davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
Reducing College Sports

A great hue and cry has been raised
 recently in regard to the reduction in
 the number of games and sports encour- aged by the colleges of this country. The plan, as might have been imagined. arose at Harvard. If there are any effects from the recommendation Of the Harvard faculty's action they will be felt after this season and not now I very much doubt if the plan goes through. 1t is too utopian. Haryard's president has openly opposed almost every sport on Harvard s calendar saying good things only of ten his and possibly golf, but condemning without any reservation good, manly games, like football ice hockey, baseball, rowing etc. No good will ever come out of such action by the men in control of university athletics. The latter are one of the best phases of student life and must be fostered and not discour- aged. They do more to build up sound bodies and sane minds than any other one factor. Control sports, yesl but don t kill them as the limitation which is pro posed would do. Let well enough alone and turn your attention to getting the studious undergraduates out within the influence of the very sport you would curtail; that would do some real good.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
cd Woers Ropidy Encroochln9 Upon gollrood Tracks

and levee districts themselves raised by local taxation over $40, 100000 to carry on ] this great work. In 1882 occurred the greatest flood in the history of the Mis- sissippi Valley, though there was another extremely bad one in 1903, which was at its worst in Kansas City, Mo-, though it extended to many other towns. The loss of life was small, but millions of dollars worth of property was destroyed. In this connection, it might be interesting to remind the reader that America also has had several large floods which were not due to the spring freshets. In this con nection might be mentioned the bursting of the Johnstown Pa.) reservoir in 1SS9, when 2,2O9 lives were lost; the tidal wave at Galveston, Tex, when 5000 people were killed and 5000 buildings destroyed |; the cloudburst at Heppner, Ore, in 1903, when 300 lives were lost, and the earlier flood, at Mill River Valley, in Massachu- setts, during 1874, when IA were drowned by the bursting of a dam. During this same year occurred disastrous floods in Western Pennsylvania, during which 220 were drowned.
 The annual spring floods, while costly, are picturesque, and people have been known to travel many miles out of their way to visit some city that is partly under water and there witness the unique spectacle of twentieth century Venice, with it's automobiles stalled by icy wa ters, its messenger boys lettering in row boats, its office buildings towering out of small lakes, and it's business, if not actually paralyzed, at least being con ducted under great disadvantages.
 In Pittsburg the people have become so accustomed to a flood every spring that they are apathetic toward measures of prevention. Every spring for q week or two downtown Pittsburg provides a real istic imitation of picturesque Venice. This year the flood arrived a little early in February. The breaking of huge ice gorge sent millions of tons of ice floating down the Allegheny and Monon- gahela past Pittsburg into the Ohio
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

of an even more uncomplimentary char acter: That every woman is intended by nature to obey is shown by the fact that every woman who is placed in the unnatural position of absolute indepen- dance at once attaches herself to some kind of man by whom she Is controlled and governed. This Is because she re- Quires master.'
 It has been hippantly suggested that the author In question wrote as he did on the subject of woman because the only members of the sex that he knew anything about were his own country women, to some of whom, at any rate, his remarks might possibly apply. But there can be no doubt that, at the present day, woman has succeeded in establish ing the fact that mans duty Is to earn money, while hers is to spend 1t, and she devotes a great deal of time, energy and ingenuity to the congenial task. It is. of course, in America that this princi- pie has been carried out to the furthest possible limit, the average American busi- ness man wearing his nerves to thread and doing without food and sleep in hts feyerish desire to make money in Wall Street in order that his womenkind may be able to rush off and spend it on Broadway or at Newport and Palm Beach.
 It has been suggested that the shop ping mania which seems to so often pos sess tle modern woman, Is really the re- suit of combination of natural energy, artificial idleness and that inherent pen chant for extravaganza which is appar- ently the birthright of every daughter of Eve. The truth Is that even a woman has got to be busy about something, and so if the task of controlling her house. hold and bringing up her family is taken out of her hands by the conventions of up-to-date civilization. it Is only natural that she should expend her energies over the selection of dressmakers' confections and elegant chapeaux, to the somewhat serious depicting of the marital bank account.
 Apparently however, the average hus- band. by acquiescing in this arrangement. proves that, after all, he is quite content to toll all day in order that his better half may be arrayed in purple and fine linen; and, this being the case, there seems to be no particular cause for any body to grumble.
 The only thing Is that it does seem not unreasonable for him to expect some slight return in the way of nice treat ment and ''petting" at the hands of his wife, which he does not by any means always receive.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

St. Paul and Minneapolis-and IT others with a population of over 10000 each. Every one of these cities and states is affected, in greater or lesser degree, by the annual floods on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River has over 100000 tributaries-the largest of which are the Ohio and Mlssouri-and while these tributaries help to swell the flood of the big river, many of them go off on little rampages of their own, putting small cities and miles of farm lands un- der water at certain times of the year. It has been estimated that about 60,000,- 600 people. or over 80 per cent. of the total population of the United States, live in the Mississippi area, which. roughly defined, comprises the 2,1Q7550 square miles of land which are drained by North America's greatest river and it's tribu- tarles. z While 1t would be an exaggera- tion to say that all these people are In danger of drowning from the annual floods of the Mississippi River, 1t has been estimated that at least 60 per cent. of these find their business interests in some way affected and their persona, convenience often disturbed by the in
 undation that annually occurs as the re- suit o1 spring rains and snow meltings. Many hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent improving the Mississippi River, and vast sections are now pro
 tected from the overflow by the leyees. These levees, 1t is claimed, both protect the adjoining hands from inundation and by hemming in the riyer deepen the channel and thus increase the navigabillty of the river. Some idea of the extent of the work being done. to protect the homes and lands of people along the Mississippi River can be gained. when it is said that, since 1879, $2S,000,000 has been spent on leyees below Cairo, Miss, alone, and that it is estimated that about S22,- 100000 more will be needed to complete the work under progress there. Between 1882 and the close of the fiscal year in 1903 the governments appropriations amounted to SIS, 100000. while the states
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
Vanderbilt and Other
 Motor Races.

1 With the Briarcliff trophy contest de- cided over the roads of Westchester coun- ty, N. T., this past week there Is certain respite for the followers of the motor-car activities, although there is no dearth of interesting material for discussion. For instance, most Americans will now eager ly follow the fortunes of Montague Rob- erts, the young american who took the leading car in the New York-to-Parls race so cleverly across this continent, only leaving his charge to return to New York for the race of this past week and then to sail for France, where he will take part In the famous Grand Prix. Roberts sails almost Immediately that he may be on the scene of the race quite early and try out his car for a number of days prior to the race.
 With the passage of each succeeding week the certainty that the year will wit ness a renewal of the Vanderbilt Cup race grows apace Ten entries for this, America's blue ribbon motoring event, are assured thus early. The manufac- turers In this country and abroad are eager for the race and will support 1t In the most whole-souled manner Before the time for closing the entries arrives there will be gotten together, one of the most formidable entry lists that this race or any other of international importance in recent years has possessed. New eligi- bility rules will unquestionably be in force, the most radical being In regard to the weight limit, a source hitherto of much trouble. The new rules will re- quire a minimum weight of 900 kilometers 1.9S3.6 pounds) and a maximum limit of 1,2O0 kilometers (2,644.8 pounds). The ruling for the last three Vanderbilt Cup races followed the Europe ruling of a maximum limit of 1000 kilometers. This year in the Grand Prix the limit of weight has been raised to ], 100 kilometers, and this is what will probably be done here. As long as the weight limits are adhered to no restrictions will be placed on horsepower. The other changes which will govern this years race are of slight importance. One of these Is that 10 en- tries may be made for each country in- stead of five as heretofore. Entries will close September 1. the fee being $1,000, but in the succeeding month additional entries may be made at double that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
Jockeys of the Year.

And still the excitement in regard to racing and-its corollary. betting, goes on apace in New York, where the eyes of the entire sporting world are focused. With Washington's spring meeting ended and the scene of action transferred to New York, there Is q certain amount of interest in the riders who will be most in evidence this year on Eastern tracks, First of all, it is worth remarking that Herman Radtke, one of the leaders Of the jockeys in past seasons, is to ride In Russia this season. M Lazareff, his em ployer, won the Russian Derby last year. He maintains q stable in Moscow as well as one at St. Petersburg. In the former city another American jockey, Wingfeld rides for him, Radtke being intended for the latter stables.
 Among the boys who will ride in the United States on the metropolitan tracks and who will be up among the leaders are the following: Eddie Dugan will ride for H. P. Whitney, having been on the horses of S. c. Hildreth in California this past winter, following up that cam paign with a victory on Meeliek in the Crescent City Derby. Joe Notter, who rode some good races last fall and has been in great demand in the South this winter, will be with Keene, as will Cliff ford Gilbert, whose record was com mented on in this page a few Sundays ago. Walter Miller will be under con tract to Thomas H. Williams. c. II. Shilling has been at Santa Anita, but will be brought East with R. L. Thomas horses. Guy Burns, the younger brother of Tommy. will ride for R. F. Carman. while Fred Burlew will have first call on the services of McDaniel and Lynch. Vincent Powers Is newcomer who will bear watching. He and s. Flynn have been very prominent at New Orleans. Tommy Burns, after a season in Ger many, is returning to his native soil, probably to wear the colors of William Garth. Brussel will be on the entries of J. J. McCafferty, who knows thing or two about riding himself and may be depended on to bring out any latent abil- ity Brussel may possess. Brussel Is a good rider, despite the many times he lost out on Ben Ban last year Nicol Is an older rider. who is slated for Eastern riding, while George Taylor, remembered from the Guttenberg days, will probably get back into the game once more. If he does, 1t will be for J. ]. Mclaughlin.
 Herman Duryea will have Kinder, and he seems to have made a good selection in substituting him for Brussel Garner will represent James J. Brady. Sumter and Huestis are in McCormick's string. J. McCahey will be up for Tom Mannix, while Liebert will ride for T. G. Moll- nelli. A number of the owners have not secured boys for the season and may not do so until after the Aqueduct meeting It Is more than likely, judging by what has been recorded at New Orleans, in the Far West and at Benning, D. C., that this season will witness some new names at the top of the lists of success ful riders on the Eastern tracks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
New York's Speedway
 Parade.
Coaching's Decline.

Annually the speedway parade of New York is regarded as the real opening of the spring and summer season of harness driving in and about New York. This year it is slated for next Saturday, May 2, and, as usual will bring out formidable array of carriages and horses. A horse show will follow the parade. which, of course is over New York's fa- nous speedway.
 At this time it might be worth com menting on the fact that New York Is to lack two of it's most picturesque horse features this spring. The Ladies Coach- Ing Club, composed of society women whips of New York, has already an- nounced that no parade will be held this spring. This has Cor several years been one of the notable events in May, and it's lapse Is sincerely regretted. The coaching club proper also may not parade this year. Even more than the Women's Coaching Clubs failure to parade is this to be deplored. for the latter is only an outgrowth of the former, and the absence from the box of coach of leading whips like William Jay means that the season is decidedly incomplete. It hardly seems possible that finances have entered into this apathy, yet it must be that or the absence abroad of Alfred Gwynn Van derbilt, who for so many years has been one of the moving spirits in the coaching set in New York. Whether or not it is his absence which has so affected the attitude of the clubs and their parades 1t is certain that he is responsible for the fact that for the first time in many years there will be no public coach run ming from the Holland House to Ardsley and back. He was one of the promoters of that excellent plan, and his departure for England to operate a coach between London and Brighton this summer has seemingly left that enterprise without any sportsman to carry it on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

~E people who read the story
 of Noah and his hardships in
 the family Bible realize that with the thawing of the ice and the melt ing of the snows every spring there occur in the United States a series of floods that rival the inundation of historic fame. In the Far West the rocky mountain ranges begin to shed their coat of winter armor with the first breath of warm weather, and hmpid streams become raging torrents that over spread immense tracts in many states. Farther east the Missouri, Ohio and Mis- sissppi Rivers break from their channels and flood a section of land that extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes. Suburban sections of Ohio, Penn sylvania and New York are frequently under water for days at time, and even cities of the size and commercial i'm portance of Pittsburg, Buffalo, Minneapo- lis and Cincinnati do not escape. It is no uncommon thing for the Allegheny River to find its way into the cellars of 20-story skyscrapers in Pittsburg, while In Buffalo, prosperous section, number Ing 10000 souls among its inhabitants. Is tIcqutuLly CuL OA llOln dii Soih tion with the rest of the city by. the pranks of the Buffalo River.
 Some idea of the extent of the annual floods in America can be gained when it Is said that along the banks of the Mis- sfssippi River, in what is commonly known as the Mississippi Valley, there are 29,0O0 square miles of land that are liable to overflow. The Mississippi River extends nearly the length of the United States. from within about 100 miles Nof Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and in the l,550 miles of its length 10 states are Infected annually by its uncertain be- lavior. Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Ar tansas Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi are bounded in some part by this Father of Waters" It has on Its banks four cities, with a total population of from 100000 to pO.0O0- St. Louis. New Orleans,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

and the potato masher. Few lives have been lost In Buffalo as the result of these floods, though there have been many mar row escapes. The iremen of nearby engine house were once called up to res cue the teacher and several pupils in small district school who were impris- oned by the angry waters. The pupils were carried to dry land without trouble by the fremen, whose big rubber boots were a sufficient protection. More diff cuty was experienced In extricatlng the teacher, however. She refused to allow herself to be carried. and was too modest to tuck her skirts into a pair of rubber boots that one of the fremen offered her, and for a time 1t looked as if she would have to stay in the schoolhouse until the flood subsided. The fremen, however. finally solved the problem by tucking her in a washtub and towing her to dry land.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

Having annexed once more the amateur hockey league championship, a thing which has become largely a matter of habit with the organization in recent years. the Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn is now in the midst of an am bilious season of lacrosse. The club is m excellent exponent of this Canadian game also and holds the championship honors in the game. H. O'Flynn is cap
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26
Lacrosse Season in Full Swing.

taining the team this year, his team in- cluding the 12 old-time Crescent stars
 many of them hockey experts as we'll
 They number Wall Debby, Liffiton, c. De Casanova Allen, Kennedy, Shrreff, Miller and O'Rourke. It is the intention of the Crescent team to go to London and compete for the Olympic champion ship in lacrosse after the local season has ended. Among the notable games
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

scheduled are two with Canadian institu- tions, Toronto Universitys representa- tives being met May 30 and the Toronto A. A. on June 20, both games being at Bay Ridge, the Crescent A. C.'s own grounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

amount. The course finally selected will be made known in July, four places con- tending for the honor. They are Long Island, St. Louis, Savannah the scene of the stock car races which were so well managed in March) and a course in an- other Eastern state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-26

India rubber trees which are tapped every other day continue to yield sap for more than 20 years. The oldest and most frequently tapped trees produce the rich est result.
Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1908-02-26
MODEL HUSBANDS TO ORDER.
Aim Of New 5enedlcts' Club just
Formed in Gotham.

New York.-Model husbands are to
be made while you wait (you may have
to wait long while) by the Bene-
diets club which has just been
formed.
1t is called the Benedicts' club, but
is really training school for matri-
mony. At present it numbers 20 mem
bers, who have banded themselves to-
gether for the purpose of studying
how to make themselves into ideal
Anatomy is the human body, which
consists of three parts; the head, the
chist and the stummick. The head
contains the eyes and brains, If any
The chist contains the lungs and q
piece of the liver. The stummick il
devoted to the bowels, of which there
are five, a, e, |, o, u, and sometimes
W and, y."-Everybodys Magazine.
Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1908-02-26
Losr BURIAL MoNEY aAMsLINa.
Protected Games Get Cash Sent to
Pay for Wlfe's Funeral.

Denver, Col.-Another victim Of the
gambling hells Of Denver has ceaped
the rewards or the system.
The gamblers syndicate has un-
DIushingly taken the very money from
its victim which was to pay the last
cost for conveying the dead body of a
woman to its grave.
A man by the name of Breese, who
was here from Auburn, N. Y, for his
wife's health, was the last victim to
fall into the clutches Of the syndicate.
Bled Of every dollar he possessed, des-
peration stared him in the face when
his wife died from consumption. With
out even money to pay for her burial
shroud, he went to the last ditch when
friends In Auburn sent him 800 with
which to purchase ticket for himself
and the remains of his wife back
home.
The temptations of the open gam.
bling den with its unchallenged invi.
tation to ruin were too strong. The
500 went to the men who never lost.
His baggage followed. His watch and
everything he possessed fell into the
gaping jaws of the syndicate and the
remains of his dead wife lay in local
undertaking rooms. Every effort was
made to hush up the case for fear OF
exposure. The money was provided to
get the victim out Of town, and he was
sent on his way where they thought
his tale would never be known.
Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1908-02-26
Shovel Snow on Ship.

New York.-The first marine corps
of white wings in the history Of trans
atlantic travel was organized on the
Hamburg-American liner Graf Walder-
see, which arrived here after trying
experience with wind and snow
storms. The snow came down go
thick that Capt. Frohlich could not
see so feet ahead of the bridge, and
the decks were covered to depth of
two feet.
At the suggestion of New Yorker
the captain asked the Italians who
were in the steerage If they would not
like to shovel off the snow. They said
they would and in short time 900
men were digging up the snow from
the steamers decks and pitching it
into tho sea.
Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1908-02-26

louisville and other engagements After two years he
promoted and served as ordinance officer on the staff
Of Brig Gen John Adams and then on the staff of Brig.
Gen Robert Lowry till the surrender Of Johnsons army
at Greensboro NJ C. Few Confederate soldiers spent
more days Of actual service at the front than COL BIed-
soc. Since the war; though lawyer by profession he
has spent most Of his time in agricultural pursuits and has
been fairly prosperous. He is hard worker as we'll as
thinker and reader and few better equipped with
general information than he His training and material
interests should put him in thorough sympathy with the
farming class and he no doubt understands all their wants.
and impulses His habits indicate that he exaults to the
highest degree the dignity Of labor. He never hesiates
when his physical strength will permit to put his own
helping hand to any work he has in hand He believes
the labor Of the South will fall more and more on the
white race and that public should labor to advance
that end
The Sentinel bespeaks for Mr.. Bledsoe fair hearing
from the people Of the district He will interest any
audience and will be glad Of every opportunity to publicly
discuss the issue now prominent in the public mind He
expects to make vigorous fight for the nomination for
congress His splendid equipment for the task he has
undertaken promises most interesting campaign
NADIA Sentinel
Mr. BIedsoe's announcement will be found in our col
umns and We feel sure that should this Gentemae be cleo
ted he will represent his people with honor and ability. NJ