davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
WE WERE M1sLED.

The Advertiser regrets exceedingly that in its issue of January IS 1t did grievous injustice to Governor Aycock of North Carolina. by copying and commenting on an alleged proposition made by him to the Governor of Georgia, in which it was proposed that the two Governors ex- change pardons. There was absolutely no truth in the charge. Governor Aycock did write to Governor Terrell, asking him to look into the cause of a young man from North Carolina, concluding his let ter with the hope that the prisoner might be pardoned. Then some of the Atlanta papers came out with scare-head stories about trading pardons. which elicited from Governor Terrell this letter, which has just been brought to our notice:
 Dear Governor-The enclosed clinpinr from The Atlanta Constitution has irri. tated me very much, as it is such an out rage upon you. I have taken the neces- sary steps, to have the publication cor rected- ! have not seen. the correspon- dent who wrote 1t for several months, but have traced its publication to a joc- uiar remark made by myself to several friends. who were in my office the day I Teceiveu your letIer relatlV0 to --'S application for pardon, which remark may have been repeated and added to be- fore reaching The Constitutions cores pondent. Upon reading your letter (which letter was entirely prope) and similar to some which I have written during the last two or three months, I remarked to these friends that if one of them would go to North Carolina and break into your penitentiary, I would get an exchange of prisoners with you.
 "With best wishes. 1 am, very truly yours, J. M. Terrell"
 There was not a shade of impropriety In the correspondence, and the letter from Governor Terrell is very slender thread upon which to make such a charge as was made against Governor Aycock. The Advertisers comments were made on what it considered good authority, and if our information had been correct. the comments made were not too severe. As it was. they were unjust and we can only regret that we were misled.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Not Confined to Tennessee.

Chattanooga Times.
 What is needed is a law that will com pei officers of the law to do their duty in enforcing the existing regulations. Con- stables and deputy sheriffs are wonder fully proficient in ferreting out offenses against poor devils who break the small offense laws but they seem to be intensely obtuse when the existence of gambling rooms Is suggested to them! A law that would vacate the office of Sheriff or Chiet of Police on proof that gambling rooms operate in their bailiwicks might do a vast deal toward putting the gambler out of business. The best laws ever conceived would be totally worthless if not en- forced. Let the Legislature devise a means of compelling officers to do their duty and we'll soon be rid. not only of the gambling. but of many other evils
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
NO FAvoRITEs, NO oRIEvANcEs


 The opposition of The Advertiser to a continuance of the domination of muni- cipal politics by Chief Gerald has natur- ally stirred curiosity In some quarters as to the cause of this papers attitude in the matter.
 As a matter of course The Advertiser has enemies and unfriendly critics. Their existence demonstrates the past influence of the paper for good. People whose toes may have been trodden on in days gone by are apt to dislike The Advertiser and to try to minimize the effect of its efforts in any laudable enterprise.
 For such critics we have no reply But unfortunately human nature is so consti- tuted that it Is too ready to believe evil. There may be good people who may be affected by this unfriendly criticism.
 One of the rumors afioat is that The Advertiser has a favorite for Chief Ger aids position and wishes to make place for him. There is no truth whatever in this. For the life of us. we could not say now who would be the proper man for Chief of the Police Department. We do not doubt that there are a number of citizens who would be much more effi- cient than the incumbent, but just who is the man with all the desirable quali- fications we do not know. We certainly have no man in mind now. Besides, that is a matter for the new administration to determine. If we elect the right sort of men for Mayor and Aldermen, and if the right sort of Police Commission Is created, the matter of Chief win take care of itself.
 Another intimation afioat Is that The Advertiser must be getting big money from somebody or some interest to fight the existing order of things. The person or the interest is not suggested, so far as Is heard. And 1t would be impossible to name a subsidizing power under present conditions. All the possible interests are either on the other side or else have been already antagonized by this paper. Of course, the record and reputation of The Advertiser are above serious suspicion on this line. and we do not suppose many well balanced men take any stock in such an absurd idea. The plain truth Is that The Advertiser is strenuously opposing a continuance of Chief Gerald's domination of affairs be- cause 1t has led to the present situation in the municipality. Bossism leads tc the election of weak. or incompetent, or selfish officials. Forceful; capable, patri- otic citizens will not yield to domination to secure success. The only way to se- ure capable. efficient, patriotic cit, government is to do away with the causes that have produced the opposite eff. l feet.
 That is the animus of The Advertiser s course. and it is the only motive. Per sons. favorites. grievances. have had nothing to do with 1t. There are no per- sons behind 1t, no favorites ahead of it, no grievances back of it.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
w1AxNxngns or QUE HOMICIDE
 LAVE.

WNKNNngnB or QUE HOMICIDE
 LAWS.
 For eooas t1ms The Advertiser has had h mind the purpose of printing . series of articles upon the loophofes in the laws q our State a 10 homicide and their ad- ministration- It was designed to make these articles practical by directing att tention not only to the ioopholes. but to remedies for them, to the end that hu- msn life be made more precious.
 To carry out this plan letters were re- gently sent to all the trial judges and so- icitors in the State. asking them to pre- pare articles on the subject stated for use in these columns over their sigma lures.
 This morning The Advertiser begins the publication of this series of articles with one by Judge Anderson of the First Cir cult. It Is vigorous and to the point Along with 1t he sends a bill which he has drawn to cure the weakness he points out. Both articles are the result of much observation of and experience in the practical working of our States criminal machinery. and are entitled to careful study.
 The Advertiser believes that this series of articles will prove most instructive and valuable. and urges the widest read fng of them by earnest, patriotic people The cheapness of human life is proverbial In all the South: why can't we. here in Alabama. take forward steps fin this first progressing in all things: why not take the lead In this; It Is possible. desirable and profitable.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Trusting the Old Men.
Richmond Times.

The great State of Alabama Is not afraid to trust its interests in the hands of old men. If We mistake not, her two repre- sentatives in the United States Senate are the oldest men in that body. Certain 1t is that Senator Pettus. who was on Thurs day reelected to the Senate for another term of six years, which will end on the lives until then. he will be SS years of age. It may be said In passing that, notwithstanding the great age of the two Senators, no State in the Union is more ably represented in the Senate than Ala bama.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

city ohlcers In the next city campaaeh
 for allowing the colorsd constitusncy Of the Sundown pun bird br1ga0e to be de. prived of not finding even the chicken house or coop after the chicken white thieves made 'thelr raid M
 What sort of white people have they out there: Certainly they are not of ths South. for no Southern white man would
 take from the colored brother right which is inalienable. and undis. puted. coming down from the days of slavery when stealing chickens by .
 darkey was hardly looked on as an of- fense. If it was punished at all. it was only by whipping. and the average dar- key considered that a low price to pay for fat chicken. Unless The World has slandered its white citizens, they are treating the negroes far more cruelty than their masters did in slavery days.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

but above all improve by education and training, our citizenship by free and com pulsory education. Don't hold the white man down because by improving him you improve the negro. Intellectual develop ment helps the State as we'll as the in- dtviduai. Elevate our citizenship and we can expect better Judges and Solicitors. better Jury Commissioners. and jurors and better Sheriffs and Clerks Just and humane laws can then be enforced and our people will realize that 1t is wrong to take the life of any human being and that the punishment of the transgressor is the only means of pre- vention and protection.
 omitted to mention statute enacted requiring the affirmance of cases by the Supreme Court if error was committed unless 1t appears that the conviction Was unjust, which has since been construed to mean that 1t applies only to that par ticular error. Quite different construc- ton. doubtless from what was expected, but the Supreme Court was right or 1t may have invaded the bill of rights. Public sentiment on this subject is about as wrong as in attributlns lynchings to delay in tryins cases of that character when as rule % per cent. of the vic- tins are punished before the courts could possibly try them, many of them before they reach the jail. Justice should be swift. but no man should be tried with the feeling so high that he is only saved from lynching by the mCckery of a trial by legally constituted tribunal, whose act Is worse than that of the mob. One is the result of passion, the other of deliberation, and under color of the law, and no brave Judge will permit a conviction under those conditions just to appease clamoring press and a bowling mob.
 Since receiving your letter and writing this. have prepared a bill and added some reasons for it's passage, which think will help matters considerably It does away with much of the red tape of the present venire system, prevents any possible tampering with or packing of Jurfes and ought to insure the State as well as the defendants a fair trial. It puts the jury fixer out of a job and re- moves what, think, has been the cause or so many outrageous acquittals. You can make 1t part of this communica- ton, If you desire or publish it, together with the reasons separately, if you think 1t worthy of your notice. While I do not think the lost cause you mention has had very much to do with the cheapness Of human life. yet must commend your course In desiring to check this greatest ef all evils. You should receive the sup port and cooperation of every official in tHe State and of every good citizen.
 Respectfully,
 Jno. c. Anderson.
 Demopolis, Ala, Jan. 18th, 1903.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The Troy Messefger is evidently under the impression that we have not enough societies in Montgomery. and proposes that one be established having for its legislators" Guess it isn't needed just yet. Our lawmakers are human, and sometimes, from indigestion or other cause. they suffer their angry passions to get the better of their judgment, but we do not apprehend any catastrophes.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Should Be .Adopted,

Birmingham Ledger
 The bill to pay the teachers in the State schools by the month is an eminently worthy one and should be adopted. Com polling a teacher to pay expenses for a month while waiting on the State to pay them money that is already in the treas ury is wrong. The pay of the teacher is small and it should be promptly paid.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Should Be Satisfied.
Huntsville Tribune.

ffuHISVITIe ITIDUne.
 1t seems that President Roosevelt is strenuously laboring to project the negro By so doing he will not only prove him. self the enemy of the negro, but he will arouse a bitter and strong national an- tagonism. The Republican Party should be satisfied with its well doing and not reach out for trouble. The negro encour- aged as they are will furnish all the trouble necessary to destroy the national party as perfectly as they have destroyed 1t in the South
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Gone Negro Mad.
Limestone Democrat.

LimeStone DemOcrat.
 President Roosevelt has gone negro- mad.He seems to have them on the brain all the time and never loses an opportu- nity to ram them down the South's throat" We firmly believe that his stand in this matter will cause him to lose the Republican nomination in 1904 His re- election would be a calamity.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Is About Now.
Coosa River News.

Coosa River News.
 If there ever was a time, 1903 not ex- cepted. when this country needed a man of MT. Cleveland's measure for President 1t Is about now. MT. Olney or Mr. Whit ney are strong men, and either one of them could probably do President Roosevelt. but the Democracy knows what it is about when it has MT Grover Cleveland working in the lead.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Says The Shelby Sentinel:

Most men, before having tooth pulled, take big drink of whiskey to make them brave. Just now a lot of men in Montgomery are preparing to have a tooth pulled.
 Will somebody kindly tell us what this fellow is driving at?
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The Mobile Press coiored, admits that the best friend the negro has is in the South, and adds that we have never known one from down East who was" Just so. but the negroes are exceedingly slow about learning it.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

We have not been in the habit of re- garding the women of Yankeeland as un- usually fine specimens of robustness, but . Massachusetts contemporary declares that women of responsibility have been seen dragging away two or three 1OO- pound bags of coal at time" That kind of woman can take care of herself.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The Brewton Standard Gauge is au- thority for the information that at the next National Republican Convention
 the Republicans of Alabama will sup port Hammac in preference to Roose- welt" They will ring in new ones on us.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
A Better Play.
Mobile Hers

Mobile Herald.
 Roosevelt is said to chop down a few trees every morning to relieve his strenu- osity. He could make better play to the negro grand stand by cultivating an acre or two or rattlesnake watermelons in the back yard of the White House.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The Richmond Times Dispatch remarks that 'hip-pocket artillery Is not peculiar to the South" Ne, but all of us must ad- init that there is too much of 1t among us, whatever other sections may do.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

When. Harry stillwell Edwards. post welt as "one of the best friends the South has ever had," we are bound to have very high opinion of Harry's powers as romancist or a very low opinion of his judgment.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Will Get Killed.

Mobile Register.
 The most that will happen as the result of the incendiary talk of the Washington negroes is that some negro, more foolish than the rest, will take it seriously and get killed for house burning. |.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Letters to The EditOI.
 MIR. CLEVELAND AND DOUGLAS
The President Did Not Entertain ths
 Negro at His Table.

Editor The Advertiser.
 Did Grover Cleveland ever entertain Fred Douglass at his table? Please an- swer to decide mooted question. Very truly, w. J" feEIy' r
 Newberne, February 2
 (No. President Clevelanj~ never enter tained Fred Douglas or ai.y other negro at his table. Douglas was present once at some official reception at the White House when Mir Cleveland was President and Douglas was a marshal of the court in the District of Columbia.-Editor TEe AdVertiSer)
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

After woman has been supporting a man for years it is foolish to ask her who she would support, if she had the right to vote-as if that would make any dif- ference.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Swallowed the Worm.

Russell Register.
 President Roosevelt's repeated manifes- tations of love for the colored brother reminds us of the fellow who swallowed the hairy worm just to demonstrate the strength of his stomach.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

At last accounts Addicks was still hold ing the Delaware Legislature by the throat-or by the tail, We are not certain which.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

Col. w. Heckert would indicate that New England no longer has a special claim to be the greatest birthplace of Yankee notions. He lives in Toledo, O., and has patented l30 of his own inven- tuons
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

A Kansas poet has written an alleged poem on My Own United States" evil dentiy mistaikng himself for the Presi- dent,
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The statement that man was killed in Philadelphia by a highwayman has not yet been confirmed.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
' < < < 4 < v < < < < < < { WHAT THE STATE PAPERS { ARE SAYING. { < < < < Y < < Y Y < 4 < < {
 IT. Naod nf no%h
In Need of Both

Columbia Breeze.
 With all his millions, John D. Rocke- feller hasn't money though to buy a new stomach or a new head of hair-and he is sadly in need of both.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Ehe Advertiaer,a Circulation Qrows

! Ths circulation of The Advertiser during the lA0 month of last year was larger than m any Ureyious month in tts history. It uteaduy in-
 ureases its lead in circulation In. and its hold e the good win of the people of. Alanama-
 asrs are the sworn agarss tor Dsesmpef'
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

The Western World. published at Okla homa City, says:
 The chicken white thieves of Oklahoma City have robbed the colored brother of his occupation and profession. There will be a complaint lodged against the
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

NoTE.-The Advertiser will pub lish . series of articles on the 4Best Ways to Make Human Life Safer in Alabama" and has requested articles on this subject from some of the leading jurists and solicitors of the State in the hope that the present Legislature will enact . law which will strike at . condition which has grown until it has reached alarming proportions.-The Editor.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
The Advertiser's Telephones:

Anvsrtisinr Den.rtment 1887 1ustness Office and Circulation Dept. ....23o SSky Editors Rooms. ..s...
 oAtuf1al Rooms
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03

lneSe hl1lu Wltiiin two IOHtnS dlteT the commission of the crime and frequently within less than six months thereafter. No time was no ingredient, neither was the law or evidence but the work was done before the witnesses testified and when the jury was organized. It meant an acquittal or hung jury and yer dict of conviction impossible. On the oth- CT hand I have tried criminals of the obscure class, and 1t made but little diff ference whether soon or late, they were usually properly convicted and punished. You can improve the machinery some, but until public sentiment undergoes a wonderful change we can expect but few convictions of a certain class and whose cases are neither affected by delay or re- versals, as they seldom get to the Su- preme Court. Conditions which the new Constitution seeks to reform, may help us. For as long as fraud controls and permeates the ballot box, which Is the very foundation of our government, you can expect 1t to enter business and to creep into the courts. The man who will tamper with the ballot box will tamper with the jury box and the juror, and ! unfortunately. the average juror seems to think that law and courts are only in- tended for a certain class.
 The jury qualification should be raised, 1t says qualified citizen and the av- craze Jury Commission construes that to mean every man with white skin and straight hair. was drawing a venire but a short while since and out of the twenty-five drawn, one had been convicted of petit larceny, and another for wife beating, yet their names were put in the box as qualified citizens. Many of the exemptions should be wiped out. as many of the men in the towns are flremen and soldiers and the leading men in the coun- try are often postmasters and township trustees. It is deplorable to relate. hut have had juries in some of the best coun- ties. that did not contain on it one man who could compute interest.
 Raise the qualification of the jurors.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-11-25
 NEWS / FROM / THE SUBURBAN / TOWNS
WATERFOWL JOTTINGS
Frank and Arthur TIickox Will Spend ThanksgiYine With Parents

Frank and Arthur Hickox Will Spend
 Thanksgiving With Parents
 At the regular meeting of Court Merritt Heminway last evening one candidate was initiated
 Miss Mary Lynn will spend Thanks giving with friends in Bridg D Tt.
 Frank and Arthur Hickox who are attending school out of town will spend Thanksgiving with the.r par ents.
 Mrs John Eielty who was seriously injured last week is slowly recovering.
 James B. Woolson returned from Boston last evening.
 Patrick McGough fell from a horse and injured his knee.
 Christopher Burns injured one of his eyes while forging a piece of steel.
 A large number from here wi go to Naugatuck Thursday to see the game of football between Naugatuck and Waterbury teams.
 Turkeys are selling for 2S and sc cents per pound and egcs are 49 cents per dozen.
 Do not forget the firemen's ball this evening"