davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
RUSSIAN AND JAPAN
 FORCES IN COMPARISON

and supplies must now be transported vulnerable and would call for large pro- tecting forces. as would the Manchurian garrisons, for it must be remembered that Russia would have to fight in a practi- oally hostile country. which would itself nave to be overawed. Obviously, there fore, Russia would strain every nerve to control the sea, for the double purpose of drawing supplies by water and prevent ing the landing of Japanese troops in Manchuria or Korea.
 But on the water, too. the advantage would seem to lie with the Yankees of the East" The Russian navy is without experience in war. and is as destitute of efficient naval bases and repair yards of use in winter as the Japanese are well provided with them. Accustomed as the Russians are to cold weather operations, they cannot in this respect surpass their possible enemies Commander Francis M. Barber, IT. s. N, who accompanied the Japanese torpedo boats to Port Arthur in the zero weather of the 1895 campaign, could not say enough in praise of the extraordinary hardness and endurance of their men, The Japanese personnel as a whole has received the highest praise from European critics.
 Their crews are inspired by the keen- est spirit of zeal and patriotism" The judgment of their officers is marked by courage capacity and admirable resource funess." The standard of discipline is that of the British navy, by many of whose officers the Japanese sailors have been instructed. Sir William White. the eminent English authority. has summed them up by saying that: They have shown themselves fully equal to the great responsibilities involved in using during war as well as peace a fleet replete with every modern improvement in machinery, guns and equipment"
 So far as the numerical comparison be- tween the Russian and Japanese ships in the east or en route is concerned the former have the advantage. particularly in battleships. But their heaviest yes sells are of widely varying types and speed and far less homogeneous than the Jap anese. Only three of their armored cruis- CTS can be said to be up-to-date. though they possess at Port Arthur a very large and well spoken of fotila of torpedo boats and destroyers For the Russians the best move in the event of war Is thought in many quarters to be a concen- tration of their fleet in the Gulf of Pe- chili. As long as 1t should be intact and large military force at Port Arthur, the Japanese could enter Manchu.fs only by way Korea, a long and difficult route to the objective of any land campaign the cutting of the Trans Siberian railway. That these problems have been carefully studied by the Japanese general staff is notorious. Nor can it have overlooked the importance of striking quickly after a declaration of war
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Whites as Cotton Growers.

President Hardy of the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical college insists that white labor in the cotton fields is the true solution of the cotton Iproblem. By comparing the various counties in his own state he arrives at the conclusion that a black county, although more fertile naturally, is not as productive as. white county He believes, too, that machinery will be used more and more in the south. He says:
 with a few more Improvements that are sure to be made, the cotton picker will be an entire success. Several pickers have been in operation this season, and our textile school has demonstrated that the cotton mill machinery has no trouble in removing the extra trash gathered by the picker The cotton picking machine can run at night as well as in the day time, which will enable the farmer to operate a double force of hands and save the great loss of cotton caused by bad weather. With the improved dlsc blows that are now being made. by which one man and team can break six acres day; with the improved cultvators, by which one man can do the work of three, and with the cotton picking machine a prac- tical success, by which one man can DICK six bales. day, there is no limit to our increase in the production of cotton
 An increased use of machinery means more whites in the cotton fields, for the whites supply and use machinery as rule When more whites and machinery are at work vast bodies of the lands can be culti- yated. In short, President Hardy thinks the south can double her cot ton production.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

stroyer is bad enough and if it's results are at all commensurate 1t bids fair to revolutlonize the pleasant custom of 'pis- tol totlng." The self-aeting six-shooter was formerly deemed convincing. but with the advent of this new terror there is no reason why gentlemen of questionable character may not be embroidered to greatly increase their activities. Most people are particularly averse to looking down one barrel of pistol, but now they will have to face several. Perhaps it Is a matter of congratulation that We are making such progress in the manufacture of firearms for the United States unques- tionably makes the most effective small arms in the world. but one cannot but fear that such state of affairs augurs poorly for that universal peace which philosophers are so fond of discussing
 writer in the Saturday Evening Post has seen fit to make a defense of tho pun. While all agree in the truth of his re- mark that the pun is very poor piece of humor it is also quite true that a good pun is better than poor joke There Is an established prejudice against puns nowadays which impells the average per son to greet an effort in this direction with jeers and open sarcasm. Since the time of Shakespeare the pun has fallen so low in public estimation that it seems destined never to rise again, but 1t is never safe to make predictions and since there are styles in literature as well as in dress, the time may eventually come -la,, foly than the senseless harpings on our noth- ers-in-law or those vacuous attempts at humor which have been hurled so thick ly against the defenseless head of Reed Shoot It is true that the Elizabethan pun is rather discouragng product but it must be remembered that the world is steadily advancing and modern humor- ists might be able to manufacture very presentable pun. At least the pun is generally a very harmless affair and if it should regain it's old popularity the pub lie would not suffer material injury
 Banking by mail is one of the late finan- cal achievements that has been wrought through the agency of Uncle Sam. Ger tain institutions of standing in the larger cltles now uo large business Tn saVlngS deposits with clients scattered all over the country. The small sum of $1.GO Is sufficient to make a start and after that it Is easy-if the advertisements are to be believed. Just why people residing in a town where there are well established banks should send their money away to be saved is rather hard to see, but the undoubted strength of the larger institu- tions of the country appeal to a man by their very soidity and standing, while there are many thousands of people in the country who have no access to 8 re- liable bank and are thus glad to avail themselves of an opportunity to deposit their savings in some of the strongest houses of the United States. P. C..
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
IN HOTEL LOBBIEs
Financial Situation.

Henry Clews in his Saturday circular
 says; The most satisfactory element of strength was the increasing ease of money and the consequent better feeling in banking circles. In 1903 the depression In Wall street was largely intensified by the forced contraction in credit. Purse strings were tightly held; and 1t follows that any relaxation in this respect will stimulate recovery.
 'on the other hand, considerable de- mands are likely to be made upon the money market by the turning of tempo rary loans, made in 1903 by railroad cor porations into fixed obligations. New is- sues of securities in considerable amountS are therefore inevitable; but 1t is to be remembered that these will be of the bet ter grade representing actual outlays and not the water so freely poured into the street during the trust mania. Very likely, also, the conservative spirit now prevalent in business circles will induce corporation managers to be cautious in new departures and new outlaws; thus tending to avert renewed congestion ot the security markets. All things consid- cred, however, there are abundant evil dences that last years lessons have been well learned: and that our financial and business leaders are readusting them selves to a forward movement having more substantial basis than heretofore.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
The Nursery Industry.

q cannot see why there are not more southern nurserymen," said an customer at the Morris "rhe climate of the south is certainly well adapted for establish ing extensive nurseries but l find that the great majority are to be found in the northern and eastern states.
 While 1t is true that hot-houses dis pense to a certain extent with the ques- ton of climate there are many plants that are grown in the open, both among flowers and vegetables, much more ad- vantageously than under glass. With your balmy air and mild winters l should i'm agine that this would be a very desira ole field for nurseries but if there a,e any large industries of this kind in the south they have escaped my notice.
 "On the other hand, some of the largest nurseries in the country are in the state of New York, where one would naturally suppose the rigorous climate 10 be an i'm portant factor. Flowers grow so uxu- riously in certain parts of the south that 1t Is remarkable more people do not cul- tivate them on large scale for conner cial purposes. l suppose one reason for this state of affairs is the fact that How CTS are so plentiful in the south people are averse to paying the fancy prices for them that are so readily handed over in the northern cities"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Popular Beverages.

"Unfermented grape juice is rapidly be- coming one of the most popular beverages in the country" said well-known drug gist. Its medicinal qualities have long been recognized and the fact that 1t does not intoxicate has caused Ii to be viewed with favor by temperance people with the result that it has become distinctly d drink for the home.
 "A few years ago grape juice WAS prac- tically unknown at soda founts, but now IS one of the most popular al inks served. There is no doubt that the juice of the unfermented grape is very refreshing and has such an eXhilerating effect on d hot summer day as to lead one to suppise that it really possesses some of the vir- tues of real wine. But grape juice is per- fectly harmless and is recognized as one of the best tonics now on the market There was a time when Hires root beer reigned supreme, but that has now been superseded"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Street Sweeping.

''I wish some one would raise another rrotest az Iainst the street sweepers,r sad gentleman last night "I have just faced dense cloud of dust while coming down Twenty-frst stfeet from the First Pres byterian church and the grit with which my system Is permeated has efrectually oispelied all my religious fervor.
 The street cleaning force usually begin operations about o'clock Tn the evening and pedestrians traversing Twenty-drst street between First and Third avenues at that time get the full benefit. It is bad enough on week nights, but Sunday night people leaving the First Presbyterian church are forced to face stifling cleud of dust that Is not only very annoying but injurious to health. If the streets were only sprinkled some relief would be afforded but the best thing is to defer the sweeping until later hour"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Fertilizers and Cotton.

A committee of the Montgomery Agricultural association recently in vestigated the subject of fertilizers for cotton fields, and it's report, just presented, is full of interesting facts.
 Of the ten essential clements of food for cotton plants all are furnished by the soil, air or water except three, and these three are nitrogen, potas- scum and phosphorus. Rotation of crops would afford the missing three, but farmers as a rule buy the three rather than to restore them to the soil by scientific cultivation
 One pound of nitrogen is worth if teen cents; one pound of phosphoric acid five cents, and one pound of pot ash five cents. Ammonia sometimes takes the place of nitrogen, acid phos phate of phos phorus, and potash of potassium. As a rule commercial fer tilizers show to the ton 160 pounds of phosphoric acid, B pounds of nitrogen, and 40 pounds of potash. Such fer tilizers sell at about $20 ton.
 The Montgomery committee thinks better fertilizer can be made at home, as follows:
 1150 pounds IA per cent acid phos-
 phate, 16O pounds at SIS per ton....s TAT BOO pounds cotton seed meal, 6.S0 per
 cent nitrogen, 3i pounds at S24 per S5O pounds kainit. 12h per cent pot
 ash, 43 pounds at $145O.............. 2.53 tk Total ....... .......... ..s........... Sl0.Vu 4 The homemade article would cost less. and it would contain more pot ash and acid phosphate. The Mont gomery committee does not say that in all seasons it would pay a farmer to keep his seed for fertilizer purposes, but it does say that a farmer should in all seasons either keep his seed or make meal contract.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
PATTI HAD TO LEAVE HOTEL.

Special to the New York World,
 Portland, Ore-Twelve rooms had been engaged at the Portland hotel for the Patti party. but on their arrival yesterday it was found that most of the rooms had been rented to delegates to the National Live Stock association, now In session here. The baroness and baron and the baroness two companions were accom- modated but when it was learned by Mime. Patti that her two friends were compelled to occupy the same room and be greatly inconvenienced m many ways she vigorously protested to Marcus Mayer and he went to Manager Bowers yester- day with the complaint.
 If you don't like what I give you in the way of accommodations Patti and her whole party can get out" said Bowers
 Baron Cederstrom and MT. Mayer were both for going to the private car at once but 1t is too crowded for her to dress in conveniently and was in remote district of the city, so they were compelled to re- main at the Portland until after dinner last evening.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Concerning Book Cases.

Tt has been a long time since anything so useful and convenient has been n- vented as the sectional bookcase" said a lawyer who has an extensive library. For my part. l think it would be exceed lngly difficult to improve on the style now In use, unless 1t were to suggest more convenient method of protecting the books from dust.
 deemed one of little importance until some genius got busy with his brains and evolved idea which showed now clumsy the old style bookcases could be in certain rooms where space was at a premium. Under former conditions the man who was just starting a library on limited means had no desire to fill his chamber with shelves that would remain bare for many years to come and on the other hand If he bought a small bookcase 1t would soon be running over, necessi- tating the purchase of another Nova days man buys his bookcase just as he buys his books and each keeps pace with the other. When one section is filled he buys another at moderate cost and the succession may be kept up indefinitely. Another feature of the sectional book case Is the opportunity afforded for artis- tic arrangement Windows, especially, can be made to look very attractive"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT

John D. Rockefeller has been reelected tist Sunday school of Cleveland by an unanimous ballot
 The will of the late Herbert Spencer re- quired three newspaper columns for ex- planation, and even in death the philos- ophers eccentricity was made apparent
 Artistic Rome is engaged in admiring an extensive collection of pictures painted by James McNiel Whistler which have been placed on exhibition by the late ar tist's friends.
 The British vice Admiral. Lord Charles Beresford, fell on his head and sustained coneussion of the brain while hunting near Kimarsh on January 8. His condition Is now very serious, and it is feared that he may not survive.
 In spite of his statements to the con- trary, Senator Hanna seems unable to dis pell the popular belief that he is a candi- date for the presidency, and the friends of President Roosevelt will not rest easy until the Ohio statesman comes out in q fiat denial that he will accept the repub- lican nomination if 1t is offered to him.
 Representative Martin, republican con- gressman from New York has introduced a bill in congress to have silver medals presented 10 Four Bear. Pretty Bear. Wood Bear, Sitting Bear, Swift Bird, Strikes Fire. and to the nearest relatives of Martin Charger. Kills And Comes, One Rib. Red Dog and Charging Dog. It is desired to reward these Indians for their bravery in saving the lives of white set tiers from the attacks of hostile tribes in 1862.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18

NICE George Ade retired from the @0 field there is a notable absence
 of writers of slang. In fact 1t would seem at first glance that this style of literature were somewhat on the wane in popularity, but whether this is merely a temporary fuctuation of public taste Is hard to say. At any rate Mir Ade has been wise enough to keep himself clear of slang with steadfastness of purpose which betokens that he is not thinking of returning soon to the style of writ ing which first brought his name promi- nently before the public. Now that his familiar fables are wanting there seems to be void which no one else cares to or Is capable of filling. To tell the truth there never were more than three or four humorists who made a success of what is called modern slang. MT. Ade was of course, one of them. Billy Baxter gave promise of winning laurels when his early death put an end to his labors, and at present Hugh McHugh does fairly well with his John Henry stories. It must be confesed that Dorothy Dix would be more pleasing if she would confine herself to other styles of composition than her animal stories and attempts at slang
 woman, unless she is exceptional, should let slang alone. MT. Dooley alone seems to have vitality but his philosophy is now confined to one publication and bids fair to lose some of it's widespread publicity. If slang philosophy and humor is really losing prestige 1t is perhaps good thing. The language of every day life would certainly be improved thereby.
 The influence of modern advertising has been often remarked. There are certain individuals and business firms that have managed to keep their affairs so success fully before the public that they are al- most as well known and familiar as our great statesmen, politicians and other people of note. There Is a real estate dealer, with business headquarters in Philadelphia, who is one of the most orig inal and persistent advertisers in the en- tire United States. All of his advertise ments are invariably accompanied by his picture so that people can see just what sort of man they are to deal with. This picture is the secret of success. A short time ago w. M. Ostrander was unknown by the majority of the people from Adams house cat but now his face and confident announcement that "I can sell your real estate' are found in every magazine you pick up. It Is so seldom that one man in such business. generally considered to be more or less local in character, ad- trar xxrfd al. fbat nSfr dar- rather an unique position. He now has offices in all the principal cities of the country and must assuredly do a large business or he could not pay for the space he occupies in current periodicals.
 The latest addition to the arsenal of de- fensive and offensive weapons is the mag azine pistol. The appearance of this de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18

900 tons, and Georgia falls into the item, "other states" As the fifth coal mining state Alabamas position Is se- cure, her nearest competitor being h. diana, which produced last year l0,. 515,S16. Indiana has been pressing forward in coal minging several years, but it is improbable that she will be able to pass Alabama.
 Coal at the mine ranked from $l.G5 a ton in the Indian Territory to $1 in Indiana. Several states produced coal that was sold at the mine at $1.15 a ton, and the average price in the country last year was s1.90 at the mine Alabama coal was sold at SPA at the mine last year.
 The Enineering and Mining Journal puts the production of pig iron in 1909 at 17942,840 long tons, as against 17S21 ,307 tons in 1902. Practically production stood unchanged, and this was to the slackened demand and low prices of the last four months of the year. The total value of the pig iron made last year was but $265, 5,554,092 as against s3O3, ,156,995 the value of the product of 1902. The imports of pig iron last year were 602,855 long tons, and in 1902 they were 625, 1883
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
Coal and Piq Iron.

The Engineering and Mining Jour nal puts the production of soft coal in this country in 1903 at 2S3. .406, ,691 tons, as against 25S,s25,1s4 tons in 1902. Alabama is credited in 1903 with 12.000,O00 tons, as against 10S29,- 479 tons in 1902. The value per ton in 1902 was $121; in 1903 it was SPA, making the total value of Alabama $ coal output last year year 14,SS0,000.
 Alabama is outranked as coal state by Pennsylvania, Illinois, West Virginia and Ohio. These states out rank Alabama as much as Alabama outranks all the other states. Tennes- sees production last year was 4,937,-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
GOD KNOWS BEST.

From The Gateway If you could push ajar the gates of life And stand within and all Gods work
 ings see, We could interpret all this doubt and
 strike And for each mystery find a keyl But not today. Then be content poor
 hearti Gods plans like lilies pure and white
 unfold; We must not tear the close-shut leaves
 apart; Time will reveal the calyxes of gold. And if. through patient toll. we reach the
 land Where tired feet, with sandals loosed,
 may rest. When we shall clearly know and under
 stand, think that we will say. God knew
 the besti'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 More men have danced than preached their way to woman's favor
 Some girls are so modest they are timid about taking off their glasses before peo- pie.
 It takes financial genius to induce his wife to let him spend some of the money he makes.
 It takes big load of argument to convince a wife that you love her more than ever unless you oil it up with soft soap.
 The eligible man who asks a girl to marry him has as much chance to escape as the one who bluffs four aces in a poker game.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-18
THE ALABAMA PRESS.

Montgomery Journal Atanta's s proposed new depot is to cost a million and half dollars. Just how much Mobiles new depot is to cost has not yet been an- nounced.
 Mobile Register: Mir. Wu-tlng- Fang Is coming to the front in China. If the Chi nese should make him president there would be future for their country. We nominate him for the office.
 Monroe Journal: The chances are that the Panama canal scheme will also be talked to death. Perhaps it deserves to De, but the country has long since realized that it is Panama or nothing and prefers the alternative that affords something tangible.
 Ft. Payne Journal: Ear grafting may possibly be acceptable in certain crcum- stances. There's sometimes a lack of lis teners when garrulous disputants are tearing the venacular to tatters. But surely in political campaigns. at least, there is no clear call for the grating of tongues.