davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

cause and effect between America s tariff and her own idleness, we may expect some prompt remedial action over there.
 The great difficulty in this country is that the tariff has acted as a dam to bring all our values to high flood level, so that reduction in the tariff would mean a painful imitation of values unless very wisely and grad ually put into effect. Having built the dam, the question is whether we can release the impounded waters without causing a flood. It is .n crises such as this that the thoughtful person devoutly wishes for economists instead of politicians at the helm of affairs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
RECIPROCITY OR RETALIATION

Although reciprocity in trade rela- tions is recognized by economists as an essential part of the foundation of permanent commerce between any two nations, the American principle of high tariff goes counter to that prin- ciple and, instead of reciprocity, 'in- vites retaliation. Thus we place our trade relationships, not on basis of harmony and mutual advantage, but on basis of unfairness and mutual self-defense. The result of this in the long run reacts unfavorably upon us.
 Although Great Britain is tradi- tionally free-trade nation, yet, be- cause of the American protection pol Icy, there is a growing sentiment over there in favor of protection, at least against our goods. If the British should adopt the policy of reciprocity with those nations that maintain no high tariff wall against her goods and ia policy of high tariff against those who do, she will make popular bid for the trade of the world, at our ex- pense. We may fool ourselves for a time into believing that our tariff is he cause of our prosperity, but other aations clearly perceive the funda- mental distinction between tariff for revenue and tariff to be used as a trade weapon. Inasmuch as We flour lsh our high tariff in the face of the world as weapon, we may expect them to lift against us, if not a weapon, at least shield. Nor can we blame them for that.
 Lord Robert Cecil has been a life long free-trader, and British statesmen do not easily change their political principles. Yet Lord Cecil on Wednes- day declared that Americas protec- tive principle makes it debatable whether Great Britain in justice to her own industries would not need to mod .sify her tariff policy so as to offset the influence of the American policy England has tremendous unemploy- ment problem which is due to her idle mills and factories. If the British discover any essential relationship sf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
THE MESSAGE TO CONGRESS

| EEeSlueHG OOOlluSe 5 lOuS-dWdltSu message to congress is not document to stir the nation; yet it contains rec
 concentrations, which, if carried out, would greatly advance the public in- terest. Nobody, of course, expected a
 Republican president in short session to advocate tariff revision, process entailing interminable discussion,
 blockade, trading and delay, and Cool
 idge hewed to the line in this matter.
 The indorsement of the Mellon plan for tax reduction was expected, but the abrupt and flat rejection of the soldiers bonus was a surprise in many quarters. Coolidge's opposition to this proposal was anticipated, but it was expected that he would express some sympathy for the sentiment prompt ing it.
 Among the recommendations of sound and constructive nature is the indorsement of the program of federal operation of the merchant marine un- til it is possible to carry out the ulti- mate plan of disposing of the fleet ad- vantageously to this nation. It is felt. however, that the subject was of sui ficient importance to deserve more adequate outline and suggestion. Wide approval will be given Coolidge's con- viction that the policy of restrictive immigration is advisable. This would have been strengthened had he stressed also selective immigration. The wis dom of the rejection of the policy of price-fixing for farm products is mani fest to all but demagogues. Relief for the farmer through lowering of taxation and freight rates sounds practicable, although the suggestion is based on an erroneous impression that federal taxes rest heavily upon the farmer. The recommendation of strengthening rather than weakening our defensive forces on land and sea is evidence of sanity of view on this much-discussed question. The South is deeply appreciative of the presi- dents evident desire to behold the prompt disposal of Muscle Shoals. probably to Henry Ford, on such terms as will give the people the widest benefit from this great pub lie investment. The chief executives s friendliness towards inland and coastal waterways, power development and conservation is hopeful sign. The simplification of federal court pro- cedure has long been a crying na- tional need. Limitation of child labor by constitutional amendment opens up the question of state rights, although the states have not exercised this right as perhaps they should have.
 The president is conservative. Per haps he is more conservative as the steward of a program which he him. self did not initiate, than he would have been had he been elevated to his present office by the popular vote. On the whole and in large way, the message is constructive document. The fear is that congress will fail to follow it's wise outline of national needs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
BIRMINGHAM AGE-HERALD FRIDAY DECEMBER T. 1928

again risen to unprecedented propor~ tions, there are those who will seek further delay and to muddy the wa ters by counter propositions. Ford, however, has given them a mark to shoot at. Not another bid has come anywhere near the Ford bid Even those now contemplated, while they are said to offer more cash for Muscle Shoals, yet leave out entirely~the most important and valuable part of the Ford purchase price, namely, the con- tinued production of chemicals, in the form of commercial fertilizer, and the maintenance of the plant in constant readiness to shift to the production of explosives in the case of national need.
 Fortunately, President Coolidge has expressed himself in favor of doing something at once with Muscle Shoals and has explicitly stated that the money offered should not be pri- mary consideration. Evidently the president knows that the public value from Muscle Shoals would not be ap- preached even though the government should receive back every dollar in vested with interest at six per cent. The public value lies in the service that Muscle Shoals shall be made to perform in the national interest. That is the essential part of the Ford offer, and no offer which stipulates a higher price, but omits the more substantial and permanent considerations, can be accepted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
MORE TRUTH THAN POETRY

Dear son." he wrote, q hate to make
 you think
 That I'm a mean, unsympathetic
 crab; Please don't consider me a soulless
 gink
 Determined to make your existence
 drab; -.5...=.s. I'd worry if you were boy who sat In solemn contemplation every day; But may I tell you very humbly that It's good to mix bit of work with
 play. "A smash-up now and then may give
 a zest
 That's needed by the youthful mo- torist, And maybe an occasional arrest Is something that you cannot well
 resist; Please do not think I want you to be
 slow;
 I'm glad you're neither timid nor sedate, But, if may, I'd like to let you know That you have hit mighty rapid gait. "I'll not refuse to settle for repairs As long as I've the necessary cash; If luck lets you get through alive who cares
 How others hate to lose the cars you smash; If you must cut your classes, cut lem, son;
 Of course I never sent you there to learn; But if you'd mix some study with your fun sFai My daily thoughts would take a pleasant turn. Don't think that I would rob you of the right To sow the wild oats that you have
 to SOW, Be at it carly; rip around all night, Step on the gas, old kid, let Ter go ]. I'd worry if l thought you thought
 your dad
 Lacked proper Willingness to be the goat, ,- But may l mention here that I'd be
 glad
 To have the price to buy an over
 coat..' -S. E. Riser.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
ON GOING TO CHURCH
 uw U,honas l.. MassOn
By Thomas L. Masson

A friend of mine, who is the ed- itor of religious paper, sent out a form letter to his subscribers 2 skiing them to state whether they went to church, and if not, why not? They were practically all church people, yet sixty-four per cent. wrote that they did not go to church, and the majority of these gave as an invariable req son something they didn't like in the church.
 Another friend of mine, who Is editor of another religious paper, in commenting upon this, said that it never seemed to have occurred to these people who didn't go 10 blame themselves instead of the church. They probably did blame themselves secretly, yet it was quite human for them to take it out on the church.
 We may feel guilty. but we are not going to admit it unless we are convicted by jury of our peers, and even then we don't like to. This feeling that we don't like to let anybody know how bad we are. or shall I say how human we are, is shown in the case of the young couple who took their baby to be baptized. Afterwards friend said:
 "I never saw a better behaved baby than yours. It was really quite wonderful; the little fellow never so much as frowned when the ceremony was performed"
 Well, there's no reason why he should" replied the father, proud ly. s"We've been practicing on him for the past week with pail full of water"
 The strange part of all this Is that if we go back into history. even amopg gur Puritan ancestors, we shall find the same complaint made--that people don't go to church. Yet the churches to which l have been recently have been so crowded that I couldn't get seat, except by going very early.
 In these days it is almost neces- sary to go to church in order to find out the reason why people are staying away.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Members of the house, spurred on by the Craig contempt case, are pre- pairing to present measure designed to curb the power of judges in con- tempt cases. Too many judges have of late seemed to take personal re- taliation through the contempt route. Which proves that those who have criticized certain judges were right. The theory that the king could do no wrong was what finished the kings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
A Constructive Move
(Montgomery Times)

The movement to eliminate grade crossings on every railroad in the state is one of the most marked and highly important. acts that have occurred in Alabama in many day. There are said t., be about eighty of these death traps and the increase of fatal accidents on them has grown to such I.ro- portion that some action was al,- solutely necessary, recognized by the state roads, and they have come to an agreement that will. surely accomplish the end in view. and the state and roads are to share the expense. It will take time, but the final elinlinatiou ot the deadly grade crossing Is ts- sured
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Birminsha,n'. Proxress
(Florence Daily News)


 Birmingham has established . new high building record the past year. Construction for 1923 shows the total expenditure of more than ten million dollars and is' a dis tinct advance over any preceding twelve-mo period. Ten million dollars is a right neat sum for a city the size of Birmingham 10 put into new buildings in a year. and the Magic City may well plume herself on this new accom- plishment. Considering the talk that has been abroad for some years that the city had reached the limits of it's possible Growth this new demonstration of yirjlitv should be an eye-opener as to what the future may yet bring to pass in a truly Greater Birmiux. 1am."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Where the Blame Lies

(Oneonta Southern Star)
 The report comes to us that pork hogs are going to be scarce in Blount county this winter. Whd are the farmers going to DiamA for the high price of meat? The price couldn't get too high if you had hogs to sell. Save the brood SOW. She will be worth more to you than the meat you can .nake out of her now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Anythins-or Everything-But

Maybe it is a difficult matter to get our juries to convict on the charge of selling whisky. as cited, because so little of it that is sold is whisky.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Quite q Problem

(Detroit Free Press)
 The average youngster observ- ing the number of Santa Clauses that appear in the downtown stores must be hard put to it to believe the dictum that a person cannot be in two places at the same time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
MORE SHOALS BIDS EXPECTED

Rumors that there will be other bidders for Muscle Shoals are not surprising. All this maneuvering of the Shoals question has not been un- inspired. There has been more behind it than has appeared. Perhaps the original intention was to scare Ford off or discourage him. That having failed, and the tide in his favor having
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Farming We'll Under Way

IidTtSeIIB WeehIy litT dIuJ
 A survey of the farming inter- ests of this section finds them well under way for the next crop. Aided by the very favorable weather conditions the farmers have been able to gather their crops of cotton, corn and hay without rain in many instances. and with very little dampness at all through the gathering season.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Up to the Juries

It is good thing to increase the number of prohibition enforce ment agents in this section, but all the enforcement agents i'll tho state cannot secure convictions. That responsibility rests with the jurors. Get law-loving and law abiding men on, the juries. put clean-cut evidence before them, and the number of prohibition agents can then be reduced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
The Time to Fight

NSoHtroVlllo E~ro4Sy
 The railroads have the best law -yers in tho state to represent them, they have money and em- 'p)oy rate experts. and 1t Is diff cult to cope with them. Even a great state with it's power and the government are almost on the verge of laying down It's hands and giving up. But 1t is just the time to fight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
NCRELIcHTS fHazl &05l A\NATIONAL 1T'
 M CAPITAL

There are political prophets who declare that among the pos abilities for the next president of the United States Senator Sam Ralston of Indiana is prominent.
 The Democrat who beat Albert Beveridge for the senate is said to bear a facial resemblance to Cleveland. While this facial re- semblance is more or less ob- scure, Cleveland and Ralston cer- tainly are of a type.
 It is to be doubted that Ralston has the driving power of Cleve- land. He is as politically honest, however, and courageous. If he is elected president no man will ever have set in the White House less obsessed by pomposity or the pride ces office. Heg is of the plain people just as Lincoln was
 4 correspondent, going up, en- countered the new senator from Indiana coming down the steps of the senate office building.
 Good evening"" said the sena- tor as he approached with hand extended.
 After the shake the senator in quired for name and state of resi- dence. When given the informa- .tion he said, T am Ralston of In diana. We will be better. ac- quafnted some of these days"
 He then pursued his way. There was a directness, friendliness and frankness that were attractive, even If conventionally regarded as quixotic.
 But Ralston doesn't appear im- portant. Apparently he does not pay prime attention to sartorial effects. Thus he would not i'm press the average citizen with the idea that he Is of presidential size.
 Of course, appearance Is not ab- solutely necessary, Reference to Lincoln has already been made. And the present occupant of the White House has nothing calcu- lated to make the people stand in awe.
 Ralston is infinitely more inn pressive in appearance than Cool idge. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything. .
 Ralston is not candidate He says so himself. Also, he declares that he has not authorized any one to speculate with fhim as the central figure.
 But should the convention set- tie it's differences by selecting dark horse,N Ralston would cer- tainly have consideration. And were lie nominated he would &C., cept.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Farmers and Game

Farmers have all along been strict about enforcing the laws against hunters Arespassing on the lands they own, or control, without their consent; and now they are getting stricter still. No one should object to this, but commend them. The counties need official game wardens. of course, but the farmers, after all, are the best custodians of the game of the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Senator Moses now advocates a world court at The Hague to take the place of the league tribunal. Senator Moses is one of those boys that won't play unless they play the game he suggests.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Not Much Demand For It
 (ArlS nSaS CazattaN

Its our personal opinion that the man who discovered scopola, min, the truth compelling drug, { will die in the poor house unless he discovers something in greater demand
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Chanccs Imnroxinx

' NCIeVeIahd PIaln Dealer) M
 Missouri has ordered three medi- cal 9"diploma mills" closed, and the average mans chance for a long life is improving every day, in every way. T~
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
THE ALABAMA PRESS
A Bright Outlook
frra nkl,n cnnntv Timex

(Franklin County Times)
 Russellville Is the great mineral district of Muscle Shoals. With Ford in Muscle Shoals, Russell ville and Franklin county will prosper beyond any other section of the Tennessee Valley.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Seems to Be the Rule
(Tuscaloosa NeMsl

(TuScalooSa NeWSl
 There are today In this city men who are doing for posterity much that is worth while, bu. their work will never be appreciated fully until they have passed on. That seems to be the rule.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

The Stillman divorce case has again made the first page. It is winning a record as one of the most persistent long-distance divorce cases in recent years. It is now travelling in inverse
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

All the candidates, so far seem to be pleased with their inducements for the nominations. Well, they are the ones to be pleased.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
1|hRzSSIIsSfee0RCE, .@ BEARER,

Police Rule Number One: When q crime is committed, arrest the nearest negro, and then give out statement to the press that the police are work ing on the case and arrests have been made. The public has been swallow ing this so long it thinks that's the proper thing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Perhaps the reason the British cam paign speakers had such large crowds was because of the great unemploy- ment in that country. People have to do something.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
That's the RuIe

(Knoxville SentineD The inventor of the flying fliv- yer says the future will demand cheaper airplanes. What goes up must come down
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

He who judgeth a. baby contest maketh many enemies, but he hath notGng on him who picketh an all- American football team.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

order. The divorce having been re- fused, effort is being made to have it granted. The Indian guide seems to have tangled the trail
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Doll Wouldn't Wear It

Moll: "Nice hat, nice dress, nice shoes-but her tout ensemble is ter rible."
 Doll; "Yes; I think she bought it at fire sale" s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
\ PatrIotic orgnnizatIon

To the Editor of The Age-Heraid.
 A very delightful meeting was held Wedne sday afternoon by the General Sumter Chapter, Daugh- ters of the American Revolution, at the home of their vice regent, Mrs. Watt T. Brown. Their re- gent, Mrs. Joseph R. Estes, must feel proud of the ready <manner in which the members responded to the flag salute. repeating their all Iegiance to the flag and the Americans creed. Their response was in the manner of trained sol diers. But this is not all. It Is an inspiration to know they ob- serve and commemorate all pa triotic days. So far they have bought, made and presented five state flags to the following schools: Girls Training School, Henley, Hemphill, Fairview and Boys Industrial School, with many more dates ahead. This is a new law making it compulsory for the schools in the state and counties to ffSsa state flag.
 Long live General Sumter Chap ter, Daughters of the American Revolution, their regent. Mrs Joseph R. Estes, and vice regent, Mrs. Watt T. Brown.
 MRS. ASA P.9 HULL. Birmingham. Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
In n Bnd Fix
 (Dallas Mws)

prince is at the Gels station with fourt flat tires. A
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Some say Reginald Siki, the rassleS comes from Senegal, and some con. tend that he halls from Abyssinia. Another guess is New Orleans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
The Friendlss. Enotball .scrihe

His life was like pleasant dream,
 His friends were staunchs and many Until he picked an all-star team K And now he hasn't any.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

However, this talk about the world growing worse reminds one of the reply of Virginia gentleman to a similar cry three decades ago: "Well, I can't see as the world is growing much worse. The Bible records that the first man born into the world killed the second, and then lied to get out of it."
 Moral influences are stronger now than they ever were.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Bees fed on likker mash may be a menace to the community, but we sus- pect that their honey is highly popular.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
Setting Him Right

Mendicant: Excuse me, sir, but you look like kind-hearted chap. Could you" sS..~
 The Chap: 'I look like kind- hearted chap? We'll, forget it! I'm notw tp
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Down at the City Hall they have found that politics is mot a game of solitaire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

We dsn't see anything for it except to stop automobiling at nights and on Sundays.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
We Can't Think of n One

(CieVelanu mes-ComRerciaD
 A luxury tax may be ali right, but nowadays what luxury is not necessity?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

sions- for collections perhaps MT. Daugherty's lack of professional zeal is accounted for. We may ex- pect him to get busy again as an election year is approaching. And why shouldn't he get some of this plumber for the boys?
 But if the war profiteer and the millionaires will not pay the ''bonus" I am opposed to having 1t shifted onto Tom, Dick and Harry, even If they are used to being fleeced. During the war years my salary did not increase one cent, while my living expenses and family increased fifty per cent The same condition confronted most men on salary. We had our contributions to the, Red Cross and the "Y' and the K. c. to make The war set us back badly. But we are just the victims Secretary Mellon will select, plus the farmer and laborer. to keep the service men off the backs of his own class.
 The service men should be re- membered. but not out of the pockets of their fellow war vic- tins. As nation we have an obligation to pay. If our promises are not fulfilled it may be diffi- cult to fool the boys who will be expected to defend us in some later war. IT.. A. lTREXLER,
 Birmingham Southern College.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07

Rule No. 2. No other rule needed if above is followed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the Birmingham. Ala. post office as second-class matter under act of Con- gress. March 6. 1s79