davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
THE YOUTHFUL oRAToR.

THE YOUTHFUL ORATOR. A boy npon platform stood, Ills knees were weak, his face was
 white, The while he told, as best he could, How "curfew shall not ring tonight His mothers eyes beamed love on him, His little sister shared her pride, But still that poor boys sight was dim And ere the close he nearly died Zen now. though many years have flown And time his hair has streaked with
 gray, He still recalls the anguished tone With which he spoke upon that day; Still sees the crowd that ringed him
 round,
 A scoffer in most every seat: Who would have fed had he but found Some avenue of safe retreat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
KENNETH TAKES EUROPE's RE-
 VENICE


 VENICE
 In Harpers for June. Arnold Bennett gives an entertaining account of a light ming trip about Washington. He calls it Taking Europes Revenge" for the way in which Americans often rush through Europe. He began by engaging a guide.
 " Here Jimmyi said, brislxly. a middle aged administrative person in easy attire. who apparently had dominion over the whole floor beneath the dome. A young er man. also in easy attire. answered the call with an elert smile. The elder pointed sideways with his head at my two friends and myself. and commanded. Run them through in 30 minutes. Then, having reached the center of euspidor with all the precision of a character in a California novel. he added benevolently to Jimmy, Make it q dollar for them And Jimmy. consenting. led us away
 "In this episode Europe was having her revenge on the United States. and had planned 1t. How often, in half hundred cities of Europe, had l not observed the American citizen seing the sights there- of at high speed? Yes, even in front of
  Medeci chapel at Florence had I seen him, watch in hand, and heard him mur- mur, .Bullyr to the sculptures and the time of the train to his wife In one breath, Now it was impossible for me to see Washington under the normal condi- tions of session. And so l took advan- tage of the visit to Washington of two friends on business to see Washington hastily as an excursionist pure and sim ple. I said to the United States, grimly: The most important and the most impos- ing thing in all America is surely the cap ito at Washington. Well. I will see it as you see the sacred sights of Europe. By me Europe shall be revenged.
 "Thus 1t came about that we had hired n kind of carriage known asa sea going hack. driven by negro in dark blue. who was even more picturesque than the ne- groes in white who did the menial work in the classic hotel and had set forth frankly as excursionists into the streets of Washington. and presently through the celebrated Pennsylvania avenue had achieved entrance into the capitol
 "It was breathless pilgrimage-this seeing oi ttic e<'PieSi- <,fi' set dfi iiiPi eS- sive one The capitol is great place. ] was astonished-and I admit at once I ought not to have been astonished-that the capitol appeals to the historic sense ! just as much as any other vast legislative palace of the world-and perhaps more intimately than some. The sequence of 1 its endless corridors and innumerable chambers. each associated with event or tradition, begets awe. I think if was in the rich senatorial reception room that I first caught myself being surprised that the heavy gilded and marmoreal sumptu- osity of the decorations recalled the av- craze European palace. Why should have been expecting the Interior of thu
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
Business and Politics

Ut is worthy of note that presidential politics have less depressing effect on business than was the case in former pres idential election years. said P. 8. Bulling- tor of Chicago. T think everybody will agree that the- contest between Taft and Roosevelt for the republican nomination has been the most violent in the history of any party.
 "1f any political agitation was likely to disturb business we have certainly had that agitation recently, but still in spite of 1t all the general business of the coun- try has been very brisk during the past four or five weeks. There has been more optimism this year in business than us- ual. In the last few days there has been lull, and business will go slow, perhaps, until after the June conventions. But think it is something to remember that in the face of political turbulence the business world is prospecting. f
 '"Fhe steel trade, which is a great barometer. is more active now than it has been for several years past. The order books of the Steel corporation are crowded
 Sixteen or 20 years ago noisy, mud singing campaign, such as Roosevelt has been conducting, would have brought on panic. But if Roosevelt should be nomi- mated and elected business will not suf- fer.
 T sometimes vote the republican ticket. but l am not a partisan to Mir. Roose- velt. 1 merely say that the ex-Presi- dents re-election for a third term would noe disturb business from the very fact that some of the large business interests are back of the Roosevelt movement"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
ozYMANDIAs OF EGYPT

By Percy Bysshe shelley. met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs
 of stone Stand in the desert Near them on the
 sand,
 Half sunk. a shattered visase lies. whose And wrinkled lip and sheer of cold com
 nland Tell that it's sculptor well those passions
 read Which yet survive. stamped on those life
 less things. The hand that mocked them and the heart
 that fed: And on the pedestal these words ap-
 pear: My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on ms works. ye mighty and
 despair Nothing behi6a remains. Round the decay. TOT that cpl{ssal wrecky boundsess aud The lsssss Q M llls larsssh.i1s siTss.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
VERSE HE LEARNED IN MIssoukI

From the Kansas City Star.
 Frederick was only and had just re- turned to his home In Alabama after a visit to relatives in Missouri. Within a week or two he went to Sunday school for the first time. The previous Sunday the teacher had told the little ones to ccme prepared to speak little verse from the Bible or their sunday school paper. 3 When 1t came t'rederick's turn she said. 'trederick. this being your first Sunday. l presume you haven't verse;
 Frederick. with great deal of conf denct replied, ''Yes. ma am, have
 Very well. let us have it.''
 At which Frederick chirped up bithey:
 Yop gotta quit kickin' my dawg
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
LATE FASHION NEWS FROM PARIS


 In the June womans Home Companion fashion changes sent over from Paris by a special correspondent. Following is a brief extract:
 Never has gay Paris shown so many varied styles as are seen at present. Cal lot and Poiret are still making severely simple gowns. many of them having the waist and skirt joined at the waist line, and fastening straight up the front, all of them showing the slim silhouette. Then. Callot Is also designing tailored skirts with a group Of side plaits in the front and in the back which are stitched to within IS inches of the hem and then al- lowed to flare out.
 "Another striking contrast to this type or tailored skirt is the very new, very scant model of Bechoff- David, showing ar extremely original cut. The skirt is scent and has a seam in front which follows the line of the jacket. There is also a seam in the middle of the back of the skirt This suit is made of golden brown, lightweight ratine, and has a big roll collar of black satin.
 'Although dark green Is much used as substitute for the touch of black, yet the black note is still characteristic note of many of the best of the French cos tunes. Madame Tollman and Drecoll are finishing many of their blouses with rush. ings of black tulle, and the sleeves also have underseeves of transparent black tulle Black velvet ribbon is much the fashion, just as it always is whenever taffeta silk is the mode.
 "It is a silk season in Paris this year, and the wearing of taffeta has become a craze. There are the shot taffetas, and the chameleon taffetas. the taffetas in solid. old fashioned colors, and striped and figured. and tailored taffetas. And they are used not only for afternoon and evening frocks, but for coat suits and one piece morning dresses.
 .Another material much favored for coat suits Is a new faille silk, which has a soft taffeta finish. The rough cotton material | called eponge is much in demand, and is very smart in cream white. Cotton crepe and Russian crash, which are both soft ana coarse, are also good style. Among the new colors, ibis is especially | in favor. It is a rather odd, transparent shade of red much resembling brick color. Tones of terra cotta and copper are gooc l style. Sulphur yellow is in demand, and one of the very newest greens is known as tilleul, which reminds one of dry lin- den tree leaves"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

ting a stick The Kansas man stopped and said:
 well. sir. what do you think of Chris tian Seienee2ss
 'Haint heard nothin on it.. the farmer answered. Well. welli' said the traveller, and he re- sumed:
 With which side do your sympathies lies in the Turko-Italian war;" .. Didn't know thar was no war mutt tered the farmer. and he bit off chew from.a big black plug. The traveller then tried him on an- other tack.
 Do you consider the Wright biplane inferior to the foreign monoplane for swift, safe fiying?' tts '., fur I know, said the farmer, the world hain't seen no 1yin yit .. Why. man., exclaimed the traveller, quite staggered, don't you ever read the newspapers?' sAg Ft1 used ter said the farmer, without lifting his eyes from his whiting. uster. but ten or ,leven years ago stopped 1t. They got too frivolous fur me. Since then I bin readin' book. .--Kan-
 A SLOW coNvALEscENcE. The costume she wore ss Was so light and so airy The queen of the May Looked just like a fairy. She caught bad cold The wind was quite nipping; And into her grave She felt herself slipping. The doctors arrived Their plans they won't tell one: fhe queens better now, But Is far from a well one.
 DETAINED. How was the show last night?o ''Dreadfully boring Everybody left but one man. What was the matter with him?. He got his foot caught under a seat"
 WE HASTEN TO EXPLAIN. The baseball news and politics And, what Is more, the weather He has been known not to discuss For days and days together. You wonder how he could refrain?s No secret here is hidden; He's shut up in a prison cell Where talking is forbidden7~
 PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

From Percival Pollard's ''Vagabond Jour
 neys."
 o greater cure Is left today in our
 IN central civilization than a sea voy- A age. There is the one refuge still way, bodily and spiritual ills: some escape boredom. Some seek leisure. others rest. others variety. Fashionabes and snobs, plutocrats and populace, all go down to tho sea in. ships as easily today as once their forefathers went out on Shank s mare. Some take as luggage one thing, some another; some take their dreams and desires some go philandering. some are on philosophy bent.
 Ample Indeed are the chances for phi losophy. Such voyage gives much to think upon the mutations of fashion, and of sea travel and, above ail upon the men and women who indulge therein. On any voy- age giving you fortnight or more at sea, to avoid philosophy about our fel- lows is almost impossible To many of us, in fact. 1t is the chief charm; others come to It sgrudgingIy. as to a last resort. From the old northern crossing of the At lantic, II is true, charm, for all but the most determined observer and philosopher is long since flown; that is as hackneyed detail to the sophisticated as the train trip from New York to Chicago. from Paris to Vienna. Inhocents abroad no longer loom noticeably; the general aver age has done the thing innumerable times before, and vii, do it still more times: there are hardly more chances for social amenities than for philosophy. To say to another nowadays on an Atlantic linn itei express:
 Didn't I cross with you on the Ruri- tania last .year?" is only to court the weary answer, What month? I crossed three times. you know" Yet, even there.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
Tn. coclert spot

Tn hot weather the coolest place in the business district at night is in front of the Hotel Tiillman," said Sol Caheen.
 When l am through with business for the day l frequently sit down in front of the hotel for little while to cool oH. No matter Low sultry the atmosphere Is, or how hot and dry, there is always cool ins breeze on Nineteenth street at the poififa Indicated v
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
INDIFFERENT BROADWAY

New York correspondent Cincinnati
 Times-Star.
 If there is one thing that Broadway knows by heart it is not to be helpful Broadway will stand by and see human valture metaphorically pick your eyes out, but Broadway will not interfere. The chances are that it's sympathies are on the side of the vulture. The other day picixpocket took the kettle" out of the vest pocket of large man on a Broadway car. The large man seemed to have an affection for his watch. Instead of running true to New York form, and letting out few excited speaks for the police-which would have done no good ne chased the thief The pickpocket leaped off the car and ran for the en- trance to the Times building. The loser was so close upon his heels that the thief tried to double through the revolving storm door into the street. The loser doubled too-and for what seemed min utes the two men chased each other around and around in that door, like squirrels in a cage, while throng that reached to the car tracks laughed and marveled. And by and by the thief, reel Ing and breathless. shot out at a tangent and got away. It was the owner of the stolen watch with whom the crowd inter fered. ''But here is a better story, said Leo Bedding. who has abandoned the big desk he formerly ornamented in the Her d office to run a newspaper and maga- zine syndicate with Frank Stoclbridge, once of the Times-Sfar. Tt Illustrates the speed and accuracy with which Broadway grabs it's chance. I saw d young man with two pickled friends on
 his hands the other night. Neither could stand up, and it was beyond his power to support the pair So he dragged one over to the bar apd buttoned the bar rail into his overcoat. There he hung, like a cold storage chicken on butchers hook, while the helpful young person returned from putting the other derelict into cab. The only trouble was that, while the but toned-in young man hung from that ba- rail, two or three hawks had given him a vacuum cleaning. They had even taken off his collar, and swiped his handlSer- chief About the only thing left was hts state of slumber and the overcoat that gus tained him, Plenty of people had seen it happen,-of course But no one 'butted ln.' It isn't good form on Broadway 10 when you see a helpless man getting trimmed"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

many men boosting Underwood for the nomination. I was told by friends or po- litieai sagacity that the sentiment of Vir- ginia was now strongly in favor of Un- derwood and that he was almost sure to get the Virginia vote in the Baltimore convention.
 ..The Alabama statesman should really have the vote of the entire south. He IS the ablest leader democracy has had in many d day. He is certainly the logical candidate. and believe he will be nomi- nated."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
Underwood sentiment in Virginia

Last fall spent several weeks in vir- ginia, and whenever the democratic presi- dential nomination. was mentioned heard Woodrow Wilson discussed favorabiy. and as the man who would have the vote of the Virginia delegation said member of Rrmingham's Virginia colony.
 "I was in the Old Dominion again in the early part of this month. and heard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
pr,rI.rCrroNs OF BACHELOR

From the New York Press
 Bad advice is the only kind needed,
 He laughs best over his summer clothes when they are least.
 A girl isn't half AS hum:liated to make her own dresses as she is to wear them.
 The reason babies don't suffer so much from the hot weather is they can't talk about 1t.
 The reason woman will believe so many of her husbands excuses Is. what else is there for her to dot ,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
Fighting Tax Increases

Let us all hope that no compromises will be accepted in the tax increase cases. One hundred and seventy seven corporations, firms and indi- viduals were raised tremendously, all though no increases have, been re- ported in single county where lands have risen to double of former values. Increases are easier compiled in Jef- ferson than in rural counties, and the state administration seems to prefer the line of greatest ease and conven- fence, if not of least resistance. The policy of adding to Jefferson's as- sessments has been growing fad, and it is in full bloom under the pres ent administration.
 The time has come to test the plan for unloading good share of state taxation on Jefferson county. Let there be no compromises. Let every case be laid before jury which IS by law the umpire and arbiter in such matters. The governors figures and records" can be laid before the jurors to be hereafter summoned in Jeffer- son county.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

Speaker Champ Clark has med ms peu- ton as a candidate for the democratic nomination as congressman from the Ninth Missouri district. A line of retreat is always preferable to the burning or biid ses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
Presidential Nominations

The pre-convention contests have been unusually exciting. and as the time for holding the republican convention at Chi cago is only three weeks off knowing ones are expressing themselves with great con- fidence as to the result said F. T. Mars ton of New York city.
 T am an independent republican, and this far in advance I don't know whether I shall vote the republican or the demo- cratic ticket. Some of the knowing ones say that Roosevelt will be nominated, but I have an idea that Taft will be the nominee. But I do not pretend to know. It would not surprise me. however, If dark horse were selected. If the demo- crats nominate man to my liking I will probably vote for him. Either Harmon or Underwood would suit me.
 Many republicans in the east are free to say that Underwood would carry New York unless the republican candidate happened to be Justice Hughes Roose- velt, taken altogether, Is probably the best vote getter in the United States, but he cannot carry his own state. and would probably be defeated.
 "I am interested in several large busi- ness enterprises, and I will be glad when both the conventions are over. Large in- vestment matters are now waiting on big politics. Business conditions are sound and after June 1t is safe to say that prosperity will be reaching out for new high records
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

Between investors who want more divi- dends and workers who want more wages a woman manufacturer says she does not know where she is going to get off.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The republicans control the Senate and they have been notified that they must act on every one of the tariff bills. in- cluding the excise bill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

It is a close race between the man who writes seed eatalogs and the man who writes up summer resorts. Each IS trying to get the furtherest from the tInth
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
ON A "VAGABOND JOURNEY Yos

the fascination of the types aboard our liners seldom ceases, and if one's interest in humanity remains alive. romance and humor may come even on those regular, mail carrying rushes from port to port
 Nothing less than a fortnight serves for leisurely philosophy. One of the pleas 1 antest of such less hurried crossings Is the one that points toward the sea which lies midway between Europe and Africa sonorous, polysyllabic title it has, re- calling dreadful spelling lessons of our youth; yet what does it mean save sim ply this, the midway sea? Let us call it that. A large and easy going vessel; dreams of sunshine held out by Madeira, the Azores, Gibraltar, Africa, Sicily, the Rivieras and Italy; few of the thousands who have gone that way but keep. in haze of memory, some pleasant pictures of it.
 There are, as you know. any number of lines to choose from This is no place for pointing out advantages or the reverse; these things must be found out in per son. Every taste is catered to. If you like kindergartens and, brass. bands in pro- fusion and without ceasing, there are lines which will supply the want If you like unlimited wine with your meals, and can get along without the English language, there are lines which will give you that. Ii you prefer walking in an air of fashion, able aioofness,. under skipper who rare- ly condescends to say geod-day to you, you again can also be supplied
 But-unless you care to address me pri- vateiy, under secret seal and with inelos- nre of a fee large enough to- deaden me to all results--you will never discover, un- til you actually make the voyage, which is really the line you ought to have taken. Each of us has tastes and desires other than our neighbors These liners supply all such tastes; 1t is for you to find the right one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

We do not need civic center while the bold Barons stay in the first division.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

A western railroad forbids it's employees to wear anything red, especially a red nose.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The movement of the Atlantic fleet will boom Key West at any rate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
TIME TO GO.

TIME TO GO. Miss Chuggly," said MT. Lngers, T would never tire of gazing Into your eyes"
 T believe you are sincere in what you say,' replied the fair one, barely sup pressing yawn, but my eyes are not like some of the restaurants in this town. :" How is that?"
 They don't stay open all night"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The Missouri mule is now outclassed by the Missouri houn dawg which has been indorsed from Massachusetts to Cali fs,..
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The city of Paris desired to borrow A1.- oo,o0c to extend its gas system. and the lean was oversubscrihed so times.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The adulterators of baby foods should steer clear of pr. Wiley. He is in frame of mind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The black evening shirt has been well coned in Pittsburs, where it harmonizes well With the general color scheme.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

Elihu's keynote may never be delivered to the Chicago convention. In that case, he can release it on the stump.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

Henry Cabot Lodge is mentioned for the vice presidency on the republican ticket.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The trusts are not ungrateful. They know that Roosevelt protected then while he was President.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The Rooseveltistas consider Elihu as the root of all administration evil.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The northern Methodist church elected eight bishops. while three were super annuated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The sweet girl graduate is just now thinking more about her costume than about her books.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

It Is Orozco who is 10 be recalled in and the stuff to put In them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

Charles w. Morse must smile at ex pert medical testimony when he has noth ing else to do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

NONE, WHATEVER. Though days are bright And skies are blue There's no delight When bills fall due. WHY HE QUIT READING THE PA
 PIERS. Thomas A. McNeal tells of a Kansas man who was travelling in Arkansas and ran onto native sitting on box whit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29

The country has in retired admirals and only 2 active ones
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-29
sLIGHTLY TWIsTED

SLIGHTLY TWISTED. Have you been out to Bingle's bunga- lowT'
 Yes. I was out there recently and one of Bingles guests took so many high balls he insisted on calling the place Bun gle's bingalow.'