The age-herald., 1901-05-24
.O|L EXCITEMENT IN SOUTH ALABAMA Several Companies Formed to
 Prospect That Section HALF A MILLION DOLLARS To Be Expended in Improvements To cuIlom Springs Property-An oil
 Expert Has Been Sent To
 Choctaw County.
HALF A MILLION DOLLARS

Mobile May 23.-(Special )-Large deals for oil lands continue to be made. though few of them are mentioned in the press dispatches. A trip through the country which is said to bear the evidences of oil deposits demonstrates that there is more excitement than one becomes aware of by reading the papers.
 All of the "oil'' country is removed from the railroad, and in every case the dis tricts are not in course of communication with the world at large, except after many hours At present the greatest ex- citement is around St. Stephens in Wash ington County, although there is also a great deal of the fever experienced in the vicinity of Jackson in Clarke County Jackson has heretofore been known main ly because a state agricultural and me- chanical college is located there. But about fifteen or twenty years ago there was in operation near that place the Central Salt Works. About seven miles north by west of Jackson was located the plant of the salt works. The wells are still flowing, and the water is just as salty. About one mile from Jackson, and
  way, is located the famous white sul- phur spring, which contains almost 40 per cent gas. The water from this well possesses unusual medicinal properties and contains traces of oil. Other wells of mineral waters abound in the locality Several deals near Jackson have recently been concluded, and others are being ne- gotiated.
 All the Year Resort.
 Captain Joseph A. Rose, who has re- turned to the city, has announced that he will at once start the work of removing and remodelling the Cullom Springs prop erty, which he recently purchased from Mrs. Dahlberg The property will be prop erly exploited for oil. At the same time, so Captain Rose announces, he will trans form the property Into a resort for the entire year, and for people from the north and south. He is prepared to spend half a million dollars on the property, and has already opened negotiations with ar chitects for the necessary plans. Captain Rose says Cullom Springs possesses ad- vantages over all other resorts known to him, and all that is necessary Is proper management Mrs. Dahlberg will remain in charge of the hotel for the time being and until further notice.
 Pipe Line to Mobile.
 The Mobile Development Company, re- gently organized here, is preparing to start the work of developing its proper ties in Choctaw and Washington Coun- ties. As soon as a well Is struck. pipe line to Mobile will be constructed.
 A number of local capitalists who own lands near Beaumont have sent an exper- fenced man to prospect in that territory. There are in course of organization here three distinct oil companies. Each owns property In Alabama counties, either Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile or Washington. Several days ago the Southern Express Company shipped out of Mobile barrel of earth which was directed to the as- sayer's office in Washington. The con- signees were very quiet In their move ments but 1t is learned that the earth came from the northern portion of Bald win County and that it is believed to con tain traces of gold. The assayer's report is awaited with interest and anxiety by several local promoters and capitalists