Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-03-06
THE LATEST ALABAMA NEWS
Clarke Men Are Claiming the
Earth, &
1888 :.
BUT ARE AFRAID TO BET
A Johnston Man Backed a Clarke Braggart
Down on Two of His Assertions.
Burned Out of Jail.

Montgomery, March 5.-(Special.) 1.-THE
vigorous efforts of the Clarke men here
to make it appear that their favorite is a,
a sure winner are almost amusing.
why" said an enthusiast yesterday, II
believe Mr.. Clarke will carry fifty coun-
ties in the state. In fact, he is almost
sure to do it"
"WEl1 you bet even that he will carry
twenty-five?H asked a Johnston man
who happened to be standing near at
hand.
"No, I do not care to bet," replied the
other, but you just mark what tell you,
Johnston will not get 140 votes in the con-
Yention."' - - 81
We'll" replied the Johnston man, Il
will bet you 10 to l on that. You will
have one chance to win out Johnston
may die" But the Clarke man did not
care to bet. He said he thought that was
an idler's pastime, but he Is nevertheless
said to have gone up against poker
game last night. His nerve was all right,
1t appears, but his faith was weak, in
spite of his vigorous beasting.
Burned His Way Out.
A gentleman from Greenville reports
an unique Jail escape there. Dick Round
tree, a negro, was ine the city prison,
charged with wholesale coal stealing.
Las night ne determined TO Tree nlfu-
self, regardless Of the consequences, and
procuring some matches he, after the
Jailer had gone home, lit torch and ap-
piled 1t to the heavy wooden door of his
cage or cell. 1t must have taken him
several hours to burn through the door,
but he finally accomplished this and
crawled through the opening he had
burned. He then forced open the main
door to the prison and made his escape.
About daylight passer-by found the
prison on fire and extinguished the
flames. The loss to the city is not great,
either in the damage to the building or
the transit of the prisoner.
Observation-Disclosures.
At IL o'clock yesterday morning the
Methodist church in Autaugaville was
the scene of happy marriage, when
Mr.. Thurman Nettles of this city led to
Hymen's altar one of that little towns
fairest young ladies', Miss Irby DeJar-
nette. The church was tastefullyi dec
Grated with evergreens and presented
1ovable appearance, suitable for the oc
casion. The bride Is sweet and accom-
plished young lady. possessed of all
the requirements necessary to make up
perfect woman, and Is well deserving
of the young man who is to share future
life with her. The groom is one of Mont
gomerys most promising and deservedly
popular young men, and is to be con-
graduated upon winning the prize he has
the city yesterday afternoon, and were
given a reception at their home, 10 Clay
ton park. last night.
A Small Fire. Hot4
At $50 o'clock this morning the fire de-
partment was called out to the Grave
building, on Goldthwaite street, in which
fire had gotten some Roadway. In this
building is the general office of the Ala
bama Midland railroad, and in the room
formerly used for an office of the Mont
gomery, Tuscaloosa and Memphis road,
now occupied by some of the Midland
officials, is where the fire originated, but
how is not known. The department re-
sponded promptly, but despite its efforts
to extinguish the flames considerable
damage resulted.
Disappointed Religious Negroes.
An hundred and fifty penniless negroes
An hundred and fifty penniless ne
groes are the victims of ridicu-
lous religious craze here. For sew
eral months leaders among the more
ignorant negroes have preached that
on today such as would profess and
believe in their doctrine would be trans
ported to heaven today. Accordingly
many disposed of their effects, property
they had worked for years to accumu-
late and $50 of them assembled at a little
railroad yard church at daybreak this
morning, and have spent the day fran
tcally shouting and praying. Several
othSiS nave otoou opoue 'ie
house to witness the ascension, although
the leaders have assured them that those
in the church will ascend as a vapor in
visibly. The theory Is that when they
reach the pearly gates their bodies, boots
and breeches will be returned to them.
Early today it was stated the ascen-
sion would take place at noon. but now
midnight is the hour appointed. Ander-
son Woods and Bill Hall, two reliable
railroad hands, are said to be among the
most ardent in the faith. Woods has
sustained about twenty worthless ne
| groes from his table for several weeks
| past so that they may be of the ascen-
| sion party The insane enthusiasm of
| the poor creatures is pitiable. When the
meeting adjourns tonight very few of
| them will have a bed to sleep on or a
| dime to buy bread, having given away
| their all in anticipation of the celestial
| journey.