davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
NEED FOR NORMAL TRAINING

According to the state educational authorities, for the first time since the World War the supply of school teachers in Alabama is adequate. The situation means that the teachers and positions are equal numerically, and has no bearing upon the extent to which the teachers are trained for their work. It is frankly stated, however, that many of the schools are taught by persons whose academic training is not sufficient to guarantee such instruction as the boys and girls in many school districts are entitled to.
 Just here comes the importance of the work of the normal schools. If Alabama is to emerge from her comparatively low status of education, teachers must be properly trained to render the proper service. The real hope for relief lies in the normal schools. A teacher may be we'll equipped, so far as concerns the possession of knowledge, and yet be a failure in imparting that knowledge to the pupils. Here is where the normal school affords valued aid. The normal schools train teachers for their special work. There is need for more liberal policy by the state in supporting these teacher-training institutions. They offer that practical drill which is most eff IecLlV6 III Il6 lIlSIIuCIIOH O1 ILC yOuCAA' And they are, therefore, entitled to more generous consideration in the matter of appropriations. There is an increasing demand for trained teachers all over the state.
 The inadequacy of many of the public schools in the state, including junior and senior high schools, is a reflection upon Alabama for its failure properly to sup port the normal schools. AIabama's per capita expenditures for educational pur- poses are about one-third of the national average, while no state offers more op- po1'tunities for those who have been taught to think along lines of efficiency. There is need for more schools, more teachers, better teachers and better paid teachers in order for the state to take it's proper place in the forefront with other progressive states.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
NEW CEMENT SOURCES

Two features of the cement plant to be erected by the Phoenix Company in New Orleans are unique. One is the utilization of oyster shell as the lime base for the product, and the other is the utilization of the silt pumped from the water-supply reservoir of the city. AL though freight rates have been cited as one item in the decision to locate the plant in New Orleans, it is altogether likely that the other two factors are of more economic importance to the com pany. It is understood that the company has an exclusive contract with the state for the oyster shells and with the city for the silt accumulations. The municipality
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
Indians In The MOUies

In these days of putting history into the ''movies' by using scenarios based on famous events and characters, it is interesting to learn that Indian students are recording in mo- tion pictures the ceremonies and manner of living of some of the vanishing Indian tribes. In North Dakota, this summer, Dr. Melvin R. Gilmore of the Museum of the American Indian persuaded the members of the Arikara tribe not only to perform the Mother Corn ceremony and other dances, but to establish a typical village of the old days on the plains, in which were gathered materials pertaining to the old tribal life. 1nasmuch as Dr. Gill more has been studying the customs of some of the tribes of the northwest for many years, he was able to bring to this work of recon structing the past thorough knowledge ot old time conditions. ...r
 It is particularly interesting that the h. dians themselves co-operated with hlm Tn every way. T found they wanted their-
 customs preserved" he says. Such is the diff ference of most of the older Indians who are the last custodians of olG traditions and leg ends that their willingness in this case can only be attributed to the knowledge that the work was being done not to exploit bu to keep alive the old customs. It was evidently clear even to them, that motion pictures oi Indian ceremonies made by a great lnstitu tion like the Museum of the American In dian were to serve as permanent contributions to the history of the Indians and of the coun- try-New York Times.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
POLAND AGREES TO PAY

In spite of the analogy of the bad ap- ples in the barrel spelling the good ones, it is evident that Poland's proximity to Russia has not spoiled her good faith. Although Russia has repudiated her hon. est debts, Poland has just concluded an agreement with the United States in ac- cordance with which she will repay the $179,565,O25 she owes us. The period of payment will cover period of sixty two years, with interest. The Polish min ister explains that the delay has been due not to any hope of Poland that she might escape her debts, but to the fact that only within the last six weeks has she brought
 her currency back to the gold basis and
 has thus only recently been able to enter into a valid debt agreement. Lithuani a has also approved an agreement of simi- lar nature, which will be consummated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
nNCE MnRE THE WALTZ.

The waltz the dear old waltz, is coming back. The news comes from London, where the spirited strains of "The Blue Danube are once more finding a place on ball room programs. Age is remembering the waltz with delight and is glad to hear it, youth loves to meet its challenge to agllty ana grace. Any one may fox trot, but only the elect can waltz ssN&
 It is high time that real dancing come back into favor. The return ofsthe waltz is a beginning. The elimination ot some of the wiggles that pass for dancing will nat urally follow. And why not a return to the more varied ball room music of the yes teryear, with barn dances, waltz' two-step one-step, redowa, schottish, tango, reel lan' cers german and Quadrille alternating!
 Dancing teachers are missing an oppor- tunity They should resurrect the old steps and give them new name. Of course, it takes better musicians to play waltz just as it takes better dancers to perform it, but once it returns to favor every one will learn it.-Brooklyn Eagle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
MAKING GOLD OF QUICKSILVER

The Scientific American is directing an experiment seeking to convert quick silver into gold. Theoretically and chemically this is an easy transition, the quicksilver atom supposedly containing one more eectron than the gold atom, which has seventy-nine. The process of transmutation is by bombardment with alpha particles or other means to knock out one of the eighty electrons from each quicksilver atom, which would at once become a gold atom. The pro cess is analogous to that of knocking out one of the moons of Saturn by hurling other planetary bodies at it. The atomic theory now widely accepted holds that all matter is akin, different elements differing only in the number and ar Irangement of the electrons and the com position of their nuclei, around which the electrons are supposed to revolve on fixed orbits after the manner of satel- lites. A nucleus with one or more cleo irons constitutes an atom, an atom ot any element being theoretically change able into an atom of any other element by addition or subtraction of It's cleo irons with their consequent lnterorbltal arrangements. Hydrogen has the sim. plest atom,- consisting of nucleus ana one electron. The others have more according to their complexity, and are chemically classified in an ascending atomic series.
 A European experimenter announced some time ago that he had succeeded in this process of alchemy, or of changing one element into another, and other scientists have been hopeful of similar success. Scientifically, this would be triumph. Economically, undoubtedly the discovery of process of producing gold at a cost less than the present value of gold would cause a disturbance in the money systems of the world. If the production came gradually, perhaps cur rencies would adapt themselves to the change without panic. But if the pro duction came suddenly it would be for time catastrophe. Perhaps it would be we'll for economists to teach the peo- pie in time that true wealth is not gold but merchandise, property and the ca pacity to produce, the harnessing of hu' man enterprise to surrounding opportu- | nifty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17

very soon. Thus, one by one, the nations of Europe step to the mark that history has shown to be the only honorable poli- cy, namely, the full acknowledgement of indebtedness with provision for payment.
 It is problematical how soon Russia will be forced to rescind her debt repudia- ton in order to come into good and regu- lar standing among the governments of the world. Ultimately, however, she will have to come to it, not because of any definite coercion, but because in no other way can she win the confidence that is the basis of international intercourse and commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
Watching The Pdrade
By JOHN PILGRIM

M ,as x!sa :ss:. looked at me over the morn, .s. said
 Write her," I replied, that we have no spare bedroom"
 But we have" said my truthful spouse.
 Not for Mrs. Orimond Sheets," said l. Because the last time Mrs. Orimond Shets visited us she sat habitually in my easy chair and combed her hair. Then she put the combings in my ash-tray, and the next time spilled cigar in it smoke arose like the burning of Troy.
 "Only a very selfish man would say that, ' said my wife, sternly. Il am ashamed of you! To think that you should grudge her the use of your chair! And what if she did put her combings in your ash-tray"
 Just this, Mrs. Pilgrim" says l to the spouse Just this. That's the sort of a dumb-bell I do not want for house guest. man or woman who has no more common sense than to commander the favorite chair of his or her host-or who is so thick in the crust as not to have learned in forty tumul- tuous years that hair and live coals do not mix pleasantly-is not the sort of person to have around the house."
 And that is where stand in the matter of Mrs. Orimond Sheets. She might have Byron beaten as a poet and as a philosopher leave Plato looking like peanut cook. She might be more beautiful than Helen of Troy and have better taste in dress than the Rue de la Paix. But when she does not know enough not to be a nuisance. l do not propose to have her as a nuisance on my premises. could put up with indifferent morals and a high polish on the nose better than l could with hair in the ash-tray. '
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
CHEST DOES MORE; COSTS LESS

Up to the time the Community Chest was adopted as a system for taking care of worthy charities there was much com plaint of the cost of administration, which, of course, reduced the percentage of funds actually devoted to charities. Because of this heavy expense many peo- pie hesitated to support deserving charity in Birmingham, while others curtailed their donations.
 All that has been changed under the Community Chest plan. While under former plans the cost of administration ran all the way from fifteen to twenty five per cent. of the amount received, the total cost during the first year the Com munity Chest plan was in operation was four and five-tenths per cent, and there was no complaint of the expense of ad- ministration. Not only did Birmingham show a minimum of expense in dispensing charity funds; but it's record last year was far below that of most cities where the Community Chest plan is in operation, and where the cost of administration runs from six to nine per cent. of the whole.
 Thus those who give to relieve worthy charity in this city may not only rely on a minimum of administrative cost, but they may be assured that the funds pro-
 
 three agencies in an equitable manner according to the needs in each case. In other words, under the Community Chest system careful accounting is kept of all the funds dispensed, and the total fund is intelligently placed where it will do the most good.
 The cause is altogether worthy. The duty of those who can afford to give to this cause is plain. There will be much suffering, including that of helpless chil- dren, unless the people of Birmingham share small part of their prosperity with the worthy needy. The medium through which charity is dispensed under the plan is not only so handled so as to provide the maximum of relief, but it protects hundreds of business men from frequent solicitations for aid which they have not the time to investigate. It is business system of collecting charity funds, and the most practical way of administering them that has ever been devised. There should, therefore, be a generous response.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
The Right Word
A CONTRIBUTION.
By W. CURTIS NICHOLSON

So many versions of the sentence on the Belgian hairdresser's achievement with human hair had been submitted that recently "The Right Word" invited it's readers to submit other curious sentences or paragraphs.
 Accepting the invitation, I. F. H. of New Rochelle N Y., has written as follows
 Following is the contents of a clipping from newspaper sent to me by friend ln Pennsylvania You might consider it for some future use should your hairdresser dye: 'The New Reporters First Effort"
 GA man killed dog belonging to another man. The son of the man whose dog was killed proceeded to whip the man who killed the dog of the man he was the son of. The man who was the son of the man whose dog was killed was arrested on complaint of the son of the man whose dog the man who was assaulted had killed.'"
 The First Is Correct.
 Muriel Yaeger, New York City: "1 should appreciate your informing me whether we or he is correct in the following sentence:
 "If it were not for an inherent governing means in every man, we (he) would literally burn up."
 -AnsweF: eve" is correct.
 M. c. Ladd of Chicago has submitted his version of the Belgian hairdressers accom- plishment Without halt is called on the publication of these versions, the Belgian hairdresser will never find his way out of print. However, here is the one just received from MT. Ladd:
 "Of human hair, a Belgian hairdresser has woven a thirty-by twenty inch picture of a black-hull -and-red-funnel steamer on gray sea-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
Chasing The DeviI
A. MONG the venerable bugaboos for whose A domnfan xua mav xueen ;s tha Devil
By DIR. FRANK CRANE

A. MONG the venerable bugaboos for whose "A downfall we may weep is the Devil. Once lord of good part of the earth. and of the greater portion of the realm of thought, he has been driven from one field after another, and now has few dark corners in which he may hide.
 He once owned the mountains, and wild and unruly men fled to his court there. The gloomy ehasms of the Alps were his. Now the pleasure seekers threng them, and poets find divinity among them -.-.
 "The horror of the sacred woods' was the radiation of his malign influence. People feared forests. That day has gone Modern poets write of the woods as Gods temples. We are friends of trees, plant them and hold Chautauquas in them.
 The wilds of the ocean belong to him. Co., lumbus's sailors thought surely they were headed directly into his clutches. Steamships have driven him fro mthe waters. The North and South Poles have been uncovered. America and Australia are not inhabited by ogres and monsters, but by ordinary folks not unlike those in Europe.
 | Time was when science was the devils own. If man knew how to make an explosive, to predict an eclipse, or manipulate chemicals he had devil. If you were to go back thou sand years ago and exhibit to the people of that time photograph, steam engine, or trolley car, you would certainly be burned as one who was in league with Satan. Leonardo da Vinci narrowly escaped being mobbed because he made a barometer, and knew so much generally.
 | Men were afraid of steam that burst their kettles and scalded their fingers. It was mysterious enemy. Now they use it as great friend and servant. Ever since. Eve first boiled eggs in Paradise, steam was on its knees praying to men that it might be given chance to serve them; and they ran away from it.
 Electricity has likewise been flashing and roaring in the sky and thrill all earth, eager to help us. We thought it was the Devil who wanted to kill us.
 When children were "Bad' we beat them, to drive Satan out of them. Now we study them, for we know that all that ails them is our own ignorance.
 We used to stone epipleptics and drive in- sane and feeble-minded out of the city be- cause they "had a devil" Now we try to cure them. -4
 About the only places left for the poor old doctrine are jails and penitentiaries. There we still cling to the good old doctrine of the Dark Ages that all criminals are possessed of devil.' Little by little intelligence is busting the devil.doctrine even from these fastnesses.
 Far be such heresy from me as to say that there is no Devil. Only he is being chased from the world of life as the pirates have been driven from the high seas
 Perhaps the crime of many a modern "un- believer" whom we accuse of not believing in God, consists in his not believing in the Devil But for this uBfaith he surely has some grounds
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
JUssERAND FOR FRENCH ACADEMY.

If the good will of his American friends could accomplish the result Jules Jusserand. French ambassador to the United States. would return home to find election to the French academy awaiting him as the climax to his distinguished diplomatic and literary career.
 A movement is said to be under way D bring this about in the election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Anatole France. Election is accomplished by vote of the surviving members of the academy. His claim to sit among the French "immortals" is based not only on his fine diplomatic serv- ice to his country, but on his literary achievements as we'll, particularly in the in- depreciation of the institutions and literature of English speaking peoples for his own coun- trymen.
 Ambassador Jusserand's long service in Washington, and his sympathetic interest in America have established a firm friendship not only for himself but also been power full influence in the maintenance of our friend ly relations with his country. His host of American friends will hope with all their might that this great honor may be conferred upon him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
Winston Churchill.

Winston Churchill is like the prodigal son returned to his fathers home. The tories are falling over themselves to welcome hlm back in the conservative fold. One writer in the United States even wishes him well in his political campaign. Still, for the sake of the British. people, it is to be hoped that Mir. Churchill is never again saddled with too much responsibility. During the first days of the war he conceived, as first lord Of the admiralty, the relief expedition to Antwerp, which did not accomplish a thing but burden the Belgian armies fighting for thelr hves. The British force promptly marched into Holland and stayed interned for the aura tion of the war. The next ambitious scheme of Mir. Churchill was to send the Anzacs into GaIlipoi. After the gallant Antlpodeans had lost in the neighborhood of lSG,ooo men men whole thing was called off. MT. Charehlll had changed his mind, MT. Churchill IS N,im an sibility resting on Britain for the outbreak of the war which was preceded Dy' years o1 armament, rivalry and commercial eompen- tion, as Mir. Macdonald affirms there ls' there can be little doubt that winston Churchill shares prominently in that un- enviable glory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
Helen

When her first white hair Helen noted in her mirror, Suddenly her heart stopped beating; Cold with terror
 She looked round but then, Seeking no one there, in anger Plucked it out, and on the hearth-flames Would have cast it But in Paris came:
 In his arms he took his Helen "Why so pale, my deathless beauty? Troy shall perish
 Ere one single thread
 Of this golden hair grows silver" Of this golden hair grows silver" Sadly Helen smiled: Alas! Poor Troy is doomed then.' ~ Never" Paris cried
 Need Troy fall" But Helen opened Her small palm and sighed: Already, See, 'tis fallen" .. R. c. Trevelyan in Nation and t h e Athenaeum.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
EDUCATION WEEK

An urgent call for Education Week, commencing November IT, would seem to be unnecessary in America where edu- cation means so much in efficiency and production. Every week should be Edu- cation Week, so far as concerns support of educational programs. Yet much good will result from the concentration of the public mind upon the great and increasing benefits of schools. The week is expected to bring before the people in an impressive way the great need for more educational facilities, and larger appropriations of the public revenues for the proper training of youth.
 The American people attach more value to public education than ever be- fore. They regard it, not as luxury not in a sentimental aspect, but as g practical necessity. The youth who is properly trained to work more efficient lv possesses an indestructible personal and community asset. Other things be- ing equal, the trained youth IS far better equipped for the duties of life, and makes far more rapid progress in his field of service than the youth who lacks such training.
 One of the most important benefits ot education lies in the development of bet ter citizenship and better government The schools are a contributor to patriot ism, civic worth, clean politics and ef- ficient administration of the public af- fairs. Where the schools are properly supported there are more character in public life, greater safety in the public affairs and higher standards of citizen ship. Where the schools receive proper public support there is greater efficiency in the development of natural resources and improvement in farm life and rural conditions. Where the schools have greater popular sympathy, there are greater prosperity and higher standards of living.
 While the country at large has made progress in the improvement of public education during the last few years there are states which have not accom- plished as much as they should have done because of the lack of proper financial support. Alabama is one of them. Espe- cially do the rural schools of this state need more generous public support. There are too many schools in Alabama which need more comforts, better equipment, more capable teachers and better paid teachers. Special school taxes voluntarily assumed by the citizens have been of much service in the i'm provement of school conditions, and this is commendable in the citizens in that 1t demonstrates the value they attach to education But the state also owes it to the boys and girls to see that they are provided with proper educational advan- tages, beyond the public schools. Full appreciation of the value of good schools in Alabama is one of the acute needs and would be one of it's most valuable factors industrially as well as politically
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17

Tear gas will hereafter be used in con trolling mutinies in prison mines and other penal institutions in this state. No doubt, this is far more humane method than that formerly in vogue, consisting mainly of shotguns and clubs. The un- deriving injustices which foster mutinies, however, still exist as far as the public is aware. The mantle of secrecy which the governor has thrown over this situa- tion, including even the blocking of an inquiry by grand jury, has not allayed suspicion, but intensified it. It is hoped, however, that the situation has been inn proved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-17
ERRATUM

Yesterday, very inadvertently, in conn., menting upon Dr. Craighead's forthcom- ing volume, "Mobile's Past," The Age Herald made an error in the spelling of the authors first name. As hundreds throughout Alabama very well know, the proper entitlement is Dr. Erwin Craig head