The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-09
PELLAGRA DEATHS
 CAUSE OF ALARM
Two Deaths in Montgomery
 Within "A Hours
A MYSTERY IS CLEARED
T. L. Sanderson Died of Heart Failure According to Belief of Physicians. Four State Convcts Escape
 From Farm.

Montgomery, September 9.-(Special.)- Two pellagra deaths which occurred in this city within 24 hours. each of which patients was under the medical attention of the state department of health, have caused more than a growing anxiety in this section. The medical department at the same time has busied itself more with the cases now under state surveillance, and bulletin will be issued within a few days describing the nature of the disease as fully as can be.
 The first of the pellagra patients, J. H. McRea, died early Wednesday morn- ing after an illness of several months. Only a few days ago was his case diag- nosed as pellagra
 The second was claimed Wednesday aft ernoon. when Mrs. Georgia Davenport. who was brought here from near Green vile for treatment. died at local in- firmary. Both deaths were within a short time of each other, while both patients had suffered about the same length of time.
 New Fire Laws.
 Secretary of State Frank N. Julian. who is the ex-officio insurance commis- sioner announces that he hopes to have the fire marshal act in active operation by October 1. Blanks are now being print ed to be forwarded to the various police departments of the state, which depart ments by the law are to promptly report all fire losses with full particulars. Blanks will be provided for the sake of speed. The new fire law provides for the ap- pointment of a fire marshal, which office will be filled within few days.
 Sham Battle at Fair.
 Maj. D. B.-w1nters, secretary of the State Fair. which is to be held at Mont gomery, Is writing to the various com manding officers of the Alabama Ma tional Guard to ascertain their opinions on the matter of having sham battle at the fair on the occasion of military day. Replies are expected by the end of the week. when decision will be reached as to the feasibility of the undertaking.
 Death of MT. sanderson.
 Mystery which surrounds the sudden death of Tom L. Sanderson, well known farmer of Montgomery county, has been dispelled by announcement of physicians that the demise was caused by heart fail- ure. His funeral will be held this after noon.
 First announcement of the death on wednesday was to the effect that the farmer had left home at the usual time after lunch, his parting word to his two daughters, who were the lone occupants of the house, being that he would return at o'clock Failure to do so at this time later resulted in @ search for nm, with the result that the remains were found early Wednesday morning in a pa asture near his home. At first foul deal- ines were suspected, but post mortem ex- animation revealed the fact that heart failure was the cause.
 He was a prominent farmer. and was famed throughout his community for his interest in matters of education.
 convIets Escape.
 Sheriff Horace Hoods bloodhounds are securing the country in search Of four negro state convicts who have escaped from Walter Bros farm, few miles from this city All of the convicts are re- ported as bad negroes. They are Albert COX of Etowah, Ed Thompson of Mont, gomery. Alex Talisferro of Jefferson and Tom Williamson of Shelby
 Atlanta Man Released.
 w. A. Sims, the Atlanta man, who was arrested in this city on a charge of pos- sibly being implicated in an attempted wreck of Western of Alabama train, has been released from custody by Sheriff Hood investigation led the sheriff to the belief that proof neither way, as to inno- cence or guilt, could be established.