davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Carmen sylva

Pauline Elizabeth Ottilie Louise, dowager queen of Roumania, known and revered the world over as Car men Sylva, who died at Bucharest, led q life which was an inspiration t0 everyone who knew of her work md her lovable character. As poet she attained high rank and she la bored with great perseverance and considerable success for the improve ment of educational facilities in Rou- mania and the development of the Gountry's resources. She was queen fn the true sense of the word, devoted M her people, idolized by them, and combining with patriotic motives a Nroad humanitarianism which spread kor fame and earned lasting affec- flon far beyond the tiny kingdom 4tsr whose destinies she exercised a <fld and bencficent sway.
 Doubtless it was cruel sorrow
 3his gentle-hearted woman when
 6 shadows of Eruope's great war
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
---------------sos---- --------------- HENRY JAMES, BOOKS

From the New York Sun. The first story of confirmed power which Henry James wrote was 'The Americans" QSsO, but it was not until the appearance of Daisy Miller' two years later that he attracted particular attention. This was written at time when the wives and daughters of newly rich Americans had begun their invasion of Europe and the shafts of satire which the story contained aroused a storm of criticism Still, years later. MT. James spoke of Daisy Miller'' as the ulti- mately most preposterous child of my in- vention."
 Among the best appreciated of his later works were The Bostonians." Princess Casamasslma' and London one of his shorter stories. Twenty stories, forming the cream of his writings, appeared in a New York edition in two volumes in 1909. Among the stories it contained, besides those already mentioned, were 'The Altar of the Dead, What Maisie Knew and The Private Life.
 In most of his writings MT. James was given to an intricateness or verbiage
 
 readers. One author called some of his novelettes ''marves of cleverness, but splendidly unreadable." Another de- scribed him as "a master of labyrinthian language"
 MT. James had a unique method of com l position and he was fond of saying that he developed his books from a germ | When a new idea seized him he dictated | it in the form of q short story. Wher the words had been set in type, read anc pondered over. the author. germ in hand proceeded to enlarge the nucleus, weaving in new characters. expanding scenes anc constructing sentences. In these words he once described himself when waiting 1 for inspiration:
 "A high and dry. yet irrepressbly hope full artistic Micawber, cooking an ostensi bly confident hat and practicing an al most passionate system of bluff;' insist ing, in fine. that something would turr 'up. if only the right imaginative hang ing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Davis at Verdun

Richard Harding Davis in tomor- row,s Age-Herald will tell about his recent visit to Verdun and the great chain of surrounding fortresses upon which the eyes of the world are now centered. MT. Davis believes that he violates no confidence of the French authorities in drawing certain con- clusions.
 This great war correspondent has the happy faculty of observing and of writing about just the things Tn which you would be most ir+ +r-''-' ' f you were on the scene.
 Will the Germans break through ! MT. Davis answers this question i'll his article tomorrow and his long experience as chronicler of great events should make his conclusions of exceptional weight.
 Tomorrow's Age-Herald will be un- usually rich in features, the most notable of which is, of course, a re- markably happy combination of pic lures in the Rotogravure Section.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Progressive Agriculture

While Alabama made remarkable progress in crop diversification and in cattle tick eradication in 1915, it lis reasonable to assume from the government demonstration work and the enthusiasm manifested by the farmers that a new high record will be made this year. Several counties in the state are now tick-free and be- fore another year all of them should be in that class.
 The government has achieved won- derful success in improving all branches of animal husbandry and in no direction, perhaps, have greater benefits come to the farmer from government agencies than in the treatment for the prevention of hog cholera. In 1914 the total loss to this country from a cholera epidemic among swine was estimated at some- thing like $75,OOO,0O Last year the loss was considerably reduced and now that the farmers themselves have realized that hog cholera can be got rid of entirely by the inoculation pro- cess, there will be no excuse for any losses from cholera after the next year or two.
 The anti cholera serum that is now furnished through official demonstra- tors at minimum of cost is a pre- ventive, not cure. But after the prac- tice of inoculating every pig on the farm is established hog cholera will assuredly become malady of the past.
 This is going to be Alabama's ban ner corn year. A new high record was reached in 1915, when the crop to- tailed 68,O00, ,0OO bushels. The farmers should plant this spring for 100,- 00G,000 bushel crop, and the number of hogs fattened should increase in a corresponding degree.
 With the development of Alaba- bama's live stock industry the de- mand for packing houses will in crease. The packing house will solve the marketing problem as nothing else could. Let the farmers and merchants of various sections cooperate and subscribe the necessary capital to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune "HE Transvaal gold mines continue
 to show highly satisfactory results,
 A the average output per diem during January last having been 254O2 fine ounces, as against 21 ,204 in 1914. and 2o,l64 in 1913 the banner year. From which 1t may be inferred that labor conditions are fast returning to the normal and that distinct expansion of the output may be expected, in the near future
 Now that Europe has had to issue pub lie and private paper by the ream, greatly increased supply of gold is neces- sary to prevent an absolute collapse of all credit. The Transvaal gold will go to London, Paris and New York. while the war lasts; but, with the return of peace, Berlin and Vienna will be free to compete for their share. America has all the gold she can wisely use, if not a will continue to come. directly or indi- rectly, unless Britain and her allies cease to buy munitions here, or we accept pay ment in securities. In any case, 1t is reas- surfing to know that the mines are filling a void wlAch the printing press, though worked by the ablest hands, must leave empty. Currency without an adequate metallic foundation is constant menace, in war as in peace. Patriotism can do much, but cannot do all, as trunks full of Confederate I. O. US sufficiently prove.
 Few people. or things, in this world are completely destitute of romance and, as- suredly, the story of the Rand mines
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04

approached her own beloved land, threatening at any moment to draw it into the struggle which has al ready devastated the neighboring Balkan states of Servia and Monte negro. Perhaps fate was kind in per hitting her to die before Roumania, hesitating on the brink of war for months, was drawn into the conflict.
 Carmen Sylva's literary career be- gan, properly speaking, about 1880 with the publication of several vol umes of poetry. Among these was "Leidens Erdengang" in 1882, which appeared in an English version as Pilgrim Sorrow" "Jehova," in 1882; Thoughts of Queen" in the same year; "Persch Marchen," in 1883, and "Handwerkerlieder," in 1891.
 It was but natural that she should devote great deal of attention to the folklore and customs of Rou- mania and these subjects predominate in her works. Carmen Sylva's poems have been widely translated and have been extremely popular in English. She was great woman and good woman who left an impress on Rou- mania which will probably never be obliterated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
SHAKESPEARE
From the

From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
 That widespread interest is being taken in the various tercentenary commemora- tions of the death of Shakespeare was indicated in the selection by the public of Avon as the name for a local the atre As Shakespeare's greatness Is more traditional than real to large number of people, this tribute is encouraging. No person can be wholly selfish and mate rialstic who perceives the beauty in the 'skyey" sentences of the great poet. Avon Cthat is, Shakespeares Avon) is
 not, as is often supposed, the name of a town, but a river. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-on-Avon in 1864. His father was a dealer in wool and held various posts in the corporate body of Stratford. It is believed by many that the father was also a butcher. Shake speares mother was a daughter of Rob ert Arden, who was descended from a very ancient family. There were 10 Shakespeare children, of whom William was the eldest.
 Regarding the poets life we have only scant information. Some of the material facts of his career are known; but what he said, what he did and how he lived are matters regarding which our knowl- edge merely increases our regret that we do not know more. But if we cannot satisfy our curiosity with biography, we know something of what Shakespeare thought. A wise and celebrated critic has said the following on this point:
 Though our external history is so meager yet, with Shakespeare for biogra- pher, instead of Aubrey and Rowe, we have really the information that is ma terial; that which describes character and fortune, that which, if we were about to meet the man and deal with him, would most import us to know. We have his recorded convictions on those questions which knock for answer at every heart-on fife and death, on wealth and poverty, on the prizes of life and the ways whereby we come at them; on the characters of men, and the influ- ences; and on those mysterious and de- moniacal powers which defy our science and which yet interweaye their malice and their gift in our brightest hours"
 Although Shakespeare left in his plays to speak, it is only natural for us to have lively interest in the man and his home One may still visit Stratford- upon-Avon and view the house where Shakespeare was born; the house where he died was long ago razed. But we will ever be wondering what sort of place Stratford-on-Avon might have been when Shakespeare lived there; where the poet took his walks and what books he read. The identity of only one volume in Shakespeare's library is authoritatively known; it was Montaigne's Essays
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
The President and Congress

The diplomatic situation growing out of negotiations with Germany, already grave, have been made all the graver by the heated debates in Con- gress and by the attitude of certain members in both houses toward the administrators policy of insisting on American citziens being privileged to | take passage on armed merchantmen. The conduct of all diplomatic busi- ness belongs of right to the Presl- dent and the state department. For obvious reasons diplomatic corre- spondence is always secret, and while negotiations between the Washington government and the representative of Berlin are pending Congress should not interfere.
 All this commotion at the capitol over a resolution to warn Americans from sailing on armed ships is not only embarrassing to the White House but it is calculated to discredit this country abroad.
 The tabling of the Gore resolution in the Senate yesterday, although it was accomplished by parliamentary indirection, will have the effect of ending the contention in the upper house, and to that extent at least it was a victory for the President.
 The threatened storm in the House of Representatives will doubtless be averted today when the foreign af- fairs committee reports by vote of seventeen to two a recommendation that the McLemore warning resolu- tion be tabled. With the adoption of that report the President will be di- rectly and decisively sustained in his protest against congressional agita- tion.
 President Wilson and Secretary of State Lansing can be trusted to deal with Germany with diplomatic skill, yet with firmness and without sacri- ficing this country's honor, or unduly jeapardizing it's peace.
 The President is on his mettle and the people have abiding confidence in his ability to cope with the situation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Not All far RnnsexeIf

T have been life long republican, and am one among many in thinking that Hughes or some other straight repub- l1can, and not Roosevelt, will be nomi- mated by our convention at Chicago in June" said c. E. Atwood of Maine, who has been spending the winter in Birming- ham, and who is an honored visitor at the Southern club. Mir. Atwood was postmaster at Biddeford, one of the most flourishing cities in his state He had the distinction of serving eight and half years-four years under Roosevelt, four years under Taft, and six months under Wilson.
 I am opposed to the nomination of Colonel Roosevelt" said MT. Atwood, "and so far as I can learn, nearly all the regular republicans in Maine feel the same way. Hughes is not only my choice, but I find that sentiment in his favor is growing rapidly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
The Gulf Coast Lines

The New Orleans. Texas and Mexico railroad Of the Gulf Coast lines, which l represent, is, am glad to say, out of receivers hands," said J. W. Williams of Birmingham, soliciting freight agent. MT. Y. Van der Berg, some years ago connected with the traffic department of the Louisville and Nashville, is chairman of the board of directors under the re- organization.
 "The railroad business is very brisk and with my lines it has been so ever since last fall. We have traffic ar engagements with the Louisville and Nash vile and the Queen and Crescent"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
CHARLIE CHAPLIN AND OTHERS

From the St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 Charlie Chaplin, the idol of the movie audiences, is also worshiped of the movie managers. Because the people want him the managers must have him. And that they must have him at any price the re- ported closing of a contract With him for the enormous pay of $600,0O0 during the coming year is ample evidence. The contract is, of course, for one year only. Even movie managers could not make such terms for contract covering a series of years.
 But what of that? As the case stands, Charlie Chaplin will draw in that one year, if this report is true, enough to pay him twice the amount of money
 which will be paid MT. Wilson during
 the term of the four-year contract be- tween him and the United States. And as things look now, Charlie Chaplin is more likely to have his contract renewed at the end of the designated time than is the President.
 But 1t may not be renewed at the same figure Charlie may strike for a raise and even shorter working hours. Nc matter how he may feel about it now, ir the flush of such triumph he is almost sure before the end of the contract year to reach the conclusion that he is being underpaid. That is human nature And Charlie Chaplin, like the Grand
 Monarque of France. may need to as l sure thousands of his worshipers that ht { is only human. But he need not offel
 us any such assurances. We are con
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04

The records of the state live stock sanitary board show that during the past 20 years 1oS,242 dairy cattle have been tested for tuberculosis in Pennsylvania and 23,S35 cattle were found to be af- fected. They were destroyed. The work was started in 1896. At that time reac- tors comprised about p per cent of the total number of cattle tested, but in 1915 out of 13,117 tested only 6.7 per cent re- acted. showing a marked reduction in the number of tuberculosis cows in Penn sylvania. The annual loss of live stock in the United States due to the disease is estimated at more than s14OO0,0O0. The live stock industry has a greater earning capacity than all the railroads of the country. According to a paper read re- gently by noted breeder of Guernsey cattle in New Jersey before the Certi- lied MIX Product association at Allan tic City, he has tested from 50 to 100 cattle annually under the supervision of the state veterinarian of the department or agriculture and no injurious effects were caused by tuberculin. It is believed that the use of tuberculin has saved many thousands of cattle from infection and is safeguard, not only for the pro- ducer but for the consumer of dairy products. The modern dairyman keeps thn aW of l,;s
 til one or two tests have been made
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Atlanta's Opera Festival

Atlanta will have it's week of grand opera in April as usual-April "A tc 29, inclusive. The Metropolitan Opera House company will present Samson and Delila" Monday night, Madame Butterfly" Tuesday afternoon, La Som- nambula" Wednesday night Aida Thursday afternoon, Martha" Friday night, Die Meistersinger" Saturday afternoon and "Tosca" Saturday night
 Caruso will appear in two of the casts-Monday night anu Friday aft ernoon. Geraldine Farrar will appear twice-Tuesday afternoon and Satur- day night.
 The operas selected for Atlanta will prove popular, but Follows Martha, " composed for an English libretto, with an English setting, is most enjoyed when sung in English. At Atlanta it is to be sung in Italian
 This will be Atlanta's sixth annual opera season, and it wilI doubtless be brilliant financial as well as artistic success.
 The Boston Grand Opera company. which gave three performances in Bir- mingham last month, gave three in At- lenta the week following. With the ex- ception of the matinee the attendance was small. It is said that the box of flee receipts in Birmingham were larger by several thousand dollars than they were in any southern city outside of New Orleans. "The Atlanta people cen ter all their interest in opera week and all other musical attractions suffer- said M. w. Shelton of Washington, D. c. "A New York manager of musical artists, including symphony orchestras, told me recently that ne tried to book Kreisler in Atlanta, but failed be- cause of lack of interest in music of his sort.
 Birmingham has great reputation as musical center, and if it ever establishes an opera season--which it should-symphony concerts and ar tist recitals should not be neglected That was the mistake that Atlanta made.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
THE ROMANCE OF THE RAND

reads like a chapter from the Arabian Nights" For the Boers, trekking from the Cape northward and fighting the saw ages on the way, sought land so poor that the British would never covet it. The Boers have the reputation of being a canny race, but they finally pitched their tents in region which was subse- quently found to contain gold by the ton and, in due course, the British followed them there
 Nor does the romance of the Transvaal end with it's mines. Resisting the Uit- lander's efforts to control the country he had once despised, the Boers took up arms and were conquered after struggle un- again, romance cast It's spell upon the Rand, for the conquered race was given its freedom and was thus made com pletely loyal to the empire it had fought Alas, such examples of prophetic states manship are conspicuous by their rarity. Britain has not even yet fully done for, Ireland what she did for the Transvaal almost two decades ago, and the home rule issue merely sleeps till Europe shall sheathe the sword. But the Transvaai, with Briton and Boer reconciled and with the imperial fleet to guard her, enjoys the perfect autonomy which Ireland has, of necessity, learned to forego. Who could have dreamt that a splendid warship called the Botha would fly the British flag? Here, again, the Transvaal reeks with romance and suggests that Ireland's ancient dream may come true before John Redmond is gathered to his fathers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
Be Generous to the Boys Club


 This is Tag Day in Birmingham and every tag purchased means a contri- button to the Boys club.
 Of the many beneficent institutions maintained in this city by free will offerings few have greater human appeal than that in whose behalf hundreds of men and women are de- voting their time today.
 The Boys club is admirably con- ducted. It is supervised by ladies noted for their unselfish interest in . cause seeking the moral improve ment of youthful humanity. If the club did no more than keep the boys exposed to the wiles of city life out of mischief it's existence would be Justified. But it does much more. It provides innocent amusement, ath- letic sports and educational oppor- tunities; and more important than all it creates a wholesome atmosphere which conduces immeasurably to character building and human vel fare. The fruits of the club is found in the type of sturdy manhood that the institution has developed.
 The modest sum of $50OO a year is all that the managing board asks for and that total should be realized to- day from the sale of tags.
 Buy tag and be as generous as your means will allow in the amount you pay for it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
HOTEL LOBBIES
Fine Example of Citizenship

Eugene Browns work in the audi torlum matter is fine example of unsel- fish, progressive citizenship" said J.. Frank Rushton. MT. Brown has given freely of his time and experience in the solution of this problem without any other thought than that of the general good. 1 think he is due a handshake and word of congratulation from every man who is interested in the development of Birmingham. His example is inspiring.
 All honor, l say, to men like Mr. Brown and his tribe is increasing in Bir- mingham all the while"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
LOCATING COOLEY"

From the Providence Journal.
 If there is no such lpace as Oblivion, then where is Cole Blease, former gov ernor of South Carolina ?''-Toledo Blade.
 At the last report, Mir. Blease was about two miles this side of Oblivion, running hard and trying to get up enough speed to carry him back to the governorship.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
A CENTIpEpE

From Tit-Bits.
 An Irish housekeeper was showing to some visitors the family portraits in the picture gallery.
 That officer there in the uniform" she said, was the great-great-grand- father of the present owner of the property. He was as brave as lion, but one of the most unfortunate of men. He never fought in a battle in which he did not have leg or arm carried away
 Then she added proudly:
 He took part in 24 engagements"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
ANOTHER MYSTERY

From the Rochester Democrat and
 Chronicle.
 For the slender young woman," says the Syracuse Post-Standard. "short skirts are becoming, but why do fat ladies wear em? Another thing that puzzles the masculine mind that ought to be cleared up, too, is why the young woman with the largest feet insists on wearing the most dazzling white spats.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04

build modern packing plants, such as is now ready for business at Anda- lusia. The people of Talladega are about to follow the example of Gov ington county.
 Within the next year or two there should be many packing houses in Alabama instead of only a few, as at present
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-04
INDIFFERENT.

will not sing the pessinist,
 He does not need my humble praise, Nor would it make him eer desist
 From qualifying all he says With adjectives expressing gloom
 And maybe ultimate despair. His path through life naught can Hume And, sooth to say, I do not care.