davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
MINERS ENTOMBED
 AT MONONGAHELA
EXPLOSION OF BLACK DAMP IN COAL MINE-IT IS BELIEVED BE- TWEEN 25 AND 30 MEN ARE BE- HIND DEBRIS.

Fayette City, Pa, December. Between 20 and 30 miners, possibly more, are en- tombed in the Naomi mine of the United Coal company, located three miles west of this city, and there is practically no nope that any of them are alive. Their Imprisonment is due to an explosion of black damp about o'clock last night, after the night force went to work.
 It is said a miner entering the mine with an open lamp caused the explosion Had the disaster occurred on any other night except Sunday, the number of vic- tins would have been twice as large The mine employs from 275 to 300 regu- larly, about one-fourth of them driving entry at night, but on Sunday nights only about one-half the night force goes to work.
 The mine is of the shaft type, and the concrete sides of the entry were broken down so as to completely close the pass age back a considerable distance. About 100 feet from the entrance is located the first air shaft and in this deadly gas is pouring in great volume. The gas found in mines in this territory is so strong no human can live in 1t for more than a few minutes and for this reason it is not believed single one of the entombed men is still alive.
 One man, an unidentified foreigner, managed to climb to the top of the first air shaft but dropped dead there. No sign of life has come from the oth CTS.
 Just after the night force entered the shaft, there was flash which lighted up the mine and all around it. There was a roar as tons of coal and slate crashed down into the entries crowded with workmen. Then utter darkness followed the explosion put ting out of business completely the lighting and air facilities of the mine. The mine immediately filled with gas and several not injured by the ex- plosion perished while trying to get to a place of safety.
 The explosion shook buildings in Fayette City and could be heard for miles, In the home of miners the eX- plosion felt like a death signal and emptied every miners cottage in the village. The occupants of these, men, women and children, form the saddest picture in the scenes about the mine this morning. The women and children are crying continually and stare with hope at the seemingly fruitless work of rescue.
 The National mine Is one of the oldest operated by the United Coal company which has it's principal offices in Pitts burg IL is one of the biggest mines in the soft coal region, and gave work to 200 and 300 men all the year.
 The property loss will be enormous, as the mine was equipped at a cost of thou sands of dollars, with all the up-to-date mine appliances The explosion com pletely wrecked the air shaft, and no human being can live very long in the mine without 1t. Thousands are focking to the mine mouth, and every means known to mine operators is being made to try to reach the men.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Field Trials Begin.

Charlotte, N. C., December 1.--With birds plentiful and under perfect weather conditions the Continental club field trials opened yesterday at Bar ber's with the members stake. Leonard Tufts of Boston, with Winona, won first prize, an oil painting of the vic- torious dog, to be executed by Profes- sor Asthaus, the noted animal painter. Judge Cornell of New York won sec ond prize, silver loving cup, with Lalla Rookh. The third prize, also a silver cup, went to MT. Russell of Tryon, s. C., with Marie Russell. and the fourth was taken by John White of Hampstead, l.. l., with Lucky. on Monday the chief event of the field trials. the derby. will be run. In yes terday's event owners handled their own dogs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
MERCHANTS PROTEST.
Establishment of commissaries in Ca
 nal Zone Affects Their Business.

Panama, December 1.-More than 1000 merchants met here today and at Colon to discuss the situation caused by the es- tablishment of commisssries in the Canal Zone resolution was adopted for the company to take whatever measures they deemed necessary to bring the attention of the Panama government, the Ithmian Canal commission. and the United States to the hardships under which the Panama and Colon merchants are at present strus- gllng and the inevitable failure which at tend their business if the present plan be maintained.
 It was stated at the meeting that any body. thought not an employe on the canal work, can buy from the comms- sares on the zone, and there is no mea ms of identifying the employees, thus permit ting the transfer of these books to out side use.
 The hope was expressed that the mat ter would be given attention.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
"Panic Day" in Wall Street.

D. A. Wiley In December Putnams.
 In the arena itself are none of the scenes that one might expect when men see the fortunes of score of years leavo their grasp in perhaps an hour. It is q fine display of that nerve which the true American possesses. If anything is need ed to prove the adage that he is "a good loser," a panic day in Wall street is prof enough.
 Again look over the floor. Here Is q man strolling up and down, hands in pockets, apparently as unconcerned as if pacing the lobby of the hotel with his after-dinner cigar. Over in a corner are two others talking together. They are not smiling, but they might be discuss- ing mere trife, to judge by their calm attitude. The messenger boys, who seem to be about as numerous as the brokers, go from place to place with the same me- chanical precision as if it were a hundr d thousand share day in midsummer. and everybody gone to the ball game or into the country. The men at the posts have no time to go out for luncheon but munch an apple or sandwich, selling or buying d thousand dollars at a bite.
 It is a game with millions in the bal- ance, but no men ever sat around poker table and played for S-cent cor ner with less excitement than most or those to whom the loss of a hand in this place may mean the gain or loss or ten thousand for their patrons.
 They call this panic day because 12 stocks alone had sold when the day was over, at 10 points less than when It began, and because the two and half million shares of stock that had changed ownership during the five hours were worth s25. 100000 less than when the mar ket opened.
 But the man with the watering pot sprinkles the feor just as on other days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Sweeping Changes Proposed.

New York December 1.-Sweeplng changes. involving a remodeling of tho entire present plan of city government of Greater New York. are recommended to Governor Hughes by the Charter Revis- 1 ion commisslon, in its final report made public tonight The recommendation in- cludes absolute home rule with regard to city administration, in small board of aldermen and the exclusion from the city's debt limit of all bonds issued for revenue earnings improvement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
SECOND FLOT|LLA
 WILL SAIL TODAY
Torpedo Boat DeStroyerS Begin
 Voyage to the Pacific
HEADED FOR SAN JUAN
Big Supply and Refrigerator Ship Arethusa Carrying Money and Pro- visions Will Follow December
 s-Hazardous Trip.

Norfolk, December 1.-The second ao- tilla of United States torpedo hoat de- stroyers which is to precede the power iul oattieshlp squadron soon to sail for the Pacific under the command of Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans, began it's long voyage of 15,0OO miles at 2:4O o'clock this afternoon. The six little vessels composing the fiotilla sailed out of the Norfolk navy yard for Hampton Roads where the remainder of the day was spent in compass adjustment work
 Weather permitting, Lieut. Hutchinson l. Cone, the flotilla commander, will at B a. m. tomorrow give the signal for the start and the fiotilla will pass out of the Virginia Capes, headed for San Juan, Porto Rico. where the first stop will be made.
 Owing to unavoidable delay in getting her ready, the big supply and refriger- ator ship Arethusa, which is to convoy the fotilla to the Pacific, will not sail until December g. The Arethusa will join the fotilla at Trinidad between De- cember 15 and 23 From Trinidad the Arethusa will accompany the fiotilla on the voyage until San Francisco is reached. The .Arethusa will be the pay master ship and will carry all the money.
 Will Meet Battleships.
 The fotilla will be met by the Evans battleship squadron at Rio de Janerio, Prazil, between January 15 and 20 This will probably be the only time that the battleships and torpedo boat destroyers will meet during the voyage, as the lat ter, though capable of 15 or F knots an hour. will only proceed at the rate of 101a knots an hour This low rate of sped will be maintained for comfort aboard ship and then. too the Arethusa's s speed is not much in excess of this.
 This voyage by the little torpedo boat destroyers, all four-funneled steel vessels, 250 feet long, 20 feet beam and 600 tons displacement, is declared by those going out with the fiotilla to be quite as haz- ardous as the voyage made by the first fiotila to the Philippines several years ago, but nobody fears but that the trip will be made in safety. A notable fact is that Flotilla Commander Cone was aboard the destroyer Dale on the voyage 10 Manila. He is the only man on this expedition who made that voyage of 1G ,00o miles or 1000 miles in excess of which the second flotilla will make on the trip to San Francisco.
 inc six destroyers in the fotilla carry d crew of 80 men each. Nearly all of the boats carry a Japanese steward and coolie each. The formation of the de- stroyers en route will be as follows: The Wnipple, Truxton, Lawrence, Hull, Hop lxins and StWart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
PUBLIC LANDS ARE
 RESTORED TO ENTRY
COMM SSloNER GENERAL OF LAND OFFICES R. A. BALLINGER MAKES PUBLIC HIS ANNUAL RE- PORT.

Washington. December 1.-The report of Commissioner General of the Land Office R. A. Ballinger for the fiscal year ended June SO 1907, was made public today. It shows that subsequent to March more than 100000 acres of pub liJ lands, previously held under blanket orders of suspension, were restored to entry. Nearly 10000, 900 acres were re- leased from forestry withdrawals in the same period.
 'The most vigorous effort says the commissioner general, lis being made with the force at my command to re- strain unlawful and fraudulent practices Tn the public land states and to secure evidence to prosecute those guilty of violation of the law. The report con dImns as absolute and absurd some of the existing land laws in particular the March. 1873. act, covering the patent ing of coal lands.
 Title having passed. the government possesses no guaranty that as a public utility the coal can be made available to supply the market on the contrary these lands have almost uniformly passed into the hands of spectators or large combinations controlling the output or the transportation. so that the consumer is at the mercy of both in the greater portion of the west" says the report. "The inducement for much of the crime and fraud committed under the present system can be prevented by securing the right to mine titles.'
 The report shows the total cash re- ceipts for the year from the disposal of public lands including sales of Indian land, to be $11 ,552,577. an increase of $S,- 967 654 over the preceding year.
 The total area of the land disposed Of during the year was 20,997, ,566 acres, an increase over 1906 of 1.566,SI9 acres
 There are now 15O national forests formerly called forest reserves> created by presidential proclamation, embracing 150 S31 665 acres. an increase since the last annual report of 43,S32.242 acres.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
GREAT BATTLE ON
 IN LONDON TOWN
Burns and MOir'S Champion
 ship Fight Tonight
BURNS THE FAV0RITE
Should Moir Win, Jeffries May Come Out of His Retirement-Other Sporting Events of the
 Week

lew York, December 1.-The close of the football season on Saturday with the Army-Navy game leaves the field of amateur sports no immediate events of wide interest. Attention during the week therefore will continue on professional sport. among which will be the ring contest i'll London on Monday night be- tween Burns and Mor, the balk line bil- liard match at Chicago and the begin ming of the annual six-day bicycle race next Sunday night in New York.
 No international sporting events of re- cent months has attracted such attention as the 2O-round fight for the worlds heavyweight championship on Monday night in the National Sporting club. Lon don. The contestants will be Tommy Burns. the American and Australian champion, and Gunner Moir, champion of England. Marquis of Queensberry rules will govern the contest and five-ounce gloves will be used. Besides the title of champion, $500O in prize money has been hung up and there will be side bet of considerable proportion. Against all precedent and compliance with Burns request, a sportsman not connected with
 
 the club has been chosen referee.
 Burns is a to favorite over Moir.
 Both men are known as rushing light CTS with plenty of gameness and stam- ina. Moir has been in the ring several wears and has won all his fights wlth comparative ease, while Burns ring achievements are still fresh in the minds of the public Moir will weigh about 1s0 pounds and Burns about ITO. Moir IS feet 10 inches, while Burns IS three inches shorter. The Englishman has the advantage in reach.
 Shortly after midnight next sunoaE night in Madson Square Garden NC" York, the six-day bicyclists Will slart on their annual grind. Among the ior- eipn contestants are Jacqueln breion and the Georget brothers Of frahce' stol. the Hollander and Rutt, the Ger, man All the American favorites VIII comnete against these this year.
 An interesting balk line billiard con ,est will be held on Monday nlghl Ut . oicago. when Jake schaefer VIII ue- fond his title to the 1S.1 inch chaiipio"- snin against George sutton
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Airships Over England.

London, December 1.-An airship, be- lieved to be the French military airship Patrie, which broke loose Saturday at yerdun. France, was seen passing over Wales from various places in Cardigan shore this morning, travelling seaward at a great altitude Some of the spectators declared that three men were clinging to the ship.
 In the afternoon the airship passed over Belfast, going northward, apparently under control,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
REMARkABLE REVIVAL,
More than 5000 People Profess Con
 version Under Torrey.

Chicago, December 1.-Rev pr. k. A. Torrey closed tonight one of the most re- markable evangelistic campaigns ever conducted in Chicago. The meetings which were held for the most part in a huge steam-heated tent, have attracted an average attendance of 5000 for Sunday and 5000 for other nights
 Dr. Torrey has delivered 135 sermons to more than 27t,OOO listeners. About 92Oo persons have professed conversion. pr. Torrey left tonight for his home in Phila- delpha. After weeks rest there he will go to Virginia, where a series of meet ings Is to be held
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
AlIcqed Conspirators.

Denver. Colo, December 2-The News this morning says: Chief Wilkie of the United States secret service, is in pos- session of a mass of evidence some of which will be verified by witnesses to- day than 10 men are involved in the al- legged conspiracy to murder United States Secret Service Agent Joseph Walker, who was killed at the Hesperus mine, near Durango Colorado. recently by miner named Vanderwiede, while In search of evidence to be used in the prosecution of men indicted on the charge of de- frauding the government out of valuable coal lands. Chief Wilkie will submit a detailed report to the President at an early date.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
INVALID KILLS HERSELF.
.,un,ns from Fourth-story Window Tn
 Hospital at Baltimore.

Baltimore. December Miss Mif'hio Rnd,sil aged about 40 years, or Hanover Penn. today leaped from windo" oi' inc fourth floor of a hospital, a distance of over 90 feet and died half an hour later. Miss Rudisil applied to the nos nital authorities on Saturday Tor eNaih- nation as to a nervous ailment. Suose- ouently. she told the nurse she had no ,nonev to nav her bill and this fact seemed +o ,Yorr,, her greatly. No other reason for her suicide is known.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
May Resume Operation.

Boston. December Thirty five mills and factories in New England which have been curtailing production or shut down for repairs for a brief period recently, are expected to resume operations during the coming week, in- cluding the Cocheco cotton mills of Dover. N. H.; Nassau & Jackson cotton miles of Nashau, N H.; the cotton mills of New Bedford, Bedford. Me. North Adams, Anthony, R. l., and Man vile, R. l.; several dress goods and knitting mills of Bennington, Vt.. ana the New England cotton companies and four mills in Fall River. While these companies are resuming a number of others announce curtailment of pro- duction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Fatal Auto Accident.

Cleveland December 1.-James hearhey ts dying with broken back and Arthur Barton is thought to be fatally injured as A result of an automobile accident today. James Lorey escaped injury. All of the occnpants of the automobile lived at Akron. Ohio, and were on their way to Cleveland when the accident occur red. When descending grade to pass under a railway bridge near the city the automobile skidded and struck telegraph pole. The machine fell upon Barton and kearney.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Emperor Burned in Effigy.

Lemberg, Galacia, December 1.-Mons- ter indignation meetings were held at I.emberg and other towns in Galacia to- day in protest against the appropriation of Polish landholders in Prussia. Great hostility was displayed against Chan cellor Won Beulow and Baron Non A. Ierenthal, the German foreign minister. Efigies of Emperor William. Baron Won A. Herenthal were burned amidst insult ing cries and q strong force of police was summoned to protect the German con- sulate against mob violence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Handsome Gifts Received.

London, December 1.-Queen Alexandria spent her birthday at Sandringham, where the customary celebrations were held. The King and Queen of Norway were among the visitors. Handsome gifts we're received from most of the crowned heads of Europe. Ambassador Reid and Mrs. Reid visited Sandrngham today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Want One Rate.

Atlanta, December 1.-(Special IA peti- ton has been presented to tho railroad commission asking one rate for the Sea board and the Macon, Dublin and Savan- nah railroad. 1t being alleged that the two are owned by the same parties. Ship pers would save a good deal of money by continuous mileage arrangement The commission will hear the argument on Wednesday,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Memorial Services.

Columbus, Miss, December 1.-(Spe- cal)-Elks lodge No 555 held its lodge of sorrow this afternoon in the Colum- bus theatre in the presence of a large attendance. The music was one of the attractive features of the programme. Dr. J. w. Shoaff, pastor of the First Methodist church, made a most appro- priate and impressive address.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Attendant Is Injured.

Terrel, Tex, December LA. A. Buois, who, with his wife, has charge of the dining room of the Male annex. was at tackled by patient at the North Texas hospital this afternoon and his throat cut. A large knife used in slicing bread was used. But scant hope is entertained for his recovery. The wife of the in jured man was in the room when the deed occurred and is prostrated with grief
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Bryan Goes To Washington.

New York, December INV. J. Bryan left tonight for Washington, where he will spend two days in conference with the democratic leaders in Congress relative to forthcoming legislation. MT. Bryan delivered an address on The Application of the Golden Rule at Westminster Presbyterian church here today. He expects to leave Washington for his home on Tuesday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Prospective Millionaire Killed.

New York. December Earl Mac day when an automobile which he was driving in company with several com panions, collided with sand pile in Bay Ridge. Macdonald. it is said, was shortly to have come into an estate valued at s1b00 100000. His companions escaped unhurt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Three Are Drowned.

Plaquemine, La, December 1.-Three oc- cupants of a gasoline launch were drowned here today. when the craft upset while making a sharp turn in a small bayou. The drowned are Joseph Trepag- nier. owner of the launch; Joseph Landry, and Moses Blumenthal. Eight other pas- sengers on the launch escaped by swim ming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Cabmen Will Strike.

New York, December 1.-New York cab men, numbering 1900, voted to go out on strike tmorrow. The cabmen demand an increase of s14 to s14.5o a week and re- auction from 12 to 10 hours for work day. The Livery Stable Owners asso- citation has refused to grant their re- quest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Elephant Kills Another.

Atlanta, December 1.-(Special )-"Roger and Lil," two big elephants at the Bostoc Shows, now wintering at Ponce de Leon in Atlanta, had fight this morning over a bale of hay. Lil was badly hurt and died this afternoon. The dead animal was worth 5000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Plants Close Down,

Pittsburg. December 1.-The Isabella furnace of the American Steel and Wire company at Etna, a suburb has been closed indefinitely. throwing more than 1000 men out of employment. The pipe mill of the Spang 6 Chalfant Co. shut down last night. 16o nsp hsine afIsoted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Concrete.

Special materials required on concrete. See the sign, Avenue and Iwenty-nrss street south Hermitage. of course.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-02
Will Raise $10O,OOO.

Atlanta, December i. -- Special )--At an enthusiastic meeting of men of all de- nominations held at the First Methodist church this afternoon, the laymen of At lanta pledged themselves to raise the sum of s100,0o0 for foreign missions in the year 1908. A committee of 100 members will be appointed-S0 Baptists 20 Methodsts, and 20 Presbyterians and 10 each from the other denomniations--to raise this sum- Talks were made by J. Campbell White of New York, William T. Ellis of Phila- delphia, and others.