davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
NO TAX EXEMPTION

Continued evidence of disposition of the legislature t6 put it's foot down on proposals for tax exemptions is proper and based on the soundest of prin- ciples. Every individual, corporation and possession enjoys the protection and benefit of the social state and none should escape the obligation of supporting the state. If some escape, the remainder must make up the diff ference. That is contrary to the so- cial pact. Men formed communities for common advantage and protection and under solemn agreement that the burden should be evenly distributed. Every tax exemption makes rent in the community fabric.
 Nor do tax exemptions confer even the temporary advantage too loosely ascribed to them. Their drawing power is far below what is expected of them. The state of North Caro- lima has built up textile industry rendering it the second state in the Union in that field, and it has done so without tax exemptions on it's statute books since 1862. Textile mills have come to Carolina because there is abundance of virile and satisfactory labor there and because the cotton is at the mill door; because the streams of Carolina afford water power. The iron and steel industry of Alabama has developed without tax exemptions. It is here because of the proximity of raw materials, low cost of manufac- ture, tractable labor and because, af- ter iron and steel products are turned out, Alabama has superior advantages for distribution among both home and foreign markets. Tax-exempt se- curities enable the rich to avoid their burden of taxation. There is nothing good about tax exemption under any condition of society, because it strikes at the fundamental that commands each to bear his proportion of the burden.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
PARTISAN EXTREMES

An interesting editorial comment recently appeared in a Washington newspaper which took to task both the leading political parties for their respective hostile attitudes towards nearly all measures originating with them. of it's Republican, it's wrong," says our contemporary, "seems to be the maximum of judgment with Demo- crats in passing on political policies and practices. And if it's Democratic, decision with Republican strategists
 It might have been added, such atti- tude is decidedly and disastrously wrong when it's results are weighed in the balance of the public welfare.
 There are many definitions of gov ernment. In the light of its purpose it is the protection of life and prop erty. The aim of any government which is worthy of the name is hon. estlg to enact and enforce such laws as defend and promote the public in terests. When Republicans oppose a policy or measure wholly because it IS of Democratic origin, professional pol itics in all it's danger and damage steps in to supplant every vestige of worthy statesmanship. When Democrats act on a similar flimsy basis, they convict themselves of no less offense. Not all moves or measures by either party are wise or constructive. Both parties make honest blunders in shaping their policies and in fathering their meas urses. It is for the voter to determine which offers more that is good than the other. Fighting the League of Nations because it was of Democratic origin, opposing a constructive ship subsidy plan because it was of Repub- lican origin, were both melancholy mistakes as measured by substantial standards of statesmanship. Each party stands for it's peculiar policies Yet there are certain policies so mani. festly potential of national good that they are beyond consideration of party. To oppose such measures be- cause of their origin, therefore, is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
PEOPLES FORUM
Wants Leasing stopped

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Just a few words anent the con- vict leasing matter which now de- mands much notice and comment. It certainly does not make a citi- zen feel that his state, retaining this relic of barbarian. stands so high on the honor roll as that from its apex he can fan the flies off the man in the moon. And to further realize that this state Is one of the only two remaining states of the Union Gs that cor rect?) which permits the practice | of farming out its unfortunates l is enough to make the angels weep. But insult is added to in- l jury when the people of Alabama are notified they should have no voice in this matter, which amounts to a confession by those | favoring the convict lease system that they, as supposed servants of the people, refuse to heed the voice of those by whose suffrage they occupy their position. But, even as ye editor suggests, this matter will come before the peo- pie In the coming elections; how ever. by that time our solons, and that money-grabbing class who would exploit the unfortunates of the nation to fill their coffers. shall have added enough to their bank deposits to justify them in their infamous course.
 Simply because a man has com mitted crime and been sentenced to prison is by no means justifica- tion of the convict leasing sys- tenn. Admitting the possibility of making a man of these criminals would demand that they be given better surroundings than those afforded by men who regard them as nothing more than brutes, and who, without regard to their be- ing moral, human beings, exploit their brawn simply for money Let these men stay within the ab- solute Jurisdiction and protection of the state, and receive such treatment as will be conducive of redeeming them from the prin- ciples of criminality. Then let the voters of the state set the seal of their disapproval upon the vi- cious act of those betrayers of the public trust who would join hands with men who would buy human beings and commit them to the lowest form of slavery in or der to fill their coffers with gold.
 How can the public be con- vinced that material gain is not behind the whole movement, and that the legislature would not gracefully bow to the demands of right and justice but for the lobbyists? Success to all those who are trying to bring enamel patton to human slaves and re- deem old Alabama, and let us get on the honor roll, and act quickly lest we be the last state to relegate to the realms of bar barism this damnable practice of exploiting human slaves to fill the coffers of private citizens.
 T. B. THOMPSON.
 Huntsville, Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams of the Broken Hesrt

The cry, My heart is broken" very often escapes the lips of a dreamer, particularly when in waking hours her mind is occu- pied with an unhappy love affair. Sad as the dream may seem and filled with unhappy auguries, ap- parently foreshadowing greater misfortune than is actually her lot, 1t is in reality an excellent omen, a proof positive that all the troubles which are besetting her mind will soon vanish into thin air and she will be as happy as a lark and look with shining eyes upon the man she loves. This is one of the dreams which goes by contraries. Coming only to those who are beset with cares of the sort indicated, 1t spells deliverance and tells them with unmistakable assurance that the very near, fu- ture, perhaps the following day, will bring them freedom of mind, happiness of soul, and the satis- faction that comes from the con- viction that he upon whom a wom- ans thoughts are centered Is as loyal to her as she is to him, and that he is only waiting a word of real encouragement In order to lay his heart, his fortune and his entire life at her feet. In most cases a dream of this sort is fol- lowed by an engagement and an early marriage.
 Of course, when a married wom- an has this dream it can refer to nothing else but some trouble she has had with her husband and which has made her sad and all most certain that she has lost the love of her mate. Let her be of good cheer. Before very long the little difficulty which now seems so great to her will be straight ened out and the former bliss which made home a heaven will return to exert its benign in fluence. both on her and the man who is her companion on the jour ney of life.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick Eouk Law
Cyrus Hamlfn

OTEub
 On the banks of the Bosphorus. not far from the city of Constan- tinople. stand the imposing build ings of Robert College, an institu- tion that has done more than any, thing else to awaken the spirit of modern thought and progress in the Balkan lands and in Tur- key. That Institution, founded through the generosity of the American for whom it was named, was given it's influence and power becaus of the earnest work and the remarkable diplomatic ability of Cyrus Hamlin, an American missionary.
 The man who was destined to build up this most important edu- cational institution in the Near East was born in Maine, the son of very humble parents. When the father died in Cyrus Hamlin S infancy, the mother was obliged to carry on the hard work of the little farm on which they lived. The boy knew no luxuries, and indeed, scarcely the necessities of life. Much to the discouragement of the hard-working. over taxed mother, the boy gave no promise of ability. Apparently, he was to be new source of anxiety. The opportunity came to send the youth to a relative, with whom he might work in the jewelry business.
 In the home where he went the young man found books, read them. became interested in learn ing, and determined to work his way through college. He man. aged to support himself. to grad the Bangor Theological Seminary. At the age of thirty-seven he set out for work as a missionary in Turkey.
 Now the young man, whom everyone had regarded as having small ability, showed the greatest ability. He mastered Armenian, Turkish and Greek with ease. He overcame every obstacle that was put In his way, and established a school for the training of teachers and preachers. In the Crimean war he took care of wounded sol- diers and provided excellent food without profit to himself. In 1883 he established Robert College, and for years carried it through as tonishing difficulties. He feared neither sultan nor Turks, and made Robert College strong force for good.
 His success in maintaining the work of the institution was one of the wonders of his day. In his later days he returned to Amer lea and became president of Mid dlebury College, Vermont. He died in 1900 at the age of eighty nine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
ONE TRICK A DAY
To Guess the Spots on Bottoms of
 paelxS

Packs
 Tell a person to choose, as he pleases, three cards from a pack, informing him that the ace counts for eleven, the picture cards for ten, and the remainder according to the number of spots. When he has chosen three. tell him to put them on the table and to place on each as many cards as spots are required to make fifteen. That is, for example. eight cards would have to be put on the seven of clubs. four on the ace and five above the ten. Let him return to you the rest of the package; then, while pretending to count some thing in the deck, count how many cards have remained. Add sixteen to this number and you will have the total number of spots on the three bottom cards, as may be seen in the example where twelve cards remain, to which number add sixteen and the amount (twenty- -eighD Is the number on the three cards.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Teaching Them to Think (Gadsden JournaD

It is one of the great functions, not only of the schools, but of the press, to teach the people to do their own thinking. It is far bet ter to present truths and facts to the people and encourage them to form their own conclusions than it is to try to Hull them into state of indifference and neglec where they will permit others tt do their thinking for them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
"A Mere BagateI1e'
(Selma Times-Journal)

NSelInd IlmeS -J Ourndl)
 The niggardly remuneration al- lowed those who serve in the law making bodies of the government is particularly a reproach to the state. The propaganda to reduce salaries, should 1t prove success ful, would not only prove a source of irritation to many public ser wants, who would thus have con- crete proof of the ingratitude of republics, but the savings accom- plished would be absolutely un- appreciable when considered in connection with the total expendi- lures, The salaries of those or the state payroll taken in the ag gregate are "a mere bagatelle" of the total budget of expense.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Safety First
(Related by Jimmy Davant)

(Related by Jimmy Davant)
 I was out driving across the coun- try with one of the natives of Shelby, Montana, when thunderstorm came up. So we took shelter in a lonely house a couple of miles away from the nearest neighbor. Then the storm broke loose and the lightning crackled and jazzed and shimmied and zig ragged all over the sky.
 "You might call it a safety island" I said, looking out at the sea of rain
 Not quite," he grunted. "Just a storehouse."
 "A storehouse for what?" I asked.
 "Nitroglycerin," he said.
 l got wet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
10 FAVORITE BOOKS
GAS chosen by Cecil Roberts, Wal

GAS chosen by Cecil Roberts, war correspondent, poet and noveIist) The autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini.
 The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (Oliver Wendell Holmes).
 Hamlet (Shakespeare)
 Shelley's poems.
 Byron's letters. } Five Tales (John Galsworthy).
 Growth of the Soil (Knut Ham, sun).
 Vanishing Roads (Richard Le Gallienne).
 How It Can Be Told (Sir Philip Gibbs).
 Lincoln Uord Charnwood). Copyright, 1923. in United States and by the North American Newspaper Alliance. All rights reserved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
To Attract Outside Capital


 The way to attract outside capital is to offer local capital as partner for that from the out side. The towns in the Carolinas that have made such progress in tine securing of cotton mills are towns that have put up a goodly share of the necessary money. It will be found in many of those places that people of all stations have direct interest in the mills as they have money invested in them. A large army of small in- vestors. instead of putting their few hundreds into some get-rich- quick sheme, have put it into the mills that are making the town and brightening their own futures. That sort of cooperation will be found to be one of the great things, one of the essentials in getting the best to be had in the way of new capital and new in- dustries. The Alabama town that tries that policy will be found to be the town that makes the great est strides in expanding its indus trial activity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
As to Eating Wheat Bread

(Talladega Daily Home)
 If Southerners are going to heed the Western slogan and eat wheat bread. and no other, they would do well to remember that biscuit made without yeast and rich pastry cause more cases of indigestion in Dixie than any other kind of diet, and have been repeatedly pro- nounced by medical authorities the banes of Southern cookery"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
SMILES
Of Course
(Tid- -Bits)

Newlywed was on his honey moon, and as he had married a very pretty girl, he lost no chance of telling everybody with whom he came In contact that he was a married man.
 T want rooms," he announced, as he approached the hotel recep- tion clerk, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible.
 Certainly, sir" said the clerk. For how many?"
 For myself and wife" replied Newlywed.
 Yes, sir" said the clerk. Suite, sir?"
 Sweet" cried Newlywed. of course she is.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

In view of the overwhelming public sentiment in Alabama against the con- vict lease system, the resolution which was steam-rolled through the legisla- ture will turn out to be another mo- torious scrap of paper.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Move for Greater strensth tn

(Huntsville Times)
 While we have been agitatinf' and talking about Greater Hunts vile, we find there are other communities getting ready to go right ahead into these larger ac- complishments. One of these Is Albany and with the passage of local bill for the merging of these two towns tha ought to have been together lon { long ago, we will have real cit. one destined to be great me tropolis. Our congratulations fer such an achievement, and also us hope, too, that some day
 will find the Tri-Cities, certain V Tuscumbia and Sheffield, doing likewise, and if the Tennessee river is not considered too much of a handicap because of 1t run hing between the towns, let Flor ence come in also and be a part of the great and merged commu- nity. And then back home, we shall never be content until Greater Huntsville is a reality.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Since two women in Chicago were sentenced to hang for killing their husbands, female pistol toters of that city have been less quick on the trig- ger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Life seems to be a series of ups and downs. Not long ago housewives were urged to reduce their sugar con sumption to pull down the price, now they are asked to increase their flour requirements to push up the price of wheat
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

The indications are that the inhabi- tants of the Ruhr will all be pretty well versed in the French language before the tri-colors are withdrawn from that region. The French have taken a long lease on the property.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Wasted Energy


(Boston POSt)
 The farmer took the man out to field and started him at blow ing behind two horses.
 Two hours later the new farm hand returned to the house utter ly exhausted. The farmer asked him how he was getting along.
 Not gettin' along at all," snapped the new man disgustedly. How do you expect me to hold a blow with two big, strong horses trying to pull 1t away from me all the time?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Need No Urging

The call for people to eat more wheat bread to help out the wheat farmer is all right, provided the people wish to eat more wheat bread and have the means to do so. As a general thing 1t is not necessary to urge people to eat more bread. They generally eat about all the bread they can af- ford, irrespective of the plight of wheat farmers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
His Preference

Like other statesmen, MT. Mag nus Johnson cares more for bal lots than books, though few are so candid in avowing the fact.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
It Could Have Happened

The bishop was paying his farewell calls. Many homes were to be visited. Before leaving his residence he told the negro chauffeur to get lis cards, for he expected to send in some at houses that did not matter so much
 As evening drew on but two families were left on the list and the bishop was tired out. "Just leave car1o,' the bishop told the driver.
 "Jess got one lef'," the chauffeur answered, an dat's de six O dimunds."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
LEASING AND JURIES

Alabama for years has suffered se- rfously from lack of law enforcement and law observance. Few influences or conditions have done so much to obstruct the states industrial, agri- cultural and educational progress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
JUST MINDLY INTERESTED (Snrinpfteld Renuhlicap\

"I am not materially interested in electricity" says MT. Edison, "and only get what knowledge l have from the magazines" Per haps MT. Ford will now explain that he is not materially interested in automobiles, but reads an ar ticle about them now and then.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Senator Brookhart, back from first-hand study of the Russian soviet, says that it is the next best govern ment on earth. Would the senator then put Turkey first?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Owing to recent developments, there is indication that the president on his return trip will not tarry long enough to make any prosperity speeches in the wheat belt of the Middle West.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Their Row
(The Watchman-Examiner

(The Watchman- Examiner)
 The couple were married and travelled to the lakes for their honeymoon. As soon as they ar rived they took a boat out upon the lake.
 The following morning the brides mother got post card, which read:
 Arrived safely. Grand row be- fore supper"
 My" she muttered, T didn't think they'd begin to quarrel so soon."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
A Liability
(Florida Times-Union)

(Florida Times -Union)
 LaFollette's hand picked col league in the senate of the United States will prove either an asset or liability for the senior sena- tor from Minnesota. For the state he Is a liability, without question.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Like the Balance

In saying that the farmer has more opportunities to get into debt than to get out of it. Sena- tor Glass admits that farmers are just like other people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Colonel George Harvey is reported to have set the styles for goggles in England. His post-prandial speeches, however, are not at all fashionable in his native land.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

The Houston Post declares that only Democrats, saints and philosophers are worthy of choice watermelon. A sort of pure-in-heart test for a pure in-heart product.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

There is suspicion that some of the predictions of an alarmingly warm July and August may be traceable to summer fur salesmen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Needs q Rest

(NashVille Banner)
 President and Mrs. Harding are reported fatigued by the Alaskan trip. and we hazard the assertion that the country is likewise a lit tie weary of it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
Hardly Necessary

It was hardly necessary for the correspondent who interviewed former Empress Zita of Austria to state that "she is very serious woman" after mentioning the fact that she has eight children to care for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
THE PARAGRAPHERS
The Farmers Worriment

While "Pittsburg plus" continues a subject of wide discussion. it is minus that Is the chief worri- ment in farmer circles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

One of the greatest burdens the people of Europe persist in shoulder ing is constantly increasing output of chips.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
NOTHING SERIOUS

(Memphis Commercial Appeal)
 The alleged conflict between science and religion will not do much harm so long as it is con fined to men who know little of science and have less religion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Job Escaped That
(Cleburne News)

Job was a patient man, but he never had to wait for a couple of hundred delinquent subscribers to pay up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

A contemporary declares "It is i'm possible to keep up with the mark" /" It is impossible to keep down with it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

When the mercury gets up in the nineties, it makes fellow still warmer to have coal prices for next winter showed at him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

responding facilities for the develop ment of character and good citizenship are provided, that great city will feel the wholesome effects in few years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
What to Dol

PITTSBURG, Pa., July 16.-Dear Sir and Brother: My wife's been reading the papers recently. The other day she asked me to teach her how to shoot pistol. What would you suggest? had thought of setting sside trust fund for her defense, but this seems inadequate. Yours in the sacred and unavailing bond.-Will Arp.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

An exchange observes tha there are no obstr'eperous factors in American politics. How about Borah, Brook hart, Johnson and LaFollette?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

It is reported that rattlesnake hit a man in Detroit. It is not announced whether bootlegger or an ambulance chaser got to him first.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21
The Meanest Man

The meanest man I ever knew, A grouch beyond compare He had a quarrel with himself
 While playing solitaire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Gag rule in a democratic law-mak- ing body is one phase of the political footpad policy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-21

Whether the earth is 1O,00O,O00 or 100000 years old is matter of dispute, but it has darn little sense for it's age.