davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
All Night Conference Held In
 Birmingham
IS REPRESENTED
Both Sides Agree To Abide By Su- preme Court Decision on Question Which Comes Up In Mont
 gomery Today.

Unable to settle among themselves as to whether or not the franchise tax levied by the last legislature on all corporations doing business in the state was constitu- tional, the attorneys of the state and the lawyers of the several railroads entering Alabama decided to leave the matter to the supreme court.
 It is not probable that the test case which will be begun on friendly basis. will reach the supreme court. But by the final decision both parties will abide If the tax is adjudged unconstitutional, then the state will not further endeavor to collect 1t. If the tax is declared con stitutional, then the railroads will pay it. The consultation was held in Birming- ham. Beginning at 10 o'clock Thursday night, shortly after the arrival of the Louisville and Nashville from Montgom- cry, the attorneys remained in session until early Friday morning. The an- nouneement of the plan agreed upon was then made.
 The state was represented by Attorney General Alex M. Garber Judge Samuel D. Weakley and H. C. Selheimer The Louisville and Nashville was represented by General Counsel Stone, Gregory Smith of Mobile, George w. Jones and j. Manly Foster of Montgomery; the Atlantic Coast Line was represented by Alexander Ham, Hilton, counsel general; Congressman A. A. Wiley and w. H. Kay. The Southern was represented by Judge Alexander P. Humphreys and James Weatherly. The
 
 E. Steiner of Montgomery.
 It is said the tax on franchises hits the Louisville and Nashville railroad harder than any other corporation in the state. It is reported that the total amount of the tax demanded of this line by the state is $2u,O00
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
RECORD OF THE COURTS

Acting Judge Prank Deedmeyer fined Charles [. Harrison s25 yesterday morn- ing for whipping Clarence Ann Roberts, a ,4-year- r-old girl, who was one of his pupils at the time he was teaching sohoolf at Kimberly The case has been on trial in the second division of the criminal court for several days, and the costs of the court will amount to something like $500. Attorney B. M. Allen, representing the defendant, gave tentative notice of an appeal.
 In the first division of the criminal court, Judge Weaver presiding, number of eases against prominent gamblers Tor keeping gaming tables were called, but all were passed for various reasons. The case Of Bailey Smith, negro, charged with assault with intent to murder, was tried Smith is alleged to have shot El- lis H. Rice with rifle with intent to kill him. The jury found the defendant guilty as charged in the indictment but recom- mended the mercy of the court.
 In the first division of the city court, Judge Ferguson presiding, the case of Rebecca Hawkins vs. Alabama Penny Savings and Loan company, which has already been on trial for several days, IS still on trial. The case grew out of suit for the possession of an acre of land. which the defendant bank is alleged to have wrongfully disposed of.
 The case of Alice Hatgrove vs. Louis vile and Nashville Railroad company, on trial in the second division of the city court Judge Nesmith presiding, result ed in a mistrial. The case of Samual Sapp vs. Birmingham Railway Light and Power company is on trial.
 The only case disposed of in the third division of the city court yesterday was that of R. H. Short vs. Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company, which was placed in the hands of the jury just before adjournment was taken.
 Tn the chancery court two orders were made yesterday as follows: w. II. Mac Afee, assignee vs. MacAfee & Co.,, sub mitted on demurrer to petition of C. 5. Jones ct al; Matilda Allen vs. L. K. Morse ct al, submitted for final decree.
 In Judge Lanes division of the circuit court the case of S. M Hanby vs. South ern Railway company resulted in yer dict for the plaintiff, the jury awarding him 5000 damages. The case grew out of an alleged assault of the company's agent upon MT. Hanby at Jackson. The jury in the case of Mrs. Addie B. Hin- ton vs Louisville and Nashville Railroad company. returned a verdict for the plain tiff for s25. The jury Is out In the case of J. W. Ferguson vs. Birmingham Wa ter Works company.
 Tn Judge Coleman's division of the cir cult court the case of J. P. Ward vs. Mutual Fidelity company is on trial. The following cases are set for hearing in the chancery court today; Annie Chandler vs. George Tribble; Mrs. E. Leader vs. Citizens Bank of vidalia, Ga; Mack McCarty vs. Sarah Jones ct al.; J. R. Winn vs. w. w. Garrett; Hester John- son vs. D. N. Nelson; Charlie Ellis vs. 1 Steiner Bros.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
Decide To Make Test.

Montgomery, February 2S.-Foreign cor porations operating railroads in Alabama have decided to test tAe law putting an annual franchise tax on organizations of this class. Under the state law, an as- sessment is placed on the amount of capi- tai invested in Alabama by foreign cor porations, and some of these think it a hardship, because of other heavy taxes, and will take the question of It's fairness and constitutionality to the courts.
 The Louisville and Nashville and Allan tic Coast Line have been cited to appear tomorrow in this city to show cause being the last day. It is understood that the railroads will pay under protest and then bring suit to recover
 Col. H. L. Stone, counsel general of the Louisville and Nashville; Gregory L.. Smith and George w. Jones, district coun- sci, returned this morning from Birming- ham, where they discussed the situation with Attorney General Garber, Judge Samuel D. Weakley and II. c. Selheimer, attorneys for the state, and other rail- road attorneys, among whom were Col. Alexander Hamilton, A. A. Wiley and At torney Kay of the Atlantic Coast Line, and Judge Alex T. Humphries and James Weatherly of the Southern.
 This was a general conference for the purpose of discussing the construction and validity of the franchise act, which is house bill ell. The conference was principally held with the view of arrang- ing to have the act judicially determined in a manner not to cause friction.
 MT. Smith stated today that while there was no agreement and no one was bound, he thought all would pursue the same course, the Southern answering in Bir- mingham and the Louisville and the At lantic Coast Line at Montgomery. He stated that he would remain over until to- morrow, when everything will be definite ly settled
 It is stated that the Southern Bell Tele- phone company and the Southern Exuress company have paid the license tax, but that the Western Union has declined to do so, and will test the law. Nothing has been heard as yet from the Postal. but il was thought the license would be paid.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
IS OFFERED
 AS SCHOOL SITE Bessemer Will Decide Question
 This Afternoon
BARANCO HEAVILY FINED
Information Received That Contract For Bessemer Postoffiee Will Be Let April 11-Personal
 and General News.

Bessemer, February 2S.-(Special)- The Bessemer Land company has of- fered the city the City park for the purpose of erecting a school building. Mayor Rush and Dr. T. F. Robinson went to Birmingham and had a talk with H. L. Badham of the land com pany this afternoon and MT. Badham stated that the company would be only too glad to grant the city the privi- lege of erecting a building to be used for school purposes The park Is owned by the land company and has been un- der the control of the city for some years. with the under standing that it should only be used for a public park.
 The park is located on the corner of Second avenue and Seventeenth street and it is believed by a great many that 1t Is the most desirable loca- ton that could be obtained for the pur- pose.
 The committee from the school board and the committee appointed by Mayor Rush to look into the matter of select ing a site for the new school build ing will meet tomorrow afternoon ani WILL uiSCuSS lne matter OI Slle 1OT IDe building. It is understood that sev- eral of the aldermen are in favor of erecting the school in the city park and it is believed that the committee will recommend to the council that this be done.
 Many sites have been offered and as is always the case, every one that owns property wants to sell 1t to the city for the purpose. No doubt some kicks and certain amount of dis satisfaction will be apparent if the park site should be selected, but this is to be expected in a case of this kind. As general thing, however, most people that have been approached on the subject seem to be in favor If using the park.
 It is pointed out that the location is about as central as anything that could be obtained, and for this reason it is believed that the amount of op- position to the project that exists now can be overcome when the advantages to be derived from having the school built in the park are taken into con sderation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
BIRDS MOST USEFUL IN
 KILLING BOIL WEEVlL

helps in the battle. and now that we have the birds on our side the outlook is brighter for the planter.
 According to men who have made study of the subject not more than per cent of the weevils survive the win ters The birds attack this surviving per cent even more industriously in the winter than in the summer time for their food is scarcer then. The wee wills hibernate in the stalks of the plant in cracks of the earth, in crevices of tree trunks, anywhere, Tn fact, where they can slip out of sight. Many varieties of birds are now becom- ing expert at hunting the weeviis.
 As soon as the ploughing is be- gun on the cotton fields flocks ot birds follow the furrows as fast as they are turned and Cat the weevils. Brought to light in this manner grea- numbers are consumed, and as each weevil is a potential army millions upon millions of the beetles are thus put out of business or are prevented from ever going into business
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
Lillian Russell in "WiIdfire."

Lillian Russell will appear here at the Jefferson theatre on Wednesday, March 4. This is one of the attractive announce ments for the month of March, and the famous beauty will be seen here under the direction of Joseph Brooks, in a new rac- ing play "Wildfre," by George Broad hurst. the author of "The Man or the Hour" "the Lady From Lane's,' Why Smith Left Home" and George Hobart, author of the Dinlelspeil letters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
"I,pe Had Experience

"with Hoods sarsaparilla, and am con- vinced 1t is great medicine" this is the substance of 40,S66 letters by actual count. received in two years. They tell of cures ofall blood diseases. loss of appetite, rheuma- tism, after fever weakness, that tired feeling, nervous weakness. dyspepsia, catarrh.
 No EuuaI-"I can say from experiences that Hoods Sarsaparillais is without an equal" EMMA L. BOWMAN. Ii Beacon St.. Lowell. Mass.
 Eczema-'I had eczema and tried every. thing heard of. but nothing helped me until took Hoods Sarsaparilla. Thanks to this medicine, I am now we'll" GEORGE VANAL- SPINE. South Bethlehem. N. Y.
 Muscular RhsumatIsn1-"My father had muscular rheumatism. Was confined to his bed, He took two bottles of Hoods sar- saparilla and was entirely cured.' BfarHA L.. PERRIN. Box 1928. Springfield. Mass
 Hoods sarsaparills is sold everywhere. In the usual liquid. or in tablet form called oareatabs. 100 Doses Ono Dollar. Pre- pared only by 0. !. Hood Co. Lowell, Aasss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
Mrs. Tendon Entertains.

Mrs. w. T. Tendon gave a most at tractive party this afternoon, entertain ing in honor of Mrs Mason H. Sherman of Chicago at her home Avenue G. The house was prettily decorated with ferns and palms. The color scheme of yellow was carried out in the decorations and refreshments, the fruits being served in orange cups. In the dining room the decorations were especially elaborate and tasteful. Fruit punch with whipped cream was served in the hall. fruits salad was served in yellow cups, and sand wiches, ice cream, cake and coffee were served in the dining room. Those present were Mrs. M. Fl. Sherman, Mrs. W. B. Bridge, Mrs. c. J. Barr, Mrs. Wele, Mrs. F. E. Butcher Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. J, E. Winning. Mrs. H. M. Cowart, Mrs. Cutter Miss Cutter, Mrs. J. H. Hilleke, Mrs. Nagle, Mrs. s. M. Matoon. Mrs. J. Y. Brooks, Mrs. Totten, Mrs. Marshall Everson, Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs Wallace, Miss Wallace, Mrs. H. c. Russell Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Alex Crawford, Mrs. D. s. Brazelton, Mrs H. Broda, Mrs. Hoke Perkins, Miss Crosby Mrs. Bowling, Mrs. James Collier. Mrs. Cox. Mrs. R. E. Will Hams, Mrs. George Hutchinson, Mrs. J. H. Eubank, Mrs. Peyton Eubank, Mrs. Foster Hamilton, Mrs. J. w. Minor. Mrs. w. N Wood, Mrs. Charles Thomasson, Mrs B. B. Glasgow and Mrs M. H. Me Dowel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
THIS DAY IN
 HISTORY OF
 BIRMINGHAM
BY THE HISTORIAN.

February 29, =.
 This does not happen often-about once every four years and sometimes only once in eight years. You who have not for- gotten your school history remember why this is; how Augustus Caesar, believe it
 was he, stole day from February and added it to August, the month he had named for himself.
 February was already the shortest
 month of the year, but Gus was selfish
 man and cared nothing for robbing a
 helpless month, and like most selfish fel-
 lows, jumped on the smallest one he could find.
 But then I forgive Gus his selfshness.
 I was born on the day he stole from Feb
 ruary, and if the day had not been added
 to August that important event in the
 history of my career might have not oc-
 cured or it might have been so badly
 mixed up in the confusion of dates as to
 have been lost altogether.
 I am sorroy for the fellow who is born
 on February 29. It is so. long between
 birthday dinners. This birthday should,
 however, be very popular with women
 who do not like to misrepresent their
 ages.
 But I am supposed to record the events
 of importance that have happened on this
 date in Birmingham.
 Nothing has happened that is so impor
 tant as the things that will happen tomor- row. I am glad that on this year tomor- row has been delayed for one more day than is the usual case. All your monthly bills are due tomor- row; rent. groceries, drugs, jewelry, the chauffeur, the cook. your last summers tailored suit, Christmas presents-ah, won't those thing never be forgotten 2 coal bills. millinery, whisky, flowers gas, diamonds, electric lights, loan shark in- installment and all those little things add infinitesimal.''
 You also have your little bills against the other poor devil already made out You will start out your collector early tomorrow morning with instructions to collect without mercy or extension. You hang sign on your door that All bills are paid on the 18th and not before,' and leave town on urgent business. An, this is the way of the world and l the love we have for each other. l love | my neighbor as myself, but if he owes me anything he must pay today-rll pay the | trife I owe after every other fellow IS | square with me.
 | Nothing doing today in the history line.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
TOBACCO COMPANY
 AN ARTFUL DODGER

Louisville Ky, February Estate Revenue Agent Arthur E. Hopkins today filed suits in fl counties seeking to re- cover from the American Tobacco com pany taxes alleged to be due on tobacco owned by the company during the past five years and valued at $l6,500,000 The amount of the taxes claimed with in- terest totals in round numbers S1450O0. It is alleged that the failure of the state to secure the tax was due to the prac- tice followed by the company in allow
 ing tobacco purchased from growers to remain in the farmers barns until need ed, the farmer of course not paying tax on it while other assessors in valung the company's tobacco located only that held in the company's own warehouses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
AN AWFUL CONFESSION.
Young Negro Tells How He and His
 Brother Committed Murder.

Columbia, S. C., February 2S.-Ned and Brack Toland negroes, aged 19 and IT years respectively, late this afternoon made a full confession of the murder of Mrs. Paul w. Eliser, the aged white woman who lived just across the river from Columbia. Brack, the youngest of the brothers, said that Mrs. Elliser sus- pected something as soon as they entered the house. When they got inside Brack said he caught the old woman and held her while his brother knocked her in the head with an ax They put her body in a basket and Ned struck her two more blows. They then proceeded to rob the house, taking gun and a number of ar ticles of wearing apparel No money was found
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
Thrown From Buggy.

While out driving this afternoon Mrs. T. | Conwell was thrown from her buggy and while her injuries are quite painful 1t is not believed that they will amount to anything serious. Mrs. Conwell was alone in the buggy at the time of the accident and she does not know what could have caused the horse to become frightened.
 It started off so quickly that se was unable to control 1t at all and had not gone very far before the buggy turned over. She was taken to her home and given medical attention and is reported this evening as resting comfortably.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
PREMIER
 UPHOLDS LEOPOLD

Brussels, February 2S.-In the chamber of deputies today M. Wander Velde bitter ly attacked the refusal of King Leopold to enlighten the country regarding the true conditions in the Congo Independ- ent State. He contended that if the peo- pie of Belgium understood the situation as 1t is known abroad, the demand for reforms would be as strong here as it is in England and America. In the meantime, M. Wander Velde moved that the British White Book" on the Congo be translated into French and distributed in Belgium. Premier Schollaert opposed this motion, declaring that foreign coun- tries could not coerce Belgium. The mo- tion was defeated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
VETERAN BUILDER
 DYING IN ATLANTA

Atlanta, Ga, February &.-(Speeial)- John Calvin Peck, one of Atlanta's oldest citizens, who came to this city in 1856, is conducting his last fight his death being expected at any moment. Mir. Peck, who has amassed a considerable fortune, was q contractor and d builder. He built the old Markham house, then the old Kimball house at a cost of $649, then had charge of the erection of the old capitol building. He was superintendent of con- struction of the International Cotton States exposition and his mark is left on many of Atlantas largest buildings Dur ing the civil war he had charge of a manufacturing plant which turned out guns. bikes. staffs and other weapons for the soldiers of the Confectionery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
At the Biiou.

Rallies" is making a great hit at the Biiou thea Ire this week, and deservediy so. S. Miller Kent plays the part with nice discrimination and rare charm that instantly meets with favor His interpr4- tation of the celebrated "cracksman leaves nothing to be desired. The sup porting company is quite good ana the staging of the play is well done. Next week the Bijou will offer Harry Clay Blaney, a local favorite, in new play or adventure. 'The Boy Detective
 A matinee this afternoon and perform ance tonight will end the engagement Of Rallies
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
Federal Building Soon.

Postmaster Lewis received letter this morning from Washington in which it was stated that everything was now in readiness for the erection of a govern ment building in this city, and the con tract would be let on April Il. Bids will be asked for on both stone and brick building. The building will be erected on the corner of Fourth avenue and Nine teenth street. The lots were bought for that purpose about three years ago. The amount appropriated by Congress for this purpose is s6O,ooo.
 This is good news for the people of this city. as a building of this sort has long been needed and there has been good deal of unavoidable delay with regard to the erection.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
SAM WILL JOHN ON
 CHANCELLORSV|LLE Talk to Students of Ensley
 High School STORE KEEPER ROBBED A Negro Drayman Who Called For
STORE KEEPER ROBBED
A Negro Drsyman Who Called For Trunk Full of Whisky Is Tried, But Decision Is Reserved.
 Other News Items.

Ensley. February -(SpeciaL)-Col. Sam Will John of Birmingham addressed the pupils of the Ensley High school this afternoon. His subject was the battle of 'Chanoelforvile, and the influence the lives of Lee and Jackson have had on character. Colonel John graphically de- scribed tine famous battle, calling atten- ton to the wonderful military genius of Lee and the match1ess strategy of Jack son. He waxed eloquent as he related the many virtues and Christian character of Lee and Jackson. and their wonderful military ability. He referred to the bat tie of Chancellorville as one of the great est in the history of the world from a strategic point of view. He mentioned noted Alabaman leaders in the battle. particularly General Rhodes of Tuscaloosa and the heroic John Pelham of Anniston. The lecture was highly entertaining and most instructive, and much enjoyed by the large class present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
FIRE ENDANGERS
 PATIENTS LIVES

New Haven, Conn. February 2S.-The lives of 75 persons were endangered late today when a fire broke out on the top floor of the 4-story patients ward at Grace hospital in Chapel street. While the fremen poured water into the building the nurses doctors and orderlies, assisted by citizens, removed the patients to places of safety in ambulances. carriages, auto mobiles and other conveyances. The loss, il is believed. will not exceed s50,G00. The patients were bundled up as well as pos sible in blankets, but it is feared the eX- posture may have a bad effect.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
At the Gayety.

A much talked of feature with Weper and Rush's famous "Parisian Wldows company which is appearing at the Gay ety theatre this week is beautiful se- ries of Living Art Studies" which were especially posed for this production by a famous European artist, who personal ly selected the models used for the per lection of their figures as we'll as for their facial beauty. Seven picture studies are shown. each a marvel of realism and classic correctness
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
ADJUSTMENTS.
Eleanor Robson Seat Sale.

Seats are on sale for the special engage ment ol Miss Eleanor Robson at the Jef- ferson theatre Monday night in the call fornia idyl, "Salomy Jane,' which ran almost a solid year in New York at the Liberty theatre, and which is to be pre- sented here by the original New York cast. Judging by the inquiries her Visit to Birmingham will be prosperous
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
storekeeper Boldly Robbed.

J. c. Hook, storekeeper in Nolan's quarters, near the steel mill, was the vic tim of a bold robbery Thursday night about o'clock. A negro entered the store and asked for 10 cents worth of oranges. MT. Hook stopped to get them from basket on the floor and on arising was confronted by pistol in the hands of the negro, who compelled him to empty his pockets and cash drawer The negro backed from the store and disappeared. MT. Hook notified the police at once, de- scribing his assailant, but he has not been arrested as yet. The amount secured was about $10.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-29
WIII visit American Fleet.

San Antonio, Tex, February 8.-A spe- cial to The Express from Guadalajara. Mex, says: number of wealthy resi- dents of Colima have chartered a steamer and will go out from the port of Maza- nillo to see the American battleship fleet mass on it's way from Callao to Magdalena bay The fleet is due in Magdalena bay on March 1l and Is expected to pass Man zanillo about three days earlier.