davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
MAN WITH HALF A BRAIN

Stockholm Cor. Philadelphia Ledger.
 A Swedish soldier was shot few months ago in. the head, and half his brain was blown out in consequence of which hs lost part of his powers American newspapers have given the most extraordinary &C., counts of the incident. For instance, they say that he can hear a whisper but not cannon shot, that he can understand English but no Swedish, that he knows the first half of his name but not the second, that he hates the smell of violets but loves the fragrance of onion
 The facts are in themselves so interest Ing that they need no exaggeration. After the shot he lay unconscious for a fort night and when he regained conscious ness he had completely lost his mem ory, and could not even remember his own name. Gradually his memory re- turned, and he recollected what happened in his childhood. And now he remembers everything up to the third day before the shot His general health is good and his temper also.
 His sensorial nerves are destroyed, and his sense of sight is distinctly damaged He has, for instance, lost the power o1 seeing anything at the side of him; he is obliged to look straight at an object He has also partly lost the capacity of read ing and writing and the power of com bning letters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21

From the Montgomery Advertiser
 Mr. Harry E. First-a rather original name, 10 be sure-circulation manager of that newspaper so well known all over the country, the Cincinnati Enquirer, is making a short tour of the south, and stopped in Montgomery last night to see his old friend, MT Patrick II. Daly. the Advertisers circulation manager. MT. First is on a paper owned by John R. Mclean, who is opposing the Harmon presidential movement, but who looks kindly upon MT Underwood a s one of the availables.
 'Personally," said MT. First, 'it would afford me exceeding pleasure to have the opportunity of voting for MT. Underwood for President. While there may be some doubt as to the probability of his nom- nation. there could be no objection to him because of the section from whence he comes He is the brainiest man in the lot, according to my own view. Whether he is the vote getter some other man might be or not. do not know.
 We have had plenty Of time during these 50 years to forget the war and I do not believe that the fact of Underwood's s southern birth would hamper him as the democratic nominee"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Wiley and the Remsen Board

The House committee on expendi- lures in the agricultural department has been engaged in Investigating af- fairs in the pure food section of Sec retary Wilson's busy department, and 1t will unanimously report in favor of sustaining Dr. Wiley, chief chemist, while it will condemn all who have foiled his efforts to prevent the man. ufacture and sale of impure foods and drugs. The report will be very satisfactory to Dr. Wiley, who in the past has been arbitrarily overruled in the department of agriculture by Tom, Dick and Harry.
 The committee will condemn the Remsen board, to which the interests caused to be referred many important questions, thus paarlyzing Dr. Wiley's efforts, The Remsen board uniform ly leans toward the manufacturers, while Dr. Wiley stood like stone wall in favor of the consumers. While
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Some innoccnts 'scape not the tbun- derbolt. Antony and Cleopatra.
No Fuel in Texas Ore Fields

The brown ore in northern and northeastern Texas cover about IT,, 900 square miles. They are abundant and excellent. Dr. William B. Phil lips, formerly of Birmingham, now of the University of Texas, comments these ores. "This ore," he says, "car- ries more than 50 per cent of iron, and can be mined, washed (when nec- essary) and loaded for 85 cents to $1 a ton. Shipments of this ore to the Birmingham district, about 45 cars, showed more than 57 per cent of iron, with phosphorus from 0.10 to 0.15 per cent. The shipment of about 600 tons that went to Philadelphia in June, 1910, showed more than 57 per cent of iron, and the phosphorus was not above 0.20 per cent in any of it."
 It may seem strange that these brown ores which could be loaded by @ steam shovel are not utilized, but when it is remembered that neither Texas now Oklahoma possess any coking coal, it is seen at once that an economic difficulty stands in the way. When coke must be trundled from Virginia, Tennessee or Alabama, it's cost laid down at Rusk is from $5.75 to $6.25 a ton. Two tons of coke would cost from $11.50 to $12.50, and it will thus bee seen that cheap pig iron at Rusk is an impossibility.
 To haul the ore to the coast to there meet Alabama coke affords a chance for pig iron making, but even then iron could not be made at less than $10 ton. Waterborne coke would have to be laid down at $350 a ton, and this would not be possible until the Warrior is opened.
 All in all the brown ores of Texas, abundant though they be, are value less without coking coal, and no one sees how the two can be profitably brought together. The problem is an important one to Texas, and every possible effort no doubt will be made in that state to procure cheap fuel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
New City Directory

Paragraphers are accustomed to sheer at city censuses based on direc- tory figures. Directories can, how ever, grow as well as anything else. The directory for 1912 is bigger than any of the series. It contains 1340 pages, and on those pages are the names of 62,720 people, all residents of this city. It is claimed that this indicates population of 172,4S0. Whether this be so or not we need not stop to discuss.
 So long as the city directory con tinues to grow in pages and number of names, we may know the city is in ereasing in population, for all direc- tories are made by trained directory makers in accordance with one gen. eral plan.
 The present volume is No. 27 of the series, and glance at No. 27 and al any one previously issued will con- vince even the wayfarer that the city is increasing rapidly. Volume 2S bids fair to present 65,OOO names, and il may go to 1400 pages.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
PEOPLE DON'T DIE THERE

From the London Mall.
 At one town in the Transvaal it is most unusual for anybody to die, and evidently no undertaken could exist. The center which boasts in this way is Pilgrims Rest, which has "a mountain climate free from disease" This is what the magistrate writes: "At this place death is looked upon as an extraordinary event. Five years ago European driver was killed in a car accident; three years ago Flu ropean was killed by lightning six miles out of town; & year ago an old lady S died, and a month ago European died of consumption which he had brought with him from elsewhere and to which he had been subject for some F years"
 Queer little communities survive in South Africa. In the Port Nolloth district lies the mysterious Richtersveld, "an i'm mense area occupied by a handful Of thriftless Hottentots, some 65 families, or 100 members all told" So thriftless are they, one reads, that as often as not they eat up the seed wheat supplied to them by the government in seasons of scarcity instead of sowing it. The natural springs at their doors are not utliizeu' pul HeS- lected. and so a more industrious and energetic race of men are shut out and debarred from doing justice to the lana. But they are socialistio community, When one kills sheep or goat all the others flock around to help him eat it, and this applies to all foodstuffs: hence the native idleness. He knows that if he | works he will fare no better than those who do not work, as he will have to share | the fruits of his labor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Praise for Telephone Girls

T think the telephone operators of the Peoples Home company deserve a great deal of praise, not only for their efficiency but for the courtesy which they have shown under the heavy strain to which they have recently been subjected" said a business man.
 My phone is rather busy in ordi- nary times. and since the interruption of the Bell service it has been in ire quent request by others. My obser- vation and experience lead me to say that no one who used the phone would have known, unless told, that there were unusual conditions in the tele- phone field here, so prompt have been the connections and so good the service in other respects. take off my hat to those telephone girls, and would like to add that the manner in which the Peoples Home company have han died the situation in all it's phases argues for much ability in the man agement."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
ESTATE OF A GREAT AMERICAN

From the New York Worid
 The petition of James s. Harlan for the administration of the estate of his father, the late Justice John Marshall Harlan. sets forth that the entire estate consists of personal property valued at s57oo life insurance s7200 and an arrear of salary amounting to $4s6. Ii. There is no real es- tate whatever So that the total amount of the fortune left by the justice is sl3,- 3S6.11
 These arc the life savings of g. man of first class mental. moral and physical strength who gave many long, laborious years of arduous service to the nation. Tn one respect they make an unpleasant impression, for they bear witness to the insufsiciency of the salaries paid to the judges and justices of the federal courts But in another and better respect they can be read with a genuine pride, for they attest that the republic does not lack for men of the highest order of ability to give their lifelong work to her for the love they bear her and for the honor of serving her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
sENTIMENT IN BIBB

From the Centreville Press.
 The people of Alabama and we may say of the south, irrespective of politi- cal differences in the past, should get together and support MT. Underwood Loyalty in the aspirations that his friends have in his behalf. The people of the north want safe and conser- vative man for the position and Mir Underwood has been tried, and has proven his worth as a wise and safe leader of the democracy of the country Here in Bibb the people are for him almost to a man, and out of a list of nearly 800 only two men have refused to sign his petition. One of them was locked in jail the next day. and we don't know what is going to happen to the other.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
WISE DECISION.

The president of the Chicago board of education declares that he is not in fa- vor of having boys F and IA years old learn how to sew and embroider doilies. Hereafter hapless youngsters, except in special cases" will not be required to be- come expert in fancywork, alarming and other "slap-me-o on-the-wrist" pursuitsf We are curious to know if this decision on the part of Chicago's school boarcs was reached after long and painful cogital ton, or came in a flash of inspiration like unto that which the poets are said to draw from the stars, or the lady moon! Let us hope it didn't take them long to make up their minds in a matter of this sort Up-to-date schooling is for the most part admirable. but this particular phase of it is silly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
The Matter of Cotton Figures

'"rhe farmers are moving their cot ton to market much faster than was expected, and when the roads get more passable I predict that there will be free offerings" said man who is connected with a cotton house.
 Do you know that the government reports are a distinct handicap to the farmer? It Is this way: When the spinner did not know how much cotton was really made he went into the mar ket early, bought freely and carried the stock with his bankers. Now he lets the farmer carry it for him, and as he knows that 1t can't get away he takes his chances on the market going up, believing that if the staple advances appreciably so will the spun cotton.
 q do not think there is any more cotton made than will be needed, but only those who hold for the mid summer months will get full value for their bales"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
NOW AND THEN.

NOW AND THEN. Gaily. gaily, trip we gaily
 Down the mystic vale of life, Though we meet misfortunes daily, Though we're harried in The strife All must wage whose plan is duly Strength of character to win; Though some days-we tell you truly Smiling seems to us sin. That's of course when sad mischances Rob US of our peace of mind; Naught our cherished dream advances All the ways of life seem blind. That's the time when cheers 8 topic Quite taooo, our frowns avouch; That's when ho.,e seems nliscrGscopic- When, in short, we have 9 grouch!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Underwood in Baltimore

"Sixty days ago." said Welborn J. Win burn of Baltimore, Underwood was scarcely known in our city. Had a straw vote been taken, I believe that Under wood would hardly have received a hand- full of votes.
 'At the present time. however. .there is a different story to tell. Underwood now Is as strong in Baltimore as either of the other candidates. Were it to be shown that he is stronger than any other. would not be surprised
 ''Now, if Underwood has grown in strength in other localities as he has in Baltimore, 1t is a. safe prediction that he will enter the convention with enough votes to land him the nomination.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
QUICK LUNCH MACHINES

From the New York Herald
 Automatic feeding is soon to take place in this city in a restaurant now being constructed for that purpose on Long Acre Square. For automatic drinking in ouirles may be directed elsewhere, for spirituous and malt liquors are not to be served in this place.
 The three story building which is to house the machines Is looming out Of the ground at 1557 to 1863 Broadway, and be- fore many weeks the nimble nickels will be disappearing into slots in exchange for oyster pie and other comestibles There will be a battery of 100 automatic machines which will serve six portions without being replenished, and the men behind the machines will be loading them LID for rapid fire emergencies.
 In this new restaurant 1t will be im- possible to tip, for the machines are not as vet equipped with photographs which can say "Everything satisfactory Neither will there be any whisking of napkins nor asduous filcking away of crumbs. for the machines have neither gaunt arms nor itching palms.
 The machines are of American design and made principally of metal and glass. Each has a glass cylinder, in which are six compartments, and certain number of cent pieces releases the doors of the compartments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Phenomenal Rise in F0odstuffs

In New York and New Orleans last week prices of foodstuffs were ad- vanced almost beyond precedent. But ter is selling at wholesale in New Or leans at 41 1a cents pound, rise during the week of cents; in New York it is worth 4S cents a pound at wholesale. Eggs went up 5 cents a dozen in both cities. Cheese was ad- vanced 2 cents pound. Potatoes have been marked up to $4.50 a bar rel in New Orleans, an increase of about 75 cents. All meats, including poultry, are from cents to cents pound higher. Some dealers say butter will be further advanced in New York until it reaches 60 cents a pound, and the presumption is that other foodstuffs will be marked up also.
 The situation induces Secretary Wilson to say that if the cold storage houses were required to make month ly reports to the department of agri- culture as to how much butter, eggs, mutton, fish and other food articles they had on hand it would be possible to ascertain whether or no there real ly was any scarcety of these articles.
 In the present squeeze of consum- CTS by middlemen this suggestion of Secretary Wilson seems eminently practical. It is legally feasible, for all cold storage houses are parts of the interstate trade. If the people will make their views on this subject known Congress will act. Congress is very sensitive to public sentiment just at present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
Senator Allen "Considering,

Senator Thurston 1T. Allen of Florence is "considering' the proposition of making ing the race for the extra congressional seat to which Alabama, in virtue of its increase in population. is entitled
 'T have been urged to make the race" stated the senator, 'by scores of friends in north Alabama. I would not be sur prised were I to make the plunge. "From what I have been told, and from what I know to be facts, I am in
 clined to believe that I will have an excellent chance to win.
 However, I am more interested at the present time in aiding in the nomi- nation of Underwood for President than in the race for congressman at large. I believe that Underwood has an excel- lent chance of 'copping the bunting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
AN oBNoxIous WORD.

The archbishop of Canterbury, an emi- nent prelate. is charged with saying that a British marriage service is illegal when the bride does not promise to "obey.
 It may be taken for granted that this leading churchman has firm grip on the skirts of tradition. But can he enforce his declaration? Many brides have peen married in the established church without using the "obey'' promise. Does the threatening shadow of the archbishop He across their honeymooning pathway?
 His grace of Canterbury should endeavoi to adant himself to changing conditions He can't afford to do otherwise.
 Come now, Hemma." says the Wnlte' chapel bridegroom, you're goin' to S,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21

the committee criticizes the Remsen board, yet it makes no recommends tion for it's dismissal from the service. This is regrettable. With Dr. Wiley as chief chemist, no Remsen board is needed, and the people would be glad to see its salaries cut off and it's services brought to an end It has not proved trustworthy. The people have confidence in Dr. Wiley, and but little in the Remsen board.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
LAMR TO THE SLAUGHTER

LAME TO THE S1AUGHIE1ft.
 He was 2. leading citizen of a Southern town, and the Christmas wining and din- ing had made him excessively nervous. He knew all about the jimjams, the shock ing shakes, and the writhing nerves. On New Years morning he awol1e with the consciousness that he had an engagement to the midday dinner with g. friend fa- nous for the strength of his alcoholic decoctions.
 The leading citizen stood before his mir TOT, his hand trembling pitifully as he strove to bring his neclStie into subjec' tion His wife began to voice her views on the folly of drinking during Christmas week.
 Madam he said solemnly and sadly. "do not annoy me. I am adorning the victim for the sacrifice '-The Twice-a- month Popular Magazine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
MESSEX LOVE SONG.

From the Pail Mall Gazette. Hast thee heerd the culver dove, When the woods be green, Zingen to his mate O love, Arl his heart do mean? Zo wi words as sweet as birds, I would zoftly tole- Zing vor Zee zigh vor Zee, My dear zoul! Hast thee heerd the robin rid, In the yaller fall, Zingen tho the vlow'rs be hid, And the no'th winds call? Zo I'd come when skies be glum, When the rains do roll Cherish 'ee, comvort 'ee,
 My dear zoul! Has thee heerd the nightingale. In the Zummer dark, Zingen down the zidelen vale, Ne'er a one to hark? 20 I'd bide when vrom thi zide Light and joy be stole Live vor 'ee. die vor 'ee.
 My dear zoull
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
REFLECTIONS OF A BACHELOR

From the New York Press.
 A man thinks of his own wits in capital letters.
 Women want to fix up pedigrees with the right names at christenings.
 A girl who marres for ideals can man. age to find consolation in clothes.
 There's too much gravy and not enough meat in the advice you get served to you.
 When a man has spent all his bor- rowed money he thinks his creditors ought to be sorry enough for him to lend him more
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
EXTENSIVE POSSESSION
tha London Answers

From the London Answers.
 A small applicant for Christmas chee was being interviewed by the charit, worker.
 "what is your father?' asked the lat ter.
 "'E's me father"
 ~Yes. but what Is he?"
 "Oh. IFS me stepfather."
 s'Yes, yes, but what does he do? Doe he sweep chimneys or drive 'busses, o what?' "O-o-w!" exclaimed the small appll cant. with dawning light of compreher sion. ''No. e ain't done nothIn' sine we've lad i'm
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
The Russian Musicians

The brothers Bernstein who form the celebrated Russian trio arrived from New York yesterday afternoon. and are reg istered at the Hotel Morris. It is their first visit to Birmingham. They are to give a concert at the Jefferson theatre tomorrow afternoon beginning at S:3o o'clock and judging from the advance seat sale they will be greeted by large audience
 Among the out-of-town music lovers in Birmingham for the purpose of hearing the Bernsteins tomorrow is Louis Mer- kel of Selma. MT. MerlIel is engaged in the cotton business, but he is very much of a pianist. and is said to keep in good practice as an amateur.
 'I have heard the Bernsteins,' said MT. Merkel last night 'rhey are great artists and their ensemble work is un- surpassed. These men are typical Rus sians, and I know the musical people of Birmingham will be delighted with their performance. The programme is choice, and no one who really loves fine music can afford to miss the concert
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
RESOLUTIONS.

 Maud Muller Is test severe; But aver I'll write no parodies this year Concerning her.
 -Pittsburg Post. The Female of the Species is A dainty bit, But I will write no parodies Concerning 1t.
 Milwaukee Sentinel. Miss Mary had fleecy pet, Twas not a ram: No parody will I abe. Concerning lamb.
 Cincinnati Enquirer. The boy stood on the burning deck May be there yet; No parodies on him. by heck, Will I abet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
National Politics

Tt is interesting to watch the changes in the political stuation, said A. T. Armsdale, representing a manufacturing concern of Chicago. "When l was in the west last October I would have thought it a good bet that Roosevelt was strong CT in that part of the country than Pres ident Taft. In Kansas l heard 1t re- marked that sRooseve1t would sweep that state. l was in Kansas two weeks ago and found a decided change in sentiment Nearly every republican I met said he hoped to see President Taft nominated in June.
 "I talked with a number of Woodrow Wilson democrats in Kansas, but I also heard Underwood mentioned frequently as presidential possibility I voted for Bryan in 1908. but it will give me greater pleasure to vote for a man like Under wood next November. l am no politician, and have no idea who will head the tick ct, but I do not see how the party can fail to nominate Underwood, who is, in my humble opinion, the logical can didate."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Spring Like Weather

"This beautiful weather invites early gardening" said a goose bone prophet, but the winter is not over and l predict at least one more hard freeze. I never forecast February weather until after the second day of that month. If the 2d happens to be raw and cloudy an early spring will follow, but if it is a bright, spring like day we will have a good deal more winter weather-winter lingering in the lap of spring. On these points the groundhog and l will agree.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21

Toronto is endeavoring to provide for 10,O00 young women who are absolutely without home life. It is now completing q third building. and newcomers are met at the train and assigned to comfortable lodgings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
INDIFFERENT

"Bwana Tunbo's Latest Safai1 into the Pliocence" ia the title of recent car toon on Theodore Tioosevelt's political plans. The artist must be one of those persons who doesn't care rap whether anybody else knows what he is talking about pr noe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-21
SPEAKING FIGURATIVELY

From the Richmond News-Leader.
 ''The ground hog will soon be In our midst again for a few seconds. mingham Age-Herald. Really. we sympa- thize deeply with our contemporary. Even a. few seconds of such experience must prove very painful.