davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
sAFETY-FIRsT FOR SCHOOLS

A wise step has been taken by the Chicago public school authorities in the establishment of safety education. The pupils will be taught all about acci- dents and injuries, how to avoid them, first aid treatment, and, in fact, every thing that will afford greater protec- tion at their own hands and through application of their own knowledge. Some of the subjects will be the dan- gers of and means for avoiding fires, the perils of street traffic, the use of weapons, treatment of burns, poisona and asphyxiation, electricity, drowning, carelessness in play and other possible sources of injury. The purpose is to develop in the pupil the attitude and habit of thought and action that will serve to protect him from harm.
 This can be done without interfering with regular school work. Indeed, t is an important part of education with great practical value. Nearly every child will find that knowing how to swim is part of an education. The ability to protect one's self against constant and increasing dangers under modern forms of life is an education. It is an important study upon which may depend the life of the student. Safety-first methods properly taught can hardly be overesimated in value. The physical welfare of the child stands on level with his mental de- velopment. Health is the most val uable of all the things that affect hu man growth. Without it what is known as school education is of comparatively little worth.
 The modern school training to be eff fective must concern itself with the physical as we'll as the mental. That is the reason efficient school systems all over the country are giving more at tention to diet, exercise, hours of play outside the schoolroom, and other things that so develop the pupil as to render him capable of receiving and using his intellectual training. The safety-first plan, which should include everything that improves and protects the pupil against possible dangers Of accident, disease and the like, can be made one of the most helpful features of school activities. The more of it in the schools of Alabama the better for the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
A c1JRE FOR REcKLEssNEss

With more than twenty thousand motor vehicles operating in Birming- ham and Jefferson county, there Is little hope for complete elimination o1 Accidents. The number and character of these vehicles, with the crowded condition of the streets and roads, makes such desirable state impossi- ble. Yet, the accident record should and could be greatly reduced. It will not be done, however, as long as chauffeur who knocks down and drags a pedestrian through the street for Il block or more, speeds, away, leaving his victim lying helpless, and escapes arrest.
 That is what happened in Birming- ham Sunday afternoon week ago. It may be that the accident wasfunavoid- able on the part of the driver, though it would be hard to convince anyone that such was the case after the brutal conduct of the driver in making no eff forts to assist his victim. Such incidents frequently occur in this city and coun- tv. while comparatively few of the ot' lenders are apprehended and properly punished. Even though the mishap were not the direct fault of the chauf- feur. his course towards his victim in dicates that he is wholly irresponsible and utterly unfit to drive motor car. Such people pursuing such practices should be debarred from the privilege of driving at all.
 Meantime, it is the duty not only of the law-enforcement authorities, but of all law-abiding citizens, to do everything within their power to bring punishment on this offender. Every pedestrian is potential victim of a serious accident when such peo- ple are permitted to drive motor ve- hicles. When dangerous drivers of | that character are arrested, they should be made to serve as warnings to every motor-car driver who may be tempted to speed or otherwise disre- gard the traffic ordinances. Anyone guilty of an offense as set forth should not only be firmly dealt with under the law, but should be permanently prohibited from driving at all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
ONE TRICK A DAY
A Vani.hinx Cuff TricIk

This trick, which is very inter- esting and easily prepared. is per- formed with a derby hat and a gentlemans cuff. The effect is produced as follows: The perform CT takes the hat from his head and shows that 1t Is empty. He re- moves one of his cuffs and drops ii into the hat. The hat Is then tipped over so the spectators can see the inside, and the hat appears empty. He then shakes his arm and the white cuff reappears, Nwhereupon he places the hat back on his head. The explanation of this trick Is simple: The white cuff, dropped into the hat, contains false cuff link, and the inside .t the cuff Is painted black. A thread holds the cuff in shape until the latter isl dropped into the hat, when the thread Is broken. The cuff just fits into the hat, and If the ends are deftly snapped be- neatha the hat band with the black surface up. the hat appears empty. The duplicate cuff Is kept on the forearm of'the performer, and with shake, slides into place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
CROSSING EVIL GROWS

While there is probably not one ob- servant citizen of Birmingham who does not realize the increasingly press ing need for viaducts and underpasses as safeguards to life and as an aid in transacting business, some figures re- gently compiled by the Junior Chamber of Commerce bearing on the situation in this city are an additional eye opener. These figures show that tt crossings from Eighteenth to Twenty Fourth streets, 82,889, or All per cent. of the city's population, pass over railroad property daily in a period of eleven hours. At one grade crossing 6,562, and at another 5,540, vehicles passed over these death traps in eleven hours. This was during the day; at night, traffic, while not so large, is even more dangerous.
 It is not necessary to extend or analyze these figures; they speak for themselves, and afford some idea of the tremendous danger to life and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
JEWISH LAUGHS
The Value of Education
By Jacob Rfchnial

Thirty years ago two Russian Jews landed in America. SOne was a scholar, the other @ total igno- ramus. For months the two imml- grants wandered in the streets of New York without finding any oc- cupation. At length they decided to try their hands at some re- ligious work.
 A certain synagogue was look ing for "shammash," or beadte, and the two repaired thither and applied for the job.
 As the office of beadle in Amer ican-Jewish congregations entails a considerable amount of secre- tarial work, the illiterate man nat urally was rejected and his learned rival elected to the post.
 The untutored person was dis heartened. The value of education now dawned upon him in full force and he bemoaned the fact that he missed 1t. Upon the advice ot friends he procured a pushcart and began to hawk hosiery and trink- cts. Saving up little money he opened a store in Grand street. He made big success and in a shor, time became the proprietor of q big establishment on Broadway. / One day he was offered a bia bargain in real estate, and he went to his bank for loan of $50,o0o.
 What do you need a loan for ?. asked the bank president in amusement, as he looked at his patrons bank book. Why, you have balance with us of s10O.- OoO. Can't you read?"
 No" stated the Broadway mer- chant, not at all embarrassed.
 "Too bad" sighed the financier compassionately. If you have made such a success without a knowledge of reading and writing just imagine where you'd now he you knew how to read and writer" W
 If knew how to read and write replied the successful man would now be a beadle in a synagogue"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
WEAKNESS IN OUR LAW

The bureau of immigration recently issued some statistics which are inter- esting to the large number of people who are concerned for the effects upon this country of the apparently increasing number of undesirables coming in. There has been an impress sion in the public mind that 357,000 is the total of aliens receivable under the three per cent. quota law in any one year, and many do not understand why 522,919 immigrant aliens entered the United States during the year ending June 30 last. This does not in. dicate that the quota law has broken down. On the contrary, the law is strictly enforced. The difference is accounted for by the admission of many persons specifically exempted from operation of the act, and by im- migrants from our neighbor countries to which the act does not apply, Mex ico and Canada.
 This latter class of immigrant con stitutes danger to the spirit of the law, because they can legally enter the United States after brief resi- dence among our neighbors. Statis- tics show that this loophole has beer freely used to evade the spirit of the law, and therein lies danger. Every thoughtful American who noted con. ditions arising in this country during the World War through activities of undesirable aliens, who were not qual- flied in antecedents or training to be- come citizens, knows that the immigra- ton laws need amendment. It is not so much the number of these people who are admitted that threatens the best interests of America, but the character of those who slip in. If they gain their residence by breaking our laws, how can they be expected to re- spect our laws? It is a question of quality rather than of quantity, and there is reason to hope that this menace to American interests and in stitutions will be removed by practical changes in the law.
 A striking feature of the bureaus recent report is that which deals with the callings of the new immigrants, Of the total only 83,552 were classed as laborers, while 1O6,213 were skilled ] workers. and 191,585. including wo-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
TAX MACHINERY NEEDED
(Gadsden JoiIrnall

(Gadsden JournaD
 Alabama legislators are coming to realize more and more the mis- take which was made in tearing dong the taxing machinery which was established by former Gov ernor Kilby. Many of these legis- lators, although elected on a plat form which contemplated the abo- lition of the tax adjusters and of the main features of the present system, are wishing that they had not been so hasty. Although 1t was thought, at the time the fight was being made on the tax ad- justers, that doing away with them would lower taxes for the average citizen, 1t is beginning to appear that such will not be the matter to maintain assessments on the small taxpayer But 1t fs rather a complicated proposition when 1t comes to dealing with the big fellow. He Is the one who will gain most. 1t is now believed, from the abolition of the old taxing ma achinery.
 But the tax adjusters have been abolished. and the task now before the legislature Is to find other means of securing revenue for the state. In an open letter Repre- sentative Mike Sollie says;
 If we continue at the present rate. every dictate of equity and justice demands that we tax such subjects as incomes, severance values. luxuries. raw materials, manufactured articles. solvent credits and bank deposits"
 And when an attempt Is made to tax any fthese subjects, the legislators will face a desperate fight. But the statn's financial situation. within a fsw months, is expected to be in such dire straits that there will be nothing left for the legislature to do but to meet in extraordinary session, take the bull by the horns and provide ef- ficient taxing machinery, as should have b9en done in the present regular lsession. .
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03

limb and the enormous losses to busi- ness which the grade crossings unload on the public. Many people are thus killed or injured every year. The financial toll is appalling when meas ured in loss of labor and time all along the line. The situation becomes worse every day with the growth of popula- ton and business and the correspond ing increase in railroad operations.
 Two hundred thousand people are subjected to these dangers and losses every day year in and year out. Fps thirty-seven years the citizens lave pied and worked for relief. They have on their side not only the moral, but the legal argument, not to speak of the economic. Meanwhile, some of the railroads declare their willingness to cooperate in a program to remove this menace and financial drain, others hesitate and quibble over plans, speci- fications and costs, while precious time is flying, and useless delays are drawn out from year to year. Innu- merable conferences have been held, but the situation remains unchanged. The public wants and demands precti- cal action by those whom they elected for that purpose and who are sworn to serve the public veal. There has al. ready been far too much useless delay. Less talk, fewer excpses and serious move towards construction work are what long-suffering public needs and asks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
SECRETARY HUGHES ADDRESS

The address by Secretary Hughes before the American Bar Association was lucid and timely in view of recent developments in this country, in Eu- rope and in Latin America. Not only is the address interesting to people who are informed on these developments, but it will serve to remove no little mis- information and erroneous impressions of American policy as established and applied through this historic document There has been much misrepresenta- ton and unfavorable criticism of Americas attitude toward Latin Amer ica generally. Even recently South American lecturers in this country de- clared in public addresses that their people are not afraid of Europe any longer and do not stand in need of the Monroe doctrine to safeguard their territorial, political and other inter- ests. There were intimations of re- sentiment by Latin America for alleged North American dictation and efforts at domination in Pan-American con- ferences.
 Secretary Hughes address clearly set forth some points that needed illumination. It showed that the Mon roe Doctrine had nothing to do with some of the acts of the United States, which were criticised more or less se- 1f afo sions of the nature of the doctrine, and that these acts were the out growth of rights and responsibilities resting on the law of nations and hu- manitarianism. Secretary Hughes made it plain that the Monroe Doctrine is an American, and not Pan-Amer- ican principle, and that the United States reserves the prerogative of de- lining, interpreting and applying it to changing conditions. This was brought out through the policy of non-aggres- including those of the old as we'll as the new world.
 One reason why the Monroe Doc 
 triEe has created so much criticism in the Old World, and more recently in the new, is because of it's vagueness in the minds of many, and especially of those having selfish political aims and purposes. The doctrine was never in tended to be one of isolation or to ir- terfere with national independence and aspiration. It's primary purpose is the maintenance of peace, security and freedom. Its application must be made to existing conditions at the time, and cannot be dogmatically deter mined before situation develops. Aggression and selfish interest are n, part of the Monroe Doctrine. It was intended as an agency for protection against these very things.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
POOR BOYS WHO BECAME FAMOUS
Stefan Stamboloy
By Frederick Houk Law

People of the United States often say that they live in the only land where men can rise from pow erty and obscurity to the heights of power. The history of all lands has shown that any man who has the ability and who chooses to ex- ert 1t, has the opportunity to be- come great. The career of Stefan Stambolov, the great Bulgarian diplomatist. Is one illustration of this. There was a time whom Stambolov was a master in Eu- rope: he dealt with all the great powers; he won the sultan of Tur- key to his will; he mastered men and policies, and held In his hands the reins of peace and of war. He was the great prime minister of Bulgaria.
 When Stambolov was at tho summit of his power there were many people in Bulgaria who re- membered his father. the poor. ignorant inn keeper. There were tailors who sat on their benches and gossiped with one another about the days when Stefan Stam- bolov had sat with them, as poor and as ignorant as they. and just as fully expecting to spend all his days with thread and needle.
 And look where he is now!" said one of these tailors. Would you have believed iti And he couldn't cut and sew as we'll as I can."
 Then up spoke one of the cus- toners in the shop: Listen to me. Stefan Stambolov went with me to the school at Odessa. Would he behave? No! Would he study ? Not he. He was off no one knew where, with secret societies, and he was put out of the school. The rest of us stayed and worked hard
 and look where he Is today"
 It was all true. stambolov had been wretchedly poor. had worked as a tailor. had been driven from his school, and then. because he was a partiot for Bulgaria. be- cause he was willing to give his life for his country. and because he had the personality that made men follow him. he became rec ognized as a national hero. The people made him their represents tive; he fought again for Bulgaria, choosing the position as private soldier, and thus.' rising step by step, he moved from being a rep resentative to being a prime min ister. He made Bulgaria greater and more powerful than 1t had been before. He was only forty five when his enemies brought about his assassination.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreamx of Fightinr In..e..


 l believe that on yariops occ. slons l have given you the mean Ing or dreams of insects. such as reaches, bed bugs, lice or other creatures of this sort. You may also remember that in a good many cases the mere sight of in sects meant that you will be beset py small cares or that the small cares that are now your lot will continue for some time to come. A special branch of these visions Is the one that shows you In the act of fighting off insects. as though they were attacking you and won were battling with them, trying to brush them off and, as the case may be, succeeding or falling. This dream Is very much like the one described recently. If you succeed in crushing or otherwise shaking off the little pests, you need exert only the necessary effort and the troubles that are now yours, or will be yours, will disappear un- der the onslaught of your will power as the sun dissolves the heavy morning mists.
 A' "SNeA' <ou ilnu IL seems impossible to rid yourself of the little attackers, make up your mind by accepting them as inevi- against the pin bricks of fortune will be useless and that you will soon be in a far happier frame of mind by acepting them as inevl- table than by fighting against them day by day without achiev- ing any more than the additional feeling of defeat.
 When you have dream like this you need not write me. no matter what the accompanyinx in- cidents may be. It explains itself by the direct application of the principles laid down In this chap ter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Trnncls Pnrkmnn

The Mother Of FranclS P0rkm1n
 The mother of Francis Parkman, the great American historian, was a member of the celebrated Cotton family, whose name appears in the name of the great divine of the days of early colonial history Cotton Mater. It is interesting thus to connect with the first settlers of the north that historian who wrote so much and so well about the struggles between the French and the English for the possession of North America. Francis Park man Is said to have resembled his mother far more than his father. It Is possible that he Inherited a very large degree of the strong Cotton ability Francis Parkman was delicate child, and needed all the help that his mother could give him. As everyone knows, he grew up & man of delicate health. able 10 work only few minutes at a time. In spite of that handicap he wrote a series of histories of the early struggles of North America that stand unrivalled even today. Ills mother was a woman of high sense or duty, quiet. undisturbed and very selfish. His father, a graduate of Harvard, and a hard working minister, found. in his wife a most intelligent Mlpmate. Together they gave their attention 10 their son, Fraicis. encouraged nim in his studies and cared for him tenderly in his many sick nesse5
 Since he so closely resembled his inother you may be sure that he ssineo from her a very large share or attention. Certainly he carried out 10 the full all her high ideals or work and of duty and of use Iulness. More than that, he set foRward In his books a high ideal or heroic patriotism and service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
A COURsE IN ENCLIsH

Dartmouth Jack -Lantern)
 You see a beautiful girl walk ing down the street. She's sing ular. you are nominative. You walk across to her, changing to verbal. and then 1t becomes dative. If she is not objective you become plural. You walk home together. Her mother is accusative and you become imperative. You talk of the future. she changes to the ob- jective, you kiss her and she be- comes present, things are tense and you become past participle
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
A SERIOUS OMISSION
(Leavenworth Tfmes)

Ewing Herbert. bathing in the wide Pacific at San Diego, got stung by stingaree and hade a time of 1t. He says he also got stung by the accident insurance company he patronized before starting. He paid s9 for policies. read them after he got on the train and declafes they were net worth nine cents. They don't cover stingaree stings. 'a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03

men and children, were listed as hay ing no occupation. This indicates that, despite conditions abroad, com mon labor makes TO more appeal to the new immigrant population than it formerly did. That more immigrants arrived last year and fewer departed than during the year before proves that the United States is still land of desire to the people of other coun- tries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
For Outside Capital

The natural resources of Tusca- loosa will never be fully appre- ciated until they are developed. Seldom or ever has any great en- terprise been built and operated solely on home capital. Perhapx no chamber of commerce can per- form greater mission than to in- duce capital to coma ana locate and also offer inducem ents to wet 1t interested in Tuscaloosa sand vicinity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03

Now that national political cam paign is approaching, interests deal ing tin drugs and machines showing when peoplo do not tell the truth may prepare for land-office business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03
To Jade

To Jade When I read "To the flick" If you had been near I would have Taken your hand and wished you the Best of luck Because those lines struck deep Below the surface We have both stopped dreaming My dreams were of the drowsy South
 ern Village and the girl who promised to Keep faith And I built wonderful places With the girl and myself and little Hedge running around that house of
 my Dreams And day after day toiled and sweat And dreamed and fought and laughed
 and Sighed s And always my fancies drove me on Till the other day letter came and in It she asked if we couldn't go on but Just as friends. And wrote and answered no But gave no reason and, Jade, the an SWer Is still love her And now I am picking up the shattered Fragments of those dreams and telling Myself it left no scar.
 -Yelnats E. W. 'T am the greatest pianist" says Vladimar de Pachmann. And the vio- let stands up on it's hind legs and shrieks. This is Labor Day. Therefore, don't iwork
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-03

The California woman who is ap- plying for divorce on the ground that her husband lavished all his affection on bees probably feels that she is the one who received stinging rebuke.