davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
a Lost Institution.

Even in New England the parlor is fast passing away. This time-honored institution is doomed beyond question, and the Springfield Republican admits that it is giving way to "the living room" in the smaller houses, and to "the drawing room" in larger houses. Much as we poke fun at it now, the parlor in it's day lent dignity and silence and stiffness to the old-time home It was rarely opened. It was maintained for state occasions, such as weddings, funerals or a great an nual festival.
 ' All older people remember the fam fly Bible on the marble-top center table, the hair cloth furniture that was slippery even to the point of per sonal safety, the bric-a-brac of home history, the stiff steel engraving of man in a stock, the wax flowers, and the stuffed canary. These were part and parcel of the parlor, into which the irreverent feet of children could rarely go, and which was held in awe by the entire household.
 It is wholly gene from the new houses, and in the houses that were built before the war it is rapidly dis appearing, even in New England, un- der the pressure of Reform with big R. Gone are the keepsake annuals and all the paraphernalia of the old time parlor. The word itself will soon be lost; sunshine will be admitted to every room, and the living room has come to be as companionable and in- viting as the old parlor was awesome. The change is a welcome one, and is wholly in keeping with times that ask for no nonsense nor undue awe in any department of life. The living room in which children are always welcome should be the best room in the house, and that is what the abolition of the parlor means.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
The Cotton Crop.

''The estimates on the cotton crop vary from about nine and a quarter to ten and a half million bales" said well informed cotton buyer of Birmingham.
 My idea Is that the crop will run a It. tie over ten millions. In this part of the country cotton is bringing S1a cents and upwards. The chances are 1t will go higher.
 "As to the acreage to be planted this spring 1t will not be quite as large as that of last year. But if the season be favor able for lintage we may get something like a 12,00O,O 900 crop. The great crop of 1s9s-over Il O00,oOO- was made on 25,- O0O.00O acreage Last year the acreage was 27,0OOOO but the season was un- commonly bad l would not be surprised If the planting this year covered 26,Ooo,- 600 acres.
 ''As the Southwestern country Is open ed, the cotton acreage will increase. It will not be many years before we hear of 100000 and 15. 5.OOO,O 900 crops. The de- mand for cotton is increasing and before long 15O0O0OO bales will be needed to go round"
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
ALABAMA SKETCHES.
Samuel Minturn Peck's New Book Is
 His Cieverest.

Everything that Samuel Minturn Peck writes is good, but his latest book, Ala bama Sketches" dedicated to his sister, Lucy Peck Martin. can but win new lau- rels for him.
 NJ. Peck is better generally known through his poetry, but he is versatile to a degree, and writes entertainingly and easily whether it be poetry or prose. In Alabama Sketches" he has a number of short stories, all exceptionally clsver; some in the negro dialect, notably "The Trouble at St. James," which is full of the quaint humor as well as pathos which abounds in the old Southern darkey; oth- CTS, for instance, the Dragon Candle stick" almost a fairy story for grown up folk, and Sister Taylor's Registered Let ter," where he weaves a most amusing story out of the receipt of the first regis tered letter in a small Alabama town, and the incident excitement and violent curiosity exhibited by the female busy bodies and gossips.
 .Pap's Mule" "The Old Piano." "The Maid of Jasmindale," "Far From the Front" are stories of the civil war time, minSling the tragedy and gloom of that and period with new old love stories and descriptions of the dear old fashioned Southern gardens and homes of Alabama
 What Became of Mary Ellen" is a real snake story and exciting enough for the most exacting. MT. Peck is a true lover of nature and through all these Ala bama scenes there is a touch of poetry Tn the prose, the hum of the bee, the scent of the jasmine and the peach blos- som and honey suckle that brings us clos7 to nature, and is at once character istic and delightful.
 Alabama Sketches" is published by A. c. McClurg & Co.,. Chicago.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Thought of Giving Opera.

''It had been MT. Guckenberger pur- post to present a grand opera, either Faust or Flying Dutchman, as part of a music festival next year, but now that he is going to leave us, we will have nothing of the sort" remarked a mem Der of the festival chorus.
 "Cities with good chorus material fre- quently get up ! -illant operas, but such performances always fall short, from the artistic point of view. because they are not supported by a large, frst-class or chestra.
 "Guekenberger could present grand opera that would in most respects sur pass the Grau or the French opera stand ard. In the first place. he would have a chorus five or six times as large as any professional company affords, and in the second place, he would have the Thomas orchestra, which is ahead of all the rest of the orchestras.
 "All this opera project had been quietly talked over in festival chorus circles. Most of the chorus members were full of 1t. But MT. Guckenberger goes away, and next year we will simply be talking of what might have been.
 "The chorus is stronger and better trained this year than ever. We have learned all the works to be sung at the festival April and S. and at the rehear- sals from now on Mr. Guckenberger will give his attention to shading and polish ing. There will be full turn out Mon day night, as the chorus is to be photo- graphed."
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

It will not do to say that John China man cannot be assimilated. He re- fuses to cut off his queue and to be- come an American. On the other hand no American proposes to grow a queue and become a Chinese subject. What right have we to lay down one rule for the Chinese and set up another for ourselves? Simply of course the rule of might, which we hold makes right. although 1t does not.
 Then again the Fillpinos and the Hawaiians want more Chinese. They want all they can get. They have no prejudice of any kind against them, but Uncle Sam says they shall not have them. This Is unkind to the Chinese and equally unkind to our new fellow-citizens in the Philippines and in Hawaii. It is another colonial and imperial problem, with which we are becoming overloaded.
 Just how we are to win Chinese favor and Chinese trade by discrim- mating against the Chinese does not plainly appear, but trade or no trade, justice or no justice, fair play or no fair play, 1t is plain that another Chinese exclusion act is to be passed and that it will this time include the Philippines and Hawaii.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Cheap Fuel At New Orleans.

The indications are that long and closely contested battle is to be fought in New Orleans between Texas oil and Alabama coal Texas fuel oil can be carried to New Orleans by water and delivered at just about 50 cents a barrel. Four barrels of oil are equiv alent to a ton of coal. Coal must therefore be sold at $2 ton or lit tie less in order to compete with fuel oil.
 When the Warrior is opened the battle for supremacy at New Orleans will be begun, and it will go on until one side or the other is vanquished, or the oil supply in Texas is exhausted, for all such supplies in this country have run their course in about twenty years. In this contest Pittsburg will not be a factor, because Pittsburg coal cannot be sold at two dollars a ton certainly at not less sum.
 New Orleans is looking forward to
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

a period of cheap coal as well as of cheap oil, and 1t Is dreaming of a greatness in manufacturing that was not deemed possible two years ago. Whether these dreams are to be turned into fact or not, 1t is plain that New Orleans is to be the chief battle-ground between Alabama coal and Texas oil. It is there they meet, both water borne, and neither bearing cent or transportation charges that can be avoided.
 Alabama will be ready for the fray as soon as tho Warrior is opened which will be in two years, so far as some of her mines are concerned. In other words, the battle will be begun in two years in earnest, and it will be finished when the one side or the other is vanquished, although 1t is pos sible that Alabama coal and Texas oil may become partners, driving out Pittsburg coal altogether, and sharing the New Orleans market on equal terms.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Action on the Hepburn Bill.

It is difficult to say when the Hep burn bill will be taken up in the Sen ate, although there is no disposition on the part of the Republican steering committee to unduly postpone it.
 The ship subsidy bill is to be voted on tomorrow, when it will go to its grave in the House. It is then agreed that the bill for the protection of the President and the oleomargarine bill shall be considered, and of course ap- propriations may be taken up at any time. All in all 1t Is reasonable to expect that the Hepburn bill will be taken up in April and disposed of in May. It will go through the Senate. Public sentiment and the administra- tion are an overmatch for Mark Hanna and his clique of obstructionists, who want no canal legislation at this sea son, because forsooth the subject has not been fully investigated. Fifty years of investigation is not enough to satisfy these worthies-these agents of the international railroad combine.
 No measure before Congress con tains more of promise and prosperity for the Gulf States than the Hepburn bill. It makes the Gulf States at once central, and it gives them access to fully one-half of the world, and their lumber, turpentine, coal, coke, iron and steel, as well as cotton and cotton sumers. New trade routes and meth ods will not be established in a day, but the building of the isthmian canal will soon lead to the commercial inde- pendence of the Gulf States. Com merce will not then flow backward in order to be taxed in New York, but it will go straight to the Orient, to the West coast of America, to the isles of the seas. None of us appreciates the magnitude of the changes that will be wrought by the canal, but long before the canal is completed commerce will be ready to carry into effect those changes. It will be the great work of the twentieth century, and Senator Morgan's honored name will be insep- arably connected with it.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
MT. Crumnacker of Indiana.

Mir Crumpacker's stock in trade and politics consists of opposition in every possible way to the South. He wants to reduce Southern representation, and he wants to strike down fast mail facilities in this section of the coun- try. and he is ready to make trade at any time that will enable him to get in a blow at the States south of the Ohio. This is not very lovable position to hold in the twentieth cen tury, but this is Edgar Dean Crum- packers position, and no one envies this man with hobby
 This man is a country lawyer from northern Indiana. He is old enough to know better, for he is over fifty years old, and is serving third term in Congress. The presumption is that his peculiar policy suits his constitu- ents, and that he is hoping through it to at least retain his seat and per haps to rise to high honors. In the last election he received 29,537 votes, to 23,O45 cast for the Democratic can didate. A Prohibitionist was also run ming, but his vote was less than one thousand.
 It is reasonable to assume that MT. Crumpacker represents his Indiana constituents, and it becomes a ques- ton whether the South should con tinue to buy Indiana hay, corn, flour and the like. To stand still and be struck at by the Crumpackers of h. diana, and not strike back, would be cowardly, and concerted action on the part of the central South would soon bring Indiana farmers to a sense of justice and patriotism. A few lead CTS of such movements are needed. Let Indiana be commercially tabooed in the central South until she unloads her Crumpackers. Alabama and Ten nessee can accomplish the task very speedily and very effectually, for In diana sells large quantities of food products in these two States.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Prosperous Merchants.

The spring openings on the part of the merchants of Birmingham are in progress. A few have occurred. Others will occur this week.
 The merchants of Birmingham have never been more prosperous than With in the past year. They have invested their earnings in new goods and are exhibiting to their patrons this year the choicest novelties and the most perfect standard goods obtainable. Anything to be found in any other city of this country can now be found in the stores of Birmingham. Look over the advertising columns of The Age Herald this morning and you will find as many and as choice goods ad- vertised as you will find in the New York, Chicago or Cincinnati news papers. The prosperity of the mer- chant is usually illustrated in the ad- vertfsing columns of the Sunday morn ing paper. Those who continually freshen their stocks of goods, who sell rapidly and replenish often tell the people of their holdings and their offers.
 Read what the deservedly prosper ous merchants of Birmingham offer in their advertisements today.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Rising From the Bottom.

Both Gen. Thomas T. Eckert, who re- tired from the presidency of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and Col. Rob- ert c. Clowry, who succeeds him, both began at the bottom, said prominent corporation man.
 When he was "A years of age Eckert was postmaster at a small town in Ohio He learned telegraphy and steadily rose in position. During the civil war he had charge of military telegraph at Washing ton.
 Col Clowry started as a messenger boy Today he fills a position that will pay him $50 900 a year. Bilious sociologists say that no such opportunities for the poor young men to rise are presented now But what is the matter with tens of thousands of high-salaried men today in the service of mercantile concerns and corporations? There will always be a chance for the man with capacity and as- piration to get to the top"
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Exnectations Exceeded.

q went to Ensley to live two years ago, when the population was about 2500," said a professional man of the Steel City yes terday, "and thought if we had a popu- lation of seven or eight thousand in seven or eight years we would be doing we'll
 "Optimists and enthusiastic prophets in general talked about ten thousand be- fore 1903 but I had no idea that their predictions would come true. Now any one can see that Ensley will have a pop ulation of ten thousand by next year, if indeed we haven't already that many people.
 '''lt looks to me now as if Ensley would have a population of fully 25,000 before the next census is taken The place is growing very fast, many new industries are planned that will give employment to thousands of men,"
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
No One Wants John Chinaman.

We are about to pass a Chinese ex. clusion bill-a bill that will exclude the Chinese not only from the United States, but also from Hawaii and the Philippines. This bill involves all sorts of contradictions and absurdities, and yet all are in favor of its passage, and it will doubtless become law
 Why, for example, should we pro- hibit the Chinese from coming to this country when we propose to exploit religiously and commercially his coun- try to the fullest possible extent? This is a pretty hard question to answer.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Locatinq New Road.

"The engineers locating a new line for the Mobile and West Alabama Railroad are making good progress" said a rail- road man yesterday.
 "The old survey was abandoned several years ago. It was not direct enough. The road is to run from Mobile to Florence. It is almost sure to be built some day maybe next year. It will develop a rich country and will give Birmingham new line, as it is to run only thirty miles west of the city. A branch road is to be built to Birmingham.
 "Mr Austill of Mobile is the president of the Mobile and West Alabama, and he is very hopeful of early construction"
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.
From the New York Press.

From the New York Press.
 If a man is determined to get into trouble it is not absolutely necessary for him to get married.
 Practicing what you preach bores your friends about as much as preaching what you don't practice.
 Some peoples homes are so attractive that they enjoy the ease and comfort of sitting in dentists chair.
 The average man who contends that paying insurance premiums is an un- economic investment spends them in a barroom to prove it.
 When the average young woman con- siders her mission in life, she begins by wondering how many servants she will have, and whether she will enjoy a vic toria or a brougham most
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Red Elaqs Cause Riot.

London, March 15.-Cabling from Odes- sa. Sunday, March g, the correspondent of the Standard says that the arrest yes- terday of a group of students bearing red flags led to an attempted rescue and a riot, during which 1t is reported a po- liceman and a rioter was killed. One hundred and sixty arrests have been made and troops now patrol the city to prevent a recurrence of the disorder
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
S13,ooO,OOO In Extensions.

St. Louis, March 15.-It was learned to- night from a trustworthy source that the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad has decided to expend more than $1S,O0O0OO in extensions and branch Improvements and equipment and within short time A complete survey will be made into New Mexico connecting with the Pecos Valley, probably at Las Vegas and also west to connections with the Rock Island.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
Prattville Progress.

From the Prattville Progress.
 Though Marconi's recent broken en- gagement was a strain on his heart strings, it appears to have inspired him with determination now to succeed or bust hamestring.'
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
To Prevent Gamblinu.

Washington, March 15.-Representative Gillett of Massachusetts has introduced bill to protect state anti-gambling laws from notification through inter state gambling by telegraph" The bill prohibits the sending of dispatches de- signed to promote pool selling bookmak- ing etc.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
PREPARE FOR TROUBLE.

From the Nebraska State Journal.
 The congress of mothers, it is alleged has resolved to abolish the cradle, as rocking is very bad for babies. The con- gress of fathers will please take notice and prepare for trouble accordingly. It means that they shall do a heap more walking by night. Perhaps the exercise will be good for them.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

The Duke of Norfolk, who has charge of the preparations for King Edwards coronation is chiefly known as a man who wears clothes two sizes too large for him.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
v Advertiser.

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 The Augusta Chronicle speaks of the Sultan of Turkey as Abdul the Damned but that doesn't jar Alb. a little bit. He is used to it.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

From the Newton Harmonizer.
 For many years the politicians have proclaimed: Lord, we are the savior of the people," The people are now crying: Lord, save us from the politicians
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
From the Huntsville Daily Mercury.

From the Huntsville Daily Mercury.
 The farmers of Madison County have not been so late beginning farm work in a dozen years. Their hope now is that two weeks of good weather will give them a chance to prepare their lands for seed ing.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Hereafter European princes visiting this country should bring letters ad- dressed to Mrs. Astor, who is deciding social questions at present in this country
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
ALABAMA EDITORS.

From the Falkville Chronicle.
 If all the men who have invented fly ing machines do not get drowned or break their necks there will be some lively run at St. Louis in 1903.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

The Supreme Court has set aside the antitrust laws of thirteen States. Jus tice Shiras is an influential member of that court.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Rural free delivery gains friends at every lap. The effort to put it on the contract basis shows that it has firm hold upon public sentiment.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

If Germany secures coaling station in Caribbean waters, then the inward ness of Prince Henry's visit will be- come apparent.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

We have in John Hay a Secretary of State who is never an American out and out.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
From the Selma. Times.

From the Selma Times.
 The one lone policeman in the first ward will lead a strenuous life while chas- ing the impudent tramp on Jones street, keeping order at the saloon on North and Union and running in few drunks and disorderlies between whers.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

General Funston's eccentricities of speech have silenced for the time be- ing the Chicago professors.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
From the Alexander City Outlook.

From the Alexander City Outlook.
 We need our best legislative talent in the next General Assembly. Tallapoosa should send her best men. There will be the shaping of new policies under the pro- visions. of our new organic law. and it will require master minds.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

From the Anniston Hot Blast.
 The Birmingham Commercial Club has asked Andrew Carnegie to assist in the erection of a technological school in that city.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

When President Diaz retires then will come Mexicos test of patriotism and statesmanship.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

President Roosevelt has tried his prentice hand on one little veto, and Congress let him have his way.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

"The New York Journal" is to be- come "The New York American" by the process of evolution.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Lord Methuen is an instance of swell society man in a responsible po- sition. He needs protection.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

It Is now well settled that MT. F. Duncan did not include Billiards, O., in his itinerary.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

The other stage-struck girls wonder why Mary Anderson did not take her own advice.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Now that John P. Altgeld is dead kind words as to him are heard on all sides. He was born in Germany.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

From the Edwardsville Standard News
 Atlanta couldn't be the proud hostess of Prince Henry, but she scraped up few relatives in that city and Birming- ham.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Iron working plants are drifting this way. There will be tidal wave when the Warrior is opened.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
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ABOUT BIRMINGHAM.

From the Edwardsville Standard-News
 Birmingham will soon be the largest town in the state.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

This town maintained it's new repu- tation at the Josef Hofmann recital.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

The Nineteenth street corner is maintaining it's fighting reputation.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

Secretary of the Navy Moody has never been to sea. Pinafore repeats itself.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

General Funston is as chipper with out his appendix as he ever was with if
The age-herald., 1902-03-16

From the Scottsboro Citizen.
 When our state politicians want to have 'conference" Birmingham Is generally selected.
The age-herald., 1902-03-16
ilcer, is at the Metropolitan.

ficer, is at the Metropolitan.
 w. F. Hayes of Georgia is at the Nor ris.
 c. E. Cook of Montgomery is at the Morris.
 M. P. Greenfield of Atlanta Is at the Morris.
 Francis J. Torrance of Pittsburg is at J. H. Klunk of Boston is at the Hill man.
 J. M. Cunningham of New Orleans is at the Metropolitan.
 s. II. Jones of Talladega is at the Met rorolitan.
 A. N. Steele and Mrs. Steele of Anniston are at the Metropolitan.
 Alexander King of Anniston Is at the Metropolitan.
 J. A. Bechet of New York is at the Hillman.
 E. A. Elliott of Cincinnati is at the Hill