davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
In MT. Bland's District.

The expansion issue will be tested to some extent next Tuesday in the Eighth Mis- souri district, when an election will be held for a congressman to fill the seat that the late Mir. Bland held about twenty years. The election is chiefly interesting because both parties have emphasized and pushed forward the "imperiar' issue. and the re- suit will be to some extent indicative of the trend of public sentiment.
 Two years ago MT. Bland was elected by 2.SOO plurality. His opponent then was Mr. Vosholl, and Judge Shacklefords op- ponent now is this same MT. Vosholl, who is a lawyer and prominent republican poli- tician. Two years ago there was no popu- list candidate on the official ballot; this year there is one. Judge Shackleford left the bench to make this race, and he will have the support of every man who be- lieves in democratic principles and policies. He may lack some of the characteristics of the late MT Bland, who was a man of strong personality, but Judge Shackleford is regarded wherever he is known as capable and upright man. The Age-Her- aid anticipates his election. The attempt to 'jingo" through his opponent will not deceive the voters of a sound Missouri district
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Public Schools in the State.

Throughout the state preparations are being made for the opening of the public schools. and there is a general hope that under Superintendent Abercromb.e and the board of examiners and a more liberal ap- port!onment better schools will be secured. There will, however. be disappointment for the state appropriation will not prove sufficient. It must, however do fer two years. In round numbers the available state fund has been doubled. It will slight ly exceed a million dollars, and each school district can depend upon a sum about double that of last year.
 The new taxes will be collected from oc- tober l. and will therefore be available for use during the coming school season, although the payments may be little slow at first
 Close support and supervision of the home school should take the place of local taxation, which cannot be gained in this state, as 1t has been in Louisiana, until constitutional reform is demanded by pub lie sentiment. The denial of the right of local taxation for school purposes makes Alabama a backward state-backward in average intelligence, and backward in self government.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
THE COTTON CROP
From the Florence Times.

From the Florence Times.
 Colonel Samuel Kirkman, who probably has fuller knowledge of the cotton crop of the south than any man in the United States in an authorized statement, says: "The cotton crop now points to 9,5OO000 bales. Heavy rains in Texas soon might possibly increase it to 100000 bales. But no weather, however, favorable, can in- crease it beyond that amount" This state- ment coming from so reliable authority. should completely offset the statement of Neill, the buyers reporter and tend to raise the price.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Would Beg to be Killed

The Hon. William Wortham, long state treasurer of Texas, was in a New York jewelry store one day when he noticed showcase filled with splendid jeweled re- volvers, with silver and gold grips and chased barrels, having precious stones set into the butts. "Lemme see one of those guns" he said to the. clerk. (Which one, sir?" "The gold one with the big ruby fin the handle" The clerk took 1t from the case. It was marked $500 and it looked even worth more, says the Chicago News. The Texan took it tenderly in both hands and held 1t admiringly up to the light. Then drawing himself up to his full height, which was six feet and half he rested the revolver upon his left elbow, crooked for the purpose. and looked over the sights down the long store. Those persona who saw. involuntarily lodged Say" said MT. wortham, with quiet but intense en- thusiasm, as he returned the weapon. Eff I was to wear that gun down in my state the people would be falling down on their knees begging to be killed with it."
The age-herald., 1899-08-27

American firm offers to furnish dynamite at 45 shillings case of fifty pounds Four hundred thousand cases are used annually, thus involving an annual tax upon the min- ing industry of about ss.oOOOOo. The gold deposits of uhe Transvaal are found in low grade free-milling ore. The average value of this ore is s1O.40 a ton. and the cost of dynamite becomes an important item. It really forbids the working of many low grade mines.
 The prosperity of the entire mining in- dustry Is involved in the pending contest, and it is plain England does not propose to stand much more Dutch injustice and Dutch extortion Dutch obstinacy and Dutch belief in their own rifles are serving to bring on a war that can have but one ending. and when all the facts are under stood 1t is seen that the little republic is entitled to public sympathy only because 1t is little It has not been and is not now a just republic
The age-herald., 1899-08-27

splendid compromise he made of the case of the Sloss company of which he is at torney.
 The board, in assessing property, tried to assess upon an per cent. basis. To do this, in a large number of cases, they put property at a figure on which the annual rental would bring a gross b per cent. return. As a rule. they got at this by dividing the gross annual rent by b ana multiplying the result by 100. You can ng- ure this out for yourself and see that It figures about right Of course, there were variations when the character of the prop erty was shown.
 In dealing with corporations, the board considered incomes and seemed to base US estimate upon ths producing power or such corporations Indeed, the board made every effort to get at fair basis of taxation Tor corporations having franchises and intan- gibe property. They tried to get at the income-producing qualities and fix rate of taxation based upon that .
 In a few cases, the board did property holders an injustice. They taxed some peo- ple and corporations too high and they taxed some too low. But, as rule, they have shown neither malice nor favoritism. They have tried to do what was right, ana in the grand total have succeeded. or course, lots of flaws can be picked in their work I know of a number of cases, but they were largely mistakes in the rush.
 
 was talking with Chairman Earle about the labors of the board yesterday. Mfr Earle said he realized they had made mis- takes It was impossible to do justice : alike to all. They had put some properties too high and others too low. They were flooded with cases and had to dispose of them quickly without facilities for getting full evidence. "Eyen if we had taken hours, instead of minutes on each case, doubtless, we would have made mistakes said he But the board has endeavored to treat all alike. In the case of close cor porations, the board has found 1t very difficult to get at correct figures. That was the case with the Gas Company and the Electric Light company, but the board has endeavored to tax both justly and not make either too high.'
 I am glad to see Mayor Drennen Is talk ing active steps to remedy the Twentieth street crossing. It is indeed veritable death-trap. It should be remedied and remedied at once It strikes me that the best solution of the problem is the tunnel or
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Guilty or Not Guilty.

The Dreyfus case is progressing steadily to a conclusion. It will certainly be ex- haustve, whether it be impartial or not. All sorts and conditions or testimony and opinions are welcomed by court that is presumably animated by esprit re corps if not by downright prejudice. against the accused. The army is unmistakably lined up against Captain Dreyfus, with only few exceptions, like Colonel Picquart. This fact is the most serious one in the case. The superior officers of the members of the court are leagued against Captain Dreyfus. Such facts as these should not be disre- garded in trying to arrive at an opinion as to the result.
 There are other things to be taken into consideration. The world outside the French army is a Dreyfus world, and the reports sent out from Rennes are sent by Dreyfusites to Dreyfus journals. These re- ports are beyond doubt given a Dreyfus coloring. Then, too, French judicial meth
 
 witnesses-the demand made upon the pris- oner for comment upon each story of a witness-the presumption of guilt in the first plaee-all these things are strange to Americans, and Americans are thus unable to form definite or perhaps correct con- clusions as to the result
 In spite of the fact that the court of cessation unanimously ordered a new trial after a thorough examination of the case, yet it would not be at all strange if the court at Rennes should find the accused guilty. There is a feeling in well-informed d circles that it will do so. This might not, however, lead to a return of the prisoner to Devils Island. It is safe to say he will never see Devils Island again. The sen- tence of the Rennes court must be con- frmed by the government. It may be set aside or modified by the government, and in the end 1t will doubtless be seen that judgment will be based more on expediency and politics and the Paris exposition than on testimony and harangues brought out at Rennes.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
JONES OF TOLEDO

From the Boston Herald.
 The announcement of Mayor Jones of Toledo that he is candidate for governor of Ohio would be of more consequence if he could be said to represent something besides himself. He has declined pr6lfered nominations from several of the minor par ties in Ohio, whose representatives were ready and willing to put his name at the head of their tickets if he would pool his principles with theirs. He prefers to go 1t alone, however, and he will run on a plat form of principles such as he has been advocating for several years, and which he thinks are substantially summed up in the Golden Rule. Mayor Jones is a good man, inspired by good intentions, but, in the language of the vernacular. he ap- pears to be rather stuck on himself.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
SOLD FAR IN ADVANCE

From the Baltimore Sun.
 The iron industries around Birmingham, Ala, seem at present to be in the enjoy ment of unprecedented prosperity It is announced on the authority of one of it's officials that the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company has sold in advance the production of it's furnaces, amounting to 450,0O0 tons of pig iron, until April 1 next year. The price realized is said to range from $15 to $16 per ton which is double what it brought year ago, and means the production by this company of about ST. 100000 worth of iron in the next seven months. Quite lot of this iron is for the consumption of northern and eastern steel report like amount of activity, and Br- mingham iron men have sold so far in ad- vance at present prices that they are prac- tically insured against every drop in price for a year to come. These are the most remarkable iron transactions ever record ed in the south in magnitude prices and length of period of delivery.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
l,eJ04oza

porous Filipino is creditable-looking sub ject. He is immaculate in his white dress and white shoes. He does not stain his teeth with the betel-nut, but, on the con- trary, is as neat as possible about his per sonal appearance. His features are apt to show refinement, and when he speaks or moves it is with the grace of the Castil- ian. As a rule, this man of the better class would like to see the war come to an end. Some with whom we talked assured us to that effect. though not without furtive side glances to see whether some one was list ening. The Filipino who has nothing to lose is more apt to favor the revolution, and he has an annoying habit, at night, of set- ting fire to the house of the well-to-do na- tive who is heard to favor American gov sernment Among those with whom talk ed were doctor. a lawyer, and an apothe- cary-all men educated for their callings. and protesting to be heartily sick of the revolution.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
NED BRACE TALKS OF THE BOARD
 OF REVENUE AND OTHER MATTERS

viaduct suggestion. This could be built for less than s1OO,000. The expense could be apportioned among the city. the railroads and the street railroads In this way, it would not cost any one of them 0 great sum.
 The matter should be pushed right along and the work should commence this fall. Delay in this matter Is dangerous.
 The State Fair movement Is going ahead splendilly. The selection of Senator Caffee as president was a good and wise one. He is a public-spirited. enthusiastic, energetic and brasny citizen. Further than that, he is populal, and a good a1l-round fellow. I predict that he and his associates will make a great success of it,
 Speaking of tho State Fair, I don't see why we shouldn't have some good horse racing in Birmingham on this occasion. I am frank to say that I can see no objec- ton to pool selling on race track. A bet of a dollar or two on a horse race makes one more interested in it. It is rare thing that men win or lose more than a small sum in betting on actual horse races on a race course. The great objection to pool selling IS m bOOl rooms esluoiiSAieu III d city where people can go and bet on races rum in a distant city, or on a horse which they don't sec. This constitutes species of gambling. There are those, however, who believe in this, and every man Is en- titled to his own opinion.
 I can see no good reason why a man had mot the right to wager dollar or two on a horse race which he is witnessing and where he has had an opportunity to ex- anime the actual horse in blood and life before he runs.
 Speaking of horse racing, the young men, and the old, too of Birmingham give too little attention to outdoor sports. There is very little football played practically no baseball. and very few of the manly sports indulged in. As rule, the men declare they are too busy They are not An hour or two out in the afternoon given to good, heaHhy physical exercise would prove beneficial not only to the health of the men, but to their mental strength also.
 The Country Club, with it's golf links. tennis courts and shooting grounds has started some interest, and this interest should be encouraged and cultivated.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27

The sessions of the Board of Revenue have been interesting during the past week. have attended many of them. They have been more amusing and entertaining than anything which has occurred in Birming- ham in many years. l was amazed at the number of valueless properties in and about Birmingham. I was struck with the fact that everybodys plant and machinery is old and worn out. I have likewise been impressed with the fact that Back Tax Commissioner Wetmore is possessed of all sorts and kinds of nerve. I don't know that he plays poker but he would be good player. He wouldn't hestitae to raise you to the ceiling in a table-stakes game He bets a stack and he calls every hand that makes bet. He is good compro- miser however. and settled many of the big cases at perhaps a less price than he could have gotten in trial
 Of course MT. Wetmore could never have expected that the board would raise taxes up to the figures he said. but he didn't make any mistake in setting any hgures too low. He tackled every assessment which he handled to the ceiling.
 l llke the way lHe bOdTu Ol 1NSNehuS dled the matters which came before 1t. It is composed of five as thoroughly honest and conscientious citizens as Jefferson county contains. They have done what they conceived to be right in every case, and they have been consistent in their ac- tion in the great majority of cases. Of course. they have made mistakes. That is human. They realize 1t as well as any one else. But when it is remembered that they usually had to pass upon scores of cases daily, with little evidence before them to go on, they have done remarkably we'll They have had no power to force witnesses to testify. They have simply taken that information which was voluntarily ten- dered them and acted upon their best judg- ment And they are men of pretty good judgment.
 Many of the leading members of the bar have been in daily attendance on the ses- sions As a rule. the lawyers have been satisfied. I was talking with MT Camp bell, who has one of the brightest intel lects at the Birmingham bar. He has had many cases before the board, and, while in some cases he thought the assessments put upon him too high, yet he was frank to admit yesterday that, in the main, the board had been eminently just and fair. By the way, speaking of MT. Campbell, ne deserves great deal of credit TOT the
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Rose to the Occasion

The following story, for which the De- troit Journal vouches, Illustrates a wo- mans quick tact in an emergency. It is about a college professor, who is a great gardener, and wears a glass eye. One day this college presidential being summer, and he an his yacation-rushed in from the garden all soiled and spattered, and without his glass eye. His wife was seat ed with a caller of importance. She per ceiv5d the special unfitness of her hus- bands condition, and frigidIy said to him: John, go at once to the library and tell your master that Mrs. wishes to see him" He went and soon reappeared, clothed eyed and in his right mind
 This college president, it is plain, is him. self man of presence of mind. There are plenty of men who, confronted by such a Remark of genius as this, would have stared and faltered out, "But, my dear" and spoiled it all
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
REFLECTIONS OF 4 BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 Every woman Is a good actress till she goes on the stage.
 There is one thing a woman never can understand, and that is herself
 When the devil had his choice as to in- struments he first picked jealousy.
 If there weren't any lad men to be hor- rible examples. probably there wouldnt be any good women to be shining examples
 When a man can make a woman believe that he can't help thrilling at her voice she feels she has to marry him so that she can turn the current on whenever she feels like 1t.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
THE STEEL FAMINE

From the New York Commercial Advertf-
 ser
 The present steel famine in this country is partly the result of recent American steel exports Everywhere there has been great demand for steel, and before the full effect of this demand was felt in the United States immense quantities of Amer ican steel had been shipped abroad Of course the present famine Is only tempora- ry. American steel supply will soon again overtake demand, and prices will fall to a normal level. But 1t is curious that at the very time that American manufacturers have been securing new markets in other parts of the globe steel manufacturers should find themselves unable to meet the home demand for their products, and for eign steel should be imported to help eke out the deficiency. It Is new experience for American industry.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
August 2S. 1899.
DAWN
By Clara Marcelle Greene.

By Clara Marcelle Greene.
 Sinks the faint moon in the west, Like watcher worn with woe In her chamber, while below Her beloved lies confessed, And white vestured for his rest:
 Lo, tine gray dawn cometh! Stately stand the lilies proud, Weeping in their own despite, Faces dropping, over-white, While meadow grass is bowed Underneath a misty shroud:
 Lo. the rose dawn cometh! Dusky violets in bed,
 Like row of kneeling nuns, Gentle, tender, meek-faced ones, Dare not lift a reverent head, Till the prison Is said: Lo, the red dawn cometh!
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
HIS PICTURE

Finest and fairest of all- Debonnare. straight and tall, With wave of the hand at meeting And a gay little word of greeting; From his whimsical fashion of fooling, The lilt on his lips of laughter, Came the mutinous curve of his mouth Ripely-red as a rose of his south); But the splendor of youth and of morning His beautiful brow adorning, Showed the valor and vigor of ruling Tn the years to come to him after, With their .fashioning fetters and force. And the look in his deep, tender eyes (Clear-glancing as cool summer skies), Had his great heart for fountain and
 source.
 Julia Nicely Finch
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Not Subject to Brain Trouble

A certain doctor had occasion, when only a beginner in the medical profession, to attend a trial as witness. The opposing ' counsel, as the story is related by the New York Tribune, in cross-examning tho young physician, made several sarcastic 4 remarks. doubting the ability of so young a man to understand his business. Finally } he asked
 "Do you know the symptoms of concus- sion of the brain?' { 'I do," replied the doctor.
 "Well," continued the attorney, suppose my learned friend, MT. Baging, and myself were to bang our heads together, should we get concussion of the brain?"
 "Your learned friend, MT. Raging, night" said the doctor.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
From the scottsboro Citizen.

Governor Johnston had nothing to do with the early primary movement in our county. He, it is true. has some warm SUD- porters up this way. but even they do not seem to know anything about his asplra- lions or political intentions. We have no authority to make the statement. but our opinion is that Governor Johnston has no idea of running for third term, but will at the proper time announce his candidacy for the United States senate H
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
HE HAS AN ITALIAN HAND

From the Athens Democrat
 If we are not vastly mistaken the fine Italian hand of the gentleman who is now slated for the clerkship under Judge Shei- ley, MT. Charles J. Allison, was seen in this county in the spring of 1896. when the county of Limestone went for the cousin of MT. Allison, MT. William Mckinley. At any rate, the circulating medium was some what increased after the county convention was held.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
From the Anniston Home.

If neither Senator Morgan or General Wheeler want the vice-presidential nomi- nation, how would Hon. J. J. Willett do? Morgan and Wheeler are both in the sere and yellow leaf, while Wllett is in the prime of life, a successful lawyer and a man of decided ability. The Home is al- ways for home men, and Calhoun county is never without good material And just now it may be truthfuly said that MT wil- lett is more in the public eye than any democrat in the south.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27

From the Cincinnati Inquirer
 There is little talk now of disputing the right of Roberts. of Utah, to a seat in congress, though he has wives. Mir Rob- erts seems to be made safe by the affection with which we have embraced the Sultan of Suu, with a whole harem.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
"WlLLETTS OF ALABAMA"
om the Talladega News-Reporter.

From the Talladega News-R Reporter
 Mir. Willetts. Wiletts of Alabama, is "some pumpkins at the anti-Bryan DOW VOWS in New England. but he couldn't early a beat in his own county for road supervisor. And if he is among the lead CTS. what is the rank and file made of? Bryan is safe with such a Coxey army against him.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
From the opellka News.

A fair and, properly conducted primary is the best method of securing the ex- pressed wish of a majority of the people. Jackson county has led off in this line, calling primaries where the voters may express their choice for nominations for every office from United States senator down to tax assessor. The will of the peo- pie is the supreme power and the primary is the proper method of ascertaining their preference.
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
A Delft Compliment

From the Chicago News.
 They were seated at the ice cream table. "Oh, dear" said the sweet girl flaming her cheek. 'Tm melting"
 The young man saw an opportunity. 'I knew it was rather warm," he safd ''but didn't think it was as hot ss that.'- ''What do you mean?"
 "Why, hot enough to melt pure gold"
The age-herald., 1899-08-27
Bryant Had Caught Them All

MT. Harold Goodwin, grandson of William Cullen Bryant, is the owner of Cedarmere, the poets old home on Long Island. Among the features of the place are an old trout pond and picturesque rustic bridge Some members of the household, so the story goes. were raoo-tiv ar.~~~>an nhad hu an old