davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

political, social or financial standing. It is just such ndividuals-and more especially in the case where the violator as chief executive of a sovereign state had sworn to uphold and enforce the law-who owe it to the community in which they achieved success or ac- quired standing largely through the confidence of their fellow citizens, to set an example for law observance and enforcement. And it is the conviction and punishment of such violators or evaders which will produce whole
 some effect in establishing and main taining respect for law among a less
 favored citizenry. While ignorance of the law itself is not accepted as excuse for its infraction, it is encouraging to
 note that public sentiment is fast talk ing the position that those who profit most from law observance are under extraordinary responsibility and obliga- tion to set the right kind of example for all who directly or indirectly come within the sphere of their influence
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
THE MASONS ARE WELCOME

The bright decorations of the streets, stores and buildings of Bir- mingham are but the reflection of the welcome this city extends to the visit ing Masons and Shriners. Birming- ham is glad to have them here in cele- bration of the dedication of their beautiful temple. Although they come here as Masons this citiy recognizes in them as private citizens among the substantial builders of their respective communities. When they return to their homes Birmingham knows that they will think of this city in more friendly wise, because here is one of their shrines and here is great body of their fellows who are doing their part towards buildings this great in- dustrial center. The people of Bir- mingham, whether Masons or not, will remember them by the edifice they have left to adorn this city through years to come, and by the very gener- ous spirit governing the placing of their fine auditorium at the disposal of public worthy gatherings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
LET CONVICT LEASING CEASE

Alabama citizens will be pleased to learn that the report that the state dairy farm at Kilby prison was to halt operations was incorrect. It is to be continued. There is no reason against its continuance. The farm has the la bor and there is market for the but terfat for such other surplus as may not be required in the economy of prison operation. The state will not relish any departure from prison ac- tivity that lends excuse for employment of convicts under the lease system. but, on the contrary, distinctly ap- proves and welcomes every feasible and practicable employment of the convic.s by the state direct
 Postponement of the date Of expi- ration of the lease system has caused chagrin and regret all over Alabama. The protest against the lease system has not died down. It has not lost US potency. It is an endless chain of ex- coriation of the practice. The state rejoices that Alabama has built model prison and has installed there a textile mill that will employ 300 convicts. The demand is that the system of working convicts by the state and for the state only be continuously broad ened until not scintilla of excuse re- mains for hiring out Alabama flesh and blood and soul to do the bidding of other Alabamians for profit. The profit on such labor is not healthful to the state and it cannot be elimi- mated too soon. Let no state officials and no legislators delude themselves into false impression; the people of Alabama are not going to rest while a single convict is worked for other em- ployer than the commonwealth of Ala bama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By FREDERICK HouK LAW
Theodore l.. DcVinne

Anyone who wishes to know ex- actly how to punctuate the most puzzling sentence; how to divide the most refractory word: and how to use type most effectively, has only to read some of the many books written by Theodore l.. De- inne on Correct Composition" Modern Book Composition" Plain Printing Types" and His toric Printing Types" Theodore L. DeVinne made hims If a mas ter of the history and of the art of printing. and exercised an in- fluence on printing in the United States that no one else has equal ed. He rose to this proud emi- hence from the humble position of being ridiculed "printer's devil" in country shop.
 Thodore l.. Devinne's minister father must have rejoiced when his son was born on Christmas Day, and he must have regarded the event as suspicious for the future. The father had little money, but he had strong char acter, and he trained his son to be man. to have good ambitions, to work hard. He sent him to the little schools in the villages where he preached, and then, when the lad was in his fourteenth year sent him to work for printer in Newburgh, N. '. As in so many other cases, the work of the print ing shop proved the steppine- stone to success. There is some thing about printers ink that tends to mike men manly. per- haps 1t is because printers are obliged to read much and to talk little. After six years of work .s a printers devil" during which time the boy asked some millions of questions about printing and type composition. Theodore want 10 New ork City ultimately and became foreman in a printers shop. He. was twe>ty when bs went to New York; ten years later ne was a partner in a great firm when he was fifty-five he paya ms name to the firm, whose worls ne had developed until the husi- ness was one of the most nros porous of it's kindw in the Irnited states. He war forty eight when ne published his first important book The Invention of Print ihe' From time to time he wrote new book on printing and digni- rled IL into an art. The story of such life is an illustration of what one can do if he labors whole-heartedly at the work that ne finds ready for him. It is not the kind of work that counts. but the quality.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
THE GERMAN PROPHET

Maximilian Harden l. German born and bred but he is rot especially liked in Germany. He has a great fault. It is to tell the truth He told the Germans the truth about a num- Der of things during the war They threw him into jail. Later he went into exile in Switzerland. Dense citi- zen that he is, he has not yet learned how unpalatable is the truth, and so he continues to tell it. His latest of fense has been to advise the German people not to be nisled by the gov ernment propaganda now being spread among them with respect to Ger many's coming dominance of the world iron and steel markets. It seems that Germans are not immune to their own poison, and that the propaganda virus is used to inoculate the people of that involuntary republic, just as it is em- ployed to invade the minds and opin- ions of foreign peoples.
 The Germans ought to listen to Maximilian Harden. He will diagnose their case for them in most convinc- ing manner, and even go so far as to point out the remedy. Indeed, since 1t IS largely psychology that ails the Germans, it is probable that knowl- edge of the source of the trouble may in itself be the cure. Imagine the state of mind of a government and of a people that will seriously claim su- premacy in an industry that has al- ready been attached by creditors to satisfy a national obligation! The German government, according to Harden, actually spreads the impres- sion that a combination of German industry and British capital is about to drive American steel and iron out of the markets of Europe. This propa- ganda is published almost in the same week that American, even Birmipg- ham, steel and coke are in peak de- mand in markets formerly entirely Germanys.
 Harden is voice crying in the will derness. The people hear him no doubt, but they heed him not, for he speaks sense, and they have not been used to the article. Yet even the Jeremiahs have not been without their ultimate effect. Perhaps his revela- ton, coming like a douche of cold water, will bring the Germans to themselves and to reality. At any rate, it were we'll with them if it hap pened.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
KEEP UP THE STOCK

In declaring that COWS and chickens shall not be allowed to tear up lawns and flowers and litter streets in the central residential portion of the city, the Bessemer city council has lined up with the ethical standard that has become general in well-conducted mu- inequalities. Among the most exasper- ating and disappointing events of city life is the mutilation of flower beds and lawns by wandering livestock. Often the labor of weeks in preparing a pretty lawn, planting shrubbery and laying out flower gardens is spoiled in few moments by band of ma rauding chickens or one clumsy and heavyfooted COW. A municipality that tolerates this obstruction to the home and neighborhood beautiful is failing to rise to creditable point of self respect. Men and women love their flowers, their shrubbery, the lawns which they have cultivated and the plants which have felt the hand of their own labor. This is part and parcel of the home atmosphere that is the pride of the American family. To allow few stray birds and ami mals to mar the home symmetry of a municipality is not sensible.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
PEOPLES FORUM
The Price of Sugar

To the Editor of The Age-Heraio'
 There is so much talk and paper news about the price of sugar that one wonders just what. why ana where the trouble lies. what IS the cause can be answered in that the Wall street and other bankers who own sugar stocks and bonds and the speculators are making money out of the deal. Just why the sugar dealers are continuing to raise the price Is because the officials who have the matter in charge for our government fall altogether to do their duty as such officials. Just last week they told the public that they were power less to act yet; they can easily find laws and remedies to handle citizens for much smaller acts against the common cause of the people. Where the trouble lies in the present price of sugar is that about all those who are interested in so far as making money out of the deal have tried to make the people and the government offi- cials believe that a sugar short age now exists. During the war time price of sugar and the then scarcity, there wa sa rule that each family could have so much sugar. and the price was very high, and the people were led to believe that there really was no sugar. At that time the writer wrote to one of the government departments, asking them to in- vestigate certain sugar ware house in Colorado, where they would find enough sugar to make several trainloads, and further to go to the terminal freight yards in Chicago. where much sugar could be found stored in freight cars on the tracks there, which facts bore fruit. Now. MT. Editor, there is enough sugar in the good old United States, if the men who own 1t will let 1t come out from cover. to bring the price down to normal. But will they do 1t or will those who can make them do 1t bring this high price of one of the peoples leading necessities to a point of just prices? Let them look for the sugar hidden out, and we will not need help from the law to get cheaper prices.
 J. A. THORNHILL.
 Albany. Ala, April 16. 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS
PIPE-BUYERS ARE HERE

Birmingham is entertaining South ern water and lighting superintend- ents, city and state officials whose du- ties include supervision of such plants, and experts in the manufacture and uses of cast-iron pipe. Birmingham is the market of the Southern states when they build or extend waterworks and gas systems. It is likewise the manufacturer of the South's sanitary pipe. Birmingham produces one-half of the cast-iron pipe consumed in this country and, while the pipe industry here has grown by leaps and bounds, the increased productive capacity re- mains fully employed. Last year the district began the manufacture of a new kind of cast-iron pipe under a new and labor-saving method. This pipe has already become a standard and the productive capacity used in its make is swampeC with orders.
 The South is very busy laying water and gas mains. Atlanta placed 5000 tons of Birmingham pipe last year and Memphis, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Miami, Florida, and many Carolina cities are taking this pipe by the thous- ands of tons. It goes to the Pacific coast by the tens of thousands of tons. The lighting and power systems of the Southern communities are also ex- tending. The men in charge of these operations are here to exchange views on economy and modernization of plant conduct and to see and study the apparatus exhibited by our pipe and engine makers. The chief pipe making city of the country and the center of great water power sys- tem's operations is fitting host of such gathering and glad to have these city builders here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
ONE TRICK A DAY
Bnlanc:nR Il Card

To balance a card on the back or the hand seems difficult feat, and so it is, unless the per former is acquainted with a sim pie preparation. A pin is held by the head between the two middle ringers, the point towards the backs The hand Is held low be- meath the table and as it is brought up into view the card is brought up by the other hand and held in front of the pin. A pre- tense is made of balancing it, but Tn reality the card is merely lean Ing against the pin. In conclu- sion, the hand is lowered nearly level with the table top and as the card is removed for inspection the ringers are spread and the pin drops to the floor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Nathan Hale N


 A glance at the family, tradi- tIons and character of Elizabeth Strong Hale, mother of Nathan Hale, makes it easy to under stand the young spy's noble and lofty act in giving his life to his country. The stuff that heroes are made of was the rock bottom stuff of the Strong family, brave, hardy, upright group of people, with duty and self -sacri- flee high up in their list of nec- e sary characteristics. T h e Strongs were among the earliest settlers of America and it seemed as though the concentrated es- ,ited by Elizabeth Strong. No task was too difficult for her to per form if her family were to bene- fit by it. She had the highest possible sense of honor and pa triotism, and reared her children in the belief that the freedom of their country was their most pre- cious heritage. and that they must guard it with their lives, al- though she had not the slightest idea when she taught them that it would ever become necessary.
 Mrs. Hale was a woman of rare understanding and more than the usual amount of education for a woman of her period. Although she was kept busily occupied all day and considerable part of the evening with the material welfare of her family, he managed always to keep on basis of understand ing and friendship with her chill dren. They obeyed her slightest wish, but more from love than from fear. She inspired admira- tion and affection and respect, but not terror. Her most conspicuous characteristic was her tremendous patriotism. which she transferred intact to her son.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
 AN EX-GOVERNOR IN JAIL

A former governor of Mississippi, who pleaded guilty to contempt of court, is serving thirty-day jail sentence imposed by the federal court. The convicted man knew the law and did not undertake to plead ignorance, but claimed some personal reason for failure to observe the statute. Ke- ports say that the trial judge frankly rebuked the accused and emphasized 
 Here is a lesson which would bear fruit if driven home to individuals who imagine they are privileged to evade and violate the law because of their
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
EASY CLEMENCY IS DANGEROUS

In declinig to recommend for cle- mency a man convicted of distilling and sentenced to more than a years Imprisonment, because such action "does not create proper respect for law and order," the state board of pardons took a safe and sornd posi- tion. Letting off those convicted of prison offenses after serving a small part of their terms, on the ground that they have been sufficiently pun ished, as is frequently claimed by their relatives, friends and others who view the proposition in personal light, will be quite effective in encouraging, rather than abolishing, lawlessness In some cases it may be true that the convicted man has been Sufficiently punished" after serving small part of his term. But will not organized society be far more than sufficiently punished" by the adoption of policy which would enable those who under take to disorganize it by evasion or defiance of the law to escape the pen atty of their offenses?
 That many people may sign a petition to set free violator of the law after a short period of punishment cannot be employed logically as an argument in the offenders favor. This does not enter into the spirit or purpose of the law. It is presumed that no humane person desires to see an offender suf- fer as a matter of revenge. The law was not made and should not be en- forced with any such intent. Its func- tion is to protect life and property against all who would evade or defy it. It is the force of example that makes the law protective in its in- fluence. In proportion as the law is enforced will be respected; and to the extent that violators of the law can escape with impunity will the law be Haunted by those who are op- posed to law and order or whose wishes, tastes and inclinations against any particular law encourage them to | disregard it.
 There can be no civiliza jon without
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

.aw And just 50 far as the people respect, observe and enforce the law are they civilized. Napoleon had the proper attitude toward the abolition # crime when he declared the law should be so certain, so prompt, so firmly administered that all would be afraid to violate it. That is the only successful means of stopping crime and thereby protecting organized sncietV
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Diplomacy

 Characers-Husband, wife and wife's longing for beach-colored suit in Ks window. Place-home. Wife-Myl It's nice out tonight. Husband-You bet!
 Wife-It's terribly stuffy in here. Husband-You bet!
 Wife-Lets take a walk, dear. Husband-Yeh. Where to? Wife-Oh, I don't know. Didn't you want to see the fishing rods in the window next to Ks? Husband-Bet I did. C'mon! They gaze at fishing rod. Husband sighs.
 Husband-Some rod!
 Wife-Why don't you buy t? You know you need one, dear.
 Husband-Gosh! Guess I will at that. Kind of extravagant, though, Buys pole guiltily. They walk on to Ks window.
 Wife-Oh, look at that darling beach-colored suit! It would just fit me.
 Husband-You don't want another suit! Gosh!
 Wife-Of course not, dear. Not since you bought the rod. I'll wait. Husband-Oh, well, I guess I can afford it.
 Wife-Oh, how sweet of you! They go in. Wife calls for Sales lady No. 10.
 Wife-Bring out that suit I bought this afternoon. Did you make the all terations?
 -Whaddayamean . alterations? How could she make them when you just saw the suit? Wife-Well, you see, just dropped in this morning to see how I would look in it, and I-I- . Husband-Oh Il see!
 -Ru Theda.
 (TLo E,,J
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Enforcing the Layya

NOTtEHSDOrO Wdtchman1
 The criminal docket of tho cir. cult court is being disposed of. Violators of the prohibition laws are faring especially bad. It's good time for shinny makers and booze runners to take warning. Folks are tired of people being debauched by this illegal traffic. And all look alike to Judge Hobbs when they stand before him to be sentenced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
1,,orth of tnhaccn

million dollars worth of tobacco.
 There is good reason to believe that before the Philadelphia banker and elubman serves his six to ten years in the penitentiary for killing three peo- pit with his motor car, the speed ma mia in that locality will be perceptibly modified. As a deterrent influence, which in itself possesses remarkable speed in the spread of its application, one prison term is worth hundred fines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
SMILES
Changed His Mind

Deacon Hornblower heard that the apple crop was likely to be a water-haul that year because of threatened invasions by pests. To the other apple growers assembled he said solemnly, as he started to kneel down:
 Let us pray"
 But Ike Hardboyle took his hat and started out of the room, say ing:
 Let us spray"
 Moral-Faith without work is dead.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Big Acreage Indicated
 MonrOe Io1yrno1l

Records of fertilizer tag sales by the state department of agri- culture show that 402,303 tons of commercial fertilizers have been sold up to April 1 of this year. nearly double the amour shown on the corresponding date last year. Every indication points to maximum acreage in cotton this year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

Two physicians travelled all the way from Virginia to study the effective health work being done in North Ala bama. Not only is that section mak- ing splendid progress in broad field for the public good, but its light is by no means hidden under bushel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

Suppose the Washington county far mers do eat their eggs rather than sell them at low prices? Isn't that step towards needed condition in this state-feeding ourselves as an economic move?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

Whether or not rumors that the kali ser's son is losing his mind be true, most people will agree that when the old man thought he could whip the world, he lost his head completely.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

The point is that the ships are going to do business, and that's the big thing for the business interests and all other interests of this country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Who and WhyS

Even with the municipal tax of one cent a gallon added, gasoline in Kansas City Is sold for nineteen and a half cents gallon; while in Mobile the price is twenty-four cents and no tax. Who is getting the four and a half cents extra Mobile has to pay, and why?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19

Bessemer plans to keep the cows and chickens from running at large. We thought the automobile had 2+- tended to that.
 Judging from the number of hair restorers on the market, we are forced to conclude that men who are bald remain so from choice. Archeologists who labor in a far and
 sandy cline
 Have revealed the fact that baseball
 lived in Tutankhamen's time. When King Tut's devoted widow
 mourned beside his gilded bier She was not so sorrow-stricken as she
 managed to appear. For no sooner was the mummy laid
 away beneath the stone Than her heart rebelled against the
 thought of life alone. And she wrote burning letter in a
 neat and girlish hand To the King of all Hittites in a strange
 and distant land. For the King of Hittites, as his title
 would imply, Was none other than the George H.
 Ruth of days gone by.
 You can't blame King Tut's ecto- plasm if it rises up and bites someone. It was bad enough when they dug up his mummy, but now they are rattling his family skeleton.
 One Jollivet Sastelot claims to have discovered the philosophers stone' that turns baser metals into gold, but it will take more than that to turn in- ternational debts into money.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Both Doing Good Work

Editor Kimbrough of the Flo rala News and Editor Johnston of the Opp News were visitors in Andalusia this week. These men are each striving hard to serve their respective fields acceptably. and we are sure. from the appear ance of their newspapers. that their patrons are appreciating their efforts
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-19
Trading at Home

No reason why Sylacauga should not keep every dollar of her big pay rolls at home, but you will never do 1t dreaming over the fact that you can keep it without effort-that the trade is coming to you anyhow. One of these days ytu are going to seewthese streets filled to the guards with biE hustling business establishments and the town or city that breaks the barrier to capture our pay rolls will find they are met with foemen worthy of their steel.