davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-03-27
A STORY BY MARK TWAIN.
The Scotch Irish Minister and the Little Baby
 He Christened.

From the Brooklyn Eagle.
 The following anecdote, related by Mark Twain, has, I believe, never appeared In print At an entertainment given for the benefit of the seamen on board the steamer Kaiser Wilhelm II. on her voyage from New York to Genoa MT. Clemens was posted for an address. On being introduced he rose and in his peculiar tone of voice and manner said:
 My friends, I see that my name Is on the programme for an address. As this was done without consulting me, l shall give you an anecdote in it's place. Now, you know there are anecdotes and anec- dotes, short meter and long meter. l shall give you a long meter, one with a snap per at the end. It Is about a Scotch-lrlsh minister, who thought he was called 10 preach the gospel, while he knew that he had the gift of oratory, and he never missed opportunity to display it. An opportunity was offered on the occasion of a christening There was a considerable audience, made up of the relatives. friends and neighbors of the parents. The preach CT began by saying:
 "'We have met together, my friends, in very interesting occaslon-the christening of this little child-but I see already a look of disappointment upon your faces Is It because the infant is so small? We must bear in mind that this globe upon which we live is made up of small things, ln- finitesimal objects we might say. Little drops of water make the mighty ocean; the mountains which rear their hoary heads toward heaven and are often lost in the clouds are made up of little grains of sand. Besides, my friends, we must take into consideration the possibilities in the life of this little speck of humanity. It may be- come a great preacher, multftudes may be swayed by his great eloquenee and brought to see and believe in the truths of the gospel He may become a distinguished physician and his fame a healer of men may reach the ulttermost parts of the earth and his name go down to posterity as one of the great benefactors of humanity. He may become a great astronomer and read the heavens as an open book, He may dis cover new stars which may be coupled with that of Newton and other great discoVerefs. He may become a distinguished statesman and orator and by the strength of his ln- telIect and eloquence he may control the destinies of nations and his name be en- grayed upon monuments erected to per petuate his memory by his admirng and grateful countrymen. He may become aii arthor and a poet and his name may yet appear among those now ehtoihpeo at Westminster. He may become great warrior and lead armies to battle and to victory: his prowess and valor may change inc man of Europe. Methinks l hear the plaudits of the people at the mention or his deeds and name He may become-er 'er-he might-'er-'
 .'Turning to the mother:
 "'What is his name?
 ssThe Mother-'What is the baby name!
 "'Yes, what is his name?
 s'The Mother-Its name is Mary Ann
The age-herald., 1898-03-27

rule, the tandard of comparison being the classic ideal of perfection in his own mind. They never dwelt in impressions, for i'm pressions are transitory
 Now, however, all this has changed and the critics are finding that the only aim should be to tel in as charming a. way as possible how the subject impressed the critic at a given time For this reason claim that a worthy peice of work should be read as a whole and with as few inter- ruptions as possible, and not as serial monthly, allowing even the most vivid inn pressionS to escape from time to time. This is a charming way to criticise when the book is a good piece of literature and has produced the most agreeable of impressions; otherwise wouldn't it be just well for the critic to maintain that silence which is golden?
 Taken as a whole the most splendid im- pression that "Korosko" makes upon the mind, is the unity of the work which is, of course, the first essential of good work work that is to be called literature. The action requires but a short time, in fact, less than three days; and one feels at the close like he, too, has been actor and has himself experienced it all, so perfectly does each incident stand related to the next, leading up to it in the natural se- quence of events. A difficult task, indeed, to put the seventh century and the nine- teenth in such close JuXtapoSt1on and yet from the widely diverse types produce such an artistic whole.
 The story is more forcible sermon than many we hear preached from the pulpit yet, I doubt if any one would class the book among religious works What a per- son will do under severe and strenuous cir cumstances Is surer test of the convic- tions of his heart than the utterances of his lips in times of playful freedom from care.
 And so it becomes an occurrence of deep moment and value that the acquired cynicism of the young diplomat the skep- tical non-belief of Monsieur Fardet, the military consequential Anglo-Saxor-Col Cochrane Cochrane all went for naught in the presence of an all-compellng moment of action; when the seventh century de- manded the nineteenth century to tram pie upon the cross, the blessed emblem of the Gospel of Christ. They each and all, believer and unbeliever, fell prostrate upon their knees and thus avowed their purpose to choose death instead It is a powerful and vivid illustration of the Christian faith and the efficacy of prayer.
 The character drawing, as you may have guessed, is especially fine And it requires no small amount of talent to create by mar ration or description in the mind of the reader. an idea or impression of a human character, as an agent or force, as dis
The age-herald., 1898-03-27
IN THE SOCIAL WORLD
Continued from twelfth page.)

their brothers, Tom and Perry Toe, of this city.
 Rev. J. c. Simth and family, after a three months stay in Attalla, have re- turned home in California.
 c. r. Sharp, one of the most prosperous farmers of Etowah county, after a long spell of sickness is convalescent.
 Mir. and Mrs. c. s. Winters returned to their home in Wisconsin after a two months visit to Mrs. Winters family here and Rome, Ga.
 J. J. Donegan, of Ashville, was circulate ing among Attalla friends Monday.
 "O'Conner's Child' was played by the Attalla Dramatic club Saturday night at the college for the benefit of the Presby- terian church. A large and apprecative audience was in attendance and the goodly sum of thirty eight dollars was added to the treasury of the church. They will play in Talladega one night next week.
 The new Seventh Day Adventist church will be dedicated Saturday, April 19. Rev. A. H. Lewis, of Plainfield N. J., well known as the editor of the Outlook and an eminent minister, will preach the dedi- cation sermon.
The age-herald., 1898-03-27
Mrs. L. M. Koogler, of Ashland, Ky, has

joined her husband here.
 Mrs. Leila Seton Wilder left Friday last to be present at the christening of the bat tleship Kentucky. She was one of the guests of honor of Gov Bradley.
 Miss Lizzie Wood, of Florence, Is the guest of Miss Edith West on Vine street.
 T. J. Cantwell and family have returned to their home in Kenton, O., after being entertained here by number of their friends at the home of Mrs. Wilder.
 Joe Carothers, a former citizen of this place, but for seventeen years a resident of Tennessee, has been visiting a number of his old friends.
The age-herald., 1898-03-27
Going to Market.

MT. M P Messer, the shoe man, goes to Cincinnati and eastern markets tomorrow morning to buy tremendous stock Of shoes for the Birmingham retail market. MT. Messer goes with the cash, and proposes to give to the wearers of shoes the best bar gains they have ever seen, when ne re- turns.
 MT. Messer has made a wonderful sue cess in his Second avenue shoe establish ment, due to the fact that he buys the best goods and sells them at the closest cash prices.
The age-herald., 1898-03-27
THE nEcAIuRS.

Mrs. M. D. Watts and the Misses Berry are on visit to friends in Birmingham.
 Mrs. Oseeola Kyle has returned home from St. Petersburg, Fla.
 Mrs Ellen R. Sturdivent, of West De- catur, is visiting in Birmingham.
 Mrs. w. G. Jordan, of Manchester, N. H., Is entertained by her brother, c. G. Fen nell.
 Miss Pearl Raney, of Athens has been visiting the family of F. R. Raney.
 Miss Minnie Wadsworth, of Asheville, N C.. niece of Hon. O. Kyle, is the guest of his family.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
WILL CONSIDER IT,"
BIT t Is Not Thought That Judge Day
Will Decline.

Canton, Ohio, April 25.-Judgc VIM.
r. Day, accompanied by his son. Lu-
Their. reached Canton Via the Pennsyl-
vania Road, at los A. NJ. today. As
he stepped from the train The Assoc
ciated Press correspondent Informed
him of the resignation of Secretary
Sherman.
When asked if he would accept the
vacancy. he replied: Il will take the
matter under consideration"
While Judge Day declined to talk for
publication, The Associated Press cor
respondent believes ii can be annouu-
ced as fact that under existing cir
cumstances Judge Day viii accent the
secretaryship if the President nomin-
ates him and the Senate takes favor
able action.
1t IS known here that Judge DAY
made great business sacrifice when
he accepted the place of assistant sec
rotary of state.
lie has not felt that he could afford
to take cabinet portfolio. but u1Slar
present circumstances. it not believed
that he feels he ought to decline
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD.
The Entire Massachusetts Naval Brigade Is
Now on Duty.

Boston April 25.-The entire force Of
lilo Massachusetts naval brigade not at
present detailed 70 duty on some one Of
tic monitors. torpedo boats or auxiliary
cruisers. assembled, this morning. on
board the L. 5. S Minnesota at the Con
gross street pier There We're about 2ol
officers and men among those who had
been ordered to report for an indefinite
tour Of duty.
During the week the men will be con-
stantly drilled in infantry. artillery,
boardsitle ana big gun drills and put
through duties Of the regular service.
Those Of the torpedo station will have an
especially thorough series Of tests. nrac-
tigc work and study Of the war engines
with which they are to lcal when mus
tered into the regular service. II seems
to be pretty well understood by all the
officers and men that before tho week has
passed they will all have been mustered
into the regular service Of the United
States navy
The surgeons will examine the men dur
ing the week. and when the work is at
an end the mastering officer attached to
the thar,eStoWn navy yard Will call at
the ship and muster tie entire brigade ut
The ranks held at the time.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26

men they would be expected to furnish
as volunteers, how they should be ap-
portioned among the three arms of the
service and where they should rendez-
vous in the United States army. a
good many details remain to be ar
ranged in order to carry out the de-
of the volunteers, but these are rapidly
being disposed of.
The department got notice, today,
that John Logan, son of the late Sen
ator Logan, had raised cavalry reg
iment which he offered to the govern
ment under his command 1t is hoped
that this can be accepted as a part of
the quota of men to be, furnished by
Illinois.
John jacob Astor of New York, not
content with Offering the government
his splendid yacht Normahal and free
transportation for troops and supplies
over the railroads in which he is in
tercstcd. has come forward with notice
that he has raised and equipped at his
own expense a battery of artillery
which he desires to offer to the govern
mcnt under his own plans for service in
Cuba. This offer probably will be ac-
ccpted. although the department has
l4ttfs doh cat wi ia r'l al
untcers in this way to the agSregatc
number Of at least 1000 men.
AS the Presidents authority on the
volunteer bin is to enlist only three
regiments outside of the regular quo
tas TO be furnished by the state, there
is rot much opportunity to accept the
services of these patriots.
The order to the district militia to 60
into camp here at the Soldiers Home
was revoked just at the moment when
it was in execution, owing, it is said.
To th" fact that the surgeon calling
away Of so many employees from the
departments without notice threatens
to cripple the government service.
Tho action of thc President in recon-
mending Il iolmai declaration of war
was welcomed 10y officials in every d.
rection as putting the present struggle
on more digniied basis and the tend
ing t. the avoidance Of international
combinations,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26

condition of the secretary's health
which is now impaired, as the result
of years of devotion TO the public ser
vice and the ardu0us labors of a life
time, added to age, the venerable scce-
tary being now within few days Of -
years of age.
The secretary's resignation was ten
dered in a simple note to the President
asking that it take effect from the
close of today. The secretary was seen
by an Associated Press reporter before
he went to the cabinet meeting. but
declined to make any statement be
You'd saving to the reporter that he
was carrying with him his resignation
and that he might have something to
say later in the day.
The session of the cabinet at which
Mr.. Sherman's resignation was tender
ed was called early this morning, for
the purpose of reviewing the message
which the President transmitted to
Congress, today, recommending that
Congress in the exercise Of the powers
vested in it by the constitution for
malIy declare war against the kingdom
of Spain.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
COLUMBIA AND MINNEAPOLIS
On New England Coast Probably to Look
After the Paris.

Boston, April 25.-The arrival Of the
commerce destroyer Minneapolis off
Cape Cod. at dusk, tonight, created
great excitement in this city and all
sorts of rumors were soon current on
the street as to the motives which
prompted the navy department to or
der her in this direction.
With the Columbia at Newport and
the Minneapolis in Massachusetts bay
it seemed to many that the national
government either scented danger from
foray by Spanish cruisers and had sent
these swift ships to protect the New
England coast. or as appeared more
reasonable, had stationed the cruisers
at convenient point to protect the
Paris on her way from the Grand
Banks to New York
The Paris will pass within a few hun
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26

dred miles Of Highland light, probably
Friday, on her way to the Nantucket
South Shoal light ship, which she turns
to make her final run Of 800 miles to
port.
1t would be matter of a few hours
at the most for the Columbia and Min
neapols to dash out from Massachu-
sets bay, pick up the unprotected
liner and keep off any Spanish cruiser
that might be lying in wait for her of
Nantucket shoals.
The new cruiser Topeka, being Il
slower boat, is also expected off tho
shoals. about Friday or Saturday, but
should be able to take care Of herself
without assistance.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
SPANISH SHIP AUDAZ
Ordered from British Port Viii! Go to Either
FerrOI or Cadiz.

Queenstown, April 25.-There is little
doubt in naval circles here that the Au-
daz which in compliance with tie orders
of the British admiral. left this port. this
morning at 5.45 o'clock will go to Ferrol
or Cadz from here, as n Considera bic
quantity of her war equipments have still
20 be placed on board of her before she
can be pronounced ready for active ser
vice. Her sister boat, the Osado, which
lowed her here from Waterford into
which port they put in after the AudaZ
was damaged, went to Ferro from
Queenstown to be fitted with the equip
ments not furnished by their English
builders.
In view of the outbreak of hostilities.
the dock company at Cork which has
been repairing the torpedo boat has
rushed work night and day on the small
craft. Since Friday her Spanish crew
has been in high spirits, continually way
ing bunting and handkerchicfs or other
wise expressing satisfaction at the pros
pect Of taking part in the naval move
mentS of Spain.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
PACIFIC BLOCKADE
Now in Force at Many At
lantic Coast Ports.
Between Sunset and Sunrise No YES
sci Can Enter Them.
No Spaniard Need Apply on Pain OF Instan,
Annhilation.

ON board Flagship Brooklyn, off For
tress Monroe, April 25.-Ths port, the
| entrance to Washington. Norfolk and
| Portsmouth, where half a score Of vns-
| sells Of war are under repairs for as
sistance IN the conflict, Newport News.
the great coaling place Of the coast and
where the battlcships Kentucky and
kearsarge are being constructed. An
napolis, the naval academy of the ma
ton, Richmond. the great city of the
South and Fort Monroe. the KEY To III.
land situation, has been declared in a
state of pacific blockade from sunset
to sunrise and no vessels will be al
lowed to enter Hampton Roads between
the hours that mark that period
Mines have laid between Cape Henry
and Charles and above them both in
the Chesapeake and James River out
let's Of Hampton Roads,
The Washington. Norfolk and Rich
mond steamers were allowed to leave.
tonight, as usual, but beginning tomor-
row night they will have to leave be-
fore sunset in order to be clear Of the
harbor
The squadron is on the most warlike
kind of a footing tonight A picket
fleet of steamer cutters is out for the
entire night, fully armed, the officers
Of the deck and the marine centres are
armed and some of the gun squad sleep
at the guns. Ensigns We're coupled.
full steam is up and anchors have been
sighted SO that there will be no delay
in starting.
Up TO nightfall the Montgomery had
not come down from Norfolk to escort
the Panther with it's 500 marines to
Key West. The Montgomery with it's
rapid fire guns. the Morrill, and Sious,
with their fast batteries and the
Panther with its complement of eight
rapid firing guns. it is believed will
form too formidable fleet for any
enemy near this coast.
The news of the whereabouts of the
was received with surprise,
today. and wonder was expressed at
the reasons for sending her to the New
England coast If. however. the San
Francisco and the New Orleans join
this fleet, it will be strengthened for
is anticipated meeting with the Cape
De Verde fleet of Spain
The Rodgers, torpedo boat, came in,
.oday, after being As hours at sea. and
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
THE CAPTURED VESSELS.
Admiral Sampson Given Author.tj to Send
Them Where He Thinks Best

Washington. April IA telegram was
received from Commander Forsyth at Key
West, this afternoon. reporting the
arrival of the sunboat Helena at that
port, this morning. bringing in the prize
steamer Miguel JoYcr. from New Orleans
for Havana.
Under date of the 9Th inst, Rear Ad-
miral sampson reported to the depart
ment from Key West as follows:
Three Spanish steamers and a number
of Spanish schooners have been captured
and sent 10 l>cy West. The steamer sent.
this morning. can barely get in drawing
u feet. Ii larger vessels fan into our
hands where snail they he sent? Tor
pcdo boat or fast auxiliary will be con-
Stantly held at Key West to bring dis
patches from the department.
secretary Long sent a telegram to Adj
miral sampson, this afternoon. authoriz-
ing him to use his discretion as to the dis
position to be made of the larger craft
which will fan into his hands. or in other
words. 10 send them wherever he thinks
best.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
PENOBSCOT DEFENCES.
Fort Knox at Bucksport Heights to
Be Made Ready.
Armament Somewhat Obsolete But Will Give
Good Account OF Itself.

Bucksport Me-, April 25.-The first
movement towards protecting the Pc
nobscot river against foreign invasion
will be made, Tuesday, when Ordnance
Sergeant Leopold Hcgyi in charge OF
Fort Knox. viii begin operations ac-
cording to orders received, today, from
coed with all possible haste to place the
armament of the fort in the best condi-
readiness for action.
\ large crew Of men will be set 20
work removing all growth and build
ings obstructing the range Of the guns.
The portion of the armament in the
armoly Will be taken out and placed in
readiness, carriages painted and oiled.
The fort is supplied With shot and shell
but has no powder and a rcquisition
for a full supply will at once be for
warled.
Fort Knox was commenced in 1916
and completed in 1864. 1t is one of the
finest Notifications Of its class on the
Atlantic scaboard and cost nearly 81
oo0,o 0o, being erected on a high bluff 1t
Eucksport Narows and commandins
The entrance TO the Pcnobscot.
The present armament is somewhat
obsolete ANA consists Of FIVE 15-inch and
IL l0-inch smooth bore Kodinans. with.
in the outside batteries ana harbcttes
% 2i-pound HoWitzers in the bankers
There are - carriages without guns.
The fort was never sarris"ned bat
has accommodations for 800 men.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
HAMPTON ROADS BLOCKADED.
You Must Pass in Daytime II You Pass With
out Danger.

Fort Monroe. April 25.-Commodore
Schley has received orders that the port
of Hampton Roa Is must be considered
in state Of blockade from sunset to sun
rise and no vessels must be allowed either
to depart or TO enter during these hours
For the purpose OF allowing the Wash
ineton ana Baltomorc passenger boats to
accommodate passengers who hal already
engaged passage Commodore Schley re
hcVcd them in part from the order for
tonight. Their leaving time is between !
and o'clock. and will hay to be changed
to between and > O'Clock in order to en-
force the blockade
patrol will hc established at the en-
trance of Hampton Roads to enforce the
order.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26
SHERMAN RESIGNS,
Terminates His Public Career
of Over 30 Years.
Is Succeeded by Assistant Secretary
-. of State VIM. R. Day.
Who in Turn is Succeeded by Prof. j. B..
Moore OF Columbia.

Washington, April 25.-Anothcr
resignation from the cabinet occurred.
today, when the venerable Secretary of
State, Mr. John Sherman, handed his
resignation of the premiership to the
President. This resignation will take
effect at as carly Il date as may be con-
venient to the President and with it
Mr.. Sherman rctires from public life
after service of over 90 years embrace
ing the House of Representatives. the
United States Senate, the sccretaryShip
of teh treasury and the sccretaryship
of state.
The reason for the resignation is the
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-26

Secretary Shermau's resignation was
rendered at 12.15. 1t was accepted ana
to succeed him.
John Il. Moore professor Of interna
tional law of Columbia university. New
York, and formerly assistant secretary
of state, has been chosen To succeed
Judge Day as assistant secretary of
safe