davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

doubt that conditions in Sicily at that time were about as bad as they could have been. The natural viciousness of the peo- ole could suggest but one way out of the difficulty, and that by assassination and robbery. Another factor that aided in the organization of the Mafia was the presence in the country of thousands of bravos, courtiers and soldiers, who had been thrown out of employment by the adop- tfon of a liberal form of government. As they had no means of support, brigandage suggested itself a natural solution ito the problem. Scores of military societies were formed, but they were simply eloaks behind which the members committed their crimes.
 The word "Mafia' in itself is meaning. less. It does not appear in any dictionary of the Italian language, and in fact, had no existence up to the year 1859, when Mazzini, the ag1tator and friend of crdmi- nals, appeared upon the scene. From club to club he went, agitating his project, which was to organize an immense and powerful secret society among the ban ditt. He called his society "Oblonica," @ name derived from two Latin words, "obelus," a spit, and "nice," I beckon, meaning, 'I beckon with spit" the lat ter, of course. being the dagger or stiletto with which the society was to do Its dead ly work Mazzini was a genius for organ fzatfon, and the purpose of his society, which was expressed in the words, Mag zini autorizza furti incendi avvelenamenti," meaning, "Mazzini authorizes thefts, ar- son, poisoning" gave to this association of criminals its name, the initial letters of the five words being used to form the new word, "Mafia."
 Like the Camorra, the Mafia grew with marvellous rapidity and in less than ten years from the date of the organiza ton of the first lodge by MazzIni it had become practically the governing power in Sicily. The real government was powerless to pre- vents its crimes, for the society included fl its membership the very men who would have been called upon to perform such a work. In 1876 an Englishman named Rosse
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The age-herald., 1900-01-15

was abducted by the Mafia and held for ransom. The sum of $200O0 was demande,i and paid, but the hue and cry that was raised was so great that an official inves- tigaton was made. It was then shown that nearly everyone in Sicily, from the peasantry to the judges of the courts, were members of the Mafia, but, in spite of this exposure, no action was taken against the society until the royal government of Italy took the matter in hand. Then things vera changed. The order was given to rid the country of the organization and the effort that was made to carry out these instruc- t1ons was not half-hearted. The officials who were sent to Sicily had no sympathy with crime, no friendship for the criminal, They had been taught to carry out their instructions and against such men the Mafia was powerless For a year Italy ran with blood. Whenever and wherever man was found who could not give sat. lsfactory account of himself and prove that he had no connection with the mur- derous society he was shot on the spot. It has been estimated that not less than 5000 people met their death at this time.
 During this campaign of extermdna ton thousands of the members of the organiza- tion escaped, and many of them came to this country, where their society was re- organized. For time their. presence was scarcely suspected and they were not treat ed seriously until 1890, when they made themselves felt in the killing of Chief of Police David c. Hennessey, of New Or leans. The result of this crime showed so plainly that the Mafia existed in this coun- try that since that time it has not raised its head. Police reports still show that it exists however, but such dark-cellar ex- istence has little about it to inspire dread even in the hearts of the most timid
 In Italy, however, it is still powerful. Driven into obscurity by the campaign of extermination, it has never come out open- ly as it did in the past. It IS now shown that in spite of it's silence, crimes were still committed in its name, and the result of the present trial will probably be an- other effort at extermina tion, which may possibly be more successful than the last.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

suggested. Evidences of the most colossal dishonesty was obtained, and the officials of tine institution were at once arrested
 Immediately threats were made against the life of the president It was realized that there could be no conviction without lis assistance, and the evidence that he carried on his person. Knowing that his life was dn danger, he never went out un- less he was attended by two servants.
 In 1892, while travelling by rail from his home to Palermo, he was murdered. Ills two servants and two armed soldiers occu- pied the next compartment, but he was alone. No one was seen to leave or enter the train, but when Palermo was reached his compartment was empty and the cush- ions were covered with blood. His body was found lying in a tunnel. He had been practically cut to pieces by knives, and his pockets had been rifled of their contents. which included the documentary evidence against the robbers of the Bank of Sicily
 For seven years the government officials have been trying to discover the identity of the murderer. People have almost for gotten the incident, but several detectives have steadily been engaged on the case. At no time have their efforts been permit ted to cease. At every point, however, have been met with almost insurmount- able obstacles. The first clew they obtain ed was that the dishonest bank officials were hand and glove with the Mafia. From the discovery of that fact the work was simplified, and they have now arrested the men, who in their opinion, had knowledge of the plot. While they do not believe that they are the actual asSassfns they are in hopes that during the course of the pro- ceedings- facts will be brought out that will put them on the track of those who were really guilty of the awful crime. In order to hold the trial unmolested, 1t Ghas been necessary for the government to transfer it from Palermo to Milan, for the Mafa is admittedly so strcng in the south of Italy that it Is believed that a fair trial and honest testimony would be impossible in that part of the country.
 For several years the officials of Italy have insisted that the Mafla. had ceased to exist that if there were any organizations of the society they were composed of petty criminals, who had no thought above small thieving and pocket+picking. The evidence that has now been brought to light proves that the authorities were blind to the true state of affairs, and that the Maia is as strong today as ever.
 The story of the Mafia is one of the most interesting chapters in the history of crime The outgrowth of the Camorra, its purpose, like that of the parent society, was murder, robbery and blackmail. It was formed by the peasantry of Sicily as a protest against the nonresident land ownership that had been the cause of so much poverty and misery in that part of the country. Looking at the matter in the light of actual facts, there can be no
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
MAFIA'S TERRIBLE WORK

The fact that R. Palizzolo, a prominent Italdan deputy, has been placed under ar rest as chief of the Maffa, calls attention to the fact that this society IS not only still in existence. but that 1t is as great a DOW CT in the political affairs Of that country as 1t was in the days of the Bourbons. The direct charge that has been brought against Sig. PaTlzzolo Is the murder of Sig. Notaroortolo, who was killed in a railway carriage several years ago, but the testi- mony of witnesses has brought the Maffa into the case. It has been shown that he was prominent in all the conspiracies of that orga anization of criminals, and that successful assassinations were often cele- brated by feasts at his house As a result the trial of Sig. Pallzzofo is nothing less than a duel between the government and the powerful society that has played such an important part in the history of south ern Europe.
 Sig, Notarbartolo was one of the most prominent men in the south Of Italy He was universal favorite everywhere, @ close friend of Premier Crispi Premier Rudini, and the present prime minister He had been senator, mayor of Palermo governor of the hospitals, and president of the Bank of Sicily. In fact, 1t was G1is connection with this bank that finally led to his death. Personally he was a tall slender man, with a pleasant, energetic ex- pression, while his possession of infinite courage is shown by the fact that in 1859 he had fought so bravely for the fndepen- dence of his country that he had been pro- noted from the position of private to Chat Of captain on the battlefield. At the same time he was honest, so honest that 0he would not consent to cover up tine frauds that he discovered in the management of the Bank of Sicily, and the reasons he gave for resigning the presidency immedi- ately brought the institution under govern msnt inspection.
 The facts that were disclosed were even more criminal than Sig. Notarbartolo had
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

the land surface on each side of them and so many deep cross guMes lead from the fields to the road, that the ditch, parallel to the road and independent of it, and up on the average elevation of the land above the road, will in places take considerable work to make. But as before stated, make the ditch and the road is nearly made. For then the old deep gullies can be readily fill ed and the outer edge cut to straight lines, the edges of the road made to slope from the rounded middle part out to the bank on each side, and all danger of falling into the deep gullies is ended, for they are all filled up and will not be washed out again, as they would be without the ditch above. which will keep the water away from them.
 ''The old roads, in many places, are as
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

travelled way, and brush should be distri- buted in the gully to catch the washings and bring it to regular form no deeper than necessary to cagry the water likely to gather in it. This done, the opposite gully should be filled by sloping the bank; and the road widened over to the foot of the slope on that side, which should generally give twenty feet from the railing. Sunken culverts should be numerous to carry all water from that side of the road into the gully. Wherever culverts are-wanting the water may be crossed in Impressions of the roadway, four to six feet wide with easy slopes on each side.
 "All roadways should be regular and smooth; uneven ground cut and filled suffl- ciently to secure this, the surface being rounded slightly from one side over to the other. except on steep side hills (see cut B, that water from rainfalls will quickly set tie off from the travelled way. The edges
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

represented by the cross-section No. here given. With the ditches along side, on the land above, the dotted line shows how the banks should be trimmed to a regular slope, the earth falling into the gully and filling it up to a regular height; the edges of the old travelled way being trimmed off to leave the middle of the road highest in all cases, and the edges of regular grade, so that water will not stand anywhere at the side of the road nor on it.
 Side Gullies
 "There may be localities where the fore going remedy of the upper ditch is not pos sible, or. because of great difficulties, not practicable; in which case resort may be had to the next best plan, which is this; If the water gathered from adjacent fields can not be kept out of and away from the road way, then it must be given one of the side gullies to run in; but both gullies should not be given up to it, for that is falling back to the present wretched conditions, under which the roads have washed away and cannot be permanently repaired with out an entire change of plan.
 If one gully is to be left open, strong railing should extend between it and the
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
FIGURE 9

than the middle of the road, and leaving the roadbed slightly rounded, should slope upward to nothing near the middle; the lower side filled to correspond. See figure 2 here given.
 For a New Road Crossing a Steep Hill side.-The width may we'll be here reduced to fifteen feet, with a strong railing on the lower side. The roadbed should be fiat and smooth and the side next to the bank SIX inches lower than that at the railing in or der that water falling on the roadway will not run over the embankment and wash 1t away.
 Where Road is Along a Hollow or Narrow Valley Between Hills.-The side having the least slope should be chosen. and the road constructed as per figure 3, and far enough above the bottom of the
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
COUNTY ROADS AND
 THEIR CONSTRUCTION
How to Build and Maintain Public Highways Suggestions by a
 Man of Large Experience.

road making would be a far more simple matter. The Water problem changes with almost every rod of road through a rough country. The general principles may be stated thus:
 "First-There should be a ditch on the upper side of the road not nearer to it than ten feet off, to keep the. watershed from lands or fields above the road, from running into the road; thus protecting the road from damage by water, excepting only . the rainfall on it or ofods at crossings of natural streams or outlets.
 'Second-There should be no ditch close to the side of the road. What water falls on the roadway itself will first settle to the edges, which will be the lowest if the fore going specifications are followed, and should be turned away from the road as soon as possible. That settling to the up per side should be passed to the lower side
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

The building and maintainance of pub lie roads is one of the most important questions before the people, not only of Alabama, but of the entire south. A good system of public roads means much to a county and many times repays the farmer who is called upon to contribute his pro rata part of the taxation.
 The following valuable suggestions as to construction and repairs has been furnished the Age-Herald by Frank Fitch, of Brier- field, Bibb county. MT. Fitch is deeply in- terested in the work and has spent thirty years of his life in engineering and super intending the construction of roads, and
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

should be regular and smooth for the flow until as soon as possible. 1t is turned away entirely. If low places are left in the tray. eled way or at the sides, mud holes and hog-wallows are formed.
 Tn the absence of a wagon road scraper, the one-horse spoon scrape will be found most profitable, excepting long distance cuts and fills, where the two-mule wheel scrape Is best.
 All timber should be cut within the width for road established by law, and fences set back the same distance.
 "Over places of soapstone clay, cross-lay- ing with poles covered with gravel or chert is complete remedy.
 "Culverts below the surface are better than bridges lbove it.
 Grades should be as regular as possible by cuts and fills and steep pitches abolish- ed even If necessary to change the loca- tion."
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

destruction by water. Repairs are useless unless all water is kept away from the roads, excepting that which falls on them. This can best be accomplished by ditches on the upper side parallel to the road, and not within ten feet of it. There should be no ditch or gully close to the traveled way. Keep the water off, by the separate ditch, as above specified, and good roads can, af- ter that, be made and easily kept where the old bad ones are now located.
 Whatever trouble and cost may in some cases be encountered in making this ditch, should never prevent the making of it. Without 1t, good road can not be kept; with 1t, good road may be easily built and kept up.
 Importance ofDitches z, ''The old roads have been washed away
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

by frequent culverts set below the surface. The lower side of the road should have no ditch nor present any obstruction to the water running away from the road as fast as it runs off of it.
 How to Work Old Roads
 ''The foregoing, as stated, applies to new roads. What to do with the roads already established and almost destroyed by un- skilfuI work and neglect, Is subject for a separate chapter, here following:
 'To make good roads out of the miserable old worn, washed and neglected country roads, is far more difficult than to make new ones. But for obvious reasons, they must, for the most part remain where To- cated.
 "The manifest fact that country roads constitute the surface drainage of the farms they cross, plainly accounts for their
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
FOR SALE.

2,5O0-S-room 2-story house, corner lot, North Highlands, lot 125x3oO. s, ,250-The finest residence lot on South Highlands. se5O-S nice lots. Parker station. Woodlawn, or will divide them. $32. .5o-Per foot for large choice lot, 11th av- enue and 16th street, South $2.oO0-Lot 2oox20O. new Groom cottage; well, cistern, barn. etc; beautiful place. $75oN-room house and good lots. Wood lawn.
 $6,000-12-room house on choice street, close in; pays 10 per cent. on S6,500 $1,50o-S-room 2-story house, East Lake; Improvements cost $2,500. $1 ,0o0-Lot 50x190, 4-room house, Avenue E. s9O0-4-room house, 1916 Avenue H. $2.500-6-room cottage 4th avenue
 CHICHESTER, YANCEY & ORR, Telephone COG. 214 Fist Street.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

Grade or the Oad
 'The word grade is here used in the same sense as by railroading, 'up-grade,' down grade, maximum grade No other word answers so well, and it is unfortuna te that the old road law of Alabama uses the word to designate the width of roads, when width breadth or class would indicate what is there meant, while the word used does not.
 Where possible, up-grades and down. grades should not exceed ten feet to the one hundred, and this is extreme, and to be reduced as much as practicable An ordi- nary obstruction like large tree or rock should not turn the road at the loss of easy
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
sa.oo-sLEEP1Ne CAR RATE B1RM1No-

For the convenience of its patrons the A. c. s. railroad has arranged for the sale of Pullman space Birmingham to Mobile via Meridian at the regular rate Of s2.0O per double berth. Parties leaving Birmingham at 1915 D. m. arrive at Mobile next morning at z.aaS 8-16-tf
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

grade. Hills should be surmounted by reg ular ascent at the best advantage possible.
 The lina1nan of tha Road
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
FIGURE l
? o%< Q zz~
Cross Section of Common Road on Level Ground

gives the reader the benefit of his large ex- perience. His suggestions are as follows:
 Common County Roads
 "For a New Road Over Level Ground Where it is to be twenty feet wide cut at each side six inches deep and sloping up- wards to nothing at five feet from the side, will furnish earth sufficient to round up the central space of ten feet, so that when settled and travelled on, 1t will be higher than the side, and shed water as fast as it falls See figure 1 here given.
 For a New Road Crossing a Gentle Slope.-The average elevation of the center of the roadway should be adopted as the height of the center of the road. No ex- cayation whatever should be made on the lower side of the road. At ten feet from the center the upper side should be cut to an average depth of about six inches lower
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
DIRECT ROUTE
TO Florida Via Southern Railway.

TO Florida Via Southern Railway Pullman sleeper operated Birmingham to Jacksonville. Trains leave Birmingham at 4:40 p. m.
 For furuther information apply to /
 c. E. JACKSON, T. P. A,
 12-31-tf Birmingham. Ala.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
Grade of II

ravine to ensure the embankment not to be washed by oods comingf down the waterway.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

FOR SALE. $6o0-4-room house, large corner lot, in Woodlawn; $100 cash, balance easy. Sl,6OO-2-story S-room house, large lot, fronts car line, North 18th street a'OOO-Lot 5ox2OO, fronts Highland Avenue car line. $650-Lot. 100x140 corner 1st avenue and King street. Avondale $6Oo-5Ox14O, Avenue c, near 10th street $50O-Lot 1O0x240 on 12th avenue, between 34th and 35th streets. S2OO-For lots 5Ox12O, in city; cheapest prop erty on the market
 B. A. THOMPSON S co.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

Sudden or sharp turns should be studi- ously avoided for many reasons A short turn on a steep hill is very dangerous in cases of broken lock-chain, defective breaks, weak harness, bad driving, heavy loads, team out of control or easily fright ened. Besides these dangers, the water falling on the roadway in heavy showers, if forced to sudden turns, will cut away the roadbed.
 Rocks should be reduced below the road way and stones of all sizes thrown off and not put in the grade where they may soon work to the top. A loose rock the size of a hens egg is a nuisance on a smooth road. Trees and stumps should all be grubbed up and all roots removed entirely from the roadway.
 As to Water
 .'To protect road from the ravages of water, requires more good judgment, skill and care than anything else connected with road making. If there was no water to fall on the road nor run on it nor near it.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

men, impediments to marriage, and all forms of chronic, nervous, blood and pri- vate diseases.
 EVERY FORM OF PRIVATE DISEASE POSITIVELY CURED UNDER PLAIN GUARANTEE.
 Consultations at office or by mail are in. vited free
 Treatment by mail to parties who cannot visit me. No written prescriptions; we fur nish all medicines.
 Birmingham Daily News: ''The News comments him Dr. Dozier) most cordially to all those in need of his services"
 Age-Herald; "His long record and ap- proved abilities entitle him to the proud distinction of standing at the head of his profession."-
 Alabama Christian Advocate. 'sfIis pro- feSsional standing is unimpeachable, and his character as a gentleman and citizen is above reproaeh."
 Office and Dispensary corner Third ave- nue and Nineteenth street, Birmingham, AA
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
MATTRESsEs-....~enA

Of every kind manufactured, from the cheapest Straw to the Genuine Perfection. which we guarantee to be the best bed in the world. Wholesale dealers in Springs. Feathers, etc. Write for literature and price list.
 PERFECTION MATTRESS CO,
 Birmingham, Ala. 1-3-mon-wed-sat-1m
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
WANTED.

WANTED-Nicely furnished room with modern conveniences and first-class table man and wife. Address w. H., care Age Herald. 1-15-tf.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

WANTED-Position in business by young man of good habits anxious to locate in Birmingham. Address P. D. O., care of Age-Herald. 1-1O-tf
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
Keep your room warm with our Heat Reflector.
 PrOWell Hardware Go.

Advertise in the Age-Herald.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
MISCELLANEOUS

PHONE 36-The Special Messenger Service -9k N. 2Oth St. Parcels and notes deliv- cred to all parts of city, day and night, 15c. No charge for answer. S. Y. Hamp- ton, manager.
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
FOR SALE

FOR SALE-Sixty tons good relaying 40- pound rail. Birmingham Railway and
 Electric company. 1-13-3t
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

ELECTRIC, Gas and Combination Fix lures, manufactured in Birmingham by United Electric Co. 11-25-tf
The age-herald., 1900-01-15

WANTED-By nurse trained in German hospitals, one patient to massage. Ad- dress Professional Nurse, care Age Herald 1-13-3t
The age-herald., 1900-01-15
DIR. Q. T. DOzIER
 SPECIALIST.
Genito Urinary
 Surgery.

Surgery.
 Cutaneous and venereal diseases. All delicate dis orders of sexual organs and pel- vic viscera of men and women. Cystitis, stricture. sexual weakness, prostititis, irreg- ularitieS of uo-