davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
THE WHEAT SURPLUS

Among the suggestions now being given to the harassed wheat farmer is that he plant less wheat next sea- son. Undoubtedly the farmer resents suggestions of this kind, for they in suit his intelligence. He would like for people to take it for granted that he can perceive such simple and ele- mentary things for himself. Besides, the farmer reveals more astuteness than some of his advisers, for he knows that the present surplus is not due to over-production but to under marketing. He knows what the Re- publicans are frantically endeavoring to prevent him from finding out, namely, that the tariff has discouraged foreign trade and the interchange of foreign goods to an extent that has rendered foreigners unable to take our surplus wheat, which they need and which they would very much like to have.
 Whether the wheat farmer will greatly reduce his acreage next sea- son is doubtful. The farmers who TO- tate crops may do so, but the single crop farmer who has nothing else but wheat to plant will probably go ahead and plant it. If he has bumper crop he will increase the surplus, to be sure, but if he has a poor crop he will de- crease the surplus. Meanwhile, very little recovery abroad would quickly absorb the present surplus of two hundred million bushels, and the far mer without new wheat to sell would be exceedingly regretful. A surplus that can be accumulated in one year may be easily wiped out in one year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
WARREN GAMALIEL HARDING

The American people are deeply sorrowful over the passing of their president, Warren G. Harding. It is difficult to realize this his genial presence will no more be felt in Wash ington. As president, MT. Harding won his way into the hearts of all his co1ntrymen, not because of out standing acts of greatness, but because of his friendliness, his affability, his gentleness, his evident love of his fel- low men, and his sincere purpose and effort to sow harmony where there was discord, and to heal the hurts left by war and the agonies of recon struction. It is too soon properly to measure Harding's influence upon the national destiny, or adequately to esti- mate the net results of his administra- ton. Besides, he has left his work
 unfinished. Nobody can safely cal culate the direction in which he would
 have moved had he returned in health to the White House. Yet it was known on occasions he differed with his party, and when once his stand was taken he himself was resolute and un- shaken, even though he may have hesitated to assume aggressive meas ures to mold others to his policies. His stalwart championship of the mer- chant marine through all the vicissi- tudes of a strong but mistaken oppo- sition will perhaps later come to stand forth as his greatest single official His final cordial and approval of the final deter of the shipping board to carry on, after the failure of congress to enact needful legislation, is apt revelation of the manner in which he always stood by those who faithfully assisted him in conducting the affairs of the nation. The nation sincerely and genuinely mourns the untimely death of President Harding, and he will long reside in their memories as perhaps the most kindly, ikable and human of all our presidents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
sTTRsCRTPTION RATES;
sTuL BREAKING RECORDS

The seventh month of the year has, passed without break in the new high records made by the district. Bank clearings for the period show an increase of thirty-six per cent, with an average of more than $100,000, ,000 a month and new years record ap- parently in sight. Every month this year has shown a pronounced increase over the same month last year. The record of investment of new capital in new and going concerns has been without precedent and marks totals never before approached. Each month has gone beyond the million-dollar mark and two have recorded many millions. The building record has kept pace with others. The record of the seven months of this year is within S1,0O0,00O of the highest years rec ord and has five more months to go. The increase over the same period last year is seventy-three per cent. An other high mark is assured in this quar- ter. Bank clearings reflect the finan- cial operations of the district, invest ment records the progress of industrial and commercial development, and structurals record the increase in pop ulation and general enterprise. It has been a very good seven months and there is no reason to expect anything but steady and good business this fall npd uinter
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
NAVIGATION FOR THE coosA

When Congressman Allgood, repre-
 senting the Seventh Alabama congres- sional district, as member of the con gressional party visiting the Panama
 canal last spring saw for himself that great artery of commerce connecting
 Alabama with the Pacific coast, the
 Orient and South America, his vision
 of Alabama's rightful place in the commerce of the world was doubtless extended even above what might have been his most proudful prior estimate. It is very likely that he saw Steel Corporation ship laden with Birming- ham rails and plates for Japan and China with cargoes for Honolulu en route. It is probable that at the same time there was going through the ca nal one of the many ships that have been carrying Alabama pipe, iron and steel products to all the Pacific coast points in large tonnages during the past three years.
 Just as the Warrior river serves as a feeder for this Oriental, Pacific coast and South American trade, 50 ought the Coosa, which courses through another part of Alabama, rich in farms and mineral production and abounding in water power, serve the people along its route to the same ends. MT. Allgood has this in mind in the course of a study which he is now making of the Coosa. He regards both it's navigation potentialities and that of its power development. He wishes to see that stream navigable from Rome, Georgia, to Mobile, in- stead of being blocked at the interven- ing shoals. The Coosa has the same claims on the interest and enthusiasm of the people of Alabama as the War rior has, and they will stand behind MT. Allgood in what he may do for the Coosa as they stood behind Senator Bankhead in his achievement of the Warrior river. The time is ripe for renewed interest in the Coosa and un- der vigorous leadership the project will come to fruition. It can be strengthened and hastened by the es- tablishment of rate justice for the Warrior.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
TO AMEND BONDING STATUTES

There appears to be general ap- proval of the suggestion that legisla- tion be enacted increasing the bond ing margin of counties, municipalities and other political units in Alabama, and authorizing special levy to pro- vide revenue for a sinking fund to meet interest and retire bonds at ma- turity. There are several objections to the present constitutional limita- tions as to bonds. In the first place, the bonding power of municipalities and counties is so low that, when ad- ditional money is required for neces- sary public improvements, the legisla- ture must be asked to pass the nec- essary constitutional amendments au- thorizing special bond issues and the amendments must be ratified by popu- lar vote. This is a tedious process and often results in costly delays to public undertakings of great commu- nity value.
 In the second place, inasmuch as bonds now are liens only on the gen eral revenue, after the current ex- penses of government have been met, the smaller units find it especially difficult to market their bonds, and all units, from the state on down to the smallest, must pay premium by way of a higher interest rate than similar bonds would bring in other states or under more specific provis- ion for the retirement of the bonds. By law Alabama bonds must sell at par, which makes it all the more de- sirable that the means for retiring the bonds at maturity be of the most as sured and certain character. The ex- cess interest that must now be paid amounts in the end to the same thing as selling below par.
 One measure now before the legis- lature for consid eration is commended except in one particular. That is the clause which makes the new legislation apply to "bonds issued or to be is
 
 amended so as to strike out the word issued" making the clause read "bonds to be issued," or, "bonds un- sold or to be issued" The effect of having the measure applied to bonds already sold would be to add to them value which would represent an ad- ditional profit to the present holders of such bonds without returning any added public value therefor. The people would be obliged to pay this additional value without value re- ceived, which is improper.
 Alabama's credit is good, but Ala bama has imposed her own restric- tions that cause her bonds to carry an interest rate from one to one and half per cent. higher than in other states. Alabama has the power tc change this arbitrary status in the in terest of public progress and public economy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
THE AGRICULTURAL. CODE

The Alabama Farm Bureau, which has done so much towards placing the marketing of Alabama farm products on a business and profitable basis, has officially gone on record as approving the agricultural code now before the state legislature. The reasons why the bureau favors the code are sue cinctly given and are convincing in their nature. Basically, the code pro- yides machinery for the closer CO., operation between the state agricul- tural department and the farmers. This is eminently desirable, unless one were to take the extreme position that the influence of the state experiment stations and the county agents is not likely to be of benefit to the farmer. Anybody who has sincerely studied the situation knows the opposite to be the ease.
 The state board of agriculture will be made up of the commissioner of agriculture, elected by the people, three farmers, appointed by the gov ernor- and confirmed by thu senate, and the heads respectively of the state experiment station, the state veteri- nary college and the extension service. Such board appears to be very repre- sentative and capable of competent administration of it's duties. Among the results expected from the code are, protection against misbranded, impure and bad seed, fertilizers guar anteed as to content and availability, greater latitude for prompt assistance to agriculture in meeting its problems and eliminating its difficulties.
 Agriculture is still the basic and in- trinsically most important industry of Alabama. More people derive their livelihood from this source than from any other. The general prosperity depends directly upon the purchasing power of the farmer, the states and the nations greatest buyer. It is emi- nently appropriate that there be such a code of laws as will forward agri-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of John Adams

"Susannah Boylston can make the fur fly! She can spit fire! She's a regular catamount, she isl"
 So some people said of Susannah Boylston, who became the mother of John Adams. the second presi- dent of the United States. Like so many other people of quick temper, Susannah Boylston was a young woman worth the looking at. There was light in her eyes that did one good, and there was a nervous. muscular response that betokened energy as well as abil- ity. she's too good for him!" said some more or less jealous young women who knew them both. Shes a Boylston! Who Is he? Nobody but John Adams-and a pretty penny he'll have. won't he? She'll starve!"
 Susannah Boylston was one of the aristocratic Boylstons. Does not Boylston street In Boston still record the fact of the greatness of the name! As for John Adams, he was nobody except a young fellow who would have to work hard on a farm and make living in any way he could. The Adams family, however, could lay good claim to being Americans; for the first one of the family had landed in the new world in 1883. They had been honest, God-fearing, hard-work- ing farm people. always ready to do their share for the public good but they had never achieved the rank of the Boylstons. Now an Adams married 2 Boylston.
 To the ability to work and the faithfulness of the one was added the snap and fire of the other and the son of the two was John Adams, a great feared, the second president of the new country. a man among men; and the grand son was John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the nited States. With the fire inherited from his mother John Adams inherited the temper. and this sometimes brought him into trouble-but bet ter the fire of temper than no fire at all. Susannah Boylston de- serves the grateful memory of the people of the United States.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03

culture and encourage the introduc- ton of better methods, better varie- ties, better grading, better yields and better prices for farm products. Els pecially commendable is the program in that it contemplates no additional burden upon the taxpayer. The far mer's case has improved since the in- troduction of improved business meth ods, and that improvement is en- couragement for still further effort along the same line.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
JEWISH LAUGHS By Jacob Richn: m
In Pursuit of Health

Residing in or travelling through certain parts of Russia was a priv ilege enjoyed by very few Jews under the regime of the czar.
 Russian Jewish citizens walking through the streets very often were stopped and asked to show their "pravozhitelstvo." or pass ports, entitling them~to residential rights. Jews trespassing Holy Russia" without speial authoriza- tion were compelled to make long and weary pilgrimages to their native towns under the guard of police.
 Once two Isreaiires were prome- nading on Nevsky Prospect, the. chief thoroughfare of the Russian capital. One had residential rights and the other had none. his visit being clandestine. From dis tance they espied a gendarme. The officer was looking straight in their direction. Evidently he was waiting their approach with keen anticipation. Two "zhids" at one time would indeed be fine catch.
 Look here" said the passport holder to his pale and frightened co-religionist; run as fast as your feet will carry you and l will follow you. In case the gendarme apprehends me I'll fix matters up very smoothly"
 The fugitive ran for dear life, the passport holder close at his heels, and the gendarme, thor oughly convinced that the two were desperate criminals. pursued them at full speed.
 After a long and spirited race the jealous officer succeeded in seizing- the passport holder. who was in the rear.
 "Where is your 'pravozhitei- stvo?" thundered the ardent off, ficer with rage. panting and froth- ing.
 The Jew produced his doou- ment. \
 What then were you running for?" stormed the disappointed gendarmne.
 Because the doctor ordered me to drink mineral water and then run." explained the member Of the chosen rae"
 And what was the other 'zhid'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
The Traffic Laws

By the provisions of a bill re- gently drawn by City Attorney Orlan B. Hill. Jr.. for presentation to the legislature. automobiles driven by violators of traffic laws may. in certain cases, be taken into custody and detained from use. The idea is that many per- sons, especially women, who might not be deterred from further vio- lations by the assessment of a small fine. would comply with the town laws if threatened with be- ing deprived of their automobiles for a certain time. The penalty of having one.s automobile thus taken into custody is provided for third or subsequent offense. With the exception of a jail sen tence for the offender, 1t is likely that depriving him of his automo- bile for a period would be the most effective punishment. In the case of violations which endanger life and limb. especially it is very likely that more drastic action must be taken than Is customary at present. and the proposed bill seems to be . step in the proper direction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
PRESS COMMENT T ON CONSERVATION
Awakening to Warnings
fNew York Heraldl


 The forest preservation move ment is notably active In the South. The Timberman quotes Colonel A. c. Goodyear. president of the Great Southern Lumber Company, as saying that his con cern has definitely determined to go into reforestation on a broad and thorough basis. He expects that the measures which will be taken will keep the company's mills running indefinitely. If present methods of forest devas tation are continued the mills must inevitably shut down. All of this is highly encouraging. It points to an awakening at last to warnings which long have fallen on deaf ears. It has come late, this awakening, deplorably late, but, happily, not too late. Much has been lost that might have been saved. But our forests are not all gone. A generation or so of time has to be made up In tree replace ment. The task> however, is not beyond hope of doing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
THE CUBAN LOTTERY

The enactment of lottery bill by disapproval of the United States gov ernment may react upon Cuba more heavily than she now realizes. The lottery is really legalized gambling with government participation in such a manner as to be entirely at variance with our ideas of the necessary sta bility and reliability of government financial conditions and transactions. It is not moral question, as far as our diplomatic relations are concerned, but business question. Our govern ment has concluded negotiations for a loan to Cuba, and it is quite likely that the loan will be withheld pending of the lottery question. The resolution accompanying the pass age of the measure is also said to be objectionable to this government as showing 8 tendency "entirely un- American" on the part of the Cuban government. Ambassador Crowder has been summoned to Washington to confer with the state department as to the policy to follow in the premises. Undoubtedly withdrawal of our antici- pated loan will cause the mercenary among the Cubans to repent their ad- herence to policy generally deemed by governments to be both unsound and dishonest. There is a noblesse oblige among nations that none of them can afford to ignore.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
Birmingham, Ala, Aug. l. 1923.
As to the Game of Polo

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 I would appreciate 1t very much indeed If you would extend to the the appreciation of the officers from Camp Mcclellan of their sup port in introducing polo to Bir- mingham
 There was a slight misunder- standing with reference to playing of the game on Sunday, which I believe has placed one of the city commissioners, as we'll as the off, ficers of the service in rather a bad light. It was originally in tended that the game should be on Saturday, July 2S. but when this was made impossible on account of rain, an appeal was made to the city commission. Mir. McLendon, representing MT. Cloe, gave per mission for the game. but later MT. Cloe stated that the game was in violation of the law If a charge for admission was made. There was no friction between the off, ficers of the military service and MT. Cloe, and after the predica- ment In which the officers were placed was explained fully to Mir. Cloe, he gave his consent, reluc- tantly, to the game. provided no more requests for Sunday polo would be made.
 We who are responsible appre- ciate fully MT. Cloe's attitude and respect his conscientious stand, and believe that he was fully within the law in stopping the game, and also believe that he was fully justified by circumstan- -ces in waving technicalities in permitting the game, thus set ting wisely and graciously a very embarrassing question. To the people of Birmingham who gave us their support we wish to give assurance that if the polo spirit can be developed and an associa- tion started in that city, they will have the support of every of- ficer in the service.
 l.. o. MATTHEWS,
 It Col O, M. c,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
LEvIATHAN TURNS A PROFIT

It is matter of pride to Americans that their splendid passenger steamer, the Leviathan, should have earned net return of $379, 1000 on her maiden voyage. It is evidence that the ship is first-class one and that this coun- try can meet competition of the world in the matter of ships both for pas
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
The Chronic Knocker

(Sand Mountain Banner)
 You know him. Every town has them, and Albertville Is no ex- ception to the rule. We suppose that, like mosquitoes, flies and rattle snakes, there must be a place for the chronic knockers. Manybe they serve as "a useful purpose as a sort of counter-irri- tant for the lack of ative interest in the affairs of their town that is characteristic of thousands of supposedly good citizens"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
A Replacement Policy
Chattanooga Times)

There have been numberless sur veys of our various resources, but so far they have fad no prac- tical value. They are now, how ever, being drawn upon for edu- cational purposes--instructi the people in the importance of util- izing always with view to re- placement. It cannot be said, ,af- ter this information has gotten the circulation intended for 1t, that the people will be any 1Anger ig- norant of what Is left to them after the profligate waste they have been indulging for so long a time. This may, and perhaps will, mean the adoption of definite policy and constructive program that will in the end force us to realize that when we are using what we have got faster than we can replace it the time will not be long delayed until we shall have nothing left to use. much less to waste.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
Selling Live Stock
(Anniston Star)


 The selling end of the livestock business needs handling in the same manner that the Farm Bu- reau has handled the selling end of the farm industry. through CO., operation of producers and busi- nesslike methods for disposing of the products. This has been very great benefit to cotton grow CTS and it can be just as great 8 benefit to cattle raisers. Cooper ation is the key to successful de- velopment of both agricultural and livestock Interests. and cattle men of Alabama appear to fully real ize the fact and are planning to develop the cooperative spirit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
State Warden system

The greatest enemy of the fu- ture of these cut-over lands is the widespread public apathy and ig- norance in respect to the evils of forest depletion within the state. Of course the picture. as dark as 1t Is. has some silver lining. The state Is awakened to.the necessity for reforestation. conservation and protection. There Is a grow ing sentiment in favor of a regu- larly constituted state fire warden system to protect forests from fires--a most destructive agency that has never been given proper attention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03

running for" demanded the mad dened and foaming officer, his sword rattling.
 "The other Jew also was or- dered by a physician to drink min- eral water and then run" informed the resourceful Hebrew.
 Now, when you saw me run after you why didn't you stop?" illuminated the nonplussed officer, delirious with rage.
 T thought" responded the in- genious fellow, that you, too, were prescribed the same treat ment."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03

as treasury surplus was announced. If there is anything the average con- gressman can do, it is to find pressing needs for additional expenditures of somebody else's money.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-03
REASONABLE" WHIPPINGs
(Columbia State)

Whipping of convicts within reason is necessary" the grand jury of Colquitt county, Georgia. reports, and recommends that the county delegation in tho legisla- ture support a measure to "re- establish flogging in the Georgia prison system"
 Is the grand jury of Colquitt quite sure that reasonable men are available at all times to ad- minister whippings to convicts?