davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
PEOPLES FORUM
The Mosquito Scare

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 According to an article in The Age Herald of June 19, the latest tactics of the medical health board is to sling a scare into the peo- pie by holding the mosquito out as hamburger of death and de- struction. According to this ar ticle we are all headed straight for yellow fever. dengue fever and perhaps death unless the peo- at least s35,000, to be used in chasing these mosquitoes-these death-dealing enemies. The city health department makes the bald" statement that they will not be responsible for the dear" public unless they can get this amount. Now, I am for saving all the lives possible, but the his- tory of the Alabama health sys- tenn is that they have been more interested in large salaries to a chosen few than in the health of the people.
 Every now and then these pro- tectors of the people begin to talk about death and destruction, for no other reason than to grab a little more of the taxpayers money. How much of this s35.000 would actually be spent in fight ing these mosquitoes with fancy names? I would be afraid to make guess at it for fear that l might under estimate. The re- cent investigation into the Ala bama health board discloses the important fact that most of the money appropriated them goes for salaries" and "expenses." For instance, we find, according to the Clebourne News. That there are many doctors on the pay roll at salaries ranging from s200 to s25O and expenses They al- ways have 'eXpenses.' Now, perhaps if the salaries of some of these protectors" of the pso- pie were reduced. and if there were not so many "expense" ac- counts they would have more money left over to chase mos quitoes, rats. ants and fleas.
 This state board receives an ap- propriation of s150,OO0 per year of the taxpayers money. It would seem that they would have enough money to fight these mosquitoes with technical names without having to call for dona- tions. They should be made to give an accounting for this ap- propriation. The taxpayers have right to know what their money Is being spent for. My opinion is that the safest and surest way of safeguarding against these "Varmints" is for the people to see that their houses are care fully screened, and the hardware dealers will do this at very little expense. without hiring any sani- tary experts to oversee the work at large salaries.
 R. E. WEISS.
 Birmingham. Ala, June 20. 1923.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
WHEN MOUNTAINS BURST

This old globe on which we dwell appears to be the prison of strongly pent-up forces which constantly strive to break loose from their restraining influences. Usually the earth's tough crust is proof against the strivings of internal violence, but now and then some rock-ribbed band is fractured and the fragments are blown forth with explosive force. The outpourings emerge in white-hot anger, consum- ing all that lies in their path, fields, orchards, habitations, entire towns and even cities. Overnight the cen- tury-old achievements of a population may be ground to powder or reduced to cinders, as the angry molten rivers course down the sides of the tunnels whence they have come forth. Some times, in its tension, the whole crust of the earth shakes and trembles. so that people living far and near leave their high-vaulted dwellings and flee to the safety of the open fields, help less to do more than strive to keep out of the way of the death that darts hlther and thither seeking it's prey. Though such an outburst may, as far as men know, break forth anywhere. yet there are certain well-defined areas that have for centuries been the tavorite wrestling grounds of these gigantic natural forces.
 One of these unfavored spots is the region of Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna in Italy. From remote times we have accounts of the sudden man. ner in which these elemental combats have been precipitated, history re- cording the burial, in twinkling. of cities that themselves had enjoyed a long and ancient history. And now the elements are raging anew, this time not with such explosiveriess, but with flow of hot lava that turns the hill- sides into barren wastes, drives the inhabitants before it, and causes fear ful imaginings as to what may be the outcome. Twelve new fractures in Etna, reaching far down in the bowels of the earth, are pouring out molten rock to their full capacity. Several villages have disappeared before this resistless flood, others are apparently doomed, and half a dozen more may not lie beyond the limits of the dis aster.
 Although this volcano has often brought woe upon Sicily, the Sicilians never fail to resume their lives upon the untouched slopes, once the first terror of each fresh eruption has abated. Doubtless each successive age feels confidence that the blow will not fall during their generation. Thus the volcano always finds plenty of fuel and victims for it's sacrificial ceremonies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
THE GOLF TOURNAMENT

The time has gone by when the game of golf in this country is re- garded as an old mans pastime, or as a prolonged walk over meadow, ln- terrupted at stated intervals by the annovance of having to halt to propel little gutta percha ball to its next resting place. On the contrary, golf is being recognized as game of skill requiring patient and continuous practice to master. It is game of unexcelled elasticity, lending itself with pleasurable excitement to the awkward first attempts of the begln- ner as we'll as to the more certain and correct strokes of the expert. Of course, to the one who is neither be- ginner or expert, the game is often torment and an evaporation, but few are there who have quit it on that ac- count, except perhaps for the time being and until the deep vexation of the moment has passed, as it always does.
 Consequently, Birmingham, as the host of the visiting contestants in the annual championship tournament of the Southern Golf Association, is the center of attention of a wide group of people in this country. Birming- ham enjoys the distinction of enter taining this contest, and will feel a measure of pride in any records that may be broken or any especially good playing that may receive wide and favorable comment. Golf used to be a rich mans game in this country, but it is no longer exclusively so, as the many municipal and public courses throughout the country testify. It is no longer merely mans game, for there are many women whose skill makes them no mean opponents even for men.
 It is reported that the meet here is a success, and that many good scores are turned in as the contest ap- proachs it's climax in the semi-finals and finals. That is an outcome pleas urable to the people of this city, and no doubt gratifying to the local of ficials who have been given respon- sibility for the management of the affair. It is hoped that the weather will ausp.ciously second all human ef- fort to make the meet of agreeable progress to it's very end.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
CANNOT ESCAPE POLITICS

It is only natural that Mir. Harding should desire to have his Western trip viewed as an administrative tour by the president of the United States rather than as campaign journey by the titular head of the Republican party. It is likely that Mir. Harding is sincere in this attitude, for he is not one who likes to take either the politically defensive or offensive, es- pecially since he has become presi
 dent. The desire to visit Alaska for the purpose of a better understanding of that country's administrative and legislative needs is probably genuine.
 But in spite of all that, it will be impossible to detach political signifi- canoe from his tour, for what he says is going to be given a political inter pretation, whether he stays in Wash ington O. travels. This tendency is going to be intensified as the cam paign draws nearer. The party can- not separate itself from its record, nor can the president separate himself from his party on the eve of a cam paign, unless he definitely renounces all intention of being again candi- date. Nevertheless, it is not there fore necessary that the tour should be barren of those practical, national results over which MT. Harding has expressed concern. Politics will ride at his shoulder, but politics has al ways accompanied presidents on their journeys, for politics is everywhere.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Revamping the Old Ones

. Dear Torch Bearer: I have been much impressed of late by the de- mand for revamped stuff, particularly in American history. I presume this unprecedented demand is caused by lack of raw material, and yet this theory does not satisfy my mind, as the material used by some of the re- vampers is about as raw as possible. Assuming that the slogan is "Do your revamping early" let's go. "The Picture That Is Turned to the
 Wall'
 There's a cause that's never men,
 toned,
 There are soldiers never pensioned, There are many hapless buddies daft
 and lame and deaf and blind,
 While the wise gazabos are wheeling In their swivel chairs and spieling Of the duties that we owe to all man.
 kind. -C. A. M. Buy a Tie for Father" is a timely slogan. He has just about recovered from the tie they wished on him at Christmas.
 While the new ice age is headed this way, we are reliably informed that it will not reach us for several hundred thousands of years. Don't throw away your straw hat!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

point will have done better for them selves than the carriers who wait to be forced into acting in accordance with the principles laid down by the Interstate Commerce Commission. The Warriors case has dragged, but, no matter how many impediments are thrown in the way, it is bound to win. Neither can the winning be much longer deferred. The situation has become so plainly and forcefully ac- centuated before the bar of public opinion that the most obtuse of car riers cannot but realize the folly of further resistance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
0CPELIcHTS fHaHL Aos
 k\NATIONAL GF| iNCAPITALH1|'sa;$s.ssll|| \

Mir. Wallace, the secretary of agriculture. can always be de- pended upon to tell a good story. Today he said:
 If the American supply of bot tied soft drinks last year had been available to Methusaleh on the first day of his life, and he had consumed that supply within his span of 969 years, he would have poured down his throat eight bottles per minute"
 That was an interesting begin- ming. He continued: Cold fig ures tell us that each year thirsty Americans consume 4.000,000,00 bottles of soft drink. not including the production of near-beer from cereals. This flood is poured out from 10000 establishments, and over 10000 soda water foun- tains."
 This enormous thirst -quenching industry has recently developed as result of the discoveries of the chemist. The department of 3gri- culture Is in possession of statis- tics because the congress, in special act, held these drinks food. MT. Wallace, with the as- sistance of his own chemist, must ascertain and publish the true" contents of each bottle.
 Of what is this food of liquids composed? Fruit juices? Well" resumed the secretary, some times. But the chemist has sim plified the problem of supplying a pleasing drink at a low price. He has marvelously initiated na- ture. Briefly. they are made of sugar. sparkling water. a fruit acid, and minute quantities of fla voring and coloring matter" The chemist Is very cute. The secretary continues his story: Necessarily, there is great va riation in the makeup of the nu- merous beverages. but, roughly, each bottle contains about three quarters of an ounce of sugar. The tartness is imparted by add ing two grains of citric or tar taric acid. In recent years. fla vors have greatly increased in variety, including orange, lemon, lime, cinnamon. neroH. vanilla, coca leaves, kola nuts. winter green. prickly ash bark. nutmeg, cloves, geranium. ginger, grains of paradise, sassafras and sarsa- parilla. The flavors are usually made up in alcoholic tincture, five to ten drops being used to the bottle.
 '"The chemist has provided a host of flavors which the con- sumer cannot distinguish from natures own laboratory. He is using aromatic chemicals for merly used only in the perfume industry. The aroma, as well as the color and flavor, is success fully reproduced.
 The chemist has also succeeded in pleasing the eye as well as the palate. The old-fashioned pop drinks were clear. Many of the new drinks are cloudy, simulat- ing fruit pulp in suspension. This Is produced by putting. up the flavors with little gum such as acacia, tragacanth, or Indian gum, and by the use of small quantities of starch.
 These modern beverages con- tain nothing deleterious, but the food and drug act demands that such products entering into inter- state commerce be labeled for what they actually are. There must be no deception practiced. That's where we come in for much labor"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Fighting the Pests

(GaQSQen l1meS-NewS)
 Flies and mosquitoes are what might be termed as well known" as a menace to~public health. Both flies and mosquitoes are now to be seen and heard in numbers far exceeding that which is desira- ble. They are a menace to health, and this is realized by most peo- pie. Why people do not fight them harder is more or less of a mys- tery. It can be explained only on the theory that people are too careless and indifferent to do that which is for their own best inter- est. Flies are one of the most common and dangerous carriers of disease. At this season of the year when fruits and other things that attract flies are on the mar ket we should be particularly careful to fortify against these dangerous little pests. The best way to do that is to screen houses and stores. A municipal ordinance calls for it and your own interests demand it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
The Mother of Franklin Pierce

Does a girl of today love new hat? Does she like the latest style in dresses--and bright col ors-and does she like to have young men look at her and admire her? So did Anna Kendrick, away back in 17SS. up in Hills borough, New Hampshire. La! It's all woods and hills here" she said. "Who is there to see all my pretty things?"
 There's the young widower, Captain Benjamin Pierce!" Anna Kendrick tossed her head. Not 1! A widower, indeed!"
 But she did look. Captain Benjamin Pierce was fine. strong young man. He had served all the long years of the American revolution, and now he had come up into the New Hamp- shire hills to be a farmer. He had been happily married, but his wife had died only a few months after he had married her-and now he was left alone in the little square log house that he had built with his own hands. He was lonely enough, there in the circle of black woods, with the frowning hills looking down upon him. The mo- ment he saw Anna Kendrick he knew that she was worth the look ing at.
 Anna Kendrick was one of those bright-eyed, lively. mischievous ;,.lC -hA attract attention anywhere. She had natural taste in dress, and she wore anything well. Because she knew all this, she insisted upon the very latest that she could find in clothing, and she burdened many a messenger who went down to the sea coast. insisting that he bring back some thing new for her. She could talk her father into buying anything for her. 'Fie! fife! There's that Mistress Kendrick in all her red ribbands and finery!" said the thin old gossips on Sundays. There she was, sure enough, pret- tily dressed. wonderful bonnet that she herself had made, and all. She looked just once at Captain Ben jamin Pierce. and he proposed--as she had meant him to do. They lived very happily in the log house, and there she taught Franklin Pierce, her son, how to read. How could she know that the nhischievous boy would be- come the president of the United States! She gave him her love. as she had given him her viyacity and activity - and that was enough.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
IkazSssahOPCFf |%BEARER

It is said that second thoughts are the more valuable. Perhaps because of their rarity.
 There is a life-and-death battle go- ing on in this community between flies and babies, and it is up to the peo- pie to determine whether they will devote a little time, labor and ex- pense to destroying the flies or permit the babies to suffer. The people can in large measure get rid of the flies by individual effort and by insisting that the constituted authorities do their full part. Such is the situation. The familiar question is again sug- gested: "What are you going to do about it?"
 Ford Promises Detroit Gas Sup ply"
 An experienced politician would never dream of giving away gas on the eve of a presidential campaign.
 Naturally the American golfers are handicapped on the Scottish links, un- accustomed, as they are, to nineteen holes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

Reports from Washington indicate that the government is living within its income and accumulating a sur plus. With proper economy the outgo would be much smaller than it is, and the surplus would soon justify the cutting of melon in the form of re- duced taxes. Such a condition would reverse the order of things by putting business into politics instead of show ing lot of politics into business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Those Labor Agents

VI iottNiiic AOe CS5
 The greatest enemy to Southern interests now is the labor agent, who sneaks around under cover of night and tries to dissatisfy Southern labor. He pours out his poison of deception in the ears of those whose work at the time may seem heavy. He selects those who may be temporarily dissat- isfied. He takes around with him some one who receives dollar extra per day to tell how much better he is faring somewhere else. when in fact he has never been at work, This Is demoraliz- ing to any section which is try ing to do. The truth is, Southern labor has been cared for better here than anywhere else and the day is at hand when it will be better paid. No one will rive a more hearty welcome to that day than the Southern land owner. He is anxious and longing te have better conditions on the farm and give to his labor every advantage that can be had elsewhere.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
TUSCALOOSA FOR SCHOOLS

Tuscaloosa did the expected when her citizens with practical unanimity voted a school bond issue of $5OO,0OO The project for expenditure of the money was clearly outlined, the voters knew what was to be done with the money and they sensed the needs of the schools. The voting of the bond issue was foregone conclusion in a progressive city such as is Tuscaloosa. They will now proceed to the building
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Fighting n Pest

NoeiHid 1liHeS-J uIHdij
 Dr. l.. T. Lee, Dallas county health officer. wants to know why the citizens of Selma will cry out against the mosquitoes and yet will not do the simple and obvious things necessary to get rid of them. Itis reasonable inquiry and the answer involves more than the comfort and enjoyment of the denizens of the community. It in- wolves the public health and may 3e life itself. It has been estimated that Selma can obtain a clean bill of health from the mosquito pest by an outlay of $500. It is incom- prehensible that there should be hesitation or delay in supplying this beggarly sum.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
The Cold Facts

Providence JournaD
 Captain Amundsen. who is to set out from Alaska this week to fly over the top of the earth. is no doubt inspired by the wish to be the only human being who has ever feasted his eyes on both the North and South Poles. And at that they are nothing much to see.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Northern Michigan

A path cut through miles of charred stumps mutely pointing to the sky |. |. limb twisted in almost human an- guish by the hot, licking flames of years ago .. poor, mutilated monu- ments of the once splendid pines! |. a decaying haunted" house, it's loose boards waving farewell to those who tried so hard to live . the tires of the automobile make no sound in the slipping, scorching sand 7. .. grave by the road, z headstone on it, up- side down our eyes are strangely moist as we pass on :. through the silence we feel the utter loneliness of those blackened trees, standing in pa- thetic majesty beneath the sky |. -Ru Theda.
 A scientific magazine reports the case of young lady who has been talking almost continually since last Thanksgiving Day. It is merely a scientific report. It is not news.
 "Borneo Claims Largest Insect Known" What a thing is fame!
 True love is that exalted passion which enables young man to watch young lady eating corn on the cob without losing his illusions.
 This weather may be hot for Bir- mingham, but it's cool for Chicago.
 Some of these golfers suffer more strokes than others.
 And oh, how they suffer!
 We have building and loan associa- tions. Why not automobile and loan associations?
 We have often noticed that those who drive the fastest have the least to do when they get there.
 Excessive horn-blowing is usually a sign of poor driving.
 Have you noticed these automobiles that have little bench in front of the radiator for people to sit on when they are struck?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

The trouble about presidential campaign fought out on a wet or dry issue is that it would mean that a long-suffering public would be again subjected to an enormous amount of oratorical twaddle almost as stale and unprofitable as the "point-with- -pride," and "view-with-alarn" stuff.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Law Enforcement AnnIctnn Ctorl

The laws will not be obeyed so long as there Is lack of respect for the law. The way to make the laws respected is to enforce them so long as they are on the statute books. If certain laws are bad- they should be repealed, but until they are repealed. they should be obeyed. The reason why there is very little crime in Canada and England. compared to the United States, Is this: The violation of the law in Canada and England is followed surely and speedily by plIniSh hment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
THE PARAGRAPHERS
More Trouble Predicted

Memphis Commercial-Appea
 It Is promised that this week the country will know President Harding's position on several inn portant questions. This may mean more trouble for the Repub- lican national committee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

A Philadelphia contemporary thinks that the American people should have more respect for the flag. The best way to honor Old Glory is to show practical respect for the things it represents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
The People Winning

(Huntsvflle Times)
 Your payment into the fund that Is being raised for the Ten nessee River Improvement Asso- citation is for the Henry Ford Muscle Shoals proposition. This means an investment and not contribution, for out wonder in the end we are all going to win. The people have won, they are still winning and propose always to stay in that path.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

A Chicago zoo is puzzled over whether a rare animal is a rugupus, diononys, or what. It is reported to have polka dots on it's head, and walks with strange hump. On first blush there is 9 temptation to suspect that the Chicago zoo experts ran afoul of brand almost as startling as the new animal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

Senator Bo1.ah has decided defi- nitely not to throw his hat into the ring; but he continues to do lot of talking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

Lady Astor declares that more women are needed in the house of commons. Such an innovation would color up parliament bit from it's drab and weary aspect.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21

One drawback to collecting the debts from Europe would be the mul- titudinous new needs of the country as soon as the members of congress discovered how much richer it is.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-21
Quite n Contrast

est. Louis Globe-Democrat)
 With members of many of the trades receiving pay at the rate of from s1.40 to s1.75 an hour, the biggest class in history en- rolled for the state bar examina- tions at the capital.