davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22

he helps himself by helpin, B.1.ningham-by trading at home.
 Further along this advertisement says of the local insurance men, "They are not seek ing to dodge responsibilities by conducting a mail-order business from some distant point, but are reputable, trustworthy members of your own community. They form connect ing link between many important business houses of this city and their sound develop ment.s
 This is true of insurance and it is true of practically everything else sold in Birmingham No city has ever amounted to hill of beans without public spirit-without cooperation. Look for town where the attitude of it's citi- zens is "Let George do it. and you will find stagnation instead of normal growth. The town where the home store is not fancy enough and the home factory is not good enough to supply the wants of it's people will always be in a rut.
 Birmingham's extraordinary progress from hamlet to metropolis in 50 years has been due to the vision, the enterprise and the team work of it's citizens. Let us keep it up and strive to make the prediction of John W. Gates come true. There is no surer quicker way to do that than by supporting the business firms and industrial enterprises which are the foun- dation of Birmingham's prosperity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
WHY CANNOT THE GOVERNMENT
 SETTLE WITH RAILROADS?

The Wall Street Journal asks a pertinent question. It wants to know why the govern ment still delays settlement with the railroads? On that settlement depends the ability of the trunk lines to finance the broad schedule of improvement and repair work so badly needed by them, and the expenditure for which would bring millions of dollars into circulation through plant activity and the employment of thousands of workingmen.
 The Journal remarks: Perennial discussion of late almost lost sight of the fact that the government still owes the carriers large sums on account of federal control, and the guar anty of income for the six months following their return to so-called private operation. The director general estimates that the net balance due the carriers on federal control accounts, after charging them with the full amount of ad- ditions and betterments remaining unpaid, is slightly in excess of $241, ,o00"
 The Journal figures that the railroads are short not less than $35o 1000, ,00o of compensa- tion, both morally and legally due them from the government1
 It does seem passing strange that the gov ernment has not been able to settle this mat ter. The country is beginning to show an in- dustrial improvement following the limited pur- chase of cars, rails and other equipment by the railroads. There would be a widespread im- in ;nd dr,c{ =, i roads were given what is due them by the government and enabled to enter the markets for their needs on large scale.
 The railroads are nominally in the hands of their owners. Unfortunately this control is more nominal than real.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
COLoPHoN
an, in The Nation.

Ben Ray Redman, in The Nation. With sparse, blond hair and mild, unlicensed
 gaze,
 His footsteps dragging as if on hill, His pockets stuffed with ancient, tattered
 plays
 I see him as the perfect scholar still. For twenty years he labored on his book, Secretive, proud, exuding industry; Jealous lest even friendly eyes should look Upon the growing verbal tapestry. The publication date with every year Moved forward, keeping slightly in the van; Meantime we made him needed loans, in fear Of broken health for this devoted man. Time after time he would announce the end Of his stern labor; launch his final loan; Then stumble on new data that would send Him into fields of research still unknown. So to the last we shared his confidence. We buried him last week amid regrets; Of all his manuscripts but one made sense- The faithful memorandum of his debts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
TELEPHONES BUSY

''The business world is certainly beginning to pick up," said Miss Magnolia Goodwin, chief op- orator for the Ensley division of the Southern Bell Telephone company.
 My office force was kept busy all day Mon day, which was most noticeable, as this is the first Monday we have been so busy during the past eight months. The company has recently completed the work of laying cables to Fairfield and the Ensley Highlands, and within the next 30 days we expect to have from 150 to 200 new resident phones installed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
STUDENTS OF AUBURN SET
 INSPIRING EXAMPLE

The student body of Auburn has set an ex- ample of loyalty that is a challenge to every alumnus of this institution. At recent meet ing $25,o00 was subscribed to the proposed fund of $1,oo0, ,00o.to be raised for new build ings and equipment, as temporary relief until the state legislature see fit to change its nig- gardly policy toward Auburn. The boys not only pledged Ns25, 1000 by classes, but it is ex- pected that other contributions will increase the,amount to $50. .oOo just twice the sum they were expected'to give. Auburn's student body is not composed of rich mems sons. Most of them are poor boys, or in moderate circum- stances, who go to Auburn to get technical training that will equip them to earn liveli- hood. The fact that they have donated $25,- 900, while still in school, and may raise their quota to $3o,oo0, should spur every friend and alumnus of Auburn to redoubled efforts in the $1,oo0,0 900 campaign. It is seldom indeed that students give such splendid illustration of the gratitude they feel toward an educa- tional institution, and 1t should not be forgotten tlaJ nuCu ol tue SpiIiI Deninu Inelr SuDSCrlp- tieps was due to the knowledge of Auburn's plight.
 These boys see the woefui lack of equipment, the overcrowded classrooms and the inadequate accommodations on every side provided for stu dents. They know that Auburn needs help probably better than anybody else outside of the school, and they propose to give it, as far as their means will permit
 The alumni cannot face these expectant youngsters unless they raise every dollar of the S1 .0O0 .oo0 fund.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
HOW TO GET WORK OUT OF MEN

From the Atlanta Georgian.
 Not long ago workman almost lost his job in large chemical plant. His work was to draw off acid from big earthenware tanks that had earthenware spigots. While doing his work he to one tank where the spigot spindle stuck He tried to loosen it with hammer, broke it and caused considerable damage. It seemed case of 'bonehead' care lessness.
 Some one investigated, however and brought these four facts to light
 ''The man had been on the acid tank job only few days, but had worked for long time drawing off liquid from steel and wooden tanks having metallic spigots.
 "The earthenware tank and the spigot were so covered with dirt that nobody by looking at them could tell what they were made of
 Nobody had ever told the man that these particular tanks and spigots were of earthen- ware.
 ''The man walked 100 feet across the shed to find hammer"
 And then everybody agreed that 'ethis was not case of carelessness at all on the part of the man, that he had not, with the information at his disposal, made bonehead play, but that he had shown intelligence and zeal in hunt ing up hammer, and that the real cause of the smash and resulting damage was failure to fully instruct the man.
 That illustration comes from a book by Charles R. Allen, called 'The Foreman and His Job" It is a new kind of book, symptom of new sort of spirit in industry. The author spends 526 pages in telling the foremen, who are hired to direct other men, the best way to get work out of human beings without doing them injustice or hurting their feelings
 Foremen ought to read it; so ought the men.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22

If a medium could get into communication with Kate Klaxton it would be interesting to know what she thinks of what Mir Griffith has done to "The Two Orphans"
 * In announcing that 'the limit of her hope is to coerce the defendant" New York judge seems to have said the last word in the di- vorce case of Edith Kelly Gould.
  The Polish mat champion is planning to re- tire and turn over his title to his brother. The Hon. "Strangler" Lewis will 'headlock" it away from Wladek in no time.
  Scouting For Girls is not exactly what it's title might suggest, but the young chap with sport car doesn't need any book of rules when he's scouting fdr girls.
  Every time we start to write paragraph about the Mccormick girl, who is going to marry riding master, we forget it, but it really doesn't matter.
 < No matter what President Lewis may be able to accomplish, coal mining can never be made as pleasant form of labor as frying cakes in a window.
 A movie star who Is said to enjoy gardening and teaching Sunday school, nevertheless, strange to say, lives in Hollywood.
 < A new revolution is reported in Portugal. Ever since Manuel was overthrown the Por- tuguese have had temperature.
 x * The arrival of Washington's birthday is the signal for snipers to get busy and shoot the cherry tree story full of holes.
 x %% While indignation meetings are being held in Alabama the Mississippi valley continued to shout "Hooray for Fordg'
 x Whenever some newspaper prints it "Mussel Shoals" the minority spoilers rise up and emit yelps of joy.
 < * Regardless of outside offers, the salary of cabinet officers will remain what it is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
THE VALLEYS INTEREST IN FORD

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
 To judge of the merits of Henry For,ss offer for Muscle Shoals as against those of other offers which were made after the Ford propo- sition had collected several months dust in pigeonhole of Secretary Weeks desk requires technical advice and detailed study. But there some matters pointed out in the statement issuedby J. E. Smith of St. Louis which cannot but appeal to popular judgment.
 The delay of Secretary Weeks in submitting the proposal to Congress- delay which, it is estimated, cost the public $8,062 day-has al- ready been mentioned. The opposition of fer tlizer and other interests to the Ford offer dis proves on it's face the secretary's assertion that ''the Muscle Shoals plant would produce only onethirtieth to one-fourth of the fertilizer pro- duced in the United States" and that "this small production would consequently have no effect upon the price,"
 The intangible but potent consideration which goes into the scales in favor of the Ford offer as against others, however, is MT. Ford's known enthusiasm for two great constructive institutions water power and inland water way transportation.s Mir. Ford has ambitions for the Mississippi river and it's tributary streams As stated by Mir. Smith, if put in possession of the Muscle Shoals plant, he would naturally make use of water transpor- tation opportunities on the Tennessee river, where there are great deposits of coal, iron ore, marble, slate, phosphate rock, zinc and large forests of hardwood timber. The power dams on this river would be step toward Mir. Ford's dream of ultimately harnessing the bulk of the power now running to waste in the Mis- sssppi system.
 Possibly these considerations do not count heavily with Secretary Weeks. With the peo- pie of the Mississippi valley they do, and their representatives in Congress will be overlook ing great service to their constituents if they fail to appreciate the possibilities of general development of the valley in connection with MT. Fords offer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
ROMA SHARES THE FATE
 OF THE RIA

The government should quit wasting money on dirigibles filed with highly inflammable gas and needlessly sacrificing human life. The destruction of the Roma which occurred yes terday at the Hampton Roads army base, with a number of fatalities, recalls the disaster which overlook the R-34 while on a trial trip in England preparatory to being brought to America
 These two tragedies and others have shown that the dirigible- inflated with hydrogen is a deadly .contrivance- America seems to be par ticularly unfortunate in the use of this type of airship. The R-34 was built in England and the Roma in Italy, but they were destroyed in almost identical fashion, As in the case of the R-34, it may not be exactly determined what caused the disaster to the Roma, but it rs only too evident that the chief danger in all dirigibles is the explosive nature of the gas used.
 Experiments have been made which show that helium is the only safe gas for inflating an airship. As yet, the supply is said to be limited, but until some method is developed to produce helium cheapy and in plentiful quantities, it looks as if the dirigible would continue to be death trap. With such ob- ject lessons before them as the Roma and the R-34, the American people will be in no haste to patronize an air service equipped with di- rigibles The airplane may not be quite as reassuring to the eye of prospective passen- ger as . dirigible, but it is far safer when driven by competent pilot
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
"YoU ALL" IN SHAKESPEARE

B. B. Valentine in New York World.
 Why this useless and proftless discussion about you all?' It is good Shakespeare Eng lsh. In that masterpiece of oratory, Mark Antony's speech over the body of Caesar, it is used no fewer than four times, as follows: eYou all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him kingly crown. You all did love him once, not without cause. I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong, Who, you all know, are honorable men. If you have tears, prepare to shed-them now. You all do know this mantle; I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
WHAT ALABAMIANs HAVE DONE
'om the Centre News.

From the Centre News.
 Alabamians start practically everything. William L. Yancey orated up the Civil war. John T. Morgan talked up the Spanish scrap and the Panama canal-three Alabamians (Gorgas, Goethals and Sibert) were main springs in building it. B. B. Conner was the father of railway control. "Dick' Clarke in- troduced the first rural routes bill in 1894. R. P. Hobson worked up farm demonstration, pub lie health conservation, big navy and died po- litically for prohibition. John H. Bankhead gave us federal aid for public roads. John II. Wallace showed Americans how to protect game and fish. John L. Burnett passed his alien exclusion bill over several presidential vetoes. Judge Coleman of Hale showed-the world Ala bamas effective election law. Alabamans introduced primary elections and were first to elect United States senators by direct vote. Indeed the list is longer than we have space to recite.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
SUCCESSFUL MEN

T was asked the other day to name some of the Birmingham men whom thought had been the most successful" said Marc Linx. "The first man thought of was the late Dr. J. H. Phillips. It is true that he left no fortune, and that his entire lifes work was done in the confines of this community, but when one thinks of the tens and hundreds of thousands of human beings who, in time, will have bene- fitted from the splendid school system which he founded and nurtured, cannot but acclaim him one of the most successful men I have ever known.
 When I look over the state seeking the successful there, I recall the late Dr. Thach just as I recall Dr. Phillips in connec- tion with this city. Dr. Thach will be remem- bered and revered for what he has done for the men of Alabama long after many milionaires are dead. To my mind Dr. Phillips and Dr. Thach both achieved greatness and their lives were unqualified success
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
NO MODERN JONAH

From the American Legion Weekly.
 A United States cruiser was lying off south ern France and gob was preparing for ss dive overheard when he was warned by the officer on the deck.
 Twouldn't go swimmin' here, my man. I hear there are lot of sharks around and one might take leg"
 "No chance, sir, remarked the gob cheer fully q have America Won the War tatooed on both legs and no French shark would swal- low that.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
INFORMATION WANTED

During the daily discussion of the Muscle Shoals topic said Dr. F. B. Sutton, frequent mention has been made by the friends and supporters of the Alabama Power company of the wonderful benefits derived through the op- erations of that company in the state of Ala bama and the Birmingham district.
 The people of Birmingham and Alabama would like, as matter of information, for the Alabama Power company or some of its sup porters, to enumerate in plain, simple manner just what these benefits have been.s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
AND STILL THEY coME

A willy promoter Was William G. Fqoater,
 His bait was one hundred per cent; He offered it gladly, Investors came madly
 And gave him their savings, content With the promise he made them. No hand could have stayed them
 He had but to choose and to pick. The proud and the humble, They'll all take a tumble
 For the prospect of getting rich quick.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
EXIGENCIES OF ART

"The arena is ready said the movie director "step in and we'll turn loose the lions"
 "Are you sure those brutes have had their dinner?" asked the star who was to play the role of Christian martyr.
 q saw 'em fed myself. They are as frisky IS kittens
 "All right, but if they show signs of want ing to toy with a little dessert, I'm liable to run over few camera men,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
A TOUCH sINNER

"ls the uplift making any progress in Chig- gersville?"
 Well" replied Squire Witherbee, thought fully, q can't say that it is Tn Ladies' Re- form league tackled zeke Dawdle as bein' about tn most promisin' specimen for showin' what they could do an it looks to me like they've got lifetime job.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
ROADS INCREASE ATTENDANCE

Owing to better roads pupils in Jefferson county are more able to get to school in bad weather than in many other sections of the state" said E. B. Erwin assistant superinten- dent of education.
 "The better attendance increases the eff ciency of the schools and results in better work Our teachers are also aided to attend extension courses in the city for college degrees and for professional advancement
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
TOO MUCH AT ONE TIME

'I'm taking correspondence course in will power said MT. Gadspur.
 Making any progress?"
 "I don't know. held my own with the cook this morning in the matter of two-minute eggs, but later on I had an argument with traffic policeman and found myself back where started.' PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
SOMEBODY TO PICK ON

T understand MT. Peckton has taken up golf"
 Yes, and it has made new man out of him.'
 "The exercise?" -- Not exactly. After years of subjection in the home, it would do your heart good to see the way he worries a caddy."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
COULDN'T SWALLOW THAT

''You believe the candidate to be truthful man?"
 q did until last night.''
 What happened then?"
 >"He got up before an audience of several hundred fellow citizens and said he didn't know who was the largest contributor to his cam paign fund"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
PRoFrTEERs ACTIVE

Fraudulent real estate agents at Muscle Shoals are said to be literally 'moping up with the cash for lots in the vicinity of the big dam," said Jerome Tucker. "These agents ad- vertise in papers in far-off cities that they have attractive property near the big dam, and with the publicity given the Ford bid for the government property there the agents have lit tie trouble in securing bites
 "These lots are not always in the vicinity of the plant, and in many cases are miles from town. In some cases they have been found to exist upon steep hillsides and other unacces- sible places
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
----------------------- COOPERATION MAKES A CITY GROW

In an advertisement of the Birmingham Fire and Casualty Insurance Exchange occurs this sentence: "The one way to conserve the buying power of our city, and make it grow, is to buy at home" That statement cannot be ques- toned, yet it should be reiterated until every business man and every consumer realizes that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
STILL CLIMBING

sDo you regard the Frisbers as socially su- perior?"
 "No,9 said MT. Grumpson.
 "Why not?"
 ''Ill illustrate by figure of speech. If the peak of society were 10000 feet above sea level, the Frisbegs would be about 12,ooo feet up and short of breath"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
A MOIST ATMOSPHERE

From the Houston Post.
 A bobbed-haired girl from New York landed in Chicago, and promptly called it Va hick town. Chicago is not nick town, but hic town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
MORE RECKLESS DRIVING

Come fly with me- the airnan said,
 The maid was nothing loath; They did f1ip-flaps till something broke And kinds friends buried both.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
PERTINENT QUESTIONS AS
 TO CIVILITY

A coach company of New York is conducting an essay contest, and substantial prizes w;ll be awarded the best compositions, on the sub ject of civility. Such literary authorities as Rex Beach Fannie Hurst and R. c. Forbes are among the judges.
 The subject seems a trite one. Civility is presumed to be the attribute and practice of civilized people. But there is reason to ask if the World war did not bring in its train disturbance of the amenities of American life. Did it not produce an indifference to old fashioned forms of etiquette? Have the young people lost some of that respect for the counsel of their elders which past generation enter tained?
 In circular letter announcing the essay con test, these questions are asked:
 "Is the child of today less respectful?~
 "Have young men of today less respect for women of their age?n
 Are the young children more rudely p1e- cocious and the advanced students more stub bornly self-sufficient and self opinionated?"
 Civiity runs deeper than it's manifestations indicate. It is founded on respect for ones fellow man and regard for the laws of society,"
 The question of civility is always live one. It is easy to ignore it, but it is not safe to do so. The handshake was not prescribed at courts as mere matter of form, but to keep mems right hands away from sword hilts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22

Newspaper photographers are working over time to show the country how notables at Palm Beach look in bathing suits. So far as the male notables are concerned, the pho tographers needn't exert themselves on our account.
 Chicago girl bandit is described as ia beautiful blonde, dressed in imported gowns, carrying pistol and wearing winsome smie." That's about the most satisfying description of a girl bandit we've ever read.
 x x x
 There was a recent ball in New York, at- tended by the socially prominent which would have brought blush of shame to the average American who does his shopping on Main street.
 x < <
 Margot Asquith says Tapping is merely children's diseases, like humps ,and can be cured. The diagnosis is probably correct, but will Margot kindly name the cure?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-22
\ MORNING PRAYER

A MORNING PRAYER
 Since thou, Lord, has called me through the lives of other men, grant me to live so that other men may be called to thee through me. Amen.--M. s. B.