davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
Not a Local Issue.

The Greater Birmingham bill now before the legislature, should not be treated as a local measure in any respect. It should be regarded as a measure of state value and state importance; and if it will not stand that test, let it be rejected. If the capital of the states great mining district should be town of good rank, then let the bill become law; if the reputation of the dis trict be measured in other states and other lands by its central town, then push the have a representative town in the Alabama district, as they are striving in Pennsyl- vania to have Greater Pittsburg then give the bill all needful support.
 The wishes of the citizens of Birmingham should not be all-controlling, nor should the views of a handful of taxpayers in the sub- urbs who want something for nothing be regarded. The legislature should take broad view of the subject-a view so broad that it's first feature will relate to the gen eral good of the state. It is in every respect
 
 a local bill. If the prosperity and fame of the state will be promoted by the passage of the bill, then it should be placed among the states statutes; otherwise, 1t should be sent to the pigeon-holes devoted to bills without merit.
 Birmingham's elaborate system prevents the inner city from attaining a representa- tive population, and it is only through an- nexation that such a population can be gained. No more territory is desired than any other town in the land world seek if quite so much; and the legislature should look at the matter from a state viewpoint only. The bill before the legislature is primarily "a bill in the interest of the min ing district of the state, and through it of the entire state. It is a bill to corral the taxpayer who wants municipal benefits without municipal taxation. It is a bill to counteract the dispersive effects of the trolley and the dummy It is a bill to give Alabama's mineral resources repre- sentative town, and it should be looked at in that light and in that light only.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
LAST MONDAYS COTTON MARKET

From the New York Evening Post.
 The cotton market reflected a tone Of strength today that surprised the trade A flood of buying orders came into the pit at the opening from all rections, and led to unusual activity and an excited market The public, seeing changed conditions and a bull movement, seem to have been at tracted to cotton as favorable field for in- vestment at the prevailing prices, for bro- kers reported an accumulation of large buy ing orders from outsiders over Sunday that surprised them. Their execution, together with large buying orders from the trade at Liverpool and New Orleans and the south, not to mention continued heavy demand from Wall street. caused the prices to be made anywhere from to 12 points above Saturdays final prices.
 Brokers who had been idle for months had all the business they could handle. As fast as one bull let go, another took his place. Beside the heavy local and foreign short interest-still estimated at over 1 1G00,- OO0 bales in the summer months-took fright and started to cover. It was, perhaps the demand from this source and the heavy outside buying that gave flip in the mar ket and made the sentiment so strong though trade conditions have been becom- ing bullish and prices hardening for some time.
 The market showed It's strength by ab- sorbing all the offerings and working up through the opening prices to a new high level. Reports from Liverpool and the south were bullish, showing a hardening tendency to spot cotton, and the news from the dry-goods districts was bullish and sug- gested an immense spring trade.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
EnQliSh Politics.

The New York Evening Post, which Is quite English" or nothing, devotes long column to the mudde in English politics. After disposing of the disrupted liberal party, the Post says:
 ''When the conservative party in England had something to conserve it too was very strong; that is when it was defending the corn laws, or restricted suffrage, or the Irish union. But, since the passage of the reform bill, having nothing to save, it has never been able to supply leaders of its own party. Sir Robert Peel was its last. Ever since his time it has had to hire mercenaries. renegade liberals like Dis raeli and Chamberlain who were willing to fight under any flag that gave them titles and decorations. It is really, therefore, lit- tie better off than the liberals, except that 1t has that great party bond, the offices. If 1t had to fight now for mere existence like the liberals, it would be as badly off as the liberals. It has only one first-class fighting man. and 1t would never have had him without the best pickings.'
 Being apparently ignorant of the fact that Mir. Gladstone, greatest of all liberals, first entered parliament as a conservative, the Post displays remarkable ignorance of Dis raeli and Chamberlain. Disraeh entered par- liament liberal. and when he joined the conservative party he could not have had any reasonable hope of titles and decora- tions." He received none until after old age
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
THE MORGAN BILL

From the New York Mail and Express.
 The result of the various compromise amendments embodied in the bill, has been to secure for it the affirmative votes of number of senators previously aggressive in their antagonism. Senator Morgan, in his capacity of leader, is to be congratulated on the wisdom displayed in adopting de- gree of conciliation which has strengthen ed rather than weakened his measure while the converts he has made have shown a praise-worthy regard for safeguarding one of the first logical fruits of the late war. It Is difficult to see how the house can consent, without scandal, to precipitate a failure of the bill at the present session. In the first place, such course would mean not defeat. but postponement. In the sec ond place, there is no denial anywhere that we need sorely, in both peace and war, an isthmian canal; and the bill, as it now stands commits the government to such canal, but not to a single route. Finally the company to be created by this legisla- ton and controlled by the government will build the canal whatever may be the route ultimately selected The country awaits the action of the house measure which appears to meet all requirements
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
Boo| CT Washington at the Lyceum.

Elsewhere is printed an amusing article from the Montgomery Journal anent the appearance of Principal Booker T. Wash irgton in the lyceum course. The article may not demand a reply, but the subject of the article is one that deserves attention.
 Secretary H. K White, after consulting the directors of the lyceum. invited Profes- sor Washington to deliver lecture before the members of the lyceum, and the invita- ton has been duly accepted, and the lecture will be duly given. Now, why not?
 There is no prejudice in the south against honest endeavor on the part of negroes, and there never has been. Booker T. Washing ton is bravely endeavoring to thwart the efforts of the mischiefmakers of his race, and of those demagogues of the white race who are leagued with them. Unlike Bishop Turner and other agitators, he does not preach the gospel of discomfort. He is not filing the heads of young negroes with wis., ions of power that cannot be realized. He is the very antithesis of all agtators and all demogogues. In word, he tells all of his race that he can reach that they should utilize the labor market-that they should build from the bottom by industry, economy and thrift-that they should en- able themselves to live in three-room cot tages instead of one-room cabins-that they should study the methods of the whites, and like them should acquire property and character as they go along, letting politics and other forms of dissipation and demoral- ization severely alone
 Shall not such teacher and leader be en- outraged? His success among his own peo- pie Is valuable. They are beginning to turn from the Bishop Turner's to this brave apos- tie of industry and character-of self-help and thrift. He is leading a revolution of a peaceful nature, but one that may prove very fruitful to Alabama. If he succeeds in bringing thrift and contentment and higher productive capacity to his people, he will prove himself benefactor of the state In 1880 there were 67s.2a9 negroes in the state;
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
MIR. SEYMOUR
 OF SUMTER

William Henry Seymour representative from Sumter county in the present general assembly, and who Is the leader of the mic nority opposition of the democratic major- ity, was born in Choctaw county about thirty-one years ago. His father Hon. Rob- ert H. Seymour, removed to Sumter county when the son was twelve years old. The boy attended school in Livingston until he was fifteen, when he was sent east to take course of study in famous commercial school Upon his return home he entered the University of Alabama, where he re- mained but year, at the end of that time winning in a competitive examination the appointment to the United States Naval academy at Annapolis. He remained at Annapolis three years, securing the ap- proval of his masters and the goodwill of his classmates Close and constant appli- cation to his studies weakened his eyesght, and at the end of his third year this trouble compelled him to resign.
 Immediately after his return to his home in Sumter he was chosen principal of the widely-known academy at Livingston, and he held that responsible position for two years conducting the academy with note worthy success, although he was mere boy in years He resigned and went to Montgomery to accept the position of chief clerk in the office of the state superlntend- ent of education After serving in that capacity, the people of his county concluded that they needed his services in the legis- lature; and without any canvass or effort on his part the democrats of Sumter nomi- mated and elected him the representative of the party in the lower house of the gen eral assembly. After the legislature was organized he at once came to the front as one of the strongest and most capable mem- bers of the house. He took an advanced position on all the leading questions, and whilst he necessarily antagonized many of the more conservative-minded, he won the respect of all the house and the hearty support of nearly majority of its mem- bens. He proved himself to be thoroughly informed on the principal subjects coming up for consideration. He was remarkably ready in debate, quick to catch point, and
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

perfectly fearless in contending for what he conceived to be just to and advisable for the people of the state. His perfect calm- ness, his ever-unruffled temper, and his resolute courage won the respect of men who could not agree with him.
 On the 9th day of October, 1892, Mr. Sey- mour was married to Miss Mamie AmerineI daughter of Captain M. H. Amerine, of Montgomery. He claimed as bride one of the most beautiful belles known for many years in the society of the state capital, a city famous for it's beautiful women. To her rare gifts as favorite of society, there have been joined the nameless charms Of a noble matronhood. She shares fully her husbands studies and his ambitions, his resolute spirit and fixedness of purpose.
 In May, 1885, President Cleveland appoint- ed Mr. Seymour to be consul of the United States at Palermo, Italy, one of the most important places in the consular service. His wife accompanied him abroad, and In Italy their only child, daughter, was born A position like that of consul at Pamero is very difficult to fill with satis- faction alike to local interests and to the government of the United States, requiring,
 
 conservatism, and sound judgment. But MT. Seymour, although he had not had any previous experience in the consular service, distinguished himself, winning not only the commendation of his own government but the ardent attachmet of the best element of the inhabitants of Palermo and all Sicily. His immediate superior, the consul-general, in bidding him adieu, wrote: You take home with you, my dear Seymour, the con- sciousness of having fulfilled and well dis charged your duty to the government. Your ability and devotion to duty assure 6 bright career for you amongst your own people, or whenever again your country shall require your services"
 The democrats of Sumter again claimed MT. Seymour's services in the legislature, and in August, 1898, he was elected a mem- Der of the house. His high position in that body is now a matter of current history, related in the newspapers day by day.
 Personally, MT. Seymour is a man of un- failing courtesy and most engaging man. ners. He is the truest of friends and the fairest of adversaries. Much more than that one could not well say of any man. His youth, his energy, his close application and his courage make his future bright with good promise.
 LUCIEN JULIEN WALKER
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
The School Bill.
Editor

The educational bills before the legisla- ture are exposed to many dangers. They may be side-tracked by the heavy tide of local legislation. They must incur the op- position of few selfish taxpayers, and of those politicians who lack the courage of their convictions when the tax rate is n- volved But says the Educational Ex- change, ''thoughout the state strong and almost unanimous public sentiment not only favors, but is demanding better and longer anxious to be taxed for school purposes, knowing that such thing is not only right and just, but that money so expended is a profitable investment, yielding Its returns in protection, confidence, good will and the increased earning capacity of it's employees Without exception, so far as I can learn, the press of the state demands and defends public education, and the improvement and adequate support of our public school sys- tenn. Some of our leading dailies and weeklies never miss an issue to fight for better schools. The pulpit, the public plat form, the political stump, the womens clubs, indeed, every thinking working or ganization and individual unite in one long memorial to the legislature to provide ade- quate school facilities for the hundreds of thousands of children in our rural districts Gentlemen of the legislature, the question is with you and so is this great responsi- bility. We elected you to represent us, and we beg that you hear the voice of your own people"
 The Abercrombie bills are bills that bear the stamp of the best educational expecl- ence in the state. They were prepared with great and thought. They stand for better schools, and every one of them should become law. The people expect such a re- suit. They desire it. The county superin- tendents do not, but the people do. Let the will of the people prevail in this all-import- ant matter. Let the country politicians stand aside for once; for the people are en- titled to an occasional opportunity in legis- lation.
 Longer terms depend upon adequate appropriation. The legislator who goes home without first providing for a six months term of public schools in his county, will go home to meet disappointed constit- uency. He will go home to meet children whom he has deprived of a fair chance in the battle of life. He will go home to shuf- f1e out of his record as best he can, but let him not attempt to unload 1t on some one else He must stand or fall by his own record.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
NO OCCASION FOR PEssIMIsM


 From the Anniston Hot-Blast
 Don't worry about the treaty. Its rati- fication will not transform any of the is- lands into American states. It will not transform the islands into voting American citizens. It will not give the island products right of free entry into our ports After it had been ratified, the American people and their servants at Washington will de- eide at their leisure the questions of duty and policy which the war has left behind it. They will not have to decide these in a hurry, nor all at once. There will be plenty of time to consider them carefully one after another. And time Qike sleep) brings coun- sel. More than that it brings knowledge, light, illumination.
 The treaty is going to be ratified; that we think, is already as certain as anything that has not yet actually occurred can be. But don't put on sackcloth and ashes when it occurs. Don't imagine calamities. Don't despair of this very robust and vigorous republic. Rather brace up on the cheery encouragement of the good old hymn ''Ye cheerful saints, fresh courage take,
 The clouds you so much dread,
 Are big with mercy and shall break
 In blessings on your head" I3
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.
From the New York Press.

From the New York Press.
 Next to fatness common sense clothes make platonic love.
 A woman can cut her morals to most any pattern that strikes her fancy.
 A woman deposits secrets with a friend just like a man does money with a bank, for safe keeping.
 A man can be just as foolish as a woman. only he isn't so foolish about fooling h mseh about his foolishness.
 A woman likes to listen to a scorchna sermon because 1t does her good to think how much good it would have done her husband if hA had heAn thare to hear 1t.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

had overtaken him. Chamberlain never has received any title or decoration, though it is notorious that he has repeatedly declined both. As for the "best pickings," the sec retaryship of the colonies, now held by him, was a minor cabinet position until his gen. ius made it one of the first offices under the crown. The Post islanders the dead and yillihes the living. The Post is not alone in this sort of thing.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
DON'T TINKER THE CONVENTION
From the Selma Journal.

There is some talk of an effort to amend the constitutional convention bill so as to increase the delegates from the state at large seventeen more members. It is not probable, however, that this proposition will receive favorable consideration, as there is strong popular feeling against any such legislation The bill covers all the requirements of the case as it now stands It has become law by its passage through both houses and by the signature of the governor, and does not need any such tink- ering as that suggested
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Representative Pettus' efforts to change the constitution in the respect of senatorial elections are praiseworthy, but unneeces- sary The best way is to ignore the consti- tutional provision in the peoples primaries, A consolidated vote will show who is the peoples choice. The people vote directly for president and vice president, and yet the absurd electoral device stands.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26
THE MuRMURER

From the Union Springs Herald.
 Lucian Julian Walkers "Murmurs of the World" now appearing in each Suday issue of the Birmingham Age-Herald, are worth ten times the price of the subscription to that excellent paper. They are enjoyable papers. What MT. Walker said about the bridegroom (pubished in the Herald last week. was a plenty.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Either General Fitzhugh Lee or General General of Cuba in place of General Brooke, who is adapted to purely military com mand oaly.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Instead of buying fresh food in Hong Kong the unspeakable Alger is still ship ping canned goods and frozen meat to the Philippines. He is true to his contractors at least.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Quay's adoption of the Stewart method is sylvania say that coat of tar and feathers will go with it in case he applies to democratic member.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Senator Jelks bill for the prevention of blackmailing by newspapers of honorable intention is a just bill in every respect and it should become law.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Nothing has so shaken the country for a long time as the making up of Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Merriam of Minnesota. The world can now move on at it's accustomed gait.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Imperialism is spreading in Cuba, where hensive system of public schools. AlabaToa could stand lot of that kind of imperial ism
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

What exists today in the West Virginia leg stature may come to any other legis- lature some other day. The system itself is vicious, inviting both anarshy and corrup- tion.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Senator Stewart succeeded, says his rival, in securing enough votes to obtain major- ity, but he declines to state the price per head
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

John and Jonathan at Samoa is sight that would have warmed the heart of Col. William Shakespeare.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

ports business good. He says that Birming- ham Is one of the best tobacco markets in the south. MT. Watson has been travelling to Alabama for eighteen years, and he has great number of friends throughout the state.
 MT. Alex T. London has returned from New York. He says that business there is on great boom, and everybody is talking Birmingham.
 MT. Amos R. Goodhue, of Gadsden, was in town yesterday en route to Montgomery
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

The big battle in the legislature will be over the dispensary bill. The opposing forces are moving toward Montgomery.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

General Miles courageous stand against embalmed beef is bringing out plenty of supporting evidence.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

General Prosperity holds a commission that can't be cut short by the mastering out officers.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

The Schlatter handkerchiefs,. soiled and unsettled, represent the opera bouffe ,stage of the Schlatter disease.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

MT. Stewart, Mr. Addicks and MT. Quay are writing history in their check books.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

General Grosvenor met his Fitzsimmons in James Hamilton Lewis. He got it in the solar plexus.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

The Schlatter delusion disgraces the gold brick schemes.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

In the gathering of honors from the war it is nip and tuck between Helen Gould and George Dewey.
The age-herald., 1899-01-26

Gen. Miles defense of the rank and file in the matter of food is abundantly justifi d by the facts