davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
BULLET SLAVES
 CHURCHMAN'S HAIR
OFFICER CUNNINGHAM HAS MAR. ROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ARREST A NEGRO.

Mounted Policeman J. H. Cunningham had a narrow escape from death yester- day afternoon. lock of hair on his forehead was cut off by bullet from the gun of Lee Casper. negro, which ploughed upward through the police mans helmet.
 Casper also shot at Gordon Smith, a motorman of the Birmingham Railway. Light and Power Company, who was as- sisting Policeman Cunningham in arrest ing the negro for stealing brass and iron from the storehouse of the company near avenue c and Fifteenth street.
 Smith had tried to arrest the negroswho aimed revolver at him. Smith called Cunningham. who was, on horseback. leaned down and took him by the collar, when the negro shot at his head. The policemans horse became frightened and wheeled, nearly throwing him. He. how ever, had time to shoot once at the negro but missed the mark. He got his horse under control and pursued the fleeing negro, who fired again. Cunningham fired and the negro dropped. It was found later that he had not been wounded.
 While running the negro shot at Motor man Smith. but missed him also
 Charges of assault with intent to mur- der and carrying concealed weapons were lodged against the negro
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
CHRISTMAS MAILS
 ARE VERY LARGE
EXTRA PREPARATIONS MADE FOR HANDLING IT BY PoSTOFFIcE. ALL PACKAGES SHOULD BE REG. IsTERED FOR SAFETY.

Ihe Christmas malls really began to get heavy yesterday, especially the pack age part of it. which has increased more than 100 per cent over the usual amount. It will increase steadily now until a day or two after Christmas, incrsasing again slightly on account of New Year cards.
 There is not much difference in the letter mail, as nearly everything Is in packages. As no extra carriers are placed on the routes. when the packages are too heavy to be handled hy the regular men notices will be sent 10 the persons to whom they are addressed to call at the office and get them.
 The postal officials urge those sending packages through the mails to have them registered as 1t insures delivery and also a return of the amount registered for in case the package is lost A man will be stationed in the lobby of the postoffice to aid the register department Another will be placed there to sell stamps so that the public may be accommodated with as much dispatch IS possible.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
BEDDING AND WINTON
 PAY DEATH PENALTY

Will Bedding and Jim Winton were hanged yesterday morning between Ii and 12 o'clock in the yard ofN the Jefferson County Jail, Sheriff Burgin springing the trap for Bedding at 1:10 o'clock and for Winton at Il :34 o'clock. l4le necks of both men were broken by the fall Bedding dying in 15 minutes and 1 seconds, and Winton in 14 minutes and 15 seconds.
 At Il o'clock the condemned men were told to prepare Ter death. The coiored ministers who were with the men to the last. then prayed with them and to- gether they sang two verses of 'sThere Is Rest for the Weary Bedding was then told that he was to die first, and signified his readiness He was led to the gallews between Deputy sheriffs Win Love, Kerry and Thompson. He was ac- companied fin his last walk by Hughes and Willing. the negro ministers.
 Bedding did not hesitate as he reached the steps. but mounted them with a steady step. When he was on the trap. prayer was offered by Wiling Bedding then spoke. saying: This is my last day on earth. Just think of 1t. Keeping bad company did this. You who have children keep them from bad company. Bad company brought me to the gallows. I feel that I am going to Goo. l feel that am going to beaven. That is all l have to say"
 Deputy Sheriff Love then placed the rope around his neck, and as he put the black cap on the negro said in low tones: Please do not choke me- At 11:1O o'clock Deputy Love gave the word that all was ready, and Sheriff Burgin pulled the lever which works the trap. The man plunged downward, breaking his neck. Doctors J. D. Heacock. Mo Adory, Carl Fox, Wheian and others were pres ent4 Dr. Heacock pronounced the negro dead at 11:25 o'clock 1t being fifteen min utes and four seconds from the time the trap was sprung. The rema.ns were turn ed over to Undertakers Gaudin 6 .Loy.
 Jim Winton left his cell over the war
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
ELEVEN OVERCOATS
 SToL EN BY BURGLARS
Boy confesses to Having Stolen Bi-
 cycles and Robbins the Mali.

Ed Ringland. the young white boy who has been stealing so many overcoats in Birmingham for the past two months. has turned out to be a noted crook, ac- cording to his own confession. He told the detectives that he had been given eleven years in Jacksonville Fla. for stealing Bicycles. and that after staying in jail for three weeks had been par doned on account of his age He also con fessed to having at one time robbed the United States mail and being sent to 8 reformatory in Washington for two years After staying there six months he wa released.
 Detectives Cole and Shirley have recov- cred eleven oyercoats and they have three more located. None of the coats are worth less than $2o and some of them cost at least s35 or $40. He has confessed that his plan was to go into hotel din- ing room. sit down to eat his meal. and when done to take the oyercoat of the last guest who entered. He also did this In the pool rooms around the city. He will be tried Tuesday rt noon in Judge Feagin's court.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21

den's office at 80 o'clock and walked to the gallows with even a more decided step than Bedding. He smiled as he mounted the gallows. and when Deputy Love reached up to pass the rope around his neck he bowed his head so that 1t 1t not be drawn too tightly. He refused to m ake a statement, but looked straight in front of him with a smile on his face all the time.
 The trap was sprung at il: :34 o'clock by Sherfff B,ifgin The rope was not tight enough, and sliped up over the face when the man dropped. His neck was broken by the fall, however. and he hung with out any apparent life in his body At Il: :49 he was pronounced dead.
 Just before going to the gallows Win ton wrote a note to Sheriff Burgin tell ing him what to do with his pistol. and one to Warden Barry telling him how to dispose of $3 in cash which he had left behind. The note was handed to the sheriff by the man as he walked to the gallows. it having been written few minutes before in his cell, and is as fol- lows:
 Sheriff:--
 Please get my gun and give it to Jim Bilups. He lives at Green Springs. He works at the Decatur car wheel works
 JAMES WINToN To Warden Berry he wrote:
 MT. Berry give that s to Jim Bilups also please for me. that I gave you
 (Signed.) as JAMES WINTON.
 Bedding was hanged for killing Annie Green, who he had been courting for a long time. She became tired of him and took another man. Bedding, arming himself with a pistol, shot and killed her the next time they met. He made an attempt to escape after being placed in jail.
 James Winton died for cutting the throat of his wife for unfaithfulness. He has been indifferent to death from the time he was captured and would have plead guilty had the Court allowed 1t.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
CITY WILL AWAIT
 FORMAL NOTIFICATION
Farmers Near Bessemer Will Take Action Against That City
 On Account of Sewage.

No action has been taken by the city authorities relative to Q change of the sewage system. It is probable that none will be taken until the Mayor and Board of Aldermen are officially notified of the decision by the Supreme Court. When this notification is made a meeting of the Judiciary Committee will be called, and steps at once taken to arrange some temporary plan.
 MT. T. D. Reed. farmer residing fif- teen miles below Besemer. was in Birm- ingham yesterday for the purpose of con- sulting attorneys regarding suits to be filed against the city and also against Bessemer because of the sewage. Mir Reed represents a number of farmers and stated that concerted action would be taken by the greater number of those living along the stream which flows for thirty miles before emptying into the Warrior River.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
S25,Ooo TAXES
 PAID ON ONE DAY
Wednesday a Record Breaker for the Time of Year at the Tax
 CoIJeetor's Office.

Wednesday the tax returns in the State and ounty Tax Collectors office reached teh high water mark of s25,oOO for one day, which is an unusually large amount for this time of year.
 The average amount taken in daily at this period of the year is from ,6ooo to yi2,ooo. but "Wednesday money started to come in early. and did not stop until late.
 Later in the month. about the last two days, the amount will go considerably higher than s25,ooo probably reaching s1O0.00 on the s1sf M
 After December 31st those wishing to pay their taxes will have an additional 50 cents and per cent to pay. f-s f'
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
GOLD WEATHER DOES
 NOT STOP SILVER" FUND
Amount to Buy Present for the Ala bama Has Reached the Sum
 of $6o5.

The cold weather does not stop contri- buttons to the fund to present the battle ship Alabama with a silver service It has now reached s6O5. and in few days the full Birmingham assessment of 5000 will be In hand
 At the office of Secretary Gibson of the Commercial Club, a number of commit teemen are yet due reports of collections. Several have telephoned that they have raised a portion of their allotment of $50. but will not report until the entire amount is secured.
 The popular subscription of H com tributors is receiving additions very fast. The full number Is now s11o. Efforts are being made to increase it to s350 or $500. Contributions may be sent to the Com mercial Club. the News or the Age-Her- aid. Each subscribers name will be pub lished in the two papers
 The contributions reported are as fol-
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Ed Bass Bound Over.

Ed. Bass, the negro who shot five times Thursday afternoon at Officer Johnston apparently without any provocation. was yesterday afternoon bound over to the Criminal Court by Judge Feagin on bond of s20O, charged with assault with intent to murder. Officer Johnson halted Bass late Thursday afternoon as the latter was going down the railroad near the Eigh- teenth street crossing. The negro turned and fired twice at the officer before the latter could draw his revolver and return the fire. When arrested the negro swore he was not the one.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Y. M. C. A. DISCUSSES
 PLANS FOR NEW HOME
Will Raise $1oo,ooo- for a Building. $12,ooo of the Sum Is In
 Sight.

At meeting of the Board of Directors of the Young Mems Christian Association at the residence of MT. R. s. Munger. the President of the association, several mat ters were tip for consideration. the most important of which was the dlsussion of funds for the proposed new building of the association. M
 It Is understood that an effort will be made to raise $lOO.0oO Of this sum about $12,OOO is In sight, slo,OOO coming in one contribution. A canvass will be made as soon as possible, and it Is claimed that 1t will not be difficult to raise the balance of the amount When the s1oO.- 900 Is secured plans and specifications for a building will be discussed.
 The first Sunday in January will prob- ably be Young Mems Christian Associa- ton Day. in Jefferson county, and all preachers will be asked to devote that day to the advancement of this work
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Record of Coolest Days.

The record for the coidest days since the establishments of the weather office here are as foHows:
 1S93-December 5. 23 degrees
 1s9+-January 25 and December 2s, 1S degrees
 1ss5--February 8. 8 degrees.
 1SS6-January 1, IA degrees.
 1S97--January 2S, 10. degrees.
 1S99-February Is, 10 degrees below zero.
 1s00-January 8, Il degrees.
 1901. lip to December--Fe ebruary 24, 21 degrees. -.4t
 The record established yesterday was not only for one reading, but was main- tained during the entire day.
 The thermometer registered 5 degrees at 3 o'clock, 10 degrees at so'cleck, II de- grees at noon and IS degrees at p. m. Tn average for the day was IA degrees, with the highest mark at 22.
 Longest Cold Snap on Record.
 The record is also broken for the length of time the cold spell has continued. The first record was broken Saturday. Since that day 1t has been something unusual when another record was not shattered until the climax of yesterday was reached when all records but one were made to go away back and sit down. Sat urday the lowest point reached was IT degrees, Sunday the drop was to B. de- grees. Wednesday the temperature record still hung at the 8 point for its minimum station, but Thursday showed an in- crease. the lowest record being only 24 degrees.
 There has been much suffering on &C., count of the continued cold The office of the United Charities has had large number of calls, and 1t was predicted yesterday that the number would be in- creased unless relief came without delay. Among the class of people who never ask assistance there has also been much suf- fering caused by the bursting of water pipes. scarcity of coal and wood and other such troubles.
 Clear and Strong Wind.
 Yesterday was clear. with strong wind from the north and northwest Not withstanding the cold, the streets were damned with shoppers Every store did a good business. Men who sold candy, fireworks and toys on the streets suf- fered. No boys were out crying their wares. as is usual this time of year.
 Fruit stands presented bare appear ance. Much of the fruit was frozen and dealers were f1uddled over the peanut roaster. Others built fires on the edge of the street near the sidewalk. t
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
LAST DAY OF POULTRY
 AND PET STOCK SHOW
Prize Winners, Are Proudly Wearing Their Ribbons-Directors
 to Meet.

Today is the last day Of the Alabama Poultry and Pet Stock Associations ex- hibition. The judging of the exhibits was completed Thursday, and the judge, Mir. P. J. Marshall. left yesterday for his home in College Park, Ga. That the poultry and pet stock have been well attended to is evidenced by the fact that out of at least 800 fowls and fifty Belgian hares, not one has died during the exhibition. Several chickens have been sold at fancy prices.
 The association will have a meeting this morning at 1O:30 o'clock. when officers for the coming year will be elected and matters pertaining to the future of the association discussed.
 Following are the prize winners:
 Light Brahmas--Oiiic Esdale, Birning- ham, first cock; L. L. Forbes, Birming- ham, second cock; Doian Bros, Birming- ham. third cock; W. K. McAdory, Birm- ingham. first cockerel; T. S. Forbes. Bir- mingham, second cockerel; L. J. Ehrhart, Avondale, third cockerel; Ollie Esdale, Birmingham. first hen; Dolan Bros. Bir- mingbAm, second and third hen; s. J. Eckert. first pen,
 A. Breitung, Atlanta, all firsts on buff cochins
 Black Langshangs-Dolan Bros, first cock; A. J. Fearing, Tecunmseh, second cock: S. J. Fearing. first cockerel and hen; Dolan Bros, second hen; s. J. Fear ing third hen; s. J. Fearing, first pull let; F. J. Winter. Birmingham, third bullet; s. J. Fearing, second bullet.
 Bun Plymouth Rocks = E. M. Smith, Birmingham, first, second and third hen; W. R. Pierce, Avondale, first cock, first bullet; E. M Smith, second bullet; w. R. Fierce. third bullet. '.'-- ''-'---. ..' : D. D. Fox of Brookside won all the prizes on sllver-spangled Hamburgs
 White Plymouth Rocks-W. H. Hem- ingway, Perry Ga. first cockerel; Mrs. 8. J. Fearing. second and third cockerel, first and third hen: ". Hemingway, sec- ond hen; Mrs. s. J. Fearing, first and third bullet
 H. J. McCafferty of Birmingham won all first prizes on partridge Wyndottes This breed Is the last admitted to the American standard of perfection.
 Single Comb White Cochins-Ollie Es- dale, first cock, first, second and third hen and first pen; D. M. Smith, Birming- ham. first cockerel, first bullet, tied for second bullet.
 Golden Seabright Bantams-E H. Cue husha, Ensley first cockerel, first hen and first bullet; Ollie Esdale first cock second hen and second bullet.
 Bun Cochin Bantams = Ollie Esdale fret hen; c. w. Gilman, NPratt City, first and second bullet.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
OFFICERS HOUSE BURNED.
Policeman vandiver Loses Furniture
 and Personal Effects.

The home of Policeman bl. c. Vandiver on Tompkins avenue. near Twenty-sixth street, was partially destroyed yesterday afternoon by fire.
 The furniture is a total loss, being ruined either by fire or water.
 The fire originated in the roof and for time 1t was thought the Tompkins' set clement of twenty five frame houses were doomed A house next door was slightly damaged. The loss will probably reach s60O.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
MAY HAVE BEEN
 KILLED AND ROBBED
Body of Dead Negro Found at oxmoor Under Suspicious Cir
 cumstances.

Ben Johnson of Oxmoor was found dead early yesterday morning in his cabin near the mines. That $500 which the negro was thought to have in his cabin has disap- peared gives rise to suspicion of foul play.
 Several days ago the negro drew from a merchant $500 which he had been keep ing for him. and carried it to his cabin. Several negroes who work with him knew of the fact, and 1t is believed that they drugged the man and robbed him of his money. Coroner Paris had the body bfought to the undertaking establishment of Warner and Smiley. where post nor tenn examination will be made today by County Physician J. M. Mason. If there is any evidence of drugs having been administered detectives will be put on -fha nnsa~
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
DEATHS AND FUNERALS.
Mrs. Fannie Brooks.

The remains of Mrs. Fannie Brooks, who died Thursday morning from the ef- fects of burns sustained Tuesday after noon. were shipped last night to Thomas vile. Ga, where her mother, Mrs. J. B. Lee, lives. Mrs. Lee arrived in Birming- ham yesterday and accompanied the re- mains to her home. MT. Brooks is as- sistant manager for John w. O'Neill.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

The following transfers of real estate were recorded yesterday:
 Bessemer Building and Improvement Company, to Mrs. T. E. Barnett, $226O
 E. T. White and husband to A. I. Dex- ter s15OO, lot ', block 67. Birmingham
 F. Taylor and wife to A. I. Dexter. $500, lots and 4. block ss2 Bessemer.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Butler Pays Fine and Value of Goods.

Clyde O. Butler. the clerk of the May berry Hardware Company who confessed to stealing several hundred dollars worth of guns. razors and cut glass. yesterday paid fine of $1OO in Judge Feagins court and besides that paid the Mayberry Hardware Company s2Ss5O for their loss The pawn brokers received ss4 for the ar- ticles they had loaned money on.
 The detectives have recovered 15 pis- tols, one Winchester repeating rife, sev- eral razors and quantity of cut glass which the boy confessed to stealing.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Promises to Aid Police.

Frank Howard. the white man arrested several nights ago by Night Captain w. E. Weir on a charge of being a confi- .dence man. is said to be wanted in AL ianta on a charge of forgery. He asked the police department to allow him his liberty and in return promised to aid them in catching a number of criminals who he claims are working in BirminR-
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
Mrs. Martha A. Adams.

Mrs. Martha A. Adams died early yes- terday morning at her home at Wa houma Station. The remains will be shipped today to her former home, Eden, Ala The deceased was 39 years old and died from apoplexy.
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
CHARGES MORGAN WITH FRAUDULENT USE OF J. s, MAILS Papers Served After Closing of Preliminary Before JuS-
 tice Benners COURT STOPS EVIDENCE
 -.---Azsa4z Said He Had Heard Enough and Bound the Defendant Over On a
 Bond of Three Thous-
 and Dollars.
COURT STOPS EVIDENCE

Not many minutes before George w. locked in the Jefferson county jail yes- terday afternoon under $SOOO bond to await the action of the grand jury, pa pers were served on him by Assistant United States Deputy Marshal, P. NJ Long charging use of the mails for fraudulant purposes.
 The warrant was sworn out before United States Commissioner Cornish yes- terday afternoon by E. w whaiey for the violation of Section 54SO of the Unit ed States revised code Commissioner Cornish placed the bond at $3000 for Mor- gan to appear before him December 2Sth.
 The maximum for violation of this statute is eighteen months in jail, or a fine of not more than $500. The witness es named on the warrant are l.. Willis, w. s. Morgan. W. L. Dodd, George A. Blinn, Jr., Charles j. Allison, H. B. Grey and Le Roy Smith.
 Hearing Before Benners.
 Yesterday afternoon when court was resumed In Justice of Peace Benner's office the justice stated that there was no need of proceeding further in the case. and that he would place the bond of the defendant at $3OOO for his appear ance before the grand jury.
 At the morning session Attorney Pow ell read from the records Of the company relative to the meeting of the directors on January 18th, 1900. and also of a meet ing of the stock. .olders on December 4 1901. The records told of the sales of the companies which afterwards went to make up the Security Redemption com pany.
 A statement was also read which show ed that at a special meeting of the di- rectors, organ and George Blinn, Jr., agreed to turn over the Continental com pany. with assets and capital stock, to the Southern Debenture company for s77,500 and the stock of the National De- benture company of Atlanta for s69OO It was agreed at the meeting. according to this record that sS4,000 be paid for the two companies.
 Receipts $1,ooc Per Day.
 A report of President Morgan was then nltgOuuCeu WHICH SnOWeu that the re- ceipts of the company were 5000 day and the expenses s20O. The check for s25,000 was then introduced. It was on the Peoples Savings Bank and Trust company. drawn to J. w. Swanson.
 Several other reports were read which showed the condition of the company at different times One record showed when R. F. Kolb resigned August l. 1900 and George w. Morgan was appointed presi- dent. Records were also Introduced to show that the directors decided to invest s10.0O0 of the reserve fund In real estate on August 14, 1900, and again August 16, 19O0 On September 2S it was decided to sell to the Continental company. The the records were read showing the date of the sales of the various smaller compa- nies which went to make up the Conti- mental company. rf'
The age-herald., 1901-12-21
ALL RECORDS FOR COLD BUT ONE ARE
 SENT AWAY BACK l ---7 ssszaH Temperature Yesterday Went
 Down to Five Above
 Zero r :, atur  F#aks -e@1 IS GENERAL IN THE SOUTH Snow Falls at Nashville and Tempera- ture Drops Everywhere-Warmer
 Weather Is Predicted for Today. 
IS GENERAL IN THE SOUTH

With the single exception of February 1s, 1Ss3, yesterday was the coldest day ever experienced in Birmingham-at least since the establishment of the local weather bureau. The thermometer stood at degrees above zero at 3 a.. m. This figure Is three degrees below any record other than the one made in 1899.
 Tie prediction for today is:
 "Fair Saturday and probably Sunday; warmer light northerly winds becoming southeasterly.'' .se-.Yl The cold wave. which for the last week has covered the South. yesterday equall- ed all previous records for the first twen- ty days of the month of December since the year 1884 and lowering, In some locaii- ties, all former minimum temperature readings. As far South as the Louisiana and gulf border, intense cold prevails, though no serious damage to vegetation has been reported.
 Shows at Nashville.
 Some snow fell in Nashville early in the morning. the mercury dropping to two degrees below zero. the thermometer registering the same in Chattanooga. No serious interruption has occurred to traf- flc further than boats plying from Mem phis are tied up by heavy, floating river ice The center of the high area extends from Texas eastward tonight covering the southwestern states. ~ The following minimum temperatures