davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
This Is Progress.

In pardoning man who had been
sent to Jail for engaging in fist fight,
Governor Bradley, of Kentucky, said:
1.-THE prisoner was convicted of the
offense of fist fighting, an offense of so
rare and unusual occurrence and man.
ner of fighting in this state that THE
prisoner should be pardoned. 1 therefore
grant the pardon and restore all civil
rights and liberty"
Methods of fighting which do not re-
suit in funerals should be encouraged in
some localities, and the governor of Ken
lucky has acted with commendable wis.,
dom. In England 1t is a common thing
for gentlemen of undoubted honor to
settle a personal difficulty with their
fists. They do not carry pistols, and
no Englishman even thinks of drawing
a knife.
1t is bad enough to engage In fisticuffs,
but that is better than the habit of using
pistols and knives whenever two men get
into row. If people will give up pistols
the time may come when they will very
rarely use their fists. Anything in the
direction of peace and civilization Is to
be welcomed, and Governor Bradley is
on the right line despite the ridiculous
side of the affair.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
The News From Cuba.

Before President Mckinley disposed of
the Cuban matter in his message he had
all the facts before him. He was in
possession of a secret report from the
state department. which Informed him
that in six Cuban cities 100000 people
had starved to death; that between
January and October of this year 600,-
900 persons have died on the island, de-
creasing the total population more than
one4third.
This frightful mortality is mainly due
to the Spanish policy of concentrating
the inhabitants in the towns and de-
priving them of food. The report went
on to say that Cuba is absolutely lost to
Spain For every Cuban solder who is
killed at least ten Spaniards bite the
dust.
There is one charitable construction
to be placed upon the presidents recon-
mendation to give Spain more time. 1T
Is suggested that the authorities Of
Spain and the United States feel as
sured that the two countries will drift
into a war before many months, and
before coming to blows they are taking
pains to be unusually polite to each
other.
The war will come. ut is predicted, be-
cause Spain has factions at home who
will overthrow the government when
they see that Cuba is lost. To prevent
this, revive patriotism and solidify the
people in support of the monarchy
Spain will force a war with this coun-
try. She expects defeat, but in the
shadow of that calamity her people will
be resigned to the loss of Cuba. They
will say that the result was due to the
overpowering numbers of the American
people.
The money kings who control this re-
public ara opposed to a war with any
country, but when S ain commits some
outrage more fragrant than usual 1t will
be impossible to control our people. and
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
The Panama Canal.

Tt is by no means unlikely that the
Panama canal will be pushed forward to
completion. A Washington special says:
Consul General Gudger, at Panama,
has made a report to the state depart
ment on the condition of the Panama
canal. He says that 1T is rumored THAT
England is doing all in her power TO oD-
tain control of the canal France may
not push the work forward, but some
other nation or some other country Will
surely do so If those in charge forfeit
their rights. The canal, when complet-
ed, will extend from Colon, on the AT
lantic to Panama on the Paclfc, nIty-
four miles. All along the route are sheds
full of new and costly machinery I IS
estimated the latter has cost 500 ZOO, O0O
and that there has been expended on the
canal a total sum of $275,000,0OO. A con-
sentative estimate is that the canal IS
about one-third finished, but with the
new machinery on hand it Is said the re-
mainder of the work can be completed
for $3.50, 900 000
The report says that a force adequate
to finish the project in from seven to
ten years will be put to work. During
the next sixty days a committee is to
investigate the progress of affairs, and
an effort will be made to get more money
to continue operations. The canal is
practically completed from Colon ITO Ba-
jeo, fourteen miles, but this is the least
expensive part. The great difficulty is
in passing the Calebrie Ridge. The
width of the canal will be 1850 feet at
the top and 70 feet at the bottom, ex-
cept through the ridge, where 1T will be
seventyItwo feet wide at the top and
twenty-nine feet at the bottom. &
This makes a better showing for the
future of the enterprise than many peo-
Pile expected. If England can get hold
of it at reasonable price the finest en-
gineers in the world will be put to work
on 1t, and before our congress gets
through with it's discussion Of the pro-
posed waiter route through Nicaragua
ships will be sailing through the Panama
canal.
Under British control this canal would
be the commercial and military key to
the western hemisphere. In the hands
Of European power Ut will leave the
United States helpless. Such a short
route will enable the British to control
the trade of all the southern countries
bordering on the two oceans, and in the
event of war their ships would have the
advantage In times of peace discrimi-
Mating duties would prevent our ves-
sells from enjoying the full benefit OF
the canal.
Tt would be we'll for congress to come
to a speedy decision and take steps to
obtain control of the Panama project If
that should promise more than the other
route across Nicaragua. Our policy
should be broad enough ito provide for
the future. The prosperity of this coun-
try depends upon the extension of IT'S
commerce and there can be no eNten-
sion of it if we allow a European power
ito control the shortest and cheapest
TRANSFORMATION highways.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
Will Have -Four important Matters to Discuss
When 1t Meets.

Washington, Dec. 10.--Cihairman Rich
ardeon of THE democratic caucus, today
issued a cain for a caucus of democIafic
members and delegates of the house of
representatives ON Tuesday evening next.
The caucus will consider the four SUBJ
jects of Cuba, Hawaii, finance and bank
ruptcy, these subjects being specified in
the cam As ITO the action on these a
pretty general understanding HAS been
reached umong democratic leaders.
On the question OF Cuba the sentiment
is pretty unanimous for a resolution
recognizing Cuban balligerenicy. and the
caucus is likely to give expression ito this
sentiment. -
On the subject of Finance the caucus
will probably take a position against
the several plans of financial reforms dle-
ported by Secretary Gage.
There is NO present purpose to consider
the silver question, as that lis not at is
sue in the scheme contemplated by the
republican party. Opposition to the bank
ruptcy bill lis also contemplated by the
caucus
On the question of Hawaiian anneNa-
ltion it rs stated by these who have cam
vassed the feeling on the democratic side
that it is generally against anrexa ton
either by treaty or legislation.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
The Lamar Cattle Sales.

Ten or twelve years ago cattle buyers
nearly stripped this state of It's stock
of cattle, sending them TO ranches in
repeated up to the presenis year, but if
the case reported by the Sulligent Light
ming be duplicated in other counties the
number of cattle in The state will soon be
again largely reduced. And the price
received is mere bagatelle, In some
sales falling to four dollars head.
There was no excuse for such sares.
The supply of feed in the state for fat
tening purposes is abundant, and the
demand for fat cattle constant at salts
factory prices. Corn is not absolutely
requisite for getting cattle ready for
market. Cotton seed meal and COTTON
seed hulls are just as good cattle feed
stuffs as any cattle owner can desire,
and Lamar county and all other counties
in The state can command these, If the
supply of corn be deficient. The farms RS
of Alabama can readily supply the mar
kets of the state With cattle fattsned
such sales as those in Lamar county
bring upon the state losses of money, in
the uses of cotton seed, in fertilizing ma
terial and in the home meat supply Such
sales are a loss all around, and the safe
can Ill afford them.
The Lamar cattle were shipped to
Northwestern Missouri, probably to
some point near Kansas City. 1t is not
difficult to follow those cattle They will
be fed on Missouri corn. then they will
be sent to Kansas City, where they
win be slaughtered, and the people of
Alabama will buy them back in the
form of cold-storage beef. 1.-THE old
hungry cattle" of Lamar county will
then bring the top of the market, and
perhaps the farmers who raised the cat
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
IN WASHINGTON AGAIN.
Growers First Visit Since His Exit From the
=
White House.

Washington, Dec 10-Former Presi-
dent Grover Cleveland arrived I'm Wash
ington this afternoon on a special Pull
man car attached to the regular west
bound train ON the Pennsylvania rail-
way. He is en- route to South Carolina
on hunting trip. Although this was
the first tIms Mr. Cleveland had been in
Washington since he left the executive
mansion last March he did not leave his
car during the two hours DIT was in the
city. He was met at the station by Cap.
Robert Evans of the light house board,
Gen. Anson McCook, United States Mar
shall Wilson and two or three other in
innate friends.
Mr.. Cleveland is on his way to South
Island, about thirty miles from Charles
ton, S. c., where he will be the guest of
Gen. E. P. Alexander, the distinguished
chief Of the confederate artillery forces
at the battle of Gettysburg and now
President of the Georgia Central railway.
He left Washington at 9:46 via the At
lantic Coast line, accompanied by Capt.
Evans and General McCook. Mr.. Cleve-
land and his frdends win remain in camp
for ten days or two weeks
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
ACCESSORIES OF DRESS.

There are some clever novelties in
boots and shoes. A broad buckle is be-
coming to the foot, but hitherto has had
this disadvantage-that 1t does not adj
NIT of amy fastening, the buckle being
strictly ornamental. Now, however, a
couple of Invisible buttons have been
introduced at the side. which keep the
fronts firmly on the foot.
Satin shoes have been found so per-
ishabIe that those who study economy
they are sold in all the most delicate
shadeis-the ligihtest green and the soft
est cerulean blue-the toes being entirely
covered with beads, pai1lettes and tinsel,
AIN of the same shade.
For good, hard, walking boots, por-
poise-hids is found the best, especially
for golfng, damp and mud having no eff
feet on it. For town wear and bad
weather French calf shoes and boots
with extra thick soles answer every pur-
pose.
Those who prefer simple footgear
have only a single buckle ON the fnslbep;
but satin shces of all shades are en-
broidered in the same way. Colored
glace kid is more subtitle and softer to the
foot than morocco and consequently is
being used for the fashionable red
shoes.
Silk underskirts are dreams this vim
ter. One lately seen has rose-pink accor-
deon frills, edged with tiny quillings of
black chiffon, and THE pattern is repeated
in other skirts of maize, heliotrope and
green. Sometimes the skirt Is made to
match the silken lining of the gown and
the effect is exquisite. One for evening
wear is of ivory silk, with deep 1ounce
supported by marrow quilings and still
others in white cambria have flounces of
colored silk to be fastened under the en-
broidery and removed at will.
In the matter of eveneng sleeves, 1T
seems to be all or nothing at the present
moment Either the arms are completely
covered under closely gathered ruches
and rulings of chiffon. or tight-ftting
sleevs of transparent gulpure, brighten
ed probably either with threads of gold
or with glittering jet embroideries, or
they ara left entirely bare, with only a
sihoulder-strap of ribbon or haif-wreath
of flowers to hold the b2dice together.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
CHECK MYSTERY SOLVED.
One of Them Was Poker Debt, the Other
Borrowed Money

Richmond, Va, Dec. 10.-The commit
tee of history of the grand camp Of
Confederate veterans today continued
it's hearing relative to the school book
scandal. Mr.. Greer Baughman was put
on the stand, but declined to say how
he came into possession of the Womack-
Stubs checks. Col. Stubs was then
recalled, and said that he recollected
having received the checks from Wom-
ack 30 cover losses sustained in a poker
game with witness in the summer Of
1894.
In answer to a question Col. Stubs
declared that he did not know of his
own personal knowledge that any book
company had brought influences TO bear
to ge. their books adopted in certain
states He himself, he said, had never
been approached In any way, shape or
FORM
Later in the day the committee re-
ceived telegram from ]. L. Womack.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
IN FLORIDA WATERS
The United States Drill Squadron Will Per-
form Its Evolutions.

New York, Dec 10.-The United States
drill squadron, it was given out at the
navy yards, will be on It's way south
by December 18th. Some Of the largest
and most powerful vessels of the navy
are now stationed at the naval yard
here. Among them ara the New York,
Brooklyn Iowa, Texas, Massachusetts,,
Helena and Terror The monitor Puri-
tan left the station Wednesday. The
warships will sail for Hampton Roads
as soon as they are in readiness, where
they viii be joined by the Indiana,
Maine and other vessels. When all are
gathered the annual winter eruis. south
will begin.
The manouvres of the vessels are con-
fined chiefly to Florida waters, with
headquarters ait KY West. The Mant-
gomery, Detroit and Vesuvius are al
ready in Florida waters.
The squadron will be Joined by the tor
pedo fleet when warm wsa.ther sets in
and drills and manouvr'ing will be be-
gun. The fleet viii return to the Brook
lyn navy yard in April.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
Takinu The Next Census.

Gen. Grosvenor, of the presidents
kitchen cabinet has charge of the move
ment to exclude the employees of the
next census from the elias sifed civil SER
vice. In other moids, he proposes to
put none but republicans on the job.
This job 1T should be remembered, costs
the country about $1oooo.OOO. there be-
ing about three thousand clerks employ
ed in Washington, with enumerators and
agents in every district, every town or
township in the land The spolls princi-
pie is to be applied. IT is proposed. to
these appointments.
There is one further fact to be kept in
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

mind. the enumeration is to be m1de n
June OF the presidential election yesr,
and special agents almost without lint
at Sc a day are then appointed to go
over the country. The value of a polti-
cal machine that actually comes In con-
tadt with every voter in a presidential
year cannot be easily overestimated.
Nor is this all that may be reasonably
apprehended In this matter. II the
spoilsmen succeed in carrying their
pans through congress, another Porter
will be placed in charge of the census,
his chief duty being to gather and pub
lish statistics in support of the Dingley
deficit tariff Similar work was done
in 1892 and an industrious use of the
new superintendent to issue campaign
bulletins and supply effective campaign
literature in the fall of 1900.
The republican panty may not have
the courage of its desires. Gen. Gros-
venor and the Ohio crowd may not rep
resent the better portion of the party.
But If the appointments are of the old
time sont-ff the superintendent select
ed is a partisan upon whom the politi-
clans can depend in a crisis, then the
people may know the spoflsmen are in
the saddle, and that the census is to be
conducted in the interest of Mr.. McKin-
ley's second campaign. 5t
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
Emneror Williams Policy.

Ths Chicago Tribune hits the nail on
the head when 1t says:
The occupation by the Germans Of the
city clf Kiao+Chou, some eighteen miles
interior from the bay of that name, af-
fords new evidence of an intention to
establish a firm foothoid in China. The
cowardly Chinese uetreated as usual
without attempting to resist the fnvad-
ers. The incident will of course furnish
the kaiser a new prslext for demanding
additional indemnify for the cost of seiz-
ure. This policy of Germany appears to
be ain improvement upon that of the
haghwayman, who merely approprlates
what he can lay his hands on. The kali
ser first robs and then demands pay for
luhe trouble HE has been at In making the
robbery.
No civilized ruler Is more unjustlfable
and shameless in his land grabbing poll
icy than the German war-lord The
growing rapaclty of the European pow
ers, and THE wholesale manner in which
they are dividing China and Africa
among themselves will speedily revolu-
tionize the map of the world and have
tremendous effect upon the polGics and
the civilization of every quarter of the
globe.
If William lives MANY years longer he
will be tempted to seize territory in this
hemisphere. His recent successful dem
onsrat3on against Haytd was step in
this direction Even the most cowardly
policy ON our part will not save us from
a. clash of arms in the near future with
some greedy European nation. There is
certainly trouble ahead.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
POINTED PARAGRAPHS.

From the Chicago News.
Wrath is usually in family jars.
The painting of animal pictures is not
a beastly occupation.
Disputed coal bills often result in a
heated controversy.
Policemen, like ralinbows, are apt to
appear after the storm is over.
Girls will continue to be f1irts just as
long as men are foolish.
Nothing succeeds like the success of
a widow after second husband.
i The best way to tell a woman's age is
in a whisper over telephone.
A man must make his way in the
word, while a woman merely has hers.
him from backing his judgment at the
races.
Some women get red in the face from
modesty, some from anger, and others
from the druggist.
$ Some mems minds are like a pint of
not very deep.
The man who asked and received not,
because he asked a-miss, might have
been more successful had he asked a
widow
Fame rarely comes Ito man until af-
ter the undertaken gets through with
him. It's a case of getting what you
want after you have ceased Ito want it.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
BOILERMAKER'S EXPERIENCE.
Was Fastened Inside Smoke Stack With
Fire Below Him.

Sam Francisco Dec. 10.-AIicIhael Pur-
ceM, "a fboilernaAer, WAS making some re-
pairs inside 1.-The smoke stack of the
steamer Wellington, when six fires were
started below him. He was strapped to
a chair suspended to the top of the stack
about ten feet from 1.-The hampers below.
1t was Impossible TO go up and to go
down without assistance meant being
roasted alive ON 1.-THE hot hampers.
Dense volumes of hot smoke began roM-
ing up The stack, while Purcell with
Ibis clothing ON fire shouted loudly for
help. A helper ON this outside, realizing
his plight, rescued Purcell just as the
rope supporting him was catching fire.
Purcell he's at his home in a critical
corIdi tlorrs
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
STANDARD OIL COMPANY
Has Strong Opposition In Germany Russia
to Be Favored.

Berlin, Dec. 1O-The reichstag today
discussed elhe Interpretation of the gov
eminent of yesterday regarding Its PLAINS
for thwarting the Standard Oil company
from monopolizing THE German market!
Herr Barth said that any measures Ito
strengthens competition against the
Standard company would make petrol
1eum dearer
The minister of the interior, Count
Posadowiskd. promised special freight
tariff shortly for Russian petroleum and
an arrang enent by which the import
duty would be determined by weight.
The matlber was then dropped.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

of the American Book concern. stating
that he would be on hand later In the
day. and asked Glhe committee Ito post
pone the investigation until the after
noon.
At the afternoon session Mr.. Womack
was on hand. He Identified the two
checks That have been In question, and
said that while one, that for $50, was
given to Col. Stubbs in payment for
money won from him at poker THE $25
check was in payment of money he
borrowed from Col. Stubs.
At nhe conclusion of Womack's testl-
mony the inquiry closed and the COM
mittee retired to consider their report.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

tie may have occasion to declare that
they had been turned into excellent beef.
This is all very well and very legfti-
mate, but none of the profits Of the
transaction rest in Alabama pockets.
Alabama consumers will. in fact, foot
the entire bill-transportation both ways
numerous commissions and profits at
every turn OF the unnecessary journey
to Northwestern Missouri.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

Lieutenant O'Brien, who has been for
the past ten months the central figure
of army scandals at Font Mcpherson,
near Atlanta, has ended as might have
been expected He was placed i'm Jail
in Washington last Tuesday night for
drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
O'Brien very sensibly resigned from the
army only few days before. He is a
in this country.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
GENUINE TARTAN PLAlDS.

! Just now, when so many pretty girls
and women are decking themselves in
the gay Scotch plaids, 1T might be liner
esting to know something about these
-marvels of colorings. The genuine tar
tans are all known and numbered and
are of undeniable antiquity. The pres
emit Duke of Argyll has traced the the
DRY that the plaids are not of certified
age to an article in the Scots Magazine,
a century ago, In which the writer would
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

Andrew Carnegie, who has been rob-
bling the government for years in the
sale of armor plate. fully realizes that
he has played his last game of bluff.
Congress has become familiar with the
methods of selling armor plate to the
Russian government for 1925 per ton,
while he charged this government $500
for the same quality.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

popular sentiment VIM force the wash
fnglton government Ito draw the sword.
This is enc view of the situation. and
a few months win test its CORRECTNESS.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11
ltaIy's New Cabinet COMPLETED.

Rome, Dec. 10.-The Marquis di Rudini
has completed The task of reconstruct
ing the cabinet. Marquis Yenosta has
accepted the foreign office portfolio. The
list of members of the new ministry will
be officially issued tomorrow.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

David Bennett Hill may be forced to
consult Mrs. Charlotte Smith before he
can return to public life and expect to
hold another office. Mrs. Smith is still
pursuing the bachelor
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

If the supposed late Mrs. Luetgert is
really alive and in Boston, she will con-
fer a great favor upon millions of people
if she will take the witness stand and
put an end ito the trial. Now is the time
for Mrs. Lue CERT ITO do the right thing.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

lit Is clear to almost every one that
Speaker Reed Is not going to have a
lead pipe cinch ON an absolute control
of congress at the present session.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

find a remedy for their losing bushes:
by removing south.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

Emperor William may be forced 10
go into the rice business should he
tighten his grasp on China.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-11

In the event Germany ties another
knot in the Chinese rope, Ii Hung Chang
may be minus another yellow jacket.