davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
SHIPPING BOARD CARRIES ON

In deciding on direct operation of
sufficient number of ships to main
tain an American merchant marine on
the world trade routes, the shipping
board has had the wider vision. The
immediate result will be the preserva-
ton and maintenance of the present
fleet. This comes peculiarly close to
Alabama, whose iron and steel prod
ucts are going in greater quantities
to fields afar than in the history of
the industry. 1t is of concern to grow
ers of cotton. It costs one dollar less
to ship bale Of cotton to Europe
now than it did before the shipping
board vessels piled between Mobile
and the continent. Where Birming-
ham pipe depended on an occasional
ship for transportation to the Pacific
coast, numerous lines now provide for
regular heavy outgo, and equally reg
ular heavy return cargoes of commod-
tiles needed by Alabama. Cuba has
more frequent service out of No
bile and is taking more and more of
Birmingham production. We have in
vaded the Windward Islands.
The merchant marine is the all i'm
portant thing. Private Interests have
been afforded opportunity to take
over the shipping board vessels. They
have made few if any offers worth
while or that would guarantee perpet-
uation of the important trade routes.
In the interest of the American ship
per, the factory and the farm, the
shipping board had no alternative but
to continue direct operation of the
American fleet. Suspension would
be national calamity and none would
suffer more than Alabama from the
abandonment of present trade routes.
1t would make US again subject to
rates, caprices and the destructive
competition of other nations.
Those who talk of indirect aid to
shipping as Republican policy forget
that establishment of a merchant ma
rine was also part of the Democratic
platform, and that development of the
present merchant marine was Demo-
cratic policy before it was Repub-
lican. 1t is so far Democratic doc
trine as to date back to Thomas JEFF
ferson himself, who was the originator
of the principle of indirect aid. The
question resolves itself into whether
Americans want their own ships,
flying their own flag, controlling the
freight rates which they pay, and reg
ularly following the world trade
routes, or whether they wish to sur
render their shipping interests to the
will of foreign fleets flying foreign
flags, debating the rates which Amer
leans pay for having their goods car
ried and serving, or abandoning trade
routes of Importance to US according
as their interests dictate. Evidently
the people of the United States want
merchant marine based on our emer-
gency fleet. For the present, and in
view of the failure of private interests
to take over that job, the shipping
board believes that it cannot escape
the duty of continuing the routes.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
A POWER POLICY LIKELY

Congressman divers clear discus
sion of the value of Alabama's water
power and the desirability of early
legislation to define a state policy
with respect to this leading as
set is promptly followed by an
nouncement of State Senator Brewer
that he will offer legislation designed
to give the state first and complete
benefit from its water power develop
ment. The prospect of legislative at
tention to this all-important subject is
gratifying to the people of Alabama.
Water power is SO new that even to-
day nobody can speak definitely and
accurately as to the total available
power within the borders of this state,
nor prophesy as to the amount the
states future industry will absorb.
There is sound reason, nevertheless,
underlying the purpose of conserving
this resource so as to benefit Ala
bama first and neighboring states
second.
In addition to laws providing that
Alabama industry shall have first
claim upon the power generated with
in its boundaries, there is contemplate
ed survey of all streams, potential
sites for power dams, watersheds and
basins, so that accurate and reliable
information may be always at hand as
to the status of water-power develop
ment and the possibilities yet to be
realized. This idea of a general sur
vey of the states resources of all
kinds, including water power, is one
that Senator Brewer has had in
mind for some time, as furnishing a
basis on which Alabama's industry
may be expanded in every direction.
The state can well afford to expend
money for this purpose, because the
result will be gain in taxable values
far exceeding the small sums required
for surveys.
In view of the probable action of
the legislation looking to definite
water power policy, it appears all the
more desirable that the Public Service
Commission refrain from granting
any further extensions or develop
ments to power companies, until the
state policy is fixed. Not only will
such delay be of no material injury to
the state, but it may actually save the
state much loss and damage that may
result from a continuance of indis-
criminate water-power grants. The
people of Alabama do not relish the
prospect of continued free and unlim-
tied expectation of power. They de-
sire that Alabama industry have the
first refusal of this power, and that
only the surplus or emergency power
be exported. The result of the new
policy would be to attract new indus
try through assurance that cheap
power will be always available. The
industrial future of Alabama depends
in large measure upon the states
course with respect to water power.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

children, especially since England
seems to have taken on during and
since the World War a high apprecia-
ton of American aid, physical, moral
and financial. There must be some
mistake or misunderstanding At any
rate, there need be no serious fear
that Americans are going back on
their country or will credit its glorious
achievements in the wrong column.
They believe they have a great coun-
try, and all the rest of the nations
seem to agree with them. At least,
when they need help, they steer this
way under full head of steam.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
CRITICISM OF TEXTBOOKS

Something of a stir seems to have
been kicked up by the report Of David
Hirschfield, commissioner Of accounts
of New York, which charges that
American history textbooks used in
the public schools contain lot of
anti-American propaganda and misrep-
resent American traditions. 1t seems
that Mayor Hylan of New York city,
in response to charges that some Of
these textbooks did not measure up to
what they should, asked Mr.. Hirsch-
field to investigate. That gentleman
condemned eight histories selected by
Athe superintendent of schools of New
Work, and charged that number of
distinguished citizens in this country,
including Elihu Root, Andrew Carne-
gle, J. P. Morgan, George w. Wicker
sham, Hamilton Holt and several
others were indirectly responsible for
some of the alleged defects. Mr..
Hirschfield said he found that children
were being taught lot of misrepre-
sensations, such as that the American
Revolution was civil war that the
Declaration of Independence does not
"amount to row of pins" that
Thomas jefferson ought to have been
hanged; that the United States consti-
tuition was borrowed from England;
that the War of 1872 was disgrace
full" and unfortunate" that the
United States won the Spanish-Amer-
lean war because England came to the
rescue, and many ether things that
are wrong.
If these charges are well founded,
the situation looks serious; for Amer
lean parents are not willing that their
children's heads should be filled with
that sort of stuff. AS to the anthem
ITCHY of the charges, one is not ore
pared to say, not knowing whether
Mr.. Hirschfield is real "hundred-per-
center" even though his report indi-
Gates that he is as "mad as wet hen"
over the alleged situation and fully in
tends to see that something is done
about it. For our part, and without
having critically studied the histories
in question, we cannot see just why
the English, who are famous for keep
ing their noses out of other peoples
business. should desire to spread any
propaganda over here which tends to
lower the esteem for American in
stitutions in the minds of American
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
1CDELIcHTS TIE AL
A\NATIONAL T1
~ CAPITAL Il,:s:s.sS

To those who love the push and
hustle and jostle of great throngs,
crowded streets, trolleys damned
to suffocation, too densely popu-
lated theatres, congested traffic.
clamor, gesticulating cops, noise,
cries of fakirs with ware to sell,
color, perspiration-to those who
love all these things, Washington
is now the most appealing city in
the United States.
To others, it is the most unde-
sirable.
The Shriners from everywhere
have come to town. In a trice,
Washington is transformed from
comfortable community of $780,
900 people into a metropolis of
100000 Washington lacks facil-
tiles to handle that number of peo-
pie with any degree of ease.
But the visitors are having the
time of their lives, and the hosts,
reaping considerable profit, are
making the best of what appears
to some a bad bargain.
Conditions more than approx
mate those which prevailed here
during the World War when 200,-
600 girls came to the capital to
help Uncle Sam defeat Germany,
and coming changed the tranquil
currents OF as many other lives.
II the duty Of the chief execu-
tive was confined to entertaining
visitors, speaking platitudes of
good cheer and advice to multi
tudes. pacing the golf course with
kindred spirits, cruising on the
Mayflower with congressional
cronies, Longing in Pullman cars
with newspaper reporters and
making joyful the hearts of young
children, Warren G. Harding
would be considered the greatest
president this nation ever had.
Some days ago Mr.. Harding
a serenade from 5000 school chill
dren, most of them little girls in
white frocks. 1t was a wonderful
scene. And at the climax the
5000, their timidity eliminated by
the inviting expression of the
president. charged him and over
came him. They chung to his
hands and legs and climbed into
his arms and around his neck. Mr..
Harding never appeared happier.
His sweetness was so infectious |
that not only the participants In |
the event, but the innumerable |
spectators were apparently made |
better men and women and chill |
dren for having lived that after
noon.
OF course, a president has often |
to get down from the fence, take
a stand on controversial topics,
project a policy and put 1t into eff
feet. In performing these duties I
critics differ as to the merit of
Mr.. Harding.
But somewhere the Bible says
something about meekness, and
something about goodness, and in
Inmates a great deal about sweet
ness and timidness displayed to-
wards little children. 1t would
be mum critic, therefore. who
would hold from the president
credit for possessing many Of the
cardinal virtues which combine
to make real greatness.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
Telephone ss Telephone
Main 1900 csssssass.sssssSsS Main 1900
METAL PRODUCTS ARE STEADY

The tremendous amount of money
being expended by the rail carriers for
new equipment is afforded concrete
proof in the locomotive business. It is
said that the Baldwin Locomotive
Works show untitled orders to total
Of 100000, that the plant is oper-
ating to capacity and that there are
no cancellations, but rather demand
to "hurry up deliveries" The COM
pany's bookings since January total
$55,0O0,000 compared with less than
a; fifth of that amount in the same
period of 1922. What is true of this
locomotive plant is true of others. The
rail mills are booked with an untitled
tonnage that calls for capacity produc-
ton well through the year, and the
same is probably true Of the car
building shops. The iron and steel
business placed by the rail carriers
is of itself sufficient to assure stead
mess in that line for months to come.
There has been recent shading of
prices in several lines Of metal prod
ucts. That need not alarm, but rather
encourage to confidence in prolonga-
ton of good conditions. 1t reflects
the heavy buying that has been going
on, resulting in protection of the con-
sumers' wants for some time to come
as we'll as the definite determination
Of the consumer not to be stampeded.
Best of all, the bonus has disappeared.
1t was time to call halt after the ire
nendous and prolonged buying move
ment. The country is the better off
for the breathing spell that it has been
latterly enjoying.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
CHAIRMAN ADAMS CRITICISED

It is sometimes refreshing to read
the political opinions of a newspaper
which lays defensible claim to the dis
tinction Of being Independent and nom
partisan. 1t is still more refreshing
for partisan newspaper to discover
that its views are Endorsed also by the
non-partisan newspaper. In these lat
ter days editorials in independent
newspapers coincide very closely with
views expressed by Democratic jour-
nails. That is phenomenon that
should be very significant when con-
sidered in connection with the presi-
Dental campaign now rapidly ap-
preaching. 1t is the independent vote
and the independent thought and
opinion which are relied on to turn
the political scale one way or the
other in 1924.
Therefore, in this hue and cry
raised against Republican Chairman
Adams criticism of the state depart
ment at delicate stage in its nego-
tiations with foreign powers, a criti-
cism apparently for the purpose of po-
litical coercion, it is encouraging to
note the instant condemnation with
which the avowedly or nominally in
dependent press has greeted the Re-
publican machine tactics and criticised
the chairman. The New York Times,
for example, thus speaks of Mr..
Adams:
Certainly his present utterance
ought to make it impossible for
him to remain much longer in his
official position. In the course
of nature he would be removed
from it next year, but the party
along by getting rid Of him as
point out that his deliveries place
him in direct opposition to the
president, and give aid and COM
fort to Mr.. Harding's enemies
within his own party. To follow
up the misstatements of fact and
the perversions of Republican
policy into which Chairman
Adams falls would be a waste of
time. He is so clearly misfit
and a mischief maker as the head
of the Republican national COM
mittee that the party managers
ought to lose no time in letting
him know that they would fairly
dote upon his absence.
There is no patience in America
with selfish politics in high places,
and especially with that type of poll
tics which seeks private or a po-
litical end at the expense of national
dignity or at sacrifice of approved
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

At the University of Kansas they
have organized a students insurance
company whereby young men may be
insured against thinking" for pre-
MUM of three dollars per month. All
of which recalls the man who in reply
to college professors letter that his
son could not accomplish anything be-
cause he had no brains, wrote: "Then
give him what he needs; that's what l
am paying for"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
MEMOIRS OF A MOVIE VAMP
By Nine. Ilacka Brane

lin Person.)
I urge winners of beauty contests
to come to the coast, as they will be
in great demand here; for, really,
there is most alarming scarcity of
domestic labor and usually they are
well qualified for these positions. They
can undoubtedly secure employment
in the homes Of players, and thus be
able truthfully to write home that they
are earning "movie money" and are
closely associated with so-and-so, the
famous actor or actress.
Incidentally, Los Angeles is quite a
city. though not quiet city. All
native Los Angelans are convinced
that when the powers that be" de-
eide that man has merited heavenly
bliss they transplant him to that COM
munity, and that the torments of
hades consist merely of being re.
moved from that vicinity. While ]
believe that there is something to this
theory, I am certain that they, in
their unsophistication, have confused
punishment with reward, and vice
versa.
have spent much time before film
ing a picture in absorbing atmosphere.
For example, on one occasion I was
cast for Chinese waif, so 1 actually
called in person for the laundry and
atmosphere. GAS had forgotten the
check. all got was atmosphere). On
another occasion I was to be an angel
of the slums, so I went home for a
visit.
I don't believe I have mentioned
my sister, Huasa Brane. She is dear
girl, six years my senior. She was
born six years and three days after
me. She is just twenty-four years
old and has the cunningest grand
child. My sister lost her husband six
weeks ago-she left the door open and
he escaped. His memory was of the
convenient kind and no doubt he has
forgotten where sister lives. He was
so fond of her, too. remember how
surprised he was when, after the cere.
mony, he discovered that he had mar.
ried sister. He became an ardent pro.
hibitionist and never touched another
drop. Anyway, my sister is too brave
girl to grieve over even such an I'm.
reimbursable loss. She is out to find
him, not necessarily to reclaim him
indeed, preferably to make herself
eligible to collect his insurance, which
is not paid to grass widows. thinl
sister can be relied upon to remove
the adjective before widow.-Sin Nix
Ito be continued.)
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

national policy. The trouble with the
Republican campaign committee is
that it appears to have Endorsed the
position criticised and is equally
guilty with its chairman. That will not
make for popular favor.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

A contemporary wants to know just
what communism is. So far as we
can determine from this distance, it
seems to be the direct antithesis of
Victuals.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

Those who do not approve of soviet
ism in Russia are executed by the
soviet government, which is in real
ity no government at all, lut gross
form of tyranny by minority that
does not even try to be respectable.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

the best watered state in the
world, with fifty-two inches -av-
erage rainfall. We have all the
sunshine needed, and a fertile soil
with many advantages California
does not have. 1t was necessity
that forced the business people of
California to organize the fruit
growers association; and neces-
sitA will force the people of Bir-
to put business in the
mark citing of farm products SO as
to give the farmer reasonable
profit on the cost of production.
Help the farmers to perfect sys-
tenn that will enable them to sell
their products at a profit, and you
will hear nothing more about the,
increase in the number Of land
renters. G. r. McELDERRY,
Talladega, Ala, June 4. 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nothing Lady-Like

(New York Evening WORLDLY
The British parliament is now
graced by the presence OF three
women. Congress still lags be-
hind. There lis nothing lady-like
about 1t, at the best.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

The "Three U.s." however, don't
seem to be making any more noise in
the campaign than the "Three Bs''-
Borah, Brookhart and Bull.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
The MasOns Big Builders
(Selma Times-JournaD

\N'NAA& OuIUdlJ
The beautiful Masonic temple
just completed at Birmingham at
a cost OF s1.oo0,000 is an index Of
the enterprise and liberality of the
Masons In building their homes
and handsome edifices. In many
cities Of the country the Masons
are building temples and mosques
the cost Of which will total more
than 100000. 900. They have a
temple at Detroit which repre-
sents an outlay OF $5,000,000. The
Masonic memorial at Washington
cost 100000 and New Orleans 10
completing a sl,o00.000 structure.
The Masons OF Boston are PLAN
ming for a temple to cost $4,000
600 with site and furnishings in
cluded, and with an endowment
fund Of 100000. Meantime. the
Masons are building high schools,
widows and orphans homes. DOR
mltorics for Masons and sons OF
Alasons, hospitals and asylums in
all parts Of the country. The Ma
SONS arc buAders" in more ways
than one.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
A Business Proposition

Business men who advertise do
not do it as a donation to the pub
Usher of the newspaper. They ad-
vertise because they appreciate
the patronage of the people who
read the newspapers, who are
generally the most prosperous and
worthwhile people in the coun-
try.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

So far the results of passive resis-
lance in the Ruhr seem to be an in
crease in principal without any reduc-
ton in interest.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Going Right Ahead
(Gadsden Times-News)

Gadsden continues to build. Ac.
cording to the report OF the build
ing inspector the value of build.
ings now in the course of con.
struction is about $1,000.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

There were even more deaths from
booze in the old days than there are
now, not to speak of the very much
larger output of tragic by-products.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

One of the problems of Europe
seems to be how to borrow enough
money to keep the armies going as
long as the debts are coming.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

When Senator Hiram johnson gets
back home, therell be something say
ing, whether there's anything doing
or not.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

the nature of a stimulus to the two
old parties to exercise care in the NOM
ination of their candidates.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
Anything in n Namef

Is there anything in a name?
Despite all this cheerful talk of
disarmament the new prime min
lister of Sweden is M. Trigger.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

The court is puzzling over the prob
lem: as frog a fish or an animal?"
1t makes a lot of difference to the
frog.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
Big Dat Crop

(Jasper Mountain Easls)
While the rainy spell has de-
layed farming operations in this
section and discouraged the farm
ers. the oat crop Of Walker county
Is the finest seen here in twenty
years, according to w. A. Cook Of
Calumet. Mr.. Cook says he plant
ed twenty acres to oats this year
and has the prettiest crop of
green oats he has ever grown.
Frequent rains have made oats
grow.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06

Detroit Free Press)
Senator Borah would assuage a
burning thirst for information If
hew ould say what he thinks Just
now about recognition for Mos
cow.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-06
Time For Sprucing Up
(Eufaula Citizen)

By all means let everyone get
busy and clean up for the grand
and glorious occasion that is SO
near at hand. Let's dress up, put
on our glad rags and show to the
hundreds of visitors that are COM
ing here that we believe In the
old adage that Cleanliness Is next
to godliness." and that Eufaula is
the same delightful little city that
they knew and loved in the days
that are agone.