davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

Fairview, Lincoln, Neb. September A. William J. Bryan today was busy man. He delivered two dedication speeches, one at the State Fair grounds and the other at the Tabitha Home for the Aged, near Fairview, received many hundreds of people. talked into a phono- graph, discussed politics and sandwiched in some work in his office.
 Perhaps the most important visitor was Herman Ridder of New York, one of the democratic managers. MT Ridder is on his way east and dropped off in Lin coin a short time this morning to have a talk with the presidential candidate. He brought very 1attering reports of the political situation as he found 1t in the west and particularly among the German voters
 MT Bryan's notice was attracted to the dispatch from Middle Bass Island wherein it is stated that MT. Taft in commenting on the result of the vermont election said he would have been better pleased had the majority not been so large in which event the danger of re- publican overconhdence would have been 1essened.
 q know" remarked MT. Bryan, 'ot several sections of the country where the republicans are not afflicted with over confidence
 MT. Ridder has travelled extensively over the United States since the Den yer convention and laid before the pres idential candidate some statistics which saapo +o satisfy both himself and MT. Bryan tending to show that all or the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

Omaha, Neb., September 4-Seated in the room with the coffin containing the body of her dead husband shot myste- riously on his front porch early Tuesday morning, Mrs. Frederick T. Rustin today gave her first interview. Mrs. Rustin IS bordering on nervous collapse. She said;
 This is what happened on that night, so far as I have any knowledge: l Was awakened by pistol shot. I waited some time, and then something impelled me to go down stairs and see what was the matter. I went down, and, opening the door slightly, looked through the crack. saw my husband, Dr. Rustin, sitting in chair and looking as though he was in trouble.
 rushed out on to the porch and over to the chair in which he sat.
 "'Oh, what is the matter, Fred what has happened to your I exclaimed. "A man has shot me- he mumbled, and then tainted.
 My first thought was to get him to bed. I grabbed him in my arms and started dragging him toward the door. He is a large man, and it was all could do to carry him along.
 But I managed to get him just within the doorway. Then I screamed to my maid for assistance.
 "When the maid reached me she found Dr. Rustin lying on the floor, just within the door, That accounts for the reports
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
MERCHANTS BEGIN
 RAILROAD FIGHT

Little Rock, Ark, September 1.-The Little Rock merchants freight bureau, representing many of the prominent ship pers of Little Rock and Arkansas, has filed suit before the interstate commerce commission against the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern, Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and the St. Louis, Southwestern railroad, contesting the freight tariff that went into effect Sep- tember 1, and the tariff that Is announced to be effective September "A between the Mississippi river crossings and Little Rock. It is claimed by the shippers that the new tariffs represent a net advance of 20 per cent on all classes of freight The advance ranges from 10 per cent advance on certain classifications to as high as 75 and 80 per cent on others.
 The advance was most noticeable on all classes of groceries and on iron and steel ware and manufactured articles.
 The complaint charges that the pro- posed rate advance is unreasonable and there is no condition existing now which warrants the action on the part of rail- roads. The suit Is interpreted by many to by Arkansas shippers against the rail- roads resulting from the victory in the injunction suit against the Arkansas railroad commission decided yesterday at St. Paul. Minn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

Fort Worth, Tex, September 4.-At the closing session today of tie annual meet ing of the National Farmers union, plans were adopted for marketing the crop or the members of the organization which would eliminate entirely middle men. It is proposed that commission of F members, one from each of the cotton growing states, with office at Memphis, deal direct with the spinners at home and abroad This commission is to have the exclusive handling of the cotton in union warehouses and when a sale is made the amount to be taken from each of the warehouses is to be apportioned accord ing to the amount held.
 It developed today that the Mississippi Bankers association has agreed to ad- vance 60 per cent on cotton warehouse re- ceipts. and it is hoped to extend this arrangement to the other states, thus rendering warehouse certificates negotia- ble It was also learned today that reso- lutions were passed during the closieg hours of the convention approving the proposed parcels post system, and urging
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
WEST VIRGINIA MUDDLE
 WORRIES REPUBLICANS

An informal meeting of almost all the members of the executive committee of the republican national committee was held at headquarters today, and the gen eral situation was discussed. Those pres ent were Senator Penrose of Pennsylva- nia Edwin c. Duncan of North Carolina; Charles F. Brooker of Connecticut; T. Coleman Dupont of Delaware; and W. T. Ward of New York. Senator Penrose said the meeting was only preliminary to & formal conference next week, when Chair man Hitchcock returns from the west.
 National Committeeman Duncan of North Carolina is here for a conference with Chairman Hitchcock. He declared that North Carolina was rapidly becoming a doubtful state.
 "Our state convention" said MT. Dun can, was one of the greatest republican gatherings ever held in the state. We nominated a strong ticket and we ex- pect to elect three or four members to congress. One of my objects here is to make arrangements for MT. sherman to make at least one speech in North Caro- lima during the campaign"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
FARMERS UNION TAKES
 ACTION ON IMMIGRATION

the using of cotton bagging wherever pos sible. to create a further demand for cotton.
 A third resolution follows, in part:
 Resolved, SThat the Farmers Educa- tional and Cooperative Union of Amer ica, representing over two million farm CTS, hereby adopts the immigration reso- lutons passed last January at the an nual rally in Memphis calling for federal and state legislation abolishing immigra- ton bureaus and substantially excluding the present influx from southeast Europe and western Asia. and urge upon our federal officials the vigorous enforcement of all immigration laws, in order to pro- tect property, the country's welfare, and to preserve it's institutions"
 The importance of this resolution lies in the fact that it indicates fixed pur- pose to diminish the quantity of cotton raised in this country.
 Oother than that it Is probably on sliding scale, nothing as to the minimum price for which it is proposed the crop shall be sold for can be ascertained. The secret price is to be given to the members of the union only, and the secret is to be carefully guarded, according to the plans of the organization.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
MURDER MYSTERY
 IS STILL UNSOLVABLE
Widow of Rustn Of Omaha Who Was Shot and Killed Confident That Her Husband Did Not Commit Suicide AS Many Beieve-Young Woman Has Been
 Arrested In Connection With Case

that the doctor was within the house when the fatal shot was fired.
 "Then we telephoned for physicians and for Dr. Rustins mother. Dr. Rustin was taken to the hospital, and died an hour later. That 1t all.''
 'sWhy were the police not notified earlier?Y was asked.
 T did not know of such matters. My one thought was for my husbandt and l never thought of reporting the matter to the authorities for some time Then l spoke to the physicians about 1t, and they said they would attend to that. But Tn the hurry for the operation, which was performed. they forgot to do so until after the death"
 'It is reported that Dr. Rustin commit ted suicide Do you think he did?'
 T am sure not. I have no theory as to who committed the deed. but 1 have no doubt Dr. Rustin was murdered. We had been married more than 10 years, and during that time I never received d cross word from my husband. His con duct towards me was all that a husbands s should be. My friends had often com mented upon the gentleness with which Dr. Rustin treated me and his children.
 "The officers will have every assistance from me in their efforts to solve the mys- tery of my husbands death."
 This afternoon the police arrested Miss Leora Bonell, and will detain her at the city jail until the inquest next Tuesday. No charge has been placed against the woman, but she has admitted she was the last person in the company of Dr. Fred erick Rustin before he reached his home on the night he was killed, and she Is held pending developments
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
SEVERE DROUTH
 IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pttsburg, Pa, September 5.-Suffering from lack of water for domestic purposes, suspension of manufacturing with attend and loss of wages, blighting or complete destruction of crops and lack of water for live stock, such as probably has never been experienced. is reported from every county in western Pennsylvania and the border counties in Ohio.
 There Is imminent danger of the loss Of live stock nk,~A of which is already be- ing driven many miles to running streams. There are also grave fears of disease epidemics through the use of stagnant water or lack of water with which to observe the most ordinary hy- gienic rules.
 Probably the most serious conditions prevail in Johnstown and vicinity. In that city tonight the municipal crematory was burned to the ground because the fire department could find no water to turn upon the flames
 At Westmont, a Johnstown suburb, the reservoir supply is completely exhausted and people are carrying water from springs in the hills far beyond the town.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
HERMAN BIDDER IS
 SURE OF VICTORY
Editor Says Bryan Will Be Elected and That This Statement Is No Idle Dream But Based On Information Which Has Come To Him Through His Travels
 Throughout the United States

so-called gold and Cleveland democrats of any national prominence are this year supporting Mr. Bryan and express them- selves as being ready to take the stump for him.
 In the opinion of MT. Ridder the real issue of the present campaign is the tariff question, and he thought the party leaders should give more time to that subject.
 From careful observation said MT Ridder, T am now convinced that the national democratic ticket will be elected this fall. told MT. Bryan so. This opinion is not based on wild hopes, neither does desire sway me in announcing II, but it Is the result of a careful can- vass made by myself and friends since the Denver convention adjourned. There will be many surprises when the result of the vote Is known. I have found in every section of the country bitter re- sentiment against republicans among members of their own party because Of the attitude of the leaders on the tarin question. Everyone who remembers the experience of those who approached the House and Senate leaders during the last session of Congress to urge a re- duction of the duty on any article, 1t was that there is no chance for real revision of the tariff If the republicans win this fall. So republicans and dem ocrats alike will know that the pros perity of the country demands the re- vision of the tariff and will support the democratic ticket to bring about this re- suit.
 After conferring with the leaders in Chicago I will go direct to New York and will later take the stump in the east for Bryan and Kern. The Germans of the country are going to support the democratic ticket almost unanimously this fall.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
GOVERNOR HOKE SMITH
 HAS FAITH IN BRYAN

racy. Turning to the tariff the governor said:
 'tI read a few days ago a carefully prepared estimate of what the protec- tive tariff and trusts combined cost the American people and the startling fig ures amounted to $2,000 100000 an nually.
 No wonder the few are fattening at the expense of the many Every ten dency of the protective trust -creat ting tariff is to so concentrate business op- erations as to remove individual op- portunity.
 Here the democratic party takes its stand Here our demands are equal rights to all and special privileges to none. Here we will make the great battle for the American people, and beneath a flag on which is written justice we will win.
 We have a great leader at the head of our ticket, nearly every day his words are sent through out the land. discomforting our enemies. He Is inn pressing his personality upon the coun- try and by the wisdom of his utter ances he Is bringing confidence even to those who have doubted the kind of administration he will gile.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS

Page i. Bryan delivers non-political address to farmers. Americans make preparations to leave Melbourne Disastrous fire in Nevada mining town Omaha murder mystery is unsolved Herman Ridder confident of democratic victory. Farmers union takes action against inn migration. Hoke Smith speaks for Bryan. West Virginia muddle worries repub- lcans. G. A R. will let up on pension matters
 Page 2. Aged Italian freed of ugly murder charge in Ensey. Bessemer deputies continue to arrest draymen for hauling liquor from depots. Railroad suits held up by administra- tion.
 Page 3. Gold mining to be developed in Ala Dallas county will do it's democratic duty. Congressman Hefiin speaks at Gadsden today Tuscaloosa will pave sidewalks. Governor Conner breathes easy after the strike.
 Page 4. Editorial comment.
 Page 5. Seven companies of soldiers leave for home today Quiet in mining camps. Secretary Stubbs outlines Y. M c. A. plans for the winter. Much speculation about how new coun- cil will fill city offices on first of year. Plans completed for Atlanta, Birming- ham and Atlantic reception. More than 1500 stray dogs killed by gas in Birmingham this year.
 Page 6. Bradstreets' and Dun's reviews.
 Page z. Social events. Dolly Dalrymple writes for women. Sunday at the churches.
 Page 8. Methods used by Standard oil company. Orville Wright makes successful air ship flight.
 Page g. Stock market advances slightly. Cotton is quiet with little advance. Wheat and corn decline on good weather reports.
 Page 10. Birmingham loses to Memphis. Pittsburg and New York continue to win.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

Atlanta, September 1.-The first Bry- an meeting in the state of Georgia was held here tonight under the auspices of the Young Mems Democratic league. United States Senator Clay Gov. Hoke Smith, National Committeeman Clark Howell and Charles F. Berrien, who was introduced as the former president of a local labor organization, delivered addresses in which they declared their unqualified support to the democratic national candidate for President.
 Committeeman Howell. Senator Clay and Gov. Smith urged the voters of the state to vote the straight democratic ticket. saying that vote for any other candidate was vote thrown away
 Gov. Smith began his speech by say ing that MT. Bryan was renominated by the plain American people who know his purity of purpose and who have faith in his ability He then took up the issues between the republican and the democratic parties which he de- scribed as democracy against plutoc-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
GEORGIA COTTON
 CROP IS DAMAGED

Atlanta, September 4-Commissioner of Agriculture Hudson today stated that in his belief the cotton crop of Georgia has been damager by the re- cent rains to the extent of 50OO0O bales The commissioner said that in only two counties in the state is the crop up to the standard of that of last year.
 ''The heavy rains which were gen. eral throughout the state two or three weeks ago, followed by the exceeding ly hot weather accounts for the dam age" said Commissioner Hudson. 'The two excesses caused the cotton to shed it's young bolls and squares to such an extent that every acre of farm land in Georgia was literally covered with them. The damage is greater this year than ever before in my knowl edge"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

Toledo. O., September Mot for three years will the Grand Army of the Re- public ask Congress for further relief measures. Resolutions looking to an amendment to the service pension bill, re- ducing to 65 years the age at which veteran can receive s20 a month, another amending the pending widows pension bill to make eligible all soldiers widows who were married prior to the date of passage of the bill, were laid over in favor of the resolution granting Congress three years respite from old soldier legis- lation.
 It appeared to be the concensus of opin- ion of the leaders that too much ham, mering for pension bills and relief meas ures might soon create a bad impression in the minds of congressman and re- fleet dscredit on the civil war veterans.
 Another way will be sought by the vet erans to get before Congress those bits Of unfinished legislation which they reel cannot wait At the request of Gen. l.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
Coke Ovens Reopened,

Knoxville, Tenn, September 1.-The LaFollette Coal and Iron company this week resumed operations at it's coke ovens, and the Kent coal mines at La Toilette, giving employment to several hundred men. The Roan Iron company has in blast one iron furnace at Rock wood, Tenn, and is preparing to put another furnace in blast between Sep tember 10 and 15 This will also give employment to many additional nsen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
Conference of Democrats.

New York, September 4.-Robert s. Hudspeth, vice chairman of the dem ocratic national committee, who will have charge of the eastern campaign for the party, held a meeting with the heads of the different bureaus at headquarters today It was announced that H. ". Skeffington of Boston had been made head of the labor bureau in the eastern department. John W. Tomlinson, chair man of the committee on club organiza- .tion informed MT. Hudspeth that up- wards of 5000 clubs had already been enrolled at headquarters in New York; Chicago, Denver and San Franclsco.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
Oliver Gets Big Contract.

Knoxville. Tenn, September 4.-W. J. Oliver of this city, has been awarded the contract to reconstruct the great dam at Augusta, Ga., which was swept away by the recent floods It is the work will cost from $500.- 900 to 100000. MT. Oliver Is pre- pairing to begin construction at once.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

than anyone else. is brought into close touch with the divine law of rewards
 "The farmer knows that God has given him a fruitful earth, the showers that are necessary and the warmth of the sun, and the farmer knows that if he is to convert raw material into wealth, it must be by diligence and by intelligence; and the farmer Is impressed day by day, year by year, with the idea that his reward is to be in proportion to his merit"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
B|C FIRE LEAVES
 5000 HOMELESS Mining Town In Nevada Is
 Almost Destroyed WIND DRIVES TIE FLAMES Business Section of the Town Is First Laid In Ashes and Then the Resi-
 dence Section Is Destroyed
 Before Helpless People,
WIND DRIVES THE FLAMES

N thousand e % homeless, a score or more iP and a property loss of over $ns z, is the result of disas- trougs 2 whclh started at o'clock thig.S Q ing in Dr. Gardner's office. To. O n the Rawhide Drug company's g. Famed by a gale the fire Y rapidly south and east to Balloon av> tue and up Rawhide avenue to within 50 yards of the Peoples hos pital. Over a ton and half of dyna- mite was used in the demolition of buildings which in a measure stayed the flames progress. The volunteer fire department and 800 miners worked heroically, but on account of the in- fiammable construction of the buildings they were, swept away like finder.
 At II a. m. the business portion of Rawhide was a smoldering ruin. the flames being finally checked south ot Balloon avenue. Among the first buildings to go was Collins hardware store, which contained two tons of dynamite that exploded with a terrific rip, hurling burning blanks and boards
 
 ous buildings simultaneously.
 The scenes were similar to ose at the fire at Goldfield in July, 1906, and at Cripple Creek in April, 1896.
 Many people were injured by flying debris, but no one reported seriously hurt.
 A famine is feared as all the supply 1 houses and grocery stores were wiped out.
 subscription list was started and in a few minutes over 5000 was raised and a relief train started from Reno | carrying food and bedding.
 All the mining towns of the state came quickly to the assistance of Raw hide sufferers with cash contrib utions | The San Francisco mining exchange at once sent a contrib ution of $500 A partial list of the heaviest losers follows:
 First National Bank of Rawhide ing, Mizpah Mercantile company, Neva- da Meat market, the Northern, Tex Richards Mark & Co.,, Nevada club, Downer hotel, Kelly's dance hall.
 The fire destroyed the hoisting works of the Bluff Mining company, Grutt Hill properties and the Grutt business office. The loss on these amounted to S10,0O0 which is the extent of damage done the mining properties
 Plans were well under way for a reconstruction of the town before the ashes were cool.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05
Count Iolstoi Better.

St Petersburg, September IA let- ter received here from Countess Tol- stoi, wife of Count Leo Tolstoi, says that her husband Is better of his re- cent illness, but that he is still weak and can receive nobody,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-05

New York, September 1.-The sub-com- mittee. composed of National Committee men Ward. Dupont and Brooker' appoint ed to consider the West Virginia repup- lican gubernatorial tangle, in which the Lincoln Republican club, with 5. ~ scherr as it's gubernatorial nominee ask that the electors and congressional candi- dates on the regular republican ticket' headed by c. A. swisher, be placed on the scherr ticket, held further considera- tion of the matter tonight. c. A. Swisher' candidate for governor on the regular ticket, appeared before the committee. After the committee adjourned, MT. Ward announced that no decision would be an nounced until Wednesday.
 It is understood that the subcommittee will report to the national committee, re- questing it to direct to the swisher forces to give permission to the Lincoln repub- lican party to place their electors and congressional candidates on the Scherr ticket.