davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
International Press League.

The annual convention of the Interna- tional League of Press clubs, which will be held in Birmingham this month-Octo- Der 22 to 26, inclusive-will be a large and important gathering. Notwithstand- ing the fact that no delegate or newspaper visitor comes on a pass, as would have been the case formerly, fully 25O members of the league will be in attendance. New York, Pennsylvania and the middle west and the far west will be largely repre- scented.
 This international press convention" said a prominent citizen yesterday, will be an event of great interest. The local Press club committee has arranged an elaborate four days programme for the entertainment of the visitors. and the banquet at the Hillman and the reception at the Country club will be especially delightful affairs. All contributors to the entertainment fund will be invited to the social functions. Every business man and real estate owner should contribute, for the advertising that Birmingham will get as a. result of this convention is obvious I understand that many citi- zens have responded to the appeal of the finance committee. Those who have not done so should not delay. The programme will involve an expenditure of something like s3O00'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
TRUSTED HIS SERVANT.

From the Washington Herald.
 There is gentleman in Philadelphia who trusted household domestic to the extent of s26OO0, and 1t may be said that his wisdom was equal to his trust In fel- low man. He sent his old colored servant out on an errant the other day. She bent her steps toward the financial district, concerns there, she asked leave to see the president of 1t. She absolutely re- fused to see any substitute for that gen tleman, and an attendant was finally compelled, through his love for peace, to conduct the old woman to the presl- dents private office. The colored servant was poorly dressed, and otherwise most humble in appearance, and, when-s she ap- preached the bank officer, she displayed the characteristic simplicity of an old mammy. She inquired of him if the finan- cial disturbance was past, and when he assured her that 1t was, she, to his amazement, drew from somewhere about the folds of her dress a bank book and to place to the credit of her masters ac- count. The gentleman immediately rec ognized the book as belonging to one or the oldest and wealthiest customers of his institution. The name on the book was that of retired merchant. who rarely, nowadays, leaves his house. Of course the deposit was accepted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
Conner vs. Smith

The famous case which is being tried in the newspapers Is full of personali- ties that interest the wayfarer who reads. but not one of the personalisms appeals to the man who simply wants obedience to the laws of the state and freedom from legislative sessions. Governor Conner assails his opponent in terms of bitterness. He recalls his record in bygone days-days so much out of date in these Rooseveltian times - they seem never to have existed i. H all. President Smith is sarcastic, keen and prophetic by turn, and his latest communication becomes in It's closing paragraphs exceedingly per sonal. although it is addressed to the governor of the state.
 This exchange of ideas Is peculiar. Mir. Smith writes in his official capac- ity to MT. Conner in his when the real parties in interest are the people of Alabama on the one hand and the stockholders of the railroad in question on the other. A strictly business issue has arisen between them, one that should be adjusted in a business way according to business methods. But this Is just what is not taking place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
From the Washington Post

From the Washington Post
 @ HE history of American politics
 9 presents no parallel to the as' sl1u-
 alton that has developed concern ing the next presidency One man stands head and shoulders above all others, and almost without regard to party he Is the choice of the people for president Theodore Roosevelt enjoys, a greater popu- larity than has ever been the fortune Of any American during his lifetime with the possible exception of George Washing ton. The restless. eager, optimistic nature of the man; his aggressiveness In the cause of honesty in public and private life: his enormous enegry and vitality, enabling him to face difficulties with eagerness and dispose of them with effectiveness; his courage in going ahead and doing things, regardless of precedent or red tape-these qualities make him in many respects the ideal American, and arouse the most enthusiastic admiration. He Is man with iron in his blood. He gets results The people see the fruits of his integrity and energy, and they want him to remain in the presidency.
 There are other able and admirable men who are worthy of Sle republican nomina- ton. All have their friends, but all are supported with a reservation. If Roose- welt is not going to be renominated, then I sNn for Taft or Hughes, or Cannon, or Fairbanks or Cortelyou, or Foraker. as the case may be. If Roosevelt should
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
Excess of Disbursements

The state is not paying it's way, for in the fiscal year just ended she took in $3,975,454 and paid out SHOOT ,9l9. Of late the shoe has been on the other foot, and the excess of disbursements in the last fiscal year naturally leads to an inquiry as to similar result in the present fiscal year. But no predic- tion is possible until the aggregate of taxable values is known. The prospect is that increased receipts and in creased disbursements will run close race in the present fiscal year.
 Last year the states revenue was increased about $200,000. but the ex- penditures were $500 ,0OO more. This created a deficit of about $32,ooO. When a list of the detailed disburse- ments is made public the nature of the increase in expenditures last year can be accurately presented At present 1t known that two legislative sessions cost the state s1o2, 900, and that some of the legislatures liberal approprla- tions became operative last year. All of them will he effective this year and the state will te fortunate indeed if it pulls through it without encountering arother deficit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
"RIeHoN-coUNTER FINANCE

Atlantic City dispatch to New York
 American.
 Ribbon on-counter finance Is the term applied facetiously to one of the most novel banking suggestions ever made to the United States government. It origi- hated with the American Bankers asso- station, in session here and contemplates the printing of all bills hereafter with a different color for each denomination.
 The idea is that a bank teller's desk can then be more readily handled by req son of the ease with which bills can be piled up according to their color. instead of by the slow task of having to look for the denomination of each bill.
 A resolution which demands that & re- quest for this style of currency be made upon the Secretary of the Treasury was referred to the new executive council of the association and 1t Is believed that the request will be made and granted.
 The colors decided on for the different denominations which will enable a teller to know the value of bill at many yards away. are: Slate $; brown. 8: green, s5; blue, $O; yellow. $20; pink, $50; white, s1Oo and over.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Famous Caterer,

"One of the notable men visiting Rich mond during the meeting of the Episcopal general convention is Louis Sherry, the New York caterer" said member of Birmingham's Virginia colony. Sherry Is not a member of the Episcopal church, but is in Richmond as Pierpont Morgan s major domo. MT. Morgan Is a delegate to the general convention, and leases n large mansion in Richmond for the pur- pose of entertaining distinguished ee- cesiastics and laymen. He has attended every convention within the last quarter of a century. Six years ago. when the body met in San Francisco. he kept open house there with Sherry as his high stew ard.
 MT. Sherry was in business in Rich mond just after the war. He kept small but attractive saloon near the city hall, where he served choice drinks 10 sne official set and citizens of the upper class. He left Richmond for New York in the latter part of the sixties. and starting in the metropolis in a modest way, rose rapidly until now he is the most ramous caterer in the United States. He was poor when l knew him, but he was a man of good manners and good character and his old friends are glad 10 see nm at the top of hls profession. For him to leave his business fin New York for three or four weeks means that he makes a sacrifice: but Mr. Morgan doubtless pays him well for his services"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04

ing All the day he will hardly take the time to swallow glass of milk without even sitting down at the nearest bari his time belongs to the idol; he has no right to so waste the least bit of 1t on his personal needs.
 Tn the evening he returns. worn out and worried, almost always to a board- ing house. for he has not even hearth, no American wife being willing to en- dure the work of keeping house. And then his wife will give him for a little relaxation her silk or wool combination to wash in the wash basin, these being all the underwear she uses, while her dress will cost about $200; she, mean while. at ease in a rocking chair, remains deep in the delights of a novel.
 'The worst result Is that having re- duced their husbands to slavery American women despise them, because they are slaves-whch is natural. They reproach their husbands with being fit for noth- ing but material work, while 1t Is they who demand this material work
 Addresses dream only of marrying men like those in French novels, from whom they will have to learn n turn what 1t Is to be ill treated. And as the result of their toll and made devotion, American men see their money and their women fly to foreigners"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
PROHIBITION IN MAINE

the beginning that he did not believe ' prohibition, but nevertheless he has forced the prohibitory statute to the best of his ability" If Sheriff Pennell has en- forced the law to the best of his ability. and everybody comedies that he Is very able sheriff, the Rev MT. Pringle will have to seek for some other cause for tho increased number of arrests in Portland than the alleged lack of honest enforce ment and tho non-application of the law.
 Mir. William Thompson of New Zealand is said to have come all the way rom home to investigate conditions in prohlbi- ton Maine. He will have little difficulty in accommodating a large assortment of facts as to the way prohibition prohibits in this state, if he goes after them. Here is one for starter as to conditions in the nelghboring city of Biddeford, furnished to the Biddeford Record: According to warrants sworn out by the officers and indictments found by the grand jury there Is one drinking place in Biddeford for every 52 adult males"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04

Personalisms have supplanted business sense in a business issue.
 If Milton H. Smith and Braxton Bragg Conner would consider the pend ing question between the railroad and the state as they would a strictly busi- ness matter, 1t would be adjusted and the state would not be disturbed by an extra session, with all it's possibili- ties of friction, harmful measures and expense to the state. It may be pretty late to ask these two men to get to- gether. The Age-Herald has already done this, and it desires to add final appeal for a peaceable adjustment that would leave the states dignity unim- paired and yet would afford the com blaming railroad all rights of appeal to the court of last resort. Drop wit and bitterness, in other words, and bring in horse sense and practicality Get together Candor compels us to say that Governor Conner is willing to do this and that President Smith is reluctant, not to say obstinate. The issue has been perverted by a resort to personalisms. when the people ex- pect a plain settlement of plain mat lar
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
Things without remedy Should be without regard.
 Macbeth.
Condition of the Crop

The census bureau reports that up to September 25 there had been gin ned 1,43o,265 bales, as against 2,057,2S9 bales at the corresponding date of last year, and 2,355,716 bales at like date two years ago. At the same time the agricultural department reported the condition of the crop to be 67.7, or just about ten-year average condition. These reports were considered by the markets as evidence of good-sizzd crop, and December contracts sold down in New Orleans on Wednesday last to 10.90 cents.
 According to the figures of the de- partment of agriculture the Carolinas and Georgia have fine crops, while Alabama and Mississippi have but average crops. Louisiana, Texas, Ar kansas and Oklahoma are less for tunate.
 The size of the crop is still prob lem. The weather is favorable for picking, but the crop is backward, and a killing frost in the present month would reduce the output. Until the story of the coming of killing frosts is told no estimate of the size of the crop will be trustworthy.
 The chances still are that the ruling price of the season will swing around II cents, and it is pretty plain that no farmer will have to accept less than 10 cents. So long as 10 cents Is an assured price no farmer will feel poverty-stricken or misused. A price below 10 cents would be a blow aimed at the size of next years crop, for many farmers will curtal crop that does not promise to bring 10 cents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
THE NEXT PRESIDENT

announce his willingness to serve, or if the movement to nominate him becomes irresistible, the strength Of other capdi- dates will melt and disappear. They have no real strength so long as there Is doubt regarding Roosevelt.
 The only declaration made by MT. Roosevelt concerning the next presidency was made three years ago. on the night he was elected president. He has been elected but once. Many of his admirers think he has no right to assume that he Is serving his second term. The great majority pay no attention whatever to the third term tradition. They want Roosevelt and will get him If they can. He is the only man who can prevent his renomination. The declaration made three years ago is dim in the minds of many people. Others Ignore 1t, holding that time and events have made 1t null and void.
 In view of the overwhelming popularity of MT. Roosevelt and the well-nigh uni yersal clamor for his reelection, the Post believes that he will be renominated. Imagine the situation that would arise if the next convention should respond to the popular. will and renominate Roose- welt and adjourn There would be no alternative for him. He would be com pelled to run for the presidency. And if he should run, 1t is the opinion Of the Post that he would be reelected by an unprecedented vote
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
Famous Artillery Company.

Famous in both war and peace, per haps more than any military organization in this country" said a gentleman in tho lobby, Ifs the Washington artillery of New Orleans It was organized In the halcyon days of the Crescent City, in the early part of the last century, and was composed then. as always, of the elite It has many years owned armory covering nearly city block, and hall where the Mardi Gras balls are given.
 "The Washington artillery saw It's first service in the Mexican war, sixty years ago, and when the civil war broke out was perhaps the first artillery battalion in the field. It was at the first great battle of the war Manassas, in July, 6l, under it's gallant commander, Col. J. B. Walton, and it's four company commanders, Cap tains Richardson, Eshelman, Imboden and Rosser, afterward Gen. T. l.. Rosser. At the first Manassas it was composed most ly of young gentlemen. who were leaoers in the life and society of New Orleans, and planters along the Mississippi river. They had never before been in actual battle, but history testifies that the boys from the Crescent City stood firmly by their guns and fought them up to pornt blank range as if they had been veterans of the old guard of Napoleon.
 By the way, there is a veteran of the Washington artillery living in Birming- ham, who by his courtly and graceful bearing, is a typical representative of the gallant young gentlemen who have al ways sustained the esprit du corps of that famous company. The gentleman is Maj. Alex De Valcourt, head of the accounting department of the Crane company. Major De valcourt, at the second Manassas, August 29 1862 was serving a Washing ton artillery gun in the heat of that tor rible battle alongside of Henry White, a. Louisiana planter, who was an uncle of Henry K. White, the attorney of this city Another artileryman at the same gun was Andrew R. Bla1ely, present proprie- tor of the St. Charles hotel at New Or leans.
 The Washington artillery was support ing Stonewall Jackson's flank near Grove ton and was fighting Smiths federal bat tery at point blank range, when shell burst directly between Henry White and Andrew Blakely A fragment pierced Whites heart, killing him instantly. An other fragment put out Blakely's eye. De Valcourt was unscratched. Henry White was buried by his omrades on tno lawn in front of the famous Henry house, the most prominent landmark of the two great battles of Manassas. and there his grave Is still kept green by his nephew and namesake who honors his heroic ser vice and noble life"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
President Roosevelt At Cairo

In his speech at Cairo MT. Roose- welt very fully and clearly defined his platform, and in so doing he may have written the platform of his party in 1908. He plainly thinks that no plat form need go further.
 There are but two blanks In the Rooseveltian platform-one relating to foes without and the other to foes within. He wants in the first place big navy, one that can strike an ad' versary hard and decisively. He goes on to show that we have not d navy equal to our coast lines or our size or our wealth, and that we should build one in these piping days of peace.
 From a big navy he passes to inter- nal affairs. We have grown, he says, democratic in a political sense, but "in industry there has not as yet been the governmental growth necessary in order to meet the tremendous changes brought about in industrial conditions by steam and electricity" In other words, he wants thorough and con- plete federal supervision of all inter- state business to the end that private monopoly and corruption may be curbeG if not abolished
 It must be conceded that the last plank of the platform is excellent even if we are not ready to accept the jingo- ism and coonialism that would attend the adoption eof the first plank as national policy. The President had not in any previous effort so clearly defined his policy at home and abroad-a big navy and federal supervision. He Is unmistakably getting ready for 1905 and the dispatch of fleet Of sixteen battleships to the Pacific Is expected to accentuate the demand for big navy, and to fire the American heart before the day of ballots in November of next year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
Leeds GroWinq.

You ought to come to Leeds and look at us now" remarked J. B. Elliott of that town, best known as the Duke Of Leeds.
 Our cement plant has proven re- markable success, and we are about to have one like unto 1t. It's coming. We have raised $5ooO for the high school proposition proposed by the legislature. and are going to get 1t for Jefferson coun- ty The sound of the saw the hammer and the trowel are in evidence today to a greater extent than was ever known in the history of our town. Leeds is com ing, and you must not forget it."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
About Persons

Capt. Jack Cranford of Jasper, gen. orally known as Happy Jack" Cranford, spent yesterday in Birmingham. Captain Cranford is one of Walkers representa- lives in the lower house, and there is no member more popular. He has many friends in Birmingham, who extended a hearty welcome to him.
 JeJhn B. Sanford of Sylacauga, mem Der of the legislature from Talladega county, spent yesterday in Birmingham. He stated that the prohibition victory in Talladega came as no surprise to those who had considered the question. He re- ports Sylacauga booming rapidly.
 
 Thomas c. Senn son of Judge Charles
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04

A. senn, left yesterday for Annapolis where he will enter the preparatory school of the United States Naval acad- emy. His entrance examinations come Up next April, after the successful passing Of which he will enter the academy. The young man Is an exceptionally bright youth, and that he will make a record that Birmingham will be proud of is con- fidently anticipated
 J. F. Mccary has just returned from an extended trip to Cuba WhA in Cuba Mr. McCary purchased an orange grove and also a lemon grove. and re- ports that both are doing splendidly, and that prospects are that mag nificent crop will be received from both.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
ALTON WATER.

By Robert Burns. Flow gently, sweet Alton, among the
 green braes, Flow gently, I'll sing thee a song fin thy
 praise; My Marys asleep by thy murmuring
 stream. Flow gently, sweet Alton, disturb not
 her dream. Thou stockdove whose echo resounds
 through the glen Ye wild whistling blackbirds in yon thorny den, Thotl green-crested lapwing, thy scream
 ing forbear. I charge you disturb not my slumbsring
 fair. How lofty sweet Alton, thy neighboring
 hills, Far mark with the courses of clear,
 winding rills! There daily I wander as noon rises high, My fiocks and my Mary's sweet cot in
 my eye. How pleasant thy banks and green val Where wild in the woodlands the prim-
 roses blow. There oft as mild evening weeps over
 the lea, The sweet scented blrk shades my Mary and me. Thy crystal stream Alton. how lovely it
 glides And winds by the cot where my Mary
 resides, How wanton thy waters her snowy feet
 lave. As gathering sweet fowerets she stems
 thy clear wavel Flow gently. sweet Alton. among thy
 green braes, Flow gently sweet river. the theme of my
 lays: My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring
 stream, Flow gently, sweet Alton, disturb not her
 dream. r
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
WHAT DOES HEARST WANT?

From the Nashville Banner
 The Independence league is being or ganized nationally, and William Randolph Hearst is the head and front, the brains, the money and the backbone of the or ganization. Avowedly 1t intends to put both of the old political parties out of business and stand as the sole trust worthy defender of the people against the corporations and predatory wealth MT. Hearst says he Is not going to be the candidate of any party or organiza- tion for the presidency. What, then, Is Who will be its nominee and what is Mir Hearst after? That is an important and one of the most perplexing riddles now affecting the political equation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-04
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 The way not to understand women is to try to.
 The reason a man likes to so fishing is his family doesn't like to go with him.
 Postmen can tell there's nothing in women's letters by their being so thick.
 woman thinks her husband is smart to be able to tell what makes the furnace smoke, though he can't stop it.
 If man could play the piano and know how to make J .s living in spite of 1t this would be much more cheerful world.