davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
MrMprp oT 1sc0C7ATEn PREss
Telepbope ~sl1If 1sssgss Telephone Main 4eoo csAfsSaSs..ssSssss1' sa!SsSSss Main 49oo
INDEFENsIBLE GARBAGE POLICY

Additional proof that the city com missions administration of the gar bage dumps is indefensible is given by the court injunction prohibiting, after August 15, further use of one dump complained of. The complain ants alleged that the dump in ques- tion is not only public nuisance be- cause of its objectionable odors, but that it is a potential source of pesti- lence, supporting the allegations with affidavits from health officials. With such a showing before it the court found itself obliged to enjoin the dan gerous practice.
 It is said that the city has two courses open to it, either an appeal to a higher court or an application for dissolution of the injunction. It is strange indeed if the commission should seriously consider either ot these courses, when the public welfare demands in stentorian tones third course, namely, the administration of the garbage problem in modern and scientific manner. Although the out cry against the dumps has been long and continuous, and based upon the soundest of arguments, the conserva- tion of the public health, the city com mission has failed to recognize its re- sponsibility or to take effective steps leading to betterment. It is true that one or two of the commissioners has spoken vaguely and uncertainty ot this plan and of that, but the net result has been the defense that the city of Washington maintains dump, and a consequent lapsing into the former condition of official apathy.
 The great and progressive city of Birmingham would like for it's com mission to wake up. It would like to perceive some evidence of concern for the public welfare in this matter, and some definite constructive plan for remedying the conditions now grown almost intolerable in a self respecting and enlightened commit nifty. It is believed that the hundreds of thousands of dollars suggested as necessary. to correct the conditions are not needed. It is believed that some immediate policy of efficient handling of the refuse would give immediate relief. Other cities are handling the problem in an economical and efficient manner. If the city commissioners of Birmingham cannot do likewise, let them admit it, in order that the people may take some meas ures in their own defense. The pres ent inept official attitude is not con genial to a civilized community.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
- WHAT GAG-RULE MEANS

Since the adoption by the legisla- ture of what has come to be known as the "gag-rule" and "steam-roller" resolution not to consider at this ses- sion the abolition of the convict lease system, manifestation of public senti- ment throughout the state against the system has become intensified and the demand for a full hearing from opponents of the system has become more insistent. The perfunctory ac- tion of the legislature is not only di- rectly antagonistic to the views. and wishes of the people, but is unconstitu- tional as we'll The opposition is crys- tallizing into a more determined fight against the system, and the pressure is growing steadily stronger.
 The people of Alabama are deter mined to rid the fair name of their state of the convict lease stigma. They know that it can be easily done, as every other state in the Union has demonstrated, and they know that such move will be wise and helpful from a cold-b -blooded dollars -and-cents stand point, not to speak of the humane as- pect that rests upon great moral principle. The people who provide every cent for the maintenance of the state government insist that they are entitled to a voice in it's poli- cies and practices through the legisla- ture chosen to carry out their views and wishes. The legislators are the servants of the people under demo- cratic form of government, and are in honor bound to exemplify public sentiment in shaping public policies and in applying them to the public needs. There is no justification nor excuse for the legislature deliberately to act contrary to the public will either in determining policies or in establishing practices.
 It would be interesting to know how many members of the legislature who voted for the gag-rule and steam-roller resolution would have done so if they had realized that by so doing they were taking step towards their po- litical undoing. Yet that is just what they have done, whether or not they so understood the effects of their ac tion. A charitable interpretation is that they did not comprehend the ex- tent of the folly of the gag resolu- tion. Any intelligent and observant legislator can now appreciate the sit uation. There are already unmistak- able signs that Governor Brandon and every legislator who voted against the abolition of the convict lease system are becoming impressed with the ob- ligation to respect the overwhelming public sentiment in Alabama against this iniquitous thing, and that it will be abandoned in response to an en- frightened public conscience and in the interests of the public welfare.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
JEWISH LAUGHS
Truth Will Out
By Jacob Richm n

The butcher shop and the shoe store adjoinSd each other and were separated only by a thin partition, so that the proprietor of each could overhear the conversation of the other.
 The butcher was simple, hon est man, trusting all and suspect ing none. It was his custom before closing the store to count the money collected for the days sales and then lock it in the strong wooden box, which served as a safe.
 The counting was invariably done in an audible voice and al ways heard through the partition. One night the proprietor of the shoe store broke the thin parti- tion dividing the two stores, and then notified the police that, to his belief. he had been robbed by his neighbor. He informed the had and urged them to open the DO&, so tIldl lllt tOllleiilS might be examined and his sus picion verified.
 The box was opened in the pres ence of the two storekeepers and 1t was found to contain the exact sum claimed by tho shoe merchant The police were convinced of the butchers guilt. They were about to deliver the money to the plain tiff and arrest the accused man, when the butcher. inspired by righteous indignation, made a firm stand against the officers of the law. and declared that under no circumstances would he submit to arrest or give up his money without having first hearing be- fore the local rabbi, who, he said, was a saintly man, and who, he confidently believed. would have no difficulty in ascertaining the truth.
 Before a large tallow candle the venerable rabbi of the smak Lithu-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Plea for the Sch ooIs


 Whatever may be the outcome of the various political squabbles in the present legislative session, it is to be hoped that nothing will happen to prevent the enactment of constructive legislation in be- half of the schools of the state. Alabama is far below the desired standard in educational matters. The short school terms provided for rural children, especially, are entirely unsatisfactory and inade- quate. What is important is that sufficient funds may be had to provide capable teachers, so far as possible, and for school terms of proper length. The legislature should not permit politics to crip- pie the schools.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
A Ragged Cloud

 A ragged cloud, purple edger, murky gray, Rests low on the horizon. In a moment or so the cloud will be gone Into the melting glow of the sun. I shall be walking down some dusty road T.. Gazing ahead to where the road leaves off And is part of the sky. An old man will come out of his house And I shall ask him if the road drops down Behind a hill, or does it really lead into the sky. He will only shake his head and look curiously At me-from out his small, blinking eyes Then l shall look again, but the ragged cloud Will be gone, and the road will be lost In the black shadows of the night.
 Frances.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
MOTHERS OF FAMOUS
 MEN
Gesine Judith Haserup, the Mother
of Grieg

or Or1c8
 Mother I want to si tand lis- ten!"
 That Is exactly what I wish you to do, little one," smiled the mother. T want you to love mu- sic as I love it. Maybe some day you, too, will play and sing! How that would please me!'
 How happy that Norwegian mother would have been if she could have looked ahead only few years and seen her son, Iduard Greig, honored as one of the greatest composers of music in the whole world! She herself was distinguished musician, known beyond her own land. Every week, when she was at home, she brought together in her house company of people who loved mu- sic. There they sang and played hour after hour. The little boy pleaded to stay and listen. The very request pleased the mother. Curled up in his chair, quiet. un- noticed, he drank in the music with an appreciation that was be- yond that of most children.
 His father, Alexander Grieg, was partly of Scotch descent, and cared far less for music than did the mother. The woman whom Alex ander Grieg married, Gesine Ju- dith Hagerup, was all Norwegian and all music. Far back in her family, in 1907, there had been great genius, of whose memory she was proud. Her own father had been a man of importance. She had felt the stirring of ambi- tion and had risen high In music She tried her hand at writing plays. Nevertheless, marriage set her at housework-and so she looked to her little son to carry on the ambition that she herself felt. She taught him how to play. She corrected his work. She i'm proved his taste-and at last, out of that ambitious teaching, there came the masterful compositions of the great Eduard Grieg! Moth erhood may fulfill its ambitions doubly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS
oscar Hammerstein
By Frederick Houk Law

The United States Is a land of strange and unusual opportunity. The man who is one day rolling cigars for a mere existence, lit tie later may be master of mill lions of dollars and a leader among men. Everything depends upon himself.
 Oscar Hammerstein was sixteen years old when he left Berlin, in Germany, and came to the United States with mind quite ready to face the world. He did not " orrY at all about the lack of money and the scarcity of opportunities. He set about to make one and to find the others. He laid the first stone in his career by settling down to the making of cigars. working patiently and energet- ically and finding recreation in music. Instead of working like machine, that has no capacity for thought, he worked like an indi- vidual man, with the result that he made inventions that frightened work and increased profit. Even in the music to which he went for Cti CdNlO4l llt put lOl " etIu HIS lIlul- viduality and composed new pieces There, perhaps, is the secret of all success-to put forward individu- ality and to refuse to become a mere breathing machine.
 By the time he was fl, Oscar Hammerstein had made many friends, had learned much, spoken much and written much. He had gained both money and influence, and was able to use both in the following out of new ideas. He built the Harlem Opera House In New York City and made 1t a success. Then he astonished New York by building the Manhattan Opera House and becoming a dar- ing rival of the Metropolitan opera management. Here, as elsewhere, he made his energy and individu- ality felt. He set new standards in costuming, scenic effects and beauty of production. He drew to his stage such artists as Melba and Tetrazzini, Nordica and Bonci He paid such sums of money for the carrying out of his plans that he made golden age for singers. When he withdrew he sold his share in the Manhattan Opera House for s2.0o0,00o.
 The Philadelphia Opera House and the London Opera House are other witnesses to the energy and the daring of the man who set out in life as a humble worker of cigars.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

be brought about peacefully, and even without resort to drastic legislation. How much better it would be if other movements affecting the welfare of the people could be consummated without injecting them into politics and effecting them by the enactment of restrictive laws that gall large groups of the people,"
 One of the most helpful effects of the surrender of the Steel Corporation will be both capitals and labor's greater respect for the public which supports them and without which neither could exist. It is highly grati- flying to note the achievements of pub lie opinion when once crystallized on reform the need for which has been impressed upon the popular mind. The United States Steel Corporation is the most powerful industrial organi- zation in the world; but it is not so powerful as public sentiment founded on a sense of justice. No industrial, political or social institution can sue cessfully defy it. This nation and every force, influence and activity within it are ruled by the intelligence and the conscience of it's great moral element. That is the reason why there is greater opportunity for industry, ambition and ability in America than anywhere else on earth. Public opinion in this country is not only safe and sane, but it is the dominant protec- tive power in every field of worthy endeavor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
WHAT PUBLIC OPINION DID

The apparent surrender of the United States Steel Corporation to the demand of public sentiment for abolition of the twelve-hour day is a subject of widespread discussion by the press and the people. 'Not only does this action of the steel company mean more tolerabie living conditions for a large body of workers in whom the public is interested for humanita- rian reasons" says the Houston Post, "but it shows how great reforms can
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
RAILWAY BOOKLET ON SERVICE

All through booklet recently is sued by the Louisville and Nashville there is frequent recurrence of the word "serve." One sentence reads thus: "After all, the business of railroad is to serve the people" The president in his foreword says: "While living up to the record of service and success which is behind us, may we strive in the future to make even a better and bigger railroad and to ren- der the most efficient service possi- ble." Continuous and strict adher- ence to the principle of service is the keynote of success, because service means pleased shippers and travellers and they, in turn, spell net earnings. Earnings and service are inseparable
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
NO RUSSIAN RECOGNITION

In reply to letter from MT. Com pers asking for further clarification of this governments attitude with re- spect to recognition of the de facto Russian government Secretary Hughes receives the appreciation of the Ameri- can people for reaffirmation of the principle that the United States can not recognize a government by a usurping minority which has given the people no opportunity to express it. self as to prevailing regime. Much of the secretary's reply is a recapitula- ton of previous statements, with the added information that the soviet's alleged abandonment of the principle of confiscation of private property and the drafting of labor is refuted by its recent pursuit of the same po- icy in the lately acquired city and territory of Vladivostok. MT. Hughes declares that sovietism is a menace because 1t seeks to destroy organized government everywhere, and is with
 
 that policy only by lack of resources.
 As to Russia's present political sit uation the secretary says: "The so- called new economic policy permitted partial return to economic freedom. The termination of forcible requisi- ton of grain has induced the peas antry to endeavor to build up produc- tion once more, and favorable weather conditions have combined to increase the agricultural output. Manufac- turing industry has to a great extent disappeared. The suffrage so far as it may be exercised continues to be limited to certain classes and even among them the votes of some cate gories count for more than the votes of others. The new constitution, it is unde1stood,' contains no bill of rights and the civil liberties of the people remain insecure. There is no press except the press controlled by the regime and the censorship is far reaching and stringent. Labor is ac- knowledged to be still at the mercy of the state. While membership in official unions is no longer obliga- tory, workmen may not organize or participate in voluntary unions" It is no wonder that American labor in convention so overwhelmingly re- jected resolution indorsing recogni- ton by this government.
 There is no basis on which we may recognize the soviet regime, which has not only repudiated the legitimate debts of previous governments, but does not keep it's own solemn pledges. According to MT. Hughes: "The per sons of our citizens in Russia are for the moment safe from harm. No as surance exists, however, against repetition of the arbitrary detentions which some of the have suffered in the past. The situation with respect to property is even more palpable. The obligations of Russia to the tax payers of the United States still re- main repudiated" Whoever demands recognition of Russia has no just basis for the demand. The soviet is not to be trusted, as Great Britain has found, and why pretend that there is sincerity where no sincerity exists?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Value of Education

(Marion County News)
 In order to meet all the exact ing demands of our complex life no young man or woman can af- ford to be without all the educa- tion it is possible to attain. In fact. it is pitiable to be handi- capped by the lack of college education. Success in life de- . mands, or requires. preparation for it's complicated problems. The successful farmer says there is but one time of the year to make a crop, the successful boy or girl says there is but one time to make the best preparation for life. So 1t is hoped that every high school graduate, during his vacation, is going to college this fall Ala bama has magnificent institutions of higher learning. They cost the people to maintain them. So we trust they will be filled to their capacity next session. Let Ma iron county be well represented in all of them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

nian town was meditating over a ponderous tome of the Talmad, when he heard rap at the door
 As he opened it the two mer- chapts walked in. followed by halt q dozen policemen. They told him the cause of their late visit, and the sage proceeded immediately to have a hearing of the case.
 The evidence. though circum- stantial. was, clearly against the defendant. But there was some thing in the voice and appearance of the butcher which told the great man that he was the victim of willy scheme. ... .-. ,..
 For long time the reverent man looked puzzled. necessarily he paced up and down the long study, which was also his court room. and stroked his. patriarchal beard. At last he had an inspira- ton.
 Bring me a pail of water" he finally ordered.
 The police brought a pail of wa ter.
 Throw the money into the pail" commanded the eccelsiastic magis- trate in a firm voice.
 The officers obeyed and in a cred with a layer of fat.
 "The money belongs to the butcher" declared the holy man. and that man is scoundrel. Ar rest him!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
THE PARAGRAPHERS
OTHERS, WHY NOT THIS ONEf

(Houston PosO
 Judge Gary's yielding to the clamor for abolishment of the twelve-hour day appears to have string to it. But the immi- grants the steel company says it needs will come from the states where there is a surplus of labor, not from alien lands. If other in- dustries can get along on eight hours per day without foreign inn migration, the steel company can do so too. The country will not swap one evil for a greater one.
 Look Out for Noise
 (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
 The next senate, it is reported will have the loudest speakers in American senatorial history. Nothing is said about It's capacity in the direction that made earlier senators conspicuous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Twin Cities Opportunity

\LatayeIto Sun)
 Many wishers are trusting that the legislature will unite All bany Decatur on the Tennessee river and make of the two towns one of the best cities in Alabama. Few cities of the South offer such exceptional opportunities as will these two towns when properly united. In the heart of a rich ag- ricultural section-at the crossing of two great railroad systems, Albany Decatur. under one mu- nicipal government, Is destined to blossom like the traditional tree. No better folk than those in AL bany Decatur live anywhere in Dixie.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Exclusive Statement

As I trod blithesomely down the avenue, band was playing "Yes, We Have No Bananas" I trod on, but not so blithesomely.
 rounded corner and bumped into a corpulent person whistling it. I passed music shop and the squawk- ing machine in the door told me about it.
 I sought peace in the bosom of my family, but they had just started it for the twenty-third time on the victrola. The novice saxophonist next door moaned and gurgled it.
 By that time I was gnashing my teeth. I escaped into the street and walked into the corner cigar store and asked for my favorite brand-a Tartantula.
 The white-haired proprietor sang flippantly into my ear: "Yes, we have no Tarantulas."
 Then everything went black. When the police came, the floor was Uttered with glass, blood, white-h haired pro- prietor and Tarantulas.
 How sweetly the bulbul sings to- night! Tweet, tweet! Yes, we have no applesauce.-Yelnats W. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

Fifteen United States senators and several cabinet officers are touring Europe this summer, which ought to result in the collection of a suffi- ciently large and varied assortment of symptoms to work out wrong diag- nosis of the patients case.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
The Only Simon Pure

IOZdTK SOuCHeTN oldII
 The new primary bill abolishee second choice votes and reverts to the double primary system. Many officeholders in Alabama are in the enjoyment of their position although, under the second choice system, they did not receive a ma jority vote of the constituency. The double primary is the only simon pure democratic rule there is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

With shipping board vessels hand ling nearly twice as much export freight from Gulf ports as foreign bottoms, it appears that Uncle Sam makes pretty good skipper, after all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

Some of the students of politics are still predicting the establishment of third party. Such situation would at least give the taxpayers little more latitude when they pay their money and take their choice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Evidence of Prosperity (Elnrenca TimeSl

As an evidence of the prosperity of this section 1t Is noted that practically every automobile deal CT has a waiting list of purchas CTS who have already deposited money on cars that are to be de- livered as soon as they cal be obtained.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Marvellous!

l have made marvellous deduction. A new device makes it possible to carry on seven telephone conversa- tions over one wire at the same time. By pursuing the theory to its logical conclusion I have deduced that it is possible to get seven wrong numbers for a nickel.-Hawkshaw II.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25

Threats that the government "Blue Book" will be suspended are putting many chronic office seekers up in the air, which is entirely satisfactory to most voters, if they are permitted to specify the altitude.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-25
Cron Outlook Good

(Scottsboro Progressive Age)
 The crop conditions in Jackson county have improved very much in the past few weeks. Reports from Sand Mountain indicate the conditions have improved more than most any section of the county. Although the crops arc late, yet with a favorable fall Jackson county will make fair crop. At least there Is no call for grumbling and growing. On the other hand. there is much to en- courage us. Our crop conditions are far above the average of the other counties of Alabama.