davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
NEGROES TALK OF
THEIR CONV|CT TON
Two Say They Are Ready TO
Hang
ONE WANTS ANOTHER TRIAL
Collier and Smith Say the Matter of
Public Hanging Is lmmaterlal
With Them-Jackson
Writes Attorney.

John Collier, Harvey Smith and viii
Jackson. the three Morgan county ne
groes who are in the Jefferson county
Jail under death sentence for murder,
say they feel quite bitter on account Of
the way in which their trials were con-
Quoted In Decatur last week." as they
express It, The negroes contend that a
fair showing was not given them. Smith
and Collier were convicted for killing Miss
Belle Bloodworth, the daughter of a New
Decatur merchant, last January, and
Jackson received the death sentence for
killing Health Officer Steele of Deca-
tur week before last.
"They did not give me the least bit of
a showing said Collier yesterday after
noon, when seen at the county jail Il
am going to be hanged an innocent man
next month, but guess that 1 can stand
it."
Judge D. w. Speake, presiding in the
circuit court of Morgan county, sentenced
the three men to be hanged on June 49,.
A notice of an appeal was not taken in
either of the cases. 1t is understood that
the citizens of Morgan county are petit
tioning Governor Jelks for a public hang
ing
1T makes no difference to me whether
the hanging is public or private" said
Smith yesterday afternoon. Il never
thought that we would react. the county
Jail in Decatur, and had no idea that we
would ever be given trial. l don't think
that those people up in Decatur will hang
us publicly, but if they do l guess it will
be all right l had just as soon be hung
before a thousand people as ten. I have
made peace with my God and am ready to
go tomorrow if they want me to do so.
Il have nothing to say about my son,
Lacey Smith, going on the stand against
me al my trial. Maybe thought that
he was telling the court the truth about
John Collier and myself, but he was not.
81 can't say whether Collier is guilty
of this charge. He has never said any
thing to me about it"
1t will be recalled that after he was
convicted of murder Collier sent for Fred
Bloodworth. the brother of the young
woman slain, asking him to come to the
Morgan county jail II WdS SApcStcu a.
that time that Collier would make con-
fession but such was not the case Col
lier said yesterday afternoon that he sent
for Mr.. Bloodworth to ascertain from
him the location of the clothing taken
from him at the time he was arrested.
The negro said that he did not obtain the
information sought.
viii jackson yesterday afternoon adj
dressed a letter to the Decatur attorney
appointed by the court to defend him,
asking that he enter a plea for new
trial 1t is not generally believed, how
ever, that such plea will be entered.
The three negroes will be kept in the
jefferson county Jail until the day they
are to be executed 1t Is said that the
governor will be requested to send mil
itary company to Decatur to be present at
the execution.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
BAPTISTS LEAVE
FOR CONVENTION
LARGE DELEGATION WILL LEAVE
TODAY AT NOON OVER FRISCO
FOR kANSA1 ClTY-LlST OF
THOSE GOING.

A large delegation from Birmingham and
other portions of the state will leave Bir-
mingham over the Frisco today at 1920
p m to attend the annual Southern Bap-
list convention which convenes in Kansas
City May TO-
Special sleepers will be attached to the
Frisco train to accommodate the business
ard it is expected from sixty to eighty
people will go from Birmingham. Nearly
all those who live east of Birmingham
will come here and take the special Sleep
ers About forty people have already
made reservations in the seepers.
1t is expected that quite a number
from the lower part of George will come
to Birmingham en- route to Kansas City
and that many from Atlanta will take
this route. A special sleeper from At
lanta will arrive here tomorrow and be
attached to the Frisco at noon.
Following is a list of those who have
made reservations:
The Rev. ]. A. Hendrix, the Rev. L. NJ.
Bradley, the Rev. A. C. Davidson, the
Rev. ]. NJ. Sheborne, the Rev. j. II.
Longcrier, H. II. Hagood, the Rev and
Mrs. S. o. Y. Ray. Mrs. D. NJ. Malone,
Mrs. w. A. Barrett. Mrs, j. W. Vesey,
Mrs. j. A. Hendrix, the Rev. j. NJ Nc
Card, Miss Matte Mcdonald, Miss Lydia
Ridgeway. Mrs. Thomas Smith, Mrs.
Pelcher. the Rev A. j. Dickinson all of
Birmingham.
The following will come 20 Birmingham
and leave from here: The Rev. j. e.
Barnes, Sulligent; the Re- II. S. Towr-
send, Hugeut; the Rev. l. w. Inzer
Brampton; the Rev. G. s. Smith, Alex
ander City; the Rev. J. w. Dunaway
Alabama City; the Rev. II. T. Crumpton
Russellville the Rev. Richard Hall, Or
vile; the Rev. p V. Bomar Marion; the
Rev. John W. Stewart, Evergreen; the
Rev. w. H. Smith, Columbus, Ga. the
Rev. T. NJ. Galloway. Taladega; the Rev.
]. w. Sanalin, Catherine the Rev. C. j.
Bentley. Sylacauga; the Rev. c. G..
Mcsely. Evergreen; the Rev. W. X. Car
lysle, Goodwater; the Rev. j. l.. Greg
DRY, Dudleyville; the Rev c. N. Reeves,
Windfield; the Rev. r. II. Tandey, Flor
ence; the Rev. j. G. Larry. Pine Hill;
the Rev. j. l.. Garner, Bessemer; w. A..
Parker, Albertsville; the Rev. w. M.
Blackwelder, Livingston; the Rev. d. M.
Morgan, Lipscomb; Miss Pallard New
burn; Rev. Mr.. Jones. and Ira Dunsmore,
Stanton; the Rev. S. NJ. Proswee, Tus-
kegee.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
RAILROAD WORLD.

j. w. Gam. chief clerk to Ticket Agent
Luckett, has been appointed city passen-
ger agent of the Frisco in Birmingham
to succeed Frank r. Newman. who was
promoted to city ticket agent of the FRS
CO at Memphis.
Mr.. Gam has quite a number of friends
in the city and is well known among
railroad men. He has been in the ticket
office for some time and is well acquaint-
ed with local conditions.
Mr.. Newman arrived from Memphis
last night to assist Travelling Passenger
Agent Griffith for few days. The BUSH
ness is very large at present and a num-
Der Of special movements are taking
place.
F. NJ. Griffith, travelling passenger agent
of the Frisco, will accompany the dele
gates to the Southern Baptist convention,
which conyenes in Kansas City tomorrow.
Special sleepers have been provided for
the delegates going from Birmingham and
other portions of the state.
r. b. Pegram. assistant to the fifth vice
president of the Southern, was in the city
yesterday He was formerly connected
with the office of G. G. Thompson, dis
trict freight agent, as commercial agent
In Birmingham.
A. j. Davidson. president, and several di-
rectors of the Frisco and other officials
will arrive in the city this afternoon on
a special train consisting of six private
cars. and will leave tomorrow over the
Alabama Great Southern for New Or
leans. The officials are on tour of
inspection.
The train is composed of private cars
No. 200, No 800, No. 1902 No. 100 and the
Indiana" and the "Thanis."
]. G. Cantrell, assistant general freight
agent. NJ ]. McDonough, travelling
freight agent, and H. X. Finney, local
freight agent of the Seaboard, are in
Portsmouth attending a meeting of the
freight representatives of the road to
duscuss matters for the good of the SER
vice. The conference will be in session
today and tomorrow.
George w. Ely, travelling passenger
agent of the Southern Pacific, with head
quarters in Atlanta. was in the city yes
terday.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09

After celebrating for forty minutes the
jury In the case of William A. Denson
on trial in the criminal court on the
charge of assaulting R. L. Leatherwood
nearly a year ago last night retired with
out returning a verdict.
The case passed into the hands of the
jury about 10 p. m. Judge Samuel L.
Weaver, who presided, ordered a night
session and the last argument was made
by Assistant Solicitor z. W. Winston.
Judge Weaver then delivered the charge
to the jury and the jury retired. After
celebrating for forty minues the jury
asked to be allowed to go to bed, which
request was granted.
Both benson and Leatherwood are men,
bers of the local bar and large crowds
have attended the trial. benson has been
brought in court each day during the
progress of the trial on a cot BY his
side sat his brother John benson. About
ten days ago in a shooting affair between
benson and Leatherwood on South Twen-
tieth street the former was painfully
wounded.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09

Donell, J. A. Holmes. S. N. Gore, j. c.
Higgins, j. w. Brady, W. r. Kelly, Bird
Hill, John Williams.
The case of George Hess VS. the Bir-
mingham Railway, Light and Power COM
pany is now on trial in the circuit court.
1t Is suit for damages for alleged per-
sonal injuries
H. l.. Cooper and Robert l.. Cooper
have each filed suit In the circuit court
against the Semet sovay company ask
ing for damages to the amount of 1890
for alleged damage to certain lands.
Today's docket;
No 1SSS-Sterling Mcdonald VS. Bir-
mingham Railway, Light and Power COM
pany; damages. Pinkney Scott; Hugh
Morrow.
No 1sS9-W. Y. Lundy VS.. Birmingham
Railway, Light and Power company;
damages. Porter & Perry; Hugh Nor
row.
No 278-E. j. Allen S Co. vs. ]. C. Bur-
gin ct al; damages. Lane & White; ].
w. Bush.
No 343-Vincent lilly VS. Nick Brooks;
damages W aver x Leatherwood John
j. Altman.
No 656-Sallie T.. Steel vs.. Birmingham
Realty company; damages benson & I'LL
man; London & London.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
REDUCTIONS MADE
FOR ELECTRICITY
PRESIDENT ROBERT JEMIsoN is.
SUES CIRCULAR LETTER TO
PATRONS OF coMPANY-LoWER
COST OF OPERATING CAUSE.

In a circular letter issued by Robert
Jemison, president of the Birmingham
Railway, Light and Power company, the
announcement is made that a reduction
will be made beginning on July in the
price for electricity. The reduction is
from 16 to y cents per 1000 watts hours
with discounts. The lower cost of operat-
ing is given as the cause for the reduc-
ton in prices.
1t will be recalled that a special COM
mittee from the City Council several
weeks ago reported that in its opinion
the charges made by the company were
excessive.
The following is in part the letter is
sued by President Jemison to the pa
irons:
Commencing with the LIST of July, the
price of electricity will be reduced from
IS cents to u cents per 1000 watts hours,
with the following discounts:
Ten per cent on bills up to $4,000 w. H.;
10 per cent on bills over $4,000 ". H.; 20
per cent on bills over 10000 w H.. 25
per cent on bills over 900 w. H. so per
cent on bills over LOCO W. L.; 30 per cent
on bills over 100000 W. H.~4S paid by 10th
of month following monte Of consump-
ton
In order to make this very low price 1t
has been necessary for us to order, ana
there will be installed at our power plant,
new Turbine engine end coal conveyors.
which will reduce the cost of operating
the plant and enable us to give you the
benefit of a reduction in price of electric
ity as above stated.
This reduction in the electric light bills
will be like the reduction in the gas,
which we made in the year 1902, when we
reduced the price from 81 65 to 81 10, with
a 10 cent per 1000 discount /. paid by the
10th of the month, and will enable all
of our patrons and those in moderate cir
cumstances to use electricity, which is
considered the cleanest, most convenient
and best light of the present time"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
City Court of Birmingham.

FIRST DIV1SION-Judge Charles A.
Sem presiding:
The case of John Cooke, administrator
VS.. the Birmingham Railway, Light and
Power company, is ON trial in the first
division of the city court of Birmingham.
Suit is brought for $4,000 as damages for
the death of Justin Cooke, the son of the
plaintiff. He met his DEATH it is alleged,
through the negligence of the defendant 5
employees, by being struck by an electric
ear on South Twentieth street about a
year ago. This is the second time the
case has been on trial. During the first
trial a continuance was made upon the
grounds of an act of one of the interested
parties which was said to have been in
discreet.
SECOND DINISION-Judge Charles w.
Ferguson presiding:
On account of the death OF a sister of
Judge Charles w Ferguson in Columbus,
Ga, all cases set for hearing yesterday
in the second division were continued.
Judge Ferguson went to Columbus yes
terday morning to attend the funeral.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Number of Important Examinations
Are Soon to Be Held.

The United States civil service commits
sion announces examinations as follows:
June 7, for expert velox printer (male)
in the geological survey. at a salary from
$500 to s14o0 per annum. The age limit is
20 years or over.
June I, for wheelwrght, at a salary of
s720 per annum, at the Pottawatomie
agency. Kansas. The age limit is 20 years
or over.
June IA, for assistant male or female)
sections of Illustrations, division of pub
lications, Department of Agriculture, at
a salary of $500 per annum. The age
limit is 20 years or over.
Full formation with reference to the
above examinations will be furnished upon
application to s. D. Harris, secretary of
the local examining board. He is at the
postoffice
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Damage Suits Filed.

L. A. Phelps files suit against the South
ern Railway company asking for damages
to the amount of $1,000 for alleged personal
injuries.
Four more suits We're filed yesterday
against the Alabama Steel and Wire COM
pany as a result of the Virginia mines dis
aster. Each of the plaintiffs ask for dam
ages to the amount of $4,000.
The plaintiffs follow:
Katie Turner and l.. W. Huff, adminis-
traitors of the estate of Henry Turner.
Same, administrators of the estate Of
Steve Turner.
Leila Smith and i. w. Huff. admins
traitors of the estate of Dave Smith.
l.. w. HUFF and Elevia johnson, admin
istrators of the estate of Harvey John
son.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Concordia Beneficial Society.

The Concordia Beneficial society has
elected new officers as follows: President,
Ed bunker; vice president, Louis
schweinbraten; secretary, Nick lehman;
treasurer, Ernest Peterman; supervisor.
Henry Unrath; trustees, Frank F. Harms,
D. C. Behrens, Fritz Pentzler; flag bear
or. Charles schuman. The society is
In good financial standing. The member
ship is 100 active and 10 passive members.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Contracts to Be Let.

The sanitary commission of Jefferson
county will award the contracts for
building the septic tanks on the two trunk
sewers one at Valley creek and the other
at Village creek next Wednesday. Sew
eral bids have been submitted to the
commission. witch were opened last
rEurfday
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Chancery Court.

Judge Benners presiding:
An effort Is being made by Chancellor
Benners to dispose of all of the old cases
in the chancery court special docket
has been ct for each day this week and
the attorneys interested have been no.
titled to be present when their cases are
called
Today's docket:
Highland Avenue and Belt Railroad
company VS.. South and North Alabama
Railroad company
r. NJ. Watkins ct al VS.. Robert J.
Fowler ct al.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
ORDINANCE is ATTACKED.
A. o. Lane Argues That the Sunday
Law Is Illegal.

Attorney A. o. Lane representing six
men charged with violating the Sunday
law in reference to entering saloons on
Sunday. attacked the validity of the ordi-
nance in the police court yesterday.
His contention was that the ordinance
was passed without the second and third
readings and the signatures of the alder
men passing 1t as required by law. City
Attorney Smith was sent for and defended
the ordinance.
Mr.. Lanes clients were released for
lack OF evidence to convict. and the ar
gument on the legality Of the Sunday law
was continued to some future time.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
COMMERCIAL CLUB ELECTION.
Officers for Another Year Were
Chocen Yesterday.

me election of officers of the CONNER
cal club was held in the club rooms yes
terday afternoon from u to o'clock. A
president, twelve vice presidents and nine
directors were voted for. There was but
one ticket in nomination, and as there
was no opposition the election was very
quiet, though under the circumstances
the vote was very large. The election
managers were M. p. Messer, r. I. Shaw
and John W. O'Neil
The vote will be declared and the new
Officers installed at the annual meeting
which will be held some time in the latter
part OF this month. T. H. Motion was
nominated for president last Friday and
was duly elected yesterday.
The Gawk Engraving Co. makes the
best cuts. Phone Peonle's 27g
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Assault With Intent TO Murder.

George Dixon, the negro arrested Sum
day night for stabbing a negro woman
with a knife, was yesterday bound over
to the criminal court of Jefferson county
by Judge Feagin on a bond of 5000. He
is charged with assault with intent to
murder.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Circuit Court.

Judge A A. Coleman presiding:
Juries were organized in the circuit
court yesterday morning for the week as
follows:
No Wv. S. Brown j. C. Loftin, j .
X. Norfeet, r. b. Robertson, James ID.
Duncan, J. A. Adams, fernando d.
Wood, w. j. Lacey, j. A. Smith, r. NJ
Jenkins. H n. Huey. T.. T. Douglass.
No. 2-1ra Creel. e. w. Camp, r. j.
Rowell, G. 7. Alternately, M. II. Nc
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Arrested for Larceny.

Bunk Cunningham, a negro, was ar
rested last night by Officers Gates and
Byars on a charge of stealing a dollar
and ninety cents.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Interpretations.

The Jefferson Laundry company, with
n capital stock of $780, has filed articles
of Incorporation in the probate court.
The ineorporators are J. N. Vincent. H.
r. Howe and A. c. Howe
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Real Estate Transfers.

Felice Bahr Keene has transferred to
Eva Hart an interest in lot No. IS in block
NO ~, and lot No. ~ In block No 50;
also lot No in block No. SO. in Birmine-
ham. the consideration being $500.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
AND SAFETY

We pay 4 per cent on
savings and time depos-
its and compound inter-
est semi-annually.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Do you wish to sell2
oFFlcERs:

]. B. Cobbs, President; b. F. Roden. V.
President; H. II. Mayberry. Treasurer; C.
G.. Davidson, Secretary
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Arrested for Grand Larceny.

Detective Patton arrested Will Burdill,
a negro last night on charge of grand
larceny. Burdill is in the city Jail.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
DIRECTORS:

j. B. Cobbs, II. II. Mayberry. B. r.
Rodeni J. II. Robinson. c. o. Simpson and
C. o. Burns of New York.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09

Perhaps 1t IL not etched enough: send
It to the Gawk Engraving ca. Peoples
rhonc 276.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Center Shot.

The man behind the gun
does very well but is not
in the same class with
the man behind a bank
account. Age Herald.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
FOUND

The quickest and surest road to
good health has been found by thou
sands of sufferers from stomach, liver
and kidney ailments. They took Hos
letters Stormach Bitters at the very
first symptom and in it found the only
remedy that could cure them. Every
pie. 1t cures Headache, costiveness,
INDIGESTION, Dyspepsia, Sour Stomach,
Liver or Kidney DlIs and Female Com.
plants.
HOSTETTER'S
STOMACH BITTERS.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09

Best on earth or anywhere else. The
~awk Engraving Co peopie'~ rhop. "a
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
THE WEATHER,

Washington, May S-Forecast for Ala
bama; Showers and thunder storms Tues
day and Wednesday; light south winds.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Weather Report.

Temperature and precipitation, as re-
ported by the weather bureau for select
ed southern stations during "A hours end
Ing at a. m. Precip-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09

The Gawk Engraving Co makes tn.
best cuts. Phone Peoples 276.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
Loca! Weather Data.

Birmingham. laay g. 1905, p M
Maximum temperature :. =. =. =. :. 81
Mlnlmum temperature. >. :. :. :. =. 81
.leah temperature. "A
NormaI temperature. =. -. II
Deficiency of tenn since Jan. =. Pa
Rainfall since 4 p. m. yesterday -. Z
rainfall since January 1 =. =. =. ...10. 81
deficiency of rainfall since Jan. L.. 3. 43
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-09
CIVIL SERVICE.

w. +. LEHM AN,
Official in Charge.
The Minneapolis journal., 1905-11-15
outward results, but We know tho har-
vest is very great.
John 3. Bushnell,
Westminster Presbyterian Church.
DR.. Jordan's Impressions.

Few, if any of US, have ever wit
Psssed fnhf Like tbsrs h eampsgn BE-
esting in it's methods, powerfully effect
ing the whole city and bringing every
locality under great spiritual impulse.
DR.. Chapman certainly has no equal in
conducting such comprehensive revival
campaigns. With a spirit of meekness
and sweetness that has won all hearts,
and with patience and tactfulness that
could not rouse antagonism, with the
ease of master hand he has led and di-
rected' affairs.
Another thing that has impressed
the mind of the public Is the harmony
and fellowship Of the ministers Of the
city. Denominations have been forgot
ten and the gatherings Of the ministers
have been veritable lovefeasts Of Chris
tian unity. Then who has not been i'm
pressed with the awakened interest Of
all classes Of peoples From the slum to
the most aristocratic church, crowds
have surged to hear the gospel.
[ have been greatly impressed with
| the gracious fact that these sixteen
evangelists with their singers, belonging e
to various denominations, have unani
mously preached the truth Of the Word
The results no man can estimate
Hundreds and perhaps thousands have
taken stand for new life in Christ
A great responsibility now rests upon
the pastors and churches.
| w. H. Jordan,
First NJ E. Church.