davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
PROGRESS OF NEGROES

From the Rochester Democrat.
 Recent advices from Alabama indicate that the negroes of the south are making consistent progress in bettering their condition. Negro farmers in that state now own or rent 5.l0O,O00 acres of land. which is 350,0OO acres more than they con- trolled in 1900 Their farm holdings have an aggregate value of s97, ,310 600. It is not only in agriculture that the negroes are developing their interests. They built, own and operate a short railroad, and they conduct no less than five prosperous savings banks. During the past five years the negroes of single Alabama county contributed s20,o00 for the support of negro public schools and considerably moro than that amount for the mainten- ance of negro churches.
 These figures appear to show that the southern negroes are making a little world of their own, in which every en- couragement is given to agriculture, com nerce, education, religion and other ele- ments that help to give a community a healthy growth and stable foundation. If this movement continues to go for ward, a time will come when the co1ored population of the south will be able to live useful and contented lives, almost entirely independent of white people. ln all probability it is some such sepa- ration of interests that the south must look to to solve it's monumental prob lem" It is well known that no personal dislike, but the fear of general intermar- riage. is the reason why southerners deny, and always will deny, the negro race social equality. The more intelligent southern negroes, it Is said are not seek ing social recognition. but they do feel that education, industry and religious training will put their race on equal basis with the whites in all matters of commerce and civic rights. And in this belief they are undoubtedly right.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
Sign of Returning Sanity

It is gratifying to learn that auto mobine racing is not as popular as 1t used to be. The joy rider still con- trives to break his neck and those of his friends with alarming frequency, but the lure of the death track" is waning. People who can enjoy forms of sport that do not keep the under takers busy will not regret the fail ure of automobile racing to retain its hold on popularity. While at first it was undeniably thrilling the novelty has worn off now. There is certain monotony in an automobile race that only accidents can relieve, and as pub lie opinion no longer indorses the wholesale slaughter of contestants and spectators, there is sharp de- crease in the interest shown.
 This is encouraging. It is signifi- cant of the times. Foolishly risking one's life is no longer quick way to win applause. Driving a ccr. around Q track at breakneck spec1 no doubt proves that the man who does it has both skill and courage, but a great many performances of the sort have somewhat dulled the public's desire for that particular thrill" and there is no disposition to seek something more death-defying, despite the eff forts of few birdmen to popularize dangerous feats in the air. Needless risk of life is being discouraged in all forms of sport.
 The popularity of baseball is due in no small degree to the fact that it is not dangerous, yet requires the great est skill of those who play it before the laundering bleachers. Football is not very dangerous, but is more SC than baseball. For one devotee of foot ball there are ten or twenty baseball "fans."
 The chances are that this country will never again encourage form of sport as dangerous as automobile rae ing was in it's earlier stages. Sanity in sport is ins.-.cd upon more and more. Even the circus no longer finds the widely advertised thriller" a necessary feature of it's programme The "loop- -the-loop" has had its day and there doesn't seem to be any sue cessor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
LUKE M,LUkE SAYS

From the Cincinnati Enquirer
 At Is a girl is seeking an ideal. At 26 any old kind of male mutt will do.
 A woman will spend half her life beating the kids because they wear out the furniture and make it look old And, after they grow up, if the old man has made a stake, she pays nine prices for antique furniture that looks as though it had been used by the animals in the ark.
 A woman at a bargain sale always acts as though there was never going to be another one
 Most men think that an honored name Is one that will be honored at bank
 When woman receives a telegram marked collect she always gets mad because there isn't some money inside the envelope.
 And lots of fellows imagine they are going to heaven just because they man. age to keep out of jail.
 A business woman is one who can write a note without chewing on the end of the pencil.
 It used to be that when there were three or four girls in the family the clothesline used to sag down under the weight of the family washing. But now adays 1t Is tight rope with a few iimsy gauge trifies flying in the breeze
 If all our prayers were answered no- body would be willing to work
 Cheer up! Maybe you are happier than you deserve to be.
 There are lots of husbands in the world who do not drink, smoke, chew or gamble, and they are just as flat broke all the time as the husbands who shoot the moon.
 married woman can't understand why her husband can't keep up his life insurance without paying the prem iums.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF GEN. WILLIAM HULL

August r, 1872. The second was coward ice at and in the neighborhood of De- troit, between July 1 and August F of the same year. And the third charge was neglect of duty and unofficer-lilxe conduct while commanding a separate army be- tween April 9 and August IT,
 The court was presided over by Major General Dearborn. After the evidence was all delivered, the finding was that Hull was not guilty of the charge of trea- son. On the second charge, however, the court found him guilty of the first second and fourth specifications, except that part which charged him of forbid ding the American artillery to fire on the enemy on their march toward the said Fort Detroit"
 On the third charge the court found Hull guilty of neglect of duty and un- officer-like conduct, which was the first specification. but on the others they ac- quilted him.
 The court-martal was finally adjourned on March 26. In consequence of their determination respecting the second and third charges and the specifications under these charges, General Hull was sen fenced to be shot to death-two-thirds of the court concurring in the sentence. The court, however, in consideration of the brigadier generals revolutionary serv- ices, and his advanced age earnestly rec commended him to the mercy of the Pres ident of the United States.
 Upon receiving the findings of the court, President James Madison directed that General Hull should return to his home in Massachusetts and there con- tinue until he should receive orders other wise. Later the President remitted the sentence.
 Public opinion has long since reversed this sentence. and the best historians dis approve of it. Benjamin J. Tossing, in his history, calls the trial disgraceful and its sentence unjust, and says that the court was evidently constituted in order to offer Hull as a sacrifice to save the government from disgrace and contempt.
 Cooley, in his "American Common wealths." says: "The judgment of the court-martial upon General Hull has never, as a judgment had much weight with the people It was ordered by an administration whose blunders in manage ment had been at least equally blamable with his own conduct, and it was presided over by an officer whose position in re- spect to some of the questions involved was such as to suggest a suspicion that he could not be wholly unbiased.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
Business and Politics

If business men-the big interests really thought that industrial depression was due to too much legislation at Wash islation, the proper way to influence the administration and the congressional leaders would have been by direct ap- peal to the powers that be and not have tried the endless chain method of shoot ing in letters" said man of political experience.
 Had l been handling the matter in the interest of the republicans or Wall street, I would have got up a monster petition and done everything in open and aboveboard fashion. The old gumshoe method is no longer good politics. And. besides, it always gets out much to the chagrin of those mixed up in it.
 The recent expose will benefit business and will help the democratic party"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
The Rotary Convention

Tt Is very important that the Birming- ham Rotary club be represented at the international convention to be held in Houston next week. said Col. T. H. Mol ton.
 At that gathering representative men from all parts of the English speaking world will be in attendance. It will be one of the largest and greatest conven- tions of the year, and it will reflect on Birmingham if this city Is not represented by large delegation.
 About 20 of our Rotarians had sign lied their intention of going to Houston, but l understand that some of them will De unable to take the trip after all special effort should be made to bring the Birmingham contingent up to 30. If lhls city makes a good showing, it will mean good deal for us in more ways than one. An invitation will be extended 10 the international convention to meet here next year, We know it takes organ lzed work to secure a large convention ana without enthusiasm on the part of the city asking for it there Is no use trying. l hope that when the time comes for leaving for Texas we will find at least 25 Rotarfans in the party"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
Rain Worth Millions

The rain this week has been quite general in Alabama, and has been worth millions of dollars to the state in the improvement to crops. While in some sections there had been suf- ficient rainfall since the first of June to refresh vegetation, many crops were suffering from drouth.
 The cotton crop can stand a great deal of dry weather, and when showers come in the latter part of June cotton growing conditions are said to be all most perfect. If we have considerable rainfall during the next two or three weeks the corn yield will probably be 65,000,000 or 70,000,O00 bushels-a crop something like that of last year. There was enough acreage planted in corn to produce 100,000,00O bushels under favorable weather conditions, but it is thought now that if the state pTOuuCeS io,VVV,VVV it VIII pe uoiilS remarkably well.
 As for cotton, there is time enough yet for the boil weevil to do much harm. Already some farmers are re- porting that their cotton has been de- stroyed by the weevil, but great deal of cotton crop disaster talk is always heard at this time of the year. The farmers have an idea that it will af- feet prices. But in that they are mis- taken. The government issues relia- ble reports, and only these reports govern the cotton buyer. In the old days before the common use of tele- graph wires and before crop reporting was raised to science, farmers, by talking "blue," sometimes had the de- sired effect on the market, but that day has long passed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
NO uNBELIEF

By Charles Kingsley.
 There is no unbelief. Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod, And waits to see it push away the clod.
 He trusts in God. Whoever says, when clouds are in the sky, "Be patient. heart, light breaketh by and by"
 Trusts the Most High Whoever sees. meath winters field of snow, The silent harvest of the future grow,
 Gods power must know Whoever lies down on nis couch to sleep. Content to lock each sense in slumber deep,
 Knows God will keep. Whoever says tomorrow" .the un- known" 'The future"-trusts unto that Power alone
 He dares disown. The heart that looks on when the eyelids close, And dares to live when life has only woe. Gods comfort knows
 There is no unbelief; And still by day and night. unconsciously. The heart lives by the faith the lips decry.
 God knoweth kvhy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
FINE CROPS IN CALHOUN

From the Anniston Evening Star.
 Reports from various sections of Cal houn county and adjoining territory in- dicate that crop conditions are good. In fact. the prospect up to date for a bumper cotton crop was never better, taking into consideration the extremely dry weather for the past few weeks. Cotton Is grow ing fast and the farmers have had fine opportunity to work the crop thoroughly. While a general rain over northeast Ala bama would be a great help. still the growing crops are not suffering yet for moisture. owing to the fact that farm CTS have continued to work the crops, keeping the soil thoroughly stirred. the dry weather has not had a very bad eff feet so far
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
WHY TOLERATE THEM.

From the Mobile Register.
 After awhile if we are wise, we will get rid of mosquitoes. It can be done. pr. Gorgas did it on the Panama canal zone. It was done at Khartoum, Egypt, where the two Niles meet, and the boats bring down the most vicious and malignant mos quitoes in the world. The drainage there is so perfect that the mosquitoes cannot find stagnant water in which to repro duce, and, according to Sir William Will cocks the engineer who built the As souan dam, a citizen is fined 12 shilings for every mosquito found on his place.
 Twelve shillings is nearly s. Such a rule applied at Mobile would bankrupt some of the wealthiest residents But the point s why do we tolerate mos quitoes and flies, thereby increasing the livelihood of disease and death, when 1t is entirely possible to get rid of them?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Exhibition of Portraits

This afternoon from to o'clock Miss Edna Smith will have on exhibition in her studio in the Watts building three DOT traits which she has recently executed those of pr. Eugene Smith, Mrs. Philip Garghill and the late Dr. Rose Owen. Miss Smith will be assisted in receiving visitors by Mrs. Leonard T. Beecher-the mother of Mrs. Garghill-Mrs. Ned Me- David, Mrs Claude zuber, Mrs. Will Love, Mrs. Grove Thaxton and four daughters of Dr. owen.
 Miss Edna Smith is to be heartily con- graduated on her excellent portrait work, said well known art lover. 'In each of the portraits on exhibition this week the flesh tints are exceptionally good, the drawing is faultless and the general likeness is striking. The people of Birmingham who appreciate art should visit the exhibition Thursday afternoon"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
ROAD BUILDING IN WALKER

From the Mountain Eagle.
 Construction work on the Carbon Hill to Marion-county link of the Jasper-to- Marion county highway was started Tues day morning at the Walker Marion line.
 County Commissioners Grace and Bur- ton were present. and. in common with the people of the western part of the county, they manifested deep interest in the undertaking.
 The county has s6000 state road fund to build the first link of the road, which will run from the Marion county line, via Eldridge, to Carbon Hill. With this fund the commissioners figure that they can complete the road to Carbon Hill, and possibly extend it on to Bedron. small station this side of Carbon Hill.
 The Jasper-to- Birmingham highway is nearing completion and with the comple- ton of the Jasper-to- o-Marion county the extension that Marion county is building to it. there will be a good road from Bir- mingham westward. via Jasper. over 1Oo miles in length.
 This will form great link in the pro- posed Birmingham-to-M Memphis highway.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
kOIHEN tie war of 1872 was begun
 Af the country was i'll prepared for

a conflict. Among the brigadier generals appointed to command was Will liam Hull, at the time governor of Michi- gan. Detroit at this period contained some 800 people and a fort, a square en- closure of two acres. Hull notified the government of his inadequacy to cope with the situation in this section. He undertook a siege of Fort Maiden, a few miles below Detroit, on the opposite side of the river, but he was compelled to re- linquish his project and return home. Then word reached him that the British commander, Brock, was approaching with a large force. When Brock arrived he called upon Hull to surrender, but the latter refused. Then the British pre- pared for an attack As the enemy ap- preached Hull was greatly agitated. He is said to have sat in his tent with his back against the rampant. moody and un- communicative. Yet he might have made an immortal name that day.
 Hull imagined the forest swarming with Indians, and he thought of the wome nand children in the fort, among whom was his daughter. His supplies would last but a month His former bravery forsook him utterly, and, to the astonishment of friend and foe, he sur rendered the fort and his army without a struggle-and all Michigan territory.
 The country was much disappointed for it was led to believe that Canada was to fall an easy prey. Col. Lewis Cass, in letter written September 10. 1872, se- verely blamed Hull, and the government accepted his statements and removed Hull and appointed Cass as governor of Michigan. Then arrangements were made to try Hull by court-martial.
 The court-martial proceedings were held in Albany, N. Y, beginning on the third day of January, 1914 but were continued by adjournments to the twenty fifth day of March following. There were three different charges, each one containing several specifications. Hull was not only accused of cowardice, but he was charged with treachery as we'll
 The indignation of the army at what seemed to them pusillanimous surren- der was intense. The first suggestion of thousands of minds was that Hulr from some corrupt motive must purposely and Urea sonably have betrayed his army.
 The first charge was treason against the United States between April 9 and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
Bushes. Better Than Last Year

Our business is much better this month than it was last; in fact, it is better now than at any time this year. said a member of a prominent piano firm.
 Business generally seems to be quite brisk. If industrial operations in this district have not been up to normal, the pay rolls are very large. nevertheless One may know that from the plentiful circulation of money.
 As for business throughout the state it is as good, if not better than last year. and that is saying much. The crop outlook is most promising. and prosperity prevails throughout the ag- ricultural sections. It looks to me as if We would have banner year in Alabama"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
APPRECIATES HOSPITALITY

From the West Blocton Enterprise.
 The Alabama Press association which met in Birmingham recently was well attended. and gave promise of future ac- tivity among the members to get together in their own interest and that of their patrons How this is to be worked out will manifest itself later
 And to cap the climax a banquet was tendered at the rooms of the Birmingham Newspaper club by MT. E. " Barrett of The Age-Herald who was unsparing in his efforts to make the occasion one of unalloyed enjoyment to each and every individual present. The local newspaper fraternity view with each other in making a pleasing impression on the out-of-town guests.
 A cordial invitation by the president Of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
Methodists in Educational Work

In the early days of Methodism many of those called to preach were without college training. Pioneer conditions made it so. The dominant note of the Methodists was piety fol- lowed by zeal. Classical education was regarded by the arevage layman as nonessential, if not a real detri- ment to religion.
 It is very different now. As soon as the Methodist church began to wax strong in numbers colleges and seminaries were established and as time passed on institutions of higher learning multiplied. In no demonina- tion in the United States is education more thoroughly valued than it is among the Methodists. For years past their ministry has been distin- guished for sound scholarship and to- day the standard of culture among the laity is steadily advancing.
 The Methodist Episcopal church, south, has many excellent colleges, and Vanderbilt university, for years the pride of Methodism, has been gradually builded up until it ranks today with the greatest institutions in America.
 But the time has come when the Southern Methodists will find it ad- visable to further extend activities. Whether or not the church continues relations with Vanderbilt university, there is room for another great Meth odist institution in the south.
 The general conference education commission in session in Birming- ham has large powers, and the result of its deliberations will be awaited with keen interest by the puDilC ItSdfultSS Ol CIccu oSIFiHS on this commission are able bishops and other able clergy and wise and consecrated laymen. These representa- tives of the church are looking well over Birmingham, and it is the earnest hope of citizens that the commission will decide to found here in connection with Birmingham college, a large seminary and eventually great uni versity. Birmingham college owns and occupies a commanding site-a site embracing about sixty-five acres of ground. It is safe to say that no such site can be found in any other southern city.
 If the commission favors a | broadening of the scope of the college already here with the idea of placing it in the university class, there will not be lacking generous fi- nancial aid and hearty moral support on the part of all the people of the Birmingham district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
states. Alabama has already become

states. Alabama has already become known as an alfalfa state.
 The great advantage which Ala bama has over northern states is that in addition to raising all the forage crops she produces King Cotton. Homeseekers are coming in large numbers every year to Alabama, and many farming colonies will be estab- lished hereabouts next fall. The num- Der of settlers between now and the next census will make an appreciable gain in the states population.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-18
RAILROADS FOR ALASKA

From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
 It is a grateful change of observation from the map of Mexico to that of our vast Alaska; from destruction to splendid enterprise in upbuilding. And 1t Is a mes- sage of good cheer that has come to us from Seattle. of the organization there by the Alaska railroad commission of a big force of pioneers and surveyors who are soon to enter the field for selection of the new government railroad to con- meet the suthern coast of Alaska with it's central town of Fairbanks. The Pres- dent has authority to expend $35, 600 OOO in constructing about 1000 miles of rail- road, at least one main line, with branches to known mineral wealth and to agricul- tural possibilities There is general belief that the main line will run north from the southern coast line. but whether from Cordova, by the Copper river route, or | from Seward. by the Sustina valley and ! through Broad pass. or some other, will depend upon the reports of surveys and advice thereon that the President may re- ceve.
 | Whichever may be selected for the main line, there is hope and even belief that
 within two or three years one may make in nine days the trip from Washington D. C., to Fairbanks. town of 4OOO in-
 habitants, 12O miles south of the Arctic circle. That will mean five days between
 Washington and Seattle. three days by steamship to the southern coast of Alas and one day north by rail to Fairbanks | This should mean a great impetus for that immense territory, more than twice the. size of Texas toward its statehood Lack of transportation. except at prohibi. tive rates commanded by monopolies fir control of the few short lines of rail. road and the steamers on the Yukon and Iother rivers, have for years kept Alaska