davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Gredf Work Of Southern
 Commercial Congress

Washington, March 5.-Distinguished men from every part of the country, jurists, senators, representatives and leaders of the business world attended a dinner tonight In honor of Col. John NJ. Parker of New Orleans, La, president of the Southern Commercial congress. The occasion reflected in a marked degree the rapid strides which the congress has made since 1t was launched in this city three months ago as a potent and vigor- ous agency for greater nation through out a greater south"
 This slogan was the keynote of notable speeches prophetic of the achievements to follow the vigorous campaign of the congress in it's mission of revealing to the whole country the souths wonderful resources.
 Addresses were delivered by ". ". Finley, president of the Southern Rail- way: Senator Joheph F. Johnston of Ala bama. former Senator Henry Gassaway Davis of West Virginia, Representative Joseph E. Ransdell of Louisiana, Repre- sentative Robert L. Henry of Texas, and others. Thomas G. Boggs. of Baltimore, secretary of the Merchants and Manufac7 turers' association, was toastmaster.
 Our souther section Is a land rich in natural resources and abounding in op- portunity," declared MT. Finley. ''The splendid record of accomplishment made by It's people In building an agricultural, industrial and commercial empire upon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
ARMY
 NEAR THE FRONTIER.

the ruins left by war is an assurance of greater progress yet to come What has already been accomplished may be re- garded as little more than a demonstra- ton of the extent of the southern soil. mines and forests, and of the possibii- ties of a diversified country. While do- ing their full part for the development of their section, the southern people wei come the efficient and industrious from other sections and from other lands. The man with money to invest, and the man seeking profitable employment will each find abundance of southern opportuni- ties. In fact, I do not believe that in any other section of the country can man who Is not afraid to work find conditions more favorable for his advancement than in the southern states.
 "It is the mission of the Southern Com mercial congress to voice the call of the south for men of capital and enter utilization of It's manifold resources. In my opinion, the success of the organi- zation will depend in very large meas ure upon the plan aoopted for it's work. It will, of course, aim to supply the most complete and detailed information that can be obtained as to the resources of the south. I believe that the most i'm portant economic problem that concerns our section at this time is that of adequacy of transportation facilities. It Is in the field of disseminating informa- tion as to the south and iIs resources, and of forming public opinion, as to those economic policies which are essential to the highest degree of prosperity that the Southern Commercial congress may work most efficiently"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
HARTMAN SAYS BIG ROADS
 SHOULD AID LITTLE ONES

power to allow the railroads to enter into mutual management-that is, per hitting the strong roads of the country to extend their credit and protection over into a mutual arrangement-that Is, per contemplated Improvements be rushed through to completion.
 This means, of course, the eXpend- ture of an immense amount of money, and I belietve, eventually 1t will result in reduction in the cost of operation and in charges.
 At the present time you know there is a clause in the law which prohibits one road having any control over a par allel competing line. That is what we want changed. It is a question of the weaker and the stronger. If the strong CT are allowed to come to the aid of the weaker roads there will be a great betterment of conditions all along the line, and the employment of thousands of men, and the opening of many new lines"
 Asked whether this would mean a marked reduction in rates, MT. Harri- man said he preferred not to talk of rate reductions He preferred not to talk about the changes which it had been said arc to be made in the personnel of the officers of the Southern Pacific and other roads over which he has control. He conference or give any reason for the presence of so many of his lieutenants In this part of the country at this time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16

Pasadena, Cal, March 15.-There Is a report today that E. H. Hartman has in mind a scheme to bring about a mu- tual understanding in regard to traffic arrangements between all the roads of the country and uniformity of rates that will be generally to the benefit of the stockholders and that the conference which is to be held here while MT Har- riman is here will be concerned more or less, with the plan,
 Not all of the railroad men who are to take part in the conference have ar rived and nothing of importance has yet been attempted. c. o. Butterworth of the New York Central road is ex- pected tomorrow.
 Mir Hartman evidently expects that Congress. at the special session, will make some amendments to the laws gov erning the interstate commerce commis- sion's work which would permit of the merger He seemed surprised today over the fact that mention of the matter had not been made before.
 Mir. Hartman was asked How soon do you expect the railroads to resume work on the improvements that were con- templated before the panic?''
 You may say" he answered, that as soon as an amendment is passed giving the interstate commerce commission
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
TEXAS SPEAKER
 OF HOUSE QUITS

Austin, Tex, March 15.-Following the resignation of A. M Kennedy as speak CT of the house of representatives. in com pliance with a resolution adopted before the close of the regular session Saturday. and the election of John J. Marshall of Grayson county as his successor. by an almost unanimous vote, the house today adjourned until Wednesday afternoon in order to go tonight to Fort Worth as the guests of that city.
 Mir Marshall is a compromise candi- date between the ultra Kennedy and anti Kennedy factions, and one in close touch with the present state administration.
 The senate today started off in a rapid manner. A sine die resolution to end the extra session on April 15 was intro duced, but no action was taken and will not be, as the governor will send in other subjects for legislation before that time. Fourteen bills were introduced in the senate today including a bank guaranty and court reform measure.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
CANNON IS ELECTED SPEAKER
 BUT HIS TYRANNY IS BROKEN
Y TeIegraph Service M ;, Paris Mai7led By Strike

mitted that it was simply demonstra- tion.
 At the meeting of the general associa- tion s'i the speeches indicated that the indig n of the telegraphers was di- -nsatssrs,ss sneipally against Secretary Sim yolA'.S.s Q is exceedingly unpopular not O o .E dth the post teegrapher em- .s,S but with the public. on account = e inexorable telephone service. v ie girl operators employed in the tele- 'r. one bureaus in the afternoon had 2 unanimously decided to abide by the de- cision of tonights meeting, while 3o0 railway mail clerks due to leave on out going trains during the course of the eveningh also decided to await that de- cision The strike. therefore, involves the various branches of the service. Less than a third of the railway mail clerks failed to report for duty
 The government put forth every effort to preserve international communication, but the central telegraph station was de- moralized tonight and practically out of commission, communication abroad through this station stopping at O clock. The bourse station, however, was all most normal and there was not much interference with the telephone service. so far as could be ascertained at late hour.
 M. Pataud. secretary of the Electric ians union, who had openly threatened to Cdll Oul the tictliiCiohsr hhaoc lio iiiOf V to do so. The real test of the extent and seriousness of the strike will come when the day shift reports for duty at O clock tomorrow morning.
 Both telegraphic and telephonic com- munication witli London was greatly in- terrupted, not so much on account of the strike, however but because of fierce storm, which prevailed during the night. Some of the London correspondents are sending their dispatches by way of New York to which both land lines of the cable remain open.
 The English postmen have telegraphed s5000 to the strikers
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
COOPER CASE AGAIN
 DELAYED FOR A DAY

Paris March 15.-A general strike of the telegraphers of the postoffice depart ment was declared this evening, following a meeting of the General Association of Postal Telegraph employees, at which 5Qla. were present. The resolution to strike was voted without a single dissenting voice and orders were issued for the withdrawal of all operators employed in the telegraphic bureaus of the departt ment sS
 The resolution recites that the SC, action is taken as a protest agains, e
 arbitrary and tyrannical administd
 and that the decision was precipitateo by an insult addressed by M. Smyon un-- der secretary of posts and telegraphs, to the officials of the association. Some time prior to taking vote the General Association of Employees issued a state ment protesting vigorously against M. Simyon's charges that the movement was anarehistic They declared that 1t was designed solely to protect their in- terests. The resolution adapted also pledges the members of the association to resist any measures of repression and provided that an urgent appeal shall be issued to- the telegraphers in the provinces to join in the movement.
 The meeting dssbanded without dis turbance of police and mounted municipal guards about the building were not re- quired. The committees of the various branches of the service immediately de- clared themselves permanent and be- gan active work in organizing the strike. Nevertheless, the general opinion was, as soon as the men and women returned to their homes that the strike would only be partial. and that it would probab- ly be short lived. Many of them ad
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
BIG STEEL COMPANY CUTS
 WAGES ABOUT ONE-TENTH

on a high level, although the steel trade was passing through depression, which, In it's intensity was more severe than anything that has occurred since the early 90s.
 Until December last the indications tended to the likelihood of an early and well rendered resumption of business. The prominence given to the tariff discussion during the public hearings of the ways and means committee, however, brought about a waiting attitude on the part of buyers.
 ,The disappointing reduction in the volume of business and a consequent straining for orders, forced the steel mar ket into a condition of demoralization.
 Normal conditions can only be re- stored gradually after a satisfactory con- cluson of the extra session of Congress and the enactment of tariff bill drawn up with fixed purpose of conserving the American markets to Americans on the basis of American conditions and standard of living.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
PAYNE TARIFF BILL
 MAY BE DELAYED

Washington, March 15.-The Payne tar if bill may not be introduced in the House tomorrow. It is understood sev- eral matters remain unsettled. MT. Payne will issue statement to accompany the bill.
 Instructions were given tonight by Chairman Payne to have the bill sent to the public printer tomorrow.
 Indications late tonight were that the bill would not be introduced tomorrow as it Is proposed to have 1t printed before It's presentation. The subcommittee de- cided not to report the bill until the Presidents message had been read In the House.
 we believe" said a republican mem Der of the ways and means committee, that it is best to spend another day of deliberation on the bill now to per feet details rather than to be forced to spend a week later or have the bill delayed through any imperfections than can be eradicated before 1t is intro dured
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
HARTMAN SUIT
 TO BE TAKEN UP

Chicago, March 15.-C. A. Severance, special assistant to the attorney general of the United States, who is in charge of the governments dissolution suit against the Hartman combination of rail- roads arrived in Chicago today prepared to take up the examination of witnesses tomorrow morning before Special Exam iner Sylvester G. Williams.
 More than 30 witnesses have been sub poenaed. Among them are representatives of big Chicago mercantile houses and manufacturers.
 The suit was started by the govern ment in Utah, January 2S. 1908. and in it Edward H. Hartman. Jacob Schiff, Otto H. Kahn. James Stllman. H. H. Rogers and Henry c. Prick are charged with conspiracy to restrain competition among western railroads over which Mir Har- riman and his associates are alleged to have gained control.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16

Harrisburg, Pa, March 15.-The Penn sylvania Steel company, one of the lars- est of the independent steel companies in the country, has announced reduc- ton in wages approximating 10 per cent, effective April 1.
 The order reducing wages stated that the reduction would be made pending return of normal business conditions. The order was surprise to the 5000 em- ployes Nine thousand men are employed at the plant when it is running full time.
 w. " Reynders, vice president of the company, tonight gave out statement in reference to the reduction in which ne said: Wage reductions on the part or various steel interests have recently ap- peared in the papers and others are III contemplation. Throughout the year lsoS our wages and salaries were maintained
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16

They pierced that ~poor widows heart.
 They went into the life of that little
 hoy and took out of it a generous fath- CTS care. ,.,
 "I know you will not let crime ike that go unwhipped of justice. IT there
 is any truth in the statement that you cannot convict man of means Of mur- der who is to blame? Not the judge. From his charge you cannot tell whether the defendants are black or white IL is the fault of jurors. gentlemen, 1T they permit high protected counsel to obscure the issue.
 License to Kill. "we have in the office here thousands of blank murder indictments. We ex-
 pect to fill them out and they will be filled out much faster gentlemen If you decide that a man can be. licensed to go out on the street and kill My duty is done. I hope it is done we'll My conscience is clear. l am responsible for everything I have said or done.
 of 1t be untrue that a rich man can
 not he convicted then stand. up and hv your verdict give it the lie, denounce this libel upon Tennessee. The work
 is done and all can say to the spirit
 that is gone again. orator. statesman, Christian gentleman and friend, fare we'll"
 Judse Hart then announced: oJt is necessary to hear all the argu- ments before formulating a charge. will prepare the charge as rapidly as I can. I hope to reach 1t some time to- morrow. The audience will have 10 en- tertain itself until then. There are pic- tnre shows in full blast and they have been complaining that I have been talk ing away their trade General Garner arose to say that ne did
 not accuse General Meeks, or counse for defense. of wilfully falsifying the
 record He said he thought thls s'a'e-
 ment due to the general
 The court then adjourned until a. m. tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Turkey and Russia Agree.

St. Petersburg, March 15-The pro- longed negotiations between Rafaat Pacha and M. IswolslSy, respectively the Turk lsh and Russian foreign ministers, in con nection with the financial arrangement of the Turkish Bulgarian difficulty, have reached. This is a compromise between the Russian and Turkish proposals for the capitalization of the war indemnity, which, in accordance with the Berlin treaty of 1878, Turkey is to pay Russia for 100 years. It Is understood the ar engagements exempt Turkey from the pay ment of installments of the debt to Rus sia for 40 years. which will compensate Turkey for the non-payment of indemnity by Bulgaria
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
INDEX OF TODAY's NEWS

Page |. Speaker Cannons power broken. Trouble increasing in Central America. Cooper trial delayed one day. Telegraph service stopped in Paris. Great work of Southern Commercial congress Petition to foreclose Atlanta, Birming- ham and Atlantic mortgage. Big steel company cuts wages. Hartman talks of railroad control.
 Page 2. Jonesboro- votes in favor of $3ooOO bonds.
 Page }. Busy scenes around new Harbeson- Walker plant at Ensley. Flood fruitful of fake stories. Wild rumors go out from Selma
 ps,e q. Editorial comment
 Page 3. Business Mems league banquet bril- liant success. from Indiana for information on prohi- bition. Senator Deliver cancels engagement in High school lyceum course. Medical society heard address by Dr. Dock.
 Page 5. Columbus school used as model. Two automobiles hit men in road yes terday and in each instance ran away.
 Page i. Birmingham society. Feminine fancies by Dolly Dalrymple.
 Page g. Stocks are very sluggish and lower. Cotton declines a few points. Wheat reacts downward in active mar. ket
 Page 1O Dorando defeats Hayes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16

Atlanta, March 15.-The Old Colony Trust company today filed in the Uniteo States court a petition asking for fore closure of its mortgage on the property of the Atlanta. Birmingham and Atlantic railroad and the Georgia Terminal com pany.
 The interested parties were notified that a hearing would be had on the petition before Judge Pardee of the United States circuit court of appeals at New Or leans, Thursday of this week.
 The petition also asks for the appoint ment of receivers for the property, this, benig taken as an indication that the Old Colony Trust company will seek to have the present receivers, H. M. Atkin-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Trying to Select Jury.

Jesup, Ga, March 1.-Two hundred talesmen were summoned today from whom an effort will be made tomorrow to select a jury to try former Sheriff w. B. Lyens and his son, former Deputy F. A. Lyens, for the killing of M. Flem- ing Smith. druggist, here on the night of December IA, 1908. It Is not thought change of venue will be asked though the feeling here at the time of the kill ing was such that the father and son, the county's officers, were removed to Chatham county jail for safekeeping. They are now in jail here. Women here are collecting funds to erect monument to the alleged victim of the former of ficers alleging that he "died to protect the name of a woman"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
CHANGES FOR WAR SEEM
 STRONGER IN EUROPE

the other hand it Is considered favor able indication that servia has not closed the door to direct negotiations with Aus tria on economic questions
 The latest advices from Vienna tonight are to the effect that Austria has de- cided to give Servia further time to re- consider her position.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Newspapers Are Hampered.

London. March 15.-The London morn ing papers are almost without news from Paris, owing to the teegraphers strike there. There was ten hours delay in telegrams between London and Paris and direct telephone service ceased last night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Narrow Escape From Death.

Montgomery, March 15.-A special to the Advertiser from Pensacola, Fla, says: A party composed of three young white men had a narrow escape from drowning in the bay this afternoon when a sail boat in which they were crossing the bay overturned in a squall The boat was about four miles off shore and they clung to it for about two hours, when the keeper of the life saving station sighted them and went to their rescue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
onIv Six Jurors Secured.

San Francisco, March 15.-With nine weeks of proceedings entered upon the records of the court and but six jurors sworn to try the case, the bribery trial of Patrick Calhoun, president of the United railroads, made little progress to- dav Ten talesmen were discharged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
EruIt Injured ey Frost.

New Orleans. March 15.-Reports re- ceived from throughout a large section of Louisiana indicate that the fruit and pro- duce crops have been badly injured and in n any instances entirely killed as the re- suit of low temperature last night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Railroad Fined for Relating.

St. Louis, March 15.-Judge Adams in the United States circuit court of appeals today sustained decision of the St. Paul federal court which fined the Wisconsin Central railroad N7000 for granting re- bates of 5l cent per bushel on grain shipped by the Spencer company of Mill
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Texan Dies In Hotel.

Buffalo, March 15.-Johnson F. Pate. a -traveling salesman, whose home is in Austin, Texas. died from the effects of chloroform at hotel here early today. The medical examiner believes death was accidental.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Steps Toward Reorganization.

Boston, March 15-It is understood that the action taken by the Old Colony Trust company of this city in the United States court at Atlanta today is merely a fur ther step toward the reorganization of the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic railroad company. which went into the hands of receivers some time ago. The Old Colony Trust company Is trustee for the bondholders of the company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
PETITIONS TO FORECLOSE
 MORTGAGES ON A., B. & A.

son and P. S. Arkwright. president and vice president respectively, of the At lanta, Birmingham and Atlantic railroad, replaced by others.
 A similar petition will tomorrow be filed in the United States court at Bir- mingham, touching also the Alabama Ter mina company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
Situation Is Very Grave.

Berlin, March 15.-Private adviees rA-
 e8n eseut nr aa tatwtar A5st7 go Ser la as rHe pua ait r sh. tfrrit3rre sasftsr liie ffs a.ill aeaf wtfa laN ~ an nf Eel n
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16

London, March 15.-Apar from the fact that the weather conditions in Europe preclude any immediate military opera tions, it cannot be said that the rela- tions between Austria and Hungary and Servia have yet reached a point where an outbreak of hostlities is probable Throughout the negotiations that have been going on in connection with the delicate situation in the Balkans the Aus trian idea has hean - s1--- ~
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
INSURGENTS WIN AFTER
 4 MEMORABLE STRUGGLE
 UPON RULES QUESTION
The Rules Governing the House Are Amended In Several Important Particulars Which Takes
 Power From Can
 non's Hands.
By PATTERSON sTEALEY.

Washington, March 5.-(Special. .)-The House of Representatives today passed through one of the stormiest days in it's history. The long-heralded fight over the rules took place with intense excitement on the floor and packed galleries whose occupants held their places during the six long hours of the controversy. Until the last vote was taken the result was in doubt Complete victory was almost in the hands of the democrats, only to be snatched from them on compro- misc The result of the day was a dog fall' The House organization was beat en on It's proposition to re-enact the rules of the last Congress but a demo- crat, Representative Fitzgerald of New York, came to the aid of the republic ans, with every suspicion of a prear- rangement and submitted a proposition which the republican organization was only too willing to accept in order to save itself The insurgent forces were prac- tically loyal to the end. The overwhelm- ing rout of the organization was only prevented by the treachery of democratic members numbering on the various votes from three to IS.
 The upshot of the whole matter is that -ae 'ho was reelected with lsra1'aaHl ,sition will name the fIdase esI but the title of czar pas t. More liberty will be iisaea sf ling up of bills and as af ahys5s Tn conduct
 ss # House. It
 inion tonight that a made and that many ca. 5fszsar a. aaio, and go before there sa Iaa utea saa Id Reed rules which H4ss 3IHlieEsF shut off individual to ct 70 yaoro