davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
WHAT SORT OF covERNMENr7

Few things receive more complaint than government, whether national, state or municipal. Walk few blocks in almost any city, and one hears many disparaging criticisms of the character of record of government and the failure of authorities to per- form their duties. Especially is this true in the case of cities. Never day passes that the average citizen of Bir- mingham does not hear complaints of this city, county or state government and the records of one or more of- ficials. While government is the big. gest and most influential business in this country, it receives less attention, less time and less effort from the citi- zens than does any other field of ac- tivity.
 There is always a retort which places the blame: "Whose fault is it?" In Philadelphia newspaper re- gently appeared an advertisement carrying some civic philosophy that is worthy of consideration. Here it is:
 Some one asked Charles Kings
 ley, the writer of books:
 "What is nation?"
 His reply was, "A nation is,
 after all, only the people who
 compose it; you and I, and our
 neighbors' neighbors, and so on
 and so forth"
 The government of city is
 exactly what the people choose to
 make it, who live in it, by their
 attention to their duties as citi-
 zens.
 Every man and woman entitled
 to vote is responsible for the good
 or bad rule of their officials.
 Bad government, poor laws, inef- ficient officials, inadequately enforced measures, are in the final analysis the fault of individual voters. It is usc- less to try to shift the blame. When ever citizen casts his ballot for law making or law-enforcing candidates on any ground than that of fitness for the job, he contributes just so far to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
AN UNUSUAL VIEW

A distinguished Ohio jurist, address ing meeting of circuit judges in Michigan, said that jail sentences for bootleggers have proved failure. He recommended heavy fines coupled with long periods of probation as a subst;- ute. This point of view seems un- usual. It is not consistent with ex- perience in this part of the country. The bootlegger's aim is profits, the re- moval of which puts him out of busi- ness. How is this to be done as long as he can pass on to the consumer the additional cost incurred through fines? He takes certain chances for arrest ac- cording to the alertness and sincerity ot the enforcement authorities. Out of many sales he is sometimes caught. His temptation to take a chance in de- flance of the law is strong. But long prison sentences are served in person and cannot be passed along; hence the effectiveness of such penalties. Dur ing the period of incarceration the prisoners business goes to pieces, and the temptation to re-engage in the illicit traffic is materially decreased For this reason jail sentences prove more effective than fines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
BLOOD DOES TELL

Tn connection with the need for amendment of the immigration laws so as to prevent the confusion, waste and cruelty arising from a system whereby many aliens are returned to their homes under the most discourag- ing conditions, it is we'll for the Amer ican people to think seriously about the effects of heredity in it's influence upon this nation, it's ideals and stand ards. Professor Irving Fisher of Yale University, head of the eugenics com mittee of the United States, has issued some impressive facts Illustrating the potency of heredity, of bad blood and good blood, in it's effects on succeed ing generations for seventy-five years. He says: Research shows that a shiftless fisherman, born in 1720, had 1,200 descendants traced in seventy five years. Of these, BIO were pro sessional paupers, seven murderers, sixty habitual thieves, and 130 com mon criminals. About the same time lived Jonathan Edwards, one of the finest specimens of New England manhood. Out of about the same number of descendants 295 were col lege graduates, 100 clergymen or mis- sionaries, seyenty-five army or navy officers, sixty eminent writers, thirty judges and thirteen professors"
 ofI I1 ho of family life, it is worth while to think what it means to the state. The kind of blood imported into the republic through immigration will have more or less effect upon the character of it's future citizens and its government. Inione of the newspapers recently was printed the item that several fine es- tates in one of the countries of South ern Europe have been purchased by returned emigrants who amassed for tunes selling bootleg liquors in the United States. An equally discourag- ing condition is the fact that thousands of immigrants of no higher standards are permitted to some into this coun- try and tax the melting-pot beyond it's capacity because of our immigration laws.
 It is obvious that in the protection and preservation of American stand ards there must be proper selection not only of racial groups, but of individ- uals at the source before America is so burdened with bad blood, low moral standards, vicious disregard for con- stituted authority and hostility to or ganized government as to constitute a menace to the nations future and impose terrible price upon the com ing generations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick HouIt Law
John Trough

4 r j. !
 In the last days of the Civil War the state of Ohio was the scene If great political activity. A man by the name of Clement L. Vallan- dingham had been nominated for governor. This Vallandingham had had a stormy career. He was a man of great activity, leader, and a man who threw himself with tremendous energy into every cause that he espoused. He had held high political offices, includ- ing membership in congress. Dur ing the Civil War he was what was called a "copperhead," Northern sympathizer with the Southern cause. In 1863 he was arrested, tried by courtmartial, and sent into Confederate lines. The chiyalrous men of the South did not welcome him, and he again fled. this time to Canada In spite of all this, he had been nominated for the position of gov ernor of Ohio. Against him there ran a man named John Brough, a strong, sterling, patriotic man, d powerful orator. and a man of deep feeling. When the election came John Brough was swept into office by a vote that had nevar been equaled in any state. Ohio had responded nobly to John Brough's appeal for strict adher- ence to the Union cause.
 In this way John Brough became the war governor" of Ohio. In hiG r1AafffD, af l, l everything in his power to exalr the ideal of patriotism and service. He courageously opposed every thing that might in any way em- barrass the people who were struggling for the cause of the Union. He was so vigorous and so forceful in his speaking that he held the people of Ohio. as 1t were, under his oratory, and is remem- bered to this day.
 John Brough was a self-made American, drawing his sturdiness of character from years of hard work for self-support. He had been too poor to hope for an edu- cation, but he had learned enough in the lower schools to make him ambitious. He looked eagerly ahead to the possibility of going to college. Instead of that he was obliged to go to work in a print ing office. He continued to read and study, and prepared himself for college. Then he worked his way through college, graduated with credit, and entered into career. The days In which Ire lived were stormy days, just be- fore the Civil War and he used his great ability as a speaker to such good advantage that he was given public office. When the time came to nominate a man of absolute loy- atty and patriotism, the people of Ohio chose John Brough, the self made patriot. and elected him by an overwhelming vote.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

ous than they were some time ago, and the labor market of the industrial centers, even under the necessity for additional supplies to take care of the eight-hour situation, is overstocked. Besides, a large percentage of the ne- groes are of the plantation type who know little of factory work. The iln- pression held by many of these ne- groes that they would be offered bet ter social advantages in Chicago and the Northern cities was based largely on yarns told them by labor agents. The negroes condition in this re spect has not been improved as they hoped, and with the approach of cold w.atl s- and lack of housing facilities, pros poets for suffering are almost certain. Agencies are already at worx whereby many of these negroes will ba offered jobs on farms in the Middle West, which it is hoped will heln solve the problem for Chicago and neigneering cities.
 There are already signs of discor- tent among many of the negroes who left the South for Northern and East ern industrial centers. They have failed to attain their hoped-for better ment. Many of them have been un- able to obtain steady or remunerative work, and the winter climate is a severe physical tax on them. Hun dreds are undertaking to return South and have applied for aid from their former employers. The exodus may prove beneficial to the South in the long run by demonstrating to those negroes who left the South, as we'll as those who remained, that such mi grafton is blunder.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

the creation of conditions of which he afterwards complains. A head of ficial of large industrial enterprise in Birmingham who was deploring the character of men elected to local of fees admitted that he was in the city on the day of the last election, but did not take the time to vote. There was no logic in his complaint. In this country of democratic institutions founded on majority rule the people can have just as good government as they are determined to have, and they will get just as bad government as they are willing to tolerate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams off the SmoII Rine.


 Somebody related in it's meaning to the dream l explained to you recently, but entirely different m its manifestation Is the one whicn puts you in possession of a ring too small to be worn by you even on your pinlSy. This vision tells you that the man who at the time seems most attractive to you among those you know. and whose affection for you has all the ear marks of sincerity, would not re- main faithful were you to marry him.
 If you are wise you will dismiss all further thoughts of him from your mind. If you care for last ing happiness, preferring it to the bright but short-lived flash of in- fatuation, you will close the book in which you and he have written your vows, put it away among the other volumes of memory and in- sist upon him turning his eyes in another direction. I know that I am asking much. However, it is not myself who gives you this advice, bpt it comes to you from unseen sources, from mind that knows what is best for you far better than you do, and that has your highest interest and your ultimate happiness at heart. It IS difficult to interpret this dream in general wa when it comes to a married woman. It will be bet until one of my married readers ter to leave the question wide onon sees such a vision. Let her then write to me and inform me of some of the facts concerning her daily life. I am quite sure that l will be able to give her valuable advice for which she will be grate- ful during the years to come.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
SMILES
Explicit Directions
Philadelphia Ledger)

(Philadelph1a Ledger)
 The Wolvertons lived in cor ner house so easily accessible from the street that they were continually being annoyed by per sons ringing to ask where other people lived. At last the son of the house decided to put an end to the nuisance.
 T think" he observed compla- gently, there won't be any more folks asking if the Smiths, the Browns or the Robinsons live in this house. I've fixed 'em."
 What have you done?" queried l Mrs. Wolverton.
 Hung out a sign"
 And what did you print on it?"
 Just five words" replied the son proudly, Nobody lives here but us.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
CALL IT FROM COMMITTEE

NALL II FNOM NONNI EE
 It has properly been the policy of the Alabama Public Service Commis- sion, when it appeared that there were late injustices adversely affecting the commercial position of any produc- ing center, to cite the railroads con cerned to show cause why such rates should not be lowered. This practice of the commission has been the means of correcting many rate discrepancies, to the great good of numerous locali- ties in this state. Mobile and Bir- mingham have been especially served because of the greater volume of their commerce, but the rate adjustments have benefited every community and every producing and shipping interest. The present consideration of transit and concentration rates for cotton in Alabama is based upon this right of the commission.
 Now, however, the railroad attor- neys contend that, under the law of Alabama, the burden of such proof rests not upon the railroads, but upon the compliments. Thus the extensive and exhaustive work of the Public Service Commission, in examining, tabulating and comparing rates anJ judging their merits with a view to making equitable adjustments where ch the rates should not be changed, woulI go for naught, unless the legislatu e should pass corrective legislation plac- ing the burden of proof directly on the railroads. It should be stated that the practice followed by the state com mission is the same as federal law prescribes for the Interstate Commerce Commission.
 Like all other measure protecting the public right as against the private trespass, the measure now in the house committee to amend the law is neglected by those supposed to repre- sent the public, and is being vigorously opposed by the agents of the rail roads. Friday, by vote of three to two, the committee of the house re- fused to make the measure a special order, thus possibly paving the way for it's being smothered in committee. Although the law is one that the pub lie welfare demands, yet the majority of the committee evidently is not con- cerned for the public welfare, but shows instead a strange and earnest concern for the private interest.
 This is measure that the welfare of the commerce of Alabama and the efficiency of the Public Service Com mission call upon the house to rescue from it's opponents in the committee and to bring before the house for open and public consideration. Many a measure of vital public concern per ishes stillborn in the embrace of hostile committee, oblivious to the public welfare.
 Let those who desire to serve the commercial and industrial welfare of Alabama demand that this measure be called from the committee and put to vote of the house. Let not the agents and lobbyists of the railroads be of more influence in Montgomery than the welfare of the people of this state whom the legislators have been elected to serve. The legislature has small time in which to redeem itself for many mistakes and many oppor- tunities forfeited. Let this beneficial measure be passed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
How Towns Dry Up

A town or city that never sup door sports, never encourages pub lie gatherings for entertainment, never does anything but snatch at the feathers in the tail of the eagle on the dollar. becomes a dead town or city just as surely as the years pass, shunned by all who live nearby and despised by those who dwell therein.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Bnrbecue wns A succen.

 To the Editor of The Age-Herald: We wish to express our appre- citation and thanks for the splen- did cooperation given this organl- zation in the good publicity dur ing our recent annual barbecue and outing program. The success of all of our programs are partly due to the good cooperation given by our newspaper friends in carry ing our activities in the news col umns of their papers. Our out door program this year was a great success with the largest at tendance in the history of the as sociation. With best wishes for your success, we are,
 BIRMINGHAM RETAIL GRO-
 GERS & BUTCHERS ASSO-
 CLAYTON.
 B. c. JEFFERSON,
 General Chairman Barbecue and Outing Program. September 12, 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
ONE TRICK A DAY
A "Fan.Koin Pass

Four or five coins are held in the right hand, spread out in fan shape. The right fingers allow the coins to slide down one after the other with a jingle into the palm of the left hand, which then closes up on the coins, but just as it does so the middle fingers of the right hand grip the coins and immediately palm them in the right hand.
 If this is carried out neatly, and under cover of the movement of the left hand. the spectators will be absolutely convinced that the coins still remain in the left hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

The audience at the Dempsey-Firpo bout was not especially partisan as to the result; but appeared deeply con cerned as to whether there would be enough brutality to justify the cost of the seats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Value of Poultry

(CentreV1IIe PreHs)
 Our farmers and good house wives have gone to sleep to the importance of the poultry busi- ness. Instead of turning 1t over to wife or daughter, and letting the hen hustle for a living. fix up clean and sanitary poultry houses and give them good and whole some food twice day, and plenty of 1t, and then make fifty fifty division with your good wife. It will give you both more money and lessen the business of the di- Vorce court.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Renson in His stand

MODIIe IttBISItTJ
 Senator Powell has reason in his opposition to the proposition that the state legislature select the highway commissioners. It is best not to mingle more than is neces- saAy the executive with the legis- lative functions. Each department should assume it's proper respon- sibility and no more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
PEOPLES FORUM
snInrie. nnd ConntItntion

To the Editor of The Age Herald: {: Observing that the legislature has enacted several laws changing the salaries of officials, I call at tention to section 201 of the state constitution, which reads as fol- lows:
 The salary, fees or com pensation of any officer hold ing any civil office of profit under this state or any coun- ty or municipality thereof, shall not be increased or di- unfinished during the term for which he shall have been elected or appointed.
 I assume. therefore, that the several changes recently made do not apply to present incumbents
 FRANK V. EVANS. Wedowee, Ala, Sept. IS, 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Danger of One Crop
(Dothan Eagle)

A campaign to re establish the importance of the diversification of farm crops in this section has been launched by the Chamber of Commerce. The heavy damage to the cotton crop caused by the boil weevil this season has disclosed again the danger in a one-crop system. The greatest safeguard against the disastrous effects of boil ,weevil infestation that the farmer may adopt is the diversifi- cation of his crop so that he may not depend entirely upon the un- certainty of cotton production for a Livelihood.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

fifteen years, If the membership is on plane with that of the Alabama solons, nothing but large natural re- sources, hard work and good luck saved Illinois from the rocks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
PIea for the Cemetery

NJAetI N oUUlIItIH oldTJ
 Some time ago we had occasion to speak of an attitude on the part of some Ozark citizens, which charitably was called carelessness for allowing stock to overrun the cemetery. Only recently several complaints have come to us that the nuisance is worse than ever. The cemetery is unprotected by fence and those callous of heart and wholly self-serving are using the cemetery as a pasture. This ia .yiolative of the law of the city and all the laws of humanity and creates a reprehensible and ob- noxious condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

There are grounds for the suspicion that if a comprehensive plan to con- serve Alabama's water power for the benefit of the people is not forthcon,- ing soon, the waterways will be freely diluted with watered stock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Have One Consolation

Citizens who imagine that they are already burdened with taxa tion have one consolation in the fact that the time limit has ex- pired for the introduction and passage of additional revenue producing bills at the present ses- sion of the legislature.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Might Be Tried

lFTOrida Tlmes-U Unlon)
 Castor oil, served to the com munists and Bolsbeviki in 1talyI proved a very effective remedy. It might be tried on some of the radicals who are "boring from within" in this country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
What's Coming to Him

(Cleveland Plain Dealer9
 Prince of Wales headed for his Canadian ranch travels as Lord Renfew, just a plain peer" If Canadian cowboys are like Ameri- can cowboys this peer will be even plainer than he is now by the end of his vacation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
.Aid Frorn the Rains

(Talladega Daily Home)
 One good thing about the rains this season is the dry towns have been helped out until they get their new water works going. Tal- ladegas deep wells could now sup ply Sahara desert.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
City Cousins

Clos Angeles Times)
 There's a whole lot said about the country cousins going to the city, but sometimes the shoe is on the other foot, as was the case recently when Covina man came to Los Angeles to pick up rela- tive from Chicago. As he motored toward home the city girl sud denly sniffed and asked:
 What is that odor from those. fields?"
 That's fertilizer"
 For the lands sake!
 Certainly, ma'am." M
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
What Does He Expects

INtW OTIednS StdteSJ
 Somebody wants to know what the New England family of Cabots have done for this country. Well, they have condescended to live gn 1t for many years. Now. isn't that enough?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
sidestepping Mrs. Gruhdx

(Passing Show) Why do you go on the bal cony when I sing? Don't you like to hear me?"
 Tt isn't that want the neighbors to see that I'm not beat ing my wife"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Their Probable Purpose

tLoufsVIIIe Herald) 9a9
 A taxicab company boasts that one fourth of it's drivers are col lege men. Probably they're try ng to earn back from the boss the money they spent with him as undergraduates. sss sas-a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
Helping the Schools

N1A tI usId ioIdIJ
 Let's make this year one of the best In the history of the Andalu- sia city schools. Visit the school and see the work as it is being carried on. Don't stay away and criticize. The person who criti- cizes a school without visiting it and getting first-hand information is3not playing the game on tho square. Another thing. you will find little criticism coming from those who are really interested in the school and are giving the teachers 100 per cent, support.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

An exchange says that the Carolinas are having contention as to which spins the most yarns. The question should be decided soon, as the fishing season is drawing to a close.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18

Threats that haircuts will go to one dollar will not disturb those who can now economize by cutting out tonics that are supposed to produce, but sell dom do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-18
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Think of It

' (Kansas City Star)
 We all promised aid and en- couragement to President Coolidge when he took office. and then t wasn't three weeks before the papers began publishing his pie lures taken in his college days.