davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
Viruinia's New Law.

No better evidence is needed that Virginia is waking up to the anarch- istic dangers of lynching than can be found in the new law of that state providing that women victims of felon- ous assault may testify in private con- corning the crime committed against them. This takes away the last ex- cuse for lynching, and if the law shall prove efficient and valuable in Vir- ginia. as 1t doubtless will, it should be extended to every other state.
 It meets phase of the problem that seemed almost inseperable, and Virginia is entitled to great credit for devising a proper method and remedy. Judge Lynch is deprived by it of the only excuse he ever had, and lynch ing in Virginia must hereafter stand as a piece of out-and-out bloodthirsti- ness, or a love for anarchy pure and simple. .8
 Before the Alabama legislature meets in 1907 the problem will be- come muck plainer, and the legisla- ture will be able to see just what plan is pest to put an end to fynching. Quick trials and an adoption of the Vir- ginia law would undoubtedly be suffi- cient. A quick trial is now possible in Alabama, and if to that be added the Virginia plan, it is safe to say that an end to lynch law would be in sight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
The Aqed Mammies.

"The death of Candy Alice an old negro woman in Montgom a.y reminds me that the black inamios and ante-bel- lum darkies are rapidly passing away, said a Confederate veteran. "rhe old negroes seem to be dying even more rap- idly than the veteran, but each belongs to an era of the past and each will soon be only a memory. somehow the ante belum darkes do not take well to lhe life of a large town and most If them are to be found in the neghborhood with which they we're fanliar before war times. If the little village thoy used to know has grown to city they remain but none of them ever thinks of nov ing away, unless persuasions of affection for the ole marster's family when that family departs couse them tc follow also.
 '.The south is indebted to such writers as Thomas Nelson Page and Josl Chadler Harris for perpetuating he memory of the old black nanny. Witaous the beautiful and often pathetic stories of these masters of fiction the new south would be apt to forget the services of those old coachmen, valets. and nurses, now become decrepit and bowed with age, who were indispensable to the ante belum household.
 Somehow southern men seem to have greater reverence for the old Hack nanny than southern women At least they have been more successful m por- traying her in fiction and also possibly, on canvas. Some of the strangest char aeter deiineations we have were inspired by some white-headed old darky who looks back upon the years with fading eye and boasts in quavering voice of the grandeur of the ole master and the ole missus in the halcyon days before the war"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
New Periodical.

Ihe list or current periodicals has been recently enlarged by the addition of q new magazine published at the home of the Cosmopolitan" said a newsdealer '"rhe new publication is called The Twentieth Century Home and is issued monthly at Irvington- the Hudson. The Twentieth Century Home Publishing company are the proprietors and John Brisben Walker, editor of the Cosmo- politan, Is president of the company.
 '"The purposes of the Twentieth Gen. tury Home are exceedingly broad and comprehensive. It Is hoped to supply Americans with a publication which shall appeal not only to one or two membe rs of the family but to all While not ex- actly in the class of the Ladies' Home Journal and other publications which cater to the home circle and to women in particular, the new monthly is different from the regular monthly periodical, and Is a wide departure from the Cosmopoli- tan itself.
 ''The first issue Is particularly strikin. 7 and appeals to the eye as well as the in- telect It is not only printed and de- signed in a most artistic manner, but con- tans some very good reading, including little story by Richard Mansfield and contributions from a number of well known writers. think we will have A good demand for the new magazine, IS 1t seems to please the public"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
Concerning Clocks.

"To continue the discussion of clocks. I would not advise you to divide your att tention among the various time pieces to be seen from the streets of Birmingham, - said drummer. 'If you do you are apt to become distracted in very short order For instance the courthouse clock. the postofice clock, and all the barbers' and jewellers clocks are different from your watch. No one expects them to keep ex- actly the same time but 1t is rather con fusng to discover that 1t is o'clock by the courthouse timepiece and then go around the corner to see a clock staring that 1t is half past nine.
 After worrying myself over the mat ter for several days after my arrival, finally hit upon a plan that works to my entire satisfaction. I have only one clock and I stick by 1t. Matters of sentiment or convenience have no effect upon me- l am determined to keep all my appoint ments and judge the flight of time alto gether by that clock and no other. It matters not if the clock is wrong. In fact know 1t is different from every other clock in town. but 1t Is comforting to know that I have something to rely on and have ceased to keep myself guessing all the time to learn whether I am half an hour too early or half an hour too late.
 'These small matters do not amount to a great deal in themselves but they count in the long run and I am sleeping better nights since made my choice of a clock"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20

suppression he could not refrain an expression of his feelings. After ex- blaming that the recent disaster was the result of panic, and that a panic can occur in a church or railway station as readily as in a theatre, he went on to say that the panic had ex- tended to the city officials. He added
 And I would like 1t to be thoroughly understood by you that sometimes much injustice may be done by Jacks in office And would earnestly beg of you to ex- ert all your influence to alay the feel ing of panic which at present exists among the officials of your great city"
 Sir Henry's point of view is not wide enough. A theatre patron is first of all entitled to every possible guar antee of safety. He is further en- titled to a good play well acted. The great English actor can furnish the play and the acting, and the Chicago officials are wholly justified in com- polling him to cut out all devices that imperil life. There is a deep feeling that the gas tanks used in spot lights in the Iroquois theatre had much to do in hastening and heightening the appalling disaster, and even if the part they played in it be doubtful theatre goers are entitled to the benefits of the doubt. Sir Henry was compelled to resort to electricity in Chicago, and Chicago's example should be followed in every other city in the land. The theatres should find means for produc ing needful effects without introducing possible sources of dangers, and if a substitute cannot be found the partic- ular spectacle should be eliminated There is too much spectacle in modern plays anyway.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
France and Russia.

France feels uncomfortable at pres ent over her alliance with Russia. They hold nothing in common, the one being an autocracy in which church and state are one, and the other re- public in which the ties of church and state are becoming each year less pop ular. Public education in France will soon be taken out of the hands of the church, and even the Concordat is threatened. In such a country there can be no real sympathy or respect for Russians plans or Russian ideas. No matter what diplomacy may continue to present, the masses in France do not enjoy the situation. They feel lonely, and their support of Russia is lukewarm and feeble.
 It was an one-sided bargain anyway that grew out of Frances helplessness and isolation after the Franco-German war. rfd1ICo WdulCu SoAuSpOu9 IO liO to, and she took Russia, and yet Rus sia had not and has not any intention of helping her to regain Alsace and Lorraine. Russia loaded the French people up with bonds, and but for these bonds there would not be any sympathy today in France for Russia in her efforts to dominate the Far East.
 France quickly seconded the effort of the United States in demanding that the integrity of China be maintained in any contingency, and therefore the open door. The interests of France lie that way, and not in the direction of Russian greed and the disintegra- ton of China. Secretary Hays move ment looking to the preservation in- tact of China is the happiest effort of his fine career, and it should command ,he support, not only of both parties ] in this country, but of all other coun- tries, including France, regardless of Russian greed. French statesmen wisely considered their own interests when this question was brought be- fore them by our ambassador at Paris.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
IN HOTEL LoBBIEs
The Late pr. Parker.


 'The death of the Rev Dr. z. A. Park CT, which occurred Thursday Is greatly lamentedw by the large circle of friends who knew him and appreciated his work" ]" said citizen. "Dr. Parker was born in Giles county, Tennessee After acquiring a good common school education, he at tended the University of Virginia, from which he graduated with high honors He immediately entered his chosen pro- fession, the ministry. where he at once took the front rank as a preacher, and expounder of the Methodist Episcopal doctrine. About the age of twenty-two he married Miss Rosa Anderson of Madi- son, Ala. who still survives him with three daughters.
 eHe was one of the founders of St. Johns Methodist church in Birmingham, and shortly afterwards was appointed district superintendent for several south ern states of the American Bible society," which position he held for several years resigning it to take charge of Athens Female college, which he built up, and left in a prosperous condition, resigning the presidency in 1898 to accept the pres idency of the Owenton collegL of which he was one of the founders and promo ters
 "In January, 1899. on account of over strain, being a tireless and indefatigable worker, Dr. Parker had a sroke of paral- ysis, from which he never fully recoy- cred"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
FROM PARSON TO ACTOR
 WITH CHURCH SUPPORT

my preaching, although that is not the chief reason I am here Last Sunday night I had a congregation of over soo and our regular membership is $50. The trouble with many ministers is that they can't present the truth in proper form, and if stage training will help them it is. a good thing. It is true that there used to be a great prejudice in New England against the stage. but I think that Charlotte Cushman did much to change that
 ''I am going on the stage because believe I can do more good there and find broader field. I have been hampered too much in the church. Don't misunder- stand me. I still believe in religion. In fact, 1t is the one great reality. But I believe l can teach it's truths better on ! the stage than from the pulpit.
 The new philosophy of evolution has made an entirely new teaching of religion necessary. Many men like Lyman Abbott advise us to stay in the church and re- form it's teachings from the inside. can say almost anything from my Attic boro pulpit, but I would be less hampered on the stage
 MT. Fricht was asked If he thought of the number of frivolous and indecent plays which were unpopular hadn't de- tered him.
 "No.' he said "I would want to act only in the classic drama. preferably Shakespeare I believe that the people are tired of trash and will turn once more to Shakespeare. I notice by this morn ings paper that they are going to pro- duce Brownings "Pippa Passes I would like to get into Browning. I don't mean to say. however. that comedy is out of place on the stage. I would far rather make people laugh than groan."
 Mr Fricht says that his work at the Blythe school has been the study and recitation of Shakespeares plays He has had some of the hardest parts to do, he says. Mir Fricht is also busy with fenc- ing lessons and other like stage accom- plshments
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
Italians in Our Cotton Fields.

Tn all parts of the country they are beginning to look towards the immi- grants who come from the neighbor- hood of Naples or from communities still farther south in Italy, even from Sicily, to take the places on the farms of the natives who have foolishly in many cases fled to the cities. So many Italians are coming in there will per haps be enough to go around, and no doubt every part of the country will be benefited by the prudent and cheerful toilers from the crowded peninsula.
 But the true objective point of the Neapolitans and sSicilians should be the cotton. states, because in those states they can find duplicate of their home climate, and because cot ton is a better cash crop than any other section produced in large quan- titles. Various devices may draw them away from the south for awhile, but in the long run they will ascertain where they can prosper best, and they will then seek this section.
 We can offer them cheap lands, an Italian climate and crop that they can cultivate to great advantage. They cannot be scared away by color preju- dice. and if a few thousand of them could be induced to come here as cot ton growers, they would soon attract enough more to fill up many of our waste places. We want other white immigrants. We want more white men, but we particularly want Italians who will make cotton. The present condition of the cotton market, pres ent and prospective, should act as a magnet to bring them here.
 The Italian is a skillful worker at whatever he turns his hands to, and he would soon become a successful cotton grower. He could not possibly fail, and in no other section can he buy land so cheaply as he can in the south. A little well-directed energy on the part of our railroads and public authorities could gather at New Or leans alone thousands of newly-arriyed Italians, and induce them to come to Alabama to become cotton growers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
About Persons.

M. W. Jones of Mobile and F. K, Rosa mond of Montgomery are at the Morris.
 
 J. w. Bradshaw and A. J. Story of Talladega are at the Metropolitan. J. L. Robson and H. c. Bedford of Chi cago are at the St. Nicholas Phil Painter of Brookwood is at the Hillman.
 C. F. Hamilton of Greenville is stopping at the Morris.
 W. L. Dick of Montgomery is at the Florence.
 Capt. J. M Faulkner of Montgomery is at the Hillman.
 J. D. Brancroft of Livingston is at the Metropolitan.
 L. L. whittle of Knoxville is registered at the St. Nicholas.
 The Hon. Alexander Troy of Montgom- cry Is at the Morris.
 J. w. Olson of St. Paul is at the St. Nicholas. Thomas T. Lynch of sylacauga is at the Metropolitan.
 pr. J. H. Gum of Calera is stopping at the Florence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
THE GEORGIA "PAToIs.v
From tn New York Commercial.

From tn New York Commercial.
 Joel Chandler Harris tells story that seems to show that Uncle Remus and the southern dialect writers in general are making progress in distant regions.
 "I recently saw a letter received by an Atlanta firm" says Mir. Harris. from an Italian export house at Naples The foreign firm evidently keeps its own pri- vate English expert, and he has aparent- ly been making a close study of the southern negro dialect, with the result that he has arrived at the conclusion that it Is the regular language of our part of the country and the only one that we un. derstand, The letter ran in part as fol- lows;
 'Deah Sahs--Eit gif us 'streme sats faction ter call you 'tention ter ouh fines grade macaroni. de bestes' made in desc yer paints. 'Waitin' you 'steemed favahs sahs, we main, yo's 'Spec'fully.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
COLLIER ENDORSED.
Tuscaloosa County Executive Commit
 tee Passes Resolutions.

Tuscaloosa, February 19.-(Specia1 At meeting of the executive committee If the democratic party of this county the Following resolutions were passed yes- terday morning:
 Be 1t resolved by the executive com mittee of the democratic party of Tus- caloosa county, that in recognition of his legal attachments, his high character and eminent fitness for that office, we heartily endorse the candidacy of our counryman, the Hon. Daniel Collier, for judge of the Sixth judicial circuit, and commend him to our fellow voters of the county as in every way worthy of the great office to which he aspires. MT. Collier is a splen did gentleman and every indication points to his election"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
lacks in Office.

Sir Henry Irving's production of eThe Bells" in Chicago has brought up the questions relating to the use of a calcium light in theatre, thus involv- ing the placing there of gas tanks. The official authorities compelled the |r,eteran actor to substitut for his fay- ;rite "spot light" strong incandes- eut bulb, and Sir Henry, who is as
 .ticular in caring for all details as
 dr. Mansfield, resented official in
 prence, and when he was called be-
 he curtain on the night of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
REASON ENOUGH.

From the New/York Commercial.
 Joseph Jefferson's son William once had a period of being something of a spend- thrift. On the occasion of a trip abroad his funds. which were supposed to be ann pie, had a habit of giving out with mys- terious frequency, when it would become necessary to call upon his father for a renewed supply. These pitiful appeals for aid were endured patiently and responded to most promptly for a time, but at last parental authority began to exhibit itself and, instead of a remittance came a cable which read: What for?'
 The reply was swiftly cabled across the water: For Willie.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
From the New York Sun.

From the New 1ork sun,
 THE Rev Wilson Fricht, star pupil \OH of the Blythe School of Acting
 at S9 West Ninety-seventh street, came down yesterday from Attleboro, Mass, where he preached to nearly thousand people in his church on Sun. day. Although MT. Fricht spends most of every week here preparing for stage career, he is still pastor of his church and receives the moral and financial support of his congregation.
 The Rev. Mir Fricht isn't learning to be an actor in order to improve his preach ing, although that may follow. He actu- ally intends to tread the boards because he believes he can do more good as an lc- tor than as a preacher. He has been minister of three different denoninations, and is now pastor of an independent church. But in none has he had a broad enough scope for his talents
 q have had rather unusual history for a clergyman, said MT. Fricht to Sun reporter yesterday. After l was graduated from Mount Union college at Alliance. Ohio, and Drew Theoloslcai seminary at Madison, N. J., l held pas torate in a Methodist church in New Eng land. But the ecclesiastical polity of the Methodist church became unbearable to me and I got out. Then l joined the Congregational church, but that was too narrow. I was about to enter the Uni tartan fold, but accepted instead the pas torate of an independent flock in Attle- boro. It was a noble work and has sue ceeded. but I hope to find broader field on the stage"
 Mir. Fricht Is a young man and ioohs more like an actor than like clergyman. His dress is a neat compromise between the two styles. Perhaps he more closely resembles a prosperous poet than either actor or parson. His features are not wholly unlike those of the greatest of dramatists whose plays he hopes to en- act. His voice is soft tnd we'll modula- ted. But the most striking thing about the clerical dramatic student is a great shock of silver and gold hair.
 When a reporter called on MT. Fr1cn' yesterday he talked in the intelligent, self-composed manner of a man who has made up his mind what he wants 10 do and intends to do it.
 T am studying for the stage he said '"That is, if when I have finished my work here next spring am good enough to go on. My people in Attleboro thoroughly approve of my course. consulted them before starting in. will be sorry to give up my work there. but the people say that now have started the church wori they will go on with It.
 T find that dramatic training improves
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
p. p. Kilby Dead.

Anniston, February 19.-(Special) )-Pey- ton Phillip Kilby died at his home, 1420 Leighton avenue. Wednesday afternoon He had been feeble for several months. Mir. Kilby was in his 75th year. He has re- sided here with his sons and daughters for about two years, having moved here from Cleveland, Tenn. He was the father of Thomas E.. F. w. and D. M Kilby and Miss Lutabelle Kilby, of this city, and Mrs. Arthur B. Newell of Atlanta. The deceased was a lifelong Methodist and attended the First Methodist church here The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. c. l.. Jenkins at the late home of the deceased at O clock this afternoon and the remains will be taken to Atlanta on the evening train for interment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
A SONNET ON BEATRICE.

By Dante. So gentle and so noble doth appear My lady when she passes through the
 street, That none her salutation dare repeat An all eyes turn from her as if in fear. She goes her way, and cannot help but
 hear The praise of all-yet modest still and
 sweet; Something she seems come down from
 heaven--her seat, To earth, miracle to show men here. So pleasing doth she seem unto the eye, That to the heart a sweetness seems to
 move. A sweetness only known to those who
 feel; And from her lips spirit seems to steal A gentle spirit soft and full of love That whispers to the souls of all men.
 sigh"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
CANDIDATES NUMEROUS.
New Students Seek Places on Uni
 versity Baseball Team.

Tuscaloosa, February 19.-tSpecial)- An unusual amount of interest is being manifested in athletics at the University of Alabama this year. On account of the brilliant record of the baseball team for the past several years, the candidates for the varsity team are very numerous this year.
 Among the new candidates are: Lewis, Richardson, Lee, Troutam, B F Caffey, L. w. Chapman, Reddin and Chamber lane. The following of the 1903 team have returned: Ellington Robertson, Young, McMahon, Smith, Caffey.
 Coach Stouch will arrive in the near future. when the team will go into train ing. The first series of games of this season will be played on the campus with the Agricultural and Mechanical college, Mississippi, March 31, April 1 and ?.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
KILLED BY ENGINE.
Coon Hill Run Over at Gadsden Steel
 Plant.

Gadsden, February 9.-(speciaL)-Coon Hill was run over and killed at the plant of the Alabama Steel and Wire company last night about o'clock No one saw the accident and the engineer of the switch engine was not aware that his engine had run over a human being until some one walking up the track stumbled over the body.
 Hill was near chute in a dark place. Both legs were cut off close to his body, one arm broken. head bruised and there were internal bruises. Death was in- stantaneous.
 Hill was about 3S years old. Papers on his person places his home at Monson, Mass. The remains we'll be forwarded to Monson
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-20
Heavy Traffic.

New Orleans last year shipped about five times as many cotton bales as New York, and in the same period Galveston shipped about five times as many bushels of wheat" said New York man. s'In recent week little blue nosed New Brunswick harbor, with walruses and seals all around. and the so5ourning penguin frozen stiff. shipped more bushels of the latter than Manhattan's proud mart which ought to drape its csor knocker and Father Knickerbocker's hat