The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-15
MERIDIAN CLUB IS
 AFTER NEW ROAD Want Short Line from Meridian to Philadelphia, Miss PYTHIANS BUY A LOT The Effort to Secure a Daylight Train On the Mobile and Ohio May
 Meet With Suc-

Meridian, Miss. December 14-The of- ficials of the Cotton States Lumber com pany, owners of the Rounds Meehan com pany, twelve miles west of this city met with the members of the Boosters club committee today to go over the proposi- ton to build the proposed Meridian and Philadelphia. Miss, railroad.
 The men expressed themselves as well pleased with the situation here, and stat ed that they had not yet succeeded in getting their lumber business to the sys- tenn they desire, being newcomers in the state. They own practically all the yellow pine lumber between this city and Phil adelphia, and the road would serve double purpose for them
 While nothing definite was the outcome of the meeting, it Is stated by the members of the local committee that there is no reason to feel discouraged over the out look, the visitors promising another meet ing In the near future for the same pur pose when something tangible win prob- ably develop.
 Sim Watson, a negro, was shot through the foot by Officer Edmundson while at- ltllPtiil6 lO VoCdpc all cot oii tiC ooullA- side. The negro was a member of a party of negroes which was reported to the police as being boisterous and disordeSg, and a squad of officers was sent to the scene.
 It was necessary to arrest several of the negroes, among them Watson. The negro resisted arrest and engaged in a scuffle with the officer during which the latter's revolver was discharged, the ball entering the negros foot, passing entirely through.
 The wound is in no manner dangerous, but the negro will be compelled to re- main in jail for some time under treat ment before he can attend court for a trial.
 One of the largest deals in local real es- tate made in many weeks was the sale of the Staples property, corner of Twen- ty-second avenue and Ninth street. to the Mt. Barton Lodge, Knights of Pythias. The deal was consummated last night. but the signing of the papers was delayed until today. The consideration is $12,000
 The Knights of Pythias bought lot 155x115 feet, and will construct a perma- nent home on the corner portion during the coming year. It is very probable that the Y. M. c. A. will secure possession of one-half of the lot on which to con- struct the proposed permanent home for that organization.
 The lot purchased is part of the block on which Is situated the present federal building, and is an ideal location for the purposes desired. Plans for the perma- nent home, on modern and extensive scale, are being prepared by members of the organization.
 Four of the members of the committee of physicians from the state at large vis- ited the East Mississippi Insane hospital and made a thorough investigation of the needs of the institution. Their findings will be reported to the governor, and by him to the legislature with recommenda- tions for the requested increased appro- priations
 The visiting physicians who investlgat- ed the insane hospital at Jackson one week ago, were pleased with the condi- tions found here, especially the cottage system, and spoke in the highest terms of the arrangements. 1t is accepted that the requests of the superintendent In his an- nual report will be endorsed, 1t being known that Governor Vardaman Is favor able to making the request and recom- mendation In his annual message to the legislature next month.
 Alfred Howard. the little negro who shot and killed Green Lotion at Toom- suba on last Sunday afternoon. at his preliminary trial before Justice Town send, was granted ball in the sum of $50o in default of which he was remanded to jail. Seven witnesses were examined, and none of the evidence tended to show criminal intent on the part of the boy
 The fight for the new daylight accom- modation train is spreading all along the line of road of the Mobile & Ohio company, and it looks very much as if the urgent request, when presented by the committee from the Boosters club, will receive favorable consideration. So much In fact was practically stated by Col. E. L. Russell, who spent several hours in the city last night, accompanied by General Manager Taylor. while en route to Mobile from Jackson.
 The booster committee will call on Su- perintendent Pigford tomorrow morning and arrange an hour, satisfactory to him, when the matter will be given a hearing. Superintendent Pigford will be requested to urge the inauguration of the service. and if necessary, the committee will go to Mobile in person to lay the case be- fore Vice President Russell.
 It is stated tonight that the Board of Trade and Cotton exchange will hold a special meeting to take cognizance of the situation, and committee will likely be appointed to work in conjunction with the booster committee to strive for the same end
 Chief Bludworth last night inaugurated his fight against the vagrants of the city, and expressed the hope that he would rid the town of that class of resi- dents before the advent of Christmas. He has given positive orders for the en' forcement of the ruling against white and black alike, regardless of their age or sex.
 A gang of twenty-eight alleged gamblers have been arrested within the past twen- ty-four hours. practically all of them being gamblers from the negro quarters. The vast majority were engaged in play ing craps when arrested, but one party was wrapped up in the fascination of the skin game when the officers arrived.