The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-02
BIRMINGHAM QUIET
SOLDIERS ARE PLANNING TO
 LEAVE DISTRICT.
Mobile BattaIion WmI Depart Friday in Special Train--Mass Meeting of
 Miners Will He Held Today.

Birmingham. Sept. 1.--tSpeeial.l- The day following the issue of the order calling off the strike in this dis trict was the quietest Birmingham has known for eight weeks
 There was a general feeling of re- taxation, after the long period of high tension. Little was done at the mines. the operators making no effort to re- sume on anything like a normal basis. and the men busying themselves with preparation to return to work.
 Mass meetings of miners were also held at all the camps to name dele gates to the special district conven- tion to be held in Birmingham Wednes- day.
 The general sentiment was that 1t would be Monday at least before any large proportion of the 1S,000 men now Idle would be put back to work. The operators are holding to their promise, however. to take back all except those who have been guilty of lawlessness.
 The 800 State soldiers on guard in the Birmingham district are getting ready to break camp. Wednesday Company L. First Regiment, Captain F. F. Townsend. of Uniontown, which has been stationed at Bocton, will entrain for home. and a few hours later Company F.. Third Regiment. Captain Coleman, of Albertville, which has been on duty at Acton, will hike for their home town. None others will leave Wednesday, but before Sunday night 1t is expected that there will not be a soldier left on duty in the dis- trict.
 The Mobile battalion. with compa> nies at Bloosburg. Cardiff, Littleton and Flat Top will likely be sent home eyn SnanioY fratu ErfdaX.
 According to present plans by Fri- day night at least 500 men will have left town. leaving some 200 men to be relieved before the district is bare of troops.
 The First Regiment, which has done duty in Birmingham has been under orders since July 29th, when the regi- ment was sent to Chickamauga. This is probably the longest continues ser vice Alabama troops have seen since the war. Their conduct in Birming- ham has been the occasion of special praise from the Governor. the Birm- ingham Commercial Club and Board of Trade and from citizens generally.
 With the exception of the ambus- cade of the Blocton train, when three soldiers were wounded not a mem- OCT of the Alabama National Guard ha ssuffered from the violence in the strike district, although since their
 
 in excellent order, considering the ground to be covered.
 Tonight Governor Conner issued a public letter in which he thanks tho Soldiers for their splendid conduct.
 The mass convention wednesday may prove lively affair. It is known that some hot heads among the min CTS will endeavor to persuade others to continue the struggle. but the ab- solute uselessness e such an effort is apparent when 1t is considered that the national officers of the organiza- tion have called of the strike and money to it's support. In fact there Is no danger that it will be prolong- ed, the only interest lying In what course the agitators will take.
 Secretary Bryan and Vice President White are in complete charge of the local situation. President Lewis hav- Ing returned to Indiana. Bryan and White represent the conservative eie- ment. There is every likelih ood that thy will do all In their power to smooth over the waters.
 Meanwhile. there Is talk of pros perity on every hand. The Gate City Rolling Mills are to open up in a short while. and announcement that three furnaces are to so into blast Is practically official