davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
NARROW ESCAPE
Had BY Man Who Was Held Captive
BY Deadly Cobra.

From the Chicago Tribune
am but IS years of age. and until elgnt
years ago my hair was as black as the
wing of a raven, but is now as white as
that of a man of more than four score
years. The experience which changed IL
white in one short hour was so horrible
that it almost chills my blood to attempt
to portray 1t. In 1898, in company of a
friend 7 was touring in India. We had
visited a number of important places,
and were stopping for a few days at a
remote town in the interior of perhaps
10000 inhabitants to study its ancient tenn
nIes One day my friend proposed to me
that we stroll into the country. We knew
II to be unsafe to go unarined, and so
slipped our revolvers into our pockets
We had gone a distance of four or five
miles when we came to what proved to
be deserted village. While inspecting its
ruins. and while my friend was some dis
lance from me, l stepped upon spot
that gave way beneath me and l was
precpitated into an opening perhaps
six feet deep and five feet in diameter.
| landed upon my feet and. fortunately
for me, stood still for moment TO inves-
tigate my surroundings. 1 cast my eyes
about me and l saw not two feet from
me and almost on a level with my face.
the uplifted head of an immense cobra.
1t was lying on a kind of shelf or shoulder
caused from the caving of the earth at
one side of the opening Its hood was
expanded and it's eyes flashed fire, and l
knew that the least movement on my
part meant death to me.
1 stood rigid as statue for what
seemed 10 me an eternity. not daring to
even call to my friend. whom 1 now
heard approaching. A new horror seized
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

will be absorbed in preliminary work,
all of which could have been transacted
in single day. If the legislature sits
all the week one-tenth of the session
will have been exhausted with no
actual legislation accomplished.
If the legislature could go on indefi-
nitely until the work is done the
leisurely methods of past legislatures
would not be out of place, but when
its work must be confined to fifty days,
and that work must suffice for four
long years in a busy and expanding
state, the case calls for speedy organ
ization instead of a leisurely one.
The Montgomery Journal shows that
this legislature stands pledged by the
last state democratic platform to pass
sixteen bills, as follows:
l. A bill making lobbying an offense,
punishable by fine and possibly by impris-
onment at the discretion of the court try
ing the case; (O a bill requiring all en-
ploying agents or attorneys or represent
tatives of special interests, who engage
in lobbying to register In special books
to be kept by the clerk Of the house of
representatives., giving the name of the
interests represented and the compensa-
ton received from such interest; 90 a bill
enforcing the prompt adjustment of claims
by the railroads; (D a bill fixing the max
imum freight rate, not to exceed the pres
ent freight rate; 90 bill requiring equit-
able car service rules and shipping regu-
1ations; 60 a bill requiring adequate IA
cilities for the prompt moving of freight;
% a bill preventing corporations contrib
uting campaign funds to persons or par
ties; (S) a bill prohibiting free passes, CIV
ing rebates and accepting the same by
common carriers; 90 bill prohibiting the
running of trains on Sunday; Q0) bill
prohibiting the employment of child la
Dor; I'D a bill prohibiting the running of
freight trains on Sunday; G9 bill pro-
vidlng for local option; QD a bill making
decreased appropriations to the public
schools d5 a bill making liberal appro-
priations to the old Confederate soldiers;
Q0 a bill providing for primary cleo
items to be held ON the same day and eX-
penses to be borne by the state.
These bills are but 1.-THE of the
work that will come before the legisla-
ture. and it is very important that not
an hour of the session go unutilized.
1t is emphatically a session that calls
for hard work, and the members who
are not wiling to work hard fifty days
for the state'are insists.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
PRESS POINTS

Atlanta Journal: President Castro has
survived two fevers at one time, If we
count the war fever, three.
Louisville Courier-Journal: Nothing is
so disgusting to the author of the -" Kreut-
ger Sonata" as a coarse comedy like "a
Midsummer Nights Dream
Houston Posts Mrs. Wilcox says a wife
should put love into every kiss she gives
her husband. OF course but we also
like Marion Harland's idea of putting lots
of love In the battercakes.
Washington Herald: A st. Louis woman
shot at a judge on the bench and missed
him. How It happened that the old re-
liable, innocent bystander was not right
on hand to stop the bullet is a strange
accompanying incident.
Columbia State: In Harpers Weekly, a
scientist is quoted as saying that rubber
can be made from wheat. Professor
Hornspex probably worked out this the
DRY while handling the boarding house bis
cult.
New Orleans Times Democrat: Accord
Ing to the testimony introduced during
the hearing before the interstate COM
merce commission, the Hartman lines
seem to have been cast wherever the
fishing was good.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
It's mighty reckless of a girl to wear
pins when she is engaged
A woman would rather have you not
love her and say you did than really to
love her. but not say it.
The devil. with all the business he does
must be great administrator, never to
have needed any partners or superinten-
dents.
Even when you try to save money by
going to live on your relatives a while
your railroad fare costs more than your
board.
There is hardly anything woman car
forgive in man less than his being able
to have a good tmie when he Is not al
home TO worry for fear the baby should
get sick
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
From the New York Mall.


LIGHT but cheering Indications
~ come from many quarters that
~ the spirit of revolt against the
tyranny of the tip system is stirring in
this and other lands Not long ago we
called attention, approvingly but rather
hopelessly TO the noble commercial trav-
elers who had determined to pay no more
Illegal taxes to walters, porters and the
predatory class in general That the
movement should be led by drummers
and start from the birthplace of Ameri-
can liberty seemed happy augury. But
we feared to prophesy success. We feel
more hopeful since the court of special
sessions here upheld the anti-tipping law
and fined two defendants 500 each
England also comes forward with a plan
that heghtens hope. The prevention of
corruption act, a and severe law,
which went into effect on New Years
Day, is similar in Its main provisions to
the Marks law of this state. But it's pen
alties Of heavy fines and imprisonment
are made to apply, not only to gifts to
servants who purchase supplies, but even
to holiday tips to postmen, messengers,
butchers boys and all the brethren of the
outstretched hand.
Still better news comes from Paris Tho
American letter carrier is not a beggar.
His European brother, however, is poorly
paid and looks to gratuities for good
part of his income. All the more honor to
the Partisan postmen, whose union has
passed resolution calling upon all mem
bers to refuse gifts on the ground that
the long established custom is equivalent
to begging, and therefore degrading to the
men.
Meanwhile an unexpected result of the
pure food law has been the abolition of
unique species of tip, centuries old, and,
in this country, peculiar to New Orleans.
Some say it came from the early Spanish
settlers, who called any bonus In trade
ia napa." Others trace the custom 10
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
A GOOD SORT.


Hoping, hoping hoping
That the luck may turn,
Looking for paystreak,
Energy to burn.
Gazing at the future
With a cheerful eye,
Hunting for a rainbow
Shining In the ,slxy.
Always pushing forward,
Seldom looking back.
Dreaming of the sunshine
When the clouds are black.
Singing, working, playing,
Striving for the best,
With bit of comfort
When he takes his rest.
That's the sort of fellow
Really worth the while,
Stout of heart and ever
Ready with a smile.
Twelve hundred and twenty-six dogs
were put to death last year in Birmlng-
ham, and none Of them was ready to die.
WAIT AND SEE.
Since labels tell the truth and all
The food we eat is pure,
We shall live longer than before
OF that you may be sure.
The little girl belongs to mama, mama
belongs to papa and papa belongs to a
trust. That's why the little girl wears
such beautiful white furs.
PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
Governor JeIks' Message

The retiring governor appropriately
begins his final state paper with recon-
mendations touching the old soldiers
of Alabama. He asks the legislature
to increase the allowance for the home
for old soldiers. ut certainly ought
not" says Governor Jelks, ito be run
as a poorhouse."
Governor Jelks shows that our assess
ment laws are very inefficient-that
the back-ta law is not operative in
thirty-f1ve counties, and that inequality
and injustice mark every step of our
tax system, and he suggests radical
changes in our assessment laws. He
favors, too, an inheritance tax.
The governor estimates the saving to
the state through the operation of the
uniform textbook law has been fully
100000, besides supplying to all the
public schools better books. He recon-
mends the appointment of new book
commission and the continuance of the
wholesome and profitable policy in
augurated in 1903.
In discussing the school problem,
Governor Jelks does not think zone
half has been done that ought to be
DONE" He desires to see the teachers
better paid He desires to see the
child-labor law rendered effective, and
he calls the attention of the legislature
to the dsgraceful condition of the dirt
roads Of the state.
The governor unqualifiedly advises
the passage of state depository bill,
and that deposits of the states moneys
be secured in every instance by de-
posts of state bonds. He regrets that
the constitution of 1901 forbids loans
of the states funds. but this provision
probably would not prevent the state
from receiving interest on deposits.
Governor Jelks looks with a favor
able eye on the establishment of a
bureau of immigration, and the appro-
priation of a considerable sum for the
work that would be assigned to it. He
considers the subject one of deep i'm
portance to the state.
The story of the refunding of the
state bonds and also the story of the
capitol extension and Improvement are
briefly and tersely told. and then he
takes UP the subject Of capital punish
ment. "There is a general indisposl-
tion," he says, ito hang white men In
Alabama. For my term, covering six
years, think only two white men have
been hung in the state. They were
strangers. They met their proper pun
ishment in the imperial county of JEFF
ferson. It was unfortunate for them
that they were not better or more
favorably known in Alabama Our
iuries do not seem to have the same
objection to hanging the casual visitor
as they do the homeraised criminal"
This leads the governor to recommend
the dlsuse Of capital punishment ex-
cept in cases of --offenses against
women. ut is monstrous,' he says,
ito allow law to stand which is OPP
erative against only one class of our
citizens"
The story of the convict department
is told, and the retiring governor is
fully justified in his pride over the re-
suit attained. He shows that the net
receipts from the convicts was s1,192,-
SGT more during his term of Office than
they were in the previous six years.
He then discusses the county convict
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
Interurban Development.

while there are many evidences of
rapid growth in every section of the BIZ
mingham district there can hardly be a
more substantial development than is
noticeable all along the South Ensley
car line from Birmingham to Ensley,'
said ex-Alderman j. NJ. Donaldson of the
latter city last night.
1.-THE development at Ensley Highlands
and Fairview is especially noticeable
and Rising Is is not far behind in the
way of general improvement. 1 see a
number of handsome residences in course
of construction now all along the line
and many have been completed during
the past six months.
I'm another year at the present rate
there will hardly be break in the string
of buildings between this city and Ems
ley"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
OMISSIONS OF HISTORY.

From the Chicago Tribune.
Henry VIII. had espoused his sixth
wife.
Mrs. Parsons idea of trial marriages., -
he said, strikes me as being a pretty
good thing. When l get tired of this one"
here he drew his hand with an express
sive gesture, across the royal throat.
Wife No. 6, however. succeeded in con-
vinc~lg him that this was a marriage for
keeps. and he died subsequently of cha
grin. leaving no mourners worth mention
ing
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
HIS BUSINESS SUIT.

FROM the lOleuO blaue.
Benevolent Lady-What makes you
wear such an awfully torn suit of
clothes? 1t is simply mass of tatters.
Useless Urban-It's de nature of me bus
mess, mum. wot causes me TO fash desc
toys, mum.
Benevolent Lady-And what is your bus
mess, may l ask?
Useless Urban with dignity)-Tm col
lector of rents, mum.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

~ MIDDLE-AGED man who hap
WI pened to be standing on the cor
ner of First avenue and Twen-
tieth street, lifted his hat and approached
a handsome young woman who seemed
to be waiting for a car. She did not APP
pear to favor his advances. for she began
to talk exeitedly. tossing her head as II in
anger. The man persisted IN his atten-
TONS At this moment a stoutly built
man standing near remarked, Another
masheri have been itching for over
week to teach one of those fellows
lesson and this is my chance"
He approached the couple and selling
the man by one arm, said, Let that
woman alone!
The man addressed wheeled round like
a flash, amazement and anger expressed
on his face. How dare you interfere with
husband and wifel" he asked, while the
woman withered the knight errant with
a glance This is a family matter and
If you don't free my arm this instant 1
will knock you down."
The stout man stammered his apologies
and "snuck" away, as HuciS Finn would
say, to place where 1t took three drinks
to quiet his nerves.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
NOTHING FOR HER THERE.

From the Philadelphia Press.
Yes" said Miss Passay, 81 found a
real nice boarding house today, but the
only room they had to offer me had a
things
"Of course" replied Miss Pert, ''one
can never hope to find a man under a
folding bed
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
REBELLION AGAINST TIPS

the ancient butter fairs in the villages Of
France. The peasant girls, in the days
when oleomargerine was unknown, sold
their golden cakes and pats and rolls OF
richness and then. spreading out the linen
wrappings, asked for something for the
cloth"-"pour la nappe."
Whatever its origin. the custom has
been always to throw in with every
small purchase something for "lagniap-
pc" In the days of slavery it was the
JOY Of the bondmen who without money
gained bright trinkets and many cheap
treasures by grace of '1agniappe." In
later years, it made children and servants
eager to run errands to any shop, for
the sake of the handful of candy or cake
or trumpery gew-gaw which was re-
ceived as a matter of right, without
thanks. Retail merchants have long been
weary of the habit. They shrewdly called
the attention of the authorities to the
fact that illegal adulterants were used
In the only kinds of sweets small deal
ers could afford to give away. and the
result has been a unanimous agreement
of merchants to abolish this prototype Of
the trading stamp system.
'Lagniappe" was a custom picturesque
by reason of its age and oddness. But
It will not be regretted. Any blow to the
tip system is step toward fair dealing
and self-respect. In sustaining the anti
tipping law in this state, the justices say
truly that good citizenship is factor.
The history of the legislation in this state
and elsewhere reveals demoralizing temp
tations in the business and Industrial
world that were multiplying so rapidly as
to menace the development of loyalty and
devotion to duty, which characteristics
in it's citizenship 1t is of the highest gov
ernmental Importance to cultivate and de-
velop.
But better than all laws will be
spread of the spirit that makes the Paris
postmen demand fair pay and reject char
ity.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
UNcLAssiFlED.

From the Chicago News.
Smith-My wife is a ventriloquist.
Jones-ventriloquist?
Smith-Yes, she throws her voice, you
know.
Jones-Oh, that's IT, Ell? Now. what
would you call my wife? She throws the
hrst thing she gets har hands on
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
ALABAMA PRESS
Montgomery Times: Life is Uncer-
TAIN" the great railway novel.


tain" the great railway novel.
Gurley Herald: The President spent the
holidays cutting wood while Congress is
now saving it.
Gadsden Journal: Birmingham is try
ing to beat us to the technical school
proposition by going out and picking one
up bodily and carrying 1t home. The
Magic City wants to move the Alabama
Polytechnic institute from Auburn to Bir-
mingham because in that way a school
for technical training supported by state
aid would be quickly secured and with
assistance that could be added from
manufacturing and mining interests of
Birmingham school could be created
that would easily take first rank among
the states education institutions
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
ROMANCE!

From the Memphis Commercial-App
Mabelle Gilman the chorus lady who
swiped w. f. Corey, president of the
steel trust, now occupies the famous old
chateau In France that once belonged to
the notorious and unsavory Jerome Bona
parte. Corey is now her esquire and in a
short time the magnate and the chorus
lady are to be married.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
Hard Work Before Legislature

On Tuesday the rolls were called in
the legislature; on Wednesday officers
were elected, and the message of the
retiring governor received, and the
chances are that the rest of the week
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10
LACKING SPIRIT.

From the Baltimore American
Don't you think that half length por-
trait of old Topper remarkably lifelike?"
Can trsay l do A portrait of Topper to
be lifelke would have to be full
length
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The darkey dialect written by east
ern people continues to be a source of
amusement to anybody who ever heard
the genuine article.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Mr.. Harrimans forgettery may not
be in excellent working condition when
he is called to testify in the Union
Pacific investigation.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Miss Mabelle Gilman is not a bit
afraid to marry Pittsburg millionaire.
me subsequent divorce proceedings
do not trouble her
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

President Corey is to be fired out of
the steel trust if he marries an actress,
and he certainly should be If he does
not marry her.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The contest between Tammany and
Mayor Mcclellan does not enlist any
ones sympathy in New York. The New
Workers say, Go it, husband; go it,
bear"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The cry comes from Kentucky that
spring is here, but the announcement
was probably made by a colonel who
was feeling unusually good.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

kid" Herman was knocked out, but
his sweetheart says she will stick to
him. That ought to help some.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The restaurant breakfast should be
able to look you squarely in the face
in these pure food days.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Chancellor Day maintains his disgust
for the times which persist in shifting
trusts and magnates.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Governor Hughes can, by becoming
New Yorks best governor, get White
House nomination. An election is a.
trifle different.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The Campanile is to be reproduced
at st. Louis. 1t will form part of a
church and not a brewery.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

AS a result of her little sub-treasury
experience Atlanta may be confined to
her bed for several days.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The steel trust seems to think 1t
should supervise President Corey's af-
fairs even out of office hours.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Scranton and Pittsburg, both in
Pennsylvania, are the two typhoid cen
tiers of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

Having become United States Sen
ator, Simon Guggenheim is already suf-
fering the pangs of being misquoted.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

In the very act of writing verse about
them, some poets are breaking their New
Year resolutions. The daily rhymng bard
likes to WOO the muse with a filthy pipe
stuck in his mouth.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

April has supplanted January, and
Medicine Hat is knocked out.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

If the nations keep on building more
and bigger battleships there will be
no room for the water in the ocean.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

An Ohio preacher said that there were
better Christians in Hades than certain
members of his church. thus creating the
impression that he knows some people in
Hades.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

me-that the sound of his footsteps might
further irritate the creature and cause
it to strike me. How long I could have
endured this strain I cannot tell. I was
suddenly relieved by pistol shot. which
completely severed the head Of the rep
file
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

The Shah is dead; long live the
Shah, and all the wives he may ac-
cumulate. His daddy, now dead, had
800
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

A poet who contributes Lines On
the Devil to the Baltimore Sun speaks
as one who knows.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

INSANITY.
If you are good and give away
The dollars that you make,
Most cheerfully refund to all
And profits never take,
You'll gain a reputation for
Kindheartedness and, more,
They'll put you in padded cell
To think the matter DER.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

II is now Governor Higgins of Rhode
Island, instead of New York.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

A Kentuckian who supports family
of seventeen on wages of so cents a
day probably has credit at a grocery
store.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

No January thaw is needed this year,
for there is nothing to thaw out.