davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
Christmas and the Closing Year

The year is going out amid great deal of dampness. As a whole it has been a wet year. Over 50 inches of rain have fallen in Jones valley, and the excess of rainfall at the end of the year promises to be equal to a weeks rain.
 Holiday shoppers are well aware of the prevailing moisture, for they have all the. month had to contend with it. It has, in fact, lessened the holiday retail trade in some sections of the country, and has unconsciously, let us think, deprived many child of some gifts. But Santa Claus will go out well loaded up and small defici- ences in his stock will not be noticed.
 As the year goes out the hopeful feeling increases. There is less op- timism in the cotton belt than in any other section. This is due to the low price of cotton and cotton goods. Eight cent cotton is damper in a state that had long been buoyed up i by the 14 cent article.
 From both the east and the west come good reports. The outlook in trade is growing brighter week by week, and this is particularly the case in the iron and steel trade. Even the depressed and lowly pig iron is look ing up. Reports of steady improve ment come from all sides, and the presidential year promises to main tain the record of previous presi- dential years by bringing in at it's close activity and prosperity. This is the almost unbroken story of such years. Let us then celebrate the Yuletide on the morrow, believing that the coming year is to be one of increasing promise and good results.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
No Slump of Newcomers in the South

In 1910 over a million immigrants came into the United States. There has been a slump this year, but the years total promises to exceed 600,- 900. and not more than -four or five years since the war have done as well for this country. A return to the figures of 1910 can readily take place in 1912. This great annual tide of humanity brings oftentimes prosperi- ty where we least expect it. No one fosters or promotes it, unless it be the steamship companies. AS a rule it regulates itself, and as rule it is wisely regulated in accordance with economic knowledge.
 Alabama's commissioner of immi- grafton seems to be convinced that the newly arrived immigrant is not so much needed in Alabama as is the homeseeker of the west who desires kinder climate. The farmer from the west is, he believes, the best hope of this state, and he is perhaps cor rect in his choice. It ought not to be difficult to induce the farmer who is on the point of going to Medicine Hat or to some other polar locality to turn his face toward the land that the sun smiles on nearly the entire year.
 In the long run the farmer from the middle west and the immigrant from Europe will meet in the south simply because here are uncultivated lands that can be purchased at low prices, and with these lands go com bination of sun and moisture not equalled elsewhere in the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

mentioned, in which he stated that he had applied to 200 persons for en- ployment, and had not obtained it, and his family lacked bread. He did not come to beg. He came to the public square to offer himself to the highest bidder, and there would be no reservation in the terms of purchase. The Banner says his name is B. F. Collins, and he lives just. outside of the bounds of the city. No one ques- tioned his integrity or sincerity.
 And yet no one wanted to purchase man. No doubt his methods brought him employment in the prom ising capital of Tennessee. The Ban ner does not say so, but no doubt that was the outcome of the mans honest and strenuous effort to procure sup port for his family.
 The lack of employment in the Christmas season of the year seems even more distressing than at other times, and Nashville has been treated to courageous demonstration. It is problem not easily solved. No sim gle set of rules can be devised to meet all cases, although England has in its compulsory insurance bill rendered a duplication of the Nashville case in that country well nigh Impossible The chief object of that law is to con- pei all to lay up something against unemployment and other ills of this world. After all England and Ger many and the old world in general are advancing in some respects faster than the new world does.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
WONDERFUL MoNAsTERy

From the Wide World Magazine.
 In hollow of the hills in the center of Servia there nestles wonderful relic of the middle ages. It consists of a white church and monastery entirely surrounded by turreted walls of exceeding thickness. The approach is by precipitous tracks, and Manassia, as it is called must have been very difficult to assault in the old days when bands of infidels roamed about the land. Once inside the walls, you find yourself in pleasaunce of idyllic repose: : there are yerandas and creepers and vines and fragrant flowers, and in the society of the kindly monks you may while away many a happy hour. Every Servan Is the soul of hospitality and the arch imandrite is not backward in exhibiting the national characteristic The monastery was built 5~ years ago by the son of the famous Tsar Lazar, who perished with the old Serviap empire at the battle of Kos SOVOe
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

the guests. The senator talked in an extremely pessimistic vein. He gave fiery warning. He seemed to think the country was going to smash. In referring to the McNamaras he con demned with much bitterness labor dynamiters, just as all good citizens have done. He was strong in his ap- preciation of organized labor and of honest labor leaders. But he in- weighed strongly against large busi- ness interests, corporate wealth and the like He criticised the courts and saw nothing reassuring in the future.
 This country has gone through many periods of stress and strain, but no depression or social or indus trial unrest has ever warranted such gloomy views as Dr. Schurman's or Senator Borah's.
 If conditions are not what they should be, they will not be remedied by pessimists or heavy hearted men. In political circles one hears more sound talk today than in 20 years past. No matter which party tri- umphs at the polls next November, it is safe to say that the platforms of the two great parties will be more conservative and freer from dema- gogic phrases than usual. There is as much patriotism as in other days, and patriotic men are asserting them selves in way that will be felt. Ours is the best government under the sun, and so long as party leaders keep reasonably close to the old landmarks this republic is not going to be wrecked. Let Dr. Schurman and Sen ator Borah cheer up in this joyous Christmas -tide,N and let them take an- other look and see sunshine that oth- CTS see.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Bulger Talks About Underwood

Bozeman Bulger, whose early news paper training was on the local staff oi The Age-Herald, but who has for num- Der of years been baseball editor of the New York World, is in Birmingham. He was greeted most cordially by old friends yesterday. MT. Bulger is recognized as high authority in the realm of baseball, and next to his interest in athletic sports is his interest in national politics. If the election of President Is left to New York, Alabama is very likely to have the next executive in the person of Oscar Underwood said MT. Bu1ger. T have been particularly interested in the Underwood sentiment as, at one time, l served him asaprivate secretary. W Tt appears to be the sentiment in New York that Underwood will not only carry cratic convention, but that he is the only democrat would could carry New York state in the general election.
 MT Underwoods broadminded and conservative policy has made strong ap- peal to the business interests, and there is therefore not the same amount of ap- prehension about him as there was over the possibility of Bryan as a President. There is one thing, though, that We Ala bamians, living in New York want to insist upon; that is that the public men and newspapers down here refrain from expressing apprehension over the fact that Underwood is a southerner. one never hears that phase of Underwood s political condition discussed anywhere ex- cept in the south. In the east it is never mentioned. Geographical location will have no bearing whatever.
 "The east likes Underwood as a man Of proper views. and they would vote for him on that ground and none other.
 "It is no disadvantage to be a south erner in the east. In fact my experience has been that it is a big help.
 ''The main thing to be done now Tn the Underwood. case is to see that he gets the solid support of the south in the conven- tion. The east will give all the help necessary in looking after him in the gen. eral election"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
To Reduce Cotton Acreage

The executive committee of the Southern Cotton congress, which met in New Orleans on Thursday last, has voted to reduce next years cotton acreage to the extent of 25 per cent. In this matter it is easy to resolve and difficult to execute.
 To begin with fund is to be raised, and bankers and business men are asked to aid the farmers in this par ticular feature Then paid canvass CTS are to be sent out to secure the signatures of the farmers to pledges to curtail acreage. On January 25 a meeting is to be held in every school house in the south, to be followed by county rallies at county seats on Jan nary 27.
 The task mapped out is stupen- dous one. The farmers in 15 states are to be visited. They number into the millions. At one time the Farm ers' alliance had 1,250,000 enrolled members, and surely the total number of farmers growing cotton yearly must extend far beyond any enroll ment. To secure pledges, say, from 2,000,000 farmers in thousand coun- ties is no holiday matter.
 It could be done, but it will not be, and the farmers will pitch their crops in the next SO days according to cir cumstances and their best judgment Those who think cent cotton will discourage their neighbors will, nc doubt, plant good deal of cotton while those who see more money in corn and oats and alfalfa will do the reverse. A normal acreage will be the result, and the crop will be de- termined by the weather clerk. This is normalcy in the cotton belt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
Next Years Business

-Four or five months ago the outlook for general trade in 1912 was anything but bright, but the feeling is different now, and I believe next year will be one of notable prosperity" said s. w Stetson of Buffalo, N. Y.
 There are signs of old time activity in certain manufacturing lines. It looks to me as if general business would start off with a rush early in January. One Of the reasons given for the dullness that prevailed in the fall was lack of confi- dence, but confidence is being gradually restored. Capital is nothing like so timid as 1t was, and large development work will be under way in many parts of the country by spring."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
Interest in Presidential Politics

"Although I have been voter for near ly 30 years, I have never taken any ae- tive part in politics; but as I am demo- crat I am glad to see indications of dem- ocratic victory in 1912," said F. T. Neth- erland of Chicago. "I find that the dem- ocrats generally are full of hope. There is certainly more discussion than usual among those who are not chased as poli- ticans.
 "The three men most talked about are Harmon, Wilson and Underwood. As l am southerner by birth-a native of North Carolina-it gives me great satisfac- ton to hear Alabama's distinguished statesman prominently mentioned in con nection with the democratic nomination. used to think that none of us would live to see the day when southern man would be seriously reckoned with for the presidency, but there has been a won derful change of feeling in the north in the last 10 or 15 years. If a southern man is tles logical candidate, then he will be as fairly treated in the election as IF he were from some other section.
 .'Within the past two or three weeks have heard men with more political in sight than I can lay claim to say that Underwood was the logical democratic 'canddate: that he would probably receive the democratic nomination, and if nomi-
 mated would be elected. It seems to DC understood that President Taft will be
 renomnated by the republicans, but since the early days of the republic compara- lively few presidents have succeeded themselves, and where they were elected for second term conditions were excep-
 tionally strong in their favor. Lincoln and Grant were notable examples. If
 Alabama's candidate should be MT. Taft s successor great would be the south iubilation And not only that, but the
 democracy of the entire country would celebrate with unwonted spirit the fact
 that the last remnant of sectionalism had
 passed away
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
Reckless AutomobiIing

Not all chauffeurs or persons who drive auto cars are reckless; most of them seem to be mindful of pedestrians as well as skillful' in handling their machines" said a business man. But that many automobilists have been ex- ceeding the speed limit and have not been careful enough to avoid accidents. There have been several collisions and smash ups during the past two nights It is hoped the police will keep a strict lookout for these reckless chauffeurs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
No Room for Pessimism

In large general sense, conditions in this country, political, social and commercial, are improving.s The period of business depression which followed the financial panic of 1907 is less and less in evidence. In New York, the great banking center, pessi- mists were numerous up to few months ago, but optimism is now making itself felt there, and through out the country generally.
 There is a much better feeling as the year draws to a close than there was 12 months ago. The United States Steel corporation has more or ders on it's books than at any time since 1909. Although 1912 will be a presidential campaign year, there is reason to expect a fair degree of pros perity; and there is widespread be- lief that beginning with 1913 the in- dustrial world will witness success sion of new high records.
 Men who have failed repeatedly in their worldly undertakings sometimes become cynical. Politicians often form the demagogic habit. But why men trained to view life in it's larger aspects give utterance to pessi. mistic ideas is not easily explained Dr. Jacob c. Schurman, president oi Cornell university, educator and mar of affairs, delivered an address re. gently in which he used these words "We are living in an age of unrest and discontent. Never before has there been anything like it in this country. We are like men moving about under pail which stretches tc the horizon and which cannot be broken through"
 Dr. Schurman happened to be il Birmingham on the night of the Un derwood banquet. He was greatl. esteemed guest and on being called upon for speech was singularly feli citous in all he said. No one who hearc him on that occasion would have se him down as a pessimist. On th'
  contrary, his speech was that of ; high minded gentleman, patriot ant hopeful prophet. In his more recen talk Dr. Schurman must have beer suffering from indigestion.
 At a dinner given by the New Yorl Young Republican club last Wednes day Senator Borah of Idaho, insur gent republican. was the principa sneaker. President Taft was among
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
Regarding Crime In Alabama

"In connection with the discussion evoked by the recent grand jury report, the memorial prepared by the Pastors union, and the appointment of commit tee by the local Bar association to look into causes of crime and suggest remedies, there are several matters which properly belong to this discussion that are not always referred to-" said Clement R. Wood. There are several causes for the prevalence of crime in Jefferson county and the state which should be especially noted by those who are proposing merely temporary remedies instead of comprelien- sive ones.
 Among these is the condition of educa- ton in this country and throughout the state. Alabama's low standing along this line is well known; and her high grade of illiteracy coexists with high criminal ity. One of the most astonishing things to visitor from a progressive eastern or western state is the fact that we have nc compulsory education law. This is mat ter of such vital concern to the crime and
 lliteracy record of the state, aptrt from
 it's importance to the people who would not otherwise obtain education, thai lit should be emphasized in discussing these conditions.
 Another cause which, contributes to the condition is the archaic and antiquated system of punishments which we con- tinue. I refer chiefly to the death pen atty, which has been abolished in large number of states in the union. Phfioso phers may dispute as to whether or moi the state has the right to take the life ol criminal; but there should be but little dispute that the effect of the retention of the death penalty is to cheapen human life Long term sentences are greater de torrents to crimlnality than the death pen atty.
 "The adoption of these remedies. to- gether with the abolishment, of the fet system and the institution of the other re- forms that are now being urged, would merely place us on a par with the leas progressive of the states. Further reforms
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
MED BRACE TALKS ABOUT AFFAIRS OF A LOCAL AND OF A GENERAL. NATURE

AM glad to note that the city commis-
 missioners and the Bell Telephone
 company have settled their differ ences out of court and agreed upon a business proposition.
 The people always demand their rights, but they are tired of continued business turmoil and local scraps. Now let the two telephone companies get together in some business way and combine, relieving the people Of the necessary expense and annoyance of two telephone systems. As things exist at present most business men, professional men and housekeepers feel the necessity of maintaining both phones. Such tends to anything but religious thought and equipoise. All Of us have had the experience of being called over both telephones at the same time and many of us seriously feel the financial effect of the necessity of maintaining two phones. So let the two companies get together and thus rid the people of the nuisance which, like a barnacle, is at tached to them at the present time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
WEAR TOP HATS

From the Wide World Magazine.
 There are some strange things to be seen in Switzerland, but nothing stranger than the chimney sweepers, who, curiously enough, are the only people in the coun- try who wear top haps. The silk hat usually of respectable antiquity--is, for some inexplicable reason, the recognized headgear of the chimney cleaner in Switz- erland, and he would probably feel as un- professional without it as policeman without his helmet or muffin man with out his flat cap.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
1911

 By Mrs. Mary Ware The year is full of sadness; The year is old and grim; Yet much of. light and gladness We're losing now with him. Many silent sorrow Has learned to weep alone, With only heart-strings breaking, To answer with moan. The year has lost it's song-birds-- Like children they have flown, And like an aged parent His heart is making moan Oh, faithful fellow-traveler, Companion on life's way, A twelve months we have journeyed Nor faltered by the way; And now, my old companion, I'd breathe a sad farewell But memory loves to finger, And on your virtues dwell. When spring, with dewey sweetness Begemmed the sparkling lea, And like nest of birdlings Sweet nature laughed with glee; When summer in her glory On crumpled roses lay, And breezes murmured softly The merry songs of May; An, then, old year, you sported The gayest, gladest posies, And decked your flowing garments With crimson-hearted roses. Yes, memory loves to garner The sunlight of the year, And weave a golden halo, Tho gemmed withsmany tear. And while we greet with gladness The coming of the new, A joyous and a sadness We bury now with you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

From the January Number of the Popular
 Magazine.
 If Caruso, the great tenor. happens to lose his voice or becomes incapacitated because of such illness as has kept him off tire operatic stage the last half of two sea- sons, he will feel consoed by the knowf- edge that his royalties from phonograph company will exceed s100,090 year for many years to come,s while Madame Tetrazzin is grateful that the same com pany refused to pay her $1G00 five years ago for the very same effort that they are now paying her $35,000 year for. Then the diva was willing to take the lower figure outright for her records but year ago she demanded bonus of $25,- 0eO besides the royalties, and she got it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
FoREsTALLINa CRITICISM.

A new little boy, who had just moved in next door had protruding upper teeth, and very thick upper lip, and when d 6-year-old neighbor went over to make his acquaintance, the latter said: 'Its too bad you hurt your lip The next morn ing as they began playing together again the new boys lip still looked swollen, and the neighbor lad remarked: Your lip aint any better, is it?'' The next thing the sympathetic little ncghbor knew he was flat on his back with blood running from his nose. and the new conner handed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
REFLEcnoNs OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 All man knows he wouldn't if it was worth anything to him.
 Flattery goes down anybody's throat without any ether grcasing.
 A girl has a lot of hest beaux so as to be grateful aftcrward that she didn't marry any of them.
 Small children are much more sensible with their lies than big grown-ups. be- cause they don't get furious when you don't swallow them. The first thing man wants to do when he is married is to kiss all his wife's family, and that's the last thing he wants to do ever afterward.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24
FLANDERS soNf

BRANDER'S SONG. Once in a cellar lived a rat, He feastsd there on butter, Until his paunch became as fat As that of Doctor Luther. The cook laid poison for the guest, Then was his heart with bangs oppres d, As if his frame loved wasted.
 Chorus (shouting) As if his frame love wasted.
 Brander. He ran around, he ran abroad, Of every puddle drinking. The house with rage he scratch'd and gnaw'd, In vain-he fast was sinking; Full many an anguished bound he gave, Nothing the hapless brute could save, As if his frame love wasted.
 Chorus. As if his frame love wasted
 Brander. By torture driven, in open day, - The kitchen he invaded, Convulsed upon the hearth he lay, With anguish sorely jaded; The poisoner laugh'd, Hal Ha! quoth she, His life is ebbing fast, see. As if his frame love wasted.
 Chorus. As if his frame love wasted. From the tavern scene in Goethe's "Faust''
 REQUITED.
 He helped his boss
 Pile up the rocks;
 His Christmas gift
 A pair of socks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria is q hardened officeholder He went into of fee on December 2. 1S4S, and he has been there ever since.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

The Duchess of Fife, Queen Victoria daughter, was on the Delhi when it was wrecked and she mourns the loss of 8 jewel box containing diamond. tiara ana other ornaments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

The duma is now considering religious discrimnations in the matter of pass- ports. If bill goes through a new treaty becomes easy and feasible
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

No one except confirmed and ingraineu standpatters has good word for schedule K now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

If you are hotel guest don't give your only pair of trousers to bellboy, and then go to bed, for a cry of "fire!" would put you in a predicament
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-24

The doctors who attended Mayor Gay nor after the shooting had the audacity to send in bills aggregating s1s,OOo, and the city paid them.