davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
SERVICE COMMISSIONS POLICY

The militant and aggressive policy of the Public Service Commission of Alabama of protecting the public welfare against rate aggression is again exemplified in the Mo bile gas rate case. The commission notes that "when the company was contesting a rate case, it's sworn statement for 1922 showed a net return of only $131, 1,515 on a gross of $462, ,469; while now, when the con cern is seeking to issue more bonds, it's statement for 1923 shows a net return of $167,107 on a gross of $458,127." While not making any definite charge, the com mission evidently infers that the purpose of the figures may make some difference in the showing. That there should be a larger net earning on a smaller gross income is in itself a pertinent subject of inquiry.
 The Public Service Commission, in it's new personnel, is one state body that appears to be functioning in the manner intended by law. Where formerly the commission was too prone to regard itself as a court to which cases must be brought, it is gratifying to note that now it regards itself as an active agent and defender of the public right. It there fore originates cases as we'll as considers those brought before it. Such a twofold function is unmistakably the intent of the law under which the commission operates. The commission deserves the thanks and confidence of the public for its attitude to- wards its high public trust.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
Watching The Parade
Isy JoMN JstEGM1ag

There are three good things about this story. The first k that it has double action sort of moral. Transpose the he studied to advantage by many husbands as we'll as many wives. The second is that it is true. The third is that 1t isn't moral story at all.
 TT. Whirlpool Paine has just died" l said over the morning paper. "Rich, sue cessful and happy"
 Full of years of dishoner," replied the partner of my breakfast table. "Will you ever forget how he treated hia wife?
 can remember T. Whirlpool when he was first making name for himself. His wife had that stern quality without which no woman makes good school mistress. She kept Paine's nose on the grfndstone. She did it for his best good, of course, for she was convinced that unless she applied the pressure T. Whirlpool would lift his pro boscis with q happy whoop and skim away into fields of daisies. She kept the bank account in her own name. When he got homo at night he had to pass an examination in three branches:
 ''Where were you today?'
 "Who did you see?' e D
 What did you do?''
 4uSy uAu tWO CAuULCup anu sAb WAo uCL hope to paddle them through all the known colleges and then die leaving them inl afflu- ence. She impressed this hope on T. Whirl- pool, who was by nature happy little man with sunny disposition. She had all the virtues. With the most leudable intentions in the world she treated her husband as something between bad child and q profit able slave. She kept close watch on his eating and drinking, for when his digestion suffered his capacity for work dwindled. No doubt she also loved him. When he deserted her, and signed over to her every penny of property that he possessed, every one said, quite properly, that he was a miserable hound. .
 His second wife was not at all the admir- able person that his first wife was. Only, fin his last hour, and not knowing that death was upon him, T. Whirlpool kissed her. He eaid:
 "I love you."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
A NEW KIND OF "ExAN,"

Professor Loves of Harvard, who lets his students bring their textbooks into the ex- animation room, has the right idea. He tests mentality not memory. He doesn't want studepts to clutter up their minds with facts which they can get out of any reference book Bring the textbooks along," he says. Hook at them all you like during examina- tions; am testing the critical faculty"
 It is much more difficult, of course, to set an examination of this kind. And it is harder still to mark the papers according to one of those official marking standards which de- light the bureacrats of pedagogy and are the bane of all good teachers.
 Examinations and marking and grades and standards and all the rest of the claptrap ap- paratus which obscures the true purpose of education may be necessary evil for young sters who have to be wheedled and threatened. But college men are either beyond that or they should not be in college.
 The worthwhile examinations do not test what a man knows, but how he knows it. What he knows for examination purposes he is likely to forget. The way he knows it re- veals his mental quality, the strong and the weak side of his brain. Every examination should be an intelligence test. The results of such tests will help men to choose the way of life for which they are best fitted Brooklyn Eagle. -------------
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
The Right Word
By CURTIS NICHOLSON
"One" Is The Subject

OHO AS 1H6 SuUtCcG
 (Find the error in this article)
 To Boyd Summers, Prosperity, S. C.: The word one. is the subject of, the following sem tence and consequently the right word Is the verb is (not are): One of f'ftwo things is correct. s@ h.ds9F
 Subject Of Has Succeeded's T. y To E. A. M., Richmond Hill, l.. T.: Who (not whom) is correct in the following sen- tenee: I've enclose herewith a. letter re- ceived in our mail today from John Smith, who, you will note, has succeeded to the business of John Brown.
 Gratifying
 In connection with the recent test. l.. F. l.. Gonzalez of New York writes as follows : "I have to admit that in your last test I did not even get passing grade. Perhaps be- ing Filipino and your test was given in English, that is what was to be expected. My last failure, however, did not discourage me at all. On the contrary, am following your column more closely than ever before, and l can only say that it greatly benefits my knowledge of the English grammar "iS
 Twenty.TwO
 What does twenty-two represent? 'oIt is the number of those who had all sentences correct in the last test and whose names have already been announced. Were yoti one of the twenty-two, or was you one of the 9 per cent who had one wrong or one of the 29 per cent. who had two wrong? Those who had three wrong comprised 19 per cent. four wrong, 6 per cent; five wrong, per, cent. Only one person had seven wrong.
 Yesterdays Error
 Wrong: point out some other errors which she has observed. . .. Right: point out some other errors that she has observed ....
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
GUIDING CoNvICT.LEAsE EVIL

Students, of prison conditions representing penal reform commissions or special commit 1ees of organizations concerned in such work visit Alabama from time to time making ob- servations and taking notes for formal re- ports to headquarters. Some of these reports are favorable, some otherwise. B. Ogden ghisolm of New York, recently appointed by President Coolidge as American representa- tive on the international prison commission, lately made a round of Alabama penal insti- tutions and was quoted as being enthusiastic oyer conditions as he found them. He was highly pleased with what he saw of adminis- trative methods and conditions at Kilby prison. His report confirms many others bearing on the good conduct of that institu- ticn.
 Mr. Chisolm would find, however, that it fs not easy to convert the great majority of the people of Alabama to his view of things Attthe mines in this state where convicts are worked under the lease system. He is thus quoted in this connection: T visited sev- eral mines in Alabama where prisons are being worked, and found conditions good This system is ideal. All convicts should be allowed to earn something while doing their line.''
 To be sure they should, so that innocent members of their families would not have to suffer because of crimes committed by those responsible for their support That the con- vict lease system is ideal, however, does not harmonize with the action of every state in the Union except Alabama to abolish it on the ground that it is a relic of barbarism, sEockingly brutal, injurious to the state and wholly at variance with the principles and Yrrponea of modern penology.
 Mir Chisolm's report of highly favorable conditions he found in mining camps where the convict lease system is in force arouses the suspicion that he saw them on parade. The history of the iniquitous system in this state, including the many revolts and out breaks of violence arising from burdens and treatment which are the inevitable results of the system, does not bear out his view. Leas- ing the states helpless wards to industrial in- ferests to be driven to the limits of human eiidusAnee for private gain Is vicious in prin- cible and contrary to either humane or scien- fific principles. The lease system is a stigma On the fair name of Alabama, and on its of fensive record is founded the overwhelming sentiment of the people of Alabama against it.
 MT. Chisolm said that he was told that o0iitics has not been allowed to creep into the prison system of this state. Such de- sirable condition cannot be applied to the convict lease system, which has long been saturated with politics of a very unfavorable character, including favoritism to special in dnetries In fact, the system is founded on and perpetuated through a vicious brand of politics That is one reason why it has sunk so low in the scale of enlightenment and humanitarianism.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
OPINION OF CANNED HV1sIc

There IS an enormous difference of opinion about the value of mechanical music It is never so good as the individual performer. l had always rather hear a great singer or great pianist than hear their whirIine records. But when mans presence is i'm possible, the disc is a good substitute ; though piano records are the least satisfac- tory. l have never heard a piano repro duction that did not sound tin-panny The late Professor 'Horatio Parker, whose stand ards in music, as in everything else, were both lofty and uncompromising, had ansabso- lute contempt for all substitutions, A col league on the faculty once had the stsn6erity to ask Parkers advice in buying n player piano; and Parker replied in witIiering tones Why don't you consult. a mechanic?'' From "As I Like It." by William Lyon Phelps, in April Scribner's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
The Important Prune
By S0NN cARLYLN

You who may have been spending the win ter on the Pacific coast have come back or you should come back, with new respect for the lowly prune.
 Despite the fact that most people think prunes come from boarding houses, the fact is that the prune country of America Is found in the three states of California Ore. ron and Washington. The rest of the prunes that go to supply healthy nation arc i'm. ported from France.
 San Jose, one of the best known and most beautiful towns of California, Is known. East and West, for many things. It 10 q favorite with both tourists and home-fclks, but those who konw it best know that 1t is more famous for prunes than for anything else. San Jose is the heart of the prune land.
 Prunes came to America from Italy nearly a hundred years ago, though the sort that tables, too-was brought from France in 1854,
 Even now, though winter has not yet melted into spring, the prune trees are in blossom Prune fanciers arc looking for q biz crop. If the weather is not all that 1t might De the experts will warm up the or chards with wonderful heaters which burn oil. They will save our crop of prunes for us.
 Then will come the sunshine and warmth of middle summer. The ripe fruit will drop. Hundreds of thousands of prunes will be laid out under the sun. They will turn dark brown or black and then the folks back East will have a new supply of pFunes to joke about. Boarding houses will be supplied for another year.
 How little we know about some of the commonest, most familiar things in the worldl Many of us would never. hear about prunes if it were not for vaudeville or the humorous weeklies. Yet here is a great industry, growing greater every year,
 You who read this have probably never thought about going into the prune business. You may not know anybody in that business. And you. may not know anything about that business. Yet there are hundreds upon hundreds of people giving their lives to 1t. And there are hundreds upon hundreds of people giving their lives to other kinds of work just at prosaic, just as dull and commonplace.
 The world cannot be operated by major generals or musicians or poets or stock brokers alone. There is q deal of dull work on earth.
 And the saving grace of life and folks liei | in the fact that there is simething for every body to do, and everything that is useful is gloriously worth doing.
 More power to prunes and prune-growers
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
REPORT THE FORD RESOLUTION

The effort of the friends of the Muscle Shoals measure now in senate committee is to prevent further deliberate and premedi- tated delay interposed for the purpose of defeating it by that delay. The measure, incorporating the Ford offer, comes before the committee for formal consideration next Tuesday. Testimony for or against the meas ure will be dispensed with if possible, be- cause there is the general impression that such testimony would be waste of time, as the committee has already heard long and tedious arguments both pro and con. If the committee will ever be competent to pass on the measure one way or the other, it is competent to do now.
 With his usual directness in going to the heart of the subject. Senator Underwood on Tuesday said "'The bill passed by the house is a proposed contract. It is the business of the committee on agriculture to consider that proposed contract with an idea
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

doubt that the throngs taking part in the demonstration and cheering Ludendorff were for him. But there is a question whether the great majority of the people, who were not present, d, mot hold the contrary view. There can always be assembled in any city a mob that will cheer or groan according to it's leadership. Perhaps that is the kind of crowd through which Ludendorff trod with such martial arrogance, seeing that the shadow of the law under which he had pre- viously cringed was no longer athwart his path
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

of voting it up or down, not of amending it. For that reason alone there is no re- quirement of testimony and there never has been. The extensive hearings already in- dulged in by committees of the two houses were productive of no material benefit.' The Ford offer is before the committee. Let the committee report it at once either favorably or adversely, and let the senate itself give it whatever prompt consideration and debate it calls for. To accept or reject the measure by recorded vote is frank and open process. But to permit it to be strangled by opposi- tion and delay Is to fail in the senatorial duty to the. public. It is not believed that the senate will find it necessary either to alter or to reject the bid. The public welfare urgently demands it's prompt acceptance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

In view of the amount for which the. Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power Com pany's properties were bid in by the new own CTS, what the people are chiefly interested in is the future cost of lights, power, gas, steam heat and street-car transportation. That is a matter which intimately concerns the pub lie welfare. After many years of patient waiting the public is still hoping. It re- mains to be seen whether their hopes for relief in service and costs will be in vain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
TRUE SYMPATHY

Lawyer: What! Ten thousand year to your wife if she marries again and only five thousand if she doesn't? That is un- usual!"
 Client: 'Yes, but you see, think of my successor He deserves extra !''-The Passing Show, London
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

The senate committee has approved a twenty-five per cent. reduction in income taxes payable during the current year. But the year will perhaps be over before the two houses traverse the weary route to final en- acfnont
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
HE WON'T ADMIT ITS IMPROVED

It IS the contributor to newspaper who first learns how many sentences can be cut out to the great improvement of an article.- Ashland Times Gazette.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

The country is greatly surprised to learn that a liquor ring operating in the city of Washington has been detected. It must require bootleggers of unusual hardihood to operate in the very shadow of the frown of the nations lawmakers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

One of the best things that could be offered for the public welfare at this time would be assurance that developments from the oil probe will be properly followed by the right kind of grand jury activity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
LuDENDoRFF STRUTS ONCE MORE

O
 The Munich court failed to convict General Yudendorff of treason for his participation in the Bavarian rebellion. A light sentence was also given to Baron Hitler, leader in the enterprise. In the minds of people outside of Germany the result is not an acquittal for 4he general, but dereliction of the court. Eudendorff rebelled against the established government and was guilty as charged. The court was ineffective 'as an agent of the authority of law and of the government which created it. Ludendorff went forth amidst popular acclaim, which may or may net be significant of the popular attitude in Garmany or even in Munich. There is no
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

It becomes more and more apparent that the function of public highway is to serve the interests of the people, and not to pro- vide neighborhood or individual benefits
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Just as the movement for the elimination of useless noises was getting some momentum, along comes the rumor that a third party is in process of organization.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Spri-pardon the coughing-sprng is ustaminute-ker-cho
 Our best people, back from Palm Beach are appearing in public one more with clothes on! The squirrels are coming out, in the parks! Harry K. Thaw is coming out in Pittsburg! Straw hat styles are coming out in full page advertisements!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
THEY WILL sooN pEfART

"Here we have just moved in, every thing unpacked, and friends calling" .
 "Put them to hanging pictures. Louis vile Courier-J ournal
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
you GAN BET ON THAT

If the Democratic convention lasts month somebody will go broke but it will not be the hotel keepers.-Pittsburg Gazette Times.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Sprig-close that window lis here!, iS The earth is throwing off its winter drab- ness, the girls are throwing off their petti- coats and the weather forecaster is throw ing off the usual indiscretionsi Organ grinders are playing in the streets, nurses and policemen are playing in the parks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
The Once Ouer
Entitied Hook Out For Frosts..'' '
By H, I. PHILLIPS

t 35sSpr1ng IS hefe! :, ---7 T '
 The first pair of crash knickerbockers was seen in the ssburbs yesterday! Robins, ten his players and alawn.nhower sharpehera we're heard singing in the country thisa morning
 Crocuses and suburban real estate dealers were seen poking their delicate little heads above ground everywhere within the, past AS hours! 7 S'~ si
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
Spring is--achoo-oo ,-here ,

Cretonne is down to> 30 cents a yard {! There is revolution in Honduras Furni- ture sales are flourishing everywhere! Bryan has celebrated his sixty something birthday 1! and signing important business letters Hove and kisses"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

In deciding to make fight for his throne by wireless, the king of Greece has appar- | ently learned the wisdom of Safety First"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
Snring is herei

Native strawberries are reported in Win sted, Connecticut, native green peas are re- ported through the eastern states and9native liars are reported seen and heard in all regions covered by the vernal equinox!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03


 fhrDERlcK l. THOMPSON. ;. .. PRESIDENT iss NEWS BUREAUs-washinGton.s 500 Davidson Nnilding: State Capital. Montgomery Journal Zutldtns; Tennessee Valley. Decatur Daily 8ufidinc; Tusoaloosa, News Building; JAspsr. Meuntsin Eagle Building: Anniston. Star Build t1x; oedsdsn. Journal Building: Muscle ihoals. trf-cities Daily Building. s9. sUDscRIPTIoN RATEs-By naaiL payable edvaneA. in United States and Canada; Daily anA Sunday. one year. ssoo; six months. t<.eo; xeSes months, t5.ak; one month. sSc. Daily oply: o1s ysar, e&So: six months, Sa.5s; three ucnths. si7s; month. 7So. Sunday oniy: Qne year. s3.So; six months. eLSe; three months, 4tcs enc month, 2S. ,By carrier. where carrier delivery is main. tAtreds zoe pss week, $50 per napth. MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRnSS-The Asseciated Press is exclusively entitled to :hs 1es fer publication of all news dispatchea ereditsd to it. or not othewisA credited in this r4per and also local news published therein. An rights of repubiication of special dispatches sre also reserved.
 a Telsphgpe (private branch exchange connect. eEg all. departments), Main 490o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
THE AGE HERALD


Dptsfsd ct Biruing ham, Aia.. pest office a sse- .11e.eisss matter. set of Congress March ., 1878.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
Sprig, ith heh {!

Sprfg, 1th heh! te
 Boat owners are dragging out their boats People in general are dragging out their blood medicines! Babe Ruth has socked out two homers in one game! The actors are talking of strike! Firpo says he won't fight any more no matter how big the purses are! A blizzard is predicted within A hours!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03
The Alabarl1.a Press
0pIaIsns si 0thsr Edltsrs

Money To Burn.r-If Greene county makes cotton this year in proportion to the fertilizer 1t has bought we will have money to burn in the form of gasoline. Greene County Democrat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Sprig ith--d-it! who opened that door?- here!
 Flappers are talking to themselves! New golf club promoters are talking to prospects ! Summer cottage agents are talking to whom it may concern! Nature poets are talking to "my great unseen radio audience ]"
 Sprig ith heh (Where's that handkerchief, Lydia?'
 A bluebird has been seen in Maspeth, l.. l.! A royal flush has been heen in Dayton. Ohio! An early spring cucumber has been seen in Uittston, Pa! An honest man has been seen (unofficially) In Washington D. O. s1ga
 Spr-pardon--ker-r-r- r-rchoo- -oo-oo.OOgti is herei ,t3
 Monograph stores are playing new records with the front doors wide open Tired busi. ness men are sitting at their desks with their mouths wide open! taa
 Prohibition enforcement agents are dancing into cabarets with their hands wide open!
 Bobbed Haired Bandits are singing. the Song of Love! Safe-crackers are pausing in their work to compose ballads of the heart to Liz and Agnes! A police sergeant in a west. ern city refused to heed a mans cry of 'Murder!' the othef day until he first found a word to rhyme with Hove" 4sta'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Scout Movement In Gadsden. 7adsdei soon will see what Scouting means to tn boys, as well as to the girls. The Girl Scou organization is operating in fine shape, an, the Boy Scout council has some big plans ol foot for an active program this spring an, summer.-Gadsden Journal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

Has Best Traffic System. -Birmingha has the best and most successfully operate, electric-block system in the business section of any city in the South. If you doubt il watch the traffic in other cities.-Huntsyill' Star.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-03

managers have begun contest of the presi- dential. primary in Alabama on the charge of fraud. We fail to see what can come of 1t except some embarrassment to Mir. Under woods interests if it is brought before the national onvention.-Livingston Southern Home.