davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
By THOMAS R. MARSHALL Former Vice President of the
 
United States


 Every now and then I meet a man Vho wonders why this age is not producing an Emerson or a Thoreau. I am not sure that there are not many Emersons and Tho reaus even yet in the world, but we should realize that the age of Emerson is not this age. l well remember when B book was a lux ury; have lived to see the day when 1t rarely escapes being a nuisance. Fifty years ago the man who had a hundred books In his library was regarded with awe by his fellow citizens. They were afraid to express an opinion in his presence, for he had at home all the Knowledge of the world. Now a private library Is negligible that does not contain 5000 or 1000 volumes.
 The uninitiated may imagine that all these have been digested, but most men know they were bought by the set with reference to the esthetic value of their bindings.
 Any man who SO, desires may now have newspaper once an hour the twenty-four hours around. If he likes he may 'Iisten in" over his radio. There is os much philosophy, as much wisdom, as much learning and infinitely more information In the world than ever before. Much of it Is. however. either predigested or un- digested. The rush of modern times leaves no moment for thoughtful separation of fact from fancy, no hour In which to con- slider a subject from all its an- gles.
 This statement may not apply to the philosophers of the age, but surely 1t is applicable to those of us who have neither the time nor the inclination to suspend judg- ment until we have gotten at the root of things. The effect of all this~upon the world at large Is not as bad as Its reflex action upon ourselves. It Is this reflex action which leads to the sort of philos- ophy thatI am not responsible for what l think, still less responsible for what I say, that I cannot help thinking and that I have a con stitutional right to speak. Such philosophying adds complications. It is like throwing mud into an already turgid stream.
 l am led to the making of these
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
THE ZONING SYSTEM

The measure creating Zoning sys- tenn for Birmingham provides long needed regulation in city planning. In most of the larger cities where such a system is in operation there have been gratifying results in the main- tenance of property values and other wise. Among other benefits have been improvement in the residential dis tricts and betterment in the public health. The system puts building op- erations on more uniform and stable basis. It protects residential sections from industrial and commercial en- croachments, and defines certain dis tricts for stores and offices, others for factories and warehouses and still others for homes. The measure re- gently enacted by the legislature can be so worked out in application as to impose no hardship upon individuals or interests, but rather to profit them. It is a step towards making the city more attractive in it's residential as- poets, more inviting for investment, more susceptible of improvement from the public health standpoint. Under its operation architectural and str'uc- tural mistakes are more easily avoided, while the city beautiful idea is more readily carried out. A zoning system worked out along practical lines can become a valued aid in Birmingham building progress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Sermon

A bum sat on bench in the park A blowsy, bearded, bulb-nosed bum. Two children passing by laughed at him mockingly. Whereupon he sermonized: "The kids nowadays are spoilt. They ain't brung up right. What they need is good walop now and then.
 Their fathers are too soft with 'em. It wasn't like that when I was young. My father knew how to bring up kids. You ain't got a'4oose dime, have you?"
 -Bixby.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

its principles, if accepted and lived up to, will make life more worth living. They contribute more cer- tainly than any other thing to the peace. quietude and good order of society.
 I reread this morning the ac- count of the Master of Mankind upon the Sea of GaIilee, when He stilled the waves. In the account appeared these words, And there were with Him other little ships.' The phrase had not attracted my attention on previous readings When the sea is calm, the sun is shining and the waves are quiet, what difference Is 1t whether the boat be large or small,3 whether one be sailing with 8 master ma riner or not But whether seas are calm or<disturbed. little ships always are on their surface. He who has power to lash into a fury the waves of public opinion ought always to remember that there are with him little ships. and he also who has power to calm the waves of public opinion should never for get that likewise he has with him llttle SnlpS.
 There are great moments when the sword of Gideon and the Lord should be unsheathed; there are great crises when, regardless of cost,( reform must be wrougn.; there are moments when the indi- vidual must be lost sight of in the common good. However, as men gain realization how much de- bends upon their ability to create storms that much more will they hesitate to do so. It is not pos- sible to separate the moral from the economic, yet ther never was A time when purely for the purpose of hearing the winds blow and seeing the waves mount high man was justified in stirring tur- moil.
 Somehow feel that this is ar hour when all of us should sneak words calculated to calm the an- gry seas of life, remembering that there are with us other little ships. No investigator who has even a quasi-judicial mind Is jus tified in the light of facts in say ing that the wrongs between la-
 bor and capital are all on one side. Those who seek to mould public | opinion will contribute to justice and fair dealing more just now by 1 speaking peace than by adding | windy words to the storm. Copyright, 1923. 21st Century Press)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Telephone Main 49O0
PRESSING NEED FOR ACTION

While the legislature failed to enact the Brewer bill providing for the con struction of viaducts and other pro lection from grade crossings, there IS all the more reason for earnestness of purpose and activity by the city com mission in bringing about relief. The Brewer bill was intended to put the cost of construction on the railroads where it belongs. Through the influ- ence and activities of legislators who are more concerned for the railroad interests than for the public needs and welfare, no legislation was passed in regard to the viaduct and underpass situation as it exists between Birming- ham and the railroads. The matter IS now just where it was before the leg islature convened. In other words, Birmingham has the same power tc protect itself that it had when the First avenue and the Twenty-first street viaducts were built.
 Birmingham's need for protection against these death-traps is greater than ever before and becomes more pressing every day with the corre- spending increase in growth and traf- fic. The danger to life and limb in- creases daily. The loss from delay, waste of labor and otherwise, is per ceptibly greater between suns. Com- mercial activities are already ham, pered and the transaction of business Is seriously handicapped. Other cities in the class with Birmingham and many that are much smaller, have solved their grade-crossing problems or are actively at work on them. Yet Birmingham, one of the largest pat rons of the railroads, with enormous and rapidly increasing tonnage, con- tinues to suffer from ths constant menace and the heavy losses.
 The ,,ity commission has direct responsibility and obligation in this matter. Aside from the failure of the legislature to perform a public duty which would have tended to clarify any legal phase that may be employed by the railroads as excuses for delays, the commission is entrenched behind no less high authority than the United States supreme court in it's ruling that the public safety and the public wei fare are paramount to any private ir- terest. The municipal authorities possess just as much power to proceed in the performance of this duty as do those of many other cities which have solved similar problem. It were well for the Birmingham commission to take up this situation seriously and push it to completion through amica- ble adjustment if possible, through firmer measures if necessary. It is inconceivable that this great growing industrial center continue to suffer from a. menace to life and business because the railroads prefer not to appropriate the necessary funds for its fo1iaf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Tka=sss8jSlzORCH @SBEA EARER
Lochinvar

LOChhNdE Out of the west came Lochinvar And drove snorting motor car.
 It was steed
 Of noble speed, A bus of wondrous power. And grabbing up the winsome lass He pressed his feet upon the gas,
 And in the night
 He took to flight At sixty miles an hour. Tn vain his wild pursuers swore, In vain they thirsted for his gore,
 Young Lochinvar
 Jazzed up his car And drove along unheeding. Alas, poor fishl His honeymoon Was punctuated all too soon.
 Young Lochinvar's
 Behind the, bars For he was pinched for speeding. Mary Gardens attitude toward Mussolini is shrouded in doubt. "He is much like Henry Ford,p she says graphically.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
BONDS AND SINKING FUNDS

We'll and good so far as it goes, with need for some additional strength Nening, may be fair criticism of the
 legislative act making it compulsory for municipalities in Alabama to es- tabish sinking funds for all future bond issues. Investors in securities are insistent, above all things, on
 safety. There is no such value to se- curities which are not protected through the setting aside of proper percentages of available public reve- nues to caye for interest and principal when due. Without such safeguards it becomes much hardef to market securl-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Beyond Recall

There is something sad but hopeful In the chill September pail When the flowers droop and perish And the leaves begin to fall. For the flowers all will blossom And the meadows will be gay And the. leaves will thrive and flourish In the merry days of May. There will come another season When the voice of spring will call But there isn't any comebacks When the hair begins to fall.
 The Duke.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
SURE SIGNS
(Kansas City star)

"It's going to rain." said old Festus Pester, when the salt is damp. when my corns ache. when the furniture is creaky. when the window cords tighten. when the house fly is especially sticky and annoying, when the perfume of flowers Is particularly strong, and so forth. All these things are happening now, and within the next twenty-four hours it will in- fallibly rain--if it wants to-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
SMILES
Scared Her Into It

(Capper's Weekly)
 The bashful boy had fully de- cided to ask his sweetheart's hand in matrimony. She. too, was bashful, so gave him little en- couragement. and he hardly knew how to pop the question. After much discussion of the weather, etc, he continued: You know the moon makes me think of lot of things. Will you marry me?"
 Why, John, you scare me-" she replied.
 Nothing more was said of mat rimony and for months his visits were kept up with no further reference to the subject. until one day much to Johns joy and sur prise, his sweetheart Ventured: {: John. scare me again"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
People To Stop Leasing \ (LineYille HeadIightl

The position that Governor Brandon Is taking in regard to the Banner convict flogging Is plac- ing him in a position where he Is receiving much unfavorable comment, even from his friends as well as others. The people of thls state are going to stop this bar barous practice and they are go- ing to use their votes as weapon to do 1t with.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
The Iure

(Richmond imes-Dispatch)
 It was at the Darktown Inter- city Amalgamated Baseball League opening. A batted ball went over the fence. Instantly all hands of both teams made for the fence and scrambled over after the ball.
 Why" asked a visitor, "why do all the players go after that ball?"
 "They ain't goin' after tn ball, special, mister. said the gate keeper, but they's a watermelon patch on tn other side of that fence"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Teachers and Marriage
(Andalusia Star)

The Andalusia high school teach CTS are practically all new this year. The matrimonial waters were troubled last year in Anda- lusia and most all of our school teachers walked in. No stipula- tion has been made in the con- tracts this year that would pre- vent a like depletion of the ranks by the close of the present session. We were not requested to say4tfis by the teachers, however.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

The Englishman who declared that Americans know very little about geography might be reminded that the American people are not sufficiently tickle or flighty to become interested in subject which shifts and changes so often.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

With total of five hundred and eighty cases awaiting disposition at the hands of the United States supreme court when its term opened, man& Of them involving delicate shades of con stitutionality, members of that honor able body fully earn their salaries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Diversifieation Needed

Noy IdCdUBd z1uV IlIOtI
 Perhaps after our farmers real ize that the bon weevil makes it impossible for them to grow cot ton, they will turn their attention to diversified farming and live stock. No section in the stAte is better adapted to raising live stock than the Sylacauga district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
LEASE FIGHT TO CONTINUE

If Governor Brandon and the mem bers of the legislature thought the lid could be clamped down on the convict lease question by executive and legisla- tive act and that the demand of tue people of the state could be lulled by the siren voice of private interest, which was apparently so effective at Montgomery, they will no doubt learn in due time that Alabama is in earnest about getting rid of the archaic sys- tenn of leasing human beings for pri- vate gain. The statewide committee to abolish the convict lease system has called conference in Birmingham on October 31, tie primary purpose of which is to form permanent organiza- tion to secure relief from a policy which has brought so much discredit and reflection upon the state. "All of the constructive and progressive forces of the state" are invited to par ticipate in the Birmingham meeting which shall seek to Overcome the schemes and secret power of the sell fish interests"
 "The present session of the legisla- ture is over" reads the formal call for the meeting which is signed by Judge W. E. Fort as state chairman. "The efforts of our committee to secure a wiser and better penal system for the state must likewise come to a close; but we send a message of courage and good cheer to friends of the cause throughout the state. Despite the leg islature's refusal to consider change and their defeat of every measure tending to ameliorate and improve our laws in that regard, the people un- doubtedly demand the overthrow of this discredited system and have ex- pressed themselves in no uncertain terms"
 To continue the work it is felt that permanent organization must be formed, and to that end cordial invitation is extended to "every man and woman whose character and pa- triotism rise above sordid considera- tions and who are willing to conse- crate time and effort to the estab- lishment of more scientific parole system, more modern and effective penal system and more just distribu- tion of the funds derived from the convicts' labor for the support and education of his dependents"
 So that instead of acknowledging failure the committee proposes to broaden it's efforts and go beyond the mere removal of the states convicts from the private lease system. It were well, however, for the committee and the new organization which is pro- posed not to attempt too much for fear that the main issue will be lost sight of and get out of proper per spective. It may be said that the pro posed organization but reflects the better and more progressive sentiment of the state and that the small coterje which profits from convict leasing and their friends represent so insignificant minority that opportunity needs only to be given the people of Alabama to speak on the subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

It is not clear why a censorship of conditions in Germany was estap- lished after all the unfavorable reports from that country had been published broadcast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Speaking of Ink

Dear Torch Bearer: Admitting the possibilities wrapped up in a drop Of ink, as detailed by Patterson, still Pm surprised that he overlooked the ob- vious:
 It may pen a verse of wisdom And, with hope forever strong, Address it to your column
 Where 'twould naturally belong.
 The Phantom Reporter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

A scientist declares that the condi- ton of one's feet is often an index to ones mental status. This seems to be another desperate effort to make ends meet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Chamber Of Commerce Needed
 (Florala Newsl

What are we going to do about that Chamber of Commerce in Florala? People around us are wondering why Florala has no Chamber of Commerce, while our neighboring towns. many of thcm not a third as big as Florala, have wide-awake Chambers of Com merce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

If this thing keeps up much longer, the people of Oklahoma will be un. able to determine with any degree of satisfaction to themselves whether they are coming or going.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Another View
Sheffield Standard)

NDftoIIfClQ StdTudTUJ
 The people of Alabama are not willing to let few disgruntlsd politicians and a few misguided sentimentalists make heroes of desperate criminals by providing for luxuries and idleness among these criminals and the people are unwilling to have a tax of two smitiions of dollars unloadsd on their shoulders to take care of the Sconyicts when these felons are capable of self support
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Waiting For Roads

So be patient. Our roads will be improved as soon as the conditions of the county treasury will per- init. Meantime. something is being done toward filling up the holes on the ones we have. so that 1t is possible to pass over them. with care.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

In building operations, bank clear ings and other evidences of steady progress Birmingham continues to maintain such records as indicate that this district means business in its de- termination to keep well up towards the head of the procession.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Not Very Promising

The question naturally is being asked by those who view with alarm the trend of society 10 abandon the home, if the Ameri- can home is to pass and in it's place comes the nervous chase for excitement, even now so sought after by younger members of so- ciety? The prospect is not very promising one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Special Notice to Employe.

(Lamped by Mary in busy office)
 All acquisitions for leave of absence on account of minor physical ailments -toothaches, colds, weddings, funer- als and the lke-must be handed in before 10 a. m. on the day of the game.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

The new regulations as respects get ting motor car licenses will not i'm prove the dispositions of the owners; but they will drop many dollar, which would otherwise escape, into the public treasury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

The Prince of Wales proved that he didn't go to Canada for publicity pur- poses by travelling under more mod est title, thereby purposely reducing the gross tonnage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

"Paris Threatened by Fall Hat Famine"
 Consider the once proud danes roaming the boulevards without hat to eat! Of course you will contribute to the fund for the hatless sufferers of Paris.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Political Graveyard

The gubernatorial office of Ala bama is still running true to form as political graveyard. Both Brandon and McDowell are shap- ing course toward private life for the future.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

It looks as if every additional bit of evidence that throws light on the operations of the convict lease sys- tenn puts in the class of things marked by "the deeper you dive down, the fouler you come up."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Rig Task

tbreWtOn Standard)
 It Is interesting to note that the three men appointed by Gov ernor Brandon on the docks com mission, George Gordon Crawford, +. G. Blair and ex-Governor Henderson. are amoung the wealthy men of the state. It's a rich mans job, however. as no provision was made for paying salaries to the men who will have one of the biggest tasks ever undertaken In the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
What It Means

est. Louis Globe-Democrat)
 Enclose stamps for reply" means in Germany, that the amount of stamps inclosed would be exceeded by the amount re- quired to pay postage on them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Greater Need

(Memphis Commercial-Appea
 Charges against directors of the Philippines National Bank tend to show that the Filipinos are more in need of competent bankers than of new governor general.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

The most stubborn separatist move ment in Germany is the determination of that country not to separate from any of it's funds to pay separations until forced to do so.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

It is reported that deaths from poi soned liquor total one hundred and fifty year in Chicago. That seems large number of victims of the kick that kills.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
subeonscious Criticism

Dear Torch Bearer: When I see Tom Mix in civilian clothes and rub ber-tired specs, vague, subconscious urge makes me think of Bull Montana as Little Lord Fauntleroy."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Logical Conclusio,

Secretary Weeks says he is ig- norant concerning the future plans for Muscle Shoals. Being igno- rant, perforce he is innocent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
With A Hope
Washington Star

Calling a special session of Con- gress Is always suggested in tke hope that by some means spe- cial session can be persuaded to work faster than a regular ses- sion does. ~
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
THE PARAGRAPHERS
Could Stand It

Louisville Herald)
 Former Vice President Marshall thinks 99 per cent of our laws should be repealed-and many of the remaining l per cent could stand revision and improvement,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Warming
lChattanooga Timesl

Chattanooga Times) Hiram Johnson would as well understand at the outset that if he enters the presidential sweep stakes he will have c. Bascomb Slemp to reckon with.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
The Poor Public
(Cnlumhia Statal

The Literary Digest has an ,ar- ticle on The hard part or the hard coal settlement" Up to date the public has been the only soft part.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
Just Another Trick

NIdmpd ITIDuNeJ
 Man travels from Siberia to California to give himself up to serve 14-year sentence. Just an other trick to advertise the Cali fornia climate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
THE ALABAMA PRESS
A Rosy Prediction (HuutSyilIa TiunesN

When the skyline starts it won't be long until other substantial buildings start and almost as overnight you will see and appre- ciate the great metropolis that is to spring up here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03
A Helpful Tip

The Presidents job isn't one for an old man-nor sick man. Those having plans to nominate men for the place next year will please bear this In mind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

Apparently the American banker who' asserts that there are one hun dred million too many people in Eu- rope is of opinion that the World War closed too soon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-03

It seems that Oklahoma is fertile field for lively political scraps, as well as for those of the knock-down-and- drag-out variety.