davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
New View As ro Shoals

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 Being a resident of Gadsden, Alabama, and living close to- the great Muscle Shoals and reading the different comments made for and against, I wonder why all this noise about giving this wonderful asset to Henry Ford or any one else. This property is in Alabama, one of the richest states in the Union, with millions of tons of iron ore and coal, with billions of feet of timber, with every raw material that great state needs to make it one of the richest in the world. Then why do we pull our hair to give it away to some outsider, to Henry Ford, for instance, a man who has never spent one penny in the South, un- less it was t6 make ten dollars in return? Why don't the people of Alabama buy this wonderful nitrate plant with Wilson dam which will furnish 600,000 horsepower and will be a show place for generations to come? Why don't we people of Alabama raise the money by a bond issue and make fertilizer and sell it to the farmers of the South at cost? Could we do any; one thing that would help the Southland any more than helping the farmers bring back to high cultivation the millions of acres that are lying idle and which would bring to the far mers millions of extra dollars?
 Yes, I say, before we turn over to outsiders one of the richest as- sets that we have, I say, let the United States government keep it and make cheap commercial fertil- izers for the farmers and furnish cheap power to develop our indus tries. Are we so poor that we have to cry out from the house tops and beg some Northerner to come to Ala bama to take over our richest pos sessions? Do they love us so much that they want to help us by.buying this wonderful Muscle Shoals, or do they see another chance to pick up one of our choice possessions?
 Oh! for Wilson or a Lee to stand up and fight these money grabbers. We have the greatest eli mate in the world. We have the greatest people in the world. more blood than any other part of America. We have the nat ural resources. All we need is a leader to lead us out into the Promised Land, into the Garden of Eden, for we have such a place. All we need is to keep the billions of dollars that go North every year in the South. My vioce may not be heard very far, but if the millions of Southern men and women would take up the call it would be heard around the earth.
 F. NJ. TODD.
 Gadsden. Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
RIVALRY AMONG GERMS

Scientists and physicians continue to discover new diseases, until the average person never knows what new danger is to be faced next. Just when most people who have real or Imaginary maladies begin to hope they will soon get ont of the woods, along comes another ploddmg scientist and declares that he has discovered an entirely new ailment, and folks had better watch out or some hitherto un- known germs will get 'em.
 A New York physician is the latest to declare that he has discovered a new disease. It seems that the sphere of diseases enlarges just like spheres of business, government and society. There seems to be a definite purpose among the germ family to keep abreast of the times, and considerable rivalry is betrayed in the process. No class or clique of germs appears to be willing that some other shall take the lead in standing or prestige x and so up-to-date germs in the. latest designs and models are repeatedly forging to the front with apparent : determination to command recogni- stion.
 But "back to our muttons." The Gotham physician declares that his dis covery is new as a disease, though he sets forth that it's fundamental fea- ture is "fear of work" Yet, he gives iN pretentious name-"Ergophobia " Ehere is a suspicion that the disease 1s more prevalent among those who have an inherent aversion for water and soap, or perhaps that may be merely a symptom. Nevertheless, it may serve as guide towards isolat- ing the germ, as it has been generally conceded that people who believe in the moral and physical benefits of reasonably frequent ablutions seldom have a dread of work of some kind.
 Still, whatever formidable name may be selected for the specific malady, it is not believed to be a new ailment, From time immemo- rial there lure been folks, who were
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
LET SUPREME COURT ALONE

Vesting the power of decision in g minority in matters involving the con. stitutionality of legislation, as is pro- posed in a bill pending in congress which fixes seven to two as the mini mum majority by which the United States supreme court could invalidate state or federal enactments on the ground of unconstitutionality, would strike directly at the long-established and keen-cherished principles of Amer. jean government. One man would still be able to cast the deciding vote for one man could determine whethe, the vote would stand 6 to 3 or to 2 The supreme court was devised as a safeguard, check on government, as between legislative and judiciary branches. It has long proved effective, as the founders in. tended and believed it would, in main. taining the integrity of American in. stitutions.
 For congress to place upon the court such curb as is proposed in the pending bill would be contrary not only. to sound public policy, but to reason as well. The supreme court was created for maintenance of the constitution as the chart of legislation Any enactment that would fix the ratio of the vote of the supreme judges is arbitrary and based on the assumption that the opinion of judge is something that can be fixed by statute. If that were true, then any body could be judge. If four judge. sincerely believe that decision should be affirmative, and five judges witf equal sincerity believe that the de cision should be negative, by what process could they be divided into { ratio of seven to two? No honest ! judge would change his opinion merely to conform to an artificial numerica stipulation. Rather would the vott remain five to four and a deadlocl or no decision would ensue. &awidentl. the proponents of the meastge art trying to render the supreme cour as futile and impotent as congress itself.
 The public interest and the publi, welfare are no less involved in in validation of unconstitutional enact ments than in upholding constitutions enactments. There have been nu merous proposals of recent years tC tamper with and restrict the functions and powers of the supreme court Happily they have failed. This mi nority" bill, too, will, as it should, ge no further than the proposal stage
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
ENeW York Heraldl

The extent to which the install ment plan has spread in the United States is indicated by a statement of the National. Retail Clothier, which says that sixty-eight impor- tant commodities can now be ob- l tained for so much down and so much month. Automobiles and musical instruments come first. with radio sets washing machines, stocks, bonds and houses high on the list. The National Retail Clothier declares that "a vast ma jority of the wage earners" have mortgaged their future for muhy years in order to buy luxuries as we'll as necessities. Of course the merit of the install ment plan, as of any other plan for purchasing what one wants, 1e- bends upon what is bought. If it enables man of moderate means to buy house when otherwise he would have had to be a repter all his life it obviously helps both the purchaser and the community. And certain acquisitions which are lux | uriet for one man are necessities for another. Finally, the necessity of putting by sum regularly fOr installment payments may inilce saving habits.
 But in many cases the effect of buying in this fashion must be just the opposite. People slgn up for mere than they can afford. and presently find themselves forced to go without the necessities of life in order to pay for opportunities. They are like the governments which fac deficit by issuing bonds. Sooner or later the smash comes.
 Except where there is a clear economy in assuming a debt, as there nearly always is in bnyids a home, the safest rule fer the Ordi- nary citizen is to pay as he goes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
THE CONFESSION UPHELD


 It is interesting to observe that the state supreme court has refused to interfere with the exercise of dis erection by the commission govern ment of Birmingham in the matter of the discharge of member of the city police force. In April, 1911, the legislature of the state passed what is known as the civil service act, giving to the police of cities in this state permanency of employ ment, and providing that they could be removed for cause only, and after trial.
 The opinion. written by Justice BOuidin and eOncurred in by Chief Justice Anderson and Justices Somerville and Thomas, mentions that the legislature of Alabama of 1911 passed the act providing that no member of the police departments of certain cities was to be removed from office except for causes speci- fled in the act, upon charges pre- ferred in writing and after trial. The cities of Birmingham, Mont gomery and Mobile were intended to be covered by the act. it is stated. The court, however. held that the Birmingham commission act of 1915 clothed the commissioners with full power to dismiss any member of the police force.
 The point at issue was whether or not the commissioners of .Birming- ham possessed in fact the authority of Hiring and discharging which is considered essential to the success ful operation of the commission form of government. The supreme court2 says that the commissioners do ltnSS"ss such authority, n0twith- sf he provisions of the act
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
MYSTERY By Wickes Wamboldt

Recently a minister who has a national reputation stated publicly that the mystery element of the Bible is a necessity, for when man solves a mystery he ceases to revere the thing that has mystified him. That all depends. If you have a man fooled with some trick prOpO- sition and he finds out about it, he loses all interest in it. The sleighs- of-hand artists and magicians all recognize this and guard their se- crets zealously. But if you have a genuine proposition, the more a man knows about it the more interested he becomes.
 The more the scientist learns about electricity, the more it fas- cinates him; the more the wireless expert learns about radio, the more it grips him; the more a violinist learns about the violin, the more he cares for it. And by the same to- ken. the more any man. woman or child knows of the Bible and the principles it expounds, the more compelling it becomes. The Bible is not a mysterious book because it's mystery is necessary to hold mans attention, like the mystery of the sleight-of-hand artist or the magi- clan. It is g mystery because it ia impossible. for. it to be anythin& else but a mystery to us with our linn ited understanding. The banker fa- ther does not attempt to make his three-year-old child understand the mysteries of high finance. In the same way we humans are souls too young to- understand the mysteries of the universe.
 Life is, mystery unfathomable to us. It is too vast, it is too com plex, for the minds with which we are equipped here to grapple with it. No attempt is made anywhere in the Bible to explain the mystery of life. All that is done is to set forth cer- tain principles by which we may live the small span of life with which we have to deal right here.
 Undoubtedly any attempt to en- large our viewpoint now would con fuse. perhaps discourage, us--as it might a child in the first grade to pile up before him all the books he must know before he graduates from college. If the little fellow glanced into algebra and geometry and Latin and Greek and other works beyond his grasp, or if he could see how many times he would have to take his clothes off and put them on and wash his face and comb his hair in life. he would want 60 lie right down and quit.
 No. the mysteries of life are not to keep man interested. Life is such an enormous thing it is impossible for us to comprehend it That is yhy philosophic teachings. beat down heavily on faith. The whole woSd is mystery. and mystery re- au,res faith.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
---------- NlCOLAl LEVINE

As far as Nicolai Lenine is con cerned, "the great experiment-the dictatorship of the proletariat" is end ed. Indeed, there are many who re garded the experiment in it's origina form and purpose as ended more thar a year ago, when Trotzky publicly ad initted that Communism in practice had been very disappointing. It is toe early yet to judge Lenine as he should be judged, not only because it is mol yet possible to see him in his true perspective as the exponent of tre. mendous theory, but also because there is yet too much prejudice against him and what he stood for.
 It is the function of history, writ. ten long after the chief actors in the scene have departed from it, to give the unimpassioned and unprejudiced judgment of mans life and charac- ter. Lenine was visionary. It may possibly be that the Utopia he sought to establish would in its final analysis be benign in its human aspects. As it was, however, Lenine and his asso- ciates waded through too much blood, coldly precipitated too much misery, too selfishly imposed their own thoughts and opinions upon an un. receptive people, and too harshly and abruptly sought to overturn all the cherished customs and principles and religions in order to substitute their own artificial and made-t to-order sys- tenn of things.
 The Russian people couldn't com prehend it. Having been used for centuries to oppression of one kind or another, they meekly submitted to this new type-but they never embraced the principles of Communism; and that fundamental, though stolid, op- position of mighty race finally tri- umphed over the assaults of bolshe- vism, just as the granite cliff survives the storm waves that beat against it. Russia's fate is still on the knees of the gods, but Lenine, Trotzky and their crew have failed. They may, nevertheless, have been the unwilling instruments by which the Russian peo- pie will be driven to find themselves.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Bryan and His Professor (MUHtgOmePv TimaSl

William Jennings Bryan. is toe great and able man to be pro- lectins with high office. like that of the presidency of the United States. the highest offide in. the greatest country on the face of the earth. He ought to have more respect for himself. if lie has none for the candidates. and he should at once become more dignified ard not indulge in child'S play in the mas tlonal convention. He knows that his college professor. whom he. has picked to run for president, has no earthly chance of gctti1s ths noInlnation. and if he did he could not be elected, as he is not known even in his own state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
! ..GssIONAL ECONOMIEs
Ohio State Jourual)

Many of our congressman are for mullting Il comprehensive and am bilious program for themselves at this important session. including lifting themselves by their boot scraps, eating their cake and lIav- ing it, too, robbins Peter to pay raul and making the worse appear the better reason.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

Some scientists predict that the fuel of the future will bs the atmosphere. It is not yet known how the trusts will corner the air, but there is no need for idle speculation-they'll do it somehow. <e /
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

A scientist says that men began as molecules. There is . suspicion that some aspirants to public office will feel about that size when they read the election returns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
PEOPLES FORUM
ssnds Cordial Greetings

To the Editor of The Age-Herald: 7
 My congratulations to you upon moving into your new home 2hd upon the great improvement That has been made in the paper. The progressive spirit not only 4 Bir- mingham, but of all Alabama, is spiendidly portrayed in this. excel lent morning publication. Ala bama College sends cordial greetings.
 ~: T. W. PALMER,
 President Alabama College.
 Montevallo, Ala. Jan. 21, 1924.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Fine Field For Orchards

VAHnIStOn Staf1
 Calhoun, Talladega. Cleburne, St. Clair, Clay, RaDdolph, Etowah and other North Atabama counties could land if the effort was made to plant profitable orchards as any in the land if the effort was made oplant and maintain them. Farmers and lar1~'ners are overlooking d fine opportunity in not trying to make this more of fruit growing coun-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Making Road Progress

IIJekaIb County HeraIdD
 We feel that the county commis- sioners acted wisely in arranging to double the read machinery of the county. as this move will doubtless give us better and more roads this year than in any previous one. Tractors and graders are absolutely necessary if we are to maintain our present roads or build any new ones,p and the purchase of this new ma chinery is'a step in the right direc- ton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
A Significant Facf

IAtIanta Constitution
 Magnus Johnson invites all po- litical backsliders to the mourners' bench--and observes that the bench is not crowded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
UncompIimentarx Inference

TI1ttsDurg Gazette-TlmeSJ :.
 Mayor and council of Kentucky town who will draw no salaries may intend to work for what they are worth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
That Glorious Bird

'J IaIiuUtga DAlIy HOmeT
 The man who shot and killed q large golden eagle in Autauga coun- ty last week should try his marks manship on some other feathered target next time he is out ginning for big birds. The golden eagle ia the finest and most magnificent in appearance of the grand species of birfs to which he belongs. They oc-l easiOnally fly over Alabama. and with their broad pinions outspread are truly . glorious sight. Let them sail proudly and gracefully in our state if they so wish.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

An exchange observes that the ship which carries more passengers than any other is courtship. And it is the one whose laundering is attended by the most tragedies and fewest casual ties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
A Chance For Yankee Ingenuity

The canals of Venice have recently been frozen over, but the cable doesn't mention any gondolier enter, prising enough to put his gondolas on runners. ss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Sinners Beware!
.star HeraId

IHOcheSter HeraIdJ Paducah, Kentucky. has police chief who is a minister and has been a boilermaker. Lord help the sinners if he ever gets excited and scrambles his professional
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Hearty Conratulations

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 I congratulate you heartily on the new Age-Herald. It is great. I am anxious to run by right soon and see you in your handsome quar- ters. GEORGE DUNCAN.
 Athens, Ala, Jan. 21, 1924. s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
THE kARAGRAPHERS
It's Great to Be Crazy

IIHuIHHapOIIS NeWsI
 It shouldn't make any difference to Russia whether Washington rec Ognizes it or not. as it intends to overthrow the government of this country anyhow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
A Wise Old Bird

King Tut had 50,O0O,0 worth of gold buried with him. His cunning way, no doubt. of enabling his heirs to dodge the inheritance tax.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

"The Teapot Dome Inquiry Double, double; Foil and trouble Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

Senator Caraway' seems to think that it is possible to build a suffi- ciently hot fire under the Teapot Dome to cause the lid to blow off.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

Yes, we believe in . bond issue for schools. Our industrial leadership de- pends just as much upon the quality of our education as it does upon the quality of the resources with which nature has endowed this district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
.An Eas'er Ta ';

tS'GVl. .ti SI tac can .s3ssA .sAy whp d,t,n Vt,r' t.s .f'-. ,stsae prsrs .aH ~..;.n oas Nlio can guess Who "G-d yMr.te il!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Suppose IKe Had Paid Up9
His Usefulness Ended

Boston Transcript
 ' got invite Mir. Tomp- i.'s |" G.nner again"
 'Ss Nc lte.. tii Stories:'' No. Dli ht itas quit laughing at G,, l. -sJaIlus olu slOF.es."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
The Dangerous Toy Pistol

tAla0ama C0urlefb
 The toy pistol has proven a most deadly plaything for many. during and since the holidays. Many deaths have been reported from va riOus sections of the country caused by tetaAus. or what is better known to the layman as leck- jaw In this city alone there have been four eases and three deaths of small boys. This has been a costly and terrible experience with danger Olis toy. }.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Fare Enough

Do you know that Car, the w4hner of tn eseventh race at Tijuana Tues day.. comes from the Barnes stables? I-Harleth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
THE ALABAMA PRESS
Record to Be Proud Of (Monroe Journan

It is gratifying to all citizens of the state to know that not a single lynching occurred in Alabama dur ing the year just closed. It is to be sincerely hoped that this record may be continued indefinitely.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
MORE TRUTH THAN POETRY

Every day leaves one day less One day less in which to rise, Reaching bravely for success, Breaking old and tender ties; One day less upon the slope At the top of which is fame;N One day less in which to hope, One day less for praise or blame Wind or sunshine, rain or frost Fleecy clouds or gray or black Every day day is lost,
 Never to be given back. Every days another day,
 And however bright the dawn Or however smooth the way, " Every day means one day gone. Every day means less to do Ere our tasks be done, at last; I may waste the hours, while you s. Find them slipping much too fast Every day, no matter where N You may play or may strive, ,. Means one less of wear and tear For all things that are alive.
  March is coming right along, < Every day 'tis nearer still; E Congress wrangles, right or wrong, Over MT. Mellon's bill; ,f Every day is one day less
 For the good use of the ax; Hope is fine, but here's my guess: No relief from income tax.
 s. E. Riser
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
As to Real Courtesy
(Eufaula Citizen)

The old question of hospitality and courtesy should enter into the present day life more than they do. we think. It used to be against good taste to become a mans guest and then criticize his hospitality one received. It is such a pity that this has gone out of fashion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

recalled that New York knows many ways of taking in more than is paid out. M
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

Now that warmer weather has come we may as we'll prepare for the next cold snap.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

While contemplating the amount of money New York guaranteed for the Democratic national convention, it is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23

"It was Harry Wright" the baseball historian tegs us, "who revolutionized baseball" And if any athlete ap- peared in ball yard today wearing those luxuriant whiskers there would be another revolution.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
For Reduction of Taxes

Continued increase in taxation discourages industrial expansion and employment of labor. The time is here when our tax bill should be gradually reduced. To bring this about the people must register ap- proval of men and measures favor ing economy and business adminis- tration of public affairs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-23
Foundation of Prosperity
 (Elorence Heraldl

The foundation of prosperity for Florence and Lauderdale county lies in agriculture. While other inter ests are of great importance and should not by any means be neg lected. agriculture is the one de pendable and ever-present resource upon which we must rely for. sus- tained prosperity.