davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT MATTERS OF
 INTEREST TO THE PEOPLE OF BIRMINGHAM

miagham where contracts given out by the city and assessed against property hclders have been given at higher prices than contracts could have been made by individuals At least such has been claimed by property holders. although there have been few instances of this kind. At the same time. while Mayor elect Ward Is discussing the financial af- fairs of the city, the property holders, before standing increased assessments want to see just what MT. Ward intends to do and know his plans. They want to know if he really intends to be the active man he promises to be. Property holders want value for their money. They want a cleaner and a better paved city a. L. they want increased fire and police protection.
 We all know that as 1t is now property owners are paying little in taxes, but we likewise know that the great majority or the people are getting but little in return for that which they have been paying out
 Birmingham is made up of progressive people, and when they realize that the city's money is to be judicially expended, l am of the opinion that they will advo- cate increased assessed values on prop erty. Only the other day a piece of prop erty in the center of the city, assessed at s2500, was sold for s1s,5OO. Another piece assessed at $1OOO was sold for $65Oo; and ore piece assessed at s942 sold for S4OOO. Of course this is all wrong. but it can be remedied, and the public of Birmingham is looking to Mayor Ward to be up and doing when he takes the relns of govern ment
 Birmingham is getting to be a big town. Values here are increasing wonderfully. Central real estate is in more active de- mand than 1t has been for many years past. There are no boom prices but the market is active and people are buying for actual improvement A large number of substantial business. structures are con tcmplated. and 1t Is a known fact that there is not a competent architect in Bir-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
A Weather Bureau Observatory.

MT. Underwood's efforts towards bringing here a fully equipped meteor ological station are appreciated, and they will be appreciated even if the city cannot meet the demands of the government.
 The park space of the Northside Is limited. being confined to three small marks about four hundred feet square, and no one of the three can be handed over to the government even in part except with the consent of the Elyton Land company or it's successors, for they are deeded to the city by that company for park purposes only.
 But even if the land company were willing. it is a question whether the city can afford to surrender half of one of it's little parks on the North side to the weather folks, unless in deed the proposed meteorological ob- seryatory would be ornamental as well as useful, and no fences would be placed around it. A tower in the cen ter of one of the little parks would not be at all detrimental to it. The chief of the weather bureau says the proposed observatory would be "archi- tacturalIv neat" and if so 1t might not lessen the attractiveness of one of our little Northside parks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
A vlvacious Woman Cominu.

Comparatively few women have made successes on the Lyceum stage. The an- alysist has not yet reasoned the why's and wherefores of feminine deficiency but one reason Is apparent, higher standard Is required of women than of men. Medi- ocrity, If clothed in male attire, may pass current but women can only gain recognition by unusual gifts.
 One of the few women who have gain ed reputation In this line of public en- tertainments is Miss Nell Forbes, a so- ciety favorte in Atlanta. Miss Forbes has not only a beautiful form and figure but has an exceedingly attractive and vivacious personality. Wherever she has appeared she has made a hit, and has been the recipient of many social at tentions. Miss Forbes apears here next Friday night March 31. as reader with the Old Homestead quartette, which comes on that evening at the Cable hall In the Lyceum course under the auspices of the Commercial club. The quartette gives a varied musical programme which Is in- terspersed with reading by Miss Forbes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 What is everybody's business is also the devils.
 When girl is married it doesn't take her long to get over being afraid of men.
 Some men are so unlucky all they would have to do to live forever would be to get their lives insured.
 Even a natural-born poet will forget to put verses in his letters to a woman after they have been married a while.
 When a man comes home very late at night he never knows whether there Is no money in his pocket the next morning be- cause of that or because his wife was smart enough to know he wouldn't men tion the subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
6irmingham's Growth.

E. w. Whips. formerly of Ensley, now a prominent real estate man and general promoter of Gadsde;, and by the way, recently elected president of the Com mercial club of that city, was at the Morris yesterday. He said
 "The growth of Birmingham is wonder full and no one can observe it to advan- tage except one who has been here be- fore, and who comes only occasionally to see you people. Today your streets remind me of a metropolis and I have taken a ride through the suburbs. The revelation is remarkable; the steady and rapid growth indicates very early Greater Birmingham" of 100000 people.
 "As to Gadsden, we are likewise rap- idly coming and shall soon show a real live city. next in wealth and population to Birmingham. We have the natural resources-the great Coosa river. the rail- roads. the mineral. agricultural lands and hest of all the men who know how to make cities grow. We are making in Etowah county corn. cotton. wheat. po- t,toes. iron and steel and float them all on water and by steam to the markets. ,rbfrefore. we account ourselves perfect Iv safe and sure of great future"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
IN HOTEL LoBBIES
Spring Trade Good.

Even the men with indigestion should heartily enjoy this weather" remarked a gentleman on the street yesterday.
 After the long and severe spell of win ter it Is simply intoxicating to get out and literally drink this balmy sunshine and health-laden afr. The people of Birming- ham are taking advantage of every day now. The streets are crow, d morning and evening with women and ehildren the cars are crowded and the Birmingham shops are having good trade. Most oi the big stores in town gave their spring openings this week and all nave been well attended
 The merchants do not expect much on the occasion of these formal openings, but this week has fnrnisheo an exception to the rule. Several mer- chants have reported an exceptionally line business for the week. and are jubilant over the prospect for future business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
TF SPRING IS IN THE HEART.n

Edward Powhatan Buford in The Pilgrim What matter if the winds blow cold, And snow falls deep; or whether Within or without of doors 'Tis fair or wintry weather And birds have ceas'd their carrolling, To sunny climes depart; And sombre clouds are hanging low, If spring is in the heart. What matter if youths days have gone, And fieeting years unfold, And whitening snows upon our heads
 Now show we are growing old. Life still has its melody.
 That will the anthems start, To fill all day with gladness, -.a If spring is in the heart. s Life's autumn leaves are falling,
 As the days pass one by one That brings the harvest nearer .s With the setting of lifes sun. But while yet today has sunshine.
 Tomorrow matters not; Hopes flowers still will blossom,
 When spring is in the heart. Iris but a taste of heaven,
 A touch of angels art, That speaks the souls contentment.
 When spring Is in the heart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Good Roads Association.

The Louisiana State Good Roads asso- ciation will hold It's next meeting in Baton Rouge, La, April 27, 1905 This meeting will be followed by the Southern Interstate convention of the National Good Roads association, which will be held In the same city. April 2S and 2s. Several governors of southern states and other distinguished men will be present. Hon. Martin Dodge, director of public roads inquiries, will also be present and address the convention
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Better School Houses.

The women of Alabama have under taken to bull better school houses. It is a big task, and if anyone can accom- p,ish it within the days of the living, the women of this state can do It. They propose to perfect an organiza- ton in every school district, the mem bers to consist of the women of the communities to be benefited. A school improvement association in every school district would be powerfully promotive for good, and the women Of Alabama will assuredly sprinkle the state with better school houses, if their .,lans are carried out.
 It is needless to stop to picture the present rural school houses of this state. They are tc> dreary, too hope less. to be pictured. They are the very reverse of what the state needs. They point to poor schools-to ignorance to stagnauon, and the women or Ala bama see. what is needed and they propose to to their utmost to induce each and every district in the state to build better school houses. It is splendid task, and almost every woman in the state can be trusted to help it along. When the women act uLitedly they always have their way, and united action on their part in the matter of better school houses seems to he forthcoming
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

mingham who has not all the work he can d. at the present time.
 II seems to be an assured fact that the merger of the iron and coal properties of this district will now go through. The banking houses in New York behind the Frinco, the Southern, the Louisville and Nashville and the seaboaSd Air Line svs- tems are working to bring abont tbe merger. and the latest information Is That MT Woodward of the Hanover National bank, who has practically controlled the Tennessee company for many years. has consented to the terms. If this be ire and 1t seems to be. the merger will he consummated within the next few montts. This means the expenditure of from ten to twenty million dollars in new steel plants, rail mills and other n1anufactories to consume the pig iron and raw mate rials of the district.
 
 Undoubtedly the attention of tba ,,,on- eyed interests of the country behind the railroads and manufacturing enterprises is centered upon the Birmingham district and look for the most prosperous wear oi oeVeiopment that this city has eves known.
 Along with industrial development. Rir. mingham is improving in every way. We are getting more and better schools ,,or. forms of recreation and amusement. and indeed Birmingham is becoming the COG mopontan city of the south. It has mora arc better clubs than any other city in the south of like size. It's countrv c,,ih Is the best south of Baltimore and if .as the one genuine up-to-date Hunt cluh ,r tie entire south. If you have never beer To- hunting. and if you like this exbiI- arating sport and have good horse. vou ca find it over m the valley between Rcd mountain and shades mountain Der haps the best pack of fox hounds in the south is maintained. and some of tho meet thoroughly sporty red fox chases were lad there last week.
 A0
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
In the Spring

From the Coosa Valleyan.
 The young men college students are now dividing their time between commence ment stunts and baseball brilliancies. And the girls; well. Easter dresses and fu- lures!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

AM glad to see that Mayor elect Ward is taking up the matter of city reve- nues and expenses. As a matter of fact. the revenues of Birmingham are not sufficient. We all know that property in Birmingham is assessed too low. should say that the majority of property in the city of Birmingham is not assessed at more than one-fourth of It's actual sell ing value The figures printed in The Age-Herald the other day of property as- sessments in the central portion of the city are plain evidence of this fact. It Is likewise a known fact that residence property is assessed at not more than one-third of its value.
 This may be due to the fact that Tn other sections of Alabama assessments arc very low. and If Birmingham assess ments were higher this city would be pay ing an undue proportion of state taxes.
 Again, the residents of BlrmiE gham claim that they get but little benefit or protection for taxation. For instance, ir the residence section of Birminghanl tnere is absolutely no police protection and inadequate fire protection. Ther5 ,e no street sprinkling except in the center of the city. and, indeed, the residence sections get practically nothing for eheir money.
 If street or sidewalk Is to be paved, curbng laid. or a storm sewer built, the property is assessed for the entire amount of these improvements. In Atlanta, sor instance, the city pays half and the abut- ting property half Where the street railway happens to have a line on the street. the expenses of paving in Atlanta are divided Into three parts; the property holders pay one-third, tile street railway oIe-thlrd and the city onc-thlrd. In Br- mingham the city pays nothing. The street railway company pays for paving between it's tracks and eighteen inches on either side. Abutting property holders pay the balance.
 There have been instances here in Pr-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
WITH OTHER EDITORS.

The press of Alabama has sustained distinct loss in the death of J. H. Meigs, editor of the Marshall Banner at Albert vile. MT. Meigs was popular newspaper man and took an active interest in state affairs. He was a member of the state democratic executive committee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
HIS PREFERENCE.

From the New Orleans Times-Democrat.
 They say you are great linguest, Professor Talkleigh. Which tongue do you pre.tr!
 Canned"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Anent the Candidates.

From the Montgomery Times.
 The still hunt for the republication nom nation in 1908 will likely jump several bucks who will be entirely forgotten by election day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Raising and Lifting.

From the Sylacauga Progress.
 Booker Washington suggests that the negroes should raise more chickens. The farmers complaint has ever been that they raise too many.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
ALABAMA PRESS
Word to the Russians.

From the Russell Register.
 If the Russians had evacuated Man churia year or more ago, as they prom ised to do they would not be in such hurry now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
COME AT LAST.

From the Washington Post.
 Boston authoress declares that men are far more beautiful than women We knew that if we kept still long enough some one would say it for us
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26


 see; " But getting rich is a habit. had bsh,, That seldom ever never troubles me In the future we may be able to die pense with the valuable services of tba spellbinder Why not Toad up a num- Der of talking machines with rattling campaign speeches and send them m,t oFer the country during election times? ohe or these machines could be set up In every small town and could talk to the voters from early morn to dewey eve without stopping to wipe the precipitation from it's brow or take a drink Per sonalities would not enter into the cam paign and the national committees wouId not have to pay railroad fare. hotel billa and fancy salaries to have their doc trines preached. It would be a vast sav- Ing In the expense account, no doubt. put there would always be the danger of some joker getting rival machines into a debate. It is painful to contemplate when or now much talkfest would end.
 man stood on the street by the side of a chair suspended rom scales which were held up by tripod The interested crowd gathered around him while he talked. Step up and let me guess your weight. If 1 don't come with four pounds of it you need not pay; if I do you owe me cents. Try me! An, there is a gen. tlemanl Look heavy tool" He pats a client on the shoulders, feels his thighs. then his lower limbs and waves him to the chair. ."One hundred and ninety pounds Have seat An, the scales show one hundred and ninety-two. Evervbodv look! Thanks; Here's your change" He seldom misses. How easy it is to get rich if you only know how!
 The redoubtable Kansasans are wrathv over the report that Commissioner Car field will investigate the Standard Oil op- erations in that state MT. Garfield treat ed the beef trust so courteously that Kan sas is apprehensive of what he will do With the oil octopus. In the meantime the relations are still somewhat strained. While Kansas finds that the Standard company has a license to do business and cannot be punished on that score, she will fight the kerosne cornpine for violating the antitrust laws. Kansas is determined that the octopus shall not escape.
 HAIL TO A CHESTNUT!
 Winters gone, alackaday:
 And spring has come again.
 Thinking of that ice man joke
 Imparts to US a pain.
 TAKING NO CHANGES. I'll take my life!" the villain cried As he held his throbbing head; Then he straightway laid him down
 To sleep in folding bed.
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

The extensive advertising patronage of the Gadsden Times-News and the general air of prosperity which the paper wears is another indication that the capital of Etowah is booming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD
HE subject has grown time-honor- D ed in Birmingham, but let us reg

6 HE subject has grown time-honor- \Q ed in Birmingham, but let us reg
 ister one more kick ere we resign Ourselves to another year without a cir GUS. Already rumors are abroad of the wonders in store. Bigger, greater and grander than ever before' still holds good, and the stories of press agents make your eyes sparkle. There are new thrill ers,' and new wonders in gorgeous array. In the glad springtime the small boy s fancy turns to the circus. He smells again the dust clouds, sees pink tights and glttering spangles in his dreams. hears the roar of the king of beasts and marks the heavy tread of the pachyderm. The blare of brass bands ring faintly in his ears the joyful piping of the calliope can be heard in the distance, and with leaping heart he dwells on all that glor- ious array soon to be disclosed to view. The small boy in most towns feels that way, but in Birmingham he has no such anticipations. Our esteemed City Council believes in making circuses pay a license tax of $500 for two performances and $50O for street parade.
 The present strained relations between Birmingham and the shows resulted be- cause Barnums & Bailey's circus tried to evade paying the performance tax by playing outside of the city limits. and the parade tax by refusing to parade. The city authorities felt that they were being fiimf1ammed, while the circus people averred that they were mistreated. Now the big shows prefer to go elsewhere. They played all around Birmingham last year without giving our citizens even a taste of pink lemonade It Is to be hoped that the city will make concessions and that the circuses will "come across A circus is so near to being downright philanthropy tLat the City Council could well afford to reduce the tax.
 Now that the tender season Is at hand the old discussion about bathing suits has been resumed It bids fair to continue until we all become birds and there will be no further necessity for such gar ments. In the meanwhile, watch pious folk, the paragraphers and the doggerel poets.
 It was Five Weeks In a Balloon" and not "sx" NJ. Verne could have made 1t six easily enough. There was no limit to his imagination but he wrote it five This reminds one that contemporary mentioned Forty leagues Under the Sea. The first mistake was a case of staying too long. the second a case of not going deep enough.
 An impoverished French nobleman IS trying to dispose of his title to an Amer ican millionaire. The price will no douot be rather high but they who have a longing to be addressed as Me lord now have an opportunity to satisfy that van ity. There are very few things these days that money will not buy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Mukden.

From the Pine Belt News.
 Mukden is famous as the tomb of Chi nese royalty. It also promises to be the tomb of Russian hopes and pride.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

one of East Alabama's most prominent citizens, is at the Metropolitan.
  E. L. Cash of Atlanta is at the Morris.
  w. B. Haskell of Boston is stopping at the Morris. J. E. Rogers of New Orleans is at the Morris. J. B. Paisley of Selma is at the Morris. D. L. Dawsofi of Cordova is registered at the Metropolitan.
  H. S. West. formerly clerk at the St. Nicholas, but now of Vernon, is at the St. Nicholas. B. B. Hurst of Savannah Is at the St. Nicholas. E. T. Dozier of Chicago Is at the Co., lonial B. B. Montgomery of Brcokside is reg istered at the Colonial. L. D. MuSBroVe Oi JdSper is al lie Aiiii man. Max Hagedorn of the Atlanta Paper company is at the Hillman. L. Meyer of New York Is at the Hill man. John B. Knox is in the city.
  Mrs. Armes left yesterday for Washing ton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
comerized.

From the Edwardville standard-News. pr. Cunningham has been Comerized
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Hand grenades are as effective in St. Petersburg as they are in Manchuria. and the Russians are the targets In both cases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
SUCKING AGAINST THE SINNERS

From the Florida Times Union
 In Birmingham divine named Stagg Is now bucking up against the sinners.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Editor c. H. Allen of the Sumpter Sun, published at Livingston, announces that he has begun his twenty-first year as a newspaper publisher in sumpter county. The Sun looks healthy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Expensive, Too.

From the Coosa Valleyan.
 Spring openings are happening all around.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Count cassini Is still optimistic. when even Frenchmen are not, nor are ms own at home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Ii any section has any gray wolves on hand 1t will find the President ready 10 take. down his gun
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

cudge Parker will come out Of his hole on Jefferson day but the groundhog mas been out at leagt two weeks
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

The Tallapoosa Courier, recently estab- lished at Dadeville. is getting to be a creditable paper P. A. Jackson is editor and publisher.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

John w. Gates has announced that he is still in the game. Spectators don care for him to prove it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Motormen who run down little children in Greater New York have to answer 10 a mob on the spot.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Addicks has created four senatorial deadloclxs in ten years, and it is time his deadlock career was cut short.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

The battlefelds from Port Arthur to Harbin will swarm after peace comes with glooe-trotters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Coroners were summoned in nearly l2'oOO cases in New York city last year. carry the news to Coroner Paris.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

Henry James has made the mistake or oritlcislng the American girl when sne is conceded to be above eriticism
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

The Gadsden Journal is roofing for Gadsden.