davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
THE SEAPORT AMENDMENT

The opinion appears to be gaining ground that the recently ratified seaport amend ment fails to empower the legislature to issue bonds for the construction of facilities at Mobile. This defect is one that lawyers have apparently not noticed, or, if they did, have not thought it worth while to mention. The amendment was drawn up by attorneys, and, it is understood, was passed upon by high legal authorities before enactment. The error certainly could have been detected and eliminated before the people voted on it. Be that as it may, the only course left ap pears to be the resubmission of the whole question with proper emendations. The state's need for developed seaport Is still more pressing than it was in November, and the states appreciation of seaport ad- vantages has steadily grown. The friends of port development need again to buckle down to recover the ground they thought they had won by their recent strenuous campaign in the amendments behalf. What is done, let it be done at once, and let there plans for the ports equipment. The legis- lature can quickly pass the proper measure and the question can promptly be resub- mitted to the popular vote. The best way to retrieve the error is to allow it to impose no delay on the undertaking. Only this time, let there be double and treble assur- ance that the measure itself is copper-riveted and proof against the closest judicial scru- tiny.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
CHANGES IN MAIN STREET.

Twenty years ago Main street" in the average small town of America was dreary thoroughfare, humble and unpretentious. It was the object of good-natured raillery from dwellers in the larger cities, many of whom recalled the days when they traversed Main street of their own back in their little home town. Perhaps they tried to hide the gen uine affection they had for it by adopting a superior and worldly attitude, but it was not the sort of street, when all was said and done, that one could point to with pride. In most cases it was unpaved. Hitching- posts still survived, and watering-troughs for horses. On a busy day there were dusty wagons and rattle-trap buggies scattered here and there. The townspeople would be pleased by the unusual hustle, evidence that their town was growing and was drawing patronage from the surrounding country, and the merchants would rouse from their lethargy and do a thriving trade with the visitors. But these periods of activity were shortlived They usually occurred on Sat urday. During the rest of the week, there was little to disturb the Sabbatical calm, unless it was a dog fight or an altercation UetWeel tWO ClCiDcliS WiiO Hdu lIIDlUSu l0o freely at the corner saloon. The stores were for the most part small affairs Little at- tention was paid to their appearance, and an attractive shop-window was a rarity. The drugstores were even then center for com munity gossip, but they were plain and un- ostentations. In fact, the only bright spots along Main street were the saloons some of the proprietors striving for ornamental eff fleets in lights and pictures and soap designs on the bar mirror. There might even be wheezy musical instrument of some sort that could be played by putting coin in a slot At night Main street" was dark, forbidding and deserted.
 A remarkable transformation has taken place. The principal street in the average small town is now well paved. The stores have a city appearance. Motor cars have supplanted wagons and buggies. The sa- looms are gone, but they would appear tawdry indeed compared to the movie palaces and the drug emporiums in marble tile, where little of everything is sold, in ad dition to pills and potions. At night Main street, is brilliantly lighted. Motion-pc- ture shows, with an occasional attraction at the "opera house," draw out the citizens, who are more prosperous, more up-to-date and more alert thanethey used to be. They have adopted city ways on limited scale and flatter themselves that after all the chief difference beween their smart little town and the nearest metropolis is in the matter of size. They ride in the same kind of mo- tor cars, see the same photoplays and enjoy of +Lo o,+, l, Main street, symboizes America and it's new splendor is proof of the advancement made by the American people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
HOUSE WILL CONSIDER SHOALS

Although their reasons given for now favoring a vote on Muscle Shoals are no more cogent than their former reasons for opposing such vote, the Republican leaders inethe house have pleased the country by their new decision. It is expected that some time will be consumed in debate, but the subject is worthy of all the time that will honestly be given to it's consideration. Ire gratifying thing is that both MT. Graham of Illinois and MT. Longworth of Ohio ac- knowledge that their former view that the project should be scrapped has now given way to the belief that the government should proceed with the construction for the public benefit. Perhaps, as the debate goes on, the education of these influential gentlemen will progress.
 MT. Mondell, the majority leader, re- marked that "every one knows the senate will not act, and thus render null and void whatever action the house might have ta- ken" The answer to that is that the house, at least will have done it's duty, and the re- sponsibility will have been shifted from it's shoulders to the senate. With only the senate to deal with the Muscle Shoals ad- vocates throughout the country and in con- gress will be able to concentrate their ef- forts and perhaps finally prevail upon the senate to act also. The arguments against the Ford offer continue to follow the same old line, at the same time making it very apparent that the opponents of such argu- ments are not familiar with the Ford offer. Perhaps, during the debate, somebody will seize the opportunity to read the offer and to- point out to its opponents the fact that it contains the features they consider in,- portant.
 The Muscle Shoals movement will soon be under way in the house, and it is expected that it's supporters will be able to guide it's progress. It is far easier to exercise influence upon a body in motion than to start body from position of rest. There fore, it may be taken for granted that the most difficult task, that of moving the house to action, has been accomplished. It is of no use to borrow trouble as to the probable action of the senate. The Shoals has power fu friends in the senate who may be relied on to bring every influence and technical advantage to bear on the question. The thing now to do is to bring the house to accept the Ford offer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
THE GOVERNORS SALARY

A bill to reduce the salary of the gov ernor of Alabama from ST 300 to $6,000 year was adversely reported by the ways, means and appropriations committee of the house. This action will meet with public approval. The salary of the governor is small compared to the burdens and responsi- bilities the chief executive of the state must assume It is barely sufficient for a gov ernor to support himself and his family and maintain the dignity of his office, particu- larly an executive who is dependent on his salary, as is the case with many of Alabamas governors. Nowadays $7,50O year is not regarded as large income for persons who occupy responsible positions. On the con- trary public service is notoriously under paid If salaries were commensurate with the duties and responsibilities imposed or public officials more desirable class of citizens would offer themselves for these positions. To a man who is successful in his business or profession, public life has few attractions, other than the honor that at- taches to holding office. There are much more effective ways in which economy may be practiced at Montgomery than by reduc- ing the salary of the governor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
CUBA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Speaking in Boston, w. P. G. Harding said the Cubans regard the administration of General Leonard Wood as their "golden age," and made the gratifying announce ment that Cuba is rapidly recovering from her financial depression of two years ago. MT. Harding declared that continuation of Cuba's present financial policy and the sue cess of the current loan of S50,000,000 will enable the country to become creditor, instead of debtor, nation. This is re- markable illustration of what may be ac- complished by sound financial methods and is highly creditable to General Crowder, who has played an important advisory part in the reorganization of Cuba's finances. The outstanding debts of Cuba are now estimated at $70,000,000 and it is believed that these obligations can easily be met with the loan and the revenue derived from new crops. The sugar crop, which. is Cuba's main de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21

pendence, will probably amount to four mil lion tons. The assistance given to Cuba by the American government has not only won the gratitude of Cubans, but it will pay large returns in the future, since American business men will profit by prosperous con. ditions in Cuba. The policy of the American government with regard to Cuba has been to prove helpful without undue interference with the islands autonomy, fact which the Cubans themselves are now willing to admit. They have good reason to feel grateful for the sympathy and support of a nation which has been accused in the past of harboring militaristic designs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
The Peoples Forum
More Judges or More System?

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 Jefferson county has ten circuit judges, one at Bessemer, nine in Birmingham; Judge Jones of Mont gomery was with the criminal di- vision last week. crowded jail and a heavy docket for this week. Three of the nine judges are on the job, six with twelve bailiffs are off their jobs at an approximate expense to the county of 1000 per week. Our legislature, in session, is being asked for from one to three additional judges for this county, with numer- ous increases in salary. Is this not food for thought for the taxpayer? Do we need more judges or do we need more system in the court house, or do we need more judges and system in the courthouse?
 JOHN c. ARNOLD.
 Birmingham, Ala, Jan. 19, 1922.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Adrift With the Times
All at Sea

All at Sea never saw a man who walked With more unsteady gait, Nor to himself more wildly talked Than yestereven late, When observed citizen, A most pathetic sight, Who muttered thickly, now and then, "The sea is rough tonight. "A storm is brewing on the deep, I hear the breakers roar, If I were safe at home asleep I'd never quit the shore. 'To tread deck that sways beneath My unaccustomed feet" And speaking thus with labored breath, He wobbled down the street.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
COMMUNISTS SHUN RUSSIA
Washington Post)

The preference expressed by three pardoned communists for imprison- ment in America to freedom in Rus sia is flattering tribute to the management of national penal insti- tutions where they would remain and an nnflattering one to the ter TOTS of sovetism. The pardons tendered the communists called for their return to Russia. But the par doned ones would none of it. The beauties of communism that at one time so strongly appealed to them in theory have evidently faded un- der the light of facts in Russia
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
DISCOVER NEW FUEL SOURCE
(Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Cleveland Plain Dealer)
 In an effort to solve the ever re- curing fuel problem, two Tacoma inventors have turned their atten tion to perfecting wooden coal which is proving quite practical and is generally used throughout the state of Washington. Waste pro ducts of the lumber mills form the basis for the briquets which the pair have evolved. Bark, sawdust and mill refuse, listed as an economic waste in the past, it being utilized. Tests prove that the briquets pos ses per cent carbon, ? per cent volatile and 1 per cent ash. In ad- dition, they are smokeless. Rated by the British thermal unit test, the briquets- as manufactured by the two rank with the best anthracite coal. Plants for the production of the bricks are now being planned in the various districts, and a scheme is being worked out to reduce the cost of manufacture. At the pres ent time. the actual cost of prepar- ing the waste is $6 ton. It is be- lieved that by installing larger and heavier machinery and speeding up the production this cost can be re- duced materially.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
TEMPORARY MANIFESTATIONS
(New York Herald)

Nobody will disagree with Pro- lessor Albert c. Rolfe of the Hill school that boys of the day are bet ter in every way than they were in the past, but there will be vocifer- ous dissent from his adverse opin- ion of the flapper. Lipsticks, bobbed hair and bare knees are merely matters of fashion and not the warning signals of morbi1 state of mind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Book Reviews

W. A. Fraser, author of "Caste" George H. Doran Company, New York;, takes for the theme sof his newest novel the ceaseless conflict between British officialdom and native hostility in India. The writer evidently knows something about India and native character, but this story is so poorly written that it loses whatever effectiveness it might have possessed as vivid picture of Indian life.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Winning Your Spurs By REV. H. C. OFFERMAN

Perhaps you have deserved your spurs.
 If you have, you are sure of them.
 We are somtimes overpaid, and sometimes underpaid.
 And yet, the Grown of Right eousness goes to the Good; and the Grown of Glory to the Brave. All of sudden, you will find the Treasure Box.
 All of a sudden, ages will concen- trate in you, unto ages.
 "The Victory of Life is Won."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Head Tax Good Plan
(Selma Times-Journal)

Ns1NAffftf
 Governor Brandon's two dollar head tax to be assessed against all citizens of both races, male and fe- male, between the ages of 21 and 50, using the proceeds for the pub lie schools, appears to be wise and timely proposal, and to offer convenient means of raising need ed revenues for the schools.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
THE HELPLESS CONSUMER
 (We shington Starl

The coal consumer cannot under take to have an argument with the dealer tha... will las. as long as the discussion between miner and oper- ator. The wage-earners may lay Up a strike fund, but the fuel-burn- CTS have found no way to lay up a community coal pile to be drawn against in climatic emergency.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Alabama Press
Women for Education
lMontgomerY Journall

Speaker Merrill paid well-de- served compliment to Mrs. Wilkins of Dallas county when he placed her on the committee of education. If the women of our state are inter ested in one thing more than an- other it is education.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
A SEASONED LETICANr
{Dctroit Free Press

Before passing around the con gr3tulations on the fact that the government has won it's SPA, coo : ono lawsuit against Charles w. Morse. it will he prudent to- recall the fact that MT. Morse comes out strongest after he has been beaten in court
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Fiercer Competition

What's going on here?"
 1.-Two motorists are having an alterca- tion.'
 "Yes?'
 Both want to use the same part of the street at the same time. That might have been possible in the bicycle days, but 1t can't be done in the age of gasoline"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
The Seaport Amendment Montgomery Advertiserl


 In Alabama we can do anything but adopt constitutional amend ment that will stand the acid test. Nearly every time the people get ready to pass on an amendment it turns out that somebody has over looked something in connection with it. The Mobile port-aid amend ment was beaten by the people on its first submission. But last year it was submitted again, and ratified by a very large and decisive ma Jority. In any case, the only thing to do is to find out the truth right away, resulted it, re-ratify it and in time for the legislature to start the ball rolling this year. But we venture to suggest that no further chances be taken on constitutional ademndments. Why not request the supreme court to draft them before they are submitted?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
A Magnet for Sorrows

"Is it your practice to go about looking for trouble?"
 "No,," replied MT. Grumpson. "It has been my experience that if person will stand in one place long enough, and look as if he had no friends and no influ. ence, trouble will just naturally gravitate to him." PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
THE NEXT STEP

Now that Congress has abandoned free seeds for the proletariat, it should next abandon the franking privilege for itself-for which, of course, the public pays.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
THE GROWING FLORIDA HABIT
 (Springfield Republican,

Application of the Florida East Coast railroad for authority to con struct a new 133-mile line from Miami to Okechobee will hardly be greeted with the skepticism which met the late H. M. Flagler's project for railroad along the east coast, and particularly for it's later exten- sion across the islands to Key West the most remarkable example in the world of railroad going to sea-" The Florida East Coast line, still controlled by the Flagler inter- ests, converted the seaboard from a wilderness into the region of win ter resorts which is today one of the states principal claims celebrity. Making his money in Standard Oil, MT. Flagler began the development of Florida in 1885, when the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar hotels were built at St. Augustine. But even he could hardly have foreseen the day when three sleeping cars would be operated daily from New Eng land to Florida resorts. The Flor ida habit has received an immense impetus in the past ten years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Who Is Responsible?
lSonthern Starl

(Southern Star) ---
 The Star points out the trouble with Ozark, it does not attempt to fix the responsibility therefor, but 1t does make this suggestion to every business man-every citizen: Have a heart-to-heart talk with yourself and propound and answer this question: "To what extent am 1 responsible for the lack of cooper ation existing to the hurt of my town?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Champanxees Up

Dr. voronoff's gland operations in Paris have caused the price of chimpanzees to jump from 400 to 4,000 francs. That doesn't make any particular difference in the way a chimpanzee feels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Rewarded

A motorist to heaven went,
 And rested there quite well content; He found speedways and parking space, And that to him was heavenly grace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
End Convict Leasing
(Mohile Registarl

Governor Brandon advises an ex- tension of time for the convict lease system. and bill to that end has been introduced in the house; but 1t begins to look as if he is to have a fight on his hands. The people who want the system to end are quite serious and wield considerable influence, as was seen when they compelled the passage of the act ending the system with the pressnt year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Poor Old Man

There is something pathetic in the at- tempts of MT. Willard to convince sport wri- ters that his eyesight is still good and he is neither fat nor hard of hearing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Worse and Worse

Hark! Hark Across the storied Rhine There comes frightful vail; The French are rounding magnates up And putting them in jail.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
BIRMINGHAM AGE-HERALD, SUNDAY JANUARY 21, 1928

failed to bring any genuine pressure to bear upon her." The consensus of editorial opin- ion, however, is that, now that France has put her hand to the plow she should succeed in her endeavor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21

thor of "The Untamed" and "The
 Night Horseman" (G. P. Putnam's
 Sons. New York.) A western story,
 in which horse is the hero.
 Anna Katharine Green is perhaps
 the~best known writer of detective
 stories in the country. So, to dis
 cover that she has turned out such
 a palpable potboiler as "The Step
 on the Stair" (Dodd, Meade and
 Company is all the more disap-
 pointing, when it is remembered
 that she has long list of successes
 to her credit, beginning with "The
 Leavenworth Case" It cannot be
 said that she does not know how to
 write a good detective story, but
 there are few evidences of her skill
 in 'The Step on the Stair, which is
 written in curiously involved style,
 is unnecessarily padded and is lack
 ing in the breath-taking rapidity of
 movement which characterizes this
 kind of fiction at it's best. Even
 after one has read as many as two
 hundred pages, one still has the
 sensation of ''wading" That is fatal to the enjoyment of a mystery ltale. It has been said of Anna Catharine Greens books that it is hard to lay one down until it is finished. That may apply to some
 of her better stories, but certainly
 not to "The Step on the Stair"
 After the disillusionment that e ,,, a++o,,,,,t n raoI hI,.e, Greens latest book, it was refresh
 ing to pick up such a well-con-
 structed and Interestingly told mar
 rative as "The Trouble at the Pine lands," by Ernest M. Poate (Chel- sea House, New York.) Although it is declared to be detective story on the title page, MT. Poate has sue ceeded in writing novel in which mystery and crime are cleverly in terwoven without introducing a real detective at all. The mystery is solved and the guilt placed where it
 belongs by a doctor, an expert in
 mental diseases, who arrives on the scene to act as best man at we'd ding, but remains to play the part of highly successful detective. MT Poate lays the scenes of his story in the mountain country of North Carolina, where there are some pic turesque and also some rather law less characters, including moon- sinners. The suspense is well sus-
 tained from the initial pages of
 "The Trouble at the Pinelands"
 until the mystery is solved, in an unsuspected way. There are some interesting character types in the book, notably Dr. Somers and Roaring Lafe" Rutledge. Mr. Poate is competent craftsman who succeeds in mystifying a reader and holding his attention until it is time to make the inevitable disclosure. "The Trouble at the Pinelands" may be depended on to while away an hour or two in very agreeable fash ion, if one is addicted to detective yarns-and most of us are.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
Other Books Received

North" by James B. Hendryx (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York.) A story of Alaska, with the Alas kan sweepstakes, dog-team race, as the climax. A tale for people who love the snowy wastes of the north country and the great out doors.
 "Alcatraz," by Max Brand, au- thor of "The Untamed" and "The Night Horseman" (G. P. Putnam's Sons. New York; A western story, in which horse is the hero.
The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1923-01-10
ReUieW Activities OF Montana
Legislature During Past Week

ure, while Senator Heren, floor lead
er of the Republican party two years
ago, absented himself from the bal
loting.
Senator Gibson was excused.
The hammer in which the senators
voted on this important committee
was as follows:
For the Pauline proposal: Conser.
Cowan, Demel, DowIin, Greenup,
Griffin, Haaland, Harmon, Jensen,
Kane, Kirton, Leighton, 10y, Mains,
Mears, Oliver, Pauline, Peterson,
Pomeroy, Rhoades, Rorvick, Sieg-
friedt, Stages, Taylor and Watson.
Against the proposal: Adams,
Church, Clark, Cobourn, Cooper,
Dearborn, Duncan, Esp, CARRIER,
Greening, Holly, Hazelbaker, Healey
Henderson, Leuthold, Lowe, McCone.
McQuitty, Muffly, Page, Paul, Peck
Porter, Spear, Stewart of Meagher
Stewart of Deer Lodge, and Walker
Heren was absent and Gibson ex,
cused.
The appointments on the taxation