davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Short Items of Interest Re
Lafns TO the To4vn and It's
People, told In a Single
Paragraph.
Local II
BreVitieS.

the Office of the Greenville Democrat
Hal II Smith Of Ionia, secretary o.
the Michigan commission for the St
Louis exposition hes secured fine
site for the state building and says
the work of preparing for the exhibit:
is progressing very satisfactorily.
An effort is being made to establish
a parcels post the present session OF
congress. This is a move i'm the
interest of the large mail order
houses who are not satisfied to supply
some of the people part of the time
but want to do all of the people all of
the time In other words they want
the government to pay for delivering
their goods,-Saranac Advertiser.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Dainty Books

The sort that have a gift
flavor. Delicate and rich
bindings that serve as a me-
mento of Yuletide. Illustra-
tons add to their attractive
ness. The most exquisite
books of the season; bound in
leather, flexible cover, turned
in edges. Price 81. Long
fellows Poems, Shakespeare
Poems.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Pretty
Manicure Sets

All the necessary manicure
instrumentS-nail-s c is ors,
buffer, powder box, file, cut
icle knife and button-hook,
celluloid mounted, are con.
tanned in handsome cases,
photo on cover, red lined,
plush base, attractively priced
at So a set.
Others, in smaller cases, il
celluloid, etc. at 81, l 30, | 90,
90c, 60c.
Pretty, and sure-to- be-ap
preciated Christmas gifts at Z
small outlay.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Cut Prices
on Pictures
at Benedict'S

Large framed picture in
colors, gilt frame, Rustic
Courtship" 1.25, now at only,
65c.
Large framed picture, photo
color, natural wood frame,
dog and duck, 2.25, special at
Sl.40.
Large framed picture, photo
color, natural wood frame,
bird dogs LIS for 10 days at
65c.
Large medallion, Spring
time gilt frame, in colors,
over ID by 81 inches, 75c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Books for
Little Children

Many books below cost in
this line. Large value for
the money. All linen books
at sc, 10c, 25c. Lots of diff
ferent kinds.
Books, % kinds, for boys
and girls, from 3 years to s
years. Board covers, pictures
inside and out, DC to SOC.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17

Mrs. f. ]. Loree went to Grand Rap
ids today for a short visit with rela-
tives.
The Misses Lula jerks and Elsie
Randall are guest of Ionia friends for
a few days.
Mrs. John Dosenbury returned
today from a weeks visit with friends
at Howard City.
Mrs. Amelia Swartz returned today
from a short visit with friends In the
vicinity of Gowen.
Miss Mabel Seaman returned to her
home in Big Rapids today where she
will spend the holidays.
Miss Alice Nestle left today for her
home at Carson City where she will
spend the holidays with her parents.
Miss Bessie Smith returned to her
home in Carson City today to spend
the holidays under the parental roof.
A. G. Johnson was bound over to the
Circuit Court Saturday, by Justice
Moulton on the charge of horse steal
ing.
Mrs. Jennie Gore returned to her
home at Ensley today after short
visit at the home of nephew, G. N.
Wingar, of this city.
Miss Ella Armour left today for
Lake Odessa to spend the holidays
with friends, after which she goes to
Battle Creek to accept position in
that city.
Continued on next page.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Cut Prices
on Holiday Goods
at Benedict'S

Brush, comb and mirror,
ebony finish, in neat box, S1.35
now at 90c.
Mirror, brush and comb in
handsome celluloid box, S3.25
now at SIPS.
Celluloid card box with 25C
pkg of cards, S1.75, now 75c.
Brush, comb, mirror in neat
celluloid box, SIPS, now 81.
Candelabrum 1.80, special
at 99c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Gifts for Men

Fancy memorandum books,
25c to SOC.
Pocket Cigar cases SOC, 75c
Pocket Mirrors, 10c.
Mirrors with comb, ear
spoon-for pocket, 25c to 6Oc,
Cigars, % in box, 81 per box
for DC cigars and 50 per box
for loo cigars. so cigars in
box, 50 and up.
Smoking sets, 30c all the
way to Sc.
Pipes 15c to fancy Indian
head pipe, 25c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17

All Benedict's big Holiday
stock is on display. There's
SO much of it there's hardly
room to turn around.
But he's doing business and
lots of it, because his extra
value Christmas and New
Years gift goods are "catch-
ing on. People recognize
them as new and up-to-date.
Besides, never before has
he been able to offer such
nice things for so little money.
Be sure to look at his big line,
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
The Copyright
Books

In this line are the new LOO,
lbs and 1.50 books.
The new 1.50 books are sold
by Benedict at Ito. He has
a big stock and will quickly
get anything wanted.
The LIS books are 81.
Sally, Mrs. Tubbs, Mrs
Wigs and Lovey Mary. all
81. 90 books at 75c and SOC.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Cut Prices
on Toys
at Benedict's

Wool horse and wooden
wagon, regular SOC at only 30c
Very large wooden wagons,
regular 25c for only 15c.
2 large iron trains, 800 each
now at $50.
Very large iron stove, c
holes, tea-kettle, spider etc,
2.75 at only 1.88.
Two horses drawing ice
wagon SOC, now only 40c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Give A Kodak.
Appropriate for Christmas
Present to Anybody.

HOUSE PORTRAITS FLASHLIGHTS WINTER LANDSCAPES,
PHOTOGRAPHY IS DELIGHTFUL IN THE SNOWY SEASON.
Around the table in the evening anyone do his de-
velopng and printing with Kodak Developing Ma
chine and Velox 1.-The after supper paper"
Kodaks, SIS to SIS. Brownie Cameras 81, 81.
Kodak Developing Machines, 81 to $40.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Sewing Sets
for Girls

Had such good sale of
these last year that several
new boxes are added. Little
box for little girls 10c. Nice
ones, several fittings, mirror
in cover, Csc. Celluloid COW
cred box with scissors ETC.,
lined with satinette, SOC.
Larger work box, 8 spools
silk thread, 3 of cotton thread
2 balls mending cotton,
thimble, emery ball for pins,
hooks and eyes, needles and
scissors, Coo.
Cloth covered work box, %
spools thread, needles, scis.
sors, thimbles, hooks and eyes,
75c.
Fancy leatherette case, Is
spools thread, 2 balls mendine
cotton, ETC., thimhle, buttons
sewing and darning needles
1.20.
Work Baskets
A number of shapes, al
lined, 25c, SOC.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
A Christmas
Showing Of
framed Pictures

This collection of Framed
Pictures is the most admirable
in variety and beauty of any
we have yet presented to our
public. Good judgement, ar
tistic taste, and utmost care
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Books at 26c

Benedict had over 1000
books at 15c. Customers
take from one to sixteen.
Same books sold in many
places 19c to 25c.
Benedict picks out the best
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Ladies Purses

A splendid line of leather
purses, with or without silver
mountings, 25c, SOC, 75c, LOO,
| so.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Books Of all kinds

You will find at Benedict's
The list partially mirrors the
best holiday stock ever gath
cred in Bedding.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17

selling only, as, POP by Mrs.
Southworth, 325 by Mary j.
Holmes, 20 Under Two Flags,
etc. Your choice, 15c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Gifts for Ladies

Those who are puzzled as to
what to give a lady, mark this
list, then come to Benedict's
to see scores of other dainty
presents.
Manicure Scissors, 25c, SOC.
Embroidery Scissors, 25c. +
Photo Albums, new designs.
Toilet cases, SOC to 81. -,
Brush, mirror and comb Sd J
75c to 50. s
Music rolls-often just =
thing.
Manicure Sets-every wom-
an wants one, COO to So.
MirrOrs-every sort-from
the mirror in a leather case
for carrying in the pocket to
the large one for the stapdc~y
Every one o. perfect, crystal
glass.
Glove aud Handkerchief ,
BoXes--30c to So.
Work boxes-nice line these -
Photo frames-In metal.
ceIluloid and wood, 19c to Jc.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS for
use and ornament, 1Oc to $3.50
Fancy Candlesticks-have
tC have them nowadays.
Medallions-Can't miss l.
on this item.
Framed Pictures-Whatca can
keep you better in her memory
Purses-all the new feathers.
Celluloid Goods-dozens of
fine presents.
Perfume-one thing tLg. i,
always suitable.
Observation-Disclosures here
for a magazine to be her
for a year. ~
1901 little articlests RI
a quietremembranc ID
Pocket memorand ~
DC to SOC.
Pocket needle cas-
Ink wells 20c to s
Needle Casey
SOsewing needles, 3
needles in leatheret
10c.
Larger cases in fl
ated cases, 25c. -
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Books at 36c.

Benedict has about twenty
times as many at 35c as ever
before. BY Mary J. Holmes,
Mrs Southworth, E. p. Roe,
Amelia Barr, Garvice, Au-
gusta E. Wilson, Braeme,
Fleming etc.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Books at SOC.

Novels, poems, and splen-
did stories in fine bindings,
with pictures in most of them,
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17

Large ones, double cover,
leather covered, SOC.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Leather
Bound Books

Neat leather covers green,
red or brown, name in gold, 60c.
Ooze leather binding. the
soft side outside-in various
colors, 81. Flexible covers.
superb specimens of the book
BINDERS art, $3.50.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-12-17
Fancy Books

At Soc there is at Benedict S
a very taking line of gift
books. Highly colored pic
lures.
Rubies from Byron, Pan
sizes from Shakespeare, Emer-
aids from Moore, Diamonds
from Scott, Pearls from Whit
tier, Holly from Dickens,
Rock of Ages, Nearer My God
to Thee.
Diaries for 1904
10c, 15c, 25c, SOC.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
No Legal Proceedings Have
 Been Instituted
ALLEGED SHORT WEIGHTS
J. H. coughIan Declines to Make State ment Further Than to Say He Hopes to Rectify Mistakes
 ThIs Week.

There were no new developments yes- terday in the alleged shortage in cotton weights in bills of lading of Smith 6 Coughlan, the well known cotton con cern. Representatives of prominent cot ton firms in Savannah and other south- ern points are still making investigations into the matter. It Is claimed that large shipments have been made by Smith & Coughlan under bills of lading calling for practically double weights. such bills of lading passing through bank with drafts attached and being paid by firms on which they were drawn before receipt of the cotton. It Is stated on high au- thority that $1oO,o00 or more Is involved in the various transactions.
 No Legal Proceedings Yet.
 Efforts are being made to adjust the losses caused by the alleged short weights No legal proceedings have as yet been instituted.
 Asked yesterday if he had any state ment to make J. H. Coughlan of Smith & Coughlan said he would not discuss the matter further than to say that if mis- takes in weight had been made by his COuceFn ne WOULD enuSdNOT tO TtCAlly them. He said he thought every thing would be in a satisfactory shape before the end of this week.
 Counsel for Smith and Coughlan de- clined to be interviewed.
 The Railroads.
 It is said that the railroads are largely involved An Associated, Press dispatch mt Age-Herald Sunday, said 1t wal, stated that the railroads would be called upcn to make good the alleged short weight shipments
 SolS1 Jacobs, commercial agent of the Central of Georgia, over whose line a good share of Smith & Coughlan's cotton had been shipped, said with emphasis that his company was in no wise in- volved in the alleged short weight mat ter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
Witnesses for State Testify in
 John Brewer Case
SOME WOMEN IMPLICATED
Defendant Is Charged With Highway Robbery-Marie Lewis and Mill dred Harris Under Similar
 charae-The Evidence

John Brewer frequently referred to as sThe Cowboy" is on trial in the Criminal court on a charge of highway robbery. He is charged with robbing Frank H. Brunridge of more than s25O in a house of i'll repute at 2S1h South Twentieth street, on December 30, 1902.
 Brewer has been in the county jail since the middle of January. Two women, Mil- dred Harris and Marie Lewis, inmates of the house, are also under arrest on a similar charge. They made bond.
 The trial Is before Judge Samuel p. Greene. This case was taken up shortly after noon yesterday and will probably consume the entire time of the court to- day.
 Claimed He Had Been Robbed.
 It is charged that Brewer and Brunridge went to the house and that Brewer rob- bed Brunridge. Late at night Brunridge was found wandering around near the Metropolitan hotel, and he asserted he had been robbed of large sum of money.
 Brewer went with the two women men toned to Chattanooga. The three were arrested in that city and brought back to Birmingham.
 Brunridge was the first to take the stand He testified that he had been re- ieved of $25O. That he. Brewer and the two women were drinking on December sO and that when he left the house he discovered that he had lost his money. For some reason he became unconscious when he was standing near the Metro- politan hotel and did not know what happened afterwards. When he became conscious again he discovered he had beer beaten and cut with knife or some other instrument.
 MildreT Rarris testified that the two men came to the house and stayed a5me time, Brunridge drirkinE freely. She said the four went to wine room and stayed for some time. Brewer had a large roll of bills. He divided some money between herself, the housekeeper and Marie Lewis.
 Kicked Him Down the Steps.
 Marie Lewis testified that Brunridge had been drinking and that Brewer or dered whisky for Brunridge and "red pop for himself. She said Brunridge left the house. went to the sidewalk and came back; that Brewer met him at tho door and kicked him down the steps. She said she knew Brewer took the money, as he did not have any before he came into their room and exhibited a large roll with a rubber band. around 1t.
 John Simmons, a negro porter, testified to seeing the four in wine room and waiting on them. They took several drinks and then he went off duty.
 The testimony for the state will be taken up again when court convenes this morn- ing.
 Assistant Solicitor Winston Is prosecut- ing Brewer and John W. Altman Is de- lending him. A large crowd was present to hear the testimony.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
RAILROAD WORLD.

8. s. Fitzsimmons, fuel agent of the Atlantic Coast Line, with headquarters in Savannah, was in Birmingham yester- day.
 J. H. Kinzie. travelling passenger agent of the Central of Georgia, returned from New Orleans yesterday morning.
 F. H. sayre. superintendent of dining cars of the Frisco, with headquarters in Kansas City, was here yesterday.
 There seems to be little doubt now in the minds of those who are In position to know that the land between North Bir- mingham and the Pratt mines road, which Is held under option, is held in the inter- est of the Illinois Central
 The land in question is a strip about one and one-half miles long extending from about Fourteenth street North Blr- mingham, to the road leading to Pratt mines. It varies in width from 200 yards to one-fourth of a mile. It is bounded on the east and partially on the north by the property of the North Birmingham Land company. A small creek running parallel with Village Creek extends along the north side of the strip for quite a distance. The property was at one time owned by the Walker Land company.
 Although the property is divided up Into small divisions, which were sold separ- ateiy. options have been secured on each individual lot comprising the whole. The whole comprises between 125 and 150 acres.
 It is known that two surveys have been made Into North Birmingham for a rail- road. Both of them enter through the De Jarnette gap. Stakes have been placed to outline the survey and 1t is said these stakes can be found all the way to Florence.
 Nothing definite has been learned, how ever, as to whether this work is being done by the Illinois Central, but those who are best at reading signs say every thing points to that conclusion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
LEROY C.. HARDING
 NOT YET LOCATED
TELEGRAM SAID TO HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN FORT PAYNE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE BANKER IS AN EX-coNvICT.

The report now comes from Fort Payne that Leroy c. Harding. the banker who disappeared from that city on April 10 and has not been heard from since, is an ex-convict. A telegram to that effect is said to have been received by citizen of Fort Payne
 The three banks opened by Harding at Fort Payne Collinsville and Attalla closed their doors soon after his disap- pearance.
 It is said that Mrs. Harding, who re- ceived letter from her husband to meet him in Cincinnati, has returned from that city and is now at Newberne. Ala She did not see him even though she went on to his old home at Greenville, o. There she Is said to have met a friend of Hard ing's, who told her "all about the man she married"
 It is now said that depositors at the Peoples Bank and Trust company In Fort Payne are not such heavy losers as those at the Collinsville and Attalla banks, because most of them had drawn their money out when they found that Harding had not paid for grain which had been shipped to him from Kentucky.
 Hardng's schemes are said to have been planned and carried out more easily from the fact that he employed only in- experienced men at his banks. He was not hampered by the Investigations of any one who was familiar with the bank ing business.
 No trace of MT. Harding has yet been found but the officers who have war rants for him are still industriously searching to learn his whereabouts
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
AvoNDALE LAND COMPANY.
Stockholders Hold Their Annual Meet
 ine-Dividend Declared.

The annual meeting of the Avondaie Land company was held yesterday morn Ing at the office of the president in the Roden building. A dividend of 1 per cent was declared, which is the fourth similar one declared this year
 Those present at the meeting were: President B. F. Roden, Robert Jemison. J. A. Foust, Pascal G. Shook George B. Ward, T. T. Hillman, R. H. Pearson, A. H. Carpenter and Lee Bivins.
 The same board of directors and officers were reelected. The officers are: B. F. Roden, president and M. T. Sumner. secretary treasurer. and the board con- sists of B. F. Roden R. H. Pearson, P G. Shook, T. T. Hillman and Lee Blvins.
 The company's affairs were found to be in excellent shape and it is thought by the management that dividends will be regularly forthcoming during the year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
JEFFERSON TO GIVE
 LECTURE AT 4 P. M
Admission Will Be Without Charge, But Persons Wishing to Attend
 Must Procure Tickets.

Joseph Jefferson, the veteran actor, will o'clock at the Jefferson theatre under the auspices of the Free Kindergarten association.
 The lecture will be free, although ad- mission will be by ticket. These can be secured al Parkers drug store, the book department of Loveman. Joseph and Loeb and Doster- Northington's drug store. IL is expected that the house will be filled, as there is great demand for tickets.
 The subject of MT. Jefferson's lecture will be "The Drama"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
St. Louis Valley Road a Part.

Little Rock, Ark, April 2O-It is an- nounced from the office of General Sup- erintendent w. T. Tyler of the Iron Mountain route that the St. Louis Valley railroad, which was recently purchased by the Goulds, will be operated as part of the Iron Mountain system under his Jurisdiction here. All eastbound freight from the south will be detoured at Pop lar Bluff to Grays Point, where the river will be crossed at Thebes. the southern terminus of the St. Louis Valley road. The road is 135 miles in length.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
New FirIna System.

Pensacola, Fla, April 2o.-Lieut Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Gen. Wallace Randolph and twelve other army officers arrived here today to inspect the testing of the new wadsworth system of fire control, which has been instituted at Fort Pick ems. The new system is expected to re- volutionize the firing and aiming of coast defense, if it proves practicable. General Miles and the other officers will remain here until Friday
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
TO BANQUET AT THE HlLLMAN.
Kappa Sigma Will Give an Elaborate
 Affair on the 2Sth.

The members of the Kappa Sigma fra ternity resident in Birmingham are mak- ing preparations to give banquet at the Hi1lman hotel on the evening of April 2S, which promises to be a very swell affair.
 There are quite a number of brothers in Birmingham who wear the crescent and star and the banquet is given pri- marily that all may get together and become acquainted. It is expected that a permanent alumni chapter of Kappa Sigmas will be established shortly, as much interest is already being taken in the project.
 The banquet will be on an elaborate scale. In addition to an orchestral pro- gramme the fraternity songs will be ren- dered and the Kappa Sigma yell will fig ure prominently in the festivities. A number of happy toasts will be responded tds Covers will be laid for thirty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
PEOPLES TELEPHONE RATES.
Board of Trade Committee Heard Man.
 ager Polk Yesterday.

The telephone committee of the Board f Trade met yesterday afternoon at 4 aeoples' Home Telephone company to be flowed to increase its rates. The action the committee was not given out, as 1t was decided that it was not to be made public until the meeting of the board this afternoon at o'clock.
 Manager Polk of the telephone com pany appeared before the committee and showed why the company was forced to ask for an increase in rates The com mittee is composed of John W. O'Neill J. M Dewberry, c. c. Heidt, Oliver Chalifoux and B. H. Cooper.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
DIR. B. L. VIVIAN WAS AN EXPERT
 WITNESS IN THE PARRISH TRIAL
CONVENTION
 IS NOT TO BE DIVIDED

and that 1t Is too hard for one man to preside over it; therefore the desire on the part of some to make division.
 Rev. Dr. A. c. Davidson, pastor of the southside Baptist church, said last night that he did not think 1t would amount to anything, as those who wanted di- vision were some anti-missionary Bap- lists who are confined to several small sections of the western states sending delegates to the convention. He says that the men who are influential and have the interest of the work at heart will not agree to a division
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
ILLNESS OF coRoNER's WIFE.
Mrs. Paris at St. Vincent's, Where She
 Is In Serious Condition.

Mrs w. D. Paris. wife of Coroner Paris, is very i'll at St. Vincents hos pital, where she has been for several days past. Mrs. Paris was taken sud- denly i'll about ten days ago, and since that time she has lowered between life and death. Her condition last night was pronounced by the physicians to be az favorable as could be expected. Cor oner Paris has been at tho bedside of his wife for the past two days and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21

m IT Order that ledger or book UU made to order today. The unWI place Is Roberts & Son uUW Qnc.), oldest and largest printing house and LOOK bindery in the city. 1872 Third avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21

Building Permlt.-The following building permit was issued yesterday: l.. V. Clarke, to move two-story frame dwelling on Twenty-first street and Tenth avenue, to cost $325.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
The Mothers Friend.

when natures supply fails. Is Borden's Eagle Brand Condensed Milk It is a cows milk adapted to infants, according to the highest scientific methods. An infant fed on Eagle Brand will show a steady gain in weight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-21
CITY ITEMS.

Petitions In Bankruptcy.-Petitio in bankruptcy were filed yesterday by J. w. Dougherty and Henry Rayster, both of Bessemer.