davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

From the Mobile Item.
 There appears no doubt, from sur
 face indications, that Oscar Underwood
 is gaining strength for the presidential
 nomination with each passing day, and
 in the opinion of politicians of national
 repute stands almost an even show
 with any of the other named candidates
 to secure the presidential nomination.
 Perhaps no southern man has gained so large a place in the public eye since
 the death of Senator Morgan as has this beloved son of Alabama. He has proved himself to be of presidential timber, and Alabamians should leave no stone untured to compass his nomi- nation for the highest office within the gift of the people. Let there be no political trickery in this state that will for an instant minimize his chances of success. In the olden days the south furnished many beloved sons for the presidential chair, but from reconstruc- tion days till this good time this habit for it was so common in ante-bellum days as to become a habit-has fallen into "innocuous desuetude." Now is good and opportune time to get the habit again, to revive it and keep it revived, with the great state of Ala bama furnishing the first successful candidate to start the revival
 Word comes from Washington that in the expressions of congressman fresh from their districts anent the presiden- tial nomination there is a decided Un- derwood sentiment; and this sentiment is not voiced by southern members alone, but finds expression from rep resentatives from other sections of the country as well. Two months ago it looked as if Governor Wilson's most serious competitor for the nomination would be Speaker Champ Clark; today it is Oscar Underwood. Democratic leader in the House. In the eastern states Underwood is developing re- markable strength. The New York World and the New York Times have practically declared for Underwood for the nomination, the World of Sunday last devoting a page to the Alabama congressman.
 Senator Bankhead has predicted that IT live DdllOlS were ldhtil III lHe ucHI- ocratic national convention Underwood would be nominated. He also pre- dicted that Alabama will send 800 en- thusastic democrats to the convention. One of the ablest democrats and most eloquent speakers in the state, he said, would present MT. Underwood's name to the convention. Senator Bankhead is also of the opinion that the delega- tions from several of the New Eng land states will go to Underwood after the third ballot.
 Unless somebody captures the con- vention at the start" continued Sena- tor Bankhead, "Oscar Underwood will be nominated. The fact that he is from southern state will not initiate in the least against him in the north. The truth is. 1t is only in the south that one ever hears anything about the danger of nominating a southern man for President. We southern people have eaten in the kitchen long enough and we must not be afraid to come into the dining room"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
Resignation of China's Regent

Prince Chun, the father of the child emperor, and regent of the em- pire, has resigned. He will retire with an allowance of 50,000 tales to Jehol, the summer home of the court in Mongolia beyond the great wall.
 The regent retires in the hope of saving the throne to his little son, but the retirement, abject as it is, comes too late to stay great revolu- tionary movement. The chief puzzle in all the mysterious Chinese busi- ness is the real position and plans of Yuan Shai Kai, who is now the coun- try's ruler in Peking. He is called a premier, but he is really dictator so far as the power of the emperial- ists extends.
 The retirement of Prince Chun practically puts an end to the reign of the Manchus. Yuan Shai Kai is not a Manchu, and the national as- sembly is in the hands of the Chinese. The Manchus have fallen, although the little 5-year-old emperor remains perhaps in the palace. When the child emperor is taken to Jehol the Manchu dynasty will be ended in series of pensions, and China will at last be ruled by the Chinese.
 Up to this time nothing has oc- cured that calls for foreign interyen- tion, and the hope is now expressed that nothing will until China has set tied her own affairs in her own way. If things keep on moving as they have of late a republic will be pro- claimed before the end of the year ataShanghai, the capital of which is to be Nanking, which was the capital of China before the Manchus gained the upper hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
WAS BLACKBERRY A SNOB.

'It is amazing to find people still be- lieving in an ignorant tradition of about 1850, that Thackeray, having written the Book of Snobs,' was one himself" writes Frances M. Brookfield in an article on the eminent man of letters in the Munsey for December. ''How sucli a preposterous misconcep- tion arose it is impossible to say; but never was there a theory with less foundation.
 "Thackeray was used to good so- ciety he was born and educated in it. he took his place in it by natural right.
 'The Rev. William Brookfield said of Thackeray--and he knew him all through;
 Q. "His perfect freedom from snobhood in all its forms is nobe.'
 Concerning Lord castlereagh, Thack- cray owned, openly-a thing that no 'snob' would have done:
 ''I am sure it is partly because he is ] lord like that man, but it is his lovingness, manlness, and simplicity which l like best. :"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
B,rmip-ham's Growth

'I am only an occasional visitor to Bir- mingham, and for that reason am more impressed with it's growth than those who come often," said David s. Northrup of Philadelphia
 'The last time I was in Birmingham was about five years ago, and my visit before that was in 1902. l was here sev- eral times in the early 90s, but little did I imagine then that Birmingham would attain it's present size in my day. In 1902 this community seemed to be prospering greatly, and I thought that the census of 1910 might credit Birming- ham with 5C,Oeo or 6O000 population but when the government figures were pub lished at l32, ,6S5 l marveled.
 ''This city has made wonderful strides in the past few years, and no one has to be much of prophet now to see Birming- ham with a population of upwards of 100000 in 1920. I think it safe to say that by 1880 Birmingham will. be in the 5OOOOO population class. The bigger Il gets the faster will be it's rate Of growth.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
MT. WattersOn Is Coming

Henry Watterson, the veteran edi- tor, will be warmly welcomed in this city when he speaks here on Decem- Der 23. The peace treaties that he advocates do not appeal perhaps to the average man. No one expects the movement to abolish war. Nothing can do that except a radical change in the prejudices and passions of human beings, and mere treaties can accomplish but little in that direction Men must be changed before wars can be abolished.
 Nevertheless, all will listen to Mr. Watterson with pleasure and interest. If he be half so trenchant on the stage as he is with pen in hand, he will certainly entertain all who hear him.
 MT. Watterson is almost the last of the school of editors who put their personality in their work. The mod ern editor is not known block away. IIe is strictly and absolutely imper- sonal. Mir. Watterson never was, and he has host of warm admirers from one end of the country to the other, and the Orpheum will be filled to overflowing when he comes here to speak. The distinguished writer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Did Not Cut Prices

While pig iron was being quoted at s10 ton on a No 9 foundry basis
 large sales were made by two com
 banles at s9.5o, and 1t was said that there was some iron sold as low as
 $9.25 for No. 2. It is admitted that large sales were made at $9.50. But the Sheffield company Is one of those that held firmly at s10. It was not easy to make sales at that price when others were selling at s9.50 but since the market has became brisk the price has hardened at what seemed to be for some time chiefly nominal price.
 President J. C. Maben of the Sloss- Sheffield company in discussing the market situation yesterday said: Ire iron trade has been more encouraging this week than at any time for long while past. Even a week ago the out look was depressing, but since the Ed Of December our company has sold something like 20,OO0 tons, and not ton of it below s10 on No. basis. Some of it has brought s10.25. And the best of it is that those sales this week have been we'll distributed over the county. That is a most healthy sign. It shows that consumers of pig iron in all sections have urgent need of the metal. The sale of 10000 tons in five days certainly looks good to me-
 The Sheffield is at present op- erating only three of its seven fur naces-one on First avenue, one in North Birmingham and one in Florence. over production last year and early in the present year had a good deal to do, it is thought, with keeping prices down. Many of the more optimistic men in the furnace buisness believe that the price of Birmingham iron will soon advance to S10.50. M
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
FACTS OF THE UNDERWORLD

In the December American magazine there is an interesting article about George Jackson Kneeand, who has been acting field director of the mayors vice commission in Chicago. After wandering career as sheep herder, cigar maker and divinity student. he fell into his present position in which he has done an extraordinary piece of work. Probably no man in the world has col lected at first hand as complete a re- port on the life of the underworld as Kneeland has put together. It was Kneeland who harvested the bitter crop
 sion in Chicago has created such stir.
 A brief extract from the article fol-
 lows:
 "Kneeland's report proved that at
 least S15,000,000 year are the profits
 on Chicago's vice. It showed an army
 of 5000 to 1000 girls exploited by men for oney-hotekeepers, druggists brewers, real estate agents, property owners. It showed that Chicago was not worse than other cities-rather. that it was better than many-but that this pathetic underworld makes up a universal situation among our cities and towns-a situation which it is time that we take in hand.
 He is far from tue professional in vestigator, who is able to collect spicy, picturesuue notes out of human woe, with the calm detachment of scientist in a laboratory of germs. Every crea- ture encountered has humant appeal to him-he senses the sordid, tragic life history that has gone into the forced rayety and tired animation.
 "Sanity is the keynote of the man. It has saved him from the cynicism of
 men of the world in dealing with the most ancient evil on the earth, and from the fanaticisms and swift panaceas of .o,,a TO eformers'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
NO MERE COMPLIMENT

l oscar Underwood's candidacy for tke
 democratic presidential nomination is to be pressed with vigor before the na- | tional convention This Is the uni versal expression of Alabama congress-
 men who have arrived in Washington
 for the session. Representative Viii i liam Richardson of Alabama is one of the most enthusiastic and ardent Un- derwood boomers.
 "The impression seems to be abroad l in some sections that Alabama purposes 1 to give its vote in the democratic na- tional convention to MT. Underwood
 merely as a compliment said Judge Richardson, at the Ebbitt "There
 never was a bigger mistake Alabama is going to support Underwood be-
 cause 1t hopes to nominate him for the
 presidency. We are going to the con- vention for that purpose, and are not merely going to cast complimentary vote for him and then turn to an ether candidate. We are going to stick to the last ditch. and I firmly believe
 that Underwood will be chosen.
 He Is a broad. conservative, sturdy,
 self poised, able, patriotic American statesman, in every way qualified to lead the democratic host to victory in a fight for the presidency. His su- perb leadership of the House demo- cracy has made him known through out the nation, and lhis wisdom has
 been the cause of admiration in ev- cry section of the country. He would
 make, in my opinion. the strongest candidate the democrats could name.
 But if Underwood should not win the
 nomination, I am confident that the
 democrats will win if any one of the four prominent candidates is chosen. l
 refer, of course. to Speaker Clark, Gov ernor Harmon, Governor Wilson and oscar Underwood.
 "The next campaign will be fought on the tariff issue, I think. I hope
 nothing will be done in this session of Congress upon which we are entering
 that will operate to overshadow the tariff as an issue I can see nothing to pre- vent an overwhelming democratic vic tory next year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
A Grand HnfeI Snnn

'T would be almost willing to make large wager that ground would be broken for s1,000.000 hotel in Bir- mingham early next year." said a mem Der of the Chamber of Commerce. 'T know nothing of the plans that are being considered by the Chamber of Commerce committee, but the condi- lions here are ripe for skyscraper, fireproof, up to date hotel and such an enterprise is almost sure to material ize"
 "It will take at least a year to build the hotel. By that time the presi- dential election will be over and busi- ness will be booming. Not only will the new hotel start off with a rush of business, but all the other hotels will keep busy.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
Dull, unfeeling, barren ignorance.
 king Richard II.
yiaduct Propositions to Be Renewed

The Age-Herald is glad to record the fact that the city commissioners have by no means forgotten the city's deadly grade crossings. Viaduct propositions are still under consider ation, and no doubt something will in due season be done. Beyond all doubt the city's worst grade crossing is in First avenue near the Sloss furnaces. The Twentieth street crossing would be as bad if bridge did not stand a block away. At the Sloss furnaces no friendly and safe bridge appears, and every passenger must face the dangers of a concentration of grade crossings.
 Commissioner Weatherly has, for tunately for all concerned, abandoned his former stand, which for delicacy's sake kept him from taking hand in the recent negotiations over a viaduct in First avenue, and will hereafter do his best to bring the city and the railroads together on this subject-to bring them n,th up to the point of action. When the condition of First avenue near the city furnaces is re- lieved of danger, then indeed will the entire city breathe freer, for then there will be hope that the other dan gerous grade crossings will in time be overcome.
 No city of over 100000 people in this or any other country is afflicted with grade crossings Ho the extent that Birmingham is, and there cannot be here comfortable and contented people while those crossings are per mitted to exist. We need a viaduct or a subway at every one of them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
THE BROKEN PINION

By Hezekih Butterworth I walked through the woodland meadows Where sweet the thrushes sing; And I found on bed of mosses A bird with a broken wing. I healed it's wound, and each mornin It sang it's old sweet strain But the bird with the broken pinion Never scared as high again. I found 0 young life broken By sins seductive art; And, touched with a Christ-like pity I took her to my heart
 She lived with noble purpose And struggled not in vain;
 But the life that sin had stricken Never scared as high again.
 But the bird with the broken pinion Kept another from the snare And the life that sin had stricken Raised another from despair,
 Each loss has it's compensation. There is healing from every pain: But the bird with the broken pinion ( Never scared as high again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
Regarding Church Unity

"During the past 90 years church unity has been discussed and strongly advo- ca ted by many earnest ministers and lay men" said a member of one of the large Protestant denominations. 1T have heard it remarked that while there has been a great deal of discussion along the get together line, little in that way had been accomplished; but campaign of educa- tion/ has been going on quietly, and l think within the next few years we VIII see large and beneficent results.
 q read an article by George Parkin Atwater which appeared in one of the magazines recently in which merging of evangelical churches was urged, es- pecially in small towns. He told of one town of 5000 population that had 10 churches. The congregation of each church was small; the pastor was poorly paid. and each church building was de- void of architectural beauty. He made it plain that in that town Christian re- lfgion would be the gainer by an organic urion of several of the weaker congre- cations. At one time I thought church union, even among denominations split only on sectional lines, was almost out of the question in the near future, but the tendency is to get together, and think there is good reason to believe that within the next 20 or 25 years the M. E
 church, commonly known as the north Methodist, and the M E. church, south
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

From the Louisville Courier-Journal
 A SURGEON complains that the press
 "A is grossly inaccurate when it 4 X speaks of a death occurring "as a result of an operation" As a matter of fact, that phrase does slip much too readily from the reportorial pen' ana "bv'' the editorial eye. The death occur ring after the operation may occur in suite of it rather than as a result of 1t. If often does. Again it may occur as result of the operation, leaving the press the surgeon and the patient in ignorance of the actual cause of dissolutioir or the oneration may be the cause and the pa tient and the press may share ignorance of the cause in which the surgeon uoes not participate, although he maihtaihs a dignified reticence. AS the press can never know beyond reasonable doupt +bot the operation caused the death, "after the operation is the form for ac- curacy. and 'in spite of suggests itselt as high courtesy to the attending sur geon, and, less directly, to the profession In addition it might tend to console the surviving relatives with the belief that all was done that should have been dohe' and no more It might salve the con science of an heir who had been instru- mental, with altruistic intent despite the antagonism of his pecuniary and friendly interests in the case, in bringing about the application of the knife.
 Bv all means let the press say after the operation or lin spite of the oper- ation," and in no case "as result ot the operation" Nothing but surgeon certificate that the case was one or ln- voluntary manslaughter could warrant the use of the objectionable phrase ana in no case is such death certihcate forthcoming. But there is inaccuracy in other reports.
 Some physicians privately doubt the efficacy of many, or all, remedies pre-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

ing imposing residences on it's avenues and circles, for in Washington they get the comfort and seclusion of city home without contact with the grime, sordidness, and congestion of metropoli- tan centers. Life lacks the hectic un- rest of the clashing places. The whole atmosphere of Washington is serene and restful and in spring and summer presents more the appearance of vast country place than a community of 100000 persons
 Washington is our only city with real leisure class-and by this I do not mean the colored population. Usual ly the so called leisure class of our American communities comprises the idlers, the failures, and the generally uninteresting. Here. however, you get a circle of culture and distinction, re- cruited from the brilliant group of sci entists that the government has as sembled for it's technical departments, from the ranks of retired army and navy officers and from the diplomatic representatives of two score foreign powers. Nowhere else in the country does society present so picturesque and cosmopolitan an aspect"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
MORE ABSURDITY.

to be up in arms"-brandishing razors, Derhaps,-because their ancient an1 honorable profession is travestied in Lew Fields show, "The HenpeclSs." This announcement might be viewed with slSepticism, as the product of some press agents fertile mind, were it not for the fact that agitation has been long existent against the stage Irish man and the stage Jew. If the stage Englishman and the stage German and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
c.RrAT PRESIDENTIAL CITY

"Washington is fast becoming great residential city and a ssocial center of unique charm," writes Isaac F.. Mar cosson in an article, ''rhe New Wash ington," in the Munsey for December. 'Scores of millionaires are establish
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
AHEAD OF THE GAME

From the Washington Star.
 Are you getting ready for your early Christmas shopping this year?''
 "I've gotten clear through with it, re- piled the beforehand man. I am now shopping for Christmas of 1912"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
4 FIERY.WISH.

A FIERY WISH. Miss Phyllis Flond, Though prim and terse, Was very fond
 or kipling's verse. And "Gunga Din" She'd oft recite, As plainly seen,
 With all her might. \ friend to her
 Was heard to say T wish she were In Mandalay. "Or even so,
 I'd be content, If she'd but go
 Where Gunga went.o
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

which split in the 4os over the slave question, will unite. sI think 1t will be the same way with the Presbyterians. l am rather inclined to think that even in less than 20 years there will be only one Presbyterian church in the United
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
BUYING LITERATURE.

Say" remarked the nasty individual to the young woman in the book de- lartment, "have you novel about a girl with slate-colored eyes?"
 q don't recall one just now" she said. but we have very good novel by Harold Grinders, about girl with tawny hair"
 'Is her picture on the cover?"
 Yes, sir. Drawn by James Mont gomery Twisty."
 Well, gimme that"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

whose active life reaches back to the civil war is national figure, and this city will give him a warm re- ception.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

w. Morgan Sinister may soon be able to pose as man without country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
"Is her picture on the cover?"
SOMETHING LACKING

We long to see villain bold,
 With character most shady, Who likes to to get strangle hold And choke the leading lady. The melodrams that used to thrill Have disappeared. from view; At "girly" shows and vaudeville
 Our tremors are but few.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

Congress proposes to revise the tariff downward if it takes all summer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

Baltimore's reputed hotel capacity is but S4OO, and that is not enough to hold the democrats who desire to go from Ala bama to see oscar Underwood nominated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

When Mayor Shank of Indianapolis sells necessaries at cost he not only affects rrices, but he is on the verge of estab- fishing a monopoly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

The gullible MT. Gompers should sub side. The country wants a rest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

King Alfoliso certainly has an aunt who considers independence better than all most anything else.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
MOST UNUSUAL CASE

MOST UNUSUAL CASE. The neighbors round She'd ne'er deride All marveled how
 She could abide In sweet content
 And never knock. She was the wonder Of the block.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
A TRANSFER.

Do you think Pudgers heart is in his worlS?"
 NO. His heart used to be in his work, but he took it out not long ago and gave it into the keeping of a small blonde person."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08
the upper hand.

Five men were appointed by MT. Taft to tell Congress what to think about the country waits to see the five men super sede Congress as tariff makers
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-08

Ever since the Winona speech was de- livered the President has been convinced, to use his own words, that we are over doing the tariff business"