davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger. O A SPECIAL war Investigating
 committee of the House, at
 Washington, General March has presented reports which seem clearly to establish the fact that monstrous cruelties have been perpetrated upon soldier prisoners in Paris by a lieu tenant now confined at Governors Is- land and by his aides
 It is difficult to account for such bar barities on any other theory than that this officer, who was chiefly responsible for them, was Irresponsible mentally; for in a report made by Lieutenant Colonel Wainwright, division inspector, and Lieutenant Colonel J. Leslie Kin caid, judge advocate. bearing Major General O'Ryans indorsement it is said that the soldiers who have been the victims of the infamous regime have made statements that indicate condition rivaling that of Siberian prison camps and much worse than con- ditions which existed in German pris- oner-of-war cages" IL appears that in most eases the offense committed was that of being technically guilty of "Ab- sence Without Leave" The mainten- ance of discipline and the upkeep of morale could under no circumstances have required such unmitigated sever ity as that which has produced the in stances cited in the reports.
 Anybody who knows a soldier knows the possibilities of torment there are even in acts which display no physical cruelty. Articles of great sentimental value" were footed from helpless men, such as the photograph of sweet heart, the mothers picture or a crucifix. Nearly every man wore over his heart the picture of near and dear ones. He would fight for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
LUKE M,LUKE SAYS,

When a mans conscience troubles him, he is more than likely to blame it on something he ate And the man who thinks that he is a law unto himself always respects
 the law. It takes a man who has never had one to tell you how to manage wife successfully. When a girl announces her engage ment the other girls in the neighbor- hood can tell you that some men have
 mighty poor taste No matter who man is, you should treat him politely. The time may come when you will want to borrow money from him.
 1 Any spinster can tell you that the | fact that she is an old maid iseno sign | that she wasn't asked" often enough | Though he does nothing but lie around and /yawn 40 times an hour 1 many a man does his hardest day work on Sunday. l A whole lot of married copules are as perfectly mated as 12 collar and
 16 shirt.
 | A wise wife does no insist on having | her own way. She merely has 1t anc ! lets it go at that. II iidhes q iidii lHau lo new ~ ~Ai 1 on his wife when he is going to take her to a show. But he doesn't care how l long it takes her to get ready if he is going to take her to church. i Fat folks are usually good-natured unless you happen to be married te one of | lem. A small boy feels miserable when he is dressed up as small girl does fl she isn't dressed up. If girl believes all that you tell her the betting is that sha is under 10
 years of age.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
TONIGHTS MASS MEETING

THE people of Birmingham will tonight have opportunity
 to demonstrate their attitude toward the dscrim natory taxes proposed at Montgomery which much for the welfare of this district There should be large and representative attendance at Capitol park o'clock.
 Not in has anything been proposed which is vital to Birmingham the special tax the products of the states mines It unfair burden upon the basic industry of this district the industry which directly indirectly church. business and individual depends for support Laborer and capitalist everyone alike affected all should show their interest by taking part tonghts meeting
 gratifying to note the spirit which shown in Jefferson and adjoining counties during the past few days m dvduas are protesting organized bodies expressing their disapprova and men and in all walks life showing that they appreciate the necessity and importance doing In their power to prevent such deliberate injustice.
 Such efforts should continue be no letup until the legislature at Montgomery becomes that unfair
 methods of taxation will be reflection upon themselves well as upon the entire state.
 Tonghs meeting opportunity for all to ex press their opinion about discrimination against the Brmng ham district
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
|. %e #
I4 Shocking Conditions Found s.%
 In Army Prison Camps

-E7N HE mistreatment of American J soldiers in France has created a wave of indignation throughout America. Ugly stories have been in Shrculation for sometime. They have Been told by returning soldiers who We're themselves the victims, or wit messed outrages committed on others, but new evidence has been brought out by the congressional committee Investigating disciplinary measures in the American army abroad.
 No one of ordinary intelligence will attempt to deny that there were all kinds of men in the army and doubt less some of them were hard to con- q trol. but it is an unjust reflection on the splendid manhood we sent to fight z in. France, to say that large percent aage of them were ruffians, with crimi- nal instincts.
 ,o; To make matters worse, most ot qhe prisoners who were kicked and Starved were charged with petty of- lenses. A considerable proportion of them were absent without leave" " Sergt. Clarence E. Ball testified be- fore the committee that he and other nsergeants had been ordered by Lieut.. xeHardboiled" Smith to beat scores of prisoners. He could not remember how many. Some of these men, the sergeant said, had just been released from hospitals. Superior officers were frequently present when brutalities .owere inflicted.
 tsr Another witness, former prisoner, stated that soldiers were handcuffed, chained to walls and beaten into in- feasibility by sergeants with black jacks. For merely trying to steal something to eat, it is alleged that a yhungry negro soldier was beaten until Unconscious, put into solitary confine- .ment, had his hair burned off his head and was flogged on the soles of ,his feet with sticks to make him tell .the names of his supposed accom- splices.
 Although they may have committed such atrocities themselves. sergeants and heutenants were not entirely to blame. Men higher up were either guilty of fiendish barbarity or culpa- ble neglect. They should be pun ished, regardless of rank. They should not be permitted to make subordinates their scapegoats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Lesson of the Race
 Riots in the North

~ HICAGO has a large negro popu- W lation and clashes there be- tween whites and blacks have oc- cured from time to time, but the riots this week have far exceeded in extent and blood shed any that had preceded. The number of deaths will probably reach upwards of thirty.
 The recent rioting in Washington, D. C., required strong military force to restore order. The death list was appalling.
 During the last five years negroes have been going from the south to northern. cities in large numbers. There was an exodus from Alabama two years ago and the migration from the Birmingham district this summer has been at the rate, it is said. of one hundred day.
 The lesson of the riots is plain. The northern people do not understand the negro and the negro, misguided by some of their leaders, try to push themselves on white people. The same negroes who had behaved we'll in their isouthern homes lose self-restraint, when race agitation starts in the north. The negroes are sure to get the worst of it. After the riots are quelled bitter feeling against the blacks remains.
 In the south, especially in Alabama,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
THE BALANCE SHEET
From the New York Tribune. On the debit side

From the New York Tribune. On the debit side
 Killed, 7o,oOo,ooO
 Crippled, 20,O0o,0o0.
 Homes destroyed, 100000. Money lost, s12ooOo.oOo. eco. Anarchic conditions over one-half of Europe and with difficulty kept out of the remainder
 A social quackery which plies it's trade among peoples confused by losses that are reparable only by industry and thrift.
 On the credit side: A demonstration that liberty is so prized that to save it no sacrifice is too great.
 New proof that man is moral bein. and reacts to moral ideals.
 A greater sense of fraternity among brothers of the soul who fought to. gether.
 A chance that the lessons of the wa. will so sink in that hereafter gigantic evil would be stopped before it gets afoot.
 A generation capable Uf performing the prodigies marking this one may claim it is master of it's fate, and foresee, not far distant, the day when the mark of the beast will be gone, but forever res maining. the glorious memory that ho was successfully resisted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
BRIEF COMMENT

Pittsburg Dispatch: Lloyd-George has once more dealt firmly with labor by giving it what it demanded.
 New York Herald: Does the war de- How Dry I Am!' for the returning sol diers because the sentiment is immoral or because it might suggest that there was relief to be had in New York?
 Cincinnati Enquirer: It is said that the former Kaiser may be tried at Monte Carlo If he is the sentence of the court should be that he be made to sit in a game until the crouplers have raked in the last pfennig of his Hohenzollern hoardings.
 Hartford Times: Don't blame Marshal AFoch because he got into sort of Hob- son kissing encounter with the ladies of London. And don't blame the ladies too much.
 Boston Transcript: What do care for the public?" asks a union leader, address ing the Providence striking car men Nothing whatsoever, sir; absolutely noth ing. Why should anybody care for the helpless old public, since it seems to be quite without any means of caring foI itself?
 Cleveland Plean Dealer: Alabama anc France have both reported unfavorably on women's suffrage, but not for the same reason.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31

that picture as he would fight for his life; it was his inspiration. 1t kept him going, and it renewed his courage to face the foe. To yield to his Ameri- can custodian what he never would have given the Hun was the last re- finement of anguish, especially when the picture was ridiculed with vile lan- guage and never returned
 But as far as physical torment was concerned. the instances are multiplied. We find sergeant named, who seems to have been the right-hand man of the commanding officer in the shocking misdeeds narrated. He hi. prisoners in the face on alleged provocation. he kicked them in the ribs, he struck them repeatedly with his fists or a black jack The explanation given was that he and his ruffianly mates had orders to treat 'em rough" Many of those who suffered were men who had behind them heros record and were held n durance vile for some petty reason They were on their way back to ti.e welcomes and rewards of a grateful country. It IS one of the tragic ironies of fate that they should be held up, en route, by the sort of abomination de- scribed in General Marchs testimony
 The country will insist on condign punishment for those guilty. As a mat ter of fact, no punishment that can be meted out will fit the crime. There is no atonement that can be imposed upon the offenders that will compensate for the misery and the anguish they have inflicted That no effort to hush up the scandal or to evade the consequ- ences is to be permitted will be ap- proved by all. And the least that can of justice fall inexorably upon the be done Is to let the two-handed sword guilty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
STEEL STRIKE UNLIKELY

From the Wall Street Journal.
 Judge E. H. Gary, chairman of the Steel Corporation, in response to the question: "Eo you think that the move ment now unoer way to unionize the employees of the United States Steel Corporation and to bring about a gen eral strike. will meet with success, said:
 q do not, for the reason that the employees have received and will con- tinue to receive better treatment and better conditions of employment from the Steel Corporation under its princi ples and policies pertaining to labor than they could expect through the efforts of labor unions. The vast ma jority of workmen are not members oi labor unions.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
RARE BEN JOHNSON

From the Chicago Tribune.
 Once upon time, so twas said, Ben
 Johnson was going down Fleet street; 1;
 it was as it still Is. a narrow walk Coming against him was rather
 brusque and unfriendly parsonage, who stood stock still right .forninst" Ben, and who said, "Sir I never get out of the way of scoundrel." Ben as usual had few horns under his belt, gave his opponent a look of fury, and re- piled sir, that is just the difference 'twixt you and me, for I always do"-- and at once Ben walked round the querulous one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
An Attractive City

Birmingham is a much more attrac- tive city than I had expected to find It is in fact revelation said John l. Edwins of Cincinnati.
 I had heard a great deal about Bir- mingham of course, and especially oi its rapid growth, but had no idea that 1t was so well built up in the business district. It is handsome city through out. and its residence sections are ot surprising beauty.
 Birmingham seems to be griwing fast The streets are full of hustle and the next census will. doubtless put the city in the 250oo0 class"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
SOUTHERN PRESS

Atlanta Journal: Where is the old fashioned village sport who cracked a Der bottle over the wheel of his buggy?
 Augusta Chronicle: Some of the non progressive people of Alabama seem to think the best outdoor sport consists of destroying dipping vats and giving the ticks a chance. The governor of Ala bama is after them, tooth and nail. May the governor win over the ticks!
 Memphis Commercial Appeal: We'll. that Washington race riot cannot be set down as another southern outrage" It hap pened out of our zone.
 Knoxville Journal Hungary is left her wheat and mineral water only under the treaty." says Count Karolyi. Count. permit us to address you as-"brother."
 Nashville Banner: It seems far cry
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
Value of Play


 T am leaving for visit to Athens, Ala.," said John D. Strange, 'but will De away only short while. My wife's people live in Limestone county and it's Tor the purpose of visiting among them that am putting aside my practice. l am sure that it pays for those who do either brain work or physical work to rest for awhile. The new idea of play IS becoming more and more popular even among those who in the old days, would have secuted at it's value. When we think of play, we usually associate it with children, but now grown-ups are finding that there is virtue in it. We speal of California and Florida as the fairgrounds of America, which means that they are attracting tourists"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Engineers Growing

'The American association of engin- eers has grow from a membership of 1900 about six months ago to 1000 and has been increasing at the rate of more than 1000 new members month," said Ray Dunlap. "The organization was formed in 1915 and is carrying on a good work for engineers. It has good social and fraternal features. The Bir- mingham chapter is only beginning but I believe it will accomplish a great work. There is much interest in the local chapter"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Cripple Coal Industry

T feel that it is the duty of every citizen in this part of the Birming ham district to do his part to prevent such unfairness and. injustices," said W. V. Trammel president of the Asso- ciated Retail Credit Men. when speak ing of the proposed tonnage tax.
 We all know that if the coal indus try is crippled in this part of the state that every other industry and busi- cidedly unfair that this district should be saddled with more than a 1000, 00C in the form of taxes, when we are now paying at least 25 per cent of the total taxes of the state"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Opportunity Here For Truckers

There are some people who do not realize the opportunities in and around Birmingham for truckers" said Key Milner. "Few have any idea what fine fruit can be grown on the slopes and crest of Red and Shades mountains. A man living on the mountain towards Irondale came in Saturday with a SLY in cash. He sold peaches, apples grapes, and some vegetables. His grapes netted him S2 a basket"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Alabama in Farming and
 Mineral Development


 ZINE of the boasts of Alabama is " it's diversity of interests sits natural resources in raw material and it's progress in agriculture.
 The mineral wealth in the section known as the Birmingham district, has resulted in wonderful develop ment hereabouts, making this not only a great industrial center, but our development of far-reaching benefit of the eRtire state.
 A state that depends entirely upon farming for its wealth may bring
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31

'AAS AASSAoSo, dS EuIe, are well De- haved. Many of them have prospered as farmers and as wage earners in the cities. They are becoming more and more sef-respecting and all those striving to better their worldly con dition have helping hand from our most prominent white citizens.
 In recent years negroes who have left Alabama with the intention of settling in the north have been sorely disappointed and many have returned. If the law-abiding and industrious negro cannot get along in Alabama he cannot prosper, live contented and feel secure anywhere. x # + l With sensational murder mystery cleared up and race war going on, Chi cago hasn't had so much excitement since reformers started into "clean up'' the tenderloin districts. T # # l The Chicago Herald and Examiner dis cusses 'Japan's Right to Steal" It's timely topic, much in the public prints, but is the language in this case dip- lomatic?
 Inc Dyiv NF 1 ing visit, may be addressed as Sir" | but American admirers should not slap him on the back unless the prince s1aps them first.
 "Hardhoiled" Smith may be able to pass the game on to somebody higher up, but even then it won't be safe for him to do much travelling around in America.
 | While it may be true that Can ada is only nights journey from New York in an airplane, it is con siderably farther than that from arid Alabama
 1 A contemporary wonders how burlesoue shows can be made to pay with the bathing beaches in operation. It is un- kind to thus ignore the burlesoue com- edan.
 Alas for those who sit in the seats of the mighty! A critic of Secretary Baker points the finger of scorn at him for sucking a pipe.' In an era of blimps and airplanes. it is still possible to die an old-fashioned death. A Jasper man was killed by fal- ing off wagon
 # # *
 The world having been made more or less safe for Dame Fashion, the Paris midinette is back on the job
 # < H' Chicago Italians temporarily ceased waging vendettas and turned their sawed off shotguns on the colored brother.
 A: + #
 There are plenty of experts to interpret interpretations of the peace treaty with iGermany.
 # x #
 Beia Runs public career was brief and full of trouble. but maybe he found time to feather his nest. $: < # hiddle-aged people may never live to see ham and eggs" restored to it's for n,er plebian status.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
THE sHANrUNG CRAB

From the Boston Transcript
 Of course, a good many soldiers will bring home souvenirs secured feom the war zone, but it remained for thrifty Japan to show the most enterprise along this line by gathering up valuable pieces of China.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
Memorial Campaign
 Makes Slow Progress

T7T HE Alabama memorial campaign
 0 for raising funds to erect a suitable building at Montgomery com memorating the valor of our soldiers, is still dragging, but it will not end until the goal is reached.
 Considering the merits of the cause and the sentiment prompting Ala bamians to patriotic action, the amount sought should have been raised in a weeks time.
 While several counties have gone over the top, the majority of them are still very much behind.
 It is evident that more organization lis organization that will arouse the people in every section of the state. If large contributions on an average were expected from indi- viduals there might be no surprise at the failure of ready response; but few persons are so poor that they cannot give something, and a little gift from people of moderate means
 would bring the total up to a great sum.
 With widespread and energetic drive the campaign will be brought soon to a successful close.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
ANOTHER PROBLEM

From the Louisville Courier Journal.
 How are poor but honest queens of burlesaue to earn living when the historic leg show has been put in eclipse by the up-to-date bathing suit?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
DROPS SWORD FOR SAW

From the Hiawatha, Kan. World.
 The glory of war has faded for Major Herman. He is working every day as a carpenter just as if he had never been in France in charge of millions of dol lars worth of supplies for soldiers. Some man is Major Herman
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31

BEGINNING THE DAY-O God, what thing is this I carry about with me---this spark of Thyself htd- den away in my soul! What depth of pain and height of joy may be mine! All turmoil and all peace are within me; all degredation and all hoiiness.-H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
ADRIF'T WITH THE TIMES
A MINOR MATTER.

 haven't anything against Jobbles- Don't misunderstood me, I beg; haven't anything against Job bles. But he will eat Spinach and egg.
 -Age-Hera1d. Nor have I anything against Poger. Nor kick to hang up on peg; He's a dandy good sort of a codger, But he will eat sorghum on egg.
 -F. A. S. KNOWS SHE'S SYMMETRICAL. ''The bathing suit that girl has on is scandalous'
 "A mere apology for bathing suit.' "Yes. but judging from her air of complacency, she doesn't feel the least bit apologetic'
 THEY ONLY FIGHT WHEN HE'S
 HOME Whats the trouble next-door% "Oh. the Blitherbys are having anoth- re quarrel"
 My! It must be a continuous per- formance with that couple" You forget that Mr. Blitherby is a travelling man"
 IMPRESSIVE YOUNGSTER. 'Is your boy adapting himself to home life, now that he's out of the army?"
 "oh, yes" replied old MT Cob bbles Henry don't seem able to get enough of mothers cookin, but he kinder overawes me sometimes Flows that?"
 well, Henry was a lieutenant, you know. When we're aA sittin' around tn table an he tells us what he said 10 Haig, an what he said to Foch an how friendly he was with Pershing, I get so plum interested I drop my knife an can't eat.''
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
.EvENruALLx. WHY NOT Nowr

From the Augusta Chronicle.
 The Alabama senate refused to ratif, the suffrage amendment. Alabama may well take her medicine now as later. They can save time. trouble, and more or less shaming by walking up to the rack and eating at the first table
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
AosIk1nM nMlAaeliH
HELPED SOME. ANYHOW

From the Nashville Banner.
 Even though England did win the war, as General Haig puts it. the English peo- pie are showing by their attentions to General Pershing that he was none the less very valuable sort of chap to have had around while the winning was go- ig. on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31

from Charlie Chaplin's slap stick ab- surdities to the good old days when The Lady of Lyons held it's audiences spell- bound for hours. Yet these were glorious times in way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-31
LOOKING BACKWARD

In the days of long ago
 Pork and beans were simple fare. 4nen came war and millions died,
 Nations crumbled in despair. Great upheavals have been seen. Measured on a mighty scale; He who dwells on such events
 Doth unfold a stirring tale. Some say we have travelled far
 Without getting anywhere, Since that bygone era when
 Pork and beans were simple fare.