davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of John Bunyan

If some magic power could transform you into a being capa- ble of going back in time, as did Mark Twain's "Connecticut Yan- kee," who went to the Court of King Oliver. oyu might make a call on Mistress Bunyan, the mother of John Bunyan, author of 'Pilgrim's Progress" Dear mel Where are you taking mel" you would exclaim, for you would find yourself going down into the heart of the slums of the dirty town of Elstow in England in 1928. Surely John Bunyan wasn't born in this dreadful placeg' you would cry out. as you stepped over a puddle. and narrowly escaped a splashing with mud as two pigs dashed away down the road. At last you would come to a stand before one of the poorest and dirtiest of houses. You would go dirtily dressed woman. garbed In in and there you would see a the cheapest of clothing, sitting in a dingy room that exhibited poverty at every turn, trying to make a-small boy say his cate- chism.
 "Johnw she cried out. "John Bunyan! Say it. Say it right" She shook him. but the boy was surly and answered roughly. He mumbled something, and finally dashed out of the rooom. The woman sank down and cried. She was a miserable wretch, and she Knew it--the wife of no one ex- cept a common mender of pots and pans, who could hardly find enough to hold soul and body to- gether. Her son was learning to use bad language. was running the streets, and would not learn his catechisml What hope for her? So poor Mistress Bunyan sank of it is, her son became the great down and cried. And the wonder John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim Progress" a spiritual guide for thousands of people. How mucn did his mothers prayers affect h's career?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick Houk Law
John Dollond

When anyone looks through a cheap telescope or cheap pair of opera glasses he is annoyed by noticing blue haze all around the edge of the circle. That an- moving blue haze, caused by the action of the light on the lens, hides large part of the view. This Is most disturbing even in ordinary use of the instrument in astronomy it is fatal to all ex- act observation. Today 1t Is pos sible to buy telescopes and opera glasses that do not have this ef- feet-Zthey are "achromatic., and therefore far superior. The achromatic lens in use on tele- scopes, opera glasses and came ras, is the invention of man whc was the son of an obscure silk weaver who was too poor to give his sons any educational advan- tages at all.
 John Dollond had to work for his father and weave silk. The family lived in the simplest ot homes and ate the coarsest of food There was, in fact, so little money that the family left France and moved to England in the hopes of finding greater prosperity. Hers once again the boy worked hard Now he had grown older, and wished for an education. He had always been studious and lover of books. He had read at every opportunity. In England he pur- sued his studies. after the long hours of work, with the greates1 energy. Week after week, month after month, and year after veal found him busy with both hand and brain. He became the master of so much knowledge that il seems almost incredible. The weaver's son learned English, of sourse, and also German and 1tal- Ian. French he already knew Then he made himself master oi Latin and of Greek. He perfected himeslf in difficult mathematics in astronomy and In anatomy When his own soon took up work with an optician John Dollon made himself an expert optician and set about experimenting. He Invented the combination of convex and concave lenses made of differe at kinds of glass, that prevents the forming of color.
 This invention was one of the greatest achievements in perfect ing lenses for many uses. The silk -weaver's son was made a member of the Royal Society, the most honorable scientific body in England He was awarded a medal for distinguished work, and was honored as a great opticiaa- He did not live long to enjoy his success. for he died at the age of fifty-five.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
CLEAN THE CHIMNEYS

Owners of resident property in Bir- mingham will save great deal ot money and trouble by observing the recommendation of the department of public safety to clean their chimneys for the winter season. This should be done every summer or fall before fires are needed. It is we'll known that some sixty per cent. of the fires in residential districts of this city origi- nate from shingle roofs. During the summer these roofs become dry and inflammable, and chimneys with ac- cumulated soot start sparks which ire ouently result in serious fires. There is no logic or reason in the thought of many that the carrying of insurance protects them against losses. Aside from the inconvenience and incidental expense caused even by comparatively small fires confined to roofs, every fire is paid for through insurance rates by all who carry insurance. The more fires the higher the rate. This does not include the cost of calls on the fire department, many of which could be avoided and which are just that much higher burden to the tax payers. If every owner of house which has a shingle roof would see that the chimneys are properly cleaned before cold weather, there would be a saving of many thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars to the community.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
AN OUTSTANDING DEMOCRAT

While Senator Underwood can in no sense be classified as a prophet not without honor save in his own coun- try" because he has been strongly in- dorsed for the Democratic presidential nomination by the legislature of his state, and has the support in his can didacy of an overwhelming majority of the people of Alabama, it is inter esting to note his strength in other parts of the country. His candidacy finds generous favor in New England, where his experience in the public service and his high statesmanship are recognized, in the Middle States, and in many sections of the North and West, as we'll as throughout the South.
 One of the many editorial tributes published in various parts of the coun- try recently appeared in the Kansas City Star, which said, among other things: "The country especially re- members the national service of the Alabama senator in leading the fight for the tariff law enacted in the Will son administration and in contribut- ing toward the adoption of the treaties resulting from the Washington confer ence under President Harding, when politics might have made him dis turber. His record has made him one of the outstanding Democrats of the country"
 No one who is informed of Senator Underwoods conscientious and com structive public service for neariy thirty years, and who knows of the ability, courage, sincerity and unsel- fishness of the man during that long period doubts his equipment for the exalted position of chief executive o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
SMILES
All of Adam's Symptoms

NIlt bllS, LOndOn)
 Little Johnnie, six years old. had been to church and had displayed more than usual interest in the sermon, in which the origin of Eve had been dwelt on at some length.
 On his return from service, there being guests at dinner, he dis played a good deal of interest in the eatables, especially the pie and cakes.
 Some time afterward, being missed, he was found sitting quiet ly in a, corner with Ahls hands pressed tightly over hi4S ribs and an expression of awful anxiety on his face.
 Why, what on earth is the mat ter?" asked his mother in alarm.
 Mamma, I'm afraid I'm going to have a wife" little Johnnle replied.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams of Chinese Pictures

Strange experiences are in store for the woman who dreams Of Chinese or Japanese pictures. You are no doubt familiar with the sort of pictures I have In mind the queer designs of the Orient. the graceful pagodas, the sunken gardens and the odd-looking ami mals. One of my readers sug- gested in letter referring to such a vision which she had, that 1t was probably superinduced by a Chi nese embroidered screen which she saw and admired. She may have been right, but the vision very often comes to those also whose eyes have not recently rested upon such a work of eastern art, and therefore the meaning of tho dream applies to them far more than to the reader in question.
 This dream, when it comes to an unmarried woman, always means that she will marry a foreigner I do not wish to imply that she will marry a Japanese or Chinese. but she will marry someone who comes from far away country. in all Likelihood not Europe.
 K When a married woman has this dream she will find that one of her intimate friends. maybe even sister or daughter. will wed someone who comes from a far away land, such as. Asia, Africa or Australia. At times the dream suggests the answer to the inn
 portant question whether she. who will contract such a strange un- ion, will be happy in her welded life. This, of course. depends upon the episodes which accompany the dream. and when 1t comes to you. you will have to give me enough details and let me know just what transpired while the picture dis closed itself before your eyes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
NO SEAPORT COMPROMISED

The friends of the seaport develop ment should beware lest they enter into a compromise with the enemies of the seaport undertaking and accept bill that will nullify the entire pro- ject. It is reported that there has been agreement. on measure that would limit the expenditures to five, million dollars, no more to be sper. until the equipment thus provided shall earn five per cent. This is per haps tantamount to blocking the serv- ice of the seaport until the railroads or other opposition shall have gained a firmer foothold. Who knows whether five million dollars will as- sure enjoyment of the benefit the people anticipated when they voted for this development
 It looks very much as if the friends of the seaport were playing into the hands of it's enemies and the obstruc- tionists. Better no construction at all, than such construction as will be inadequate, and perhaps unable in al uncompleted condition, either to. serve our commerce or to earn the five per cent. specified.
 Are there no men in the senate with backbone to stand up and fight for the right thing in the name of the people of Alabama? If ever the public well fare demanded champion it is in this critical juncture when the same old gang is covertly seeking to throt- tie what the people have openly ap- proved.
 Let the senate concentrate upon some means of insuring the appoint
 
 ment of able men to carry out the public undertaking at Alabama's sea port. The other limitations, in all their absurdity, will then be unneces- sary. Let the senators make no mis- take at this critical time. Fight the enemies of public progress. Do not compromise with them, for any com promise at all is clear gain for the foes of the undertaking and net loss to the commerce, industry and pros perity of Alabama.
 The show that is made to create the impression that the obstruction ists are trying to protect the public money is not genuine. If the seaport is to succeed those who administer it's development must give it the facili- ties it requires, within the limits set by the people themselves. Anything that hampers the success of the pro- ject does not safeguard the peoples money, but imperils it. Make no mis take about that.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Shooing Ont Lobbyists (Gadsdan Tim eAs Iournall


 The house took decided step in the right direction when 1t barred lobbyists from the floor. The lobbyist is one of the greatest menaces to expeditions and con structive legislation. Armed with arguments and various kinds of influence he works his way into the legislative chamber and se- cures action or delays action on measures in which he is interested. The legislators should know the will of their constituents and act accordingly, but 1t is seldom that lobbyists are working in the in- terest of the people. It is usually some private interests that they are fostering. The lobbyist was given something of a setback by the house and the house will have the appreciation of a majority of the people for the action.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
ACRELIcHTS fal faaHl 4GJ ANNATIONAL
 N CAPITAL EGgS S4ag ~ z

Senator ". J. Harris of Georgia (and, by virtue of the fact that he married a daughter of General Joe Wheeler and is a brother of pr. Scale Harris of Birmingham and Mobile, he is, In part, at least, of Alabama, also) has as secretary .Cranston Williams. Williams was once a newspaper man and a good one, it is related; and during the war, as result of heroic and in other respects meritorious service, he acquired the rank of captain.
 He is as good as any other-and perhaps the best secretary in Washington. In addition. he is the main dependence of every trembling young man who pre- pares to approach the altar of Hymen.
 Captain Williams has been in- formed that this month his serv- ices will be needed on two addi- tional occasions. He has been best man fifteen separate and distinct times. This is quite a record.
 Once, before the passage of the law in Alabama which requires the sheriff to officiate in person at all executions, there was a deputy, who bore, strange to re- late, the name of Love, on whose not unwilling shoulders the sher- tiff, on oft-recurring instances, showed his own undesirable duty.
 When the statisticians figured up the list of those whom Love assisted out of this troublesome world, the timid and sentim ental speculated on just how the deputy must have felt when recalling the details of the numerous tragic events.
 It was said at the time. however, that Love. regarding an execution as a duty, solely, be- came callous, and performed his duty with no more "feeling' than Ehe consumed his peas at dinner.
 And thus Williams is callous, it appears, At any rate, he expects spmmonses at regular intervals, and responds without a quicken- Ing beat of the heart. At the same time, he has never acquired suffi- cient courage to get into that predicament, himself, when one feels most pressingly the need of an able-bodied individual to aid him in standing erect.
 Every community has it's Thar rying parson." But there are few men, if any, in the country who have established more extensive records thanMr. Williams for as- sisting those longing for pass port into the field of connubial bliss, described by the poetic as limitless and infinite.
 The secretary of the interior has reason to doubt that the people. farmers and others, are as poor as they imagine. The number of vis- itors to Yellowstone Park, by Sep- tember 1, established a new record for this season. There were 125.- S6O, while last year there were only 9S,233. The increase was thirty per cent
 And, according to the secretary. the average individual travels when times are good.
 The 100000 Harding memorial stamps placed on sale September l at Marion were wisposed Of September l, according to Post master General New today. The demand from the country at large has become so great that the flat-bed process of production has been supplanted at the printing ot1lce by the rotary process.
 There will be enough for every pody September 15, 1t Is an nounced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Where It Fails

Somehow the tariff doesn't seem able to prevent low price on what everybody is wanting to get rid of.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
The Concealed Weapons Nvi1 (Tuscaloosa News)

Giving peaceable citizens per- mits to carry firearms Is not the solution to tho problem. A crimi- nal guntoter is going to use his weapon quicker and to worse pur- pose anyhow. The advantage all most always lies with the aggres- sor. Adequate laws against gun carrying and gun selling exist in some places. They should be uni- versal and they should be strictly enforced everywhere.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
The Clarion Call

w dshlnBtOn StarJ
 Do you think woman in politics can awaken men to their sense of duty?"
 "No doubt about It," answered MT. Meekton. You ought to hear how Henrietta wakens me to a sense of duty when I forget to feed the canary bird or water the rubber tree"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

the nation. No one should question the ambition or right of the South, nor of any section, to furnish the na- tion's president, if the candidate be properly qualified to assume the re- responsibilities and perform the duties involved. Sectionalism is no longer to be considered in this connection.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
A Matter of Local Pride

Everyone should take pride in saying, T trade in my home town, buying everything possible from local merchants" It will stamp one as loyal citizen, and if the practice is followed through life 1t will help to enrich us all by up- building the community in which we live.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
should Raise Hay
(Marion Countv News1

N~hAati iSAA SOdhty NCWoy
 We see too many loads of hay hauled to this community from the railroad. True. we need 1t, but 1t ought to be grown right here. Two acres of good land sowed to oats in the fall, properly drilled in, and then plant the stubble to peas, soy beans CT mung beans, would grow all the rough feed needed by the two horse farmer. And all the labor needed could be done by two hands In one week. Will every good farmer raise few acres of oats and hay? It'll pay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Sure. He Had Seen It

One day giraffe got away from a travelling circus. A keeper was sent out on a horse to look for it. He met man in the roadway and asked: "Did you see anything of a giraffe hereabouts?"
 The other answered: Giraffe? And phwaats that? I seen a nineteen hand, piebald harse, with an eenge- rubber neck, walking along wiping his nose on the tops O the trays is that the crayture ye are looking for?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Behind Time

(Arkansas GaZetteJ
 Mobile gets 1S.500 stems of ba- nanas. Too late. The song all ready had become popular. t
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
A Queer Chan

Detroit Free Press)
 T don't care much for Grean."
 "Why not?"
 ''The other day I asked him to let me pay the check for lunch. and he did 1t, without even put ting up the argument that it was his turn"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Conscientious Mnn

(New Haven Journal-Courier)
 Contractor; Don't you see that sign, No new help wanted?"
 Negro Applicant: "Yassah. An promised nah ol' woman I'd ask fo' a job today, an dass why An applied"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
The "Scorcher" Returns

Dear Torch Bearer: Why don't you take pen in hand Snd write vitriolic ode, or something, about the return of the ancient menace known as tho "Scorcher?" mean the youngstcr on his bicycle. Automobiles are bad enough, but at least they stay where they belong-in the street. When I walk across the street expect to find a lot of autos there and I am on the lookout for them, and if one of them hits me l am willing to give him credit for being damgood marksman, even if l do say it myself. But when I have dodged successfully across the street and stand br. thless on the side walk, some urchin somes along on a noiseless bicycle and attacks me when am not looking. Boys will be boys and all that, but where does the poor pedestrian get off at?-One of Them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

If the Tuskegee Institute teacher can make good in his claim that the sweet potato can be successfully used as the basis for producing rubber, mo- lasses, dyes and several other things. that vegetable will pass from plebeian to aristocratic circles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Not Manx Worried

(DetrOit Free PTtssJ
 The only people who are mourn Ing over the. absence of an extra session of congress are the politi- clans who are hunting around des- perately for a campaign issue or two in land that apparently isn't growing such things this fall.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

It is declared that there is enough coal in the United States to last for many, many more years. Still, the consumer has to dig a little harder every year to get enough for reason able comfort.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
The Personal Touch < .r<

Blackstone: "Why did your French maid leave? I thought she was so clever at hooking your dresses?"
 Mrs. Blackstone: "She was-ex- tremely clever. She hooked three before she left"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

Despite all efforts of the peace loving world, some of the Balkans can always be relied on to start rumpus in their efforts to get back to nor- malcy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
A Bright Prospect
Huntsville Times)

MT. Ford's resumption of nego- tiations with the government for the acquisition of Muscle Shoals is not only heartening. but 1t means for the most wonderful de- veiopment hereabouts in the his tory of the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

(kansas City atdrJ
 Premier Mussolini Is said to rise to his greatest height in time of emergency, a fact of which he himself Is doubtless aware-he Is always providing emergencies for himself,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
ONE TRICK A DAY
A Tricky Balance

Lay stick part way on a table top, so that it is securely bal anced, yet a good part of the stick protrudes offNthe edge of the ta :
 ble. Take pailful of water and hang 1t by its handle on the end of the stick. Now. you must have another stick, one that is just long enough to reach from the bottom of the pail to the long stick on the table.
 With a slight manipulation, plac-
 ing the second stick under the
 end of the first, you will be able to hold the pair suspended by this
 seemingly impossible method. by
 having found the center of gravity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Some Folks, Assurance

NAIUdEuofd bFHEJ
 Why is it that the Milton man who can't tell whats wrong with himself knows whats wrong with everybody else?-Milton Gazette. That is a question that is just as pertinent in Andalusia as 1t is in Milton. The average fellow who cannot pay his grocery bill will have no hesitancy in telling you just how the business mon of the town could mop up" financially if they would just take 3 few tips from him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
BuiIding BIocIrades
(Dothan Eaelel

NDUlHdH EaBIeJ
 The people of Dothan are accus- toned to walking around lumber and brick piled on the sidewalks, and if we should wake up some day and find the streets clear of building material we would feel lonesome.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

telling the players how the last move should have been made" Or like the fellow on shore who never caught any thing bigger than perch instructing the man in the boat just how he should handle a five-pound bass.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

If Senator Shoot wishes to escape popular criticism for his proposed luxury tax, he might fix high rate on lap-dogs that take the places of children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Farmers Conservationists
(Talladega Daily Home)

AS rule farmers observe the game laws more strictly than city hunters, and are the county's best conservators of game, for which they deserve the thanks of the people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Extra Appropriation

Cleveland Plain Dealer)
 At the rate dogs are now being given the president an approprla- ton will have to be allowed by congress for their support.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Vacations

(Richmond Times -Dispatch)
 Yeah, my wife and I have de- cided that for our vacations she will stay at home and I'll go to the seashore."
 "shucks! You call that a vaca- tion?"
 Sure 1t is. She won't have to get up mornings and cook my breakfast and I won't have to get up and eat 1t! Amt that vaca- tion?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13

It seems to be reaching the point where the merits of bathing-suits de- pend on whether they look we'll in tho newspapers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-13
Right on the Job

Keeping everlastingly at 1t is the thing that brings success. Eu- faulians are admonished to never let up in their efforts towards fighting a wrong.