davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
A GOOD SHOWING.

A few years ago on account of a large bonded debt. on which the Unit ed States Courts gave verdicts against certain Alabama counties the Legis- lature gave the people of the counties time in which to pay their State taxes, the debt exactions being so great as to render this necessary. These i've Counties were called the "Strangulat- ed Counties" They have long since gotten out of their difficulties and paid all back taxes due the State. Pickens County was one of them. and the fol- lowing from The Carrollton Alabam- ian will show how the County now stands:
 Few people in the county, perhaps, realize that in a very short time old Pickens will be out of debt. It is nevertheless true and the day is not far distant when we can show clean urer. in his report before the grand jury just adjourned reported balance of $23.500 now due which will be de- creased to $1S,000 within a short time. Arrangements have already been made for taking up an additional lot of bonds to the extent of $5,500 which will bring the total down to the figure mentioned above.
 These figures look a good deal bet ter than they did four years ago. At that time Pickens county owed s60, ,000 and the mention of bonds was suff1cent to throw nearly every voter into a spasm. Even now some are of the idea that the county Is heavily in debt and no improvement can be mentioned but that someone will throw the bond issue in the teeth of the one advocat- ing public improvement. So quietly and easily have the bonds been taken up that the County Treasurer has never been depleted nor has the ab- sence of the payments been noticeable. The affairs of Pickens are being well managed and we will be among those to rejoice when the last of the bonds once more free.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
This Is My 53rd Birthday
John w. Gates.

John W. Gates. whose successful speculations and big financial deals have made him we'll known to all readers of newspapers. was born on farm in Outage County. Illinois. May IS. 1855. and received his education in the country schools near his home. He began business life as proprietor of small hardware store at Turner June tion. Illinois, and later at wheaton. Illinois, became travelling salesman for Colonel Isaac L. Ellwood, the pioneer manufacturer of the barbed wire fence. MT. Gates introduced the use of barbed wire in Texas and later established himself at St. Louis as a manufacturer of barbed wire on his own account. The company which he originally or ganized he combined with other wire factories and in 1898 he reaped a hand some profit by selling the consolidated company to the Federal Steel Com pany. He also organized the American Steel and Wire Company and merged it into the giant United States Steel Cor poration. Since severing his active connection with the steel companies. MT. Gates has been identified with numerous big deals that involved large transactions in railway and industrial securities. Recently he has given much of his attention to plans for development of the town of Port Arthur. Texas
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

qualities are claimed for it. Still. making whiskey from the berries is new one. though we are not saying that there Is anything impro oable in the sts tstement.
 When it comes to making whiskey from worms, however, the case is diff ferrent. We are sorry the account given is not more explicit. Fishing worms" is entirely too indefinite, for the experience sportsman uses various kinds. There are earth worms. grub worms. natheads. and several other kinds that are used to lure the fnny tribe to destruction. and we are not told what kind these Virginia booze makers use. We do not know of course. having no experience in that line, whether the brand of worm has anything to do with the quality of tho whiskey made from 1t, and it may be possible that the distillers use all the worms obtainable and thus turn out a sort of blended whiskey, as one might term it. Then again 1t may be that different worms will give different fla vors to the beverage made from them. and that varying human tastes will banker after a different worm Juice. That is worth looking into.
 But who would have supposed or im- agined that the humble and generally insignificant worm would ever form the basis of an inspiring beverage? We know that fish are fond of them. and that most fowls prefer them to any other diet. and we have even seen 1t stated that some of the heather hu- man beings eat them in an emergency. but never before did we imagine that worms would be used as basis for the beverage which relieves the thirst. cheers the disconsolate and enriche the poor Gin their minds.) What may we next expect from the liquor arch ftects7
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
MONDAY. MAY IS, 1908.
GOOD FARMERS.

The Centreville Press in the follow ing article throws out some sugges- ttons which can be acted on with pro- fit by the land owners in the black belt of Alabama:
 If lot of our hill farmers of Bibb, and the other so-called hill billy coun- ties. owned land in the black belt. they would be independent in a few years. and make the now black belt of Ala bama, an agricultural white belt. com posed of substantial white farmers The large land owners of the black belt are. in our opinion, making a mis- take in holding on to their large tracts of land instead of cutting 1t up in small farms and selling 1t to reliable white men. They are ready to buy land if the proper encouragement was offered them.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
The Weekly Press Club

Pine Belt News. A. The first annual meeting Of the Weekly Press Club of Alabama will De held in Birmingham on Tuesday, June g, the place of meeting yet to be hxed due notice of which will be given tho members In a few days by letter;
 It is our earnest desire that there be a full attendance of all the edit prs and publishers of weekly newspa- pers in Alabama. Much good can be accomplished by concert of action. The Club. as yet. Is in swaddling clothes, but if every bonafide publisher CO., operates, things will come to pass.
 The date of meeting was fixed Tor June g in order to secure lowest rail- road rates, made on account of the General Reunion of United Confeder ate Veterans, thus enabling a larger number to attend.
 The annual dues are $1, which should be forwarded at once to the Secretary, who will then issue membership card for 1908.
 If for any reason. you, Brother Pub fisher, do not receive a letter from the Secretary, make it a point to be in Bir- program is being prepared for the meeting. and 1t is hoped all who can possibly do so will be present.
 D. c. Burson, President.
 Atmore. Ala. W. D. Sowell, Secretary. Brewton, Ala Note--T The newspapers of Alabama will oblige us by giving space to the above notice.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
It is Catching.

NITkln1dn
 New York State has undertaken in a most practical way tho work of re. foresting denuded mountain areas with in It's confines. Nine hundred and hf- tY thousand seeding trees have just been purchased from Germany. Of these four hundred and fifty thousand are two years old and five hundred thousand three years of age. The Ave hundred thousand three-year- -olds, with six hundred thousand grown by tho State in its own nurseries. are being planted in the Adirondack reserve ou lands stripped bare by timbermen, and with the primary object of conserving the States water power and regulat- ing the flow of its streams. The two- year-old seedlings have been placed in a nursery to remain one year, when they. too. will be planted in the re- serve. New York is giving an exam pie of practical reforestation which other States might we'll emulate with profit to themselves and the country at large. How long will Virginia con- tinue to neglect this important mat ter2
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

s,sht ohampioning a downtrodden and helpless press HGT T,tSsraS %oaorcSs when S NeT ns gS bas cried aloud for tariff re- form and has spoken SSFsn,g Snaang,sd q sne tns ueal o.,,erted Congressmen have been Sorrified by the audaeity of the proceed soSa. ans,rn1er ing om; ."f of freedom, that 1t shackles tbe n1ightisst agency for the disssm, tnstion of Intelligence, and so on; ana ,haS, essume a very noble and heroic at titIde Yet we ,s awsit. sMrtnsr wltn d,seoS' ~oSt ca, hw TTncIe Joseph and his associate bsroes. of the injustices bred by pro.
 tectionism in other inudstries. Ana are ali the other prodigies of privilege to remain forever free to fatten on the fife blood of hapless peoRlsf s nick h' them from the lips of protectiontsts who have suddenly discovered horror and shame in one of the articles Q, their creed. Is there any hope tha' they may go farther and find worse1
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
PEACH CROP.
Premises to Be Largest Ever Known in
 Georgia.

Premises to. Be Largest Ever Known in
 Georgia. Americus Recorder.
 The Central of Georgia is preparin g to handle a larger number of cars of peaches this season than 1t has ever handled before. This increase Is due largely to the great strides in the peace raising industry in the Amerlcus district.
 An order for 2.7ss refrigerator cars has just been placed by the Central. The largest number needed heretofore was 2.213 cars In 1904. These cars will be obtained from Armour & Co. A few weeks ago a representative of this company was in Americus to look after the probable requirements of this sec- tion.
 The movement Is expected to start about June 10, though a few carloads will doubtless be shipped before that date.
 The early shipments will go chiefly to Eastern markets. though Chicago will come in for a good share later. The new cannery will use the overripe or second grade peaches. thus savtn all of the crop to the growers.
 The following Is the number or re- frigerator peach cars used by the Gen. tral for the six years:
 1903-653 Carloads.
 1904-2,213 carloads.
 1905-1,339 carloads.
 I9o6--1.6Ss carloads.
 1907-953 carloads.
 190s-2.735 carloads.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
pry.n Appeals to TnImanf
Charleston News and Courier.
 The following is taken from a W

Charleston NeWs and CouTIeI'
 The following is taken from Wash ington dispatch to The New York Am erlcan, MT. Hearst's newspaper.
 "Mr Bryan spent a busy day. He visited with many persons and called on senator Tillman, who is in a santa rum in this city. It is understood that Mir. Bryan urged on Senator Tillman that the South Carolina delegates be instructed for him, but the result of the conferenc cannot be told"
 We do not vouch for the truth of the story. but Senator Tillman will not back down from the position that he has taken. Nor will the Convention of South Carolina Democrats. about to meet, take it's orders from Mir. Bryan or any other man. The people have in- strnntad the Convention not to Instruct
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
This Date in History
Mar 1s

f7e4-one-fourth of the city of Mon treal destroyed by fire.
 lsos-Ensland declared war against Bonaparte.
 ls04-Napoleon I proclaimed Elm peror of the French.
 ls0s-England took possession of the Island of Anholt, Denmark.
 1s43-The Free Church of Scotland established
 1s4s-smith o'Brien expelled from the British House of Commons. born.
 lsO4-Pooi-roons in New York City shut orr from telegraphic service.
 lsO6-Four towns in northern Michi- gan oestroyed by forest fires.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
UNITED CONFEDERATE cHoms.
Program for Second General Conven,
 tion ia Announced

Birmingham. May 17.-(Special)- Mrs. J. Griff Edwards of Portsmouth Va. General Commander fin Chief of tn United Confederate Choirs of America has announced the program of the sec ond general convention of the organ, ization. which will be held In Birming- ham, June 10, during the big Confed- crate reunion.
 The convention will be called to or. der by Colonel William H. Stewart General Counsel. by requesting Rev James P. Hyde of Winchester. Va. Chaplain, to open with prayer. Colo mel Stewart will then address the meet ing on the work of the choirs. after which the minutes will be read The report of the commander in chief will be submitted to be followed by the re- ports of the other officers.
 New business will then be in order and the next place of meeting select. cd.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
The Old Ways Best.

eIlClana f1erd10.
 But 1t cannot be denied that the new spoilers as the blue-backed Webster that made our forefathers and fore mothers letter perfect. The strange new tumble of arithmetical rules and analyses that sets a pupil at problems In mensuration when long division has not been mastered Is not so thorough as when Teacher" set "sums" out oi her head on the little dark slate until practice in the first four rules were ones own forever.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
TAFT-HARRlsIAN ENTENTEs

New York News Bureau Has Report of
 An Agreement. Washington Special
 It Is said in high political circles that an understanding has been reached be- tween E. H Hartman and the mana gers of the Taft Presidential nomina- ton campaign on the basis of anity. which may have far-reaching influence in the future. The statement is made the deepest significance. It is consid- : cred of high importance politically and dnacially"
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

It is the duty of every Democrat in this State to go to the polls today and express his wishes as to Federal, State and County officers. You can say to- day who you prefer for President, Supreme Court Judges Congressman and all other officials who are to be elected next November. Don't fail to discharge the obligation resting upon you. Go and vote.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
YnIu Timber Controversy.

PekIng, May l1.-Ihe proposed aBree- ment for the settlement of the Yalu timber controversy between China and Japan was sent down to Tientsin by and then and there signed by Baron Hayashi, the Japanese Minister. The Baron previously sent a substitute to sign the agreement for him but this was not acceptable to the Foreign Board.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
The RiRht Thing to Do.
Marion County News.

MaTIOn NOuIIIy 4NUW
 The News believes it's voices the views of the people of Hamilton and Marion County when it says that t is glad that State oficer has come among her people and spent a couple of days. Though we have had a State institution in our midst for thirteen years it was left to Commissioner VII kinson to actually come to see us and stav long enough to get acqua ntAi The gentlemen who hold State officAs do not, as general rule come to see us only when they want our votes.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
SCHOOL TO CLOSE.
Interesting Exercises Are to Be Held
 at SyIacauga.

at SyIacauga.
 Sylacauga, May 17.-(Special. )-This week the closing of the Fourth District Scho ool begins.
 During the week examinations will be conducted in the different grades. Friday night a musical program will be rendered by the music and elocu- ton classes under the management of Misses Genye Brown and Holcomb. Sunday Rev. J. J. V. Hall of Ensley will preach the common ement sermon, and Monday Hon. W. E. Striplln of Gadsden will deliver the address.
 Rev. c J. Bently is attending the Southern Baptist Convention at Hot Springs. Ark. this week.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
Historic People and Tovvr

NTI ttIISTUTU " a ItlII IIIeEIE'
 There Is no town In the entire coun- than Greensboro. It is surprising to note the number of men wno attained prominence as statesmen and warriors and in all walks in life. that have gone ara free to confess that 1t was a reve- lation to us as we traced the history of the town from It's foundation to the present time.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
rnternellatIona In puma.

St. Petersburg, May I1.-The Inter- pellations raised In the Duma by the Octoberists with regard to the returns between Russia and Grand Duchy of Finland. and the joining of the rail- road systems or Finland and Russia, will come up for discussion in the Duma on July 2S. Premier Stolypin will de- liver a speech outlining the imperial nolicv
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

We don't know that there's much need of raising a rupture about that fellow Castro. If let alone he will soon have stirred up revolution that will put him out of business.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
The storm Didn't Destroy the Crops

The fruit crop on Sand Mountain promises to be abundant this year so far, reports from all parts of the noun tain say that more. fruit VII be here Cntton corn sweet potatoes and straw berries all look good around Boaz The farnners are all smiles over the pros pects of a good crop year.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

It will be a shameful exhibition of indifference If less than 15o,oOO votes are polled in the Democratic primary today.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

The Sacramento Bee tells of a Cal ifornia family consisting of father, mother and child. neither of whom is yet seventeen years of age. They pro- duce early crops in that State.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

If 1908 does not so down in history as the tornado and cyclone year there will be something lacking in the rec ord.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
ewoRN ruRCUIATIoN.

The Montgomery Advertiser guarantees it's advertisers (and makes 1t part or tne contract when requested) that its daily CIT cuIation is larger than that of any naorn, ing newspaper printed in AlabamA- i that it's Sunday edition has the largest cii culation of any edition of any newspapeA printed in Alabama without exception.
 The figures for April printed below repIe. sent the actual net circulation all Eeteih' having been deducted.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

sIs she a devil?" asks The Mont gamery Advertiser in discussing Mrs. Guinness. She is. She is she devil. Norfolk Landmark.
 And if so be she is dead, what dye reckon she is?
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

The Chicago News remarks that "anythlng continuous soon becomes rnonotonous." Please except black berry pie.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

It is presumabe that Taft left every thing in good shape at Panama, so there will be no trouble for the admin istration till after the election.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
niacoYerY.

Behold Congressmer, who have here tofore chanted the praises Of protect ionism now laundering at eNtqrti tions Speaker Cannon, with an election in
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

Every man should feel a pride in casting a vote for such men as Emmet o'Neal and John c. Pugh for Democrat ic Electors for the State at Large.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18

Remember that you are to vote your choice for Congress today and it ought to be A. A. Wiley by an overwhelming majority
The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-18
A NEW BRAND.

The many ways of getting around sumptuary laws are past summing up. and especially is this true of the substitutes rung into service in pro- hibition territory. The near beer of Georgia. and other products to talk. the place of the real thing are of cohr- mon knowledge. but over in certain Virginia county they have found some new ones. The Richmond News-Leat- CT thus tells about 1t:
 Something new develops fin Warren county this State. There we are told by a correspondent of The Warren Sen tinel that under prohibition whiskey is being manufactured from elderb CT ries and dandelions and that a fairly intoxicating quality of wine is distil- led from fishing worms.
 Making whiskey out of dandelions is an industry that is new to us. and If that is possible why may they not utilize other weeds and flowers in the booze industry? As for making it of elderberries we admit that that Is also 4 new one on us. but not SO with elderberry wine. Many a good house wife knows how to put up thlB drink and we are free to say thst many worse drinks than elderberry VI can he found When properly made it Ia not bad to take and nne msd!cinaI
The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1908-04-09

Wyman, d. NJ. Nichols, Millinocket; H. ii.
Best, Ellsworth; Charles f. Adams, Sears
port; II. L. Parker, Bangor; VIM. X. Barnes,
Philadelphia; sam Harris, Bangor; S. }.
Gushee, Appleton; G. O. Harrington, lios-
ton; f. NJ. Walker, Swanville; Miss Ava
Kingsbury, Frankfort; Stanley j. Leen,
Bangor
Capt James B. Parse of the steamer
Californian of the Amer can Hawaiian line
has been transferred to the command of the
steamer Missourian OF the same line ana
will be engaged on the route between New
York and Porto Mexico. The Missourian
is 1914 tons, 491 feet in length, So feet in
length, "a feet in depth and carries crew
of 80 men. She was built at Sparrow's
Point Nd, in 1908 Searsport now has
seven captains in the employ of the Ameri-
can Hawaiian line, as follows: Capt. Charles
NJ Nichols, steamer Mexican; Capt Thee
dore p COlcord, steamer Columbian; Capt.
Joseph +. Nichols, steamer Alaskan; capt.
Joseph ID. Sweetser, steamer Hawaiian :;
Capt. Frank E. Curtis, steamer Oregonlan;
Capt. Lincoln A. Colcord, steamer Virgin
ian, and Capt. James b. Parse, steamer
MiSsourian.
meeting of Mariners Lodge of Masons
was held recently in honor of the official
visit of D. d. G. NJ. Joseph A. Sprague of
Island Lodge, No. 80, of Islesboro, accompa-
MED by three brothers of the same lodge.
lhere were also present as VlSltOTS DTolH-
er from Eastern Frontier Lodge, No. 112,
Fort Fairfield; one from Star of the East
Lodge, No. 60, of Old Town, one from I'm
ion lodge, No. 81, of Union; one from King
Hiram lodge, No. 81, of Dixteld; one from
Pioneer lodge, No. IS, of Ashland one from
Molunkus lodge, No. 165, of Sherman Mills;
one from Pownal lodge, No 119, of Stock
ton; one from St. Andrews Lodge, No. SO. of
Bangor; one from Hiram Lodge, No. l, OF
New Haven, CT; one from Clintonville
lodge, No 4S2,of Eldnrado Springs, Missouri,
At this communication the sublime degree
of Master Mason was conferred on two
candidates and the application of four were
received for membership. Conversation in
the ante room after the meeting developed
the fact that at the present time the sun
never sets on the membership of Mariners
Lodge and seldom has since it became
lodge, and yet the brothers are not be-
yond the privilege of visiting lodge of the
order, proving beyond question the univer-
salty OF Masonry.