davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mnther of John Rroyyn


 "Old John Brown" "Ossawatta- mic Brown" the leader of the anti-slave forces in Kansas and the man whose death by execution after his raid at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, gave rise to the once popular song, John Browns body lies moIding in the grave, but his soul goes marching on"- such a man is not thought of as ever having had a mother.
 About the fierce fighter, the half-crazed fanatic, there Is noth- ing that speaks of infancy, or of the need of mothers love. Per- haps, however. much of the strangeness in the nature of John Brown was caused by the lack of the companionship and the loving care of mother. The mother of "Old John Brown" died when he was a child of only eight.
 He was a strangely sensitive lad, who had been greatly at tached to his mother. He had been born in Torrington, Connecticut, where his people had lived for years. AS matter of fact, both on his fathers side and on his mothers side of the family he was descended from revolutionary stock. More than that, his ances- tors were among the very first in habitants of the new world, his father coming from family that had come over in the Mayflower, and his mother from Dutch set tiers from Amsterdam in Holland.
 When "Old John Brown" was only five years old the family moved to Ohio. When the mother died, leaving John Brown a pecu- liar child of eight, the boy mourned for her with unusual grief. For days and days he moped about the house, unable to think of anything else except his loss. What he might have be- come if the mother had lived no one can tell, but it is certain that he took on a melancholy nature after her death. Perhaps the tenderness of his nature that led him to sympathize with the slaves, came in part from the mother whom he had lost.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
HOW BIRMINGHAM coMPETEs

Placing an order for one hundred and fifty thousand feet of cast-Iron lpipe for Pacific coast delivery, while lon visit primarily for the purpose of surveying the field and getting Tn personal touch with the trade, is some thing of an achievement in salesman i ship. That is what the president of the McWane Cast-Iron Pipe Company rccently did. Such salesmanship must be supported by price and by merit of products sold. Much cast-iron pipe made in Birmingham has been for use in the Pacific district. The product was so satisfactory that repeated or ders have been received from that section. Now Pacific coast cities are regular customers of the Birmingham product, and shipments to that region are steadily increasing.
 An interesting phase of the situa- tion, as reported hy MT. McWane, is that considerable cast-iron pipe from France is being offered in that section. Whether this, wholly or in part, comes from French plants, or is made in Ger many, especially in the Ruhr district, as Mir. McWane suspects, cast-iron pipe from Birmingham has been able Ito meet foreign competition in spite of the cheap labor situation abroad. That the Birmingham product can successfully cope with this condition and continue to place large orders in a district several thousand miles from the production point, despite the large economies which their low cost of la bor enables foreign producers to en- joy, demonstrates the advantages en- ljoyed by this district in the manufac ture, under modern and efficient on the ground, and emphasizes the benefits which this district enjoys through it's ability to supply distant markets in quantities, materials and workmanship which meet their re- quirements.
 MT. McWane expressed the belief that heads of manufacturing institu- tions should get out occasionally and familissize themselves with the view points of their customers, thereby creating mutual confidence, and aid ing producers in manufacturing meth 'ods and fixing sales policies. The personal touch, with better under standing between seller and buyer, contributes much towards establishing helpful relations, increasing the vol tune of business and bringing more satisfactory results for both sides. A large percentage of the worlds com merce grows out of pleasant personal relations between dealer and .pur- chaser. It has come to be one of the factors of business success.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
GUNS OND MURDER
 A SERIOUS PROBLEM
fFlorida. Times unionl

In a convention of police chiefs of the United States short time ago it was declared that the post office department could materially assist in reducing the crime of murder by forbidding the use of the malls for shipment of fire arms. The postoffice department Is a government monopoly which is operated, at least in theory, for the general benefit of the country. It is not a money making institu- ton, although an ideal, always sought, is to make it self-sus- taining. Carrying pistols and guns in the mails of the United States allows the seller and the buyer to overcome or outwdt the regulations that may be in force in the state where the buyer re- sides. New York, some way man. aging to overcome the constitu- tional provision which declares "the right of citizens to bear arms" shall never be taken away, has a law which allows imprison- ment of man or woman who even has a gun or pistol in the home.
 But the New Yorker need only write to a maker of weapons in an adjoining state and get enough to fill an arsenal, sent by mail and delivered by the mail carrier at his house or office or shop. Of course the "gun-men" have the same possibilities. They can read, flyers packages at their places as well as others.
 is not probable that the de-. nying of the mails to deadly weapons would stop murders or burglaries or hold-ups; but 1t might have some effect on the steadily rising statistics regard ing crime in America. If it pre- vented a few crimes 1t would be worth while and the ends of gov ernment would be served. There are already a number of articles which are classed as "unmaiIable" and pistols could well be placed in that category. Where pistols are actually needed they can be secured in proper way in all parts of the country. Pistols are not made for sporting purposes; nor are they made for ornament. Their only purpose is the intimi- dation or harming of human be- ing. The average citizen never needs pistol unless threatened, and then 1t would be better to take chance without one than the possibility of misuse of the weapon. Comparisons recently made between the United States and foreign countries in the mat ter of murders and high crimes against society show very poorly for our boasted civilization and advancement. Crime has obtained an ascendanoy in this country that should arouse the better minds to provide relief. Less tol-. erance when murderer is found, less condolfng of other crimes and more activity on the part of the courts seems to be demanded. The country should be interested in the capture, conviction and ex- ecutfon of every wanton -mur- derer; the public must concern itself in the securing of justice which means protection to the humblest and the highest, no fear or favor In court-and such phy- sical preventatives as may be se- cured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24

mands for shorter working hours even among the comparatively few who are at work, have been fuel for the com munistic and bolshevist agitator until these radical elements have gotten control in Saxony. There are power full figures in the republic who could soon terminate this confusion. Among them is Hugo Stinnes, the most influ- ential man in the country since the days of the emperor. They can set Germany's house in order when they desire, but that desire will probably not come until they are convinced that France is not only in earnest as re- spects settlement, but is in position to demand that settlement be made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
STATE COMMISSIONS POWER

The legal opinion rendered to the Public Service Commission of Ala bama to the effect that the commis- sion can compel reimbursement of charges made in excess of the rates on file with the commission is in line with the intent of the law fixing the powers of the state body. Before 8 public utility can render service in Alabama and make charge for 1t, the proposed rates must have the approval of the commission. Con- tracts made which are not in accord with the commissions permit must have the approval of the commission to become binding. ...~,
 The most recent opinion rendered by Hugh White, special assistant at torney general, was in reply to the question: "Tf any public utility in this state charges an unlawful rate, what Jurisdiction has this commission over the matter, If any; what would be the proper procedure for the com mission, and to what extent could the commission grant relief?" The reply is definite in pointing out that rates charged must be in accord with the schedule on file with the comn1is- sion and that any rate which has not the approval of the commission is an illegal rate and the complainant is en- titled to relief. The commission is also given authority to enforce the charge of scheduled rates and like wise to compel reimbursement when rates in excess of the schedule are charged. The opinion is in harmony with the general understanding of the law. for unless the commission had power to enforce it's rate rulings, there would be little use in having authority to fix rate schedules
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
MORE GERMAN PROPAGANDA

Every days dispatches from Ger many chronicle an alleged new crisis, but France sits serenely on the Rhine watchtower awaiting the time when some government which can speak with authority gives answer to her de- mands. The latest German complica- tion comes from Saxony, where the ministry is made up of socialists and communists, openly supported by the German bolshevists who are numerous in this congested industrial section of the former German empire. Some members of this cabinet have never taken the oath of allegiance to the German republic. They accordingly, have little regard for instructions coming from Berlin and the new Stresemann dictatorship. ..ss.t
 Ehere has been an increasing inn pression in the United States that it is impossible to get true survey of actual conditions in Germany and that much of the unrest and resultant chaos are artificially manufactured for the definite purpose of evading the penal ties of the war. German newspapers are notorious mediums of propaganda chiefly on behalf of the great indus trial interests. It is difficult for the German people themselves to learn the truth about conditions. The criminal wrecking of the country's financial system, the steady imitation of the currency, until the mark is now worth less, and the selling of billions of these marks in foreign countries, all seems to have been a part of a deliberate plan to create such governmental con- fusion as would give the impression that it would be impossible for the country ever to fulfill Frances de- mands for settlement as decided upon at Versailles.
 Industrial idleness and socialist de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24

publican presidential nomination. If he is named, he must go before the people for election. Therein lies a problem. It is as usual apparently more a matter of political expediency than one of the greatest benefits to the greatest numbers. On that basis hinges whether there shall be light ening of the tax burden in such ways as will benefit the people, or whether they will be required to continue as burden-bearers under the heavy load of politics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
THE DEBT FUNDING COMMISSION

It is interesting to note from the approval of the form of its annual report to congress that the American debt funding commission "hopes to ob- tain further adjustments from the va- rious debtor governments at the ear Hest possible date" It was intimated unofficially from this that the com mission might advise debtor nations that the American government is pre- pared to receive further funding pro- posals. The debts of foreign countries to America amount to nearly six bil- lions of dollars. Of the amounts due France carries the largest debt, or nearly four billions, while Italy comes next with nearly two billions; then Russia, with six hundred and thirty seven millions; Belgium, with four hundred and forty-five millions, and lesser amounts from Austria, Czecho- Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, Rumania, Serbia and several others. England, Finland and Cuba have funded their debts to the United States.
 Just when these debts will be paid is matter of conjecture and depends largely on how rapidly these countries get on their feet economically It will most probably be slow process of liquidation with some of them, while there seems to be more or less doubt whether others, such as that due from Russia, will ever be paid. An inter- esting phase of the situation, which might we'll be considered by those who hold the opinion that war debts should be cancelled so far as concerns the United States, is that large part of these debts are not strictly war obli- gations; that some of them were inc cured before and some after the United States entered the war, and that in the last analysis, if the debts should be cancelled or reduced, the burden would fall upon the American people themselves who loaned their money to their government, and took bonds as security in order that the United States might help to finance the European nations engaged in the war.
 These bonds with interest must be redeemed by the United States. The government has little means of getting money except what the people pay in taxes direct or indirect, with the ex- ception of what is obtained from the public lands and few other sources. Most of the money which the govern ment appropriates for one purpose or another comes from the people. With out such funds the activities of the government towards the establishment and maintenance of public improve ments of all kinds would have to be greatly curtailed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick Houk Law
.Jol,n Cir,son

My! but you can draw" said a small boy to another one, nine years old. See; I've got a new prayer book here. Won't you make a picture on the blank page in the front?"
 What would you give?" the nine-year- boy asked.
 well, I've got sixpence here see.' He held out shining six penny piece. The nine-year- old ragged little fellow, and he had pinched, sensitive look. "Ill do it" he said, and he took the prayer book and slowly, working for some time, made in 1t, on that blank page, a wonderful picture of Napoleon crossing the Alps not the crude drawing such as a nine-year-o boy might be ex- pected to make, but really fin ished picture, worthy of real artist.
 That pinched little fellow, John Gibson, had had no training in drawing; he simply loved to draw. His home was too poor to afford pictures, so he filled his memory with the pictures that he saw in store windows.
 "Why don't you want to work with me in the potatoes and the l cabbage?" his father asked him for he was a gardener.
 No" the boy answered. T want to draw pictures" The fa- ther was willing to humor the boy and to give him art training but there was no money. He sighed-and sent his son to work for a cabinet maker. Even there, however, John Gibson found the means of drawing, for he took most interest in the making of holdings. and finally turned en- tirely to carving in wood.
 He went to a wood carver and from there went to sculptor, | where he combined his love of drawing and his knowledge or carving. At twenty-seven he found the means, poor as he was, to go to Rome. There he hunted up the famous sculptor. Antonio Canova. Now Canova, great as he was, had been born the son of a poor quarryman, and he sym pathized with the ambitious and poverty-stricken young artist. Canova gave young Gibson money enough to supply his needs, taught him about sculpture. and adver- tised him among the patrons of art. Nothing more to his credit can be said about Antonio Canova, himself a poor boy become great.
 John Gibson began to rise, and before he died in 1866 at the age of seventy -six, he had become one of the very greatest English sculp- tors. In the house of parliament today magnificent statue of Queen Victoria exhibits the work of a man whom all learned to ad- mire. Patiently, earnestly, for ever sticking to the one thing that he liked best of all to do. John Gibson, in spite of poverty and lack of training, made himself an artist of the first rank.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
FEDERAL TAXES AND POLITICS

Reports from Washington state that several leading governmental officials are trying to read the signs of the times as applicable to the question of whether or mot federal taxation shall be reduced. President Coolidge is said Ito be devoting much thought to this complicated problem which stands we'll up towards the front of his official worries, and within the next few days Headers of the senate and house, to- gether with the secretary of the treas sry, will confer with the president, and Hay before him their views pro and con.
 It is clearly apparent that the Amer ican people desire lower federal taxes, land see no reason why they should not Joe relieved of part of the burden. Time and again of late they have been advised that government finances are lin fine shape; that a considerable sur plus is steadily increasing under the Larger receipts from customs and the income tax than were expected, and through the institution of economies from close budget figuring. The peo- pie believe that they should be given the benefits of such surpluses through a reduction of taxes, and they are opposed to the wiping out of these surpluses through pork-barrel and other political raids on the treasury by congressman desiring to make im- pressions among the folks back home" This is regarded by millions of the people as common-sense, busi- ncsslike policy in contrast with po- litical-expediency attitude upon which they have been long fed up.
 A difficulty arises in this connec- tion, which is more a matter of poli- tics than of business. That is one of the most serious obstructions to eco homie and constructive governmental action at Washington. While the sec rstary of the treasury believes that the Isurtaxes could he materially reduced without unfavorable effect upon the Icoyernmert's functions, there are a rrr,ber of progressives of various de- arees who want all taxes upon the poor reduced and those upon the rich increased. So, after all,. the question Ib:nzes upon how much favoritism, if any, shall be shown the rich and hoy nuch the poor. President Coolidge is known to be candidate for the Re
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
JOHN-A-DREAMS
,rcams of the Piercing Whistle

Dreams of thes Piercing Whistle
 Has your slumber ever been dis turbed by the shrill and piercing sound of whistle? It Is the sign that you are living in a fools paradise, that it Is time for you to arouse yourself from the lethargy that makes you think that all is well while. in fact, the day of disillusionment is near.
 It is very difficult matter to point out the many cases to which the meaning of this dream may apply, and 1t is still more diffi- cut task to tell the dreamer how warning.
 For by giving the wrong ad- vice, it may happen that I would induce you to take action .n the wrong matter, to disturb what should be left undisturbed. to take fright at what should In no way distress you. ......
 The principal difficulty lies in this: The dream almost never re- fers to the one great, vital in- terest in your life. Let us take an actual example. Here. is a woman who lives happily with her hus- band. His love and. her. devotion form the one great thing in 1er life. Presently, she hears the knife like call of the whistle cut ting through some dream. Shall she conclude that her husband is deceiving her? That her happi- ness Is threatened?' That some thing will happen to turn him from her? On the surface, this Is just the thought the dream would bring to her mind.
 Nothing of the kind occurred. What did happen was that her young brother, who boarded with her, stole from his employer. The whole family was thrown into an uproar. And, suddenly, she remem- bered that the young man had of late made many extravagant pur- chases of clothing. etc. Her .hus- band had called her attention to 1t and requested her to question the lad. She had refused to do so and had merely remarked that, no matter where he got the money, he surely had come by it honestly.
 That was her fools paradise. The unpleasantness caused by the discovery made things very un- pleasant for her, and as the brother still lives with her. the spectre of his dishonest act, the fear that he may fall again. are ever present in the household.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
SMILES
The Retort obIiaue

Chicago Literary Times)
 Farington and his friends were precipitated into an argument by the statement of one of them that a Scotchman never gives a direct answer to a question. It resulted in considerable wager, to be set tied by test qustion put to a scochmap. The quesion asked was: "Is the mail in?" The Scotchman's answer was: Are you expecting some mail7"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
PRODUCTS AND POPULATION
(Dayid Friday in the Review oi
 RauiaWSl

kDdfiQ Y AloaJ III tiiC ACflCW Cl
 Reviews)
 American agriculture improved steadily in well-being from IS97 to 1919. During that time the gross value of farm products in the United States rose progress sively from less than four billion dollars in 1887 to five billion dol lars in 1900; six and a quarter bil- lion in 1905; nine billion in 1910, and 23.700 million in 1919. It was, therefore, six times as high in 1919 as in 1897. During this whole period the number of people en- gagged in agriculture increased by less than ten per cent, while the output of agricultural. products. measured in pounds, gallons and bushels, increased by more than forty per cent. The prices of agri- cultural products during that De- riod increased more rapidly than those of other commodities and the purchasing power of the far mer reflected this movement.
 If anyone desires further evi- dence that agriculture prospered during these years, he will find It in the fact that farm land in- creased in value from thirteen bi,- lion dollars in 1900 to twenty eight billion dollars in 1910; and to almost fifty-fiv billion dollar $ in 1920. The buildings increased from three and a half billion in 1900 to eleven and a half billion in 1920. Implements and machinery amounted to only 50 million dol lars in 1900. and stood at 3,600 million in 1920; while livestock grew from three billion in 1900 to eight billion in 1920. Thus the to- tai value of all farm property tn- creased from twenty billion in 1900 to firty -one billion in 1910. and to seventy eight billion in 1l20 t-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24

Natural Selection The lofty-browed scientists look with alarm On ready-made marriages leading to Such weddings are crimes, ard the children therefrom Are doomed to be feeble and puny and dumb. No person should take the connubial k vow Unless there is intellect under the brow. Those couples alone will be happy and blest Who manage to pass mentality test. But when fond lover
 Is stuck on q jane
 He cannot discover
 A flaw in her brain. The gray psychoanalysts look with dismay OA 9hoAtia6SS dlduo HI Sao Olu-1dSA- toned way. Dan Cupid, who punctures the flut- tering heart, Is armed with a deadly and poisonous dart. The damsel who feels desire to wed Must study the bumps on the candi- dates head And scorn the fond heart meath his fluttering vest Unless he can pass a mentality test. He may be blunder,
 A saphead, a mutt.
 To her he's a wonder
 And nothing else but.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
Could It Have Been HiramY

ISan Franclsco Chron1cIeJ
 A familiar figure in the political world stalked through the lobby of the St. Francis.
 What party does he belong to?" asked the chatty guest.
 "Shush" warned the wild wag. "He would be horribly offended to hear that question. You should ask what party belongs to him."