davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
FLAMING SWORD IS SEEN.
Wonder in the Northern Heavens Excites All
 New York.

Special to the Chicago Inter-Ocean New York, March 9.-Some said 1t was "the sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and foretold war at hand. Those less in- clned to discern signs and wonders in the heavens thought it comet, or the aurora borealis or the reflection of distant fire. Whatever it was, the spectacle drew thous ands into the streets and upon the Brook lyn bridge to watch and wonder
 In the northern sky was gigantic sword of fire. It appeared shortly after 8 o'clock this evening and hung suspended in the heavens for nearly two hours. It rose from near the horizon, half way to the zenith, and was the hue of living flame.
 There was a white cress of peace upon the rising moon. This was before the fiery sword appeared in the north and vanished when the signal of war flashed out. The two celestial phenomena were the talk of the whole city out of doors All spoke of the war with Spain drawing near and ask ed if this was a warning to New York.
 The flaming sword broke into three pieces shortly before 10 o'clock, and by that hour had disappeared entirely The weather man said the cross on the moon was lunar halo, caused by ice crystals in the air, and that the flaming sword was the reflection of fire reported from Fort Lee But those who love signs and won- ders said it foretold war with Spain and victory for the United States, the power of the north.
 They said the cross on the moon meant that peace would rise from the sea upon distracted Cuba when the American naval sword had chased home or sent to the bot tom of the ocean the galleons and warships of Spain.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Southern Fast Mail.

The postoffice committee of the house of representatives has reported favorably that clause of the postofice appropriation bill which provides for special fast mail facilities from Boston, via New York, Washington and Atlanta, to New Orleans. This is an extra appropriation which has been made annually by the government for several years past to facilitate the carry ing of southern mails.
 Some opposition to this has been devel- oped in the house of representatives. At the bottom of it is perhaps some rival rail- road line and some congressman who stretch their consciences and cause them selves to believe that this is a government subsidy. As a matter of fact, it is simply an extra amount appropriated by the gov ernment to cause the rapid transportation of mails from northern points throughout the south.
 No city in the south has been more bene- fitted by these fast trains than Brming 11:45 in the morning, where heretofore this mail was received after s o'clock in the evening. Should this appropriation fail the fast trains would be discontinued, as the railroads claim that they cannot run three trains day from Washington south without aid for this extra fast train.
 It is the duty of every congressman from every southern state to aid in the pass age of this bill providing for fast south ern mail. Other sections of the country have fast mail facilities from eastern points because of great population and sufficient business for the railroads to cause them to run several daily trains. In the south the population is not sufficient to furnish business requiring the railroads to run so many trains. In consequence, the government must pay an extra sum for fast mails or they cannot be had.
 The Age-Herald expects to see every Alabama congressman, as we'll as those from Mississippi and adjoining states. to aid in this matter, for without it the busi- ness interests of this section will be seri- naIsly affected,
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Crudeness and IncompetencY.

In his raid upon "certain news organs" and upon "would-be reformers fresh in the business" the superintendent of education aims. first, to show that he Is engaged in conducting a wonderfully effective educa- tional system. All things considered, he would have the people believe that it is the most effective system in the United States, its results in the line of progress being un- exampled. Behold, he says, 250o "well- qualified" colored teachers; and then he asks all to amaze themselves by contem- plating the necessarily still greater i'm provement among the white people.
 This is bombast and fustian. The Age Herald has shown, not by mere assertion and opinion. but by contrasting official facts and figures drawn from sister states that Alabama's school fund is the smallest, her teachers salaries the lowest, and her school system the most crude, primitive and undeveloped in the United States-that. in short, she stands where MT. Turner said last year in Mobile she stood. namely, at
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

the foot of the class of states. The Age Herald is. it is true. news organ. but still it has substatiated MT. Turner's Mo- bile declaration as to Alabama's educa- tional standing.
 But Mir Turner would have the people believe that the only difficulty in the way of better schools for the knowledge-hungry boys and girls of the state is the want of appropriations. There is want of money, but there is 8 sti1l greater want of system and supervision that renders the voting of money in great part barren of results. What the state needs is state superin- tendent who has enough force to Induce the legislature to make needed changes in the states educational system, and then has enough technical skill to carry those changes into effect and make them bear money to schools while the party keeps in office supervisors who are, as MT. Turner has often said, illiterate and incompetent. When changes are made in the laws that VIII demand men Who can inspire ana sum- ulate both teachers and pupils, then and not until then will the people of Alabama devote more money to public schools. The system is utterly indefensible, and Mr. Turnr is open to the charge that he has lacked the force and skill to change it. He has freely denounced the county super intendents, but he has not taken steps that man in his shoes should have taken for securing legislation requiring rigid examin- ation of both county superintendents and teachers, particularly of the former. The office of county superintendent is not of constitutional origin. It can be regulated by any legislature. Incompetent county su- perintendents mean incompetent teachers, and money paid to such people is largely money thrown away. If the people will "begin at the top" by eecting a state su- perntendent who will bravely and intelli- gently battle for better schools all this can be changed, and Alabama can be lifted from the foot of the class.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Congressional Representation.

''It would be even better for Alabama ,'' says the Anniston Hot Blast, "to lose half the representation she has in congress than for conditions which now exist to contin- ue" The Hot Blast had in mind a eonstitu- tional change in the right of suffrage.
 But it is wholly mistaken if 1t thinks that fair and square educational or prop erty or poll-tax qualification would change the states representation In congress. Such qualifications are not confined to the south. They are as common in New Eng land as they are in this section.
 Such qualifications would not contravere the amendments that resulted from the civil war. if they are laid upon whites and blacks alike, with no bubbles, no tricks of any kind. Alabama has no need of an un- derstandng clause, or of any other clause that election officials could abuse, or even construe to suit local purposes. She does not need any such elaborate system as the one the Louisiana constitutional conven- simple educational qualification would do Possibly those who pay taxes should also vote. Possibly, too, the old soldiers who fought on either side should also vote. Beyond these qualifications there is no need to go in this state; and if this is done, there will be no clashing with the four teenth or any other amendment, and of course no abridgment of the states rep- resentation in congress. The Hot Blast is right when it says that "the time has come when elections in Alabama should be fairly conducted and when no legally and regularly elected representative should be deprived of his seat" constitutional con- vention will usher in that much-desired time.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Cuba and the Cubans.

Cuba is a few hours sail from Key West. and the people of this country arc familiar with the name, but comparatively few know what the island really is In the first place, it Is not small island. Its length is equivalent to the stretch be- 12s miles long, but It's width ranges from 100 miles down to 2s miles, the average be- ing about 50 miles, The island is narrow est in the neighborhood of Havana
 The last census was taken in 1887, when a total of 1881 900 was obtained. The es- timated population of the island at pres ent is 100000, about one-third of whom are black or of mixed blood. The island is divided into six provinces, and in 1887 Pinar Del Rio province, at the west end of the island, had 225, ,S91 inhabitants; Havana pro- vince, 4S1 ,29s; Matanzas province, 359,57S; Santa Clara, 374 122; Puerto Principe, 667,- 7s9, and Santiago de Cuba, at the west end of the island, contained 27S,379 people. The blacks are relatively strong in Mat anzas and in Santiago de Cuba. Havana city contained in 1887 population of 22O,- 0OO; Matanzas city had 4OOOO people, and Puerto Principe and Santiago and Cien- fuegos each about a like number
 The soil is very fertile, and two or three crops of corn and potatoes are sometimes raised in the course of a year. The export crops are sugar, tobacco and coffee Ba- nanas and all other tropical fruits are free ly cultivated. Outside of Havana the coun- try is not unhealthy. Much of it is high above the sea, some of it being mountain ous. Havana's unhealthfulness is largely due to it's foul condition and particularly to the accumulated filth and slime of it's closely enclosed harbor. A years work of sanitary engineer would render Ha- vana as healthful any town in the trop- ics.
 In 1894 Cuba sent goods to the value of ninety-three millions of dollars to this country-chiefy sugar and tobacco, and it took in return thirty-two millions of our products. Its trade is largely with this country, but war and Spanish domi- nation have reduced it very considerably. But the soil is still there, and If the war is ended while its cultivators are alive, the commercial activity of the island will soon assume it's former proportions, and even exceed it, for it's well-known mineral wealth has never been properly developed. All in all, tn island may be said to be the richest and fairest portion of Spanish America.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

memory and power of observation in such small matters were related by others
 He was tall, slight and handsome, ale though the whole expression of his face revealed weakness and indecision. He looked and was gentleman. His dignity was without hauteur. His manner was at- tractive; he had the faculty of making you feel at ease, and he possessed far more personal magnetism than did the empress.
 Here was a strong. intelligent face, the lines of which were somewhat hard at times and her determined expression im- pressed one with the feeling that she was the better equipped of the two inteliigently to cope with the difficulties of practical llfe It is probable that, had she been alone, she might have made a better att tempt at solving the problems than did MaXmilian; at least, such was Marshal Bazaines opinion, as expressed before me on one occasion, during her brief regency, when she had shown special firmness and clear judgment in dealing with certain complicated state affairs.
 She, however, was reserved, somewhat lacking in tact and adaptability. and a certain hautiness of manner, a dignity too conscious of itself, at first repelled many who were disposed to feel kindly toward her. It was more than likely that under this proud mien she concealed a suffering spirit, or, at least, the consciousness of a superiority that must efface itself. Who will ever know the travail of her proud heart and the prolonged strain under which her mind finally succumbed? For, notwith- standing the prudence and decided ability with which she had conducted the difficult affairs of the realm during the emperors s absence in 1864, it was hinted that on his return she was allowed little say in public affairs, and that her advice when given was seldom followed. After departure even the sembance of a court disappeared.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

EOE CssA..-.Aa4 By W. D. Horne. Tn one hour fifty millions voted to defend lthe flag and not dissenting vote. The north, the south, the east and west voted for it."
 What means this pulse, this thrill of power And throb of hearts the union oer, Some fifty millions in an hour, If need be, fifty millions more! From hi,ltop, valley. distant plain, And where the hoary mountains rise, The flag of freedom floats again. With stars agleam in freedoms skies! From frozen north, to warm south ssa, And where two oceans nIange our shore, continent of patriots free,
 Are comrades now, thank God once more! 'Twere worth the price of all our gold, To feel this pulse, within us burn. O, flag, proud flag, the flag of old, And as a nation to thee turn. So fifty millions to defend
 That flag inSulted, patriots slain! When why not fifte millions lend, And Cuba free, from tyrant Spain! Have we not placed by shore of sea The torch in hands of LibertyI It's light floods isle, that would be free Then free 1t for humanity! Birmingham, March 10, 19S.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
SPEAKER REED STILL BLIND.
Can't See Why There Should Be War With
 Spain.

From the Washington Times.
 Speaker Reed was riding to the Capitol yesterday morning in a street car, when he was accosted by a member of the House, who sat down beside him and began to seek information from his master.
 Don't you think, MT. Speaker" this member asked that the latest events in Cuba and Madrid point strongly in the di- rection of war?''
 ''Oh, I don't know" drawled MT. Reed, as he moved uneasily in his seat, 'I don't see why there should be war"
 "Well, when do you think we will get away?" persisted the inquisitor, unmindful of the marble heart that had almost ceas- ed to beat under the frigid exterior of this typical czar.
 It was with a marked show of petulance and irritation that Reed replied:
 "We ought to get away from here by May l. unless we are pushed into this thing" and the Speaker laid vindictve and ugly emphasis on the word pushed"
 Just then a second member boarded the car, and, holding on to the strap, leaned over toward Mir Reed, and, with an ex- ceMent tone of voice, said:
 Looks like the Cubans are in fair way to gain their independence now, don't it, MT. Speaker?"
 The Speaker looked up with pained and disgusted expression on his countenance.
 "Oh, I don't know whether they will or not" he replied, in listless fashion, which indicated more plainly than anything else that he had no interest in the struggles of a people fighting for life, liberty and hap piness
 Having been irritated by being forced to hear a few genuine American sentiments, the speaker proceeded to his house in 8 frame of mind that would give him reso- lute joy in suppressing any patriotic out burst that might make itself manifest.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Alabama Coal at Rev West.

The coal operators of Alabama have ex- cellent coal near the gulf ports, and yet they are undersold by operators five hun dred miles farther away, and no nearer the coast. Pocohantas coal from West Vir- gina, transferred to ship at Norfolk, and unloaded at Key West or the Dry Tortu- gas, is offered at prices that the coal op- orators of Alabama cannot meet The reas- on is plain-sugar ships from New York to Philadelphia, going back empty, are will ling to stop at Norfolk, and take coal to Key West or the Dry Tortugas almost as ballast. They may charge fifty cents ton. Alabama coal can be put in Mobile or Pen- sacola at prices that cannot be met by anybody; but the delivery of that coal at Key West or the Dry Tortugas involves the chartering of a vessel for a round trip, for neither Mobile nor Pensacola have any sugar houses or any trade that can car ny coal to Key West or the Dry Tortugas en route. The vessels bound south go loaded full with lumber or naval stores or cotton. It costs at least 90 cents ton f'OA'N tugas from Pensacola, Mobile or New Or leans; from Norfolk the cost does not ex- ceed fifty cents. That settles It. The su- gar ships turn the balance against Ala bama. Pocohantas coal is a good quality of soft coal well-liked by the navy, but it is no better in any respect than the coal of this district
 If the government vessels were permit ted to fill their bunkers at Pensacola, Mo- bile or New Orleans, then Alabama coal would be without a competitor; but all contracts at present are for coal deliver ed at Key West or the Dry Tortugas. If Spanish cruisers or privateers were roam- ing the seas intent upon mischief, the coal tion. and the government might conclude that a supply in the gulf ports would be safer against interference. Such supply can be had at either one of the three gulf ports in question equal to any wants. The Tennessee Iron and Coal company stands ready to fill any order, no matter how large. If need be that company would let the fires go out of some of its stacks :n order to supply the government with coal The facilities of mining and transportation in Alabama are fully equal to any emer- gency demand; and this seems to be the dehateable question, can the government afford to ignore Alabama coal, and accept a supply that may be intercepted at any time in the event of war? To intercept the Alabama supply, the Spanish fleet would first have to whip the American fleet, and A single pfivateer could stop the Norfolk supply. Is it best in order to save few cents per ton to depend upon supply that In case of war would be far from certain?
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
POINTED PARAGRAPHS.

From the Chicago News.
 The piano player produces music by the pound.
 The joke writer has a funny way of mak- ing a living.
 Most men of weight would be found wanting-the earth.
 The shorter a man is in his accounts the longer 1t takes to find him.
 The early shortcake is easily recognized by its strawberry birthmark.
 No man can be more than half right The other half Is bound to be left
 Money talks pretty conclusvely at times, but occasionally 1t gets rattled.
 Although women frequently handle each other without gloves, there are no female pugilists.
 It's great pity men can't find an insur- ance company willing to take risks on their air castles.
 It is said that contentment is better than riches-but most people are willing to take chances with the riches.
 In this great and glorious land of the free you always have to pay for the drinks in order to get a whack at the free lunch.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
An American Woman's Impressions of the
 Unhappy Royal Pair.

Mrs. M. S.. Stevenson in the March Gen.
 tury.
 Maximilian was happy in his remarks on such occasions. Naturally affable and kindly, like most princes trained to this sort of thing, his- memory for names and faces was remarkable. We were presented at court on the first of the imperial fort nightly Mondays, and with us, of course, the larger number of the guests present; and yet, some weeks later, when making his tour of the ballroom, the emperor stop ped before us. and inquired about an absent member of the family. apparently placing us exactly. Many other instances of his
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
WHY?

Why do fashions leaders always follow 1t?
 Why shouldn't rope learn something when 1t is taut?
 Why isn't girls figure her fortune in stead of her face?
 Why isn't the false bang on a lady's forehead a deadlock?
 Why does the college year have it's com mencement at the end?
 Why is the average doctor seldom in- clined to leave well enough alone?
 Why Is the editor who enjoys good health always in a critical condition?
 Why do they say streams run dry when everybody knows they run wet when they do run?
 Why isn't the sound in a mans head when his wife hits him with a broomstick a sort of marriage ring?
 Why is 1t a man can't walk slow enough for street car to catch him or fast enough to catch street car?
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Roger O. Mills, who has been upon all sides of all questions, will now that he is to retire to private life, for ever, it is hop ed, have time to refiect-and familiarize himself with how Title he has done during his twenty-four years in Congress.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Those able editors who insist apol- oglzing for Spain ought to know that if the dons can't raise money enough with which to prepare ships, how can they pay an indemnity of s15 ,0OO 900, which, accord ing to the apologists, will compensate this country for the loss of the Maine and the murder of 25S American seamen.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

This Is question that Secretary Long should consider. It does not so much con- cern the coal operators of Alabama, who are buslly engaged any way. as it does the navy in it's most vital point, its fuel sup nlv
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Senator Hale will have lost his Spanish sweetheart when she hears of his having bill into the senate. That sweet Spanish smile is no longer seen in the senate gall leries, and that may account for Hale's in- constaucy
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

MT. McKinleys nerves have been so wrought up that a new pastor for his church has been deemed advisable, and Rev. Frank Milton Bristol of Evanston, religious vigor incident to the war scare.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

When Roger O. Mills quits the Senate at the end of his present term he will have been in Congress twentyfour years Yet he will not have left his imprint upon a people.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

There are great many people who extol Roger O. Mills for his tariff views, who did all they could in the last campaign to elect MT. Mckinley, who had tariff views, but not those alleged to have been held by the man from Texas.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Now that John Wannamaker has given his consent to run for Governor of Penn- sylvania, he will not have time for Paris ian thoughts incident to bargain counter prices. -
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

With a few more fifty-million dollar measures for war purposes, Congress may have to repeal the Dingley law in order to be able to raise sufficient revenue.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

The purchase of ships will have to reach the bargain-counter stage before Spain will be able to buy.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Congress, in passing its fifty million dol lar national defense bill, gave strong en. dorsement to yellow kid journalism.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
Treasury Srarement.

Washington, March 10-Today's state ment of the condition of the treasury shows: Available cash ba'ance $225, ,257 269; gold reserve $169 0S1 ,165.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

For more than twenty years has Roger O. Mills misrepresented the people of Tex as in the halls of Congress.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

Before Spain makes another bluff at Uncle Sam it will be well to see that its stack of chips are equal to all possible emergencies.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

The iron-clad market in Brazil and Chill continuous firm and sales fairly good.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

In the opinion of Mathew Stanley Quay John Wanamaker is now the head and front of the hog combine.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11
MAMMALIAN AND UARLOrTA.

Why not send the baseball players to fight against Spain?
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

is willing to give up the price for the hon. or.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

His Head-"What a long, thin head Jim son las"
 Hasn't he? Looks if he had pushed it under a, bureau for a collar button.'- Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The age-herald., 1898-03-11

The shooting stars may conclude to take a few cracks at Spain.