davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Splendid Prosneritv.

Atlanta, January 19.-(Special.) )-(By Clark Howell. editor of the Atlanta Constitution.)
 "So long as cotton is selling for it's present good price. nothing can shake the splendid prosperity of the south. Business is moving forward satisfac- torily for the new year, with indica- tions pointing to another year of pros perity. The south Is in good shape and no fears need be entertained that she will cease to grow and be prosperous"
 (By F. L. Seely, publisher of the At lanta Georgian.)
 II believe the south is in good con- dition for the new year and that there will be no letup in general good times. The farmers are in better shape than they have been in many years and they are the backbone of things Many mills and factories suspended during the brief period of depression, are resum- ing on full time. l have every faith in the south enjoying a year of con- tinued prosperity"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
MEETING AT HARTSELLE.
Democratic Executive Committee Sets
 Date for Primaries.

Decatur, January 1a.-(Special.) )-The Morgan county democratic executive com mittee met at Hartselle yesterday, and the meeting was presided over by Chairman Matt Wigglns. majority of the mem bers of the committee were present and the meeting was most harmonious one. It was decided that the county primaries for the nomination of county officers be on the same day as the state primary election, the date of which has not as yet been set by the state executive commit tee.
 The 101st anniversary of the birth of Gen. Robert E. Lee was observed in the Decaturs today. Joe Wheeler Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, held ser- vices this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the First Baptist church in commemoration of the birth of the great general. An ex- tensive programme was carried out, but the principal feature was an address on the life and times of General Lee by S. s. Broadus, president of the Merchants bank of Decatur. Crosses of honor were bestowed on a number of ex-Confederate soldiers during the afternoon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
LEES BIRTHDAY OBSERVED.
Daughters of the confederacy Give
 Fine Entertainment.

Florence, January 9.-(Special.)-The Daughters of the Confederacy celebrated the birthday of Gen. Robert E. Lee Sat- urday afternoon with one of the most delightful entertainments ever given by the chapter.
 The Confederate veterans of Camp O'Neal occupied the front seats and were the guests of honor. Among the other guests were the Sons of Veterans and Camp Negley, Grand Army of the Re- public. The chapter rooms were bril- liant with the Confederate colors and the many relics of the Civil War, in cluding a genuine Ku-Klux outfit, which the chapter has collected, were on ex- hibition
 At the conclusion of the programme Squire c. L. Blakely presented the Daughters with a bayonet he captured from federal soldier in one of Forrests g raids Crosses of honor were bestowed on the following veterans: Capt. Robert Andrews, Capt. w. P. Ellis. c. l.. Blake ly, L. G. Fowler, ". H. Garner, T. B.. Killen John H. Ritter, c. J. Morley and the cross of William Coffe who has died since his application was made, was given his widow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
BEST METHODS OF
 IMPROVING SCHOOLS
ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF AGRl- CULTURAL SCHOOL PRESI- DENTS TAKE MEASURES FOR BETTER METHODS.

Montgomery. January 19-tSpecial)- After a session of two days the Alabama Association of Agricultural School Pres- idents adjourned today. subject to the call of the president. Commissioner of Az riculture J. A. Wilkinson was elected president, J. B. Hobdy of Albertville, vice president, and W. F. Monk of Jackson. secretary. All of the nine district agri- cultural schools were represented. The officers make up the executive commit tee.
 Questions of interest to the agricultural schools and the best ways to make them useful were taken up. Much of the last day was devoted to this class of matter. Resolutions were adopted looking to the following: Thanking Governor Conner for his interest in agricultural schools; pro- viding for exhibits from all the schools at the next Montgomery fair; calling on the general educational board to send one graduate from each agricultural school to Auburn; providing for scholarship at Auburn provide for the organization of boys clubs to teach agriculture with prizes for the best results.
 President J. C. Owens of the Abbeville school was appointed to write the agricul- tural school article for the year book os the department of agriculture, it being held that these institutions are not gen. erally well cared for in that publication. The congressman are to be urged to sup port the Davis bill which provides for government aid to secondary education. A resolution was passed thanking those who aided in making the meeting a success.
 The membership of the organization is made up of the presidents and teachers of agriculture in the mine district agricu- tural schools of the state. located at Jack son, Evergreen, Abbeville, Sylacauga, We tumpka, Hamilton. Albertville, Athens and Blountsville Also of the agricultural forces of the Polytechnic institute at Au- burn. The purpose is to make the school more effective for good It is proposed to arrange lectures and talks on seed and other farm topics, provide for experi- ments in seed culture and development and get the very best that is possible out of the means and the money that the state provides.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
NEGRO CONFESSES
 ID UGLY ATTACK Would-Be Murderer Caught
 Trying to Leave Town OTHERS ARE IMPLICATED Four Other Negroes and a White Man Appear To Be Connected With
 Murderous Attack on Prominent Citizen.
OTHERS ARE IMPLICATED

Tuscumbia, January 19.-(Special)- J. The mystery surrounding the attack made upon J. F. M. Harris several weeks ago, when he was robbed and almost murdered in front of his own gate, has been completely cleared up by the capture of Sid Fletcher negro, who made a full confession, duplicating four other negroes. Fletcher was cap tured at the Southern depot last night by Policeman Gray, just as he was in the act of boarding train. The of ficer's suspicious were aroused by the restless, uneasy appearance of the ne- gro, and he was taken in charge. He refused at first to accompany the policeman and was with difficulty clubbed into submission.
 When searched at the police station the watch, fob, keys and cuff buttons taken from MT. Harris were found in the negro's pockets. Immediately upon this discovery the sheriff was notified and the negro removed to the county jail where he was submitted to the sweating process. At first he main tained his innocence, declaring that e had just arrived in Tuscumbia and that the things were given him by white man in Corinth, Miss. He finally broke down and made a full confession, ad- hitting that he had taken part in the robbery and implicated four other ne- groes.
 Fletcher said the plan to rob MT. Harris was premeditated and that Will Underwood, the negro already in jail, and who was tracked by the blood hounds, struck the blow that almost killed MT. Harris, and rifed his pockets. One of the negroes implicated by Fletcher, Iillman Cooper is also in jail, and a white man named Warsson. The charge against the latter is carry ing a concealed pistol, but the officers believe he was connected with the outrage. Fletcher says Cooper wanted to hit MT. Harris, but was prevented by Underwood, who said, II am bet ter man than you and I want to kill him anyhow" Another one of the ne- groes implicated by Fletcher has been apprehended and the officers are close on the trail of the other two Under wood Cooper, his brother-in-law and the other negro stoutly maintain their innocence when told of Fletcher's con fession, as Underwood has done from the first. but the officers are con- vinceds Fletcher is telling the truth When arrested Fletcher had sling shot in his pocket and large sized rock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
COMER SPEAKS AT
 DOUBLE SPRINGS
GOVERNOR AND AUDITOR BRAN DON TALK ON HIGH SCHOOLS AND CAUSE OF EDUCATION TO THE CITIZENS.

Double Springs, January 19.-(Special)- Governor B. B. Conner and Auditor w. W. Brandon arrived here early yesterday morning from Haleyville, traveling through the country. a distance of 20 miles, taking breakfast in our little city
 Immediately after their arrival a com mittee. composed of representative citi- zens from nearly every beat in the county called upon them in a body and in a forceful argument presented the claims of Double Springs for the To- school. e s
 At 10 o'clock a. m. the governor and auditor repaired to the court house, where they spoke to one of the largest and most enthusiastic audiences ever assembled in Double Springs. Tax Assessor John E. Weaver, by few we'll chosen remarks, introduced the speaSars. and amid cheer ing Auditor Brandon held the audience spellbound for one hour, telling of the strides for improvement along these lines by the present administration.
 Then came forward Governor B. E. Conner, who Is the first governor to visit our county after election and while in office, and in a forceful speech and busl- ness-lfl<es manner. peculiar to himself, told his mission and Ghe object of the leg islature in making such a wise provision for the establishment of high school in every county. No man has ever made a speech in Winston county who held the attention of his hearers better than did Governor Conner. To say that he stands close to the "hearts of the people of Winston" would be speaking the true sen- tment of all who heard him plead the cause of education today. At the close of the meeting, three cheers were given him as the chief executive of the greatest state in the union.
 After partak,ng of one of the best din- ners, especially prepared for the oc- casion by the good ladies of Double Springs, the governor and Auditor Bran- don left town for Lynn in time to reach Birmingham tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Lumber Mills Resume.

Galveston, Tex, January 19.-(Specal.)- Fourteen lumber mills, operated by four companies and employing 12,0O0 men, re- sumed work this week. Nine of the mills are located in eastern Texas and five of them in western Louisiana. Some of them had been closed for nearly four months.
 It is understood that six or eight mills will resume work on part time before the beginning of next month, and will be run- ming full capacity few weeks later.
 Orders are pouring in at a lively rate, and the effects of the financial furry are fast disappearing. There are orders on file for 100000 feet of lumber at three of the mills Over-production at all of the mills has been exhausted.
 When tfe lumber mills suspended op- erations nearly 1000 men who were em- ployed on railroads in handling trains were thrown out of work. These men also resumed work. Mill men say the outlook for busy spring Is fiattering.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Personal and General.

Messrs. W. L. Clark and Henry Kas- trof left today for Cuba to look over their property interests. They will be absent about two weeks.
 A special meeting of the Amphion is called for Tuesday evening at the office of the secretary, Crawford Perkins, on Nineteenth street. A full attendance Is requested as there are several applca- tions for membership. Also an amend ment to the constitution will be voted upon.
 The Elks will hold their regular meet ing tomorrow night. Several petitions will be acted upon and the house commit tee will make report on new rules. Every member of the lodge is urged to attend.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
likeness at an End.

Buffalo, January 1s.-tspecial. .)-All the work of the Lackawanna Steel company went into commission this week. They had been idle for more than month and the effect was generally felt. The open hearth furnaces opened a short time ago President Clarke has been in Buff falo looking over the situation. He said conditions are now good. and there Is small chance of a shortage of work in the future.
 s.There was much ado about nothing during the so-called financial stringency,' he said People became excited and brought on shortage of money by With drawing their savings from the banks. There was never any danger. A few tn- stitutions in New York are no longer an indication of what condition the coun- try is in. Business has quickly picked up and where it was necessary for the time being to suspend operations, the old prosperous condition again prevails.
 Business will continue to improve in Buffalo, and I would not be surprised to hear that times are better than ever'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Murder Great Mystery.

There are no new developments in the death of Hannah Lou Wright, the negro woman whose body was found by Officer Wren. Her throat was cut from ear to ear and the murder is still shrouded in mystery. The police have followed sew eral clues but nothing materialized. From statements made by the negroes living in the nelghborhood 1t seems the woman had been seen going to the woods beyond Sev- enteenth street with a man, though noth- ing further could be learned. The inquest will be held Monday morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
FOR SALE

Business formerly operated by Sivley 6 Mathis at College Station, East Lake, consisting of stock of confectionery, fancy groceries, cigars, tobac- co, modern soda fount and car bonator, show cases, two cash registers, restaurant outfit, etc. Also two extra soda fount counters complete and extra carbonator. Good location, new building, cheap lease for two years. Apply to H. M. Beck, Receiver, care Beck Candy and Grocery Co.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Decided Improvement.

Memphis. January 1s.-(Special. )--Indus- trial conditions in this city have shown a decided improvement in the last few weeks. Only about three of the large lumber plants let off men during the panic, but none of them closed down. The only factory which suspended opera tions was the plant of the American Ca; and Foundry company. employing 1200 men. This has not yet been reopened.
 Conditions are atill unsettled, and there
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Boy Attempts Suicide.

Cleveland. O., January 1S.-While jail attaches were preparing to release him and send him home, Edward Doyle, of Pittsburg, 14 years old. attempted sui eide today. The boy was unconscious when cut down. He tried to hang him self by his suspenders. He was picked up on the streets two weeks ago, beg gng. He refused to tell where his home was. Today word was received from John Doyle of Pttsburg that the boy was his son. The lad was sent to Pitts burg.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
clnclnnati Not Hit Hard.

Cincinnati, January 19.-(Special.)-Not over a half dozen large manufacturing plants were forced to close on account of the money panic and these left idle about 25O0 employees. At least 5000 to 5000 employees, however. were laid off by cut ting down the working force of other local plants.
 With possibly one exception, all the plants which were shut down because Of the panic have resumed, as well as large number of other plants on a normal basis. In the metal working lines alone, which Is the largest industry here. employing about 10000 hands in normal operations. only about 1500 are now estimated to be idle tt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Montgomery Fair.

Montgomery, January 1s.-(Special.)- J. At a meeting of the Alabama Agricul- tural association held Saturday, 1t was decided that the alleged shortage of the 1906 fair management would be fully in- vestigated.. A movement for the 60 di- rectors to make good whatever shortage that Is in the end found. met with gen. eral favor, and plan agreed upon by which the bonds are to be sold and the fair put on firm financial footing. A. G. Forbes was elected president and the following vice presidents in the order named: Robert J. Chambers, w. D. Me Curdy, E. Mertief, w. s. Webber and w. M. Kohn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Exercises in Honor of Lee

Columbus, Ga. January 1s.--fSpe- cialD-The memory of Robert E. Lee was appropriately honored in Colum- bus this evening, public exercises be- ing held at St. Luke Methodist ch urch, under the auspices of Camp Benning of United Confederate Veterans. Rev. pr. J. P. McFerrin, pastor of the church, made the address of the occasion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Fought Over Stamp.

Montgomery, January 19.-(Special. J. Boiling Hall and Harvey Bransford, ne- groes, fought in the county jail over a stamp. Sheriff Hood had given Brans- ford a nickle to buy two stamps. one for each. Hall said that the other would not give him his part and proceeded to carve him up with a knife made from spoon handle, which he had whetted sharp on the cement floor of his cell
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
FINE REPORTS FROM ALL
 PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
(coNTINuED FORM poGE |. !,

 that prosperous conditions are still in evidence and there Is no need for cau- tion or retrenchment.
 With orders focking in from small dealers, the great wholesale houses are more active than they have been In a number of months. The outlook for con tinued activity is good and the healthy tone to the grocery market reflects good conditions throughout the country.
 Diamond Cutter Hopeful.
 Edward Van Dam. proprietor of the largest diamond-cutting factory in Am sterdam, is in New York. In an inter view MT. Van Dam gave one of the best evidences of the financial and indus trial situation in the United States. He said
 Tn London Paris. Amsterdam and Antwerp an optimistic feeling prevails in the foreign diamond trade regarding the outlook for the improvement of business conditions in the United States.
 "The buying of gefs in this country decreased somewhat, of course, but 1t will be but a short time before the peo- pie of America are again buying London and Amsterdam are well supplied with diamonds, and as result of this coupled with the recent scare in this country, the diamond-cutting factories in Amsterdam
  open and working full time.
 "The people of America need have no fear of the future. Your resources are too great to stand panic.''
 Ironworkers Not Reduced.
 The National Erectors' association, con- sisting of firms engaged in structural iron work throughout Canada and the United States, has announced that there will be no cut in the wages of it's emploves 1ronworkers at present are earning S4. 50 per day, and about 5000 men are kept busy by the different firms of the association. The condition of the ironworking busi- ness throughout the country is. good There Is plenty of building, and a good demand for workmen.
 The announcement that there would be no cut in wages will be welcomed, for, since the recent financial scare, there have been pessimistic predictions. The as- sociation held a special meeting, so as ing that wages would be held up to the standard.
 Clothing Trade Good.
 All the local clothiers are busy on spring orders and the outlook is good. The entire range of spring goods has withstood the test of the last few weeks and prices are being lowered as an in- centive to buyers. The restoration of con- fidence of people in the industrial and financial situations is helping along AS to fall orders, the clothiers are going slow.
 This action is not the result of antici- pated hard times, but is more the exercis- ing of caution in the selection of cloth As far as can be observed in the trade. a general optimistic feeling prevails
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Montgomery "Tieers." :"

Montgomery. January 1s-(special.)- In a list of holders of government H. quor licenses published for the county 1t is shown that there are eight outside of Montgomery city As the state laws do not permit sale of intoxicants outside of the city, these eight must either be giv- ing up good money to Uncle Sam for nothing or selling liquors in violation of the laws Sheriff Hood is going to have A look into it. It is also shown that there are only ITO licenses issued in the county for the new year. compared to 241 in 1907, falling of of 30 per cent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
New Pay Car Zone.

Montgomery, January 19.-(SpeciaL)- The Louisville and Nashville Railroad company has made new pay division out of that territory between Montgomery and New Orleans. with the Pensacola, Selma and Alabama and Florida lines. The money will be assembled at Mont gomery and New Orleans The car of the system was here today, distributing the money for the mon who have earn ed it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
pR. sEARcY LECTURES.
Superintendent of Insane Hospital
 Visits MontevaIlo.

Montevallo. January 1s.-(Special. .)-Dr. J. T. Searcy, superintendent of the Ala bama Bryce Hospital for the Insane, is the guest of President T. " Palmer Dr. searcy lectured yesterday morning in the chapel of the Industrial school upon "Psychoses Defective and Deficient Types"
 Miss Ada Galbraith of Anniston has taken charge temporarily Of the art classes in the Industrial school, the reg ular teacher. Miss Mary S. Pinkston. having been detained by serious illness in Montgomery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Pittsburg All Right.

Pittsburg, January 19.-topecial.) = State Senator John w. Crawford, presi- dent of Pittsburg stock exchange, said today:
 General conditions in financial and industrial circles in Pittsburg are much better than they have been for months. Every day Is showing more improve ment. Currency is much easier. On the whole, see no reason why conditions should not continue to improve"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Philadelphia Conditions.

Philadelphia, January 19.--(Special.) Conditions in and near Philadelphia are improving every day. The Pennsylva- mia carpet mills, near this city which operated on three-quarter time during the entire summer, are again operating full time. The Wins, Dietz & Metsger mills are again working full time after a shutdown. The conditions reflect a healthy tone to business conditions. and within a short time industries will be normal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Business Man Dead.

Lynchburg, Va, January 19.-Richard Pollard. aged IS. prominent business man, died today after a weeks ill., ness of pneumonia. His wife is also i'll of the same malady, and the doe tors say she can hardly survive the night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Steel Plant Resumes.

Pottsville, Pa.. January 19.-(Special)- After weeks of idleness the Eastern Steel company at this place is running five days a week. Announcement has been made that the mill goes on full time with in a few weeks.
 The company has large orders for structural steel from New York Phila- delphia, and other cities, which indicate great building activity in the spring. The outlook for the future is good.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Clothing Trade Good.
MILLS ARE ASSUMING WORK,
Many Pittsburs Plants Will Now Go
 on Full Time.

Pittsburg, January 19.-(Special)- While Pittsburg was shaken by the financial furry conditions are becom- ing normal, and within a sho ort time will, no doubt, be as prosperous as ever.
 Some of the mills had been running on reduced time, but they are begin- ming to operate in full. Thousands of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Girard Citizen Dead.

Girard, January 19. = Special J. Charles H. Snider who was for great many years a merchant in this city, has passed away. his death occurring in the Columbus City hospital. He was "A years of age and death was due to general debility.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Actixitx in New EnaIand.

Boston, January 19.-(Special)-New England industrial conditions have as- sumed encouraging activity since the first of the year, according to reports from various trade circles. In manufact- uring centers there is a note Of improve ment that is reassuring to both manu- facturers and to operatives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
Ressemer Plant Runninu.

Johnstown. Pa., January 19.-(Special.)- The Bessemer steel plant which has practically been idle for the last six weeks, resumed operations this week. Four thousand worxmen who had been suspended welcomed the news. Condi- tions in this region are becoming better every day.