davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Decreasing Birth Rate In This Country

The average family a century ago in this country consisted of 5.S per sons. Here is a loss in a century of sons. Now 1t consists of 4.6 per more than person to family. A like loss a century hence-and it seems to be coming-will cut the size of the average American family down to s.4 persons, and that would be a small family indeed.
 Higher costs of living and changes in social customs have much to do with the reduced birth rate. And 1t is doubtful indeed whether immigration is so helpful as some think it Is in maintaining the birth rate. More males than females seek employment here. and the custom of migrating back and forth operates to keep women in the old countries.
 The estimates of increase in the population of this country cannot be Judged by past increases. The growth of trusts will continue to add to the cost of living and the birth rate will be decreased and after a few more decades our ten-year increases will approximate those of the countries from which we came. We may not stagnate as France is doing, but we will approximate that condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
THE coNouERoR WORM.

By Edgar Allan Poe. Loi 'tis O gala night
 Within the lonesome latter years! An angel throng, bewinged, bedight
 In veils, and drowned in tears. Sit in theatre, to see
 A play of hopes and fears, While the orchestra breathes ftfully
 The music of the spheres. Mines in the form of God on high,
 Mutter and humble low, And hither and thither fly
 Mere puppets they, who come and go At bidding of vast formless things
 That shift the scenery to and fro, Flapping from out their condor wings Invisible woe! That motley drama-oh, be sure
 It shall not be forgot! With It's fantom chased for evermors,
 By crowd that seize 1t not, Thru a circle that ever returneth in
 To the self-same spot, And much of madness, and more of sin, And horror the soul of the plot. But see, amid the mimic rout
 A crawling shape intrude! A blood-red thing that writhes from out The scenic soitudei It writhes Lit writhes with mortal pangi The mines become its food, And the angels sob at vermin fangs In human gore imbued. Out-out are the lights-out all!
 And, over each quivering form, The curtain. funeral pail,
 Comes down with the rush of a storm, While the angels, all pallid and wan, Uprising. unveilinE affirm That the play Is the tragedy, Man" And the hero the Conqueror Worm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

power. The locomotive is just fairly perfected, and now 1t must give place to electric motors. The locomotives will be worn out on branches and lines of small business. It will be driven back and still farther back un- til it is confined to lumber roads and back districts. It is marked to go, and many will regret it's going, for civilization and locomotives have been inseparable nearly TO years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
LARGE CROWDS AT
 EASTER SERVICES
Morning Services at the Advent and at St Mary's Were Especially
 Attractive.

Birmingham churches were crowded yes- terday for the Easter services. beautiful weather making the attendance even lar ger than usual in Birmingham upon what is regarded as the greatest church day of the year.
 Naturally the services at the liturgical churches were more elaborate than the others, and at all of them the music was an especial feature.
 At high celebration at tho Church of the Advent a large and finely trained choir and a select orchestra rendered a musical service which was said by many regular attendants to have been the most brilliant and fitting ever heard there The music was under the direction of Prof. Fred L. Grambs. The professional and other hymns were stirring and the Te Deum in E fiat by Dudley Buck, was notably joyous and brilliant. Especially fine. too, was Christ Our Passover" by vogrioh.
 The church was elaborately decorated. The rector, the Rev. Dr. w. E. Evans, preached an eloquent sermon, and the holy communion service was deeply im- pressive There was great crowd in at tendance. By urgent request the Advent Easter music. with full orchestral accom- paninent, will be repeated next Sunday.
 At St. Mary's-on-the Highlands holy communion was celebrated at Il o'clock, and the childrens hour was observed at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The church was beautifully decorated in dogwood blos- soms and cut flowers, and the entire morning service was of the most impress sive character. The Rev. Claybrooks ser mon was fervent and the music excep- tionally brilliant. No services were held at St. Mary's last night. but the entire choir, under the direction of Adolph Dahm-P Petersen, went to All Saints chapel, where the rector of St. Mary's, the Rev. W. N. Claybrook, preached last night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
EDWARDS ASKS QUESTION.
Pleads Reason for Selling Near Beer
 At GuIfport.

Jackson, Miss, April Ex-Governor Noel has a letter from H. Edwards of Gulf port, complaining that he has been ar rested and fined in the circuit court of Harrison county for selling near beer. He states that when in Jackson not long since he noticed 1t was being sold openly and above board and thought he could do the same thing at Gulfport. In view of tho fact that Jackson permits the sale and Gulfport arrests and fines the seller of near beer, MT Edwards wants to know if the laws are made to suit the locality, and if not, why the dis elimination.
 Governor Noel replies to Mir. Edwards, quoting section l, chapters 113 and 115 of the laws of 1908, which forbid the sale of any beverage containing alcohol; tells him that all laws apply to every section of the state; that a Pike county dealer in near beer is now serving a term on the county farm. and that he knows nothing personally of violation of prohibition laws in Jackson, How ever, he has turned over the Gulfport letter to the chief of police, sheriff and district attorney.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Trial Continued.

Winston-Salern, N. C., April 1.-The trial in the federal court here of Lee H. Battle, former cashier of the City National bank of Greensboro, charged with making false entries in the books and overdrawing his personal account and that of the Pomona Cotton mill, of which ho was president, was con tinued until October. The defense asked for time to examine the indict- ments. A motion to quash on the ground that the foreman of the jury was a stockholder in the bani was denied.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

the library. which now numbers 100 books. I call your especial attention to the work of Miss Abell our friendly wis., itor, and ask your attention to her re- port for March.
 MT Graham continues looking after the adult probation work, assisting Judge Feagin In retaining young men. He is great help with the boys also We are making a speciality this spring of getting hold of juveniles before the police officer and in so doing are cutting down the number of arrests among them.
 we are especially grateful to the of f1cers of your board for advice and con- stant cooperation in the child-saving work. and to the Mercy Home who have helped out considerably. Respectfully sub mitted. M. WILLOWS,
 Superintendent"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Deputy Sheriff Beaten,

Pensacola, April 11.--Deputy Sheriff Johnson at an early hour yesterday was set on and beaten into insensibil- fty by four men. Several of the dep- uty's teeth were knocked out and he was bruised in many places. He has been summoning witnesses for court which convenes Monday. There is no clew to the identity of his assailants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Eortx.one Roses On Hat.

"The masculine sex knows but little regarding the mass of material used in the making of women's hats" said young matron last night. For in stance had young lady caller. one of the sweet 16 variety, whose head was adorned by dreamy creation of the milliner's art. Uninitiated man would place the greatest estimate at a dozen roses as the limit for wom- ans hat, but this young lady had 41 upon hers. It was exceptionally be- coming to her, and was the envy of the other members of the feminine sex who saw 1t"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Boasts Founded On Facts.

Birmingham now has three boasts which no one can deny" said a mem Der of the Business Mems league yes- terday. we have the greatest terminal station in the south, the greatest office building In the south, and the greatest Chamber of Commerce building in the south.
 Tn other words the railroads think more of Birmingham than of any other southern city. Birmingham can main- tain more office space than any other southern city for her population. Bir mingham's citizens have commercial building that advertises to the world their push and go.
 "It is surprising to every one how fast the office buildings fill up. The Brown Marx, the largest structure of its kind in the south, has practically let every room. Seventy-five per cent of the space in the Chamber of Commerce building is signed up. The Farley build ing has more than half of It's rooms rented. and the Empire building had
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Steamer Not Badly Damaged.

Norfolk, Va, April 11.--A survey of the Italian steamship Moncenisio, from New Orleans to Genoa, cotton laden, shows that her cargo fire damage was small. The vessel sailed for Genoa Sunday. Three hundred bales of cot ton were removed. Fifty of these found to be burned were put on deck. Others only damaged by water were reloaded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Buildino Activity.

''The depression in the steel trade has increased the building of houses for bus mess purposes as well as for hon1es," said a real estate man.
 Building material is lower. labor is steadier and less liable to unrest. Struc- tural material is about 20 per cent cheaper than two years ago. Rents are in some measure affected. I know houses that were vacated because the tenant and landlord could not get together and were reduced in rent thereafter In some cases these houses are still vacant but in most cases houses that were reduced BIO to $25 per month were quickly taken. The office buildings under construction may draw from smaller and less attractive buildings but there Is also an increased demand for upstairs quarters for small manufacturers and for other purposes than offices. By the first of next year everything will have pretty we'll adjust ed itself as to offices and new enter- prises" Ii fis
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

enough contracts to assure it's success before work began.
 This gives us three real civic boost CTS which Birmingham people can use as a handle all the time and everywhere. It gives the opportunity to catch the mind, and impress upon the nearer the greatness of Birmingham. They cram in the coal and iron wealth and push the argument home. There should be no general idle boasting about Birmingham. Found it on facts"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Easter Festivals.

Huntsville, April 11.-(special.) )-Easter festivals were held in the Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal churches today, and elaborate programs of special music were observed The weather today was more pleasant than on any other Easter during the last few years and large crowds were aut
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

New York has an elephant 213 years old, although it is not clear how that elephant kept a record of his long and honored life.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Mary has decided to retain Garden as a surname, at any rate in prefer ence to Marrocardato with a prince attachment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

The Zeppelin airship affords to the passenger moro thrills for his money than any other known form of trans portation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Between the lions of Uganda, who are hungry, and the natives, who want a king, we may never see our Teddy any more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Governors do not stay long in the Philippines. The islands have had four governors within nine years and the fifth one is in sight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Japan is cutting down war expenses. and this should induce Captain Hob- son to take milder view of the Pa cific situation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

At 80 years of age Gen. William Booth is still vigorous and full of fight. He combats the horned gentle man at every opportunity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

If hoop skirts are really coming into fashion once more many people will go to Alaska to live. Alaska fashions are unobjectionable.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

It seems to be settled that Presi- dent Eliot will go as ambassador to London if Harvard men will put up $258,00O to keep him there.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

A mud hole is a blot on the face of the earth. If you know of one in Jefferson county, report 1t, and the Board of Revenue will erase it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12
Advertisement for Birmingham.

''The Terminal station Is a great ad- vertisement for Birmingham" said a man who has travelled extensively Every one who visits this city marvels at the magnitude and architectural beauty of the new station, and in the smoking apartments of Pullman cars whenever Birmingham is referred to the splendid Terminal Is invariably mentioned.
 Tn William E. Curtis two-column let ter dated Birmingham, which appeared recently in the Chicago Record Herald, about fourth of the space is taken up in describing the station"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

EN-Vice President Fairbanks says we do not need a tremendous navy. He and Captain Hobson may yet meet to discuss that issue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

The Teddy bear craze appears to be spreading over Italy, but things are different in the jungle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Some Mexican towns indulge in 16S holidays year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

The American Museum of Natural History in New York makes a spe- cialty of meteors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

And now they say too much sleep ing causes appendicitis. The disease is fashionable for like reason.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Collector Loeb is endeavoring to break up the gentle art of smuggling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

German balloons that land on French soil hereafter will pay good round fine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

The race issue has been referred to Johnson and Jeffries, who may fight it out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Britain and Germany are building Dreadnaughts out of their spare cash.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Things past redress are now with US past care.
 king Rcha'G II.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-12

Washington Bureau Age-Herald. 14:l c street. N. W.
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
NOTICE OF LOST NOTE.

One certain mortgage note for $4,000
payable to ]. Dellinger. due one year
from date with 8 per cent interest from
maturity, said note being of date Janu-
AIRY 4, 1901, signed by ]. @. Brown, pas
tor Of ST. James NJ E. Church, and
board Of Trustees: G. T. Huntley,
Moses Sterret, L. w. Blackwell, G. w.
Black, Adison Graves, T. B. Brown and
Mizzie Hawkins. Said note being Sc
cured by mortgage on lots I, 2, 8 and 4,
block IS of the City of Shreveport, de-
scribed IS follows: Commencing at the
corner Of Mcneil and Lake street and
run thence along line of Mcneil towards
". S. & p. r. r. ~ feet; thence
across said lots /, 2, 8 and 4 towards
Marshall street I6o feet to dividing line
between lots ! and S; thence along said
dividing line ~ feet to line of Lake
street; thence along line of Lake street
a6o feet to place of beginning, with all
buildings and improvements thereon.
The public is hereby warned not to buy
or trade for said above described note.
Signed at Shreveport, La, this the
31st day Of December A, D. 1903.
Ian. 10. ]. DELLINGER-
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
THE DREADFUL DARK.

THE DREADFUL DARK.
When the bon6res burn in the twilight
skies
And the clouds are all trimmed with red,
The bold little hunter with round brave
eyes
Is tucked in his trundle bed.
Then the old crow night, from his
dusly wings
Shakes the shadowy gloom, and-hark !!
To the stealthy steps of the wolves and
things
That prowl through the dreadful dark.
The wolves that the little boy meant to
slay
When next he should take the trail,
The slippery snakes that would stink
away
And the bears that would cringe and
squeal
Are back of the bureau and under the
bed.
And crOuchlng Dehmd the CHAIR:
Though the Counterpart covers his
+ curly head
The hunter can feel them there.
Nearer and nearer the creatures creep
Through the shadows along the floor,
TIL they vanish at last in mist of sleep,
PAnd 10! it is day once more.
Oh! little boy hunter, to share those
fears
And their shuddery joys with you,
I'd give-but who can turn back the
years
And drink their delights anew.
Jas. ]. Montague in Cosmopolitan
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
JAMES K. VARDAMAN.

For the benefit of the High School
Athletic Association, James K. Varda-
man will lecture in this city January IA,
Travis street auditorium. The cause
and the man should draw out large
and intelligent audience. The Athletic
Association needs fund, and to secure
il offers lecture by the great Southern
orator, Vardmaman, who is said to have
few equals in America and no superiors.
Mr.. Vardaman viii give his great lee
ture aThe Impending Crisis. "
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
chapter, most graciously offered the
parlors of the Caddo Hotel.
PERSONAL MENTION.

Many social courtesies are being ex-
tended Miss Mary Belle Mcclellan and
Mrs. Charles Gaines, whose long absence
from Shreveport, the one in Europe, and
the other in Missouri, renders their re-
turn most delightful and gives their
friends opportunity to enjoy descriptions
of travel and people in other lands, from
these charming ladies'.
Meeting of the Cad o Parish Teachers
Association was held in the central high
school Saturday, January 8, 1909, at 9
o'clock Programme
l. Roll call, quotations from some
work in pedagogy.
2 Dynamic Factors in Education,
chapter 9, Miss Annie Johnston.
g. Singing (model lesson), Miss Pearl
Fortson.
l. Geographic Influence on American
History, chapter 6, Miss Valera Spinks.
5. Writing (model lesson) Miss Grace
Nelly.
s. Superintendent critique
PERSONALS.
Mr.. Grover. Skoog, recently of Ar
cadia but now of Shreveport, is en-
ployed as pharmacist in the Shreveport
Drug Company Mr.. Skoog is gradu-
ate in pharmacy of Vanderbilt Univer-
city, which bespeaks for him the best
preparation in his profession. He has
many friends in our city. his former
home, who are delighted to welcome
him back and wish him success.
Miss Mabel Scanland of Benton was
the guest of Miss Mabel Coty during
the week
Mr.. Alfred Enders is pro1onging his.
visit to his old home few days and is
spending today with friends in Mar
shall, Texas.
Mr. Glen Flournoy has rented pref
ty cottage on Egan street, and with his
sisters, Misses Maggie, Grace and Mary
Belle, and his grandmother, Mrs. Glen,
will soon be settled in their new home
Mr.. Clarence Erickson, who enjoyed
the Christmas holidays with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs August Erickson, has re-
turned to his medical studies at Van
derbi1t.
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan Ards are very
soon expecting visit from Miss Kate
Hamilton of Kansas City. Miss Hamil-
tons friends will be delighted to hear
this and will efldeavor to make her visit
most pleasant.
Friends of Mrs. Jessie Lewis are re-
joiced to hear that her son Tom is i'm
proving and hope that the dear boy will
soon be well enough to enjoy life in his
own happy way.
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
otter or amend, or dissolve the corpora

otter or amend, or dissolve the corpora
ton with the consent of the three
fourths Of the stock represented at such
meeting. This shall not apply to increas
ing or decreasing the capital stock, which
is done under special laws.
Ten days written notice of any meet
ing shall be given by the secretary. Ii
dissolution be determined upon, ma
jority of the stock present shall sele;t
three liquidators at the meeting so de-
termining, and shall provide for filling
any possible vacancy or vacancies among
the liquidators.
In testimony of the above articles OF
incorporation, III the presence OF the at.
testing witnesses and before me, notary,
the above named incorporators have
hereunto set their names.
Done and passed i'll my office in the
City of Shreveport, Louisiana, on this
the 9th day of January 1909.
SAMUEL BURGER,
20 shares.
RUDOLPH f. BURGER,
I share.
w. A. MABRY,
Attest:
T. WOODSON.
LEO KROSUE.
! R. D. WEBB,
Notary Public.
| hereby certify that | have examined
the above and foregoing charter and find
nothing therein contrary to law. here
by approve same. This 9TH day of jan
uary A. d. 1909.
J. NJ. FOSTER,
District Attorney.
Endorsed: Filed and recorded Janu-
airy 7, 1909. S. O. WILLIAMS,
Deputy Clerk and ex-Ohicio Deputy Re-
corder.
State of Louisiana, Parish of Caddo:
| hereby certify that the above and fore
going is true and correct copy of the
original act, as the same now appear on
file and of record in my office Given
under my hand and seal of office this the
9TH day of January 1900.
S. 0. WILLIAMS,
Deputy Clerk and ex-Ohicio Deputy Re-
cOrder. ITO.
The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-01-10
WELCOME ARRIVAL.

Mr.. and Mrs. Will Henderson are re-
ioicing over the arrival of the dearest
little girl in the worll." To make dis
tinctive the patriotic eighth, she came on
that day, and is receiving the most low
ing attention of mother and father, and
"the other" dear mother, Mrs. Matte
Carter. No name, says the proud moth
er, has been yet found sweet enough for
the precious one, and so for while she
is nameless, but she will claim her own
rights and privileges nevertheless, and
from the cradle rule the household.