davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Postofflce Business.

"The Christmas rush at the Birming- ham postoffice will begin on Monday, De- cember 22'' said a postal official.
 "The holiday business has been well handled heretofore and 1t will be well handled this year. In some of the cities of three hundred thousand and upwards experiments are being made in facilitating postal matters. At Pittsburg, for ex- ample, owing to the large amount of ad- vertising matter going through the mails the postmaster is selling cancelled stamps This Is necessary at this time of the year. the postmaster thinks, to expedite business. Calendars and holiday circulars are clogging the large postoffices, but un- der this system of selling canceed stamps. the congestion will be minimized. Under the old system, every stamp was cancelled and worked separately. By the new method of canceling the mail can be sent out as soon as 1t is deposited"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
M'KINLEY's TEACHER TO GO.

From the Washington Post.
 Representative Moody has been sorely tried by experiences with fourth-class postmasters in his mountain district in western North Carolina, but the office at Tryon has been the particular thorn in his side. Mrs. LeDuc has charge of the office, and 1t seemed until recently her tenure of office would be for life Mrs. LeDuc also secured from the postoffice department an $500 allowance for the dis tribution of mail. which amount went to her sister. Representative Moody and others objected to the amount and when the North Carolina Congressman made an intellectual effort to secure the wo- mans removal, he ascertained that Mrs. LeDuc had been a school teacher In Ohio before going south, and that among her pupils had been the late President Me Kinley who had given her the office in spite of the protests or several score of professional politicians.
 When Mir Roosevelt became President he declared that the teacher of his mar tyred predecessor should not be removed, ana ne gave personal hstruc'iohs eo eho postoffice department concerning the matter. The department recently disap- proved of the $500 clerk here. however. and when Congressman Moody left the office of the postmaster general yester- day. it was with the understanding that Mrs. LeDuc should at once be succeeded by J. w. Lankford, republican judge at the recent election, who declined to sign the returns of the election board.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
UNIFORM TEXT BOOKS.

From the Bessemer Journal
 Whether Georgia or any other southern state adopts state uniformity Is of little consequence to Alabama compared with the discharge of that duty toward her children at the next legislature. We should do 1t not because, it's modern but because such a change would meet all requirements and many difficulties. now confronting school teachers would be re- moved. e f#
 Under the present system, no not sys- tenn, there is none, but we mean in the present predicament in which teachers especially of the country schools find themselves they are often compelled tJ try to teach a whole class of twelve, To two of whom have the same text book. In cities where uniform system general ly Is in vogue, families moving find on reaching the new home, the expense of a different set of texts and not infrequently many children are kept out of school en- tirely for want of books. Under the Ala bama plan where teachers. parents and pupils all have a say as to the text to be considered the cost is at least 25 per cent in excess of what the same work is sold for in South Carolina or Tennes- see.
 There is no use to carry the subject further. Every man who thinks dear and has no axe to grind will notionly approve what the Journal says on.f this matter but will if interested to any. ex- tent instruct his representative in. the general assembly how to vote, and at the next session, too.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
pr. Stiles Hookworm.

The hookworm persists in existing and in displaying itself under the microscope despite the wits and the paragraphers, for the two are some times distinct. The hookworm, it will be remembered, is a parasite. It is lodged in the soil, and through the eating of dirt in one form or another it gains entrance to the human sys- tenn, lodging in and fastening itself to the small intestines, where 1t can not multiply itself, but where it does produce myriads of eggs that pass off in the secretions, and are thus lodged in the soil, filling it with others of the species.
 Now, all this cannot be laughed away by the paragraphers. It is a demonstrated fact, and it is further demonstrated that the presence of such parasites in the human form does lead to lassitude and degeneracy. The 
 so-called germ of lazziness is very real and very far-reaching. Dr. McHatton of Macon, Ga, thus speaks of the para site and the disease it breeds:
 3The principal cause of the disease re- suits from children playing in infected earth and putting their fingers. covered with dirt. Into their mouths. The worm is produced from an egg that finds it's way from the mouth into the alimentary canal. It will hatch out fin the body but will not reproduce itself in the body.
 How long a given worm will live. we do not know. But that 1t will live for six years we do know. The worm once matured in the almentary canal. attaches itself to the walls of the in- testine, where 1t becomes source of
 v 8 !. 4 If
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
LILY WHITES AFTER BOOKER.

From the Montgomery Journal.
 The participation of Booker T. Wash ington in politics will seriously cripple his influence as an educator The Journal several months ago warned Washington of the danger of interfering in politics.
 Strange as it may seem that efforts to cripple Professor Washington's infiu- ence and to destroy his usefulness as an educator, will not come from the demo- crats, but from republicans. The white men composing the new and regenerated republican party in Alabama and in the south have been so incensed at the action of Professor Washington and his efforts to discredit them with the administra- ton, they are going to make trouble for him in the future. He will find that the white republicans, and not white demo- crats, are his most dangerous foes.
 Already there are mutterings of the coming storm. They are going out after him. They are claiming that Booker Washington is very vulnerable to at- Jacks, and that he has not always put up his fences as he should have done. He has left gaps, and they have, they claim discovered those weak places in his fences and in his armor.
 Booker Washingtons recent disclaimer that he was not in politics only tended to more irritate them, lnasmuch as he stated he had only advised with the Pres- ident about appointments when the good of his race was concerned or effected In plain words, he suggested men for office that would aid in eliminating radical prej- udice. This was a direct blow at the lily whites for ruling the negro out of the republican convention. It was simply in- tended as a rebuke to those republicans, and that rebuke was made effective, by having the ear of the President. Those who think the lily white republicans will remain quiet under this attack are going to be mistaken. Something is going to happen We don't know how or when but something Is bound to happen.
 The Journal has no interest in this fight between Booker Washington and the lily whites It simply publishes the news and anticipates what is likely to happen.
 But for republicans to fight Booker Washington and for democrats to defend him will be a new development in Ala bama politics.
 Wait and watch.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
War Wanted. Not Arbitration.

The German-British movement in Venezuela is utterly indefensible It was begun when President Castro YVES struggling with a formidable revolu- tion, started and maintained by the plutocrats of the republic, and every step since that time has been nasty and unreasonable. The bombardment of the forts at Puerto Cabello was un- dertaken because an apology was not forthcoming in two hours, and Puerto Cabello is at least 100 miles from Caracas. fhe authorities sent mes- sage to President Castro, asking for instructions, but before the answer came the short limit of time expired, and the old forts were knocked to pieces, and seized and dismantled. The apology demanded related to the haul ing down of British flag by mob on little gunboat captured by the British and left in the harbor of Puerto Cabello. All these movements indicate desire on the part of Ger many and Great Britain to make war upon Venezuela to the point of her extreme humiliation.
 They are trying therefore to render arbitration impossible. President Cas- tro desires arbitration He has at all times desired it. He is willing to pay compensatory damages, but not ex- emplary damages, and the United States should stand between Venezuela and the latter, for the latter means her ruin and perpetual occupation. The Hague court is the tribunal to which the case should be carried. True, Venezuela is not a signatory power, but an article of The Hague treaty makes provision for such a ease, the parties agreeing to submit to its jurisdiction. Why should not Germany and Great Britain accept such a settlement! Why above all else should not the United States ex-. ert its influence in that direction? It is not creditable to us to stand by and see an American republic ground into the dust, and it will be seen in the long run that the process involves a violation of the Monroe doctrine, and that Germany concocted the affair for that purpose.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16

perpetuity of our government is essen italy a matter of education. Education enlightens the minds of the people, and instructs them in the supreme philosophy of the cause of things. 'The most in1- portant bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No surer foundation can be de- vised for the preservation of freedom and happiness.9 These memorable words of Thomas Jefferson wisely point the way for every effort towards bettering our condition. In education itself they are especially. signifcant;. for all interest and effort in education has it's source in an enlightened public opinion. To es- tablish such a public opinion Is one of the praiseworthy purposes of the Marion Military institute.
 Free from the control of church and state, this institution exists solely to advance the interests of the cause of education. In this cause it is endeavor- ing to bring home to our people the living words of eminent educators, men who can speak from a large experience and with the voice of authority. In this con- nection pr. Charles W, Kent of the uni- verslty of Virginia will deliver an ad- dress on education at the institute In December; and President Henry S. Pritchett of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will follow him early in January. Other eminent educators are expected to speak later. The immediate purpose of those addresses Is to set be- fore the minds of the schools of Marion proper ideals of education and of life. and to induce them to go on to the great universities to be. trained for efficient service in advancing the cause of edu- cation and of the commonwealth in the next generation. These eminent educa- tors come to speak through the state also. They will speak in. Huntsville. Birmingham, -ontgomery and Mobile. Nothing can so certainly quicken pub lie interest in education and establish an enlightened public opinion, as the living words of such men. They will find the minds and hearts of our people attentive to their message,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Ignoring the Constitution.

Former Congressman Grady went out of congress altogether too soon. He is needed there to remind the re- publicans from day to day of the ruth less manner in which they trample on the constitution. They never let it stand in the way of their desires, no matter whether those desires relate to empire or economies. And they never neglect the important feature of a Supreme Court constituted to justify anu uphold their lawless acts. They rebuilt the court once for that pur- pose, and they would have done so again if the court had not endorsed it's colonial policy.
 But of all it's unconstitutional acts not one is quite so towering and so wholly in defiance of the constitution as the Dingley prohibitive tariff. Every line in that act which aims to prevent or limit imports is wholly outside the constitution-abso outside of it, absolutely lawless and unjustified.
 Not only are the prohibitive clauses of the Dingley act unconstitutional, but they are opposed to sound econ omy and to international comity. Ger many is now engaged in framing a retaliating act, and we cannot in all consistency and fairness say a word against it, for Germany is simply do- ing at this late day what we did in the McKinley-Dingley act of 1897. Ger many is following and treading in our footsteps. Its imitation act Is not, however, more unjust and sweeping than its Dingley prototype. It could not well be.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
IN HOTEL LoBBIES.
Population.

Some people may say that Col. L. w. John of Birmingham stretched his im- agitation when he stated this eity's pop- ulation at 10000 in his recent address and newspaper interviews in Wales but the coloners figures were approximate ly correct, certainly for all practical pur- poses" remarked prominent business man.
 While Birmingham has within it's cor porate limits only about 45.0o0. the greater Birmingham includes all but about 15,0OO of Jefferson eounty's population; and the county has. according to conservative es- inmates. 165OoO. In June, 1900. the United States census enumerators found 14O42O souls in Jefferson and fully 25.o00 people have been added since then.
 When a Birmingham man goes abroad he naturally discusses the city from its greater side. Colonel John at any rate understood this question thoroughly and can always be counted on to present truth on large and comprehensive lines"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
WANTS ANOTHER TERM.
Washington Times.

From the Washington Times.
 Half a dozen more or less able local statesmen in the Elevnth Ohio district who are ambitious to broaden out into national statesmenship have recently ex- perienced a bitter disappointment and a blighting of their hopes in the announce ment that the Hon. Charles Henry Gros- venor desires just one more term as a member of congress. Year after year the political rivals of the venerable Buckeye statistican and election day prognosticator have sought to place him on the retired list but just so often the Foxy Grandpa" of the Ohio situation gives them the slip and continues to hold on with remarkable tenaclty. Last summer, when Gener Il Grosvenor was doing his biennial husting to round up the necessary delegates to obtain the nomination, the waiting ones were al- lowed to believe that he would not enter the race again. But the votes had no sooner been counted on election night than the willy Grosvenor in returning thanks extended the time limit of his public service for "a period of two years longer, so that his positively last ap- pearance will not occur until two years hence. General Grosvenor's purpose is to round out Just twenty years in con gress. He is now serving his eighth term and has been reelected for the ninth, and one more term will enable him to complete a full score of years n the national house of representatives But the complaint is that there is TO positive assurance that General Gros- venor will not desire, at the close of his tenth term, to throw in two years additional to make good measure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16

constant Irritation. which devitalizes, and puts the person afflicted Into profound anemia. This anemia has no distinctive symptoms as far as we know at present to distinguish it from the anemia of ma laria, or any other type of disease. It vitiates the appetite of it's victims, and Is probably the cause of a large percen= tage of the dirt-eaters prevalent in many sections of the south.
 ''This disease Is essentially a disease of the country and not of the cities. The germ does not do well in clay solis-we do not know absolutely why. A sandy soil seems to favor It's development to wonderful extent Once the worm has established itself in the intestine a con stant discharge of eggs takes place. Where proper sanitary eopdltions are lacking-no elosets-these eggs are distrib- uted in countless thousands and preserve their vitality for a long but unknown period. Children playing about in the in- fected soil are more liable to be affected than adults whose work takes them away from it.
 Dr. McHatton thinks the disease, uncuiariases, can be cured by proper medication. The difficulty seems to consist in distinguishing the disease from malaria But the better plan is to have better hygienic conditions, so that the soil will not be filled with the eggs of the pest.
 Let it be remembered, too, that the hookworm is not wholly southern pest. It is found in all mild climates, even in the Philippines, and it's effects upon the human system are every where alike. Let it be remembered, too, that the eggs of a hookworm are microscopic quantities, and the eye unaided cannot detect them, and the worm itself is very minute.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
An Historic City.

"Alexandria, Va, is one of the few his- torie cities of this country that preserves It's venerable landmarks" said an Alex andrian at the Hillman.
 within the last ten or fifteen years many new buildings have been erected in the old town and Improvements in many directions are marked. The most interesting fact about Alexandria's recent progress, however, Is the thinning out of its negro population. Since 1885 the city has lost at least 5000 negroes to the Pitts burg district The exodus got well under way in 1890 and 1t still goes on."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
BREAKFAST CAN'T BE ABOLISHED

From the New York Sun.
 The cry in Manchester today is no breakfast.-London Dispatch to the Sun.
 An old cry. Divers thoughtful Ameri- cans have been trying to save food and money by trying to abolish breakfast. The matter is one of terms only. Break fast Is a movable feast At a. m. it' may be called a late supper. If you post pone your first meal until dinner, what is dinner but breakfast? We assert con. fidently that it is impossible to do away with breakfast. Late. early, in the midst of morning or night, breakfast is the first meal of the day, and there Is no way of escaping it unless you give up eatint altogether.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Dazed for the Moment.

From the Chicago Tribune.
 twill you allow me to ask you a ques- tion?" interrupted a man in the audience.
 "Centainly, sir, said the spellbinder.
 You have been giving us a lot of fig- ures about immigration, increase of wealth, the growth of trusts, and all that" said the man. Lets see what you know about figures yourself. How do you find the greater common divisor?
 Slowly and deliberately the orator took a drink of water
 Then he pointed his finger straight at the questioner. Lightning flashed from his eyes, and he replied in voice that made the gas jets quiyer.
 Advertise for 1t, you ignoramusr'
 The audience cheered and yelled, and stamped and the wretched man that had asked the question sneaked out of the hall, a total wreck.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
EI ONLY OAILY AEwspApLa a A!AslnA
The arbitrement Is likely to be bloody.
 king Lear.
Venezuela Will Fiuht.

Foreign invasion solidifes a coun- trSf and no doubt this rule will hold good in Venezuela, where all seem agreed In upholding the rights and liberties of the country against the ruthless attack of sea monsters. But freed from revolutions and solidified, the country will have to depend to a large extent upon its mountain fast nesses and strongholds, for it's popula- tion in 1894 was but 2,444,S16 Of this number 44,000 were foreigners. The pure Indian population was put at 326,000, the balance consisting of mixed bloods. About per cent of the mixture is of Spanish origin, and 95 per cent of Indian and negro blood. Caracas. the capital, is almost inac- cessible to an army, as it lies 5000 feet above the sea. It is the largest city of the republic, containing 72,429 peo- pie in 1894. A high mountain range lies between it and La Guayra, it's sea port, but twelve miles away.
 It is believed President Castro can increase his regular army of 5000 to a force of 60,000, but whether he can properly arm and equip such a force is a much more difficult question. He can muster as many men as the Boers did, and as the country is much more difficult and the climate much more trying than South Africa, it is plain the allies have a considerable task before them if they attempt to pene- trate beyond the range of the guns of thir bullying ships. The mobilization of the militia in Venezuela has all ready been begun, and there will be bloodshed if the allies advance step beyond the range of their cruisers.
 Venezuelas navy was never of inn portance, and it has already disap- peared A war of a pacific blockade can readily be established, but as trade will disappear under prevailing conditions a blockade of either sort will accomplish nothing beyond the annoyance of the people of Venezuela. It will bring no money to German or British claimants.
 Nothing short of war upon land will bring President Castro to terms save only arbitration. He and his people are full of patriotism and resistance, and they will not accept humiliating peace. Perhaps this is what Germany at any rate desires, for this means occupation, and occupation would smash the Monroe doctrine, which Germany detests. The real object and essence of the movement will at length be found to consist of an attack upon the hindering and obstructive Monroe doctrine. Germany's Kaiser has fret ted under it a long time. He is covet- ous of South American territory, and the Monroe doctrine stands in his way He is trying with England's aid to remove it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Electric Stocks.

nIt Is a noteworthy fact that the Blr- mingham Railway, Light and Power com pany is quoted at 95 and upwards and the Georgia Electric is down to thirty odd" said a banker yesterday.
 q would not be surprised to see Bir- mingham go to 200. It may drop below 90, but I look to see it go above par, even in the face of a general bear market.
 Money was loaned by Birmingham bankers on Georgia at 46. but now they are calling for margins on a basis of 26 The reason that Birmingham railway holds up is the great future of this city, which means the great future of the company"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Railroad Wages.

investigation of the question of the rise in railroad wages shows that no com pany has followed fully the 10 per cent advance of the Pennsylvania railroad, D said an official yesterday, but gradual increases have been made by most roads.
 Tn this part of the country wages are ' per cent higher than they were this time last year.
 "The Pennsylvania railroad probably had as low a scale of wages as any rail- road in the country and certainly the lowest when compared with the high efficiency through it's organization"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-16
Local Cotton.

'The cotton crop tributary to Birming- ham by wagon is coming in freely" said a prominent cotton factor.
 'The price this year is just about what it was last, but the crop is short.
 "If the yield in this section was 70 per cent of last year I will be agreeably sur prised. It is too soon to say how much cotton will be planted next year, but it is safe to predict that the area will be large Big crops seem to be the rule nowa- days"