davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of savonaron

A beautiful, gentle soul whose entire life was bound up in that of her son was the mother of Saw onarola, the great Italian monk and teacher of the Middle Ages. There was little for a woman to do in those days, save intrigue or devote herself heart and soul to her family, and this lady was not inclined to enter the life of the court, even though the family po sition warranted it. She was very beautiful woman, and she was adored by the son she adored. Her love for him was gentle. ten der and profound. It was the. kind of love that remains unshak en in the face of any events. He was her life, and she would as soon have questioned his perfec- ton as she would have questioned the power of God.
 Her temperament was gentle, though ardent. Her manner was soothing and restful. and she had, according to, her biographer. an intellect which went to the heart of things. There was nothing she was incapable of understanding, and her kindness was extended to all living things. She was a gen erous, charitable. sensitive woman, good to the poor. kind to her neighbors, and thoughtful of all those around her. Actual incl dents of her life are hard to find. but the concensus of opinion among writers is that she was a safntly woman. and that the fine- ness of her soul. If not the fire of manner. of her son was a direct heritage from her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
MIR. VAUCLAIN'S MESSAGE

The message which Samuel l.. Vau- clain, president of the Baldwin Loco motive Works, brougt to Alabama and delivered yesterday at the Civic Fo- rum luncheon of the Chamber of Com merce before an overflow gathering of Birmingham business men coincides with the message which events them selves have brought. The destiny of this state and it's greatest opportunity lie, he declared, in the development of foreign trade. He emphasized the fact that other peoples are as honest as Americans and as fit to do business with. Alabama has in the Port of Mobile, according to MT. Vauclain, an asset and a potentiality for develop ment of foreign business of which the state should be proud and which should be cultivated at no sparing of money in realization of the splendid benefit to come from foreign trade relations. "Cuba," he said, lis in your back yard. Do not wait on Cuba, but go to Cuba and get the business waiting you" The speaker said that energy expend-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17

verify appears that those who. assume to be our national leaders are press ing back the columns rather than leading them forward.
 The reservations for which we ask are not pertinent, except to reveal our diplomatic timidity, for there is no compulsion in the court even for it's members who come in without reser- vation. That membership in the court is first step in the direction of the le1gue is not successfully to be de- nied, and Senator Borah at least per- ceives the truth of this so strongly that he proposes a court of our own to which he shall invite all the other na- tions, after they have first forsaken the one they have established and put into successful operation. Borah is a good leader and guide for the Ameri- can people, for he shows so clearly the way we should not go.
 This Republican division and hesita- ton is making it's effect upon the peo- pie. There is no public confidence where there is no confidence of lead CTS. There should not be fear of trav- cling even an uncharted course, for if we keep our bearings as we go along then the course will no longer be an uncharted one. Surely we should not hesitate to enter trail so completely blazed as the one to the league The league is sanctuary for all the na- tions, for there they do not fight, but deliberate. If the league court is but the outer court of the league edifice, certainly none shall be in danger un- der it's walls.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17

ed in promotion of export trade would pay greater dividends than the same effort in competing with Northern manufacturers for Northern business. He moreover believed that the more Alabama develops her foreign trade the sooner capital in the East will realize the opportunities of investment in this state and will come here with out the asking. The message appeared to go home to the several hundred business men who heard MT. Vauclain, and who had already sensed what for eign trade means through what has been done via Alabama's gateway at Mobile
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
A TRAINED CITIZENRY

Among all the diScourses delivered upon the subject of preparation for national defense, none contains more
 meat or strikes so directly at the heart Of the whole matter as these words of Woodrow Wilson: "Our defense should rest upon a citizenry trained to arms" The lesson of Plattsburg has not been forgotten. That great expe- riment in training of volunteer civil ians, is likely to become the permanent basis of our military readiness for de- fensive warfare.
 So impressed was this government with the possibilities and completeness of the plan of training civilians that 1t passed law and made appropria- tions for annual camps, not only for reserve officers, but also for elemen- tary training in drill and evolutions. It is true that congress failed to en- vision fully it's duty in making such training possible on large scale, and did not make such appropriation as is required to make the plan completely effective. It is hoped that another time congress will be more liberal.
 Meanwhile, there is established in Birmingham recruiting headquarters for the training service, and applicants will be examined for admission up to the extent of the quota allowed by the appropriation. Young men will find much personal benefit in qualify ing for the training. Their physical condition will be established by army officials and the training they receive in the camps will result in prompt and permanent physical betterment. In addition they will receive military in- struction which will give them ad- vanced position in the event of war. besides the purely patriotic considera- ton of being in readiness to serve their country.
 Ii the training means work. it also means an outing and a fellowship such as IS not developed in everyday life. A trained civilian army is a double protection, not only for war but as a preventive of war. Perhaps the very Willingness to undergo this training will be the very best assurance against the necessity of going to war. The civilian military training camps will last during the month of August, and present an opportunity that any young American may we'll consider a prize, If he can but prasD it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
STILL HOPE FOR THE PEOPLE

The federal court has ruled that the Public Service Commission of Ala bama cannot compel the Mobile Gas Company to produce it's books for the purpose of a revaluation, the court holding that, according to the state law, valuation once fixed becomes permanent, and that the Brewer amendment changing this feature of the law would not apply to valuations already established. This is inter preted by many to mean that the Ala bama Power Company valuation of more than thirty-three million dollars, and eleven million dollars above the figure computed by the consulting en- gineer as just, will stand. If the pub lie service law had been written by the attorneys for the utilities it could not better have served the private pur- pose as against the public interest. Fortunately, the Brewer amendment corrects the absurdity which permitted only the utility and not the represen- tatives of the people to protest ten tative valuation, and which made a valuation once established perpetual
 There is hope that higher court may reverse the ruling, and that the unjust valuation impeachment in the way of fair deal to the public may be removed In the event that the higher court sustains the ruling, then the state legislature has it still within it's power to pass legislation which will authorize revaluation of the power company's property on basis that will insure justice to all concerned. ! The fight is on for supremacy be- tween certain selfish interests and those who are elected to protect the public welfare. That fight cannot halt until victory is won for the people. If the high valuation fixed by the repu- diated associate Public Service Com missioners, Cooper and Gaillard, is permitted to stand, then the way is open for the power company to enjoy rates twenty-five to thirty per cent. above those considered justifiable by the accountant and the consulting en- gineer of the commission. Certainly this is situation which should not be permitted to endure.
 II IHe sdiu utiiltits really believed that the new valuations were prop erly arrived at and in full conformity with the law, then these utilities could have no objection to revalua- tion, but, on the other hand, would strive to win public confidence by call ing for a revaluation, such as so evi- dently is the will of the people of Ala bama and of the legislators who repre- sent the people of Alabama.
 Whatever may be the course pur- sued by the utilities concerned in this matter, there can be no doubt that the final remedy lies with the legislature, and that the legislature has shown full and complete desire to serve the pub lie interest in the connection.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
GENIUS By REV. H. C. OFFERMAN

Genius Is the capacity for talk ing infinite pains. someone has said. We can all be what the world may call a genius" It means the sacrifice of family, home ties, comforts, amusements. friends, the accumulation of wealth, and thousands of other things. Let us, theh-remember that if our names are not on everybody's lips, if we are not fla nous, lionized. editorialized. ha- loed and glorified. like so-called men of genius, we have a thou sand and one things to make up for it. The happiness of home life, the comforts of a blessed old age. the charm of philosophic spec ulation, the joy in the accomplish ments of children and grandchil- dren, and numerous other things. It Is not the so-called genius" that is happy; it is the other sup posedly less prominent man who Is really more genuinely happy.
 Look around you and take stock of all your happiness.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
PEOPLES FORUM
As to a School Bond Issue

To the Editor of The Age-Herald::
 1 notice with pleasure the dis cussion relative to a bond issue for five million dollars to be used in the expansion of our school pro- gram. This discussion is most timely and the expansion is cer- tainly needed. I claim with par donable pride that l was among the first to oppose the bond issue last year. I did 1t honestly and conscientiously, and under similar circumstance will do it again. Ny man who is advised at all as to conditions in Birmingham will deny the need of many new build ings and much equipment. It was needed last year, and is needed now. and will be needed still more next year unless something Is done quickly.
 The underlying cause of the de- feat of the issue last year was simply this: The tax payers were not at all pleased with the way the 1918 issue had been handled. In the beginning of the campaign, the people were not advised of what had been done with the 1918 issue, nor were they given detailed information as to what would be done with the issue of five million asked fer. The proponents of the issue attempted to carry 1t through with whirlwind of misinforma- tion and an appeal to the great American principle of our love and duty to the schools. And only after they were driven in a cor ner did the proponents give vague report of what had been done with the proceeds of the 1918 issue, and what was to be done with the issue asked for. In the campaign 1t developed that while conditions were most unsat- isfactory. the real conditions were grossly overdrawn by .the propo- nents of the issue, and 1t was fact that at that time there was unsold of the 1918 issue one million dol lars, together with over S25O,O0O in cash.
 Now, 1t seems to thfs writer, that the least that can be ex- pected at this time, since those who proposed the issue last year have como forward again, Is the board officially to make a state mont showing what has been done the past year, taking in consider ation the fact that in May of last year they had one million of un- sold bonds, s25o.ooo of unused cash, and since then have received something like s500,000 of tax money. Then outline definitely what they see as to the needs to take care of the present, and defi- mite plans for the future. When this Is done you may expect a large majority of the taxpayers to vote solidly for any reasonable Issue. and in my judgment five million Is small enough.
 P. M. CARLISLE.
 Birmingham. Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
AN EXPENSIVE ECONOMY

The city commission cannot claim any credit for economy if such econ- omy is obtained at the expense of the public health. For example, the order recurring automobiles of the health department to be in the municipal ga- rage at given hours is said blythe health officer to interfere with the collection of milk samples, which ire quently takes place between four and eight in the morning. The whole ex- pendture of public health money could be saved by dispensing with the health department altogether, but the com mission does not effect the saving. Yet it is just as logical to withdraw all the service as 1t is to cripple part of t on the ground of economy.
 To be sure, it is claimed by the president of the commission that the inspectors entail much expense through joy-riding and other use of the auto- mobiles not in line with their work. This is grave charge against the in- spectors and in their own behalf they should challenge the commissioner for proof, unless of course they are guilty, If they are guilty, or if some of them are guilty of misuse of the cars, the remedy is surely not curtailment of the public health service. The remedy would be to employ such men as can be trusted.
 It is hoped that the commission will so adjust this difficulty as not fur ther to endanger the public health by impairment in the supervision of the purity of milk. It is quite evident that public health policy cannot rise much above the intellectual level of county and municipal governing bodies. Birmingham's commission has of late shown much evidence of an intelligent appreciation of the value of public health work. Let there be no recession from that attitude merely in order that a few dollars may be saved. The saving may be more than swallowed up in the loss of human life directly resulting therefrom.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By FREDERICK HoUK LAW
By Frederick HOuk Law
 Nathaniel Greene

Some years before tho American revolution a Quaker blacksmith set up a forge and shop in Rhode Island and there tended to the wants of the colonists. In this work he was aided by his young son. Nathaniel, who had every ex- pectation of succeeding his father at the forge. This son was a bright. eager-faced boy with keen liking for books and study. He asked questions of everyone who came his way. and did all he edge. As a result of this inquir- ing habit of mind he soon became a well-informed man.
 When tho Quaker blacksmith was twenty eight he had so earn ed the admiration of his neigh bors that they made him a mem Der of the legislative body of Rhode Island. In that body he served several terms, and added to his already high reputation for Quaker put aside his Quaker prin- ciples and began to study books wisdom. Foreseeing the coming of the war with Great Britain, the concerning the management of troops. He was first of all an American, and he believed intense. ly that the rights of the American colonists should be respected. He was prepared to fight for his lib- erty if need be. His immediate friends and relatives were shocked at beliefs that did not coincide with their principles. When, just before the outbreak of the war. Nathaniel Greene actually began the drilling of troops. the Qua kers expelled him from their mem- bership. Nevertheless, his patriot ism did not waver. and he decided to throw all his fortunes with the struggling colonies.
 When the revolution broke out Nathaniel Greene was the one man command the respect of his fellow men in military life. He became a brigadier general, held command in Boston, built Fort Greene on Brooklyn H4ghts, gave service at Brandywine, Valley Forge and Monmouth, and as commander of the American forces operating in the south he showed such skill in to the surrender of Cornwallis and military movements that he led the end of the American revolu- tion. He was only, forty-four when he died suddenly on a plan tation in Georgia, given him by a grateful country.
 The Quaker blacksmith. believ- ing intensely in loyalty to country. became one of the greatest gen. erals in war that established a new nation. dedicated to the prin- ciple that all men are free. Perhaps So
 Rochester Herald)
 If wealth is a disease, as Will liam Jennings Bryan says, there must be tight quarantine on 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams of Fireworks

Judging from the dreams which I have studied, I have come to the conclusion that dreams of fire works, once upon a time consid- cred very comon, are becoming ex- ceedingly rare.
 One of the most reliable dream interpretators of ancient days tells us that such visions mean sudden success. It does not go into detail, but I am inclined to believe that In a general way the interpretation may be accepted as correct. I must. however, make this reservation in dreams of fire works: If seen by you in the dis tance or far up in the sky, you may rest assured that the day of your ultimate triumph is not far off, It is only when you are your self connected with the setting off of the blazing toys or when you see them so near by you can almost touch them, that you may count on success in the immediate future. Should 1t happen that you burn your hands, you will find that before reaching your goal you will have to surmount many
 
 obstacles in the battle of life. In the case of a very young wom- an who is entirely dependent upon her husband. the dream of fire works does not necessarily mean their own success, but rather that of the family.
 had by poor girl in a European
 There is one dream on record, ,t-xr Il. ll IL. of fireworks surrounding her. According to the legend. a pass ing prince wooed her and made her queen of his realm. We have past those days of fairy tales and crowns that are handed to us on the roadside, but there is a great ambition in every woman's soul and If she dream of fireworks, she may rest assured that ultimately her vision will como true.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17

According to press dispatches Ger many is still protesting against cer- tain policies of the French in the Ruhr. If Germany would devote the time and efforts she consumes in pro- testing, propaganda, pleadings, and perslflage to serious moves for paying her just debts, the reparation problem would soon be in process of practical solution: Germany seems entirely to Ignore the old maxim: Where there's will there's a way"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
SMILES
Accuracy as n Fault (Detroit Free PreSSl

In an eastern town fine arts committee passes on municipal Improvements. The board of trade had raised the money for statue of the towns first mayor, but when the work was finished the fine arts committee refused to re- ceive it. So the present mayor sent for some leading citizens and proceeded to put questions:
 What's wrong with this sta tue?" came first.
 The fine arts committee won't pass it," was the reply.
 Whats the matter with the sculptor?" the mayor persisted.
 That's the trouble. There was no sculptor. Seems 1t was made by. a marble cutter and he didn't know any better than to get a likeness"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
VALUABLE FARM BY.PRoDIycr

One of the most convincing articles on the dairying industry as a farm by-product ever penned is simple re- cital of fact. l. occupies a fitting place as leading editorial in the cur rent issue of the Industrial Index, Columbus, Georgia, reading as fol- lows:
 MT. R, R. Finn is a farmer dairyman living near Cordele,
 Georgia. He has fourteen cows,
 and ships his cream from his dairy to the Cordele creamery. His cash receipts for cream in November were $260.15, for December
 S26S.85 and for January $284.
 MT. Finn paid out, nothing for
 feed, as he raises all the feed on
 his own farm he paid out nothing
 for labor, milking the cows him.
 self. In addition he had the
 skinned milk from these fourteen
 COWS to feed his hogs and chick
 ems, and the fertilizer to enrich
 hls farm. MT. Finn's place is
 20-horse farm. On it in 1922 he
 raised 1O3 bales of cotton and did
 not have to go in debt one penny
 for the raising The creamery
 checks enabled him to pay cash for
 what he bought.
 Comment is superfluous. It is re- cltai of fact, convincing profert of cause and effect, the abstract and the concrete, the practice and the precept, all In one. It is as complete as the parable of the sower. To add to it would be to spoil it. It constitutes a catechism that would not be out of place in every Southern farm home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
A MAIDS MAXIMS

When a woman wants to shar- pen her wits she chooses the near est man as whetstone and when she hurts his feelings she knows. even in the midst of her compunc- tion, that she has achieved fine cutting edge.
 A man likes to keep his econo- mics in his wife's name. Then the family can call her stingy while he cultivates reputation for careless generosity by bringing home some cheap candy every day.
 A rest cure which every girl has discovered consists of placing Him in a comfortable chair and say ing, with pretty animation: Now tell me all about your work!" She can even close her eyes after that
 provided she doesn't snore.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
Committees Hard At 1t
lMontromerv Timesl

IMOntSOmery IlmeSJ
 The recess committees of the legislature have all been hard at work and will have their reports ready when the legislature meets in July. The code committees has the most stupendous task. but they are hard at work and promise to be ready on time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
Nominated by AccIimatfon

When l go out iii Ianc. garb the rain begins to IalI, but when l veal my rainproof coat it doesn't rain a-tall. And when the morn is fair and warm, the afternoon brings up storm. l nominate tno. weather nap as leader of the pest house clan.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
Barometer of Business

(Alexander City Outlook)
 The railroads arc having an un- usually large number of wrecks at present, due largely to heavy freight traffic. There Is just so much traffic that roadbeds cannot stand up under the strain. There is no better indication of increas- ing business than tho fact that the railroads arc so busy,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
Playing Safe

Country GentIeman1
 My town" says an Iowa man, 'once elected mayor who was very fond of show. The result was that he took every step to the end that his induction into office should occur in favorable weather and in appropriate circumstances. At "his suggestion the following notice was inserted In the local papers some days before his augu- ration:
 "On the occasion of the inaugu- ration of the new mayor. the fire brigade will be reviewed in the afternoon should it rain in the morning. and in the morning should it rain in the afternoon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
Driving. md Leading

!
 k there a movement on foot to change our form of government from a civil one to a semi-re- ligious one? We are not saying there Is, but it would be a bad move for the cause of religion. Men just refuse to be good by compulsion. but they may be led by persuasion and kind treatment,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17
ALABAMA PRESS
Bettcr in Proxress

IGadSden T1meS-NeWSJ
 Birmingham Is now the thirty fifth city of the United States in population, but the Magic City ranks far better than that in progress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-17

An Alabama contemporary asks: "What is slacker?" Those who "Know the right and approve it, too, Know the wrong, and still the wrong pursueo