davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
PEOPLE ARE STILL HOPING

Harmonious action such as marked a recent meeting of the city commits sion and the election of city comp troller, while ignoring reports that 2 former employe would withdraw his resignation and undertake to have part in the choice of his successor, is com mended, because it is the kind of of- ficial conduct that tends to get some where in administration of the public affairs. It is gratifying to the people to note this departure from the com missions habit of wrangling over un- important things. This one harmo- nious meeting may lead to others.
 It is a source of pleasurable inter est to many people to note that the president of the commission declares that, as a New Years resolution, he intends to have harmony in future commission meetings and to see that several constructive things are ac- complished in the public interests early in the new year. Among im- portant measures he mentioned are, the construction of viaducts and un- derpasses for protection against the dangerous grade crossings; paving of First avenue from Forty-First street to East Lake; joint administration building for the city and county, If possible, to supply pressing needs of both, and harmony of action in the municipal governing body.
 All these things should have been done long ago; but it is better late than never. If such a resolution as tn head of the commission proclaimed is carried out in practical form, and is supplemented by determination to provide police protection, street lights, adequate garbage disposal and several other acute needs, the people of this community will be grateful to it's of ficial body. The longer these needs are postponed the greater the bur dens upon the people, who see no req sonable excuse for failure of accom- plishment during all these years of public suffering. Making resolutions is an encouraging start, if they de- velop into making good. The people are still hoping.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
 PHIL FIGHTS CRIME

The nation will watch with interest the experiment to be conducted in Philadelphia, whereby Brigadisr. Gen. eral Butler of the marine corps will take over the functions of director of public safety, having been released for that duty by the government. The idea is that of Mayor-Elect Hendricks. General Buffers duties will be the pro. tection of the people of Philadelphia against the depredations of the organ. ized underworld of that city. Thi: consists not only of bootleggers, but dope-peddlers, burglars, thieves, pick pockets, murderers, thugs, gunrhen and all the other branches of violation
 The purpose is to round these crimi'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
COMMON sCOLD
(Washington Post)

Revival of an ancient and all most forgotten law against scold- ing, which is reported from New Jersey, should include man as well as woman in the scope of penalty. Certainly scolding is not exclu- sively limited to the fair sex. Any doubts on this score can be settled by scanning the record of certain representative and sena- tors-who have long since quali- fled as common scolds. If they had been women and had lived in days when scolds paid for their offenses, the seats of some of them would have been in the duck ing stool instead of in congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
THIRD PARTY EVIL
(Memphis Commercial-Apna

(Memphis Commercial-AppeaD
 Politics and politicians are very much alike in all countries. Polit- ical leaders are never going to be defeated in an election, and when they are, there are circumstances and possibilities they bring up to prove they are not. Great Britain Is undergoing a typical election aftermath wherein the loser will not admit he has lost and the win ner does not in reality know what his victory means. Lloyd George, as head of the Liberals, and Ram say Macdonald, as head of the La- borites. are both claiming victory in the recent parliamentary elec- tion, while Premier Baldwin, as head of the Conservatives, refuses to admit by resigning that his par ty was defeated.
 Lloyd George declares that the Liberal party was rejuvenated and gained a number of seats from the Conservatives. while Macdonald declares tho Laborites scored the victory, and yet he denounces the methods of the other parties in the election. Assuredly neither of the self-claimed victors are satisfied with their victory and Premier Baldwin seems not to have been thoroughly convinced of his de- feat.
 The Conservatives still have a plurality but no majority in the new House of Commons, while the Laborites hold more than the Lib erals. Combined, the latter two parties might dominate the situ- ation. as they did before the war, but there seems no basis now upon which the combination can be af- fected. We are not so far away from the same situation in the American congress, where the dominant party has not a clear majority over the opposition and the insurgents. The insurgents and Democrats are claiming vic- tory, while the regular Republi- cans will not admit defeat.
 As things stand in England and as things are drifting in this coun- try there can be no great appeal in the United States for a third party. Great Britain faces a lot of changes in government without anything very much being accom- plished for the general good of the country and the United States can visualize the same possibility. The two-party system has served these United States every efficiently in the past and nothing has devel- oped in a three-party rule that would shake our allegiance to the long accepted system.
 Three parties produce . lot of talk and lot of parliamentary 1ockeying, but they do not accom- plish results. Where authority and responsibility are divided achieve ment Is diminished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
THE CRY IS "vENIzELos"

Although it is indicated that Greece
 will again become 8 republic, it is feared that the leaders in the move- ment are overlooking the chief funda- mental of republic, and that is the popular will. Greece became mon archy when the popular vote recalled Constantine from exile. In spite of the changes that have since come about in various ways, that decree of the people still stands recorded in favor of monarchy. In order that Q
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
A HUNK OF SWEET
 POTATO c A N D Y
By wickcs wamboldt

The other day I was talking with a typical hard-boiled busi- ness mana thin-lipped, cold eyed chap. He looked as though if you pricked him with pin he would bleed ice water. He would be the last person in whom you would expect to find sentiment. Our talk drifted to Christmas and to Christmas gifts. He leaned back in his chair and became dreamy eyed.
 There is one present" he said, that stands out distinct in my memory and always will. It looms up in my consciousness as a never fading symbol of tender, thought full love. I was a little chap at the time, about eight years old. We were poor, very poor. My fa- ther was away trying to earn money. My mother was not well. She and I were alone. There was barely enough to provide the &C., tual necessities of life. It was Christmas time, but a Christmas for me seemed out of the question. My mother and I had talked 1t over, and I had accepted it as in- evitable. I would get no presents that year. On Christmas Eve I went to bed earlier, if anything, than usual.
 My mother tried to be brave and cheerful, but I could see through it all, and it made me feel the sadder. The Christmas gaities were in evidence on every hand. There were the laughter in the streets. the happy chatter, the whistling, the singing and the oc- casional popping of a firecracker. But it meant nothing to me. I had no part in it. I went to bed with a heavy heart. When awole the sun was well up and shining into my room. It was a bare, meagerly furnished little room.
 q noticed a chair was standing by my bed, and on that chair was g. plate and in that plate was something. I took 1t up and ex- amined 1t carefully. It was a con- lection made out of sweet potato. Then I realized that my mother, Ill as she was, had tried not to let me go Christmasless. She had worked late into the night, while I was asleep trying to make me some<~candy out of sweet pota- toes.
 Young as I was, I realized the full significance of it. I wasn't much given to demonstration, but I wanted to cry. ISlipped into my mothers room and told her how much I appreciated the sweet po- tato candy. I couldn't seat it. It didn't appeal to my appetite at all But my Christmas day was made happy-happy with a sweet deep happiness.'
 My friend blew his nose sus- piciously. "Yes," he said as he cleared his throat. i've seen many prosperous Christmases since then. I have received many costly presents-but never have valued one as did that little hunk of sweet potato candy that my sick mother made for me on that Christmas Eve"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Labeled by One's Speech

oeoiJ
 Words are builders. They build either for good or i'll, for veal or for woe. They are builders of character in this world and it ts our characters that accompany us into the next. The tongue of trained and guarded can do g world of good. More and more man is judged by what he says. "Thy speech betrayeth thee." was the maiden's charge which cons victed the fisherman apostle. Just the same your speech labels you. Men and women from their opinion of you when you open your mouth and express your opin- ion. For regardless of how well you may guard the secret, speech will reveal the contents of tho hu. man heart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
PEOPLES FORUM
Expression of Thanks

To the Editor of The Age-Herald: On behalf of the officers and the board of directors of the Commu- nity Chest of Birmingham, I wish to extend to you most sincere thanks for the cooperation given us in the matter of publicity dur ing the Community Chest cam paign. No matter how worthy the cause, we realize that it must be brought to the careful attention of the public, and in this respect you have certainly been wonder full. CRAWFORD JOHNSON,
 President.
 Birmingham, Ala, Dec. 20, 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
SMILES
Who Was Efficient
(Forbes Magazine)


 An employer, noted for his en- ersy and lack of tolerance TOT loafing in any form, visited hls stock room and found boy lean- ing idly against q packing case whistling cheerily and with noth- ing at all on mind. The boss stopped and stared.
 How much are you getting a week ?" he demanded with charac- teristic abruptness.
 "Twelve dollars"
 Here's your twelve. Now get out. You are through"
 As the boy philosophically pock- eted the money and departed, the boss turned to the chief clerk ana demanded:
 since when has that fellow been with us?"
 "Never, that know of" was the response. He just brought over a note from Binx 6 Jinx."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
T5s8 Th95zSsS8seORCE @ BEARER,

More than one hundred electric light men, representing many parts of the country, will hold their annual convention in Birmingham in Jan uary. Might it not be we'll to light up some of our dark streets, so that the visitors may be enlightened on Bir- mingham's widely heralded progress?
 Auto speeders in this community continue to try for new high records, just as if new traffic ordinances were not continually being passed and re- pealed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

Reports are multiplying and evil dence increasing that the present rev olutionary movement in Mexico is re- lying partly on shipments of arms and munitions over the northern interna- tional border. Doubtless good many Americans remember that not long be- fore the Spanish-American war when a clash seemed reasonably certain, Spain was purchasing in the United States arms, munitions and materials for their manufacture at cheaper prices than similar stuff was sold to the American government. Dollar mark patriotism does not set well on the true Americans stomach.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Economic Mark eting
(Roanoke Leader)


 Some cotton growers have the idea that when they put their cot ton in the farm bureau selling pool they are making an admission that they are not able to manage their own affairs. But just the contrary is true. It is an evidence that they recognize and believe in the sound sense of business methods and organized efforts. We unite our efforts in promoting our churches and schools and in many other undertakings. and would consider ourselves foolish tO do otherwise
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
lCRELIcHTS Hs. A1as1 IA A\NATIONAL z sIE1
 . .CAPITALTTss;Ig1ss s gs

Christmas doesn't come but once a year.
 That that is so is exceedingly fortunate, according to the cynic-
 No one of riper years disagrees, but there are few in the United States who do not know that 1t Is highly fortunate and salutary that Christmas does come-at least once a year.
 For a little while 1t gives to every man the heart of little child, very tender and very sym pathetic.
 It causes one to pause over sentimental incidents, almost to shed a strange tear, whereas at other periods such incidents would be ignored or held in contempt.
 Such annual treatment of the heart cannot have other than most happy effect in improving the world and adding years to the al- lotted span of life.
 The postmaster general some days ago issued an order that thSio hccu pc nO uellNeTy Ol mhli on Christmas Day.
 The average person gave the or der little heed, or If any, it was in consideration of the hardship" the failure of mail delivery would impose upon them.
 But to some the order was a blessing. As proof, the postmaster general cites the following letter from the little Shaws."
 Dear MT. New: We wish to thank you for all the little kiddies in the United States, as we'll as ourselves, for giving us our daddy for Christmas Day. This will be the first time we have ever had him home for Christmas.
 Martha Shaw, IS,
 Lester c. Shaw, IF.
 Esther Shaw, 10,
 John Shaw, Jr.,
 "Llewellyn B. Shaw, Jr., 5.
 "Edson s. Shaw, ?.
 "P. S. Our daddy Is John Shaw, Carrier No. 8, Mansfield, Pa.'5'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

Just so it lands some kind of con- vention, Chicago doesn't seem to worry about the political complexion, as it doubtless feels capable of providing the wind and pulling the wires.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

the government and to the people of the United States. In view of the soviet's record, there need be no sur prise among self-respecting govern ments and peoples at anything it may do to buoy an impossible government tai theory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

The big defect in pleas of insanity as excuses for committing serious crimes is that they came too late to be of service to anybody but the crim- inals, and do not compensate even the family connections of the victims.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
TO coMBAr CENsoRsHIp

It might at first thought be strange that the chairman of the committee to combat censorship of all kinds on art, literature and drama should be no other than George Creel, head of the bureau of censorship during the war. Yet, on second thought, none other than George Creel should be selected to head movement to undo the harm that his own methods of war censor ship are partially responsible for. If MT. Creel can perform this public ser vice, he will be forgiven much that was laid up against him during the war, when people did not openly criticize him, because it was war and they did not desire to place any sort of obstacle in the way of general war program. The people stood for much during the war that they could not be prevailed to stand for at any other time. The reason was not that they were afraid to protest, but because for once they were given that deeper understanding of the principle that united co-opera- tion is indispensable to nations best efforts.
 Censorship is dangerous policy, be- cause it lends itself to the surrender of public expression of all kinds to those animated by prejudice, narr'owness, re- ligious bias, racial antagonism, bigo- try, ignorance and the like, instead of encouraging that free expression of art in it's various forms which has re- suited in the masterpieces that are our heritage of the centuries. To be sure, there are extremes beyond which no art should be permitted to go, but these extremes are the we'll known bounds of common and public decency which are guarded by our laws. The police in any town can halt an immoral play, or prevent any ex- hibition of immoral art. Whatever de- gree of censorship is established should have its foundation in an edu- cated and liberal attitude such as is not possessed by the majority of those who are looking for the job of censor. On the contrary, the fight against freedom of restraint should not be given over to the licentious or to those whose moral responsibilities and men tai onesidedness renders them as ob- jectionable at the opposite extreme of the question. The extreme of prur- iency is even more to be condemned than the extreme of prudery. There is mean between the extremes which the majority is willing to tread, and the majority should rule.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Elegy

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The cries of angry shoppers fill the breeze; The father homeward plods his weary way And with dropping frame he car ries these:
 One toy automobile, One velocipede,
 One sled,
 One train of cars, One radio outfit,
 One wagon,
 One pair of skates, x Three broken ribs, One dislocated spine, One grouch.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

It seems that the Russian soviet out fit adds insult to injury through base less charges of deceit and fraud by the American government after hav- ing repudiated its obligations both to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Tua Asnecta of

(Memphis Commercial-AppeaD If you lie down and inhale the gas, friends may say that you look natural; but if you get in the habit
 of stepping on 1t too strenuously,
 even your family may have trouble | in identifying you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

A Texas judge ruled that any wo- man who kisses three policemen is in- toxicated. In other words, she is not responsible for being in the arms of the law.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Note What He Said

Greene County Democrat)
 A criminologist says he has dis- covered that married men are the best liars. And the editor of the Lafayette (Ala) Sun, who has had two wives, reports: Sure, they are for they have had the most practice.-Statesma Index. Note. He said best. not biggest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
One Thing, at Least
(NashyilIa Rannarl

The Charlotte Observer says, "The only thing North Carolina is short of is politicians" Offhand, that is about the only thing we think of that state ought to be short of.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

There is suspicion among those who are familiar with Republican poli- tics in the South that MT. c. Bascom Slemp will pull off some artistic stunts during his several weeks tour to round up a desirable convention delegation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
U,,tfn~ for Informati on
(Passing Show, London)

(Passing Show, London)
 Tourist-To what do you attrib- ute your great age?
 Oldest Inhabitant-I can't say yet, sir. There be several O them patent medicine companies bar gaining WI me.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

Art collectors seem to encounter their chief difficulty in escaping the ingenuity of salesmen who dispose of Rembrandts almost as fast as they can be turned out under the most approved modern methods.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
WILL HELP SOME

(New York Evening Post) Cleveland's main source of joy in securing tho Republican con
 vention is that henceforth the city
 will no longer have to be identi- tied as Cleveland, o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
HAS BEEN A CHANGE
(Chicago Newsl

Those obliging old countrymen who used to invest in queer light ming rod contracts now have grandsons who have learned much about the purchase of funny oil sharesa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Plenty of Pests

(Talladega Daily Home)
 Not enough flies and mosquitoes to keep a bald-headed manN slap ping at his polished dome, but there have been a plenty this De- cember thus far to keep them screened out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Buy Your Owni

In view of the fact that the senders of Christmas gifts are put to consider able agony and that the recipients thereof are invariably disappointed thereat, why not adopt the motto: !: Buy your own !"-The Duke.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
A Generous Unknown Friend

NOIcOIItt OOUtHefI DeHIUCIdtJ
 Some kind, generous soul, per- haps knowing our fondness for the fruit of the gulf coast coun- ties of Alabama, sent us a case of satsumas last week. They are fine and the donor should not be ashamed to own up to this ad- vance "Christmas trick" We thank you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Scores a Hundred Per Cent

(DeKalb County HeraId)
 Electric power, water works, sewer systems, labor supply and transportation are all closely studied by industries when they consider locating in a town. Fort Payne scores 100 per cent. perfect on all these, and consequently Is being considered by several indus tries which may be induced to To- cate here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Making More school Room
(Prattvile Proeress)

(RrattVlle PrOgreSS)
 Considering the children that will pass the sixth grade this scholastic year, the Autauga coun- ty high school will have around three hundred students next year if the room can be secured. With the building of the new auditorium and the cutting of the class rooms around 320 students can be taken care of.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Prices Out of Line

a0 (Ozark Southern Star)
 The price of hogs and beef cat- tie are so ridiculously out of line with other commodities and with the products from them. that it should furnish ample grounds for another congressional investiga- tion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
THE PARAGRAPHERS
A Possible Reasou

est. Louis Globe-Democrat)
 Business from the American side may have been too good for the revolution to begin at Juarez as usual, this time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Al STRANGE WORLD
fElorida Times-IJnion)

(Florida Times-Unfon)
 A California lawyer actually has gone into court and asked to be disbarred for "unintentional irreg- ularities." Now, don't crowd, in following this example.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

Those fellows who spend their Christmas in the Arctics may get glimpses of the traditional reindeer, even though they hear no bells. jing- | ling
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Getting Mules in the Ark

IEVCI DOey D N'@s-
 A mule auction took place in big enclosure, access to which was by one small gateway, and consld- erable amusement was caused among the onlookers by the ef- forts of the me in charge of the animals to get them to go through it. One mule especially seemed ob- stinately bent on doing anything and everything but pass through that gateway.
 want any help?" shouted one of the bystanders, as the mule driver rested a moment.
 "No," answered the driver, "but I'd like to know how Noah ever got two of these blighters into the ark" N
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
What Was the Usss

W dSIIIHS tUH USIJ A bill to create a department of education was introduced, just as if the insurgents were not already educating the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
Big Realty Doings


 Immediately after the holidays we anticipate one of the greatest activities in local real estate that has ever been witnessed here. This will apply to both city and farm lands. Better see your real estate merchant now and get in line.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24

Financial reports from various knowledge factories indicate that foo.- ball is an educational success.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-24
NOT MATCHED
(Sayannah Newsl

ISdVHNHdH ItWST The trouble about too many peo- pie is, as 1t may have been sai1 before, that the wishbone is not matched by the right sort of back bone.