davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Little Sympathy for Walsh.

John R. Walsh, the Chicago banker, Is not personally known in Wall street, al- though he has long been recognized as one of the foremost of western fnanciers. Ills failure caused as great surprise, as would the collapse of James Stillman, James Woodward or any of the small list of iron -willed conservatives in the front rank magnates. In his home city MT. Walsh has long been known as a hard man-remorseless in his treatment of lame ducks and always unyielding in his demands that bankrupts should be stripped of everything very had with the least possible delay in order that the worst may be known and that re- construction might begin from bedrock. When MT. Eckels was appointed comp troller of currency in the spring of lss3 by MT. Cleveland he was brought imme- dately face to face with the worst bank ing panic the country had seen since 1857. MT. Eckels turned to John R. Walsh for counsel and advice VT. Walsh advis- ed that national banks be held to rigid account and that if any chrewd weak ness thowed they should be forced to close. This harsh policy was followed for some time but conditions became so bad that the comptroller was opilged lo revise his policy and do a little nursing. As 1t was, hundreds of banks went to the wall, if MT. Walsh's urgent counsel had pursued to end the bankruptcy list might have been double. Now he Is get ting an allopathic dose of the medicine he has been forcing down the throats or others for thirty years. The Chicago hanks went gunnipg for him at his hrst show of lameness and they landed nm. MT. Walsh makes no pretense of liking inc medicine he Is taking. He knows not how it feels to be under the harrow. He Is receiving scant sympathy in his affiic- ffon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24

Contrary to general expectation the money market as the year closes shows relaxation. There is of course still the possibility of a final year-end furry but last weeks bank statement was very reassuring. In banking circles of credi- bility opinion is unanimous that money rates will gradually ease off after New Year. However, the money question is not worrying the big plungers who are running this market. In fact nothing worries them-they are in power and seem able to maintain their position against everything and anything. Of course this would not be feasible if there were not behind the market the tremend- ous force of prosperous natural condi- tions. With great crops bringing good prices and with industries running at full blast there seems small hope for the bear party. All known conditions favor the security market-against 1t is nothing but the expected.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
I. c. 1. Goes Up.

Heavy speculation continues in leading industrial shares. Tennessee Coal and Iron reaches the highest figures 1t has ever sold at-absurdly high on dividend basis. but no doubt warranted by It's technical position. Indeed 1t Is practical ly cornered and may give the shorts very unpleasant time. Similar conditions show in National Lead. United States steel shares are quiet but show every tendency to gradually work up-mainly on investment demand They will have their day speculatively All the copper stocks remain active. United Copper on the curb has had sharp reaction from the highest but this has been brought about by the creation of big short in- terest. It acts remarkably strong Mitch ell mining Tennessee copper. Utah Apex and Nevada, Utah are all booked for up- ward movements. If the public ever takes hold of these low priced issues there will be some wold advances. There
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Tips are Good.

The singular phase of current specula- tion is that every morning before 10 o'clock you can loiter along New street and get free tips of the exact price that this or that stock is going to sell at dur ing the day. Strange to say these tips almost invariably make good" All you have to do Is to shut your eyes and go 1t blindy. Many a Wall street operator Is deploring his incredulity in not accept ing this philanthropic information. Judg- ment, experience, facts and figures have no weight against free tips. Professional circles are wondering how long this will keep up. The same old favorites con- time to lead, Union Pacific, the Hill stocks, Reading, St. Paul and Pennsylvania are prime favorites. Erie lags in disappoint- ing fashion, but there is good buying of the stocks by powerful interests and that Erie is going to be acquired by some trans-continental system is a certainty Meanwhile It's earnings steadily grow and its physical condition has been brought up to a higher standard than ever before. It looks cheap at anywhere below 50.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Lawson's Offer.

Thomas W. Lawson, with unaccustom- ed modesty as to space, informs the public that he has about s15,OO0000 to defend their rights against the accursed system" The people do not enthuse much over this, as he admits having already lost nearly s4,o0O,0O0 in his fight against the pirates If Lawson is to be taken at his word how tempting that s15, 600 must look to the systeml It is a sum worth gunning for. But a skepticsm prevails regarding the Law son statements. Last Monday Amalga- mated copper in the furry over Chicago bank faiues sold off about points, sup posed to be helped along by Lawson. If so, some of the 900 is already a fond memory, for Amalgamated walked right up again. Lawson as prophet Is discredited and as a credit he does not pan out-at least his followers do not. A year ago the Lawson utterances caused fear and trembling; they are now jocular- ly regarded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Streets Full of Gossip.

Wall street is full of curious gossip.
 James J. Hill explains that he buys un- ion Pacific to get share in the benefits accruing to that company from its hold ings of Hill stock. All the magnates are alleged to be buying each others stocks so that if competition war ensues each will make money by cutting his own throat-a line of reasoning of brand new variety, recalling the Gilbertan lines, "A most enchanting paradox, a most delight full paradox" Whether 1t will end in an era of brotherly love or a regular Wild West fanfare is not yet certain, but 1t is pleasant to know that the magnates have things fixed as that in either event everybody will make money, including
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Southern Iron Properties.

The Gates people take official control of Tennessee Coal & Iron by acquiring majority of the directorate. New direc- tors are all Republic Iron and Steel men. Official merger of these properties will follow in due course and Sloss-Sheffield will probably be taken in also. John w. Gates is an expert authority on steel The foundation of his fortune was laid by his building up of the American Wire company, which he held to the United States Steel corporation. It is an open secret that he was much chagrined at not being made director In the steel corporation and he has ever since been looking out for an opportunity to re- assert himself in the steel business. lie has got it now by his control of the southern properties and the steel trust will have to reckon with him. Gates prestige will grow enormous as a result of this coup.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24

Coincldent with George w. Perkins re- tirement the New York Life company publishes a display advertisement of cer- tifying to the fact that during the five years of his chairmanship of the finance committee s1o,oOO,OOO profits were realized for the company out of the transactions in bonds and stocks. And MT. Perkins says not a solutary dollar went into his pocket-that when J. P Morgan 6 Co. made profit he had his share figures and promptly handed it over to New York Life. So in this era of restitution Per kins occupies the favorable position of having nothing to repay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Christmas trade have exceeded all former

Christmas trade have exceeded all former years.
 Advances in the imports of diamonds and precious stones have been remarka ble during the year." said General George w Mindil. In charge of the division of the appraisers stores which passes upon the values of these importations.
 Nearly all the precious stones for the United States are entered at this port, and the enormous business we have done re- fleets the prosperity of the entire country New York is the barometer of the coun- try so far as diamonds and other gems are concerned. In rough stones alone the imports have reached total of S10 000, 900 These diamonds under a recent law come in free of duty, and diamond cutting Is becoming an important industry
 Large revenues are derived by the gov ernment from the diamonds that enter this port. Precious stones cut but not set pay 10 per cent, while limitations pay as high as 45 per cent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Peoples Gas.

The rather sharp decline in Peoples s Gas was first thought to be due to the Walsh failures. It was supposed that Walsh holdings were being liqudated The real reason subsequently appeared when the directors of the company an- nounced a 5 per cent dividend policy. IS against the prevailing per cent. The fears there is trouble ahead for if is the municipal ownership idea which gains ground in Chicago. However, even on 5 per cent basis market price for the stock is not high.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Tax Reform Needed In Maine.

From the Machias Union.
 The wild lands of Maine are valued a, sso,0O0,0O0. They pay in taxes s15o0o0 The steam and electric railroads of Maine worth s1o0. GOO. pay in taxes s45o,0o0 To gether these properties are worth $500 GOO. Together they pay taxes s600,000 Farm and village property in Maine valued at s13o,000,000, pays in taxes $2.000,- 00o Don't you think that extra s200o, ,0O( ought to be divided up? Or would you rather keep on paying the whole of it yourselves?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24

plentiful The powers that be simply hoot at bank failures or anything else
 How long this temper can be maintained or how long bull recourses can hold out is now the chief topic of Wall street discussion. It is certainly clear that stocks are held by people who do not care to let go at current prices and are apparently strong enough to hold on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
TO MERCHANTS. Effective "Wednesday, Nov.

18th, 1925 a. m. Bessemer freight train will go to Bes- ssmer via South Bessemer line and return via North Besse naer limo.
 Birmingham Railway, Light
 & Power Company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Perkins Not in Debt,

the dear public. Who would not be a magnate?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
DIAMOND IMPORTS.
Total Value of Gems This Year Is
 $37,oo0,00o.

From the New York Post.
 Imports of diamonds and other precious stones, which mark the rise and fall Of prosperity. have reached the remarkable total of s37, ,O00, 900 at this port for the pres ent year Not only has the annual in- crease of from $1. .OOO to sl,50o.oo0 been kept up but the banner year of 1904, with s2e, ,O92.275 worth of gems, has been beaten by nearly s11 100000.
 This phenomenal increase has been made in the face of rising market Dia- monds, earls and other gems have ad- vanced their prices are now about twenty-f cent what they were year az M opinion of experts, the repeated santl in the prices of dia- monds zfa .s of their scarcity have st af demand for them. At any se to this port were heavy year. and in the last m t of gems for the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
Money Market Relaxed.

is always a singular fascination about copper sharps.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
REV. w. E. HATCHER, Who Will Preach Dedication Sermon
 at First Baptist.


 The bapistry. donated by Mrs Purser. wife of the Rev. David Ingram Purser. pastor of the church from 1SS4-1Ss9. also presents beautiful appearance.
 The following words, inscribed on a mar ble tablet, have been placed above the bapistry:
 ITO the memory of Dr. David Ingram Purser, pastor of this church, 1SS4-1SS9." !" The following text is added: He was a good man and full of the holy spirit and of faith. and much people was added unto the Lord"
 The woodwork is of quarter-sawed, hand-smoothed oak, finished to 8 dead rub. The gallery extends around the sides in graceful curves, while the organ. the pulpit, the bapistry and the choir loft are artistically arranged on the opposite side of the room. When the partition between the main auditorium and the Sunday school room is removed, 1500 people can be comfortably seated in view of the speaker.
 The Sunday school room is considered the most conveniently arranged in the city Twelve large classes can be heard III SepdTdlt at oiiC Aibity hhb thS entire membership can come together af- ter the classes have been held in the main Sunday school room, which has a seating capacity of over 500
 History of Church.
 This is the third church that has been erected by the congregation. The First Baptist church was organized In the Cos N4 faf of pra- lessor Waldrop of East Lake. The Rev. MT. Hillyer served as pastor for time. and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Hen don, who erected in 1870 the first build ing owned by the church. A handsome stained glass window is being placed in the new church in memory of pr. Hendon by his friends. The Rev. pr. D. l. Purssr was pastor from 1884 to 1889, and in 1888 erected the structure which was torn away when the present edifce was built. Following Dr. Purser was the Rev. Dr. w. l.. Pickard, now of Lynchburg, then the Rev Dr. B. D. Gray, now of Att lanta, who was succeeded by the present pastor in 1901.
 Work on the new church was begun in April, 1905 and since that time the con- gregation has worshipped in the High school building and the Sunday school room, which was completed some months ago.
 The Rev. Dr. B. D. Gray, who was pas tor of the church from 1S94-19ol, will assist in the dedication services to be held this morning. and will also make an address in the evening. Dr. Gray left the church in 1901 to accept the presidency of George town college. and after serving in that capacity for a few years he was called to place on the Home Mission Board. with headquarters in Atlanta. Dr. Gray is very popular In Birmingham and many of his friends will be glad to hear him today.
 The Rev Dr. A. J. Dickinson. the popu- lar patsor of the chuch. has by his genial manner and the wonderful good he has accomplished during his short residence heres become greatly beloved by the citi- zenship of Birmingham. pr. Dickinson
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
FOR THE BENEFIT
 OF ORPHANS HOME
THE GASKlLL SHOWS HAVE BEEN ENGAGED FOR A WEEKS CAR WRITING FEATURES.

A contract has been made between the Gaskill Shows and several well-known men in the city for a weeks carnival commencing May b. the proceeds to go to the Orphans home at East Lake.
 The Gaskill Shows have been enlarged and improved since they were last here. and one of the features will be the loop ing -the-loop with the death trap on a wheel weighing about 13 pounds, which generates electricity enough in it's trip down the incline to light large number of small ineandescent lights. It Is quite a spectacular performance. especially at night, and is something new in the amuse- ment line.
 Another Gaskill invention which is prov ing quite drawing card is the Gala-de-la- , Morte. a mystifying device which is pug zling many magicians. It is expected that a thousand dollars or more will be realized for the Orphans home
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
WILL INCREASE
 THE MEMBERSHIP
EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO AROUSE INTEREST IN ALUMNI ClATION-WOULD HAVE LARGE INFLUENCE,

Efforts are being made to increase the School Alumni association. It is agreed that if the mem bership of the association were increased to what it should be it would be difficult to estimate the influence it would have, as many of the most enterprising and sucPessful men of Bir- mingham are graduates of the high school.
 A meeting has been called for Mon day, April 24. at the High school, and all graduates are requested to attend.
 The following circular is being sent to every graduate of the high school, with the view of arousing interest:
 Dear Graduate-Every graduate of the Birmingham High school should become an enthusiastic member of the alumni.
 There are 475 ~raduates of Birmingham High school and only 225 members of the alumni Of this 225 only about 50 or 60 take an interest in the association. Think of what wide sphere i5 the lot of the alumni and think of it's ever in creasing influence and ability for good with the ever increasing graduates to add to it's body.
 The alumni secured a new high school with only about B or 40 of it's members working-a $2O0.000 donation from the city for schools. With the entire number work Ing what can't we have? What can t we get? Birmingham needs numerous things which will work to the personal benefit of each and everyone of us. The alumni can secure these by consistent and united efforts. Why don't you become one of us and a worker.
 Think of keeping in touch with your old classmates end schoolmates and oc- casionally coming in contact with them and swapping yarns of by-gone days There will De a called meeting of the alumni at Birmingham High school Mon day, April 24, at 4:3O D. m.
 l If you are l member bring new ones. l If not a member come up and become
 one. Sincerely yours, l " s. LOVENTHAL., President Alumni-ae.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Go.
 2CO3 First Ave.

is a Virginian by birth and graduated from Richmond college in 1866. Soon after his graduation he was given charge of the Boston Baptist church, in which position he served about a year. He then accept ed professorship in Rugby school at Louisville, at the same time being dlli- gent student in the theological seminary at that place. He was called to the Gen. tral Baptist church of Memphis. accom- plishing much good in his nine years stay in that city From there he went to the First Baptist church of Selma, which place he left in 1901 to accept the pastor ate of the First church here. Dr. Dickin- son ranks an as able preacher, and ener- getic and zealous pastor, diligent and consistent worker. and an individual well deserving the high esteem and admiration in which he is held by all classes and denominations in Birmingham.
 The Officers.
 The present officers of the church are:
 Pastor, Rev pr. A. J. Dickinson; F. M. Lowe, clerk E. s. Moore, financial and corresponding secretary; chairman of ushers. w. II, Manly; c. F. Enslen. F. s. White and w II. Manly church trus- tees.
 The officers of the Sunday school are: J. M Dewberry. superintendent; l.. J. Haley and F. S. White, Jr., assistant superintendents, and Clarence B. Stamps. secretary and treasurer
 The executive board Is: M H. Bum, chairman; W. D. Cooper, J. M. Dewber- ", E. F. Enslen, J. E. Frasier. J. D. w Handaraop E Man ly, G. M. Morrow, P. c. Ratliff, W. T. Simmons, R. s. Warner J. M. Webb. F. s. White. Jr-. w. T. Berry, c. A. Brown. c. w. Collins, P. P. Daugette. J. B. Ingram, F. M. Lowe, w. H. Manly, D. s. Moore. Walter Robertson, F. M. Roof, J. H. Perdue, Clarence Stamps T. B. Taylor and F. IT. Vernon.
 The building committee, who with the pastor have borne the greater part of the responsibility of building the church. consists of George w. Harris P. C. Rat Tiff, Eugene Enslen. R. F. Warner, w. F. Simmons. George Morrow, R. F. Manly and others The entire cost of the build ing Is approximately $40,o0o of which about two-thirds has been raised by pop ular subscription
 The Rev. Dr. William E. Hatcher, who will fill the pulpit this morning, Is well known in the south and although he has nearly reached the four score year mark he has remarkable vitality, and Is hard worker. He is a graduate of Richmond college. and Is at present one of the trus- tees of that institution. He Is a warm personal friend of Dr. Dickinson and will spend week here as his guest assisting in the revival services which will be held at the church. These services promise to be very successful, coming as they dc just after the congregation has entered it's new building. It Is probable that two addresses will be made each day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23

sold not less than s4O,OOO worth of prop erty in or near certain point upon which public attention has recently been concentrated. l refer to the property near Twenty-sixth street and Fifth ave nue.
 Ut would be erroneous to suppose, how ever. that the demand for property is limited to that particular section. Re ports that come to us state that there are inquiries from many sources regard ing property in all sections of the city business property, residence property and not least of all acreage property on the outskirts of Birmingham. This demand is not speculative-it is for permanent in vestment. In fact there is really very little speculation in the market. The tone is healthful, and indicates that Birming- hams property rests upon a substantial basis
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
HANDSOME CHURCH
 ID BE DEDICATED pr. Hatcher to Preach at First
 Baptist Ioday HISTORY OF THE CHURCH New Building a Model of Convenience and Masnifoence-Impressive serv- Ices This Mornine-sketch
 of the Pastor.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

The magnificent new building of the First Baptist church, erected at a cost of s4O,OOO, will be dedicated this morning at Il o'clock with impressive services. The Rev. Dr. William E. Hatcher. pas tor of one of the largest Baptist churches at Richmond, Va, and one of the most prominent pastors in the United States, will preach the dedieatory sermon. A special musical programme will be render- ed by the choir, assisted by some of the best local talent
 The programme for the morning services will be as follows:
 Organ prelude.
 Doxology.
 Invocation.
 Festival Te Deum-Dndley Buck. Hmyn, Come, o My Soul in Sacred Lays"
 Scripture reading.
 Prayer.
 offertory, My Lord and My Redeem Hymn, Holy. Holy, Holy. Lord God AL mighty"
 Sermon by the Rev. Dr. w. E. Hatcher. Deolcatory prayer by the Rev. Dr. B. D. Gray.
 Dedicatory Hymn-Mrs. Ella Lowery Mosely
 In the evening, the following addresses will be made: "A Sisterhood of Churches The Rev. Dr. J. M. Shelburn.
 Members. One of Another"-The Rev. Austin Crouch
 Greeting from Community at Large''- Rabbi M. Newfield
 First Baptist Church. Its Pastor and Future"-The Rev. Dr. B. D. Gray.
 The Interior.
 The church, which is one of the finest in the south was planned by R. H. Hunt of Chattanooga and is of the old Roman esque architecture. The interior presents a most imposing appearance. The new organ is one of the handsomest in the state, and has a remarkably fine tone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-23
DECATUR NEGROES
 TRIAL NEXT WEEK
SMITH AND COLLIER TO FACE CHARGE OF MURDER OF MISS BELLE BLooDWoRTH-THE MIL. ITARY MAY BE ASKED FOR.

The cases against Harvey Smith and John Collier have been set for hearing in the circuit court of Morgan county on May 1 and respectively. The defend- ants are charged with the murder of Miss Belle Bloodworth, the daughter of a prominent New Decatur merchant. They were recently indicted by the grand jury of Morgan county on the charge of murder.
 It is said that neither of the negroes have any funds and the presiding judge of the Morgan county court will appoint attorneys to represent them.
 Both proclaim their innocense About thirty witnesses for the two defendants have already been summoned to testify in behalf of the negroes, and as many for the state.
 If the Morgan county officials think there is any possibility of violence they will call upon the governor, it Is said. for military protection. In this case one of the local companies will be detailed for the duty.