davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
YEARS GREATEST POEM

From the Nashville Tennessean. w. Stanley Braithwaite is authority for the statement that poetry is taking a firn.- CT hold on the American people, and in recent issue of the Boston Transcript magazines which he regarded as highly creditable..
 To Florence Earle Coates MT. Braith- waite awards the honor of having written the most remarkable poem of the year, 'erhe Unconquered Air" which appeare.! in Harpers.
 Going Home," E. Sewel Hill-century.
 The old Knights Vigil" Alfred Noyes-- Century.
 "The Beloved-the Beautiful" Edith NJ. Thomas-Century.
 Song Louis V. Ledoux-Century.
 Chavez Mildred McNeal Sweeney Century
 His Face" Florence Earle Coates Harper's.
 lover the city-Night." Fannie stearns Davis-Harper's.
 "Foors Paradise" Edith NJ. Thomas Harper's. 4Nllilds iNtIlHSll iNOuA-foCilpiOi D.
 Tn the Blue Ridge" Olive Tilford bar gan -scribners.
 "Helen,s Sara scribner's.
 "The Flight George Edward Wood berry-Scribner's
 Love Is Passing" Florence Earle Coates-Llppincott's
 "A Spring Song in Cafe" Witter Byn- ner-'rhe Forum
 "The Ghostly Brother" John G. Nei- hardt-The Forum.
 "shelly's skylark,' Charles Hanson Towne-The Forum.
 The Sea Lands" orrick Johns-The Forum
 Deaths Holiday" William Hervey Woods-The Forum.
 Ballad of chid," John G. Neihardt- The Forum.
 This list will doubtless stir up a terri ble fuss in the world of temperament and sonnets and produce rival lists more numerous than the ''2O greatest women" compilations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
l will possess him with ycIIowness.
 Merry Wives of Windsor.
Men and Religion Movement

An organized goth century effort to carry the percentage of increase in church membership up to that of the increase in population is to be begun today in this city in mass meeting to be held in the First Methodist church. At first it is to be a city movement, and then it is to become a state movement carried on in 14 other cities, and then it is to be ex- tended until the entire state is covered by it. By organization it is proposed to arouse the spiritual element in this state, and what is going on in this state is going on in the other states.
 Throughout the present week the movement will be started with a hearty popular swing in this city, and great results are looked for. Concen- tration and concerted effort are to be applied to those who have given little heed to their obligations as citizens o1 a Christian community. All good citizens respect the church, but all dc not do their part in the church's up lift. Too many are out of touch with the church. The keynote of the new movement is an awakening to individ- ual responsibility.
 The present week in this city will be devoted to meetings and cam paigns, and on Wednesday and Thurs day statewide conventions will be held. The entire movement in this state will be opened today by this mass meeting to be held at 3 o'clock in the First Methodist church. Spe- cialists will be present and every mans duty will be outlined in this opening meeting. The movement in brief aims to get the men and boys into the church, holding out the fact always that there is something in the church for each one of them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
WANT TO HURT, UNDERWOOD

From the Charlotte (N. CD Observer.
 Several days ago four very bright young men of Athens, for themselves and "one hundred thousand more in Alabama" sent this dispatch to George Harvey of Harpers Weekly:
 From recent newspaper reports. we see that MT. Woodrow Wilson is afraid your paper is doing some harm in his race for President Won't you hurt our candidate, oscar W. Underwood, who possesses the honesty of old Hickory the frmness of Grover Cleve- land and the statesmanship of Thomas Jefferson?"
 Why not? Underwood has seen more public service than Dr. Wilson. He is now serving his ninth term in Con- gress. He has developed remarkable gifts as leader and lawmaker. He believes in representative government; that the interests of the people are the interests that should control him in his public service; that nothing is to be gained by untried experiments in government; that this is govern ment of law and order: that the courts should be respected; that the taxes should be strictly limited to the re- quirements of the government, eeo- nomically administered.
 It is hoped that Harvey will "hurt' Underwood There is every reason why, being sound democrat he should do what he can to promote the nomi- nation and election of so worthy man as the distinguished Alabamian.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
OPPORTUNITY

From Ed Howes Monthly.
 There Is popular saying to the ef- feet that opportunity knocks at a man door once, and, receiving no response, departs and returns no more. The say ing is good. poetry, but poor sense. Oppor- tunity knocks at mans door every hour of his life; if it neglects him while asleep, 1t knocks twice every hour he is awake; a dozen times an hour. in every mans life, there is opportunity to per form an act that will advance him a little in the esteem Of his associates, and at the same time advance his own pest interests. Most men hope to make g fortune by some big stroke of luck, where ss 1t is well known that fortunes arc made by saving little very day. Like wise most men are waiting for oppor- tnniiy io appear. and knock down theif doors, whereas opportunity is alwayg hammcring away at your door as per- sisfentiy as a woodpecker knocks on q telephone pole.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
named have not, however, been de-

named have not, however, been de- veloped.
 As a rule the furnaces along the Atlantic seaboard are striving to shake off dependence upon the Lake Superior district for their iron ore requirements, and no doubt they will coptinue to import large quantities of Cuban and Swedish ores. The iron content of the ores of Swedish Lap land are from 65 to 6S per cent, while Cuban ores range from 35 to 55 per cent. The ore beds of Cuba promise to remain a factor in the iron indus- try long time. There is no coal in Cuba.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
THE UNDERWORLD OF LONDON

From the February Forum.
 A dreadful fearful underworld. A wil- derness of sin infested with crawling atomies as with vermin. A gloomy realm of fostering unrest for which there is no peace, no hope, no relief, no salvation A place of darkness in which children awake in the night to grapple with the unclean thing. And that is what all the poor lost souls down there are doing, all night long and every night, but not by day. because there is no day in that foul Tophet. Down there it is all dark ness and a nightmare of haunting forms and faces Faces and forms made vis- ible in the darkness by the phosphores- ence of their own corruption. The old, old faces of little children. The hideoui chndishness of senility. They gibber at you in your dreams afterward, all dab bled with tears and sweat and contorted with pain. yet bursting and swollen with evil rnirth at the sight of one another s misery and suffering. They loom through the driving reek, pale, spectral floating on the uncean wind that forever drifts through these malodorous stews of in- fanny in a never ending succession of og- ling death masks. Women's faces drift along with these others, weeping with an infantile abandon, making an ugly mouth and letting the big gitterng drops ooze from their sunllen or rheumy eyes and triclSle down their bloated or hollow cheeks. Young mems faces, perplexed and frowning, that should be gay or reso- lute.
 The sky above that intorted maze of chafnel houses is red as if with the vital stream of life as it ebbs out with the dy-
 ing day, Night comes down as if Goo frcWned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Money Trust Probe in Congress

On Wednesday next a democratic caucus will be held to consider the Henry money trust resolution. Chair man Henry desires to have the alleged money trust investigated by a small committee of picked men rather than by the 21 members of the banking and currency committee.
 Over this question the democrats are divided. MT. Henry is lining up the Bryan forces in the House, while MT. Underwood will lead those who do not look with favorable eye on any matter that would disturb business conditions. The test of strength will come in Wednesdays caucus. Those who, like MT. Underwood, believe in constructive work will strongly op- pose the Henry resolution, while the "progressives" in the party will no doubt favor it.
 Many feel that real investigation of money conditions cannot be had on the eve of presidential election when everything that is done or not done relates to the campaign. If what is loosely called the money trust should ever be investigated, this is certainly not the time to do it. When the presidential campaign is ended then indeed Congress might perhaps be justified in bringing out all the facts connected with powerful financial in- terests. How far a dozen men, more or less, control the financing of large enterprises could be officially brought out, but the months intervening be- tween this time and November is not the time to conduct such work.
 The Henry resolution proposes an inquiry as to how financial intrests identified with the great railway and industrial corporations have controlled or used the bank deposits of such cor porations; whether they have used their power over banks and the credit market to suppress competition with the corporations in question; what part such control has played in the issuing of new corporation securities, and, more generally, whether such individual or corporate interests may or can affect the security markets, ' or Create, avert, or compose panics by control of the use or disposition of moneys in the banks and other moneyed corporations.
 All this is desirable perhaps in quiet non -partizan years, but to throw such an investigation into the present pres idential whirlpool would bring no good to the country, while it might unset tie the markets and render conditions far from satisfactory in the business world at large.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
THE DECISIVE WORD

From the Youths Companion.
 Mrs. Comrton had laid out four dresses on the guest room ned, and before break fast she led her husband in to look at them. ''Now, you krow how I rely on your tasse, Henry" she said. q want you to decide which one of these I shall wear to Mrs. Darnley's luncheon today. Please say exactly what you think
 MT. Compton nesitated, and then plunged.
 "Now that blue," he began, isn't it."
 "Yes. dear. it is" said Mrs. Compton, and she tossed the blue gown on a chair. '1ts too dark altogether" F
 Then there's the black" and. hen hus- band frowncd thoughtfully. "of course--p 'Yes, of course'-and Mrs. Compton tossed the black gown after the blue enc its handsome enough and light enough, with that gold neck, but it's be- ginning to show wear"
 Mir. Compton breathed heavily. The ieal test was at hand. A fawn colored gown and gray one were left.
 "Wel, l don't pretend to be judge of q only know what I like. That gray diess seems to me just a little-er- more-s-'
 'There! knew I could depend on you!" And Mrs. Compton joyfully flung aside the gray gown. Tt is more severe, and the styles bit trying. I shall wear the fawn-colored one, and be so glad 10 know you chose it for me-"
 "Whew!' said Mr. Compton, as he fed downstairs. Suppose I'd been a little quicker and got out that 'suitable.' It's a lesson to a man to be deliberate when ae's giving advice to his wife,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

From February Lippincotts. A friend once asked Uncle Joe'' Can non for information to the prospects of a politician who was at that time gener- ally though, to be 'on the ragged edge
 He seems to think he's getting on all right" said Uncle Joe, but others en- certain n decidedly different opinion. His situation brings to mind the story of the oId lady up in Maine When she was asked as to the whereabouts of her hus- band. the dame replied:
 '''If tho ice is as thick as Henry thinks 1t is, he is skating; if 1t is as thin as l thing it is, he is swimming F
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
SPRING SONG

From the Greek of Meleager. Now wintry winds are banished from tho
 sky,
 Cav laughs the blushing face of fiowery
 Spring, Now lays the land her duskier raiment by And dons her grass green vest for signal
 why
 Young plants may choose themselves ap-
 pareling. Now. drinking tender dews of elN6anj
 morn, INX1R The meadows break into their
 smile, The rose unfolds her leaves; att
 the while, r In far off hills the shepherd wf
 horn, E{<H Ana his white brede the goatherd.
 begule. MX$& Now shrileth clear each several
 his note E5 The halcyon charms the way
 knows no gale, About our caves the swallow tell tale. Along the river banks the swan. a1oat And down the woodland glades u
 nightingale.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
NED BRACE TALKS ABOUT LOCAL AFFAIRS 5l1 AND MATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

rT is. well that this community has be-
 come aroused over Jefferson county's
 criminal statistics.
 The last two grand juries have spoken plainly of lawless conditions hereabouts. All the pastors of the Birmingham dis trict heve preached on the subject of Jefferson county's criminal record. The Confederate veterans and other organiza- tions have taken up the subject, and there seems to be a general agreement that citizens must do more in molding public sentiment that will result in better law enforcement.
 Conditions will not be as th@ should, perhaps, until the legislature does some thing to minimize techniealities in our judicial procedure. But in the meantime public sentiment can help very materially in bringing about better state of af- fairs. There Is law against men carry ing concealed deadly weapons, and this law should by all means be strictly en- forced.
 There should likewise be law. which should be strictly enforced, against the carrying of deadly rifles such as the old army rifles, which have been sold in great numbers in tliis district. These guns are of no use to the huntsmen. The men who carry them must do so for use against their fellow man.
  work for this section, and the southern people will show their appreciation by subscribing literally for the anniversary edition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
The Mnnu'fncturers, Record

On February p The Manufacturers Rec ord of Baltimore will celebrate its thirt!eth anniversary by issuing an edition coysi- ing Thirty Years of Southern Upbuiid- ing. Many well known experts and dis tinguished tinancicrs have prepared ssfs ticles in which they have given ihsir views as to the future of the south.
 Editor Richard II. Edmonds says that this anniversary issue will include tiis most comprehensive statistical survey ef the south ever published. "f ffsi l8stis fled" he writes, Fin saying that t wlli sss come the standard work 0f fefefs1i4s about tho material interesls of ibe seatil.f II should prove, indeed q etanaara refer ence book in every office. The Mana- lae,urers Record has done splefi-id
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
HIS ERROR.

Yesterday morning a rather unusual in- cident occurred in the Criminal Court room while Judge McGregor was engaged in charging the grand jury which dts turbed the dignity of the occasion. While ihc Court was dilatng on an interesting point in his charge a countryran with a basket on his arm walked into the space between the rostruin and the jury boN' and. looking over the grand jurors, aiartled them somewhat when he said: ''Do any of you gentlemen want to buy some fresh sassafras?' When the Sheriff hastened to remove him he said: ..Oh, excuse me, didn't know anything was going on" on."Parkersburg, W, Na- Scntinel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Girl Jokes Wallace

"There Is no man in Alabama" stated a lawyer yesterday. "who uses fewer Anglo-Saxon words than John II. Wallace, Jr., chairman of the fish and game com mission. He has style in writing winch might be criticised for being too ornate.
 But, as far as l know, only one person in the state has referred to his style. even indirectly, in his presence. This person was young lady of Huntsville.
 shortly after the publication of Wal ldce's book he invited beyy of young ladies to partake of refreshments at Q soda water. found. One of these girls, when asked what she would have, replied; A beatifc nectar of hypereonic ineffabi'- ity. It was afterwards stated that the young lady had memorized tho 'prcscrip- ton from a paragraph in the book of Mr. Wallace
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04

Another matter which deserves. immedi- ate attention and which every good citi- zen of Birmingham should be in favor of and get behind is the construction of a new and modern courthouse and jail. The present structures. from an interior viewpoint, are disgrace to the great county of Jefferson. One who goes into the present courthouse by virtue of neces- sity-either being on jury or in the trial of a case-feels that he is at any moment liable to contract any form of disease that comes from filth and dirt. The court house building is not ventilated, nor is it freproof, nor is it geAerally fit for human habitation. It is so old and in such a condition that it is practically impossible to keep it either sanitary or clean. The Bar association of Jefferson county is the most interested organization. and I sim cerely nope that it's members will get be- hind this movement at once.
 Another suggestion in this connection is that the city hall building should be cleansed and renovated in it's interior. A few coats of paint, some wainseoting and sanitary floors would add much to it.
 I respectfully suggest this to the city of Birmingham. and I be- lieve every one who has to visit the city hall will approve of it.
 # # #
 Again do hope that the existing board
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Southern Cities Growing Fast

In the census of 1900 New Orleans alone in the cotton states had clear undisputed population above 100000. Memphis did, it is true, show popu- lation of 102,320, but some doubts concerning the count arose.
 In 1910 the cotton states had New Orleans with population of 339, 9,075; Atlanta with population of 54,S39; Birmingham with population of 132, ,685; Memphis with population of 13l, ,105; Richmond with a popula- ton of 127, ,62S, and Nashville with a population of 110,364.
 In 1900 it had two towns of over 100,00 population, and now it has six. In 1920 this number will prob ably be doubled, for Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston in the great state of Texas will be added to the list, and Norfolk and Oklahoma City will be pretty sure to cross the line.
 When the cotton belt has a dozer cities each possessing over 100000 population it will no longer be sec ton without cities or centers, for th' country has reached point in its de velopment when town of less thal 100, ,0OO population is scarcely consid cred a center, or even city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
To Attend Commercial Congress

'J. F. Duggar, director of the agri- cultural experiment station at Auburn will attend the Knapp memorial exer- cises at Nashville during the progress of the Southern Commercial congress. April to lo,' said an educator. ''Iie will speak on behalf of Alabama and express the sentiment of it's best men as to the great blessings conferred upon the agriculture of the state by the demonstration farm work and boys corn club work initiated by pr. Knapp.
 "Dr Walter II. Page, editor of Worlds Work, will be tho chairman during the memorial exercises, The exercises will be preceded by parade of. boys through the streets of Nashville. During the ex- ercises one man from each state affected by pr. Knapp's work will outline the marvellous influences exerted by this aged man. who worked for the south to the last day of his life
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Successful in sharp Competition

Tt is no small credit to Birmingham when Birmingham institution is suc- cessful in 8 competition that is nation wide,' said Birmingham business man.
 T was in Montgomery and had occasion to observe that there were a score of rep resentatives from all over the United States bidding for the furnishing of the newly built home of the grand lodge oi Alabama of the Knights of Pythias. Bir- iningham's largest department store cap tured the order. Of course. Birmingham gets considerable advertising from that, considering that the Pythian home is not of Montgornery, but of Alabama"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
christlan seienee Leeture

"The announcement of the lecture on Christian Science at the Biiou theatre at o'clock Sunday afternoon by William R. Rathvan, member of the board of lectureship of the mother church, recalled to me an interesting fact in connection with Science and Health,' the textbook of Christian Science said reading man.
 The singular fact Is that this book is not allowed to be translated into for eien languages; and as there are now members of the faith in virtually every land under the sun, the study .fof the book is increasing the spread of the Eng fish language. Christian Science is ire quently the subject of conversation in this city and l suggest to those who wish to discuss the subject intelligently and fairly that they attend this lecture and hear an authorized exposition of it."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
A PERSONAL NOTE.

A IEh0ONAI NOIE. Full drearily the world rolls on When we have lost the trick of cheer And only dream of pleasures gone, O'erquick to shed a futile tear. Our souls opprest by phantom shapes. Our hearts bowed down in weeds of
 woe,
 Our steps are led where Ruin gapes And Sorrow doth her visage show. What brings about these direful moods. When brightness fades from out the
 world
 And when we long for solitudes, Or in some cave to lie upcurled? An, who can say? But oftentimes. When gloom doth every thought infold Of this poor wight who deals in rhymes, He's just the victim of cold.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Need of schools

Instead of 10 year lighting contracts and extensive parks, stated Ben Davis, tie well known lawyer, last night the commissioners should give us school houses in the suburbs and auditoriums.
 At the present time, my son, having completed the course in the school at Woodlawn, is forced to go a mile further to complete one additional grade before he is eligible for the High school.
 The city should build in each suburb and auditorium where the people can meet and discuss matters. These are improve ments needed We can do with small and less expensive parks. especially as tic city is cramped for moneyn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
A FRIENDLY SUGGESTION

From the Houston Post:
 The Birmingham Age Herald seems 10 De afraid that entirely too many million dollar hotels are gong to be built in that tcwn. We entreat our contemporary not fo become downcast. The danger may not !. 50 imminent as it seems.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
Strong for Taft

"As my friends are aware, I keep in close touch with New England, and especially with the representative men of Massa- chusetts. and know whereof I speak when l say that the leading republicans of that section are enthusiastically for the renominatlon of President Taft" said Joseph M7niiing, a well known Birming- ham republican.
 Senator Crane is an ardent supporter cf President Taft. He has written me to that effect within the past few days. The senator's wide influence, personal and po- l.tical, counts for Q great deal, and as he goes so will go other active republican politicians. There is no question in my mind but what President Taft will be renominatcd with Q whoop."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

"Everyone, if they are honest, will ad- init that they like to hear the words, Yes but someone says, but you should appreciate the voice. and we necessarily must when the words are inarticulate, yet our best critiques do not so advise. ana therefore when good singers come among us who are able to render good music with ease and such splendid articulation, we are imbibed with new zeal toward bet ter sinsing-even in small place like our little city.H-Scandia, Kans., Journal.