davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
Goinu 10 Japan
world.

The yellow journals were indeed right-the battleship fleet is going to Japan. But it is going there to fire off expressions of long-existing and unbroken friendship and sincere re- gard-to use Secretary Roots words instead of hostile shells and solid shot. The yellow squad was mistaken in the missiles to be employed, that's all
 The administration did right to &C., cept without delay and with the ut most cordiality Japan's invitation, for a visit of the fleet at Yokohama or some other port of Japan will undo all the schemes that have been cooked up to create friction and ill-feeling be- tween the two rising countries of the world-the one on the broad mainland, and the other on romantic islands of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
WHAT A YOUNG LADY STARED AT.

From the Philadelphia Record.
 A number of young women grouped on the pavement on Main street, above Schoolhouse lane Germantown, on Sat urday evening, gazing intently at an overhanding sign illuminated brightly by encircling incandescent bulbs, attracted the attention of pedestrians. The sign' of large proportions, was suspended over the sidewalk from the old-fashioned stone building which a century or more ago was known as the King of Prussia lnn' the building being one of the best known landmarks of that historic surburb. Part of this old structure is now occupied by a tonsorial artist named Hug, of German extraction, and his unusually attractive sign reads Hug the barber" The comma after the word barber had been omitteo'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
Sunday Baseball In Montgomery.

we are going to have Sunday baseball in Montgomery" said N. J. Griel of Mont gomery yesterday. "We would have been able to attend game this Sunday, but President Chambers did not want to cause any trouble so close to the municipal cleo tion.
 ''The game will be played next Sunday, however, although ball park outside of Montgomery will be used. The sheriff will more than likely keep hands off, but if he does not the case will be appealed to the supreme court and hardly decided until after the season is over
 "Gaston Gunter stands the best chances for Mayor in the election Monday. We have been through warm campaign but my advices tonight from home are to the effect that Gunter has things going his way''
 MT. Griel is one of the owners of the Morris hotel property. We are we'll pleased with our purchase," he said, "and intend making no further changes. Blr- mingham is a good town and investment here is as good as at any point in the south"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
GUARDING BANK OF FRANCE.
rom the Strand Magazine

From the Strand Magazine
 Like the Bank of England the Bank of France Is now guarded every night by soldiers. But within quite recent time the officials at the French bank resorted to a very novel method of pro- tecting their bullion.
 This consisted in engaging masons to wall up the doors of the vaults Tn the cellar with hydraulic mortar as soon as the money was deposited each day in these receptacles. The water was then turned on and kept running until the whole cellar was flooded. A burglar would be obliged to work in a diving suit and break down a cement wall before he could even begin to plunder the vaults.
 When the bank officials arrived next morning the water was drawn off, the masonry torn down, and the vaults opened
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
Effect of Sunshine.

"A bright day such as this has been," said a Second avenue restaurant man. ager yesterday afternoon, naturally makes people feel buoyant and such day never fails to have a good effect on busi- ness. We have had few such Satur- days this season as today.
 'The streets in the business district have been crowded since early morning. Many shoppers are here from the out lying towns and the country around and merchants doubtless have made good sales. The rush in my restaurant has been steady since Il :3O o'clock. It looked like prosperity of the most approved type"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
THE WORTH OF A FRIEND.

Through storm and stress he struggled or
 Until he found the light. He wouldn't stay in Shadow Land,
 Because his heart was right. No fell reverse could beat him down,
 No obstacle dismay, And when misfortune hardest pressed
 He always found a way. If sun or rain, twas still the same.
 He met it with a song, And freely lent his aid to help
 Some other chap along. His name? In truth, 1t matters not
 I only know that he Is gone and that his life has made
 A better man of me.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

the sea. Japan and America are far apart, and there is no reason in the world why there should be any un- friendliness between them. Doubtless Japan will strive to gain nearby trade, just as we will strive to secure trade in the Americas to the south of us when Dingleyism is revised and made decent What we are preparing to do in South America, Japan will natur- ally do in Manchuria and in other parts of the Far East This should not ere ate friction. It will not in the long run. Nor will the Japanese coolie make any more trouble, for the home government is keeping him at home to make goods to be sold in China.
 Looking at the matter in a broad spirit, all honorable men will be glad the fleet is going to Japan-is going to Australia, Manila, Yokohama and per haps Shanghai, then to return home via the Suez canal. It is expected ito reach home waters just about the time that MT. Roosevelt goes out of office. While his raid upon predatory wealth may cut deeper in affairs of the period, yet the wonderful practice cruise he inaugurated may live longer in history and will assuredly be more attractive to the children of coming ages.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the NeW Y OrK PreSS.
 It takes a dyspeptic to appreciate the motives of reformers.
 A girl likes to write love letter so the criss-crosses can show it Is beautiful sem tment.
 People who are old enough to know bet ter would be a lot prouder of being young enough not to.
 When a man falls off the water wagon he comes down farther than if it was out of a balloon.
 Bald heads were a useful invention so that the front row in noisy comic operas would not be empty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
THE PERFECT LOVE.

Py Julia Nicely Finch. Of all the loves of earth First I hold the love a mother bears Her child who is dead. Her body bore about beneath her nearI That which of her was dearest part; Her travail gave him birth; With what sweet, precious. cares He lay upon her breast, was fed From full, fresh fount and source Of her best. being until force Was granted him to spring Irom her
 fond arms
 Into the day of childish charms: Who save mother knows the fond
 alarms,
 The thousand dangers seeming near And threatening this thing so dear That must soon know existence separate And from her fostering care apart! She vet has hours intimate Sweet, precious, hours-her own And shut within her secret heart-) When he is once again the little child Who leaned upon her knee, who smiled Into her face and found his heaven
 there;"
 She sees him grow lnto the statue or
 man.
 She lives then but to plan A future big enough and great To fit the being she has brought Into the world; whom she has wrought And moulded of the very best that in her
 lies; 4H She prays that only golden skies 18 May bend above his precious head That smooth, wise ways for him may
 lead
 Ever upward-out and on-or should The rugged way be best. wise and good He should withstand; with one to need And love him wisely thro' 1t all: And then-and then--the light goes out! The worst that could does her befall; Left alone with loss, with doubt To poison all her lonely hours The mothers tears may freshen flowers That bloom above him in his early grave And from her souls despair, haply eavG Could mortal love be more than this! It springs full-fledged at that first kieB She gives unto her child new born It saves her soul, she, forlorn Sees him lying dead, it bids her rise And go upon her way, courageous, strongf To bear the hours, be they brief or I0n2 In the knowledge nay, the surety, That love has immortality.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
SPRING IN ALABAMA.

SPRING IN ALABAMA. Spring in Alabama
 The skies a tender blue And all of us so happy
 We don't know what to do! Spring in Alabama The hills and valleys dream And there's a note of gladness In every silver stream! Spring in Alabama
 The roses all in bloom, And summer breezes kissing The fields of waving broom. Spring in Alabama
 The finest of the year, When everybody's smiling And hearts are full of cheer!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
Strnnn Financial Center
country.

ognized as a great financial center. II is easily the banking center of Ala bama and it is rapidly acquiring the reputation of being foremost among southern cities. Not only did our banks pass through the trying weeks of last fall with the utmost ease, but they are relatively stronger now than ever before. .
 Attention was called to the excellent showing made by the banks of Bir- mingham when the statements were published as of February IA. It was a matter for public congratulation; but today it is of larger interest to look over the condition of all the national hanks in the state, note their strength and observe how Birmingh@n's First National looms up by a percentage comparison with the entire number. There are 75 national banks in Ala
 
 bama. all combined making splendid exhibit. On February IA their con- bined resources, as shown by the ao- stract issued by the United States treasury department, included nearly s5 ,OOO,O ,OOO cash in vault, or, in other words and to be exact, "A banks had in cash on hand s3,SO2. .65S.02, and the First National of Birmingham had s1 ,099, ,65S. .34-2S.9 per cent in refer ence to the others.
 The total resources of "A banks were s3S,665,2 ,234.S3; of the First Ma tional of Birmingham alone, $10,07S,- 693.19, being 26 per cent in relation to the other "A combined. As an evi- dence of the way large banking busi- ness drifts to Birmingham the First Nationals loans and discount item stood $5, 5,429, 9,51S.45, being 29.3 per cent in relation to the total of the other "A banks.
 In deposits the "A national banks totaled 21,247057.32, while the First National alone had $7,4S2,28 or 35.2 per cent. The deposit liabilities are made up of three items, namely bank deposits, individual deposits and United States deposits. Of these the individual deposits of the First Ma tional were 33.1 per cent in relation to the other "A combined It is well worthy of remark in passing that no bank fin the entire south carries so large line of individual deposits as Birmingham's leading financial institu- ton. And it is known that since Feb ruary IA, the date on which the off cial statements were made up, the in- dividual deposits in the First National have increased considerably.
 w ull6 llt COuulblOu LII O4ly ndllOhdl banks in Alabama is presented here with, it is believed that all the state banks are solid and prosperous. The banks in Birmingham, other than na- tional, publish statements at the same time that the statements made to the United States comptroller of the currency are published. The 14th of February was a fine day for the local banks all round. It would be well for the state treasurer to furnish ab- stracts, just as the United States treas ury department does, in order that a combined showing of all the banks might be presented to the public. In the meantime the government abstract covering 75 banks in Alabama indi. cates clearly how prosperous we are as state and what a proud position Birmingham occupies in the financial world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
AN ADVERTISEMENT.

Says snowman: 'I want the best fire-dancer in Amer ica. 'I want the best Spanish dancer in America Il want lady for statue turning to life. q want handsome ladies for ball hoo" He doesn't want much.
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

Six Senators have died since the present Congress came in, but nearly all of the six deaths were due to old age. Morgan, Pettus Proctor and Whyte. The other two were Mallory and Iatimer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

times a million dollars has been set aside for improvements to their plants in this district And this money is now being expended as rapidly as 1t Is pos sible to improve old and build new plants. The improvements already made at Ems ley particularly have shown the most remarkable results The. output of both iron and steel and steel rails is increas- ing daily and will continue to increase. So why shouldn't we have great pros- perity in the Birmingham district not only in this year but in all the years to come?
 We simply need to be conservative to keep the prices of living within reas- enable bounds and to hold rents forAres- idences down to a fair percentage on the investment Real estate has depreciated within the past year but residence rents remain the same.
 A <
 The good roads movement has taken on new life with the coming of the gov ernment engineer. and within the present year Jefferson county will have a great system of macadamized roads. The movement is so well under way now that it cannot be stopped.
 %
 The national political situation has be- come rather interesting. President Roose- ve1t doesn't relish the congressional op-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

'.Do women crave admiration?" asks Dorothy Dix. Oh, not at all. The idea is absurd! (Sarcasm)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
STING.

The tramp departed from the house
 In most vindictive mood. He told the dame he fain would eat She gave him breakfast food.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The three greatest men at present are David B. Hill Secretary Cortelyou and Chancellor Day The last-named cannot hold still much longer. He is not an expert in silence as the others
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
EASY ENOUGH.

What are you denying yourself during Lent?" asked Brer Rabbit.
 'Who, me?' asked Brer Fox. I'm denying myself sour grapes"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
SUPERIOR JOY.

Had lovely dream last night" said Hi. Ball.
 What was it about?"
 q dreamed I was a tank that held 5OOOOO gallons
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

In court and home circles the Abruzzi-Elkins engagement is denied. It is the customary first step in such affairs. Confirmation will follow later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
A PITEoUs WAL

This is my exact address, If you care to know, Forty blocks from Easy street, Down in Trouble Row. Never had an auto car Never had a yacht, Never had a mansion grand Fortune knows me not. Never took an ocean trip, Never travelled much, 'Cept as far as Bessemer, Back again, and such. Never had a fiunky who Helped me when I dressed Never could afford champagne When I felt depressed. Never had chance to loaf By the summer sea, Celebrating all the time, Happy as could be. Never had expensive clothes, Nor that little suite In an Oriental style>
 Where I'd sleep and eat. Never had the bric-a-brac And the works of art l In a foreign mart. Never had enough to flash Any sort of roll Couldn't raise dollar though 'Twere to save my soul. shall lose my temper if don't make a strike, So I may procure myself Something that I like. This is my exact address, If you care to know, Forty blocks from Easy street, Down in Trouble Row.
 A POSSIBLE CONTINGENCY ionized. Well! welI!' s'I wonder if walking delegates will in- sist on looking into a mans mouth to see if his teeth bear the union label?'
 CAUGHT COLD. I'm sure 'tis spring.
 He blithely said. He took them off
 And now he's dead.
 UP AGAINST IT. 1T must face the music every day." Poor fellow! How does that happen?' There's a, photograph across the street from my house"
 WAS A FAMOUS PIRATE. Suppose Lafitte should return to life?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The last girder of new bridge be- tween New York and Brooklyn has been swung into place. Between tubes and bridges the East river will soon be abolished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The diamond combine is closing it's mines, but no one need buy at the com bine's prices. A diamond combine is not to be feared as is a grocery com hine
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT SEVERAL
 THINGS OF INTEREST AFFECTING BIRMINGHAM

position to his friend and candidate, Sec retary Taft, and he has announced that he will send another message to Congress this week in which he will tell Congress what legislation 1t should enact on the subject of curbing the trusts and other important issues He Is determined to make friends for himself among the voters of the country and friends for his friend Taft. He is determined that Taft shall be the republican nominee and it is almost a certainty that he will succeed in his determination. The Can non. Fairbanks and Hughes booms are decidedly on the wane.
 Roosevelt is bent upon carrying Taft through the Chicago republican conven- ton, even though he will have to use whip and spur in the act.
 Within democratic circles 1t Is an as- sured fact that MT. Bryan will be the nominee and it looks at present as though Governor Johnson of Minnesota will be the nominee for vice president. Such a ticket will indeed be strong one and the next national election in November promises to be one of the closest and most interesting in the history of this
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The Abruzzi-Ell1ins match would put Henry Gassaway Davis in touch with the Italian throne, for Miss Ellzins is his granddaughter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
DISTRESSING SIGHT.

It Is reported that Georgia colonels may be seen almost any day in the week drinking Coco-Cola. We couldn't bear to see it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The Concord, N. Fl, tax assessors are giving Mrs. Eddy the absent treat ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The Roosevelt programme seems to be to do lot of globe-trotting while MT. Taft runs the office for a term.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The tennis court has superseded the kitchen cabinet, but Lodge, Beyeirdge and Nick Longworth are holding on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The London Times is to stay in the Walters family, and it will attempt to earn money in its old nineteenth century way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

The scores of the 16 battleships in target shooting will soon appear along side our baseball scores.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

Senator LaFollette swatted the money kings in his recent speech, by telling a good many secrets in high feenance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

Chronic rheumatism Is the only foe that ever conquered Fighting Bob Evans into a surrender.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
THE BRUTE.

Mrs. Tweakley's husband is the mean est man I know"
 What has he done?'
 ''He said he wished something would happen to the Easter hat crop
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

'If he did he'd probably run errands for E. H. Hartman
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

Grover Cleveland is the only ex- President, and he cannot unaided hold a reunion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

When Hayti is not keeping the island in the spotlight Santo Domingo takes a turn at the job.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

A Connecticut squirrel got in the swim by hoarding money. It built nest of 5000 bills.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

Several high financiers felt sighted because Senator LaFollette left them out of his list.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

A trip to Europe will not rebrighten Abe Hummels shingle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

No matter what the Easter hat costs it must be put on straight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

If the Russians had done more fight ing during the1war with Japan they would not be doing so much now at home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
THE TONIC SEASON.

O1FIO kJ11ztNO1V' The young and old
 You'll find are perusing A label which reads, "Shake well before using"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

AM glad to see the good feeling which
 is prevailing in Birmingham at the
 present time. We have been through hard times and many of us have sui fered, but it is all over. The people are pulling together and look for a year of great prosperity
 When a man like Mir w. H. Woodward gives out the contract for the construc- tion of a sixteen-story office building to cost nearly million dollars and is to put all the money in 1t himself, it is clear indication that he has every con- fidence in the growth and prosperity Of this town and district. Not only that, but MT. J. L. chalifoux of Lowell, Mass.' and local Birmingham capitalists are to put up a big office building on the Chal- ifoux corner which recently burned. And the Jordan estate is to put up build ing on Fifth avenue and Twentieth street. All three of these buildings are prac- ticallv assured and all three of them will be filled to overfowing with tenants the minute they are completed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
About Persons.

I. F. Young has returned from New York
 II. Maring of Selma is at the New Morris
 Columbus Smith of Anniston is at the New Morris.
 William B.. Bankhead of Jasper is at the New Morris.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

A few years ago we were all enthus- iastic when the announcement was maae that the old Tennessee company was to invest a million dollars in steer piahl at Ensley. Since the United States Steel cornoration has acquired the Tennessee company. only four months ago, five
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22
UP AGAINST IT

"I must face the music every day" Poor fellow! How does that happen?" "There's a photograph across the street from my house."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

None of LaFollettes 100 rulers live in the south.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

WAS A FAMOUS PIRATE. Suppose Lafitte should return to life?"