davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
ON THE SAME ROAD.

Among the leaders of the populists in the city yesterday was to be seen Bait zell, formerly the editor of the Alliance Herald Baltzell was among those who favored the fusion of all elements in any shape-anything likely to strengthen the opposition to democracy. There is not a man in Alabama who has done more in the effort to disrupt the democratic party than Baltzell. He is a born kicker and diserganizer as thoroughly imbued with the spirit of rule or ruin as the Montgomery Advertiser
 The old Alliance Herald edited and published by him, sank it's poisonous fangs deeper into the minds of the unsus- pecting voters of Alabama than all the speeches of Kolb and his corps of lead CTS. Ninety per cent of the real populists now Following the flag of the "three" party in Alabama owe their disloyalty to the party they helped to make invin- cible in Alabama to the poison, rot and iniqutous teachings promulgated by Baltzell through the columns of the old Alliance Herald. Possessed of talent will and determination worthy of bet ter cause, Baltzell succeeded in poisoning the minds of thousands of his fellow-men against their own best interests
 The starting point with Baltzell was an unholy warfare on the state democratic executive committee. and now we find the Advertiser engaged in the same dis graceful work. Baltzell winds up at the end of four years the bitterest of all the bitter opponents of the democratic par ty. Where will the Advertiser land?
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
HIS NAME IS STEVE PRATT The Gold Brick SWindler Who
 Worked Farmer Dobbins
IDENTIFIED BY HIS VICTIM
And Chief of Police Mcdonald in Houston, Tex, Where the Same Bold Fraud
 Was Attempted to Be Practiced.

telegram was received yesterday from Birmingham's chief of police, T. c. Mcdonald, in Houston, Tex, saying that the gold brick swindler had been identi- fled by MT. Dobbins and that the party would reach Birmingham about Satur- day next.
 Some months ago MT. William Dob- z bins a truck farmer who lives near the city, was induced to purchase a gold brick from man who claimed that he had come in possession of 1t from an ig- norant Indian. The brick was sold to MT. Dobbins for $6000. A fake assayer, representing himself as government officer, told MT. Dobbins that the brick was genuine.
 The man claimed kinshp with Mir. Dobbins, and when he received his mon- ey at MT. Dobbins residence he hasten ed away, saying that he had an import ant engagement iR the city. MT. Dob bins wanted to have the brick" coined into gold dollars, twice the amount paid for it, and had made arrangements to take it to the New Orleans mint, when the discovery was made~that the metal was brass.
 All traces of the assayer Indian and the man who perpetrated the fraud were lost until the regent arrest in Hous- ton.
 A special to the State Herald has the following account of the arrest and iden- tifica ton:
 Houston, Tex, Jan. 23-(SpeciaI)- About week ago Steve Pratt came verN near fleecing William Cameron of Waco. Tex. and Bowie, La., the great lumber king and town builder, out of $20, 900, by the sale of two bogus gold bricks. Pratt was arrested and is still in jail here. He had two confederates, one of whom re- mains in the woods and impersonates an Indian, and who has the bricks which were taken from "the long lost Eldorado mine." The other confederate is a bogus assayer from the United States mint who has proper credentials on parchment and who pronounces the bricks twenty four karats fine. These two escaped, but sent Pratt cash enough to indemnify bondsmen. Pratt finds his victim and then claims to be a relative. If the rela- tive part fails they become good friends and then he works his lost mine scheme He is always well supplied with money, which puts him on good terms with his victims. E When Pratt was arrested here the fact was telegraphed broadcast and William Dobbins. wealthy gardener of Birming- ham, Ala, thought he had located the man who last summer victimized him to the tune of $6000 by the sale of a gold brick. a
 Dobbins and T. c. Mcdonald, chief of police of Birmingham, arrived here and today went to the jail, where Dobbins identified Pratt as Steve Thompson, who had fleeced him with the aid of the In- dian and assayer. Owing to lack of evil dence here it will be difficult to convict Pratt. so he will probably be turned over to the Alabama officers, who have strong enough evidence to place him behind the bars,
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
A CRITICAL, CONDITION.

We do not lay much stress upon the re- ports that the United States have made propositions to purchase Cuba, but un- doubtedly Spain must clear out or sell the island She cannot stand the waste of money and the responsibilities she is assuming. It is said that business at Havana, as well as throughout the island, is daily deereasing, and with the almost complete breaking up of the railway sys- tenn. it has reached the lowest point in the memory of man. The railroad con- Danies of the interior are suffering heay- fly because of the inability of the gov crnment to protect traffic. The managers discharged all their men a short time ago, and now all the railroads centering in the city, such as the Ferro- -Carril del Oeste and the Ferro- -Carril del Unidos
 Havana. have also discharged most of their workmenA These latter railroads are only able to run trains irregularly six or seven miles out of Havana. Notice has already been served upon the Span ish government by the foreign holders of bonds in these roads that they will insist upon full indemnity for the damage done
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
Graceful Acquiescence.

The executive committee of the demo- cratic party of Alabama are authorized to specify the qualifications for voters at the party primary elections, and to fix the dates for such elections, for county conventions and for the state convention
 This body met yesterday and perform ed these important functions. It's de- cision as to qualifications of voters at the democratic primaries is different from that of two years ago. We have ad- vocated the same qualifications required then, as fundamentally right and also polite. But, as the matter has passed beyond the board of debate, we acquiesce in the decision of those charged with the responsibility of fixing it. and hope re- suits will justify their action.
 In regard to the dates set for the pri- maries, county conventions and state convention, they are thoroughly satis- factory and will afford all the time desir- able for the candidates
 The arrangements of the campaign within the lines of the party, previous to the meeting of the state convention, April 21, which will nominate the party candidates, are now the first business in order for the chairman of the committee.
 We are glad to feel sure that Hon. John B. Knox of Anniston is a gentleman of high character and ability-an earnest democrat and above personal partisan ship, who will endeavor to satisfy all wings of the party.-Huntsville Mercury.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
TERSELY TOLD.

The Metropolitan was so crowded with guests last night that the reporter could hardly obtain glance at the register.
 "Yes, I'm on top. and there will be a fusion." said Dr. R. A. Moseley last even- ing as he passed State Herald reporter
 Paderewsky, the great piano virtuoso, passed through Birmingham last night in special car en route to Memphis from Atlanta. He had his own piano and all his hair with him.
 The local talent got the worst of it in the pool room yesterday. For the past nine days they have been drawing heav- fly on the New Orleans bookies through their agents in the Florence hotel, but they couldn't see Dutch Arrow" yester- day. who walked away with the honors
 The might shift" of the State Herald's editorial and reportorial gang are in- debted to the able managing editor of the Florence hotel dining room for an ample and refreshing lunch borne to the sanctum last night by the careful hands of gentleman of apparent Senegambian extraction.
 "The king is always merry when his subjects take the Louisville and Nash vile for the mardi gras festivities at Mo- bile and New Orleans" is placarded on a neat flying dodger that is conspicuously displayed about the city. The dates are February IA to r, inclusive, and a one fare rate is liberally offered the public. It's great fun for all who go
 Twenty-Five per cent off for spot cash only on all shoes In my store, except on Canister shoes for thirty days. I buy shoes 20 to 50 per cent cheaper than our semi-annual assignee sale shoe men. I am the only house in the city who takes periodical tickets and who takes Tennes- see Coal, Iron and Railroad checks at 90 cents on the dollar for shoes. T. O. King ,
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
PERSONAL.

MT J. Wallace Clark of Eutaw was in the city yesterday.
 MT. L. D. Littleton of Guin, Ala, is at the Metropolitan.
 MT. E. R. Adams of Greenville, Ala. is at the Metropolitan.
 Mir Alex May is on a business trip to Sheffield for few days.
 Mr. G. A. Branch of Calera is regis tered at the Metropolitan.
 Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Barnes of Pratt ville are at the Hotel Morris.
 Mr. P. B. Griffin of Chattanooga is guest of the Metropolitan hotel.
 MT. and Mrs. J. D. Hardy and daughter of Calera are at the Metropolitan.
 w. I. Wellman, president of the Farm CTS bank of Huntsville, is at the Morris.
 Judge J. H. Horn has returned to the city, after business visit to New York
 Mrs. Victor Cugin left yesterday to spend short time with relatives in Mo- bile
 Mr. Tom Porter, after stay of several months in New York, returned to Bir- mingham last night.
 MT. J. c. Smith of Detroit, Mich. is in the city for short stay. He is en route to North Carolina on business trip.
 Dr. s. Perry has returned from Mobile, where he spent several days with his sister, Mrs Irby, who has been quite i'll.
 Miss Virginia Sharpe returned to North Carolina yesterday after pleasant visit to her rela tives, Gen. R. D. Johnston and family.
 MT. Gus Braune and his charming sis- ter. Miss Maggie. of Eutaw were in the city yesterday the guests of Miss Alice Wheeler.
 MT. Robert L. O'Neal editor of the huntsville Mercury, came up last night MOntQOmPrV at ha Hotel Morris
 MT. George w. Browne, who has been in New York for the past three years. will spend short time in the city at s19 Fourteenth street.
 Hon. A. R. Nininger of Gurley, United states marshal for the division of north ern Alabama under the Harrison admin istration, is guest of the Hotel Morris.
 Florence hotel arrivals: J e. Pinker- ton. Aberdeen, Miss; H. Guy Woodward and wife Tuskaloosa; G. W. l.. Carr Fort Deposit, Ala; H. F. Stockbridge Amerieus Ga; John o. Tate, St. Louis T. N. Taliaferro M. N. Pride, Nashville F. J. Kelley. Louisville; J. Hecht, St. Louis; J. T. Cochrane, S. Friedman. Tus- kaloosa; W. s. DeBose, Columbiana, Ala. |: T.. Brock. J. l.. Savage, Center, Ala; J. c. King, Greenville; Mrs. Edith Whitehead and children, Chicago: w. O. N Ham, mond, Baltimore: Sig. Eisman. New n,o: York: $. c. Grutz, Philadelphia; B. L. Mason, Louisville; Threyton Ansley Nashville; Lee Adams, St. Louis; P. s. Sanford, Pittsburg, Pa.; l.. Ashley Mon roe, Macon. Ga.; Ben c. Burton, New Or leans; J. c. King, Greenville, Ala; Mrs. Edith Whitehead, Chicago; J. A. Grim met, Tuskegee; George Miller Memphis R. s. Hubbell, Cleveland, O.; Willis Banks, Columbus, Miss; R. s. Lewis Shelby county; G. w. Stanley, Cairo, III. {; A. w. Nyce, Cincinnati; A. E. Goodhue Gadsden, Ala; Thomas Minter, Jr., Dal- las, Tex; John s. Richards, St. Louis; A. w. Lavender, Centreville, Ala; C. J. Bean, Atlanta, Ga.; William Youngblood Montgomery; J. w. Thornton, Cincinnati; !; J. T. Jones, Atlanta; w. H. Daniel, Nash vile: M. A. Olgive. New York; Julian L. Settle, Selma
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
IOII First AVeuue.

non-nterest bond bill calling for congress to grant to the states, counties, town ships, municipalities, towns or villages the right to issue bonds, without interest, not to exceed one-half of the assessed valuation of their property, to run for twenty-five years, and to deposit those bonds with the secretary of the treasury at Washington as security for the repay ment of the money. Then that it shah be mandatory upon the secretary of the treasury to authorize the issue of the face value of these bonds in full legal tender money, keeping out 1 per cent the actual cost of making the money, and forwarding 99 per cent to the state, county, municipality, township or vil- lage which issues It's bonds and deposits them with the secretary of the treasury as security for the repayment of the money, they agreeing to pay this back to the general government at the rate of per cent per annum, all payments to be applied upon the principal. and in twen- ty-five years the bonds will be cancelled and the municipality will be free from daht
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
HON. JOHN B. KNOX.

The democratic state executive com mittee displayed judgment, prudence and wisdom in selecting Hon. John B. Knox as it's chairman. There is not today in Alabama gentleman who surpasses him in ability, and his every movement of private or public nature has been marked with success and distinction. The committee did the proper thing in selecting him as its leader and the leader of the democracy of the state.
 The election was unanimous, making the distinction more highly appreciated by MT. Knox and his friends.
 Mr. Knox is 39 years of age, and was born and educated in Talladega, where he resided until few years ago. when he removed to Anniston.-Talladega Mountain Home
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
A DUTY WELL, DONE.

The Mobile News says of the action of the executive committee:
 'The state executive committee cer- tainly deserves the thanks of all our peo- pie. They had a duty to perform. and they did 1t nobly, without fear, favor or partiality. Now the Anglo-SaXon race can stand shoulder to shoulder and fight the battle of true democracy with that honesty and faithfulness that has ever characterized the party. Let the voice of the majority still be the decision of the party, and harmony. peace and good will to all men in it be the motto.
 Now let all work together so that the largest democratic vote ever recorded In our state shall be boiled, and the glory of cur good old party shall be upheld by the honest vote of honest people,"
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

tual money was in the hands of the peo- pie, the farmers and laborers and miners and merchants and the merchants tills making their exchanges After they paid their debts they took their surplus earn ings and deposited those earnings in the banking institutions of the country Then the bankers loaned these deposits or earnings of the people out to the man., ufacturers or employers of the people, The balance of actual money amounted to S5OO,0O0,000, which was held by the banks as a bank reserve, and upon this bank reserve the banking institutions of the country had created another kind of money, which consisted of commercial paper. That commercial paper is what the manufacturers took in payment for their products.
 What we have been suffering from for three years is a false financial credit sys- tenn therefore we must substitute a cash system to take the place of the credit system; therefore the necessity of the
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
IS EXPIRING.

Yesterday in Birmingham the air was laden with politics. It was the occasion of the meeting in this city of the state executive committee of the republican party and the state executive committee of the populist party. There was fairly good attendance of the membership of each committee. Besides, there were pres ent quite number of the outside infiuen- tial leaders-the usual wire-pulling con- tingent.
 It has been known for quite a while that the Tom Reed element in the repub- lican party, led by pr. R. A Moseley, fla vored fusion with the populists, while the Mckinley element, led by Colonel Young blood and others, opposed it. The prop ostion to fuse failed, and it is therefore evident that the Mckinley men won the day yesterday.
 Captain Kolb appears to have all at once abandoned his fight against fusion and in a card in his paper, which ap- peared on the streets yesterday, he fairly outdoes himself in pleading for fusion, going so far as to advocate the placing of at least three republicans on the fu- sion ticket As to how he would divide the three between the white and eolored re- publicans he failed to say
 The action on the part of the demo- cratic state executive committee in open ing the doors of the party to those who followed Kolb off suddenly knocked the bottom out of the opposition to fusion in the ranks of the populite leaders. and now Captain Kolb appears in the humili- ating attitude of implorng the republi- cans to take three of the state offices. not even limiting the occupants of them to white republicans, thereby hoping to avoid the necessity of showing to the world that his following has abandoned him. Kolb and some of his leaders may fuse on the basis of three republicans on the state ticket and one of them possibly colored brother, but the great mass of Straight-haired, blue-eyed men who left the party believing Kolb to be democrat and voted for him in '92 and '94 will not do it. The handwriting is on the wall This year the populist- party will die, and the action of the state committee on Tuesday has done more towards bringing. about the dissolution of that party than any other agency
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
Good Enough.

The special to the Argus from Mont gomery confirms the prognostics we have made and shows the state executive com mittee is loyal to the party and to the people of Alabama. There will be no revamping of county representations af- ter they go to Montgomery. The man whom the people choose will be nomi- mated and he will be elected. It is all over but the inauguration, and that will be quiet and portentous of earnest official work at the state capital, by that safe and sturdy democrat, faithful friend of Alabama, a man of affairs, who will not be swayed from doing his duty, let the chips fall as they may-Joe Johnston of Jefferson. We take every possible chance of having those who would sheer to say that we are premature and beg to re- mark that the Argus is delighted Huntsville Argus.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
ENDORSING THE COMMITTEE
The Democrats Win.

The meeting of the state democratic executive committee was held in Mont gomery yesterday. Hon. John B. Knox of Anniston was elected as chairman to suc- ceed Hon. H. c. Tomplxins.
 It is sufficient to say that the action of this committee was a settler of the idle boast that goldbugs controlled the party machinery of this state. In other words, Americans have won the day, and the British are retreating." John Bull and Grover Cleveland's goldbugs have been showed under.
 The committee opened the doors of the church, and invited all to enter therein who would support democratic princi- pies. What less could they have done? Should they have sealed the party doors, and said only the select few shall par ticipate in the party communion? The Tribune rejoices in the action of the com mittee, and appeals to all who favor a government for the people, by the people and of the people, to vote for Joe F. Johnston, the champion of the peoples rights, of the peoples money, of the peo- ple's liberty. Let us once and forever smash the yoke that Alabamans have patiently borne on their sore shoulders and be free, progressive and an inde- pendent people.-Huntsville Tribune.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
COXEYISM EXPOUNDED.
The Sage of MassilIon Talks to Birmingham
 Workingmen,

The sage Of Massllon. Gen. J. s. Coxey of Ohio. delivered a lecture last night in Erswell's hall under the auspices of the labor council, and by their courtesy he, figuratively speaking. got upon their grass as much as he pleased. The hall was crowded with visitors, among whom were not a few manufacturers of the district.
 General Coxey was introduced by Pres ident Stanley of the labor council. The address was attentiveiy listened to and he held the attention of his audience for two hours. Said he, in substance, that our country today was In diseased con- dition and he would try to diagnose the disease. -
 It would take us hack to the spring of 1893 We find at that time we had $1.500.- 900. 900 of all kinds of actual money in cir culation. A thousand millions of that ao-
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
The Proper Course.

The state executive committee has act ed Its verdict is the law of the party It is the duty of every democrat to sub bring sure success to the party. The state can i'll afford to have the next elec- tion go republican or pop. Let the people discuss the two candidates for governor the two candidates for senator, and then in the prescribed manner let choice be made. Do this in an n-tempered, fair minded way, calculated to rally every democrat about the flag after the con- test between two men. Democracy means that. No one man in the party has more rights than another, and the opinions of all should be respected. Do not say hard things that will be but a source of regret later on.--Troy Messenger
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
Economists at Work.

Columbia. s. C., Jan. 23.--In the house of representatives today the economists began to get in their work. When the bill providing for the reorganization of the state supreme court came up they attacked it and the salaries of the jus tices and attaches of the court were all cut down. The salary of the chief jus tice was cut from $3500 to 5000 and those of the assistant justices from $300O each to $2700. The court is also to be required to hold three instead of only two sessions a year.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

their property. They claim that as the government has not recognized the ex- istence of a state of war holding that the pending disturbance is only an insurrec- tion, it Is responsible for the damage growing out of it's failure to protect it.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
GREAT EXCITEMENT.
Crowds Attracted to the Great Sale of the St.
 Pierre Shoe Company Stock.

Since the stock of the St. Pierre Shoe company has been in the hands of an assignee prices have been slashed to pieces. The store is crowded from early morning until late at night and purchas- CTS seem well pleased with the bargains they are getting. These low prices will prevail as long as there Is anything to sell. If you want bargains now Is your time. Don't croak about hard times but take advantage of such opportunities and you will soon be happy.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

General Clayton will make a strong fight to carry Arkansas into the republi- can column, but the Little Rock Demo- crat says it cannot be done.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

Congressman McMillin is in conference with friends at Nashville to decide whether he will enter the race for. gov ernor of Tennessee.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

After seven years of continuous run ming without beating anybody Captain Kolb concludes to go off the track.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24

There is said to be ground for the be- lief that the senate foreign relations com mittee's subcommittee on Cuban affairs has virtually agreed upon a resolution recommending that the Cubans be recog- nzed as bellgerents.