davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
NOTIFICATIONS OF IMMIGRATION.

Gustave Michaud in the Century.
 To say that the great bulk of the American people sees in the recent phase of immigration to their country an un- mitigated evil is probably not an exag- gerated statement If the reasons for such an opinion were asked, the answer would generally be that the newcomers are ig- norant and shabby. For the student of man. however, these reasons have not the weigh. which they carry in the popular mind When. as is the case with most Of our present immigrants. ignorance has for it's cause the lack, not of intelli- gence but of the proper educational fla clities it is an acquired negative char to offspring, and means absolutely noth- ing for the future of the race.
 The first Baltic people brought to Rome by the armies of Caesar were looked upon in contempt by partricians and plebeians alike. Fifteen centuries later, when the renaissance swept over their land, the descendants of those same Baltic bar barians started a civilization which, in many respects, is now the first of the world. Placed In the hlgnly 1aVoraple American economic conditions, the next generation of our Italian immigrants will promptly show us that they lack neither intelligence nor imagination nor artistic talent. That the recent turn taken by immigration will deeply and in many ways modify our national character is certain. That 1t will deteriorate 1t is not Some of the notifications will be for the worse, some for the better. We can meas ure the extent of none, and ought thereby to be prevented from making sweeping assertions.
 The most conspicuous physical change which will be brought about by intermar- riage with the newcomers will be the least noticed by all but ethnologists. It is the change which took place in many parts of Europe after the great prehs- toric Alpine invasion, and which Is clear ly seen in sepultures posterior to tha event. The skull will become shorter and broader That change Is taking place now, on a large scale, in the states of New York Pennsylvania and especially Massachusetts. We leave 1t to esthetes to decide whether 1t gives us reason to rejoice or lament.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
RooseveIt's Policy.

"Walter Wellman, the well known and sagacious newspaper correspondent, has a letter in the Chicago Record Herald, in which he makes many bright observa- tion," remarked a republican. "Wellman says, among other interesting things: ' Tariff revision as a promise of the re- publican party for the near future is to be the keynote of President Roosevelt's S speeches on his western tour, on which he is to start next Wednesday. He will outline his idea in a speech to be made at Minneapolis. The President has a dis tinct and definite tariff policy which he will urge upon his party. It is as fol- lows:
 The tariff commission. He wants congress to take up this suggestion next winter and create non-partisan body to investigate the tariff question in all it's bearings.
 The promise of revision. He wants the party to pledge itself fairly and squarely, to revise the tariff where it needs revision if the people keep the party in power As it seems to be gen. orally agreed by the leading men of the party that revision cannot be under taken on the eve of the presidential elec- ton, Mir Roosevelt wants the next best thing-a pledge to take up the question immediately after the election and to eff feet moderate revision along orthodox protection lines-a revision of the tariff by its friends.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31

weeks, returned to his home in Walden. Miss, yesterday. R. Y. Davidson of Gadsden is register ed at the Morris. Charles E. Betts of New York is at the Metropolitan.
 sss A D. Mcbride of New Orleans is at the Hillman. M. B. Mabson of Tuscaloosa is at the Morris. J. W Bledsoe of Florence Is registered at the Morris.
  L. B. Musgrove of Jasper and J. R. Ryan of Corona are at the Hillman. D. D. Bruce, president of the central Land company of Danville, Ky, will be in Birmingham this week. A. J. Gray of Richmond Is at the Hill- man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
THE BOYS OF TODAY.

Frank Putnam in National Magazine.
 They read more than boys did thirty years ago. There is more to read now than we had, of course, and this has something to say in explaining the change One boy of nine years has read all of "Grimm's Fairy Tales" three times Neither he nor any of his boon compan- ions, a dozen or more of them, has yet seen a Nickel library" Think of that They are ignorant of all the noble and thrilling exploits of the Red Rover and Old Sleuth; they never hunted grizzlies with Old Ike of the Yellowstone, nor boarded rich galleons with Erik the pi- rate. I fear the kindergartens, catching them so young, have corrupted their taste for this delectable literature. They know more about the heroes of our navy than have forgotten. All the charming le- gendary stories about the great men of our history are eager at their tongues ends They are very wise. One might almost suspect they were grown-up minds in boys bodies were it not that they reveal the untamable juvenile at bed time, never ready to go. and so extremely tolerant on the subject of unwashed hands and faces
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
TIE OILY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ALABAMA
Heave him away upon your winged thouuhts athWart the sea.
 -Klng Henry V.
Standard Bearer for 1904.

A list of questions relative to the democratic party and the presidential nomination have been prepared in New York and fired at public men in all parts of the country. Two reports have come in from Alabama, and each shows a distinct preference when it comes to the selection o1 standard bearer for next year. Congressman Clayton says:
 T favor the nomination of Judge Parker for President In 1904. l think he would be a very strong candidate, and that the party could be united on him. He is a faithful democrat, an able man with no vulnerable record to defend"
 Congressman Underwood is equally distinct and positive. He says:
 with the reformation of the tariff as the great issue in the next campaign, the democratic party must look for gains in the east. The far west, desiring an ex- treme tariff rate on wool hides and beet sugar, will oppose any change on the existing duties levied on imports. The eastern business and manufacturing in terests are becoming restless under the old tax laws that are not adjusted to present business needs and conditions, and will support a party and a candi- date in favor of honest tariff reform Therefore, I believe 1t advisable to select a candidate from the east and consider Richard Olney the most available man to lead our party on this issue, on battlefield when gains must be made in the far east if we expect to win victory. MT Olney has always been loyal to his party and its candidates. his devotion to the principles of his party. his high char acter and great ability are recognized by all His nomination would not engender factional strife and his past positions OH questions of taxation are fn accord with the sentiment of his party and the views of the best thought of the country
 Mayor Head of Nashville wants an eastern democrat for President one who did not sulk or bolt in 1896 or 1900 and Senator McLaurin of Mis- sissippi wants neither Bryanism nor Clevelandism. He wants democracy, pure and simple.
 It is plain from all these expressions that opinion in the democratic party is not centered upon any man. It has not crystallized, and 1t is perhaps best that it should stay in it's present con dtion up to next spring, when public sentiment will be fully ripe, and the best man can be made the standard bearer of the party.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
From the London Nal.

ETOm the IOnuon Mall
 ~ ECORATIONS in the streets. some VJ flags. here and tbere 8 picture
 - of the king with tspArs burning as before a shrine. Curious crowds wait ing. Pony carriages or "gharries,' with their occupants hurrying to the csnter of interest, which is the front of big wat, or Buddhist temple. In the road way there is a procession standing at ease, with the principal figure absent Looking ahead you can see the blue uni- forms of military escort Just in front of you in the road there are a number Of oblong coaches, roofed over, like mini ature cottages-palanquins. The bearers are beside them in antique-looxing Iiv- cries.
 There are some led horses caparisoned in what might be taken for cloth of gold These are tended by un- n-Christian-looking men clad in jackets and loose trousers (too short) of green and gold. There are a military brass band and some troops and officers in red tunics and white hel- nets. A quaint mixture of ancient and modern.
 The procession is waiting for the king, who Is within the wat with his suite making his yearly offering of yellow robes to the priests. The king has many such visits to make during these Thot Krathin for presenting of robes) vestivi- ties, and the value of the garments which he thus distributes every year is set down at e10O0. On previous days he has paid his visits by carriages; today he goes by planquin; tomorrow he crosses the river in his royal barge.
 An interval of waiting and then sud- den stir: the military come to attention; people are coming out of the wat Rich ly dressed nobles. officials and officers appear in coats nearly covered with gold work and loaded. some of them with medals; and then all eyes are fixed on a figure borne high in chair of state above tbe heads of the people so that all may see him. A dignifled figure, with a singularly pleasing face. and a winning smile as he acknowledges the salutations
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
Ratification of Cuban Treaty.

Cuba has ratified the reciprocity treaty without amendment, and the notifications will be exchanged by cable. This result was reached through assurances from President Roosevelt that he would call an extra session of congress. Otherwise congress would not meet until December z, but an extra session will be convened in Oo- tober or November, thus enabling con gl ess to get a good start in its work before the Christmas recess.
 It does not follow that, because the treaty has been ratified by the sen ates of the two countries, it will have smooth sailing before the house next fall. The sugar interests will make then their final fight, and the beet sugar crowd is as full of pull and poli- tics as it ever has been. It is notori- ous in that respect. The treaty is to De SuDulIlSu lO lu6 uOuSS OoISllSlDly on the ground that it is a revenue measure, but really for the purpose of giving the sugar interests another chance. The effort in the Cuban sen ate to send the bill to the Cuban house was promptly voted down, the vote being 5 to 15.
 The exchange of notifications does not advance the subject particle, be- cause no step can be taken under it until the house acts favorably upon it. The Cubans will be fortunate in deed if they secure by Christmas time lower rates upon their products com ing to this country, and this country secures lower rates upon its lumber, cotton goods and the like destined to Cuba. The treaty should be perfected for the good of both countries, and nothing now stands in the way except one or two special interests of an ex- tremely selfish and political nature.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
Children in Danger.

with the coming of warm weather our troubles begin to increase and 1t is all on account of the small boy" remark ed man, land the small boys parents are in a position to help us by instruct ing their offspring that they must not indulge in the sport of playing ball in the streets. Parents, too, should warn their little children against running un- der horses feet.
 "A few mornings ago I was on a loop car going at the usual speed. when child about 3-years-old ran out as if to cross the track. But for the quick stop and close attention of the motorman an- other street ear accident would have been recorded. The mother almost wild, ran out and carried the child into the house, but when may not this occur again? The little folks do not know the danger The streets are never safe playgrounds for children, ever If there are no cars near. Vehicles are constantly passing and often fast driving is necessary"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31

goods. the southern mills monopolizing the manufacture oI coarse sheetings. drills and the like. Thus the south becomes a factor in the Lowell strike. The operatives say, however. that the portion of the earnings mentioned go into palaces or sporting yachts, and not into machinery, and they propose therefore to secure an increase of ten per cent. Lowell strikes have not gen. erally been successful, but the present strikers are getting ready for "a long siege" and the Lowell mills may be tied up until the fall or new-crop sea- son is at hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
IN HOTEL LoBBIES.
Fools Day.


 "Wednesday Is April fools day." said a man at the Morris last night, and suppose as usual there will be hundreds of pranks played.
 April fool was the name applied TO those sent on foolish errands or upon whom tricks were played in the olden days, and it is supposed to have originat- ed either from the ancient Hui festival among the Hindus or from the Roman feast of fools. In France the person fooled is called poisson d'Avril or April fish, and in Scotland he Is called a gowk, which means 'cuckee.' The latter corresponds to the English 'gawk.
 T have seen hundreds of means used to fool people, such as heating dollar nearly red hot and throwing it on the pavement or mailing down a tempting looking purse with large spike so that no one can carry 1t away. l once saw man try to pick up a purse nailed down in this way and when he saw it was nailed he became angry and gave it a terrific kick tearing the whole sole off his shoe.
 April fool jokes can create great deal of amusement so long as their per- petrators have no malicious motive"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
STATE NEWS ITEMS.

A United States recruiting office has opened at Uniontown.
 It Is stated that hay and fodder are higher in Huntsville than ever before. Joel A. Harry, a clerk in Taliadega, was seriously stabbed by drunken negro. Jeff Kooner of Columbia committed sui- eide by shooting himself through the head with a pistol.
 Talladega News Reporter: The summer school for the south will open at Knox vile June g. aud continue to August 1.
 
 Sheffield Reaper: The Florence Ice fac- tory is to be enlarged. It would be ad- vantageous to establish a cold storage plant in connection with it.
 Sheffield Standard: The next mayor of Sheffield, through the intelligent choice of the voters will have the cooperation of a clear-headed competent city council. Huntsville Tribune: A stranger re- marked, you have more dogs in Hunts vile than any place ever saw. Saying the least of it. it shows a good-hearted- ness upon the part of the people.
 Postoffice Inspector H. A. Glasscock says that Gadsden's receipts are already sufficient for free delivery of mail. He also states that at the close of the present Tt,p all Hof io to secure it's recommendation will be done.
 Hartselle Inquirer The situation at the oil and gas well one mile north of town remains unchanged, with the exception that the pressure seems stronger and the prospects grow brighter for a great de- velopment of the oil fields of this section.
 
 Cullman Tribune: The Catholic denom- ination at this place has purchased the Roberts farm just outside the city limits east, and will at once commence thereon the erection of college for girls, al an expense exceeding the cost of St. Ber- nard college.
 
 ly referred to as "old uncle Jerry" who has been a citizen of Gadsden for more than thirty years, has suffered a second stroke of paralysis and may die. He is nearly 97 years of age and Is exceed ingly feeble His friends are anxious that his life may yet be spared.
 
 Anniston Hot Blast: During next week in the Anniston City court will come up three capital offenses, which are to be tried. The first Is that of Jack Cobb. charged with robbery and assault with intent to murder set for next Tuesday. The second is that of James Lecroy, charged with criminal assault, set for Wednesday, and the third Is the case oe Will Lawson, charged with murder, set for Thursday. Special juries have been drawn to try the cases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
THE AGE OF OYSTERS.

From the Philadelphia Record.
 A wholesale oyster dealer was sizing up a new invoice yesterday. "There are some old fellows in that lot" he said, as he showed to one side some abnormally large ones. He picked out one and measured 1t. The shell was eight inches long "The age of an oyster has absolutely no ef- feet upon it's quality" he said. Tt does not get tough with age, like the higher order of animals. How long does an oys- ter live? Well I couldn't say exactly. I have known Maurice-river oyestermen to claim that an oyster undisturbed in a neglected cove would live for twenty-five years before it finally died of old age. And an oyster of the Maurice-river type keeps on growing all the time. I have seen some myself that measured nearly a foot in length"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
QUAINT SIAMESE FETES
 THAT OCCUR ANNUALLY

of the people. This is King Khoulalon korn himself, and one finds 1t hard to realize that the still younthful-lookins man seated aloft there under the slate umbrella held above his head has sal for thirty.four years on the throne of Siam.
 The next day the queen of Siam pre- sented yellow robes for the priests at certain wats on the west side of the river. Our correspondent thus describes the scene on her majesty's return:
 "Just as the short twilight is fading a stir on the river and bugle note tell us that the procession is returning, and then we get a slamese scene, as character istic, perhaps, as any to be witnessed in the country. One after another come succession of immensely long barges curving high at the prov and stern. after the fashion familiar in pictures, and pro peled by long rows of oarsmen, or pad dlemen We notice ore manned by sail ors, pulling sailor fashion, but this is an innovation.
 "The genuine Stamese style is seen in the majority of barges, where the men lift their paddles high after each stroke all together, like cloekwork, while one, standing erect, beats time with a long bamboo rod which he thumps against the bottom of the boat.
 After the procession has landed it is reformed on the quay. and In a splendid palanquin, borne high. the queen herself passes by. The seated figure Is visible, but it Is now too dark to make out any details of it's rich attire. Her majesty is of no less dignihed appearance in public than the king himself. After the queen there follow a number of smaller palan- quins, bearing members of the royal household. The procession moves at a slow and most stately pace along the roadway and through the great gate In the palace wall.
 "As it disappears we have the pleasure of re1ecting that we have witnessed one of the most typical Oriental scenes that Siam affords, and the effect in the dim half-light very nearly realizes ones ideal of eastern romance"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
Large Freight Business.

'"rhe Louisville and Nashville railroad during the twenty-four hours ending at 9 o'clock today, hauled forty trains of freight on the north end of this division and forty-seven trains on the south end" said Superintendent B. M. Starks, "and this shows in measure the immense freight business that is being done at the present time.
 Someone told me the other day that he had been along the north end, and that every sidetrack he passed was full of loaded freight cars waiting to be shipped. I told him that If he had looked closely he would have seen an engine att tached to nearly everyone of them. It is perfectly natural that if there are forty or fifty trains of freight along the line that passenger train Is going to pass one at nearly every station and siding"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
Shut Down in Lowell.

The cotton mills of Lowell, Mass, employing about 10000 operatives, have been closed, and a long battle has been begun. The operatives want an increase of ten per cent, thus bring ing their pay up to that Of their CO., workers in Fall River and New Bed ford. Lowell is the storm center, and the issues involves interests in all New England mills outside of Fall River and New Bedford. It Is in fact an ef- fort to equalize pay in New England the issue involved interests all New River standard. The Fall River opera tives are deeply interested, for if wages cannot be increased at Lowell and similar centers, then they must be reduced In Fall River. The Fall River operatives will therefore do all they can towards sustaining the Low ell movement,
 The operatives base their strike on the fact that prices of products have been advanced. as follows
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
JADE FOUND IN OREGON.

From the Washington Star.
 Jade, the sacred and rare stone used by the Chinese in making bracelets. rings, vases, etc.. has been found recently in large quantities in the state of Oregon" said s. T. Taliaferro of Portland to 8 Star man. 'The discovery Is considered quite an important one from a mineral as well as a commercial standpoint. This find is said by geologists to be the first of the kind in the United States. The Oregon jade is tough and compact, and varies in color from pure white to a dark green. The bulk of the supply heretofore used has come from Turkestan, but some little has been fou.d in New Zealand and in the islands of the Pacific"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
INvIcTUs.

By William F. Henley. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from Pole to Pole, l thank whatever gods may be
 For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced or cried aloud, Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how straight the gate. How charged with punishments tht
 scroll
 1 am the master of my fate;
 am the captain of my soul.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 Lack of money makes the mare go lame.
 The surest way to stay poor permanent ly is to try to get rich quick.
 It takes a woman to do ignoble things Tn a spirit that ennobles her.
 A little touch of spring. dash of imagination. flavor of forbidden fruit and you have a first class scandal
 A woman considers that she makes a man E good wife when she won't let him go to the club rainy night for fear he will catch pneumonia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
UnIaue Exhibit.

Skeletons of famous horses mounted on frames will be included in the extensive exhibit of Kentucky at the Worlds fair" said Kentuckian.
 'In the exhibit will be the tones of Hanover, the peerless sire of thorough breds; George Wilkes, the great trotting sire; Black Squirrel once the saddle champion of all Kentucky, and Himyar. a champion of the old days.
 ''The skeletons are being mounted un- der the direction of Prof. David W. May by students of the Kentucky State college at Lexington"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31
Police Protection.

Some statistics I read the other day have changed my ideas entirely about the police forces of various cities" said a taxpayer.
 "There are some cities in the United States which have but one policeman to each thousand of population, but city must be exceptionally conservative and orderly 10 be amply protected with one officer to each thousand. Many cities average two policemen to each thousand people, ard they have nothing like as lawless an element to deal with as have the Birmingham police.
 Paris has one to every S07 people, Lon den enc to every 40S and New York one to every s;s. And yet there are those in Birmingham who think this city can get along with her forty-seven policemen when inc city has practically population of 100000 or more. This makes but one policeman for more than 20oo people,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-31

Some of the United States judges have got so far out on the injunction line that a "hurrah" is now treated as Q riot