davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
A Timely Editorial
Twenty Years of Reclamation

From the St. Louis Globe-Demo-
 crat.
 The reclamation policy as ap- piled to arid lands in the west has from time to time been criticised as to details and as to results, but a twenty-year survey of it's work ings reveals much that is gratifying and worth attention. Since the passage of the act in June, 1902, a total of $135, 100000 has been ex- pended and 1,675,000 acres, for merly untillable on account of drouth, have been supplied with adequate water. This figures out at the rate of about $50 an acre, which may seem a rather high price compared with that at which new lands are ordinarily valued, but it must be remembered that great deal of this arid land has wonderful fertility and that water is the one factor required to make it astonish- ingly productive. So far as agri- culture is concerned, this years re port on the service says that recla- nation has virtually added new state to the union and that the 31,426 farms in reclaimed acreages, averaging about fifty-three acres to each farm, raise crops valued at as much as those raised in West Virginia or those raised in Yer mont and Connecticut combined. The S135, 100000 cost of this new state is many times the $7,200,000 we paid for the immense and rich territory of Alaska, but compared with the $25, 5,000,000 we paid for a few barren acres in the Virgin Islands, it seems rgain-price deal.
 Reasons other than those found in the ledger account justify the policy. No small part of the United States is handicapped in it's physi- cal geography. Its rainfall because of mountain ranges or other reasons is reduced to minimum. Recla- nation work raises up flourishing communities in what would other wise be wilderness and to bring wildernesses into subjection is al- ways sound economic policy. States which, on account of th's handicap and through no fault f their own, have seemed destined to become backward states, are given new impetus toward self-reliance and progress.
 Reclamation under public and pri- vate auspices has already done a great deal for the west. The recent agreement among seven states re- garding an equitable division of the waters of the Colorado indicates that it is about to do much more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
A SMALL BUT VALUABLE CROP

The department of agriculture's final es- innate of the 1922 cotton crop is 9,964, ,0oo bales of 500 pounds gross weight, 171,000 bales under any of the governments fore casts. While the crop is the smallest in twenty years, with the exception of 1921, it is the fourth most valuable ever produced, aggregating $1,134,6os, 1856, exclusive of Inter cotton and cotton seed, which will add millions of dollars to the total amount re- ceived by producers Apparently the move ment for acreage control did not make much progress, although it probably had some effect in reducing the size of the crop. In spite of large acreage, unfavorable weather conditions and the boil weevil kept down production, South Carolina and Georgia being the worst sufferers among the cotton per cent of the average maintained in the previous five years.
 No effective method has been generally applied to check the ravages of the boil weevil, but the cotton grower is in better position now to get fair return for his crop than ever before, as a result of CO., operative marketing associations which have put the sale of cotton on a business basis. He can no longer be exploited as in the past by manipuations of the cotton market. Conditions of the world demand and short production have for several years failed to keep the price of cotton up. Therefore, the present increased price must be attributed mainly to cooperative marketing, the most progressive step ever taken by the cotton growers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Catering to the Plain People

"A man in the public eye should be care fu of his personal appearance"
 "You are quite right, sir" replied Senator Snortsworthy. "When campaigning in the back districts I have frequently spent all hour trying to make my attire sufficiently negligent to meet with the approval of my constituents. Carefully creased trousers might have cost me several hundred votes and had ventured to wear spats anybody running against me would have had a walk oyer"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Packing Plant Points Way

From the Anniston Star.
 The Andalusia packing plant has been reopened and on the first day 200 hogs were killed and 150 men and women were given employment in the industry. The farmers around Andalusia are cooperating whole -heartedly with the business interests of the town to make the packing plant success by supply ing it with the hogs and cattle need- ed for it's operation. Incidentally, the plant will be great help to the farmers by giving them a ready cash market right at hand for their hogs and cattle. Anniston has home owned packing plant that offers the same opportunity for the farmers of Calhoun county and surrounding counties to dispose of their hogs and cattle that the Andalusia plant does for the farmers of that sec- tion. It would pay the farmers well to make more of an effort than they have been making to produce hogs and cattle for the home plants. It gives them increased income and does not interfere with their regular crop efforts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
WANTS AUBURN TO REMAIN

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 Yesterdays Advertiser made few re- marks in favor of moving Auburn to Mont gomery. Some years ago when in Bir- mingham was shown plot of ground there that was going to be used to erect the state capitol upon. I was delighted with the idea and well pleased with the location. I hope it will not be a very long time for the peo- pie to vote for change. Auburn is an ideal place for the "A. P. l." It is all Of 600 feet higher up in the air than Mont gomery; there is no probability of the vel low fever epidemic; the water is good, and if it is not abundant as it should be it would not be much trouble to enlarge ours and lay pipes from here to Auburn. Let the good work go on for that million dollar drive for Auburn.
 JOHN H. PURNELL.
 Opelika, Ala, Dec 12, 1922.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
FAITHFUL ANYWAY
om the Los Angeles Times.

From the Los Angeles Times.
 Brown, a newly welded subur- banite, had promised to be home from town at 6 o'clock. At mid night his wife frantically sent six telegrams to as many of his friends living in town, asking each if her husband was stopping with them over night.
 Toward morning hubby and his broken down motor car were ap- preaching the house when 8. messen- ger boy rushed up with six tele- grams.
 All of them read; "Yes, John is spending the night with me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
A Split" Session Forecast

From the Selma Times-Journal.
 The practice which seems to have become the established order of di- viding the sessions of the legisla. ture, allowing preliminary period for organization for the formula ton of programs and the introduce tion of measures. will very probably be followed by the new law-maklng body which will convene at Mont gomery the first Tuesday aftce s~'- first Monday in January, The pro- vision of the constit asion which or ders the converting of the legislature three weeks before the inauguration of the governor is an archaic IT. rangement and ought to 3r a02n' doned. The interval betweol " two events is practically h away, forcing the .egisixttrS v mark time" until the new ag'S tration can take up its tasxsy clare it's policies and make ital se- concentrations. The time hasgaion of 50 working days, or da el actual session which 'erlha. cs s and confines" the king allowing the house to def Q days are working day6
 are some other kind, l
 some provision and vii be put into the discard l VG constitutional conventi0 -.f XE
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
USING A POOR COOK

From the Boston Transcript.
 You seem to have lost weight since I saw you last, Mrs. Brown. Are you taking treatment?"
 "Oh, no. That's only because of the trouble have with my new cook.''
 "Why don't you discharge her?"
 ''Im going to. Just as soon as she wor- ries me down to 140 pounds shall order her. out of the house."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
CLEMENCEAU'S ACHIEVEMENT

Clmenceau's American visit, which ended yesterday, was largely personal triumph for the war premier of France. The crowds who greeted him and the ovations he re- ceived everywhere he went, on a speaking tour extensive for man of his years, tes- tified to his popularity and reflected Amer ican friendship for France. As for the political results of Clemenceau's mission, there is nothing to indicate that it has changed, or will change. to any marked ex-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
WHERE CORPORATIONS ERR

According to the statement of President vice Commission there was no call at this time for the fixing of the valuation of the properties of the Alabama Power Company. Yet the two associate commissioners insisted upon completing the valuation before the expiration of their terms in office. It is reported that the company has refused to open its books to the examination of the commissions auditor, as required by law. The engineer has not been permitted to make estimate and appraisal of properties. The attorney general was not permitted sufficient time to study the documentary exhibits of the company in support of it's appeal for valuation in order that he might give his opinion to the commission. MT. Patterson further alleges that the law re- auiring the original cost of properties to be considered in arriving at permanent valua- that the auditor is given only an ex parte statement of the company's original costs instead of being allowed to make his report from the company's bona fide records in- dicates that the associate commissioners were furnishing further evidence of that favor itism for which they were rebuked by the people in the recent elections, for the com- mission is not required to fix valuations unless the corporation complies with it's demand for first-hand information. Commis- sioners Gaillard and Cooper were retired from office by an overwhelming vote of the people because there was well-founded belief that these two officials had too tender regard for corporate interest and too little concern for the rights of the people, Their action on yesterday serves to confirm the people in their judgment.
 It is episodes such as this which create popular distrust of public corporations and pave the way for those waves of public in- dignation which occasionally results in their penalization. The corporations have only themselves to blame for this attitude of sus- picion towards them, especially corporations of public utility nature which derive from the gift of the people their right to exploit natural resources. Because of the cifcum- stances surrounding the decision of the as- sociate commissioners over the protest of the president of the commission, and for the reasons advanced by him public confi- dence, a valuable asset, will not run to the power company The Alabama Power com pany, in legitimate field of industry, act ing in harmony with the state laws, seeking no undue advantage, properly considerate of the public interest and working with and for the public, could command and receive the cooperation of all citizens This they can not expect when they show themselves un- mindful of official and political conditions In the long eventuality no sort of corporate control can prevail over the public advan- tage. The people are not without their de- lenders, and it can well be expected that they will have their day in court.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
In Hotel Lobbies
Rural Schools and Seals

"The sale of Christmas Seals for the Anti-Tuberculosis association is now on apace among the 219 ru- ral schools of Jefferson county" said Dr. N. R. Baker, superinten- dent of the county schools.
 "Oxmoor, small one-room school, received the cup last year for selling the most seals per capita. The average number sold was only ten, and the other schools of the county are saying that Oxmoor will have to sell more than ten seals per capita to retain that cup another year.
 '.This sale, however, is not based entirely upon the matter of who shall have the cup. Every child is made ito realize that by saving some pen nies, nickles or dimes and devoting Jthem to this cause it becomes ben efactor to the human race. The les sons of interdependence and care for unfortunates are being stressed by teachers and principals as never before.
 Several schools have already sold their quota and are calling for more. Undoubtedly, the collection will be much greater than ever be- fore in the history of the movement among the county schools"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
A Quick Retreat

q have here, sir" began the brisk agent, "a device which"
 "Jobson,o yelled Mr. Wadleigh, "what do you mean by letting this fellow get into my private office? If I have to throw him out you'll go with him'
 q have here, sir continued the agent; "my hand on the door-knob, which I am turning for the purpose of letting myself out. Good day, sir" PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Gadsden Has Pure Water

One of Gadsden's assets, and one of which not much is said, is it's wa ter supply. The water department of the city is held up as model for all such institutions in the south. Not only is this department a suc- cess financially, but it produces a good supply of water which is ab- solutely pure. Drawn from the Coosa river, the water is put through both mechanical and chem ical processes, so that, regardless of the condition of the river water, that which flows through the ser vice pipes is clear and pure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Still Able to Spend Money
From the Opelika News.

From the Opelika News.
 The great Louisville and Nash vile railway system has spent or contracted far more than $52,000,- 900 for additional rolling stock, track betterments, etc., since thas road was turned back to its owners by the government. This dooes not go to prove the claims made that the big transportation lines are in danger of becoming bankrupt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Additional Cleansins

In a city noted for its industrial grime, Commissioner Gloe wants to "clean up" the rooming houses His desire is predicated on what the pulpiteers call Thigh moral grounds" but we would respectfully suggest that at least 80 per cent of them need d liberal application of soap and water.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
The Fine Art of Pussyfooting

.Td like to adopt political career" said the ambitious young man, "but Pm no ora tor and I don't believe I'd ever learn how to make a good speech.
 "You don't need to, son." replied the veteran campaigner. Some of the smooth est political strategy this country has ever witnessed was put over in whisper
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Affluent Circumstance.

"To avoid an embarrassing situation bear in mind that the person we are about to deal with prefers to be known as distribu- tor and not bootlegger.'
 "Is he sensitive about his profession?'
 "Not particularly, but he has some new ideas of self-respect due ito the recent ac- ouisition of a million dollars"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
No Relief

Pedestrians, helpless lot,
 Their fists on tables humping, Declare the speeders should be shot, But, bless you, keep on jumping!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Local Self-Government

From the Fairhope Courier.
 One of the most practical sug- gestions which could be made to the Birmingham legislators would be to endeavor to secure the submission to the people of an amendment to the constitution which would make it unnecessary for the people in any community to go to the state legis- lature for permission to do things affecting only themselves and on which a majority are agreed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Alabama Press
Appetizing Satsumas
'om the Baldwin Times.

from the BaluWIn Times.
 Doctors have said that a person might easily eat "A to 36 Satsuma oranges, provided he did not swal low the pulp, and the only undesira- ble effect would be to create a de- sire for more!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Let Him Stay

"Let Harvey be recalled" advise tic Hearst newspapers. And destroy one of our most fruitful sources of paragraphis material? Never!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Florida Busy Building

Florida will within the course of five years be consuming it's entire output of lumber, due to the enor- nous building projects now under construction, declared w. k. Gard ner, assistant secretary of the Southern Pine association, with headquarters in Jacksonville, who was in the city Tuesday.
 For many years Florida has stood out among the southern states in the production of high grade lumber materials, among them be ing the long and short leaf species of pine. Building has been on the boom in the state for the past few years and has taxed the lumber mills to capacity to supply the home demands and those of outside con- .cerns. Such conditions as I have forecasted for my state are now ex- isting in Georgia and may spread over the entire southern states un- less steps are taken to replace the timber that has been cut"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
SAVINGS BANK PAYS OUT

The once tangled affairs of the Jefferson County Savings bank are practically of the past, the savings depositors receiving a forty TIT cent apportionment this week, leaving
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Adrift With the Times
Too Late

How sad is life When with the wife @
 You sit, plunged fathoms deep in woe, And thus lament, While paying rent
 We might have bought bungalow"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Better Age-Herald

People throughout the state are being impressed with the improve ment shown in The Age Herald during the last month"; said Mrs. Charles E. Sharpe. Personally, I feel delighted and proud that Bir- mingham has two un-to-date news papers. Mir. Thompson is to be congratulated on the service he has rendered the city and the state of AIahama "
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Observe Safety Week

"The fatal accidents which oc- cured in Birmingham on the first day of National Safety Week should bring us to realize the vital mpof- tance of proper observance of the week." said F. V. Underwood, as- sistant general manager of the Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power company. "Only a few years ago people would scarcely have dared go on the streets with such conges- tions of traffic as now prevail. Ger tainly they would not have crossed strets with the unconcern that won can witness each day. National Safety Week is for the education of the motorist, the pedestrian and all who go on the streets and highways
 The casualty list brought about by
 accidents is appalling, and we shall have to take the matter of safety observance seriously if anything constructive is to be accomplished" :"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
Machines Interest Him

Anything having a tendency to improve existing conditions, es- pecially so in the manner in which our elections are conducted, meets with my approval" State Senator elect Walter s. Brewer said Tues day in discussing the possibilities of installing the voting machines in Jefferson county, which move is be- ing fostered by M. E. Morris, coun- ty election commissioner.
 q have never had the opportunity of inspecting one of the voting ma chimes, but from the reports I have received of it, am highly in favor of having it demonstrated in Jeffer- son county. and if feasible having it installed here"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
My Favorite Stories
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LANGUAGE
By IRWIN s. COBB

The infusion of Russian and Polish stocks into New York has been responsible for some curious additions to the language of the Manhattan Cockney. Most of us are familiar with the story of the small Eastsde boy who told his father that what he liked best about the arithmetic he studied at school was Gozinta.
 "what do you mean, Gozinta?" asked his parent.
 "why 9 gozinta 4 gozinta 8, go- 3inta 16"
 Of somewhat more recent coinage is the one which recites how a teacher asked if any member of her class knew the meaning of the word "Stoic."
 Up rose small second-generation Ameri- can from Rivington street.
 "Sure teacher, I know what is stoic,' he said.
 Well then, Sidney, suppose you tell IS what stoic is.
 "A stoic is the bold wot brings the babies" Copyright 1922, by The McNaught Syndicate, Incl
 BRITAlNs RESERVOIR OF JOBS From The Chicago Tribune.
 The British government is preparing elab- crate plans for allevating distress due to unemployment this winter. Construction of road from Liverpool to Manchester, which will employ 10000 men, is one feature of the program. Government stimulation of various railroad, agricultural, and building schemes which will employ many more thou sands are included in the proposals.
 That is a much. better way of relieving un- employment distress than is the giving of doles, which in the last two years have ap- preached half billion dollars. How much better it would have been if these construc- tive measures had been provided for two years ago. That much time has been lost, a corresponding amount of money has been wasted, and misery has continued through out this period.
 Only now is Britain realizing the neces- sity of definite program and the estab- lishment of reservoir of jobs It should be lesson to the world. Even the United States, with all it's present prosperity ana alleged shortage of labor, could not do bet ter than to prepare similar reservoir of jobs against the day of slackening of bus mess activity. A reservoir of jobs is the best insurance any country can have against economic depression ana social and political turmoil.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-14
REPORTS WERE FAITHFUL

Opehka, Ala, Dec. 12, 1922.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1922-12-07
Obituary-John e. Wal

John Ernest Wall. son of Mr.. and
Mrs. r. p. Wall, was born at Chap.
man, Kan, Nov. 8, 1895, and died
Nov. 20, 1922, at Enterprise, Kan,
at the age of II years and 10 days.
AT the age of years he moved
with his parents on a farm near En-
terprise where he grew to young
manhood.
In 1914 he went to Enterprise to
work for Mr. Mackenstalk in a gar
age and later for Richard Dalton un-
til Dec. II. 1917, when he enlisted
in the U. s. aerial corps at Salina,
Kansas, and went overseas July 3,
1918, remaining in France about 8
months, returning to the states
March 2, 1919 and was discharged at
Camp Funston Kan, March %, 1919
remaining at home for few weeks
and later he and Theo. Schwendener
went into partnership in a garage at
Enterprise and remained partners
until their death.
He leaves to mourn his departure
his father and mother, Robert and
Louise Wall, one sister Mary Wall,
one brother Ephraim Wall and fam
lily, one grandfather at Milford, ILL.,,
his fiancee Anna lBaxstrom and
number of other relatives and a host
of friends.