davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02

ernor Pinchot assumed the role of spokesman for tho general public, without regard for the special desires of either the miners or the operators. With considerable significance he quoted from an address by the late President Theodore Roosevelt, of whom he was follower. He made no threats. Hel condemned neither side. He spoke dispassionately but firmly, leaving no room for doubt as to his determination to see to 1t that the anthracite supply is not checked. :. The nation has its eyes on the gov ernor of Pennsylvania, who will either become a national figure or retire from the political spotlight after the anthracite crisis passes-depends or how he succeeds"
 The Dallas News is inclined to taks issue with those who suggest that the president has passed the buck" to the governor "The president has not got from under his own responsibility by taking this action. If there should be strike he will be blamed. It must be evident, therefore, that the presi- dent betrays no want of courage in giving the opportunity to Governor Pinchot, who seems to have been rather eager to get it. Indeed, he may be thought to have exhibited a rarer quality of courage in vacating the spotlight that Governor Pinchot might stand in it. The credit of success, by the apportionment of popular opinion, would go mostly to Governor Pinchot, while he himself would pretty well monopolize the odium of failure"
 It is hoped, however, that public opinion will be charitable enough to give credit where it is due, and not blame the president unduly if He should fail to succeed where others have so consistently failed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
LONGS BILL WAS POSTPONED

Yesterday, in error, The Age-Her- aid said editorially that the house cont mittee adversed J. Lee Long's bill to throw open the states water power to monopoly or indiscriminate develop ment. It appears that the committee merely postponed action. The esseu- tials of the editorial, that such g measure would actively promote the "frittering away" of this important as- set, are not successfully to be con tested. If the committee has not ad- versed the measure, it is it's public duty to do so.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
As to Ipservention zee a,is

NOl. LOuio aN(
 The Platt amendment and the treaty made in conformity to t authorized intervention by the United States when necessary to maintain 8 government adequate for the protection of life, property and individual liberty" In one sense, of course, these words are capable of being so construed as to mean almost anything. In an- other sense they restrict action to rather narrow limits. If the Tarafa bill passes. property values in the closed ports would be af- fected, but the condition would hardly be one contemplated by the amendment and treaty. The ade- quacy of the government un doubtedly is impaired by the lot tery, but until inadequacy Is man. ifested in some clear, unmistak- able incident, extreme measures would probably be avoided by Washington. The spirit of the times is not favorable to the in- teryention idea and this country would feel that if we intervened there again, while the going might be easy, 1t might be harder than 1t has been before to get out. Tho new Cuban problem may continue as long as did the Mexican prob- lem and doubtless is to be solved in the same way. In the mean time Cuba has paid us It's war debt from it's lottery profits-or, at least, from a treasury rendered opulent by the lottery, which is much the same thing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
AuToMoTlvE sPooNINc

A lively contest seems to have arisen in many parts of the country between the rights of Cupid and the law of the public road. This devel- oped from the practice of what is known as "spooning" on the highways during motor rides. In Missouri the situation is reported as becoming se- rious, while in Kansas, the Carolinas, Oklahoma, Texas and many other states conditions are declared to be more or less objectionable. In Florida the practice has grown to such de- gree that one of the leading news papers of that state urges the organi- zation of a socfSty for the discourage ment or prevention of automotive os- culations and other demonstrations of affection on the public highways. In this connection the editor declares he took special pains on a recent motor trip, while the full moon peeped out shifting cloud, to note the prevalence of the practice complained of, and was amazed to learn that eight out of ten of the cars that passed him were being driven with one hand, and some of them with none. In each case the other hand of the driver was engaged in protecting his feminine seat-mate from falling out, and the effect was to make driving exceedingly dangerous; for, as he claims, "no man can pay proper attention to safeguards while clasping human figure in his arms or testing the flavor of some special brand of lip-stick."
 It is well known that Cupid laughs at the rights of others. Principals ir a spooning bee are not apt to be .watehful of the public safety. The result is that public highways are so dangerous because of this fast-growing custom that it may come to the neces- sity of having special traffic cops all along the roads to warn spooners at frequent intervals. Highway travel is already hazardous under existing con ditions of speed and disregard of the public Safety. If the spooning habit continues as part of motoring, all who have gone beyond the age for that sort of thing, or who haven't the time and inclination to get in the game, may consider themselves lucky to es- cape while out for a breath of fresh air. It looks as if there is need for action in the interest of the non spooning public, which would seem to have some rights, if not privileges.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
Deserves Forbearance
(Nashville Banner)


 Affairs have not been going very was necessary to send General Crowder down there not so very many months ago in the attempt to straighten things out. It has been recognized for some time that he was not proving an entire suc- cess, though 1t is, perhaps, only fair to gay that it Is doubtful if any man would have done so un- der the circumstances He has had to meet with petty jealousy and pettier politics, and not ail of 1t has originated in Cuba. The United States Is essential to Cuba, whether or not that nation can realize the fact, and Cuba'ss trade and good will alike are important to this country. The United States exercises a directing interest In Cuba's affairs and is empowered to maintain order and protect it's citizens against discrimination It would be highly preferable, however, if the matter could be settled without the display of any force other than moral Cuba ought to receive a great deal of consideration and merits great deal of forbearance. This nation can well afford to put up with annoyances for a time and try to bring about an adjustment by conciliatory tactics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
1 ALL SHADES !" oP OPIllONO
(Columbia State) Ou a StmfIar Foottuw

There is no intelligent official In Washington who does not know that the provision in the treaty with Cuba giving the right to in- tervene flor the maintenance, of 8 government adequate for the pro lection of life, property and in- dividual liberty" cannot possibly be interpreted to mean the right to intervene if 8 general law is passed, with general application, which impairs or destroys the value of the property of various persons among whom may be Americans. Foreigners in Cuba as in America stand on the same footing as to property rights equality with the native. No for eigner anywhere can demand or expect superior rights to the na- tive. The Platt amendment was aimed at preventing Irresponsible government and conditions such as have made Mexico and Haiti notorious. Our government can not assume to guarantee justice to individuals. It cannot force jus tice in America. Cuba is recog nized as a sovereign state. If q law passed by congress confis- cates property, the person or per sons injured have the same redress there as here-the courts. And the supreme court of Cuba has maintained a high standard, both of wisdom and integrity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
Involves Foreign Interests


 What, If anything. the United States government will deem It wise and proper to suggest to Cuba in regard to the lottery act, which Is likely to prove a source of demoralization and corruption, will be known in due time. There has been no disposition to impose alien moral standards upon Cuba population, but the United States has duties in the island as we'll as treaty rights, and these cannot be abandoned to gratify politicians. It is, however, gratifying to note that the Cuban cabinet and legis- lative leaders have evinced a more friendly disposition toward the United States in connection with the request of the state depart ment that it be afforded ample opportunity to study the railroad consolidation bill now pending, and present whatever meritorious objections American investors may advance and sustain by legiti- mate arguments. The main ob- ject of the bill Is sound enough, but itfis said to involve confisca- tion of property and violation of contracts entered into with Amerl- can citizens. Under the bill many private ports would be closed anI several industrial. railroads would be forced to suspend operations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
The Lottery Problem

NIampa IIlDuHeJ
 The continuance of the lottery which is part of the government of Cuba and which provides, 1t IS stated. considerable portion of the revenue on which that gov ernment operates, has been in- jected recently as a political issue in Cuba, due so it is rumored. to the insistence of the United States government that a lottery is not a proper function of public admin istration. Whenever the lottery question came to an issue in Cuba 1t was overwhelmingly sustained It Is feature of life in Cuba and the average Cuban would as soon think of dispensing with it as the average American would think of dispensing with the privilege of attending baseball games or see- ing movie shows. Lottery tickets are sold on the streets In Cuba like newspapers in this country. It is big industry and. as long as the government gets such ap- preciable revenue from 1t and the people want it, 1t will be main tained--whichy will be forever. from present Indications.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
WE RECOGNIZE MEXICO

One of the striking accompaniments of the announcement of resumption of full diplomatic relations between this country and Mexico was the outburst of tumultuous rejoicing in Mexico City and other centers of population in our sister republic. Mexico ap- peared to regard the incident as fit and sufficient reason for general cele- bration. This is gratifying to the pen- pie of the United States, who realize that the innate friendliness of the Mexican people is of far more potency than mere documentary agreement. It appears that real and decided change has been taking place in the former suspicious attitude of Mexico towards
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02

this country. All the jingoism and charges of American imperialistic pur- poses have fallen flat of their own weight, and the Mexicans now per ceive more clearly than ever before that the friendship of this nation is genuine and not a mask for some ul- terior policy of aggrandizement. This attitude is of more value to us than any amount of territory.
 Those Americans who have invest ments in Mexican lands, and in oil and mineral properties, will doubtless now be able to resume their operations with greater feeling of security than ever before. It is probable that Amer ican-financed industries in Mexico will expand and flourish, that the Mexicans will become more prosperous, that they will become better customers of ours than ever, and that a period of mutually profitable intercourse has dawned. Recognition has been long delayed, but the delay has served to reconcile or wipe out those diplomatic differences that lel,. us apart, and the future is full of gratifying possibili- ties. Both nations are congratulated for their decision, and the ministers who met and successfully threshed out points of disagreement deserve and should receive the plaudits of two great peoples.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02

deceived by what is going on at Mont gomery. The campaign pledges were campaign pledges and the campaign is over. The tax laws already op the books are not being enforced, for the simple reason that the facilities for enforcing them have been wiped out, or seriously impaired. Governor Brandon Is openly advocating an ad- ditional tax to fill the deficit that his own mistake has created, and that he is unwilling to rectify by restoring tho machinery that was making the exist ing laws effective. The governor should remember that the four-mill tax must be submitted to the people of Ala bama, and that the people of Ala bama are no longer misled as to the true status of affairs. If the people of Alabama had known last summer what they now know, it is seriously to be doubted whether they would have elected MT. Brandon as their governor.
 This change in sentiment is not due to the fickleness of the multitude, but is based on the administrators coi- sistent failure-a failure that is still extending. The governor still has chance to repair the wreck by restor- ing the tax situation that was suc- cessfA. If he persists in his present policy, it will take a decade after his administration to repair the damage he has wrought. Does Governor Brandon care to leave record of that sort?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
A CASE FOR THE LEAGUE

One cannot help believing that Italy would have followed far di1- ferent and more diplomatic course had her grievances been against su- perior rather than an inferior power There is an unacceptable conviction that Italy has attacked Greece because sne believes herself more powerful than Greece. It does not yet appear that Italy was in possession of all the facts connected with the lamentable murder of the Albanian boundary commits sioners. and the temper of her de- mands upon Greece is far from reas- suring. In the first place, it IS prompt Iv denied that Greece officialdom was in any way connected with or ac- rountable for the murders, except aS any nation is accountable for the ap- prehension and punishment of It's criminals. Later developments may reveal that the Italians were in pos session of a greater array of 1ncrlm1- mating facts than have yet been given to the public, but until then Itaiy's course is not regarded as defensloie.
 One significant fact that will not escape general attention and comment is ItaIv's failure to turn to the League of Nations in the crisis, as her solemn covenant with the league binds her to do. The league cannot safely be ig- nored. Greece has already been com manded to furnish facts to the league In regard to the assassinations, and 1t is natural that Italy should be held amen- able to league adjudication of the dis pute. If preliminary negotiations should have failed, there would always be time to go to war; whereas, perhaps a little reflection would have cooled the Italian ardor. To strike while the iron is hot is one thing, but to strike while the temper is hot is very un- wise.
 If the League of Nations should succeed in composing this difficult situation, it will have gained for it. self prestige that would be unde- niable. The purpose of the league IS to act as intermediary between nations that cannot agree. The present in- stance, which contains the seeds of war, is made to order for league ne- gotiation and adjustment. It is hoped that it is not too late for this course to be followed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
THE SHIP BOARDS PROGRAM

Although President Coolidge has been carefully studying the plans of the United States Shipping Board, for the purpose of discovering whether the program of operating ships through subsidiary companies would preserve and expand our merchant marine, peo- ple have not forgotten that the pro- gram was adopted by the shipping board, with the cordial approval of President Harding, in the effort to preserve the fleet after the congress of the United States had deliberately refused to undertake the responsibility of necessary merchant marine legisla- tion. It is reported that the president is awaiting the opinion of the depart ment of justice as to the legality of the boards program, although the board was previously assured infor- malIy by the department that it was acting in conformity with the law and within it's jurisdiction.
 It is so evidently the will of- the American people that the fleet of mer- chant ships be preserved and devol- oped to carry our flag on every sea and into every port, bearing American goods, that the only question at issue must be as t9 the best course to fol- low. The elshipping board has given so much study to the problem that its de- cision must be given great considera- tion. The fact that the chief opposi- tion to the boards program proceeds from the ship operators and shipping concerns carries the intimation that their objections may be based on per- sonal and private grounds rather than on the basis of the greatest contribu- tion to the development of the mer- chant marineN Under the circum- stances, the public can but hope that no untoward pressure from sources not privately disinterested will be allowed to nullify the ultimate national pu,- pose with respect to the American merchant marine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02

dent can hardly be said to be pre- serving, protecting and defending the constitution if he fcrces con- gress by coercion, duMss, re- straint, intimidation or the power of patronage to do either those those things which ousat not to be done.
 We shall come nearer ! realiza- tion of our desire to hive equal and exact justice when we shall hold to strict accountability the men responsible for this kind of justice. Modern methoa, how ever. have made the president of the United States the actal titu- lar leader of his party. H popu- larly Is held responsibb not only for the success of hil administra- tion. but also for thu success of the party he leads. 1ersonally. I have never consented that a ma jority may work it's own sweet will in the republic. M! stubborn ness may be traceable o the fact that most of my life I hve been a member of th@ minority In any event, I have felt that a a mem Der of the minority I hatas much right to fair treatment at the hands of my government as though I were the presidnt him. self. l have never de,ied the right of a president to b an in- tense partisan. He may express his partisanship in his reommen- dations to the congress an in his formulation of administrative poli- cies. But his partisanshb must not tincture justice. 1t lis his duty to see that the law; of ths land are faithfully executed, and it is as much his duty to reserve the rights of the humblest citizen who does not subscribe tohis po- 'litical views as 1t Is to purish the criminal who Is a powerful mem Der of his own party.
 Public officials discharge their duties as the people desire these duties to be discharged. It might not be 8 bad idea to Set away from the growing belieflthat ths president is a good faty'' for every incompetent and hissatis- fled citizen, that she runsa candy factory day and night to bass out sweetmeats to all who ar crying for something they do mt have. It will be idle to ask the piesident to get back to the constitution until the people themstlyes get back to 1t. No presidentis to be criticized for listening Ato the clamor of the public. Ahey all are human. not divine. n we are going to change the fem of our government, let us dolit openly and above-board; If VI, are not. let us renew 8 speakingacquaint- ance with the constitution. Let us cease to villify the president because he does not st@ out of the path of his sworn Mty and heed the cry of every vagrant cause that comes paradingap Cap itol Hill.
 (Copyright, 1923. by Tweity-f first
 Century Press)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
Plea for Veterans
(Anniston Star)

tAnnlSton Star)
 The ranks of the Alabama Con- federate veterans are glowing very thin. In a few yeas the stat@ will not be able to give them even the poor recognition of s25 month for the heroic seivice they rendered the state in the Try ing days of the Civil War. While some of them are still with us,Nt is the least that Alabama can dp to make their last days littis more free from care and little more filled with comfort. and the bill now before the Alabama legis- lature is but one of the steps this state might take in behalf ofithese aged men who gave so freely of their time and strength tc the services of the state and the South.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
By THOMAS R. MARSHALL, Former Vice President of the
 United gfnfea

Years ago when I dwelt con- tentedly on Main street there came to our town troupe" of theat- rical performers. The little hall which we designated by the eu- phonious terms Opera House." al- though not a soul in town would have recognized an opera If one had been presented, was used by these players to stir up our emo- tions with lurid melodrama. One scene in which Section gang ap- peared still clings to my memory. Even now I can visualize the awe of the laborers as one of them ex- claimed to the foreman, My, what a great man the boss Isl" The years have come and gone since then and that little scene has come to my mind to represent the attitude of the public toward the president of the United States. Perhaps 1t would be truer to say that Americans gaze with awe up- guration day and regard him for on a new president on his inau- some days thereafter as a super man. then begin to question and 0Oopt pho PtiOA Q tOnB OPCHty UT covertly desire a new boss.
 We believe we have a better form of government than that of the British Isles And, tlieoreti- cally, we do have better form of government, but what of it's practical workings? Across the seas they are supposed to have a king. He is so nominated In the bond. But for all practical pur- poses he might just as well be q draper's model used to show the various ways in which gold and lace may be put upon a uniform. Here in America, on the other hand, 110,000,000 people, under the guise of representative democ- racy, are content with their presi- dent only when he exercises the powers of a cZar, and not then un- less he exercises those powers 10 the satisfaction of group and class.
 The prescribed period for an- other presidential election is com ing around. Already statements of policy to be pursued If I be- come president" are appearing. Men who hope to be. expect to be or would like to be president of the United States, are announcing what they will do after they get the office. And the country IS giving serious consideration to the proposed policies. What else are we to conclude than that the peo- pie of America are trying to make up their minds as to who should be dictator of their destiny during the next presidential term. trying to deduce from what candidates, active and receptive, are saying about their policies as to who would serve best as dictator.
 Amid the noise and confusion may l, as one who does not hope to be, expect to be or desire to be president. venture to suggest what
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
AS to the Game Laws

(Oneonta Southern Democrat)
 We find that a number of peo- pie have the idea that our game laws are made in the interest of the sportsman or professional hunter Such Is not the case. No man can hunt or fish on your land without your permission. If you do not want the birds on your farm killed they will not be killed If you have the backbone to say no when the sportsman enters your premises. Under the law the