davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
History Repeats Itself

"The information received as to the intention of Mexico and the measures she may adopt does not enable tho administration here to give you moro explicit instruction with regard to your movements than those which have already been forwarded to you. There is reason to believe that Mexico is making efforts 10 assemble a large army on the frontier of Texas for the purpose of invading the territory and taking possession of 1t. Should Mexico assemble a large body of troops, etc-
 The above quotation was written on August 2s, 1S45, by William L. Marcy,A Secretary of War to General Taylor. in command of the United States troops in Texas, says a Washington special to the New York Evening Post That the coun- terpart of this communication has moro than once been sent to commanding officers not only along the Mexican border. but at Vera Cruz in the pres- ent crisis gives emphasis to the old saw about history repeating itself" Until Mexico makes known its 'tnten- tions'' at the present time, the policy of the President now will be the pol- icy of President Polk then-namely, "watchful waiting"
 How long that policy can be main- tained in the present situation may bs answered by what happened in the first Mexican war. Three days later further communica cations were sent to General Taylor by Secretary Marcy not only contemplating resistance to invasion by Mexican forces, but actually looking to the prosecution of bold and az gressive war upon Mexico. As a mat ter of fact. General Taylor was ad- vised to call upon the nearby state militia for help without waiting for an authorization from Congress- plain violation of the constitution.
 Just before the outbreak of the Mex- ican war Secretary Marcy wrote an- other letter to General Taylor, whiOh has a strangely familiar ring in view of recent announcements by President Wilson. That letter said
 Tt Is not degigned in our present relations with Mexico that you treat her as an enemy, but should she ae- sume that character by a declaration of war, or any open act of hostilities toward us, you will not act morely on the defensivf If your relative medoo enable you tb do otherwise.v %
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
-ounded firmnes. which ia in-

with that rounded firmness which is in- dispensable to perfect beauty
 Her color was not high-but it was fine. And when she found herself before so many strangers it grew deeper and deeper.
 Let 1t suffice to say that she was al- together lovely and charming in looks and manners. A venerable man in cler- ical robe followed the fair traveller into the room
 T heard something about the best chamber being engaged" said the young lady in a voice which sweetly corre- sponded with her person. T beg that I may disturb no one. Any chamber will do for me and my woman; if we may not reach the manor tonight'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Alone Before the Altar

Fear not, fair one." said Henry. Here is our brother of France. w.lo claims thee as his vassal And we wd,7 resign you into his hands unless you instantly agree to marry such a husband as we shall judge fitting for your rank sand sta- tion."
 "Oh. no, no. my I,ord.'' cried Constance. Force me not, your grace. beseech you. to wed against my will.''
 You see,'' said Henry to Francis.
 There. take her. and see if she will obey you any better"
 Tell me- said Francis, "havs you ever seen any onesto whom you could give your heart?', Constance remained silent.
 Then must.take 1t for granted that you have not So will choose forsyou.' =
 Henry took the Qneen by the hand. Francis took Constance's hand and, fol- lowed by the court. they proceeded to- ward one of the doorssof the greatsapart- ment.
 The door was flung open by thsFpagssI It opened into the chapel. and there. kneeling before tho altar alone, was, O.. borne. Lord Darnlsy.sthe knight of sBar- gundy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07

BySWSSI monarch had started out upon d reign Which promised to make one of the most glorious of all English Kings and left him damned to everlasting fame''-that a young man of 2 or so. pursuing his way from Wye toward Lon don, and seeing a bailiff beating an old man in a cottage enclosure, threw the bailiff over the wall.
 This might be accounted a small mat ter but, as stone thrown into still water make rings ana rings instead of dropping quietly to the bottom, so that >ipcident afterwards had it's effect upon the policy of statesmen and the fate of Kings.
 Never | stouter cavalier mounted horse, nor was ever a stouter horse mounted by a cavalier than the horse from which the young man leaped to do justice upon the bailiff.
 The young man was evidently a soldier returned from foreign vars; though be- side his steel helmet which hung at his saddle bow and his long straight sword-such as was generally worn by yeomen-weapon offensive or defensive he wore none.
 His blue eyes loolev out from a face which, naturally fair, had been bronzed by the sun of many campaigns and his ieddish-brown hair curled in short ringlets from beneath his cap.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
The Kings Tailor

As night fell the traveller who called himself Sir Osborne Maurice betook him self to the nearest inn and thsze formed one of tha group which sat by ths great fireplace waiting for the serving of sup per-
 It was a motley assembly which met in the remote tavern. one, for instance was London clothier of more than the ordinary account He was patron ized by the nobility and gentry'' and the King. himself. knew him well and ordered clothes from him.
 Jenkin Groby was his name-the most fashionable tailor of his day He was a small and rather timid man, and was the more tiInid. as, having been down Into the country to collect some long over due accounts, he was 1ourneying home again to London with his saddle bags full of gold.
 In sharp contrast with the tailor was a fierce-loodng, swaggering swashbuck- ler-half pirate, half smuggler and who'll ly outlaw-a seafariny scoundrel of the type known to that day as the "portigal captain
 The ruffling seafarer eyed Sir Osborne cautiously and insistently. There was malice fin his eye.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Fathoming the Scheme

In pomp and state the Lord Cardinal landed at York House, while the incon- spicuous boat which had been sent for Constance kept on up to Westminster
 By the good offices of Dr. Butts Con- stance and her attendants were got off from the coast of England and safely landed in France.
 Weeks, though, she had to stay at a little convent on the shore before it was safe for her to take ship.
 Wolsey had sent his litter to Green wich-and there was no Constane to oc- oupy 1t. The Lord Cardinal set his secret service to work and found out that it was Sir Payan who had sent word to Lady Constane to fly.
 Then he fathomed the scheme If the Lady Constance expatriated herself her lands would go to Sir Payan. Osborne and Constance out of the way what broad lands would be Sir Payan'sl
 King Henry, meantime, was crossing over to the English possession in France for that celebrated meeting with Francis known as the Cloth of Gold.
 On her landing Lady Constane was claimed as a subject both by the King of England and the King of France She reported herself to the King of Eng land.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
With Drawn Sword

There came a loud knocking at the door.
 ''Who dare knock so loudly" said the King, frowning See who it is, Groby."
 Jenkin opened the door and then. start ing back, cried out Its . great man with drawn swordr'
 Drawn swordl" said Henry starting up and seizing his own weapon which lay handy.
 At that moment King Francis ran in waving his weapon and laughing out Surrender my brother of England
 T yield, yield" answered Henry; and as sign of fealty pray accept this token" :"
 Taking from his pillow rich bracelet of emerals he clasped 1t upon the French Kings arm,
 Many were the expressions of amity and courtesy exchanged between the two monarchs. and when Henry would fain have summoned his valets to help him dress Francis protested that he himself would act as Henry's valet.
 So, between Francis and Jenkin Gro by they got the young King dressed. while Francis rar on concerning the real object of his early and uncreemonious visit to his brother of England-the mat ter of Osborne Darnley. It was intro duced in this way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Sir Payan

A word as to Sir Payan. One of the most strange problems of our jnexplica- ble nature is the choice of evil and the rejection of good, even after long years of experience have proved that evil and misery are uniformly synonymous.
 Virture, 1t is true, does not always ex- empt from sorrow, but crime must ever De wretchedness. Hope loses its balsam and fear acquires keener sting: the present is anxiety; the past remorse and the future despair.
 And yet the wayward man drinks the bitter cup when the sweet is offered him and launches his boat upon an angry sea, rather than guide his bark down a tranquil tide. Such was Sir Payan.
 High reaching Buckingham" he knew, aimed at the throne. But what ever took place. he was determined to Keep the lands he had unjustly taken.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
BY c. P. R. JAMES
BY
,hs, and gave them welcom

two monarchs, and gave them welcome there.
 When the formal ceremonies were over Henry called out: Lady Constance de Grey-we would,speak with the Lady Con- stancer
 With pale faceeand beating heart Con. stance advanced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Through the Rioters

There were riots among the ship builders of Rochester and the rioters in- tercepted Darnley and his small party be- fore he could mako London. They took him for my Lord HowA.rd, who had been dispatched with force to put down the strikers
 But young HeartleS. who had helped Osborne to escape from the prison of Sir Payan and who rode in Osborne's train, happened to be an old friend of the leader of the rioters.
 And when he saw him he hailed him and, after little parity, Sir Osborne and his party were allowed to proceed With out molestation.
 There were thousands of the rioters and only few men rode with Sir Osborne Had tho Lady Katherine not been un- der his escort Sir Osborne would have felt more confidence and. perhaps. havs charged the mob in spite of their over whelming numbers.
 In short, the knight got Lady Kather- inc safely to London and left her at the house of relative who was. the next morning, to take her to the court then at Greenwich.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Rescued by Heartley

It were long to tell how Sir Osborne escaped from the dungeon into which Sir Payan threw him. Ho wthe Lady Con stance forgot her gentleness and left the manor house In 8 rage when she knew of the seizing of Sir Osborne.
 It was a son of that old man Heart ley whom Osborne had saved from the bailiff who now, serving Sir Payan' helped the heir of the old lord of the manor to escape and who followed him ever after as his esquire.
 q will make my tenure good of these lands," said Sir Payan, "by the extinc- ton of the race of Darnley." But his boast was not to be made good.
 After escaping from the dungeon, Groby, who had been arrested with Os- borne made his way to the country seat of the great duke of Buckingham.
 To the duke he revealed his name and told of his mission in England. The duke unused while and then said If you are on your way to London, l will furnish you with n sufficient escort And would you mind stopping at the convent of Benedlctines near Canter- bury and conveying to court the Hon. Lady Katherine Bulmer? She is maid of honor to the Queen and has been on a visit to my sister, the Lady Abbess."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
At Court in Greenwich

Let us now go to the court at Green- wich-a magnificent court, where gold and silver, and ermine and miniver- jewels of great price and splendid ar nor blazed and shone in a ramshackle palace which would now be condemned by the health authorities
 There were joustings and hawkings every day, and the young King delighted to ride out incognito cad take a chance in the lists-or, with a. few chosen com panions, to follow the deer or fly his kestrals. There was everything of mag nificenee in that palace of Greenwich except bath tubs.
 The great lord cardinal was away to the north-paying one of his infrequent visits to his See of York, and Henry was enjoying his vacation.
 Sir Osborne had become a great fa- vorite of the King. He had jousted with him in the lists and once had saved his life in a hawking expedition
 The Lady Constance de Grey was in court and so was Lady Katherine de Bulmer and the young Earl of Derby The King saw these love affairs and smiled upon them and patronized them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
The Tailor Again

Meantime Osborne, among his other adventures, had had the good fortune to save the life of King Francis upon the Flemish border and had repaired with that monarch to the meeting place of the two gorgeous monarchs.
 He rode in the train of Francis when that King met King Henry-and Henry recognized him.
 A frown came over his brow-but he said nothing. Only, looking about in the throng. he saw Jenkin Groby. his tailor. and said: where have you been, Jenkin? odds fish, but you were not in London to furnish us with our clothes"
 ''so please. your srace." said Jenkin, was Kidnapped and carried off by a Portugal captain. I was left stranded upon this coast"
 ''Ha, ha. believe you arc mixed up some way with the affairs of Sir Payan and Sir Osborne. Ho, therel bring this man to my chamber early tomorrow morning. lodge In tho castle of Guisnes '
 When tho formaiities of the royal meet ing were over. Francis said to Osborne; Be with me early in the Tnorning-at daybreak We will settle your affairs with my brother of England."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
The Stolen Letters

As he took his farewell of the proud and rather saucy-beAuty, Sir Osborne asked if there were any more commands for him, Lady Katherine thought a moment and then said.
 "Yes. Here is letter addressed to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07

gold which adorned the apartment sat Henry with Francis on his right and the lord cardinal on his left. occupying the two others.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Left to the&Reader

How Osborne and Constance WRs married and how Lord sF1tzbernardH-wns restored to his estates: how Constnnos and Osborne lived in psenty.and iove.and security, even through the troubiouu times which succeeded, need1 not bastold-
 The reader is supposed toshave . s1ittls imagination of his own
 It should be stated, however. as . matter of fact, that Lord Derby and Lady aKtherine Dalmer were married a few days after the marriage .of Constance and Osborne, and that the, happy cul- imitation of these two love saffairs fur nished two of the many happy incidents which characterized the splendid meeting between Francis and Henry on the plains or Ardres in the yea< i520, which has come down through history assfhe "F1eld of the Cloth of Gold.
 Copyright, 1914. by Irving King.) Next weeks one-page classic will be. Bohemian Life" by Henri Munger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
In the King,s Chamber

In fhe castle of Cuisines, then. in the sleeping room of King Henry, honest Jenkin Groby, who by the Kings com mand had been brought to the royal pres- ence thus early. encumbered with hts
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Altogether Lovely

From the courtyard came the sound of more arriving guests and then into the room, shining in the light of the candles and the fire. there came most beautiful young lady.
 She was habited in the riding habit of the day and carried in her hand the rid ing whip with which she had urged her palfrey She was fair of complexion and in the spring of womanhood.
 Every feature was delicate and fen1i- nine, every limb small and graceful, yet
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Ienkin Inferferes

T recognize no court of law here" said Sir Payan boldly.
 "Ha! no court of lawr' cried the King. By my halidom. will assemble such a court of law as shall strike off thy head upon the green"
 But Wolsey interposed, saying that the prisoner was before tho lord chancellor of England and had violated the orders of that court of chancery by assisting in the flight of ward of chancery-IAdy Constance de Grey.
 Then Henry began shrewdly to ques- ton the knight. Sir Payan stood upon his right as an Englishman and de- clared, also, that he had never known Sir Osborne Maurice by another name.
 At this Jenkin Groby could hold back no longer and. dashing out from behind the arras cried out: 70, you great liar! don't care a groat for anybody. But this Sir Osborne is nobody else but Lord Osborne Darnley-and you tell a string of lies.
 Did I not hear you tell the Dady de Grey all about it? And did I not hear you offer to let him go if he would sign some papers? Did not you say-I heard you-that you would make your tenure good by the extinction of the race of Barnley?
 And did not this young man come back from the wars just to get his grace's favor and be able to resume his own right name?-you old villain, you"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Again Urged to Fly

In and out of the gay court came and went the mysterious Sir Caesar. One day he said to Sir Osborne:
 ''The lord cardinal is returning. At the first sign of danger I warn you fly"
 The knight laughed 'I have not yet made my real name known to the King, '' he said. T a mhere to await a favorable opportunity. He is already much at tached to me. Why should I f1y?'
 "Flyl' replied Sir Caesar.
 Tken one night, unexpectedly, there arrived at York house in London the great lord cardinal Sir Payan was awaiting him. He placed before him the letters which his emissaries had stolen from the Duke of Buckingham's mail.
 There, in well written script, appeared the name of Sir Osborne Maurice as one of the conspirators in the service of the duke That night the cardinal went down to Greenwich-and his coming to court was like the coming of many trumpets.
 Although accompanied by a magnifi- cent train, he appeared booted and spur red-like a hard-riding soldier-and, after making his obeisance to the rather per- turbed King, retired to put on his eccles- iasticai garments. Then he had long conference with Hsnry.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Rescued From the BaiIiff

rVT was upon a March morning in f9I the early years of the reign of kss%sA-4 Henry VIII-when that young GSEsWSgI monarch had started out upon d
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
He Sees the Drift

When the bustie. the confusion. the clamor which ensued had settled down to a calm again and the bodies Of the two dead mon had been removed, Fran' els said to Henry:
 By my faith. you are fortunate. brother of England, to have traitors who win dispatch each other.
 "zowsver, from what gather. osborne Darnley, the Knight of Bursundy, can no longer Do considered . traitor In the eyes of anybody"
 'TNe. truly. my gracious lord." said Vol ssy.
 "And Lady Constance do crsyr' began Trancis
 Y sss your drift" replied the rood natured Harry.
 In great state the court passed across the green to tho temporary palace which had bssn erected outslde the walis of the castle. In the great hall of the pal aes the cnsen, surrounded hy the flower e her court. aWaited the coming of tho
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Good Advice From a King

He laid before him the letters given him by Sir Payan. He also had posses sion of sworn statements that Sir Os- borne Maurice had fomented the disturb ances in Cornwall and the strike of the Rochester shipwrights.
 The King became grave. After the con- ference with the cardinal he sent for Lady Katherine Bulmer and asked her what she knew of the incident of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
Ready to Prove Loyalty

Do you mean to say that you came here alone and unattended?" asked the British King
 'Alone, except for one faithful friend. And hear how he once served me-"
 Then he related the adventure in which Osborne had saved his life.
 And his name," concluded tho monarch, lis Sir Osborne Maurice
 A cloud came over Henry's brow. "lt was like him." he said-'pity he should be such traftor.'
 Nay, I will avow him no traitor He waits in the corridor without. And if your grace will permit he will prove his loyalty in open light against all his accusers. I mysell will be his war rant in the lists.'
 Henry thought for moment. Those discriminating letters-there was the rub. The evidence of Wilson, the bailiff. and of those men who had testified that Sir Osborne had led the Agitators and reb- els in Cornwall and Rochester. They were plausible, notwithstanding the partial ex- planation of Lady Katherine Bulmer as to the Rochester incident.
 Tt is not wise.' said Henry at length, ito take the sword from the hands of the law more than we can help. The evidence against Sir Osborne was pre- sentcd by great villain, but a power full and wealthy knight"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
On Proof of Treason

Thus, having delivered himself-and having in reality cast a very considerable light upon the matter-honest Jenkin ran back behind the arras.
 A curious mixture of smiles and frowns overspread the faces of the two mon- archs and the cardinal. Then, becom- ing all sternness, Henry said:
 .'The letters-were they forgeries?'
 ''No," returned Sir Payan. "I had my men steal them from the courier of the Duke of Buckingham And I know other of the conspirators.
 'I. myself, was in the conspiracy. Give me my life and I will tell you all. Kill me, and I will go down to my grave with my knowledge unrevealed. That old man there" he continued, pointing to Caesar. 'is one of them.'
 T believe" said wolsey, that your grace will never be able to prove the treasons of the Duke of Buckingham, except by this mans help
 "The tranquility of our realm, said Henry, "overcomes our hatred of your crimes. If, by your evidence, you shall prove. the treason of Edward, Duke of Buckingham, you shall be free in life and estates.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
liking of Englandv'

"Neverl" cried Sir Caesar and, spring ing forward, he caught Sir Payan by the throat and plunged his dagger into the heart of tho knight with such force that you might hear the hilt hit the ribs.
 Without moments pause he drew the dagger and plunged 1t into his own bosom Then, as he fell back upon settee, with the dead Sir Payan at his feet, he gasped out:
 "All that he has said is false Osborne Darnley knew not fthe conspiracy. He never saw Buckingham but once The Osborne Maurice named in the Duke'a letter is not he.
 Tt is liking of Engiand-who would have taught King Richard-whom you call Perkyn warbeck-had he been guided by me, to wrench the scepter from your usurping father.
 T. whose child was murdered in cold blood by that dead troitor. after the bat tic of Taunton. In the old oays I was the Lord Fitzbernard's friend, and his boy was named for me-they thought mo dead''
 AS he spoke the last words the old man drew out the dagger which had re- mained in his breast. A stream of blood gushed forth and he fell dead beside his enemy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-07
The Cardinal Arrives

Then he briefly related the case ada ing: And you. my royal brother shall, in this case, decide.
 Last night Sir PAyan was brought here from Calais on the accusation of that good fool (pointing at Jenkin.) If you find that there is cause to suspect Sir Payan and hIs witnesses in the slight est degree of false testimony, then let Sir Osborne be tried by British law"
 Then to the clothier-"F7y to the pare: tell him to have those who have Sir Payan Wileton in custody bring him here at once. And bid tho lord cardinal attend me-
 Completing his mission. 0roby hurried back to the Kings chamber and, a the sound of many approaching footstsps was heard, King Henry said to tho man: Quick, get behind the arraS'--and Jen- kin hid himself behind the hanginw which. in those days. covered the walls of the best rooms of the moro prosperous houses
 The cardinal. much astonished at th,s early summons. was still moro aston- ished when he found the King of Franco in the bedchamber of the King of Bne- land. Henry explained tho situation ana presently the soene was sst. W
 h one of the three chaiBs of Ivory anA