davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
Washington's Peculiar Fitness.

1t is the conclusion almost unani-
nous among historians that George
Washington was the only man Smong
the Fathers of the Republic fitted
mentally and temperamentally to car
ry the revolution to victory. The tre-
mendous burden not only of creating
and organizing an army from raw and
undisciplined volunteers in the face
of a strong enemy, but also of Or
ganizing the patriotism of the country
through voluminouS correspondence
with the governors and leading men
of the colonies and of maintaining
both organizations through weary
years of military disasters, political
chickering's and petty jealousies, would
have crumpled the back of any other
man the revolution produced. He Had
to be at one and the same time gem
eral, diplomat and statesman.
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22

ng ridge he turned into road leading
70 the residence of a gentleman named
Harrington, a patriot himself, but
whose family were all bitter enemies
Of the Revolution.
Lieutenant Travers had been noti-
ned by Isabel Harrington, to, whom he
was betrothed, that her father would
De away from home that day and asked
him to come to see her. She was
waiting for him and seiRg him ap-
proach signaled him that he might
come TO the house without risk. Ty-
ing his horse to hitching post at the
gate, he went up the walk.
81 asked you to come today" said
the lady, 'first, because father is
away, secondly because I wish to aid
the kings cause through YOU"
st hope you are not going to enlist
me for a spy,' said the. young man.
Il am ready to serve my king as a
soldier, but spying is not to my taste. y
$50 you said in your letter when
suggested your. coming. Well. we will
least enjoy your visit"
''Is your father expected to return
soon?" asked the young man.
II don't know; why do you aSk?"
"It would have been impossible for
me to come from New York to your
house so near Washington's headquar-
ters in uniform without meeting rebel
troops. You see I am in citizens
dress. If captured clothed as / am,
would be condemned and hung as a
spy"
The girl shuddered,
A moment later from her seat be-
side window she espied her father
and man whom she recOgnized9 as
General Washington dismounting from
their horses in front of the gate.
'.Heavens!" she exclaimed. "You
are lost!''
Travers saw what she had seen.
She begged him to permit her to hide
him but he would not.
'sI am not spy" he said; ''if were
found in hiding it would go hard with
me. 1t is bad enough as it is without
making it worse. Besides, my horse
has given me away. They know that
some one is within. Should / take to
flight, if caught 1 would surely be
considered spy"
At this moment Mr.. Harrington and
General Washington started for the
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
CHOICE OF BUT TEN STATES.

New York state had no part in the election OF
the first president Of the United States. For some
years following the establishment of the federal
government the legislatures of most of the states
chose the presidential electors, the people voting
for them only Indirectly, their choice being ex-
pressed by their votes for legislators. deadlock
between the senate and the assembly prevented
the selection of electors from New York state.
Rhode Island and North Carolina had not yet
ratified the Constitution so Washington was
elected the first time by the votes of only ten Of
the 13 states.
New York city was the scene OF the first inaugu-
ration, however. Washington took the oath on
the portico of Federal hail. on the present site Of
the subtreasury, at Wall and Nassau streets, April
3d. 1889. Immediately following this ceremony he
retired within the building and delivered ad-
dress to congress, which met in Federal hall in
those days. John Adams, the second president,
also addressed congress in person, but Jefferson
broke the custom which President Wilson has re-
vived. Jefferson stigmatzed that form of address
monarchica and put his message in writing
New York Sun.
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
BUILT FROM HIS OWN PLANS.

AT the late date of 1927 wish expressed by
George Washington in his will was obeyed. He
had called attention to his selection of spot for
a tomb for himself and family and those Of
the family already buried in the old vault. The
old tomb disadvantageously situated on the
side Of hill which subject to landslides.
For the new vault he specified not only the spot,
but also dimensions and materials, According ia
these, his own plans, a tomb was built and his
and Mrs. WashingtOn's bodies were transferred
to it, along with the remains in the old vault OF
other members of the family The latter were
buried within the vault, out of sight, while the
bodies of General and Mrs. Washington are in
stone coffins above the ground, within plain view
between a grated iron doorway
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
INAUGURATION HAD TO WAIT
Why George Washington Was Not
Formally Made President Until
April 80, in 1889.

Although March is the date set by
law for the ceremony of the Inaugural
ton of our presidents, there was one
occasion when the rule was not OBJ
served, for George Washington was in.
augurated on April 80, 1889, instead OF
March 4.
When the Constitution had been
ratified by the requisite number of
states the Continental congress by
resolution of September 13, 1888, set
the first Wednesday of the following
March (March y, 1881 as the "time
for commencing proceedings" under
the new form of government.
Owing to delays of various kinds,
such as difficulties of travel, etc., mem
bers of the first congress- wereA very
slow to assemble in New York, and a
quorum of both houses was not OBJ
tanned until April 6. The counting Of
the electoral vote, the notification of
Washington of his election to his high
Office, and his journey from Mount
Vernon to New York took until April
%, and his inauguration was set for
April 30.
His term Of office was, however, con-
strued as having commenced on March
4, the date set by the Continental con-
gress for the Inauguration of the new
government, and so it came to an end
on March 4, 1893, although it lacked
nearly two months of the four years
provided for by the Constitution
New York Times.
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22

end as an exposure. He chose dig
nified, manly course.
General" he said, ''to sail under
false colors is not to my taste. I am
a lieutenant In. the kings army. I
came here in obedience to Miss Har-
rington's invitation to visit her."
"Are you aware, sir, that to be found
SO near our army in citizens dress in
dicates that you are looking for in
formatiOnY'
81 am aware, General, that,I am in
a position to be considered a spy, but
I am simply visitor at the house of
Mr.. Harrington. If my word is not suf-
ficient, may be searched"
eff information concerning our
forces were found on you, sir, it would
such information were not found on
you, that would not exonerate you"
The matter was embarrassing for
the general Travers had been caught
in Mr.. Harrington's house, visitor to
Miss Harrington, whose father was a
patriot, friend of WashingtOn's, and
aiding in every way within his power
the cause of the colonies.
"Give me your word of honor, sir,
not to leave this place." said the gen.
eral. 81 will withdraw to another
room with Mr.. Harrington and when
return will announce my intentions
in regard to yOu."
"Do not consider me or my daughter
in this matter, general" interposed
Mr.. Harrington.
"In that case," said the general, 81
consider it my duty to send for de-
tachment to take your guest into GUS
tody."
At this Isabel broke down. Drop
ping on her knees before the general
she begged him to permit her lover
to depart Washington's heart was
touched by her appeal, but this did not
prevent his doing his duty.
"Have you any proof" he asked,
"that this gentleman is not here for
military information?"
II will confess. I have been collect
ing information of your forces and
wrote Lieutenant Travers to come for
it. He replied"
Travers' letter declining to make a
spy Of himself occurred to her; she
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22

house. When they entered Isabel in
troduced Lieutenant Travers as Mr..
Archibald. Her father looked at the
visitor suspiciously; he did not re-
member to have seen him there before.
"His excellency," said Harrington,
"and l are here for conference. We
will go into my den for the purpose. y
Then in a different tone, 'But Isabel,
what is the matter with you?"
The girl was so frightened that she
trembled. Washington, who suspected
from the visitors refined appearance
faat he was Tory, if not British
officer. said to him:
"Men of your age, sir, are needed
in our army"
Trayers saw that Isabel's want of
self-control had started what would
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
PERPLExITY.

"YOu used to promise anything that might
please the voters fancy"
EYES," observed Senator Sorghum. "I don't try
that any more Voters are getting so notionate
you can't even tell what kind of promise is 60
ing to suit their fancy"
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
Document Has Been
Restored and Now Rests
in Courthouse Where 1t
Was Filed for Probate in
l000-

S THE anniversary of the Dirth OIL
George Washington comes again anu
the whole nation pauses to pay d
tribute of respect to the memory OF
the greatest figure of American his
tory, the realization is forced nome
that Washington lives in the hearts
of the people so vividly because OF
his intensely human traits.
The American public Of today does
not worship a remote legendary hero,
whose glories gather luster through
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
REALISTIC.

"You have realistic picture to advertise your
breakfast fool"
almost too realistic. goat came along and
ate right off the billboard louisville Cour-
ierJournal.
The Benson signal., 1919-02-22

took it from the bosom of her dress
and handed it to him.
Washington read the letter, then
calling for pencil wrote on its back !:
''Pass the bearer to the British
lines.
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
'sGenI in Chief
Copyright, 1918, Western Newspaper Union.l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
Foreign Exchange
By Associa,sd Pres,

Y
 New York, March 22.--Trading in for eign exchange today, while nominal. was characterized by greater demoral- ization than at any period since the re- eSnt withdrawal of banking support by the various governments.
 The most unsett1ing measure was a further drop of 12c in sterling from 4eeh to 467 for demand and 4701a to 45S for cables. This establishes quota tons within a few points of the~lowest record during the war and is almost without precedent for score of years.
 Dealers in exchange stated that 1t was practically Impossible to obtain actual quotations for remittances to London, Paris and Rome. Italian ex- change was quoted at 7.35 against SAY early yesterday.
 The break in exchange to the princi- pay countries of the entente allies ere aptd some nervousness in rates to the neutral countries, particularly Holland. Switzerland, Spain and the Scandinay- ian nations. U
 London cables stated that transfer rates on dollar exchange had declined 10 s50 to the pound at that center. sterling made it's low price here after the receipt of this quotation.
 After the close of the market there were rallies of 7c in cables and demand bills on London e.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
Weekly Financial Review
By Associated Press

, New York, March 22-The para mount influence of the week in the ac- tive market for securities, was the re- vision of price schedules by steel and iron producers; acting in conjunction with the federal administrations
 In high financial quarters this is re- garded as an important step toward the restoration of activity in allied branches of industry. The downward revision is far less drastic than was apprehended and, according to general belief, allows of a liberal margin of profit
 In the stock market trading revolved itself largely into a battle between To- cal traders operating for a reaction, and considerable western element, which is credited with much of the bullish transactions of the past few weeks
 Extensive short covering marked the last few days of the week, United States Steel asserting its former supre- macy on heavy accumulation, no small part of which seemed to emanate from substantial interests.
 The one marked drawback to the general improvement was the further dulInes of rails and the lack of inquiry TOT DOnuS. III SupSldHCe lHo ih"ool- ment market showed no alteration from it's long sustained apathy.
 International elements were injected by the heavy decline in exchange on Paris and London, followed later by a severe break in Italian exchange. The stabilzing process which so long held these remittances has been withdrawn, creating free markets between this cen" ter and the capitals of the leading en- tentes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
STREAMS KILLED AND TORTURED BY
 THE BULGAR|ANS
Reign of Terror Designed to Exterminate the Serbs in Macedonia and Mora
 via Charged
By Associated Pres

Washington, March 22.-Extracts from reports of the international commission of inquiry which has been investigat- ing crimes and atrocities alleged to have been committed by the Bulsars upon the Serbian population during the war. were made public here today by the official information bureau of the king dom of Serbs, Greats and Slovenes.
 The reports charged a reign of terror designed to exterminate the Serbian peo- pie in the Macedonian and Moravia districts, was carried on by the Bulga- rians and thousands of civilians were tor tured and massacred.
 Official documents, the reports assert ed, prove conclusively that the Bulgarian authorities gave orders which were direct ly responsible for the commission of the crimes. A Bulgarian bishop defining the policy of the government, was quoted as saying, there must be but one mas ter in the Balkans; the Bulgarian peo- ple''
 Atrocity after atrocity is related in the reports. ItN was alleged that when the Bulgarians passed through villages all the influential residents and members of their families were put to death. as were old men and women, and even nursing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
Employment Service Will Operate on a
 50 Per Cent Basis
sy Associated Press

Washington, March 2.-John B. Dens- more, director geenral of the federal em- ploynent service, announced tonight that through state, city and private contri- buttons already pledged the employment service would be able to keep at least 50 per cent of it's present organization to- gether until the next Congress provides funds for q full force.
 But for this support, MT. Densmore said, the employment service today would have been reduced to less than 20 per cent and been forced to abandon much of it's work of placing soldiers, sailors and war workers.
 Nearly 25O officers, in addition to the 5s officers which the employment ser vice had arranged to continue will now be kept in operation. Telegrams pledging funds still are being received and of- ficials expect that it will be possible to keep many more offices going to supple ment the work of the 20oo emergency bu- reaus for returning soldiers and sailors and the activities of the employment ser vice in the demobilization camps and on the transports.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
MANY RESIDENTS
 OF CITY ARE NOW
 TAKING MER|TONE
New Medicine Gains Same Instant Success Here as Elsewhere-Man and
 Wife Helped

Although Meritone, the famous new system medicine, has now been on sale in Birmingham only few days, many local people have called at the Jacobs drug store at 1904 Second avenue and at the Norton drug store and have bought Meritone.
 In fact, the same instant heavy de- mand for Meritone has been created in Birmingham that came almost at once in Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville and scores of other cities where Meri- tone already has been introduced.
 Due Only to Merit
 This Is due to nothing else but the real merit of Meritone for the ills of the system, such as ailing conditions of tho stomach, liver or kidneys, catarrh and the like.
 Among the thousands of people in ,he state of Tennessee who are taking Neritone and who highly praise it are a,r. and Mrs. J. A. Keith of B Charlotte like, Nashville.
 Ny kidneys were out of order for 20 ears, and kept getting worse," MT Keith said I've taken one bottle of Meritone now and my kidneys are in be cir condition than I can ever re- meiAber.
 Unable to Eat
 My stomach was in bad condition also and could hardly eat anything. I can eat about anything now and am ready to say that Meritone has done me more good than all other medicines put tcge her.
 Ny wife Is taking Meritone also and she already says that 1t has done her more good than any other medicine she es CT took"
 .Ieritone is being specially intro d,sced in Birmingham at the Jacobs n% Q 1d at the Norton drug store. and can be obtained in Bessemer at the Pegram- 1atton Drug company. and in Ensley a theaBerney drug store-Adv.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
HOSTESS HOUSE CLOSED

Anniston, March 22.-(Speclal)-lhe ne hostess house at Camp Mcclellan served it's last meal Friday evening and closed it's doors until the time is to come for reopening of the institution uh- der the plan of the organization to oe determined with the transformation of the camp site from national army cantonnent to a permanent military or ganization.
 The hostess house is feature efof of the Young Woman's Christian asso- citation and during its terms of service at Camp Mcclellan has afforded un- usual enjoyment to hundreds of the so.- diers stationed here during the latter days of the cantonment activities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
NEWS OF AM7VLSTON
 AND CAMP MCCLELLAN

Anniston, March 22-(special.)- )-The of- ficial announcement that Camp Mcclellan is to be retained as one of the 10 main military establishments for the quarters and training of the regular army and as a temporary training site for thou sards of national guard troops from the southeastern department, has caused the widest interest among the people of An niston.
 It has long been known that the local camp would be used by the war depart ment as training center The announce ment a few weeks ago that the cantoh- ment was to be used as a storage cen ter for salvage materially only forecasted the permanency of the site as the home of both regular army and national guard units.
 The designation of the camp as a per manent post is a distinct victory for Con- gressman Fred l.. Blackmon, who has accomplished a wonderful work in land ing this plum for his district. The pop ular congressman is being showered with ccr gratulfations on every hand,
 1t is unofficially known at the camp that all of the above ground equipment is to be sold in the near future in order to clear the space and make room TOT the permanent structures to be built as quarters for the officers and men who are to make up the future population of the reservation. The established style adopted by the war department will prob ably be carried out a Camp Mcclellan Brick buildings for the homes of the of ficers will probably be constructed in a square, with a dormitory or barrack building of brick for the homes of the regulars will also probably be erected or the reservation.
 The present sewerage system is con- s!oered entirely adequate for population of 1000 or. 4O,000 men, and the base hos pital buildings will probably be replaced by permanent structures in the same To- cslity.
 The driveways and streets already lalc out for the use. .of the soldiers who have beer trained on the local reservation are of permanent character and have not been allowed to depreciate
 The assignment of Col. William c. Lit tlehrant to the post of camp commander, ordered during the last week., is believed to have been made in anticipation of the or der designating Mcclellan as per- manent post Colonel Littebrant has al- ready made several visits to Anniston sirce his arrival in the city and the new commanding officer has made many pleasant acquaintances in the city. He will be the guest of honor at the regular meeting of the Anniston Rotary club by the invitation of L. c. Watson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
Heintz in Charge of -... Chicago Headquarters
 Republican Committee
sy Assecrtsd rres

New York March 2.-William H. Hays chairman of the republican national com mittee. tonight announced the appoint ment of Capt Victor Heintz of Cincin- natl as head of the Chicago regional headquarters of the committee.
 Captain Heintz resigned his seat as congressman of the Second Ohio district to enter this service. He was assigned overseas soon after enlistment and served in France until after the armistice was signed. He was twice wounded in the Argonne forest fighting where his gal lantry won him the Distinguished Service cross.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
COLONEL FINN, RETURNS

Anniston, March 22.-(Specialo-Co, William H. Finn, who has been in Florida for the past two months, has returned to Anniston where he will remain for 8 few weeks.
 Colonel Finn reports that he secured the maximum of enjoyment from his stay in the land of flowers, but that he is glad to get back among his Alabama friends
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
GILL BUYS HORSES

Anniston, March 22.-(Special)-M. W. Gill, of Petersburg, Va, left for his home Saturday after spending several days her, in attendance upon the animal sale al Camp Mcclellan. Mr. Gill bought several carloads of horses and mules at the sale,
 which he is shipping to his stables III
 Petersburg. The Virginia stock dealer and Capt
 Meade M. Goodwin, now of the utilities department at the camp, are old frlends
 and were both, surprised to, meet up
 with each iother on the reservation dur
 ing the sale of surplus animals at the
 cantonment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
LANG RETURNS HOME

Anniston March 22.-tSpeciaIli-DuuIeF w Lang, of the Louisville and Nashville railroad office at Montgomery, has re- turned to his home in tn capital city aft CT short visit to his brother, Freu Lang, Camp Mcclellan agent for the Southern,
 The Montgomery man is one of the best known and popular young railroad men in the state, and has many frlends III Anniston, who are always interested ln his visits to the city. r.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
RAINROW MAN RETURNS

Anniston, March 22.-(Special.)-A mes sage has been received in Anniston this week to the effect that Ernest G. liar rell, who has been serving in France with the Rainbow division, has landed at Newport News, Va.
 Private Harrell will probably be sent to Camp Sheridan for discharge in the near future, after which he will return to Anniston to make his home. He was wounded in action last October.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
Pope Cables Benediction

New York, March 22.-Apostolic bene- dictlon from Pope Benedict was con tanned in a cablegram received today by the New York chapter of the Knights or Columbus ip response to message of thanks for appointment of Archbishop Hayes as head of the New York arch diocese The cablegram signed by Car
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-23
AUSTIN GOES TO BRAGG

Anniston, March 22.-(Special.)- )-The last issue of Trench and Camp, the soldier paper published at Camp Me Clellan under the auspices of the na- tional war work council will appear at the local camp next week, and with the appearance of the final issue Editor George F. Austin will be- transferred to Camp Bragg, N. C., where he will conduct similar pub blication.
 Editor Austin took charge of the Me Clellan paper last June, and during that time has had his fingerl exceptionally close o'the general pulse at the soldier city which is now being transformed from national army cantonment to permanent military post. Before enter ing the service of the Young Men's Christian association more than year ago MT. Austin served as judge of the juvenile court at Columbus, Ga, during which time he made an exceptional rec ord. Judge Austins Columbus court had the distinction of being the only institution of the south where q psyco- logical and behavior tests were admin istered to the delinquents coming un- der his Jurisdiction.