davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Mrs, Farmer In the Electric Chair

The great state of New York killed by electrocution on Monday another woman-the second in her history. The highest court of the state refused to change in Mrs. Farmers case the sen tence of the trial court, and the gov ernor of the state turned deaf ear to all petitions for communication. Public sentiment considered the woman guilty. She and her husband did not stand on a high social level in their rural home, and a neighboring woman was murdered because of the property she had.
 The chief object of punishment for crime is to prevent like crimes in the future. This object is humane and reasonable, and it is difficult to see how any one can say that Mrs. Farmer should not have been led to the electric chair so long as any one is sent to 1t. The execution of Mrs. Farmer brought out confession that her husband did no share with her the crime that had been committed. He still lives, and the court of last resort in New York has not passed upon his appeal. He may escape electrocution.
 But no matter what is done in his case there was no room to doubt Mrs. Farmers guilt, always provided she was of sound mind. Harsh as the opin- ion may seem the state did right in her case so long as capital punishment remains feature of her statutes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
Home Mission Society Opens Session
 At Anniston.

Anniston, March 30.-(Special.) )-The dis trict conference of the Woman's Home Mission society began its first session at 2:30 this afternoon at the First Metho- dist church. A short business meeting was held, followed by an address by the pastor, pr. J. D. Simpson.
 A lecture on Our Possessions" with stereopticon views, with given at 7:30 this evening by the Rev. ". K. Simpson of Albertville. A reception for the visitors was held immediately following the lec- ture. The committee on arrangements consists of Mrs. J. T. Cason, chairman; Mrs. McElreath, Mrs, Cowden, Mrs. Hodge, Mrs. Fordyce. Those receiving were officers of the society-Mrs. Tate, president; Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Cason, Mrs. Croxrale, vice presidents; Mrs. Caring ton, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Me Carty recording secretary; Mrs. McKibin, treasurer; Mrs. Emmett Ledbetter. dis trict secretary.
 Among the delegates the following are with the families indicated: Miss Alice Owen of Heflin, with friends; Mrs. J. Morgan Smith of Birmingham, with Mrs. J. B. Carrington; Mrs. Harwell Wilson of Lincoln, with Judge and Mrs. Wilson; the Rev. and Mrs. w. K. Simpson of Albert vile, with Dr. and Mrs. J. D. Simpson; Mrs. E. L. 0. Ward of Talladega, with Mrs. E. w. Ledbetter
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
MARION IS LIBERAL.
Gives Nearly $2ooo To Baptist Theo-
 logical Seminary.

Marion, March 30.-(Special )-Sunday was an important day for the Baptists of Marion and Siloam church. Several Of the most important agencies of\ benevo- lence in the south had their origin in Marion and for years Marion has been a large contributor to the work of the Baptist denomination.
 Sunday was foreign mission day, with the Judson college Sunday school The Rev. J. L. Rosser D. D., pastor of the First Baptist church of Selma, made an address on the subject "The Necessity of Mission" after which the young lady students voted s75 for the cause.
 At the morning service at Siloam church the Rev w. Y. Quisenberry finan- cial secretary of the Southern Baptist Theological seminary of Louisville, and a man well known and much admired here, delivered the sermon, after which he pre- sented the demands of the seminary and of his effort to secure an additional en- dowment of $60o000. Alabama is asked to give S50,000 At the close of the service, in less than seven minutes the members of Siloam church contributed S1277, which is regarded as one of the most liberal in the state The subscription will doubt less go to 5000.
 At night Dr. Quisenberry lectured on his travels and incidents of life in China. Despite the fact this is the second time within two years he has given this lec- ture here, the church was crowded and gave close attention for two hours.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
MOrtgased Homes and Automobiles

An automobile factory recently went into the hands of receiver, and in the assets were found not few mort gages on mems homes. Think of it! A mortgage on ones home and the shelter of his wife and children in or der to buy an automobile The pru- dence and thrift of the early ages of the republic have been lost in a desire for display and speed and some- thing new.
 The factory in question is not bit exceptional. The mortgaging of homes in order to satisfy a new desire is go- ing on in all parts of the land, and perhaps a second mortgage will De placed in the course of few years in order to buy aeroplane, for the mod- ern American seems to fit from one form of display to another.
 This is not so in France-in France outside of Paris. The French people in the provinces possess the thrift and prudence that their ancestors did. What is the net result?? France has money to lend to all other nations, and Paris has actually supplanted Lon don as the worlds monetary center This is what prudence and thrift ac- complish in France.
 A national policy of directly con- trary nature is not encouraging, ana of all ways of spending money the buying of automobiles when homes have to be mortgaged to secure future payments is certainly the most incon- siderate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Mir. Payne'S Sectional Bill

The partiality and sectionalism of the Payne bill are glaringly manifest. It puts on the free list the twine that the northern farmer uses on his wheat sheaves, and at the same time 1t taxes the ties and jute bagging that the cot ton farmer uses. On each bale the latter pays a duty of cents on bag ging and duty of 21a cents on ties or 71b cents bale. The crop of the present cotton year is approximately 13,500,- GOO bales, and on this number of bales the southern farmer pays a tax of a little over a million dollars.
 He gets in return for this tax q chance to enrich all sorts of northern erafters whenever he buys the various articles he needs.
 But, perhaps, the cleverest device in the new bill is the provision now known as the Lowering joker. MT. Lowering lives in Massachusetts and he was permitted to rewrite the cotton goods schedule. He wrote it with an eye single to the New England cotton mills. He proposes to count the threads in square inch of cloth. The more threads the more duty. This plan reduced the duty on the coarse goods made in southern cotton mills while it increased the duty on the finer grades made at Fall River and other northern mills.
 The utter sectionalism of the pend- ing bill should condemn 1t. It is full of jokers and if it Is in any way prefer able to the monstrous Dingley bill no one has discovered it's good features. .<And yet the bolting democrats stand ready to aid the republicans in pass ing it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
HI9her Prices for Gloves

Of mems gloves 90 per cent are made at home and 10 per cent imported but women's gloves are largely i'm ported In order to build up in MT Payne's state the glove industry the chairman of the ways and means com. mittee aided and abetted by Congress- man Littauer, who is a glove manu facturer of Gloversville. N. Y, proposes to tax gloves IA inches in length $4 a dozen. They are now taxed S1. 75 a dozen. The tax on still longer gloves is to be $5 dozen. It is now S2. 25 a dozen.
 Marshall Field & Go. protest against this tax on women's gloves, for as soon as the Payne bill becomes law Momen's gloves would be advanced to ineet 1t. The glove combine is equal to that task, and it would speedily and fully attend to it. But Marshall Field
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
THE LEAVES.
By Sidney Lanier.

By Sidney Lanier. In my sleep I was fain of their fellow
 ship, fain Of the live oak, the marsh and the main. The little greeH leaves would not let me
 alone in my sleep T1nbreathed from the marshes, message
 of range and of sweep, Interwoyen with waftures of a wild sea
 liberties, drifting, Came through the Tapped leaves, sitting,
 sitting. Came to the gates of sleep. Ye lispers whisperers, singers in storms. Ye consciences, murmuring faiths under
 forms Ye ministers meet for each passion that
 grieves- Friendly, sisterly sweetheart leaves: Ohl rain me down from your darks which
 contain me, Wisdoms ye winnow from winds that pain
 me Sift down tremors of sweet within sweet That advise me of more than they bring,
 repeat Me the woods smell, that swiftly but now
 brought breath From the heaven-side bank of the river
 of Death Teach me. the terms of silence-preach
 me The passion of patience-sift me-impeach
 me And there, ohi there. As ye hang with your myriad palms up-
 turned in the air, Pray me a myriad prayer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
TRADE FREEDOM
 IN CONGO STATE

Washington, March 30-The prospective establishment of complete commercial freedom in districts of the Congo, here tofore exploited by certain companies, is indicated in advices to the state depart ment. This exclusive exploitation is re- garded at Brussels as one of the worst abuses in the Congo region.
 The American minister at Brussels has reported that the gathering of rubber in the extensive Abir and Anversoie districts of the Belgian Congo has been suspended for one year. This action is understood to have been taken by order of the Belgian minister of colonies who has notified the Abir and Kassai companies, the most im- portant engaged in the rubber business in the Belgian Congo, that at the termin- ation of the year, during which the col lection of rubber is to be suspended, he will establish complete commercial free dom in the districts heretofore exploited by them.
 The American minister has been in- formed unoffcially that a plan Is under consideration for the establishment of commercial freedom throughout the entire Belgian Congo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
DIR, NOEL GIVEN
 A PRELIMINARY

Gadsden March 2O.-(special.l- pre- liminary trial of Dr. W. F. Noel is being held at Guntersville. Noel is charged with the murder of Marshal Roberts at Boaz a few weeks ago. A large num- Der of witnesses are in attendance, but only a few of those summoned by the state have been examined. From the tes t1mony thus far adduced it would appear that the state will be able to hold the ac- oused in jail pending the action of the. grand jury.
 From the testimony as given for the state it appears that the murdered man and the defendant were seen together shortly before the tragedy, that after tho killing the doctor was wearing the mur- Adered mans hat, while his own was at the side of his victim.
 It was shown that there existed a diff ference between the two men, and that Dr. Noel had made threats against Rob- efts,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Music Festivals.

"Atlanta's music festival in May will be brilliant affair no doubt, but taken all in all the Birmingham festival the last week in April will be the more enjoyable from a musical point of view said a musician. "Caruso is to be the star feature of the Atlanta festival, but it is by no means cer- tain that he will/be in good voice and it will not be surprising if he has to cancel his engagement. The other vo- cal artists are distinguished singers, but they are no better than the solo quartet that will appear in the Bir- mingham festival.
 Now, when 1t comes to the orches tra, Damrosch, whose New York Sym phony organization will be heard here, will prove far more attractive fea- ture than the Dresden Philharmonic, which has been engaged for Atlanta. The Atlanta papers give great deal of space to fussy articles about what they term the Great Southern Music eestival,' but such articles always cause a musician to doubt. For ex- ample, l read in one of the papers that the Dresden orchestra in It's heavy num- bers would supplement it's force with a local brass choir. That statement makes me very suspicious of the ad- equacy of the foreign band. All of us know that a temporarily reinforced orchestra is never satisfactory. It is the constant. playing together that makes smooth ensemble. An orchestra of IS or 50 good performers is ade- quate. It has the complete wood-wind and brass sections and sufficient number of strings to give volume and roundness of sound. If an orchestra numbers 75 or so men 1t is the string choir that is larger. There is no in- crease in the brass or reeds. When, therefore, it is said that a foreign orchestra is to use local brass play CTS the inference naturally is that it's own brass choir is weak; either so, or that the festival press agent has got things mixed up bit.
 Walter Damrosch. who is to direct the Birmingham festival,is acknowl- edged to be one of the greatest of the authoritative interpreters, and his or chestra is known to be one of the few really fine symphony bands in this country"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
CONDITIONAL ORDER.
Mrs. Pitt Is Asked To Accept $75oo
 Damage.

Florence, March 3o-(Special.) Judge Oscar R. Hundley of the United States court has made a conditional order re- quiring Mary B. Pitt. administratrix. to accept a judgment for s750O in her case against the Louisville and Nashville rail- road company for the death of her son, Luther, or the verdict of the jury award ing her $20.0 900 damages in the case will be set aside and a new trial granted. It will be remembered that Luther Pitt was killed on Christmas eve, 1905, while on 0 visit to his grandmother, in Decatur. in collision between an electric car, upon which he was riding, and Louisville and Nashville freight train. Young Pitt was standing on the rear platform of the cleo tric car and at the railroad crossing freight train without light backed down upon the car. Luther jumped and fell lron the track in front of the freight Mrs. Pitt has not decided whether or not she will accept the S7500.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
More High School Room Needed

It is of the utmost importance that there shall be room for the accommo- dation of all possible pupils in the High school. The pressure upon the high school is indeed urgent, for every class room in it now holds 60 pupils, and in September all corners cannot be accommodated in a building that all boped would afford room for ten years tc come. The city is outgtowilg all pisns and all expectations. and the demand for high school education IS it's lest and most promising feature.
 The city is in duty bound to provide room for all high school scholars. It's own best interests call for more high school space, and The Age Herald is glad to hear that the Board of Eiuca- tion is giving the subject due attention. Possibly a portion of the Paul Hayne scil. .ol will become an annex of the High school until fuller and better provision for the increasing number of High school scholars can be made.
 The proposition to buili girls high school does not seem to be nearly So fear.tl le as the proposition to build a boys high school, let..g the more Iumel ous girls keep the use of the present building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Fine Dental Appliances.

q am only layman and as one of the dentists called me the man at the wrong end of the instrument, said a member of the Commercial club, but I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the city hall this afternoon to see the ex- hibit of dental appliances now being shown there. I am always interested in fine mechanical contrivances and a man who loves delicate and ingenious instruments will find plenty to amuse him in looking over the appliances that the most up- o-date dentists use.
 If you are interested in anything of the kind, dos not fail to make trip up there. It will be well worth your while. Perhaps you are not technical enough to enjoy the discussions in the convention, but you can certainly ap- preciate the fine display of dental equipment to be found in the city hall armory
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
PROP. MILES GIVES
 FIRST BIG SOIREE

The first weekly soiree of the Bir- mingham School of Dancing was given last night at the newly completed hall at Fourth avenue and Twentieth street by Prof Ed Miles. It was one of the most delightful dances so far this spring as more than 50 couples were on the floor and the music was ex ceptionally >good.
 The hall has been entirely reno vated and the floor is now one of the best. Professor Miles will have regu- lar classes. while after class every Tuesday night a big soiree will be given.
 The dance last night was an invi- tation affair. The patronesses present were Mrs. Henry B. Gray, Mrs. Elias Davis, Mrs. George Redin and Mrs Sib- ley.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
WARM PRAISE IS
 GIVEN GERMANY

Budapest, March 30.-In the Hungarian parliament today, Premier Wekerle al luded in the warmest terms to the alliance with Germany, which had shown the greatest self-sacrifce and devotion to Austria-Hungary. This country must be faithful to that alliance, he said, as 1t protected it's interests and formed the bull wark of peace in Europe.
 Replying to interpelations concerning the economic relations between Servia and Austria Hungary, the premier said that negotiations were proceeding which, IL was hoped, would bring about an agree ment on the most favored nation plan. With regard to Montenegro, he added the limitation of the sovereignty of which Is provided for in Article 2s of the treaty of Berlin, this limitation would be re- moved if 1t could be arranged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Railroad Extension Assured.

Huntsville, March 3O-( Special )-There is no longer any doubt of the extension of the electric railway system to the top of Monte Sano within the approaching summer. The roadbed of the old dummy line will be used over into the valley just below the hotel, and from Button Hole loop an incline will be run to the top. This will bring the top of the mountain to within about three miles of the city, against about seven miles by the old steam road. The extension of the line is being made in connection with land de- veopment enterprise on the top of the mountain, as well as on Ceuar mountain and East Huntsville.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
GUATEMALAN ARMY
 ON THE FRONTIER

Mexico City, March 30.-Private tele- graphic advices received today are to the effect that Guatemala has concentrated large portion of her army on the Hon. duran frontier. The Honduran minister to Guatemala demanded an explanation and was told that President Cabrera de- sired to check the exiled Honduran reyo- lutionists from crossing the border and fomenting an uprising against General Davila, President of Honduras. This concentration of troops has not been con firmed from other quarters.
 The situation in Central America is re- garded in Mexico City with pessimism, in spite of various denials of hostile inten- tion This latest reported move on the part of Cabrera is thought to have been taken to checl<mate President Zelaya or Nicaragua and President Davila, who are said to contemplate joint assault on Guatemala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Held Up By Highwaymen.

Pittsburg, March 30.-An unknown man was shot and mortally wounded by Justice of the Peace William Patterson at Wilson, near here late tonight wnhe posse is pursuing two other man. pe- lieved to have been members or gang of highwaymen who held up several per sons at Wilson tonight and robbed tnel.i' The man was shot during pltcheoe se, oa oans tla with Patterson and other officers after they had caught three men in the act of robbing victim It is be- ,,a,ed that least one. other highway man was wounded Justice Patterson was clubbed over the head with revolver and badly hurt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Study of Greek EmiaratIon.

Washington, March 30.-Greeks do not generally emigrate, in the accepted sense of the word, returning, as rule, to set tie in Greece. This statement was made in a communication from the American charge at Athens in transmitting the conclusions of commission which made study of Greek emigration. These per sons, 1t was reported, remain in constant communication with their families at home, as was shown by the amount of money sent back. In 1906 the money ar ders alone reached the sum of six mil lion francs The commission decided the state department ought to protect such an important source of wealth and recommended a strict supervision Of agents of the immigration companies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
No Report from Soldiers.

Oklahoma City. March 31.-Col. Roy Hoffman, Capt Fred Hunter. and Capt Highley, at the head of detachment of picked men, late yesterday entered the Cuncharta mountains, where Crazy Snake and his band were believed to be en- trenched. No report had come from them at l o'clock this morning.
 Indian Agent Kelsey and George Wood ruff, special interior department agent reached Pierce from Henrietta today sought interviews with the Snakes and at tempted to find Crazy Snake, but they failed They returned to Muskogee to- night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 The good cooks of civilization are al- ways ancient history.
 A girl feels it's just cheating her to write her a love letter without post script.
 It's queer how much we think of our life here when about the most 1t appears to be is rehearsing for our funeral.
 A man running for office has such a naturally candid manner that when he bumps into lamppost he tries to shake hands with 1t.
 A sure thing about woman who goes abroad Is that no matter how seasick she is, she can tell every kind of hat eveEy kind of woman on board wears.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Company c Inspection.

'"The showing made by Company at its inspection Tuesday night must have been very gratifying to the officers and enlisted men," said an ex-captain of the National Guard "In addition to the splen- did muster, the words of praise and com mendation of Adjut. Gen. Blob Graves will surely give an impetus to the mem hers of the company to strive for higher efficiency
 Major Thurston, the inspecting of ficer, questioned the boys closely as to their knowledge of their arms and duties, and from the promptness of their answers 1t is almost certain the company will rank high in the percentage column, and what is more it will deserve it."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
CAUGHT BEFORE
 THEY ENTERED

Policemen Carrh and Hood cdoght three negroes shortly before o'clock this morning in the act of burglarizing the Northside drug store at the corner of Sixteenth street and Sixth avenue, north. The negroes were discovered by man living near the drug store, who took a shot at them. They ran a short distance and hid behind a pile of bricks, from which place they were brought forth in moment by the officers.
 One of the trio was grown, while the other two were boys. They first attempt ed to open the door by hammering on it with rocks, but that not meeting with success, screw driver was substituted, and they had almost opened the door when discovered. Guns were found on the negroes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Parliament Is Aroused.

Lisbon, March 80.-A violent scene oc- cured in the chamber of deputies today when the members of the opposition, be- ing unsuccessful in their attempt to force an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the issue of the loan of $4,o0o,0OO last month, brought the pro- ceedings of the chamber to standstill. They made such a demonstration with cries for an inquiry and the banging of desk lids that the president of the cham Der was forced to abandon the session in despair.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
Daring Mail Robbery.

Georgetown, Ky, March 30.-A daring mail pouch robbery in which the alleged thieves got probably more than $5O'OoO in currency and checks, was made public today when the iron and charred leather of two pouches were found by boy near the crane from which they had been taken. Checks to the amount of $3S,000, addressed to A. l.. Ferguson, president Of the Burley Tobacco society's board of control, are said to be among the stolen