davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE
 CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING

spect for her English sister, understands man better. He Is her subject. willing, obedient, and yet ever happy. She re- joices in his allegiance and is proud of his fidelity Still, she realizes that: Man is a carnivorous production,
 And must have meals, at least one meal
 day;
 He cannot live, like woodchucks, upon
 suction,
 But, like the shark and tiger, must
 have prey
 To keep him from lapsing into the original ferocity of the Carcharias Vul- gars or the Fells Tigris. the American woman sees that the American man is provided with the best there is to soothe and satisfy the human stomach. Her year-long efforts in this direction she clmaxes with a Christmas dinner, whose crown is the Virginia plum pudding. May the gentle flames which engirdle the fru- giferous plum buildings of 1903 light the way of American hearts and homes to the brightest and happiest of New Years!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
A Newspaper Christmas Story.

'I have just heard an interesting news paper Christmas story" said Sidney Laz- arus last night "On last Saturday after noon Howard S. Williams wrote a special Christmas story for his paper. the News. The story was fiction, and it told of a little girl who gave all her Christmas fruits and candies to some poor little neighbors Mir. Williams story had the little girl visiting the family with her brother and delivering to them the good things.
 Tonight when MT. Williams went home his parents announced that they were go- ing to cary out his story They produced a large roasted turkey and told him that his little sister would go with him to de- liver the large bird to a poor widow and her six little fatherless children who lived nearby MT. Williams was taken by sur- prise but the trip was made and the tur- key with the cranberry sauce and other delicacies were delivered by him. How ard told me it was one of the happiest moments of his life. His dream if you can call it that, had been realized
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
TaIIapoosa's S Convicts.

John w. Pace of Tallapoosa county was, it will be remembered, sentenced to term of five years for peonage, of which he confessed himself guilty. Be- cause of his physical condition Judge Jones suspended the sentence, and it hangs over him still. The county com missioners of Tallapoosa have recently turned over to Pace the convicts of that county, and this action induces the Greenville Advocate to say:
 "Pace Is a United States convict now just as we'll as he was upon the day of his conviction. and is at liberty only be- cause of the lSindheartedness of the fed eral judge before whom he was tried, and it does appear strange that a board of county commissioners would award the care of It's convicts to another convict There is certainly something rotten up the branch in a country where such a thing Is possible. If there is any law by which the convicts of Tallapoosa county can be kept DuL Ol lHe cOHllpl OA tillo iiie'liI I eNSNt ~ certainly should be invoked"
 The commissioners of Tallapoosa have not been heard from. They may have some excuse for their action some slight defense, for certainly they did not Intentionally and indignantly defy the federal court and public senti- ment and ordinary decency. Governor Jelks, 1t was reported at the time, is Investigating the matter, and doubtless full explanation of the circumstances attending the recent award of county convicts to Pace will be laid before the public. The Age-Herald does not pro pose to discuss the action of the coun- ty commissioners until they have been heard from.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
ChrIstm mas.

The Christmas celebration culmi. hated this morning, riYalling in point of time The Age-Herald itself A host of stockings were hung up, and let us hope not one was taken down this morning bringing disappointment to a young heart.
 In all the world round there is no festival like that which we celebrate today. It is in fact the only one that is observed all round the world. There are spots, it is true, where it's obserya- tion is Limited, but even in China and India and Japan some stockings were hung up and duly filled. Possibly in Thebet not stocking was thus used. Not many perhaps, were thus utilized in Persia or in Arabia, or in Darkest Africa, but elsewhere in the world, from pole to pole, from one sea to the other, the great anniversary is cele- piaIeu toudy. IL IS lne World , lndhks' giving day It has no other It Is kept wherever Christianity is known, and all parts of the world know of it, even those parts that have not accept ed 1t. A few celebrate the day in such places, being the forerunners of the many who will observe 1t in later cen turies. The Christmas idea represents both Christianity and civilization. They go hand in hand, and it Is not too much to expect that before the thirtieth cen. tufy rolls round Christmas will be su- preme in every nook end corner of the earth. sS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25

simply because there is not enough of the staple to go around, and it is ridiculous to say that the prices of cotton goods will not keep step with it.
 The Wall Street Journal says one difficulty in the way Is the 1obber who at present comes in between the com mission merchant and the retailer. Ju t why the commission merchant should not deal directly with the retailer, it is difficult to see. The jobber is very ex- acting and very troublesome at any time, taking no risks himself, and ex- acting all sorts oI conditions and con- sessions. The Journal says he should be eliminated. The common merchant should attend to the distribution of goods, or better still. the mill itself. Considerable saving of selling expenses would be effected by weeding out the jobber, Who is ever bearish.
 But whether the jobbr goes or stays, it is certain the mills cannot sell their goods on a innocent basis when they have to pay thirteen cents for raw cot ton. They should demand a fair price, and the world will soon be glad to pay it. There must be fair price or ma terial curtailment of production, and the latter means something more than fair price in the long run.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Southern Gold Mines.

Georgia has produced gold to the value of $10,142,172. In 1884 she was the leading gold state in the country. her product in that year being s415, ,000, but the discoveries of richer fields in California and elsewhere, together with the exhaustion of the placer deposits in Georgia, led to a partial abandon ment of the fields in upper Georgia. and in recent years the production has been very light. Modern machinery and modern methods of getting gold from low-grade refractory ores is leading to a revival of mining in both Georgia and Alabama-a common fleld-and the At lanta Constitution says, "Nearly every ledge and lead in the Dahlonega dis trict is either owned, leased or op- toned by some person or company that mean to work it for gold"
 State Geologist Yeates of Georgia has prepared report upon the gold fields of Georgia, and he says he can not spare money enough to print and supply all the demands from abroad for copies of it. If State Geologist Eugene Allen Smith would issue a similar re- port relating to the gold fields of Clay. Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega a like interest would be reused, and cap ital, skill and energy would also be turned tEis way. The gold fields of Alabama are similar to those of Geor- gia. To find gold in either Georgia or Alabama one must mine for it. Rock must be crushed, and processes applied that are difficult and expensive. Capi- tai thus becomes needful, and capital is cautious. State Geologist Smith can attract it, however, if he will lay the facts before the public in a pam phlet or report covering the subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
THE ANIMALS CHRISTMAS.

Carolyn Wells, in the Reader. Said Santa Claus Iris Christmas Eve
 fThe animals looked pleasant, And each of you will now receive
 His yearly Christmas present. But I'd be glad if every guest Would mention what he'd like the best" The Tapir said: That pleases me.
 I'll state succinctly, therefore, If l may be so bold and free
 The only thing I care for Would be those matches on the shelf, With which I'd like to light myself His wish was ganted. Then up spake
 A timitd little Adder; Sir but trifie it will take
 To make my Christmas gladder; A slate and pencil if you please, Would let me do my sums with ease" The Reindeer said: You may believs
 I'd be happy fellow, If were sure I would receive
 A good sized umberrela; And also I'd like four golosh- Els and rubber mackintosh.' The Pig a fountain pen desired:
 The Horse, tin horns requested; The Horse, for a new hat acquired.
 His gratitude attested. The Caterpillar said: T am Proud Of my caterpillarsham." So all of them were gay and glad,
 And they were happy. very; They liked the presents they had had And waxed exceeding merry. Hear Humans at your Christmas feasts, 6ray take lesson from the beasts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Prosperity in Roanoke.

Maj W. A. Handley, the venerable statesman from Randolph, who has been in Birmingham for the past week look ing after business interests, has returned to his home in Roanoke. He speaks very enthusiastically of the industrial future of Roanoke, As an example of the east Alabama towns progress he cited the prosperity of Roanoke's cotton mill, the w. A. Handley Manufacturing company of which the major is the head.
 He said: We are contemplating doub- ling the capacity of our mill at an early date. The mill now gives employment to over 300 operatives, and we hope in a few months to employ 60O Besides con- suming a goodly portion of the cotton raised in our county, the mill is proving to be a paying investment"
 Major Handley was a former repre- sentative in congress from the Fifth dis trict and served in the constitutional con- vention and the legislature. He is being prominently mentioned as candidate for governor, three years hence. On being asked concerning his proposed candidacy, he said: q am not now a candidate. 1t is true that I received a number of letters in reference to my becoming a candidate for governor, all of which l duly appre- ciate."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
IN HOTEL LoBBIEs
Cigar and Tobacco Trade.

Said Austin P sims T think the cigar and tobacco business this Christmas has been almost twice as heavy as any other year since I have been in Birmingham, which is nearly fifteen years
 The tobacco users of Birmingham are now buying the very best grade of goods to be found on the market. This applies to cigars, chewing and smoking tobacco. We sell about twice as many high grade cigars these days as we formerly did.
 There are great number of smokers in Birmingham who use the different grades of tobacco for the pipe and cigar ette. Manufactured cigarettes are still good sellers. too. This city in fact. is one of the best towns know of for the cigar and tobacco business"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Union Mans Views.

Said a wage worker who is a strong and active member of union. .'The action of the Chicago teamsters in denying peaceful and uninterrupted burial of the dead does not meet with the sympathy of conservative union men. Tn fact we deplore such action, and feel that it may have bad effect upon unionism in gen eral
 "Of course thoughtful men will not blame the labor unions generally, but the action of the Chicago horsemen or driv- CTS will be used against us by those who oppose cooperation of labor and who dc not oppose cooperation of capital. This is the way of the world.
 Legitimate combinations of capital. al well as of labor, are commendable. It i: simply protection idea. Tn unity there Is strength is a truth which cannot bt gainsaid. Individuality and independence, sound very well, out remove the chair that binds and tfe commercial and labor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Cotton Mill Problems.

Print cloths have been advanced one eighth of cent, and it is believed this is the beginning of a general advance in the price of cotton goods. They must keep step with the raw material, and no one expects the latter to go back this year to a innocent level. No intelligent observer expects nine cent level again in the next ten years.
 Unless the prices of cotton goods are
 advanced in agreement with thirteen cent cotton, serious curtailment of production will certainly take place, It has already been begun, and the movement will be augmented until goods become downright scarce. There is no other alternative. The price of the raw material cannot be kept down.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
PETTUS JOKES BANkHEAD,

Washington correspondent of the Mont-
 gomery Advertiser.
 Every time anybody prone to the rela- ton of anecdote has for subject the venerable junior senator from Alabama, it is usual to preface the story with remark upon the great age of the senator. This little tale, stated as an actual occurrence. comes in the same fashion.
 The other day in the senate cloakroom greetings were exchanged between Sena- tor Pettus and John H. Bankhead. who for a dozen years or so, has been the distinguished representative of the Sixth Alabama district and is known to cherish steadfast aspirations for the senate. By islanders were a bit surprised to see the senator walk up and skipping Bankhead on the shoulder say:
 Why, how are you, Bankhead? I'm certainly glad to see you looking so we'll You're actually looking younger than ever. Your health must be unusually good. In fact. I believe you will yet live out your term
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
From the Louisville Herald.

From the Louisville Herald.
 NO old Virginia belongs the honor \0 of improving on Mother Eng
 lands historic, delicious plum pudding. The English plub pudding ex- cludes cinnamon, allspce and cloves cinnamon, with it's fragrance and pun gency; allspice with it's aroma and del- icacy; cloves, with their flavor and piquancy.
 The Virginia pudding is steamed in a mold instead of boiled in a cloth or bag. More digestible than the English, 1t is also more toothsome. It keeps well, and like fruit cake or the choicest of Kentucky beverages improves with age. For the benefit of Kentucky housewives we give a Virgnian recipe for plum pudding for fourteen persons:
 Weigh one pound of raisins, one pound of entrants, one pound of suet, half pound of citron, one pound of grated bread and half pound of brown sugar. Stone and chop the raisins, clean and dry the entrants, chop the suet fine, sprinkling with little flour, and cut the citron into thin strips Measure one even teaspoonful each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg and half a teaspoonful each of cloves and allspice. Put all the fruits into bowl and mix lightly with hand full of flour. Add the sugar and spices, the chopped suet and the bread, and mix all thoroughly. Beat eight eggs until very light and mix them with half pint or brandy. Pour into the fruit mixture and stir until well blended. Pack in greased mold and steam for six hours. Then turn out of the mold and decorate with blanched and spit almonds. For Christmas day stick a spring of holly in the top and place Jumps of sugar saturated with brandy on the dish, thus encircling the pudding. Ignite these and send to the table surrounded by flames. Serve with brandy sauce.
 + What fitting crown to a southern feast for the godsl Currents and raisins' suet and citron, grated bread and brown sugar. cinnamon, nutmeg, ahspice and cloves moistened with brandy! What confection, surmounted by sprig Of holly and surrounded by Jumps Of sugar ablaze for the Christmas feast?
 We wish Cousin Bull well with his antique plum pudding, but the genius of American womanhood has improved on that production of insular cookery. Well does the American woman know that happiness for man-who is at best Byron tells us. "a hungry sinner"-largely de- bends, since Eve first at apples on the quality of his dinner. The English wo- man knows that:
 All foreign wisdom doth amount to this To take all that is given, whether wealth. Or love, or language; nothing comes amiss; A good digestion turneth all to health. The American woman. with all due re-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
pr. Cunninuham Abroad.

Dr. R. H. Cunningham. Alabama s lieutenant governor, who Is taking a special course in general surgery and medicine in Europe writes very interest ingly of his work and experiences in the old world The doctor landed in Europe on the 15th of November and has been pursuing his studies in London for the past month. He will study in the hospitals of Berlin and Vienna before his return to America, which will probably be some time in the spring. He says that one can appreciate our country all the more after going through one of those London fogs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
THE ALABAMA PRESS.

Mobile Register: If the strike and vio- lence of the union livery drivers in Chi cago should teach the people of Chicago to dispense with excessive carriage dis play at funerals, there would be some thing of material gain from the strike. The people are discovering that it is pos- sible to bury their dead without great parade of vehicles. It may prove to be a costly discovery for the livery drivers.
 Montgomery Journal: There can be no doubt that German is making a bold and aggressive leader in the senate. He is do- ing things and the republicans are grow ing nervous.
 Mobile Herald: The Germans are blam- ing America for the strikes in the vater- land. Don't, Germany. we have enough trouble taking the blame for our own.
 Marion County News: From every source comes words of the highest praise of the management of the democratic forces in congress by Senator German in the senate and Congressman Williams in the house. They would make a good team for a ticket in 1904
 Huntsville Mercury: If your home or part of the city gets burned up by this fire cracker business, just remember it will be one time when the expected happened
 Jasper Mountain Eagle: The next pri- mary election will be held under a state law, surrounded by as rigid restrictions as are thrown around the general election. The candidate who goes into the primary and is not satisfied with the result, and kicks out of the harness, should be ban ished to Borneo, or some other out-of- the-way place. where he can never get back. The most disgusting thing under the sun is a sore-headed candidate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25

ing world will go to rack. l mean this in defense of organization, but not in de- fense of a desecration of the dead. My judgment is that the chief of police of Chicago should be sustained in his eff fort to put down disorder. The drivers may have grieviences I doubt not they have, but for them the saddened famalies of the dead are in no way responsible"
 Tt is hard for me to believe con- tinued the union man. that any con- servative member of the Chicago team sters union has ever entered into any ac- tive interference with the sacredness of a funeral, and I think the telegrams for the next day or two will correct any such errors. As a general thing you will find working men quite conservative, if they be real working men, and certainly pos sessing humane f. cling for the sad and afflicted. Just watch the press dispatches still to come. There is something wrong about these reports"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Planters Happy.

"Cotton sold today in New York at about the highest price it is said since the civil war, and we cotton planters feel ex- ceedingly happy and determined to go for ward with renewed vigor in cultivation of the crop" said a planter in the lobby last night.
 Continuing he said: After years of struggling our day has come at last ana we do not see how it is possible for us to lose out on the crop of 1904. The acreage is bound to be increased in Alabama but not to the neglect of the auxiliary crops. such as corn, wheat, oats and the root crops, all of which are necessary to the sustenance of a well regulated cotton plantation"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press
 There Is always startling anti-climax about pedigrees.
 The incest thing about grand opera to women are the clothes that go with 1t.
 It takes woman to ask her husband to whip their child and then think he is a brute for doing it.
 Generally it's the man who takes a cold bath every winter morning that kicks be- cause he doesn't live in the tropics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
About Persons.

George and Leicester Jackson, the sons of Mir. and Mrs. George F. Jackson, have returned to spend the holidays at home. They have been students in the Chicago University for the past year, where both of them have taken an excellent stand in all their studies
 W. H. Hall left yesterday afternoon for Columbus, Ga, where he goes to accept a position as city engineer for that city, on the first of the year. Up to recently MT. Hal, was assistant engineer to Julian kendrick chief engineer of the Jefferson county sanitary commission.
 Scott Brown of Camden. S. C., the pro- prietor of the Lafayette Hall hotel of that popular winter resort, is at the Flor ence MT. Brown has a number of rela- lives in Birmingham and has great con- fidence in this citys future. In speaking of Camden he said: We have one of the most delightful climates on the earth. As proof of this the city now has three ho- tels that do a lively business all the win ter. Over three thousand people spend the winter at these hotels. It seldom ever gets cool enough for an overcoat. This winter has so far been one of the severest the city has ever experienced. We have had the coldest weather that I have ever known during all my years as a resident of Camden.
 Frank McPherson of Montgomery is registered at the Hiliman.
 F. P. Wallace of Lafayette, deputy sheriff of Chambers county, accompanied by Mrs. Wallace, are stopping at the Metropolitan.
 V. Phillips of Gadsden was an arrival at the Morris last night.
 
 James L. Herring, prominent citizen of Ashville, is at the Metropolitan. J. W. Reckard of Johns was an arri- val at the St. Nicholas last night. J. c. Clark of Atlanta and A. B. Stamps of Mobile are stopping at the Hillman.
 Professor H. c. Woody of Camp Hill, who is connected with the Industrial Training school at that place. is stop ping at the Florence.
 E. G. Bell of Memphis is registered at the Morris.
 Dr. L. F. Lees of Gadsden is stopping at the Metropolitan.
 c. Alverson, prominent young busi- ness man of Coal City, was an arrival at the Morris last night.
 A. English of Havana is stopping at the Morris.
 Homer Hesterly of the Southern Car and Foundry company, with headquart- CTS at Anniston, is in Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
EFFECT OF A GOOD STORY.

From the Atlanta Journal.
 MT. Cleveland's article on ducks in the New York World makes you want to be a duck-shoting ex-president yourself.