davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
SUSPECT YOUTH IS
 VICTIM FOUL PLAY
Paul McSwain Disappears Three
 Times In Sixty Days

l For the third time within 60 days | relatives of Paul McSwain. 24. of Cen tral Park. have asked city and county police authorities to assist them in finding him. McSwan was last seen by his brother, w. 0. McSwain, 22O9 Sixth avenue. north. when they en- gagged in a conversation at Fifth ave nue and Twenty-first street Since that time his whereabouts have been a source of worry to his family.
 Two previous disappearances recently under suspicious circumstances led members of the family to believe that the third attempt to kidnap or kill him has been successful.
 McSwain's family are at loss to account for his actions. They believe he has some personal enemies who are seeking his life. Two previous apparent attempts on his fife were unsuccessful On both occasions McSwain was unable to give an account of any use to the detectives in finding his alleged assail- ants.
 McSwain disappeared the first time December 22. Several hours later he was found in the vicinity of Redwood in a dazed condition. He claimed that he had been chlorofOrmed and had no recollection of the circumstances.
 On December 21 he was found in a pond near the Sloss furnace in a dazed condition. apparently brought on by the application of some drug His story did not throw any light on the case
 He was picked up in the pond two hours after the alleged drugging
 Notice of reward has been posted by his relatives for information leading to his discovery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
BOND STRENGTH
 TO SHOW GAINS

NEW YORK, Feb. S.-(By Associated Press )-Stimulated by the favorable credit situation, the promise of political and trade benefits from treaties be- tween foreign nations and the ready absorption of new issues, the bond market will be unmist takably stronger the next week that during the past one, when many prices attained new high levels for the year.
 Revival of activity in foreign bonds WAS one of the outstanding features for the week. Following the consummation of favorable treaty negotiations be- tween Jugoslavia and Italy, considered helpful to commerce, Serbian 8s began an advance which carried them 10 points above the previous weeks low level, while for several days they led the entire market in activity. Partial explanation was found in the announce ment that net receipts from the govern ment railways In the first 10 months of 1928 were double those Tor the en- tire previous year, with receipts from government monopolies also showing gains.
 Liberties Make New High
 A widening demand for United States government issues accompanied the ad- vance of Liberty bonds and treasury notes to new high ground.
 The third 4Ms again touched par and the treasury notes reached a point considerably above. Rise of the so- called "Mellon's" was attributed partly to switching" operations because of heavy turnover in the second and fourth Liberty 4ias indicated resunp- tion of buying for British account.
 Heavy oversubscriptions of the $50, 1 900, 900 Southwestern Bell Telephone is- sue, establishing what was believed to be a record for quick sale, was regarded in bond circles as one of the most healthful developments in weeks. With subscriptions totalling about $4o0. .Oo0,- 900, the offering syndicate was forced to reduce allotments between 10 and 1T per cent. A smaller issue of Buenos Aires bonds was oversubscribed later in the week.
 Railroad issues displayed a strong un- dertone through the week. British buy ing, noticeable in Canadian Pacific bonds, was extended to other high grade obligations and helped to maintain the firmness of prices. Buying of the vorable developments of individual roads, with subsequent gains in issues of Seaboard and International Great Northern railways.
 New Financing Is Heavy
 New financing for the week again exceeded $100. 900 900, bringing the to- tai for 1924 to date above $4o0 ,000. 900 The principal offering was the South western Bell Telephone $50. 1000 900 issue of 30-year 5s at s3h to yield 5.44 per cent. Other issues were the $6, ,490, ,000 Buenos Aires 31-year 6hs, sold at 97; $6, 6,000.000 Continental Bag and Paper 20-year 6Ms at 96 to yield 6.S5 per cent. and $5,000, 900 Virginia Power 30-year 6hs at 96h to yield 6.75 per cent.
 Active competition among banking groups for the forthcoming Japanese loan were reported to have narrowed down to an agreement whereby J. P. Morgan & Go. and the National City company would head a nationwide syn dicate for the sale of an amount which might reach $100, ,000.0O0 Bankers to- Electric Electric Power corspsny % so.x.sr ~ Ss nt s1A to yield over 6.60 per cent, and S2,00o,o00 Ohio Power company 6s.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
HEFLIN RESOLUTION
 DRAWS TEXANS FIRE
Contentious Regarding Agricul- tural Conditions Called False

BROWNSVILLE. Tex, Feb. B. The Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce, representing 19 cities and communities; today adopted resolu- tion denouncing the resolution intro educed in, the United States Senate by Senator 'Heflin relative to the sale of valley land.
 Contentious made by Senator lief lin concerning adverse agricultural conditions in the Rio Grande valley were said to be utterly false" by the organization, which sought to justify its claim by citing that the valley dur ing the past year had produced more wealth per capita through agricultural operations than any other part of the south. fa% -'.s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
OLD BOOKSELLERS DYING
Lond0n's Dealers In Musty Tonnes Give
 NNav rn DnNA~Aoa

L0ndOn's Dealers In Musty Tonnes Give
 Way To Progress
 The second hand bookseller, de- scribed in many old British novels, is dying out. His shop was a storehouse of dust. The piled-up windows made the interior dim, and the smell was musty. Shelves and counter were full to OverfloYing, and untidy stacks of strange-lOokipg books filtered the floor.
 The bookseller himself was sure to be old, and bent, and wrinkled, and if he did not wear faded skull cap and a pair of big spectacles he was not true to type and tradition, says the London Daily Mail.
 London. in its byways. had many of these curious places. Every town in that provinces had at least one. The bookseller was known to a select cir cle. Men of letters, local writers, used his parlOr as a meeting place. Parsons in search of old tones of theology, scholars in quest of ancient treatises, antiquaries wanting rare local histories all made for the second hand book seller. He was mine of knowledge. He knew the insides of books as well as the outsides.
 Much Oe his peculiar business has gone. Cheap editions of classic works have deprived him of a great deal of his trade. The modern reader who re- quires a copy of "JOsephus," or Bos- wells Johnson" may purchase new gilt-bound copy for little. So why give much more for a musty volume hard to read because ifs" are used for ''s's?'
 The modern second hand bookseller has a brightly lighted shop. His stock is never very old. He changes it too quickly. He buys books in bulk and disposes of them rapidly to make way for others.
 He never wore a skull cap; he pre- fers gold-rimmed eye glasses to old-fash- toned spectacles. and he has no time to waste in his parlor with men who want only to talk about books.
 So the picturesque figure of the old bookseller is passing away. He was always to be seen when the library of some local mansion came under the hammer He was not a business man, measured by musty standards, but he had a keen eye for a find"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
SPRING REVIVAL
 IN TRADE STARTS
Majority Of Market Analysts Are Definitely Bullish At
 Close Of Week
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tuy Lsussu VII SSe-Hofutuj |.
 NEW YORK, Feb. 8.-The expected spring revival in industry has begun.
 At the close of the week which ex- tended over from January into the new month, the majority of commission houses/And market analysts were defi- nitely bullish. Those that were not con- tented themselves with issuing eau based on the well-known fact that prosperity, while general. is never uni form Or universal.
 The absence of pessimism in any : quarter was an outstanding feature. The textile industry, indeed, Is de- pressed, and banking conditions in the northwest are a bit uneasy. but neither and this applies also to the new crop, have the textile mills stopped, for, with a bearish increment of mild weather, ther fail to find any medium whereby they can pass higher costs and labor wages on to the ultimate con sumer. Still. both these situations are incidental.
 nished in the stock market Itself. For | time the market acted contrary and at variance with the usual stimuli, which were in more than ample sup ply. There was an almost universal bearish opinion as to what the dtrec- tors of the United States Steel corpora tion would do regarding the extra divi- dend. "It will be the same as it was in october--25 cents," the majority of market operators confidently predicted.
 The actual development was divi-, dend of 50 cents in addition to the regu lar dividend of SIPS. placing the issue on a $7 basis. And while the street "pooh -poohed" the night before 1t made haste the next morning to cover its short contracts. Prices went up with a rush and the market seemed in primary bull stage. Bankers expected the lid of discretion at least to be tilted. But toward the close of the week. chas- tened by the failure of the federal re- serve bank to reduce its fediscount rate, the market found a better boise, and In the final session was meek in it's ac- tien.
 Expansion of steel activity and higher pig iron prices. 2-s/
 The definite betterment in the oil industry, with crude oil prices contin- uously rising, and increment in inven- tories since the first of the year of s250, 900 000. more increases are expect ed. Motorists will find themselves pay ing top prices for gas"
 Record high car loadings for January in the third week.
 Capacity operations of the major mo- tor companies at the end of the month.
 The very strong position of the fed eral reserve banks and the, continued ease, with temporary variations, in the money market.
 United States Steel common getting to a new high in many months in quiet way.
 The broadening of thes bond market under the influence of an important and . substantial demand for all kinds of is- sues. The strong boxes of investors are more than usually full. All prime issues are snapped up quickly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
SIGNS POINT TO
 NEW EXPANSION
Steel Production Gains, Prices Are Firm And Buying
 Shows Increase

NEW YORK, Feb. 3.-(By Associated Press )-Among the chief topics of in- terest in financial and business circles during the past week were further signs 1 of expansion In the so-called heavy fn- dustries. Steel production Is again on the increase after the year-end-shut- downs. The United States Steel cor- poration is running its mills at 90 per cent of capacity, the best rate in several months. while the independent plants are working at something like 75 per cent of capacity.
 Prices moreover are firm and buying has increased. Steel makers are en- couraged by the greatly improved sit- nation in the oil industry. where prices are advancing rapidly. and look for a i strong demand for oil country goods. l They also have large orders from the | railroads for track material and rails. l Automobil manufacture and building construction meanwhile go on apace. Loadings Set New High Railway car loadings for the week ended January 19 amounted to s9S.O0o, thereby setting a new high record for any week in any January. This aharp recovery in loadings was interpreted as confirming reports of increased activity in other industries and as showing that
 
 merely to holiday suspensions. Great attention was given to the steel corporations earning statement for tho fourth quarter of 1923, and to the cor poration's action in declaring an extra dividend of 50 cents on the common stock. That tho latest earnings should have exceeded those for the third guar ter was a surprise.
 The explanation of the incrcase in earnings was found in the higher prices realized on shipments. It was pointed out that the corporation gradually has been working off the low-priced orders booked prior to last spring. Most, ob- servers assumed that the results that the cost of installing the eigh-hour; day can be absorbed on the basis of exist ing prices.
 Commodity Prices Firm-ae-z
 Commodity prices were firm. Cotton had a fair rally in sympathy with the market at Liverpool, where relief was felt over the end of tho railroad strike. Wheat prices "firmed up" further. the May future getting above $1.12. Sugar also advanced, Cuban raws reaching
 Only a slight tightening in the money market occurred over the end of the month and ease reappeared promptly. Expectations of further relaxation in rates were encouraged by the federal reserve bank statement, which disclosed further reduction in discounts and note circulations. The total earning assets of the ,sys- tenn which measure the volume of credit being extended to the country are now $225. .00o. 900 below the total of q year ago.
 A sharp rally in sterling was the center of interest in the foreign market At 4.36, the pound recovered almost 16 cents from the recent low. Japanese yen improved, partly on a belief that a large loan will be announced pres ently
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
HISTORY IN ADS

Growth Of Enterprises Shown By Dis plays In Past And Present Magazines
 If one would get a birds eye view pof America's industrial development ana Tn a sense. her social evolution, as well, he can do no better than make study of the advertising in long-Out- of-date magazines, says the Christian Science Monitor.
 It is an absorbing bit of research, Go files, and get copies of two or three of the older leading magazines of the coun- try for the years. say of 1890. 1893. 1898. 1900, 1906. and 1914. In the Advertising columns you may trace the evolution of the American country house and all it's furnishings. You will zee the hiarsis hegin ana end
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
ASKS DIVORCE ON NEWS FROM
 ROOM OF WIFE

CHICAGO. Feb. 3.-RadiO is the newest route to find out wheth- CT wife loves her husband. Wal ter C. Pearson told Judge Friend, in asking for a divorce.
 "l rigged up dictaphone set, attached it to my radio apparatus, and then a friend and myself sat and listened to what was going on in my wife's bed room," Pearson testified.
 What we heard broadcast ca used me to break into the room and I found the star bOarder there with my wife"
 The judge indicated he would grant the divorce based on radio sleuthing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
TO EXCHANGE STUDENTS

NEW YORK, Feb. 3.-Approxi. mately $20,0OO will be awarded this spring to American students who are granted fellowships in Scandinavian universities, it was announced today at meeting of the trustees of the American-Scandinavian Foundation Prof. William Hovgard of the Massa chusetts Institute of Technology was appointed chairman of a committee to administer an exchange of 40 students between American and Scandinavian m universities. Applicants for fellow ships must submit their qualifications to the foundation before March 15, it was announced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
BACK AGAIN
Officers Recapture Alleged Negro
 Lawbfeaker

George Tindall, negro, said to be in dicted under four counts for burglary and larceny, who extricated himself from jail four months ago by inper sonating another prisoner, WIS rear rested by Deputy Sheriff John Jones Sunday.
 Tindall escaped trial the first time by answering to another mans name who was released on bond for gam bling. Officials felt at this time that the release was reached through n pre- arranged agreement between the pair but were not able to prove theil charges.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
WEEK OF RISES : IN COTTON PRICE Much Talk Heard Of New Bull Campaign With s Centsy
 As Goal

NEW ORLEANS, La, Feb. 3.-It was one long, gradual rise ip cotton last week, the market making its lowest prices on the opening session and its highest prices in the late trading of the closing session when March stood at 34.04c. March closed at that figure. October rose to 27.90c and closed at 27.S6c. Last prices were 56 to 91 points net higher on the week in the spot department. Middling gained 50 points on the week and closed at 34 cents a pound. On the close of-this week last year middling was quoted at 28c. Total sales for the week in all southern spot markets officially quoted were 66, ,459 bales, against 2,200 the preceding week and 40,430 this week last year.
 Much talk was heard during the week of a new bull campaign, with 35c- as its objective. New buying was based mainly on a better foreign demand for American cotton. The export movement continued large and predictions were heard in spot circles that the total of clearances for the season would prob that not so long ago would not have been listened to. The total of exports up to Saturday night was 3,866, ,947 bales, against 3,242,25 to the same time last year and 3,462,S63 to the same time two years ago. On the close the market was helped by claims of-a better de- mand for cotton goods in domestic markets and by the recognition by England of the soviet government.
 The rise was maintained in the face of the most favorable weather over the belt in many weeks. During a good part of the week dry weather pre- vailed In most sections and tempera- lures were much more moderate than they have been. At the end of the week the outlook was for continued favorable weather in the near future, and reports were beginning to come in from here and there in the cotton region of much more rapid progress with farm work. The weather will be closely watched during the week to come, but opinion on the long side seems to be that favorable weather is not as potent an influence as improvement now ap- parently under way in at least some branches of world trade and the great est interest of continental Europe in American grades in cotton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
MIDCETS EAGER
 TO VIEW GULF
Will Visit Roof Of Age-Herald Building Monday To See
 The Sights

Children enjoying the warm sunshine Sunday afternoon in rides and stroiis with their parents saw that the Ter minal station was an objective at 20 o'clock, when 25 tiny men and women, entertainers from Lilliputia's music 'alls," arrived in Birmingham from At tlanta to make ready for their stay at Loew's Bijou theatre this week. Little Miss Birminghams and Mas ter Birminghams too. tugged at fathers and mothers hand in order to secure advantageous positions from which to watch the members of Roses Royal Midget troupe detrain and enter the tonneaus of six touring cars, which carried them to their quarters in the vicinity of the theatre.
 The pint-size folk enjoyed their greet ings from the children, and they en- joyed the ride through the warm Feb ruary air and theo wide, attractive Birmingham thoroughfares. The stars of the show-Hansi Herman, Ilunka Blazek, Henry. Paul and Bruno Glauer, Joe Smith, Princess Lucille, Prince Pani and Prince Hardi, to say nothing land circus performers and the ten jazz Duuu1tlcu dH imhCuhatC hA- ing for the town.
 To Visit Age.Herald
 They all wanted to know when they would be given the opportunity to visit the Age Herald building, and were de- lighted when told that Monday noon would find them in it-and on it, for they are especially eager to look over thet city from it's roof. When told that the cunning Prince Pani was a trifle confused in his geography in the mat ters of seeing the Gulf of Mexico from the Age-Herald building roof, they were not at all put out, and said a good view of the Mississippi river would satisfy them.
 Its the tallest building in the world, isn't it?' asked Paul Williams, p inches high.
 How about seeing Muscle ShOalsT' piped Princess Lucille, another diva, who stands 31 inches high in her inch and three-quarters French pumps, and who reads the papers regularly.
 When finally put right about the geography of northern Alabama, Hansi Herman spoke up for the troupe, "A good view of beautiful Birmingham will be just about the best ever, but want toss see the big presses. The midgets, who range in height from ? to Al inches, were all smartfy dressed. Hansi Herman, prima donna and modiste of the troupe, sees that the nine women are the last word in the mode of the moment. There are sixteen mn, most of them swanking it with eight inch canes and puffing big cigars almost as long as their arms All are European vaudeville artists of reputation, gathered for this tour by I. s. Rose, best known of all Americans engaged in European production in the theatre. Mir. Rose spent p years abroad and managed many of Europe'a greatest stars.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04

as in the end they must, that the sta bility of their currency, its very exist ence as unit or value at all, depends upon French credit. French credit is impaired, we think hopelessly in any circumstances so long as France re- fuses to recognize her obligations to her allies.
 Shrinks From Monetary Abyss
 The French have cried most sav- agely against the bolshevists because the bOlshevists repudiated Russia $ foreign debt. Lenin and Trotsky knew what they were doing. They may be sorry now. but that is beside the point They deliberately set out to destroy both Russian credit and Russian cur. rency, the former by repudiation, the latter by the printing press. They have succeeded, and France having followed the footsteps of Russia and Germany to the edge of the abyss into which those nations have toppled, is now shrinking back from the edge. NJ Polncares measures to save the ftanS are good, in so far as they go they are necessary; but it is even mnre es sential, l. the present improvement Ii to be maintained, that he or ais SEC cessor throw over the present Freacl foreign policy, and recognize the debt, incurred to save France from the fat, which Prussianism had in store fol her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
HUBBARD BROS. & co,

Orleans Cotton E1chnnRs. New York Pso- duee Exchange. AHAecIated Members Lit- srpool CottsW Asa0eiH ton. Orders solicited fer the purchase and aaie of CStfon and Csitea Heee on for futuss delivery. BpA. elAl attentleB and ilbernl teygaA elxea lNl s.l--@e s.-ss-s~y . esass@ ssAAe4sa bs- AASsvw9r
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04
DROP OF FRANC
 HELPED FRANCE
English Writer Says It Restored Republic To DiplO-
 matic Sanity

Editors Note: Following is another of the articles by Sir Charles Ross. Bart. noted British publicist. carried exclusively by the United News. In this he dis cusses the effect of the fall of the franc In French policy and points out the way ay aste
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04

There will pass in review before you a whole cycle in the art of printing
 This stage, set for the motor car, will portray in a complete drama it's entrance, it's transformation. its tri- umphant domination of the scene. Many gigantic 0,000-candlepower advertising appropriation of today can be seen slowly. cautiously feeling it's way along twilight road; first guessed by faint auroral flushes sent out from quarter-page displays
 The pages themselves will increase in steady arithmetic progression. parallel with the growth of the average Ameri- can bank deposit. No treatise or text book could present more graphically the phenomenal industrial metamor- phOsis of the United States and the al terations in national tastes, desires, and wealth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04

Many varieties of rare hardwoods are found in the Philippines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04

Nearly two thirds of the coal con sumed in Chile is imported.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-04

By the time this column appeals in print the writer will be on the first leg of an extensive tour of leading in dustrial centers throughout the south. The trip will include such centers as Jacksonville, Tampa and other places in Florida; New Orleans, Houston, Fort Worth. Dallas. Memphis. Bir- mingham, Atlanta. Charlotte. Greens bcro. etc. The new south can boast of much that should interest the rest of the country.
 Copyright, 1924. by B. c. Forbes.)