davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

of the de facto Russian government, and Lloyd George has declared that if he were returned to power recognition of Russia would be one of his first acts.
 Perhaps, however, once he regained the responsibility, Lloyd George would be just as cautious as before. Recog- milton is not merely an intellectual or diplomatic gesture. Recognition must rest on a substantial basis. Trade, moreover, does not wait on recogni- tion of enc government by another. If trade were safe or profitable with Russia, trade would be going on to the full extent of the tonnage offered. The fact that Russian trade is negli- gible is proof that Russian trade is not profitable The Russians are willing to receive merchandise, but their money is not good, and their products offered in exchange are far less than those they require. Therefore Russia is unable to make much commercial headway on a barter basis.
 Nevertheless, conditions are slowly and steadily improving. The soviet government is insensibly altering to fit the conditions laid down by expe- rience and by the powers as prelimi- nary to recognition. Eventually per haps the debts, once repudiated, will be restored to valid status, and the other impediments to complete accep- tance of Russia among the powers will be removed. That is day to be hoped for, because if Russia emerges, there is confidence that all weaker nations will not be far behind. Then world trade will begin in earnest, and then prosperity for all the world will ensue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
 DETROIT'S CITY OF TENTS

Although high rents are alleged as springing up on the outskirts of De- troit, the basic cause is scarcity of houses. Naturally, the landlords, hav- ing the opportunity and not being re- strained, are taking advantage of the situation and raising rents. Back of the housing shortage are doubtless two factors. The first is the rapidly grow ing population of Detroit, and the sec- ond is the high cost of building which has halted construction all over the country.
 Living in tents is not a hardship, and the high rents are possibly dis guise covering benevolent outcome. It is said that many of these tenters have bought the land whereon they are encamped, and that they plan to save money enough to build them small homes. If the situation has driven the renters to own their own homes they may congratulate them selves on having escaped a bondage that demands eternal tribute. A city of home-owners is preferable to city of renters. Particularly is this true of working people who are the backbone of any city. Habitual renting is in fact a confession of lack of business ability. There are ways of translating rent into payments on property, and the thrifty man finds out and follows these ways. They lead to indepen- dopca
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
ICBErLIcHTS fHaHl Al A\NATIOkAL SIf' o oCAPITALE1s|EIHSts 2

In view of the fact that in the next congress a herculean effort will be made by members to se- cure new legislation for the re- demption of arid lands in the West, and swamp and cut-over lands In the South, the report to- day of the interior departments reclamation service, as to agricul- tural products on former dead soil, will doubtless prove of inter- est.
 Gross value of crops grown upon irrigation projects operated by the government in 1922 totaled S53,000,000. The crops represent ed the harvests of 1,169,000 acres which showed a yield of $45. 50 per acre.
 In addition, the statistics show that water was sold from the great reservoir maintained by the government for the irrigation of 1.O00.000 additional acres of pri- vate ownership. and that crops 1 were produced as result to a value of $33.000,000.
 The reclamation service declares 
 available for the growing of crops on irrigation projects the gross value of production has reached $500, 100000. while another $500,- 000,000 has been added to the as- sessed value of agricultural land and town property.
 On these lands formerly desert wastes alfalfa Is the principal crop. Alfalfa fields cover forty per cent of the crop area, and pro- duce twenty per cent. of the gross value of all crops.
 Cows live on alfalfa almost ex- clusively. and dairying Is a most profitable institution. On the Newlands irrigation project in western Nevada, comparatively small, there are 1,005 cows in 70 herds. which during April pro- duced 27,000 pounds of butterfat valued at $15,ooo.
 Southern members of congress anxious that swamp and cut-over lands in their section of the coun- try be redeemed, plan an active cooperation the next session with Western members. By so doing they will secure for the South a portion of the appropriations to be made for all reclamation purposes.
 It is the contention that in numerable acres in the South may be redeemed by government money from worthless, germ breeding tracts into profitable fields for the happiness of man, and that, by a scheme of repay ment. in the long run the govern ment will have been put to no ex- pense whatever.
 Unquestionably divine mind pur- posely placed handicaps for the development of Human ingenuity. Man remains poor when he does not remove handicaps and becomes rich when he discharges the silent instruction of the Creator. Thus. there were the arid lands of the West. There are the swamp lands of the South. There is Muscle Shoals. Some of these problem. are solved. others in course of so- iution, aOd some have not yet been approached.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

been done is letting himself in for fight. That there should be a reac- ton against prohibition is natural. That the case of enforcement should be regarded by many as hopeless was not to be considered as unexpected. But nobody believes that there has been a sinceren nationwide attempt to enforce the acts interpreting the amendment. It may be that there will be a more elastic code of law enforcement, both state and national. But that there will be any repeal of the amendment is possibility quite remote. The forces that enacted the amendment are still existant, and perhaps in greater force than before. Who can say otherwise until there has been another test of strength?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick Houk Law
David Cox
By Frede.

An English blacksmith had lit- tie son who was a puny, weakly child with small promise of eyer developing the big muscles and the tireless energy of his father. Their home was a tiny place. lit- tie more than bedroom and kitchen attached to the black smith shop. When the frail little boy had grown big enough to hold a hammer he was put to work doing what he could in the black smith shop. Out of grimy and smoky setting like that, and out of a home where there was all most nothing of culture or of deli- cacy, and out of the sweaty work of the forge, there developed one of the greatest of English paint CTS. an artist whose pictures have sold for what the father of the boy would have regarded as un- dreamed of fortunes.
 This is the way 1t came about. The little fellow was too good for-nothing in the black smith shop to be worth while. They sent him to a place where he could do light work. That place happened to be one where they made paint ed boxes. The blacksmith's boy had especial ability in painting little pictures on the box covers, as he was directed to do. When he lost that job he found another with a man who painted scenery for theatres. and so at length he became a painter of stage scenery. For this work he received scarcely enough money on which to live. Finding that his ability to paint increased from day to day he set up as teacher of painting and painted beautiful pictures just by way of showing his pupils how to work. With the negligence of Q real artist he paid little attention to the pictures he painted but sold them for pittances and even thre W many of them away.
 The years went on, and his art not his ambition-lifted him slow ly into fame. He was invited to teach in schools. and then in still better schools. Without making any effort to gain recognition, he won great fame. He sold his pie lures as fast as he could paint them. and he made great sums of money. Nevertheless. he remained to his death, at the age of seventy six, a simple-minded, child-like e man, caring nothing for luxury or fame. and loving most of all to paint pictures of the country scenes that he had loved as a boy. The blacksmith's boy had become a true artist.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
JOHN-A MS
Dreams of Rejecting Your Lover

Never be worried when you dream that you are rejecting the advances of the man you love, be- cause you send him angrily upon his way. or because you tell him you will never be his wife. This is one of the few visions which actually go by contraries. If means that the realization of your hearts desires will come far soon- CT than you expect. It may be that the day of your wedding will be advanced; 1t may be that a declaration of love will come to you from lips you adore, but which have so far been silent; it may be that proof will be fur nished that the man upon whom your heart is set is the only one with whom you can ever be happy
 Int sadder the dream, the hap pier its meaning. Should you shed tears, you may rest assured that nothing but smiles will result from your associations with your hero. If he should respond to you in an angry voice. so much the better. It means that words of endearment will come from lis lips all through the happy life which you will spend together. More than that; should he raise his hand against you as in anger, or even strike you, this means that luxuries. love tokens and ull the other things your heart de- sires will be showered on you by him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
THE FRENCH STAND PAT

The latest German proposals for ad- nlinistration of the separations ques- tion do not meet with sympathy or ac- ceptance by the French government. As proof of the real attitude of Ger many the French point to the con- tinued policy of passive resistance, suggested and fostered by the German government, which is an obstacle to collection of overdue indemnities. Un- doubtedly France will refuse to dis cuss any plans springing out of Ger man antagonism to fair and square accounting. It appears peculiar that the Germans do not perceive that con- |, ,tinued French occupation of the Ruhr subtracts from Germany's wealth and adds to Frances control of the situ- ation.
 The French discussion does not fail, however, to answer the German pro- posal in detail. For example, French statesmen point out that Germany still fails to set any definite sum which she can or will endeavor to pay. Like wise the German suggestion for an in ternational commission to assess repa- rations is rejected on the ground that there is already a separations commis- sion established by the treaty of Yer sailles with full authority to act in the capacity in question. The French might have added that the German governments S record is one of seeking to evade rather than to comply with the commissions findings. As to the German offer of guaranties the French answer is that if these guaranties were to be administered by the allies they would be acceptable, but if admins tered by the Germans they could not be relied on.
 Of course, the underlying basis of division is the absolute French disbe- lief of German professions of inability to pay. The French declare that they see the Germans living "sumptuously," and that with self-denial they can pay far more than has been asked. There is good reason to believe that the French know what they are talking about, for they themselves have al- ready spent more on rehabilitating the devastated areas than Germany has been asked to pay. The French know that what they have done the Ger mans can do and more, for the Ger mans have far lighter tax burden than France, and have suffered no demolition of field and factory such as befell Eastern France. Meanwhile, the French hold the Ruhr wherein are riches far more than sufficient to sat isfy the French and other indemnities. If the Germans do not willingly pay what they have agreed to pay, it is quite likely that they will involuntarily pay far more than that.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
WORLD CONDITIONS IMPROVE

World conditions must be steadily getting better. Central Europe ap- pears no longer to be starving, and there are indications that the people of Russia are returning to their for mer condition of self-support. This means that they are at work, and from that one may infer that present. ly they will be producing a surplus.
 That will be the foundation for the development of commerce. It is said that the soviet regime of communism has insensibly passed into a phase which places emphasis on those prin- ciples which civilization has long held to be basic. Japan is reported as con- sidering the possibility of recognition
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
SOME SPRING POETRY

Comes forward the spring poet again in a bold bid for recognition. Some poets are born, others acquire the trouble, still others have it thrust upon them during their dreamy mo- ments, sometimes in such large con- signments that they pass it along to editors at busy hour when the edi- tors haven't time to diagnose the case carefully. The last named class seems to include an Arizona bard who re- gently contributed an outburst to ne of our contemporaries in which he un- dertook to explain, "Why 1920 Hap pened," referring to the political situ- ation of that year, and issued q warn ing based on the theory about chick ems habits of coming home to roost. He specifically mentioned '"The League, Free Trade and Wars Rough Bump" among the elements that con- tributed to conditions, and added this clarion note of warning:
 All of these reasons may have
 played this note,
 And yet a patent cause must not
 be missed,
 That made impression on the new
 made vote;
 The price of sugar got the wom-
 ems goat!
 And may again! A simple turn
 of wrist!
 Of course it may. There is no doubt that not a few women with minds of their own will express them at the polls as a result of their belief that the government didn't do all it might have done in calling halt on the fellows who played havoc with the sugar-bowl. If there is one thing that is likely to arouse busy house. keeper to go on record socially, eco- nomically or politically, it is interfer- ence of others with her well-laid plans. The Empty Sugar-Bowl' is already beginning to loom up as campaign slogan, whether it originated with with vote-getters, or was appropriated from the housewife bloc at the psy- chological moment. Aside from that, however, the Arizona bard has demon strated that all poetry need not be lyric in conception or treatment, nor even epic; for the litterateurs are fond of referring to the didactic type, what in this prosaic period must be called practical poetry, such as the bard sang in Farm Legends" when speculating as to whether his ailing better half would recover. He put it like this:
 really think She'll worry
 through;
 She scolds me just as she used
 to do.
 The point is that the spring poetry season is on, and the next number on the program is eagerly or fearfully awaited, according to the point of view.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
The Greatest Need


 If we were asked to name some important things which Alabama needs, and needs badly. we might mention several--more industries, more roads. more advertising of cur, opportunities ani resources, mere diversified agrlculture more live stock, more perfect system of cooperative marketing. and 50 on throughout a long list. But if we were asked to name the ons vital. outstanding need of this great state. we should unhesitat- ingly answer-better educational opportunities for our rural popu- lation. We are making progress along this line. it is true. but that progress is pitifully slow. This Is due in large measure to the faii- ure of the. fathers and mothers, as well as the children themselves, to realize what handicap tho lack of education imposes. even upon those who expect to mako farm. ing their life work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
TkESsSeORCFf
 ~BEARER
PAUL REVERE'S RIDE

(Reyamped by Hands-Across-the-Sea
 Historian.) Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the stunts of rebel named Paul
 Revere. He led rude and villainous life, He rolled the bones and he beat his
 wife; Oh, Paul Revere was a bad, bold thing He handed the razz to our noble king One stormy night he was full of brew And he stole a horse and away he flew, And the gallant Redcoats took the And followed him far over hill and
 dave To lock him up in the village jail, But alas! their chase was of no avail. For Paul was slippery sort of chap And he led our Redcoats into trap. He gathered about him a villainous
 throng Of common peasants who didn't be-
 long, And they walloped our Redcoats black and blue, A very unmannerly thing to do. So don't believe all the tales you hear Of the gallant riding of Paul Revere, For Paul, in truth, was a bad, bold
 thing Who handed the bird to our noble
 king.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

As an illustration of how many crimes are committed in the name of poetry, paragrapher says: 'It wasn't the cough that carried her off, but the coffin they carried her off in." That's so awful as to be unlawful.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
10 FAVORITE BOOKS
(As Chosen by Burton E. Steven-
 son, Author and EdftOr)


 Poetry aside (which includes Shakespeare) l have enjoyed and profited deeply from the follow ing:
 Mont St. Michel and Chartres" (Henry Adams),
 Rise of the Dutch Republic" (Motley).
 Dumas d'Artagnan romances (with the Valois romances a close second).
 Outline of History" (Wells). "Don Quixote" (Cervantes). Anna Kanenina'' (Tolstoi). (Yes. and War and Peace') Les Miserables" (Hugo). French Revolution (Carlyle). La Debacle" (Zola). Sienkiewicz's triology, beginning with With Fire and Sword" Copyright by North American
 Newspaper Alliance.) f
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
A Community Asset

We know of an estimable lady in this town who takes great pleasure in conferring happiness upon others. Next to her family it seems to be her chief aim in life. She invariably meets you with a smile upon her lips and with sum shine in her heart, radiating good nature and friendliness and con- tentment wherever she goes. All women respect her and little chill dren love her. u Is much to say of any woman. but she deserves all that we have said. If you qualify in this class you are the one to whom we refer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Must Remove the Stain

(FTankIin County T1mes) The legislature will be called on to abolish the convict lease system and the contract system. We must remove this stain from Alabama forever,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
SOME DEFINITIONs

(Exchange) Rtches-Tribute paid by every- body to capacity and rapacity. Regularity-The spirit level of politics. Reputation-Good work by press agent. Patent-An excuse for a law suit.
 Bessbsii-A sphsroid swattsd in . triangle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

It appears that the administration is so firmly in accord with the sugar magnates that reduction in the tariff would have no effect on the price, that there won't even be an effort to try it out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Not That Way

(Florida Times-Union)
 In effect Democratic Chairman Hull says Republican Chairman Adams can't dodge the issue by saying you're another"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Extravagancc To Blame

IIuScaIoosa NeWS)
 You can build a home as we'll today as you could ten years ago if you want to. It is not the cost of building that will prevent 1t, but in most cases 1t is ones ex- travagant ideas that make the cost of construction high.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

society more murderers than anything else. It must be admitted, however, that alibi fables and non-compos- mentis yarns have run it close second.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
A Sure Way
(Alexander City Outlook)

NhIcNdIUeI OIVy OuCTOOKJ
 One of the surest ways on earth of keeping people from sending away from home to buy things is to let them know that you have what they want and what they need at home. It will help to turn the trick quicker than anything in the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

A contemporary says: "Obtaining money without work is direct path to the penitentiary." "A famous French writer declared that there were three ways to get a living-earn it, beg it, steal it. In Russia they call it com munism.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Doing n Good Work

One of the humanitarian activi- ties of the Salvation Army, about which little is known in tho smaller cities of the land. is the furnishing of a home and careful attention for expectant mothers whose home surroundings arc not conducive to the attention such cases require. The Salvation Army, it should be understood, ministers to those who are unable to help themselves, and in this work the great organization has done and Is doing incalculable good to humanity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

A contemporary reports that "Music Week" in Memphis closed with fox-trot. There is an old Latin injunction, which, being interpreted, says: "Let there be no dispute about tastes" A distinguished American statesman puts it little differently eff people like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing that they like"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Better Streets Needed
HuntsNilla Tin,osl

VHuIItSVIIIe IImeS1
 More and better streets, more and better sidewalks are being called for throughout the city. Ap- preciation of the good ones we have makes the demand general in other parts of Greater Huntsville.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

MT. McAdoo has been emphasizing the need for an intelligence bloc" in congress. He seems to think that some members of that body act as if they never had the advantages even of a night school.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Tip to the Women

(TalIadega Daily Home)
 The women folk of tho country will act wisely if they jar. can, tumbler and bottle all the Jam, fruits, vegetables. jellies. berries and ketchup they can find time to put up and can. Put-up fruits and vegetables are always enjoyable in winter and early spring, and more so if they were put up ct home,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
A Strong Combination

VOdVdIIIIdN N6WSJ
 The president is right in urging better homes as the basis for a better America-and he includes better roads by which to get to the better homes, and from one good home to another.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Quite DifficuIt

(Tampa Tribune)
 pr. Cook has found that trying 10 put one over on Uncle Sam is hardef than not finding the pole.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Not Relieved To Be Sincere
(Gadsden Journal)

IGaUSden JOUrnaI)
 As a matter ot fact, Governor Smith is sincere in only one direc- tion, and that Is to break down the prohibition law of the land. To do that, he is perfectly willing to adopt any subterfuge and any eXpediency.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

It seems that the republican party is afraid to interfere with the three T's. because reducing the tariff would curtail the slush fund, lowering trans portation rates would lose some of the railroad support, and the Republican politicians need the taxes in their bus mess. So there you are.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Worth Thinking About

NHefuHCd OU11SCICUCIOn1
 The preservation of June wild shrubbery should give the country some concern at this time, since the people who take to the woods dont usually leave woods enough for the Christmas trees.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09
Why Not New Yorkf

with so many claimants for the Croker millions we wonder New
 York doesn't hire a lawyer and
 set up to be an heir.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

The Nashville Banner observes that "there are no loopholes in the new prohibition rules" How about the bunghole?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-09

An analyst says, one trouble in Eu- rope is that the people have not the proper perception of color. It ap- pears that too many of them see red.