davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
 A SMALLER HIGHWAY BOARD

The present state highway commis- sion has given a good account of it. self. It is believed that the members are conscientious in desiring to sup ply Alabama with the best possible sys- tenn of roads. The plan to supersede this large board with one composed of three members each with specified duties to perform, in addition to the formal meetings of the commission where policies are outlined, is based on the thought that smaller board would have both greater unity of pur- pose and be able more easily to as- semble and to reach important decis- ions. There is much to be said for the change, which has been recom- mended by former Governor Kilby and by Governor Brandon.
 One point not brought out in con- nection with the usual discussion on this subject is that members are now placed more or less in the position of representing especially the districts
 
 viewing the state needs as a whole and in the light of the general good. It is human nature for the holder of a political responsibility to desire to make good with the home folks. In the case of a state highway pro- gram it is easily conceivable that such representation of political dis tricts would tend to obscure the ma jor concern of real system of state highways in which the construction of trunk lines would take precedence over minor construction. By law the commission is bound to spend definite sums in the individual counties, so that the local interest is ultimately provided for, in any event.
 There is special reason why the through trunk roads and the major bridges should be given priority over by-roads and local highways. There is an irresistible demand for connect ing up by-roads with trunk lines, once the latter have been built, but never an equally irresistible pressure brought for the connecting of separated high ways into unified system of through highways. Furthermore, under local construction the routes are often so i laid out for local convenience that the later connecting links are put in at greater expense and greater delay than would be the case if the trunk lines had the right of way in the com
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
A QUESTION OF BOND VALUES

It is known that Alabama state and municipal bonds have sometimes found hard sledding on the market, and this is attributed to the fact that the bonds are no lien upon the regular revenues until after the regular expenses of government have been met. There has often been no provision in state or local bond issues for sinking funds other than sums remaining over in excess of expenditures at the end of each fiscal period. The tax lin1ita- tions forbid special levies for the re- tirement of bonds, because revenues are usually consumed in running ex- penses. Therefore, it is proposed that the constitution be amended so as to authorize the political unit issuing bonds 'to levy a tax upon all taxable property .. sufficient to pay the interest as the same becomes due and the principal thereof at maturity. A sufficient sinking fund shall be created for the payment at maturity of the principal of all bonds which are not payable in annual install ments.'
 The amendment, which is sponsored by the Investment Bankers Associa- tion of America, appears good in it's main features. The resulting benefit to the public is comprised in lower interest rates and the possibility of premiums on bonds purchased. So far, so good. The language of the bill, however, reads "any bonds issued or to be issued," and any taxing dis trict (which has issued or may issue such bonds." Thus it seems that the first intent of the amendment is ex- ceeded To accomplish the purpose implied it need apply only to bonds issued but unsold or yet to be issued. If it is made to apply to bonds al ready sold that benefit would seem to accrue only to the holders of these bonds in their increased market value. The purpose of legislative enact ment of this nature should be to serve public end primarily. Undoubtedly the legislature would be following the usual legislative practice in amending the measure so as to apply to future bond sales and issues, and not to bonds already sold. Present holders of bonds enjoy their profit in the higher rate of interest and in what ever margin below par the purchaser was able to take as discount.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Set About a Noble Task
(Alhany-Decatur Daily)

NAIpdny y-DeCatur Da1ly)
 The scores of civic bodies of the state set about a noble task when they determined upon a program for advertising this state which, if carried out, will carry the name and fame of Alabama to all parts of the United States and to many foreign countries. It is under stood the details for acquainting the world with the advantages of the state are to be left to special committees, which are expected to enlist the people of the state In the advertising campaign and to secure the best advertising tal- ent possible to carry the cam pa1gn into every nook and corner where people are found who are looking for opportunities to bet ter their condition. What the state chambers of commerce and other civic bodies purpose to do Is big task-one which will chal- lenge the best thought and the most untiring zeal of the ablest and best equipped men of the state. One detail of the plan as adopted at Birmingham it is un- derstood, is to secure one man in each county and it's attractions are put before the rest of the country in the best possible light. Naturally every county will want the best possible man to repre- sent 1t. Morgan county wants & man as good as the best.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By Frederick Houk Law
By Frederick Ho
Benjamin Franklin

Father, I want to be a sailor."
 "No, you'll stay here and help me and you'll begin work tomor- row"
 The next day the maker of soap and of tallow candles took the ten year-old boy out of school and set him at work in the grease. There was to be no further talk of going away to sea. If the boy would not become a preacher, as the father wished, he could at least be a worker on land.
 The boy, his name was Benja- min Franklin, obeyed. But sup pose he had not! Suppose he had run away to sea as a cabin boy! Would he have become more than captain of a small vessel?
 He obeyed, and worked his way through poverty and became the most influential American of his times, a diplomat, a scientist, an author, a printer, a journalist, an organizer of public works, the rep resentative of America at foreign courts. signer of the Declaration of Independence, a maker of the Constitution of the United States, and the inventor of scores of use fu things, including the famous Franklin stove, bi-focal eye glasses and water-tieht compart- ments on ships.
 Franklin's way to the position of being the most useful of all Americans of his time was not an easy way. He worked at his fla ther's greasy trade of making soap and candles for three years. Then, at the age of thirteen, he began the work of printing, a work that was to make him famous Four years later he left Boston and went to Philadelphia. There the seVenteen-year-o boy went down the principal street munching a loaf of bread and passing the girl whom he was afterwards to marry. He became a printer, the proprietor of paper, and the pub fisher of the famous Poor Rich ard Almanac" noted for wit and wisdom. Business took him to Europe and made him familiar with foreign affairs. Therefore, when the colonies became rebel lious. Benjamin Franklin. printer, editor and traveller, was in a com manding position. Gifted with un- usual wit, naturally extremely wise, and always intensely patri- otic. he was made member of all the bodies that represented the colonies as whole. Without doubt the educated candle maker, soap-maker and printer was the greatest man in the colo nies. It is said that nothing but his humor kept him from becom- ing the first president of the United States. He made himself a powerful force both in America and in Europe, and he was abso- lutely tireless and fearless in pa triotic work. In many respects he was the greatest American In our history.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
JEWISH LAUGHS
By Jacob Riehn,..
Suit Y0urAelf

The shabby patriarchal gentle man retained for three days the very best room in tho small hotel of the Lithuanian town. During that time he ordered the best of food and drink and smokes and showed his lavishness in many other ways.
 The fourth day in the morning he said goodbye to the hotel man and began to walk out.
 Pardon me-" stammered the pro- prietor of the hostelry In embar- rassment, but you have not paid yet"
 Sorry" responded the depart inE guest. T haven't got ko- peck. But I am going around town now to make a collection. You see, I'm beegar by trade, and as soon as make enough I'll pay you"
 NO. sir" protested the proprie- tor. 1 can't trust you"
 'If you can't trust me-" retorted the bessar, come along with me-"
 What" flared up the hotel Keeper. T, going with you to PN0 hC iuC&s
 Well" suggested the mendi- cant, not at all nonplussed, If it Is beneath your dignity to go with me, you may so alone" Providence Against Him
 It was the very laudable custom of the good Jewish housewives of Lithuania to invert the family laundry after washing, so as 10 keep the outside immaculate, and before putting on a garment one had to revert 1t.
 The rabbi of Grinkishok, how ever, . true sage. and becomingly absent minded. never could think of performing that little task and he always put on his underwear the wrong way-to the chagrin And vexation of the "rebbitzin," " his alert helpmate. One Friday afternoon the spir- itual leader was preparing to go to | Turkish bath, as was the cus- tom every Friday of all good Jews of the small community. and he asked for a suit of undergar- ments.
 The wise woman, we'll knowing that the saintly man was absent minded, turned the garments be- fore she gave them to him. That afternoon the great man just happened to remember the continual warnings of his spouse ana Ne turned the garments inside out before putting them on. | At night the solicitous lady dis l covered. to her utter amazement that the "rov's" undergarments were again inside out
 "Shlemiel!" she exclaimed in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

deeply concerned for the success of the undertaking. Already many ap- plications for fish for propagation have been made to the government, and the construction of ponds for fish culture shows material progress.
 There is a strong determination among conservationists, sportsmen and lovers of outdoor life to accom- plish something worth while for all the people of the state in this field. These men are bent on stopping ruth less destruction of wild life every where in Alabama, and they have shown willingness to cooperate in every possible way with the fish and game wardens in prosecuting those who violate the conservation laws. Realization of the value of co-opera- tive effort, not only in getting proper laws enacted, but in seeing that they are enforced, is widely manifest. The conservationists appreciate their re- sponsibility, and the outlook for suc- cess is growing steadily brighter. At the present rate of progress wild life in Alabama in a few years will be very largely increased in its direct value as food product and in providing a broader field for outdoor recreation and sport. Climatic and other condi- tions are ideal. All that is needed to make it one of the states important assets is the continuation and exten- sion of such widespread interest and cooperative effort as have been ap- parent within the last few months.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Some of Her Advantages
(Talladega pailv HnneN

VI oAAodt5i Ddlly I1OTn6D
 Talladega may have exhausted the use of her board of trade, but all can rejoice that the state is going to have one of the other consolidated chambers of com merce; and the proposition is to spend two hundred thousand dols lars year for three years to let the world know something of the state that Babson says is the one for enterprising young men to flock to. There is no disposition to detract from the other states, but pig iron and coal are among the few things conceded to the state; when the fact is, only the truth need be told of Alabama. It Is already manufacturing state. and it's manufacturers are not con- fined to iron, steel and cotton. It comes very near raising and mak- ing everything; and where the lands are the best and cheapest, and the climate good to live in for twelve months in the year; with the coolest summers and most de- sirabIe winters
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Tell 'Em the Truth

(SelmaA eS-JournaD
 The first essential to good sales manship Is to know the article you have to sell. Bringing people to state is simply selling" the state to them, so if we are to bring people to Alabama we must know what it is we have to offer. Resource surveys are a necessary part Of every step in community or state development. There should be a survey of practically every county in the state, particu- larly every general subdivision which exhibits a uniformity of soil, products. topography and general conditions. Glittering generalities will not convince. These surveys will set out the facts regarding raw materials, minerals, timber and agricultural products. Proximity to markets and other distribution problems must be taken into account in or der that the suitability of each To- cality for certain kinds of indus tries may be determined. The motto would be rather fail to get a factory than have the factory fail" These surveys will cover fully the problems of fuel and power, together with a careful analysis of available labor. The social service side of the commu- nity must be portrayed, the kind of city and county government, proximity to churches and schools. conditions of urban and rural life. opportunities for general farming, dairying. fruit growing and live stock raising must all be accur- ately set forth. These resource surveys may then be used for both general and specific advertis- ing. The advertising directors must also be impressed with the importance of telling the truth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

The Vacationist His nights are spent in rumbling trains, His days are full of riot; His innards groan with aches and pains From unaccustomed diet. He travels hot and crowded ways And pays and pays and pays and pays 'Tis thus he spends his summer days In search of rest and quiet.
 Sioux.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Seattle, Washington, is helping to solve the traffic problem by parking autos on the roofs of big downtown buildings. Seattle always did have high municipal aspirations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Understandings or Explaining

ItiOFluH I4TneE- Unlon)
 President Harding says that he Is an apostle of understanding and wants his administration to go down in history as a period of understanding. Seems to us it might be referred to as an ad- rninistration of eXpiaining.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

A distinguished Englishman has in- troduced a snag in the equal rights movement in his country; he thinks that married men, when getting di- vorces, are entitled to alimony from rich wives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
A Difference of Thickness

(NashVlIle Banner)
 The President is now in flask a, and he probably enjoys the sen sation Of skating on ice that is not so thin as that at home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
AT THE TICKET WINDOW

(Irlnceton I1ger) Old Colored Mammy-Ise wants a ticket for Florence.
 Ticket Agent (after ten minutes of weary thumbing over railroad guides)-Wherc the devil is Flor ence?
 Old Colored Mammy-Settin' over dar on de bench.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Some Peril Attached

(St. Louis Globe-Democrat)
 Banking activities and pugilistic activities are mixed with some considerable peril to both activi- ties, as appears from Montana ex- peri snce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Getting an eyeful.

Enjoyed Every Minute of It
 Dear Torch Bearer: We enjoyed the WONDERFUL fireworks at East Lake Friday night!
 Oh, yes!
 We people of Birmingham are get ting so that we can stand anything. We enjoyed braving the perils of the ditches and ravines in First ave- nue; we enjoyed the dirt and dust which the fellow in front of us, with his cut-out open, stirred up; we en- joyed riding around all night before we found parking place, and we just ADORED standing in the hot, per spring crowd for couple of hours to see an aeroplane circle the lake once or twice, then leave us, stranded, waiting, expectant, wondering when they would bring out the BIG FIRE WORKS!
 Then it gradually dawned on us that this was all, there was no more. They say "experience is the best teacher"
 We won't bite again.
 CAPTAIN. Mebbe juries will convict when con- yict leasing is abolished. wherf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
It's n Question ID


 We can't help wondering if Miss Margaret Wilson, who has gone into business, draws anything like the salary for being her fathers daughter that young Doug Fair banks draws for being his fathers son.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

The state of Missouri will erect its own cement plant to protect itself against high prices. This Is | lessen to the industry which may stick,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

There will be no widespread expres- sions of regret that Florida's notorious flogging boss himself ran afoul of the lash of justice; but the question will naturally arise as to who was his boss, and what is going to be done in that direction,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
THE PARAGRAPHERS
What the Country Needs
(Houston Post)

 We need statesmen with imag- nation" declares Hapgood. Im- agination, nothing! We need statesmen with perspicuity enough to visualize the realities of the situation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
WASTED ADMIRATION

INIII W dUhtt JOUfTdIJ
 Mike-'Tis fine kid ye have here. A magnificent head and noble features. Say, could you lend me couple of dollars?
 Pat-I could not. 'Tis me wife's child by her first husband!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

missions plans. If the proposed re- duction in the personnel of the com mission works for great efficiency, not only of operation but of result, then other arguments against it are not valid.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
While He May

(Baltimore Sun) Let the Prince of Wales figure in news stories while he can. He may be king some day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

rage. Before I handed you the garments today I turned them for you and still you wear them the wrong way!'
 The sage looked puzzled and stroked in silence his long, patri- archal beard.
 Its beyond my compreh ension," {" he finally commented. You re- verted them once and I turned them once and yet they remained inside out. It seems as if Provi- dence itself is against me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

visthan. spectators laughed. Perhaps they forgot that the worlds finest floating palace was direct evolution of the tiny craft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
10 FAVORITE BOOKS
(As chosen by Vachel Lindsay,
 POet)

FOet( Hamlet, by William Shake speare.
 The Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Spoon River Anthology, by Edgar Lee Masters. Huckleberry Finn. by Mark Twain.
 Carlyle's French Revolution. Edgar Allan Poes complete works.
 A. c. Swinburn's poems. Sidney Eanier's poems. Herndon's suppressed Life of Lincoln.
 Kipling's shorty story, 'The Miracle of Perun Bhaghat." Copyright, 1928, fin United States and Great Britain for The Age -Hera Id by the North American Newspapsi Alliance. All rights resirved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

When Tammsny moves into . new clean house, it will be . pity if it doa not lose some of it's unsavory recorl in the shuffle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
ALABAMA PRESS ON ADVERTISING STATE
Offers Great Rcsultn
(sylacauga Advancel

NDg ItOdUSd ItUV dIlCtJ
 The development of Alabama's resources means growth and pros- perity to Sylacauga; and nothing will bring about the development or our state as an organized ad- vertising campaign of it's resour- ces and natural wealth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

There is some talk of \ cut in the tax rate. This is one of the few kinds of conversation that never lacks fer listeners.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Apparently Alaska made more productive move for publicity than did Montana.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

It seems that Jack Dempsey did win by knockout in Shelby, Mon tana. Ask the bankers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
We'll Bite. Whx7

We'll Bite. Why? Why is it That puny runt In a restaurant Devours red roast beef While the burly brute Beside him Nibbles at a salad!
 -AHR
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

When a model of the Clermont was brought alongside the mammoth Le.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Biop

We spoke in accents sweet and low Beside the moonlit sea, And then she cracked her gum, and, oh,
 The difference to me!
 The Duke. The life of the newspaper man is one of sustained pleasure. Murder, shipwreck, seismic distur- bances are nothing to him. He is hardened against all mental agitation.
 There is two-bit fire in the build ing across the street. And sixteen veteran journalists are are hanging out the window Getting an evef11l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
A KANSAS DEFINITION
Anthony Republicanl

Tmall town is where you can call central and find out what is on at the movies tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
His Last Words

fIfH I~Aht Words They lifted his form from the clay As his life blood was dripping away, And in his distress He answered them: "Yes, We have no bananas today"
 The Goof
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
There Ia No Law Asin lA

There Is No Law Agin It
 Dear Torch Bearer: The person who goes south with the spoiis in a bucketshop--w uld it be permissible to call him bucketshoplifter?--Andy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

When John Rockefeller precipitates a nickel shower he is sustained and soothed by the thought that each coin will be the nucleus of a savings ac- count. He knows that nickel can't buy anything any more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Birmingham's health situation Il somewhat in the dumps.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Our idea is that those noted for their longevity have attained their wealth of years, not because of the way they, have lived, but in spite of 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Why don't they put some fly cops out on the city dumps?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
Greetings

Greetings When I was in my youthful day (And that is quite a lengthy span) I always liked to hear them say; Hello, old manv' But since the years have slipped away And l am growing sere and yellow, I always like to hear them say: Hello, young felloww
 king Tut. There is mystery In the story of the citizen who lost two-bit piece after keeping it fourteen years. How he lost it does not matter. The mystery is; How did he keep it fourteen years?
 "Golf," says Dr. Willard, "is . thor oughly osteopathic game" We have heard it called a number of things, but never that.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

Mebbe juries will convict when con vct leasing Is abolished. When!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16
THE AGE-HERALD

Entered at the Birmingham. AS..- peSSoffiee As ssoond-elass matter under ASs 0A S0nsrssss March (. 1879.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-16

And sixteen veteran journalists are are hanging out the window