davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31

Al. Sims-The fact that carbon mon
OXIDE is a poisonous gas is OF new dis
covery?
Mr. Forstall-No.
Mr. Sims-And 1t has been senerahy
well known?
Mr. ForstalI--It has been known ever
since I have known anything about 1t.
Mr. Sims-For a number of years:
Mr. Forstall-And / do not know how
long before that.
Mr. Sims--As you have knowledge on
this subject. tell me, as general rule.
do mayors OF municipalities or commits
sioners, where We have commissioners OF
cities, know about this. are they ac
quainted with the contents of the gas that
Continued on Fourteenth Page.1
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31

For the next five years, from 1897 to
1901, inclusive. during which there was
sun 100 per cent Of water gas distributed
the total number of accidental deaths
was 63, the average per year was
126, the average popula ton was 10000
and the average per 100 900 of popuIa ton
was 2.5. left out 1902 and 1893 because
1t Is distinctly stated by the health de-
partment records in Baltimore that they
include deaths from confederation. that
is from suffocation due to conflagration.
and they had pretty good sized fire in
Baltimore in 1908. and while there was
not a great proportion of people killed
there were enough killed to make a large
Impression on an average of twelve a
year. In 1902 and 1908. besides, it was
neither straight water gas nor a very
period of five years from 1904 to 1908,
inclusive, they had So per cent of water
gas and 40 per cent of coal gas. The
coke oven gas had come into use The
total number of accidental deaths was
IS, exactly the same as for the five
year period from 1897 to 1901 The
average for the year was the same. 1875.
had to estimate the population because
the population at $4,000, that being the
same increase that there was in the pre-
cedfng five years. and the average num-
Der of deaths per 100000 of population
has %. There was practically absolutely
no difference there between those five
year periods. during one of which they
distributed 100 per cent carbureted water
gas. and during the other of which thew
distributed 30 per cent carbureted water
gas.
At 4:30 o'clock pm the committee adj
journed until Saturday. January 80, 1909
at 10 o'clock am
The hearings were resumed yesterday
morning
Committee on the District of Columbia,
House of Representatives
Saturday. January 30, 1909
The subcommittee met at 1890 o'clock
am. Hon. ]. Hampton Moore. presiding
STATEMENT OF MIR. ALFRED T. FOR
STALL Continued
Mr.. Forstall--I stopped vest erday after
noon with the statistics from Baltimore
showing the practical equality of deaths
in proportion 10 the population, with 100
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31

the probabilities Of accident, of death or
injury to health, in using carbureted
water gas. to a level. or to an amount
not exceeding that which would be ex-
pected or would occur in the use of coal
gas.
Power of Inspection.
Mr.. Forstall--I think that in practice
they are on level now. That is the
practical effect Of the statistics that
have quoted, it seems to me to be that
they are on level now as far as danger
is concerned. Now, to reduce the danger
from gas poisoning / think there is some
thing that can be done, and ! wou.. Sug-
gest that it would be q good idea to
give the department OF health of the Dis
trict Of Columbia. in addition to their
other authority of inspection over lodging
houses and small hotels and things OF
that kind in which most of these deaths
occur. the power to provide and enforce
the provision that nothing but checked
burners shall be used in rooms in such
lodging houses and hotels: the size of
the burner to be made suitable for the
size of the room; that is, the smaller
rooms to have the smaller burners, and
in that way l think you can do away
with almost all danger Of gas poisoning
from any kind of Illuminating gas.
Mr. Sims-Do you admit that the pois
onous character of carbureted water gas
is as four or five to one. as TO coal gas?
Mr.. FOrStall-Ineofe yes.
Mr.. Sims-How is it that If 1T is four or
five times more dangerous. practically it
is not more dangerous? How do you ex-
plain that?
Mr.. Forstali-Because the exposure to
the danger takes place under such cOntli-
tions that the least dangerous gas kills
and YOU cannot be killed any deader by
the more dangerous gas.
Mr.. Sinls-That the least dangerous gas
kills with the same period of exposure
as the other?
Mr.. Forstall-No, not with the same
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31

certificates of burial, and the information
! given is the date OF death
MIR. Moore-Pardon me moment: I dc
not want TO break in on you again if ]
can avoid 1t. but l want to know whether
| you have any knowledge OF any instance
where gas company has been mulcted
| in damages by reason CT the death of any
one through the inhalation of carbon
| monoXide?
| Mr.. Forstall-Why, no; do not know
| of any, at all. There might be such cases
| without. my knowing of them. There
might be such cases. No company have
! such experience. l think that the law
| Is that when the company delivers the
| gas at the outlet of the meter its re-
| sponsibilty is ended.
Mr.. Moore-I was wondering whether
you had any information due to that
| inquiry you made at the coroner's office
| which showed that the death had been
| traced back to the gas company, OF
whether the inquiry was closed with the
| Mr.. Forstall-Yes, it is closed with the
| inquest. There is no inquest at all in
most cases. The cases OF accident IN
| which an inquest was held are marked
| In the corOner's book and there was no
| inquest on any of these gas cases, ex-
| cept where they were cases of suicide
| Then they were simply passed upon as
suicides. But the cases that were deemed
accidental after investigation by the
| cidental' and allowed to go at that
| Mr.. Taylor-The company could not be
made liable for accidents due to the
! negligence OF the user Of the gas?
Company Not Liable.
Mr.. Forstall-No. the company would
! net be liable where there was con-
tributory negligence
! Mr.. Sims-Unless the servants OF the
company were concerned in it.
| Mr.. Forstall--No. I made an analysis
OF the records of the coroner's Office Tor
the period from July l, 1899. to July 1,
1907. / had no object In selecting that
period, but that was period embraced
by the two books that were most con-
venent to get at. and / thought it COW
cred a sufficient period OF years to give
! a pretty good average, and especially as
there were not any great variations from
year to year. In that time the coroner
records show seventy-eight accidental
deaths from the inhalation Of gas. That
is over period of eight years
Mr.. Taylor--That Is here in the District
of Columbia?
Mr.. Forstall-Here in the District of
Columbia. One of these deaths I put in
because it was marked "gas poison" but
do not understand from the records just
what it was. / think it possibly ought to
be thrown out. The record was that of
the death OF Mary West, seven days
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
TUSCALOOSA COUNCIL.
Several Matters of Importance Are
 Disposed Of.

Tuscaloosa, February N,-(Special.) 1.-The regular meeting of the cfsy council was held last night at the coipcil chamber with all members present except the pres ident Dr. Shirley pr. w E. Bingham, president pro tenn, presided. An ordinance was passed establishing curb lines along the streets in Newtown. under which the water extension is to be laid also in lac cordance with a long petition from prop erty owners, a sufficient amount of money for the opening, by proper grading over railroad tracks of South Second avenue, was voted to be used for the purpose by the street committee and city engineer.
 The city attorney was instructed to prepare the proper ordinance for requlr- ing the Mobile and Ohio railroad to keep a fiagman at the intersection of it's road and Fifteenth street Two other ordi- nances were passed, one being certain reg ulations of sign posters and advertise ment distributors in the city. and the other being the granting of franchise in the streets of the city to H. B. Foster and associates for the laying of gas pipes
 The matter of determining how much ana what klnu or llre Hose to Pui Nii''7N took up considerable time, there being several samples on hand. and there be- ing considerable difference of opinion as to which was best; however 500 feet of an S0-cent hose was authorized to be bought
 J. G. Brady was authorized to place portable iron trash receivers at designated points on the street. he to be allowed to $use them for advertising purposes. The matter of Mrs. Vick's claim against the city for damage to her property on ac- count of lowering the grade of the side walk on University avenue was settled on an offer made by her that the city build four-foot retaining wall and also concrete steps to her lot level, and she pay for the sidewalk. After a short ex- ecutive session the council adjourned without further action.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Church Services.

First Methodist church. Avenue c and Twentieth street, the Rev. B. B. GIas- gow, pastor-Services at Il a. m. and 7:90 D. m., Sunday school at 9:45 a. m., J. E. Winning, superintendent.
 Christian church, Avenue F and Twenty-first street, the Rev. P. H. Duncan, pastor-Services at Il a. m. and 7:SA p. m Sunday school at 9:45 a. m.
 Presbyterian church. Avenue G and Ninteenth street. the Rev. H. c. Keg- ley. pastor-Morning services II O clock, evening services at 7:3o o'clock.
 Cumberland Presbyterian church, Avenue l and Eighteenth street. the Rev. l.. A Reagor. pastor. Services at Il a. m. and 7:SO p. m. Sunday school at 9:45 a. m.
 First Baptist church, Avenue G and Eighteenth street. the Rev. o. P. Bent ley, pastor-Services at Il a. m and 7:30 p. m., Sunday school at 9:45 a. m.
 St. Anthony's church (Catholic), Ave nue H and Twenty-first street, the Rev. Father F. c. Doyle. rector; the Rev. Father Paul Klich, assistant. Low mass and short instruction, a. m.; Sunday school, 9:3O a. m.; high mass and sermon. 10:3O a. m; rosary, litany, sermon and benediction, 7:30 D. m.
 St. Johns Episcopal church, Sixteenth street and Avenue E., the Rev. A. Craw ford, D. D., rector-7:3O a. m., holy com communion: 9:45 a. m.. Sunday school. H. w. Wallace, superintendent; Il a. m., morning prayer and sermon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
BIRMINGHAM BANK
 HAS YORK BRANCH
ALABAMA TRUST AND SAVINGS
 co. BUYS FARMERS AND MER- FKTURES-PHoNEs EXTENDED

York. February 5.=(Specia1 )-The Alabama Trust and Savings company of Birmingham has bought the bank building and fixtures formerly occupied by the Farmers and Merchants bank and will oben bank next Monday This will beta branch of the Alabama Trust and Savings company of Bir- mingham, which is one of the strongest banks in the south, and that will natur- ally mean that the branch bank here will be the strongest in the county. w K. Smith. who was down in the in- terest of the Birminghsm bank, as- sured the people here tffet their de- mands would be more than rQet and in return he was assured by thessigna- ture of the local merchants that he had the towns hearty support for this is convenience that the town has been deprived of for several months.
 There is good authority to the effect that there will be a weekly newspaper published here soon and will no oedoubt work up a neat circulation.
 The early vegetables were hurt con siderably by the freeze of a few days since. but the thrifty farmers are only more determined to make an early crop. and q large one. Replanting is being done by all and a nice. price is looked for.
 The Borger poultry yard, the largest of it's kind in the county, continues to make shipments regular, and if the de- mand continues as great. it will not be possible to supply all.
 The Southern Bell Telephone com pany has put in a number of new tele- ph ones and built a new line about seven miles south of here. The Meri- dian Home Telephone company also operates two lines out of here.
 The artesian well which is being bored here is about 1900 feet deep and water is expected at any time. There was an overflow few nights since that lasted about three hours, but discon- tinued and with a day and a night force continuous overflow is ex- pected any minute.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Riser-MassenqaIe.

Huntsville, February (Special) )- James William Riser a young tele- phone man of Montgomery employed by the American Telephone and Telegra ph company, and Miss Manice Massengale of Huntsville were married last night at the rectory of the Church of the Nativity, Rev. Dr. A. c. McCabe of ficiating. Owing to the recent death of the brides father, James Massen- gale, the wedding was a very quiet af- fair, being witnessed by a small com pany of relatives and friends. The we'd ding was to have occurred during the latter part of the month, but the cou- pie concluded to set the date up two weeks and take their friends by sur prise. MT. Riser and bride left at mid night for their future home in Mont ROmarV
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
ENGINEER IS BURNED.
Will Weathers Suffers From Peculiar
 Accident.

Selma, February 5.-(Special.)-En gineer Will Weathers of the Southern railway met with a painful though not serious accident yesterday in a rather peculiar manner. He had gone to North Selma to take his regular run out on No. 76, north. to Anniston, and had filled the lubricator of the engine with oil. He had torch in his hands and in some manner the lubricator ex- ploded, the infiammable fluid catching fire from the torch and igniting the cab of the engine.
 MT. Weathers' clothing and hair were set fire and finding the wood work of the engine in a blaze he jumped head foremost through the window. The burns received by the engineer, while very painful, are not thought to be serious. Practically all of the hair was burned from his head, but he seemed to have been able to extin- guish his clothing before any great damage was done.
 The cab of the engine, No. 3O01, was practically destroyed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Personal and General.

The Woman's Christian Temperance union held an interesting meeting yes terday afternoon at the home of Mrs J. B. Simpson, on Avenue F. The meet ing was largely attended and much inn portant business transacted. Refresh ments were served.
 R. E. Chadwick, cashier of the Bank of Ensley, received telegram from Robert Berry of Festus. -o., advising him of the death of MT. Berry's father at that point. MT. Berry was former cashier of the Bank of Ensley and has many friends here who sympathize with him in his bereavement.
 MT. C. S. Washburn of Chicago is vis- iting MT. and Mrs-J. H. Jones on Ave nue E and Twenty-third street
 Mrs Fred Sawyer and her aunt. Mrs. c. c. Lee of Florence. spent the day with Mrs. R.. D. Fonville on Avenue F and Twenty y-first street.
 Donald Broda, the little son of MT. and Mrs. Henry Broda. is quite sick at their home with chicken-pox
 Cowan Mcfarland of Empire is visit ing friends and relatives, in Ensley.
 A. J. Durfee. formerly general super intendent of the Ensley steel mill was in the city yesterday visiting friends.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Entertainment a, Success.

The novel entertainment tgiyen by the ladies of the Cumberland Presbyteran church at the bird store on Nineteenth, street is attracting much attention. The profiles of nearly 200 prominent citizens adorn the walls of the store.
 Much amusement is caused by the ef- forts to name the originals of the sil- houettes, prizes being offered to the ones naming the greatest number. Refresh ments are being served and every one seems to be enjoying the unique af- fair.
 An additional prize to those already ad- vertised is being offered by Kirkland & Greene, consisting of 100 soda water tick cts. The pictures will be kept on exhi- bition Saturday. Those desiring to retain the pictures can secure them tomorrow night at cents each.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Refinery Damaged By Fire.

broke out shortly before 3 o'clock at the $3,000,000 plant of the American Sugar re- finery at Chalmette, while a heavy gale was blowing along the river, for time threatened to assume serious proportions, but was gotten under control before it had damaged the costly main building of the plant. At late hour this afternoon the fremen had succeeded in confining the flames to the buildings in which the blaze originated. The refinery is but short distance from the famous Chalmette field, where the battle of New Orleans was fought in 1915.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
NEGRO RUNS AND
 LEAVES THE MULES
Was Trying to Sell Them to
 EnSIey Draymen
SILHOUE1IES PUZZ4NG
A Unique Entertainment Given By Ladies of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church-Personal
 and General News.

Ensley, February 5.-(special)-An un- known negro made an effort to dispose of two fine young mules to Several or the draymen here this afternoon He offered them at a very low figure, which aroused the suspicious of the draymen. One of them seeing Officer John Wren in the distance suggested the negro wait until Mir Wren could be notified. At the mention of the officers name the negro left the mules and did Marathon time down the street, making toward Pratt City.
 Dennis Echols and his trained blood hounds were called into service, and he and the officer traced the negro nearly to North Birmingham, when the heavy shower came. up and the trail was lost The mules are said to be the property of the Standard oil company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
LITTLE BABY HORRIBLY BURNED By Boiling Grease Skin All Came off One Side of Face and Head Tried an Ointment which Made It All Fester-Wee Sufferer Seemed Disfgured for Life.
CURED WITHOUT A
 MARK BY .CUTICURA

"About a year and eight months ago my baby, aged ten months, was sitting on the mat beside the fender and we were preparing the breakfast when the frying pan full of boiling grease was upset and it went all over one side of the babys face and head. One of the family ran and wiped the soald with a towel and you may think what mess she made, pulling the entire skin off. We took her to chemist who told us to get doctor, which W did. He tended her a week and gave me some stuff like lard to put on. But it all festered and I thought the baby was disfigured for life. A woman close beside me told me to try Cuticura Ointment. used about three boxes and it was wonderful how it healed. In about five weeks it was better and there wasn't mark to tell where the scald had been. People used to ask me if that was the baby that was scalded and they would hardly believe me when I told them she was and what cured her face. Her skin is just like velvet and I have never been without Cuticura since. Cuticura cured three other children of ringworm besides, so have good cause to thank it for what it has done. Mrs. Hare, 1, Henry St.. South Shields, Dur ham, England, March 22, 19OS."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
COTTON MILL MEN WILL DISCUSS LAW Meeting Is to Be Held In Bir-
 mingham Soon PIEDMONT IS GROWING Coosa Manufacturing Go. Will Build a New MiII-Anniston People Want Change of Train Schedules.
 Jacksonville After Water.
PIEDMONT IS GROWING

Anniston, February 5.-(Special.)- The repeated statements of pr. c. F. Bush, state mill and jail inspector, with reference to the enforcement of the compulsory education law of the cotton mill statutes have aroused considerable interest in this city, where there are seven of the largest mills in the state, and in discussing the matter Friday morning, Capt. Alfred l.. Tyler, presi- dent of the Anniston board of educa-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
SEABOARD "On-TimeO Line

Will place on sale, February 2s and March 1, and 3, round trip tickets Bir- mingham to Washington, D. C. Good to return leaving Washington March 8. In- dividual rate $22 50 and for parties of 25 or more $17 per capita. Call at Seaboard office and secure reservation The in augural ceremonies promise to be on the grandest scale ever. Train leaves 6:15 a.
 m.. arriving Washington following morn ing for breakfast. 2-l-tf
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
ToIstoi's Complete Works Coming Out

Moscow, February 5.-A local publishing house is planning to bring out the long awaited complete edition of the works of Count Leo Tolstoi, an understaking that up to the present time has been imposs- ble in Russia because of the censorship, and the difficulties in the matter of pay ing royalties. Under the present arrange ment royalties to the amount of s25O.oOo will be paid in annual installments of s25,- 600. It is declared that with the approval of Premier Stolypin the censored works of the count will be included in this edi- tion, which will number about 25 volumes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Thread of the Story Club Meets.

The members of the Thread of the Story club were most delightfully."- enter tained yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs J. Moog, on Avenue G. After the routine business Mrs. George E. Mohns very entertanly read few chapters in "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,'' by John Fox, Jr. A delicious buffet luncheon was served. The afternoon was made more enjoyable by several catchy songs sung by Mrs. Moog's little daughter, Aieen. Club members present were: Mrs. c. c. Johnson, Mrs M. H. McDow ell Mrs. J. Hoke Perkins, Mrs Roddy Morrison, Mrs. G. J. Eblen, Mrs. John Y. Brooks, Mrs. a. T. Lee, Mrs. G. E. Mohns, Mrs. Frank Thompson, Mrs. Lawrence Pennington, Mrs. J. K. Flu bank, Mrs. J. w. Minor, Mrs. s. A. Me Cluen, Mrs. A. Poss. Guests of the club were Mrs Leo Broda Mrs. D. B. Bird, Miss Rosebud Denham, Miss Henrietta Kahn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Thompson Makes Bond.
Basketball Game.
Will Improve Department.

Decatur, February Special )-The members of the city council of Deca- tur have under advisement the im- provement of the fire department. They are discussing many things looking to the improvement of the department, one of these being the purchase of an automobile truck for the fire engine They are of the opinion that this would be much better and quicker than horse power.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
CUTICURA Worlds FavOurite Emollient.

A single amounting with Cuticura Oint- ment, preceded by hot bath with Cuti- cura Soap and followed in the severer cases by dose of Cuticura Pills, is often sufficient to afford immediate relief in the most distressing forms of torturing, .disfiguring, itching, burning and scaly humours, eczemas yrashes and irritations, permit rest and sleep and point to a speedy cure in the majority of cases, when all else fails.
 u9send to nearest depot for free Cuticura Book sold throughout the world. Depots: London. 27. Charterhouse Sq Paris s. Rue de Ia Paix Austra- lia. R. Towns Co. 8ydney: South Africa, Lennon. Ltd. Cape Town, N1ssl. etc. U S. A., Potter Drug q Chem. Corp. Sole Props. Boston.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Mysterious Fires.

Decatur, February Especial )-The news of two mysterious fires, which oc- cured near Mt. Hope, in Lawrence county, have just reached Decatur. A few nights ago the residence of Wylie Karrh and the residence of George Cornelius, together with all the house. hold goods. were burned. How the fires originated is unknown, but it Is said there is some mystery connected with the burning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Reception at Bazar.

The Minor School Improvement associa- tion will hold a reception and bazar at their handsome new school building at Palmer Terrace on Saturday afternoon, February from 3 D. m. to p. m This will afford an excellent opportunity for every one to see this splendid building and beautifully kept rooms. The chill dren will revel in fishing pond. grab bag, and other games. There will be various other booths, and a general good time Is expected.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Good Fire Fighting.

Huntsville February 5.-(Special.)- Thursday the Huntsville fire depart ment made a unique record. There were three fires in as many different DOT tions of the city at one time, all of which were extinguished in their incip- tent stage, the total loss amounting to only $20