davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
THE MUSCLE SHOALS PROJECT

ENRY FORD made plain straightforward offer for the
 Muscle Shoals property Ever since his proposals published the newspapers have been filled with of other bidders who would offers propaganda directed against the Detroit manufacturer.
 lhese attempts to becoud the question at issue failed No else has made bid that could be taken seriously The development of Muscle Shoals undertak Ing and MT Ford the only manufacturer under consdera ton who is known have sufficient capital finance the project Other bids have been submitted in good aith but the public knows nothing of the capital behind them
 The agricultural interests of the country and the whole south quickly indorsed the offer they confidence in the himself and they expect to benefit to
 greater extent from Ford control of Muscle Shoals than some other interests took over the property
 It stated in recent dispatch from Washington that there wide discrepancy between the estimates of MT Fords engineers and engineers to the probable cost of completing the dams for the nitrate plant That
 matter that be studied by the engineering experts and an agreement reached It should not prove stumbling block
 Another charge brought against Mr. Ford that he would require the to definite min mum horsepower Secretary Weeks says Mr. Ford accord ing to his representatives intended make such demand
 significant fact that until Ford offered to take the Muscle Shoals property utilize the in great indus trial enterprises and make cheap fertilizer for the farmers of America, Muscle Shoals ostensiby regarded white elephant which should be scrapped after nearly $100 000000 had been spent it. But the Ford offer changed all that Muscle Shoals became overnight most valuable certain interests began active campaign prevent plants from falling into the hands of Ford They proessey alarmed lest the be made the dupe of the willy Detroit manufacturer, but their soc tude not due particular concern for the govern It fear of Fords competition industrial rival
 The people of America who have studied this question: and especially southern people, not being deceived They know that the can't afford to Muscle They that offer has been made that be accepted with notifications Mr. Ford doubt prepared agree any reasonable demands of Secretary Weeks That being the there should be further delay reaching decision.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
cAu4.EUnMaAaotlI
SUGAR THE CHEAPEST FOOD From Facts About Sugar.


 From Facts About Sugar.
 One important fact in relation to sugar ought to be brought to the attention of every person in the country in forceful and convincing ways. Sugar is today the cheap est of all ordinary foodstuffs, meas ured by the standards officially adopted and promulgated by the United States government.
 To obtain the same calorific value that is derived from pound of sugar at cents it is necessary to invest more than double the amount in white bread, five times as much in bacon, seven times as much in roast beef, ten times as much in eggs and twenty-five times as much in fish This does not mean, of course, the sugar can be substituted entirely for these other commodities. It does mean that there would be a decided advantage and economy in increasing our consumption of sugar. both it's table use and its utiliza- tion in the form of prepared foods and manufactured products in which 1t is an important ingredient By us- ing more sugar we would displace a certain quantity of other more ex- pensive foodstuffs, thereby effeeting a direct monetary saving.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
STATE FAIR PRICES

TO the Editor of The Age- Herald
 Your paper has always stood for the rights of the people and has aided in correcting any wrongs inflicted on them. The State Fair will open in a short t.me and naturally every good citizen wants to see it a success as a westerner would say. a ''howling success"
 But if the prices that were charged last year for seats in the grand stand, prevail this year thousands will stay away. I know whereof speak. Only a few years back you remember one section of the stand was reserved and 25 cents was charged, the remainder was free and tired mothers stayed there with their children. What a contrast last year. with an admission fee of of 50 centsc which no one objected to you had to pay 50 cents every time you entered the stand and to make matters worse after every performance you were politely requested to get out, We heard a farmer from another county say that he spent $S for seats alone for himself, wife and two daugh- ters, and said never more would he attend another fair. Now. Mir. Editor you know that in this time of finan- cial depression, the people cannot stand such prices. If the fair is got ten ur primarily to make money why "iet her go Gala gher" the peo. pie will give rebuke by staying away. Speak out Mir. Editor and giv' them a gentle hint
 J. w. DU BOTS, Birmingham, September 20, 1921.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
A 5000, ,oOo, ,oO0 JOB

Donald Wilhelm, in Leslie's.
 The biggest insurance business in the world, the biggest pension system in the world, the biggest educational programme in the world, and the biggest, the most intricate and diff cult medical and hospitalization programme in the world-all, with the passing of the Sweet bill. are headed up to one man, Col. Charles R. Forbes, formerly director of the bureau of war risk insurance.
 The war risk job has been from the start mans size job, such q job that there were experts in organizing large enterprises who said that the seeds of death were in 1t at its birth. It was centralized in Washington by its charter; it has not until now by the Sweet bill, been given authority to decentralize it's enormous activi- ties
 Tt was built up" says Colonel Forbes, almost over night. do not know of any business organiza- tion commensurate in size with it that was ever build up in twice the time. Every day we open here about 50,000 pieces of mail, and we repre- sent $3,000,000,000 of capital--we carry that amount of insurance. We pay out in claims every month good deal more than $10,000.000 and the payment of every cent is governed by law. We have now on our own pay roll 4,6o0 persons; the bureau has had at periods three times as many. These $10.00o,000 we pay out month ly go to pay roll of 316,4 444 ex-serv- ice men and women. That isn't all! We have during the recent months been clearing up insurance claims against the government and have been paying out more than s9,o00,00O in such claims in addition to all other paying out fully s2O,ooO.ooO month. to ex-service men and women" Colonel Forbes, as head of the vet erans' bureau, Is the director not only
  reau of war risk which are enormous and intricate, but also the director of the federal board of vocational educa- tion and the veteran medical and hos pitt activities heretofore handled by these two great agencies and by the public health service.
 The federal board of vocational ed l ucation is the biggest and doubtless the most difficult educational pro gramme ever attempted. One author ity has said of it, NO comparable enterprise in the industrial world has ever been built up to such magnitude | in such a short space of tIme." 1t is now re- training approximately 7500o handicapped veterans of the war, 5000 of whom are In training in 1Sv hospitals with 400 teachers, while the bulk of the others are Tn 1,S00 educa- tional institutions and $500 factories and shops. Checks for maintenance of all these men must go forward twice month on ti.1e, and the tens 1 of thousands of applications for ] training must be handled on time or --the board comes in for one more Ma nf criticism
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22

day in churches and by special pro- grammes among women's organiza- tions and civic associations. The President will probably issue proc lamation making it national holi- day. The entire people will be in- vited to join in demonstration in favor of restricting ornaments so that the burden of war may not be carried into times of peace.
 There is not the shadow of doubt that, so far as America is concerned, international disarmament is fav- ored. This is not only the sentiment of those who favor the League of Nations, but of those who oppose foreign alliances. It isS in fact, the voice of world crying out for the golden rule among nations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
ADRIFvT WITH THE TIMES

THE LITTLE HOME TOWN A wonderful change in the little home
 town, It doesn't look like the same place; The trees along Main street, have all
 been cut down, Of hitching posts there's not a
 trace. There's big movie house on the
 corner where stood Sam Tolliver's general store. Where spHnt-botromed chairs, when
 the weather was good, Were sprinkled around the front
 door. And old Doe Pettifer, who used to
 sell pills, And plasters and things of that
 sort. Now has big drug store, with all
 the new frills, Where thirsty town beauties resort. There are shining new motor cars
 seen everywhere, And, my, how the chauffeurs frown! If you ever do go for visit back
 there You won't know the little home
 town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
Dual Thought for
 Armistice Day

A DUAL thought will be ex- A pressed on Armistice Day. The ceremony at Arlington cemetery is to voice Americas gratitude to the soldiers who fought for world democracy and it's hope of deliver ~ance from the heavy burden of armaments. It is proposed that the F first day of the disarmament con ference be restricted to the briefest formalities and that the visitors be free to join, if so inclined, in the Arlington exercises.
 It is part of the plan to have na- tional observance of disarmament
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
Birmingham Does Not Want
 a Makeshift Auditorium

N T 8 somewhat stormy session EaA of the city's commission yesterday it was brought out that the seating capacity of Birming- hams proposed auditorium will be from $500 to $500 persons, exclu- sive of those who may be seated on the stage when it is not occu- pied by bands, grand opera troupes or other organizations which wlli require the use of the entire stage.
 Loud protests were made against building an auditorium with such a limited seating capacity, and it is announced that the plans are to be modified. The people of Bir- mingham want an auditorium that will serve the needs of the city for many years. They are tired of delays, squabbling and family fights among the members of the city commission.
 The seating capacity of the Bijou theatre is about 5000. Were the auditorium to seat only few hun dred more, it would be totally in- adequate and disappointment to everybody in Birmingham.
 The auditorium should not be a makeshif affair. If we are go- ing to build one 1t should be built right and completed as soon as pos sible. If more money is needed there should be bond issue for ad- ditional funds. There has been too much talking and recrimination and not enough actual work done.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
The Best Policy

If Diogenes had stopped at the home of Sidney Micks. a huckster, who lives near Mount Pinson, he could have put an end to his famous search of long ago." said Capt. D. C.. Simmons of the Birmingham police department
 When Hicks pulled into his stable with his wagon night before last he discovered pocket book lying on the bed of his wagon containing q SIC bill and a card bearing the name of Elisha P. Sellers, 726 Fiftieth street north. Birmingham. He un- hitched his horse and. as late as it was, for it was nearly midnight, he walked down from Twenty firth street where he keeps his horse for a few hours every night, to the police headquarters to turn the pocket book over to the desk sergeant
 Someone had evidently left the purse in the wagon after making a purchase. The ten spot would have helped some men on their way, but not Hicks--his policy is that honesty is the best, after all.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
THE RAJAS OF sULU


 1T om The Philippines Rsfora ma
 sellan,' by H. Otley Beyer. in Asia
 Magazine for October.
 Sulu traditional history is very specific with regard to Bandjarmasin, which, by the end of the tenth cen- tury. had become an important col- ony of southern Borneo. The dat. which it contains may be summar- ized as follows.
 The fame of the richness of the pearl beds and other resources of sulu had already reached southern Rorneo, probably through the agency of Chinese or Champa traders. The Orang Bandjar began to visit and trade with Sulu and soon sent A col ony there. After a period of some what precarious relations between the colonists and the native inhsbi- tants. called Buranun and said to have been very dark in color tenn. porary peace was assured by brineinu from Bandjarmasin princess of eAe"e peduts, Wno was married to the principal chief The treaty of marriage made Sulu tributary to the Bandjarmasin empire, or more prob- ably to Sri-Vishaya, in Sumatra through Bandjarmasin. and secured to the colonists permanent foot hold for peaceful expansion and de- velopment, They were not slow to take advantage of this. and the coas- tai regions of the Sulu archipelago were soon. filled with a motley pop- ulatlon derived from the surround ing islands-probably chiefly from Rorneo, Celebes and Mndanao. though Sumatra, Java. the Moluccas and even Indo-China may have con tributed clements,
 The native inhabitants were grad ually displaced, except in the in- terior of Sulu and the other larger islands, and the coasts came to pc wholly dominated by the foreigners. The coast Sulus still speak of the ieople of the interior with contempt as Gimbahanun, "Hillmen,'
 | Sulu became great trade center, and it's harbors were frequented by ships from China, Cambodia. Suma- ! tra, Java and possibly even India | and Arabia. The rulers. or rajas ! of Sulu were descended from the al- lliance of the Bandjamasin princess with the native Suiu chief. and they i remained tributary to Bandjamasin and wholly under its cultural infiur 'ence for q long period.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
Early Grain Movements
 Helping the Situation

5ROR the eight weeks ending Au- u gust 27, the railroads handled 465,839 cars of grain compared with 302,623 in the same period of 1920, and 381,736 in the same time in 1919. The Illinois Central alone reports handling 91 per cent more cars loaded with grain in July of this year than in July, 1920,
 The general disposition of the farmer, north, south, east and west, seems to be to get his products to the market, to pay his debts and to prepare for the future. This years crops were raised at minimum ex- pense and will yield a fair return.
 The early movement of grains in the west and the higher cotton prices leading to liquidation of debts and renewal of business activity in the south are among the primal causes of the general betterment of business conditions and the confi- dence which that has brought about.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
THE DIXIE EXPRESS

tember we're due to lose the oriole. purple martin, yellow warbler, chat, kingbird, humming bird, crested fly catcher, wood pewee, hosebreasted grosbeak, vireo, hooded warbler. Louisiana water thrush, and other pleasant visitors. But we'll get some new arrivals from the north. some on around here all the winter like the junco, white throated sparrow, brown creeper, and golden crowned kinglet." :"
 "Grantwood-last stop-all outr' shouted the conductor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
------- e.-------------- GERMANY AS AN EXPORTER

From American Exporter
 One of the uncertain factors in the present world trade situation is the extent to which Germany is des- tined to compete with the United States and with Great Britain as an exporter Up to the time that the reparations question was settled in May, the German government ap- peared determined to make the world believe that German industry was in parlous state, and that the nation was unable to bear the burden of reparation which the allied powers Intended to demand. Since the repa- ratons matter was settled, how ever, a great deal of publicity has been given to the theory that Ger many has shown remarkable re- covery lndustrially. and is destined to undersell foreign competitors in many lines. Just as the atmosphere of gloom created with regard to Ger many before May was to be dis counted. so is the present atmosphere os hectic prosperity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
RURAL STRATEGY

What's the idea of putting up that hig sign reading. 40 Miles to the Cityg"
 That's little idea of mine,p said Constable Perkins. of Chiggersville. When a motorist bound for the city reads that sign he just naturally wants to see if he can't make the last lap inside of an hour. stand down the road piece and nab him."
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
7l'1l-l-777'=77 "
 TO A WOMAN

 Victor Hugo (adapted by ". J. Rob ertson). Child. if I were kins, my throne
 would surrender My scepter, and my car. and kneel-
 ing vavassours, My golden crown, and porphyry
 baths. and consorts tender, And fleets that fill the seas, and regal
 pomp and splendor-- All for one look of yours! If I were God. the earth and luminous
 deeps that span 1t, Angels and demons bowed beneath
 my word divine, Chaos profound, with Hanks of fam
 ing gold and granite. Eternity and space and sky and sun
 and planet All for one Kiss of thine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
M E N, w o M E N
 A ND T H N G s

First impressions are usually last ing ones and therefore it will mean much for Fifth avenue to be well lit from the Terminal Station to West Park.
 always feel depressed on arriving at the Terminal on a night train, for 1t means walk through the dark tunnel up into the brilliantly lighted station and then into outer darkness if one walks down Fifth avenue.
 By all means let the city fathers heed the petition which will be pre- sented to- them by the women to have the white way extended on past the new postoffice to West park It's the right and proper thing to do and there should be no question about it.
 I am heartily in favor of changing the name of West park to Henley park, for 1t identifies it with the Hen ley school. Few people realize just the service which is being rendered the various schools by the school i'm provement associa tions. I happen to know more about the activities of the Lakeview School Improvement as- sociation, as my boys went to Lake view.
 Now, It's the Henley School I'm provement association, headed by Mrs. S. A. Middleton, its efficient president, and Mrs. Idyl King Sorsby, founder of Alabama Day, who are leading in the effort to beautify the section of the city in which West park and Henley school are situated, and they deserve the help of the city commission, and the cooperation of all those who use the park and pa tronize the school.
 
 The founders of Birmin gham were wise in setting apart East and West park. Each year their foresight~is being better appreciated. East park Is a great outlet not only for the residents around 1t. but for the Pow ell and the Birmingham High school It has become the center of athletics for the northside, and it's play appar- atus Is a. great boon for the kiddies in the neighborhood. West park can easily be made more attractive, and will be if the women behind the movement get the proper support. I came in not long ago over the Montgomery highway, and as the party reached the crest of Red noun tain the city below with it's myriad siastic young woman exclaimed, Wouldn't 1t be fine If every visitor arriving in Birmingham could get this view of 1t, for then they would always associate it in their minds as truly "a Magic City" with its won- ders spread at their feet.
 I recall when upper Second avenue at night was a lonesome place. Then some enterprising men got in behind 1AlC OlLOAb u Ol IS AbCA IL up anu IL W dS transformed. Say what you please, but light is transformer. It has a psychological effect. No one knew this better in the old days than the saloon men whose places were bril- liantly lit. The theatres use 1t for all it. is worth, but as yet many churches are still content to hold services in poorly lit auditoriums. Let's turn on all the light we can on Fifth avenue so that those who come out of the Terminal will get the idea that Birmingham loves light better than it does darkness. By all means see to it that the white way in contemplation shall have for its western terminus West park. It will not only brighten up the city, but will pay in dollars and cents.
 n .S< AA' 1
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
IN THE MRoNG TOWN

From the Kansas Clty star.
 It is said of Urban Ledoux, auc- tioneer of the unemployed. that his mission inalife is to change human nature. Modest as the mission is 1t still remains something of a puzzle why he picked city so nearly per feet as Boston as a place to start 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22

A dispatch from Washington says home brewing is safe. But there are positive. comparative and superlative degrees of safety.
 < # #
 Mir McAdoo is still suspected of be- ing presidential candidate. It's all most impossible to live down a suspi- cion of that sort.
 Passage of the anti-beer bill is said to be certain. Another prop is knocked from under the nations op- timists.
 Germany is accused of unloading securities in America. Germany Is no fool. She knows where the money is.
 The proud features of German monarchist register disgust every time President Ebert's name is men toned. As preliminary to getting down to work, the disarmament conference may have to unscramble the agenda. < x < The marble figures in Statuary hall have been given a bath. This sort of work should be done in the spring. < x # There is no longer any necessity for West Virginia to be represented at the disarmament conference. # * < Most of the buried treasure stays buried, otherwise interest in it would soon die out. s < < Day succeeds day and still Charley Hapsburg refrains from making am othsr gesture. | Senator Underwood is one states man who has never found time to chase golf ball. # xx
 Detectives are such prosaic indl- viduals it isn't likely that they ever read detective stories. 1 * x < A poet with long memory submits some lines to the New York Post on the mint julep.
 Birmingham's municipal campaign varies between tepidity and the boil ing point. * * *
 The photography of the Ku kIus klan is also under fire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22

BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS
 HIM
 Heres bowl of soup, some good white bread and a plate ot beans" Does that food come from the capitalistic country. American asked the bolshevik.
 Yes. If it's against your princi- pies to eat it, stand aside"
 "Tn take it. It may give me strength to finish my pamphlet en- titled The Curse of Capitalism
 A CHOICE OF CELEBRITIES Do you appreciate good litera- ture in this country?
 "of course we do, but if the home run king happened to be passing d given point and the greatest living novelist were also in that vicinity, the chances are he'd get stepped on in the rush to see the 'Bambino.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-22
New Way to Junket
the Brooklyn Eacle.

From the Brooklyn Eagle
 A most elegant and elaborate pas senger seaplanc is being built for Secretary of the Navy Denby. He and the King of Spain are the only public men of the world who have air coaches. Junketing in midair is tho last word of officialdom.