davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
JOHNSON AND EXPORTS

Since Johnson's return from Europe suspicious entertained by good many newspapers and individuals as to his sincerity appear to be on the increase. The gentleman from California has been even more strident for isolation since he went across and looked things over. Apparently what he saw confirmed his views to his own satis- faction at least, and he brought back some extra, if not original, denuncia- tory adjectives. One editor suggests that he has beclouded the minds of some folks because he has "spent so much time telling them what he is against that they have forgotten what he is for.'
 However that may be, Senator Johnson loathes Europe so intensely that he almost foams at the mouth whenever that country is mentioned. This matter of adjustment through
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
"cUssINC" AND MATRIMONY

A New Jersey judge has ruled that man cannot legitimately "cuss out'' his wife, even though she may not en- certain any objections to such treat ment. There is no doubt that domes- tic felicity is frequently and some times sorely put to the test under fairly favorable circumstances, with out the additional aggravation of of- fensive language. Records of the modern divorce courts demonstrate this. Every year more couples floun- der on the shoals of the matrimonial sea. In many cases neither party to the controversy is addicted to swear ing.
 Now and then some man who is highly accomplished in the art of "cussing," but who never uses "cuss'' words except on special occasions un- der emergencies, undertakes to defend the principle as a source of relief to meet normal circumstances, such as missing the nail and hammering his thumb. His argument is unsound from two standpoints-the Biblical view and the angle of good breeding. In- cidents of this kind usually occur when the lady of the house is stand ing by delivering minute instructions 1; and there is an old saying that "swear- in before lady is impolite." From the Biblical standpoint the offense is even more direct; for, while the aver age man who "cusses" undertakes to excuse himself on the ground that he does not mean anything by it, that is just what the Bible forbids: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain"
 True, the Jersey man who provided the basis for the jurist's ruling was under great stress in being made to find the starting key to his auto. But things might have been worse. A road-hog might have squatted in front of him without giving any signs of his intent, then demanded large com pensation for effects on his nervous system. Of course, many would sym phathize with a bit of fluent language under the circumstances, but the Good Book says: Swear not at all" and the combination of spiritual and lega. is not easy to defy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12

the war can hardly be gainsaid. He put it concisely in the odd word nor malcy,' which will always be asso- ciated with his administration. It ex- pressed very well the general craving for relief from agitation and re turn, if that were possible, to the happier days which the war had so rudely interrupted"
 As to the "best minds" to which Harding several times referred as designating his chosen advisers, the Nashville Banner remarks; "Many of those upon whom he relied were not trustworthy. Discomfort grew rap idly and brought. into existence va rious blocs and elements hostile to him. International conditions grew worse and worse and blocked any sincere eff fort on his part to interpose without involvement of his country. No presi- dent ever faced such unpropitious conditions. Through it all he held himself as true to his pledges and as erect in his attitude as was possible D It is unfortunate that many of MT. Harding's advisers were not so true to him as he was to them.
 Among the journals best qualified to appraise Harding personally is the Washington Star, which declares: "No matter was too small to concern him and no person too humble for him to see. Advancement to the highest of flee had not widened the distance be- tween him and his citizens, had not made him less responsive to their thoughts or less sympathetic with their woes. He was still one of the people, true type of American who has won his way to success. Such a man could not spare himself, could not iso- late himself for protection, could not delegate responsibility for decision. He must see for himself, hear for him self, know for himself. And it was to this characteristic that Warren Har- ding finally sacrificed himself"
 The personal estimate is undoubt- edly the one by which Harding de- lighted to be judged. In accordance with that estimate he ranks very high indeed. History will take care of his official achievements.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
With Good Taste
(Kansas City Starl

NhdHSdS SllN CtdlJ
 In taking office President Cool idse unquestionably has made an exceedingly favorable impression on the American people. He has conducted himself with good taste throughout trying situation. While he has not seemed unduly assertive, he has conveyed to those who have met him the impression of complete self confidence. He has shown natural dignity, and people like dignity in their chief executive. There is general feel ing of friendliness in response to the new presidents attitude. MT. Coolidge has called forth the good wishes of the entire nation as he goes forward to assume the heavy sponsibility that awaits him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
A Mind of His Own
(Dallas News)

NCiAldo 4NtWSD
 Whether MT. Coolidge'e an- nounced purpose to carry out the policies of his predecessor is to be diverted and thwa7ted by the hard realities he will encounter re- mains to be seen. Probably it will not be to the degree that MT. Roosevelts was, if for no other reason than that between the po- litial principles and predilections of MT. Harding and MT. Coolidge a much closer degree of political affinity subsists than between those of MT. Mckinley and MT. Roosevelt. However, MT. Coolidge has mind of his own and the courage needed to give 1t full ex- pression, as the country is apt to see before long, if it has not al ready discovered the fact, and it will be surprising if he does not develop policies which will not easily be identified with those which he has announced he will continue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
Telephone r-kTIfSSI5so91estESt, Ielephone Main 4900 SxsSSssSsE2 Main 4oo0
cAPITALIzING FARMERS PLIGHT

That most of the troubles of the farmers are imaginary is the ex- pressed view of former Governor Bai- lev of Kansas, now head of the re- eional bank at Kansas City. He holds that there are two reasons for discon- ssent. among the farmers, one that they wantqto work three months in the year and burn gasoline the other nine months; the other, that unwise repre- sentatives and newspapers have made the farmer believe that he is suffering when he is not. The farmers sup posed unfavorable condition has been greatly magnified by politicians who are out for votes first, last and all the time. That has been a notable part of the political game for years, and seems to be increasing in in- tensity.
 There are hundreds of politicians who capitalize the farmers real or imaginary grievances into votes. It is comparatively easy for them to con- fuse the minds and thoughts of those who hope for government relief for every i'll. They are not in the mood or condition to think logically about such matters. This smooth political maneuver develops from selfish pur. poses and has no basis of economic principle or common sense. But it is scheduled for psychological time and is worked to the limit for the unwor- thy end in view.
 Such situations beget figures like the recently elected Minnesota sena- tor, for example, who declares that he is going to Washington to get the gov ernment to guarantee price for grain that will cover the production cost plus a profit to the grower, an impracticable and absurd proposition. The cost of production varies widely with location, soil fertility, weather conditions, skill in management and many other clements. A reasonable cost of production of products in one place under one condition might mean prosperity to one producer and bank ruptcy to another. Under the cost plus system the temptation to run things up is acute. Surely every in. telligent and conscientious representa- tive saw enough of this vicious theory during the World War. The more these things are considered, the clearer it becomes that the farmer can best help himself through his own self reliance and his flat refusal to listen to ambitious and selfish politicians. Businesslike methods and management are the farmers best friend. Learn ing to market his products on a com- nonsense basis will do more for him than all the vote-seekers. In that he deserves and can obtain government encouragement and aid; but it, will not be brought about by political par Rsites preying on discontent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
Acts on Convictions
(St. Louis Globe-Democrat)

est. Louis -Democrat)
 It is conceivable, to be sure, that he may not be in entire accord with his predecessors views as to the specific form of the world court, but if Calvin Coolidge is what he is said to be. or what his own words and acts indicate that he Is, he is not to be influenced by fear into doing what his con- science tells him it is not right to do. He is a party man, and party expediency will have weight with him so long as it does not conflict with what he conceives to be his duty. At that point, we are con- fident he will cease to be a par tisan and act in accordance with his conviction, regardless of re- suits to himself or to his party, holding, as another has declared, that it Is better to be right than to be president.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
His Impressive Equipment
Philadelphia Publf Ledger)

VI hllduelplld I uDll heQSeTD
 Calvin Coolidge has brought to politics the practial idealism of a man who thinks out his creed be- fore he enacts his program and gives to silence itself a command ing eloquence. He has been his own man; he has owned his own mind. The people may be sure that in the vast responsibility he now assumes his faith in God, his confidence in his country; and his proper and desirable Self-reliance will not be stampeded to partisan ends nor to any interests that are smaller than the benefit of all the people. He brings to his great task a most impressive equipment. II is almost as though he had schooled himself for the presi- dency from the very start of his career.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
GERMANY NEEDS A STATESMAN

It IS rumOred that the Cuno mln1S- try in Berlin is on the verge of be- ing forced to resign, because of the restlessness among working classes who find that living costs are rising much more rapidly than wages. Mer- chants, landlords and others raise their prices to keep pace with the deprecia- tion of the paper mark, while wages remain practically stationary or else rise very slowly. The Socialists fear that the workers will go over to the Communists, and are correspondingly uneasy. The present cabinet is non partisan, but the criticism is directed not at any party but at the govern ment failure to achieve any economic relief. Instead of improving, affairs are going from bad to worse. The gov ernment, instead of giving genuine study to economic conditions, is play ing politics, setting one group off against another in the hope that ten ure of office may be heightened. Naturally, such a situation is neither stable nor permanent.
 The paper mark has depreciated to an absurd depth. Six and half mil- lion marks a month form the wages of government employees. Vast as the sum is in figures, it is hardly enough to keep body and soul together for thirty days. The depreciation has de- scended to such degree as to result in the paradoxical condition of the more paper marks turned out the greater the shortage of marks. The recent strike of pressmen employed in the the printing of marks intensified the shortage to a degree that many were offering their checks to buy marks at one hundred per cent. advance. since the mark is worth almost noth- ing, however, it is worth little more even when worth twice as much.
 It is hard to tell how much Ger manys present financial policy is de- liberate and how much is due to the force of circumstances. Probably in the beginning it was deliberate but later got out of control. The finan- cial situation is exaggerated by the official policy with respect to the Ruhr and the continuation of passive resistance there. The policy has para Iyzed German industry and business everywhere, so that the net result will be loss many times greater than the sum of the separations which the Ger mans are dishonesty seeking to avoid.
 If the Cuno government falls 1t IS rumored that the new government would be not non-partisan but coal ition, in which all parties would re- tain the identity of their representa- ton. All this is mere political jug gling, however, for the only cure for Germany lies in the adoption of pol icy of rehabilitation that will include a program of payment of obligations, a reform in the currency, and an in dustrial recovery based on sound prfn- ciples. Politics will not help. If Ger many has a real statesman, now is the time to call on his services.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
REMOVAL THE ONLY REMEDY

The bill proposing to compel auto mobiles to come to a full stop before proceeding over railroad grade cross ings is objectionable for two very CO., gent reasons. In the first place, that requirement. would tend to throw the burden of accidents at grade crossings on the automobilist rather than on the railroads which maintain the perpetual danger there. In the second place, by making it easier for railroads to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
"Be Brief" His Philosophy
(Atlanta Journal)

(AtIanta JournaI)
 His resolute stand for Jaw and order, in the frown of issues which mere time-server would have evaded, are part of American his- tory; as is also his nomination to the vice presidency on the strength of that outstanding service. His philosophy, Be brief" and Do the days work" is admired by even the loquacious and the loiter- ing; while his sole hobby-the reading of economies. as Washing ton correspondents tell-inspires a world of respect and never an atom of envy. But when all has been said that Is known to be said, the new president of the United States remains curiously un- scanned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12

[ of averages is more nearly appli- | cable to the courts than to any other human agency. Rightfully
 or wrongfully, legally or illegally, with or without Justification, per- sons were convicted and began serving their sentences. Since
 then the trials and the judgments have been under assault. Demands
 for pardons by the President have been based on many reasons-be-
 cause the law was not wise, be-
 cause the testimony was not satis-
 factory, because othe9s, who wtlnt
 upwhipped of justice, said and did | worse things, because the war Is
 over, because other nations have
 freed their war prisoners and be- l cause and because and because.
 The President of the United States concluded, after personal study of the cases and formal in- vestigation by the department of justice, to pardon some of the
 prisoners and to withhold cle-
 mency from others. What was the
 result? Did his merty and lovs for justice inspire gratitude and praise? What appreciation of his act has been expressed? It seems to me that abuse of the President became more violent than 1t was before he granted any executive clemency. Credit for sincerity was denied him; appreciation of the
 time and patience consumed by
 examination of the cases was not voiced; no word of thanks was ut
 tered anywhere. so far as I know.
 General amnesty was sought and
 nothing less would suffice.
 l cite this Is an illustration of
 the spirit of intolerance with
 referene to the law and it's penal
 ties. What do we care about the
 law if it is not the kind of law
 that we ourselves believe ought to
 be? Down with every law that
 does not measure up to the terms
 of our intolerant spirit, and above
 all let us stand for a new system
 of lawmaking. Let the laws on
 larceny be dictated by the thieves
 in the penitentiaries; the laws on
 murder by homicides; let the Vol stead act be revised by bootleg gers. Indeed, who are more com potent in this tolerant age to say
 what the law should be than the
 men who have been convicted for violations of 1t? If the criminal laws may only be made by those who violate them we shall most assuredly demonstrate how tol-
 erant age may become intolerant of all authority.
 Copyright, 1923, by Twenty-f first Century Press),
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
For the Essential Virtues
(Chicago News)

NCnlcaSO NeWS)
 President Coolidge believes in the essential virtues-self-r reliance, thrift, loyalty to truth, subordina- tion of eXpediency to righteous ness. He has no sympathy with paternalism or undue dependence on the grandmotherly state. He Is stanch upholder not only of state rights, but of local auton- omy, of local initiative. of neigh borly cooperation. He admires the original plan of town govern ment, government of the citizens and by the citizens. He has faith in the plain man, such faith as Lincoln had; but he is aware that the average man longs for high minded guidance and rational leadership.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
EDITORS DISCUSS
 MIR. COOLIDGE
Can't Bluff Him
(Detroit Free Press)

N0ON4OAA | ES l GSSJ
 All that the country really knows now is that President Cool idge thus far has met the expecta- tions and predictions of those who first recommended him to the na- tion. He is showing good judg- ment, discretion and excellent taste in what he is doing. A reader of events gains the im- precision that the presidency has fallen into the hands of a man who is an earnest, conscientious patriot, who is intent upon form ing careful judgments. and who in tends to know what he is doing when he makes a move. There Is considerable room also for the cheering suspicion that it is not going to be easy to put anything over" on Calvin Coolidge, and that people who try to work bluff will be likely to find that bluff will not work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
A Practical Farmer
Chattanooga Timesl

It will be interesting to know what the radicals" mean by a dirt farmer" when they come to oppose President Coolidge for the presidential nomination next year. Mr. Coolidge is a practical and experienced" farmer, whether he is dirt" or not. On the very day fate made him the president of the United States he was riding a reaper on his fathers place and helping the boys to gather In the hay. He was raised on farm and knows the righteous needs of the farmer, whether he believes he is eptitled to more than any body else in the nation from gov ernment or not.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
FINDS OUR ROASTED TOLERANCE LARGELY A SHAM

write upon church controversies or to set myself up as one of those who pretend to speak with author ity. I am more interested in the principles of intolerance in the light of an age that pretends to be tolerant. l have no fear that the church Is to be destroyed or it's influence lessened by either digging into the earth or soaring only by itself. So long as it does not forbid the casting out of dew ills In His name it will endure. Danger to the church lies not in scientific research, but in social uplift. It is when the church in Ills name and drives them 10 the point of casting them out by education, by health. sanitation and social agencies that it's influ- ence is likely to be weakened.
 Instead of quarreling about the truth or falsity of scientific in vestigation, the church would bet ter busy itself with a spirit of in tolerance and marry all those in fluences which are for the better ment of the human race. letting the good things that are being done go on, taking part in them and giving God the glory rather than boards of state charities.
 rTn6oT-'g Cnir-it nP int manifests itself in other walks of life besides those wherein men go by faith and not by sight. Intol- erance of the law of the land is now sharply accentuated. Laws, of course, are repealable and sub ject to change, but 1t will be q sorry day when law notifications are left to the judgment of the criminal rather than to the com mon sense of the law abiding citi- zen.
 I have in mind the espionage cases and the demand on the President for general amnesty. am not called upon to defend the wisdom of the war legislation un- der which convictions were made. It is not needful to review the testimony. A period of intense excitement may have existed. Witnesses may have stretched the truth in testifying; the courts may have been prejudiced, jurors may have been biased. Even so, all this has little to do with the cases at hand. No one would ever be punished for anything if the law had to guarantee that in no instance should any injustice be lone in a prosecution. The law
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12

init of the enlarged city that must come. We need to lay out more territory, begin right now to pre- pare for the big rush of city build ing that Is coming. We should have more miles of good streets and sidewalks; we should have a general extension of public inn provements, and the quicker they get here will be too slow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12

It is declared by political observers that governmental affairs will run smoothly during the next few months. That indicates that there will be no extra session of congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
Textile Prospects

IASHIdIIU T TUE TtSoI
 It should interest Ashland and Clay county citizens to know that textile interests are Investigating the advantages of thi ssection in systematic way and with the trend of that industry to come southward the time is opportune for inviting and encouraging in- vestigations of this kind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
Must Provide Schools

' IT IOTFIIVt HUT dTUJ
 Unless Alabama is to fall still farther behind in education, two things must be done. We must tax ourselves to provide more funds for school purposes and we must endeavor to impress upon parents the paramount importance of keeping their children in school beyond the age of sixteen years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
No Need for Exemption

NSHtIIItIU SldIUdTU1
 The necessity eff it ever existed) for taX-exempt bonds is past and the day is here when no such loopholes as this should remain to enable those most able to pay to esape taxation. Every dollar that tax-exempt bonds absorb cuts two ways-it doubles the tax on other people and removes a dollar from industries which need 1t for expansion and development.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
How to Get Good Roads
(Prattville Progress)

" TdttNllle 9rOSreSS)
 If the legislature will divide the two cents gasoline tax between the sixty seven counties and let the board of revenue in each county spend the s50O,000 guaran- teed to each ounty from the statJ bond issue and the federal aid, the Progress will guarantee some splendid roads in each county and it will not take lifetime to build thaTn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
The Outstanding Figure


 Underwood is the outstanding figure in the Democratic party. For thirty years member of the national congress, he has gained an experience in governmental af- fairs that is second to that of no man in the nation. And with his experience is coupled a wisdom, statesmanship and balance that Is rare among the great men of the earth. Alabama presents to the nation her favorite son as the man to lead the people into saner gov ernment and times of prosperity, happiness and peace.