davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Fall Rivers Commanding Position

The report of Charles F. Gettemy, chief of the bureau of statistics in Mas saehusetts, has just been published, and it shows that Fall River, with it's A cotton mills, Is still the largest cot ton goods center in the country. The A mills employed last year 2S,944 op- eratiyes who turned out goods to the value of $67,671, ,481, as against an out put in the previous year of $4S,47S,105.
 Bristol county, which includes Fall River Taunton and New Bedford turns out more cotton goods than any other county in the United States. The other two cotton mill centers in Massa- chusetts are Lawrence and Lowell Fall River has A mills and New Bed ford 22. All told, 1O2,42 persons are employed in the cotton mills of Mas sachusetts. These operatives received 45,304,115 last year, or an average yearly earning of $442.92.
 The state is full of wage earners, there being no fewer than 539,9 en- gagged in her cotton mills, shoe facto- ries, machine shops, worsted mills, woolen mills, paper mills, carpet mills, and factories that turn out leather and metallic goods.
 More capital has been invested in cotton mills than in any other indus try, and MT. Gettemy congratulates his state that cotton manufacturing shows handsome progress despite the growth of the cotton industry in the south. There is room for both, and both should strive together to spin a larger proportion of the country's cot ton crop.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
The elegance, facility, and golden ca dence of poetry.
 Loves labor's Lost.
River Rates In Alabama

If barge rates are to be held up by the Alabama railroad commission in passenger-earrying boats, the federal government may begin to ask, What good is there in spending millions to open Alabama rivers?
 The commission has actually com pelled company organized to do d barge business to adopt higher rates than they thought were remunerative and just. This action on the part of the state commission is certainly open to question. It is at any rate some thing new under the sun when a com mission steps in to prevent carrier from reducing rates.
 A barge service on the open War rior may be open to proprietors who desire to barge to tidewater their own coal or pig iron, but to the greater number of shippers it will, under the rulings of the state commission, still be closed river. And the state com mission is in full control of rates on Alabama rivers.
 The barge rates of the commission ton, and if explanations are not forth coming the next legislature will cer- tainly investigate them. The govern ment's millions will be thrown away if barge rates are to be held up to passengers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Reaardlna the RaptIsts.

Tn the large towns of Virginia the Baptists have long been noted for their generous response to all appeals in be- half of church or denominational col lege. and I believe the same liberal spirit prevails in the Baptist church throughout the sonth,7 said member of Birmingham's Virginia colony, who is not connected with the Baptist de- nomination.
 "A prominent Baptist layman of Richmond told me a few years ago that the spirit of giving was largely matter of education; that every youth in the Baptist household had it instilled into him that he must con tribute as liberally to the church as his means would allow, and that in after years 1t was like second nature for him to open his purse strings in aid of all worthy causes
 Tt is safe to say that the Baptists, in proportion to numerical strength and wealth, raise more money for re- ligious and educational purposes. than any other church body in the south. And wherever you find a well-to-do Baptist, you are almost sure to find public spirited citizen. His church training in respect to giving and bear ing his share of life's burden has been great thing for the community at large. In Richmond, Atlanta, and in deed wherever the Baptists are numer- ous, public spirit Is proverbial."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
New Mexico and Arizona

The republican party is pledged by it's platform to admit New Mexico and Arizona to separate statehood, and both the President and President-elect favor their admission. But the east wants no more western states, because the admission of more would impair the domination of the east, especially in the United States Senate The east ern clique now led by Senators Aldrich and Hale is at heart opposed to the plans and ambitions of the west, and it especially dislikes the aggressive spirit of some new western Senators.
 The east is, however, fighting los ing battle. New Mexico and Arizona are entitled to admission, and the east cannot much longer rob them of their unquestioned rights.
 When New Mexico and Arizona are admitted the entire mainland will have been cut up into 48 states and the Dis trict of Columbia. Any further addi- ton of states must come from Alaska or our island possessions Forty-eight states of the mainland will continue to be the backbone of the country, and the admission of the two last will be- come a memorable historic event-the conclusion of long course of state building and through the states of a vast republic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Interest in Good Music.

Charles Beach of Chicago. proprietor of tue Chicago Symphony orchestra and fes- tival representative of the Damrosch or chestra, after spending several days in Birmingham. left last night for the north.
 Few impressarios or managers of large perience in festival business as MT. Beach. but until recently his work was confined chiefly to the west and southwest.
 While the popular taste for artistic music in this country has been of slow growth, when one looks back 20 years, our development along musical lines has been encouraging and really quite wonder full A notable advance has taken place within the past five years. In the smaller cities of the west the crowds that now attend musical festivals are very large larger than were found 10 or F years ago in the big cities.
 Tn the south the interest in good music is far greater at this time than ever be- fore, as evidenced by comparison Last season orchestral concerts were given in several southern cities and college towns. but in the entire south only two music festivals were held-one at Richmond and ore at Spartanburg, whereas next spring Damrosch is to direct at least eight south ern festivals-Richmond Norfolk, Char lotte, Spartanburg, Augusta, Atlanta. Blr- mingham and Louisville; and this number
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Headquarters of the Farmers Union

The headquarters of the Farmers union have been established in New Orleans, and this is regarded as the beginning of a serious and determined effort to build in that city a mammoth central warehouse. This central ware house will perhaps be a state affair, conducted with no eye to profits. It will be designed to serve all the inte- rior and lesser warehouses of the farm CTS widespread organization.
 No doubt New Orleans is the right point for the location of the proposed central warehouse. It's transportation and banking facilities are unrivaled in the south. If between New Orleans commercial ambition and the desire for cooperation ahong the farmers a great, secure and efficient warehouse system can be built up, much good will be accomplished, especially in years that grow surplus cotton-in any year, for that matter. The plain effect of the warehouse plan would be to re- store the power of spot cotton and to reduce at least the price-making infiu- ence of contracts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17

will probably be increased to nine or ten.
 'The festivals are considered from sev- eral points of view. First, the musical for arts sake; second, the educational. and third the good 1t does a city in the way of attracting out-of-town people. Business men as such appreciate the commercial aspect of a music festival, just as they recognize the value of ex- positions and fairs as drawing cards. But there is scarcely one citizen in a hun dred, no matter what his business or profession, who does not listen with de- light to a grand orchestra or a brilliant choral performance with orchestral ac- compartment It is reasonable to predict that within the next three or four years no southern city of any considerable size or any pretentions will be without it's permanent festival organization
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Farm Conditions Improve.

Decatur, December 16.-(Special.)- all the cotton ir this county is now out and ginned, ind the crop is a large one. The farmers had the finest fall in years for picking, only two or three days too wet for the cotton-pickers to stay in the fields and not a day too cold for comfort The Farmers union has been great help in this section, enabling many who have for years been going on credit to get along without the mortgage. and as result times are good with the farmersfolks in this country. Most everybody has money and the merchants are getting rich har- vest near the holidays.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
LEAVES $72,O0O A YEAR

had assumed, and 1t took a big man to fill 1t. There was a plant with 5000 eIn- ployes to manage a selling force in America of 475 men to direct, branch companies in foreign countries to organize and oversee, competition to meet and sub due at home and abroad. But Chalmers took to increased responsibility as duck takes to water. With unerring Judgment of men, he built up around him an or ganzation of young, enthusiastic, forceful lieutenants. He inspired them with loy- atty. He made his personality an asset of the business
 But time came in Hugh Chalmers life when he wanted a business of his own. He finally decided to enter the au- tomobile business. With his usual keen ness of analysis he asked himself What ia the most important problem in the an- tomobile business?' Selling was his answer. Heretofore automobiles have been bought; now they must be sold. Pro- auction has caught up with the demand. Competition is strong. It is selling problem I have to face" And he set himself to solve this problem.
 Hugh Chalmers never does anything slowly He has about him an energy that communicates itself to his subordi- mates. The atmosphere of the room where he works seems charged with electricity People who come in move faster, talk more brisl1ly.
 Hugh Chalmers today is B years old. He has held and now holds place in the business world that most men would consider the goal of their ambition. Ana inc major portion of his business life is still before him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Russia,s Reply to Austria.

St. Petersburg, December 16-The Russian government has sent it's final reply to the Austrian note which was received here on December 10, com plying with the Austrian proposals re- garding the convocation of an inter- national congress on the Balkan ques- tion. This settlement of the long and difficult negotiations between the Rus sian and Austrian governments assures the holding of the congress, but leaves the final disposition of the annexation subject to further separate negotis- tions among the powers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Full Popular Returns

The filing of Michigan's popular vote enabled the Associated Press to send a full report of the popular vote in the recent presidential election. There are few or no surprises in it.
 The total is 14,S52,2 ,239, as against 13,961,000 in 1900, the largest vote down to the election of last month. The gain Is nearly million votes. and yet it was fully three million below the number of males 21 years of age quail fled to vote.
 The minor parties did not do well this year. The populist party, which once cast million votes for Weaver, cast this year but 93,S0O, and it will not reappear in another presidential contest. Nor will the independence party be apt to reappear, for it's total vote was but S3,O00. The prohibition ists cast 17,2S4 less votes than they did in 1904. The socialists alone of the minors show gain. Against vote of 402,O00 in 1904 they cast last month 448,453 votes, gain of about 10 per cent They had expected to gain 100 per cent at least.
 t. l. F.. i than MT. Parker's four years ago, and in electoral votes there is a gain, but the margin left is still wide.
 It is scarcely reasonable to think that MT. Bryan will lead the democ. l'eey a fourth time, and yet Henry Clay after three defeats was a formi. cable candidate for fourth nomina-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17

from Latin-Anerica are consumed in the south Southern manufacturers can sup ply a large proportion of the commoaities which the Lstin-American countries buy abroad. 1t would, therefore, pc lo ''io advantase of all concerned if coffee, ni- trates. tropical fruits, mahogany tlmper, rubber and ether products or Central ailo South America and the West Indies, could he brought into southern manufacturing sstah,isbments. For this reason I believe that. in seeking to develop this Latin American tIade, the merchants and man ufact,rers, not only of our seaboard cltles' b,t of the interior as well, and soutpern trausportaticn lines should all co-opsraee, as far as practicable, in systematic CT forts to guide both imports ana exports through southern ports.
 In view of the present importance or the I Iatin-Ame-ican trade and its future pos sihi,ities believe that the people of our section of the United States may well give ;+ sncreased attention. The federal gov ernment. through the publications of the Rureau of Manufactures, is constantly giving valuable information about trace opportunltles in the Latin -Amerlcap couh- tries. the special needs of their markets and the best methods of conducting pusi ness with them. The internationai bureau of American republics, to the support or which the United States Is the largest contributor, Is devoted exclusively 10 the work of drawing the republics of North and South America into closer social ana commercial relations. As result Of sug- pestions made to him by citizens or the south. Hon. John Barrett, director or tbis bureau. is now contemplating a trip through .he southern states for the pur- nose of delivering a series of addresses on the general subject of trade with the countries south of the Rio Grande, with snecial reference to the interest or the south in that trade. These addresses Will doubtless be of great practical value 10 our section. e,,,, If however. we are to obtain the fuil haneft of the work that is being done py the federal government and by the bureau of American republics, we must mane practical rse of the information whlcn thev gather and disseminate This IS matter in which, I believe, we shouia Ail take an active interest, and l am writins to YOU on this subject because l Know ol no agency that can contribute more ,o the bringing about of broad ana ln'ei. lieent public interest in the development of this trade than can the press or tne south. Yours very truly,
 w. w. FINLEY, President Southern Railway wasbington, December IA, 1908.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17

Demopolis. December 6.-(Special.)-Dr. Bryan Whitfield. one of the pioneer set tier of demopolis. died this morning. pr. Whitfield was s1 years old, was a graduate of the University of North Caro- lima and of the Philadelphia Medical college, and has been one of the leaders in the development of Demopolis and the surrounding country. He owned many miles of the best black land in the eoun- ty. He has been an active member of the Alabama Medical association since its organization. He leaves a large fam fly and hosts of friends who mourn his loss.
 Walter Carter, a young man about IS years old, died last night of pneumonia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Great suildInu Operations.

"A stranger who visits Birmingham is apt to come to the conclusion from gen. eral appearances that this city was out side of the panic zone" said George ". Ailshire of Pennsylvania.
 q spend a day or two in Birmingham once a year and am therefore familiar with the substantial character of the city and with it's recent growth. I know that the Birmingham district, like all indus trial centers. was hard hit by the panic of 1907, but in spite of temporary depres- sion few months ago, this town has gone right ahead. What most surprises strangers is the exceptionally large build ing operations here. On nearly every prominent corner in the business district not already occupied by a big building. excavators are at work for the founda- tions of vast buildings. l have not seen such extensive building operations this year in any city of Birmingham's size north or south as one sees here.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
PIatt Memoirs to Be Published.

New York, December 16.-It was an nounced here today that the publica- tion of memoirs of United States Sem ator Thomas c. Platt would be begun in the Cosmopolitan magazine for March. Politicians heard the announce ment with interest bordering in some cases on solicitude. The senator's rec ollections, it is said, have been written with great freedom and frankness and deal with political matters, great and small and politicians of varying de- grees of fame over a period of half century.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Huntsville Wants Troops.

Washington, December 16.-(Special.)- Earl Smith and E. L. Pulley of Hunts vile were introduced to the Secretary of War today by Representative Rich ardson. Huntsville, according to the bealth reports, took the best care of soldiers after the Spanish war and wants some of the returning Cuban troops to recuperate there this winter. The city can accommodate 10000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 The virtues we are proudest of we prac- tice because we have to-
 A man feels more self-respect for being able to discount a note than he would for not having to do it.
 The reason there will be no purgatory for a woman in the next world Is she gets 1t here in suffering man.
 A girl who sets out to marry million aire is lucky if she doesn't wind up by getting only her board out of it.
 A woman wants a romantic man to make love to her. but she needs a mat ter-of-fact one to support her children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Sees Enough of World.

Mobile, December 16.-Antonio Bleedorn 16-year-old boy who was taken from ship here some days ago as a stowaway, was placed aboard the steamer Damary- land, which departed today for the boys home, Trinidad Bleedorn was out to see the world, but this was his first stop. An other stowaway was found today when the steamer Galveston reached port-Dan- iel Morgan, an American, and resident of Meridian, Miss, being found aboard the steamer He was released by the au- thorities and said: ''No more of the wa ter for me. I will remain on terra firma bereaftern'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
From Human Life.

From Human LlIe.
 NN HEN we hear of a man com \N) manding a salary of s72'ooO a
 w year we generally think of an elderly person with side whiskers in the front office os an insurance company or the presidents room at bank
 It comes with surprise amounting al most to shock to find young man Of Sa who could draw that salary, could or ganize a worldwide business, manage a SIC. 900 corporation, and then give it all up to go into business for himself"
 Hugh Chalmers, the man who did all this is president of the Chalmers-Detroit Motor company, purchasing an interest in this concern last October. Prior to that he was for 20 years in the service of the National Cash Register company He en- tered the employ of that corporation 'as office boy; he left it as vice president ana general manager.
 Like many another man now far along in the business race, he filed his entry with a night school. At IA, while ste nographer and bookkeeper, he made his first sale of a cash register. That was the start Nobody rang the recall pei and he went right on. At IS he was an office manager; at 21 a sales agent with an exclusive territory of his own four years later he was district manager TOT Ohio with A sales agents and statesmen under him. At 2s he was called into the factory to become assistant manager or agencies. At 27 he was manager Of agen- cies. then assistant general manager. then general manager and vice president al So
 If was A biz job that this "youngster
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Deaths Amono Hunters.

Augusta, Me, December 16-Sixteen deaths may fairly be charged to this years big game hunting season in Maine, which closed tonight. Thirteen persons were killed by the accidental discharge of firearms or by being shot through be- ing mistaken for deer. Two were drowned while hunting. Many other persons were more or less seriously hurt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
A FOOLISH WAY TO LIVE

A FOOLISH WAY TO LIVE. Who lives fin sight of sorrow,Y Somewhere in Shadow Land, And doesn't say, Tomorrow,
 Perhaps we'll understand.' Who walks the way of sadness, His brow oereast with gloom, Will never know lifes gladness, Will never know life's bloom. And still the cloud shapes darkle, The arrows pierce his heart, No radiance, no sparkle
 The sunbeam may impart; No sweetness left in roses,
 No perfume .on the breeze And mirth no more imposes
 Her blithe intent to please.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
series of Accidents.

Sheffield, December 16.-(Special.)-T. J. Odell was seriously Injured at his place of business by a peculiar accident. He was leaning against a steel tool with which he was working when it slipped and was driven several inches into his side. J. J. McClung was also the victim of a painful accident, his gun, which he was cleaning, being discharged and the charge taking away a finger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Successful Play.

Paris, December 16.-Yvonne Garrick, a young actress who had attracted atten- ton at the Comedie Franchise, made her appearance as a star tonight at the The atre Rejane, in a distinctly Parisian com edy, Jeanne Qui Rit," by Maurice Soul lie. Mile. Garrick was given hearty re- ception, beng repeatedly recalled. The play promises to furnish much amusement for Parisians, but 1t is too broad for America.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17

just off the right of way of the Georgia, Florida and Alabama railway, near here, a bullet was sent into the coach of pas senger train yesterday afternoon, shat tering glass over the head and shoulders of United States Deputy Marshal 2. Nor ton and passing just in front of his eyes. Threats are said to have reached him within the last three days, warning him to cease his efforts to round up moon- sinners in this section. Last week he captured Camp Hall, alleged to have been engag ged in moonshining.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Former Justice Is Arrested.

Mobile, December 16.-J. D. McCurdy, former notary public of F1omaton, has been arrested by federal authorities at Pensacola, Fla, on an indictment alleg- ing fraud in connection with pension claim. McCurdy was captured at Cen tury, Fla. He was released under $100O bond to appear before the federal court here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
Congressman Wiley's Bill.

Washington, December 16.-Representa- tive Wiley of Alabama today introduced a bill appropriating s1o0,O00 to be used in employing six agents to visit China and other eastern countries for the purpose of promoting better trade relations with those countries, to have the boycott taken off American goods, and to display sam ples of American cotton goods
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17

The people are hoping that MT. Taft's health will remain good. They have not forgotten that they elected James Schoolcraft Sherman vice presi- dent and that he will continue to be a hopeless standpatter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-17
KICKED OUT.

He held her little hand in his.
 The light was rather low; Her dad came slipping down the stairs Alas how could he know? You've heard of Kansas cyclones Well, The sweet girl wore a bout And ,he hap1ess youth, if truth were told, Was very much put out!