davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
The Pecksniffian Bristow

OF all those who waxed hot over
Mr.. Bryan's lecture tour, none waxed
SO hot as Mr.. Bristow of Kansas. Mr..
Bristow is one of our star progress
sges. Purity of mind and probity of
action have supposed ever to have
been his guides. 1t was he who in
troduced the satirical resolution re-
garding Mr.. Bryan's salary. Mr.. Bris-
tow holds that public office is a pub
lie trust; that it is sacred and should
be inviolable. These and other high
sounding phrases he used in deprecat-
ing the Secretary of States undigni-
fled scramble after the all-powerful
dollar.
Mr.. Bristow was going well until
disaster overlook him. Mr.. Ashurst
of Arizona produced a letter written
by Mr.. Bristow to Chester |. Long,
then senator from Kansas, in 1906. 1t
contained these sentences: 81 think
I would like to have one of those ad-
visory places on the canal commission.
They pay $500 and require visit to
the isthmus only once in three months.
| could hold it and live in Kansas, be-
ing there at least half of my time, and
when the fight got hot l could re-
sign"
1t would seem that Mr. Bristow's
professions and his performances are
about as far apart as the polls. Mr..
Bryan has been justly criticised by
the public, but in answer to Bristow's S
resolution no word from the Secretary
sof States friends is necessary. Bris-
tow disposed of himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25

From Our Dumb Animals.
A prairie dog settlement in Colorado is
estimated to contain 100000 Inhabitants
Were the snakes owls, rabbits, lizards
and horned toads which live with the dogs
to be counted in. the population of the
place would reach the 1o00, 900, ,0000 mark
The figures are not strictly accurate,
for the government has never counted
these dogs in the census. But anyone who
has seen such a city knows there are more
than 100 dogs to the acre, and this city Is
40 miles long by 80 WIDE containing A.
100000 acres.
They dig deep burrows with so many
chambers that the railroad which is being
put through their city will have to destroy
large number of dogs and their homes
| In order to avoid accidents from caving
| in of tracks.
| The city was founded centuries ago. 1t
has been known to be about its present
size for so years. Families grow rapidly
and the young ones stay at home till there
| is not room enough for all, and some are
pushed out to dig homes for themselves.
They live on four kinds of food. cactus,
| roots of wire grass, tender green shoots
| of sagebrush and greasewood. These are
the only specimens of plant life found in
the western deserts where prairie dogs are
native. In spite OF the sameness of their
| fare they manage to keep sleek and fat
on food which ground squirrel would
consider starvation diet
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
IxiIby a Birmineham Man

/ have been deeply gratified to learn
of the strength that has been developed
in Birmingham by State Senator Thomas
e. ISilby. the only announced candidate
for lieutenant governor, said j. Nj. Ed
mondson, chairman of the Calhoun coun-
ty democratic executive committee, and
an ardent kilby supporter. who was IN
Birmingham yesterday.
"In conversation with several of my
friends while in the CITY," said Mr. Ed
mondson, Il have been assured that they
would support Senator kiIby provided no
Birmingham man enters the race. | see
no reason for any man to withhold his
support on this ground for Senator Kilby
is in every sense birmingham man
himself being at the head of the Kilby
frog & Switch Co., one of the city s
largest industries, as well as being 9TH
erwise Interested here financially. He
spends a good part-~of his time in Bir-
mingham, and has every interest of the
city at heart He should have the solid
support of the people of the Magic City.
Mr.. Edmondson stated that the reports
received from over the state are most
encouraging, and should opposition de-
velop to Senator Kilby now, it is believed
that it would have little effect, as he
has built up a strong fighting force all
over the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
As 10 the Price of Iron

There is a decidedly better feeling In the
iron market but prices have not yet be-
gun to soar.
Local iron statesmen report more active
inquiries. and it may be said that the
has been. While small tonnage for prompt
shipment may be bought in Birming-
ham for $40 on No. . basis, all forward
delivery iron for this quarter is bringing
$1c.50. There was a sale of 500 tons yes
terday for quick shipment at $40. There
may have been "a little more sold at that
price, but the tonnage could not have
been large, for all iron companies are now
feeling that better times are in sight. 1t
is said that no Birmingham iron is being
quoted for the last quarter.
Rogers, Brown & Co.'s Cincinnati report
just issued says:
Slowly, but none the less steadily, mar
Set conditions in this territory continue to
improve. The pakt week. without striking
features, has been of satisfactory inter-
est. Despite the claim of many consum-
ers that new business with them is at a
minimum. there is no hesitency on their
part to take iron on contracts up to speci-
fcations. and the majority of them are
running full on business already booked.
Some good sized tonnages closed in va
rious territories during the week have
added to the general tone, and even at the
low prices ruling one large buyer was
reported as unable to cover for all their
requirements at the minimum price
Small inquiries predominate. but the
aggregate of sales is good Resistance
against anything but a firm price or
an advance is shown by furnaces, partic-
ularly as the cost of coke is so high
and the coke situation generally so strong
Some furnaces are fairly we'll sold up
into the fourth quarter. but have not been
forcing sales recently and can take care
OF good tonnage when prices get better
There is no reason for iron selling at
lsss than the ruling figures in local terri
tory and all indications point for turn
and better prices. Furnace yards gener-
ally are bare of tonnage and shipments
are moving regularly on contracts.
Charcoal iron has felt the impetus and
some of the largest business in over a
year accomplished In addition good in
quiries for this metal are pending. For
the most part the iron and steel business
keeps ~ remarkably well considering the
many adverse influences, and is on a par
with business conditions generally. The
attitude now is largely a mental one, and
when a change will come in sentiment it
is impossible to predict. 1t must come,
and when It does, history will probably
repeat itself and the change will be as
rapid If not more so than on similar oc-
casions in the past.
Coke is still strong and active for spot
shipment: contracting, however, the last
six months and a year from July /, is
small. Furnaces are refusing to buy
ahead at existing figures and ovens are
not offering any concessions to stimulate
buying. The whole coke situation is un-
usually firm.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25

and he may yet live many years to
cheer and bless his people. But all
will be impressed by his preparedness
to meet his end.
Many men of marked ability and
even some of transccndent genius
have cast shadow on the World by
their cynicism and their infidelity in
the matter of religion. But Mr.
Rockefeller and Mr.. Wanamaker, lay
men who will always be in the public
view, not only believe in Christianity,
but they practice their religion. And
Cardinal Gibbons, one of the greatest
of all churchmen, combines in strik-
ing degree humility, sweetness and
answering faith.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25

of sound public policy, business judg-
ment. and equitable adjustment as to
fairness and regard for the rights of all
the people of Birmingham. 1t is no easy
scat, that of commissioner of Birming-
ham. It is not the place to exploit
theories and Utopian dreams. but
rather. it requires a man with equitable
temperament, and a mental equipment
that is coupled with experience, so that
this city may proceed well ordered and
properly directed. to the destiny that
surely awaits it. if no serious blunders
arc made.
And while | am talking of the political
side of things, wish to say that expert
ence tells me that any man who desires
success at the polls should not do that
which will probably drive away votes,
rather than win them. [ do not know
Candidate Wood. had intended to hear
him speak for his cause; but
when he blocked my way to a.
musical evening at Capitol park
a few evenings ago while he was
speaking at the Confederate monument
and his auditors continually interrupted
some of the incest passages of a refined
programme said, Il do not care to hear
him at any time.' And [ understand he
intends to defy the edct of the police
commissioner and will proceed to offend
a large part of those, musicaly inclined,
by speaking at the same place next Mon
day night Well, it will not win him
votes"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
TELEPHONE
God speed the parliament!
Henry Fourth.
Onera and Drama

Milton Aborn, grand opera i'm
presario, and William A. Brady, play
producer, are back from Europe, and
they bring little news Of an encourag-
ing nature. Mr.. Brady says new ma
terial in the legitimate theatres of
London and Paris is notoriously
scarce, although he contracted for a
few plays which he hopes viii prove
successes in America. Mr.. Brady de-
cIares the English managers freely
admit that in the future they must
look to New York for new dramas,
and he predicts that next winter num-
bers of foreigners will be over here
looking for novelties in the theatrical
line.
Mr.. Aborn, who will produce grand
opera in English at popular prices
next season at the Century theatre in
New York, came back with grip full
of contracts, and he is exceedingly
cheerful over the outlook. He gives it
as his opinion, however, that the
United States is producing more good
voices than Europe, and he predicts
that the artistic future of this coun-
try in musical way will be made
largely of home talent. Regarding the
teachers, agents and managers of Eu-
rope, Mr.. Aborn says that in ma
joritx of instances they are incom-
petents and grafters, preying upon
credulous Americans who think it is
necessary that they study abroad be-
fore they can achieve any success at
home.
Last seasons theatrical season was
exceedingly dull. New plays of merit
were scarce, and many theatres were
compelled to revive successes of the
long ago. And next winter holds out
little of promise.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
BEHIND THE SCENES IN BASEBALL

-
From the Popular Magazine.
First hurtling through the air then
plowing, and scraping along the hard.
merciless base path on his side, as though
he were a nerveless bar of iron, scoots a
white fianneled athlete; the crouching
catcher waiting to tag him is bowled over;
the umpire tensely throws out both hands
in token that the run has scored: and
rush for the exits too intent on feach-
ing the dinner table to pay a thought to
what happens after the final play.
Two or three minutes later comes the
sequel revealing the sort of grit and self
sacrifice which made the winning coup
possible--unapplaude unseen; unheard
by any of the thousands who had cheered,
but as much a part of that ball game
as any act that took place on the field
One of the victorious group of diamond
gladiators steering for the clubhouse drops
back and joins a man in civilian garb,
who is following closely, but always last,
like shepherd caring for his flock. He
carries a surgeons grip. His weather
beaten face Is set with the half worry,
half scrowl of a man who knows that
he has thousand duties to attend to at
once, for the sliding and spiking, the
wrenching of muscles and joints in des-
perate throws, or in sudden tortuous
movements, the bruises from wild pitches
or strangely bounding balls. blocked some-
times at risk of life have put dozen
| to-,
aid at the same time.
Harry / ripped that big scab off my
right hip when / nit the dirt in the
twelfth the athlete nonchalantly re-
marks.
The trainers glance combines admira-
tion and satisfaction at his protege's
sand"
well, your score tucked away the old
ball game for us, son." he comes back.
I've got some more OF that yellow pow
der put on before, that'll dry it up in
no time. Say, you certainly spilled old Ira
when you slid into him, didn't your
And they discuss the play bit, but as
they near the clubhouse the player turns
to the trainer with frimace. and
Gee! That's beginning to sting now
Harry"
The trainer hurries up the steps.
Get your sliding pads off quick. I'll
be with you in a minute he exolaims, as
they dodge through the door-into the es-
oterio little world behind the scenes in
base ball of which the public knows SO lit
tie, though writer's have pictured it, nm
pires. managers and eminent players have
exploited it, and even the 'bushers" have
revealed. in modish interviews certain Of
its secrets.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
POINTED PARAGRAPHS

From the Chicago News.
The matrimonial odds are to /.
The laxative man is an automatic self
entertainer.
To try to look intelligent is easier than
making good.
Some of us might be better husbands IL
we had better wives.
man never boasts of his will power il
his wife is around.
One way to avoid a quarrel is to be abb
sent at the psychological moment.
If man has too much money it's no
task at all for him to acquire more.
Between two evils ii is better to marry
for money than for d chance to get even.
Few men are willing to take good adj
vice if it is free; also they hate to pay
fof it.
The enterprising summer girl has no use
for the young man who wastes his time
kissing her hand.
A successful financer is one whom
everybody claims to have known when he
didn't have dollar to his name.
To man who is getting q small salary
and has large family to support home
is the dearest place on earth.
according to statistics, one woman in a
thousand can open a telegram with as lit
tie emotion as she displays in opening a
can OF corn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
Happy in Old Are

Two of Americas famous business
men celebrated birthdays this week.
John Wanamaker, the merchant
prince, was rs years of age day before
yesterday, and John d. Rockefeller,
the richest man in this country if not
in the world, was IA. On the same
day Cardinal Gibbons observed his
birthday. He had lived 70 years.
AS different as the lives of these
men have been in many respects, they
are alike in cheerfulness. Mr.. Rock
efeller, according to reports which
gained currency some years ago, was
the victim of dyspepsia. He was a
great money maker and being a
philanthropist at the same time he
would have enjoyed life to the fullest,
no doubt, had his digestion been good.
But at the age of 70 he took to golf
and he now laughs merrily and talks
optimistically.
Mr.. Wanamaker is of bright and
genial nature and has always been
full of sunshine in the society of his
friends. He has been philanthropist
in quiet way and while he was in
President Harrison's cabinet as Post
master General he proved himself to
be something of statesman as well
as a practical business man.
Cardinal Gibbons, a native of Balti-
more and a typical American, was
distinguished in his young days as a
priest for his benignity. As the vicar
apostolic of North Carolina at the
age of SO he was known as an
ecclesiastic of singular gentleness
combined with uncommon zeal He
had insight into human nature. He
knew men and understood motives.
His steady preferment in his church
was due in large measure to his
common sense philosophy and his un-
erring judgment. AS bishop of Rich
mond he was esteemed by all classes
and as archbishop Of Baltimore and
primate of the American hierarchy he
has come to be the idol of the Ameri-
can people regardless of race or creed
On his birthday the cardinal said:
"I do not think | will live much
longer; / think il will not be long
now, and when the call comes | think
it will be sudden. We should all be
ready for the call because we do not
know how soon or how sudden it may
come The cardinals health is good
notwithstanding his advanced age
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
BROTHER BRYAN's rnoUBIEs,

BROTHER BRYANS TROUBLES.
1t must be rather trying on Mr.. Bryan's
temper to have the affairs of state con-
tinually interrupting his engagements
with the dear people. A big celebration
had been planned for him in an Iowa
town, but when the secretary got there
he found a lengthy telegram in cipher
awaiting his attention. The message had
come from washington and was so iro-
portant that Mr.. Bryan retired to his
room in local hotel and spent several
hours reading the message and writing a
reply And only the other day he had to
cancel one of those $3.50 talkfests. When
on appreciative multitudes and pouring
on appdeciative multitudes and pouring
his high-priced words into receptive ears
the necessity of having to perspire over
cipher telegram in the room OF a small
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25

nor will it suffice to aid the tenant
With state funds for the purchase. A
comprehensive scheme will provide
for fair rents. alike in town and coun-
try, and purchase at valuations estab.
lished by public authority. This forth
coming programme is being anticipat-
ed by conservative statesmen, who
are making tentative bids for the la
borers' votes in land scheme of their
own.
1t seems that the world is about to
behold the next step in England's
amazing enterprise for the better diff
fusion of national wealth. The pres
ent government will perhaps secure a
law on the 'one man, one vote prin-
ciple, outline its land policy. exhibit
the excellent results of it's national in.
surance laws, and then pass the Irish
and Welsh bills over the lords veto
going to the country for approval in
the spring of 1914. Whether then. or
later 1t will have made a record quite
in popular service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
..No-suHltENnER oArEsy

Frank Taylor, in London Spectator.
1t was blowing blizzard. Oates said: Il
am just going outside. and may be
some time" He went out into the bliz-
zard, and we have not seen him since
The Diary ofxCaptain Scott.
II was not In the fury and the foam,
The swift, earth shaking tumult, and
the shout s
OF close knit squadrons riding hard and
home, 4
That he went out
For him no trumpets called with jubilant
blast,
Only the ice winds everlasting moan;
Alone into the solitude he passed,
Yet not alone.
For joyfully the long line of his peers,
Most joyfully the long line of his peers
Most ioyfully those stanch old bands and
true,
Which rode at Baiakiava In far years,
And Waterloo.
Warburz, and Paardebers, and Dettinzen.
Watched him go out into the dcathly
Wild L.
Ay, many valiant souls OF mighty mon
Saw that. and smiled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
THE cRIcKET's OLD FRIEND

From the Kansas City Star.
The observed great number of crickets
this year raises. the pertinent question.
How many cricketsf lives have been saved
by Charles Dickens Cricket on the
Hearth?' There are no available statis-
tics, but conservative estimate is sew
eral billion.
The gruff old Taclileton. who "scrunched
EN-, Sir" didn't get the pretty young
girl for his bride. But he became a con-
vert to the crickets later on when he
saw what their CHEEKY chirps on the
hearth did for Dot and John Peery binge
and the baby and Tillie Slowboy.
1t was great service that Dickens did
to the crickets. Maybe that contest be-
tween the cricket and the kettle in Dot $
kitchen has influenced even the entomolo-
gists and the farm experts in giving their
clean bill of health to these brown cousins
Of the shoppers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
THIRD YEAR Ar WEST POINT

The life of the cadet al West Point in his
third year is shown in views appearing In
the August Popular Mechanics magazine.
This is the fourth installment of re-
markable series of pictures which began
in the May number of the magazine and
will close with the September issue. An
article in the August magazine states:
1.-The routine of West Point day be-
gins at a. m. in winter and $50 a. M in
summer, with the reveille roll call assem-
bly,. Five minutes later in summer and
90 minutes later in winter is sounded 'po-
lice CALL the signal for setting quarters
in ORDER This the cadets have to do
themselves. Each room in barracks is oc-
cupied by two cadets and the arrangement
of all articles In the room Is prescribed
in posted regulations. No articles but
those prescribed are allowed in the rooms.
Each cadet takes his weekly turn as or
derly, and at police call must thoroughly
sweep and dust the room and see that
all articles are in their proper places.
Not only is the cadets daily life regu-
lated by a succession of bugle calls to
meals, classes, drills, parades, and mill
tary duties generally, ending with taps
which is blown at 10 p. m. and again at
1880 for cadets who have been author
ized to have lights until that hour, but
his conduct in the smallest details Is a
matter of official concern. He must keep
his hair cut short by the post barber. but
must shave himself and be clean shaven
at all times. He must not contract debts
without the permission of the superintend-
ent, and all authorized debts are paid by
the treasurer and charged against his pay.
He cannot receive the balance of pay
due until he leaves the academy, and must
deposit $14 a month to apply the pur-
chase of uniforms and equipment when
he graduates.
HE may smoke during recreation hours
in his room or within camp limits, but
must confine his taste for tobacco to the
brnads sold in the cadet store. Only the
pipe is permitted-cigarettes are absolute
ly barred Misunderstanding liquor may be
brought within cadet limits, and any
cadet who takes drink or has liquor in
his possession is subject to dismissal.
Playing cards and games of chance are
barred. Chess. checkers and backgammon
are permitted in camp. Church attendance
is compulsory. On Sundays the church
assembly call sounds at 9:20 a. m. for
the cadets who attend the Roman Catholic
chapel at 9:55 for those who go to church
in the neishboring village Of Highland
Falls, and at 1910 for those attending SER
vices in the cadet chapel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
LIVING ON FIFTY CENTS A WEEK

From the Louisville Courier-Journal.
A NEW YORK paper publishes the
~ following dispatch from Ithaca,
'The high cost of living problem has
been solved by Miss Clara S. Loewus OF
Towanda, Pa. student OF the violin at
the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. who
for the last 20 weeks kept the cost of her
food down to so cents a week, thereby
breaking the record of the Cornell fresh
man who lived on s5 cents week last
winter.
Miss Loewus' diet was as follows:
Breakfast-One cup OF tea, two slices of
stale bread toasted, spread with peanut
butter. Luncheon-Two slices OF stale
bread with peanut butter and generally
cup of cocoa. Dinner-one boiled potato
spread with dairy butter. two slices of
state bread and peanut butter She added
to this menu occasionally few toma-
toes and some eggs.
During the 20 weeks 1t has cost this
young and ambitious music student $40
for all the food that has sustained her
during iier hard work at the conSrvatory
where she is studying under William
Grant Egbert. She has not suffered hum
ger or has not harmed her health, as is
evident from her fun, round face, rosy
cheeks and clear blue eyes. She stands
five feet in height weighs lis pounds and
is II years Old
1t is only in America that attention may
be attracted by living upon food al
lowance of 80 cents a week. 1t would
probably be conservative to say that more
than half of the inhabitants of the earth
live more economically.
The average income in India is said to
be $40 a year. Even If that estimate is
not exact ii is safe to say that the average
income In India is not s25 year. and out
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-25
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
BnsIness ACTIVITY

within the past two weeks have visit
ed five southern cities and have found
business fairly active in each of them
Richmond Norfolk. Savannah, Augusta
and Atlanta said c. L. Wortham of
Philadelphia.
Birmingham is the busiest city in the
south, perhaps. This is my third visit
here and | have never seen business 50
active as it is now The Improvements
have been wonderful indeed and the flu
tur of Birmingham and the Birmingham
district cannot be overestimated.