davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
China'S Great Reformer Dismissed

Yuan She Kai, once the great vice. roy Of Che-L province, and since 1907 the chief councillor of the empire, hasbeen dismissed from office and sent home. He was the leader of progress in China. He welcomed all the prog ressive ideas in the central govern ment, in trade, in transportation, in education and in all other matters that came within his control. He was rap idly transforming the army into one of modern effectiveness, and he had rendered Pekin cleanly and its streets we'll paved.
 It is impossible to judge events in China as We do events in France or Great Britain, but the conclusion seems irresistible that the court cana rilla surrounding the prince regent, a Manchu 26 years old, has busted Yuan 5he-Kai because he was a Chinaman and because he believed in a new China that could defend herself as the Japanese have defended their island empire. A reactionary movement in ,ther words has been inaugurated and sad blow struck at China's progress 70 a position of strength and self protection.
 No Tung who has been appointed shiaf councillor is a Manchn who has
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Our BattleShlpS h Sicily

A part of the battleship fleet is al ready arrived at Port Said, aud it can be coded and no doubt hurried to the Strait of Messina before the end of the present week. Possibly the battle ships can not signally aid the dis tressed along the strait. Its surplus supplies and its surgeons and nurses can, however, do something to relieve suffering, and the presence of the fleet will at least express the sympathy of the United States for the afflicted Italians. It is an occasion in which race lines are lost sight of and com mon humanity appeals to all.
 The fleet need not hurry back It is not needed at home or anywhere else so much as it is this week at Sicily and Calabria. The people of Italy would never forget the services of the fleet at this time, and all in all it should be dispatched by Congress and the President to the theatre of the earthquake, even if it cannot bring a great deal of assistance to a stricken people. The President did right when he offered the services of the fleet to Italy and al>p when he asked Con- gress to appropriate $500,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Water Pressure Insufficient

The residence of Sydney J. Bowie was burned to the ground because the fire department had the use of a stream of water that did not, to use the words of Chief Bennett Ego three feet" An insufficient water pressure exists in all the higher districts on Southside, and the danger of confagra- tions there cannot well De exaggerated. A fire once started in a house on the highlands Of Red mountain means as things stand the destruction of that house.
 All property that is taxed in this city is entitled to fire protection and the highlands along Red mountain cer- tainly are taxed. The Bowie fire should awaken the City Council to a sense of its duty toward the district in question: The citizens in the dis trict have frequently asked for fire protection fearing just such losses as tbe one that occurred on Sunday morning, and no action or the part of the council could be secured. In the llgnt of the recen. fire the call for protection cannot longer be reasonably or justlT denied. Mere pressure is needed and more pressure should be speedily supplied to all the upper d-s- tricts of fSouthside.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
ROOSEVELT SENDS
 SPECIAL MESSAGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)


 the twentieth section of the Hepburn law, l added: "The provision about the em- ployment of the secret service men will work very great damage to the gov ernment in its endeavor to prevent and punish crime. There is no more foolish outcry than this against spies only crlm- inals need fear our detectives" q en- close copy of the whole letter. marked Appendix C." The postscript is blurred in my eopybook, and two or three of the words cannot be deciphered) These meth ods proved unafailing to prevent the wrong. Messrs. Tawney and Smith and their fellow members on the appropria- tions committee paid no heed to the pro- tests; and as the obnoxious provision was incorporated in the sundry civil bill 1t was impossible for me to consider or discuss 1t on its merits, as I should have done had 1t been in a separate bill Therefore I have now taken the only method available that of discussing it in my message to Congress; and as all efforts to secure what I regard as proper treatment of the subject without recourse to plain speaking had failed. I have spoken plainly and directly. and have set forth the facts in explicit terms.
 In conclusion l most earnestly ask in the name of good government and de- cent administration, in the name of hon. esty and for the purpose of bringing to justice violators of the federal laws wher- ever they may be found, whether in pub lie or private life, that the action taken by the House last year be reversed When this action was taken the Senate com mittee, under the lead of the late Senator Allison. having before 1t a strongly word ed protest Appendix D) from Secretary Cortelyou like that he had sent to MT. Tawney, accepted the Secretary's views: and the Senate passed the bill in the shape presented by Senator Allison. Tn the conference. however, the House con- ferees insisted on the retention of the provision they had inserted, and the Sem ate yielded.
 The chief of the secret service is paid salary utterly inadequate to the i'm portance of his functions and to the ad- mirable way in which he has performed them. I earnestly urge that 1t be in- creased to S60o0 per annum. I also urge that the secret service be placed where it properly belongs. and made a bureau in the department of justice. as the chief of the secret service has repeatedly re- quested; but whether this is done or not, it should be explicitly provided that the secret service can be used to detect and punish crime wherever it is found.
 THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
 The White House, January 4, 1909.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
For Greater Birmingham.

q believe there Is at this time more unanimous sentiment all over the district in favor of Greater Birmingham than there has ever been before" said a mem- Der of the Commercial club. Even in the suburbs where there was the most pronounced opposition to joining Birming- ham I have heard men express the be- lief that since such unfair means. had been taken to defeat the measure they were now in favor of a Greater Birming- ham bill.
 ''They are beginning to realize that they are really part of one big com munity and that it Is as much to one mans interest as another's to have Bir- mingham make good showing when the federal census is taken next year. Men from the suburbs who visit other cities invariably register from Birmingham, and it is perfectly natural because they real ly are from Birmingham. If the occa- sion presents itself I believe there will be an overwhelming sentiment in favor of the enlarged city"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
MEETINGS BEGUN
 AT GREENYILLE

Greenville, January 4.-(Special.)- Baptist church. began a series of meet ings yesterday morning, In which he has the able assistance of Rev. W. J. Ray evangelist of the State Board of Missions. The music is under the lead ership of w. H. Carson, with the as- sistance of Mr. Parke, cornetist, Mrs. J. R. Amerine and Miss Kate McMul- Ian, pianists.
 The auditorium and Sunday school room were crowded at the services yes- terday, and quite number were turned away last night, being unable to get seats. Services will be held morning an devening during the week, and much interest is being manifested.
 The board of stewards elected for this conference year were installed yes- terday morning at the Meth odlst church. The stewards are: W. J. Bee land, T. W. Peagler, J. A. Kendrick J. H. Dunklin, G. H. Tatum, j. E. Smythe, R. A. Lee, J. B. Stanley, H. B. Pilley, H. C. Seals, c. M. Featherstone. D. P. Smith, C. W. Lewis and c. IT. Tn omp- son.
 The Glee club of the State University gave a delightful concert at the opera house Saturday night under the aus pices of the Owl club. good house greeted them and the entire audience was enthusiastic over the fine pro- gramme well given under the direc- tion of Tom Garner. After the per formance they were entertained at tn, rooms of the Owl club. where they met a number of young people. At noon Saturday the young men of i the Glee club were guests of Misses ] Ettie and Frances Beeland at thell beautiful home on Cedar street There | were present also Miss Nell Roberts | of Tennessee, Miss Emmie Lee New 1 man of Alb bbeville, Miss Clara Beelant | and Miss Pet McMilian.
 Misses Helen Berdue and Clara Bee
 land will leave this afternoon to resume {! their studies at Belmont college. Ten I nessee. They will be accompanied by 1 Miss Carol Perrenot of Andalusia, wht l has been the guest of Miss Terdue fol | several days.
 l Mrs Sallie Herbert has returned iron
 a pleasant trip of several months tt ] points in Louisiana. Texas and New
 Mexico.
 Mrs Mary Conner left yesterday fol l DeFuniak, Fla, to visit her daughter
 Mrs. E. N. Thorpe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Tornedoes on Tracks.

There are youths in Birmingham who think it is great sport to place torpedoes on the street car tracks, said we'll known citizen yesterday. "They like to hear the noise and they like to see the passengers on the cars jump. l think they should have called to their atten- ton an incident that happened in Hunts vile last week. Some one in fun during the holidays put a torpedo on the track and the explosion caused a portion of the fange of one of the steel wheels to fly off This particle of metal fortunately did not strike any human being but 1t went through the plate glass in front of one of the banks and shattered the big glass. If the missile had struck some one the lesson would have been dearly learned but it strikes me that even this incident should teach youngsters that there is indeed a serious side to this sort of fun.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Ep,LocUE TO AsoLANDo.

At the midnight, in the silence of tho sleep-time. When you set your fancies free, Will~they pass to whereby death, fools think. imprison'd- 9 Low he lies who once loved you, who you loved so-
 Pity me? Oh! to love so. be so loved, yet so mis- taken! What had on earth to do, With the slothful with the mawkish, the unmanly? Like the aimless, helpless, hopeless, did I drivel-
 Being-who? One who never turnd his back, but march'd breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break. Never dreamed, though right were worst ed, wrong would triumph; Hold we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better,
 Sleep to wake. No, at monday in the hustle of mans worktime Greet the unseen with a cheer! Bid him forward. breast and back as either should be, Strive and thrive' cry Speed, Nsht on. fare ever
 There as here!'
 By Robert Browning. [!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Comment By Busbey.

Washington, January 1.-The Presi- dents specific references to MT. Busbey, the speakers private secretary, created a storm of laughter. The speaker several times vigorously rapped for order.
 In commenting on the Presidents ref erence to himself in the message MT. Busbey said:
 "I am an employe of the House of Rep resentatives. It would not be appropriate for me in any way to make any comment on the matter now before the House. l will say however, that the article quoted from the Chicago Inter Ocean in the Presidents message was prepared in the regular course of work as a newspaper correspondent. when I was the repre- sentative of the Inter Ocean I doubt if a dozen members of Congress ever saw the article or heard oI 1t until today"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Conditions in Montqomery.

B. A. Pepperman, secretary to Mayor Ward. has just returned from Montgom- cry. "rhe city fathers are greatly ex- ercised," stated MT. Pepperman, "as to the best manner in which to raise reve- nue for the current year in view of the fact that the saloon license will be no longer obtainable. The council has all ready put the street tax into use, and it preparing to increase small fees, such as pound fee. the dog tax, etc, etc.
 While in Montgomery I did not mo- tiee any open violations of the prohibi- tion laws. Montgomery is growing slow ly, but growing just the same.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
HOTEL PROPERTY CHANGES HANDS

Calera, January 4.-(Special.)-C. B. Porter, formerly of this place, is here, and informed your correspondent of his and his broth CTS purchase of Talladega Springs and 314 acres of land, inclusive. They also secured all the articles or hotel service that belonged there. Both gentlemen will move from Syllacauga to that place and give their attention to accommodating the guests. The wa ters of the springs will be free to everybody, a feature that will be great ly appreciated by the public.
 C. w. Wade today made trade with J. M Collins which has been pending for some time. As a result the for mer will erect a two-story brick build ing in the space between the postoffice and the Collins structure and joining on to the same. As soon as the weather settles construction will begin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Trade PrOSpects In the New Year

Business men are not over-sanguine. They are expecting no booms in trade or in speculation. They have, how ever, a feeling of calm confidence, based no doubt on the soundness of affairs in this country and the steady upward trend of industrial activity. More men are working full time to- day than have been working that way in a years time.
 The easy condition of the money market also induces a feeling of con fidence. Men who have good collaterals can readily procure money, and mer- chants of good credit can do likewise. While this is the case the prices of securities will be well maintained, cities will plan improvements and mer- chants will seek widening of their trade
 These conditions are made mani fest in the building operations, the latest reports showing that building is progressing in nearly all the cities of the land at rapid rate. When build CTS are busy realty owners become hopeful and all branches of trade be- gin to become reasonably optimistic. No one expects and no one should de- sire a boom this year. A steady prom ising recuperation is already felt and this is what we need to the very end of the new year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Mr. Hardinn Returns.

W. P. c. Harding, president of the First National bank has returned from New York, where he went to attend meetings of the reorganization commit tee of the Southern Steel company held last week. MT. Harding reiterated the dispatches sent from New York last week to the effect that financial ar engagements had been made in New York and London to put the bankrupt con- cern on its feet and the management will have funds available for putting all of the plants in first-class condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
TO AN OLD cHARwoMAN.

Tn spite of it's tatters, in spite of it's rags, In spite of it's annals of woe, The day never darkens and time never
 drags
 For brave hearts in Poverty Row. A quavering song seems to brighten the
 grime
 And turn all the cobbles to gold A measure devoid of both rhythm and
 rhyme
 From the lips of charwoman rolled. Oh happy the heart that IS patient to
 bear
 And still makes the best of it's fate; That knows not the meaning of gloom
 and despair, But content Is to labor and wait And cherish dream of a not distant
 day
 When Fortune her smiles will bestow And the woman who scrubs she will dwell
 far away
 From the squalor of Poverty Row!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Coal Mininu Decision.

Washington, January 4.-ln deciding the ease of Mclean vs. the State of Ar kansas in favor of the state,- the su- prene court of the United States up- held today the Arkansas state law mak- ing it unlawful for mine owners to screen, before weighing coal mined by the quantity, the purpose being to pro- tAot the miners against possible fraud.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
About Persons.

A. Griggs, formerly superintendent of the Alabama Great Southern, with Birmng- ham headquarters and now an official of a furnace company at Cedartown, Ga, Is in Birmingham. MT. Griggs came to see Horace Vance, trainmaster of the Ala bama Great Southern, who is very i'll after an operation for appendicitis.
 Charles Worthington, trainmaster of terminals of the Louisville and Nash vile at Decatur, is in the city the guest of MT. and Mrs John Matthews.
 Col B. s. Patrick, commandant of the cadet corps at Auburn, after spending a few days in Birmingham, has returned to Auburn. He states that the attendance at Auburn is destined to reach the 700 mark before the close of the present session.
 Phares Coleman, one of the prominent attorneys of Montgomery, after spending couple of days with his father, Judge A. A. Coleman, returned yesterday to Montgomery.
 w. R. Avery of Roanoke, member of the legislature from Randolph county, is in Birmingham. MT. Avery is one of the few legislators who are ministers of the gospel lover in our section of the 1 state," stated Mir Avery, ''the prohibi- | ton laws are being enforced as all other laws are"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
ENSLAVED.

ENSLAVED. A man and his money Now, isn't 1t funny
 The size of the racket they make? Who hasn't a penny Is one of the many
 Who look on this life as a fake. But really and truly We cherish unduly
 The bank roll we carry for show. This very same money, So useful and sunny, Is the root of all evil you know. Iris wondrous surprising To see it disguising
 Itself as a blessing to all, When wisdom confesses, Or hazards shrewd guesses That man Is no more than it's thrall!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Real Estate Transfers.

Deeds of conveyance were filed in the office of the probate court yesterday in the following transactions in real estate in which amounts of 5000 or more were in- volved:
 s27,0OO-Mary Louie Potter Bush and w. J. Bush to Frank s. White ct ai., lot and the west half of lot 10, in block lo2' Birmingham, fronting to feet on the soutn along tba east line of Twenty-second street 40 feet to an alley in the rear
 s2sOo-J. Cary Thompson and wife to Mamie snyder. lot 20 in block Il, West End.
 s1275-w. P. Yeatman to T. G. Brabston, mart of block sS7, Birmingham, lying near the corner of Lincoln street and Jeffer- son avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the NeW Y 0rK Fress.
 A hard thing to make up your mind to do Is something you know is sensible.
 When a girl isn't willing to f1irt with a man he's related to her.
 One of the most wasteful things a man can do is saving money for his heirs to throw away
 Nothing makes women so suspicious of one another as for all of them to pre- tend not to be.
 The reason a man brags about the fur mace so much down town Is he cusses 1t so much at homo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
Committee Returns Happy.

The returning committee on invitation from Augusta was enthusiastic over their trip and their entertainment. We not only accomplished our purpose, but were treated with the utmost hospitality and kindness" said President John l.. Raul of the Commercial club. MT. Taft received us informally and gave us an insight into his jolly, sincere nature.
 "The trip resulted in big advertise ment for Birmingham. and no doubt when MT. Taft comes to this city it will bring the largest crowd that ever gathered on our streets"
 After a strenuous night and day ride the committee was tired but happy that their mission had been successfully accomp- lished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Strange Coincidence.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald: will you please refer to my letter of January g. in which think you will find stated. IS minutes past Il a. m. of the 18th. York Pa.
 Should the mistake be mine or yours will you kindly correct same. would not have troubled you agatn, but some
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

The Dutch warship Jacob von Heein- skerk has been ordered to go on a peace footing. Jake will soon be in the position of man whose occupa- tion's gone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
COLDEST WAVE OF
 SEASON IS COMING

Washington, January 1.-The most marked cold wave of the season with high winds is spreading over the west and headed for the east and south accord ing to a special forecast issued today by the weather bureau. The storm which is preceding the cold wave has reached Minnesota, the rain turning to snow in the northern tier of states.
 It will be colder in the south Wednes- day and Wednesday night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
JUST A JINGLE.

Who makes a promise to himself No more to fret or worry And keeps his eyes upon the goal, Will get there in a hurry. Dame Fortune ever was a fiirt,
 Weak mortals still beguiling, But when she finds chap who smiles She also starts to smiling!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Ruef of course expects the Cali fornia court of appeals to come to his relief again by setting aside that IA year sentence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

President Deucher of Switzerland is serving a fourth term. He may have been studying Porfino DiaZ's record.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Gomez is president of Venezuela but Castro is still enjoying the perquisites of the office.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

H. H. Rogers influence over Mark Twain was complete when the latter was induced to turn himself into a trust
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Peace and economy are Japan's chief policies at present, and other countries would do we'll to follow suit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

New York does not take kindly t denatured moving picture shows, es pecially,on Sunday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

No more theatregoing from the White House! This is the beginning of the shelving of my policies" until not one is left.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Aunisquam, Mass, hopes to become the summer capital of the United States. It should change its name first.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Mary Anderson says the stage is
 no place for the average woman, and the average woman knew it all the | time
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Peaceful domesticity beats the glare of the footlights full city block, says Mary Anderson, or words to that ef- feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Argentina and Brazil are conducting war by seeing which can build the most and biggest battleships.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Jim Jeffries refuses to enter the ring again even to please the proud Cau- casian race.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Uncle Joe and Cousin Serene re fused to extend the courtesies of the season to the Laird of SkibO.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Castro has concluded it Is better tt be a retired capitalist than an of ficial on a vacation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

Every little town out west wants commission government.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
HAD HIS WISH.

"He said he wanted a run for his money"
 And did he get 2"
 Most assuredly. He went to Chicago and footpads chased him seven blocks
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
FOR THE CURIOUS.

FOft IftE VUhIOOD' "There goes a stunning picture hat" "Only one thing lacking" And what is that?" "A picture of the price,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
WHY NOT2

q see where Nat Goodwin has endowed his wife,
 'Why not make the Nat Goodwin wife Q sort of national institution?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

The annual swearing of is about to taper off.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

The Pittsburg alderman simply wants to get into the class of Pitts burg millionaires.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

The cables from Africa should be reinforced before the ides of March.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05

If Pittsburg cannot get into the spot light in one way it will in another.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-05
LIKE KOKoMo.

q once saw a book that was printed in Sanskrit.'
 "That must be one of those Indiana towns with crazy name"