davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
THE GOOD DIRT ROAD.
1t Cannot Exist Where Surface and
Subsurface Drainage Are Not
Complete.

The first and most important es.
sential for good dirt road is thor
ough drainage. Drainage to be thor
ough must not only take off the sur
face water but also the sub-surface
moisture.
To have Il dry and solid surface on
dirt road there must be beneath
the surface a subsoil that is not sat.
urated with water. No matter how
we'll the roadbed be graded up, I'M
less ample provision is made for
thoroughly and speedily draining out
the subsurface moisture the road
will become muddy" after every
heavy rain if the rains continue
such roads become impossible.
While open bitches at the sides of
the road will carry off the surface
water, they will not drain the road
bed speedily enough to prevent mud
and preclude sponginess, the condi-
ton so wearying to draft animals
and detrimental to heavy hauling.
To afford quick and effective drain
age line of siX-inch tile should be
the reach of frost.
In the level land where the soil is
loose and porous such tile so laid
in graded roadbed would drain
track 10 feet wide. As open side
bitches. constructed so as to give a
continuous and unobstructed flow of
water, will not only carry off the sur
face water but also aid in draining
off subsurface moisture, the addition
of the siX-inch tile as here suggested
will speedily and thoroughly drain
the roadbcd.
The distance which such tile
drain can he run without outlet will
depend upon the lay and character
of the land. varying from 30 to co
rods. In very fiat land, where not
convenient to obtain frequent out
lets, two siX-inch tiles may be laid
side and side of each other, which
will permit IA longer distance be-
tween outlets; but the outlets should
be sufficiently numerous to rapidly
drain out all subsurface water.
roadbed cannot be thoroughly
drained when the side bitches are so
small that the water stands in pools
or sink holes and only escapes by
absorption or evaporation.
Where surface and subsurface
drainage are complete, good dirt
roads may be had. Where they are
not good it is impossible to have
good dirt roads.-Farmers' Voice.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16

An amateur photographer stopped
one morning at a Kansas farmhouse
and inquired for the farmer. II want
to trespass on your premises" he
said, long enough to take picture
of that cornfeld. It's the most mag
nificent one | ever saw"
That's all right" responded the
farmer. "But you'll have to take it
instantaneous-it's growing so fast"
Youths Companion.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
LICENSE MEN OPPOSE II.

Here Is the way the Norwich cores
pendent of the Woodstock Standard
looks at the situation: "The prohibition
people here are surprised to see how few
are in favor of the referendum license
bill. There are but very few who are
willing to say they are going to vote for
the law. In fact the leaders of the
license movement in this town say
openly that they do not intend to vote
for it,"
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
Grape-steaIing Turtles,

A vineyard owner in Algiers discov.
cred that great inroads were made
nightly on his grapes. He watched for
the enemy and found that large herd
of turtles were the culprits.-N. Y.
Sun.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16

The Republincan party was committed
to the referendum, but not to liceuce.
1t is the duty of every Republican who
is opposed to license TO vote no.-Brat-
tleboro Phoenix.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
Hungarians Emigraltinp.

Emigration from Hungary is in
creasing rapidly. In 1900 there were
ASSES emigrants, in 1901 55,377.-N.
Y. World
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
Not the Right Climate e.

"Hello!" said the heavy-man. II
thought that you started out two
weeks ago with a hot show?"
so / did" replied the low comedian;
"but we struck a frost."DJudge.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16
Judged by His NeighbOrs.

The average man doesn't amount
to much when measured by his neigh
boris standard.-Chicago Daily News.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16

The Father-My daughter, sir,
must have the same amount Of
money after she is married that she
had before.
The Suitor-I wouldn't deprive her
of it for anything.-Brooklyn Life.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-01-16

Subscribe for the Register.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
"Hedda Gabler.'

It is regarded as fortunate for the production of 'Hedda Gabier." in which Miss Elta Proctor Otis will appear at the Jefferson theatre toomrrow night, that 1t has been staged by Donald Rob- ertson who has been prominently inden- tfed with the Ibsen movement in Lon don. He is on terms of the most inti- mate friendship with Dr. Aveing of London, who has translated several of the 1bsen plays. 1t is d curious coinci- dence that d situation in My Missis,' a play MT. Robertson produced in 1886 before the publication of "IIedda Ga bler." is wonderfully similar in intent and execution to the big scene at the end of the third act of "Hedda.' Ibsen told Dr. Aveling that he "got this scene from America"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
American Optimism.

From the London Spectator
 Nearly all Americans are optimistic. but for some Americans things simply cannot go wrong Whatever happens the result will pan out all right. And it Is not hard to see why that should be so. lmig' inc a community of men, able, energetic. original. enthusiastic. placed suddenly, or almost suddenly, as. our English colonists were, in a land undeveloped, overfiowing with every blessing that lavish nature could bestow upon it. Of course they prosper; of course everything goes right; of course the idea becomes bred in the bone of the men that they will succeed and must succeed. no matter how many small delays and inconveniences may tenn porarily hinder them.
 A nation so optimistic, so ready to pit it's own energy and talent against any and all obstacles-since every obstacle has gone down before it in the past-naturally becomes careless whether the obstacles it meets are two or twenty. It will even set up obstacles for itself. nike ninepins, to knock them over again. law, a con dition, a scheme is proposed, perhaps for private ends. "No matter. let us try 1t; if it does not suit us it is easy enough to sweep it away and make another; whatever happens we are the people; we shall succeed wherever We go" It is a dangerous optimism, as all older nations know: it may lead again, as 1t has lea before, to horrors at which men will recoil and will immediately strive to remove But 1t is an optimism which must be taken into account in attempting to un- derstand how. as in the Tammany victory in5 New York a community can be found to choose as it has chosen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
COUNTRY ESTATES.
Do Biltmore and Shadowbrook Fore
 cast Passing of Fad?

From Town and Country.
 With no law of entail in this country it becomes an interesting question, now that so many magnificent estates are coming into existence what will become of them a generation or so hence. The news that Mir Anson Phelps Stokes is to allow his superb Lenox estate, "Shadowbrook, to become hotel, and that the finest of all our country seats "Biltmore" Is to be deserted at least for a time, by it's own CT, MT. George Vanderbilt, and that part of it's preserves is to be turned over to a country club is alarming and sig nificant. MT. Stokes place has nearly thousand acres and cost $2,000,000, yet it's owner grew weary of 1t after the novelty wore off. and would have sold 1t for little more than a quarter of it's value. MT Vanderbilt took the greatest pride in his place, giving personal supervision to the plans for the great chateau and to the development of the forestry school the model village for farmers and the development of all it's features making it a rival of the finest estates in England Yet owing to recent difficulties in its management, it's owner has forsagen it. "Biltmore" was the first of it's kind in America and within the past few years many men of wealth have delighted to take up gentleman farming and build model dairies stock barns and magnih- cent chateau and mansions with formal gardens, farms, fields and forests sur rounding them. Has this new country squire idea been, after all, merely fad to be put aside when the builders of these great estates grow weary Of them? IS It but a transient recreation for the million are, this founding of ''ancestral halls, , this enthusiasm for foresty, game pre- serves Italian gardens and cattle breed- ing? Will the whim pass and the tide turn back again to the city and these superb homes be given over to hotels and country clubs?
 By all that is good and wholesome, It Is to be hoped not The new love for country life is one of the most inspiring and promising features of this new era of vast wealth The man of millions has been learning a few more useful arts than that of money-getting Many Americans have learned that thoroughly but Tar fewer of them have learned the art or iudicious money spending. It IS one thlhS to lavish few hundred thousand year on yachts, race horses, automoplles ana lavish entertaining; it is another to spend it so that 1t brings the rich man real recreation and health and happiness, and the country estate has done more for the physical mental and moral health of our millionaires than anything else could possibly do. It enlarges their own horizons and brings them in contS.~ with the invigorating balm of naturee 1t sum ulates farming and teaches farmers to improve the breed of horses, cattle, sheep swine and chickens, it preserves forests from the pulp mills and the fire and ax' it beautifies our rural villages, brings the wealth and culture of the cities into touch with the countryside and sweetens and invigorates the lives of the members of the rich mans household.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
A HoMlLY FOR NovELIsrs.
Andrew Lang on Their Responsibilities
 and Limitations.

From the London Post.
 Now the responsibilities of the novelist are obvious. His business in the scheme of things IS to entertain and amuse the leisure of many women, of some boys, Of few men. He ought, to shun all that can flower the moral tone some;" he ought to write grammar, he may even avoid style compact of journalistic com monplaces. He should nov venture on de- scribing modes of life and strata of so- ciety of which he knows so little as to think that coroneted guests crowd into the "refreshment room" of a Belgravian mansion at 9:S0 D. m. He ought, in fact, to have an ordinary knowledge of let ters, and not to announce that heaven spared the city of Sodom because of the righteousness of Lot. A very popular novelist, a favorite with preachers, does make these erros, and he ought to avoid them, just as he should not write of un- dergraduate life without being aware that colleges have porters, and that medicine is not one of the chief subjects of study at Oxford, as another novelist appears at one time to have fondly imagined.
 l may also think that the responsibili- ties of a novelist include the duty of stunning such fables as the statement that Queen Mary escaped from Loch Lo- ven into Rutlandshire. on the English border. but here 1 may be pedantic.
 Men, voters, read the newspapers, and even listen to political sermons in some religious circles They seldom read nov els. and still more rarely do they take their facts and ideas from novels. The novelist does not reach the greatest audi ence''-newspaper reach a much larger audience-and few of the novelists con gregation accept him as anything but more or less entertaining companion for a vacant hour. It is the novelist, the third-rate novelist who has puffed him self up with this insane conceit about his own importance. Dickens, or the author of Uncle Toms Cabin," or Charles Reade could give vogue to the discussion of the poor laws. or of slavery, or jails. hut these cases are rare, and neither au- thor could prove anything in a novel.
 The hundred and fifty thousand readers of some popular trashy third hand his torical noval do not believe what the author says"-they do not expect truth from a professed story teller. If any are so credulous as to do so they are negligi- ble creatures and it does not matter what they believe Nobody takes the Duke of Marlborough at the estimate, confessedly preiudiced and founded on a Jesuit's gos- sip, of Colonel Henry Esmond. If want to know about the iniquitous labor system of the Welsh mines (miners are so contented In America) am l cow ard Gas MT. Norris declares) because do not study the problem in "a novel with purpose? I go to the documents and official statements of employers and em- ployed; l go to the authentic sources. No man of sense, almost no man at all, takes his facts from a novel with purpose. We keep business and pleasure in repar- ate compartments, and neither ask nor expect romancer to provide us with treatiSe'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
MARKET AGiTATED.
Unsettled Condition in Manchester
 Cloth Is Not Explained

Manchester December 2O.-The absorb ing feature of the cloth market during the past week was the violent and in- applicable agitation in American cotton on the Liverpool market. Consequently at standstill causing much uneasiness and anxiety. The increased cost of pro- duction prevented the acceptance of many offers. There were occasional transactions in medium and low quail ties for India. China staples were in poor request while some descriptions of fancy goods met with a fair inquiry
 The trade in yarns was very limited, spnners asking prohibtive prices as a protection against the vagaries of the cotton market
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
Mrs. Deering's Divorce"

Some of the more important members of Mrs. Langtry's Imerial Theatre com pany, which takes it's name from Mrs. Langtry's London play house of that name, are Frederick Truesdell, Harold Stepren B. French, John Doubleday Percy Flanders, Katherine Stewart Ina Goldsmith, Helen Amory Leila Repton Nellie Malcolm, Emily James, Mollie Griffin and Eunice Wilson. These will appear when Mrs. Langley produces the Mrs. Deering's Divorce" at the Jefferson theatre Wednesday night. The sale of seats for the engagement will begin this morning. Only one perform ance will be given.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
HAY IS STILL ILL.
Secretary of State Receives General |, Reyes and pr. Herrar, Anyway.

Washington. December 2O-Although Secretary Hay Is still confined to his home on account of illness, he yesterday received General Reyes and Dr. Herran. who called to advise him that the presen- tation of the statement which is preparing by them with the assistance of Wayne Mac eagh would be deferred until after the holidays. 1t was explained that the document was intended for MT. Hays personal consideration, Although sub hitting it to the state department in the absence of MT. Hay has been abandoned since MT. Loomis. the acting secretary, delivered his address in New York on the Panama question.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
At the Bijou.

The Bipou Musical Comedy company arrived last night in Birmingham and will start q weeks engagement at the BiJou tonight. The company is playing George Ades comedy The Night of the Fourth" and it is said that the piece has proved very popular.
 Special musical numbers have been written for the organization os tne musI- cal director. and 1t is said that several of them are both new and catchy. The popular Bijou chorus will appear ire quently in costumes which are said to he more elaborate and prettier than any they have ever used before.
 The company retains all Ahe old favor ties, Little Chip, Otis Harlan Mary Marble, John Duune and others. lt has also heon strengthened by ths addition of several clever people in the -ast
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

Frequently at the matinees at the Jef- ferson theatre this season people have been amused considerably by Little Iris Vining the six year old daughter of E. D. Vining of Bessemer. Although only six years old, this little girl can play any of the popular pieces, and frequently sings at the same time.
 For the past three years she has shown great talent as a musician, and her father is giving her every possible advantage She reads music at sight, and can play any ballad or popular air from ear after hearing it once.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
REPORT IS NOT CREDITED.
Russia Has Not Been Negotiating for
 Loan.

New York December 2O-The report in circulation to the effect that Russia was about to open negotiations with view to securing a loan in New York was not credited in financial circles here be- cause 1t was said the Russian govern ment made similar unsuccessful efforts several months ago.
 A representative of the Japanese gov ernment conferred with New York bank CTS regarding loan, making no secret of the fact that if the loan was secured it might be used for war purposes These negotiations also were unsuccessful
 International bankers here are substan- tially unanimous in the opinion that eim- mating all other circumstances, domestic, financial needs make any sort of a for eign loan impracticable at this time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
Roosevelt Compliments Loomis.

Washington. December 20.-In addition to compimenting him publicly in the of flee of the White House. before a number of callers, on his Quill club" speech, de- voted to the Panama position, President Roosevelt has written a personal letter to Acting Secretary Loomis recording his appreciation of the energetic, tactful and comprehensive treatment of a difficult suDJect by the acting secretary. Letters of congratulation are also coming to Mir Loomis from all parts of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
Iris"

A. w. Pineros newest and by many regarded as his greatest play, Iris" in which Charles Froham will present Vir- ginia Harmed at the Jefferson theatre next Saturday is regarded as a very earnest drama, elaborated with consum- mate, artistic and literary skill, pointing with frank brutality and terrible realism a moral in accord with the inexorable laws of ethics and human life, Iris attracts large audiences wherever 1t is seen and Miss Harmed has the reputation of having achieved most distinctive triumph in the stellar character
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

The dog is the property of M. Roberts, who lives at TIT North Fourteenth street
 Recently the dog figured in a fight with negro burglar who attempted to break into the house. The dog was unclaimed and attacked the burglar furiousy. The negro beat nasty retreat, but not before tie dog had lacerated his flesh in sev- era places.
 lhe dog was bought in Madison Square garden at the annual bench show about three years ago and was a blue ribbon winner
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
CHRISTMAS EXCURSIONS.
Very Low Rates Via Southern.

Account Christmas holidays Southern Railway will have on sale December 23. "A, 25 30. 3l and Januay 1. round trip tickets to all points south of the Ohio and Patomac, and east of the Mississippi rivers, limited January 1, 1904 at greatly reduced rates To teachers and students presenting proper credentials. round trip tickets will be sold daily December 16 to 22 inclusive. limited January, 8, 1904.
 For further particulars. apply Passenger Office Morris hotel building; telephone 617. J. c. LUSK.
 12-5-27t District Passenger Agent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

Several times this season the curtain has not gone up on time and this little girl has braved the stare of hundreds of eyes and played on the orchestra piano much to the delight and amusement of the impatient theatre goers. She always re- ceives round after round of applause, and is encored until she tires of playing.
 She sees every play that comes to the Jefferson provided it is of such a nature that she can understand it. After hearing the music of a musical comedy she cat frequently go home and play most of the musical numbers over on the piano. Her great hit has been in "Iliawatha."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
LOST.

Lost by Age-Herald Sub- scription Collector, a receipt book numbering from IT, 400 to IT, ,449. Subscribers will please examine mum bers on receipts given by collectors in order to prevent the re- ceipts as mentioned above from being used
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
"Resurrection." "

Blanche Walsh, who has scored one of the biggest personal artistic triumphs which the New York stage has enjoyed in several seasons, will appear at the Jefferson theatre Christmas. matinee and night, in Tolstoys Resurrection" It will be given here with the original com pany and the entire scenic production as seen during the four months run of the play at the Victoria theatre, New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
WINTER TOURIST RATES
To Principal Points In Florida, Nassau
 and Cuba.

Southern railway will have on sale daily untf April 3O round trip winter excursion tickets to principal resorts in Florida. Nassau and Cuba. at greatly reduced rates. Final limit May 3l. 1904. Through Pullman sleeping car Birmingham to Jacksonville Write for booklet entitled "Winter Homes in Summer Lands." For reservation. detailed information, etc, apply passenger office Morris hotel building. Telephone 617.
 J. c. LUSE 11-26-tf District Passenger Agent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
Crude Oil Drops.

Beaumont, Tex. December 2O.-Crude oil which has been selling up to 72 cents per barrel within three days-dropped from 30 cents to i3 cents yesterday, increased pro- duction being the direct cause.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
THE MARSHALL HAY FARM,
GALLON. ALA.

Growers and Dealers in Johnson Grass
 Hay.
 We conduct one of the largest hay farms in this section, therefore can furnish hay at all seasons of the year. Write for quotations Our warehouse is so situated that we can make prompt shipment of all orders.
 Prompt attention given to all corre- spondence. i2S- Inn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
Twenty-one Buildings Burn.

Charlotte, N. C.. December 20.-Fire last night swept twenty-one buildings, includ- Ing the railroad depot at Benson, N. C., on the Atlantic Coast Line. The loss is estimated at $l00,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
WELL BRED BULL DOG
 ATTACKS A BURGLAR
Dog Is Considered One of the Best Bred In Alabama-He is Lincoln Bull.
 Winner at Madison Square.

"Chuff' probably bears the distinction of being the best bred bull dog in the state but if there are any others as well bred as he they are few and far between.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

rnrrc Fruit and Shade Trees of all tnCLO, varieties, Evergr n 5, Shrubs, Roses, Vines and Hedge Plants, all guaranteed. c. F. LUFF- MAN, Landscape Gardener. 2231 Syca- more street. Bell 1889.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

Popularly called the king of medicines Hoods Sarsaparilla. It cures rheumatism and catarrh.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21

A beautiful calander given to every customer visiting our store during the holi- days. A. & F. Tea Co,
 1919 Second Avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
AT THE BlJoU.

All week-Wells-D -Dunne-Harlan Co. in "The Night of the Fourth Spe- cial Xmas matinee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
ADJUSTMENTS.
AT THE JEFFERSON

Tuesday evening-"Hedda Cab Ter"
 Wednesday, evening Mrs. Deer ing's Divorce"
 Friday matinee and evening-"Re- surrection." Special Xmas matinee. Saturday evening-"Iris..'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
FOR RENT.
 MISCELLANEOUS.

MISCELLANEOUS.
 
 CREDIT to reliable parties. Diamonds and watches. 1ewelry. silverware and clocks. on small weekly or monthly pay nients; lowest prices; best quality; goods guaranteed; will call if desired. J. Lowinsohn 19H 2nd avenue. 7-i2-tf SIGNS for sale cheap; suitable TOT -eai estate ads. Hermitage. 2ls North 2Oth street. 4-l4-tf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-21
SITUATIONS NAMED.
HELP WANTED-MALE.

WANTED-A boy to do housework, one that wants to work. Call at 1900 Elev- enth avenue, south