davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
MERCHANT KILLED
 BY HIGHWAYMEN
J. Fl. COLVERT OF PRATT CITY MURDERED AND HIS POCKETS RlFLED-BoDY FOUND BY A NE , GRO BOY.

Pratt City. February -(Special9 J. II. Colvert a white merchant of Pratt City aged about 45 years, was murdered last night about ii o'clock. His body was found by a negro boy, who reported it to the police. His pockets were turned in- side out, indicating that robbery had been the object of the murder. His body con- tained twelve bullet holes made by buckshot.
 In the early part of the evening Colvert made display of some silver amounting to about s25 in the presence of some ne- groes who were in his store at Ida sta- ton. lie also had a watch and a pistol. There were several negroes around the store when he closed up. His home is some distance from Ida station, and the path that leads thereto through lonely and desoate part of the town, and it was along this lonely path the murder was committed. As near as the officers can determine, inc deed was committed about 10:45, as the body was quite warm when found at II o'clock.
 The body was carried to the home If his children. who reside with his first wife from whom he was divorced, and was living with second wife in the same vicinity.
 Coroner Paris. with Officers Barnard and Weaver. have been hard at work on the case all day, but as yet have noth-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
BOOKS.

There is an inspiration and uplift about all the writings Of F. Marion Crawford that is after all the most valuable part of his work Readers of fiction do not always ask about the morals of book, by any means; yet the mental and moral impression that is made upon reader by a piece of literature is very lasting and oftentimes of the greatest significance. It is not within the domain of the re- viewer to treat even with captious pen, the large class of fiction that, to put 1t mildly, does not produce spiritual up- lift
 This, possibly, is a personal question and should be entirely matter of choice. It is then, all the more fortunate and worthy of mention when novelist of such prominence and popularity as Marion Crawford possesses to such a marked degree this prime feature. Not only are his stories pure and chaste and lofty, but his characters are filed with a genuine nobility of thought and sen timent. His friendships, too between men are so beautifully and spiritually portrayed, and so permeated with all the strongest characteristics which go to make up the relation Such strong ex- amples of pure, noble men and women who do not waver in their highest con captions of moral rectitude when under the stress of temptation, have an infiu- ence for good that is incalculable.
 A new novel from the pen of F. Marion Crawford is always considered a literary event of note, and we are always great full when MT. Crawford keeps to his Italy, for the poetry and enchantment of the land are all his own. In Cecilia" We have a story of .The New Italy" which is strildngly revealed Rome is rapidly taking its place among the great and progressive capitals of Europe, and our author knows every throb of the new vital life as thoroughly as he knows the old traditional life. MT. Crawford can tell love story better than any living American writer. This is probably the first requisite. for the true story-telec is born and not made. Then he can give
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
FOR CHIEF OF POLICE.
Capt. T. c. Mcdonald Formally An. nounces His Candidacy for the Place.

Captain T C. Mcdonald has announced his candidacy for the office of chief of DC lice. Captain Mcdonald has many frieno In the city who are loyal to him and WI confidently believe he will be elected ard that he will make a very efficient chier.
 He held the position of chief of police for several years up 10 the time the pre- ent incumbent was elected and made T exceptionally good record while he hea the office.
 Captain Mcdonald has been a resident of Birmingham since about 1871 and ha practically grown up with the city. He is well acquainted and numbers his friends by the hundreds.
 The following representative citizens have consented to act as his campaiga managers:
 B. A. Thompson NJ. C. Garrett. A. C. Lane, John r. Evans, NJ. J. Gregg. F. c. Reders, D. J. Fox, M. T. Simmons. F B. Gray F. M. Dixon, P. II. Linnehan, Simon Klotz. srs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
THE "FOURTH HOUSE" AS
 ARTIST BLACKMAN SAW IT
BY WALTER BLAckMAN.

Mister G-Wel give me your name and l will try and get you the place.
 Boy-Thank you very much, indeed. 1T I can do anything for you let me know.
 It is needless to say that boy got the place.
 1 hand another opportunity to note the cunning and shrewdness of one of these boys was in the headquarters of Speaker Tunstall, and as the room was very crowded. I sat on the side of the bed with several other onlookers Two of the visitors left the room and as they were going out a boy, apparently four teen years old came in and after two or three fruitless attempts to ran an audi ence from some of the members finally
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

the members of that distinguished body are boys ranging from twelve to about seventeen years of age.
 These younsters. most of whom reside in Montgomery, will flock to the hotels and buttonhole politician with as mucn grace as an old time -dispensary or stock-law lobbyist. They will spot their man, lead him off to one side. whisper something to him and receive a whispered reply and away he goes after another vic- time.
 l overheard a conversation between one of these youngsters and leading repre- sentative the other day. It was some thing like this:
 Boy-oh, say. Mister c
 Mister G.-Well sir. What is 1t?
 Boy-lf you can spare mo a few mo- ments please
 Mister G-I guess l can spare the time. What can I do for you?
 Boy-Now, it's this way. You see I was appointed page on the recommenda- tion of MT. J. last session. and as you have been elected to fill his place this term and l like your looks and 1 think you could do me a great deal or good -
 Mister G-But you see
 Boy-Yes, yes, I know you can't appoint page, but knowing your influence and prominence as I do it would only be a matter of suggestion from you 10 MT. Speaker and your friends on the rules committee, and l would be cinehed for the job
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

Some people may go to Montgomery year after year and attend the legislature session after session. They may see a great deal and hear more. It is possible they may be members or may belong to the Third House" If not, it is hardly supposable that they have ever seen or come in contact with the Fourth House."
 The Fourth House." by the way, is just as much in evidence an. I might add. thinks itself just as important as any old house.
 The Fourth House may be designated as the knee-breeches politicians, because
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

troversy and ought to have been disposed of long ago.
 The senate has reduced the fertilizer tax to thirty cents The house agricult- ural committee has yet come to no agree ment, at least any that has materiallzed on the calendar. Only one thing Is appar- ent that no bill affecting the department of agriculture can get through without the sanction of the department itself. Commissioner Poole is quite strong enough with the members to protect him self from emasculation or any sort
 Another most important matter is the examination of private and state banks. There are bills enough but they still re- main with the committed The trouble seems to be not in the examination. but who Is to do 1t? One bill wants the au- ditor to look after 1t. another the treas urer, another an examiner to be elected by the legislature itself. and so on. There is a good place in 1t for somebody and where there is a place at stake, there is no hurry In saying who shall have it. It will be a marvel if this subject gets disposed of before the recess.
 The Revenue Bill.
 The revenue bill. always of deep inter- est to the business community, Is beirts rewritten entirely by the house ways and means committee and the senate finance committed who have been hol3- ing joint sessions and giving hearings to various interests adversely affected by it. The stamp tax on notes and mort gages proposed by the state administra- tion has been thrown over. The mem bers very promptly heard from home on the subject. The merchants are protest ing against the clause which says their assessments shall be at least equal to D per cent of their insurance. The public utility corporations cannot conceive that the tax on their gross income will be al- lowed to stand. 1t really seems that the committee will have to yield all these sources of additional revenue. If so, there Is no reason why the law should not stand as it is. The present law is bringing in abundant money to run the government, if only the appropriations are held down, and nobody will be hurt if no revenue law at all is passed.
 The committees have been hard enough at work and 1t can be said that with afternoon sessions of the house a won derful difference in the situation can be achieved in a week. It is one of the curlosities that so little interest has been manifested in the new election law. The
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
NERVOUS REGISTRATION.
The Result of the Pain and Irritation
 From Hemorrhoids.

Nervous Prostration is often the result of neplecting a case of hemorrhoids or niles. the pain and irritation attendant unon this disa greeable trouble inconveni- ences and annoys one, but 1t is possible to go to business and to do the ordinary days work, so the trouble is neglected until inc nerves become exhausted and the patient is a victim of nervous pros tration.
 Hemorrhoids cause a sensation of heat, tention and itching in region where is located the most sensitive nerves of the human system and the continued irrita- ton will eventually cause collapse or inc nerves This would easily have been avoided if the patient had carefully treat cd the case of piles from their first ap- nearance. No other trouble can be so m,icklv and safely overcome if treated in an earlv stage: and even if the case is an old one. there is remedy which will act with remarkable results If faithfully applied.
 The Pyramid Pile Cure is in suppository form and can be conveniently applied to the afflicted parts. the soothing oils and medication reaching and healing the en- Iarged hemorrhoidal veins of the rectum and acting at once upon the infiamed tis- sues
 Every sufferer from this trouble should send at once 10 the Pyramid Drug Co.,. Marshall. Mich. for their book on Piles or Hemorrholds. which will be sent free. The Pyramid Pile Cure is so well known and the hundreds cured by it have so advertised 1t that the little book Is merely sent to give each patient clearer view of his or her particular case and the proper treatment, for it.
 
 Elipohl Cards.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
Trades For Ministers.

prominent Philadelphia clergyman strongly urges all young men who intend to enter the ministry to learn some trade either before or after their ordination. He has examined the statistics of the various Protestant denominations and has been appalled, by the number of min isters who are without cnarge. He thinks a trade would be good thing to fall back on in such cases, besides standing the preacher In good stead in many ways while still In the pulpit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

~ - Q pleasant word to anyone was almost impossible.
 sI had two opera tions performed by one of the most skilled surgeons of the West, but did not get relief. Then. against my doctors strict orders, l commenced takipg Dr. Picrcc's pavor]tc Prescription and Golden Medical Dis covcry,' and also fol- lowed the advice given in the Common sense Medical Ad- wiser.
 .uI confiuued this treatment for three months, and to day am as healthy and well as q woman can he. I cannot thank Doctor Pierce enough for his kind letters to rac.D
 Womanly dis- eases. as a rule, spoil the ~disposi- tion," because of the cxtrosne uery-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

ousness and suffering they cause. Hap piness as well as health is restored to the woman whose diseased condition is cured by the use of Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription.
 After eight years of suffering and two fruitless operations, three mouths' use of uFavorite Prescription" restored Mrs. Moser to perfect health. This great remedy for woman's ills, establishes regularity, dries weakening drains, heals inflammation and ulcerztion and cures female weakness.
 The Common Sense Medical Adviser. Ioo8 large pages, in paper covers, is cent free on receipt of 2I oaie-cent stamps tc pay expense of mailing oniy. Address )r. R. V. Pierce. Buffalo N. Y.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
To Prove what Swamp-Root the Great Kidney Remedy. Will Do for YOU, Every Reader of The Age.Herald May Have Sample Bottle Sent Free by Mail.

Weak unhealthy kidneys responsible for more sickness and sui  fatal low
 attention-bu kidneys most because they attention first kils SwampRoos
  health trial will
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
A Chicken Tale.

From Tid-Bits.
 Talking of dogs" said the colonel. .'a friend of mine has a Gordon setter. She'a the most sympathetic dog I ever heard of. She has the maternal instinct so strong that she has brought up litter not her own"
 i've known of such cases" said the nearer.
 "There was a hen and chicken. Tha hen died. and the chicken was in soi distress. This dog took pity on 1t. am brought up the chicken"
 Yes" said another listener, that curious. but 1t is hot uncommon"
 And now" continued the colonel, SOL emnly, that chicken barks."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

The mild and immediate effect of pr. kilmer's Swamp-Root. the great kidney and bladder remedy. is soon realized. Ic stands the .-.ghest for it's wonderful cures of the most distressing cases. Swamp-Root will set your whole system right. and the best proof of this is trial
 IA West 117th St.. New York City. Dear Sir: October 10th. 1901.
 I had been suffering severely from kid ney trouble. All symptoms were on hand: my former strength and power had left me; could hardly drag myself along. Even my mental capacity was giving cut, and often 1 wished to die. It was then l saw an advertisement of yours in a New York paper. but would not have paid any attention to it. had 1t not promised sworn guarantee with every bottle of your medicine. asserting that your Swamp-Root is purely vegetable and does not contain any harmful drugs !. am seventy years and four months old and with a good conscience 1 can recom- mend Swamp Root to all sufferers from kidney troubles. Four members of my family have been using Swamp Root for four different kidney diseases. with the same good results"
 With many thanks to you. I remaIn.
 Very truly Yours.
 ROBERT BEh- .iR. You may have a sample bottle of thi5 famous kidney remedy SWamn- Root
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

settled himself at a respectful distance from me on the bed.
 Do you know, some people are awfuliy hard to approach" said the boy.
 I agreed with him, and ne went on to say:
 Excuse me, but are you a member of the house?'
 l assured him I was not.
 You don't mean to say you are n sena- tor"
 No, I am not a senator,' I replied. :. After a short pause he continued.
 'I didn't quite understand What did you say you were candidate for?'
 Nothing at all."
 "Oh, Third House. he replied.
 No"
 You are too old to be page aint you?"
 Yes"
 Say you krow have got you spotted at last. You are a newspaper man. ain [ you?"
 Yes but what made you think l was?" Well, if you hadn't been, you wouldn't { have listened 10 me half so long, but he remarked. as he moved a little closer. maybe you can help me out -"
 His talk was interrupted by some one he knew entering the room and he rushed ever to the new conner and began to but tonhole him, saving me the emharra ss- ment of having to promise to help him. as l could have done no more than wish him luck
 He evidently landed, as I saw his smil- ing face on the floor of the house the day the legislature convened.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
Mastery of Modern Tongues.

From Pennsylvania Punch Bowl
 ''Tel tell me. professor, you have mas tered all the modern tongues"
 Well, yes; all but my wires and her mother
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

sent free by mall. postpaid by which you may test its virtues for such disorders as kidney, bladder and uric acid diseases. poor digestion. when obliged to pass your water frequently night and day, smaruns or irritation in passing. brickdust or sedl- ment in the urine. headache. backache. lame back. dizziness, sleeplessness, ner- Vousness heart disturbance due to bad kidney trouble. skin eruptions from bad blood. neuralgia. rheumatism. diabetes. bloating, irritability. wornout feeling. lack of ambition. loss of flesh, sallew complexion, or Brghts disease.
 If your water when allowed to remain undsturbed in a glass or bottle for twen- ty-four hours. forms a sediment or set- ting or has a cloudy appearance, 1t is ev- loAnce that your kidneys and bladder need immediate attention.
 Swamp Root Is the great discovery of Dr. Kilmer, the eminent kidney and nlad- der specialist. Hospitals use 1t with won derful success in both slight and severe cases. Doctors recommend 1t to t--eir patients and use 1t in their own faml- lies because they recognize in Swamp Root tho greatest and most successful remedy.
 Swamp-Root is pleasant to take nnd Is
 for sale the world over at druggists In
 bottles of two sizes and two prices-ffty cents and one dollar. Remember the name. Swamp Root. Dr. Kilmers Swamp R oot. and the address, Binghamton. N. Y.. on every bottle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
"To say a pleasant word to anyone was almost impOssible."

-I was troubled with female weakness for eight years and suffered more than can telin writes Mrs. Gust. Moser Of Ovando Dcsriodge Co., Mont. aMy disposition was affected to such
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
Common Agreement That Leg
 iSlature Must Take Rest
GENERAL LAWS TAKE TIME
It Was at First Thought Members Would Come With Bills Ready Made,
 But such Proved to Be Mis-
 take-Montgomery Gossip.
BY CAMPBELL CORY.

Montgomery, February T.-(Special.)- At this time there is common agreement among the members of both house and senate that the legislature shall adjourn after completing little more than half it's allotted sixty days. For how long there is as yet no definite drift of opinion ex- cept that the recess must be long enough to enable some committee or commis- sion to carefully prepare a series of gen. eral laws under which the people can at tend to all those multitudinous public matters which have been heretofore ad- mnistered for them by the legislature itself.
 It seems not to have occurred to even the nest experienced legislators now in the two houses that there was going to be any difficulty about this matter. It was supposed that bills covering the diff ferent subjects would come ready made in various and sundry pockets. Some few did. But tle5 have not been found to suit exactly.
 For instance, one of the first of these subjects to be taken up was a general law under which stock law districts could be established. But the committee en- countered difficulty at the outset over which 1t seems not yet to have climbed, as to whether the initiative should be with the commissioners courts or with the people, by order of the court or by
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

ing to give out. though it is generally thought they have clew to the mys- ferA.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

= if it Binghamon will gladly mall o testimonial eived and this generous offer in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
General Law on School Tax.


 Then there was the subject of a general
 on the special school tax. Bills were
 introduced, but none of them suited the school folk and that field of legislation
 still lies fallow. Senator Hall introduced
 a whole series of bills adapting the cor
 poration laws to the new constitution, but
 they are just reached and are subject of
 difference and dispute. The house has had
 only one such law before it, that pro-
 viding how commissioners courts can get
 bonds issued by the counties for build ing roads, bridges houses and the like,
 and that was the subject of no end of
 controversy. So the legislature must per- force admit that passing laws to fit
 rev vDlutionary constitution is a task be-
 yond it. and it will likely go home and
 leave the job to some smaller body of
 good lawyers who can sit quietly and | le,surcly and work the ,b,em out. | At any rate, the general appropriation
 bill is already through the house and will | have no trouble in the senate With that
 bill signed, sealed and delivered, the gov ernment can run. The legislature has been long time getting to the great lead ing subjects which interest the general
 public. but after twenty days it is there
 at last
 Child Labor Bill.
 The subject about which most has been
 said because the ladies have interested themselves in working up sentiment for 1t. Is the child labor bill. That Is the special order in the house for next Thursday. As the cotton mill men have withdrawn opposition and the bill Is one agreed on, 1t ought to pass in just the time 1t takes to call the roll. The next most popular theme is the text book question, and | that has gotten to the senate calendar in 1 the shape of two bills, one for state and | one for county uniformity. There is at present bright prospect that the subject will be on the house calendar when the
 recess comes.
 The elective railroad commission bill is still in committee stage. It comes coupled
 with the Texas commission law through out, giving the commission power to en- | force rates as well as make them. That l is the whole milk in the cocoa nut, and | the roads are bitterly hostile to the bill. | Nobody here who knows what is what in l Alabama believes the bill stands as much l show as the proverbial fly in his mythical | journey across the red land of Pluto. | Even if 1t passed the house. which will l first consider 1t, the senate would be sure | to go over the ground again and have | hearings and put final action over till | after recess.
 School Reform Measures. | None of the school reform measures are yet out of committees, Why the de- | lay no one knows The division of the counties into districts instead of town- ships, the grading of the teachers pay, | as well as their certificates. the monthly | pay of teachers, none are matters of con
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08

house committee has been very quietly at work on it, and has reported the bill, putting into it at least two revolutionary features-the numbered ballot and em- blems on the tickets of the different parties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-08
School Reform Measures.

None of the school reform measures are yet out of committees, Why the de- lay no one knows. The division of the counties into districts instead of town ships, the grading of the teachers pay. as well as their certificates, the monthly pay of teachers none are matters of con-