davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Wilson and the Issues

Woodrow Wilson certainly has the courage of his convictions, and is moi slow or indefinite in giving his views on all great public questions. He came out strongly Wednesday in his speeches delivered at Hartford and New Haven for the progressive prin- ciple for which the democratic party stands.
 There is no question but what the tariff and the manner and method of tariff reform are the true issues ot the present campaign, because it Is believed that revision of the tariff will bring relief to great extent from the present high cost of living.
 For this reason Governor Wilson is having a great deal to say concerning the tariff. His tariff views are sound and are meeting the approval of his countrymen. But there are other issues of importance only second to the tariff, and the democratic stand ard bearer discusses them freely and frankly.
 Governor Wilson is strong in his ad- vocacy of direct primaries for the election of United States senators, and limited initiative and referendum He is unqualifiedly opposed to the re- call of the judiciary.
 Most important of the secondary issues is the direct primaries for the election of United States senators. There are members of the Senate now who are opposed to primaries, and to whom Governor Wilson referred as 'blocking legislation on which the peo- pie had set their hearts," These sen ators would never have had look at the Senate chamber except from the gallery, if there had been direct pri- maries in the states they represent. Direct primaries means an end of scandals and further shaking off of the power of corporation lawyers which has been too freely exercised in the Senate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Railroad Betterments

Every railroad company in the United States is buying new equip ment. Some of them have placed large orders for rails, cars and locomotives. A few of the lines whose borrowing capacity is not high have had to limit their Improvements, but all transportation companies, large and small, are doing more now in the mat. ter of betterments than at any time since 1907.
 The enormous crops have made il absolutely necessary for the railroads to provide additional equipment, and it is the strong buying movement or the part of the railroads that has stimulated the iron market and giver a decided impetus to the wave of pros pcrity that is now in evidence all ovel the country.
 But as much as the railway com panies are doing. they will have tc spend much more on improvement within the next year or two. The rail roads were iA bad shape physically when the last boom ended. Officials
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
The New Jersey Democracy

James Smith, Jr., of New Jersey went to the United States Senate when Cleveland was elected President in 1892. He was then, and is now a reactionary, and political boss. Gov ernor Wilson lost nothing in the esti- nation of his countrymen when he de- cided to mix in state affairs, though a candidate for the presidency, by fighting Smith.
 Representative Hughes, who won out in the primary for the nomination for United States senator is a sterling democrat whose political record and private life both are above reproach He is able and aggressive, and if chosen for the Senate will be credit to New Jersey in the upper house of Congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27

been so much friction growing out of commercial jealousy and popular clamor, that strong man like Von Bieberstein was needed to keep the war spirit on both sides from rising. Wars between strong nations have usually brought to the front men of marked military genius, but diplomacy has come to be a science, and in recent years the diplomat has done more to enhance the glory of nations than armies, or captains or the personality of crowned heads.
 Baron Von Bieberstein was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, October 12, 1842. His father was baron and was a man of considerable influ- ence in public affairs. The son was educated in the Frankfurt gymnasium and the Heidelberg university. He was trained for politics and the diplomatic service. In 1890 he was secretary of state for foreign affairs, and in 1894 Prussian minister of state. It is said that he would have been promoted to the position of imperial chancellor but for the fact that man of his tenn perament and capacity was needed in Constantinople to maintain Germany's s dominance in Turkey. One reason why the English are so jealous of Germany today is that Germany has supplanted Great Britain in Turkey, and the change was brought about largely, by Von Bieberstein as ambassador.
 Von Bieberstein's soubriquet was "the iron man." It will not be easy for the German Emperor to fill the vacancy in London.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27

fully appreciated that fact, but in view
 of the political agitation against capi-
 tai and corporations it was next to l impossible for railroads to borrow the needed money for enlargement. Con struction of increased terminal facil-
 ities was especially needed. Only this
 year have the financial conditions be- come sufficiently settled to enable rail-
 road companies to float securities in large amounts.
 With this years crop, worth pre-
 sumably $1O,000, 100000, the railroads
 will have all the traffic they can haul, and much more will be offered than can be moved with anything like dis patch. It is seldom that this country
 has crop failures. If every year does not bring record breaking crops we seldom fail to have bumpers in the west and in the cotton belt. Next year, therefore, will probably be an-
 other of exceptional prosperity. Today everything points to a period of high record thrift lasting several years. Tt is only few years since James J. Hill was quoted as having said that if within the next ten years, the rail-
 ways of the United States are to meet the demands which will be made upon them for the transportation of com
 modities, at least $5,00o, 100000 should be expended in expansion, improve ment, the building of branch and feed ing lines and, especially in the perfect ing of terminals" says a well known writer on financial matters. Recently MT. Hill is quoted as having said that just at this time the crying need of the
 railroads is improved terminal facili- ties"
 When MT. Hill spoke of five billion
 dollars as approximately the amount
 that should be expended on improve ments, the vision of even that far sighted man was not wide enough. Able railroad managers, now speak of railroad improvements that should be made within the next 10 years that will total fully ten billion dollars. This is a rapidly growing country and, in its material resources, is the
 marvel of the world. Slumps will
 come periodically, but panics perhaps,
 will be less far-reaching than in former
 times. Certain it is that this country
 is just beginning to realize what real
 material progress and real prosper
 ity is.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
A SOLECISM. We simply don't
 Know what to do With the man who says, "There's quite a few"
A MAN AND A MOUSE.


 At jolly bachelor dinner, which took place not many moons ago, one of the guests told of an experience he had one night with a mouse He was lying on his bed reading when disturbed by the per sistent rustic of a piece of paper, which the mouse was Investigating Putting his book aside, the man saw the mouse dis tinctly in the glow of the electric light and he began to study the tiny creature. After a while he decided that it would be good sport to catch that mousse. so he stole away and soon came back with trap, which he had baited with a small piece of bacon. The mouse had tempor- arily retired, but soon returned when he got a whiff of the meat. The man was watching intently, his nerves beginning to jingle in the excitement of the moment, which was intensified by deep silence that prevailed, due to the lateness of the hour. At first the mouse peeped cau- tiously around a corner and after mak- ing a careful reconnaissance. he advanced toward the trap. The minutes whirled by and still the man waited, bent over in eager expectancy, his eyes fixed on the mouse and his mind attuned to the com ing tragedy. The mouse walked around the trap several times. evidently puzzled by the queer contrivance in which the bacon was placed He advanced and re- treated in an agony of hesitation, hunger
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
soutIern Cities

''During the past few years l nave di- vided my time between Baltimore Rich mond, Norfolk, Birmingham and New Or- leans, and being a southern man, Il mas been gratifying to me to see all of those cities hourishing.' said Frank J. White, well known in the merchant tailoring bus mess B.
 During the early part of the year was engaged in business In Richmond. l lived in that city many years ago. and It was a revelation to me, during my recent sojourn, to see it more than doubled in
 'I found Norfolk going ahead rapidly, It is elegantly built up and is one of the most solid business towns in the country.
 q found Norfolk going ahead rapiriy, but when I got back to Birmingham l marveled more than ever at the rapid pace of this city. Birmingham not only has the greatest future of any city in the south, but even today it is the most met ropolitan city in the south"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
AT THE SEASIDE IN RUSSIA

veil take their place. The men at Gelenl dzhilx are either in official uniforms or il gay cotton blouses fastened with a sasl or belt. The linen collar is rarity. Nd men are to be seen in knickers, no ons manifests any athleticism, and walking is mira dig. The children go out with bas kets picking wild berries, the young mer and women walk up and down the mair street and the shore and gardens on a fes- tival evening, but to take walk of, say two miles. is labor-certainly not a thing that could be done for pleasure.
 Many people who are really very wei imagine themselves excessively ill, ano an extraordinary number indulge in sur baths, extending themselves naked ir canvas chairs on their secluded balconies in the sun; others take mud baths, lying buried up to the neck at the mud bath es- tablishments; others, again, have hot sea baths every day. Vegetarian restaurant. flourish, and nearly every visitor has some particular fad of his own about his health
 It might be thought that the watering place is under the circumstances rather tedious, and I am sure I should find il SO, put NURSERIES i've very ullIefently ron English people. It is easy, and not at all unconventional, to speak to utter strang- CTS on the shore, and in few days be- come on quite intimate terms. Russians are very interested in one another.
 It might be asked, "Is there no district council, is there nothing done for the peo1 ple?" The answer is, "Nothing." There is park dedicated to the Prophet Elijah bit of maarial forest surrounded by barbed wire, and having notice to this effect:
 Tn the Name of the Prophet Elijah PARK.
 Don't Break the Branches or Pluck the Flowers
 There Is path over sandbanks to 2 bandstand called a rotunda there is 2 mouldy, gray walled ruin, let out to stroll ing players, and called the Kursaal; there | is a lumber shed where one can see "ls vie sur l'ecras, an absolutely new pro gramme, but the last, I Suppose, is : private concern. The place isn't ever drained, and cottages get foot or so oi water in the kitchen when there is | storm. Sewage is not conducted any where. At a spot on the shore, otherwiss most pleasant, a public slaughter housp has been built. which 'doth the multitud inous seas incarnadine. making the greer one red''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
GILBERTs MENTAL HABITS

From the Century Magazine for October
 Sir William Gilbert contradicted ever, tradition regarding genius, which h, seemed to ragard, like Michaelangelo, a eternal patience" His mind was as dis ciplined az Il was original, writes Row land Grey in the October Century, review ing the caroor of 'The Author of Pima fore.'' His Gyes never rolled with "fin frenzy but they were keen to discove any flaw in his work. He considered ever, detail as wprthy of special research.
 He would buy the best and most expen sive Greek lexicon to insure the perfec accuracy of the Greek words and phrase introduced iuto 8 single song in His Maj esty.' and lta would copy whole play il his clear handwriting when new edition called for alterations, which his warmes devotees often deplore. In the final is sue of the "Bab Ballads he committe, the truly Clllbertian crime of tamperinl with his own masterpieces.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Baron Von Bieberstein

Modern diplomacy has had eminent opponents in Germany. Bismarck, the iron chancellor, played the leading role in the making of the present German empire. After the Franco Prussian war, Bismarck was the man of the hour, and for many years he dominated a new Germany; and for several years was recognized as the most powerful statesman in all Eu- rope. The empire has had several statesmen and diplomats since, but Baron Marschall Von Bieberstein, who died Tuesday after brief illness, was the most distinguished for his skill in diplomacy. He did a great work for Germany as ambassador to Turkey, and although he was advanced in age, the German government and the Ger man people were looking to him with high confidence as ambassador to Great Britain, to which country he was accredited only few months ago. He was expected to bring his large experience and his genius for handling delicate international problems to bear in developing better under standing between the two great na- tions.
 The relations between Great Britain and Germany are not yet strained, technically speaking, but there has
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
HEART o, BEAUTY

Fiona Macleod, The Hills of Dreams O where are thy white hands. Heart ( Beauty?
 Heart O Beauyl They are as white foam on the swep sands.
 Heart O Beauty! They are as white swans i the dusk, tn white hands, Wild swans in flight over shadowy lands
 Heart O Beauty. o. lift again thy white hands, Heart c Beauty,
 Heart O Beauty! Hark to the white waves op the yello' sands,
 Heart O Beauty! They will hearken now to these wavin wands. To the magic wands of thy white hands,
 Heart O Beauty! From the white dawn till the gray dusl
 Heart O Beauty, hear the unseen waves of unseen strand
 Heart O Beauty! see the sun rise and set over shadow lands. But never. never, never thy white hand thy white hands,
 Heart Q Beauty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27

neat. cozy little place, and thought 1t was link in the Rockefeller chain. but upon investigation l found that one of our worthy Greek citizens owned and
 operated the place. It seems that this establishment was first on Twentieth street near the site of the Tutwiler, but as the building in which the Greek was doing business was pulled down to make way for the march of progress, he re- moved to Nineteenth street. could not but enjoy the humor in the use of the name John D."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
postmasters and Civil Service

As all the fourth class postmasters are to be placed in the classlfled l1st, which will remove them from politics, it should not be great while oefore steps are taken to put first, second and third class postoffices, commonly known as presidential offices, under civil service rule. As fourth class postmasters are not appointed subject to the confirmation of the Senate, 1t was easy to transfer them to the clas- sified list. All that is necessary IS the Presidents executive order eX- tending the operation of the civil ser vice act. In the matter of the presl- dential postmasters it is difficult; an act of Congress will be necessary.
 There are now about 5000 presiden- tial postoffices. All fourth class post masters are appointed by the postmas- ter general and the President would have saved himself a great deal of time and worry if he had induced Congress to change the law so as to authorize the Postmaster General to appoint the first, second and third class postmasters. If, however, Con gress were to put those postmasters that are subject to senatorial confirm ation on the merit list, comparatively few changes would be made during any administration. Collectors also should be under the civil service.
 The spells system, which was great ly in vogue, from Andrew Jackson's time down to Cleveland's time, has been steadily going out of fashion.
 The last important change before the fourth class postmasters were transferred to the classified list was in the state department. All appli- cants for positions in the consular service must now stand competitive examinations, and consuls of all grades cannot be removed except for cause.
 President Taft has been trying to have all the diplomatic appointments below ministers and ambassadors put on the same footing as the consuls. The bill he proposed failed to get through the last session of Congress but the measure will possibly pass during the short session. There is hardly any doubt but what such law will be enacted some day.
 Within the next few years the only political appointments will be mem- bers of the cabinet, the judiciary and the ambassadors and ministers plen- ipotentiary. When presidential pat ronage is limited to handful, so to speak, the chief executive will then have ample time to devote to large policies, the study of complex admin istrative problems and statesmanshir in general.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Crowds Expected Next week

Birmingham will have a record break ing crowd of visitors next week. said member of the Chamber of Commerce ''The fair opens Thursday and I have had letters from friends in different parts of the state saying they would be heIe- The first days attendance at the fair will be probably the largest first day In the history of the Fair association.
 "The Wilson and Marshall clubs or the state will hold convention here on Fri- day of next week. Harry Jones, who is active in the club movement. tells me that hundreds of delegates will come
 "The Alabama Good Roads association will hold it's annual meeting here week after next-during the fair-and it IS be- lieved that the attendance will be larger than usual.
 "The fair this year will surpass all for- mer fairs, both in exhibits and in amuse- ments The people of Birmingham all ways turn out in large numbers and It is safe prediction that the total re- ceipts of the fair will be larger than ever before :"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
IN HOTEL HOBBIES
Camn,issioner I.nnc

The Sheffield Standard has an editorial on City Commissioner A o. Lane. Il pays him a strong tribute. He is Ian honest, serious man, and it therefore fol- lows that he is personae non grata to a large element" says the Standard. That paper then goes on to say in part;
 ITO the credit of the bar of Birming- ham be 1t said it's members have come forward in numbers voluntarily offering to defend Judge Lanes title to the commis- sionership, the validity of which was raised with view to ultimately breaking down the commission plan in Birming- ham,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Presidential Politics

Tn 1896, when MT. Bryan first ran TOT President, I had an idea that he would carry a good many western states on his silver platform, but the west turned out to be as strongly republican as ever' said w J. Charlton of Detroit
 q was a young voter then My hrst ballot was cast for the democratic ticket but I have not voted for MT. Bryan since expect, however, to vote for Wilson next November. There will be a great contest in New York, and that IS the pivotal state now as 1t has been ever since l can remember. l was Tn New York recently and while the demo- crats there seemed to think that Wilson would carry the state, l met many in- dependent voters who predicted that Roosevelt would win there. If Roosevelt does carry New York. he is almost sure to be the next President but l cannot bring myself to believe that New York will poll plurality for the bull moose Everybody seems to think that october will be a month of exciting politics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
MARK TWAIN AND QUEEN VICTORIA


 azine for October.
 It was one day in 1887 that Clemens received evidence that his reputation as a successful author and publisher a man of wealth and revenues-had penetrated even the dimness of the British tax office. A formidable en- velope came. inclosing letter from his London publishers and very large printed document, all about the in- come tax which the Queens officers had levied upon his English royalties as the result of report that he had taken Buckenham Hall, Norwich, for a year, and was to become an English resident. The matter amused and in terested him. To Chatto & Windus. his English publishers, he wrote:
 .T will explain that all that about Buckenham Hall was an English news papers mistake. I was not in Eng land. and if I had been I wouldn't have been at Buckenham Hall anyway, but Buckingham Palace, or I would have endeavored to have found out the req son why. \
 But we won't resist. We'll pay as if I were really a resident The coun- try that allows me copyright has a right to tax me-
 Rehectng on the matter, Clemens de- cided to make literature of it. He con- ceived the notion of writing an open letter to the Queen in the scharacter of a rambling, garrulous, but we'll dis posed countryman, whose idea was that her majesty conducted all the business of the empire herself. He began:
 'Madam-You will remember that last May MT. Edward Bright. the clerk of the inland revenue office, wrote me about a tax which he said was due from me to the government on books to say, an income tax on the royalties. do not know MT. Bright. and it is em- Ibarrassing to me to correspond with strangers, for I was raised in the coun- try and have always lived there, the early part in Marion county, Missouri before the war, and this part in Hart ford county, Connecticut, near Bloom field and about eight miles this side c. Pennington, though some call it nine, lWnlcn IL IS ilHpooSipic to pCs ACA ! iie' V ' walked it many and many time In considerably under three hours, and General Hawley says he has done 1t in two and quarter. which is not likely so it has seemed best that l write your majesty" a The letter proceeded to explain that he had never met her majesty person ally. but that he once met her son, the Prince of Wales, in Oxford street, al the head of a procession, while he him. self was on the top of an omnibus He thought the Prince would probably re- member him on account of gray coat with flap pockets which he wore, he being the only person on the omnibus who had on that kind of coat .I remember him." he said. "as easily las I would a comet"
 The letter, or petition as 1t was lcalled, was published in Harper's Mag azine and widely copied. It reached the Queen herself in due time, and the Prince of Wales, who never forgot its bup1Or
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
Sfroup. Irnn Market

The iron market continues strong and upward in tendency. Birmingham NO foundry is selling at s1S.50 for first quar- ter delivery and $1S.2 for prompt deiiv- cry. It is believed that buyers will be fortunate to get iron for quick delW- cry next week at S1S.50
 There is a heavy movement of iron out of the district so heavy that it is causing A scarcity of cars.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-27
AN ELOQUENT PETITIONER.

AN ELOQUENT PETITIONER.
 "Please make the purpose of your vis known
 ''Sir, is it necessary to state. the pul pose of my visit when you observe tn tattered state of my garments the hole in my shoes, my rimless hat, the riotou growth of whisker on my face and tn air of dejection which wraps me aroun, not to speak of the hand I thus hold or to receive whatever your kind heart ma prompt you to bestow upon one who Ina known diversity PAUL COOK.