davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS
Sir Rohert SteppIngs
By Frederick Houk Law

When Horatio Nelson. who was to become the greatest of all Eng fish sea fighters, was nine years old, there fas born in the same sec tion of England--Norfolk- which Nelson had been born. an other boy, Robert Steppings, whose life was to be linked with. that of Nelson. Horatio Nelson entered the navy and became the intrepid commander, and the de- fender, of England on the seas. Robert Steppings was sent to be a humble apprentice in an English, shipyard. The world did not hear much about him, but he rose from. the bottom of the ladder to become a designer of ships, and finally to become surveyor of the navy.
 An apprentice in shipyard in the rough days in which Seppings lived, he had to take his full shareof work and abuse. It was far from an easy thing for the English boy, with his quick north ern- temper, to carry on all the work that was given him, but lie stuck to 1t manfully, did his best. learned the use of tools, and took especial delight in studying the never piece work or day work; he thought of ship as a whole, and was interested in seeing the best ships ever made constructed in his yard. Such a boy very quickly attracted attention. He rose to authority over others. and when he grew up became a director Of builders. In 1900. when Horatio Nelson was made vice admiral If the fleet and peer of England Robert Steppings was made a mas ter shipwright assistant.
 If 1t had not been for men like Steppings, such menmen as Ho- ratio Nelson would heve been un- able to maneuver ships as they did. The humble work of the toilers in the English shipyards gave power to the English fleet. One of the first great accomplish ments made by Robert Steppings was to invent a system of sup porting boats in dry dock that enabled workmen to make repairs in much less time than. before. This one thing gave flexibility to the British navy, for ships need spend little time in dry dock. From this he went on to. make ships that would carry heavier guns and that would save their crews by means of strong protec- tions. All this increased naval effectiveness. It is not at all sur prising that the government took notice of ths patient, hardwork- ing ship designer and at last made him knight, Sir Robert Step pings. When he was forty-six he was made surveyor of the navy, T position that he filled honorably for nearly twenty years. Such men are as great as are the more famous admirals.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
THE VALUE OF LAUGHTER

The old saying, "Laugh and grow fat" is founded on the theory that laughter is natures medicine. Almost anybody can testify to the value of a smile It has pulled many person out of the dumps. A contemporary recalls a little stcry which illustrates the worth of a smile even when uneX- pectedly induced. A man who re- ceived word that his business had burned to the ground was so depressed that his reason was threatened, and he contemplated sui eide. While in this state he got les- ter from his ten-year-old daughter, to whom he was deeply attached, which read: Dear Daddy: l went down to see your fire today, and the store looked awfully pretty all covered wiih ice. Love and kisses" The man laughed and became sane. His spirit broke loose from it's prison of gloom. z Another story illustrates the value of laughter in the midst of anxiety. It is related that on the day President Lincoln read the emancipation procla- nation to his cabinet, he opened the meeting by reading from the writings of a well-known humorist. When his cabinet rebuked him for his levity in so trying a situation, he said: Gen tlemen, why don't you laugh? If l couldn't laugh, I would die."
 The health of large proportion of the people is more or less dependent on their. ability to laugh. A smile has won many husband for the girl who knew its value in the realm of TO- | nance. Laughter is a big asset. A large percentage of modern business is done on it. It has made many man sane as well as fat. The more of it the better in a world too full of
 agedy and gloom at best.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 : MEN
me Mother of oliver Goldsmith

The schoolmaster had a pretty daughter. That made the school a happier place for Charles Gold smith, who became the father If Oliver Goldsmith-and Oliver Go'ld-' smith, you know, wrote the best novel of his times; the best play times: some of the best essays, and was a favorite with some of the greatest men of genius. All that would never have come about if Anne Jones, the schoolmaster daughter, had not looked out of the corner of her eye at Charles Goldsmith.
 Rev. Oliver Jones, her father, knew nothing whatever abouc what was going on right under his clerical nose. He was toe busy with his Latin and. his whip. and the troublesome boys. Charles Goldsmith, oneo f the most inter esting boys in the school, went away and finally became the Rev. Charles Goldsmith. He did not forget pretty Anne Jones. He made her the Rev. Mrs. Charles Goldsmith, if one may call her such. ..- -e ~.-s ~f
 She was a very happy bride, and she loved her ministerial hus- band. Well she might, for every one loved him. He IS the man whom his famous son wrote about as the Village Preacher in "The Deserted Village" and as the dear old Vicar who loved everyone in 'The Vicar of Wakefield" Be- cause of these two great works of literature the minister husband of Anne Jones Is known today al- most as we'll as when he lived. Anne lost some of her Irish twin kle when the care of married life took full possession of her. She worried over little Oliver when he had the smallpox and all but died. She laughed at his funny mis- takes, and helped him all she could-which was none too much. She could have prophesied the the kindly man, but not the great genius that he became.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
,r.mhon. TeIephOn, x.ms,! zooo A1&A91S4s1sss Main 49O
ZoNING LAW NEEDED

Tn the absence of a Zonlng law the c;tv commissions hands axe virtually tied when petitions from caizens are presented protesting against the erec- tion of A commercial structure in res idential districts. Claims are made that considerable residence property adjacent to or near proposed stores deteriorate in value because ot suca structures, with serious losses to own CTS. Such situations arise from tln'21 to time whereby no little discomfort inconvenience and injury are caused to residence property owners. Ina trouble lies in the absence of zonlng law with provisions designating sec tion, localities and li.-es for residences, commercial buildings, factories anG the like. Most of the larger cities have such a law and have found It is practical not only in the protection of residential districts against en- croachments of business buildings, but in improving health conditions and ad- vancing the city beautiful idea.
 A zoning law for Birmingham was proposed under workable plan and a bill prepared for legislative action' but it has not been enacted. Such law would do much to improve Bir- mingham's appearance, to protect property owners from losses and to contribute to the public health. There is yet hope that zoning law with practical provisions safeguarding in- dividual as we'll as community inter- ests will be enacted at no distant day and efficiently enforced. It would offer material aid in developing the city along modern and attractivetlines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
MIR. SLEMP'S DUTIES

When c. Bascom Slemp, former Re publican congressman from Virginia and a wealthy industrial operator, wa appointed private secretary to Presi dent Coolidge, many newspapers ia miliar with the political record of tht appointee, expressed the. view that while he would be of comparatively little service to the president in tht capacity of secretary, he could make himself useful as organizer of South ern Republican delegates to the na tional convention. MT. Slemp has hat much experience in the distribution o1 Republican patronage. For a while he engaged almost entirely in that task. His office in Washington dur. ing part of the Harding ,,administra. tion was beseiged by office-seekers and he knew the ropes, so to speak It is said of him that he knows mors about this business than any other man in the country. He has studied il for years, and seems to have informed himself on all the most effective methods of political organization as affected by political patronage.
 It is interesting to~note that he was chairman of the special committee of the national committee which was charged with the work of cutting the Republican representation from the South according to general instruc- tions of the convention of 1920. The national committee has announced the figures bearing on such a reductio1'. This announcement is understood to be based upon plans and specifications as worked out by MT. Slemp. The Atlanta Constitution commenting on the announcement, says: "Its pur- pose, viewed from a strict political standpoint, is three-fold; first to throw the overwhelming voting strength of national convention to those states having formidable Republican organi- zations and votes; second, to cut down the large negro representation in the convention from the South; third, to assist, if possible, in the hopes of the party to build up stronger white Re publican followings in" the South in national elections"
 The situation indicates, as several newspapers suggest, that MT. Slemp will manage the Southern end of the Coolidge campaign. The effort to build up a strong white Republican following in the South in national conventions is so closely associated with patronage distribution, that the conclusion is irresistible that MT. Coolidge is a thoughtful, though silent politician, as shown by selection of his private secretary. There's a good deal of patronage to be dished out i1 the South along conventional lines, even though the hope of the Repub- lican party for carrying Southern states in national elections is as flimsy as ever.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
.ANNED-STUFFS AS FOOD
.lllions of containers of vegetabl

.lliOns of containers of vegetables d fruits are being filled at this sea '>n for winter consumption. The can ming industry is at it's height. While the public depends on commercial packers for canned tomatoes, peas, beans, peaches, cherries, beets and other vegetables and fruits more than ever. before, thousands of housewives on the farms and in cities and towns rely on their own efforts for this sort of food, which constitutes a consider < able part of their needs. The federal department of agriculture says that ''so far as is known at present the value of canned fruits and vegetables as sources of much needed mineral salts, organic acids and certain other valuable food materials is approxi- mately equal to that of freshly-cooked fruits and vegetables" This is reas- suring. The department suggests that occasional poisonings from spoiled canned products make valuable test of their wholesomeness, which is sup plied in the following: "It is safe rule to discard, without tasting, any
 I'd food which has conspicuously -.-usvmad or has become mushy to an
 lot warranted by the cooking
 10 which it was subjected, or
 ltains gas bubbles, or which
 uliar or unusual smell. If
 <zl food passes all these tests, Msln i'd to possess an unusually
 or an unusual flavor of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

any kind, it should at once be dis carded. The portion tasted should be rejected without swallowing"
 Many a housewife would be wise to keep the above paragraph at hand when canned stuff is emptied into dishes for the table. Such precaution might avoid a serious case of ptomaine poisoning, even though the percentage of spoiled fruit or vegetables is small.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Catering to Voters

hOiitS OIHeTy llmeSl
 Alabama Traveller demands that one traveling man be named on the highway commission. Move to amend by adding also one mer- chant. one doctor. one dentist, one Lawyer, one cotton buyer, one au- tomobile dealer, one plumber, one carpenter, one bricklayer, one plasterer. one coal miner, one rail- road conductor one editor, one chiropractor (for stiffening back bones) and one whitewasher. The latter will prove most useful. As to practical road builders. that matters not, just so all the ele- ments controlling votes are ca tered to.-Opelika News. With equal sense of reasoning the News .saS sisa. 1ss 5ssf ssB2..sS$ S| '.$Ssa 3Ha4t
 mission. We'll, get conr tsh; .d@ t without reesrs ~ thA}r aMsins
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
SMILES
Up to the Defense (Atlanta Journal)
peace in

peace Tn q
 ,in pursuance of his es, had to hear and judge the --ases that were brought before him and also perform occasional marriage ceremonies. He found 1t difficult to dissociate the various functions of his office. ,.,.. Everything had gone smoothly until he had asked the bride, Do you take this man to be your husband?"
 The bride nodded, emphatically. And you, accused" said the justice, turning to the bridegroom, what have you to say in your de- fense?" ..'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Only Thing Left

tCinclnnatf Enquirer)
 Judge, won't you please help me? I don't know what to do and my meat business is growing worse every day"
 Advertise your business and print your name on the windows. !" That's just the trouble, judge. My name Is Failure"
 Well, put your initials in front of your name" '"still worse. That would read A. Failure
 Hum! Then put your full name on the windows"
 Worse than ever, judge. That would read Adam Failure."
 Good heavens. man, get mar ried. then, and take your wife's name"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Back on the Jos
{ (AndaIusIa Star)

Andalusia business men, are now home from vacation and they should take up the work of inn proving this city industrially where they left 1t off last June. Towns do not happen to grow. The growth comes by a lot of thinking along intelligent lines plus a lot of spending. and more work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Instance of seIf-Reliance

n (hdnsaS OIty SIaTJ "
 The American Lawn Tennis As sociation is leading movement to standardize tennis balls over all parts of the world where tennis Is played. The association is also to be congratulated because 1t Is carrying out the work withnut epy government appropriation <db- lie drive.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Good Men Needed
(Gadsden Times-News)

sT
 There Is one source of satisfac- tion to the friends of the port and that Is the fact that the. develop ment can be started under the bill passed and the next legislature can amend the act as passed. It is. to be hoped that the port will fare better at the next session. The big thing now is for the gov ernor to select the right men on the commission. There are to he three members and they should be men of standing and capacity that the full benefit of such opportuni- ties as are offered by the en- abling act may be derived as speedily as possible,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

While America seldom has earth quakes to take toll of human lives, auto speeders, grade crossings and bootleggers seem to be keeping up, the tragedy record.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

A distinguished British observer de- clares that Americans are hundred percenters; but this does not mean that they practice whole-hog-or-none methods. ~eA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Good Times Ahead Huntsville Times)

A fairly good crop of cotton after all of the army worms. boil weevil and other invasions againsI the fleecy staple plus the magnifl- cent price that Is sure to prevail makes certain for more money and prosperity for our good people throughout the business and farm ing section this fall and winter than they have enjoyed in good many years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

Perhaps the chief of the Belgian Congo tribe who announced that ne would abdicate and turn his fifty wives over to his son had read about the advance in the cost of millinery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
wouldn,t Please Taxpayers

IOHICHSO NtWSJ
 If President Coolidge wished to please the Washington bonifaces he would call an extra session of congress. &
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

"What will England do for advice while Lloyd George is sojourning in America?" asks contemporary. Like most countries, Britain has a lot of politicians who devote themselves to that sort of thing as by-product of office-seeking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
An TdenI Canfiidnte

(Alexander City Outlook)
 Senator Underwood Is gaining in prestige wherever he appears. He is an ideal candidate where a safe and conservative man is sought for he is just about as far re- moved from bolshevism and such other deviltry as it is possible for a man to be, and that Is one req son why we can take him unre- seryedly,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

A Texas contemporary says that about half the city people do not re- gard agriculture as an essential in- dustry. They apparently know which side of the bread is buttered, but not how
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
To Improve Sweet Potatoes I INni .aA


 Quality of the sweet potatoes brought in from the county is ex- tra good; but if the farmers will let them stay in the ground until about the time of the first killing frost, they will improve in quality, quantity and size.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
More Cost to the People.

V
 The dipping vat. known as the John Green vat. near Ararat, was blown up Friday night by a party or parties unknown. It is thought that the party or parties doing the work were experienced in the use of dynamite, as the job was a good one. The deed Is to, be de- plored, as 1t will in no wise stop the dipping, and oh the other hand. the county will be taxed with the cost of building q new vat 2f(
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Fortunate Disposition

tArkansas Gazette)
 Senator Johnson says he likes to fight. That's 8 fortunate dispo- man who likes a fight has so much more opportunity for happiness than man who likes peace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
No Reason for Lobbxist
(Anniston Star)

\. NAHHIStOH StaTJ There is no reason for the lob byist. He never is disinterested He always Is working to further some special scheme of legislation, and it generally Is some, legisla- tion that. will benefit few at the cost of many. It would be we'll for all legislative bodies to put a curb upon the activities of the class of smooth workers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
lCpErLIeHTS faL aE &1c'e,-|
 A ANNATIONAL ikI O CAPITAL %Tl. 2

West Point, Virginia, is a Demo- cratic stronghold. Everybody, practically, is a Democrat But the postmaster, naturally enough, is a Republican.
 It is said Washington authori- ties, with the assistance of such past master as Bascom Slemp, now secretary to President Cu"I- idge, had difficulty in locating a citizen of West Point qualified for the position of postmaster.
 Finally, however, one Cook was the senate confirmed his nomina- tion.
 It is said that the other citizens of West Point were much cha only Republican among them, was appointed to handle the mail.
 It Is said that West Point ar gued that inasmuch as it's people were chiefly concerned, 1t should have been consulted before any postmaster was named. However that may be, 1t is indicated that the other citizens prepared to make life miserable for Cook,
 This is how they are alleged to have proceeded:
 They bought up every special delivery stamp. they could obtaia.i Next. they mailed letters bearing these stamps to each other. The postofflce was flooded for days And days.
 Cook was required to deliver these letters. He has no assist ant. He has no automobile. He capnot ride a afbicycle.
 Thus. he was forced to walk, and he walked all over the town, sine and time again. After he had de- livered one bundle, he would re- turn to find another awaiting him.
 It was apparent that he would soon have to resign to save his life. But he decided on another course. :
 He hunted up a citizen. said to have been 1he promoter of the scheme, and punched him on the ' of reports and Possibly charges, for. the postmaster general to in- quire into the situation. That is what is occupying his mind today. ; On the surface, 1t would appear that the postmaster had some cause for his Toss of temper. At the same time, citizens have tue right to mailspecial delivery let ters whenever they think 1t wise to do so, and to mail them in aay quantity. Again, were everybody Tn the United states to ennfatc the example of the. citizens of West Point. the postoffice depart ment would soon be the richest department of the government. It is not known, in advance. how the issue ewill be d determin ad. If Cook, Is not censurei, 1t wouli be entirely possible for the clti-a zens to resume mailing special de- livery letters. .
 And he would have to deliver them.
 It's hard to be a Republican in the South even when official. official plums hang ready for the picking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
The Battle of Googan,s Bluff

It was famous victory
 The hour was growing late. One million sturdy iron men
 Had fallen at the gate, And any one could plainly see It was a famous victory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
The Long Look Ahe,d

Pearson's Weekly. London)
 A five-year- old. who had fallen and cut his lip so that it was necessary for the doctor to stitch the wound. after bearing the pain bravely, turned to his mother. who was making much ado over the operation, and said:
 Never mind. mother. my mous- tache will cover It."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

"KEYSER, w. Va.-Albert Shaf- fer's pack of cigarette papers, in his vest pocket just over his heart, saved his life yesterday when a hunter shot him in mistake for squirrel"
 His life was saved, but the fact re- mains that he was mistaken for 6 squirrel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Bigger Cash Consumer

ICIeVeIand PIain DeaIer)
 The present tariff law. according to a headline. is a big producer of cash. Unfortunately for the pub lie, it is an even bigger cash. con- sumer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
The Morning After

Diogenes was driving a motor truck equipped with a 1,oOQ,0o0 candle power search light. ..........,... =, What's the big ideal" they asked.
 q am looking" he Said. "for the man who didn't pick the winner. of the fight"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Not Interested

(LouiSVille Herald) The average utility would not be interested in the Panama Canal as it Is only earning a paltry three per cent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

It is reported that many ladies are going in strong for the theory of Chicago dietician that an onion day will produce beauty and charm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
.Jazxy
lkansa-S Citu S4arA

NhdHHHS ,7CIty Star1 Jack: Giving a dance, eh? Who's going to furnish the mu sic?"
 Clarence: Wont need any: there's boiler factory next door"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21

none of the reformsrs has undertaken to enjoin any newspaper from an- nouncing results of future similar events.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Have a Care

Work is all right in it's place; but unless great care is observed, it may become a habit.-The Duke. 5.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
-
 
THE ALABAMA PRESS
No Better Town
(Tnscaloosa Newsl


 When a newcomer arrives in Tuscaloosa he might as well make up his mind to become a perma nent resident, for he can find no better town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Retmeen QuarreIs

(New York Sun and Globe) . Mrs: How we'll I remember
 |the5 night you proposed eto m., You looked like a fool"
 Mir: Appearances are not all
 ways deceptive my dear" 4''-'s''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
;, As a Precaution

A political band wagon should always have a clear vision wind shield.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Poise

As lightly as a feather The seagull breasts the breeze; He smiles at stormy weather, He scorns the raging seas. And often when dull care annoys I wish I had seagull's poise.
 ID. D. {
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
Two Headlines

Fans Pay More Than $1,0oo,800 to See Fight"
 "35, ,000 Children of War Veterans Now Needing Care" -