davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Forecasts of Next Tuesday

No one can analyze or reasonably estimate the result of next Tuesdays election. All know that the wealth and business of the country is largely lined up behind MT. Taft, while organ ized labor in part or in whole and the unemployed are standing behing MT Bryan and the democratic party.
 Such contest leaves the farmers from Massachusetts to the Pacific coast the masters of the situation. There is discomfort in all the stretch of states mentioned, partly because of the October panic and partly because of the long rule of the republican party. The business men can not de- eide this abnormal contest, and labor cannot overcome the pluralities of 1904 when the business men are pull ing against them. The umpire is the Farmer, especially in the string of states west of Massachusetts.
 Party lines are of less value than they have been in any contest since the war No contest since the war has been so complex, so full of side issues and unmeasured currents. No one is able therefore to sense this con test. The betting men are cautious. Comparatively little money is staked. and when money is actually put up the odds fall to to 2, although the pub lished quotations may be to 1 or even to 1.
 We will know the result of the cleo ton when the votes are counted and the reports of the counts are put on the wires. Until then all will be at sea, no matter how confidently they may talk.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Thinks They Are Scared.

John McCartin, street commissioner or the city of Birmingham, has returned from visit to New York.
 While MT. McCartin heard much polit- ical gossip in Gotham, he is not prepared to make a prediction.
 "They are scared, however" he says, and he means the republicans
 'The manufacturers and the heads or large plants and corporations are pursu- ing policies that we might describe as not being entirely above board. In the first place they are reducing wages with out cause. and at the same time are spreading the report that the action is based on the fear that Bryan might be elected. They intimate that if Taft is elected the wages will be increased again, and if Bryan is chosen they will be con- tinually reduced.
 q was in New York when Bryan and Taft spoke there. When Mir Taft ap- peared the manufacturers made the day holiday in order that all their employees might go and hear the quintessence of re- nublican doctrine When Bryan spoke, however. they issued instructions that every man would be expected at his post, and that extra hours would prevail until 10 o'clock at night
 'These little things lead me to believe that they are scared
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Bettors Are Not True Guides

Tn 1896 and ever since that year the contests have been one-sided and the betting toward the end of each contest simply expressed the general feeling When, however, We go back of 1896 we find that the bettors as a rule were unsafe guides.
 For example, 1892, when Cleveland ran against President Harrison. The betting as a rule was even. The straw votes ran in favor of Harrison and the men who talked for publication pur- poses generally predicted Harrison s election. The general impression in the closing days of the campaign ran in favor of the success of the man from Indiana As matter of fact, land slide came that swept Grover Cleve- land back into the White House.
 In 1888 tue democrats were in power, and Grover Cleveland had been nomi- mated to succeed himself. The betting ran in his favor to the day of ballots. New York was regarded as the pivotal state. and the forecasters and straw voters generally gave that state to Cleveland. Harrison carried New
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
All that eisters is not gold.
 Merchant of Venice.
Death of Dr.. Shirley Bragg

The death of Dr. Shirley Bragg in middle age and in the course of his great usefulness is a loss that the state will feel deeply. For it was he who led up to an abandonment in good part of the old plan of leasing eonvicts in favor of direct service under the eyes of state officials. It was he who fear lessly denounced the county jails of the state, and it was he who was work ing out plans of reforms in the hand ling of offenders and of all who are held in jails for trial. His courage was equal to his humanity, and the state has lost a valuable public serv- ant.
 His public service was begun in 1901, when he became a member of the state convict board, and in the in- tervening seven years he became one of the best-known sanitary experts in the south. And all his efforts had humani- tartan leanings. He wanted better care of the convicts. cleaner jails, and more wholesome mills. He once threatened to remove the prisoners held by the sheriff of Jefferson county if better accommodations were not provided and all felt he had the courage of his convictions.
 The vacant place cannot be readily filled. A scientist is needed in it, and a man whose courage is equal to a contest with strong influences, includ- ing the political machines. The jails of the state have been bettered, but they are still far below what they should be, and the man selected to fill the vacant chair should be one who would attempt at least to follow in Dr.. Bragg's footsteps.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Rrinht Outlook for Iron.

While the southern iron market is not as active as 1t promises to be a week hence there has been considerable selling, within the past few days. big buying movement is expected immediately after the election. Judging from the large and earnest inquiries for foundry iron now, the market is sure to be fairly active, at least, before November is far advanced. Quotations on the first quarter are firm at SIS and the tendency is upward
 Matthew, Addy & Co.'s Cincinnati re- port just issued says:
 "The market is full of people who say they intend to seriously consider buying immediately after the election. If half the users of iron who say they are wait ing for the votes to be counted really buy there will be such a busy time next week as the trade has seldom seen. But all consumers are not waiting, as is shown by the very good actual business which has been done this week. There have been many foundrymen who have been beforehand and have made their purchases now. Of course there has not been any great general buying move ment but there has been much more pur- chasing than has been the case of late and the tonnage booked has been very satisfactory. On the part of both buyers and sellers there is a conviction that lower prices than those now ruling are not to be expected
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Taft Has Advantage.

Indianapolis, Ind.-No state in the union. not even excepting New York, has been so thoroughly canvassed this year as Indiana, and there will be no let-up until election day Both democrats and republicans are claiming their candidates will get the electoral vote, and neither can be charged with rainbow chasing. Still tonight Taft obviously has the advantage over Bryan, and if the latter should hap pen to carry the state it will be as re- suit of heroic work done between now and November 3. and an unlocked for change in the present situation.
 The "Commoner'' will make his final ap- peal to the voters on his way back home from the east. In the meantime his run ming mate, John w. Kern, is traversing the state in a special train, and as a rival attraction Senator Beveridge is going through the same stunt in the interest of Taft
 With the state ticket the situation is the reverse, according to the very best infor- nation obtainable Tonight Representa- tive James A. Watson, the republican can- didate for governor, seems destined to go down in defeat. Tom Marshall, his demo- cratic opponent, should win on the face of the returns to date, and if he fails to do so it will be due primarily to the desper- atey strenuous efforts Watson is making in the last days of the campaign to reach the goal
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
HENRY FARMAN
 TAKES LONG SAIL

Mourlemon, France. october 3D. Henry Farman today for the first time, gave a practical demonstration of the possibilities of the aeroplane by flying direct from this place to Rheims. distance of 20 miles, without mis- hap.
 The aeroplanist ascended at o'clock this afternoon and after circling the field once, turned his machine in the direction of Rhemis. Soaring over the tops of the trees, the aeroplane rapidly disappeared from the view of the de- lighted spectators. An hour later telegram was received from FaFnan announcing his safe arrival at Rheims. He said that he would stop there for the night and intended to return to Mour lemon tomorrow by aeroplane. The time was 20 minutes and the height was between 120 and 150 feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Bryan Scare Fills Golfers.

Walter Wellman in the Chicago Record Herald.
 New York.-Another Bryan scare, run ming like wildfire through the country, helps Taft and apparently assures his election by a relatively narrow mar gin.
 The most noteworthy feature of the closing days of the campaign is the fright over the possibility of Bryan's success, which has suddenly seized upon the country and the effect it is having upon the battle.
 It's first effect has been to provide the republican campaign managers with more money than they ever dreamed of get ting hold of. It's second effect Is to carry a considerable part of the business in- fiuence of the country against Bryan. Apathy and indifference among business men has disappeared and many of those who are republicans and a few who are not are now thoroughly aroused to the danger Of having Bryan in the White
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
IN HOTEL LOBBES
Regarding Cities and Counties.

T have been surprised to find that many men of intelligence and general informa- ton are ignorant Of the meaning oa the new county amendment to be submit ted to the voters of Alabama next Tues day. said prominent citizen who be- longs to the Virginia colony.
 The amendment has been explained time and again by the papers, and much has been printed in the way of argument for and against the new county proposi- tion, and yet a considerable percentage of our business men are unfamiliar with the proposed amendment.
 "Apropos, I have wondered why all the states do not adopt the Virginia system with regard to counties and cities. In Vir- ginia every municipality is separated from the county which bounds it; in other words, no city in Virginia is situated in a county. Any community of 5000 popula- tion may apply to the legislature for city charter, and charter being granted the city is thereby removed from the county of which it had formed part. Richmond, for example, appears from glance at the map to be in Henrico coun- ty, but it is no more a part of that eoun- ty politically or judieially than it is of Jefferson county, Alabama. To all intents and purposes it is a county in itself, and has been such ever since 1S4S. No citizen of Richmond has a vote in Henrico county, and in no other city in Virginia can any citizen vote in a county election. While 5000 is the minimum population for cities in Virginia, an exception was made in favor of Williamsburg, the old eapi- tai, on account of it's venerable history. Williamsburg has population of only about 2000. but it is a city, and is there- fore not in the county which surrounds it.
 '"rhe Virginia system has always worked well, and the same system would give sat- isfaction, I believe. in every state. The city of Baltimore is no part of Baltimore county. but as I understand it, no other town in Maryland is independent of county. St. Louis, Mo-, is another city that is separate and distinct from a coun- ty, but I believe that in all the other states every city is in a county, or, as in the case of New York and some other vast cities, the municipalities spread over several counties, which means that there are several county governments in one o;t.-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
NEWSPAPERS BIG FUND.
New Orleans Daily States Raises Over
 $22,ooo.

Chicago, October 30.-Col. Robert Ew- ing, editor and publisher of the New Orleans Daily States, delivered at the democratic national headquarters here to- day check for $25O0 for the democratic campaign fund. This brings the total contributions received by his paper to s22 ,O0O which is said to be the record for popular newspaper collections.
 Other contributions reported received today totalled $7030.
 Among them were the following:
 Georgia Clark Howell, slO0.
 Louisiana: Peter Youree. $100.
 Texas z. l.. Cobb, s100; Richard Ca pies, $100.
 There were two contributions of s1O0o each
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31

York by 13,000 plurality. and was elected, although the betting ran against him throughout the campaign.
 In 1884, too. Blaine was considered the winner in prediction estimates, and the odds in betting circles ran in his favor. Grover Cleveland was elected and James c. Blaine died a dis appointed man.
 Who then can say how next Tuesday will decide in a year following a panic campaign full of cross-currents, full of faetional quarrels, full of apathy, and full of Standard Oil letters?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Result of Naval Conference.

Washington. October 30-To end the dis cussion as to just what took place at the Newport naval conference of last summer, a decision has been reached by the navy department to make public re- sume of what was accomplished with the exception of the resolutions govern ing the question of the future construc- ton of American war vessels. This re- sume will be prepared under the direc- tion of the general board. Following this decision an order was signed today revok- ing the prohibition of officers discussing publicly the work of the Newport confer- ence. It was learned today that the con- ference gave it's approval to the plans of the new battleships North Dakota and Delaware, about whose guns and other features there has been more or less dis cussion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Greater New York.

Greater New York.
 New York.-William J. Corners. chair- man of the democratic state committee, gave out the following statement tonight;
 q am as thoroughly confident that Bryan and Chanler will carry the state of New York as I am that election day will come next Tuesday. My confidence is based on a complete canvass of the state and on detailed reports I have received this week.
 1T believe the republican national ticket will have less than s9,o0O plurality outside of Greater New York, and the republican state ticket less than 67,000.
 "Bryan's plurality in the state will be more than 40,O0O and Chambers not less than 100000. These figures are conserva- tive.
 Lieutenant Governor Chanler has made a strenuous and winning campaign. MT. Bryans visit to the state has been pro- ductive of immense good to the party, and we are many thousand votes stronger than when he began his tour.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Another Abruzzi Sensation,

{ Naples, October 3O.-The latest sensa- ton to be reported concerning the Duke of Abruzzi and Miss Katherine Elkins is that the couple will marry privately and unknown to the public in order to escape the curiosity of the crowd. Then after the occurrence they will announce the fact officially, giving at the same time the date of their union. It is reported also that the duke and his wife wip : at Naples on their arrival from A4lserica. and for a short time be the guests of the dukes brother and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Aosta.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31

coal operator with Knoxville headquar- ters, are In the city.
  R. A. Dugan of Chicago. formerly as- sistant general manager Of the Southern railroad is in the city today, registered at the Hillman.
 Redmond N. Wheeler has returned from four months trip abroad. He spent some time In old Erin. the land of his ancestors and journeyed extensively on the continent.
  President George c. Crawford of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad com pany, has returned from a short vacation spent chiefly in the north.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
New York Banker Dead.

New York October 3O.-Hugh Kelly, banker. sugar manufacturer and philan- thropist died at his residence in this city today aged 50 years. He had been i'll three weeks. MT. Kelly was born in Chi cago and entered the West Indian trade in 1871, being later prominently identified with sugar interests in Cuba, Porto Rico and Santo Domingo. He was formerly president of the Oriental bank, president of a large number of sugar companies in the West Indies and director in several other corporations. including the United ITr1it cOnpany
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
A SYRIAN PHILOSOPHER.

From "'rhe Wisdom of the East" by Abu'1ala, translated by Henry Barrlain. Lo! there are many ways and many
 traps
 And many guides. and which of them
 Is lord?
 For verify Mahomet has the sword, And hes may have the truth-perhaps!
 perhaps! Now this religion happens to prevail Until by that one it is overthrown- Because men dare not live with men
 alone. But always with another fairy-tale. Religion is a charming girl, I say; But over this poor threshold will not
 pass,
 Because I can't unvel her, and alas! The bridal gift can't afford to pay. Of living shall be-hush, poor hearti
 withdrawn,
 As even to the camel comes dawn Without a burden for his wounded back. Live welll Be wary of this life. I say: Do not o'erload yourself with right
 eousness. Behold! the sword. we polish in ex- We gradually polish it away Say that you come to life as 'twere
 feast
 Prepared to pay whatever is the bill Of death or tears or-surely, friend,
 you will a* Not shrink at death, which is among the
 least? Rise up against your troubles. cast away What is too great for mortal man to
 bear
 But seize no foolish arms against the
 share Which every mortal person has to pay. "There is no God but Allah."-that Is true, Nor is there any prophet save the mind Of man who wanders through the dark to find The Paradise that Is in me or you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
BIG RALLY FOR
 UNCLE JOE CANNON

Danyille, H.. October 3O.-In one of the most demonstrative rallies of the present campaign, voters from all over Vermillion county paraded the streets of the city tonight in their final effort to re-elect Uncle Joe" Cannon and the entire re- publican ticket, state and national The demonstration was two miles in length. Trains on every railroad entering the city brought hundreds of visitors.
 The armory and coliseum, the two largest halls in the city, were packed to the doors an hour before the speeches began. The speakers were Col F. o. Lowden of Chicago, Gen. o. O. Howard of Vermont, Dr. E. c. Dinwiddie of Wash ington, D. C., former chairman of the executive committee of tlie Anti-Saloon league and Speaker Cannon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Business Rush Predicted.

'It has been said very generally in the north that business would improve im- mediately after the election, provided Taft was the winner; but that prosperity would not be in full swing until after the inauguration said s. F. Janey of Phil adelphia "The indications are, however, that business will start off with a mighty rush within 10 days after the election. I say this because trade is already stirring and because many negotiations for large investments of money are practically closed, and only wait upon the election returns to be made public I understand that large orders for pig iron have been placed subject to Taft's election. And it is safe to say that every drummer will be on the road taking orders the day after the election.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
Machine Steers Easily.

Rheims, October 9o.-Mr. Farman is delighted with his achievement of to- day in flying from Mourlenon to Rheims. He said there was a strong wind which. although it was behind the craft, interfered with the working of the motor, but that steering his ma chine was most easy.
 Learning that Aero club commission CTS had arrived at Mourlemon to wit his aeroplane to Mourlemon and re- cord for height, Mr. Farman had abandoned his idea of flying back in his aeroplane to Mourmelon and re- turned there tonight with his machine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-31
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM

Youngstown Telegram: Down in Bir- mingham they are taking time from tho campaign long enough to plan persimmon parties.
 Talladega Reporter: The State Fair moved down to Montgomery this week, and Montgomery is doing it's best to go Birmingham one better. Both great fairs this year.
 Gadsden Journal: The Birmingham papers say the Magic City is behind on paying it's bills. This is not lonesome state. There are other cities not to men, ton numerous individuals who are tagging in the same way.
 Florence Times: The Birmingham fair cleared s15.0O0 above all expenses-this means bigger exhibition than that of last year, and this year ecipsed all form CT affairs of the kind. All honor to Bir- mingham and her energetic people
 Montgomery Times: Birmingham is all ready claiming that she beat us in pulling off a fair. We don't believe it, and all the luck returns from our show are not yet in. Birmingham must quit growing green over Montgomery achievements.
 Ashland Standard; The exhibits at the Birmingham fair were exceptionally good this year, many of them the best ever exhibited there. The live stock exhibit was not as good as at some former fairs, the agricultural shows were excellent. Cullman county has had the lead for some years by way of agricultural prod ucts, but now Jefferson. Montgomery and other counties are running her very ctose- ly for first honors The fair was a great success and much good is to be derived from these annual exhibits.
 great fair last week. The exhibits were superior in every way to similar exhibitions in the past. While not lack ing in entertaining features the exhibi- ton proper showed progress and enter prise and the educational effect will be plainly discernable when the fair is-put on next year. And while there was no beating of tom-toms to draw the crowd the fair was systematically advertised and the attendants were of the orderly class who went to see and learn, and was perhaps the largest crowd that ever gathered on a similar occasion in the history of the state.