davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
Meeting Of the Convention.

Undisturbed by war or reconstruc-
ton, OF panics, or heated politics, or
strife of any sort, the constitutional
convention meets today to begin the
framing of a new organic law for two
millions of people. Never was a con-
stitutional convention convened in the
State under happier circumstances.
Conventions met in 1919, 1861, 1865,
1876 and 1901-six in eighty-two years,
OF one to about fourteen years. This
is too many.
The convention that meets today
should build for longer than fourteen
years. There is no reason why it
should not make fundamental law
that will last a generation, or about
thirty-five years. In order to do this
it must eliminate all faint or POSSIBLE
ity of fraud from the ballot box, else
it's work will become uncomfortable, as
the present constitution has become.
1t must, too, secure an intelligent cleo
torate without doing injustice to even
the humblest persons in the State. All
this it can readily do.
Let us hope, too, that it will not
push Alabama into the list of illiterate
States, by saying to communities that
want better public schools than the
State can afford to furnish, you shall
not have them. You shall not have the
power at your own will to supplement
this, say to every community in the
State, you may have just as good
schools as you are willing to pay for
on the nail. You shall not go in debt
for such schools, but II you are willing
to pay for such schools at once, you
shall have them, and the State will re-
joice in your public spirit and prog
ress."
Conservative progress should be the
keynote of the constitution, with JUS
tice to all. The questions to be dealt
with, especially those relating to the
courts and local legislation, are intri-
cate, but the convention is made up
of men who know the needs of the
State, and the methods best adopted
to meet those needs. The more of
local legislation that can be taken
away from the Legislature the better,
as rule, thus relieving the central
power, and adding to home rule. Home
rule is the best rule. Alabama does
not possess the township system. but
a county answers very well as a polit-
ical unit at present. When the next
constitution is made perhaps the State
will have become so populous that the
township system will be considered de-
sirable
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
The Old Familiar Subject.

The weather freaked another freak be-
fore daylight yesterday morning, the
worst spell of May weather ever known
in this valley passing away. The dawn
broke superlatively fair, and by noon the
atmosphere was comfortably warm, grow
ing warmer still as the day waned, and
when night fell the temperature was as
comfortable as that of an ordinary day
in early April. This coming after that
wretched cold and rain and wind of Sun
day night, Monday and Monday night,
was in itself phenomenal
The Scotchmans customary salutation,
when he wishes to be especially kind, is,
ITS fine day." Not even a Scotchman
could have been civil in Birmingham on
Monday
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
OIL Excitement.

From the Jackson South Albanian.
The oil excitement has struck Jackson
and there is an undercurrent OF expecta-
lions which amounts to feverishness. Quite
a number of options upon lands have
been secured by oil men, and large
quantity will doubtless be treated SINH
larly within a short time. Active work
in investigation will be commenced at an
early day, and If the wells pan out" as
hoped for, Jackson will be in the middle
of the biggest sort of boom. Experts
say there is every indication of oil all
around this place.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.
From the New York Press.

From the New York Press.
If they hadn't any neighbors to talk
about probably all the frogs would learn
to sing like canary birds.
( There never was housekeeping when
man didn't lose something that he had
to go right off and buy another of.
1t is only step from curl-papers at
the breakfast table to a combing-sa sack at
luncheon and old shoes in the evening.
Every woman starts out in married
life with an idea that her instinct" will
always tell her when her husband is ly-
ing.
The first two years she is married a
woman acts sorry for old bachelors; after
that she spends the time feeling mad.
imagining that they are acting sorry for
her
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
Writ of Custer Issued.

Jefferson City, Mo-, May 21.-The State
Supreme Court today issued writ of
custer of the corporate rights of La Trim
dad Mining and Development Company
of St. Louis, for the reason that 1t did
not have its capital stock of $4,000 paid
up in cash, as alleged in the affidavit Of
the charter The company's capital stock
consisted of an option on Mexican lands
which the Supreme Court says does not
amount to the compliance with the State
law relating to the organization OF cor.
porations
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
Cotton Seed OIL Combine.

From the Selma Times.
The cotton seed oil men of the South
are having convention in New Orleans.
1t looks like they are fixing up to form a
trust. some kind of combination for
the protection and promotion of their own
interests. If they do SO we hope they
will also have some consideration for the
interests of other people. and If they form
a trust that they will not issue to taem-
selves stock for many times the cost and
value of their plants. and by destroying
all competition for the purchase of seed
force the planters to dispose of this part
of their crop for a song.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
PTeSlUen-
residential


From the zzsa fHHza Ar7hei 70.
The board II lfas ess of the University
viii meet here On dag 3d. The committee
appointed by he board go auggest pres
ident -o sueeeea -. Games *. Powers
will meet the day previous to the trus-
tees meeting.
These meetings will be very important
ones and should command the most seri-
Gus and careful attention of the members
of the board On their action depends a
great DEAL If the trustees choose wisely
in the matter of securing a successor to
President Powers they will do more for
the good of the institution than In any
other duty they will be called upon to
perform. They must select a man who
is practical college mana man who un-
derstands the conducting of a large instl-
tuition of learning. AS Is well known, the
Gazette has but scant patience with the
contention that the trustees must confine
themselves o the domains of Alabama in
their choice of an executive head of what
is undoubtedly its most important seat of
learning. The Gazette believes the trus-
tees should select the man best suited
for the position, even If he be found in
Populistic Kansas. What the University
needs is a man of broad ideas. of culture
and with stability and firmness Of
character which will remain mistaken by
the appeals of the most influential poll
tician in the State
Another very important feature which
should be taken into consideration by TIL
10 M nrocidanf fhnu Sa1a1
on the Both instant should be a man VIII
will probably be to the University Of Ala
bama its executive head for at least
decade. The constant change of pres
dents has done much to lower the esf
mate placed on the University by the pc
pie of the State
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
Miss BrIdewelI and the Veterans.

Said veterans son last night:
Birmingham will no doubt rally to the
aid of the Confederate Veterans at
the Auditorium on Thursday night and
help themsto attend the reunion in Mem
phis. 1t will be the last chance to hear
Miss Bridewell in her grand songs be-
fore she leaves for France, and she
doubtless will be accorded a great ova-
ton for herself and the good cause she
is trying to help. Miss Bridewelrs con-
cert will be great event 1t will be for
the benefit OF the veterans of Camp Har-
dee. and by 1t they hope to. secure money
for their trip to Memphis"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
MURRAY's GUIDE BOOKS NO MORT

From the New York Sun.
Another British institution has fallen
'Murray's Handbooks" are no more, Mr.
Murray having sold out the whole set to
Mr.. Stanford, the geographical publisher
The British tourist can hardly be i'm
agined with no Murray" to decide for
him his hotel OF his Impressions. He will
have to stay at home or stoop to "Baede-
ker." 1t is seventy-two years since the
first John Murray, Murray the great dis
covered in his travels the need of a guide
book He collected the needful informa-
tion and brought out the first Holland
and Belgium" in 1885, The handbooks
have lived, and the British travellers
faith in their statements is still abso-
Lutte
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
CROP CONDITIONS.
Alabama Has Been Badly in Need of
Rain.

Washington, May 21.-(Special)-Th
weekly weather bureau crop report shows
that there have been insufficient showers
in Alabama and soaking rains are needed.
Cotton is slightly improved. Corn is poor,
worms causing damage. Wheat and oats
are heading prematurely. Gardens are
backward. Melons poor. Bugs damaging
Irish potatoes. Cane satisfactory. Fruit
still promising.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
THE CELESTIAL SURGEON.

BY Robert Louis Stevenson.
If have faltered more or less
In my high task of happiness;
II have moved among my race
And shown no glorious morning face;
If beams from happy human eyes
Have moved me not; il morning slkie'
Books. and my food, and summer rail-
Knocked on my sullen heart in vain
Lord. thy most pointed pleasure take
And stab my spirit broad awake.
Or. Lord. If stu obdurate /.
Choose thou. before that spirit die
& A piercing pain. a killing sin. Il
And to my dead heart run them In
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
AND ELSEWHERE

Astrologer Raphaels prophecies for this
day, Wednesday, May %, 1901;
ASK favors and seek work about
p. M
See to thy health and keep 1t In order,
this being thy birthday; In thy business
thou wilt have an excellent year"
1.-THE child born on this day should
keep in employ, In which it will be very
successful and meet promotion"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

From the Hartford Courant.
Marcus A Hanna is one members
very distinguished member of party
that includes today nearly or quite s.oOo,-
600 voters. A large and rapidly growing
percentage of these voters are resolved
that the tariff shall not be perverted
from its proper ard laudable uses to the
enormous enrichment of monopolies
They intend to disturb" it to whatever
extent may prove to be necessary to
prevent that abuse of 1t.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
PREFERS MR.. eoRMAN..
From the Springfield Republican.

From the Springfield Republican.
Mr. Vest of Missouri says that his p
ferred candidate for 1904 is Mr.. Gornn
of Maryland. Mr.. German of Marylhd
announces that he will lead in person he
Democrats in the coming state campain.
What a scratching of the old cocks. 70
be sure. fare n
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
Grand Secretary Beauchanp.

George A. Beauchamp, grand secretary
of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Alabama,
and chairman of the committee on work
of the Grand Chapter. was in Birmins-
ham yesterday and in the afternoon pro-
ceeded to Pratt City. where he will re-
main for two or three days engaged IN
Masonic work with Pratt City Chapter
10s
Mr. Beauchamp is Eufaulian and is
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

one of the most accomplished young men
in this State. He was for several years
a druggist and then banker. in Eufaula,
and several months ago he was appoint
ed grand secretary to the Masons IN
succession to the iamented H. Clay Arm
strong
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
TENNESSEE WANTS ONE.
the Memphis scImetar.

From the Memphis Sclmetar.
Alabama's Constitutional Conventh
opens tomorrow. Tennessee, which mes
such convention more than any otr
state, is the only state that can't bic
one. Our petty politicians forbid
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Mr.. Quay has decided to retain an
academic interest in the Republican
party, which is construed to mean that
he will still be the boss in Pennsyl-
vania.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Woman's place in medicine is SO well
established that the Medical College
in Philadelphia turned out thirty-seven
of them, In one bunch.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

DIR. and Rev. Dowie is up against the
courts and public opinion on account
of death that his fanaticism or trick
cry led up to.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

A Boston lady has revised pet
phrase and brought 1t up to date. She
says this Is land flowing with ink
and money"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
From the Kansas city Star.

| From the Kansas City Star.
In his comprehensive american An
thology," Mr.. Edmund Clarence Sted-
man has seen fit to include number
Of the foil1-songs OF the American negro,
holding that they have the essential
themes Mr.. 5tedman's selections, all
religious in character and grouped under
the heading Negro Spirituals." are the
familiar Roll, Jordan, Roll" and Swing
Low, Sweet Chariot" "In Dat Great Get
tin'-up Mornin," STARS Begin to Fall, +"
and Bright sparkles in de Churchyard. !"
These are fine examples of the rude,
melodic utterances of a race consoled in
their bondage by religious sentiment.
Practically, all the so-called "spirituals"
appeared while slavery was in full sway
or during the great war of emancipation
Hope, patience. pathos, and literal In
depreciation of scriptural figures, give
especial meaning to their crudities. With
the changed conditions of the freedman
the causes disappeared which produced
the curious plaintiveness and extrava-
gance Characteristic of the ''spirituals,
and since his emancipation the negro has
produced nothing so effective and spon-
taneous.
AS for the origin and composition of the
spirituals-a term by the way which the
negro often applied to secular chants
they seem to have grown by slow accre-
ton. None of them apparently has
credited composer. Often those which
grew up during the war and dealt with
approaching freedom were sung In secret.
Cases were known where the real mean
ing of the song was concealed behind
crude symbolism when it dealt with the
dangerous topic of liberty Thomas
Wentworth Higginson, who became inter-
ested in the "spirituals" during his con-
nection with the black soldiers. relates
with delight the one time when he actual
ly discovered not only the origin OF
negro song, but also the author OF It, On
questioning a black oarsman as to the
source of the songs he ELECTED the fol-
lowing remark: Some good spirituals
are start jes out O. curiosity. l been
a-raise a sing myself once" He went on
to explain:
''Once we boys went for to tote some
rice and de nigger-driver he keep calm
driverr Den anudder said. 'Fust ting my
nanny tole me was notin' so bad as
nigger-driver.' Den I made sing, just
putin word, and den anudder word
Then he began singing" Colonel Hig-
gibson relates, land the men, after lis
tening a moment Joined In the chorus as
IL it were an old acquaintance, though
they evidently had never heard 1t before.
1 saw how easily a new song took root
among Them
o, de ole nigger-driver!
o. gwine away!
Fus ting my nanny tell me,
O. gwine away
Tell me bout de nigger-driver,
o, gwine away!
Nigger-driver second debbil,
o, gwine away
Best ting for do he driver,
o, gwine away
Knock he down and spoil he labor.
o, gWine away
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

F -r .a5 H4am#H Banla at
Chairman Smith ad'a relative 10
FIR riHg q na# constitution Is msIE ma
de serves a#HH thzH 90 a.He u'tiae and
ra I change CIR very. fa- remove ION
on Drestat constitution viii result in re-
bua, 'ud 'setaA hy toe people for tbs
nev l007tttaaaH. our sullI.-= saeuld be
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Ex-senator Carlisle may become the
anti-Tammany candidate for Mayor of
New York. His consent is, however,
lacking.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Charleston wants the Liberty Bell
for use in its exposition, and Philadel-
phia will probably lend it. It's a great
magnet.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

II Gillen keeps up his batting gait
he will land his team at the top, for
it is batter's, as well as a pitchers,
game.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

General Chaffee had to fight to get
into China, and now he has to dine and
redine in order to get out OF 1t.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Coun Won Waldersee is going back to
Germany minus his seven-room house.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

The earthquake in Ohio was simply
Tom Johnson's Presidential boom seek
ing elbow room.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
~NEGRO "SPERITUALS.

Many of the ''spirituals'' have even less
sequence than the above and probably
were composed In much the same hap
hazard way. In an article on the subject
Colonel Higginson quotes several which
have real lyreca1 qualities and variety
of rhythm. One, Bow Low, Mary" is
exceptional.
Bow low, Mary. bow low, Martha,
For Jesus come and lock de door
And carry de keys away.
Sail, sail over yonder,
And view the promised land,
For Jesus come, etc.
Weep, o Mary. bow low Martha,
For Jesus come, etc.
Sail, sail my true believer:
Sail. sail over yonder,
Mary bow low, Martha bow low,
For Jesus come and lock de door
And carry de keys away.
Another which is highly poetical when
compared with the average spiritual
is the following:
know moon-rise, know star-rise
Lay dis body down.
1 walks in de moonlight, walk In de
starlight,
To lay dis body down.
I'll walk in de graveyard, I'll walk
through de graveyard
To lay dis body down.
I'll lay in de grave and stretch out my
arms;
Lay dis body down.
I go to de judgment in de even OF de
Whey lay dis body down.
And my soul and your soul will meet IN
de day
When 1 lay dis body down.
'Oer the Crossing" gives an amusing
description of the length of the road to
heaven:
Yonders my old mudder,
Been a-waggin at the hill so long;
It's about time she'll cross over;
Get home, bimeby.
Keep prayin', 1 do believe.
We're a long time Vaughn DER de
crossin',
Keep prayin' I do believe:
Well get home to heaven bimeby.
Hear dat mournful thunder
Roll from door to door,
Calling home Gods children;
Get home bimeby.
Little children, I do believe
We're long time, etc.
Little chilren, I do believe,
Well get home, etc.
See dat forked lightnin'
Flash from tree to tree,
Calm home Gods chil'ren;
Get home bimeby.
True believer. I do believe,
We're long time, etc.
o. brudders, I do believe
Wen get home to heaven bimeby.
However absurd the "spiritauls'' may
seem to the educated mind their infiu-
ence on the ignorant negro was over
powering and often led to physical fren-
zies and the widest extravagances Their
weird harmony and the intense devotion
which they expressed have led some
friends Of the negro to believe that, with
thing along the line of sacred music. The
freedman of today, however, as stated
before seems to be devoid of originality
and Is content to sing the rag time melo-
dies of the whites.
trap about suffrage. sovereignty and the
like, as every observing citizen readily
understands A few men, comparatively.
control the country by controlling the
two great parties. and it sometimes hap
pens that minority party, even, sue
ceeds in filling the highest office within
the gift of the American people.saThis is
hrau ght about hv our system Of Presiden-
tiai electors. 5 us Gritty of residential
electors s1metime5 Hae % niuority vote
of tile people Of tie whole country. As
rule the vlrtle ald intelligence of a ma
iorily Of thu people rule the country, and
il is well Cor an mat it is so. Those who
oppose the domination OF the wise. the
virtuous and the honest gel their full
share Of the benefits - their administra-
ton.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Carter Harrison and Tom Johnson
are both trying the Grover Cleveland
route to the White House.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Mark Hanna's reticence is sign
that he intends to succeed himself in
the White House.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

The West furnished more lambs in
the recent Wall street shearing than
any other section of the country.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

What is wanted now is not so much
reciprocity as revenue reform.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

The Boer war is going out without
even a fash or fizzle. It's a case of
sheer exhaustion.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

When they see sea serpents 200 feet
long from the coast of Maine, it is
plain that State needs more clergymen
sAeriffs.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Labor should be reasonable, and so
should capital. Both cannot be when
a strike occurs.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Mrs Nations insanity is as much of
a problem in Kansas as Hamlet's.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Shamrock II would be a fine vessel
il she could sail fast
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

The bicycle has been knocked out by
the automobile.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
About Persons.

Judge James w. Lapsley of Admission is
at the Morris.
Col w H. selden of Marengo is in the
city.
Former Attorney General w. L. Martin
came to Birmingham from Montgomery
last night.
Paul Roberts and w. P. Aclzer of An
niston were in Birmingham yesterday
r. T. White of London, England. Is In
Birmingham.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Labor disturbances are thee only
clouds in the -'-'es at present.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
9..., OnalvIs should

hold office for a term of four years, and
possibly there could be some change made
in our judiciary system with safety, but
beyond this we should go careful.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

D. A Fitch and ]. C. Little are the only
authorized travelling representatives OF
The Age-Herald in its circulating depart
ment
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
WITH THE EDITORS OF
THE STATE PRESS
Limit of Suffrage.

Firm the Coosa Argus.
Come easy, go easy" is just as true
of the elective franchise as it is of money
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22

Daily and Sunday Age Herald. .......sS.oo
Daily and Sunday, per month ........ 20
Sunday Age-Heraid. per annum .... Zoo
Weekly Age-Herald, per annum...... LOO
AL Subscriptions payable In advance.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1901-05-22
THE TARIFF VIII BE DISTURBED.

hhim-r -henwtrattlec cmfwy hbam Inn