davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

~ o the average reader the delivery
Of a letter through the United States
~ mails pictures only the regular and
neatly uniformed letter-carrier in shining
brass buttons who trips politely up the
front steps and hands in letters from all
over the face of the earth Yet the let
ter-earrier, II the most familiar method
of receiving ones mail from the care Of
Uncle Sam, is only one of many schemes
employed by the government for disposIng
of the millions of letters annually turned
over to the Postofiice Department
throughout the world.
For instance. Uncle Sam, aside from the
city delivery of letters and the rural free
delivery carriers, has regular contracts
by which letters are delivered by steam
launches. by sail boats and by teams of
half-wild Alaskan dogs. In Porto Rico
Uncle Sam has native letter-carriers who
carry United States mail on donkeys; in
Samoa the relay runners carry the sacks
on their brawny shoulders as they race
for hundreds of miles through the islands.
NATIVE FILIPINO RELAY RUN
NERS.
In the Philippines native runners thread
the jungle. carrying letters from home to
soldiers in far-away posts on the very
outskirts of utter savagery. On the SUI
perb military and mail roads constructed
by the United States War Department
crude native carts creak their way for
hundreds of miles, while in the primeval
wilderness of the Filipino jungle strange
native carts, with solid wheels sawn in
a single piece from the round trunk of
some gigantic Filipino tree, keep. the
mails moving toward the address. often
penned in some refined drawing-room in
a big American city.
Camels, aside from donkeys and big
eight-horse teams. are used to draw
United States mail. In the Philippine
archipelago the strangest of all the ami
mails which pull the United States mall
bags are found. They are the native
Filipino water buffaloes. Strange animals
are these, with uncanny humps on their
backs. and long thick horns. They alone
can be used so far In the Islands as
beasts of burden, as the rinderpest still
continues to kill all oxen and similar
animals imported from other countries.
The government has been for years try
ing to find some one method of making
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

aces, asked for metal spoon to replace
the wooden one she had been forced to
eat with, but In spite of the fact that
several noble families attempted to as
sist her the request was not granted.
Naturally many of the criminals of italy
die mad; others are removed to asylums.
The system Of Holland and Belgium,
which the French government has de-
cided to use, is entirely different This
system, like that In vogue in the United
States, is based ON the assumption that
1t is necessary to educate and reform the
criminal to make better man of him.
This system has been in use In Belgium
for forty years. and the death penalty Is
no longer employed there.
The criminal who Is condemned to life
Imprisonment spends the first six years
of his sentence In solitary confinement.
He Is then transferred to larger cell,
and works during the day with other
men. During the first six years he never
sees his fellow prisoners, but each day
he receives visits from the overseer, the
priest and the instructor and often from
the director of the prison, who visits
twenty prisoners every day.
The prisoner works all the time, and
he is allowed to sell his work. Some
Of the prisoners have amassed hundreds
of dollars. In each cell there are two
books, one on alcoholism and the other
the Bible. In Holland the different re-
ligious faiths of the prisoners are OBJ
served, and each is allowed to have the
special literature Of his sect. Three
times a day the doors of the cells are
opened while prayer is read In the gar
den.
In Belgium at the end of 10 years the
prisoner can choose between his cell and
work In common with other prisoners.
Many of them choose the CELL Usually
this system does not lead to madness,
although there is occasionally a case of
a man losing his mind.
In Holland, after the first few years,
the prisoners enjoy much liberty and are
even allowed to play cards. 1t is not
likely that the system adopted in France
will go SO far.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

tn LITTLE over 1S months ago King
~ ston, Jamaica, was city of brick
and mortar, an ugly, dingy city,
characterized by its Spanish style of ar
chitecture, in strange contrast to the
well laid out streets and the distinctly
English manner of the town. The build
ings not being uniform in architecture
presented an ungraceful appearance. Two
stored houses alternated with one-story
structures. and the general aspect of the
town was far from pleasing to the eye
Then came the earthquake at $40
O'Clock on the afternoon of the 14th Of
January. There was only a low grumbling
of the earth 10 warn the citizens as the
Ripping earth caused to tumble In con-
fusion the ancient brick and mortar
buildings which, as they fell, killed 1000
people and did damage to property to the
extent Of many millions Of dollars. But
like so many of the seeming catastro-
plies of this world, what seemed a great
misfortune was in reality a blessing In
disguise. That was a little over IS months
ago, and today the old order of things
has changed making way for the new.
The old order, dating back from the end
of the eighteenth century, was brick and
mortar the new Is steel-frame buildings
reinforced with concrete. for Kingston
and its inhabitants have learnt their
costly lesson and are profting thereby
While the property loss was undoubtedly
heavy and spelt ruin to many merchants,
yet this loss would not have mattered
SO much If it had not been accompanied
by the terrible loss of life 1t is admit
ted that Jamaica is underpopulated; for
this fertile island has only about 100
persons to the square mile. So when ruin
overlook Kingston serious people looked
not only on the financial loss. but also on
the loss Of population.
With the true spirit of determination
the inhabitants of this, the most i'm
portant town of the most important pos
session of the British dominions in the
West Indies, have set about rebuilding
the stricken city and to make 1t, as far
as human power is able, earthquake and
hurricane proof. Following the example
of the people of San Francisco, to whom
like misfortune had come the year be-
fore, and on whore grit and energy the
whole world had looked In admiration
and applause. Kingstonians have put
their whole soul into the task Of recon-
structiop. and have been generously aided
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

one way or the other.
They were week late In learning that
President Mckinley was shot and that
Theodore Roosevelt had become Presl-
dent Of the United States. This letter
carrier has only 40 miles to cover, but
the overland trails are so bad that it
takes him over nine hours to make the
40 miles. The carrier draws a salary OF
S1,1oo, but must pay all his own ex-
penses, so the job is no sinecure.
Another Hawaiian letter-carrier has
the job OF getting the letters from
Pahala to the Volcano House. He makes
the trip In about six hours. Last year
he got s1,26s. Sc. and doubtless is con-
sidered rich man by the natives of the
island.
There are only II mails year at Pago
Page, Samoa and these come via Homo
lulu to San Francisco, a distance of over
5000 miles. 1t is details of this sort
which cast an educational light on the
queer places. and the vast distances COW
cred by Uncle Sans letter-carriers
throughout the world.
IN ICY ALASKA AND THE YUKON
REGION.
The river Yukon Is not much known
to the casual traveller or to the ordinary
citizen. Yet It is one of the great rivers
of this continent, q river that vies with
the Mississippi and Missouri in volume,
and width, and Is of vast length. On
this mighty river for certain periods
of the year the Northern Commercial
Company delivers all the United States
mail from the swift little launch, the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

running up sometimes to SO and 81 per
mail package. But the citizens of these
United States pay no bill SO gladly as
that of furnishing mail communication
between the big centers of human life
and the most isolated points, no matter
what the cost or the hazard of maintain
ing the efficiency of the mail service.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

American cattle immune to the rinder.
pest, but so far without success. There
fore the water buffnloes continue to be
all Uncle Sam can depend on to haul his
mail sacks in the wilder sections of the
land Of the Filipino.
The handling of all mails in the Phil
ipplne Islands, curiously enough, has
nothing to do with the Postof1ce Depart
ment. It comes under the Jurisdiction of
the War Department and incidentally the
practical part Of the managing is done by
the Bureau of Insular Affairs, at the
head of which is Brigadier General Clar
ence Ransom Edwards. who, by the way,
did some fine soldierly fighting in the
Philippines and knows personally the con-
ditions in the Islands and the needs Of
the population, both native and acquired.
The view shown of the Benguet mail
and military road shows that great high
way as 1t is vending north from Manila
on IT'S way into the recesses of the island
and so to Luzon. where 1t strikes off into
small native trails. Only native bearers
can venture to endure the final journey
to deliver mail to jungle points of the
interior.
III suCu cases tue uudll CdTrlerb aOt Only
convey mail, but also provisions and other
commodities. In many cases these car
riers are the sole method of communi-
eating with the outside world of civiliza-
ton.
Despite the curious looking animals and
quaint carts the United States mail is
just as sacred in character in the jungles
of the Philippines as on Broadway, New
York.
At first the ratives continually attacked
and robbed the malls, but the War De
partment merely detached a few hard
riding, rapid-shooting American soldiers,
and since then there has been no molest-
ing the United States mail, in even the
widest sections of the islands.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20
QUEER CARRIERS IN HAWAII.

Over in the Hawaii Islands Uncle Sam
has a letter carrier who uses q small
gasoline launch just once week so that
the business men of Kawaihae, Lalamilo
and Kiholo Bay and Kailua can receive
their mail and hear how things are pro-
crossing in the remainder of these United
States and the rest of the word in gen.
eral. These folk will be a week in learn
ing whether a national election has gone
New-York tribune., 1908-02-02

beyond that will serve, and the moon IS up he said
suaVelV.
Have it as YOU will said l. out OF patience.
though | was not At ali reluctant to have pnked
the silly fop who stroled off if the room
and the world belonged to him Here then
committed to a combat with the Lord knows whom
and the Lord knows why; but there plenty of
entertainment promising III the bright thrOng about
me. and so | dismissed the thought forthwith and
addressed myself to a dainty baggage that was how
ering If she would draw my attention But
l got very far with her | tapped the
shoulder, and looking round saw mighty tall man,
we'll set up the gleam of whose quick eyes st1eamed
through the perforations of his mask. He Craved
pardon of the baggage, and then took aside
Hearken, my lord!" said he abruptly 'Tis
not needful that | explain matters. You will under
stand very vel And no \ names aT7 need be mentioned
/ know not if ! be standing my head or my
heels
There is need for high words between US
he said; we at least settle gentlemen if
You will agree upon hour and place
Bodikins! | cried, agape at this second fool.
who the devil may you be?
That matters nothing, he returned, though |
think you very well guess. There is that between
us that must end one way and no other. You vaunt
your favorsl Well, if you an excuse to serve,
take any. hate your handy leg"
have handy leg? 'Tis straight man
fought or danced on
follow But lower your VOICE l pray you, or
shall disturb the company. What hour my lord?''
Bandy eg!" l said furiously, and then somehow
in my wrath at his nsoence. not needing what |
said. Eleven says i, in the Italian garden
Very good, my lord he said, and with a civiHty
left me
By this time you may conceive that | was in
greater and also in a growing anger that
two hutting fops should put insult upon me, and
thus force a duello upon But | was ripe in the
mood to spit EN- both. and SO passed on recking
nothing. And indeed | believe | would have met
both and killed the one fine gentleman after tother
t1or | have neat way with the sword) but for the
third incident that befel, and thus
little later while turning away from a merry
kitten | had encountered, that was claimed by
another, came face to face with mask in a plum
ColOred dress, small of stature but very brisk and
Ike cock sparrow for pertness.
Hold said he. ' can guess al what lies under
New-York tribune., 1908-02-02

that covering. and ! VIII have you know that II
shall not be. lis only my late arrival that hath
prevented me from challenging you before. Sir.
you a cheat
The Lord deliver US, | cried for the kitten had
pleased me much, and | in recovered temper.
" Here be third Of these madmen.
Must hit you, sir, he asked fercely, 70 make
you assent"
NV good fellow said | with unruffled good
humor. if you will explain. ! will listen. and
be glad to brush ali wasps away said.
You play with me, sir, he said
Look YOU, | said ticking 1t off fingers
i have been my lord and knight and common sir
this night, and what | shall be next i know not un-
less it be Prester John And | am TO fight two
known fine gentlemen, and Lord knows wherefor
And love me, here's third of the lunatIc gang
pressing for his death blow"
Il trust, sir, it will come a death blow between
US says this sparrow haughtilv
Well, if l to die, said L. L should cen like
10 know the reason out of mere inquisitiveness "
He shrugged his shoulders. " 'Tis well under
stood This is mere pretense You wear my ladv's
favor. and twas sworn by all that whose should do
so this night should answer to the rest
whstled; for at last began to see; and, more
So said l. laughing to myself. Why your expana-
ton is perfect, SIT And so the Italian gardens at
eleven"
He clacked his heels in his bow and went of
leaving to wonder if there were any more that
were anxious to die at my hands. Here were three
for me to tackle, and maybe coming on. |
did not mind splitting the gzzards of some odd
bucks, but could not answer for all; and so
pondered As | saw it, it seemed manifest
that my lady, the little vixen, had recognized me
for other than of her company of admirers
but she had let matters go Oh. twas a rare
trick that would bring humor TO her vain heart
Well, if | were spitted, it would matter naught 10
her; and so thinks | that | will take precautions
not to die too easily. had idea IN nv head and
l was walking for the door. when | espied in the
corner of the room and in a chair that was cheek bv
lOwl with another, no less one than nv lady
Dainty L strobe over to her
You still wear my favor. sir: she said pointing
to the seat near her
It's rose will run redder when | do not said
She gave me curious glance Some knights
SAID she, hide their faces when they might come
into the open"
Some faces are best for hiding" said | for |
knew now she was inqusitive as to who | might
De But let her abide IN darkness
H. says she, looking on the riband ..vol,
are constituted my knight as YOU say. how
lar Will that commit YOU
10 the death, YOU verv well know
madam" | retorted w.
Oh says she, as If indifferent and :
there any talk of death Who speaks 80
melancholy? ~
There are three men here tired a. bfe
. Who told you So" she asked quickly
- Are you a seer?' f'E-
They have craved The oblivion @. ,1e
New-York tribune., 1908-02-02

grave. at least" I answered. and am disposs
70 indulge them. poor devils
Oh she med1tated, a0G then asked /
one very tall, Ike yourself, and hath be a qua
voice.
You have nicked him. I said
And is another bird of bright Plumage with
Ave. with a voice that trails of Ike the r.
guard OF an army / ended for her
She seemed to brighten Fla. she said me-
-ilv- You must not take TOO much on vourseE
They shall live II YOU VIII. said l.
She paused, looking al the dancers. Ii E Il.
death that should be The penalty Of tiresonenr@
she said.
. Oh said The Queen .srmands and II:
Justice deals justice
Are you my chief justice. she asked areh-
Well. must not interfere with the law Eve
Queens and kIngS have their limitations
And subjects their privileges. SAID l, ehe- G.
which IS the right % petition
have heard Of the petition OF nights. SAT
she 1t hath an 1nau~rle-eu- sound II tle~
DAYS"
This Is bur simple petition pleaded sur
every subject hath night ot ae.g 20 his sovereign
1t depends upon wha- YOU mean by aces
she said gailv.
If he come in-c -he 1-e-er.e. he may ste re
beauty | said
There was a pause. and ther aid she, fol Ee1l
have this. ere YOU carry out yo-r ask:
Nay said |. The task IS as good as done
but ask II as reward
With deft movement az Nor LttlO SIX >4O -
mask from her features holding meanVnl-s III
face away from the lighted chamber Lord ",
beaming bright eyes Two flushed cheeks. anc -
prettiest of rogulsh faces Cazz-et me
There. SAYS she. my knight
There. saws l. my Queen and STOPPED u
her slim hands and kissed ----.
She slipped the mask and rose and IN anou-1-
moment was gone. with The ---a-th ana qllCAns@
of the cat. while | sat admin oh. kne" PIe,.
we'll what It all was now. a-. .-uc Sled % hlss
even when | most adul-e. his beauty W.
use ME as catspaw for he- ..---T. and na@Hp7 -
some intrigue AT the back .- >he was ga
and smiling and beauteor~. .-- talth, IKE q ~
man | take what | get B-- ] Was not 10 &c "oI-
for all that Dick Rvde- Ea. lad enough Aho-
edge of woman 70 know when --and on NJ sla
And So passed on and o-- -. larry ouf tle L.- e.
had taken. ChuCklIng ~-l. -.. 9-l-h pret'l l-
OF my pulses - the touch ar.- .."S OF neI' a. ~
confess
Once out of the house ! -..-- speed 70 Is@'-
which was ---- .- nm tne t-'t.t-
there | purchased some rose u.-- -1aandS. tLe
the man pinned up tcc ut ties hNe =
still Wore IN nv lapel E.r.cet WITH heSt
sigma OF Cupid. back went I - The house, any -.r
entered. with Il mighty CyUr .--.c1r faee' - W
guess II was now close q. eleven o. tIS ~
and thus time for my uev-.-- -- The gaTden -
so. leaving the assembly. / ,-Jt iorll aHsr- Il,-
night where the summer moon --rne upon liz NJ
bushes and CrISp lawns. ans rI>hlns me-
yeW hedge, came q the formal ItaI-r So,
Here | waited for - few inmates. unii~ & ~ -
he sound Of fee, uuor grave. / wlthdIe" NJ
New-York tribune., 1908-02-02

...... .a-fN- --r
RI. man thai sans !.
ms J recognized BY y
1,~... tcr The second u. 3.
r.l spoke with me p. :.
seemed perturbed a., -,
restless. and StaiSed a.. =,
III. .,,.rd Ike a sPft,,..
r.- he stood sudds. *,
-r a figure enc s..
tr.. the yew hedst
II..rs,I back IN nv ~, =
i.-- NV comfortable. =.
Tr- newcomer Wa -. :.
f..E ot the rag. ls.s-. -
.r.,re~ and seeing ~ -,
p, drew near dehpei =, S,.s
hut .aev were Soiii' r..
J,.-.r.t from me . = -, ~.
7 ...rfl ror hear a.
f'--sr. n. vcu my 5'd
-b. tall mar
rlen 50. nv irf,.JI. Ii,J.
SAWS the Top. and sl1r ~. 4.
list vc are ikely 90 e
A. ','' that t'othe15 ,,1ss ,l,,s
..- -'r[npa.atntly and 4lI'II a.,. /
,.,.- f.,. -., -55-ung fork ID. D',' :.
i...r..i lack. chut Alii,f i,,ib.
myself Tor If these swn:
hlI each put az ! tsr
~i''', =, =, he even with ne, ,ss
IN another n'''.i, link aat
.vy were 'I IN y, shinlns
lank. the moon ,i,ii.,ainas
ou them and iil;1,,. TSp =.
rhrir actions - III
fellow made U
-.ras-ei ca '-''
Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-08-18

Will H. Parry and Byron Helps of
Seattle are In the city securing
equipment for fishing trip into the
upper Clearwater country.
J.. c. Dehaven of Spokane was an
arrival in the city last night.
C. B. Stewart was a business Wis
itor from Westlake.
Charles Woelflen was q Lewiston
visitor today from Asotin.
A. J. Green was visitor today
from Culdesac.
E. l.. Wiggin and family return
ed this morning from the seaside.
Frank Grice was an arrival last
night from Moscow.
d. II. Robinson is business Wis
itor today from Pierce City.
w. J. Ramsy Of Nexperce was an
arrival last night from the coast.
Mrs. H. A. Greving of Stiles. was
a Lewiston visitor last night.
Mrs. M. w. Barnett has returned
from a visit to Occur d'Alene.
Fred King and family returned
last night from an outing at Hay.
den Lake.
Attorney I. N. Smith returned
last night from business visit Il
Spokane.
f. d. Thomas returned last night
from Spokane.
J. r. Nickerson and wife return
ell last night from visit to tn.
prairie country.
J. P. Vollmer, Miss Lulu Krou
finger and Miss Virginia Shearel
left yesterday afternoon from q Wis
II to Vo'lmer.
Mrs A. S. Stacy and children
have returned from Lookout. wher'
they spent the summer.
Fl. r. Lewis returned this morn
ing to his home In Spokane.
II. J. Callahan and wife departed
this morning for visit to Seattle.
William Mohl. deputy state frui
inspector, Is business visitor II
the city.
Alfred Arnold left this morninl
for a business visit to the st. Marie
country.
Ben Schultz is a Lewiwston visi
tor from Neznerce.
DR.. r. l.. Hinkly and wife return
ed yesterday afternoon from visi
to the prairie country.
f. L. Parker and wife were visi
tors last night from Nezparce.
G. w. Thompson and wife ar
visiting friends on Nezperce prairie
Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-08-18
Pta ARCHERY TOURNAMENT.
National Association Holds II
Meeting at Chicago.

Chicago, Aug. 1S.--On the splen-
did ranges in Washington Park to-
day several score OF dev0tees OF tho
bow and arrow gathered for the
opening Of the annual tournament
Of the National Archery Associatjon
The representative attendance gAvs
evidence Of the revival Of interest
in the once popular sport. Among
the places represented by the ont
rants were Seattle, Cincinnati, Hat-
tic Creek, and Atchison, Kans. Re-
gret IL fel. thar neither Mrs. NJ. G.
Howell OF Cincinnati nor H. II.
Richardson Of Boston, holders %
the women's and mems champion
ship titles respectively, have been
aEle to come to Chicago to defend
their titles this year.
Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-08-18
RETIREMENT OF
FIGHTING BOB
AGE LIMIT REMOVES FROM &C.
TIVE DUTY ONE OF THE BEST
KNOWN AMERICAN NAVAL
COMMANDERS,

Born in Floyd county, Va, August
Is, 1846.
Educated in the public schools Of
Warrington, D. c.
Appointed to naval academy Sept.
20, 1880; graduated in 1858.
Made ensign Oct. l, 1868; lieuten-
ant, July Is, 1865: lieutenant
commander. July 1878: captain,
June q. 1898; rear admiral Feb.
II. 1901.
Participated in at.ack on Fort
Fisher Jan. Is, 1865.
Earned his title Of Fighting Bob
during the year 1891. when he
was in command of the Yorktown
at Valparaiso, Chill.
During the war with Spain he was
commander of the Iowa. taking
active par in the destruction Of
Cervera's eet July 8, 1898.
Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-08-18

Tife rrdervriter~' Convention.
Los Angeles. Aug. 1S.-Several
hundred delegates met in Los An
geles today at the opening Of the
Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-08-18
Home Of the Hart Schsffner { Marx Clothes

annual convention Of the National
Association of Life Underwriters.
Very little business was scheduled
for this, the opening day. the time
being consumed with the exchange
OF greetings and routine business.
Weighty matters Of importancs
to the insurance world will receive
attention during the next two days.
The entertainment program calls
for trips to Long Beach, San Pedro.
Cantalina Island and other places
of interest.