davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
BIRMINGHAM AGEHERALD. SATURDAY. .JANUARY 2O. 1923

ever, there is some reason to believe that some, at least, had the welfare of the cotton exchanges more in mind than the public in- terest It is difficult to understand how any legitimate enterprise can be injured by a requirement calling for accuracy in speci- fication and honesty in delivery of any product. As for the producers of poorer grades of cotton, is it believed to be to their interest and to public interest that the poorer grades should be delivered when better grades are called for? Is that not putting q premium the poorer grades instead of on the better grades? Further, it is well established that poorer grades are frequently the result of careless methods of picking, storing and handling cotton on the planta- tions. Certainly the congress of the United States is not concerned in encouraging such methods. Rather should there be every ir- ducement given to the production of the be., ter grades, such producers having their re- ward in the increased value of their product
 The whole subject of the exchanges is ex
 tremely nehulous., Their methods baffle the ordinary mind to understand. Perhaps, by reason of that very fact, they exercise an influence that is artificial rather than essen. tial to the welfare of the cotton industry. If congress is in any doubt on this point congress would do well to find out the facts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
PURCHASING AGENTS VISION

Many price runaways will be prevented by just such action as was taken by 4,200 eastern purchasing agents of the country last fall when coal threatened to reach ex- orbitant prices and stage another famine brought on by unequal distribution. These agents agreed to purchase only so much coal from time to time as their principals re- quired. Conferences were held with Secretary Hoover and the railroads in order to effect even distribution. The result was that the nation has kept warm this winter and prices have been held nearer to reason than was feared, or would have been the case if coal buyers had entered the market pellmell for large quantities covering the entire season.
 The principle of gradual buying and avoid ing stampedes is coming in vogue along with that of gradual selling. It has shown itself in the iron market and in the cotton market. Pig iron was set back to twenty-one dollars after having advanced to twenty-sight dol lars, with thirty dollars imminent. Cotton has been stopped for a time at each advance. In this way demand and supply meet on more even keel and raw material and fin ished products remain in greater harmony.
 The modern purchasing agent is not one who simply tries to buy today at today's lowest price, but who follows market trends, producing capacity and prospective, as well as current, demands and conditions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
THE PLANTATIONS PASS

The news of the breaking up in Louisiana of what is said to have been the largest estate of the old south, which comprised the Alderman plantations surrounding the Lake of the Cross, brings to mind similar happen ings now occurring with growing frequency all over the south. Old country places ars constantly falling into new hands. Their identity is being lost except to the old-timers. There is always a sentimental reaction in such matters, like tearing out page of local history or even doing violence to family pride and tender memories. But many Of the old homes on the larger plantations of the south are merely landmarks, occasional reminders to visitors of what used to be, having long ceased to be tenanted by those with any ties of sentiment. As was the case with the owners of the Alderman plantation, who live in Washington, descendants of the house, so to speak, have moved elsewhere or passed away, leaving the places to serve only as casual objects of interest to tho non-resi- dent Such turnovers, to use trading phrase, follow the inevitable law of change and perhaps of progress, but they always leave pang in those who revere the past
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
THE MEXICAN LAW

In Mexico there is no law by which dam age can be recovered for the loss of human life. But in the case of cattle it is different. The Mexican law takes cognizance of cattle. When they are lost their value can be re- covered. A singular distinction in the stat utes of our neighbor to the south though that is due perhaps to the fact that the court dockets there would be too hopelessly crowd ed if lives of human beings could be sued over. This legal anomaly was brought out in an investigation just concluded at Mexicali, Lower California, as to the wreckage of the steamer Topolobampo in the Gulf of Cali fornia last November, when between eighty and over hundred human lives were lost. If the cargo had been livestock instead of cotton pickers of the poorest Mexican class
 the federal authorities ruled, there would have been damages. But with the only diff ference of opinion at the hearing being whether the number of lives lost was eighty or over a hundred, tragic tale of the sea was told. When the high tides in the Gulf of California fall abruptly, the Colorado river, forced back by the waters of the gulf sometimes for forty miles, rushes down with immeasurable force, and ships that were, are not That is what happened to the Topolo- bampo, with it's eighty or over a hundred Mericans, unaccounted for on land or sea.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
TAX EXEMPT INDUSTRIES

Tn considering the measure to repeal that part of the code which exempts water power developments from taxation, the leg islature should carefully study the probable effect of such action upon the public well fare. No immediate benefit to the public treasury can be allowed to weigh against the permanent welfare of the state. As a matter of moral responsibility the state should not remove the privilege of tax ex- emption from such developments as were induced, by promise of such exemption for ten years, to locate here. The state has full authority to do this, but no quas-contract or privilege should be violated unless it be shown that wide public service is to be performed thereby.
 While it is true that consumers eventually pay the tax charges on utilities, in the case of the water-power companies it should be taken into consideration that among these consumers are industries that may have been attracted here by the prospect of cheap power rates. The interests of such concerns deserve protection, particularly as ther ability to compete with firms in other states
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
TACTICS OF CONGRESS

Administration leaders are preparing to renew their efforts to force action on the shipping bill, which has been held up by the farm loan credit legislation. It is planned to bring strong pressure to bear as soon as the credit program is out of the way, but opponents of the bill, by bringing up new legislation, are already taking steps to pre- vent it's passage. Their object is not to enact legislation urgently needed by the country, but simply to postpone action on the shipping bill and frustrate the admins tration in its attempt to give the United States merchant marine. Such tactics arc discreditable to the senate The sidestepping and lodging of issues by congress has reached a point where the public is justly resent full. The fight being made against the ship ping bill, and the questionable methods en- poyed to cause its defeat are just another illustration of the inability or unwillingness of congress to function for the general well fare of the country and to put the larger good ahead of selfish and partisan consider ations. The straightforward and manly course would be to vote yesf or no on the shipping bill, instead of continually beating about the bush. There is no valid reason why this measure should not have been de- finitely acted on long ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
ITALY AS MEDIATOR

Reports from abroad indicate that Italy is disposed to play the role of mediator be- tween France and Germany in the repara- tions dispute which has led to the occupa- tion of the Ruhr by French troops. While collect separations by direct action, it ap- pears that Premier Mussolini is opposed to the extensive military operations carried out under direction of Marshal Foch. Mussolini may share the views ..of other European statesmen, including those of Great Britain, that there is the possibility of another war being started in Europe and an agreement is necessary to prevent any further use of troops which might lead to hostilities. With Germany sullenly resisting the French ma neuver, Russia rattling the sabre and the threat of a combination os Germany. Russia and Turkey to oppose the allies, the situation is admittedly grave, and Italy's efforts to bring about an adjustment of differences be- tween Paris and Berlin are being watched with sympathetic interest, although Great Britain apparently believes that mere com promise will not solve the difficulty.
 The fact is emphasized, however, that Italy does not intend to withdraw her CO., operation from France. She is simply acting for what she believes to be the general good of Europe. France has so far conducted herself with admirable patience and has shown willingness to accept mediation, but she is firm in her determination to make no concessions which will permit Germany to evade her war obligations The French at titude is that Germany can pay and must be made to pay. France insists on her rights, as defined in the Versailles treaty, and has done nothing so far contrary to the treaty's terms. Italy is in better position to me diate than any other major power, unless it is the United States, because France is as sured of her sympathy and is not inclined to question the sincerity of her motives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20

it is unjust for them to suffer from strikes in which they are not directly interested. but play the role of innocent bystanders.
 The union delegates state that they and the mine operators agree that future con tracts should protect the nation from gen. eral strikes such as the country experienced last year. With both sides admitting the necessity of adjusting their differences, the atmosphere is cleared for an equitable ses- clement based on mutual good will. A strike is an economic mistake and an anti quated method for settling wage disputes. particularly one like that of 1922 in which the people bore the burden and neither the miners nor the operators gained any ad- vantage, after struggle that lasted five months. It is encouraging to note that un- ion leaders, as well as coal operators, are beginning to see the folly of open ruptures which lead to prolonged suspension Of work and impose unnecessary hardships on workers, employers and the public
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
TIME CREDIT ON JAIL TERMS

A bill introduced in the legislature pro- viding that time served in jail by persons awaiting decision on appeals to higher courts be credited to their prison sentences is based on humane and just considerations. Similar relief might we'll be applied to pris- oners who are frequently held in jail for months before they are tried, some of whom are acquitted after they have practically suffered punishment for the crimes they did not commit The way to remedy that evil is to grant a speedy trial. As for persons who have appealed to the higher courts, it
 is obviously unjust to keep them in prison for varying periods of time, while they are awaiting final ruling on their cases, and then start them to serving the sentence fixed by the court. This, in effect, gives them a longer prison sentence than they would otherwise have to serve. In some cases they might be more severely punished than their offenses warrant, or is specified by the law under which they are convicted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
HARTSELLE'S GOOD SHOWING

A Hartselle bank reports gain of 115 per cent. in the years business. Hartselle is one of the many flourishing towns of the Tennessee Valley, and the condition of this bank reflects the prosperity of that section, especially that of the farms. The entire Tennessee Valley is giving a good account of itself with large crops of corn and cotton, textile mill development and activity in in- dustrial lines at Muscle Shoals and else where. Watered by the Tennessee river, which courses it's entire length, the Tennes- see Valley has a soil than which none in Alabama is more productive, and added to the richness of the soil is delightful eli mate, which allows productive activity every month in the year. It is veritable garden spot of opportunity, and it's citizenship, both urban and rural, is not sleeping on that opportunity
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
THE RISE OF A HELICOPTER
 Detroit Free Press)

Dayton, home of the Wright brothers, announces what is de- scribed as successful flight of a helicopter. It appears from the ac- count that an aeroplane rose straight up to height of six feet and remained in the air one minute and forty seconds. To the unin- structed mind that would not seem to indicate an overwhelming suc- cess, but it is best to>be reserved in such matters. When Langley's aeroplanes were flying little way through the air and coming down in crash, any mention of mechani- cal flying was text for derision, but those seeming failures had the germ of success in them, and while a six foot rise sustained for 100 seconds is not so very impressive, it is at least suggestive of greater things. An apparatus which can do that much may be improved to do more, and with this accomplishment to encourage them, inventors may be expected to labor with more en- thusiasm than ever. If their efforts are crowned with complete success, vast changes in the art of flying will be seen. The ability to start an aeroplane or land one in very re- stricted area will increase the use- fulness of flying machines and the safety of flying. Heavy invest ments in extensive flying fields will be less needful and the prob lem of handling aeroplanes at sea will be simplified.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
UNION LEADERS NEW VIEW

Officials of the United Mine Workers of America, who have assembled in New York to seek an agreement With mine operators which will prevent another general strike next spring, express a commendable desire to protect the public from the evil effects of wage controversies. This enlightened attitude differs somewhat from the position certain leaders have previously assumed, that the interests of the miners came first. regardless of what might happen to con- sumers in the event of fuel shortage caused by strike. It may be taken as eyi- dence of new sense of responsibility on the part of uniol officials They can dc much to win public approval for their claims by not subordnating the national welfare to self-interest. That policy has done more than anything else to alienate sympathy from labor unions in previous controversies with their employers. The people know that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
MEXICO
Washington Star)

Mexican newspapers are not serving Mexico well or doing them selves any credit in their present attacks on the United States. Moreover, they are rehashing old stuff-stuff which when new and fresh did not carry conviction, and which as indulged in today testifies only to biliousness and ill-will. Un- cle Sam is not now and never has been tyrant. He is not now medi- tating and never has meditated the subjigation of any portion of Latin America. As the principal figure in the western hemisphere he has wished for and tried to ad- vance the interests of both North and South America, and the record shows that he has rendered some notable services in that line. Mex ico should be able to find several reasons for remembering the fact. His was the principal influence that frustrated Louis Napoleon's designs on that country in the sixties; and it was American capital, invited into the country, and encouraged and protected by Diaz, that started Mexico~on. the road to development and prosperity ske enjoyed until she deposed him and drove him away to die.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20

depends upon the cost of production, into which the cost of current largely enters. Therefore, it appears that to make the meas ure apply to industries already here and temporarily enjoying the benefits of exemp- tion would be unfair.
 In the long run it is doubtful whether the principle of tax exemption ever works to any permanent public benefit, but an abrupt termination of the policy may be discon- certing to industry Furthermore, other states follow the practice, and there is no doubt that it has it's effect upon the choice of location for industries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
GARRETT IS LEADER
Chattanooga Timesl

The action of Representative Garner of Texas in withdrawing from the contest for democratic floor leadership in the next congress leaves Representative Garrett of this state an uncontested field for the place he has so ably filled since the incapacity of Representative Kitchin of North Carolina gave him the opportunity of acting as leader pro tenn. MT. Garrett has shown his fitness for the place. He is not alone alert and active, attentive to his duties and skilled parliamen- tartan, but he is sound democrat and earnestly devoted to his party's success. He will be able to give some cohesion to party action as well as party sentiment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
SAVING WILD LIFE
Atlanta Journal)

NAtldutd oOuIudlJ
 Lovers of woodland life will be heartened to learn that efforts for the conservation of the bison, or buffalo, as we more commonly say in America, have succeeded to the extent that there are three thousand more of the animals now than two decades ago. The fact is of chief significance as showing what can be accomplished by way of prevent ing the extinction of valuable or in- teresting species of wild life. If the states, with the cooperation of their citizens, will do half as much for the preservation of birds and game as the national government has done for the bison during these last twenty years, stupid and shameful chapter of our history will be rewritten in happier terms.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
FOR A DOLLAR AND A HALF

There is evident a marked backWardness in the payment of pol taxes this year. The time for such payment expires on February l. To date, according to the tax collee- tor, less than one-third of those who should pay have paid. Only ten days more remain for twenty thousand people in the county to protect their franchise. By losing the right to vote, they would lose vital privilege of citizenship, and this thought does not go well with professions of interest in public affairs. Many a man, who would risk his life to protect his right to vote if it were threatened, hesitates to risk his dollar and a half in the same cause.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
A Timely Editorial
Improving the Films
Christian Science Monitor)


 To those in the United States, as possibly in all other countries where there is competition among the larger producers and exhibitors of motion pictures. it must be appa- rent that, in recent months-and quite recent months at that-there has been a commendable improve ment in the quality of pictures shown, particularly with regard to the subject matter which it has been attempted to deal with. There was room for improvement. As to that there have been no two opinions among those who, professionally or as spectators, frequently attend ex- hibitions of the pictures. Domi- mated by selfish or ignorant com mercialism, the producing industry had retrograded to a dangerous and disastrous level. The public, slow to express even just criticism, had reached the point where the interest formerly felt in such entertainment had largely disappeared. The re- suit was lessened patronage, re- flected immediately in box-office receipts, and almost as quickly in the studios and offices of the pro- ducing companies.
 There is no more effective meth cd of emphasizing a protest than that which was adopted. The dol lar speaks a language which even the most obtuse can understand. Something had to be done, and something was done. The result is abundantly apparent. It is no mere assumption that there has been an improvement in the motion pictures offered for exhibition. The proof is available to all who care to be convinced or who care to prove or disprove, by actual contact, this reasonable view. As to the pro- cesses which have combined or con- tributed in bringing about the de- sirable change, the public knows little, generally speaking. But it must appear that whereas there was formerly poorly defined standard of production, even if there was a standard at all, there is now quite definite purpose to attain the greatess possible excel lence. Of course that ideal is real izable only; it has not yet been realized.
 But one might, were it permissi- ble, name several-perhaps half dozen-recent products of the mo- tion picture art which very nearly approach high standard of excel lence, not alone in the matter of the detail of their manufacture, but in the manner in which the subject matter around which they have been constructed is treated. The public is not hypercritical. It is not so important, for all ordinary pur- poses. whether or not light shaft is projected exactly in the right place, or whether proper attention has been given to period detail in the setting and surroundings. Glar- ing inconguities would be objected to, of course. But the main point upon which there is defensible in- sistence is that honest attention be given to the matter of the subject treated. Natural competition among producers and exhibitors guarantees that attention to artistic details will not be overlooked.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
From His Home Town

(From the Tuscaloosa News)
 The time had come for Tuscaloosa to say "Good-by, Bill," and while there was great outward show of joy and happiness, back of it all. like the early morning dew resem- bles rain, there was tinge of sad ness. Tuscaloosa loses most Iov- able citizen, but Alabama is given great and good goverpor. "Plaip Old Bill' or Governor Brandon. if you please, is probably one of the most popular individuals in the state. It was this, perhaps, that elected him governor. As an acorn will attract to itself those forces which it requires to produce the mighty oak, so will deeds of kind- ness, of love, of charity. of sacrifice. attract the hearts of men and women: what was theirs to give the highest honor in the state. came to "Plain Old Bill.' And from the city. of Oaks came Governor Bran- don.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
A Young Skeptic

After attending Sunday school for the first time little boy entertained his parents by telling them all he heard and saw there. A day or two later some older child in the neighborhood told him Santa Claus was a myth. Stalking into the house, he remarked, "Well, know all about Santa Claus now and Pm going to look into this Jesus busi- ness.'' PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
Adrift With the Times
Easy Picking

The foreign lecturer arrives
 And lands upon our friendly shores; Upon our patronage he thrives,
 And halls are crowded to the doors. He makes more money in six weeks
 Then year or two at home, Which is the reason why he seeks New fields to till across the foam.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
COTTON DELIVERIES

The senate has voted down Senator Dial's amendment requiring the delivery of con- tract cotton in specified grades. The meas ure was intended to protect buyers and manufacturers of cotton. Ostensibly, some of those opposing the measure expressed themselves as fearful that the result would be disadvantageous to the producers of the poorer grades of cotton. In reality, how
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-20
In the Vineyard By REV. H. C. OFFERMAN

Is there not for each one of us special work to do?
 Come, rise to the occasion.
 Do not let laziness be your mid dle name.
 Expect great things of yourself. Do not be a drone on life.
 Be battery of activity, and of seternal energy.
 Know that health, and happiness, and wealth, can come only through work.
 Be Worker; Be Toiler; Do Your Bit!