davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28

Special Dispatch to the Cincinnati En-
quirer.
New York.--Colonel Potts Of Roam
oke, Va.-Col John Breckenridge Potts,
sah!-made an Intellectual attempt to
present President-elect Taft a live
opossum at noon toda. Alas! Colonel
Potts failed in his kindly mission.
Twas as plump possum as ever
'possumed, and Colonel Potts captured
It in its native wallow somewhere in
the wooded rim of the famous Potts
estate. He brought the little animal
all the way from Roanoke in hand
some gilt parrots cage, and, after hsv-
ing 1t carefully combed and manicured,
he set out with it this morning from
his hotel.
With naughty dignity Colonel Potts
sauntered out of the lobby with the
Gagged possum in his hand. He left the
hotel via the bar to avoid the gaze OF
the curious, but some 500 or 500 vul-
carly curious persons were trailing his
heels as he navigated the thick fog of
Broadway and hailed a passing taxi
cab.
Into the taxi Colonel Potts crowded his
300 pounds of dignity and his possum,
first giving the chauffeur instructions to
proceed with all possible speed to the
mansion of Henry w Taft at No. Ss
West Forty eighth street. One hundred
or 200 of the crowd pursued the taxicab
for half dozen blocks, but then gave
up the chase.
Presently the green horseless hack drew
up before the arstocratic residence of
Banker Taft. dozen or so reporters
were grouped about on the pavement,
and they greeted the appearance of Colo
mel Potts with high glee, affairs being
mighty dull with them at the time.
Colonel Potts delayed getting out of the
cab, while he combed his handsome goatee
and set his hat at a proper rakish angle.
Then he got out gracefully. drew on his
gloves and reached in for the cage In the
darkness of the cabs interior he mad
vertently poked his finger too far in the
caeg, Withdrawing 1t suddenly with a
choice flow of Roanoke explosives.
But Colonel Potts swiftly recovered
his composure, chuckled in his beard,
1.-The little devil bit me- lighted
match and skillfully located the cage.
Inserting his thumb in the ring from
which the cage swung, Colonel Potts
lifted the capacious wire prison daint-
lily aloft and proceeded up the steps
of the Taft home with slow and aristo-
cratic stride.
Stopping to draw on his gloves
Colonel oPtts pressed the door bell with
his pinky, drew a silk handkerchief
from the tail of his frock coat and
began hopping his brow. When the
butler appeared at the door Colonel
Potts addressed him loftily
"sirrah. tell your master that Colonel
Potts of Virginia-Colonel John Brock
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
BIG CAMPAIGN EXPENSES.
Senator Stephenson Cannot Account
for $4,000.

Madison, Wis. February 2.-That some
thing over $4,000 of campaign expendl-
lures in the account of United States Sen
ator Stephenson's managers is still not
itemized was brought out in the examina-
ton of R. H. Sackett before the sena-
torial primary legislative investigation
committee today Mr.. Sackett was of the
opinion of that some of his workers had
not turned in their statements. Signed
checked aggregating 5000 and issued dur
ing August before the primary went to
preachers The Rev. J. ]. Ryan of Mil
waukee got s400, the other checks rang
ing from $3.50 to $40, presumably went to
Lutheran ministers. Mr.. Sackett could
be no more definite than to state that
he presumed they had nothing to do
with the campaign. A large number of
the checks could be identified. The COM
mittee this afternoon took recess until
Monday afternoon. Mr.. Sackett was ex-
cused until after March H.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
LEGISLATION IS
TIED FAST IN KNOT
Warrants Are Out for Arrest of
Missing Members
TREASURER HOLDS UP PAY
1t Is Reported That the Absent Ten
nessee Legislators viii Remain
Out of the State Till the
Legislature Adjourns.
TREASURER HOLDS UP PAY

Nashville, February 7.-(special)-With
all legislative business tied fast in a
Knot, with the treasurer threatening to
refuse to pay salaries, with little chance
OF any appropriation bills being passed
and with warrants out for the arrest of 10
members of the senate as the result of
their quitting the state an anomalous
situation is presented here tonight Eight
members of the senate are safely quar-
tered at Hopkinsville, Ky, and declare
that they may not return to the state un-
til after the 80 days time allowed for the
biennial sessions of the legislature has
expired.
The cause of the disruption of the leg
islation dates back to the prohibition
fight when the statewide democrats
formed a coalition with the republicsns in
order TO pass the measure, was brought to
head when the coalition attempted to
pass set of election laws over the head
OF the governor. The administration DEM
ocrats declared that the laws were meant
to turn the state over to the republicans
in return for their support in the prohi-
bition measures.
Today the senate met both in the morn
ing and afternoon but has had to recess
until Monday owing to the fact that no
quorum was present. Speaker Kinney
had warrants issued for the absentees
with instructions to the sergeant-at-arm
to present at the bar of both houses.
Teh presiding officers instructed Treas
urer Folk not to pay salaries of missing
members until the election bills were dis
posed of.
1t Is said that the absentees will remain
away until after the legislature adjourns.
which will cause an extra session to be
called. In the call for this session the
governor will not mention the election law
matter and under the constitution nothing
can be considered at an extraordinary ses-
sion that is not included in the call of the
governor.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
CUBANS ARE NOT
So |LL|TERAT[
Over Half the Population Can
Read, 1t Is Reported
INCREASING VERY FAST
Nearly Half the People Are Engaged
In Farming, ishing and Mining
Small Number In Manu-
featuring.
INCREASING VERY FAST

Washington, February 27.-Nearly 81 per
cent of the population of Cuba at least
10 years of age can read, the percentage
in the large cities being 1915, and in the
rest of the island 47s, according TO fig
ures obtained In the census recently
taken. This census SHOWS that In 1907
almost third of the children were at
tending school as compared with less
than one-sixth in 1899
OF the total population nearly 81 per
cent were single or divorced almost q
per cent were married; sc per cent con-
sensually married, and SO per cent
widowed. The average number of per-
sons to a family was AS. Males were
more numerous than females.
Between 1899 and 1907 the population of
the island increased from 1,572,7s to 2,o4s, :
$50, or more than 80 per cent. More than
half of the population live in the rural
districts, the 1874 towns and cities contain
ing 43.s per cent of the total
Havana the largest city. has popula-
ton Of 297.159 while the next largest city.
Santiago De Cuba, had only As, 40. The
density of population was 46.4 per square
mile.
OF the wage-earners. 49, per cent were
engaged in agricultural. fshi..g and min
Ing; 17.6 per cent in trade and trans
portation; 1863 In manufacturing and me-
chanical pursuits: 16 per cent in domestic
and personal service and 16 per cent in
professional service.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
BIG SCHEME STOPPED.
Argentine Counterfeit Money Has Been
Made In Indiana.

Indianapolis, February 27.-(Special.)-
Through the arrest of Robert E. Scott
by federal secret service officers here
tonight a scheme to flood the Argentine
Republic with counterfeit money was
nipped in the bud and efforts are now
being made to compass the arrest of a
pfominent government official of the Ar
gentine republic, who, Scott says in his
confession, was to pay him $4,000 for
having Photographic plates and prints
made Of hank notes of the republic. Scott
was tried by a United States commission.
confessed his guilt, and being unable to
give bond Is now in jail.
According to SCOTS story ne is the
owner Of a considerable amount of stock
in copper mine at La Fontana, So
livia, and there became acquainted with
the Argentine official. He said the Of
fetal secreted large amount of the
paper on which the bank notes of the
Argentine government are printed and ex-
planned to Scott plan by which he would
flood the country with counterfeit money
Scott was afraid to try the counterfeiting
plan In that country, had the plates made
from them and was soon to return with
the plates. He says he was to get s4O.0
for his part in the fraud.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
APOLLOS IN DEMAND.
Handsome Men VIII Draw Crowds to
Inaugural Ball.

From the New York Sun.
Now that Congress has delivered up
the pension building at Washington to
the citizens committee in charge of the
inaugural ball. and thereby removed the
last lingering doubt as to the financial
success of the festivities. frugal and pub
lic-spirited persons are coming to the
front with novel schemes and ecstatic
suggestions. About one of these in par
ticular the hopes and heartburnings of
the whole nation are gathering with es-
peciaT fervor.
We refer to the proposed selection from
each state of some one gentleman who
shall be of the wealthiest, handsomest
and most elegant in the local galaxy.
and the subsequent organization of these
40 eclectics into a corps delite, which
shall be duly exhibited and paraded be-
fore bullying eyeballs of the ticket BUYERS.
Wildf1re is no adequate description of
the fury with which this idea is now
ravaging all Washington Any one can
see with half an eye that the contem-
ordinary voluntary sacrifices may fire.
the function. AS matter OF fact. II the
arrangement be finally perfected. the new
President can go to bed and few need De
the wiser. State pride will be famed into
a flame. Extra thousands will he lured
to the box office. And when the curtain
rises on the ball there will be little fervor
left from that which is concentrated on
the farandole. Forty-sx authenticated
beauties, representing as many proud and
incorruptible states. dressed up to the
handle as 1t were, miracles of grace and
marvels of seduction-wth Bull Andrews
and Mark Smith trailing for the terri
tories-they will prance before the multi
tudes like the coruscations of dream.
and pants and signs and gasps will swell
the music OF their march.
Away with the bastard Thought that
there may be contests and clashngs In
respect OF the selections We know that
the senators have been invited TO make
the nominations, but we know also that
lovely woman has burst into the arena
and we easily forsee the upshot The
ticket buyers will get the fairest and the
best As regards this state, for instance.
there are rumors of intrigue. The Hon.
Timothy Woodruff sometime a candidate
for senator, has been pitted against the
Hon. Charles G. Bennett, secretary of the
Senate at Washington. Both are radiant
things; both dwell in the dizziest realms
of pulchritude. But Tim will be chosen
in the end. Why spit and snarl? And so
from the top to the bottom, or vice versa,
on the list. Newlands will be the event
ual, in fact the inevitable, choice of Ne
vada; Guggenheim of Colorado, Bona
parte of Maryland and SO on. With Col
j. Ham Lewis to make an aureole for
Illinois, and the Hon. William A. Clark to
nurse Montana in the boscage of his
whiskers, and a few other arrangements
that are too obvious for labored mention,
the procession will be constituted just as
1t ought to be, and the ticket buyers for
once will get the full worth of their
money.
We are beginning to take real interest
in this Inauguration ball. 1t holds out
glowing hands of promise.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
PROHIBITION IN ARKANSAS.
Legislature Is Still Fighting Over the
Bill.

Little Rock. Ark. February Gloon
trary to expectations today's session of
the house of the Arkansas legislature
which extended into tonight was with
out conclusive result with regard to state
wide prohibition.
Twice during the day the pending ques-
ton was motion to reject the meas
ure offered in substitution for the state
wide bill, providing for the submission
of the matter of prohibition to popular
vote, those favoring prohibition endeav-
oring to defeat the substitute and adopt
the original measure, while the opposi-
ton fought for time. successfully conf
batting every effort to reach vote. An
effort to break a quorum late in the af-
ternoon on the part of the anti-Gann
forces, after their efforts to cause an
adjournment was without result, was
successful for few minutes. but on a
second roll call enough responses were
secured to continue thesession. For the
first time this session a request for an
indefinite leave by a member was re-
fused
Interest in the legislative contest, the
most strenuous in years Is intense, many
ladies attending the sessions.
Consideration of the measure will be ro-
sumed Monday.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
LONG FIGHT OVER
NEGRO SOLDIERS
Struggle Is Ended BY Pass age
of Senate Bill
OPPOSITION is VIOLENT
BurIeson of Texas Declares That
Guilty and Innocent Negroes Alike
VIII Be Taken Into Army
Under the Bill.

Washington, February 2-The long fight
of the discharged negro soldiers of the
Twenty infantry for an opportunity
to prove their innocence in connection
with the 'shooting-up" of Brownsville,
Tex, on the night of August 10, 1906, was
won today when the House, by a vote of
30 to 1O1. passed the Senate bill to that
end Violent opposition was encountered
from members of the Texas delegation
and others.
The general deficiency bill was taken up
and passed, the aggregate amount carried
by it being over $17,5oo,00o
A number of miscellaneous bills and
conference reports also were disposed Of
A lively tilt between Speaker Cannon
and Mr. Gaines of Tennessee furnished
something of a scene. Before Mr., Gaines
would take his set. the mace, the en-
blem of authority, was ordered from Its
place. The last occasion on which the
mace was similarly used was In the
Fifty fourth Congress
During the debate there was much
confusion. especially marked when Mr..
Cochran of New York, In supporting
the bill, pleaded for exact justice to
all.
"Ho wabout the Japanese?' shouted
Mr.. Gaines of Tennessee.
The gentleman's Interruptions re-
piled Mr.. Cochran, amid a roar of
laughter. ARE always picturesque, but
not always sensible"
But they will all be taken back in
the army, mark my prediction re-
marked Mr. Burleson Of Texas, with
some heat.
Turning toward the Texas member,
Mr.. Cochran sharply retorted that this
is not place where prophecy can
be made the basis of legislation"
Far back in the chamber, Mr.. Stay
den was shouting at the top of his
voice in an appeal to Mr.. Cochran to
Yield for a question, the speaker all
the while vigorously pounding his
gavel. Finally Mr.. Slayden was heard
to inquire upon what Mr.. Cochran based
his conclusion that any of the dis
charged men were innocent. The New
York member insisted that probably
some of the men were innocent.
At the end of spirited speech by
Mr.. Clark of Missouri in opposition to
the bill, he was asked by Mr.. Bede
of Minnesota If he ever before heard
of a conspiracy in which it was as
serted that 1877 men had been involved.
Mr.. Clark provoked shouts of laughter
when he replied that he had. Members
all around began to prompt him, and
he instanced the Molly McGuires, Ku-
Klux night riders, bald knobbers,
white cappers, "and the conspiracy that
ran the nisgers out of Springfield, ILL.,"
Mr.. Bede sat down apparently nom
plussed.
others who opposed the bill were
Messrs Williams of Mississippi, Henry,
Slayden and Garner of Texas, Bartlett
of Georgia. while among those favor
ing 1t were Messrs. Hull of Iowa, Park
err of New Jersey Prince of Illinois,
Hobson of Alabama, Madden of Illi
nois. Waldo of New York, Sulzer of
New York, Adair of Indiana. Miller of
Kansas, and Keifer of Ohio.
The bill was passed under suspension
of the rules.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
WHERE WIDOWS
COMMIT SUICIDE

Old customs die very hard in China
says writer in the March VIDE
World magazine and in several parts
of the Celestial empire 1T Is still con-
sidered a high act of virtue for
woman to commit suicide after the
death of husband According TO the
law the proceeding is actually legal
in some provinces, and such Is the
state of public opinion that In districts
where 1t Is officially prohibited the au-
thorities rarely interfere. These extra
ordinary voluntary Sacrifices may ire
ouently be seen and 1 myself saw one
take place The widow herself, clad
in white-the Chinese mourning color
the gallows erected for the occasion,
and the immense crowd gathered to
witness the gruesome spectacle made
picture which l shall never forget
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Army Bill Nearly Finished.

Washington, February 27.-Conferees on
the army appropriation bill completed con-
sideration today and will report to the
Senate and House on Monday The House
conferees accepted the various Senate
amendments increasing the appropriations
for the pay of the enlisted men. Tho
Senate conferees receded from the amend
mnt providing for the retirement of regu-
lar army officers with rank and pay
of the grade that they would have at
tanned If promotion In the several grades
from second lieutenant to colonel, inclu-
sive, had been carried out lineally and by
seniority. This provision was intended to
correct any injuries to an officer serv-
ing, caused by jumping Junior officer to
advanced rank. The provision enabling
West Point cadets to attend the Inaugural
ton.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Haskell Honors Demand.

Muskogee. Okla, February 27.-Govern-
dispatch that President Roosevelt con-
templated transferring the cases of cit
liens of Oklahoma indicted in Texas to
Mexico for trial under Indictment OH
charges of fraudulent dealings with Mex
lean Kickapoo Indians. He said that
while he had previously refused to honor
the Texas reauisltion he had nevertheless
referred the matter to Attorney General
West and would honor the acquisitions
Immediately in case the opinion of the
attorney general was favorable.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
DICKENS REVIVAL.
Creator of "PickWick" Is Still Popular,
But Scott Is on the Decline.

From a London Letter to the New York
Sun.
New editions of his tales were brought
out and sold out. Not only were his own
works sold but the various books written
about him are also high up on the holi-
day list of popular works. Among the
books published within the last few
months relative to Dickens or his writ
ings are Readings from Dickens Mis-
cellaneous Papers" Mr.. Pickwick's
Christmas" Scenes and Characters from
the Works of Charles Dickens" key to
the brood Mystery" Character Portraits
from Dickens" 1.-The Christmas Books"
Highways and Byways in Kent" Dick
ems Birthday Book" Notes on Dickens
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Marathon Bicycle Race.

Atlanta, February 27.-An innovation in
cycle racing will be run here next Thurs
day in the form of Marathon bicycle
race. The full Marathon dstance-26
miles and 1854 yards-will be covered and
all the rules governing a regular Mara
thon footrace will be enforced. 1t Is said
this will be the first race of this kind
ever attempted on any track in the world.
There will be Two events, one between
men paced by motors and the other sprint
riders. Among the entrants are Walthour,
Root. Wyley, Elmer Coillns and many
other wel1-known riders
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Roosevelt Auction Sale.

Washington, February 27.-"What bid
do | hear for this landau, the property
of President Roosevelt" asked a local
auction dealer today, addressing an eager
ly interested audience. Bidding was
lively and exciting. Other stable equip
ment Of President Roosevelt which went
under the hammer" today was a broug-
ham, several blankets and a pair of pis-
toll holsters. Owing to the fact that
the sale had not been advertised. good
prices were not realized. The landau
brought $780, the brougham $3.50, car
riage whip 10 cents and the blankets a
few dollars apiece.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Naval Bill Complete.

Washington, February 27-In reaching
complete agreement on the naval appro-
priation bill today the Senate conferees
receded from the amendment author
izing the President to keep half of the
navy on the Pacific coast The House
opposed this provision on the ground that
the President already has this authority
and because it opposes the policy suggest
ed by the amendment.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
The Sorrows OF Man.

From the Smart Set.
For ten years I've been trying TO
drown my sorrows-and they won't
drown!"
mo wonder! They've had time to learn
to SWIM
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28
Interest.

From Harpers Bazaar.
Stella: There is to be a bridge across
the Hudson.
Bella: Who is going?
Carson City daily appeal. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1907-1930, 1909-06-10
STATE CLAIMS ALLOWED

The following claims have been al
lowed by the state Board of Exam
incrs OF tae state of Nevada:
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1909-12-18

an example heroism that was sufficient to keep every
ocer 10 the stern line of his duty. Brooke had been
wounded AS one of his aides said: His whole face
snoC away But the general refused first aid to
the injured and remained his post nspir-
ing and directing.
Major Glmcre because of his comparativelv inferior
rank was but one small unit in whole force fighting
UNITS up to the time that need and opportunity
hand in hand the red field. Major Gilmore met
them The cOnfederates assailing the whole front
OF the Union line at Salem Heights. This on
part OF the field of Charlottesville where the southern
soldiers greatly ounumbered the northern foe 1t was
in sense an isolated fight. The confederate attack
was at its ferces the left flank which held by
New York regiment, the One hundred and twenty-rst
composed in the main part of recruits The green ones
held their own for time but finally back
hurting by the dash and the weight of the enemy.
There was danger that the confederates would turn
the flank of the northerners get position which prac-
tcaly meant the humiliation of the Union force and
would make of that day something than
day of victory.
1t came the turn of the Sixteenth New York to go to
the attack and to the The officers Gmore's
regiment thought that they estimated properly the
numerical strength Of the enemy. So they that
part of the enemy which they had SEEN road rum
ming between two low hills held force of confederates
of which the northerners had taken account and
from the road the souherners REINFORCED their
brethren already in action and attacked as they
were, with absolute fury.
Cijlmores regiment began to waver. The men had
not expected to go against anything like odds ter
rife. The sight of three to bearing down upon
them in addition to the force with which they
ally engaged enough to make the retreat of the
troops more than semi-eXcusable
Gilmore, the major in command of one of the bata-
lions, turned things to his ranking captain and
went down the line toward the colors, getting terrific
fire all the Somehow he escaped the bullets
The color sergeant standing his duties and to
his flag but of the little rules in army regulations
makes it incumbent upon commissioned officer to
expose himself to danger at critical the
purpose of rallyng and inspiring his
Gilmore marked among his soldiers. They
liked him and they knew his mettle He took the col
Wi
COM at his side he advanced in front of the regiment