davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
OPPOSED TO MINING CODE.
Mine Owners Kick on Provisions O
 Proposed New Law.


 Pittsburg, March 11.-Every coal mining concern in the Pittsburg district was rep resented at the offices of the Pittsburg Coal company to discuss and give vent to their opposition to the proposed new mining code. prepared by a commission appointed by Gov Edward S. Stuart and now pending in the legislature The meet ing will be continued tomorrow.
 Millions of dollars worth of modern electrical machinery will have to be re- moved and many of the big mining plants in western Pernsylvanla will pe forced to close if the bills proposed and the amendments offered are adopted" said one of the largest coal operators in the district today The bills were designed primarily to protect the lives of miners, but the operators think they will work great hardships to them.
 Francis FecEan of Pittsburg, president of District Nc. 5. of the United Mine Wo, kers, was one of the commission named by the governor to prepare the new code. His appeal to the legislature yesterday to bar electrical machinery and open lamps from the mines has aroused the operators, and the mining interests of the state are expected to oppose the pro- posed legislation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Black Hero Dies.

Montgomery, March 11.-(Special)- When Bob Goodwin, ferryman for w. A. Henderson, went down in the surglng waters of the Alabama river on Wednes- day morning a hero died, even though he was of black skin and poor in edu- cation, as men measure what it is to know. q have never known better man than old Bob,' said MT. Henderson, who stood on the banks of the river and saw him sink out of sight. "He was faith ful, industrious and brave. He has saved many lives and never felt fear when person was in danger. l shall miss him. Not so long ago Bob was given gold medal for bravely saving the life Of E. w Bliss, travelling passenger agent or the Louisville and Nashville railroad AL the risk of his own life and after the companion of MT Bliss had gone down to rise no more, old Bob fought the sWi1t waves until he was able to pull MT. Bliss from the water, the fact that ne was uh- conscious indicating the nearness or tne end that he just escaped. When ola BOD was lost no man had a more sincere mourner than MT Bliss. The whole city joins in praise of his bravery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Change the Date Nov

The twelfth amendment names March 4 as inauguration day, and there is therefore but one way in which the quadrennial event can be changed, namely, by constitutional amendment. Such an amendment can no doubt be passed in the special ses- sion. A two-thirds vote in each house can submit an amendment to the states, and a three-fourths vote of the states would perfect it. All this could be accomplished before the inaugura- tion in 1913.
 This amendment would extend Pfesi- dent Taft's term to some day in April say, the last Wednesday of that month-and then it would make the latter date the beginning and ending of all future terms. The life of each Congress would be similarly extended.
 All this would be comparatively easy now, but in the long session things would be different. Men would forget, and the rush of bills and busi- ness would assist them in forgetting. The people desire the submission of a constitutional amendment, and there is no reason why it should not be voted up or down in the special ses. sion. The old inaugural date is out worn. The inaugural event has be- come under it a source of danger to the lives of citizens. Let Congress act. The truth is, there are many subjects that should be considered al the special session, and the inaugura tion amendment stands at the head oi the list
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
PASSING OF T. C. PLATT

Roosevelt emerged from the Capitol f1anked by horde of secret service men and policemen and a gold-draped army officer or two. The New York, county men divided to make way for the carriage into which MT. Roosevelt sprang.
 As the vehicle wheeled into line be- tween the double columns of shouting men, MT. Platt strengthened up in his chair and just the suggestion of smile broke the trembling corners of his mouth and gleam of interest came into his old. tired eyes. MT Roosevelt, silk hat in hand and lowing acknowledgements of the hurrahs in his honor, turned and looked for an instant at the frail figure by the window. But there was no sign of recognition, no salutation on the part of either.
 During the entire progress of the pa- rade, of which MT Roosevelt was the cen tral and honored figure, through the wide expanse of the avenue to the stately marble railway station, standing out in full relief four blocks away, the eyes of the old boss never left the carriage in which MT Roosevelt sat, lowing right and left The smile at the corner of MT. Platt's mouth still lurked there as MT. Roosevelt disappeared through the portals of the station.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
! weigh my friends affection with mine own. -Itmon or AthehS'
Our Health Machinery

The contention of the Jefferson County Medical society, of which Dr. Hardness is a member in excellent standing. to render not only the city's health officer but the city's bacteriolo- gist and the city's meat and milk in- spector subject to it's domination, and to some extent the city's street com missioner also, has not been sustained in court. Judge Coleman's decision renders one and all members of the Mayors staff, and all are to be nomi- mated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
 The decision puts into politics the health department, and in that respect it will not be considered highly desir- able. but Judge Coleman sits on the bench to interpret and apply laws, not to make them. The decision clears up a contention of long standing, for successful appeal from the decision is improbable.
 The Jefferson County Medical society has simply been reduced to the ranks. The doctors are plain citizens now, and their power over the health de- partment is simply their measure of efficiency as citizens. The Board Of Aldermen will no doubt confirm the nomination of Dr. Hardness, and health matters will go on as before, except that more reports will be made to the Mayor and fewer to the city health officer. It is especially important that all branches of the government should get down to business before hot weather becomes predominant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
No More Referees

Former Referee Joseph o. Thomp- son comes back from Washington bear ing the declaration that the entire ref cree system of the Roosevelt regime is a thing of the past From the Vir- ginia capes to the sand wastes of the Rio Grande the system of state agents has been quashed, and candidates are free to hustle and to accumulate sup port regardless of the dead and gone system.
 The referee system was an acknowl- edgment that the republican party had no real existence in the south. It was smooth apportionment scheme, by means of which the membership would be confined to the offices in sight A few here and there became insurgents, but that occurrence was due to the fact that they had not been rewarded up to their estimates of their value to the administration and incidentally to the common country. The referees will secure no doubt a paragraph i'll the political history of the country, and that will be just about all the monument that will be erected to their memory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Rules of the New C0ngreSS

The battle lines at Washington are we'll formed, and the thing to be fought out is not the defeat of Joe Cannon for reelection as speaker, but a revision of the rules of both House and Senate. The insurgent members of the House desire the appointment of committee whose duty it shall be to name the committees of the House, and they de- sire a revision of the House rules so that the speaker cannot pigeonhole bills and squelch all but subseruenr members. In the Senate the newer Senators propose to take the control out of the hands of few men by making the committee on committees larger. It is big fight and it comes on at the very beginning of the new Congress.
 Joe Cannon and Aldrich are working hand in hand. They always have. Both represent special interests, and both are pulling together to keep them. salxes in power and to protect the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Will Banquet Damrosoh.

"Details for the May music festival are being rapidly worked out" said w. J. Hon, the local manager. Tt is set tied that the festival with Damrosch or ehestra and a great solo quartet as the great attraction will be held on May 8, 1 and }. There will be three night per formances and two matinees and one aft ernoon concert complimentary to the pupils of the higher grades of the public schools and other schools. This perform anee will be without charge but only boys and girls and their teachers will he admitted
 "A number of prominent citizens are organizing movement for a banquet to be given after the concert on the opening night of the festival in honor of Walter Damrosch and the artists he will bring here with him. Altogether the outlook for the festival from a boxoffice point of view is very bright indeed. It is going to be a big success in every way"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
WATER.
Man Never Has Given 1t Preference
 Over Other Beverages.

From Beverages Past and Present
 Man is not and never was what could he termed a water thinker. That is, one who drinks water preferably, for the drinking of water is often fraught with danger as any mother will relate when she gives her baby the first taste Of water. Note the childs wonder at It's new beverage, whereas, had a lit tie milk or sugar been added the drink would have been attractive.
 Can there be any stronger argument advanced than this, that an unthink- ing yet feeling child does not naturally like water and that its parents must teach it how to use it? Not so how ever. if the water be treated with some thing to disguise 1t. Then the child is ready and anxious to drink it. 1T thss be so in infancy why should it not be true in maturity?
 It is true, for. go where you may from north to south from east to west among the barbarians or the civilized, among the ignorant or the learned, there you will find some beverage used more commonly for drinking than plain water. It may be intoxicating or it may be only sooth- ing, as in China or Japan, where, as we all know, tea is universal.
 In an inductive sense, considering primitive man, realizing his narrow sur- roundings and his crude wants. his linn ited knowledge. his lack of utensils and his avocation, 1t is easy to formulate the theory that milk from the goat, the ass, the mare, of the COW and the camel. put within the skin of some animal he had slain, was mans primal beverage.
 Water, as is well known, is very poor keeper; it cannot be stored away for any considerable length of time, for future use, for 1t becomes putrid and unfit. Again, water in the tropics is more often than otherwise derived from the surface and the most inexperienced know that the use of such water is fraught with dangers more numerous than 1t is our purpose to mention. Water is pe- culiarly absorbent and readily partakes of it's environments but it does not either consume or destroy, It only holds in suspension all matters that it comes in contact with and it's field for injury in a warm or hot climate is unlimited. This is also true of the temperate zones, but the consequences are not often so se- were Therefore. in order to maintain life in the tropics some other fluid than wa | ter must be depended upon and nature in | her kindness, at very remote period, l taught mankind how to preserve the juice | of the grape from season to season in l order that he might not die of thirst.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
JOSIE MANSFIELD PENNILEss.
Once Famous Beauty for Whom Stokes
 Killed "Jim" Fisk.

Sioux Falls, s. D., Dispatch to the Cincin-
 nati Enquirer.
 Josie Mansfield, the famous New York beauty of the seventies, for whose love Ed Stokes killed "Jim'' Fisk, is resi- dent of South Dakota, and has been for some years past
 This once famous beauty, who had some of the most famous millionaires of their day at her beck and call, since coming to South Dakota has been living under an other name, which doubtless was expected to effectuaEy conceal the past and prevent her identity being revealed. She is a resi- dent of Watertown, where she lives under an assumed name. For about seven years she has been resident of that city
 She now is nearly 70 years old, prac- tically helpless as the result of stroke of paralysis, and being penniless, is de- pendent upon charity for support.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12

special interests that they represent.
 They have eunningly made President Taft their ally by pitting an early re- vision of the tariff against an early revision of the rules. By convincing the President that a struggle over a revision of the rules of the two houses would delay tariff revision they have won him over al least to some extent. He wants speedy tariff revision first of all.
 There is, however, no reason why the Senate cannot get out from under Aldrich's thumb while the House is passing the tariff bill, and the House can seek relief from it's oyerbossed condition while the Senate is working on the tariff. A way can be found to revise the rules of either house if the insurgents are in earnest and will stand together and that, too. without delaying tariff revision.
 Cannon and Aldrich have the battle of their lives on their hands, and they are putting duties up and down in order to strengthen themselves politi- cally. The entire situation is a scan- dal, but it is one of those scandals that the republican party has become accustomed to and a helpless country must accept.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Little Girl Bitten.

Montgomery, March n.-(Speeial.) )-Myr- tie, the little daughter of Thomas Pulliam victim of a mad dog, and is now under treatment of the state health depart ment. She was out on the sidewalk Wednesday morning when a puppy came trotting along. Child like she went for the dog, which bit her several times on the arm. The head of the dog was cut off and sent to Dr. E. M. Mason, state bacteriologist, who, after an examination, pronounced it afflicted with rabies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Mir. Taft'S Plans for Next Fall

The President has expressed will ingness to the Utah Senators to attend the annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, which is to be held in Salt Lake City in the week of August g. He proposes to do this in connection with his trip through the south and west. Whether he comes to the south before or after the Salt Lake event he will come in August.
 There is room for one doubt only, and that relates to tariff and revenue legislation. Will it be completed by August 1? It is wholly visionary to talk of adjournment by June 1, as all know who know Congress and it's cum- bersome ways at all. The session will last well toward August 1, and it may extend into that month. The chances, however, are that the President will be foot-loose early in August and that he will make an extended trip, cross ing the south either going or coming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
The Iron Market.

While there has been no large selling of pig iron this month, several fur mace interests have booked contracts dur ing the past few days that will total a fair tonnage Two or more companies are holding firmly for SIP but sales are made at s11.5d and even s11.25 on No. 2 basis. Rogers. Brown & Co.'S Cincin- nati report says;
 The range in prices between the figure that some furnaces are refusing to cut and that at which other plants are anx- ious to sell is unusually large but the minimum prices reported to have been made in the south particularly have as yet not been productive of the bus mess it was hoped they would generate. The re-adjustment of prices now seems to be nearer at hand than was expected. At present prices few furnaces can do anything but turn over dollar for dol lar and in many instances are operat- ing at a distinct loss.
 The average consumer perhaps does not realize the increase in iron man. ufacturing costs during the last few years and fails to appreciate how little retrenching has been done In these lines by the iron makers. Every 25-cent re- duction in pig iron recently means a very painful time to some furnace man and the main question now seems to be whether or not to continue in opera ton.
 The stock of iron on furnace words. especially in the south, is not large and while total production during February was less than the month before it was figured on the basis of 2S days and had it been an average month would have been slightly better than any month since October. 1907.
 Activity among consumers is irregular. Some report good business. others work ing double time and still others com plaining about the quietest time in their history.
 There has been slight inquiry during the week in this district for delivery dur ing the last half, but the business Is still under consideration. It is hard to get furnaces to authorize prices and this has been a barrier to interest and ac- tiyity in purchases for ther period.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Ethel Barrymore to Wed.

Boston, March 11.-Miss Ethel Barry more, the actress, and Russell Gris- wold Colt of Bristol, R. l., whose en- gagement was announced this week, will be married in New York during holy week (April 4-10), according to a statement made by the prospective bridegroom tonight MT. Colt said that holy week was the only time Miss Barrymore would not appear on the stage this spring and that had been decided to have the ceremony per formed then.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Two Fishermen Drowned.

Old Lyme, Conn, March 11.-Of a party of three fishermen who went up the Connecticut river from here last drowned. Thomas Dickey, who was with Eugene Monroe and William Ban tan in the boat, says that when the ferry point was reached the boat turned over. He regained hold of the boat and reached the shore. He says the other men made for the other shore. Noth- ing has been heard of them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Rock of Little Value.

Montgomery, March 1.-(Special )-Com- missioner of Agriculture J. A. Wilkinson has received from State Chemist Ross an analysis of the phosphate rock sold for fertilizers about the state, and which he says must be registered for payment of tax like other products of like character. It is shown that there is practically no value in it, less than one-half of 1 per cent showing up of anything that. is of fructifYing importance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
PLAYING SAFE.

He made some blithe remarks about the weather Twas in rhyme concerning gentle spring And pondered if he'd take them off or whether To winter flannels still he'd fondly cling. Although the sun up in the sky was beaming, He prudeatly declared. 'TilI March is gone, will not yield me to a poets dream- ing And come what will, I think I'll keep them on."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Great Comedian.

T am glad to see that w. H. Crane holds his own well' said an old theatre goer, who saw the great comedian in Father and the Boys" at the Jefferson last night. MT. Crane does not seem to be a day older than when I last saw him 10 years ago. Those of the older set recall Crane in the early eighties when he and Stuart Robson played together. He was a fine actor then, but he is even greater today.
 'rhe distinguished comedians have been passing away. Robson has gone. Sol Smith Russell has gone and Joe Jeffer- son has gone. Crane should be good for 12 or 15 years longer and all who appre- ciate wholesome American humor will pray that he may have long life and health''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the NeW 1Urk PrtSs.
 The reason how many women seem tc be good is how few men are.
 There's hardly anything less interesting to girl than being kissed by man who has a right to.
 man can take great deal more sat isfaction in lying out of trouble than not getting into it at all.
 The reason a womans children look SC beautiful to her is they wouldn't if they were somebody else's.
 There is nothing man can be proudel about than all the praiseworthy things he would do with his money t he were . millionaire
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Divorce Decree Modified.

St. Louis, March 1.-The decree of divorce recently granted to Mrs. Lemp from William J. Lemp. Jr., was modi- fled by Judge George Hitchcock today so as to make the S6000 annual ali mony payable quarterly during thc life of Mrs. Lemp or until she married again. The alimony was also made a lien on Lemp's estate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Violation of Contract Labor Law.

Chicago, March 11.-Acting upon the evidence worked up by the United States bureau of Immigration, District Attorney Sims today started suit against the Meyercord Lithographing compan yto collect a penalty of $11 900 for alleged violation of the alien con tract labor law. The suit is based on the importation of II men from Toron- to. Can. more than a year ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
State-wide Bill Passes,

Little Rcok, March 11.-Amended to pro- vide for the submission of the question to a popular vote, the state senate late today by a vote of 29 to 1 passed the house bill which, in it's original form, provided for statewide prohibition. The amended bill now goes to the house.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
DEATH THE LEvELER.

The truly great, the powerful,
 The slaves of foolish pride After their earthly race is run
 Will slumber side by side. The monarch on his lofty throne,
 The nameless hordes who plod Through life an equal fate will share
 When laid beneath the sod What though the reverent pilgrim seeks The tomb where honor sleeps, A beggar in the potter's field
 All as serenely sweeps Along the tide, beyond our ken,
 Of vast eternity, Where drift the souls from lifes tumult And bonds of clay set free. What matter glorys purple state
 And gems of priceless gleam? The pauper in his winding sheet
 Doth cen as sweely dream And all the greatness men proclaim, Yet in their hearts mistrust, When that a few short have fled Is but a pile of dust.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Plans for Wireless Tower.

Washington. March 11.-A hitch has occurred in the letting of the contract for the 600-foot wireless tower in this city, capable of communicating with vessels of the navy 5000 miles away. In looking over the contract today Sec retary Meyer found a number of quail ifcations which he does not like and these will have to undergo a change be- fore he will give his approval
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
patrolman Kills Negro.

Savannah, March 11.-Patroiman Waiter Fleming shot and killed Ben Divine' colored, of Henderson. s. G., today at the union passenger station in the pres enoe of several hundred persons. The negro had taken the officers club from him before the shooting. The officers first bullet pierced the negro's heart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
coopers Adjourn.

St. Louis March 1.-The tenth an- nual convention of the Coopers' asso- citation adjourned today to meet here next year. Railroad rates were dis cussed and officers elected for the com- ing wear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
PETITION TO TIME.

By Bryan Waller Proctor. Touch us gently, Time!
 Let us glide adown thy stream Gently, as we sometimes glide
 Through quiet dream. Touch us gently, Time!
 We've not proud nor soaring wings Our ambition, our content,
 Lies in simple things, Humble voyagers are we.
 Der life's dim. unsounded sea, Seeking only some calm clime-
 Touch us gently, gently. Timei
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-12
Begins Years Sentence.

New Haven, Conn., March 11.-Frank F. McGee of Worcester. Mass, national organizer of the Moulders' union, today began years sentence for intimida- ting non union men in local foundry during recent strike.