davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
ADVERTISING
From the Washington Herald.

From the Washington Herald.
The advertising of American bus
siness in American monthlies and
weeklies amounts to about $780,
100000 year. and newspaper adj
vertising to about $3.50, 900, 900 a
year, $500, 100000 in all, which is
about as high as the bill for Ameri-
cas- chewing gum, or lip sticks,
rouge and powder, George w.
Hinman asks whether this is worth
the money. And he answers his
question in the affirmative. For
he says that the value of what the
United States produces amounts to
about $40, 000, 900, 900, and this
advertising bill of SS00,00O,O 900 is
therefore only about 2 per cent Of
the total amount of goods produced.
Advertising is an important and es-
sential element in distribution. It
is more than that; it is the self-ex-
preston of business enterprise,
and keeps it wholesome. Russia
tried the abandonment of advertis-
ing and found that advertising and
business both departed together.
III you are going to cut off all the
blossoms from plant you are 60
ing. after awhile, to have no more
plant.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
THERE ARE ALWAYS LAWS

When there is failure to enforce the law,
the fault is usually to be laid at the door
of those whose duty it is to bring about the
apprehension and punishment of offenders.
There is always law enough. Accordingly,
whenever there is official hustle to secure
the passage of law an ordinance for the
avowed purpose of enforcing statute that
has not been enforced the public should not
permit itself to be misled. In Birmingham,
for example, the police commissioner has
discovered ordinances of sufficient scope 20
render unnecessary the Wssage of certain
other ordinance he had previously regarded
as necessary to complete his authority. The
situation reveals one great trouble with
local governments. They pass ordinances
and then forget about them. When SINH
lar situation later presents itself, there is no
process of looking back over the statute
books to find out whether the case has been
covered or not, but new law is drawn up,
presented, passed, and again forgotten.
Which brings the question back to the start
ing point, namely, that there is always
enough law, if an official is determined to
enforce the law
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
My Favorite Stories
BY IRWIN S. coBB
THE GIFT OF AN EMPTY MIND

In certain hotel in southern town a
group of gentlemen--a colonel, judge, a
doctor, two majors and a. captain or So
used to play poker. Always they were waited
upon by a shrewd old negro who throve upon
their tips. The grand jury sometimes felt
an official curiosity regarding this poker
game, and upon one occasion sent for the
old negro, hoping to extort from him EVIL
dence upon whichnto base indictments for
gaming.
In answer to the foreman's questions the
old man admitted readily enough that he
waited upon certain gentlemen, who, he
said, gathered regularly in specified room
of the hotel To the best of his belief they
played kind of game with cards and chips.
The head of the grand jury called upon him
to give names.
"Boss, I'd lax to obleege you, sub, de bes'
in de world,' said Unsle John, "but hitscan't
be did You see, sub, always before dem
gen'rmen starts in playin' dey has a toddy
sometimes dey has two or three toddies.
And bein' puffect gen'men day always
leaves little bit in de glasses and drinks
it, And, boss, dat whisky meks me so drunk
dat afterward l never kin remember single
one of DEM"
The grand jury sent him away, after
threatening him with jail As he was leav-
ing, with many bows and profuse apologies,
the foreman called him back and ordered
him to report again in week.
"In the meanwhile" he commanded
sternly, 81 don't want you to take any
drinks, and in addition you had better go
to doctor and get something that will
assist your memory.
Uncle John promised to do so and with
drew. True to orders he was back again
in a week, smiling blandly upon the in
quisitors.
"Now then, Uncle john" said the fore
man, chow about it?'
Boss" said Uncle John, with winning
grin, Use monstrous sorry to hab to dis
apint you gen'Pmen again, but faint my
fault dis time. l went to DR.. Brooks, jes'
lax you told me, and | axed him for some
thin to hep my wits. But he muster gm-
me somethn 'outen de wrong bottle, case
de medicine done plum destroy my memory
entirely and now l can't remember nothin'
tall
Copyright 1922, by The Mcknight Syndicate Incl
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
COOPERATION WILL DO IT

The conference between the President and
certain governors of states to discuss the
enforcement of the prohibition amen dment
indicates a somewhat different relation
between state and federal government than
has heretofore been emphasized. The aims
and laws of both federal and state govern
ments are parallel; therefore, there is no
reason why they should ever be at cross
purposes While, according to statute, fed
eral authority is paramount, yet on all ord-
nary occasions the authority of the two units
is concurrent. There is no especial reason
for jealousy between the state and federal
agencies of law enforcement; on the contra
ry, there is every fundamental reason for the
most thorough cooperation Only in that
way can there be efficiency and an avoid
ance of duplication of effort and expense.
Since both state and federal officers cover
the same territory in pursuit of offenders
of the same category and in defense of the
same fundamental law, it is only logical
that there be such unity of effort as will
lead most directly to the common end If
there is any good to be expected of the con-
ference with the President, it is that both
state and federal enforcement officers shall
systematic and harmonic their activities
so as to sustain the law at the least public
expense.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
THE NORMAL SCHOOLS CLAIM

Normal schools are an important link in
the states educational system, but they
have not received the financial support TO
which they are entitled. Alabama spends
millions of dollars annually on education,
vet neglects training schools indispensable
for supplying competent teachers Tor the
public schools, which are the foundation OF
colleges and universities. The total annual
appropriation received by the normal
schools at Jacksonville, Florence, Troy and
Livingston is only 100000. That is en-
tirelv inadequate for their needs. 1t is the
duty of the legislature to supply them more
literally with funds All four schools are
efficiently directed and, in spite of their
limited facilities, are doing good work, but
they cannot meet the increasing demands
on their services unless they are given more
generous support. They should have the
means to improve and increase their facul-
ties. provide better equipment for class
rooms and laboratories and give training to
a larger number of teachers.
The interest aroused in education through
out Alabama has caused a rapid increase IN
grammar schools, which are literally spring
ing up everywhere. There is an insistent
call for more teachers. 1t is the function
of the normal schools to provide them wher-
ever they are needed, but it has been impos-
sibie to do SO because of the small main
tenance fund allowed the schools and the con-
sequent lack of equipment. It is serious
mistake not to supplement the large sums
Of money on modern school buildings with
provision to supply them with competent
teachers. The fitness Of the teacher, more
than buildings or equipment, constitutes the
real test of education.
The normal schools have a close relation
to the other schools and colleges of the state,
in that they lay the foundation upon which
public instruction is built up. The growth
Of the public school system depends on well
trained teachers. And thorough elemen-
tnry education will increase the number of
students who wish to complete their educa-
ton. at the higher institutions Of learning.
The public is not fully aware of what IS
being done at the normal schools and the
value of this work in the general system
OF education. The people are gratified that
the other institutions have been successful
in their appeals for support from the peo-
rsle. The normal schools should not be de-
MED similar recognition. The best interests
Of the state require that it be given.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
CITY ZONING

There is argument for coming law for
the protection of investors in home neigh
borhoods and such a municipal policy should
be adopted SO that this rapidly developing
city may expand according to some definite
plan. In the exercise of such law the zones
should be established with due regard to
investments already made and there should
also be an eye to the future. In order 20
impose no hardship upon established bust
ness, zonng should keep pace with the city's
growth.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
KIPLlNG NOW AND THEN

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
A London bookseller is trying to find a
purchaser at $4,000 for a manuscript satire
of Anglo-Indian society which Kipling is
said to have produced in eub-reporter days
in India. Kipling, we are told, thought so
little Of it that after giving it away he offer-
ed to buy back the work that he could not
recall An author does not consider him
self befriended when somebody exhumes a
literary indiscretion dead and buried.
When he penned the manuscript such price
upon it within his lifetime would not have
occurred to him as possible.
AS young man, on his way home from
India, Kipling paused in Philadelphia and
tried in vain to dispose of some of his
fascinating tales for publication at $50
apiece. Even in 1905 the late Richard
Watson Glider expressed his CONSERVATION
over Kipling's expectation of $1,000 for a
short story submitted to the Century Maga-
zine. When the authors vogue became
firmly established in England the editor of
an undergraduate monthly at Cambridge,
hearing that Kipling's price was shilling a
word sent him that sum and asked for a
word. The answer was Thanks" But that
is not the answer to the bookseller who puts
on the market ghost that the writer fer
vently desires to have laid forevermore.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
POOR MARKSMEN IN DENVER

The gang of men who stole $500, 600 in
currency while it was being transferred
from the United States mint in Denver to
i federal reserve delivery truck, were evil
IDENTIFY experienced crooks. The daring they
displayed, their wel-organized attack and
their success in getting away with the
money, the biggest haul Of the kind ever
made in this country, revealed the cunning
of expert criminals. Since the secret SER
vice probably has the name and record of
every criminal in the United States capable
sof committing such a bold and skilful rob-
:bery, it may be able by process of elimina-
4ion to arrive at the identity of the guilty
men. The serial number of every one Of
the five-dollar bills stolen in fifty packages
sof $4,000 each is also on record, and that
will make it easier to trace the money,
Although one federal bank employee lost
:his life by refusing to deliver the money to
sthe bandits, in the heavy fusilade of shots
Exchanged between the bandits and employees
of the mint, which damaged buildings in the
neiqhborhood and endangered innocent per-
sons, it is remarkable that more of the ban
dts were not killed or wounded. According
to reports, but one or two were struck. Yet
fifty government employees were firing from
doors or windows Of the mint. In explana-
%tion of their poor craftsmanship, it is said
x4tat they were afraid to shoot while the
robbery was going on, as they might have
killed federal reserve men in the street.
THE guards seem to have acted promptly
enough when the alarm was sounded, but
it Is ! reflection on their skill with rifles
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20

not succeed without extensive publicity, Tar
ing advertisements and attractive exhibit
tions of the bait with which they hook the
unwary. Under the blue-sky law they are
nipped in the bud of their operations.
Placed under the ban of the law they can do
business only under the most secret and de-
vious methods, and HENCE reach only the
very few, whereas before, in the free exer-
else of their methods, they reached tens of
thousands. The state must protect the unso-
phisticated from those who would prey on
their gullibility
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
WHY NO LOAN FOR GERMANY

No loans will be made to Germany as.
long as she is insolvent. The reparations
question must be settled first. Germany
must balance her budget, stabilize her cur
rency and stop the deliberate policy of in
flation she has followed since the World war.
Despite misleading reports to the contrary,
there is no likelihood of the house of Morgan,
OF any other bankers, floating large inter-
national loan without adequate security.
That would violate a fundamental policy of
sound banking. Germany is not "going
concern" Her present financial plight is
not the result of war; but is largely her own
doing. Before she can hope for any help
from American bankers she will have to
show sincere determination to meet her
obligations. The same requirements that
apply to an individual when seeking loan
apply to a government. There must be
merit in the application and the collateral
or security must insure the safety of the
loan. Germany has not yet shown that she
is willing to meet these requirements. As q
result, the attitude of the bankers has not
changed since their conference in London.
Neither is there any reason to suppose that
the views of the American government have
changed.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
GALLERY GODS
From the Washington Post.

Oh, for the gallery gods of yes
teryear. So runs the lament III
stage enthusiasts who sigh for the
good old days when the volunteer
dramatic critics that crowded the
peanut galleries were outspoken-
and i'll Jared the actor who did not
measure up to their demands. The
frequenters of the top galleries, IN
olden days, may have had different
views as to the drama from those
in the pit and boxes, but they appre-
ciated real acting and if they did not
get it they did not hesitate to let
the truth be known. The result
was that, in lf-defense, those who
walked the boards played to the
gallery as we'll as to the more fash
ionable portion of the house and,
to pass muster with the gods" ex-
erted themselves to put the touch
of human nature in their work thau
makes for kinship with art. The
gods may at times have embar-
raised those on the stage, but the
fear Of them exercised an influence
that stimulated real acting.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
A Timely Editorial
Motive Power for Santa Clau

From the Brooklyn Eagle.
The development of the reindeer
industry in Alaska is fascinating
story of wild conservation. 1t
shows what might have been accom-
plished in breeding and domesticat-
ing buffalo on our western plains
if we had begun to save these ami
mails from extinction at the time we
established Yellowstone National
park.
In 1892, thanks to the efforts of
the Rev. Sheldon Jackson, who has
won deserved immortality, the
American government co-operated
in bringing reindeer from Siberia
across Bering strait to Alaska.
About 1000 had been brought over
when the Russian government for
babe further expectation.
In his current report the govern
or of Alaska estimates that this
1000 has now increased to 259,-
600, two-thirds of which belong to
the natives and one-third to the
Lapps and whites. The reindeer,
which breed rapidly, forage for
their own food under the snow, and
require little care.
The United States bureau of ed
ucatlon has found that breeding
reindeer is the most profitable in
dustry which can be undertaken by
the Alaskan natives. Accordingly,
it has gone into the business of
raising reindeer to provide the
Alaskan Esauimaux with practi-
cal industrial education. Each year
it introduces reindeer herds into
some new region of Alaska, where
there is enough moss and lichen 20
enable the animals to sustain life.
The bureaus herders drove 1852
reindeer for distance of 1000
miles last winter to bring them from
the Bering sea region to the vicinity
of the new. Alaskan railroad. which
runs from Seward to Fairbanks.
There are excellent grazing lands
near the railroad, and as the herds
multiply the surplus hides and meat
can be exported to the United
States by way of the new railroad.
Reindeer meat is already popular
in Seattle, Portland and other cities
Of the northwest. 1t has an excel
lent flavor and will be sought wher-
ever it is made available. Pastur-
age in Alaska is practically unlimit-
ed, and the moss and lichen con-
sumed by the herds renew them
selves ina few years. The bureau
of education is now conducting ex-
periments to determine how many
of the surplus males it is best to re-
move from each herd and under
what conditions the animals thrive
best.
With an annual increase of some
20 per cent in numbers there will
be million reindeer in the terri
tory in 1880, and in another ten
years the herds will be an import
ant factor in meat production for
the entire United States. Despite
the growing number of children
whom Santa Claus must visit every
Christmas it looks as though he will
have motive power enough to sup
ply all his needs.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
CHRISTMAS COINS
From the New York Herald.

The United States treasury will
not frown this year upon the use
of gold coins as Christmas gifts.
In fact, the federal reserve board,
acting under instructions from the
treasury, invites revival of the
practice, which has not been in Of
ficial favor since the country Went
to war. Consequently, this Christ
mas Day viii be enlivened by the
discovery in purses and bags Of
gifts within the gifts. and every
where the gold pieces will be put
back with very temporary resolu-
ton not to let them out into circu-
lation. Then will come realization
that the holidays brought a whirl of
spending which, though pleasurable,
was perhaps not wise and certainly
not prudent. Surely and not slowly
the gold, having performed its func4
ton in one Yuletide will grayitate
back to the banks where it will
await another,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
OBJECT LESSON FROM CANADA
From the New York World.

For many years Canada has been
a first-class customer OF the United
States. But when this country raises
its tariff barriers higher than ever
Canada naturally in self-protection
looks elsewhere for more favorable
conditions for trading with foreign
producers. So the Franco-C Cana
dian commercial treaty is an accom-
plished fact. Under this agreement
Canada and France stand mutually
to gain and the United States. be-
cause of it's prohibitive tariff policy,
to lose. And similar commercial
treaty is in course of negotiation
between Canada and Belgium.
France gains by the admission of its
exports to Canada at tariff rates
which are the most favorable ac-
corded to any country except Great
Britain, and large class of Cana-
dian exports to France gets the BEN
eft of lower French rates. 1t is
the privilege of the United States,
while the bargain is being carried
out, to look on and regret the OPP
portunities for extending its foreign
trade that it has deliberately re-
nounced. Incidentally, the Cana
dian government, now awakened
to the advantages of policy of
reciprocity with the United States,
makes overtures at Washington and
is bluntly rebuffed. And still as a
nation we talk necessarily about the
urgent need of larger foreign
trade yet drive our customers to
other markets.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
DIPLOMATIC PAY
From the Washington Post.

: TTOIlI lIlt WHSfIiHgJOII USt.
The provision of the Rogers bill for in
crease of salaries paid diplomatic secreta-
ries aims at meeting long-proved need.
That those engaged in diplomatic service
in secretarial capacity are underpaid is noto-
rious. And, as pointed out by Secretary
Hughes, increase sufficient to attract and
hold the type of men suitable for effective
service is urged by the nations best inter
est. The diplomatic service calls for men
of special attainment and ability. Such
men cannot be secured or retained without
fairly compensatory salaries. Underpay
will eventually result in inadequacy Of ser
vice if permitted to continue.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20

In connection with the report of damage
to the amount of two thousand dollars done
to city streets by Saturday nights heavy
rain, it is said that several thousand rats
were drowned in the sewers. Since it costs
at least dollar and half year to main
tain rat, and since perhaps not less than
three thousand rats were drowned Saturday
night, three being the smallest number de-
noted by the word Several" the city's net
profit on the damage is not less than twenty
five hundred dollars.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
Upbuilding Admission
n the Admission Star.

IOII Ute ztIIIIISI0H SIdT.
Anniston's junior Chamber of
Commerce has been organized with
a membership which makes its
strength certain and its effective
work assured. With two chambers
of commerce actively at work for
the upbuilding of the city, both
strong. enthusiastic and aggressive,
there is no reason why Admission
should not move far ahead toward
its goal of 100000 population by
1926" during the next IL months,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
In Better Shape

From the Kansas City Times.
OF course, if the powers insist
upon rev naval race in the cor
struction Of war craft within the
Washington conference limitations.
It is gratifying to reflect hat the
United States is in better shape t.
build than anybody else If it u fore
ed to it,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
Escape Made Easy

f'ronl the Mobile Register.
Another method much resorted TO
in avoiding punishment for crime is
the escape method, by which the road
convict eludes his guards and makes
off. The knowledge that escapes
are affected in this way lowers the
respect the criminal-minded have
for the law.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
Put Out Shade Trees
From the Dothan Eagle.

IUIH Ute DUtIIdII EdgIt.
This is a good season to put out
shade trees and other kind of trees.
Unfortunately the man who lives
in town has but little room for trees,
but those who have room should put
out good quality of pecans. They
not emily make most excellent
shade, but will soon be bearing plen-
tyr of fruit. Many homes in the
country have the various native
growths for shade and china trees,
when the pecan or some fruit-bear-
ing tree would do as well and prove
much more profitable.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
VALUE OF BLUE-SKY LAWS

Kentucky's blue-sky law has been found
constitutional State after state has adopt
ed laws for the prevention of the flotation
of wildcat securities, and the result has been
the saving of millions of dollars Of the
money Of the guieess. Since Alabama
adopted its law little has been heard of losses
caused by sale Of worthless oil and mining
stocks. Dealers in that class of goods can
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-20
Sure

Parking space for automobiles is giving
the city fathers some concern. We venture
to predict, with a reasonable degree of GER
tainty, that the question will be solved and
out of the way by the time we have to take
up the problem of providing landing stages
for airplanes on top of skyscrapers.