davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
AGED MEN BREAK
 DOWN AT THE SIGHT
Their Sons Were Among the First Of the MutiIated Men Brought
 From Mine.

Together two old grey-haired men stood at the top Of the shaft yesterday, anx- iously scanning the face of every body brought from the mines, seeking their two sons. Each of them had two boys in the mines, their support and mainstay in their old age, and tho two old men tried to consol each other and bear their bur dens with Christian fortltude. although each saw more than death staring them irl the face. Aney saw hardships in their old age.
 One of these was N A. Poole. and the bodies of his two sons were among the first to be brought to the surface. He identified one by his knife and match box, ane the other by missing joint on the middle finger of his left hand. Time after time he broke down and wept like baby, and his tears mingled with those of liar rison Owen, whose two sons were also imprisoned far below.
 Mir Poole has long been cripple, and his two sons were his only means of sup port In his old age they were his props, and upon them he was leaning. He now says that he will move far away from the scene of the disaster, find what light occupation he can and try to raise two as lelas to provide for his wife, who has also passed many of the milestones in ife's journey. He is devout Christian anu frequently fetween his sobs he broke into tears
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22

the Virginia mines Monday afternoon late, the second member of the first rescue party, he made his initial trip into a mine, but he led all those experienced miners, and he dared to do deeds that shook the nerves of even the boldest of them.
 Professor Amerson crawled under raft CTS, over piles of fallen tlmbers and debris, and pushed ahead of the rescue party at the risk of his own life, trying to get the life giving air to those below. He stayed in the mines without rest or food for more than ten hours, and wl-cn others weakened from fatigue and bad air and were forced to return to the surface, he stayed on and worked.
 He was not alone in his bravery The first rescue party conslsted of George McDaniel. Ed Kelley, Jim Cody. Tom Tinney, Henry McCartell Joe Hoskins, w. P. Hassell, Alfred Thorp. Jack Rey- holds and others, and many of them had not received an hours sleep at ' o'clock last night. Some had eaten very little during that time, and had toiled without cessation. Superintendent Reed did the work of two men, and it Is doubtful if he. closes his eyes until tho last body leaves the mines
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
HEAD BROUGHT OUT
 IN A DINNER PAIL
Stout-Hearted Men Shed Tears at the eruesome Sights Before
 Them.

One of the most gruesome sights Of Mondays disaster at the mine was yes terday afternoon when the remains or the dead were being brought to light. Every one of them was found with his hands above his head and protecting his face from the flames.
 when the body of J. A. Startling was discovered the head was at least thirty feet away from it. A wheel of one of the mine cars. driven by the force of the explosion, had passed over the neck of the unfortunate miner. severed the head from the body and carried the head thirty feet up tho entrance.
 The head was brought to the top of the mine in a dinner pail, and men and women sickened at the sight. Tears stood in the eyes of men who had prob ably witnessed many a previous disaster and we're shed a tear but the tragedy of yesterday, with it's many awful pecu- liarities, was too much for their nerves.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
RAIL WAS BENT so
 AS TO FORM AN s
Queer Freak of the Explosion Is Re- ported From Interior of
 the Mine.

From deep down in the mine comes the story of the freak force of the explosion. One of the rails of the track leading into the shaft was torn up near the bottom, and hurled against one of the props.
 The rail was bent almost double at one end. and in some curious manner the other end was bent equally as much and in the other direction, forming what looks like an S.
 What the counter forces were that op- erated on this piece of track will never be known, but people from the foot of the mine tell of the queer power which at the same time bent the rail in two oppo- site directions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
PEACHES ARE ALL RIGHT.
Prospect In Georgia Is Said to Be
 Excellent.

Atlanta. February a.-(special)-Jud A. c. Riley. secretary in the executive department. returned to the city this morning freq his home at Fort Valley, where he said there had been no sign of freeze such as he found upon approach ing Atlanta.
 '"rhe peach crop, so far as l have been able to ascertain" said Judge Riley, "is in splendid shape with the exception of the Elbertas which were undoubtedly tadly damaged by the former cold wealth. CT which brought ice with it into the peach orchards. The Elbertas have been hurt seriously because their buds were further advanced than those of any oth- CT variety. The other varieties are all right, however. and there is no doubt wa are going to have one of the largest crops the state has ever produced
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
PlTIFUL REPORT
 FROM TENNESSEE
Aged Tennessee Couple Were Depend Ing on an only Son for
 Support.

In Tennessee, a neighboring state, an aged and diseased father and mother have received the announcement of their sons death, and with it disappeared all their hopes in life.
 With father and mother both i'll, the former with consumption, Fred Smed- ley, still a young man, left his Tennes- see home and came to Birmingham to make money enough to bring his parents here, hoping against hope that the change would benefit them in their old age and might prolong their lives
 When the news of their sons death reached these aged parents they receiv- ed not one. but two death knells. Their son had been snatched from them in an instant, and just as certain death stares them in the face, for neither could have lived long and the shock will hasten their end.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
CORONER PARISH ID HOLD THE INQUEST Reason to Believe Some One Was CrimluaIIy Negligent HAS FORMED HIS JURY Will Remain in Session Until Thor oueh Investigation of the Whole
 Affair Has Been
 Completed.
HAS FORMED HIS JURY

Coroner Paris spent yesterday at the Virginia mines aiding in the Identification and disposition of the bodies, and last night he empanneled his jury and will commence his inquest at 10 o'clock this morning in the undertaking establishment in Bessemer. The jury will then go to the mines and continue the inquest at that place.
 The jury consists of J. D. Hanby Ed Mitchell. o'Hara of Pratt. Pow of Wylam. Tom Tinney of Virginia mines and one other whom he will name today Every man on the jury is more or less familiar with mines and mining
 Last night the coroner stated:
 "I have reasonable cause to believe that an inquest should be conducted over the bodies of those who lost their lives in the Virginia mines as a result of the explo- sion of Monday night, and I intend going to the bottom of the affair and. see if there was any one at fault, and If there was, find out who was at fault.
 Prom what I ascertained yesterday there was considerable gas in the mine, and this and the dust exploded from a windy shot or "dry shot" l am not charging that there was any carelessness in the mines, but intend to find out if there was any, and if there was, l in- tend to arrest the guilty party or parties on a charge of manslaughter.
 ''I suppose that the inquest will be held over just one of the victims, as was the case in the Iroquos fire and the Slo- cum disaster I think that just one in vestigation will be sufficient, as all of them died from the same general cause. intend Investigating the law on the matter.
 Such great loss of life should not be passed by without the cause being run to the bottom. The jury will be in session until we complete the investiga- ton. If it was carelessness someone must suffer"
 E. T. Schuler, of the Sehuler Brothers, who own the Virginia mines, stated yes terday afternoon that every precaution had been taken for the proper ventilation of the mine and for the safety of the men who had to go down in it. He does not think that the loss of life will be as large as was first estimated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
CRISIS PRODUCES
 NUMEROUS HEROES
Prof. A. A. Amerson Among the Most IndefatigabIe Workers In
 the Slope.

Every crisis produces hero, but Mon days tragedy produced them in no limited number. Many distinguished themselves for their bravery determination and en- ergy but among them all Prof. A. A. Amerson stood forth.
 He had no relative in the mine to lend interest to his labors and inspire him to deeds of almost marvellous strength, but he was among th( first to enter the mine and the last to leave. His iabors were unceasing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22

dent Reed thought that many might he brought out alive, and he based his hopes on good reasons, and this brought a ray of sunlight to tn hearts of many. In a short hour that ray of hope was almost crushed out when the first of the bodtes began to come to light. As the first of them was brought to the surface inc sun hid itself behind the clouds again after having shone only few minutes.
 Weather Was Dreary.
 The dreary day was in keeping with the dreary souls. fine mist drifted downwards all day, and with the ex- eeption of three or four hours about noon the weather was chilly Early in the morning and late in the afternoon big fires were kept burning. but they were inadequate for the needs of all who wish ed to keep warm
 As the day waned the crowds gradually grew smaller and smaller at the mines. and they departed in twos. threes and fours in all directions, spreading with them a story of sadness and death the like of which Alabama had never known 
 been such general sadness as there was yesterday.
 At night ray of hope sprung up. It was sweet charity From all directions came promises of aid. Mass meetings were called by the representative bodies of the district and suceor was promised the widows and orphans.
 And when the sun rises today 1t will rise on a city of mourners It set before the full meaning of the catastrophe came to the minds of many of the people, but they will have recovered from their first shock sufficiently to realize the great calamity which has befallen the place.
 Sweet sleep came to sooth the suffer- ing of many weary wather and anx- ious heart late last night. the first that some of them have known for nearly two days
 And so the sinking sun brought two soothing infiuences-sleep and charity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
Only One Telegraph Wire.

Since the moment of the explosion the little telegraph office has been place of uninterrupted activity. The office is in a boxear set on the side track. and only one wire, used for handling freight trains, connects Virginia City with the outside world As there are not telephone run ming to the mine. this is absolutely the only means of communication Naturally it was round this spot that all the activity centered. So besieged has Operator Grove been by people wanting to get a message to their loved ones in the outside world and so pressing are the demands from all over the country for news from Vir- ginia that he has not left his key since 4 o'clock yesterday. He has had no sleep and nothing to eat It is estimated that over 800 messages have been sent out over this one wire in the last twenty four hours.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
Would Comfort Each Other.

Their fate was common one, and by turns they would try to comfort each other. First one and then another gave away to their grief, and the others would try to sooth the troubled soul The sounds of their crying could be heard for long distance. and it mingled with that of other groups on other spots.
 As the bodies were brought from the mines the intensity of the situation tn- creased. Faces grew more anxious, the expressions were more pained. Eyes which had hitherto been dry showed signs of tears, and a tear was brushed away by many a rough coat sleeve.
 Anxious relatives swarmed around the rope which was stretched to hold the crowds at distance, and as each body was identified the name was called aloud by Coroner Paris. It was the signal for fresh outbreaks, and many men, women and children had to be led from the place to their homes Their grief was uncon- troiable.
 Between long lanes of interested people or spectators filled with morbid curiosity. the bodies were carried away soon as they were identified. Some were taken to the former homes of the deceased, while others were placed on the special train and carried to Bessemer.
 Mourners Accompany Each Body.
 Mourners accompanied each body, and prolonged cries, telling of suffering souls. broke forth as the bodies were carried into the homes. The home was verify one of mourners. With hardly an exception the homes at the Virginia Mines were stricken Monday, and one entire row of five cottages, containing half dozen families. was left without head to a single one of the homes of the day be- fore.
 One ray of hope burst forth simulta- neously with the appearance of the sun during the noon hour. But 1t was as the brightness of the sun. superinten-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22

buying h Tennessee Coal in the last fortnight wrested control from the so- called Hanover bank crowd Hoadley, through his International Power com pany, had already obtained control of the Alabama Consolidated Coal and Iron company and thus equipped had started in to bring about the much talked of combination in which, 1t is said, he aims to include the Soss-S Sheffield Steel and Iron company, the Alabama Steel and Wire company and at least tho southern pi operties of the Republic Iron and Steel company if not all the Republics steel plants.
 Mr. Gates.
 John w. Gates is said in some quarters to be associated with Hoadley in his southern merger enterprise. His con- nection with the Republic Iron and Steel company makes that theory plausi- ble and the operation of wrestling con- trol of Tennessee from it's owners smacks of a Gates operation. Gates is also one of the pioneers in steel corporation con- "solidatioas"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
Hoadley Makes Statement.

New York, February 2L-Joseph Hoad- ley of this city. who was said to be in- terested in the syndicate formed to pur- chase the Tennessee Coal and Iron stock made the following statement today:
 "A syndicate has already been formed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
TO THE PEOPLE

nvERYBoDYs story yrY 1FTsniSd 1 Finance IS out '0a''' In I bring the story the of Amalgamated scoundrGly "systems character tnugs-dea with them and-depost them through air then with mpe gutter
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 say he-th chapter the Beef Trust which behOves all patriotic Americans to
 
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
HUNDREDS OF RESCUERS
 HAVE FASTENED TO THE SCENE
(contlnue- from First Paae)

(Continue~a from First Pade) miner was working yesterday and by the use of tags it will be impossible to have the bodies turned over to wrong relatives.
 Although the people of Virginia City and the surrounding country are doing all in their power to cope with the sit uation that has risen from the explosion in Virginia mines Monday afternoon, want and suffering are sure to follow in the wake of the terrible catastrophe. At one stroke as it were, 325 children and fully 75 women were deprived of their bread-winners. Since the break of dawn this morning the orphaned tots have be~o running to and fro, hanging to their mothers garments and joining in the cries of grief which are heard on all sides. Very few of the men had saved anything for emergencies.
 One M~n Left.
 In the first row of houses, nearest the entrance to the slope of the ill-fated mine, there are five cottages. A canvass of this row reveals the fact that only one man of the entire male population able to wield a pick has been spared.
 During yesterday afternoon and last night the grief-stricken relatives of the miners were so shocked by the calamity which struck the little city that they did not seem to realize the true situation. Last night there was not an eye closed for sleep in the entire village. The men all worked like fiends to reach their rel atives and friends and loved ones The women sat huddled around the fires or stood in silent groups in the yards.
 When the day dawned the foul and gloomy weather seemed to intensity the grief of the watchers. The hillsdes around the slope were rapidly covered with the women of the camp. Fires were built and around these the sorrowing people gathered to weep and talk over the situation.
 Many tragical scenes were enacted in this place, which has now been turned into a vale of tears. At times woman who yesterday was happy wife and to- day is a mourning widow would break down and would have to be carried away in hysterical condition. The physicians who were summoned to administer to the entombed miners would be called upon to attend to some mother who had lost her son in the disaster and was in a state of nervous collapse. The sick and the afflicted who had been languishlng on beds of pain for several weeks rose out of their beds and went to the scene of the catastrophe in hopes of seeing their loved ones rescued
 Searchjn-. for Brother.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
GRIEF STRICKEN RELATIVES
 WEARY WITH LONG YIGILS
(contlnued from First Pase.)


 creased in numbers, and when announce ment was made that the first tip with bodies of the deceased was soon to be brought to the top, thousands packed themselves around the enclosure at the mouth of the mine and stood for more than two hours, almost motionless.
 Morbid curiosity drew hundreds to the scene, but there were other hundreds who came to gather news of some loved one who was in the deep mine beneath their feet The latter could easily be detected in that vast crowd, for set, sad look was about their faces that indicated absence of all hope
 Little groups gathered on the hillsides in the vicinity of the mouth. Here would be found dozen women, comforting and consoling each other in their common grief. Over there would be seen little knot of men earnestly discussing the sit uation, or extending the hand of sympa- thy to one of their number who had been unfortunate.
 In the distance might be caught the picture of some devout Christian kneelng in prayer to the Almighty, begging his aid and deliverence for those in distress, beseeching Him to allow some of those imprisoned beneath to be brought to the surface alive. Such scenes were wit messed.
 Over on one little hilock was an aged mother weeping and waling the loss of her son. At her side was a young girl moaning the loss of her brother, and third figure in the picture was little boy whose father and older brother were both
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22

to combine the southern iron companies, and If the caucuses now being held be- tween the representatives of the differ ent companies result satisfactorily, three banking firms will finance the deal"
 MT. Hoadley declined to give the names of the banking houses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22

Tom Cody at the time of the explosion, worked from o'clock yesterday after noon until 12 today without anything to eat and without pausing for one moment, in hopes of rescuing lis brother. Several times last night in his eagerness to get to the bottom of the slow, he was over come by gas and had to be carried to the top by his companions. AS soon as he would recover he would rush back into the ill-fated mine and work like a mad man to remove the obstacles barring his way to the room where Is brother had been working. At last, when the way was clear, he broke through his restrain ing fellows and, crawling on his knees, made his way slowly and painfully to the room where his brother had been. Reaching this spot he found that the en- trance had been blocked and 1t was im- possible to go any further. Several times today Mr. Cody says he crawled over the dead body of a man or mule.
 After making his trip in safety and reaching the top again, MT. Cody broke down and cried like baby over the loss of his only brother,
 Another pitiful sight was the grief of Harrison Owen, an old negro over 80 years of age, who had lost his two grand sons, Oliver and Sam Owen, who were his only support. The old man broke down and wept when he reached the scene. He lives at Bessemer, and his two grand sons had been supporting him for some 4 an explosion had occurred in the mine and had walked all the way out to Vir- ginia City to see if lhis grandsons were safe When informed that they were en- tombed his grief knew no bounds, and he was carried away in a state of utter helplessness.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
Patents Issued.

Washington, February 2l.-(Special.)- Patents have been issued to Thomas A. Dungan, Kipling. apparatus for the distii- lation of wood or the like; Percy Todd, Gadsden, cuff holder.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
LOOKS LIKE THE MERGER
 IS SURE FOR COMPANIES
fcontlnued from First Paae.l
is likely to bring the highest price Il making the merger.
President Bacon.

FTcSlucnt bdCOH.
 "The statement was made this evening that Hoadley said one day last week. when asked why he did not call President Bacon of the Tennessee Coal and Iron company Into conferences What has he got to say about it?,
 According to information had this morning, J. Henry Smith was loaded with a large quantity of Tennessee Coal around the top prices in 1899 and 1900
 As the story goes, his stock was left with several banking houses with the understanding that if certain things came to pass. Smiths holdings should be put with Hoadleys.
 ''The inference Is that the certain things amounted to acquisition by Hoad- ley of enough Tennessee Coal stock to give him control with. or perhaps with out, that owned by Smith.
 "It is asserted now that the heavy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
The Man From the Mills. The Wizard of the
 Bargain Counter.

Mill End Sale" famous on is crowds bad
  will the people shop at The Peoples Store"
 & COMPANY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-22
Searching for Brother.

Jim Cody, who works on the night shift and was on the way to relieve his brother.