davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
CAUGHT IN TENNESSEE.
Convict Escaped From Slag Pit At
 North Birmingham Months Ago.

The hero of an exciting criminal escape from a Birmingham city guard was cap- tured in Pulaski, Tenn, several days ago, under very exciting circumstances. He was identified but succeeded in eluding the officers, ran into the river, hid under a stump, and had to be shot at several times before he would come out
 Tom Simmons was the negro who grabbed the pistol from one of the city guards while digging slag in 8 pit at the Sloss furnace several months ago. The guard was showing him how to use d pick, when he turned around to find his own gun showed under his nose. The whole gang held him until they had broken their shaclSles and then escaped. Tom was indicted by the September grand jury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
BEGIN ROBBERY
 AT EARLY AGE
Party of IA Boys Goes Out On Big Saturday Night
 Raid.

party of ii desperate robbers, between the ages of and IA, went out Saturday night with murder in their eyes, search ing for spells. They came to restau- rant on Second avenue, lifted up the big pail of oysters which sat on the sidewalk and made away with it, ice and all. After the repast they made an assault on the store of Drennen & Go.
 Breaking open a front showcase, the party proceeded to help themselves to the contents. The window happened to be decorated with ladies' toilet goods, and while the boys were joyfully shaking toilet powder on each other, playing with button hooks and numerous other articles, Officer Byers approached and bagged the whole bunch.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
V. p. |. Forms Alumni Chapter Hero.

The Birmingham alumni of the Virginia Polytechnic institute have formed Bir- mingham chapter of the alumni associs- ton of that institution. Of the 25 alumni of the Virginia Polytechnic in Birming- ham, about IA were present at and par ticipated in the meeting. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, B. M. Allen vice president. T. A. Weller: secretary-treasurer, James Bolton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
NO CITY POLITICS.
Everyone Seems To Be Waiting FoI County Politics To Be Out of Way.

The Birmingham municipal campaign, begun with two announcements, and much talk, has taken an underground passageway for time, and it seems that it will not appear again above the sur face until after May IS, at an.' rate.
 The city committeeman who have axes of their own to grind In both county and city primaries, want to get through with the county grindstone before be- ginning with the other.
 Despite the demands of the early pri- mary crowd, there now seems no pos sibility of a primary before the latter part of June or the first part of July No demand seems forthcoming for a meeting of the city committee Political talk is all void and null. The candidates are still running, but they wear padded shoes and make no noise.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
LESS SMALLPOX.
Health Authorities Now Have Stua-
 ton We'll In Hand.

Reports are 10 the effect that the small pox situation in Jefferson county and other points is much improved. While some 20 cases have been carried to the detention station, most of them are well, and not case has been lost.
 By quick work the sanitary department of Birmingham managed to dig out the few cases that were hidden away, princi- pally in dirty negro quarters, and the general vaccination instituted by Health Officer Hardness has practically put a stop to the spread of the disease. The presence of the germ necessitates a wide spread vaccination, and it is going stead fly forward.
 The disease was discovered at about the same time in some of the northern coun- ties of Alabama, but it has practically disappeared. due to the endeavors of the county health officer and the careful iso- lation practiced in handling the epidemic across the line in Tennessee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

day within the recollection of any of the pastors now serving here when the church going people of Birmingham were rained out. or frozen out, or put out any other way, and that was three weeks ago, when cold, steady down. pour began early in the evening and lasted until about II o'clock. Not more than 75 people attended the ser vices at the various churches in Bir- mingham proper that evening.
 prominent minister said yesterday afternoon: Birmingham is no doub {, a great church town. and it should be so The people have built fine churches here and there is some church conven- tent to nearly every section of the city. The church is one of the first factors, and I believe this fact is appreciated generally. While the down town churches have the largest attendance, this is natural as they catch the float ing class of worshippers. At all of the churches, however, there is a steady attendance at all services"
 The Sunday school work that is being done in Birmingham is a factor that is not generally appreciated. At a small church like the Ruhama Baptist church at East Lake 1t seems hardly possible that there would be 501 attendants at Sunday school though this was the number yesterday. All of the Sunday schools are rapidly growing, according to reports, and there seems to be the greatest enthusiasm among the young CT class in church work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
NEGRO HELD UP.
Claims White Man Robbed Him of
 S4.40 and a Box of Sardines.

It Is not often that a white man prac- tices highway robbery on negro, but Will Warner reported to police headquar- ters last night that white man, as sisted by a negro, had held him up and taken his last cent. amounting to $40.
 This happened at Fourteenth. street and Tenth avenue north. They even took the sardines which the negro had bought and left him both hungry and penniless.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

and strength of manhood in a few short weeks he is summoned to the vale of the mystic. But wise are they who mourn not the pearl or music lost, for life with them will pass away as an estern shadow from the hills, and death be triumph and gain
 Seldom have words been freighted with heavier sorrow than those bries ones which convey to a wide circle of loving friends this morning the infor- nation that Benjamin F. Roden, the fifth oldest citizen of Birmingha m--in point of residence-is no more. Though unostentatious in the distribution of his charities, no cry of distress went unheeded when Ben Roden realized that it was a meritorious one. His heart was wrapped up in Birmin ghani. and every movement looking to her upbuilding enlisted his energetic sup port. His death is Birmingham's loss i; his family will have the heartfelt sym pathy of every man, woman and child within her boundaries peace to his ashes: I mourn the loss of one of the best friends 1t has ever been given man to know" FRANK P, O'BRIEN.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

for many years, was greatly distressed over MT. Roden's death. He said last night:
 "I regret it more than | have words to express. For 25 years we have been warm personal friends and his death is a great shock to me MT. Roden and l had been in Birmingham so long that we have seen all of Birmingham's most notable struggles and triumphs. The early days of Birmingham were the times when the trials of diversity brought men more closely together than seems possible in the rapid progress and advancement of the present era. It was back in those days that MT. Roden and I were so close ly associated and that the friendship was formed which has grown stronger with the passing years. His death is a blow which all Birmingham will feel keenly."
 Captain o'Brien Loses Warm Friend.
 Capt. Frank P. OBrien, man who has been intimately acquainted with Mr. Roden since Birmingham's infancy. paid him the following tribute last night upon his return from Montgom- cry:
 Died yesterday! Every day this sen- tence lis written on the page of some devoted heart. Died yesterday Yes, every day a flower is plucked from it's sunny home, break is made in some happy circle, jewel is stolen from the treasury of love.
 Each day from the summer fields of life some harvester disappears; every h our some proud sentinel falls from his post, and is thrown from the ramparts of time, into the dark waters of eter- nity On reaching home from Mont gomery tonight the sad information Is imparted that a noble spirit had burst the bands of its earthly tabernacle, and crossed the bridge to that unknown land where sorrows are forgotten and care ceases forever; coffin lid will hold the remains of that which was alive yesterday, but today is not. "Died yesterday!--yes. daily are men an dwomen passing away, and slowly in some garden of dead is the clay of the grave returned upon the coffin of some departed one; as often in the morning, we find some flower that blushed so sweetly at sunset has withered up for ever--so daily when we rise from the bivouc to stand again at our posts, we miss some loved one, some brothe CT soldier in life, whose cheery cry in seiges and struggles of the past has been a fire in our hearts.
 Each day some jewel drops from the silvery thread of friendshop-some Tyre to which we have been wont to lister, has been eternally stilled;- some pratt ting tongue lisping our names in youths early spring, has been hushed. and we shall hear it no more forever.
 Again and again will the few that are left of that faithful old band who remained steadfast in the days of pesti- lence, 1873, watch for the manly form of Ben Roden, and listen for his cheery voice in vain. To those of us who re- main behind, is not this a solemn warn ing? We little thought but short week ago, that ere the winters blast had gone, we would be called upon to de- posit his body in the tomb, for though then in the full enjoyment of health
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
THE WEATHER.

Washington, February 23.-Forecast for Alabama and Mississippi: Partly cloudy Monday; rain Tuesday or Tuesday night; light winds, mostly south.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

WINDOW and DOOR screens should be coated with Jap-a-lac each spring, using the Brilliant Black on the wire, and the Mahogany, Oak, Cherry or Walnut on the frames. It gives them new life and the wire cloth Is protected from rust.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
USEFUL HINTS TO HOUSE.
 KEEPERS.

A COAT of Natural Jap-a-lac applied over old or new linoleum or oil cloth will double It's life. by preserving the original coat of varnish which would otherwise soon be washed or worn on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

WEATHER BEATEN front doors are revived and beautifed when coated with Jap-a-lac, and "newness follows the brush" It Is best to use the color nearest that of the old finish.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

Thousands, during the afternoon. drop ping all thought of sorrow and business, spread through the parks and over the hills with life bounding in every vein People could not help but .eunbend their thoughts, however much they be stretch ed by care, turn life into a holiday and run the race with laughter and glee.
 No one could remain indoors. Capitol park was crowded with children. play ing on the rather dead looking grass, as though the few sprouting blades were beds of clover. East Lake cars carried hundreds to the side of the placid waters. Red mountain was a picture. not of dull red, but light and gay colors. Such a day never before heralded the coming of spring.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
The Ags- Herald Takes Census of Church Attendance In
 Greater Birmingham
ACTUAL FIGURES FROM
 35 CHURCHES GIVE 21,525
Ruhama Baptist Church of East Lake Had 5o1 at Sunday School-Tabe Shows Attendance Morn
 ing and Evening.

Yesterday was the fifth bright Sunday Birmingham has enjoyed this winter, and everybody enjoyed the day thoroughly. For the first time in two months or more the churches were largely attended near ly every one being taxed to it's full ca pacity at the II o'clock service. The at- tendance at the evening service every where was also unusually good As nearly as the figure could be reached, ap- proximately 16,00O people attended church in Birmingham proper at the various ser vices yesterday, and in Greater Bir- minghsm it Is estimated that there were about 25,O0O worshippers.
 Individually, the First Methodist church led the list, there being about 24o0 peo- pie in attendance at the services, accord- ing to the estimation of the pastor. It is estimated that 220O worshippers attended the four masses at St. PauPs Catholic church. The Woodlawn Methodist church shows up exceptionally we'll with an attendance of 1900 at three services. This is accounted for by the fact that a very spirited revival is being conducted there. The Rev. Dr. J. w. Stagg esti- mated the attendance at his church for the two services at 1150. At the Episcopal Church of the Advent about 1000 persons attended the three services. There were some $50 at the First Baptist church. The attendance of the negro churches is coh- servatively estimated at 1000.
 The Christian Science lecture at the Jefferson theatre swelled the number about 20O0.
 Figures on 35 Churches. It was difficult to get even estimate of the attendance at all of the churches in Greater Birmingham, sbut about 5 are accounted for. The figures show that b. 205 people attended the day services at the churches which reported their at tendance to The Herald last night, while at the evening services account is given for 6S20 worshippers This gives total of 2I ,5& actually accounted for, and the estimates of the various pastors are what they consider conservative.
 With showing made for 21,525, and a great number of the smaller churches un- accounted for, it may be said without doubt that 25,OOa people attended the houses of worship in Greater Birmingham yesterday.
 The following is a tabulated form of the attendance yesterday at the various churches heard from:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

Great Church-Going City.
 doubt, one of the greatest church -go- ing cities of the south in the last few years. There has been only one Sum
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24
EARLYHERALD OF SPP/NG

Peeping over the hills yesterday morn- ing the god of the heavens came a-woo- ing and to the earth made love- The monarch of the climes bade all the voices in Jones valley sing, and while the prayer of mingled awe and love passed on above so much of glory. beauty life and joy spread over the valley, un- der old soPs benignant rays, spring and ouds looked out in great amazement to see what manner of accident had be- fallen.
 Coming even so late. the sweets of nature were the more enjoyed for hav- ing been so long withheld. Eight Sun days had passed in dreariness, but the one repaid for all the rest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

PORCH FURNITURE should be protected and beautified each spring with Jap-a-lac. It is best to use ths color of the old finish; but if you wish to change the color, use Red or Green Jap-a-lac.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

WICKER FURNITURE coated with Mahogany, Ox-Blood Red. Malachite Green or Gloss White Jap-a-lac, looks better than new.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-24

better than new.
 WATER PIPES, furnace fronts, radi- ators, hot water tanks and iron fences are preserved and beautified with. the use of Jap-a-lac. Use the Gold, Alum inurn, Dead Black or Brilliant Black.
 PICTURE FRAMES, candelabra, gas fixtures, lamps, etc.. given coat of Gold. Aluminium or Dead Black Jap a.lac, are renewed almost beyond be- lief;-the Dead Black produces that beautiful wrought-iron effect.
 OLD AUTOMOBILES, carriages, wagons, agricultural implements, etc, Jap-a-lac-ed with either Brilliant Black, Red, Green or Empire Blue. look 100 per cent better, and are given new life. The cost is nominal and the work can be done by an inexperienced person.
 JAP-A.LAC is a household necessity, and can be used in hundred and one ways, from "cellar to garrett, and Is especially adapted for finishing old or new floors and woodwork Ask your paint dealer.
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

against Phoenix newspapers by some whose efforts were with the prohibit tion movement in this city He said he lad heard no talk Of any such methods being pursued and at the meeting of the Anti-Saloon League. held Thursday night at the North Methodist church, no such action had been hinted at, or had even come in- to any ones mind. as far as he knew.
 This meeting" said MT. Spaulding. was of the five committees represent ing the five churches, The North and the South Methodist. the Baptist, the Christian and the Presbyterian, and a number of others including many la dies. in all about fifty representative citizens. These committees with ten. outside the churches, compose the ex- ecutive body of which l was elected chairman. number of sub-commit- tees were appointed and d vigorous open and above board campaign will be made from now till the time of the election. There were some committee reports. among them that of one. that had visited the newspapers. which had been cOurteOusly received. When 1t called at The Republican office late in the evening. no one in a position of authority was in at the time, and the committee did not later return.
 There was no mention of subscrib- CTS sending out cards threatening to
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

withdraw their patronage and I my self know positively nothing about such actions except what was in the morning paper. However, it was not done. and will not be done with the sanction of the committee. We expect to make a straight open fight, for a cause in which we believe. The com mittee would certainly take no action which would incur the ill will of the press We recognize the power of the newspapers and we intend to conduct the honorable warfare for prohibition in a manner that will command the respect of both the press and the peo- ?le.
 As far as I am personally concern ed. do not blame the Phoenix papers for permitting the use of their space by the liquor interests, provided they give the other side an equal opportu- nity to present it's views and the reasons therefor. Such has been the attitude of The Republican as I all ways understood it, that its columns were open to signed articles and re- plies on this.as on other questions We have appointed a publicity committee which will look after the matter to be given to the newspapers. l nope our position and attitude have been made clear"
 rTo Tho Arizona PaDub1icap. I an,
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

young man whose sympathies are presumably not with the prehibi- tionists. called at this office yesterday and wanted to fight the bookkeeper on account of the publication of the statements of Mrs. Lillian NJ. Stevens president of the National w. C. T. IT.. as to the effect of prohibition in Maine. The young man himself is from Maine. and he felt that his state had been outraged. He wanted to have it out with a reporter if he could find one. It was suggested to him that if he wanted to get revenge at first hand, he had better go to Portland and fight Mrs. Stevens. It was later sug- gested to him that if he did not mod crate his sentiments he would get thrown into the gutter. Between the boycOtters and these hOt-headed youths from Maine The Republican is between the devi! and the deep sea. and is in urgent need Of the protec- ton of the military. But, by the way. there we-e TO visible fruits of the boycott yesterday.
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

a subscriber to your valuable paper, am firm believer in the virtue Of prohibition to correct many of the greatest evils of the day l believe that it's adoption would result in an immediate improvement. spiritually, morally and financially. The three sides Of the question are inseparable. like the brain, heart and liver in the body; what deranges one, deranges the other two; what benefits one. ben efits the other two
 So 1 am glad that you have kindly consented to allow the friends of local option to discuss their side of the question in your columns. You say that the business is generally admit ted to be bad. Yet ycu believe that it is not for the best interest of the county financially that we should have prohibition.
 But allow me to ask: If a thing is distinctly admitted to be bad, in it's moral effect: by those who hold that, that it should be allowed. for the sake of the revenue produced. What is the measure of evil we are willing to en- dure for the sake of such revenue?
 Would you be willing to see your boy made into sot for the sake of all the revenue turned into the school fund by all the saloons of the county, even if it took ten or twenty years to accomplish?
 Even though my boy was educated and turned out an accomplished gen. tleman a thorough going level headed business man, and a credit to the com munity?
 Is not the future of the count, of the territory and nation, wrapped mp iu our boys? Are they not worth con- sideration from the financial and bus mess side of the question? l think SO, and I think in this article I am within limits of your rule governing the dis cussion of the question at issue.
 I desire however if permitted to pre- sent my views later, on the question from purely a business standpoint.
 Very respectfully yours,
 l. A R IRVINE.
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

In your issue of current date is a communication from the W. C. T. IT. supposedly from Mrs. Stevens. the president Of the organization: It reads as though the "end justified the -means." the whole being a misstate- ment of alleged facts.
 They quote Hon. Jno. D. Long as of Maine. while he is of Massachusetts. although born in Maine many years ago. While the Hon. Wm. T. Harris of Waterville. a candidate for govern or on the republican ticket cones out for local option and resubmission.
 New Hampshire and Vermont. late converts to license. after many years of TO license.
 As for senators and representatives being assailed by liquor interests it is nonsense, as they have nothing what ever to do with Maine prohibition. any more than the citizens of Arizona.
 Sheriff Pennell-a democrat-has been elected three times in succession in a republican county on local op- ton and resubmission, each time his majority larger than previously. Cum berland county: They are open at present date. Bad licuor is sold on account of prohibition and that is why groups Of soldiers from the different forts are found in a drunken condition from these vile bottled goods.
 They say that MT. Kelly of Lewis tom who as a state representative, championed license at the state cap- itol, was not president of the '. M. C. A. or a member" Correct, but he was president of the Lewiston Catho- lie Temperance Society and is and all ways has been a total abstainer
 They cuote Rumford Falls. a thriv- ing city of Maine, as free from sa- looms. Now the fact of the matter is. it is wide open" and worse. It is the
Arizona republican., 1908-04-11

home of Pres. Pettingill of the Sturgis Commission They are seriously con sidering abOlishing the Sturgis com mission-as. since it's inauguration. nine democratic sheriffs have been elected upon the resubmission issue, while formerly there were but two.
 Furthermore. Cumberland county. for six years elected a prohibition sheriff. Two of lis deputies were convicted of accepting bribes. and one of them was minister of the Gospel. The high sheriff was also one.
 Prohibition in Maine is a shame and a disgrace. used only for political purposes. F. A. THOMAS.
 A resident os Portland. Me