davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
LEARNING HOW TO WRITE By WICKEs WAMBOLDT

I received a. letter today from a sweet lit. tie girl enclosing specimens of what, is going on in her thought world and asking, Can write? Do you think there is the least bit of hope for mel"
 Dear little girl. There are lots of illu- sions about this business of writing. They are fascinating, generally nebulous and us,i- ally disappointing. People too often regard the literary world as a mysterious realm into which one may be whisked by fairy god mother. who, with the touch of her magical wand, changes strings of words into ropes of pearls. Nothing of the sort Writing is profession scieAee.stan art, and must be laborOusly developed like law medicine or music. l have read your manuscript with interest It is well worth while as an exer- else. But there should be many of these ex- ercises-hundreds, perhaps thousands, of them-before any real decision could be reached as to your ability. If you were studying the piano and had learned to play an exercise. you would not expect one to judge your talent by that exercise. The man. uscript you sent me should be regarded as an exercise only
 The trouble with most literary aspirants is they are in too big hurry to get into print. They write off something that every- 1 Dcdy Tn the family says is wonderful send it off to periodical, and are disappointed that it comes back
 To return to our piano illustration. If H"N Oha| tO piay NAnOp Nticks,
 ',The. Suwanee River" and .'Ibe, Storm :, you would know that years and years of hard ! aud persistent practice must follow the play ing of simple pieces before any such position could be attained
 And so with writing. The key to success in this field also is practice, practice prac- tice Study English. Study the best writers. And then practice practice, practice. Write about something you Nknow about and must {, tell about Don't attempt story of an old black nanny ina Southern setting. if you don't know nbOut old blac!; mamm;es and Southern sett'm& It will not ring true.
 Stick to. your central thought: pursue one theme and reject anything that has not a direct bearing on it, And don't put a kitten episode into the story about Christmas night unless it has real place in the narrative. And don't expect to become A successful writer with less effort than you would ex- pend to become proficient in any of the fine arts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

,lo. So that has~been settled after a strenuous official controversy.
 But backto the flapper. What will the police department do about it? What can it do? FIappers are human, intensely so. Hence it would appear to be ,anreasonable to hold them rigidly to observe the Laws when they note that other classifications get away with it. 'Tis a; problem, this matter of regulating the views, conduct and tastes of the flapper. Not that there should be sur prise over the police departments failure to solve it. Solution of unusual prob lens bearing upon law enforcement has never come within the average police de- partmentes sphere of achievement. The flapper is aware of that. Perhaps that is one reason why the problem offers so little Lromise of solution.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
WATCHING THE PARADE
Ny JOHN PILGRIM

The office nuisance came in this morning with his troubles. Every office and every housewife and every other place in this world has the same sort of a nuisance. He is kind, well meaning. sweet tempered, and lie does not suspect that he is being wished to Jass. choN every time he tramps through . bnee mans day. He is such a thoroughly nice, soft, easy chap that no one has the heart to tell him to go talk to a policeman.
 T want to get new car," he said with a sigh
 We'll said. "go get There are cars for sale. Why tell me about it :"
 Then the story came out. His wife has the mechanical knowledge of a sawdust doll. She believes that cars are propelled by the air i'll their tires and thinks that telephones are witchcraft. She could never be taught to drive car, for she lacks the intelligence. and she is too layishly equipped with nerves and temper. But she dictates to the poor old nuisance.
 I'll not have this car, or this, or thse" she says II do not like this one or this one or this one i.-.t
 She deosn't know anything about them. She could not name one of them unless she had squint at the emblem on the radiator. She IS unable to give sane, commonsense coherent, reason for her prejudices. They are her prejudces That's all. She governs her life by prejudice. She cannot tell why she likes this street or that preacher or the grocery over wonder. She has no reasons that she can discover and marshal and proclaim She just likes this or doesn't like that and there you are.
 This sounds silly,r said my friend, the automobile agent, when I told the story. You would not think that people with enough sense to pound sand in rathols would act that way"
 But they do. And the funny part is that lots of us govern most of the acts of our lives by our prejudices. We do not give poor old reason or thought or reflection a look-in. We just blah ahead like goats
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
On Paroling Criminals
 fOnelika Newsl

There are instances reported where an old and known offender has been duly convicted, his case carried to and sentence approved by the highest courts in the state and the crimi- nal never deprived of his liberty when the governor intervened with a parole, thus null lifying, if not defying the courts decision. And in other cases, it is said, convicted and sentenced criminals have boldly avowed that they had it fixed and a parole or pardonj would be handed them before the sentence began We have not 0 list before us, but can point to two cases in which the gov ernor's defense does not excuse or absolye him, How about the "Toppy" Levine case at Mobile: And how about the Pick" Ro- den case in Marshall county? And there are others, many others.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Forum or The People
The Oldest Subscriber"
Q the Editor off The Age-Herald {:


 am contesting with one of the sub scribers as to who has been the longest subscriber to your valuable paper. l lived at the old county seat of Jefferson county, Elyton, before the Civil War and was a subscriber to the first issue of the Jones Valley Times, subsequently, known as the Elyton Herald, which was edited by Erasmus Cantley. After the county site was moved to Birmingham this old paper was finally merged into the first daily paper ever issued in Birmingham, known as the Birmingham Iron Age, and was edited by our lamented and distinguished citizen, Hon. A. O. Lane.
 The Iron Age was finally merged into The Age-Herald, edited at one time by the Hon. Chappell Cory and our lamented Frank P O'Brien. 1 watched with much solicitude the financial struggle of this paper under its various homogeneous and names until it has come to it's now enormous growth and influence. My name has been on the subscribers list all of these years.
 l congratulate your paper on the pro- curement of your new home. The Age Herald, in my opinion, is the most valu- able newspaper in the South. Yours very truly,
 MT
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Trussville, Ala, Feb. 9, 1924.
Underwood No "Crossroads Promiser'


 To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 Your editorial of date January 25, en- titled "A Statesman's Journey" is clear cut and fine representation of Senator Underwood's policies and character as he has appeared to me.
 Having been daily observer of the senate during its sessions for the past five or six years, and having seen about all of its members in action, am con- strained to place Mir Underwood at the top of the column as a statesman and broad American. To be sure, he is not to be classed as a crossroads promiser, or a blatant stump conditioner, his vision being far and away from such gross demagogy. His policy is not one of con- fiscation for the benefit of a particular class, but rather one of enduring good to the masses without the false tone of the charlatan in politics. He would have the sound doctrines of the founder of pure democracy, Thomas Jefferson, se- curely placed in the bowels of our gov ernment. He would have the govern ment the servant of the people rather than the reverse, which, literally defined, is the essence of pure democracy.
 MT Underwood is charged with being conservative. If conservatism is an abiding desire for the good of his fellow man; if conservatism is that policy which constrained him in the making of the Underwood tariff measure to sink his own interest for the benefit of the people at large in his refusal to place a tax on steel. the placing of which would have benefited him personally, then he must plead guilty; but if the term is to be used in the sense that his critics would charge, 1t has not leg to stand on.
 Mir. Bryan says it will be suicide for the Democrats to nominate Mir Under wood If MT. Bryan will refresh his recollection he will no doubt recall that he, personally, has three suicides to his credit, and could hardly be consistent in criticizing another candidate, unless per chance he wants to pull corner in suicides by having himself nominated" :" However, this is hardly time for vision aries or theorists, so we may rest con- tented that nobody will pay any atten- tion- to Mr. Bryan.
 MT. Underwood, if nominated, will surely be elected and we think up here that he will. be the Democratic nominee
 H.1C. ROBERTSON.
 Washington, D. C., Feb. 7,41924,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Value Of Diversification Montgomery JournaN

The diversification program has caused great progress, but it cannot be said that this state has gone as far agriculturally as its soil will permit. There is much to learn
 It is interesting to know that business men and bipkers and farmers are ioining hands in many counties. It is an indication of tbe realiS ton f at all business is dependent on oGric' tnr". hat crop ureS mean losses to taiks and nn Siness houses. taat tl,e i,rusp,r- fly pt rh'T farmers means the prosperity of ihu4" with whom the farmers do business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
UNTIL THY WILL BE DONE

W ny haSt Thou CaIIeU nun, 0 Master of all! In Thine OmnipOtence couldst not have spared, Dear God, that giant mind and Righteous statesman to mankind? On earth. peace. good win. is Thy decree. When, since Jesus taught. hath mortal man Yielded spirit sword as well as he In Thy cause. Thou sent another Light. a beacon to thy maddened children So soon hast TIgou rec He'd it.. 0 irscsutable God. permit the glowing rays Now to remain until IT. will he done.
 -G. N. McALLISrER.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Integrity Of The Courts (A-Ial. SsAN

If designing and corrupting influences can enter the temple of justice and there by the use of money defeat the very purpose and intent of the law. we would just as we'll pull down our courthouse and save the qx- pense of holding our courts. For, unless the integrity of the courts is maintained, there certainly can he no guarantee of safety of life or property. We are glad that J udce Parks pointed the index finger direct to the charge and asked for a full and thorough investigation The public will watch with interest further developments il. the mrtfer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Good Layers A Big Asset

IMuSc1e ShOaIs Suhdag NtWSI
 As a matter of fact there is not farmer in this district that could not well engage in poultry to the extent of one or two hun dred hens for the purpose of meeting the current household expenses. A hundred hens that are bred to lay and are housed and fed right will bring in enough revenue to meet the ordinary expenses of the average family on the farm-pay for the things that are usually bought and paid for in cash. And we are sure that this would be a wonderful help on any. farm. The daily or weekly amounts may be small. but in the aggregate they count to respectable figures by the end of the year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
EDUCATING THE BLIND

The first treat benefactor of the blind in America 'sss rhomas H. Perkins founder ol the Perki lrsti4. Ion for the Blind in Ros ton. The hpaj,rq and .soounds of tbp Per kins lnsti' ''u ceN S5J00Q0. Under the su perintend' Of .1r. - G. Howe. the insti tuition soc won pl.ce a'nong the world, foremost "ols sef ae eulcation of tho sightlesS iIe Ne ' ,rl. lI st, ,tutlon for
 Blind Wa ter "' alan the same tiae and the inuaSyN ,w ]. tuition at Pl .H dclpha wts.apen' u iSG;, The word pioneer il r ' lon et Ike care of the x h, less was lt' Hos dc' ,uinxe< Vingt o Paris, opt o5 0l I.oujS n 1920.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
The Price Of Cotton

Months ago the cotton market was brought face to face with the realization that tbe crop was below world needs. It must now face another unpleasant fact which is the result of that shortage. In every serions shortage of q commodity prices must go to a level that will curtail consumption There has been no adequate domestic curtailment yet to signify that the market realizes wbot the crop shortage means Delay only in. creascs the severity when it comes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
MISSISSIPPI AND SHOALS

The people of Mississippi are very properly concerned over the disposition that is to be,ntade of Muscle Shoals. It appears, however, that any belief that the power trustS bid would confer any benefit upon Mississippi is based on a wrong assumption. Perhaps such belief was furtively fostered by agents of the trust. As a matter of fact, just as Ala bama will derive far more benefit from
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
The Personal Influence
(Gadsden .JournaD

IUduSutH JOUTHHIJ
 Each one. whether high or low. does in fluence those around him for better or for worse. And lie cannot escape the fact that his influence does not die with the body. It continues down the ages Because that in fluence, directly or indirectly. is handed down from generation to generation and thus, to eternity.' And so. we say. life reaches out into the eternity before us" It is 6 solemn thought It makes one pause and stand almost aghast. before this picture of ones responsibilities to those arounI him, in his every thought and word and deed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

contemporary thinks that law should be passed which would compel everybody to attend to their own busi- ness. The trouble is that too many people make it their business to attend to everybody else's affairs, and hence haven't any of their own that demands attention
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
In Florids

In Florida A coupla tired business men Were walking on the strand While sunburnt beauts in bathing suits Were frisking on the sand. "My health," said one, demands that Rest here beneath the tropic sky" ~s The other heaved dreamy sigh And said, "T understand
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Give Robin A Welcome

IHaIaueSH DHIIy lIOHltJ
 If robin red-breast has been aroused at all this winter, he has been shy about mak- ing it known by his song. Maybe, like the yard flowers, he does not think the winter congenial one here for a display of his charms; and maybe, like the mocking bird, he is off on visit elsewhere. Give him a welcome and let him live. and sing, and add to the pleasures of life, when he returns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Michigan is said to have raised six million bushels of beans last year. Bos- ton may be expected to suggest sneering- ly that what counts these days is quality, rather than quantity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Another scientist engaged in examin- ing King Tut's tomb has died. The Egyptians say the spell is still working. Doubtless in time all the scientists en- gagged in this research will die.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

A chewing-gum concern reports a sur plus of eleven million dollars. This is not the only kind of jaw activity which comes high.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
SUBSCRIPTION RATES

By mail. payable in advance. in United states and Canada: Daily and Sunday. one year. $500; six months, s400; three months S225: one month, s5c. Daily only: One year, S65o; SIX months. $3.25; three months, $1I5: one nonth' 75c Sunday only: One year, s2.50: six months, i.s0; three months, 75c: one month. 25c.
 By carrier. where carrier delivery is main talned: 200 per week, S5c per month.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Tiue To Clean Jp (Huntsvilla Time>t

Clean out the fence corners. Ilr Farmer heautity the front yards, populaPize the high. way shade tree planting idea. and let's make this section more beautiful than the most charming landscapes of Switzerland.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Whether or not the world is growing better, it seems to be improving in taste. Seldom does one see a brutal comic val entine any more,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

In Nevada gas is officially employed to punish murderers. In many other states political spellbinders use it freely to punish perfectly innocent people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
THE ALABAMA PRESS
His Presence Preferable
Dpinions Of Other Editors

A citizen of Birmingham heard his local pastor preach sermon by radio and had himself interviewed in the local papers, tell ing what a wonderful sermon it was. The pastor would doubtless have given him fully as many merit marks if he had d'been there in person.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Perhaps it might be we'll to add an other portfolio known as the department of explanations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

NEWS BUREAUS-Washington, 5So Davidson Ruilding; state Capital, Montgomery Journal Building; Tennessee Valley, Decatur Daily Building: Tuscaloosa, News Building Jasper. Mountain Eagle Building; Anniston Star Build ing: Gadsden, Journal Building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
THE AGE-HERALD


Entered at Birming ham, Ala, post office as sec ond- class natter act of Congress March 6. lS's.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

There is nothing so affecting as the
 sorrow of drivers whose carelessness has cost an injury or life. Something should be done to make them real sorry.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

The automobile death toll is mounting rapidly. Even those drivers who figure in the catastrophes express more or less sorrow over the inevitability of fate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Hudson Maxim believes that tea and coffee are in violation of a strict inter- pretation of the Volstead act. Also, they violate some peoples constitutions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
1'l,. Matter In Doubt

VI USVHIUOSI -NFWSJ
 'Yherf do sn't seem to be any agreement yet aS ,o VhrJier being a corporation lawyer" x son ething toabrag about or apologize for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
RATS OR CATS

VIFOVIUFIlCV JOITTIIT 4 welfare report says that q family of five can live on $0.60 week A family of five whatf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use for publication of all news dispat atches credited to it, or otherwise credited in this paper and also local news published therein All rights of. republication of special dispatches ere also reserved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
HAWKING THE COURTHOUSE

Telephone (private branch exchange conneet- ing all departmental, Main 4S00.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

For example, the city might start a "Ron of Horror" and inscribe thereon the names of those whose reckless skill with the sportive steering-whee and the poppy accelerator has shortened the lives of un-alert humans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
OT ma AIl

tMai syilIe.' No pemocra ,sS
 It is easier fo mas} au enemy of a yu than friend ot an nen,y. rss fA&s'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Contrary to general belief, there ar, still few horses in England that hav' not thrown the Prince of Wales.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Nor cana radio broadcast what ball player thinks of an umpire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

We 'advise courthouse buyers to wa Mebbe the price will come down.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

Or, they might be made to spend a night or two in the morgue alone with the bodies of their victims
 Considerable auto-driving is done with too lean a mixt9re-of brains and con sideration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
The Torch Bearer

If all the lung power expended in de- bate on the size and weight of . golf ball were concentrated into one swing, it would drive the said golf ball from here to the Island of Tap:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14
Splash

When night has fled { And dawn grows red And morning shows her willing face,
 We find some bloke . Has went and broke A record in swimming race. 5
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-14

An inventor proposes to broadcast pie lures of the world series by radio next autumn. It will fill a l0hg felt want, as the politicians say. It will carry the great American classic on the wings of the wind to every city, village and ham, let in this fair land. It will depict with startling vividness each and every act of each and every athlete, umpire and batboy. Still it will lack atmosphere. In spite of its remarkable achievements the radio cannot broadcast hot redhot or a sack. of peanuts or a bottle of pop or a ticket scalper. And without these props, world series is but . delusion and snare.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-12-10
II MASS. CITIES,
and TOWNS ELECT
MAYORS and C0vTS,

Boston, Dec. ON the finaI
group of municipal elections Of the
year in Massachusetts IL cities elect
ed mayors and other officers and two
others chose minor officers. Close
contests and late closing of the polls
delayed the returns. Women can
didates were as rule unsuccessful
except in Attleboro whore women
were unopposed candidates for city
treasurer and city clerk. Five
cities voted IN favor Of licensing the
sale of certain Notwithstanding bev-
erages and four cities voted against
such licensing. Party designations
were used infreouentiy. D..
The following were elected mayor:
Attleboro-Georye A. Sweeney. re-
elected.
Beverly-William Stopford.
Chelsea-Lawrence F. Quigiey. re-
elected. 49, .....
Everett-Lester D. Chisholm. re-
elected.
Malden-John D. Devir.
Northumberland b. Coolidge
reelected.
.Melrose-Albert M. Tibbetts.
North Adams-William johnson
Democrat.A
Revere-Dr. John z. Walsh
Democrat Republican.
woburn-ThomasH H. Duffy, Demo
crat.
Observation-Disclosures J. O'Hara
Republican, reelected.
Westfield-Louis L. Keefe, re-
elected.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-12-10
NATIONAL HOME

oficer Of the day. Capt. George D.
Herriott.
Alonzo Bowman Of Montvil!e, Conn.
late Co. F, 1st Conn. H. A., has rerort-
ed for admission.
James J. ormonde Of Portland, late
18th Co., u. s. C. A. c.. has been ad-
mitted to the Home.
Gilbert H. Young. late Co. X, LIST T.
I. Inf; Thomas +. cahill. late CO: B.
5th r. I. H. A.. and Daniel Shea, late
Co. e, 4th Mass. II. A. have been
granted discharges from the Home.
The moving picture program Tor
Wednesday will be Dorothy Devore and
Walter HERS in Hold Your Breath, II
with an Aesop Fable and comedy.
Burroughs have been granted to
William d. Welch TO Washington, D.
c., Sylvester Young TO Augusta. Fran
els Mechanics to Lowell, and Daniel
HeaIy, Samuel J. Seams, Dennis M
Hazeltine and John w. Galligan to
Dayton, Ohio.