davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
THE OFFICE SEEKING THE MAN

From the Spokane Review.
 Whatever other meaning the triumph of Underwood over Hobson for the senatorial nomination in Alabama may have it possesses at least one unmis- takable and undeniable significance. Solidity of character, a long record of effective congressional service and faithful devotion to official duty are preferred by the democracy of Ala neglect of congressional duties that the public pays it's servant to perform.
 Representative Hobson has for many months been an absentee from his post of duty at the national capital as the representative of a congressional dis ambition to seduce him into running all over his state in an effort to bunco the voters into acceptance of his, asser- tion that he is competent and worthy to represent the commonwealth in the national Senate. But MT Underwood though naturally desrous of promo ton from the House of Representatives has lived and stood on the principle that the office should seek the man. not the man the office. and has refused to quit his heavy and responsible tasks.
 From this point of view the result of the senatorial primary in Alabama af- lords encouragement to believers in the policy of public men sticking like ad- hesive plaster to their official duties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
Watching crop Reports

"1n periods of general prosperity only business men who are directly interested watch the crop reports: but when dull ness prevails in the industrial and mer- cantile world everybody Is on the look out for harvest forecasts" said Henry J. Charlton of Chicago.
 "The present year started off very well and there was considerable trade activ- ity in February, but since then there has been more or less complaint in business circles. Some financiers and industrial leaders attribute the recession in business to politics in Washington, but the most general idea is that hesitation on the part of the interstate commerce com railroads to advance fYight rates comes nearer accounting for present conditions than anything else. If the interstate commerce commission will act favorably and act shortly there will be very pro- nounced business revival. The pig iron market will certainly become active.
 "fn the meantime all bushes men are looking forward to bumper crops this summer. If the west and the south pro- duce as large crops and get as good prices IS they did last year. we will have real prosperity; and If the railroads are helped bit, business in all direc- tions would be more prosperous than it has been for two or three years past"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
WARD HEROES IN THE FILMS

From the Chicago Record II erald.
 The moving picture impresarios have now gained such confidence, experience and momentum that any subject. no mat ter how local it's appeal or how narrowly biographical its nature, will get filmed when interested patronage is foreseen. The acme, thus far, in that sort would seem to be tn ecareer of Big Tim" gul- livan, done in four reels for New York's East Side. These show the favorite leader and benefactor from the cradle to the grave-from the christening party which followed the hero's arrival in this world to the funeral procession which followed his departure from it. Among teh intermediate scenes to stir the mem ory of his loyal supporters are pictures of Sullivan's street fights as boy, cleo tion scenes, portrayals of his charitable work among. the poor and representa- ton of 'Tig Tim leading grand march at a Sullivan ball.
 Doubtless such entertainment sets tine hearty human sap to flowing in simple natures, but it is essentially misleading and scarcely tends to real edification. 1t may even have the effect of establishing a bad precedent elsewhere. The time may come when our own local public will be asked, at cents a head, to shed reminis- cent tears over a character in public life who gave his supporters Christmas tur- keys with one hand and took away pretty nearly everything with the other Any such procedure would be against clear vision and essential understanding of che situation. We hope the Bowery idea will not be adopted in other quarters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
THE THINGS I MISS

By Thomas Wentworth Higginson. As easy thing, Power divine, To thank Thee for these gifts of Thine: For summers sunshine. winters snow, For hearts that kindle, thoughts that
 glow.
 But when shall I attain to this To thank Thee for the things l miss? For all young fancy's early gleams, The dreamed-of joys that still are dreams. Hopes thrilled and pleasures known Through others fortunes, not my own And blessings seen that are not given. And never will be this side heaven. Had l, too, shared the joys I see Would there have been a heaven for me? Could I have felt Thy presence near Had l possessed what I held dear? My deepest fortune highest bliss. Have grown, perchance, from things I
 miss.
 Sometimes there comes an hour of calm: Grief turns to blessing. pain to balm. A Power that works above my will Still leads me onward, upward still: And then my heart attains to this To thank Thee for the things I miss.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
Captain Eagan's Popularity

For the first time in several months the atmosphere of unpleasant expect ancy is removed from police head quarters in Birmingham and confi- dence is apparently restored. The old time "espirit de corps seems to have returned with vigor. The cause of the removal of the gloom" is the authori- tative news that Martin Eagan is to be appointed chief of police at today's meeting of the city commissioners.
 The popularity of Captain Eagan has never been questioned. and yet it is fine tribute to the little Irishman that his election as chief meets with unanimous approval on the part of the men on the force.a
 Many of the policemen have worked for years with the doughty captain. and knowing him, are glad that it is he who has been selected to lead the "bluecoats" of Birmingham. With the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
NORMANDY FIGHTS "pEMoN Rru,

l Caen-This city is beginning to resent quite seriously the reputation which, to- gether with the surrounding country it has been enjoying more or less for great number of years. The worst of IL Is that according to government statis- tics there are more inebrates here than in any other part of France: and the rep utation is therefore well deserved. Not only when it's apple blossom time. but all year round in Normandy the streets and roads are rarely without one. two or even small crowd of men unable to find their way home But all this will soon change if the campaign undertaken by local newspaper, Le Bonhomme Normand, proves effective as is ex- pected.
 Beginning with last Sundays issue, Le Bonhomme Normand announced that 1t will hereafter print every week a com- plete list of all those who have been seen
 intoxicated during the past seven days in the streets of Caen. The first list met with great success Every wife in town carefully scrutinized pit, fearing at first to find the name of her husband and rejoicing thereafter over the fact that families of friends or neighbors were well represented The editor has been flooded with letters of encouragement from the women and to these communi- cations he gives much space in his paper But no mention is made of the other mes. sages which he undoubtedly also is re- ceiving.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
orR OWN RuTCHER,s DILL

From the Wall Street Journal. In a recent address the dean of, the law school of the University of Michigan is reported to have said:
 During the year 1912, within the boun- daries of the United States, there were 9l52 men slain in violation of law by their lawless fellows. This number is greater than ever before has fallen by the hands of the lawbreaker. In 1910, S970 were killed"
 Homicides per 100, GOO:
 1911. .6.6 1905. AS 1900. ...2.1
 An increase of PA per cent in II years is little cause for pride. We have before this become indignant at Armenian and other massacres in other parts of the world. Do they equal our own shambles? Count the number of Union soldiers act ually killed in the nine greatest battles of the civil war including Gettysburg, Spott- sylvania. the Wilderness and Antietam. The total is equalled by the fruits of two years of murder in this '1aw-abiding" country.
 MT. Taft once said that our administra- ton of criminal law was a disgrace. It is more than that. It is an invitation to crime,y In two years it has resulted in over 1s,000 homicides. Two years ago the supreme court of Oklahoma, in handing down a decision in a criminal case, took occasion to speak in plain terms of the administration of criminal law in Amers ica. And it referred to the fact that in the city of Chicago POP homicides were committed in 1910, but in that year only one person was sentenced to death for murder.
 It is time for a radical change in the administration of criminal law, which has ramifications in every branch of activity and growth. There is room for great change in the moral sense of our people, who lack, most of all, teaching in respect for the law
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14

The first railway in Iceland will soon be built. Plans have been worked out and it is believed that the Althing, which is the national assembly of lee land. will promptly accept them. The country has heretofore had to be con- tent with hardy Icelandic ponies as a means of travel and the prospect of a railroad is causing much excitement among the people. The proposed line will be perhaps the cheapest railroad in the world. Its entire cost has been estimated at $S6s .0o0 which is about s13,44O a mile. There will be no luxu- rious equipment for the stations. The most expensive one will be located at Reykiavik, the capital, and will cost but S14,000. The smaller stations will not cost more than s4000 The new rail- way will be a narrow gauge line, and land running from Reykjavik to Ran gavalle, distance of about 64 miles, with a branch line to Eyrarbakki, distance of 12 miles, Although there will be many hills along the route, there will be no tunnels. A great many bridges will be required to carry the road over numerous streams These bridges will have to be of unusually solid construction to withstand the Ice l0ndiC flOnIg which down a m fountain sides in summer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
The Lure of the Diamond

Today the inhabitants of this city will flock to man to Redwood park to see the Barons convert the Gulls into the first step ping stone of the stairs that lead to a triumphal success. Birmingham has two woods that will not brook de- feat-Underwoo and Riclwood-and it is expected that today's attendance at the latter will present numerical strength equal to the majoritys which the state gave the former in the re- cent primary.
 The city commission has courteously accorded the occasion the distinction which it merits and the day of the opening of the season has been de- clared a half-holiday. It is difficult to find spirit that excels that of Birmingham in enthusiasm, earnest ness and determination, and the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, the Business Mems league, the Rotary club and the Ad club have united in bending every energy to contribute to the success of the event.
 Everybody is going to forget busi- ness for the nonce and repair to Rick wood. Mercantile houses will be closed offices will be abandoned, and all care will be flung to the winds.
 The reserved section of the new bleachers will be occupied by those who have labored for the perfect ap- pointments of this gala day. Badges have been freely furnished and special cars will convey the boosters to the park to witness the signal triumph of the Barons.
 Remember that Birmingham is on the map in more atlases than one; and your presence at the park upon the you factor in the success of the movement which at the close of the professional series will cause this city to flare and glare as the biggest spot on the chart of the Southern league. Let every patriot be present, male and female.
 The Barons true now promise you
 The penant they will win:
 To doubt would be disloyalty,
 To falter would be sin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
Concerning Regional Bnnks

'"There are too many regional banks; and I predict that it will not be a great while before a reorganization of the dis tricts, as now established, takes place, said citizen prominent in commercial and industrial life.
 'The districts as now planned are too small and financially too weak to meet the demands of the large banking inter- ests. This is especially true of the dis trct in which New Orleans, Atlanta and Birmingham are situated. It is called district No. ', l believe. The federal re- serve bank to be located in Atlanta wGl not be able to finance the cotton crop or that part of 1t east of the Mississippi river. do not pretend to be an author ity on finance, but I would be willing to trict, twill have to go outside for money when the crop moving time comes. Af- ter Birmingham became a candidate for a federal reserve bank I wanted to see it win out but after all, the cation of the bank is very small matter. It is only bankers proposition. and has no relation directly to the general pub lie.
 MT. Harding, who is an acknowledged authority on banking and crop statis- tics, was strongly in favor of the num- Der of regional banks in this country be- ing limited to four. I can see now that three would have met the banking de- mands even better than four. After the new system has been in operation a year the federal reserve board will go to work to reduce the number of districts, al- though it may be several years before the number is reduced to three or four. My idea is that in a year from now we will see only eight regional banks, and in two years only six. In other words. the extension of the district lines will be gradual.
 'The people will finally see that the federal reserve bank is something that should be entirely removed from senti- ment and local pride considerations, and no one will care where regional bank Is located. just so the district is strong enough to satisfy the ends for which the banking and currency measure was adopted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14

funny. But here is a grim and pitiful
 little tragedy which is in way related to it. In a small tenement, at the eastern and poverty-s stricken end of F1fty-slNth street, the police found John Conwen ana his old mother, dead from gas. The man was past middle age and unmarried. They lived alone and he idolized the woman a poor, old drunkard. The neighbors said he used to cry hysterically when she would stagger home, stupefed with drink At last he turned on the gas while she slept and died with her.
 He wore cotton overalls at the time of his death, and the few articles of his wearing apparel found in the apartment were worn and ragged. Yet the letters and papers which the police took possession of proved that he earned a livelihood for himself and his mother by writing articles on the latest fashions in mems dress
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Prospects for Auditorium

T am inclined to think that ground will be broken this year for'o our much needed auditorium" said Paschal G. Shook, president of the Chamber of Commerce.
 After the supreme court passes upon the validity of the auditorium bond issue voted by the people last fall there will be no trouble about whatever fur ther financing may be necessary. Public opinion Is now more strongly in favor of the auditorium than ever. Blrming- ham cannot afford to go longer with out a convention hall; and while we are at it we should build rot only d large one, but one that will last for years to come"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14

United States in Brazil reported that canned goods from Europe found greater favor among the Brazilians than did goods from this country for the reason that the wrappings and labels of the former were bizarre and highly colored and thus tickled the na- tive fancy. He even reported that American hams and other meats were first sent to Europe, recovered and then shipped to Brazil where they were purchased in preference to meats direct from the United States. Thus it is seen that to cope with the foreign rivals the merchants of this country must "cater" to the puerile disposition of the South American or teach him to abandon such sentiments.
 The past has taught that whenever the North American sets himself seri- ously to the solving of a problem he usually succeeds and that he general ly gets that which he starts out after
 Now that Chicago has initiated a movement looking to the securing of foreign trade, other localities will soon follow the pace and it is safe to predict that the time is not far distant when the United States will command it's full complement of the trade of the ten great republics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
Business Good in Comparison

We sometimes hear men complain about business conditions; but here in Birmingham it should be remembered that business is far better at this time than 1t is in eastern cities" said Sidney F. Lazarus.
 Trade in my line is quieter than I would like to see it, but I am not com plaining. On the other hand. 1 am thankful that we are not feeling in- dustrial depression so much in this dis trict as is felt elsewhere. l cannot help believing that there will be a decided improvement a little later on. In our agricultural sections prosperity reigns, and as there are prospects for big crops again this year I look for a good average of business activity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
Seeking Latin- n-American Trade

1t is gratifying to note that the United States is taking steps to com mand that portion of South American trade which should be ours and still more gratifying is it to learn that the Chilian press halls as a fred letter day" in the history of its country the arrival in Chili of members of the Chicago Manufacturers association to work to secure trade.
 There are ten great republics lying in South America beyond the isthmus, ,And yet our combined trade with them all last year fell below the volume of our trade with the Central American governments and their imports to us were S40,000,000 greater than our ex- ports to them. In this respect we are surpassed to a considerable degree by both Great Britain and Germany. In the year just gone England sent to South America exports worth S273,- 1O6,932, as compared with $153, ,305,- 853 from the United States; and Ger many also exceeded us with $178,- S52,809 worth of imports.
 When conditions of this character have been inquired into the universal reply has been that Europe was first in the South American market and that South Americans have grown ac- customed to continental conditions and standards. This leaves a choice of two courses open to the United States merchants and manufacturers either to grasp conditions of this nature or to demonstrate to the citizens of the ten republics the superiority or North American trade methods.
 Some years ago a consul of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
The RidseIy Filling Up

The demand for apartments at the Ridgely has been very brisk. and al- though the building was opened only two weeks ago, there are comparatively few rooms unreserved," said J. M. P. Otis, representing the Jemison Real Estate and Insurance company, rental agents.
 Notwithstanding the fact the Ridgely Is one of the largest apartment houses in this country, there is no question but that it will be fully occupied year in and year out. Everybody that has looked through the building has spoken of it enthusiastically as a great credit to this city''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
ISLAND COVERED WITH GLASS
From the London Telegraph.

From the London TeIegraph.
 Why the beautiful little island has been spoiled by the fruit growers" So said an enthusiastic lover of nature when hes landed at Guernsey few days ago.
 Who ever heard disparaging word about the lemons, oranges, vines, figs. olives, and flowers that abound in Sicily? It would be considered the height of bad taste to object to those delightful growths of the Mediterra- mean island Then why complain of the cultivation in Guernsey? Because it is quite different. Sicilys products grow under the canopy of heaven. but Guernsey-ts practically one large glass
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14

West Hammond, Ind recently voted wet by majority of 1900. The brew CTS, to keep in the good graces of the cit izens of the town, have announced that they have organized districts each in charge of a captain, who will watch the amount of money each man spends in sa- looms. Any man who Is toper or de- prives his family of necessities will be put on a blacklist and the saloon of business. West Hammond was given a great deal of notoriety by the vice crusades conducted there by Miss Vir- ginia Brooks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
GREAT TRIALS OF HISTORY
TRIAL OF ASSASSIN OF CANOVAS

dead premier said: q desire that all It is the greatest sacrifice l can make, but l make it for the sake of what I know of my husbands great heart"
 On the morning of the funeral three anarchists were arrested in Milan. On their person were a number of ncrmi- hating documents showing that there had existed an international anarchists plot. The documents captured included let ters from Caserio Santo, the assassin of President Carnot, and Pietro Acciarito, who attempted to assassinate King Hum- bert on the previous April.
 The trial of Coli was begun at Yer gera, Spain. It was courtmartial trial presided over by lieutenant colonel and captains of artillery. All the statements of the prisoner were submitted in writ ing. When he was brought in for ex- animation he refused to choose counsel and the judge appointed Lieutenant Cor ria, of the artillery, to defend him. He accepted the duty and made the defense insanity.
 An interview was given to the news- papers by the prisoner, in which he as- serted that the assa ssination of President Faure of France had not ben suggested, but that the only person whose death had been decreed were Premier Canovas for torturing anarchists. and General Polavieja, for ordering the execution of pr. Rizal the leader of the insurgents in the Philippine Islands.
 About 200 persons were present at the trial, which only lasted two hours. The prisoner, heavily manacled, sat between two gendarmes, and immediately in front of him were the judges. On the table nearby lay his revolver and other ma terial evidence of the crime.
 Goi was put to death by the garrote at Il o'clock, on August 20. He heard the news calmly that he was to be exe- cuted on that day. An executioner from
 Burges performed the garroting. Just prior to the execution a priest ordered the anarchist to repent, to which he re- sronded: Since you cannot get me out of prison, leave me in peace. I myself will settle with God" Sonora Canovas requested the priest who gave extreme junction to her husband as he was dying from the assassin's bullet. in the bath at Santa Agueda, to visit Coli and assure him Of her forgiveness
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-14
ANONYMOUS WRITERS

New York Letter in the Cincinnati Times
 Star.
 One of the standing subjects of humor- ous remarks among New York theatre goers is the weekly articles on mems fashions. published over the nom de plume of Beau Brummel." in the programs of the theatres of the better class.
 Some people think Beau Brummel' is a woman. while others believe him to be merely a haberdasher with a drug habit. However that may be. 1t is a reasonable supposition that no one wears any of the clothes that Beau Brummel" writes about. It couldn't be done. If any man ever arrayed himself in one weeks output of the Beau Brummel" fashions and started down Broadway, he'd land in jail or the psycopathc ward at Bellevue. The case of Beau Brummel' is merely