davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1923-09-10
Local Wheat Quotations

: After standing for week at
: SO and IS cents. wheat is quoted
: on the local market today at 80
: cents for club and 86 for red.
, This is the highest quotation of
= the season so far.
: Wheat continues to pour into
' the elvators and warehouses in
: large quantities, but with COM
; paratively few farmers selling.
!. !. !. Z. !. !. !. J. !. = = Z. !. !.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
BREAKING THE DEBT CYCLE

The main difference between national
debts and private debts is that nations may
put off payment longer than individuals
can. Sometimes, however, there arise oc-
casions when large groups of individuals
find it impossible to make prompt payments
and general moratorium results, in which
debt payment is deadoeked. This condi-
ton continues until somebody starts to pay,
whereupon the whole cycle of payments is
resumed. Anybody who would suggest
cancellation of such debts as means of re-
solving the moratorium would be regarded
as propounding an unsound policy and one
that would destroy confidence in future
credit extensions.
In the international debt situation in
Europe there is at present moratorium in
which no nation is paying its debts because
no other nation is paying its debts. The
moment one nation begins to pay its debts
or to make definite arrangements for future
payment, that moment other nations will
begin one byaone to make similar arrange
ments. Cancellation of debts would weaken
international confidence and international
credit, so that on future occasions loans
problem to be worked out in connection with
the deflation of the currencies based on
gold, but since most of the loans were made
in actual supplies the problem is capable of
solution.
Great Britain evidently expects to pay
her debt to America and has sent a COM
mission here to open definite negotiations.
When Britain begins to pay, doubtless other
nations will follow her example, and, the
ice having been broken, the loans will be-
come liquid and the whole financial outlook
will improve. Governor Norman of the
Bank of England, head of the commission,
Is reported as believing that America is the
place to break the debt cycle, and this nation
awaits with interest his proposal of how his
country will contribute to the desired result.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
Poor Boys Who Succeeded
By FREDERICK HoUK LAW
Toussaint L'ouverture, Negro Leader

The French revolution led to an insured
ton in Haiti British soldiers landed, and
would have won Haiti if it had not been for
the remarkable military skill, the superb
daring and the intense patriotism and am
'bition of man who had been slave in the
island of which he now became master.
Toussaint I3Ouverture was the son and
grandson of slaves, but his grandfather had
been an African chief. The grandson in
herited a thirst for power and knowledge.
In spite of his slavery, he learned to read,
studied and became physician. Because
he could rule others the white people made
him an overseer of slaves. Then the time
came when rebellion arose against the gov
eminent of Haiti, and the slave became an
officer of black black followers. Every OPP
portunity increased his ability, and he be-
came leader of great mass. of liberty
loving blacks.
With genius, he organized powerful
army and announced himself governor of
Haiti for life. The French now sent strong
force to subdue him, but his colored soldiers,
who worshipped their leader, fought like
fiends. The French could not conquer the
slave.
Finally, treachery did what warfare could
not The French gave Toussaint LOWER
ture solemn guarantees and he surrendered.
His enemies promptly violated their oaths,
took him to France, put him in prison and
kept him there until he died.
.Toussaint L'Ouverture stands out in his
tory as one of the greatest men the black
race has produced-a man who rose from
the depths of slavery and became a soldier,
an organizer, statesman and a leader of
his people in death battle for liberty.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
ENGLISH LAW ENFORCED

The execution of Mrs. Edith Thompson
and Frederick Bywaters in London yester-
day ends one of the most sensational murder
cases England has known since the dapper
little dentist, DR.. Crippen, was trapped in
mid-flight across the Atlantic. The speedy
trial and condemnation to death of Mrs.
Thompson was widely commented on in
America as an illustration of the difference
between the administration of justice in
England and this country. In contrast to the
United States, England makes little distinc-
ton between the sexes. Neither are there
prolonged delays in trying the accused and
carrying out the sentence of the court.
There was some agitation in England to
save Mrs. Thompson from the scaffold, but
public sentiment seems to have turned large
1y to Bywaters. In spite of an enormous
petition in his behalf, said to have been
signed by 100000 persons, and efforts to
get communication for Mrs. Thompson, all
pleas failed and both were promptly execut-
ed. There are more murders in some Ameri-
can cities in one year than there are in the
whole of England. The reason for that con-
contrast may be found in the swift justice
melted out by British courts
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
THE GASOLINE TAX

There is much Importance attached to
road building nowadays for the reason that
roads are more used and more needed than
ever before. Indeed, there is much poten-
tial traffic that awaits only the construction
of hard-surfaced roads to spring at once into
being. Therefore, every resource that may
legitimately be applied to the building of
roads is being sought. The state has voted
bond issue of twenty-five million dollars to
construct state system of hard-surfaced
highways. To this is added certain sum APP
propriated by Congress. 1t is hoped that
eventually the federal appropriation will
amount to the twenty-five million offered
by the state. Even that sum, however, IS
insufficient to provide for the new and ur-
gent highway needs of Alabama. Supple
mental construction is carried on by the
counties, to be sure, but in many counties
this work is far below the demand.
1t is with interest. therefore, that the peo-
pie consider the proposal to enact state
law levying road tax of two cents gal
Ion on gasoline. So far there has developed
no opposition among automobile owners
against this tax, and there is reason to be-
lieve that such owners will welcome the tax
if it is actually to bear fruit in road con-
struction and maintenance. An annually
increasing sum will beNealized from this
source, for travel and The consumption of
gasoline will more than keep pace with road
building.
The new highway demand is both for bet
ter roads and for roads that connect with
other roads thai lead to distant points. In
short, highway nowadays is no longer
merely an avenue from a country district
to nearby town. 1t is rather continuous
thoroughfare winding out endlessly in every
direction bounded only by the ocean Not
only are highways interstate and national,
but they are coming to be international.
Already the Old Spanish Trail has spur
dipping down into old Mexico with plans
looking to the eventual construction all the
way to Mexico City, a project having the
approval of President Oregon. On the
Canadian border similar enterprises are con-
tempated. That state which fails to
struct modern through highways connecting
all its county seats and important cities, and
continuing into adjacent states will find
itself left behind in national progress. Ala
bama means to keep near the head of the
highway procession
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
MISDIRECTED ZEAL

Charges that much of the illicit liquor re-
Gently sold in Washington has come from
foreign embassies are unjust reflection on
many diplomats stationed in the capital.
These reports will not add dignity to the
campaign for strict prohibition enforcement,
because it is obvious that, even if they were
true the liquor imported by foreign en-
basses, as permitted by their extra-territo-
rial status, is an insignificant quantity. Tnis
is matter which concerns the state depart
ment and not federal prohibition officers.
They might well devote their energies 20
capturing bootleggers and checking the flow
Of intoxicants from other far more prolific
sources. Neither should all the foreign
diplomats be placed under suspicion because
there may be reason to believe that some of
the consignments received, under diplomatic
courtesy, have come into possession of boot
leggers. Misdirected zeal has no more than
one occasion brought reproach on prohibi-
ton methods. This seems to be another
example of attaching too much Importance
to an unimportant circumstance and it
might embarrass the state department in its
relations with foreign governments who do
not regard the use of intoxicants as repre-
hensibe There are so many native and
discoverable sources of illicit liquor supply
which are not being broken up that the
charge against the diplomats appears far
fetched indeed.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW

The failure of the latest PREPARATIONS con-
ference in Paris caused only moderate reac-
ton in the stock and commodity markets,
and American business men who have been
closely following events in Europe seem to
think that conditions are improving One
basis for this belief is the fact that the
break between Great Britain and France
was caused by differences over the policy
Of moratorium guarantees and not over the
amount Of Preparations. Also, the French
and British premiers parted with protesta-
tons of friendship and good will and neither
the London nor the Paris stock markets
showed any sharp reaction. 1t is stated in
a Washington dispatch that the American
government has heard nothing to justify the
hope that France will not adopt forcible
measures against Germany. Secretary
Hughes suggestion that the reparations
question be studied by group of interna-
tional business men remains as a possible
basis for solution, if France finds that direct
action is failure. In the meantime, it APP
pears that Germany will make no active re-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
AMERICAN NOVELS
ndianapolis News.

From the Indianapolis News.
If an American novelist wri!ss something
which strikes the public fancy, he yields to
the temptation to exploit the money value
of his reputation and pours out an incredible
amount of mediocre writing at so much 3
word. While it is probable that want of
power has more to do than anything c.se
with the failure of American novelists to
turn out more books of lasting worth, there
is something in the overexploitation theory.
But back of it all is the habit of superficial
writing. Most of the ephemeral books turned
out are the product of credulods writers
completely misled by the glamour of Amer;-
can prosperity. They write about sleek
people and shining cities, about the orna-
ments of America rather than sabout its
body and soul. And their novels are written
because they sell, which brings the problem
back to the market, and reflects no credit
upon the taste of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
What Is Land Worth?
From the Dothan Earle.

FROM the lothian Earle.
From time immemorial we sup
pose some sort Of value has been
placed upon land, according to its
location or productiveness. There
has been time in the south within
the memory of the present genera
ton when thousands md thousands
of acres of the choicest lands could
have been bought for two or three
dollars an acre. or cheaper. From
this land millions of feet of lumber
have been cut and thousands of bar
rels of turpentine and rosin have
been manufactured and sold, and
the real value still left in the land.
These cut-over lands have been sold
to people and put into cultivation,
and if taken care of will get better
and better as the wears pass. Good
farmers have learned that they must
put back into the land as much, or
more, than they take out to keep
them producing big crops, and that
is being done. No lands are worn
OUT The lands in this section that
are selling foi $50 an acre will soon
be worth 800, and a few years
more-will see them selling for over
5000.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
DEATH OF. AN ABLE EDITOR

From the Mobile Register.
William H. HI. Judson, for many
years editor of the Ressemer Week
iy, was one of the pioneers in the
development of jefferson county, IN
this state. He was born in Illinois
eighty years ago. He had been
business manager Of the old Daily
Times Of New Orleans, later merged
with the Democrat, a newspaper
known as the Times-Picayune.
Shortly after the consolidation he
moved to Alabama, believing that
there would be development in the
mineral region. He was in a busl-
ness venture with New Orleans capt.
talists, as to the results of which
nothing is recorded; but Mr.. Judson
began his newspaper in Bessemer
and conducted it for forty years as
a fearless and Independent organ OF
the people. Mr.. Judson always ex-
pressed himself to the point, in PLAIN
English and with courage OF his
strong convictions. He well under
stood his office of editor and never
failed in performance of what he
knew to be his duty. In all other
respects he acquitted himself we'll,
and died this week respected by all
who knew him.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
MR.. KILBY'S MESSAGE

Governor Kilby's message to the legisla-
ture is an inspiring document inspiring not
only because it recites what the legislature
of the past four years has accomplished, but
also because it gives glimpse Of what a
great influence the present legislature can
have upon the further prosperity and de-
velopment of Alabama.
Particularly significant are those passages
in the message dealing with the problems of
taxation. AS Mr.. Kilby so truthfully says,
state taxes are not and have not been a
heavy burden on the people of Alabama.
On the contrary the tangible results OF the
expenditure of tax money have been many
times compensatory for the cost of govern
ment There are certain obligations OF gov
eminent which can not and must not be
foregone. There are the claims upon the
state of education, of law enforcement of
public health service, of charitable instltu-
tions, of reform schools, of public roads, of
commerce, of the various undertakings to
which this state has committed itself and
from which it cannot withdraw without
loss to the state far greater than the tax
saving that might thereby be effected. There
are always those who complain of taxes, but
few there are who point out the immensely
greater importance of the public good
brought about through careful and intelli-
gent administration of public funds.
Governor Kilby has made good and wise
governor and has brought the state to such
degree of progress and development that his
successor like an individual in relay race,
has only to snatch the token and be off to
good lead over his neighbors Alabama will
be what its people, its government and its
legislatures shall make it. Of recent years
there has been no reason to be dissatisfied
with the showing.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
The Prevalent Mania

That rainy day for which men save,
To show how bent on thrift they are,
When thunders roll and tempests rave,
- May find them in motor car,
The only proof above their head
The kind propelled by gasoline;
And yet it may be truly said
They seem quite tranquil and serene.
Such comfort do most mortals draw
From merely stepping on the gas"
For lesser woes care not straw,
Just so they're in the motor class.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
HOW THE FARMER PRosPERS

Inasmuch as the farmers form the most
important single group of purchasers, their
financial condition has a greater Influence
on business than many realize. Therefore,
considerable significance is attached to the
statement of the department of agriculture
that the farmer has more cash on hand than
for several years. Prices are higher for
all farm products except beef, hogs and
potatoes. The cotton farmers received half
billion dollars more for their crop this
wear than last year. Other farmers have re
ceived increased returns in similar ratio.
Much of the betterment in farm prices is
attributed to the systematic marketing OF
crops. This benefit is accumulated by the
fact that producers of beef, hogs and po-
tatoes. who are not organized have sold
their product at sacrifice, potatoes in
Michigan, for example, bringing the grower
as low as nineteen cents bushel. Another
year it is expected that all farmers will be-
long to cooperative marketing associations
with an expectation Of direct benefit there
FROM The elimination of the gambler in
food commodities will follow as conse-
quence of organized, systematic placing of
products on markets, and there is expected a
stability in prices such as has not prevailed
heretofore. The consumer is expected 20
share in the benefit, because of the absence
of manipulation and the reduction in distr;-
button overhead.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10

against the French policy as unjust to Ger
many and to the other nations who would
be affected by the financial and political
collapse of Germany. The next develop
ments in the PREPARATIONS tangle depend on
France. If she is unable to compel payment
from Germany by invading the Ruhr, she
may then be willing to conform to the view
that Germany must be given an opportunity
to meet her obligations without forcing her
into bankruptcy and further demoralizing
Europe, as would be the case if her produc-
tive power were crippled
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
MORONS AT THE WHEEL

From the Washington Herald.
The Pittsburg psychologist who
suggests intelligence tests for would
be chauffeurs opens field of spec
ulation. How, for instance, would
he test against the driver who cheer
fully splashes mud on pedestrians
ten feet away? Or the driver who.
on crowded street, suddenly darts
from behind the car in front, Jams
down the accelerator and scares peo-
Pile at crossings to the verge of in
sanity? He says most troubles in
driving are made by morons. But
these are not morons unless we
amend the words meaning to in
clude moral as well as mental i'm
beetles. Perhaps the place for the
intelligence tests is among the traf-
fic regulators and the pedestrians
who take mud baths so patiently.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
TO HONOR GENERAL CROWDER

A provision was submitted by Chairman
Warren of the appropriations committee,
as an amendment to the deficiency appro
priations bill, which would permit the APP
pointment of General Enoch H. Crowder as
ambassador to Cuba, without loss of retire
ment pay and privileges when he retires
from the army. 1t would also raise the
Cuban representative from the rank of min
lister to ambassador General Crowder has
served this country with much distinction
and his appointment as ambassador to Cuba
would be less than he deserves His di
recton of the national draft, under which
approximately 100000 men were taken
into the army, was one of the greatest
Achievements Of the World war. 1t revealed
tie extraordinary administrative capacity Of,
General Crowder, who succeeded in perform
ing his difficult task in manner so salts
factory that there was less criticism of the
provost marshal's office than of almost any
other government department during the
war. He has had wide experience in the
volunteer and regular army, served in the
Philippines, and in Manchuria with the
Japanese army and has been entrusted with
various missions of semi-diplomatic char
<acter'
On three different occasions General
Crowder visited Cuba in an official capacity.
From / 9O6 to 1908 he was secretary of state
and Justice; in 1919 he was invited by the
Cuban government to consult on changes
in the election laws and in 1921 he was sent
to the island as President Hardng's special
representative General Crowders work in
Cuba is revealed in improved economic con-
ditions and governmental reforms. His
services to the Cuban people have earned
their gratitude.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10

Governor E.. Mont Riley of Porto Rico
simply cannot have peace. Coming to the
States to rest from attacks upon him, he is
the victim of injuries in an automobile acct
dent in Kansas City, even his chauffeur es-
Gaping damage.
Senator James Reed actually had the SEN
ate with him for once. 1t was in supporter
his resolution calling on the President to
withdraw all troops from Germany.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10

benefit. The most needed viaducts are to
be constructed first, and the rest in the
order of their Importance to traffic. The
obstacles need not be met until they are
approached. Once the program is under
way its very momentum viii carry all before
it. The reported attitude of cooperation
on the part of the railroads is encouraging
as indicating that the city will have no court
battles on its hands in order to complete the
project.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
Adrift With the Times
Another Law Needed

A citizen who makes complaint
And doth his discomfort reveal,
And yet can never be induced
To put his shoulder to the wheel
Of civic progress, ought to be
Kept silent by the strictest ban;
But glancing Ger the statute books,
/ really don't see how he can.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
Alabama Press
office-Seekers Numerous

Governor-elect Brandon has the
political wise-acres on the hummer
as far as letting them know who are
to be the beneficiaries of his office
distributions. He goes into office
January Is. and. so far as we have
learned, not an appointment has
been made. There are several juicy
political plums to be picked, and
the nearer comes the harvest time
the greater the number of cleaners
who seek to fill the offices with eff
fieiency. neatness. dispatch and
honor to the commonwealth.
Good Roads Help Rural Schools
From the Admission Star.
Road Improvement throughout the
country is being given large share
of the credit for the larger educa-
tional program in rural commune
ties of the United States. As good
roads are constructed, connecting
rural communities with highways
which can be travelled in all weather,
the one-room community school
is abandoned and the consolidated
school which can serve two or more
communities, takes its place. This
is made possible and practical by US
ing good roads for the operation of
motor busses to take the children
to and from the consolidated
schools.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
LETTING HIM OFF A LITTLE

From London Answers.
A Victorian grandmother was re-
proving her up to date granddaugh-
ter.
Betty, l am deeply troubled to
hear from your mother that you
state things which you know are
false, and that you have been heard
to use strong language. Worst of
all, you spit at your governess."
"M'yes," said Betty.
"Do you know that it is the evil
one who makes YOU do these
thinos7"
Possibly" said Retty, 'she is re-
sponsible for the lies and the curses,
but the splitting is my own inven-
ton.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
Easily Pleased

Don't you think it rather unkind to conn
pare your political opponent with Nero?"
NO." replied Senator Snortsworthy.
"He has such a weakness for publicity that
associating his name with that of any well
known historical character pleases his
vanity"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-10
Always Good

81 must get a platform.
"Of course"
But there are no issues What am
going to do
"Jump on the vested interests Any
politician who can't make an issue out of
that is in comatose condition.