davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
M ELONS.

From the New York Times.
 Missouri now makes the claim Of pro- ducing the best melon in the world. This is good news if true Good melons stand for more than material enjoyment. They have q wholesome moral and mental ln- fiuence. A perfect melon at breakfast may impart a cheering aspect to whole day of business worries.
 If Missouri has the best melon in the world, Colorado, with its Rocky Fords of widespread repute, must hold second nlace The Rocky Ford, in its perfect state. is as good as a melon can be, and mo fruit, not even the Engilsh straw berry. is more comforting and inspiring. But Delaware and Maryland both claim io be producers of the best melon, while the supremacy of the New Jersey melon is cordially acknowledged in this nelgh- borhood. This has been good year for melons. and therefore for the welfare of the human race.
 When we mention the melon we do not mean the watermelon, which has its ad- mirers. and is said to be food for the rods-the pagan gods-when hlled with champagne and frozen. The watermelon Is best esteemed where it grows and tra- ditionally by the colored race. But the cantaloupe, the muskmelon of the pre- tentious, the mushmelon of humble man. kind, Is the fruit of high esteem, the solace of hot mornings, the emblem of re- freshment. Only when 1t is packed with frozen pudding and called a Lillian Rus sell should 1t be avoided.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Census Fiuures.

Census figures are always interesting" remarked a man in the lobby, but are not always correct. My honest belief is that the proposed Greater Birmingham% has population of 125,0Oo. but we will never know for a certainty that this is true un- til Uncle Sans census enumerators come along to gather figures for 19l0 Direct ory figures are as near right IS Is possible of attainment. but there isn't much In them, though compilers mean to do right. There is a whole lot of estimating.
 Some years ago the city of Birming- ham paid an enumerator cents per cap ita for names of all school children with in the age of appropriation per capita. He found 10000. Two years afterward two enumerators were employed and they found only 5000 notwithstanding the rapid growth of the city during the time. Uncle Sam pays for time and not per capita. Let's all wait and see how we are com ing out in 1910"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Local Ontion in October

Between the probate judges office and the office of the executive Of the state the campaign over whisky in this community was, geographically speaking. pretty well defined. Gov ernor Conner said he would not include a state prohibition bill in his forthcom- ing proclamation for the converting Of an extra session, and he went still fur ther when he intimated that he would veto a state prohibition bill.
 Governor Conner acted wisely when he decided to consider local option when applied to county the better policy. The county is our political unit, and each unit should be left free to decide sumptuary question-a mat ter of food and drink. or at least Of the latter. There was no need to hafk back to the democratic platform, for local ontion in each political unit is democracNSpure and simple 1oVernor Conner stands on solid ground In this matter.
 Probate Judge Greene completed the programme by calling the voters or Jefferson county to the polls on octo- her 2S to decide the issue in the nome init. The voters of Jefferson county know better what they want than the voters of the other counties In the state know The issue is to be deter mined here at home by about l4,ooo voters. If such a jury be not compe- tent to decide the question, pray where can you find a jury that would be? Competent or incompetent, the quail fled electors of Jefferson county have been summoned to the polls, and they will decide the question.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Jefferson Leads.

Montgomery is much interested in the prohibition fight in Birmingham" said a man from the Capital City flor as Jefferson goes, so goes the state on all questions. It is the real key to the situa- tion, great, big proposition on all ques- uons of public utility. l do not believe that Montgomery or Mobile counties will ever entertain the question until Jeffer- son acts and l believe that Jeffersons ac- ton will sound the keynote and lead all others.
 Why not? Paying one-sixth of the taxes of the state, with a cosmopolitan population and a broad citizenship, Jeffer- sons voice must be accounted the voice of Alabama and It's no use for. other cities or counties disguising what Jeffer- son thinks about it. The whole state is awaiting the election in Jefferson De- tober 2S"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
IN COSMOPOLITAN HONOLULU.
All Nations Are Represented IF
 HaWaii's Capital.

From the Washington Post
 No one is ever jostled in the streets of Honolulu because of his color or race" said l.. T. Peck cashier of the First National bank of Hawaii and president of the Honolulu Rapid Transit company, at the New Willard.
 Honolulu is the most cosmopolitan city in the world. There are all natonalities represented there. The population of the islands is about 155,OoO. of which 5000 are Japanese, 15,O00 Chinese, about the same number of Portuguese, Spaniards who have gone there recently, Filipinos and others. The native Hawaiiaps num- Der probably 15,ooo. All these different people live there in harmony and do business with one another.
 "The Japs are largely interested in all business enterprises, and it Is their business energy and sagacty that make the other races get move on them selves. 1 don't know what the feeling may be in other places, but In Hawaii we do not look upon the Japs as our tutililtS. Ac ooPoASSS Ci A'S'S''|N know that 1t is better to have the friend ship of the United States than to have it's enmity. They are essentially business people, and they look further into the future than most persons think The riots ir Vancouver were precptated by a shipload of Japanese who emigrated from Hawaii, but the Japs should not be blamed. They went there to settle and. naturally, perhaps, the people of British Columbia looked with anything but pleasure upon the invasion of the yellow men. They saw in them men ace to their own interests. for the Jap will labor cheaper than the white man.
 "Hawaiis one drawback is an absence of national pride. There are so many different races of people there that it is practically impossible to have a universal sentiment of patriotism. The Japs are still loyal to their own country, and it is probable that the next generation also will be. but ultimately Hawaii will have a population of intensely loyal people Tne islands are prosperous and the people happy and contented. Everything de- pends upon the sugar crop and this year 1t is good.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28

from expressing an opinion. 'rhe man who says nothing stated he yesterday lis the one who gets the votes from both sides. Therefore, l seldom take issue with either side of live political ques- tion although I have an opinion, and never let the chance to vote slip by When prohibition Is agitated in Montgomery l am going to the polls and vote, but Will be certain that my vote is quiet one. MT. Ely reported Montgomery Improving and growing right along, although, as he stated the recent record of the baseball club of that city cast a shadow of cer- tain magnitude.
 Harry w Norton and J. J. Robinson of Montgomery are registered in the city.
 
 W. T. Archer, weleknown citizen of Sheffield, is registered at the Hillman.
 
 Jessie A. Cook of Lineville is at the Florence.
 D. E. Morrow of Brookside. well-known in Birmingham, is in the city. D. II. Riddle of Goodwater is registered at the Florence hotel
  W. H. Wells, engineer of construction of the Southern railroad, Wi, Washing ton headquarters, is in Birmingham. MT Wells is travelling in his private car
 |
 The Rev. Father Coyle, pastor of St Pauls church, has returned from his vacation trip. He visited the Jamestown exposition, New York City, Niagara Falls and Toronto.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
SABRINA.
By Milton.

 Ther is a nymph not far from hence That with moist curb sways the smooth
 Severn stream, Sabrina is her name, a virgin pure; Whilom she was the daughter of Locrine. Ihat had the sceptre from his father
 Brute She, gultless damsel, flying the mad
 pursuit or her enraged stepdame Guendolen, Commended her fair innocence to tha
 flood That stayed her flight with his cross- flowing course. The water-nymphs that in the bottom
 played Held up their pearled wrists. and took
 her in, Bearing her straight to aged Nereus' hall. Made Goddess of the river, she still re-
 tains Her maiden gentleness. and oft at eve Visits the herds along the twilight
 meadows. - Helping all urchin blasts. and ill-lucb
 signs That the shrewd meddling elf delights to
 make. And as the old swain said, she can unlock The clasping charm, and thaw the i>en-
 ming spell If she be right invoked in warbled sonsi For maidenhood she loves and will b4
 swift 10 aid virgin such as was herself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28

From the Chattanooga Tradesman.
 @ HERE has been criticism in sev- 9 eral quarters of the state of p1d,nn Aa legislation recently enacted there, together with apprehension expressed both at home and abroad that the state would suffer material damage from 1t, but we desire to assure all these that 1t is in no sense the state of Alabama that is re- sponable for the situation, as it seems to exist there. It Is simply "Comer vs. the Railroad"
 It is true that Alabama had suffered at the hands of the railroads possibly more than any other southern state, and it was this fact that offered Conner his opportunity. Few. of those in the state having dealings with the railroads but what had personal grievances, some of long standing and great aggravation, when Conner appeared with his 1t was not difficult for him to bring the wrongs of the others more to the surface than his own, albeit it was his own personal grev- ances that inspired his campaigns and finally landed him in the gubernatorial chair. where he hoped to so shape legisla- ton as to give him adequate weapons with which to punish his enemies-the railroads.
 The legislation that followed, therefore, was Conner legislation, for so deep was the public indignation against the rail roads that the public was blndly follow ing Conner and not questioning his rem edies; but there has been a reaction and the public are beginning to note the vim dictiveness of Comer-a spirit utterly at variance with their conceptions of what chief executive of all the people should possess and exhibit-and that reaction is going to represent Alabama hereafter, rather than Conner.
 It was never the state of Alabama that threatened defiance to the authority of the United States courts. but only Conner; for the people of Alabama, who really
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Sir Thomas Lipton's Challenge

The first challenge for the Americas cup was declined by the New York Yacht club because it did not conform to the club rules. Those rules call for q 90-foot boat. The later challenge conforms to the clubs rules, and it will no doubt be accepted, and race for the Cup may be considered a certainty in the fall of 1908.
 The persistency of the. challenger deserves to be crowned by success, and success on his part in 1908 would but mean another contest in English waters in 1909 or the following year. America has held the Cup so long that few indeed can remember when Eng two countries for the Cup have been going on long time. The first race was sailed around the Isle of Wight in 1851, when the America won the Cup and she held it until 1871, when the Levonia, an English boat, came home before the disabled Columbia The Sappho soon won the Cup back, and it has remained in this country eyer since.
 MT. Fife is to build the British con testant of next year, and the Cup de- lenders of this country will needs be good boat The contest promises to be one of the best of the entire series.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
TALK OF TOURISTS.

From the New York American.
 Americans abroad are very much worked up over the next presidential election, if we are to credit the London cables of a contemporary. Whenever they meet in hotels and cafes this season they do not. as has been their custom. swap stories about their experiences in tipping cabmen and porters, or get into excited debate as to the comparative merits of the Cologne and Milan cathedrals. They talk politics in "high-pitched, excited voices, full of heat and often of passion. Make joke about Bryan. and a Bryan ite, with eyes gleaming and face flushed" exclaims, The mai who says that has got to take the hoar with me. The travelling contingent AAs made up it's mind, however, that Roosevelt will run again, and will win, and is gloomy over this impending lapse into imperial ism.
 Those of us who have neither been travelling on the other side this scfnmer nor under the necessity of cabling piffle from that quarter will be mildly puzzled at the information that our tourist coun-
 
 distressfully. The stay-at-homes have been unaware of any occasion calling for the heated expression of their political views. They have been thinking of things that better comported with the period of rest and recreation just closing. They are genuinely sorry their brethren abroad have been unable to find topics of conversation and themes for celebra- ton in the art, history and local color Of the old world It must have marred the pleasure of their outings to have had the fate of the republic as constant burden on their minds.
 That the unusual climatic conditions abroad have unfavorably affected the beverages offered the tourist. and made him more vociferous and inconsequential than his won't is conjecture that we rejeect with indignation. We do not hold to the material interpretation of history.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
COMER VS. THE RAILROADS.

comprise the state are quick to realize that defiance to any duly constituted court, no matter how insignificant It's jurisdiction is defiance to all lawful au- thority, is anarchy pure and simple. and they will have none of 1t. There Is no sentiment in Alabama that would deprive any citizen or corporation of any right legally possessed and exercised. even though it should be a railroad, and many were glad that the Conner law which sought to rescind the license of corpor- alton that transferred case from a state to the federal courts, a right given both by the state and the United States consti- tutions, was suspended by United States court pendente lite, for it was a poor spectacle for a state to seek the nullifica- tion of It's own organic law, to say notf- ing of such an attempt against the su- preme law of the nation no matter what the provocation might be. Two wrongs never yet made a right, and a state can never afford in the pursuit of justice in one direction to inhct injustice Tn an- other.
 We wish to emphasize the fact that 1t was never the state of Alaba ma that ap- peared in such an anomalous plight-only Conner. He had sworn to uphold the laws of his own state and the United States equally, and when either court assumed the protection of any subject it was his sworn duty to sustain that court until a proper tribunal could pass on the validity of that assumption.
 But the people of Alabama will not per init either the railroads or Conner to run it. especially when selfish ends are ap- parent; and no one need feel the slightest apprehension over the future of this great state. Conner and Conner legislation will soon pass into oblivion before the tide of an awakened intelligence as to what both stand for, and the cases of "Comer vs the Railroads" will be disnlised. with costs against the plaintiff, as soon as they are reached on the docket of public sentiment now ready for the trial.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
About Persons.

In speaking of the report that Joseph II. Hoadley, president of the Alabama Consolidated Coal and Iron company, was en route to Birmingham and that he would arrive within the next few days, Guy R. Johnson, vice president of the company, said yesterday: MT. Hoadley has given me to understand that he will be in the city within the next few days, but of course, l cannot definitely state the exact time. We are looking for him, however, every day"
 Last spring when Mr. Hoadley was in Birmingham he gave out the information that his company was preparing to ex- pend a large sum in the development of it's properties in the district
 Philip Fitzsimmons of Cincinnati. pres ident of the Fitzsmmons Telephone com nature of Mir Fitzsmmons business in Birmingham is unknown. He formerly resided In the city and has many friends and acquaintances here. He will spend about five days in Birmingham.
 The growth of Birmingham, as every one tells you" said MT. Fitzsmmons yes terday, lis phenomenal Since my last visit here Birmingham has grown as if by magic. It is truly one of those cities which spring up in the night. and stay forever more.'
 ..J.
 G. W. Ely. a well-known Citizen of Montgomery, spent yesterday in Birming- ham. While being warm friend to newspaper men. MT. Ely always refrains
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Another CuGan Revolt

Governor Magoon has been troubled by an agitation and attempted revolt in Pinar Del Rio province, but as he holds in readiness 5000 American sol diers and 5000 rural guards, he was not seriously disturbed. General Para, the leader of the plot, has been ar rested and he with two of his assist ants are now in jail The real source of the plot is still a mystery, but the cable continues to say that the money used was furnished by New York capi- talists. The statement as to the source of the money employed may we'll be doubted, but there was at any rate a revolutionary feeling in Pinar del Rio, which was nipped in the bud, thanks
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
DIDN'T MIND THE LADDER.

From the New York World.
 A ladder leaned against a store front in Nassau street, near Spruce. yesterday afternoon. Its foot was so far out that it was easier for for one to go under it than to- pass outside it.
 Everyone knows it is considered bad luck to walk under ladder. Did many of the crowd hurrying toward the bridge pay deference to that superstition?
 A man In a hurry paused q half minute to see.
 Out of thirty who passed only seven avoided the supposed hoodoo. These seven must have done it out of super stition, because it would have been easier for them to go under the ladder as the other twenty-three did.
 The man who paused to see had, him self, not passed under it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
TO WRITER'S.

l. Zangwil1.
 If you are blessed with some talent, great deal of industry and an amount of conceit mighty enough to enable you to disregard superiors. equals and critics. as well as the fan cied demands of the public, it is pos sible. without friends or introductions of bothering celebrities to read your manuscricpt or cultivating the camp or the log rollers, to attain by dint of slavery day and night for years during the flower of your youth to a fame in tinitely less widespread than a prize fighters. and a pecuninary position which you might with far less trouble have been born to.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
BRYAN AND NEBRASKA.

From the Washington Post
 William Jennings Bryan stands just as well with the people of Nebraska to- day as he did when he was the demo- cratic candidate in 1s96 but the democrats or Nebraska do not believe he could be elected in 190s and hope to see some other man chosen. If President Roosevelt were nominated by the republicans, there would be no need of nominating a demo- cratic ticket. MT. Roosevelt would re- ceive the votes of 20 per cent of the dem ocrats Of our state, notwithstanding the fact that Nebraska is the home af Bryan. They are afraid of Taft. and do not think he would be able to carry out the Roosevelt policies"
 This is the view of John F C0ad president of tho Packers National bank of South Omaha, and prominently identi- fled with various industries of Omaha MT. Coad is democrat, and for that reason his views are the more signifi- cant T have just returned from a trip through the southwest continued MT. Coad at the New Willard last evening. Tn Texas l was assured that President Roosevelt and his policies met with such cordial approval that if he were to per init his name to be used and the repub- licans made him their candidate, he would poll % per cent of the democratic vote of that democratic stronghold. In Mis- souri democrats told me the state would give him still greater vote than it did in 1904. It is remarkable the hold MT. Roosevelt has on the masses of the peo- tnlo
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28

largely to the detectives employed by Governor Magoon.
 This revolt shows how foolish it would be on the part of the United States to withdraw from Cuba, for as soon as the American strength and in fluence were taken away the island would speedily lapse into revolution and disorder. The iron hand is all that preserves order in Cuba, and Uncle Sam is booked for long stay there.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Mitchell of Gadsden.

''I wish you Birmingham people would differentiate a little and quit putting Gadsden in the Birmingham district, Il. said R. l.. Mitchell of the Queen City on the Coosa.
 We have a great big proposition at Gadsden; have surrounding LIS minerals rich and rare; have furnaces, steel works, wood works, roofing mills, farm lands, healthy climate, rich agricultural soil, and best of all great big navigable river. One of these days we may take in the Birmingham district. but not just now. We want to deal gently with you, and not overrun you all at once"
 MT. Mitchell is an Alabamian of the true type He was in the lobby last night and talked hopefully of Gadsden and its environments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
The Game Season.

"I am pleased that the game season in Alabama is near at hand,' said a huntsman in the lobby, with his faithful pointer dog by his side, and I am glad, too, that the woods are full of game Twenty-Five birds a day. twenty-five for my partner and twenty-five for the negro boy who attends this dog are quite enough for one day. We never sell what we shoot, but we give away.
 ''The woods and fields are full of them this year under the game law no trap ping done, but fine shooting sport for 'Towser,' my dog, and for me and my friends. We like the new law and shall not transcend its limits.n
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
"HAMlET" IN JAVA.

From the Baltimore Sun. The following advertisement is stated ,o have appeared recently in a newspaper published in the Straits Settlements;
 TONIGHTi TONIGHTl Dedicated in Loving Memory of Our Be- loved William Shakespeare. THE OPERA HYDRA PERMATO COM
 PANY OF SELANGOR. Will Stage the Sensational Tragedy,
 PRINCE HAMLET, By the Best Actors and Actresses
 Procurable In Java. Our Clowns Are Without Rivals. This is Actually the Best Representation of a European Opera by Native
 Company.
 CHOW CHONG. Proprietor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
Souvenir of Dothan,

w. T. Hale editor of the Dothan Eagle. has prepared an interesting souvenir post card of Dothan. It contains photographs of all the mayors of Dothan from 1885 to 1909. In the list are ]. z. s. Comedy, No- vember 30, 1885; Dr. R. D. Carroll, De- cember 1885; ". J. Baxley, 1886; J. o. Me Eachern, .1&'-iSs0: O. M. Hill, 1S91 A. c. Crawford lSSo-y and 1902-3; J. T. Thrasher. 1894; H. A. Pearce, 1S95-19o0-1; Dr. J. R. G. Howell, 1S9S-9; J. R. Young. 1S96-7 and 1sol-5-6-6; J. l.. Acru, 19o2-3; and D. c. Carmichael, 190S-9.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-28
THE SOLE DEsIDERATUM.
From Puck.

From Puck.
 "Huh!' pessimistically ejaculated ths Hon. Thomas Rott T don't take no stock in these ere colleges, What good Is a college education to statesman. anyhow? Just sos a member of the legis- lature knows enough Latin to translate the words per diem.' what more does hs need or have any shadder of use for?'