davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
The Conner Case
One cent is the verdict.

One cent is the verdict.
 Why the jury did not rise to the occasion and give the governor ? cents, the price of letter postage, or even 3 cents, the price of a soft drink, is one of those mysteries in mental and ethi- cal processes that must be referred for solution to our modern school of psy- chology
 Yet, after all, l cent means vidica- tion and satisfies justice if it does not come up to the expectations of Gov ernor Conner, who sued the Montgom- cry Advertiser for $25,O00 for an all legged libelous card concerning him, published as campaign literature when he was running for railroad commis- sioner as the champion of the people.
 Twenty-Five thousand dollars seems a pretty big damage claim, but MT. Co., mer felt that he was the man to lead the people and smash the railroads, and when he appeared on the witness stand in the city court of Birmingham in his own behalf he unbosomed him. self to the jury. He sought to impress upon his peers the idea that the publi- cation complained of had lost him votes, impaired his credit, hurt his feelings and lowered his standing in society.
 But MT Conner was elected railroad commissioner by large majority and later swept the state for governor. MT. Conner is known to be rich and suc- cessful business man. He is known to be gentleman of buoyant spirits, and in society he is more popular today than ever. The jury icould not make it out therefore that Governor Conner had suffered politically, financially, emotionally, or socially. Hence the light verdict.
 Had the jury said cents, or even $2, the Advertiser, it may be assumed. would have gladly come across. From the 1-cent verdict there will certainly be no appeal.
 The trial was full of ginger from the start. There was brilliant array of counsel and the testimony submitted and the parties of attorneys enlivened Birmingham and in a measure contrib uted to the gayety of nations. But alPs well that ends well. The Age-Herald tenders it's felicita- tions to the governor of Alabama. who is yindicated, and to the Montgomery Advertiser, which escapes with the loss of only 1 cent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Good Theatre Crowds.

"The attendance at the theatres this week, believe, has as a whole been bet ter than it has been during any other week of the present season. said the manager of local theatre last night.
 While I have, of course, not been able to attend every house every night so far thls week, from what l have ob- served and from what l have heard the attendance at all of the theatre has been gratifying to the managers. At my house the company has played tp splen- did audiences and tonight the house was practically sold out. The popular price houses are doing exceptionally well.
 ''While it may be true that the thea tres may have performances tnls "eeh which appeal to theatregoers, the crowded houses. it seems to me, are indlcatiVe of the fact that good times have returned and that the financial stress is over and thing of the past"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Horse Sense in California

Governor Gillette and the best men in the California legislature have come to the conclusion that further anti Japanese Legislation would be unwise while Japan is endeavoring to keep Japanese laborers out of the country, and the United States is cooperating in that direction. The recent under standing between the two countries seems ample and no doubt will prove effective.
 A bill had been introduced to pre- vent the Japanese from holding lands and also another bill to forbid them to become directors in a corporation. All such legislation is to be sidetracked, If Governor Gillette and the best men in the legislature can do it, and it is believed they can.
 This action in California will be gratefully received in Japan and 1t will go far to confirm and strengthen the friendship between the two countries. The Californians were a lorg time in reaching a position of sanity on the subject of the Japanese, but it Is be lieved they are now ready to cooperate with the federal government. This is great gain for all concerned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
SaYine Water Power Rights

President Roosevelt does many ec- centric things-many things that for dignity's sake should be left undone. But he also does now and then some things that the people should be quick to appreciate. He does not hesitate to veto any effort made by a corporation to secure control of a water power be- longing to the people. In a recent veto message he thus presented the issue:
 The people of the country are threatened by a monopoly far more powerful, be- cause in far closer touch with their do- mestic and industrial life, than anything known to our experience. A single gen. eration will see the exhaustion of our natural resources of oil and gas and such a rise in the price of coal as will make the price of electrically transmitted water power a controlling factor in transporta- tion, in manufacturing and in household lighting and heating Our water power alone, if fully developed and wisely used. is probably sufficient for the present transportation, industrial, municipal and domestic needs. Most of it is undeveloped and is still in national or state control.
 To give away, without conditions. this, one of the greatest of our resources, would be an act of folly. If we are guilty of 1t our children will be forced to pay an annual return upon capitaliza- tion based upon the highest prices which ''the traffic will bear" They will find themselves face to face with powerful interests entrenched behind the doctrine of vested rights and strengthened by
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Too Much Shooting.

There is entirely too much shooting go- ing on around the Thomas quarters said a man who drives out that way frequent ly. When I was out there this after noon some negroes armed with Winches- ters were shooting at a target, and they were not all particular where their bull lets struck. One went through the top of my buggy. Another went just above the head of the man who was with me, and still another struck the corner of porch upon which lady was sitting. I am told that the negroes in that section are all arming themselves and that they are continually practicing with the weapons. It seems to be time that an example should be made and that the promiscuous shooting should be stopped"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Direct Cotton Trading

Action by Congress at the present session becomes each week more inn probable. A conference on the part of the officials of the department of agri- culture, and all the experts they can assemble is to be held February 1, but no one. is very hopeful that divergent views can be reconciled and bill passed this session.
 Nor is it probable that government grading will ever take more than an advisory form. This is why the gov ernment is endeavoring to name scien- tific grades that will commend them selves to all interests. Compulsory grading by the government is out of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
LETS THE BOY GO.
Leniency of Commissioner Results In
 Lads Failure to Return.

United States Commissioner Reuben Watts had his heart touched last week and now admits that the laugh Is on him.
 The incident was unique. Last week Lon nie Vines, a young man who could neither read nor write, was arrested by the fed eral authorities for breaking into a Mis- sissippi postoffice and was brought to Birmingham. He was given q preliminary hearing before Commissioner Watts and his forlorn condition, combined with the fact that he could neither read nor write, caused the commissioner to be lenient.
 There was no one here that he could get to go his bond, but he said he could get it signed at home. Commissioner Watts then gave him blank bond and all lowed him to go without the company of an officer, Vines agreeing to send the bond properly signed to him as soon as he could reach home.
 Several days passed without the bond being received, then Commissioner Watts received letter from Vines enclosing the blank bond and giving reasons for it not being signed.
 The letter was written by another party for Vines. It stated that he felt greatly the humiliation caused by his arrest and that the disgrace was so great that he could not return home. He had moved to another community and as he knew no one there could not get the bond signed, therefore he returned 1t.
 The letter went on to state that he could not afford to stay in jail; that he would have to pay his. lawyers a large amount of money and that 1t would be necessary for him to work hard to get 1t.
 No attempt was made to hide the pres ent address of Vines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Prohibition In the South.

CT am told that prohibition works very smoothly in Birmingham" said L. L.. Hessinger of Norfolk.
 .yirginia will probably go dry when the legislature meets and Richmond Pe- tersburg. Norfolk, Portsmouth and few other cities that now have saloons will
 fin time De like the prohibition cities in
 the far south.
 "Here In Birmingham the drinking
 seems to be confined to the homes and
 A few social clubs that conform strictly
 to the law. I have heard of boot-legging in Birmingham, but lawabiding citizens do not encourage this sort of traffic. Taken all in all I would say that prohibi- ton Is a success here.
 Tt is different in Georgia. In Atlanta the sale of beer is licensed and in Savan- nah and other Georgia cities the liquor trade is wide open. When Virginia goes dry we will conform to the Alabama system, rather than the Georgia method. Prohibition is now on trial in the south 1 and it behooves us all to comply with | the law and public sentiment. Five years hence the voters may conclude that anti saloon measures heve been too drastic, | but so long as cities have been placed | in the dry column we should not coun- l tenance a violation of the law"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Associated Press Operators.

'"The operators of the Associated Press, ' said a man last night who is familiar with the details of a newspaper office, "often discuss among themselves. even in the rush of business, every little item that strikes them as unusual. peculiar or humorous.
 " Here comes something sure enough, the sender of horrible accident will de- clare before giving the details, and when the story is known the operators in every direction will make some trifiing com ment.
 Too bad,' ticks Mobile. Oh, don't know, says New Orleans. it might have been worse, you know Cut it out and get busy again. chimes in Atlanta, and then the next item is flashed.
 This afternoon, after the Birmingham operator had flashed the following bule- tin, Governor Conner is awarded 1 cent damages in his suit against the Mont gomery Advertiser I heard him chuckle. When I inquired for the cause of his merriment, he replied:
 What do you suppose the operator in Chattanooga replied to the message of the Conner verdict? The wag said, Please convey to the governor my request not to spend the entire sum in one place.! :"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
FEAGIN WILL GO
 TO WASHINGTON

Judge Feagin will today notify Presi- dent Roosevelt that he will attend the meeting of the philanthropists in Wash- ington beginning January 2S the purpose Of the meeting being the discussion of means to benefit the neglected child
 Judge Feagin has been granted leave of absence, and last night the report os the finance committee. carrying with it a section whereby the treasurer win fur nish Judge Feagin s1OO for travelling ex- penses, was adopted.
 Judge Feagin was invited by MT. Roose- velt some days ago, the President writ ing a personal letter to the judge. Judge Feagin considers the invitation as most complimentary.
 Col. T. G. Bush was also invited to att tend this meeting, but he has not as yet decided whether he will be able to do SO or noe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
DEFINITION OF
 NEGRO IS WANTED

Washington, January 20.-(Special.)- Senator Milton of Florida wants Con- gross to provide federal definition of a negro. He has introduced bill which provides that any person having one eighth or more of negro blood shall be esteemed legally a negro Primarily the bill is intended to prohibit intermarrage of negroes and whites in Washington. It declares any such marriage null and the issue incapable of inheriting. Viola tio0 of the act shall be punishable by Imprisonment up to ten years, or fine up to s10,000. Any judge, minister, priest, or other person authorized to perform the marriage ceremony who shall perform it in violation of the act will be liable to one years imprisonment or $1O,O0O fine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Signs of Business.

While the retail merchants may find trade dull, the banks are buster than usual" said a bank official yesterday. Our mercantile and manufacturing con- cerns are arranging for large business during the year and later on the retail trade will feel the impulse of a business revival
 Business conditions are as satisfactory as usual early in the year. The early spring is the time when we should look for genuine activity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21

every defense which money can buy and the ingenuity of able corporate lawyers can devise.
 This is just about the entire case from the peoples point of view, and if the various states will cooperate with the federal government the conserva- ton of the water powers of the country will become possible. It is a deeply important matter.
 It should be remembered that no one can grab any power on a navigable stream except with the consent of the general government, but there are many valuable water powers in the lesser streams that are in the control of the state. The state should have a definite policy in this matter. The water powers of Alabama are immense ly valuable and they are simply i'm mense in extent This is the chief river state of the union, and the policy that the President has outlined in two vetoes should be carefully considered here and sternly enforced
 MT. Taft will doubtless stand by the policy of Mir. Roosevelt, and if Ala bama will do her duty the water pow CTS of the state will be reserved for the use of the people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
VIII Be a Great Event.

'sThe music festival and floral parade the first week in May will draw thousands of visitors to Birmingham" said J. B. Babb
 'The brilliant success of the Confeder- ate reunion last June is well remem- bered. It was the biggest affair ever seen in the south. and did more to ad- vertse Birmingham as a city that does things than any event ever attempted here before. The music festival and floral parade will surpass any attraction of the present year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
TAYLOR CASE IS
 ALMOST FINISHED

Meridian. Miss, January 20.-(Special.)-- With testimony concluded and the sum- ming up ended with the exception of that to be done by the district attorney, the Taylor case was halted at Il o'clock to- night until S:30 o'clock tomorrow morning
 It will then be resumed and brought to a close by the arguments of MT. Currie after which it will be given to the jury for their verdict The feature of to- days proceedings was the testimony of the defendant, who thereby fortified his plea of self-defense and corroborated the testimony of four other witnesses who tes- tified in his behalf.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Veterans Entertained.

Columbus, Miss, January 20.-(Special) The members of the local chapter Daughters of the Conferedacy rendered the local camp of veterans an elegant re- ception in the parlors and dining room of the new Hotel Gilmer last evening in commemoration of Lees birthday. An elaborate meat and salad course was served. Miss Mary Harrison, sister-in- law of the late Gen. Stephen D. Lee, conn manding general of the federation or vet erans who is president of the local chapter of daughters, deserves most pro nounced praise for the splendid success of the entertainment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
New Officers In charue.

Huntsville, January 2O-(Special.) .)-Lee J. Wright the new county treasurer; o. K. Stegall, county commissioner, and James c. Mcdonald, justice of the peace, have been inducted into office. MT. StegaI succeeds MT. Bennett, MT. Wright suc- ceeds Frank Hereford and MT. McDonald succeeds Justice c. N. Vaught. They were elected in the general election in November.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Aged Couple Welded.

Valdosta. Ga, January 20.-Former Legislator John w. Hagan, present chair man of the county commissioners of Lowndes county, and Mrs. Thomas B. Hogge, a widow, were married today. Both are septuagenarians, and the mar- riage is the brides fourth venture and the bridegroons third MT. Hagan was the populist party leader here a number of years ago. Both husband and wife are wealthy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
EsTEs' RESOLUTION.
Wants to Know Whether or Not Police men Receive More Than Salary.

Alderman G. H. Estes when asked last night the reason for the Introduction of the resolution instructing the city auditor to state whether or not any policeman had received more pay than his salary during the months of September, October, Mo- yember and December, had little to say.
 He simply stated that 1t was the duty of aldermen, as he saw it, to keep on the trail of the direction in which the money of the city goes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
BEYOND I'll. CHILE

 And surely. when the shades of night are falling And neither moon nor star illumes the sky When through the void a master voice Is calling And life departs. futtered breath, a sigh, The bravest. truest hearts will not be 1inching, But all undauntedly will cross the bourne, With only pity for the towards blench- ing And sweet farewells for those behind who mourn. And though 'tis true with cruel doubt we're faring Into a realm of which we little know, If in this life we've learned the art of bearing Each stab of pain, each new disguise of woe With constancy, our courage still renew Ing, Despite reverses met, however great We'll tread the way the distant stars are strewing, Prepared to hold our own 'gainst any fate!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
ANNABEL LEE.

By Edgar Allan Poe. It was many and many a year ago. In a kingdom by the sea, That there lived maiden whom you may
 know
 By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other
 thought
 Than to love and be loved by me I was a child and she was child, In this Kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love tnat was inore
 than love-
 and my Annabe1 Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of
 heaven
 Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that. long ago. Tn this Kingdom by the sea, wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her high-born kinsmen came And bore her away from mo, To shut her up in a sepulcher In this Kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me Yes! That was the reason Gas all mon
 know
 In this Kingdom by the seal That the wind came out of the cloud by
 night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than
 the love
 Of those who were older than We Of many far wiser than we And neither the angels in heaven above. Nor the demons down under the sea Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee. For the moon never beams, without bring
 ing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise but I feel the
 bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, lie down by the side Of my darling-my darling-my life and my bride,
 In the sepulcher there by the sea, In the tomb by the sounding sea.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21

the question. There is no warrant for it in the constitution. The government should fix good system of grades, and then appeal to the various exchanges and the business public to adopt it.
 The subject is interesting and the government conference on February will settle the matter the one way or the other so far as the present session is concerned. But another session is coming and the conference of February 1 should plan with reference to action by 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
An Omen Winter.

''When we have an open winter as late as January 2O the rest of the winter VIII be mild.e said 8. P. Herndon Of Biop county.
 '.I am not scientific, but have Kept hooks on the weather. so to speak, Tor nearly 50 years and my forecasts of seasons are more nearly correct thaih those of the official weather prophets. There will be touches of winter early in February and ground hog day may be cloudy and raw; but 1t will be safe to plant early vegetables before March. After February 15 there will not be single freeze"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR. T.,-a

Good looks catch man, but it's good housekeeping that holds him.
 The mystery about a woman's figure is how she can shift it all over her body.
 A man is a successful politician when he can keep the public from getting any benefit out of it's rights.
 Mostly always the reason a man starts an argument on his hobby is he is afraid If he doesn't the other fellow will on his.
 About the only man who could be re- lied upon absolutely to pay back bor- rowed money would be the one who would never borrow it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
Bic pamane Suit.

Columbus, Miss, January 2o.-tSpecial' The case of Mrs Donie M. Halpert' et ai' against the Howard Clock company or Boston, Mass, for $3O,0oo on account or the death of Dr. A. c. Harbert, who was killed by falling weights from the court house clock tower last August will come before the next circuit court which con yenes next Monday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
SPRINGS PROMIsE.

5PRINGS PROMISE. When you weary of the struggle And you long to slip away To the land of Little Trouble, There to spend holiday, Ardent fancy brings before you Lanes where roses used to blow And you tript frolic measure In the days of long ago. True, 'tis worse than idle wishing For that time to come again And to roll away the burden Of the years; but why complaint Soon the valley roads will blossom And they'll show as fair a hue, And the birds will sing as sweetlv As they ever used to do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
WARD TO MAKE
 CHIEF SPEECH

The presentation of the silver service to the cruiser Birmingham will take place with due formality one week from next Monday. Mobile will receive the cruiser with open arms, and the delegation from Birmingham will be on the spot, armed with one of the most beautiful sets ever presented. Mayor George B. Ward will make the speech of presentation. Other plans for the trip are now being made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21

The trouble with money and art |. that they never have really understood each other.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
seaboard Claims Approved.

Norfolk, Va. January 20.-Special Mas ter Hughes in the Seaboard Air Line rail- way receivership litigation, at a final hearing here today prior to the filing of his first report at Richmond, approved about 75 "privileged' claims aggregating between 5000, ,oc0 and $S,500,O00. The spe- cial master fixed March 8, at Richmond
 as the date for hearing claim questions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21

An enlightened editorial writer d,scnsso. 'The Matter of Eating" There's notb- ing more important except when you are so rich you can't eat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21

The members of the new Cuban Con- gross have agreed among themselves to wear frock coats and silk hats while on duty. Dignity is to be maintained regardless of weather.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
UNDERWOOD AFTER
 POSTAL SERVICE

Washington, January 20.-(Special)- At the request of Representative Under- wood the postoffice department has or dered a railway postoffice route estab- lished on the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic railroad from Birmin 3ham to Talladega.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-21
HOW IF WORKS.

sherlock Holmes had just given himself an hypodermie injection. Do you know, Watson,' he said, q feel as if James 1. Jeffries will eventually go out and take the championship belt away from Jack Johnson"