davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-17

Raymond Bickford Of West Goulds-
boro has had rather an exciting set
to with predacious bobcat. One
night he got into Mr.. Bickford's duck
house and piled II ducks neatly in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
EICHT-HoUR DAY IN SIGHT

American wage earners and those gifted with that enlightened concep- ton of working conditions which marks the present age will long re- member that on the very day MT. Harding died the directors of the American Iron and Steel Institute an- nounced that the plan for substitution of the eight-hour for the twelve-hour day in the steel industry had become an accomplished fact. It is an accom- plished fact in that the country has the pledge of the steel producers, headed by the Steel Corporation, that the elimination of the twelve-hour day in the steel industry will begin imme- diately. MT. Harding made the over lures to the steel interests for estab- lishment of the eight-hour day. Pub lie opinion had long indorsed the change, but it remains that the added strength which his position lent was powerful leverage in effecting the happy result.
 The steel producers are gong to dls- cover in this latest turn for some abridgement of the toll of men the same good results as have come about through other introduction of humane methods. One result will be increased efficiency. Manufacturing ingenuity will devolve new labor-saving machin- cry and use of machines. The most important element in all human enter prise and undertakings is man himself. Every advance made in the treatment of men is an advance in the industry or other undertaking where it takes place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04

aloofness with respect to foreign af- fairs also acts as a deSrrent on the recovery of world confidence and of world trade. These things are not to be cured by paternalistic laws, but by the exercise of intelligence in dealing with problems affecting international trade. There has been no evidence of such intelligence among those who demand this extra session. Rather do they contemplate some sort of be- nevolence at the expense of the public treasury, plan which affects the fun damental situation not at all. and is of only doubtful immediate benefit.
 The farmer does not want charity loans; he wants market for his products. Having that market, his credit would take care of itself. The peculiar feature of the whole busi- ness is that the farmer, who has been noted for shrewdness, does not see through all this fog of talk that has been poured forth by the so-called radical senators and perceive beyond it nothing but desire to be Yin the public view. Tie senators are not really radicals, for they get at the root of no problem. If they should get at the root they would likely cause valuable top to wither and die.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
PEOPLES FORUM
An Auspteigus Day

Tuesday locked to me like a rather suspicious and unusual day for the state of Alabama and the South. With the declaration of United States Senator Oscar W. Underwood that he accepted in good faith the eighteenth amend ment to the United States consti- tuition, the full enforcement of same, taking a lead in helping to restore world peace and harmony through active good offices of the government. and the subsequent action of the president of the Ala bama Anti-Saloon League In in dorsing the senator for the Demo- cratic nomination next year, and the following insistent demasd of his fellow -citi5ens through mass delegation of representatives that he be put forward as the candidate of the state and the country for the Democrats, 1t was a good and unusual day. It looks like this is the South's time. It Is certainly her most suspicious moment for a half century, and she has waited with great patience for the time to arrive.
 
 It looks to me as if the unity of the Democratic party of the state has really been established and in the hope that there may be no treachery or double-crossing on either side, 1t is a consumma- tion to be devoutly wished that the action of the Democratic mass meeting in the house of represent atives Tuesday be sealed by the action of the Democrats of the state at the polls next year. One prominent Alabama man, inter viewed by a Montgomery news paper, has already made a sugges- ton that l believe would be ex- cellent and extraordinary. He suggested that the present gov ernor and the four ex-governors of the state be members of the state -at-large delegation to the national convention. l guess he figured that each delegate would be given a half-vote each and that the delegation consist of forty eight Democrats instead of twen- ty-four, each having a whole vote
 This would send to the national convention Governor w. W. Bran don, at the head of the delegation; Former Governor Thomas E. Kilby, Former Governor Charles Hender- son. Former Governor E. B. Co., mer and Former Governor William D. Jelks. all of whom I consider well worthy of such an honor -
 c. E. JOHNSON.
 Montgomery, Ala, Aug. 1. 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
A PLAGUE OF LAWS
Chicago Tribune)

American legislatures have had more than 5O,000 bills presented to them this year. Probably l0,- 900 new laws will be enacted Tn consequence. Some of them are minor corrections of statutes, mil nor changes in administrative ma- chinery, etc. Some are radical at- tempts at economic and industrial change, Others are social. Some are required in the routine of gov- ernment. Others indicate the law dope habits of American life.
 Belief in statutory law as a cure-all is belief in patent medi- cine, and the American people have the habit. Their medicine chest is full of bottles and they are con- stantly dosing themselves. They take tonics and pain killers and believe what they read on ,thela- bels.
 It will develop into serious defect of democracy. It is the means by which active minorities, unr~presentative of any serious opinion in the state. obtain effect Tor dieas. The functions of gov ernment are multiplied and bu- reaucracy grows. It is a substi- tuition of statutes for> citizenship and the establishment of an elab- crate mechanism of laws which do not work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frsdsrick Houk Law
Captain Mayne Reid

Every boy who loves storis of adventure has read some of Gap
 tain Mayne Reid's stirring noels. "The Rifle Rangers" '"The Salp Hunters" "Oseola and Seminee,"
 "Afloat in the Forest" "The Cat aways" and "The White Chief" re some of them. The very titss
 suggest the kind of stories tht
 they are-stories of wild, thrill
 ing adventure in wild and danger ous places.
 The writer of these books thalI are almost "dime-novels," but that are too good to be dime novels" was destined by his parents to become a minister of the gospel. Instead of becoming a sedate and quiet preacher, leading simple life, he became as adventurous as the heroes in the stories that he wrote. As a small boy in Ireland he lived in a home where money was far from plentiful. His fla ther was pastor of a little church in the village of Ballyroney, and could afford little or nothing for the boy. Tom Reid" as the boy was then called, did much as he pleased, and played and fought with the boys of the village. He went to school when he had to. and stayed away when he could. Instead of studying religious books, as his father wished him to do, he preferred to go on adu venturous jaunts, or listen to f1(e stories told by various wanderers.
 Before he was twenty -one he left the quiet Irish village and made his way to America, where he hurried at once to go among the Indians In the West. He hunted for excitement in tribe af- ter tribe of the widest Indians. When he needed money he wrote for newspapers. He became a acp- tain in the Mexican War, and volunteered for the most danger ous forays. He was in all respects a fighting Irishman. an adven- turer, a soldier of fortune. When he was thirty-two he began to write novels that told of the kind of life that he liked. As might be supposed, the books that he wrote were welcomed by the pub lie. He had as great energy in writing as he had had in adven- ture and he wrote book after book. Not one of his books de- bases character. His later days he spent in England, busily en- gagged In writing. until his death at the age of sixty-five. Out of his love of adventure and of man. hood he built a great popularity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
THE NEW PRESIDENT

While the nation is yet in grief over the passing of one president, it must turn to the welcome of his successor, for the affairs of government must go on, no matter what happens to any of its servants. MT. Harding did not lay his heavy burden down, but passed it over to Calvin Coolidge who must bear it increasingly to the end of his term. The new president is not one to finch from great responsibility. By training, inclination and mentality he Is adapted to the duties of the ex- ecutive. Almost continuously since his graduation from the law school until his present age of fifty-one MT. Coolidge has held public office, rising in unbroken succession from the hum- ble position of councilman, through the offices of city solicitor, clerk of courts, member of the General Court of Massachusetts, mayor, member of the state senate of Massachusetts, president of the state senate, lieuten- ant governor, governor, vice-president of the United States, and now, through a most regrettable circum- stance, president of the United States. Certainly no mans political record has been more upwardly progressive than that of our new chief executive.
 MT. Coolidge's opportunity to dis tinguish himself nationally came at most strategic moment to make him almost the automatic choice for run ning-mate to MT. Harding. It was during the chaotic period when human restlessness pervaded the very air, and agitations of radical leaders were un- dermining the very foundation prin- ciples of loyalty and fidelity, that the police strike of Boston occurred. Governor Coolidge waited for the mayor of Boston to do something to curb the immediate outbreak of law lessness, but, when the mayor failed, the governor at once took aggressive action and thereupon uttered his fla llOuS saying WlllSIl SlllCe pGCOIlG almost a classic: q cannot conceive of the right of any one to strike against the public safety anywhere or at any time." This declaration, backed by the tangible evidence of the governors determination to pro- tect the public safety at any cost, acted like magic to clarffy mems thoughts and to start the overthrow of the radical doctrines which sprang up after the war. The people felt that here was man indeed, and so impressed was President Wilson by the courage and fundamental wisdom of MT. Coolidge that he sent him an i'm mediate telegram of appreciation and congratulation.
 America has new president, but he is not altogether unknown or un- tested in the crucibie of stern expert ence. The people of this country ex- tend to Calvin Coolidge their good wishes for his wise administration of affairs and their assurance of loyalty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
JOHN-A-DREAMS
Dreams of m Unpleasant Taste


 Did you ever have the experi- ence of a bitter or sour taste in your mouth while you were fast asleep and instead of seeing dream vision, you merely have the sensation here described? On awakening your will always find that you are left in a state of par tial bewiherment. You will try to recall the dream and there will De none to recall. All you will be able to remember will be that un-, pleasant taste; and you will won der what dream action produced 1t. It Is generally believed by re- liable interpreters that a sensation or this sort is accompanied by a rather elaborate vision, but that 1t passes so quickly through your mind and consists of so many fleeting phases that the human brain is unable to retain it, it's only definite impression being that of your sense of taste. have personally never received a query regarding this dream. and am therefore compelled to rely upon the records left by those who have gone before me These interpre- ters claim that such dream presages a period in your life dur ing which circumstances will com pei you to tell untruths in order to protect yourself and those around you from serious harm.
 l would be very interested in receiving letters from those of my readers who have had this expe- rience--very recently or years ago because I would like to com pare it with the facts to be found in the works of those who have made the explanation of dreams their business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
NO WAR IN IRELAND

Ireland's court of appeals has re- versed the decision of a lower court and decided that a state of war does not now exist in Ireland. This is au' thoritative confirmation of situation the world has long desired for Ireland However, if it has taken court to decide whether such a state does exist or not, it must be somewhat proble- matical to the average person. And when courts disagree, what are the people to think? It should be remem- bered that the court did not say there was no disorder in Ireland, but that there was no war. Doubtless the court holds that the government is so firmly established that the present out breaks may no longer be dignified by the name of war, but rather as local uprisings or mob violence. If the court is correct, the violence and ex- tent of these outbreaks should con tinue to decline until constituted au- thority is supreme everywhere and un- disputed. Ireland has been split into factions for so long, and bloodshed has occurred with impunity for so many years, that it has become diffi- cult for the defeated belligerents to realize that new era has dawned. Gradually that realization is growing, and perhaps the world will soon see political differences in that distressed country settled by ballot instead of by bullet. Indeed, if the court be re- lied on, it appears that such state already officially and legally exists.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04

has adhered to her determination to remain in the Ruhr until Germany ceases her policy of passive resistance and makes an effort to meet her docu- mentary obligations. The British are disappointed, but appear to be re- signed to another long wait, punc- tuated by the interchange of further interminable notes.
 The real weakness in the allied sit- uation is not the prospect of break, but the lack of unity. It is probable that the present status will continue indefinitely, for there Is no compelling force obliging Germany to carry out her pledges, and there is no means of inducing France to withdraw against her will. The cause is lost as far as Germany is concerned, for, while France may not be able to mine much coal and iron at present, it is inevita- ble that in the long course of years she will effect such reorganization of industry as will give her the material she seeks in unlimited quantity, with none to say her nay. From purely business and economic viewpoint Ger many is making the biggest possible national mistake. Asking only a fixed amount of coal and iron, France is in position to take all of it. The sensible policy for Germany is to or der production resumed and the de- livery to France of such portions thereof ss will most speedily end the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of William H. Seward

She was a person of excellent sense. gentleness. truthfulness and candor,A said William H. Seward concerning his mother. William H. Seward was perhaps the most influential of all the statesmen whom Abraham Lincoln gathered about him in the gloomy days of the Civil War. A polished orator, keen minded man, statesman versed in the affairs of the world, a man who had had much expe- rience in the field of politics, and who had held many high offices, William H. Seward became, as it were. Abraham Lincoln's right hand man. His statue, in New York City, presents a grave, dig nified man, with the forehead of wise thinker.
 Stewards father was farmer who added to the work of farming variety of other occupations that helped to provide the little money tltat the family needed for it's support. Among other things this Samuel Seward was a physician and surgeon who practiced among the farmers; he kept small store. and he acted as sort of loan agent for those who needed money. Shrewd and kindly. he was wise man. For a wife this farmer doc tor-lawyer selected a Miss Jen- nings of Florida, New York. She was a woman of fine temperament, with a delicately balanced organi- zation, soft and gentle in all her ways. but capable of real firm ness when the occasion demanded it. Of her six children William was the fourth. She felt a deep love for him, because he was never robust and strong. She watched him as he helped in the heavy farm work, and shielded him as much as she could.
 In all his active life Seward never forgot the gentlepess and the affection of that mother-for motherhood reaches out even into the lives and actions of statesmen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
MORE NosTRUMs FOR WHEAT

The senators from the wheat states are clamoring for Q special session of congress to relieve the situation of the wheat farmer, as if legislation could overthrow an economic condition. Nevertheless, the Democrats may take junction from the fact that the demand for special session is Republican confession that their lauded agricul- tural nostrums failed to produce the results advertised. However, by thus tacitly admitting their failure, the congressional doctors are detracting from rather than adding to the req sons why they should be given another try. The patient is glad to escape with his life, and doubtless views with well-founded alarm any more treat ment at the same bungling hands. Naturally, the wheat senators feel that they ought to give the appearance of being willing to do something, if for no other reason than gratitude for their political elevation. The trouble IS LIldL llOJ OiiC VI lieio dily SlCd. idea of what is really the matter, and therefore no inkling of what remedy to apply.
 Everybody deplores the wheat far mer's plight and hopes that it will get no worse; but there are many who lay no claim to statesmanlike astuteness who clearly perceive that the remedy lies not in laws but in a reform of our entire national policy, both with respect to the tariff and with respect to foreign nations. The tariff is one barrier to the export of wheat, because it operates to prevent that free inter- change of goods without which there can be no commerce, especially with those nations that have no money hut only goods to offer. Our policy of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
Must Follow Custom

The famous Rabbi Malbim was known for his ready wit. His bick erings with the ''moderns" and free thinkers"> of his com munity often elicited clever re- partees.
 One of those "moderns" once said to him: Rabbi, l have problem for you. When one sees a mad dog one has, according to a rabbinit formula, to sit down. If one sees rabbi one has to stand up. Now suppose a rabbi and a mad dog makes their ap- pearance at the same time-what is one to do?"
 Well, there is no provision for that in the Jewish code" said the great man with a twinkle in his eye. Therefore we have to fol- low the prevailing custom. Let us both take a walk on the street and we shall see how people act"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
n11rn1prR DE AssoC1ArED PRESS
Telephone
 Main 49O0
GREATER THAN THE PYRAMIDS

It was not a mere flight of fancy that caused Senator Underwood, in delivering the address at the corner stone laying of the new children's hos pital, to declare that such work is "greater than the building of the an- cient pyramids" It was the state ment of fundamental truth inherent in humanity and only waiting on en- lightenment for expression and appli- cation. The pyramids were constructed for the glory of autocratic rulers un- mindful of the condition of those whom they ruled. Labor was inn pressed into the structure of the py- ramids without it's consent and either without reward at all or such reward as the successive kings of Egypt deigned to allow. It was, in fact, the labor of slaves to gratify the caprice of the slavemaster. Howsoever mar velous the pyramids as ponderous ar . chitectural achievements, they are tes- timony not to mans humanity, but to ms Sel1lSnneSS anu HIS SAuoAVy'
 The Children's Hospital is express sion of the contrary elements in man, those which have been brought to the fore by the influence of Christian doc Urine and civilized progress. Back of it is the cornerstone of consideration for ones neighbor, the Golden Rule, the spirit which probes the heart of men. The Children's Hospital is tes- timony to the liberality and intelli- gence of Birmingham and its men and women. It is proof that success in the material lines does not harden the heart of the Christian citizen but rather encourages true charity, that loses nothing, but rather gains for be- ing practical.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
JEWISH LAUGHS By Jacob Rfchr n
"The Lord cuardeth the simplev

Whether Abrohom 'der mela- med" was wise or simple was a matter of opinion and he decided therefore to make a test which would prove conclusively- whether he was the one or the other! King David says in his Psalms that "The Lord guardeth the sim ple," now he'd jump off the roof of a house. If he remained in- tact he'd know he was a fool. On the other hand, should he be in jured, then it would prove that he was wise.
 Surprised at his own ingenuity, he hastened to the roof of his two- story house and made the experi- ment.
 Recovering his consciousness, he discovered that he had two bro- ken legs, onS broken arm, a frac- .tured skull~and a lacerated face. His moaning and grooming at tracted record crowd.
 What's the trouble?" he was asked from all sides.
 "Oh," he gasped, T am so wise!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04

Yet more delay. The legislative committee couldn't come to Birming- ham to look into the matter of via ducts because of pressing business in Montgomery. The legislators have been in Montgomery for several weeks without having transacted any busi- ness of special import. Yet more de- lay, while two hundred thousand peo- pie. are daily endangered, and losses are piling. up because of menacing grade crossings.