davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
Little Flossie Birthday Party
By Maud Walker.

It was Flossie's birthday and she was full of excitement. Mamma was prepar- ing things for great party which would be given at 2 o'clock in the afternoon About 20 little guests were invited to attend, and all would be sure to be there on time, for Flossie's comrades knew that q party at her house meant more than the usual good cheer enjoyed at the regu- lation birthday party.
 While mamma was busy decorating the parlors and dining room Flossie decided to make her own little room more at tractive by adding some odd bits Of furniture and bric-a- brac from the store room In the attic. She did not say word to her mamma about 1t, but de- cided to surprise her when the little guests should be taken into her room to lay off their hats, hoods and wraps The room was already pretty enough to suit the taste of any little miss, for 1t was all in blue, white and gold, with the daintiest of curtains and the softest of rugs. But on a special occasion like ones birthday Flossie felt that some extra touches were needed here and there. She had seen in the storeroom great gray fur rug which mamma had said was shedding" and unfit to longer hold It's place in front of the library grate. It could not do any harm for one afternoon lying on the floor of her room, just in front of the little white iron bed on which her small guests would put their wraps. Then there were a pair of huge old candlesticks which her papa had picked up at a curio shop, but which her Mamma always laughed Ut and had
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

relegated to the attic as unsightiy things But to Flossle they were perfectly ele- gant" with their gilt bands and gay red flowers twining up their narrow stems. On her white mantelpiece they would look most artistic, so thought the little Fiossie.
 After running on some errands for her mamma, Fiossie slipped from the dining room, where mamma was still busy with the table, and went up to the attic store room. It was cold and dusty and dark, for seldom did anyone save the servants go up there. Old carpets. broken pieces of furniture, battered boxes and trunks and cast-off picture frames and oric-a- brnc filtered the place.
 k Flossie began to search about for the desired candlesticks which she remem- bered having seen on top of packing box, but nowhere were they to be found now. The fur rug was there, but more than anything else Flossie wanted the candlesticks. After searching In every box and trunk and turning up things in general in her hunt for them. Flosse remembered that there were many things packed in a great closet which was built in the dark ends of the storeroom. Thither went Flossie, climbing over boxes and heaps of debris to the peril of her little neck, but reaching the closet In safety. A heavy door shut the con tents from sight, but Flossie lifted the rusty hook which secured 1t from the outside and pulled it open.
 An! There on high shelf stood the Ionged-for and mueh-admired candle sticks, goodly covering of dust hiding their gilt bands and red flowers. But
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
IRISH WIT.

Pat o'Hooligan gave a dinner to some of his friends. His wife had prepared one chicken which Pat proceeded to carve to serve his guests Turning to the lady seated nearest him he asked very politely:
 What part will yez hev. Misses Mur- phy?'
 ''Oill take the leg, if yez blaze, solr, '' she said.
 Pat next turned to a little Murphy.
 And what part iv the bird will yes hey. young manr'
 'oi'll take leg, if 1t blaze ye. soir. |" replied the little Murphy.
 Then Pat addressed Mir Murphy What's yer choice iv the bird? will ye have the white meatr
 "oi'll take another leg. solr. an much obeged fer the question:" said Mir. Mur- phy, who always followed his wife's ex- ample.
 'Begorra," exclaimed Pat "phwat do yez think Pm carvin--a splder?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

for his victim an old man that is helpless or a boy much his inferior in size and strength"
 As the old-ciothes man thanked Brick top for his kindness and hurried away as fast as his burden would allow, Mean Hank turned on Briektop with oaths and abuse. "I'll fix you with one twist of the wrist" he threatened, like the bully that he was.
 ''Say, I want no fuss with you,' said Brcktop, standing up proudly in front of the bully "I don't approve of quarreling and fighting-sueh conduct is beneath me. But I'll do both when necessary in the weaker than myself Only a. coward would act as you do. You are most con temptible."
 "So?" sneared Mean Hank" Then he made lunge for Bricktop with his tight. ly clenched fist. But Bricktop was too quick for him, and had thrown himself aside, thus missing the blow, which must otherwise have laid him full length ln the sq2w.
 But Bricktop had not attended the gym nasium two years for nothing He was as active young athlete as you would find among hundred sturdy and flexible boys of his own age. The moment that he dodged Mean Hanks" fist he threw up his own right arm vigorously catching his assailant right under the chin and throwing him to the ground.
 Before Mean Hank could rise from the deep snow. into which he had fallen, Bricktop was upon him, pinning him down. He could not resist the temptation to slap the contemptible fellows face. if looked so hideously wicked and ugly be. heath his gaze.
 Then, so suddenly that Brlcktop was quite astonished, the Twins were beside him and his fallen foe throwing handfuls of snow into the latter's face. exclalmlng as they did so: "Now, you mean fellow, take some of the medicine sou were giy- Ing so freely to that poor old man. Take that, and that, and t-h-a-tl' And with every word they crushed handful of the white, cold substance down the young ruffian's neck and into his face.
 Half-smothered with the snow and quite yanquished, Mean Hank" begged for mercy. ''Oh, I'm freezing, he walled. showing the cowardy side of his nature. ",et me ur."
 'Go away, Riddles" commanded Brick top. This Is no place for you
 ''oh. you may need us," laughed Bet tie, 'so we'll stay near. If that fellow could. he'd half kill you."
 Bricktop turned his attention to h;s now pleading antagonist, saying: Prom ise me you'll never torment nor plague an old person again and never bully boys
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
Queens d England.
By Mary Graham.

Marguerite of France, second queen consort of Edward I. of England. was early orphaned by the death of her royal father Philip le HardI, King of France.
 She was q et-tempered, high minded damsel, and retained these fine traits of character throughout her life. She was thoroughly educated young princess. be- ing as virtuous as she was refined and cultured.
 While Marguerite was still very young her elder sister, Princess Blanche. became the reigning beauty and favorite of Europe. Edward l. of England, having heard her praises sung from afar, sought her hand in marriage At this time he was a grief-stricken wldower, still mourn ing the loss of his beloved Queen Flea nora. But he hoped to banlsh his heavy sorrow in the smiles of q second beauteous queen.
 Thus negotiations Tnr the hand of the beautiful Blanche were begun by the King of England, and the historians Of those times declare that the Princess Marguerite was substituted in the mar riage treaty in the place of her more fa- vored sister Blanche by diplomatic ma neuver unequaled for craft since the days of Leah and Rachel"
 
 Marguerite appears in the marriage treaty where that of Blanche was sup posed to be.
 At the time of her betrothal to Edward the Princess Marguerite was just enter ing her twelfth year. but the final ar engagement by which she became Ed wartl's consort was not consummated till many years later, as both Edward and his brother, the Duke of Lancaster, bit terry resented the substitutin of the plain child. Marguerite, for her glorious ly beauteous sister, Blanche, who was in the full bloom of her young womanhood This piece of diplomacy was the work of Philip le Bel brother to Marguerite and Blanche and King of France. who bad other and higher plans for the dis- posal of his sister Blanche. The misunderstanding between the two kings seems to have been lighted, for on 1 the Sth of September, 1299, Marguerite of | France was married to Edward l. of | England.
 To quote from a record of that time:
 "On Tuesday, the day of Our Lady's nativity, In the twenty-seyenth year of the king, arrived dame Meregrett, the daughter of King Philip, at Dover, and l proceeded the following day to Canter- l bury; and the present Thursday after came Edward, King of England, into the church of the Trinity of Canterbury,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

Then, with her shoe unbuttoned on her foot. Blossie went down to her own room to dress for the party, explaining to her mamma as they descended the stairs how she happened to be locked in the closet of the storeroom. But" she added, with n happy little laugh, ''my room is pretty enough as it is, and never do I want to see those old candestlcks again. They got me Into prison. so they did-and on my birthday. too"
 But half an hour later, when all the happy little guests were assembled Flos- sic took great pleasure in telling of her late imprisonment, even going into de- tails about her weeping and walllng and pounding with her shoe on the door. But It's an experience I do not want to re- peat-unless I am quite sure mamma Is within sound of my voice." she added. laughlngly.
 And all the little friends laughed also, thinking, however, that Flossle mad suf- fered terrible ordeal-and on her birth day. too, which made 1t much worse. of course.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

and receiving no response would go to her room to look for her. Not finding her little daughter the poor woman would become uneasy and search the other liv- ing-rooms for the missing Flossie. Then, in distress. her mamma would telephone for her papa to come home, telling him that their little girl was missing from the house.
 Flossie sat on the box and wept, wept from fear and anxiety over her terrible imprisonment. Would she ever-eyer get out? Would the invited guests arrive for the party and no Flossie to meet them? Would her tenth birthday pass in this terrible dark place without food or wa ter, when downstairs were all sorts of goodies awaiting the hour of the banquet?
 "Oh, oh!' walled the little one. "Oh, oh!
 Then came an idea. She must make some dreadful, unusual noise to attract attention since her voice failed of it's purpose. She would remove a shoe and with the heel beat as hard as she could on the door, crying out all the while, Help, help, help,"
 Meanwhile in the dining room Flossle's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

son in the house.
 While the good mother listened, trying to locate the source of the noises, they became more voclferous and distinct. The cry Help, help, help!" came plainly from above. Wondering at so strange happen ing. Blossie's mamma hurried to the attic storeroom. Once inside she recognized her own little girlie's pleading voice, which rose above the din of pounding on the great door.
 over the boxes trunks and piles of debris she hurriedly clambered and reached the closet, which she opened. There, with tears streaming down her face, a shoe in one hand, stood little Flossie. a/most pitt. able looking object
 "Oh, mamma, mammal" she cried, springing Into her mothers open arms. "I was afraid I'd never make you hear. And I thought may be I'd never get out--of-h-e-r-e m
 My sweet child" soothed mamma ten- derly. How came you in there2 locked up, too,' she asked.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

"Say, sir, you've gone far enough. Let that poor old man alone this instant"
 Mean Hank straightened up to his full est height, looking down on Bricktop with a scornful smile. Well, sonny-boy," he sneered, 'where did you git the nerve to tell me what to do or not to dor
 Bricktop lent his assistance to> the old man, who was trying to get his pack on his back again, and did not deign 10 an- swer Mean Hank. This enraged the lat ter. and with an oath he slapped Brick fop across the face with his great, coarse palm. Brcktop's face went red for moment. then became white with anger. Turning to the old man, who was now on his feet again, with his pack read justed, he said. calmly:
 "Now, sir, you are at rights again. Go on your way and I'll see that you are not molested by this rufian. who picks
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

Bricktop and The Twins were on their way to school one morning when they saw a sight that incensed them greatly. A great, overgrown fellow, commonly known as Mean Hank" was snowballing an old second hand" man, who. with his pack of clothing on his back, was power less to retaliate in the way of self -protec- tion. The poor old man was trying to get away from his tormentor. who pursued him relentlessly, hitting him about the face and shoulders with snowballs hard as flint, and disarranging the pack which bowed its carrier under its awful weight
 "Just look at that" cried Lettie. point ing toward the old-clothes man and his pursuer. Now, isn't that Mean Hank snowballing that old manf"
 Sure" exclaimed Bricktop. frown of anger coming on his face as he looked in the direction pointed to by Lettie.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

There's nothing too mean for boy to do who would torment an old man like that Gee. if I were only bit larger and stronger I'd give that Mean Hank the trouncing of his life, would.'
 ''weli, there's three of us." quietly spoke Bettie. Three small people are as good--or better-than one giant"
 But you kiddIes couldn't flight" de- ciared Bricktop. Tt would be-be-why. 1t would be awful. you know"
 'I don't see 1t that way" asserted Bettie. her blood boiling with rage as she beheld Mean Hank throw . hard snowbali right in the face of the old-clothes man. who cried out with pain and put one hand over his eyes. as if they were hurt
 I'm not afraid to help whip him." said Lettie. I'd be very happy if l might help to avenge that poor old fellows vrongs. Come. BricktoD. let's give him
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

was in the hands of young chap who meant business and no fooling. for after moment he screwed his ugly face up hideonsly and grunted out:
 low, well, I'll promise it, shore Wat do care fer snowballin' anaways Yep, l promise to let the old ccdgers and the young kids alone, fer they're beneath me, anyways. Nav leave me up."
 And don't you ever dare to ever break that promise, either," warned Brick top. loosening his hold on the buIly's shoulders and getting on his feet. 'Now, clear out you coward bully"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

a few snowballs that will take his atten- ton from the old man."
 You kiddies hold my books and rli do what I can alone" said Bricktop. If get done up it will be fin good cause. and you girls mustn't laugh at me-
 "Laugh The very idea" were The Twins ejacua tions to this. Why, brother, dear, don't we know you are the bravest boy in town? But see there. The old mans pack has fallen and that Mean Hank is pulling it apart" cried Bettie. excitedly.
 Bricktop waited for nothing more. Handing his books to Bettle. he said hastily: Don't try to take hand in this affair. I couldn't think of allowing you to do such q thing. Stay here tin I come back" Then he was off down the street like flash. Running up to Mean Hank. he said in firm voice:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

great. though. to make him give In? The ugly. big, mean thing"
 ''I don't think he'll make q practice of tormentng old people or youngsters any more" said Briektop. "He knows I'll be on the lookout for him
 "And fancy he'll not soon forget those Perkins twIns. laughed Lettie. He got enough snow inside his collar to cool his ugly tenn. for one day
 You are brave little girlies." said Bricktop. Most girls would have run and cried Murder. had they seen a light going on. You are all right, all right" And together they ran on to school.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

As the great, oyergrown figure made tracks down the side street in the suburbs of town Bettie and Lettie let fly after him two pretty hard snowballs, both hitting him square in the back. Mean Hank" looked round, but made no sign of fighting. He evidently did not want to incur any more of Bricks dsfavor.
 What did you klddles do that for7' asked Brlcktop, unable to hide smile. Never hit an enem- in the back"
 We couldn't help It," declared Bettie. ''Ile wouldn't give us q chance to strike him in the face-he ran so fast. so the only way we could give hlm parting stroke was from the rear. Wasn't 1t
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

your unequal in size and strength before let you up."
 'Ill promise to never tackle you" agreed Mean Hank wriggling beneath Brlcktop's weight "Ill let you good and alone-honest Injun."
 Promise what asked you to or may be tempted to give your face another reminder of the strength of my palm. and my sisters are longing to get nt your neck with more snow. So you'd better not keep us waiting for the promise, as we don't like being late at school" said Bricktop, holding the burly form down with all his strength.
 Mean Hank doubtless saw that he
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

and espoused the aforesaid Meregrett. Queen of Epgland, of the age K yeara"
 It is fact worth mentiong that Mar guerlte of France is the first queen since the Conquest not to enjoy the honor of coronation; but the royal exchequer was in such distress from continuous warfare that the cost of such q cere-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

mony was not to be indulged in, however much Edward might have wished it.
 To quote:
 Marguerite, queen-consort of Edward l. of England. Is the first queen since the Conquest who was not solemnly crowned and nnointed."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27

Then away through the air The old man did fly; Leaving the moon Alone in the sky. The moon grew so lonely, She wept and she cried; Her heart broke at last, And then she just died. And so you may hear The earth's people say, ''rhe moon is quite dead" But how many know, pray. That her poor heart did break When her man weI. away ln that little balloon On that far agone day.
 M.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
Con undruu <.

Why Is a dentist like q man swimming in river?
 He Is always on the outlook for suags. When is q mans heart like | cats slumber?
 When light.
 What is it that is black and white, aad still is read tred) all over? newspaper.
 When is stream of water Ike . n-~n's nose7
 When bridged
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
When the Man Left
 the Moon.

A little balloon
 Went up in the sky; Sailing and sailing Ever so high. The man in the moon Reached down his long arm; Seized hold of balloon. But did 1t no harm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-27
The Soldier Bold

Oh, he Is very, very bold: A soldier most brave to behold He wears a sword sheathed at his side; But tn blade of steel hath ne'er been
 tried.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-04-01
Mckee Discovered Great Infielder
on Water Lily Team Near
Pittsburg.

Huns Wagner, the fast inlicldcr of
tho Pittsburg National League team.
considered by many enthusiasts the
best playerin tile business to-day, was
discovered and put upon his upward
path by Manager @. i. Mckee, Of tho
Bijou Theatre, who was in 1897 owner
and manager of the Paterson team of
the Atlantic League, of which Rich
nond formed Il part.
Wagner was on the tenn, playing in
the intie!d. He had been discovered on
Il water lily team near Pittsburg. and
was first seen by Manager Mckee
throwing cobble stones at a fence In
the attempt to break holes In tic
same, lie was engaged at the time in
doing minor work on railroad con-
struction. He was picked UP and was
II factor in the success of the Paterson
team So widely did lie become known,
and so far did his fame spread that
II number of the big league magnates
got busy burning wire in the effort
to secure him from Mr.. Mckee.
AS . matter Of fact. he was sold Il,
Louisville for $4,000. Boston. Pittsburg
and Louisville wanted the great play
or Mr.. Mckee looked the field over
and determined to sell to the highest
bidder. The deal was effected by auc-
ton over the wire. Harry Pulliam. OF
Louisville. going the limit, and out
bidding the other nlagnatcS Wagner
was getting $125 81 month with Pater-
son. Louisville laid him $3.50 the first
season.
when Mr.. Pulliam came to Pater-
son to see Wagner" said Mr.. Mckee
last night, Il took him over to tho
hotel and we sent for Hans. When
he came into our mighty presence, I
told him that ! hild Just disposed OF,
him to the big league magnatc. Hans
flushed up for 1t mad been his ambi-
ton to go up in his business, and he
had known nothing Of the deal that
had been going on. After he collected
himself, and we had had glass OF
Lemonade all around, at tho expense
of Mr.. Pulliam he vcntlrcd to ask
this questions: Mr.. Pulliam, II 1 go
with you. will you keep mo on tile
team and not farm me out to the water
lilies. or Will / have to go out into tho
woods and play on the back lotsY
You Will play on my team all the
season. If you don't make single
hit. was the magnate's reply, and a
smile of supreme happiness crossed the
face of the beamng Hans.
But. Mr. Pulliam. / have no big
city clothes. and haven't even a dress
case to take my collars in, and can't
spare the money ito buy ticket all
tho way to Louisville
That will be all right said Mr.
Pulliam go get your belongings and
meet me in ten minutes and | will
have case for you, and ticket to
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-04-01
Amateur Rider, Kept Down Two
Years Through Jealousy, Had
All His Old Skill.
ny .roMNYv ToaIpl1INs.

WASHINGTON, March 3l.-When
Bobby Taylor brought home Essex q
winner in the jumping race at Bennins,
he gave the gentlemen who have been
lucky enough to be placed at the head
az !the amateur end of steeplechaslng IN
the East something to think about. And
at the same time hearnedSa round OF
hearty applause from every man ana
woman on the grounds who belleVes IN
fair play y, II !,
refused to grant permission to Mr.,
Taylor to@ride as an amateur, or as
q gentleman, as tho men who are en-
cared in that line of the game pre-
farred to be called. No reason
was given for the turn down Of MI.
Taylor, lie simply was told that ne
could not have a license to ride as an
amateur. But the public, and many of
t la'' men who frequently wore silks,
had a good Idea Of why Mr.. Tay Tor
was barred.
They knew that some bf6,the young
man who hankered for honors won
tarough thefeldihnd q wholesale fear
Of the skill and daring OF Mr.. Taylor,
and felt that II they could get him
out Of the way there would be a
chance or. two for them to get their
hands on some sort of silver cup
that would look we'll on fathers slde-
board down on tho old farm,
AS they We're young men of influ-l
5ence, through their fathers money
bags 1t was not difficult for them to
persuade the stewards that Mr.. Taylor
should be kept on the ground, and.
for two years that has been the place
from which the amateur rider from
Baltimore has viewed his racin 8.
This " ear, the stewards We're troubled
IN hit by their consctences and made
what amends they could to Mr., Taylnr