davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

Bread cards are stolen "all over the
country" and graft has become sc
common in government circles that
according to the Volksblatt, "Anyone
who is engaged in business and wants
an order from the authorities to get
Ibis raw material and fuel, or to pre-
vent his railroad shipments being de-
llayed or to insure that his bill is
approved and paid without delay
he does we'll when he puts few green
backs in his pockets to stir up the
zeal of the necessary officials"
The beaurocrats of Russia were at
one time conceded to be the most
rapacious grafters on earth, but they
seem to have been surpassed by Ger
man officialdom. The poorer classes
are taking to crime as matter of
course, but the most alarming fea-
ture of the situation, from the Ger
man point of view, is the corruption
now evident in that upper class which
was formerly considered above criti-
cism. The German people have at last
realized that they are fighting a war
for loot and have apparently deter
mined to make the most of it at home
by shameless profiteering.
"Big business" is the worst offender
and goes scot-free, because the gov
eminent is dependent on 3big bust
ness" to carry on it's piratical war.
The workmen who struck were
"clubbed into subsection" Threatened
with "strike" of the huge profiteers,
the government is forced to temporize.
The Independents article concludes
with this significant paragraph:
Germany having entered upon
war of piracy is at the mercy of
it's own domestic pirates. The
whole people are stealing from one
another, and they are bribing and
intimidating courts to permit the
plundering. Now finally, the low
er classes have learned the lesson,
and the cities are terrorized by
crimes of violence. This is the
state in which they have arrived
with their holy war; and their
"Gott nit uns." Germany stands
like a tree decayed at the heart,
supported by the strength of that
outer shell which is the army. The
she'll is still as strong as ever.
Nothing b ut military disaster can
break it. But let it once crack
under the strain of acknowledged
defeat, and the whole rotten or
ganization of imperial Germany
promises to come down with a
crash
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
1I1kE M,LuKE SAYS

IT NAV sound paradoxical But every
addition to the family suotracts from
the surplus.
Anv doctor can tell you that when
the grateful patient who is cohvai-
escing tells a doctor that he VIII never
be able to repay the doctor Tor ms
efforts. the patient is often tellins the
truth.
THINGS can be nice and quiet in the
house after supper when rather Is
reading one half of the paper and
mother the other half And then moth
err will see an item about married
man who has been caught out Joy
riding with a chicken. And mother
will sniff and snort and say: es,
and the ornery men are all alike! And
this is fathers cue to slam the door
and go up to the corner kali.
Every bow imagines that other boys
have a better time than he has. And
every man imagines that other men
have a better time than he has.
man seldom realizes that his
health is his best friend until he hos
treated it like red-headed stepchlld
for about 80 years. And by that tinia
he discovers that it refuses to make
up with him again and be frien"s
again.
Never repeat nasty story you hea,
about someone. Whether the story is
about you or someone else. few de-
tails are certain to be added BIS the
teller each time it Is told.
The greatest evil Of procrastination
is the fact that the more you Intend
to do tomorrow the less you Will a.
today.
Don't Judge mans age BY his APP
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

carried us on crowded transports, made
up feel the misery of an all-night ride
on train. caused us to grow tired as
his party picked up their grips at
the terminal in Paris and set out to
walk to their hotel.
He illuminated his talk with some
delicious bits of humor. He almost
made his audience live through the
time helpless bunch OF congressman
alone in gay 'Paree" had in trying to
order breakfast when the only man
in the party who had even slight
speaking acquaintance with the French
language was in bed asleep. A care
full study of the menu revealed the fact
that an omelette could be had. Then
came the test, what kind OF one. will
ze messair have an omelette au jam
boneg' Sure, but messieur didn't know
how to say make 1t nine" in FRENCH.
SO resorted to the old schoolhoy trick
Of counting it off on his fingers.
Then came the visit to LaFayette's
grave on All Saints Day. to put q
wreath ON the last resting place of
Americas great friend. A trip to the
front in high-powered cars. The tor
tuous way through the trenches. The
glimpses out into the vast area of mo
Mans Land" The bursting Of shells.
but tho best Of all. a wonderful de-
scription Of fight in the heavens.
1t was all very vivid and lifelike. There
was no attempt at overstatement. He
made US see things as he saw them.
and our hearts went out to the men
who were giving their lives for US.
Then came the story Of ! visit "
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
AND ELSEWHERE
Birmingham Audience.

II was proud of our Birmingham au-
dience," said DR.. James A. Duncan.
81 was at the meeting of the Southern
Sociological congress held at the First
Methodist church Monday evening and
heard the paper of Col. C. U. Dercle read
by Lieutenant DAigny. Now, 1t was a
highly technical paper, even for doctors.
on "A Health Message From France
and then it was quite difficult to under
stand the gallant Frenchman who was
delivering it. In spite of its length, there
wasn't sign of WEAKNESS on the part
of the gathering, but when he finished
he was cheered Justify
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

King Albert of Belgium, that tragic
figure which will go down in history
as one of the worlds true heroes.
Left with only a bare strip Of terri
tory, he had vowed not to put his foot
off OF Belgium soil as long as Bel
gians were able to defend it. 1t was
pitiful to hear him describe the pitt
full attempt made by the sorrowing
monarch to give dinner to his Amer
lean guests. The service was regal,
but the fare was plain. When think
OF him and of his people, am willing
to observe meatless, wheatless. and
fireless days.
He saw the courage of the British
soldier. his indomitable grit. the thing
which makes him fight best with his
back to the wall, as he is fighting to-
day against overwhelming odds, Civ
ing ground. bat taking terrible toll Of
his ruthless enemy. He was genefous
in his praise of the splendid fighting
spirit of the gallant Frenchman But
he was tender as he spoke in admiral
tion of our American army under
Black Jack Persing. Long before he
ended, I had made a vow that, God
helping me, I would try and do my part
back here for the men over there.
It's going to take this from every one
of us who are granted the privilege of
remaining at home while our own flesh
and blood meet bravely the assaults
of the Huns.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

ct heard from my son, Allen, on Sun
day." said Mrs. G. w. Mathis, the well.
known agriculturist
He is a second lieutenant, and wrote
that he was writing from somewhere in
France within 40 yards of the German
trenches, and that he was well ana
happy in spite of the shells flying over
head. He says the American boys ara
in fine fettle and all are anxious to get
a chance to go over the top. I am
mighty proud of him"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
MEN, WOMEN
AND THINGS

I went to the Lyric on Sunday night
to hear Hon. Albert Johnson, member
of Congress of Washington, deliver an
address on the WARS Challenge From
the Firing Line
1 am free to confess when it was
announced that 10 congressman were
going abroad to visit the war zone,
that sat it down as rather a ques-
tionable junketing party, but after
hearing the Washington statesman. I
wish the whole body of lawmakers
might get a glimpse of mo Mans
Land" and hear the whiz of shells from
the firing line.
Now, say this because believe the
Hon. Albert johnson saw things that
makes him a better American; saw
things which will make him champion
the rights Of the soldiers to the best
the country can afford; saw things
that convinced him that the war is
lost unless the United States gets into
action quick and strong; saw things
that will make him stand by President
Wilson, when more critical lawmakers
are playing politics.
He has an entirely different view
point -of the situation. He has sensed
it's bigness and it's Importance. The
mere fact that the war game is being
played on a tremendous scale makes
it's strong appeal to Americans, who
are accustomed to tackle colossal
schemes and put them through. He
will never bubble over appropriations
which have for their end the furnishing
of the boys at the front the best food.
clothing, guns and ammunition.
Now, we need men in power who
have had first hand information of the
needs and requirements of modern
warfare to sit in the nations council
when measures of far-reaching in
fluences for the country's future sal
walton are being threshed out-men
who have discernment sufficient to see
that the worlds, liberty is at stake, and
that to preserve them for mankind is
motive sufficient to make this land of
stake it's all to drive the Hun back
beyond the Rhine.
Now, coming as did the Hon. Albert
Johnson, western congressman, with
no boast of culture after the Gull
tured DR.. Stockton Arson, the general
secretary of the American Red Cross.
and one of the most eloquent speak
ers in the country, was enough to test
his nerve and show of what metal
he was made: but instead of its de-
tracing from his address. it was but
foil which made his genuine mes
sage ring true, and he captured his
audience by his simplicity and direct
ness.
The truth being that the audience
Immediately saw that it was in the
presence of a real man who had some
thing worth while to talk about. He
started out in rather q prosaic way.
His voice was not very strong, and
he seemed to be trying to get his bear
ing. Any speaker knows what I am
trying to describe. It's tho first few
minutes in which one Is trying to get
in sympathetic touch with his hear
ers. They are moments Of anguish
ana suspense.
was sitting In box close up and
could see him fighting to get his sec
ond wind Well, he got It. all right.
and for nearly an hour he carried his
crowd with him. He forgot himself
and was lost in his subject. He was
no longer making an address, but was
merely telling story, and what n
story of dramatic interest a wfAs! H
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
Robert c. Redu. Improve.

'I was glad to hear that my neighbor.
Robert c. Redus, who has been so des-
perately i'll, was able to sit up for a
short while on Monday" said Archie
Carpenter.
HE has made brave uphill fight and
it now looks as if he is going to get
well. 1 have known of few instances
where a man has just held on in spite
of setbacks, as has Bob Redus.''
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
MEANS NOTHING TO HER.

MEANS NOTHING TO HER.
There's thing that's troubling me-
remarked Mr.. Glibwitz.
.'Tcll me your sorrows" said Mr.. Cad
spur. cheerily.
why is it that when the average mar
ried woman starts out to teach her hus-
band how to economic, she begins by
telling him to quit smoking?"
THAT question is easy to answer. It's
because the average married woman
doesn't smoke
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

BEGINNING THE DAY-Grnnt
me pause, o Lord, my God, before
the noble mysteries of life. May
/ mot prattle as if they were not.
May i not rush in as IL their doors
opened to every hasty hand. May
Fl walk in awe and humility that
Theu and I and all are but names
of unsearchable mysteries. Amen
H. NJ T..
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
Germany is Paying
Price Of Her Crimes

1FH HE current issue of the Inde-
y pendent contains remarkable
article entitled, "Rotting at the Core, =
which pictures the internal break
down Of Germany. Quotations are
made from leading German newspa-
pers to show that conditions in the
fatherlaad today are ALMOST as bad
Is they are in Russia. Crime has
increased 70 alarming proportions.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
Attends Convention

Il am on my way out to Little Rock
to attend the good roads convention"
said ]. A. Brown, a merchant farmer
and lumberman, at Bells Mill
Il am sorry I can't take time to look
in on the Southern Sociological congress.
regret that couldn't have been pres
ent on Monday afternoon when the ques-
ton of the races was up. The question
OF labor is one of the big things that
we must face and any light on the sub
ject is worth while.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
H7gginson and the
Boston Symphony

WHEN Dr.. Karl Muck who had
wv been for many years con-
ductor of the Boston Symphony, first
aroused loyal people to indignation by
what seemed a pro-German tendency,
Col. Fl. L. Higginson, wealthy banker
and philanthropist and the founder
and financial hacker Of the orchestra,
generally considered the finest in
America, resented the attitude of
Muck's critics. Colonel Higginson, al
though now an octogenarian, is still
active in business and music circles.
No citizen of Boston had been held
In more affectionate esteem. Of course
no one questioned the sincerity of his
Americanism. He was typical New
Englander-a patriot of the patriots.
But his defense of DR.. Muck in the
circumstances became irritating. He
Hflared up" the public "flared up"
and everybody grew petulant over
the situation.
It turns out that Muck was an ag-
gressive German propagandist- He
was in collision with the enemies of
america and was liberal contributor
to the propaganda fund. He is now
fnterned; is where he should have been
at the very start Of the agitation
He rendered his resignation when the
first rumblings were heard, but Col
onel Higginson would not accept it.
And that was one of the colonel's
worst mistakes.
Muck is not the only great conduc-
tor, although Colonel Higginson
seemed to think so. Had the con-
ductorship been declared vacant, the
orchestra could have been kept intact
~ filling out the season with guest
conductors, just as the continuity
of the Cincinnati orchestra has been
maintained, in spite of the fact that
it's erstwhile leader, DR.. Ernest Kun
wald, is interned.
A little sane action would have
saved the Boston situation. AS it is
Boston is without a symphony or
chestra. The organization that Hig-
ginson had built up is thing of the
past. Disorganization naturally fol-
lowed the Muck turmoil and if public
spirited citizens attempt to reorgan-
ize the orchestra after the war is
over it will take a long time to get
it prominently before the musical
world. Colonel Higginson will spend
the remainder of his days embittered
and forlorn. Moral: A benefactor, no
matter how much he may have done
for the cultural upbuilding of his COM
munity, has his limitations when he
opposes himself to the patriotic senti-
ment of his friends and neighbors.
* X X
Germany is Paying
Price of Her Crimes
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
Ostrich and Alligator Homes

'sBuilding houses for blooming os-
triches and bathing pools for bally ALI
gators is no cinch job" said Hugh Hill
yesterday. when I contracted to build
summer quarters for ], A. Anderson's
ostrich and alligator farm, which will be
on exhibition at East Lake this summer,
I didn't realize what I was getting into
he continued. IF I had, probably the
alligators and ostriches would be home
less when they reach Birmingham.
after I had agreed to construct bun
galows, acquariums and the like for this
attraction, Mr.. Anderson sent me plans
and Specifications for construction of the
same. Then the work was started and
there's no telling when it will end, for
there is herd Of 20 ostriches and over
200 head of alligators in the lot, and
each ostrich and alligator has to be
taken care of.
II never knew before that ostriches
and alligators were such temperamental
cusses. They have to have their living
quarters just so, according to Mr.. Ander-
son, and in my attempt to make them
lust so, I have had a crew Of men busy
for two weeks and we are not yet ready
10 welcome these strangers to our city.
Concrete pools by the bushel have
been built and more are being construct
ed. The pens for the ostriches are about
complete and that section gives good
imitation of the stockyards in Chicago
when it comes to looks That ostrich
and alligator farm is going to be a whole
show within ITSELF but you can bet Ill
never take it upon myself to build domi-
Giles that haven't even been introduced
to again"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
BRIBERY.

i've come to read your gas meter"
"All right. Er-just moment"
when you come back from the base
ment I'll give you drink Of good
whisky. DO you-er-get me?'
Sure I think I can save you a little
on this months BILL"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
= =
Intensive Work for
War Savings Needed

w dI Savings NdEucQ
IWI\THILE Alabama has made prog
Wv ress i'll its War Savings Stamp
campaign, intensive work is needed
from this time on to the end of the
year. Jefferson and several other
counties have been thoroughly organ
lied, but if Alabama is to reach the
forty-eight million-dollar goal every
rural school district must get ready
for campaign drive.
The War Stamp plan is simple and
its appeal to children should be popu-
lar. 1t will prove effective if the
thrift idea is stressed as it should be.
Children, and adults, too, have been
in the habit of spending nickels and
dimes for trifles. Money wasted in
small sums totals a great volume in
the course of the year. No time is
a time for waste, much less now.
Every penny saved and lent to the
government will help win the war.
Let every man, woman and child have
this impressed on the mind and good
results will follow.
y * 4
General Foch's textbooks on military
strategy were highly regarded in Ger
many before the war The Teutons have
no reason to think any the less of them
now.
We are advised to give until 1t hurts. -
However, that won't get much out of
the sort of people who feel an acute pain
every time they part with nickel
y y 4.
After fellow has served a few months
on a submarine he should find no diff
ficulty in sharing Pullman lavatory
with eigh or nine other men.
* 81 *
Baron Rhondda thinks the cry for
bread is driving Won Hindenburg's
troops. Quite a come-down. They set
out to conquer the world.
\. * X
A baby carriage is rarely seen in the
business district of Birmingham Still,
there is no sharp decrease in Birming-
hams birth rate.
lea named ''Potsdam." 1t is safe to as
sumo that they will not bear that name
much longer.
Before Senator Stone was buried the
politicians began to wrangle over his sue
cessor. That's the way with politics and
politicians.
Our troops in France are scrambling
for decorations as if they thought the
supply wouldn't last until the war is
over.
At any rate, Count Czernin is now in
position where question of veracity
will no longer cause him to lose any
sleep.
The dryness of many Texas towns. is
now constructively the dryness Of Sa-
hara, but the gentlemen bootleggers are
ready for business
y & X
Emperor Charles has made, due apollo
gies to Kaiser Bill, but Kaiser Bill will
probably continue to do some hard think
ing.
A great deal of the money that summer
hotel proprietors used to get will go into
Liberty Bonds this year.
* * *
Wilson is the only English word
great many Frenchmen know. It's a
good word to start on.
* ). s.
All the poets in the country, it seems,
are trying to provide us with new
national anthem.
* + 4
Secretary McAdoo's script and his
justly famous first are becoming familiar
to move patrons.
X * *
ora vnf
ouainted with Cen "Stonewall" Haig.
THE AERIAL PAUL REVERE
Minna Irving in the New York Herald.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
THE SUPERIOR TEUToN.

I've wandered far and wide,'' said one
Who'd knocked about the world
I've stood and watched the midnight
sun,
I've seen the bolo hurled.
I've tracked the jungle's poisoned maze,
And lived in tropic lands;
I've climbed the snow-ciad peaks which
raise
Their crests by distant strands.
I've fought the tiger in his lair
And slain the cobra, too;
I've had with races dark and fair
Adventures not a few,
But never have l CHANGED to meet
On any land or sea,
That man or clan who could compete
With Hun atrocity.'
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
LOCKING BACKWARD.


II do net mind the filings of fate,"
Said one whose crown was bare;
But. sooth, twas hard at twenty-eight
70 Fart with all my hair
Birmingham Age-Herald.
It's hard to part with lots Of hair.
But worse things can befal1;
II drives US almost to despair
TO part with none at all.
Youngstown Telegram.
You're asking us why one McPhee
Is gay and debonair;
If you will lamp his dome, you'll see
Therell be no parting there.
Houston Post.
Sometimes the parting brings no pain.
Blu. only joy instead;
For loss is oft considered gain
When ere is domed in red
Akron Evening Times.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
MAY BE TEMPORARY.

'The Calder girls feel that they are
called on to uplift humanity"
well! Welt"
Each one says. I have work to do =
do you suppose that is fixed deter
mination, or is merely the result Of see-
ing too many Pre- blem plays?'
PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
member of the Associated Press

Member of the Associated Press
The Age-Herald is the only morning
and Sunday newspaper in Birmingham
carrying the Associated Press dis
patches
The Associated Press is exclusively
entitled to the use for publication
of all news dispatches credited to it
or not otherwise credited in this paper
and also the local news published
herein
All rights of republication of spe-
cial dispatches herein are also re-
served
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
A BLIGHTED LIFE.

"who is your doleful friend?"
Hes the inventor of patent cork
screw"
"well~'
"He stood a good chance to make a
fortune out of it, but prohibition killed
his hopes.'
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

Washington bureau. 2O7 Hibbs build
ing.
European bureau. Henrietta street
Covent Garden, London.
Eastern business office, Room As to
60, inclusive, Tribune building, New
York city; western business office,
Tribune building, Chicago. The S. C.
Beckwith Special Agency, agents for
foreign advertising.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
After AIabama's Goats

st came to the Southern Sociological
in the questions it is trying to solve
said DR.. r. E. Jones of Stuttgart, Ark.
land by the way, there is talk Of giving
my home town new name
Laugh, if you please, but I had an
other reason for visiting Alabama. I am
on the hunt for goats. 1 have got il
into my head that they are going to
prove mighty fine crop. If anyone has
any for sale, I hope they will get in
touch with me. 1 don't want to get
anyone's goat, but I do want to buy a
lot Of them"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17
HAS HIS HANDS FLU.

HAS HIS HANDS FULL
who is the old gentleman"
That's famous photographer"
"Ah: He edits dictionaries"
Yes Just now he's trying to keep
up with all the new war words. That
explains lis haunted look"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-04-17

From the Atlanta Journal.
The French not. only enforce their
rule, th1y shall not pass. but they also
ieays don 6ead II their trAckA