davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
IS EFFORT TO EVADE
 DIRECT REPUTATION
Republican Leaders Were Afraid to Follow Presidents Recommends
 tions on the Coal Tariff.

Washington, January 13.-(Special)- The action of the house ways and means committee in reporting a bill for the re- fundment of duties collected on coal for one year, Is simply an effort to evade a direct modification of the Dlngley tariff act The republican leaders decided at a conference that it would not do to fol- low the Presidents recommendation in his message and repeal the duty out right.
 This course would have led to other amendments effecting the necessaries of life. a record vote on which would have placed republican senators in hole. The conference reached the conclusion that in view of the public demand for re- peal of the coal duty of sixty-seven cents, 1t would be necessary to do some thing and, therefore, they choose a "suspension" of duty instead of a direct amendment as the President and the democratic members were insisting upon.
 It will be remembered that this tax which 1t is proposed to suspend instead of repeal is the same tax which Secretary of the Navy Moody stated was placed on the Dingley act Fin q sneaking and a cowardly manner" and 1t would therefore be supposed that there would be no ob- jection to striking 1t from the act. The coal trust which caused the insertion of the provision has evidently been powerful enough to prevent the repeal which pub lie sentiment has demanded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
CHINA UNABLE TO PAY. Cannot Begin to Meet the Indemnity Claims on Gold Basis.

Washington. January 13.-The state de- pertinent has been informed by Minister Conger that the Chinese government has professed it's utter inability to pay the Chinese indemnity on a gold basis under present conditions and has suggested that if the powers insist upon such payments of the indemnity then China should be allowed to collect the import duties in gold This would practically amount to doubling the customs receipts, gold stand ing in the ratio of about one to two to silver. Secretary Hay has replied as far as the United States is concerned, hay ing agreed to accept the payment of in- demnity on silver basis, 1t could not of course consider this last proposition
 The attitude of the United States gov ernment is thus maintained consistently, while at the same time the American ex- port trade is protected from a severe blow which would be dealt by the doubling or duties on these goods when they enter China. Various propositions have been preached by the other powers. that most strongly urged being of British origin and looking to the reduction of nstall- ments of indemnity through consider able extension of the present forty-year period in which the total was 10 be paid. It is felt here that the only logical solu- tion of the problem Is submission of the matted to the Hague tribunal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Ways and Means Committee
 Decides on Rebate
LITTLE AFRAID OF QUESTION
Instead of Taking the Duty Off Direct ly the Committee Decides on Rebate Which is Equal
 to the Tariff.

Washington, January 1S.-The ways and means committee of the house, reported a bill to the house today providing for a rebate equal to the duty now imposed on all kinds of coal coming from all coun- tries for a period of one year. The bill is substitute for one introduced by Representative Hill of Connecticut, pro- viding for a rebate until June 30 next. The committee will call the measure up for consideration in the house tomorrow under a rule reported today limiting de- bate to one hour.
 The report of the committee submitted to the house by Chairman Payne after recommending the passage of the bill says
 This is an emergency measure de- handed because of the scarcity and high price of coal, resulting from the recent prolonged strike In the anthracite coal mines.
 "Precedents for such legislation are found in the Chicago fire and the fire at East Point, Me. In these cases con gress rebated the duty on lumber used In rebuilding in the burned district. whether the legislation will increase the importation or reduce the price or coal is a question of which men differ. But 1t Is all congress can do in tae premlser and will satisfy the demand of many of our citizens. While there is a threatened coal famine in any part of the country we cannot turn deaf ear to the cries of the people.
 'The committee did not consider 1t best to make any changes in the tariff on coal after the period of one had expired. pre- fering to bring in this as a purely emer- gency measure and not desiring to go into the question of tariff revision, even upon this sne article. If any relief can come to the people from such legisla- tion, 1t will be amply secured In the period provided for in the bilh"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Will Make Fight on crum.

Senator Tillman has received notifica- tion that the confirmation of W. D. Crum. recently appointed collector of curtoms at Charleston, S. C., will be takea up in the senate commerce committee a week from Thursday The senator immendafely notified several Charleston officials who will appear before the committee to ask that the nomination be rejected. It is ex- pected that the committee will divide on party lines which will cause favora- ble report to the senate. and q fight in executive session. Owing to the limited time between now and adjournment the democrats could defeat confirmation if they so desired, though this action would have little effect as the President would at once make a recess appointment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Resolution Tabled.

General Harrison of Lee offered res- olution reciting that there was grave doubt whether under the new constitution did not hold over until the inauguration of the lieutenant governor and providing for the appointment of a committee to investigate and report. This resolution was promptly laid on the table, the sen- ators by a large majority having already made up their minds on the subject, and the senate adjourned. The democrats at once went into caucus on the officers, only one senator, MT. Hurst of Etowah, being excluded as not being a democrat
 The senators were sworn in by MT. Meador.
 | After the caucus the senate was again called to order by MT. Meador, and a motion by Mir Hogue to adjourn till to- morrow morning was voted down. MT Powell moved to proceed to the election of a president pro tenn. and, 1t being car ried, Mir. Hipp placed MT. Goldsby in nomination. He was unanimously elected and MT. Dunn moved a committee of three escort him to the chair.
 Harrison Raises Question Again.
 General Harrison here again raised the question of the legality of the election, holding that MT. Meador was president pro-tem until the lieutenant governor should take his seat, and he quoted a Supreme court decision to sustain his point The debate on the question was participated in by MT. Blackmon of Cal houn and Senator Rogers. General Harri- son only desired to call attention to the matter and finally, on a point of order, the chair put the question of committee to notify MT. Gc i'd sby, and Senators Tunn, Powell and Morrow escorted that gem tleman to the stand. MT. Meador. in in- troducing him, made some farewell re- marks personal to himself, saying it was the close of his fourteenth consecu- tive year as a legislator. He paid trib- ute to Mir Goldsby, to whom he then administered the oath, MT. Goldsby mak- ing a brief speech of thanks.
 The other caucus nominees were then elected without opposition as follows:
 Minor Officials.
 Secretary, Fillmore Garrett of Calhoun; assistant secretary, James A. Kyle of Jackson: doorkeeper, J. c. Ott of Lauder dale; assistant doorkeeper, W. H. Maybin of Montgomery; enrolling and expressing clerk. Mrs. Lula Wood Francis of Jeffer- son; comparing clerk, Mrs. Thomas Alley of Montgomery.
 A resolution of thanks to Mir Meador was offered by MT. Hipp and passed, after
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
CHARGE NOT EXCESSIVE.
Lack of Railroad Facilities Kept Down
 Working Supply, Says Witness.


 Washington. January 13.-Charles w. Baum of the J. Maury Dove Coal com pany was the principal witness before the senate coal famine investigation to- day. He said as long as the company had coal on hand from last year. 1t had not charged to exceed s7.25 per ton; also that the price of Reading coal never had exceeded that figure. but on Independent companies coal 1t had been necessary to charge more. The company he said. is selling coal that costs slos4 per ton at SIP. He said the delay in securing coal was due to the lack of railroad facilities in Washington.
 In reply to questions from Senator Stewart, as to what forced the price of coal up, MT. Baum said that the indepen- dent dealers had forced the advance. Tt was a stand and delivery process" sug- gested Senator Stewart, to which the witness responded that he himself con- sidered the advance case of robbery. MT. Baum declared there had been no collision between the Washington dealers and the independent coal operators.
 Investigation In Chicago.
 Chicago, January 13.-The most tangi- ble evidence secured by the special grand jury in the coal shortage inquiry up to the present time Is that which relates to an alleged agreement drawn In March last, and which is said to govern dozen mine operators in the Clinton Qndiana) district. with Walter Bogle and the Crescent Coal and Mining company as the Chicago factors. It is charged in the evidence presented that MT. Bogle ap- pears as president of one of the Indiana mining companies, making an agreement with himself as president of the Crescent Coal and Mining company. It Is said
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Senate and House Convene But Transact PracticaI-
 y No Business
GOLDSBY WILL SELECT
 STANDING COMMITTEES
Gen. Harrison Suggested That Under the Constitution Meador Should Hold Over Until Lieut.-Gov.
 Cunningham Is lnausurated.

n . oNTGOMERY, January 13. - M Special JAS is always the VI case, the first days session of the legislature has been without incident that could be classed as either particular ly interesting or exciting. Both houses temporarily organized today without an absentee. Permanent organization will be affected tomorrow and the ball will be set a-rolling with the regular message of the governor which is expected to be presented tomorrow. Little or no legisla- tion can be accomplished, however, until the various committees are named, and 1t is doubtful if these announcements will come before Saturday or possibly Mon- day.
 The senate voted today that President Pro Tenn Goldsby should name the sem ate committee, but not until after rather stormy caucus which was execu- tive. 1t is understood that several sena- tors following the lead of Senator liar rison of Lee took the position that in so much as an ordinance Of the constitu- tional convention made the retiring presi- dent, Senator Meador of Marengo, lieuten- ant governor in fact, that he should serve until the inauguration of his successor.
 pr. Cunningham Takes No Hand.
 ha fpa rated until next Monday, the 18th. Neither pr. Cunningham nor Senator Meador entered into this fight. The only other unusual act by the senate was decision that all of the hold-over sena- tors should again be sworn in, as they had never taken an oath to support the present constitution, and thus that in- strument was again ratified" There is practically no gossip tonight as to prob able committee chairmen, but there Is no lack of capable timber in either house.
 It is generally commented upon that possibly not within the states history has so wholly intelligently appearing body of men made up the personnel of a legisla- ture. Some of the states ablest men are in either house. There appears to be general impression that Senator Hugh Morrow is to be made chairman of the senate judiciary committee. while in the house this honor will likely go to Joseph c. Rich of Mobile. No pages have yet been named, but they probably will be tomor- row.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
THE SENATE.

Washington, January 13.-The proceed ings of the senate today were enlivened by several spirited speeches affecting the reciprocity provision of the Dingley act While the Vest resolution directing the committee on finance to report a bill re- moving the duty on coal was under dis cussion, MT. Deliver of Iowa, vigorous ly attacked those senators responsible for the holding up of reciprocity treaties in the senate. He defended Secretary Shaw for using the order instructing collectors of customs to resolve differences regard ing the grade of coal in favor of the i'm porter It was true. he declared, that MT. Dingley had put the tariff rates high so that they could be reduced by reciprocity agreements. This statement caused MT Aldrich vehemently to denounce MT. Dol liver and others for making it. The only intention, he said of the reciprocity pro- vision of the Dingley law. was to secure agreements on non-competitive products and he contended that 1t was not to be expected that a republl1 1an adminis- tration would negotiate treaties which would strike at the heart Of protection. The resolution went over until tomor- row, after MT. Tillman had given notice that he would then string live wire" and lay the blame for the present coal situation at the door of the President and the attorney general. MT. Nelson con- cluded his remarks in opposition to the statehood bill, and at 4:10 the senate went into executive session and adjourned soon after.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
SEVERAL CHANGES TO BE
 MADE IN OFFICE FORCES

Montgomery, January 19.-(Special.)- While the new state officers will not that there will be few changes in the of flee forces about the capitol The incum- bents of the auditors, treasurers and governors offices are not changed, and hence the clerical forces VIII be undis- turbed MT. Heflin, the new secretary of state, will make no changes in the clerk and deputy insurance commissioner of that department, MT. McDavid and MT. Sexton holding their old places.
 The attorney general has only one clerk, and it Is reported that Mir. Wilson will offer the place to Tom Martin, the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14

son of ex-Attorney General Martin and himself young lawyer of growing prom ise. The superintendent of education, MT. Hill has more places than any of the new officials, four clerkships and two eX- aminers. MT. GunneDs. the present state superintendent will temporarily, and per haps permanently, fill the place of chief clerk, and Miss Nicholene Bishop will re- tain her place as member of the examin- ing board.
 It is known that Professor Dodson will retire from the examining board, and 1t is believed he will be succeeded by W. F. Feagin, teacher of experience, for the last few years engaged in the insurance business. It does not seem that Mir. Hill has yet made up his mind on the subordi- nate elerkships
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
LAWYERS THERE DO NOT RELISH THE APPOINTMENT
Senator McLaurin Still Working on the Indianola Case, But as Vet tho Payne-RooseveIt Negrophile
 Idea Prevails.
BY wATTERsoN sTEALEY.

Washington, January 13.-(special)-> Telegrams from Boston today seem to indicate that the appointment of a negro assistant district attorney in that city in order to mollify criticism of the Presi- dents southern negro appointments Is not relshed by the legal fraternity who will come in contact with the new ap> pointee. The fact Is also disclosed that the position was virtually created for Lewis, as there are already two assistant district attorneys and the work of the Massachusetts judicial district is so light that there is a surplus of employees of the district attorneys office.
 Lewis will therefore have little to do besides drawing his salary
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
SPLIT SESSION
 SEEMS IN FAVOR
PROPOSITION TO FILL OUT ONLY PART OF SIXTY DAYS AND THEN ADJOURN SUITS THE FARM FRS.

Montgomery January 13.-(Special.)- The proposition to fill out only a part of the allotted sixty days at this sitting and then adjourn for another session in the fall finds great favor among many of the members of the legislature, especially those from the country.
 Sixty days now will carry the sitting to April, and cover the entire period when the farmer is pitching his crop. The heads of affairs, however, have not taken up the subject as yet and 1t will of course be decided by those in real con- trol. If things progress smoothly, 1t seems likely that the sentiment among the rank and file of the members may grow strong enough to force a division of the session.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
CUT THROAT AND WRISTS.
Ike TresseI, a WeII-known Drummer,
 Kills Himself in Texarkana.

Memphis, January 13.-A special to the Commercial-Appeal from Texarkana, Ark, says:
 Ike Tressel, a widely known drummer for eastern houses, was found dead in his room in local hotel late today. His throat and wrists were cut open. A note from the dead man to the coroner stated that he had killed himself for private req sons. He further said:
 'I travelled on the road twenty-four years. in every state in the union, Can ada, Japan, China and South America"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14

these mines were compelled to pool their output to be disposed of by the Chicago factor.
 Proof that one of the largest coal deal CTS tried to compel the smaller dealers to keep in strict accord with the new prices. was adduced.
 According to Peterson, he visited the offices of the large companies. and was given a price list. He had been purchas- Ing his coal from this company and was instructed, he declared. to sell the coal at BIO a ton. He had a number of GUS toners who. he knew, could not afford to pay such prices and he sofd them the coal at cost price without deducting the cost of hauling As a punishment for do- ing this, Peterson claimed that the com rany refused to sell him any more coal and he has not been able to buy any since from any of the other large dealers be- cause of word sent out that he would not keep up the price.
 Conference In New York. :. New York, January 13.-Mayor Low and representatives of the coal carrying roads held q conference today to discuss the coal situation in Greater New York. The railroad representatives present were George F. Bear president of the Reading; F. D. Underwood of the Erie, Fowler of the Ontario and Western and Thomas of
 
 resented the independent operators. Pres ident Baer read a statement describing the position of the coal roads. He main tained that the roads were doing all pos- sible to relieve the situation The situa- ton was full of difficulties and the fail- ure of miners to work during the holidays had reduced the output and the price had been unduly advanced by the smaller companies and individual operators.
 No Relief in Kansas.
 Topeka, Kan. January 1S.-No relief from the present Kansas coal famine is in sight. An effort will be made to have the legislature take action at once look ing toward correction of the evil.
 1000 Barrels of Coal Contributed.
 Memphis, January 13.-On account of numerous requests to the charitable or ganizations of the city by poor persons for fuel the members of the Memphis cotton exchange today individually con tributed over thousand barrels of coal. which will be placed in charge of the united charities for distribution. The coal supply of the city is ample. but prices embarraes the poor classes.
 Traffic Tied Up.
 Owensboro, Ky. January 13.-Traffic on the river here Is tied up. Ice foes began passing early this morning and tonight the river is a perfect sheet of ice. Boats between Evansville and Louisville are tied up. The river Is falling, which makes the ice foes dangerous.
 Coal for chlcago's Poor.
 Chicago January 13.-A train of twen- ty-five cars. containing coal for Chicago's poor, arrived here today. and will be distributed by city wagons.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Minnie Cox Case.

Senator MeLaurin of Mississippi has as yet received no replies from the mayor safety of the postmaster. Minnie ". Cox, should she return and assume charge of the office. The senator expects to receive a letter from these officials tomorrow about the case. The senator's brother. Wallace McLaurin, will probably go to Indianola within a few days to make a personal investigation of the case for the senator's benefit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
lich the senate adjourned till 1O:sO to

which the senate adjourned till 10 80 to- morrow.
 When MT. Goldsby, the new president pro tenn of the senate, entered the cham Der this morning he saw on the walls the portrait of his grandfather, placed tSSre yesterday, without his knowledge. His grandfather was Thornton Boylxin Colds by of Dallas. a rich planter of the old times, and active in early railroad build Ing. His son, T. J. Goldsby. married a daughter of Governor John Anthony Winston, and Joel Goldsby Is their son. The portrait was presented by Col. Sam Will John of Birmingham who married a granddaughter of the subject of the pict- ure. The portrait is a very fine one and was painted by Nicola Mrshall, a famous artist of Louisville, Ky. It is the latest addition to the gallery of the history de- pertinent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS.

Washington, January 13.-Senator Me- Laurin of Mississippi had another confer ence with Postmaster General Payne to- day regarding the Indanola postoffice, and stated that he would be able shortly to furnish satisfactory assurances from the responsible authorities or the town for the protection of It's negro postmas- ter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Papers for the Robbers.

Memphis, January 1S.-Sheriff Doty of Carroll county Illinois, will arrive in the city tomorrow from Nashville, with ex- tradition papers secured today from Governor McMillin for Thomas Clark and William Rogers the two companions of John Estell, whom he will take to Illinois to stand trial on the charge of a complicity in the robbery of a Bur lington passenger train near Marcus, H., on August 5 1902.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
THE SENATE.

The senate was called to order at noon by President Pro Tenn Meador of the last senate and prayer was offered by the Rev. pr. Charles Stakeley of the First Baptist church. Elmore Garrett, clerk of the last secretary of the senate, acted as secretary. The enrolment showed thirty five senators present
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
American Liner Late.

New York January 1A-Up to 1:30 o'clock this morning, the American liner St. Louis had not been sighted. The steamer vaderland which arrived last night reported having seen ns.r<Ss of the St. Louis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
INDEX TO TODAY'S PAPER
The Weather.

Washington, January 13.-Folowing is the weather forecast for Alabama: Fair Wednesday except along the coast; rising temperature; Thursday rain, light to fresh southeast winds.
 Page One. Alabama legislature assemblies with Tunstall named for speaker and Goldsby president pro tenn of the senate. Duty on anthracite coal will be sus- pended Champ Clark stlrs things up in the house. Roosevelts Boston negro will have noth- ing to do.
 Page I've. Hearing before strike commission con- tinues. Birmingham bank stockholders meet Sultan reported defeated by rebels.
 Page Three. General state news. Ancient court records found at Moul- ton.
 Page Four. Editorial comment. Gossip heard in the hotel lobbies
 Page Five. Electrical workmen want Birmingham man for Electric inspector Only two days remain for obtaining state licenses without penalty. No increase made in iron freight rates.
 Page Six. Society notes and personals.
 Page Seven. Local and foreign market reports.
 Pag, Eight. Baseball, racing and general sporting news. Governor Taft will not leave the Philip pines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Paae One.

Hearing before strike commission con- tnues
 Birmingham bank stockholders meet. Sultan reported defeated by rebels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
Page Three.

Baseball, racing and general sportIng news.
 Governor Taft will not leave the Philip pines.