davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
The City of Birmingham Likened Unto An Automobile, Sometime It Will
 Run and Sometime It Will Not

MT W. O. Broyles calls his automobile "Birmingham, and upon being asked his reason for using such an opprobrious name, he explained: 'The tires are like the police department, they carry the load. receive the toughest treatment and get nothing but air, or s2. 90 day, which is about the same thing. The grease hole b like the tax collectors office, you have got to pour in the proper amount of oil or the thing won't run.
 There are a lot of wires representing each department, too numerous to men, ton, but there are three big wires, one running from the magneto one from the battery and one from the timer. l call these commissioners. In fact l have every piece of the mechanism named after city department except the water hole where I pour in water and alcohol.
 l took a trip the other day. and in going the old machine did very we'll Soon after starting back 1 had q puncture about like policeman gets punctured trying to arrest criminal. He fattens out and is no more l went along q little further and had another puncture. so l decided that if the city could run on half police force, so could ], and l took two tires off and ran on the rims, and a little fur ther on the thing stopped and just would not run at all. l raised the hood and began to study the cause just about in the same manner that the public studies the working of the city government. knew the trouble could not be with the oil hole, for that was sufficiently filled, and I knew that it could not be frozen up because there was plenty of alcohol in the hole. Then l began to test for wire trouble 1 found one of my commission CT wires live and sparkling all the time, just about like one commissioner who Is always sparkling when the peoples rights need protecting against corporation greed. The other two commissioner wires seemed to be sick and only sparked occasionally. So I decided that if the city could run with one live commissioner, the old ma chine could do likewise, so I gave my two dead commissioner wires a French lick" md sent them off for their health. so 1 had very good return trip with one commissioner and half police force.
 A man said to me the other day Why don't you tell the people what you are after It's hardly probable that you would spend so much money counting the trade of an underpad set of men like the policemen, and many think you are want ing something at the hands of the city" In this they are badly mistaken. A man who can sell and give away much furn- iture as I can doesn't need any city posi- tion The truth of the matter is, when I vas little boy on the farm circus came to our town and brother and were very anxious to go. and having no money our i. only yeisaaee was 10, get a. dozen eggs a piece, the price of which would secure half tickets into the show We hunted the place over. gathered up all the nest aggs and were in town bright and early,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

walking up one street and down the other hollowing eggs. When il looked like we were not going to be able to sell them at all a lady hollowed to me from across the street: Come over here, sonny want a setting of eggs" My conscience hurt me, and 1 told her my eggs would not do for setting, that they had already been set on, that they were only suitable Tor boarding houses. She knew how anx- ious l was to see the show, rewarded me for my honesty by giving me 30 cents Il divided with brother and we went to the show. Getting there late we were unable to see anything, but finally we located two vacant seats high up and l assisted brother up thinking he would pull me ID afterward, but when he got up he forgot me. and did not get to see the show then and there made my mind up that would always help people that help me.
 don't care any more for the police men as whole than 1 do for any other class of working people, but it appears to me that no class or set of men are more oppressed or imposed upon than these faithful men.
 read in the papers where the police men would be paid for time lost in sick ness. also for back lost time. AS tas- payer l protest against this No success fully mana ged corporations ever pay for time not made. It sets a bad precedent
 Policemen. like other workmen. should receive salary sufficient to maintain them with an occasional dollar for rainy day. The policemen must have more money, and they are going to get it. Lik- ing the situation into the proverbial boy m the apple tree. 1 will first use persua sion to bring him down. then I will throw grass al him and lastly stones ] would regret having to resort to stones in this case, Tor we are entering into an era of unprecedented prosperity and all labor agitation is to be deplored.
 Thousands of the best citizens in this town stand ready to assist in this cause both morally and financially. I have com municatons from labor leaders and others high in the councils of the working men, proposing to hold d mass meeting and suggesting that 510O working men, taxpayers and supporters of the city gov ernment, assemble and march to the city
 hall and there plead the cause of under
 paid workmen.
 It is to be hoped that a great city like | this will not stand for such drastic ac- ton. Recently I noticed communica ton 1 in the papers from one of the city's dis connected wires, in which he urged that | five commissioners be appointed-one real l live commissioner and four associates. the | and to be required only to work one hour | a day. which would be about q an hour Now an associate commissioner at s7 an hour and policeman at N.50 day don't sound good to me. "Rock-a-bye police men. Don't you cry; You'll get a raise, Yes, by and by" w. o. BROYLES.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
Getting at the Facts

From the Macon. Mo. Republican. In a criminal case tried in the shelby county circuit court this week Lydia Hughes, a pretty sixteen-year-old girl of Clarence, was put on by the state to contradict the defendant. Alison Hutton, who had testified he was not in Clar- ence on a certain evening in June. The cross examination of Miss Lydia by the defendants attorney J. D. Dale, brought out the following sensational" informa- ton.
 Q.-Who was with you that night? Aim Jones.
 Q.-You went to the ice cream sup per?
 A-Yes, sir.
 Q.=Where was 1t held2
 A.-In the park, the west side. Q.-Who else was there beside you and Jim Jones'
 Al saw Bob Oliver and his girl. and Frank Oliver and his grl-there was quite d good many
 Q.-Where was Hutton and Miss Kate when you saw them?
 An front of the Harris bakery. Q.-Then you didn't see them at the ice eeram supper?
 A.-Yes, sir.
 Q.-1 thought you said they were at the Harris bakery.
 Al said they were in front.
 Q.-Who was Hutton with?
 Ale was with Katie.
 Q.-Were you all together?
 A.-Yes. sir
 Q.-What time was it2
 A.-About eight o'clock.
 Q.-Night or day?
 A.-Night
 Q.-How do you know 1t was Satur- day night?
 A Because they had band concert that night
 Q.-Do they have a band concert every Saturday night?
 A-Yes, sir.
 Q-Did you eat lee cream?
 A-Yes sir
 Q-Who sat by you? A-1im Jones
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
Farm Wagon Funeral

Ffom tne PaII MdII TaleIlt.
 The Essex squire who has been car ried to his burial in a farm wagon drawn by farm wagon team perpet- uates custom which still exists in other families and in other countries and is of very ancient origin
 It typifes the intimate connection that used to exist between the land lord of the soil and the tenants. The wagon Is not usually made funereal nor is the team put Into mourning. The wa goner walks with a bit of crepe on his whip and black armlet to his smock, that Is all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

grade in school in fifteen minutes You buy yonr evening papers on the corner from some of these little boys
 See if you can recognize the little fel- low who loves "hickernuts;n the little girl who saw the "pige" run in the rab- bit hole, and the youngster who ran under the house to escape 'whippen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Bowden Daniel Am 10 years old. I go to the Powell school. One time l tried to play the toothake on my mother when she wanted me to go to the store. She said you can go to the Docter and have your tooth pooled and have two filed. 1 said l go to the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is George Nealeane. I am g years old. I go to the Powell school One time when l was about years old My Father had a stick of candy. and I had a piece of apple. But I would not give him any. l did not know that he had some candy. and he said I have some candy, and he would not give me any, and I cried and cried, but he would not give me any
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Marguerite Watson. I am years old. go to the Powell school. One time when l was baby mamma ear- red me to see grandma. I was on the train. l was sitting by the window and I was playing with mamas pocketboolx which had 20 dollars in it. l threw It out the window. l was tired of 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name Is Louise Simmons. I am \ years old. I go to the Powell School One time when | was years old was going to help mother wash dishes. 1 got the soap and rag. We had some ice cream and l put the soap and rag in the ice cream instead of the water. l did not know any better. I put my hand in 1t and il was cold. l went to crying. Mother ask me what was the matter 1 told her that put my hand in the water and il was cold and l din't want to help her wash dishes She said she din't gues l did want to help her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is W. l.. Pointer I am 10 years old. l go to the Powell school. One time l went into the wood and l caught rabbit Its tale was cut of at the end My dog was with me. I turn the rabbit aloose and saw the dog run after the rabbit The dog caught the rabbit and carried him home. Then I went home to see if he was thire. He was. in yard. took the rabbit a way from him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is George Ed Harwei I am years old. 1 go to the Powell School. One time when I lived in Mobile, my sister went to sunday school had a orish male and rode to sunday school after her Ne had rabbits for dinner. When the time came for Sunday school to let out. she came out the back door and l waited for her out the front door. And I was still waiting. And she was home Papa whipped me when 1 got home. He said | ought not have any rabbits for dinner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
THE AGE HERALD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8. 1912

years old. I go to the Powell School One time I had teady bear and my cousin took it home and mother save 1t to her because I threw il around all the time And l eride and a bout this tune gass it is tore up. Sunday | had aore fun in the open field. We jumped ever the weads and ate hawes and We had nice time and we playe .pnnehin weads at each other.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

Take Your Pick ToWne-Have you any late trains out to Lonelyville? Subbubs-Sure. All our trains arc late.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Theodore Richards. I am years old. l go to the Powell school One time when I was in Anniston my uncle let me ride his horse. I was about ' years old. His horse was named Dandy. He was a bay horse I liked 10 ride him. He was not a wild horse 1 would ride him all the morning. 1 would play base ball and foot ball in the even ing. l liked to play base ball and foot ball.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

Ny name is Aubrey Lee Pointer. I am
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Rosa Dank. I am g years old. l go to Powell School. one time | saw pige running l flowed the pige. saw him run in a hole. and 1 watch It, it ran the other way l ran after il. | fell in dark place it Was rabet hole. | crepte on till 1 cam to tree. 1 was so tired till fell sleep.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
TRUE STORIES
 BY CHILDREN

My name is Julia Hurt am II years old 1 go to the Powell school. One time when l Was 1 years old my papa bought me big doll and 1 dropped it in the well and l crde until my papa said if l would hush crying he would by me an- other So he did and Christmas was nearly here and we had big Christmas tree and had dolls then. I have little sisters and l brother and and Spe. makes and myself makes 6. So there are in our family. We are going to have another Christmas tree this year if nothing happens.
 My name is Morgan Baker. I am 3 years old. l go to the Powell school. One time l ran off up to some children house and stayed all day Just before night, I saw Muttie coming up the hill. The hill was so steep that Muttie could not climb it without a prop. so she got a huge stick for a prop. When I aaw her coming with that stck I logan to cry. She was not going to lick me with that stick, but when I got home 1 cot il.
 My name is Willie. am 10 years old. go to the Powell school. One time 1 went to the contry and fond some hieker- nuts and set down and eat them all day sunday. And l brought some back with me and set down and etc them to. l have got some at home now. l sure do love hiekernuts. I went out hunting and kill a bird rabit and cooked them l sure do love rabbit and l like to hunt now.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Charles Henry l am Il years old. 1 go to the Powell school. One time I went to the Martin sehool and we had picnic and We spreded our lunch. l ate and l ate until l could eat no more. When l went home that even ing I was half six. Then the next morn- ing | was so sick I did not go to school
 had a good time. l don't care.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Jodie Moody. I am Il years old. I go to the Powell school. One time when l was about years old my mother had some cows. One day We were have ing a well put in and the mule was by the fencey. I picked up a tencan and began milking the mule and he kicked me and I like to have died.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

My name is Powell Nunnelley. I am years old l go to the Powell school. One time after l had gone to bed l dreamed it that l fell in the river and when ] woke up the next morning l was so scared that 1 fell out of bed.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
SEWER BUILDING.

The new twenty-four inch sewer now
building on Causey Avenue, in South
Milford, is progressing under the great
est difficulties, by reason of the very
bad condition of the land through which
it is being laid. The workmen find not
only quick sands but live springs of
water bubbling up from the bottom, at
a depth of five feet. This sewer will
drain all that part of the town between
the railroad station and the town limits
as far as the property of Seward Simp-
son on the Georgetown Road, and that
part of town as far as the Shawnee
Road; one of the largest storm water
drainage sheds of the town. The bad
digging should cease after the sewer is
laid about two hundred feet further than
it now is, and when this sewer is built
out Lake View Avenue, where the most
costly residence section now is building
up, the dangerous practice of running
sewage into the Lake will be stopped at
once for the safety of the health of the
entire town.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
SNEAK Thieves BUSY
WORKING IN THIS TOWN

Sneak thieves played their part in the
business section last Monday evening,
when several small robberies were re-
ported. On that evening several per-
sons who had purchased Christmas
things in Milford were robbed Of them
as they left town. Most of the bun
dies were taken from the backs of car
riages as they were going from town.
One lady came here and purchased a
large amount of candies, fruits. and
other Christmas eatables, placed them
in her carriage and started for home.
Upon arriving there she found to her
sorrow that the whole of her purchases
had been stolen. The person who took
these things was seen by another person
who. while he does not know their
names, he can absolutely identify them
This lady has placed an advertisement
in the Chronicle, warning them that un-
less they return the candies, or pay for
them, trouble will ensue. The guilty
person has been pointed out to the
authorities.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
new CENTURY CLUB.

The regular meeting of the Milford
New Century Club was held Monday,
December 22nd, Mrs. J. Lynn Pratt,
presiding: Considering the nearness to
Christmas, the meeting was very well
attended.
The report of the bazaar was given
by the Treasurer of Bazaar, Mrs. S. c..
Evans, and the members were pleased
to hear that the net proceeds We're over
$50, and that there are still several
pretty articles from Japan to be sold
by the committee The club room is
still decorated with the pretty Japanese
hangings. Evergreens and lattice work
with roses and vines inter- -twined, as it
was for the bazaar nights, and given a
most festive and holiday appearance.
The ladies will hold a reception on Wed
nesday evening, January 1st, from to
10. Every member may bring a gen
tleman or out-Of-town guest. The re-
ception committee is planning to make
this reception a very enjoyable affair
and every member is asked to attend.
Next week will be Literature. Mrs.
S. j. Abbott, Chairman.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
PRAISES The PENINSULA

George D. Truitt, of the Caulk Manu-
featuring Company, Milford, Delaware,
visited Wilmington last Saturday on his
way from Boston to his home in Milford.
Mr. Truitt called on several of the Will
mington business men of his acquaint-
ance including officials of the Chamber
of Commerce. Mr.. Truitt has Travelled
extensively throughout the country and
when asked regarding the best sections
he has seen, he said: There is no bet
ter part of the county than the Delaware
and Maryland Peninsula. That country
between the two bays is unexcelled for
agriculture and horticulture. English
walnuts, which are very profitable, can
be grown just as well on the Peninsula
as in California Publicity is what the
Peninsula needs to bring farmers from
less favored parts of the country. The
more travel the more l am convinced
there is no better farming district than
the State of Delaware.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
IMPROVEMENTS NEARLY DONE.

The work of making the long needed
improvements at the Milford depot has
progressed to the point where it is now
plain to be seen that the work will af-
ford the travelling public the much
needed conveniences that the travel to
and from a town the size of Milford is
entitled to. The new sheds over the
platforms at the north and south ends
Of the station, the widened platform
and great extension in its length, the
new concrete floors in the depot itself,
the new concrete walks to the depot,
the new drainage system and the new
lavatories and toilets, all combine for
the comfort of the travelling public.
Last week three carloads of blocks for
paving the platform arrived and the
work will go on now rapidly as the
weather will permit.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
RURAL MAIL CARRIER HURT.

Last Saturday as J. j. Foulk, who
drives one of the rural delivery routes
running from Milford, was leaving Mil
ford for the daily delivery, the horse he
was driving commenced to kick vic
iously, and one foot struck the glass
front to the wagon, which shattered
the glass and one piece struck him in
the eye. He bound up his head and
continued the delivery, but the pain
grew more severe all the time, and
when he arrived back in Milford, a ply
sician examined the Injured optic, when
it was found that the iris had been cut
and that the injury would cause him
several days carefulness; an unwelcome
Christmas present to him.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
PASSED EXAMINATION.

James H. Salevan, son of Mr. and
Mrs. James Frank Salevan VINO reside on
their farm just north of Milford, received
notice from the post Office department
of the United States on Christmas
Day that he had successfully passed
an examination for postal railway clerk.
Mr.. Salevan took the examination last
May at Wilmington. and had about
he stood sixth out of a total of eighty
Delaware. He is now attending Della
ware College, where he is taking an
Electrical Enginee. irg Course. He has
not decided whether he Will RYE up his
college course or not if he receives an
appointment to the Railway Clerkship /
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
There IS 100000 in
The STATE TREASURY

When the Legislature convenes at its
regular session on January 7th, the
members will find the finances Of the
State in an excellent condition and that
the record made by the StateSalong this
line during the past years is one that a
State much larger and of many more
resources might well be proud.
There will be no necessity of borrow
ing to meet current expenses.
A brief resume of the finances for
the past four years under the Republi-
can administration show facts that are
very surprising and gratifying to the
citizens. There was, at the beginning
Of this period, in the General Fund OF
the State about $136, 900. During the
time, the State has built and furnished
New State House at the cost of over
500, 600, erected a State Armorv at
Dover at a cost of S15,U00 and also pur-
chased good, interest bearing bonds, to
be held against outstanding indebted
mess, to the amount of over $50, 000.
All us has been done out of the bal
ance Oh hand, and the receipts during
that time, in addition to paying all cur
rent expenses during the four years.
As the approximate balance that will
be on hand at the end of the present
year, will be 800, 600, it will be seen
that Delaware has, during this time,
made net gain of about $12O,0O0 In
considering this, it should also be borne
in mind that the appropriations for pur-
poses beneficial to the people of this
State have been regularly increased as
needed.
The fact that more than 5000, 900 ex-
elusive of the School Fund is spent by
the State Government on Education
alone, to say nothing of the amounts
spent on other institutions and purposes
of public interest, such as preservation
of health, agriculture, hospitals, etc,
should be matter of pride to all true
Delawareans.
In addition to these figures regarding
the General Fund of the State, there
has been established a Sinking Fund
for the purpose of liquidating the pub
lie debt, and the growth and investment
of this Fund has been at such rate as
to almost cover outstanding bonds at
the time of their maturity without any
refunding issues.
The most direct Indication of the
States healthy financial condition is
the fact that Delaware has assets in
excess of all liabilities of more than
81, 900, 900. These figuses are all the
more remarkable when it is remem-
bered that all this has been accom-
plished without State Tax on property
Of any description.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
CHILDREN MADE HAPPY.

The Superintendent of the Presbyter-
ian Church Sunday School, James B.
Gilchrist, arranged special treat for
the juvenile class of that school, for
last Sunday afternoon. He presented
to the teachers a large Christmas Tree,
and many presents for the little folks,
which they arranged and on Sunday
afternoon last all We're invited espec-
tally to be present and receive their
presents, which were handed out to the
happy youngsters by the Superinten-
dent and the teachers. 1t was happy
day indeed for those who gave as well
as for those who received.
Milford chronicle., 1912-12-27
CONDENSED news ITEMS
Paragraphs of Local Nature
for Rapid Readers
1t was a white Christmas after all.

1t was a white Christmas after all.
Snow and sleighing for Christmas
was Milford ) weather.
The children in South Milford are
having whooping cough to contend with
for the holiday troubles. Several cases
have been resorted.
The regula{ monthly meeting of the
Ladies Aid SoIety of the Avenue Church
will be held dt the home of Mrs. Mark
L. Davis, Jahuary Ist, 1913.
There was a large attendance at all
the churches on Sunday last in Milford.
The Presbyterian Church was reopened
after having been refurnished with d
handsome carpet and other things.
Everyone should come to the card
party, which the Alumni Association
will give on Monday evening, Decem-
ber Both, in the New Century Club
rooms. Admission 25 cents.