lands they are occupying.
 Hawarden castle, surrounded by primeval oaks, was the home of Mr. Gladstone and with it are associated his chief literary activities. While he was prime minister he entertained statesmen, ecclesiastics and savants at his official residence in Downing street, London, but it was at Hawar. den that he found the tranquility he naturally coveted after the strain oi parliamentary excitement.
 The castle is not as large as many
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
Settling Time Coming

q have been amused and surprised at the way some people think they are putting 1t over Uncle Sam in the way they are charging for stuff they are selling him for his war needs" said Joe Loveman. "They seem to for get that 1t makes little difference to him just at present, and because he does not stop to haggle over prices. but is crying for deliveries, they have set him down as an easy mark, for getting that when the final settling time comes he has the power to check over costs and pay only reasonable profit Every contract carries this pro- vision subject to government approval. which means it has wide latitude in checking up."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
A GRIEVANCE

Congressman Twobble writes that he Is my representative and wants to serve me-" said Mir. Dubwaite.
 What are you going to ask for?''
 Nothing. The last time I visited Washington, with the fond expectation Of hobnobbing with the great, he turned me over to his secretary and the most important person met was a hotel door, man"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
ANOTHER SACRIFICE ASKED

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 Young ladies should make some sacri- fees for their country by inaugurating beaulees nights. to save the Old Mans coal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
A Prosperous Sale

Manager w. G. West of the Florsheim Bootery. Birmingham branch of na- tional chain store system retailing only mems high-grade footwear at standard prices, Is elated with results of his an- nual inventory sale now going on and to close with the month of January.
 So far the volume of business Is near- ly three times that for the same period of last year, and while shoes are slight ly higher now the increase, according to Mir. West, IS due to greater ability to spend and the inclination of the public to consider quality more than price in buying as the surest economy.
 Perhaps the new location of the Flor sheim store, and certainly the careful and attentive courtesy extended every custom CT by myself and my assistants accounts for the present prosperity, as well as the fact that the sale Is being very literally advertised and the advertisements are backed by reliable values as repre- sented,' said Mir. West
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

If is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craycs wary walking.
 Julius Caesar.
 x % x
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
PIant-a-Gnrden Movement

Last year Alabama inrAeased her food crop acreage a larger percentage than any state in the union," said P M. Smith of the Perry Supply company. "This year I expect to see an even larger acreage devoted to food crops.
 ''The plant-a-garden movement got a late start, but a bunch of whirlwind workers were behind the movement and the gardens produced a great volume of foodstuffs. Through the agency of the Alabama Canneries company practically every bit of surplus truck was conserved. It is being sold now at good prices and ranks in quality with the best
 Garden planting time will soon be here and I expect to see every vacant lot and waste spot under cultivation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

NO CONSIDERATION WHATEVER
 "Pe, what is meant by a highbrow ?"
 "A highbrow, my son, is person who feels competent to criticize anybody else's grammar and doesn't mind doing it, regardless of the other persons feel ings."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

TELEPHONE Bell (private exchange connecting all departmental Main 4900.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24
INTRICATE PROCESS

INTRICATE PROCESS "What Is your friend Jagsby doing these days?'
 Research work along scientific ines" Indeed? I had no idea Jagsby aspired to be a scientist
 "He didn't until liquor became so scarce: He's now experimenting with grapejuice to see if there is way to make a soft drink hard"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

The German SPY Is being utilized by writers of lurid fiction. However. those stories are not true to life. The spy is usually caught and killed by the master detective.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

It frets man who hasn't been able to get warm since about the middle of De- ccn,ber to be told that it is time for him to begin work on his garden.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-24

I was very much more interested in the home people present than I was in the visitors from the outside. I knew the guests as men of national reputation. I was glad to welcome them, but to me they were professionals. What I wanted to were quite few present who surprised me by their presence. I knew them as men who had consistently fought the en- croachment of prohibition. Many were among the bitterest opponents of the amendment.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-11-05

WHAT exclaimed Sarah. "They
even think about whether we are big
eaters or not?''
"Yes,'' said Billy, because they say
food is becoming very valuable and
that lots of 1t must be saved. So they
think we will be very, very popular"
"Well, WELL" said Sarah, "that's a
funny joke. I've heard of dog being
popular because he was clever, had q
good disposition and was good-looking
or nice family pet. But it is the first
time l ever heard of a dog being popu-
lar too because he or she didn't over
eat
''We have to keep up with the times,
said Billy, wagging his tail.
81 suppose sO,'' said Sarah. swell
it's lucky we don't care for such a
great deal to eat, isn't it?'
"Yes," said Billy, ''it is-but then
again l don't think it makes much diff
| ference, for our mistress, Maidie
would never let her little dogs go hun
| CRY, never, never, never"
And just then Maidie came along &c
play with her dogs, and from the way
she petted them anyone would have
known that Billy had spoken the truth
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-11-05
DADDyEWNDM
.KRY TALL H1
~ MARY RAHA0R BONNER
WEST HIGHLAND PUPPIES.

Well said the West Highland
white terrier puppy known as Billy,
show did you get along?"
Finely" said the West Highland
white terrier puppy known as Sarah.
''Did you win lot of prizes?" asked
Billy.
Il did indeed" said Sarah.
"How about you?" she added, after
a moments thought and a look about
her. Everything is the same as when
we left It," she said.
''Yes, just the same" said Billy. ''but
It's nice to see everything so familiar.
1t seems so like home then"
isn't 1t nice to have real homer
inquired Sarah. II just love a good
home"
$50 do l." said Billy. "And do you
suppose anyone has such nice mis-
tressf
II don't think it's possible" said
Sarah, wagging her tail very hard.
did you hear what they said at the
show?" asked Billy.
81 don't know just what you mean
Sarah answered. II heard great deal
at the show. | heard of the prizes
which | had won and | heard my mis-
tress say she was SO proud of me. Ant
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-11-05
News from Our Neighbors.

Sunday, Felchers dog was run over by
a ear and shook up some, but he IS com
ing nicely The owner of the car stopped
and acted like man. How much better
all -Fclcheryilc.
Somebody borrowed three little pigs
one night recently from +. g. Darling
The mother had 10 nice little pigs, but
she is mourning the loss of three of her
children.-M arshfield.
Miss Ruth ketehum does not intend to
have Spanish influenza, if vigorous
fumigation will prevent it. Ruth is a
practical woman and nature is ono of her
special studies She believes in the eff
cacy of herbs, boneset and tansy tea
and wears sulphur bag, but when it
comes to fumigation, nothing but the
real article will do. and that is the reason
why his .skunkship had such warm
welcome in the basement of the ''home-
stead" If it had not been for the hired