davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
Signs In The Business World

An optimistic spirit is abroad in the land. A thousand men have been put to work in Philadelphia to complete the $6,000 900 additions to the Wana- maker store. The firm does not need the additions at present, but it sees better times ahead, and it is getting its building ready for them. Mir. Harri- man in a similar spirit is building rail roads regardless of present conditions. The minds of business men are antici- pating a long period of prosperity and this of itself will go long ways to- wards inaugurating a business revival.
 The crops should do the rest im- mediately after the November election. All the crops will then be well ascer- tained. At present the corn crop is ex- posed to frosts A yield of 2,595, ,597,- 900 bushels is now hoped for, or some- thing better than the crop of last year. An absence of frosts in the closing two weeks of this month will fill the corn cribs and warehouses with Americas greatest cereal crop. All of the crops are fully up to ten year averages, all are good" crops. In market values it is conceded that the crops of the year will be consider ably above the average.
 These crops will fill the farmers pockets and the cars of the railroads. It is idle to say that the farmers and the railroads can be benefited without benefitiug general trade, especially when business men are full of confi- dence and optimistic anticipation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15

difficult to see how interstate com meree can be fully regulated by licen- ses issued by the federal government. If it be upheld it will also be difficult to see how a monopoly in hard coal can be prevented, or how discrimina- tions in the transportation of articles can be abolished, for a railroad will assuredly favor the transportation of it's own goods. On the other hand if the decision be reversed it will be diff fieult to see how the rights of the states can be fully maintained, for as soon as a ton of hard coal legally mined in Pennsylvania reaches a state line it cannot be marketed except by permission of the federal authorities.
 All in all, great questions are involved in this commodity decision and the country will await the final word rro:.f the United States supreme court with deep interest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
dlabama A Gulf State

A rought glance at the drainage map of Alabama just published by the Mo bile Basin and Tennessee River asso- citation shows that every gallon of water in the streams of this state, no matter how small, flows into the gulf, thus making this state as much gulf state as is Mississippi or Louisiana. Some of our waters are compelled by nature to flow northward through Ten nessee and Kentucky before they can turn southward towards the gulf. Some enter the state of Mississippi before they return to their home state and are emptied into the gulf. However, tortuous the course, all go to the gulf. Not one drop of flowing water escapes. All go to feed the tumbling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
 The new drainage map should be carefully preserved. It shows all rivers and all creeks in the state; and the showing solves many a problem. The concentration of Alabama waters is remarkable. Outside of the Tennes- see valley and the southeastern part of the state all of our waters flow into Mobile bay. The Tallapoosa, the Coosa, the Warrior, the Tombigbee >and the Alabama, all reach tidewater at Mobile. The Mobile basin is the biggest fact in other words in the states physical makeup.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
Presidential Elections.

'When I was younger I used to look forward with keen interest to presidential campaigns" said an old democrat, "but now if I had my way all our elections, es- pecially national elections, would be far- ther apart.
 with a presidential election every four years we hardly have good breathing spell between times. Political campaigns are disturbing alike to business and to college work. College boys, although they are not voters, get so wrought up over a presidential contest that they do not study well, and as for the business world, six months before election day no one is willing to consider new investments or new business propositions of any kind. Business men say, Wait until after the election But as the presidential con- test has only a few weeks more to run, we will soon be ready to start on new era of prosperity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
SHEATH TROUSERS NOW.
Autumn Styles for Men Are Startling
 to New York.

New York. Cor. Washington Post.
 The fall and winter seasons are likely to see a good many innovations in dress for men, if the designs of tailors, haber- dashers and matters are carried out. For one thing. there Is going to be lot of color. But, perhaps, the most strik ing novelty of all is the sheath trousers. In these the leg seams are on the out side; instead of running down to the bottom, they will stop at the knee and be laced from that point on. For those who are of more retiring nstures the seam is not open to expose the calf of the leg, but is formed into plait.
 Then there are the new pajamas, with mother-of-pearl buttons and beading with any delicate shade of baby ribbon--pink being preferred by the ultra-exclusive ones.
 Green-full rich hunters green-will lead in the colors of garments, but it may be relieved with stripes. To go with the green suit one must have green hat. Soft hats, preferably made of plush, are being carried by leading matters. They are known as yodels (the hats, not the hatters) and evidently are of Swiss ori- gin.
 Following close in the wake of the yo- del hat is the Marathon tie, whose chief point of excellence seems to be that it's colors are fast. But the Marathon tie is among the "also ran" when 1t comes to the automobile scarf. This is in gold, purple and green diagonal stripes. The man who wears one must run the risk of being arrested for speeding.
 But with 1t all the tailors preach Thar mony." You get it, too, in spats. There is shirt that's a veritable rhapsody in color Fortunately the demand for it seems to come from few as yet. The body of the garment is of cretonne, with pink roses sprinkled about, offset by a modest, shrinking violet or two. The stripes alternating.
 There are a multitude of similar color combinations but different designs, which would look well if they graced the walls of a bridal chamber, but seem out of place upon a manly bosom.
 In evening dress the conventional black is being deserted slowly for the dark blue or gray, many of which latter col ors will be worn this fall. Socks must be of plain shades, mostly brown, green or purple. Sunset-at-sea and Satsuma effects are tabooed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
Test Of The Commodity Clause

The Hepburn law of 1906 is an amendment of the Sherman antitrust law and the commodity clause of the former law has been declared uncon- stitutional by the United States circuit court for the eastern district of Penn sylvania. One of the three judges held that the commodity clause was consti- tutional while Judges George Gray and George M. Dallas held it was not The case chiefly concerns the great hard coal roads of Pennsylvania, and it will doubtless be carried to the United States supreme court A decision Of far-reacbing importance will be ren- dered in the court of last resort.
 The circuit court expressly avoided rendering a decision relative to proper ties acquired after the passage of the Hepburn act. It relates therefore to properties acquired before it's passage, and the decision is really based on the fifth amendment which forbids the taking of property without due pro- cess of law. The power to regulate" commerce does not embrace, it is de- clared, a power to prohibit
 If this decision bc upheld in the United States supremc cour. it will be
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
GREATEST OF ALL SHOTS.

r rTohi tne NeW 1ork Press.
 President Roosevelt is a good shot. yet he never aims with out his eve glasses. Nearly all the leading ocu- lists in the world have sent him aids to sight. It is said he has received in the last six or seven years as many as 300 pairs of spectacles, from the aris- tocratic rimless pincenez to the old fashioned green goggle and the smoked-glass eye-fenders, from sym pathetic opticians. He is rarely seen without his glasses, in fact, they seem to have grown upon his broad, rather short and somewhat bulbous nose. Not even his fence-taking horse can shake them off. He always wears them shoot ing, most unusual thing; and it is a matter of history that there isn't |. quicker or better shot in America with rifle. A Rough Rider once said: Ane President, though almost blind with . out his glasses, is the greatest shot in the world-considering that handicap.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Great openlnn at Auburn.

President c. C. Thatch of the Alabama Polyteehnieal institute at Auburn arrived in Birmingham last night and will speak at the Ninth District Teachers institute today. President Thatch is delighted with the opening at Auburn this year
 We already have $40 students en- rolled" he said. which is a gain of 105 over the number enrolled at the same date last year and an increase of about 40 over the total enrolment of last season. We are expecting the best year in the institutions history. and have every req son to rejoice in the outlook. Jefferson county is exceptionally well represented, there being between 75 and 80 already en- rolled from the largest county in the state"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
The Iron Market.

''fhe pig iron market is quiet and while $13 for No. is the nominal quota tion, no sales of considerable tonnage are being made now at that price," said broker. This does not signify, how ever, that when buying for 1909 starts the market will not be strong at SIS or even s18.50
 "But just how the market for next years delivery will open remains to be seen. Practically no sales have been en- tered, and it may be a week or two yet before a price is agreed upon by sellers.
 'There is good profit in iron at SIS, and if the next buying movement hardens at that figure foundry furnaces will be pushed to make high records.
 Iron production will be increased from now until Christmas, even if the price of iron should be below $1S The Woodstock Iron and Steel corporation has put It's large furnace in blast and the Sloss- Sheffield company is about ready to light it's stack at Florence. That company is hurrying repairs on Lady Ensley fur mace at Sheffield to completion, and be- fore the end of the present month that stack will be blown in. The Republic will probably be operating all three of it's furnaces at Thomas by, November 1, and it is understood that the Tennessee com pany will blow in one or two additional stacks"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
Improving The Louisville 6 Nashville

The expenditure of $500, ,OO0 in building twelve miles of low-grade double track railroad through rather than over Shades mountain is an event of more than ordinary importance. be- cause the improvement will well-nigh double the capacity of Alabama's great north-and-south line in times of heavy transportation offers. Shippers will certainly appreciate the gain. In about two months the Louisville and Nash vile will use two tracks between Bir- mingham and Calera. The new tunnel at Parkwood will hold two tracks, and the gradients are reduced by it so that a doubled tonnage can be moved in an emergency.
 The Louisville and Nashville has done this in a period of light traffic and under discouraging circumstances. The big track is well-nigh complete, and when the new rails are opened to the business of the people it would indeed be fitting to celebrate the event in the city that will be chiefly ben,-
 aJ
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
BULL IN A BALLOON.
He Comes Out a Victor, But Badly
 Entanoled After All.

Snecial to the New York World.
 Port Jeryis. N. Y.-Members or the Glen Eyre Aero club made their nrst and last ascension today. Incidentally if was proved that the bull in balloon of these days can do as much damage as the bull in a china shop of old.
 The aero club is composed of three New York city and three local aero nauts. They are not expert sky pilots like the Wright brothers and Count Zennelin. for none is more than IT years old. It has taken them weeks to construct their balloon The ma terials were brought from New fork. The ballon completed, they named It Pike County" and inflated it with not air today. Charles Brownson Of New York and William Harding of Glen Eyre chosen to make the first ascent, entered the basket.
 Let go" cried Brownson to his four fellows with soaring ambition who held the ropes.
 The ascent was as successful IS that of some aeroplanes. The balloon rose a few feet and sailed over fence. There was too much ballast on board, and before the aeronauts could throw it out the air bag dropped in the next field.
 Unluckily Farmer George Carpenters Jersey bull and several cows were in the field too. At sight of the balloon the cows ran; not so the bull. It charged the bag, which, swaying. seemed to challenge 1t. Brownson and Harding jumped from the basket, took a running start, just like an aeroplane, and scared over the fence. Relieved of their weight the balloon might have risen had not the bulls horns torn a huge rent in it. It collapsed; the triumphant bull trampled it and got badly tangled in the torn cloth, the ropes and netting. The bull, wrapped in the balloon, girated over the field and so scared the cows that they broke through the fence and took to the woods. Farmer Carpenter and his boys extricated the bull, after much danger to themselves, and passed the rest of the day in rounding up the cows.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
Last Niaht,s Speaking.

''It is not often that one sees a larger or more intelligent crowd at a political speaking than that which turned out to hear Hearst. Hisgen and Graves in Bir- mirgham," said R. F. Flournoy or Louis- vile last night.
 q take it that the majority of men at the meeting were, like myself, committed to Bryan, but to see such represents tive assemblage giving respectful atten- ton to the leaders of party opposing the great Nebraskap speaks well for this industrial center. Ten years ago such an audience under similar conditlons would have been out of the question. It is a sign that the people of the south have broadened and I for one am glad to see if
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
SERVING WATERMELON

With ice.
 A second way of serving watermelon, particularly popular in Georgia, is, to quote the Atlanta Georgian, "to snake it out of the patch to a shady place in the woods, bust it on rock and dig out the heart with both hands, A third manner of serving it is to abstract it sur- reptitiously from the patch, convey it in a gunny sack to cold spring near the creek and allow it to cool slowly while you swim overhanded, sailor fashion, side- wise and on your back, exercising gently all of the muscles of the body and gen- erating an appetite sufficiently keen-cdged to split a hair. Upon coming out of the swimmin' hole stand on a flat rock in the sun and dry slowly Then dress re- pair to the spring, remove the melon to q convenient spot. lay it upon a mat made of green leaves and perform the neces- sary surgical operations upon it with jack-knives, each member of the party watching the other and standing readys if need be- to use his jack-knife to de- fend his title to square deal
 It is, of course, obvious that the twa methods of serving last mentioned ara adapted only to the uses of consumers of one sex and under 21 years, the age at which it becomes undignifed, if not act. ually sinful, to acquire watermelon ex- cept by gift or purchase.
 Persons who require their melon to bs served in cracked ice and geranium leaves never really enjoy it. Their palates are jaded, and to them the joy of gorging Is a lost sensation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
I'M MMUNITY,
,han;an Mapazine

From the Bohemian Magazine.
 Satan had just ordered more coal thrown on the fire.
 By Tuminous!' he cussed, "but that last arrival is tough proposition. The more I try to roast him the more he smiles"
 He called the chief stoker
 Well, what luck?" asked Satan. The stoker shook his head.
 Hes still smiling," he answered. ''Where's he from?" cried Old Nick. out of patience.
 "New York. He used to be a baseball umpire in-''
 "Sulphurous Serpents! Why didn't you say so before? Take him down, we can't feaze him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
THE NEWS OF THE SETTLEMENT
the Atlanta Constitution.

From the Atlanta Constitution.
 The Crandall correspondent of the Murray, Ga, News writes to that paper as follows:
 Leach Ally called on his best girl Sunday afternoon.
 "Mr. Ben Ally spent Sunday at Sumach.
 Miss Ora Ally went to Chatsworth one day last week.
 "Mr Leach Ally made a business trip to Dalton one day last week.
 Miss Lizzie Ally was out walking one evening last week.
 Miss Lizzie Ally spent Sunday night with Miss Ora Ally
 Ben Ally has accepted position with the l.. & N. railroad.
 Miss Ora Ally called on Mrs. Jeff sWood one night last week.
 ."George Ally made trip to Chats worth last week.
 Alfred Johnson and wife visited MT. and Mrs. George Ally one day last week.
 Grandma Ally made a trip to Cisco one day last week.
 MT. and Mrs. J. F. Wood have moved from the restaurant back to their fathers, MT. George Ally.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
THE SULTAN OF TURKEY.
the Chicago News.

From the Chicago News.
 Abdul Halnid, Sultan of Turkey, is strange mixture of bravery and cow ardice. cunning and simplicity. So much has been written that to obtain anything like an accurate idea of his real charac- ter is almost impossible. Like most au- tocratic monarchs he goes about in hourly dread of assassination, and 1t is said that he spends as much as $90O night to have his bedroom securely guarded. The Sultan's mistrust of his subjects has sometimes led to curious results. few years ago he was on his way to the mosque. when he suddenly noticed that some new telegraph wires had been stretched across the roadway. No one to this day knows what he thought would happen, but he gave orders for the royal procession to halt and messengers were sent off poste haste to the telegraph com pany to fetch men to cut down the wires. After considerable delay this was actually done. and then the Sultan and his re- tinue proceeded on their way. Not con- tent with merely having the wires de- stroyed. Abdul Hamid also commanded that they were on no account to pc re- placed.
 The sultan's love of ruling was once ex- emn,ified in an extraordinary manner. He had purchased parrot, of which he grew very fond, and he spent many hours III teaching 1t to speak. The bird was an ant pupil and learned to initiate it's august masters voice to perfection. One day the narrot was hanging in its cage in the sultan's private apartment when 1t sud- dan,v called out the name of his majesty favorite attendant. The latter came at the summons, but Abdul Hamid flew into a towering passion. Tearing the unfor- tunate bird from its cage, he killed it on the spot: then, turning to the frightened he said: understand that in fu- ture only my voice shall command here.'
 But Abdul Hamid has a softer and alto eether nobler side to his character, and those who know him intimately have spoken eloauently of his kindness His own dread of physical pain has made him thoughtful of the welfare of others, and he has had hospital built which is kept up entirely at his own expense. This hospital is principally for the use of wom- en and children, but any one Is eligible for admission and every patient is treat ed entirely free of charge. Even foreign CTS and strangers are admitted and the whole concern is run on the most up-to- date lines
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
From the Louisville Courier-Journa

From the Louisville Courier-J ournal.
 nN owADAYS the rind does not
 VI make an appearance. The
 heart of the melon Is cut into regular shaped pieces about five inches square and two and one-half inches thick. These are heaped in a low cut-glass or colonial dish, have bits of ice scattered over the top, and sprigs of geranium leaves or any bright green foliage tucked in the edges. a
 "A salad fork or an asparagus fork is passed with 1t for serving.
 "This method of preparing watermelon makes the melon much more convenient to eat."-From the Washington Herald.
 Washington is hopelessly effete. It is not to be expected that the natives would know how to eat a watermelon properly. There are several ways. The family man. ner of disposing of the melon is to have it brought to the table on large waiter and carved by gentleman standing up at the foot of the family board. If the melon is a good one, 1t will crack with pleasing ripping sound before the edge of the knife blade, causing everyone present to grin broadly in anticipation or utter some sound indicative of extreme satisfac- ton. When the bisected melon falls apart revealing the heart, there is no longer any question as to it's being ambrosial. The melon must then be cut into segments. while each person seated along the table silently hopes that he will get the largest slice. The meat of the melon should never be allowed to come into contact
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
A REMARkABLE RESTAURANT.
m the Chicago Restaurant.

From the Chicago Restaurant.
 What is probably the hghesterestauran in the world has been opened at the Elsmeer station of the Jungfrau railway. in Switzerland. It is situated 10000 feet above sea level. The food is not cooked by means of ordinary fuel, but by elec- tricity generated by the Lutschine water- fall deep down in the valley below. The cooking is done on the principle of the so-called 'Papinian Digester," as owing to the rarefaction of the air at that great altitude water bois much more quickly and would evaporate before cook ing the food With an expenditure of 90 kilowates of electrical energy it is pos- slble to prepare a five-course dinner for a party of 100 persons in a very short time. The guests are accommodated in a large hall hewn out of the solid rock and heated by electricity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-15
J. SONG II. SEASON.

A SONG IN SEASON. "The melancholy days have come, The saddest of the year." Of overeoats and union suits Is all the talk we hear. The hat of straw is passing out, The derby's to the fore And soon the fans will cease to ask, Say. tell me, what's the scorer All life is change, the seasons fit From hot to cold and back, While we who crowd earths lowly vale Plod on the beaten track. Iris fall and winter, spring and then The good old summer time A ceaseless round, and for each one The poet builds a rhyme. Now for the brightly blazing hearth, The story book and pipe And easy chair when winds are shrill And frosty fingers gripe, While rain erops 'gainst the windows
 beat A magical refrain, And all the dreams of long ago Come trooping home again!
 AS EVER. "Who came between then?" "A fierce looking elderly woman who dAiANSo OA d IllQlllBDI lIdlIl 'Ah, I see; mother-in-law."
 NO SOLACE HERE. When I'm tired and lonely And my heart is sad, Nothing like a photograph Ever makes me glad. And a maiden singing Two blocks off the key Never brings true happiness Romping back to me!
 FIXED. Mrs. Gadabout is happy now" "Why SOP" "She has a runabout."
 RATTLED. When a youth gets on the wrong trolley car 1t is a sign that he has an en- gagement to go out and look into pair of eyes.
 EVERY TIME. "A man who plays the cornet is not necessarily pessimistic.' No; but his neighbors are.'
 IN REALITY. Greatwealth asked for a number Twas OCT the telephone. Now, don't you start to dreaming How "Centrars'' dulcet tone Enraptured him completely And turned his poor old head. A cold, metallic Busy" Was all that maiden said.
 IF so, ExCUSABLE. Gee whiz, that man has a mean dis positionp'
 Right you are. I wouldn't be sur