davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
To Deserve Success

Pertius looked the false friend steadily
in the eye, and when Sempronius faltered
about success in the approa ching combat
the son of Cato said sternly:
ut is not in mortals to command sue
cess. But we will do more, Sempronius
We'll deserve it," and with these words
he strobe away, doubling of the loyalty
of the general.
But what was he to do? The Catos
were surrounded by open and secret
enemies. Stole philosophy had COM
manded the admiration of pagan world,
but was not powerful enough to win bat
ties and reconstruct a nation.
As Portius walked away Sempronius fol-
lowed him with muttered curses Then to
himself:
But where is Syphax? He is a Nu-
indian, and as such we'll disposed to mis-
chief Cato has used me i'll. | spoke to
him of my love for Marcia, and he told
me that this was not time to talke of
love. We shall see.
Caesars greatness showers down for
tune upon his friends. I will go to Caesar
But l must have Catos daughter. But
here comes Syphax."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
In Juba's Dress

There is nothing for it," said Sem
pronius to Syphax; eve must act quick
~. We must force one of the gates and
fly to Caesar. But when | leave the
city how can I take Marcia with me?"
Il will arrange that" said Syphax. "I
am in command Of the Numidian guard
Access to the palace is given only to
Juba and Marcias brothers.
well, you shall have Jubas dress and
JUDAS body guard. Thus disguised you
can penetrate into the palace. seize the
girl and make off with her. I, meantime,
will seize the gate now held by Portius
and with what soldiers will follow us we
can make our exit that way and fly to
Caesar and to safety
Heavens, that is good plan,' said
Sempronius. with what delight shall
see that naughty maiden struggling to
escape me, wild with fear and anger! So
Pluto carried off Proserpine to helrs
tremendous DOOM
Lucia and Marcia were alone in a
chamber of the palace. listening with the
natural fear of women to the sounds of
war which were now heard upon every
side. They heard The sounds of approach
ing feet and retired TO an inner ROOM
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
EVEN OLD LONDON CHANGES
Ancient British Estates Passing
Commerce Taking Lead

Inc Duke of Bedford has sold hid
block of freehold property in the eenl
ter of London, embracing 10 acres. I'd
Harry Mallaby -Deering, a unionisI
member of Parliament for the estil
mated price of $5o,000,0OO. 1t is a motel
worthy event not only by reason oil
the record price involved in a singlJ
real estate transaction, but also becausd
OF some of the famous places of inl
tefest whose ownership is transferred
says the Chicago Inter Ocean.
Inc estate stretches east and west
from Kingsway to st. Martins lane|
near Trafalgar square, and north and
south from Long Acre to the Strand
II includes the Royal opera, the DrurJ
Lane, the Oldwych, the Strand and
the Lyceum theatres. the very names
OF Whlch bring to recollection score 4
OF passages in British history and lit
efature. 1t also includes the Royal
opera, the Drury Lane, Garden mari
ket, the Bow street police court, thd
National Sporting club and other place
OF less fame The catalogue, indeed
reads like page from Fielding, Dick
ems or Thaekeray.
But perhaps the most interesting fact
OF all in connection with the sale ID
ehdt the ownership of this property
passes from one of the nine peerJ
who owned practically all of the "old
city of LONDON. These gentlemen ard
the Dukes of Portland, Bedford and
Westminster. the Marquises of Exeterl
90 allsbury, Northampton and Camdenl
the Earl OF Craven and Viscount Port
man. This particular property had
been owned by the Bedford family sincd
l540, being held under a royal granl
OF Henry VIII.
Undoubtedly. before the lapse OF
many more years the other tracts held
by ancient noble families will find
their way into other hands and event
tualiy be split up into many ownerl
ships, chiefly among the middle classe 81
those engaged 'in trade" who hayd
the greatest use for such property
1t is taking first place in most things
and the breaking up of the. ancient
British estates is only an index to d
general condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
SemprOnius the Traitor

sempronius had seen, as most every
che else had. how the conflict between
Gao and Caesar was about to end, and
had arranged his little plans accord
iIgly.
Caesar would win-there was no
doubt about that The only thing which
Sempronius was considering was in
what manner he could make himself
of most value to Caesar. He was about
TO betray Cato and only considered the
method of his doing it.
Also his eyes had lighted upon Cato
daughter Marcia and he had made ad-
Vances to her, which had been repelled
with seorn and contempt So he laid
his little plans.
He would stir up a revolt of the Nu-
indians against Cato and against their
native King, Prince Juba. He would
open the city gates to Caesar and would
claim Marcia as his part of the spoils
of the conquered town.
OF Portius. who commanded at one
OF the city gates. Sempronius was a
little afraid. II like not that cold
youth" he said. But when he saw the
son of Cato on this momentous morn
ing he smoothed his brown and dis
sembled, saying;
Good morrow, Portius let us en-
brace while yet we are free men. To-
morrow, perhaps, we shall both be
slaves. This is perhaps the last sun
that shall ever shine upon Roman lib
erty"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
CatO's False Friend

My father" replied Portius coldly,
has this morning called in this hall a
meeting of the Roman Senate to consult
what may be done to stem the tide of
conquest with which Caesar seems to be
overwhelming the world. 1t is rather a
strange place, 1 must admit to hold a
Roman Senate in this Utica"
20, as for that" replied Sempronius,
Cato himself can give lustre to any as
semblage convoked anywhere. He will
strike something like religious fear into
the heart of Caesar by the mere weight
of his name.
20, Portius, could I but call that Won
drous man my father-if Marcia would
but be propitious to my suit would lay
down all other ambitions and honors."
And for once the man was sincere.
Alas" Sempronius." replied PortIus,
"how can you expect to talk of love to
my sister Marcia when her fathers life
hangs in the balance? You might as
well court poor, trembling vestal when
she sees the sacred flame expiring.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
In n Fruitless Maze

"Remember," returned Portius, what
our father has often told us-the ways
of heaven are dark and intricate, puz-
zled in mazes and perplexed with err
rors. When we would search them we
are bewildered in a fruitless maze. We
cannot see how deep the windings run
you speak with a mind at ease
answered Marcus.
20, my brother, did you but know
half the griefs I bear-griefs which
wiring my soul-you could not think
thus calmbly. In addition to all the
woes which now are gathering about
our house / am the victim of Gnrequit =
ed love. This aggravates my other
griefs and seems to plant daggers in
uy breast o. were Lucia kind to me
did she return my love-I think | could
bear all else
Portius gazed sadly upon his brother
ard thought to himself; "He knows
not that his brother is his rival. And
! must hide 1t from him. l know his
temper"
Such was the case of the two broth
ers They had fallen in love with the
same maiden. Lucia. the daughter OF
the Roman noble, Lucius, one of the
few of the nobility who still stood by
Cato and his fortunes and was now in
Utica, prepared to meet the fate of
the great Stole
And Lucia's heart inclined to Portius,
and not to Marcus
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Caesars Triumph

fortus' nlled with anxiety at the at
ttude which his father had assumed
with regard to fate went into the chan
Der, and found the great Stole fallen
upon his sword.
lie was not dead, but fast dying. Th1
servants were called. Cato requested I'd
be carried in chair to the hall vbarJ
all that was left of Rome and his mem
up Utica remained.
lie called family for Juba and Marcia
and placed their hands in each others
He asked for Portius and for Lucia. and
Joined their hands.
Then, sinking back in his chair. he died
saying: This is thy triumph. Caesar ;,
Great-and magnanimous as he wa.
great-Caesar, when he finally enterec
the palace, wept over the body of Catf
and had it buried with the funeral honor.
of Roman.
He acceded to the marriage of Juh,
ana marcia and to that of Lucia ano
Portius.
Neither Juba nor Portius troubled ths
reign of Caesar any more. Satisfied In
the delights of private life and the love
OF Virtuous wives, they went down tc
history In calm and unruffled old age
after the storm and trials of their younge
lives.
Next weeks one-page classic will be
Yeast" by Charles Kingsley.
Copyright, 1914, by Irving King.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Another Traitor

Syphax was one of those soldiers of
fortune-a part Numidian-who was now
in command of a detachment of the
guards of Prince Juba. And he, like
Sempronius, saw the storm breaking I'M
der the power of Caesar and had deter
mined to betray the philosopher Cato.
Though all history has condemned the
acts of Sempronius and Syphax, yet,
treacherous as the ywere, double dealing
as they We're, Cato himself by his great
concelted pride of philosophy which was
imperative, gave these men the excuse
for their treason.
Cato's cause was lost He knew it, A
sensible mana practical man-would
have made the best terms he could with
the destined conqueror-terms for his
friends and followers-if not for himself
But Cato, retiring into the depths of a
SNUG philosophy, simply awaited fate with
a calm superiority which must have been
aggravating to his associates.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Her Secret Surprised

Hearing no sound in the anteroom.
Lucia and Marcia came stealthily in
again and both gave a feminine shrek
to see dead body lying upon the floor.
Marcia, seeing the garb in which it was
dressed, at once thought that before
her lay the dead body of the man she
loved.
1T is he-it is Juba'' she exclaimed.
Now, Lucia, what are your woes COM
pared with mine? There lies my Juba.
dead"
She bent over and whispered IT love
thee.
Juba, who had entered unpreceived,
heard these words and thought. Then
she loved Sempronius after ALL
But the next cry that was wrung from
Marcia's tortured soul told him the story,
for 90 Jubal Juba!" she cried.
He stepped forward and said MAR
cia, the happy Juba lives-lives happy
in your love-"
You are Juba," cried Marcia, step
ping back And, then, who is it that
lies there?"
Quickly and shortly Juba told her the
story She drew herself up, regained
her composure and said with dignity: 81
have been surprised in an unguarded
hour to confess a love / never thought
to confess. But 1 must not now go back
on my words. Lucia, give me your arm;
lead me to my apartments. Prince, |
blush to think upon what have said -
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Better a Thousand Deaths

There is cord which binds you,"
cried SyphaX; the charms of Cato's
daughter. Marcia! Yes, Marcia pleads
better with you than your fathers
blood"
stop" thundered Juba. "your zeal
becomes impertinence."
AT once SyphaX became all humility
and he recalled to Juba how his father
had trusted him--how his hairs, now
whitening, had been growing old in the
service of the royal family of Ethi-
opia.
And he spoke in real and heartfelt
earnest, with loyalty to his prince, when
he said, with tears in his eyes: 20,
Prince Juba, fly from the fate that
nIenaces all of Caesars foes"
MY father scorned to do it,"
And therefore died" returned Juba.
Better to die thousand deaths than
to live with a wounded honor. And,
Syphax, since you have forced me to
confess a flame I did not know was so
generally known; we'll, YOU have my
answer. I love the Lady Marcia. But
her father repels my suit However,
some day, when peace or death has
succeeded this war, was may agree
Marcia, Cato and myself
"SyphaX, Syphax, be loyal to Rome
and Ethiopia-and, SyphaX, somehow |
almost suspect you, Syphax. But go.
Get to your guards and see that they
are loyal"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Marcia and Lucia

AS SyphaX turned to leave the hall
he saw approaching Marcia and Lucia.
Now" thought he, 10000 curses upon
them; these women will undo in a min
ute all that I have been laboring for
in this half hour"
The dark brow of Juba cleared as
Marcia and Lucia entered and he cried
out; Hail, charming maid. Your
beauty smoothes the ruffled face of
war and makes us less suspicious of
ourselves and of the rest of mankind
l almost forgot the approach of
Caesar"
II should be much grieved," replied
Marcia, that my presence could draw
you from the important matters be-
fore you. Arms, and nothing else,
should now claim the attention of
Prince Juba.'
Marcia looked and spoke the Roman
maiden of that old school of Rome
which was now passing away. Above
the middle height her figure was so
perfectly formed that she moved in
unoulating symmetry as she passed
with a stately tread across the marble
pavement.
Lucia was younger and of a dark
complexion, while Marcia was one of
the dazzling blondes which are not in
frequently found in southern latitudes
and who seem to take on an unusual
beauty from the uneXpectedness of
their compilations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Cato's Son

The day came when, from a neighoorng
hight. the glittering of the cohorts or
Caesar could be seen in the distance
across the plains.
The day had come when either Cato $
death and overthrow or signal deteat
of the Caesarian arms would decide
whether the old Rome of the republic,
or the new Rome of the empire was to
become the ruling power of the world.
1t was indeed, THE great, the import
ant day big with the fate of Cato and OF
Rome.
The two stalwart sons of Cato met IN
the hall of the palace early in the
morning-M the headstrong ana
impulsive. and Portius, the calmer and
more collected, the son who took after
his after in a phiosophie turn of mind.
What can Cato do against a base,
degenerate world?' exclaimed Marcus.
Here, covered by Numidian guards, he
vainly forms a poor epitome of Roman
greatness and directs a feeble army and
an empty senate. BY heavens, Portius'
our fathers fortunes would tempt ons
to renounce his virtues
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
In Pent In Utica

w ':% 'ss as,,s :''s,; 70 s.,: ;:' .ss s':" ia:
w full In the leadership of men,
with a chaste and fair daughter. sought
in marriage by the King of Ethiopia-a
powerful monarch-and with an army still
unbroken and a senate which obeyed his
will, Cato, the Stole, gazed upon MS
sword and, in imagination. already felt Its
keen point entering his breast.
For the glory and power of Caesar
had swept cross the world The old Rome,
the Rome of Scaevola, of the Horatli'
and the later Rome of the weak and In
competent senate had passed away and
was now being succeedd by the new ero
of the empire
Driven from Europe. Cato had retired
to Utica, then the chief city on the
northern coast of Africa, and there had
collected and established what he could
of the Roman republic.
True TO the traditions and ideals OF
the past, he called his senate the Roman
senate and after the battle of Pharsalus,
the results of which swept away from
him all but the city and its environments,
he knew that hope was gone,
Pent up in Utica, he still talked PM
Iesophy and cultivated the Stole virtues.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Love Cannot Be Lost !

Marcus" said the elder brother,
"call up all the father in thy soul to
quell the tyrant Love. Guard thy heart
on this weak side. Conquer this hope
less love. 1t will be a conquest worthy
of Cato's son."
Love is not to be reasoned down.,
retorted Marcus; 81 cannot take your
counsel Love cannot be lost in high
ambition and a thirst for greatness. 1t
is a second nature-a second life of
the soul"
Have you not observed your Juba,
the Prince of Numidia?" said Portius;
"how he has tanned his passions to
copy after our fathers virtues?" He
can control his love-why not you
yours?
"Juba loves our sister. Marcia, great
ly loves her. But this love of his only
makes him more ambitious and de-
sirous of martial fame. Shall Juba, by
his example, shame great Cato's son?
"Be you as self-possessed as this At
ricsn prince Is. rs this virtue wanting
in a Roman? Come, my brother, let
your love--which you say yourself is
hopeless-urge you to more valiant and
mighty needs-to more capacity of en-
during what the fates will send you
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
A Traitors Fate

Sempronius entered attired like Juba
and accompanied by the Numidians which
Syphax had furnished him. "The deer is
lodgedr' cried he
But just at that moment came in Juba
himself, accompanied by that portion of
the Numidians who still remained true
to him.
What is this?" cried the Prince "Who
Is it that dares assume the dress and
command the soldiers of the Prince of
Numdia?'
"A man who was born to chastise you
my Juba," answered Sempronius. Your
cause Is LOST
He drew his sword and made a pass at
Juba. But, quick as lightning, Juba s
sword was out also and the weapons
clashed.
The guards, astonished, fell back and
the two men fought. 1t was only a
short time-a few passes and the
sword of Juba went through the heart
of Sempronius. He fell and died, curs-
ing Juba, Cato and Marcia
Juba ordered his loyal guards to dis
arm those whom Syphax had sent with
Sempronius and. leaving the unfortu-
nate general lying dead upon the floor.
marched off with his prisoners to Cato,
saying to himself: What is this dark
design-this mystery of fate?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Ready for Revolt

"All is ready" cried Syphax when he
saw Sempronius-and saw that he was
alone" l have sounded all my Numdi-
ans and they are ripe for revolt. They
all complain of Catos discipline and are
willing and eager to change their mas
ter"
There Is no time to waste" replied
Sempronius: "every minute Caesar is
drawing nearer. You do not know his
active soul. But tell mellow about
Prince Juba-have you tried him? If we
could get Juba on our side We would be
much more sure-and stronger"
ALAS. he's lost-lost He talks only
of Cato's virtues and lot of other Ro-
man twaddle--faith and honor and things
of that sort. His Numidian temper has
been corrupted with such talk"
WELL" said Sempronius. II will hasten
to my Roman soldiers and flame a mutiny
while you take care of the Numdians.
Remember-we must work In haste.
Il will appear shortly in the Senate and
make stirring speech which will advo-
cate the most desperate resistance to
Caesar. Then. my good Syphax. We will
sell them OUT
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
ABOLITION OF GRAND JURY
Recommended by Royal Commission
in England

Abolition of the grand Jury, as recoml
mended by the royal commission on delaJ
of the law courts in England. seems ljk1
an extremely radical proposal, consider
ing the antiquity of the system which ha
been traditionally regarded as the pallal
dium of the Englishman' and for tha
matter, the Americans. personal liberty
says the Philadelphia Bulletin. But fol
sometime lawyers and publicists hayl
felt that the protection afforded to thI
individual by the interposition of thl
grand inquest of peers" between thl
bringing of criminal accusations and acl
tual trial by the courts is more theo|
retical than real
AS it exists today, the grand Jury is It'll
tie more than adjunct, or auxiliary
of the office of the district attorney.
corrupt or biased prosecuting officer ca 4
manipulate the average body of laymel
called to serve on this duty about q.
readily as he desires, despite the privi
leges and latitude supposed to be allowed
to the members. By minimizing evidenced
by failure to call essential witnesses fol
one excuse or another, or through exagI
geration of the effect of testimony th(
adfolt prosecutor can generally have bill
found true or ignored almost as he willa
The very secrecy which cloaks actions id
the inquest room may be made a cove]
Tor outrageous partiality, with lttl}
chance of the public finding it out, someI
times shifting the responsibility for
miscarriage of justice to the shoulders OF
the jurors themselves when it should
rest on venal or INSCRIPTIONS attAr|
ney for the people. Fortunately, though
the percentage of such cases has beel
so small as to be exceptional or conf
paratively rare.
But notwithstanding the fact thai
many of the grand jurys functions ari
n)w virtually obsolete and others are subj
ject to abuse, it may be doubted whethe1
the public in this country would be VIII
ing to see it abolished and its place take1
solely by magisterial body permanently
sitting to pass ex parte upon chargei
against persons brought before 1t at th1
lightest will of private prosecutors. Cerl
tainly there would be an enthusiastically
outcry if, for instance, reliance Weri
placed entirely on the judgment OF th(
committing police magistrates in thii
city, or even If decision were reposeq
alone in single court, after the manne1
of the historic star chamber, without
the coordinate acquiescence of some dill
rect representative OF the citizenry al
large. In this regard it would be most
likely found that the public prefers Il
endure the evils whereof it knows thai
to risk others that it konws not at all
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
His Mind Made Up

The Senate so resolved. and, one by
one, the senators withdrew, leaving
Cato sitting in his marble chair.
Juba entered and found the great
philosopher alone. Cato told the prince
what had been the decision of the Sem
ate-what was his own resolve.
Cato" said Juba, 81. like Caesar,
would wish to preserve life lil< yours.
Had we better not leave this Utica and
seek the court of Numdia. where we
can rally to our standard many brave
warriors from the jungle and the des-
ert?"
NO" replied Cato, 1T will not be like
Hannibal and wander from one court
to another in Africa, seeking assist
ance
Il know you, young prince-and L
know your valor. But learn from Cato
prayer, abstinence, resolve. Success
you must learn from Caesar
You love my daughter Marcia But
the hand of fate is heavy over us. 1
cannot no wtalk of anything but lib
erty or slavery, of conquest or of
death. Juba, speak no more of love"
And Cato was gone
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Wasting Precious Moments

Marcia" replied Juba, "can 1 hope
that your good wishes follow me to
battle? That thought will give new
vigor to my arm"
MY prayers and wishes" replied
Marcia, "are with the friends of Rome.
But at time like this 1t is not fitting
that We should lay out our strength
In words. Prince Juba-you are wasting
precious moments If you intend to
fight for Rome"
"Your reproach is just answered
the embarrassed prince. and bowling
low to the two maidens he FASTENED
from the hall.
How can you be so severe with a
man who loves you-as you know? p
said Lucia when the retiring form of
Juba had disappeared beyond the mar
BILE pillars.
The pretty brunette looked up to the
face OF the tall and stately blonde with
a childish, inquirinz gaze. And Marcia
looked down upon the child with a
considering look.
Lucia" she said, would you have
me sink and drown in pleasant dreams
and waste my life in love when every
moment Cato'9life is at stake?"
why can 1 not have this constancy
of mind?" exclaimed Lucia. surely
ma ture formed me in her softest mold
and made me more feeble than the rest
reign alternately.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-01
Every Inch a Prince

Just as Sempronius left the hall came
in the Prince Juba. Tall, dark-as be-
came his near relation to the burning
sun"-of majestic carriage, this celebrated
Prince of ETHIOPIA appeared every inch
monarch.
But in his black eyes was that dreamy,
romantic 'far-away'' look which can be
noticed in the most cultivated and thd
most talented of the African race.
"SyphaX,' said the prince-and now
his eyes took on a deeper and more
threatening cast-"Syphax, l have OBJ
served of late that you hafe gone
about with downcast visaga. You no
longer seem to look men in khe eye
what is the matter, Syphax9 Why, you