davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
PEOPLE CONDEMN SECRECY

While the dissatisfaction of the people with the administration of Blrmlnghams affairs is based primarily on the incom- petence of the commission, both as body and as individuals, yet no little dis trust proceeds directly from the commls- sion's habit of secrecy in handling the more important questions. This distrust is not unfounded. When public officials, duly elected to handle public affairs, go into secret session, not only among them selves, but also with those who have no official connection with the municipality, they have earned the distrust of the cit izens. What can be the purpose of se- crecy except to conceal? It may be very trivial thing that is concealed, but secrecy is a policy that destroys public confidence in public officials.
 There is no commissioner who can sim cerely declare that he is not a sharer in the censure that properly falls upon this policy. The people know that their rights and properties have been bartered away in secret session for inconsiderable re- turn. In secret session was it planned to renew the street railway franchises which were not to terminate for several years. In secret session was it planned to barter away the public right with respect to the parking of First avenue, an act so unjust and atrocious that the utility it. self voluntarily withdrew from an agree ment that had become extremely noisome. The city commission, and particularly Commissioner Harrison, who at one time and another has sought the credit for this forfeiture of the public. welfare for the private gain, declared positively that it was in honor bound to stand by the se- cret agreement almost at the very hour when the utility was announcing it's withdrawal from it. The commission did not express itself as feeling in honor bound to keep faith with the people of Birmingham.
 In secret session has the commission discussed the question of grade cross ings, and in secret session has it disposed of other matters pertaining to the public welfare. The people are sick and tired of this furtiveness and this official skulk- ing behind the draperies of the star chamber. They demand a government by men who are not dismayed by pub licity and who have convictions so soundly based and so courageously ar rived at that they court the publication of their debates. That is the kind of government the people of this community intend to have-a government by men fitted by training and natural ability for the public tasks in hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
Ride DudIey's Rhymes
Home

Home
 There is a little cottage standing on green clad little hill, where the old MissOuri's s roar is in the air. There are birds nests in it's gables where the swallows coo and bill, and pigsty with a pOrker in it's lair. There's smell of home-cured bacon ev'ry morn, about the place. There's garden nursing onions in it's lOam. In the kitchen is a mother with dear old wrinkled face. There-Iv painted you picture of my home.
 am living in the city, in q twelve-by- twenty flat, where the milkman takes delight in rattling cans; where the shrieks of autos haunt me, or the rowling of cat puts that thing we know as sleep outside my plans. There's the iceman with his chatter; there's the garbage fellow, too; there's the janitor with nothing in his dome. There are other things that pester-oh, I've mentioned but a few-in this place that's substituting for my home.
 When I get lot of money Chats the same old threadbaTe stall), intend to leave the city-cut it out. I shall seek that rural haven where the grass is green and tall ; where the pretty little calflets frisk about. Oh, don't know when I'm going, but I'll surely take the trip. TO the busy world mean to close my ears. But don't wager on my leaving for tjust take a quiet tip) I've been saying this for nearly twenty years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
AccidentdJIy Hurt;
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fs ' s Z s q
 It is important always to keep in mind that when anybody is injured in an accident the extent of the hurt done may depend, not alone on the severity of the accident itself. but also on circumstances attending or fol- lowing it. !, le Especially influential for good or for i'll is the attitude of those called upon to oscafe for victims of accidents.
 Without approaching it.. they may and ire quently do convey suggestions which act as | starting points for ideas transforming what is really slight hurt into a serious injury. It IS no exaggeration to say that words spol- en thoughtlessly at a bedside may mean need lessly prolonged invalidism.
 Nor do physicians themselves invariably reckon with this possibility as they should. Take, as a typical occurrence, the case of man who has a fall on sidewalk because of a loose plank. He falls in such way as to twist his arm under him, whereupon, through the combined force of pain and shock, he loses consciousness.
 When he comes to, he finds himself amid strange surroundings, with a physician ex- amining him. His arm still paints him se- verely.
 Tt is not actually broken" the physician tells him, "but it is badly, wrenched. You will have to give it a good rest. Too bad that plank was left loose to- trip you"
 Perhaps because of the injured mans tenn, perament, this reference to the cause of the accident, coupled with failure to minimize in his mind it's possible effects, creates in him lively sentiments of resentment and of fear, Taken home, these are accentuated by his wifes anxious sympathy and her outspoken indignation against the occupant of the house in front of which her husband fell.
 Ordinarily rest, hniment, and massage would ere long have restored the injured arm to complete usefulness. Because there has been created in it's possessor a lively fear that he really has been badly hurt, he keeps his attention so fixed on his wrenched muscles as to intensity and prolong the pain in them. His anger against the offending householder also enters to play a part in retarding re- covery.
 Until that anger is assuaged by a mon, etary compensation, or until the fear-ridden sufferer is by some means Persuaded that there no longer is anything the matter with his arm, he will remain incapacitated
 Yet for this he cannot in fairness be deem. ed personally responsible. The blame rests rather with those who lodged in his mind ideas contributory to the forming of dis -perpetuating attitude.
 And if only because one never can know how an injured person will react to unfortu- nate suggestions, it is imperatively necessary for physicians, nurses and relatives to be on guard against making such suggestions to the accidentally hurt.
 Which does not mean, however, any delib- crate falsifying in the interest of reinsurance. It simply means tactful avoidance of re- marks and of behavior calculated to implant or to exaggerate harmful emotional stress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
Watching The Pardde
By JOHN PILGRIM

feel sorry for Harry Wright Middle aged, good-looking, competent, well dressed all that sort of thing-but he has been get ting by on his good nature. It must be a strain on him. Speaking for myself, feel the need, every, now and then, of good old-fashioned boiling over. I'm so meek and modest afterward you'd hardly know me-
 Wright" said to his employer, being of that mean and snoopish disposition one gets into now and then, Wright is a pleasant chap, isn't he2"
 His employer gave one heavy, dyspeptic, engrossed grunf and renewed his effort to make two pair do the work of a full house. Sonic time later, refreshed and vigorous after having made me regret ever having learned the yisages of cards, he said:
 ''Yes, Harry Wright is good-natured. Too good-natured for my taste sometimes"
 know the employer better than I know Harry Wright, and l can see trouble ahead. And the loss of job is no small thing when one is middle-aged and has a family on his hands. Yet I know that good nature will not carry Wright much farther. He has come to the end of his smiles. One of these days he will be called on to make good.
 And the funny thing is that he can make good, if he has not lost the capacity through being good natured. He has all the needful tools. But when he began life some fool ad- wiser probably told him to be a good fellow a good mixer was the preferred term in those daysAand smile and backslap and never con tradict and yes every one and earn a reputa- tion for thorough, even if somewhat milky, good fellowship. He has worked hard, kept up his end, made himself valuable citizen. But he spoiled it all by putting too much em- phasis on his good nature.
 Smiling is all right But you'll notice the men who get farthest do not smile all the time
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
oF pIIBLIC IMPORTANCE

Two important factors in the question of grade-crossing separation must not be lost sight of in determining the plan of construction. One of these is the pro- tection of the crossing at Twentieth street, and the other is the opening southward of Nineteenth street. It is understood that the railroads are defi- nitely opposed to both these improve
 nents so essential to facilitating the traffic of this city. For the city com mission must take into consideration not only the present traffic, but also that infinitely greater traffic which the next ten years will develop. It may very well be that the type of separation of grades, whether viaduet or underpass, must be decided by the ultimate purpose of pro- tecting all grades within the city. In some cities this is done by depressing the tracks. In other cities it is done by ele- vating the tracks. The former has in most cities proved the more satisfactory.
 The presumption that the railroad is entitled to pre-empt any crossing or to cut off any important thoroughfares is one that in the long run of years cannot be maintained. Eventually a city ad- ministration will be found which will fearlessly and resistlessly place the major interest before any sort of private con sideration. Such an administration will have the courage and the authority ac- tually to undo what is done now, if the major public interest so eounsels. It is important for the railroads themselves to guard against seeking to force upon the municipality any plan of construc- tion which will be eventually subversive of the public interest of that greater Birmingham which all perceive to be due in no long period of years. For such a policy would in the end be very expen- sive to the railroads; very much more expensive than to undertake the first units of a permanent grade-crossing pro- gram that can always be defended and publicly justified and which will em-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
The Right Word
RETURN QUEsTTONARY
By CURTIS NICHOLSON
(Find the Error in This Articlel

(Find the Error in This Article)
 In connection with answering the recent test, D. D. NJ. of West Gore, N. S., submits the following sentences for criticism:
 '1. He was very excited.
 "2. He was very much excited
 '3. The book was loaned to me.
 A. He was immensely pleased.
 "5. enjoyed the day immensely.
 "6. There is no use of staying longer.
 '7. There is no use in staying longer.
 ''Is it permissible to pronounce Mrs as if spelled 'mistress'T"
 From a grammarian's point of view, the second sentence is probably preferable to the first although such an expression as "yery excited" where excited is part of the verb was excited" has for many years been con- sidered good English. However, "The Right Word" indorses the phraseolOgy of the second sentence. s+a
 The rule allows the use of very without much when the accompanying word is merely an adjective; as, A very excited individual turned the corner. One should be careful to not use very too much. There is a tendency among young and inexperienced writers to em- ploy the word when it is unnecessary.
 The third sentence might read, ''This book was lent to me-" Loan is noun; as, made a loan at the bank The use of lOah as verb IS condemned by some; approved by some; classified as colloquial by others.
 The fourth and fifth sentences express an unlimited amount of pleasure and enjoyment.
 The seventh sentence is correct
 Mrs. IS the usual way in which the title mistress is written-usually pronounced missis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
COLD BAD FOR TIN

Extreme cold is known to have had dis astrOus effects on tin. In countries like northern Russia is is declared that many uten- sils often become useless in winter whole shiplOad of blocks of the metal, stored in a Russian custom house, was reported to have crumbled into dust during the cold months. It has frequently been found in mines in a gray-pOwder form which, when heated, turns into the shiny metal, but, during sub-zerO weather, may become dust again. When tin "catches cold" tiny grayish spot that grows in size, and is joined by others, appears on the surface. In time the metal crumbles away.-Popular Mechanics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
THE CONFERENCE SUCCEEDS

The most significant act since the world war was the agreement of the powers, including Germany, on the de- tails of the plan for carrying the f'ecom- mendations of the international experts into effect. For the first time since the close of the war have the premiers of all nations concerned been able to ar rive at modus operandi acceptable to all. There may have been disagreement at some stages of the discussions, and was, but such disagreements have proved to be insignificant and not at all funda- mental. It is not believed that there IS at this moment any cause of dissat- isfactiOn with the plan that is more than superficial. On the contrary, it is ap- parent that there is profound satisfac- tion among the leaders on both sides with the definite program now adopted.
 It is true that the next step is ratifi- cation by the various national assem- plies, but the indications are that the diff faculties of securing such ratification are far from insurmountable. Indeed, it is likely that the French chamber will ac- quiesce without long debate, while the rumblings of criticism in Germany are traceable tespolitical jealousy rather than to actual disapprOval of the plan itself. The jingoeg are busy telling German workingmen that the plan means heavy tax upon the German people, but saner counsel is pointing out that the heaviest possible tax upon the German people is a continuation of the status of uncer- tainty and depression which has already cost GermaNy several times the total she was originally pledged to pay for separations.
 The United States looks upon the out come of the4eonference with unqualified approval. There is on this side lively
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
Sweetness Of Life
By JOHN UARLYLE

Men tell us that civilization is entering a decline. We hear it all the way from Dean Inge in the pulpit of St. Paul's Cathedral in London to the man in the corner grocery.
 We are forever having the signs of the times pointed out to us. See the indications, say the prophets. They are all here. They were present before the collapse of Athens and of Rome. Our grandchildren are all primed to see the intellectual supremacy of earth pass to another race. So be it.
 Folks are always finding the signs they look for. There are plenty of other signs, just as bright, just as significant, if we have the will to see them. sa
 How about that man who rode down with you in the street car this morning, or walked to work with you or picked you up in his motor car? How about him? Where was he going and what was he doing-and why2
 Where were you going and what were you doing-and why?
 What did you do today and what will you do tomorrow?
 He and you and most of the rest of us are moved by the same purpose. And it is Q sweet and worthy purpose
 We are toiling for our families. We are working to meet obligations. We go forth in the mt ruing to put oar shoulders under re- sponsil hities. We face tasks, heavy or light, gladly sadly, because they are obligations to be performed
 Ask yonr neighbor what he is up to? Why the long hours and the hard work? He may not be artieulate. He may never have expressed his feeliBss even to himself. He may hardly be aware Of them.
 But it's for the family, for the wife, for the kids.
 The diseases of society get into the papers day by day. They nuke interesting reading.
 The steady rur of daily duties Loyalty done are not exciting. 1hey get no publicity.
 The man who wastes his money and beats his wife gets the story But the man who pays his debts and feeds his family is still in the ma aiority
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
A Weather Man

A farmer rushed madly into the head quarters of the village fire department.
 My barn and two of my stacks are afire !" he exclaimed breathlessly.
 The fire chief removed his feet from his desk, and slowly laid aside the newspaper he was reading. He looked out of the window, and then cooked his feet on his desk again.
 "Aren't you going to put it out" yelled the farmer.
 Whats the use of goin' to all that trou- ble," he yawned. "Itll rain before night Paul s. Powers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18

brace in, it's ultimate scope all the cross ings within several miles of what is now the business center of the city,
 The present city government is too vacillatingto expect anything definite in the very near future, perhaps not with in the limits of its present term, but it is certain that tremendous mistake can be made by adopting construction pol icy obstructive of Birmingham's logical expansion. That by all means should be guarded against.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
WHEN ALIENISTs FALL QUIT

The almost diametric disagreement. of alienists in the Chicago trial is unfor- tunate in that it destroys public confi- dence in a science, yet in its early stages, which is very important and which really is based on some very we'll authenticated principles. As was stated in these columns several days ago, how ever, some of the expert testimony has been manifestly unscientific and un- soundly based on statements of the de- fendants instead of on their reactions as scientifically noted. This view has been confirmed by one of the alienists, for the state who declared that some of the pre- vious alienist testimony had consisted of exaggerated and inconsistent conclu- sions or statements not based on the precise pathological conditions noted in the two youths" When alienists fall out it is hoped that guilty men get their dues.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
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The Indanendent Votor

(By Wallace M. Bayliss)

Two weeks ago Pete SkallOp came And talked till ten o'clock; It was apparent that his aim
 Was boosting Coolidge stock. Next night Bill Bluefish called and stayed Till after half past ten To prove why I should vote and aid John Davis and his men. And now each night they alternate, And each his own tune sings; I feel in fairness should state They've taught me lots of things. I've learned am a man of note And folks, what do you think! The country's fate hangs on my vote, B'gosh, I am some gink
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
TWentiefIl Street Most Important

 To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 The city commission and the railroads are sidestepping the most important viaduct of all-Twentieth street. To put viaduct here involves no large cost of construction nor any extensive damage to property; since the structure need only cover the four main line tracks of l.. &s N. and Southern railways The approaches would extend no further than Morris avenue, north, and Avenue A, south. l.. GE N. trains could head or back into shed Gas A. G. S. at Terminal) and all switching tracks stop at Twentieth street.-the four main line tracks being used for switching across Twentieth street. The need of relief from danger and traffic delays at this point is most urgent, and the unprecedented public benefit thus attained far outweighs any imag- mary damage to property or temporary in- convenience to the railroads. This street is by far the most important traffic artery in the city, and the selfish interests of neith- CT railroads nor property owners should be allowed to clog it as at present.
 l. M WILLIAMS.
 Birmingham, Ala, August 16, 1924.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
ThA Lealous Mala

Little Eleanor and her cousin wayland, aged seven, were playing with Eleanor's mamma" doll Over and over again it ut tered it's plaintive mamma"
 Presently Eleanor went into another room for something. Wayland, who had been eye ing the doll for some time with growing dis favor, immediately seized it and, shaping it vigorously, exclaimed disgustedly Darn you, say papa once in a while, anyhow."-Le- more NJ. Fritz
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
OverpIayed It

Duncan "Is it true that tie Dobsons have separated? I always thought their marriage was one sweet song.'
 Jimpson: "So it was-until she began put ting on too many airs "--Gertrude M. Hel- Ter @
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
August

The Empty Octavian, called the August, I being his faYOrite, bestowed his name Upon me, and hold it still in trust, In memory of him and of his fame. l am the Virgin, and my vestal flame Burns less intensely than the Lions rage; Sheaves are my only garlands, and claim The golden Haryests as my heritage.
 -Longfellow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
Forum Of The People
''Are Democrats Asleep?"
ditor of The Are-Herald

To the Editor of The Age-HeraId:
 Note much in papers about Dawes plan, If I'm correctly posted, on the return of the commission the papers and reporters were referred to Mir. Young of whom it was said he did most of the work and to whom most of the credit for the plan should go.
 Now why credit all this plan to Dawes if the above is correct? Aren't the democrats asleep in letting their competitors put it over 'em2 J. P. REID.
 Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
IN OHIO EARS

The mark ot a world traveller is that he prOnounces cCmlard Kewnerd" The mark of a native New Englander is that he refers to the chief executive as President Kullidge" |" -Cle, elnnd Plain Dealer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
Dealings

knew a girl named Sally, A cunning little midge, Her father dealt in futures, Her mother dealt in bridge. But the chilly hand fate dealt her Didn't please her on the whole, And so she took her chances With a chap that dealt. in coal
 Lucia Trent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
F NOT MORE

Perhaps there are very few absolutely eer- tain things in life, but there is this one In time every fellow will get what's coming to him.--W Wilmington News-Journal
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
0IR AHMEn CITIzENRY

We sincerely k9ped that the good citizens who haye permi't to carry revOlvers for ''self- protett ttop' are tot in as serious danger as their soing armfd would imply.-New Bed ford Standard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
SCIENCE STRIKES A sNAG

Sceince is making rapid strides in controll- ing the forces of nature, but a long time must elapse before science can do anything with the volcanoes. Washington Star.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18

Perhaps by November the people will find that they can keep cool without Coolidge.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18

In Tampa they have a Summer Wid- overs Club. A widower is apt to get chubby.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18

If the choice were left to me, WhetheI '1 have free press or free governments \ vvo,,Id choose n free uress.-Thomas Jefferson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18
SIx-CyIinder Love
Morrison

"Your wife handles a car pretty well, see"
 "Yes, once she's got it broken in."-Charles Morrison.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-18

''Long firm frauds" have cost England more than a hundred million dollars within the last four years, according to Scotland Yard. Crooked American oil- stock deals are apparently not the only Instructions to rehabilitation of eco homie conditions,