davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE
 YOURFUNERAL CONDUCTED

man he was, he determined to take time by the forelock and arrange for his own while still alive In drawing up his will he therefore explicitly directed that six poor men should have 20 shillings each for carrying his body to the grave, flor I particularly de- sire" he said, that there may be no hearse, no coach, no escutcheon, no pomp except the tears of them hat loved me and are following me to Abraham's bosom"
 In the selection, too of the minister who was to officiate he was equally happy for when his lifelong friend, Brother Richardson, came to the part of the serv- ice, "ForaSmuch as it has pleased AL mighty God to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother' his voice broke and he substituted the word father with such feeling that the assemblage, which had been shedding silent tears, burst out into loud weeping
 Now, if more Of sensible as well as de- vout and humble men and women would only manifest before they die the sound judgment as well as tender human feel ing of Robert Burns and John Wesley by taking part, so to speak, in their own funeral services it would prove a blessed gain. No service is so impressive as a solemn, reverential, tender and uplift- ing funeral service and none so offensive as a perfunctory, ostentatious or trivial one. Often, indeed, the request goes out, NO flowers" But these are not the flowers that work the evil. The objection able things are the flowers of rhetoric, of fulsome eulogy, of spangles, of stars and harps and angels, that make a travesty of the most affecting in it's own eloquent hush of silence of all mortal scenes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
From the Boston Berald.

From the Boston Berald.
 Every man is bound to have his own personal funeral some day, in which, however silent, he will play the part of chief actor But how many ever seek to call up before the minds eye the whole visible scenes-the neighbors thronging quietly in and taking their seats, the caskot with its silent tenant inside, the characteristics, agreeable or obnoxious of the undertaken who is to supervise the more strictly business functions of the occasion and, above all, those of the niinister-sympathetic or perfunctory-who is to take charge of the spiritually edify- ing portion?
 Indeed, poor Robert Burns is histori- cally one of the exceptional few to be t. recalled, as, with his dying breath, he took matters into his own hands and pathetically cried to those about his deathbed, sDon't let the awkward squad fire over my gravel! Though nothing but A poet still how strictly practical man of affairs he proved himself to be in thus providing against the marring effect that would surely have been exerted on the impressveness of his own funeral by the ragged and sputtering volleys of the awkward squad had he not gwen ex- plicit orders beforehand.
 Men and women never act in so helter skelter a way about their we'd dings as they do about their funerals When they are to be married, how carefully the groom chooses his best man and selects the right kind Of flower for his buttonhole; how careful ly the bride her bridesmaids, with charming little girl of to go in front and scatter roses and lilies along the aisle as she paces up to the altar.
 John Wesley, the great founder Of Meth odism, probably knew more about funerals than any man of his time. AS he had a parish of at least 800, 1000 souls, scattered over all England, it is safe to assume that he had conductal at small estimate thousand burials and found many of them shockingly distressing affairs. So, like the sensible
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

and indomitable candidate for capital ever seen in Wall street, and the pecu- liarity of his play is that he seems 10 get what he goes after. The one thlng certain about MT. Hartman is that ne will never die from over much modesty. That would be the one best risk that the Lloyds could take.
 Nothing particularly startling has de- veloped lately in connection with Erie. The generality of people are as much In the dark as ever as to just Where MT Hartman stands in regard thereto. It is beginning to be impressed upon the street that his move for the salVation of Erie does not necessarily mean that he has moved into control, or that ne is by any means certain of taking the management of the property away rom MT. Morgan and his friends. That the latter resent MT. Harriman's interfer- ence becomes more obvious every day.
 Sour remarks credited to Morgan sources are floating through the street and it would not be surprising II thiS manifest i'll temper did not at some time lead to a demonstration In the stock market It is in the power of the Mor- gan banks and Morgan interests to del uge the market with stocks, and II NIT Hartman should get too gay or IT ne could he caught spread out too thin he might be given big dose of discipline
 On four separate and distinct great occasions MT. Hartman has butted into the Morgan game and disarranged the programme On none of these occasions was there seemingly less excuse than now. It is now very generally acknoWl- edged that the Morgan purpose was to reorganize, Erie and by scaling down US capitalization put it in position to be self sustaining and self-respecting among the railroads of the land. The Harrimah
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
Prompt Compliance.

From the Baltimore American.
 Wont you please give me little puff or two?" asked the timid young actress of the fresh young reporter.
 "Certainly I will" he responded, stooping and then holding out to her two of three puffs that had become detached unawares from her back hair ,at
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

From now on the crops will hold the stage as factors of growing importance in the stock market. As far as the crops have progressed the outlook is encourag- ing, but of course there yet remains en- tirely for future determination the corn and spring wheat crops, as well as many of the minor crops. It has now been many years since crop failures have oe- cured in the United States and people have fallen into the habit of thinking there can be none. Indeed, a no less eminent authority than Secretary of Agri- culture Wilson is on record expressing the opinion that we will never have any more great failures in that direction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
Heavy Enough.

From the Chicago News
 Long-I hear the government is going to make silver dollars heavier.
 Short--I hope it isn't true.
 Long-Why? Short-Because it's all can do to raise one now. as
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
MARKET STRENGTH IS VERY UNCERTAIN Securities Seek Proper Me-
 ment for Unloading "A THIRD TERM SPECTRE Stalks Through Wall Street and Causes Slight Tremor of Alarm.
 Mr. Hartman and the
 Erie Incident.
BY W. G. NICHOLAS.

New York, April 1S.-Four out of five of the people one meets on Wall street are bearish at heart, but they have he's itated to buck the bull manipulation not knowing how far 1t would go, or ex- actly how strong it is. With call money cheap and in large supply the market leaders who are interested in higher prices or in the maintenance of prices around the present level can get all they need for the management of the market
 The banking interests are doing noth- ing to oppose the programme of the en- gineers of the bull movement and thus far there has been no important liquida- ton of securities known to be held in readiness for sale at the right time. There are a dozen or more banks and trust companies with large blocks of securi- ties on hand which they would like to liquidate and which they will sell in the process of general house cleaning.
 In a market so narrow as this they might have difficulty in disposing of the goods, hence they are playing a wait ing game So long as this stuff is held off the market 1t seems to be no trick at all to hold prices fairly well in the face of general business conditions, which to say the the least are not encouraging
 or especially hopeful. Market leaders
 know too much to tempt holders of these waiting stocks to begin unloading, and for the time being they are quite
 content to let matters drift within a narrow range
 At the first sign of a real recession in values the market might also get a big load of the merchandise. This Is what the great majority of traders in the street rather look for. That Is one of the req sons why the market continues dull and almost lifeess. It must not be imagined | that the market is lacking in interest | because of it's surface apathy. It is sim | ply deadlock and everybody is watching 1 with keenest concern for decisive indi- l cations of sharp action one way or the
 other. It is very unlikely that the pre- vailing inactivity will last long. It is 1 abnormal for the volume of business on
 the stock exchange to keep as small as l 1t is now averaging.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

Railroad earnings are showing some slight improvement in net. That is be- cause they are putting into effect many economies which they were slow in reach ing, but which will now be reflected in the proper bookkeeping account. They are spending no money that can be saved and even maintenance is being more or less starved. No new contracts for sup plies and materials are being entered into and nearly all the railroads are willing to pursue hand to mouth policy.
 The side tracks and switch yards of nearly every railroad in the country are still full of idle cars, but not quite to the extent they were a few weeks ago. The reports that have reached Wall street in regard to the industrial situation are just a shade better but they are yet far from satisfactory, and on every hand there are multiplying evidences of con- tinuing constriction in business. This is traceable directly to the diminishing buying power of the masses due to the great number of men being out of em- ployment or working on short time. At the same time it does not appear that the great army of retail merchants are iu a bad way, collections being fairly good, taking the country through. Wholesalers are faring rather better than they have been expecting, particularly in the receipt of orders from the agricultural states.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

action of last week defers such reorgani- zation and possibly prevents it altogether.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

In the iron and steel trades the outlook is not bright The large manufacturing companies are struggling to maintain prices and succeeding very well in most quarters. They are going on the theory that they can do as much business at high prices or finished products as they could at low prices, and that they have nothing to gain by cutting and slashing, or by any kind of reduction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19


 ton.
 The outward flow of gold sets in this week and estimates are heard that before it stops $25,000,0O0 will be shipped out of the country Such a movement would work no special hardship here, as we have plenty of gold to spare. A shrinkage in the volume of our international trade is noted with some uneasiness. the de- crease affecting both the imports and exports. The phenomenal exportation Of our products during November, Decem- Der and January gave this country great relief, but it would appear that in addi- tion to the heavy shifting of balances from the other side the United States was obliged to do some independent financing to tide over. Our indebtedness in Europe is not important, however, and the re- payment in gold at this time will not be a disturbing factor. The steadily grow ing disparity between our governmental income and outgo is one of the dscour- aging symptoms of the times
 The spectre of another term of Roose- welt stalked through Wall street this week. but without exciting hysterical alarm. The apparition took on quite formidable front for awhile and there was a great deal of talk that MT. Taft was to be sheved as a possible loser at the polls, making way for his chief. Wall street will never feel quite sure of relief from MT. Roosevelt at the end of his present term until after the Chicago con- yention meets and picks out candidate. Until then it will have its occasional Roosevelt tremors.
 Announcements of impending bond fo- tations and also the issuance of new stock where such thing is possible con tinue to be made and each one sends a chill down the back of the market. MT. Hartman of course takes the lead in the magnitude of his demands and 1t remains to be seen whether he will suc- ceed in getting the money he wants. an aggregate down to date of nearly sl5o,- 0O0OO0. He Is going to be first in the field at any rate, and If there Is any money to be had he will make heroic attempt to grab off his share.
 MT. Hartman is the most persistent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

The small sized bulge in copper seems to have tlattened out, although the shares of the copper companies do not break. The important background feature of the copper situation is the known existence of huge undistributed stocks in warehouse across the Atlantic, metal that must some time make it's reappearance in competition with the current output of the mines. There is strong party in the copper trade which talks 10 cents for the metal during the year. Such a price would be below the average cost of produc- ton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11

" OU KNOW the superiority of the Weekly and Daily and Sunday
 miss the best you do have it. You fortified. having great and splendid l Magazine in your hom.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11

morning and evening Standard and the St. James Gazette, has obtained control. Associated with him is Sir Alexander Henderson. a liberal-unionist member of Parliament and chairman of the board of directors of the Great Central railway. MT. Pearson and MT. Henderson are both advocates of protective tariff for Eng land, and they have purchased the Times for the purpose of promoting that doc Urine. MT. Pearson is an intimate per- sonal friend of Joseph Chamberlain. the leader of the protective tariff party in England who once called him "the great est hustler I have ever seen outside of America" The Times has been an ad- vocate of fiscal reform, as they call 1t over there, in mild way, and has lost a great deal of it's patronage and circula- tion on that account, because the classes of people who have been its most con- sistent supporters are free traders by in- heritance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11

ord and called Parliamentary Debates" But limited edition is printed and the public is compelled to get its account of parliamentary proceedings from the Times.
 The Times has maintained the best staff of correspondents in foreign countries of any newspaper in the world, the most intelligent, experienced and competent news gatherers and publicists and they have invariably enjoyed greater advan- tages for knowing what Is going on than the representatives of any other paper. The prime ministers and other public men of Europe will send for the correspondent of the Times when they would. refuse to receive the representa- tives of other papers, and will give him information that the local newspaper men cannot obtain. The public men of Eng land in the church, in the cabinet. the Parliament and in financial circles, will furnish information to the Times in pref erence to any other paper, and for cen tury it's editorials have frequently been written by prime ministers and their as- sociates when those gentlemen had ideas which they wished to bring before the people. That does not happen so often nowadays as was formerly the case, but a Times reporter always has precedence still, and when an Englishman Is ag- grieved at anything he writes letter to the Times and expects that whatever is wrong will be corrected.
 The Times has never passed out of the control of the Walter family. The original John Walter, who founded the paper, conducted 1t for fifty-nine years and then died. one of the most influential men in Europe, in 1S47. The property was left exclusively to hisl son of the same name, who had been associated in the manage ment for many years and who was a member of parliament. The second John Walter remained at the head of the busi- ness until 1884, when his son, Arthur F. Walter, inherited it and has since been nominally the editor-in-chief and con- trolling influence, although the financial necessities of the paper and the necessity of improving the plant and introducing modern ideas have compelled the Walter family to part with portion of their interest. George D. Buckle has been the editor-in-chief for twentyseven years and Moberly Bell has been the business manager for about the same time. Arthur Walter has a number of sons, but they have never taken an active part either in the editorial work or business manage ment.
 1t is announced that Arthur Walter will continue as chairman of the board of d. rectors of limited company which has purchased the property, and that he and the other members of his family retain considerable interest. According to the dispatches from London. c. Arthur Pear son, owner of the Daily Express. the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
Another Trial For Cruiser.

Newport News, Va, January 1O-The new United States cruiser North Cerolina arrived here today from her trial trip off Rockland, Me. She failed to make the contract speed of p knots by a small fraction. General Manager Post of the building company states she will be given another trial off the Virginia capes within the next two weeks, and he is confident she will then meet all requirements.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
Storm Warninq Issued.

New Orleans, January 10.-From Texas to Florida storm warnings were issued on the gulf coast today. Special warn- ings were issued for Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi coasts and stated that storm was moving eastward over Texas Thunder storms, warm mucky weather and strong cold winds were all in turn experienced in New Orleans today
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
REAL ESTATE
REALTY AT A SACRIFICE See Me Today About These Bargains. 1903 1St Avenue, Ground Floor
 Morris Hotel

SS00-Rental $14 year; eight-room house and lot; near Sth avenue, north; pays about IS per cent; terms half cash, and ? years.
 s16OO-Rental s19 per month; two four room houses on 18th street, close in. s25O0-Rental $36 month; aacorner on th avenue, north, with three good dwell ings.
 s20O0-Six-room corner home with $450 worth street improvements down; well located in edge of South Highlands; $500 cash will do, and the balance easy for a quick deal It is steady, safe rent CT and will make you money. $20OO-Rental $30 month; three-story house and lot on Eth avenue, north; one-third cash.
 S2600- Rental $40 month; 12Ox12O, with four six-room brick dwellings; all steadily rented. Where can you duplicate this2 If you can you can, then don't call for this.
 S16oO-Rental s24 per month; two good four room houses and lots near 8th ave- nue, north.
 SS5O0-50x140, with eight-room house; close to the business center on 1st avenue, north; a sure winner.
 s3200-Rental S4S month; 160 feet front, with four four-room dwellings: near Sth avenue, north; terms half cash balance one and two years
 S3000-Rental $3O month; 10-room dwell ing well located, fronting car line, Ave- nue c; terms reasonable. s2500-95x190, with good eight-room resi- dence on Tuscaloosa avenue, West End. sS00-A valuable corner, 100x140; one block from car line, North Birmingham; can make this pay you IS per cent. s6000-A beautiful, splendidly located home of eight rooms near 11th avenue, south. It is two stories, has furnace heat and grates, and all the little conveniences; is storm sheathed, double-ioored, attrac- tive and on reasonable terms; this is rare chance for a choice home. s15O0-A bargain; 50x17o; one of the choice lots near Glen Iris gate. You will find nothing else like this for $1500. Act quick if wanted.
 100X200-One of the choicest lots with modern home of about nine rooms; on the Highland avenue car 1ine South Highlands a complete and up-to-date residence with all the modern conven- fences; outbuildings and the greatest bargain in high-grade home on the South Highlands for a quick sale, as 1t is going to be sold in next few days at the first reasonable offer made for half cash and balance small rate of interest four years. No information over the phone, save to make your appointment of the hour you can call to see the above properties.
 B. F. EBORN 1903 First Avenue. Morris Hotel, Ground
 Floor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
Mark TWalIs Money Safe.

New York, January 1o.-It developed yesterday through a letter, in which he accepted the plans for the reorganization of the Knickerbocker Trust company that Mark Twain" the humorist, has s51, ,199 tied up in the suspended trust company. It is expected that majority of the de- positors will agree to the plan for reor- ganization, and that the trust company will be reopened.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
Mas He Eriutened2

Memphis, January 10.-A special from Newport, Ark, says: w. T. Dunn, an oil mill manager who arrived last night from Little Rock, Ark, to prepare for his wedding. which was to have taken place next ,vAek, committed suicide today by shooting. Dunn formerly resided in Csreenyille Miss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
Postal Changes.

Washington, January 10.-(Special.)- Postmasters appointed: Butler Springs, Butler county, Little. Dick Owen; Crud- up, Etowah county, James Newman; Dran, Lowndes county, Mary Sampley i; Baugh; Petery. Crenshaw county, Henry s. Abercrombie.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
B. F. EBORN 1903 First Avenue. Morris Hotel, Ground
 Floor.
DEPAULTER CAUGHT
 IN NEW ORLEANS
ARTHUR J. KEMP, WHO LEFT WASHINGTON WITH POLICE FUNDS, ADMITS IDENTITY TO THE POLICE.

New Orleans, January 10.-Arthur J. Kemp, charged with embedding police funds in Washington, D. C., to the extent of between $SOOO and $10,Ooo, was arrested here today Kemp was found at the Fair Grounds race track, being recognized from descriptions sent out from Wash ington. He admitted his identity Kemp is charged with stealing property held as evidence by the Washington police.
 Washington, January 10.-Major Sylves- ter, chief of police, tonight received q telegram from Inspector of Police E. L. Whitaker of New Orleans, La, announc- ing the arrest of James Arthur Kemp. formerly property clerk of the police de- pertinent of this city, who absconded last summer after embedding about $SOOO of the funds of his office. When taken into custody, Kemp admitted his identity and stated his willingness to return to Wash ington without requisition papers. Cap tain J. c. Daly and another member of the police force will go to New Orleans tomorrow to bring Kemp here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-11
MISCELLANEOUS

DID 1t ever occur to you that Birming- ham was the home of the only house
 in Alabama that handles and manufac- lures everything for the office under
 one roof? It's a fact, Roberts Ss Son do it, at 1872 3d ave. 1-11-3t-sat-su-tu AROUND the world in a hay wagon,
 Friday. January Il, from to Il D. m. Tickets 25 cents. wagons start from
 railroad station, 2S11 11th avenue, north. Benefit Ladies Aid society, Westmin- ster Presbyterian church 1-9-3t