davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
APPROPRIATION FOR
 REPAIRING THE NAVY

Philadelphia, March 6.-A board of sur- veyors, acting under orders from Assist ant Secretary Newberry of the navy de- partment. who has charge of the bureau of navigation, after inspecting the govern ment battleships and cruisers at League Island today, said they would recommend an appropriation of H,o0o,Ooo to be ex- pended on the war vessels to bring them up to date The board consists of capt. Thomas McClain, Naval Constructor Rob- ert Stocker and Commander J. Fechteller, who. in making the inspection, acted with Capt J. K Barton of the steam engineer ing department; Commander M. s. Wood, equipment department; Lieutenant Com mander M. s. McKean, ordnance depart ment, and Capt. I. s. K. Reeves, naval constructor of League Island. The bat tleship Indiana, cruisers Brooklyn, Min neapolis and Columbia and the transport Dixie and the Adams, which is being con- verted for a school ship, are at the yard Nearly $5000o0 is wanted to improve the Brooklyn Some of the money will also be used on the Idaho, now being built at Cramps shipyards.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
ILLINOIS CENTRAL PLANS.
Stockholders Wilt Be Asked to Ap-
 prove of Finance Methods.

Chicago, March 6.-Eight directors Of the Illinois Central railroad met in Chi cago today and decided to ask the stock holders to approve of a permanent finan- cling plan, which will place between s3o,- Ooo.OOO and seOOOO, 900 at the company's s disposal.
 The plan previously decided upon Of issuing equipment bonds was abandoned. The proposition will be placed before the stockholders at a special meeting to be held about May 15, the exact date not having been decided. Details regarding the proposed increase in the capital stock of the company and possibly its mort gage indebtedness were not announced, but President J. T. Harahan stated that the directors had decided upon per manent plan of financing the needs of the company" The directors present were Gov. Charles Deneen, J. T. Hara- han, A. G. Hackstaff. John W. Auchin- cIoss, Cornelius Vanderbilt, R. w. Goelet, Joseph F. Titus and Charles A. Peabody.
 J. Ogden Armour of Chicago was nom mated as a. director and will be elected at the regular monthly meeting of the board, which probably will take place here on March IS.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
HEARING BEGUN IN
 EXTORTION CASE
CHARGES THAT MONEY WAS DE- HANDED OF A BANK PRESIDENT FOR WITHHOLDING NEWS ARE PROBED.

New York, March 6.-The hearing in the case of Nathan VidaVer, formerly special deputy attorney general, who IS accused of having attempted to extort $l500 from William M Montgomery, the one-time president of the Hamilton bank was begun before Magistrate sherman late today. The whole session of the police court was taken up by the direct examination of MT. Montgomery by As- sistant District Attorney Kreysel. At it's conclusion adjournment was taken until next Wednesday.
 Montgomerys testimony was a repeti- tion, practically, of his affidavit made public yesterday, and in which he charged that Vidaver demanded s1500 to use his influence to stop the attacks upon Mont gomery and the Hamilton bank. which were appearing in the newspapers.
 In a signed statement tonight Attor- ney General Jackson states that while he has no Knowledge that Vidaver represent ed that connection with the attorney gen erals office by which he could influence the attorney generals acts, he hopes that the charges will be thoroughly in- vestigated and that if guilt is proven, that the guilty will be vigorously prose- cuted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
PEOPLE NOT SATISFIED
 WITH LEOPOLD'S GlFI

Brussels, March 6.-Although a rough canvass of the chamber of depu- ties by friends of King Leopold indi- cate that the body is in favor of the new Congo annexation treaty by a ma 'jority of S0 tn e members of the opposi- tion, encouraged by the partial sur render of his majesty. already are pre- pairing for a desperate fight against any restriction of Belgium's control of the Congo, and liberty to eradicate the abuses of tn eexsting regime. The new treaty was submitted to parlia- ment yesterday by Premier Schallaert and was sent to committee without de- bate. The opposition regards the recognition of private concessions as limit on the exercise of the sovereign ty of Belgium and consequently as ab- solutely inadmissible. King Leopold, members of the opposition say. would retain an immense indirect revenue from these private concessions. The financial side of the transaction is also unsatifactory to the opposition. A prominent socialist said today:
 'The, Belgian people will be suf-
 ficiently generous if they assume th.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
MAN RECOVERS
 LOST MEMORY
SALESMAN WANDERING AROUND ST. LOUIS SUDDENLY RECON FRS SENSES AND FINDS OUT HIS IDENTITY.

St. Louis, March 6.-while wander ing aimlessly along Broadway, not knowing what city he was in V. II. Simonson, salesman for the Yawma n & Erbe Manufacturing company of New York, who disappeared from Pater- son, N. J. ,one week ago, suddenly re- covered his senses today and made in. quiry to find where he was. He at once reported at the branch office of the company here.
 lie related that while walking n Paterson, N. J., last Friday his mind suddenly became a blank. Of the $50 he had in his pocket in Paterson, but $1.50 remained He found in his pockets some cards bearing the names of Okla homa towns, but he has no recollection of where he has been. He telegraphe ed to his wife today assuring her of his safety. His fatherin law, F. s. Bruce, replied that he will at once come here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
LAST TRIBUTES TO
 SENATOR PROCTOR
THE FUNERAL OF THE VERMONT STATESMAN IS ATTENDED BY THOUSANDS OF EMPLoYES OF MARBLE WORKS.

Proctor Vt March 6-Nearly 10000 per- sons from all sections of Vermont came here today to pay respect to the memory of the late Redfield Proctor, United States senator from Vermont, whose funeral was held at the Proctor Union church at 5 o'clock this afternoon. A special train bearing the body of the late senator reached here at 2:45 D. m. The party at once proceeded to the church. The schools, stores and all industrial establishments were closed out of respect to the sen ator's memory and flags at half mast were displayed throughout the town.
 The services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. H. H. Seaver of Rutland aud were of the simplest character. The casket and the pulpit were hidden from sighr under immense mounds of flowers.
 The pastor proceeded from the church to the Proctor mausoleum in the cemetery about three-quarters of mile distant. Although a driving snow storm was rag ing 10,000 persons, nearly a third of whom were employees of the Vermont Marble company, lined the road and stood with barred heads as the procession passed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
RECEIVER IS ASKED.
Application Is Made With Reference
 To Dispensary Case.

Asheville, N. C., March 6.-Application was made to Judge Pritchard in the United States court by counsel in the cases of the Fleischmann company vs. w. J. Murray ct al. and Wilson Distill- ing company vs. w. J. Murray ct al. for the appointment of temporary receiver for the South Carolina dispensary fund. After hearing the petition the court granted an order appointing the de- fendants, Messrs. W. J. Murray, c. H. Henderson, Avery Patton, John McSween and B. F. Arthur, as temporary receivers for the dispensary funds now in their possession.
 The petition upon which the motion was granted stated that a bill had been in troduced in the South Carolina legisla- ture requiring the defendant commission CTS to return the funds now in their hands to the state treasurer.
 At a hearing tomorrow it will be de- termined whether today's appointments shall be made permanent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
COOK IS A JOKE"
Chancellor Day Cares Nothing For the
 Charges.

Syracuse. N. Y, March 6.Chancellor Day tonight made the following state ment:
 Cook is something of a joke to those who know him. He seems to have a mania for bringing charges against some one and he has exercised this privi- lege many times in the past Something over a week ago he wrote me letter saying that he intended to bring charges against me. Among other things he said:
 :" This is a serious matter for the re- public. It may as well be fought out over you as any one else
 Tt did not seem to matter against whom charges were brought. as long as they were brought against some one. am utterly indifferent to Mr. Cooks charges or his procedure. If the time comes when it is necessary, I believe can successfully defend myself against his accusations
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
DECISION GIVEN IN
 NEAL BANK CASE
JUDGE PENDLEToN DENIES IN PREVENTION OF PLAINTIFFS IN SUIT FOR TITLE OF BANK COL LATERAL.

Atlanta, March 6.-(special)- Judge Pendleton yesterday afternoon denied the intervention of s. Booth and others in the Neal bank case, holding that the contract between the bank and the At lanta Clearing House association was valid and that the title to the $2S5,Oo col lateral deposited by the Neal bank to secure the certificate issue of s2Oo,OO0 is in the clearing house.
 Booth and others, who were depositors in the Neal bank, sought to have this collateral turned over to the receiver of the Insoivent bank. the Central Bank and Trust corporation, for collection and final distribution among the creditors and to have a co-receiver appointed. on the ground that the receiver. as a member of the clearing house. was attempting to establish a preference for itself in the certificate matter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Officers To Testify.

Washington, March 6.-In response to request from Senator Hale, chair man of the committee on naval affairs, Secretary Metcalf has forwarded to the committee list of Is officials, all of whom will be examined regarding va rious phases of battleship construction before the close of the pending in ouiry. They include Rear Admirals Dewey (retired), Goodrich, Clarke (re- tired), Captains Cameron, Winslow Commanders Gleaves, Tombstone and Key Lieutenant Commanders Punk cit, Bradshaw, Clark, Crank, Reeves and Scott, and Lieutenants F'alconer and White.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
Amendment to Antitrust Law Is
 Under Discussion.

Washington, March 6-An important conference was held here today between Seth Low of New York, president of the Civic Fedora tion, and committee from the American Federation of Labor, which included President Samuel Gompers, when the advisability of securing an amendment to the Sherman antitrust law excluding labor organizations from it's provisions was considered. While no definite conclusion was reached, Mir. Gompers said there was an endeavor to get together on a measure to be intro duced in Congress, which shall permit labor organizations to secure relief from that body in order that they may per- form their proper duties and functions within the law"
 MT. Gompers said that great progress had been made and that further confer ences would be held. According to- MT. Gompers. Mir. Low also conferred with President Roosevelt, when, it is under stood, the subject was considered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Y. M. c. A. WORK MUST GROW.
Twice as Many Secretaries Will Be
 Sent to Foreign Fields.

Washington, March 6.-That the time has come for a more vigorous prosecution of Young Mems Christian association work in non-Christian lands was the de- cision today of representative business and professional men from all parts of the United States and Canada. who are gathered here in conference. One of the steps taken today was the programme for the next five years, which provides for the sending of twice the number of secre- taries in the foreign field as there are at present. It was also decided to make an expenditure of s6SO,00O in the equipments of association buildings in different lands.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
BIRMINGHAM LADY
 IN NEW MOVEMENT

New York, March 6.-Women of so- cial prominence met today at the home of Miss Anne Morgan, daughter of l. Picrpont Morgan, and decided to ask the National Civic federation to ap- point woman's committee to cooper ate with the welfare department of the federation. Subsequently at the Colony club local auxiliary body was formed which will be known as the New York Woman's committee.
 Among the women who initiated the movement were Mrs. C.. r. Orr, Blr- mingham. Ala; Mrs. S. Thurston Bal lard. Louisville; Mrs. J. K. Ottley, At lanta. Ga, and Mrs. A. F. Mc<issick, Greenwood, s. c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
CHANGE FOR RELEASE.
Tschaikovsky's Wife Is Hopeful of His
 Freedom.

St. Petersburg, March 6.--The two specialists who examined Nicholas Tschaikovsky in the fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul, where the revolutionary leader is awaiting trial, have made their report to the government. They declare that the prisoner is in danger of a com plete nervous and physical breakdown if the present prison regime is continued The prisoner was found to be suffering from ueurasthenia of long standing. His heart is weak, he is subject to insomnia and one lung has been affected as re- suit of his influenza.
 Mime. Tschaikovsky hopes that this re- port will have the result of accelerating the trial of her husband.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
LAST CALL
THE GREAT SACRIFICE CLEARANCE SALE CLOSES
 TONIGHT.
Invest Your Money Good Piano That Is Always Worth
 What You Pay For It if You Attend This Sale.
COME TODAY OR TONIGHT.

Why hoard your money where it does neither you nor the world any good? You can't find better place for it than to invest it in the purchase of a piano that will bring you big dividends in home pleasures every day that you have it.
 There has never been a time in our recollection in the piano business when a dollar would go further in the purchase of a good piano than it will today and to- night at the F. F. Forbes Piano Co. 8 store at 1909 Third avenue.
 It is safe to say you will be making 40 to 50 per cent on your money by buying today instead of putting off your pur- chase until times get better or next year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
SENTENCE PASSED
 UPON STOESSEL

St. Petersburg. March 6.-The verdict in the case of Lieutenant General Stoessel, who was recently sentenced to death by q courtmartial for the surrender of Port Arthur fortress to the Japanese was for mally pronounced today. It is regarded as almost certain, however, that Emperor Nicholas will accept the recommendation of the court that sentence be commuted. The court has annulled the sentence Of reprimand passed upon Lieutenant Gen. eral Fock because of the remoteness of his offense.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Does Not Fear War,

Chicago, March 6.-Wu Ting Fang. the new minister from China, with his re- tinue, consisting of 27 Orientals, arrived here today. The minister secuted the idea of war between China and Japan, saying This little breach will amount to noth- ing. It only remains to be seen just where and to whom the goods on that seized boat were going. and then if it IS found that China is in the wrong, an apology is due and will doubtless be given. All talk of war is groundless.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Troops Will Leave.

Wa shirgton, March 6-The United States troops which were ordered to Gold field, New, to suppress mining riots there three months ago will break camp to- morrow and return to their quarters at the Presidi and Monterey, Cal. Noth- ing is known officially at the war de- partment of the preparedness of the state to take over the responsibility of preserv- ing order.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Capitol Graft Cases.

Harrisburg, Pa, March 6.-Argu- ments for the defense in the capitol conspiracy case continued today. Ly man D. Gilbert, counsel for former Au- ditor General Snyder and former State Treasurer Mathues, spoke the greater part of the day. The burden of his address was that nothing had been produced to show that either the for mer officials had participated in the benefits of the contract for the furpi- ture of the capitol.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
ELECTRIC ROAD TIED UP.
Floods Hamper Traffic Greatly In
 Michigan.

Detroit, Mich, March 6.-Flood condi- tions are reported tonight from many point in Michigan The Kalamazoo, Lake Shore and Chicago railroad tonight an- nounced the abandonment of all trains until Monday, and other roads and the ipterurban electric lines especially are greatly hindered. Near Erie, on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad, HOO feet of track was undermined and washed away. Brooklyn, Mich., is in darkness tonight, the electric light plant there being flooded.
 At Ionia the wind unroofed factory building 100 feet long, and at Bay City a wind velocity of 40 miles an hour was reported
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
ELECTRIC FLASHES
 WHILE SNOW FALLS

Marquette, Mich, March GA natural phenomenon occurred here today. With blizzard raging and with freezing tenn perature prevailing, an electrical storm was experienced. Sharp flashes of light ming split the atmosphere and heavy peals of thunder rattled windows. At Munis ing, Mich, thunder and lightning were features of a severe snow storm today. This is the first time snow was ever &C., companied by an electrical display in Northern Michigan.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
The Animal Life of the Sea.

II. J. shannon, in Harper's Magazine
 Upon the sand at the waters edge there lies particle of jelly-like sub stance, inconspicuous and almost invisi- ble; but, at this season. one moves in such a world of wonders. the merest atoms of tissue are seen to be informed with such varied and viviv life that [ lift the particle carefully upon a shell and drop it into a jar of water to see strange unfoldment beautiful tra ns- formation. The central mass expands into a double -chambered bell of pure and transparent vesture. and these gos- samer globes begin in contact with regular rhythmic motion lifting the creature upward, and softly urging 1t forward by their quickly repeated pull sations, while from below four grad ually lengthening tentacles trail back ward with graceful undulations. This beautiful meduSa, the Sarsia mirabilis, is the earliest of our jellyfishes to ap- pear in spring. By it's pleasing and graceful form, by its eager and tire-S less movements, 1t seems to visit our shores at this season almost like an Aerial of the deep-vofceless, it Is true. but throbbing with it's message tn the oceans submerged shores, and it's dark, abysmal chasms are all alike awak ening to the Spirit that transforms the upper world. One is at a, loss to cOmDren enQ lneSc CTedluTeS, SO ulllSl- ent in form from any that we are wont to associate with animal life. For, al- though without head, they are yet capable of sensing the light and audi tory vibrations: without hands, arms, or antennae, they are yet responsive to tactile impressions; and, although, of such fragile and gossamer texture, are yet the vehicle of vivid and inten- sive life The movements of the body
 T atl, >t,af them seem one and indivisible: the de- sires of It's being seem themselves to urge it forward. Like a thought it seems momentarily embodied. or an emotion, precipitated into the invisible, as Sit impulsively mounts upward In eager quest or, in apparent disappoint- ment, relaxes it's efforts and subsidies with all it's drifting appendages astream; only, after. a moment, to pal pitate again with refreshed intention and slowly pulse on its softly insisteat way
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
INDIAN WAR HERO DEAD.
One of Busters Men Ends His Earthly
 Career.

Yonkers, N. Y, March 6.-Thomas J. Callan, the man whom General Custer sent for endorsements when his com mand was entrapped by Indians on the Little Big Horn river, in Montana, and who led a relief force back to the place slaughtered, died at his home here today. Callan received a medal from Congress in recognition of his bravery in making the dash for endorsements for Custer
 Callan left the army 2S years ago and since that time has been engaged in bus mess here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Fair Trial for AIla.

Denver, Col, March 6.-The attorney for Giuseppe Alia, slayer of Father Leo Heinrichs, today approached Judge Whit ford in the criminal court for the post ponement of the trial set for next Mon day and the appointment of alienists to make an examination of the prisoner. Judge Whitford refused continuance of the case, but in order that Alia might be sure of a fair trial he said he would name Baron Tostl, Italian consul and an expert on mental diseases; Joseph Cuneo. and another alienist whom these two might select to examine Alia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
A Defense Of the Nurseryman.

A Defense of the Nurseryman.
 W. D. Howells, in Harpers nagazine
 for March.
 Nurserymen are not so wicked as they are cratic. They are Infected by their occupation; 1t Is notorious th the businesses of men corrupt thA bosoms; and some more than others, For instance, dealing in horses is pe- culiarly depraving; wherever the genus homo comes into commercial relations with the genus equus, homo falls. and with a more resounding moral croppef than ever huntsrnan or huntswoman came Real estate brokerage is also corrupting; next to the horse the house is means of evil; and perhaps after the horse and the house comes the tree. It is not that the tree attacks the principles of man; 1t attaints him rather through their common vaga- rious mother. Nature, who is of all things uncertain and infirm of pur- pose. The nurseryman, who leans upon her, and is fondled on her knees and draws his life directly from her deep breast imbibes her variableness of mood, and sometimes will say the thing which is not, without meaning malics or even playful mischief He will say, for example, if you want mulberry tree of him in April, that the mulberry starts early and cannot then be trans planted. Being pursued by letter and telegram for mulberry trees from which you, well stricken in years, impatiently desire to eat the fruit that very sum- mer he will send you 8 well grown mulberry, four inches in diameter of the trunk, which, if transplanted. in early May, in all but full leaf, will flower and fruit so abundantly that all the dooryard robins shall drop closely from its boughs gorged with fheir rayin: and you will yourself get some dozens of berries which you pick. up' ant-eaten. from the grass
 It is her winning irrespons1bility which Nature imparts to the nursery men. her spoiled children. As she her l self will offer you a cucumber when YOU ask for a banana a-melon,. so he. i if you order thing he has not, wiii send you another; or he will lure you along till past the season for plantlna anything, when he will fearlessly own that he does not "stock" it, but whN fry the next year to get it for you from another nurseryman.
 If you want the bes. advertising cuts try the Gawk. Age-Herald. \
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Guests of King Edward,

Paris, March 6.-Premier Clemenceau and Foreign Minister Pinchon were the guests of King Edward at luncheon to- day. King Edward arrived here last evening from London. This afternoon he visited the statue of Rodn, the sculptor, and later called upon President Fallieres at the EIysee palace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-07
Fire Drill Is Successful.

St. Johns. Mich, March 6.-While smoke came up the fiues into the school rooms and hall of the North Ward school today, the 12o pupils marched out without the vestige of panic, despite the fact that the fire drill had not been given in some time. The fire was extinguished before serious damage was done.