davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
MESSAGE READ ID LAWhAKsS' $
 h Little Is Done in Rso or Sen- ate Excsp'o 7 Listen
SEVERAL BILLS PRESENTED
Speaker Cannon Causes Surprise In Announcing Committee On Bank ing and Currency, To Which
 Democrat Is Added.

Washington, December 3.--The annual message of President Roosevelt was read today in both branches of the Congress. and practically no business was attempt ed by either body beyond listening to the message. The galleries of both Senate and House were crowded at the begin ming of the session of each body.
 In the main. the attendance was well maintained until the last sentences of the document had fallen from the lips of the official readers. Senators and members were supplied with printed copies of the message, and many of them followed the clerks reading with scrupulous care. The reading consumed about two and one- quarter hours in each branch.
 The house did not today follow up the lead of yesterday in the matter of intro duction of many bills, but several were presented. In the Senate so far no bills have been introduced, but 1t is probable that the flood will break out in that body tomorrow.
 Speaker Cannon treated the house to q surprise in announcing the membership of the committee on banking and cur rency. This advance formation of that committee led to the conclusion on the part of many that it was his intention to press financial legislation, but those who are close to the Speaker say that his only purpose was to afford depository for petitions and letters bearing on the cur rency qeestion. The membership of the committee was increased by the adition of one democrat, making seven members of that party on it instead of six, as during the Fifty-ninth Congress. This Is in ac- cordance with the request of Minority Leader Williams, but it Is said that it is not to be taken as any indication that this request was complied with in all the other committees.
 The House adjournment was until Thursday, when it is probable that 1t will again adjourn for the week.
 MT. Gore and Mir. Owen, both chosen by primary election to represent the new state of Oklahoma in the Senate. appeared on the floor of the Senate and occupied the seats set apart for them for some time. This was plain extension of what Is known af senatorial courtesy, inasmuch as neither Senator has as yet been legally elected to serve in the Senate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Passengers Are Rescued.

Halifax, N. S., December 3.-The Can adian government steamer Lady Laur- fer, which was sent to the assistance of the wrecked steamer Mount Temple. returned to Halifax tonight with near ly 500 of the passengers and their bag gage. All the passengers will be for warded to their destination by special trains. No examination has yet been made of the steamers bottom. but the chances of floating her are regarded as slight. Six wrecking steamers and number of schooners arc now salvinx the cargo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
COMMENT ON MESSAGE.
French Newspapers Have Divers
 Opinions on the Subject.

Paris, December s.-The morning news papers give prominence to President Roosevelt's message, but their comments are diverse. The Figaro considers that the message plainly shows that President Roosevelt has not changed from his pre- ~ious political and economic opinions. It praises the parts relating to the army and navy.
 he Eclair thinks the President has aearned a lesson from the recent crisis. and seeks to reassure public opinion by modifying his antitrust programme
 The socialist paper asserts that the financial crisis and the opinion of such pnen as Morgan has forced the President tO cllrb his ardor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Fire pestroys Barracks.

LeavenS orth Kas, December "A Ire which Is supposed to have originated from defective electric wiring tonight de- etroyed the west wing of the barracks. occupied by Company l.. Thirteenth in- fantry. entailing loss to the government of about $15.0O0. besides much loss of personal property belonging to members 1 the compsny. No one was injured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Bills Introduced.

Washington, December 3.-Among the mass of bills which so far have been in troduced in the House are the following By MT. Lorimer of Illinois, appropriat- ing funds for the completion of the 14- foot waterway from Chicago to St. Louis. By MT. Graham of Pennsylvania, pro- viding for an elastic currency.
 By MT. Keller of Ohio. providing for issues by national banks of credit notes. By MT. Hayes of California, regulating Asiatic immigration.
 By MT. Ollie M. James of Kentucky and Mir. Shepard of Texas, bills to restore the inscription "In God We Trust upon the coins of the United States.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Will Remain In Huntsville.

Huntsville. December a-(Special.)-Th Rev. Francis Tappey. pastor of the First Presbyterian church, having received a call to another city. the boards of the church held meeting and voted unani- mousIy to ask him to remain. This was an upusual demonstration of the populari- ty of pastor, and Mir. Tappey has since announced that he would not consider the call.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Millionaire Dead.

New Haven, Conn, December 4.-Mor- ris F. Tyler. president of the Southern New England Telephone company, one of its organizers. former treasurer of Yale University, and who was a millionaire, died unexpectedly at his home here this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Commission Plan Defeated.

Wichita. Kan, December 3.-By a vote of nearly to 1. the commission plan of government as Is in effect in Calves ton, was defeated in a special election held here today, the majority against the commission being 040 out of but 4lo2 ballots cast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
THREE NOTED MEN
 MEET IN SENATE Bryan, Vardaman and Jeff Davis
 Chat Socially SENATORS PAY RESPECTS
Representatives Taylor, Burnett and Clayton Introduce Important Bills In the House-Taylor May Get
 Rivers and Harbors Place.

Washington, December s.--tspecial.)- MT. Bryan was sitting in the marble room of the Senate today when he was met by Governor Vardaman of Mississip- pi, who is in Washington to attend the National Rivers and Harbors congress. A few minutes after they were joined by Senator Jeff Davis of Arkansas. and they were engaged in earnest conversation for some time. It formed striking trio. Each is big, fine looking man and the group was the center of attraction for the eyes of visitors Most of the democratic members of the Senate called during the time to pay their respects, as did also a number of republicans, including Sena- tor Burlkett, of MT. Bryans own state. Mir Bryan declared that his visit was without significance. and was only for the Senate He leaves for New York tonight, whence his wife and daughter will sail soon for Europe.
 Taylor Introduces Bills. Representative Taylor of Alabama has introduced bills establishing a coaling station for the navy at the Lower Fort, bill appropriating $15,00O for a fish hatchery in the state, and for the reiet of the medical college of the University of Alabama for property destroyed by federal soldiers during the civil war. B. NJ. Sullivan is here to see the Presi- dent about the marshalship of the South ern Alabama district, now held by G. B. Deans. Marshal Deans was appointed upon the recommendation of Former Con gressman Aldrich, and wants reap pointment. Dr. Sullivan is a candidate for the place. Charles H. Scott. who eX- poets to attend the meeting of the re- publican national committee, will take np the marshalship with the President. District Attorney Ambrecht is here. Burnett's Bills.
 Representative Burnett today intro duced a bill turning over to the public school system of the state of Alabama the public lands of the state. Under the survey which was made by direction or the Burnett bill, which passed last year, 13. GOO acres have been opened for home stead entry. MT. Burnett also introduced a bill allowing entry to the surface rights of S0,O00 acres of mineral land. leaving title to mineral lands still in the govern ment
 Taylor May Get Place.
 Alabamians generally believe tonight that regardless of the split in the delesa. ton, Representative Wash Taylor VIII land the vacant place on the rivers and harbors committee.
 Bills By Clayton.
 Representative Clayton of Alabama to- day introduced the following bills: To al- low and regulate amendments in judicial proceedings in the courts of the United States. ,,
 To provide sites and erect public build ings at Opelika and Eufauia; 10 aueiorl1e ts,e countv commissioners of Geneva county, Ala, to construct a bridge across the Choctawhatchee river in Geneva county, about six miles above the town of Geneva Ala W. s.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Terrorists' Plot Discovered.

Paris. December 3.-A Geneva dispatch states that the police have discovered a Russian terrorist plot to assassinate the Emperor, blow up the imperial palace. and the douma, and pillage the Imperial Bank of Russian. One arrest has been made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Congressman HObson Comments
 on ROaseVtIts Ideas
STRONG ON THE RAILROADS
Hobson Says Roosevelt's Views Are Progressing on the Subject of Rates and Federal Control
 of Railroads.

Washington, December 3.--(Special)- )-Oi the Presidents message Representative Hobson of Alabama says:
 "rhe message is strongest and best where it considers the preservation and development of the nations natural re- sources and emphasizes the great present value and greater future possibilities q the work of the agricultural department and the department of commerce and labor.
 ''The message is weakest and most un- Rooseveltian in its political plea for post ponement of action which the message admits is needed for the revision of the tariff
 "On the great question of national and state relations in the regulation Of rail- way rates the message shows a distinct step of progress over the previous posi- tion of the President in the recognition of the legitimate and important part the states themselves should take, and in recommending federal license, as an alternative for a sweeping federal char ter, thus leaving the road clear for both state and federal government to coop crate in bringing about the proper regu- lation of the great public carriers on whose efficiency and steady, healthy de- velopment depends so largely the pros perity of the whole country
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Governor comar Signs the Three Remaining Rail-
 road Bills
THE ATLANTIC COAST
 LINE ACCEPTS RATES
Judue Thomas c. Jones Extends Re- straining Orders Covering Railroad Penalty Bills Signed By Gov
 ernor Conner Yesterday.

Montgomery, December 3.-(Specal.)- Governor Conner today signed the last three remaining railroad bills which were recently passed by the extra session of the Alabama legislature and the ink had hardly become dry on the papers when the protesting railroads filed in the fed eral court supplementary bills amending their original bills enjoining the enforce ment of the new laws by the state Judge Jones granted the injunction.
 The state. by agreement of counsel on orders on January 6.
 Coast Line Accepts Rate.
 Tine Atlantic Coast Line officials held q long conference with Governor Conner to- day and agreed to stop further litigation in the courts and accept the new state laws under the same conditions on which the Southern and other roads came under. This agreement will allow them to charge the passenger rate of 234 cents per mile.
 Orders Extended.
 United States Court Judge Thomas G. Jones tonight extended the restraining OTueTS SeCuASu py tliS O1oS ec SO'eA the penalty bills, signed today They are like the other orders. and are secured on behalf of those roads actively resisting the new laws.
 Bills Signed.
 The governor signed the bill today re- pealing the bill passeo It the regular ses- sion of the ligislatues taxing foreign loan companies doing business in Alabama.
 The three railroad bills signed today provide penalties for refusing to observe tine new laws. One provides damages for refusing to sell passenger tickets at the prescribed rate. The second provides for the collection of damages for refusing to admit passengers to railroad trains. The third provides penalty for refusal to grant freight and passenger service at statutory rates.
 The governor signed two bills by Sen ator Miller of Jefferson. one to prevent fraudulent use of street railway trans fers and the other to prevent fraudulent use of gas and electricity.
 The county convict bill was also signed. This measure gives the county boards of commissioners the right to contract for the hiring of county convicts.
 Governor Conner left tonight for Wash ington to attend the National Rivers and Harbors congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-04
Heflin's Measures.

Representative Heflin of Alabama today introduced a bill providing that the money collected under acts of congress during the civil war as a tax on cotton in violation of the constitution amount ing to sixty eight million dollars shall be returned to the persons or their heirs from whom collected. In cases where the money accrues to the states 1t is to bt used for improving the public roads. Un. der the terms of the bill s10.000,0o0 goes to Alabama, 327 to Kentucky, s7,S0o, ,0Ot to Tennessee.
 Representative Hehin also introduced bills preventing gambling in cotton fu- tures, and sending agents into China and other eastern countries to advance the cotton trade W. s.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
PERSONAL POINTS.

F. w. Giles of Monmouth, called or
friends in the city today.
J. p. Schaffer of Des Moines. Iowa
was in the city yesterday.
Attorney A. Montgomery of Gales
burg, was in the city Saturday.
Miss Agnes Brennan returned yes
terday from few days visit in Chi
cago
James P. Forrest. advance agent oil
the David Corson" company, was in
the city today.
Harry Weimmer of Geneseo, is Wis
iting at the home of William DeLeon
2434 Eighth-and-a-half avenue.
Mrs. A. Weaver of Watertown, S. d.
is visiting at the home of her parents
Mr.. and Mrs. F. r. Harrington.
Judge H. c. Ward of Whiteside
county will be in the city tomorrow to
preside over the county court here.
The condition of Fred HiIfinger, who
was removed to st. Anthony's hospital
Saturday, is reported to be somewhat
improved today.
DIR. E. NJ. Sala showed still further
improvement today, and those attend
ing him report that unless unanticipat-
ed conditions develop in the next few
days, he will be entirely out of danger
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
What Brought About the Pend
Ing Litigation and Plan
to End II.
THE STATUS At PRESENT
Higher Court to Act in April - To-
nights Meeting On the
Subject.

Tonight at the Rock Island club oc
ours. through the call of Presidents Eys
ter and Myers, under the joint aus
pices Of the Rock Island club and the
Rock Island Business Mems associa
ton, the meeting to consider the prop
oSition pending before the city council
to adopt the compromise ordinances
from the Central Union Telephone com
pany.
The compromise ordinance now un
der consideration before the council is
virtually the same as the one that was
up to the point of adoption at the time
last spring when the Intervention of q
mass meeting of citizens held at the
call of the business mems association
altered the situation and resulted in
the council instead of passing the com
pany's ordinance. ordered il TO accept
the city'S ordinance. This provided for
maximum rate, a percentage of the
gross receipts of the telephone COM
pany and an organized labor clause,
which the company must provide, or
suffer the penalty of being ousted from
injunction now in force. which the
company is willin gto dismiss, pay the
costs of and make the city a present of
a switchboard for police patrol sys-
tenn, if the city will yield all its con-
tentions and in lieu of the company;
claim of perpetual franchise, give it
% year franchise
The Case in the Courts.
The litigation over the telephone
franchise ordinance has not had to
deal with the merits of the cOmpany's
or the city's claims. but merely has
been over the question of whether the
ordinance constitutes a perpetual con-
tract which the city can withdraw
by action of the city council. The tenn
poTary injunction was granted to the
company by Judge Ramsay in the cir
cult court at the May term. and was
appealed by the city. The appeal was
argued by the attorneys before the APP
pellate court at Ottawa at the October
term. and a decision will be given at
the April term. John T. Kenworthy of
of the law firm of Kenworthy & Ken
worthy. retained TO assist the city in
the defense of the case, is confident
that the decision of the appellate court
will be in the city'S favor. and this
is also true of many who are in a posi-
ton to know the legal status of the
case and judge the legal points in
volyed
Those who discuss the legal phase of
the controversy claim that the city
has. so to speak. everything to gain
and nothing TO lose by awaiting the
decision of the appellate court. 1t is
held that should the city win the APP
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
RISE EARLY; SEE ECLIPSE
If Skies Are Clear Moon Will Be Part
Iy in Shadow Tomorrow Morning.

partial eclipse of the moon will
take place tomorrow morning. 1t will
be visible in part to portions Of North
America and as a whole to Asia. Aus
tralia, the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Rock Island will get just a glimpse of
the earth's shadow on the edge of the
moons disk before sunrise. The moon
will enter the penumbTa at 4:37 a. m;
the umbra at 5:57. The middle of the
eclipse will be at 1923. The remainder
of the eclipse will take part after sun
rise and the setting of the moon, and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
THE TELEPHONE SITUATION
AS DEVELOPED BY new MOVE


pellate court the company will be at
the city's mercy as far as the ordin-
ance is concerned. and that on the, 9TH
er hand. should the company carry it's
point, the case is merely brought back
TO the courts here, and the city still
has the opportunity of making a case
before the master in chancery on the
violation of the implied terms of the
contract by the company in not provid-
| ing an up-tOdate system. in charging
eXorbitant rates, and by providing poor
service
The company brought a bill for n
Temporary injunction TO restrain the
mayor and the city from interfering
with the poles and lines of the com
pany. The bill set up the claim that the
| franchise ordinance gave the company
grant. and was virtually a contract.
| kenworthy & Kenworthy were retain
ed by the city, and lengthy answer
to the bill was filed, in which the claim
to a perpetual grant was denied. AMI
the position taken that if the company
did have such a grant. its rights had
been forfeited by failure to comply
ance. as mentioned. Judge Ramsay
granted the injunction, holding the ordin-
ance 10 be a contract. and that the
city to discharge the contract, would
have TO show reasonable grounds. 1t was
held that if the city could make case
on the points that the company failed
10 carry out the implied terms, in fail
ing TO provide good service. an up-to-
date system, and reasonable rates, the
contract may be set aside.
Then and Now.
1t will be recalled that at the time
the ordinance was under consideration
within a year ago. Mayor McCaskrin
was among the most pronounced in de
nOuncing the telephone company, Civ
ing emphasis TO his position by chop
ping down telephone poles. and ripping
the phone in his office from the wall
and exhibiting it on his desk in the
council chamber as an example of
what he thought of the Bell corpora |
ton. At the meeting of the business |
mems association he was one of the |
principls. speakers against the COM |
pany, denouncing it in bitter terms. de |
claring that it should be driven out of |
the city at any cost, and maintain
ing that no compromise be made with |
it under any circumstances; that this
fight should not only be waged then
but kept up until the court of last re-
sort had passed upon the case.
When the case went into the courts,
The Argus, among others expressed re-
greet that such an alternative was the
only one, deprecating litigation
N any form from both the
standpoint of expense and other
wise. but maintaining that now that
he fight was on, it was the duty of ali
good citizens to stand back of the city
and see it through. The case has been
aking its order in the courts and there
was no other thought than that it
would be pushed along as rapidly as
possible until the courts determined
who was right in the premises. when
1t a meeting of the council two weeks
ago. Mayor McCaskrin suggested to
he council that the Central Union /
company be invited to submit propO-
;itiOn to the city with a view of term
mating the pending litigation. The
council acquiesced in the idea and at
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
NO ACTION TAKEN
Council DeferS Consideration
of the Proposed Telephone
Franchise Ordinance
TO GET SENTIMENT OF PUBLIC
At Public Meeting This Evening at
Rock Island Club-Plats of New
Additions Accepted.

Owing 10 the fact that public meet.
ing for a discussion of the matter had
been called for this evening at o'clock
at the Rock Island Club, the city coun-
ell deferred action Saturday afternoon
on the proposed ordinance of the Cen
trail Union Telephone company. The
ordinance was read by Alderman Law
Ter and a motion for its immediate
consideration was made. This brought
forth a discussion of parliamentary
rules, and finally the motion was car
ried and the ordinance then laid over
to the next meeting under the rules,
Aldermen Eckhart Blocklinger, and
Benson declining to take any action
whatever until the sentiment of the
public had been heard. The other aid
ermen readily consented to allowing
the consideration of the ordinance to
90 over. and a motion by Alderman
Brooks for a meeting of the committee
of the whole for this evening was car
ried by a unanimous vote. The cOun-
Gil will probably meet and adjourn to
attend the meeting at the Rock Island
Club.
PIats Are Accepted.
The council met at 1870. and after
hearing a report by Health Commits
sioner Myers on the health conditions
and the situation in regard to scarlet
fever and diphtheria, took a recess to
inspect ]. B. Winters Ninth street adj
dition. G. E. Blakesley's Twelfth street
addition, and G. c. Dack's Second adj
dition. The council also visited the
building and examined the
new pump. On reassembling. the three
plats, adding a total of 142 new lots to
the city, were accepted on the filing of
proper bonds to bring the streets and
alleys to grade within Is months. An
ordinance establishing grades in the
district west of Twelfth street was
adopted.
For Electrical Inspector.
The ordinance creating the Office of
electrical and gas inspector was re-
ported by the committee of the whole. |
md was discussed at some length. An
objection was made to the fiat rate for |
he inspection of buildings with 200 or
more lights. and it was agreed to make |
he rate throughout 10 cents for each |
light. The qualifications. in the clause !
Inserted by the mayor. provided among
'ther things, that the inspector should |
,e a member of the International |
of Electrical Workers of
America, but this was changed to read
hat he must be a member of the broth
'rhood or a graduate of some electrical
chool or college.
VIII Appeal Larl<in Case.
The finance and claims committee
eported that Mrs. Mary Larkin will
ettle her claim against the city for
$50. She was awarded $4,000 by a
uTy in the circuit court, but this was
educed to 5000 by Judge Gest. The
ouncil. by a vote of 10 to 5, voted to
instruct the city attorney to appeal
he case The defense of the city is
hat Mrs Larkin was guilty of contrib
tory negligence.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-28
Noted spirituaIist Dead.

Moses Hull, one of the best known
spiritualists in the United States, and
who has lectured here, is dead at San
Jose. Cal, aged 40 years. He had been
delivering lectures on spiritualism on
the Pacific COAST and was stricken
with paralysis, his death following in
two days Mr.. Hull formerly lived in
Maquoketa. He was born in Ohio in
1886.