davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
ARGUMENT OF THE RATE CASE

Now that the argument before the
federal supreme court in the habeas
corpus case from this state involving
the railroad rate cases has been heard,
the decision OF the court will be await
ed with great interest. 1t will settle
a very important constitutional ques-
ton, one of interest to the people of
every state in the union. Though a
local contest and one between the
sheriff of a county in this state and
q citizen of the same, it is a national
matter-one involving the relative
rights Of state and federal courts on
the all important question OF the one
Interfering In proceedings pending in
the other. The supreme court will
make no hasty decision in such a
case.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
WILMINGTON CUSTOMS HOUSE
BILL.

Senator Overman's bill appropriat
ing five hundred thousand dollars for
building a new customs and court
building in our city Is attracting at
tention outside of Wilmington. and he
is receiving commedation for his ac-
tion II he can succeed in having con-
greas make this appropriation he viii:
make himself even more popular with
<he Wilmington people than he is now.
1t Is a pretty big sum to ask for
er than is needed to give Wilmington
the building needed for the purposes
proposed, and should the senator be
unsuccessful in his efforts he must
not feel that his failure has lowered
him at all in the estimation of our
people; while his success would greatly
enhance his popularity. 1t is a diff
cult proposition he has before him.
and success would demonstrate both
his ability and the esteem in which he
is held by his co-legislatOrs, for there
is no doubt about it that personality
has much weight in influencing con-
gressmen and In securing success III
legislation of a local nature AS the
Charlotte Chronicle says in a short
editorial, which we quote below. Sen
ator Overman Is quite successful in the
matter of getting appropriations for
North Carolina Internal improve
ments." We believe if anybody can
get this bill through congress Senator
Oyerman is the man; and If he falls
we will feel that no man Or set OF
men could have succeeded. All that
can possibly be done to secure the
appropriation Senator Overman will
do; people feel sure of that. The
Chronicle says:
No port in the south needs a new
custom house more urgently than Will
mington and 1T Is & pleasure to note
an appreciation Of this fact by Sena-
tor OVerman, who is endeavOr1ng to
get $50c.OO0 with which to supply
Wilmington with a custom house
equal to the demands of the business
of that port. Senator Overman is quite
successful in the matter of getting ap-
propriations for North Carolina Inter-
nal improvements. 1t is even possible
that he can get Old Joe to turn his
back while this Wilmington bill goes
through the house At any rate, the
people OF the state, it may be taken
for granted, will show their apprecia-
ton Of his efforts in in their behalf,
when the time comes. It is certainly to
be hoped, however, that he will be able
10 get q new custom house for Will
nlingtOn, as a favor to the entire state.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
has been in many instances

it has been in many instances
The people were content that their
judges should be appointed for life
They did not feel thai they were de-
prived of their rights because they
could not, every eight years. nominate
In convention and elect at the polls
some politicians To- be their iudgea-
Now, through the false education OF
politicians, il is considered treason to
the people to say that an appoindvs
Judiciary is better than an elective
one; nevertheless those were good oil
times" and we had an honest and hon.
OIed Judiciary when the former sys-
tenn prevailed.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

The Columbus Ledger has raised a
protest against the use Of the word
Xmas, and we heartily join in the pro-
test. The use of the word is sacrili
gious.-Ope1ika Post
While never having fancied the use
in ordinary print of Xmas" for
Christmas, we cannot understand how
any one can hold that there is anything
sacriligious in it. AS we understand
it, tx" represents the first two let
ters in the Greek word for Christ
the Greek letters chi" (Ch.) and
Rho" (R).. From the beginning of
the Christian era these two letters
have been used in monogram to repre-
sent the name of Christ. In many
churches and in religious works will
be found the two Greek letters Chi
Rho" in monogram. In the place OF
this monogram is used the letter TX"
in ordinary printing because the msn-
ogram letter is not to be found in
ordinary printing outfits. The x
stands for the Chi Rho" monogram
which the churches adopted as desig
uating the name of Christ" While
it may be better to spell the word
Christmas out in full In ordinary
print, where the emblem cannot bs
secured we do not see that there is
any sacrilige in using the tx" as a sub
stitute for that emblem or sacred mon
ogram. There is no more sacrilege in
using the "X' in such case than there
would be in the substitution Of the
churches monogram of the two Greek
letters Chi and Rho" (Ch-R).:
The Chi Rho" is familiar to every
person who attends the Roman Ca
tholic and some of the protestant
churches.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

The candidates for governor are TAX
ing a long rest We hope each one OF
them is convinced that he has cinch
on the nomination and that there is
nothing more TO be done until the con-
yention meets; but We are afraid such
is not the case and that when spring
opens the campaign will begin again
with renewed vigor. Anyhow the peO-
pie are thankful for the rest they are
now getting
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

George w Austin, OF Now York, has
brought suit in that city against Sec
rotary Of the Treasury Cortelyou to
restrain the latter from making allot'
ment of the recently ordered issue or
Panama canal bonds, claiming that un-
der the proposed allotment the govern
ment will lose between seven hundred
thousand and a million dollars, as
bids for seven million dollars Of the
bonds were made by himself and 9TH
ers at a higher price than that accept
ed by the secretary. A New York
Press dispatch conveying this informa-
ton states that the suit was brought
on the strength Of a speech made IN
the senate by Senator Tillman a few
days ago. Senator Tillman will have
done his country some good If he
saves it that sum Of money; but he
has cost it lot by taking up the time
of the senate in making useless haran-
CUES that no one cared to hear Or to
read. =
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
THE TWO-CENT RATE IN PENN
SLYVANIA

In reference to it's experiment Of
putting in effect the twO-cent rate on
it's lines in the state Of Pennsylvania,
which it did on October 1st, the pas
senger department of the Pennsylvania
Railroad company in it's statement for
the month of October says:
An analysis of the passenger earn
ingS of the Pennsylvania railroad for
October, the first month Of the opera
ton of the tWO-cent fare law. shows
that the new law has caused a large
decrease in gross revenue and still
greater decrease in net earnings of the
lines Of the company within the state
of Pennsylvania.
In October 1907, lines in Pennsyl-
vania show a decrease of $4,000,
while the lines in the Pennsylvania
system outside of Pennsylvania show
an increase of s per cent. This same
percentage of increase. applied TO
state lines would show on increase Of
$4,000 instead of q decrease of $s<,-
600, as above.
This decrease in revenue is abso-
lutte and has not been offset in any
manner by increased travel stimulated
by the reduction in the rate per mile.
The K&uTSS stated cover lIlS LoS0 III
gross earnings only. The decrease In
net revenue. however. has been stlll
greater on account Of the increased
cost Of operation due to advances IN
wages and cost of maintenance.
This shows that under the new rate
law that railroad was forced to cut
down its revenue at time when the
cost of operation and maintenance had
greatly increased.
Exactly the same conditions exist
in North Carolina Because OF the
advance in wages and in the price OF
all materials necessary for the opera
ton and maintenance Of the roads the
outlay is much greater than it was for
the same purposes a few years ago,
thus greatly reducing the net earn
ings of the roads. And this is the
time the legislature of our state takes
to force the roads to reduce their
gross earnings by lowering their pas
senger rates 81
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
From the chamber Of commerce Of

From the chamber of commerce Of
'Elizabeth City We have received =
booklet, published by that body, illus
trative of that city and vicinity. It
is profusely illustrated with scenes,
showing the handsome buildings and
the business plants Of the city, also
beautiful views of nearby localities
and neighboring truck farms. The
reading matter is a comprehensive
write up Of the city and that part
Of the state. 1t is splendid adver-
tisement OF that progressive city and
prosperous section Of the state, and We
know will have good effect wherever
distributed. The chamber of commerce
is to be congratulated on the success
Of it's undertaking.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
THOSE GOOD OLD TINES

The Greensboro Record says 'ft Is
refreshing to see judge on the bench
nowadays who reminds you of those
good old times when Judges were law.
yers and not politicians
We would infer from this that The
Record classes most of the judges OF
today as politicians rather than law
yer.. In this we think The Record is
too severe on the judiciary as a whole;
but we wish to remind that paper that
| the men in the good old times" for
which it seems to yearn were not de-
pendent on their past services to party
for their elevation to the bench. In
those good old times candidates for
| judgeships were not nominated by po-
litical conventions and the nominee Of
the successful party elevated to that
position. A mans past political work
was not considered a passport to the
bench, nor was the bench considered
or allowed to be made stepping-stOne
} to greater political preferment.
In those good old times judges
were appointed for life--not elected for
a short term by the vote of the mem
bers of the political party to which
they belonged-and they were removed
from all political strife and they did
not during a short term of office have
to trim their sails to catch the
wind that would give them renomi-
nation or promotion by their party
to the governorship or the senator
ship.
The appointive judges in the good
old times were removed from politics
and placed above political scheming
Then, when lawyers" were elevated
to the bench they put politics aside.
How different their position and con-
duct from some Of the elected" judges
OF today, who use their high position
to give them influence and power in
the factional political scheming ani
intrigue.
The people then were content with
the julicial system. They had as judges
the best lawyers and the most upright
men in the land Now they have on
the bench many lawyers who owe their
promotion alone to their former po-
litical work-and some Of it not such
as would bear the light of day
We make this as no sweeping charge.
There are many judges today who have
risen to the bench through natural
ability and legal attainments and who
have always been above using political
influence to reach that position. We
are glad to know that We have bril-
liant examples OF this class of judges
in our state, but it cannot be denied
that under the old appointive system
this state had judiciary equal to any
it has had at any time since the change
| to an elective one and far better than
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

Why is it the states attorneys have
been so mum as TO why they did not
put Colonel Andrews on the witness
stand in the rate case after having
him subpoenaed? Their reasons for not
reading.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

Whether Mr.. Roosevelt's declaration
is one that helps or hurts the democrat
ic cause is question the members of
that party do not seem to be able to
settle. and it never can be settled be-
yond dispute-no matter who the Op-
posing candidates may be or what the
result OF the election.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

We feel sorry for those federal Of
fce-holders who are hurrahing for
Roosevelt; for, you know, were he
renominated he would not have the
face ever again to say anything about
10 more third terms in government
Offices
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
A Dangerous Deadlock.

that sometimes terminates fatally, is
the stoppage Of liver and bowel
functions. To quickly end this con-
dition without disa greeabIe sensa-
tions, DR.. Kings New Life Pills
should always be your remedy. Guar
anteed absolutely satisfactory in ev-
cry case or money back, by R. r.
Be1lamy's drug store. Csc
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
The Durham Herald says Mr.. Hearst

The Durham Herald says Mr.. Hearst
is not the only man who will have to
stand off and look on, unable to help
himself. But maybe he is not going
to stand off and look on" He surely
will not do so if there is any chance
of his forming a combination between
his independence league and some
political party or clique. Mr.. Hearst
is not the man to let politics be moving
and he not occupying a conspicuous
place in the procession. He will, most
likely be heard from before the next
election.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

maintain universal peace through leg
islation. We would like TO know il
he no longer thinks q big navy neces-
sary for the protection OF our coun-
try.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

VS. thought Mr.. Hobson's first ef-
fort in congress would be to convince
that body the country needs a few
score more battleships in order to keep
off a foreign war, but it seems he has
taken another tack and is going to
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

An exchange says those who are
becoming tired of Mr. Bryan were
perhaps tired of him in the beginning. )"
There will be a great many others
tired Of him after the presidential elec-
ton.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

II we were not afraid to brag about
it We would say something about the
ideal weather this section CT the cOun-
try has enjoyed this fall and which
it is still experiencing.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24

DeWitt's Kidney and Bladder Pills
afford quick relief for all forms of
kidney and bladder trowble A
weeks treatment 35c. Sold by r.
r. Bellamy.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
WILMINGTON. n. G.

TUESDAY DECEMBER "a, 1907.
The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-24
XMAS.

The Columbus Ledger has raised a
protest against the use Of the word
Xmas, and we heartily join in the pro-
test. The use of the word is sacrili
giOus.-Ope1ika Post
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
HUMAN FRAGMENTS
 FALL IN A SHOWER
EXPLOSION OF DYNAMITE KILLS FOUR MEN AND INJURIES SIX OTHERS WHILE WORKING ON WABASH TRACKS.

Cannonsburg, Pa, October 30.-Frag- ments of human bodies pierced with par ticles of rocks and earth fell in a shower over the little town of Gweldon, on the Wabash railroad, nine miles north of here, today, when 800 pounds of dynamite ex- ploded with terrific report. Four men were torn 10 pieces and six others re- ceived injuries. The dead.
 Nicholas Nj. Breeden, foreman, Bennett. Fa.; Triton Thornton, a negro, Pittsburg Stephen Olshasky, Bennett; Andrew Michaelvieh, Bennett
 The six injured men, stunned and bleed ing, ran aimlessly from the scene and have not been located.
 Little is known of the exact cause of the explosion, but a passer-by just before the accident occurred says a small fire had been lighted, presumably to warm the dynamite Thornton, who was powder man, went to work this morning with in- structions to dynamite portion of 8 hillside, above the Wabash tracks, which was unsafe, the earth endangering pass ing trains. Thornton, surrounded by sev- eral Of the men, it is supposed, got tie explosive too near the fire and it eX- ploded. The shock was distinctly felt il Cannonsburg and other towns within a radius of over ten miles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
TAFT GIVEN HURRY
 CALL TO GERMANY
THE SECRETARY IS DIRECTED BY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TO LEAVE THE PHILIPPINES AND GO AT ONCE TO BERLIN.

Manila, October 30.-As the result of voluminous cable correspondence between President Roosevelt and Secretary Taft, it is understood that the latter will leave Manila on November ?, in order to reach Berlin at the earliest possible moment. It is impossible to communicate with the secretary at present and the officials are silent regarding the change in his plans. It is understood, however, that he will leave here on the flagship Rainbow. Rear Admiral Hemphill received a cablegram on Monday asking whether or not he could make the cruiser ready to sail on Sunday. He responded in the affirmative and was informed unofficially that mat ter of the utmost importance is pending in Germany and Secretary Taft's pres ence there is necessary immediately.
 The nasty departure of Secretary Taft will cut short his stay in the Philippines one week. He originally intended to leave on Sunday, but recently changed his plans so as to permit of longer stay, so as to clear up important business. The summons he has received from Pres ident Roosevelt will cut short the pro- gramme made for his entertainment in Manila. He and his party are due from Baguio tomorrow evening, when he is expected to attend banquet in his honor given by the American residents of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
INDUCEMENTS 10 ENLISTING SOLDIER
GENERAL OLIVER CHANCES REG ULATIONS so THAT ARMt LIFE WILL BE MORE ATTRACTIVE TO THOSE IN THE SERVICE.

Washington, october 30.-Ating Secretary Oliver of the war department has determined upon reforms in the army in order to make the service n ore attractive for the enlisted men. Con gress will be asked for more money for the men and the war depa rtment will endeavor to correct some condi- tions causing complaints by exertir executive authority. One of the pr cipal causes of dissatisfaction the men has been the prattice ing toilet necessities pteso army regulations and taking out of the enlisted mems ffst pay. This would set him back s7 and it is believed to be the assertions have been more fhm among men who have served O month. An order issued today jby eral Oliver provides that the so shall receive his first razor, tt brush, soap and similar artields with cost to him, but that thereafter he mt keep his toilet kit suppliedg
 Another reform will provide tha daily gymnastics shall be thirty min. utes instead of an hour and that the time shall be fixed other than imme dately following drill duty. The week ly marches have been ordered dispensed --''''' ond hereafter the men will take
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
RECEIVER WANTED
 FOR GAR FOUNDRY
APPLICATION IS MADE FOR A RE- cElVER OF A BIG CONCERN IN BALTIMoRE-TWo MEN ARE SEE LEcTED FOR THE POSITION.

Baltimore. October SO.-Application was. made in the United States circuit court late this afternoon for the appointment of receiver for the Soeth Baltimore Steel Car and Foundry company. The application was filed by Bond, Robinson X Duffy, attorneys for the Maryland Car Wheel company.
 The papers in the case were taken by the lawyers to Judge T. J. Morris resi- dence for him to sign, but it was stated at the law office of Bond, Robinson & Duffy that receivers would be appointed at once, as the South Baltimore company intend ed to consent to the proceedings.
 The receivers agreed upon are Joseph F. Ford and Arthur G. Wellington They were subsequently, appointed by Judge Morris. and are required to furnish bond for $260000 within five days.
 It is stated that while the embarrassed company has liabilities closely approx mating $1,0o0,000, the company has plenty of assets on which it is able at present to realize, and will pay dollar for dollar
 It IS said that inability on the part of the company to make collections prompt ly for cars delivered to railroads is the main reason for the company's present embarrassment.
 The car works recently laid off about 2o00 men, and had been running it's plant with about 5000 employees.
 The company has an authorized capital stock of $l500,000 of which S50O,OOO is paid. There is now outstanding about s9Oo,0O0 In common stock and about S375,0OO of pre- ferred. The eompany's earnings last year showed up well, the profits exceeding $500 900.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
TOWN DESTROYED
 BY EARTHQUAKE
PART OF A MOUNTAIN TOPPLES OVER ON THE TOWN AND ABOUT 1900 PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES.

Tashkend. Russian Turkestan, October SO.-The little town of Karatagh. in the Hussar district of Bokhara. has been overwhelmed and completely destroyed by a landslide that followed the earthquake of October 21. Accoring to the latest reports of the disaster a majority of the inhabitants of Karatash lost their lives.
 The first reports of the casualties were exaggerated, the death list being placed as high as 15,0O0. Karatagh has about 2500 dwellers, and there is reason to be- lieve that about 1900 are alive Among those who survived the disaster are the governor of Karatagh and his mother.
 Karatagh is remotely situated and it will take week for news to get out. According to one courier who has come through, an enormous section of the Karatagh mountain, which practically hung over the town, broke loose and thundered down upon the village, which is almost completely buried.
 Efforts are being made to get into com munieation with the survivors and learn the actual state of affairs and to send in such relief as may be required.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
HEAVY WIND STORM VISITS GALVESTON
VELOCITY OF THE WIND REACHES 72 MILES AN HOUR AND ONE WOMAN IS KILLED BY FALL. ING HOUSE.

Galveston, Tex, October BOA north west storm of short duration, with heavy rain, passed over this city early today. and the wind obtained velocity of about 12 miles an hour for two minutes. One woman was killed hy being crushed in a failing house. About 20 frame houses were blown down. It is estimated that twenty people were injured in the west ern part of the city, where the wind was severe. Several business houses were un- roofed and the stock of goods were slight ly damaged by water. The Mallory line wharf shed was damaged to the extent of several thousand dollars. A few cars in the railroad yards were blown from the track. The gulf remained normal. There was no interruption to traffic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
DEATHS AND FUNERALS
The Rev. Jesse Brown.

The Rev. Jesse Brown, aged "A years. died yesterday afternoon at o'clock at the residence of his daughter. Mrs. J. E. Sullivan 2401 Thirty-first avenue, North Birmingham after a comparatively brief illness.
 The Rev. Mr. Brown was not actively engaged in the ministerial field at the time of his death, having retired some time ago. He was, however, one of the most beloved ministers in the Birmingham district, and the sweetness of his declin- ing years was universally felt in the community where he lived.
 Several immediate relatives survive the deceased preacher
 The remains will be sent to Altoona this morning at s o'clock by l. l.. Mackey, undertaken. The interment will be made in Altoona today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-31
Highly Suspicious.
,r,,a,.,s Weekly.

From Harper WeeklS-
 "It is rule. to which good la"S usnsIy adhere says Phlladeippia torne. never to tell more than know There was an instance m F land not many years ago. whereli lawve. carried the rule to the exte
 "Ons of the agents in a Midland vision Court objected to 6 person WI name was on the register on the ero that le was dead Tie reVlsion a,'on decljp.d to accept the assurance iios' '.s CT. atd demanded conclusive t'Se'''i on ths point. ra.a
 '1The agent on the other sids roSe rave corroborative evidence as To the Cease of the man in question.
 "sBut. sir. how do you Know ehe III deada demanded the barrister ,
 's.well,' was the reply densl M It. very difficult to prove.
 ".As I suspected returned tne pa ter. You don't know whether ne or not ZoI
 .eyhereupon the witness cooil d ned. q was saying. sir, thsF know whether he is dead or ngt m, know this; they buried him sp'' ago on suspicion