davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

From the New York World
 Filled with analyses of emotions and with philosophic discussion is the new book by Miss Helen Keller, the blind author. The work is called Optimism: an Essay" and note by the publishers. Messrs T. Y. Crowell & Co.,, of this city says that the hook marks Miss Kel'er's real entrance into the literary world, and that 1t is an exposition of the authors creed of cheerfulness.
 Miss Keller begins as follows:
 "Could we choose our environment, and were desire in human undertakings sym enormous with endowment, all men would, I suppose, be optimists. Certainly most of us regard happiness as the proper end of all earthly enterprise. The will to be happy animates alike the philosopher, the prince and the chimney sweep. No mat ter how dull or how mean or how wise a man is he feels that happiness is his in- dsputable right.
 ..It is curious to observe what differ ent ideals of happiness people cherish, and in what singular places they look for this well-spring of their life. Most peo- pie measure their happiness in terms of physical pleasure and material possession Could they win some visible goal which they have set on the horizon, how happy they would be.
 "Once I knew the depth where no hope was. and darkness lay on the face of all things Then love came and set my soul free. Now I know hope and joy. Once I fretted and beat myself against the wall that shut me in. Now I rejoice in the consciousness that I can think act and attain heaven. My life was without past
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
Two Views of ToIstoi.

Mrs Crage in the course of lecture on "rhe Science of Life,' before the Bir- mingham Ruskin society, spoke as fol- lows of Tolstoi:
 "The multitude on being asked what Tolstofs opinions were, would. no doubt. say that he wrote gloomy novels. that he disapproyed of tobacco, of war. of proper ty, of alcohol; that he now dressed like a peasant. worked in the fields and indulged in other eccentricities which do not be- long to the sphere of life in which he was born. Tolstoi seems to have said to him self: T have found a remedy for all the woes and disappointments of life. I shall get rid of my money, and l shall work, and if everybody else does the same hu- manity will be saved. Now, I do not question for moment that he found his own peace of mind. St. Ignatius wish ed to make humanity stronger; Tolstoi wishes to make humanity happier. Both men had the courage of their impulses, and a mans impulses are his life, where as his opinions are often his source of weakness"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
OMPARATIVELY UNKNOWN
 SINGER GETS A BIG PRICE

From the New York Sun
 Little Giuseppe Agostini, who saved performance at the Metropolitan Opera House by singing in place of slgnor Caruso the role of Rudolfo in La Bo- heme," had to postpone his sailing for Europe in consequence and thereby lost his ticket. But he made his brief so- journ in this city on his way to Genoa from San Francisco prove very profit at the Metropolitan more than he eyer re- ceived in his life before for an appear ance, and it is probable that he never received so much even for singing a month anywhere else
 Signor Agostini arrived from the west on Friday morning and by D. m. was interviewed by one of the many Italian agents in the city on behalf of Herr Con ried. Signor Agostini did not want to sing, he said. He was too fatigued, too hurried. too much afraid that he might lose his boat, too much afraid of variety of different things that he mentioned to the other emissares who had begun to arrive from the opera house by that time
 ''I will sing" he at last announced, If you will pay me the same cachet that Signor Caruso receives. I am saving the performance, for not half the people will give back their seats. l am worth that much or l am worth nothing"
 In vain were smaller sums mentioned. In vain did the management hold over the tenor the possibility that Herr Dip pei might learn the role in time to sing that night Signor Agostini was obdurate and got his check for 5000.
 The next afternoon he sang again, but the fee was less that day. Signor Ago stini was a proud man. however. Had he not reached the zenith of every Italian tenor's ambitions and received 5000 francs for a representation?
 It would be possible to equip an Italian opera company in this city In twenty-four hours. so great is the supply of talent al- ways available. There are two Italian restaurants in the city. in which are to be found the best of the singers who are waiting here for employment.
 Some of these are teachers-when they can get pupils; others are members of companies that have come to grief in the Central American countries and some have come over merely on the speculation of getting employment. They gather in these restaurants and occasionally give
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

performances for the enjoyment of their compatriots in this city.
 Sometimes they band together and de- scend on suburban town with a large Italian population to sing La Traviata" or I'll Trovatore" These performances are often given without a chorus and sometimes with only piano instead of an orchestra.
 Thus in one way or another the trouba- dours are able to get along, perhaps al- most as well as they would in their own country. in which opera is more prevail ing. They seem satisfied; and this little colony of expatriated warbers grows larger every year. The business of ges ting together an Italian opera company is thus growing easier every day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
GLAD OPTIMISM SHOWN
 BY A GIRL WHO IS BLIND

or future; death. the pessimist would say. a consummation devoutly to be wished. But little word from the fingers of an- other fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living. Night fled before the day of thought, and love and joy and hope came up in a passion of obedience to knowledge.
 q know what evil is. Once or twice I have wrestled with it, and for a time felt it's chilling touch on my life; so speak with knowledge when I say that evil is no consequence, except as a sort of mental gymnastic. For the very req son that I have come in contact with it, I am more truly an optimist. l can say with conviction that the struggle which evil necessitates is one of the greatest blessings. It makes us strong, patient, hopeful men and women It let's us into the soul of things and teaches us that although the world is full of suf- fering, 1t is full also of the overcoming of it. My optimism, then, does not rest on the absence of evil, but on glad be- lief in the preponderance of good and willing effort always to cooperate with the good, that it may prevail.
 "As my college days draw to close find myself looking forward with beat ing heart and bright anticipations to
  My share in the work of the world may be limited, but the fact that 1t is work makes it precious. Nay, the desire and will to work is optimism itself.
 "I too, can work, and because l love to labor with my head and my hands am an optimist in spite of all. l used to think I should be thwarted in my de- sire to do something useful The glad est laborer in the vineyard may be a cripple. Darwin could work only half an hour at time, yet in many diligent half hours he laid anew the foundations of philosophy. I long to accomplish great and noble task but it is my chief duty and joy to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

in the field for the democratic nomina- tion, and each of them was man of rare ability. It was thought in the be- ginning of the campaign that Major Vardaman was hardly the strongest man before the people, but before the fight was on it was realized that he was gaining strength, and in the first primary the result was that Vardaman was one of the men selected of two to run in the second primary.
 In the second primary he won by handsome majority and thereby se- cured the democratic nomination. The fight was one of oratory and of pre- sentation of issues that are peculiarly interesting to the people of Mississippi. Major Vardaman advocated a division of the school fund, holding to IIe idea that the money derived of the taxation of the property owned by negroes should go for the support of negro schools, and that derived from the taxation of property owned by white people should go to the support of white institutions of learning.
 Major Vardaman is young man, lawyer by procession, but it is as an editor and orator that he has made strong impression on his state. His paper at Greenwood, Miss, is widely quoted. During the campaigns of 1896 and 1900 aajor Vardaman was earnest and powerful in his advocacy of the principles enunciated in the democratic platforms of Kansas City and Chicago.
 He gets his title by virtue of splen- did service in the Spanish-American war. The governorship of Mississippi is proud position, because of the fact that neither wealth nor chicanery IS resorted to in securing that high office, but intellectual ability and capacity alone command the support of the electors of that state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
The coney Island Purgatlon.

From the New York Press.
 The COW that made Chicago as related here a little while ago, remains unmonu- mented. What base ingratitude! But Chicago has been too busy since the nre to think of monuments to her illustrious dead. What shall we say or ConeS isiand! Phoenix-like from the ashes IS to spring up a wondrous city Of amusemehls m the f1ame-nurped district. Did you have a hand in that fire? I made bold to ask nromoter of summer resort divisions. ..That's a tentative question. sir. which rer,se to answer. on the ground that t.
 ,,,s ,,criminate me. "Rnt yer Know tba fire was no accident-no Chicago GOV. affair? T guess there was a han6eyt,r, q,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

cature them when necessary. He sat in the press galleries of the two houses for smany hours watching the proceedings, aand managed to meet many of the states linen in the lobbies and about the cor riders of the capitol. He saw them as they appear in everyday life-not as they pose before the camera of the pho- tographer.
 Of course Senator German of Mary land having already been practically se- lected as the democratic candidate for President next year, was the first man sought by him, and he gives a fairly characteristic pose of the Maryland statesman. Senator German is GA years of age. At the age of 13 he was ap- pointed a page in the United States sem ate, and continued in the service of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

it-and it wasn't the hand of Providence altogether"
 It was like burning out a cancer, and nearly every one interested is willing to let it drop. Losses will be made good and we shall have new Coney island. Great, grand and glorious things are promised for next summer. Some one is to build a dining pavilion that is to seat as many people as did the Colosseum G7,00 more or less) The biggest menagerfes on earth will be established there. The managers have expended s165,OO0 in the purchase of sixty elephants and forty camels. The trip to the moon will be extended to Uranus, Saturn and Jupiter. Herr Pro- lessor Dundy will loop the Top in the great ring of the melancholy planet. which is sS3 million miles from the sun. This ring is 51s,4O miles in circumference, and the entire distance will be covered in less than three minutes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
The Less, the More.

From Judge.
 .'Whatp' asks the astonshed husband when the wife shows him the bill for her new theater gown; five hundred dollars for that dress?7
 why yes, my dear,' purrs the fond wife.
 half as much goods in it as there is in one of your ordinary dresses"
 q know; but when the modiste makes A .,saA-SsA,,-tes gown she always makes a Ihigher cr%, Ioar ol.<sadam, l wonder what
 Gee. Ge,,sehoA .xpenses %ere?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
More Serious.

From the Philadelphia Press
 Maid-Theres' a man at the door, mum, an
 Mrs. Blff (entertaining several ladies) But told you to say I was not at home to any other callers.
 Mad-Oi told him that, mum, but hs says he's not a caller, but a collector. mum; an he won't go way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

For example, let us say your corns are particularly troublesome. Naturally your corns are on your feet-at least you think they are Logically, therefore, the thing to do is to attract your attention away from those extremities. So the learned doctor gets out his mouth organ and plays Life on the Ocean Wave" until you are so seasick that your mind can't possibly get more than half way down to your feet. And there you are. The corns are removed from your mind. which is really just the same as if they had never been. on your feet This ought to be plain enough for the stupidest of us
 Or let us suppose you have chills. Sim plest thing in the world to cure wou. The doctor has only to prescribe Ida some body of the vaudeville stage to run in and sing coon song to you. Immediately you imagine you are in-you know-the place where they don't have chills to any appre- ciable extent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
ORATOR WON HIS NOMINATION.
Nominee for Governor of Mississippi
 ExceIled in Arguments.

Jackson Letter in the New York World.
 The nomination of Maj. J. K. Varda- man for the governorship of Missis- sippi followed one 6f the most inter estiHg campaigns that ever took place in thct state Three candidates were
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
The pose of his umbrella was particularly

Next comes Senator Cockrill of Mis- souri, whom MT. Bryan has been endeav- bring to boom for the democratic Presi- dential nomination. Senator Cockrill is a staunch old democrat, who has rendered his party splendid service in the United
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

who aspires some day to be President of the United States He has caught him in one of his characteristic poses.
 Senator Hanna will not be a candidate for the republican Presidential nomina- tion against Roosevelt, but hopes to be the nominee of his party four years hence, when he will probably have to cross swords with Senator German of Mary
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
The Music Cure.

From the Brooklyn Eagle.
 The latest form of bread pill excitement is the music cure" You just tell the music doctor where your pain Is and he determines by a scientific process what sort of music will remove your aiment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
SENATOR eoRMAN.

N RTIST WALTER BLACKMAN pO of The Age-Herald went up to
 Washington with the writer two weeks ago and spent week grazing about in the congressional pasture to famiiarize himself with the faces and forms of our national statesmen that he might be able to draw them and cari-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

cry district, a comparatively new con- gressman, who is sketched in the rear ot the house watching the proceedings and observing the methods of his older col- leagues The colonel has brains. and when he acquires experience will, un- donbtedly make one of Alabamas ablest representatives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20


 Last in this list. Blackman caught the Honorable Leonidas Livingston of Georgia, who broke into congress some twelve years ago when the Farmers Alll- ance craze was at it's height. He went there as a farmer. He is now a little of everything, and because of his good work. the Atlanta district will probably keep him in congress for life. Livingston has the distinction of having gotten more ap- priations for Georgia and more Georgfans into government offices than any other representative in congress. He believes In asking for what he wants. and he usually gets 1t. He has succeeded in getting more government money expended in Atlanta in the last ten years than has been expended in any other half dozen southern cities in the same time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
PEAkER JOE CANNON SENATOR MORGAN

with whom he comes in contact He is not prohibtionist, but never drinks. He is. however. fond of good cigar.
 Senator German is a member of an old Maryland Presbyterian family an6 Is consistent member of that church.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

The picture of Senator Morgan, sketched when he was delivering his recent speech on the Panama canal treaty is very good of our noble old senator when delivering a speech from manuscript on the floor of the senate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

States senate. but is hardly sufficiently well known or popular to obtain the dem- ocratic nomination next year.
 Senator Teller of Colorado, who served for many years on the republican side of the senate, but became democrat on the silver question in 1S96 appears in the at ttude of delivering a speech He was
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

Blackman next produces a splendid sketch of Mark Hanna. the Ohio senator,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

land, who then may be 8 candidate for a second term as President of the United States.
 The picture of Speaker Joe Cannon of Illionis is a splendid likeness of the man, who has reached his highest political as- pirations in achieveing the speakership of the house of representatives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

Senator Pettus was caught in the lobby as he was going out, looking for his hat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

talking Cuban reciprocity at .he time. The sketch is thoroughly characteristic of the man.
 In the center group Is Senator Spooner of Wisconsin. the author of the Panama canal resolution adopted by the last con gress; Representative Grosvenor of Ohio, the republican leader on the floor of the house; Senator Hoar of Massachu- setts, who opposed the administrations Philippine policy. and who is now oppos- ing the Panama canal treaty; Senator Fairbanks of Indiana, who has for several years been standing in the path of re- publican presidential lightning, and who now seems to want the republican vice presidential nomination.; Senator Alger of Michigan, who was secretary of war when war was declared with Spain and Sena- tor Bailey of Texas, who several years ago was promoted from member of the house of representatives to a seat in the United States senate.
 of Alabama, in a splendid characteristic pose as he is walking to the capitol igur- ing on another appropriation for the War rior river.
 There is Colonel Wiley of the Montgom-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

There is syd Bowie of the Annlston and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

talking Cuban reciprocity at .he time The sketch is thoroughly characteristic of the man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20

There is Colonel Wiley of the Montgom-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-08-18
BIakesbura,

Blakesburg, Aug. 15.-Henry Sommeryille
has gone to Golden City, Mo, for an out.
ing.
Miss Nellie Aaron of Marysville, Mo-,
is spending Il few days with her sister,
Mrs. Frank Fritz.
Mrs. Gene Cunningham and daughter,
Ruth, are visiting in Blakesburg this
week.
Married, Monday evening. at the NJ. e.
parsonage, Art Elliott, and Silvie Figg.
Rev. Rowe .offciated.
There will be an ice cream social Mt the
NJ. E. church at Christiansburg this eve.
ming.
Mrs. james Rush of Browning Mo-, is
visiting old friends east of town.
A fine program is now published for the
great reunion at Blakesburg Aug. q and
%. With good weather there will be an
immense crowd.
DR.. Lot Haning has located in Missouri
for the practice of medicine.
lizzie Turner is visiting friends in Grin.
nell.
Chas. Peck of Ottumwa, visited among
friends about here this week.
Frank Long and family of Leon have
been spending week with relatives in
and about Blakesburg.
The workmen are pushing the work on
II. Blake's new residence and the NJ. Il.
parsonage.
This place is undergoing thorough
cleaning up. A good deal of painting is
being done. Blakesburg is the best town
in Wapello county outside of ottumwa.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-08-18
Eidon.

Eldon, Aug. 15-Mr and Mrs. Sam
Grow of Unionville returned home to-
day, after a visit with Mr.. Crows
brother, w. H. Grow, of this place.
Last evening the Misses Edith and
Maymie Drake entertained number
Of young folks at their home one mile
south of town. Refreshments were
served and a pleasant evening was
passed. Those present were: Misses
Nellie Brown. Alice Smith, lila
Strong, Emma Picker, Eunice Cum
Minis, Laura Drake; Messrs. Elmer
Weber, George knight, Scott Hilton,
Perry Whitmore, Oliver Cummins,
Frank Pence.
Mrs. M. M. Vincent of Centerville,
returned home today, after pleasant
visit with Eldon friends.
Mrs. A. Chambelain of Des Moines,
returned home today, after a pleasant
visit with her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. S.
Finney, and family
Mrs. A. Kiefer left today for visit
with her daughter, Mrs. L. r. Crisman,
of Ottumwa.
Miss Maud Moss of Keokuk visited
friends in the city yesterday en- route
home from Davenport, where she has
been visiting.
Miss Edith Norton was an Ottumwa
visitor today.
Miss Maggie Batey left today for a
visit with relatives in Abba.
Scott Roberts returned home today,
after visit with friends in Keokuk.
Van Baldwin of Selma was an Eldon
visitor today.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-08-18

weather was threatening in the morning
several loads Of young people attended
Mr.. and Mrs. Sam Williams We're Oska
loosa callers Tuesday.
Mrs. Ida Fast shipped her household
goods to st. Paul, Mimi, last week where
she goes this week to join her husband
and make their future home.
Fern Lewis Of Coalfield returned home
tuesday after three weeks visit with
her grandparents, Mr.. and Mrs. w. o.
Roberts.
Mrs. James r. Davidson, ST., left Sat.
urday for visit in California.
Mrs. DR.. McElwee and Herbert Shelf.
field were oskaloosa passengers Wednes,
day.
Miss Pearl Ruth returned to her home
In 0skaloosa Thursday after a visit with
her grandparents, Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Parsons.
Mrs. Hannah Ives of Ottumwa, who
came up Tuesday to attena the lawn par.
ty, given by Mrs. Epperson and Miss
True, remained during the remainder of
the week to visit friends.
Acie Odem went to Buxton Wednesday
to work.
Mrs. S. r. Mintonye returned Tuesday
after months visit with her daughter,
Mrs. Clara Jones.
NJ. w. Ward returned from Marshall
town this week. 1t is reported that he
has sold his property to Grant Cowley and
Mr.. and Mrs. Ward will go to MARSHALL
town to make their home.