davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Delta independent., 1923-11-30

Shop Early
Shop Nowl
Let US urge that you
do your holiday shopping
at once.
Waiting until few
days before Christmas
to make your selections
OF gifts Is liable to be
attended with di.appoint-
ment.
Stocks are then re-
duced and choice 10
limited
Right now our ooInc-
ton of goods for gift
purposes Is complete and
interesting.
And this Is the time to
enjoy the greatest satis-
faction from the pleas
ures of Chris tmas buying.
@C 70
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
MORE ORDERS FOR RAILS

Announcement of an order for 14,600 tons of steel rails placed by the Nashville, Chattanooga and s.. Louis Railroad with the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company, while interesting to this district in itself, is but the confirmation of fore casts made earlier s.in the year by President W. L. Mapother of the Louisville and Nashville regarding the requirements of the system of which the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis is a subsidiary, and the assur- ance that the Birmingham district would get it's customary share of the business. The public appreciates that railroad purchases during the past year have been an important factor in the business situation. No section has profited more in proportion through these purchases than has the Birming- ham district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
MIR. GoMPERs' VICTORY

Organized labor as a whole will profit by the summary defeat of rad ical efforts in the American Fedora ton of Labor convention at Portland to secure indorsement of the recogni- tion of the Russian soviet republic. When the resolution was presented by Max J. Sillinsky, it was regarded as a test of the ability of President Samuel Gompers to preserve for the federaticn an attitude of conservatism and of an tagonism to the foreign clements which it has been charged have been trying to "bore from within" and get control of the great labor body. The defeat of the soviet plans emphasizes again that the mass of members of labor unions are not in sympathy with the radical and destructive ideas, most of which come from abroad and the sponsoring of which would do much to arouse general enmity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06

for diplomatic service. His address at distinguished gathering in Lon don in which he made some startling remarks as to Americas purpose ii entering the World War convince ] the American people that he was 8 misfit in that field of service. The British, too, are not expected to regret his departure. His manner of ap- proach and his disregard for custom and precedent were never acceptable to the British.
 Ambassador Child is of a different type. During his official connection with the government his course has been marked with discretion and due regard for the amenities. His pres ence at the first Lausanne conference and the part he took in the considec- ation of questions bearing upon Amer ican interests were distinctly to his credit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06

the case of the Hillman hospital aEi the home for girls. Both of these were found too crowded, but both are excellently managed and producing good results. It was also found that a larger appropriation was needed for the Boys Industrial School in order to get more efficiency. This institu- ton is under state supervision, but in the case of the Hillman hospital the board of revenue might we'll plan care fully so that the county may not grow more rapidly than the facilities pro- vided by the only strictly charity hos pital in the city.
 Both county and city jails were found inadequate, but that is an old story. Some day let it be hoped that county and city will have administra- tions broad and big enough to get to work earnestly to remove these ins.i- tutions, one of which has been known for years as the "carbuncle." Their removal is a part of the bigger prob lem of courthouse and city hall toward which there seems much reluctance by both city and county to take some constructive and progressive step.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
THE BRANDON PROTEST

Just why Governor Brandon of Alabama seeks to estop the solic- itor of Jefferson county from in- vestigating alleged brutalities on the part of convict guards in the Banner mines, is difficult to un- derstand.
 That >the reports of these all leged brutalities, covering alleged floggings and acts of inhumanity in disciplining unruly convicts. have given a great deal of un- favorable advertising to Alabama is unmistakable; and that the at titude of the governor at this time is virtually justifying the worst that has happened, whatever that may be, is made the more regret table by his own vigorous defense of the present convict lease system in that state before the last ses- sion of the legislature, cannot fail to make the public outside of Ala bama look with more disgust upon sentiment that upholds the commercialization of convicts, of all ages and degrees of offense for a states selfish pecuniary gain.
 Public sentiment, it looks from the viewpoint of an outsider, will sustain Solicitor Davis in his de- termination to get to the bottom of the alleged offenses.- so long as he is acting within the law, de- spite the protest of the governor that he is interfering with execu- tive prerogatives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
THE VALUE OF DRILLS

One of the surest ways to prevent panic among school children in case of fire is to familiarize them with alarms and to train them in the course they should pursue. Action of the school authorities in arranging a fire prevention week is to be commended. The program contemplates alarms, fire drills and talks to the children by firemen in uniform so that the children may act intelligently in fire emergency. It should be remembered, however, that one fire prevention week is not sufficient for the purpose. Fire drills should be given often enough to help the child when the practice is most needed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
NO wATER POWER MONOPOLY

The present Alabama Public Serv- ice Commission has properly insisted during the nine months of it's exist ence upon the establishment by the state of a definite water power policy which would insure against monopoly of this great resource and which would guarantee to the people the full bene- fits to come from maximum develop ment of the hydro-electric energy in Alabama's streams. The commission was unsuccessful in it's efforts to get the recent legislature to take steps regarded as necessary, but the com mission itself is in position to do much that will be of future benefit. An im- portant step was taken recently when the commission laid down the new rule regarding transmission lines. This rule provided that not only the inte.- ests of the community to be immedi- ately served by the additional thans- mission line were to be considered, but it was held that it was necessary to show that the interests of other electric consumers of the state would not be jeopardized by the expense involved and amount of power re- quired for the proposed new lines.
 Another important matter has been brought to the commissions attention which places the body in position once more to emphasize the opposition both of itself and of the people of the state to anything which looks like attempted monopoly. The law provides that if license to develop water power site is granted the right shall be forfeited if the development work has not been begun within year. The records disclose that several important sites were granted to the Alabama Power Company more than year ago upon which no work has been done. Revo- cation of these permits by the commits sion would emphasize it's determine ton to carry out the intent of the law, and would also put other water power developers on notice that Ala : bama does not want her important power sites tied up in speculative way. They must either be developed by those given the opportunity, CT they must be left free for others.
 An improper and unsound spirit is shown by any interest which applies for certificate of convenience and necessity and permits year to expire without taking active steps toward de. velopment. It implies a selfish atti- tude, desire to ask for more than it can use, a move to obtain some thing in order to shut off competition. That is the very spirit that the Pub lie Service Commission should pre- vent. Alabama wants water power sites developed-the more the better. But this state opposes their becoming pawns in monopoly game by which to deprive the people of the full bene- fits to be derived from maximum de- velopment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
ACTION FOR VIADUcTs NEEDED

Through failure of the legislature to enact the measure designed to clear up some legal aspects of the viaduct situation, especially as it applies to Birmingham, the whole viaduct plans and program are just where they were before the legislature met. That means that the railroads and the city commission are under the same re- sponsibility and obligation as they have been during all the years that Birmingham has suffered from the grade crossing menace. The city com mission now knows where it stands and what it can do. It is supported by the highest law of the land in such action as it may take for protection to a long suffering community. It has just as much power as it ever had to obtain relief from the grade cross ing evil.
 Announcement is made that the commission has again undertaken to have a conference with representatives of the railroads with the purpose Of reaching an understanding as respects plans and specifications for starting work on viaducts and underpasses. The city has worked out it's plans and estimates for this project. The pub.-c cannot understand why there should be further delay. For thirty-seven years the people of Birmingham have been pleading for relief. The situa- tion becomes more menacing and more costly with each passing day. With the city's rapid growth and the attend ant increase in street traffic the dan gers and injury to business from ab sence of protection from the many grade crossings are rapidly approach ing an intolerable situation. There js no excuse for or defense of this. The railroads owe it to this community, which has long been one of their most generous patrons, to provide protec- tion against a menace of their own making. The city commission has a1 urgent duty to the community in see ing that the needful protection is forthcoming.
 There is no sound reason why con- struction work on this project should not commence at an early date and be pushed with all possible dispatch, It is the direct responsibility of the commission to see that this is done. There has already been far too much delay, too many excuses, explanations, and various efforts by the railroads to put off what ought to have been done years ago. What the public needs and demands is action, and the people expect their municipal authorities to see that it is forthcoming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of William Henry
 Harrison

"uv mother used to sit here and read the Bible to me. l was only a little child then. She said the Lords Prayer, and asked me to say if with her. It seems only the other day, and now 1t Is many many years"
 So spoke William Henry Harrl- son. then an old man sixty seven years of age, about to be elevated to the office of ninth president or the United States. He had won his nickname of "Tippecanoe" from hard fighting in Indian warfare; he had served his country well in many high offices; and now, in his old age, was to assume the presi- dency.
 Poor man! He was inaugu- rated March 4, 1S41, and he died April 4, 1S41, exactly one month laterl How interesting it is to see the man, near the close of a long, useful life. giving to his mother the tribute of having taught him the principles that had guided him for so many years. That mother had been Elizabeth Bassett, a bright, lively, quick spoken girl
 She was patriotic to the core. You know, Pm not just as ordl- nary person." she laughed to her friends; George Washington was a relative of mine! What do you think of that! At least, Martha Washington was!" The country was small in those days, and it is true that the mother of the ninth president was related to the wife of the first president. She was d Virginia girl, the daughter of a Virginia soldier who made a name for himself-and she married Benjamin Harrison, one of the leaders of Virginia.
 She died when her famous son was only nineteen, and she never knew of his greatness as a soldier and a statesman-but he. in his old age, acknowledged that she had shown him the way to live.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
RETIREMENT OF COL. HARVEY

designations of two leading Ameri- can ambassadors, Colonel George Har- vey, who was a hold-over from the Harding administration as ambassador to England, and Ambassador Child a3 Rome, are not surprise to the Ameri- can people. It was known that Colonel Harvey, who is widely regarded as having comparatively few qualifica- tions for the position from diplo- matic standpoint, was getting more or less restless to return home. Both he and Ambassador Child are understood to have been feeling the financial burdens incident to their respective positions, and that they had an under standing with the president that they would relinquish their posts in few months.
 There are already many reports of the why's and wherefores of Colonel Harvey's retirement from the govern ment service. One of these is that he is becoming restive to get back to this country and have part in the political game incident to the national cam paign. He is known to be fond of participation in that kind of thing, and his influence in the picking of candidates is widely conceded. He says he is not politician, which i.i true when viewed from the diplomatic phase, though he has not failed to be active in national politics for several years, not only in the writing field, but also in an advisory capacity. Thei e are already indications that he will participate actively in the campaigi, and will have voice in the Republi- can national convention. There are hints that his services will be sought in efforts to be made by Republican leaders to prevent serious split in the party, and Colonel Harvey is under. stood to share the fears of many others of such danger.
 Whatever he may engage in, it has been demonstrated to the English people, as well as to those of America, that he is not temperamentally fitted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
THE PUBLIC WEARY OF WALTON

Late dispatches from Oklahoma, where political conditions become more and more complicated and coil- fused, are calculated to convince the outside public that Governor Jack (Iron Man) Walton is something of a grand-stand player. The people of Oklahoma expressed themselves in ilc uncertain terms as to their estimate of him. His arbitrary official policies and acts were decidedly objectionable to the great majority of the citizens. They were satisfied that he was assum- ing unfair and illegal powers to carry out his purposes, and that largely through his leadership the state has been drifting towards more and worse lawlessness than ever.
 Walton has announced that he is going to gather all of those who have been flogged in Oklahoma and have taken group picture of them. He cliams that there are~more than five hundred of these victims. Whether or not he is exaggerating, his pictorial move appears to be part of big publicity campaign. A day or two az ) he made an appeal to the rest of the country for financial aid to assist in carrying on his fight against al legged lawless elements in that state. There is no reason to believe that he will get much outside cooperation IT.. this respect. The impression has aI- ready spread throughout the country that his motive and purpose in creat- ing so menacing a situation were founded largely on political ambition, and that he is exceedingly fond of the limelight. Conditions that devel- oped largely from his action would tend to confirm this impression.
 As matters now stand Governor Walton has been defeated in his pla IS by the people of that state, who. while most of them are in no way identified with the issue he precipi- tated, and have no connection with the organization under the guberna- torial frown, resent the governors ef- fort to ride rough-shod over the laws and the constitution as they interpret them. Governor Walton has failed to accomplish anything of worth to Okla homa. He has put that state in q more or less unenviable light in the eyes of the world, without having added anything constructive to it's in- terests. The American people are growing weary of Governor Walton, his claims and boasts. His official conduct in this whole controversy has been marked more by an evident pur- pose to establish himself as a pie turesque hero than as a real friend and adherent of law and order.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS Rv Frederick Houk Law
Thomas HoIcroft
BY Frederick Houk La

In his fathers shoemaking shop young Thomas Holcroft had to sit on a bench and work with his fa- ther making and mending shoes. The family was too poor to think of send the boy to school any longer than the law compelled. a living by shoemaking. and he expected the boy to help him, to become a shoemaker, and to carry on the little shop when he grew into manhood.
 Thus, without opportunity or ed- ucation, without even the lesson of success or of ambition, Thomas HoIcroft sat down to his manual work. How it would have sur prised that shoemaker father who sat watching the boy cut leather if he could have looked ahead into the future and have Seen the ca reer the boy was to lead; mas ter of languages, a translator of books from foreign tongues, wri- ter of novels, a writer of plays that should be successes for years, a man so honored that people re- spected him highly and urged him to write the story of his life. All that Thomas Holcroft became in spite of the fact that fate started him off only as a shoemaker in poor little shop.
 After he had worked for a long time making and mending shoes he tired of the bending posture and the necessity of long hours of sitting still. He left the shop and secured work helping take care of horses in a stable. Here was a job that gave him 8 chance to move about, and to enjoy some variety. The desire for activity that made him wish to use his muscles made him also wish to use his brain. He began to read and study in the times when he was not hard at work. In this way he picked up considerable knowledge and was able to teach others. In the stable he had further exhib- tied his activity by doing things that made his fellow workmen laugh. He mimicked people whom they knew, and by doing this be- came somewhat of an actor. This interested him In going to the theatre, in reading plays, and in thinking about plays. After some years of reading and study, of play-going and play acting, he be- came writer for periodicals. He continued to read and study. Then. at thirty nine. he translated a play from the French, for his newspaper work had sent him 10 Paris, where he had learned to speak French. The play he trans- lated madefa hit. Then he began to write plays. of his own, and still later he wrote novels, and last of all his autobiography.
 He mastered several languages, translated various foreign books, and was recognized as a learned man. His whole life was charac- terized by energy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
Cause of Bad Government

.f Notiilid Hines OuTHdlJ
 The greatest stumbling block in the path of good government is not dishonesty on the part of those. chosen to office, or the lack of sincere desire to serve their con stituencies faithfully and well, but to a deficiency in ability to run the affairs of the state. which, with its constantly increasing bur dens, now demands the highest type of efficiency and leadership. The substance of the people is squandered and the function of the government atrophy and die when men are chosen to office who have no particular fitness for it. or when the ideals of public service are cast in the discard un- der mistaken conception of econ omy or for purposes of experi- mentation. The people themselves are to blame when they elevate unfit men to high public, station. They need to have better under standing of sthe big going busi- ness-the state OF the municipal ity. in which they are the stock holders and the penalties for the. mismanagement of which they must pay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
SUMMER WATCH CLEANING
 (Wall Street Journal)

A Wall Street man about to leave on a vacation to the sea shore. thought it a good oppor- tunity to take his watch to the jewellers to be cleaned. He asked for another one to use in the meantime.
 Sorry, sir" said the jeweler i've have not a spare watch left; they are all loaned out-it's vaca- tion time."
 What has that got to do with it?" he asked. N
 "Oh. that's our heaviest watch cleaning season. You see, people going to the seashore or roughing 1t at camps think it's a good time to have their own watches repaired. But they don't care what i'll usage they give our bor- rowed watches. Look at this drawer--it is full of our old watches, mostly rusted and ruined at summer resorts
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
GENERAL WORK OF GRAND JURY

So much interest was taken in the
 relations of the recent grand jury to
 the convict question that the public
 scarcely realized the other important duties which the jurors were perform ing. The thoroughness of the formal report, however, indicated the time and attention given to various county problems and the careful investiga- tions made at jails, road prison camps, hospitals and charity institutions. On the whole the grand jury found the county institutions functioning satis- factorily, but in several cases directed attention to the need for increased facilities. This was notably true in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams of the Torn Bridal Wei


 Today I shall address myself only to unmarried women, for to the married ones this dream merely means that one of her friends or relatives is standing st the threshold or unhappiness. but that 1t is still time to retrace her steps.
 You know, the old verse, no doubt:
 NHer gown was spotted. her veil
 was torn,
 And the coming dawn brought her
 wedding morn . that occurs in the poem of the maiden whose love made her see an angel in fiend? Well, you can easily fashion your own mean ing from this vision.
 Turn your face from the man of your choice, even though a few Eours after you have been visited stand at the altar. The warning must not be disregarded, for noth- ing but heartache and unhappiness will be your lot if you ignore 1t.
 And this dream does not only refer to those girls who are en- gagged to be married, but to all who are in love. 1t tells them that they have made the wrong choice. Even though the affair should never advance to the point where a bridal veil begins to figure in a girls thoughts, yet the man in question will, unless you put him out of your mind, so alter the course of your life that you will sorrow the day you ever met him. Let me beseech you to remain true to yourself and to immediately drop the acquaintance when this dream comes to you. Is it worth while to pay for a fleeting affec- tion with years of regret!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06

Announcement that American en- gineers will make Investigations in Ja- pan with view to designing quake proof buildings may be interesting from a scientific view, but the people of Japan have had their confidence shaken in such an undertaking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
Lots of Time
(Boston franscriptl

Here's youngster of five. who intends to take things easy. He had just been told by his father that it was planned for him to go to school for twelve years and after that to college for four more. Then his father asked: Did you learn lot in school today?"
 "Oh, guess, I learned enough. if I've got that many years 70 learn the rest of it. was the sat- isfied reply: