davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
MISLEADING THE SIGNS

Representative Mondell of Wyoming, re publican leader in the House, takes singu- lar view of conditions in Europe. Opposing Senator Borah's plan for an international economic and disarmament conference, he says: "It would be extraordinarily pre- sumptuous for the Congress of the United States to invite the nations of Europe to consult with us in regard to their economic situation just at this time. .. It is quite likely that we could give Europe some good advice on tbe question of reparations, but we would be presuming much to suggest to Europe that we are prepared to offer ad- vice on the subject It will be quite soon enough to get into that muddle, if at all when we are invited"
 It would appear that the gentleman from Wyoming is totally unaware of the distress signals that have been coming from Europe ever since the United States refused to rat fly the Versailles treaty. Instead of being regarded as an act of presumption on our part, American participation in foreign af- fairs would cause more rejoicing abroad than perhaps anything else that could hap pen. If Europe has not already made it clear that she would welcome friendly ad- vice and assistance from America, her states men and her press have been woefully mis- interpreted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
JUSTICE FOR TENANTS

The owner of four East Side apartment houses was sentenced to jail for sixty days by New York magistrate when he was un- able to pay fine of $500, imposed on him for failing to provide heat for 72 tenant families. According to health inspectors, only seven tons of coal had been used fo< heating the homes of these families during the present winter The judge held that the plea that the landlord could not buy coal now was inadmissible and said "The ques- tion is, Did he make any effort when he first learned that there was going to be coal shortage?' The evidence indicates that the landlord gave no thought whatever te these tenants" The responsibility of landlord toward his tenants includes reason able precautions to insure their health and comfort. If this particular landoard did not foresee coal shortage he had evidently not read the newspapers, which gave ample warning. His plea that he had not prepared for the worst had no weight with the court. As a result of precedent established during the housing shortage, the landlord who does not fulfill his obligations is apt to be haled before the bar of justice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
GREAT BUILDING PROGRESS

Steady progress of home building In Bir mngham in the past two years is reflected in the report of the city building inspector, which shows total of 3,12o residences con- structed in that period In the city limits at a total valuation of more than $6,000,0 900. While the average value is $1,975, these new residences embrace homes of high cost as we'll as the modest dwellings of working men, and testify to Birmingham's home loving spirit, which began to make itself felt among all classes of citizens as soon as costs of construction permitted. There were fewer than five hundred new homes built in 1920, owing to tke high price of materials, but as result of more reasonable prices of the past two years, home building increased and has averaged more than fifteen hundred new residences year, this years record being new high one.
 No city in the south has given greater evidence of being 8 home building town than Birmingham, and only one or two have equaled the Birmingham record. There has also been large amount of major con- struction and there is much under way, in cluding the $1.0o0,000 high school, the $1,0o0,000 Masonic temple, the $200,00o municipal market house and the $500,0uo municipal auditorium. The negroes are building a s4oo,o0o Masonic temple, there is a s1oo,ooo Young Mems He- brew Association building under con struction. Among the beautiful struc- lures completed in 1922 was the Woodlawn high school. Several grammar schools and the Louis Piztz department store building are among the items of major construction to be completed in 1928. Review of the structural field not only shows a record in new building, but promise of another just ahead.
 All the building referred to has been in the city proper and does not embrace any of the industrial construction at Fairfield Ensley, Tarrant City, East Birmingham and North Birmingham, where more than S15,- 0000oo is represented in construction com- pleted in 1922, now being done or planned for 1928.
 New construction Is the test of municipal progress. Weighed in that balance Bir- mingham is found among the most progress sive cities of the entire country on the rec ord of the past two years and the prospect for 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
FRANCE WINS SUPPORT

new alignment of the allies was created when France, Belgium and Italy voted in the reparations commission to declare Ger many in voluntary default of her wood de- livery for 1922. Great Britain in accord ance with her policy that to declare Ger many in default might still further demor- alize German finances, cast negative vote Although the deliveries of wood are less important than other separations questions, France has been alone in her contention that Germany could be placed in voluntary de- fault merely by a majority vote. The roles will be reversed, with Great Britain isolated. if France can retain the support of Italy and Belgium. The action of Italy is attrib- uted to Premier Mussolini, who is inclined 10 favor France in the separations controversy.
 This three-to-one vote is given additional significance by the approaching conference of allied preniers to discuss reparations. Should France, Italy and Belgium present a united front against Great Britain, France would be in stronger position than she has ever been before in the reparations contro- versy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
AMERICAS FOREIGN DEBT

Otto H. Kahn's suggestion that at least a part of Americas foreign debt be cancelled has met with cool reception in Washington. Neither will it receive much support any where else in the country. MT. Kahn pro- posed that partial cancellation be "only in return for. and simultaneously, with meas ures on the part of European nations to bring about that change of mental and moral attitude and actual conditions, which is in- dispensable if the world is again to be on an even keel" That in itself would be a provision extremely difficult, if not impos- sible, to carry out. Members of the debt commission declare that the act of Congress creating the commission gives them no au- thority to distinguish between money loaned European nations before the armistce and approximately two and one-half billions loan- ed afterward. MT. Kahn's proposals could not be acted on without making recommen- dations to Congress that solution of the debt problem Is impossible within the au- thority already granted. That is matter which has by no means been determined.
 It was unfortunate that MT. Kahn, who Is prominent in group of international bankers, offered such suggestion. It may embarrass the debt commission and create further misapprehension abroad regarding the attitude of the American people. MT. Kahn speaks unofficially, of course, but what he says will be used in Europe as an argument for debt cancellation. The fact that international bankers have invested heavily in foreign securities, which they do not propose to cancel, makes a proposal for forgiving the international debt when coming from that source open to the sus- picion that 1t is not disinterested. The American people made sacrifices so the government could lend billions of dollars to the allies, with the expectation that the money would be paid back. There is no desire to be unduly hard on our creditors abroad. The American government Is not pressing for payment and is willing to make due allowances for the financial plight of Europe, but debt cancellation is morally and economically unsound.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
REAL SIZE OF THE ARMY
From Current History Magazine.

From Current History Magazine.
 On paper Congress has limited the army to 125,000 men. But this limitation fails to take into account the military axiom that five men behind the line are required to get one soldier into battle. The over head of an army in modern times is tremendous. Deducting this over head leaves a mobile force of not more than 25,000 infantry, cavalry and field artillery. Of this force 5000 are in the Philippine islands. In Porto Rico there are two reduced strength regiments of infantry. In Germany there is skeleton force of less than one thousand men. In Hawaii there are about three thou sand men, and in Alaska, only 75 miles from Siberia, where large Japanese armies were until recent ly in control, we have one lost bat talion of infantry-about three hundred strong. So far as the United States itself is concerned, the regular army has practically vanished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28

tion, by which is meant letting workers in as their services are needed, or when it is claimed that they are needed, would defeat the purpose of the present law which limits the number of nationals to fixed percent age each year. It has proved an effective barrier against undesirable immigrants from certain parts of Europe who do not amalga- mate easily and, judging from past experi- ence, would be more of liability than an asset to the country if they were admitted. Public sentiment is strongly opposed to any modification of the immigration law which would let down the bars. The new drive against the percentage principle, however carefully it may be camouflaged, is contrary to the best interests of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
READS LIKE o. HENRY

From the Knoxville Sentinel.
 The story of how three Englshmen were saved from the boiling pot by the cannibal chief reads more like one of o. Henry's most delightfully."- fantastic surprises than real true happening, but since it is related in the London Truth we are bound to assume that it is so.
 As the story is told, three men who were engaged in missionary work in Borneo, or Paupa, were captured by the natives who trussed them up and prepared to make a feast of them. Three large fires were be- ing started. Three pots were produced and knives sharpened, when suddenly there ar rived on the scene huge negro more elabo- rately apparelled than the others. ''He was evidently the chief of the tribe. He seemed at first much pleased at the situation, says the story, but after examining the captives he called a palaver at which it was clear that he was objecting to their being cooked. He silenced the opposition of his views by bludgeoning the dissenters and finally se- cured the release of the missionaries.
 The narrative proceeds:
 "Then the chief said in good English with a slight Oxford drawl:
 I am very sorry you have been incon- venienced gentlemen, but all is we'll now. These warriors will see you safely back to your missionary station. And so goodbye
 "Then he whispered aside:
 1" I'm dressed so differently that prob ably you do not recognize me, but I recog- ni>e you well enough. You were along with me at Balliol three years ago, and of course, no Ballio man could think of eating fel- low Balliol man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
PRAISE FOR ALABAMA SCHOOLS

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 Alabsma's educational progress is attract ing attention in other states. For all the pains we have taken in recent years to put our system alongside the best we are being rewarded by praise from sources formerly critical; a reward which is second in the pleasure it brings only to the knowledge that our system is opening broader life to our children. Recently the Christian Science Monitor, published in Boston, had the fol- lowing complimentary paragraph about our schools:
 If Alabama continues for any length of time the educational progress it has made since 1918, it's schools will rank with those of most states in the union. Measured by the Ayres index number-not an infallibie system, but perhaps as good as any yet de- vised-Alabamas public schools gained three-fourths as many points during the three-year period from 1918 to 1921 as they gained in the 28-ycar period from 1890 to 1918. This advance was due primarily co a greater public interest in education and the consequent levy of state and county taxes for schools and the adoption of new school code setting higher standards and new compulsory attendance laws. Establish ment of the county as the unit of school ad- ministration has likewise had beneficial effect"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
AN ARMY OF JOR HOLDERS

From the Pittsburg Dispatch.
 When it is stated that there are 2,141, ,000 Americans on the gov ernment pay rolls and that their maintenance imposes tax on capi- tai and labor of S3,211, ,500. 900 every year, the figures are too stag gering for the averape mind to ap- preciate, but when they are trans lated. as the Baltimore Evening Sun has done, into mileage, they are easily grasped. Assuming they were of average height, if laid end to end there would be 2,230 miles of them, each mile costing the coun- try S1,439,961, or roundly mil lion and a half dollars year. No wonder there is such a demand for reduced governmental expenses. We, talk of Europe's burden of armies. but how about our army of officeholders which seems to be con- stantly increasinr9
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
FLATTERING THE SENATE

From the New York Times.
 Just now at Lausanne the Russian dele gates are paying to the Senate of the United States the sincere flattery of imita- tion. They have apparently abandoned hope of preventing the Turks from coming to an agreement with Great Britan and the other Allies, but the happy thought has occurred to them that they may be. able to induce the Turkish National Assembly at Angora to refuse to ratify the treaty signed at Laus- anne. At any rate, they may obtain long delay in ratification, like that of the French government in the matter of the Washington naval treaty. But of the ultimate origin of the proposal there can be no doubt. The Russian copied it directly from the book of political strategy used by the republican Senate in 1919 and 1920.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28

of an clement whose influence is pernicious and destructive. The fact that they are a minority does not pre- vent them from carrying on active propa- ganda to undermine American institutions. Such doctrine appeals to the unintelligent and discontented, particularly among our foreign-born population. The bulk of the American people cannot be misled by bol- shevism, but there is need for more educa- tion in the American ideals of government particularly among newly arrived immi- grants who are more easily influenced by propagandists.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
My Favorite Stories By IRWIN 5. COBB
THE AFFAIR IN HALF MOON STREET

Ever since 1 first heard it-and that must be fully ten years ago now-I have treas ured the story of the gentleman, living at No Half Moon, street, who inserted the advertisement in the Agony Column of the London Times.
 The advertisement was rather out of the ordinary, even for that department of cu- rous queries, weird pleas and strange per- sonal notices It stated, in effect, that person of scientific attainments, living at No. 5 Half Moon street, was preparing to go on a journey of exploration into Equato- rial Africa, and that he desired, as paid companion, young man who was a good rifle shot, experienced in the tropics and acquainted with the languages of the narlve tribes.
 The same evening a youth-about-town was sitting in his club. He picked up copy of that mornings Times and his eye fell upon this advertisement He read 1t through and then he said to himself what an English man always says when confronted by any thing which seems to him striking or inter esting.
 "Most Extraordinary! Most remarkably Extraordinary that any Johnnie living in Half Moon street should wish to leave his dlg- gings and go to Africa and take strange Johnnie with himv'
 The impression of what he had read lin. gered in his mind all through the evening Pondering it over, he drank more perhaps than was good for him. At least, what he drank was not good for his speech-it made it thick and hiccuppy. Also it tangled his legs At Q. n. he arose and, leaving the club, set out for his lodgings! He rambled off his route and presently found himself in Half Moon street. By another coninci- dence he was directly in front of No. 5. Groggily, he stood for space trying to couple these facts with some foggy recol- lections which lurked in the back part of his brain. Then he remembered He made his fumbing way up the steps to the door and rang it again and again. At length foot steps sounded in the passage within and the door was opened by an individual who, de- spite his state of partial undress, plalniy was butler.
 "Well, sr?" he asked.
 "I desire (hic) shee your master" ssla the inebriate. "AIush shee him at once"
 
 strated the servant. "The master has re tired. He is in bed asleep. Can't take the message, sir and deliver it in the morning!''
 "Not at all," said the clubman. Finish is mosh pressing and imperative. Businish is strictly between your master (hc) and myself"
 So the butler went away, leaving nm there, and eventually there appeared in the doorway a mddle-aged gentleman of an irritable aspect in dressing gown and slip pers, who plainly had just been aroused from slunber.
 "Well, sir, well, sir,' he snapped, "what is it you wish to say to mel"
 Are you the genl'm who inserted (hic) advertisement in Times stating you wished engage servishes of young man company you to Africa?"
 q anl What of itg"
 "Well (hic) jus happened to be passing and l dropped in to tell you pershonally can't she my way clear to going" Copyright. 1922. by the McNaught Syndicate Inc)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
What's the Hurry?

I do not need Excessive speed
 When upon journey go; And neither do The reckless crew
 Who drive their motors to and fro At such pace The human race
 Or those of us who ambulate, Must lightly leap, Our lives to keep,
 Or else upon their passing wait.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
THE OTHER MAN By REV. H. C. OFFERMi.N

When you are in hurry, don't curse, but try and put yourself in the other mans place.
 Never hope for too much, and you'll never be disappointed
 Give the other man a chance but keep fighting yourself.
 Don't be surprised by victory work so hard that you really de- served it long ago.
 Never give way, outright, fight, fight.
 Help the other man if he cannot help himself; but don't help him to loaf.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
When Living Was Cheap

'I am naturally pleased" remarked MT. Grumpson, "to see so many handsome resi- dences going up in this, you might call, our fair city, but can't help remembering that there was time when a young man could get married, live in better house than the leading doctor in town occupied and rear family on a salary of $75 month. Now adays you couldn't finance bungalow with a garage in the rear on that basis"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
THE ETERNAL HUMAN
T the Washington Post.

roHi tHe dSnlngtOn fOSL.
 That human nature changes llttle with~t the passage of time may be t.1te observation. hut it takes on new interest with the discoveries at Luxor. in the land of the pyramids. From the records found in unearth- ing ancient tombs it appears that the humans of 4.0O0 years ago re- sponded in much the same way es moderns to the worries of everyday lite that bore striL1--. resemblance to those of the present. The domes- tic servant problem seems to have been almost as baffling in that far off day as it now is, And domestic relations in that ancient era were apparently subject to complications very like those that sometimes arise in families of this generation. The civilization to which the nlunnies belonged is itself mummy, out, ac- cording to the record. many of thoir worries and vacations have survived them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
A Timely Editorial
The Story of the Emden
From the Providence Journal.

From the Providence Journal.
 The Senate has received com munication from an organization of ex-service men in New Jersey pro- testing against the appearance of Lieutenant Won Mucke, who served Tn the German warship Emden early in the World war as a lecturer on the American platform. It has been reported that the lecture will be the epic of this celebrated cruiser. The remonstrants are "emphatically op- posed to allowing Lieutenant Mucke' either privately or publicly, to re- late his experiences on the German cruiser Emden in sinking ships and destroying human lives.
 This appeal may be supported by other veteran organizations. and protests pour in upon Congress. It may, indeed, be too soon to welcome to our shores a German naval of- ficer among the host of lecturers from abroad. But let us be fair. The Emden destroyed no human lives, except in, battle-four men of the British cruiser Sydney were killed in the unusual fight that ended her.
 The story of this German com merce destroyer is thrilling one. The German flag, moreover, Is stainless so far as the Emden is concerned. Rowing the Bay of Ben gal she sank many unarmed mer- chant ships, but not one ruthlessly. Not only were passengers and crews unharmed, but in one instance after sinking a small enemy warship the Emden stopped to rescue the survi- vors from drowning. Humanity was displayed often at peril to herself, for the cruiser was doomed from the outset of her bold adventure, and her pursuers were always hot on her trail. When her commander, Von Muller, arrived in England a prisoner of war, the admiring Eng fish would have made popular hero of him had the government. permitted.
 Not since the day of the Confed- crate cruiser Alabama has there been such a splendid demonstration of the art of commerce raiding as the Emden gave; associated as it was with with scrupulous regard for the chivalrous tradition which marked the annals of the sea, in war as in peace, until the German U-boats shockingly violated it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
MILLION MILES OF LEISURE

From the New York Sun.
 One million miles of railroad travel between breakfast and office and office and dinner for twenty two years tells the story of New Jersey commuters record, from which doubtless a moral example, a lesson in perseverance, may be drawn. But it is not the conquest of stormy weather. frozen switches and cold car heaters that calls for comment. By l;stle figure work it appears that this commuter lived about two hours out from business; coach. That demand, comment. or, in other words, four hours each working day he Snent in q railroad Every man alive probably has some secret work he would like to do, novel or a play, q plan for sonne- thing; a reasoned argument, for al. of which he has no time unless he commutes. Tn the motion of a train and the steady noise, varied only by restful pauses. the comfortable cushions and the a!oofncss from the world outside he can find combi- nation ideal for accomplishment. Perhaps great things have already been done on railroad trains. Think ing of the above mentioned million miles of leisure. it does not seem out of order to inquire what this particular gentleman has dn1.c With his 5,0O0 hours of opportunity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
GOT THEIR MONEY BACK
om the Boston Transcript.

From the Boston Transcript.
 The baby started crying at the theatre and an usher warned it's pa rents that if they couldn't stop 1t they must get their money back and leave. The baby was silcnccd, but towards the end of the act the moth CT began to be bored. Don't think much of this play, after all," she said. "Wish we'd gone somewhere else"
 "All right. Maria," whispered her husband. Pinch the kid"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-28
A Sign of Prosperity

From the Mobile Register.
 Official announcement that the Christmas mail has been the heavr fest in history is another way of showing that business conditions are improving and the people feel
 able to spend for gifts, where dur1 ing recent years many were only able to buy necessities.