davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
"RAINMAkING- RECALLED
From the Louisville courier-Journa

From the Louisville Courler-Jo Journa
 The recent death of Col Robert St. George Dyrenforth in Washington and the publication of his remarkable will recall the fact that nearly 20 wars ago Colonel Dyrenforth was extenave- ly known as the rainmaker."
 Colonel Dyrenforth had a theory that severe concussion would cause tain- fall. He tried some experiments n Washington and finally Congress was induced to make an appropriation for more thorough experiments. Colonel Dyrehforth went out on the arid pltins of Texas with corps of experts and large amount of ammunition. Nor several months in 1891 and 1892 Inc air on the Texas desert was filled with noise and smoke from bomhs which were sent up by the rainmakers.
 There was widespread interest in Colonel Dyrenforth's bomb throwing and the newspapers devoted a large amount of space to the performance. The question as to whether rain could be produced by such means was wide ly - discussed Colonel Dyrenforth claimed that his theory was vindicated by the results. The rain came but it was rather limited in quantity./ Some persons thought it would have come anyway, even though the experts had failed to discharge solitary bomb. Tn the end it was decided that Colonel Dyrenforth's method was too expensive. The rain pipduced was not worth the powder 1t took to produce it, accord%
 ing to the congressional view No more appropriations were forthcoming and the rain factory In Texas sus- pended operations permanently after all its ammunition had been shot away.
 Colonel Dyrenforth returned to Washington and published a report of his experiments. He then resumed his occupation as a patent lawyer and not much has been heard since about rain making. His theory may have ben correct-at any rate he demonstrated 1t to his own satisfaction-but the fed eral government did not regard 1t as pra ctical and the burden of proof was against him. Nevertheless, Colonel Dy- renforth extracted aNgood deal. of pleas ure out of his rather brief, career as a rainmaker and, considering the vicissi- tudes of his later life, no one should |begrudge him that pleasure. despite the fact that 1t cost the government good ly sum of money.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Guaranteed Bills of Ladlng

The failure of Knight, Yaneey & Go. of Decatur was one that was heard round the world. In London the bankers pro- ceeded to act on it after they had dnly heard and considered it. They resolved to accept from this country no more drafts accompanied by cotton bills of lading unless a guarantee by an American banking institution goes with them. How far this will affect through shipments from interior ports or points remains to be seen. Much depends upon what guarantees will be acceptable in London, and no doubt in Liverpool and Manches- ter, and what will not be. The drawing of the line is yet to come
 The failures at Decatur and Corinth have plainly changed the free-and-easy manner of shipping cotton. Fraudulent bills of ladng and fraudulent drafts have very naturally caused the bankers across the seas to take precautions. Hereafter they will depend more upon the guarantee of an American bank than upon any bill of lading or any draft. All such papers that lack an acceptable guarantee will not be negotiable in London at least
 Decatur and Corinth have changed com mercial methods in the American cot ton world. and the old days of trustful- ness have gone perhaps never to return.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
QUEENS CURIOUS PERaUIsITE.

From the London Daily News.
 The Welsh captain who caught a stur- geon in Pwllheli harbor and offered it to King George was doing no more than his duty. His majesty is entitled to every sturgeon landed in the United Kingdom, and one of them caught In the Thames graced the festive board at Queen Vic- toria's wedding banquet. The King also has the right by statute to the head of every whale caught on the coasts of his kingdom.
 The tall of the whale is Queen Mary's perquisite, the object of this curious di- vision being that her majesty shall all ways be well supplied with whalebone, although singuarly enough the whale bone is the Kings half. Among other things which the King is entitled to re- ceive are pair of white doves, a pound of cumin seed, pair of scarlet hose and silver needle from hls tailor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Cut the Seasons Weeds

Cut the weeds. They are giants in size "A wet July did it, and these giant weeds aharbor mosquitoes, and mosquitoes, some Of them at least, produce malaria and many other severe cases of illness. Be-
 sides this the weeds are upsightly and
 civic pride should induce every citizen to
 cut the weeds on his premises and along
 his street frontage without the use of the citys police authority.
 If a citizen will not, however, rid his premises of weeds-and he owns for weed xcutting purposes to the center of the }street-then indeed should the citys ex- < Ntremest authority be exercised. The weeds ]. of the wet summer of 1910 must be cut !, and the police department should get
 busy especially so far as the streets
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
About Persons

W. B. Bankhead of Jasper, son of United States Senator ]. H. Bankhead, was in the city yesterday.
 Dr. Eugene A Smith. state goelogist, passed through Birmingham yesterday en route to the oil and gas properties in Fayette county Dr. Smith is interested in the reports of oil in that territory and connection than any other. Dr. Smith said the finds would make Birmingham one of the best cities in the country when developed. He plans to remain on the scene for several days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23

From the Kansas City Star.
 This tribute to Imperial Missouri, was first published in the Lunneus Bull letin 20 years ago, and Is believed to
 have been written by Harvey W. Is bell, a former resident of Linneus: Her hills are natures terraces. upon which
 the divine hand has planted green waving forests and trimmed their sides with fruits and flowers In her valleys the harvests ripen into golden colors and her limpid streams run laughing to the sea. Springs. cool and sparkling, bubble forth from granite rocks, straaked with gold, and dance and simmer in the sunshine. Upon every hillside the smoke curls upward from happy, peaceful homes, where merry children laugh the hours away. Her prairies are broad and sunlit and as heauteous as the plains of paradise. Her breezes are sweet with the per fume of flowers and resonant with the songs of birds. The moonshine of fer nights kisses softly the purple vine- wards where lovers wander and hab ble of a future without care. Her sun sets are as glorious and beautiful as is the dawning of her days Her men are brave and gallant and her wom- en are pure and queenly Lying mld- way between two great oceans she IS a sort of Beulah Land in this sad old world. She is the worst malfgned and the unrest commonwealth in the sister hood of states. Her golden age lies not great way off, when from every sec tion the furnace fires will light the darkness of the heavens; when the weary wanderers of life will seek place within her peaceful portals; when hunger shall eat its fill at her tower ine. granaries. and when she shall be- co,,,a indeed to all of earth the border land, the golden gateway to paradlse.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Crops Are Good

Though there is some grass and weeds in sections where the land is low and fiat, most of the crops in south and mid dle Alabama are unusually promising" " said Charles Reese of Birmingham, who travels for Nashville wholesale house
 The prospect for corn is especially fine and with plenty of sunshine and an occasional shower the cotton crop will be well up to or above the average.
 More interest is being taken in the diversification of crops and an increased prosperity is very evident as result More interest is also being taken in raising cattle and hogs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
HIS AWED LISTENERS

From Lippincotts.
 An English scientist was in the habit of taking hunting trips in the north of England. Here when night came upon them and he and his guides were sitting around their camp. he would become very communicative on scientific marvels, even narrating to his seemingly awed listeners things that he never confded to his col leagues at home.
 One night the distinguished Engishman paused in his talk and. turning to one of his guides, asked curiously:
 Sandy, what is it that you and your companions keep taking out of your pock- cts and eating while I'm telling you these things?"
 salt replied Sandy calmly "a grain at a time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
WHEN GERMAN STUDENTS DRINK

down on the table and the lids elHed with a click.
 Still standing, the president confines the ritual: "One is one, two is two tfee Is three" while all rub their mugs onthe table with circular motion, er dtim them on their edges. Next, he raplly repeats: "One, two, three.' three tics, the mugs being banged on the tablefor each word, and the salamander is owe
 Each different corps of students lub may have it's own variations of the sla- mander, but this is it's main outline The president keepsl order and anyone tho does not immediately obey his rulira is usually condemned to drink so mich, ''climb into the ean." as the iidiom puts it. As a student finds he has quite enngh to do to answer friendly toasts, he ioes not like to be needlessly put into ths can." and will humbly apologize in ddes to get off.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Rand Concert Missed

It was a good proof that the park band concerts are enjoyed by the public when so many people were disappointed tonight" said a man who attends. the concerts. "A number of people went to Capitol park tonight with the intention of attending a concert, not having noticed the announcement in the papers that none was to be held, and all were disappointed.
 Many remained at the park until long after the usual time of starting at & o'clock thinking that the concert had been delayed for some reason. It was to me a good indication that the tri-weekly free treats are missed, once having been made a regular amusement"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Mayor n.Rrien sill III

Mayor OBren is still confined to his home said his secretary, Scudder Ryall' yesterday. Although he is a mighty SICK man he is not neglecting the city's bus mess. and. Is keeping tab on municipal affairs.
 His devotion to the city is such that even though physicians have cut out the telephone and stopped visitors, he is passing on all important matters in the mayors office, signing documents and papers, and attending to business as usual.
 He will leave on August 1 for his va caton"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23

and open unoccupied lots are concerned. The public health and the public appear anee of the city alike demand the cut ting of all weeds. and that. too, speed fly. Let the slaughter of weeds begin at once; and let it be maintained until Birmingham stands before all corners weedless city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
FRIENDLY ADVICE
From Everybodv,s Magazine.

From EVerybodys S Magazine.
 There came to the home of a negro in Tennessee an addition to the family in the shape of triplets. The proud father hailed the first man who came along the road and asked him in to see them. The man. who was an Irishman, seemed greatly interested in the infants as he looked them over, lying In a row before him.
 What does yo' think?" asked the par ent.
 '.Waul,'' pointing to the one in the mid dle, .I think I'd save that one."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
A LESSON IN OPTIMISM.

Are you weary of your burden. Does the future seem a blank? Never any hope of guerdon?
 Not penny in the bank? Troubles spies are thick around you? Sorrow journeys by your side? Strange misfortunes still confound you? :? All your fondest hopes denied? Can you see no gleam of brightness? Nothing lies before but g4oom? Have you lost the trick of lightness, Faded like the wayside bloom? Have you found more tears than laugh
 ter,
 As you trudged life's path along? And for what is coming after
 Do your fears a legion throng? If it thus befalls my brother, And these lines should fit your case Just compare notes with some other Who still shows a cheerful face, In despite of Fortunes flashing.
 He will make it worth your while Teach you how, when tears are plash-
 ing,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press \
 Love at first sight seldom is at second
 Nobodyeis a clever enough liar not to overdo it.
 The reason woman. can manage a man so easily is he thinks he is doing it.
 A girl can be very much interested in baseball till she begins to understood the game.
 man can owe money for years and never think it is out of the way till somebody owes him for a week, when it's a crime
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
LIBERTY
LIBEhT1 By Richard Lovelace.

By Richard Lovelace. When 1innet-like confined,
 With shriller throat shall sing The sweetness, mercy, majesty.
 And glories of my King; When I shall voice aloud how good
 He is, how great should be. Enlarged winds, that curl the flood. Know no such liberty. Stone walls do not prison make.
 Nor Iron bars a cage; Minds innocent and quiet take
 That for an hermitage; If have freedom in my love,
 And in my soul am free. Angels alone, that soar above.
 Enjoy such liberty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Mrn. F. I. neason Dies

Huntsville, July Especial )-Mrs. F. J. Deason aged 72 years, formerly of Trenton, Tenn, died suddenly Wednes- day at the home of her son, Will Deason, near Ryland. The body was sent to Trenton, Tenn, for interment. Mrs. Deason was the mother of Mrs. M. Alice Jordan and Will Deason of this county and James R. Deason, prominent att torney who was formerly the law partner of Capt. Quentin Rankin, who was killed by night riders at Reelfoot Lake.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
THE ACTOR AND THE SIDEWALK

From the Washington Post
 It is A recurrent seasonal jest in Man haitian about making the actorfolk keep noving along the midsummer stretches of that part of Broadway known in local parlance as the RialtQ. Perhaps more ln the imagination of ingenious writers of highway gossip than in reality it becomes in the dull season of affairs theatrlcai a special function of the metropolitan po- lcenan to scatter and keep moving the little groups of Thespians who stop to eonanare notes of success or failure in their dealings with dramatic agencies, or to exchange lighter chat of topics per sonal professional. political or of what ever nature they please. But there must be enough basis of fact for these tales to warrant their publication, even as ex- amples of harmless merriment.
 There is however, a serious aspect to the case The police of Paris, acting un- der the Latin law. perhaps would have the legal right that the patrolmen of New York assume. But under the com mon law of England and of this country, the street is for the pedestrian first and for the vehicle afterward, and on the sidewalk the peaceable citizen may stand and chat with another with impunity so long as he does not interfere with the freedom of passage. It is, not for the po- liceman to interfere. It might be well for some of these actors, if they really feel that their civil rights are infringed, to make test case. If conditions are as
  described, that could be brought about easily, and decision could be obtained that would check a practice that savers of petty and offensive tyranny. It may be heating to quarrel, but of such stuff are martyrs made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Popularity of Moving Pictures

"The growing popularity and whirl- wind advance of moving picture theatres seems to me to be one of the most re- markable things of the twentieth cen tury." said an observant man. Tn time to come I believe that history will be compelled to make mention of the nov ing picture development of this period, for it cannot be denied but that they are having great and graspng influence on the large masses of people.
 This influence is not altogether for the good, but I am optimistic enough to be- lieve that moving picture theatres are helping to elevate and strengthen the masses. Statistics show that at the pres ent time they are the largest patronized amusement of their kind in existence. It is the common masses of the world s peo- pie that they reach, and 1t is the com mon masses that set the standards by which a period is judged.
 From the very fact that the present moving pictures are entirely on the sug- gestive line of amusement it can be read fly seen that brain power is developed and exercised by witnessing their exhibi- ton 8HeH tillS susSestiNe iued is oi pure and noble traits of character, either tragedy or comedy, there can be no doubt but what the minds of the audiences are benefited. The lack of words to convey meaning, relying entirely on signs and facial expressions of the actors. calls for high imaginative qualities on the part of the observer who Is to understand thor oughly and appreciate the picture, and for that reason the moving picture is worthy, in my estimation, of all it's popu- Ia rity''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
A "REcIrIAR cUSS. D

A hEIohfAIA tooAo.
 A member of the Meade Band extends this courteous invitation to some citizen there to Do The Fair Thing: "Some dirty, low down, sneakin' cur in this town took it upon himself to steal one of the light bulbs from the bandstand last Friday night after the concert Suppose you return the bulb and then sneak off some place and die, as this
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Aerocxcle fo He Tented

Annapolis, Md, July 22.-Test of the Ames aerocycle, as the airship invented by Congressman Butler Ames of Massa- chusetts will probably be called, began at the Naval academy today. Before naval board the workings of the machine were demonstrated by its inventor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
DIPLOMACY

From the Atcfison Globe.
 A very smooth Atchison storekeeper when you go in to buy an article sold to everybody for 10 cents, says to you, in fondling sort of way, m make that to YOU, Billy, for dime.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
O rise up and wear smile,
A SOCIALIST.

A SOCIALIST
 This department has been requested by a socialist. to give socialism knock, on the theory that 'every knock is boost. We knew a socialist once-one of the most rampageous persons who ever flayed the government from the top of a barrel, but when his dear wife yelled, "Will-yum." he never failed to jump about 10 feet. His wife didn't believe in socialism.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
HIGH COST OF LIVING

From the Florida Times Union
 In a ktchenette you can boil but one egg at a time It is not adopted to large and hungry families.-Birmingham Age Herald. However in a short time one egg will be all the family will get hungry or not.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23

the stock, so our company Ielt obligated to go there. Birmingham Is growing at a great rate and I wish we could be here and part of 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
Ahsence of Moh Snirit

"It is very remarkable" said cit izen yesterday how crowd of hund- reds of people can go to ball game like the big crowd that was out yes terday, how they can all file through a little door at the entrance, find seats yell and say things about people in the crowd or about the players that at any other time would make trou- ble. and all get out and get cars back to town and very seldom any serious trouble occur.
 Psychologists and philosophers claim that man Is an animal or descended from animals, but there Is no better evidence to me than an incident like this to show that there is something of immortality and divinity about human being. There Is no other animal on the face of the earth that can be assembled in throng of that kind with that much excitement going on without there being all kinds O. individual fights and stampedes. l do not be- lieve in boring over old literature and papyrus rolls of the past ages to bring forth proof of mans divine inception. can find better and clearer evidence in everyday, modern experiences"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
STILL GALLANT.

"A little woman with a sad fal and dressed plainly. was assisting tall, shaking man in rather cratic purse down Twentieth street. Althoua he lowered above her, being of usual stature, she held fast to his art and steered his stumbling steps tlpugh the crowds. Some had sympaietlc looks, others were idly curious and there were still others whose ense of humor" impelled them to smk at womans sorrow. However. thstall man had not forgotten the proprties and when they crossed the street, Eith all the difference at his comman he insisted on passing behind her and offering her his other arm, so he vuld be next to the curb.
 PAUL cod.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
NOWeS THE TIME

On nights like these-a world in tune And jeweled skies above you That swain's indeed a stupid loon
 Who cannot say, 'T love you
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
POPULAR FICTION.

q wish to buy the latest motor novel; said the Summer Dream.
 Which one, please?' queried the bland bookstore clerk. Eighteen arrived this week."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23

Aviation does not help the physicians. although 1t promises to boom the un- dertakers.
 The Aldrich tariff bill needs an awful lot of explaining, and then some more.
 The joy rider delights to get light from passers-by as he whizzes along
 Russia hopes her aviators will do better than her navigators did at any rate.
 Mexico has wisely decided to have no ex-presidents and no oyster Bays.
 Don't waste kind wordsy on the pes tiferous fly. Swat it.
 The mosquitoes do not do all the bug zing at Oyster Bay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
TRYING TO FORGET THIS iN

TR1 ING, TO FURGET THIS ME. Have you heard the newsi No. Put me next"
 Mrs. Twobble has just pEentcd Twobble with twins for the thirtime." What did Twobble do?"
 "Oh, he drank quite s muclas he did when the first pair arrived, 1t not for the same reason"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23

The presidential campaign of 1912 is really in our midst today. Politics de- clines to take a vacation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-23
J. B. Wheeler in City


 ]. B. Wheeler superintendent of the Louisville and Nashville railroad at Nash vile, was in Birmingham yesterday for a few hours MT. Wheeler was here on personal business and returned yesterday at noon to his home
 Business is very good on my division,' he said. From the south the tonnage for the past few days has been very brisk and we have been pushed to keep every thing in line The rains of the past few weeks have acted slightly against good railroading but now everything seems to be in good shape again." Mir. Wheeler was for several years in Birmingham and has scores of friends here While standing at the station yes terday he was given quite an informal reception by friends who chanced to be passing.
 T like to return to Birmingham every time l can get chance, said Mir l Wheeler. q was stationed here so long that I became acquainted with practi- cally everyone and it makes me feel very good to have so many people greet me so warmly
 l Birmingham, I am glad to see, contin- ues to grow. While I have been away have been in touch with local progress and no one manifests a deeper interest in your city than myself"
 Dr. A. B. Rains Goes to AnnfstOn
 Dr. A. B. Rains, proprietor of the Rains drug store, has sold his drug business here, as was announced in the Age-Her- aid recently, and will move his family to Anniston pr. Rains has been made president of the Pan-American Stove Works, recently organized company, with factory and offices at Anniston. | q regret very much indeed to leave Birmingham,r said pr. Rains yesterday. T have made a number of warm friends here and am a strong believer in the greatness of Birmingham. I tried hard to swing our big stove works here but the Chamber of Commerce and the busi- ness men of Anniston made use extremely liberal concessions, giving a two-acre site with bulding--the old pipe works locaton--exempting us from taxation TOT five years and subscribed liherally for