davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
The Military and Naval Campaign.

War with Spain has long been inevitable, and the country is glad that the time of action has come. There is desire in every part of the country and among all interests to accomplish the task as quickly and decisively as possible. and the govern ment is plainly endeavoring to meet it. The long suspense between the disaster to the Maine and the beginning of war-some- thing over two months-was in fact peri cd of preparation, and the government is ready to move in strength and with vigor
 The navy is in fine shape. The Key West fleet is before Havana, and practically Gu ba and Porto Rico, are closed against Spain. She has, 1t is true, two fleets. The one at St. Vincent, Cape Verde islands, in- cludes four fine cruisers, three torpedo boats and three torpedo boat destroyers At Cadiz, in Spain, she has two battle ships, three cruisers, three torpedo boat destrovers. and seven torpedo boats The @ are her two fleets, corresponding to the two fleets of the United States. But what A difference in location, so far as Cuba and Porto Rico are concerned! The vesesls of this country are near their base, near coal supplies. The Spanish fleets must sail three thousand miles en masse, must whip beyond question the American fleet upon arrival in American waters, or else they will never steam back to Spain again. It is a desperate chance, and it is a chance that Spain is not prepared to encounter. Neither the Cadiz nor the Cape Verde fleet will attempt such a desperate task. The blockade will not be broken.
 As to the army, 125.00O volunteers will soon supplement the 10000 regulars at Chicamauga, New Orleans, Mobile and Tampa. The fleet will open a port near Havana when all is ready for invasion, and doubtless another for the landing of sup plies for the insurgents. In some way the ton, and the troops of the United States will be brought into cooperation, and Ha- vana will be captured. That will practical ly end the war.
 Spain may, of course, carry on a guerilla warfare at sea. One of her fast and fine cruisers may cross the sea, and Lombard an American port or two, but this is ex- ceedingiy improbable; for the same ffl- culty in coaling would confront the single cruiser that would confront a neet-the only difference being that the single ship would evade fight. while fleet would seek fight. Altogether, it seems improta- ble that Spain will molest us in American
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Early Troubles With Spain.

This country has had troubles with Spain not connected with Cuba Cuba has been for fifty years one long, intending trouble, but before Cuba became a thorn in the American flesh there were troubles. They arose over the purchase by President Jeff ferson of Louisiana. Napoleon needed at that time ready money, and Jefferson had not only the cash in hand, but he had a long look ahead, and so the Louisiana pur- chase was accomplished. It gave us the States great country.
 Spain at that time held Florida, and a dispute arose over the possession of West Florida, which included Mobile and Pensa- cola. This country purchased whatever Spain ceded back to France in the treaty of San Ildefonso and West Florida was in dispute. President Jefferson tried to es- tablish a custom house at Mobile, in West Florida, but he went out of office before the Spanish dispute was settled. The war of 1872 came on. Spain did not hesitate to violate the neutrality laws, and General Wilkinson was sent to occupy Mobile and West Florida to the Perdido, but a set clement of the Spanish claim did not fol- low Not long afterwards General lack son was sent to Georgia to whip the Creeks and other Indians who had become worry troublesome. In those days boundary lines were very indefinite, and General Jackson.s moves were so vigorous that in the course of five months he had not only whipped the Indians, bvt he had taken Pensacola and St. Marks, and overrun the Spanish province.
 The situation very naturally became
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

waters. She will await American ships on the other side. and carry on a warfare against American commerce in Europen waters. In the meanwhile the military problem that General Blanco so defiantIy presents will have been settled, and this country can turn it's attention to Spain itself. How to meet her guerilla warfare. and her stay-at-home campaign. is the final and difficult problem. That point has not been reached. Cuba and Porto Rico. cut off from and really abandoned by Spain, will have attention first
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
A Constitutional Convention.

The convention of the democracy of the state did not incorporate in it's platform a declaration in favor of the holding of a constitutional convention, nor did it de- clare that one should not be held in the immediate future. The entire question is so grave and deep a question should be left. It is remitted by the convention to the people for further discussion and con- sideration. The reform of the organic law of the state, particularly of the electorate, should continue to be subject of care full thought and investigation; for noth- ing is more certain than that such a step will be taken soon or late.
 Especially should the mistakes of sister states be studied. Mississippi and South Carolina and Louisiana have all attempt ed too much. They have each attempted the impossible; for all the illiterate blacks cannot be turned from the ballot box with out turning away some illiterate whites. The courage to do the latter is the bottom trouble in a reform in the constitution of the state Until that degree of courage is acquired nothing valuable or permanent can be accomplished.
 The subject Is one that needs discussion, study, consideration from every po'nt of view. It should be carried forward without hesitation, and every opportunity should be improved that will carry information on this great subject to the people of the state It would be time well spent if men of thorough research and careful thought in each county would discuss the ques- tions connected with the holding of a con- stitutional convention before the people. This would not be a part of the political campaign, but it would be a part of an educational campaign that might bring valuable results to the state. Discussion in any form of the subject is desirable. Keep the subject before the people, until public sentiment crystalizes in some plain and controlling direction.
 It will be found, however, that it is more courage rather than more light that is
 
 task in order that peace and security and good government and honest elections~nec. ~ follow. Ethical consis- s--facons are to be reec1 Jed. It Is either this, or else the es- tablishment of schools to use the language of Governor Johnston, "until opportunity be given every child in Alabama to &C., quire the one thing that can never be taken away from him-a capital that will make him a better and more productive citizen, and that will pay increasing divi- dends unto the third and fourth genera tions." Governor Johnston's advice is at any rate sound. The state needs more and better schools. All children should be taught to read and write; but whether the state can afford to wait until the schools solve the problems of constitutional re- form is a question that the people are alone competent to determine.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

strained. Spanish fortresses had besn taken by the irrepressible Jackson, and many acts of force committed. This was in 1918. MT. Monroe was then president, and John Quincy Adams secretary of state. War was averted by restoring Pensacola and St. Marks to Spain; but in the next year, 1sfs,. Spain sold all Florida to this country, and thus was forever closed the long diplomatic dispute. and Spain ceased to have control of territory adjacent to America
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Spanish 4 | CT Cents

From the Cincinnati Times-Star.
 Spanish securities in the past few days have forcefully told how much confidence the business world has in the strength of the Spanish government. On March 3f last Spanish As were quoted at 53. The next day they went to 50. On the 9th instant they fell to 4S The next day they dropped to 431a, on the 18th they touched 3S, and on the 10th they were 34A. Yesterday morn- ing they were s21a and they closed at SIS. Spanish securities constitute a fair barome- ter of the European confidence in the Spanish government.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
The Power of Observation

From the Pathfinder
 "Gentlemen, you do not use your faculties of observation" said the chemistry profess sor in a well-known eastern college, ad- dressing his class. Here he pushed forward a gallipot containing chemical of exceed inly offensive smell. When I was a stu- dent a-a," he continued, q used my sense of taste, y'know." And with that he dip- ped his finger into the gallipot and then put his finger in his mouth. Taste it. gen. tlemen, taste it." said the professor, "and exercise your perceptive faculties a-a." The gallipot was pushed toward the reluctant class. One by one the students reluctantly dipped their fingers into the concoction, and, with many wry face, sucked the
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
On to Havana
from the Mobile Register.

From the Mobile Register.
 The war has begun. Now, furrah for it! Let it be started and backed up with will Give our navy chance and it will prove itself worthy of the great confidence we place in it. We shall have early report of deeds of valor and victories that ought to bring Spain to terms in short order. Let us pray that this will be so, and that tho work will be so thoroughly done that it will not have to be done over again, but that in all time there shall be no more such scenes as those which have disgraced civ- ilization on this continent through Spanish bad government.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

From the Chicago Times-Herald.
 When four have gathered together and have sorted the suits, and the north has led, shall wars and rumors of war disturb them? Not much.
 When second hand signals shall news of the Spanish fotila make a man forget to lead trumps?
 Not if he have them-and loves life.
 Shall the Vizcaya's bombardment of New York distract a man when he has a long suit of spades established? Never!
 Shall man, pondering if it were an n- side or outside explosion, be pardoned for neglecting to "put his partner in?"
 Not And also no.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
MIR. TOMLINsON's SPEECH.
From the Montgomery Journal.

MOHCgUIHeTy JOuTnaI.
 Mr. Tomlinson's able speech as tenn porary chairman of the state convention seems to have worried the morning paper The best sign that the speech hit hard those who have no love for silver is the effort of the morning local paper to will fully msrepresent the way in which it was received. There were a few Palmer and Buckner people in the convention who tried to make some appearance of disap- proval. MT. Tomlinson has been widely complimented for the strong position he took to stand by the principles of the party.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

abomination from their fingers. 'Gentle- men gentlemen, you're asleep. yknow." said the professor. .'I must repeat that you do not use your faculties of observa- ton, a-a, for had you looked more close ly at what I was doing, a-a, you would have seen that the finger which put in my mouth was not the finger dipped in the gallipot. a-a- You've got to wake up. You're asleep you know"
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
HON. E. J. LOWE.

From the Montgomery Journal
 Hon. R. J. Lowe who succeeds MT. Knox as chairman of the state committee is a sterling young democrat, able, dashing and brilliant, and stands squarely by his party and its principles. He will make a worthy successor to the popular and brilliant MT. Knox.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Max. . Brave Front

From the Atchison Globe
 We have noticed that when young men talk of going to war they hunt up the wo- men to tell about it; they do not go to & recruiting office.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

If James J. Corbett should be elected from the Harlem river district of New York City, probabilities of a sporting edi- tor for the Congressional Record Will arise. The Record needs brushing up in some departments.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Governor Black, of New York. wore out all his pens in writing veto messages, and then he did not kill half of the corrupt bills that were sent to him.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

If it's a race between the Cape Verde fleet and Captain Schley's fleet, to Porto Rico, the latter has 1,150 miles to sail, and the former 2,3OO miles.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The name of the press censor in Havana is Othelo His occupation is gone. Uncle Sam holds one end of the cable line from Havana. to Madrid, and he is attending to the censor business himself
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Didn't Get Their Moneys Worth

From the Atchison Globe.
 When married people are divorced be- fore they have been married two years, their friends feel that they have a right to demand their wedding gifts back.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

That poem ha ss-ssccc:::: cffii;slged to suit an gee Of whistles instead of bells-"Curfew shall not toot tonight" Fortunately, the poet herself is dead.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The United States has undertaken to make all the naval demonstrations in Cu- ban waters that the case demands.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The Maine was officially remembered two months and five days after she went down loaded with brave American seamen.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The Oregon has rounded Cape Horn. She will be ready for business in about two weeks.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Truth is stranger than fiction. A confed- crate general will soon lead volunteer federal army to battle.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

All men and all parties are now united in support of the government, except the three or four republican parties of Ohio.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The autonomy scheme and the armistice have gone up the spout together. They were too thin for this world.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

America expects every man to do his du- ty, and the signs are that America will not be disappointed. <
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The men who fought with Lee will be followed in the course of nature by the men who fought with Fitz Lee.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Of all strange ways to begin war, Spain has adopted the strangest by abandoning well-nigh 100, 900 men to the enemy.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
I.I,eIIninn Farexer

From the Kansas City Star.
 It was formerly Fitzhugh Lee. of Vir- ginia. It is now Fitzhugh Lee of America
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The Age-Herald's battle-cry is, first in war, first in peace, and first in the homes of the people.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Just now all Americans belong to one party-the vigorous prosecution or the war-party
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
The Thorn in the Side

From the Manchester Union.
 Don Carlos is to the Spanish admins tra- ton what Foraker Is to Mckinley.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

California is trying to ascertain why Senator White does not remember the Maine.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The old fighting power in the president is coming out.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

for 2,50O men from Alabama, or just about
 the full strength of the Alabama national guard. If the national guard enlist in a body and be accepted en masse. no other
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Comes In Handy

From the Sioux City Journal.
 Every wel-regulated nation should have an ultimatum in stock.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24
Whist and War

Wait until the cortes begins to throw books.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The ease with which Col. Livingston car ried Fulton county. Georgia, against home candidates was genuine surprise. Atan- ta is in Fulton county. Colonel Livingston lives in Newton county, fifty or more miles eastward. There are seven other counties in the congressional district, but Colonel Livingston's reelection is now conceded
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Invincible Armada No. is still at St. Vincent.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

The need of an income tax has rarely been more forcibly presented than it was by the Hon. John W. Tomlinson in his ad- dress from the chair before the state demo- cratic convention. He said: "The ordinary people will not only do the fighting for their country, but will be the ones who will pay the expenses of the war. The republi- cans propose to put an additional tax on the necessaries of life, but not one word do you hear about an income tax" Mir. Tomlinson has the people of Alabama be- hind him when he asks that an income tax become a part of the new war levy.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

Frank Pettus made model permanent chalrman l formed great admiration for Pettus. I like his nerve and his straightforward, business-like manner. I like him, too because he has views and he is not afraid to express them. I like him because he had the courage to declare in his brief speech that intelligence should and would always rule. He believes this to be a white mans government and he pro- poses that the white man shall rule in all sections.
The age-herald., 1898-04-24

"come let us make muster speedily"
 King Lear.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-12-23
Cause for Thanks.

"How is Rawhide Jim, the stage
driver, getting along?" inquired the
editor of the Clarion on Christmas
Day. Il understand that he went
through a very painful experience yes
terday?"
Eyes," replied Alkali Ike. HE had
three grass widows in the stage when
he started out from Rocket City, an
he thought they acted like they were
tired of their -blessedness an had
designs on him. Accordin', he drove
all the way with the four mules layin'
right out straight an him pourin' the
whip to EN- with both hands. He was
so agitated that he never knew when
he lost off a couple of the mailbags on
the way an ran over blackboard with
two tourists in it, an tore the whole
outfit, Fasteners an all, durn near to
atoms. He jest kept his head turned
back toward the widows, ready to
abandon the stage at the first hostile
movement on the part of the ladies, till
he twisted his fool neck so that when
he finally clumb down from the stage
at the end Of the journey he walked
backward. Now the business men are
cussin' him for losin' their mail, the
postmaster is after him for neglect Of
duty, the tourists are talkin of havin
him arrested for assault with intent to
kill, the owner of the blackboard wants
damages, an the widows were so fiat
tered by his continual notice that they
have sent for him to call on EN-. Dr.
Slade in tryin' to straighten his neck,
an not KNOWN which direction he had
twisted it around from In the first
place, twisted it still further the wrong
way till it sorter locked an stuck fast,
an now won't turn in either direction"
well, well! This will be a painful
Christmas for him!"
wal, yes; but from his pint Of view
it hain't as bad as 1t might have been.
He's the thankfullest man in town to-
day. He says that but for the smile Of
Providence one of them widows might
jest as well have been the wife that he
left back yonder in the States when he
sorter hoped out between days some
three yeal5 ago.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-12-23
AN OLD ENGLISH CUSTOM

A Remarkable Celebration In Honor of
81, Nicholas hy the Toy rishop.
Perhaps the most remarkable of all
celebrations in honor of st. Nicholas
was the old one of the boy Bishop. The
boy Bishop assumed his Office on st.
Nicholas Day. December 6, and held it
till Holy lnnocents' Day, December rs.
The custom originated on the continent
OF Europe, and was adorted in Eng
land, where it reached what was prob
ably its fullest development. A boy
was chosen to represent Bishop and
was clothed with all the robes and in
vested with all the insignia pertaining
to the station. Other boys represented
priests, oeacons and other suitable per-
sons fer the Bishops train. The boy
Bishop conducted service in the
church, ard in some cases he and his
companions vert about from house to
house singing and collecting money,
which they did not ask as a gift, but de-
manced as a right.
The boy Bishop attained his fullness
OF dignity at Salisbury Cathedral,
though he was known all over England.
There he was chosen from among the
tinre, and he ruled with the highest
pomp and most absolute authority. He
is said to have conducted all the SER
vices of the church except the mass. In
some other places the boy Bishop is
said to have celebrated the mass itself.
If any prebend fell vacant in his term
of Office he filled it, and if he died be-
fore his term expired he was buried
with all the honors due to a genuine
Bishop. There is record of boy
Bishop at Salisbury filling vacant
prebend by the appointment of his
schoolmaster, and there is in the cathe-
dral there the tomb of one who died
while holding his Office On the top of
it is an efigy of the child in full Episco-
pal robes.
Such masquerading plays as this
were not then deemed offensive or de-
rogatory to the dignity of the church.
In fact, much coarser and more I'M
| couth exhibitions were freely permitted
on some occasions, even to the extent
of burlesques of the services of the
church within its own walls. OF course
the evil and discreditable side was
bound to be seen in time, and the func-
tons of the boy Bishop were at last
forbidden by Henry VIII They were
restored, however, for time by Mary.
The peculiar custom at Elton known as
the montem is supposed to have origin
ated in that of the boy Bishop, but the
montem IS too large subject to be
discussed here.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-12-23

The minister's little boy did not
look at all pleased as he came down
from his fathers study the day after
Christmas. Something had gone wrong
about the rectory, his namefhad been
mentioned almost too prominently in
regard to the matter, and he had but
moments before submitted to an inter-
view in the awe-inspiring room where
his father composed the sermons OF the
week
Il don't like Christmas" the little
boy muttered as he gazed out upon the
snow in the rectory yard and wiped the
last struggling member Of a procession
OF tears from his cheek.
NO." he continued. this Christmas
business isn't what some people say it
is-not by long shot. Everybody
seems to think it's great thing for
the little boys of the country, but can
tell 'em that It's anything but great for
minister's son. He doesn't have any
show at all. He isn't it."
why, say" he said. as he cautiously
settled himself in chair with a soft
cushion, would you like Christmas II
you were minister's little boy? Would
you be pining for it and lying awake
nights waiting for it to get here? !
cont think! Just think OF all the big
hard-soled slippers minister gets on
every Christmas tree!"
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-12-23
THE LONDONDERRY SITTER
WlNTRy WRINKLES.

Oh, the happy boy is Hopping
Down the hill with his new sled,
While the humble tramp is choppiug
Kindling wood out in the shed;
And the rufied.
Muflled, stuffed
Chicklet pecks the frozen corn,
And the golden,
Modem, olden
Brandy's looked for ev'ry morn.
The fragile maid is skating
On the pond behind the mill.
The sparrow's masticating
Frozen crumbs upon the sill;
And the bawling,
SPRAYING, crawling
Infants wrapped in flannel's hot,
While the zealing.
Ever-healing
Goose grease stands beside the cot.
The suburbanite is skipping
To his snow-becovered lair,
And old Boreas is Tipping
merry SnOWnakeS through tne All
And the creeping,
Leaping, sleeping
Trolley car hops through the mush,
While the rosy,
Always-doZy
Butchers boy Stops through the slush
These wintry scenes fancy
AS I'm Struggled in my bed.
Concealed so that you can't see
Fen the badness Of my head
And the dashing,
Clashing, smashing
Hailstones rhyme upon my pane,
While l coolly,
Honest-truly
Dream that summers here again.