davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24

ports in the traffic. because of it's
close proximity to the West Indies,
to which most of the coal shipped
foreign is sent
During 1905 the total Of the foreign
coal shipments aggregated more than
100000 tons.
CoastWise Trade.
An immSnse volume OF coastwise
freight business is carried on here by
the Merchants and Miners Transpor-
t3tion Company, the Old Dominion
Steamship Company and the Clyde
Steamship Company.
The Merchants and Miners Com.
pany operates the steamers Juniata.
Ontario, Kershaw, Howard, Nantucket
and Gloucester to Boston and Balti.
more, and the steamers Essex. Dor.
chester and Powhatan to Providence
and Baltimore. These vessels carry
both freight and passengers, and the
company does, possibly, as much bust
ness as any other on the Atlantic
coast
The Old Dominion Steamship Com.
pany operates tho freight and pas.
senger steamers 'Molroe, jefferson,
Princess Anne. Hamilton, Seneca and
jamestown between this port and New
York, carrying on an immense freight
and passenger trade The company
also operates steamboats, between this
city and Smithfield, Richmond and
Norfolk.
The Clyde Steamship Company op-
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24
and will be rushed to completion as
rapidly as. possible.
HnnelAar,bt1 Mat

and will be rushed to completion as
rapidly as. possible.
Considerable Work on Hand.
The yard now has considerable
work OH hand, among the ships un-
der construction, being the United
States armored cruisers North Caro-.
lima and Montana, the Mallory liner
Brazos. six dump barges for the Pan-
anna Canal Commission, steel
dredgo for the American Locomotive
Works. four car floats aud the Sun
Oil steamer Sun. Among the large
renairtjobs on nand are The ssAamer
ST. Paul. British steamer Corinth,
revenue cutter Itasca, steamers New.
port News and Berkeley and the Ger
man cruiser Bremen.
Contract Received This Year.
The contracts for the construction
OF five vessels have been awarded
the shipSard this year as follows:
Steel passenger and freight steamer
for the Mattson Steam Naviga-
ton Company. of San Fran
eisco. :. 5000, 600
Steel lumber steamer for the Ham.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24

Continued from Page !, Section 49,
the foreign coal trade out of the port
These companies are:
White Oak Coal Company-H. b.
Holmes, agent.
Berwiad-White Coal Company-R.
II. Blood, agent
Chesapeake e. Ohio Coal Agency
Company. G. Harvey. agent.
Chesapeake & Ohio Coal and Coke
Company-C. H. Arnal, agent.
Smokeless Fuel Conlpany-Lewis
Littlepage. agent
New River Consolidated Coal Com
panv-Barney Smith, agent.
Baker-Whitely Coal Company-H
Il. Parker, agent
1t was about ten years ago that
the foreign coal trade ont of this port
was opened up. Tho shipments were
exceedingly small during tho first fow
years, lAit as the port grew so this
trade grew, until at this time Newport
News ranks with Baltimore and phil
adelphia in the trade, and local ship
ping men believe 1t will soon take
first rank among all Atlantic coast
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24
COST OF MAINTAINING
YARD GREATLY REDUCED
Wo'kman arc Now Paid for What
They Do Instead Of
by The Day.
CONSOLIDATION OE DEPA4TAlNTs
Forces Are Brought into Closer
Touch and Better Results Are Ac.
eomplished-varlous Good Contracts
Have Been Secured by Company
During the Past Year.

by series of important depart
ment changes and consultations con-
summated. at the plant of the New.
port News Shipbuilding and Drydock
Company within the past year. the
wording force has been brought to a
higher point of efficiency than ever
before maintained, while the cost of
the contract of the immense plant
has been materially reduced.
The Inauguration of this series OF
changes began about year ago. n
number of the workmen in several
OF tho departments being put on
piece work and contract Jobs and, In.
stead OF being paid by the day as
before, were paid according to the
work done by them. 1t soon became
apparent that fewer mon were &C.
complishing more work by this
method than a much larger number
OF Workmen had accomplished by day
'@orE, This plan of doing work was
SO successful that It was introduced.
We're possible, into many of the
departments.
Force Considerably Reduced.
The result was that the yard Off.
Gals were able to reduce the force
OF workmen considerably without i'm.
pairing the efficiency of the force as
whole. and in less than year the
force was reduced from 1890 to less
tnan 60OO. and naturally the payroll
OF the plant was cut down considera.
bly,.
With reduced force it was nos.
sible to consolidate several OF tho dc.
partments and a few months apo
the first important consolidation was
brought about, the filters .depart.
ment being brought under the direct
supervision OF the office. of Superin.
tendent of Hull Construction Homer
~ Ferguson, with Assistant Superin.
.tendent OF Hull Construction Joseph
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24

Weaver ut It's head. Soon afterwards
another important cnange was made,
lhe supervision of all repair work
, belng Entrusted To Assistant Superin.
tendent of Hull Construction Ross
The last important department
changes to be made 5, we're consum.
mated last month, the mould loft.
where the moulds for vessels are laid
down, being consolidated with the
filters department and the shin and
punch shed being consolidated with
the steel department.. AL the sama
nme the big angle iron furnace,
when had been in the department
with the ship and punch shell, was
consolidated with the angle iron de-
partment.
Inc SUCCESS of these department.
changes has been apparent, the de.
partments being brought into much
closer touch with each other, with
the result that the yard is running
along more smoothly, and better re.
suits are being accomplished by the
workmen as whole,
Permanent improvements.
number of permanent improve
ments are being made at the shin.
yard, Including the construction of
a new drydock. to be known MS drv.
DOCK No. s; the construction CT nm
immense new steel ship trestle anC
lhe building OF a large three.story
reinforced concrete building to re
piace the shipcarpenters' shop that
was destroyeyd by fire last Christmas
day.
Satisfactory progress is being
MADE In the construction of the new
basin, and 1t Is expected that the
work of excavating will be complet.
cd within a few months at the long.
est. Over two-thirds of the actunI
digging has been finished and mum.
ner of piles for the support of tie
sides OF the basin have been driven.
me cofferdam Is being built where
the gate of the dock is TO be located
and the work of pumping off the wa.
Ter within the cofferdam and remov-
Ing the dirt will begin in short
while.
This basin will be over 500 feet In
length and will have capacity for
docking the largest battleship afloat
IT VIII be made of concrete and will
be one of the lost drydocks on the
Atlantic coast When 1t is completed
this yard will have three of the best
drydocks in America and will be in
a position to do more repair work
than any other shipbuilding plant on
the Atlantic coast
The Foundation has already been
laid for the new steel ship trestle
and work on the structure should he
gin In "A short time. Considerable
material for the trestle has already
arrived at tie yard and the remain.
der VIII be on hand when the con.
strnction work on the trcstle he.
gins.
When this trestle is comple,ed
the yard will DO equipped with three
steel ship trestles and will be able
TO construct six ships on the ways at
one time. Il
Work on the new shipcarpenters,
shop VIII bcggn in the near future
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24

Real estate owners in Chinatown
are building very substantially, and
the new construction promises to give
a greatly improved Chinatown.-San
Francisco Chronicle.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24
PORTS COAL TRADE
CONSTANTLY GROWING

Continued from Page j. Section 4,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02
GRANDMA'S FLAG-DAY STORY DAVIS

called to his fathers. Not that we ever condemned him." grandma continued, flor we fully understood the poor boys heart and knew he was not In the wrong"
 "A deserterl" exclaimed Tom, mortified. ''our great uncle-your own brother7 Oh. grandma, that's q real disgrace"
 After you've grown older you'll not jump at conclusions so quickly. my dear son." said grandma. First you must hear your great-uncle's story; then you may pass judgment on his conduct"
 But there's no excuse for a - DESERTER," declared Tom, solemnly. Not though he were your favorlte broth CT, grandma"
 Well, you hush up till grandma has told the story" ordered Lulu. .I guess grandma knows the circumstances better than you do. So keep your opinions to yourself till she's through
 'Yes, let's have the story, granny" urged Oracle. ''It's most dinner time and we want to hear it before we are called to eat''
 "As you all know" began grandma, my youngest brother was Ali, a deli cate, nervous. high-strung boy. a bit like our Tom Is now. He was only 15 at the breaking out of the rebellion In '61. When his brothers-Thomas and Dan enlisted in the Army Ali was wild to go, too But our father, then an old man,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02

prevailed upon him to stay at home and help with the work on the farm. But day by day Ali became more and more restless. The spirit of war seemed to be ever upon him. He talked of nothing but war and the Union. One day be came creeping into my room, his face pale, his eyes unusually bright. Coming to me he bent over my chair and whispered in my ear: Sister, I've got to gol My help is needed to win the victory. Every boy and man should now be at his post. I can't stay here and blow and SOW and reap when the din of battle Is ringing forever in my ears You must explain 1t to our father and mother. I cant make them understand; maybe you can Well, before l could scarcely get 1t through my head that our young Ali really meant to go be was gone. He left home at night without q word of good-by. for he dreaded the pain of such a parting and wanted to spare us as well as himself
 Well, I told my parents the best could but the blow was a hard one, ln- deed. Three sons-and not one left to help the old father who was getting feeble. Three boys-all gone to shoot other boys, or be shot themselvesl My mother broke rapidly under this last shock, be coming III through anxiety over her boys. especially over Ali, whom she knew was far from rugged and would doubtless sue cumh to the army privations and hard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02

poor boys who were possibly that night sleeping their last sleep on the field of battle. I was reused from my reverie by a soft tapping on my window-pane. Quickly rising, went to the window, and there I saw the face of my baby brother He was thin, pale and his eyes burned with a feverish light. Without making an outcry I raised the window and had him in my room instantly. He threw himself on the bed, too weak to stand, and in hoarse whisper said: Sister. you must hide me-I've desertedv
 ''For a moment my heart cried out against what thought to be the act of coward; but I was too much overcome to speak Just then and stood looking at him. love, condemnation and fear battling for the mastery of my tongue As I stood there Ali reached out and caught hold Of my hands. Instantly I was on my knees beside him, sobbing on his breast,
 Tell me. Brother l urged, how could you do itr
 He smiled at me and began to speak very softly. Sister, simply couldn't stay. It was fear-FEAR-that drove me 10 do It. l kept thinking of what would become of you at home-of dear old father, of darling old mother, of you. a girl alone with whole burden on your back l dreamt that mother was sick and calling for me. I saw the crops gone to waste for want of hands to take care of them. l knew there was a battle to fight at home, battle I had never thought of bafore. Then I feared that I might be kilIed-and there would be no one to look after those at home I knew that Tom and Dan were In the very thick. est of the fight and might never come home again. Why should my father give all his sons7 Two of the three was enough for the country. One should re- main with the old folks. And so the other night we drew up in line for battle the next day. Our enemy's camp ] fires glowed a few miles from our own When the sun should rise the next morn ing we would be ordered to advance. The guns would be fired, the battle fought and I would sleep that night my last sleep without having told you all at home that instead of having been a hero l had been a coward-a coward to leave those who needed a hghter-a hero-at home. The thought of mother being sick, of fathers. feebleness, and your burden with out someone to help you, was too much for me that night 1 lay under the stars and thought and thought. At last. my head aching, my blood on fire in my veins I decided to-to-oh, sister, 1 decided to-DESERTl I got up and went to our picket lines. The night was dark and l waited my chance. Pretty soon crept on my hands and knees away from the camp-away-from l had to do it or I would have lost my mind. It was not fear of fighting that drove me to do it-it was fear for the safety of those at home
 "Alf stopped speaking here, and fell over into a faint I called our parents into my room. l shall not try to tell you of their mingled feelings but over all there was a prayer of thankfulness from our mothers lips that once more she held her baby boy to her breast.
 But the dear boy who had come home to us under such circumstances did not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02

It was our National Flag Day, and Lulu, Tom and Oracle came home from the pa- rade full of patriotic enthusiasm. Tom had been one of the foremost in the pa- rade, belonging to the Adams County Boys Drill Regiment" which marched in uniform with fife and drum. while Lulu and Oracle had ridden in their pony cart in the line of vehicles that followed the regiment" The day had belonged to the youth of Adamsville, the parents, of course, turning out in the morning to watch the drill and flag display, and many had been the compliments paid to the youngsters, both boys and girls, on account of their fine display of flags and the orderly drill and parade that took place in the public square.
 When Lulu, Tom and Oracle, very tired, but much excited over the morn ing's celebration, came home 1t wanted an hour till dinner time. Half starved, they sat on the big front porch to rest till they should be called to the longed-for meal, and to chat over the interesting event of the morning. "Tll tell you, girls. 1 never did understand how a man could be afraid when he Is going Into battle. It seems to me that the martial music, the cheers of his comrades, the 
 he is about to fight or die for his country would urge him on and make him feel like a hero, robbng him of all thought of fear for himself. I'm quite sure I'd feel that way. Fight for my country; fight till I help to win victory or die in the conflict, would be my cry"
 You've never been at the front" smiled Lulu. Maybe you'd feel differ ently were you facing a row of cannon handled by the enemy"
 If anything I'd feel all the braver and determined to fight" boldly declared Tom.
 Well, perhaps my Tommy would feel just like other boys have felt on such occasions" said a soft, quavering voice in the doorway and the children looked up to see dear old grandma standing there with her sewing in her hands, She came out on the porch and took the easy chair that Tom gallantly brought for ward for her. Then as the three grand children gathered about her for they loved to sit and chat with grandma-she put her sewing in her lap, pushed her glasses from her nose to the edge of her soft white hair, and smiled about on the rosy faces of her dear little ones"
 q don't think I've ever told you chill dren of your Great-uncle Ais experience during the short time he was soldier, have I?'
 "Oh, no; we've never heard about 1t" cried Tom. "Tell us, granny, dear. Was he ever In a battle?''
 Grandma smiled, then began: No, not in a real battle with men, but engaged in a battle with Fear, which was almost too much for him. You see, we've never talked much about your Great-uncle Alf's war experiences, for he was-a deserter." Grandma looked calmly about on the three young faces as she gave this bit of information aDOut VOunQeSt and favorite brother, who had long since been
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02
Queens of England

Caroline wilhelmina of Anspach, Hol- land, was the queen consort of George IL, King of Great Britain and Ireland. When she married George, however, he was the young Prince of Wales, succeed ing to the English throne at the death of his father, George l.
 While a maiden in her teens Caroline was sought in marriage by the Duke Charles, son of Leopold l., but, owing to her strong adherence to the Protestant faith and Charles Roman Catholic re- ligion, she stoutly refused to become his wife.
 Both as Princess of Wales and queen consort Caroline's life was most un- happy one. She was detested by her royal father-in-law, who also hated most heartily his son and heir, the Prince of Wales. And the son returned the fathers hatred.
 A biographer says of Caroline: "She was distinguished by an earnest integ- rity of purpose above and beyond the standard of her day" She also possessed great tact and wonderful patience. Re- gardless of her royal spouse's neglect and unfaithfulness, she always showed him the greatest respect and obedience to his wishes. Indeed, so tactful was she at times that 1t may be truthfully said she vas ''the power behind the throne" and, Although the wilful and despotic George
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02
len we git back this eyenin'."

when we git back this evenin."
 Away they went to the river. There they found several of the town boys, rods in hand, fishing. But all stopped to examine Master Nickel, who was the pride of Freddie's heart
 "Gee, it's an old onel" said one small fisherman, polishing Master Nickel on hls sleeve. Cant hardly see his year"
 But he's worth five cents," declared Freddie.
 Not when he's as slick as this," Pro tested tho small fisherman.
 Whats sickness got to do with It's value?" asked an older boy. Here, toss him to me an leave me look at 1t. know good money"
 Freddie tossed Master Nickel toward the big boy, but, sad to tell. the slip pery little fellow went wide the mark and fell, splashl Into the water. A cry from Freddie rent the air. All the boys cried "Oh!' for they realized the great loss Freddie had suffered.
 "Gee!' said the big boy, "you can't toss straight, can you7 It was your fault 1t went in the water"
 Tt wasn't" walled Freddie, proving himself a girl by crying. q tossed straight, but you don't know how to catch. You've lost me my nickel, an you ort to have to give me anuther one."
 Yep, that's right" asserted Sim, his heart beating with sympathy for his sor- rowing friend. Besides, had not Freddie promised that he-Sim-should help to spend the coin that evening after their return to townl
 And so Master Nickel lay in the cold water, seven feet from It's surface. He
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02

pocket. Where did you get it. and how much did you pay for itr'
 q got 1t down at the postoftice store and l give five cents for it," answered Freddie. spinning the new top on the sidewalk.
 'Tll give you a nickel for it, said the little girl. And she produced Master Nickel from the folds of her apron. Freddie Spinner was not anxious to sell his top, but after a little bargaining he decided to let the little girl have 1t If she would promise to allow him to spin 1t few minutes every day. The little girl (whose name was Daisy Peck) glad ly promised Freddie the pleasure he asked for and the exchange was made. Daisy getting the top and Freddie pocketing Master Nickel. But with the nickel in his possession Freddie soon departed from Daisy's gate and went of in quest of something to buy. Like Daisy, Freddie could not keep money without its burn Ing his hands. He was running toward the "Rackett" store, where a hve-cent counter held all that was dear to boys heart, when he met Sim Brown, a boy of his own size.
 Hello! where you goin'7" asked Sim, himself starting to the river with fishing rod over his shoulder
 "Goin' to the Rackett," said Freddie. I've got nickel to spendp'
 "Where'd you git itr' asked Sim, all interest
 "Sold my new top what I bought yes teddy to Daisy Peck fer it," explained Freddie, not very careful about his gram mar. But Sim cared as little for gram mar as did Freddie and understood him perfectly.
 "An where'd you git the fust nickelf' Sim questioned.
 Earned 1t packing water to ole Miss Andersons garden" said Freddie But. seev' and he lovingly held Master Nickel up to view. "I'm goin to buy some thin now. Want to come long with me7'
 Say, why don't you go Hshin' with me fust; then when we come back we'll spend the nickel together" suggested Sim. "See, I've got lots of bait And he held open his pocket displaying to the admiring eyes of Freddie wrig- gling mass of angle worms.
 "All right agreed Freddie. Well go fisbin' furst. I'll git somethin' great
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-02

you fer somethin' nice. Maby I'll git candy an maby I'll git a ball" Then Small Tim fondled Master Nickel, polished him on his knee and replaced him in his greasy pocket. But sad to say, the string that held the hole shut had become un- done, thus leaving a doorway for Master Nickel to drop out through. And true to the law of gravitation, Master Nickel, much against his will, fell rolling onto the ground one evening as small Tim ran down the street with some other boys.
 There he lay In the dust, the setting sun shining full on his brightest side. Along came an old lady leading little girl. The child spied the piece of money and, stopping picked 1t up. "Oh, grand ma," she exclaimed, ''see, I've found some pretty moneyl May l get some gum?
 Indeed, you don't spend money for any such abominable stuff. You'll keep that nickel and put 1t in your bank. When you're of age you'll have a neat sum to set up housekeeping with.'
 But, grandma, don't want to set up housekeeping I want to spend the nickel It didn't cost you-.-nor anyone anything I found it by my own self Why can't I spend it, grandma?" And
  ing as she looked lovingly at Master Nickel lying in her pink palm.
 That's it, declared grandma. 'You can't keep a cent in your possession minute without its burning your fingers Now, go right straight and spend that nickel, and when you grow up you'll have nothing to go to housekeeping on. Spend it-right now, else you'll have a blister in your hand. Hurry! Run into the store and get rid of if i'
 The little girl, understanding that her grandmother was a bit childish and at times cross, decided to keep the coin till another time when she should be out alone or with some little girl friend so Master Nickel had the pleasure of her company for several days. Then one bright morning, while grandma was nap ping by the window fin the sun, the It. tie Miss ran out to the gate to play with some neighbor children who had hap pened along There was Freddie Spinner in the group, and he had a fine new top. "Oh, what a love of top!' cried the lit- tie girl who had Master Nickel in her