davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
dhG2a2QlNSGlIEz
Fewer and Inferior Auto Accidents.

FeWer ana Inferior Auto Accidents!
 Herbert Hoover comes out for "big stick methods to cut down the number of auto accidents in the United States Careless driv- ing has reached such a stage in American cities that there is hardly citizen anywhere without at least couple of major fender bruises. You can tell whether a man goes outdoors much by the number of bumper marks on his body. ,.....,,
 Mir. Hoover has stepped from food control to boob control. He is fir speed conservation limiting all auto drivers to one lump of reck- lessness day may be expected at any moment.
 Twenty-two thousand six hundred people were killed by automobiles in this country last year. This figure will surprise most autoists. They had hoped to do much better.
 This, says Mir. Hoover, is nearly one-third the United States lsses by death in the World War. This makes logical the suggestion that the next war be fought entirely between auto- mobile drivers and pedestrians.
 California had the highest rate for auto accidents of any state in the union. They do everything better out there.
 Mississippi had the lowest. Due partly to the fact few Mississippians leave their front porches except under compulsion.
 It's strange how the possession of motor driven vehicle will transform a mans nature. Before he gets an auto he is the kind of gentle and considerate soul that removes his hat in an elevator full of men. After he gets an auto he is the kind of person that likes to see how many elderly women pedestrians he can frighten into nervous breakdowns.
 When drivers license comes in by the doorway the applicants, sense of fair play flies out of the window.
 "The nerve of that!" exclaims the auto owner as he comes down the main street at top speed.
 "What is it? asks his motoring com panion.
 That woman actually started to cross the street when l was only six blocks away"
 These pedestrians have no sense!'
 Lucky I saw her in time to slow down to 55 miles an hour."
 Look at that mother getting off that trol- ley with child in her arms She oughter know she cant do that without putting us to great inconvenience"
 "There oughter be a law compelling all pas sengers on trolley cars to ride to the end of the line before getting off"
 Certainly! It's women with babies that are the worst! I'm often as late as ten min utes getting to the golf club as a result of turning out for them"
 ''The strain is awful"
 Sure. It's getting so there's no pleasure driving car any m0re."
 Etc, etc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
RI1sINEss VERSUS POLITICS

Establishment of city budget Jn an intelligent and business-like manner IS no less important than living within that budget. To estimate properly the muni- cipal expenses for years period, allow ing enough margin to cover the cost of ordinary emergencies such as frequently occur, requires business capacity ana et- ficient administration. Birmingham from time to time reports deficits In It's sev- eral municipal departments, and often winds up with general deficit, to cover which flaoting-debt bond issues are called for.
 But the citizens of this community properly hesitate to vote such bond is- sues. especially in view of their convic- ton that, if administered in business like way, there are ample funds to pro- vide for the public needs. One important factor in efficient administration is the collection of all the funds which legit- imately belong to the city. This has not been done as it should have been, and therein lies one of the serious failures in municipal administration. Another factor is the establishment and main tenance of such accounting methods as will safeguard the people against dis appearance of the public funds through embezzlements. Only recently under duress has this been ordered. A third important element in administration IS elimination of waste in unnecessary sal aries and expenses where there IS little prospect of returns in public benefit. Herein lies the influence of politics in municipal administration, which is one of the greatest obstacles to efficient public service.
 By way of contrast another city's re- cent record in preparing it's annual bud get may be compared with that of Bir- mingham. This city operates under an efficient city-manager plan. The man. ager is not a czar, an objection which is sometimes groundlessly brought against the city-manager system. No czar per mits his salary to be materially reduced. Yet that is what was done in Norfolk in the preparation of its budget. The man. ager's salary was cut five thousand dol lars a year. The port directors salary was reduced two thousand dollars. Five hundred dollars each was taken off the salaries of the several directors of public works and public welfare. Other salaries were reduced and many jobs were elim- mated. Norfolk went out after an oper- ating margin of a hundred thousand dol lars and got it, which means that the city is being run on business basis. Included in the economies was provision that city employees who have to ride in city auto mobiles in the city's service can do so, but cannot use public automobiles for joy-riding, family parties and private service.
 Evidently Norfolk's purpose was to establish budget that will take care of all necessary expenses for the coming year and provide fair guarantee against an operating deficit. That is the adop- tion of business methods in municipal administration. It is the difference be- tween conducting city economically and running it politically. And that is one of the main differences between the city manager plan of government and other systems which develop political consider ations in place of business officiencY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
Watching The Parade
By JOHN PILGRIM

TUST happened to pick up old Izaak Walton,
 the Compleat Angler, on a boOkstand this J morning. I've intended to read him for years, just as have intended to read great many other books that threatened to be i'm proving Fact is that 1 run more heartily to nice murder stories than to literature. But Walton had something to say that caught me :
 There are offenses given" said he, "and offenses not given but taken"
 And in the vernacular of less refined age, didn't he utter a mouthful? I have an office mate who must be handled as carefully as though he were an egg and l a pair of tongs. Before l speak to him l mentally revise my Iforthputting. Once I said to him:
 You look well this morning." And he muttered and glanced at me sus- piciouSly and hours later came over to ask if he had not been looking well for the last few days My innocent little greeting had been fostering in his mind, and he had about persuaded himself that I had recognized an improvement in his condition. From which 1t followed naturally that his condition must have been below par. And he has the most unfortunately tenacious memory. He IS for ever raking up the dead coals of forgotten conversations. They were pleasant enough at the time, and certainly devoid of offense. But he has found an angle at which he can take offense. Then
 "Just what did you mean by!
 I'm not sure but the easy way to treat man like that is by judicious roughness:
 You talk like a fool"
 Perhaps harsh treatment would shock him into a realization of his folly in, as old lzaak would put it, taking offense where none was giYen.h
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
Christmas and Colds
By H. ADDINGTON BRUCE
By H. ADDINGTON BRUCE

CTATISTICS gathered by the United States Health Public Service and other
 agencies interested in health conserva- tion, leave no doubt that January, February and March are ordinarily the peak months for colds and more serious diseases of the respiratory tract.
 Weather conditions may have much to do with this. But there is another factor too commonly forgotten. That factor is the un- fortunate tendency of many people to overdo in various ways during the Christmas season.
 It is all very well to blame the catching of a cold to accidental infection by a cold causing germ. No doubt some germ, or some so-called fiterable virus, is directly responsible for every cold that ever was caught"
 But it is important to remember that the germ or the virus would readily be thrown were in first-class physical condition. And Christmas too often is peculiarly season when the organisms condition is permitted to become far below first class.
 No end of men and women, to begin with, weary themselves excessively in Christmas Preparations. No end of others, though per- haps they do their Christmas shopping and other preliminary activities leisurely enough, give themselves over-zealously to Christmas festivities.
 They eat infinitely more than is good for
 
 perhaps they dance to exhaustion or over indulge in a long round of other amusements in ill-ventilated, over-heated places.
 The natural, the inevitable result of fatigue, of over-eating, of understanding, and of per sistent breathing of air that is stale and hot, is a lowering of the resistive vitality If, then, cold-causing germ is encountered, cold will be caught" with a sureness that would not otherwise be the case.
 It will do no harm, it should do a great deal of good, to keep these facts firmly in mind during the next few days. It is pos -sbe to everybody to get full enjoyment out of Christmas without at the same time pre- pairing the ground for a blossoming of colds or other respiratory maladies.
 And certainly the discomfort-often the grave peril-that these maladies involve is pretty heavy penalty to pay for letting down the hygienic bars during the Christmas season. The temptation to do so may be great. It should nevertheless be stoutly re- sisted.
 Were it more generally resisted it seems safe to predict that the wave" of colds set in motion so soon after Christmas, and per sisting virtually until spring, would be much more attenuated wave than morbidity sta tstics reveal it to be under present conditions of Christmas carelessness.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

There are already statutes regu1ative of the concealed-weapons evil. The trouble is that the law is not effectively enforced. Many men go armed; but nothing is done about it until they kill or wound people on little provocation, and then the pistol toting offense is so overshadowed by the larger crime that nothing is done about it.
 The "feel' of gun in the hip pocket makes many person slayer who would not otherwise have been one. The gun toter is often dangerous person. The shocking homicide record in this country is in large measure caused by the pistol toting habit The most recent local shoot ing was due to it. Where one person is protected by gun, thousands are men, aced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

IN PROPORTION as a man is a true man
 he is a servant. The biggest word in the dictionary is Duty. The divinest of verbs is Ought.
 To grow up means to encounter respon- sfbility. The world is full of Peter Pans that is to say, of men and women who shrink from the burdens of maturity.
 But sooner or later to every one of us comes the Burden and the Task. We flee it, we dodge and squirm, but it pursues us, in- evitable and stern.
 The inner ear of each mans soul hears the voice of Life: Find your work, and do it '" Only by obedience to this command can he find peace. If he disobeys and by and by comes fate, with a persuasive word or with "grievous crab-tree cudgel," with tragedy and thorns or with nausea and weariness, and drives him to his place.
 The world is governed and kept going by a few strong instincts; but among these not the least is that feeling that cannot be sponged from the human heart, the feeling that T have work to do, and how am 1 straitened until it be accomplished"
 There never was more superficial cheap, and nasty delusion than that men work only for gain, and that if you take away wages and the hope of becoming wealthy all human kind would lapse into laziness.
 The contrary is true. No really good work was ever done for reward. The best work or the World, ana the greater part or the Worh of the world, is done for the same reason that children play; it is because men would be wretched without activity, because unless men produce, create, and play the mighty game of business they die of the worm.
 Work is the normal functioning Of the adult. Mankind builds bridges, bores tunnels, constructs ocean liners, erects skyscrapers paints pictures, writes books, and grinds flour because there is joy and health.
 A man with no job, with no part of life's burden accepted and carried, is no man. He bears the same relation to humanity that flies and snakes bear He is a curse and ap in- cubus.
 And is it not singular that one great desire seems to be to lay up enough money so that our children Twill not have to wOrk?"
 Let us thank God that riches have wings, for if they should remain fixed their leaden weight would asphyxiate the world
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION

In spite of the presidents rebuke to Secretary Wilbur for his emphasis on the need of liberal naval appropriation, the houses approval of the three hundred million dollar naval allotment indicates that MT. Wilbur has correctly gauged the growing belief that, if we are to maintain a navy at all, it should be adequate for our defensive purposes. MT. Coolidge very properly is trying to keep down ex- penses. The people appreciate his de- termination to fight all extravaganza. Perhaps his attitude will furnish the proper balance against any congressional or departmental tendency to wasteful expenditure.
 There are certain needs and respon- abilities of government, however, that all have agreed are unacceptable. The main tenance of an army and navy at an agreed minimum is one of them. Money spent on inadequate maintenance of either of these two branches of defense would be money ill-spent. It is not be- lieved that the leading officers of either army or navy are militarstic. Nor is Secretary Wilbur. Therefore, the ex- nenditures essential to preserve intact the salnimum purpose of our army and navy 5recede in importance the purpose of saving money. In fact, from the view point of economy, it is more economical to have an efficient than an inefficient result of public expenditure.
 It is probable that the senate will fol low closely the action of the house in this regard. Then the president will have opportunity to study the measure and, if he vetoes it, to make such recommenda- tions in connection herewith as accord with his ideas of economy while at the same time preserving the public purpose of ba paUy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
The Newly Dead

Sigh not for me; soar and pass Like thy swift shadow in the glass;
 I laughing run
 Beyond the sun, Beyond the ternal fires of night, To worlds of undestroyed delight;
 Sigh not for me. Remember me at break of day, And when the sunset dies away;
 Sigh not for me;
 A joy I'll be, A spring of coolness in the heat, A balm to heal thy bleeding feet;
 Remember me. Reginald Cripps in the Magic Grape
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

close of the present maneuvers in the Pacific. In fact, it is said that not only did MT. Kato rot say it, but that our gov ernment did not suggest that our fleet should visit the Japanese port.
 Perhaps the senate should make an inquiry into the causes of some very strange linguistic misinterpretations of the remarks of Japanese statesmen. We say, the senate, because the senate seems to have more leisure than any other unit of our government.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
MISUNDERSTANDING JAPANESE

It seems that lately our diplomatic interchanges with Japan have been ham, pered by linguistic barriers. The un- happy allusion by MT. Hanihara to "seri- ous consequences" if we passed the ex- clusion act was later explained away by the Japanese as not having the intent involved ip the American interpretation. Now it ppears that we have misunder- stood Premier Katos alleged statement that the Japanese had refused to allow our fleet to proceed to Yokohama at the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
Forum Of The People
Letter From Mrs. Owen.
tor of The Ape-Herald

To the Editor of The Age-Hera1d:
 I am in receipt of a marked copy of The Age-Herald of December 18th, sent from your office and am writing to thank you for the kind words of commendation which you so generously gave me on your editorial page: The Age-Herald has ever been the friend of the work which has been undertaken by this department and has ever been my personal friend and the friend of my dear husband during his life. For this service am deeply grateful esteemed journal a very happy incoming year. Again thanking you, am,
 Cordially,
 (MRS.) MARIE BANKHEAD OWEN. Montgomery, Ala, Dec. 20, 1924.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
Brief Nature Studies
70 ATTRACT humming-birds a lady liv
 ing near Lafayette National ark, Mount
By J. OTIS SWIFT

Desert, Me, made artificial trumpet flowers of tissue paper about small homoe- opathic medicine bottles, writes Chief City bottle. expertly Ridden in colored paper, had inside a constant supply of sugared water. The birds were continually lowering over these bottles. as if they were real flowers, and sip ping the sweetened contents.
 Under these circumstances the lady made a great number of closeup photographs of these and other birds. l wonder if the birds know the artificial from the real, the syn. thetic from the natural? At any rate they appeared well satisfied. and will probably be looking in the Brazilian forests for flowers approaching in color and shape these arti- ficial ones in Maine.
 "When one pair bred, they appeared few days later with their young ones over these artificial flowers. Last summer there were four scientific bodies represented at work in Lafayette ark--biologists, botanists ornithol- ogists and entomologistS."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
MY CHRISTMAS ON THE SOUTH SEA
 ISLES

MY CHRISTMAS ON THE SOUTH SEA
 ISLES
 By Dr. Walter F. TraprOck.
 shall never forget my Christmas on the atoll of Pao-Hao, in the far-flung isles of the South Pacific.
 The observance of Christmas there, of course, differs greatly from that of civilized communities There is no hanging up of stockings, for instance, for the obvious reason that stockings are unknown. But they have their own ways which are very charming.
 The weather at Pao-Hao on Christmas Eve was perfect. The center of attraction was the community tree This was gorgeously decorated with fish bladders filled with phosphorescent sea-water and rows of 1S- candle-power fireflies. But the most astound- ing thing was that the presents on the tree were alive They were actually human be- ings, the most beautiful maidens of the tribe, assembled by the chief and destined to be presented to the young men of which, at that time, 1 was one.
 The method of distribution was simple. The unmarried braves formed a circle under the tree. At a signal number of sturdy elders shook the trunk violently and the lovely presents came tumbling down. Each seized the man nearest to her and a wild dance followed. My prize was beauty, and up to the best South Sea Island specifications in every way. A great feast was the next event, which was followed by water sports. It was during these that the catastrophe happened.
 One of the terrible tidal-waves swept the atoll, separating me from the most beautiful present I ever received. I landed on another island and never saw her again, a sad, sad Christmas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
IS HE RIGuT

Judge Harris of Wilmington puts blame on lawyers who defend people who have violated the law The attention of the bar association is called to the statement of Judge Harris. He is in position to know whereof he affirms mittee seeking to rid the state of unworthy lawyers. While most lawyers hold to high standards, it is lamentably true that there are those right here in North Carolina who a,s as if their only object in life is to prcure acuittal of their disreputabe clients It is the duty of a lawyer to use every honorable means to see that his clients has the benefit of every legal right Beyond that no lawyer who respects the ethics of his profession has the right t go. Do they all stop there?- Raleigh News and Observer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
X STINUIANT

The only sure way to command good price is never to cheapen ones stck in trade
 4 Texas justice the peace received an inquiry from n neighboring city attorney in regard to il judgment that had been entered against certain client. II enclosed. a stamped envelope for reply. Some few days later the inquirer received a postcard bearing this information:
 Your inquiry duly received. I beg to in- form you that my time is highly valuable just now. Hay cutting is most nigh here, pjolitics is sizzling hot, and automobiling is mighty fine. If you would enclose a dollar bill it might stimulate me some. I paid two dollars nee to a lawyer for answering Il question and all he said was No. Wall Street Journal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

It is said that the White House break lasts are having a soothing effect upon many congressman. The woman of yore that she knew something of mans temperament when she advised Feed the brute."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

Foreign dispatches tell of revolving restaurant in Paris. It is suspected that the prices also make the patrons heads swim.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

The discovery of six thousand gallons of booze in a Chattanooga bakery con- firms the theory that some men will not live by bread alone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
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Who Is the Butcher?

Who Is the Butcher? Mrs. Huber Cover the telephone) "Is this the butcher?" "Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Huber: "What meats have you in to- day?" "Well, I have some good mutton. Then there's beef. pork; veal" "Stop. That's it!' "veal, eh? How much should I send up to you?' "Oh, didn't want to buy any. I was do- ing crossword puzzle, and it said a kind of meat so I thought you'd know. Thanks"
 David Elcombe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

It is believed that the holiday seaso can be duly observed even in the absenc of the mistletoe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

It seems that there are three general classes of people in Chicago-the crin,- inals, their victims and law enforcement officials who do not function.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

If the choice were left 10 mo. whether to have . free press . free government. Wouio choose a free press.-Thomas Jefferson
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

The activities in the shopping district of late indicate that most people believe in preparedness for Christmas whatever comes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23

Intelligence is said to be necessary for motor driving. At least, the driver should be able to read his speedometer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
The Only Calm One

Kyle: "Is your wife afraid when she drives the car?" Young "No, but everybody else is."
 Louise Foster. Copyright 1924 Reproduction Forbidden)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-23
The Christmas Solution.

Little Buddie was very bad, and was told that Santa Claus would not come to bad boys with nice presents.
 Thereupon he very confidently told his grandmother: You be good, Granny, and Santy will bring the nice things to you, and then I'll come round and play with them.'
 Mrs. l.. F. Denas.