davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19
ALUM, FLINT AND
ACID


~ IS reported that ID many localities
houses are infested by peddIers trying
70 sell or introduce s~o-called cheap
o. low-priced baking powders either
directly or by an order upon a grocer.
In most instances deception is used.
and it is claimed that the article is s
genuine baking powder and has all the
merits Of q pure article.
Housekeepers should be on their
guard against this danger to their food.
Alum powders are almost always low
priced. But they are well known to be
detrimental to health. In England and
in some sections Of this country their
sale is prohibited by law. Congress
has forbidden the sale Of food eontain-
ing alum in the District Of Columbia
The highest authorities condemn their
use. DR.. s. w. johnson, for instance.
Professor Of Chemistry at Yale CoI-
lege, says: Bread made with a bak-
ing powder containing alum must
yield o soluble aIumina salt with the
gastric juice, and must, therefore, act
as a poison"
It is well known that these so-called
Cheap" goods are made from alum or
the very cheapest materials. One Of
them was recently analysed at Yale
and found to be one-qusrter
sharp pointed grains Of ground tint.
Others are filed with sulphuric acid,
and salts Of lead are also found in
them.
In baking powders be sure to get a
reputable well-known cream of tartar
brand, and buy from peddlers.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

Some one who dislikes the use Of to.
bacco asked an old man whose pine wa,
giving him some annoyance if he war
really converted.
Yes, boss. + specs Il is."
DO you believe In the Bible25'
I sho' does. boss"
Wen don't you know that the serin-
lures declares that nothing unclean can
enter the Kingdom Of Heaven?"
Pears to me I does
Wen, then, isn't the breath OF ona
who smokes u~nclean?"
"Cose it Is" said the negro, breaking
out into a laugh, "cose it is. But Ief
me ak you dis question, boss"
'fWellg9
Amt we Dor gWine ter leave OF oup
9rem hefo We gitup darg"-Philadelpbis
Press.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

ot Miss Jarvis to marry someone else. Joe
Goddard, q dne young fellow, with The
single blemish Of being a Iandsman
Miss Abigail, the captains sister who
kept house since the death Of Mrs. Jarvis
ably seconded Mr.. Martins suit. nut she
found her niece a full match ia viii
power
Before sailing on his last trip the can
tain had forbidden his daughter seeinp
Mr. Goddard. to whisa mandate Mise
Nellie had replied with grimace which
called forth some gloomy remarks from
Miss Abigail abom the decay Of 6IisI -
spect ~ these d89B.
It was op6a mutiny. Nv srm ,
growled the captain, al be 6ronnS5 II.
pilot at the caDes and turned the Car
ponles nose up the Jersey coast: sonan
muanT. I'll read the law to YOU. miss
when / get back
The weather did not improve the can
taln's temper; a ohoppy sea bufeted thu
Carbonic and made her decks look 1rFas
miil-raee. The overladen old collier
pitched and rolled ana sent up a chorus r.
wheezy groans from her hull, but stood
TO her task Entil the Massachusetts coast
lay on her port beam.
q
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

Play distinguishes the higher from
the lower animals, and IT signihes pos-
sibliity OF education. Fishes do not play
at all; the lower mammals can hardly
be taught to play, and birds are entirely
devoid Of the instinct. But the kitten
and the lamb are essentially playing
animals. The human young however
are the true players, and, in reality. It
ls play that develops them into man
hood. 'Childres, says DIT. Hutchin-
son a born little aHiorphous bundles.
q possibilities and are played into
shapaa
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19
DiaIHusionlzsd.

Some officers Of a British ship were
dining with a mandarin at Canton.
says the New York News. One Of the
guests wished for a second helping Of
q savory stew. which he thought was
some BIND q duck, and not knowing
the word in Chinese, held bis plate
the host, saying, with smiling a1.
Quaek, quack, quaek!"
his c~ountenance fell when his host.
pointing to the dish, responded
Bow, WOW, wow!"
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

Everybody knows General Joe
Wheeler, former Lieutenant General
C.sA., at present Major General Of
the United States army (retired), n
between times representative in con.
gress from Alabama, is a man of dual.
ity rather than Of quantity, and n
seeing him a scarcely understand
how so small a body has been able to
Gil SO much space in the worlds his
tory Of achievement, says the New
York Times.
One day during his congressional
career two rural visitors were in the
house gallery taking in the proceed
ings on the floor with great interest,
and n Of them observed the gen
eral flying about, as was his wont.
Who's that little cuss down there
in front talkin' to the big feller?" he
asked Of his companion.
"Dinged if 1 know" replied the
other, squirting his eyes in order to
magnify the object of vision
Some n sitting back Of them ven
tured the information that it was Gen.
Wheeler, Of Alabama.
My gravy!' said, the first n
I've heard that a teller might be a
good deal Of a man at home, but when
he was elected to congress and come
% Washington he fell off some and
wasn't much Of a heavyweight, but
be derned if I thought they'd
tWindle away like that"
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

II all the -dressmakers known to exist
N America worked "a hours Of eaob
aay Tor a whole year, without stopping
Ior sleep or meals, they would stil bs
able to make only one dress apiece for
less than seYen-eighths Of the women Of
America.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

m the players makeup a man or woman without this element in his
or her composition may succeed in many walks Of life, but not in any
one in which the arts are concerned
an actor must determine 70 Be the greatest Of all, contemporaries
or predecessors in his particular line. This win make him a student
and progressive for to attain the ideal progress is imperative. When !
player-and there are many such, as the wrecks along the centuries
since the days when we were all characterized as vagabonds viii testify
le8ehes ne stage az winch he says; I've got my public, now all I
have to do is to stand still and let EN- admire me" he has reached the
Mlt o. hs possibilities He viii retrograde as surely as he has attained
Inc third requisite for success on the stage is opportunity. Some.
year Sometimes Il comes quickly. Il must be sought for. An actor
can't SIT still and wait for opBoFtunfy to seek him, out. 1t was because
manning IN the lyric operate field. / was singing in London the lead
ing tenor roles at the LyicNtneater, then under the management Of
charles Wyndham, when news reached England that a prominent and
beloved Irish star IN America had retired from the stage. 1 cabled
Nlr. Fltou, and, getting q release from Mr.. Wyndham, / started for
america by the first steamer. The result was hyeyear contract with
0r' FItou and twelve years of happy partnership The opportunity
came, you see, and | took advantage of it. IF hadn't been on the look
put l might still be leading tenor in an opera company.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

Oh, for the wings Of q doye,p
signed the poet with the u-nbarbered
hair. Order what you ike, reioined
the prosaic person, but as FOR me-
gave me the breast Of a chicken Chi.
cagO News.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19
q CHAUNcEY oLCoTT.

ambition and opportunity are the three things most
necessary ter a successful stage career. The FIRST goes With
out saying although IN this day Of machine-made stars
aonHy + not always the first requisite, It seems. 1t has be-
come te fashion in some quarters TO make publicity and
seductive advertising take the place Of native aptitude, but
n the long run the man Of ability who is ambitious will take
ms place among the great ones, while the overadvertised
and boosted star will falaof his own imitation.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

and did you visit the Holy Landqp
asked the village parson Of Uncle HI
ram, who had been doing a little plobe
tfotIng since he struck oil. "Yaas.
an don't think much Nv 1t Ter nv
part replied the old man. WHY. it's
60 alfred poor I reckon it woni6n,t
pefauce more'n teW bushels Nv corn
per acre. -Chtcag0 News.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1903-12-19

Old JonesI hope that young fellow
e thrifty Mollie. Every young man
should save a quarter Of his salary
every week. MOilie Jones-Oh AIev
does better than that, papa. some
weeks he saves half a dOllar!-Puck
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
RECORD OF COURTS.

Six diyorces were granted in the first division of the City courr yesterday. Di, vorces were granted in the following cases:
 Mamie Tolbert against John Tolbert; J. F. Brichett against Margaret J. Brichett; James Harris against Jetty Harris; Net tie P. Baune against F. J. Baune; Alex Lewis against Emma Lewis; Leon Maison against Zelia Maison.
 In the case of R. L. Dangerfield against J. T. Burton. ct al. in the first division of the City court. the jury returned a ver- dict for the plaintiff for STA.
 The case of R. c. veitch against the Western Union Telegraph company, suit for damages, plaintiff alleging the non- delivery of telegram, is on trial.
 The case of Anderson against the Ten nessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company is still on trial in the Circuit court.
 A suit for divorce. William A. Lee against Kettle Lee, was filed in the Circuit court yesterday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
TUBERCULIN TEST
 OUTFIT RECEIVED
CONDITION OF COWS IN THIS vI- CINITY WILL BE ASCERTAINED BY MOST SCIENTIFIC METHOD. MANY INSTRUMENTS.

The necessary outfit for the tuberculin test of cows in Birmingham and vicinity, has been received by c. A. Collins, chief milk and meat inspector. The outfit con tains s99 cubic centimeters of tuberculin and a number of instruments, including a gradual injector.
 A new milk and meat inspection or H. nance was adopted at the council at the last meeting and it is the intention or the inspectors to strictly adhere to It's provisions in the performance of their duties.
 The test is made to ascertain the condi. tion of the cow
 A force of five men will begin Monday to put the test into use, and it will not require many days to examine the cows at the different dairies selling milk in Birmingham. The test Is made by fill- ing the injector with two to three cen timeters of turberculin. which ig injected through needle into the neck of a COW. The symptoms resulting from the injec- ton determine whether or not tuberculo- sis exists in the animal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
CITY PREPARES TO
 AMEND ITS CHARTER
BILLS TO AUTHORIZE A cONSOL- DAYTON OF BIRMINGHAM AND ITS SUBURBS AND FOR ISSUING BONDS WILL BE DRAWN.

Mayor Drennen, City Attorney Smith ing notice containing the substance of two bills which will be presented to the legislature at it's next session.
 The bills in question are in substance as follows:
 To allow a consolidation of several mu- nicipal corporations near Birmingham and including Birmingham. An effort will be made to get authority for the consoli- dation of Birmingham, Ensley, Pratt City, Powderly, Smithfield, Thomas, Elyton, Avondale, Woodlawn, North Birmingham, East Birmingham, East Lake and Lake view. The area embraced between Ensley and East Lake is between twelve and thirteen miles. If consolidation of all of the towns mentioned Is made the pop ulation would be about 105,000. It is un- derstood that the bill will be made in can be consolidated.
 To have the legislature increase the salary of the Police court judge of Bir- mingham. At present this position pays $150O, and an effort will be made to have 1t increased. It Is stated Judge Feagin the present incumbent, is the lowest paid judge in the state, and that besides him the lowest paid judge in Jefferson county receives $30OO a year. The judge of the Po- lice court is required by the nature of his duties to hold court every day in the year. Sundays excepted.
 In addition to the above local bills it is understood a general law will be sought whereby any city of over SO,00O popula- tion can float bond issue not to exceed 5000, GOO. This bill is desired by many people in Birmingham. so the city can issue and sell bonds for the purchase of a water works system of its own.
 The preparation of the bills will be made by the judiciary committee of the city council, assisted by the city attorney. The law requires that due notice be given, and the council at it's last meet ing authorized the mayor and city at torney to do this.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
INSTALLATION OF
 K. OF P. OFFICERS
PUBLIC CEREMONIES CONDUCTED LAST NIGHT BY GRAND CHAN CELLOR J. B. ELLlS-MAGNOL HALL WAS WELL CROWDED.

The joint installation of the officers or the Birmingham lodges of the Knights or Pythias was held last night In Magnolia hall, which was filled with members of the order and their friends.
 The ceremonies seem to have been greatly enjoyed by all present. After the formal exercises had been carried put ref eshments were served by Fred We- haze of the Ellis restaurant The pro- gramme and the list of officers of the various lodges who were installed follow Prayer. pr. L. S. Handley.
 Address of welcome. Dr. W. H. Wilder Music, orchestra. Installation of chancellor commanders Song, Miss Rosa Woods Wilder.
 Address, w. F. Fort
 Music, orchestra.
 Recitation, Execution of Sam Davis" Miss Margaret Howard Jones.
 Installation of vice ehancellors.
 Dance, Miss Hazel Kirke Reckling. Installation of prelates and masters Of work
 Music, orchestra.
 Installation of masters of finance, keep CTS of records and seal and masters of exchequer.
 Music, orchestra.
 Address, Endowment Rank" Edward s. Jones.
 Installation of masters of arms, inner guards and outer guards.
 Address, Grand Chancellor J. B. Ellis. Song, audience.
 Benediction, Rev. F. w. Norton.
 Jeierson Valley Lodge No. fl. c. C., W. E. Fort; V. C.. M. B. Mims; prelate. George H. Brown; M. of w., J. w. Clay; M. of E., J. Adams; M of F.,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09

Minnie Cox, the negro postmaster of Indianola, Miss. who is in Birmingham stated positively last night that she would, under no circumstances, accept the position of postmaster of Indianola again. She said she had resigned and that no matter what the action of the government might be, she would not take the place again.
 She is stopping with her assistants brother John B. Tarry, a barber, at his house, 1425 Sixth avenue. Three questions were asked her last night two of which she refused to answer, but she stated emphatically that she did not want to be postmaster of Indianola and would not be. The following are the questions which were asked:
 "would you accept the position of post master of Indianola again?"
 "No."
 "Did the people of Indianola threaten you or state that they would injure you if you did not resign?"
 She declined to answer.
 '.Why did you resign as postmaster?"
 She refused to say.
 Her Assistants Statement.
 Her assistant in the postoffice at h. dianola, Annie Moore, sister of the bar Der, stated that Minnie Cox would, under no circumstances, accept the position again. She was asked number of questions in regard to the trouble and answered as follows:
 About September 1 the people of In- dianola requested Mrs. Cox to resign, and she did so They made no threats of in- turing her. but it was not considered safe for her to go to the postoffice on the first of January, the time limit set by the white people who made the re- quest.
 "The resignation was refused by the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
HEALTH LAWS CONSIDERED.
Matters That Doctors Think Call for
 eeislation-Infectious Diseases.

A number of physicians gathered re- gently to discuss matters pertaining to the public health and laws that they be- lleve are needed in this regard The meeting was held in the office of Dr. E. II. Sholl. chairman of the Jefferson county health committee.
 Several physicians who have consider ed the present realth situation think 1t would be wise to endeavor to secure leg islation to secure a law making 1t man. datory upon the county commissioners to pay suitable salary for a competent health officer.
 There are other matters the doctors think call for legislation. and 1t Is prob able a number of bills on medical legis- lation will be prepared for presentation to the legislature at its next session.
 Among the enactments desired by the physicians are laws that will enable the counties of the state to properly control outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
Minnie (0x Positibe in fhe
 Stafemenf 1Hat She Would
 Vof Take the Office Again
Negro Woman Who Recently Resigned PosmaSershp at h. danoa, and Who is Now in Birmingham, Answers One Question But Refused to Answer Others
 Will Retire to Private Life.

postoffice authorities, and on New Years morning there was no postmaster. Mrs.. Cox had resigned and would not go to the postoffice. No one ever threatened to kill her, or even to injure her in any way. but her friends and her husband did not think it wise for her to try and go to the post office.
 Minnie Cox Will Return.
 Mrs. Cox will return to Indianola in about two weeks and live a quiet life there She and her husband are worth work. She has a number of white friends in Indianola who would protect her if she returned to take the postoffice, but this she absolutely refuses to do.
 "She does not know what the postof- flee authorities will do. Her trouble w.h not affect her husband. who will con- tinue in the railway mail service as long as he Is allowed to do so. 1 think his record is very good in that"
 Minnie Cox is full-blooded negro. She is rather heavy built and is about five feet six inches in height. She was a stu dent in Fiske university in Nashville. and afterwards was a school teacher. She secured position through the influence of her husband, who was active in politics in Mississippi. Both Minnie Cox and her husband are natives of Lexington, Miss. and since they entered the United States service they have accumulated money and own real estate. Besides owning a nice home near Indianola they own two large farms which are leased out.
 An Associated Press message from Washington last night said:
 Senator McLaurin of Mississippi called on Postmaster Payne today and urged him to reopen the Indianola postoffice. MT. Payne told him that the case now rested with President Roosevelt. who was giving the question careful considera- tion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
RAILROAD WORLD.

M. w. Mcguire general superintendent of the Queen and Crescent. with head quarters in Cincinnati, arrived in Bir- mingham yesterday, and will remain here until today when he will return north. Mir Mcguire is on a tour of inspection and finds every thing in good shape on the Alabama Great Southern.
 General Superintendent C. s. McManus of the Southern railway, is in the city. He reports the car situation decidedly improved. The coal operators are get ting enough cars to move their output just now.
 The contractors, Dunn & Lallande Bros, who are double tracking the Louis- vile and Nashville between Longview' about twenty-five miles south of Birming- ham, and Calera, a distance of eleven miles, will complete the work within the next thirty days The grade has been reduced to 7-1O of one per cent. which makes the road practically level. This will be as fine a piece of double track as any in the country. The Louisville and Nashville has been double tracked six miles about Silura, and it is understood that the company intends to double track, before a great while, the line all the way from Birmingham to Montgomery.
 Dunn & Lallande Bros. are also the contractors building the Louisville and Nashville's North Alabama road from Hughes siding, on the main line near Boyles to the undeveloped coal fields in Jefferson county. The North Alabama runs through some of the Sloss-Sheffeld property and it's terminus is on property of the Pratt Coal company While the length of the road is only twenty-two miles, the sidings and branches will bring the mileage up to thirty-five. There are no tunnels on this line, but the country through which it passes is exceptionally rugged. Just before the work was be- gun 1t was stated that it would cost about $75O,000 but it is now said that by the time the road with its branches is completed it will have cost fully $1, 0OO GOO. The grading is being pushed and the road bed will be ready for the tracks during the summer.
 W. B. Griseclose, general freight agent of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, is in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-09
QUESTION OF MEETING PLACE. The Eagles Will Want Hall for Their
 Exclusive Use.

Birmingham Aerie. Mo- 2S6, Fraternal Order of Eagles will meet tonight in it's hall over the Western Union Telegraph company's office on First avenue One of the most important questions will be the choice of hall for the exclusive use of the Eagles. Several places have been suggested and it is certain that one will be chosen at this meeting.
 The committee in charge of the Bur lesque Circus which will be given at the Jefferson theatre a week from tonight. will also report it's progress at this meet ing Every member of the Aerie has a number of tickets and they are selling them rapidly. It is said that this will be one of the best entertainments of the kind ever given by secret society in Birmingham and the prospects are that the house will be filled.