davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
GIBSON WANTS TO
 RETURN THE MONEY
FORMER CITY CLERK AT PRATT CITY WRITES HE IS PREPARED TO MAKE GOOD THE SHORT AGE.

It Is understood that J. C. Gibson, the former city clerk of Pratt City. who disappeared last year. leaving his ac- counts about 5000 short, wishes to come back and make up the shortage, pro- vided there will be no prosecution. G;b- son has been in Central America since his dedication and he writes that he has been fairly successful, and Is now able to return to the city the money that he took. However, he will consent to re- turn only on the condition that he will not be prosecuted. Gale and Powell. Gib- . sons bondsmen, are unwilling as yet to make statement as to whether or not they will press the case, but 1t Is under stood that they will communicate with him in few days in an attempt to reach some agreement Some time ago Gale and Powell received a letter from City Attorney Aird in which he said that the city would expect them to make good the dedication, and that he would be expected to make suit against them if the money was not paid. The city may pos sbly wish to press the case against Gib- son If he returns, but from what can be learned, if his bondsmen are willing to let the matter drop 1t will take no action In the matter
 Now, that most of the plants in and around Pratt City have resumed opera tions, 1t is generally understood that more men are needed When the mills shut down. during the panic, many of the old employees left town, and the resumption of business finds some manufacturers short-handed. Heretofore the supply of men has been greater than the demand, but now 1t Is just the reverse. This Is considered by many as he/best indica- tion of the return of good times.
 The members of the Ladies' Aid so- eiety of Pratt City held very inter esting meeting at the Baptist church Monday afternoon. After the regular business was disposed of the election of officers was held. All of the old officers were reelected for the ensuing year. They are as follows: Mrs. J. E. Wood, president; Mrs. J. V. Sample, vice presi- dent Mrs. C., D. Comstock, secretary, and Mrs. R. l.. Hassler treasurer. The club then adjourned for the summer months until the next meeting, which oc- CUTS early in September.
 The recently organized social club st Pratt City, known as the ''G. S. c." will be entertained this evening at the home of Mrs Woods This club was organized only short time ago, but 1t has been attended with a remarkable growth and Is now one of the leading social organs of Pratt City.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
$3OOO GIVEN TO
 STREET GAR MEN
COMPANY COMMENDS WORK OF
 MOTORMEN AND CONDUCTORS
 DURING REUNION AND DlSTRlB- UTES NEAT SUM AMONG THEM.

The faithful motormen and conductors of the street railway company were given cause to rejoice yesterday when, beside a letter of commendation for their ser vices during the reunion the company distributed sSOO0 among them, amounting to more than 8 each
 The letter which was addressed to each man read thus:
 To the Motormen and Conductors:
 Dear Sirs-We desire to formally ex- press our appreciation of the splendid service you rendered during the reunion last week.
 You were uniformly courteous and at tentive to the hundreds of thousands of passengers, men, women and childr sn, who daily crowded your cars.
 You were uncomplaining in the long, continuous service. often without relief Flor rest and food.
 You are to be congratulated upon the record of not having a single serious ac- cident to occur, although 200 cars were in constant operation and 69,500 car miles were run during the three days.
 This kind of service cannot be pur- chased with money.
 The management is proud of the record and the men who made it.
 A serious accident might have cost us several thousand dollars. It did not oc- cur. We have decided to pay 1t out any way and distribute among you, share and share alike to those who worked during this period, about s3O0O Will you, there fore, please accept the inclosed as your portion with our best wishes and the hope that the good record made last week may continue in the future. Yours very truly GEORGE H. HARRIS,
 Superintendent Railway Dept.
 Approved
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
EAST LAKE COUNCIL WANTS TO COME IN
AT MEETING LAST NIGHT SPE- GAL COMMITTEE WAS NAMED TO APPEAR BEFORE BIRMING. HAM COUNCIL.

The city council of East Lake held it's lowing aldermen present: w. A. Williams, J. Gates, c. Jones, c. J. Jones, T. A. Jones, c. P. Hudson, J. R. Montgomery Ed Courley and w. J. Martin. Several matters of importance were taken up, among them being the addition of new electric lights, a school bond issue and the appointment of a committee to con- fer with the city council of Birmingham relative to the incorporation of East Lake with Birmingham in the near future
 The board was deeply interested in the Birmingham project which started since Avondale's annexation. All present were in favor of asking Birmingham to invite them immediately and with that end in view committee was appointed to meet with the Birmingham council tonight to discuss the matter. Those on the com mittee are: w. J. Martin, c. P. Hudson, J. R. Montgomery and Ed. Courley. It was the sense of the meeting that if they were invited they would set the date for an election in the next thirty days and put the question before the people.
 Owing to the fact that more street lights are needed, the board contracted for fifteen additional ones to be installed. They must be in place before July l.
 The question of issuing bonds for the building of a new school house has been up before the council several times. Last night, it was definitely decided to issue five per cent bonds to the amount of s15,000 for this purpose. This proposition was not to replace the building now in use by a new one but to build an additional one.
 Forty thousand dollars have been re- oeived and deposited to the credit of the city from the sale of sewerage bonds. Now that this money is on hand the work will begin on the system in few days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
At the Biiou.

The Baldwin Melville company is mak- ing another hit at the Bijou theatre this week with a carefully staged version of East Lynne" The play is unusually well mounted. MT Baldwin and George Boeses, master scene painter, together with their assistants, deserve mucn credit for the manner in which they are putting on the plays at the Bijou from week to week. In East Lyne' Miss Wheatley has congenial material. She is doing some of her best work in the emo tional roles of Lady Isabelle and Madam Vine. The other members of the com pany give her good support. Miss Mabel Mckinley, composer and vocalist, who IS an added feature this week, Is being en- Enthusiastically received Miss Mckinley has a fine voice and sings with rare charm. The usual performance will be given tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
Civil Service Examination.

The United States civll service commits sion announces an examination to be held in Birmingham on July 15-16, 1908, to se- cure eligibles from which to make certifi- cation to fill vacancies as they may occur in the position of assistant chemist, at salaries ranging from s120O to $500 per annum. in the bureau of chemistry, de- partment of agriculture. It is probable that 15 or 20 appointments may be made within the next few months.
 The department states that the higher salaries will be paid only to those who have had first-class framing and consid- erable exeprience at miscellaneous work other than that obtained in a college or university course in chemistry, and that recent graduates and chemists who have not had wide and varied experience in analytical work may expect the possibil- ity of the lower salaries.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
SHER|FF'S OFFICE
 IN B|G SHAKE-UP Five Deputies Hand In Their
 designations THERE ARE NINE ESCAPES shake-Up Develops Fact That This Many Prisoners Have Taken French Leave From Sher-
 ifs Department.

A general shalxe-up is to take place in the sheriff's office, and this has brought to light the fact that nine prisoners have escaped from the sheriffs department dur ing the past few months. Five deputies have turned in their resignations, and 1t IS said there may possibly be more.
 The deputies resigning are W. F. Car ter, Joe O'Kelley, Robert Collier, Ernest Robinson and Lee Higdon, son of Sheriff Hlgdon. The resignatlons of Carter and O'Kelley, 1t is stated, grew out of per- sonal differences; those of Collier and Robinson, inside men, out of the recent scapes, while Lee Hlgdon handed in his
 personal reasons.
 Ne escapes consisted of a negro wo-
 who took French leave from the criminal court room; a negro man, who left the officers at Trussville; another one, acting as trusty, under bond at Sheriff Higdon's house, left without mo- tice one walked out of the side gate of the courtyard about 10 o'clock one morn- ing; another escaped from bailiffs; white prisoner unlocked his way out one Sunday afternoon; another, acting as trusty, departed from the front of the early one morning; still another one left the courthouse, concluding with the es- cape of the white prisoner Young one Sunday afternoon, and the two negroes who escaped last Sunday morning.
 It has also developed that the two who escaped Sunday morning did not use a cot as previously stated, but used a painters ladder wbich had been left in the feed room Saturday. The night wardens were not aware that this lad der had been left there, as it was not easily discernible in the place where 1t stood. The negroes were alone not over three minutes, but during this time they succeeded in removing the ladder from the feed room, and placing it from the top of the gallows in the jail yard to the top of the wall. This ladder is about 5 feet long.
 The fact that nine prisoners have taken French leave is something of surprise, it being believed that there had been but three or four at the most.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
MEET ON THURSDAY TO
 ARRANGE FOR PRIMARY

the city democratic executive committee. petition you to call a meeting of the eX- ecutive committee to meet Thursday night, June IS, at 8 o'clock, at city hall in Bir mingham, for the purpose of transacting such business as may properly come be- fore said committee.
 B. II. MOONEY.
 H. B. ABERNATHY,
 JOHN H. MILLER,
 JAMES F. HAWKINS,
 A. W. NELSON. Immediately on receipt of the petition Chairman Mulln wrote the following let ter to Secretary Abe Rich, notifying the secretary of the meeting and calling on him in turn to forward a copy of the call to each member:
 Birmingham, June 16, 190S Mr Abe Rich, Secretary City Democratic Executive Committee
 Dear Sir You will please notify each member that there will be a meeting of the city democratic executive committee in the council chamber of the city hall next Thursday night, June IS, at o'clock for the purpose of transacting such busi- ness as may properly come before the committee. Yours truly,
 ATTICUS MULLIN, Chairman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
VETERINARIANS
 IN CONVENTION
SEVERAL PAPERS OF TECHNICAL NATURE READ YESTERDAY-OF- TIGERS WILL BE ELECTED AT SESSION TO BE HELD TODAY.

The first day of the Alabama Veterinary Medical associations first annual meeting was an interesting one. President A. H. French of Birmingham presided, calling the meeting to order and introduced Dr. E. M Duncan, Birminghams meat and milk inspector, who welcomed the guests of the city Dr. w. H. Staples responded, and Dr. French then made his annual re- port.
 During the afternoon numerous papers were read of technical nature The doc tors are trying to improve conditions and knowledge generally along their line in Alabama They are interested in the pre- vention of cruelty to animals, and will petition the legislature to pass several laws to the advantage of the dumb brutes.
 At the meeting today officers will be elected and the next place of meeting chosen,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
GUARDS AGAINST
 TOO MANY ARRESTS
BCDEkER TELLS MEN TO USE
 JUDGMENT IN ARRESTING FOR
 MINOR OFFENsEs-REPOR TO
 COMMISSION FOR MAY. T

In his monthly report to the police commission last night Chief Bodeker made the following note: T am using every effort to reduce the number of arrests. In minor offenses we are warning people, and in this way trying to prevent citizens from violating the law. We want our city published to the world as good instead of bad Birmingham
 Chief Bodeker has instructed his men to use their judgment where minor offenses are committed; to warn citi- zens on the first offense and not jail them for petty violations unless the offense is repeated.
 The report of the police department for May follows:
 Birmingham. Ala. June l. 1908. The Honorable Board of Police Com missioners, City:
 Gentlemen-I submit herewith a re- port of the work of the police depart ment for the month of May: Total number of arrests ....... 561 Arrests for felonies ............... 50 Bound over to grand jury. ........ 20 Arrests for gaming. ng.............. 80 Amount of fines imposed for gaming ...........-. $2bO Arrests for violating prohibition laws .................... 27 Fines imposed for violating prohi-
 bition laws-$S75. 50 and 126O days. Estimated value of stolen property recovered
 By Murphy and Mcdonald. ....$ 445 Is By Williams and Baker ..... SAP co By Cole and Disheroon ........ 771.So By Patrolmen ......... 2S1. 50 Total s2S39 95 Amount of fines and fees col
 lected $2625 50 Hoping the above will meet with your approval. I am, very respectfully.
 GEORGE H. BODEK FER.
 Chief of Police.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
NORTH BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL.
Waterworks Project Comes up for Considerable Discussion at Meeting.

The City Council of North Birmingham assembled in regular session last night, nearly all of the members being present. There was a good deal of discussion n regard to the water works bond issue tfat has been attracting so much atten- ton during the past two weeks. On account of this project a good deal of controversy was stirred up between Bir- mingham and this suburb and a result North Birmingham has been considering the advisability of trying to fight the Greater Birmingham bill on the grounds Of unconstitutonalty. Last night there was some discussion of this matter, but TO definite action was taken. From what IS understood, however, it is highly prop- able that this phase of the matter will soon be dropped.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
NEW AvoNDALE POLICE.
Two Old Men Retained and One Will
 Be Added to Force.

The board of police commissioners met last night in Chief Bodekers office in the city hall in it's regular monthly meeting No business of much importance came before the body.
 Officer White was tried on a charge or sn unimportant nature and was cleared
 Commissioner Jones offered motion to the effect that the mayor and board ot aldermen be requested to allow two addl- tional patrolmen to be used in the new territory embracing Avondale, Faggots Hill and Mountain Terrace, recently taken Tn by the city of Birmingham. This motion was carried.
 J. A. Treadwell and W. P. Reynolds were formally elected officers of the Bir- mingham police force The two officers have been serving as patrolmen In Avon dale where they will be retained.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17

As was announced, the meeting of the city executive committee was called yes terday by Chairman Attcus Mullin. Thursday night, in the city hall, the com mitteemen will get together and fight out the various and sundry troubles incident to primary.
 There will be seven vacancies to fill on the committee, as that number have either moved out of their wards or are running for office.
 The committee will probably decide on q date early in July, though there is a de- termined effort to put it off until the mid dle of August.
 The plurality plan is favored by most of the committeeman and will more than likely be adopted. A fight will come up over whether to put the department heads on the ticket Every effort is being made to prevent this, as it is claimed too much time will elapse between the primary and the date of their actual election by the council. The following was addressed yes- terday:
 Birmingham, June 15, 1908. To Hon. A. H. Mullin, Chairman City
 Democratic Executive Committee, Bir-
 mingham Ala.
 Sir: We, the undersigned, members of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17

Congressman Underwood and Mrs. Un- derwood have returned to Birmingham for the first time since the adjournment of Congress. Congress did very little of value," he said when seen yesterday except the passage of the appropriations and currency bills
 "The currency bill was unsatisfactory not only to its enemies but to its friends IL was such a plain makeshift, a mere subterfuge. that it will not remain long on the statute books.
 "One of the important and necessary appropriations was that for the estab- lshment of a bureau of mines. One hun dred and fifty thousand dollars was given ta put it into effect and it will undoubt- edly result in great deal of good.
 'The government has provided bureaus of agriculture, fisheries, shipping, etc..
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
East Lake Casino,

more interesting attraction than the Van Dorns at the East Lake Casino Is seldom seen. This team Is presenting a cage mystery which throws the audience in a quandary. Will Van Dorn will give a public exhibition of his cleverness Tn Birmingham tomorrow He will be tight ly handcuffed by a committee chosen for the occasion. He will then be chained to a vehicle and this vehicle set in motion. In this position he will free himself from the handcuffs. There are other attractions on the bill which are meeting with pub lie approval They are Gertrude Fisko, vocalist; Marguerite Newton & Co.,, Johnny Mcclure, vocalist; Chick and Chicklets and little Catharine Harms.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
EPWORTH LEAGUERS SWARM|NG ID TOWN Reception At First Church for
 Visitors Last Night SESSIONS BEGIN TODAY North Alabama League Conference Will Be in Session Here Through
 Friday-lnteresting Pa
 pers. for Today.
SESSIONS BEGIN TODAY

Nearly every train that rolled into this city yesterday brought enthusiastic dele gates to the North Alabama EpworIh league conference that began last night with reception at the First Methodist church. When the visitors arrived they were met by a committee and assigned uo homes. Hugh A. Locke has charge of the home assignments and his headquarters at the First Methodist church. However, the largest portion of the delegates have now arrived as was shown by the im- mense gathering at the church last night. where the reception was held.
 This opening reception began at 8 o'clock. It was held in the basement of the church, which was beautifully and tastefully decorated with different kinds of flowers. The chandeliers were hung with wreaths of green with an occasional touch of pink or gold, where blossom appeared between the leaves. Palms and other potted plants were scattered about the room, together with beautiful cut flowers. The decorations were placed by a committee which was under the leader ship of Miss Florence Ballard
 Delightful refreshments were served during the evening, and every possible thing was done toward giving the visitors a warm welcome and a good time. A large committee of local church members, consisting of the following, were in charge of the reception, and were on hand last night to welcome all: Mrs. George Hughes, Mrs. w. A. Reynolds, Mrs. F. B. Glasgow Mir and Mrs. L. M.
  Randall, Edith Hayes. Fannie Me Glathery, Ella Simpson. Ethel Henally, Mrs. Robert Cecil, w. b. Urquhart, the Rev. F. P. Culver, Walter McAdory and many others, including the vice presi- dents of the Birmingham district leaguers with Miss Odene Key as their chairman. The programme which is a long one, will continue through Friday, on which day the farewell exercises will be hold. The first business meeting of the con- ference will be held today. The follow exercises:
 S:30 a. m., devotions.
 9:15 a. m., organization.
 9:3O a. m., first department work. Q) Paper by Miss Abel. CD Paper by Mrs. J. L. Procter. G) Open conference.
 10:15 a. m., junior work. O Paper by Mrs J. w Dixon. CD Open conference. 10:45 a. m., intermisson.
 il a. m., song service.
 :15 a. m. ''The Expanding Vision 10 Young People" the Rev. H. F. Wheeler. 12 noon, lunch.
 Afternoon session:
 1sO D. m., missionary exhibit.
 2:3O D. m., stereopticon views.
 Intermission:
 D. m., devotions.
 s:15 D. m, Opportunity of the Amer ican Young People," the Rev. H. c. How ard of Jasper.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17

but has never before arranged for ths supervision of the mining industry. Most all European countries have such bu reaus that investigate mining operations, disasters and other matters in connection with the industry, and their mortality is about half that of the United States.
 "This bureau will decrease the nunn- Der of accidents, loss of life and prop erty and will also help to increase min eral exports"
 In speaking of the present session of Congress MT. Underwood stated that It will go down in history. for what it has rot done and the enormous expenditures incurred. "The appropriations have been exceedingly large" he said. "Since Me Kinley went into office the expenses of running the government have doubled. Alabama got good share of the postal appropriations and the Ninth district got all it asked for.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
LOCKHART'S MEN
 FORM NEW BODY
Col. T. G. Bush Elected Commander of Battalion Survivors From Sixty
 second Alabama.

meeting of twenty survivors of Lockhart's battalion, 62d Alabama Volun- teers. c. S. A, was held at Hotel Morris in Birmingham on June 10 Capt. w. c. Ward was elected temporary chairman and D. P. Goodhue of Gadsden secretary. After a statement made by D. M. Scott of the purpose of the call, motion was made to form a survivors organization, which was passed.
 Col T. G. Bush of Birmingham was elected commander, Lieut.. Wm. c. Mayes of West Green was elected lieutenant commander and D. M. Scott of Selma, ad- jutant. Upon motion the officers elected constituted a committee upon permanent organization and enrolment A motion was passed that each one present get the names and addresses of comrades and forward to the adjutant at Selma. Selma, Ala, was made the headquarters of the organization. The confederate Veteran" published at Nashville, was made the official organ of the organization. The following names were enrolled the first twenty being present at the meeting: w. c. Ward, captain Go. A; T. G. Bush, ad- Jutant of regiment; D. P. Goodhue, Co. A Wm. c. Mayes, Lieut.. Co A; A. l. Suther, Go. A; Tom Walker, Co. H; J. T. Curb, Go. A; E. c. Meredeth. sergt Co., F; W. D. Mclaughlin, Lieut.. Co. A; J. M. Yeatman, Go. F; R. D. Berry, Lieut. Co. D; J. T. Clark Co. H; J. B. Stapp, Co, D; J. T. Jarrard Sergt. Co F. E. A. Pagan Ca. A; E. A. Powers, Cos K; W. M. Wilburn, Co. K; w. E. Douglas Co., H; W. B. Smith, Co. F; D. M. Scott, Sergt Co. F; J. w. Bishop, Co. D; w. M. Roebuck, Co. D; Charles Johnson Corp Go. I; Lewis Johnson, Lieut.. Co I; John B. Stone Lieut. Co. l; David Ellis, Co., D; H. Hunt, Co. D; D. F. Cunningham Go. A; 2. F. Summers, Go. A; Wm. Ed wards, Co. A. Joseph Garrison, Go. A Frank Norris, Sergt Go. B; F. c. Brent, Sergt Go. B; John J. Clark Go. H.
 Comrades are requested to report the deaths and dates of all comrades to the adiutant at Selma Ala.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-17
ELKS GOING TO
 STORM DALLAS
Alabamians Will Board Through Train in Birmingham and Stop Over
 in Shreveport.

Large crowds of Elks will leave Bir- mngham and all Alabama on July Il for Dallas, Texas. The Birmingham crowd will be joined here by the SElks from Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Bessemer and Ems ley and will take a through train over the Alabama Great Southern, leaving at 1135 D. m. and arriving Sunday afternoon in Shreveport, where they will be enter tained by the Shreveport lodge. They will arrive in Dallas Monday morning.
 Two cars or more will be required to carry this crowd alone, and special cars will also go out from Mobile and Mont gomery. The Elks intend to have jolly good time this year.