davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
BIRMINGHAM LONG AGO

From the Montgomery Journal
 The Times, in referring to the meet ing of the Alabama Press association in Birmingham recently, recalled about
 the first meeting of that body at the Relay House in Birmingham in 1872,
 and mentioned several of those who could be recalled being present.
 Now comes the venerable and much be- loved pr. Joseph Shackleford and calls
 our attention to the fact that he was
 at the meeting. He remembers the
 meeting, but Is not positive as to the year. He says;
 You mention the place where the meeting was held, the Relay House,
 and the banquet in the old offices of
 the Elyton Land company Also Col. J. R. Powell. You also mention some
 of the Alabama papers represented and by whom. You have omitted, however, to mention the North Alabama Amer lean and Times. represented by myself. am satisfied I was at the meeting. Whether it was 1872 or earlier, l am not positive. But l have good reason
 to remember the banquet. I was taken violently sick at the banquet having 10 send TOT doctor. l was very Ill until daylight. Jourd White, now edi- tor of the Moulton Advertiser. was with me in my room, sitting up all night. l remember seeing you and Ma jor Screws. I remember also Colonel Powell taking the editors out in bug gies, etc, to view the town, and our going through the woods, where the signb cards on the trees telling us the
 names of the streets. were to be found
 everywhere also place set apart for the capitol of the state. and the colonel telling us that he expected the capital 1 to be removed to Birmingham. It oc- CUTS to me that this meeting was in 1 the early spring of 1S72.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
TASTE IN BaNauErING

From the Montgomery Journal.
 Referring to the banquet given to the members of the Alabama Editorial association who recently met at Bir- mingham Editor Wilkinson of the Geneva Reaper makes the following observation, which goes to show that the editors themselves are practicing what they are daily or weekly preach ing regarding temperance:
 "At the opening of the banquet it was announced that no intoxicating liquors would be served unless re- quested, but that those who wished it could by making known their desires get anything they wanted and as much or it as they desired. Be it said to the credit of the country editors not more than 20 of the 200 guests at the table ordered intoxicants, and most oi the 20 were citizens of Birmingham oi of the meeting, which will be illus trated, will be published later. The
 newspaper boys of Birmingham die themselves proud as Entertainers, and
 the country editors will always have the latch string out to them should they ever call on their country cous- ins'"
 The banquet was given to the Ala bama editors by Editor Barrett of The Age Herald, and the Journal wants tc l compliment his good taste in thus ar ranging everything with such delicate taste. and in keeping with the prog ress of the times and the occasion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
CONFLICTING SIGNALS AT SEA

From the New York World
 Accused of sinking the Empress of
 Ireland by careless running and by dis
 regard of fog signals, Captain Anderson
 of the Storstad will probably testify that he took Captain Kendall's fog
 signal, My ship is stopped for an or
 dinary navigation signal. It is note worthy that Seaman Price, medal man of Captain KendalTs own crew, inter-
 preted the fog signal, which of course
 he did not time. as one in the naviga- ton code.
 | That there was fog is reasonably cer- | tain from testimony on both ships. Captain Kendall was justified in usin g l fog signals and in expecting them to be
 so interpreted. But Is it not time for
 maritime authority to deal with any possibility of confusion rmaining in the signals themselves? Sea law long ago changed '1arboard" to port" to avoid confusion with "starboard." Here in the
 steam signal code is source of dan ger that may need legislation. Great as was the improvement that Admiral Co1omb introduced into steam signal ling it is evident that it can be fur
 ther considered.
 | Whatever justice may lie in the plea
 of mistaken signals, the captain of the | collier has still much to explain. Why was he ploughing through the fog at q
 dangerous pace, signal or no signal,
 when he knew he was nearing ship | that had been visible only two miles away? Why did he lay to so far from the wreck while the work of rescue was going on? Did he fail to make a | sufficient effort to keep mp headway
 after the shock and so partly close the wound he had made, or was the Stor- stad's nose necessarily swung out of the breach by her own impetus? | These and other questions must await official inquiry and determination. But
 one thing is certain now. The accident
 was preventable. It need not have hap pened. A preventable accident at sea that costs thousand lives demands q
 reckoning and teaches a lesson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

many ever report telephone girl for giving them the wrong number three or four times in succession? It is not only in little things, but in great things as well that the Ameri- can people show a strange disincli- nation to "kiek." It is true that the woods seem to be full of reformers, but that is only because the reform CTS make So much noise. The great body of American people are still long-enduring and much-suffering. They let interruptions politicians hold the offices, they let public and private corporations gouge them and in countless ways show their indifference to eSils which directly effect them. There seems to be a tacit understand ing that they will submit to certain amount of oppression on all occa- sions.
 The limit of the nations patience has not yet been reached, but some day there is apt to be an upheaval which will give the parasite, the tip wheedler, the tricky lawyer, the cor rupt politician and the insolent cor poration head the surprise of their lives
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
The Congressional Elections

"The fall elections, when a new Con gress will be chosen. win attract nation wide attention,' said Charles L. Beatty of Philadelphia.
 The democrats have such large ma jority in the Sixty third Congress that they will hardly be in the minority in the Sixty-fourth, but the republicans and progressives will get together in many districts and will elect their candidates. "I meet many republican friends who voted for MT. Taft, but who will be in- cluded in the progressive party next fall and in the fall of 1916. Colonel Roose- welt is. I believe, stronger with the peo- pie than ever. It would not surprise me to see him in the White House once more, although I realize the fact that President Wilson will be hard man to beat unless there should be q serious split in his party. The democrats started off closely eemented at the beginning of Mir Wilson's administration, but there seems to be some lack of harmony now, and when 1916 comes the democrats may be as much split up as they were at the end of President Cleveland's second term
 AS there is nothing more uncertain than politics, it is too soon to make bets on the 1916 eleetion.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

| MoNI the impeachment trials tha t A have excited more than the usual \ amount of interest in the Tinted
 States, that of William ". Belknap,
 next to that of President Andrew Johns
 son, was the most striking At the time Belknap was Secretary of War under
 President Grant. He had served with
 distinction during the Civil war, and was Grants Secretary of War from 1869 to
 March T. 1876 Upon his being charged
 with political corruption he at once re- signed his office. He was afterwards s impeached by the House of Representa-
 tiyes before the Senate, on the accusa- ton that he promised to appoint Caleb
 P. Marsh to the charge of a trading de-
 partment at Fort Sill. in consideration of
 sum of money to be paid quarterly to l Bellxnap or his agent.
 The Impeachment proceedings were quashed in the Senate on the ground of lack of Jurisdiction, but on the question of guilty not guilty, 37 Senators voted guilty and g not guilty It was gener- ally believed among those best informed | regarding the details of this scandal, that General Belknap was innocent of complic- l ity as to the improper acts charged against him, and that he was even ignor- ant of the facts of the case.
 In February and March, 1S76 the House committee on expenditures in the
 war department discovered that Seere- tary Belknap had for six years been re- ceiving money for the appointment and
 retention in office of the post-trader at
 Fort Sill, Indian territory. The total amount received was about s24, 45O. Belk-
 nap resigned on March ', 1s7s and his
 resignation was at once accepted by Presi- dent Grant.
 1 On April 4, the manager of the im- peachment on the part of the House ap- ], peared at the bar of the Senate, and ex-
 hibited five articles of impeachment, cov-
 ering the various receipts of money
 charged against Belknap. In his reply
 the dependant claimed to be a private citi-
 zen of Iowa, and denied the power of the
 House to inpeaeh anyone who, by resig-
 nation or otherwise, had ceased to be a l civil officer of the United States" Between May 4 and May % the ques-
 ton as to whether Belknap was under
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
Consumer Benefited Either Way

Since the establishment of the par eel post in this country there has been much exploitation of the advantages to be derived by the consumersfrom dealing directly with the producer through the cheap and convenient transportation afforded by this de- partment of the postoffice. The faclll- ties of the parcel post system for dis tributing the farmers produce among the families of nearby cities has been especially featured, and this agita- fion has aroused much interest on the part of both consumer and producer.
 However, it appears that the eX- press companies expect to get their full share of the new business thus developed. They claim that they are in position to render service for this purpose that is more satisfactory than that of the parcel post, and in some cities strong competition is beginning to be offered by the express com panies for this class of business. In New York city and in Philadelphia one express companies have been es- pecially active within the last few months in soliciting retail orders to be purchased and delivered through Iboi, dopo ,.tfoepts
 The Wells-Fargo company led off with an invitation to families or clubs of families, and retailers as well as wholesalers to telephone for consign- ments of perishable provisions to be purchased by the company below re- tail prices and to be delivered direct to buyer at rates not higher than those of the parcel post; and the American express soon issued simi- lar invitation to the public. The latest example of enterprise along this line is the order and food products bureau just established by the Adams Express company in Philadelphia. Large busi ness is thus being obtained, it is said by the express companies.
 It might appear to the casual ob server that this activity on the par of the express companies would be come a. detriment to the operation oI the governments parcel post. It ha' been proven, however, that nothing tends more to develop a greater de gree of efficiency in any form of en deavor than strenuous competition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
Next Yenr's Music Festival

"The music festival held in May was such a success in every particular that a larger festival is now being planned for next spring. said member of the Arion club.
 There will be at least three concerts two nights and a matinee. One evening will be devoted to an oratorio work and a varied programme will be presented on the other evening" The matinee will be chiefly orchestral Mir. Rienzi Thomas, the director, wishes to give King Olaf, by Elgar, England's famous contempor- ary composer. It is a very beautiful com- position, and I believe all the chorus singers will vote in favor of it.
 Should the auditorium be built and available for 1915 festival we may have three night performances and a mati- nee; otherwise the festival will be con- fined to two days"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

all circumstances, amenable to trial by impeachment was argued and decided in the affirmative by vote of 37 to %; but the vote proved the hopelessness of con viction, since the minority was too large to allow two-thirds vote of guilty.
 The evidence and argument on both sides continued from July until August l, when the vote stood 3s guilty to 25 not guilty on the second, third and fourth articles; 35 to 9 on the first, and 37 to 25 on the fifth article.
 The majority for conviction not being two-thirds, verdict of acquittal was en- tered. When Secretary Bellxnap was first summoned to appear before the House to answer to the charges he admitted his guilt. The charges against him were pre- sented to the House by Congressman J. Proctor Knott
 While the House and Senate were de- batting the question, proceedings in the criminal court were being instituted against the ex-Secretary, and he was in- dicted by the grand jury in the early part of May, 1876. The case dragged along for several months and was finally dis missed in February, 1S77 on motion of the district attorney, in accordance with the direction of the Attorney General, for the reason that, in his opinion, the evidence against Beknap would not sustain the prosecution.
 After the sensation caused by General Belknap's fall had subsded, he settled down in Washington as a claim agent making speciality of looking after rail- road interests before the departments and the committees of Congress. He was an able lawyer and soon stepped into an income of s1o.oOo to sl500o a year.
 Belknap maintained a luxurious home in Washington, and, although for some years he did not go into society he final ly overcame the personal prejudice exist ing against him and became popular in the best circles of the capital as a gastronomer, wit and a story teller. General Belknap was found dead in his | bedroom on the morning of October 13 1890. having died sometime during the night of fatty degeneration of the heart His wife at the time was visiting in New York. Upon the day of his death the flag on the war department was placed at half-mast and the building was decorated in mourning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
Simply Took a Dare

There seems to be some confusion in London police circles as to whether it was Harry Pike or his brother, George, who unbidden gained entrance to the royal apartments in Bucking- ham palace last Saturday night.
 The time was when London was a quiet, plodding town, but it has seen so much violence at the hand of the militant suffragette that it is no longer easily startled; but if one sensation more than another could set agog all English uppertendom it would ! be the discovery of an intruder in a royal palace.
 Pike, whether it was Harry or George, had wandered through long corridors in Buckingham and slipped in and out of several sleeping apart ments before one of the Queens pages, who happened to be lying in bed awake, saw the figure of a man Thinking him burglar, the page jumped out of bed, collared him dragged him down long flight of stairs and turned him over to one of the sleepy night watchers. When Pike was arraigned in court Monday he pleaded guilty of being in the palace but, declared that his only motive was to take a dare. He had said to g friend that despite the ,docb!o guards
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
The Habit of Kicking

In recent contribution to a news paper the statement is made that "We Americans have got so out of the habit of kicking that we do not even know what it means" This may sound like an eXaggeration, but there gre plenty of examples to substantiate such a belief. It is remarkable how much the "great American people" will stand for" rather than make a fuss"
 In spite of the fact that we are sup posed to be a blatant race, the aver age man will put up with real injus- tice and a host of petty annoyances, simply because he doesn't feel like taking the trouble to protest. Dis courtesy on the part of hirelings Tn the employ of public service corpora tions is taken as a matter of course and borne in silence. In dozens of ways every day of his life the aver age city man comes in contact with people who ought to be kicked out of office and menials who ought to be discharged, while he is so accustomed H paying two prices for having his wants supplied that he accepts the aituation as a matter of course.
 How many men have the moral courage to refuse tip to some inef- ficient face-scraper or slow-footed waiter who thinks more about the forthcoming .gratuity than about the service he performs? How makY men insist on having seat in trollaV car before they will pay their fare? low
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
MT. Bryan and Other Lecturers

''The bill which Congressman Britten of Illinois introduced in the House Mon day making 1t a penal offense for any cabinet officer or member of Congress to lecture for pay while holding their respective offices will not pass, but the principle is, l believe, generally ap- proved" said an old democrat who for merly lived in Washington.
 Tt would have been in bad taste for a democratic congressman to have in- troduced such bill as MT. Britten's, but men of all parties have criticized MT. Bryan as Secretary of State. Congress- man Hobson and other members of Con gress for featuring for pay The ,Secre- tary of State is lowering the dignity of this government when he engages actively in platform worn along with 'Tyrolean yodlers, contortionists and sleight of hand artists The Illinois congressman alluded to tNe fact that the distinguished Secre- tary of State had been absent from Washington In order to keep lecture engagement when this country was on the verge of war with Mexico But the most serious thing in regard to the head of the state department engaging in the lecture business is the breecn of pro-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
WHERE ATLANTIC IS NARRowEsr

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
 Between Brazil and Guinea the Atlantic ocean is only about 1900 miles wide. From Newfoundland to Ireland. the narrowest breadth north of the equator, is nearly twice as far. From New York to the nearest point of France is nearly three times as far. Hitherto most schemes of aerial flight across the Atlantic have con- templated some northern route. That sug- gested by the authorities of the San Fran cisco exposition is by way of Labrador, Greenland and Iceland. It has remained for the Dutch aviator, Van der Born, to make the first preparation to cross the ocean from continent to continent with out stop, and he proposes to take the southern route. where the Atlantic is narrowest.
 Van der Born is now supervising the construction of a new type of hydroae- roplane. When it Is complete he will go to the port of Konakey, in French Guinea. whence he promises to fly to Pernambuco, Brazil.
 The scheme is more plausible than any of the other discussed trans-oceanic flights.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
THE ALABAMA TREASURY

From the Fort Payne Journal.
 For the first time in years the state of Alabama finds itself without money to pay current expenses. News from Montgomery is to the effect that payment of warrants has been refused because there is no money in the treasury with which to pay them. Of course, all this will be charged to the Conner admins tration, although that administration has been out of office nearly four years and always had money to pay its bills. Con- ditions are every day making the neces sity for retrenchment in state affairs more urgent Maybe MT. Henderson and the incoming legislature will realize the sit uation and give us remedy which it il to be hoped will not be that of the pres ent governor raising taxes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10
EXTRA SESSION DESIRED

From the Greensboro Record.
 That serious condition of the state s finances now exists is no longer ques- toned It is not necessary to inquire who or what is responsible for this condition further than for the purpose of seeking the remedy. No matter what may be the remedy, it will in all probability require the enactment of new laws to avail our selves thereof. Alabama cannot afford to have it's credit remain at a discount and if the fixed charges of the state are in excess of it's revenues then something must be done. Therefore we are of the opinion that the governor should no longer hesitate. but should convene the legislature in extraordinary session just as soon as possible.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

placed around the palace to heep out suffragettes, who were threatening to corner the King in his inner apart ments, he could easily slip the senti- nels and roam through the palace. He admitted that he indulged freely in liquor for the purpose of getting up "Dutch" courage, but he had taken the dare and carried out his boast. The case was continued in court until further investigation into the mans character and sanity could be made.
 Cranks may be found everywhere, and Pike is doubtless one of them. He succeeded in making a stir and in be- ing featured in the London papers. The sensation will soon be forgot, but no crank in modern times, perhaps, has given London such great jolt as George or Harry Pike.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

dispatch from Rome says that the Duke of Abruzzi may be asked by the powers to succeed Prince William of Wied as King of Albania Prince Will liam Is reported to be determined to give up the throne on account of the activity of revolutionists in Albania. The full name of the Duke of the Abruzzi is Prince Luigi Amadeo Giuseppe Maria Fredfnando Francesca. He is famous as an explorer and naval officer having been one of the commanders of the Italian forces in the Turco- Italian war On a visit to America the Prince fell in love with Miss Katherine Elkins -of west Virginia and Washington. For sev- eral years interesting rumors about the couple flew thick and fast When it was reported from Rome that the Italian roy al family objected to the idea of the Prince marrying an American heiress it Is believed that the romance was shat tered. It is said that the Elkins family ieseiltu lHe attltuQe or the Italian royal family and insisted on a summary break between the Prince and Miss Ell1ins Whether this was true or not gossip was finally silenced by Miss Elkins marry ing Billy" Hit, son of Representative Hit of Illinois, and a devoted suitor for several years. The Duke of Abruzzi Is 4l years old and was born in Madrid. His parents were Amadeo, Duke of Aosta, and the Princess Marie del Pozzo della Cisterna. Before Peary made his claim of having discovered the north pole the Duke had the distinction of having approached nearer to the pole than any other explorer. He reached latitude S6 degrees and 39 minutes north in 1900. He also ascended Mount St Elias, one of the highest peaks in the world.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-10

It is natural and sensible that the nrs' crossing should be attempted at the mar rowest place. even though the flight must be longer than any one of the stages of the Greenland route. There is, of course, the danger of tropical air currents, but these are not much more to be feared than the storms of sub-Arctic regions which are suggested for the northern route.
 No one who has observed the progress of aviation doubts that before long the Atlantic will be crossed by some venture some flyer There is no reason to main tain an attitude of scepticisim toward the aviators of our own day, who have done so much in so brief time and who may do as much more within the next few years