davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
FAMOUS OLD ARITHMETIC.
In 1t Children Centuries Ago Studied
 Multiplication Table.

From the Oneonta CN. Y.) Star.
 The present generation is inclined to think of Daboll as the father of arith- metic' and those who possess a copy of his work think they have treasure, in- deed. The Star representative, however, has the privilege of reviewing a text book in mathematics published seventy three years before the famous Daboll was born. This book Is undoubtedly one of the oldest owned in Otsego county, and is considered great curiosity by all who have seen 1t. It is the work of Ed ward Cocker, printed November 27, 1677 by John Collins two years after the au- thor's death. The work Is famous since it was for years considered a forgery of Collins. and in It's day caused much dis cussion in the colleges of England. Col lins .who was an actor and poet and an intimate friend of Edward Cocker, dis pelled the accusations against him by proving the manuscript for the book to have been Cookers. The latter was one of the most famous authorities on arith- metic of his day, and published many books. The work, a copy of which has recently been brought to light here, was his last manuscript.
 The book Is nearly complete and In good condition. It Is interesting from typographical point of view, and the sub- ject matter is most peculiar as compared with modern text books.
 The fact that the multiplication table appears in the book gives some force to the common expression, 'As old as the multiplication table, Primary pupils of today who are inclined to believe that this combination of figures was especial- ly prepared to rack their memory should find some satisfaction in the knowledge that children of at least two and 8 half centuries have drilled upon 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
Faults in the Unit Rule.

The convention at St. Louis should do one of two things-it should either abolish the unit rule, or else it. should apply it in all states. Either way would be satisfactory. But rule that is worked in spots is not good rule, and it's effects are tricky and uncertain Universality is needed, or else prohi' fair play for all aspirants and fair result for the democracy of the coun- try.
 As things stand the adoption of the unit rule by one state delegation, and it's rejection by another might change the entire course of the ballotting A man might be nominated who would not be the choice of the people. Even the strenuous two-thirds rule would not prove sufficient against manipula- ton of the unit rule in the delega- ton rooms.
 Let there be uniformity either in one direction or the other. If the dis trict delegates represent districts in- dividual voting is preferable, but if Q delegation Is a state matter then the unit rule is defensible. The district or the state plan should be adopted. Let us have the one or the other, and the St. Louis convention should settle this matter early in the course of it's pro ceedings. Uniyersality and a settled rule are preferable in any event to manipulation and uncertainty. The one leads to harmony and the other to discontent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
HARP OWNED BY QUEEN MARY.
It Was Given as Prize in Competl-
 ton Between Bards.

From the London Daily Mall.
 There was dispersed by auction In Ed inburgh on Saturday a family collection of Stuart and Jacobite relics of great his- toric interest and value. The early death of J. N. Durrant-Steuart, the twelfth and Laird of Dalguise, in Perthshire. brought this unique collection to the hammer.
 Interest centered mainly on two an- cient harps, one known as Queen Mary's harp, and the other known as the La- mont or Caledonian harp. For the last twenty years they have reposed in the National Museum of Antiquities, and are well known to Scottish antiquaries.
 The story of Queen Mary's harp is that during a hunting trip into the highlands of Perthshire, in the year 1863, she of- fered her own harp as prize in a bar die competition. It was awarded to Miss Beatrice Gurdyn of Banehory. It closely resembles the famous harp of Brian Boru, and a century ago 1t was strnged and found to possess a sweet and del- icate tone.
 Competition for it was very keen. The odore Napier. the well konwn Jacobite enthusiast, remained fin the bidding until 9s40 was reached, and finally at eS92 los. it was secured by the authorities of the Edinburgh Antiquarian museum.
 The Lamont harp, which dates from the eleventh of twelfth century, was sold at G525
 A lock of hair from Prince Charles head, and another from that of his wife, Princess Louise of Stohlberg. went for a33 12s. A sword which he had worn was sold for e7s. Highland dirks went at from e11 to e15 each, an Andrea Fer rara sword at f25. and two genuine old Highland targets at e5S 16s. and ECO 1Ss.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
Cunninqham's French.

Lieutenant Governor Cunningham, who was suddenly called home from Europe on account of Governor Jeks poor health. tells an amusing story of an ex- perence which befell him in Paris cafe.
 Although Dr. Cunningham soon learned German well enough to understand med ical lectures in the language at Berlin, he found French a hard proposition and he confesses that he was unable to make much progress in conversing with the monsieurs whom he met in the gay cap- ital.
 He dropped into cafe in Paris one day to get something to eat. Unable to make a selection from the puzzlng bill of fare, which he could repeat intelligent ly to the waiter. he fell back on the great American dish. ham and eggs. The man heard him give this order with a troubled look. Evidently he was at sea. The doctor tried again. This time he called for bacon and eggs, but there was no change in the attitude of the waiter. Finally the hungry tourist shouted ''eggs" several times and finding that the word had no effect on his garcon, he cacSled like hen, to the evident aston ishment of the other guests present,
 A look of intelligence flashed across the face of the waiter, who went away to give the order. He brought only one egg, however and the doctor was forced to caclSle for a second, which he ate with good appetite. The genial doctor sd- mits that this cackling trick was not original. it having been tried by other tourists before. but it served his purpose nevertheless.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
IN HOTEL LoBBIEs
May Visit Birmingham.


 It Is more than probable that General John c. Black of Chicago. commander-ln- chief of the Grand Army of the Republic will visit Birmingham in the near fu- ture, said a veteran last night.
 General Black is also the president of the United States civil service com mission and is a prominent attorney or Illinois. He will come to Alabama on April 2S to attend the annual reunion of the department of Alabama of the Grand Army of the Republic at New Decatur He has accepted an invitation to visit Montgomery later and may be induced to stop over in Birmingham en route to the Capital City. He will be accompanied by his wife on his southern trip.
 General Black is an ardent democrat and Is among the few members of that party that have been called to the com mand of the grand army. During the early part of his first administration President Cleveland appointed him as commissioner of pensions and short time ago he was placed at the head of the civil service commission by President Roosevelt.
 Should the commander stop over in Birmingham he will be the guest of the local post"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23

to bind this state to Parker, to wait until they can ascertain what his chances for carrying his own state are.
 They demand that the Alabama del egation shall be tied hand and foot to Parker, although other states are not doing likewise Up to this writing the list reads as follows:
 Uninstructed: Kansas 20, New Jersey 24 Pennsylvania 6S, West Virginia H. or- egon 8. Total 134.
 Instructed for Parker: New York, IS.
 Instructed for Olney: Massachusetts, 9.
 Instructed for Hearst: Rhode Island B. New Mexico 6, South Dakota 8. Nevada G. Total 2s.
 The people of Alabama have been promised delegation free to act as circumstances and knowledge gained at St. Louis may dictate. They ex- pect to have those promises fulfilled. They do not demand that Alabama shall be theatric at St. Louis. They do not want a delegation that poses, and they are not looking for a second Cleveland. Judge Parker is an estimable man, who may become the nominee of the democratic party. If so, he will have the cordial support of The Age-Herald, but until July it is best to keep on looking for the most available man, rejecting alike precon- ceived notions and prejudices. We should send a strong delegation of good democrats to St. Louis, and leave them free to act as to them seems best. This may not suit the scheme of the Register and the Ad- yertiser, but it is what the good of the party calls for, and it is what ev- cry impartial and disinterested dem ocrat will be apt to stand for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
Just Beginning.

Birmingham has made a big start as a city, but 1t is yet in it's infancy" said the president of a large corporation yes- terday. Just think of the strides Bir- mingham has made within the last three or four years.
 Notable buildings erected have been St. Vincent's hospital, the Jefferson the atre, the City Hall the Hotel Hillman' the Southern club, the Athletic club, the Country club, many elegant churches, and three steel frame buildings The fourth steel frame structure is about to be erect ed and it will be a sky scraper indeed eighteen stories high A handsome high school building Is about to be erected and a Masonic temple and T. M. C.. A. building will be under way before next fall.
 These improvements make fine rec ord but in ten years from now we will have a dozen sky scrapers, several new hotels and other great structures. l have never been speculator in real estate but there is not a foot of Birmingham dirt that will not sell for more money one year hence than its quoted value today"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
SHAW LATE TO DINNER.
n the New York Commercial.

From the New York Commercial
 There is in Washington a government scientist who has attained great emi- nence in his profession. and who, not very long ago, gave a dinner in honor of former Speaker Henderson. As this sci- enlist is an Iowa man, he decided to make it distinctly an Iowa dinner and invited distinguished Iowans in town. That, of course, included Secretary Shaw, Secretary Wilson; Senator Allison and others. The hour was 2 o'clock, and all the guests were then on hand except MT. Shaw. The dinner party waited and waited. Finally it was 7:3o o'clock. Shall we wait longer for the secretary ?' inquired the host for the fifth or sixth time It was decided not to wait further. and the dinner was served.
 At exactly y:55 o'clock the secretary of the treasury was announced. His expla- nation has been a joke among the Iowa contingent in Washington ever since. q thought this dinner was for 8 o'clock" he said in evident embarrassment 1T arrived at 7:3o by my watch It was so early decided to walk up and down the street until I saw some one else come But no one came, and so I had to enter alone"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
The Doctors.

Twenty-Five or thirty Birmingham physicians have returned from the annual meeting of the Alabama Medical associa- ton, which had been in session several days in Mobile. The meeting adjourned yesterday morning
 Those who were present at the meet, ing state that 1t was one of the largest held in many years, and that there were about 250 delegates present. They were entertained in various ways and enjoyed greatly the hospitality of Mobile.
 The next meeting of the association will be held in Montgomery. The annual elec- tion of officers resulted as follows:
 President, Dr. c. C.~Jones of East Lake; vice president, pr. w. H. Bell of liar grove; board of censors Dr. F. H. Shoil of Birmingham and Dr. I. L. Watkins of Montgomery orator. Dr. Cecil Harris of Union Springs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23

HERE seems to be bond of union (0 between literature and the drama.
 which unites the author and the actor In lasting friendship. Many pleas ant recolections of such unions exist but none are more entertaining than those dealing with the comradship of Robert Manteli and "Bill' Nye. the great humor- ist. The actor and the author were much together in the early days of their careers and many stories are told of their con- fidential chats. Although other and youngI CT stars have risen in the theatrical firm ament, MT. Mantell continues to rank first among romantic actors and Nye held a place among American humorists that was distinctively his own. It is a pity that the grave of the man who has made so many thousands smile should be neglect ed. Humanity is always more liberal with laughter than with tears.
 It is reported that popular novelist has just gone down to Mexico to look after his gold mine. The idea of associating a man who writes books with gold mine is almost startling at first thought, but m these days when it Is possible to write a novel in month dr two and sell 1t for several hundred thousand dollars, liter ateurs have become plutocrats instead of beggars It is enough to make Shakes peare, Oliver Goldsmith and those other old fellows who had more genius than cash turn over in their graves.
 According to press dispatches the Thi- betans have decided that they are in q mood for making peace with the British invaders. People who shoot leather can criticized for wanting to make terms with one of the worlds great powers. In addi- tion to opening up new market for In- dian tea and giving Great Britain that small prestige which the conquest of the Grand Lama's domains would bestow, it is rather hard to see why the Thibetan expedition should occupy so much atten- ton. The Mad Mullah is a much rnore interesting parsonage. although he is not quite, 50 exclusive.
 President Roosevelt is a strenuous coll lege man as we'll as an active executive of the nations affairs. The other day he took occasion to show the Harvard base ball team that his enthusiasm for his alma mater has not suffered in the wear and tear of political life. The Harvard team paid the President visit at the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
In inc May Convention.

Instruct for Parker" says the Mo bile Register; stand for Parker, says the Montgomery Advertiser, because he is "a man of like temper and mould with Cleveland" These two expo nents of Alabama democracy have started out to control the May con vention in the sole interest of David Bennett Hills New York candidate. The Register bases its action upon the dramatic or sentimental casting of Alabama's vote in the roll-call of states at St. Louis. The Advertiser, on the other hand, casts sentiment and theatricais to the dogs, depending upon the one grand all-conquering statement that Parker is another Cleveland. However the result is reached, both have adopted the unit rule, and are crying out with one voice, Give us an instructed Parker delegation"
 They are not willing to wait long enough to ascertain what Tammany's underlying intentions are. They know that Parker instructions were secured in New York by running roughshod over the New York city democracy and they are not willing, in their haste
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
FLOWERS | WOULD BRING.

By Aubrey Thomas De We're. Flowers 1 would bring if flowers could
 make thee fairer. And music, if the Muse were dear to
 thee (For loving these would make thee love
 the bearer) But sweetest songs forget their melody, And lovlest flowers would but conceal
 the wearer- A rose marked, and might have plucked;
 but she Flushed as she bent, imploring me to
 spare her, Nor spoil her beauty by such rivalry. Alasl and with what gifts shall pursue
 thee, What offerings bring. what treasures lay
 before thee, When ca rth with all her floral train doth
 woo thee, And all old poets and old songs adore
 thee; And love to thee is naught; from passion
 ate mood Secured by joys camplacent plenitude!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

White House and it was a remarkable illustration of the democracy of this country that ponderous senators were forced to wait while the nations chief executive congratulated a college base ball team.
 The Bostonians will play their last en- gagement as a complete organization at the Grand opera house in New York May 23. Robin Hood' and "Pinafore" will be the operas in which Barnabee and Mo- Donald will make their last appearance together. Although this excellent organ last few years 1t has become a fixture of the comic opera world that will be sorely missed when it exists no longer '"The Bostonians" have fourished for fifteen years and have everywhere been accord ed the most fattering patronage by the public. but everything grows old in time and even the best comedians at last get crusty and stiff, so that their humor is not quite so infectious as of yore. Mr. Barnabee and MT. Mcdonald are both veteran players and they should experi- ence no regret in severing partnership after achieving such remarkable success Robin Hood'' and 'The Bostonians" will always be intimately associated in the public mind.
 The typewriter girls of New York are organizing for the purpose of wrestling their rights from their beetle-browed employers and they already have s20 in the treasury. While it is generally agreed that the typewriter girl Is underpaid she seems to enjoy all the dignity that is floating around in that particular estab- lishment where she is located. The in- significant man who has ever approached this important young person and hum- bly requested an audience with the old gentleman behind the glazed glass door can vouch for the statement The ob- ject of the New York typewriter girls seems to be curtailment of the hours of work and an increase of salary, both of which would do much to make the life of stenographers approach nearer to . dream of honeyed bliss. P. c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
BAKER OUTRAGED.
prom the Washington Post.

From the Washington Post.
 Somebody played it low down on Rep resentative Baker of Brooklyn a few days ago. Baker Is the man who sent back a Baltimore and Ohio pailroad pass and at the same time wrote a long letter to the newspapers telling about his ac- ton,
 There was a dinner of the Fellowship club in Philadelphia and number of statesmen. including Baker. went over from Washington to attend it. After the dinner Baker was enticed into the private car of an officer of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and rode back to Washing ton in it without paying a cent of fare, He tried to pay for his ride but every body laughed at him.
 He says it was an outrage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
East Lake.

T visited East Lake this afternoon" said man, who also saw it last sum- mer 'and you have no idea how much improvement has been made In places where there was formerly weeds rocks and sticks lying about now there are flower beds, terraces and pretty hedges. The top is being placed on the theatre, new band stand is beng built, and the boat house and bathing house are almost completed.
 One would hardly recognize the place. loop for the street cars has been built in portion of the park and the stream which formerly ran between dirty, un- slightly banks is now running between two walks that have been built and sides which are well terraeed. All the old shacks have been removed and active work is being done. The improvements can be seen daily.
 "A dozen or more forms of amusement will be provided, the most important of which Is roller-coaster, one of the most pleasant and exciting of sports. Work has not yet been commenced on the coaster, but will begin about next week. There is large force employed and they are working well under the careful eye of Jake Wells representative.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
CAMPAIGN FOR THE HORSE.

From the New York Tribuhe.
 The Anti-Bearing Rein association is conducting a campaign for the horse in England. It has recently covered the boardings with posters appearing to own CTS to deal kindly with the animal It now offers to defray half the cost of mo- tice boards which humanely disposed people may erect at the bottom of hills asking drivers to slacken the bearing rein. when one is used, during the ascent Such board has, with the permission of the borough council, Just been erected in Hampstead. It would be interesting to know how much attention the "cabby'' whose fare is in hurry and ready to tip will pay to such signboards.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
PARKER IS PROVING TO
 BE A GREAT HARMONIZER

mere harmless growl for appearance's sake, has filled his friends full of con fidenee as to his ability to manage the. national democracy. That he will carry New York away from MT. Roosevelt they have not the slightest doubt
 Judge Parker will carry New York easily" said Senator Henry Mccarren today His majority in this state will not be less than 75,OOO. He will get every democratic vote up the state. including many republican or independent votes that no democratic candidate has had since Cleveland was elected in 1892, and he will go out of Greater New York with the greatest majority ever given a candi- date for president. Thousands upon thou sands of republican business men will support him-men who are afraid of Roosevelt
 How about Tammany?" I asked.
 "oh, Tammany will be all right Tam many will be at St. Louis shouting for Parker. and in November the organiza- ton will get out every voter for the ticket. There is nothing else for Tam many to do now but be loyal. We'll carry New York for Parker sure"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
Parker Is No Tyro.

Probably Patrick McCarren Is right about Tammany getting in line for Par ker taking seat on the band wagon. If MT. German thinks he can use Tam many to break down Parker at St. Louis. hN is leaning on broken reed. Judge Parker himself Is no tyro at the game of politics, and just now he is playing a pretty strong hand. He is after harmony and success. His chances of getting the first are good. As to the other, that Is another story, which we will do well to keep an open mind about till next au- tumn.
 Tn fact, Tammany already Is feeling pretty good. good deal better than it was yesterday. Victor Bowling. who Is Leader Murphy's spokesman. said today Tammany was satisfied, and that Judge Parker had done the square thing He had treated them generously and they were warming up to him. He had over ruled Hill and given them a delegate at large an alternate and two electors Bet ter than all the Judge had insisted on fair play in regard to contested seats. and, through his magnanimity. Tammany had about twenty-five more votes in the convention than it had expected to have. MT Bowling thought Leader Murphy and the whole push would go to St. Louis talking Parker.
 They certainly will if Mir. Parker has his way. Between Albany and St. Louis there will be many negotiations. Tam many's attitude is clear. We are not against Judge Parker, but we are against Hill and McCarren."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
WOULD HAVE REACHED GOAL.

From the Marion Standard.
 While MT. Bankhead defeated Captain Hobson for congress, as The Herald wisely remarks 1t was well that Hob- son had Bankhead to tackle instead of some other Alabama congressman, elso he would. beyond question, have reached the goal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.
From the New York Press.

From the New York Press.
 The man who knows women knows enough to pretend he doesn't.
 Next to receiving letters that don't mean anything, woman would rather write them.
 A woman is sure she is having a good time when she is doing something her next-door rival isn't permitted to do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-23
Delegates in Private Cars.

The delegates from this district to the state convention of the Christian En- deavor were carried to opellka yesterday in a special car on the Central Railroad of Georgia. The car was in charge of IT. J. Arnett of the passenger department. The delegates warmly praised the efforts of MT. Arnett, and last evening he re- ceived a. letter from them expressing their gratefulness and appreciation