davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
Eighteen Dead At Short Creek

Although white men and 13 negroes lie in their collins at Short Geek, yet Coroner Brasher has decided that the death of the men was purely acei- dental and that the explosion was caused by windy shot
 Eighteen men dead and no one to blame
 Coroner Brasher will have difficulty in explaining how there can be a windy shot in a coal mine and no one at fault. It is impossible. The very occurrence of a windy shot brings in negligence at once. A windy shot is a blast of powder improperly tamped. When the fuse is lighted flame and smoke are thrust out into the mine, thus creating an explosion of fire damp or of the dust or of both. A shot that is properly tamped does not become windy. It's fire is not propelled over the floor of the mine.
 Whoever fired the fatal shot at Short Creek must have neglected to use clay enough in it and the facts concerning that shot should, if possible, have been brought out. At any rate Coroner Brasher had no right to say that the death of IS men was due to a windy shot of a purely accidental" nature, for there can be no windy shot that IS purely accidental
 Coroner Brasher is new to the duties of the coroner's office and he should not make the mistake again of chasing windy shots among matters that are purely accidental"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
Standard Oil and Missouri

Through the legal skill of Governor Hadley, then attorney general, the power of the state of Missouri over the Standard Oil monopoly was fully estab- lished, and the Standard knows it and it has confessed as much, for it admits that it must either cease business in Missouri, or have its business prac- tically managed by the state. "The issue of public policy says the Kan sas City Star, involved is correctly one for the expression of public senti- ment. It is believed that public senti- ment would favor the acceptance of the Standards plea for complete state supervision as against custer from the state.''
 There are some legal questions to be settled, but the legislature of Mis- souri is in session, and no doubt the Standards proposition will be put be- fore it. This proposition is indeed epochal in American. industrialism. whichever alternative, says the Star, "ouster from the state or partnership in control with the state, is decided upon, the significance of the situation is the same. For the state makes the decision, not the corporation. It is the states business, not Standard Oils"
 The situation in Missouri is very in- teresting. The Star unhesitatingly de- clares that "the best condition for Mis- souri that could result from Hadley's splendid victory over the greatest trust in America would be this-that Mis- souri should become established as the common wealth which welcomes all capital and all business enterprises that abide by the law and the Square Deal, and as the commonwealth which has the power and the integrity to see to it that the law and the Square Deal are held inviolate.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05

succeeded that today more Japanese are going back home than are coming to this country.
 There will be no mischievous legisla- ton in the PaciAc states. Governor Gillette would veto any objectionable bill in California. and the boards of trade and all business men are making themselves felt in opposition to all jingo measures. All this is understood as well at Tol1io as it is in Washing ton, perhaps better, and the talk of war between the two countries is the veri- est rubbish. There will be no war. and no friction and no interruption of friendly relations. The Yellow Peril is lessening each year on the Pacific coast. The movement of the Japanese is outward, not inward, and pretty soon we will hear the last of this trouble that the demagogues and mis- chief makers are kicking up at Sacra- mento and Carson. The other Pacific states are not vexed with jingoes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
WHEN TIN WAS A LUXURY.

From Annals of the City of Kansas and
 the Great Western Plains" published
 in 1858.
 Tin smelling is another of the chief in- dustrials of the city and in 1857 this bus mess was largely increased by the great demand for tin roofing, our dealers find ing it almost impossible to obtain a sup ply of roofing. during some months of the panic, even from the house of Phelps, Dodge & Co.,, in New York, the largest tin and metal establishment in the states. Very many of our larger and most sub stantial brick buildings erected in 1857 were roofed with tin; and others are now going up, while more are under contract for spring building, which will still keep up the demand for tin roofing, and 1t may fairly be stated that tin roofing is now permanently connected with the bus mess of our tinsmiths.
 Every kitchen requires more or less of stove and tinware--and nowhere in the west has the kitchen demand for this ware been larger than on this border Even Tn our own city we may safely say that in 1857 1000 new kitchen outfits were made. Some for the young bride. just commencing the labor of life and love, and more for the emigrant. who has come to live and work in this great metropolis of the American Plains-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
The Iron Market.

The pig iron market is dull, but as January opened with little inquiry and small sales and closed with considerable activity 1t may turn out that consid- erable tonnage will be contracted for be- fore the end of this month. Rogers, Brown & Co.'S Cincinnati report says:
 "February opens with 0 quiet market and inquiries of an uncertain nature. There is slight renewed interest in bus mess for forward delivery and some in- quiries have appeared for the last half, but as there is little or no tendency on the part of furnaces to offer. ahead at present prices, business resulting has not been of consequence. There is consid- erable tonnage under offer which has been held up, but, as the market is easy as regards pressure of furnaces for sales. there Is no evidence of price concession on such business.
 While as a whole January was some what disappointing in many ways, the tonnage placed footed up well and the disappointment was probably due more to the greater anticipation for this month, after November and December than was entirely warranted The last few days saw some good contracts placed and with annual inventories and closing down of shops, the invariable incidents of the first month, out of the way, it is ex- pected that February will show up much better.
 Coke is quiet and easy but, like pig iron, there is no tendency on the part of sellers to ease up on prices nor is there an unwarrantable amount of ma terial offering which would make price concessions necessary"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
$1ooo BILL HIS SMALLEST.

From the New ' OrK Times.
 The cashier in the mems cafe of the Hotel Plaza had a fuss late yesterday afternoon with man who. in an effort to get change for one of many 5000 bills he carried around in his pockets, had imbibed a dozen or more highballs and was in consequence, as the cashier ex- pressed it, some peevish.'
 The visitor to the cafe was Edward P. Clayton, who said he had come to New York from Richmond, Va, to attend the dinner in memory of Gen. Robert E. Lee at the Waldorf-Astoria last night, and realizing that he would be in need of ample funds" while here, he had drawn a large sum from his bank before leav- ing Richmond.
 There is $30,000 in that roll, and the smallest bill in 1t is the one I gave you and I want 1t changed. I have been to a dozen places in this neighborhood, or dered a highball at each one, but none of the bartenders could change this bill They all told me I could step around to- morrow and pay the check. I suppose the only way I can get 1t changed is to sit around here and drink t10OO worth of highballs."
 With this, the cashier said, MT. Clayton took the bill from the waiter and started to leave the cafe. The cashier hailed him, however, sent the bill to the office and gave MT. Clayton his change, $999 75 in notes of very small denomination.
 "I would have changed that bill if had had to go to the sub-treasury," said the cashier. z
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
California and Nevada

The Drew bill barring aliens from owning lands in California has been defeated in the lower house of the Cali fornia legislature. It was aimed par ticularly at the Japanese. No doubt the other anti-Japanese bills will meet similar fate. All apply to all for eigners, and California cannot afford to pass any of them.
 The Nevada legislature is not pass ing anti-Japanese bills, being content to inculge in resolutions only. As the state contained in the last census year only 42,335 population. whatever her her legislature may do is not very i'm portant. The jingoes of that state will not be able to do much harm, for 1t would take at least five such states to make a Jefferson county of Alabama.
 And yet it is plain that the Pacific coast wants no increase in the number of Japanese. That is undeniable, and both countries are striving to bring about that result. So well have they
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Must Look to Iaurels.

Mel Drennen, Barnes Morgan, Harry Jones, Dan Hogan and all the other prominent citizens. who for a number of years, have-been candidates for cham pionship honors in the matter of personal pulcritude will have to take a back seat, for B. M. Allen has them stood to fare-you-well," said a friend of all of them yesterday.
 Judge Allen. by no less prominent men than Senators Bankhead and John ston. has been selected as the handsemest man in North Alabama and one of the two handsomest men in 1the state.
 When it became known that Mir Allen had been so honored his friends expressed little surprise. On their countenances there was a regular I told you SO ex- pression. When he himself was apprised of the action of the Alabama senators, Judge Allen modestly refrained from comment The other fortunate Alabamian was Albert Bush of Mobile
 Judge Allen and MT. Bush will rep resent Alabama as floor managers of the grand ball in Washington on the even ing of March 4, the ball being one of the forms in which society will cele- brate the advent of Taft and the de- parture Of Roosevelt. The committee in charge notified Senators Johnston and Bankhead, along with all the other sem ators that the men selected from each state must possess Beau Brummel art of dress, must be very distinguished in appearance, of fine height, fine figure and bearing.
 Locally everyone knows Judge Allen and no one denies the wisdom of the senators, selection. For a number of years Judge Allen has had few rivals. MT. Bush too, is well known in Bir- mingham. He is triie taller than Judge Allen, but his figure is not considered so well proportioned, nor do his locks flow backward with an air so debon- nair."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
BALLADE OF THE BARMECIDE.

By Austin Dobson. To one in eastern clime-'tis said There came a man at eve with, "Lo! Friend, ere the day be dimmed and deads Hast thou mind to feast and know Fair cates, and sweet wines overfiow?'s To whom that other fain replied NLead on. Not backward l, nor slow Where is thy feast, o Barmecide?" Thereon the bidder passed and led To where. apart from dust and glow, They found a board with napery spread. And gold, and glistering cups arrow. Eat quoth the host; yet naught did
 show.
 To whom his guest-"rhy board is wide, But barren Is the cheer, I trow; Where is thy feast, 0 Barmecide?" Eat" quoth the man not less and fed From meats unseen, and made aa
 though
 He drank of wine both white and red. "Eat-ere the day to darkness grow. Short space and scant the Fates be-
 stow!''
 What time his guest him wondering eyeds Muttering in wrath his beard below "Where is thy feast, O Barmecide?' Lfe-'tis of thee they fable so.
 Thou bidst us eat, and still denied still fasting from thy board we go; Where is thy feast. o Barmecide?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
Keep your fellows counsels, and your own.
 Much Ado About Nothing.
Garage or Stable !?

A great moral question has arisen between the two Houses of Congress and as a last resort it has been re- ferred to a committee of conference. In the urgent deficiency appropriation bill the House put an item appropriat- ing $12,0O0 with which to buy auto mobiles for MT. Taft's use. The Senate struck this item out. The House by a vote of 1S5 to 27 promptly disagreed, and the whole matter was sent to con ference.
 The President-elect prefers automo- piles to horses, and the entire subject was threshed over in the House. One member desired to know what would become of the White House horses if automobiles are to be used by the in- coming President, and another member wanted to know whether the stables would in that event become a gar ridge" or a garage" These difficult questions were handed over to the con- ference committee along with the rest of the subject.
 If the executive head of the nation discards horses and betakes himself to autos whenever he takes a ride, the horse, alas, will stand officially dis credited, and all his long service to man will have been set aside in favor of a mere machine. The elder states men of the Senate may be old-fash- toned and clannish and perhaps over anclined to assert their rights as the representatives of states, but not a few will stand by them in their love for and devotion to the horse. They prefer mans trusted animals to the gasoline trust and the machines that yex the air with their honks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
WHAT OF "sALoME" IN 1s4s?

From the New York World
 Carmen" was first produced in 1875, when Richard Strauss was Il years old It's composer, Bizet, died the same year, believing that he had left a masterpiece to the world, though his work apparently had failed.
 Carmen" is now one of the handful of seemingly immortal operas. In Germany last year it led the seasons list with 479 presentations. On the same list Strauss "Salome stands tenth, having had 217 hearings.
 Superfcially the Herodiae opera ap- pears to have had a popular indorsement in Germany. They are, however, further details about the count of productions. Of Wagner's works those which led all the rest in 1908 were 'Lohengrin," heard 395 times; "Tannhauser," 3S2 times; Ely ing Dutchman, 241 times; 'Walkure," 209 times, and "Meistersinger," 1S3 times. To the people who made Carmen" their fav- orite it is the earlier Wagner who still makes appeal, and not that crashing mas ter of eloquent discords upon whose work Strauss has founded his musical perver- sions. Does not the evidence of the list suggest that "Salome" has won in Ger many, as in New York, success of cur iosity and of the something new" rather than a composers enduring triumph?
 Bizet died before his victory arrived "Carmen" had no follower. Strauss crowds upon the heels of his dancing Sa- lome the groaning furies of "Elektra," an example in cumulative sensationalism. Ic lxal hat of are hence will have the popularity of Car men?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
SLAVE" SALE AT BROOKLYN.
Three Hundred Applicants Prefer
 Servitude to PauperisR.

From the New York American.
 The advertisement of a "man for sale placed in the American by E. T. OLough~ lin of 739 Carroll street, Brooklyn, has brought 'upon him such a flood of ap- peals that he announced Sunday he would be compelled to resort to an auction in order to find masters for everybody.
 "As all these poor people have come to me in confidence, asking that their names be kept secret" said MT. O'Lough- lin, "the auctioning will be conducted in a way to protect all who offer themselves for sale Several say they are willing to go on the block and be knocked down to the highest bidder. If so, they will wear a mask of domino over their features to prevent their being recognized.
 ''No name will be used during the sale. The applicants will be spoken of like this: Lot 1, a mechanic, etc.; Lot 2, a farm laborer with details as to his age, experience, etc."
 All told, 300 applicants for servitude have written to MT. O'Loughlin as the result of his first advertisement. Among them were only two or three women. About 40 letters were received from peo- pie who wanted to buy servants. The latter came from all parts of the United States. The president of a vacuum clean CT company of Lima, O., wrote that he wanted half dozen men. A widow at Fort Worth, Tex, wrote:
 Have seen your sale of men in New York. If you have still a good, healthy white slave who Is not afraid of a little work, I would like to enter into negotia tions for his purchase. You may give me the ha-ha, but am in deadly earnest. I have a big house here. which l own, and plenty of land surrounding it. There is only one thing lacking-a mant I am 35 years old, and considered good looking. I will trust you to pick out the right man, and I will pay the freight"
 Many letters from the far west offer work on farms and ranches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
Official Grading of Cotton

An advisory board of experts is en- gagged in naming standard grades of cotton. Nine standard grades have been, it is reported. agreed upon, name ly, good ordinary, strict good ordinary, low middling, strict low middling, mid ding. strict middling, good middling, strict good middling and middling fair. Samples of these nine grades will be sealed in boxes with glass covers. The Secretary of Agriculture will no doubt take steps for distribution of the standard samples to all the markets.
 At present each market has it's own standards, and it goes without the say ing that it would be a great advantage to the cotton trade to have one set of standards that is recognized in all mar kets. It would be better in dealings in spot cotton and in all contracts for future delivery.
 Congress lacks the power to establish standard grades of cotton in all the cotton ports of the world, but it can start the reform and then by example and influence this government can per haps induce all others to accept its standard grades of cotton. The reform has been started, and if the work of the experts at Washington be satisfac- tory the grades established in the country that produces the chief con- mercial crop of the world will no doubt be accepted In all markets in which American cotton is handled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
MendeIssohn's Centenary.

"As this year marks the centenary of Mendelssohn's birth it is probable that in all the festivals this spring at least one programme will be made up of Mendelsshon music" said well known amateur.
 "Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg. February 5, 1909. and died in Novem- Der. 1S47. He was a great composer. While he was far from ranking with Bach or Beetho oven, his contributions to musical art reveal wonderful grace, a rare wealth of imagination, and con- structive power of high order-qual- ities that have placed him among the masters.
 q have little patience with those modern day musicians and critics who speak disparagingly of Mepdelssohn by saying that his melodies are too sweet and that he lacked depth of feel ing. Few works have been composed that stand higher than the oratorios, Elijah and St. Paul. Other of his great compositions are the 42d Psalm, which is on the order of a choral symphony the violin concerto, the first concerto for the piano, the Mid summer Nights Dream music, the symphony in A-minor and the Fingals Cave overture.
 "Mendelssohn's life was full of sun shine. His home life from childhood was beautiful. He was happily mar ried. His work was appreciated in Germany, France and England. In England his Elijah was performed oft ener than any other oratorio, excepting Handefs Messiah. Had Mendelssohns life more of shadow in it, had this fer tile genius known what it was to strug gle for bread or even for recognition; or had he experienced a deep tragedy of the heart-a profound sorrow as most of the worlds great creative workers have done, then Mendelssohn might have risen to the height of the greatest. As it is his rank in the his-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
THE HAT PIN.

From the Washington Post.
 We had hoped to evade the hatpin, but 1t was forced upon us. Evasion is moi possible where every woman asks the same question: What do you think of the 1o-inch hatpin?" The hatpin has be- come the stcker of thought, the sting in the garmenture of peace. There Is no avoiding 1t where the feminine sex Is gathered together for discussion, and the verbal annihilation of the masculine ami maj, who, by 10-inch law, has cut short one of it's sacred perquisites.
 To the mere worm, man, it had never occurred that so slight a thing as the passage of simple law in faraway Ore gon, limiting the length of hatpins to 10 inches. could have been a matter of any moment outside of Oregon. But this is where the worm must acknowledge his limitations. In a night the 10-inch hatpin has become famous; as a house. hold familiar it has succeeded the direc- toire gown and the Merry Widow bonnet It threatens to become a wrecker of homes and a disrupter of families. And all because one poor, miserable bachelor objected to the putting out of his eyes. and resorted to the law as the only de- fense within reach!
 As to ourselves-we should never have thought of objecting. So, long as the fairest sex will crown their beauteous heads with hats the size of cartwheels; so long as they will swathe their rounded arms in polses like miller's bags or sleeves as tight as sausage skins; so long as they will clapboard down their hips and lace with steel bars their graceful lines of waist and back; so long as they will insist upon rats in their front hair and "puffs'' in their back hair-what care we for our eyes? We could not believe their evidence and still call our darlings beauti- full, anyhow. So what care we? Let the hatpins grow long as umbrella ribs and sharp as virago's tongue; it is nothing. If the whim of the fair sex is to put out our eyes, why, let theml We have submitted to about everything else, and it is too late to complain now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-05
Judqe Banks Here.

Judge J. J. Banks, formerly a promi- nent member of the Birmingham bar but now one of the leading lawyers of Denver, arrived in the city last night and unregistered at the Florence.
 q have been to New York" said Judge Banks, and on my return to Denver am stopping over in Birmingham for a few days expressly to shake hands with old friends. I hear a great deal about Birmingham's growth and knowing the resources of the district as do can read- fly imagine that it is going ahead rap idly In coming from the Terminal sta- tion to the Florence was impressed with the metropolitan appearance of the city and as for skyscrapers Birmingham Is making a great record.9