The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-18
SHERIFF DECLINES
 TO MAKE COMMENT
SAYS NEGRO WHO ESCAPED FROM HIS HOUSE WAS UNDER BOND. LEE H!GDON WAS AT WORK YES- TEPDAY.

When asked last night if he wished to make any kind of statement in regard to the number of escapes from the sher- frs department, as printed in The Age Herald yesterday, Sheriff E. l.. Higdon said
 "I do not care to make any kind of statement. It is not true that there has been such a large number of escapes. To refer to prisoner jumping his bond as an escape is preposterous."
 This last sentence had especial refer ence to the negro who made his depart ure from Sheriff Higdon's house, and to the one who. got away, from officers at Trussville. Of the number of escapes mentioned yesterday these were the only bonded men.
 The first negro referred to was released from the county jail on a bond signed by men in the sheriff's department, so that the negro could work for the sher- if. This negro worked around Sheriff Higdon's house for about two weeks when he disappeared Notice of a forfeiture has been served on his bondsmen.
 In the Trussville case the negro pris-  county jail under bond, but was accom- panied by an officer to Trussville, the bondsmen having given verbal instruc- tions that he was to be returned to the county jail, and he, therefore was not in reality a free man. At Trussville he outwitted the officers and made good his escape
 The resignation of Deputy Sheriff Lee Higdon proved to be only temporary one, that young man returning to work yesterday morning.
 ing's devotional exercises, which were led by Mrs Bessie w. Lipscomb of Jack son, Miss. Mrs. Lpscomb read a pas sage from the Bible, explaining its mean ing after which several songs were sung. These exercises were very short, occu- pying the space of only 15 minutes.
 President Brock then introduced the last speaker of the day the Rev. H. C. How ard of Jasper Dr. Towards subject was "The Opportunity of the American Young People," In eloquent and master ly style he spoke of the need of yourty people, both men and women, in the af- fairs of the church, as well as in worldly life. He told the delegates that the time had come when young people were want ed to take up the banner of Christianity in the far-away heather lands and eagry it to success. He then showed them the opportunities that were awaiting every young man and woman in the church to do Gods work. He further said that it for +r go to China or to some other pagan country, for there were also many needs for them in this land His talk, which was thoroughly instructive, was greatly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be present.
 Todays Programme.
 After this address the conference ad- journed until this morning, when they will take up the following programmes:
 S:3O A. M.-Devotons
 9:15 A. M-Business meeting
 9:30 A. M.--"Second Department Work" Miss Sudie Hunt.
 10 A. M.-"Third Department Work" the Rev. Foster K. Gamble.
 Recess.
 Il A. M-"Our Duty to the Negro" Miss Mary N. Moore.
 1.2O A. M-"The Assembly Idea,' Dr. F. s. Parker.
 F M.-Lunch.
 1:3O P. M.-Missionary exhibit.
 2:30 P. M.-Stereopticon views, with 1ec- ture on Japan.
 3:30 F. M.-Intermission.
 & P. M.-Devotions.
 S:15 P M.-"Education: Its Place and Influence in the Young Life of Our Church." Hugh Locke, Birmingham.
 S:30 P. M-"Centennial of Alabama Methodism," Dr. J. H. Mccoy.