davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
PORT BENEFITS CONSUMERS

: Thursday The Age-Herald commented on sthe great value of the Port of Mobile in the { way of saving great sums In freight on Bir-
 mingham products, giving as illustration the fact that million dollars was saved last year on castiron pipe alone shipped from this district to the Pacific coast. Similarly it was shown that other industries enjoy saw ings in proportion to their export tonnage through Alabama's seaport. The news col sumns of the same day carried reports of considerable return shipments from the Pa ;cific coast to Birmingham and other interior points. Canned fruit and vegetables form the most important portion of these con signments These products are brought to Alabama consumers by way of the port and the waterways at a saving of from fifteen to fifty per cent. over the former all-ral rates. From New Orleans, by the same route into Alabama, coffee is brought at saving of twenty-two dollars car, and sugar at saving of thirty-five dollars car.
 The management of the Warrior system states that this import business through the Port of Mobile and the barge lines is constantly expanding in volume and the net saving to consumers of the state is growing All parts of the state are within the zone of rate influence, since there is joint water and rail rate cheaper than the all-rail rate. The effect on retail prices may not be i'm mediately noticeable throughout the state, but in the long run these reduced transpor- tation costs mean community saving, such as Birmingham and the other major import ing points are already beginning to enjoy. A definite acceptance of the port and water way routes by those who import the provis- ions of Alabama will widen the benefit and will effect pronounced saving to the con- sumers of Alabama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
CANADIAN VIEW OF ALLIED DEBT

From the Topeka Daily Capital.
 In an address in New York T. B. Macau- lay, Canadian financier, declares that the allied debt to Sthe United States has no standing in equity and that if submitted to an Independent commission such a com mission would so report. The United States, he says, was not ready at it's entrance into the war to send men at once, and so it sent dollars. A hangover war psychology per haps accounts for so absurd theory and comparison. When it became ready which was quicker than the allied governments ex- pected, this country sent men. Some of them never came back. But they were not loaned to the allies This country enlisted it's man. power in the war and spent it's money like water. But it also loaned the other govern ments money. It never entered the war as- suming to pay the costs of the military forces of the other countries engaged. It paid it's own costs. These were not loan, but the money advanced to the allies was. England has too much common sense as well as busi- ness sense to join in the hue and cry against the United States on the ground that it should have paid the allies bills as well as it's own. But the fact that they bonded themselves to repay the loan fixes the status of the allied debt 1t is a debt morally as well as legally, and it will be time to con slider cancellation when the governments that owe it quit imposing ruinous taxation on their people for excessive armament.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
WHAT PEOPLE WANT

From the Selma Times-Journal.
 The legislators-elect of Jefferson and Mobile counties have agreed in their collective capacity that they want to hear from their constituents on matters of legislation and are holding "open-house" meetings and inviting the people to present their views and suggestions on proposed governmental measures and on what they want done when the law making body foregathers at Mont gomery. The repeal of useless or hurtful laws as well as the passage of constructive and beneficial legis- lation is embraced in the purview of these preliminary conferences. These gatherings represent form of the initiative" which is fea- ture of the governmental structure of some of the western states, but has never won its way in the more conservative sections of the south. The theory is that the people them selves should be allowed to "initi- ate" legislation directly without in termediaries to represent them, but 1t is theory that has never worked" and is now practically obsolete in those sections where it was once hailed as a wonderful po- litical contrivance. Of course the action of the lawmakers in the two Alabama counties is merely an eff fort to ascertain the mind" of their constituents on subjects which may be presented to them in their representative capacity, and they are merely seeking counsel and guidance in advance, and not '.in- struction" on what to do or not to do. All of our lawmaking bodies have during recent years achieved the bad eminence of being mostly fools," and the popular impatience toward and distrust of such agencies which have foisted plethora of shortsighted and misunderstanding enactments on the country has known no bounds, but the indica- tions now happily point to higher levels of public thinking and public service on the part of those chosen to reflect the will and interests of the people. Let us hope that the vision is not mirage, but we'll of refreshing water in a weary land.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
FORD AND THE MISSISSIPPI

From the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
 Henry Ford has another Missis- sippi plan--a barge line on the up per river between St. Louis and the twin cities. He has applied to the federal power commission for power rights at St. Paul, where he will es- tablish big manufacturing plant provided his application is granted. The barge line will be at the ser vice of all shippers and will provide cheap, dependable transportation for St. Louis and the other river cities Such is the story from St. Paul. Mir. Ford's faith in the Mis- sissippi, however, is well known. He realizes that it is not only the "greatest railroad in the world" but that it's power, if harnessed and put to work, will produce prodigious values. The federal trade commits sion should consider his request fa- vorably. Of course, the govern ment has not been fortunate in some of it's Mississippi river con sessions. It has been notably un- fortunate in one of its upper river grants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
NEWSPAPER INFLUENCE

Raymond Reconly, in Harper's Mag
 azine.
 In the great democracies in which we are living, I am sure the influence of the newspapers is bound to become greater and great CT every day. One may deplore this, but it is so. Whether this in- fluence is good or bad. I think it is perfectly useless to discuss that question. It is fact, and the first thing is to face the fact. For the largest numbers of people, for the great majority of the citizens, the daily newspaper is the only source of education. To this source of ed ucation one might perhaps add an- other, the movies" which, as far as the present moment is concerned, do not raise very much, I am afraid, the standard of education. The people who are obliged to work so as to make their own living, the workmen from the big cities, the peasants and the farmers from the country, have not much time to read books. The newspaper, per- haps some popular magazine on Sundays-those are the only re- sources they possess to cultivate their minds. As whole it may be said that the importance of these newspapers is a capital element in the evolution. of democracy. It Is as important as the school in some respects; if I am permitted to say it, almost as important as the church itself. This importance, this influ- ence, is still greater in internation- al than in national politics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22

in position to say to themselves that it was wise measure. As soon as they realized, through educational campaigns, what port development meant to them and the safe guards thrown about the expenditures of port-aid funds, there was no difficulty in ob- taining six to one majority. It pays to be honest with the people; to be candid with them; to let them understand fully the bear ings of whatsoever appeal is made to them. That system will render forthcoming all the support to which public measures are en- titled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
A Timely Editorial
The Worlds Bigges. Bushes.

From the Washington Star.
 The biggest business of the world is conducted right here in Washing. ton. Its treasurer's office at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Fifteenth street is the scene of the greatest transactions known to man. Take Fridays record for example. In one day one billion dollars worth of Victory notes were redeemed, $275, 100000 was collected in in- come and profits taxes and two is sues of notes totaling $700,00o,000 were floated. Here was a days "overturn" of $1,975, 5,000,000.
 Of course, this was not regular or average day. It was one of the exceptional cases, but at that it was an index of the volume of business that Uncle Sam transacts annually.
 Few Americans realize the mag nitude of the operations centering here. the vast numbers who are di- rected from headquarters in this city and the tremendous sums that are handled. The magnitude of the government business has increas- ed enormously since August, 1914. There has been a reaction, to be sure, but still the size of the gov ernment machine has remained much enlarged over that of nine years ago. The department popu- lation of this city, for example, is about double what it was in 1916, though mulch reduced from the peak of the period when the United States was in the war.
 A days business of nearly two billion dollars requires a most eff fective organization. The United States has such an organization, the product of years of develop ment. There are some misadjust- ments in the governments system, some oyerlappings and lack of CO., ordination between departments, but the treasury stands as model of efficiency and integrity. It han dies these big sums, reaching hun dreds of billions. without slip or slackness.
 Despite all that is said in eriti- cism regarding the fred tape" of government procedure, Uncle Sam's work is carried on with remarkable expedition and effectiveness. A certain amount of red tape is nec- essary to check against errors and losses. In the treasury these cheeks are especially required. As a re- suit of them that department stands today with probably the highest rec ord ever scored in the history of the world in respect to precision and with the lowest record of losses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
MISJUDGING MOVIE ACTORS

The illness of a popular motion-picture star, and the alleged causes which led to his breakdown, have given renewed impetus to rumors of conditions at Hollywood. Some ministers have preached sermons of sen sational nature and agitators have seized on the opportunity to present the notion picture colony in bad light. Mir. Hays evidently thought that an investigation would be advisable and has recently been visitor in Hollywood The public, however, should not judge the entire motion picture colony
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
THE FIELD or HONOR
From the Baltimore American.

From the Baltimore American.
 In some ways the world has not gone for ward in recent years. Take Uruguay! There years ago it passed a new law permitting duels. There followed fatal fight between the premier and leading editor. Another duel took place this week. No less person than the president of Uruguay was the chief figure and the other party was his opponent at the polls. An exchange of two shots left nobody hurt; the duelists shook hands, and it was all over.
 It seems incomprehensible that this old folly should be revived. But in spite of bet ter common sense in the world duels are still fought and the higher European circles are countenanced more than was supposed. And yet allowing for everything one would never have supposed that an American state-evcn though it be in South America-would have revived the evil by statute. Perhaps it is another evidence of the current pessimsm that the human race is not really making progress, but is showing signs of lapsing. Maryland knew the duello very well cen tury ago. A duel was fought by David Ster- rett and Thomas Hadfield, near the present site of the Washington monument, and Ster- rett was killed. Bladensburg, now peaceful and unsung, was great resort for duelists, especially from the District of Columbia. It was not until 1889 that dueling in the Dis trict of Columbia was prohibited by law Uruguay seeks bit of the civilization, or its lack, that was popular in the United States only shortly less than hundred years ago. But the thing should cure itself. Two poll ticians posing in frock coats and shooting twice without hitting anything make spec tacle that ought to laugh itself sick. Even the movies could not contr.ve anything more absurd.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22

The court of appeals has ruled that pos session of part of still is prima facie evidence that the owner has a complete still and jury may accept this evidence, with out additional proof, that the accused has all the equipment needed for manufacturing liquor. This seems to be fine point of law. When jimmy is found on mans person it may be assumed that he is either burglar, or intends to become one, but would that in itself be sufficient evidence before jury to convict him of having committed a crime? Similarly, does the possession of part of a still imply beyond peradventure of a dount that man has already made contraband liquor or has all the equipment to make it? And would the ownership of that obsolete implement known as a bung-starter prove that he was selling beer?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22

Sy the conduct of few persons, whose es- capades have reflected on some thousands of men and women engaged in making motion-picture plays in California. Most of the movie actors, the rank and file who are never heard of in the newspapers, behave themselves and lead orderly lives. They have to work hard, they do not receive large salaries, and they have neither the time nor tho means to dissipate, even if they desired to do so. Neither should all the stars be classed as immoral and dissipated merely because a few have won unenviable noto- riety.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
yIMY RIDGE FOR CANADA

From the New York Telegram.
 Not only will Vimy Ridge live forever in the military records of Canada. but the flag of the domin- ion will float over part of the ele- vation upon which soldiers from the other side of the line fought and bled for France and her allies. It is announced that the French government has granted in perpetu- ity to our neighbors the use of sev- eral acres of land in order that monuments may be erected in hon or of the various units whose mem bers sleep their last long sleep there. So visitors from Canada will be able to find on the soil of the re- public little bit of their own land dedicated to the memory of the dead as Romagne is to be the re- membrance of the Americans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Uncertainties of Love

A young woman was recently awarded $465,0 ,000 for the alienation of her husband 5 affections. It seems that he called her "cutie pie" There is no hard and fast rule by which the wavering human heart can be cen tered permanently on one object. Men have applied terms of endearment to women that fairly dripped with affection, yet they have had to sit through the ordeal of hearing their love letters read in court and have been nicked for sums as large as s50,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Adrift With the Times
He Who Hesitates

Down the street a motor flies,
 Speeding like the desert wind, While lone pedestrian tries
 Vainly to make up his mind Which way he will jump-too late, Wakes he with clouded brow; Surgeon, kindly, yet sedate,
 Says, q guess you're better now"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
"SAvE THE REDWOOD" rom Good Furniture Magazine.


 As a sign that Americans are beginning to improve over past mistakes, particularly in the reck- less cutting down of forests of fur niture woods, comes news from Call iforna of "Save the Redwoods League" This league will endeavor to save the redwood trees from wasteful cutting and when cut will amply provide for reforestation. The association is now working to arouse public interest to the doing" stage. Fortunately, lumbermen are cooperating with the association and are in favor of the movement to such an extent that two of them have made gifts of redwood tracts to the league.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Profits From Cotton

From the Selma Times-Journal.
 Those who think that 25 cents is a high price to pay the southern farmer for his cotton are invited to take look at the profits of some of the mills whose business it is to weave this cotton into finished goods. The Davis and Brown tex tile mills at Uxbridge, Mass, small town near Boston, have just startled the industrial world by declaring stock dividend of 3,233 per cent. It is hailed as the greatest achieve ment yet recorded to the credit or discredit of textile mill. Taking into account the golden rewards that come to the manufacturers of cotton goods, would it not be egu,t- able and fair that the grow& of the staple receive more Of the usu- fruct? Would not a dollar pound for his product be more in harmony with the returns that others receive for fashioning cotton into articles of human service?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
As in the Beginning By REV. H. c. OFFERMi.N

Does Gods Earth make you tin gle?
 Living in America, you are in the new continent.
 Does your blood course quicker; does your mind work faster; do your finger-tips itch and twitch nervously with the inspiration of the new world?
 The greatest joys, the deepest satisfaction, the soul-filling, heart throbbing ecstacies come from Mother Ground as it was in the be- ginning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
THE OILY ORIENTAL
From the Boston Transcript.

From the Boston Transcript.
 As writer of unctuous flattery the Babu stands unsurpassed. Not long ago Ben galese who was soliciting favor of British official concluded his epistle with the pious hope that it might be granted "by the grace of God, gentleman your highness much resembles"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
NEGLECTED MoTHER

From Pearson's Weekly (London).
 Gladys: q am afraid you aren't as pretty as nurse"
 Mama: "What makes you think that?"
 Gladys: "We've been walking in the park whole hour, and not a single policeman has said 'Hullo. baby. hows nurse?'"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Waiting |. Reply
From the Opelika News.

From the Opelika News.
 No one has as yet answered the far question, if removal of the 4. P. l. t, Montgomery would be d great advantage to the college and the state, then why would not the same apply to moving the university to that city?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
BRISK CONTRIBUTORS

From the Louisville Courier-Jour-
 nal.
 It is just possible that the state- men of Europe cannot so.yn Flu rope's problems because all q ',sm are so busy filling contacts witb American newspaper syndfcates.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22

Farmers in the vicinity of Albany-Deca- tur have discovered a new source of income. They are building up profitable cross-tie industry and sell bales of ties at the rate of one dollar for each tie. It is reported that many north Alabama farmers now de- rive a considerable revenue each year from the sale of cross-ties, and all records for sales have recently been broken. This is just another form of diversification. There are many ways in which farmers are find ing that they can make money.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
A Drop in the Bucket

woman connected with an eastern col lege died the other day and in her will she made what, for lack of better term, may be called a futile gesture. She bequeathed s3,000 to German bank to help pay Ger many's war debt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Gave Stuff

"Love came to me like an armed man to harry my strength and pride," warbles q poet. The only way to meet that kind of love is with spiked club
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Help for the Farmer

From the Montgomery Journal.
 The salient features of the new administration bill for the finan- cial relief Of the farmers are pro- posals to increase the maximum loan limits of federal farm land banks from S10,000 to $25,000, amendments to the federal farm loan act to provide for the redis- counting of agricultural produc- tion and marketing paper and to add two members to the federal farm loan board.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
When Friend Wife Lies Abed

Some married men are pampered pets, To hear them tell it on the street, But many a one his breakfast gets,
 Or else at home he doesn't eat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Alabama Press
Americaniam Needed
Foley Onlookel

From the Foley OnIooker.
 The great trouble with our politi- cal parties is that they are political. We need Americanism instead.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Denying the Impeachmen,

1T am accused of being confirmed pessi- mist" remarked MT. Grumpson, 'yet dare say nobody hopes more sincerely than I do that Birmingham will get through the holi- day season without another ax murder.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
On the Alert

"Who are those men talking about Christmas philanthropists or belated shoppers?"
 ''Worse still said MT. Bibbles, with sigh. They're dry agents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Place for a Cotton Mill

From the Greenville Advocate.
 Greenville is a far better loca- tion for a cotton mill than a hun dred little hamlets in South and North Carolina, yet there are dis tricts in those two states where you can travel for miles and never be out of sight of cotton mill. We haven't mill here, and it is main ly through lack of initiative on the part of our citizens.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Moatlx Militant

The Irish parliament has passed the first bill in 123 years. The interim has been full of number of things.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Popular Objective

"Distillery Raided Again. ."-Headline. For raiding purposes warehouse stored with large quantities of wet goods seems So be the cats chest-protector.
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
Publicity Wanted

From the Guntersville Democrat.
 Every town that gets q special wriSo up for the dailies is always 'one of the states most progressive towns" It is time we are getting publicity of that kind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22

The Lausanne conference has become a game of chess. It is unusual in that the kings have been eliminated, but the pawns remain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-22
2 HE A G E. H E R AID

Entered at the Birmingham. Ala, postofflcs as seeond-class matter under act of Congress-. MarcA 6, 1879.