davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
Preparing for Panama

''It is becoming more evident from year to year." says the Wall Street Journal, that the maritime powers of Europe are gradually reconstructing their shipping lines so as to be in posi- tion to take advantage of the opening of the Panama canal. To them the opening between the Atlantic and the Pacific is to be the eye of the needle through which the flags of nations which have a large shipping invest ment will pass freely to find markets and to feed their industries"
 What other countries are doing the railroads and the cities of this country are likewiseA doing. New Orleans is preparing to put on strong and fast steamers to ply to and from the isth- mus, and it considers the present time none too soon for making the needful preparations. Every great trunk line of railroad is seeking gulf connections if not a gulf terminal, and all interests are conforming steadily to an event that will bring the two great oceans of the world together.
 The event will certainly benefit the south and especially the gulf states if the eastern ports are not allowed to monopolize the advantages of the great change. This t.-ey will try to do, but the table of distances favors the gulf ports, and they are waking up to the needs of the occasion.
 In this district we have work to do also. The Panama canal will no doubt be opened in 1915. The Warrior river will be opened to the forks abreast of Birmingham and distant 20 miles from it. in 1911-certainly in 1912. We need at once barge lines on the Warrior and we need an independent double-track railroad from Birmingham to the river These things should be established be- fore 1915, else Norfolk and West Vir- ginia interests will seek to monopoize the coal trade of the Pacific. The task before us is not light, but we have secured good ally in the Steel cor poration, and there is no need of being driven out of market by West Virginia, for our heavy products can be carried all the way by water, whereas West Virginia must pay railroad tolls on about 400 miles of track.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
The amity that wisdom knts not folly may easily unite.
 -Troilus and Cressida.
Railroad Construction

In 1882 there were only 32 miles of railroad in this country, and a very poor 32 miles it was when measured by the standard of today. Today there are nearly 23O,oOO miles in operation, the greater part of which is we'll con structed and well-equipped. The mar velous railroad work of this country is therefore but 75 years old.
 Down to the civil war there were but 30,000 miles of railroad in operation. and the expansion took place largely in the 43 years that have elapsed since the close of the war In that period there have been 15 different years in which the new railroad mileage has exceeded 5000. The top year of con struction was in 1887, when 12,867 miles of new track were added to the country's mileage. The average new mileage of the country has been just about 4000, and no doubt that average will be maintained throughout the present century, for the area of the country is vast and every county calls aloud for railroad facilities.
 In Alabama every county is now con- nected with the great railroad system of the land. Choctaw was the last county to fall into line. The new mile age of this state will be we'll main tained this year through the track laid down by the Illinois Central to Haley vile and to the completion of the line from Brunswick. The Brunswick road will lay in this state this year at least 100 miles of new track, and it's practi- cal completion by September 1 to this city is considered assured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01

law. He knows that one of the great est sources of crime and bloodshed in this state is found in concealed weap- ons. He knows that the legislature sought to compel disarmament by pass ing the law that goes into effect today It is well-nigh incredible that the sher- ifs of the state are preparing to com bine in order to perpetuate and main tain the volume of crime through the toting of concealed weapons.
 No doubt the sheriffs and their depu- ties need at times guns, but they do not need concealed weapons at any time. When they need a gun let it be carried as the law directs. This can readily be done, and this is what every sheriff should do while the law stands unrepealed by either the supreme court or the legislature. Sheriffs should be enforcers, not breakers, of the law
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
Excursion For Editors.

President H. s. Doster of Prattville and Secretary Jacob Pepperman pf Montgomery both officers of the Ala bama Press association, were in the city last night. following a trip to Bessemer with Jacob Burger, where they had been looking into the final ar arrangements for the entertainment of the association in Bessemer.
 We are going to have a fine meet ing" said MT. Doster. "Bessemer Is making eminently satisfactory arrange ments and we know the edito- will en j joy themselves this year. Not least interesting part of the meeting will be the excursion which we have just plan ned We will take the new Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic to Bruns- wick, Ga. and from there we will go to Cumberland island, where there is deligh tful bathing and general summer recreation. We have secured special rates at the hotels and the trip will not be expensive. We have also arranged for a side trip to New York by way of the ocean, which those of the as- sociation who wish can take"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
Brown Ores of Alabama

William B. Phillips prints in the Iron Age third article on the brown iron ores of Alabama. He admits at the outset that brown ore deposits in this state are more or less of a pockety na- ture, and then he goes on to describe two mines in which the ores are inter- mixed with clays, but in which these ores are of great extent. The Shelby deposits have been worked since the year 1845, and the Baker Hill deposit since 1872. The latter is in Cherokee county, 97 miles east of Birmingham. The depth of the pit is nearly 300 feet below the original crest of the hill and geo feet wide. The drillers are at work today on a solid breast of ore 50 feet high. From this pit came the ores that fed the old Tecumseh charcoal iron furnace in 1873. These ores contain an average of 52 per cent of metallic iron. All things considered, Baker Hill must be considered the most remark able deposit of brown ores in this state. The pit at Shelby is 100 feet deep, covering considerable area. The great pit at Baker Hill is, however, the first in magnitude in this state, and it promises to be productive many years to come. It affords large proportion of lump ore The depths of the deposits at Baker Hill and at Shelby have not been ascertained.
 Other deposits will no doubt be dis covered, and possibly there are hidden in the hills of northern Alabama many Baker Hills. The brown ore deposits of this state are becoming more valu- able every year, and a close and scien- tific survey of every county in the up- per half of the state is needed in order to disclose the wealth hidden away in brown ore pockets.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
QUIET MEETING AT
 NORTHBIRMINGHAM

The North Birmingham Board of Alder men held a regular meeting last night but very little business came up. One thing that was discussed was the bond issue which has recently stirred up so much trouble in Birmingham. Some were indignant because this proposed issue was enjoined by Birmingham and wished to fight the injunction.
 Some time ago the question of fight ing the Greater Birmingham issue came up, but no definite action was taken at the time. It came up again last night and was discussed freely but with the same result as before. However, it is probable that definite action will soon be taken in the matter now that the bond issue over which the fight arose has been enjoined. A committee was appointed to consider the proposition and to report to the next mt oting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
New Text Books for the Schools

Through the numerous changes made by the state text book commission con tracts have been widely scattered among the publishers. It is stated that the American Book company se- cured about 10 per cent of them, in- stead of 68 per cent which it held un- der the allotment that has run it's course. About dozen companies share in the new allotment.
 The prices secured by the state text book commission are lower than could nave been obtained year ago. They are considered good bargains, and as the old books can be turned in at 50 per cent of their cost the new books will not be very expensive to parents. It is a source of local pride that the firm of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb has been made the chief distributing agency of the entire state. It will re-
 
 ceive the new books in carload lots at a discount of 20 per cent from the re- tail prices agreed upon by the com mission, and in turn it will distribute the books to sub-agents in the various ccinties so that they will receive them freight paid at discount of II per cent from the retail prices agreed upon. This plan will induce the sub- agents to strive to place the new books in the hands of pupils speedily. It af- lords reasonable remuneration at every step of the distribution.
 The placing of new text books in the hands of 100000 children is not light task, but Loveman, Joseph & Loeb are accustomed to heavy tasks and they will assuredly be ready to supply every pupil with new books by or before the schools are opened in September.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
IN HOTEL LOBBlES
Great Musical Event.

f"The saengerfest of the North American saengerbund, held in Indianapolis June r to June 2l inclusive, was in many respects the grandest musical affair ever undertaken in this country said B. L. Michaelson, who with IS other members of the Birmingham Turnverin attended. Twelve of the Turnverin, including my self, sang in the big chorus.
 "The hall where the concerts were given was built especially for the oc- casion. It was admirable in acoustics and ventilation, and in all it's appointments for comfort. The feature of the opening concert was a local chorus of mixed voices. At one of the concerts a chorus of 1900 children sang Benoit's Into the World, the same work that was given at one of the Guekenberger festivals in Sir mingham a few years ago. It was the largest and best chorus of children that I ever listened to. But the most inspiring concert of the saengerfest was on the last night, when a mass chorus of 5000 men sang Frederick Rothbart,S by Pod bertsky It was not only a huge chorus but 1t was in magnificent form and pro- voked tumultuous applause. The Dam- rosch orchestra of 90 pieces supplied the instrumental music, and while it was fine orchestra it was not large enough for so large a hall or so large a chorus. The 9OO0 voices almost drowned it. That was one of the times when the criticism was not two much brass, but too lit- tle.' The orchestra should have numbered at least 200 instruments. Bispham gave a recital, and so did Schumann-H -Heink.
 "The saengerfest at Cincinnati few years ago closed with a big deficit which local guarantors had to make good. The Indianapolis affair, much more satisfac- tory in a musical way, was a great finan- cial success. The total attendance at the concerts numbered nearly 5,000 and notwithstanding many expensive features there was a surplus of $10000 Every man, woman and child in Indianapolis showed an enthusiastic interest in the Saengerfest hence its splendid success from a box office point of view. The next saengerfest will be held in Milwau- kee in 1911. Maybe Birmingham will be able to secure the next after Milwaukee"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
NEW YORKER IS WANTED.
Nebraska Delegation For Eastern Man
 For Second Place.

Lincoln, Neb., June 30-That the Me- braska delegation of 16 is for New York man for vice president if the factions from that state can get together, and, failing in that, for Judge Gray of Dela- ware, was asserted today by democrat high in the councils of his party in Ne braska This announcement is regarded here as almost equivalent to an expression from William J. Bryan himself.
 w. B. Everroad of Columbus, Ind, a delegate from the Fourth Indiana dis trict. was here today, and earnestly ar gued that John Mitchell is the most de- sirable person for the vice presidential nomination.
 "Mitchells nomination" declared MT. Everroad, would put Illinois, Indiana and Ohio in the democratic column this fall and be a clinching evidence that the democratic party is with the laboring man. We want good, strong anti-injunc- tion plank, and the selection of the former leader of the miners would bespeak our deep sincerity in the matter"
 MT. Bryan's response to this was the same as ne always gives when questions of the kind come before him.
 It gave no inference as to his preference for a running mate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
SberiffS and the Pistol Law

When sheriffs who were appointed to execute the laws of the state organ ize to defy and to test in the courts the new pistol law, they are certainly put ting themselves in a novel position. Of all men in this state the sheriffs and their assistants should obey all lews. Instead of disobeying law prior to a final decision in the state supreme court they should obey 1t until it has been declared unconstitu- tional by that court.
 Sheriff Higdon assuredly will not encourage the carrying of concealed weapons by instructingN or permitting Ab deputies to defy the 24-inch-barrel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
The RolIino Mills.

q was glad to see the announcement that the Tennessee company's Bessemer rolling mills would resume operations next Monday" said a Third avenue merchant
 Nearly all the furnaces in the immed- fate Birmingham district are in blast, the steel mills at Ensley is doing big work, and most of the smaller industries in and around Birmingham are In operation. There is in fact about as much in- dustrial activity here as there was this time last year When the Birmingham rolling mills and the Gate City rolling mills start up it can be said that this district is at its best estate.
 Rolling mill products have been in little or no demand since last October's panic, but the resumption of the Bessemer mills is encouraging and leads us to hope that it will be the Birmingham mills turn next"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
sPECTREs.

 In the city of signs and sorrow, In the alleys of world-old pain, Where there's never dream of the morn-
 ing,
 Nor hope that will blossom again, Gaunt figures abide in the shadows, Heart-weary and haggard and thin, Riff-raff from the strife and the hustle, Companions of misery and sin. No rainbow of promise is dawning For wretches so squalid they, With never gleam through the darkness, Nor a glimmer of heavens pure ray. In their filth and their rags they huddle And wait for the end of 1t all- For the coming of Deaths slow nepenthe To free them for aye from the thrall In the city of sighs and sorrow, In the alleys of world-old pain And the life that is lived in the gutter To the sob of broken refrain, Each day is a day of trouble, Each night is a round of care. Oh, the clutch of a grief that siclkens Oh, the grip of a fell despairl And what were a word of kindness, And what were a helping hand To the men who are bruised and trampled, To the women of woe who are bannedi But the wheels roll on and the tumult Goes up to the smoke-laden skies, And never a tear is falling For the beggar who throttles and diesi
 OVER THE HILLS. cover the hills" the poet sings, Over the hills away We'll gather the bliss that we've man.
 aged to miss
 At the close of a summers day. "Over the hills," the little boy dreams or5o rd But the years roll on his dreams are
 gone
 And the peace of the grave draws near. "Over the hills"-'tis an old. old song, But the promise 1t holds is sweet And awakens new hope when we'd faint
 on the slope In the ashes of life's defeat!
 DROPPED THROUGH. Did your mining venture go through?" "I should say it did go drought The bottom fell outi"
 EXPLAINED. "A news dispatch states that the direc- toire gown was missed in Rome" Surprising
 Not at all. The wearer was neither young nor good looking"
 FIERCE. ''Maudine paid you compliment yester- day"
 You don't tell mel What was it about my looks or my brains?'' "She said you were almost as much fun as her poodle"
 KEEPS HIM GUESSING. He is up in the air half the time'' "Aeronaut?'
 ''No. a married man who is trying to make both ends meet"
 AT A DISADVANTAGE "He proposed to her in French, hear" "Yes, and she accepted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
Only One Precedent.

"A democrat in a republican cabinet seems an anamoly." said an old politi- clan, "but Gen. Luke Wright of Tennes- see, as Mr. Taft's successor at the head of the war department, will prove an exceptionally able administrative off cial.
 Tt is understood that the republicans will make a special effort to carry Ten nessee in November, and it may be that President Roosevelt thought the selec- tion of so distinguished and popular a Tennessean as General Wright for sec retary of war would help his party's chances. In other words, it may have been regarded as a happy political stroke. But it is safe to say that while the people of Tennessee appreciate the high compliment paid to General Wright, his appointment will not change a vote.
 Ut Is a noteworthy fact that the only other democrat who held a position in a republican cabinet was a Tennes- sean-Judge David M. Key of Chatta- nooga, who was postmaster general un- der President Hayes. The democracy, and especially the southern democ- racy, felt outraged at the counting out of MT. Tilden. Mr. Hayes, himself an unassuming and kindly gentleman, felt embarrassed over the situation, and tried to do everything within reason 10 placate the south. In making up his cabinet, therefore, he looked around for a southern democrat of prominence and character who would accept an ap- pointment His choice falling upon Judge Key, the postoffice department but the fact that Hayes postmaster genral was a democrat did not gain any votes for the republican party. President Hayes promptly withdrew the federal troops from the south and performed other acts to show his friendly attitude toward the section that had lately suffered sorely from reconstruction policies. He not only did all he promised the south and more. but he made a good chief magistrate. He was a man of much larger capacity | than the public generally gave him credit for; and he retired from office respected by the whole country. Those who had blamed him for accepting the award of the electoral commission were unreasonable. MT. Tilden had consent ed to leave the result of the election to the commission created by congress, knowing that the eight republican members would outvote the seven dem ocratic members, and Mir. Hayes could not do otherwise than take the Presi- l dency."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
LINEYILLE HAS
 COMMERCIAL CLUB

Lineville, June 30.-(Speciel)-At an en- thusiastic meeting of the business and professional men of Lineville held yester- day afternoon a commercial club was or ganized with 40 charter members. The club will be known as the Lineville Com mercial club. Speeches were made by Walter s. Smith, Dr. J. P. Shaffer and others outlining the object of commer- ciaI club and pointing out the work that such clubs are doing in the different cities of the state.
 The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Walter S. Smith, pres !dent; B. H. Haynes, first vice president, w. Holdridge, second vice president; M. M. Eppes third vice president; R. A. Speer, J. L. Hit, w. B. Williams, John H. Ingram, Y. c. Barfeld, Cicero Rudd, J. c. Weaver, c. P. Clay and A. T. Smith and the president and vice presidents, di- rectors of the club
 A committee composed of J. H. Ingram, M. M. Eppes, R. A. Speer, Walter s. Smith and w. B. Williams was elected to draft constitution and bylaws for the club.
 At meeting of the directors James A.. Smith was elected secretary and B. A. Coleman treasurer of the club.
 The object of the club is to promote and advance the business and industrial in terests and general welfsre of Lineville a,.d Clay county. Linevill. is well situ- ated in the center of one of the finest agrIcultural, timber and mineral be'ts in the state and the town is growing rapid ly. The citizens who attended the nrst ,neeting of the club are very enthusiastic over the work of the club proposes to ac- complish.
 The sidewalks of Lineville are being paved this week. The work is being dore by J. S. Connff & Company of Mont gomery. Paved sidewalksare adding great ly to the appearance of the city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
A Marked Chance.

About four months ago I travelled through the south and the middle west. and at that time I found in most of the states business depression and little hope of a revival of trade for a year or more," said s. H. Raines of Philadelphia. Tn making a tour of the country now, find very different conditions in evil oence.
 ..The improvement in business came sud- denly. The good crop outlook was the rasis of the improvement, but even big crops could not bring return to normal conditions so soon after last falls panic if the general financial and commercial in- terests had not been sound. While trade is not yet what it will be little later on, there is a feeling of confidence that is wonderfully stimulating. Everybody, ex-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
TWO WE " STATE LAW
 GO INTO EFFECT IODA

Beginning today two of the last leg islature's most radical acts go into eff feet Today marks the closing of all the breweries in the state and the pro- hibition of pistols less than "A inches in length.
 The Birmingham breweries have been been allowed to ship any beer anywhere except out of the state, and business has been slow with them.
 There were only nine places in Bir- mingham with license to sell pistols, and after a special sale during the last month, their stocks have been prac-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
HEEANsWE

By John Benn&t. Today. dear hart, but just today. The sunshine lover all, The roses crinsoning the air
 Along the arden wall! Then let the dream and dreamer die; Whate'er aall be, shall be- Today will still be thine and mine
 To all etrnity. And oh, tlere is no glory, dear,
 When ~ the world is done, There isno splendor lasteth out
 The siking of the sun; There ho thing that lasts, not one,
 Wherve have turned to clay, But ttE you loved me-all the rest
 Fadsf with the world away. So Iue while, so little while,
 TrSworld shall last for us; Thee is no way to keep it, dear,
 pt just to spend it thus. Thb is no hand may stop the sand
 hbm flowing fast away. R4his who turns the whole glass dow Hhd dreams 'tis all today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
YEAR WITHOUT BIG FIRE.
All Indications Point To Breaking of
 Local Records.

Nearly year has elapsed since Bir- mingham had 8 big fire. On July 2S last year the Chalitoux building wasfdestroyed by fire, with | loss of nearly s2OO,OOO.
 Since that lime not a fire has reached s1OO, 900, and the loss has beer very small.
 Every year in the history 5f the depart ment has been marked by at least one big fire, but in case the department gets through the next six months all records will be broken once more. and it will be necessary to go back nearly ten years to find figures to compare. However, there is no telling what a dly will bring forth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-01
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 Next to being useful people seem to object most to being moral.
 About all the satisfaction people can get out of being good is pretending they feel superior about 1t.
 If there were no pianos and singing ex- ercises q man would hardly ever want his daughters to get married.
 When a man is willing to spend his evenings home it's a sign his wife lets him wear an old pair of slippers with the heels off.