davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
PUBLIC UTILITY GOODWILL

Indianapolis News)
 The complaint sometimes heard from managers of large public utilities that the public which they servo Is inclined to demand very good service at very low rates and to expect the compa- nies to operate at less than a fair return on their investment Is ap- parently not general among pub lie utility managers. In one of the important papers read before the forty-sixth annual convention of the National Electric Light Association 1t was said by util- ity manager of long experience that the utilities must realize that they are governed by public opinion, and that the company which does not take this fact into consideration is likely to have trouble with the public it serves.
 In theory the public in its rela- tion to the utilities is represented by the state public service com mission. In theory, too, the util- ities in the relation to their pub lie are also represented by the commission. But the commission has neither the power nor the means to create goodwill for a utility. The most the commits sion can do is to regulate rates and service so that the public will benefit within the limits fixed by the unquestioned rights of the utilities to earn a fair re- turn on their investment From the utilities themselves the dem onstration Should come that they are. serving their public compe- tently and honestly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
"QUEEN OF THE SEAS"

The American ship Leviathan is the new "Speed Queen of the Seas" She is the old Vaterland overhauled and remodel by the gerius of American shipbuilders and manned by American officers with American enginemen at the driving apparatus. She has beaten the worlds record of the Cunarder Mauretania for twenty-five continuous hours, that of the Mauretania being an average of 27.04 knots an hour and tha. of the Leviathan 27.48 knots. She moreover made new record for the six-hou and one-hour runs with a speed of 28.04 knots. Now she will go after the ocean-crossing record of the White Star liner Majestic, which has made the trip from New York to Southampton in fraction under five days. America has reason to take pride in this record. It makes one feel that, not only is an American merchant marine worth while, but it is a patriotic duty. Former Chairman Lasker of the shipping board ,ex- pressed American sentiment when he said: "Now, if we can only mint this jubilation il.to lasting national pride, we will have an American merchant marine that can compare with any na- ton on earth" If the speed record of the Leviathan crystalizes and in- vigorates that nationwide sentiment, we will achieve the mastery of the seas that our commanding position in the worlds trade and finance calls for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
PUTTING SHELBY ON THE MAP

As an example of startling public ity Shelby, Montana, seems to have embraced it's opportunity. It is struggling town in the foothills of the Rockies, where seldom anything ever happened except brawls among cow-punchers and contests in bronco busting. In 1920 the population was 537. Few people until recently knew that Shelby is on the map at all. There has been a mystery surround ing the reason why such place could afford to put up something like a million dollars to be the scene of big prize fight on Independence Day. It was figured out, however, by some body in that town that the way to make Shelby known was to have big show that would draw folks who spent money freely and make loud noise. So the Dempsey Gibbons af- fair was hit on as the piece de re- sistance of the publicity menu.
 Somebody let the cat out of the bag when the news was passed out that oil lies around about Shelby, and that the lands are rich in promise. Who owns them and how much stock it is proposed to unload on sports with large wads gathered from the fight and ready for paramiding ven- lures, have not been revealed. But nobody imagined that these oil lands, which some say even give out the genuine odor with no mistake, would bring fancy prices because they lie near the Blackfeet Indian reserva- ton. People with money and de- sire for large and quick returns were considered as solution of the prob lem. Hence, owners of oil lands around Shelby are under suspicion of having captured the great ring classic.
 There is connection for those who will hunt hard enough to find it. A prize fight once did lot for the owners of supposed pay-dirt around Goldfield, Nevada. Why not for the owners of oil lands around Shelby? Goldfield jumped from a struggling village of saloons and gambling houses to a pretentious town. History might repeat itself. Meantime Shelby has wriggled into the ime-light, with prospects for a large haul. Whether Dempsey knocks out Gibbons or Gib- bons puts Dempsey to sleep, Shelby seems to have played her hand with a determination to win by getting on the map at whatever cost to the fel- lows who trail the ring celebrities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
BUILD THE AUDITORIUM

The auditorium has been for long time a most desired addition to the public facilities ~and necessities of Birmingham. The people have ex- pressed their will in the matter and ordered the construction of a suit able edifice. It appears, however, that calculations of cost were at fault, and that the structure will cost ap- proximately one hundred thousand dollars more than was anticipated. The need for the additional amount can scarcely be allowed to block the public desire to possess a building adequate, properly equipped and suited to Birmingham's local and con- vention needs. There is regret that the matter has not been handled hitherto in businesslike manner. Failure of the commission to act has cost a considerable sum of money. Inefficient administration of affairs is always more expensive than eff cient administration. Yet, if there is now businesslike attitude towards the project, and a determination on the part of the commission to act, it is hardly conceivable that the people of this enlightened community would refuse to support definite and wise decision. The people have long await ed action in this important matter. The people now would appreciate action. Let the auditorium be built, and let it be such a structure as will satisfy the requirements of this great and growing city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
HARDING ON PROHIBITION

It was a regular prohibition speech the president made at Denver. While he pleaded for sobriety, his appeal was pitched on higher ground than consideration of whether the country is to be "wet" or dry" He made it plain that far more important ques- tion than that of abandonment of intoxicants has developed out of the situation-that of whether the coun- try is to have law observance or law lessness. Four points gave the ad- dress an interesting application to existing conditions, with suggestive lesson. First, it was frankly set forth that there would be no backward step as respects the Volstead law, which the president predicted would be strengthened to represent a sincere purpose of effective enforcement, rather than moderation of the general policyJ' In this connection he de- clared that neither of the political parties within the life of the present generation would dare advocate the repeal of the prohibition amendment. That would seem to dispose of the so- called Tight wines and beer" propo- sition, which many regard as an open ing wedge or loop-hole, so far as this administrations attitude is concerned.
 The presidents declaration that eff forts to shift the burden of state en- forcement to the federal government is a step towards abandonment of, rather than adherence to, states rights, presented new aspect of an old controversy. This view was ex- emplified in an explanation of the different powers and functions of state and national governments, the former being concerned with enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the latter covers interstate and international phases of the situation as they arise. Emphasis was laid on the duty of those possessing intoXicants either through purchase anticipating the pro- hibition laws, or from ability to pay abnormally high prices following the laws enactment. Earnest appeal was made to these to sacrifice their views of personal liberty and individual tastes and inclinations for the ad- vancement of a higher conception and principle. To those, contended the speaker, observance and enforcement of law mean more than to groups or clements which do not so keenly feel the need for protection of the law.
 The president stressed the fact that contempt for law breeds lawlessness which may easily become a menace to the republic and it institutions. He intimated that the nation is headed that way now, and only the realization of the greater importance of law ob- ser, ance and law enforcement than the question of "wet" or "dry" nation can safeguard the public well fare by protecting the public interests. It is not easy to contemplate law en- forcement as political issue when the necessity is emphasized by constituted authorities who are empowered and sworn to enforce the law. Yet, the address viewed in the light of a plea for better morals and safer conditions should be helpful in shaping public sentiment along healthier lines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
THE ELECTRIC CHAIR

Substitution of the electric chair fer the gallows will be considered and possibly adopted by the summer ses- sion of the legislature. A bill to that effect has been prepared. Among provisions are that all prisoners con- demned to death shall be electrocuted at Kilby prison in the presence of only few state officials, two physicians, a spiritual adviser of the condemned and members of his or her family. Such a system is in force in many states, and has met with general ap- proval, because, while serving the same purpose as hanging, in it's re- straining force against crime, it abol- ishes the brutalities against which vigorous objection and earnest pro- tests have been made. States which have adopted this form of capital pun ishment have found that 1t at the same time removes some of the argu- ments of those who oppose capital punishment on the ground of the bru- tai methods of the gallows. There are many who oppose capital punishment altogether; but their position is not yet the prevailing one. The argument has been frequently advanced against capital punishment on the basis of vengeance. The law contemplates no such purpose; but is founded on the protection of society through the force of example, and removal of the dangerous
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS MEN
The Mother of Mathurin Resnier


 Simone Desportes was an un- usually attractive French girl who lived in France at about the same time that Shakespeare was living in England. She was of happy, laughing disposition, full of fancy and life. When she married Jacques Regnier. she felt that she was marrying for love. but not for rank-for she was proud young woman, even if she bore no title. Still. Jacques was a faith full husband and a prosperous one, which was worth considering. and so she lived a happy life. Most of her love, however. she soon gave to her son. Mathurin.
 Mamma. you sing such pretty songs!" the boy murmured. sing some more." So Simone sang again. singing song in the quaint old French form, with rhymes tinkling in every now and then like the chimes of so many little bells. "Who makes such pretty songsr the boy asked. "Ah, little one, dear one!" the mother proudly cried. Who. in deed. except your uncle Philippe Desportes-he. my own brother he. the great poet whose songs are on everyone's lips! And he loves you, little one! That Is best of all! You will go with him one of these days,"
 The child grew older. and learned to know the gay and de- bonnair uncle, who travelled about the world in the company of the great. and who wrote songs that all men sang. and poems that made all men happy.
 Now, soon. very soon," the mother said one day. when Ma thurin was nearly eight years old. What, mammal" We shall make you the comrade of your uncle Philippe" the mother cried as she hugged him to her breast.
 Some days later there was great ceremony. and Mathurin played the part of hero. With all formality a tonsure was shaved on his head, and the little boy. not large for his age, made to look like a priest, to resemble his un- cle, the poet. Thus early did his mother lead him to, initiate her. brother, the poet. Tn this way Simone Desportss made her son. Mathurin Regnier. into one of the greatest of French poets. Should mother have ambition for her son? If not, who should?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
TkE3as.B,I1eORCF %BEARER

It seems that when liquor is within everybody's reach, it stirs up tumult, and when it is scarce, it stirs up tur- moil. Booze is just naturally dis turbing element any way you take it.
 It wouldn't do any good to get out an injunction against the flies that breed and swarm from the dumps. Flies are neither respectors of law nor of persons. There will be flies just as long as there are dumps to hatch and nourish them. <
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Boost All Along the Line

(Collinsville Courier)
 We believe in posting, our mer- chants are boosters. our town en- joys boosting, and our state is en- teripg the boosting game. so why not make general boosters club and keep constantly at it. When writing a business letter. boost. When writing personal letter. boost. When visiting in a nearby town. boost. When advertising. by all means boost. Remember we are living in a state that is going to be at the top in many things ere long. we have the resources and the people, and all we need to do is get behind this great movement and advertise it. Make this your slogan. Come to Ala ,ama. then locate in Collinsvtlls.s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Keystone of the System
 (Co ,coD nI~AvN

The keystone of the educational system is the common schools, for there the process of education starts. They afford an outlet for the graduates of the normals. Tho primary and secondary schools must go hand in hand, each keep ing pace with the other. Lately the secondary schools have been forging ahead of the primary. The latter must have sufficient funds to catch up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
PanAcea

Panacea "The college is a failure," says a proxy old and gray Who puts the system on the pan and throws his job away. ''It is fourflush and snare, An institute of heated air; It leads the youth
 From paths of truth
 To idols made of clay" "And furthermore" he rumbles on in accents fraught with gloom, '"This celebrated land of ours is but "a gaudy tomb. Its boasted towers soon will fall And woe will come to one and all. The ship of state
 Is headed straight
 For misery and doom" When in the balmy days of June the world is full of chills And spectral shapes arise and walk amid the blooming hills, When all the human race seems dumb
 And future days look dark and glum There is sure
 And simple cures
 Try Hoosit's Liver Pills.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
The Women Voters
(Selma Times-Journal)

(Selma Times-JournaO
 While the>influence of the wom- en in party affairs has not yet be- come a noticeable factor, 1t has been distinctly perceptible in sew eral clear-cut campaigns and bids fair to grow in power and dignity. Most women do their own political thinking, and they are not reluc- tant to shoulder full responsibility for the way they vote. They look to the moral aspects of issues and will not underwrite a candidate 0f questionable moral character.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Better as a Relic
(Houston Post)

(HOUSCOn POSC1
 Kentucky's efficiency commis- sion says the state constitution needs rewriting. Kentucky's con- stitution, like that of Texas. seems to function better as a relic than as a virile and worka- ble organic law.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
There Is an Application

(New York Evening World)
 John Drinkwater has written play about Oliver Cromwell. The best thing Oliver ever said was his adjuration to parliament: "Disperse, ye villains" Some times we feel as if it might be used again to a certain legisla- tive body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
PUBLIC LIBRARY'S GROWTH

Remarkable growth in the Birlning- ham public library membership is tes- timony to the usefulness of that in- stitution. Whether it is fiction, travel, science, or what not, the young man and woman who patronize libraries ac- quire knowledge, and Knowledge is the one sure way of broadening not only
 one's collection of acquired facts, but
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
The best way they can show their grat- itude is to keep their propaganda her medically sealed at home.

Tammany's efforts to get the Dem ocratic convention for New York sug- gests that that organization figures on being able to insert a bigger fly in the ointment at home than it could elsewhere
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

Trotzky continues to remind the Russians that possible war with England is worthy of serious consid- eration. What the victims of Lenin- ism, Trotzkyism and sovietism need is not food for reflection, but a kind that will relieve hunger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Worthy of His Hire

We note that a drive is on for raising cash for the Alabama Sun day School association. If true, what we have heard regarding the past officers of that association having overdue them salaries for many months or longer. we sin cerely hope the drive will succeed, for certainly the laborer Is worthy his hire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Like old Times
Nashville Banner)

N1Suo11NHHEV 1"H1H'CHT
 It sounds like the days of the Natchez and the Robert B. Lee to read that two steamers are racing up the Mississippi. Doubt less the spirit of gold old Steam boat Bill" looks on with unquali- fled approval.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
THE ADDICT
(New York Herald)

INeW Ork HeraIdJ
 Among Jimmie Maiden's favor ite stories is the one concerning the two men who were getting ac- quainted through the medium of casual conversation. Do you play golf?" inquired one of them. No" said the other, but l can't give it up."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Passing It Along

(DeKalb County Herald)
 Strangers coming to Fort Payne naturally have confidence in tho continued growth of the city if the people here are boosters. If you have faith you can impart 1t to the newcomer. On the other hand, if you think the rainbow ends in the other town. strangers will likely believe the same. Otter we are looking elsewhere when the foot of the rainbow Is so close at hand that We overlook 1t all to- gether.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
~Tuto as a Teetotalcr

Memphis Commercial-AppeaD
 "Pussyfoot" Johnson is going to Egypt to ascertain how King Tut stood on the liquor question. We can assure him Tut Is tee totaler. having abstained from drink for 5000 years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

Even by going away up into Alaska a president of the United States can't separate himself and his utterances from the surplus of politics and the gossip that hovers around about.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

An expert says that white-washing improves the hands. Many politicians have fooled themselves into the belief that their records have been helped by a similar process.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Farm Demonstrntor Needed

(Scottsboro Progressive Age)
 For the past two years the Pros gressive Age has made a fight for the employment of a farm demonstrator for this county, be- cause we believed 1t was a paying proposition. We know that the most progressive counties of the state have demonstrators and we know of many instances where they can be of advantage to tho farmers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
A Small Protection

Indianapolis News)
 Disbanding the militia in Wis consin leaves only La Toilette as a protection against invasion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

One of the accomplishments of the house-f1y is the ability to make him. self perfectly at home without either invitation or welcome.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

Having received a million dollars as wedding present, that New York bridegroom was not entirely over- looked at the marriage ceremony.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

The carpenters of Russia who are receiving only fifty cents a day prob ably are leaning towards the view that sovietism doesn't pay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
ANOTHER INCENTIVE TO SAVE

IAIlOOIa. han., TrIDune)
 You can buy good rhinoceros for s4,000. By smoking one less cigar day you could in forty rhinoceros.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
One.Avmcd Drivers
Hard Boiled

Dear Torch Bearer: Of course I don't believe it, but I was told that a certain young man kissed his new June bride goodbye one morning as he went to work and asked her if she wouldn't have some hard boiled eggs for dinner that night. Arriving home on said evening the newlywed was as- tonished to see the iceman and the coalman there for dinner.-Dick AK.
 Still another martyr to science is the citizen who hunts a gas leak with lighted match.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

While the school children are on their vacations their minds are not idle; they are thinking harder than ever of what they can do to "kill" time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
DOESN'T IMPROVE MUCH

] (ChiCAgO' NeWS1 For some thousands of years>the
 human race has been astonished daily at the weather.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Has His Doubts

(Kansas City Times)
 Mr.. Lloyd George is understood to have serious misgivings whether Stanley Baldwin can swing the job.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

The soviet leaders are said to he thankful to the United States for feeding millions of their starving.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
10 FAVORITE BOOKS

(As chosen by Alfred Moves, poet; former professor of modern English literature at Princeton) The works of Shakespeare. Our Mutual Friend" (Dickens). Treasure Island" (Stevenson). The works of Tennyson.
 Great Expectations" (Dickens). The works of Milton.
 The works of Wordsworth.
 The works of Keates.
 The works of Robert Browning. The Bible.s
 Copyright, 1923. in United States and Great Britain for The Age-Herald by the North American Newspaper Alliance. All rights reserved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27

"Golf," decides a court, '1s not a waste of time if it improves business. Provided you can keep your mind on golf and business at the same time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Optimists on the Job Huntsville Time)

There are still a few whining pessimists who do not believe tho thing can be done just because they can't do 1t, but thank heavens there are always the op- timistic go-getters who can put the job over to success.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the Birmingham. Ala, poseoffies ss sscond-class matter under act oh congress. March 6, 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-27
Epitapht

EpitaPht
 Here lies John Smith
 Who tried to patch
 A gaspipe with
 A lighted match.
 The Hopi Indian has been ordered to discontinue his snake dance, but there is no law against dancing with lounge lizards. Great ills are not so hard to bear But small ones make us quivver. A lone mosquito in the air
 Will make the night a flivver. When the thermometer crawls up into the nineties, it is not easy to keep oneself dressed in such ways as to preserve ones respect for both ones mental and physical comfort. The cost of clothes, by the way, runs up as the quantity runs down 1; so there you are. It does not require a close inspec- ton of the Fifth avenue paving to put one in mind of nick town. The reminders stand out in the form of ruts and bumps of high and low de- gree.