davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS Ev Frederick Houk Law
John Edwards

The man who uses the saw and the plane and the hammer need not devote all his time to manual work and to rest and amusement; he has a certain number of hours that he can give to study if he wishes. John Edwards, one of the greatest of English newspaper owners, set out in life as a car penter, without apparent oppor- tunity to do anything to change his position in the world. His ta- ther before him had been a car penter, and so the boy was brought up to hard work. The family had so great need of money that there was little thought of sending the boy to school when once he had gained strength enough to work. John Edwards, however, was made of that stuff that turns towards the light. The young man read all the good books he could find, and he made the most of all the chances that presented themselves that would help him to learn.
 
 had made himself so proficient in writing that he was able to fol- low his ambition and enter into another world than that of manual labor, He became correspondent for a weekly paper in London. The mark of all genius is that 1t finds it's greatest opportunities close at hand. Out of chances that others despise, men of genius make the stepping stones to fame. John Edwards gained so much pleasure from his work as corre- spondent that he took fate intO his own hands and went up to London to go farther in the work of journalism. For some seVen- teen years he struggled manfuliy against the tide, barely able 10 support himself by what he did. He wrote industriously; he set out on many different adventures in the newspaper and publishing world, but fame and fortune turned steadily away from aim. Still he persevered-for persever- ance is also mark of genius-and by the time he was thirty eight le was able to buy paper that gave him greater opportunity than he had had before. In three or four years his genius. trained in hard school, led him to- make lis paper great success. When he was fifty-two he had made enoush money to buy still more inn portant paper, The London Echo, an evening paper. This he made an immense success, for into it Le poured the full flood of his en- ergy and his years of experience in struggling upward. He quickly became known as one of the greatest English newspaper men. He made his paper original interesting, and a strong advocate of great causes. He drove his ideas as he had driven nails in his youth, with hard blows that struck them home. All ais past experience contributed to make him man of power.
 Naturally, John Edwards accu- mulated a great fortune. lie re- membered the people among whom he had been born, and gave large sums to charity and to cducaUcn, hoping thereby to help others to rise as he had risen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
FOR BETTER ENFORCEMENT

After weeks of uncertainty and IT, vestigation Prohibition Commissioner Haynes has announced the appoint ment of Judge A. W. Hargett of Rus l sellville,. Alabama, as prohibition di- rector for Alabama to succeed Charles
 M. Sartain of Jasper, who resigned 1 last July. In the meantime special
 representatives of Commissioner Haynes office have been in Birming-
 ham recognizing the Alabama forces for effective work. Judge Hargette, therefore, assumes his duties under favorable conditions, and improvement in the situation is looked for.
 While much has been said about the alleged failure of prohibition enforce ment in Alabama, this state has made q comparatively creditable record. Statements to the effect that more liquor is being sold than ever before may be dismissed as largely propa- ganda or as the expression of those whose wish is father to Nle thougkt. Liquor has been sold, to be sure, and is still being sold, but the amount is infinitessimal as compared with the old days. A drunken man on the streets is rarity now. In years gone by street drunkards were daily spec tacle. Most of the liquor consumed in this section is moonshine, produced in isolated sections, where it has been made for many years and where there are people who contend that their liberties are infringed by prohibition of a traffic that has long been their gradually being suppressed by the ac- tivity of enforcement officers and un- der the influence of schools and edu- cational forces which are teaching the younger generation that respect for law is the fundamental requisite for good citizens.
 Respect for the law will ultimately be the strongest factor in prohibition enforcement. Men of intelligence and influence are realizing the injury to themselves and to what they repre- sent in committing acts in violation of one law and thus encouraging the violation of other laws. Alabama had approximately ten years start over most other states of the Union in ln- augurating prohibition of the liqucr traffic, and this state learned many lessons that others have yet to learn. The result is that prohibition, while far from perfect in this state, is much in advance of other states. Progress is being made from month to month which promise to silence even those who say-and hope-that the great American dry experiment is failure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
HARD TO KEEP UNDER COVER

Incident to his attitude towards the Muscle Shoals project as respects it's proposed development under the direc- tion of MT. Ford, Secretary of War Weeks is coming in for some severe criticism from newspapers, public men and private individuals who believe firmly in the potentialities of that great natural resource and who are of opinion that MT. Ford has never been given a square deal by the govern ment. MT. Weeks in the ways lie adopted to prevent the sale of tho property to MT. Ford under terms and conditions which met with the ap- proval of the majority of the Ameri- can people, and especially of the far mers in whom the Republican party professes to feel so deep an interest, has been the object of many sharp thrusts.
 The Florence Times of recent date, quoting from the correspondent of the Nashville Tennessean, declares that the charges made by that newspaper "are serious enough to demand an in. vestigation, either by the present ad- ministration, or by congress when i. assemblies in December. Whether the administration takes official notice of these charges or not, may give some indication as to whether President Coolidge actually maintains fair at. titude toward the final disposition oi Muscle Shoals"
 The trouble with such an investiga. tion is that it would most likely be 8 whitewash. The Republican party has demonstrated that it does not wan MT. Ford to have Muscle Shoals, and apparently has it's own reasons for such a position. Under these condi. tions, it is useless to expect from that source such an investigation as would bring out all the facts and disclose to the public view the causes and motive; for the opposition. Sooner or later the country is going to know the full facts, and the reaction of such knowl. edge is sure to manifest itself in the nations politics. A situation of this kind is hard to keep under cover in. definitely.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
THE MIX-UP IN OKLAHOMA

This is the day on which Oklahoma and it's governor have still further op portunities to distinguish themselve: in the field of politics. The legisla. ture of that state has been called ir extraordinary session by the required number of it's members under the con- stitutional amendment which was rat flied by an overwhelming majority of the people in an election for that pur- pose. Governor Walton declared that election illegal, after undertaking to prevent it by military force or threats. He claimed that only a special session of the legislature under call of the governor was legal, and he went to court to test out the matter. The pur- pose of the legislative assembly called for today is to impeach the governor and some of the state officials who have supported him in his fight against the Ku Klux Klan.
 Governor Walton undertook to fore stall this action by calling an extra
  ordinary session of the legislature for a week hence, designating that its pur- pose is to suppress the Klan. He has offered to resign if the legislature will enact laws to prevent that organiza- tion from appearing under mask. This appears to have been a shrewd attempt to demonstrate to the people the sin cerity of his purpose and to convince them that in the entire fight against the Klan his motive was not actuatcd by political consideration. It would seem that this will prove difficult, however, so long as the impression is widespread in that state that the gov ernor is playing political game, and has ambitions to become the Demo- cratic nominee for vice president of the United States.
 Whether the legislature called to assemble today succeeds in impeaching the governor and other officials, as is its announced purpose, and whether such action, if taken, will stand the test of the courts; whether there will be another legislative session next week to deal with the Klan, as pro- posed by the governor; whether he will resign, and whether the mix-up in Oklahoma will be clarified in the near future-all these questions ap- pear to hinge upon whether the gov ernor is strong enough to maintain his position. At this time there is serious doubt on this point. Meantime, from this distance, it looks as if the people of Oklahoma have determined to ge.s rid of their governor, and perhaps some of their state officials, and 1t appears they are going to succeed sooner or later, and perhaps at an early date.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
CLARIFYING THE SITUATION

m Solution of the blue law problem, which threatened to disorganize to a
 certain extent community life, will he a source of relief to thousands of peo- ple who were puzzled to determine just what they could and what they could not do By changing the posi- tion of one word in an ordinance which was responsible for the commo- tion growing out of the prohibition I several games at clubs, the matter seems in a fair way of adjustment to the satisfaction of the majority of the people. The ordinance in it's original form and literally interpreted by the enforcement authorities was so dra5- tic as to prohibit pretty much all Sun- day activities, and, if strictly en- forced, would make living conditions a burden upon nearly everybody.
 The authorities charged with the duty of enforcing the law had no dis eretion in the matter, and were bound under their paths to carry out it's pro visions to the best of their ability. It was manifest to nearly everybody, However, that drastic enforcement of the ordinance was both difficult and impracticable in large city under modern conditions of life, and the only alternative seems to have been to interpret the law through the change of position of one word so that it would cover the needs.
 As the situation stands it is ex- pected that it will be clarified in such way as to remove an objectionable and | burdensome condition, and that the | normal community activities will be resumed without further development | of confusion. The people of Birming | ham are both reasonable and well up | with the moral standards of the people | of other cities in this class. They are willing to accept such a situation as does not become unduly burdensome. Everyone knows, however, that it would be impossible to enforce strictly the provisions of the blue law without | making Sunday day of extreme harL | ship upon the community, irrespective | of religious or moral considerations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

average daily attendance of 2,537. A total of 8,080 games was recorded, or
 360 per day. Forty organized teams for baseball, volley ball and dodge ball averaged 123 games per league. or total of 900 games with 12,35O taking part. For the track meet there were 438 entries in the thirty events in which ninety-four medals were awarded. It is showing of which those in chargeo the playgrounds work may be proud. These recrea- tional centers mean much to the phy- sical welfareo the thousands of chil- dren who avail themselves of the ben efits, and contribute to the upbuilding of a stronger and better citizenship
 They are community asset whica produces regular and certain returns
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
ALL SHADES - of OPlNIONO
Moi Fraught With Danger

Louisville Herald)
 Tie negroes are for the most part very well aware that thls Southland, a somewhat artificial designation for what lies south Of Mason and Dixons line, is a land in which they are native and happy; understood, but also ap- preciated. It's institutions bear them in mind and it's practice has not been one merely of repression and denied opportunities. The deal may not uniformly be as square as it might have been, that is an allegation we would be ashamed to make, but neither has it been crooked, grinding and des- potic. It is not because of priva- tions that the colored man, or the colored woman. treks northward, but because of the temptations. Now, too frequently, those temp tations are found to be deceptive and fallacious, a snare and a trap. And, when that happens, the re- vulsion is lasting We are not saying that the negro should be satisfied where he is and under the conditions which exist. We hold satisfaction to be bar to progress and reasoned discoa- tent to make for betterment. We know Northern wages are higher just as we know that Northern living comes higher. But, if hous- ing is not what it should be in many of the older communities, those conditions are even worse in the new land that promises but does not perform. Inequalities take another form, that is all while sympathy goes by the board We cannot see this pilgrimage as a problem fraught with imminent danger. We believe that it will teach many useful lessons all around. But, if it is sought to lend a political aspect to the sit uation, Lord help us all. Out of that no good can come to anyone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Captain Marryatt

The Mother or Captulu M"hI! "''
 Captain Frederick Marryatt be- came almost the originator of the dime novel. Peter Simple, Mas terman Ready" 'Midshipman Easy" and other books tell the story of adventure that so dearly appeal to all boys, and that ap- peal so particularly to English boys, who hear so much and see so much of the ocean and of ships.
 Captain Marryatt, as boy, gave his mother plenty of trouble. lie was just the boy to throw up and go on adventures and then to set tie down and write thrilling sto- ries about what he had seen and done. His mother was a woman of German origin-a Hessian, as they said in those days. Her family name was originally won Geyer." but his name had been abbreviated to "Geyer." She had married Joseph Marryatt, very distinguished man who became member of parliament, and wno was colonial agent for the Island of Grenada. Her husband was most prosperous man, whose busl- ness called upon him to make ire quent journeys from home.
 Young Frederick ran away from home three times, filled by love of the sea and the desire for adven- ture. The German mother did her best to make the boy happy at home, with books and playmates. She succeeded in making him love books, but she never succeeded in changing his love of adventure into love of staying at home. Poor woman. She fretted and worried over the very thing that in the end made her boy one of the most fa- nous of all English writers. Per haps it never pays any mother to worry. The thing the boy Is doing may be the very best thing in the world for him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
SMILES
Prudence


 (The American Legion Weekly)
 In Georgia they tell of a country minister, the Rev: Tyler Bliss, 'vho was driving a. spirited horse through a village, when he over took the local physician who hap pened to be on foot, and invited him for a lift.
 Ten minutes later the horse bolted, tipped over the car- riage and spilled both men. The doctor rose to his feet and felt himself over to see whether he was injured. Then he turned an grily toward the clergyman.
 See here" he demanded. What do you mean by inviting me 10 ride behind an animalslille that?" '.Well," replied the minister mildly. ''it was lucky that this time there were no bones broken. But I always like to have doctor with me when l drive that horse."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
A COMMUNITY ASSET

The formal report made on thesea- sons activities at the twenty-four pub lie playgrounds of Birmingham proves the wisdom of providing this form of recreation for the city's children. During thirteen weeks of the organ ized playground season 197,8S9 chi,- dren took advantage of the play gr4e ss provided, and there was an
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Travel

 Oh, have roamed in many lands be- yond the Seven Seas, and I have walked on tropic strands beneath the waving trees, and I have trod the deserts sands and felt it's burn- ing breeze.
 And have cleaved the painless ways where pine and hemlock grow, and l have climbed where mountains raise their summits white with snow, and l have sailed amid the haze where Arctic pillows flow. And l have been in jungles dank where slimy creatures creep, ard stormy seas where, rank on rank, the roaring surges sweep, in prison cells where shackels clank and where despair is deep. In fact, l travel quite a bit-I stop awhile in Rome, and then to Singa- pore I fit, and then I leap to Nome as in morris chair sit and read my books at home.-Don Luis. Statistics tell us that 2o6.74 persons were killed by motor cars every day last year. We presume the "A was hit so hard that they couldn't find the other .26.
 Tantalus laughed in spite of his misery.
 "It might be worse," he said. "Think of being dyspeptic at the food showv'
 Looping the Loop I travelled all the livelong day; tray.
 eled near and far, But I'll be darned if I could find a
 place to park my car. HUG "Sardines Solve Murder Mystery .'i This is undoubtedly the best fish story of the season.
 Last night as we lay, on our pillow We formed strong conviction That player piano
 Should be seen And not heard. One way to succeed is to find ou, who ones enemies are, ascertain wh~. they have one do, then follow the O. posite course.
 The fellow who is not willing to dc anything for his home town should al least do it the justice to get out anc make room for the fellow who is.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Only Time Can Tell

.IGreene County Democrat)
 The legislature has adjourned, and maybe newspapers and indi- viduals can now get back to nor malcy in their criticisms. Time only can tell whether their acts are wise or-otherwise But all critics should remember that when the time comes around to elect another legislature they will have an opportunity to run for office ana correct all errors of the pres ent body of lawmakers. It will take us about four years to ger accustomed to and acquainted with the present laws, and by thar time we will need a change.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
On Owning Ones Home

N1A NUII p pIIT
 Really, there is both economy and common sense in owning ones home, and the fact that a very large percentage of, Anniston fam lilies own the homes they occupy, and the further fact that the num- Der of home-owners in this cit.,' is increasing annually, gives as surance that Anniston is substan- tially prosperous and that it's fu- ture growth is certain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Should Raise More Sugar

Judging from the quantity of sugar sold and shipped to rural districts, and the scarcity of coun- reproduced long sweetenlng, the farmer should raise more syrup cane; especially as the oranga cane, honey drip and sumac syrurs in the order named, of Talladega and Clay counties, are the finest, highest priced table syrups made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

Reports that Henry Ford will restore the "Wayside Inn" which Longfellow made famous, suggests that a very practical industrial magnate some times has poetic instinct.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
A Bit of Advice

Good books, good company, good exercise and plenty of work sea soned with just enough play to make life interesting will ward off many a doctor and hospital bill. This true, it is passing strange that so many insist in going the other route. For we have always, do now and expect to keep ever lastingly at it for good.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
The People Know nctter

NMUHIBOHltTy IImeS)
 Two supreme court judges are to be elected next year and they are to be chosen just as other Of fioers are chosen, in the primary in May. The people are the best judges of what they want, and they usually know men better than few constituted bosses. One thing sure about it all is that the rank and file is not vet ready to go back to the convention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Opposed to Brutality

NDtmOpOIlS IlmeS)
 The investigations of the Jeffer- son county grand jury resulted ia the indictment of Warden J. D. Evans on the charge of assault and battery and assault with a weapon. In this case it means un- lawful beating or allowing unlaw- ful and unmerciful beating of the convicts under his care. Assault and battery is q mild charge for such an offense, but it seems that it is the only one provided by la,e. Prisoners should and must be pun ished, but brutalitys. in the pun ishment is, in the majority of eases, worse than the offenses for which they are committed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Small Cotton Crop (Andalusia Star)

The cotton crop in Covington county will come well under the most conservative estimates made by ell-informed cotton men ear Her. in the marketing season. It is now believed that the yield this year will be less than half of that of last year, notwithstanding the fact that the acreage was consid- erably larger this year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Mountain of MoIehiII

(AIeXander City Outlook)
 Really it seems that there has been mountain made of mole- hill in the Banner mines matter. Just whether the men should have been whipped or not is a matter for the state to say, as the state is responsible for the eonvicts. If convicts are not whipped it may be that they will be difficult to control at times. However, they should be treated wellq even f they have to be whipped occasion ally to compel them to behave.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

A Texas contemporary congratu- lates the people of Alabama on the ad- journment of their legislature. The good wishes are accepted as a matter of course.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

Billy Sunday declares that he ia vors MT. Bryan for president. That IS one of the comparatively few very dry announcements the Reverend Sun day has made of late.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
PROGRESS OF FORT PAYNE

Fort Payne, Alabama, stands forth as one of the conspicuous examples of Alabama communities which have made creditable growth during recent years. The people of Fort Payne knew that their town had largely in- creased in population, and to prove it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

There are reports that Secretary Denby of the navy will resign and run for the senate, but there is reason to believe that he will not find the un- dertaking very smooth sailing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Two Different Kinds

(Cleveland Plain Dealer)
 There are two kinds of colonels regular colonels and Kentucky colonels. Norman Hapgood and John McCutcheon have just been made colonels by Kentucky.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11
Right In Line

(Kansas City Star)
 One of Magnus Johnson's first acts on arriving in Washington was to hasten to the disburser's office and collect the pay due him. Which shows the truth of all that talk about Magnus being unac- quainted with the ways of Wash ington and the senate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

Turkey is now completely in pos session of the Turks who will proceed to demonstrate what they don't know about maintaining a respectable form of government.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-11

How the world does change under the influence of time. and progress Turkey is to be republic with polyg- amy, the harem and other abomina- tions cast into the discard.