davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
DEATH RELIEVES
SUFFERING OF MAN

Savannah. December 1s.-Death removed
probably the only case of leprosy In the
United States army today when First
Sergt. c. o. Mix of the Seventy-second
company, coast artillery, died in his lone
ly cottage on the Fort Screven reserva-
tion. The body will be embalmed by Sa-
vannah undertakers and will be buried
with full military honors in the National
cemetery in accordance with the last re-
quest of the dead soldier.
Mix enlisted from Brownsville, Tex, and
served in the Cuban campaign during the
Spanish-American war. 1t was here the
disease was contracted. His father died
not long since, leaving him $4,000, but
the money was of no avail to him, the
government having done everything pos
sible to relieve his condition His pay as
soldier also had accumulated and he left
a neat little fortune on his death.
The sergeant had been a government
charge for the past few years, his case
attracting attention in medical circles all
over the country Two carloads of med
ical paraphernalia was shipped to Fort
Screven to be used especially for the
treatment of Mixs case and the late DR..
j. A. Gilchrist, who was at the time
in charge of the patient, even imported
medicine from India and other far eastern
countries In the hope of effecting a cure.
He succeeded in arresting the progress
of the disease, but cure never was ac-
complished
An interesting story is told of the dis
covery of the nature of Sergeant Mix's
disease. Gen. Adna Charee, then COM
mander of the department. IN which Fort
Screven is located, was on tour of in
spection and was walking about the post
with several officers. Sergeant Mix and
two or three of his comrades were saun-
tering along and saluted the Officers as
they passed.
General Chaffee was struck by the Pc
culiar appearance of the man.
What's the matter with that MANI"
he asked.
why. We don't know. general" an
swered one of the officers. He came up
from Cuba recently, where he had served
during the Spanish-American war and
soon afterward was placed on the sick
list. His case is baffling the surgeons.
none of whom seem able to diagnose
it,"
Why he may have leprosy,' said
General Chaffee, who. fresh from the
Philippines and service In China during
the Boxer campaign had seen many
cases of that disease.
Investigations by the surgeons soon
demonstrated the truth OF General Chat
fees diagnosis. and from that time Ser
geant Mix lived life OF Ilation at the
post
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
WEDDING FOLLOWS
DIVORCE DECREE

Atlanta, December 1.-TWO minutes
after Mrs. silvey Speer Thomas. daugh-
ter of w. A. Speer, well known in the
southern financial world, was granted u
final divorce from her fathers chauffeur,
Russell J. Thomas, in the superior court
today marriage license was issued by
ethe ordinary to Marshall c. Mckenzie
and Miss silvey speer. Mr.. Mckenzie
is prominent in social circles.
Miss Speer's divorce was secured on
allegations that she was forced to marry
the chauffeur because the man had made
threats of violence against her father
with him.
Immediately after the parties involved
left the courthouse, they were driven to
the Speer residence on Peachtree road,
where the wedding ceremony was per-
formed in the presence of large party
of friends.
Another chapter in the Speer case was
also concluded today when 8 verdict was
rendered in the superior court in favor
chauffeur, Thomas. for 100000 for alien
alton of his wifes affections.
The elopement Of beautiful Silvey Spee-
with her fathers handsome young chauf-
feur, IA months ago, was the sensation
of three states. After being married in
Atlanta they left for Charlotte, N. c.,
where they were arrested as they reg
istered at prominent hotel. Mrs Speer
brought the bride back to Atlanta, but
the young husband made so much trouble
that the mother took her daughter to
New York. Here the bride was kept hid .
den to escape reporters and to evade a
writ of habeas corpus sought by the hus-
band. Finally, Mrs. Speer, after racing
from one hotel to another in Manhattan,
unable to escape the ubiquitous reporters,
sailed with her daughter for Europe
Thomas asserted that II he could see
his bride alone she would declare that
she preferred him to her parents This
her parents refused to allow.
They charged that she was drugged by
the chauffeur the day OF the weddsssg
ana while. in this condition was forced un-
der threats to consent to marriage.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
TAFT TO SEND MESSAGE ON
SUBJECT OF WATERWAYS

Now that Secretary MacVeagh has pro-
mulgated the regulations with respect to
the assessment of the tax. 1t is likely
the objections will grow even more nu-
merous. Letters containing complaints
are literally raining down on the office of
commissioners of internal revenue. Spe-
cial objection is made 10 the publicity
requirements.
One might expect that the objections
to these would come chiefly from the
large corporations, but as a matter of
fact it Is the small corporation which is
protesting against publicity most strong
ly. The reason given Is that publicity
puts the small concern az the mercy of
@ greater competitor. Another require
ment to which objection is being freely
made Is the one that requires returns for
the calendar year. This objection pro-
ceeds from concerns that are not accus-
TONED to making an inventory at the
end of each year.
Another objection relates to the fact
that in the calculation CT the profits
deduction of interest on capital bor-
rowed to carry on the business is not
allowed.
Anyone doubling whether the corpora
tion tax will be fought to a finish in the
courts should take a glance at the pro-
tests which are reaching the treasury
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
ToDAY's AGE-HERALD.

1--Senator Rayner scores Zelaya.
Judge Lurton nominated for supreme
Judge.
Zelayas agents very active.
King Leopold battling for life
Appalling conditions on immigrant
ships
Taft will send message on waterways
Tennessee river canal to be completed
Several killed in railway wreck.
Dead woman's husband held as slayer
2-Ensley eager for news about bill
Perry Thomas out for second place.
New charges given to ministers.
3-Greene's Sunday school a model.
Fight renewed on railroad rates.
4-Editorial comment.
5-Architect Sphinx makes statement
about Martin school matter.
Many rumors heard about Greater
Birmingham decision.
Physicians urge need of isolation hos
ptal In Birmingham.
Judge Gary to visit several of the
plants of the company.
Late primary sentiment seems to be
growing strong.
Council will take up license schedule
tomorrow night.
6-Alma Kellner is still missing.
Mrs. Brokaw shows ready wit.
7-Birmingham social events.
Dolly Dalrymple's department.
S-Seeking action by legislature.
9-Cotton market very irregular
Small advance in stock market.
New high records in grain market.
blaze unaccounted for.
Ban Johnson sounds war cry.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
King Leopold Makes
Desperate Fight For
Life Against Odds

Brussels, December 13-Leopold II, King
perate fight with death, and the odds
are strongly against him. AS a last re-
sort the surgeons knife will be tried to-
morrow. If the operation is successful
King Leopold may live. If it fails the
end is inevitable. All will depend upon
the Kings strength and vitality, which
are fast ebbing.
Rheumatism has already conquered the
aged and wasted frame. Dropsy has de-
veloped and an obstruction of the intes-
tines, which must be removed, has great
ly aggravated his condition.
The general opinion is that the King
will not survive the operation-indeed, he
may die at any moment The monarch
himself is rather optimistic and today ex-
claimed to his physician:
Operate, and the sooner the better'
But he added with wan, wistful smile:
Perhaps, doctor, the long, long jour-
ney is at hand
King Leopold is still as lucid of INTEL
lect as ever. The masterful mind, which
conceived and carried out the gigantic
Congo project and reused the whole world
into bitter indictment and discussion,
calmly directed what seems to be the
final chapter in his spectacular career.
The picture was pathetic Separated from
his two eldest daughters by tragic sken
of events, with scandals of his own per-
sonal life whispered by every tongue,
Leopold lay tonight in 1.-THE Palms." a
little paViliOn of sly rooms p10se IN tha
great empty Laeken castle, surrounded by
his faithful daughter, Princess Clemen-
tine: Crown Prince Albert and the royal
household. The castle is empty, for the
King some time since sold all the furni-
ture. dismissed the servants and with
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
SEVERAL PEOPLE KILLED
IN DISASTROUS WRECK

was scheduled to take the siding at North
east but 1T is believed the train did not
reach the siding far enough In advance
of the fast flyer to make proper clear
ance. The wreck occurred directly oppo-
site the Northeast railway station.
Railway officials here refuse to make
public any facts concerning the wreck.
An Associated Press correspondent left
here with a relief train and news con-
cerning the wreck is expected momen-
tarily.
Every dead wagon in Erie Is lined up
at the Lake Shore railway station here,
while hospitals have prepared to take
care of many injured.
Coroner Hanley has been notified Of the
wreck and is preparing his morgue for the
reception of the possible dead which may
be brought here. ~sss
It is expected that the more seriously in
jured will arrive here within an hour.
Official advices received by the rail-
road at 2:30 a. m. says that four are
dead. nine probably fatally hurt and a
number less seriously hurt. 1t is reported
that the engine of No. 26 did not upset,
but plowed through the rear coach of
No. 10. All the dead were on No. 10.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14

Washington. December 13.-The Presi-
dent today nominated Horace Fl. Lurton
of Tennessee to be an associate justice
of the supreme court of the United
States. Judge Lurton was regularly elect
ed to the Tennessee supreme bench In
1886. He succeeded Judge Turney as
chief Justice of the state supreme court
in January, 1898. He was appointed to
the federal bench by President Cleve-
land March %, 1893.
He was Confederate soldier in Nor
gan's cavalry and participated in the raid
into Ohio, was captured there and held
prisoner at Camp Chase until the war
ended
When Judge Lurton was appointed
judge of the Sixth circuit court by Pies
ident Cleveland he was a democrat in
politics. President Taft was himself a
judge of the Sixth circuit at the time he
was appinted governor of the 2hilippine
Islands in 1898, and it was his association
with Judge Lurton that gave, 1t is said,
such a high opinion of the legal qua fl
cations of the Tennessee jurist.
Judge Lurton Hears the News.
Cincinnati, December 13.-Judge Lurton
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14

drew to the pavilion, not far from the
chateau, which is the home of his most
intimate friend, Baroness Vaughan.
As his strength failed, the King whis-
pered to his chaplain and the aged priest
heard his confession and administered
communion and extreme JUNCTION.
Fate destined that Leopold's illness
should occur in the Simpla pavilion in
stead of the royal palace at Brussels.
While it is understood 20 have been a
whim of the sovereign which caused the
closing up of the castle, this action
probably had to do with the kings plan
to place most of his personal and real
property in control of a stock company
to permit the Inheritance to pass to his
daughters undisturbed by scandal such
as followed the death OF the queen.
Princess Louise, whose creditors tried
to prevent her from receiving her inheri-
tance of the queens Jewelry has offered
a dramatic touch to the present situation
by sending from Hungary an insistent
appeal to her father to receive her, and
1t is reported tonight that the king has
consented to see his banlshed daughter.
Nothing has yet been heard from Prin-
cess Stephanie
curious circumstance is the fact that
Brussels seems to be more occupied with
the sensational chapter in King Leo
pold's career than concerned in his I'LL
ness. The situation Is summarized by a
we'll informed official who said tonight:
Leopold does not understand the Bel
gians, and the Belgians do not under
stand Leopold, 80, perhaps, they have
grown apart. The Belgians have come
to consider King Leopold ns a great man
of business, a great international pro-
moter, who at the same time has done
much good for Belgium.
Baroness Vaughan. 1t is reported, in
sisted upon seeing the king today, thus
furnishing an exciting incident, but did
not succeed in carrying out her plan. 1t
is also reported that she was informed
that Il the king died she would not be
allowed to remain in Belgium.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
DEAD WOMANS HUSBAND
BELIEVED TO BE SLAYER

Savannah, December 13.-Developments
tonight in the aftermath of the triple
murder of last Friday afternoon gave
birth to the startling theory that not
a single murderer, but two or possibly
three were engaged in the commission of
the terrible crime County officers tonight
declare that of these J. c. Hunter, hus-
band of Mrs. Maggie Hunter, whose
death today added third to the num-
ber of murdered women is certainly one.
They say that the chain of evidence
is complete, asserting that some cloth
ing. badly stained, apparently spattered
with blood, which was found late today
and belongs to Hunter, is the final link.
This clothing, it is declared, was worn
by him on the day of the crime.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14

Erie, Pa, December 1S.-The Twentieth
Century Limited. the New York Central
fast train, on route from Chicago to New
York, collided with the read end of pas
senger train No. 10 on the Lake Shore
railroad at Northeast, Pa, 16 miles east
of here, shortly after midnight. At the
time of the collision the Twentieth Cen
tury was easily making 81 miles an hour
Six bodies have already been taken from
the wreck and it is believed there will be
many more fatalities. A relief train left
here at midnight loaded with nurses and
doctors for the scene of the wreck.
Northeast is small town and at night
is cut OF from both telephone and tele-
graph communication.
Reports of the wreck did not reach here
until late and then it was that two freight
trains had come together with no loss of
life
The Twentieth Century Limited is due
at Erie at Las p. m. and passed running
faster than schedule time. No. 10, also
eastbound left here at 1905 p. M. and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
TENNESSEE RIVER CANAL
SOON TO BE COMPLETED

Washington, December 1S-(Special)-
When the last river and harbor bill was
reported to the House it contained an
appropriation of 100000 for the compile
ton of the lateral canal at Colbert and
Bee Tree shoals on the Tennessee river.
When the amount was reduced to $780,
900 recently the chief engineer of the
river reported that the canal could not
be opened for navigation for a year. This
was great disappointment to the citi-
zens of Florence, Sheffield and Tuscum-
bia, who had been formerly assured that
1t would be opened as far back as last
January.
1t was stated that the delay was caused
because the chief engineers lacked 5000
to make the opening. Representative
Richardson at once applied to General
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Madriz Not Accountable.

Washington, December ia lengthy
dispatch from General Estrada, leader of
the revolutionary forces In Nicaragua to
Senor Castrilo representative In Wash
ington of the Nicaragua revolutionists
was received by the latter today In which
General Estrada declares unequivocally
that DR.. Madriz will not be acceptable
to the revolutionary forces as success
sor TO president Zeaya. The rebel leader
states that such a step would mean mere
lv a continuation of the Zelaya regime
and that he considers the proposition
.ridiculous" He requests Senor Castrillo
TO SO inform the state department at
washington in his behalf. General Es-
trada reiterates that his army is still
ouartered in an impregnable position at
Rama, and that the battle there has not
vet begun.
In his dispatch General Estrada re-
laies some details of the recent meeting
between his representatives and those of
President Zelaya In which he demanded
tile surrender of the Zelayan troops. He
said that General vasauez, acting for
President zelaya. refused this demand
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14

1t was declared tonight by a physician
at the Savannah hospital that statements
made during moment of consciousness
by Mrs. Hunter early today charged the
crimes to her husband, and that she said
she was held by a negro man when the
blows were struck that caused her death.
The Rev. ]. s. Wilder pastor of a Bap-
tist church here, stated that she told him
that white man had struck the fatal
blows.
Today and tonight the police officials
continued questioning Hunter, who has
been prisoner since Saturday. He stout
ly denies his guilt.
Mayor Tiedeman tonight asked that no
extra editions of the newspapers be is
sued carrying the developments in the
case, and though one paper was almost
in the press, the edition was suppressed
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14

Marshall and explained to him the in
convenience TO which the locality would
be put If such delay should occur
The war department officials have now
recommended, and the House rivers and
harbors committee have. since Judge
Richardson called their attention to the
matter sanctioned the following resou-
tion, which will be called up In the House
tomorrow with every indication that 1t
will pass:
Resolved, by the Senate and House
of Representatives. That the sum of $15.-
900 or so much thereof as may be neces-
sary of the unexpended balance of ap-
preparations made for the Improvement
of the Tennessee river between Chatta-
nooga, Tenn, and Riverton, Ala may.
in the discretion of the Secretary of War,
be applied to the work at Colbert and
Bee Tree canal, for the purpose of open
ing said canal to navigation
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Judge Horace L1IYtOn
Nominated By Taft
For Supreme Court

and his associates were in the midst of
the hearing of a half-million dollar case
today when a reporter entered the court
with the news of the judges appoint
ment to the United States supreme court
bench. The reporter quietly whispered the
news to the court clerk Frank o. Love-
land, who wrote on a slip of paper and
sent it to the judge.
The Judge cautiously glanced at the
note, as if it were the most ordinary OF
communications, instead of the announce
ment of his selection to the highest legal
body in America He folded the slip and
stuck it in his pocket without even COM
municatlng the news to the two Judges
who sat beside nim on the bench.
Meanwhile the case proceeded uninter-
ruptedly
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
use of Rod cross Eund.

Chicago. December 1s.-Ernest P. Bick-
NELL national director of the Red Cross
society. who arrived here today, admit
ted that Of the $90.s70 Red Cross Cherry
relief fund. nothing has been expended
save for salaries of Red Cross agents now
in Cherry. Mr.. Bicknell said. however
that there was 10000 available for relief
any needy one in the town should have
suffered
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Parker Praises Lurton.

New York, December 13.-Alton B. Par
ker, who was mentioned from time to
time as likely to receive the supreme
court appointment which now goes to
Horace FL. Lurton, said tonight
''I know Judge Lurton both socially and
professionally and in my judgment one
better equipped for service in that great
est of all courts-the supreme court of
the United States-could not be found
The country is to be congratulated"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Mexican Gunboat Sails.

Mexico City, December 13.-The Mexican
gunboat Guerrero, with 115 men on board,
will sail at once, probably tomorrow
morning, from Salina Cruz, for Corinto.
Nicaragua. This statement was made
here tonight by government officials Or
ders have been sent to the commander
of the vessel to proceed to Nicaraguan
waters without delay.
The gunboat has six guns and is the
newest warship in the Mexican navy
At the foreign office 1t is denied that
the voyage OF the Guerrero has any spe-
cial significance. 1t was stated that she
goes to Corintp ITO protect American in
terests in the event of any complications,
and to furnish the Mexican government
with information concerning affairs in
Nicaragua"
A report is in circulation here tonight
to the effect that President Zelaya would
attempt to leave Nicaragua and that il
the American warships intercept he will
board the Mexican gunboat. When in
formed of this rumor a government Of
fetal said THAT is ridiculous
A telegram was received at the foreign
office today from Enrique c. Creel, who
has Just reached Washington. Mr.. Creel
said that Secretary Knox was out of
the city and he would not be able to
have conference with him until to-
morrow afternoon. After the foreign Of
flee hears from Mr.. Creel subsequent to
his conference with Secretary Knox, no
further information regarding the atti
tude of Mexico will be forthcoming The
sub-secretary OF foreign relations did
say, however, that the report that the
Mexican government was at variance
to any great extent with the United
States In this matter was false.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Half Million For Tobacco Workers.

Berlin. December 1S-The committee on
appropriations voted unanimously today
to report to the reichstag resolution ap-
propriating $4,000 for the relief of to-
bacco workers who have been thrown out
Of work In consequence Of the reduced
consumption Of cigars and cigarettes un-
der the operation Of the new tax meas
ureS.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
Battle Is Reported.

Managua, Nicaragua, December 13-
The report is current here that there has
been severe engagement near Rama
between the sovernmnt troops command
ed by General vssquez. and the revolu-
tionists, with heavy loss of life. There
has also been report that Rama has
been captured by the Zelayan forces, but
this is not confirmed. According to the
dispatches. the revolutionlsts claim that
they were attacked in violation Of the
armistice, but this is not believed.
Telegraphic communications are inter-
rupted and the exact facts are lacking,
but it is supposed by the government
OFFICIALS here that General Vasquez was
attacked by the enemy, as be was under
orders from Zelaya not to make an at
tack.
The armistice which was arranged be-
tween General Vasquez and General
Estrada, ended at o'clock Friday morn
ing General vasquez sought Its pro-
longation for two additional days, but
Estrada refused During the armistice.
the question of the accepiability of DR..
Jose Madriz as Zelayas successor was
submitted to the Estrada followers. and
the armistice was brought to a close by
a nat refusal to consider him for that
position.