davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
MUCK BAKING
 AS A BUSINESS

Again and again my humorous goods were returned to me from customers who had once regarded my signature as a posi- tive guarantee of literary excellence, and at last I was forced to seek new muck raking employment at the hands of the same editor who had first tempted me from my legitimate path" writes genial satirist in the January Apnetons. "But, oh! what change had taken place since I last did business with him. He listened with polite attention to my proposal but when offered to work for the same price that he had formerly paid me he shook his head decisively and said: Is it pos sible that you have not heard of the aw- ful drop in the prices of undertaking? few years ago we were obliged to pay very large wages, but that was when 1t was regarded as a difficult art or profes- sion; now 1t is merely craft that ranks with basket weaving and can be followed at home the women and children of the family. Besides he said everything has been investigated to the last point of endurance and now that the bill to kill pigs by chloroform has been vetoed, and 1t Is impossible to obtain a hearing for any enactment designed to prevent horned cattle from dying by anything short of nervous prostration, even the long-suf- ferlng American public has reached the
 
 There was no course open to me but to accept his terms I am now a muck raker for life and I do not mind saying that this line of work has brought more sorrow Into our trade than anything that could have happened to it-not ex cepting even return to the oldtime custom of paying only on publication and not always then. Come with me and I will show you what undertaking has done for the unfortunate Fairview fam fly"
 He led the way into a room originally intended for a parlor, but now fitted up with work benches and stools. Here 1 was presented to Mrs. Fairview and her eldest daughter who were putting the finishing touches to Graft in the Tooth pick Trust" and were so busy that they scarcely paused in their work when we entered In the dining rooh the younger children were filling Fearless Expose of Society" with undeniable facts, and on A table in the best bedroom stood the work on which John Fairview himself had been engaged at the moment of my arrival. He pointed to the manuscript with a thin, toil-stained finger and said: That is one of the finest pieces of muck raking ever turned out in this house hold It is a fearless exposure of what goes on in the sewers and yet l have hard work to dispose of it. l would not have sold it at all, perhaps, if 1t had not been for my very apt and attractive title"
 And what was that?' asked
 "Rats,' was his mournful answer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
TAFT PLAYS GOLF
 ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Augusta, Ga, December 25.-The Christ mas events for President-elect Taft were his participation in the annual handicap golf tournament of the Country club. in which he won from Major J. B. Cumming. president of the club, but without a dis tinguishing score; he rode a dozen miles on horse back in the afternoon and with his entire family dined at the home of Mir. and Mrs. Langdon Thomas in the evening.
 Augustus distinguished guest was not left unmindful of Christmas cheer by her citizens. Mistletoe, holly and baskets of cut flowers were offered with hearty good wishes, and received in the same spirit.
 The people down here are just as gen. timely cordial as they could be-" was the appreciative remark of Mir. Taft in re- ceiling the holiday greetings he had re- ceiyed.
 A trolley ride to Aiken, in which the Taft and the John Hays Hammond famt- lies are to be the guests of Mfr. James U. Jackson, of the railroad management, Is on the boards for tomorrow. Aiken is 20 miles away. In the evening Mir. Taft will dine with Mir. Maxwell. an old Gin cir natl friend and a number of southern federal officeholders.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
BOSS WHIP CRACKER
 OF THE WORLD
From the Strand Magazine.

From the Strand Magazine.
 MT. Fred Lindsay can wield with a marvellous display of dextertty the Aus tralian stock-whip. The fact of being able to crack whip does not appear, on the face of 1t, a very extraordinary feat, but the Australian stock-whip is very different article to the ordinary whip, the stock being IS inches and the thong "A feet in length. At a distance of 25 feet MT. Lindsay can cut a cigarette In half. the cigarette during the operation being held in the mouth of an attendant. Other of MT Lindsay's feats are: the extin- gushing of a lighted candle; then, with a different twist of the whip, cutting it in half; taking the ash from a cigar while the weed is being smoked; and cutting an ordinary wine bottle in two. Yet dangerous as his weapon may ap- pear, MT. Lindsay can make 1t perfectly harmless. To prove the perfect control he has over the whip MT. Lindsay will fog a man with apparently terrific force, yet the man is not injured in any way; he will tie the thong round a mans arm, a feat which, if the judgment were to err in the slightest, would cut the arm in half Then he can wind the thong round a woman's neck but the woman could not feel 1t and no marks would be visible All of which perform ances show that MT. Lindsay Is just what he claims to be-the champion whip cracker of the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Out of the JunoIe.

From the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
 Kermit Roosevelt was talking to a re- porter about his forthcoming trip to Africa.
 'l hope in the African wilds," said the young man, "to have many exciting and novel adventures. But I trust that I will engage in no such startling feat as was once undertaken by a New Yorker.
 This New Yorker, a big game hunter of many years experience, was lion-hunt- ing in Uganda. He had excellent luck. Nearly every day he posed in a com placent attitude beside a freshly killed lion and his photographer snapped him for the magazines.
 One afternoon the photographer, who was taking nap in the hut, was awak- ened by a loud noise. He rose and looked out. springing toward him from the jungle, hat gone and coat tails flying. came his chief, and with terrible roars and growls huge lion bounded at his heels.
 ''rhe photographer gazed spellbound at the strange and exciting picture. His chief perceiving him, ,shouted:
 Quick, quick Open the door, George! I'm bringing him home alive"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Heioht of the President.

From the Washington Post
 How tall is the President of the United States?
 This question, asked casually in the lobbv of the Raleigh last night, precipi- tated a discussion that almost ended Tn A wager. M R. Dobbins of New 1ork, a guest at the hotel, was telling group of friends that he had recently spent some time with the President, and was somewhat surprised that he was not taller. MT. Dobbins himself is six footed. One of the group suggested that MT. Dobbins must be mistaken.
 "The President surely is six feet tall, said one member of the party.
 well, I may be mistaken, but after talking with MT. Roosevelt for nearly 10 minutes a few days ago, I am con vinced that he is surely not six feet, and I would be willing to wager that he IS not feet Il inches.
 At once there was digging lnto pockets and a flashing of rolls, and 1t looked as If MT. Dobbins would De swamped with money. But he was game, and declared that he would bet to l on his Judgment of the Presidents height. He appeared so confident that the men who were a moment before so anxious to bet began to hesitate. One of them quietly withdrew, and, going to tele- phone, called up the White House. He was given the information requested, and' returning to the group, said:
 "Gentlemen, President Roosevelt is just five feet nine inches in height"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
SHERIFF o1U0TS TO KILL

Columbus, Ga, December 25.-A special from Seal says:
 John W. Chambers, deputy sheriff of Russell county, shot and killed George H. Thompson, 50 years old, this morning. Thompson and several others were beat ing a negro who had cheated merchant out of s1, when the deputy sheriff came up and ordered them to desist. Thompson, it is said. resented the interference of the officer and drew revolver on Chambers and fired. the ball passing through the of fieer's hat Chambers took the pistol away from Thompson and started to walk away when Thompson cursed the officer and threatened his life At this point, 1t is alleged. Thompson attempted to draw another revolver. when the officer shot with the pistol he had taken from Thompson, killing the latter almost in stantly. Chambers was released on bail in the sum of Sl000
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
A Love Affair.
From Judges Library.

From Judges Library.
 It was Sunday afternoon and they were strolling along the boulevard. Suddenly he took her arm lovingly and leaned over with his face close to hers.
 'Do you love me7" he whispered
 She laughed merrily, but did not an- swer. This seemed to encourage him, for. with a quick movement, he slipped his arm around her waist.
 She pulled away hastily and, with a frown, said, Don't do thatp
 He persisted and she became angry.
 Don't do thati' she repeated. "What will people think? You act as if you were drunki I'll turn around and go the other way if you don't stop!
 Paying no attention to her protestations he continued her efforts to encircle her waist. Once he tried to kiss her, and at each attempt she became more and more vehement in her protestations.
 At length the little boy who was tag ging along behind could stand it no longer. With all the force that his five short years could muster, he exclaimed: Papa, I think it is real mean to tease mamma that wayi''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
LOUISVILLE TAKES
 CARE OF THE POOR
CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS DIS PENsE FOOD AND GOOD SANTA CLAUS CHEER THROUGHOUT
 cfTY-sTRANeERs CARED FOR.

Louisville, Ky, December 25.-Shrewd eyes and loving hands belonging to the charity workers of Louisville saw to it today that not hungry person went un- fed or an unhappy one lacking for Christ mas cheer. The kettle contributions of the Salvation Army gave opportunity for the feeding of host, among them being the usual horde of transients which Louisville. as the northernmost southern city, has about this time in mild win ters.
 The Santa Claus association had it's automobiles, occupied by real, live Santas, and filled with thoughtful and useful gifts, whirling through the poorer sec tion of the city all day. Few casualties were reported to the police, and this was taken as an indication that the charity organizations had covered the field.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
LACK OF CHRISTMAS MONEY
 MAKES FARMER KILL HIMSELF

Quitman, Ga.. December 25.-Be- cause he did not have money enough to provide the usual Christmas toys for his children, c. A Easters. a farmer, near here. deliberately planned his own death this morning, and died as he had planned.
 Leaving the home where the children were he walked a short distance away fitted his shotgun over forked stick, pressed his breast against the muzzle and pushed the trigger with stick His wound was terrible one Ills wife and several small children ran out at the sound of the shot and found him dead.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
WIRELESS REPORTS
 DESERTED VESSEL

New York, December 25.-The steamer City of Atlanta, of the Ocean Steamship company, which cleared from Boston for Savannah, Ga, on December g, reported by wireless tonight that she had passed today the waterlogged schooner Warner Moore, with flag flying union down in the mizzen rigging. There was no one on board the schooner when the City of Atlanta sighted her. The deserted vessel was encountered in latitude 3745 north, longitude TAO west.
 The Warner Moore, Captain Crockett, halls from Richmond, Va. She left Charleston, s. C., for Providence, R. l., on December r. She is of 354 tons burden. :.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
NOTICE
To Stockholders of Birmingham Base-
 ball Association.

A special meeting of the stockhold- CTS of Birmingham Baseball association has been called by the board of direc- tors to be held at the offices of Tillman, Grubb, Bradley & Morrow, First National bank building Birmingham, Ala, on the 18th day of January, 1909, at 3:30 p. n., for the purpose of considering and au- thorzing the increase of the capital stock of said association to the sum of s15,- 900, and for the purpose of adopting by laws for the goveHlment of said asso- citation, and for the purpose of electin9 a new board of directors.
 This 11th day of December, 1908.
 R. M. BROWN, 12-12-4t-sat. Secretary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Released on Bond.

Princeton, Ind, December 25.-Henry B. Agar, who was supposed to be dead. but who was arrested in Texas some days ago, was brought back to his old home today and immediately arraigned on the charge of forging the name of Hugh D. McGary on note for $5000 on the American National bank of this city. He was released on bail, ten of the leading citizens of this county signing his bond. Agar immediately drove to his home, where his wife and children eagerly awaited him. He re- fused to make any statement
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
MONTEVALLO HAS
 A SERIOUS FIRE

MontevalIo December 25.-(special0 A serious fire here today destroyed the wagon house and a portion of the sta bles of George Kroell. Several car loads of hay, corn, grain, fodder, etc, were consumed. Four valuable mules were burned to death, and a beautiful horse, the property of Caffie Fanpher encountered similar fate.
 But for the fact that the wind was blowing in a favorable direction, and the valiant resistance of the Industrial School Water Works company 1t is believed that the fire would have de- stroyed many valuable buildings in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Will Probe Prison Methods.

Guthrie, Okla, December 25.-Gov- ernor Haskell today appointed com mittee with a committee to be named by Governor Hook of Kansas to investi- gate charges of cruelty to Oklahoma prisoners in the Kansas penitentiary at Lansing. Miss Kate Barnard, Okla homa state commissioner of charities and corrections, recently filed with the governor a report asserting that Okla homa prisoners are being mistreated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Christmas for the Poor.

Kansas City, Mo, December 25.--The Christmas spirit in wholesale quanti- ties was in evidence here today when the doors of the big convention hall were thrown open to the unfortunate children of Kansas City and distribu- tion of gifts to every outstretched hand was begun. Immense trees groaned under the weight of gifts collected by the women of this city under the super vision of Mayor T. T. Crittenden. Five thousand bags of toys were distributed at the hall and almost 1000 more at homes throughout the city
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
asanta clausv Burned to Death.

Detroit. December 25.-Leo Wagner died today in hospital from burns received last night while playing Santa Claus at family reunion. Clad in gay Santa Claus costume which was set of by a great bunch of cotton whiskers, Wagner was leading the mer- riment, when suddenly the cotton whiskers caught fire. The flames spread rapidly and he was fatally burned before they could be extin- guished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Calhoun Trial Occurs Soon.

San Francisco, December 25.-Pat- rick Calhoun. president of the United railroads of this city, returned last night from protracted stay in New York. where he went to arrange the details of the purchase of the Stanis- laus Electric Power company by the United railroads. Calhoun is under indictment on charges growing out of the bribery graft investigation in this city in connection with the granting of overhead trolley franchises to the United railroads, which will come up for trial early in January.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Bandit Offers to Surrender.

Guthrie, Okla, December 25-Gov- ernor Haskell announced today that he had received word from Henry Starr, the noted bandit, that Starr was ready to surrender to the state and stand trial upon charges against him in this state if Governor Haskell would guar antee immunity against extradition to other states. Starr is wanted in a number of states for various offenses. The governor said that he would not consent to such an arrangement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Big Christmas Dinner.

St. Louis, December 25.-The new St. Louis Coliseum was given over to Christmas celebration today, when the Post-Dispatch Christmas Festival asso- citation gave a dinner to women and children. Ten thousand tickets had been issued for the event. After> the dinner presents were given to all the children. A circus wound up the days treat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Dead Man Identified.

Memphis, Tenn. December 25.-By the means of a belt which was about the half burned and decomposed body of a man found in the woods near here several days ago s. E. Valentine of Kansas City today identified the body as that of Charles Heider of Kansas City. When found the body was in such condition that 1t was impossible to say as to how the man had come to his death.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Holland Recalls Warships.

Willemstad, Curacao, December 25. The Dutch cruiser Gelderland, which has been operating in Venezuelan waters, arrived here today. Her arri- val formally brings to a close the Dutch demonstration against Venezuela, Hol- land having recalled her warships pending the outcome of the diplomatic negotiations which are to be resumed between the Netherlands and Vene- zuela
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26

Will you go to Atlanta; will you go to New York or any point east? Take Seaboard "On- Time Line" Best equip ment and service. Look out for cheap holiday rates. Phone Jack Johnson 2382.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Killed By an Officer

Oklahoma City, December 25.- Billy" Bunch was killed today while resisting arrest by City Marshal Stouse, his brother-in-law. Bunch opened fire upon Stouse and Constable Kennedy when they sought to arrest him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
More Cholera In st. Petersburg.

St Petersburg, December 5-Thurs- days cold wave was, accompanied by an increase in cholera. There were Sl new cases, and 13 deaths. Two hundred and twenty-five persons suffering from the digease are now in hospitals here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
czar Receives Bernhardt.

St. Petersburg. December 25.-sarah Bernhardt, who Is playing here, was given an audience by Emperor Nicholas at Tsarkoeselo today and was presented with portrait of the Empress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
A Loser.

From Judges Library.
 How do you know that Mrs. Rogers isn't going to have new furs this win- terr'
 T played bridge with her last night"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Polvtechnic Notes.

Auburn. December 25.-(Special.)-The first term examinations were concluded Tuesday and all of the outgoing trains were crowded with happy students en route home for the holidays. The sec ond term opens Tuesday, January 5. Many new applications for admission have all ready been filed Statistics to date from the registrars books show the present enrolment from Jefferson county about S4, Montgomery Al students, record breaking numbers in each instance.
 The electrical laboratory is engaged in making interesting tests of a new type of transformer from the Maloney elec- tric company, St. Louis, the chief fea- ture of the new machine being the silicon steel core.
 The mechanical engineering laboratory Is in receipt of frequent applications of late to undertake commercial tests Of structural materials for leading construc- ton firms throughout the south.
 The professor of chemistry (state chem isD has recently completed the analyt- ical work of two poison cases, one in Gadsden and another In Mobile. It is understood that poison was discovered in both cases.
 The old friends of F. N. Brown, class of 'a. note with much pleasure his re- cent promotion to be active operating head of the new national railway sys- tenn of the republic of Mexico, all the roads except the Hartman lines hay ing been merged into one great national system
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
on,x o,. 4pRono aUrNrNE.v

That is LAXATIVE PROMO QUININE. Look for the signature of E. w. GROVE. Used the World over to Cure s Cold in One Day. 25c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
State Wins Double Victory.

St. Paul, December 25.-The state won a double victory in the supreme court yesterday when that court by Jus tice Brown filed opinions in it's favor in both the Chicago Great Western and Great Northern railways tax cases. The court upholds the validity of the law increasing the railroad gross earn ings tax from to 4 per cent, which the roads attacked as unconstitutional. The Great Northern case nominally in wolves s120,709 for 1905 taxes. The Great Western case involves about s25,000. The amount at stake, how ever, is really more than s150,000 a year to the state treasury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
No Christmas Here.

Warsaw, Ind, December 25.-On ac- count of an epidemic of scarlet fever the municipal authorities today re- fused to allow any public Christmas entertainment here. Sunday school sessions also are barred next Sunday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26

James H. Wells of Greensboro. N C.. and Miss Rose Fulghum of this city were married this afternoon at 1 o'clock. The marriage was quiet home affair, but ele- gant in every detail. The bride is the only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. F. L. Full ghum, and one of the most popular young ladies in the city. The happy couple left on the first train east for the home of the groom.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26

Eugene Palmer, one of Jackson's most prominent young business men, law and real estate, was married yesterday to Miss Annie Work, daughter of the late George Work She has been teaching school in Texas the past few years, and Is said to be a very accomplished young lady. The happy couple have the best wishes of large circle of friends.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26

12-12-4t-sat.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1908-10-25
WHAT NEWSPAPERS HAVE
DONE FOR THE WORLD

When the editor OF the EatanswIll Ga
zette pronounced the press "a mighty
engine" Mr Pickwick yielded his full
est assent TO the proposition" Most OF
US nave been taught TO say ditto to Mr..
Plckwlck on the subject. but | doubt
how this engine" works and what makes
it mighty / may be. therefore, par
doned II / state here very briefly what
the press does for the good or i'll OF any
community In which It eXists-how the
world was changed. la short. by the In
ventlon Of newspapers.
In the first place IL became. for the
average man, much larger world, Be-
torc then he, OF course, knew that men
lived beyond his city OF manor or canton,
but they affected HIS every day life al
most as little as II they had lived in
frequently, his acquaintance with every
thing concerning them was so imperfect
aud tardy that, for him, they could
scarcely be said 10 exist. When the
newspapers began TO- place beside his
breakfast plate an epitone OF their yes
were constructed a milion-fold stronger
than any yet known through which
astronomers could contemplate and after
ward report the good or I'll fortune OF In
telligent beings on our sister planets.
This immense extension In tho urea of
naturally and powerfully reacted on his
character The change is not In all re-
SpectS for the better: the unselnsh in
terest which any one can take in the
affairs of others is q nXed quantity, or,
ct least, is not capable OF Indefinite eX-
you also spread IL out thin.
What we read among the locals" OF
our daily paper Is OF for less moment TO
Us than what he heard in the agosa or