davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
IN AN AMBER PRISON.

In many museums may be seen in the
most perfect state Of preservation in amber
fossilized remains of plants and animals
The science Of Egypt in Its highest develop
ment did not succeed in discovering a
method Of embalming so perfect as the sim
pie process taking place In nature. A tree
exudes a gummy. resinous matter in liquid
state. An Insect accidentally alights In II
and Is caught.
The emulation continues and envoInns Il
completely, preserving the mosr minute de-
tails Of It's structure. In the course of time
the rosln become fossil and is known as
amber. The history of fossil insects is
largely Indebted to the fly in amber.
TIE coasts of the Baltic are and have been
from the days of the Phoenician traders
the great source of the amber commerce. 1t
occurs in rolled fragments in strata known
to biologists as oligocene. These are ter
tlary rocks OF date little more recent than
those of the London basin and equivalent
TO the younger tertiary series of the Isle
OF Wight
The fragments of fossil rosln were washed
down by the rivers from the pine forests of
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

the district along with sediment and vege-
table debris. In them are found most per-
fectly preserved remains of the period as
well as insect life.
Fragments of twigs, leaves buds and flow
ers, with sepnls, petals stamens and pistiis
still In place, occur. Pollen grains have
likewise been found. A recent genus,
deutza, has been recognized by Its charac.
teristic stamens the valves of the anthers
of cinnamomum are seen in others. In one
specimen the pendent catkin of species of
oak Is seen as distinctly through the clear
amber rs II II were fresh flower. And be-
Sides the Insect and plant remains thus sealed
up In amber, stray relics Of the higher fauna
Of the forest have also been met with.
Fragments of hair and feathers have been
caught In the sticky rosin and preserved.
Among others, a woodpecker and squirrel
have been recognized in the Baltic amber.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

Travellers who visited or passed the cape
Negro country of Africa often heard from
the natives of plant that was part SPIDER
and that, growing, threw its legs about In
continual struggles to escape 1t was the
good fortune of Dr. Welwitsch to discover
the origin of the legend. strolling along
through wipd-swept tableland country, he
came upon a plant that rested low upon
the ground. but had two enormous leaves
that blew and twisted about in the wind
like serpents-in fact, 1t looked. as the ma
tiyes had said. like gigantic spider.
Its stem was four feet across and but
foot high. 1t had but two leaves In reality,
that were six or eight feet long, and split
up by the wind so that they resembled rib
bons This is probably the most extraor-
binary tree known. 1t grows for nearly If
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
Deep Sea Trawling.

Now are the wonders Of the great deep
10 be exposed to the irquirins and never
sleeping eye of science. The Scottish Ant
arctic expedition now being gotten ready on
the banks of the Clyde is to spend much
time and search among the ANNA, and
vegetable life at great depths in the South
ern and Antarctic Oceans.
Among the apparatus carried Will be two
ip,mense drums. each containing 5000
fathoms of trawling cable with which to
n~osecnfe the researches Nearly IA miles
If cable will thus be brought into play.
What those cables may bring forth to the
world of science may be rs Interesting. IL
not so momentous, rs that wfleh tue first
np ocean cable gave 10 commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
Gun For Hail.

In all wlne-producing countries, notably
California, Italy, Switzerland and the South
of France, great damage is frequently
wrought among the vines by severe hall
storms. To avert these constant disasters
numerous and costly experiments have been
made. Nothing however, seems to answer
so well as a hailstorm dispeller as the dis
charge of high explosives in cannon spe-
cially made for the purpose. 1t has been
found that the firing of a cannon stops the
movement of a hurricane; lightning and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
Queer African Mask.

Grofesque masks, similar to the one
shown in the accompanying picture, are
worn In many parts of Africa during dances
and religious ceremonies. The reason Is be-
cause symbolic Significance is attached to
them and they ire especially supposed to
possess the power of preserving those who
wear them from the influence of evil spirits
The masks generally are made of wood
and some are carved with rare skill. When
chief or the head of a family dies he
leaves his mask to his successor, and the
latter is bound to wear 1t. In every village
there Is m artist who repairs masks and oc-
casonaly makes a few new ones, and 1t is
said that no one does a more thriving bust
ness than he.
Ethnoogists have been trying to find out
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

The willy mission fathers, who established
the chain Of missions In southern California
for the purpose of Outstanding the In
dams and. incidentally, of forming nucleus
of Spanish civilization, thought most likely
even after the Indians had accepted the new
faith 1t was well TO guard against the es
cape Of so ephemeral thing. As result
there was planted around the mission lands,
which covered square miles, a cactus hedge.
Not only would this serve 70 keep back
sliding Indians In, but also 10 keep strenuous
Indians out
To one unncquainted with this cactus, the
prickly pear, but little IDEA can be had OF
the impregnability Of the barricade II would
form. Today the hedge measures about 10
feet across and IL in height. each leaf aver.
aging a foot In length and an inch and a
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

The most remarkable piece of real estate
In New York, it is generally agreed among
builders, Is the remarkable rockety build
Ing site in Ninety street, just on
Riverside Drive. 1t Is customary to meas
ure building lots by their length and width;
1t Is this third dimension which makes 1t so
unusual.
The ground In this vicinity was originally
much higher than the present street level,
at this particular point nearly forty feet
In due course the streets were cut through,
and afterwards the lots on either side were
cleared to the street level. leaving this lot
some twenty feet wide and forty feet high
and one block long standing alone. Great
apartment houses soon sprang up all
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
WOmen's Odd Costume.

When in the street the women of Fayal
wear a capote, or cloak, Of dark blue cloth,
with a yolumlnous hood of the same material.
When several of them are seen in the street
at once 1t looks as though one of the con
vents had been emptied of its 1utterlng In
mates. The hood is shaped like a tea cosey,
but Is much longer. The back of 1t ends
in a sweeping curve that Is stiffened and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

paratory to loading with wheat for some Tor
elgn port. The day was calm and beautiful,
with scarcely n breath Of air ripping the
water
Suddenly, without the slightest warning
the great steel hull swayed aud careened,
until the ship went crashing on her side,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

Exactly why this ship turned turtle
IS not known, though It's strange actions are
ascrlbed to the steel masts with which she
was rugged.
The ship. Aisle by name, was lying along
side one of the low wharfs that edge the
shores Of the willamette River. at Portland,
Ore She was discharglng her cargo pre-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
STRANGE AND CURIOUS THINGS THAT ARE
ENCOUNTERED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF WORLD
SHIP THAT TURNED TURTLE

while her spars drove their tips into the
sturdy dock.
Fortunately, none of the ships crew were
injured Some have advanced the opinion
that waves from a passing steamer. strik-
ing the ship Just right. when she stood high
ont Of the water. had force sufficiently
strong to send her sprawllng on her side
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

thunder cease, and rain or melted snow
Immediately begins to fall.
photograph of the cannon used in Eu-
rope is here reproduced. The explosive ma
terial used is largely composed Of acetylene
gas. The upright cylinder with the large
mouth sends the force of the explosion di.
rectly against the Clouds An acetylene
gasometer, generator, safety valve and
an apparatus for firing the explosive gas are
contained In the hut which protects the
cannon.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
THE SPIDER TREE

not quite century, but never upward be-
yond about foot, simply expanding until 1t
reaches the diameter given, looking in its
adult state like a singular stool on the plain
from 10 to IS feet In circumference.
sea, lifting the curious ribbon-hke leaves
and tossing them about, II almost seemed to
the dlscoverer that the strange plant had
suddenly become imbued with life and was
struggling to escape. When description
and picture of the plant were sent to Eng
land 1t was, like many other discoveries, dis
credited. but soon the plant itself was re-
ceiyed. and now Welwltschla mirabils Is
well known to botanists.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

This coach was built in Paris, France,
about ITO, and was used by.a French gen
ere who accompanied Marquis de lafayette
10 this country during the Revolutionary
War. After the surrender Of Lord Cornwall
lis at Yorktown it was presented to Aexan-
der Hamilton. AT his death the coach passed
into the possession of the father of j. Feni-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

more Cooper, who brought 1t out TO what
was then wilderness, but Is now known
as coopertown Upon the death Of Mr..
Cooper the coach was wilied to the veteran
patriot, Gen. Roswell Randall, of Cortland.
In whose family ii remained for years,
finally coming into the possession of James
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

half in thickness. But the formidable part
Of the plant is the thorns thousands OF
which cover both sides of the leaves and
even the fruit.
The small thorns, those finer than the
finest needle and less than an eighth of an
inch long. are the most dangerous, for they
cannot be seen, and us they are very poison
Gus, each makes Tester of its own. But TO
touch the plant means 20 get hundreds In the
flesh. Even today In certain tribes Of In
dams In the ARIZONA Desert 1t is known that
1t is the custom to pitch suspected witches
into cactus beds. Death generally results
The mission fathers had a strong rmy
surrounding their domain-a guard that
neither slept nor ate. but stood ever ready
with fixed bayonets and unsheathed swords
for naked brown bodies.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

A London man 20 years old may expect to
live 30 years. but Glasgow resident of the
same age can only anticipate 80 years IL
months. and Manchester man less than 35
wears
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

The Tsar. or king of bells, as the Rus
slams call It, is in the Kremlin, at Moscow,
and, In spite OF one or two other claimants
Tor the title, 1t Is undoubtedly the largest
bel in the world. 1t was cast in the year
1855 by order Of the Empress Anne. There
Is no record Of Its ever having been hung.
IL was found embedded in the earth where
1t had fallen aud was exeayated and set in
position by order of the Emperor Nicholas
In 1890.
II is nineteen feet three and one-half
inches high and weighs $4,000 pounds. 1t
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

Since the general election of 1900 there
have been thirty three seats vacated in the
House of Commons.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

Thirteen British life insurance offices de-
cline proposals from unyaccinated persons.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

In 1884 there were 467 steamboats, on the
Rhine Today there are 1,1S3.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16

is said there were more than 1000 tons of
bronze melted for It's casting.
The king stands In the middle of square
ON a base of granite and looks like great
bronze tent A fragment broken off from 1t
lies near the tower of Ivan Nehki. 1t Is
used as a chapel, the assure being so great
that man may walk through without
lowering his head 1t Is beautiful piece of
work. and its tone Is said to have been par
tculary sweet. The sides sweep out in a
broad and mighty curve and are encircled
with top and lower border of artistic merit.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-16
UPS AND DOWNS OF OLD COACH.

schermerhorn, and until recently owned oy
his heirs. The coach is now in the posses
sion OF hotel keeper at Iaushannock
Falls. New York.
The colored American., 1903-02-21
So INSCRIPTIONS
BILE IN ADVANCE
One Year,
Six Months,
Three Mopt tbs

This paper is solely owned ard cen Ie
by a native directorate and Is publ in
the interests of the African race. di
rectorate in order TO increase the circulation
of the paper IN America have decided to re
duce the pricesto the above scale for limited
reriod. South Africa Ii undergoing recon.
truction and those desirous to understand
the cor ditions existing here will find Izwi
Labatu good medium for information
The colored American., 1903-02-21

No greater mistake has been made
by our people than to attempt to ar
ray against each other the two essen
tial educational systems-trained heads
and trained hands.
The best friend of a man is he who
is not afraid to stand up and be counted
when an attack is made.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Who Of US would be too proud to
proud to visit the White House. if in
vlted there to counsel with the Presi-
dent?
The colored American., 1903-02-21

A lie well-stucn-t0 and false report
unchallenged, frequently pass for the
truth, and vet its a big job to nail all
the small lies.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

first Bishop of the A NJ. E. Church.
was born February ii, 176O, ordained
April Il, 1916 and died March 26,
1881. His birthday has just been ceIe-
brated with elaborate ceremony in
Philadelphia.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

1t is in emergencies that we find out
where our friends are.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Rev. A. E. P. Albert, a scholarly
race divine of the South, has abandon
ed active ministerial work on account
Of the condition of his eyes.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

A Negro, Jake Haines, was brutaIIy
f1ogged to death in Colleton county,
S. c., a few days ago, on the mere
suspicion Of stealing. No attempt was
made to fasten the crime on him.
Fine community of Christians, indeed.
Even the local magistrate is in jail
for killing one of his white neighbors
The colored American., 1903-02-21

The Negroes IN Missouri are fight
ing and praying manfully against the
proposed Jim Crow car law in that
State.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

All is rot serene in the party's
ranks in Maryland. The Negroes in
Mr.. Sitney Mudd's district are not
satisfied with his treatment of them.
or with his attitude towards the Ad
m1nistration and Senator McComas
The colored American., 1903-02-21
E,HGHe Ill ALL ON ORNITURE
- W. PIANOS. HORSES

Wagons, etc., at lowest rates and n tbs day
yea EDpfy. We are Ioaning on thA Buj jIdine
sAs Lean Association plan, which aKes the
e0zk ef sazTYfnE loans much less thar you pay
esswAsrs. and AnswE you 20 pay 1t on in any
szB14 notes yoE dezirs, running nom one to
eEeavs AensAs. You only pay for the use of
eAS HeAsy tor the length of time you carry 1t.
y ySG have q foan with some other mpany
We ~ psw H on and advance you more
II AeAsw 6eE4rs1. Rates chsetfully given,
. M ne ssSs 10 or unless the loan In ma6s.
Loans made any whers In the District. Call
and Get rates. Font room, first floor, Scien.
tine American building.
Nat1or al Morts age Loan Co.
Gas z ST., n. w.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

The new Senator, Reed Smoot, of
Utah, seems to be a brave man. He
was not afraid to have black men at
his recent banquet at Salt Lake City
The fact is a bright harbinger of ac-
tive interest in the Negro when he
takes his seat
The colored American., 1903-02-21

cline to be placated. They will be
glad to be placed. t ough, thank you.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

| 4nr1cc Is armed VINO hath his q 'arrel JUST .
York Tribune. January 10Th, 1908.
Tillman had two, aud got his man
RACE GLEANINGS.
Memphis, Tenn, is to have Jim
Crow street cars.
The lilly whites" of Alabama, de-
cline to be placated. They will be
glad to be placed. t ough, thank you.
The Negroes IN Missouri are fight
ing and praying manfully against the
proposed Jim Crow car law in that
State.
Rev. A. E. P. Albert, a scholarly
race divine of the South, has abandon
ed active ministerial work on account
of the condition of his eyes.
A Negro described as Rev. VIM H
Mitchell, of South Carolina, has been
slandering his race in the pulpit of
DR.. Parkhurst's Church in New York.
TWenty-eight white men have been
indicted in Mississippi for lynching
two Negroes, and eleven of the fiends
public sentiment demands their pun
ishment.
There must be some way devised to
reach the lying Associated Press
agents throughout the country, who
are constantly telegraphing false news
touching the Negro.
The Bishops of the A NJ E. Church
lately in session at WilberfOrce, Ohio,
sent a dignified manly and graceful
letter to the President, thanking him
for his attitude towards the race
James H. Hayes has broke loose
again, this time in Virginia? No, in
Boston. The conservative thought of
the people is that Hayes should per
nit himself to be forgotten for a
brief season.
Archbishop Ireland, the we'll known
Catholic prelate spoke out in ringing
sentences for the just rights of the
Negro race at the Lincoln Memorial
Banquet, in Chicago, on the night of
the 18th inst.
Down Arkansas the legislature is
trying to pass a bill fining severely
any jailer or guard who handouts
black and white prisoners together
A lynching bee might be interfered
with, you know
Senators Perkins, of Colorado. and
Jones, OF Nevada, voted in committee
against the nomination of DR.. Crum.
Jones drops out of public life next
month, but Perkins is already booke
for another Senatorial term
Miss Nettie Gasaway, an educated
c0Iored lady, twenty years old, has
been appointed by Mayor Borden. of
st. Joseph, Missouri, as night watch
man at the City Hall. She has al
ready proved an efficient officer.
All is rot serene in the partv's
ranks in Maryland. The Negroes in
Mr.. Sitney Mudd's district are not
satisfied with his treatment of them.
( or with his attitude towards the Adj
, m1nistration and Senator McComas
The colored American., 1903-02-21

A Negro described as Rev. VIM. H.
Mitchell, of South Carolina, has been
slandering his race in the pulpit of
DR.. Parkhurst's Church in New York
The colored American., 1903-02-21
RACE GLEANINGS.

Memphis, Tenn, is to have Jim
Crow street cars.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

A Negro can be praised by white men
nd still be loyal to his race.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

the race has just lost by death,
another valued and unselfish friend,
Mrs. r. G. Mather, who for thirty-five
years was principal of a Baptist NJ
siOnary School for Negroes, at Beau
fort, South Carolina Though eighty
years of age she remained faithfully
at her post until her last illness. She
came from Providence, Rhode Island.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Richard Allen, the founder and the and d
The colored American., 1903-02-21

A weekly native organ published in Eng.
Ifsh, Xosa-Kat1r, and Sesutho.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Miss Nettie Gasaway, an educated
colored lady, twenty years old. has
been appointed by Mayor Borden. of
St Joseph, Missouri. as night watch
man at the City Hail. She has al
ready proved an efficient officer.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Twenty-eight white men have been
indicted in Mississippi for lynching
two Negroes, and eleven of the fiends
are actually in Jail; stranger still
public sentiment demands their pun
ishment.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

The first colored Masonic Lodge, in
South America, known as Ethiopia
No 1, has just installed its officers, at
Cape Town. Among them is Rev NJ.
NJ. MOkOne, who was initiated into
the mysteries of masonry in Social
Lodge of this city
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Senators Perkins. of Colorado. and
Jones, OF Nevada, voted in committee
against the nomination of DR.. Crum
Jones drops out of public life next
month, but Perkins is already booked
for another Senatorial term.
The colored American., 1903-02-21

DR.. J. L. McCurry, scholar, poet,
diplomat, and of late years a great
educational factor in the South. died
On the 18th inst, at Asheville, N c.
The race will hold him in grateful
memory, especially in connection with
the Peabody Educational Fund.
The Board of Trustees, of Avery
College Trade School, of Allegheny,
Pa, has granted Miss Fredericka D.
Sprague, the matron, a two weeks
leave Of absence. This great school
is prospering under the management
of Mr.. Joseph D. Mahoney, the secre-
tary and treasurer
The colored American., 1903-02-21

There must be some way devised
reach the lying Associated Pre-
agents throughout the country, W
are constantly telegraphing false ne
touching the Negro
The colored American., 1903-02-21

Down n Arkansas the legislature is
trying to pass a bill fining severely
any jailer or guard who handouts
black and white prisoners together.
A lynching bee might be interfered
with, you know.