davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
A Sound Position (AA1nnAn Inrn....nIA

That scrupulous selection is needful no one having the nations veal at heart will deny. The quota law, for all it's creduities, is a bulwark without which the country would be over swept by most dangerous alien tides. Some of the representatives of Flu ropean governments" says Secretary Davis, "were frank enough to tell us that they were interested only in giv- ing us their old men and rubbish" The secretary rightly urges the im- portance of working out a selectivc system so that five can encourage the coming of those who are in sympathy with American ideals, American ways and institutions-those who would be easily assimilated into American life,'' and so that i've will be able to keep out those hostile to these principles. {" The soundness of these views are so obvious that congress should lose no time in translating them into lava law that will relieve the present sys- tenn of it's stupidities and cruelties and that will make the principle of se- lection more fruitful of good.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
ONE TRICK A DAY
The Water Pendulum


 It Is a known fact that if wo cover drinking glass quite full of wather with a sheet of stout paper tho paper will cling to the rim of the tumbler fast enough to enable us to invert the glass with out fear of the water spilling.
 Attach a string to the center of a square of cardboard covering a glass by means of a simple knot on the inside. and securely seal the aperture with wax, so that no air may gain entrance. Now sus- pend the glass by means of this string to a hook in the eAiling and you have a pendelum that you may safely oscillate at will with out the risk of the glass falling. You may even take a fairly large bowl and weight 1t with nails, and the result will be tho same.
 It Is we'll to grease the rim of the glass or bowl so that no air may gain admittance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
MANY NINDs oF FIsH

(Charles Haskins Townsend in the
 National Grocery Magazine)
 The richness of fish life in our fresh waters Is amazing. The United States has a smaller area than Europe, yet it has nearly five times as many kinds of fresh water fish. We have about 5S5 species of these. while Europe has but 125 species. We find that a single state may have consider ably more than 100, the number known to Illinois being 1850, while New York Is credited with Al. It could doubtless be shown that our fresh water fishery resources are greater than those of any other country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
FILTERINc IMMIGRANTS

During Hull in other affairs there is much newspaper comment on the proposal to establish some sort of se- lective plan to weed out immigrants on their home. shores. A reference to the editorial symposium in the fourth column of this page today will discover q fair representation of editorial sentiment in this regard. It is un- usual to discover journal openly ad- yocatin2 the admission of immigrants in quantity regardless of race or per.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Starr King


 A sweet and simple story of the devotion between mother and son Is that of Starr King, beloved American preacher and orator, and the mother whose life was de- voted to making him happy. When Starr king, afterward famous throughout the entire opntry for his eloquence, was a boy of fifteen his father died, leaving a widow. six children, of whom Starr was the oldest, and a legacy of debts, The mother and her oldest boy had many qualities in common. They were both gentle, they were both brave, and they were both proud. Also, neither of them was afraid of hard work. And they loved each other. Mrs. King wasted little time in weeping, all though she was utterly grief stricken upon her loss. She had to think of her children, she kept saving, and soon she found ways of occupying herself for their ben eft. In addition to doing alS the work of her household and taking care of the babies, she managed to take in sewing, which she did at night after the children were In bed, and in whatever spare hours she could squeeze out of busy day.
 Making this really great sacri- flee, she did not mar 1t by hurl- ing 1t in her ehildren's faces, as so many people arc inclined to do. She did 1t because she wanted to do it, she said, and she meant what she said. She did not make the little ones feel that they were abusing her lY remaining alive. Her labor was a labor of love, And amidst 1t all she found time to be friends with her oldest son, to talk things over with him when he came home tired after hard days work She was his help and his inspiration, and he never for got that fact as long as he lived.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
THE .LoAN SHARK" BILL

In connection with the so-called loan shark bill pending in the legislature. statements by officials of railroads operating in Alabama who have had wide experience in the employment and handling of labor, emphasize the importance of enacting the measure. It is shown through these statements that many railroad employees are im- posed on by money-lenders, not only through unreasonably high rates of in- terest, but by more or less question able nichols to continue such loans as long as possible without attaching wages so as to squeeze exorbitant profits out of the borrowers. It is plain from these statements that the number of victims among wage earn CTS, especially those who are wholly uninformed in money matters, is on the increase under the gouging system now permitted in this state.
 The purpose of the bill is twofold To protect wage earners from those who practice usury in one form or an- other, frequently through altogether reprehensible methods, and to encour- age wage earners in thrift. To achieve the latter it is necessary that the for- mer be provided as a means. Three and-a-haf per cent. per month as the maximum interest rate may seem un- reasonable; but in the light of risk, security and cost of doing this kind of business, there is some excuse for it. It is at any rate distinct improve ment over the existing system which permits imposition on the borrower to the extent of ten to forty per cent. per month, or, in fact, anything the lender can get.
 The basic purpose of the measure is protection to those who need it. The effects would be beneficial also in placing the borrower in better posi- ton to fulfill his financial obligations while under provisions of the measurs legitimate employers who are inter ested in the welfare of their employes would be aided in bettering their ma terial condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Waitlnr . nad Policr
(HuntsYllle Tlmesl

Huntsville Times)
 This thing of waiting until the horse Is stolen before you lock the stable door is a mighty poor way to hold down job, So 1t Is in protecting we farmers-many of their ills could be anticipated and much damage saved by beginning in time instead of waiting until the enemy has almost surrounded you befofe starting an aggressive defensive, Far better would 1t be to keep up strong offensive against boil weevil, army worm and grasshopper than to walt until they are here and then attempt to frighten everybody through the creation of unnecessary fear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Homes ns Civic Assets
(Anniston star)

(Anniston StaF)
 Home building in Anniston, more extensive this year than for many years, has resulted in many neat homes being erected in many parts of the city, and the building of homes continues. One very grati- flying feature of the local building situation is that despite tho many. new homes built, there are few vacant houses in the city, An other gratifying feature is that most of the new homes are owned by the people who are oc- cupying them. The town NNth most of its homes owned by those occupying them has a permanent population.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
The Lenders Fault
(Mohila Regiaterl


 Money lenders complain, says the dispatch from Montgomery, that they are unable to operate on an interest rate of forty-two per cent, per annum because they are forced to bear heavy losses, the money-lending business being a risky one. Truly. Everyone knows that it is a risky business and that the borrowers who pay the loans must make up for what the other borrowers fail to pay; for, otherwise, the loan people cannot continue in business. But the right answer is that the lsnd- CTS must be more careful in ex- tending credit, and in this way lessen their losses. To tax poor people for the unwisdom of the lenders in making loans is gross injustice on the face of 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Suppress Uselssn NeI.e
(Gadsden Times-News)

AdoAaQVA LAllGH- -INGWS)
 The practice of some drivers of automobiles, who make themselves objectionable by using sirens and other unnecessarily offensive sound making devices. should be stopped within the city limits. The continuous and unnecessary blowing of horns is practice that goes in that class and should be punishable by fines in the city court. People who have no more consideration for the feelings and rights of others than to make un- reasonable and offensive noises should be subject to punishment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

New Orleans is to have school to instruct motor-vehicle drivers in theory. That is all right so far as 1t goes; but there are plenty of theories and more than enough regulatory laws. The real needs are practice and enforcement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Help Wanted
(Black and Blue Jay)

(Blacl and Blue Jay) "Is this the fire departmentT yelled the excited chemistry pro- lessor over the phone.
 Yes. what do you want7"
 How far is 1t to the nearest alarm box7 My laboratory Is on fire and I must turn in the call at onc@-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Did the aaunre rhinr

lGuntersViIIe Democrat3
 The legislature did the square thing by the old veterans when 1t made their pensions S25 a month. The law should become operative at the earliest possible date, as some the old fellows are daily going beyond the reach of help.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

The delay to fifty thousand people in Birmingham every day because of grade crossings will apply to twice that number soon, if plans for further de- lay should be permitted by the legis- lative and municipal authorities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

not interested in fine-spun theorieI and hair-breadth distinctions. What Europe needs is some practical help to pull her out of bad fix. What Amer ica should seriously consider is how to avoid getting into one of her own.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
THE PARAGRAPHERs
Perfectly Safe

1Arkansas Gazette)
 In hoG weather even a Borah may be excused for saying an un- disputed thing in a solemn way; No political party can survive the next campaign which does not nave a clear, definite, constructive and inspiring program"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

Thirty-seven years is long time to fight for ones rights without getting them; but Birmingham will keep ol fighting for viaducts until they are forthcoming. It is a fight for self preservation, which is the strongest impetus in every contention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
The Renson Why

NhnO&Nllle SehtinelJ Why do many immigrants learn our profanity first of all asks a welfare worker. Don't they come through Ellis Island?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Wi'~ out Exception

(Kansas City Times)
 Senator George H. Moses is leading a movement to get the New England delegation in the next convention for President Coolidge. Every movement, you know, must have its Moses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Just Think or It
CJudge)

IJudBe1 why did Mabel turn down Won Sturn's proposal?"
 Why. my dear, he's a psyeho- analyst. Think how perfectly ter ribie 1t would be to live with a man you couldn't keep a secret from!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

c. Bascom Slemp, who becomes sec retary to the president as 8 surprise appointment, was formerly news paper man, who seems to have scored a political scoop this time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
The Present Law Wrong
(St. Paul Pioneer Pressl

The present law was manifest stop-gap, cIumsily aimed at checking the rising tide of immigration and an illogical, heartless and unsatisfactory solution of the problem. Concededly wrong, why compromise with 1t? Some day a sensible congress, unin- fluenced by the clamor now heard on both ides, will formulate a selective system of admitting immigrants so that we will get the kind we want and shut out the undesirables. It may be overoptimistic to predict such con gress and such a policy, but at least we can go along hoping for both.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
SMILES
Those Whom the Devil Loves
(Everybody's MaEazlnel

(Everybody's MagazIne)
 Little Elise had been partieu- larly trying to her mother that day. She really seemed to find delight in teasing to the height of evaporation.
 If you are SO naughty. Elsie. no one will love you" said her mother with a frown.
 Yes. mother; I know someone who will love me. The bladder I am the more he loves me-"
 Why, Elsie, what do you meanR"
 'sThe devil"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
The Place for Picking
(Knoxville Sentinel)L

N--I10-- ' 7--N . 71-1-1I
 We can insist on accepting nothing but the best, and that is a matter which places the burden of judgment on us. We try to do that now at Ellis Island and at other receiving stations, and the state of affairs growing out of the process is great nuisance and something of a national scandal. It is coming to be universally agreed by everyone that the place to do the picking Is on the other side of the water. Aperica should do its own picking, and do it where it will exer- else the least hardship on immigrants and the immigration service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
From Drafted To Drafter

(American Legion Weekly
 Hospital Caller: Poor man, you certainly have been all shot up,'
 The Victim: "Yes. I had so many bullet holes bored through me that the boys behind me complained of the draft"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
What He Really bid

(Detroit Free Press) Curzon didn't smash the entente. He merely took a hammer and pulverized the pieces. that were left.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

Some American office-holders ex- press deep regret over what they call "Europe's distressing condition;" oth- CTS claim that Europes condition is her own fault. Meantime Europe is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
A Kind At
fDallas News

tDaIIas NeWs) And so Mother Europe called in the bad, bad little Turk and stern, ly gave him all the cake and jam and he lived happily ever after ward
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

There are lots of people in this country who would do we'll to remem- Der that Stepping on the gas" that comes cheap is apt to kick up trouble that comes high.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
SIGNS oF PRoGREss

About the time we solve the problem of parking automobiles 1t will be necessary to worry where to hang up the arsial fliYver dur Ing the ball @am~.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
Al Predition
(Tampa Tribune)

'
 Charles D. Hilles says the eon- dition of the Western farmer Is the only fly in the ointment. It promises to be a large fly in the c. 0. P.s salve.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
THE ALABAMA PRESS
All Happy Now
n.ineri1la uana1inA

lLlneYIIIe Headlight) We will all be happy in Clay county for while at least, as the big juicy melons are In abundance now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
He Should Be

Npd dIIIIdI 4NVWoJ Coolidge was born on the Fourth of July-he ought to be a free- born American.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS
 The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use for publication of all news dispatches credited to 1t or not otherwise credited in this paper and also local news published therein, All rights of Republication of special dispatches herein are also reserved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
NEWS BUREAUS

FREDERICK \ THOMPSON. President
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the Birmingham, Ala, post office as second-olass matter under act of Congress, March 6, 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-18
JOHN-A-DREAMS

Birmingham, Ala.
The mirror., 1923-04-05
Minute Sermon

St. Matthew 1881. o jerusalem,
Jerusalem, thou that killest the broph-
cts, and stonest them (Which are sent
unto thee, ho4v often z0ould / haze
gathered thy children together, even as
a hen gathcreM her chickens under her
emngs, and ye suould not.
m HE tenderness of Jesus is amaz-
~ ing at first thought. He was of
a heartless era as we know. The Ro-
mans with their gladiatorial contests
and the Jews, who punished so many
of their minor criminals with death,
must have wondered at the compassion
of Jesus. His love was always ap-
parent, even to the eyes of His enc
mics. In the midst of life His love
was ever manifest and in the dark
hours of torture and death, He loved
as only God could.
, Humanity is not at all proud of its
present day civilization. Failure is
written over every page of its history.
War is a greater menace than ever be-
fore and morality is only a word
whose meaning is almost forgotten.
The world needs new heart, heart
of love. Love is the great adhesive.
1t makes for real brotherhood of
man. Love spells doom to war; it
cleanses politics and guards virtue.
Love is the corner stone of a sane life
and the basis of real character. 1t
heals the hearts of the sorrowing and
robs the, grave of its terror. God is
love-" Jesus loved mankind. Can we
do less and prosper?
&C. Il. M.
The mirror., 1923-04-05
A SCRAP OF PAPER

When you come to think of it, nearly
as much can be accomplished today with
sheet of plain white paper as the ma
gician of old could encompass with all his
charms and amulets and touchstones!
For scrap of paper can be made into
a check which will convey fortune half
around the world. 1t can be made into
deed which will transfer the possession of
an enormous property. Upon it war
rant of arrest can be written; or pardon.
The musician may compose upon it
song that will cheer the hearts of mil
lions. Or the poet, verse that will be
passed on to future generations.
Yet withal, there is such an abundance
of this commodity that it may be freely
used not only for the rarer purposes of
commerce and art, but for the universal
dissemination of the days news and for
the widespread selling of multitude of
goods.
Truly, paper is a magic carpet and an
Aladdin's lamp and a fairy scepter all
rolled into one.-Ex.
The mirror., 1923-04-05

knew that he was not the one, and The
Kid and The Rat appointed themselves
a committee of two to find a man who
would come up to the measurements. But
read the story and meet these friends of
mine.
l said that l would attempt to analyze
Gerald Beaumonts' popularity, so here
goes. First of all he is a master of the
art of painting scene vividly in few
words; second, he is in sympathy with
those he writes of; third, he has the
ability to put human interest across, which
| believe to be the result of his newspa-
per training; and he writes of the world
that he knows.
Mr.. Beaumonts style is simple and ma
tural he avoids fine writing. A reader
cannot but be in sympathy with the char
acters in the story That is an indica-
tion of pure artistry on the part of the
author, when fiction character appears
as a real Aesh-and-blood parsonage. And
Gerald Beaumont does not make the mis-
take of attempting to turn out other types
of stories.
1t is not my intention to hurl enco-
miums at writer or publication in
writing this, but merely a wish to show
my appreciation for diverting entertain
ment and to pass good word along to
any who may not read Gerald Beaumont.
The mirror., 1923-04-05

"The happiest man, the most helpful
man, the best man, is he who gathers up
the little blessings which come into every
life, and turns them into account in the
rearing of the wonderful temple of the
soul. The dewdrops are very small as
they come gently down at eventide; but
in the morning they lie so thick every
where that all nature is made fresher
and brighter by their presence"
The mirror., 1923-04-05
. GERALD BEAUMONT
CONTINUED from page u

The Information Kid and Henry the
Rat, are the most human of all Mr..
Beaumont's characters, especially the for
mer. A turf follower since an early age,
he is possessed of all the mature wisdom
and craft peculiar to the gentry In one
story he had decided to go back to the
old home town,-a thought that many of
US cherish-when a sure-thing romped
home with the wherewithal Then he
meets an old acquaintance who is one of
the many aged derelicts found at the
meets. The old fellow is given the in
side information on the race, but he main
tains an undying faith in goat that can
not possibly win. But he promises to
take the Kids advice. The race is run,
and the Kids horse wins. But the old
timer has placed all of his money on his
favorite hestitating but moment the In
formation Kid hands out the one bum
steer of his life, he tells the other that his
horse won and passes him his winnings,
an amount that will gain him entrance to
the Old Peoples Home. The ending is
typically one of Beaumont's-t Kid con-
jures memories of the shady lane and the
little, white-haired woman who waits by
the gate, then pawns his ticker for enough
money to buy ticket for home.
The Fiddlin' Doll, in recent issue of
the Red Book inspired this writing, so
needless to state that the story was ap-
preciated. The Fiddlin' Doll is repre-
sentative of the type we know, the
itinerant cabaret entertainer. She is the
Madelon of the husters. If you were in
France you will know that Madelon
meant much to the poilu; that it was
more than song; it was the embodiment
of the One Girl. So was The Doll to
The Information Kid, The Rat, and their
brethern. All loved Trixie but each
The mirror., 1923-04-05

gentleman who had been at the annual
college supper was present again the fol-
lowing year. Mr.. Spurgeon saluted him
with "Glad to see you, Mr.. Partridge"
The gentleman was surprised to find him
self recognized at all, but, recovering him
self, replied: "My name is Partridge, sir!"
"Ah, yes" was the instant reply; 81
won't make game of you any more."-Ex.
The mirror., 1923-04-05
REPARTEE WITHOUT A STING

1t was Sir Francis Burnand who made
the Celebrated retort about Punch. Some
one said to him: "Punch is not what it
used to be-" Burnand brilliantly replied:
"It never was" But repartee is gift
that belongs to no special class. 1t is said
that the one amusement of Burton, the
author of "The Anatomy of Melancholy"
was to sit and listen to the witty cncoun-
tiers of Oxford bargees. Cardinal Bourne
once talked with an American, who
boasted that the Mississippi was finer
river than the Thames. He descanted on
its superiority, saying that an English
river was only "a sickly stream" To
this the cardinal very cleverly replied:
"But your river is confined to its bed,
isn't it?" Rev. c. II. Spurgeon was
never at a loss for witty rejonder.
Among his many gifts was faculty for
recognizing people, and remembering
their names. If he ever made mistake
he would rectify it felicitously Thus,
The mirror., 1923-04-05
NOTICE TO INMATES

Each inmate is accorded the privilege of one
subscription to THE MIRROR, to be sent home
or to friend free of charge. In order to
obtain this privilege you must write your own
name and register number and the name and
address of the person you wish to send the
paper to, and hand same to your officer. IT
you wish to enter additional subscriptions, they
will be charged for at the rate of SO cents
year for each subscription.
The paper delivered to your cell each week
must be kept clean and should be folded in
the same manner as you receive it, placing it
at the foot of your bed the morning fol.
lowing the day on which it is delivered to
your cell.