davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
CARING FOR r.sEcILEs

From the Chicago Journal.
 The efforts of "psychopathologists to lay practically all crime to mental defi- ciency is foredoomed to failure. The quality which our ancestor named the "old Adam" and which cowboys know as
 pure orneriness' is responsible for a very large share of human misdeeds.
 Then, too it is doubtful if the science of analysing the human mind has ad- vanced far enough to permit of the exact classification in which its advocates love to deal. When a lecturer talks about the mental age of moron being ST years, the suspicion will not down that the learned gentleman is guessing at half, multiplying by two, rather than following any soberer system of measurement and mathematics.
 Yet, in spite of all discounts, the psy- chopathologist has grasped a great truth. and if his congregations help him to bring that truth home to society, would be loath to curb his reforming zeal.
 That truth is that the unrestricted breeding of mental defectives is muddying the whole stream of social life. These subnormal creatures are responsible for a vast quantity of pauperism, prostitu- ton and crime. They are a constant charge on the community, and they all ways reproduce their own kind. A men, tally normal burglar may become the father of a bishop, but a mentally defec- tive pauper begets only creatures as help less and worthless as himself.
 It Is high time for society to take cog nizance of this fact. It is time the state began to segregate and care for imbeciles even high-grade ones, during the entire reproductive period of their lives. Only in this way can the world be saved from the huge and increasing burden due tc 1 the unchecked qualification of the unfit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
Can Be Made a Great Show

The Home Products exposition to he held here the last week in August will be on larger scale than any thing of the kind ever attempted in this part of the country. Within the last five years the industries of the Birmingham district have been widely diversified and if every manufacturer makes an exhibit the general effect from a commercial point of view will he of incalculable benefit in advertis- ing Birmingham.
 With the advance of artistic taste fhe merchant and the manufacturer fully appreciates the importance of displaying his wares with touch of artistry. And since the flower trade will have, as matter of course, a large place in the exposition, the dis tinctly show features will be suscepti- ble of fine aesthetic treatment.
 In other words, the Home Products exposition can be made highly at $ractive affair for those who seek diversion as we'll as those who have a very practical interest in the main scope of the project.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
"A Good Name in Business

The attitude of fhe majority of the creditors of the bankrupt H. B. Claflin company toward it's head, John Ciaf- lin. will do much, it is thought, to- ward bringing about a speedy read ljustment of the company's affairs and will hasten it's reorganization.
 Although the failure of the Claflin company caused a tremendous sensa- tion in the business world, on account of the firms wide connections and the prestige it has enjoyed for many wears. there was no unfavorable criti- cism of John Claflin and ever since his embarrassment was made public offers of help have poured into him from all parts of this country and from abroad. One English firm of fered to cancel outstanding accounts against the Claflin company and "start all over again." so eager was it's management to show their confi- dence in John Claflin. The high es- teem in which he is held by business men is reflected in scores of other letters offering to aid him in any way possible.
 John Claflin and his father before him established reputation for being honest by many years of fair dealing His good name served H. B. Claflin well at the time of the civil war and shortly after, when he was seriously embarrassed. Honesty and integrity are still highly prized among business men, despite the efforts made by poll ticians to discredit those who stand at the head of the big corporations of the country.
 The Claflin company will doubtless be rehabilitated and become stronger than ever, because it was broadly and honestly conducted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
Birmingham's Splendid Offer

The citizens of Birmingham have not only raised a large sum of money for the Methodist university, but they have aroused widespread interest throughout Alabama which will mean much in the founding of a great insti- tuition of learning in this city.
 Birmingham's offer, totaling S600,- 900, is bona fide offer. Birmingham college with it's magnificent site and S150,O00 in money pledged to it last year is an asset that might have been valued at S400,000, but the college authorities rather than overappraise the property place an estimate of $350,0O on it.
 The educational committee of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, met here in June and announced its purpose to establish a university in the city east of the Mississippi which would make the most generous bid for it. This was followed immediately by a thorough organization, with President Paschal c. Shook of the Chamber of Commerce as leader. The money raising campaign was soon in progress. Many large subscriptions I1 o+ x4o, lo ir,l,+ when the campaign was ended it was found that the money subscribed to- tailed s25o,0OO.
 The locating committee appointed by the educational commission will meet in Atlanta today, and the com mission itself meets there Wednesday, It seems that Atlanta is hoping to se- cure the university, but until a few days ago the people of that city had shown very little interest in the mat ter. Several representative citizens now come forward with promise that if the commission locates the univer- sity in Atlanta they will raise $1, ,250,- 900 in money, but pledge of that kind is not tangible. Birmingham s offer of $600,000 is worth five or six times as much as the money merely promised to be raised in the interest of Atlanta.
 Never has Birmingham shown more of the "get-together" spirit than in this university canvass. No team
 work here was ever quite so telling. And more significant still is the en- thusiastic support which the general public has given the cause.
 Birmingham went into the contest
 to win and humanly speaking it is
 safe to say that it will win.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
southern Development

w. H. Manss of Baltimore, vice presi- dent and general manager of the South ern Settlement and Development organi- zation, is registered at the Tutwiler. He, like the president of the organization, Davies Warfield of Baltimore, is thor oughly familiar with the south's resources and is enthusiastic in pushing the move- ment seeking to bring desirable settlers to the southern states.
 We feel that we are enlisted in a great work" said MT. Manss 'The south has the soil and the climate that make for great agricultural progress The lands of the west are wearing out, and cannot be restored In the south, there is much virgin land and even such as has been worn can be brought back to a high degree of productiveness. With scientific farming the south can be made the richest section ever known in the United States.
 "The possibilities in state like Ala bama are simply limitless. It's corn pro- duction Is increasing, but it is very small with what the future has in store The time will come when Alabama instead of making 6O.0O0OOO bushels of corn g year will make 6O0.OO0.OOO bushels.
 '"rhe Southern Settlement and Develop ment organization invites and expects the cooperation of the business men and farmers With the proper cooperation our organization will accomplish won. ders,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14

met with defeat, resentment leaders, and the first person to feel the strong arm of the victors was the Pres ident of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis.
 When President Lincoln was assas- sinated and Andrew Johnson assumed his place, he at once laid plans to ap- prehend Davis with whom he had never been reconciled since an ugly debate be- tween them in the House of Represen- tatives.in 1S45.
 President Johnson proclaimed Davis an outlaw for supposed connection with the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln and offered a reward of s100, 900 for his capture.
 Two miles nothwest of Irwinsville, Ga., at early dawn on May 10. 1865, Davis and his party were surprised by a troop of United States cavalry under the command of Col Benjamin D. Pritchard. For moment he thought of fighting his way through the enemys cordon or of giving up his life in the effort He changed his mind, however, and submitted to his captors, who con- ducted him to Macon, and there turned him over to Gen. James II. Wilson, the highest United States officer in this region.
 The journey to Macon was made un pleasant by the jeers of the captors and by the exhibition to the party of President Johnson's manifesto. But Davis recognized that 1t was the hand of an old personal and political enemy
 From Macon MT. Davis was sent to Augusta, Ga, where Vice President Stephens joined the party as a captive Mrs Davis and her children accom- panied the prisoner After some days spent on ship Stephens was sent to Fort Warren, in Boston harbor, and Davis was placed in easement in Fortress Monroe.
 In few days Gen Nelson A. Miles was given charge of the state prison er" and he ordesed irons to be riveted to his ankles. All books except the Bible were denied him, and even letters 1 from Mrs. Davis were not allowed to be delivered until after they had been in- spected. Davis was compelled to remain In I this prison until autumn, when Horace Greedy, Henry J. Raymond, Charles l OConnor, and other northern men tool up his case, and he was given new and more comfortable quarters. Finally, in | the summer of 1866, Davis and his fam lily were reunited, and were allowed rooms in Carroll hall.
 l Finally the charge of connection in
 the assassination of Lincoln fell to the ground, and then the policy of pro- ceeding on the charge of treason was taken up Both the President and Gen.
 eral Grant opposed the plan of trial
 on this charge.
 On May 4. 1867, Davis was conducted to Richmond. where his case was to be
 heard. The following day he was set
 free on bond signed by Horace Greely
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
Progress in Agriculture

Despite the damage to the corn crop from the drouth in many counties of Alabama there is reason to believe that the yield will be almost, if not quite, up to that of last year. Had June been month of copious showers Alabama's corn production this year would be a record breaker. The acre. age planted would have indicated fully 5,0OO, ,O00 bushels. Last year and the year before weather conditions were altogether favorable and the corn pro- duction in each of those years was between 6O,OOo.000 and rO,O00,O 1000 bushels.
 If there is>a considerable falling off this year on account of drouth the farmers must not be discouraged. On the other hand, they should plant next tsar for 10O,OO0,O0O bushels. An qn-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
ture additional Sherlock Holmes re

ture additional Sherlock Holmes TO- ms-nces
 The fact Is signal1y emphasized that truth, after all, Is stranger than fiction and stories of real life are even more thrilling than those which are plotted end planned by the brain of the author l, In the Stamford case, Ballou, an ex- member of the city council, man ot great wealth was discovered on the side walk in front of a fashionable apartment house He had earlier in the evening been the guest of Mrs. Angel. whom 1t vas reported he was to marry during the fall. An investigation discovered bloody footprints on the marble stairway. The bare footprints were those of woman and they were traced to the door of Mrs. Angels room. There were mys- terious stains on the floor of the lady room. An electric iron was found with blood stains on the point. A bloody sklrt vas also found hidden in a closet.
 Yet the woman protests her innocence and the more the police concentrate on the case the more complicated 1t becomes. It is a mystery that baffles all who are engaged in trying to solve 1t, for strong as the evidence seems to be 1t Is not strong enough to prove the guilt or the oman who is being held.
 There is a certain morbid fascination In the details of these murder mysteries. There Is fine material for our masters of sensational fiction. There is plot for thrilling melodramn in each of these cases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
The Protected postoffice

"As soon as the Chamber of Commerce has a little breathing spell after it's strenuous university campaign 1t is hoped that our wide-awake civic body, through Senator-elect Underwood and Senator White. will make an effort to have work started on the new postoffice building early next year." said a prominent citi- zen.
 Uncle Sam has under construction many new buildings, and appropriations have been made for many more that are not yet designed. If Birmingham has to wait its regular turn it may be two years before ground is broken. But this city on account of it's size and rapid growth and the pressing need of new postoffice Is entitled to more than ordi- nary consideration. l believe that with reasonable effort the chief architect of the treasury department could be induced to give this city attention in the very near future."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
MURDER MYSTERIES

From the Commercial-Appeal.
 Three sensational murder mysteries are filling the front pages of nearly every eastern newspaper with thrilling details.
 Tn stamford, Conn., the mysterious mur- der of a wealthy business man and the in Lrisonment of Mrs. Angel, leader in the most exclusive social circles. affords the most interesting story of the three. In Albany. N. Y., young Clifford, boy who has lived in the sunshine of good fortune, a child of wealth, conspicuous member of Albany's 400, has been on trial charged with the murder of his chauf- feur.
 Still a more remarkable case, and one that again touches high life, is the Free port mystery, in which woman patient of pr. Carman was killed in his office. and for which Mrs. Carman Is being held under suspicion.
 Here are three mysteries which have all the clements oe detective fiction richly distributed in them.
 Sir Conan Doyle is still in this country. He may find inspiration ip these tragedies which will revive his fecund imagination and may afford the literature of the fu-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14

usually large crop of oats has been harvested, and that will more than make up for any diminuition of corn.
 William H. Johnston, formerly of Birmingham, but now a successful farmer of Madison county, in an in teresting and instructive article in Sundays Age-Herald said:
 "It is my information that more oats were planted last fall than ever before in the history of the state. This means that the farmers will buy less corn this year. There is no neces- sity of our farmers buying corn amounting to s2O,OO0,O00 or 25,00o, 900 each year. No farmer can be sue cessful if he buys corn and hay each year, as we can plant oats and other grain after cotton and corn have been laid by and this is also true of hay crop, such as crimson clover, red clover, Tn north Alabama, and other grasses"
 MT. Johnston is an enthusiast in the matter of live stock husbandry, and is himself largely engaged in raising beef cattle and hogs. In many sec tions of the state farmers have begun to raise beef stock on an extensive scale.
 While cotton will continue to be Alabama's leading money crop not withstanding the ravages of the boil weevil, there is every reason to predict that it will come to rank among the famous cattle states in the union and will rank high in it's production of hay, to say nothing of corn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF JEFF PERSON DAVIS

Gerritt Smith and other former oppo-
 nents of the south. The released pris- oner at once went to Canada to meet
 his family and others, whom the for tunes of war had driven into exile.
 In October Davis was again sum-
 moned to appear in the United States court at Richmond. The indictment that was drawn up against him was briefly as follows: Jefferson Davis. late of the city of Richmond, yeoman, being an in-
 habitant and residing within the United States of America, with force of arms levied and carried on war; insurrection and rebellion against the United States, and with great multitude of persons, whose names are to the jurors un- known, to the number of 500 persons and upward, arrayed in a war-like man. ner-that Is to say with cannon, mus kets, etc.-levied and carried on the con- fiict contrary to the duty and allegiance
 and fidelity of the said Davis against
 the constitution" etc
 When Davis reached Richmond he expressed his readiness to be tried but
 the council of the government was not prepared, and the trial was again post po0d. The Canadian winter having
 proved too vigorous for Davis, he jour- neyed to Cuba, and from there he went to New Orleans and journeyed north through the section with which he was so thoroughly familiar. He returned to Canada and embarked with his family for Europe.
 The case of MT. Davis was dropped on February II, 1869. and after his dis charge he became president of a life
 insurance company at Memphis, Tenn.
 He eventually settled at Beauvoir, Miss, where he died on November 30, 1873
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
WHERE TEMPERANCE HOTELS FAIL

From the New York Commercial.
 In the elections held in the province of Ontario last week the liberal party was overwhelmingly defeated on its chosen is- sue. .'banish the bar Under local op- ton a large part of ontario is now dry. Idouor licenses for hotels are restricted so rigidly in the cities of the provinces that any one who has hotel license In Toronto owns d franchise of great value. When a new hotel is to be built in that city tke promoters of the enterprise have to find some small hot sl keeper in the mu- nioipality who Is willing to retire from business f;r consideration so that his license may be transferred to the new es- tablishment This law works out pecu- liarly. Toronto has grown fast and has outgrown It's hotel accommodations. Capi- talists are willing to put up another large hotel provided that they can get license for it without paying extortiona:e ''black- mail" as they call It. to some one who now shares in the monopoly which little oligarchy of liquor dealers are able to ms intain through the operations of the stringent temperance laws of the prov inces. This has led certain scoffers in To- rtnto to ask why do not the numerous wealthy temperance people who are all weys voting and working for total pro- hibition build large hotel in Toronto and patronize it. There are enough of them in the province who visit Toronto ire quently to make profitable first class hotel of 5000 rooms. Temperance hotels have been tried before in that city and have not succeeded because temperance people would not go near them. If tenn rerance people would live up to their ex- pr essed principles the problems of cater ing to the travelling public in places where local option is enforced would be sim I,ala
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
THE UNGRATEFUL POOR

From Life.
 The proposal to bring on the millennium by issuing Scent pieces and half cents is a splendid and epoch-making con- tribution to the science of economies When three-cent pieces come in articles which now sell for 15 cents because of the division of our money into dimes and nickels will sell for 13 cents. Thus the poor will greatly benefit
 The poor are always benefiting by some- thing of this sort. The number of ben efits they have received from time i'm memorial through kindly legislation is wonderful That they still go on being poor must be their own fault. When thoughtful lawyers are doing so much for them. and sympathetic legislators are constantly aiding them, their perverse- ness is appalling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
A POPULAR OPERA

From the Philadelphia Evening Tele-
 graph.
 Late one night an esteemed citizen named Jones rambled into cafe in a metropolitan city and found his friend Johnson seated alone at table. Sound like ordering something and then came the question as to where Johnson had been.
 Thought would give myself treat,'' answered Johnson, "and went to the opera"
 ''The deuce you did!" was the interested rejoinder of Jones' What did you hear?''
 q heard.'' smilingly returned Johnson a divorce; that the Snyder-Sharps are going to separate and that the Benton. Sweets intend spending a season in Flu rope.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
v queried his henchman.
OBSERVATIONS.

Something should be done with the man who is always saying, "The worst Is yet to come"
 While there may be sermons in stones, the quickest way to settle an argument is with brick
 The practical person sees more flies in June than he does poetry.
 When man speaks of tip as gra- tuity 1t Is safe to assume that the kind he gives Is small.
 Since diaphanous skirts became fash. ionable a great many men who are con- fined closely to their offices all day don't see as much of their wives as some other men do.
 As long as a woman is sensitive about her housekeeping she isn't going to worry very much about her inability to vote.
 All you have to do in order to get rich quick Is to persuade a sufficient number of people to believe that you are phi- anthropist.
 The reason why the man who tells all he knows Is unpopular is because when he has told all he knows he immediately starts to tell it all over again.
 Many man dreams of little home in the country within easy walking distance of a good cafe and '1egitimate' thea. tre.
 You don't see any more girls with freckles on their faces Maybe that's be- cause the kalsomine is so thick.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14

It is unusual that the Methodists of the south have not congratulated them establish their university in Birmingham But for the invitation of this city, At lanta would have been the choice of necessity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES
LOOKING AHEAD.

The king was in his counting house, counting up his money. The queen was in the kitchen eating bread and honey. Tt isn't very queenly fare,' said she witk resignation, But if you're going anywhere you must save for vacation
 Louisville Courier-Journal. The king was in his counting house, counting up his money, The queen was in the kitchen eating bread and honey. Said she. 'Alackaday, this fare is really not so many, But when you have motor car 1t takes most every penny"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
Wide Interest in University Project


 One of the noteworthy facts in favor of Birmingham as a competitor for the prize which is about to be awarded-the Methodist university--is the wide interest manifested here in the movement" said a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Tn reading the Atlanta papers I have been surprised to find that no organized effort has been made in the Georgia capi- tai to secure the university. If any large money offer is to be made by At lanta the subscribers to the fund will be few in number. I say this because no ger eral canvass can be made on the quiet If two or three rich men make up large fund the educational committee that decides where the university will be established must reckon with the community interest as well as the sum total of money pledged.
 ''In Birmingham the subscribers to the university cause include all classes of citizens-the rich, the near rich and those whose means are very limited. A uni- versity will certainly prosper more in a city where hundreds of its inhabitants have contributed money towards its founding than would be the case in a city where only handful of rich men have displayed interest in the enterprise :"