davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
FIVE TRAINMEN
 KILLED IN WRECK
SEVERAL OTHERS SEVERELY IN- JURED BY THE OVERTURNING OF TWO ENGINES ATTACHED TO
 HEAVY B. 6 o. FREIGHT TRAIN.

Piedmont, w. Va, December 13-Five trainmen were killed and several severely injured by the overturning of two en- zines attached to heavy Baltimore and Ohio freight train. on the Seventeen Mile grade, near this city.
 The dead
 ERNEST D. ERWIN, engineer, 2S years old Cumberland, Md.
 EMORY ERWIN, engineer 56 years old, Tnnnelton, w. Va.
 WALTER B. MINE, fireman, 32 years old, Terre Alta, W. Va.
 J. " CARTER, fireman. 2S years old, North Carolina. (boarded at Cumberland ].
 JOHN HAYES. fireman, 23 years old. Staunton, Va.
 Michael J. GIBBONS, engineer, 30 years of age, Cumberland, Md, was fatally crushed but is still alive.
 While descending the Seventeen Mile grade" the train to which were attached two engines, left the track. and nearly all the twenty-four loaded cars tumbled into a ravine. carrying trainmen with them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
GAVE LOUISIANA
 TO SPANISH KING
WHILE SEARCHING THROUGH THE ARCHIVES OF FRANCE MIR. PRATT FINDS UNIQUE AUTO GRAPH LETTER OF LOUIS xV.

Paris December 13.-Under the author ity of M. Delcasse, minister of foreign affairs. E. Spencer Pratt, former United States minister to Persia, who is now residing here, is making extensive re- searches in the archives of the foreign office relative to the transfer of the province of Louisiana by France to the United States. The investigation has brought to light all the crcumstantial details of the transaction, including the confidential letters of the French min ister at Washington, advising his govern ment as to the various stages of the ne- gotiations and the letters and documents signed by President Jefferson and secre- tary of State Madison.
 Many of these have hitherto been un- available, owing to the rules of the for egn office which have prevented the copying of documents in the archives.
 In speaking of his investigations to the Associated Press, MT. Pratt said:
 One of the most curious documents found Is an autograph letter of Louis xV., giving away the vast Louisiana ter ritory to his cousin, then king of Spain, as a present. The fact of this gift has
  way, but the text of the letter discloses the casual nature of the gift and also the fact that Louis XIV. had previously offered Louisiana to Great Britain, which country refused to accept it."
 The text of the letter relating to the gift is as follows
 q have caused the Marquis DeGrima1- di, subject to your majesty's pleasure, to sign a cession of New Orleans and Louis jana to Spain. l had offered 1t to the English in place of Florida, but they re- fused it. I would have ceded them other possessions to have spared Spain, having to cede this latter one. but fear that any cession in the Gulf of Mexico might lead to serious consequences. l feel that Louisiana but poorly compensates your majesty for the losses you have sustained. but in ceding you this colony, l consider less it's value than the good accomplished In uniting the Spanish and the French nations Union is alike necessary for our subjects and house..
 The letter of the king of Spain. accept ing the present said MT. Pratt, refers to the further strengthening of the union of the two nations by a number of royal intermarriages. Later documents show the recession of Louisiana by Spain to France, and gives minute details of the sale by Napoleon of the province to the United States.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
NOTED FINANcIER DEAD.
Solomon Loeb of Kuhn, Loeb 6 Co.
 Passes Away.

New York, December 3.-Solomon Loeb, one of the founders of the banking firm of Kuhn Loeb & Co, died here Saturday night He was a native of Germany and came to this country in 1s49. and settled in Cincinnati where he became partner in the dry goods firm of Kuhn, Netter x Co. In 1865 he removed to New York city, soon after founding with the late Abraham Kuhn the banking firm of Kuhn, Loeb & Co. He retired from this firm in 1900.
 Mr. Loeb was active in local charity work of all kinds. and was. one or the founders of the Prevalent Loan society, of which he continued an active director till the time of his death. MT Loeb is survived by two sons, Prof. Morris Loeb of New York university, and James Loeb, formerly of the banking house oF Kuhn, Loeb & Co.. and three daughters, Mrs. Jacob F, Schiff Mrs Isaac N. Seigman and Mrs Paul M. Warburg.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
VARIOUS EXCUSES MADE
 FOR PRESENCE OF LYONS
BY WATERS ON sTEALEY.

Washington, December 1s.-(speeia1.)- lima, who declined to attend the republic can national committeeman banquet last night is the only member of the commit tee who has anything to say openly on the subject of the presence of the ne gro national committeeman from Georgia. Most of the committeeman declined to dis cuss the subject at all. though several of them admit that the presence of Lyons was very embarrassing. especially to those who were assigned seats in his im- mediate neighborhood.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14

London. December 13.-Gen. William H. Carter of the United States army, who has been Investigating the remount sys- tenn of the British army with view to reporting to the general staff of the United States army. had a farewell in- terview with II. O. Arnold Foster, Brit ish secretary of war. yesterday He will leave England tomorrow for the Trans vaal Every facility has been afforded General Carter here, and he expresses his appreciation of the friendly spirit of the war office officials, especially of the remount bureau which arranged for his investigations.
 At Aldershot, a squadron of the cele-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
FORMS OF SERVICE.
Presbyterian Committee Will Resume
 Work on Books This Morning.

Princeton, N. J., December -13-Rev. Dr. Henry yandyke, chairman of the committee on forms of service in Pres byteran churches announced today that the committee will meet tomorrow in New York. The committee met in Princeton, on October 2S for the first time, when sub committees were appoint ed to collect material to outline the vari- ous forms of service. Dr. Vandyke said to the Associated Press correspondent:
 .srrhe committee resumes work on the book of forms of service tomorrow, and the meeting is likely to last several days. Reports of the sub committees will be presented and considered. Everything that Is done by the committee will con- form to the principles laid down in the Presbyterian directory for worship
 The committee consists of eleven mem bers appointed by the general assembly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
ENGLISH CADETS DO NOT
 EQUAL WEST POINTERS

brated Fourteen Hussars and a battery of the Horse Artillery were paraded be- fore General Carter, who highly praised these organizations and the quality of their horses. The general thinks the ex- cellence of the British cavalry and horse artillery Is due to the system of supply ing remounts and to the efficiency of the corps of riding masters.
 General Carter visited Woolwieh and Sandurst. He does not think that these establishments compare very favorably with the military academy at West Point but he says the results obtained are most satisfactory, considering the brief period of attendance of the cadets General Carter has gone to Canterbury, which Is the depot of all British cavalry regiments and where special facilities for an in- spection will be afforded them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
WOMEN PROTEST
 AGAINST SHOOT Public Meeting Held in Wash-
 ingtOn Church WILL CONTINUE ID WORK 
They Say the Apostle Could Not Have Been Elected But for the Dictation and Command of the Nor
 mon Heirarchy.

Washington, December 13.-A public meeting called by the International Con gress of Women of Washington for the purpose of protesting against Senator Reed Shoot retaining his seat, was held here today in the Methodist Episcopal church. Bishop Satterlee of the Protest ant Episcopal church presided and ad- dresses were made by him and by num- Der of ladies prominently identified with the movement against Senator Shoot. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
 Believing that the so-called Church of Latter-Day Saints is antagonlstic to our federal constitution, and every form of religion based upon the Bible, that it is d menace to American home life and an insult to our American womanhood.
 And believing Senator Shoot of Utah to be pledged representative of that in- stitution, bound by it's laws and require- ments to render first allegiance thereto, and that he therefore must of necessity be unfathful to the law of the United States.
  could not have been elected to the Unit ed States senate without the dictation and command of the Mormon hierarchy, which is a complete union of church and state, and therefore in direct opposition of the constitution of the United States, therefore,
 Resolved, That the congregation here assembled most earnestly protest against Apostle Shoot retaining his seat in our national senate.
 Resolved That we ask all loyal and patriotic men and women of every state to send protests to the senators from their states and urge upon such citizens immediate and prompt actIon.'
 The resolutions are signed by Mrs Fred ericlS Schoff president of the National Congress of Mothers; Clara l.. Roach of the International Womans union of the District of Columbia, and Margaret Dye Ellis of the National Women's Christian Temper2lce union.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
NO TROOPS LANDED.
U. S. Cruiser Atlanta Arrives at Colon
 and Conference Is Held.

Colon, December 19.-The United States cruiser Atlanta which returned here late last night reports that it stopped at the Panama boundary line where inquiries were made concerning the reported land ing of Colombian troops.
 The Indian interpreters aboard the Att lanta conferred with their chiefs of the territory who gave them positive assur- ance that no Colombian troops had been landed, and who said that even if they did land, 1t would be impossible for them to pass through, owing to the total ab- sence of mountain trails. The Atlanta steamed forty miles further toward tho Atrato river, obtaining similar informa- tion everywhere. A report to this effect has been made to Admiral Coghlan.
 The converted cruiser Mayflower re- turned to Colon this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
DiSSENSION IN SAN DOMINGO.
Prospects of Revolution Against the
 New Government.

Washington, December 13.-AccordIng to advices received at the state depart ment today from United States Mipister Powell at San Domingo city, there al- ready is dissension in the newly formed provisional government with prospects of another revolution. It is said there is dissatisfaction with General Jiminez, who vas at the head of the recent revolution which deposed the government of Gen. Wos / Gil. General Jiminez and some T his followers are now away from th., capital, and it is said that the probabil- ity Is that operations will be conducted against him.
 General JimineZ expects to De president of the republic when the new government is given q permanent form.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14

A member of the committee said tonight that Senator Hanna could not very well invite the members of the committee and except Lyons q will say, however. ' added this member, that l had no idea Lyons would be present, and l doubt very much if Senator Hanna thought he would be. I, of course, regret the incident
 Another view Is that Lyons was actual lv ureed to attend the banquet, the claim being made that his presence would in a measure offset the criticism being heaped on the President on account of the Book CT r. Washington dinner. The two din- ners. however. were entirely different af- falrs-fhe Presidents dinner was of a purely social nature
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
TO BE RETIRED EARLIER.
Admiralty Has Issued Circular Civ
 ing New Regulations.

London December 13.-The admiralty has issued circular giving the new reg ulations for the earlier retirement of naval officers, when not employed in ac- tive services increasing the rate of re- tired pay and naming other reforms, the subject of which is to eliminate from ac- tive service the aged and otherwise unfit, so as to insure the speedier promotion of younger officers to the rank of ad- miral.
 At the same time the number of ad- mirals is increased from eleven to twelve, the number of vice admirals from twenty one to twenty-two, and the number of rear admirals from thirtyseven to fifty five.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
STANDARD OIL OPPOSED.
Factory in Roumania Is Not So Easily
 Secured.

Vnenna, December 13-Reports from Bucharest indicate that the Standard Oil company is meeting with much opposition in its efforts to obtain footing in Rou- mania. At a private meeting of the SUD- porters of the government, M. Stourdza, president of the council of ministers, de- clared that the Americans had come to Roumania for the purpose of monopoliz- ing the national petroleum industry. and that they must prevent the country from submitting to such an economic yoke.
 1t is said that the Standard Oil company has now abandoned it's intention of com bining any of the existing oil concerns of Roumania, but that. believing the coun- try has large and valuable oil fields at present undiscovered. the company will endeavor to obtain them for its European trade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14

Washington. December 1S.-(Special)- The report that the Cleveland influence is to go to Judge Alton B. Parker Of New York for the democratic Presidential nom- nation has, in the opinion of number of democratic members of congress, tended to weaken Judge Parker's chances. With in the past two or three weeks there has been a noticeable drift away from the New Yorker. For instance, Representa- tive Richardson of Alabama, who is un- derstood to have been very favorable to Judge Parker's nomination, now says that he believes Senator German of Maryland
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
CHICAGO SUFFERS
 FROM SEVERE COLD
COLDEST DAY IN WINDY CITY FOR THIS SEASON OF YEAR SINCE 1s76-FlREMEl ARE UNABLE TO REACH BURNING BUILDING.

Chicago, December 13.-This was thu coldest day in Chicago for this season of the year since 1876. Early this morning the temperature began to go down, until at a. m., it had reached 13 below. The only time that this mark has been passed in the history of the weather bureau was December 9. 1876. when ii below was regis tered. During the day 1t began to moder- ate and tonight the mercury is lowering around the zero point. and the indications for tomorrow are for warmer weather with snow storms.
 On account of the cold and the heavy conditions of the streets, owing to the heavy fall of snow yesterday, the three story department store of Bodinsld & Company, in West Twenty-second street, was destroyed by fire. A special call for engines was sent in, but before they could reach the scene of the fire through the drifts of snow, the building had been com pletely destroyed, causing loss of sS5, ,O0O
 So far, but one death, that of Wm. Duffy, a switehman, who was found frozen to death in the Chicago and North western yard, has been reported
 Zero Weather in Nebraska.
 Omaha, Neb., December 13.-Zero wealth CT continued throughout the day in Ne- braska with a slight moderation tonight. The weather man predicts higher temper atures for tomorrow.
 Man Frozen to Death.
 Sullivan, Ind, December 13--The body of a man, supposed to be a miner named Henry Rowe, was found in ditch this evening. It is supposed he went to sleep from cold and was frozen to death.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
senor Nuncio Is oratIfied.

Mexico City. December 1s.-Mexico's g general at the St. Louis worlds fair. Senor Nuneio. says he Is gratihed at the prospects of this coun- try's exhibit which will occupy 5000 more square feet than did the Mexican exhibit at Chicago. All departments of the coun- try's activity will be represented ade- uuately. and a most cordial interest is displayed by the authorities and private exhibtors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
BRYAN SEES THE POPE. Is Highly Pleased With the Kindly
 Bearing of His Holiness.

Rome, December 13-William Jennings Bryan, accompanied by his son. was re- ceived in private audience by the pope today. MT. Bryan was presented by Monsignor Kennedy, rector of the Ameri- can college, who acted as interpreter His holiness spoke with great interest of the Catholics in the United States.
 After the audience, MT. Bryan ex- pressed himself as highly pleased with the pope's kindly hearing
 Before going to the vatican Mir Bryan visited several of the interesting sights of Rome, including the Coliseum and the Roman forum. He took particular inter- est in the spot from which Cicero thun- dered his invectives against Cataline.
 Later, MT. Bryan lunched with Ambas- sador Meyer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
PEOPLE OF PANAMA TIckLED.
Very Much Pleased at Ratification of
 the Treaty.

Washington, December 13.-An official dispatch to M. BunauVarilla, the minis ter from Panama, besides announcing the fact cabled by the Associate Press that elections will be held in the new re- public on January 15 for delegates to a constitutional convention, says that all the new municipalities of all the provinces have warmly appIauded the ratification by the Panama junta of the Hay -Bunau- Varilla treaty.
 M. BunauNarilla yesterday began series of visits on the members of the diplomatic corps. his first call being on Count Cassini, the Russian ambassador Today he saw Baron Hengel Mueller, the Austrian ambassador. Tomorrw the min ister goes to New York for a brief visit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
AGED MAN MAKES
 SURE OF HIS AIM
JOSEPH HARNIE THlDABEAU, FOR MERELY CLERK IN PAYMASTER GENERALS OFFICE, SHOOTS HIMSELF IN WASHINGTON.

Washington, December 13.-Standng be- fore glass to make sure aim, John Har- nie Thidibeau, 61 years of age, of Falls Church, Va, shot himself through the forehead in a local hotel some time be- tween o'clock Saturday night and o'clock today. He was formerly a clerk in the paymaster generals office A let ter found on the bureau. believed to have been written just before suicide, shows Thidabeau to have been in financial straits, and he imagined himself to be the victim of conspiracy.
 Prior to coming to Washington four years ago, the writer says he had been a citizen of Atlanta, Co.,. continuously en- gagged in business enterprises for thirty seven years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
REYES NOT A CANDIDATE.
Says He Does Not Aspire to the Office
 of Vice-President.

Mexico City, December 13.-El Imparcial and the Mexican Heraldo both publish an important political letter from Gen Der nardo Reyes, governor of the important state of Nuevo Leon. He denies emphat- ically that he is candidate for the office of vice-president, and says he is deter mined not to accept the candidacy for the post. He also declares his unalterable loyalty to the policy of President Diaz, being convinced that anything which tends to promote useless strife is perni- cious to the country.
 General Reyes letter has caused much comment and his position is warmly praised.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
SHERIFF ROBBED
 BY MAN PURSUED
WHILE CHASING EScAPEDt PRIS- OVER THE MAN TURNS TABLES ON OFFICER AND RELIEVES HIM OF HIS BELONGINGS.

Gaena, Kan, December 13-Charles Rain, sheriff of Cherokee county, was held up and robbed today in the depot at Baxter Springs, Kan, by Clarence Cum ningham, an escaped prisoner from the Columbia, Mo, jail, after he had placed Cunningham under arrest. Having recog- nized Cunningham, the sheriff followed him into the depot and ordered him to surrender.
 Cunningham did not move but a pal at his side immediately pointed a revol- yer at the sheriff who, thereupon, threw up his hands. Rain was relieved oi his watch, revolver and money. Cunningham and his companions then robbed the sta tion, took a team of horses and buggy from a livery stable and escaped.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
COLLISION IN IOWA.
Freight Trains Come Together, Killing
 Two Men.

Des Moines, Iowa, December 13.-Two trainmen were killed and four injured in freight collision early today on the Chi cago, Milwaukee and St. Paul road, near Ade, Iowa.
 Three engines and fourteen cars were entirely demolished.
 The dead:
 FRANK FINNfcuM, engineer, Des Moines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
New Corporation.

Tallahassee. Fla, December B.-The Operators Tank and Warehouse company, with d capital of half million dollars. has applied for charter. Many of the leading turpentine operators of the state a re among it's stockholders. The company will lend money on the products stored, and thus endeavor to control the naval stores product of the state
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
PARKER LOSES STRENGTH
 AMONG THE DEMOCRATS

to be the most available man for the nomination.
 There are some New York democrats who do not take kindly to the suggestion of Judge Parker for President. One of them at the capitol the other day said:
 If Judge Parker should be nominated and elected President by the democrats lie would look over the heads of all the party workers when he took charge of the White House. He is just that kind of a man and would treat us worse than did Cleveland. These men who have served their lifetime on the bench have no sympathy with politicians and party workers and besides they know very little if anything about men or politics"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
Last of Property Sale.

Knoxville. Tenn. December 1S.-The last of the property of the old Cooperative Town company, organized twelve years ago to establish a city at Elizabethtown, Tenn, has been sold by receivers. This winds up the affairs of this noted com pany. in which Hon. John G. Carlisle, the late Senator Harris, Benjamin Butter worth, Robert r. Porter and other men of national note, were interested
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
Another Bribery Trial.

Jefferson City, Mo, December 13.-The case of Senator Frank Paris, charged with accepting a bride of S100O from D. J. Kelly for his vote to defeat the passage of the alum baking powder bill in the legislature of Missouri. of 1901, is to come up in the circuit court tomorrow for re- trial The first trial resulted in a hung jury
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
Judoe James Cheney Dead.

Fort Wayne. Ind, December 1s.-Judge James Cheney. said to be the wealthiest man in Indiana. died this morning. He was associated with Jay Gould in financ- ing his affairs in Ohio and Indiana. His fortune was estimated at s95. .000.0 900.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-14
Cut His Own Throat.

E,llwood, Ind. December 13-John S. Wood. aged 2s years. cut his throat this morning at the home of his brother Aroma. to avoid capture for stealing a horse and buggy. Five minutes after his death, the officers arrived. He had been pursued throughout the night