davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
FIRE DEPARTMENT RECORD. V
Largest Number of Runs, But Losse.
 Small.

For the year and the month just past the fire department has broken records In December the department made seven ty-two runs, which were exactly twenty more than were ever made in any one month since the department was organ ized. The losses were remarkably small considering the number of fires and the property at risk. The losses during the month did not go over s35,000.
 For the past year the department has had peculiar luck. Several times big fires were narrowly averted, and then only by the bravery of the firement. The only bad accidents were 10 Bremen Lane and liter who were both disabled while in discharge of their duty.
 There were 36i fires during the year, which is in excess of the previous records and the loss was about $135,OO0, surpris ingly small when the risks are consld- cred.
 The department has been increased by a. new engine, a new fire station and three new hose wagons during the past year, and the firemen all made a solemn resolu- ton last night to try to get more appa- ratuS this year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
TREATMENT TA
 BE REIMBURSED
POSTMASTER WAKEFIELD OF BAL. TlMOaE WILL B. CALLED ON FOR $5681, PAID AS SALARY TO JOHN w. PETIT, THE CLERK.

Washington, December 31-The auditor Tor the postoffice department under a de- cision announced today will call immedi- ately on Postmaster Warfield of Balti- more to reimburse the government for $5631 paid as salary to John w. Petit, who was on the rolls as clerk and book keeper in the Baltimore postoffice. The decision was discused in Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Brstow's report on the postal investigation, MT. Bristow stat ing that Petit performed no service whatever for the amount paid on the or der of George w. Beavers at Washington, with the acquiescence of the postmaster. Postmaster Warfield, however, says he protested against placing Petit on the rolls. The postmaster today received from the attorney general decision hold ing as follows:
 'I have no hesitation in advising you that the circumstances appearing may be regarded as showing a prima facie case of liability and as calling upon you, or indeed, requiring you in order to protect the government interests, to put the bond in suit and to submit to a jury the ques- ton of MT Warfield's liability thereon. The government will institute suit If the postmaster fails to make restitution"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
U. s. MINISTER'S SON
 ACCIDENTALLY SHOT
FARGO SoUlERS MEETS HIS DEATH AT THE HANDS OF CHAUFFEUR, WHO DISCHARGES RIFLE AT TARGET PRACTICE.

Havana, December 31.-Fargo Squires, the eldest son of United States Minister Squires, was accidentally shot and mor- tally wounded today by Gaston Michaud, chaffeur employed by his father. Young Squires and several servants were shooting at target in the coach house of the minister's residence in the suburbs of Nsriano.. They used twenty-two cali bre rifles, and one of them apparently got out of order. Michaud, after exam ming the weapon, relocked it, when sud- denly the piece was discharged in the direction of Squires who was standing between Michaud and the target The ball penetrated the young mans left lung. A hemorrhage ensued and within half an hour Squires died.
 There is no other member of the Squires' family in Cuba at the present time. Secretary Sleeper, who Is in charge of the legation, sent a cablegram to Min ister Squires. at Washington, and one to Mrs. Squires. at Kantonah, N. Y., in- forming them of the accident. The body of young Squires will be forwarded to New York Sunday. Fargo Squires was popular here. He was 20 years of age. Michaud Is distracted by his careless ness. There is no doubt that the young mans drn Ii -'es 1lf-et@ r-eiGe erta1
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
MANY CHANGES ON
 SOUTHERN RAILWAY
M. M. RlcHEY, sUPT. OF B'HAM
 DIVISION, MADE ASST GEN'l sUP'T OF WESTERN DIVISION. coTTER COMES HERE ALSO. /

Atlanta, December 31.-Several cbAnses among the officials of the operating de- partment of the Southern railway Will oc- cur tomorrow. General Manager '. H. Ackert of the Southern raiFay has an nounced the promotion of C $. McManus' now general superintendept or the western division, to be general Superintendent of the eastern and westsfn division Of the Southern, with headduarters at Greens boro, N. c.
 M M. Richey. now superintendent of the Birmingham division, has been made assistant general superintendent Of the western division, with headquarters at Birmingham.
 I. l. Cotter of Mobile has been made superrtendent of the Birmingham divis- ion. with headquarters at Birmingham and F. J. Egan, trainmaster or the At lanta division, has been transferred to Mobile as. superintendenf of the division of the road at that place,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
SEVEN OF EMPLOYES
 ARE UNDER ARREST
STAGE HANDS AT THE IROQUOiS THEATRE ARE CHARGED WITH BEING ACCESSORY TO MAN. SLAUGHTER.

Chicago, December a.-Seven employees of the Iroquois theatre were arrested to- night on orders issued by Chief of Police ONeil. The charge against them is at present that of being accessory to man. slaughter. They will be held pending the verdict of the coroner's jury.
 The men arrester are: William Carlton, stage manager; Edward Cumings. stage carpenter; Frank Jsndrow, R. M. Cum mings, F. Engle Thomas Mcqueen, S. J. Mazoni The last five are stage hands and scene shifters.
 After being taken into custody by the police four of the men told Chief O'Neil that they had been requested by people connected with the theatre to leave the city When asked who advised them tc do this they at first refused to say. but later admitted that the advice was given by Assistant Stage Manager Plunkitt.
 They said they were about to follow PlunlSitt's advice, and all of them had packed their trunks, and would have been out of the city had the police not arrested them
 Shortly after midnight, detectives from central police station arrested William Plunkitt, stage manager. and four mem- bers of the Moonlight Chorus The chorus is made up of eight men and eight women, and was about to appear on the stage when the fire started. Those ar rested in addition to Plunkitt, were Will liam Stack. Samuel Bell. Victor Bosart and Edward Wines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01

and Ii eneed an inves- tigation. d that on May 15 last Bens, ,Toodword Harlan, chief of the poh service division of the in- terior department $2OOf to furnish him with advance information concerning the report of Messrs. Pugh and Steece. It is further claimed that second payment of s200 was made to Harlan on March 20. third on March 20 of the same amount and a fourth on December IS to the same federal official of $50. A claim is also made that on December 16 Benson paid William Volk, a clerk in the land office, the sum of $50 to permit him to see cer- tain reportr.
 After his arrest the accused man was taken before United States Commissioner Shield, who set his examination for Jan- uary 12. Being unable to procure bond, Benson was taken to jail.
 J. G. Campbell, one of Benson's coun- sel, said bail would be furnished tomor- TOW,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
JAMMING OF THE CURTAIN
 CAUSEDTHE CATASTROPHE

Chicago, December 31.-Employes of the Iroquos theatre place the terrible loss of life to the tanning of the asbestos curtain Had it been worked properly they say the fire would have been confined to the stage alone. At every performance of the show the asbestos curtain has been raised and lowered. It has always run smoothly, according to the employees. It was so arranged that should one of the cables holding it break, the curtain would descend by it's own weight. The asbestos curtain was held by four steel cables. It slid up and down on two and was guided by two others, one on each side.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
REVISED LIST OF IDENTIFIED A DEAD AND THE MANY MISSING
Continued from First Page)


 Roenitz, Frank, II years; Roenitz, Mrs. F. L.. Rine. Mrs and two children; Row itz, Rae: Reynolds, W. J.; Reynolds, Joseph, years; Reilly, Harry; Romaine. Anna; Reid, John w.
 SAILOR, Helen; Shreiner. Mrs. Ed o ward; Steinmuler, Barbara; Strong, Mrs s. J.; Strong, Teeny,, II years; Swayzae, Eloise; Simmons, Miss Ida; shelsolA Barbara; Stafford, Mrs. II. F.; Skinner, Alice; Schwartz, Mary, 1Q years; Secrist, Mrs. c. M and daugn- ter. years; Smith, Maurine, 10 years; Strowbridge, Mrs. A; Sloan -, mother ana two sisters of John J. Sloan; Smith, Charles F.; Smith Bonnie, IA years; She lad, Ross, IA years; Speth, Mrs; Speck, Mrs; Speck, Miss Stafford, Mrs. Bess.; Swart. Miss Marjorie; Stahlman, Miss Ruth, nodgeville, Wis; Scott Miss Esta, Evanston III.
 VHOMAs. Remington; Thumley, VII. Il liam; Turney, Annie; Futile, Miss Terlat, Mrs. Mary and two daughters Futile, Mrs. c. J., Des Moines, Iowa Tobian, Ford; '-'owney, Miss Carrie. w ENFIELD, Hannah; Winniger, Loisa W Wilcox Mrs. Eva; Woods, Mrs. l.; Wicksham. Lillian; Webster, Charles Weber, John; Weber, Missa F, years; Wag- ners, Mrs. Willis; Wundeflich Mrs. Pearl; Weiners Thomas; Wilson, Edna; Wilson. D.; Witkowski. Mrs. Lotta; Well ton Alice: Weik, Fry, Milwaukee; White Mrs. Hiram and child, Logansport, Ind
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Baron Sternberg Calls.

Washington. December 31.-Baron von Sternberg, the German ambassador, called on Acting Secretary of State Loomis today to offer the sincere condo- lence of his government for the terrible catastrophe which befell the American people at Chicago He brought with him a cablegram from Count von Buelow ex- pressing the deepest sympathy, and ask ing for further details. MT. Loomis in- formed him that he would promptly for ward the message to the President, and expressed the appreciation of the Wash ington government for the message.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The public rehearsal of the Pollock Stevens Orchestra. which was held Wednesday night in the new hall of the Pollock Stevens Institute, under the di- rection of J. O. Hannum, was decided success A large and representative audi ence greeted the orchestra on this, its first appearance in public, and every one present seemed to thoroughly enjoy the bright and tuneful rendering of the vari- ous numbers on the programme.
 There were six numbers by the full orchestra, and all of them were well re- ceived some being vociferously enchor- ed. The selection, "Oberon.' for two violins and piano. rendered by Miss Charsell, Miss Boyle and MT. Fabian, pleased the audience so much that an enchore was demanded. and in response MT. Fabian played a violin solo very ar tistically.
 The flute duet, "Qui est Home,'' from Stabat Mater, given by Mir. Marx and MT. Alber, as also the flute solo by the former gentleman, were very much en- joyed.
 MT Iiai per coIHet Soio was "Si Pei . formed, Miss Bowling playing the ac- compartment Mir. B. l.. Michaelson sang a tenor solo very acceptably, hav- ing to respond to an enchore.
 The performance all through was high ly creditable although some vocal num- bers had to be cancelled owing to the illness of Mrs. Jacobs and Mir Hill Fer guson. both of whom are suffering from severe colds. Those present will look forward with pleasure to the next en- tertainment to be given by the orchestra.
 The orchestra is said to be especially fortunate in having the services of Miss Josephine Boyle as pianost, whose playing is of a quality equalled by few amateurs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
SOME QUESTIONS ASKED.
Coroner's Jury Visits Theatre and
 Makes Inquiries.

Chicago, December 31.-This evening the coroner's jury, which had spent the day in visiting the various morgues. were taken by Coroner Traeger to the theater At the conclusion ot the inspection of the theater. it was decided to continue the inquest until Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. A few question which the jury will try to obtain satisfactory an- swers to, are:
 Were the steel doors leading to the fire escapes on the first and second bal comics locked when the fire broke out? If they were locked were they opened promptly by the attendants?
 Was it impossible to lower the asbestos curtain?
 Why did the management permit the use of arc lights in the theater with no device to prevent sparks from the car- bons igniting borders of the scenery and curtain?
 Why did the ushers shut all the doors and urge the audience to remain seated, after the fire broke out, instead of doing everything possible to empty the house?
 German Press sympathizes.
 Berlin, December 31.-The evening pa- pers express horror and sympathy oyer the Chicago fire comparing the details of those with Vienna and Paris theatre fires The fire depjartment here anonunces that 1t will make fresh study of arrangements for local theatres so as to prevent if possi- ble disaster similar to the one In Chi cago.
 Chicago in Mourning.
 Chicago, December 31--Flags were placed at half mast all over the city to ' day. Mayor Harrison setting the exampt at the city hall.
 Upton Eager to Assist.
 London. December 31.-Sir Thomas L ton says he believes sympathy is hest c dence by helping the sufferers and that fund is opened in Chicago to assist thu who have been deprived of their brei winners, by the theatre fire, he will glad contribute $10OO
 London Sympathizes With Chicago. London. December 3l.-Lord Monkshell I chairman of the London county council 1 telegraphed to Ambassador Choate as fol lows: The chairman of London countyI council in behalf of the capital of the) British empire desires to express deepl sympathy with the terrible loss and suf | fering entailed by the fire at the Iroquoil theater in Chicago"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
VULCAN FOUNDATION
 AT ST. LOUIS BEING LAID
J. A. Macknieht Has Returned From St. Louis and Brings Most
 Enthusiastic Report.

The contract for the foundation of Vul- can has been signed and the work has been commenced. James A. MacKnight re- turned yesterday from St. Louis, where he has been attending to this important detail. He has chosen the exact place Vulcan to stand, and thinks that it W be so placed as to make the best disnx of any exhibit at the exposition.
 The Alabama mineral exhibit has been given a space of 62x32 feet, and vulvan will be placed at the rear of it. but in a central position. Around it will be grouped the various mineral exhibits of the state.
 The position is considered tho best in the fair grounds at St. Louis that Vul- can will be the best advertisement at the fair.
 The foundation of the statue will be about twelve feet square, and will be seo- eral feet deep. Work on it has been com menced already. and 1t will be completed by the time the figure is ready to be bolted into place.
 Arrangements have been made to sur- round the entire Alabama mineral exhibit space with a handsome railing made of mineral products of the state. The posts will be of pipe iron and will be connected by rails, pipes, wire and other materials products of the Birmingham district cur- paces and factories
 Miniature casts of Vulcan, probablyfrom six to twelve inches tall, will be sold as souvenirs. MT. MacKnight has obtained this privilege and will have the little castings made in a. short time. Congress- man Underwood has obtained a copy right of Vulcan both by photograph and by casting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01

These four cables extended above the gridiron. The gridiron is the frame work which supports the tackle by which the scenery is raised and lowered to the side wall. There they were attached to large steel plate. On the side going up, count less weights were attached, of which there were enough to make less than an absolute balance for the curtain.
 All of the employees deny that there has been any previous fires in the house. The report was current last night and to- day that a small blaze was quickly put out and a panic narrowly averted less than three weeks ago, but this was denied by the employees They also deny that any of the doors to exits were locked
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
GOOD ROADS WORE.
Agent of Southern Railway Asks foI
 Information.

Mayor Drennen has received a commu- of the Southern Railway company. asking for information concerning the condition of the roads in Alabama and the progress that has been made in their improvement during the past year.
 The agent also wishes to know whether the good roads train which was in Bir- mingham several months ago stirred up any interest in the subject and whether it's presence in Birmingham caused unus- ual comment.
 The mayor is compiling the information.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
INDIAN CHIEF ID
 ASSIST COLOMBIA Troops Land Near Island of
 Pines for a Conference
lNAUQUINA ON A VESSEL
He Has Following of About 5000, and Would Fight for Colombia-u. s. Vessels Sent Out to Pre-.
 vent Landing.

Colon, December 3l. - Information reached Governor Melendez last night from Carti. a village near the Island of Pines, in Panama territory, that Colom- bian troops had landed there December 21 end conferred with the Indian chief, Inaulsuina. who afterwards was taken aboard a vessel, and it is thought con- veyed to cartagena.
 Chief Inauquina is regarded here as sympathizer with Columbia, because he was made a colonel in the Colombian army during a visit to Bogota. He speaks English and is said to have three thou- sand or more Indian followers. The in- formant of Governor Melendez reported that he saw a steamer, probably the gun boat General Pinzon or Cartagena, long distance off shore December 21. Boats from the gunboat were loaded and sub sequently rowed in and landed those aboard who conferred with Chief Inau- uuina. After the conference the gunboat steamed out of Panamanian boundaries.
 The republic of Panama has reliable fn- formation throughout the San Blaz dis trct who are said to be true to Panama. Governor Melendez said to the oorrespon dent of the Associated Press that at least 10000 Indians favored Panama, but that their chiefs are unwilling to allow any persons besides their own tribes to cross their territory. The governor does not believe that Chief Inauquina will allow Colombian troops toAcross his lands. lm- medately it became known here that Co., lombians had 4sfmded within the
 cders of the republic of Panama, the
 ked States gunboat Castine, which
 ling at the railroad dock steamed
 Ards Carti. She was followed
 rewards by the cruiser Olym- ItfS AYn what course the gunboat and cruisS ito take. The ships will not bring h :mation regarding the affair to AdhIfW toghlan for a day or two.
 At .Jhanluna, near Rio Miel, Cauca, on the border of Panama, parties in sympa- thy with the new republic are closely watching every movement of the Colom- bian troops in that vicinity
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Charged With Burglary.

c, w. Smith of E. st Lake was arrested yesterday afternoon by Detective Patton and Policeman Henry Murphy on a charge of burglary and grand larceny. He was unable to make bond. He will probably be given a hearing today. A very fine gold watch inlaid with diamonds, was follnd on him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Missing Girls Uncle Arrives.

Mobile, Ala, December 31.-J. M. Nasty, an uncle of Miss Ethel Rovelle, the missing heiress to fortune of $S,O00,0O0 left he- by an aunt in Col orado, arrived in this city last night from Meridian, Miss, to search for the young lady, who is supposed to be in this city. MT. Nasty stated that the young lady told him several days be- fore her disappearance that she wanted to come to Mobile to visit the family of a Mrs. Lee, who came to Mobile some time ago from Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
SUCCESS IS ASSURED.
Subscriptions to Jamestown Exposition
 Amount to $1,100,000.

Newport News, Va, December 31.- At tonight's meeting in the interest of the Jamestown exposition movement, held in Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth and Berkley, the success of the move ment was assured.
 Subscriptions made at these meet ings to the capital stock ran the total of stock taken to $1,100,000.
 To save the charter obtained by the company it was necessary to show sub scriptions amounting to $1,000,000 at midnight tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
M. D. WIcKERsHAM DEAD.
Was United States Attorney for the
 Southern District of Alabama.

Mobile. December s1.-Morris D, Wick ersham, United States attorney for the southern district of Alabama, died tonight aged 63 years.
 He had fine war record as volunteer in the union army. He has been several times appointed attorney for the district In 1892 he was elected president of the Mo- bile Bar association. He leaves a widow and one child.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
London sympathizes With Chicago.
Bishop Foss Presides.

Washington, December 31.--Bish Foss presided today at the session the joint hymnal commission of t Methodist Episcopal church and t Methodist Episcopal church, south.
 committee on title and subtitle V appointed, consisting of c. B. Whit Joseph B. Campbell, s. F. Upham, RI Cooke, Bishop Goodselle and Bis Foss. Prof. R. J. Kerlin for his c
 mittee submitted draft for the ch fication of hymns of the new book.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
ATTRACTED BIG CROWD.
First Avenue Fire Had Much Smoke
 and Small Flame.

A large crowd was gathered on First avenue yesterday afternoon by a big smoke and small fire in the rear of one of the little lunch counters at about 1872
 From the smoke there seemed to be a large fire. but one stream of water extin- guished the flames in couple of minutes. The loss did not amount to more than s5.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Nothinu Received From Russia.

St. Petersburg, December 31.-The foreign office declares nothing yet has been received regarding Russias reply to Japan. M. Kurino, the Japanese minister here. has been conferring actively with Foreign Minister Lams- dorff. notwithstanding the fact that the Japanese minister is suffering severely from a cold and lynbage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Japan and Russian Situation Same.

Berlin. December 31.-The Far East ern situation has undergone no visible change since yesterday, according to official advices received here. Russia sfifi- wifnholds her reply and Japan continues to push tue mobilization of her land forces. N !s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Physicians Grip Found

physicians prg filled with instru- ments, Is at police hea9quarters, where it was carried yesterday. It Vas found on the street. or stolen from bggy, and >tlie~pelice are anxious to locateitle owner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Assistant Warden Alex. Rittcnberry.

Alex Rittenberry last night took charge of the night watch at the city jail. He was recently elected as assistant warden, and Mack Rittenberry was reelected as warden The latter will have cousin to assist him during the day when the work about the office is heavy.
 For the past year Alex has been assist ing his brother. He succeeds George w. Walton. who was elected at the annual meeting of the mayor and board of al- dermen year ago. ". Walton will \. .. !, ] ! , } :. ]. ]: probably go on the |, Cce. as he has served as patroll ana In At ianta and Is thoroX ped Tor the work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
RUSSIAN-JAPANESE WAR
 IS ALMOST A CERTAINTY

Tokio January 1.-The situation is growing extremely critical, and it is be- leyed the chances for war are greater than ever before. Peace hinges on the character of Russia's response. If the Russian reply is unsatisfactory, it is al- most certain that Japan will fight imme-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01
Arkansas Republicans to Meet.

Little Rock, Ark, December 31.-| a meeting of the Republican State Ce tral committee a call for state cq vention was agreed upon to select d& gates at large to the republica0 tional convention and nominate ticket. The convention will T Little i.ock on May 19. A res introduced by Gen. Powell Cla bassador to Mexico, endorsip| ministration of Pre
 was unanimously ado
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-01

diately.
 If Russia desires peace, her position will be difficult to maintain, for the Ja- panese are distrustful of Russian prom ises. If Russia's response is delayed for a week, it is expected Japan will de- mand an immediate answer.