davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-12-28

In one of the picturesque and col
orful rituals of the Roman Catholic
Church the holy door of st. Peters
cathredal in Rome was opened last
week after remaining sealed for %
years. The ceremony is repeated at
quarter century intervals and marks
the beginning of a year of pilgrimage
when more than one million Catholics
come to Rome to seek inspiration. The
Pope officiated at the ceremony.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-12-28

Withdrawing of her troops from Co.
logne by January 10. which is provid-
I'd for under the Versailles treaty.
The delay is understood to have re-
suited from reports that Germany Is
persistently arming, contrary to
other provisions of the same treaty
Germany, on the other hand, denies
that she has failed to abide by the
treaty's requirements regarding dis
armament.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
GEORGE RANDOLPH CHESTER

The nation loses distinct contributor to its wholesome enjoyment in the death of George Randolph Chester, creator of those two fictitious but amiable scoundrels, Blackie Daw and Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford. There couldn't really be two men just like that, yet they did nothing that wasn't plausible or that was impossible. Their games of good-hu- mored film-fam were cleverly thought out by the author. while their humor, good tenn per and obvious burlesque redeemed them from any harmful effect upon readers of weak character who are so guarded by well-mean- ing censors of these latter days. Wallmgford and Blackie Daw were interruptions rascals in many ways but they were also charitable and good-hearted. In real life, they would be unbearable and not to be countenanced but in fiction, they form a new. distnict and val uable type. It is fortunate thing that the good in q mans writings does not perish with him. Mir. Chester's stories will amuse the world for long time to come.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
The Personal Force
By JOHN CARLYLE

It takes 231 persons working F months a year to bring one member into the Methodist church. Bishop Theodore $. Henderson of that denomination itemizes the man force in this way:
 Che minister, working F months. Ten official members of the official board, working F months. Twenty officers and teachers in the SUn. day school, working r. months.
 Two hundred members Of the church Ntik- ing twelve months.
 Notwithstanding the great number of crurches wita their many officers and teach CTS, the gain in membership in this denomi- nation was only about 10000 in the year 1923. Although the distinguished bishop does not say so, he must feel that this is an in adequate return for the forces which he emu merates.
 In this respect the Methodist church, of course, is no different from any church or from almost any average organization The essential weakness of organizations lies in the failure of joiners to do their full part.
 It is easy to join organizations, societies, clubs, civic bodies, and to feel that when we have put our names on the, rolls we have dis charged our reasonable duty. It is easy enough to pay our dues and to vote faye" or mo" with the other members and to go on record that 'it be tine sense of this organiya- ton that we do this and that" But carrying out in individual action the corporate prom ises that we have. made is quite another matter. ,2 Until members of societies ara willing to accept personal responsibility for the pur- poses and actions of their organizations the organization will not and can not function.
 Do you suppose that if ten members of the official board of a church plus twenty Sunday school teachers and officers plus q membership of two hundred really worked at the job. there would not be more than 0n. person added to the church in a year? We Americans are generous with our money We are willing to pay for hired workers to do our tasks and we feel pretty good about it when we have done so. But we Americans very much like other human beings-finL it simple and easy and pleasant to pass the buck.
 We lean against the organization to which we belong. Instead of leaning on it we should be holding it up. To get the sense of per sonal responsibility for corporate acts is vital.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
DIVES ENDORSES OCCUPATION

Those in this country who have Sympa- thized with and approved the French Occu- patton of the Ruhr now find General Dawes supporting them with the declaration that. if the French had not entered the Ruhr .here would now be no committee outlining plan of separations payment. According to Mir Dawes. year ago, before the French oc- cupatiOn. the German government was will ing to continue payment of separations but the German induStrialists who hold the wlip-hand, financially, were not willing. Now, after one year of occupation and in- dnstrial silence ill the Ruhr. both the Ger lsts are willing, even anxious. to resume separations payments if only that will free the Ruhr of it's depression.
 It appears that the occupation has also proved to France that collection by force would be less satisfactory than collection by agreement, with some modification, not in the total amount. but in the terms of pay ran and should pay. just as the French EnOw that she can and must pay. But Gen frai Dawes has no prejudice to distOrt his Judgment and so he is carefully working on plan that will satisfy France without px- Ieedine Germanys capacity. It appears that lhe French are evidencng unbOunded faith In General Dawes capacity and in his good lntentionS. This faith is revealed both in Ghe utteranccS of the press and in the de lates in the French legislative bodies The Germans also look to Mir. Dawes as de
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
COURTHOUSE AND REAL VALUES

Prices paid for properties on Fourth and Fifth avenues, according to number of recent sales in the northern section of the business district, indicate tendency towards develop ment in that direction. The First Christian church property at Fifth avenue north and Twenty-first street. brought something over $125. .000. or around fifteen hundred dollars q foot The church building will be taken down to make room for stores. The Progress sive Farmer site on Fourth avenue, which is one hundred by one hundred and forty feet with il building d hundred feet square. recently changed hands at | price which is announced to have been about double that for which it was sold little more than a year ago. Property on Fourth and Fifth avenues and streets in that vicinity has greatly advanced in values, as recent prices show
 With a tendency towards development northward from First avenue. the condition representing natural growth, rather than a shifting of locations. and with the steadily increasing values apparent from prices paid the real and potential value of the county courthouse property, already in the center of development and located as to command every practical advantage, involuntarily en- lists the public interest. The more sales of property in the ncghborh0od at prevailing prices. and the more careful analysis eiren the situation, the harder it is for t5e citizen making comparisons to understand why the board of revenue should Seriously consider offering for sale the county courthouse prop.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
Watching The Parade
By JOHN PILGRIM

Not long ago Bob Bartlett, ,swho was captain of Peary's ship. told of the part he played in the admirals final and successful attempt to reach the pole. Bartlett wanted to get to the pole. too. Of course he did. But at the last moment, almost, with the pole only a few days away, with success at last in sight after years of trial, Peary told him to go back.
 I'll go alone," said Peary. You return to the ship
 Bartlett did not protest. He was in the Arctic to do the job. His particular part of the job was to get back to the ship, see to it that it was safe, and wait for the pole finder to come back. That was what he had been hired for. Personal feelings were not permitted to intrude.
 'I'd have felt mighty cheap" said Bart lett, Eff l had gone on to the pole and then come back to the base to find the ship had drifted away. l wanted to be help. Not a menace"
 Not so many can play the game like that. There is a bit too much "self expression nowadays, and not quite enough discipline and sense of duty Another name for self expression is selfishness. It may be q good thing for a child at kindergarten to be per- mitted to bang another child oyer the hea1 with book. That is self-expression, and the other child is at liberty to respond with a slate. But it may be doubtcd if either of the self-expressers have the E,akins Of Bart lett in them.
 Maybe orr grandparents used the. gad a bit too much. It may be admitted that the child who is improperly punished does not profit by it. The self-expression there WAS on the side of the elder. The schoOlboy who talks back to his mother is expressing hi;n- self. of course, but the expression is not pleasant. Other folks think of him as nasty little cad. The girl who calls her fla ther back number" is quite right, accord pose the discipline her ;ather refus.d That sort of thing does not make Bartletts.
 My father was boss, said Bartlett. At seventy-three he still is boss. He takes ship to the ice for seals this winter. He couldn't do that if he were not boss"
 Discipline by that sort of boss made the sort of a man who, with his life's ambition in sight, was strong enough t) do his duty
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
Forum Of The People
BRYAN AND PROHIBITION
the Editor of The Aee-Heraid:


 There are two classic expressions that 1t seems to me, fit the case of W. J. Bryan, yizs; "Afethinks he doth protest oermuch." aifn Consistency, thou art a jewel" He has been going up and down the state like roaring lion" proclaiming what a fine prohi- bitionist he is, and how "wet" he alleges Sen ator Underwood to be. We'll, I am old enough to remember when he was a member of Con- gross and how he made the walls of the House at Washington ring with his orations about "the crime of '73, which demonetized silver" but no one can find q word in the. Congress sional Record of that day from bis lips de- lending prohibition, nor did he offer any bill in Congress seeking to make it the law of the land I also remember how he stood one night in the old Winnie Davis Wigwam in Birmingham with an umbrella over his head to keep him from being "wet" by the rain and read from yellow back copy of Coins Fi- nancial School practically verbatim the famous "cross of gold'' speech, with which he short time later stampeded the democratic conven- tion in Chicago into the egregious blunder of nominating him for the presidency; but not a word did he utter against the liquor evil, although at that time there were over POO saloons in Birmingham. Only a brave band of ladies of the Woman's Christian Tenn perance union, a few preachers and some of us lay temperance people (who practiced as well as talked temperance), were raising our voices in an effort to drive out the liquor business.
 Bryan certainly dominated the democratic party for sixteen years, for it gave him three nominations, only to go down in disastrous de- feat each time, but there is no record of, his ever having requested or offered plank in the platform favoring or demanding prohibition. Why was this mighty Achilles sulking in his tent when the need was so great for this re- form? In the early fights to make Birming- ham and Alabama dry, when Mir. Bryan says Mir. Underwood was so wet, if he had any kindly feeling for the crusade in which we were engaged, he never manifested it by rush. ing into the state and campaigning for the cause. The real answer is that it was before the Baltimore convention. when the Under wood delegates prevented Bryan from realiz- ing his hope of fourth nomination at a time when it was inevitable a democrataswould be elected President. That was the Nnpardon- able sin. which Bryan has never forgiven. s
 His open and aggressive espousal of the cause of prohibition was not manifested until the tidal wave came that made the nation dry, and then, like many other opportunists, he be- came a lfamboyant champion of the cause of sobriety. and following a lifelong custom he busted the driver and took the reins in his own hands, obviously seeking his own polit- ical preferment. But you can't fool all the people all the time" and there is no trouble for the honest seeker after the truth to dis cern the voice of Jacob, even when camou- haged by the falsely veneered hand that seems to be that of Esau JOHN W. SHELBY.
 Birmingham Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
M. BRAND STEPS FORWARD

...' Aristide Briand, former premier of
 rrance, who represented his government at the Washington peace conference, is standing again for re. election to the Chamber of Depu- ties, hoping that thence he may step back into the premiership. If Poincare's policy has been marked by apparent militarism
 Briands speeches reflect the opposite ten dency. Poincare's first act was occupation of the Ruhr, which Briand hesitated to exc cute, a hesitation which cost him an adverse vote On the eve of prospective French with drawal from the Ruhr, and in reply to wide spread criticism of Frances alleged military leanings, Briand's program of peace is sus- piciously opportune. The candidate depre- cates the false idea that seems to have gone forth regarding the French militaristic spirit, and declares that Frances real desire is for peace that when no war is forced upon her France will never fight; will never be the az gressor. That is doubtless welcome mes sage to the French people just now. who are laboring under the quadruple burden of reconstruction of devastated territory. of war indebtedness of military upkeep, and of or dnary expenses of government. Perhaps Briand will put it over, for he has way with him, as was revealed by his eloquence at the peace conference. where he made the most moving speech during the entire period O. that gathering. However, it is not overlooked that M. Poincare's occupation policy Is Win ming out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
Wrappers Sel.. Goods
By wICKEs wAMBOLDT

A man was displaying disreputable look ing cat he had bought. He explained that il was genuine ATigora, but it had been singed A few people-not many-knOw genuine An goras, even though they have been singed. And few people-not many-can appraise lat sight a human being. regardless of exte- rior appearaneRs =
 The managSH Of large corporation em- Fpioying marS agents was asked by shab- billy dressed woman for a position. After talking with her while he told her he would give her a place, but said, as he gave her q glance from head to foot: You will have to get into some better clothes"
 The woman replied frankly that all the clothes she had in the world were on her back. The manager studied her thoughtfully for a moment and then said, "Ill take a chance on you. I believe you'll make good" He wrote out a check and handed it to her, with Get yourself some clothes and report tomorrow morning. You can pay us back later;s'
 e That woman eventually became field man. ager for that company. She got her chance in spite of being down at the heel, because she met man who could judge human val ues. But there are comparatively few of his kind. < Two men were discussing third. Said
  pression if he would pay more attention to his personal appearance" ra4 2 "He doesn't have to- said the other. h"He is worth half-million dollars" Y
 Generally speaking, that is the oply' kind of man who can afford to neglect his personal appearance, the man who has already made good. Most of ns grade man at first blush by the way he gets himself up. We may do this consciously, we may do it unconsciously, but we do it, nevertheless. It works to a mans advantage if lie is pleasing to the eye. The sharper, whose game lies in winning con fidence, usually gives much attention to grooming himself.
 A man of unattractive appearance may be pure gold; but we could not sell pewter plated $20-gold-pieces at cents apiece. And few people would pay us anything for dia- monds in the rough.
 A young miss of my acquaintance spoke a proverb when she declared with emphatic dignity, Appearances do make such a diff ference in some people,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
The Song
CD. G, B. in Savannah News)

The feathered songster sang a joyous lay That thrilled thousand hearts one day And fioated out and thralled whole worlds breast And carried sweetness, and-rest. They never knew the song was merely meant For one wee bird-mate. not for thrOngs intent.
 II. A poet breathed tender sentiment That straightway to a thousand warm hearts went. That stirred to melody the slumbering mute, And lured to music many love-strung lute.
  But they knew not the poets simple song Was for one soul-mate, never for the throng.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27

The finance subcommittee of the general citizens committee to study bond issues has recommended limit of 3,1OO,OOO for the city to assume at this time for school and other purposes now under discussion. It IS interesting to note that the finance committee has suggested that two million be designated for school expansion, seven hundred and fifty thousand for library, one hundred and fifty thousand for fire protection, and two hundred thousand for completion of the auditorium The public is grateful to the committee for this examination of pressing civic needs and the present financial capacity, and believes that the committee has discharged faithfully and we'll the responsibility entrusted to it.
 To the thoughtful the program and distri- button of the proposed bond issue appear erninently sensible. To be sure, the amount designated for schools does not cover the all ticipated requirements, but it is recalled that all the proposed construction cannot be un- dertaken at once, and there is the intention later to call for additional authority to issue bonds when needed. The library might as we'll be provided for now as any time, thus insuring it's earlier improved service to educa- tion and to the community. As to the ad- .s,bility of improved fire protection there can hardly be valid objection raised. That it is imperative for the city to protect lives and property to the fullest extent is scarcely to he denied. That such an obligation can safely be deferred is hardly to be contended. The completion of the auditorium is in the interest of public convenience and public economy. Already the city administration has made itself a laughingstock on this project, and there is.indication that the reputation is de- served.
 :. This community is sufficiently intelligent to perceive the wisdom of a sound plan, and is enlightened sufficiently to indorse the plan if properly presented. The citizens com mittee has won the gratitude of the commu- nity, as will be revealed when the matter comes to 8 vote.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
IN BEHALF OF UNDERWOOD

To the Editor of The AgeHerald:
 It is certainly great pity that such men as Woodrow Wilson have to pass out and leave such men us William Jennings Bryan here to stand in such noble statesmen's way as Oscar w. Underwood. l have known Mir. Underwood since he made his first campaign for Congress. and l have never known him to break Il promise, political or personal. Mir. Underwood is n man that has never been afraid to tell the truth and let the world know where he stands and when he said that he would use his power and influence in en- forcing the prohibition law the country knew that it would be done. Mir. Underwood is man of honor and statesman Bryan is politician and Breck Musgrove has money, so it is very easy to guess the rest. I thank God that 1 live in state that produces such men as Underwood, whose record as citi- zen and as a statesman stands above reproach. If the democratic party will stand by Ala bama s favorite son in the national convention in New York Oscar w. Underwood will slow Cautious Cal where all of the oil peddlers belong. FRED w. VAUGHAN.
 Belle Ellen, Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
DRIVING WHILE DRUNK
Chicago Tribune)

Two men convicted of driving while intoxi- cated were sentenced in the speeders court to five days in the Brdswell. Some weeks ago.
 in similar cases. thirty and sixty days and more were the terms imposed. The men did not hit Ray one. They were merely taking all the chances in the world Justice has a sliding scae 1t slides all over the place. That's one reason the automobilist is driving likt wild ail over the place.
 l inan got drunk. took rife and began shooting np crowded. street, people would think be was H murder6s,s maniac, and ought to be eut nway for tiff, He might not hit any one, tut there woull be panic and the subse0uen ira gnat tiou ,uld be considerable A drunkea mnt diNiag ..n automobile might as well he sh ting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
Modern Maids Maxinls

Love is butterfly on the wing; marriage is butterfly caught. chloroformed and placed on exhibition--dead.
 Since life consists of very many little mo- ments and very few great ones, the average women, when she evinces preference for su- perficial charm, instead of solid virtue is but seeking the greatest good for the greatest number!
 A mans egOtism is like the common or gar den sweet pea the more vigorously woman chops it back the more vigorously it insists on Towering
 Why a wife grows old faster than her hus- band: Because Sunday is his day of rest and her day of preparing the weeks most elab- crate meal, of keeping the children at home and reasonably quiet, of spontaneously" en- tertaining all the people "Out with the car, and we just thought we'd take chance on finding you"
 That radio widow who complained that her husband spent his time listening to the wild air waves instead of to her didn't know her luck. Most husbands make their wives listen, fan
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
SATISFACTORY
(Boston Transcript

@--. (BOst0n Transcript)
 f;So you want to marry my daughter? What is your financial standing?"
 Well air, I've figured out every exemption possible; I've had the best legal advice that money would secure; I've done everything I could do to dodge it-and I still find that l ean not~eseape paying an income tax q ?.
 Take her She's yours. AN .z
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27

.erty at such low figures as were first an- or at any present price. This, of course, assuming that the board has the right to dispose of the property at all, which is not undsputed N%a { More surprising still has been the evident desire of the board to go ahead on q hurried schedule and decide the new county court
 house project without an expression from the people. As the situation now stands the board appears to be up in the air about what to do. Lack of public indorsement of the suggestion that the new building be erected on new site should give the board serious pause. There is businesslike way in which the mnch-needed new courthouse may be achieved. Until the board finds that way the people
 will hold their opinion in reserve. They may
 even seek to eject to this responsibility men who will more fully measure up to it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27

A contemporary suggests that pictures of the country's four greatest men should be conspicuously and widely published in group form. There is a suspicion that already sev- eral hundred are sprucing up with self conscious look
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
THE BIRMINGHAM 1AGE-HERALD,

livercr tAd restorer of prosperity. Perhaps it is not necessary for the general to remind the Germans that they brought it all on themselves. Perhaps they realize that. The General will have completed his task when lie outlines feasible program which the French will accept and the Germans can carry out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-27
CONFUSED, BUT CONFIDENT

' W HbHIIBIUH SIHTJ
 Aren't the ideas you recently expressed a little Utopian?'
 Maybe" rejoined Senator Sorghum. But we have people of all nationalities out our way, and Ctopian's vote is just as good as anybody else s'