davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
Southern Corn Crop.

Reports from Texas to the Potomac agree in saying that the corn acreage is unusually large. Whether this has been brought about by the high corn prices of this year or by failure to procure additional credit for the planting of cotton, or by a .combina- tion of reasons, does not matter; all that we need know Is an unusual number of acres in all the cotton states has been devoted this year to the growing of corn.
 If the season should prove propit- ious-and it has thus far been very favorable-the South may make it's own corn this year, something that has not been done since the days of civil war. Each year we have sent millions upon millions of cotton money to Indiana. Illinois and other Western States to pay for corn that should have been grown at home. No one claims that corn should be grown here for export because cotton is a better cash crop, but we can well af- ford to grow corn for home use against Western corn loaded up with transportation and other charges. This year the consumer pays about one dollar a bushel for all the corn he buys, and he has received a lesson that he will not soon forget. Dollar corn soon obliterates even ten-cent cotton.
 The truth is, there is no year in which the Southern farmer can af- ford to buy his supplies in the North west. He cannot afford to enrich middlemen of all sorts, to say noth ing about his fellow farmer in dis tant State. The farmer who does not raise his own supplies is man who is willing to sit still and see the net proceeds of the cotton crop ooze away 'o dnOInel seSIloh oA IAe COuA- > try that is not in touch with this sec tion. There is no reason in the world why we should enrich Indiana and other States in the Northwest. There is every reason why We should keep to the utmost cotton money at home. We need 1t much more than the Indiana farmer does, and if rains fall frequently in the next six weeks very little Western corn will be needed in the cotton states.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
Cost of Living.

"A man of family can live in a city of 100000 in pretty good style on $5ooO or $6OOO a year, but in Chicago or New York the same style would cost from $95,OOO to $40, coo" said a man who had spent some years in New York, "and when it comes to the $10,00O man in a small city he would be a s6O, 900 in New York.
 ITO begin with a large house on fashionable street in New York brings s1O, 900 a year rent. And then nearly every thing is proportionately as high. The keep of horses is high, servants wages are high and entertainments, such as dinners, receptions and balls are extreme ly costly.
 'When I speak of the man who spends s6O,OO0 in New York, I do not have in mind the Vanderbilts and the other null timillionaires Those people spend two or three hunderd thousand a year. The $6OOOO fellow is looked upon as a moder- ate liver.
 New York has many attractions, of course, but I would get more real pleas ure in Birmingham on $5000 year than I would on ten times the amount in the great metropolis.
 "As for love of display there is more of it in the big cities now than ever before. Even in the four hundred there is a great deal of shoddy.'
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
It Will Not Blow Over.

''The primary agitation" says, South Alabama paper, Will doubtless blow over before the State Commit tee takes action" This is the belief and fond hope of all the convention crowd, but this belief and fond hope will not become fact. Every registra- tion certificate in the vest pocket for bids Every longing for honest cleo tions and a better state of things cries out against any cessation of the demand for a state primary. Con- stitutional reform and electoral re- form will he halted half way unless the nomination of party candidates be taken from self-elected delegates and lodged with the people themselves.
 Such an issue cannot die out from the nature of the case. Plain John Smith is as anxious to have a voice in the selection of his partys candi- date as the Hon. Bill Brown is, and as a rule the plain man is the honester and the better of the two. The issue is one that appeals to human nature. and especially to the man who is not fin" politics. Such men will not per init the primary agitation" to blow over or blow out or blow anywhere except in their direction, for they know what their rights are and they propose to enjoy them hereafter.
 No man who believes in popular government can honestly favor con. ventions when the people say they do not want conventions, but do de- sire to act directly in nominating all officers from United States Senator to constable.
 No man who has not an axe to grind will say to the voters. You stand aside; you are ignorant and bull-headed and altogether incapable of self-government. Stand aside and let us do your business in our own way" This is what the conventionists think to themselves and say among themselves.
 No man need expect to see an issue blow over that represents the natural aspirations of the average man. Power is as sweet to one man as to another, but the conventionists would rob the many of their privileges in or der that they, few in number, may be
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
The Dissertation of Sunday.

Many city pastors throughout the Uni ted States report a growing tendency on the part of members of their congrega- tions to desecrate the Lords day, and it seems to be anything but an easy mat ter to check it" said a religious man yes- terday
 'I think one cause that leads to the evil complained of is the fact that office bear CTS in the churches are not as particular in keeping the Sabbath as they used to be- The number of church members who travel for convenience or pleasure on the Lords day is certainly greater than it was twenty-five years ago. Children fol- low the example of their parents, and the way things are drifting now, I think it is safe to predict that the American Sabbath which we used to hear so much about will be a dead letter before many more decades pass"
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
ExDansion of inc city.

Atlanta, Richmond and Memphis are each preparing to enlarge their boundaries, keeping in mind the next census. They propose to take in all suburbs that will swell even by few hundreds the population of their towns. They appreciate the value of population figures; they know that population attracts not only popula- tion, but it attracts capital as noth- ing else will. All three towns are in the field early searching for sub urbs that can be annexed, and when the next census is taken they will loom up finely and everybody in this section of the country will be proud of their prosperity.
 The one town in the South that has suburbs galore is apparently taking no steps towards consolidation and enlargement. This is indeed strange when all these suburbs are linked to the central town by trolley lines, by free delivery, and by thousand other ties. Jones' valley is necessarily one community, and it should become one town-a town that would soon stand unrivalled and unapproached in the South-a town of at least 10000 population, in county containing full ly 250,000 people. The population of Jefferson county will readily reach that fine total when the next census is taken. The question now is, shall its central town make a correspond ingly good showing?
 CT here than it is in Atlanta, or Rich mond or Memphis? Is patriotism less? Or do the other towns better and fuller appreciate the advantages that attend handsome census figures?
 The inhabitants of our suburbs have in fact more at stake than the central town has, for the value Of property, and sanitation and school advantages are involved, but really all should pull together in an un- selfish and patriotic manner to con- solidate what nature and man have inseparably joined. Jones Valley should get together.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
A NEW DEAL THIS TIME.

From the Mobile Item
 This will be new deal, the commence ment of a new regime under new laws. The old schemes must be discarded utter ly; old tricks relegated to oblivion. old strings and wires clipped, and old fac tional quarrels settled That is what the people mean by demanding a state pri- mary-one that will have no strings or wires attached to be pulled by the old clique but primary in which every white man who wishes to support the choice of the people as the result of that pri- mary shall be allowed to vote. The peo- pie will have such primary, or will know the reason why.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

From the Montevallo Sentinel.
 From statement made by State Super intendent Abercrombie in Montevallo this
 week there is something radically wrong somewhere. He says Alabama is support ing twenty state institutions of learning of the highest type. each having a scholas- tic year of eight or nine months On the other hand, the free public schools of the country districts are in a deplorable con- dition. having not more than four or five months school in a year. Thus it will appear that the poor man who is not able to send his children to one of the numer- ous state institutions is compelled to send them to the free school that is in "a deplorable condition Small appropria- tions to state institutions and larger ones to the free public schools would in A measure equalize matters and give the poor mans child an opportunity to re- ceive a fair education, at least. A good. wen-fed free public school system will do more good for Alabama than anything else,
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT THE GROWTH OF
 BIRMINGHAM AND SEVERAL OTHER THINGS

My old friend. Major D. B. Stahlnan. of Nashville is still in the throes of the old Methodist Publishing House contest. It will be remembered that the property of this concern in Nashville was destroy- ed by the federal troops during the civil war. For many years the representatives of the Methodist Publishing House at tempted to get Congress to make an ap- propriation for its property destroyed by the federal army. For more than 30 years they worked without success. Then they made a deal with Major Stahlman to go to Washington to represent them, agreeing to pay him one-third of the amount he could get Congress to appro- priate to them. It seems that Major Stahlm an was successful in getting a bill appropriating nearly sSO0.OOO for the de- stroyed property. The money was paid to the publishing house and the pub fishing house paid Major Stahlman some- thing like s100,000 for his services. Then a hue and cry went up. Major Stahl- man was criticised and abused and call ed upon to refund the money which had been paid him. It seems now that the general convention of the church in ses- sion at Dallas, Tex, has passed a resolu- tion to refund the amount appropriated by the government to the government. Just how they will get Major stahlman to give back the amount paid to him for his services Is not explained. The mode of procedure following the adoption of this resolution will be watched with much interest
 Coneressman Charlie Thompson of the Tuskegee district is manifesting much patriotism in bringing down to Alabama a carload or two of Northern and Western Congressmen to show them what we have here, and especially the conditions effecting the political and negro question in Alabama. Undoubtedly his work will result in much good advertising for Ala barna. Birmingham and other points which this delegation visits should extend to it every courtesy and consideration.
 sss
 President Roosevelt has assigned Gen- era1 Leonard Wood, the ex-Governor Gen. eral of Cuba, to watch the German army maneuvers this year. wood nas been as- signed to many important missions He has filled every one with credit to the government and distinction to himself. It is evident that President Roosevelt in- tends at the proper time to make him commanding general of the United States army While this will be unusual, in that 1t will violate precedent and set aside well-defined army regulations at the same time this act of the President will be endorsed, because every one recog- nizes the great ability of General Wood. who a few years ago ranked only as an army surgeon. Indeed, Wood is one of the ablest men this country has produced in the present generation. If ability counts he is entitled to the promotion.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
Savinu Money.

"One of the best features of the Birm- ingham districts prosperity is the fact that people are saving money" said a banker.
 "The increased deposits of the savings institutions show this, and the invest ments in home property afford another evidence of saving. Laying by something every week out of wage earnings is large ly a matter of education. Even with good wages some people do not save, but the percentage of those who do is grow ing every year. A little good manage ment. a little domestic economy, and a determination to rise above the condition of simply making both ends meet, will enable almost any one to get ahead"
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
ITEMS FROM COLBERT COUNTY.

From the Leighton News.
 Ellis Bond again called on his lady love Sunday.
 Ebert Stocton has the blues this week; wonder what is the matter?
 A. B. Talaferro's mustache looks like the last rose of summer.
 Ask A. L. Atwood how he likes to travel his new right-of-way.
 Emmett Whitman has a new ''sugar babe;" guess who.
 Robert Carpenter called on his best girl in our town Sunday but didn't re- main to supper.
 There is a young lady in our country wearing a gold watch and necklace. Won- der what that means.
 The quilting given by Mrs. Lizzie Mas. terson Wednesday was enjoyed by all present especially by Maggie" over whose head the cat jumped. They say that one of our young men went calling Sunday and purchased a nice bouquet On his return he remarked: T sure had a time, and this bouquet was put on with the right spirit
 Messrs. Lee and Hef1in, two gallant Town Creek beaux, drove down Wednes- day for their lady loves, and took them to the picnic yesterday.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
= HOUGH stocks and cotton, as W~ quoted from the Wall street
 end Of New York, are both sag

V
 end of New York. are both sag
 N ging in price, Birmingham and pig iron are both going up. Pig iron is in demand at SIS per ton for immediate de- livery. and steel is being eagerly sought at s80 per ton. Real estate Is likewise go- ing up, as Is evidenced by Second av- enue store of 50 feet frontage being sold yesterday for s65 GOO to Caheen Brothers. This store itself may be worth $15,0O0. The lot, therefore, sold for 5000 front foot a good price for an inside lot, even though it be in the attractive business limits. This means something over 70 cents square foot for Birmingham real estate.
 Everything in Birmingham Is going up. I look for real estate and all things else In Birmingham to increase in value. In- deed I have the most supreme confidence in the future of this town. That others agree with me is manifested by the ac- tivity in real estate and by the desire of interests not already here to come here. An evidence of this is in the desire of the Seaboard Air Line Railway to build into Birmingham. President John Skelton Will Hams was here last week. With him was Vice-P President and General Manager Barr and some of the most conspicuous and wealthy men of the Seaboard directory. 1t was known to everyone who came in con- tact with these gentlemen that they were impressed with Birmingham, and that they were desirous of building here, and would build here provided Birmingham permits. I mean by this latter expression. provided Birmingham wants another rail- road sufficiently well to accord to it that which is reasonable and right in the form of terminal facilities. Of course it would do the Seaboard Air Line no good to build a railroad to the outskirts of Birm- ingham City unless 1t could get into the union depot and get freight depot well located and get its line to the various in- dustries in and about the Birmingham district.
 It is a well known fact that every rail- road now entering Birmingham has had more business than it could handle for two years past. There has been a scarci- . ty of cars and engines. and many of the mines have been running on half and three-fourths time because they could not get the railroad facilities to handle their products. Therefore 1t strikes me that Birmingham should extend every facility within reason, and stretch the limit if necessary, to get not only the Seaboard Air Line, but the Illinois Central and oth- CT railroads penetrating the South, into this district and this city, if it is possi- ble to draw them here.
 Nothing tends so much to build up great city as great railroads. Birming- ham wants everyone it can get and it should give everyone encouragement practical encouragement.
 I was amazed to see the statement from President John Sl<elton Williams that his road had no interest in the Belt Line and that he had no expectation of
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
SHAkE kESPEARE.
I'd Newell Hart.

By Richard Newell Hart. To understand was not our part;
 We did not know-it only seemed
 That in our little valley gleamed The lightnings of a noble heart He who walked upon the mountains
 Gathered in the purest light,
 Drinking on his lofty height Of the muses purest fountains. His the more than human skill--
 His the nameiess art divine,
 Of turning water into wine, And doing well what we do i'll. Mortal art is laid in lines
 That initiate the eagie's flight
 That in the daylight thinks of night, And for each faltering stroke repines. Where is the temple, frieze or vase
 That ancient Athens has bequeathedf And I will show that on it breathed The longing of a lofty race: They loved-alas, they loved not we'll. But mixed the pure cold spring witt
 wine;
 And every sweeping beauty line Could it's own lovers faith foretell. But this man who broke our sleep,
 Who tossed the hills aside, till we, To our surprise. could view the set And viewing long, and longing weep. We felt hand that brushed the years To right and left and through the mist We saw pair of lips that kissed The eyes of beauty back to tears Thy gift was like the roses smell 'Tis given of God. and to him goes k When he has gathered in the rose: And this is all that we can tell.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE
oraanIzed Effort.

''rhe Board of Trade has set to work to have the Selma train that runs by the way of Akron. Greensboro and Marion to Tuscaloosa extend it's schedule to Bir- mingham, and 1t will succeed" said a prominent retail merchant.
 "The board went about 1t in the right way. The president appointed an ener- getic committee with MT. T. V. Boardman at its head. and this committee lost no time in pushing the matter. Very often good movements fail simply because they are not pushed. Resolutions calling for action amount to nothing unless there is well directed work behind them. But where the members of an organization CO., operate and put their shoulders to the wheel results are sure to follow. Or ganized effort is the thing that tells"
The age-herald., 1902-05-18

begged for bread, the nobles bade them combination of few of the nobles of dollars are today saying to our Amer ican poor who ask for meat.
 In contrast with the mad pursuit and in view of this great money-evil that Is degrading and destroying us as a nation. there may be related here something of the noblest story of the poor and the godly written since Holy Writ was set up for the guidance of all men. It con- cerns St. Francis of Assist, whose love for his saintly mother led him to turn with loathing from the debauchery of the un- godly rich of Rome to a career as a min ister of the Christ, in which he won the hestimable riches of sainthood.
 There has just been published in this country an excellent translation of the famous tract "Sacrum Commercium, ' and we have here the passage where the Francisans feast The Lady Poverty, spiritual spouse of St. Francis; remind ing us of Giotto's immortal painting, ''The Espousal of St. Francis to The Lady Poverty" which some of us have adored in Assist The passage in it's odd literary style proceeds:
 Then my Lady Poverty commanded them to bring in Dishes the Food which they had cooked. But they fetched a dip their Bread therein. for here was there no abundance of Dishes or super fluity of Cooks. My Lady Poverty then begged that she might at least have some uncooked savoury Herbs, but having neither Garden nor Gardener, the Breth- ren gathered some wild Herbs in the Wood. and placed them before her. Who said: Bring me a little Salt, that I may savour these Herbs, for they are bitter. But they answered her: Then must thou tarry a while, Lady, until we go into the City to obtain it. if haply there should be any one who would give us some. Then she asked them, saying: Fetch hither a Knife that I may trim these Herbs, and cut the Bread, which verify is hard and dry. Who answered: o Lady, we have no Smith to make us knives. For the present, use thy Teeth in the place of a Knife, and afterwards we will provide. Whereupon she said: Have you a little Wine? To which they answered: No. Lady. we have no Wine for the neces- saries of Mans Life are Bread and Wa ter, and 1t is not good for thee to drink Wine, for the Spouse of Christ should shun Wine as Poison.
 And when they were satisfied, re- joicing more in the Nobility of Want than if they had had an Abundance of All Things, they blessed the Lord, in Whose Sight they had found such Fa- vour, and led my Lady Poverty to a Place where she might sleep, for she was weary. And she lay down upon the bare ground. And when she asked for Pillow they straightway brought her a Stone. and laid it under her Head. So after she had slept for brief space in Peace, she arose and asked the Brothers to show her their Cloister. And they, leading her to the Summit of Hill, showed her the wide World. saying: This is our Cloister, o Lady Poverty"
 An admirable story on His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons Is current in Washing ton. where the entire population rever- ences this illustrious prince of the recently examining a class of postuiants for confirmation. The parish priest was proud of the proficiency of his pupils and
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
Open Air Entertainments.

The series of fetes which the Ladies' Auxiliary of St. Vincents Hospital will give at East Lake this week promise to be exceptionally brilliant and popular.
 The auxiliary has given many delight full entertainments in the past but the programmes arranged for East Lake are far ahead in point of variety and novelty of any ever presented here before. The fetes begin Wednesday night and if the weather be fair the crowd will number well up in the thousands.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18

lawns and pleasant spots for the eye's delight, no one will mind the smoke. The more smoke the better, for the more smoke the more prosperity and growth, but when smoke and hideous street fences go together then all be- come dissatisfied. Then the eye as well as the nose Is offended. Let us please the eye even when We can not please the nose.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
Ae.1,ozs>

was showing them off, If one may so speak of a sacred ceremony. He had asked various questions. and finally asked one little girl:
 What is matrim ony?"
 She promptly answered.: 'rMatrimony is @ condition in which those who are in a state of grace undergo grievous torment in order that they may afterward enjoy eternal happiness"
 ''Oh, no. my dear child, you are mix ing up matrimony with purgatory." said the priest.
 Let her alone" interposed the Cardin- all "What do you and I know about it, anyway. Perhaps she is right
 LUCIEN JULIEN WALKER.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR,

From the New York Press
 The kiss that burns is the caress of a scorpion.
 Mans affection can be measured in square meals.
 Wine is contagious lie for the lips that it touches.
 The man who cannot be ruled by some woman cannot rule men.
 A woman would rather be tyrannized by the man she loves than tyrannize the man she doesn't love.
The age-herald., 1902-05-18

aggrandized politically. This is no longer feasible in this State. The people know what they want; they know what they are entitled to, and they will keep up the primary agt- tation" until they get their wants and riorhtS