davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
Mexico, a Vast Field For
 American Enterprise

Attention to the economic potentialities of Mexico is called in an article by A. Guyot Cam eron in the current issue of Forbes Magazine In view of the possibility of early recognition of the Obregon government by the United States, what this authority says is peculiarly timely.
 "In 1907" the writer points out, American capital invested in Mexico was estimated at $75o,O00 ,OOO, of which two-thirds was in rail roads. In 1918 our government calculated our investments at $1,057, ,770,00o. To this must be added the enormous developments of the Mexican oil fields, very largely exploited by the initiative and the capital of the United States
 "A catalog of Mexican soil products, from metals and marbles to edible and commercial growths, is a story of the lavishness of nature
 'Mexico grows values of $600,O00,000 per annum, yet exports only per cent of this and imports offset that per cent. It produces almost every substance needed by mankind Mexico, country denuded for centuries, needs coal. But it has low-grade coal, equal to that of Texas, and even in 1918 there were officially stated to be 300,000,000 tons in sight, It needs irrigation. The Bequlas dam in Chi huahua, the second largest in the world, with a capacity of 3,0o0,000,000 cubic metres of water, is an index of the coming harnessing of the multitude of waterfalls and water sources of the country. Mexico needs transportation facilities. They are approaching. It needs mod ern methods in many lines. These mean fab ulous returns.
 Liberal mining and other laws, free ports and other incentives, are aiding economic re- lations The hereditary and difficult land question is being adjusted No trade field is as attractive, easy and logical for the United States as Mexico. In 1921 the United States supplied approximately 85 per cent of the Mex ican imports and took 95 per cent of the ex- ports of Mexico That trade be expanded in few years by 500 per cent. And the pur- chasing power of Mexico, increasing rapidly, will become, as capital flows into it, of enor- nous proportions.
 ''The country's spirit towards the United States is the friendliest. Not to meet it would be fatal political and commercial mistake. One can but echo the recent statement of President Obregon Mexico, since the end of the revolu- tion (May 1920) has stood the triple test of politics, finance and arms. And it has come out of these tests with its head high and har- mony and peace established throughout the country"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
MEssER AGAINST COMMISSION

q am with the majority of the people of Birmingham in their desire as expressed in the straw vote conducted by The Age-Herald that the present city commission form of govern ment should be abolished,' said Robert G. Mes ser, local attorney. "But think we should adopt the city manager plan rather than go back to the aldermanic system.
 'Lets put man in to run the city who is an expert and pay him good salary. He can then direct the municipal affairs as does the president of a corporation without regard to petty politics. His function will be executive and the legislative end will be in the hands of a council which shall also have the power to re- move the city manager. Members of the city council will furnish friend at court and the manager will run the city in business like and efficient manner"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
LETTERS TO EDITOR
covERNMENT oF FORMER DAYS
the Edltor of The Age-Herald:

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 sometimes wonder if citizens who are clam bring for return to the "good old days" of the aldermanic regime ever pause to reflect on the kind of government we had in Birmingham when the aldermanic ring held sway.
 In the police department, the chief of police was removed for insubordination because ho flatly refused to carry out the decrees of the council Charges of graft ware freely made in paving contracts, and it was said that pav- ing in Birmingham cost 25 per cent more than in other cities. Aldermen were charged with selling property to the city and getting commission on the sale. Aldermen were charged with buying city supplies from their own bus-
 at exorbitant prices. Birmingham bonds could only be sold at exorbitant rates of inter est because of the financial affairs of the city. At one time it seemed certain that Birmingham would default on it's bond interest. When the city commission took charge Birmingham faced a deficit of $5o0,00
 Note the language of the Birmingham Age Herald reporter who covered the mass meet ing of citizens, which declared that the alder manic municipal government as applied to the city of Birmingham "has proved a failure":
 '"The very air was laden with spirit of dis
  approval of the misconduct, mafeasance and breach of trust of public servants and the sentiment of the vast audience was solid and insistent upon change from the ward system of professional politics"
 The Age-Herald account of this outburst of popular disapproval, which sounded the death knel of the aldermanc government in Bir mingham, bore headlines, which had grown al- most commonplace through frequent repetition in one form or another, and which in the case of this particular mass meeting read as follows: Terrific assaults against Alderman Blank, referred to as the silent boss"
 We want no more professional politics in Br mngham, and no more silent bosses. The com mission plan is better than the aldermanic but leaves room for much improvement.
 Let us adopt the best features of the two plans and throw the bad into discard. Let us benefit by the experience of the best governed scities in America today, and adopt the council manager form, eliminating thereby political trickery, corruption and graft and insuring both adequate representation and efficient busi- ness administration. Yours very truly,
 JOSEPH P. MUDD.
 Birmingham, April 15. 1922.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
HARVESTING THE SMALLER
 WATER POWERS

It is reported that Franklin county citizen will build dam across Cedar creek near Is- bell that will generate 100 horse power of cleo tricity.
 Down in southeastern Alabama several pro- jects are under way for making use of the flow of the Choctawhatchie river. Ozark and other towns in that section propose to harness the power of this stream for municipal and manufacturing purposes
 In portions of Tennessee there are small water power plants lighting the nearby com munities and supplying power for gristmills and the like, and in the Georgia hill country there are others.
 Wherever water flows downhill there is power susceptible of being brought into service. No state is more evenly covered with water courses, large and small, than Alabama, and none present as many opportunities for the small water power plant. There will be few of them here and there, and then many will spring up as the opportunity is realized.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
REMAINING THE HAWAIIAN
om the New York World.

From the New York World
 The Leviathan is now officially named the President Harding. But mistake accom- plished remains mistake. President of the United States does not need to have ship named for him. President Harding never asked, he doubtless never desired, that compliment of such dubious nature should be paid to him.
 1t was said by members of the shipping board in support of the change that MT. Harding had "done more than any other one man" to build up the American merchant marine. This is not true, but even if it were true it should be all the more reason to refrain from belittling him by substituting his name for one that will live in history and in the hearts of men.
 Not only did the Leviathan carry to France and bring victoriously home more American troops than any other vessel; she typified the transport fleet in the American imagination. By whatever ship he came and went, every man of the expeditionary force was keenly interest ed in her exploits, followed her fortunes with frequent and fervent thought of the precious burdens she bore and helped to make her name household word.
 The Leviathan, itself name of grandeur fitting the mass and might of the famous craft, recalls to mind brave days, thrilling risks, heroic sacrifices and conflict for principles too easily forgotten in quieter times. The President Harding is simply name for ship.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
PINS FAITH TO MARE

Sometimes 1t almost seems as if certain animals display more intelligence than seems possible" asserted John c. Heninger of Henso Products company. Sunday night, while rid- ing over lower Highland, saw horse ahead, apparently riderless. It developed that long and lanky colored boy was draped over the horses back, his legs dangling below and his head hanging over the animals neck. Inspection brought to light the fact that he had faded way or, in English, intoxicated
 "After considerable difficulty I awakened the boy, and asked if he were sick. And the rider. who was so careless about his personal safety as to give the horse his head in fairly heavy traffic, answered.:
 "'Naw, suh, Tze not sick. Ah'm taking CT little nap. Daisy'll take me home. Daisy's nah friend. She knows where ah lives, and ahll get there alright
 "And he again passed into slumberland, while Daisy ambled on."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
JUST A FEW VICTIMS OF THE "SPOILS SYSTEM"

Officials of the bureau of engraving and printing who were summarily dismissed were in- formed that they were not charged with any high crimes or misdemeanors. They were mere ly turned out flor the good of the service"
 Who were these incompetents who suddenly became so obnoxious to an efficient and busi- ness-like administration, which proposes to keep faith with the public, even if it has to discharge one or two republicans, along with numerous democrats7
 James R. Wmeth, director of the bereau, had been in the government service 27 years. Not until pressure was brought to bear from Capitol Hill did MT. Harding and Assistant Sec retary of the Treasury Dover discover that Mir. Wilmeth was unfit for his position. The drought evidently had not occurred to any of MT. Harding's predecessors during all those years. Mir. Wilmeth was turned out with about as much consideration as whistling office boy receives from an irate boss.
 George U. Rose, lone republican, chief of the engraving division, had been in service T special messenger.
 James M. Fisher, assistant director of the bureau of engraving and printing, had been in service 29 years. John J. Deviny, superin- tendent, had p years to his credit E. H. As worth, custodian of dies, rolls and plates, had been in the bureau 28h years. Ralph n. Chappell, in charge of machinery, is an ex-naval officer and Spanish-American war veteran. H. I. Wilson is a veteran of the World war, and so is James A. Chamberlain.
 An investigation of the records of the other employees dismissed would probably show that most of them had served the government faith fully and their sole offense was the fact that they were democrats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS IN GOOD
 STORIES"

From the New York World
 In writing Chauncey M. Depew that he has found good deal of inspiration in his My Memories of Eighty Years," President Harding makes an observation which it is to be hoped will cause no blush of self-consciousness to mantle the cheek of the venerable author. "If I were permitted to venture single criticism of this book'' says the President
 "It would be that you have perpetuated in it so many characteristic stories which are cer- tain to be stolen by after-dinner speakers for the next century or so that I fear your own repute as the foremost of American reconteurs will be liable to suffer. You know, the after dinner speaker is quite conscienceless as to giving credit for the source of his anecdotes"
 MT. Depews regard for the property rights of others in good stories is no doubt beyond suspicion. Given the faculty of invention in a conspicuous degree, the need of appropri- ation is to that exent reduced But is it al- ways possible to determine the origin of anec- dotes? Some with venerable pedigree have way of getting lost and reappearing as new. To the present generation the story of Thack- cray and the oysters-whch made him think he "had swallowed live baby''-s novel: Sunday reviewer of MT. Depew's volume calls it "a remarkably funny story," which it is, was and ever will be, whoever first said it.
 Good stories are ferae naturae. They are fair game for all after-dinner speakers and belong to the one who tells them best. As for MT. Depew, he has been responsible for so many of them that he may feel like Macaulay, that "a man should have enough to spare some thing for thieves"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
BORAH FEARS AMERICA IS HEADED TOWARD LEAGUE

These are parlous times for the "irreconcil- ables." In spite of the successful fight they made against ratification of the Versailles treaty and the fond hope that they had sunk the League of Nations covenant without a trace" they see the United States getting near CT and nearer to the despised league. Commenting on one of the foremost advo- cates of national isolation, the Cleveland Plain Dealer says,
 Senator Borah sounds 6 solemn warning. We drifting he says. directly and inevitably toward American membership fin the League of Nations. The Harding administration instead of standing like Gibraltar for American Isolation Is dangerously honeycombed with prologue sentiment Mir. Hughes himself Is proleaguer. And unless the sensational wide-awakes. of whom Mir Borah halls himself chief, keep constant watch and ward the United States may utmost any day find itself insid- ouslly slipping into the mire of world brotherhood. MT. Borah win. of eourse do bis utmost to pre- vent the catastrophe but he frankly questions his ability and fears the worst.
 Let us hope that Senator Borah is correct
 The ridiculous position in which the United States government finds itself when 1t at tempts to discuss problems growing out of the
 
 fact that non-participation in the league is one of the chief obstacles to our return to normalcy are powerful factors in convincing nearly every body but the 'sbitter- -enders" that America has made tragic mistake.
 Instead of the world leadership won in the war, we occupy position in Europe that would be humiliating to a second-class power. We have been looking on" ever since the Yer sailles treaty was rejected, and will continue to do so until America takes her rightful place in the society of nations.
 It would be safe to wager that before the naval holiday expires the United States will be either member of the League of Nations or some other association that will serve the same purpose. It may break the heart of Senator Borah, but we will have to steel ourselves against that calamity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
FOR cHILDREN's HOSPITAL

"I know of no institution in Birmingham that am more willing to help than the Chil- dren's hospital" said Ray Payne. q recently had the experience of picking up 4-day-old infant which had been left on negro's porch by it's mother. We took it over to the Chil- dren's hospital, where it will receive the best of care and probably be adopted later by some responsible family.
 "A few weeks previous to that time we found a 3-months- child, which had been abandoned in the same manner. It was also carried to the hospital There is a need for children's hos pital in Birmingham and the Civitan club is to be commended for fostering such an institu- tion."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
WHERE IS THY STING?

From the Washington Star
 Humanity has progressed, or thinks it has, a longway in knowledge of the hereafter since Hamlet preferred rather to "bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of" Whatever death itself may be and what ever may come after death, anticipation of death, at least, is being robbed of it's stink.
 The latest budget of comforting assurances is brought to us by the versatile Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, eminent as medico, celebrated as fictionist and since the death of Stead the most famous of spiritualists. In lecture recently in New York he told large and eager audience that death is not painful, but a pleasant process. "As death approaches" he said, "the soul-the etherc body-floats out from its earthly shell and hovers above the human clay, tethered only by the silver cord of which Ecclestiastes speaks. The only sensation is one of delicious languor."
 Sir Arthur ayers that he has both spiritual and material proof that this is true. The sen- sations of dissolution have been communicated to him by those who have passed to the dis tant shore, and the interpretations camera has made record of it's processes.
 Sir Arthur has incidents to relate of mes sages from the spirit world, but in common with less eminent believers he is victim of faulty communication and the net results leave much to be desired in the way of clear ness and dependabity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
THE HUSBANDS CHARTER

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
 A disquisition by an English judge on the family purse and the entire domicilliary admin istration is described in a special cable to the post-Dispatch as "the husbands charter" The opinion, or homily was inspired by an action in which dressmakers sued for payment of gowns purchased by the wife of Earl Cathcart, who subsequently, was divorced and is now the wife of the Earl of Craven. Incidentally, the court ventured that the gowns were bought for the then arranged elopement with the second earl
 The court held for the defendant and for all luckless husbands or ex-husbands now or here after who may be afflicted with extravagant wives. The court also ruled it to be the hus- bands right "to fix the standard of their do- nestle and social life." The court held that a wife may not obligate her husband for debts beyond her allowance, and where the allowance is not agreed upon, but is fixed in amount, the wife is deprived thereby of further pledging her husbands credit In lay language, the wife must be content with what her husband gives her.
 Suppose, though, she isn't. What then? The court anticipated such willfulness and provided against it by directing the attention of trades men to this construction and warning them they are taking chances if they go on any other as- sumption In other words, the ancient com mercial injunction, caveat emptor, at last has a companion piece. Caveat yendor-let the sell Ter beware-is now good law.
 Besides rendering epochal decision the court moralized on the frailty whose name is woman. It was acknowledged that "prodigal- ity is feminine fault, but not feminine ns- cessity" Further, all wives, present and to be, were admonished that "extravagance is not the mark of gentlewoman." Thrift marks the caste of We're de We're. Let woman fit from earl to earl if she will but quietly, modestly, with the restraint of elegance. As for dis carded husbands paying for the trousseau of her inconstancy's second honeymoon-it isn't done.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
ATTENTION FISHERMEN

eve expect to have the formal opening of our camp on the Warrior sometime within the next two weeks,' said W. G. Oliver, president of the Alabama Fishermen's and Hunters as- sociation, yesterday. "The camp is located about S2 miles from here and for the past month we have had workmen there erecting houses for e,
 "If man goes down there to enjoy na- ture's own recreations he need not take over s5 for a weeks stay. We have arranged everything on a systematic and cooperative basis, and at $5 a week member can live very comfortably"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
ABOUT TO REALIZE ON PLANT IMPROVEMENT

The Sheffield Steel and Iron company, as pointed out by President J. w.. Mcqueen, , stands to realize on the millions placed in im- provements prior to 1921. That year was a trying one, but the tide has turned and the plant betterments made by industrial concerns in the recent past will now counts for smooth ness and economy of production.
 The incoming business improvement finds plants "in better condition than at any time," says President Mcqueen, land they only await < ! revival of business to bring about greatly 7 Increased output at a substantial saving in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
POINTED PARAGRAPHS

From the Chicago Nesw.
 Many girl paints who isn't very artistic.
 Flattery may shield errors. but it won't erase insults.
 It takes lot of piety to stand up against prosperity.
 Some men are so awkward that they simply fall into good thing.
 If you can't tell what young woman means don't make the mistake of asking her to eluci date.
 Too many people who think they were born to rule the universe make mistake by being born at al
 It is part of wisdom to spend little of your time on things that vex and anger you, and much of your time upon things that bring you ouietness and confidence and good cheer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17

The statement that spirits wear raiment that is meat but not gaudy" will greatly con sole members of the fair sex who were afraid the styles in heaven were not what they should be.
 Brother Bryan says, "The next great law we need is one making it criminal offense for man to write an editorial on prohibition when he's drunk" That would bring up the old question, "When is man drunk?"
 
 Harvard student informed his father and mother that if they got divorce they would see him no more. They decided while in court not to get divorce There are times when children can't be too firm with their parents. Judging from newspaper comment on his lectures, Sir A. Conan Doyle isn't making much headway against the skeptics Even "ecto- plasm'' is greeted with hoarse hoots. Washington continues to discuss the break between MT. Wilson and Joe Humility. How ever, MT. Wilson and MT. Humility are not join ing in the discussion.
 x #
 Describing William goat, New York re- porter says he is fire-proof throughout and has the disposition of Margot Asquith. A complete portrait.
 While the gyroscope may prevent sea sick ness, no way has been found to prevent trans atlantic boobs from falling into the hands of card sharps.
 Headline writers are masters of condensa- tion. Here's a tragedy in a few words: Presto! 175 Barrels of Whisky Become Straw berry Soda Water."
 The announcement that the most beautiful woman in the world has been found in Cali fornia is just another manifestation of "movie stuff"
 Russia seems to be dominating the situation at Genoa. This may be somewhat painful to other delegations who went to Genoa prepared to tell Russia where to get off.
 x x *
 Celebrities who are photographed while lis tenng to radio concerts are having some diff iculty in assuming the rapt expression most music lovers affect.
 The first shot fired in the "dry' navy's war on rum runners was bland. This may encour- age rum runners to keep running
 
 Jitneys failed to solve the transportation problem in Augusta. The jitney is still on pro- bation.
 * x *
 Where do the flappers get the idea that the frnged skirts they are wearing new? Po- cahontas wore lem.
 The former Crown Prince of Germany has written book about the war, in which he takes the opportunity to recommen himself highly.
 < < <
 The greatest coal strike in history failed to check the initial roar of the bleachers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-17
HEAVENLY HARMoNIEs
From the Worcester Telegram.

From the Worcester Telegram
 The next radio program will include the following: 70, Be Ye Reconciled," Messrs. Borah, Johnson, LaFollette and France; solo, q Ain't Nobody's Darling" Nikolai Lenin; chorus, Keep the Home Fires Burning coal operators and miners; Eve Taken Quite a Fancy to You, Dear" solo, MT. Lloyd George; trio, "Aint We Got Fun?" Messrs. Collins, Devalera and Craig; solo, "Ain't Nature Grand?" William Jennings Bryan; duet, "Yoo- Hoo," Woodrow Wilson and Henry Cabot Lodge; solo, Hello Prosperity!' Joseph w. Fordneu