davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
THE MENDICANTS

Getting rid of beggars has been a serious problem for cities the world over from time immemorial. It is true that every community always has its poor with 1t. But there are worthy poor and what may be called profes- sional poor, or those who make busi- ness of begging because they do not like to work. That is the kind of men, dicants Birmingham is taking steps to eliminate. There are dozens of chronic mendicants in this city who could and should be put to work. If they claim they do not know how to do anything worth doing, they can be taught. Many a man or woman lame, halt, blind or physically deformed has made an hon. est living by working at something, even though they could not walk or move without assistance. There is needful work to be had for large per centage of the mendicants who infest the streets of this city day after day and year after year. Those who claim they are unable to secure useful and remunerative employment as a rule have not put in anything like so much time and energy seeking work as they have in begging.
 One of the most effective means of abolishing mendicancy in it's chronic form is to train the mendicants for some useful service. This can be done with no great effort or cost on the part of the city's welfare department. Showing beggars from one town to an other accomplishes nothing. Too many cities and towns are already practicing that policy. The itinerant beggar simply shifts his field of operations. Thousands are making the rounds. Those who are physically incapaci- tated to perform any sort of labor, manual or mental, are supposed to be properly provided for by the city it. self, while organized charity is doing much towards alleviating suffering from worthy poverty. An adequate public fund economically and wisely administered would help to relieve the situation which is becoming serious. The point is that very large propor- ton could and should be put to work, and the hopeless taken care of as a
 public charge. Efforts of the cit. commission to solve this problem in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
DISCOVERING THE PEOPLE"

The editorial from the Washington Star printed elsewhere on this page is one that comments itself to sober judgment. The tendency towards centralization of authority in Wash ington carries with it a greater ob- ligation on the part of the federal government to function more effec- lively and to return a greater meas ure of benefit to the people. The federal tax is an increasingly heavy tax, which the people are paying be- cause they have faith in their govern ment. In return for the revenues thus derived the government owes diligent protection of the public well fare and unceasing war upon all those elements that seek to prey upon the public.
 Of particular importance is it that there shall be prevention of price ex- tortions on commodities that are in- dispensable to existence, whether they be food, clothing, public service, build ing materials or other items classed as vital necessities. There are many indications that the government is reacting to it's increased responsibili- ties to the people of this country. The recent endeavor to prevent run away prices in sugar reveals tho au- thority of this government in such contingencies. If the attempt to con- trol sugar prices should fail, it would be not the government, but the hu- man instrument of government that fails. The authority is there, but abil- ity cannot be bestowed by statute.
 Of especial significance is that DOT tion of the Stars comment which says: ''The days when 'big business was free to exploit the public are gone, and gone forever. There is not yet any general sentiment for gov ernment ownership of essential indus tries, because the people do not be- lieve government ownership and oper- ation can be made efficient, but there is almost unanimous sentiment in fa- vor of strict government regulation of those industries which will not reg ulate themselves and learn that service, to the public is paramount to profits. The sooner the captains of industry realize and profit by this development in our affairs the better for them. The public interest is second to no other interest, and when the repre- seutatives of the people are consider ing questions which represent con fnct between the private interest and a major public interest there can be no quibbling as to which direction the official decision should incline.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
A MOSQUITO ENGINEER"

One of the most progressive and at tractive winter residence cities of Florida has shown common sense in, creating the official position of "mos
 quito engineer" It may sound some what humorous to thoughtless people who have no appreciation of the com munity injury, as well as personal in convenience and losses, every year through mosquito ravages. It would be hard to overestimate the damage in dollars and cents, not to speak of the dangers and distress to individuals from diseases and often death caused by the mosquito. Doubtless the Flor ida city, which is said to be the first to create this position, will find that the results are distinct economy, especially if the new official does his full duty.
 Getting rid of the mosquito, which has proved so disastrous a pest in nearly every part of the country, is one of the big problems for sanitary departments of cities, counties and even states to solve in the interests of the public happiness and material wei fare. The national government, real izing the importance of this work, is cooperating in many parts of the country to stamp out the. dangerous pest. In Alabama the government on large scale is working to the same end; for the public is fast learning that health is an economic asset with out which there is no contentment. It will pay the cities, towns and will lages of the state, the rural conimu- mites and the state at large to CO., operate with the federal service and to appropriate generous sums for the solution of this problem, for such policy will prove a wise investment just so far as the funds are honestly and efficiently administered. The Florida city, in creating such de- partment and putting an engineer at its head, showed good economic iudg- ment as respects the benefits obtain able by impressing outsiders with the determination of that city to rid itself of a source of disease, and to make itself more attractive dwelling place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Telephone sss Telephone Main 4eoo UaS3ss!tssss1aSc5Io Main 49oO
LOWERING THE FIRE HAZARD

There are encouraging prospects for lower fire insurance rates in Bir- mingham following the inspection by experts of the National Board of Un- derwriters. These men on request of 5 the city commission are making con- plete study, not only of the fire-fight- ing system, but also of water capacity, character of building materials, facili- ties for turning in fire alarms, and, in fact, the entire situation as it affects fire hazards. Recent additions to
 equipment, enlargement of water mains, installation of alarm systems and the like have contributed to ex- @pectations for lower rates, and certain neighborhoods which have been re- uuired to pay comparatively heavy in- surance tariffs have been put on a safer basis. All of this will aid econ -omy in the costs of protection. It is \ wise for the city commission to keep in mind that effective administration of expenditures towards protection from fire will prove wise and eco- nomical in the long run through con-
 siderable reduction in rates all along the line. And it would be just as wise for individual property owners in building or repairing to observe fire prevention rules. The reduction in cost of insurance on house with fire proof roofing will take care of the original increased investment in few years, not to speak of the greater pro- tection and safety. 1nflammable roofs are a serious source of danger, as every studious fire department knows. 7 There is a mistaken idea among many, too, that the owner of build ing need not worry so long as he is protected by insurance. He is never fully protected, because, even though he be compensated for his losses, he and every other property owner has to pay for that protection in insur- ance rates according to the hazard average. So much the more reason 2 for individual cooperation in prevent ai ing fire and its concomitant losses, - Undoubtedly much can be accom- plished in this way, and every aid com ing from the individual in the preven- tion of fire damage to himself or his neighbor is reflected in the economy of rates and tendency towards lower costs for the community at large.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
POOR BOYS WHO
 BECAME FAMOUS By FREDERICK HoUK LAW
By Frederick HOuk Law SSarn,s .Joues- fhe W.r.h n

Do others before they do you" is a motto that many people seem to believe in, but 1t is not the motto that sam" Jones took for himself. In his work as a busi- ness man. and as mayor of the citiy of Toledo. Ohio. he set for ward again and again for the guidance of all, that beautiful old rule. Whatsoever ye would that men do unto you, do ye even so unto them." It is the following that rule that made him so suc- cessful a man, and that brought him into prominence before the AmericaI people.
 Like his father and mother, he was born in Wales, where the family had a humble home. The opportunities in Wales were so few. and the needs of the family were so many that the father decided to go. bag and baggage, to the United States. Sam" Jones was only a small child when he shared the discomforts of the cheap quarters of slow-going vessel. but he heard from his peo- pie sol often the story of that weary voyage that he remember ed it vividly. In the United States money was not to be found without great difficulty. There was little if any time for school or for amusement. The boy was put to work earning money as soon as he was strong enough to do work of any kind. He lived through those hard days without losing his good spirit. but he never forgot the hardships he ex- perienced. and he resolved to do what he could to make life easier for others.
 When he grew old enough to leave home and go out into the world for himself he drifted into the Pennsylvania oil fields, where work was likely to be found. In searching for work Sam" Jones found fortune. Beginning at first as an assistant to others, he ended by becoming an owner of oil wells. and an employer of oth- CTS. From the very first he re- membered his hardships and tried to make friends of his workmen. When he invented patent oil pump and set about It's manufac- ture he made every person in his employ sort of partner. He saw to the living conditions of all; he gave allowances of extra time and of extra money to all: he pro- vided for amusement and recrea- tion. and the protection of sthe family. His influence naturally went far beyond his own factory, and he became prominent in in- troducing reforms elsewhere. As a result, he was made mayor of Toledo, and in that position also applied his principles. He him.
 self had suffered. and he wished to help others.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Pasinr the Pest House

wandered to the pest house, Tom !;
 I had a pest in tow. The pest house isn't there, Tom; I
 don't know where to go. The space that held the pest house is
 filled with empty void; see we've been betrayed, Tom, de-
 ceived, intrigued, destroyed. If we were only young, Tom, l
 wouldn't mind bit. We'd take pest and wreck his map
 and get away with it. But we're getting old, Tom, we're not
 so blooming spry, And since they tore the pest house
 down 1 feel that I could cry. I have noble thought, Tom-we'll
 organize a clan Each pest charter member, we'll bar
 this pest house man. We'll start little pest house out on a
 distant hill Where every pest is welcomed who
 brings a dollar bill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
The Fatal Pen

Dear Torch Bearer: It was not moonshine that caused my collapse, although there were remarks to that effect when they picked my uncon- scious form off the floor. It came about in this fashion,: had seated myself in the writing room of the
 hotel, intending to indite letter, when l discovered that my trusty fountain pen was missing. Not hav- ing pencil about me, picked up one of the pens provided my the manage ment. Inspecting it closely, I discov- cred that the pen was new! Then my mind became blank.-Jason.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
UNCLE SAM'S LONG ARM
 Washington Starl

It has never yet been determin-
 ed how long is the arm of the
 government of the United States.
 As the years go by 1t reaches far ! ther and farther out to safeguard
 the welfare of the American peo-
 pie and to promote their interests.
 Alexander Hamilton never dream-
 ed of a central government as
 strong as the government of to-
 day, and the modern disciples of
 Thomas Jefferson vie with the
 political progeny of the federalists
 in trying to make it stronger
 Whenever there comes a time of
 distress, whether from economic
 or other causes. it is to Washing
 ton the people turn instinctively for relief. The constitution has
 been stretched far beyond the con- ception of a Marshall, and where it has not proved sufficiently elastic the states ha~e surren- dered more of the powers reserved to them.
 Now the long arm of the gov
 ernment reaches out again, this time to save the people from the extortions of the sugar profit eers and to bring the profiteers to book. The powers of injunction are employed to put an end to su- gar speculation; evidences of con- spiracy are to be sought and, if
 found. the conspirators are to be punished. And nowhere. except possibly in quarters directly prof. iting from the sugar gamble, is a word of protest heard.
 It Is a sign of the times which should not be lost on interests and industries which have not yet learned what service" means, and still subscribe to the public
 be damned" doctrine of industrial bourbonism. There never was a
 time when the people were so heavily taxed to support their government, and they are deter mined that in return the govern ment shall function efficiently and directly in their behalf. The government which does this will win and hold the support of the people; the government which
 4ils cannot endure.
 It is incomprehensible that men " iNh thC tO attdlu cal taincy of industry are so blind
 they cannot read the handwriting
 on the wall. The days when "big business" was free to exploit the public are gone. and gone forever.
 There is not yet any general senti-
 ment for government ownership of l essential industries, because the people do not believe government
 ownership and operation can be
 made efficient, but there Is all
 most unanimous sentiment in fa- vor of strict government regula- | tion of those industries which will | not regulate themselves and learn
 that service to the public is para l mount to profits. The people ap-
 prove that their government
 should have a long arm, and that
 at the end of that long arm should
 be a heavy hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

India is reported to be boastful over the absence of flappers. The American variety will not be dis couraged, however, since they see no basis for emulation of country where not one woman out a hundred knows enough to write her name.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

A combination printer and preacher in New Jersey refuses to relinquish his church. If his only errors were typographical, he doubtless feels that he has a good case.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

An alleged perfect 34,' whatever that may mean, declares the Venus De Milo would have possessed a better figure if she had made spinach her special diet. But, as we understand it, Venus De Milo didn't enroll in the restless reduction ranks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Whether that Florida leased pri

Whether that Florida leased pris- oner received 119 or just ten blows seems not to have been definitely set tied by the evidence; but one thing in this connection is certain-leasing prisoners for the money public or pri- vate interests can squeeze out of the barbarous system is a severe chastise- ment of self-respect, humanitarianism and justice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

Now Florida's request of Michigan to investigate the killing of Florida boy in a Michigan reformatory sug- gests that it would help some to go to the bottom of brutalities everywhere in this country if the probes drain these sores of their poison.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

The scientist who predicts there won't be sane person in this coun- try hundred years hence must be afraid America is going to compete with Russia for the international "bug- house. championship.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
HIS METHOD

How Is it. major" asked the ambitious young crook. address, ing the hoary headed master of the craft. that you are so inva- riably successful in picking out juicy suckers and never waste your time on empty prospects?"
 T simply wait till I hear a man state that he Is a pretty good judge of human nature" replied the veteran, and then I sell him the Union Station or something of the sort"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Why Not Towns. Too

We see relatives and friends coming and going on visits, and even neighbors running in and out of each others homes, all ce- menting closer the bonds of love and friendship, and we wonder why towns don't do a little moro of the same thing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Bis AdveFse Sentiment (Gadsden JournaD

And not only is sentiment growing against the convict lease system. so far as 1t respects the working of convicts by contract in privately owned mines, but there is trend toward preventing their use in state owned mines as well. There also Is much op- position to leasing convicts to turpentine operators. this latter being intensified by the recent Florida incident.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

the interests of the community as well of the beggars themselves are com mendable just so far as they are effec- lively worked out in commonsense way for the relief and protection of all
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Open Season

(Louisville Courier-Jo ournaD
 Radio Program for Grandmoth- er.-Headline. The open season for grandmothers Is on with the opening of the baseball season and they deserve all the pleasure they can get now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

It remains to be seen whether the claim of a Chicago physician that ex- cessive water drinking produces in toxication will be floated as a bona fide scientific discovery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

A young lady in the dance Mara thon claims to have glided over three states to avoid police interference. Without any disposition to discount her purposes or ambitions, it might be recalled that lots of fugitives from justice have been doing that for years
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
THE ALABAMA PRESS
May Have to Be Decent
 (Opelika News)

If law enforcement officers continue to enforce, high jackers continue to jack and poison imita- tions of rum continue to kill by poison. many sinners. rum rum ners and distributors may be forced to the sad necessity of get ting an honest job.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
To Cut Down Divorces (Greenville Advocate)

Troy Messenger is indorsing the French marriage plan for this country. Make it necessary for the application for marriage li- cense to be published for two weeks before the licene is granted. One of the best ways we know of to cut down the number of di- vorCeS.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Will Mean Much

Establishment of the public health unit will mean a great deal to Escambia county. So much. in fact, that it's worth can only be realized when detailed reports of similar work in other south Alabama counties are studied and the great benefits which these counties have re- ceived are discovered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
An Effective Meth 0d (Anniston Starr

The advice given by the busi- ness expert applies in Anniston with as great force as 1t applies in other cities. The local mer- chant in one town does not differ from the merchant in another. He needs business just as much in Anniston as he does in some other live city, and the best way for him to get business. MT. Bab- son says, is to go after 1t with convincing, dignified newspaper advertising.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

One of the hardships of life is to have to laugh at threadbare jokes to keep from wounding the feelings of people who insist on telling them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Eliminating the Worthless
 (Gadsden JournaD

The actions of the speedy young men and women cause many pa rents to hesitate about sending their young hopefuls" to a high CT institution of learning. These parents do not wish to expose their boys and girls to the evils of school. as pictured in the vel low press and in the Sunday mag azines To eliminate this noto- riety. and to rid the institutions of the cause of it is one of the big problems before school men of today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
It Is MOped So

Three hundred surgeons are on a tour of the United States, in spite of the probability that a lot of their patients will recover while they are away, and won't need an operation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Quite Nervous over There
(Dallas News)

It has just about gotten so in some parts of Europe that every time a tourist lights a stogie the natives think they see a war cloud rising.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Didn't Like Airs

Didn't Like Airs
 (So. Louis Globe-Democrat) There Is a story of a hair-pull- ing match that took place in the dressing room of theater given over to musical comedy. The pro- ducer rushed down and separated the two participants.
 What is the matter?" he asked the victor.
 "fll teach that baby to Broad A me-" she replied.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Appeal for Fair Deal Huntsville Times)

Senator Garth and Representa- tives Hampton and Love go back to the legislature in July. Let's have them do something to relieve Huntsville's census rating em- barrassment. We have the assur- ance that they are willing to do anything reasonable. Al, we ask Is proper extension of the city's cor.,orate limits so the town m. V get credit for the actual number of people belonging to her rather than the minority report.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Could It Rememberf

Was it in memory of the Com moner that a major league base ball team Saturday beat it's oppo- nent by the score of 16 to 1.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

Fortunately, those who, feel the in- dividual responsibility are in the ma jority.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

coal supply the hotter victims would like to see it made for those who pulled down the output to push up the price.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

In electing blind mayor the South Carolina town seemed determined to keep step with the municipal process sion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
Didn't Have a Chance fEnoyy;IIa Captipolh

Lord Robert Cecil failed to con- vince Senator Borah, 1t is stated. As Borah would seem to have done all the talking, the an- nouncement would seem to be superfluous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
One Way to Do It
 Nashville Banner)

One of the best ways of i'm proving the American home would be for the folks who belong in 1t to stay there every now and then.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
SMILES
Quite ResOurceful

Jim-Teacher. Skinny's cheat ing.
 Teacher-HoW, James?
 Jim--Well, in this physiology question of how many vertebrae we have he's trying to count his.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27
THE PARAGRAPHERS
The Silent Crowd (CbicoOn NaWal

There is very little counter rev. olution in Russia. Dead men are noticeably placid.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-27

Nearly half the desired sum for construction of the sanatorium is in sight. This undertaking will be an in- dex of Birmingham's wisdom and vis- ion. A contribution to it is an in- vestment.