davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Bonds
Federal Reserve Banks

Washington, December 26s-The weekly statement of the F federal reserve banks at the close of business December "A shows a slight increase in reserve depos- it's and slight decrease in loans and discounts. The statement follows; Z Resources: Gold coin and certificates, s282 ,56S, eco; legal tender notes. silver cer- tificates and subsidiary coin, $25,7 ,Oo0; total, s25s, ,3l6,000 Bills discounted and loans: Maturities within % days, $4,102,- GOO; maturities within 60 days, SB0,00o; other $1, zoo coo: total, s, 900; all other resources, s4,S15, 900; total resources, $2n,- 6S3000.
 Liabilities: Capital paid in sis,ooo,ooo; reserve deposits, s249, 7S6o0o; federal re- serve notes in circulation (net amount, s3,S47,000; total liabilities, S211, ,6SS0oO; gold reserve against all liabilities. 91.7 per cent; cash reserve against all liabilities, 1el.S per cent.
 The board gave out this statement ex- paining changes of the week:
 '"rhe total resources were about $1, fOO.oo0 larger than the previous week, the in- crease being due mainly to larger amounts of federal reserve notes in the hands of the New York bank. Net deposits show a gain equally large, cash resources show a slight gain, and redscounts a decrease of about $500,000 as compared with the previous weeks totals Hardly any change ds shown in the figures of net circula- ton of federal reserve notes, though re- ports from the federal reserve agents in- dicate that almost s3000,000 of additional federal reserve notes were issued to the banks during the week."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Decoy Periscopes Are Used

From the New York Independent.
 Such things exist as decoy periscopes- short lengths of pipe held upright on a float and looking exactly like the real periscope. The submarine sets them adrift for you to find--sometimes scatters sev- eral of them.
 When one is sighted you cannot stop to cor sider whether the little object dancing on the sea half a mile or so distant does or does not mean 250 pounds of high ex- plosive coming straight at you. Maybe you will see an aeroplane maneuvering over it in way that carries convic- ton that 1t does. You don't dare to take any chances. and so you train all the guns at 1t.
 Then the real submarine sinks up on the other side of the ship. and with the swift rush of it's torpedo the latest of sea tragedies comes to an end.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Messages On Shells

A sailors letter describing the battle of
 Helgoland says that our bluejackets
 laughed as they served their guns and
 that on each shell that smashed the Mainz
 was scrubbed in chalk such messages as
 Love from England" "One for Billy"
 and the like. says Pearson's Weekly.
 This habit of sending messages on shells
 and cannon balls is very ancient one.
 In a museum at Calcutta you may see
 silver cannon ball-a real ball, not a
 modern projectile-and on it's are still wis.,
 ible certain engraved characters.
 This was picked up in the jungle near
 the ruins of the old city of Anadnagar,
 and it's history is a strange one. Many years ago Anadnagar was ruled by the Princess Cande. The Moguls in- vaded India, and conquering one state after another attacked Anadnagar. The plucky princess fought to the last, and when all the other metal in the town had
 been used up, took the gold and silver from her treasury and had it moulded into bullets, on which were engraved nal edictons against the oppressor. These were fired at the enemy, and when at last they were used up, and the town forced to capitulate, the victors found precious little in the way of spoil. The story brings to mind more mod ern one. During the Boer war MT. Rhodes was shut up in Kimberley, and the Boers constantly shelled the town with long range artillery. They were not very sue cessful for with 800 big shells they only killed 12 people.
 Meantime, MT. Rhodes accomplished the extraordinary feat of getting a cannon built at his works inside the town. 1t was a regular modern rihed gun, and fired shells-also home-made-on each of which was stamped With compliments of c. J. Rhodes"
 The Boers themselves were not without sense of humor. During Christmas 1899, they were besieging I.adysmith, and on Christmas eve they fired ten plugged shells into the town each with a piece oi 1 plum pudding inside, and each bearing tho words. With the seasons compli- ments."
 Two Of tho shells were found by ths garrison, and 1t was discovered that, like Mir Rhodes, they were homemade, hay. | ing been cast in a foundry at Johannes. burg,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
SHARP ADVANCE
 SHOWN BY WHEAT Biggest Bull Market of the Month Develops in the
 Last Hour

Chicago. December 26.-Wheat today rose to S.90Ss for May delivery, the high est since September ?, when owing to war excitement the market touched S.S2 Signs of increasing difficulty of obtaining supplies first hand was largely respon- sible for the new upturn Prices closed strong at 1Ad1ssc to 1ssc net advance Other leading staples. too. all scored gains, corn 1%@17sc, oats 1@dssc and pro- visions 10d27Ike.
 After hesitation early, wheat in the last hour developed the biggest bull market of tho month. Most of the large interest had taken to the buying side, with attention mainly directed to scantiness of country offerings. In Kansas mills were said to be paying relatively 20 to Sc higher than heretofore. and yet were barely manag- Ing to compete with the demand for wheat for export.
 Corn showed great strength from the start. Investors seemed to look with favor on the idea that the cereal was relatively cheap compared with other grain. Oats rose with corn. Provisions climbed because of the advance in grain and hogs
 Chicago. December 26.-Grain and provisions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
The Czar's Mirhty Army

When in 19O4-5, the Russian armies wero so disastrously defeated by Japan, 1t was freely asserted that she would not recover from the blow for half century. and might, indeed, become second-rate pow CT. says Tit-Bits. The average person, however. has little idea of the tremendous military resources of the Czar's domin- ions. and. so far from being crippled. 1t IS estimated that with a revenue of at least E300, GOO a year, a war reserve of about E1e6 .000. 900, and with her tremendous army of 8,O00O00 men, which she has thoroughly reorganized and equipped since 1905. hus- sia, in theN present conflict, is well able to carry on her part for at least two or three years easily.
 Russ.as army today, in fact, Is far stronger and more efficient than 1t has ever been in the history of the empire. If necessary 1t can put F, 2,000. 900 men into the field. including what is known AS the opolchente (territorials). in which ell men serve until the completion of their forty third year. This sast army of men is drawn from millions of square miles of and physidue they compare very favor ably with the best troops in the world
 The standard in Russia as regards height is very low whom compared with our own. It begins at i've feet for infan- try and five feet three inches for cavalry, As the majority of the peasants arc prac- tically vegetarians, it is not an expensive bus ness to feed the Russian army. The soldiers diet mostly consists of cabbage soup, porridge. potatoes, beans. peas good wholesome rye bread, macaroni. garlic fish and various dainties cooked In sun flower seed oil. says the author of "The Russian Army From Within" The pay of officsrs usually averages from Rs to e10 . uaolth. according to the standing of ths
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Some Yawns Forgivable

The young lady of Wanstead who broke off her engagement because her lover yawned in her presence showed a proper self respect or else a lack of discrimina- ton, says the Pail Mall Gazette. Of couse, there are yawns and yawns. There is the yawn of fatigue and the yawn of boredom. The first is not only excusable; 1t Is positively cozy. A childs yawn at bedtime and a dogs yawn as he stretches himself before the fire are about the most luxurious expressions of benetre which the world provides. But the yawn-some- times noisy-which proceeds from the bored listener to speech or sermon is the most insulting, even if involuntary, snub which can possibly be administered. Any lover who yawns in sheer inability to keep his eyes open and his mouth shut. richly merits instant dismissal.
 Nobody looks pretty with half his head off and mot much of his face to wash," as the navvy said. But 1t is in the stified yawn that polite rudeness reaches its per- lection of refinement. There is as much superciliousness in the hand which Is raised to cover the mouth as in that which is raised to bring the lorgnette to the eyes. Unfortunately for those who wish always to be courteous. nature is too blunt to aid us in preserving our little artificial rules of politeness. You can stifie a yawn. but you cannot do it without your effort showing. It Is not given to man to con- trol the refiexes of his nerves and muscles. And yawning is horribly infectious. If you wish to make a fellow creature mis- behave nothing is easier than to iacite him to yawn by the simple process of bringing the thumb and fingers together and slowly opening and shutting them be- fore him. The yawn which broke an en- gagement may become historic. but the leading case will continue t obe that of the late Duke of Devonshire. who stopped to yawn in the middle of his own speech No other has ever been such a candid critic of himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Fruits and Produce

 Lemons-$3.5 Limes-75@90c. Virginia Cabbage-2c lb. Northern Apples-Barrel, fancy, s3a4 Peanuts-61sQS1sc. Florida Oranges-$2.75 California Oranges. $2.25. Grape Fruit-S2. .75G3.25. California Grapes-$2.75 per box. Catawba Grapes-17c per basket. Malaga Grapes-$5.5 5O06 per keg. Tomatoes--$S43.5 per crate. Cocoanuts. $4 per sack. Cranberries-Per box, g; per barrel, g. Rutabagas-11zc lb. Celery-$450.. Walnuts, 16Q20c per lb. Pcans--16G3oc per ID. - Filberts-15c per fb. Almonds-20c per ID. Chestnuts-9c per ID.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
EXTREMELY DULL IN STOCK MARKET Lowest Record Yesterday
 for Any Half Holiday in : Fourteen Years

New York, December 26.-With its meagre output of about 2s,000 shares. today's session of the stock exchange was the record for dullness of any holiday in IA years. Opening prices were mostly lower, United States Steel end Southern Pacific again selling at the lowest prices permitted under the existing rules, while other prominent issues manifested heavier tendencies.
 Improvement was noted in the final hour, Reading, Lehigh Valley, Union Pacific and other high priced railroad stocks gained to points over Thurs days close, on buying that came prin- cipally from the short interest. There appeared to be less outside demand than usual. except for some of the in vestment stocks. .Steel alone of the leaders failed to better its position at no time advancing the smallest frac- tion over it's minimum. Bethlehem Steel regained part of it's recent de- cline and some of the equipment group also participated in the late recovery.
 Outside news bore only indirectly upon the financial markets. advices from the dry goods and textile trades, however. being of a more encouraging tenor. Holiday trade in retail lines derived some impetuS from the more seasonable weather, but bank clear ings clearly show marked falling off in comparison with the corresponding period of 1913. .
 There were rumors of large foreign orders for cotton and copper, to be shipped within the next fortnight, to- gether with large war supplies. Cos sip associated these orders with Ger man interests, probably because the in- ouiry was said to come from banks with such connections. Even the bank statement was of less than ordinary in- terest, most of the changes, including the cash gain, being trivial as to amounts and failing to reflect the shifting of loans formerly so general at this period.
 Bonds were steady, with sales, par value, of s4Ss,000.
 United States government bonds were unchanged on call for the week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27

regiment. The salary of general Is not extravagant and varies from 9300 to $500 0 year.
 Much has been written about the re- dolibtable Cossacks. and undoubtedly these are the most noted soldiers in the Russian army. Many of these are free holders and small farmers. who supply their own horse, uniform and accoutre- ments. They have much greater political and civil freedom than the ordinary Rus sian citizen. The Cossack is generally taken to be a mounted soldier, but there are regiments which also consist of in- fantry and artillery. Generally attached to bodies of infantry. they are used for scouting. foraging. keeping up lines of communications and protecting the Hanks of an army from sudden attack
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Enlarging the World

From the Harrisburg Patriot.
 Science has done more to enlarge the habitable world in late years than have tho explorers. The discovery of the poles added nothing of practical value to humanity, but those who fought the battles of sanitation in the tropics have opened vast possib lities Surgeon General Gorgas, who is com petent to speak on this subject, says "The great valleys of the Amazon and Congo probably would produce all the food needed by the world If they were settled by the type of white man we now have in northern nations"
 The cleaning up of the Panama dis trict and changing it from a workable death hole to a region where life is as safe as anywhere on earth is the proof, With the experience there gained and with the natural enterprise of the race which he so able represents. it ia safe to predict that in time the regions he mentions will be developed and made to yield their share in tho sup port of human life. II is in that direc- ton that the world will widen In the future.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Clearing House Report

New York. December 26.-The state ment of the actual condition of clear ing house banks and trust companies >for the week shows that they hold 'S117,121, 200 reserve in excess of legal requirements. This is decrease of s8,176,7S0 from last week. Actual con- dition: Loans. etc, s2,1T9,097,000; in crease, $711,000 Reserve in own vaults, (b) s3eS. Ae,oOo; decrease, $1o,- 271,O0o Reserve in federal reserve vaults, S9S, ,499,999; increase, $3.iS6,000. Reserve in other Repositories, y31,472,- 900; decrease, $215,000. Net demand de- posits, s1,9S0, 179.000; increase. $t.603,- 900. Net time deposits, $93, ,480, 900; tn- crease, $27S,000 Circulation, s52,567.- 900: decrease, S4261,000, (b) of which $259,524,000 is specie Aggregate re- serve, $45S,3S7, 900. Excess reserve, S117 200; decrease. $S.176,7s0. Sum mary of state banks and trust com panies in Greater New York, not in- cluded in clearing house statement: Loans. etc, s561,Ss7,100; increase. $s.- e95, 800. Specie, $42.6SS,300; increase, tl193.900. Legal tenders $12,26T, ,S0o;. in- crease. $9500 Total deposits. $644,- 754,o0o; increase. $3.S45.o00. Banks cash reserve in vaults, $11.223,S00. Trust companies' cash reserve in vaults, $43, 732, 800. .,s s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Produce Market

Now York;, December 26.-Butter firm: creamery. extras (92 score). S5c. Cheese steady. unchanged: fresh gathered, extra firsts. sSe; firsts. S6dSSe Eggs firm: fresh gathered, extra firsts, soc: firsts. s66S7e; seconds, S2a35c. Dressed poultry. dull and weak; western roasting chickens. 1411Sc; fresh fowls. 12isa17c; turkeys, F Q2lc.
 Chicago, December 2G.-Butter un- changed Eggs unehanged; receipts. Si45 cases. Potatoes unsettled; receipts, Id cars: Mich gan and Wisconsin red, 35dl 40c: Michigan and Wisconsin white. $50 45c. Poultry higher: springs, 11l9c fowss, l0Ika11c; turkeys, 1oe.
 St. Louis, December 26.-Poultry un- changed except chickens, 9ul0c. Butter unchanged. Eggs, BOG.
 Elgin, H.. December o6.--Butter, sl cents, bid no sales.
 Kansas City. December 26.--Butter eggs and poultry unchanged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
What Is in His Pockets?

From the Mothers Magazine.
 The contents of a boys pockets are pretty good indication of the boys character, and any mother who studies them carefully will find food for thought in plenty. The boy who loves nature will fill his pockets with peb- bles shells bark of trees, bugs, worms, in short, with anything that he desires
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Hubbard Bros. N CO.

Ss,s.n Msrsssntv Hsccoxsr ccttcr sS"diS.. Mrci,s..
 New Orleans Cotton. Exchange. Nev
 York Produce ExchanEe- Asscciste ea.e of Cotton and Cotton Seed Oil for future delivery: Special attention and spot cotton for delivery. Cosrssppn1r.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27

Chicago. December. 26.-Wheat, No. red, q. .26lsd1. .2SA; No. 2 hard. sl.2614g 1.2Sk: No. northern. SIPS. Corn, No. 2 yellow. 67a4@6Sihc, Oats, standard. 5ohd 5o1ac. Rye. No. ?. s1.10saa1.12. Barley. COG 72c. Timothy, s5.5e47. Glover, $l24l5. Pork. s17; lard, slQ.47; ribs, $9.75Qlo.S7.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Dry Goods Market

New York, December 26.--In some directions cotton goods markets have stiffened a little. Discounts on wide sheeting have been shortened sA per cent, and some lines of bleachcd cot tons have been advanced 1sc a yard. are less willing to accept current bids for contracts to begin in July.
 One of the leading eastern lines of staple ginghams has been prices at hc for the coming season, which Is but iac decline from the top of the Year, and all lines of eastern dress ginghams for spring are being held firmly at old prices. There has been fair amount of buying of prints and perea1e at the reductions announced a few days ago.
 One of the most satisfactory features has been the receipt of shipping in structions for goods for China which were hold back because of fina ncial complications, although mills here re- ceived their money when due. Now that the goods are being taken out 1t is expected that export trade will be- gin to develop again. About 1000 bales of standard drills have been sold for shipment to India and about 10o0 bales of various constructions of sheetingd for Red sea ports. A few small China orders also came in Southern hosiery mills making cotton bundle socks nave received orders for 100000 pairs for export.
 Prices on cotton goods are quoted as follows Print cloths, 2s-inch, GAN 64s. 2Rc; 64x60's. 2ac; SS1s inch, 64S 64's, 3sc; southern broad sheetings standards. 6Ac; denims. 9-ounce, 12hc, tickings, s-ounce, 12Iac; staple ging- hams, 6hc; staple prints, 4lac, dress ginghams. 9Ac.
 Nearly all the leading primary dry goods houses were closed today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
SAYS TSINGTAU WAS
 POORLY FORTIFIED
Germans Had Few Men and Old Guns-Unable to
 Resist Attack

Toiio, December 1S.-(Correspon- dence of the Associated Press. )--LaclS of soldiers and modern equipment caused the defeat at rsingtau. accord ing to General Meyer waldeek, German governor of Kiauehau. who Is held prisoner at Fukuoka. In an interview with a Japanese newspaper man the general declared it would have required at least 10000 men. armed with mod ern guns, 10 have resisted the Japanese attacks, whereas he had a total cf only about 5000 men and most of the guns in the Tsingtau fortress were ef an old type.
 ".Nll our supply of explosives had been exhausted when the Japanese be- gan the final attack" he said. "so ws could offer no resistance and til forts fell easy victims With our forces VIC could not oppose the Japanese. who had between 25000 and 30.000 picked troops assisted by 1000 British troops with over 100 powerful guns.
 "A large number of our eombatants were wounded in the previous fight ing. and We called out all German residents In Tslngtau Wethad one it- year-old boy and three 15-year-old boys. They were employed in the au- tomobile transportation work"
 About POO Germans were killed and 500 wounded, according to the general Fragments of bursting shells caused most of the injuries. The general paid a tribute to tho bravery and marks manship of the Japanese. When thu Japanese artillery bombardment was at it's height ho declared. between 800 and 500 shells hit each fort dafly. | As the bombardment of the artillery progressed. the general said, the guns | from the Austrian cruiser Kaisertn | Elizabeth. tlse German gunboat Jaguar and the destroyer S-90 were landed and l all subsequent fighting took place on | land Ther,, Is believed to he little l possibility ot any vessels sunk in Siau- chau bay. which included the Knisertn l Elizabeth and 10 gunboats and destroy | CTS. ever being raised.
 Tho German officers kept their swords at the express command of l the Japanese Emperor The prisoners are distributed in different parts cf | Japan.
 The Modern Trend From the Philadelphia Public Ledger l Young Y.ady Gin book store)--'T wan
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Kansas City Grain

Kansas City. December 26.--Wheat, No hard, s1 .2oGl1 211a; No. red, $l 2olsG 1.21. Corn No. ? mixed, 6s1ac; No. 2 white, 6Sd6Slsc Oats. No. white 49a 52c No. mixed. 45d47c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
FIour .nd Breadatuff.

Self-rising flour, $s.75; Tennessee flour, s6.25; Michigan four, N.25; Idaho flour, se. 50; Indiana flour, $6.65; spring wheat flour, s6. 70; hard winter wheat flour, $s. Is: shorts, $22; pure wheat bran. scs; c, s. meal. 7M per cent, $26; Cremo meal, per ton, $2o; c. s. hulls, g ton; No timothy hay. per ton, $24; mixed alfalfa and Jchn- son grass. per ton. $ls; pea green alfa Ha. western, S25; mixed feed per ton, S8l: oats, per bushel, 65c; corn. per bushel. s5c; cornmeal, $1.65 per s6 pounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Live Stock Market

Chicago. December 26-Hogs: Receipts. 12. 0cO: .gher bulk, $7.05Q7 20; light. $6.D 67. 20: mixed s6.S0017.25: heavy, $6.8007 25: rough, $6s0a6.S5; pigs. $5.5oG7.2o.
 Cattle: Receipts, 400; strong; native steers s55O@s1O: western, $5.2oGS.10; cows and heifers S. oO@3.30; calfes. $750Q10.
 Sheep: Receipts. 2000 strong: sheep. 6 s516.6O; yeariings. $6.7Og7.s5; lambs. $e. 75 6b.76. ~fanz
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
St. Louis Grain

St. Louis December 26.-Wheat, No. 2 red. s1 2S1kci1 .25; No. 2 hard, s1. .25; De- cember, s1. 254. Corn, No. 3, 66l2c No. white, 6Sc: December. 67ssc. Oats No. ?, 49c No white, 51c; December, 49iae.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Hides and Tallov

Green salt hides, 16017c; green salt hides (half cured). 15@16c: green hides, (fresh), 14G15c; dry flint hides, 2sQ29c; dry salt hides. 26Q27c; damaged hides. half price: sheep skins 25u6oc. horse hides, s2Q3; sherlings. 15G25c; goat skins. 30@35c: kid skins. 10c: tallow. 5G6c: beas- wax, 2SGsoc: washed wool. 2eG2sc: clear unwashed wool, 17022c; burry wool, 1n912c; ginseng. A0006.0o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Creamerv Producta

Creamery Butter-32Q35isc; process but ter, BOG; oleomargarine, 1b023c.
 Full Cream Cheese-17c; imported Swiss, 33c; Pimento, doz., N.S.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Fish

Perch-Sc.
 Salt Water Trout-l0011c. Blue Catfish-T1hc. Red Snapper-6Q71c. Gray Snapper-4Qoc. Mullet--5g51sc.. Spanish MackSrei-121to pound Fresh Pompano-2082kc Delaware Oysters-Standards. &1.U gal. lon; selects. $1.50 gallon. Gulf Oysters-S303.5O per 1eee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Mercantile Paper

New York December 2s-Prime mer- cantile paper. 4G411c: sterling exchange .heavy, 6O-aay btils, $4.s2.bo; for cables. S4s6 25; for demand. s4.s5.25; bar silver ls%c; Mexican pesos, S7Ac: government bonds. steady; railroad bonds, steady.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
Keeps Reminding Him

From the Detroit Free Press. five quit borrowing money from my wife"
 "Whyr'
 "I prefer to borrow it from my &C., quaintances The missus never let's mo forget it."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
New Orleans Rice Market

New Orleans. December y.-Rice was quiet today with quotations unchanged. Receipts; Rough, 1911; mllers 1647; clean,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
LOCAL QUOTATIONS
Spot Cotton
The Iron Market
Poultry and Eggs

Live turkeys, 1ec; dressed turkeys, 2oc. Fryers-1h-11a lbs. average, 15c. Ducks-l5c lb. Guineas-3oc.
 Roosters-Ssc.
 Geese, 75q90c.
 Eggs-Candled, 2sc; extra graded oan- iied, 2Sc; candled carton eggs, 3oc