davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
BOWIE TALKS OF
 RURAL DELIVERY  Rapid Development of the Ser
 vice in Alabama
LARGE NUMBER OF ROUTES
History of Rural Free Delivery In Ala bama-First Route Was In Lee County-Jefferson Then
 Got In Line.

Congressman Sydney J. Bowie of Am niston, who was in Birmingham this week, Is a staunch advocate of rural free delivery. He believes that this system of mall service Is one of the greatest de- velopers of the country. He talks inter- estingly on the subject and backs up his opinion with facts that he has compiled.
 "No better sign of the rapid material de- ve'1pment of Alabama Is needed than the growth of the rural free delivery service" said Mir. Bowie. Tn the past eighteen months there has been an increase of over IS per cent in the number of routes established. By January 1 there will be over 700 rural routes in the state.
 "Estimating from the number of pro- ed and others that. have already been in- spected. there will be fully 1000 in opera ton by the end of next year.
 "One good omen of the permanent pros- perity of this state is that the routes now in operation are constantly increas- Ing the postal business. More papers and letters are being handled and the receipts are making steady gains.
 Wherever the rural routes have been established the public roads have not only been improved but the farm lands have greatly enhanced in value.
 T think that Cleburne county, in my district, is the banner rural free delivery county in the state. According to the last census Cleburne had a population of 13.O00. In the county there are twenty rural routes, making about one route to every 600 people.
 "The first rural route established in Alabama was at Opelika, Lee county. during the time that Gen. George P. liar rison represented the Third district in Congress. Shortly afterwards, which was only about four or five years ago, Con- gressman Underwood succeeded In hav- ing several routes established In Jeffer- son county. These proved so successful that the system was soon extended all over Jefferson. Later the other congress- men in Alabama took up the work, and now practically every county in the state has rural free delivery.
 Every member of the Alabama delega- ton in-Congress is eager to secure free delivery for his district, and all that is necessary to secure a route Is for the people living along a proposed route to sign a petition asking for the establish ment of rural delivery service"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

now forms the north line of said Block 1 to Il, both inclusive, If the said street was extended in it's present westerly di- rection to Village creek, said last de- scrlbed tract or parcel of land containing 1. .05 acres, more or less; 1t being the in- tention hereof to convey all that certain piece of property, commencing at the northeast corner of section 27, township 17 south, range west; thence run in westerly direction along the north line of said section 27. a distance of 1s67 feet to the south line of a certain street, which forms the northern boundary line of lots 1 to Il; thence along the south line of said street to the point where said street if extended in it's present westerly direc- tion would intersect Village creek; thence following Village creek in an easterly di- rection and following the meanderings of said Village creek to the point where it crosses the east line of said section 27 to the point of beginning. containing in all 130 acres, more or less'
 The deed was executed before a notary public on September 6.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
FIRE CHIEF GIVES
 PRACTICAL ADVISE In Clustering Weather Flues
 Should be Watched OFFICIAL FIRE RECORDS
Large Number of Fires Last October. Sixty-three an Unusual Record. Chief Walton Talks of
 Causes Of Fires.

How many fires will October bring? VIII there be as many as recorded last year-6s2 What is the principal cause for the increase in the number of fires in the fall of the year?
 These are some of the questions being asked by persons who like to keep in- formed on fire statistics.
 "The weather and the people will have much to do with the October fire record this year." said Chief Walton yesterday "If the month Is dry and the winds high and clustering. flues should be carefully watched to prevent sparks from falling on the roofs of dwellings,
 Care should also be taken in starting fires in grates and stoves that have not been used for seven or eight months They are often defective. The people have more to do with fires than the weather and if due care Is observed by all think we need feel no alarm, even if the month does bring violent winds"
 According to weather statistics October of 1904 was a blustrous month. The fire record-63-was unusually heavy, bringing the October average for the last three years up to 37. Of the total number of fires no less than 2S were caused by sparks, and in many instances the flames were carried to adjoining buildings by strong winds More than once the depart ment was called to the residential section on the South Highlands and 1t was nec- essary several times to send the big en- zines up the hill. Here is the record for the last four months of the year for the last three years. including September, 1905, up to last night:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
VALUABLE PROPERTY IS
 TRANSFERRED TO FRISCO

The deed for the transfer of a portion of the property recently acquired by the Frisco system between North Birmingham and Thomas was filed In the probate court late yesterday afternoon.
 It was from Gen. R. D. Johnston and hls wife, Lizzie Johnston. to L. F. Parker, the general solicitor of the Frisco. The consideration named for the property was s95.0OO.
 The following Is the discription of the property as given in the instrument:
 All that certain piece Of property in North Birmingham, Jefferson county, Ala bama, known as the Wade tract, as shown by the survey and map on record in said county, which is described as fol- lows, towit: Blocks 1 to Il, both inclu- sive, as shown by said map and survey. and also all that certain piece of prop erty in said Wade tract bounded on the east by said block Il of said map and sur vey of said Wade tract; on the south and west by Village creek; on the north by the south line of a certain street, be- ing the street on said Wade tract which
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
TRAINS AT CROSSINGS. Supt. Brooks of the Louisville and Nashville Not Vet Heard From.

The position of the Louisville and Nash vile railroad concerning the complaint of residents along the East Lake car line that trains fall to stop at crossings. will not be known until Superintendent T. E. Brooks return Sunday. He is not yet in receipt of Chief Wier's letter, telling him of the apprehension of residents along the car line, who say they fear a wreck unless trains are compelled to stop; but 1t Is believed MT. Brooks will comply with any reasonable request.
 The city attorney holds that trains are not compelled to stop under an amend ment to the statute of Alabama. Notwith- standing this, J. J. Cotter, superintendent of the Southern, has informed the chief of police that he will see that all train, come to a standstil.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

According to the books of the internal revenue collector of Alabama fully one- half of the dealers licensed to retail and wholesale of liquors in this state are embraced in the counties of Mobile. Jeff ferson and Montgomery.
 The United States government has is- sued in all licenses to about 2O00 dealers in the state. Mobile leads the list with 400 licensed dealers, Jefferson comes sec- ond with $50, and Montgomery third with 25O
 According to the figures recently com piled by the officials of the Anti-Saloon league, which have caused crusade to be made against alleged blind tigers and Hop-Jack stands by the various grand juries throughout the state, there are only GOA saloons in this state. There Is scarcely a county in Alabama but which the variations in the issuance of license by the government and by the state and county has not been investigated by the courts. There are fl dispensaries in the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

on the minstrel stage, were received with enthusiasm. MT Prosser sang several songs in his most finished style. The comedians, including Billy Clark and Al G. Field added to the gaiety of the first part. while the eccentric dancing of Doc Quigley literally brought down the house. The chorus singing all through the performance was especially fine In fact Mir Field has come very near to producing male opera this season.
 In what would have been called the olio in an old-time minstrel show came Billy Clark, monologist who knows the springs of laughter and draws from them at will The Quaker City quartette was well received in a speciality similar to that which they presented here last year. The Flood Brothers accomplished many dif- ficult acrobatic feats that were leavened with surprising comedy.
 Next followed a superb series of stage pictures entitled Dances of the Nations" and including some unusual effects. These pictures were all excellent and the singing was good. Especially worthy of mention was the Indian village sunset in the hills of Ayreshire, showing the river Doon near Bobby" Burns home and introducing the Scottish dance and song by Reese Prosser entitled, Bessie of Dundee" battleship scene also chal- lenged admiration.
 Fields mlnstrels will play at the Jef- ferson this afternoon and again tonight. terminating their engagement. The rush for seats last night was strenuous. It Is estimated that several hundred people were turned away. However. these will have a chance to enjoy the scenic gran dure of MT. Fields show this afternoon and tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
IN LIQUOR LICENSES
 MOBILE RANKS HIGHEST

state, making a total of 61 saloons and dispensaries In Alabama This leaves 36O liquor dealers in the state who are neither classed under the head of saloon or dis pensary keepers.
 Mobile county also heads the list In the number of saloons, there being 165 places where whisky is sold over the bar, Jefferson comes second with a total of 164 and Montgomery third with 119 saloons.
 In the state there are only ten coun- ties where saloons alone are licensed. There are "A counties that have dispen- saries. 22 counties where the sale of whisky is prohibited by law and 21 coun- ties where both saloons and dispensaries are licensed,
 The recent investigation of the grand jury in Jefferson county of the Hop-Jack dealers who. it is alleged, have been do- ing businesss4wlthout state and county license. has caused a number of applica- tions for license to be made to the prob ate judge Something like S5 licenses have been Issued by the probate judge in the past few days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
ADJUSTMENTS
Fields Mlnstrels.

The minstrel production which Al G. Field presented at the Jefferson theatre last night was essentially spectacular. The scenic mounting was unusually elab- orate both in lavishness of detail and number of sets used. It is probable that no more beautifully staged minstrel per formance has ever been given In Brming- ham, The costumes were rich and in keeping with the superb scenic investi- ture with which the first part" and tho dances of the nations" were provided.
 For this season MT. Field has retained some of the best features of his show of high order of merit, although most attention has been given to pleasing the eye with brilliant lighting effects. stage pictures of striking beauty and costumes both picturesque and varied
 The first part" was staged in lighter tone, if the expression may be permitted, than that of last season. The scene was a reproduction of the lobby of the Arling- ton hotel in Washington and the melange of mirth and music introduced constitu- ted what was termed the "Grldiron club. Tn honor or the ldHlOub IltWspdpeT cur respondents club of Washington. Only at the conclusion of this part of the per formance, however. was an effort made to burlesque the club by the introduction of notable characters. including President Roosevelt, Admiral Togo and Admiral Rojestvensky. pr. Osler and one or two others. This part of the performance did not prove the hit that was expected. The stage picture presented when the cur tain rose was one of unusual beauty and the brilliant evolutions of the company, in suits of blue silk. delighted the eye. while scores of incandescent bulbs and other light effects contributed to the beauty of the ensemble.
 The vocalists sang more in quartetts and groups than was formerly customary in minstrel shows. The solos rendered were extremely good. however, and the songs of Reese Prosser, the greatest tenor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
RECORDS OF COURTS

After being out only 20 minutes yester- day afternoon the jury In the case of James Snow, a young white man charged with criminal assault. brought in ver- dict of acquital The case has been on trial in the first division of the criminal court for the past two days and has created considerable interest
 The defendant was represented by Cur tis Shugart and Ward & Perdue.
 The city of Woodlawn has filed a bill in the chancery court seeking to restrain M. E. Coe from blocking a street in the $ town of Woodlawn. It is alleged that the defendant has blocked a street in the town of Woodlawn by erecting a house and fence.
 Mrs. M. E. Rowland has filed bill in the city court against the Louisville and Nashville Railroad company, seeking to recover from the plaintiff $3SS1. The bill alleges that on about September 25, 1904, there was delivered to the defend ants depot at Nashville, certain house. hold effects to be shipped to Birmingham, Ala. It also alleges that on account of
 
 they were destroyed in fire in the de- fendant's depot on October 5.
 R. sI. Leatherwood is the attorney for the plaintiff.
 Yesterday morning Sheriff B. B. Smith of Tallapoosa county brought George Moore and Jesse Merry, two white men, to Birmingham to be kept in the county jail for safe keeping, awaiting the action of the supreme court. Moore is charged with murder and Berry Is also being held on a serious charge.
 The case of E. Templeton Kelly vs the Continental Insurance company is still on trial in the circuit court
 The following petitions in bankruptcy have been filed Will Croach, liabilities l63, assets s23; c. Huckabee, liabilities s3l9. assets se5.
 The following marriage licenses were issued by the probate judge yesterday: Gilbert Muir of vsylam to Miss Martha Brodie; J. F. St. John and Mrs. Gertrude Beardin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
CHARGED WITH FORGERY.
Frank Pnkston Said to Be Held In
 Texas.

It is not likely that any effort will be made to bring Frank c. Pinkston back to Birmingham to stand trial on the charge of forgery. According to letter received from R. S. Gulledge of Verbena, Ala, the man is in custody at Laredo. Tex, under the name of Charles Rudolph on similar charge.
 MT. Guledge says in his message to Chief Wier that an attempt Is being made to have the man released. He also de- clares that Pinkston is wanted in Mont- gomery on forgery charge
 Investigation here shows that a war rant was issued for him about sixty days ago Those making the charges have been lost sight of, however and 1t ia probable no attempt will be made to claim the prisoner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
Card of Thanka.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the officers and members of the Jeff ferson County Orphange association, the ladies who assisted at the picnic given this week, and to the people in general. for the liberal support accorded by them in our behalf.
 SISTERS OF CHARITY,
 East Lake Orphanage
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
To Out Harvester Trust.

Springfield, O., September 29.-Officials of the champion division of the Interna- tional Harvester company located here stated that the talk of busting the com bine Is old. They state that the anti trust law is being violated and no fear is felt by the Ohio officials from 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
Will Extend Pacific Cable.

Liverpool, September 29.-George C.. Ward, vice president of the Commercial Cable company. sailed for New York to- day on the White Star line steamer Cadric. having completed arrangements for extending the Pacific cable to China and Japan.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

It will be seen from the above that the largest number of fires for single month during the four months given for the last three years was in December, 1903. This Is not only the record for the specified time but the record of the fire department for any one month since 1t was organized
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

Matthew Addy's report for the week ending today is as follows:
 As a result of the perfect flood of or- ders which have been pouring in upon the furnaces for the past two weeks, prices have sharply advanced. so that to- day No 2 foundry Is firm at $12.50 Bir- mingham, with SIS asked for forward shipment while No. foundry Ohio iron is $15 at the furnace This buying move ment has been one of tremendous volume. Most of the furnace companies have had every ton of iron that they can make for this year taken up, and considerable percentage of their make for the first quarter, and in some instances the first half of 1906 Is under contract.
 Higher quotations instead of checking the buying acted as a stimulant. and ap- parently have given 1t renewed vigor. It is useless to try and go into details of what has been bought, for as a matter of fact the buying has been of the most general character. and everything that the furnaces had had to offer has been eagerly taken. The situation of the iron trade is one of very great interest There are many who predict that before the winter is over it will be impossible to ob- tain pig iron for love or money. They regard the situation as somewhat analo- gous to that of the boom three years ago. Others more conservative are in- clned not to take this view of the case but think that we are going to have a gradually growing market with gradual ly increasing prices.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
.P|G IRON MARKET
 FIRM AT ADVANCE Price Now Quoted is $12.50
 for No. 2 FURNACES OUT OF MARKET All Grades of Iron In Excellent De-
FURNACES OUT OF MARKET
All Grades of Iron In Excellent De- mand-coke Very Strong Owing to Curtalled Product-Car
 Shortage Expected.

The Birmingham iron market is quiet but firm at 50 on a No. basis. An other big buying is looked for between now and the first of November.
 Rogers, Brown 6 Co.'S Cincinnati report of yesterdays date follows:
 The predicted advances in all markets have been accomplished, and the large buying movement inaugurated two weeks ago continues. The feature of the situation Is the withdrawal from the market of a number of furnaces in both north and south The tremendous buying of the last week has put them out of the market for this year, and they are refusing to offer what available tonnage remains for the first quarter of 1908.
 A number of southern furnaces arc holding at $12.50 Birmingham this fig- ure having been begged up last week. Prices for the first quarter and first half of next year, when furnaces can be per- suaded to make them, are generally ruling 50c per ton higher than for the last quar- ter of this year. It Is becoming more and more difficult to get the furnaces to make figures for these deliveries.
 Not for years past have sellers had to contend with the demands made on them by buyers during the past two weeks This is not only true of sales but shipments. All grades are In excellent de- mand. Material due is being hurried, and in numerous cases there Is request for anticipation.
 The remarkable business ia rails which has been mentioned from time to time in these reports has not yet reached an end. Additional contracts closed in the east and west and for foreign shipment during the week will run in the neighbor- hood of 3o0000 tons. The question has been advanced as to whether the buying of the past few weeks was for legitimate needs or anticipating difficulty in get ting metal later. Viewed from all points, the opinion of the majority of those in- terested seems to be that it is the direct result of expansion in trade conditions through which the country has gone dur ing this year.
 Coke Is the strongest of all, due to cur tailed product, great difficulty In car sup ply and presence of number of furnace inquiries for early delivery and contrae for 1906.
 The shortage of cars is going to be Of tremendous import from now one. It has been stated that over 100000 freight cars have been moved to the west, with the crop movement not yet in full swing, and on every hand there is heard nothing but reports of dismal outlook for heavy freight.
 An interesting feature of the present &C., tivity Is the sympathetic advance in British iron with further advance looked for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
THE WEATHER

Washington, September 29.-Following is the forecast for Alabama Showers fol- lowed by fair Saturday; Sunday fair, fresh southeast winds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

The Royal Baking Powder costs only a fair price per pound, and is cheaper and better at its price than any similar article in the world. It makes more, better and more healthful food.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30
Local Weather Data.
Weather Report.

Temperature anp precipitation. as re-
 ported by the weather bureau for select southern stations during "A hours end- ing at 10 a. m. Precip-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

The following petitions in bankruptcy have been filed: Will Croach, liabilities s63. assets s23 c. Huckabee, liabilities S3l9, assets s65.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

The following marriage licenses were issued by the probate judge yesterday: Gilbert Muir of wylam to Miss Martha Brodie; J. F. St. John and Mrs. Gertrude Beardin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-30

The case of E. Templeton Kelly vs. the Continental Insurance company is still on trial in the circuit court