davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Imperial County and What II Means

Jefferson county should remain and will remain the imperial county of Alabama. The bill seeking to create Pettus county by slicing off the Bessener end of Jef- ferson and portions of certain other eoun- ties has some strong friends in the legis- lature but as matter of state pride the people should oppose the measure. They should ,rejoice in the fact of Alabama having a county of imperial dimensions and of such wonderful natural resources as to advertise this section far and wide as the greatest in the south.
 The entire state is proud of having at least one city in the 100000 population class Alabama is rich in her soils, In her forests and in her minerals. The farm CTS are progressive and are now getting abreast of the times in making agricul- ture as profitable as the average mer- cantile or manufacturing business.
 But this state needs more population, and one way to attract homeseekers is by advertising those features that interest the public and excite admiration every where Birmingham, with its census population of 132, ,6S5 in 1910, and an extimated popu- lation of 150,0oO to 160,OO0, has been a splen- did advertisement for Alabama; and im- perial Jefferson with it's census population of 132, ,6S5 in 1910, and an estimated popu- ulation of 24o,oo, is unquestonably an ad- vertisement whose value cannot be over stated. Bessemer within it's boundaries and close by, has population of 10000 or more. It has wideawake citizenry and is notably prosperous. No real advantage would be gained for Bessemer by being made a county seat. The politicians would thrive by it, but from commer- cial point of view Bessemer certainly will be the gainer by staying in imperial Jef- ferson; and it will stay with us. |
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
A SOUTHERN POET

From the Southern Pines Tourist.
 The daily scenes in cloud or sun from every point of Fairview Knoll are pie turesque.
 On Tuesday night the air was clear and white moon made dimly vivid the horizon lines with some detail of woods and field in the foreground. Directly south by the Hewitt farm stood tall dead pine, which some train-lit fire of grass and brush had set ablaze. From l to o'clock it burned from base to sum- init, great pencil of light, torch so full afiame 1t scorched the hand of mother earth, which held it a glowing rocket that refused to soar, save from It's sta tionary height 1t spattered sparks and pyrotechnic splashes.
 Not a trick of tinsel to be torn with burst of planned and particolored thun- derbolts, but under turpentine oxlulzed to quick disintegration, pine once primed with pitch and rosin, old-time reservoir of naval stores, no longer thrilled by vernal f1owings; ceased its healing frag- rance and it's dark, perennial green, dead and brown in parted layers, it was drop- ping dust of humus for supply of future cells of growth, but now impatient of a slow decay 1t spreads it's nitrogen in air and lay it's carbon on the soil
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
New Center of Population

Tn 179O when the first census was taken was point 2S miles east of Baltimore. In no years it had been moved to a point 25 miles west of Columbus, Ind, a distance of 5o5 miles. AS a rule the cen ter has held to a westward course with a slight dip southward.
 Students think the slower growth in the decade ended last april in the middle west, and will result in a sharp turn south ward, and the new center may be found to be at point south of the Ohio river. Oklahoma and Texas have grown rapid ly, and the entire south has outstripped the middle west. The great growth of New York city pulls the other way, but one city cannot overcome the increase in . wide and fertile section. The figures are, however, incomplete, and the new center cannot be accurately located until full returns for every state and terri tory are made public. The middle west consisting of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa. Missouri and Kansas, seems to have had its boom period, and to have lapsed into . calm and settled condition.
  Hugh T. Miller of Indiana thinks, how over, that the center spot of population has gone more west than south He claim, that 1t will be located in Brown county Indiana, about 30 miles west of the cen ter of population 10 years ago. This i. MT. Millers estimate and the official cen ter will not be determined until all fact. are at hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Need of Trained Nurse.

"There Is no work in Birmingham that so merits the assistance of phil anthropic people and institutions" said citizen yesterday. "as that which has been undertaken by the AntiTu- berculosis association. And I doubt if any institution ever formed in the city has had such struggle to carry out It's purposes and aims.
 "In fighting the disease. which is carrying away more people in week than are killed by grade crossings in a year, this association has been un- able to get but a meager sum from county and city authorities, although the city is preparing to spend over a hundred thousand dollars on viaduct.
 "They are to be congratulated upon the work already accomplished in es- tablishing a camp for patients and in opening dispensary in the Chamber of Commerce building. This dispensary however. is being conducted with the gratis services of physicians \anl nurses. and 1t can never be entirely successful unless at least one persor gives entire time to it. The dispen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Bird Slaughter In the South

The Society for the Prevention of Cruel ty to Animals has issued circular call Ing attention to the perennial massacre of the snowy heron and the egret by the sverglade hunters of Florida, assisted in many instances by the tourists of this Deason of the year. The everglade hunt org are unusually cruel. The birds are sntrapped by them and then plucked alive. The bleeding birds are then thrown heartlessly into the swamps to fall prey to water-rats and snakes. or to the foxes and wildcats which follow in the trail of the bird-hunter. If the demand for those plumes is long maintained the beau alfui birds that furnish them will disap-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Mrs HatiY GrAen's Girls School

The report that Mrs. Hetty Green, the most successful business woman of the age. is preparing to found and endow a rirls' school that will turn out compe- tent housewives and effective helpmates Cor husbands who are wagearners, is good news indeed. She Is pre-eminently a practical woman, and she is convinced, it is said, that 1t is as necessary to give a uonan Dractical and technical educa- ton in home-making as it is to specialize the education of young men along the line of their future trade or profession.
 Mrs. Green" says a recent writer, 'qs a greatly misunderstood woman. She is a warm-hearted, sympathetic woman who in a quiet way is constantly doing a great deal of good. She is keenly inter- ested in the welfare of the women of the country and has for long time had under consideration the idea or oolng something practical along this line. In her benefactions, as in her business af- fairs. Mrs. Green is a shrewd, far-seeing woman who knows how to get dollar worth In results for every dollar ex- pended When she is ready to announce her plans for the Green foundation il will be found it will accomplish the re- suit she has in view and with little fl any wasted money"
 Comparisons are considered odious, but Mrs. Greens proposed school will stand comparison with anything that Carnegie or Rockefeller has done for the better ment of mankind, and their benefactions are confessedly excellent. In Rockefeller, Carnegie, Mrs. Russell Sage. Helen Gould and Mrs. Green the country has, in fact, philanthropists of exceptional efficiency and thoughtfulness. Their benefactions will be their best memorials.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Good Roads Report

''The report of the last meeting of the Alabama Good Roads association, which las just left the press, is a very valu- able and instructive document,' said a good roads enthusiast ef Birmingham yes- terday.
 "The publication contains more than 90 pages and besides the report of the pro- ceedings of the last convention has the valuable papers of road building that were read before the convention. All these papers are very valuable, having been prepared by some of the most prac- tical men in the state.
 There are papers by ex-Commissioner of Agriculture J. A. Wilkinson, Gov. Emmet O'Neal, in which he outlines his good road policies; W. F. Prouty, on character and distribution of road ma terials in Alabama; w. s. Kellar. on prac- tical road construction: H. K. Milner, on effects of good roads on immigration; W. A. Morris, on working of convicts on pulp lie roads, and number of others on time ly subjects by men of practical ideas and large information"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Pay Your Poll Tax

It is the plain civic duty of every man who is registered as voter to pay his poll tax This tax must be paid not later than February 1-next Wednesday. There will be several important elections in Birmingham during the present year, and no one within poll tax age can cast ballot unless his poll tax for 1910. now due, is paid. There will be no re- opening of the. poll tax books after next Wednesday.
 Up to this time the payment of the poll tax in Jefferson county has been slow. Many men disfranchise themselves simply by their forgetfulness. But this matter of voting is one that should not be neglected, and those who have failed to get their receipts for 1910 should delay no longer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
The Alfalfa Route

Things are booming along the new Al falfa Route,' John Cochrane's new rail road through Pickens and Sumter coun- ties,' said W. G. Oliver. prominent planter and merchant of Panola, who spent few days in Birmingham last week
 'The farmers In the two counties made largo and profitable crops last season and are in fine shape for another year. Most of them have supplies enough to run them ani their tenants this year a. well as some surplus cash laid away in the banks.
 If this is anything like good crop year. and all the conditions are promis- ing, the people of my section will be way ahead at the end of the present sea son.
 we are not afraid of the boil weevil Of course it will do some damage, but il will not bankrupt us."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Musical Artists Coming

Among the musical attractions an nounced for this week are an organ re- cital at the First Methodist church by
 Henry B. Vincent Tuesday night and piano recital by Madame Berdice Blye
 at the Hotel Hillman Friday afternoon The latter will be under Mrs. Cathey' s
 management
 MT. Vincent is brilliant and popular young organist and will no doubt be greet ed by a large audience. The New York Tribune says he plays most delightfully."-.
 The Herald of Hamilton, Ontario, says: MT. Vincent is marvel. He merited the storm of applause which greeted him. Of Madame Blye the Berlin and London papers speak in high praise. This Is from the London Times: Miss Blye captured London by storm with her wonderful talent As virtuoso
 she is admired for her warm, true feel ing, faultless technique and the strength
 and vigor of her conception" Maude Powell, the great violinist, will give a recital at the Jefferson on the afternoon of February 22. Washington's birthday, under the auspices of Mrs. Ald- rich.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
wIND-swEPT

1S1S-Shelley: "Ode of the West Wind" If were dead leaf thou mightest hear: If I were a swift cloud to fly with thee: wave to pant beneath thy power, and
 share
 The influence of thy strength, only less
 free ThanS,nou, uncomfortable! if even I were as in my boyhood. and could b. The, comrade of the wanderinss over
 heaven,
 As then, when to outstrip thy skiey speed Scarce seemed vision-I would ne'sr
 have strivcn
 As thus with thee in prayer in my sore
 need. O. lift me as a wave, a leaf a cloud! fall upon the thorns of life! bleed! A heavy weight of hours has chained and
 bowed One too like thee-tameless. and swist,
 and proud.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
Concerning Brands of Liquor

During the early day of prohibition the question of what determined near beer and other drinks was often brought before the courts" said Solicitor Ben G. Perry of Bessemer. There were many connections seized by the officers which looked like whisky and smelt like whisky, yet the witnesses on the stand would often de- clare they knew 1t not On one occa- sion a well known attorney of Bessemer made the assertion that he could not only tell whether 1t was whisky or not, but that he could tell blindfolded the particu- lar brand. This was questioned by fel- low attorney. so they agreed on a test.
 '"The connoiseur was blindfolded, num- Der of brands of whisky were selected and the test began. He tried the first sample. That's Cascade, he said. He sampled an- other one: Murray Hill,' and so on down the line. Finally they gave him sample of pure water He tok a sip and paused doubtfully. He took second sip. Then he ejaculated, By George, boys you've got me- that last one Is a stranger"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
WONDERFUL BALANCING ROCK

From the February Wide World.
 One of the most remarkable rocks in the world is that known as the "Balanc- ing Rock" which stands on the bank of
 the willamette river, a short distance above the city of Portland. Oregon. Ris- ing from a broad base is a small column, roughly round in shape Just above this
 is a huge mass of rock, bearing tree
 on the summit, the total height of rock
 and column being about a hundred feet Although being a great deal larger and
 heavier than the pillar on which it stands, the big rock is very accurately balanced
 For how many centuries this odd freak has stood not even the wisest scientists are able to determine, but it has evi- dently been there for a very long period The entire rock is of a very volcanic
 nature, and the most singular thing about 1t is the fact that the knob and pillar
 are entirely disjointed from onesanother. Wind and weather, no doubt are slowly lnVearing the "Balancing Rock away, but The process is so imperceptible that fail ing ome unforeseen catastrophe, the
 monument will probably endure for many centuries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
COWBOYS HANDKERCHIEF from the Washington Post.


 Have you ever wondered why the cow boy pictures of Frederic Remington and other painters who have made a study of western life depict the man of the plains with his red bandanna halfway down on his chest, instead of fitting snugly around his neck?' queried c. L. McKinlay, ranch owner of California brother of Representative McKinlay, al the Raleigh.
 "I'll tell you. When a cowboy starts on long ride over the plains one of his principal annoyances is having to wipe dust from his eyes. His heavy gauntlets make 1t impossible to use his hands, and he ties his handkerchief loosely around his neck, and when occasion requires uses 1t to clear his eyes. It is the most con venient place to carry the handkerchief while riding a horse.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
RECIPE FOR GOOD HEALTH

From the Washington Herald.
 Good health is my only ailment," says senator Jeff Davis of Arkansas. q work like harvest hand, and have an appe. tite like prize fighter. I need plenty of air when I am at work, and that's the reason l am always found in my shirt sleeves when in my office.
 nave been admonished frequently that am violating the rules of good so- ciety. Now, l don't give 'cuss for tho rules of good society when they are the rules of fools and contrary to common sense.
 Would you get any good work out of a draft horse if you kept blanket on him on a hot day? Not much, you, bet. We'll. I'm draft horse; always work in my shirt sleeves" f
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
"TIPPING" IS OF ANCIENT ORIGIN From the New York Tribune

Tipping is by no means a modern nuis- ance, and, in fact. seems to have been even worse in the good old times than 1t is today The views of George l on the subject have fortunately been repoNed by Walpole. This is a strange coun- try" remarked his majesty. "The first morning after my arrival at St. James I looked out of the window and saw a park, with walks and canal which they told me were mine. The next day Lord C.. the manager of my park. sent me a fine brace of carp out of my canal, and I was told that I must give five guineas to his servant for bringing me my own carp, out of my own canal. in my own park
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT LEGISLATION
 AND SUGGESTS THAT THERE BE ACTION

building and good cheer of those who would come with us.
 Why not look ahead and cheer and en- courage those who would be of us?
 There are all sorts of things in Ala bama which need encouragement and a well word. There are a lot of things right here in Birmingham which need the same. In legislation and in every thing else in the world, there is a whole lot of things which can be done for the upbuilding spirit if thosNable. competent. and possessed of the right to do so, would only do so
 One of the greatest statesmen and edu- cators of this country once wrote the phrase in legislative act "of a right" that certain things should be done. The casual reader will remember that which
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Gardening Profitable

me beautifully illustrated booklet, en- titled. Jefferson County and Birming- nam, Ala. recently issued by the farm I movement committee of the Chamber of Commerce, is being widely distributed through the north, east and west, I am told, said prominent citizen. "The ar ticles in this publication are admirably written, and are free from gush.
 I take an interest in trucking, having some years ago cultivated a market gar den. There are few business enterprises more profitable than fruit growing or trucking, and conditions in Jefferson coun- " are as near ideal for small farming as one could we'll imagine. We have vari- ous soils here adapted for various prod ucts. We have a delightful climate. MT. Lehman, local official of the United States weather bureau, says in an arti- ele which appears in the farm movement booklet referred to: Fortunately. a trea- tise on the climate of Birmingham and vii cinity is an easy and agreeable task, as 1t will in it's essential points be merely repetition and confirmation of what has been published about it before. The su- periority of the climate in this region has never been exaggerated. And added to the advantages already mentioned is our big market Birmingham is an immense consumer of everything that comes from the soil.
 Not the least interesting of the things published in this booklet are under the head of Letters from local truck farmers to the farm movement department Mir A. J. Koenig of Woodlawh writes as florist. He had tried Horticulture in sev- eral places, and after an experience of 30 years he considers the Birmingham dis trict superior to some localities which are reputed to be ideal He discusses the flower industry and the favorable conditions here with convincing enthusi- asm.
 Among the other striking letters from Jefferson county men is one from Mr. w. l.. Rickles. He writes under an Ensley date line and tells that his 40-acre farm three miles out, brings him an income of $500 year. besides making living for two other families who work for him on half shares. He raises all kinds of vege- tables, and has two acres in strawberries Perhaps you will think I exaggerate' says MT Rickles, when tell you that sold this spring S41S worth of strawberries from one quarter of an acre, and my land there is no better than most of the lands in Jefferson county. There Is no trouble for any man who has grit and under stands farming and gardening to make money here
 MT. G. B. McVay, the well known scotsman, contributes a valuable article on soils, conditions, and possibilities gener ally in the agricultural sections of this county Any one interested in horticul- ture will find this farm movement book let well worth reading from cayer to cover"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29

was done in the nineties. when this declaration of Congress was presented to President Mckinley.
 * <. s.
 What the people of Alabama want now is action.
 They want to know where they stand. They want the legislature to get down and do something Why peter away the time in political scraps? Such disturb business interests and inspire lobbles to be sent to argue and talk.
 Why should we have to read every day of people who have gone down to Mont gomery to look after some bill? Such talk comes from every town of the state. Committees go every day. It is pluperfect rot. If there be legislators in this Alabama legislature let them act
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
REFLECTIONS OF 4 BACHELOR

From the New York Press. Pretty near next to the Ten Commando ments, fresh air makes people better.
 A girl has beautiful eyes whenever she herself examines them in the looking glass.
 We all know we have weaknesses, but it's only in other fellows they stick oui SO everybody can see them. A soft answer gets you lot more abuse, because it makes the man who is abusing you think you will stand it. Getting a woman used to receiving tele. graph envelopes without panic is as easy as getting her used to the baby going nea, scarlet fevey
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
ELECTRICALLY PUT

From the Chicago Evening Post.
 Mrs Duzzitt attracted much comment when she appeared in her latest ampsre gown" wrote the market reporter, who had been detailed in pinch to sub for the society editor.
 Don't you mean empire gown?" asked the city editor, glancing over the copy. Must have made the mistake because of the way some of those folks give the word empire the real French twist. huh?'
 No. I mean ampere all right,'' ar- gued the market reporter. "It was shocking"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
LINES

LINES
 (Contributed) You know that once upon a time I had the gift of poesy, But now I dare not print my rhyme For fear that you'll make fun of me. Since your real name Is that of Cook How natural must roasting be; But think how awful would look Served up like this for all to see. Now should you toast instead of roast And thus make dainty dish of me, 'Twould be my everlasting boast cherished bit of memory!
 A Friend
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29

there is unfairness and blindness to all she does not love. And even in xvomar.. eniish.ened love there are still outbreaks ana hehtnings." In his Wagner essay ne says: Woman would like to believe that love can do all. It Is a superstition peculiar to herself. Alas he who knows tae heart finds out how poor, helpless. pretentious and liable to error even the pest the deepest love is; how 1t rather destroys than sayes."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
NrErzscHr's VIEWS OF WOMEN

From the Forum.
 Nietzsche, the German philosopher, has little to say of women. In his philosophy there is to be no over-woman. Every thing in woman is riddle" he says. And again. "The true man wants two differ ent things-danger and diversion. He therefore wants woman as the most dangerous playthng." In his Wagner book he puts women in strange cate sory. "In the theatre,' he declares, ''one becomes mob, herd, woman, Pharisee, voting animal, patron, idiot, Wagnerian.' "As yet" he says, in zarathustra, ''wom- en are incapable of friendship
 'In womans love- Nietzsche says.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29
A BOOST FOR CUPID

Well. here another one We want to kick for more marriages. Weddings arc getting so scarce that we have began to think the young people don't love each other like they used to. Possibly we are wrong Perhaps they do. Perhaps there are other reasons. Just to make it plain. Did you ever see 1t fail that when a girl and boy begin to keep company, almost every person in the community starts in