davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
Rural Free Delivery.

Congressman Bankhead, in the course of an interview" at Tusca- loosa, expressed the belief that tho roads in the northern states are better than our roads, and that this had much to do with the generous establishment of rural free delivery routes in that section. He did not seem to think that Congressman Bowie had much to go on in his raid against discrimina- ton in the postoffice department.
 Assuredly MT. Bankhead does not ac. count for the establishment at the end of the last fiscal year of 1,484 routes in Iowa and 129 in Alabama. The roads of Iowa are dirt roads, and much of that dirt consists of black prairie soil which is simply bottomless in bad weather. Limited sections in the northern states have good roads, but as rule the roads in those states, sub ject to freezing and thawing, are not so good as the roads in the south, and the latter are none too good.
 The truth is, the trouble lies not so much in our roads as in the want of work on the part of our people and our politicians. Petitions for rural free delivery routes should be started wherever a road twenty-five miles long includes 100 families. One thousand petitions from Alabama should be sent to Washington. Write to your member of congress, who will send you all need ful blanks, with instructions how to use them.
 The long and short of the matter is, we can have 1000 rural free delivery routes, instead of 129, if we will wake up, and become as alert as the Iowa people are. We have been too slothful in this matter. A few bridges may have to be built, but they should be built anyway, and there is no reason why we should not have our propor- ton of that great blessing to rural life, rural free mail delivery daily.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
EXPLANATION MADE OF
 FLYING MACHINE TEST

faculties in attempting the first trials of flying machine in 25 mile gale. As win ter was already set in, we should have postponed our trials to a more favorable season, but for the fact that we were determined before returning to know whether the machine possessed sufficient power to fly, sufficient strength to with stand the shock of landings and sufficient capacity of control to make flight safe in bosterous winds, well as In calm air. When the points had been definitely estab- 1shed we at once packed our goods and returned ohme, knowing that the age or the flying machine had come at last.
 From the beginning we have employed entirely new principles of control and as all the experiments have been conducted at our own expense without assistance from any individual or institution, we do not feel ready at present to give out any pictures or detailed description of tho machine"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
THE RAVEN DAYS.

By Sidney Lanier. Our hearts are gone out and our hearts
 are broken, And but the ghosts of homes to us re-
 main, And ghastly eyes and hollow signs give From friend to friend of an unspoken
 pain. O Raven days, dark Raven days of sor-
 row, Bring to us in your whetted ivory beaks Some sign out of the far land of Tomor-
 row, Some strip of sea-green dawn. some or-
 ange streaks. Ye float in dusky files, forever croaking Ye chill our manhood with your dreary
 shade. Dumb in the dark. not even God invok-
 ing. We lie in chains. too weak to be afraid O Raven days. dark Raven days of sor-
 row, will ever any warm light cdrne again? Will ever the lit mountains of Tomorrow, Begin to gleam; athwart the mournful
 plain?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
Action of State Committee.

The plan adopted by the state exec utive committee is comprehensive, meeting all contingencies, and suited to all forms of sentiment in the party. All white qualified electors are invited to join the democratic party and to vote in the coming April primary. All white men who are registered and who pay by February 1 all poll taxes as- sessed against them since the adoption of the new constitution, can now be- come democrats In good standing, and few indeed will refuse to accept tho generous offer of the state committee. All who became populists are thus in- vited to return to the fold to share equally in the duties and benefits of the ancient party.
 All nominations for officers, be they of state, district, circuit, county or beat, are to be made in the April prl- mary, provided the counties that have acted will conform to the action of the state committee. As the state commit tee has met the "early" counties more than half way-has, in fact, named a day for an early primary, it is to be hoped for unity and harmony's sake that each and every one of them will meet and make April il the day of their own choice. Jefferson county will assuredly do so, for the holding of March primary in addition to an April primary would be an unnecessary bur den and inconvenience to the voters of the party. It is safe to say that the counties that have acted will con form to the plan of the state commit tee, and that shower of ballots on April Il will determine all contn ts for office within the party.
 The state committee has generously left open the manner of selecting del egates to the state convention, which is to meet May 25 to select presidential delegates and presidential electors. Some counties will perhaps hold coun- ty conventions for the purpose of se- lecting delegates to the state conven- tion. while other counties will select such delegates by direct vote in the April primary. One way is as regular AS the other, and the state committee has granted freedom to each county to act in this matter as to it seems best. Each county is to select in its own way five delegates to the state convention for each member 1t sends to the house o1 representatives.
 The state committee wisely adopted the plurality rule, thus eliminating the nuisances known as run-offs. It, how ever, permits county committees to adopt different rule as to county off cers, something none of them will be apt to do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
REMAINS A NoN-cHURcHeoER.

From the New York Mail and Express.
 To overcome difficulty in hearing, Thomas A. Edison some time ago invent ed a contrivance that aided him greatly. It was big, clumsy looking thing, the size of cigar box. but the principle was correct and that was the main thing. MT. Edison meant to reduce 1t to a conVe- nient size and enjoy It's use.
 Mrs Edison happened to visit the lao- oratory and was informed by the inven- tor that his hearing apparatus, as he called. it, had proved to be a success.
 Why, Tom,'' she said, with great en- thusiasm, isn't that lovely? Now you w i'll be able to go to church with me ev- cry Sunday morning"
 The .hearing apparatus'' fell to the floor and was badly broken. MT. Edison has never repaired 1t. He says he has been too busy to make another one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
Southern Climate.

Every time I read of blizzards and ice fortune that 1 live in the south" said a Birmingham man.
 "A little winter is conductive to health and it is welcomed in this section, but long spells of zero weather make us very uncomfortable and causes great dis tress among the poor.
 "When we have a cold snap in Ala bama it does not last but two or three days. We never have enough winter to interfere with the operations of indus trial plants and that fact is to our great advantage in attracting manufacturers from the north.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
Alabama Cement Rock.

Every day brings information of some investor or at least promoter who is looking up the cement rocks of Ala bama with view to their develop ment. Senator Morgan caused to be published as a senate document two reports on the cement rocks of the state, one of them being from the pen of Prof. Eugene A. Smith, who knows better perhaps than anyone else what lies below and above the surface in this state.
 This senate document is leading to many inquiries and wany trips ant- it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
From the Washington Star.

From the Washington Star.
 N SENTIMENT favorable to some VV general plan of permanent road
 building by cooperation between the United States and the various states or civil subdivisions thereof is develop ing in all parts of the country. Not only has the Brownlow bill, which is the par ent measure of the whole scheme been introduced in the house of representatives of the present congress, but Senator Gal finger of New Hampshire has introduced in the United States senate bill almost identical with the Brownlow bill. It might appear on account of this meas ure being introduced by republicans that 1t would be considered a partisan meas ure, but a full review of the situation shows quite the contrary to be the fact. Senator Latimer of South Carolina has formulated bill and is about to intro- duce it in the senate. providing In sim liar manner for a general system Of CO., operation in permanent road building be- tween the United States and the various states or their civil subdivisions. All these bills agree as to the priciple of national aid, the only points of disagree ment being in the matter of details in legislation especially pertaining to the execution of the work when the money is once appreciated to carry on the same.
 The Latmer bill provides for com mission of three persons to be appointed by the President of the United States. This might result in some political pres sure being applied in the appointment of the commissioners or in the execution of +ha xyorix T. Ia oonsidered dasirable that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
coMMERcIALIsM AND THE SOUTH

From the New York Commercial.
 Nothing is more significant of the change in social and industrial condi- tions that Is sweeping over the south than the fact that farmers, fruit growers stock raisers, mechanics. miners and other classes of producers and workers are pouring into that section in steady stream. Better still, most of these new corners hail from the north and the west They are American-born and Am erican-bread, much the same type of people that settled the Ohio and Missss- ippi valleys. As yet, immigrants from the Old World appear to give the south wide berth.
 Much has been said of late in dis arrangement of what is called the 'com- mercialism of the age" Some of this criticism is probably warranted. The progress which the south is making shows. however, that commercialism has distinctly its bright and beneficient side. In its best sense 1t Is only another name for enterprise, industry and thrift It means the development of the natural resources of territory or country. the production of wealth and the employ ment of labor. It means less fdleness' less ignorance, less lawlessness and crime. It is commercialism that Is arousing China and the rest Of the far each from the slumber of ages and that is fast bringing Japan into the front rank of nations.
 Commercialism is recreating the south, or rather, is creating new south. It is insulting new blood, new
 ideas. new habits and hopes into that naturally rich and beautiful quarter Of the union. It is wiping out memories and traditions and prejudices of a day that is dead" There is too much cotton and tobacco to raise too many mines to be opened too many railroads and fac- tories to build or extend for southern CTS to nope and moan over ancient feuds and wrongs" Commercialism in It's good aspect has seized the southland More power to 1t!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
IN HOTEL LoBBIES
Shaved His Head to study Law.


 One of the most unique ideas l have ever heard for forcing person to give his entire attention to a study and there by get concentration of thought was used by the lamented Frank Bowden of Tal- ladega," said an old citizen of that coun- ty last night.
 Frank Bowden has been dead for sev- eral years but his remarkable ability and personality can never be forgotten. When young he was wont to walk around a great deal and spend his time talking to persons who happened to be down town in Talladega. He decided that he would begin the practice of law and he knew this would require his entire time.
 He also knew that if he kept up his trips down town he could not bury him self in his studies and would therefore be deficient at some future time. He thought over the matter at length and finally adopted an idea which came up- on him as he looked in a barber shop. Suiting his action to the thought he walked straight into the tonsorial estab- llshment and informed the barber that he wanted his head shaved. Bowden had pretty hair and the barber was astound- ed. The coming attorney insisted, how ever, and the barber went to work. In ten minutes Bowden's head was as clear of hair as a billiard ball. Donning his hat he then went home and stayed there till his hair grew out. By that time he had fully digested the teachings of the law books. For brides sake he would not venture down town with his bald head and for nearly two months Frank Bowden never left his house. He made a successful lawyer and used to tell of his start in a way that would cause con- vulsions of laughter among his hearers. IJa dfed i,,st 4l,o ,ort,,a of Iifa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 way to avoid cold feet is not to marry them.
 It's surprising how hard fat, soft wo- man can be in spots.
 When people are in love with each oth- CT they don't fool anybody about 1t ex- cept themselves.
 A woman that has brains enough to be pretty has brains enough to satisfy a man every other way.
 X girl can learn to bush at queer story a great deal easier than sfie can learn to see the point.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
Association Prosperinu.

''The Young Mems Christian association of Birmingham is more prosperous now. I believe, than at any time in its history. D said a member. Tt is growing steadily and is certainly doing good work Its building, fitted up for temporary use, is home-like and is a popular rendesvouz for young men.
 T understand that an architect will soon draw plans for a large, handsome structure for the permanent home of the association. I think work on the new main building, as well as the gymnasium building, will be started before next fall. '
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
LETTERS TO EDITOR
The Pelham Monument.

To the Editor of the Age-Herald:
 For some time the whole interest of the Gen. John H. Forney chapter of the Unit ed Daughters of the Confectionery has been centered in the raising of funds for the erection of a monument to the Gal lant Pelham" The body of Pelham lies in the cemetery at Jacksonville and it is the desire of his family that it remain here by the side of his father and mother.
 A committee has been appointed to study designs and materials for monu- ments, preparatory to selecting a suit able one. The hope is to place the mon- ument some time this year. Aid has been asked of the different chapters U. D. c. of Alabama and also of the Sons of Vet erans. not only because we feel that un- aided 1t will talks us a much longer time to erect as handsome a monument as the fame of Pelham demands, but we feel that 1t Is not local but a southern inter est, and we know that these organiza- tions will like to share in this memorial to the Gallant Pelham"
 Any individual who desires to contri- bute to this fund may send his donation lO MTS. O. w. OduSeltet JdckSOuVllle Ala. who is treasurer of the Gen. John H. Forney chapter.
 The following is list of the contribu- tions so far received:
 Dixie Chapter. Montgomery. ry........... s1O. % Selma Chapter, Selma. .................. 5.00 Pelham Chapter, Birmingham.... 1000 Huntsville Chapter, Huntsville....... 100 Cradle of the Confectionery, Mont
 BOHery .... ....... ......... o.W Miss Kate Cummings, Birmingham
 (collections) ..... ..... .......... 1900 R. E. Lee Chapter, Opelika. ........... LOO Mir. Sterling Murray, Leesburg Va. 500 MT. J. B. Davenport, Augusta, Ga.... 500 MT. J. w. Emmett, New Orleans.... 100 Mir, P w. Reddish, Liberty, Mo-. 100 MT. J. B. Beale. Montgomery..... 1000 MT. M. McDonald Palmyra. Mo...... 1000 MT. J. R. Brown, LaGrange, Ga...... 100 Troy Chapter. Troy oy..................... 500 Sophia Bibb Chapter, Montgomery. 1000
 We have on hand about s225.
 Yours truly,
 MRS. c. W. DAUGETTE Treasurer of Gen. John H. Forney Chap
 ter, U. D. c.
 Jacksonville, Ala, January 6, 1904
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Senator Depew has been elected member of young MT. Rockefeller's Bible class. He did not even have to go on the waiting list, and he will soon be told by young Rocky all about wealth and it's uses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
About Persons.

Teh Rev. Dr. Charles A. Stakely. pas tor of the First Baptist church of Mont gomery, accompanied by E. Hilbon Jack son of Washington. Is stopping at the Morris.
 Hogan Jackson of Goodwater, Is at the Hillman.
 George Clifton of Greeneville, is regis tered at the St. Nicholas.
 Dr. G. B. Wimberly of Pickens county. is at the Metropolitan. He Is a. member of the democratic executive committee
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The position held by General Long street, that of railroad commissioner, is to be abolished. It was sinecure, and there are many like it in the fed eral service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Three thousand persons have been thrown out of employment by the clos ing of theatres in Chicago, but this is better than throwing 500 across the Styx.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

New York republicans are holding their breath in the hope that Mayor Mcclellan will permit grafting to gain a foothold. He will do nothing of the sort.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Mayor Mcclellan was inaugurated before the cold wave reached New York, and yet the esteemed republicans say he brought it with him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Russia will wish she had never cul- tivated the friendship of the United States, when she samples the em- balmed beef we have sent her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

MT. Hanna is to be reelected senator on the 18th day of this month, and he is not bit afraid of a hoodoo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Tomorrow Adna R. Chaffee will be- come lieutenant general of the United States army. He was at one time private in that army.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

If Japan is smasheu in the coming war, China is as good as carved up and distributed among the powers of Flu rope.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Ten legislatures are now in session, and the boodlers in each of the ten states are preparing 10 reap ten re- spective harvests
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The Mississippi legislature and the Birmingham Board of Aldermen have declared themselves friends of the Pan anna treaty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The weather in New York is trying to keep step with the government. 1t is robustious.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Wall street feels aggrieved because the rest of the country did not become panic stricken when it gave the word
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The suicides of the old year num- bered in this country 8,597, and the physicians led all the rest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Judge Parker has no enemies, but then he has no friends. He is too si- lent to make either.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

In the hat factories they are now making the straw hats you will jaunti- ly wear next summer, and perspire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Japan and Russia are still fighting shy of each other, but they VT hitch before long.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Chicago is enjoying theatreless Sun. days at present
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Paris is eating 30000 horses a year, and the automobile will keep up the supply.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The little Japs are giving the Rus sians more trouble than the Turks ever did
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

People now go to the theatre to see an asbestos curtain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The Union Springs Ice and Cold Storage company has been organized. A. w. Oli- yer is it's president and general manager. It's plant will cost $7000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Legislatures are assembling this week in all parts of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

"Parsifal" is paying bigger dividends in this country than steel common.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
ALABAMA NEWS.

The Talladega gold seam extends from Ironaton to Rendalia. In this seam of quartz is some free gold, almost pure. It assays 9S per cent. From this thin seam has been taken all told about s100,000 worth of gold and when it has never been thoroughly tested by deep shafts, no one knows what lies below depth of thirty feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

The rainfall of 1903 was 52 inches, which is inches above the average The first half of the year was wet, and the last half dry.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Persimmons, corn shucks, hogs and 'possums all foretold a hard winter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

New Yorks subway has been opened to hand cars.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Old Asia will soon make Santo Do- mingo look like thirty cents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Guntersville is negotiating for the es- tablishment by Georgia men of tannery and harness factory
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Brewer Pabst is dead, but his bev- erages go on forever.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

Christmas is nearly due in backward Russia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
The state committee did nobly.

Iowa's capitol was also "ire-prcof.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08

YOurS truly,
 MRS. c. W. DAUGETTE, Treasurer of Gen. John H. Forney Chap ter, U. D. c. Jacksonville Ala, January 6, 1904
The Washington times., 1904-04-03

FOR RENT-One OF two large. bright rooms;
use OF bath; gas; light housekeeping permit
ted 27OI ST. ap3-3t
The Washington times., 1904-04-03

WANTED-Washing to take home by hrst-class
laundress woman. Apply Ills LIST ST. NV.
ap3-3t
The Washington times., 1904-04-03
BIRDS, DOGS. ETC.

FOR SALE Canaries, breeding cages, parrots.
cafs dogs, fancy poultry, incubatOrss bnoOdera.
~rir oygter shell, goldfish es and aquariums.
etc SCHMID's PET ANNUAL STORE, Tl2 leth
It. NV. de0-0
The Washington times., 1904-04-03
MISCELLANEOUS.

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