davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
WIND AND SNOW DO GREAT DAMAGE Chicago Is Cut Off From Wire
 Communication BIG SNOW IN MILWAUKEE Heavy Gale Sweeps Over Havana Driving high Seas into Houses
 in the Low Sections of
 the City.
BIG SNOW IN MILWAUKEE

Chicago, January 12-Chicago and it's environs were cut off for several hours today from wire communication from other points by snow and wind storm which began before dawn and ragged without break all day. Snow eontin- ues to fall tonight. A northeast gale drove blinding masses of wet snow before it. The warmth of the atmosphere caused the heavy flakes partly to melt and to stick to whatever they touched As consequence oVer-burdened wires and poles were put out of commission in all directions, and wire communications were at standstill for hours
 Electric car lines to suburbs were blocked and even in the downtown quar- ter transportation was slow and uncer- tain.
 The fire alarm telegraph service of Chicago was so much crippled that half of the alarms received at the central sta- ton could not be communicated to the engines companies by the usual means and many delays in sending apparatus to a burning building were recorded None of the fires resulted seriously, how ever.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
SECOND THAW TRIAL
 IS ON IN EARNEST
JURY WILL BE CHARGED WITH DETERMINING RESPONSIBILITY OF DEFENDANT UNDER THE LAW-lNSANlTY IS THE PLEA.

New York, January 12.-The second trial of Harry K. Thaw for the killing of Stanford White will begin in earnest tomorrow morning when the state will present it's case to the jury which is charged with determining the respon- sibility of the defendant under the law With straight plea of insanity en- tered, from the very beginning, the issue this year will be one of respon- sibility or irresponsibility, with the words guilty" or innocent" of the accused seldom heard.
 The assistant attorney. Garvin. will outline the states case in a 10 minues speech. He will briefly sketch the in cidents up to the shooting on Madison Spare roof ga rden, and will character ize the killing as he did last year. as a coolly planned and wilful murder Thaw's actions preceding and following the crime will be held up as those of a sane man.
 The states witnesses were heard in less than two hours at the first trial but it Is said this year the direct case will be longer, including as it does the rather important testimony of James Clineh Smith, broth CT in law of Stan for White, who talked with Thaw just a few minutes before the shooting.
 Martin w. Littleton will make the opening address for Thaw and it is said that there will be no hint of justi- fication in his outline of defense, but recital from first to last of events which it will be claimed point irresisti- bly to the fact that Thaw was insane at the time of his fatal meeting with White.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
COMING EVENTS WHICH
 WILL CREATE HISTORY

man and leader of the eonsttutionalists, this meeting.
 In Helena, Mont, on Tuesday, the Ma tional Wool Growers association will meet to discuss a number of questions of vital interest to sheep raisers.
 Three presidential possibilities are ex- pected to make addresses at public func- tions. On Tuesday, Secretary Taft will address the Ohio society in Philadelphia MT. Bryan will be the guest of honor at a dollar dinner in Lincoln, Neb, Wednesday evening and is expected to make an ad- dress which will be a reply to recent public speeches. both democratic and re- publican, regarding the issues on which the campaign will be fought.
 Governor Hughes is scheduled for two speeches on Friday. one being at the West End Women's Republican association of New York and the other at the annual dinner of the University of Pennsylvania
 The Thaw trial will, of course, occupy large space in the weeks news The jury has been secured, the introduction of tes- timony will begin promptly on Monday after the opening address of the prosecu- tion.
 The battleship fleet will remain at Rio de Janeiro for the next 10 days, where of ficers and men will be elaborately en- tertained both by the government and the municipality and by organizations of cit izens.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
LETTERS TO THE -DITOR.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 We'll, now that the saloons are killed and the war dance is over, I think with the united assistance of the citizens to help the chief of police and his force, Sheriff Higdon, deputies and hounds; the Law and Order League, with their re ward"; the Pastors union, Mayor Ward the police commission, and Governor Co., nner, with his soldiers, we may be able to keep order in Birmingham. If not, Roosevelt can recall Bob Evans with his powerful fleet and have them enter via Village creek and anchor at North Bir- mingham and 1 know old Bob" will soon settle it.
 I wonder what the outside world thinks of Birmingham with all this harangue, coupled with 11,S14 arrests made last year? It is a shame and disgrace to the good people of our city. Can't we quit picking the scab and let the sore get we'll. D. A. VANCE.
 Birmingham, January P, 190s
 WILL DISCUSS FORESTRY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13

The coming weeks promise of news making events is unusually interesting. In Congress the committee rooms rather than the floors of the Senate and House are now the eenters of interest. and will continue to be so for some time. Thus far no really important measure has re- ceived the sanction of committee in either house if the penal code but be ex- cepted, and even on this measure all the work had been done before the beginning of the present session. The two subjects which are attracting attention to the ex- clusion of almost everything else are the financial bill and the navy personnel bill, the former by Senator Aldrich and the latter by Senator Hale.
 Among the conventions and gatherings of various organizations which will take place this week, probably the most in- teresting will be that of the National Guard association at Boston on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This meeting will be largely instrumental in determin- ing the changes to be made in the na- tional law resulting from the expiration of the first years period allowed by the Dick bill, which was intended to bring the guard organization into conformity with the regular army.
 Much interest is lent to the meeting of the Civic Forum in New York on Tues day evening by the presence of Paul Mil- yukof, the distinguished Russian states
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
JOHN TRENTON IS
 INSTANTLY KILLED
THROWN FROM AUTOMOBILE IN COLLISION WITH STREET GAR. WAS MEMBER OF HOUSTON POST EDITORIAL STAFF.

Houston, Tex, January 12.-In an endurance race in which Is automo- piles participated over country roads covering 112 miles. an accident oc cured on the final run today in which John Trentem, sporting editor of the Houston Post. was killed by collision with a street car; Brown Botts was in 1ured internally and Ray Weiss, gen. eral sales agent of the Kirby Lumber company, was badly bruised.
 Trentem was in a car which had lost a tire. The wheel without a tire caught on a street car track and the automobile was thrown against an on- coming car. Trentem was instantly killed. The others were injured by the car turning over.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Denvsr Convention Items.

Owensboro Ky, January 12.-Secretary Urey woodson of the democratic national committee yesterday announced that the committee on arrangements for the Dem yer convention will hold it's first meeting in Denver on Monday, January 20. The committee is composed of Chairman Tag gart, Secretary woodson, Committeeman Sullivan of Illinois, Mack of New York, McGraw of West Virginia, Howell or Georgia, Johnston of Texas, Osborne or Wyoming and Dahlman of Nebraska. W. H. O'Brien, formerly chairman of the Indiana state committed, has been ap- pointed treasurer of the national commit fee vice August Belmont resigned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
In Michigan.
Barker Will Be Confirmed.

Annlston January 12.-(Special.) "A dis patch from Washington quotes Senator Johnston as saying that the appointment of c. R. Barker as Anniston's postmas- ter will come before the Senate this week and be immediately confirmed. as there Is no opposition to him. Strange as it may seem, the fight for this office has had a national effect as 1t was in this con- nection that the Calhoun county republic an executive committee indorsed the presidential candidacy of William H. Taft, thus hitching the first team to the Taft bandwagon. Also, the office has been the cause of a split between Referee Scott and Thompson. When MT. Barker is confirmed, D. Houston Smith, the man who was most instrumental in securing his appointment, will be made assistant postmaSter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
HERE IS A NEW
 LIQUOR PROBLEM
Augusta People Want to Know What
 Disposition to Make of l Goods Seized.

Augusta, Ga, January 12.-Attorney General Hart has been asked for ruling as to the disposition that shall be made of liquors that may be seized in this county, in cases where there are convictions. under the prohibition law.
 In raid made several days ago on the place of H. H. Oelrich, in which a quantity of whisky and beer was seized, the goods have been stored in the coun- ty court house. Oelrich says the stock was not his. The county auth critics now want to know what disposition to make of the liquor.
 It cannot be sold under warrant to satisfy the costs of the court in trial of the cases because of the provisions of the prohibition law.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
CHILD BURNS TO DEATH.
Nineteen Months old Son of Mir. and
 Mrs. L. X. Smith Is Victim.

Atlanta, January 12.-tSpecial.)- While playing in front of the fire place this morning Milford Smith, the 19- months old son of MT. and Mrs. l.. K. Smith of 43 Dillon street, received burns causing death almost immediate ly. It is not known exactly how the child managed to get near the fire in the grate, for it's parents were out of the room at the time. They returned instantly after hearing the baby s screams. but too late.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
MAY VISIT MEXICO.
King of Spain May Visit Latin-Ameri
 can Countries.

Madrid. January 12.-The newspapers of all political shades are enthusiastic over the report that King Alfonso next year may make a trip to Mexico and other Latin American countries. While it is not officially admitted that the King contemplates such a voyage, it is known that he is considering it.
 Amado Nervo, charge daffaires of the Mexican legation, has written let ter to the newspapers warmly com mending the idea of the Kings visit, and the results to be obtained from it. Thus far there has been no suggestion that the King should visit the United States during his trip to America.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Fire in New York,

New York, January 12.-A block of five-story tenament buildings extend ing from Ninety third street to Ninety fourth street, on Fourth avenue, and which had been remodeled for factory purposes, and which were occupied by a half dozen enterprises, were burned early today, causing loss of about $500. .0OO Adam Hoffell Iron works, L.. Ebelman Iron works, Hallenber & Duscher, machinists; Crossman Shoe Manufacturing company, Kraal But ton company, and the American Rug company suffered most.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
SENTENCED TO DEATH.
Many Death Warrants for Theft Are
 Confirmed in Russia.

St. Petersburg, January 12.-A court martial has sentenced five persons to death and two to the mines for the rob- bery during last April of the estate be- longing to the Alexandria Vonstray The robbers obtained a big haul but only secured lot of rub Dish worth d couple of hundred roubles.
 The governor general of Kieff has confirmed six death sentences, and at Warsaw two were hanged today At Odessa, Wilma and Moscow two death sentences each were confirmed, and at Riga and Techernagoff one each, all for theft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
MULAI HAF|D IS
 MADE THE SULTAN Quick Turn of Affairs In
 Morocco FRANCE IS EMBARRASSED
Whole Country Seems to Be Threat ened With Civil War and the French Government Fears
 General Involvement.

Tangier, January 12.-There is much consternation among Moroccan officials at the sensational news from Fez, an- nouncing the proclaming of Mulai Hafid as Sultan, and the dangerous conditions now prevailing in that city. Couriers who have arrived here announce also that the people of Mequinez have proclaimed Mulai Hafid Sultan According to latest information from Fez, the Ulemas, or wise men were forced to decree the over throw of Abdel Aziz, the Sultan of record, and proclaim Mulai Hafd Sultan in his place, by the. attitude of the populace, who were greatly excited over reports that Abdel Aziz had sold the country to France.
 Mulal Hafd was proclaimed Sultan un- der certain conditions which he must ac- cept together with the title. Among these conditions are the following: That he reject the Algeciras act; repels the French troops from Morocco; prohibits access to the interior of Europeans who, with the Jews, it is set forth, should be al- lowed to occupy only quarters in the ports reserved for them; prohibits Moor ish subjects from political campaigning; secures Morocco's rights on the frontiers and suppresses taxation.
 Paris, January 12.-The French govern ment is greatly embarrassed at the un- expected turn of events in Morocco. The proclaiming of Mulai Hahd Sultan at Fez, was co-incident with the arrival in Paris of Mohammed Sdi Fl Mokhri, who came here as financial minister to Abdel AZiz to negotiate a loan of SS0000,000 and the march on Rabat of General d dArmade, commander of the French forces in Mo rocco, with 1000 men.
 In a twinl1ling the entire situation has become entangled and the whole country is threatened with a civil war. It is all the more serious for France, as the dis patches which have been received relat- ing to the situation leaves no doubt as to the fanatical appeal of the supporters of Mulai Hafid being directed chiefly against France, and a holy war might arouse Frances Mohammedan subjects across the Algerian frontier.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Taft Returns to washlnuton.

Washington. January 12.-Secretary of War Taft returned to Washington from New York, where he delivered an address on the relations between capital and la bor at the Cooper Union last Friday. The secretary will appear before two congress sional committees this week. Tomor- row morning he will go before the House library committee in connection with the Grant monument, and on Thursday he will appear before the Senate commit tee on interoceanic canals in connection with canal affairs. Secretary Taft will deliver an address before the Ohio club in Philadelphia Tuesday night of this week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
BODY IS FOUND.
Tritico Had Been Murdered by Men He
 Had Threatened to Expose.

Lake Charles, La, January 12.-Re vealed by the confession of one his five slayers the body of Joseph Tritico, a young Italian, was today exhumed on a truck farm, where it had been buried over a month. Four Italians are tonight under arrest charged with the murder and the police are in pur- suit of a fifth.
 with robbing a Southern Pacific freight car. While in jail he notified five other Italian members of a Black Hand so- ciety and alleged to have participated in the robbery that he would turn states evidense unless released. The Italians secured his release and killed him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Birmingham, January F, 1908.
 WILL DISCUSS FORESTRY.
Appalachian Reserve Convention to Be
 Held in Atlanta.

Atlanta, January 12.-A convention to discuss and urge the preservation of the southern Appalachian forests will be held in this city on January Is. Dele gates representing the leading com mercial organizations of the central south ern states will attend, and in vitations have been sent to the govern ors of these states to be present. Gov ernor Smith of Georgia will preside over the sessions.
 The American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Federation of Women's clubs of Georgia and other organiza tions are taking an active interest in the movement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Will Confer Cross of Honor.

Anniston, January 2.-(Special.) Jon the occasion of the celebration of the birth day of Gen. Robert E. Lee by the local chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy next Saturday, crosses of honor will be conferred on the follow ing veterans: J. w. Bates, J. A. Bonds, G. A. Braswell, J. H. Coleman, J. H. Fain, James Bedders, D. M. Murphree w. w. Rutherford, James A. Thomas j. T. Trammell and ". T. Pruitt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Lincoln Centennial.

Louisville, Ky, January Ex-Governor Wilson will shortly send a special mes sage to the legislature recommending the passage of bill providing for an ade- quate appropriation and the appointment of state commission to direct the Lin coin centennial. The 10Oth anniversary of Lincoln's birth falls on February F, 1909 and preliminary plans made by the Lincoln Farm association in La Rue county, Kentucky, are well under way. President Roosevelt has consented to de- liver an oration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Slow Bank Collections.

Kansas City, January 12.-Thomas R. Marks. receiver of the Bankers Trust company. which failed October 2S last, with liabilities of s1,143,s27, filed his first report in the circuit court here today. MT. Marks does not attempt to suggest the value of the assets, but says their actual present value Is problematical. Fully s5OoOOO of the banks resources may be termed slow The report shows that of the loans and discounts, placed at s65s, 700 on the day of the failure, $65.0O0 has been collected by the receiver.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Chinese Sailors Mutiny.

Philadelphia, January 12.-More than 40 Chinese sailors on board the British tank steamer Chesapeake, lying at Point Breeze, mutinied today because, they de- clared Captain William Gray had not furnished proper clothing and food on the trip from Singa pore to this port. The men clambered over the side of the steamer to the pier and the officers sent a call for the police to another station. squad arrived and the troublesome Chinese were surrounded and driven on board the boat An agreement granting some of their demands was signed by the captain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
BRIDGE IS BURNED.
Structure Spanned Dry River in City
 of Monterey.

Monterey, Mex. January 12.-The San Luis bridge, connecting the northern part of Monterey with the southern part, and bridging a dry river that in time of rain becomes a roaring torrent, burned yester- day, .causing a heavy loss to the city nd to business houses adjoining the bridge. The bridge was very wide struc- ture and the sides were lined with booths, all of which were occupied with thriving merchants.
 Adjoining the bridge several blocks of frame business houses were destroyed, most of which were occupied.
 No correct estimate has yet been made of the total loss, but it will probably be between S3OO. 600 and $4OO, ,OO0
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
i. Huuhes Arrested.

New York, January 12.-The passengers arriving today on board the steamer Co lon from Cristobal, canal zone, included J. Hughes, who is in charge of a canal policeman Hughes who has but one arm. is charged with shooting a man about a year ag1>at Kissime, Fla. He was recently locNed on the isthmus. where he was employed as foreman of canal employes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Gunboat is Disabled.

Mexico City, January 12.-The Mexican gunboat Bravo has just been lowed into Vera Cruz, after being seriously disabled in a storm on the gulf while returning from ports on the Yucatan coasts. Water flooded the hold, putting all the machin- cry out of commission The crew had to be removed to the training ship which picked the Bravo up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
EDWARD KEEPER DIES.
Contracted Consumption While Ex.
 posed by College Hazers.

San Antonio, Tex, January 12.-Ed- ward Keiper of Louisville, Ky. who came here eight days ago for his ealth, dieds today from tuberculosis. He contracted the disease, it is said as the result of having been tied to tombstone in a graveyard by students at Kentucky preparatory college which he was attending to equip him. self for entering West Point, to which institution he had received an appoint nent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Half of ViIlaue Burns.

Three Rivers. Mch., January 12- About half of the business section of the village of Fulton was destroyed by a fire supposedly of incendiary orgin today. The fire, which was discovered in Weeds general store, destroyed sev- eral other buildings. The estimated loss is $50,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Editor Shoots Policem an.

Omaha, Neb., January 11.-While crazy drunk, Col. William l.. Vischer, the Chi cago noted newspaper man and writer, last night shot and probably fatally wounded Policeman Pete Dillon. Vischer was under arrest when the shooting oc- cured. and was in the patrol wagon on the way to the police station. At mid night syischer is still in a drunken frenzy and the wounded policeman Is resting easy with the bullet in the back of his neck.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Dummy Bid for Japanese.

Honolulu, January 12.-The award of bids for material for the fertilization of Pearl Harbor has been held up for the reason that it is believed that the lowest bidder is a dummy for a Japanese con- tractor. It is probable that all bids will be rejected, and that the war dena rtment will conduct the work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Natural Gas Explosion.

Joplin, Mo, January 12-An explosion of natural gas in the basement of the Olivia apartment hotel here today killed Marvin R. Rinolds, aged 20, night clerk, and seriously injured several other per sons A suit of five rooms occupied by John E. Stevens, a wealthy mine owner and his wife, was completely wrecked, and both occupants were severely in- iured. Mrs. Stevens will die.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
RESIDENCE IS BURNED.
Family of E. D. Elasberg at Selma
 Barely Escape the Flames.

Selma, January -(Special)-This morn- ing about 1 o'clock the beautiful home of E. D. Eliasberg, corner of Broad and Second streets, was destroyed by fire. The family were awakened by the cracking of the flames, and only escaped with their lives. The loss Is estimated at $75o0 on the building. Much valuable plate and hand some furniture are a total loss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Still Holds Mclean.

Paris. January 12.-A special to the Matin from Tangier says that Raisuli. the bandit, has joined Mulai Hafid and that he still persists in his refusal to give up Harry Mclean except by order of the new leader.
 Advices from Rabat to the Matin state that Abdel Aziz is terror-stricken by the news that Mulai Hafid has been pro- claimed Sultan.
 The Matin understands that recent con- ferences between Premier Clemenceau and the French representatives at Berlin and Tangier make it practically certain that it will be absolutely unnecessary to modify the French policy in Morocco.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
School Destroyed In China.

Washington. January 12.-The state department is informed in a dispatch from Consul General Denby, at Shang- hai, China, dated today, that the Amer ican Presbyterian school property was destroyed as a result of riots in north ern Chekiang, but the missionaries are safe. He also states that protection is promised them by the Chinese author flies
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
Confidence In Father John.

St. Petersburg, January 12.-Emperor Nicholas has manifested his confidence in Father John of kronstadt, the well known Russian priest, by appointing him to take part in the sitting of the synod this year, an honor which up to this time has been enjoyed by only two men of the non- monkish clergy, in
 cluding the Emperor's own confessor.