davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
SECOND DAYS EXERCISES.
Coley of Selma Speaks at Miles Me-
 moriaI College Exercises.

Exercises of the undergraduate depart ings of the Miles Memorial college com mencement. The exercises of the pri- mary department were held in the aft ernoon on the college campus, S. B. Wier, director, and those of the English de- partment last night. The programme consisted of songs, recitations and ora tions and was concluded with an oper- etta, Isle of Jewels" presented in two scenes. The whole programme gave evil dence of much training and was dis tinct credit to the teachers having that work in charge.
 Rev. c. E. Coley, D. D., of Selma, agent of the publishing board of the c. M. E. church, and a member of the board of trustees, delivered short ad- dress to the students In the afternoon.
 Speaking for the trustee board Dr. Coley declared that the trustees of the institution were highly pleased with the management of affairs at the college and that Dr. Bray, the president has the confidence of the entire board.
 The annual exercises of the musical de- partment under the management of Prof. William E. Lew, will be held at the Thirgood Colored Methodist Episcopal church, Fourteenth street and Sixth ave- nue, tonight
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
COME TO EXAMINE
 FIRE EQUIPMENT
REPRESENTATIVES, OF NATIONAL FIRE UNDERWRITERS WILL BE ASKED TO PUT RESIDENCES ON FIRST CLASS BASIS.

Assistant General Agent w. E. Milla- lieu of the National Board of Fire Un- derwriters has written Mayor O'Briea that a visit will be made to Birmingham shortly by a corps of engineers to in- spect the fire department and general fire protection of the city. The party win be here for several days. T. C. B. Shell will be In charge of the party.
 This will be the first visit by the underwriters engineers since the early part of 1905. At that time the engineers made recommendations which placed the business part of town on a first-class basis but which left the residence sec tion in the, second class, consequently making insurance rates higher there.
 There have been many Improvements made In the fire fighting facilities since 1905 and the city officials are in hope that the engineers will see fit to recom- mend the raising of the residence sec tions from the second to the first class
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Capt. Reid Says Fee System
 WlH Ruin Any Community

Alabama will eventually be freed froa it's tolls.
 Under the present system none of the county officers seem to care to allow the public to know what their offices are paying or what they are costing the pub lie, and the reason is evident l believe that every county officer holding one of the larger positions should publish semi annual statement showing the income and expense of the office so that the people may know where they stand.
 As to a mode of relief believe that if all of the county officers were placed on straight salaries this course would prove generally satisfactory. It would at least be far better than the present system and the difficulties of such a plan could be worked out. A reason able salary, based upon the, responsibiI ty of the position, should be attached to each county office and the fee system should be abolished and eternally plotted out. This would no doubt do away to a great extent with the harangue of petty politics and relieve the strained conditions of affairs which now exist among the county officers"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF THINKS SALARY BASIS WOULD DO AWAY WITH MUCH OF PRESENT PETTY POLITICS.

'The-fee system has ruined every com munity in which it has ever been tried and l am unalterably opposed to it." said Capt. John B. Reid, a candidate for sheriff and one of the best known men in the county, yesterday.
 The system as it is now operated m Jefferson county Is the source of many evils and it should be abolished at the earliest possible time. The system grew so bad in Pennsylvania that every sem blanee of it was done away with there and right here at home we have con- ditions just as bad as were those in Penn. sylvania If the matter is not brought ur in the special session of the legislature to be called this summe< the iniquities of the fee system will finally kill it and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
RAUL WILL GIVE BUFFET LUNCHEON
GOOD FELLOWSHIP AFFAIR AT HOTEL HILLMAN WILL PROB ABLY DRAW LARGE CROWD NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT.

President John l.. Raul of the Chamber of Commerce has issued invitations to all the members of the chamber, of the Busi- ness Mems league and the Board of Trade to attend the buffet luncheon which he will give Friday night, on the occasion of his retirement from office.
 It will be made a royal get-together affair for Birmingham, and it is probable that the dining room of the Hotel Hill man will be taxed to contain the crowd.
 President Kaul will deliver his retiring address, or the report of the work of his administration, and Frank Nelson, Jr., the new president. will be inducted into office and will make his inaugural ad- dress.
 One important feature will be Secretsry J. B. Babb's annual industrial report. This is always a document of great value and gives an exhaustive study of the year in the Birmingham district. The report of Robert tension, Jr., on the Chamber of Commerce building will also be of special interest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
RED MEN COMING
 FOR SUN COUNCIL
STATE ORGANIZATION FOR DE- CREE OF POCAHONTAS FORMED IN BIRMINGHAM YESTERDAY. GREAT INcoHoNEE IN CITY.

The Red Men swarmed into Birming- ham last night on every train, prepara- tory to the twenty-second great sun council of the Improved Order of Red Men, which will open this morning at 10 o'clock in the hall on First avenue. Great Sachem Jacob Burger of Birmingham will preside and Joseph Farrar, great in- cohonee of the order, will assist in the council.
 A state organization of the degree of Pocahontas was organized and instituted yesterday and the following officers were chosen:
 der, Montgomery.
 Great Wenonah-Erin Allen, West Bloc ton.
 Great Minnehaha-Mrs Narcissus Car mack, Poenix.
 Great Prophetess-Mrs. Sarah McPher- son, Birmingham.
 Great Keeper of Records-Mrs. May Bancroft, Mobile.
 Great Keeper of Wampum-Mrs Bertie Fisher, Pratt City.
 First Great scout-Miss Jamie Hall, East Tallassee.
 Great Guard of the Tepee-Miss Ollie V. Garcia, Mobile
 Great Guard of the Forest-Nfrs. saman- tha L. Sheldon, Cordova.
 Board of Appeals-Mrs. Alice B. F'oy, three years, Mobile; Miss Mary Gadilbra, two years, Pratt City; Miss Minnie Dean, one year, Phenix.
 Committee on Laws-Miss Mary Rack CT. Birmingham. chairman; Miss Dora Rowe, Avondale; Miss Mary Hoskins, Pratt City.
 Committee on Finance--Mrs. Rosa Wise, Birmingham; Miss Mary J. Stowers, Cor dova; Miss Emma s. Wauchope, Selma.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
ROGERS WINS THE
 MEDAL AT HOWARD
JUNIOR oRAToRIcAL CONTEST
 POSTPONED UNTIL THIS MORN ING-INTERESTING EXERCISES
 HELD YESTERDAY MORNING.

The annual sophomore oratorical con- test of Howard college was held yes- terday morning at 10 o'clock in the col lege chapel. The attendance was excel lent, a large body of students, alumni and others being present The medal for oratory was awarded to James B. Rogers of Dothan. All the other declamations were we'll rendered, however, each of the contestants showing marked talent for speaking.
 The rendition of several excellent mu- sical numbers was also much enjoyed.
 M w. Mimms, vice president of the class, -officiated as president. The follow ing members participated James B. Rogers, I. C. Harris s. B. Gibson, J. C. Cook, T. I. Oliver and B. c. Jester.
 The junior oratorical contest, which was to have been held last night, was post poned until 10 o'clock this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
GRUBB IS SWORN IN
 AS FEDERAL JUDGE
Will Probably Go on Bench
 Within Week
GOSSIP ABOUT SHAKE-UP
Referee Thompson Not In City Yester. day-Action On Birmingham and Mobile Appointments Awaited
 With Keen Interest.

Judge William l. Grubb yesterdtf sNv- cred his connection with his law trm' took the oath of office and became judge of the Northern district of Alabama. He will go on the bench during the latter part of this week.
 The oath was administered by Clerk Charles J. Allison of the United States court, and immediately aftervSyfd Judge Grubb held a conference with Judge Os- It was decided that Judge Hundley would round out few matters which are to come up for hearing and the trans fer of the office was delayed a few days.
 While neither would discuss it, there seems to be some doubt about the date of the expiration of Judge Hundleys ap- pointment and an opinion on the subject from Attorney General Wickersham is ex- pected shortly. There is little doubt, however. but that Judge Grubb will be on the bench within the week.
 On his retirement from the firm of Tillman, Grubb, Bradley & Morro4, Judge Grubb was presented with a beau tiful loving cup by the members of the firm and the employees of the office.
 About Reported shake-up.
 There was considerable interest in re- publican circles over the reported shake lIn in tha nartv and tha davaIopno on e that have leaked out gradually from Washington The Age-Herald's article of yesterday was confirmed from relia- ble source although the extent of power left in the hands of Joseph O. Tlomp- son is not known. There is no doubt, however, that the differences which arose between the referee and the President over the judgeship appointment have not been settled. MT. Thompson was out of town yesterday and could not be seen. There were all sorts of rumors about his intended actions, such as resigning the of fees he holds, but close friend declared that they are without foundation. It is said that the President by his | attitude has decided to ignore the state republican organization far more than had been expected Remonstrances that he would break up the party In Alabama seem to have been of no avail His &C., ton with reference to the collectorship at Mobile and the postmastership in Bir- mingham is awaited with great suspense as it will throw good deal of light on the powers that be-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
ADJUSTMENTS.
At the Bijou.

The re-organized Bijou Musical Comedy Bijou theatre last night, presenting "A Trip to Chinatown" heavy downpour of rain kept away many people who would otherwise have attended, but those who went to the Bijou enjoyed gtpd performance put on by clever people. Miss Henrietta Lee, who is we'll known to local theatregoers, had the dashing role of Mrs Guyer. the widow, and she put plenty of nerve and sparkle into the part. Miss Lee has played Mrs Guyer before and with her fine stage presence and pleasing voice she is well fitted to make such a character worth while. Rob ert Harty, another Bijou fayorite, looked after the principal comedy part as We'll and Strong, man with foot in the grave, but nevertheless possessed of enough vitality to appreciate the Widow Guyer, whose affection he wins after a series of amusing adventures in and around San Francisco.
 The action of "A Trip to Chinatown is too familiar for resume. It suffices to say that the only trip taken is to Cliff House and there the funmaking ends with the exposure of an elderly gen tleman who went out for a lark and the consummation of Welland strongs happiness after he has been ground up in an ice box.
 In addition to Miss Lee and Robert Harty, others who shared in the credit of the performance were Miss Marie Fanch- ionett, who sang and danced in pleasing fashioni Dan Marble, who was an anus ing valet; Claude Lightner whose fine voice was heard In solo, Miss Florence Sinnott, Herbert Denton, Robert McG4rr and George Moore. who contributed good specialtles: Miss FHovie Madison and Miss EsteIle Rogers.
 The Bijou quartet sang some selections and both Miss Lee and MT. Harty did specialties that were applauded.
 "A Trip to Chinatown" provides an evening of good entertainment and with the musical specialties that were inter pollated is made all the more enjoyable. ::Sweetheart'' by Claude Lightner, ''rhe Widows Wiles'' by Miss Lee, Bonnie Jean' by Herbert Denton and company T wish Had a Girl" by Miss sinnott, "Good-bye Sweetheart, Goodbye" by Mir. MsGirr and the quartet. "Champagne'' by Miss Fanchionett 'How Do You Do. Miss Josephine by MT. Harty and the company, "Yankianni Rag" by Miss Fanchionetti and MT. Moore and two songs by MT. Harty in the last act were well received
 An attractive chorus takes part in some of the musical specialties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
PRIZE DRILL ON
 HOWARD CAMPUS
CAPT. KETTLES OF COMPANY A
 WINS SWORD AND DRAYTON ' DoHERTY MEDAL FOR THE IN-
 DlVlDUAL CONTEST.

The prize drill, one of the most Sinter- esting features of Howard college com- meneement, took place yesterday after noon on the college campus. First there was a review of the battalion, after which the companies drilled separately in order as follows: Company B, Com pany and Company c. The prize was a handsome sword, instead of a medal as heretofore given, and was won by Capt. M. F. Kettles of Company A.
 After the company drills the compa- nles went to the college chapel and each drilled down to four men leaving 12 in all to contest for the manual of arms medal. Those who qualified in this were; Company A. Drayton Doherty, H. H. Bacon, O. P. Price. w. l.. Longshore; Company B, D. D. Douglas c. l.. Ellard, L. E. Lasseter H. G. Grant; Company C. w. S. Russell, J. P. Webb, P. w. Lett, W. c. Bentley. The prize was won by Drayton Doherty of Company A. This was great honor for MT. Doherty, in- asmuch as he is the youngest of all the contestants.
 llt oWOIu was Q6llNGI6u Dy AlSS OIIeH6 Robinson, the sponsor of the victorious company. Miss Robinson said:
 Captain Kettles. I present you this sword and feel sure that if ever necessa- " you will not hesitate to draw 1t in defense of your country"
 The medal was delivered by Miss Maud Mcclure Kelly of the Birmingham bar. Misc J<aIIv was iptroduoad os tho op1., lady practitioner at law south of the Ohio river, She spoke briefly and to the point, saying in part:
 Tn olden days the women helped to arm the knights with complete armor, and were I living in that age I would present you with an olive wreath, but in l this modern age I take pleasure in pre- senting to you this medal, representing with It's eagle perched upon shield, lib- ] erty guarding the destinies of our coun- 1 try. May you, as the loyal knights of old, ever be true to this symbolism of this decoration, and may 1t be to you an incentive to purity, loyalty and fidelity to your country"
 The judges of the contest were Col. Hughes B. Kennedy, lieutenant colonel, retiredi Maj. Carl Seals of the Second in- fantry and Lieut. w. E. Hooper of the Second infantry. Colonel Kennedy spoke in glowing terms of the drill, saying:
 Wonderful, just wonderful, has been the improvement. The drill was better than ever before'
 Colonel Kennedy has been judge of 1s contests. Major Seals and Lieutenant Hooper expressed practically the same sentiments as Colonel Kennedy.
 The sponsors and maids were: Miss Maud Mcclure Kelly, battalion sponsor; Company A, Miss Orlene Robinson, spon- sor; Miss Mary Ray and Miss Ethel Bell, maids.
 Company B, Miss Rowena Bernhard sponsor; Miss Gertrude Wood and Miss Haywood Motion, maids
 Company c, Miss Hazel Mckenzie, sponsor; Miss Grace Daniels and Miss Summers, maids.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
DAYS RECORD IN
 COUNTY COURTS

Two judgments of $1200 each were rem dered by consent in Judge Lanes divi- sion of the circuit court yesterday against the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company. The plaintiff in both cases was M. stoinoG acting as the ad- ministrator of the estates of Mitu Geor- geff and Spas Andreff, who were killed in the mines of the defendant company. Judge Lane is engaged in the trial of the case of E. F Bennfield ct al, adminis- trators, vs Southern Railway company.
 Judge Coleman did not get into the trial of any of the cases set on his dock ct in the circuit court yesterday, all cases being either settled or continued.
 In the first division of the city court the case of the-Southern Railway com pany vs. Jamie Moore is on trial A judg- ment for s52238 was rendered in the case of the First National bank of Birming- ham vs. L. W. Phillips ct al.
 The case of Andrew Perkins vs. Br- mingham Railway Light and Power com pany is on trial in the second division of the city court.
 In the third division of the city court the case of N. J. Hardin vs. Birmingham Trust and' Savings company was taken up yesterday morning, but was decided in favor of the defendant on the plead ings.
 The disabilities of homage were re- moved in the chancery court yesterday for Lelar Townsend. Other orders were entered by the chancellor as follows: Hattie Ingram ct al. vs. Burrus Ingram, decree ordering a distribution of receipts from the sale of certain real estate: Full enwider Concrete company vs. A. O. Zell. decree overruling demurrer; T. P. Bell ct al vs. Milton F. Bell. registers report of substitution read and ordered to lie over one week for exceptions; H. 0. Howell vs. A. W. Howell ct al., submit- ted for decree upon sufficiency of re- spondent's plea: William w. Randle, ad- ministrator. vs. H. c. Howell, submitted on demurrer to cross-bill.
 In the first division of the criminal court the only case was that of Robert Anderson, charged with the malicious defacement of the automobile of J. C. Turner. Anderson was acquitted by the jury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
LAMAR CONFERS
 WITH A. w. SMITH

Dr. A. J. Lamar of Nashville, chairman . of the committee on nominations for the Woman's college to be established by the Methodist Episcopal church at Montgom- cry, was in Birmingham yesterday and held conference with A. w. Smith. the Birmingham member of the committee. M. H. Houghton of Montgomery, the other member, was not present.
 This committee is charged with the duty of selecting a president for the col- lege, but they refused to give out any information on the subject. adjourning subject to the call of the chairman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
O'BRIEN ORDERS
 SCREENS PUT UP

Mayor Frank P. OBrien has ruled that the health of the city must be regarded so far as the operations of fruit stands and restaurants are concerned, and in future all places of this kind must be screened.
 ing to the police department calls for the strict enforcement of section 6 of city ordinance No. 16O, which rules that all fruits and the like must be protect ed from dust It also provides for the screening of all restaurants. Chief Bod eker kas instructed his men to pay par ticular attention to the enforcement of this law while the sanitary officers will aid the police in this effort.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Nitro-GIycerin ExpIosion-A bu
Concordia Festival Concert.

The annual festival concert of the Concordia society will be held Thurs day evening when the following pro- grame will be given:
 Overture, Prof. Harms orchestra.
 Spielmanns Lied (GeibeD GET Hoff) Mannerchor.
 Das Huttelein (volkslied), mixed chorus.
 Solo, Hymns of the Old Church Choir, " Miss Frieda Brandes.
 Grusse an die Heimat (Carl Kromer) Mannerchor.
 Fruhlingsgruss (Max Meyer olbers- leben), ladies chorus.
 (a) Comedy. singing and dancing Morette sisters; (b) violin solo, Arth UT Herman.
 catastophes C.. A. Parks) half chorus. & Solo, "No One Knows" (Francis Mack) Miss Marie Steck.
 Duet N"Sch walbens Abschied" (F Kuchen), Miss Kindewaterl and Mrs. Clara Rainbow.
 Mien Liebster Aufenthalt co. A. Man gold), Mannerchor.
 Karnthner Vollxslied (Thomas Kos chat), mixed chorus.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
O'BRIEN LECTURES
 MEN ON GAMBLING
Tells Them l. Is Woese Curse
 Than Whisky
ASKED TO LOWER FINES
Young Men Were Not Professionals and Mayor Takes Occasion to Tell Them What Gambling
 Will Lead to.

Mayor OBrien delivered very serious sermon on gambling to group of young men yesterday afternoon in his office. The men were captured fn raid made several nights ago and the mayors talk gVew out of the plea made to him by the attorney for the defendants to reduce their fines.
 None of the young men are profes- slonal gamblers but hold responsible po- sitions and after his talk the mayor re- duced their fines to $15 apiece with the understanding that the next time they must stand the full limit of the law
 T am down on gambling more than I am whisky" said Mayor o'Brien. T am speaking to you young men now in this way because I am old enough to be your grandfather, and what 1 have seen during my life has caused me to learn that gambling finally results in nothing but misery. Even though you may play cards just for fun at first you will soon find yourself growing cold and hardened. Love will be forgotten and you will steal from your employer, your brother, your father or your mother. What an end to come top
 Mayor OBrien cited an instance of where local young man had been ruined by the gambling habit. That young man never dreamed when he first start ed gambling of finishing in the way he did," said the mayor Gambling is the worst possible thing for a young man to start, and my advice to you is to stop it right now.'
 Each of the young men thanked the mayor for his kindness and promised to remember his words and never be caught gambling again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
NEGRO HELD FOR
 DIAMOND THIEF T

City Detectives Disheroon and Cole have placed under arrest Henry Reese, ne- gro, in connection with the Mrs. l.. c. Clarke diamond robbery. The officers feel certain that they have the guilty party.
 The robbery occurred several weeks
 ago at the Clarke residence, no one be- ing at home at the time. Nearly 5000 worth oD Ddiafnonds were stolen, one of them being a $40O ring, which has been recovered. Detectives have been work ing on the case steadily and the catch is regarded as a good one. Detective Tom Williams was also on the case and received a black hand letter threatening his life if he did not let up. The ne- gro Reese is confined in the county jail.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Attempt to kldnap Boy.

Ashland, Wis, May 24.-Ashland police today arrested John Thomas. alias Ryan. on a charge of attempting to kidnap Gordon Clayton, the 10-year-old son of a Northern railroad engineer. Ryan, it Is charged, yesterday picked up the boy on tho street as the latter was waiting for his father. The lad was locked in box car all night but escaped Just as his captor was preparing to disguise him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Walter T. Hanson,

Victor H. Hanson, of the Birmingham News, has received advices telling of the death of his cousin, Walter T. Hanson, in New York The deceased was a soA of Maj. J. F. Hanson. president of the Central of Georgia Railway company and was president of the Bibb Manufacturing company of Macon. Ga., one of the larg- est cotton mills in the south. Death oc- cured at the Hotel Belmont. New York. following an acute attack of indil(Vstion. The remains were cremated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Medal Awarded to AaassIz.

London, May A.-At the annual meet ing this afternoon of the Royal Geographi- cal society, the Victoria research medal, awarded to Prof. Alexander Agassz of Cambridge Mass, last month. was handed over to Ambassador Reid for transfer to the recipient.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
DEATHS AND FUNERALS,
J. R. Brook.

Mrs Florence Reed of Birmingham has received notice of the death of her fath- CT, J. R. Brook, at Dalton, Ga. The de- ceased was GA years of age and a Con- federate veteran.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-25
Marriage License Issued.

The following marriage license was is- sued yesterday from the office ppf the probate court:
 Walter Capps of Bessemer to Miss Ln- ma May Oliver.