davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
NEGROES SENT TO.
 JAIL FOR PERJURY
Became So HopeIessIy Mixed in Tes- timony That Judge Fort
 Took a Hand.

Judge William E. Fort, acting senior judge of the criminal court made an example of five negro witnesses in the second division of the criminal court yes terday morning. exhibiting the fact that 1t is dangerous to play with slip-shod and apparently false evidence in the trial of cases in the criminal court.
 Mac Woody negro charged with va rious offenses, was on trial before Judge Fort and five witnesses were witnesses in the case. It seems that the testimony given by these witnesses in court yester- day differed greatly from that which they gave before the grand jury, and the more they tried to explain the Inconsistencies of their statements yesterday the deeper they got in the mire.
 Judge Fort became suspicious, and after a number of interrogations he decided that the matter was worth Investigating. Accordingly he had the bailiff in the courtroom place the five negroes under arrest and they were committed to the county jail on charges of perjury to await the action of the grand jury. The five negroesf are Edgar Williams, Monroe Thomas, will Williams, billiard Jones and Lover Winsett.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
COM M ERCIAL CLUB
Will Be Reorganized By Tuscaloosa
 Business Men.

Tuscaloosa, June 3.-(Special.) )-There was a large crowd at the city building last night in response to a call for a mass meeting issued by Mayor Faulk a few days ago. The meeting was stated by Mayor Faulk, who called it to or der, to be for the purpose of organiz- ing a commercial club or board of trade. On motion he was made permanant chair man and the names of E. l.. Clarkson and G. B. Worthen put in nomination for secretary, the former being elected.
 number of citizens made stirring speeches of practical nature, pointing out the needs of such an organization here and the marked effect it might have on the business interests.
 Talks were made by pr. George Little, Daniel Collier, w. H. Raiford, A. S. Van de Graff, w. E. Bingham, F. G. Blair, M. J. Maloney, Fleetwood Rice. F. s. Moody, c. B. Worthen and l.. H. Max well. Finally a motion prevailed that the chair appoint a committee of seven to draft plan of organization, means of conducting it with such other sug- gestions as might appear proper and re- port back to meeting to be called when the committee Is ready to report
 The chairman appointed the following on the committee: Chairman, F. G. Blair; W. H. Raiford, L. II. Maxwell, M. J. Maloney. F. w. Monnish, D. l.. Rose- nau and H. A. Snow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
FINDING OF NEGRO GIVES
 INDICATION OF ROBBERY

An unknown negro, at first supposed to have been murdered but who had evidently been drugged and robbed, was found secreted behind a boot black stand on Second avenue between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets this morning at 1 o'clock by negro boy who operates the stand.
 The boy states that he saw six or eight men carry the negro across Sec ond avenue from a vacant lot on the opposite side of the street and while two of the men watched the street the others hid the unconscious negro be- hind the stand.
 It was reported to the county Jail, the coroner and at police headquarters that the negro was dead. but an in- vestigation seemed to indicate that the negro had been drugged and robbed There was no oder of whisky about him. He was removed to the hospital, but just how serious his condition was could not be ascertained this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
SNYDER DROWNS
 AT LOCK NJ. 15 Cofferdam In Warrior River Is
 Damaged NIGHT SUPERINTENDENT Engineer R. o. Finley and Fireman Rasberry Jones, Negro, Have
 Narrow Escape-snyder's
 ~ Body Not Recovered.
NIGHT SUPERINTEN DENT

Tuscaloosa, June 3.-(Special)-As a re- suit of the rapidly rising river here a serious accident occurred at lock No. Is on the Warrior river this afternoon in which John Snyder night superintendent of the works was drowned and Engineer R. O. Finley and his negro fireman, Rasberry Jones, narrowly escaped the same fate
 An effort fas being made to weight down the railroad tracks inside the coherdam at the lock site before the high water got into the dam while the work was progressing.
 The river broke over the dam and washed away the track, overturning the locomotive and sweeping all before it. The superintendent was carried down by the water, but Finley jumped to nearby crib thereby saving himself. The negro Jones was thrown into the water but managed to swim out.
 Search Is being made for Snyder's body, but as yet it has been unsuccessful. His home was at South Pittsburg, Tenn. The accident occurred about 1:30 o'clock to- day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
DOCTORS LOSE IN
 FAIRNESS MATTER
SUPREME COURT HOLDS THAT COUNCIL CAN KEEP CITY BAG TERloLoGIST APART FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

The supreme court has rendered a final decision on the question as to whether the city bacteriologist shall be under the city health officer, the matter being decided that the two offices are en- tirely separate.
 This brings to a close a long drawn out fight between the City Council and the Jefferson County Medical society. Matters came to an acute stage, which has re- suited in the holding up of a number of matters Personal feelings also rose be- tween City Bacteriologist Duncan and Health Officer Hardness, the two men coming to blows one day in the city clerks office.
 The medical society wanted the bacteri- ologist to be part of the health depart ment while the council was opposed to the proposition. The society took the matter into the courts fighting it all the way to the supreme court only to have it go against them
 As the result of the fight the council refused to re-elect Dr. Hardness as health officer upon the society's recommenda- tion which has produced another unique situation. 1.-The council can only elect a man nominated by the society and the society refuses to nominate any one else than Hardness. Dr. Hardness is still holding the position, 1t being necessary for him to remain in office until his successor Is elected.
 The ability of both Messrs. Duncan and Hardness is acknowledged by every one That they should have fallen out has been regretted by their friends and efforts are being made to smooth the troubled wa ters Each has done good work for the city and it is not believed that a better man could be secured for their respective positions. It is also strongly believed that the council will re-elect Dr. Hark- ness upon the renomlnation of the medi- cal society
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
 IS NOW IN FULL SWING

The membership campaign of the Cham Der of Commerce is coming on apace, the list having swelled last night to 72 applicants. and plans materialized which will probably double the number within short while
 Chairman Hill Ferguson. of the com mittee is mailing 1000 personal letters to select men of the city who ought to be members of the chamber. This letter explains the advantages which will accrue in the new building, including club rooms, lunch and rest rooms, and it gives them the opportunity of becom- ing members while the admission fee is low. as it will be raised after the new building is occupied.
 The list of applicants received up to date includes George M. Morrow, James Paeshe, c. E. Thomas, W. S. Davis, A. B. Loveman, J. H. Holcombe, w. K. McAdory. H. L. Bailey T. H. Joy, S. M. Day. E. R. Stewart R. H. Cobb, F. J. White. T. L. Woodruff. W. E.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Birmingham. May 29, 1909.
Immigration and the South.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 l have just seen your editorial of the 24th iHst. 'To Keep Out Immigrants" and as a southerner and one deeply in- terested in the immigration question, beg to have a few words with you and if am not presumng too much with your readers also, l trust you will honor. this communication or parts of it with publication.
 Your first statement that the northeast congested districts are endeavoring to re- E strict immigration is only part of the whole truth. They demand it, or the dis tribution of their present surplus con- gested foreign populations and the diver sion of the present enormous alien in- 1ux from southeast Europe and western Asia containing such large proportion of insane, paupers, black hand criminals and brownsh peoples of the negroid race to sections of the country in favor of this new immigration and opposed to re- striction.
 In view of the action of your and most of the state legislatures of our 46 states in abolishing bureaus of immigration, re- fusing to establish such and in resolving in favor of immediate restrictions the passage of stringent restriction resolu- tions by Farmers unions, labor unions patriotic societies, charity organizations and the formation of restriction and reg ulation leagues and the universal inter- est and demand for such, as well as the fall in wages in the northeast and the large number of unemployed. I would respectfully challenge your statement about the needs of the south and west These facts are called attention to by Senator Lee s. Overman, who introduced the amendment increasing the present head tax of $4 (not g as you state) to BIO, in speech in the Senate, April 26, 1908.
 I would also question your statement about this country having always in-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04

Thomas, Tom B. Taylor. J. c. Rein hardt A. o. Kehrn. L. c. Mackey. Frank A. Hewitt, R. F. Lovelady5 A. R. Wilk- erson, ". A. Barton, R. K. Edwards, J. E. Johnson. ". II. Jordan, H. c. Ab- bolt, H. V. Abbott, H. H. Turner. c. J. Perry. M. Well, N. G. Tyler, H. M. Robertson, w. V. NJ. Robertson, T. P. Wimberly " H. Durand, J. V. Allen, C. R. Johnson, R. S. Allen, E. A. Holmes, J. ". Russell, Charles Davis, John Fletcher, c. D. Esdale, F. c. Turner, J. F. Doster, c. c. Nesmith B. H. Coop CT. W. o. Broyles. J. Mercer Barnett. Edgar Alder, A. A Adams, A. L. Full enwider, Harry Shorter H. W. Beecroft, A. J. Bowron, A. G. Donahoo. Turner R. Weakley John B. Rosenstihl, c. ". Shropshire T. P. Perry, N. B. Lewis, Robert L. Totten, J. S. Gillespie, John W. Tomlin, Charles Simmons, Job Going, William L. Welton, Fuller Manley, J. I. Blount. Richard N. Hawkins. B. A. Key holds, Borden Burr, Gus Pope, T. U. Walter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
LADY OF SORROWS
 SCHOOL EXERCISES

The music pupils and senior class of the school attached to the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows had their com mencement entertainment at Cable hall last night There was large audience present and the various numbers were heartily applauded.
 The programme was as follows
 "Galop de Concert" Misses ". M. Shields and A Corey, Misses E. Corey and V White.
 Sacred chorus, vocal class.
 Address, Miss M. Clark.
 "Danse Dun Hanneton," Misses S. Sims and K. Coby, Misses M. Lambert and M. Price.
 "Old Mans Motto," Miss N. Mullen. Sextet, Misses F. Klyce and l. Duncan, Misses K. McCarty and M. Lambert Misses s. Sims and F. Carau.
 Vocal duet, girls.
 Pearl of the Ocean," Misses L. Rob inson and E. Murray, Misses A. Coyle and M. Kraas.
 Essay, Miss A. Corey.
 Plano solo, Miss w. M. Crawford. Golden Band March, Misses J. Dillon and M. Coyle, Misses w. Glib and F. Klyce Misses K McCarty and I. Duncan.
  McHale.
 Quartet. Misses K. McCarty and F. Ca- rau, Masters R. McCarty and L. Haley. Solo, Miss S. Blanchard.
 Overture, Misses w. M. Crawford and K Crawford, Misses A. Riddle and w. M. Shields.
 ''The Maid of Orleans" Miss c. owens. Overture, Misses N. Mullen and F. Klyce, Misses M. Lambert and V. White. Recitation. Blowers, the Stars of Earth" intermediates.
 claytons March, Misses A. Riddle and G. Afford.
 Vocal duet, Let Us Dance on the Sands" (Glover), pupils.
 ''Le Trot du Cavalier" Misses E. Corey and K. Crawford Misses A. Riddle and A. Corey.
 Duo, Misses S. Depiano and A. Riddle. Dialogue-The Six Virtues: Charity, Miss l. Dillon; Mercy, Miss c. Owens; Hu- manity, Miss N. Herman; Modesty, Miss w. NJ Shields; Patience, Miss M. Sea- man; Temperance, Miss M. McArdle. Song, Charity" senior girls Accom- panist, Miss N. Mullen.
 Overture, Misses w. M. Crawford and A. Riddle, Misses K. Crawford and w.. M. Shields.
 Graduates Farewell, Miss E. Corey. Graduating honors conferred by the Rev. Father O'Kelly upon Miss Willie Mae Crawford in music, Miss Artie Corey in English, Miss Ella Corey in English. Closing chorus, senior vocal class.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
BOWRON IS SUGGESTED
 FOR COMPLIMENTARY

to the rumor, declaring that it would be in the line with all the Presidents other appointments since he entered the office. While on the other hand many believe that J. Rivers Carter will be given a second term, or that Judge Joseph Montgomery will be appointed.
 The long delay in filling this office has led many to believe that the President was searching for other than candidates for timber to fill the place. MT. Bowron has always been true blue republican, and is one of the most popular men in the city with men of both parties. The connection of his name with the place, however, so far appears no moro than a persistent rumor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04

The rumor struck Birmingham Wednes- day that James Bowron, one of the best known citizens of Birmingham will re- ceive the appointment to the postmas- tership of the Birmingham office. It has gained wide circulation and is being con- sidered seriously by all the gossipers around the federal building.
 An effort to find out where the rumor originated, or upon what fact it was based, did not develop anything new on the subject. Several prominent republi- cans have been to Washington lately, and it is possible that the President has inquired about MT. Bowron.
 Some of the most prominent officehold- CTS in the district attach great credence
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MT. cIayton's Speech.

To the Editor of The AgeHerald.
 Dear Sir: I would be glad if you would allow a small space for few remarks anent the speech of the Hon. MT. Clay ton which appeared in your paper re- gently.
 The burden of the speech is that some of the original states were slow in join ing in the "more perfect union" pro- vided by the constitution, and by impli- cation we ought to be afraid of en- croachments upon our rights by the fed eral government for the same reasons that moved the people of certain of the the original states.
 1iIn 17S7 the constitution was new and untried experiment. It is a long time ago. Generations have lived and died under it. What encroachments of the general government are we suffering from now?
 2. Alabama was not one of the dissent ing or doubtful states. She came into the union of her own free will, in the year 1919. The enabling act of Congress March ?, 1S19 provided that the conven- tion of the territory, to quote: Shall first determine whether it be- or be not, expedient, at that time, to form a constitution and state government. . And if it be determined to be expedient, the convention shall be, and hereby are, authorized to form constitution and state government" At that time dS19) the constitution had been tested during peace and war for a generation.
 3. If the people of Alabama were not 0P should they be so fearful now?
 4 As an instance of encroachment upon the rights of the states MT. Clayton men, tions the attitude of the late President in the matter of the exclusion of Jap anese children from public schools in California. He claims, that Mir Roosevelt was one of the most careless of execu- tiyes regarding the states rights. Now, every person of ordinary information knows that the California ordinances in the matter were contrary to the treaty obligations of the United States, and that government treaties are, under the consti- tuition 'the supreme law of the land" In that case the state was encroaching upon the rights or the perogatives of the federal government. So that the lesson to be learned from the instance cited is the reverse of that which the honorable gentleman would teach. Furthermore, the constitution provision touching treaties is necessary to the very existence of the government, so as to prevent emboil ment with other friendly powers. This is matter of sort, unfortunately, which does not appear to appeal much to some of our statesmen
 Alabama has much to hope for and to expect from the general government. The safety and honor of the government are as necessary and important to her as are her own institutions. It would appear as though a hearty and friendly atti- tude toward the rest of the country would do us more good than the captious, suspicious and provincial spirit too often exhibited. Very respectfully
 CRAWFORD DOUGLASS.
 Birmingham, May 29, 1909,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
At Hartselle.

Hartselle, June 3.-(Special )-The ex- ceedingly heavy rains the past two days have put all the creeks in the county out of banks and the lowlands are coy- cred with water, greatly injuring the young corn. Something like half of the cotton acreage of the county Is yet to plant and the farmers are feeling very blue. It Is possible that if the rain con- tinues for another week or so much of the land that has been prepared for cotton will be planted in corn. There is already more corn planted in the county by per- past. The disposition of a great many planters is to raise corn and hogs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
RAIN DAMAGING
 ALABAMA FARMS Ctops Are Being Abandoned In
 Some Places
GENERAL RAIN YESTERDAY
Several Inches Fall in Many Places over the State-Wet June Con- sidered Fatal to Cot.
 ton Crop.

The continued rains are doing great damage over the entire state. In many places in Middle and South Alabama large tracts of land already planted have been abandoned on account of so much wet weather.
 Labor cannot be secured to keep down the foul growth the few days that work can be prosecuted.
 The farmers in some sections have adopted the plan of working ahead in the rain and while the ground is wet It is said that so long as the rains con- tinue the working of the land wet does no serious harm
 The limit was reached yesterday when rail fell over most of the state for about 20 hours. beginning early Wednesday night. Two and three inches of water fell in many places.
 The streams are all rising and damage from this source is expected. wet June is always considered fatal to the cotton crop and it is to be hoped that the general rain of yesterday is near the end.
 The rainfall in Birmingham for 24 hours yesterday was 2.6s inches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
DAVIS MEMORIAL.
w. w. Brandon Makes Stirring Address
 at Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa, June 3.-(Special. )-Jeffer- son Davis birthday was fittingly cele- brated here this afternoon by entertaining auspices of the R. E. Rodes chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy. A largo crowd was out to attend the exercises and they were much enjoyed. The speak CT of the occasion was Gen. W. w. Bran- don, who made a short though stirring address on the memory of Davis. The regular order of the exercises were as follows: Prayer, by Rev. G. l.. Jenkins; chorus, by Children of the Confectionery: address, by General Brandon chorus, by children; conferring of crosses of honor; recitation, by Katrina Brown; Dixie" and chorus by entire audience; benedlc- ton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
LARGE CROWDS SEE
 ECLIPSE OF MOON

Large crowds gathered last night to watch the total eclipse of the moon which was visible in Birmingham. IndI- cations early in the day were that 1t would be so cloudy in the evening that the moon could not be seen but the weather cleared before dusk and the eclipse was plainly visible. The earth's shadow began moving across the moon shortly after o'clock and the eclipse was at it's height a few minutes past 8 o'clock. A little after o'clock the moon had assumed it's normal brilliance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Daughters Elect Officers.

Tuscumba, June 3.-(Special )-The fol- lowing officers have been elected by the Tuscumbia chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, to serve the coming year: Mrs. J. N. Thompson, president; Mrs. E. P. Rand, vice president; Miss Bessie Rather, secretary; Miss Ernestine Hogan treasurer, Mrs. A. F. McClesky, registrar; Mrs. Julia Goodloe, historian; Mrs A. H. Carmichael, director.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
State at Larqe.

Montgomery, June 3.-The crop outlook is a pessimistic one for farmers in Ala bama. Not in 25 years before has such weather prevailed so generally over tho state. It has rained every day for week or more, and creeks and rivers are out of their banks. practically destroy ing all growing crops Only about half a crop will be made this year and all work on the farms will be seriously re- tarded.
 While the rainfall has been general, crops in the western part of the state have suffered the most Farmers in that section are disheartened and it looks if all crops in the lowlands will have to be abandoned.
 In almost all the lowlands of the state corn, oats and cotton have been washed away and 1t will not pay the farmers to replant, even if the lands get sufficiently dry, as the season will be too late. Bridges have been washed away, fences are down and fields are devasted
 No let up in the general cloudiness and almost continued rain seems to be in sight and the month of June bids fair to show the same amount of precipitation as did the month of May, which showed a total of 4.S1 inches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
DEATHS AND FUNERALS.
pr. J. c. Walker.

Dr. J. c. Walker, aged S6 years, died at s:3O o'clock last night at the family resi- dence, 1616 Eleventh avenue, south, suc- cumbing to an operation for apepndicitis. He was operated on about eight days ago and was removed from the ir- firmary to his residence Tuesday. A wid ow and several brothers and sisters sur vive him. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Clinton Rhodes.

Clinton Rhodes, the 11-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Rhodes, died yes terday afternoon at the family residence. s2S North Forty-fourth street. The re- mains will be sent to Augusta Ga~, at 4 clock this afternoon by Shaw & Son for interment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Mrs. Lena Loeb.

Funeral services were held at 12:9O o'clock yesterday afternoon over the re- mains of Mrs. Lena Loeb in the parlors of the Green Undertaking company. In terment was in Temple Emanuel ceme- tery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
At Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa, June 3.-(SpeciaL )-Tusca- loosa was visited last night and this morning by one of the heaviest rainfalls of the year. Since about midnight last night and up to noon when the rain ceased the government record showed 3.74 inches. The river Is now rising rapidly and the engineers office predicts stage of about 55 feet, which will overflow a large section of farm lands below here, and do a serious amount of damage to Tuscaloosa county farmers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Music Recital.

Union Springs, June 3.-(Special. 1.-The. music pupils of Mrs. R. J. Lawrence gave a very charming recital few days ago, only parents and relatives being pres ent, and at the close refreshments were served by the popular music teacher.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Death of Infant

The infant son of MT. and Mrs Kern Fitzpatrick died yesterday morning at the family residence. 1863 Avenue C. Funeral services will be held at the residence to- morrow morning at 10 o'clock and inter- ment will be in Oak Hill cemetery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
HILBERT STOVER DIES.
Was Injured in DanviIIe Storm Some
 Weeks Ago.

Hartselle, June Especial )-Elbert Stover, who was fatally injured in the storm which occurred near Danville a few weeks ago, died at the home of his father last Wednesday. All the others that were injured are reported better.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Luna Huuhes.

Luna Hughes the 5-year-old daughter of MT. and Mrs. G. o. Hughes, died Wednesday at the family residence in Avondale The remains were sent to Cor dova yesterday morning by the Green Undertaking company for interment.