Birmingham age-herald., 1895-02-07
IN THE COURTS.

Two important damage suits were filed in the city court yesterday. They were both against Drennen & Co.,. who until re- gently operated the Mary Lee coal mines, about six miles north of Birmingham.
 On the 20th of June, 1894, fire originated in the slope at the mines while about 125 miners were at work at distances ranging from a few hundred yards to something more than mile from the mouth of the slope. Before these men could be rescued a great many of them were rendered un- conscious from the smoke and gas. Three or four were taken out dead and dozen others were suffering more or less from asphyxiation.
 D. w. McArthur is the plaintiff in oue of the suits filed yesterday and he claims damages to the amount of S5OOO, and in bis complaint alleges that the fire was due to the negligence of Mine Boss Whalen.
 Edgar Smith, by his next friend, J. M. Smith, is the plaintiff in the other suit and alleges the same facts as set out in Me- Arthur's complaint. He also asks for $5000 damages.
 The following business was transacted in the city court yesterday:
 w. k. Irby Cigar and Tobacco company vs. J. s. Smith ct al; dismissed.
 Buck w. Dickerson vs. Alabama Great Southern Railroad company, damages; on trial.
 New Home Sewing Machine company vs. c. c. Bates; judgment for defendant.
 CRIMINAL COURT.
 Criminal court will be convened again to- day, and the case against w. J. Kelso, the alleged leader of the mob which fireo on the miners at Pratt mines on the 16th of July, 1891, will be called.
 The cases against Bill Brock and Rion Regis have been passed, to be reset.
 Jury No. 1 was empaneled last Monday and eight men for jury No. 2 sworn in: n nx.,tI lS1 T Rtad o empaneled immediately thereafter. As soon as all three of the jurles are completed the case against Kelso will be called, and as both sides are ready the trial will begin probably this afternoon.
 BooR6E RELEASED,
 c. N. Boorse, who has been in jail the past week on the charge of murdering L. G. Wilson, Hale county merchant, about two weeks ago, was released from custody yesterday by order of Judge Porter.
 The particulars of the crime charged against Boorse have been published in the E-HERATD, as has also his.arrest.
 The latter part Of last week his attorneys, w. F. McCrossin and R. H. Fries, sued out writ of habeas corpus, on which he was taken before Judge Porter. The hear ing was continued until yesterday. Witt nesses were brought here from Hale county to testify in the case, but they failed to identify the prisoner as Wilson's slayer, and Judge Porter discharged him.
 coMMIssIoNER's COURT.
 J. D. Suther was tried and acquitted in United States Commissioner Wilson 8 court yesterday on tue charge of making counterfeit money. Suther is a Pratt City merchant and had in bis possession toy generally known as a "Magic Money Maker" which he displayed to crowd of men. The workings of the machine were so deceptive as to make those who saw 1t believe it made SEQ bills, United States rItv sworn out against Suther and his arrest followed. The trial yesterday resulted in his acquittal.
 William Brooks of Cullman county was brought in by Deputy United States Mar shal McMinn on a charge of retailing liquor without license. United States Commis- sioner Wilson, after hearing the evidence, discharged him.
 Albert Patterson of Cullman county, who was brought in by Deputy United States Marshal Williams, did not fare so well. The same charge was brought against him and Com missioner Wilson required him to furnish bail in the sum of S200.
 RECORDERS COURT.
 Henry Thomas, charged with burglary and grand larceny, was bound over to the grand jury in the sum of 1900 yesterday morning in the recorder's court.
 J. H. Merritt was fined S5 and costs for disorderly conduct.
 Ethel Skipper and Graham Stone, two tramps, were fined S5 without costs.
 Cap McAllister was fined S5 and costs for disorderly conduct.
 Richard Mason was tried for burglary and grand larceny and bound over to the grand jury in the sum of $500.
 Robert Harris and Eugene Oliver were given five days each on the streets for dis. orderly conduct.
 Ali Chappelle, who committed assault and battery on Andrew Evans, was given fifteen days on the streets.