davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
HIGHWAY COMMISSION NEXT

The questions involving the state engineering department in bids for contract work, the character of high way construction, the unbusinesslike methods of the present politically con stituted highway commission, and the lack of any definite highway program that will give Alabama an actual sys- tenn of state roads properly built and maintained, would all be composed and determined as result of the .ap- poi1rtment of a small highway commis- sion of capable men. A commission animated only by practical considera- ltions and those of the widest public welfare would go slow about forgiving acts in the engineering department which savor of transgression of the law governing it's members. The ex- Ioneration of the highway engineer of Fthe charges brought by Commissioner Mcdonald, for example, does not con- vince the public that the department isl working with an eye single to the public good. Mir. Mcdonald appar- ently stands out alone among the com missioners as determined to administer the highway affairs of this state and of the highway commission in a sys- tematic, businesslike manner, regard less of political considerations and re- solved to carry through the project to a, successful conclusion.
 It is hoped, therefore, ,sthat the leg. islature will leave to thesgovernor the choice of three men of established businesslreputation and capacity to act as the highway commission of this state, and to rescue the highway pre- gram from the rocks upon which it has drifted. From all Alabama there come concerted protests against the present methods. There is lack of maintenance, lack of permanent con- structlon, an appearance of following lines of questionable policy rather than of engineering principle in selection and construction cf paved roads, and an impression that the members of the highway commission are not informed Sas to what is actually occurring throughout the state.
 ] The Shelby county a highway, of ;type that official tests elsewhere have shown inferior to other types costing approximately the same, stands forth las conspicuous example, of a prin- Icipal state highway that has not been constructed as it should be constructed tol carry the increasingly heavy traffic it will be called upon to bear. It is probable that the highway commission CTS do not know all there is to be known about this particular highway. It is believed that similar or even greater objection may be found to other highways elsewhere in the state. It is too late for legislative investi- gation of the situation, but it is not too late for the selection of an able highway commission of men who will make it their business to be informed on the highway details and types, and maintenance, and who will employ no engineer who is above discussing with them the "art' of road construction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
1.-THE PUBLIC BE-'
(Gadsden Times -News)

One of the dearest instances showing that the present state legislature, the senate in particu- lar, is inspired by personal motives and mot by the interests of it's constituency is seen in it's repeated acts of rising to a point of per sonal privilege" and answering on the floor of the senate editorials appearing in some of the daily papers. The editorials criticised the manner in which the Mobile port enabling act has been man handled, buffeted about and sew eral times headed for the scrap heap. While it is true that a man attack ed through the editorial col umns of a paper should have the privilege of defending himself, 1t is nothing less than disgraceful that the senate at this late hour, when it has wasted time and money in such wanton manner that little or nothing has been done in the way of constructive legisla- tion and there is but little time ACLI--WC Edt IL iS HOInliiE ICSS than disgraceful and the adding of insult to injury when occasion Is taken to pass resolutions con demning a paper for it's criticism instead of passing the port en- ahling act. Such action is equiv dlent to telling the people of the state that the senate is more con- cerned with building its political fences and maintaining it's dignity than 1t Is with the business of the people of the state of Alabama They forgot that they were ready to promise anything to get into office and that they are merely hirelings of the people. Instead as soon as they get into office they seem to take the attitude that they are lords of all they survey. that the interests of those who put them In office can wait until the autocrats are ready to so demean themselves as to take action on the matters which they are paid to care for. A law-mak Ing body that takes an attitude such as the Alabama senate has taken on the port enabling /act could do the people no great Ter service than to resign. The mem bers seem to think that they are too big for the office they now hold and already have their eyes on the next rung of the political ladder, while the rest of the state can plainly see that they are either too little or are misfits.
 This attitude on the part of tho senate has seldom been equaled as a fragrant violation oft he rules of conduct that should guide men in public office. It amounts to an open defiance of the ex- pressed will of the people of the state. While opponents of the de- velopment have risen and openly opposed the passing of the en- abling act in a manner that would permit the rapid and full devel- opment of the port, there have been very few outstanding figures on the other side of the fight. Is there not man in the senate who can take the lead and demand that the upper house carry out the wishes of it's constituency? Af- fairs have come to deplorable pass, indeed. when the people of a state can have nothing save contempt for their duly elected lawmakers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
THE PEOPLE TO CONTROL
(Mobile Registerl

The state senate yesterdaX by a vote of 27 to [, adopted a com promise measure for port develop ment. accepting some and reject ing other proposals contained Tn the senate committees bill, but, in large effect, agreeing to the house bill, that is to say, estab- fishing upon financial basis the state control of the port of Mo- bile, the state having assumed to do this some eight years ago, but failing to make provision of means to that end insofar as developing the facilities of the port was com ,erned. The senate's action will, n all probability, be followed by substantially like action on the part of the house, seeing that it
 esults from agreement in the senate between the supporters and opponents of the house bill. Be-. ng compromise of opinion upon he subject, when it is finally en- tcted by the house 1t will mark
 he end of a long and bravely Taged struggle for the peoples benefit, which began nearly fff- -een years ago when a committee representing the three commercial organizations here made an in. yestigation of the ports situation and reported that there could be no expectation of adequate service jf commerce until wharves. ware louses, loading facilities and suf- tlcient trackage were provided,
 lnsuring prompt and practically equal deliveries of cargoes to all
 harves and terminal facilities on the Mobile harbor." In 1915 an
 s-@4 Was made to the state leg
 ature, and the history from that
 me on is of a conflict between
 Ae friends and opponents of the 'ort measure. waged down to tha
 ast ditch, so to speak, and until ne lid blew off last week when. 1t was discovered that there was being drawn in the senate com mlttee a substitute bill which ould' 1T adopted, practically de-
 troy the hopes entertained for
 ne success of the enterprise.
 The Birmingham Age-Herald
 ,eniy charged that the interests
 10 development of the port by the state were dominant in the senate committee, three of whom had voted against the nort amendment, and that the desirn was to defeat the will of the peo- pie. The excitement this exnos- ure caused was' increased by inc denunciations of the newsnaner which followed; and the state bo. came thoroughly aroused to the danger threatening the port meas ure. The response of public opia- Ion was such that, although the opposition was able to produce a considerable change in the house measure, the kill" was prevented
 The Register continues of tba opinion that the limitations put upon the use of the credit of the state in the making of this public work is unwise, and that it is not in accord with the port amend ment which the people of Ala bama ratified by an enormous vote; but this newspaper recog- nizes that the worst design against the measure have been defeated, and that the legislature's S action will be a challenge to the intelligence and to the engineering skill of the state to do, or to be- gin to do, a great work, which Will so dominate its. value as to command the unanimous applause or succeeding generations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
As to Extra Session

With the present session fresh in mind there are many who will hesitate to advocate an extra ses-' sion for the sole reason that they are afraid of the present legisla- ture and 1t is small wonder that they should feel so. Nevertheless. the situation demands attention and must have it. If the legisla- ture will give a little thought to the problem between the close of this session and the opening of an extra session, if it be held, there is no reason why they should not be able to materially improve the financial status of the state. little study as to what should he taxed and a little delving into the records. to discover what Is now being taxed would be of inestima- ble value. Fair assessments, col lection of taxes justly due and elimination of unnecessary ex- pense would also bear some cou- sideration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
TROUBLES IN SPAIN

The revolt of the military governor yf Barcelona against the cabinet of Spain has it's roots shrouded in some degree of mystery as far as Westerners are able to see. There are charges and counter-charges without any definite indication of the right in the matter. Offhand, it is probably safe to assume that the military lead CTS are in rebellion, and for that req ~>sxs are in the wrong to that extent. Jare is taken to explain that there is no hostility against the king, but only against the cabinet, and that if the cabinet should resign the revolt would come to Ian end. The cabinet has re- signed, SD the officers must now carry out or re Pudiate their pledge.
 ] It apptars that certain army officers had beea arrested and ordered pun ished for failure of the expedition into Morocco. The officers resisted pun ishment, and demanded that the juntas and companies furnishing inadequate nd inferior supplies to the army Dc
 ed and made to pay ade-
 alties. It seems that the
 lies mainly among the of
 d Anot among the rank and
 sol lBiers, many of whom are eed at expressing ignorance of it is all about.
 Doubtless the truth is that Spain is
 
 ~ing from an infusion of politics .le military and of militarism into ties. The system of military gov ors is in itself likely to foment the y sort of trouble Spain is now fac
 What the nation needs is an er-
 organization, separating the mil
 ntirely from political office and
 it under direct control of the
 ve or of the assembly. In Spain ,sdiering is still a profession with the ultimate prospect of supreme power never remote from the thoughts of the most ambitious. For politician to ave an army ready to his summons support his claims to office is to eny the governed a square deal. ain is crumbling in the dust of her
 st i.s5itutions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
oGs AND NAVIGATION

destruction e >tEe American Cuba and five naval destroy the California coast recently fog is being investigated.
 sssels ran on the rocks that
 channel, although not at all
 to navigation in clear when shore and channel mark easily discernible. In fogs,
 the reckoning is interfered
 counter currents which are vable and which carry ships off supposed course. The piling of on rocks along the PIcific occurs from time to. .siirne, and ys during fog and neavy weather, ubtedly some ltter means ,sf 1g vessels of t, proximity of vs shoals is neded. p6e in
 V being conucted.j Toy the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Fighting Mosquitoes


 In the rear of the residences of Troy are any number of vessels that hold water, and in these ves- sek are wiggle-tails. If our un- lerstanding is correct. this IS where they breed. and if steps are taken to eliminate these places 1t will go long ways towards cut ting down the mosquito plague. Weeds all over town should be cut down and all the trash piled up and burned. tin cans thrown in a pile off some place where they won't catch water, all holes filled up that hold water. or filled with oil Troy is suffering with a plague of mosquitoes, and bugs, too, of all kinds that tend to carry sickness.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Protect Fish and Game

Whats the use for the state to restock, when a few pot-hunters are permitted to sneak out and with a few sticks of dynamite and old seines do more destruction than all the state can replace? Such is not sport. It isn't even manly. It isn't just to other citi- zens that have as much right to the birds of the air and fish of the streams as others; and the aim and object of all good citizens should be to teach such violators that such depredations cannot. and will not, be countenanced in the future. Be volunteer in 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

navy authorities may reveal some means by which these warnings may be conveyed. Of course, the inquiry may show that there was some negli- gence, but even that would not avert the general responsibility for such precautions assmay save vessels in the future
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

It is reported that former Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm desires to return to Germany. With his custom ary precautions for his physical we'll being it might be wise for him tc travel incognito after crossing the in ternational frontier.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

that, but that he knows a good deal about the ins and outs of tricks and methods to keep him from getting Muscle Shoals, which he has not yet made public.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

in what he says than the railroads will be willing to admit. There is hope in the indication that some leaven in the public behalf is working within the commission.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Leaders of the Russian reds who are reported to be plotting the over throw of the American government will feel blue when their plans fail and their local representatives are rounded up and properly punished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

The degree of the average poli- tician's progressiv;sm these days seems to depend on the accuracy of his hearing when he puts his ear to the ground.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

In undertaking to reach some de- 'cision on the disposition of Muscle Shoals, it looks as if the government is trying to put most of the respon- sibilTty on Mir. Ford.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Appeal for Help

To the chairman of the street committee, greeting: Make the property owners cut the weeds along the sidewalks, or refund the street-tax payers their money, or buy them some rubber brooches to wear in wading through the weeds after the rains.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

It has not been possible to wreck the new dirigible zR-1 by ordinary means, so now it is planned to send the vessel on trip to the North Pole. That ought to finish it in proper style.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
A Bright outlook

(HuntsvIIIe Tfmes)
 We have hunch that the great est prosperity in the history of this favored section is for you and us this fall and winter. Fact is, in addition to the good times we al- ready have we can see the fine old ship of prosperity just ready to anchor for the general unloading.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

It is probable that, after the Prince iof Wales has hobnobbed while with the cowboys on his Canadian ranch, he will learn how to keep his mount.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Opposed to Change

(Guntersville Democrat)
 Tuscaloosa people are to be con graduated on preserving the name of the Warrior river. It's no re- flection on the name and memory of Senator Bankhead, but there are sentimentalists who. had this change been made. would probably suggest changing the Alabama river to Laddie Bay"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Making Progress

ICIeDufH6 NeWSJ
 Cleburne is destined to be one of the leading counties of Ala bama in a few years. She Is just entering Into a new regime which marks the development of her i'm exhaustible supply of materials and she is making wonderful ad- vancement along other lines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Centre College, Kentucky, an- nounces new scholastic department, but the news didn't attract anything like so much attention as would some fresh dope about the 1923 football prospects.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Bill collectors who are anxious to acquire experience in the business might practice on Germany.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Merchants' Convention n Success To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 We wish to thank you for the wonderful cooperation which you gave us during the seventh annual convention of Alabama merchants. held in Birmingham August 2S. 29 and 30, 1923. The total registra- tion at this convention was 2.734, consisting of 2,320 merchants and 414 travelling men.
 Birmingham is growing as a jobbing center, and the wholesale merchants and manufacturers, of this market look forward each year, with pleasure, to acting as hosts during the merchants an- nual get-to-gether/ Your reports of the convention added materially to It's success, and we thank you again. l.. c. WILSON, General Chairman. Alabama Mer-
 chants Convention Committee.
 Birmingham, Ala. Sept. 12, 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

In connection with reports that MT. Ford didn't know about the Gorgas plant contract, there is reason to be- lieve that he was not only advised of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Nd Lack nf MnterfnI

Colbert County Reporter)
 Quite a rivalry exists between officials of several Alabama coun- ties as to the number of stills captured. There seems to be no lack of material to work on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Passage by the house of the bill to protect watch-repairers is one of the few timely acts of that body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
RUN RIGHT TOGETHER
(New Orleans States)

As a man grows old time flies so swiftly that the future becomes the past before he can realize that 1t is present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

The women tennis champions ar. getting better and better looking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Real Estate as Barometer
(Tuscaloosa News)

When trading in real estate is active it is good sign of sub stantial development. There is considerable property changing hands in Tuscaloosa at present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

We put off the unpleasant news un til the very last
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the Birmingham, Ala. post office as seGon0-ciass ma tier under act of Congress. March 6, 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

ignorance of the law may be no ex cuse, but it's often reason.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
PEOPLES FORUM
To the Editor of The Age Herald The Concealed Weapons Evil
 (Tuscaloosa NeWsl
(TuscaIoosa NeWsJ

(Tuscaloosa News)
 Giving peaceable citizens per mits to carry firearms is not the solution to the problem. A criminal guntoter is going to use his weapon quicker and to worse purpose anyhow. The ad- vantage almost always lies with the aggressor. Adequate laws against gun-carrying and gun selling exist in some places They should be universal and they should be strictly enforced everywhere.
 Relative to your above Con Concealed Weapon Evir' copied into your today's issue, and whicn seems to be almost as live a topic as the disposition of Muscle Shoals or the League of Nations forty-one suicides were reported in Berlin, Germany, the last week of June and fifty-two the first part of August This number does not include persons found drowned The ages of the suicides ranged from 16 to 72. Firearms were not used in any of the cases.
 Is 1t not fair inference that had these ninety-three suicides desired the deaths of others they would not have been deterred by the prohibitive use of firearms Firearms are the dominant stock in trade in a military camp. How many soldiers, literally loaded down with all manner of deadly weapons, do You find shooting each other7 Your Concealed Weapon Evif' merely turns the law-abiding over to the crook and the criminal.
 JERE c. DENNIS,
 CaDtain Infantry Reserve
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

In the case of a husband, or a wife, the familiar axiom is usually reversed-we first embrace, then pity. then endure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
\ '7EI}H9SsssS(ORCH, '7EI}H9 I@ BE EARER.

l. z l
 Today the squirrels begin to pay for their long vacation.
 In the days when hunters scorned to use. shotguns on squirrels the crea- lures had a sporting chance. In these days of, automatic shotguns squirrel within range is squirrel for the fry ing-pan.
 As the squirrels hunt nuts, the nuts hunt squirrels.
 Today the jitneys stop, so 'tis said. Unless they change their minds.
 Monday, we suppose car-fares will come down. That is to say, we sup pose so. We have been unable to get the supposition officially confirmed.
 ''Inventor Ages Wine by Electric ity." Any one who has flirted with live wire will tell you that electricity has kick.
 In other words, there are two kinds of wine-vintage and voltage. Discovered
 LOS ANGELES, CaI.-Dear Torch Bearer: have discovered what be- comes Of the megaphonic students known as cheer leaders. They become movie directors.
 Efficiency engineers threaten to simplify and standardize the spelling of the English language. "The pres, ent mode of>spelling,' we are told, "is productive of enormous preventable economic waste." Simplified spelling would increase the flow of language. etc.,e But why increase the flow of language? That is what we have nothing else butt
 "Start with standardized spelling," they tell us, land the standardization of other things will come naturally in sequence" Language covereth null titude of apple-sauce.
 Smoked Glasses
 Some wear smoked glasses to look at an eclipse, and some wear them to look at life.-Helen H. The melancholy days are here,
 And there's darn good reason; The oyercoat l wore last year
 Won't stand another season.
 Ellen Beach Yaw, the superb so- prano, was singing in Montgomery one evening in 1910. She is quoted ss having said she received the highest compliment of her life at the time. Her magnificent, flexible voice filled the Grand opera house with it's deli cate cadence. The selection was, "Lo. Hear the Gentle Lark" The last passages were reached, high, ringing and clear, the flute obbligato trailed away outdone, and the glorious voice went up and on alone, finally dyirg away in a note that suggested a fine silver thread lost against the ceiling. Utter silence reigned in the house. then the audible whisper of a street urchin in the top gallery: "The son of-a-gunw
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Pay your income tax before mid night tonight!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Each marriage Is like a mirror; it's always one and the same thing, yet it continually shows something different-and, once it is smashed, 1t can never be put together again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15
Unmistakable Definitene..

Dr. M. was travelling in Florida in motor car. He was stranger there and was trying to get to Tallahassee. Near the Florida capital he stopped to inquire of an old darkie he met in the road: Uncle, how lar is it to Tallahassee?"
 Boss, you is about half way" was the answer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

Being middleman, the bootlegrer rather has the moonshiner on the hin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-15

When love comes in at the door appetite flies out at the window.