davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
INSPEC TON MADE
 ON THE A. c. s.

The annual contest among the employees of the Queen and Crescent railroad for the best conditioned roadbed, section and division has closed, and the inspection party passed through Birmingham yes terday afternoon on It's return to Cincin- nati.
 As a result of this inspection prizes will be awarded to foremen, roadmasters and supervisors for the best roadbed in each d.s.sion. The inspection is an an nual event and great rivalry always re- suits. It is carefully made. the train run- ming slowly over each section
 In the party were Vice President T. c. Powell, General Manager II. l,aker. Gen. eral Superintendent of Transportation W S. Andrews, Engineer Bridges B. Her man, Engineer of Maintenance of Way c. Dougherty. Superintendent of Telegraph w. s. Melton. General Passenger Agent w. c. Emerson. Purchasing Agent A. Telford Superintendent W. T. Caldwell of Cincinnati, Superintendent J. W. Edwards of Birmingham, Car Accountant l.. [. Tomlnson, Superintendent Motor Power J. P. McCuen, Superintendent Signals B. M Case, together with all the roadmas- ters and supervisors of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific and the Alabama Great Southern. It required sev- eral days to complete the inspection.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
EXPRESS COMPANY
 WILL ENTER FIELD
UNITED STATES COMPANY WILL TAKE OVER BUSINESS OF FRiS- co ON JANUARY 1-succEEDs WELLS-FARGO.

A new express company has entered Birmingham, this being the United States Express company. which takes the place of the Wells-Fargo Express company. The change is occasioned by the former com- pany succeeding the latter as express handlers on the Frisco lines. The change will go into effect January 1, the local office being at 306 North Twenty first street with H. T. King as agent.
 With the assumption of the Frisco s business the United States company now operates over all of the Rock Island sys- tenn with the exception of the Choctaw line. which it takes over on March l. It's total mileage comes to nearly 40.00O miles,
 Several officials of the company have been in Birmingham completing arrange ments for the companJ's offices here. In the party arc c. Fl. Crosby, vice presi- dent and general manager. and D. H. Rawson. general superintendent
 When questioned about the rumored combination of the Lehigh. Wabash and Rock Island systems, MT Crosby stated that he knew nothing more than had ap- peared recently in the newspapers and he did not care to express any opinion on the subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
JOHNSON TRIAL
 COMES UP TODAY
Negro Caused Considerable Excite ment Last Week Because of Seri-
 ous Nature of Charges.

The trial of Nose Johnson. the negro preacher who was arrested in West End last week after 24-hour search, winding up with long chase. will be heard at 10 o'clock this morning in Justice of the Peace c. c. Ellis court in the new West End city hall building. The charges against the negro are very serious and there was a near-lynching at the time of his capture, the presence of large number of women and children only pre- venting 1t.
 Half dozen ladies positively identi- fled the negro and there are as many charges against him. He has retained AL len & Bell to defend him. while Assistant Solicitor Chapel will prosecute the case. Thirty-seven witnesses have been sum- moned by the negro in the effort to prove his character.
 Several of the women who the Negro approached, it is stated, have been almost completely prostrated from the fright they received.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
ASK STOPOVERS
 FOR BIRMINGHAM
No Information Received Last Night About Action of Southern
 Tariff Association.

No word was received here last night relative to the meeting of the Southeast ern Passenger associatio which met in Atlanta. It was hoped that the rail- road men would comply with the request of Birmingham business men and allow the travelling public the stop-over priv ilege on all lines through this city.
 Chairman R. w. Massey of the rail- road and transportation committee or the Chamber of Commerce, has had the matter up with officials of the roads for some time, and at his solicitation yester- day telegrams were sent by Mayor O'Brien and President Nelson of the Chamber of Commerce, urging that Bir- mingham be put on the footing with other cities.
 However. as many of the chief officials of the different roads have already as- sured MT Massey that there should be no trouble about the matter, it is hoped that favorable report will be received In a few days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
Depend on House Journals.
THE FOREST OF SKY SCRAPERS IN NEW YORK
Many of the Newer Hotels On the List,
 Among Them the st. Regis.


 A considerable part Of New Yorks fame is due to its ''skyscrapers." These towering structures are the constant wonder of all travellers arriving at New York, by sea or rail. Only a few years ago two hundred feet was considered q great height for one of New Yorks steel edifices, now six hundred feet has been passed by at least two of them and seven hundred feet Is being approached. Recent statistics show that New York possesses some 50 sky ytcrapers of height exceeding two hundred feet. These 60 buildings, If laid flat, end to end. would reach distance of about 15 600 feet, nearly three miles. Among these lofty buildings are number of New York's newest and most modern hotels, of which the Hotel St. Regis, at Fifth av- enue and F1fty-ffth street, is one, though it must be admitted that the St. Regis cannot be reckoned among the tallest. The chief distinction of the St. Regis,- however. is not in It's height. but in it's character as a hotel. Designed and built to be. and now recognized as "Americas finest hotel,' 1t bases its claim upon the patronage of the cultured and discrim- mating and on the exceptional quality of It's equipment and service. It's cuisine Is fully equal to the very best restau- rants of London and Paris, while the charges are no higher than those of oth- CT hrst-class hotels. In respect to its room rates, rooms can be obtained there as low as s and $4 day for large, handsomely furnished single room; $ a day for the same with private bath tor S6 for two people) and s12 a day and up for splendid suite consisting of parlor. bed room and private hath
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
5OO CLUB IDEA IS
 SPREADING FAST New Orleans Man Wants De- tailed Information PLAN WIDELY COMMENDED Not Unlikely That Men of New Or leans Will Take Stock as Evi-
 dence of Their Faith
 in Birmingham.

New Orleans and southern Louisiana have grasped the zoo club" idea, origi- hated by the Birmingham Chamber Of Commerce. and are seeking information looking to the formation of such club to compete with that in Birmingham. It is also probable that men of affairs and business men of New Orleans will put money in the Birmingham enterprise, H. frustrating their faith in Birmingham as a manufacturing center
 President A. H. Ford of the Birming- ham Railway, Light and Power company has turned this letter and clipping over to the special committee which is hand ling the question:
 MT. A. H. Ford Birmingham, Ala
 My Dear Sir: l was struck by the en- closed newspaper notice and write to beg of you to send me all the necessary memoranda and information concerning an enterprise like yours. It is just what southwestern Louisiana wants, as there are dozens of small enterprises that can be financed In no other way, which be- ing assisted into existence would make this country bloom like rose. Yours very sincerely and obediently,
 R. DozIER.
 hc iLeHl III LIl9 NeW oTltanS paper. which was played up as big story, fol- lows:
 Birmingham has taken up an idea to promote the establishment of small manu- featuring enterprises that might be fol- lowed to advantage in New Orleans. ' said Col. J. w. Fairfax, the well known financier, today. "She Is organizing a 5Oo club, with the purpose of raising in the next five years half million dollars to assist small industrial plants In estab- fishing themselves
 Colonel Fairfax was just in receipt of a letter from a prominent Birmingham financier enclosing memorandum pre- pared by MT. A H. Ford, president of the Birmingham Railway. Light and Pow CT company regarding the club. The memorandum Is being sent out to larger stockholders of MT. Ford's company and the American Cities Railway and Light company.
 "A number of small manufacturing en- terprises have been presented to me with in the past year for aid in capitaliza- tion," said Colonel Fairfax. Two of these l assisted to get on prosperous working basis by inducing individuals to advance the needed money.
 But the Birmingham system is far bet ter-substituting organized and intelligent effort for sporadic personal endeavor.
 The Progressive union must have had many cases where a promotion company might have secured valuable industries for New Orleans
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
SANTA CLAUS WILL
 NOT GET HIS MAIL
ALL LETTERS SENT TO HlRMING- HAM ARE TO BE FORWARDED TO DEAD LETTER OFFICE AT ONCE.

Letters addressed to Santa Claus, Bir- mingham. Ala" will never reach Santa. Claus this year. Ii is very important that these letters be addressed more def initely, as the postoffice does not know where to find Santa Claus offices in Bir- mingham, and as a result. will immediate ly send all such letters to the dead let ter office. Although they will reach the Great Father in Washington he is cold hearted and does not answer.
 Last year these letters were always turned over to a newspaper or some per son who would give them attention, but under a recent order of the postoffice de- pertinent they are put in the class with unmailable matter, and are sent immedi- ate1y to the dead letter office.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
Shyineys' CHcus To Habe
 Children s Natinee Today

The Rhoda Royal Circus drew the largest crowd of the present engagement at the Southside skating rink last night The circus is given under the auspices of the shrlners and Is pronounced the best attraction of the kind ever seen in Bir- minghsm.
 A feature of the performances today will be the children's matinee this after noon. Children of the various charit- able institutions of the district will be present as the guests of the Shriners. It is announced that special care will be taken of the children attending the matt nees. There will be no crowding and at tandants will be on hand to see that each child enjoys itself Tn spite of the cold weather the building is comfortable at
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
CITY ITEMS.

PHARMACY ROBBED. The window of Jefferson pharmacy, Fourth avenue and Eighteenth street, was broken open last night and nine boxes of different brands of cigars were stolen. The theft was dis covered by Detectives Williams and Mur- phy. The thieves escaped.
 CHILDREN LOST ALL DAY-Leonard and John Sampson, 10 years and years old, were lost from home nearly all day yesterday. The police were notified of the missing children and tried to find them but failed Last night they returned to their home, Arthur station, Gate City. They had just been for walk.
 INCREASE OF CAPITAL STOCK Certificate of increase of capital stock was filed yesterday in the probate court hy the Crossett Shoe company of Ens- ley, increasing the capital stock of the firm from $S000. to S20000. The action was taken at a recent meeting of the direc- tors, J. T. Upshaw, G. W. Crossett, R. l.. Crossett and c. w. Crossett president.
 NEGRO KILLED IN MINES-son Fraz- fer a negro prisoner at the Pratt mines, killed yesterday by a falling rock. The mans head was crushed. He had been at the mines for two years and his time would have expired December 19. Death was instant It was said that the parents of the man live on First ave- nue, between Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets
 ''500 COMMITTEE" ACTS-The spe- cial committee on charter and by laws of the "500 club met yesterday af- ternoon with Chairman l.. C. Bradley and drew up form of subscription which will serve as a basis of the organization. The subcommittee then notified Chairman Sevier that they were ready to report, and 1t is probable that, the big commit tee will get together immediately. The matter of incorporation and charter will be next in order.
 LYCEUM LECTURE TOMORROW The next attraction of the Lyceum lec- ture course will be given tomorrow night at the High school auditorium. pr. William Norman Guthrie university ex- tension lecturer of Sewanee, will be the speaker. The subject of pr. Guthrie s lecture has not yet been announced. but it is probable that a theme of edlca- tional interest will be treated. Dr. Guthrie is known as a platform speaker of much power. and it is expected that the usual large attendance will be on hand
 QUALIFICATION AT Y. M. c. A.-The Ietu anu biuc Joililitdtion dl lllc 1ounR Mems Christian association building to- night promises to be popular and en- joyable event. The programme rendered last Thursday evening was so delight ful that 1t was decided to conduct another tonight with additional features The programme will include calesthenics, gym nastics, basketball and other contests by picked teams from Red and Blues. The membership contest closes tomorrow night at o'clock number of new members have been received and each side is claiming many others before the contest closes. Tickets for this evening can be secured from members and at the asso- citation office. Last night the handball tournament between the noon and evening business mems classes resulted in tie. both sides winning one game. .. .
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09

house. The journal shows that this bill was referred to the committee on local legislation of the house, was considered by the committee on judiciary and was returned to the house by the committee on judiciary. This does not comply with section 62 of the constitution. and the act therefore cannot have the force or effect of law.
 Under the local act in question the court was authorized to organize, and did organize, four juries for the week In which the Reynolds case was tried Under the local jury law for Jefferson county, which preceded this act. viz: the act approved February II, 1901, which would prevail if the present statute is void. only three juries could be organ ized for the trial of capital cases in Jeff ferson county. In the Reynolds case some jurors from jury No. 4' were put upon the defendant Reynolds, the court following the act approved February 26 1907, and several members of jury NO. r served on the Reynolds case. It is thus apparent that if the law under which the court organized jury No. 4 did not have the force and effect of law through a defect in the house journal. the de- fendant is entitled to a new trial on his motion pointing out this defect
 Could Have But One Result.
 It is better for the state and the de- fendant that the trial court should take this action. rather than put both the state and the defendant to the expense and trouble of conducting an appeal to the supreme court which can have only one result.
 There being no other capital cases set for the present term of the criminal court, and the new jury law, which was passed by the recent special session of the legislature going into effect on the first Monday in January, 1910, the busi- ness of the criminal court win not be n- terrupted or in anywise affected, save in the case at bar. t.
 The premises considered, it is the opin- ion of the court that the defendants mo- ton for new trial should be granted It is therefore ordered, adjudged and de- creed that the verdict of the jury in the case of the state of Alabama vs W. F. Reynolds be set aside and a new trial had in due course of law. Let the de- fendant be held In custody by the sheriff until lawfully discharged.
 WILLIAM E. FORT Judge of the Criminal Court of Jefferson
 County, Alabama.
 This, Sth day of December. 1ste.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
MUSIC FESTIVAL NOW
 PRACTICALLY ASSURED

A music festival next April with the Damrosch orchestra as one of tho at fractions is now practically assured. Al a meeting of the board of directors of the Birmingham Festival association held yesterday at the Chamber of Commerce J. H. Holcombe, the new president in the chair, it was stated that only nine subscribers to the guarantee fund were needed to bring the guarantee up to the required amount-$65o0
 After discussing many details of the forthcoming festival the board adjourned
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09

next week is considered one of the most important events of the winter. The Chamber of Commerce recognizes it's im- portance and will take steps immediately to meet the responsibility.
 President Frank Nelson stated yester- day that the chamber will be ready to do anything and everything possible to add to the pleasure of the visiting steel nagnate. Committees will confer with the officials of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company and Friday afternoon at the regular meeting of the chamber
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
WILL RETIRE
 PREFERRED STOCK

A called meeting of stockholders of the Birmingham Realty company was held yesterday at the company's offices on First avenue. The only action taken was the authorization of the refinement of the preferred stock at price not above par. Henry R. carse of New York, pres ident of the company. presided.
 The action taken yesterday was upon the recommendation of the board of di= recfors and was unanimously approved by the stockholders. MT Carse left for the north last night
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
ANNUAL MEETING HELD
 BY THE SOUTHERN CLUB

The Southern club held it's annual meet ing at the club house last night and reelected the old officers and directors as follows:
 T. H. Benners. president
 J. Rivers Carter, vice president.
 Directors, B. M Allen, A. DeValcourt. T. c. Thompson, George Eustis and k. Wilkinson.
 The board will meet later in the week and elect the secretary and the treas urer and appoint the standing commit tees.
 The annual reports of the officers
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09

both the afternoon and night perform ances
 A parade was held by the Shriners last night at o'clock and they marched through the downtown streets in the glare Of torches and red fire It is understood that the Shriners will have another pa- r1de later in the week which will be the biggest thing of the kind they have ever given. All sorts of fancy stunts will be done and the word has been passed around that the penalty imposed Shriners for failure to take part will be a forcible ride in the big ice wagons which will be provided Of the parade's features.
 The Rhoda Royal Circus gives a per- formance every afternoon and night this week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09

showed that the fiscal year just ended had been the most prosperous In the his- tory of the club. There are 543 members, the largest number ever reported at any meeting. During the year S3 new mem bers were elected and enrolled.
 The. net profits of the club were ss66l. The club has no floating debt and 1t starts the new fiscal year with s<709 in bank.
 s50, GOO to s3S, GOO. Two thousand dollars of the bonds are retired every year. Tho clubs property Is estimated to be worth over x100,0o0.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
BUSY MAKING PLANS FOR
 ENTERTAINMENT OF GAR

a discussion of the plans will be taken up.
 It is considered very important that Judge Gary be impressed favorably by the people of Birmingham as well as by it's mineral wealth and possibilities and on this occasion as ever. Birmingham expects to make good. Whether 1t be a reception at the terminal. a banquet at one of the hotels or clubs. or what ever decided upon, it will be appro- priate and prove well worth while. Judge Gary holds the purse strings of the steel corporation which is evidently contemplating enormous outlays in the Birmingham district.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
At the Biiou.

Everybody seems to be pleased with the entertainment furnished at the Bijou theatre this week by Ray Raymond and his talented company of 35 people in the western melodrama and musical com edy. Dare Devil Dan.'' There is a mat inee this afternoon and another Satnr- day and a performance every night. Next week comes "The Squaw Man"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
DEATHS AND FUNERALS
Horace M. Archibald.

Horace M. Archibald, the infant son of H. M. Archibald, Jr., died yesterday morning at 6 o'clock The funeral ser- vices will be held this morning at 9:30 o'clock at the residence, 1501 South Twen- ty-first street. Interment will be at Elm wood cemetery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09

until tomorrow at noon and it is be- lievsd that the additional subscriptions needed will be secured before that time. None of the guarantors will be asked for any money until after the festi- val and only then in the possible event of deficit. But the board decided st the start that no contract with Dam rosch's agents would be entered into until every dollar Of the $650o fund was actually subscribed
 April, 1s. 20 and 21 will be the festival dates There will be three night per- formances and two matinees
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
ADJUSTMENTS.
Mrs. Leslie Carter In "vesta Herne ]"

Mrs. Leslie Carter In "vesta Herne."
 Local theatregoers will probably enjoy the greatest treat of the present the atrical season on Monday night when, at the Jefferson theatre, Mrs. Leslie Car ter the one remaining actress manager in America will produce her new play. ''Vasta Herne.' by Edward Peple, the author of The Prince Chap The play was produced for the first time on any stage in the Davidson theatre, Milwau- kee and 1t scored an instantaneous sue- cess. The seat sale opens tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
DEFECTIVE FLUES
 CAUSING FIRES
THREE HOMES BURNED yEsTER- DAY WITH TOTAL LOSS OF $35o0. ONE FAMILY HAS NARROW ESCAPE.

Three fires with total loss of $500 were caused yesterday morning from de- fective fiues. The first fire was discov- cred at 2:s5 o'clock in the morning in the residence of s. E. Renfroe. 4602 First avenue. The family barely escaped with their lives and their home was destroyed. The house WAS burning from top to bot tom when the fire department arrived. The loss was s1S00 and 1t is partially GOV cred by insurance.
 At 10:06 o'clock in the morning the alarm rang in from 122s North Sevcn- teenth street, owned and occupied by A. Allen. The house was burned to the ground and the loss was estimated at s15O0. The automobile fire engine started to this fire, but arrived too late. The building was a one-story frame and was burned quickly.
 The third fire was at the residence or R. B. Norris, PIE Thirty-nfnth street De- fectfve fiue was the cause of this fire also. but the fire department got the blaze un- der control and the f1rs was confined to the roof. The loss was $900-