davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
THE CATERED

From the Ph1ledalpnla FresS.
 An extraordinary popular prejudice ex- ists against the catbird, whose annual arrival in the north is safe assurance of the very presence of spring. It is commonly regarded as fussy, meddle- some creature, quarrelsome and cantank- erous; chattering It's enmity to its own species in thrill, harsh and dissonant notes It is nothing of the kind.
 The catbrd is our northern mocking bird. When love attunes its voice it can warble as sweetly as the nightingale. You must catch 1t in one of it's melting moods if you would know the charm of it's liquid notes. It is not at all beauti- ful-no more Is the mocking bird-only a gray-brown, perky, restless thing, of lesser size than the robin. with the soul of song in it. The wonder of the catbird Is, of course, in this, it's dual nature. At one time it hops about screeching complaints against the cincumambient air; at another there throbs out from its delicate throat the essence of divine melody. In all jus tice to this maligned songster one should try to have audience with 1t in it's softer, repentant mood.
 It shall be in all the woods presently, bringing with it an awakened world. Get fresh and juster view of our northern mocking brd
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
Growth of Commission Government.

A quo warranto process to test the constitutionality of the Birmingham commission government act will prob ably be resorted to and this action may render the law imperative a year at least. Such delays are apt to come to great law reforms and the commission plan will possibly be laid before the courts before the new plan of city government becomes operative here.
 But commission government is growing and strengthening to a re- markable degree. Up to February 15 statistics show that it had been adopted by IA cities and in perhaps as many more popular movements have been started looking to its adoption. The three largest cities that have adopted it are Oakland, Cal, with 150,174 inhabitants; Mem phis, with 131,174, and Spokane, Wash, with 104,402. In B of the 46 states the plan has gained foot hold, and in none of these states has the movement been of partizan or class nature. The great need for re- form in the manner of conducting American municipalities has led in all cases to the adoption of the plan. The old aldermanic form of city gov ernment is being generally shelved, and today the outlook is that all American cities will eventually sub stitute for it a small board that un- der the recall can be held to stern and strict responsibility to the pop ular will. An aldermanic ring is N- sponsible to nobody.
 As in the case of Memphis Bir- mingham may have to defend gov ernment by commission in the courts, but the delay will not be long, and then this city will take it's place in the movement that is sweeping over the country, including even the ef- fete east.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
wAGNER,s AUToBIoGRApHY,

London Correspondence New York Sun Wagner lovers are looking forward to the publication in May next of the com poser's autobiography which is to be given to the world after nearly 40 years of secret existence.
 This book of self-revelations was com piled between 1868 and 1873. Knowledge of its contents was carefully restricted to Wagner's most intimate circle on &C., count of the frankness of his dealing with contemporaries. Frau Cosima Wag- Ter has now decided that, death having removed most of the persons concerned, the time has come for it's publication.
 The manuscript covered some 12oO pages. Much was transcribed by King Louis of Bavaria, circumstance which Wagner mentions in letter. The work of correcting the proofs was undertaken by his then fervent disciple Friedrich Nietsche.
 When Wagner had completed the work the risk of the manuscript being de- stroyed occurred to him. He therefore had 12 copies privately printed at Bale in 1873 Four of these were given into the keeping of trusty friends on the condition that at the death of each the book should be returned to Wagner or his family. The remaining eight have been preserved at Villa Wahnfried, Wagner's home near Bayreuth. In the preface Wagner says:
 '"rhe contents of these volumes have been written down directly from dicta- tion during the course of several years by my friend and my wife, who desired that I should relate to her the story of my life. It was the wish of both of us that these details of my life should be access sible to our family, and in order to pro- vide against possible destruction of the one manuscript copy we decided to have a small number printed at our expense.
 ''As the worth of this autobiography con- sists in it's unadorned veracity my facts had of necessity to be strictly supported by names and dates. Hence there could be no question of their publication until some time after my death. And in re- gard to this, I intend to leave testamen- tary instructions to my heirs.'
 Throughout the 900 pages of the book the human interest is powerful Wagner tells everything, his hopes, fears, dis appointments, griefs, joys, follies, tri- umphs.
 One striking incident which he narrates relates to his being summoned from school to the bedside of his dying father. On arriving he was taken aside by his mother and told to play the piano for the dying man. He did so, and as the strains died away his father turned on his pillow and whispered
 q wonder whether he will ever develop a talent for music ?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
A Great English Preacher

'"The Rev. pr. Jowett the Congrega- tional minister who gives up his pastor ate in Birmingham, England, to accept a call to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church in New York, is, from all &C., counts, the most engaging preacher in all Great Britain," said a travelled lay man. Many strong preachers have had large followings, but doubt whether even the late Charles Spur geon was so successful in playing upon the heart-strings of all classes as has been Dr. Jowett
 Tn years past, no matter how well educated or how gifted a non-conform- ist might have been, royalty took no notice of him. neither did the nobility come in touch with him. This, of course, was nothing against the char acter of the preacher. or against his general standing in the religious or intellectual world There have always been great Anglican preachers, and Ithese as a rule, were all that the sovereign heard in pulpit discourses or met socially. But so greatly es. teemed has Dr. Jowett been as a liv. ing force and SO winning has he been socially that King George is numbered among his most ardent admirers Al the home of distinguished English statesman, Dr. Jowett, shortly after ht had accepted the-call to New York, mel the King, and when the time for say. ing goodbye came his majesty spoke feelingly of England's loss and Ameri
 cas- gain in the departure from British soil of this eminent and greatly be loved man. It Is always doubtful whether an Efslish clergyman will tak' well in this country no matter how
 inasterful ne may be. Dr. Aked, tn, lpopular divine who came from Eng Hand to the Fifth> Avenue Baptis church, drew large congregations ant
 gave great satisfaction for time, ant he himself seemed pleased with hi American charge. But frictiop devel loped and he Is now shaking the dus
 of New York from his feet in order t' ltry the San Francisco field.
 "I predict that Dr. Jowett will at Itract from the start. and that like thu
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

can not sail along defended against a single swift cruiser, and any one of any military knowledge whatever knows the task is impossible, and would under no circumstances be at tempted.
 One other point shall suffice. A Japanese authority has gone to the trouble to say that Japan, which lies in the temperate zone, does not want the Philippines, which lie in the trop- ics, and are hot, damp and unhealthy. As Hilary A. Herbert says, the archi- pelago is to this country continuing calamity. The Japanese officer quot ed says his people could not live in the Philippines except during short periods of time and that his country does not want the islands.
 These facts sufficiently refute the anti-Japanese stuff that is put out in this country for one reason or anoth- er This flubdub is unjust to a civil, kindly and progressive people and all intelligent Americans should discour- age talk that has nothing to rest upon and that can accomplish nothing ex- cept to create i'll feeling in a nation that deserves to be friendly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
GOLDSMITH AS HOST
Moore's Life of Goldsmith.

From Moore's Life of Goldsmith.
 In the early part of Oliver Goldsmith Q career he was an usher at the academy of pr. Milner at Peckham He was on excellent terms with the boys-none the
 less, we may believe, because he did
 not excel in dignity, but was one of them. Eleven or twelve years later he met one of the young gentlemen, who had grown
 up and was visiting London with his newly welded wife. Goldsmith recognized him instantly.
 Come, my boy" said he, "I am de- lighted to see you. I must treat you to something. What shall 1t be? Will you have some apples. sam?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
Are to a wise man ports and happy havens. king Richard II.
John Bigelow, 93 Years Old.

John Bigelow, once our minister tc France, and an editor and author whose pen. has been busy over 70 years has sailed for Europe which he visits every summer. He said before his departure that he did not see any use in letting his years interfere with the habit of his life.
 This wonderful old man is but eight years the junior of Abraham Lincoln and William Ewart Gladstone, and he is writing books and assailing the tariff and taking part in current af- fairs without any apparent loss of vigor, skill or information. He was associated with William Cullen Bry- ant in conducting the New York Evening Post in the years before the civil war. He has fought protection ism 72 years, and he would today be glad tozSee every custom house de- molished.
 In his ninety-fourth year he is crossing a stormy sea but no sea has any terrors for this indomitable citi- zen. The secret of his long life seems to be his activity. He says he pro- poses to maintain his literary labors while he can hold a pencil. As rule life is prolonged by activity of mind and if possible, of body. It is the in active and idle who soon go to theii long sleep.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 Every family is a debating society, only without parliamentary rules.
 girl could kiss man in the dark without realizing 1t if he was the right one.
 The more excuses man has for not having come home the more thankful he would be for a single good one.
 When woman sees her sons name get into the newspapers she knows it won't be very long before he Is President. A man has to be grandfather before he can realize that he doesn't know any. thing like as much as he thought he knew when he was . grandson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
} .MARvELOUsw w
From the. Montreal Star.

The average American is undoubtedly an annexationist. He may say little or nothing about 1t; for, until MT. Taft se- duced our reciprocity-hunting ministers into accepting his Trojan horse. 1t was not within the domain cof practical poli- ties But now Champ Clark's clarion call has awakened the whole country to the possibilities hidden in this apparently in- ocuous commercial bargain. The sleep- ing annexationist under the skin of every patriotic American has sprung to life, and President Taft has no fear what tho people will want If he can only ret at them over the protests of a Handful of senators who represent few selfish in. terests.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
LOUIS NAPOLEON IN AMERICA

LOUIS NAPOLEON IN AMERICA A Footnote to Princess Murats Memoirs.
 It is noticeable that Princess Caroline, who subsequently knew the Emperor So intimately. makes no reference to the wis., it of Louis Napoleon to American in 1857
 He was for two months in New York where he lived at the Washington hotel Broadway. ~
 It is interesting to know that he made the acquaintance of Washineton Irving whom he visited at sunnyside Irving had also met Mile. de Montijo.
 On the occasion of the Emperor's mar riase in 1883 he wrote: Louis Napoleon and Eugenie de Montijo, Empress and Emperor of France one of whom I have had as guest at my cottage on the Hudson; and the other of whom, when q child. have had on my knee at Grenada"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
WHY "JAcK ROBINSON. IS QUICK

From the Boston Transcript.
 A. Foxton Ferguson of Oxford univer- sity, speaking of the old-time ballads. said that as most of the public execu- tons took place in some park or mar ket place, where everybody could be present, the onloolsers oftentimes amused themselves by singing ballads giving the entire history of the victim, and this is the reason why so many of the old songs are concerned with the hangman and the gallows tree.
 Particularly interesting also was his de. scription of the origin of the expression ''quiclSer than you can say Jack Rob- inson," heard SO often in both England and America. It came, he said, from ar old ballad about sailor named Jack Robinson who returned to Portsmouth England, to find his old sweetheart mar. ried to another. The poor sailor. vowed that he would roam the seas forever which he set out to do hardly before his friends realized what he was do- ing. They called after him, but he wal gone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
In the State of Maine

"Anti-prohibtion sentiment in Maine is very strong and I believe the pro- posed amendment to eliminate state wide prohibition from the constitution will win at the polls" said David N, Bertram of Providence, R. I.
 T visit Maine two or three times a year and have found that many men noted for their non-drinking habits, not a few being total abstainers for life, are opposed to constitutional pro- hibition. It has been tried a long time and has proved downright farce. The democrats of Maine had to fight for years for a resubmission before they got it, and at the polls thousands of republicans will vote with the demo- crats to eliminate prohibition from the organic law.
 ''The democratic party is consistently committed to local option but ire spective of party platform local option and not statewide prohibition is right and fair"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

MT. Bryan is becoming more active as 1912 approaches. He is at present a pret- ty good Woodrow Wilson man and his dislike of Judson Harmon becomes if any thing more intense.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Champ Clark will soon lay down the hammer to take up the gavel, but Uncle Joe will not be invited to take up the Missourians hammer as he lays down the raVel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
PIsA's TOWER

Among the engravings that adorned the walls of Toledo woman's home was one big one of the leaning tower of Pisa. One morning shortly after the advent of new maid the mistress of the house noticed that the picture of the tower hung crooked. She strengthened it and said nothing of the matter to the new servant, who had evidently shifted it
 while dusting. The next day the picture was again crooked; the same thing hap pened the next day, and the next. Fin ally one morning, chancing to be in the room where the picture was, the mis-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

North Caroinas Bill Wye monument fund amounts to s942.91. In that state the sum named will build monument, for graft is unknown in that state in grave yard matters
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
 INTERLHDE

INTERLUDE. l sit and ponder "Locksley Hall,' On land and see the light is waning; I seem to hear the curlews call, The oceans mighty voice complaining. My moods compact of higher things, World-sweeping thought and soul im- provement,
 While OCT the way a damsel sings That song bout Every Little Move ment'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

After we have inspected the Maine we may be compelled by our consciences to apologize to Spain and to return Cuba to her. But, alas. Cuba is not ours to give away.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
MAY BE FOR EFFECT.

'I never before saw a man so en thusiastic about the future of his town. -
 ''ae does indeed seem to be very en- thusiastic about the future of his town. but I have often wondered if he really feels that way or is merely playing a part.'
 "why do you question his sincerity?'
 1T happen to know that most of his money is invested in town lots he would like to sell" PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
Business Improvement

Last fall there was feeling In New York and other eastern centers that bus mess would be very active early in the present year." said J. S. Wiltshire of Philadelphia. But when the new year came a halting condition came with it. General trade has been decidedly more quiet in the past two months than was the case in January and February of 1910. There has been an improvement this month, however, and things look favorable fer continued improvement.
 'The improvement in the steel and iron business Is helping no little, and by June, provided there is good crop out look, prosperity will be in full swing. Financiers and manufacturers are pre- dieting great prosperity in the second half of the year. The south is in good shape, and looking back a few years would say that greater gains in material prosperity have been made in this sec- tion than in any other
 Go south, young men, is beginning to be heard in the east. It used to be Go west The west is still very attrac- tive, but relatively speaking the south presents better opportunities for young men than either the west or the east"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

A Roosevelt, dam and Salt river all became confused in Arizona lately. It was queer combination of geography and nolitics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

The militia officers 32S7 strong are marching to the Rio Grande attired to dazzle all beholders. the regulars only ex- cepted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
HOW FAIR.

HOW FAIR" How fair the world without, How blue the skies; Soft breezes roam about What comfort lies Tn thinking that, ere long, Summer'l1 begin And we won't be so strong . For the coal bin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Census Director Durand pronounces St. Louis the most normal American city in the land. It contains the largest propor- ton of American-born population.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

A woman has secured seat in the Nor wegian parliament, but inc this country no suffragette has yet scored to that ex- tent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
SONARLE-

"Does he take lively interest in the pure food crusader"
 "No. You could hardly expect him to do that.'
 And why not?'
 Hes a baker,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Lord Decies' sister insists that while she Is a suffragist she is not a suffragette. The difference is one of method only.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

When the militia officers in full uni form start for the front all beholders will feel that war is near at hand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

late pr. John Hall. native Of Ireland, who was pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church for long years, will remain in harness and end his ca reer In the same pulpit.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

A government suit brought down the price of electric bulbs, and more suits should be brought against more trusts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

The supreme court iss pretty sure to give S0,000,0oo of people whatever they want by large clear majorities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

The Taft war may prove to be short and then again 1t may prove of finger ing nature. It puts a good many profes. sionals where they can be mischievous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

The soldiers on the Rio Grande will not have to buy Easter bonnets, at any rate War has its advantages.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

President-expectant Madero of Mexico has seven brothers, and all of them arc rich and revolutionary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Limantour. Mexico's dove of peace wears side whiskers, and this may ac- count for his failure as a peace envoy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

If all else fails, Dr. Cook can be con scripted and sent to find what MT. Taft S war game really is.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

All lame ducks imagine they are come backs, but they may not have consulted the "peepul."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Adopting baseball tactics, the President has sent his army for spring training.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

There are no joy riders on a watel wagon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
Street Car CiviIities

''I suppose one of the most annoying sights to a gentleman is to see ladies standing in a street car while men retain their seats,' said suburbanite who tray els on the cars every day. "As rule the ladies are seated and often when a man tired out by hard days toll whose in- born gallantry prompts him to stand But I am afraid the ladies do not always ap- preciate the courtesy extended. for they show little regard for the feelings of the men.
 For instance, I was on Bessemer car this evening. and as is we'll known it makes the longest trip in the Birmingham district. The passengers were principally ladies and almost filled the car. Although there were several vacant seats, three or four men passengers had to stand nearly box occupied whole seat, placing the box by her side when she could have easily carried 1t on her lap. Two other seats were occupied by small children and although the ladies saw the men standing in the aisle not one of them made any effort to give them the seat they were entitled to. -... .atte
 ''The conductor offered to arrange mat ters, but the men declined to take the seats under such circumstances. If the ladies stop to think that some of the men have been on their feet since daylight fighting lifes battles for loved ones, feel sure they would be more consider ate"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
FOLLOWING PRECEDENT.

IOWING PRECEDENT. Papa, we were playing banker and Willie stole cents from me-" "Pshaw! pa. Bobby doesn't know how to play the game. He was a depositor and I was the cashier
 CHEER UP.
 Let's growing stop
 And still be gay;
 The onion crop
 Is all o. K.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
THE RESIrJT

'"The observance of Lent is really a great help to the Devil"
 How do you figure that out?"
 When he issues from his temporary retirement he seems 10 times more fas- cinating than before."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

| tress said to the maid as she dusted: Mary, you've hung that picture of the tower crooked. Just look at it!p "That's what I say, num-" returned the domes- tic: Took at it. The only way I can git that blamed tower to hang straight is to hang the picture crooked. .'-Kansas City Star.
 EVENING DRESS. I've never heard A man confess He likes to put On evening dress Detroit Free Press. And when he wears It. As rule,
 He always feels Just like a fool.
 Los Angeles Express
 Although he feels
 Ripe for the hearse,
 He always looks blamed sight worse.
 s. Youngstown Telegram. The kind of dress
 # You mean, I know.
 Pajafnas are
 Quite comfy, tho. ~h IhoDiEM IN What's Twelverweek doing over there with pencil and a pad?'' "Oh, he promised to marry a girl and | he Is figuring on keeping his promise.
 SPRING SONG.
 (Contributed.) The birds wake me with twittering call, They chide me now for rising late; f Within my soul feel the thrall Se ; Of spring and am rejuvenate, , E. Although denied the tinkling Till or meadow brook, or mountain streams, My pulses quicken to the thrill Of open forest-in my dreams wander on and thus apart Forget lifes winter days of gloom. And flowers of hope within my heart Do riot now, in all their bloom. God sends this gift to comfort me And hold it priceless thing, That slumb'ring fancies. thus set free, . Awake to rapture with the spring.
 -"Natalie."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-23

Congress will soon be in our midst again.