davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
THEATRE OF OTHER DAYS

slightest effort he brought tears to all eyes.
 "The Union Square company was not stock company in the sense we know 1t today in short, we did not put on a new play each week-tossed on the stage after the briefest preparation. While a new play was in constant preparation, the current offering was kept on the boards as long as the public demanded 1t, and old successes were revived from time to time Nothing was done in a hap hazard way.
 During the 12 years I was leading lady with the Union Square company the most important happening was the Brooklyn theatre fire of Tuesday evening, Decem- ber 5. 1876. The Union Square company was presenting The Two Orphans at the theatre that night. There were 300 per- sons assembled in the theatre and Of this number 400 occupied seats in the gall lery. The performance was within fvs minutes of it's close when the actors on the stage discovered flames creeping along the edge of one of the flies Kate Clax- ton, who was acting her famous role of Louise, the blind girl, lay on her pallet Of straw on the left hand side Of the stage, the scene being the boathouse on the river, the home of La Frochard. On the stage and near her stood Mrs. Mary Farren J. B. Studley and H. s. Murdock Despite the fact that Miss Claxton could see the flames directly over her, with rare presence of mind and courage she went on with the performance of her part ha fla no appliances at hand for extinguishing the fire, for while there was a hydrantI there was no hose, and the water buckets were empty. There was an attempt made to beat out the flames with a pole, which only served to scatter sparks upon the inflammable material.
 It was now no longer possible to con- ceal the situation from the audience With rare self-possession, worthy of the highest praise, the company advanced to the footlights and besought the audi ence to disperse quietly. Were it not for the dreadful panic that ensued all would undoubtedly have been saved. During| the engagement of the Union Square com the theatre. With me at that time was my bother John. He was dangerously i'll on the night of the performance, his doctor having informed me that he would hardly live out the night. He was suffering from hemorrhages. most cu- rious thing happened. The shock stopped the hemorrha ges; he recovered his health and he lived for many years. therea fter.
 we had many fine actors in our time" said Miss Vernon. but they are not as- sembled in one company as in the time of the Union Square organization Times have changed and the theatre with it. The various efforts of late to carry on q company after the old manner have un- happily proved failures. Some day some- body with sufficient capital and with the proper artistic surroundings may be able to bring back to us the good old times"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
A National Anthem Needed?

James Edgar Brown, president of the Illinois branch of the National Star-Spangled Banner association, made speech at the recent celebra- tion of the anniversary of the writing of Francis Scott Keys famous song, in which he said: "America' is a fine song, but it is an international vaga- bond. It is said to have originated in Austria. Then for years it was sung all over Germany; then it came to England, or she appropriated it, and in 1882 it came to America, and Dr.. Smith of Andover Theological semi nary set it to music and called it America The tune of The Star Spangled Banner is an old French one and known in England as Ana creon in Heaven.' We demand na- tional anthem, for we have none.'
 It may, perhaps, offend intensely patriotic Americans to hear America referred to as a "vagabond" "-,and their indignation will in no wise be lessened by the fact that they cannot
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Deserting the People

Regardless of the fact that the ma jority of the present legislators were elected after declaring in favor of taking the convicts from the mines and placing them at work on the pub lie roads, the members of the legisla- ture, by the vote in the senate last night, have abandoned their pledge to the people.
 But when the matter is again sub mitted to the people the sovereign voters of Alabama will see to it that men are sent to the legislature who will carry out their wishes on this great subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Manners for Everybody

New York schools have added a new study to their curriculum this year, and all pupils will be required to study manners" Not only the art of courteous department, but the un- deriving principles of sincere courtesy will be given attention.
 At first glance this appears to be just another "frill" in the educational world, but considered more carefully the real worth of this training is ap- parent, and it is probable that to many pupils whose homes do not af- ford such training, it will be more valuable in later life than music or drawing. In fact it will rank right along side of the three R's.
 The young man or woman who goes out into the world dependent upon their own exertions for their living and advancement will find that one of their big assets is quiet, courteous manners. The knowledge of the right thing to do at the right time gives a poise that creates favorable impress sion and predisposes people generally in their favor
 The home is, of course, the best place for insulting this knowledge, but it must be remembered that thou sands of immigrants are swarming into this country, and probably in the next few years the number will be greatly increased. Children of these peasant-foreigners do not have the advantage of the home training of the better American homes, and yet they have the sterling qualities that make them good and desirable citizens.
 There is no better place than the schools in which to instill American customs and good manners into ths mind and makeup of the child. Ane good manners can characterize ths humblest citizens as well as the mil lionaire. No teacher should be per n,itted in the schools whose voice i. not we'll modulated and whose man ners could not be taken as mode
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
City's Relief Bill Passes

A brighter day for Birmingham municipal government is in sight.
 On or after the first of October 1916, the qualified voters of Birming. ham will have the right to increase the tax rate up to, but not exceeding S1.50 on the hundred. The city rate is now only $1 on the hundred.
 The tax amendment measure, known as the Birmingham relief bill, has passed both houses of the legisla- ture and the governor will be prompt to sign it.
 The people of the state will have to ratify the amendment, but that will be perfuctory. There will be practically no opposition to it.
 When it comes to the voters of Bir- mingham there may be more or less of contest, but if the city continues in cramped condition, the people will readily vote to increase the reve- nue. When the time comes to pass upon the question of increasing the tax rate a large majority can be de- pended upon to vote for the city's good.
 No measure in this legislature was of such vital interest to this city as the tax amendment bill and it is matter for rejoicing, therefore, that it has been adopted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Iron and Steel Market

The local iron market while not quite so active as it was a few weeks ago is firm with improved tendency in prices
 Rogers Brown. & Co. s Cincinnati ;i circu:ar says:
 More advances in price this week. This 1 is not a rubber stamped sentence all though from the regularity with which l It appears week after week in the pig iron reports one might almost be led to believe that to be the ca SC The Chicago district, which has heretofore been the weakest point, is the aggre ssor Sales in that district show a decided improvem ent Considerable interest has been shown in the east in steel making irons-one con- l sumer closing for 50.0OO tons Buying in the Philadelphia territory was active. l But with those exceptions the tonnage placed during the past week has
 not been quite up to some of the previous 1 weeks. One very good req son for tn:s is 1 the fact that furnacemen are not at all l anxious to take on large amount of business even at the present prices, feeling
 that still further advances are almost
 in practically every district. The south l ouoPtcd JUS dlliluue dS soon
 as the upward trend became apparent; Cleveland and Buffalo furnaces
 are. comfortably fixed and are not seek
 ing business at present, although they
 are accepting orders for limited tonna ges
 southern Ohio is in the same boat; Vir- sinia is very optimistic; the valleys are
 booming, and now Chicago enters with an
 advance.
 Tn spite of this tendency on the part
 of furnacemen, inquiries continue to come
 in and some good sized tonnages are now
 being negotiated in this territory. Ship
 ments on existing contracts continue very ! encouraginsly.
 There is no let up in the demand for
 steel and producers find it necessary to
 turn down business. Domestic inquiry is
 headed by the United States navy yards, who are in the market for good tonnages. I Prices retain their upward tendency
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Next Years Cam paign

Tt is hard to say who will head the crats will renominate President Wilson by exclamation; at least that is the way 1t looks now" said Jerry F. Fortsman of Philadelphia.
 "A year ago I would have thought it a safe bet that the republicans would return to power on March {, 1917. but it does not seem bright for the c. O. P. now. Unless the country becomes in- volved In the European war the demo- crats will probably have an easy victory
 T did not vote democratic in 1912. but l am free to admit that MT. Wilson has made success of his administration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Big Improvement in Cotton Centers

''I was in Atlanta in February ana was there again last Tuesday and great is the business Improvement I remarked in my recent visit" said P. V. Dillon of Chicago. All southern cities were de- pressed last fall and last winter, but I learn now that every one of them Is get tihs into the prosperity line. Cotton cen ters will soon begin to boom. The good price of cotton is what accounts for the improvement in most cases In Brming- ham, thrift much in evidence already will be increased when the farmer markets his cotton.
 The business outlook throughout the country is very fine and Birmingham will have its full share of prosperity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
A New Hirhnax Map

he large map of Alabama recently is- sued by the state highway commission is Of especial interest at this time as it shows in colors the proposed system O. state trunk roads," said John w. O'Neill.
 From this map 1t Is seen that Alabama has total of 2S73 miles of roads. There are 6lf miles Of good macadam. gravel or chert road. 125 miles of poor macadam or chert road, 54 miles of sand clay, top soil or graded road, 256 miles of poor top soil or graded road and 1864 of unimproved road. This time next year several hun dred miles of improved highway will have been added"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

From the Washington Post.
 President Wilson in speech to a con-
 mlttee of Virginians declining an invi-
 tation to attend a peace memorial cele-
 bration at Manassas, Va, expressed the hope that the skies may clear as regards the European war. He said:
 My thoughts are mortgaged beyond recall for the present.
 We are all hoping and praying that the skies may clear, but we have no control over that on this side of the | water, and it is impossible to predict any possible course of affairs.
 T find that it is impossible for me to
 make promises of the kind which you ! wish of me. When I made that promise of which you just reminded me things were just beginning, and great many | things have happened since which have altered not only the aspect of our own affairs but the aspect of the affairs of the world.
 My experience here day by day is that questions turn up so suddenly and have to be handled so promptly and sometimes with so much thoughtful dis cretion that I really dare not let my thoughts out to other matters. 1T could not come to Mana ssas with l out having something to say. It would not be worthy of the occa sion if I did not make preparation that would be worth while, and that is out of the question: T fee, very much attracted by this in- vltation. It has a poetic value in the ex- ; traordnary circumstance of the two ar- mics coming together in the most fra tcrnal relations which once met each other in strife on that battlefield. It will be
 an occasion of inspiration, but I simply 1 feel that l have forfeited my liberty for ! the present and that my nearest duty is the most obvious and imperative 1T have been obliged to say this to all | invitations however tempting in charac- ter, and I would not be worthy of your trust if I did not come to such aconc,u- sion, because l know that you want the international matters taken care of as best we know how and I ought not to send my thoughts afed.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Chicago's Prosperity

ITO judge from appearances one might say that Chicago was on stupendous boom," said Felix M. Drennen, who has just returned from a trip to the lake metropolis.
 T visit Chicago frequently and never have I seen it so crowded or so pros- porous looking as it Is now. The mer- chants, wholesale and retail, report an immense volume of business. The big concerns are simply overrun with trade.
 ''The business men I met in Chicago were all buoyant. They say prosperity is here to stay for sometime"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
WASTED ENERGY
From the Pittsburg Dispatch.

A statstician figures that the dirt moved in digging the trenches from Sw'itz- erland to the sea throws the work of the steam shovels at Panama into the shade. that the war Is costing Europe each day as much as the annual appropriation for the American army and that Europe Is shooting away each week enough to build Pennsylvania railroad system What a waste of enersy-whether you consider the activity of Europe or of the statis- tician.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

A New York woman who favors mothers peevish as they grow old, Will no one speak a good word for the elderly spin ster?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

by the children who spend so great a part of their time with her.
 Good manners should not be a class asset but should be a national char acteristic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
AN oPTIMIST.


 AN oPTIMIST. You say the cyclone carried your house and barn to neighboring town, several miles distant?"
 Yes replied the Kansas man. But I'm not worrying any That towns going to be the county seat some day"
 A BLOW FOR ENGLAND. Give me a few ideas suitable for Fourth of July oration.'' Why, the Fourth was celebrated long ago."
 T know it, but I'm going to address a society of German-Americans and the events of 177s seem to make a hit with them.'' TO BE SURE "Is the American stage indebted to for eign paywrights?"
 "oh, yes. Also the American debu- tante.' How so?'
 "She becomes surprisingly sophisticated by witnessing performances of plays adapted from the French"
 FOOLISH. Do you know what whisky does to mans stomach?" asked the reformer. T have never cared to know' answered the inebriate. T don't see any sense in paying out money to acquire a jag and then subjecting oneself to scientific ex- periments."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

MT. Bryan, bearing his well-known peace dove. is thinking of going abroad to settle European affairs. It might be well
 to consider what usually happens to the peg cemaker.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

German readers of American newspapers cal: Rudyard Kipling a poltroon for writ ing about the Germans the way he does. Being every inch an Englishman, Kipling quite naturally takes the English point of view.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
HOTEL LOBRIES
BusIness In Huntsville

Brisk business conditions prevail Tn Huntsville" said Judge Oscar R. Hund- ley, who visited his old home town re- gently.
 Situated as it Is in rich agricultural section, Huntsville is not affected by general periods of depression. Last win ter when other communities felt the pinch Of hard times Huntsville was prospering.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Since January 1 the market value of ! stock In 13 American companies which have directly benefited by the European war has increased s492, COG, 900. Schwab' s Bethlehem Steel concern has made enor- nous profits for the contract king who is reported to be making nearly every thing, from horseshoe nails to submarines, and has farmed out many of his contracts. Bethlehem Steels common stock had a market value of less than $,000000 when
 war orders began to pour in. It is now valued at approximately s49,0oO,00O, or a net increase of GA per cent. It is es- timated that the house of Morgan will be richer by hundreds of millions of dollars when the war in Europe ends. In fact, it is predicted that MT. Morgan will be John D. Rockefeller, as we'll as all the European milionares whose fortunes are now dwinding. The success of men like Morgan and Schwab has given opportuni- ties for men "on the inside" to make mill lions by anticipating a rise in the stock of concerns that were to receive war or ders. American Locomotive, Crucibe Steel, United States Steel, StudebalSer. Western Electric and General Electric are some of the listed stocks that have made sensational advances.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
STRAINS
From the Detroit NaWr

From the Detroit News.
 As rapidly as peace rumors spring up. they are scoffed at. War rumors received the same treatment. Yet even the most far fetched of the flying reports are straws to be hopefully observed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
BROWNING COTTON AGAIN

From the Atlanta Constitution, Septem- Der 16
 Spot cotton in local markets has gone away above 10 cents, and December closed yesterday above II cents It Is nearly as far above 10 cents now as it was above cents a week or 10 days ago.
 There is scarcely enough cotton this year to satisfy world needs, and those countries which must have it are making plans to get their share of it in due time. It is understood that even Germany is active in the American market and is purchasing and storing cotton against the day when she can make prompt use of it.
 Negotia tons for the immense Anglo French loan are undoubtedly proving d leading factor in strengthening the mar ket. American fnanciers are not going to let that loan or any part of 1t go else where, and when 1t is finally made it means more cotton at still higher prices.
 Everywhere it Is recognized that the tendency of the market Is upward. It is advancing strengthening every day, and predictions of cotton at 121S cents, and even higher, which seemed over-optimistic month ago, are now within the realm of early probability.
 There is no need of further comment upon the meaning of this to the business south The effect is already felt in busi- ness activity the like of which we have not known since the European war bega h. It wiq continue to grow until we have actually arrived at the biggest and best fall and winter season we have ever known.
 That is just what we were looking for ward to Ii months ago when cotton wa s selling around Il cents! And then it sumped half when all Europe becam in- yolved in war
 Now 11-cent cotton is coming again. It is nearly here. It means more profit than F or Recent cotton would have meant year ago. The crop was made that much cheaper. Economy has tod the story, and the money Is beginning to come in We have put the sickle to the harvest, and in point of remunerative in come it promises to be the biggest yet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Wholesale graft in Russia has loosened the tongues of the indignant Russians to such an extent that they are enjoying something that approximates freedom of spcech
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Thanks to the war in Europe, a new crop of American mllionaires are spring inG up overnight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Lloyd-Georse is modified optimist He thinks the allies will win, but they will have to make better showing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
ROTOGRAVURE

Falkyille News The Age-Herald (al- ways looking for something better) ap- peared last Sunday morning with an Illustrated rotogravure supplement. The Age Is the first paper in the south to adopt this very progressive feature It will no doubt be highly pleasing to it's large circle of readers
 G.ntersvllle Democrat Birmingha m Age Herald made good with its roto- gravlre section last Sunday. The illus trations were superb-but the name of the process looks like the name of river in Pollard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
ALABAMA PRESS

elanton Union- Banner. The legislature mas been In session six months, and is Just now getting down to business. Some Of the members say this body has whit tied away it's time, and the people distrust IL. That's right. The people don't believe
 In a set of men who will work two days In week and draw pay for six days
 Troy Messenger: Salem, Ore, has held that Sunday theatres are necessary. It says that in such a cosmopolitan place the peopse need the mental diversion. It is stated that there. theatres. meat mar. kets, drug stores, physieian's offices, iiv- cry stables bakeries and undertaking establishments are permitted to operate on Sundays
 Falkville News: Some of the amend ments to bills introduced in the legisla- ture are ridiculous in the extreme For instance, one was introduced making it unlawful to give away pipe or chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco and the like. They certainly have run out of something to do. Better close up shop and come home.
 Guntersville Democrat: In Sundays Age-Hera1d Blackman made very strik- ing cartoon showing what we may expect when we put the public utilities in the saddle. We hope he will hit them again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

A Chicago judge has prepared list of 16 commandments for autoists, who al- ready find considerable difficulty in obey
 ing the original 10.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Peppino Garibaldi has been promoted to the rank of colonel for gallantry He has a name to live up to.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
Come, let us make muster speedily Doomsday is near; die all, die merrily.
 Henry ".

BEGINNING THE DAY-O my God, give me courage. Give me cOur- age when all men else indulge. Give me courage to change. Give me courage to disappoint my friends. Give me courage to be true--true to myself, true to truth, true to God. For Christ's sake. Amen.-H. M. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
AMUSING

From the Macon News.
 Something to laugh about: MT. Roose- welt Is the possessor of the Nobel peace prize.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

When all other amusements fail the tired business man. he may while away the time estimating his profits on war contracts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
THE TEACHER

by EmefSOn. Hast thou named all the birds without
 gun? Loved the wood rose and left it on it'd
 stalk? ~ At rich mems tables eaten bread and
 pusee
 onarmeu raced danger with heart of1
 trust? ~ And loved so well high behavior, In man or maid that thou from speech
 refrained. Nobility more nobly to repay? 0, be my friend, and teach mo to be|
 thine!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

General Villas execution of General IT, bno presumably decreases the number of Mexican looters by one
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

The Anglo-Fre commission wants to borrow cool billion for the allies. In popular parlance, that's some touch"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17

Next to the hattlefelds of Europe the Texas border offers most attractions to a soldier of fortune.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-17
AGGRANDIZEMENT
esssssse.ss

The world is wide,
 There's room in plenty For every race,
 Though increased by twenty. Yet, nations push
 And shove each other And man makes war
 Upon his brother For what? Sometimes 'Tis love of glory, But oftener still
 Just territory.