davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
DEATHOF MABEN 1 IN EAST THROWS
 FALL OVER CITY
Pioneer Steel Man Sue cumbs At Atlantic City

News of the death in Atlantic City Monday of Col. J. Campbell Maben, ST., former president of the Sloss- Sheffield Steel and Iron company, was received in Birmingham with wide spread regret. He was one of the pioneer iron and industrial men of this district, believing always in the para mount position of Birmingham among industrial communities, and contribut- ing hberally to the development of the company properties here.
 Colonel Maben was 87 years old. He was born in Petersburg, Va, in 1887, the son of John Maben and Elizabeth (Moore) Maben. He received techni- cal education at some of the best schools of the east and came to Bir- mingham at the beginning of, the city's industrial development. Associated with such pioneers as DeBardeleben, Thomas, Ensley, Sloss and others, he stood with them in their claim that the district was destined ultimately to be- como. the leading industrial section of the world.
 He was in active executive control of the Sloss-Sheffield company during the fighting years up to 1917, when he re- tired and repided chiefly at the Waldorf in New York. He left his work, how. ever, in the able hands of John W. Mcqueen, the present president.
 Colonel Maben, is survived by his son, J. Campbell Maben, IT,, who was for years associated with the Sloss as vice president, and another son who is q We'll street brokers He has q grH6d. daughter here also, Mrs. William Dren- nen.
 Information from New York is to the effect that the funeral will be held from the Church of the Transfigura. tion Tuesday, with interment in Green. wood cemtery, Brooklyn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
RESERVE OFFICERS
 TO HAVE CUTTING
Will: Draw Final Plans For Na-
 tional Defense Day

Birmingham chapter of the reserve officers of the United States Army will stage a watermelon feast Thursday V night at 2 80 o'clock at Greenwood's s cafe, according to announcement Mon- day by Col. T. S. Moorman of the or ganized reserves.
 ; All Birmingham reserve officers are urged to attend as final plans for the reserve officers part in National De fense Test Day parade and patriotic demonstrations will be drawn. Off cers for the next term of six months will be elected.
 Monday, letters were received by the National Defense Day committee that the Syrians of Birmingham would turn out en masse for the days celebrate According to Colonel Moorman the Greeks are also lining up with the De- fense Day programs. It was pointed out that unusual interest Is being shown by the Syrian-Americans and Greeks in the topic of Defense Day.
 Registration buttons are now obtain able for all those who have signed as a one afternoon volunteer for Defense Day, September 12 R
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
POLICE SEEKING
 MAN WHO KILLED.
 AGED WATCHMAN
Scales Slayer Believed Assailant Of J. B.
 Smith

Police Monday night were working on the theory that the slayer of Will liam H. Scale, aged night watchman for the Hill Grocery company was also the assailant of James B. Smith, night watchman for the Adamson Motor com pany, who was killed May 27. Rec ords of the older case are being searched in the hope that the few clues available in both cases may be linked up in such a fashion as to lead to the identity of the murderer.
 Scale, who was 70 years old, lived at 1341 North Thirty-sixth street. He was found dead with his skull crushed with a heavy blunt instrument at his post of duty at sunrise Monday morn ing.
 Scales body was discovered at the entrance to the stables with his pockets turned inside out and his pistol gone from it's holster. An unidentified man reported the discovery to police head. quarters.
 Apparently the man had been dead since early Sunday night, City Detec- tives W. K. McAdory. and E. L. Hol- lums said. Coroner Russum, who ac- companied the detectives and made preliminary investigation, stated that Scale had been dead several hours.
 The attack occurred at the entrance to a lot surrounding the stables. Ap- parently the watchman had been struck on the top of the head as he stopped to climb under the. fence.
 Scale did not carry keys to the Hill Grocery company warehouse, officials of the company stated, but was ex- pected to watch the warehouses and the box cars parked alongside. Neither the warehouse nor the box cars were mo- tested by the murderer.
 W. L. Brannon and H. c. Jones of the homicide squad believe the assailant concealed himself behind a sheet of tin and struck him as he was making his way to clock key which hung near the gate entrance.
 Death appeared to have been instan- taneous.
 E. s. Grossett, shipping clerk for the Hill Grocery company, told police that he had stopped at the warehouse at g o'clock Sunday night and called for Scale several times, but received no answer.
 Knowing that it was the custom of the watchman to go to nearby stores for food he thought nothing of the in- cident and drove away without mak- ing an investigation. It is believed that the watchman was dead at this time.
 Scale has been employed by the com pany for approximately IS months, the officials of the company said. He was not known to have had any enemies
 The body of the murdered man is being held by Johns pending the arrival of a sister from Arkansas. He is sur vived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Mamie Caroline, Mrs. W. D. Ray and a son, Arnold Seals of Bir- mingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
LIQUOR TACKLES INTO CITY JAIL Three Prisoners Held For Dry Law
 Conspiracy

Smuggling of whisky to the inmates of the city jail has been going on for several months, according to Warden Randall, who had been trying for some time to stop the invasion of the boot logging industry into the confines of the municipal hoose-gow. Monday night, charges of a conspiracy to violate the prohibition law were lodged against three prisoners.
 A. F. Steel and R. c. Allen had been in jail awaiting trial on a charge of disorderly conduct. Allen arranged for bond. and was about to be released when an argument started between him and Steel, Allen demanding the re- turn of $5 he had given Steel to pro- cure liquor.
 Warden Randell and Patrol Driver Cobb got wind of the argument and be-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
Of course, the roof is important

When making improvements, lay new roof of Barrett Shingles right over the old wooden shingles. Low in first cost, easy to lay, Barrett Shingles never need painting or staining, never rot or rust. Their soft colors afford great artistic possibilities, and they are highly 6re-resistant. Ask your hardware, building supply or lumber merchant to show you the four styles of Barrett Shingles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
WOOD LUMBER co.
 ENTERTAINS FORGE
Labor Day Picnic Held At
 Lynn's Crossing

Boxing, danclAs a watermelon cut ting and sports If all kinds, were fur nished the employees of the W. D. Wood Lumber company on their annual Labor day barbecue-picnic Monday at Lynn's crossing on File Mile crect.
 Five trucks and .en automJoLG s--;s ried the employees out to b Tcnic grounds, leaving the compeays ,Jard at 10 o'clock, Monday morning.
 The first event on the program was short talk by w. w. Wood, president of the company, who has recently re- turned from trip to Europe. At 12 80 o'clock, a huge barbecue lunch was served to the 150 members of the force who attended, and following this, came a fast, five-round bout between Jim Ayres and Battling" Martin. Martin won the bout and the prize, a Mexican sombrero.
 The real event of the afternoon was the African golf tournament (held sub rosa), won by John Williams. The pic mic closed with the watermelon con- test.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
ROTARIANS FEATURE SPECIAL BUSINESS.
Sporting Goods Day To Be
 Topic For Wednesday

Sporting Goods Day" will be ob- served by the Rotary club at their luncheon meeting in the Tutwiler hotel Wednesday noon, as part of the pro- gram committees policy to feature business classifications. The program will be in charge of T. A. Lappage and K. H. Baugh, of the Birmingham Arms and Cycle company.
 At the meeting final plans will be made for the entertainment of president and secretaries of Rotary clubs in this district who will meet here at a confer- ence September 10 and II. This dis trict includes all clubs of Alabama and few cities in Florida.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
SERVICE BOARD
 ELECTS CADDEN
Labor Day Celebrated By Appointment Of Board
 Labor Member

Labor Day was celebrated Monday night by the civil service board With the election of R. c. Gladden., the labor member of the board as chairman, to fill the place vacated some time ago by the resignation of John W. Altman.
 The board re-established the old age limit on police women when Dr. M. D. Clements, city physician, stated he was unable to give grade on the women without the age, height, and weight limit. Dr. J. G. Vance, who has op- posed the age dropping ruling from the beginning, made a motion for re-estab- lishment of the old system. The mo- tion was unanimously carried.
 J. E. Lacy, business member of the board, amended the resolution he of fered at the last meeting asking for an increase of policemen so that 1t would increase the membership of :he fire department also. The board will meet with Chief Fred McDuff as soon as possible and make a survey of the city and decide the question.
 Hear Accused
 Charges were preferred against Fred Fender, special police officer, by a 4ES. DlOucs nhO Sb0lCu tiIut I CuACA was dischai ged from the Birmingham police force during John Taylor's ad. ministration for alleged unbecoming conduct. c. L. Hamilton. formerly a member of the police department, tes- tified against Fender.
 Both testified that he was not dis charged for this act, as Fender stated he was looking for some stolen jewelry. The case was referred to Chief Nc Duff for investigation.
 Tenders case led to the adoption of a resolution that all men making ap- plication for positions as policemen or special officers would be referred to Chief McDuff for investigation before being presented to the civil service board,
 Judge Horace c. Wilkinson of the board, sponsored a resolution asking that the civil service board as a unit endorse government plans for Ma tional Defense Day September 12. The resolution recommended that the police and fire. departments participate in this celebration. The resolution was adopt ed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
GIRLS WHO GO UNKIsSED
l Japan Salutation Is Considered
 Amen In China Disgraca

In Japan S3luCaC1On IS COnSidereu
 Omen, In China Disgrace
 There are sonae girls who are never kissed. The Japanese lover, for in stance, does not salute his betrothed in our, fashion. He regards kissing as a queer foreign custom; it has no mean ing for him. In China the kiss is con sidered disgraceful.
 But although the kiss is unknown, or at any, rate neglected, nj many parts of the world, nearly every nation. has some form of salutation which cores ponds with the European kiss. The Malays and the Eskimos greet each other by robbinb noses. Among the other by rubbing noses. Among the Burmese, the form of greeting which nedotes affection is to apply the cheek and draw long breath.
 It is true that the kiss is also used as a means of salutation where there IS no affection, or even rspect. Children, for instance, are taught that they must kiss people for whom they may have a strong antipathy, simply because 1t is the proper thing to do, and two women who hate each other will kiss for the same reason. These uses are degrada- tion of one of the most beautiful modes of expression in the world.
 In Iceland they do not understand the kiss as a mode of salutation, but 1t is regarded as. something belonging to the supernatural. If a child is ill you will sometimes see its mother solemnly kiss the little one on the breast-an invocation tothe Supreme Being that her child may be cured.
 We are not altogether without super stition regarding the kiss. At one time many a gambler might have been seen kissing the cards to bring him luck, and the warrior before starting out to battle would kiss the favor given him bX- his lady to insure victory an dto enhance his safety. Until lately we kissed the Book when we took the oath ito speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"
 And who has not seen a mother take her child in her arms and kiss the bruise to make it well?-Washlng- ton Star.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02

At least 400 men are needed to police Birmingham, Fred H. McDuff, chief of police, stated Monday night after the adjournment of the civil service board meeting which included discussion of the police situation.
 At present the Birmingham force numbers about 104 or 105 uniformed men and ought to number at least POO hore, Chief McDuff said. He declared there ought to be enough patrolmen to establish beats in the residential as we'll as the business section.
 We will never be able to fight resi- dential burglaries as long as these sec tions are left unpatrolled," Chief Me Duff said. "If I had the men to put in the Norwood section when robberies were so frequent there I believe the practice would soon have been broken
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
Chief McDuff Declares
 He Needs POO More Men
Says Residential Sections Are Unpatrolled And
 Citizens Afraid To Venture From Home

up. As 1t is people are afraid to leave home."
 Thepe are approximately 175 Zen on the police force now, the chief said. This estimate, he added, included every man from himself to the janitor. Prac. tically every available man has to be used in patrolling the downtown busi- ness sections. After dark the suburban districts are patrolled by two scouts in motor cars, these, the chief declares, are not enough.
 The chief is lt1king forward to the joint meeting of the civil service board, the city commission and himself in hopes of getting some relief through the placing of perhaps 10 or 20 new men. We need every man of 400, the chief said, but I am afraid we, won't get them,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
WATERMELONS AND OYSTERS
 ON SAME MENU

.//0 YSTERS now in season" signs were swung from sev-
 eral of the downtown cafes Sunday night. Many Birmingham citizens, deyotees of sea food diet, were somewhat skeptical, however, and declared the delicacy was just a few hours ahead of time. They based their calculations on the old, but oft repeated saying, that oysters are in season during any month spelled with the letter IT,"
 Many of the ventursome tried a half fry or a stew regardless of the heat, and as an example of contrast. followed the meal with a slice of cold watermelon. Oysters and watermelon-one of the two surely must be out of season, it was de- clared, but both were mighty good, according to the general verdict.
 First shipments of oysters are said to be unusually large and fat for the season, which is taken to mean that. the supply for the winter will be of choice variety. The usual window display of sea foods is expected to follow now in short order.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
REPORT SUMMERLTN AS BEING IMPROVED
Victim Of Shooting Affray May
 Recover, Physicians Say

L. D. Summerlin, 1880 Eighth ave- nne, Monday was reported improved from wounds received Sunday in a shooting affray during which J. D. Hol- comb, a cousin, also of Birmingham, was killed, according to reports from the Birmingham Baptist hospital.
 Though he spent quiet day Monday and was rsvting well Monday night physicians were unable to predict his recovery.
 Summerlin and Holcomb were sho. by two men, said to be John B. Cash and Ollie Golden of Bremen. Ga. Fam fly trouble is said to have led to the shooting. Cash and Golden are be- ing held in the Harrison county jail on charge of murder.
 The two men were shot as they were driving in front of Golden's home, re- ports from that section stated. Sum- merlin, after being wounded, dragged his cousin from under the steering wheel and drove for aid. Holcomb was carried to Atlanta and died at the hos pital there. Summerlin was removed to Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
MRS. TAYLOR HURT
Has Fractured Skull And Internal In. r juries-Struek By Auto

Has Fractured Skull And Internal In. juries-Struek By Auto
 Mrs. R. L. Taylor, age 43, 1435 Cleveland avenue, Monday morning sustained fractured skull, a broken arm and possible internal injuries when she was struck by an automobile, said to have been driven by P. W. Ward at First avenue and Seventy seventh street.
 Mrs. Taylor was struck as she was crossing the street and knocked to the pavement. Ward stopped his car inn E1ediately and had Vices ambulance remove her to the Birmingham Baptist hospital. Ward reported to police head quarters, where he made bond on charges of speeding and reckless driv- ing. His case was set for September 17 by Call Officer Ellard and Wilson, who investigated. s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
DEATHS

 Isaac Levy-Funeral services for Isaac Levy. age 6S, retired Birmingham mer- chant, who died Sunday at the resi- e dence, were held at ? o'clock Monday afternoon from the residence. Burial followed in Elmwood cemetery, with RIdout in charge.
 John Martin JOhnsOn-FuneraI services for John Martin Johnson, age 60, who died Sunday night at the residence 1227 Forty-fifth street, Wylam, viii be held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at McDonald's chapel. with Echols and Angwin in charge.
 George Trenton ReynOlds-The body of George Brenton Reynolds, age e1 who died Monday night at the residence in pPsrraTTt Tt,y. City. will be sent to Newport He Is survived by his widow son, R. B. Reynolds; three brothers. c. M Reynolds. D. R. Reynolds and A. M Reynolds, and sister. Mrs. Frank Gintver.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02

middle of 1924 there has been little change, the value now being around 69 cents.
 The national industrial conference board has made a survey of the cost of living iri the United States, for July 15, 1924. Between March 15 and July 15, 1924, there was an average decrease of nine-tenths of one per cent in the cost of living, due to decreases in the aver age cost of food, clothing, fuel and sundries.-Baches Review.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
KTWANIANS LUNCH 6
 AT CEMENT PLANT
To Take Place Of Regular Tues
 day Luncheon At Hotel

Birmingham Kiwanians WIT hold their regular meeting Tuesday at the plant of the Phoenix Portland Cement company, according to announcement Monday. The trip will take the place of the regular meeting scheduled to be held at the Tutwiler hotel and will count on attendance records. Xii wanian s. c. McCurdy is preparing for a large attendance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
CAUSE SURPRISE
EnsIey Thought Johnson Had Received
 Street Endorsement

Street Endorsement
 The statement of Oliver D. Street of Gnntersville to the effect that he had not informally agreed to have Charles o. Johnson appointed post master at Ensley was received here with surprise.
 Information here for weeks was to the effect that the local committee had agreed upon the appointment of Mir. Johnson, and that Mir. Street had in- firmaliy indicated that his choice would be that of the committee which was taken to mean that Mir. Johnson would obtain the post. The statement of Mir. Street upsets all of the predictions as to who will be appointed at Ensley.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02

came interested. Steel was questioned, and maintained that he had given the money to West Murray. negro trusty, who was to get the whisky.
 When Murray was bounced upon in- formally by the warden and the patrol driver, two half pint bottles of liquor were found in his pockets. The negro became frightened and confessed the conspiracy. The three men are being held for government authorities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
VERETAN PRODUCE
 MEN LAUNCH FIRM
New Concern To Be Located
 On Morris Avenue

Four veteran employees of the Bell Rogers Produce company opened their own business on Morris avenue Monday morning under the name of the Inde- pendent Produce company. They arc Tom Moughon, George H. Harrison, T. F. James and Tom c. Gardner.
 The new firm is located at 2i14-1G Morris avenue where it will remain uir,. til October 1 and then move to 210i Morris aveneue, how occupied by the Bell-Rogers company. This latter or sanization has moved headquarters to 2202 Morris avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
INCREASE IN TRADE

In discussing conditions in the trade of the world we are too often obliged to depend upon general statements sup ported bya sepcific citation of condi- tions in only three or four countries. The National City bank has rendered a service by publishing the statistics Of the foreign trade of q of the leading countries of the world for the, first six months of this year compared with the first half of 1923.
 This compilation reveals remark able improvement in conditions. Of the 21 nations all but four show increases in imports, and all but two exported more. The imports of the United King dom advanced from 475 million pounds in the first half of 1923 to 521 million pounds in the first half of the present year; exports advanced from 3S3 mil lion pounds to 3S8 million pounds. I'm provement in the French, Belgian, CzeehOslovakian, Italian and Japanese trade was more striking.
 In spite of the preaching of econO- hnists ever since the days of Adam Smith, the notion that exports are an unmixed advantage for country, while imports are something of a handicap, still clings around popular ideas. Even where the idea is not present in this crude form there is still feeling that increased exports at least indicate bet ter economic conditions within na- tion, while increased imports indicate unsound conditions.
 Yet tile truth, in a particular in stance, may be just the contrary. An increase of exports may result fEem a falling off in home demand which drives
 Il Al. A increase of imports, on the othe rhand, may be the result of an inductrial re- vival, leading to increased importations of raw materials; or it may reflect a prosperity which permits the home population to buy more goods from abroad and increase its standard of Ezinn -Naw York &nn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
A few changes make world
 of difference in an old house

Could anything be simpler than adding to an old house Colonial en- trance porch, new green roof and green shutters? Almost anyone could think of that.
 But we didn't - until we got the book, Better Homes from Old Houses" Our old house was comfort able and well-built, but, as the little picture shows, unpleasantly plain on the outside. Time and again we de- cided to remodel 1t but we never knew how to go at it. Then -
 We sent for the Barrett Book
 In no time we found just the changes needed. The next day we called in our local contractor, and in a few weeks the job was done. Now, we're proud of our "new" home. And we haven't stopped talking yet about the low cost of these changes.
 Get the Barrett Book yourself!
 If you can't see just how to improve your old house, get the Barrett Book. It'sfull ofpractical plans and sketches suggestions that will enable you to make your home more attractive and more valuable. Various types of houses are shown with a series of practical alterations for each one. You are sure to find a plan that fits your house-and your purse.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
DOLLAR's VALUE ANALYZED

A study of the purchasing power of the pre-war dollar, from January, 1920, to June, 1924, is given by the United States department of labor for various groups of commodities, and shows that for all groups combined the lowest value was reached in May, 1920, when it equaled only 40 cents.
 By the middle of 1922 the buying power of the dollar had advanced above 70 cents, and from that time to the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-02
The First National Bank Of Birmingham, Ala.

Statement June 30th, 1884
 RESOURCES