davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
AIabama's OpDertuniiy.

The proposition of the Auburn alum
nj should be warmly seconded in this
city and elsewhere throughout the
state, for it presents the one opportu-
nifty to build up in Alabama a great in
stitution for industrial training This
proposition is the good sense of the
situation. Instead of dividing our
strength between two technical schools
the Auburn alumni say it would be bet
ter to move the Alabama polytechnic
institute to Birmingham, thus concen-
trating here all efforts to build up d
school that will surpass in size, popu-
larity and efficiency any institution of
that nature in the south.
The proposition is certainly the
height of good sense. The sentiment
alists cannot block the way if the
alumni societies act freely and warm
ly. If the alumni favor removal to
and consolidation in Birmingham, it is
as good as accomplished, for there will
be no one to stand in the way in that
case who need be considered. The
entire matter is up to the alumni. Let
them speak out Let them say what
is best for their cherished institution.
In any event a technical school is a
necessity in this city of numerous in
dustrial plants, and the Alabama Poly
technic will be that school if its friends
and supporters vote yes
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
Willy BUNAU-VARllLA.

From the Washington Herald.
Strange stories are coming to Wash
ington FROM Paris. concerning NJ. Bunau-
Varlla's systematic and influential effort
to plunge the United States into bloody
war with Japan, Bunau-Varilla is the
eminent Frenchman who co-operated sue
cessfully with certain American interests
in selling the old French Panama canal
to the United States. Legally, the title
of the property was the New Panama
Canal" After putting tho deal through,
which iaclGded the revolution" on the
isthmus that resulted in the separation
of Panama from Colombia. Bunau-
varlar came here as the duly accredited
minister of the Panama republic. 1t has
developed that during all of his brilliant
activities in connection with this great
deal he was the owner Of the Paris
Matin. one of the most Influential news
papers in the French capital He pur-
chased that valuable newspaper property
with the savings from his salary as the
chief engineer for about twenty years of
the original de Leyseps scheme Nearly
every day for the past month the Paris
Matn has published sensational special
cablegrams from the United States rep
resenting a growing bitterness in this
country toward Japan, and predicting, as
the inevitable outcome war with Nippon
within short time. From Panama his
newspaper also publishes articles harshly
critcsing the slowness of the work in
canal construction. and prophesying conf
IDENTIFY the failure of that enterprise UNI
der American methods Obviously the
purpose of his newspaper campaign is to
force himself on his representatives. into
the management of the canal construe-
ton by frightening this country into the
belief that war with Japan Is rapidly
and that the canal would
then be a necessity; and in order TO ex-
pedite the completion of the work the
government of the United States would
have to employ French engineers. Sen
ator Morgan, 1t is understood, is prepar-
ing to address himself at length to this
subject soon after the Senate reassem-
HES. Some sensational Developments are
expected to follow the Alabawiap's ex-
ploitatlon OF the matter.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
Openinq the Warrior.

If Chairman Burton had time to
study the coal fields of Alabama he
would see that their southwesterly
bounds are but touched by the i'm
provements in the Warrior river. All
coal fields are uncertain and unprofit-
able at their limits. They are not
ended with big seams. On the con-
trary seams at the limits of a great
field are divided and minimized, and
this is why SALTWATER in the Warrior
does not today extend to workable and
profitable seams.
Nor can the operators afford to build
railroads to slackwater navigation. 1t
would be cheaper to build more locks
and dams if the government refuses TO
continue it's improvement work. An
extension of the six-foot channel to
the Forks of the river would carry
navisation to the heart of this district,
and practically solve the districts
transportation problem.
If Chairman Burton could spend d
full week in our coal fields he would
see the situation in true light. He
would see that slackwater navigation
is needed up to the Forks. True, 1t
would cost three millions of dollars to
put in the needed locks, eight In mum
Der, but when vast sums are to be ex-
pended elsewhere, and the country is
in a condition to make large appropria-
tions for the improvement of its har'
bors and rivers, it does not seem TO
be good policy to stop the Warrior I'M
provement at the foot of Squaw
shoals. Mr.. Burton is well Informed
in thousand matters, but he certainly
has not studied the coal fields of this
state.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
ABUSE OF THE INDOORS.

Bliss Carman in the Craftsman.
Houses were made for shelter, not for
confinement; for freedom, not restraint.
They were intended to enlarge our sphere
of activities not to diminish them.
After food they are the first requisite
the first trace of himself which man
imposes upon the natural world, and the
most primitive and lasting evidence of
the handiwork which grows into all the
arts of all the centuries.
They foster the family and make prog
ress possible, but we should not abuse
their protection. We have crawled away
into their still and comfortable recesses,
slept in their dry, clean chambers. toast
ed ourselves over their sheltered fires,
read by their unfickering lights and
eaten from their bountiful boards so long
that we are grown pale, timid, peevish
and thankless withal.
We have kept ourselves away from
the wind and the sun and the flashing
rain, from the feel of the earth under
foot and the sense OF. the leaves and
stars overhead until we no longer know
the keen and simple joys of being alive.
We have set up barriers against the in
clemency of nature and covered before
her severe austerity until now we have
forgotten how Indispensable is all her
kindly nurture, how tonic her rugged
ways. how full of solace her assuaging
calm.
Houses were only made to live in when
1t is too cold or too hot or too wet to
live out of doors Any other time out of
doors is best. To sleep out of doors for
a month is better than a trip to Europe.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05

Mr., Hill as United States senator. For
some time there have been rumors that
deserve careful investigation before
they are dismissed. These rumors are
to the effect that there have been i'm
proper methods used in advancing Mr.
Hills candidacy" Governor Warner
asked the republican caucus to adj
journ for one week, which it did. The
governor hopes to regain his strength
and to be able to lay testimony dam
aging to the Hill candidacy before the
caucus.
Boss Atwood is the railroad com
missioner of Michigan, and he has
been a power in the politics of that
state for six years. The machine has
battle to fight in Michigan, and the
indications are that if the expenditures
of the Saginaw millionaire can be
proven some other man will be elected
senator
The persistent efforts of million
aires to break into the Senate are
largely due to the manner in which
senators have been selected. In states
like Michigan the senator is selected
by the party leader. who orders his
followers in the legislature TO sane
tion his choice. When all senators are
selected by direct votes of the people
the buying of senatorial seats by the
Guggenheims and Hills will be ended,
and it will not be until that method is
fully inaugurated.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05

sion use such means, and those who do,
copy the three or four metrical and other
pleas already in use rather than compose
new ones of their own. The same thing
was true of the tramp's threats and re-
venges. With matches in his pocket, he
might burn haystack or barn when
the farmers wife refused him a, hand
out" But elaborate schemes of either
revenge or >plunder were beyond him.
He might go on for weeks without
single actual infraction of the law, aside
from his habitual lack of visible means
of support
Whether the substitution of outright
criminality and backsiding respectfully
for the old hodge-podge of qualities
makes the wayfarer a more interesting
object of study may be debatable But
it certainly does not add to the allure
ment of the road for those who love tenn
porary and voluntary vagabondage One
wonders, naturally, whether the old free
masonry of the road is to be ended with
the passing generation of tramps. Because
nobody in particular was looking very
hard for Weary Willy" he developed
the habit of indicating his movements
through the country signs and symbols
carved on the railroad water tanks and
such places.
His sense of fellowship led to the mark
ing of hospitable and inhosptable houses,
sources of plumber, lodging places, and the
like. The new classes of tramps are much
less apt to keep up this kind of lore.
The criminal does not want to tell the
interested public where he is going; the
carpenter. clerk or insurance agent who
has seen better days does not know how.
A noble art would thus stand in danger
o. being lost but for one fact. That Is
the improbability that the tramp Of
type" as the biologists say, will stay
suppressed. More aggressive competitors
may crowd him out of his living or drive
him to taking up more active methods for
himself. But let conditions shift ever
so little. let the pressure be momentariiy
taken off, and he is certain to reassum-
his old place.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
Education Should Gene First.

The Montgomery Journal says Ala
bama should house her governor in
accordance with the dignity of his
office. This is very true. A govern
ors mansion is needed, but 1t is not an
imperative or immediate necessity.
Our governors have gone along many
years without mansion, and the gov
ernor.elect would no doubt be able to
serve his term out comfortably in like
manner.
As Sydney j. Bowie has shown an
imperative necessity does confront the
state, namely, six months of schooling
in the year for the children of the
state. Alabama is full of illiterates,
and she should spend no money on
a mansion and the like until some for
ward steps at least have been taken
in public education. Our educational
system is tagging and backward, and
We nave illOlt lHdu lOO,uoV WullS illlt
crates over ten years of age. 1t is
much more important in every respect
to assail illiteraey than to build an
executive mansion. Such mansion
is needed-is fitting and appropriate
but it should wait upon public educa-
ton. Let us assail illiteracy hip and
thigh until it is cut down from forty
eight per cent to one-third of that sad
proportion. The state stands dis
graced by its high percentage of illit-
eracy-a percentage exceeded in South
Carolina and Louisiana only, and per-
haps not in those states, for both have
granted the right of local taxation for
school purposes, and there is q deter
mination in both to reduce the evil To
the general average of the states.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
KING LEOPOLD suPERsTITIous.

Robert e. Park writing of Leopold's
personality, in The Blood Money of the
Congo in the January Everybod's. says:
Few people know that this hard-heartt-
ed man of many businesses is troubled
by superstition. He and his daughters
have a superstitious dread of the last
two weeks In January. During that pc
riod nearly all the msfortunes of his
life. by an odd coincidence. have over
taken him While still Duke of Brabant
before his accession to Belgium's throne,
he lost his only son. who died after "a
mysteriously sudden Illness. Crown Prince
Rudolph of Austria, the kings son-in-
law. met his violent and mysterious death
in the hunting lodge at Meyerling. in the
latter part of the kings month of fate.
In January, 1890, the palace at Laeken
burned, and Princess Clementine, who
barely escaped with her life. was so
overwrought by the sight of her gov
erness pershng in the flames that for
many months it was feared she would
lose her reason in precisely the same
manner in which Leopolds only sister.
the ex-Empress Carlotta lost hers. The
latters definite insanity also curiously
enough. dates from Januar
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

oMEBoDY rises every day in the
- ing?' A lot of valuable time is
wasted in discussing a question like that
Suicide is not an attractive prospect for
the average person, and whether life is
good or not, we shall have to pike along
until our time is out. Even then the
chances are that we'll hate to go. A good
way to encourage yourself when out of
sorts is to compare your lot with the
situation of other people whom you know
about. For instance. If you are poor, con-
slider the distressing plight of John D.
Rockefeller; If you are too fat. remember
that Secretary Taft, Is also; and if you are
thin, think of the advantage you have
in a crowd. While your health is bad,
you might be blind II you've lost one leg,
you might have lost two and If you have
relatives, nearly everybody else is trou-
bled the same way. It is the easiest thing
in the world to cheer up without putting
stimulants into your system. Even If you
are swamped with debts, it would be
good Joke on your creditors if you
should die suddenly.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
Michigan's Guggenheim.

The Michigan republicans have n
political boss whose name is Atwood.
Boss Atwood had bargalned away Il
seat in the United States Senate to
one Arthur Hill, Saginaw millionaire,
and the business had nearly been CON
summated when Governor Warner
from his sick bed assailed the scheme,
and denounced the methods of both
Hill and Atwood In a letter signed
on his sick bed Governor Warner says:
From what has transpired | am un-
Nterably opposed to the election Of
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
IN HOTEL LoBBIES
Retail Lumber Dealers.

1.-THE lumber dealers of Alabama and
Tennessee have received much benefit
from the organization of the Retail Lum-
Der Dealers Association of Alabama and
Tennessee said Secretary ". E. Wales
of Birmingham yesterday. The annual
meeting of this association will be held
in Birmingham next Tuesday and It prom
lses to be the most important ever held
by the organization.
"The principal dealers in the two states
meet on these occasions and exchange
ideas that are very valuable and helpful
to the business. Besides it creates among
the men engaged in the business a fell
elow-feeling that is not only pleasant but
beneficial
The lumber dealers of Georgia will at
tend the meeting here next week and will
affiliate with the organization, forming
tri-state association.
"The retail lumber business is develop
ing very rapidly in the southern states
and the outlook for the future is very
hattering"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
HoadIey on Cotton Trading.

Spectators in cotton on Wall street
should be forced to deal in the real
stuff or quit the business said Joseph
II. Hoadley of New York at the Hotel
Hillman last night, with considerable en-
phasis.
"The present system by which the spec
ulators on the cotton exchange control
the price of the greatest agricultural pro-
duct of this country without handling the
actual goods works a great injustice to
the producer and should be stopped.
Trading on the market should be made
on certificates representing actual bales
of cotton and all other deals should be
declared void by law and prohibited
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
PRESS POINTS

Il
Shreveport Times: Foraler's threat thai
he will make Roosevelt see stars means
that Foraker has been taken up on the
mountain and shown the promised land.
Kansas City Tines Mr.. Hartman,
whose health is not good at the begin
ming of the inquiry into his railway
systems, is not expected to feel any bet
ter by the time the Investigation ends.
Portland Telegram: Prosperity tight
money, car shortage and fuel famine are
holding the boards together Prosperity
heads the cast, but each of the others
come in for their proper share of at
tention.
Arkansas Gazette The passing of the
scientists, may be caused by an undis-
tnguished chronological phenomenon or 1t
may be caused by the blondes not using
it any more.
Savannah News Oh. we'll one of the
Pullman cars that was in the train held
up in Virginia, the other day passed
through Savannah seven months ago.
That comes pretty near to evening us up
with Atlanta.
New Orleans Times Democrat: Governor
Magoon might easily round up those
armed bands in Cuba by sending
brass band in pursuit. The indictments
would probably find free concert every
evening positively irresistible,
Houston Post: A Chicago man, hearing
noise in his room Christmas night,
blazed away with a pump gun and tore
his wife's Teddy bear to pieces Come
to think of it, that's about the only
use Teddy bear can be put to.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
MIGHTY LAKE FLEET
That Is Now Winterine In Milwaukee
Harbor.

From the Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin.
More than $S,0OOO0O worth of property
is lying in the waters of Milwaukee har-
Dor at the present time. This is the value
placed on the winter fleet of boats here.
Never before have so many and so large
freighters laid up in this port for the
cold season. The newest and finest boats
navigating the great lakes are in one
of the three branches of the Milwaukee
harbor.
The total caaclty of the grain and ore
boats is placed at $4,000 gross tons of
ore or 13.OOO0OO bushels of wheat. Three
of the biggest freishters, the Earring,
Shaughnessy and Oliver are included in
the winter fleet, All three are lO,000-ton
boats, and were constructed at an expen-
ditlure of $350o0o each, No other harbor
ON the great lakes can coast of such a
mighty winter moorins as is tied up IN
Milwaukee.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
ST. Bernard Colleae.

The Rev. Father Charles, o. S. B., of
St. Bernard. who was in Birmingham
yesterday. said the college was in most
flourishng condition.
This scholastic year" said he, has
been the most satisfactory in most re-
spects, In our history. We have large
student body and 1t is made up OF an
exceptionally fine set of boys. The college
is well equipped but we need gymna-
SUM building and will have it before a
great while"
Joseph Tomerlin of North Birmingham.
st. Bernard collegian. is at home for
the holidays and while here is collecting
money for the proposed gymnasium. He
says when he returns to St Bernard
Monday he hopes TO have long list of
contributors
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
UP-HILL..

BY Christina Georgina Rossetti. -
Does the road wind uphill all the way?
Yes, to the very end
VIII the days journey take the whole
long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours
begin.
May not the darkness hide 1t from my
face2
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall 1 meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must l knock, or call when just n
sight?
They will not keep you standing at
that door
Shall find comfort. travel-sore and weak?
OF labor you shall find the sum.
VIII there be beds for me and all who
seek?
Yea. beds for all who come
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05

PRIScILLA'S REVENGE.
rom the Chicago News.

From the Chicago News.
1t was in days of old when knights
were bold and dressed in cleaning armor.
George. dear" said Priscilla. over her
daily task, wilt thou not help me with
my skeins?"
BY the tower OF London-no!' roared
George, as he sharpened his lance. You
haven't a spinning wheel for a husband.
Two hours later George returned from
the fray with his armor battered and
torn.
Dearest Priscilla" he said, softly
wilt thou not put few patches on my
dress suit?''
No George replied Priscilla. sweet
ly. you haven't a blacksmith for a
wife"
And the bold knight was 50 Inundated
he went over to Ye Frozen Heart tavern
and stood the tavernkeeper off for a tank
ard.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-05
Some Railroad officials.

THE Pennsylvania Railroad company is
the only one that adheres to the old rule
of requiring its operating officials to be
civil engineers said a retired railroad
man. "All its superntedents are civil
engineers, and with two exceptions its
numerous vice presidents are of the en-
cheering profession. In eleeting sue
cessor to the late president, A. j. Cassatt,
the directors followed the tradition of the
company and chose Vice President James
McCrea, an engineer, although two of the
other vice presidents, not engineers, were
older in service than he.
Mr.. McCrea was born in 1913, which
makes him older than most men who as
sumo the executive duties of a great cor
poration. He first saw the light in Phila-
delphla. In 1865 he went to work as rod
man for the Connellsyille and Southern
Pennsylvania railroad, lie became as
sstant engineer of that road, but in 1867
he again became a rodman on construe-
ton work for the Wilmington and Read
ing. In 1871, he became principal assistant
engineer in the construction department
of the Pennsylvania railroad, and three
years later became the assistant engineer
of maintenance of way on the Philadel-
phia division of the Pennsylvania. In 1875
he became superintendent of the middle
division and three years later was trans
ferrcd in the same position to the New
York division, where he remained until
1882, when he went west to become mana
ger of a number of lines which now con-
stltute the Panhandle road. As long ago
as October, 1885, he became general man.
ager of the Pennsylvania lines west of
Pittsburg, and since then his service of
the Pennsylvania railroad In the west has
been continuous.
THE late Mr.. Cassatt was not only an
engineer by profession but he ranked
among the foremost. 1t was he who
originated the bold idea of laying a steel
tunnel under the North river, from Jersey
City to New York for the passage of
trains. and it was he who directed the
great engineering problem, which is be-
ing worked out so well.
The late Mr.. Roberts, who was presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania road some years
entered the transportation department
and rose to an executive ornee.
"On most of the roads In the old days
the general managers were always civil
engineers and the president was almost
sure to be either an engineer or law
yer-poitican. Now, as a general rule,
the general managers have started as
telegraph operators. the line of promotion
being thus: Train dispatcher train mas
ter, assistant superintendent of division,
superintendent of division, general super
intendent, general manager. Occasionally
yardmaster is promoted until he rises
to the position of general manager. c.
r. NJ. r. Taleott, high class civil engi-
neer and for years general manager of
the Richmond and Danville, and later
general manager of the Mobile and Ohio,
said, after he was growing old in service,
that in his opinion, the best preparatory
school for a general manager was in the
yards. Yardmasters, he remarked, got
the practical experience that fitted them
well for handling transportation