davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
AMATEUR HEADsMAN

From the New York Sun Most of us are wont to think of tht beheadment as a relic of the dark ages tut the last decapitation which took place in the British Isles was no later than 1920. The victims were two unfortunates who had taken a part in the Bonnymuil rising and were convicted of high trea- son. The sentence was carried out in Stirling, Scotland, and the men were left hanging an hour before they were cut down.
 The headsman, who was masked and wore serge gown, was a small, nervous man who did his work so badly that 1t was not until the third stroke that he de- capitated one of the unfortunates The assembled crowd yelled 'Murder!' and the miserable headsman was heard to re- mark T wish to heaven I had not it to do.''
 For a long time his identity was a mystery. but it later deveIoped that he was young medical student of Glasgow. The ax and the mask which he used on the occasion may still be seen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Farmers Busy Planting

'"In the prairie section of A1abama many farmers have planted their cot ton and are now busy planting their corn," said J. O. Thompson, land owner and extensive farmer
 'The winter was ideal from an az ricultural point of view. There was enough freezing to make the ground mellow and the comparatively dry win ter was good for the soil. l have never known the ground to be in such fine condition as it is now
 "The farmers show progress every year in the application of scientific methods. They use higher grades of fertilizer and while the first costs may seem large 1t is economy in the end. A greater corn acreage will be planted than last. Weather conditions be- tween now and summer permitting. Alabama's corn production will be a record breaker this year. The large crops and the big prices which the farmers received for their 1913 crops made the agricultural districts remark ably prosperous. The farmers are full of enthusiasm and intensive agriculture will be more in evidence this year than ever"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

Britain, recognizing his preeminent ability, placed itself under obligation to him whenzit induced him to pro- ceed to Africa, survey the situation and report recommendation that would minimize the disease in ques- tion.
 Dr. Gorgas' trip was made quietly and unostentatiously, and British of ficials expressed great satisfaction when they read his report. The ban quet given in London by leading mem- bers of the medical profession in honor of pr. Gorgas was presided over by Viscount Bryce, former ambassador to the United States, and a large number of other well known person. ages were present. Britishers, when they sit at banquet board, are full of good fellowship. They are human in their sympathies and felicitous in expression. The Associated Press, in reporting the banquet, referred to the speeches as being singularly felicitous.
 Dr. Gorgas being an Alabamian. the honors paid him by Great Britain are sincerely appreciated by the people of this state. As assistant surgeon gen eral, General Gorgas shared the honors in Panama with Colonel Goethals, chief engineer of the Panama canal since 1907; and while he occupies higher rank now, his name will go down in history in connection with the splen- did achievement in the canal zone. Such men always add lustre to Amer ica, and Americans always delight to do them honor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
VETERANS FOR UNDERWOOD

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
 MT. w. P. Thompson, a resident of Chiffon county at the Old Soldiers Home, was here yesterday, and in talk ing over the political situation in old Chiffon, said
 Well, we old timers at the Soldiers Home are almost solid for Underwood; i; he will receive eight to one of the votes cast there by the old veterans, and that means majority of at least 40. Some or the old men cannot go to the voting g place owing to feebleness, but those who can be carried by conveyances will be carefully assisted to exercise this, probably their last effort to help place in the saddle one of Alabama's greatest and best men, Oscar w. Underwood.t
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF GENERAL BOULANGER

name was removed from the army list.
 Boulanger was, however, almost at once elected to the French chamber. Dur ing 1888 his personality was the dominating feature of French politics. Finally it was looked upon as menace by those op- posed to him. An agitation in his favor conducted with much skill, caused fear lest he were aspiring to a military dic- |, tatorship of France. His name became the rallying point of those who were hostile to the parliamentary system, or to the republican government in its pres ent form.
 Alarmed by his singular popularity and by his political intrigues, the government instituted a prosecution of him before the high court of justice. On April 1, 1889, General Boulanger, Henri Rochefort and M. Dillon avoided arrest by a sudden de- parture in the night from Brussels, having fled from Paris on March F. On April the Chamber of Deputies voted to sanc- tion the prosecution of the general for treason and six days later issued war rants for his arrest in exile.
 On April 12 the preliminary trial began The charges were treason and the embez. clement of 252,000 francs. On August the Senate, as a high court of justice began the trial, and found, after seven days of hearings, that he and his confederates were guilty of a "felonious attempt against the safety of the state and of embedding public funds" Count Dillon and Henri Rochefort were also found guilty as accomplices. and all were sen fenced to be deported to fortified prison
 On September General Boulanger. de- manded of Prime Minister of France Ti- rard trial by courtmartial This was refused whereat public demonstration by the Boulanger party on November 12 re- suited in the government arresting 15o participants.
 Boulanger continued to live abroad dur ing the remainder of his life In April. lS9o the Boulangists were totally defeat ed in the municipal elections, and on May IS the general published letter deprecat- ing any further agitation in favor of his views. He finally committed suicide at Brussels. in Belgium, on September 3o 1s9l on the grave of his amorita, Mad anne de Bonnemains, who had died in the preceding July.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
THE PORTS OF PEACE

From the National Magazine. NOW what care I what woe may be So long as Dreams remain? The days of Youth that used to he In Dreams come back again. The voices that I used to hear In hours now long gone by Re-echo through those visions clear AS bird-notes in the sky. The high hopes of the days of Youth Now shattered past repair A sorry wreck are they in truth, All buried deep in care In Dreams-ah. they are realized In measure running OCT, And |, the failure. the despised. Hold close to them once more! And then the Love my heart doth hold A secret sweet from all! Unqualified forever, cold,
 Gone ever past recall, When stars are whispering above My cot, stark and alone, dream, and dreaming find my love Hath come to be mine own! An, blessef Dreams! Gods kindly gifts To ease the heart and soul! Mid clouds of disappointment, rifts That open to the goali Gases they in desert hopes;
 Sweet harbors of release Where for the lost the gateway opes Into the ports of peace!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Dr. GOrgas Honored Abroad

The British government did an un- usual thing when it requested Dr. William Crawford Gorgas, now sur geon general of the United States army, with rank of brigadier general, to go to South Africa, investigate sanitary conditions and ascertain if possible the cause of the epidemic of pneumonia there.
 England is noted for it's medical talent. No country has greater physicians or surgeons, but it was Dr. Gorgas who had made the build ing of the Panama canal possible by his wonderfully efficient sanitary work in the canal zone, and Great
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

BALTIMORE

From the Philadelphia Ledger.
 A good many wealthy men hay econ ducted model farms for their own enjoy ment. George W. Vanderbilt, in creating and maintaining "Biltmore," showed now such an enterprise could be conducted, not as a mere spectacular diversion-an amateur edition de luxe of the county fair but as a lucrative enterprise on a ra- tional business basis. The 100000 acres comprising the estate cost him more shan their proper valuation, because as soon as landowners knew that Vanderbilt was buying they compelled him to pay
 nordinate <-tces for their holdings. There has never been a just and generous local recognition in North Carolina of the value of the work of Mir. and Mrs. Vanderbilt. hand in hand with her husband in his agrarian experiments, revived the an oient weaving industry, which had fallen into disuse among the women. As a re- ward for all they did, on the slightest pretext suits were brought against the Vanderbilts for damages from every quar- ter the community looking upon "Blt- more" primarily as source of profit by fair means or foul
 But the country at large and the de- partment of agriculture in particular, knew and appreciated what was being done. In landscape architecture MT. Van derbiit enlisted the services of Olmstead, in scientific forestry he drew upon the vet eran skill of Pinchot; the house, whose foundationS cost s4Oo.OOO excels in taste full and controlled magnificence many oe the old world palaces The cowsla and hogs he raised were of the best; the timber he sold affdl the dairy produce sent to market brought him a satisfactory return upon his investment of more than $10, ,OO0
 Mir Vanderbilt might have lavished his paternal inheritance on a variety of worthy or unworthy ends. Instead, he chose the advancement of agricultural knowledge for the ruling passion of his life. His tastes were scholarly. reticent, serious. Not many men of wealth in their own lifetimes have upreared mon- ument so we'll worth the contemplation of succeeding generations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

stances be allowed to enter this coun- try. 1t seems that all foreign insects are prohibited by law from being brought to the United States and the New Workers ants will be at once returned to Europe at the expense of the steamship company which brought them over.
 The peculiar feature of the case is that the law leaves it to the dictum of the chief entomologist to say what is properly designated as an insect, and if the New York woman should maintain that her pets are toy so long as they remain enclosed in their glass prison, the question might oeca- sion some confusion among the mem bers of the supreme court in deciding as to the logic of the entomologist's decision.
 Again, it might be declared by the court that the fact of the ants being trained would entitle them to admis- sion to the country as domesticated animals. At all events a consideration by that tribunal of the ways" of the ant would impart to it wisdom that would benefit others besides the slug gard.
 The acquiescense of the New York woman was all that saved the supreme court from solving knotty problem.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Harry ThurstOn Peck

Death by his own hand in a chear lodging house was the lamentable fate of Dr. Harry Thurston Peck formerly professor of Latin at Colum- bia university, and famous scholar with long string of degrees attached to his name. Broken in health, dis. graced and fearful that he would soon be out of work, the unfortunate man decided to make an end of his troubles.
 Dr. Peck's matrimonial experiences were, to Say the least, somewhat un- usual and when a breach of promise suit for $50,00O was brought against him in 1910 by Esther Quinn, former ly his secretary, he lost his position in Columbia. Feeling that he was a ruined man and failure, Dr. Peck grieved over his plight until his health broke down completely. He partly re- covered but was not well man when he committed suicide at Stamford, Conn.,, in a room for which he paid $4 week.
 Gifted in many ways, Dr. Peck was recognized as one of the foremost educators in the United States. He had such a remarkable knowledge of Latin that he could translate the most ele- gant Latin phrases into American slang and with equal facility could translate a masterpiece of English into Latin argo. He did a vast amount of literary work and is said to have written under more than 25 names. As a magazine contributor Dr. Peck was indefatigable and his subjects were of endless variety. He wrote learned treaties, light verse, detective stories and humorous articles All this , work was done in addition to his duties as member of Columbias faculty.
 In spite of his many activities Dr. Peck found time to cultivate the sen- ; timental side of his nature and it was this unfortunate proclivity for mak- ing love that caused his ruin. AL though Dr. Peck's experiences were somewhat varied, he does not seem to have found happiness in married life and was estranged from his second wife.
 As one writer says, Dr. Peck had , nearly everything man could wish for except "moral stability" This one flaw in his character proved his un- doing just as surely and even more rapidly perhaps than if he had had small Latin and less Greek.
 Te make his downfall complete and irretrievable, Dr. Peck exposed him self to ridicule. That is always dis Rstrous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

6NHE people of France have never had a public man whom they have more Il thoroughly idolized than they did General Boulanger. From the period he was made war minister he was the most popular man in the country. He came to be accepted as their man of destiny" and he retained this popularity for a score of years in spite of the jealousy he in- spired among those who considered them selves entitled to equal consideration. He was able to retain this popularity in spite of the fact, as was afterward shown, that he was concerned in various intrigues for his own betterment, with no proper consideration as to the welfare of the nation that paid him such marked honors.
 Boulanger became the head of the French army in 1886. He was appointed to the office of minister of war when the radicals won under M. Clemenceau. His patron, however, was compelled, in a short time, to abandon him for the reason that he was becoming so incon- veniently prominent, and there were no regrets by the head of the French >gov- lernment when he resigned in May, 1887. The mob clamored for their 'brave gen earl" but M. Rouvier, in forming his new cabinet, declined to take him into his official family, and he was given com- mand of an army corps.
 But Boulanger movement had al- ready been started. The Bonapartists had attached themselves to him, and even the Cemte de Paris encouraged his fol- lowers to support him. His name was the theme of the popular song of the mo- ment, and the French military bands everywhere were playing the "Boulanger Marches" that had been composed in his honor. The mention of his name at the theatres, or any public assemblages, al- ways called out enthusiastic demon- stration, for the general and his black horse had become the idol of the Parisian populace.
 All this honor seems. to have turned his head, for he began showing insubor- dination which eventually led to his being deprived of his command in 1888 for twice coming to Paris without leave, and finally on the recommendation of a council of inquiry composed of five generals, his
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
WHAT NEW BANK-LAw WILL DO

From the Ph11adeIphla Ledger.
 You want to know in dollars and cents what this new bank law will do for you? Here is your answer:
 It will be possible to stretch every s10O of gold into s175. More accurately, it will expand every s1OO of credit to s175 The practically, the new bank will do this and actually they will do it, too, if the stress comes.
 The result will be that the larger volume of money will be loaned for a smaller rate of interest than the lesser amount of money is no wloaned.
 The United States will very likely never again see 20 per cent interest rates, let alone 100 per cent, which we have had in the last seven years
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

WIT AMONG MILITANTs


 From the Baltimore Sun.
 There Is story going the rounds in England of young American suffrage cite who has enlisted in the cause of the Eng- ilsh mlltants somewhat to their sorrow. She is very keen and clever and useful In thousand ways, but she is afflicted With an acute sense of humor which, as might have been expected is beyond the understanding and patience of most Eng fish women.
 At an important meeting of the suffra- gettes last week there was a large audi ence, most of them listening respect Iuily, If skeptically. An impassioned mill ltant had just introduced the subject of clothes int oher discourse.
 woman she urged, Ifs always mora likely to succeed when she is well rigged--"
 And properly manned, the irrepress ble American girl chimed fn
 or course, the audience broke into sales of laughter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
From the Mountain Eagle.

From the Mountain Eagle.
 While passing through a wooded sec tion of East Jasper last Sunday. MT. James Copeland. the blacksmith. dis covered big owl in tree Seeing an opportunity to reduce the owl popula- tion of the neighborhood, Mr. Copeland went to the nearest house and borrowed a gun and killed the owl
 On picking up the big bird. he was surprised at its weight or lack of weight, rather. Although the owl was 9 large one, it was so light that Mr. Copeland estimated it's weight at not more than one pound An examination of the dead birds eyes gave a clue as to why it was so poor. There was biz white spot on one of it's eyeballs, show tnE that it was entirely blind in one eye. II x. believed that defective eye sight I sde it difficult for the owl to catch it's food supply and that was why it was so poor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
HOOKWORM CONFERENCE rom the Mountain Eagle.

pr. w. w. Dinsmore of Montgomery, state director of the Rockefeller sant- tary commission, called all the hook worm doctors of Alabama to Jasper last Sunday for conference at the Cram ford hotel
 Hookworm campaigns are now being waged in several counties in west Ala bama, and Jasper is the most convenient point to assemble all the hookworm doctors for a. conference.
 Those who were treated by pr. Grote during his hookworm campaign last Tall can understand and appreciate the good work that is being done in our sister counties at present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Mir. Underwood's Speech

1 Democratic Leader Oscar ". Un- derwood is always clear and forceful when he discusses any important ques- ton. He is an acknowledged master in debate and his party addresses, delivered on various occasions, have been regarded as political classics.
 Mr. Underwood made a notable speech in the House of Representa- tives yesterday against repeating the toll exemption clause in the Panama canal act. The Alabama statesman was in fine form. For the first time during this administration MT. Under- wood and many other good democrats disagree with the President on large matter. President Wilson asks Con- gress to repeal the toll exemption clause. On March he addressed Congress in person and pleaded most earnestly for repeal legislation. He asserted that everywhere except in the United States the tolls exemption was regarded as a violation of the Hay-Pauncefote treaty." He sought to convey the idea that if the admins tration's general foreign policy was to be supported repeal would be neces- sary.
 MT. Underwood in his speech made many telling points. One related to the reasonable and just economy of exempting American coastwise ship ping from canal tolls. Another con tention was that free tolls for Ameri- can ships did not in anywise violate this governments treaty made with England Still another of Mr. Under woods impressive contentious was that in which he stressed the demo- cratic party's wisdom and patriotism when, in its Baltimore platform, it an- nounced the policy discriminating in favor of our coastwise ships. "There is no reason at this time," he said. why we should abandon a solemn promise made to the American peo- ple."
 He maintained that instead of the United States government being re- preached by Eufope for holding to the democratic party's position in exempt ing American vessels from tolls the reverse would happen. To repeal the clause in question, he held, would be flat surrender to Great Britain and would be so viewed by the old world powers.
 The Age-Herald, in it's issue of March 6, referring to MT. Wilson's address delivered that day, said that the Presidents policy would be se- rious blow to the Birmingham district, for it would mean an assessment of $1.2O ton on Birmingham coal, Bir- mingham pig iron and Birmingham pipe sold to the Pacific coast states. The Age-Herald further said that if it should be agreed that the existing law was in violation of our treaty obliga- tions, which must, of course, be main tained, "then we shall take our medi- cine gracefully
 All good democrats will regret that there is division of sentiment in the party. President Wilson is usually right. The purity of his motives. will never be questioned. Mr. Underwood. like the President, always has the courage of his convictions, and no matter which side one may take in the pending controversy, the public will applaud the democratic leader for his courageous stand; and no matter how the issue terminates, the public must admit the cogency of Oscar Under woods reasoning and the patriotic ring of his speech.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Active Trade In Fertilizers

There has been a very active trade in fertilizers this season. and 1t is q noteworthy fact that Alabama farmers are using much higher grade than formerly said w. P. Redd
 "A large acreage is being planted in both cotton and corn. The farmers in this part of the county are becoming more and more progressive and unless weather conditions later on are against them they will make bumper crops this wear"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Regarding Smallpox situation

"The smallpox situation Is not seri-
 ous, but at the same time it is con- siderably worse than it was last year,
 said Sanitary Inspector Walter Burson yesterday. "Threa new cases were re- ported today
 There have been few deaths from the disease this spring, however, and 1t would appear that the health de-
 partment and the medical fraternity together have about proven themselves masters, so to speak, of what at one time was one of the most deadly dis
 eases known to mankind. The disease
 always shows a tendency to break out
 Tn the spring and We are never alarmed by the occurrence each season unless l 1t should spread over too wide an area and become prevalent enough to en- danger the public, for it is one of the most contagious ills of humanity
 People, 1t seems are losin much of
 the old animosity to vaccination. There still are some few who do not be- lieve in it, but the great mass of the
 people do and they generally keep themselves and their children we'll in- oculated so that the growth of the dis ease into an epidemic in this country has become the exception to the rule.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28

that until the railroads are helped gen eral business will continue to suffer.
 Tn the meantime the advanced prices on pig iron are being firmly maintained; either these prices must be secured or there will be soon such a contraction in the production of iron as this country has never before seen."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
BOWIE IN NEW DECATUR rom the Decatur Daily.

Hon. Sid J.. Bowie of Birmingham addressed a good sized crowd at the New Decatur city hall Wednesday night. in the interest of the candidacy of Hon. Oscar w. Underwood for the Senate.
 MT. Bowie is most entertaining spaker and made good impression on his hearers.