davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Interest in Politics.

Tt appears to me" said a man about the courthouse yesterday. that in the face of the excitement which politics is causing in many localities, in Birmingham interest is decidedly lax.
 The Jefferson county voter will next month have before him two questions of vast importance-the Overton amendment. providing for the use of a part of the county convict fund on the roads, and the new county affair.
 Both of these questions. 1t seems to me, are of very vital interest, yet l do not hear many people talking of them. The Commercial club is taking a very active hand but outside of it's members there is apparently very little interest.
 Ut may ne that everybody is tired of elections and politics. but it seems rather unusual that two questions of the nature of the two upon which we will vote next month should cause no more talk then they are causing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Railroad Men for Brvan.

Walter Wellman in the Record Herald.
 Cleveland, O.-What are the railroad men going to do at the polls thls year? Is it true that they are largely against Taft and for Bryan? And if so in what proportion? Does their attitude indicate revolution? These interesting questions I nave asked of men in this city who are in position to know something of the facts, because two of the largest and most Influential railroad employees organiza- tion in the country, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brother hood of Railroad Trainmen, have. their general offices in this city.
 These queries were suggested by the ae- tion of President Roosevelt last week in holding an arranged conference at the White House with the chiefs of these brotherhoods and other railroad employees organizations, presumably in the hope of being able to do something through his personal influence with those chiefs and through their influence in their organize tons to help the cause of Taft. What took place at the White House I do not pretend to say But I do feel sure, after considerable inquiry, that President Roosevelt put his finger on one of the chief sources of danger to the republican ticket, and equally sure that his inter- vention, favorably received and powerful as it is, is nevertheless unlikely to lead to any practical results.
 Without any desire to create unneces- sary alarm or to overstate the serious ness of the situation, I nevertheless feel 1t my duty to warn the managers of the republican campaign that unless they can find some way to second President Roose- velt's efforts with the effective means of counteracting the present tendency among railway employees they must be prepared to suffer serious losses among this class of voters.
 There are about 15O0,0O0 railway em- ployes in this country One hundred and sixty-three thousand of them are mem- bers of the two organizations spoken of above, and the chiefs of both of these organizations were in conference with President Roosevelt last week. Both of them told the President in some detail what he already knew in general way. that the members of their organizations are showing strong tendency to give their votes to Bryan. This tendency is not so strong among the engineers as it IS among the trainmen, and according to the views of the brotherhood officials, it Is not as strong among the trainmen as It IS In other labor organizations. But It IS strong enough in both of the brother- hoods named to constitute a serious as- pect Of the campaign, from the republican viewpoint, serious enough, at any rate. to warrant the friendly and energetic inter- vention of the President.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Population of China

An official census of the population of the Chinese empire has at last been made. It is not claimed, however, that the census was made as one in western countries would be- Many of the figures were no doubt estimated at least in part. but still the aggr J. gate is probably approximately cor rect, and the " i'd knows now how many people there are in China. The aggregate is 44o0O0,00o people. Es- inmates have of late ranged from 200,- 0OO,OOO to 400, ,000 900, and the worlds information is increased by the new census, which will be accepted by geographers until something more trustworthy is presented. One prov. ince, a thousand miles from the sea, beyond the mountains. contains as many people IS there are in the Unit ed States.
 To change the habits and methods of such a vast population covering q vast country is not light task It is not a task that can be speedily ac- complshed. Let no one, however, think that the Chinese are an inferior people They should not be judged by the Cantonese who come to this country. In the long run China will be rehabilitated and fitted to world wide ideas and methods and when she is the world will stand surprised. Time is needed in which to do this, and freedom from aggression. The hope is that Japan will be able to keep off all aggressors until China is able to defend herself.
 The talk about a yellow peril is nonsense. What the Far East needs is safety from western robbers, and Japan will indeed render the Orient a great service if she can build ships fast enough to keep away all robber fleets
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Prices of Meats and the Tariff

England is agitating a repeal of the cattle embargo act which was passed to Eeep out Canadian cattle so that Eng fish, Irish and Scotch grazers could make more money. The trouble now is, the home grazers are making too much money. and roast beef is get ting beyond the reach of English con- sumers. The latter begin to think they will have to initiate the Germans who turned from beef to pork and from pork to horse.
 At present Canada is the land of cheap beef. The ranchers who have marketed their cattle in Winnipeg are sending some cattle to Chicago. al- though they have to pay a duty of 271a per cent, which was primarily imposed to protect our ranchers and beef trust
 When the tariff is revised the coun.
 ~~~--~ try can secure cheap beef by doing away with the Dingley wall that was erected along the frontier, but will it be done? That is Indeed question. 1t will not be done if it threatens in Hny manner the supremacy of the beef trust. The great ranches of the Canadian Northwest could supply this country with vast numbers of cate,e, and now that the ranches of this coun. try have been converted into farms there seems to be no interest in the way except the beef trust. A repeal of the duty of 271a per cert. would give us access to the cattle of Canada and those cattle could be increased throughout many years to come.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
l am a man eo thrift. -Timon of Athens, -Tamon of Athens.
Standard Oil Protected

The republicans have long pointed to the Standard Oil to show that trusts can be built up without tariff protection, ignoring the fact that the Standard Oil has the amplest tariff protection under a cunning scheme of it's own devising. This scheme is tucked away in paragraph No. 626 of the Dingley act. It provides that all petroleum, crude or refined, shall be free of duty provided that if there be imported into the United States crude petroleum or the products of crude petroleum produced in any country which imposes a duty on pe- troleum or it's products when exported from the United States, there shall in such cases be levied, paid and col lected a duty upon said petroleum, or it's products so imported, a duty equal 10 the duty imposed by such country
 This is the Standard Oils Little Joker in the Dingley bill, and in opera tion all imports of oil or its products are taxed 200 francs per 100 kilos, that being Rumani's rate and the highest rate charged in Europe on oil products from the United States. An importer who desires to avoid the Rumani rate would under the rulings of the board Of general appraisers have to present an elaborate case and the Rumani rate therefore stands as a protection against imports. It's Chinese tariff wall is high and strong and behind 1t it can work the consumers of this country to the extent of it's avarice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Fight in Indiana.
Cincinnati Enquirer,

From the Cincinnati Enquirer =,
 lndianapolis7 Ind.-Some of the plans for swinging Indiana into the democratla column were announced here this after. noon in the statement that Judge Alton B. Parker of New York Governor John. son of Min9esota, Hoke Smith of Georgia and other fwell-known orators are com ing to take part in the campaign
 At the democratic state committee rooms Secretary Joe Kelley said that there are no definite plans for bringing Bryan into Indiana for a two or three days tour but 1t is the understanding here that the Peerless One will follow Taft, who is to make a three days swing around Ind jana. John E. lamb is to make several speeches in Indiana next week.
 Secretary Riddick of the republican state committee, in an interview this aft ernoon, asserted that the republicans are getting under way in old-time form. and that they will carry Indiana. He said that unusual difficulties were experienced in getting the organization started, but that they have been overcome, and thai good reports are being received. He would not give out any figures but he declared that the 30-day poll showed a great im- provement over the 6O-day poll and that the disaffection among the republicans will be almost entirely eliminated dur ing the next three weeks
 Capt. John K. Gowdy said today that Indiana is going to give Taft a handsome majority and that Watson will be elected governor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Governor Conner In City.

Gov B. B. Conner returned to Birming- ham late Saturday night from Montgom- cry, where he gave out statement on the states future position relative to rail- road matters. He said that he could add nothing to this with reference to the re- suit of his conference with President Roosevelt.
 The governor stated. however, that he will reply to an article printed in Sundays Montgomery Advertiser, criticising the ad- ministration and declaring that the treas ury deficit is due to heavy disbursements and is threatening the welfare of the state. The article pointed out that ac- eording to the recent report of Treasurer Seed S45S,90s.1 IS more money was spent during the past year than was collected.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Registration in Baltimore.

From the Washington Herald.
 Baltimore's registration figures afford an interesting field for conjecture The total number of voters registered is 3074 short of the number in 1904 and s95 small- CT than the number registered in the gubernatorial election of last year. As compared with 19O7 the avowed democrat ic vote shows a falling off of 3745 or 12O0 in excess of the republican shortage. But the number of voters who decline to give any party affiliation has increased to 5337, of whom it is estimated 400 are negroes. This is the factor that puzzles the politicians. According to the Balti- more Sun the republican party has al- ways received the bulk of the independ- ent voters. If so, the question is whether the republicans will poll enough of the 16,129 independents to overcome the dem- ocratic majority of 929S on the registry lists. A curious fact Is that while the number of white voters registered shows decrease, the number of negro voters registered is larger by 10 than the regis tration of last year, though smaller than that of four years ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
An Arqument for Taft.

From the New York Evening Post
 Who would be the more likely, Taft or Bryan to pave the way for Roosevelt's re-entry into the presidency? Which one would be the more apt to disappoint the country and to give apparent weight to the demand for eight years more of Roosevelt? In our opinon, there can be but one reply. Whatever else Bryan might do as President, it is inconceivable that he should build up a strong and satisfied democratic party with leaders able to command the succession. He himself would be out of the race for re- election. What possible chance is there for another democrat growing up in his shade, able to appeal successfully to the conservative sentiment of Americans, as against Roosevelt. We can see none whatever. Granting to Bryan unsuspect- ed and improved qualities as an admin istrator, he is plainly not the man to unite his party and put able men at it's head. In this sense he would almost surely make a mess of it. and promote thereby the hopes and projects of those who look for Roosevelt return from ElDa. MT. Taft, on the other hand, would almost certainly so enamour the coun- try of gentlemanly manners and steady, sure-footed methods, in the White House, that it's being turned back into a shoot ing-gallery would be highly improbable. It is a dim perception of this truth which makes some people think that the Presi- dent really desires the election of Bryan, as furnishing more water for his mill! Expressing no opinion on that point, we yet think that it can successfully be ar gued that the election of Judge Taft would be the best means of eliminating Rooseveltism. We advance it, not as a paradox, but as the best reading of the situation which we can make, that the way to make a vote tell most against Roosevelt, not only tomorrow, but the day after, is to cast it for Taft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
COURT DECISION
 UPON INJUNCTION

Chicago, october 11.-(Special.) - A decision in which the United States circuit court of appeals held that a lower tribunal went too far in pro hibiting peaceful picketing in eonnec tion with the iron holders strike at the plants of the Allis Chalmers com pany several years ago. was handed down yesterday. The federal court in junction issued against the Iron Mould CTS union. local No. 125 of Milwaukee. was upheld in many particulars, but was considerably modified and a num- Der of it's paragraphs vacated. The decision was reached by Judges Cross cup, Baker and Seaman. Judge Baker wrote the opinion and coneurring opinion of Judge Grosscup is attached to it.
 In modifying the injunction of the lower court relative to picketing the appellate court embodies in the nl1u paragraph of the fnjuction the words ''in a threatening or intimidating man ner." This makes the injunction read and provide as follows in the question of pick eting:
 "The defendants are enjoined from congregating upon or about the com panys premises, or the sidewalks, streets, alleys or approaches adjoining or adjacent to, or leading to said prem ises, and from picketing in a threaten ing or intimidating manner the com plainant's places of business or the homes or boarding houses or residences of the said company's employees"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
NEGROES DRIVEN FROM THEIR HOMES

Montgomery. October 11.-A special to The Advertiser from Tuscaloosa says:
 A negro Baptist church and lodge hall at Springhill. Ala, were burned Friday night by unknown persons. A band of horsemen who have organized with the intention of driving the negroes out of the community are said to have set fire to the church and hall
 It appears that several of the negroes have received anonymous letters the early part of the year, telling them if they did not leave the country they would be killed and their houses have been fired into by the night riders only recently.
 Some of the negroes are badly scared and are sleeping in the woods, being afraid to remain in their homes at night. Some have taken refuge with their white employers. The best class of white farm CTS is doing everything possible to pro- tect the negroes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
BARBECUE GIVEN BY
 SHERIFF TO FORCE

Sheriff Higdon entertained his depu- ties and few friends at a barbecue yesterday on his fruit farm near Wood lawn. The affair was a very delightful one and voted by all as the best ever given. The cook displayed rare talent in preparing the meats and relishes, and 1t was with signs of regret that the guests realized they were overtax- ing their capacity and must turn from the heavily laden tables.
 After the spread the guests gathered under the trees and listened to a few remarks by Sheriff Higdon, Judge Ne smith and Hinds Peevy. Colonel Hig- don, in his talk thanked the men for their splendid and faithful service, and noted the fact that the force was a1- most intact at the present time as it was a year ago. He sympathized with the deputies in regard to the serving of instanter papers and con- graduated them on the way they had handled this part of their work.
 "Of course it is very trying" said he, Ito take a trip 15 miles into the country to serve an instanter paper then to return to find another instanter paper to be served on person living next door to the party you have just served and be compelled to make the same trip over again, thus being out all day and all night. This, however is something over which the sheriff has no control the law requiring that these papers be served immediately. He assured the deputies that in case of delay in these cases if they would go personally to the judge handling the case and explain matters to him that they would find the judge ready and willing to help them.
 Judge Nesmith made short talk and congratulated the sheriff on his force of deputies He said: q have always found the deputies to be courteous, and it has been pleasure to work with these gentlemen. In regard to the serving of instanter papers and the hardship which it very often works upon you, while the law rules that these papers must be served instantly the judge is also given the privilege of passing the time of a case and you will always find the judge to be in elined toward relieving you of any trouble"
 Hinds Peevy, attorney for Sheriff Higdon, and who has been closely con nected with the sheriff's department since Colonel Higdon's campaign, re- ferred to the sterling worth of the dep- uties and the fearless manner in which they had carried out the heriff's in structions, and congratulated them on the way they had done their duty, even in the face of adverse criticism.
 sheriff Hlgdon has his bloodhound kennels at this farm and after the speaking gave an exhibation blood hound chase, trying out two new hounds which he just received from Texas a few days ago with one of the other dogs which he has had for some time. The runner ran for about three quarters of a mile through the woods, circling back to the place where the barbecue was held and climbing the tree. The dogs took the trail at light ming speed, followed it through the woods and trailing back bayed the runner in the tree.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
DUSK IN THE BARREN GROUNDS.

Arthur Stringer in the October Every body's. The hills lie black and low against the west, Far northward stretch the valleys of the dead Here where Life weary grew and sighed for rest And God put all His worn-out world to bed. For this the silence is where some last word Was whispered and earth's twilight tale was told, And emptiness and sorrow only heard The ghostly cry of ashen things and old And through the pallid light three dead pines crown The plain that lies so like a yellowed page; And wide and dark the blood-red sun burns down Beyond each iron hill that aches with
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12

as they are in the study of books" :" This is a hopeful step in the progress of the race, and the Tuskegee insti tuition stands ready to promote and satisfy the new departure. It is an institution that turns out teachers and trained farmers and artisans. and Principal Washington takes just pride in finding the graduates of Tus- kegee leaders in his race "in agricul- tural work, in school work, trades, housekeeping, business, moral and re- ligious effort, and in some cases in the professions. Everywhere there is a demand for more of them"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
STATE TREASURER
 IS CRITICISED

Jackson, Miss, October 11.-(Special.)- c, H. Williams, brother of John Sharp Yazoo, the biggest in the state, and which has been turned down Dy State Treasurer Edwards as state depository because it declined to put up security other than surety bonds, has written the treasurer as salty letter as could be penned, crlticising him for such refusal and re- minding him that when he was elected he tried hard to make bond for quarter of a million dollars with surety companies and failed. Meantime Sheriff Thomas of Yazoo continues to make deposits with MT. Williams bank, the governor and at torney general, a majority of the deposi- tory commission, having designated 1t as a state depository.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
COLONEL STEWART
 FINALLY RETIRED

Washington, October 11.-Colonel Will liam F. Stewart who has been ''in exile' at the ungarrisoned port at Fort Grant, Ariz., has been retired from active ser- vice. The report of the board which ex- amined Colonel Stewart was presented to the President yesterday and he imme- diately directed that Colonel Stewart be retired. Colonel Stewart is now in this city.
 T know why I have been retired from the army and I know who is responsible for it but 1 am still an army officer and cannot discuss that" declared Colonel Stewart, who yesterday received mo- tification by special delivery letter from the war department of President Roose- velt's action in ordering his retirement. 'It seems clear to me that no time was lost in the case" Colonel Stewart added. q am surprised that such prompt noti- fication should have been sent me and that the papers should have been han died so expeditiously. The action of the President they tell me, is final and Of course there is nothing to be done. We have made no plans. I had hardly ex- pecfed to be retired this way without mo- tice and so am unprepared
 ''I applied day before yesterday for a four months leave of absence. This was denied ne. Officers who are to be re- tired are promptly granted leaves before their retirements take effect.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
DISASTROUS FIRE
 IN FLORIDA TOWN

Pensacola, Fla, October u.-News of disastrous fire which swept over Cari- belle Fla. a small town east of Pensa- cola, late Thursday night, was brought to this city today by the steamer Tarpon. Nine business houses, a residence and many thousands of feet of lumber were destroyed, entailing loss estimated to be more than sl0oO0O. Among the buildings destroyed were the United States custom house, postoffice, freight and passenger depots of the Georgia, Florida and Ala bama railroad. and the warehouses and wharves of the St. Andrews and Gulf Steamship company. The fire started in one of the stores, and, famed by high wind, spread rapidly. All communication with the town was cut off,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-12
Nick LQnsY0rth's Proeramms

Nick Longworth, member of con- gress from Cincinnati, is by marriage a member of the house of Roosevelt, and his declaration that eight years of Taft is to be followed by eight more years of Roosevelt presents the dynastic theory in a broad, strong light. This makes Taft not a me-too, but an ad interim man of the dynasty itself He is 10 rule until the head and founder of the dynasty has killed big game round the world, and then the crown will revert to the country's first imperial family. AS Roosevelt has four sons it does not appear that Nicholas rmself expects to be more than a grand duke of the reigning family.
 This plan which seems so commend able to Nicholas Longworth bridges the noses of eighty millions of other Americans. some of whom are in school dreaming of the day when they will become tenants of the White House. Nicholas sees, however, put one family in the presidential spot light, and Taft is the stepping stone or makeshift of that family while pub lie sentiment is being moulded and accustomed to dynastic notions.