davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Thomas p. Grasty

The Birmingham district sustains d distinct loss in the death of Thomas P. Grasty, member of the editorial staff of the Baltimore Manufacturers Record and vice president of the Manu- facturers' Record Publishing company Although his home was in Virginia, and his business activities were cen tered in Baltimore, Mir. Grasty spent much of his time in this district, and few men had done more for the devel- opment of mineral Alabama than he. At the time of his demise he was en- gagged in the work of developing cer- tain ore property in Talladega county; and it was singularly pathetic and alto gether distressing that he should have died there in the hills, far away from loved ones and the associates of his intimate business life.
 MT. Grasty was a gentleman of ex- ceptional capacity. As a convincing writer he had few equals, and within the past ten years he had with rare force presented the claims of the Bir- mingham district Always optimistic, he was buoyant prophet of Birming- ham and the Birmingham district, and was ever ready with reasons to prove his assertions and to justify his fore casts. And along with his journalistic grace and skill MT Grasty had a broad knowledge of the philosophy of busl- ness. He had, indeed, sound business sense, and this fact combined with his practical information concerning the resources of the south, gave high value to his reports on properties in Ala bama.
 He was scrupulously honest and straightforward in all his dealings. He had acquired a fortune, and it can be said with truth that every dollar he possessed was honestly earned
 Personally, MT. Grasty was a charm ing companion. He loved nature and he loved his fellow-man. He made friends everywhere. Deep, therefore, will be the lament over his untimely end and among those who knew him best his memory will long be fondly cherished.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Business Mems League

Tomorrow committees will canvass the entire business district of this city, hoping to induce every merchant to be- come a member of the newly-organized league. By pulling together the mer- chants of Birmingham can bring addi- tional trade to Birmingham.
 The mercantile side of this city's opportunity has been too long neg lected, and the Business Mems league has been organized to bring it up to it's possibilities. These possibilities are very great for Birmingham is remarkable railroad center and it is the geographical center of the cotton belt. More can be accomplished than has heretofore seemed possible. be- cause trade has never been turned this way. Trade has been left to go else where-to Nashville, to Atlanta and to other energetic cities. Birmingham proposes by union of action and full cooperation to secure the trade that legitimately belongs to it.
 Much work is to be done and the re- sultant effects will be felt in every line of business. At this stage of the move ment unity is desirable. All should get together. Every merchant should join the league. Success is sure if all will pull together. Tomorrow the business district will be canvassed. Be ready to meet and greet and encourage the canYassers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
AMONG RAILROAD MEN.

Horace Baker general manager of the Queen and Crescent, was in Birmingham for a few hours yesterday. MT. Baker stated that business was good considering several adverse features of the situation. and that the chances of a continual inn provement were good.
 He announced, too, that hereafter the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis would make connections with the Ala bama Great Southern in Attalla, as result of which passengers will be able to come to Birmingham, shop day, and return that afternoon, whereas now when coming to Birmingham, they are compelled to spend a night here,
 The Alabama Great Southern has long considered this move, and the success full termination of the plan caused satis- faction to local officials yesterday.
 Jake N. Cornatzer, assistant general passenger agent of the Frisco, with head quarters in Memphis, is in Birmingham. Mir Cornatzer announced that J. R. Me- Gregor, at present city passenger agent of the Frisco, would February IS be- come chief clerk to J. A. Shoemaker, superintendent of the local terminals. MT. McGregor will succeed A. l.. Wilkinson, who has been appointed agent at Car bon Hill, vice J. r. Fleetwood, resigned.
 The Southern this afternoon will handle from Atlanta special train consisting of nine Pulmans and a baggage car to accommodate 25O Shriners who will ar rive this afternoon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
March of the Boil WeeVjl

Few appreciate how near the boil weevil has marched to Alabama. At the end of last season the insects had penetrated Mississippi until they crossed Pearl river into Rankin county. Rankin county lies next east of Jack son and is just about the central coun- ty of Mississippi. A firm of cotton merchants in New York reasonably predicts that following the railroad to Meridian the insects will this year reach Newton county, Mississippi, and next year they will invade Sumter countX Alabama. In 1915 they will be due in Georgia and in South Caro- lima in 1919.
 The pest crossed the Rio Grande in 1892, and it's march eastward has been steady and continuous. From the Rio Grande to Rankin county, Mississippi, the insects are holding their own. They do not die out. Every year they re-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Prompt About Details.

There is one thing about Representa- tive Underwood" remarked a man-swho is not a politician-the other day, that it seems to me has not been fully ap- preciated in this district. And that is the extraordinary promptness that he shows in responding to the thousand and one requests for various little personal favors of all sorts and kinds. He never fails to answer inquiries right on the dot. He doesn't mind taking trouble, you might say and putting himself out, on occasions where nine men out of ten would get clear with promsie of to- morrow.
 There isn't any of that tomorrow bus mess about Oscar Underwood. Any of his friends can mention dozens of little incidents. too small perhaps to make any stir in a public way, but which, added together. make up a sum worth while.
 For instance, in the gathering of data for The Story of Coal and Iron in Ala bama,' Mir. Underwood has gone personal ly to the war department and has se- cured from the adjutant general various points and records bearing on certain phases of the book. And he always does the little things with such cordiality and as I say, promptness and accuracy, that to my mind cant be sufficiently appreciated"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
First impression of Roosevelt.

Speaking of President Roosevelt" ob- served Col. T. G. Bush, T don't believe there is public man in this country, or anywhere, who gives such a favorable first impression<to the stranger meeting him, or one who retains so firmly the re- spect and admiration of men after they know him. No matter what a mans pol itics may be, the minute he meets the President he becomes so to speak, a Roosevelt man. Here just the other day when we were up in Washington every man of our party was very much struck with the cordial and hearty greeting given by the President to each and every one of us.
 MT. Roosevelt is thoroughly patriot ic man, sincere and courageous And he is now bending every effort and en- ergy to pass certain measures for the good of the country, when the average man, nearing the close of his term of of flee, would simply say, Well I'm out in a week or two, what does 1t matter? Let the next administration take care of this' Not so with MT. Roosevelt. He will work late and early till the very dawn of March f."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
'POSSum Publicity Unacceptable

Georgia is not solidly supporting the Billy 'Possum movement The Macon Telegraph wants no Billy 'Possum toy as a successor of the Teddy Bear "The character and habits" it goes on to say, "of the opossum ought not to be set before the children for admira- ton and emulation. Where is it's re- deeming trait? It is deceitful-plays 'possum'-and it is essentially a scav- enger. A common cur dog is prince by comparison. Some people think they like to eat the opossum's fatty, in- digestible flesh-a sort of fad which does violence to gastronomy. Dog no doubt is,sas. good if'not better food If the opossum is to become a national favorite, pet-and emblem, then the tur- key buzzard ought to mount to the eminence now occupied by the Ameri- can eagle, and the skunk should be the hero of the freside tales rather than Brer Rabbit"
 This is sad, indeed. This goes to show that Atlanta stands quite alone in Billy 'Possumism. The heart of Georgia refuses to respond, and to tell the truth no one in the south desires to see BrerR Rabbit crowded out of pub lie favor by Billy 'Possum. The move ment is..a flash in the pan, and it will soon die, out, because it finds no re- sponse among the people who have known.t the 'possum long and well. No one knows anything good about him, dead or alive. Georgia at any rate de- clines to get behind the Billy 'Possum business. Brer Rabbit has, on the other hand, come to stay,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Cifizens Giben Sn7 prise
 Af City's Big High School

Seventy-five prominent men of Bir- mingham were given a genuine sur prise yesterday For most of them it was the first time they had ever seen inside the Birmingham High school and after spending some three hours in the building they came away with their pride in the city's public institutions greatly augmented.
 pr. J. H. Phillips. superintendent of of sch ools, characterizes the visit as unique. A short time ago one of Bir- mingham's best known citizens visited the school for the first time and was so impressed with what he saw that he asked Dr. Phillips to arrange plan whereby a large party of citizens who like himself had never been to the building could come together and see just what the city was doing for its children. The citizen, whose modesty prompted him to ask that his name be kept secret, agreed to bear the expense that should attach to the entertainment of the party
 Dr. Phillips invited the guests his ob-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
John Discusses Water Question.

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 One of your representatives recent ly asked me if I had considered the question of an adequate supply of good water for all purposes for Greater Bir- mingham.'
 I have long since made up my mind that the municipality of Birmingham should own it's own water works, and I urged the officials in office at the time that the works were sold to the present owner to buy tn em and l have never had cause to change my opinion on that subject, or to regret that ad- vice.
 have no patience with the sug- gestion that the municipal authori- ties would not properly manage the water works system for if the people of Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, and other municipalities in Alabama have sense enough to own and manage their , water works, I see no reason why we cannot do as wellI
 would prefer to buy the present works, and then I know that the au- thorities would stop the great waste of water which I am informed amounts to about one-half, for which the present company gets no pay; and then the rates charged for water could be re- duced materially without any conse- ouent loss to the municipal owner of the works.
 If we could not then supply water cheap enough for large manufacturing enterprises, or the supply therefor was insufficient, we should with out days hesitation acquire the right to the best water supply within reach of this city and conduct the water here as quickly as the works can be constructed
 I cannot discuss patiently the ques- ton involving the North Birmingham water supply project. If we need that water we ought to get it and say no more about it; if we do not need it. or are unwilling to buy 1t, we should certainly stand aside and let North Bir- mingham have it, and no longer occupy the position of the dog in the manager
 If we should buy the right to get the water from Slpsey river, and con struct the necessary works for conduct ing it into the city before we buy the water works now supplying the city, this would materially decrease value of these works and I do not favor any policy that would destroy even though indirectly one dollars worth of property belonging to another, if it can by any reasonable course of action be avoided.
 SAM WILL JOhN.
 Birmingham February 16, 1909.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
IN HOTEL LOBBlES
erasty,s Death a Shock.

The death of Thomas P. Grasty, which occurred in Talladega county yesterday morning, caused a sad shock in indus trial circles here, where the deceased was well known and greatly esteemed. As member of the editorial staff of the Baltimore Manufacturers Record, Mir. Grasty had been an earnest and able champion of this district year in and year out. He was a brilliant writer and few men were so well equipped for discussing the advantages of the Birmingham dis triet as he.
 It was under Mir Grasty's direction that the valuable Gate City property now owned by the Alabama Consolidated Coal and Iron company was examined; and Mr- Grasty was largely instrumental in organizing the company referred to.
 The deceased had been in poor health for several years past, but when his friends met him in Birmingham two weeks ago it was generally remarked that he had a new lease on life. He was un- commonly active and apparently more virile than ever. When. therefore, the tidnss of his dangerous illness was re- ceived here Monday evening there was deep concern, but all hoped for~the best. Yesterday morning when the announce ment of the end came expressions of deep sorrow were heard throughout the city. The death of Thomas P. Grasty will be regarded as blow to the south and there will be sincere lament from the Potomac to the Gulf.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
DIVISION OF THE .
 AMERICAN FLEET

Washington, February 16.-One be kept on the Pacific coast at all times, in the opinion of the Senate An amendment to the naval bill was agreed to tonight providing that in the discretion of the President one-haf Ii of the navy shall be kept in the Pacific waters, so far as practicable. The Pres ident already has the authority to so divide the fleet, but the amendment arfannts to an expression of Congress in favor of such action.
 As introduced originally the division of the navy was mandatory.
 MT. Flint said he understood that the people of the Atlantic coast did not care for the fleet, and the people on the Pacific did
 Would half of the fleet on the Pa cihc coast keep the Japanese out of Californian" asked Senator Nelson.
 q think so replied MT. Flint. Urg ing the adoption of the provision MT. Fulton declared that there are great interests on the Pacific coast which need protection, and that there is more danger of attacks being made on that coast than on the Atlantic seaboard.
 At Nr. Hale's suggestion the pro- vision wss amended so as to leave the question of the division to the Secretary cf the Navy, and later this was amend ed at MT. Bacon's suggestion so as to give the discretion to the President.
 On point of order by MT. Clay the amendment providing for a commission to examine into the business meth ods of the navy department was strick- en out. This amendment had been incorporated in the bill at the request of the Secretary of the Navy, and It was anticipated under its recommends tions the bureau system in the navy would receive it's death blow.
 Some opposition to the provision ex- isted on that account.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17

ject being in each case to find men who had never before been to the school. The feature of the visit was the luncheon served in the library rooms, the food all being prepared in the cul- mary department of the school under the auspices of the committee of the School Improvement association which has the school lunches in charge, as- sisted by the pupils of the cooking classes
 The visitors were taken over the whole of the immense building-class rooms, woodworking room, joinery room forge room, patternmaking room. cook ing department, mechanical drawing department, laboratories, gymnasium, in fact through all parts of the many roomed structure.
 After they had seen the hundreds of students at their lunch, the guests were taken to the library where John l.. Parker, president of the Board of Education, presided over the luncheon for the visitors. Short talks were made by Col. T. c. Bush, John l.. Raul, T. H. Motion, w. J. Rushton, Robert Jem- ison, Captain McMillan of Mobile and Dr. Phillips
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
DAYS RECORD IN
 COUNTY COURTS

The trial of Marvin and Wesley Phillips on charges of grand larceny continues in the first division of the criminal court Owing to the great number of witnesses who have been summoned, most of them from the vicinity of Eclectic, in Elmore county, 1t 1s probable that the trial of the case will consume the greater portion Of the courts time today and possibly part of tomorrow. The two boys, who are of considerable prominence in FL more county, are charged, it will be re- called, with having stolen a horse from the Monarch Livery company during last December In their defense they are try ing to prove an alibi.
 In Judge Lanes division of the circuit court the case of Mrs. R. Joseph vs. Bir mingham Railway, Light and Power com pany is on trial. The case of Richard T. Smith vs Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company was placed in the hands of the jury late yesterday afternoon.
 In Judge Coleman's division of the cir cult court only one case was disposed of, that of H. E. Schemert vs. Louis ville and Nashville railroad company, in which a judgment for $1255O was rem dered. The suit was for the loss of a trunk
 The case of Charles F /. Wilson ct al vs. Marshall Reed was dismissed in the first division of the city court yesterday. A judgment was rendered by consent in the case of the mayor and aldermen of Bir mingham vs. Ed Detrich.
 In the second division of the city court the case on trial is that of the Black Warrior Coal company vs. the Western Union Telegraph company. In the case Of J. R. Crawford vs. Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company a yer dict for $10 was returned. The jury is out with the case of Henry O'Rouke vs. Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power com pany. A consent judgment for $50 was rendered in the case of Mabel Creed vs. Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company.
 In the third division of the city court the case of S. W. Taylor vs. Birming- ham Railway, Light and Power company is on trial.
 In the second division of the criminal court, Judge S. L. Weaver presiding, the case of c. c. Downs, who calls him self Sir Charles Gift, the Handcuff King" was tried yesterday on a charge of abusive language, and was convicted and fined $10 and the costs of the court. The case grew out of the recent trouble between Downs and Deputy Kennamer last summer, when Downs is alleged to have resisted arrest at one of the local moving picture theatres.
 Will Knox, charged with violating the prohibition law, was convicted in the sec- ond division of the criminal court and fined $50 and sentenced to hard labor for 60 days. The cases of trespass after warn- ing against H. G. Goetz, the safe expert who opened the safe in the soft-drink es tablishment of George T. Howell, on Nor ris avenue and Twentieth street, sev- eral months ago, were dismissed. The opening of the safe in Howell's place, it will be recalled, caused considerable comment at the time by way of the man. ner in which Howell fought against it5s being opened.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17

appear, doing just about a normal amount of damage.
 The methods of fighting the boil wee vii have minimized it's ravages. It de- stroys, however at the best the top crop, and a percentage of the lower bolls. The losses that it inficts are very considerable, but improved culti- vation does enable the wide-awake farmer to grow a reasonably profitable crop.
 Alabama should do her part in fight ing the boil weevil, but unless a spe- eial session of the legislature is called there will be no money available for that purpose, and the insects will have gained a foothold in this state before the next legislature meets in 1911.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Arizona and New Mexico

Under a suspension of rules the House unexpectedly and unanimously passed the bill granting separate state hood to Arizona and New Mexico. In the House the bill was not considered party question, and if the Senate takes a like view of it the two terri tories will be granted statehood before March 4. Both parties are committed to the passage of the bill, and if some elder statesman in the Senate is not alarmed by the possible appearance in that body of four new democratic Sen ators the bill will become law.
 It certainly should be passed. The two territories would have been ad- mitted years ago if they had been con sidered republican in politics. They are at heart democratic, and the re- publicans have been unwilling to do them justice on this account. The course of the republicans in this mat ter has not been creditable or honor able or patriotic.
 If Arizona and New Mexico become states there will be all told 4S stars on the national flag after July 4, and all the mainland territory will have been cut up into states. There will remain Alaska, Hawaii and the prov inces of Guam, Samoa Porto Rico, and the Philippines. Possibly Hawaii and Alaska may yet become states; so may Porto Rico after long tutelage, but
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 The reason a man admires a girl is she makes him think she does.
 The trouble with lying is that, like drugs, you have to keep increasing the doses to get the same effect
 The photograph that a girl likes best of herself is when somebody tells her 1t looks like some actress.
 People would brag about the number of bathtubs they have in their house even if they weren't connected up with the water pipes.
 A woman can be surer that her own complexion Is natural when there is a good deal of doubt about it than that somebody elses is when there is no doubt at all about it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
JIM MY.
By Samuel Minturn Peck in Boston
 Transcript.

By Samuel Minturn Peck in Bosto
 Transcript. Jimmy was a little boy,
 His chubby legs were short, Yet ever twas his greatest joy
 To follow in our sport; And oftentimes the course would try A strength that was so wee, And down the hill I'd hear him cry: 70 Bruvver, wait for me!' Although I heard, on pleasure bent, I did not wait for him; And needless on my way I went, The sobbing call grew dim: And as he fell so far behind
 His form 1 could not see, Yet faintly brought the plying wind: 70 Bruvver, wait,for me!' My youth, alas, long since hath fled, And Jimmy, too, is gone; The wee,. wee boy when he lay dead
 I scarce could look upon. Forever Jimmy's longing cry
 Unheeded now must be- But, oh, twill haunt me till I die:
 70 Bruyver, wait for mer'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17
Prohibition Is Killed.

Columbia, 8. C., Februafy 16.-After a sensational filibuster lasting several days it appears that prohibition has been killed in this state. The senate has a majority of four for local option, and the house Is equally as close. The local option forces in the house are well organized to demand roll calls on hundreds of amend ments. The general assembly will ad journ Saturday, which means that the prohibition movement will fail, without special session, which is practically i'm possible
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-17

no one now anticipates the transforma- ton of our provinces into states. The Filipinos at heart desire independence, and our other provinces are not large enough to constitute states. Alaska will, however, become a state. It is full of mineral wealth and when it is well penetrated by railroads it will begin to seek statehood. It is safe to say it will become No. 49.