The age-herald., 1899-02-09
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE

The shockingly sudden death in Selma of the ten-year-old son of MT. and Mrs. Fran cis L. Pettus will cast regret throughout the state Wherever MT. Pettus Is known, and that Is in every community of Ala bama, there will be a sentiment of earnest sympathy for him in his bereavement, and for the devoted mother by whose side the little fellow died. Such a sorrow as that which afflicts MT. and Mrs. Pettus appeals to all men and women, and illustrates the knship of the universal public. The little fellow bore his fathers Christian names. He was Francis L. Pettus, Jr. His little life ends all too soon-with shocking sud- denness.
 The weather continues to play pranks with Birmingham. Within the past forty eight hours we have had spring-like mild ness, slow, warm rain, cold rain, snow, sleet, half a gale, intense cold and the most brilliant sunshine. That is a record that 1t would be very difficult to exceed For the twenty-four hours ending at p. m yesterday We had every possible variety of weather. The day yesterday was very cold, the temperature falling to 32 degrees of frost. There was not cloud in the sky,
  liancy, and biting wind came out of the north. Snow fell far south Canton, Miss. and ice formed even in New Orleans Tuesday night and Wednesday morning The swelling buds are checked, as probably the fruit crop is saved, vegetation will be retarded at least two or three weeks. A Birmingham man who returned yester- day from New York passed through snow .I TD., -I... who arrived from New Orleans said that he thought he would freeze to death in the Crescent City. Such extraordinary weather has not been experienced here before for many years.
 J. N. Heiskell, the night editor of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, is spending several days in Birmingham. He was until recently the Commercia-Appea1s city ed- itor, and is accounted one of the brightest young men on the southern press. In addi- tion to that he is gifted with most engaging manners MT. Heiskell came to Brming- ham to be present at the marriage of his cousin, Miss Sarah Rogan, to Hon. Nathan L. Miller, which society event took place at the First Methodist church last night, MT. Heiskell being one of the attendants. former popular newspaper man, Mr. Gano c. Grissom, is on the staff of the Conner cial-Appeal.
 All the hotels are crowded with visitors, and yesterday many men were seen going from place to place, each seeking a bed. It is difficult to comprehend how they all got slowed away.
 The situation illustrates anew the neces- sity of great modern hotel; and in that connection it is of interest to note that an eastern investor of large means is now in the city giving the matter of building such a hotel his careful consideration. Possibly he may decide to make a very profitable investment for himself and at the same time do Birmingham and the travelling pub lie great service.
 The air is full of rumors concerning great business transactions which if carried out will be of immense benefit to Birmingham. Great material developments are probable within the next six weeks. Birmingham is on the eve of events big with development and prosperity
 Jack Martin has returned home after month spent in New York on legal busi- ness.
 J. W. Worthngton has returned to the city after two weeks absence.