davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17

Dor bill, putting it over to the short session, which does not meet until the elections of next year have come and gone. The programme is said to in- clude the defeat of the ship subsidy bill, and the sending over to the short session both the river and harbor bill and the omnibus public building bill. In that way the republicans will be able to show on the stump next year decreased appropriations.
 But such a showing will not de. ceive any intelligent man. There are public works, too, in which a delay in appropriations would be the reverse of economy. The Warrior is an exam pie. All the work in that river is val ueless until the river is opened to Null berry and Locust Forks and the rail- road bridges. The dams and locks in the river have cost a good deal of money, and no benefit can come from them until the additional locks and dams are put in. It is not economy to postpone appropriations of that na- ttlre.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
MISSIONARY REPORT.
Receipts for the Year Amounted to
 7,os6-This Is Inadequate.

Detroit, October 16-The International Missionary convention of the Christian church opened here today in charge of the Christian Womens Board of Missions. According to the reports read, the re- ceipts for the year amounted to sl47Os6, and while the general work shows expan- sion, the financial results were declared inadequate for the needs of the work al- ready started.
 Mrs. N. F. Atkinson of Indianapolis in making her presidential address. said:
 "There are in the employ of the board, including native helpers, force of 240 missionary workers. There are 32 schools with total of 5000 pupils supported by the organization"
 Mrs. Erie Cunningham, vice president, read the report on literature, and Miss Mattie Pounds that on Young Peoples Work" There are 121o societies affiliated with the parent body. The young peoples society raised $26,47S, and sl5,OOO of this went to orphanage support.
 Miss Lackay of Deoghur, Ind, gave an interesting address on childrens work in that county.
 M. Forest of Idaho gave an address at the evening session on Our India Pos sessions"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
County Taxes for Schools.

The legislature which has just met and adjourned without day passed a bill that permits each county, at the suggestion or instance of two hundred electors or more, to secure vote upon the proposition to levy county school tax up to the point where the com bined state and county tax would be one dollar and twenty-five cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable property.
 The need of county aid to the pub lie schools is widely felt. The terms of the rural schools are distressingly short, and the teachers in the schools are poorly remunerated. Better pay would soon mean better teachers as we'll as longer terms, and both must come before the rural schools are at all adequate or satisfactory.
 The legislature has provided all the machinery for the levying under the terms of the constitution of 1901 of a county school tax. The constitution contemplates such a tax; the children of Alabama need it, and the good of the state demands it. What is needed now is county that will lead off in an application of the new law. Some advanced county should blaze the way, and it will not then be difficult to bring public sentiment up to it in every other county of the state.
 If Talladega county would lead the way, it would do itself honor, and it would render to 7O6,OoO school chil- dren of Alabama a noble service. Some county must set the pace, and The Age-Herald knows of no better choice for that duty than the county that has ever been full of intelligence, enter prise and pluck.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
Wind Shields in Racing Contests.

The wind shield of the pacemaker is a device of the Parisian bicycle rid CTS, enabling them to cut the time of a bicycle rider down from 1:53 to 100, and permitting him to ride over fifty miles an hour. The device has since been used by both pacing and trotting horses who struggle alone against Time. It is conceded that it helps a harness horse accustomed to it's use from four to five seconds a mile.
 Between wind shields and bicycle sulkies, including, of course, ball bear ings, the modern horse has advantages that the old-time trotter and pacer did not know, and 1t Is therefore difficult to say whether Lou Dillon is better horse than Flora Temple, who trotted a mile in 220 fifty years ago A basis for comparison is lacking, because track circumstances and conditions differ so much.
 A protest is going up against the use of the wind shield, because it places a horse under artificial condi tions, taking away the impact with air, and putting him as it were in a vacuum, or at least, in a highly arti ficial situation. If wind shields be permitted, then a gasoline motor may be placed under the sulky, and the harness horse will no longer be com pelled to trail load He will be as free from burden as saddle horse, but the sport of the past will then be but an automobile race. It is to this we are coming, unless the wind shield devices be nipped in the bud. Records made behind wind shields should be classed by themselves, or abolished altogether. The horse working under natural conditions is one thing, and the horse that hugs a wind shield is another piece of business, and the two should not be blended in the records of the turf.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Asphalt Streets.

sThe resolution introduced and passed by the city council at It's last meeting instrueting the city engineer to draw an ordinance for the paving of Fifth ave- nue with asphalt from Nineteenth street to Twenty-seventh street is step in the right direction" said a man interested in Birmingham's future.
 This city has now reached the point where it should begin to lay asphalt pavements. There is one thing, however, that I hope the engineers will not fall to take into consideration. and that is to make provision against having the pavement torn up every few months to lay new gas and water mains.
 Atlanta has an ordinance which 1t seems to me could be used to excellent advantage here When an asphalt pave ment is laid, the provision is made that gas and water service pipes shall be run from the mains to the curb every twenty five feet. and the property owners have to pay for this in the same proportion as they pay for the pavement itself
 If these pipes are laid to the curb every twenty-five feet. 1t does away with and necessity that might arise for talk ing up the pavement afterwards in order ion as this is much more necessary in asphalt paving than in the ordinary kind because asphalt cannot be torn up and replaced as neatly as 1t was laid down originality"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
SAYS SILVER Is DEAD.
Editor of Commoner Declares He Is
 Out of Politics.

Iowa City October 15.-"I think free sil- yer will not be considered by the national democratic convention in 1904"
 These words were spoken by William Jennings Bryan to an old and intimate friend, Prof. James Bradshaw, of this city.
 Professor Bradshaw asserts positively that Colonel Bryan made the following statement:
 While I still believe free silver to be a good thing for our country, the nations of the world have settled down to gold basis to such an extent that it would be practically impossible to change the cur rent of their ways so far as substituting the double for the gold standard is con- cerned. I believe it will never again be the issue.'
 Professor Bradshaw says Mir. Bryan said he was out of politics to stay and would not be a candidate again, as he intended to devote his future to law, lec- turing and the publication of The Com mOner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
DOWIEs ANALYSED BY A
 COOL HEADED OBSERVER

out his scheme of a community for prac- tical profit kept together by a common religious enthusiasm. fanaticism or delu- sion.
 His scheme, as we understand 1t. is to set up another Zion City somewhere in the neighborhood of New York, and his present mission is to collect the people and the money for it's establishment.
 Dowie never lets himself down to the level of his followers He always takes pains to surround himself with the mys- tery of an autocratic ruler-of a monster magician. His three thousand followers will bunk and feed in humble surround ings and on humble fare. Dowie himself will be housed and fed luxuriously in a great hotel He keeps the vulgar at a dis tance He is the general, they are in the ranks. It is for him to command, for them to obey. Tn all this he exhibits his clever understanding if human nature. He takes pains to surround himself with mystery. He uses every theatrical prop erty to make awful his arrogated author ity. Undoubtedly, the pose is vulgar, but it seems to have been impressive in the west His published sermons have sort of rude force in their arrogant self-asser- ton, but we have been unable to find in them any novelty which distinguishes him from a charlatan adventurer. They are without genuine eloquence or any evil dences of education or cultivationa are coarse and claptrap. In spite of all this, 1t cannot be denied that they have in them an element of popularity.
 Besides he has the physical makeup of a magnetic orator. He must have 1t, or there would be no Zion City, with it's thousands of inhabitants under hls des- potic rule, and no such complicated ma chinery of trade and manufacture as ex- ists there. If he had not the faculty of leadership he would not be coming to New York with three thousand followers transported from the shores of Lake Mich igan at an enormous expenditure defrayed by contributions from the population of his community.
 New York would seem to be stony ground for Dowie. The majority of people here are of no definite religious convic- tions and the religious sentiment to which he makes his appeal is in the or ganized churches against which he wages war as means of capturing followers The great mass of the infdelity here- abouts repudiates supernaturalism in every form as a mere pretension. It has no use for any kind of religion. To the religious faith represented by the quarter of the population who attend church his assumption of supernatural authority is sacriligious.
 Dowie belongs to the class of the pro- moter of enterprises. but the more he ad- vertises himself here in that character by theatrical demonstration the less are likely to be the chances of his convincing any considerable number of people that the investment he offers is of any value.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
From the New York Sun.

H HE coming of Dowie to New York l0 at the head of a host of three
 thousand of his disciples and fol- lowers Is not a matter for ridicule and satire. It Is a very curious, but 1t is also a very serious demonstration in the his- tory of religion. or religious delusion.
 Dowie has artfully mixed up the prac- teal and the spiritual. He attracts to himself followers by giving to them em- ployment by which to make a living in this existence, at the same time that he promises them the treasures of heaven. He is making a good thing out of the business for himself for he is the auto crat of the combined enterprise and yields it's combined capital in money; but it cannot be denied that he has built up at Zion City. near Chicago, commu- nity both prosperous and highly moral The circumstance that he has been able to gather three thousand of his followers to accompany him to New York Is an impressive demonstration of the enthu- siasm he has provoked in them.
 The physical healing which he professes to bring about by spiritual means is also one of the most telling cards. Tn one form or another it Is the basis of vide spread religious movements peculiar to this period which appeal to the faith of thousands of men and women. people of more than the average intelligence. In saying this, we do not mix up Dowieism with the Christian Science and New Thought" movements, for they are radf- eally opposed in theory and spiritual and psychological principle. Dowie is a pre- tender who lays claim to the mantle of the Prophet Elijah as his prophesied sue- eessor. He professes to be miracle worker. The theory of the other healing movements is somewhat subtle, but it is, substantially, that mankind by putting it. self In harmony with the spiritual laws becomes the master of the physical laws that the only forces which are of true, en- during and universal strength are spirit. ual and not physical
 This is an idea which has taken hold of the people of this time to an extent which makes it entitled to consideration as notable feature of the period. It is A reaction against materialism of scientific breeding; and. in the end, by nurturing belief in supernaturalism, it is likely to eonduce to a religious faith which, if we accept the precedent of similar manifes- tations in the past will come under the direction of the organized religious forces brought down from the past
 Dowie, who is manifestly man of great shrewdness and of an intuitive percep- 
 the idea to help along his vulgar and sor- did project, with it's mixture of self-seek- ing motive and a spiritual exaltation which rises far above self. He has frank ly announced that his main object in making so imposing a demonstration in New York is to raise money for carrying
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
PHILADELPHIA TREATMENTS.

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
 The depressing statement was made in our New York letter recently that there are in Greater New York 350OO0 inhabit- ed rooms with no windows opening to the outer air, or even to another room with windows opening to the fresh air and sun- lixht. These dark rooms are to be found in over 10000 tenements scattered over the metropolis. Under the law window three feet by five must be placed in every one of these rooms. The conditions of living in Philadelphia are In gratifying contract with those indicated by the foregoing statements. The number of separate dwellings in Philadelphia is about SO0,000 and tenement life, such as Is typified in the windowless room, Is scarce ly known here. It is a sad commentary upon our boasted civilization that hun dreds of thousands of the population of the chief American city are obliged to live in rooms which do not open to the outer air. It is the glory of the Quaker city that her families. with very few exceptions, live in separate houses, which are, in fact and in name, their homes, open to the air and the sunlight. Every city should require that a proper portion of every building lot shall be left vacant for court space for air and sunlight This matter does not receive attention in many instan- ces until cities have been overcrowded The decent housing Of its inhabitants should be the first concern of every muni- cipality, and it should receive attention when the municipality is young.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
PresIdent Samuel speneer.

MT. Samuel Spencer is not only a great all-round railroad man, but he is one of the brightest and most charming gentlemen I ever met" said a member of the Commercial club who was in MT Spencer's party yesterday.
 Knowing that Mr Spencer was a hard worker and under a severe strain of re- sponsibflty, I marveled to find him so chlpper and youthful in appearance I hope he will come to Birmingham often He is an enthusiastic talker about this district and the strong words he puts In for the south is worth much to this section. MT Spencer Is a native of Geor- gia, and while he has lived In New York for many years he will always be a southern to the core.
 q understand that MT. Spencer is fe- licitous speaker. It would be well for the Commercial club to invite him to deliver an address here under its auspices"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
OCTOBER.

By William Cullen Bryant Ay. thou art welcome, heavens delicious
 breath,
 When woods begin to wear the crimson
 leaf,
 And suns grow meek. and the meek suns grow brief, And the year smiles as it draws near its
 death. Wind of the sunny southi oh, still delay In the gay woods, and in the golden
 air.
 Like to good old age released from
 care, Journeying, in long serenity, away. In such bright, late quiet. would that l Might wear out life, like thee, mid bow
 CTS and brooks, And. dearer yet. the sunshine of kind
 looks. And music of kind voices ever nigh; And. when my last sand twinkled in the
 glass, Pass silently from men. as thou dos'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
DON'T FORGET YOUR WATTS.

From the New York Tribune.
 Young women students in western college who fought class fight in chapel do not appear as yet to have been suf- ficiently influenced by the still air of de- lightful studies in clostered halls. How bad an example they set to the naturally ebullient and boisterous sophomores of the ruder sexl Feminine acolytes of edu- cation who are tempted to engage in class quarrels of the disorderly kind ought to be compelled to repeat in chapel every morning the immortal words of the good Dr. Watts:
 But, children, you should never let
 Your angry passions rise.
 Those little hands were never meant
 To tear each others eyes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
About Persons.

Ex- Senator P. o. Stevens of Alexander City is registered at the Florence. MT Stevens says that business in East Ala bama Is brisk and that all the people seemed to be happy and contented.
  Dr. P Hoffmand of Montgomery is step ping at the St. Nicholas.
  Morris.
 D. M. Remson of Talladcga Is in the city,
 Whitfield Clark of Anniston was one of the Hlllman's late arrivals last night Jasper T. Morris, who is connected with the United States forestry department is stopping at the Metropolitan. J. A. Taylor. a prominent citizen of Montgomery, is at the Hillman. J. W. Lockhart, leading business man of opelika, is at the Florence. Fred Martin of Chattanooga is at the St. Nicholas.
 w. c. Black of Troy was one of the Morris arrivals last night Dr. J. E. Terry of Red Level was one of the Metropoltans late arrivals last night.
 II. Edward Miller is registered at the St. Nicholas.
 J. B. Wiley of Troy Is in the city. L. Y. Dean of Eufaula is stopping at the Hillman.
 Dr. J. A. Goggans, one of the most prominent physicians of Alexander City. is stopping at the Metropolitan. A. c. Rodgers of speigner is in the city.
 Professor G. B. Avery of Lanett is in the city. Prof. Avery has been elected to the superintendency of the schools at Stroud and will open his school next Mon day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
RAILROAD RETRENcHMENT.
Twenty Thousand Men VIII Be Laid
 Off This Fall.

Special to the New Orleans Picayune.
 New York, October 14-Several railroad companies have announced reductions in their working force, and It Is expected that between now and November 1 nearly every railroad in this country will dis charge some of it's employees. Such action, 1t Is explained it is not unusual at this time of the year. but a larger number of men will be dismissed this fall because the railroad companies have been working abnopmally large forces since early last sprin A natural falling off In traffic is the reason generally assigned for these railroad dismssals.
 Easing their estimates on the reductions already announced, experienced railroad men say that between 15O00 and 10000 men will probaly be laid off by the railroads throughout the country this fall There are about 1.25ooOO railroad employees in the United States
 Vice President Brown of the New York Central, thinks that about 2500 men may be dropped from the payrolls of that sys- tenn this month. About 1900 shopmen, trainmen and trackmen will be discharged on the Pennsylvania system
 The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe operating department will lay off about 1900 men this month.
 Not less than 5000 employees will be dis pensed with on the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific system between now and December, It is probable that all OF the ttanscontinental lines will cut down their working forces some after the crop shipments are over.
 The Illinois Central will curtail it's oper- ating force anywhere from GOO to 1900.
 The Lake Shore will dismiss nearly 1000 men this month. and the Michigan Central about half of that number About 300 of the Lake Erie and Western employees will be laid off on November 1. The Erie management has already dismissed sever al hundred men, and there will be still further reduction The West Shore will lay off about 300 men, and the Boston and Albany an equal number
 New York. New Haven and Hartford about 1000 The Missouri Pacific and other Gould lines will reduce their working forces slightly, but there is to be no ces- sation in works of extension and improve ment The Wabash expects to increase rather than diminish the number of it's employees on Pennsylvania improvements. The Rock Island and the Frisco systems will lay off between 1000 and l500 men this month and next.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
MIR. RocKEFELLER'S CAREER.
n the Providence Telegram.

From the Providence Telegram
 When John D. Rockefeller. that beloved philanthropist, told his pastor the other day, speaking of the place where he was born: 'I shudder to think what I should have been if I had remained In Richford all my life." the pastor sympathetically remarked: "Yes. and l cannot help thinking what a loss it would have been to the world had you remained in that small tewn.'' And Johin D. rejoined: 'I don't know about that, but the personal comfort that religion has been to me has been such that I sometimes feel that 1 would like to go on the lecture platform and tell the people about it..
 The question is, how much of real loss to the world would 1t have been had MT. Rockefeller remained in Richford? He has amassed fabulous wealth, through methods that have often been criticised, and has disbursed different large sums to places of learning; but has he rendered the world any substantial service, or actu- ally contributed to it's welfare? That is the measure by which his worth to hu- manity at large must be decided His own business has prospered, but has his prosperity brought fortune or reverse to others? Has his pecuniary advantage been derived from a strict application of the golden rule or from personal self ishness?
 The minister who fiattered the great financier fairly may be pardoned his hon. eyed words on the score of a desire to stand pat with so mighty magnate; but did they ring true?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-17
GREAT IN THEIR LINES.
or Smith in New York press.

Victor Smith in New York Press.
 Dr. Virgil Gibney is a great surgeon. Jean De Reszke is great singer, Sarah Bernhardt Is a great actress, William II. is great Emperor, Bryan IS a great talker, Snyder is a great banker, Hill Is great railroad man, Gates is a great plunger, Keene is great market opera tor, Dewey is great admiral Roosevelt is great soldier, Sloan is great jockey. Madden is a great trainer, Fournier is a great automobilist, Mcdonald is great contractor, Eberlin is great sign painter, William Nelson Cromwell is a great law yer. Carnegie is a great jollier. Schwab is a great un1oader, vreeland is a great packer, Murphy is great orator.