davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
"DIAMOND JIM" HAS RIVAL

From the New YOrk tribune.
 "Diamond Jim" Brady, who is always used as a simile when one wants to im- press or a person the wealth in jewelry worn by man, must now give way in his long standing as the animated if un- official advertisement of the Kimberly diamond mines. The "Panjandrum of Lalapalosaland,' about whose untold wealth in gems of the purest water and finest cut the story books tell, must also look sharp to his laurels and have his royal chapeau reset if he would not have it appear like the tinseled comic opera imitation. And as for that bag full of pearls owned by Gaby of the Lilies, they seem in comparison more like a mere bag of shells.
 All this is necessary to introduce to the people who like to read about diamonds and look at them through the windows of the jewellers a collection that hereto fore never has known the advantages or publicity or press agent, but neverthe- less is worthy of notice. This colec- ton of brilliants is valued at $2OO, ,OOO and
 is made up of pieces for masculine attire. The owner of this fortune in the stones of many facets is Augustus H. Hall, who
 is ih the patent medicine business.
 While the primary purpose of this story is not to exploit MT. Halls diamonds 1t was made the chief feature of the di- vcrce proceedings brought by his wire, Mrs.. Emma l.. Hall so that it becomes an essential part of the application made by the wife for alimony Mrs. Hall made the usual complaint that Is made in divorce actions, named young woman and several places and asked for $500 a month alimony.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

From London rid Bits.
 ESS than year ago Stella
 Carol," a girl of b, born of poor - parents, was singing for aims in the streets of London-today she is one of the most sought after child prodigies in London. >Following her first public concert at Queens hall, the Eng fish musical critics have run out of superlatives in trying to do justice to her voice. She has been booked for a series of concerts at $500 apiece, and os- wald Stoll, shrewdest of English vaude- vile managers, has offered her in vain a long engagement at $500 week. One critic has gone so far as to declare that nothing like her has been seen since the early days of Jenny Lind and Patti!
 "Stella's'' short career is one of those real life romances that put to blush even the best tales of the fiction writers. Like so many London children with good voices, Stella" and her sister were sent into the streets at night to slng-for alms It was just before last Christ mas, at a time of the year when people are supposed to be charitably inclined and the takings of street singers are large.
 By mere chance Stella" and her sister, dressed in rags, paused in front of the home of a former concert singer, Amy Sherwin, one time known as the 'Tas- manian Nightingale The clear notes of "Stella's' voice penetrated the walls and brought Amy Sherwin out in great haste to see it's possessor. In few moments the two little Street sineers were inside Amy Sherwin's house, answering questions.
 The reult was Amy Sherwin arranged with 'Stella's' parents to adopt the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
A PORTRAIT

By Paul Hamilton Hayne. The laughing hours before her feet, Are strewing vernal roses. And the voices in her soul are sweet, As music's rnellowed closes, All hope and passions heavenly born. In her have met together, And Joy diffuses round her morn A mist of golden weather. As o'er her cheek of delicate dyes. The blooms of childhood hover, aa do the tranced and sinless eyes.
 Il childh9od's heart discover, of dreamy happiness,
 ith rainbow fancies laden, 'se arch of promise grows to bless
 1T spirits beauteous Adenn. She is a being born to raise Those undecided emotions, That link us with our sunniest days, And most sincere devotions: ln her we see renewed and bright. filat phase of earthly story. Which glimmers in the morning light CT eds exceeding glory. Why ? a life of mortal cares, ApNcif those heavenly faces. Why on the verge of darkened years. These naranthine graces? his but 3 cheer the soul that faints. aflih pure and best evangels, pf prove { heaven is rich with Saints. hat ea5th may have her angels. Ekopsh! tis not for me to pray,
 ha on er life.s sweet river,
 'ihnsss of virgin day,
 Fcst '.nd rest forever;
 eg" uardian Genius stands. i1c hose waters lowlv.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

fluence if the canal is to answer the purposes for which it was built.
 Congress can make the canal very useful to American commerce, but it cannot do so by sitting still and let ting the railroads manipulate ships and business to suit themselves. The canal was built to serve all at water rates. It was not built to maintain railroad rates for the benefit of the railroads.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Charles Johnston, in Harper's Weekly.
 In order that there might be no pos' sibility of error, I had the buttoned youth whistle up the wind for another auto when my visit was ended, and pres ently found myself in an equally well looking and well moving tonneau, with comfortable room for five, once more whirling past gas lamps through the brown and animated dusk of London. There I made a courageous resolve: I would give the man no more than a shfi- ling, supposing the clock thing once more registered 8, of which I was not over confident, having, as say, taken an oc- casional taxi in Gotham. It did, how ever; and there was my tall friend in gold, once more opening the door. for me, and lowing his properly reticent gratificstion at my return. Heroically, under his very eyes, l did hand that chauffeur one shilling, whereat, to my as- tonishment and deep satisfaction, he said. Thank you, sr.'' without touch of re- proof or acrimony in his voice, and fad ed away softly into the night. Sup ported by my gold laced friend, I entered the hall of my hotel, thinking seriously. It was then that l determined to write this article and reveal the truth. l had paid 1 shilling or "A cents, one-third be-
 ing a tip, for a drive through a fash
 onabe part of London, over a distance that would have taken me 10 or 15 minutes on foot, in an auto which looked ex- actly like a private machine, but for that modest indicator, and, later all this ease and dignity. l had been courteously thanked by the chauffeur, who had touched his hat and departed in evident content. Twentyfour cents including what, from the chauffeurs point of view, was evidently an adequate tip!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
RAPID RISE OF A SINGER

child and to train her for a career as a singer. Amy Sherwin was made the legal guardian of the child by the lord chan cellor and gave her year of personal instruction in singing, as well as in for eign languages.
 About a week ago Stella Caro'' made her first appearance at Queens hall, where so many of the famous singers of the past have seen their great tri- umphs. Following her debut, which has created such a stir in London musical circles, Stella" has retired to rest in the country to recover from her excite ment.
 I have talked with Amy Sherwin about her protege. Naturally, she is enthusiasts tic and disdains to use any but superla- tives in speaking of little Stella"
 Although she is not yet 16, she is finished singer" she said to me. There is absolutely no trace of unusual mus- ical talent in her family. Her father is of French extraction. Her mother is d charwoman. They are both very ordi- nary, so that Stellas natural talent and intelligence are all the more wonderful. Her voice is pure natural soprano of remarkable strength and sweetness, and has range up to F in alt Also, I might add, she has lots of temperament, and what one might be excused for calling devil of temper. believe by the time she is IS she will be universally rec ognized as one of the worlds greatest singers"
 In appearance Stella" is tall and well made for her age. She has a good stage presence. She is fair, with blue eyes and has charmingly natural manners
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
Judge Gary's Testimony

The testimony of Judge Ebert H. Gary before the Senate interstate commerce committee certainly shows that 'big business" is not afraid of federal regulation. He really invites it, speaking necessarily as the head of the Steel corporation He does not object even to the regulation of prices and profits. He wants the govern ment to pass law defining what big business may and may not do. This would involve the fairest publicity of affairs in which the people have an interest.
 Judge Gary's testimony certainly will be far reaching. He is not afraid of regulation. If he is not afraid why should other big business men be? Judge Gary certainly has care fully considered all effects of his tes- timony, and he puts his propositions before Congress without reservation or qualification.
 Judge Gary very plainly favors regulation to recurring unrest and present chaotic conditions. He ac- cepts, in other words, submission or the part of big business to the gov ernment in order to put an end to uncertainty and agitation. He has weighed the one against the other and he prefers submissions to the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
Panama Canal Tolls

No more interesting question is coming before Congress than that relating to canal tolls for passage through the extremely expensive Pan- anna canal. The costs of operation and interest on the cost of construc- tion will have to be considered, and so will American commerce. The ca nal was really built to promote our commerce. How to do this is prob- lem full of. difficulties. In the Suez canal all pay alike. If all pay alike at Panama American commerce may not be promoted at all. Some think our domesic commerce should be favored by rebates or otherwise, even if our vessels sailing to the far east are not.
 Another question will certainly come up--that relating to steamship lines dominated by the transconti- mental railroads. These railroads have already shown a determination to control domestic traffic, freight and passenger, passing through the canal. The railroad influence over the canal must be eliminated. No rate warfare conducted by them must be permitted to destroy independent lines. No independent line must pass through the secret purchase of stock into the hands of the railroads. Con- ,Rxess must cut out the railroad in-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
Country woman,s Impressions

An old woman from the country-reg- ular backwoods country-came to Bir mingham not long ago., said a gentle man, "and I was really touched by her simplicity and childish wonder at the big, throbbing city. She came in a coun- try wagon with her son, the first time probably she had ever been to a large town. A gentleman she knew years ago met her and invited her to go to his home and spend the night. He had just completed a palatial residence on High land avenue, and this old woman was his first guest in the new house. They went out in the hosts automobile. Of course 1t was the country woman's first ride in a motor car, and she was very dubious about any kind of a conveyance not guided with lines or whip. But her sur prise had just begun. The house and furniture were the greatest wonders of all The stone steps and columns amazed her and the polished floors, Turkish rugs and fine furniture were unlike anything she had ever dreamed of The bathroNms with hot and cold running water and fine fixtures passed her understanding. The dining room was just as new and strange.
 When her hostess asked her about her own house in the country, she said she had a very good dwelling but it didn' { have any glass windows. In the summer it got mighty hot sometimes so they just took few planks out of the loft and that gave some fresh air. The old lady s visit in the fine city house was big event in her life and I'll wager she'll never tire telling her neighbors about the automobile ride, the stone steps, elec- tric lights and running water in the house of her city friends"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
Social md Civic Advance

"Snce the announcement of the Bir- mingham issue of The Survey for the New Year publication, number of peo- pie have made inquiries concerning the nature and editors of this magazine, !" said contributor to The Survey yester- day.
 While there are a few Birmingham subscribers to this weekly, many people of this city do not know that it is the organ of the Charity Organization society of New York city, and was formerly the Charities and Commons. The Russell Sage foundation fund is also to be drawn on to assist in publishing of The Sur vey.
 "The officers of the Charity Organlza- ton society are among the most promi- nent men of the United States and are: President, Robert W. de Forest; vice president, Otto T. Barnard; treasurer, J. Pierpont Morgan; general secretary, Ed ward T. Devine.
 The editorial staff includes: Edward T. Devine, editor; Graham Taylor. as- sociate editor; Paul U. Kellog, Arthur P. Kelog, Graham R. Taylor, David C. DaNlS, SnelDy f1dTrlSofl, JdnieS I ileosoAi and John A. Fitch, associates.
 Ut is a magazine that serves as the printed voice of every social settlement in the country, and has for it's purpose an impartial survey of every city in the United States that counts as factor in any line. Treating the municipality from the civic, social and phianthropic view point, it has made suggestions of reforms to many centers through it's columns that have been carried out, resulting in much good to that particular community. The writers sent to a district or city to gather facts and report on conditions are ex- perts, and usually collect enough ma terial to make a volume or two. The Survey is identified with every big move ment of modern civilization and popular benefit, and is strictly constructive in it's tendencies.
 "The Birmingham story will embrace 200 pages of interesting reading matter of social, economic and charitable condi- tions here, and will give Birmingham d chance to see herself as others see her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
ENLIGHTENING THE COURT

From the Atlanta Constitution.
 What is your occupation?" the jus tice asked the witness
 "Jedge,' he replied 'ain't you a git tim jest leetle too pussonal? Have l got to give my Twin away before this here honable court?'
 You heard the question:" said the judge, and you must answer it. What do you do for a Iiving?"
 well, sir, I'll jest make bold to en- Tighten you-sence you seem to need it In the summer, when l ain't a-fshin' Pm prophesyin' weather, an when the weather don't fall right I'm either a-killn' of alligators an a-sellin' oi rattlesnake buttons. or attendin' cam. pa res Gn votin lround!'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
The Music study Club

Music lovers of Birmingham appreciat- ed the treat which they had last Tuesday night in Mr Krafts brilliant organ re- cital at the First Methodist church, and this community owes the Music Study club q vote- of thanks, for it was this organization that secured the distinguish ed young organst's services" said a clergyman. '"rhe Music Study club has been doing excellent work for several years past in promoting the cause of high class music. On several occasions 1t has presented musical celebrities who received large pay, but only moderate prices were charged for admission. It paid MT. Kraft his usual price and yet his recital was absolutely free to the public.
 'Artistic music is great moral agency and ministers should do all in their power to encourage organizations like the Music Study club"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 The most successful way to manage a woman is not to try.
 The best part of dining in a restaurant 9s the guest of somebody Is he has to do the tipping,
 1t seems as if man could be more afraid to do right and be laughed at than wrong and praised.
 A family TOW just gets swinging to the satisfaction of a man when he has to go and die and miss the rest of it.
 A man who could carry home case of drinlsables and think it as light as a feather would feel his back was breaking if it was his wile's hat. weighing Q pound
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
indeed the Logos through whom rse Of ours came into being. vas and is the light that ligh man that cometh into the worl
 Wall Street View ,r,, c,leus in his Saturday reN
Wall Street View

Henry Clews in his Saturday review says in part:
 "For the time being the sentiment Of the street has turned bearish and prices generally have receded, largely due to recent extensive profit taking and bear, attacks. The unfavorable feature which led this movement was the collapse in the Wabash shares, the worst of which has probably been seen now that plans are under way for the reorganization Of the Wabash Railroad company The opening of Congress naturally induced more or less hesitation. This was not so much due to any discouraging feat ures as to the absence of stimulating developments. The Presidents various messages contained nothing new. simply reiterating his well known position on public questions.
 General trade shows the slacllness usual at the end of the year when busi- ness men are more engaged with clos ing accounts and stock taking than with consideration of new enterprises. This is also the period of the year when out of door work is largely suspended, which further tends 10 QuletneSs III trdde bdsic conditions, however. are sound and reas- onably satisfactory and the tendency is toward ultimate improvement. The vol ume of trade, though somewhat less than a year ago, has not shown the contrac- tion that was expected, and does not support the recent complaints of reac- tion Conditions are not as bad as rep-
 fi ir turbed or disgruntled by one cause or another. The year just closing has been one of decided quiet. We have been talk ing the rest cure with benefit. But there has been no retrogression of consequence, only a general readjustment which will place the country in much better posi- ton for fresh forward movement than was the case a year ago."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

vernment-submissio without limit or bounds. It seems almost incredi- ble that big business has come to this, and yet all must agree that no one better represents big business than does the chairman of the Steel cor poration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
AUTO SUGGESTION

From Harper's Weekly. /. T see that old Blenkinsop wears motor goggles all the time. Has he carr" asked WillSs.
 'No." said Jiggers. "It's merely a case of auto suggestion. By wearing those goggles and sprinklng his handkerchief with gasolene instead of cologne he thinks he conveys the idea that he has one.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Brutus hath riv'd my heart; A friend should bear hIs friends in- firmities, But Brutus makes mine greater than they nrc. Julius Caesar.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

in church work ''It was my privilege to hear nearly all of the great pulpit divines who were in the public view 20 or 30 years ago-Henry Ward Beecher, pr. Richard
 Storrs, Bishop A1pheus W. Wilson of the
 NJ. E. church south, pr. Palmer of New
 Orleans, Bishop J. J. Keane (afterwards
 archbishop) Archbishop Corrigan and
 others l have not kept up, however,
 with the new generation .of church ee-
 lebrities. MT. Campbell seems to be re-
 garded as the greatest of all Protestant
 preachers of the present day, but his
 orthodoxy is now being called in ques-
 ton by certain American theologians. l
 have read some of the Englshmans ser
 mons and they are sdistinetly fresh and
 vire There is, too, charm in the lit
 erary style of his discourses, and alto
 gether I can imagine that MT. Campbell
 is what one of his admirers said of him
 recently-'if he would cease trying to make new theology and content himself
 with being the tremendous preacher of
 the truth, as 1t is in Christ, he would
 have few, if any, rivals in the wide world Another admirer-a Methodist editor-wrote recently, No man I've ever heard, except Henry Ward Beecher, could pray, talk and commune with God as does MT. Campbell
 "This London divine Is Congregation alist and from what I have been able to make out he is more conservative and in closer touch with the old Calvinistic theology, which was a bond of fellow ship between Presbyterians and the Eng fish Independents, than some pastors in this country. Certain persons have ac- cused him of holding the Unitarian posi- tion. but MT Campbell makes 1t plain that he holds nothing of the sort. do not happen to be connected with the same which has given Mr. Camp bell to the world, but l make the predlc- tion that after the critics are through with this distinguished visitor he will De considered orthodox enough for any Protestant. In the November homietlc review MT. Campbell says this:
 "It ought to be quite needless to say that I do not hold, and have never held, what is commonly termed the Unitarian position. To preach a gospel which would in any way diminish the divine pre-em- thence of our Lord I would count the utmost loss.
 "I can, indeed. conceive of no greater spiritual loss than to think of Jesus as one with less than the highest that the Christian consciousness has ever af- | frmed of him; I want to think of him as even more. I have never separated the | Christ of faith from the historical Je- | sus; to me they are inseparable. Jesus is the Eternal Son; He is the Christ in | sense in which I am not l believe He | was indeed the Logos through whom this universe Of ours came into being, that | He was and is the light that lighteth | every man that cometh into the world "
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

million dollar fund is to be raised to put the Aldrich currency bill through Congress. That fund may yet have to be investigated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Henry Cabot Lodge says the American ballot system is tending toward failure. They do not think so in Los Angeles OF wherever the people vote directly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Those great mandarins of baseball, Cy Young and Ty Cobb, are altogether Amer iean their names to the contrary not withstanding.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Five manuscripts by Lafcadio Hearn brought nearly sl0,Ooo. He got only about $500 for the stories at the start when he was alive.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
A LOWER BID

From Harper's Weekly.
 By George" said Pat, as he read over the morning paper. Here's Larry Doolan failed for half million,
 "The graspin' omadhaun." cried Mike. Sure an old do ut fer tin."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

The Chicago firm that purchased 3,oO0,- GOO postage stamps in a bunch must have been afraid of rise in price.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

MT. Taft's annual message is appearing in sections. In this form it is a continued story without a hero, but not without a motive.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Dealers should not advance prices be- cause Italy bombarded Mocha. Don't do it. No reason exists to justify it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11
If preacI,er

"Much st E ntlng made over the Rev. R. Eairrbeii f London, who is now on ntaaql9rg tpar in the United States saia an N.Ao takes an active interest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Senator Wetmore refuses to be can didate for reelection. None of the old guard is willing to stay any longer, simply because they can't.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

The records, in the Lorimer investisa- tion include 2,e0O,O00 words. and Lorimer no doubt hopes the truth will be lost in that many.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

The Edward Everett Hale statue fund, s3o GOO, is nearly secured. But he has better memorials than a statue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

When China, containing 439,533,O9O peo- pie, becomes republic, the count or the vote will be no light task.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

The con)mercial travellers may find this country fnhospitable if they stop giving tips after January 1. This they threaten to do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

The woman who entered a suit against a railroad for Toss of her complexion" was simply suing for her trunk.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-11

Johndee has put himself where golf ranks ahead of business.