davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
President Roosevelt
 lnherits a Fortune

Tor nearly two years. it was objected to by the counsel for Dorothy Roosevelt, a. daughter of Hilbourne L. Roosevelt de- ceased, that justice of the Supreme Court of this country had no Jurisdiction to construe the will. for the reason that the testator died in New Jersey. and also for the reason that the will did not dis close trust which the executors and trustees of the estate were to execute after the death of the widow.
 Justice Lawrence holds that that con- tention was not sound for the reason that most of the real and personal estate of the testator was situated in this State. and for the further reason that the will was probated here and that nearly all the parties interested in the administra- tion of the estate resided here
 Tn the suit brought for the construction of the will the question was raised as to whether or not the nephew Cornelius. who was cut off in the will, should not benefit in view of the fact that num- Der of nephews and nieces died after the testator and before the widow. Justice Lawrence holds. however:
 T think it was plainly the intention of the testator not to die intestate as to any part of his property, and it was nec- essary for him to distinguish those to whom he wished to give his estate from those he wished to exclude. and therefore they were named individually. He de- clared in the plainest terms that Cor nelius Roosevelt, who was one of his nephews and a brother of some of those who were named in that clause of the will should in no event share in his es- tate"
 In this suit 1t was also contended that the annuities, aggregating $15,OOo, should not hold. as they were contingent upon the death of the widow, and that they unduly suspended the power of aliena- tion.
 Justice Lawrence holds that the two cousines of President Roosevelt who will benefit under the clause providing for the annuities can not be cut off from their rights under any technical construc- ton of the law. The court then orders that the case be settled after three days notice
 Cornelius Van Shaick Roosevelt was the son of Cornelius Van Shaick Roose- welt, merchant of this city, born on January 30. 1794 The first Cornelius Van Shaick was direct descendant from the Holland colonist Claas Martensen. and became a conspicuous member of the family. He was one of the founders of the Chemical Bank.
 His wife. the grandmother of President Roosevelt, was Margaret Barnhill. the daughter of Robert Barnhill and Eliza beth Potts; her father, Thomas Potts, being prominent citizen of Philadelphia. Their sons were Silas Weir Roosevelt, the lawyer; James A. Roosevelt, who died in New York July 16. 1Sso; Cornelius Van Shaick Roosevelt. Jr., who died in 1887, leaving the present will under dis cussion; Robert B. Roosevelt, and The odore Roosevelt the father of the Pres ident
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
Riqht About Street Faklrs.

"I am certainly glad to see Chief of Po- lice Austin taking such a firm stand on the question of street fakirs" said a we'll known banker while discussing the statement in The Age-Herald regarding orders issued for the moving of mendi- cants and fakirs from the streets.
 Birmingham is infected with a larger number of these characters than any city of It's size in the South In no other places do the authorities allow the num- Der of beggars and street fakirs of every description on the most prominent busi- ness streets as do those in charge of affairs here. I believe in charity and in helping all deserving poor persons who cannot live without assistance, but I am opposed to allowing them full access to our streets and sidewalks for the solicit which allows blind men and cripples the right to blockade traffic and to give promin to their infirmities. An occa- sional visit might be endurable, but the present system of allowing them full pos session all the time is insufferable and should be stopped
 "Other cities prohibit it, why not Bir- mingham? Atlanta cleared them off last year. But Atlanta now has a large num- Der of street preachers. However, they are not allowed on the most prominent business and shopping street-Whitehall In Birmingham these persons take their stands along the thoroughfares where the women have to pass most frequently. It is wrong and I am glad the chief has determined to stop the custom
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

rFOIu tne NeW Ork Times.
 According to decision handed down by Justice Lawrence in suit brought for the purpose of obtaining a construc- tion of the will of Cornelius Van Shaick Roosevelt, who died in New York in 1887, President Theodore Roosevelt who is nephew of the testator of the will. will inherit a fortune of between s1oo,O ,Ooo and $150,0 900.
 Cornelius Van Shaick Roosevelt, who lived in New Jersey for number of years before he died left upon his death an es- tate valued at between sl.OO0,0O0 and $2,- 100000. The estate consisted of between $4o0000 and s5OO.OOO in personal property in this city and great deal of real es- tate in this State and New Jersey. MT. Roosevelt left a will dated March 6, 1884. The suit brought against the state has been pending for a long time.
 The testator bequeathed to his wife, the aunt of President Roosevelt, and who died last year, all of his property in trust. The trustees and executors under the will were, upon the death of the widow obliged to pay certain annuities out of the estate, among them an annuity of s5OOU year to Marie Geddes Mensing, and to each of her children. Laura Roosevelt Mensing and Elfreid Grosvenor Mensing an annuity of s5ooo year.
 In case of the death of one of the three annuitants the remaining two were to re- ceive annuities of s75Oo and in the case of the death of two of the three the sur vivor was to receive an annuity of $500 year.
 The fourth clause of the will, the provi- sion under which the President with his brother and sisters and cousins will re- ceive considerable fortune reads as follows:
 On the decease of my said wife I do devise and bequeath all my estate, real and personal, subject to the payment of the said annuities. to my nephews and nieces, Alfred Roosevelt W. Emlin Roosevelt, Mary B. Roosevelt. Leila Roosevelt Schuyler, Theordore Roosevelt, Anna L. Roosevelt, Elliott Roosevelt, Corinne Robinson. wife of Douglass R. Robinson; John E. Roosevelt, James West Roosevelt. Hilborne L. Roosevelt and Frank Roosevelt, to be equally divid- ed between them. share and share alike and I do declare and direct that no part of my estate shall in any event pass to or be paid over or received by Cornelius Roosevelt or his issue. and I hereby ex- clude him and his issue from having or receiving any share of my estate
 Mary E. Roosevelt died before the tes- tator, and since his death Alfred Roose- welt, Elliott Roosevelt, the Presidents s brother. Frank Roosevelt, and J. West Roosevelt have died Before the testator died he left ten nephews and nieces to divide between them the estate. The in- terest in the will of the four nephews and nieces who died after their uncle will | pass to these heirs
 In the suit. which has been in the courts
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
GOV. WILLIAM DORSEY JELks.

From the Dadeville Spot Cash.
 Again Governor Jelks has proven him. self to be the courageous man that he is He Is determined to protect prison CTS against the mob as well as to see that they are punished. In the trouble at An delusia he promptly called out the State guards thus averting serious trouble against the races. He has taken a firm stand to uphold the law, and the people of the state honor him in his course.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
NO MORE LYNcHiNe BEES.

From the Mobile Herald.
 It Is very plain that St. Clair County wants no more lynching bees, for it has indicted a Jefferson County man on the charge that he assisted in the lynching of negro in St Clair County. The time for mob law in this state has gone by.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Senator Bacon should find no sup port in the Gulf States when he tries to embarrass and delay the building of the Nicaragua canal, however much he may find elsewhere.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

The Alabama cases now before the President will have to be decided, or else Notifications will have to be thrown up to keep off the pie hunters.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Admiral Scnley stands approved by Admiral Dewey, and he can afford to disregard the opinions of the two un- known admirals of the court, who never fought fleet in war.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Higher education is coming on fast CT than the public schools, but Con gressmen Bowie and Richardson are trying to save some of the public lands in Alabama to the later.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

The administration has an eye to 1904 when it says to MT. Carnegie that cash is better than trust bonds in an university endowment fund.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

If Prince Consort Henry should at tempt to apply lese majeste in Hol- land he would have to jug the entire  population.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS.
By Thomas Hood.

'y Thomas Hood.
 "Drowned! drowned!'-Hamlet. One more unfortunate, Weary of breath, Rashly importunate. Gone to her death! Take her up tenderly. Lift her with care Fashion'd so slenderly, Young, and so fair! Look at her garments Clinging like cerements; Whilst the wave constantly Drips from her clothing; Take her up instantly, Loving, not lothing. Touch her not scornfully; Think of her mournfully, Gently and humanly; Not of the stains of her, All that remains of her Now is pure womanly. Make no deep scrutiny Into her mutiny
 Rash and undutiful; Past all dishonor, Death has left on her Only the beautiful. Still for all slips of hers, One of Eyes family Wipe those poor lips of hers, Oozing so clammily. Loop up her tresses Escaped from the comb, Her fair auburn tresses; Whilst wonderment guesses Where was her home? Who was her father? Who was her mo,her? Had she a sister?
 Had she a brother? Or. was there a dearer one Still and a nearer one Yet, than all other? Alas! for the rarity of Christian charity. Under the sun! Oh! it was pitiful! Near a whole city full. Home she had none. Sisteriy, brotherly, Fatherly. motherly.
 Feelings had changed;
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Honest Dewey Says Admiral Schley is entitled "to all the credit due for the glorious victory" at San tiago, and that settles it.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Congressman o. H. P. Belmont's collars are a match for his initials. The two are giving him a national reputation.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

President Roosevelt should call the Alabama roll by counties or by battal- ions and prepare lunches accord in QlY
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Love, by harsh evidence, Thrown from its eminence: Even Gods providence
 Seeming estranged. Where the lamps quiver So for in the river.
 With many a light, From window and easement, From garret and basement, She stood with amazement, Houseless by night. The bleak wind of March
 Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch,
 Or the black flowing river: Mad from life's history, Glad to deaths mystery Swift to be hurl'd- Anywhere, anywhere
 Out of the worldl In she plunged boldly, No matter how coldly,
 The rough river ran Over the brink of it, Picture it-think of 1t,
 Dissolute mani Lave in it, drink of 1t,
 Then, if you can! Take her up tenderly,
 Lift her with care; Fashion'd so slenderly;
 Young, and so fair! Ere her limbs frighidly Stiffen too rigidly, Decently-kindly-
 Smooth and compose them; And her eyes, close them, Staring so blindly! Dreadfully staring
 Through muddy impurity, AS when with the daring Last look of despairing
 Fix'd on futurity. Perishing gloomily, Spurr'd by contumely, Cold inhumanity, aa Burning insanity,
 Into her rest. Cross her hands humbly. As if praying dumbly.
 Over her breast! Owning her weakness.
 Her evil behavior. And leaving. with meekness. Her sins to her 6aviouri
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

The murder sensations of Washing ton are attributed to new corners, but they are not from Alabama.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

In the far west men eat pie with the aid of knife, but in Alabama they reach for it with both hands.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
BAD BIRMINGHAM.

From the Moulton Advertiser.
 Birmingham Is put down as the wicked est city in the United States. We hope 1t is not as bad as Sodom and Gomorror. In fact, we know of at least a. dozen good people down there who will exert their influence with God to keep the city from being destroyed by fire.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Senator Foraker is riding on the Roosevelt band wagon, making faces as he goes by at the lame ducks.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Major Van Tets dies almost as often as Miss Stone, and always in- effectively.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Pie hunting at Washington has risen to the rank of a profession in Alabama.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

The x-ray and the microbe have been matched for a fight to a finish.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Senator Bacon is the floor leader of the international railroad brigade.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Senator McLaurin does not see his way clear to political suicide.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

Rumors of cabinet changes do not as yet bear the White House stamp.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
From the Tuscaloosa Gazette.

FFOm uSCdIOOSa
 The New York Herald will have to re- wise it's figures and put Washington ahead of Birmingham as the toughest town in the country if the Capital City does not have fewer murders after the order of the Ayres and Dennis character. But then Washington was never regarded as par agon of virtue and Christianity.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
rom the Limestone Democrat.

From the Limestone Democrat.
 Birmingham, according to the census, has the reputation of being the worst city in the country. The Magic City Is in a fair way to acquire reputation for rich and racy council meetings also.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16
About Persons.

W. E. Howard of Memphis is at the Florence.
 Charles S. Wilson of Nashville Is at the Florence.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

oflceho1ders. in politics are to be abolished in Alabama.
The age-herald., 1901-12-16

There are seven Smith in the pres ent Congress.
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
The Chinese Cook.

Mrs. White determined in the first
flush of her newly wed dignity that
she was not going to be squeezed" by
the Chinese cook and the storekeeper,
as it was quite plain every one else
was. Accordingly she purchased scales
and weights and announced her inten-
ton of personally weighing everything.
For some days this method proved very
satisfactory, but she was sometimes q
little puzzled on finding that the provi-
sions occasionally weighed more than
was charged for.
One day the mystery was solved.
She was carefully weighing a chicken.
In China not only is everything. living
and dead, sold by weight, but fowls are
always supplied alive. The chicken
during the weighing operation sudden
ly entered vigorous objection and be-
gan to flap and struggle with ali its
might, and during these f1appings and
strugglings something weighty fell
with thud to the floor, evidently from
somewhere about the chicken. This
turned out to be large piece Of lead
which had been cunningly fastened IN
der one of the wings. Further investi-
CATION led to the discovery of similar
piece underneath the other wing. The
overweight of the past few days was
now accounted for.-Chambers' Jour-
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04

The late G. W. Stevens gives an e1-
ample of 'Bahoo" English in his book,
"1n India" 1t is an effort to express
admiration for the speech of Pundit
MADAM NOLAN Malavayya at a native
congress-:
"His speech is as mellifluous as his
name. He has a sweet voice and is
one of the most enthusiastically well
coined Of men on the congress plat
form. Neither tall nor short nor stout,
but thin; not dark, dressed In pure
white, with a white robe which goes
round his shoulders and ends down be-
low the knees, Mr.. MADAM NOLAN
stands like EiffePs tower when he ad-
dresses his fellow congressman.
"He stands slanting forward, admira-
bly, preserving his center of gravity.
His speeches are full of pellucid and
sparkling statements, and his rolling
and interminable sentences travel out
Of his mouth in quick succession, pro-
ducing a thrilling impression on the au-
dience. There is music In his voice,
there is magic in his eye, and he is one
of the sweet charmers of the congress
company."
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
Christening the Children.

An English parson of a church in
Berbice. British Guiana, writes enter
tainingly of his pastoral duties. In the
matter of christening the choice of
name is left to the taste or fancy of the
parents. This leads to strange combi-
nations. He copies from his register
mamie Bellona," "Trank Locust and
whisky Emmanuel" OF earlier times
he tells the following:
One black man brought his child, and
when the minister asked its name he
said, "Seriatim ad Valorem."
On another occasion the parson ask
ed, "What is the name of the child?"
The father said, "Ax, parson." The
minister looked inquiringly at the man
and said:
''But don't understand you"
"Well, parson," said the man, my
mind gle me to go troo de New Tesla
ment. have had four boys. The first
was named Matthew, the second Mark,
the third Luke and the fourth John.
Now, this. the fifth one, is to be Ak
[Acts], parson."
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
GEO. |. WRIGHT & SON


There is no profanity in saying that
any certain thing sis not worth a tink-
er's dam," although it is so considered
by many. The expression originated
many years ago, when tinkering, or
mending, leaky vessels was much crud-
er than it Is now.
In former times the use of rosin to
check the flow of solder when placed
on tin was not generally understood, at
least by the rowing thinkers. When one
of these gentlemen of the road found a
job, such as mending a wash boiler OF
other tin household utensil, he would
get from the housewife or domestic q
piece of soft dough. With this he
would build a dam around the place
where he intended to put his solder
Inside of the circle thus formed he
poured the melted lead. When the
metal had cooled, he would brush
away the dam of dough that had con-
fined it to the desired limits. The heat
had hardened the heavy paste and
baked 1t thoroughly, so that it was alb
solutely of no use for anything else. 1t
became one of the most useless things
in the world, and there was not enough
of it even to be worth while carrying to
the pigs.
Hence the expression, which was
originally intended to convey certain
idea. appears to have been retained,
while the origin is not generally
known
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
A Lost Line.

at may have been unprofessional
conduct" said the civil engineer, but
I acted on the spur of the moment, and
hardly think that there was any harm
done. was out in the country one day
on an important piece of business, and
as l was about to leave for the depot
to catch a train for the city two old
farmers came to me with line fence
dispute that they wanted me to settle
for them. l had barely time to catch
my train, and told them that I did not
care to bother with it. It was only q
matter of six inches or so that was in
dispute, and advised them to split 1t
up between them. But they wouldn't
listen to my advice, and one Of them
declared that if 1 didn't find the line
for them he wouldn't let his son drive
me to the station as he had promised.
AS had no other way of reaching the
depot unpacked my instruments with
sigh and mental resolve to end the
thing as soon as possible.
"'Wul,' drawled both Of the old men
as took my eye away from the instru-
ment, 'whar's the liner
"'Gone,' said solemnly.
"'WhatT they both shouted.
"'You can see for yourselves, gentle
men, said /, making way for them.
"'By gosh, can't see itP said one of
them as he squinted through the glass.
"I'll be darued If I kin either said
the other one as he, too, squinted
through the glass.
1t seems to have disappeared, gen.
tlemen,' said 1. Such cases are ex-
tremely rare, but they are known to
happen
when left, they were accusing
each other Of having stolen the line."-
Detroit Free Press.
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
English Peers Can't Vote.

Disfranchisement is one of the pecu1-
lar disabilities under which q peer Of
the realm suffers. Lord Salisbury once
attempted to secure vote for Hert-
ford and Middlesex, but the revising
barrister at Hatfield refused the claim
on the ground that time had given the
disability the character of law and that
peers by the law Of parliament neces-
sary for the dignity and freedom Of the
two houses were not permitted to vote
for members Of the house Of commons.
Lord Salisbury took the case to the ap-
peal court, but as he could quote mel
Their precedent nor authority" he was
obliged to go back to Hatfield without
his vote.-London Chronicle.
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
Make n Pet of the Rat.

"As matter of fact" says a coura-
geous writer in the Boston Transcript,
'the common rat is a vastly more intel
ligent creature than the squirrel or the
average cat. l am more than half con-
WINGED that the resources of the rat as
household pet would if fairly tested
prove very great. The rat is undoubt-
eddy capable of a higher and more init
mate form of domestication than that
which he now commonly assigns to
himself He is at present resident Of
our houses on unwelcome terms, and
he makes himself, quite naturally, as
much an enemy Of the household as
possible.
''Let the rat be welcomed and made a
friend of the family, as has been done
in few cases, and he becomes a diff
ferent sort of fellow altogether. No
longer forced to steal his food, he be-
comes a playmate and a companion.
The sleek and well groomed gray rat is,
barring the ordinary badness Of his
tail, quite as pretty and graceful a
creature as the squirrel, and there is no
reason why we should not become so
much accustomed to the appearance of
his tail that in time we should regard 1t
as quite ornamental"
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
Grewsome Displays.

"Apropos of funerals" writes a Lon
don correspondent of the Boston Tran
script, 81 noticed in Holborn a show
case full of strange looking pictures.
Upon inspection they proved to be pho
tegraphs of cadavers laid out in full
mortuary splendor! Underneath ran
the legend: Economy in funerals. Try
our 8 guinea respectable interment.
One trial only asked
Scarcely less grewsome was the dis
play of Mr.. Smith, surgeon dentist, a
few doors beyond. A small showcase
inclosed complacent skull, grinning
perhaps to think his dental trials were
over, set with an imposing array of
pink gummed artificial teeth, at 10 shil-
lings the set. Over the top of the case
were painted these alluring words
'Discolored and decayed teeth made
white and stopped"
Amador ledger., 1901-10-04
The Boy Who Learned the Way,


He was very young-about 1S-this
boy who spent most Of his time in the
studios watching the artists draw and
paint and wishing he could do the
same.
What kind Of pencils do you use?'
he said one day, and they gave him
one Of the kind. That night he tried to
make a figure he had seen one Of the
artists draw, 1t seemed so easy. But
he could not do the same kind of work.
Perhaps 1 haven't the right kind of
paper" he reasoned. IT will get &
piece tomorrow" Even the right kind
Of paper did not help him any.
81 need a studio and an easel" was
his next conclusion. 81 have the de-
sire; surely all l need now are the
necessary surroundings"
A few years of impatient waiting
passed before he secured the "neces-
sary surroundings" and when he had
them all and still found 1t impossible
to draw the truth dawned upon him.
81 know what is wrong" he cried,
throwing down his pencil. 81 know
nothing Of the principles of art. I
must learn them first"
He was still young when his name as
a great painter was known on two con-
tinents. He had learned the 'princi-
pie" A bit of brown paper and q
burned match would then enable him
to draw as easily as all the art essen
tials.-Ann Partlan in Success.