davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
HIRING CONNECTS
 VERY LIVE ISSUE Judge Forman of St. Clair
 Writes Letter SUGGESTS A MEETING Judges of Probate and Chairmen of Boards of Revenue May Gather
 at HiIIman Next Week.
 Going In Favor.

Judge W. s. Forman of St. Clair coun- ty, in line with other county officials of the state, has taken the initiative. and calls probate judges and ohairmen of boards of revenue to meet in Birmingham at the Hillman hotel on December 9 at 1 p. m.
 President Job Going of the local Jeffer- son county board highly indorses this idea.
 He said: T consider the movement a. gcod one, and hope all the counties af- fected may be represented. Quick action will certainly be necessary, and co-opera- tion should accomplish greet deal. The local board will be represented at the meeting"
 Judge Forman's letter follows: To the Editor of The Age-Herald.
 l noticed the communication in your paper from Solicitor Greene of Morgan county, and Judge Kelton of Blount, and
 write to say that I fully indorse the suggestions made by them, that the pro- bate judges, and chaifmen of the boards of revenue in the counties in this state meet on an early day in your city to discuss and determine what action would be best for the counties to take in refer ence to the hire of county convicts.
 This is an important matter with the small counties. as the law imposes a pen- atty of $100 on each member of the com missioner's court or board of revenue if they fail to provide for putting convicts to hard labor for the county as pre- scribed by the statutes of this state.
 It strikes me that cooperation in this matter Is of vital importance, and should be effected at the earliest moment pos sble.
 Therefore I would suggest that the pro- bate judges and ehairmen of the boards of revenue in this state who feel interested in this matter, meet at the Hotel Hill man in the city of Birmingham on De- cember 29, at 1 o'clock p. m., to take the matter under consideration.
 I will be there at that time and will be pleased to see and confer with as many others as may see proper to meet me there.
 This is an important matter and hope to see several of the probate judges and chairmen of the boards of revenue of different counties at the time and place above suggested.
 We have not time to consult as to the best time and place, hence I take the liberty of making the above appointment. Respectfully, w. s. FOREMAN,
 Judge of Probate, St, Clair County.
 Ashville, Ala, Dec. "A, 1908.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
This Interpretation Placed By Police on Horrible Ens-
 ley Tragedy
MAN CRUELLY SLASHED
 IN THROAT AND BREAST
Bullet Through Head Instantly Kills Woman-No Positive Cause of the Tragedy Could Be Ascertained.
 Some Hope for Griffith.

In a room of the Steel City hotel at Ensley yesterday afternoon at o'clock J. w. Griffith, with a stream of blood flowing from a horrible gash across his throat, stood with a smoking revolver over the dead body of Mrs. J. Lavie.
 While the desperate condition of Grif- filth made it impossible to procure a state ment as to the cause of the horrible oc- currence, the general belief as expressed by the excited residents of the Steel City was that Mrs. Lavie, after attempting the life of Griffith, was shot to death by her intended victim.
 What precipitated the trouble could not be learned, although there were a dozen rumors as to the probable cause. Mrs. Lavie was the proprietor of the Steel City hotel, at which hostelry Griffith boarded. The dead woman was well known. She was not living with her husband at the time of her death. Griffith for many years, has been employed in the open hearth department of the steel mill.
 The rapid reports of pistol brought the tragedy to light. When an excited crowd forced its way into the room of the hotel from which the reports had come Mrs. Lavie was dead, shot through the abdo- men and through the head, and Griffith, weakened by a flow of blood from the gashes across his throat and chest was supporting himself against the bureau. In his hand was a smoking revolver, all the chambers of which were empty. Near the pool of blood in which Mrs. Lavie was lying there was an open knife, this be- ing the weapon, it is thought. with which
 The general conception is that after an argument, the nature of which is un- known Mrs. Lave, with two rapid thrusts of the knife, stabbed Griffith in the chest and throat, whereupon accord ing to the expressed belief the man, taken wholly by surprise, drew his weapon and opened fire.
 Chief Merriman, who arrived on the scene shortly after the occurrence of the tragedy, rushed the wounded man to the hospital where City Physician Robinson attended him. It is stated that he has a chance to survive his desperate wounds.
 Coroner Paris was notified immediately of the death of Mrs. Lavie and he will hold an inquest this morning.
 Mrs. Lavie is survived by her husband, with whom she was not living, who for merly was proprietor of the bakery in the building where the tragedy occurred
 Griffith is unmarried.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
COUNTS MULES
 ID HAVE NUMBER Beard of Revenue Perfecting
 System of Checking OTHER SCHEMES PLANNED County May Do Its Own Horse Shoe- ing-The System of creditlng and
 chargIng-Getting on
 Business Basis.
OTHER SCHEMES PLANNED

The Board of Revenue is up against a big proposition in the care of its live stock. The members realize great diff ficulty in checking up the bills for feed, shoeing, sharpening of picks, and build ing wagons.
 The board not only owns 47 head of mules, but is in the habit of renting horses. mules and wagons. The matter of shoeing the mules is one of the largest propositions which the board has to handle. In order to prevent doubling of orders, a unique plan has been hit upon. Shortly after the first of the year the mules will be number from 1 to AT. When a blacksmith sh oes a mule he will have to submit a bill, giving the number of the mule, and the records of the county will show just when this said mule was last shod. In this way no mule will be shod too many times a month.
 The advisability of doing it's own mule shoeing is another question which is being discussed. As soon as the convict question is settled the board in tends taking up the details of the road work and get 1t down to a better checking point. They do not doubt the honesty of their employees but want the matter handled in a business-like ia sh- ion.
 Another check system which is being inaugurated. is method of crediting and charging. The inventory of stock and tools recently taken has been put down as capital stock charged to each overseer. Whenever on overseer buys tools or material he is charged with it. Whenever a mule dies or a pick wears out or a wagon breaks down he must report it and Is given credit for it. In this way each overseer is held directly responsible for the county's property and there is little danger of loss by carelessness, for the inventory will be taken again every few months and an overseer who is short will have to make it up. This plan has never been used before.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
At the BiIou.

A. H. Woods presents at the Bijou this week Dave Genaro and Ray Bailey, the well known team of vaudeville headliners, in the latest successful play, Irony, the Bootb1ack." The piece which deals with the machinations of the notorious "Black Hand" gang fur nishes remarkable picture of life in New York. Each of its four acts and 12 scenes is succession of thrills and climaxes, and the interest Of the au- dience Is held from start to finish. A capable cast, up-to-date mechan1cal and stage effects and scenery are em- ployed in the production. A matinee this afternoon and performance to- night will end the engagement. Next week Young Buffalo in "The Sheriff of Angel Gulch."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
HOWLE ARRESTED
 ON SHUGART CHARGE

On two warrants sworn out by Curtis Shugart, G. M Howle, publisher of The S. Shugart, c. M. Howle, publisher of The county jail yesterday. He made bond in the sum of s30O in each case and was released.
 The warrants charge criminal libel. one charging that the publication of the paper is a breach of the peace. The plaintiff alleges that the paper Is obscene, which he alleges constitutes a breach of the peace. The other warrant charges that false statements were published concern ing him.
 Each of the warrants called for the ar rest of George Howell" and the name so appears on the county Jail docket The arrest was effected shortly before noon,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
PERE MARQUETTE
 WILL NOT BE SOLD
FIRST AND TWENTIE9

Detroit. Mich. December 25.-"There Is absolutely no foundation for them" re- piled Henry B. Ledyard. chairman of the Michigan Central railway board of directors today when asked about rumors that the Pere Marquette system might be taken into the Michigan Central the first of the year.
 '"rhe Pere Marquette Is a competing line of the Michigan Central in every important Michigan city and such com bination would be Illegal to begin with. And besides, it is not likely that after my 30 years work in bringing the Mich igan Central up to its present condition the system would be charged with the task of equally developing the Pere Mar quette. My membership on the Pere Mar quette board is entirely personal and at Mr. Morgans request"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Four Persons Found Dead.

Chicago December 25.-Four persons were found dead in residence at 16S Hastings street today, having been as phyxiated by escaping gas. Morris Luke man, a grocer, his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Annie, 16 years old, and William, 15 years old, were the victims The overcoat of Lukeman was found on the floor underneath broken gas fix ture and the police believe that the fixture was broken by the man throwing the coat over it before retiring. A Christmas tree trimmed and decorated with Christ mas gifts was in an adjoining room
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Newberry Goes Home.

Detroit, Mich, December 25.-Truman H. Newberry, Secretary of the Navy, who arrived at his home in this city yes- terday for the Christmas holidays, was rendered reception today in the Detroit club by friends and business associates of this city. For more than an hour a steady procession of callers passed through the club rooms, congratulating MT. Newberry on his advancement to the head of the navy department and wish ing him holiday greetings. There were many expressions during the reception of hope that MT. Newberry would continue in his present capacity in the cabinet of President-elect Taft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
ADJUSTMENTS,
"Marrying Mary"

Mary Montgomery ........,. Miss Gear Flueiette, her maid .... Bessie Graham: Senator David Bunchgrass. No 1......
 ...................... John Moore Bishop Brigham smudge, No 2..,.....
 Willie Drinkwater No. M .. ...
 ... .. ... Harry B. Roche Ormsby Kulpepper, No =. ... =. a.
 ... .,. ... ... Harry Benham Colonel Henry Clay Kulpepper. his
 father =. ...Richard Karl Rev. Thorey Throckmorton ... =. ...
 =. ... ... .. -. Augustus Colette Kitty Kulpepper, Orsmbys sister......
 tlorine Murray Daisy Calhoun. her chum. Lulu Farrell M. Archambeau, proprietor of the Ho-
 tel Alamo ..................Ju Jules Cluzetti Waiter m .. ... =. =. George Dinnis Bell boy ... ... -. Charles Gray Florence Gear is a fascinating person who might easily break a dozen hearts a day. Tantalizingly beautiful, eyes full of witchery, q smile like a ray of sun shine, a kaleidoscopic change of express sions constantly passing on her face, combined with lively manner and droll way of speaking her lines, won for her the hearts of two large audiences at the Jefferson yesterday.
 As a successor to Marie Cahill in this role it is hard to tell which excels. Certain 1t is that Miss Cahill never en- acted the part better than did Miss Gear last night. The supporting company is fairly good, while Harry B. Roche as Willie Drinkwater, husband No. 3, is real comedian. His conception of tip- sy man is especially good and he pro- duced constant ripple of laughter while on the stage Harry Benham as Ormsby Culpepper, the fourth husband, was also very good as the leading man, having a handsome appearance and speaking his lines well. The rest of the cast is well balanced.
 While Miss Gear sang quite number of songs her rendition of "Starland" is superb. In this song she wraps a black robe around her and with a dark ened stage sings with the spotlight upon her face Her facial expressions togeth- CT with the wide range of her voice made this song indeed treat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Packers May Be Investioated

Chicago, December 25.-In addition to the inquiry in regard to shipping rates and possible rebates, United States District Attorney Sims an- nounced today that the methods of the big packing firms would be gone into thoroughly in the present grand jury investigation. Social agents of the interstate commerce commission as well as secret service operators who work directly under the department of justice are prepared, according to the district attorney, to give the results of their investigations to the grand jury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Newspaper Man Dead.

Kansas City, December 25.-Charles West Spalding. a pioneer newspaper man of Kansas, died at the home of his son in Kansas City, Kan, today, aged 79. MT. Spalding was a man of many attainments He Is said to have been the first man to receive a President s message by telegraph, having been em- ployed at the time as an operator in Chicago. At different times he played first violin in the original McVick CT s theatre, Chicago, and was organist of St. Mary's cathedral of that city. He was a member of the old Ben Cotton minstrel troupe. During the civil war he was special correspondent of the Chicago Times and in 1873 he engaged in newspaper work in Kansas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
SOCIAL DEMOCRAT
 CREATES SCENE

St. Petersburg, December 25.-Dur- ing the debate of the budget in the duma today M. Pokrovsky, a social democrat, remarked:
 When an Armenian appealed to Christ for help during a massacre of Armenians Christ was dumb, being silenced by Russian diplomacy"
 This remark created scene in the chamber and President Khomyakoff suspended Deputy Pokrovsky from three sessions of the duma. M Gegtchermin, another social democrat also was excluded from the session for protesting against the presidents ac- ton, whereupon the social democrats left the chamber in a body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
BANK IS ROBBED
 OF LARGE AMOUNT

Los Angeles, December 25.-The fact has just been made public that the First Ma tional bank of Monrovia, Cal, was robbed of sum said to amount to S29O Monday night. Detectives have been at work on the case, but it is stated that no clew to the robbers has been found and no arrests have been made. The loss of the money was discovered when the bank opened for business Tuesday morning. President John Bartle said that in view of the fact that the bank was insured for $25,0OO with a casualty company, the loss to the stockholders would be less than $50OO The bank is capitalized at $100000 with a surplus of S90,O00 and has undivided profits of s20,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Eleanor Robson as "vera, the Medium"

Eleanor Robson as "vera, the Medium"
 One of the best known stars on the American stage, Miss Eleanor Robson, is to appear in this city on Wednesday night at the Jefferson theatre in Rich ard Harding Davis fervid tale of hu- man interest, "Vera, the Medium" It is described as the most unique crea- ton yet given the stage and is real istic recital of the trials, tribulations and final triumph of spiritualistic medium. Miss Robson's art is always superior, and no matter what the play selected her intrinsic merits as an &C., tress will compel admiration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Fireman Killed In Wreck.

Spokane, December 25.-A head-on col lision on the Great Northern railroad near Elmira. Idaho, 90 miles east of Spokane today, between the Benners Ferry local passenger train and an extra freight resulted in the death of Charles Mackey, fireman on the passenger, and the in jury of four others, two trainmen and two passengers. The injured include tic Rev J. T. Kelley, whose back was in- jured Wreckers were hurried to the scene and the injured were removed to the hospital at Sand Point, Idaho. All the injured will recover.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Fake Doctor Convicted.

Chicago, December 25.-According to testimony in the case of Peter Rundberg, found guilty in the municipal court of practicing medicine without a state H. cense, the complaining witness, J. H. Stoddard, was treated to an 'herb bath' of hot water and hay procured from a livery stable. Rundberg, according to a book of testimonials, produced in the evil dence, sent a telegram to President Mo- Kinley, offering to heal him of his fatal wound by water cure'' methods.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
HOSe WhO Kneh Bacchus
 Were Many On Yesterday

In spite of prohibition and the exer- tons of the police department it is an evident fact that whisky was dispensed In great quantities yesterday.
 The police were busy throughout the day aiding those who tottered and ar resting those who became offensive, or whose helpless condition rendered the prison corridors an absolute necessity.
 By Il o'clock 24 men charged with having been drunk and disorderly were confined in the city jail
 Many of these men were brought into the wardens office in a helpless and almost paralyzed condition.
 By midnight the desks, corners and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Mysterious Disease.

El Paso, Tex, December 25.--Accord- ing to reliable advices from Hermo- sillo, capital of the state of Sonora. Mex, a mysterious disease is killing many people there. The inha bitants are terror-stricken and are leaving as fast as possible. So far physicians have been unable to diagnose the disease. which in most cases proves fatal, the victims dying within a day or two after being stricken
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Christmas Tree Fire.

Washington, December 25.-While trying to extinguish a Christmas tree which caught fire early this morning at his home in this city Nathaniel But Ter was so badly burned about the face and body that it is doubtful if he will live. Frederick Plugge was also burned in endeavoring to put the fire out, although not seriously. The dam age from the fire amounted to several hundred dollars.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Chinese Envoy Entertains.

Washington, December 25.-Tong Shao VI, the ambassador from China, on a special mission, is entertaining a merry gathering of Chinese students during Christmas week. They include number of those sent here by the Chinese govern ment for education in American institu- tions as well as others sent here by their parents, to the number of more than 30 in all. The boys come from as far west as Chicago and from as far south as Atlanta. Every opportunity will be afforded them to see the sights of the city and to enjoy their visit to the na- tiOnal capital
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
lnhuman Act of Boy.

Chicago, December 25.-Margaret Thom- as, S3 years old did not wish to see 'her boys" quarrel. She interferred while they engaged in fight and begged them to be- come friends on Christmas. Then In a frenzy one of them, Henry, 50 years old, turned upon his aged mother and with an axe beat her to the floor of their resi- dence in Winnetka. Mrs Thomas skull was crushed and she suffered other iu- turies from which physicians say she can not recover. Her assailant has been held to the grand jury
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Wrecked Bv Turned Switch.

Hillsdale, Mich. December 25.-Instead of a broken fange, it is reported here today that a turned switch was the cause Of the derailment last night near Pleas ant Lake, Ind, of Lake Shore passenger train in which about 30 persons were in- iured, one possibly fatally. It is also said here that there are suspicious that it may have been misplaced by members of the gang which has been robbing safes recently in this section of the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
MRS. LAVE ATTEMPTING TO KILL MET
 SWIFT DEATH AT HANDS OF GRIFFITH
Premature Explosion 0 4 Gianf CannOn Cracker
 Tears Hand IntO ShYedS

J. T. Price, who operates a grocery store at South Africa on the Ten nessee pike, near North Birmingham, has his hand blown into shreds yester- day afternoon at 6 o'clock by a 12- inch cannon cracker, which was prema- turely exploded.
 Lige Loy's ambulance, as soon as the accident was reported, made a run to North Birmingham and brought the man, suffering excruciating pain, to St. Yincent's hospital.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Austria Is lnvestiaatlna.

New York, December 25.-It is reported here that agents of the Austrian govern ment are making an official investigation of an incident which occurred when sev- eral Austrian warships were anchored in the Hudson river in June 1907. The in formation upon which the agents are working it is said, is that a great quan- t!ty of beer was carried in board day light to the foot of West Eightieth street and loaded into the launches of the war ships. Some estimates say there were 4o0 barrels others TOO barrels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Marsh Fire Is g. ous.

Mobile, December A marsA fire in Baldwin county cross Mobile river, occasioned serious alarm this morn- ing as it approached the valuable
 shipping interests located there. The fire burned within a few rods of the shipping interests, when a change in the direction of the wind carried the flames toward the east, saving the property The fire was viewed by thousands of people and was spectacu- lar to the extreme. Veterans in prairie fires pronounced it miniature coun- terpart Fear is expressed for the safety of a number of hunting parties known to have been in the territory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Yacht Crew Mutinies.

Teneriffe Canary Islands, Decembsr B. The crew of the yacht Della, owned by Jacques Lebaudy. Emperor of. the Sa- hara," mutined while off this coast and hoisted the Haytian colors. The vessel was forced to put into Santa Cruz, how ever, owing to lack of coal, and on ar irving here the mutineers were arrested. A fresh crew was placed on board the yacht today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
Syrians Go to Venezuela.

Marseilles, December 25.-The two syr- fans, Credes and Nofel, who followed Cipriano Castro, former President of Ven ezuela, from Trinidad to Paris, and who were sent to Marseilles by the Paris po- lice after being denounced as suspects by Senor Castro, left here today for Ven ezuela. They intended going to Syria, but changed their plans as a result of Castro's downfall from the presidency Of Xenezuela.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26

crevices of the office were well stocked with the bottles that still contained or did contain whisky.
 As a whole the police were kept busy during the day. craps game was flushed in the afternoon and eight negroes were arrested. There were four arrests for grand larceny. Several prisoners were taken in tow on account of fighting. But the great majority of those arrested were charged with having been drunk and disorderly, dsorderly and "aggravated- ly" disorderly.
 Last Christmas the arrests were equal ly as numerous. Throughout the "A hours of Christmas day 1907, 29 men were ar rested for being intoxicated or disorderly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-26
MORE EVIDENCE
 AT UNION CITY

Union City, Tenn, December 25.-Addi- tional evidence, the confessions of three alleged members of the night riders band of Reelfoot lake, was offered the state today, it is stated in connection with the trials of eight alleged leaders of the clan, accused of having been a no to the lynching of Capt. Que at Walnut Log. Wheth will be accepted under th men who offered to testif
 be used as state witnt ful, the prosecution c enough evidence has beei
 part. A conference of
 neys will be held tomo a ,er. when a decision will be reao.led