davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

and the actor when it Is confined to par
liamentary language. When am escape
from the mental effort of an analysis and
description of acting is sought in a pue-
rifle indulgence in such an attack as the
most uneducated lad in the gallery might
formulate, injustice is done to the in
telligence of the reader of the press as
well as to the actor or actress whose
efforts are earnest, even if Intellectual.
Art is difficult; criticism is easy, ac-
cording to an epigram that is not alto
gether truthful. The useful critic of the
drama must know what is wrong, why it
is wrong, and how to inform his readers
about his opinions. He must also be a
Judge rather than prosecutor, and as
free with praise as with condemnation.
Both temperament and training are i'm
portant factors in his equipment. He
must have the consideration for the feel
ings of others that marks the difference
between the gentleman and the ruffian.
little of the milk of human kindness
should flow in his veins. He should have
the breadth of sympathy which hesitates
to blast honest effort with brutal rid
icule. He should have sufficient powers
of self-restraint to protect him from the
error of counting applause of 'some guam
tity of barren spectators" and causing
the judicious to grieve, by exercising his
wit at the expense of the truth and at
the expense of defenseless victims.
The critic, too often, conceives him
self to be, like the actor, primarily an
entertainer of the public. Like the actor
and the dramatst, he frequently bids for
the Endorsement of the least thoughtful
portion of his audience. Above all things,
the critic must be free from the exag-
gerated ego, an affection that is some
times superinduced by the discharge of
the critical function. Criticism is not an
art, perhaps, but it is difficult craft.
Bumptious persons who essay it without
suitable equipment frequently provide an
Illustration OF these often quoted lines:
Man, proud man.
DRESSED in a little brief authority:
Most ignorant of what he's most assured
His CLASSY essence, like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high
heaven
AS make the angels weep
When critical pens are placed in the
hands of ill-b-ed and ill-mannered per-
sons, and critical columns given over to
senseless vituperation which seeks only
to stimulate the appetite of a jaded
reading public, criticism ceases and self
exploitation takes it's place. Who can
blame the actor if he emulates the ex-
ample of the worm and presumes to
turn?
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
An Old Temperance Advocate

II have met many friends who were
altogether honest in voting out saloons in
the local option election held here in
1907, and who still class themselves as
prohibitionsts, but who are now in ia
vor of modifying the statewide prohi-
biton laws SO as to permit wine and beer
TO be served with meals at hotels and
cafes and at all respectable clubs" said
an old temperance advocate.
For many years I was a total abb
stainer, but at the age of 60 I drink "a
little wine for the stomachs sake. will
certainly never vote to bring back whisky
saloons in this city, but 1 am coming
more and more to believe that prohibition
of the drastic sort is a failure; and not
only that, it is wrong in principle. spent
a week in Atlanta last fall and watched
the beer traffic with considerable in
terest. 1t struck me that Georgia in per-
hitting the sale of beer had to great
extent solved the liquor problem. BY
adding wine to the beverages that could
be served at meals in public places Geor-
gia would distinguish herself above all
her prohibition neighbors as a sane and
reasonable temperance state. One other
observation and then 1 am done. Travel
ing men and others who visit the south
frequently are constantly comparing At
lanta and Birmingham and they rarely
fail to speak of their surprise at finding
Birmingham under such drastic laws,
while Atlanta is a mighty beer town.
They seem to think that if Atlanta can
serve beer Birmingham should have the
same privilege"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Senator Hepburn Stands Condemned

The northern newspapers continue to
pour hot shot into the senator from Idaho
whom Senator Bankhead, with rare for
bearance, squelched completely when he
rose and delivered this reply: "Mr. Pres
ident, no doubt the senator from Idaho
feels much better, and now call the
previous question" He got what he
wanted, and Senator Hepburn became
at once the last of the bloody shutters.
The New York Sun explains public SEN
timent exceilently when it says: 1.-THE
Hon. Weldon Bonaton Hepburn of Idaho
did the country great service in the Sem
ate on Monday when he opposed the joint
resolution authorizing x Secretary OF
War to lend tents TO Confederate vet
Grams OH the occasion of their annual re-
union at Mobile in April. 1t is true that
Senator Hepburn waved theTbloody shirt
and affecting to deplore sectional strife,
used language that brave men sat silent
under only with the greatest self-re-
straint. But sometimes man is not to
be Judged SO much by his words and
his behavior as by what results from
them.
"sI put it to the consciences of sena-
tors on this side,' said Mr.. Hepburn
whether by act of Congress the ,febe
nag shall again wave over the property
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
GREECE IN STATE
OF REVOLUTION

London. February 16.-Rumors from
Athens that the troops had occupied the
hostile zone could not be confirmed here
tonight. 1t is said the Military league
has forbidden the publication of any
to reassemble parliament. This embargo
was raised today.
According to the Times Athens CORE
spondent the Military league is anxious
about the attitude of the feet and is re-
ported to have discussed measures for
discerning and then separating the ships.
news because of criticisms of the order
The ministry of marine ordered some
of the destroyers to land men and am
munition on Leras island. The order was
obeyed reluctantly and only on the In
PREVENTION of Admiral Miaoulis. The bat
talons of infantry have been summoned
from Nauplia to Athens and one from
Chalols.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
SENATOR TILLMAN
is TAKEN VERY ILL

Washington, February Ex-senator Till-
man of South Carolina was taken sud-
denly i'll on the steps of the capital to-
day and had to be carried into his room
by two capitol employees. Later he was
removed to his home, where he is now
under the care of a physician.
The attack today is said to have been
due to a recurrence of the senator's old
trouble, hardening of the arteries Dr.
Pickford said that he did not regard this
attack as serious. Late in the day, at
Senator Tillman's home, 1t was said the
senator was feeling much better.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
I am weary; yea, my memory is tired
-COriolauus.
Atlanta and Jefferson County Compared

Atlanta has just voted by two-thirds
majority to issue 100000 in bonds in
order to secure better roads, more sew
ers and ampler school accommodations.
And yet jefferson county refused to
vote $4,000 to erect court buildings
one at Birmingham and one at Bessemer-
that a populous and prosperous county
needs more and more each succeeding
year.
Atlanta IS weak when placed alongside
of jefferson county, either presently or
prospectively. But in Atlanta there is
an Atlanta spirit, and the people are de-
termined to advance and be progressive
even if millions of public expenditures
become necessary.
Jefferson county needs more public
spirit, more patriotism, more breadth of
view, and wiser determination of the
future.
A skyscraper Jail and courthouse COM
bination here in Birmingham would re-
lieve the situation; but at any rate we
need spacious, sanitary court building
and sanitary jail. A skyscraper Jail
would be modern, sanitary and safe.
Such will doubtless be built if Jefferson
county ever gets within hailing distance
of Atlanta in patriotism, enterprise and
foresight
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
BROTHERS HELD ON
MURDER CHARGE

Petersburg, Va, Februaryp 16.-William
Seyler and his brother, Arvis Seyler.
wanted in Atlantic City, n. j., in con-
nection with the murder of Jane Adams,
q young girl, whose body was found
washed up on the beach two miles below
the iron pier, where she had last been
seen in company with William Seyler,
were arrested in this city tonight. They
refuse to discuss the case.
The brothers disappeared from Atlantic
City February 5, the morning following
the disappearance of the young woman:
They arrived in Petersburg February 6
and have been employed in an excelsior
mill. They were arrested in local
boarding house at midnight after the
place had been surrounded by the police.
If they will go back without requisition
they will be taken to Atlantic City to-
morrow morning.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Another False Alarm

Persons noting the published weather
indications and predictions this afternoon
which declared that there would be a
phenomenal drop in temperature were
surprised to find the reverse the case, -
said an observer of atmospheric condi-
tions.
IF there is cold wave making to-
wards us l look for storms and cyclonic
manifestations in some sections. The
high temperature, rising as the night
advances indicates a vacuum that the
cold wave will rush into sometime Thurs
day. 1t may be true that there will be
falls of fast melting snow in some parts
of Alabama but here in the trough of
Jones Valley where the currents meet
we are likely to have rainfall and cooler
weather but none of the bitter cold as
predicted
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Poetry md PIaywriting

'The scheme of the University of
Missouri to establish a school for poets
is interesting, if peculiar says a
writer in the New York Sur. WHO signs
himself "Poeticus." "a good many of
US would like to know just how they
are going to make Tennysons and BY
rons out of prosaic material On an
average 1 am favored with quite a
dozen poetic attempts every week with
a plea. to criticise and correct them
of course gratis. In three years |
have found only one man, who has been
modestly hiding himself In western
state. worthy of encouragement The
vein was undoubtedly born in him and
he will succeed if he perseveres and
has regular salaried position to fall
back on.
LAS a matter of absolute fact near
ly all persons--nost women, anyway
think they cal wrile poetry or, saw.
verse. 1T looks so easy they say 1t
does undoubtedly when it is we'll pol
ished, but the verse with tripping lines
and unobtrusive though correct rhythm
Is terribly hard to write. Nearly eV-
cry one too, and women are in a great
majority here also, has an Idea that
playwriting is as simple as the alpha
bet. A middle aged lady told me some
months ago that she had been taking
lessons in playwriting and now she
turns out an elaborate drama every
three months, which is invariably re-
jected by every manager to whom she
sends it,
'In London I notice there Is poets
club. If such a thing were started here
heaven only knows how many would
apply for membership. Still it would
soon cease to exist, for from what |
know of poets, even good poets, they
would never be abs to pay their dues"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Observe wa.hington's Birthday

Washington's birthday will De fittingly
celebrated at the High school next Tues
day. Exercises will be held at the as
sembly hour in the auditorium, to be
given under the auspices of the senior
class in American history. Prof G. s.
Dakan, instructor in history. is directing
members of the class, and the event
should prove most successful. Washing
ton will be discussed from an analytical
viewpoint, and 1t is promised that the
usual saccharine compliments will be
omitted. The personal character of the
American will not be given the 1attery
accorded by school histories.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Lake steamer Is safe

Grand Haven, Mich, February 16.-
After an all-night and an 'all-day battle
with ice foes off this port, the car ferry
Grand Haven left tonight for Milwaukee.
The ferry sailed last night on time, but
when some miles off shore ran into a
large ice foe. which drove her rapidly to-
ward the beach. In order to keep off the
rocks the ferry dropped her anchors and
was soon completely surrounded by the
ice. Neither the crew nor the passengers
Of rhe boat suffered from their stay in the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
FOR COMFORTS SAKE.

FOR COMFORTS SAKE.
We don't know how we stand
Perhaps will never know;
More cause why we should do
Our level best below
And trust that up above
A deathless roll is kept
OF those whove tried and failed,
OF those whove toied and wept.
NOT A STRENUOUS PERSON.
"Puffly sits all day at desk
"I should think he'd get tired of that"
ooh, when he feels the need of a little
exercise he spins around in his chair"
NO REFLECTION ON JOHN D.
81 see where man who was an asso-
ciate of John d. Rockefeller for so years
dropped dead without warning"
"You say he was an associate of John
D. for so years?'
yes
shriven."
EXTREMELY SO.
It is hard for a man to have harmony
in his soul when there is discord in his
stomach.
MORE IN THE MOOD.
'I believe I'll make my latest novel
romance of aviation"
"Why, 1 thought it was to be study
of sociology
so it was. but I've been up in the air
ever since l started it,
A CORRECT IMITATION.
~ saw a messenger boy yesterday who
was going like the wind"
"Chase YOURSELF Messenger boys don't
go like the wind
Yes, they do. All messenger boys
whistle
HATE.
This world would be a better place
And more, forsooth, like heaven,
If there were not so many wights,
Who're bent on getting even"
WHO'S HE?
Lest we forget quiet, unostenta-
tious, self-effacing,, Notwithstanding,
shrinkingly modest, unknown, unphoto-
graphed, unsmlling, noise-hating, reti-
cent, secretive lion hunter contempates
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
CLEVELAND TO VOTE
ON FRANCHISE GRANT

Cleveland, Ohio, February 16.-For
the third time in 16 months the peo-
pie Of Cleveland will vote tomorrow
on a traction franchise grant The grant
now up for approval provides a max
imum rate of cents cash or seven
tickets for a quarter of a dollar with
a penny charge for a transfer.
Under the terms of the franchise,
however, a trial of 3-cent fare is to bs
made for eight months and If 1t 10
found that this rate Is sufficient to
provide good service and a per cent
return to the stockh olders it must, I'M
der the ordinance, be continued.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
IN HOTEL HOBBIES.


Boiling w. Haxall, Jr., of Virginls
is in Birmingham. He has visited this
city frequently and now has large
circle of friends here.
birmingham has made great strides
since my first t;ip here, about elsh'
years ago" said Mr.. llaXall Its
growth and general improvement nav
been especially noticeable within the
past three or four years and Its fu
ture development on large lines is as
sured
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
CENTRAL FOUNDRY
PETITION UP AGAIN

tt is now probable that Judge w. l.
Grub of the United States court Will
a 5point Waddell Catchings receiver Tor
the Central Foundry company's prop
erty in Alabama. Attorney Acker of
Admission yesterday filed anoth er \peti-
ton similar to that which was refused
Tuesday but brought by different cred
-itors. The petitioners this time are
Adams & Grace, Walls, Bray & Co..
Hammacher, Schelemer & Co., all OF
New York. Judge Grub will act on
the petition this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
patents Issued

Washington February 1e-(special.)-
Patents issued: Joseph c. Anderson, Cor
dova, knot tying machine; James An
drews, Montgomery, safety switch; Fran
els M. Beverly, Gadsden, stove; William
II. Fowler. Fiomation, line check; Robert
II. Mellown. Coaling, lumber register
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Retired Army Man Dead

Natchez, Miss, February 16.-Capt.
De.vereaux Shields, United States army.
retired. cicd at MS home here today.
age.- Al years. Captain Shields was re-
fred because Of incapacity, the result
Of wounds received In the Philippines.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

When Aurelian, the Roman Emperor,
came home the procession was headed
by Twenty elephants, four royal tigers
and above 200 of the most curious ami
mails" Here is suggestion for the Back
fron-Elba club.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
French Warshlp Damaged

Toulon. February 16.--Admiral JON
ouires. commanding the battleship SQUAD
ron. practicing in the Gulf of Joaun, re-
ports that a torpedo launched by the Pa
trier accidentally struck the Republique,
damaging the hull No details of the ac-
cfdent are given.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Illinois Central Appointment

Memphis, February 16.-Advicss 10 the
sItinrtls offices Of the Illinois Central
railroad announce the appointment OF
M. P. 5lauvelt comptroller of the Illinois
Central system. Mr.. Blauvelt formerly
led IKE position with tie Erie system
u roairt ads.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

High starvation prices, inaugurated by
the tariff and its trusts, is increasing
the number of revivals this winter. When
man goes hungry his thoughts are
easily directed. it is said, to religious
channels
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Turin, February 16.-The Duke of the
Abruzzi lectured tonight in the Victoria
Emmanuel theatre before an audience
runberire 10000 and including the royal
prince and princess In the assembIage.
He told the story of his ascension of the
Himalayas, which aroused great enthusi-
asm, and especially his description of his
climb of c4,000 feet. The duke will DE-
liver his lecture in Rome Februar1lf
before the King and Queen
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
New Use of an Old Word

The New Century Book of Facts a
most valuable publication omits in its
department of Americanisms one very
important item-the use of a common
word In an important application-the
word near" said we'll informed man.
The prohibition wave brought in on
its tide a new beverage first made in
Georgia and know as near beer being just
low enough in alcohol to pass the locks
Of prohibition. And now the word is
coupled with a hyphen, in most ex-
pressive and popular use. We have near
wool for shoddy, near-butter and other
products. Then there is the near-candi-
date, one who is considering the matter
with every inclination to enter the field
for an office. The word in its new appli-
cation has come to stay and will be
found ultimately in dictionaries coupled
in the new sense"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

A New York woman willed her big
fortune to her three dogs and her hus-
band, share and share alike, and the
opinion is that the husband got all he
deserved.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

When a Spanish cabinet resigns the
people in other countries simply yawn
and talk about the weather. 1t is differ
ent when Nicaragua has a political up
heaval
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

The price of a vote cast by a New
York state senator seems to have been
$1,000. How many they sold and cast a
day does not appear.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Wade Ellis has gone to save Ohio just
when a majority of Ohioans do not want
to be saved to the party of an Aldrich
tariff and nunberless trusts.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
Festival Rehearsal Tonight

The music for the Damrosch spring
festival will be distributed to the
chorus at the rehearsal tonight at the
Cable hall. 1t is from the popular
opera now so much in vogue, Eugene
Onegin. There will be another re-
hearsal tomorrow and Professor
Grambs says that after this week there
will be two reh earsals weekly, on Tues
days and Friday nights until the fes-
tiyal, which begins April ~.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17
The Courthouse Question

81 was most favorably impressed with
Mr. Otto Marks proposition for starting
a campaign of education for million
dollar courthouse said taxpayer. Mr.
Marx declares his readiness to buy
81 100000 of ~ per cent Jefferson county
bonds and his willingness to pay even q
premium for such bond issue.
1.-THE County Board of Revenue, which
was getting ready to build a $4,000 annex
to the courthouse. will hear the Chamber
OF Commerce committees protest and
will, hope, decide to abandon their plans
and wait until such time as old Jefferson
can be induced to vote for sl,000,0O0
bond issue and build new and adequate
courthouse and make it architecturally
beautiful, rather than build towering
skyscraper.'' NJ
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

The law of supply and demand works
euriously in the hands of the trusts
It drives prices up while it drives mil
lions of eggs into cold storage.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Senator Flint's talk about the cost of
primaries in California is baseless, for
the Southern Pacific railroad selects sem
ators in that state.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Country girls who write their names
on eggs should write them we'll and
deep. for they must withstand year in
cold storage.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Senator Elkins crooks finger when he
insurges, and the other plutocrats do not
know how to handle him.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Fodder is so high many are compelled
to use automobiles rather than horses.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Wade Ellis will now proceed to boss
Joseph Benson Foraker and his task is
by no means an enviable one.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Mr.. Bryan is a mountain climber in
the Andes, but he will bring home no
record or observations.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

After DR.. Cook had been given the keys
of New York city he disappeared, and
now that city is in pickle.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

The Bermudans Indignantly deny that
Dock Cook has ever been in their midst.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

The chiropodist rises In public estima-
ton as barefoot dancing becomes more
and more popular.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Senator Ellxins defies both the Duke of
the Abruzzi and Boss Aldrich of Rhode
Island.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

What we need now is an American play
with jackass as its hero. Chanticleer
would then be silenced.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-17

Congressman are delivering meaty
speeches. These will not prove popular
during the boycott.