davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Countess di Brazza in New OrIee ns

The Commercial club invited the Countess di Brazza to visit Birming ham. She was formerly Miss Cora Slocumb of New Orleans, and she is now staying in her native city engaged in studying the adaptability of that locality to the immigration problem of Italy She is organizing an immigra- tion league in Italy for the purpose of promoting immigration to this coun- try, and of securing to Italian immi- grants certain means of gaining a livelihood here.
 The countess has the support of the authorities and of leading men in both countries. It was she who revived tho lace industry in Italy, and her philan- thropic work is to be extended now to immigrants from Italy.
 In New Orleans she is the guest of Mrs. T. G. Richardson, 2426 Prytania street, and the Commercial club should take steps to induce her to visit this district. We have many Italians here, and the countess could ascertain from them what opportuni- ties are offered here to newly-arrived Italians.
 The immigration league that the countess is engaged in organizing will have no little to do with the distribu- tion of Italians in this country, and possibly she can induce one of the steamship lines to accept New Or lans in lieu of New York as its Ameri- can port. At any rate no effort should be spared to induce the countess to devote a part of her time to the pos abilities of this district, and its pres ent lack of labor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Crops and Cool Weather.

Ten days of temperature below nor. nal has retarded to some extent the growing crops. Two frosty nights were included in the prevailing cool spell, and some young cotton plants were killed in the northern counties of the cotton belt-just how much can not be accurately estimated at present. The government will present an esti- mate of the damage done when it re. ports the condition of the crop up to May 25. But whatever cotton was killed can be made good in replant- ings, for there is plenty of time left in which to grow a crop. Some fields may not be replanted on account of lack of seed or energy, but the per centage of loss will be small indeed.
 The chief loss of the cool weather consists in the retardation of the corn and cotton crops. The nights are un- duly cool The crop was backward to begin with, and the cool weather az gfavates the situation. A late crop seems to be assured, and a late crop is subject to all the vicissitudes and freaks of the weather.
 A frosty night in May is unusual but not by any means unprecedented, and it by no means points to a small crop. It means, however, in this in- stance late crop, and late crop is rarely bumper crop.
 But the cool nights will soon pass away, and the young corn and cotton will strive to make good the lateness of their start. It is much too early to venture predictions of trouble to either If both are kept free from grass there will be but little occasion for alarm over the effects of the cold spell.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Economical Methodism.

By vote of 151 years and 107 nays the general conference of the Metho- dist church, south, provided for com mission of five to be headed by a bishop, all to be appointed by the college of bishops, to prepare in col labration with other branches of Meth odism a new statement of Methodist doctrine. This commission is to re- port the result of their labors to the next general conference.
 The inadequacy of the present twen- ty-fve articles, as it was called, was presented by Dean Tillet of the theo- logical department of Vanderbilt uni versity, and his plain and orderly statement was answered by those who prefer to hold to the old standards. sition was due in part, perhaps. to sen timent, and in part to desire to avoid dissension.
 No one anticipates any radical changes in the faith of the great de- nomination, but all begin to see that i an expression of thes faith of world wide Methodism would, if written to- day, differ in form at least from the ancient twenty-five articles The general conference has taken a step that promises to become historic, for if the conservative church, south. desires restatement of faith, we may be sure the church north will, and that the other branches of a church upon which the sun never sets will fall in line.
 This step thus taken in Birming- ham, in the handsome First Methodist church, may prove to be an event by which the present general conference will be long remembered and that too perhaps In the most appreciative man. ! ner. for conservatism and progress marked alike every stage of the move- ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
The devil knew not what he did, when he made man polite.
 -TImon of Athens.
Prosperous Gadsden.

The citizens of Gadsden are rejoic- ing over the extension plans of the Southern Steel company. President E. T. Schuler states that his company will build as speedily as material and machinery can be procured an univer- sal steel mill-a mill, in other words, in which structural shapes and bridges and plates and beams and various other products will be made. Another mill will be built near at hand in which steel cars will be made, includ ing wheels and axles. Every part of a steel car is to be made in Gadsden.
 "It is an interesting fact" said President Schuler recently, that there are only three companies in the United States that make steel and wire pro ducts through every process from the mining of the ore and coal to the making of iron and steel and then their conversion into wire, nails and products. These companies are the Southern Steel company, the Colorado Fuel and Iron company and the United States Steel corporation"
 The plans thus formulated for Gads- den will make this district stronger against hard times, while they will add to the prosperity of the state. It is to the interest of all Alabamians that our mineral wealth be carried to finished products just as it is to the interest of all Alabamians that our cotton be spun at home and our lum- Der turned into the shapes called for by builders. In that way we would be getting all possible good out of our own raw material In that way we would fill this state with prosper ous towns. and Gadsden Is setting the pace. What Gadsden is doing every other town in Alabama should strive to do up to it's possibilities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
PUGH REMINISCENT.
From the Washington Post

From the Washington Post.
 Formac Senator James l.. Pugh of Ala bama, who has lost nothing of his inter- est in public affairs at eghty-seven years, in the lobby of the Raleigh yesterday re- called some of the interesting episodes of his long life. His snow-white hair and beard and tall. erect figure attracted at tention.
 Yes said the old senator. who first voted when many of the men who fought in the Civil war were yet in swaddling clothes, 'I have witnessed many stirring events
 He then told how he fought the Indians in the war of 1886, cast his first vote for Henry Clay in 1914 was a presidential elector on the Taylor ticket four years later was member of the House in 1859, when Toombs and Benjamin and other great southerners were members of that body; the part he took in the ces- sion convention. was member of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
THE WHITE ABOVE THE RED.

From the New York Sun.
 The burning poll of the Hon. Edward Ward Carmack no longer fills Tennessee with flame The bald and awful top of Adding Bob Taylor radiates a dazzling glare over the state. If the votes at the general democratic primaries held Satur- day have been counted right MT. Taylor will succeed MT. Carmack as a Senator in Congress on March 4, 1907.
 Bob was said to have shown the white feather because he wouldn't debate with his opponent. Bob can sing, fiddle, tell stories till his audience splits or pump pathos until his hearers are afioat. Why should he debate? He and his partsans accepted the white feather as their mark. The Commodities all wore the red badge of courage and of their leaders summit Tennessee was red and white and the peaceful hue conquered it's sanguine op- posite.
 MT. Carmack declared passionately the other day that he would rather be a white man than Senator" The Ten nessee democrats have decided that he shall continue to be a white man. Yet white is the color that beat him.
 From the mountains of East Tennessee come the purring of catgut and the sound of cheerful song
 "All together for the bright, white feather
 Gts hard job beating Bob:
 We stood together for the bright white
 flea ather
 Till it waved OCT the scarlet nob.'
 Mir. Carmack has grievances and woes of his own now, and won't have to weep so copiously over the Philippines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Mir. BaiIey's Man of Clay.

The trimming and twisting over the court review amendment of the rate bill has been begun, and it will go on unchecked until the close of the cam paign of 1908 at least. It will go on until the truth is brought out--the whole truth, that is to say.
 At this writing the President and the attorney general have spoken. Ex- Senator Chandler has not yet spoken, and Mir. Tillman is not man who rests quietly under any charge what ever MT. Bailey is also legislator
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
REAL SNAKE IN COURT.
No One Had Been Drinking, So Panic
 Was Result

From the New York Mail
 Sergeant Smith of the Westchester po- lice court looked up from his desk today and saw a snake two feet long basking Tn the sun on the doorstep. It was an adder of the most dangerous type.
 Smith jumped to his feet with yell and ran toward the snake with his club. Other officers joined him. But the snake was a wise one, and he wriggled to the outside. moment later it had crawled to the door of the real estate office of H. c. Mapes, twenty feet away. MT Mapes was talking to two women clients when the snake entered the open door. The women, screaming and gathering their skirts, jumped up on chairs. MT. Mapes was so surprised that he remained in his chair, transfxed
 Sergeant Smith and two patrolmen were soon trying to hit the snake with their clubs but it lodged, wriggled to the door and escaped into a vacant lot adjoining.
 "Ill show you the way we treat these fellers down south," said Smith. who used to be cowboy. Drawing his revolver he fired at the snake at a range of thirty feet. and the bullet neatly clipped off the replies head. The women then climbed down off their chairs, almost in faint, and Mr Mapes came back to his senses.
 Sergeant McCulagh, who is a snake ex- pert said the reptile was a South Ameri- can adder. He thought that it probably had come here in a bunch of bananas and had been lured out by the warmth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16

who is apt to free his mind of any subject that rankles in it.
 A suspension of opinion seems to be proper until all sides are heard. The subject is no doubt many-sided. President Roosevelt says he saw dur ing the tariff-rate negotiations numer- ous senators, both republicans and democrats, some of them once or twice, some of them many times. All of them are competent, even valuable, witnesses, and all should be afforded hearing.
 The real contest was between narrow and a broad court review Of decisions made by the interstate con- merce provisions. The Hepburn bill as 1t left the House presented the minimum of review possibilities. The Allison amendment has enlarged that minimum almost to a maximum, and yet the President contends that the Allison amendment works no change in the Hepburn bill. He can scarcely expect the people to believe that the racket in the Senate was empty and vain-that it left the Hepburn review plan where it found it. Senatorial rackets do not work that way. They mean business and the average man will say at once that the Hepburn review plan and the Allison review plan are two horses of different colors.
 What hand the President had in swapping horses in the senatorial stream cannot be accurately stated HOW, but it is plain that the swap took place, no matter how much the Presi. dent thinks it is still the same Hep burn horse. It is the Hepburn horse with an Allison attachment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Hotel Lavatories.

Birmingham is the only city of any size where hotels that go for first-class fail to have individual towels in their public lavatories," said a visitor. "Bir- mingham doubtless has hotels that keep up with the modern style in this respect but I have failed to run across one Of them.
 For twenty-five years past one sign that differentiated a frst-class hotel or bar room from a second-class hotel or bar room, as the case might be- was the towel In all cities of 9O000 population and upwards the leading hotels display a stack of freshly laundered towels 1T hobo happens to drop in he is as free to use one of these towels as the swellest guest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
The culman Strawberry Crop.

''The condition of the strawberry crop at Cullman Is depressng.' said l.. A. Townley yesterday.
 ''To begin with, the acreage this year was increased about one-half oyer that of last year and the weather was un- usually favorable, with the exception Of the recent frosty weather. This cold spell, however, did not materially effect the growth of the vines. The result IS the largest crop that has ever been grown in Cullman, there being nearly twice as many berries this year as last, and a much greater quantity than can be handled.
 'I understand that there is so little to do in farming lines in the winter that the young people of Cullman leave and secure positions elsewhere, and when the berry season returns they are loath to quit these positions and labor runs low. Such is the case this year, and more so than ever.
 'One of the best illustrations or the de- sire for 'pickers' is in the fact that a large number of negroes were sent to Cullman several days ago to gather and pack the berries for shipment. The sons of Ethiopia have not heretofore been allowed even to stop for a few minutes in the City of Germans, but now they are welcome as laborers.
 ''As many of the strawberries as can possibly be used are being sent to Bir- mingham and other sections of Alabama, but large quantities are shipped daily
 /. g.f the enormous supply the price is exceed ingly low On Morris avenue the choicest of the fruit sold today at sl.25 per crate. !"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
FORMER NEWSPAPER MAN
 THROWING MONEY AWAY

At 9:15 the Cassidy special was bound- ing toward Pittsburg. It was composed of an engine and combination smoker and baggage car, which was occupied by Cassidy alone. He handed over the $50 for the special train before he got on, and he was in his hoom at the hotel before the New York call came in
 Next evening shortly after o'clock the Washington (Pa) agent took a fit when Cassidy walked in on him again.
 "Get me another special train. Haven't got so much time tonight. Want the boys to break few records getting into town, and I'll make 1t all right"
 He paid the $50 and once more pulled out In his special train alone and made one mile per minute to Pittsburg. where- upon he rewarded the engineer and fire man handsomely.
 And this Is the daily or rather nightly stunt of the young man who has just come into sS0O00. He has chosen the Washington branch of the Pittsburg, Gin cinnati and St Louis Road, because it is free from freight and other trains at night. Every night he takes the spin in his own special train.
 At the Fort Pitt hotel Cassidy keeps a cab always at the door, subject to his call, no matter whether he is out or not. He pays each cabby $10 for twelve- hour stunt, or s2O per day. A peculiar thing about Special Train Cassidy" is that he shrinks from publicity, and will not discuss his fortune or himself with any one.
 Its nobodys business what I do with my money. If I want to hire special trains because I like them, it's no ones business. I pay my way. and that's all that's necessary, so long as l don't hurt any one.'
 This Is the only reply Cassidy will make to those who ask him nay questions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
HE ANSW FRED.

From the American Spectator.
 There is a good story told by Senator Pettus. of Alabama on himself about what happened to him when he was little chap attending church service.
 q was only 10 years old" said the veteran of the Senate chamber, and had been sent to attend Sunday service alone I always accompanied my mother. but on this particular Sunday she was slightly indsposed and thereby forced to remain at home.
 'I was occupying a seat very near the pulpit, and the theme of the divine was Am l my brothers keeper?'
 After preaching about fifteen minutes he reached the climax of his remarks with the words of his subject. and his gaze seemed to rest directly on me. I commenced to fidget a little, but he didn't turn his eyes from mine for second, and after a short pause he burst forth again, Am I my brothers keeper?'
 "I could stand it no longer. and I an- swered in a meek voice, No, sir {"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
New York Bankers.

William Woodward of New York is at the Hillman. He is vice president of the Hanover National bank and is nephew of James T. Woodward. This is his first visit to Birmingham In many years and he expresses himself as surprised and delighted by the many improvements which he has noted. MT. Woodward Is re- ceiving attentions from representative citi- zens, including A. l.. Fulenwider, pres ident of the Birmingham Realty com pany, and gentlemen prominent in bank ing and business circles. His brief stay here no doubt will be pleasant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Special Dispatch to the Cincinnati En

Speclal DlSpatcn 10 the C1nclnnatl Ell
 quirer.
 NITTSBURG.-Howa H. Cassidy, 0 formerly newspaper cartoonist of the west and southwest, has walked in Pittsburg to find himself the proud possessor of $SO,OOO in hard cash left him by a relative, and he is really and truly making it snow"
 Young Cassidy who came here before the earthquake from San Francisco, ap- pears to have some ideas about spending money which would give Scotty, of Death Valley, the chills. When in doubt Cas- sdy invariable shouts:
 "Get me a special train''
 At the rate young Cassidy is now peel ing off the new roll for special trains and cabmen 1t is not thought the $S0,000 will go very far. The Pennsylvania Railroad, however, is taking young Cassidy seri- ously, for those special trains are of daily occurrence, and they come high. Cassidys principal joke seems to be trav- cling to Washington, Pa, by the last night train, and when he gets ready to return hiring a special train and offering the engineer special Inducements to break the record getting back to Pittsburg. The record has been shattered several times during the past week.
 Cassidy had his first real thrill last Tuesday night when he was caught in Washington, Pa. after the last train had left for Pittsburg. He announced to the ticket agent who was closing for the night, that he wanted to reach Pittsburg within an hour. This didn't seem to worry the man any. as he was used to people wanting to leave Washington for Pittsburg-W Washington is a local option village. He told the young man, how ever that it was impossible, etc.
 Impossible nothing I've got fellow in New York who will call me on the phone at the Fort Pitt at 1e:9O. and it's after now. I want to get there Get me special train or any old thing"
 "A special train will cost you $50, as it's 3s miles to Pittsburg." said the agent in a tone unlike that used by judge in sentencing some one to death. But if the agent expected to see the young man drop dead he was mistaken.
 q ain't asking what is costs. I want that special train, and want 1t now" shouted the young fellow. who gave his name as Cassidy He got 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
THE WASHERWOMAN'S SONG
By Eugene F. Ware.

But in monotones the song She was humming all day long. With the Savior for friend. He will keep me to the end" It's a song I do not sing. For I scarce believe thing Of the stories that are told Of the miracles of old;
 But I know that her belief Is the antidote of grief
 And will always be a friend That will keep her to the end. Just a trifle lonesome she.
 Just as poor as poor could be. But her spirits always rose Like the bubbles In the clothes, And though widowed and alone. Cheered her with the monotone. Of a Savior and friend.
 Who would keep her to the end. Human hopes and human creeds, Have their root in human needs; And I would not wish to strip From that washerwoman's lip Any song that she can sing. Any hope that song can bring; For the woman has friend, Who will keep her to tho end
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Drinks Hard and Soft.

You cant imagine" said Charles Wynesap a representative of 2 large inn porting house of foreign high wines, the enormous quantities of drinks other than fermented liquors dispensed in cafes, on buffet boards of prominent clubs, and the ordinary saloon. In the course of time the soft drink vender has made great inroads upon what was once an exclusive trade for ales, liquors and beers The persons entering such places in a large measure are being served with our new competitor the soft drink"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Chanqe in Sentiment.

'I have noticed great change in senti- ment among people in regard to living in Birmingham" said A. B. Freeman, travel ing passenger agent of the Queen and Crescent route. Some years ago rail road men lodged Birmingham and the conductors and trainmen hated to stop over in the city But the feeling Is diff ferent now. They prefer Birmingham to any of the other cities in this portion or the south or In fact any where within a radius of 150 miles
 ''This feeling has also changed among other people. Many used to dislike Bir- mingham very much as residence city. but now when they have once lived here they always want to came back"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 It's mighty exciting to get lost in a sleeping car.
 Fibbing is a very easy way not to hurt peoples feelings.
 rich woman hardly ever gets her moneys worth out of the man she mar ries
 he would be If he didn't have the things he pays them on.
 If a woman always agrees with you she has no individuality, and if she doesn t she is contrary minded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
Large Coal Output.

''rhe coal output of Alabama this year will beat all previous records" said J. D. Hilhouse. assistant state mine inspector. '"rhe volume of production Tn this state will exceed twelve million tons.
 "I have been busy inspecting mines and am glad to be able to say that mining conditions are exceptionally satis factory. Operators gre taking pains to prevent accidents and serious casualties have been rare of late.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16

In a very humble cot,
 In a rather quiet spot,
 In the suds and in the soap Worked woman full of hope; Working, singing, all alone, In a sort of undertone.
 with a Savior for friend, He will keep me to the end Sometimes happening along. I had heard the semi-song, I have seen her rub and scrub On the washboard in the tub. While the baby sopped the suds, Rolled and tumbled in the duds; Or was padding in the pools With old scissors stuck in spools, She still humming of her friend Who would keep her to the end. And I often used to smile, More in sympathy than guile; But I never said a word
 In regard to what I heard As she sang about the friend Who would keep her to the end. Not in sorrow nor in glee.
 Working all day long was she. As her children, three or four. Played around her on the floor;
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-16
KISS FOR TEDDY.

From the Mobile Register.
 The Nashville American tells us that tennis is the principal exercise of Pres ident Roosevelt on bright spring days. While not questioning the accuracy of the Americans personal mention. we must say that tennis, although requiring agil- ity, is very tame game for Mir. Roose- welt.