davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
A LONG ENGAGEMENT

In the February Womans Home Con- panion, Margaret Sangster, writing an article on .Sweethearts and Wives" pre- sents the confession of young woman who, having been engaged for seven years awakened 10 disillusion and reached tie point of seeking release. The woman is now a spiaster. Following is her story:
 "'When Harry and l were first en- gagged, we were deeply in love with one smother. ! gave up everything else for Harry. He was my exclusive escort, and gradually most of my old friends, both girls and r,en, stopped coming to the house or seeking my company, because, to put 1t plainly, l was so absorbed in one idea that l had no room for them. They bored me, and they found it out. We were waiting to be married until Harry could be sure of a sufficient income to suppors home. Gradually we discov- cred that VIC weer talked out. We began 10 find our evening sessions little te- dious. l had gone on with study and had developed intellectually in a direction diff ferentA from Harry's, end when we resort ed to reading in order to spend an even- ing. pleasantly, Harry fell asleep while l was reading to him. We did not care for the same subjects; we grew indifferent to each others opinions; and when we ac- cepted social invitations, we sometimes found ourselves classified and labeled as an engagel couple. This meant that we were too old for the young people just coming on. while, of course, we did not belong in the set with young married peo- pie Finally, l could bear it no longer, and insisted that we ought to break the engagement. Harry protested, said that he could never be the same again. and de- cared that l had made desert of nj; lsfe I was afraid that he spoke the truth but I need not have feared. In less than six months Harry became engaged to q girl who had grown up since 1 had and before the year was over they were mar lied. ael still a spinster, not exactly forlorn, our conscious of loneliness and Of the years that the loeusts have eaten. I throw myself ardentiy into church wor< Ynd charity. and am taking a post gral- uate course in advanced German. Some times, when I see Harry's wife walking ocwn the street with one pretty child running before her and another cozilv tucked in u perambulator, there is a sharn tug at fnv heart, and l feel a sense .f lack and weariness.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
PROFOUND LINGUIST

From the Philadelphia Record.
 There had been a fatal accident at thu railroad crossing in a little Pennsylvania town, and the coroner, a pompous old fellow, who magnified conscientiousl, both his office and it's incumbent, had impaneled a jury for the inquest.
 There was only one witness of the accident, an illiterate Slav from the coal mines, who could understand no Eng fish. With him the coroner began to struggle.
 'Can you speak German?" he asked The man shook his head.
 Gan you speak Itallan?' continued the official. Again the man shook his head.
 ''Can you speak Hungarianas' The same response.
 Gan you speag Russian" finally asked the coroner. Again the man shook his head.
 Its no use, gentlemen, said the coro1 ner, turning to the jury. We can't pro ceed with the case. I've spoken to thia man in five different languages and can make him understand me-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

an act of official recognition. It should be speedily forthcoming. There is no need to wait upon. Japan or the European powers, for the entire plunderbund does not want to see China rise to a point of independence and security
 The republic of China has an im- mense task before it. It must find a way to bring to the masses in China less bitter struggle for existence. Millions are on the verge of starva- ton nearly every year. The country is over populated. President. Suns task is a gigantic one. He can stop official graft and Manchu pensions, but it is not easy to see how he is to lift the struggling millions out of the mire.
 New forces are at work in China, and when an end is put to court in- trigue and official graft it may be that, aided by popular education, the condition of the struggling millions can be bettered. The change to republic is coming suddenly, but China is cut up into IS self governing provinces, and it may be that the change to free institutions will come along more easily and feasibly than many have been led to anticipate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
A NOTED swINDLER

From the Toronto Mail and Empire.
 Short is the life of popular song, but no doubt thousands of readers will remem- ber the "hit' which Evans and Hoey made in their comedy. "A Parlor Match, /" nearly a score of years ago. 'The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" was the rage in it's time, and it was un- like most popular songs in this respect, namely, that it described, with more or less poetic license, an actual event. A man did break the bank at Monte Carlo. Since that time he has broken stones in Portland prison, and seems likely to break some more for the French republic, since he was arrested a few days ago in Fail mouth on a French warrant charging him with fraud. Of course, a man is presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty. but from what the world knows Of Charles Hills Wells it will be rather prone to believe any i'll of him. MT. Wells would not go out with a slungshot and separate victim from his purse, but he has developed more subtle means of part ini; fools and their money, and they have made him almost as notorious as the his toric exploit at Monte Carlo.
 Wells was educated in France as a civil engineer. and as soon as he had obtained his degree he went to England, where he began to apply for numerous patents. He devised some 100 contrivances, all of which he declared to be patentable, and most of which he asserted would make large fortunes for those possessing their manufacturing rights. He did not desire to selfishly profit by his ingenuity. but invited the public to purchase an in- terest in many of these contrvances.
 He advertised and received numerous replies. All told he received more than a quarter of million dollars from peo- pie desiring to wager on his ingenuity. From a sister of high court judge he received S75,OO0 and from the Hon. Cosby Trench of Ireland he got nearly S50,OO0. Unfortunately for Wells, the capital was secured under false pretenses, as was proved at the trial, for. as matter of fact, he had no patents at all. The docu- ments he showed prospective investors were not patent receipts, but the receipts for the pound it is necessary to deposit when application for patent is made.
 As the money poured in Wells sent it to a banker in Monte Carlo, and some Sl5O,Ono was on deposit to his credit when he made his memorable visit. It is sup posed that he carried an equal amount with him. Certain it is that he had sum aggregating a quarter of million or more when he began his campaign. His first phenomenal winning was in July, 1891, when he took s160,00o from the bank. In the following November he won $l50,- GOO more. In the same month he broke the bank five times in a single night, clearing $5O000 It Is said that man breaks the bank at Monte Carlo when he wins $l0000 from one table. To really bankrupt the Monte Carlo company, how ever, it would be necessary to take many millions from the tables, and this feat is never likely to be accomplished. When a table loses $1OO0O in night it is GUS tomary for the play to be stopped for the evening" So rarely is this amount won that the hero of the adventure finds him. self famous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
Excellent Record at AnnnpoIi.

My son Leighton, midshipman at the Naval academy at Annapolis, in his first year. is making excellent prog ress," said Sterling A. Wood
 "In the last letter I had from him he said he had just received demerit, the first in four months, because he left copy of The Age-Herald spread out on his table when he had finished read Ing it. Annapolis discipline is very strict, of course. There is place for everything. and it seems that after the young 'middy' had left off reading his paper he should have folded it up neatly and laid it away where it be- longed. I couldn't help smiling to think that The Age-Herald was the innocent cause of Leightons demerit mark. If he never does anything worse than leave his paper on the table he will come out with flying colors."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
UNCoNvENTIONALITIEs

I rom the Chicago Tribune.
 q know well enough I'm not lending you this money, Dinguss; I'm giving it to you"
 If you could drop in some time when you hadn'. so long to stay, MT. Phoodles. l should be glad to see you.'
 My only reason for indorsing your note. old chap. is that haven't anything the law can touch.'
 Keep on talking, Uncle Cyrus; I like to see yol make your teeth move up and Gown."
 q used 10 know your old grandfather. Hewlgus, and he was always poking his nose into ether peoples business. sams as you ars."
 q asked mamma ie she wouldn't like to nave you come and see us today, Mrs. Lupsome, and she said mo-"
 I've come to you, MT. Sharpe, because I can't afford to employ first class law- VI.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
HERoIsM AT NIAGARA.


 When a bridge of ice broke above ISi- agara Falls Sunday three people lost their lives. Of the victims two were q man and his wife and the other was a youth who lost his life by trying to save them. The attitude of both men while facing terrible death was superb. Both calmly and cooly made every effort to take advantage of the ropes that were let down 10 save them, but the cold had Oenumbed their hands and the current swept them away, the man and his wife on one foe. the youth on another. The man seemed unconscious of his own peril, but strove gallantly to wrap the icy end of rope around his wife's waist His stiffened fingers essayed the task in vain. Probably neither the man nor the boy had ever done anything in their lives before thas was extraordinary, but in this hour of supreme peril they showed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
PLEADS FOR SOUTHERN CANDIDATE

From the Washington Post
 Why should not the southern demo- eraey. after furnishing the food and fuel, doing the cooking and sitting in the kitchen for more than 40 years, have chance of view from the front porch?o asked F. D. Gold. Jr., of Raleigh, N. C., vice president and general manager of the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance company. at the Raleigh. "There is strong sentiment among the democrats of North Carolina as we'll as of other southern states. that after casting their votes for Al years for presidential can didates selected from the north and west, only one of whom has ever been elected, that 1t is about time the south had an opportunity to vote for a southern man.
 Tn Representative Underwood of Ala bams the south has a candidate who will command the respect and votes of the entire country. His record in Con- gfess and especially as democratic leader of the House, has proved that he is one of the ablest men in America.
 His public life has been devoted to the cause of tariff for revenue only, the only platform on which the democratic party has won since the civil war
 "There is a strong sentiment in the south for MT. Underwood, and especially since the -Harvey-Wa con- troversy, which has made people won der who is it and what 9it'' means. And with the southern delegation for him at Baltimore under the democratic two thirds rule, he can be nominated, and r.t. ,fs ola The slogan, the south for a southerner, will make MT. Underwood the next Presi- dent of the United States and do more to efface sectional lines and return the south to her rightful place in the na- tion than half century of following biindly with her solid vote for whenever the north or west happens to choose as a candidate for President
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
King Georges Homecoming

King George and Queen Mary sailed away on November II, bound for In dia and a historic durbar. Yester- day they landed at Potsmouth, where they were met by the royal children and large family and official gath ering.
 No doubt the trip of the King and Queen, both of whom are popular both at home and in India, will have excellent political effects. It will lead to more friendly understanding between the English people and the swarming millions of India. All are glad no fanatic in India made an at tack on the King while he was in h. dia, and now that he is safe at home all are glad he went.
 The chief event of his trip was the change of the capital from Calcutta, a port, to Delhi, city in the heart of India, Tar from the sea or any nav igable river. Lord Curzon does not hesitate to say the change of the cap ital was colossal blunder, because England's power in India is based on her control of the sea, and this would be felt at Calcutta while it will not be at Delhi. In other words, in a great uprising India might lose it's capital. , The ministry, however, thought other wise and Delhi was made the capital So long as the people of India accept English rule no harm will come from the change. England may have to keep more troops in India--more En- glish troops---for the railroad to Delhi must be kept open.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
MIR. uNDERwooD IN MISSISSIPPI

From the Mobile Register.
 Alabamans will appreciate the action of the Mississippi legislature in extending an invitation to MT. Underwood to ad- dress that body and particularly the fra ternal mention of Alabama by MT. Harvey of Clarke county. who proposed the in vitation. The two states are the children of Mississippi territory, have common origin, and a common history and the people are allied by ties of blood and personal interest. They have like in- terest in the success of Underwood. MT Harvey declares his belief that the time is now ripe for the south to present standard bearer; and for the south to demonstrate it's desire to meet the north lin the bright light of patriotism and shake hands forever"
 MT. Underwood is the south's particular representative. Other southern men who are mentioned for the presidency are not so regarded, as their lives have not been passed in the south and they are not regarded as typical of the south. In presenting MT. Underwood the south says,
 in effect, this is our man. If you of the north accept him, he will come with all that represents us, our past and our pres ent; and he will represent also our aspira- tions for the future. Accept him and you accept US.
 It is a great opportunity, and The Reg ister is glad to hear the words of the Mississippi patriot and give them hearty approval. Mississippi will do herself honor in honoring MT. Underwood with this in- vitation, and will also receive a benefit for her legislator will learn that listening to MT. Underwood is a liberal education in statesmanship.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
Advocates Commission Government

q believe that the commission form of government is as near the ideal as can be imgained," stated Walter Bras sell, commissioner of Montgomery, who spent yesterday in Birmingham.
 "Of course, the new system of govern ment will have to be adjusted. The rough edges will have to be knocked off. But all this can be accomplished by pa tience and persistent effort.
 "I was member of the board of all dermen of Montgomery, and know that the conditions now are better than then. do not believe that the people of Ala bama will ever take a backward step in this regard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
SEED CATALOGUES.

We like 10 see those lovely books,
 Wherein the cabbage seems Endowed with far more stately looks Than when in pot it steams, The while tomatoes are so large,
 And beets so perfect grown, We then ana there make 1t our charge Their perfect seed to own. No need to say what later haps,
 When we our gardens plant; But there are many peevish chaps
 Who doefully descant About the tricks of gulleful men
 Whose catalogues display Rare garden truck that ne'er II begin To see the light of day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
Transformation of China

In a strictly Chinese manner the vast country is being changed to re- public, and Yuan Shai Kai is the in tervening and moving force in the great change. The expectation is that the revolution will be effected without bloodshed or any popular convulsion. The entire procedure is strictly Chi nese and it would not be possible in any other country. There will be no massacre of Manchus, although the Manchu regime has no support what ever throughout the country. The troops loyal to Yuan Shi Kai are all that remain to the empire and the ancient rule. Abdication has been agreed upon, and the terms are rather favorable to the dynasty, that is with out popular support.
 The doom of the Manchu dynasty has long been sealed, and the incom- ing of republic led and officered by Chinese educated in Europe or this country has been inevitable from the first outbreak at Hankow in October last year.
 The fate of China is in the hands of the republicans, led by the astute and far seeing Dr. Sun Yat Sen, presi- dent of the republic of China. The United States has never .plundered China and now is the time when this country can help the new republic by
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
Pig Iron Production in 1911

The production in 1911 was 23,649,- 344 gross tons, loss of 13.3 per cent from 1910 when the largest production in the history of the country was ac- complished, namely, 27,29S,545 tons. The figures for 1911 are below those for 1910, 1909, 1907 and 1906.
 Production in this country did not cross the million line until 1864, the ten million line until 1898, the twenty million line in 1S95 It should cross the thirty million line within five years. 8
 The production of this district was 1,712,443 tons-an aggregate that was exceeded in 1910 and 1909. The production of 1910 was 1,939,147 tons. This annual output has never been exceeded. Twenty-two furnaces were in blast at the end of the year. Ala bama made more iron in 1911 than New York or Indiana. Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois outrank this state, leaving us in the fourth position.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
REFLECTIONS OF BACHELOR
n the NeM York Prese.

From the New York Press.
 The way a girl wants a fellow to kiss her is the way she won't let him.
 A place would have to be mighty st- tractive for women to be willing to live in it without gossip.
 What rakes a rich relative so popular with you is he isn't going to be when he leaves it to. somebody else. Tie most honorable family tree is the ere that supplies tke switches to heip bring up tha chi'dren ~ghf,.
 The frs tE 4a does every raornine is e msae 4ait ere is lot of firery disrlEle4 sl iIf s. windows the world over,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
Another Rich Beggnr

"There are other rich beggars,'' said a waiter at the Metropolitan Cafe, last night, after reading feature story in Sundays AgeHerald.
 There is one-legged man who comes to us every night for the purpose of exchanging his small money for bills. He takes in about S25 per day.
 ''He is clever in every respect. and hopes to retire as did William Clayton Cole. the hero of the story. Some years ago he contracted to pay 5000 for farm in Iowa. He has paid on that amount 5000.
 we could buy farms, ourselves, if we made s25 per day"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
MRS. NICKLEBY.

A syndicate writer describes Mrs. Nick leby as Dickens most ludicrous eharac- scter7 Had he said Mrs. Nickleby was the most tiresome character, without coubt that the novelist ever created, he would nave had tho indorsement of a great mary people. \ society formed of booklovers who have skipped the insuf- ierable monologues of Mrs. NiclIleby while reading Nicholas Nickleby' would, we believe, have large and enthusiastic membership.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

 That was grand idea Of Joe Webers and Lew Fields to get their old company together as nearly as possible, when they begin their reconciliation engagement here But there is such thing as carry lng realism too far. One day Weber was scanning the skirt department of the new show
 Where'o you get that grand old lady, Bill?' he asked of William Raymond Sill, pointing to one chorus girl who should nave been at home rocking her youngest erandchili to sleep. "A newspaper man asked me to place her. said Sill.
 What newspaper man?, asked Weber. Horace ly?n-Cincinnati Times- Star.
 ALAS NO
 The walters not
 The only one
 Who latters uz
 And gets our mum"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
FoRBEARANcE OF pERrcLEs

From Plutarch
 Once. after being reviled and i'll spok- en of all day long in his own hearing by some vile and abandoned fellow in the open market place, where he was en- gagged in the dispatch of some urgent affair. he continued his business in per feet silence, and in the evening returned home composedly, the man still dogging him at the heels, and pelting him all the way with abuse and foul language, and stepping into his house. it being by this time dark. he ordered one of his serv- ants to take a light and to go about with tho man end sec him safe home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
A CHANGE OF CARE.

A rather interesting little story comea from Memphis. Last year. while on toufs with a circus, clown entered a country church, where services were being heldl He was mistaken for an itinerant preach- er-not having his makeup on, of course and was escorted to the pulpit to preach. He delivered a sermon and since then has been studying to become Methodist preacher. Presupposing that he was des- perately in love with a bareback rider in the circus when he quite the sawdust ring or with one of the flying trapeza ladies, we have ample material for ro- nance or a play. PAUL COOK.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
About Persons

sam C. Jenkins of Bay Minette, who represents Baldwin county in the legis- lature. and is the oldest member, in point of service, of that organization, spent yesterday dn Birmingham on business.
 The Rev. Father Aloysius, o. s. B., of St. Bernard, who preached at high mass at St. Paul's Sunday, has returned to the abbey
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
LOOKS SISPICIOIIS.

From the Huntington Qnd.) Herald.
 Russell klepser and Miss Lucille Bailey were very fortunate in escaping serious Injuries Tuesday evening of last week They were returning home from surprise party given at Miss Hoovers when in some unaccountable way Mir. Klepser dropped his lines and they fell under the horses hoofs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
SOON ENDED.

Oh, let's be gay. From day to day,
 And take our leave of sorrow. This life's so brief, Iris pas belief
 That one would trouble borrow. So short, the time For feeling prime,
 Who'd spend 1t all in weeping? A song. q sigh, Then you and
 In darkness shall be sleepingl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
A TRIFLE VAGUE.

Do you take much interest in the ly, ceum course, Brother Biffurs?'
 ''Oh, yes. There is nothing I enjoy more than the quest of knowledge"
 When is the next lecture to be given?'s
 Next week, I believe don't remem- Der the date, but pr. Somebody or other is going to talk about the Ethics of Creek Drama or The Monolith in Art or something of that sort"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

violinist handled it as smoothly as q juggler with his shining balls.
 .sThe familiar 'cayatina, by Raff, and a convincing picture of schubert's Bee. completed her programme"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06
ENGINES OF ARCHIMEDES

lodged it from the bridge. So Marcellus. doubtful what counseE to pursue, drew off his ships to a safer distance and sounded retreat to his forces on land.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

The governor of New Jersey will ad- dress the Kentucky legislature on Fri day next. and Colonel Watterson will be unavoidably absent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

The Standard oil company is reported to be deep in politics in China. It is re- publican in republican districts and im- ,erialist in imperia,ist districts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-06

It has been suggested that the big league baseball teams train at Juarez where they could keep the nations inter ested and at peace.