davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
FORUM OF THE PEOPLE
A Monument for Wilson

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 The suggestion of Dr. Hogan that a monument be erected to Woodrow Wilson in the park in Birmingham named for our great war leader is surely timely and ap- propriate. The erection of a monument to Wilson will not add anything to his prestige because his name and fame will live when the bronze or marble monu- ments of this day have crumbled into dust; but it speaks we'll for the citizens of Birmingham and Alabama to express, in the form of monument, our apprecia- tion of man of Wilson's high ideals, and such monument would add to the at- fractions of our city. It will be an in- spiration for the children and the man. hood and womanhood of generations yet unborn to read in marble or bronze of the achievements of the greatest man that the world has ever produced.
 Wilson's leadership during the most terrible conflict in history stirred more men and women to lofty purposes and action than any other man that has lived. Any unprejudiced man, who has studied the causes of the withdrawal of Bull garia, Turkey and Austria from Ger many, in the fall of 1918, will admit that Wilson's diplomacy ended the war year sooner than it would otherwise have end ed, thus saving hundreds of thousands of lives; and the forces that he started to work, including the League of Ma tions, will have more to do with bring ing about universal peace throughout the ages than anything that has been done since Christ taught the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God.
 There are emonuments of Washington and Lincoln in many American cities and they are better and more attractive cities by having them. Already there are monuments to Roosevelt and Harding in a number of cities. Only few weeks ago there were pictures in the papers of monument erected to Harding in a western city. Why should not the people of Birmingham and the state of Ala bama erect a nlOnument to Wilson? I
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
IRELAND AS IT IS
(Round Table 1


 No picture of Irish life at the present time would be true were the improvement in the general tone of the people not noted. There is a cheerfulness which did not exist three months ago, People have begun to talk again about the ordinary affairs of life. The gloom has largely gone. Laughter is more frequent. You can see the change in the street, in the theatre, in the home. There is a belief abroad that we will muddle through. Hopeless has changed into hope ful. We all renlibe that the end is not vet that dark and anxious days have still to come, but most of us believe that there is an end--sO sOmewherea distinct advance
 Another great improvement is that even the stanchest patriot is now no perfectly certain that the Irish are the greatest race in the world. There are doubts even in the densest minds as to whether liberty ia all that II was supposed to he. We pvnn xtnn sometimes to wonder what is liberty. In other words. our political education hau he. gun, 1t was only through tribuiatIon that It ever could begin; As long as we had the Aunt Sally of En-land to throw things at we were content to know nothing and believe any clap-trap that was told us.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
WATCHING THE PARADE
By JOHN PILGRIM

We had just got started at the evenings entertainment at the Fishers when Fisher and his wife did little of that secret domes- tic teamwork that so irritates curious neighbor. ,lt's new stuff with them. Three months ago one could be certain of getting the lowdown on the Fishers, their friends, their friends friends, the ashman and the man that sells cigars in the lobby during the evening chat. Last night Fisher s6id, aprOpos of nothing:
 Mark Thompson shot q cat for that
 had never heard of Mark Thompson before. We tried to get some information out of the Fishers about Mark Thompson, and the cat, and why Ire shot it. and when and where and the other vital details that might, perhaps go to make up an interesting story. Unless one can make a contribution to neighborly history, an evenings visit is apt to be dull. Don't you think so: And we had planned a round of calls for the other evenings this week.
 Mark is a friend of my youth" said Fisher, 'and the eat was just cat. That's all."
 But there was something more. Mrs. Fisher had been gabbling away. ninety miles an hour, when Mark said that. She is the sort who intOxicates herself with her own words. The more she talks the more and worse she says. and if you can just get her stirred up. she is sure to furnish enough cause to heat up the neighborhood. She told Mrs. Kelly the other night why she did not like Mrs. Kellys mOther-gave all the grim details--and there isn't a family on the street who does not know all about it now Yet she did not mean to be tactless and heavy handed and fat-witted. She had simply got drunk on her own talk.
 I'd like mighty well to know what there was behind that allusion to Mark Thompson and the cat he shot. Because Mrs. Fisher closed like clam when her husband said it. Her eyes and cheeks reddened and her lips clamped shut. Mrs. Pilgrim spys that Fisher ran up the danger signal in those seemingly harmless words. They meant, she said h Don't talk. I'nsate."
 ' We are hnf inclined to he angry about it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
TAX PROGRAM REPORTED

The tax-revlsion measure has finally been favorably reported by the house ways and means committee without sub- stantial change from its original form. A feature that will appeal peculiarly to income-tax payers is the reduction of twenty-five per cent. on 1923 taxes pay able during 1924. This applies to earned incomes, the amount of which may not in any case be less than twenty thousand dollars, while the higher incomes pay six instead of eight per cent. The sur tax provision still makes the reduction to Twenty-Five per cent, instead of to only forty-four per cent as recommended bv Democrats. There is some chance of the higher rate being imposed by amendment from the floor of the house, for the combined strength of Democrats and irregulars may be expected to be directed against such great reductions in the higher brackets. The Republican leaders have already informed the Presi- dent that the opposition will not consent to such a marked reduction in surtaxes. It is understood that the President is willing to compromise on this point.
 Certain special taxes, often referred to as nuisance taxes, will be repealed if the house adheres to the measure, as is expected Tn this particular at least. The relief from this source will be .doubly appreciated, because of the an
 as well as the cost of separately
 with each purchase. If the
 proved, there will be no
 'ax on theater tickets,
 ssages, candy and the
 important items under
 constitutional amend
 future issuance of tax
 If this amendment
 ederal taxes, it will be
 Ile, but there are many
 1t the several states
 neither there shall be ex- & state taxes on state and rites. Inasmuch as about
 dollars worth of securi-
 exempted from federal tax
 IS readily observed that the
 .yorth serious attention.
 total reduction in revenues ex- 1 from the reported schedules is < t $560, 0,000,O00. This is believed by hy to be too great a reduction to 'fford margin of safety, but there are two sources whence relief is expected. One source is establishing the maximum
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

surtax rate at. forty-four instead of twenty-five per cent, and the other is the revenueYexpected as consequence of removal of ftax-exemption. Inasmuch as the ratification of constitutional amendment issa lengthy process, the second sourcswill not be at once oper- ative. It is believed also that there is further reIie4@to be drawn from a still more economical administration of public affairs, without any sacrifice in results,
 but even, as Secretary Lane, on his re- tirement from the Wilson cabinet, re- marked, substantial gain in public ben- eft. It is hoped that the whole ques- tion will be handled both wisely and we'll.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Means Much to Community (FlOrence Daily News)

There is no road leading into the city that is of more, if as much, importance to the business interests here as the Jackson Highway. It leads into the heart of the very best agricultural section of the county, connects Florence with n number of thriv- ing business communities. and as the main thoroughfare to Nashville and the North is the great tourist route in bringing the outside auto world to our doors. The esrly improvement of this highway will therefore mean much in the general welfare of the community, aside from the convenience and comfort it will bring as an avenue of pleas. ure. Let us hope there may be early ac- tion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Trees For Highways (Huntsville I'imes)

We have always had an eye for the beau tiful because we much prefer to gaze upon things stately than otherwise. The hand. somest, lovelest and most beautiful creature oil earth is good woman. There are those who then turn to a magnificent horse as next in line, while still others have varied imaginations and suggestions as to the beau. tiful. But to the point We are in favor of an immediate effort to the planting of shade trees. oceans for instance, along the pubic highways: This is stroke of enter- prise that should have been employed long years ago
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
O1IzA11Iz Birmingham, Ala, Feb. g, 1924.
Believes Verner Law Invalid

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 I agree with your editorial 4utterances in the issue of February 6, characteriz- ing the methods of Chairman Evins as "autocratic," and hence undemocratic. On the face of the situation the thing he is seeking to avoid is full discussion of matters involved by the Democratic com mittee as such. Aside from other mat ters that might result from such discus sion, the policy of holding the primary called under the Werner act, which has been held unconstitutional, would no doubt be subject to be considered.
 Assuming that the Werner act is uncon- stitutional (and that it is there can be no doubt) the policy of holding the pri- mary election, called by the State Execu- tive Committee, under that act is inde- fensible.' <..c
 The general primary election law of 1915, and the acts amendatory thereof, applies to party offices such as dele gates to the national convention, dele gates to the state convention and mem bers of the State Committee, as well as to public offices. This is demonstrated by the past construction and use of the law by the party authority, as we'll as by its letter.
 (Mr. Brown here quotes from the sta tistics of 1915 and 1919 which are omit ted because they have been explained in previous issue of The Age Herald Editor.) -a
 It is evident from these statutes that the only power left with the Executive Committee is to determine whether or not primary shall be held for the party, to prescribe qualifications for persons who may enter that primary for the pur- pose of being nominated as candidates for public or party office and to make assessments within the limits prescribed by the statute.
 So, the preferential primary of 1928 being unconstitutional, if 6 primary is called, it must be held at the time pre- scribed by law, because the law provides:
 No primary shall be held by any
 political parties for the nomination
 of candidates except as herein pro-
 vided.
 If the Werner act is unconstitutional then the March primary election is un- authorized and a mere farce. I am con- fident that Senator Underwood does not approve any step that disregards the laws of his state or the interest of his party, and his friends cannot afford to do so, if they do, it will be regarded by the people as species of political thug gery." It occurs to me that the wise thing to do is to have the constitution ality of the Werner act determined at once, by the Supreme Court, and if the court holds with the Attorney General, then the State Executive Committee should convene and provide for the cleo tion of delegates to the National Con- vention in the general primary election to be held in May. This will be in accord with the policy declared by the last State Convention of the Democratic party.
 JOEL B. BROWN.
 Cullman, Ala, February 6, 1924.
 It appears that the committee has the legal right to proceed regardless of the Werner act, or so it is held by the chair man.-Editor Age Herald.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

Some states are reported to be ex- perimenting with gas, others with cleo tricity, as means of executing certain classes, of convicted criminals. A more important consideration, however, is an effective method of trying accused per sons in accordance with strict and inn partial justice, with delays, rehearines and technical obstructions entirely elimi- nated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Public Parks An Asset
Selma Times-JOurnaD

T
 Hon. William II. Finn, one of Annistep's citizens. has made bequest of a consider able sum to he used for building a park for the Model City, and now the question is raised. does Annston want park? What the people want and what the community needs are not always one and the same, but Anniston is, without doubt. like most other Southern towns, in pressing need of a park Selma has felt the need of a park and play ground keenly for many years, but this never found way to gratify the longing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Needs Demonstration Agent
(DeKalb County News)

VDtNdIU 4NEWSJ
 The efforts being made by the Civitan Club to secure county demonstration agent should receive the hearty support of every one. as DeKalb certainly needs such a man. If this county is too poor to put up it's part the business men of Fort Payne. Collins vile and Valley Head should raise the neces- sary amount. as the business men depend upon the farmers, and county farm would be of material benefit to the agricultural in- teresst of the county
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

It is reported that the Mexican govern ment is promptly paying for arms and munitions purchased in the United States. Capacity for self government and ability to suppress those who attack organized government act as tonic upon the national credit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Value of Vocational Study Mobile News-Item)

Vocational study is deserving of more exploitation than we of this age of special ization give it. Boys cannot learn too many trades, gain too much knowledge in separate fields of usefulness. Necessity may never require the practical application of this train ing. At the same time the student who has cultivated the power of mental absorption, whether at work bench or school desk, or both. is better fitted later to acquire pro- ficiency in one thing than q person who has centralized all his faculties in single pur- suit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
BUILD FEDERAL AID ROADS

The chief reason for the general de- mand for change from the large to the small highway commission was to relieve the members of the commission from the feeling that each was especially obli- gated to get as much as he could for the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

An exchange declares that everybody ought to write to his congressman on matters of important local concern. Of course, it is necessary to learn ones congressman's name in order for the let ter to make favorable first impression.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

tained commission appointed from the state as whole, in order that the high way needs of the state might be en- visioned as a whole, and that that high way program of construction might be adopted which would return the greatest general benefit and result in a syytem of connected highways, travelable the year around, and superior in type and lasting qualities to the general run of highways constructed by the counties. Thus it is perceived that, while the state is con- cerned with trunk lines which will make an interconnection with one another and serve all the state, the great bulk of the highway responsibility for all the coun- ties still rests upon the counties them- selves. The most the state can hope to accomplish with the present bond issue is the development of small but import ant percentage of the states total high- way mileage. But if that is wisely done the whole state will enjoy the benefit.
 In view of the fact that the highway commission has been empowered to ex- pend seven million dollars worth of bonds, more than there will be federal funds to match within the coming year or two, tbs commission is under especial public obligation to invest this money where it will be of most lasting value. It appears, therefore, that tfe work should be confined to those highways al- ready approved and accepted by the federal highway department, and belong ing to what is known as the "seven per cent" program, comprising the entire mileage within the state that either now or later may expect to receive federal aid. In adopting such 8 policy, the high way commission would not be denying the merits or necessity of any particular road in any particular community, but the commission would be safeguarding the expenditure by insuring the ultimate cooperation of the federal highway de- partment in later paving and construc- tion of the roads included in the pro- gram. To be sure, the highway commis- sion would retain the discretion of mak- ing any exception to the rule in any isolated case where great public pur- pose would be served by such exception. But in general the money should be ap- piled primarily to those roads on which federal aid would later be forthcoming in any future construction undertaken when new federal funds are available.
 In undertaking the responsibility of these seven million dollars unmatched by federal funds, the highway commission owes to the people of Alabama the exer- else of the utmost discrimination and foresight in the selection of roads to be improved and in the type of construc- tion to be adopted. Certainly this should either be of the most permanent and dur
 able type possible, or else it should be of that preliminary nature that would lay the substantial groundwork for future paving. In the long run, following such a plan, the highway commission would have performed its duty to the entire state in the most enlightened and com prehensive manner, and would have ex- pended the money in the manner calcu- lated to return the greatest total of per manent statewide highway benefit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
TT DEPENDS
tBoston Transcript

tBoSt0n Transcript
 Tt always gives a man confidence" said the popular candidate proudly. ito know that a vast body of people are behind him"
 Not if they are coming too fast" mur- muTed thief in the rear of the crowd '
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

It becomes more apparent from expe- rience that the form of municipal govern ment is wholly secondary consideration as compared with the qualifications and purposes of those who do the governing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

In Tennessee efforts are being made for rehearing in phone rate case. In Alabama efforts are quite frequently made to get rehearing from the tele- phone operator.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

The American people have sent mil lions of dollars to the relief of earth quake sufferers in Japan. This is com- mendable, but not enough. We have taken no steps as yet to prevent a repeti- tion of the disaster <9a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Have their Ups and Downs
(Tuscaloosa News)

1t is lamentable situation, surely, when good form means following the crowd in doing bad things. But all things pass, the waves of moral depression as well as the waves of moral exaltation. Virtue and vice ards regulate themselves accordingly Be- fore long it will come quicker if those who want it stiffen their spines now. e.4
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
May Have Special Purpose
tAIexander City Outlook ]

fAleKander Clty Outl0Ok) About the only thing that does not appear exactly right on the horizon at present is the fact that some of the railroads are lay ing off men. It may be, however, that there is a method in their madness, and that it is not dangerous sign, but that they are after something.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Cannot Take Backward Step
(Monroe JournaD

Our county enjoys the benefit of longer school term than the average county and the equal of any in the state with the pos sible exception of those in which large cities are situated, and we cannot afford to take a backward step. Let us again vote the tax and continue to give our youth the best educational advantages conditions will per- nit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

Petting is not a new thing-but it's better advertised.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled 10 the for publication of all news dispatches credited to it. or not otherwise credited in this paper and also local news published therein. Ali rights of republica tion of special dispatches are also reserved.
 Telephone tprivate branch exchange connect ing all departmental, Main 49OO.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
THE ALABAMA PRESS
win Be Sitting There

Another boil weevil freezer is said to be on the way. But in all Likelihood Bill will be sitting in the cotton bud as usual to greet yon next spring. Better hold the acreage down to a manageable basis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
SUBSCRIPTION RATES

a~d Canada: Daily and Sunday, one year. $500; six months $4oo; three months. s225 one month, S5c. Daily only: One year, S65o; SIX months s3.25; three months s1.75: one month, 75c. Sunday only One year, $2.50: six months. 50; three months. 75c; one month: 25c.
 By carrier. where carrier delivery is maln- tained: 200 per week. S5c per month.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
DON'T KNOW. BUT HE DOES

VINNHNdN NItE . = ---- 7,7- Why is it that the Pullman porter acts like martyr at the stake unless you let him make up your berth right after sun
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

new source of paper in Brazil is re- ported; but nothing is said of it's indorse ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
THEN SHE KISSED HIM

TkanSaS Clty TlMesJ Who would you rather be if you were not yOurself?" - se 1.-. The man my wife was going to marry if she hadn't married me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
Depends On Whose OK
lAndalusia Starl

Did you ever notice that the corporation which has a monopoly on what it has to sell always wants competitive bidding when it goes in the market to buy the supplies that it requires?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

The theory that patroleum is derived from fish probably has considerable cod in it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

A man may be as straight as a string, but who ever knew a string to be straight?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

NEWS BUREAUS--Washngton, 500 Davidson Buiiding; State Capital. Montgomery Journal Building; Tennessee Naleyg Decatur Daily Building: Tuscaloosa. News Building Jasper. Mountain Eagle Building; Anniston Star Build ing; Gadsden. Journal Building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
THE AGE-HERALD
FREDERICK I. THOMPSON. .. FRESH

Entered at Birming gham. Ala. post office as sec ond class matter act of Congress March s, 1S7s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

Perhaps those rewriting the Bible will make it appear that Eve handed Adam-not an apple, but lemon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

We know a billboard painter who is deaf and dumb, but he certainly can make signs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

believe that there are thousands who will feel it privilege to contribute to fund for Wilson monument of which all Alabama will be proud. am giad&to contribute $l00 to the Woodrow Wilson monument fund. Y"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11

It is no crime to be in the legislature but it looks suspicious.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
"A bulldog i. hot good cowdoellSE|Ei lll|Es

Movie actors are not injured in those death-defying leaps. because. they yAre caught by the camera. @ %sss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
THE ONLY FAIR ATTITUDE

Let no guilty man escape. Also. let no in- nocent man he adiudged guilty on the prin. einles or his politics.