davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Secretary Taft's imperialism.

From the New York World.
 Secretary Taft in his speech at Chau- tauqua said:
 Eight-fve to ninety per cent of the people of the Philippine Islands are wholly unftted to exercise governmental political control.
 MT. Taft poses as something of an authority because for a comparatively short time he was the American Governor of some S,0oO,OO0 Filipinos. An Englishman who had ruled for a longer period of time over the teeming millions of India said;
 Many politicians are in the habit of lay ing it down as a self-evident proposition that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim.
 Macauay did not have to be a prophet to foretell the arguments of Taft. for Taft simply repeats the arguments of those who do not believe with Washing ton: Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth" What better evidence for 4.-ness for freedom can any people give than a readiness to fight and die for it. as the Filipinos have shown for a hundred years?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Back-woundlng caIumny The whItest virtue strikes.
 Measure for Measure.
chanaes in Political Alliances.

The New York World has compiled a list of political changes, comprising alike newspapers and individuals. As a rule the newspaper changes in the east and central west run in favor of Parker, while those west of the river show that a portion of the Bryan vote will go over to Roosevelt, inconsistent as such action may appear. Some one has said that jealousy and prejudice rule this world, and both have full opportunity in politics.
 The changes in the east incline strongly toward Parker, as the listsof New York newspapers plainly show, Rs follows:
 New York Evening Post--Supported Mc- Kinley in 1900; now for Parker.
 New York Herald-supported Mckinley in 1900; now opposes Roosevelt
 New York s-zeitung-Supporte Mckinley in 19O0 now for Parker.
 Brooklyn Daily Eagle-Supported Mc- Kinley in 1900; now for Parker.
 New York Times-Supported Mckinley In 1900; strongly for Parker.
 Syracuse Herald-Supported Mckinley In 1900; now independent.
 Troy Press-For Mckinley in 1900; now strongly for Parker.
 Schenectady Morning Gazette-Demo- cratic paper, which refused to support Bryan in 1900; now for Parker.
 These changes are distinct indica- tions of the trend of public sentiment in New York state Few close ob' servers of New York have any doubt as to its vote in November. It's cleo toral vote, thirty-nine strong, will be cast for Parker and Davis.
 In the Worlds long list there are more changes from Mckinley to Par. ker than from Bryan to Roosevelt, and this is the way to weigh the changes. In both New York and In diana more men and more newspapers have "gone over' to Parker than have transferred their allegiance to Roose welt, and this encourages the hope that the democratic party will carry both states, as it did in the days oi Tilden and Hendricks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
FATE OF VESSELS THAT
 REVOLUTIONIZED NAVIES

battle to the confederate Merrimac in a duel that stands unique in naval history, all fighting ships had been made of wood, or at most only sheathed with iron plates in certain parts. From the conception of the Monitor the development went steadily forward. Many visitors to the navy-yard used to fancy that the old monitors were interesting as a display Of the primitive and faulty methods of the early builders. This idea is erroneous. The monitors at the time of their construction were the best in their day, and contained many new devices and applications of power. The fact that as a type they are now ob- solete is only another prooi of the now ac- cepted rule that the war ship of yesterday is the old iron of today. Yet, writing in 1897, John R. Spear, the naval historian says
 With such modification as experience has suggested, the monitor type is. in the opinion of many of the American cap tains, who have commanded them, not only the best protected but the most ef- ficient and the safest style of coast de- fense ships" Most important of all, however, is the fact that the revolving armored turret, which is the principal engine of destruction on the most ap- proved type of modern war ship, had never been thought of until Ericsson put one on the original monitor, and the de- sign has not been greatly modified. The construction of the monitors as seen in the Jason and Nahant, now at the foot of Laurel street, is interesting They are about 175 feet long and 40 wide on the upper deck, and draw about Il feet, with the deck only about a foot above the ] water line. The craft is fiat bottomed. made of boiler iron, riveted to suitable frames; the upper portion to a point four or five feet below the water line being five inches thick. There is one turret with 20-foot inside diameter, made of Il layers of one-inch iron, bolted together and having, in consequence, a thickness of Il inches. The turret carries two guns and is revolved in either direction, the guns turning with it, by an engine. The upper part of the hull overhangs in such way as to conceal the anchor at the bow and the propeller at the stern. The smokestack is forward of the turret. The engine to drive the boat is a curious one. having the steam cylinder horizontal and running crosswise. It carries piston rod at each end connected with the propeller shaft by cranks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
SEVEN STARS OF SONG.
American Patriotic Composers Whose
 Names Are Honored.

From the National Magazine.
 Let me write the songs and care not who makes the laws" said Beranger Inasmuch as this sentiment Is particular ly applicable to composers of patriotic songs, it Is peculiarly interesting thing that the Massachusetts Daughters of the Revolution have done, In commemora- ting on a broze memorial tablet just placed in the music room of the Boston public library the seven song writers of America who. 1t Is believed, have con- trlbuted most markedly by the work of their pen to the upbuilding of a fine spirit of American patriotism.
 This tablet, approved by the art conn mission and the library trustees. Is of a simple but beautiful design, the work of MT. Charles Harley of Belmont, Mas sachusetts It will send down to an ad- miring posierity these names; William Billings, Oliver Holden, John Howard Payne, Samuel Francis Smith Francis Scott Key, George Frederick Root, and Julia Ward Howe Because of a rule forbidding the mention of any living per- son on a Boston library memorial, there was some slight difficulty at first over the insertion of Mrs. Howes name. But so strong was the feeling that the writer of the Battle Hymn of the Republic" belonged on this tablet that the rules were for once overridden.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Cruising on the Gulf.

The party of Birmingham men who have been taking a yacht cruise along the gulf coast for the past ten days sail Ing from Mobile. reached New Orleans on Sunday and all of them except J. E. Donelson started on the return trip to their starting. point on Monday.
 Business called MT. Donelson home. He reports that the cruise was most enjoy able They went far out to sea and touch ed at all important points along the coast. on Cat Island they discovered the skele- ton of q woman. who, the natives say. is evidently that of one of the Taggart party from Indianapolis. which was lost last year. The Birmingham party took pos session of the skull and will bring 1t home with them.
 Said MT. Donelson: 'I never saw a more beautiful set of teeth in a human mouth, than those which are in that skull" It will be kept at the fire department head quarters in this city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17

for a reaction is fully due. The his- tory of the trade shows that a de- pression rarely lasts longer than two years.
 It is believed the railroads cannot longer hold back orders for iron and steel. They have bought sparingly during two years, and they have been moving large traffic, wearing out both rails and equipment, and the time has come when they must buy freely, and 1905 hay be year of activ- ity in the great industry.
 Great crops are the chief agents In turning the people from pessimism to optimism, and the outcome of the corn and cotton crops will soon be determined, and from that time busi- ness will grow better. The reaction has run it's course, and 1905 Is expected to restore confidence and activity to the country. The reaction in iron dates from December. 1902, and the two years of reaction will soon be completed. In all that time there has been no free buying of pig iron or finished forms of iron or steel The railroads and other consumers need great deal of the commercial metal, and it is believed such needs will be supplied in 1905. "Then," said Archer Brown recently, "the trade projects will come out, consumers of every kind will want to fill up depleted stocks be- cause prices are cheap, confidence will take the place of Encouragement, and the furnaces and mills will be taxed to the utmost"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
THE NEW SOUTH.

From the Baltimore Herald.
 The south has great cotton crop this year. It is estimated that over 100000 extra laborers will be needed to help gather it. The south is prospering at a rate exceeding that of any other section of the country. Besides her immense cotton yield which is increasing yearly her other crops, which are varied, show a large output. Her railroads are being extended and there Is general expansion of all her industries. These necessitate the services of still another vast army of workmen.
 The south is comparatively free from strikes and other labor troubles. She has room for all to work and grow. She has thousands of acres of cheap. fertile land and cities and towns waiting to be boom- ed. The new south Is land of oppor- tunity. Each year gives evidence that 1t Is a land of better homes and richer pros poets,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Iron and Steel.

Hope and expectancy have returned to the iron market. In all markets there is feeling that the depression has about run its course. Inquiries are increasing, and as soon as the presi- dential election is out of the way 1t is believed that activity will supplant dullness. As soon as it is ascertained that great corn and cotton crops are to supplement a pretty good wheat crop, the feeling in the iron and steel trade will become optimistic.
 Increased consumption may be post poned until next year, but if all in the trade can see it coming a better tone and feeling will at once become mani fest. The present depression has lasted nearly two years. and the time
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
From the Philadelphia Record.

run AllE IaIllduEADHld 1kEEOTQs
 N T last all but one of the old yes V1 sels called monitors" to distin- guish their type. which have lain at League island for so many years. have been sold and taken away and are being broken up by their several purchasers and transformed into "oid iron In this shape the material that composes them will find it's way. through much handling and many sales in big and little lots, to iron foundries all over the country whence it will emerge again in all sorts of utensils of peace and war, from the common variety of stove liter to the modern steel cannon. The Canonicus the one monitor still remaining at the navy yard, was offered for sale by the government at auction along with four others the Jason, the Nahant, the Lehigh and the Montauk, a few months ago. The appraised value of the Canonlcus was Sl5,00o, and of each of the others s10,00O The Jason and the Nahant were bought by l.. D. Hunt, and are now being broken up at the foot of Laurel street in this city. The Montauk was brought by Frank Samuels and Is now at Richmond, Va, and the Lehigh was bought by J. T. Pot ter of Fall River.
 These famous old vessels, and a few others of the same type which have pre- viously been sold in the same way. were all built about the same time in 1Se2 as a result of the achievement of the Monitor the vessel designed and built by John Ericsson. They were of the same general model, with only such notifications as suggested themselves. Ericsson built the Jason, the Lehigh and the Montauk at Chester, Pa, and Harrison Loring built the Nahant anG the Canonicus at Boston. None of the monitors had such a glorious history as the Monitor. Several of them were attached at times to the various fleets during the civil war and took part in many attacks, but since the war they have lain up continuously, except during the Spanish-American war, when a num- Der of them were sent to Atlantic coast ports with naval reserves aboard as de- lenders.
 The fame of the monitors rests on the fact that they were tne pioneers of the turret and Of the modern fighting ship, the first application of the theory that a war vessel should be made of metal rather than wood. Until the Monitor was hurriedly constructed to go out and give
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Rislnn Wealth In Alabama.

Only nine counties have reported the years taxable values to the state auditor, but every one of the nine shows handsome increases, ranging from $7S0 sos in Etowah down to $91,- 155 in Tallapoosa. The aggregate in- crease in the nine counties stands at s1,762,510, and a corresponding in crease throughout the state would swell the total valuation of the state for tax purposes to the extent of near ly thirteen million dollars.
 The tax valuations footed up last year s30S, 5,6S2 The larger, richer and more prosperous counties, of which Jefferson is easily the leader, have not returned their lists, but 1t is believed the total of the present year will exceed $325, 100000, and it may go to $330,000 900. The steady growth of the state in wealth Is unmistakable
 The tax lists are but an indication of the wealth of the state. Real estate is assessed as a rule at 40 per cent of market value. Personal property goes practically unassessed. Some of it is exempt from taxation, and the rest escapes taxation. In other words, the taxation lists represent scarcely more than one-tnird of the wealth of Alabama This is in round figures a billion dollar state.
 Alabama has no equalization board, and the counties cut each others throat ad libitum. As rule Jefferson in such game pays additional taxes. while counties like Lowndes escape pretty nearly all taxation, getting back enough school moneys to balance the account. The entire system of valua- tion for taxation purposes is full of evasions, tricks and inequalities, the policy being to load up the richer counties with burdens that other coun- ties should tote in just proportion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
The Passing Throne.

Talking about dull times." remarked a well-known citizen last night, T have spent five summers in Birmingham, and never before have I seen the transpor- tation companies do such a thriving business as now in the way of passenger travel. The union depot is literally packed at the outgoing and the incoming of trains day and night, the negro excur- slonist being largely in evidence. And I noticed too. that the street cars are gen. orally filled beyond the degree of com fort These people surely must have money for that is q requisite to modern travel"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
TOMORROW.

By Helen Hunt Jackson. All red with joy the waiting west.
 o little swallow, Couldst thou tell me which road Is bestl Cleaving high air with thy soft breast
 For keel, O swallow,
 Thou must o'erlook My seas and know if I mistake: l would not the same harbor make
 Which yesterday forsook. I hear the swift blades dip and plash
 Of unseen rowers: On unknown land the waters dash; Who knows how 1t be wise or rash
 To meet the rowers?
 Premi, Premi! Venetia's boatmen learn and cry; With voiceIess lips, I drift and lie
 Upon the twilight sea. The swallow sleeps. Her last low call
 Had sound of warning. Sweet little one whate'er befall. Thou wilt not know that it was all.
 In vain thy warning.
 I may not borrow A hope, a help. I close my eyes; Cold wind blows from the Bridge oi Signs;
 Kneeling, I wait tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Wallace Smith.

Wallace Smith, Birmingham boy, son of the late Frank w. Smith returned yesterday from a four-years' journey abroad. and was shaking hands with his numerous friends Waffle. as he is known. experienced a long and eventful tour. He was in the government service in the Philippines, connected with the American legation in China and has recently joura neyed through Russia and Japan. He reached New Orleans several days ago and came from that point to B.rmshg
 ham, He will remain here SC, eral days and then depart for California, where he expects to make his permanent home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
NATIONAL POLITICS.
Why New York Is Doubtful.
le New York Commercial.

From the New York Commercial.
 Political managers do wisely in putting New York state in the doubtful column. It is the only safe course to pursue. No state in the Union has been so cratic, po litically. as the empire commonwealth-at least. since the system of nominating can didates for president and vlce-president of the United States by national conventions came Into vogue. It is noteworthy, too, that. as a rule. the pluralities in each presidential year in this state have been comparatively small either way.
 Tn 1s40 Gen. William H. Harrison, the whig nominee ior president. carried New York state over Martin Van Buren, the democratic nominee, by a plurality of 1S,0oo, ana four years later Polk. democrat carried 1t over Henry Clay, whig, by 5000 plurality. In 1s4S Gen Taylor, whig, swept the state over Lewis Cass demo- crat, by 12.oOo plurality. although Martin Van Buren, the free soir' nominee for president received a larger vote in New York state than Cass did. In 1852 Frank lin Pierce, democrat carried this state by nlurality of over So,O0o-a plurality that would have probably been lessened if not entirely wiped out, had It not been for the candidacy of Willard Fillmore, whg.
 Lincoln carried this state In 1860 " 40,- 900 plurality; but in 1S64 in spite of the approaching successful termination of the civil war for the union side. he carried 1t by only 7o0O plurality. In 1868, however Horatio Seymour, democrat, carried it against Ulysses S. Grant republican, by 10000 plurality, but four years later 1t gave Grant plurality of 59,c0O. and that, too, in face of the Liberal republican" bolt. In 1876 it gave Samuel J. Tilden a plurality of 32,OO0, and in 1880 1t again re- versed itself by giving James A. Garfield a plurality of 21,0O0. In 1884 1t gave Grover Cleveland a plurality of about HOO over James c. Blaine, and then, in 1885, rolled up a plurality of IS, 900 for Benjamin Har- rison. and In 1892 it again gave Cleveland plurality of 45o00.
 The cause of the enormous pluralties that this state gave to Mckinley in 1896 and in 1900 is, of course, clearly under stood. It is significant, however. that Governor Odell, who was elected by Ill., VVO piuIdHty III lJOu WAS tittleu DJ A plurality of less than 5000 in 1902
 Undoubtedly one reason for the politi- cal fickleness of the Empire state is the shifting character of the population of this city Every year large new ele- ment, both foreign and American, is add ed to our voting population. In addition, there is also a considerable element in this city which, while agreeing with one of the leading political parties on mat ters like the tariff. disagrees with it on other questions, and accordingly 1t votes as circumstances seem to demand.
 In word. there Is a great army of in dependent voters in this commonwealth. and both republican and democratic cam paign managers do well to keep the fact in mind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
The Suns Flop.

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 If the New York Sun was bound to flop it shouldn't try to explain the act. Few newspapers, especially in the North, have been more severe in their criticisms and denunciations of Roosevelt than The Sun has, and 1t kept 1t up long after Parker's nomination. Now it has turned to him and it's reasons are entirely too thin. It Is the same Roosevelt, the same Parker and the same political parties and policies, but not the same Sun. The attempted explanations it gives out are all bosh There is reason under cover which the paper is not going to make public.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
Mobiles Outer Bar.

The Commercial club of Mobile asks all other commercial bodies in this state to assist in procuring an sppro. priation from congress next winter for the deepening of the outer bar of Mo- bile bay to 35 feet. Special commit tees have been organized in Mobile, and all commercial organizations in that city are cooperating in the effort.
 They ask the assistance of like organizations throughout the state. There is no part of Alabama that is not interested in the deepening of the water on the outer bar of Mobile bay. Nearly all the rivers of the chief river state of the coun. try empty into Mobile bay, and all are therefore directly inter- ested in the new movement. When there is 35 feet on the outer bay the largest ships can come in and carry away all the cargo they can hold.
 This district is particularly inter- ested in the movement, and our com mercial organizations should promote it to the utmost An Open Warrior the year round will within year be fully inaugurated to a point eighteen miles above Tuscaloosa, and we will then begin to be in touch with that outer bar. It should be deepened to 35 feet and river state should ask congress with one voice to do IL
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
On the street Cars.

"The management of our street car sys- tenn should correct the conductors in the matter of moving the cars from stop ping point before lady passengers are seated" said an observer. Especially should this be done when a lady gets aboard with a baby In her arms or with young children accompanying her.
 There Is some danger in the present custom of moving off too fast. know 1t will only be necessary to call the at tention of the polite conductors of the street cars to this matter, and it will be remeded at once"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-17
INTERESTING PEOPLE.
Mrs. Tom Thumb Is Still Before the
 Public.
From the Chicago News.

From the Chicago News.
 Mrs. Tom Thumb, made famous by Bar mum, is still alive at the age of 65 atre az Coney Island and is driN en home each evening in the identical coach pre- scented to Tom Thumb in 1884 by King Edward, then Prince of Wales. She is very religious ,nd a member of the Ac- tors church alliance and of the Woman's aid society She Is also a daughter of the American Revolution The famous wedding of Tom Thumb was celebrated in Grace church, New York, in 1864, and the photograph of "The Fairy Wedding Group" Is doubtless still cherished in hundreds of plush albums on parlor cen- ter tables.
 Abdul Aziz. sultan of Morocco, though only B years old, Is already quite portly. Notwithstanding the opposition of his subjects he persists in his quasi-Japanese preference for everything that is foreign and ultra-modern. Automobiles, bicycles and photography take up much C his time. He has formed a band of over 100 musicians and has piano. which had to be transported from Larash to Fez on the back of a camel. He even prefers, 1t is said, the members of his harem inn ported from Col -stantinople to the native beauties His attempts to persua>.e his wives to wear corsets and Parisian gowns have. however, so far failed.
 Germany's great drama,.st, Sudermann. comes from Prussian Poland, his birth r1ace being Matzich, near the Niemcn. His family, originally Dutch anabap- lists, settled there more than 200 years ago, forming with other co-reigionsts a small colony One of them took a lead ing place Tn their little church as the au- thor of a hymnbook.