davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
What Straw Votes Indicate

The Chicago Tribune continues to take straw vote among republican Congressmmen, state officers, state committeeman and the like, and it's latest effort had New England as scene of operations.
 It is ascertained that New England republicans no more want reaction arv nominee than do the western re- publicans. No one, in fact, seems to want Fairbanks, or Foraker, or Elihu Root, or Philander Knox, or Cortel- you or Cannon-practically no one, for the votes cast fof such men are scat tering and negligible.
 As things stand today in the repub- lican party the Roosevelt policies would be unanimously indorsed. and the nominee to represent and carry out these principles would be either Taft or Hughes, always provided there is not whirlwind nomination of MT. Roosevelt himself.
 When the republican party stands substantially converted to Roosevelt ian or administration policies, it is difficult to see how renominaton of Theodore Roosevelt is to he avoid ed. When nearly a thousand enthu- siastic delegates are gathered together, cheered on by tens oe thousands in the galleries and streets, the result is clearly to be foreseen unless indeed MT. Roosevelt says "No" in the plain est and most categorical manner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
FLEECiNG IMMIGRANTS.

New York correspondent Pittsburg Post.
 Though the representatives of Uncle Sam at Ellis Island guard carefully the foreigners who have a little money with them. but don't know the English lan- guage, the sharpers who turk about the Battery sometimes get them. Rev. T. s. Campbell. Episcopal chaplain at the ipl- grant station, tells this story of trick which was done last week.
 The sharper met young Swede near the entrance of the subway at the Bat tery.
 where are you going" he asked.
 "To Detroit" said the Scandinavian using about all the English he knew.
 'I've been in Detroit. Give me your money and I'll buy your ticket for you"
 The young immigrant gave him SIS. all the money he had. The sharper took him down into the subway, and while the foreigner was gaping with astonshment and some fear at the roaring trains. he bought a subway ticket.
 Pass right in this way and take the next train," said the swindler, as he dropped the ticket into the chopper When the Swede got in the car and the train rumbled off the stranger skipped up the stairs with the slS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Press Club Convention.

From all indications, the forthcoming convention of the International League of Press Clubs in Birmingham next month will be one of tho best ever held by that organization. said well known newspaper worker last night to a party of business men. "The various commit tees are now hard at work and the work of actively soliciting help for entertain ing visitors will be started tomorrow morning. The various city organizations will give hearty support, and it is hoped 10 interest all the leading business men in the district, as well as the various heads of the corporations which dominate this district.
 ''1t is hardly necessary to tell you again that this convention will do much to ad- yertise Birmingham. Newspapers all over the country have begun to talk about lae south's wonderful city. and the men wno have been writing these articles at long distance range are coming here to make an inspection for themselves. On that account it is necessary for us to exert every means in our power to make good showing. No means adopted to exploit Birmingham will be proftless. People who cooperate with the newspaper men in this affair will find that they can reap great advantages from such a connec- ton.
 We propose to show the visitors a royal time. No detail will be overlooked that may contribute to their pleasure while here. but We want to impress on their minds first of all the greatness of Birmingham"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Politeness In Elevator,

Tn cities of the north the masculine native of that section will never uncover in an elevator when a lady is present" said a citizen. Tn many of the northern and eastern cities the elevators in large office buildings are placarded with large signs requesting gentlemen not to remove their hats, My experience yesterday in an elevator in the First National bank building has converted me to the Yankee custom, and l hereby serve notice to the gentle sex that hereafter, even at the risk of bens considered ill-bred l will wear my hat in their presence when rid ing in elevators.
 Last Saturday I discarded my summer straw and invested s 50 in derby. which with ordinary care would have lasted me throughout the winter. Yesterday l was hastening to keen an appointment in the First National bank building and being the last to enter an elevator that was
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
WHITTIER ARE WE TENDING?

puddle of party politics Is sorry sight to see. Almost every man who has passed the middle mile post in life can recall some clergyman who has gone to the dogs by the office-seeking, political speech-making route. The most eminent and famous of all the clerical political speechmaking of the last century be- came the principal of the greatest scan dsl of modern times. The minister of Christ who feels the longing to take part in politics should look well within nis heart, whether it be not ambition, vain glorious display-the devil working the crank-that eggs him on, and not pure religion and love of humankind. In any event, whenever the clergy haveq sought temporal power-popular influence the -s- sential bases-they have either abused 1t or made mess of 1t, the state no gain CT, the church the sufferer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
About Persons.

Edgar L. Clarkson, accompanied by Mrs Clarkson, Is registered at the Hillmen. MT. Clarkson is private secretary to Con- gressman Hobson, representative of the Sixth district. The secretary leaves for Washington Saturday. and will remain there until after the close of Congress
 Mir. Clarkson states that the prohibition agitation in Tuscaloosa is only second to that in Birmingham in heat and in terest. He spoke of meeting to be held Saturday in Tuscaloosa, at which Judge Mayfeld and Attorney Vandergrift will speak in favor of the dlspensary, and Senator Moody in favor of prohibition He thinks that the prohibition move ment will be beaten in Tuscaloosa proper but is doubtful concerning the outlying districts.
 MT. Clarkson stated that he was very much fin doubt as to the probability of Congressman Hobsons returning to Ala bama to take part In the prohibition fights raging in his and other districts.
 James F. Aston of Tuscaloosa Is reg istered at the Hillman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Haskell and the Rough Rider

The election in Oklahoma was no the governor of the territory He was appointed because he had charged up San Juan hill as a rough rider In office he had opposed statehood and denounced the new constitution. He ran because he had the ear of the President, who was of course delighted to see him whenever he visited Wash lngton.
 MT. Haskell. his democratic oppo- nent. is not rider al all, rough or smooth He is a good lawyer and a good citizen. and in the constitutional convention he became the chief framer of the new organic law When the re- publicans assailed it he defended 1t. He had no apologies to offer for any of it's provisions, however "adYanced' some of them are. There is not at any rate reactionary clause in it, and Charles N. Haskell put on all his banners and placards the words Has kell and the constitution The con stitulion is therefore donbly indorsed, for tho election of Haskell is a second indorsement, and it ensures the execu- tion of the instrument in spirit as well as in letter Long live Oklahoma!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Governor Comer's Contention

The Atlanta Georgian commends Gov ernor Comer's refusal to accept as satisfactory compliance with the new rate law the coupon rebate attachment offered by the Louisville and Nashville railroad. The Georgian goes on to say:
 "rhe roads should be made to fully rec ognize the dignity and force of the state law, pending the trial in the higher courts. The experiment of the lower fares is a wholesome one, both for the railroads and the state, and the result or it can best be known by fair trial in the interval of final settlement Mean- while the act of the railroads can not be construed in any other way than as re- fusal on the part of the railroads to recognize the authority of the state, until Asome federal court has established 1t. 1t is a flat contempt of state rights which Ahould be vigorously rebnked both in Alabama and in other states where the coupon device is In existence. Instead of the princplg of the corporations in ig-
  let us set up the sounder principle of obeying state laws, until they are demon strated to be unconstitutional and un- sound Upon the question of difference let the state, not the corporation, rule until the settlement Otherwise the corporation is likely to thinll--or to continue to think that it is greater than the state"
 The issue is one that Is attracting no little attention, especially in view of the disagreement between the policy of the railroad in question in Georgia, and it's policy in Alabama. It should at least tell us why it accepts pen dente lite 2-cent rate In Georgia and yet refuses to accept 2R-cent rate In Alabama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Jacobs Feels Honored,

"Of course I feel highly honored by my unanimous election to membership on the Board Of Education by the City Council ,' said Ben M. Jacobs.
 'I am not politician, and do not re- gard my election as a reward for any political service. In fact, 1t is not a political proposition. I have always been interested in our public school system and have been anxious for years to enlist my services in its behalf. I am sure that nothing contributes more richly to the growth and development of a city or a state than free public schools, and I am also quite certain that an individual clt- izen can contribute more to public ad- vancement than by dedicating time, means and talent to the educational in- terests of our community"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Gr. Knapp Favors Combinations

The Sherman law Is the enemy of monopolies in restraint of trade. It is about all the law that we have which is aimed directly at trusts. It was wrung--yes. that's the word-from the republican party, and when 1t was passed no one expected 1t to be ex- ecuted. And it stood fifteen years unenforced. It stood a dead letter until Theodore Roosevelt became Pres ident, for it was he who blew the breath of life into 1t. That law is sev- enteen years old.
 True, the administration hesitates to break up the Hartman transconti- mental combine, but 1t is proceeding against the industrial trusts which have become even more objectionable than the railroad combines All was going on well, and all were indulging in the hope that private monopoly would be checked and curbed, when up arose Martin A. Knapp, chairman of the interstate commerce commis- sion, and a close friend of the admin istration, who proceeded to denounce the Sherman antitrust law as the most mischievous and mistaken legis- lation in the history of our country, because 1t rests upon the exploded theory that competition Is the life of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
WAY DOWN EAST.

From the New York World.
 Saloons in Portland may readily be identified by their unpainted spruce par tions and a sinful smell
 Some of the Maine hotels have begun to supply the finger bowls. They still serve dinner In the middle of the day
 Bangor is the third Maine city In size and first in wealth and wickedness. It has the finest private library in the state, the best and most profitable news paper tho Commercial owned by Hon J. P. Bass and sells vast quantities Of rum In cheerful disregard of the several kinds of Maine law It Is also the center of musical culture and of the lumber business.
 Boston Is much worried over the de- cadence of the fish crop, although the beanfed Boston Herald affects to make light of the peril If its editor could write poetry his apology for piscatorial poverty would read something like this: Mackerel indeed are gone, and Lobsters
 too,
 While flake and Haddock seldom come to
 view;
 But still the Gunner fingers at the line. And patient Fishermen may catch few.
 The sharp voices of the New England women are needed to penetrate the minds of dull and obstinate husbands New England women are much superior to the men. The prize winners In the Maine school are almost always girls
 The house in Portland where Sargent S. Prentiss was born has been turned into penny-in-the-sot theatre.
 Most of the children's sleds sold in the United States are made at South Paris, Me.
 The new. granite state house at Provi dence commands @ splendid view of tho New York, New Haven and Hartford freight yards and its own heating plant,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
MISSISSIPPI "REDNEcks. y
From the New Orleans States.


 Ihe Redneeks' of Mississippi. so- called, are the backbone of the state, and the props of Its prosperity. They are hardy farmers who in decency of living. self-respeeting qualities, intelligence. and manliness, are not exceled by the farm CTS of any other section of the country They are native Americans of the stock that made America great. and they stand squarely for American ideals in home and government. They are as loyal today as their forefathers were to the doc Urine of state rights and government so administered that under 1t there shall be complete realization of the American principle of equal rights to all and special privileges to none-a government which will be for the greatest good to the great est number.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

trade" He seems to think combina- ton is the life of trade, and the pre- sumption is that the rest of the repub- lican members of the commission agree with him.
 We need either a new commission or a new law, for 1t is plain that the Knapp commission does not intend to enforce tho present law in the case Of railroad combines
 So far es industrial combines are concerned Martin A. Knapp should spend an hour or two in studying the profits taken from the people by the Standard Oil and it's subsidiary com panies in the last eight years. The extent of these profits has just been disclosed in some legal proceedings begun for the purpose of dlssolvlng that rapacious trust. He certalnly would see how one monopoly In re- straint of trade taxes the people, and perhaps he would conclude after all that the basis of the Sherman law is not so very wicked, and that the act is neither "mischievous" nor "mis- taken."~ He may be sure of one thing Tt has come to stay, whether he Is willing to enforce 1t or not. MT Knapps case calls for consideration at the hands of the President himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
Sanford of Talladeua.

J. B. Sanford, representative in the legislature from Talladega county, was tn the city last night. In the lobby of the Metropolitan he met number of friends and spoke Interestingly. MT. sanford's home Is al Sylacauga, where he enjoys d good law practice. Said he:
 "Sylacauga is growing rapidly. We have the liveliest young town In the state In the midst of rich agrieul- tural section, and built upon real white marble foundation, with a number of factories and two railroads our people are prosperous and happy. The cotton crop is little short with us this year, but the food crop is immense and our farmers are not much in debt.
 "I am contemplating, to some extent the idea of moving to Jefferson county. Here you have the strongest and most in viting proposition on earth, and the mag net is influencing me l go to Bessemer tomorrow to look over the field. By the way, it seems to me that Bessemer next to Birmingham, Is the coming city of Alabama. and Alabama is really the whole cheese.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
THE VILLAGGE BLACKSMITH

By Henry W. Longfellow. Under a spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands: The smith mighty man is he.
 With large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands. His hair Is crisp, and black, and long, His face is like the tan: His brow is wet with honest sweat He earns whateer he can. And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. Week in, week out, from morn till night, You can hear his bellows blow; You can hear him swing his heavy
 sledge
 With measured<6eat and slow, Like a sexton ringing the village bell, When the evening sun is low And children coming home from school Look in at the open door: They love to see the flaming forge, And hear the bellows roar, And catch the burning sparks that fly Like chaff from a threshing floor. He goes on Sunday to the church, And sits among his boys; ite HedfS tue pdISOn pray ana preach 7 He hears his daughters voice, Singing in the village choir,
 And it makes his heart rejoice. It sounds to him like her mothers voice, Singing in paradise, He needs must think of her once more, How in the grave she lies; And with his hard, rough hand ne wipes tear out of his eyes. Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing.
 Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it's close: Something attempted something done, Has earned nights repose. Thanks. thanks to thee, my worthy
 friend,
 For the lesson thou hast taught, Thus at the flaming forge of life Our fortunes must he wrought Thus on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 No really lazy man was ever in love.
 Few men deserve all the cusslng they get in life. and absolutely none the praise they get after death.
 A farmer has a splendid time having everybody think he Is entitled to damn his luck.
 Probably almost all of Jonah's enemies went around saying that his first story was that he swallowed the whale.
 When a woman sits down to play the piano ir the dusk. she always plays the tunes they use when any one is dying on the stage
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
MT. BIach on the A., B. 6 A.


 Max Blach is one of the most optimistic of Birmingham men. He sees nothing but good things ahead of us Said he last evening:
 '"rhe late discovery by geological sur vey and by practical demonstration of more immense ore deposits near Birmng- ham is no surprise to me. I have known for some time that this immense wealth was at our very doors, and have Known too, that Birmingham Is in It's infancy yet. We have here enormous possibilities and the man who invests now Is going to be a winner.
 My judgment is that the greatest de- veloplng agency which has entered this district in the past twenty years is the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic Rail road company. Millions of money seem to be behind that proposition. com pany that can raise several millions of dollars on it's own securities, in a paniclly time, has a meaning and a strength which is encouraging This company has done that thing.
 A company commanding the wharf frontage of the nearest Atlantic seaport to Birmingham, and connecting the ocean by steel rails with this district, then placing a fleet of ships in connection with eastern ports is getting mighty close to the gist of the real proposition
 "rhe policy of the atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic seems to be broad, and I verily believe that it's coming is to prove a quickenng force in the growth and development of this city and district
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

THE STATES Georgia's called the Cooler State, Booze denotes Kentucky. People born in Tennessee Think that they are lucky. Arkansas is made a joke, Texas leads in bragging, Vardaman in Mississlp Sets the tongues to wagging. In Missouri people say That you'll have to show them. Dvellers in Ohio have Little horns and blow them. Chicago stands for Illinois, Down in Indiana Poet mon are thicker than Fleas in Louisiana. South Dakota's famous for Ready made divorces Arizonas wealthy in Rattesnake resources. Kansas busy cyclones are Known the wide world over, People out in Washington Say they live in clover. Utah has the Mormon breed, Iowa Is decent Maine is far from being dry, Olsahomas recent. Delaware is horrid, but Virginia is q lady. California's full of prunes Pennsylvanias shady! A Philadelphia paper says the fly sea- son is oyer for Walter Welman this year. However, it Is never too late to talk.
 CATS.
 Again we hear
 Tn grave suspense
 That midnight song
 On the backyard fence No matter what happens, somebody al ways to get up at this time of the year to remark that summer fingers in the lap of autumn. PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
sEPTEMRER DAYS

lis now the season when the old straw
 hat Receives a final nature warning that 'Tis time to go. The cheerful peekaboo Condones with open work Sand low cut
 shoe. The ice man, eke, with snug contented
 looks, Doth set himself to balance up his books. And seeing there the profits that he
 earns, Will be the coal man till the spring
 returns. Suburbanite no longer mows the lawn. Nor pulls up weeds against the rosy
 dawn. In crowded marts and far off sylvan
 slades, 'Tis known that summer falnts snd
 retrogrades. The squirrel marks what Mother Earths 8
 about Prepare to take your winter fannels out. Ere long upon the icy pave we'll slip Anu fight a losing battle with the grip. WHY TT IS HARD TO WORK THERE. No outsider ever takes a newspaper of flee seriously.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Cincinnati Is trying to solve the ouestion-what shall we do with a Presidents son-in-law? It. may make him mayor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Mime. Nordica is still ambitious to build a real home for grand opera at Harmon n-on-the-Hudson. She declinec to be Klaw-Erlangerized.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

That Alabama man stands about as much chance of collecting $10,000,00 from John D. Rockefeller as Uncle Sam has to collect $29,24O,0 900.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

"Amalgamated" Is the product of H. H. Rogers and Tom Lawson, both of whom sold out at top prices, leaving the small investors to hold the bag.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

A pathetic story comes from Ohio of a man who forgot that he had al ready swindled woman once and tried to swinde her again. Of course, he was arrested
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Mexico Is 97 years old, but this in- cludes the reign of Porfirio Diaz, who is called a president, but who never fails to re-elect himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Captain Amundsen proposes to tame team of polar bears and to drive them to the north pole. Here is nature falling in the concrete.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Candidate Burton of Cleveland says no public service corporation shall be permitted to contribute to his cam paign fund He is the first of his party to take this position.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

William Howard Taft has Just passed his 50th birthday, and he is still fat and vigorous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
A SUGGESTION.

"one-man" opera far from the maddlna monkey house
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

The schools are open and the girls are studying fashion plates and the boys are coming football rules. Edu- cation marches on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

The telegraph strike goes on and the suffering public refuse to kick and demand their rights.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

No, Secretary Taft, we are not tired of millionaires, although some million aires make us tired.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Maybe we will be travelling In air. ships before transatlantic steamers get too big for the ocean.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Fish says Harrahan is shrimp. At this rate the Illinois Central di- rectory will soon be an entire aqua rum. A
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

Pickaninnies in Kentucky tied their mother to bedpost and went off to see a circus. The circus lure is the greatest lure of all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-20

It is said that the natives of Porto Rico eat eight meals day. The serv- ant problem there must be something fierce.