davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
 The name Plying Dutchman" is given to ghost ship and to it's ghost captain-supposed to be encountered occasionally (particularly in stormy weather) off the Cape of Good Hope Nobody seems to know the real origin of this legend, although explanation given is that some ship may have been reflected in a cloud, just as mirage is seen in the desert. The generally accepted legend was that Dutch captain or skipper" took blasphemous oath that he would beat against the wind and sail around the Cape of Good Hope even although he had to continue trying until the day of judgment; and was condemned as a punish ment to continue his efforts-a story which bears some resemblance to that about the Wandering Jew. Another version of the tale IS that horrible murder Gd been committed on board, and the ship was condemned never to enter port; while third is that Dutch ship with all on board had sunk off the Cape of Good Hope and it's specter still haunted the scene of the disaster. No seaman wishes to see this apparation, because its appearance be- tokens storm, trouble and ill luck. An opera and more than one story have been founded on this theme The French Canadian legend of the "chasse- -galerie" or flying canoe," which, with the assistance of Satan, can be made to sail through the air and also to carry pas sen0ers described by Louis Frechette in his "Christmas ia French Canada''). is legend which may be compared with that of the Fly ing Dutchman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
JUSSERAND

From the Louisville Courier-Journal.
 The report that Ambassador Jusserand is to return to Paris shortly will be read with regret in this country.
 For 20 years Jules Jusserand, incarnating the taste and attainments, the spirit of La Belle France, has been uninterruptedly the head of the French mission to the United States. Of him throughout that period it may be said that all of American and all of French diplomacy he has seen; a vast deal of it, he has been. Of him may be said also that no more faithful or more acceptable diplomat of ambassadorial rank has been stationed by foreign govern ment at Washington during his score of years service there.
 In length and actualty of diplomatic service not only to his own country. but to the world. Jusserand revives pleasant recollections of Franklin's career at Paris, almost 150 years ago. He has served France well here even as Franklin served the American colonies well there.
 "Goodbyp in the old Anglo-Saxon sense of "God-be-with-you," will leap to the lips of mill lions of Americans who know of the French ambassador and who love yet, with undiminish- ing ardor, country and a people whom Amer ica can never contemplate unmoved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
SACRAMENTO CITIZENS WILL
 LET WHISPERS GROW

The city council of Sacramento has passed an ordinance making it illegal to shave for 80 days, SO a large crop of whiskers may be grown for the "Days of '49" celebration, which ends May 28.
 Instead of calling forth loud protests, the ordinance seems to have been received in the proper spirit. Citizens will not only let their boards grow in honor of those hardy adven- turers who crossed the plains and found a glorious climate, even if most of them failed to locate any gold, but they are buying clothes. hats and boots of the type worn in that turbu- lent period before the movie stars turned their eyes westward.
 The spirit which prompted Sacramento to put ban on slaves for 30 days is highly com mendable, of course, and will add no end of local color to the celebration, in the form of black, brown and red whiskers, but the safety razor manufacturers would do well to watch developments. Intensive advertising, more than anything else, has cultivated the razor habit in America. After letting their facial foliage sprout for 80 days without in- terference, Sacramento citizens may find It such relief from bondage that they will eschew razors altogether, and their example might cause whiskers to spread like wildire far beyond the confines of California.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
BE CAREFUL

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
 Radio amateurs installing their receiving apparatus should not forget the possible pen alties of carelessness An East Cleveland boy the other day was killed when his aerials fell across a highly charged commercial wire and his father also lost his life trying to rescue the son.
 The growth of radio interest in recent months has been marvellous. It is an interest which appeals strongly to boys of school age and to young men, and merits every proper encouragement. It would be foolish, how ever, to ignore the dangers that attend q careless handling of wireless apparatus.
 Commercial wires, many of them carrying g a heavy voltage, run here and there in nearly every neighborhood. They spell peril to radk operators if aerials allowed to come ins6 contact with them, and if they are strung 8 close proximity they are liable to come into contact sometime. The answer is, be careful
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
EFFECT OF NEW STEEL MERGER
 ON BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT

The new steel merger In process of being formed, and apparently assured of formation, betokens the greatest possibilities in the Bir- mingham district. For the same reason that the Steel Corporation, the largest steel indus try in the world, developed It's southern hold ings, the next to the largest, which the new merger promises to be, should naturally see the advantage of owning industrial properties in Alabama.
 The Republic Iron and Steel company, one of the properties associated in the merger plan, itself came south because the Youngstown mills had been made to feel the competition of Birmingham production.
 Since the Steel Corporation has blazed the way into foreign fields and shown this district to be the natural gateway to them, it stands to reason that merger forming for the ex- pressed purpose of wing with it in the mar kets of the world, is not blind to the strategic advantages of this district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
A MORNING PRAYER
PRESIDENT HARDING PROPOSES
 TO END COAL STRIKES

It is stated in Washington dispatch that President Harding believes he has found per manent solution of the coal problem, which will prevent strikes in the future.
 According to this plan, outlined to members of Congress, the production of coal will De made less seasonal and mining will go on throughout the year, insuring steady enn- ployment Distribution will also be regulated SO that surplus coal mined in the summer months can be stored in population and in- dustrial centers for winter use.
 All the details have not been worked out yet, but it is believed that MT. Harding, impressed by the serious effect on the country caused by frequent coal strikes, has tackled the problem with a determination to protect the public as far as possible by legislative action. It is also reported that he has a plan for settling the present strike, which has caused little uneasi- ness so far because of the accumulated stocks of coal on hand when the miners quit work.
 To insure steady operation of mines would remove much of the dissatisfaction and unrest among coal miners. A miner, no matter what his wages may be, can't support his family if he works only a small part of the year. What the average miner wants is continuous employ ment and conditions in the bituminous coal in dustry are such that he has never had it.
 MT. Harding has hit upon one of the prin- cpal evils in the coal industry in trying to make it less seasonal, but what about over production? And how will the rights of both the mine owners and their employees be safeguard ed? There are already enough mines to pro- duce more bituminous coal than the country needs. Anybody who owns piece of coal land can open mine, but as soon as the de- mand falls off he either has to cut down his working force or quit operating altogether.
 It is big problem with many angles. but some practical method must be found to regu- late the production of coal so strikes will be prevented and the consumer will not be com pelled to pay an exorbitant price for fuel when he needs it most. If Mr. Harding succeeds in doing this it will be one of the greatest achieve ments of his administration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
MESSAGE A LA OPERA

"Gordon Crawford is the author of very clever bon mot which heard yesterday" said Dolly Dalrympe. "Mr. Crawford and Dr. Lloyd Noland have just returned from fve-weeks' visit to Havana and during their visit they stopped at the Seville. It seems that the first morning that MT. Crawford went to the bar Der shop in the hotel, as is usual, the tafkative barber asked where he lived. MT. Crawford told him in Birmingham, Ala, and the barber at the Seville at once asked him if he knew Oscar Wells Mir. Crawford said he knew the dis tinguished banker quite well, and the barber said:
 "'When you return, please give MT. Wells greetings from mev
 "Mr. Crawford dropped in at the First Ma tional bank when he got home, and accosting MT. Wells, said:
 "T bring greetings from "The Barber of Sevillee,',, -,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
A GoRILLA'S BIG TOE

From the Mobile Register.
 John Daniel was famed for years as being the best educated gorilla the world has ever known. It has been remarked of him that barring the lack of few vices, John would have been regular man. He died about a year ago, and the New York Academy of Sciences fell heir to his body, which since that time has been dissected, investigated and anal yzed, with result that Dr. Dudley J. Morton and other eminent scientists have announced to the academy that Darwin was right-the Kentucky statesman and William J. Bryan to the con trary notwithstanding
 One of the apparently irrefutable argu- ments against the evolution of the higher type of simian to the genus homo is that the change of the gorilla's foot to the human foot is an im- possibility. And yet, in the years of John Dan- iePs captivity, when there was no longer use for his big toe in climbing trees and in other ways peculiar to arboreal dwellers, this toe be- gan process of gradual change, so interesting that scientists arranged to get Johns corporeal remains and study them.
 After year of this the scientific investi- gators have found that John Daniel had pe- ronius tertius-whieh is the muscle which holds up the human foot. had never been found in a simian foot-or at least in the two higher types-orang- -outang gorilla-until the dis covery that John Daniel had one; and more- over, Johns big toe had lessened very notice ably in length since he took up his abode the ground, and in unmstakable manner was assuming slowly the shape and functions of the human big toe. Dr. Morton in his report to the academy declares sthese findings definitely re- move what has been considered an nsurmount- able obstacle to the theory of Darwin"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
HONEST CLOTHES

From the Chicago Herald and Examiner.
 The principles of the pure food law have been extended. in part, to clothing. The su- preme court holds that when underwear is part cotton it may not be trade-marked and sold as wool.
 Justice Brandes' words in this connection may be quoted. Misrepresentation and mis- discrimination have become so common in the knit underwear trade that most dealers no longer accept labels at their face value; but that does not prevent their use from being an unfair method of competition"
 The pure food laws were passed, not for pro tection of dealers, but for protection of the public. The effect of the present decision, however, will be to the same end
 Not one buyer in thousand can distinguish between an all-wool garment and an adulterat- ed garment, except by wear <
 In the future, presumably, the buyers need net worry. Either what is sold for wool will be wool, or the labeler will be subject to pen alty.
 The Consumers League of America has fought for this for years. It is merely an ap- plication to clothing of what the law declares is common sense in the sale of food. It should be no more difficult to administer in the case of clothing than in the case of food; and the poor, easy-going, long-suffering public will welcome it as tardy, but considerable, victory for justice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
CHARMS OF DEATH VALLEY

From a Bulletin of the United States Depart
 ment of Agriculture.
 Ten years of records obtained at the United States weather bureau substation at Greenland ranch in Death Valley, Cal, indicate that this is the hottest region in the United States and probably on earth.
 The average of extreme maximum temper ature reported to the United States depart ment of agriculture since 1911 has been 125 degrees Fahrenheit. At Greenland ranch temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher occur almost daily during June, July and August. The hottest month on record is July, 1917, when the mean temperature was 1O7.2 degrees Fahrenheit. But the temper ature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit observed on July 10, 1913, is believed by meteorologists to be the highest natural air temperature ever recorded with standard tested thermometer exposed in the shade under approved con- ditions.
 Death Valley is from two to eight miles wide and about 100 miles long, lying between high mountain ranges. It is the deepest de- pression in the United States, some estimates placing its lowest point at 337 feet below sea level. Greenland ranch is IFS feet below sea level. White people find the midsummer heat intolerable, and even the Indians go up to the Panamint range during July and August.
 The normal annual precipitation in Death Valley is less than two inches. Successful agriculture cannot be maintained on less than 15 or 20 inches of annual precipitation with out the aid of irrigation. A group of springs serve as the source of irrigation water supply for Greenland ranch. The water has tenn perature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and is only sufficient to irrigate TO acres. Four crops of alfalfa are gathered each year. The principal product of the ranch is dressed meat, but experiments are being made in raising poultry and in growing vegetables, dates, cit rus and decduous fruits.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
DEPARTMENT CHARGED WITH SUBSIDIZING NEWSPAPERS

When Representative W. B. Oliver of Ala bama says 300 newspapers have been subsidized to publish prepared editorials favoring the of fcers' pay bill he makes serious charge against the American press. What form did the subsidy take and what are the names of the newspapers? It isn't likely that Mr. Oliver could answer either question.
 It is bad enough when ill-informed persons in private life accuse newspapers of being bought" when they are expressing an honest opinion That sort, of thing is done every day, but such assertions are seldom proved because they can't be proved A member of Congress who makes such charge should be prepared to substantiate it, else withdraw it.. Con- gressmen can i'll afford to give weight to hear say and idle rumors floating about Washing ton, although they frequently do.
 There are venial newspapers, just as there are other kinds of crooked enterprises, but no reputable newspaper ever sells it's editorial opinions. A large section of the American press is opposed to reducing the army below the minimum required for safety. These news papers arc not influenced by propaganda, but by patriotic motives and realization that this country cannot afford to repeat its mistakes during the World war, especially when con- ditions abroad are by no means reassuring.
 Talk of 'Prussianizing' America by an army of 160,o men and 13,o0o officers is nonsense We are nation of approximately 100000, ,000 people. An army of 163,ooo would not "prus- sianize" the country, but 1t might prove its sal- vation in the hour of need by providing enough trained officers and men to build up a citizen army.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
TcHITcHERIN AND THE KING

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer
 This Tchitchern is an odd fish. He is not typical bolshevik Tchitchern did not grad uate from the gutter or from the long-haired societies He was of the Russian upper class. He was not born to boshevsm, but stands as bolshevism's most notable recruit from the eristocracy He is man of large ability. And he is blessed with considerable sense of humor.
 Tchitcherin knew it would be ridiculous to appear at Genoa in blouse and cap; so he wore frock coat and plug hat. He IS sin cere and ardent bolshevist, but he cannot see that making bolshevism look funny is going to advance the cause. So, when he was invited to luncheon with the King of Italy, he forth with accepted. He broke bread with the King, conversed amiably with the Archbishop of Genoa, and made himself one of the most agree able members of the party.
 Now be it known that even the mildest Ital- ian socialists decline to dine with the King or to meet him. Tchtcherin poohpoohs such off ishness. Tchitcherin is the guest of Italy and Victor is the head of the Italian state. It would therefore be churlish for him to de- cline to accept the Kings hospitality. And this ex-aristocrat believes that nothing be gained by churshness
 When it was learned that Tchitcherin would lunch with the King, the question of toast to the King loomed large and gloomy. Would Tchitcherin sit glum while the toast was being drunk? It would be frightfully embarrassing. Russia is strongly anti-king and anti-wne. To ask Tchitcherin to drink an alcoholic beverage in honor of royal individual might be going too far. It was decided to omit the toast.
 And when Tchitcherin was told about it he laughed He would have drunk the toast glad ly, he said. It would have been merely formal act of courtesy. It would not have implied sanction of kings sanction of wines.
 On the whole this Tchitcherin is a rather en- gazing person. Lenine chose wisely in sending him to Genoa.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
TENNESSEE OVERSEEING

Tennessee is leader in the production of cattle and horses" said Frank Derby, farmer and stock raiser of York, who passed through here Monday night en route to Columbia, Tenn. to attend show and sale of thoroughbred stock there.
 Tennessee is doing what the boil weevil is forcing to do-that is, diversity We are learning that other things besides cotton can be grown proftably. More cattle, hogs, horses and sheep already being raised in Alabama than before, and it bespeaks prosperity for us all"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
DEAD ROSES

Samuel Minturn Peck, in the Boston Transcr Pm haunted by dead roses,
 And the summer wind a-sigh That waited me their sweetness In the happy days gone by; see upon their petals
 The moonlight softly gleam; It makes the dewdrops glimmer- The moonlight of dream. I'm haunted by dead roses,
 And the eyes that loved their grace, The blossoms waxing fairer
 In the beauty of her face. The breeze grows faint with fragrance, The breeze that was-how fleetl Because 1t cannot leave her,
 It must perish at her feet. Pm haunted by dead roses
 That no one sees but me; And love it is that lends them
 Their immortality. Is there a heart but treasures,
 By other hearts unknown, Some dear and fragrant shadow Of joy forever flown?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03

It wouldn't bankrupt Uncle Sam to lose all the money he loaned Europe, but it would fret him considerably.
 # x x We fail to see how a congressional junket is going to make the Mississippi river get back into its bed. Polish professors have the rank of generals. If they draw the pay of generals, well and good.
 < x Every little movement has meaning all it's own-at Genoa.
 # < Even at Stratford Shakespeare's plays are a losing venture.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
A GENTLEMAN OF LEISURE

"Do you know a man named Zeke Dawde?" asked the stranger in Chiggersville.
 "Yes," said Squire Witherbee.
 "Where would be apt to find him?"
 "Well, there's fellow demonstratin' new razor strop in a window of Bill Forcer's hardware store. Zebes pretty apt to be there while tn performance is goin' on, or down tn street bit where some painters are dollin' up tn front of tn Palace movie house. If you don't see him at one of those places he's probably at Sam Puttyfoot's grocery store tellin' tn assembled brethren what Lloyd George ought to do at Genoa"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS GOOD

1'Dr. N. R. Baker, county superintendent of education,' is doing a great work in providing educational facilities in the rural sections of the county" said J. R. Cook business man. ager of the Truck Growers association.
 "In many portions of the county fine consoli- dated schools can be found, with homes for the teachers and farms for demonstration work. Transportation is also provided for the chil- dren in a number of many instances. Jeffer- son county can well boast of her fine schools, and lot of them have been erected under the supervision of Dr. Baker"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03

MT. Dempsey is reported to be interested in art, which reminds us that Mabel Normand boasted of her penchant for languages and philosophy, but she had copy of the Police Gazette in her motor car when William Des- mond Taylo rtold her "good-by."
 Y t
 The Oklahoma preacher who is being criti- cised for marrying couple in bathing suits might point out that he saved the brides father a considerable sum for wedding togs. Edmund Abbott West said to have been one of the founders of the republican party, passed away in Chicago at the age of 99. His death was probably due to old age and disgust
 
 In the old days women went to Washington on sightseeing tours or to attend social func- tions. Now they go to poster somebody con- nected with the government. The young Chilean diplomat who is said to have killed himself for love of Peggy Joyce must have been afflicted with an undernour- ished brain.
 It looks like the dawn of new era in Ire land. Irishmen are beginning to admit that killing one another is poor pastime.
 x Y
 Cubist art is reported to be waning in Paris. The chief objection to cubist painting is that it is sometimes referred to art.
 < *
 A Michigan man has acquired fame by a minimum of effort. He has beard nine feet long and hopes to make it twelve.
 Y
 MT. Wilson, the chroniclers til us, ga pitt full figure. Maybe so, but in an epistolary way he still "packs a punch"
 Sam Gompers views the soviet government of Russia with distrust that is shared by about 99 per cent of his countrymen.
 ' x
 "Red Friend of Jane Addams Held By U. S."-Headline. It was her political complexion that caused the trouble.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
LET US HOPE

From the New Orleans Item.
 The headlner tells us that "United States Law-Makers Fear the United States May Force an Obligation to Adopt Liberia" We hope they will take it out in fearing. The evolu- tions of the loving Europeans at Genoa inspire no desire to nearer approach to their field of action or acquisitiveness. Liberia is on the same side of the same continent as the Senegs- lese empire of the French. They might want to realign the boundaries of these dependen- cies Nor do our experiences in Hayti, Cuba, the Philippines. or Tap, commend an invasion of Africa.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
REQUESTS SWAMP OFFICE

"Our department is being swamped usual with the monthly reports of druggises, doc tors and certain individuals as regards their allotment of alcohol and it's disposition, de- clared W. B. Ford, assistant director of federal prohibition enforcement offices, in statement that more than 1 000 of such reports came into the department each month, to say nothing of the numerous applications sent in by persons and firms for special or regular monthly or an- nual allotments of alcohol.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-03
JASPER SUNDAY LAWS

"We have Sunday closing law in Jasper, which makes it mighty hard on joy riders and tourists and others, but the citizens seem to like it." declared Judge Charles M. Sartain, who stated that with an attendance of 400 young and old at the Baptist Sunday school this week, the law received unanimous in dorsemept