davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
COTTON SHOWS GAINS

Although the falling-off in the price of wheat has amounted to a total of $61, 100000, too much has been said about the plight of the wheat farmers and not enough about the gain made by other farmers. For example, while the wheat farmers have suffered a decline of sixty-one millions, the corn farmers have crop value amounting to an increase of six million dollars as compared with last year.
 And now, with the latest reports from Washington, it is announced that cotton has risen seven cents a pound in six weeks, and that the total esti- mated increase in cash to cotton far mers of the South is over four hun dred million dollars. Thus the wheat farmers loss of sixty-one millions seems over-emphasized in the face of the increase of one billion dollars in the value of two other leading staples.
 The upward turn of the cotton market is not yet complete. Indica- tions are that cotton will go higher how much higher nobody knows. This increase is due to two causes. The first is the falling-off in the present crop yield. There is bound to be smaller carry-over next year than for many years. This always boosts the price. The second cause is the gen eral increase in buying power throughout the country and the con fidence that good times will continue. Thus there is greater demand for cotton goods than usual, and conse- quently a greater demand for raw cotton. The situation is improving, in spite of, or perhaps because of, wet weather, boil weevil and army worm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
EuRoPE,s COMIC OPERA

The Italian government has de- layed the evacuation of the Greek island of Corfu pending the arrest of the assassins of the Italians en- gagged in fixing the Greek-Albanian boundaries. The Greek government is reported to have requested the AL banian government to arrest the AL banians responsible for the murders. The Albanian government replies that the murderers were not Albanians but Greeks, and that the Albanian govern ment would with pleasure cross over the boundary to arrest said Greeks If the Greek government could not do so.
 The situation is in many respects one of the most ludicrous that ever engaged the solemn attention of SOW ereign nations. Some musical genius may find in the episode subject for opera bouffe of a sort that would throw the Chocolate Soldier, at the zenith of it's popularity, entirely in the shade. The whole affair has been so like a disagreement among boys, when one is afraid and the other dassn't, that the rest of the world can no longer continue to take it se- riously. Mussolini is compared to Ma poleon, but the comparison is entirely a compliment to Mussolini. Napoleon didn't pick on them because they were weak. The bigger they came the bet ter he liked them, and the greater his glory when he overcame them. There was no glory in the seizure of isolated, unprotected and unsuspecting Corfu, interrupted in the midst of it's placid Sty and merry-making. Neither was there provocation or justice, except that Italy wanted Corfu, and perhaps also the limelight. We'll, those who occupy the limelight nowadays must be mainly comedians, and who can say that all the actors in the present show have not been comedians? So far, the Albanians seem to have got off the best bon mot of the show.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
THE HIT DOC HoLLERs


 Smitten by a guilty conscience and unable to stand the searching rays of publicity when reflected upon his unworthy public career, Senator Sam c. Oliver of Talla- bdega made a vicious attack on the Anniston Star and it's publisher on the floor of the state senate yes terday,, seeking to camouflage his favors to the special interests of the state by a descent to Billings gate English and thereby evidenc- ing the maximum of his capacity to fill the position he has unfor- tunately been called npon to serve.
 Mir. Oliver's sirocco purported to be an answer to an editorial tha- appeared in this paper attacking his attempt.to perform an abortion on the seaport enabling act by tying the hands of the port com missioners and granting special favors to the railroads which have retarded the developmentof of Ala bama for many years by bottling up the states only outlet to the marts of the world through Mobile bay and the Panama canal. As for his personalities this paper has no concern other than to say that man who will take advantage of the immunities granted by the senate floor to throw mud is per SC beneath notice. But when Mir. Oliver acts as representative Of the people in way that is detri- mental to the interests of the state. then this paper is concerned. a rd a a c m q ct iq @r turn the spotlight on reactlonary politicians when ther acts are cal culated to fatten the coffers of the corporate interests and to retard the public welfare. MT. Oliver's act appeared in that light, and he has been justly stigmatized by the free press all over Alabama, along with the lieutenant governor by whom he was appointed.
 MT. Oliver has lived for years in railroad environment. and for that reason 1t may be natural for him to place the interests of the railroads above the interests of the people whom he is supposed to represent. But be that as it may, the people of Alabama voted by an overwhelming majority to develop Alabama's only seaport, and they do not intend to sit idly by and allow politicians of MT. Oliver's stripe to thwart them in their constructive purpose. They want, and intend to have, an out let to sea. MT. Oliver's efforts were calculated to block that out let, and when he resents attention being called to that fact he merely evinces a guilty conscience and verifies the old adage that "a hit dog hollers."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
THE TEACHERS' EXAMPLE

A distinguished college professor in . recent address before the school
 teachers of Cleveland, Ohio, exhorted
 the feminine ones to make themselves as attractive as possible, and declared that this means success. "A good looking woman," he said, "is more val uable on any job than homely one." He explained that he did not mean to advise his hearers to patronize gen erously the rouge-pot, the lip-stick and the variety of cosmetics which some manufacturers claim can turn a fright into beauty. To many right-think- ing folk much of the modern face decoration is deplorable. ArtfficialitS is not needed to make woman agree able to look upon. Faces that would De attractive in their normal state often become little less than hideous
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
Telephone
 Main 40OO
Telephone Main 4O00
BIRMINGHAM's GOOD MILK

It is gratifying to the steadily grow ing number of milk consumers Tn Blr- mingham to note that requests have been made of the health authorities of this city by the cities of London and Birmingham, England, and by the Dairy School of Scotland, for copies of the Birmingham charts and the city ordinances governing the inspec- tion and distribution of milk. Many cities in this country, too, are using Birmingham's system of protection as a study and basis for action, and the regulations of the local authorities are widely commended by health officials in other places who have studied them in their bearing on the public health
 While much has been accomplished in Birmingham by way of protecting the public against unclean or impure o,milk, there is still much to do. The uhealth department is under obligations to continue and improve as far as pos sible it's system of inspection. During the past few years the consumption of :, milk in Birmingham has greatly in- e,creased over and beyond what would vibe expected from the growth of popu- lation. Last year the consumption about doubled that of the year before, which was itself nearly twice as large as that of the preceding year. This was in large measure due to improve ment in the character of milk sold. As it became better and safer its use was increased. It is now one of the principal sources of food not only for children, but for adults as well. Bir- mingham is one of the largest milk markets in the country in proportion to it's population.
 It is a source of encouragement to the thousands of milk consumers in this city that not only is the health department undertaking to maintain a high standard in the quality of the product, but most of the dairymen and milk dealers have shown commendable purpose to cooperate in this work. They realize that it is good business as well as a civic duty, and they are getting constantly more profitable and practical results from their attitude and efforts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
THE SEAPORT ACT

It may be that in approving the Brooks port-enabling act the advo- cates of seaport development in the senate felt that they were getting the best bargain possible. If so, there is little further that can be done in the short period yet left of the present ses- sion. The measure as passed has some good features, and permits the work
 0 be initiated. If the undertaking gets off to a good start, that is half the battle. It is predicted that the lower house will find it easy to concur in the senate measure, inasmuch as it differs in no fundamental from the house measure.
 Although the act limits the amount that may be expended to five million dollars for four years, or until the fa- cilities pay five per cent. on the invest ment, there is consolation in the thought that the act is subject to amendment by any subsequent legisla- ture. Perhaps in the light of fuller knowledge by the time the legislature meets again, the body will be endowed with wisdom surpassing that of the present.
 It is certain, however, that the main consideration is the selection of a com mission of three men who are capable in the highest sense of the word of ad- miniStering this gigantic enterprise, gigantic not so much for the sum that is to be spent, as gigantic in respect to it's deep and unmeasured potential. ities for the industry, commerce and general prosperity of the state of Ala bama. Governor Brandon has had placed upon him grave responsibility, and yet one that he can fulfill by casting about over the state and se- Iecting for the duty of port building only those men of outstanding worth, experience and integrity without which no important public un- dertaking can be thoroughly sue cessful.
 The people of Alabama want sea port equipped to handle the commerce of its legitimate trade territory. Let there be nothing left undone to fur ther that desire, and let there be no obstacle to its accomplishment. Sue cess means too much to leave any loophole for failure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
BIRMINGHAM, AGE-HERALD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER IA, 1928

three and half years. If assessments on an already low legal basis are scarcely more than half what they should be, and much of the taxable property in the state is permitted to escape, it is idle to talk of deficits The states sources of revenue are amply sufficient to care for its needs. Fragrant neglect to collect those reve- nues will inevitably result in a deficit. With anything like proper assessment of taxable property and with anything like an efficient tax-collecting system, not only will there be no danger of a deficit, but the state will have all needful funds with which to function.
 Complaining of threatened deficits and undertaking to shift part of the blame in advance, is wasted time and effort so long as there is failure by the state to collect its due under the law. The responsibility and duty in this matter rest on this administration through a taxing system of it's own making. It has the power to function with efficiency. If it fails, the blame is easily placed, and there is no es- cape from it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Laurence sterne


 If any woman deserves the crown of martyr-and most moth CTS do deserve it-the mother of moved from place to place forever and what woman likes to think of moving day?-she bore a great family of children, and saw most of, them die in the very best days of childhood-and what pain can be greater?-and she endured all things with little or no money, and in the midst of great anx- ieties.
 Laurence Sterne's father was a soldier in the Thirty fourth regi- ment of Foot. Now he was in Flanders; now in Ireland; now there. With him, ever faithfully with him, went his wife, living. as it were, in boxes and trunks and never having a real home Tof her own. She had all sorts of terrible experiences-for soldiers wife cannot look for much peace and comfort. Once, with three of her children, she narrowly escaped from drowning when on a leaking vessel in the midst of a great storm. On another occasion her son writes: we embark ed for Dub lin and would have been cast away but through the intercession of my mother the captain was pre- vailed upon to turn back"
 In all this moving about; in all the rough camp life. the mother could not possibly find the means to care for her children properly. Little Ann died at three; Joram died after terrible sickness with smallpox, in which the devoted mother watched over him. An other little boy died-and so it went, a child lying buried in prac- tically every camp. This dis tressed mothsr was the daughter of soldier as well as the wife If one.
 It is to her everlasting glory that out of such conditions she gave to the world that great nov elist and humorist. Laurence Sterne.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS
Thomas Simpson
sy Frederick Houk Law


 You'll either tend to your weav- ing or you'll get out" shouts Tom Simpsons father. T told you to get this job done, and here you've left it! A fine weaver you'll makel How do you think we'd get anything to eat if worked the way you do, you good-for- nothing! What good ~will you ever get out of those booksi Throw them away I won't have book inthe house! Throw them away and tend to your weaving, or get out and starve!"
 The boy stood his ground man. fully.
 Father. I'm willing to work, tell you, but not all the time. And won't throw my books away
 that's flatw
 You won't, hey Then. out you go! Get! I'll have no books around this house, and no boy, either. with shis nose stuck in a book when he might be weav- ingw
 In this way, Thomas Simpson, who little later became one of the greatest of all mathematicians was expelled forever from his home. He had spent long hours weaving in the poor hut that they called home, but he had taken time to study.
 Young Simpson went away from his home town and began to work to support himself. After time he became a wandering fortune teller, working for man in whom he believed. It did not take him long to find that fortune telling IS nonsense. and he left the man and went back to hard work. What Tever he did, he kept up his studies. The same love of truth and accuracy that had made him leave the fortune teller made him interested in mathematics He studied all the books on mathe- matics that he could find, and be- came a master of figures. At night, when he was through with his work at the loom, he taught boys for the pure love of teaching. AS he kept on studying, and as he thoroughly loved mathematics, he made an astonishingly good teach CT. He gave up weaving and be- came a mathematician. When he was twenty y-seven he published . a book on difficult mathematics. Three years later he published a second book, and from then on, for twenty years, he wrote book after book on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, mechanics, astronomy, and he wrote articles concerning every subject in which difficult mathe- matics is of any use. He became a most distinguished professor of mathematics, member of the highly honorable Royal Society, and the recipient of honors from foreign lands. By his own. deter mined effort he, had made himself one of the most learned of men. Naturally, he accumulated not only fame, but also fortune.
 Such Is the storyof the weaver.s son, a boy whose father drove him from home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
FARMER AND LARORER
(Washington Post,

wv washington RoSt)
 Senator Brookhart makes the statement that farm and labor blocs have found that their inter- ests are Identical. No one else. has made the discovery. How does the Iowa senator reach his conclu- sion Farmer and labor groups are, by nature of their interests. at opposites. The farmer is ob- vlously concerned to effect reduc- tion in the cost of production. and that. means reduction of labor cost. The farmer, as consumer. is also concerned In reduction of the cost of manufactured articles. of production and therefore of which means reduction of the cost labor. Labor, on the other hand. in agriculture as well as in, other is interested In advancing wares granted would yield the farmer industries. Labor's demands, if less and make his living cost more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14

from over-treatment. Women can con- serve and improve natural good looks by wholesome living and healthful habits.
 Teachers with pride in their per sonal appearance are an asset to any school system. This does not mean what are commonly known as flappers and young women gone daffy on ath- letics. Making the best of what na- ture has given is an important part of self-instruction. Setting an exam pie is one of the important responsi- bilities of every teacher.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
Buys Where He Sells

tAiHiSlOn Sta9
 The. farmer buys mos where he sells most and to tho best ad- vantage. If he has tt take his cotton to some other cit, than An 'niston because that cityhays more for cotton, or because te road 10 that city is better than he one to Anniston, he will do his kuying in that city. Where he selh best the farmer does his buying. It is the natural thing for him todo. and the thing for Anniston toio Is to make 1t possible and advatageous for the farmers to do mostsf their selling, if not all of 1t. inAnnis-- ton. Then we will cemat our country trade with retprocal action and make sure of a ireater and more substantial comiercial expansion than we yet hae en- ioyed.N
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
SMILES
Key to the Problem (Pearson's WeekIyO

A concert had been arranged by the workers of a certain mill in Blackburn, and all the local stars" were booked to appear.
 Miss Handloom, the favorite so prano. was announced to sing, and before she began, apologized for her cold. Then she started:
 I'll hang my harp on a willow tree-e e-e-ahem!"
 'iOn willow tree-e.e-ohw vi
 Her voice broke on the high note each time. She tried twice more Then a voice from the back of the hall:
 Try hanging it on lower branch, lass!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
STUDENTS WHO DESERVE HELP


 No case is more deserving of help ful sympathy than that of the young man or young woman who earnestly desires college education, but is with out means to gratify that ambition. There are hundreds of such young people in Alabama. There are some who stifle the longing to equip them selves better for life's struggle, and there are others who find their way to the colleges with little means, but with determination and the blind hope that in some manner they may be able to subsist while at their studies. At Auburn it is said that there are many worthy young folks who will be unable to remain long in school unless they have financial assistance in some form. It is probable that similar situation exists at the University, and at the other colleges throughout the state.
 For Auburn, President Spright Dow ell speaks as follows: "Nothing IS more depressing to college executive than to see promising young men and young women turned away from the college because of lack of money. There are in Auburn today fourteen splendid fellows and three extraordi- nary young women who will have to leave unless a helping hand is ex- tended. The college has exhausted it's resources and every job has been filled and every scholarship placed. I cannot conceive of finer form of investment than assisting one or more of these worthy students. Are there not in Alabama some philosophical citizens who will share with us the responsi- bility and the pleasure of caring for some of these worthy young people? If you are in position to help in so worthy cause you will tighten our hearts good deal if you will write us, expressing your willingness to lend hand"
 A loan of two hundred and fifty dollars each to needy students would carry them through an entire scholas, tic year. Surely those who have am- bition of this sort are worth trusting with the sum necessary to their edu- cation. If there is philanthropy in Alabama it can manifest itself in no more praiseworthy manner than by helping the deserving to help them selves. The period of life which may be devoted to an education is short enough at best. He who is helpful iii assisting. worthy young men and women to win this education is doing the communities in which they shall dwell an incalculable service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
Legislators hay

N-HUT1tE VIltIy IFHtSJ
 The Alabama contribution is construed by the Alabsna legisla- ture to mean that theyare to get pay for every day conumed dur lns the regular sessionand for the fifty days of this sessia they will receive pay for about 10. If they were paid only fo working days, the body would have long since adjourned. Attainment is taken from Friday u Tuesday, and on Wednesday of lach week, and for every oecasios that can be thought of. We nea a consti- tutional convention tosettle this question of pay about 5 badly as Tor many other reasons
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14

If you think there is any vice and wickedness in Birmingham just read the minutes of the last meeting of the city commission and be set right. This towns Sunday school.
 Having legislative immunity, sen- ator doesn't hesitate to use the short and ugly word about outsiders.
 And as far as the legislature is con- cerned, the people are outsiders. Out side without even a look-in.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
His Friends Hurting Him

Nloy IdCduBd NtWSJ
 Some of the papers are now putting it that Brandon's adminis- tration is heading for a fall un- less he can get away from some of his lawmaking friends. The big gest job the goverior has is to draw the line between friend and duty. If he will stiifen his back bone and scrape the barnacles from the old ship of tate; the peo- pie will stand by him and see that he passes safely aeress the bar.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
GETTING DESPERATE
(Pathfinder)

Aimsn was hired to carry hard ware outof a ship onto a wharf. As he crossed the plank with two small anvils, one under each arm. the plank broke and he went down Into the water. He came up and shouted for a rope, but no one heard him. He went down aud came up the second and third time, and the last time he ap- peared he said: If someone doesn't throw me a rope pretty soon I'll drop one of these anvis."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
No Use for Drunkard

NIIVVIIS DUIU W dICTmdnJ
 So far as this part of the world is concerned, it has reached the point where a decent assemblage of people will not tolerate a drunken man. He will be avoided as one. would avoid a pest, and it is gradually penetrating the brain of those who defy the prohibition laws by purchasing bootleg whisky and thereby making this profession profitable, and partak- ing of the poison In decent com pany.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
His Real Trends
Samson Letkerl

We are telling the farmer that he should determine who are his real friends. We have told him this before now. Hehas, gener- ally speaking, paid little attention to our advice, but ha, listened to the voice of the man who advised cotton planting. evei after the farmer had suffered time and aga1n because of excessive cotton planting. We told th farmer this spring that we belieied the man who went hog wild on cotton would regret 1t. Goodness knows they are regretting iinoW.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14

The author of "Yes, We Have No Bananas" is said to have netted sixty thousand dollars from the compost ton. It was all profit. More than that amount could probably be raised by subscription from patient sufferers for it's suppression.