davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
The High Price. of Living.

"In a discussion of the meat question as a part of the present cost Of living and the high prices I see that Secretary Wilson has undertaken to give some req sons which do not square with the real facts" said a man who keeps in touch with mercantile life.
 "He failed to take into consideration the statement made the other day that one of the largest packing houses in the country made over 100 per cent profit on it's capital of some s1o,0o0,0O0 last year. It is a remarkable thing that the choicest meats are higher relatively than the cheaper cuts and the inferior parts. This is the result of the depression and hard times upon the poorer classes and labor ing men. While the well-to-do have not deprived themselves of any of the personal comforts as to the table, thou sands of working people have had to reduce their supply of even the neces- sities. This accounts in part for the difference in the prices of the several grades of meats It is the salaried man from now on who will feel the heaviest brunt of the advancing and higher prices. He Is on a fixed income, and unless he has an advance in salary will necessari- ly feel the increased cost of living more than those working on a scale
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Five Men Drowned.

Baltimore, December 15.-News reached here today of the sinking ear iy Monday morning, between Cape Lookout and Frying Pan Shoals, or the dredge Port Ancon, and the drowning of five men Those lost were Captain Joseph Boring, Chief Engineer Martin Kaupp, George Tyler and Matthew Skillman. of the dredge, of this city, and Albert Grimm of Norfolk, Va, fire man of the tug Tormenter, which had the dredge in tow when the disaster occurred. The two left here on Thurs day of last week for Cristobal, Pana- ma. The dredge was owned by the American Towing coflpany of Balti- more. The tug returned to port today and members of the crew reported that the dredge sank during hurri- cane. None of the bodies was recov- cred
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Ideal shoppino Weather.

'sThese are perfect days for the Christ mas shopper and thousands of them are availing themselves of it," said mer- chant.
 Our trade is highly satisfactory. and the only thing we have to contend with is securing competent additional help for the increased trade Many clerks do not like to go through the pressure of the day and night demands now made necessary and some of them are dropping out. The green, untrained help cannot be used in the higher class trade, for clerk must be familiar not only with stock, but with the ordinary knowledge of taste in fabrics. in gifts and in per- sonal apparel Even in the matter of wrappers, 1t takes experience, and the unusual demand has brought many green and inexperienced young persons into use. Well, trade is highly satisfactory, and the early shopping programme helps out much, with the merchants and the clerks"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Why, nothing comes aniss, so money comes WithaI.
 Tanning of the Shrew.
Use Of the Warrior

Tte building Of Lock IT, in Squaw Shoals, is to be begun at once and the completion of the task of opening of the river. which is to cost.$7, ,60O,O0O. is almost in sight.
 The Warrior improvement is on a different footing than the improve ments of the Ohio, the Mississippi and many other rivers. The government stands fairly committed to an opening of the Warrior, and it will carry the work to this city if it sees any signs of any such use of the open river as can be witnessed in the Ohio whenever it is open and has sufficient water
 The neglect of the river by this dis trict is discouraging and it may render tie getting of additional appropriations difficult. While the Montgomery mer- chants are preparing to put on pack ct line to Mobile and perhaps to New Orleans, not finger is lifted here to- ward the use of the river or the secur- ing of water rates. There are usually but 150 days In the year in which the Ohio an be used, and yet in these 150 days vast quantities of West Virginia coal are fioated to market and great quantities of iron and steel products. The cotton ties made in the Pittsburg district are fioated to Memphis and Baton Rouge to be distributed from there throughout the south. Open water is now hurtful to this district when it can be one very useful and very profitable.
 If we continue to neglect the oppor- tunities that the Warrior offers we need not be surprised to hear that the government has ceased to devote mil lions of dollars to the improvement of that river. There is no reason why the Warrior improvement should not be extended to this city, and it undoubt- edly would be if we would show any appreciation of water navigation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
RED CLOUDS DEATH.
m the New York World.

From the New York World.
 The death of Red Cloud Is loss to sentiment In this last of the Sioux chiefs the present generation had an example of the traditional noble red man. Hed Cloud was a willy, but an honorable foe' a good fighter, but man of his word when the tomahawk was buried. In native ability and leadership he ranked with the great chieftans of former time. He was the last of the old Romans of his race, whose like it is improbable we shall look upon again. Indians are in creasing in numbers, according to govern ment figures, but at the expense Of the pure stock Another Red Cloud or for that matter even a Sitting Bull or a Geronimo. is not to be looked for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
PEARY PRESENTED
 WITH GOLD MEDAL

Washington, December 15.-The Nation al Geographic society tonight publicly acclaimed Commander Robert D. Peary the discoverer of the north pole and in recognition therefor presented to him gold medal. In presenting the trophy to Comamnder Peary, Prof. Willis L. Moore, president of the society, who acted as toastmaster, phrased his refer ence to Commander Peary "as the man who had won the prize.
 There was no reference to the claims of Dr. Cook and only a slight one to the polar controversy. All allusion to that was covered in a few words by Professor Moore when in presenting the medal he said the public never for moment had questioned the veracity of Commander Peary's statement, and also that the data of Peary's expedition had required no editing befora it was pre- sented to the National Geographic so- cieyt.
 Captain Bartlett, master of the Roose- welt, who took that stout ship into the ice farther than any other vessel ever went, also received a medal. This was presented by Ambassador James Bryce of Great Britain.
 Andrew Carnegie, Ambassador Jusser- and of France, Baron Desplanches. the Italian ambassador; Gen. Thomas Nub- bard, president of the Peary Arctic clup' and Speaker Cannon sat at the speaker table MT. Cannon made a short ad- dress.
 Telegrams of congratulation from Col onel Roosevelt, the Royal Geographical Society of England and the Berlin Geo graphical society were read. The Duke of hr,tz a1Sn Eanf A cAbla cODRTdIu- lating Commander Peary.
 It was also announced that a medal had been ordered presented to Grove Karl Gilbert of Washington in recognl- ton of various scientific investigations he has made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
FAME
TAI By John Milton.


 (From Lycidas) Alas! what boots 1t with incessant care, To tend the homely sighted shepherds
 trade, And strictly mediate the thankless Muse? Were 1t not better done, as others use, To sport with Amaryllis in the shade, Or with the tangles of Neacra's hair? Fame Is the spur that the clear spirit
 doth raise That last infrmity of noble mind To score delights and live laborious days; But the fair guerdon when we hope to find And think to burst out Into sudden blaze. Comes the blind Fury with the abhorred
 shears, And slits the thin-spun life. But not the
 praise" Phoebus replied, and touch'd my trem-
 bling ears; Fame is no plant that crowns on mor-
 tai soil, Nor in the glstening foil Set off to the world, nor in broad rumor
 lies, But lives and spreads aloft by those pure
 eyes And perfect witness of all-judging love: As he pronounces lastly on each deed, Of 90 much fame in heaven expect thy
 mAeA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Favorable Comments.

Alabama has got great deal Of good advertising from the defeat Of the pro- hibition amendment,' said member of the Chamber of Commerce.
 q look over many daily and weekly papers and all that I have seen nave had editorials in praise of Alabama. The Maine Democrat, a most excellent paper, prints three columns of clipping under the caption. Sanity Prevails; Ed itorial Comment on the Result Of the Election in Alabama
 Had the proposed amendment won the advertising that Alabama would lave got would have hurt beyond measure
 'The great majority of the business
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
FEDERAL AID FOR
 NEGRO MOVEMENT

Washington, December 15.-(Special.)- J. number of bills have been introduced in the House calling for federal aid for the negro exposition movement ad- vocated by Booker Washington. Some want an outright appropriation of money to help the exposition. Others realizing that the leaders in Congress are now pretty generally opposed to the granting of money to exposition projects and who recall that Congress even went so far last year as to refuse positively to make grant of money with which to allow the United States to participate in the forthcoming international exposition at Brussels, have not asked for a cash ap- propriation, but so frame their bills as to have them provide for the appointment of commissions to take charge of the preparations for the proposed negro fair.
 Three bills having this general object in view were introduced in the House today. Representative Taylor, republic an of Ohio introduced a bill calling for a cash appropriation of s5000 to pay tho expenses of a commission which would report to Congress on the advisability of having such an exposition held. Repre- sentative Rodenburg, republican of Illi- nois, introduced a similar bill, while Representative Moran, republican, in troduced a measure calling for the crea- tion of a commission of seven by the government to consider the question of such an appropriation
 The fight over the marshalship and dis trict attorneyship of the Middle Alabama district Is going on merrily Marshal Judkins has arrived to look after his interests and B. W. Walker, who Is sup posed to be referee in the state, for his Job, is also expected to shortly return to Washington District Attorney Parsons will put in an appearance right after the holidays and Julius Sternfeldt, who wants his place, will also soon be on the ground The referees seem to be taking matters cooly. Having indorsed James Bowron for the Birmingham postoffice they are awaiting for that appointment to go through before getting excited over the other places.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
About Persons.

The Rev M. E. Kettricl, at one time assistant pastor at St. Paurs church and later pastor of St. Augustine's at North Birmingham, was in the Southern railway wreck near Greensboro, N. O.. yesterday morning but escaped without injury. Father Kettrick has been on a leave from this diocese on account of poor health and has been serving re- gently as an assistant in the diocese of Brooklyn.
 The Rev pr. J. c. Hiden. who has been supplying the pulpit of the Par ker Memorial Baptist church at Annis- ton for several weeks. will close his en- gagement there December 19 He will spend today and tomorrow in Birming- ham and will return to Anniston on Saturday for his concluding services Sunday. As Dr. Hiden is in good health at this time he will probably not be long without an invitation to supply some other vacant pulpit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
REFLEcTIoNs OF A BACHELOR.

From the New York Press.
 A womans idea of how well she looks is when it's mostly clothes.
 A girl can fool man except when he thinks she can't, and that's only always.
 When a man says he has convictions it means he can get madder than you in an argument.
 A Christmas present most men would like would be a Christmas without any present-giving.
 The delightful thing to woman about her imagination is how 1t makes every thing seem real to her except the real thingA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
FINE ART OF KILLING

for the greater distances the army may ind 1t desirable to provide a light tripod Capt. J. H. Parker, who commands a provisional machine gun company in the United States army, is quoted as of the opinion that the Benet-Mercie has the most perfect mechanism of all rapid firing guns yet invented. The govern ment tests show that 1t will produce a hail of 400 to 800 shots per minute. This is even more than a gunner can usually employ with good effect
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
New Plant for Gsry.

New York, December 15.-The American Sheet and Tinplate com pany, a subsidiary of the United States Steel corporation, will start at once the building of large sheet and tin plate plant at Gary, Ind, at an esti- mated cost of $4,500,000. The infor- nation was made public today by the Iron Age, publication.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
A WISE WOMAN.

There. is a wise woman in Birming ham. She bought some Christmas cigars for her husband, but that doesn't mean tho poor man is going to suffer. Not a bitl She just tripped into a cigar store which her husband patronizes and said to the clerk, whom she knew: "I want box of cigars just like the kind my husband buys in here every day. And charge them to him."
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
oklahoma Banks Prosperous.

Guthrie, Okla, December 15.-Ac- cording to a statement issued today by State Bank Commissioner A. M. Young, the condition of the 662 state banks of Oklahoma on November 16 showed an increase in individual deposits of $4,- 99s.173, in comparison with the Sep tember 1 report, and an increase of s7,052,5o5 over the report made on June 23.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Donation for Theatre.

London, December 15.-Miss Mary Hoadley Dodge, daughter of the late William Earle Dodge of New York, ac- cording to an announcement made to- night, has donated S350.000 to the fund for the Shakespeare theatre in Lon don. Miss Dodge is now resident of London.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Bio American Army.

Washington, December 15-There are 14,- 974, AS men in the country who are avail able for military duty but mot organ ized," according to report transmitted to the House today by the war depart ment The report shows that the aggre- gate strength of the militia in all the states is 120, ,65S.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Goes to Jacksonville.

H. B. Mabson, who has been proprietor of the Metropolitan hotel for several years has leased the Seminole, a 12- story fireproof hotel in Jacksonville Fla. and will take up his residence in that city in order to give his new ven ture close personal attention. He stated yesterday that the Metropolitan would be continued under the present manage ment.
 Mir Mabson has many friends in Ala bama who will wish him success in his new field.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

men as well as the farmers Of this state voted against constitutional prohibition. I was surprised to find any thoughtful bushes man voting for t. The busi- ness world at large watched the cam paign very closely and when 1t turned out as it did We got the credit for the right tendency-the tendency 10 break away from hysteria and fanaticism."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
No Blame for Explosion.

Madisonville, Ky, December 15.-The coroner's jury after investigating last Saturdays explosion in the Baker coal mine in which seven negroes lost their lives today returned a verdict attach ing no blame, either to the mine com many or the men.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
convIcts for Road Building.

Topeka, Kan, December B.-The use of convicts in building roads was advocated at the closing session of the National Good Roads association convention today by Arthur Jackson, president of the as- sociation. Several addresses on the fun damental essentials of good roads build ing were made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Jailed for Auto Accident.

Hartford, Conn, December 15.-Mon- tague Roberts, the noted automobiles, was found guilty in the criminal court today of violation of the automobile law and was sentenced to jail for 30 days and fined $50 The trial grew out of an &C., cident in which c. L. Kiefer of New Britain was badly injured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Alabama Wheat,

''The farmers of northern Alabama have sown more wheat this fall than before in 30 years" remarked an observant man. who has recently been through some of the upper counties of the state.
 ''Walker county farmers, especially, have put in good acreage of the grain, being induced to do so by the present high price of flour. This augurs well for the future independence of the hill farmers of Alabama"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Successor for President Murray.

New York, December 15.-It was re- ported in financial circles today that when President Murray of the Balt!- more and Ohio railroad retires he will be succeeded by Daniel Willard, one of the vice presidents of the Chicago, Bur- lngton and Quincy. Confirmation was Ia acking
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Funeral of Pat Sheedy.

Hartford. Conn.,, December 15.-The fu- neral eof Patrick Francis Sheedy was held today from St. Patrick's church. the edifice being filled with friends of the dead man. A baggage car filled with floral tributes came from New York. Interment was in St. Patrick's ceme- tery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Falls Heir to Estate.

Santa Monica. Cal, December 15.-Maj. w. H. Heisland, an inmate of the Sol- diers Home at Sawtelle. has fallen heir to the title and estate of his uncle, Baron Karl Frederick Heisland, who di<d re- gently near Karlstandt Bavaria, worth s6O000. Major Heisland was formerly a district judge in Louisiana.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
chancery Court Session.

Dadeville, December 15.-(Special)- Chancery court was in session here Mon- day and Tuesday, Chancellor Whiteside presiding. There were numerous cases. mostly small, however. on the docket and few of these were ready for submission.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Kermit Roosevelt has killed bongo, and he considers that act glory enough and he is coming home. No Elba in hisn, however.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

President Taft wants a civil pension list, and then, of course, there must be old-age pensions. A man without a pension will soon be rare.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

In all the wrangles of the medical men over John Early, an alleged leper, no one has attempted to remove his yermiform appendix.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

MT. Taft seems to consider economy as something more than ap academic abstraction. Congress is Inclined to take the latter view.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Now be cautious in filling your water pipes at night. A little caution now and then will keep the plumber off your premises, and that means good money saved.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Ohio is ambitious to furnish both strange that she does not want to fur nish the candidates for vice president also.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Don't try to learn how to use an aeroplane while the ground is frozen. I his rule does not. however, apply to Alabama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Carrie Nation is also an insurgent. and she is in Washington, where in- surging is popular.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Dr. Cooks remaining years may have to be devoted to endless explana- tions of his travels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

The Raymond Duncag family in airy costume are giving Poet Watson some relief from public disgust.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
CANCELLED.

Big Jeff declined to visit us The kids are sore; He wanted all the cash In sight And then some more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

MT. Calhoun is still minister-elect to China, but an hour, even minute, may change his status.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
THE RISKS WE RUN.

People should never sleep with their mouths open"
 Indeed, they shouldn't I've just been reading how an Oregon man fell asleep in Portland saloon and was walked up by thief trying to steal his gold tooth."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
THE BOOKS woprr 1ry,,

THE BOOKS WORTH WHILE
 Frank l.. Stanton overheard a conver- sation in an old book shop and 1t is reproduced here for the benefit of peo- pie who know what kind of books are most lovable
 T hope" said the dusty old volume on the top shelf. that the Master of the Shop will take me down during the Bookbuyers Campaign, and dust me,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

It is estimated that sixty millions Of Americans neglected to read the Pres ident's message.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

and place me there, on the first conn ter. where the world may have a Iool. at me. Perhaps some kind. curious DOCK lover will give my ye'lowed leaves a chance to see the Light-purchase me who knows?-and take me home with nm, and let me talk to him before the Library fire in the long winter nights. TOT nine IS the gift of light. and love, and tears, and long has been my lone someness in dusty silence.'
 DO you want a place beside those giided novels that never dream of Inn mortalityg asked a brother book on high. - T never thought of that" said the dusty old volume. Yet us stay here. with our immortal dreams!'
 Atlanta Constitution.
 A CRUSTY DAME She has no charm, she has no grace The woman with the hatchet face. She'd stab her dearest friend, she
 would;
 Her wagging tongue bodes little good. She finds flaw where none may be ! And kindly traits can never see. Her heart, so thin and dry and sere, Has barely throbbed for many a year.
  Her Sour temper curdles milk And takes the gloss right off from
 silk.
 She doesn't try to tighten care, Or lift the burdens others bear. In cheerful scenes she's out of place The woman with the hatchet face.
 A CAUTIOUS CRITIC.
 A dramatic criticism in the Greenleaf Czan.) Sentinel:
 we did not like The Girl and the Stampede at the opera house Saturday night. Too many gun plays, too much red ink to represent bloodshed, too much profanity; in fact, we can hear enough of that on the streets. The acting was not as poor as some we have seen, and yet 1t lacked a lot of being realistic. The play was supposed to be on the plains and yet the horses sounded like they were sharp shod and on paved streets, and when bunch of fellows would rIde up to a house they would ride around the house a few times before entering When the woman dressed the wounds of the man she would simply open the bandages and look at the wounds and then wrap them up again without doing thing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
POE TIP TO DATE

That's great poem of. Poe's, The Conqueror Worm"
 So I'm told. About the hooIworm. isn't it?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Minister Calhoun will not feel safe until he sails away beyond the range of the wireless.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
MAKING A SHOW

I care not for Carnegies wealth. I only want To own a hundred-dollar bill Which I can faunti
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Bard Watson must begin to wish that the world would forget him alto oether.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
Admiral Togo is to retire Fom

Japanese navy, but that vii bs nc comfort to Russia at thisNate
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

There are other comets than Hal ley's in the sky.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Dr. Cook seems to accumulate ene- mics at every turn in his peculiar ca reer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

December is plainly trying to be as cold as November was warm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

J. J. Hills adNce to economize does not fit the Christmas season.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16
SAME THING.

Have you ever been through the slums?"
 No but I've seen great many prob lem plays"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-16

Begin to accumulate the Christmas spirit and get ready to help the needy.