The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-29
MOONSHINER CUTS UP HIS OWN STILL But Gets Revenge on "RascaIS'
 Who Stole It REAL ESTATE IS ACTIVE Saturday Will Be the First Pay Day at the Car Plant at Annlston In 12
 Months and the People
 Are Rejoicing.
REAL ESTATE IS ACTIVE
ev HARRY w. AYERS.

Anniston. January 2S.-(Special.)- That was the toughest job I ever had to do" said a moonshiner when, at the order of the United States officers, he had com pleted the unpleasant task of cutting his own still to pieces with an axe, "and the only satisfaction I have Is that l have had my revenge on the grand rascals who stole it from me-
 The task of demolishing his own still came upon the moonshiner in this way:
 He had been running a wildcat plant in secluded spot in the swamp to which certain enemies of his had become wise. What was more, they longed to possess that still for themselves, and to accomp fish it's possession they decided to turn Bunk" the operator, up to the officers and steal the still away during his ab- sence. They did it. Bunk was arrested and carried to prison under charge of op- erating an illicit distillery; but. as the object in view by his enemies who had turned informers was to get possession of Bunk's still, they cared nothing for his conviction before the courts, and refused to testify against him. They had, mean while, possessed themselves of Bunll's still and had it in full operation nearby when Bunk returned from prison.
 This was too much for Bunk to endure. He vowed to get revenge on his enemies. He wanted above all to recover his plant, but the opportunity to steal it did not present itself, and to lay claim to it in a legal manner was itself a violation of the law, as he could not legally own it. What should he do? Why, just this: He hied himself to the United States of ficers and informed them that his enemies were operating a wildcat plant in a cer- tain swamp where the cane grew thick est, and where there was the least prob ability of discovery. Good" said the of- ficers, that is fine; and now, Bunk, as we were fooled by these fellows in your case and were not able to convict you after we had arrested you, we will just have you go along with us and help us capture them"
 wanted more than anything else to re- cover his still, but he was into it and must go. The raid was made. the plant and it's operators captured. It was Bunks still all right, and he was glad once more to look at 1t. Oh, how he wished to be away with IL Tn some Seclnue0 spot ana watch the electrifying corn juice once more trickle from it's serpentine wormi But. horrorl The officer, picking up an axe, passed 1t over to Bunk with the per emptory order: "Cut that still into rib bons, Bunk, and let's get away from here"
 There was nothing left for him to do but to cut up his own still. He did it, be- cause he had to. but he said 1t was the toughest job of his life.
 Real Estate Is Active.
 One of the sure indications that busi- ness is fast returning to its normal con dition is the renewed activity in real es tate. Within the past few weeks sev eral real estate deals involving consider able money have been made. One of the latest and most important was made yes terday when Pat Allen purchased the Maxwell farm located about three miles northwest of Jacksonville. This tract of land contains 550 acres of the most val uable land in Calhoun county, has splen- did buildings, a mill, gin and one of the finest orchards in this section of the state. The purchase price is not known, but judging from the value of the prop erty it must have been quite large.
 MT. Allen has leased the farm to the former owner, John Maxwell, for this year. Mr Allen is not in a position 10 state just what he will do, but it Is un- derstood that he will improve the prop erty and make it one of the best ap- pointed and valuable in this section.
 pr. J. L. Wikle has purchased inc old bank building on Noble street, now oc- cupied by Eldridges meat market. The property is very desirable one, and Dr. Wikle will improve it at once.
 A few days ago J. l.. Streetman bought of R. L. Garner the handsome building on Noble street just below the Ala bama. Other deals of minor importance have been made. which show signs of re- turning prosperity.
 Pay Day Is Coming.
 The merchants of the city are looking forward to next Saturday with great ex pectations. On that day the plant of the Western Steel Car and Foundry company will have its first pig payday in the past 12 months The company will distribute several thousand dollars among its em- ployes, and it is expected that good portion of it will find its way into the channels of trade. Several other indus tries will also have a big pay day, and it is expected that more trading will be done on that day than before in several months.