davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
FIDDLE VERSUS VIOLIN

A more or less spirited discussion
was revived by the old-fashioned fid-
dlers' contest at Paris, Missouri, last
week, which involves the difference
between the fiddle and the violin.
Every year or SO a contest Of that kind
takes place in Alabama when the con-
troversy is reawakened and often
wakes warm. To draw a clear-cut
line between the two is difficult. We
once consulted well-known lexicon
for definition of "violin." 1t said:
"a musical instrument; see fiddle "
Turning to that word, we were en-
lightened by, "a musical instrument;
see violin" One difference depends
on whether a notable technician is
rendering some such composition as
Saint-Saens' "The Swan" or Vieux-
temps "Rondino" before highly dis
eliminating Boston audience, or
whether "bush-league" sawyer pats
his foot in unison while the guests at
an Alabama corn-shucking Swing
corners alp to the inspiring strains of
arkansas Traveller" or Captain
Shepherd Quickstep. Locality, degree
of culture. boosted age of the instru-
ment. whether it furnished the inspir-
alton at Saturday-night breakdown,
or touched the soul of man at the
Sunday morning service-all of these
conG>ions have entered into the ques-
ton. The violin has lifted many an
artist to keener appreciation of ma
ture, poetry, religion and their prod
ucts. The fiddle has originated. and
developed church rows, dancing Mara
thons and other deplorable situations.
Almost any violinist resents being
called a fiddler Few fiddlers there be
who are not insulted at being classed
as violinists.
One occasionally recognizes the
spirit of the divine art in a fiddler
who would not make bold to profess
sions of skill as a violinist. Not long
ago a blind street minstrel with an I'M
progressing fiddle rendered on Bir-
mingham's downtown corners Wieni-
awski's Romance and Wagner's
"Prieslied" with the technique of a
Morini and the depth of Kreisler.
Behind the sunken orbs and shabby
apparel smouldered the fire of genius
awaiting an outlet through the sound
ing-board of either violin or fiddle.
"To understand just the difference
between violin and fiddle" said
the reporter at the Missouri contest,
zone must witness real honest-to-
goodness saving and patting match,
such as Paris saw today" Being on
the scene, of course, would help any
one to draw a distinction but grade,
as we'll as bulk, of product enters into
the analysis. Has anyone figured out
the difference between a butcher and
packer, save the size of output and
profits? Even so with violin and fid-
die. 1t will always be hard to draw
the line just where music starts and
torture ends, and vice versa.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
SHIFTING THE BLAME

III In further efforts to shift RESPONSE
lhility to the public as respects recur-
ring Embarrassing accidents, the rail-
roads are undertaking to muddle the
issue by laying the blame upon public
IEarelessness. OF course, people
Should be careful, but that doesn't
solve the problem. In the May num-
Der of "The Right of Way Magazine"
which seems to devote large part of
It's space to discussions Of safety meth
ods from pretty much every angle ex-
cept the removal Of dangers estab
Hshed by the railroads themselves, is
reprinted an article from the Railway
Age, entitled, "The Menace Of High
Rgay Traffic" which is about as ludi-
srous as serious subject could be
made. The writer cites collision be-
tween passenger train and an auto
mobile at Columbus, Ohio, and ex-
plains that the car was driven by
woman who was not sufficiently
versed in the art Of gear-shifting to
stop the car at the proper moment. 1t
IS stated that the cause Of this and
many similar accidents "must be
Inscribed to a fundamental defect in
motor car operation;" that special skill
is needed in the driving of motor cars;
Chat exact speed in approaching grade
crossings must be observed, and all
chat sort of thing. Then follows a
technical discussion of gear-shifting,
Erade-observance and a variety of
other things tending to distract public
attention from the real cause of the
Trouble.
e. Everybody who is not wizard in
Operating a motor car should stay off
the public streets and highways where
nne is likely to encounter a railroad
Grade crossing, according to the writ
sr's reasoning. The people build and
pay for the public highways for their
own use, to be sure; but they should
aot use them, lest a railroad train an
Hihilate them while they are travelling
Is and fro. If the people persist in
rising their highways, they must take
lie consequences. Unless they are
expert chauffeurs and their cars re-
spond to the lightest touch, the people
need expect no assurance of safety.
The whole responsibility.lies with those
who make bold to venture on the high
ways or public streets, and the rail
roads only responsibility is to warn
tie people not to go where danger
lies. 1t makes no difference whence
come those dangers or who estab-
lished them. Suffice it to say, they
exist in aggravated form, and the peo-
pie must be guided accordingly.
lr.It does not seem to have occurred to
the railroads that they have no moral
o. legal right to endanger lives Of
Beople on streets or highways, or that
itsis their duty to remove these con-
slant dangers, for the public welfare,
even though they persist in disregard
ing the financial benefits to them
selves that would result from such a
course. Efforts from time to time
through publicity campaigns and
otherwise to shift the responsibility
by suggesting in substance that the
people should retire to remote places,
where they may be perfectly safe un-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
PEOPLES FORUM
As to the Nurses Home

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
/ am writing this letter to the
public through you. It is prompt
ed by what l read In the papers
about the building of nurses
home on the Hillman hospital
grounds in this city. My informa-
ton is that 100000 Is voted for
this proposition. Others that l
have talked to protest with me
against this useless expenditure
of money, for the following rea-
sons:
l.. Every large expenditure of a
permanent nature binders the
building of new court house,
which everybody recognizes as
absolutely essential from every
viewpoint.
2. The old and infirm of the
county are housed in old, dilapi-
dated houses, veritable firetraps
If we have 100000 to spend, why
not construct fireproof houses for
these old, infirm people?
3. I will guarantee for $4,000 to
put the present nurses home in a
better condition for habitation
than two-thirds of the people of
the county have, and l would
spend the other $4,000 for homes
that would be commensurate with
the needs of the county depen-
dents mentioned above. If there
is any way to enjoin the board of
revenue for this uncalled-for eX-
travagance. I am going to do it. 1t
is constantly surprising to me
how the minds of some of our Of
ficials work, when ! see things
of this kind going on.
thank you for giving me this
space to call the public's attention
to this outrageous procedure. If
the county was Overlooking with
money and If there were not other
things tremendously needed, build
ing a 100000 home for few
young ladies' might not be so bad,
but the taxpayers burden is get
ting too much to allow such a
matter as this to go on.
F. NJ. JACKSON.
Birmingham, Ala. May 81. 1928.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
ACBELIcHTS fHaHl AoSl
ANNATIONAL @T0
l0 CAPI1AL SggsLss i

The government is prepared to
hand down to posterity the com
plete official and verbatim story
of one of the most farcical and at
the same time pitiable stories ever
enacted under the great white
dome.
1t is recalled with what mingled
sensations the people Of the United
States heard the charge of the
late Senator Thomas e. Watson
of Georgia. that private soldiers
were executed in France-beaten
mistreated, imprisoned. hanged
without rhyme or reason, and
without trial.
When the charge was preferred
the army demanded an investiga-
ton. Senator Watson declared
himself able to prove his charge.
He cited as witnesses many young
men who served in France. the
majority of them sufferers of shell
shock and mental and nervous
diseases. He presented photo
graphs of gallows on which stood
trembling from one to ten young
men about to be plunged into the
great unknown.
For weeks Watson presented his
case. Then came the inning of
the army. It soon developed that
witnesses cited by the Georgian
were laboring under hallucina-
tions. 1t was admitted that they
believed that to which they swore.
but 1t was proved that that to
which they swore was not true.
Bng).si candwlatestheETA t
In the midst of the proceedings
Senator Watson died The verdict
of the Investigating committee
was inevitable. 1t was delayed,
however, out of respect to the de-
ceased. Some members Of the COM
mittee thought 1t would be we'll to
drop the matter. But the army
interposed. 1t insisted that it's
vindication should be formally
prepared, and the committee rec
ognized that in it's position there
was real merit.
The verdict was rendered just
before the adjournment of the last
congress.
And now there has come from
the press OIL lHe government the
complete story of the Watson
charge and the Investigation of
that charge. Never have comedy
and tragedy been more insepara-
bly, intermingled. 1t is YER
batim account of the entire pro-
ceedings in one volume, and If
anyone desires to read 1t, he may
secure the book by addressing a
senator from his state.
Representative Edgar Howard
Of Nebraska recently received a
letter from a friend with an unde-
cipherable signature. For amuse-
ment he asked twenty-five people
to attempt the riddles solution.
Sixteen agreed that 1t was the
name of an Indian. Four de-
clared it to be y. Salome Con
Cleve." In the Kickapoo tongue,
u. Salome Con Cleve" signifies
Man With Feathers on Face"
Isn't that remarkable? The man
who wrote the letter was ]. Ham
ilton Lewis of Chicago. Everybody
recalls the former senator's lux
urious growth of pink whiskers.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
there is room for parking all the.

there is room for parking all the,
autos in Birmingham, and all that
will be there for some time to
come. Space that should bring in
good rentals to the railroads and
the location is the nearest to be
had. and when the time comes
that the authorities must stop the
parking of cars in the business
section as transferring with bust
ness and traffic, the space under
the railroad tracks which I have
described will be the only con-
venient cheap property obtainable
for the purpose.
l will be pleased to have you
publish this idea of mine SO that
1t may be considered along with
solving the grade-crossing prob
lem. T. H. MOTION.
Fairhope, Ala, May 20. 1928.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
Many Snakes This Season

(Eufaula Citizen)
While cutting potato draws on
M. M. Reeves farm a young whits
boy was bitten by a rattlesnake.
and 1t was only through his own
presence of mind that he was not
fatally poisoned. The boy tied
string around the bitten finger so
that the poison was not carried
through his veins. A physician was
called and found the finger black
and terribly infected with poison.
so 1t had to be lanced considerably
to draw out the poison. The snake,
which had seven rattles. was
killed. There is said to be an I'M
usually large number Of snakes
this season, and one was killed %
a residence street OF Eufaula q
few days ago.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

til they can operate motor cars in the
most slzillful manner, will not confuse
the minds of folks who know their
rights and who fully understand just
where the responsibility and blame lie.
Figures show that grade crossings are
a menace. Therefore they should not
be tolerated.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

The Alabama appeals court ruling
that smell may be admitted as evil
dence in criminal trials recalls that
some of the crimes that 60 unpun-
ished have an odor all their own.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
Plan for Parking Autos

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
L commend you for the good
work You are doing in advocacy
of doing away with grade cross
ings in the city of Birmingham.
This is question which has been
before the people and the city
of Birmingham, from time to time,
for thirty-six years to my certain
knowledge. Why the railroads do
not see the necessity and advan-
tage I am at loss to know. The
cost of watchmen, the delay in
traffic. the compensation paid by
the railroads for deaths and in
jury to persons must be enough
to pay a handsome interest on the
cost of viaducts and Mnderpasses.
Some of these days the work will
be done, and according to plans
made by Mr.. Kirkpatrick when he
was city engineer and adopted
both by the city commission and
the railroad engineers. In fact.
part of the plan was executed by
the building of the Weatherly VIA
duct and the viaduct on Twenty
first street.
1t occurs to me that the delay is
due to lack of backbone. The city
commissioners have the power to
force the railroads to do the work,
and 1t occurs to me that the rail-
roads are delaying for the purpose
of making the city pay good
share of the cost. If this is the
cause, then l would say that an
other thirty-six years will roll
around before the city Is able to
pay. The railroads are prospecting
and get money for other purposes,
The main purpose of this COM
munication is to call attention to
a subject as serious and much
more difficult to solve. I refer to
the parking of automobiles in the
business section of the city and to
present. an idea which I have.
When the railroad tracks are
raised from down about Alice fur
mace to Twenty-fourth street.
there will be room under the
tracks to provide for parking au-
tomobiles or for regular garages.
In the blocks from Eighteenth to
Nineteenth. from Nineteenth to
Twentieth. from Twentieth to
Twenty-first and from Twenty
first to Twenty second streets
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Florida has been taken into mem
bership of the National Laundrymen's
Association. This, coming on the heels
of it's abolition of the lash, makes it
seem that the Peninsula state really
means to clean up.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
SMILES
Knew How 1t Was
New Haven Register)

New Haven Register)
Young Hugheson. at college.
found himself rather short of
money.
After deep thought he wrote his
father the following letter:
Dear Pater: I am writing for
a check rather sooner than I ex-
pected, but you see several bills
have come in at once-books. lab
oratory fees. games, sub, etc.
Please send it on as soon as pos
sible. Your affectionate son."
The father replied:
MY Dear Son: I received your
letter today and am sending you
the check you asked for. was
at college myself once, you know
With love. DAD"
"P. SIS she good looking?"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Now it is better understood why
Lloyd George got the reputation of
being a politician: He takes much
gloomier view of the future than when
he was running things.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

If the Republican party doesn't To-
cate an issue soon, it may find itself
in the position of Floating on the sur
face of the occasion and trusting to
the sublimity of luck"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Forty-seven out Of the forty.
eight states in the union have
abolished the convict lease system
and the convict contract system.
In many of these states. we are in
formed. the convicts not only are
self-sustaining. but they are reve.
nue. producers under humane con-
ditions. What is needed most now
in Alabama. in connection with
this problem, is careful survey
of the system used in other states
and the proposal of a plan where
by Alabama's convicts can be
taken from under the lease sys-
tenn. This work should be done,
primarily. by the state. If the
state declines the responsibility,
then 1t is up to some organization
of citizens to do It, The present
situation should not be permitted
to continue without some step ~
ing taken to remedy II.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Wall Street appears to assume the
attitude that the government takes
chance every time it undertakes to
interfere with gamblers in necessities.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

The Houston Posts Photographer
boasts: "Grand old Texas is sweet
with the fragrance of cantaloupes,
bright with the color of flowers and
glorious in the anticipation of a bump
err watermelon crop" Why doesn't that
writer cash-in by applying his mag
nation to summer-resort folders?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
,ussia claims to hay.

Russia claims to have fifteen
million well-equipped soldiers ready
for any emergency. Think what it
would mean for Russia if all those
men were put to work earning enough
to pay her honest debts.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Judge Gary'S Position
G.ouiSyilla Hera1dN


1t may be that we misunder-
stand Judge Gary, but, as we sense
it, he declares with a noble ges-
ture for the twelve hour day for
steel workers and the Ten Com
mandments for the world at large
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
Danger of the Pistol

lTuScaIOOSa News1
Domestic peace calls for tire out
having of small arms just as sure
ly as international peace calls for
the outlawing of armament. 1t
would be a blessing IL the manu-
facture of such concealable fire
arms could be brought under strict
government supervision, and no
person be allowed to obtain .
gun" without a convincing reason
for needing one and a guarantee
that he would be responsible for
it's Use
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

1t is reported that Argentine SOL
diers are required to manicure their
nails. Argentine must be trying to
increase her reputation for maintain
ing a pink-tea army.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Although some of the Europeans
have gone to work, as indicated by
the increased American customs, the
biggest industry over there seems to
be international suspicion.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
Difference of Opinion

Lady: you say your father was
injured in an explosion? How did
it happen?"
Child: well. mother says it was
too much yeast. but father says
it was too little sugar."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
The Summer Quietudo

The lonesome days for the editor
of The Observer have come again.
We will no longer hear the merry
prattle of the boys and girls as
they pass our office going and
coming from school. 1t is as a
calm after storm and tho old
town seems to have suddenly set
mer Quietude.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

NASHVILLE Banner)
DR.. Sun plans to build 1900
miles of railroad in China. Surely
he doesn't mean to increase the
field for bandits to work
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

ICTduSQen IImeS-NeWSJ
The convicts should be made to
work 'Idleness would but breed
trouble for the convict as we'll as
for the state. Caring for those
convictsed of violating its laws 10
one of the greatest items Of ex-
pense that the state has to bear.
They must be made to do some
practical constructive work for
their own good and for the good
of the state. One of the objects
of making a man serve time for
law violation is to make Of him .
good citizen, II that be possible. Is
1t possible to make a good citizen
of man who is treated like a dog
by a brute that is worse than q
dog?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

The Republicans don't want to join
the League because they have Lodge
of their own.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
A Large Asset
Mobile Register)

1t is gratifying to note that,
pending the settlement of the
question Of the bond-issuing fea-
ture of the port amendment. tho
editors have not lost interest in
the project. Judging from the ad-
dresses delivered during the con-
vention, and opinions expressed by
the visitors informally, they share
the belief of Mobiles citizens that
the state of Alabama has one Of
it's greatest opportunities in the
port of Mobile and the waterways
which connect it with the agricul-
tural and manufacturing regions
of the state. forming natural trade
arteries that open to the farmers
and manufacturers Of Alabama a
worldwide market for the sale Of
their products.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

She (readfng health note):
when one gets sick it's usually
some weak part of the body that's
attacked first"
He: why, certainly; that's why
you're always having headaches"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

poison-pen writers. 1t is to be devout-
ly hoped there won't be marathon
in this field, too.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Other cities than New York, includ-
ing New Orleans, are producing
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Physician, Heal Thyself
A healer, known to worldwide fame,
Possest Of wealth and honored name,
He cures the ailing human frame
By many strange device.
In vain he labors at the tee
And swings his driver aimlessly-
A hopeless, helpless dub is he,
Who cannot cure slice.
Gle laughed at me-" said the model
who had punctured her sweet patootie
with a gat. And still doctors tell US it
is healthful to laugh.
Air
How sweet it is at early morn to throw
the windows high,
To breathe the heavy fragrance of the
breezes passing by
And let the smoke and SCOT drift in
from yonder hazy sky.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Cincinnati Enquirer)
rs Puddinhead good neigh
bor?" asked Brown.
We'll, he gets up at six bells
Sunday morning and starts now
ing the lawn" replied Black.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

The crowd that gathers to watch a
demonstration in shop window is not
drawn thither by idle curiosity. To
every human soul there is a fascina-
act of working.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Suddenly Waking Up


Greater Huntsville is suddenly
waking up to the fact that a new
inspiration, new enthusiasm and
new thought attend the actions
and will of local community life.
To the credit of the Chamber of
Commerce we owe much for this
new and happy condition.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

1t seems to us that the civil service
ought to be extended to include the
police commissioner His textbook
should be the city code. Any lawyer
could tell him where to find one.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Then the police should be given an
ordinance each week to enforce.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Indianapolis News)
In predicting clash between
this country and Japan. Won Hin
denburg is stealing some of Rich
mond =. Hobson's stuff
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Why not have the coroner sit on
some of those dead city ordinances?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

When are those street-car tickets
coming from their shy retirement?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

Score another for VIM. Shakespeare.
One Mrs. Perfect appears in divorce
court and says Mr.. Perfect is not.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-01

When? Why, when the railroads
build viaduct.