davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
THE "MoRE.PER.AcRE" PLAN

One hundred and twelve bushels of corn on one acre at production cost of forty cents bushel is the record made by boy corn-grower of Morgan county. The next best record by a youthful competitor in that section was ninety-one bushels on one acre. The first prize-winner in the contest, un- der encouragement of the county farm agent, used considerably more fertil- izer than the second prize-winner; but both achievements show what can be done when preparation, planting and cultivation of the soil are properly done. Intensive farming is the saliva tion of Alabama and the rest of the South. It is not so much the, gross output that counts as the output and quality per acre at the smallest cost. The smaller the area cultivated, the less the cost as a rule. When addi- tional investment is added in fertilizer and cultivation at larger profit, farming becomes a successful business, instead of hap-hazard calling.
 This business of intensified farming
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

is growing in popularity all over the state, because those who have pursued such a method have learned of its ben efits. The man or youth who grows two ears of corn on one stalk, who produces two bales of cotton where one formerly grew, who raises twice as much of anything with only half again as much expense, is contributing to the welfare of mankind just as really as to his own personal interests. It is practical application of the prin- ciple of making two blades of grass grow where formerly there was one. Carried to it's logical development it means greater prosperity and enrich ment for the state and all its people.
 Preparations are being made in Nor gan and other North Alabama counties to encourage the "more-per-acre" movement among boys, not only for its impressive effects upon older farmers, but by way of training youth for bet ter and more profitable farming. The principle is not confined to application on any one crop; it may be employed in the making of cotton, corn, hay and other staple products, or extended to horticulture, trucking, dairy, poultry and other farm lines. It means defi- nite increase in the states prosperity and enrichment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the B,rmiA gham. Ala. post office as second class matter under act of Con- gress March 6, 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
TELL-TALE TALK
By wickex wamboldt

A young friend of mine is a stenographer She aims to be the best sort of stenographer. She said to me the other day: How can I get to be a high-gr sec retary?" I told her I thought her first requirement. was to improve her conversation. Her eyes open ca in surprise. Why" she said, T thought the work of a stenog- rapher was to take dictation and type it-not to talk"
 Theoretically she was right. Practically she was wrong. Any man who employs a stenographer wants one who can take dictation and transcribe her notes. But a man who is engaging a high-grade secretary is influenced by the con- versation of the applicant in ap- proaching him for the position. He IS apt to consider her language an index to what she is.
 Some time ago I was selecting a secretary. A young woman rang me up over the phone. "Say." she parked, you want a stenoe- rapher" Reluctantly I admitted 1t. I asked her if she had had any experience. "Uh-huh," she guggled, "a lotta it--twelve wears. l c'n do your work, awright."
 As far as I was concerned if would have made no difference if she had had one hundred and twelve years experience. From her conversation I had diagnosed her as being careless, uneducated and undeveloped, and I calculated these deficiencies would express themselves in her work. Now the sad part of it is I might have been wrong. That girl might have been one of those Individuals with good education and a good mind but you would never guess it iron, nearing them talk I have seen such people. but they are the ex- ception, and not the rule. The first impression is of vital inn portance. and the first impression IS gained from the appearance and conversation. In order to taJ,r we'll one must practice talking we'll. A girl cannot talk in 9 sloppy manner three hundred and sixty-four days in the year and expect to make good conversa- tional impression on the three hundred and sixty-fifth day.
 If a man wants girl just to type cards. write circular letters. make out lists, or do work of that sort he does not pay much atten- tion to anything except her ma chanical ability. But if he is looking for a girl to fill a posi- tion above the average, he Is go- ing to be impressed. first of all. by the way she talks to him. If she comes in chewing gum and saying "Uh-huh," she will be classed with the gum- chewers and the "uh-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
PEOPLES FORUM
The Date of Christina.

To the Editor of The e-Herald:
 The Atlanta Constitution of De- cember 12 comments as follows on Christmas: Earliest records of the observance of Christmas show that some communities celebrated the festival on January 1 or G, others on March 29, the time of the Jewish Passover, and still oth- CTS on September 20. or the Feast of the Tabernacles."
 While many know now that De- cember 25 Is not the birthday an- niversary of Christ, it may interest some to note the following facts in connection with the event: Jo- seph and Mary were going to Je- rusalem to the feast of the Pass over at the time Christ was born, and the feast of the Passover Is March 29. While en route the or der came from Caesar that "all the world should be taxed" and Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem as he had to go there to pay his tax, while on his way to Jerusa- lem. When the angel appeared to the shepherds they were out on the hiiiSp anu III J uuea It IS not GUS tomary for the shepherds to be out on the hills in mid winter, al- though 1t is customary in spring and fall as well as summer.
 "Christ's Mass" (now combined into Christmas) Is not necessarily birthday anniversary, as the church having a mass ceremony has mass every day except Good Friday" The day of the coming of Santa Claus or St. Nicholas or Christkingle, as the giver of mate rial gifts Is yariously known, is a day of joy and celebration to the little folks and as 1t has the effect of increasing the generosity of most grown-ups, they may cele- brate 1t when and how they choose there being no commandment regarding it's observance. But facts indicate that March 29 is nearer the date of the birth of Christ than the day now ob- served
 PEARL LILLIAN TRUMAN.
 Columbus, Ga.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
A DEMONSTRATION IN HEALTH

As an unanswerable argument for the value of sanitary work in its bear ing on the public health, especially in areas where large excavation and other industrial projects are under way, the record made at Wilson Dam is worthy of special attention. Thou sands of men and members of their families have been residing in that area during the construction of the great enterprise, and for five years under conditions which usually de- velop communicable and other diseases there has not been an epidemic nor a death from preventable disease on the reservation.
 The reason Is obvious; it is because the government has established and maintained modern and effective san itary measures of protection. The les son is plain. Communicable diseases are easily prevented under proper san itar.y safeguards. These maladies can be averted with negligible cost as con- pared with the financial outlays de- manded by epidemics, not to speak of the much greater costs from absence from duty, inefficiency of effort, and Reorganization of working forces.
 What has been accomplished at Will son Dam in this respect can be done not only in other camps where large industrial enterprises are under way, but in centers of population every where, as we'll as in rural communi- ties. Results from proper sanitary precautions and disease preventives constitute one of the most profitable investments within the grasp of public authorities of cities and towns as well as of citizen groups in remote com- munities. There is no more fruitful field for the development of prosperity and contentment than that of the pub lie health.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
SAYS TEN YEARS
 WILL CLEAN IT UP
lRaleigh Newa and Obseryerl

(hdlelSn NeWS d1u OUSeINeIJ
 Those people who talk about re- pealing or modifying the prohibi- tion law might as we'll be advocat- ing repeal of the emancipation proclamation and amendment. There is no better proof of the fact than the statement by Sena- tor Pepper of Pennsylvania: T have heard lot of talk" he said, about amending the Volstead act. but I have never seen a concrete proposal on that subject which seemed to me either socially wise or constitutionally sound;" and he added: T have enough confidence in the judgment and self-control of our people to believe that in ten years time those who now break the law will either have changed their point of view, died or become unpopular"
 Pennsylvania has a large for eign population and its policies have been among the wettest as to both parties. For years the Re- publican campaign managers se- cured a part of their campaign fund by an assessment of certain amount per barrel of beer. When the Republican governor and the Republican senator talk and act as do Pinchot and Pepper. those who hope for a damp period may as well conclude that them days is gone forever"
 Senator Pepper recognizes, as do all sensible men, that it will take some time for those who break the law to die or change their views or become unpopular. He fixes the time as ten years It may not come so soon in it's fitness, but it will come. Some who defy the law will die by drinking the poison. Others, nat urally lovers of law and seeing that violation of one law jeopar- dizes respect for all laws, will change their view. If officials do their duty, violation will sooner become Unpopular"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
THE LAW WILL WIN
Baskerville Citizen)

Som etimes the stoutest prohi- bitionist becomes doleful over the prospect of enforcing the dry law. The flood of illicit liquors flowing through ocean ports seems too gigantic to be checked even by a large army of officers sworn to enforcement. Like King Canute, prohibition appears to be sweep ing back only a few drops of an irresistible tide. And. while the majority of the people shout warn ings of the perils of booze, pow erful minority welcome the seduc- tive waves and sport in them like summer visitors at a pleasant sea- side resort.
 But the gloom of the situation lifts when the upholders of the law take stock of the comprehen- sive plans of the federal authori- ties for erecting a dam for foreign fluids as well as for drying up the riyulets and rivers of domestic inebriation. The enforcement of prohibition In this country has become a subject of international diplomacy. England consents to an extension of the three mile limit so that rum-runners may be caught on the high seas. Canada announces an open mind on the question of Canadian cooperation for closing the border against fly ing squadrons of transporters and bootleggers.
 Enforcement is still a hard bat tie. But the struggle involves a process of education no less than of legal procedure against the open violators of the law. And, though the vets may for years to come maintain pretty effective system of irrigation. they are waging a hopeless conflict against the common schools, the churches and that slowly growing public opinion which goes so far as to say that, if drinking liquor in moderation helps to make possi- ble drunken automobile drivers and to foster social and economic misery in the land, then liquor must go.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
- NOT GIVEN A FAIR TRIAL

There is considerable public regret that the city commission so hastily revoked certain essential features of the new traffic code. If any pro- vision was found to work to the detri- ment instead of to the benefit of the citv's business, of course such pro- vision or provisions should have been modified. But the wholesale manner in which the code was nullified lndl- cates that the commission was gov erned by panic rather than judgment The provision for parallel parking was the subject of the most intense criti- cism. If the commission discovered such criticism well-founded, it did right in modifying the provision; but there is no evidence that the commis- sion conducted any survey to deter mine the results of this feature of the code. There was apparent to the cas- ual observer a decided betterment as to traffic congestion, a betterment which may very well have been at
  lefthand turns downtown. Certainly the commission was in duty bound to study the effect of the lefthand turn before abandoning it. Limitation of the period of parking on certain blocks is essential to distribute the parking privilege more equitably among citi+ zens who are served by automobiles.
 The statement of MT. McLendon that the commission was forced to abandon the code because it could not be enforced in the face of an over whelming public sentiment against 1t is an unjust reflection upon the citi- zens of Birmingham, who do respect the law and seek to observe it, no mat ter whether it appeals to them or not. If this were not in the main a law-abiding community the commits sion could never in the world get by on such an inadequate police force. Although there were many infractions of the traffic code, it must not be forgotten that, though five hundred people were ar rested, fifteen thousand people were not found in violation, while of the five hundred arrested, undoubtedly the great majority were unsuspecting and not wilful violators of the code. It is not fair to base the revocation of the code on any failure of the public to cooperate, for that cannot be proved. On the contrary, there was abundant visible evidence that people were trying to learn and abide by the code. The only proper basis for continuance or revocation of the code or any part of it is on its merits or lack of merits.
 It would be we'll for the commission not to exercise too much haste in this matter, lest it sacrifice unnecessarily those features of the code which are good. Elimination of certain left hand turns, central signal system, aud limitation of parking periods on certain blocks are assuredly of na- tIre to advance and not to impede the affairs of the majority of the people of Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
FILL THE CHEST TODAY

Today comes to a close the formal campaign to raise the necessary S4oo'- ooo for the Community Chest. Ap- proximately fifty thousand dollars are needed to complete the total. Scores of women have undertaken the by no means pleasant task of stationing them solves at downtown corners to sell tags for the fund. The least the rest of us can do is to tighten their efforts by stepping up, buying our tags and then wearing them conspicuously, not only as indication that we ourselves have purchased, but also as an invitation to others to go and do likewise.
 That the cause is worthy of the support of all who have any spare change is beyond dispute. Perhaps hundred thousand people will pass the corners where the ladies have taken their stands today. These hundred thousand, if they will give what they can readily afford, will easily con- tribute the fifty thousand dollars lack inp to the Chest. For Birmingham to 20 over the top in this her first CO., operative effort to put charity on systematic and efficient basis will be a triumph. Birmingham will do it, and then will confidently expect the ad- ministrators of the Chest fund to show such results during the year as will in- sure a still heartier response when this season rolls around once moro.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
SMILES
Chilling Him Puppy

(Pittsburg Chronicle-T Telegraph
 The youth had just left college, and his ambition was high.
 At home the all-engrossing sub ject was the young mans career, and he was discussing with his parents which profession stood most in need of his genius.
 The fathers idea of his sons ability was low.
 T think" said the old man, that you had better adorn one of the stools In my office."
 The young man drew himself up, and his collar grew tight as he strove to swallow his righteous anger.
 Folding his arms across his mar row chest, he said: Am I a dog?'
 'No, not yet, but you'll grow up," came the response.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
As to "Dry Christmas1


 Some of the '.boys" who have particular notions about the cele- brationeof the holidays are worry ing about the dry Christmas" that State Prohibition Director Hargett has promised. They talk like Christmas without the "trimmin's" was quite impossible. But be- tween what we know about the possibility of living without the liquor-having somehow navigated life's channels thus far without the aid of this particular compass A-and what We know from past experience about these much her aided "dry Christmas periods" we have a hunch that the coming holidays will not mean death and destruction to any one no matter what his politics or thirst may be.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
- POETRY AND PARDONS

Along with all that has been pub- Iished of recent years, and especially within the last few months, about the dangers. of free exercise of the par doning power, comes the announce ment that Pennsylvania convict was released from prison on the merits of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

Paris appears to have developed great talent in the art of taxing tour ists; professional escorts in the French capital are paid liberal wages to take American women to cafes and dance with them. The fiddler is not the only one who must be paid.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

Thirty-five states are said to be drawing fifty million from gasoline taxes. It is easy to say where this money comes from, but impossible to find out where it goes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

In bidding for the Democratic na- tional convention, after losing the Re- publican gathering, Chicago indicated that it's chief purpose was to increase it's gross output of politics without any particular reference to the trade mark it bears.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

Burglars used to get along with a revolver, jimmy and flash-light. As evidence of expansion in the busi- ness, they now have autos, expert chauffeurs and special legal counsel among their accessories.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Nearly 100 Per Cent.

We have succeeded finally in get ting enough coal to last us through the most severe part of the winter, and we have come triumphantly through our annual attack of grip. Now if we had some bananas we'd be all set.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Overlooking Opportunit

(TuScaIOOsa NeWSJ Many farmers are overlooking great opportunity by not giving the fruit growing business more study and attention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Needs an Auditorium ..s. (Anntcfoo CtarN

t<AhiiotOii otdIJ
 Anniston aspires to be the great convention city of the state. It might easily also become the con- vention city of, the South. We have several large conventions scheduled to be held here next year, and we will doubtlessfsecure others. We have all other induce ments to offer except a large, cen trally located public auditorium. If we had such a place for the holding of conventions of all kinds, it would be much easier to secure the conventions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
The Living and Dead

(Gadsden Times News)
 Why should people wait until a man is dead to 'laud him? One might well be led to wonder if 1t is death and not his works which makes earthly credit due a mem- Der of the human race. When a rule to speak all possible good of the living" is as universally practiced as the rule to Speak only good of the dead"-well, that would be too good to be true.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Just the Place We Want

For Sale or Rent-House; ten rooms; all conveniences; practically new. Excellent restaurant next door. Heated garage, with extra room for cooks car.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
No CnnyIctions
ANV tOh'AStaVnS (Cropshaw Comfy Newsl

ICrenShaW county NeWsJ
 The juries of Crenshaw county, during the circuit court, failed to convict in any distilling case. The News has no criticism, as every member of the jury on examina- tion by the judge answered that they would convict in all cases where the state made out a case against defendant. The juries who try cases have the last word in the enforcement of law, and with out their assistance laws cannot be enforced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

An exchange says that three gen erations ago the first bath-tub was looked upon with suspicion. There are some people who still cling to old customs and sentiments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

While President Coolidge didn't have much to say about adjusted com pensation for World War veterans, he will be given much to think about on that subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Getting Serious

Louisville Courier-JournaD
 Cincinnati is making a protest against pollution of the Ohio. It will soon get so one can't cast his bread upon the waters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Most of Them Served
 

(CentreViIIe PreSS)
 There are a lot of men in Bibb county who have never served on petit or grand jury. It is a se- rious thing to deprive man of his vote and his obligation as a citizen, and often 1t makes a bad citizen of him., Most men will do the right thing when given an opportunity and chance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
A Suggestion

(Watertown Standard)
 Somebody stole a horse in New York. Maybe they just took it home to see what the thing was.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

It is said that forty widows of vet erans of the War of 1912 still draw government pensions. There's noth- ing new about that.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
They'd Impeach Him (TnloAn RlaAaA

Senator Magnus Johnson says all he will use in the senate is com mon sense. If he sticks to that he will make himself conspicu- ous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
FIRST WOMAN M. ID,
(Kansas City Star)

(kansas City Star)
 The coming year will mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the graduation of the first woman physician in the United States, Elizabeth Blackwell, who received her M. D. from Geneva College in 1S49.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
only the Good Count
(Onelika Newsl

(OpeIiKa NeWs)
 Good cows, good sows and good hens are the only sort worth hav- ing. The sorry kind will eat their own heads off and chew on the pockets of their owners.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
What They Indicntc

(Memphis News Scimitar) The college boys letters to dad indicate an almost complete mas tery of the touch system.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
How Many KneyyH

(Talladega Daily Home)
 The woods are full of politi- clans declaring their love for the farmers and we secretly wonder how many of these same fellows know the difference between a grubbing hoe and pitchfork?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Would Bc a Stimulus

Andalusia will just begin her real growing when that cotton mill payroll becomes a definite reality. We want to see early ac- ton. If there is anything you can do to help it along, do 1t now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
NOT PRACTICABLE

t4>dsHVllle banHer)
 Statistics are given to show that steamboat travel is safer than walking. But the-etrouble is d fellow doesn't always have time to wait for steamboat when he wants to cross the street.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
FOOLISH QUESTIONS

(CIeveIand Plain Dealer)
 Los Angeles is complaining that too many people come there. No, not too many people with money too many movie-struck immi- grants. Why ask such foolish questions?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
Was Enlixhteninr

est. Louis Globe -Democrat)
 The British election campaign was short, but 1t ought to have afforded England, Scotland and Wales considerable light on the full -dinner-pail argument.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15

That Texas man who was imprisoned in tree for ten days suffered more than some people who are imprisoned in family-trees for lifetime.