davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25

be any objection to a woman past the dangerous age doing likewise, especially since the nineteenth amend ment went into effect? Sex equality is part of the modern day program. No longer are there restrictions upon the ladies who feel the dangerous age coming upon them. Already the country is full of women from forty-five to fifty who find ways and means to get rid of their husbands ten years their seniors when ennui sets In, and the need for a change of conditions and environment is felt.
 If the lady who captured the affec- tions of the lad wanted something young and unspoiled to go around with her and make eyes and say pretty things, and she had the means to pay for such privileges, whose business is it? So far there has been no indica- tion that the course of true love is not running just as smoothly as if the couples ages were reversed. There seems no reason why there should not be a male May and female Decem- Der, as we'll as the other way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
 OFFICIAL POWER AND LAW

The shooting of another boy by of- ficers reported to have been engaged in a whisky raid, so soon after the re- cent killing of a youth under similar circumstances, will serve to strengthen the public conviction that officers should be severely cautioned against the taking of humh life when it is avoidable The weight of legal au- thority holds that homicide is justi- liable in preventing the escape of a prisoner who has committed a felony, but that it is not justified in prevent ing the escape of prisoner who is charged with a misdemeanor. Distill- ing, under the Alabama law, is a felony, but sale and possession of liquor is misdemeanor. An officer who shoots a person whom he is at- tempting to arrest for misdemeanor, when that person does not resist or use force, but merely flees, Is violating the law. .
 In the case of the boy shot in the leg by city officers when he attempted to escape from a garage which they were searching for liquor, it is set forth that the youth had been charged with grand larceny, a felony, and that the officers had gone to the place to arrest him on this charge, and not on charge of bootlegging. If these facts are substantiated, the officers were legally justified in their use of fire arms to prevent his escape. But the occurrence recalls too many instances within the past year or two, in which officers have exceeded their authority while making arrests in misdemeanor cases. Abuse of official power is a form of tyranny that has no rightful place in democratic government.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
NOT WORD CoINAGEs

An Alabama contemporary says that MT. McAdoo, like MT. Harding, "tries his hand at the word-coining business and contributes the word 'dormancy. " To be sure, it is commonly thought that MT. Harding coined the < word "normalcy," but as usual MT. Noah Webster was ahead of him in record ing it's meaning precisely as MT. Har- ding used it. The same is true with the word "dormancy," which MT. Webster also seized upon in his unparalleled eff fort to write book containing as many different words as possible with as few repetitions. The only thing MT. Harding and MT. McAdoo have done is to make use of words that are uncommon, but which very aptly ex- press the exact shade of thought de- sired-something of lost art in American conversation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
Telephone Main 4sOS
TO WORK FOR IMPROVEMENT

Efforts of the Italian Retail Mer- chants Association recently organized for practical cooperation along com structiye lines should bear desirable fruit under the general purposes and program as outlined by the organiza- tion's head. He explained that the organization desired to enlist the CO., operative sympathy of the Italian small merchants in better under standing of the value of team work with the public authorities for inn proved sanitary measures, more effec- tive observance and enforcement Of law, better police protection, and, In a word, higher standards of civic con- dtions. The fact that these mer- chants contribute heavily to the ex- penses of municipal government en- titles them to reasonable returns in those things that go for the better ment of municipal life. The head of the organization stated that members of the body as rule are anxious to perform their duties to the commu- nity. and in most instances where this is not done the reasons can be traced to lack of understanding of the bene- fits to be derived therefrom.
 Not only was the importance of cooperation by the members in bring ing about better municipal conditions emphasized and urged, but the press ing need for more protection to small merchants in the outlying districts from the criminal element was pointed out, and appeal was made for more street lights as preventative of crime, more efficient garbage disposal and other service which affects the safety and welfare of the community. With organized cooperative effort by civic, commercial and other bodies to the end that the taxpayer may get fair returns on his contributions to the public service, there should be im- pl'ovement in conditions. When citi- zens do their part towards improving the situation by observance of law and performance of civic duties, there will be that much less excuse on the part of public authorities for failure to function in efficient municipal ad- ministration. The Italian Retail Mer- chants Association started out on 2 sound basis. By adhering to such a platform and program as the head of the organization outlined, there is req son to believe that practical results will be forthcoming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
ON TRANSFORMATION
Wshington Postl


 President John H. Small of the National Rivers and Harbors Con- gress, in his address before that body at the opening of its annual session, outlined constructive policy relative to waterways com sidered as a component part of the nations transportation system. For many years MT. Small has been identified with coast and in ternal waterway development and is an authority on the subject.
 As MT. Small sees it, highways, railways and waterways are inter- related to an extent that makes sunifiction and coordination as parts of America's transportation system economically advisable. Time was when waterways were considered as rivals of railways and, with the development of the latter, the former were, in the public mind. superseded or dis placed. More recently highway transportation was considered as merely competitive with railways. But a comprehensive view of the situation reveals that all three may work together. each as aux Hilary to the others, to the ad- vantage of the public.
 Development and construction and regulation of waterway ter minals, improvement of rivers and canals as to channels, development of water carrier lines for such wa terways, with boats appropriate to such use-these are some of the means urged to the end that wa terways may be raised to maxi mum utilization as component part of Americas transportation syst em
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
DECEMBER AND MAY

There has been much comment of late about widow purported to be wealthy, portly and around fifty years of age, and a lad of seventeen who stepped off and got married. Some of the comment has been unkind, and the poor woman has been charged with pursuing the object of her affections even at the risk of clashes with her in-laws. From the pictures printed showing the newly-weds on their honeymoon, they seem to be happy; so whose affair is it but theirs?
 Why should a reversal of the order of things create a stir? Men more than fifty years of age wed girls in their teens without creating excite ment. The history of matrimony shows that men of middle age, and even those approaching their three score-and-ten, have made a practice of pursuing youth. Why should there
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
CHRISTMAS

A1GHouSH tHeIo d1e uidily WHO BIOdU under the burden of selecting, prepar- ing and buying Christmas gifts, and although there are many who work beyond their strength to put all things in readiness for the season, there Is no denying the fact that those who get no thrill out of Christmas are in the minority. It matters not how the observance of the day originated. Its customs and interpretations are most intricate Intervening of the legends and customs of many ages and many lands around the nativity of the Christ Child. It is sufficient to know that it it the chief among all our festive oc- casions, the most eagerly looked for ward to and the longest held in mem ory.
 Christmas may be said in way to belong to the children, but inasmuch as most of us become children for the day, few of us are left out of the en- joyment unless it be voluntarily. To be sure, there are those whose cir cumstances are so distressful that the general happiness may seem to them somewhat of mockery; but the Christmas spirit is such and so all- pervading that it overflows and seeks out with gifts and good will even those whose means are limited, or on whose threshold poverty camps. Good will | is the keynote of Christmas On that day hates are forgotten and enmities laid aside. Feuds of long standing have been known to be cured by Christmas. The best in human nature is brought out, and there are actually many cases where the enjoyment If giving exceeds the enjoyment of re- ceiving. This is contrary to ordinary everyday human nature, and if for one day the occasion can make us rise above ourselves it is worth while.
 There is Santa Claus, just as rotund, just as rubicund and just as jolly as ever was conceived. That figure how CTS In the background of our con- sciousness all through the Christmas season. Even after we are grown and ceasesto expect glimpse of the cheer full creature in the flesh, the image that so vividly appealed to us as chil- dren remains with us, and our only regret Is that, like the movie stars, Santa does not sometimes appear be- fore us, himself in person.
 As to those who believe that the Santa myth is wrong teaching for the children, let him that is without imagi- nation among us cast the first doubt upon the supreme confidence of child hood. What fairy tale was ever one- half so entrancing or so wholesome in it's influence? Who Is there, with a happy childhood to look back to, that would tear the belief In Sant Claus from that memory? Who then would destroy the same picture for his own children? There is Santa Claus. He sits enthroned, and though many deny him, he becomes neither worried nor morose, but remains jovial and gener- ous, the very spirit of joy and the in carnation of merriment. Let him reign until better than he comes to claim his throne.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
SMILES
(Harner,s Magazinel

Joseph was .solmen-eyed, spiritual-looking child.
 Nurse" he said one day, leav- ing his blocks and laying his hand gently on her knee, nurse, is this Gods day?"
 .No dear." said the nurse, this is-not Sunday, it Is Thursday"
 I'm so sorry" he said sadly, and went back to his blocks.
 The next day and the next, in his serious manner, he asked the same question, and the nurse tear fully said to the cook: That child Is too good for this world"
 On Sunday the question was re- peated, and the nurse with sob in her voice said: Yes, Lambie, this is Gods day"
 Then where is the funny pa- per? he demanded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
MORE TRUTH THAN POETRY

She paints her lips and bobs her hair; I've heard her called little fool; The moments, probably, were rare When she was studious in school; When hootch is passed around she
 drinks,
 The sane remarks she makes are
 few,
 But frequently I think she thinks As sensibly as most men do. She smokes and swears, but, bless
 your heart,
 Such faults are common nowadays; {; If she can win her grandma's praise :; A girl is not considered "smart" She takes no time to reason out Why peace and concord flee afar, But I've no doubt that she's about As we'll informed as most men are She flashes here and dances there, And likes the notice that she draws i; She doesn't know and doesn't care How nature yields to certain laws; :; Her speech, as you would soon detect, Is marred by many flaws and slips, But her remarks are as correct As those which fall from most mems
 lips.
 Her thoughts are borrowed, if, indeed, Thoughts ever penetrate her mind i; The books that she's inclined to read Are not the helpful, worthy kind; She flutters lightly in and out, Avoiding wisdom where she can, And yet l think she thinks about As deeply as the average man.
 -S. E. Riser.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
PEOPLES FORUM
Impressive Celebration

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 MT. Thomas R. Marshall in his splendid letter In Today's Age Herald points out the true signifi- canoe of Christmas Day as joy ful, heartening, hope-inspiring day as well as day for children. He writes in impressive and touching language Of this birthday of Christ, annually celebrated by all the world as the great hope of real democracy.
 Amid all the noises common for this season, the explosions of the | firecraclIers, the blowing of horns, ! the dances and dinners, the surg l ing and pushing of the increasing | throngs, it is fine to read a com position like this, that brings to mind just what Is this Christmas Day. This is not altogether what I want to say, as am writing of | the wonderfully inspiring Christ mas program so beautifully and impressively rendered at the South Highlands Baptist church this evening from , to 6 o'clock.
 | If some one were only able to reproduce in language the beauti- fui tableaux that gripped and held | the sacred admiration of the vast | congregation that thronged old | South Highlands church, he would render possible a real treat that that big audience enjoyed. MT. D. H. Marbury read the passages of the Bible that constituted the | ho Io11 sented. The first represented shepherds, appropriately garbed, sleeping in the fields to be awakened by the songs of angels, these songs sweetly and beauti- fully sung by the church choir and by choir of young people. Then the shepherds were seen to hurry away. and in the second tableau appeared at the manager to worship the Child King. The tableau here presented was particularly tender and touching, Mrs. billiard making a true and impressive, picture of Mary, the loving and affectionate mother.
 In the third tabIeau we saw the Babe brought to simon, the old prophet, whose part was so well impersonated by the pastor, Dr l billiard. Then followed the last the Star Guiding the Three Wise Men to the Child in the Manager No one present at this exercise but what went away sensible of some uplifting benefit. Would that we could have more such exercises as this, as the tendency is to make us better folks, better neighbors and better citizns.
 ROSS c. SPEIR,
 Birmingham.-Ala., Dec. 23, 1928
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
NEGROES AGAINST THE EXODUS

Leaders of the negro race from more than one hundred counties in Mississippi are reported to have started movement to encourage cooperation between the races, and to assist in checking the exodus of negroes to other states. Insofar as these an- nounced purposes are conscientiously carried out, the movement should re- suit in benefits to the communities concerned. It is known that thousands of negroes who left the South within the last few years for industrial cen- ters of the North and East were dis appointed at conditions in their new homes.
 The organization in Mississippi can accomplish something worth while in checking the further exodus of mem bers of their race by enlightening them as to conditions they are likely to find in the North and East, and by spread ing trustworthy information coming from those who went away and are now trying to return. If the average negro who is tempted to go North or East were informed of the conditions and experiences of many members of his race who were carried off their feet by alluring promises of economic and social betterments, much would be accomplished towards checking further departures.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
WILD CATS FOR HUNTERS


 Wild eats so infest the Berkshire mus Ihat bounties are being paid Tor kllilhg them, and a hunt under an accomplished big game hunter IS to De undertaken in the hope of eXtefmlnating them. Few think or that attractive country as the abode of ferocious beasts. But more of them are left in this mart of the world. including Pennsyl- vanias than is generally realized. A wild cat is not a tiger. but it can provide thrill for it's pur- suers.2o There is no need for our hunters of fierce, if not big game. to go as far away as Africa for their sport. Some of those who slaughter really valuable game would be better employed going after wild cats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
Money in Tomatoes
(AbbeYille Herald)


 What do you say now as to the relative merits of cotton and to- matoes as money crop? But do we have to go to Blount county for an example that diversification pays? Right here in Henry coun- ty we have a progressive young farmer who is making good rais- ing tomatoes. He tells us that they pay him better than any other crop he plants. Some Of these days the business men Of Southeast Alabama are going to wake up to the importance of truck and dairy cows make for q more prosperous community. And when they do wake up and provide markets for the various things Southeast Alabama farmers can grow, thissis going to be the richest county In the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
GREEN FRUIT
By Wickes WnmbOIdt

A mother was arguing with her daughter opposing the girls en- gagement to a certain young man. "I don't see what you object to in him." countered the girl. "He Is as nice as any of the boys I go with. And besides, I don't seem to attract the older, more solid kind of men,"
 My dear,'' replied the mother. There was man once who in- herited an orchard and it was full of fruit, but the fruit was notsripe Nevertheless, the man was in such hurry to market it that he de- ltermined to have it picked any way. So he did and received very small price for it because it was picked too green. Now, that is the trouble with you. You are green and undeveloped, just like that fruit. You are not ready for the best matrimonial market. A girl with no more development than yourself goes at discount, just like the fruit the foolish man picked too soon. The thoughtful, solid men you speak of do not care to marry happy -go- lucky girl like you who cannot--or who will not-put her sentences together correctly, and who would be left | dumb if slang words were removed from her vocabulary. The only thing you have Is yourself. It is all you have to offer the world. If you insist on placing yourself on the world-market in green fruit condition, you will get a green fruit price; and that price will be a flat-headed, downy- tipped moron such as you are now contemplating whom you wouldn't wipe your shoes on when you are five years older.
 You would not expect to go into a business office and get much of price for your services now. It would take several wears of study and development before anybody would pay you anything very worth while. If you will just wait little until you develop more, until You round yourself out mentally, if You will wait for a few years, then you stand a better 7SsSAAfo tiit hlltu Ol illdl you want. And you don't run much risk, either. ] Because fruit that is sent to market too green is not worth as much as ripe fruit that hangs in an old maids lot"
 That is one thing the young folks have to combat-impatien l heard one boy of fifteen loudly lament that his life was a wreck because his father refused to let him leave high school and study wireless telegraphy. He argued If he waited until he finished high school he would have wasted two valuable years of his life.
 Seventeen thinks thirty is a green old age and that by that time most of life's issues are de- clded' But fifty looks back on thirty as the infant class, and contends rightly that most people nave little sense until past thirty live. The egotlsm of youth knows exactly how to run the world and the impatience of youth wants to get at the job right now. But the wisdom of age knows there is plenty of time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
FALLING BEHIND
(Cleyeland Plain pealerl


 "The navy of the United States is so i'll balanced and so deficient in cruiser strength that it would be put at a serious disadvantage in major operations of any kind. !" The secretary of the navy empha- sizes once more the fact that the navy of the United States is not equal to that of the other two major sea powers signatory to the limitation of armament treaty. Both as regards cruisers and sub marines the American navy is woefully deficient, and while we have gone ahead and compiled with the terms of the treaty as regards the breaking up of many units. We have disregarded the fact that the American navy is one thing in theory and quite another in fact.
 By artfully combining a propa- ganda of false economy and pac- ifism, certain groups have re- duced the army to shell. By re- fusing to heed the repeated warn- ings of the secretary of the navy these same groups have watched Ahe United States dismember and destroy score of capital ships ae- cording to a world agreement. but have refused to take a single step that would create the additional naval units which that same agree ment, authorizes; and the result Is that both the defensive and offen- sive strength of the navy is now far below the standard contem- plated when the treaty was ap- proved.
 Here is situation the serious ness of which can scarcely be oyerestimated. Party leaders who are talking and thinking about the paramount issue of the pres ent congress need to reflect a bit upon our national defense. The penalty we paid for unprepared- ness dnring the World War needs to be recalled. and then. action ta- Ken that will preclude anothr such penlty in the future,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-25
For Road Improvement

NAliliston SJdr)
 The Alexandria road is not the only road In the county that needs improving, but it is one of the most used roads and there are more complaints about 1t than oS the others. It might be a good plan for people living along all of the roads that need improving to get together and volunteer their services to the county for the needed work. It would hasten the work of improvement. and now that winter is at hand and the winter weather probably will make the roads worse than ever. it is important that such work as is going to be done on the roads be done quickly.