davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
IN THE SIEGE OF vIcKsBuRG

L. McRae Bell, In Harpers Weekly.
 Our provisions were becoming scarce, and the Louisiana soldiers were eating rats as delicacy, while mules were occasionally being carved up to appease the appetite. Mother would not eat mule meat, but we children ate some, and it tasted right good, hay ing been cooked nicely. Wheat bread was a rarity, and sweet potato coffee was relished by the adults. One even ing 1t was currently reported that the enemy would open fire all around the lines early the next morning, and an officer had persuaded Miss Lightcap, a young lady friend and neighbor, who was in the cave with us. that they would be safer nearer the lines under the cover of the hills. Mother con scented to go, so up came the tent, large basket was quickly packed with the meager stock of provisions, and away we went across Glass Bayou bridge, climbing the hill on the other side of the bridge late in the evening, and traveling the road just behind our batteries, where all along were dug trenches for our soldiers to fight be- hind. This was very dangerous route by daylight, but under cover of night we felt safe The mortars were silent, resting, as all thought, for the next days work. When the command was given to stop, the tent was pitched in a kind of ravine near the lines. Sew eral tents were pitched there occupied by families living near by. Mother and Miss TLightcap spread down comforts, and we all huddled in the tent for sleep Just about daylight we were aroused by .he belching cannon, and before we could think where we were a cannon ball that had spent its force on the side of the hill came rolling into the tent. The young lady screamed as it rolled upon her. and in less time than it takes to tell 1t we were all up and out of the tent. Balls were whizzing, cannon booming from the rear, mortars replying in rapid succession from the front
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15

true. The tonnage here is four times greater than that of an entire cotton crop, and railroad managers are alert when tonnage is at stake. Atlanta has no iron, steel or coal and but little cotton.
 The Register may be sure that the tonnage of Birmingham will, when the canal is opened, be turned in good part to Mobile as the nearest and best port. Some of it will go by rail and some of it will be floated down the Warrior. The full plans of the Ten nessee company as to transportation to tidewater have not been unfolded. They may not be fully ripe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
GooD-BY

By Emerson. Good-by, proud world, I'm going home;
 Thou art not my friend, and I'm not
 thine
 Long through thy weary crowds I roanI;
 A river ark on the ocean brine; Long I've been toss'd like the driven
 foam,
 But now, proud world. I'm going homo Good-by to flatterys fawning face, To grandeur with his wise grmace, To upstart wealths averted eye, q To supple office, low and high To crowded halls, to court and street, To frozen hearts and hasting feet, To those who go, and those who come Good-by, proud world, I'm going home. I am going to my own hearthstone. Bosomed in yon green hills alone A secret nook in a pleasant land. Whose groves the frolic fairies planned; Where arches green. the livelong day, Echo the blackbird's rounde1ay. And vulgar feet have never trod- A spot that is sacred to thought and God. Oh. when I am safe in my sylvan home. I tread on the pride of Greece and Rome, And when I'm stretched beneath the pines, Where the evening star so holy shines. laugh at the lore and pride of man. At the sophist schools and the learned
 clan;
 For what are they all. in their high con.
 ceit
 When man in the bush with God ma,
 meet?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
VALUE OF ADVERTISING MEDIUMS


 Ar important fact for business men to consider is that an advertisement profits to an appreciable degree from the author ity and reputation of the newspaper in which it is printed. And this apart from the mere matter of circulation. The news paper of high reputation always reaches people of financial responsibility.-Hera
 The immediate provocation for these and other remarks on the value of advertis- ing was the success of the auctions of Van Cortlandt estate, largely due to the publicity given to the sale for weeks be- fore the hammer began to fall. This suc- cess, which was almost sensational, was the result of judicious and generous ex- penditures in which what the Herald calls the authority and reputation of the news papers chosen were taken into account. Not otherwise could it have been attained. l. is trusm to say that it pays to ad- vertise, but the choice of worthless medium Is more than a mere waste of money. That rather hurts than helps.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
wALTzING MICE OF JAPAN

From Harper's Weekly.
 Perhaps the most surious of all the strange pets the Japanese affect is d species of mouse that waltzes through the greater part of the waking hours of its life. It is said never to tire
 The Japanese waltzing mouse is black and white and has pink eyes. Just about the time when other species of mice are beginning to learn to walk this curious rodent commences to waltz.
 If several of the dancing mice are put into cage they will sometimes waltz in couples and sometimes more than two will join in a mad whirl. So rapid, it is said. are their gyrations that it is fre- ouentiy impossible to tell their heads from their tails. When the floor of the cage is not smooth, so it is averred, the mice actually wear out their feet.
 Japanese declare that waltzing is as necessary to the welfare of the dancing mouse as midair somersaults are to the tumbling pigeon. There is provided an upright peg, which forms convenient pivot around which the mice can whirl Without such a guide the mice would not cover an area larger than dinner plate in several minutes. They easily spin under a large drinking glass.
 The true cause of the waltzing is de- fective condition of the inner ear, which governs the equilibrium. It is associated with albinism-hence the pink eyes,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
SPEAKS FOR MIR. UNDERWOOD
the Washington Post.

From the Washington Post.
 T have just come from Charlottes- vile, Va, where I attended the we'd ding of my son." said Col. Richard ". Taylor of Mobile, vice president of the Mobile and Ohio railroad, at the Ral- eigh. After a few weeks spent in this country, my son will take his bride to China, to join another son, who Is do- ing missionary work among the na- tives of that country. I have one son, Adrian. who is head of the missionary college at Yangchow. He has spent seven years in China, and my younger son is now going to follow in his foot steps and take charge of one of the missionary stations in the. territory of the latest republic.
 We natives of Alabama" added Mir. Taylor, are all working as hard as we can for the nomination of Oscar Un- derwood for President. We, believe that he has a good chance, and we feel con- fident enough that if he is selected as the standard bearer of his party in the Baltimore convention. he will beat any republican who may be named to run against him. Mir Underwood, through his long experience in Con- gress. is eminently fitted to preside over the destinies of the nation. In my opinion he is the strongest can didate yet mentioned for the place on the democratic ticket. His nomination would mean that he would carry New
 York and other eastern states without the shadow of a doubt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Another Tribute to Birmingham

Birmingham" says the Mobile Register, lis distined to be the rail road distributing point for the south. Atlanta has held that position un- questioned for many years; but, in view of the fact that Birmingham s railroad tonnage is larger than that of any other southern city, the tendency naturally is toward the centralizing of the business there. Some time ago, the general southeastern offices of the Southern railway and the Union Pacific Railroad company were moved from Atlanta to Birmingham; and now comes the announcement that the Southern general office of the Wabash also is to be moved to the same city All indicates that Birmingham, al- ready the largest railway city in the south. is to be as one railroad man says, the great city of the future south.'"
 This is very kind. and also very
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Senator Bourne's Parcel Post Bill

oendtOT DOurHe fdfCel TOsL Dlli
 Senator Bourne's bill providing for general parcels posts is widely dis cussed and public sentiment plainly favors its adoption. It is zone bill. Six zones would be established. The first would have a radial distance of 50 miles from the point of mailing; the zones would include the area lying between 50 and 200 miles; the third, that between 200 and 5000 miles; the fourth, that between 5000 and 1000 miles; the fifth, that between 1000 and 2000 miles, and the sixth, dis tances beyond 2O00 miles. The rate for delivery within the first zone is 5 cents for the first pound or frac- ton of a pound; 2 cents for each additional pound or fraction of a pound. The rates would increase for each additional zone, until in the sixth they reach miximum of 12 cents a pound, the rate now charged ins the international parcels post. The rate on the consolidated third and fourth class mail matter is fixed at 1 cent an ounce for not more than four ounces. Distinctive parcels post stamps will be provided.
 The rate for articles carried in the rural route and city carrier service would be cents for the first pound and 1 cent for each additional pound or fraction of pound. The rate limit would be raised to II pounds in all cases.
 The friends of a general parcels post hope to see the Bourne bill passed before the long session ad- journs, and all friends of the measure are urged to bring to bear all possi- ble influence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
ALEXANDER AND DIoGENEs

From Plutarchs Life of Alexander.
 Many statesmen and philosophers came to congratulate him on the occasion. and he hoped that Diogenes of Sinope. who then lived at Corinth, would be of the number. Finding. however, that he made but little account of Alexander and that he preferred the enjoyment of his leisure in a part of the suburbs called Cranium he went to see him. Diogenes happened to be lying in the sun. and at the ap- proach of so many people he raised him self up a little and fixed his eyes upon Alexander The king addressed him in an obliging manner and asked him if there was anything he could serve him in.
 .only stand little out of my sum- shine said Diogenes. Alexander. we are told, was struck with much surprise
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
WONDERS OF SURGERY

From the Chicago Tribune.
 Surgery has taken another advance step at the John Hopkins hospital, where recently three patients suffering from tuberculosis of the knee have been cured after the infected joints were cut away and substituted by the same parts of body of a patient in normal health who died from an &C., cident a few hours before. Surgeons in Germany have also found the oper- alton successful and have succeeded in putting back in place finger Which had been cut off by machine, and, after treatment the finger grew agR'n normally. Advanced surgeons are now trying to find a way to remove from the body lungs affected with tuber- culosis and to put in their place good lungs taken from tho body of patient who had no such infection but who died from some other disease or from accident In an operation of this character the surgeons have already found that one infected lung could be entirely removed without causing the death of the patient, but prolonging life, even though the other lung was slightly infected.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
For Music Teachers

T read with interest the remarks which an educator made in a Hotel Lobby 1 interview about the higher standards of | education, and especially musical educa- | tion.' said member of Birmingham's musical set.
 | Tt used to be that the person who played and sang with some degree of style was considered musician, but now no one should be entitled to be called a musician who is not we'll grounded in tine theory of music. Keal musicians are not only good sight readers, but they un- derstand the grammar of musician analyze chords and tell in what key a composition Is written let 1t Is surpris- ing to find even In this day of enlight- enment and educational opportunities many popular teachers who are lacking in fundamental Knowledge; lacking al- together in what Is called musical theory.
 T heard only recently a young lady play one of Mendelssohn's songs without words. I asked her what key it was in She said she didn't know. The time will soon come when amateurs, who have studied music seriously as well as teach CTS, will be good musical grammarians.
 'In this connection I am glad to know that Mr. Philip Memoli, who recently returned from Italy is giving a normal summer course in harmony and theory. Mir. Memoli not only possesses natural talent for music but he has studied three years fin Italy. Before I went abroad. Mir. Memoli said to me, I had been trying to study harmony in books without the aid of teacher, but the books I had were antiquated, and found it difficult to understand what the author was trying to explain. In Italy I studied music according to the most modern methods. Musical pedagogy is a great science In Italy and I came in close touch with 1t during my three years stay there. The Italians, as well as the Germans, insist now more than ever on the thoroughness of pedagogics. Instead of music being dry from the modern ped agogical point of view it is extremely interesting"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Large Marching Hands

Everyone who enjoys the music of brass and reed bands. and most everybody does, cannot fail to notice the larger size marching bands now, compared with the size 20 or 25 years ago." said an old cit- izen.
 With the exception of the United States Marine band. stationed in Wash- ington, D. O.. and few in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, bands seldom had more than 20 pieces.
 ''In the smaller cities a band of II pieces was considered quite pretentious. Now since the standard of marching bands has been raised there is scarcely a city of 10000 population that has not a first class band of 25 to 30 pieces.
 T am glad the Underwood Marching club is to take Nappi's band of 25 men to Baltimore. Since the chances are strongly in Mir. Underwoods favor as the democratic nominee. Birmingham must put it's best foot forward It costs a good deal of money. of course. to em- ploy band of 25 men for 10 days, but a number of marching clubs will have bands of even 40 or 50 men, Nappi's or ganization will compare with the best of the bands in Baltimore. It is a crack band in fact, and will be sure to be fa- vorably commented upon in the conven- tfon cftv
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Under the PIatt Amendment

Warships have been sent to Guan- tanamo, marines have been landed in Cuba, and an expeditionary force is being mobilized. All this is being done under and by virtue of what is known as the Platt amendment which is now part of the Cuban constitution. This amendment is as follows: "The gov ernment of Cuba consents that the United States may exercise the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuban independence, the maintenance of government adequate for the pro- lection of life, property, and individu- al liberty, and for discharging the ob- ligations with respect to Cuba inn posed by the treaty of Paris on the United States, now to be assumed and undertaken by the government of Cuba"
 Some say that the Presidents pow CT to act is authorized by this clause, while others say Congress must first act. This is not, however, an issue at present, for Congress and the Pres ident will doubtless act tremendously under the Platt amendment.
 President Palma was driven out of office by revolution, and President Gomez bids fair to go in like manner. A revolution seems to go with every presidential election in Cuba. Sena- tor Nelson says the sugar plantations and interests are conspiring to bring about annexation, and he may be right. Millions of American money are invested in Cuba, and it's owners may desire annexation, and it may be they are financing the new revolution. The Platt amendment will in any event control the action of this gov ernment, and Congress and the Pres ident will act together when the prop CT moment for action arrives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Far-Fetched Reasons


 The New York Worlds editorial of recent date, in which an effort was made to boost Woodrow Wilson and disparage the presidential candidacy of Oscar Underwood, was far-fetched indeed" said an old democrat.
 q am not familiar with the person. mel of the World staff, but it is evil dent that there are several editorial writers. and that these editors do not confer and keep in touch with each other, for that article in question con- tained some glaring inconsistencies and 1t showed moreover lack of infor- nation. But as the Daily Record of Columbia. S. C.. says: It is an unfor- tunate, though invariable, symptom of Wilsonomania that when 1t comes in at the door logic flies out at the win dow
 According to the Worlds recent ar ticle, MT. Underwood's leadership in the House of Representatives has been wise. firm and true.' He has inspired confidence in his party but the World in order to magnify its own candidate speaks of MT. Underwood as being ae- cused of undue conservatism, and be- ing rather too young In conspicuous service Now the fact is Woodrow Will son, no matter what may be said in his favor is an untried man in large poli- tics. In his brief political career he has contradlcted himself time and again. He Is doubtless an able teacher, and there is no question about his bril- liant style as an author, but In the political world the doctrinaire is at a sorry disadvantage.
 'The Columbia Daily Record reminds the World that before it climbed into the Wilson band wagon it had this to say about Mir. Underwood:
 MT Bryan pretends that Oscal w. Underwood is not progressive, but Os- car Underwood is the real leader of the democratic House of Representatives and it's progressive record is his rec ord It happens that Harmon and Un- derwood areAthe sturdiest and most in dependent of all the democratic aspi- rants; so MT. Bryan has assailed them first When he has killed them off it will be easy for him to find that he has been deceived in Clark and Wilson When Columbia university conferred upon Mir. Underwood the degree of doc tor of laws the World commented as follows:
 "'He came to his present position al time when his party for many years had been untried in the duty or direct ing the labors of either branch of the national legislature, and as spokesman and leader of the House majority he has acquitted himself with signal sue cess and distinction. It is fitting thai a leading university should take oc- casion to honor Representative Under woods services as being more than those of a party man and political
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Did Not Gain Peoples Good Will

~~- @hOh SA1Ah IOPiC NOOu w WlIl
 The walters strike in New York misearried. True, slight increases in wages were granted by the managers of hotels and restaurants, but all of them refused to recognize the wait CTS union, and the strike was there fore a failure.
 The walters ignored the convenience of the general public. They could not, or at least did not, appeal to public sentiment. They inflicted hardships on the public, and public support was not accorded them. The walters saw how things were going, and they ac- cepted the terms offered and went back to their tasks.
 Few strikes indeed fucceed when the strikers cannot win the sympathy of the public. Their wages and hours may not be satisfactory. They may have just grounds of complaint. The walters pursued a policy that lost them public support, and they were glad to go back to work on practically the old basis.
 The moral is: In strike stand in with the general public. Don't an- tagonize the people. The walters did this, and the failure that overlook them may justly be attributed to their own unwise course. 3wff 1"H'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Concerning New Water Rates

"The Birmingham =Waterworks com pany, in order to meet the popular de- mand for lower water rates, made de- cided concessions under its old con- tract with the city. which has yet nine years to run said a water taker who has complained of the cost of water.
 Tho city commission has secured a material reduction in flat rates and in bydrant rates. Instead of a new con- tract, as an article in The Age-Herald made 1t appear. 1t is, strictly speaking. modification. I am pleased with the proposed arrangement and I suppose that water takers, generally, appre- ciate the companys concessions.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
BRAZIL HAS OLDEST CITY

From the Chicago Inter Ocean.
 St. Augustine, Fla, will have to take back seat as the oldest city, accord ing to Dr. Jacob Frank, former presi- dent of the Chicago Surgical society who declared in a lecture that Bahia, Brazil was the oldest city on the western hemisphere. Doctor Frank, who recently returned from a tour of South America, lectured to the Mis- sionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and patients of the Columbus hospital.
 T investigated the records of Bahia thoroughly" said Dr. Frank. "and l find that city to have been founded in 1549, 35 years before St. Augustine. This makes it the oldest city on the hemisphere"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Should Avoid Reckless Action

The split, or at least the deep and bitter friction, in the republican party does not invite changes that have stood the test of time in the demo- cratic party. Both the two-t thirds rule and the unit rule have stood un- touched since 1885, when Van Buren was nominated for President at Balti- more. His election followed in Mo- vember.
 The republicans hope the democrats will nominate weak candidate. They are anticipating a blunder that will restore them to favor. They are we'll nigh disheartened now, and they will remain disheartened if the dem ocrats make a strong and popular nomination at Baltimore. The old rules that have stood all tests nearly 80 years should be maintained this year. In 1916 all may be changed by a resort to primary methods, but no change in the old rules is needed this year.
 The platform will surely make the revision downward of the tariff and the revision, therefore, downward of the cost of living, and the control and regulation of the trusts, the chief issues of the campaign, and Oscar Underwood, standing on such a plat form, would be an ideal candidate.