davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Castro and Venezuela

I Beyond reasonable doubt Venezuela end Cipriano Castro have parted con- pany for the common good. Under the hover of bravado rendered safe by the Monroe doctrine this half-breed ad- Nenturer had worked the people of Earacas and of the rest of Venezuela until he had accumulated a vast pri- Nate fortune He was from all ac- counts a grafter and a monopolist of Hhe boldest sort and has accumulated wealth to the extent of many millions. This money is in Europe and there beyond reasonable doubt Castro, fol flowing in the footsteps of predecessors in the Venezuelan presidency, has gone to stay.
 But whether that was his intention when he left Caracas it has become his sole course through acts of his own people. President Gomez has formed "a new cabinet, leaving out of it all Castroites and organizing a govern ment that would not hesitate to seize Castro if he should attempt to re- turn. He will make no such attempt and the world is hearing of Castro for the last time. He will hereafter be tn Europe but one more rich exile from South America.
 This, however, means good deal, for the settlement of all questions with Venezuela now becomes possible. President Gomez favors a just and reasonable settlement of all interna- tional disputes that his country is con cerned in. This will make for the worlds peace and for the easier main fenance of the troublesome Monroe doctrine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Meat and Food Prices
doctrine

The cost of living has been ad- ~anced in this country in eleven years A per cent. Nearly every article of food has been marked up but the price of meats has led all the rest. Despite year of depression prices of commodities are again going up and the cost of living is becoming dear Indeed.
 When the trusts are charged with Hhis result they retort by saying that the grocers' associations, wholesale and retail, have a hand in it. The spirit of combination is abroad in the land and all that is accurately known fs that the ultimate consumer foots all bills. All profits and all extortions nome out of his pocket
 The subject is being discussed in all parts of the country and the Wash ington Post predicts that "cheap liv- ing Will be the paramount natlonal issue in 1912 and that 1t will sweep Hhe country from ocean to ocean.
 This will certainly be the case un- oess the tariff is honestly revised next year A tricky revision-a maximum and-minimum revision-would pretty surely lead to an issue of this sort fin 1912. Cheap foods in abundance rwere the rule in this country for cen tury and dear foods were unknown until high protective tariffs were de yised. These tariffs built up trust and victim of the entire combine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
A RIDICULOUS TALE.
rom the Washington Herald.

From the Washington Herald.
 The yarn recently published regarding an alleged exhibition of rudeness on the part of President Roosevelt toward a riding party of young women which passed him on a country road is un- worthy of notice, except to be mentioned as proof that the Presidents detractors are sadly lacking in ammunition, The story is both frivolous and ridiculous. The Presidents home life, well known to all Americans, and particularly well known to Washingtonian is a sufficient contradiction of such Notifications.
 The public acts of MT. Roosevelt are properly subject to public discussion, and his critics have right to disagree with him if they wish. Nothing but petty malice, however, could inspire such an absurd story as the one referred to. The President of the United States is not in- jured by such publications, but he could be pardoned for feeling indignant over such a ridiculous and offensive report. Gossip relating to the President in his capacity as a citizen and a gentleman would be obnoxious even if 1t were true, but falsehoods concocted regarding his private life are doubly indecent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
coNJUeAL BLISS IN 1850.

From London rid Bits.
 My love" mentioned MT. Sufferer Gette, Eve are holdin ga series of fath- would let me have the use of my latch key this week?"
 ''LatchkeyI' beloved his wife. What the dickens do you want with a latchkey, my good man?'
 Well my love- coughed MT. Sufferer Gette i've are holding a series of fathe- CTS foregatherings in the mission hall this week, when we hope to do a. little needlework on behalf of the parish poor. Miss Nancy has kindly consented to come and talk to us about her recent farthest north trip, and
 Great heavens." roared the irate wife, banging her pipe upon the table to em- phasize her words. Don't you know your duty is at home? Besides. on Monday I've got to attend the Women's Emanci- patton League; Tuesday, the Sisters of Charity meeting: Wednesday, the local Daughters Of Toii lecture; Friday, the Women's Science Research class, and on Saturday our football clubs smoke. Now, don't you forget your duty is at home"
 And so it came to pass.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
ACCOUNTED FOB.

From the San Francisco Call.
 On a recent voyage of the Pacific Mall liner China, Capt Dan Friele-"Ninety Fathom Dan," as he is called in affection ate tribute to his care for the lives and property dependent upon his skill-was annoyed by the persistent and not over wise chatter of a garrulous passenger. Whenever the captain appeared on deck his prosecutor was there waiting with some idiotic question or inane and drawn out yarn. One day the wind kicked up n nasty sea In which the China pitched and tossed like an eggshell in pot or boiling coffee "Ninety Fathom Dan" in dripping oils1xins, his weather-beaten cheeks glowing from the flashing of the spray-laden gale. came down from the bridge and at the saloon companionway was waylaid by the pest.
 The pests complexion was muddy green and it required no experienced eye to see that the China's antics had shaken his system, full of bile.
 Morning, captain he said.
 Morning" grewled Dan, who started away in a hurry.
 "Oh, captain; just minute," persisted the pest i've crossed the Atlantic a dozen times in weather often worse than this, but was never seasick before. Can you account for it?"
 "Yes, sir" replied the captain.
 ''What do you think it is, captain?'
 Bad memory sir!''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Canal Tolls At Panama

An English writer discusses in an English magazine the commercial value of the Panama canal in com parison with the Suez canal. The Suez canal is a fine commercial en- terprise. It is earning and dividing about 20 per cent in annual dividends. This money is earned in a charge of 75 cents ton on the commerce that passes through the canal. This com merce aggregates in value $1,200. .00o.- coo a year and it represents the trade that passes from the Atlantic to the Pacific. None of this great trade will be diverted by the opening of the Panama canal except possibly the goods passing to and fro from New Zealand.
 The Pacific trade which passes rround Cape Horn will go through tie Panama canal and it's value is s350 .000, ,000 This volume many, how ever. bs doubled by 1920. bringiIg the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
AIDE ON AMERICANS ABROAD.

From the Chicago Times Report of
 George Ade's Speech at the Hoosier
 Banquet in Chicago.
 "The real people abroad like an Amer ican who is proud of America and that he Is an American" he declared. The going to Europe is a habit, and in spite of the attractions there most of us sigh with contentment when we get back to Gods country, which means Indiana.
 ITO a Hoosier contemplating a trip abroad I should advise an annual visit to New York. Il is enlightening. Horace Greeley sad: Go west, young man Hor- ace believed the west would be easy for any man brought up in the east and a great many of them did come west
 'The west looked them over and said If that's what they've got back east it ought to be easy for us,' so many of us started east with the result that the most distinguished fnanciers, pugilists. journalists and muck rakers of the great metropolis are natives of Indiana or one of Its dependencies"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Postal SaIln6S Banks

Last summer the republicans an- nexed the postal savings bank issue, putting a fayorlng plank in their na- tional platform and the western repub- licans have given notice that they in- ted to pass postal savings bank bill. After the recess it will come up as un- finished business and it is billed for passage although the Aldrich-Hale crowd do not like it.
 Senator Aldrich demands, however, these amendments:
 1. Provision that not over $500 shall be deposited in one account. The Carter bill allows a maximum of s1O00.
 2 Provision that not over s2OO of thls shall draw interest; perhaps not over S1OO.
 8 Provision that all such deposits shall be assessable locally where they are made
 A. Strict requirement that all such de- posits in the postal banks shall be re- deposited in Incorporated banks in the same communities.
 The progressives do not like these amendments and very considerable conflict is anticipated over the bill next month. These amendments would reduce the bill to a guaranty of de- posits without interest and they will not be accepted if the bill can be passed without them
 The postal savings bank proposition was originally of democratic origin in this country, but the republicans put they may yet claim to have origin ated it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
The Ciaar Industry.

Deputy Collector and Mrs. George w.. Stockin are visiting at the home of their daughter, Mrs. c. A. Merritt, 1219 North Seventeenth street MT. Stockin is located at Tampa, Fla, and Is loud in his praise of what he terms the metropolis of the finer grade of cigars made from Cuban tobacco. He says had it not been for the panic the re ceipts of my office would have ex- ceeded a million of dollars the last fiscal year, as they had reached over $SS1000 the preceding one. When 1t is considered that the internal revenue tax on cigars is less than a third of cent on the finest made some idea may be formed of the magnitude of the cigar industry which is on the increase at Tampa"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
CASTRO IN CLOVER AT BERLIN.

From the New 4ofk Woild.
 Interest in Ristori is revived three years after her death by the project to erect memorial to the Italian actress in Friuli, her birthplace The memorial is to con- tain decorative tribute from every coun- try in which she performed, and the re- cent "Ristori matinee" in London was to raise funds for an English contribution.
 A great singer dies or retfres and an- other is found ready to take up her roles, often disputing her supremacy while she is still in the full tide of her fame. The great actress leaves a void not so soon filled. Ristori, 1t is true, succeeded direct 1y to Rachers honors, her first appear ance in Paris in 1855 preceding but by three years the death of the French actress. But who is there to inherit from Ristori? The stage has great Phedre In Bernhardt and great Camille and Magda in Duse But who is there to play Lady Macbeth as Ristori played it in an imper- sonation which was the finest since Mrs. Siddons? What young actress is there whose Juliet or Portias or whose Fran cesca, done like Ristorfs at IA, gives promise of a first rank in tragic roles?
 Nature is generous of her favors to women singers. Each generation has us Malibrans and Pattis. Why is she so chary of endowing women with the high est stage gifts? A host of women with the highest stage gifts? A host of women make the stage their vocation. number exceeding that of the men engaged. There are many capable actresses whose talents fall just short of the highest achievement. But the scarcity of Ristoris and Rachels, or even of Janauschel1s and Modjeskas is in striking contrast with the comparative frequency of prima donnas of equal rank on the lyric stage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Big Electric Sign.

'erhe largest electric sign in the south is being erected in front of the Majestic theatre as an advertisement of that pop ular playhouse" said Manager Gould last night. "The sign is 30 feet tall and Il feet to each of the wings, there being two of them exact duplicates.
 Tt will require 1132 electric lights to illuminate this sign, which will have the words Majestic Theatre in incandescents and All Star Vaudeville below it in lights. There will be an enormous star of lights in the center, with several smaller stars around it, each lighted by myriads of small incandescent lights.
 We consider this one of the finest elec- trio signs in this country and it will bo a great feature for visitors, 8 constant cause of wonder and interest. It is, how ever, merely in keeping with the other im- provements we are making in the Majes- tic preparatory to our opening next Mon day night. We are installing only the finest of everything and will present ohly the best vaudeville to be obtained, in cluding special great feature acts which will come direct to Birmingham from the Orpheum and other circuits, and re- turn from Birmingham to Chicago and New York.
 "The Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company is erecting this sign, which is a novelty, and the company which sold it to us sent an expert all the way from the west to help in the erec- tion. It will be completed this week, and we will test 1t before Monday"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
A RachaIor,s oplnion.

"I don't know how it might be if I had children of my own." said an old bachelor, "but I think I would try to inculcate in them different spirit from what I see In the letters which children write to Santa Claus.
 "Everyone of these childish missives is indicative of selfshness. It is, I want give me- bring me- the me and the T. always predominating, and the give give like the horse-leech, denoting the blood-sucking propensity. If there is a period in life when gen. erosity should prevail that period is youth and if there Is season of the year when that spirit should find ex- pression it is at Christmas.
 q see appeals from orphanages for contributions to provide homeless, faith erless little children with the neces- saries of daily life. Instead of surfeit- ing children already well provided for and heaping up toys and presents to eratify their avaricious demands 1t would be more in the spirit of the season If the poor child who knows no mo Oth CTS love, no IaIHer S suppoIt' dhu no Santa Claus were to be considered to the extent at least of providing food and clothes for him.
 At this season of the year the children of the wealthy and happy should be taught that there are other children who are poor and miserable. It would be an instructive lesson for many children if they were taken to visit orphanages where they could see the contrast between the existence of the child who has its parents to love Band protect it and the child who is dependent upon the contributions of tn e public.
 Even if the children of the wealthy and happy are guilty of selfishness their parents should not be so. Bir7 mingham has several very deserving charitable institutions, all depending on the generosity of the public. Let them not be forgotten. If everyone who has $5 to spend on his own child ren would sub scribe 50 cents to some orphanage he would help to make 1t a happy Christmas for hundreds of others whom misfortune has left dependent on our charity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
-------T--- sf'-----' -- SONG OF THE NATIVITY.

By John Milton. It was the winter wild, While the heaven-born Child All meanly wrapt in the rude manager
 lies: Nature, in awe to Him. Had doffed her gaudy trim With her great Master so to sympathize, It was no season then for her To wanton with the sun her paramour. Only with speeches fair She woes the gentle air To hide her guilty front with innocent
 snow; And on her naked shame, Pollute with sinful blame, The saintly veil of maiden white to
 throw, Confounded that her Makers eyes Should look so near upon her foul de-
 formities.= But peaceful was the night Wherein the Prince of Light His reign of peace upon the earth be-
 gan; The winds with wonder whist Smoothly the waters kissed, Whispering new joys to the wild ocean Who now hath quite forgot to rave, While the birds of calm sit breeding on
 the charmed wave.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
CASTRO IN CLOVER OF BERLIN.


 From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
 In the meanwhile the amazing Castro seems to be in clover at Berlin. He ar rived in that city last Monday evening and found a great crowd of curiosity seeking people waiting to give him hearty welcome. No one has yet been able to ascertain the real object of his European visit. It Is said that he went to the German capital for the purpose of spiting the French government at whose attitude toward himself he had taken of fense Because he was not treated by the Clemenceau ministry with what he considered proper respect he Is intend ing to spend his money, of which he Is reputed to possess from four to forty millions. among the Berlin storekeepers instead of distributing it among the shops along the Rue de la Paix. But that is only one story. There are many others.
 One Is that he has it in mind to enter into some kind of an alliance of com nercial character with the Kaiser. and while this may be drought chimerical, it is not without a basis of reasonableness. Venezuela Is a country of great natural resources. Its wealth-producing possibil- ities are really immeasurable. It is rich in all kinds of minerals. It is furnished by the Orinoco river with an incompar- able vehicle of internal transportation. It's soil is extraordinarily fertile, and un der a stable and enlightened government it would offer most attractive opportuni- ties to competent and energetic men with some capital at their command. There arc many such among the Kaiser's sub [ jects, and if Castro could convince Elm peror William that he might safely be trusted it is conceivable that a mutually advantageous arrangement might be reached. Thus far, however, the Kaiser seems not to have been in a receptive or responsive disposition.
 Then there is the other story about that famous operation which Dr. Israels was to have performed on the suffering Castro immediately after the latter's arrival at Bordeaux. The operation has not yet taken place and there is nothing in the current dispatches to suggest that 1t is in present contemplation. Castro is said to be under observance for his alleged or ganic trouble, but whatever 1t is. that ails him evidently does not affect his ap petite or impair the efficiency of his di- gestive apparatus. At the dinner table he is said to show the absorbent if not the assimiative capacity of Gargantua or a Grandgousler. sitting from eight in the evening until midnight and allowing no course to escape. That is surprising conduct on the part of a sick man, but then to be surprising is Castros long suit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Birmingham Booklets.

''rhrongh the Kindness of President Ford of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company I have received said Secretary Babb of the Commercial club, 1000 copies Of an elegant pamphlet published by 1sedore Newman and Son. and filled with photographic Illustrations of the resources, industries and natural attractions of this city and it's neigh borhood. It is certainly an elegant exposl- ton of Birmingham and President Ford's company is certainly doing lis fuil part in advertising our numerous and unique advantages.
 Applications for these pamphlets arc ccming in and they are fiHed as they are received. No finer presentation of Birmingham's prominent features has ever been published"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Regarding Prohibition.

''The prohibition of the sale of liquor seems to work effectively in some coun- ties and small towns, but I have yet to see prohibition prohibit in the few cities of considerable size that have tried it, said Henry T. Saunderson of Baltimore.
 ''l am not connected in any shape or form with the liquor traffic. but I would never vote to force prohibition on large cities. In travelling in Virginia ] have found considerable agitation among cer- tain people in favor of statewide pro- hibition, but I do not think the legs- lature will get to the point of passing a statutory measure. Yet Richmnod and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

that powerful and joyous nature" say' Guguelmo Ferrero, referring to President Roosevelt. He will be heartily supported in this opinion by every member of the Ananias club and every malefactor oi great wealth in the country. not to speak of certain nature fakers and other small fry who have put their craniums with in striking distance of the big stick.
 THE ANNUAL BACKsL1DE.
 Say goodbye to pleasures fiagon,
 Soon we'll mount the water wagon And we'll swear to get no jag on
 Any more.
 Leaden-footed days will drag on
 And twill besno sight to brag on
 When we're falling off the wagon
 Blythe scorel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
Christmas Giving

Unselfish giving is a needful fea- ture of real Christmas giying-of that good will toward men of which the angels sang on the first Christmas morning The thought of recompense should be wholly eliminated if a gift is to have the true spiritual meaning of the occasion.
 But something more is needed. The gifts of Christmas should not be mere extravaganza or waste. Every Christ mas giver should give thoughtfully. He or she should give for use, never for show or ornament Spend all money profitably. Buy useful articles. Seek a helpful uplift in every gift and let this extend to all you do on the joyous festival.
 There is scarcely anything more foolish than to go into debt in order to buy Christmas presents. Don't do it. The exchange of gifts at Christmas is beautiful custom but any gift that leaves a debt behind mars the joy of the occasion and entails a burden that makes Christmas a day to be dreaded rather than a day to be en- joyed. Give according to your means, but don't go a cent beyond it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
For the Orphans.

In the Catholic churches in the Birning- ham district there will be a special col lection at all the masses on Christmas day in aid of the orphans home at East Lake. Such a collection is the order on every Christmas day, and good total is always realized for this well known char ity in which the majority of children cared for are non Catholics.
 The Ladies Auxiliary association con- nected with the home, makes an appeal to the public for money. clothing or such articles as would be serviceable at the orphanage. The Jesse French Piano con- pany on Third avenue, will act for the ladies in receiving gifts for the home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23

Norfolk are somewhat nervous over the agitation.
 T drink so little myself that l have not tried to buy any liquor in Birming- ham, but I have been here two days and feel confident that everybody who wants drink and has the price can buy 1t in this dry town It is so in all cities. Of course very large cities like New York. Philadelphia and Baltimore will always have licensed saloons and fl seems to be that in passing statutory bills legislatures should always except cities Of, say, B0,0o0"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
COLEMAN TO MAKE
 5000 BOND TODAY

Henry Coleman will very probably make S100O bond this morning and secure his lib- erty temporarily at least.
 Coleman was tried several days ago on a charge of murder, it being alleged that he killed Jones cordrey on the Southside several years ago. The jury remained out for 4s hours and then reported it's in- ability to agree. Cnder these eircum- stances Coleman was granted $ sloOO bond
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-23
IN CONCLUSION.

IN CONCLUSION. When thef day Is done And the shadows fall And the gloom of night Puts an end to it all, With a sigh of relief He will welcome rest Who has travelled for long On @ futile quest O"er wind-blown ways, In valley deeps Where the ghost of the past Her vigil keeps. No fear of the void,
 No dread of the pail When the day Is done And the shadows fall!