davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
Purchase of Ore Lands

A press dispatch from Knoxville
states that the Steel corporation has
purchased "a large tract of valuable
ore land" in East Tennessee, and that
railroads are to be built to afford an
outlet for the ores to the Southern
railroad.
This statement is one of those that
are important if true. If the Steel cor
poration is buying ore lands in both
Alabama and Tennessee, it goes to
show that its confidence in the Lake
Superior deposits is not controlling
and exclusive. 1t goes to show that
the Steel corporation intends to de-
yelop its southern interests as it has
it's interests in the Pittsburg district
and in the central west.
However, it is best to await con-
firmation of the Knoxville story. 1t
bears the authenticity that goes with
all Associated Press reports, but still
the reported transfer may not prove to
have been purchase by the United
States Steel corporation.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
---------------os -----------
FEWER WOMEN IN PRISON.

From the Hartford Times.
Curious and interesting is the fact that,
although the population at the Connecti-
cut state prison has within the past few
weeks reached a new high record, the
number of women convicts shows drift
now housed in Wethersfield only nine-or
Is per cent of the total-belong to the
sex that doesn't spit on the sidewalk
Not for nearly nine years has the roster
of female prisoners been so small as it is
now, the last previous date when a SINH
lar number was recorded being F February
9. 1899. Three of the present nine are
serving life sentences for murder in the
second degree.
Oddly enough the number of offenders
in petticoats who are serving sentences in
Wethersfield now is considerably smaller
than the figure for over half century
ago. For instance, in 1S44-63 years ago
the census of female felons was 20, or
more than twice the present count, al
though the population of the state is now
three times great as 1t was then.
Reasons for the striking decrease in
the ratio of female convicts are various
but probably the main cause is the grow
ing reluctance of courts to inflict the
prison stigma on women. This reluctance
is an indication Of not a vindicatiom of
the kindlier standards of judgment which
mark high civilization and which disclose
deepening respect for woman and for
womanhood.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
New Y0rk's Rent Strike

In New York 1000 tenants living on
the crowded downtown east-side of
the city have organized a renters
strike. They demand that the prices
of rooms shall be decreased. Those
prices have been increased until
starvation stares many in the face.
Rent is one of the chief items in the
cost in family's living, and the 1000
strikers demand readjustment of the
going values of rooms. None of them
occupy an entire house. A luxury Of
that sort is unknown among them. All
they want are prices for their cheer
less abodes that they can pay in these
post-panic days.
The rent strike is probably the fore
runner of a similar movement through
out the country. II coke operators and
railroads and other employees of labor
have right to cut down wages, then
certainly renters have a right to COM
bine against rents they cannot afford
to pay. In other words, if wages are
to be reduced the prices of the neces-
stiles of life must be correspondingly
reduced, and one of the problems of
1908 consists in a readjustment all
round.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
Public Thermometers

The weather bureau does not believe
in standing pat on anything. 1t believes
in dispensing public conveniences
and then in dispensing still more of
them. It's latest plans call for the
erection of kiosks containing Their
fnometers, barometers and other
weather recording instruments of the
latest type in the various cities of the
country. After a While a city without
a kiosk will be a city sighted, and At
lanta has already no doubt begun to
cry aloud for one at the hands of the
weather bureau. 1t keeps Leonidas
Livingston and Senator Clay busy in
running down governmental novelties.
Its enterprise is creditable, and it
should have at least one kiosk at once.
What right has New York to have a
kiosk if Atlanta cannot have one? At
lanta is entitled to many favors, but it
should not attempt to set up south
eastern monopoly. 1t should not in
other words, claim that it is the only
proper place for sub-treasury. There
are others.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03

The loss of between 400 and 500 lives
Thursday in the coal mine explosion at
Monongah w. Va, is the worst recod in
years in this country. Estimates differ
widely, for the company officials seem
unable to tell how many are still miss
ing.
More than 1000 men on an average are
killed every year in the mines of the
United States, less than died in the
Courreres colliery disaster in France in
March, 1906. This year the total loss of
life will be unusually heavy.
In spite of the state system of inspec-
ton of the precautions taken by the OPP
orators to protect their lives the size Of
the annual death-roll indicates a disregard
for human life that H. a reproach to the
nation We sacrifice every year the lives
of over 5000 employees, besides those of
passengers and other persons, in the oper-
alton of our railroads. little army Is
slain by needless accidents in industrial
establishments. Proportona,ey the loss
of life among miners is greater.
To what extent the tendency to employ
inexperienced men is responsible for the
frequency of accidents is difficult TO as
certain accurately. 1t is notorious that
in Pennsylvania, which produces fully
one-third of the coal mined in the United
States, the operators bitterly opposed as
a scheme of the unions the state regula-
tion requiring them to work only miners
qualified by experience. In reality it was
only a proper measure of safety.
The obvious need in the mines is for
more rigorous restrictions. If the existing
laws are enforced they are plainly mad
equate.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
The Seaboard Air Line

Those who had watched the affairs
of the Sesboard Air Line and were
familiar with the aggressive attitude
of the minority interests toward those
in control are not surprised that the
road was placed in tie hands of re-
cciyers. The minority, led by John
Shelton Williams, the former presi-
dent Of the Seaboard, made a persist
ent fight on the men who supplanted
the Williams management, and, with
the two sides clashing. a receivership
was only matter of time
Mr.. Williams, with singular energy
and skill, used printers ink freely, and
was bold and spirited in his discussion
of those who succeeded him. He
had been placed in charge of
the Seaboard in 1899, when its
physical property was compare
lively small and insignificant. He
developed it rapidly, started the ex-
tension from Atlanta to Birmingham,
and he and his associates were ousted
from control just after the Seaboard
had expanded into a system of more
than 5000 miles.
Now, that Williams is again in the
saddle, so to speak, through the ap-
pointment of receivers representing his
side, he will have large part in op-
Grating the road, and will be more
than ever on his mettle to work out
a plan for its rehabilitation. The state
ment which he gives out has a char
acteristic ring. 1t is hopeful and on
the whole reassuring. Mr.. Williams
displays good sense in announcing a
policy by which he can work in some
sort of harmony with his former ene-
mics. Business, like politics." he
says, makes strange bedfellows. Prob
ably l shall be required to work for
the restoration of the Seaboard with
men of whom l have said very harsh
things publicly and who have injured
me deeply. The interest of my fellow
stockholders and of the Seaboard
property and the southern country in
which it is such vitality important
factor outweigh with me any personal
grievance may have expect to put
those grievances aside, at least until
this work is done"
These are manly words, and it is
hoped that Mr.. Williams proffer will
be promptly accepted by the other side.
Harmony is certainly needed. With
an honest working agreement between
the two factions and with a return
of prosperity it will not be long before
the Seaboard is in better shape than
ever before.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
THE DISTRIBUTION OF TOYS.


Mrs. Styles Van Brocklin, whose time
was divided among her twelve women s
clubs and away from her children, took
off-day, at Christmas, to visit a toy
shop in the interest of her six offspring.
Loaded down with her gaudy purchases,
she had reached her front yard, where
the children We're making a snowman,
when an elegant equipage jingled Up to
the curb and stopped
"Oh, Mrs. Van Brooklyn cried lady
from the coach, come with me to the
Social Problem meeting.
Exclaiming that she had forgotten all
about this meeting, the mother quickly
approached the oldest of The children
about the snowman, and pressed the
toy package In his arm.
Take these inside and Distribute them
among your brothers and sisters" she
said; and the pext moment she was
whisked away in the friends coach
That night when she returned horne she
was struck by the sury and tear-stained
faces of her children.
Put the dears right to bed" she or
dered the nurse, taking in the situation
with the quickness and accuracy of the
average clubwoman. II can see they re
tired out and sleepy after so much ex-
element with their new toys"
1T amt that, ma'am,' returned tie
nurse. YOU
81 didn't bring them just what each
wanted, perhaps? Well, it's hard to please
so many
1T amt that, either mum, but you
gave all the toys to the boy next door,'
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
Litigation Without HoIG-Ups

The Chattanooga and Cincinnati
brewers desired to have the prohibi-
ton law of Georgia tied up while they
ascertained from the supreme court of
the United States its value as stat
ute. They asked Judge Newman to
issue an injunction, but Judge New
man, like our Judge Shelby, thinks
the reserved rights Of the states, i'll
Guiding the police powers, still exist,
and he quietly told the brewers that
IAN injunction pendente lite cannot
and will not be granted"
This action of Judge Newman comes
In direct contrast with that of Judge
of Probate Burke of Cullman county,
who knocked prohibition OFT in mis-
county without turning q hair. Judge
Burke did not waste any time appar.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
The Districts Coal Output

When the mining operations Of Ala
bama for 1907 are tabulated it is prob
able that they will show a slightly in
creased production over 1906. In that
year the total output was, in round
numbers, 100000 tons. Every min
ing company in the Birmingham dis
trict expanded it's capacity during the
year just closed; some of the COM
panies on a very large scale. The
mines of Alabama have now a capac-
ity of 100000 or 100000 tons, and
with the resumption of industrial
activity the output will be at the rate
of not les than $4,000 900.
The development of coal production
in this state has made great strides.
In 1870 the total output was only 49,
200 tons. In 1880 it was $50 900 tons.
In 1890 it jumped to 100000 tons. In
1900 it reached S,27S,3e2 tons, and in
1905, II 900, 153 tons.
One company alone has more than
doubled its capacity within the past ~
months. 1t is safe to say that by the
year 1909 the total production of coal
in Alabama will reach 10000 tons,
and by the next census wear 90 ono 0OO
tons.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
OIL CURE FOR DYSPEPSIA.

From the New York Sun.
I must answer Nervous Dyspeptics"
cry The remedy-it cured me-is just
olive OIL pure and simple, and the purer
the better. Take a tablespoonful after
each meal at first and then two after a
while If one is over nice about such
things a few drops of lemon juice on top
of the oil will overcome that oily taste
that is so distasteful to some people.
Once a week, too, tablespoonful of
castor oil lin capsule form If desirable)
will work wonders in the way of sooth-
ing, nourishing and rebuilding over
worked, weakened and crumbling nerve
tissues. / know whereof I speak be-
cause for nine years l suffered torment
and went to many specialists and even to
a sanitarium. The specialists did me no
good, while at the same time they did
me harm. An old French lady advised
the use of oil, saying that we Americans
used and ate too little fat and there
fore became a nation of dyspeptics.
Let that be as it may, 1 followed her
advice, and with amazing results, for I
can now eat, drink and be merry with
the best of them.
Also spend all the time possible out
doors, walking. breathing deeply. If a
busy business man, try 10 minutes deep
breathing before open window daily.
Breathe deeply, eat slowly, and above
all take olive OIL and Nervous Dyspep-
tic soon (not next week., will be a hap
pier man and so much more content he
will not care If he hasn't any hair on the
top of his head in the place where the
wool ought to grow. OLIVE.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
GOOD HORSE SENSE.

From Everybody's Magazine.
A certain man. living in New Eng
land village, lost a horse one day, and,
failing to find him, went down to thu
public square and offered a reward of
So to whoever could bring him back.
half-witted fellow who heard til e
offer volunteered to discover the where
abouts of the horse, and, sure enough
he returned in half an hour leading him
by his Bride The owner was surprised
at the ease with which his half-witted
friend had found the beast. and, on
passing the SIS to him, he asked:
Tell me, how did you find the
horse?"
To which the other made answer:
"Waal. ! thought to myself, VIII ere
would ! go If I was boss; and | went
there, and h had"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
MY FIRST BUFFALO TONGUE.

From Forest and Stream.
The hunting detail comprised six enlist
ed men. Farley. an Indian scout, and
mule wagon. When game was scarce in
our vicinity, this outfit started out twice
a week. As an invited guest. I was per-
mitted to join this party.
After leaving Harker and scouting some
90 miles to the southwest, we began to
see buffalo and elk in small bands and
the hunting party started out to gather
In some meat. | knew nothing more about
hunting buffalo than 1 did about hunting
tigers or elephants 1 was well mounted
-0n one of the majors horses, which, luck
NY for me, knew something about the
business. l was told to ride after the
others, until we reached the herd and
then to select a young COW, or heifer, and
kill it; it being explained that they never
killed old bulls for meat. This advice
sounded all right and easy to follow
We started for the herd on full run,
and when l reached 1t the others We're
far ahead, and l supposed were doing no.
BILE work. All | knew was that my horse
carried me into the midst of a lot of
wild beasts. | was surrounded by horns
and eyes. The buffalo did not pay much
attention to me, but seemed to be putting
up their best gait
1 determined not to be outdone by any
one in getting a buffalo, and as there
was a big bull alongside l opened on
him with my revolver. By some good
luck l hit him, and he turned off toward
the outside edge of the herd, my horse
running alongside and watching him, as
l have seen ponies watch a ball at polo.
The horse evidently knew his business and
kept at a safe distance, so as to be able
to avoid the brute when 1t made charge
of few yards in my direction. | was so
much interested in keeping my seat in the
saddle, and in drilling holes in the old
fellows side, so that | might stop him,
that | lost all track of time place, the
situation of the rest of the herd and
the direction in which my hunting conn.,
panions had gone. After a run of about
three miles the old bull, whose side was
showing spots of blood for its whole
length, stopped, and turning toward me,
began slowly to charge again. l thought
that this was my chance, and so slid off
my horse and for the first time used my
rifle. To my great satisfaction the bull
toppled forward on his head.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
THE CHlNAMAN'S PRIDE.

From Leslies Weekly.
A Chinaman takes great pride in his
queue, and devotes more time and at
tention to it than to any otner portion of
his person. In China the queue is the
sign of manhood, and no American boy
yearns so ardently for his first pair of
pants as the Chinese boy to have the
front of his head shaved and the queue
fairly started. Then he feels himself a
man, and condescends to his sisters and
snubs the babies of a smaller growth
whose hair is still tied in a topknot with
red cord or ribbon.
The etiquette of the queue IL arbitrary
and complex and on ceremonial occasions
it plays quite a part. No sef-respecting
Chinese gentleman would be seen with
his queue tied up in a knot; it must al
ways hang it's full glossy length finished
off at the tip with a silk tassel. Your
NO. boy may occasionally put the
end in his pocket il it is likely to be In
the way, but he will take it out before
coming into your presence unless he
wishes to be disrespectful l have no.
ticed, too, that a Chlnaman on a bicycle
always takes the very necessary precau-
ton of putting the end of his queue
safely in his pocket The poorer Chinese
and the coolie class roll theirs up into
a knot, or twist it round the head, for it
would be decidedly in the way when they
are working. This simple fact marks the
great social division between the better
Chinese class and the coolies, and once q
coolie has worn his queue hanging down
his back, he will, IL he has any social
ambition, do anything rather than knot
it up again.
The punishment for queue-cutting is
death, and a Chinaman would almost
rather lose his life than his queue. Grim
inals have their heads shaved when they
enter Jail, but their first care when they
come out is to purchase a false braid,
for no one would employ a queueless
Chinaman.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
THE DEPARTED YEAR
By George d. Prentice.

BY George d. Prentice.
IT'S midnights holy hour-and silence now
Is brooding like gentle spirit Ger
The still and pulseless world. Hark. ON
the winds
The BELLS deep tones are swelling It's
the knel
Of the departed year. No funeral train
Is sweeping past; yet, on the stream ana
wood
With melancholy light, the moonbeams
Like a pale, spotless shroud; the air is
stirred
AS by mourners sigh; and on yon cloud
That floats so still and placidly through
heaven,
The spirits of the season seem to stand
Young Spring bright Summer, Autumn
solemn form,
And Winter with its aged locks-and
breathe,
In mournful cadences that come abroad
Like the far wind-harps wild and touch
ing wall,
melancholy dirge DER the dead year,
Gone from the earth forever.
IT'S a time
For memory and for tears. Within the
deep,
Still chambers of the heart, a specter dim
w nose tones are llke the Wlldiu . Voict VI
Time
Heard from the tomb of ages points its
cold
And solemn finger to the beautiful
And holy visions that have passed away
And left no shadow of their loveliness
On the dead waste of life. That spectei
lifts
The coffin-lid of Hope and JOY and Love
And bending mournfully above the pale
Sweet forms that slumber there, scatters
dead flowers
Ger what has passed to nothingness.
The year
Has gone, and with it many glorious
throng
OF happy dreams. Its mark is on each
brow,
Its shadow in each heart In its swift
course
1t waved its scepter Ger the beautiful,
And they are not. 1t laid it's pallid hand
Upon the strong man. and the naughty
form
Is fallen, and the flashing eye is dim.
1t trod the hall of revelry, where thronget
The bright and joyous. and the tearfu
wall
OF stricken ones is heard where erst this
song
And reckless shout resounded.
It passed DER
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
Music Festival,

IF We are to have a music festival
In Birmingham next May, there is no
time to lose in the matter of organiza-
tion," said a business man. 81 have
been on the guarantee lists of festi-
walls in years past and L am ready to
do my part again.
IF a few public spirited citizens
would take an interest in festival
movement and get together there
would be little difficulty in making the
enterprise a financial success. Every
one must admit the desirability of cul-
tivating the festival spirit. Concert of
action is all that is needed now to
make a music festival distinctive in
stitution of Birmingham. Let us get
to work without further delay
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Miss Houston,s Achievements.

Birmingham people who attended the
New Years night performance of Madam
Butterfly naturally rejoiced at the fine
artistic achievement of Miss Ethel Du Ere
Houston. formerly resident of this city.
and now one of the principals of the Saw
age Grand Opera company" said must
clan.
This lady is an exceptionally fine
artist. She acts well, and sings well. Not
only has she rich voice but her work
reveals close and intelligent study. One
of the best evidences of her musicianship
was in her tempos. The conductor seemed
to grow listless and instead of directing
the tempos, as he should, Miss Houston
took them just right and made the or
chestra follow her It requires experience
as well as marked ability in a musical
way for a signer to assume the leader
ship in this respect. When conductor
loses his place or does not direct to suit
the singer the latter becomes confused
and makes a failure of her part. All
credit to Miss Houston, who proved her
self fully equal to trying test"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03
DIsINTEREsTED ADVICE.

From Judge
Bring me that beefsteak pot pie
"Yassah," said the dining car waiter,
listening near by.
And bring me some of those French
peas
"Yassah but boss, maybe you7all don't
know dey's French peas in dat pie"
mo, l didn't. Thanks, George And
ah-and-ah, then bring me some pota-
toes"
"Yassah, boss; but maybe you-all didn't
know dey's tatehs, too, in dat pie"
mo. l didn't. Thanks again. George.
It's mighty nice of you to keep me from
buying lot of stuff wouldn't want
"Yassah. All reckon it's mahty nice O.
me to do dat, boss. Abs seen so many,
MANLY people-nce gemmsn, lax you
all-waste money TO vegetables dat might
JUS as well "a been handed over to tn
watch. Yassah, All sho' has,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-01-03

emily in discussing the defects and
weaknesses of the states local option
policy. He was content with the state
ment that the plea of the saloons eiti-
zen advocate was well taken" and
then he proceeded 10 knock out the
entire proceedings that had been taken
for the purpose of making the county
dry" Citizen Richssrs plea which
was well taken" sets forth that the
local option act was repealed by the
state prohibition law, and that the for
mer is unconstitutional, anyway, be-
cause it is a medley of local and gen
eral legislation.
This action of Judge Burke vetoes
the will of the majority. The people of
Cullman desire a dry" county, but
Judge Burke's acute legal mind says
No" and he has proceeded to make
his No effective through the issuance
of eight licenses in Cullman city, one
in Hanceville and one in Garden City.
No one desires to- limit the oppor-
tunity to seek judicial construction
with some legislative work on the side
thrown in from the highest court, but
the plan OF hold-ups may be overdone
# probate judges are to take hand in
it. The justices of the peace have not
been heard from.