davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
GREAT SIRE DEAD
BY BERT E. COLLYER

Chicago, September 11.-In the death of Gambetta Wilkes. the last of the sons of the immortal George Wilkes, which Cecil, near Danville, Ky, the trotting world lost one of the greatest sires of harness speed ever known His death was the result of old age, he being in his 2sth year, having lived far beyond the allotted time for horses.
 As a sire of speed, no horse ever sur passed Gambetta Wilkes. Two hundred and twelve standard performers attest to this fact, he being credited with 16 trot- ters with records better than 2:30 and 1O7 pacers with records better than 2:25. besides several pacers who showed miles better than 2:30, but were not able to reach the 2:25 mark, the limit set by turf authorities for a pacer to become stand ard.
 Forty-fve of his get are sires of III trotters and 172 pacers, and 70 of his daughters have produced 52 trotters and 57 pacers. Among his best sons and daughters are the famous pacer George Gano. 2:03A; The Duchess, 2:04A; Nancy H, 2:06A; The President. 2:071s General Adelie, 2:10%; Dr. Mason, 2:11%, and Beasley, 2:12 Many of the records taken by the sons and daughters of Gambetta Wilkes were made in the days of the high-wheeled sulby, and while they were sensational at that time, do not look so well on paper now. when 2and 3-year- olds are taking marks below 2:10. But all things taken into consideration, Gam getta Wilkes is one of the greatest speed producers the trotting world has ever known.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

New York, September 10.-John Me- Graw is generally credited with being the originator of the "fallaway'' slide, but he is not. He is honest enough to give credit where credit is due, and says he got the idea of the famous base running dodge, sneak, twist, swirl, wriggle or whatever 1t may be called, from Jimmy Donnelly. an old-time third baseman Of more or less prominence, who played in several big league teams in his day, but who figured in the later days of his baseball career in the minors.
 Donnelly was a good fielder, a cracker jack base runner and a fair batter. In 1896, when the Baltimore Orioles" the noted three-time champions, were at their best, McGraw was suddenly attacked with typhoid fever and obliged to take to his bed, where he laid for long time
 McGraw at the time was the backbone of the hustling Orioles. He was captain and third baseman, and some say that he was the brains of that sensational team. But those who remember Eddie" Han lon as a manager and player will feel like putting a copper on that bit of India rubber imagination.
 But anyhow, McGraw's absence from the team meant whole lot and presaged danger. There were not as many sub stitutes carried in those days as now by the various clubs, and Hanion was at loss as to who to put on the bag in McGraw's place. There was no other player on the team who could be shifted without breaking up a winning combina- ton, so Hanlon had to do some hustling on the outside. He finally landed Jimmy Donnelly, and he proved the right man in the right place. Jimmy had been play ing for a dozen years, but he had not begun to go back. He was just the proper kind of a player to fill in with a fast lot of players such as the Orioles were. Jimmy was heady, too, and that was another point in his favor, for the Orioles at the time were the quickest thinking bunch of players on the dia- mond. Hanlon had no use for any oth- CTS, but he did keep Walter C"Steve'9
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
IN
 THE COTTON CROP

Memphis, September 1.-The Com mercial Appeal will tomorrow publish the following summary of cotton crop conditions:
 A moderate improvement in the cot ton crop Is indicated during the week in all states east of the Mississippi river and in Arkansas. Rains fell in nearly all sections and the plant was stimulated to better growth, and she'd ding was checked where 1t had begun. Owing to the growing condition of the plant cotton in all this territory is opening slowly. There are sections in the eastern and central belt which have had little or no rain and these complain of severe shedding and ex- pect short crop. These places pull down the general average somewhat, though as an offset there are some re- ports of very excellent crops.
 In Texas 1t Is shown that the rain fall was not general, being confined to northern central northern and west ern counties. The benefit in the cen tral and northern will be considerable if the frost date is deferred sufficiently. Correspondents say that rain would now be of no benefit in the south and that the moisture in the drought stricken west came too late to save cotton Oklahoma was helped by rains plaint of boil worms which are very active on some of the lowlands.
 Outside of Texas cotton is opening slowly Tn that state the reverse is true and farmers are selling as fast as the gins turn out the bales. Elsewhere the early cotton Is being sold at pre- vailing prices.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
BARONS WILL ESTABLISH NEW TEAM BATTING AVERAGE RECORD
 FOR THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE
 Will Lead May Attain 300 Mark Emory and Elliott Make Blu Marcn Slump

The Barons stung the ball pretty lively last week, and their team hitting average at the present time is .250.
 It is very probable that the Barons will close the season with more than 1000 hits, and it would Surprise no one if this record, when established, will trans cend all that have gone before in the history of the league.
 The terrific hitting of the Barons has been distinct feature of the season of 1910 From the first shot out of the box they have maintained a magnificent stride ranging from PAS to .252, these being the average percentages. AS Is remembered after the first month or six weeks of the season their record was as high as .27s.
 The Barons have six more games, and need only S4 hits to total 1000. To reach the mark they will have to average more than 51k hits per game, which task should be easily accomplished.
 Messenger Got Twelve
 During the past week Messenger got the most hits-12. He was at bat 32 times. McGiivray stung the ball hard and boost
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

New Orleans, September 1-Rain to- day curtailed the celebration planned for the New Orleans team on the occasion of its last appearance in this city this season. Part of the programme was omitted the attendance was small, and the game between the home team and Atlanta was, by agreement, cut down to seven innings because of the condition of the grounds. New Orleans won, 1 to O.
 Lacking the rain, the day would have been, it is believed, the most memorable in the history of local baseball. The winning of the pennant has created a great deal of enthusiasm. During the past week a substantial fund was raised and expended to buy presents for the players, the principal gifts being watch fobs in the design of a Pelican sus- pended from crossed bats. Several prom inent citizens made congratulatory re- marks. Manager Frank was given a watch and fob.
 The game was a pitching match be- tween Hess and Flaharty. Each yielded four hits, but Hess kept his scattered through as many innings, while Flaherty gave two in the sixth. On these, a sacrifice and an infield out the winning run was scored. Although the field was rain-soaked the play was generally clean.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
WEEKLY REVIEW OF
 DRY GOODS MARKET

New York, September 1.-The weak eninp in the cotton market has been reacted in a hesitating and weakining market for cotton goods as compared with the steady trading of three weeks ago. Jobbers and retailers are still slow to manifest confidence in cotton at present values and they are fol- lowing a policy in buying or supply ing their we'll defined needs without anticipation in any large way. This makes 1t difficult for manufacturers to resume operations with confidence and until the trend of the new sea sons cotton Is more positively defined curtailment of operations in the mills Is looked for. The jobbing trade re- ports all speak of a steady distribu- ton in the large centers and from many quarters combinations come of the depleted stocks in retailers and iobbers' warehouses. Dress ginghams for spring, 1911, are now being ordered freely, prices having been named dur ing the week. Staple prints are nov ing moderately.
 Stocks are much broken in first hands as the curtailment of output in one large mill alone has amounted to 35,00O cases during the past sum- mer. Drills and sheetings are holding their low values rather better than print cloths. Yarns eased off half cent a pound in the markets, but spin ners are not inclined to shade prices on contracts. Cheap yard cottons of coarse quality are still dragging. Dem inns. tickings and certain lines of col ored duck are not in large supply and curtailment of production is large.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

the same as they do football No one would accuse the youthful -gradu- ate, who is so anxious to make the varsity eleven of being influenced by what money he could make out of it. Neither can those, who, when they leave college, Amake baseball their temporary profession. The sordid idea comes when the big salary inducements come from managers of professional clubs, later.
 But love of the game starts them on their way, and 1t never leaves them. There is a fascination in playing the game that lasts until the player is cast aside as a 'has been.'
 There are times, of course. when play CTS lose interest but those are only when the player Is out of condition, happens to be playing poorly, and is with los ing team. But let one be in perfect physical trim and with a winner, he forgets salary and everything else in the pure inborn love of the game with which he is blessed as a true American.
 I have never seen an old ball player yet, who when age has dulled his ath- letic ability and forced him out of the professional ranks who would not jump at the chance to play in game just for fun," at a clam bake, picnic or outing and none of those affairs takes place without a game of ball being on the list of sports.
 The money end of the game has its inducements, but the real seat of the baseball fever'' lies in pure love of the sport as a sport And none but those who do really love it can possibly become real baseball players. All others who play the game or try to rather are four fushers. They last about as long as 1t takes for them to Jimmy their way in.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

ed his average from .31s to .321. Emery hit well, too, his average for the week being about 325. He has left the rut of the 190s, and is fairly well established above the 200 mark He is now just one percentage point behind Ellam Elliott's weeks average was good. too, and his seasons average. as a conse- quence, was materially boosted. Wag- ner is doing excellent hitting and closed the week with four bingles out of six trials. He Is now ranking fifth, imme- diately behind Mcbride. There are but four Barons hitting below 200, and the four are pitchers, Fleharty, Stockdale, Coyalesk and Bauer.
 McGiIvray Will Lead
 It is now fairly well established that McGilvray will lead the team in hitting. It will be very difficult for Manager Moesworth, his only competitor for first honors, to catch him leading now by 15 percentage points. Bauer has a chance, but very slim one, of putting Covaleski in the hole, but 1t is very probable that the pride of Baton Rouge will walk away
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
RACING TO REVIVE
BY JAMES DOCKERALL

courses was absolutely necessary and the passage of some ridiculous racing bills left no alternative. The text of the laws which went into effect Septem- Der 1 were so involved and the language so ambiguous that no one could say, not even the counsel to the Jockey club, just what the laws define. As the Jockey club stewards were afraid that there might be transgressions of the law by some of their patrons they wisely de- cided to close the gates. But after the courts have defined the laws and told what may and may not be done on the tracks, then the gates will again be thrown open to the public. As the race tracks managers expect an early deci- sion in the matter, they look forward to racing meetings next year.
 Racing is such a grand sport that it will never die. It is a healthy recreation and has too many friends to permit it to- pass out of existence. It has survived the attacks of a few fanatics for many years. The reason it is still in existence is due to the fact that there is no pop- ular demand for its suppression The ma- pority of the people love a good horse and delight in seeing him race. And be- cause of this affection the sport sur wives in spite of all the anti laws passed to wipe it out.
 These so-called reform movements burn fiercely for a time, but their very inr tensity soon burns them out. Therein lies the safety to those who love per sonal liberty. The fierceness of the re- form movement soon arouses antagon- ism among broad-minded persons. They find that the reform laws fail to re- form. but merely bring forth hypocrisy and deceit. Then comes the swing of the pendulum of human passions. There is a complete reaction"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
OTdCkefS beaten Dy \ ne FelS HUH% RosnRm
ORIGIN OF FALLAWAY
BY SAM CRANE

Brodie somehow or other, possibly as a foil to show ua all the stronger his brainy players.
 Donnelly filled McCraw's shoes well- not fully perhaps, but enough to enable the Orioles to stay up in the race and be the real factor at the end of 1t.
 Donnelly was kept after McGraw was able to resume his position, and 1t was then that the Giants present manager saw Donnelly make the present fall away slide for the first time. With his usual keen and quick perception McGraw saw that about the only part of a base winners makeup that could be touched by the guardian of the base was one of the pilferer's shoeplates, and he immed- lately adopted the slide himself and had Hanlon have his players to practice it. It figured largely, too, in enabling the Ori- oles to win as frequently as they did.
 Since being manager of the Giants, Mo Graw has insisted that his players learn the slide. Even the pitchers are not ex- cepted, and 1t is funny to see the lumber ing, awkward way some of the twirlers go at the slide in practice. An hour every day, when the Giants are down in Marlin, Tex, for spring training, is given to prac- ticing the fallaway slide. Every player cannot get the hang of 1t. Some find 1t impossible to make it. Doyle, DeNore, Shafer and Bridwell of the Giants have 1t down finN Devlin, Snodgrass and Murray have 1t fairly well. It has won many game for the Giants.
 Jimmy Donnelly was not the first to use the "fallaway," although he was the first that McGraw saw do 1t. The old Chicago White Stockings of the middle eighties had several players who could sneak and wrigsle in a base any old way, including the fallaway slide, although 1t was not known by that name then Mike Kelly, Tommy Burns, Ed William son and George Gore were among the White Stockings who had the slide down pat. Bill Dahlen got the idea from those old Chicago players, Bill joining the White Stockings in 1891. No one had 1t down any finer than Dahlen either. 1 think 1t was called the split slide in those days.
 Murray of the Giants has very peculiar slide. He goes in feet first and shoots up into a standing posture without loss of speed. That is done by falling on the calf of one leg and lifting at the same time. Roger Connor had Murrays slide down fine. Bn it is not as effec- tive or safe as the fallaway.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

New York, September 11-"There will be racing in the east in 1911 and for many years to come. Racing is not dead; it is not even sleeping. It is suffering from too much amputation, due to the part of the over-zealous legislative surgeons. But it is convalescing and will soon come forth better and stronger than ever.'
 In these words Gen. Stephen Sanford called the "Nestor of the American turf,
 tersely told the prospects for racing in the future. He is S5 years young" and spoke as enthusiastically regarding the sport as any man of tender years. With interminglings of wit, and jibe, which made light and airy his talk, this great patron of the turf, the leading breeder of the Empire state, said many things which are of interest to the lovers of a blue blooded horse. As he sat on the porch of his trainers cottage, surrounded by his many thoroughbreds, telling his story, he seemed so strong and youth ful mentally that his words seemed to give the lie to his age. He had no apol- osies to make for racing and none for it's incidental auxiliary bettin. He told of the attacks made on the sport and answered them in words straight from the shoulder. A good fighter all his life, he has never asked for quarter from the enemies of the turf. And with him it is thumbs down" for his opponents.
 Next year there will be racing at all of the tracks-Aqueduct, Jamaica, Bel mont Park, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, Empire City and Saratoga" continued General Sanford. "The cancellation of the fall meetings of the metropolitan race
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
HANNON WILL COACH
 PREDESTINARIANS

Anniston, September u.-(Special.)- Emile Hannon, better known as "Chic" Hannon, the best quarterback that has ever won an "A" at the University of Alabama, has completed arrangements and signed a contract with Dr. J. w. Stagg, president of the Alabama Pres byterian college, to coach the 'Predesti- narians," the college football team, this winter. He was substitute coach at the university to Dr. Pollard by whom he has been strongly recommended to the college. He will arrive in the city with in few days and begin work of getting his pupils in shape for the seasons gruel- ling work. The Predestinarians made a fine record under Frank Allen last year, and as most of the old men will be back, they are expected to eclipshe that record this season. The college will open on next Thursday, several of the students being already in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
BIRMINGHAM IS
 BEST BALL TOWN

Memphis, Tenn, September 11-(Spe- cial. l.)-Although New Orleans will again lead the circuit in furnishing the largest gross attendance for the sea son, the remarkable feature this year, according to a statement made by the Southern league, who attended to- days battle between the tailenders has been the interest displayd by fans in Birmingham. They have turned out In numbers sufficient to approach New Orleans total, according to official re- turns received at league headquarters by President Kavanaugh, and will cer- tainly finish second In gross attend ance alth ough not having advantage of Sunday games.
 The liberality of the new manage ment in expenditure of money for new players and new park is advanced as one reason for the phenomenal success of the Birmingham club, according to President Kavanaugh.
 The league chief expressed gratifi- cation that the proposed post-season series between the Barons and the Pe1- jeans had been abandoned He said he always favored anything that might benefit clubs or players, but that in the post season series precedent had been established by the league fath CTS denying tn right to clubs to play after the pennant was settled, on a former occasion when farce was entered into which cheapened the actual result and caused dissatisfaction to the public.
 Incidentally Judge Kavanaugh said that he saw no reason why he should not consent to serve another term at the head of the Southern league, pro- vided he was wanted. The judge Is now serving his ninth year as presi- dent and reelection, which Is expected to be made unanimously at the Birming- ham meeting, October 24, would be his tenth term
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
Postal Changes

Washington, September 11.-(Special)- J. Donald l.. Park has been appointed rural carrier, Carl R. Vanzille substitute, route 5, at Athens.
 George w. Weaver has been appointed postmaster at Wilsonville, Shelby coun- ty, vice J. H. Mason resigned.
 Annie P Powell is appointed postmas- ter at Vinemont. Culman county, vice L.. E. Powell resigned.
 Henry A. Ragland is appointed rural carrier. John c. Henry substitute, Route 6, at Cullman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
Damage to Cotton Rolls

Huntsville, September 11.-(SpeciaL) J. M. Oldfefd, a merchant planter, has returned from HazIe Green, where he made an inspection of several thous- and acres of cotton to ascertain what, if any. damage has resulted from shedding. There has been much com plaint among the farmers that young bolls are dropping from the plant, threatening to seriously curtail the yield. The plant 's not shedding from dry weather, for there has been plenty of rain. It looks as if the young boEs are stung by an insect. Every holl found on the ground in the cotton rows has small spot which pene- trates through the envelope.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
Baptists VIII Meet

Huntsville, September 11.-(Special) Delegates representing great majori- ty of the churches in Limestone and Madison counties will assemble at Fairview church, Wednesday, to at tend the annual meeting of the Liberty Baptist association. R. E. Pettus of Huntsville Is moderation and Perry Henderson of Athens Is clerk.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Results Yesterday

At Kansas City: First game, St. Paul ?, Kansas City o; second game, Kan sas City S, St. Paul l.
 At Columbus: First game, Columbus 10. Indianapolis 8; second game, In dianapolis 6, Columbus 0.
 At Milwaukee: First game. Milwau- kee 8. Minneapolis 4 second game, Minneapolis 6, Milwaukee l.
 At Louisville: First game. Toledo S., Louisville 0; second game. Toledo H., Louisville 10.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
New Pastor T.ke. Char.e

Huntsville September 11.-(Special.) Rev. R. S. Gavin. former pastor of the First Baptist church, who has accepted a return call to this church after an absence of more than a year. assumed his duties as pastor of the church to- night A welcome service was given him and several of the central churches of the city had no service in order that their members might participate in the welcome to pr. Gavin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12

with the booby hitting honors of the az gregation.
 Marcan hit very poorly during the past week, or in very hard luck. He was at bat 25 times and managed to get but one safe His record, as a consequence, dropped from .227 to .217, and he gave place to both Wagner and Elliott.
 The following official hitting averages include all games played this season:
 The Season Averages
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
MEMPHIS DEFEATED
 IN SLUGGING MATCH

Memphis. Tenn, September n.-Mem- phis went to the bottom of the southern league this afternoon when Montgomery took the game with a score of to 4. It was a slugging match on both sides Thomas for Montgomery and Fritz for Memphis were pounded out of the box early and were succeeded by Hickman and Allen respectively. Score:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
UNION MEN!

You are hereby notified to meet at Varley's hall Monday, 8::30 a. m., to attend the funeral of Captain O'Brien in 8 body. By order of the Birmingham Trades Council.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
.Vanderbilt,s Hor.e. Are Winners

Paris. September 11.-W. K. Wander bilt was successful in two events at the Chantilly course today. His Brume won the Prix la Rochette (Triennial stakes) for 2-year-old fillies, while his Manfred captured the Prix la Rochette for 2-year- old colts. Each prize amounted to $40O0 The distance was five and a half furlongs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-12
NOTICE

The members of Birmingham lodge, No. 79, B. P. o. E., are requested to assemble at the Elks' Home today at 9::30 a. m. to attend the funeral of our late brother, Frank P. O'Brien.
 DAN A. HOGAN, E. R. H. E. SHROPSHIRE. JR.. Sect.