davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1911-02-16
The Passing of
the SO-Called
Middle Class

The so-called middle class was at one
time great factor, not only in our So
ciety, but in our political life as we'll.
1t always acted as a governor, or a bal
ance, between those two great warning
factions, capital and labor, and always
had the brunt of the battlc-no matter
which won, the middle class lost. This
middle class is composed of the small
merchants, manufacturer, farmer and
professional man, with few of the
most skilled mechanics. The small mer-
chants have been forced out Of business
by the large corporations, and those who
still hang on are reduced to the same
circumstances as the average laborer, as
they are nothing more ,nan distributing
agents for the wholesale merchants and
manufacturers. The small merchant not
only has to pay the wholesale mer
chants price, but in many instances
he wholesale merchants and manufac-
turers set the price at which he must
retail the goods. and only allow the
retailer small per cent profit, and
force him to stand between them and
all losses. Seventy-five per cent of the
retail merchants, with from five to ten
thousand dollars invested, and working
from fifteen to sixteen hours a day,
monthly or yearly income will not ex-
ceed that of the average mechanic who
only works eight hours day and
hasn't a dollar invested. Statistics
show that over seventy-five per cent of
these small business men must fail. The
cause of this is very evident. In order
to sell his products to the laboring
class, who make up the bulk of the con-
sumers, he must extend credit. To-day
the average laborers are not making
bare living, the merchant carries him
rs long as possible, but is eventually
forced to withdraw his credit and neces-
sarily loses the account. The small man.
ufacturers are being put out of bust
ness in different way. They are not
able to buy the latest improved machin-
cry, hence are not able to produce the
commodities in the quantities and as
cheaply as the large corporation or trust
In many cases we see the large corpor-
alton not only manufacturing finished
product, but owning the coal mines,
railroads, and producing the raw mater
ial besides. For illustration we will
take the Standard Oil Co. and the u
S. Steel Co.; both of these corporations
not only control the raw material, but
the finished product, as well as the
means of distribution. All small COM
petitors have been forced out of bust
ness.
The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1911-02-16

workers. Last week Mr.. Kelly circu-
lated a false report, thinking he could
disrupt the union, and now he goes to
the press with lie trying to mislead
the public. There are no differences to
settle between Mr.. Kelly and his men,
and none have been settled. The Kelly
Axe Mfg. Co. locked their men out be-
cause they refused to give up their un-
ion, and the men are remaining out for
this reason regardless of his brides.
Mr.. Kelly, you don't need any guards.
The union men are not going to stoop
to mix with men SO void of principle
as your servile tools who are betrayins
their fellow workmen.
The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1911-02-16
MAX.

The other day some employers We're
discussing how much they would share
with their employees. How would it
sound to have a meeting of the men
and women who produce all the pro-
ducts and discuss how much, if any, of
the products they would share with
their bosses? If the people who pro
duce things should not have the right
to say what share anybody should have,
who should? But it sounds funny,
doesn't it, that work people should have
anything to say about what shall be
done with their products2
The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1911-02-16

Your rulers are quite anxious to
oeneht you, by taxing you to build a
ra''ama canal when you have no ships,
and to build great stone roads for the
oeneht OF the automobilists. Always for
your especial benefit But they are not
wiling to spend money to build rail
roads at home to protect you against
1ne eStort'on OF the railroad magnates,
MOI on your life And you are such
easy marks that you believe the mon
you elect to make laws really think of
your benefti
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
seen.
 king Richard II.
Fenced With Pencil Material

An old fence laid more than seven ty-five years ago in Jackson county has been sold to a pencil company for $2000. The old fence had served to protect crops from wandering crea- lures long time, and it is first-class cedar still, and a pencil company will now turn it into pencils. So valua- ble has cedar become it is sold and reckoned by the pound. The old fence in Jackson county contains 500,000 pounds of pencil material.
 Old rail fences have their uses pro- vided they were constructed of cedar which seems to have great deal of wear in it. The fence that has just been sold was four miles long. It en- closed 700-acre farm in Jackson county, and throughout it's long ser vice in Jackson county as rails it never even dreamed it would be whittled to scraps in counting houses and the like in great cities. Its first condition was, if anything, the freer and better of the two. Goodbye, old fence
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
GAY PRINCE GEORGE

From the New York Tribune.
 Belgrade-Prince George led the nation al dance "Kolo" at the Russian legation After the last quadrille the guests were retiring, when the prince persuaded 16 couples to stay and join him in final "Kolo." He then passed swiftly from one officer to another-there were ten in all- forbiddng them to cease dancing while the music played The orchestra was. a military one ,and the leader had already got his orders.
 At first the rhythm was slow and the movement decorous as the ex-crown prince led off at the head of long col umn. But the pace was gradually ac- celerated until the unfortunate dancers tore along the ballroom in mad effort to keep up with their leader. The women tried to drop off, and most of them sue ceeded in wrenching themselves free with out accident in the furious race, but the men who followed their example had 'sWeaklingn' and "Backslder!' hurled at them by Prince George.
 The dance was kept up without pause or relaxation until there remained only the ten Submissive officers, who danced determinedly, with precipitation running down their faces. The prince went on relentlessly and nobody could conjecture the end of the wild dance until an ex- hausted first violinist fell forward on his instrument and broke the spell.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
FlOrlda's Metropolis

One of the most progressive cities of the country is Jacksonville, Fla.," said J. J. Raines of Washington, D. c.
 "Birmingham,. Atlanta, Nashville and other growing cities of the south made bigger showings in the census than Jack sonville but it is safe to say that no city under the. 100000 population class IS so metropolitan or so promising as Flor ida's chief city. Jacksonyille's popu1a- tion in 1910. according to the census bu- reau, was 57699. l bet that it will have a population exceeding 100000 in 1920.
 Jacksonville has the reputation of be- ing wide-open town-wide open as to gambling. Well, suppose it is. There is no more gambling in that city than in scores of cities that make pretensions of high morality. I admire Jacksonville"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10

cured large foothold in this country. There are numerous cases in every southern state, wherever soil pollu- tion and barefooted children are to be found.
 The commission is using the state as a unit and is organizing in each state a strong force in cooperation with the state board of heath. A director of sanitation is appointed for each state, and he sends out trained inspectors who give their entire time to the work. These inspectors enlist the aid of doctors, examine the schools and instruct the teachers and the people how to avoid the dangers of soil pollution.
 The true policy is to put an end to soil pollution. A majority of the school districts throughout the south lack dry closets-lack all sanitary pre- cautions. This. means soil pollution. It means neglect of the laws of health. It means more hookworms unless the work of the commission becomes un- tiring and widespread. This work should have the support and good will of all good people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
Back to the Farm"

From the figures published by the department of agriculture at Wash ingtos it is seen that ten years ago the average farm hand throughout the United States was paid, $18.33 per month, without board, and SPAS per month, with board. At present the same class of employees receive $27.50 per month, without board, and $19.2 per month, with board.
 These figures also show that the value of board in the country is esti- mated at only $7 month, including laundry work. This, however, does not show why a good farm hand is paid so much less than an expert in the handling of any commodity in the towns. The hours of the farm hand are very long and his pay is very small.
 The figures quoted relate largely to farm hands in the northern states. where white labor alone is employed. The farm hand in the south has dis appeared to great extent since the tenant system was adopted, and when the small farm becomes the rule there will be but little opportunity for the farm hand at all. Every farmer will do his own work. Just at present agriculture in the south is in trans ition state. The small farmer is com ing in and the large landed proprietor is going out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
A CITY's SONG
From The Survey.

From The Survey.
 "If Rochester seems to have been receiv- ing more than it's share of publicity in recent months, the reason is found in the evidences of civic spirit and progressfve- ness which that city has been offering.
 "A novel and striking illustration of this is in the publication of a Rochester Song Book In foreword the editors state the belief that this is the first considerable attempt of it's kind for any American city Of the songs, which fill 115 pages, many of couse have been published before and are familiar in Rochester,. Others were written especially for the song book. They are assembled under the headings Songs of the Genesee,' Songs of Rocnes- ter Patriotic and Fraternal Songs and School and College Songs professor of the university Kendrick P. Shedd. is editor- in-chief with 8 representative board of associates.
 "In Rochester, where the public schools are used evenings by immense civic or neighborhood clubs, there is perhaps q greater demand for this sort of book than in other cities of like size The songs vary a good deal in musical and literary quality, but there can be no doubt thai the compilation Is calculated to increase local pride and affection for the city. No one, for instance, can read the words of the Songs of the Genesee without being impressed by the part which Rochesters river plays in the lives and hearts of the people. Nor is the fact hat praise not the majesty or water-power of the river, but it's tranquil beauty and it's attractiveness for canoeing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10

From the Philadelphia Press.
 As a force still to be reckoned with no less than as -braw figure of a man-ail accounts agree that his paunch is no less expansive these lean days than his smile-Col. William Jennings Bryan still looms large on the beaming horizon of mellif1uent democracy. The conspicuous part he played in the jubilations attend ing the coming together of the first demo- cratic house that las sat In Washington in 16 fallow years was played strongly enough to prove that he is still undaunt- ed, if no longer peerless. and the tumul- tous greetings he received smacked some thing at least of a summons, they were something more than mere exuberance. In short, it is clear enough that Col onel Bryan will be a factor In 1912. It is doubtful at leass at present. if he will make bid for a fourth nomination.; in fact he is on record as having definite ly for this once refused the crown nforA mally presented. But he undoubtedly means to be among the hingmslSers if there is to be more than one Of them his effort to prevent Tammany's man, Fitzgerald, from being made chairman of the important committee of appropriations is one proof of that, and his unconcealed hostility to the candidacy of Gov. Judson Harmon of Ohio is another.
 It is not difficult to see in what camp Bryan stands; he continues 10 wear his colors bravely. Conservative he will never be while out of power. And he takes very seriously the ttjbute recently paid him by a republican newspaper in Boston when it said of him that now he is welcomed as a leader of ! movement which to a large extent has abolished party lines and done away with the ultra coHservatism which brooked no concession to liberal ideas" It is too much to say that conservatism has been done away with the democratic party no less ,han the republican party has it's reac- tionaries, and as far as they have a prophet he is Harmon. But it is clear enough that Bryan is again offering him self for leadership, as a Warwick if not as standard-bearer: that he IS as firm as ever in his resolution never to compro- mise with any of the party leaders who may even be suspected of being reac- tionayy, and that among the tasks which for that very reason he has set himself is that of preventing the nomination. of Harmon at next years democratic con- vention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
IN THE ISLAND OF ILOILO

from the lloilo Star, Philippine Islands. ILolLO is an island located in the | water tsalt water). It is a part of the = Island of Panay, which is also sur rounded by salt water (agua salo). The island is bordered on one side by bamboo shacks. These are placed there to keep the island from being washed away in the aforesaid salt water. Iloilo is best known for it's claim as the second city. Everyone knows it's the second city, be- l cause everyone says it is. A stranger after looking it over, remarks: God nelp the third city.s This city is blessed with a purely native administration. The mayor, the consules, the chief of police, the chief Of board of health, the city en- gineer.. etc.. are all natives and they act as such. The American army and the postoffice are still represented by Amer jeans which in the minds of many is an injustice.
 The town is blessed with several news papers whose policy is to get advertise ments. Amusements are plentiful. We produce here the grandest of operas. And we must be thankful that their composers are dead for to hear them as rendered here and live happily ever after is impossible. The cinematographs are here with their continuous performances. tragedies and comedies are here portrayed for the small sums of 10, 20 and 30 cen tavos. Fans are continually kept in cir eulation to keep the smell annoying. The management believing that it would not be fair for one part of the house to get it all. Transportation is furnished by liv- cry stables. Here, in these stables, you can procure fast and slow horses, that will move, trot, gallop, stop, back, turn somersaut all at their pleasure and for the price of the fare. No extra charge is asked if you don't get to your desti- nation. We have two ice plants who rur- nish ice made of water The board of health is next to this so far. Clubs are numerous, American, Spanish, English and policemens clubs, they are opened to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Regarding Presidential Timber

The partisans of Governor Harmon are perfecting a thorough organization for the purpose of promoting his cause as presidential candidate for the dem ocratic nomination next year, and the friends and admirers of Gov. Woodrow Wilson are doing likewise" said Jerry r. Douthwaite of Detroit, who controls large manufacturing business.
 Harmon and Wilson will each have great strength in the convention and 1t may be that one of the two will be [ n.ade the standard bearer of the party.
 But the democrats are now rich in presidential material as rich as they were poor in the not far distant past
 T was Bryan man. an ardent Bryan supporter, but the party a few years ago had only MT. Bryan as a choice It was a one-man party
 To-day 1t is very different. We have Harmon. Wilson. Marshall of Indiana, Oscar Underwood of Alabama, Champ Clark. Senator OGorman of New York, and others.
 "O'Gorman, by the way. is an excep- tionally able man and he is distinguished for his high sense of honor. He is to the democratic party what Elihu Root is to the republican party-brains, statesman-like training and absolute integrity. l do not know the new sen- ator personally but having sojourned in New York city a good part of my life. 1 know him well by reputation. o'Gorman made a splendid record as lawyer and as a supreme court judge or New York, and everybody in his state admires him. He is Catholic and that may initiate 8 gainst his nomination for the presidency in 1912: but the time will soon come when the fact that a states man is native of the south or Is member of the Catholic church will not be reckoned with. God speed the day But getting back to 1912 proba bilities, my individual choice Is Governor Mar shall. l am not politicians have no utilization even with a democratic club. but l have voted the democratic ticket since 1876; have never thought of bolt ing. Thereforefore, I claim the right to express myself. I am for Marshall first, OGorman second, Underwood third, Wilson fourth. Harmon fifth. and Clark sixth"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
Appalachian Forest Reserve

Congress appropriated $11 100000 for the purchase of land with which to create forest reserve along the Ap- palachians and another on the White mountain in New England. The de- partment of agriculture announces !, that it is now ready to buy lands un- der the congressional act and appro- priation.
 Proposals of sale, both of large and small tracts of land, are invited in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. To show what is wanted, proposals are invited from Johnson, Cooke, Sever, Blount and Monroe counties in Tennessee. Those who know East Tennessee well can see at a glance what lands are wanted.
 Secretary Wilson says he intends to make the money go as far as he can. He wants no homes. He wants no good cultivated farms. He expects to buy cut-over lands on which little or no merchantable tipber is stand ing. Such lands will be accepted at low prices only. The areas desired and all needful particulars are set forth in circular issued by the forest service of the agricultural depart ment.
 ! The lands so acquired will be held as national forests. They will be pro- tected from fire and the growth of timber will be improved as much as possible. The lands will not become game preserves. They will be open to the public for hunting and fishing in accordance with the laws of the NNtate in which they are situated.
 Possibly the $11 100000 will buy that many acres, two-thirds of which will be located no doubt along the southern Appalachians. This would constitute good beginning of a great national park in the south. This park will not extend into Alabama, but it will feed the waters of both the Tennessee and the Coosa, and Alabama will in that way get a share of it's benefits.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
The Banner Mine Horror

SThe accident by which more than 160 men were entombed in Banner mine Saturday morning was the most appalling in the history of the Bir- mingham district. Between 40 and 50 were rescued, leaving in the death list upwards of 120. The fact that the victums of the disaster were mostly negro convicts does not lessen the de- pressing effect of the horror upon this community.
 It is too soon to say what caused the terrible explosion. A reasonable theory is that it was an accident traceable to the carelessness of one of the miners. The Pratt Consoli- dated Coal company, which owns and operates Banner mine, has been among the foremost in safeguarding the lives of it's mine workers. The head officials of the company are men of long operating experience, and they have given personal attention to the condition of their mines.
 All that science could do up to this time to prevent explosions has been done by the larger companies of Ala bama, and no expense has been spared by the Pratt Consolidated in endeayoring to minimize the possibili- ties of disaster such as that of Satur- day. Had it been otherwise the men in control of the company would stand justly condemned. But when it is known tbat special interest had been centered in-the mine at Banner-a model mine in every respect-the op- erating officials, next to the families of the dead, will have the sympathy of the public.
 The United States government, through it's recently organized bureau of mines, has the facilities for making a thorough investigation of all mine catastrophies, and experts, both fed eral and state, will lose no time in in vestigaing this horror. In the mean time mine operators and mine work CTS, no matter how careful they have been in the past, must be even more careful now. Mining conditions in this district are safer today than they have ever been, and fatal accidents are no more likely to occur here than they are in other mining regions. Let all pray that this will be the last local horror in the present genera lion
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-10
THE GLORIFIcATION OF BEER

From the New York World.
 The Adolphus Busch golden wedding celebration, from all accounts, paled the magnificence of bonanza kings and out glittered the gorgeousness of fortunes made in pork. oil or steel. To beer must now be accorded the distinction of out doing any previous display of social splen- dor in the annals of American plutocracy.
 What are the sloO0O dinners and ducal marriages of the effete east to this we'd ding feast of private citizen in the west, where the floral decorations alone cost $50 GOO and at which the bride of 50 years ago was crowned with diamond diadem worth s200. GOO? These were among the features of the $500O00 celebration at Pas adena while simultaneously 2O00 miles away, in the regions where the Bud- weiser flows" the corks were drawn from 40,0O0 bottles to assuage the thirst of the multitude.
 To the venerable brewer is given the prestige of setting new mark in Amer ican luxury. Yet the event is not without it's significance as Illustrating the lir1;.a- tions of democracy. If the creator Of the great industry which has made all this magnificence possible were British sub iect his jubilee would be sgnalized by some substantial governmental reward for his service to thirsty mankind. He would be created peer and as Lord Budwerser would be included in the 'beerage" along with Lord Ardilaun, Lord Hindlip and Lord Iveagh.
 As 1t is, the only tokens of official favor he receives are s20 gold coin in an ivory case from President Taft and a gold Iov- ing cup from ex-President Roosevelt. The presidential remembrance was happily typical of the occasion.