davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
MUST BE. PUNISHED ID LEARN LESSON Bennett Talks About Fire Risks
 We Run ON BOTH SIDES OF CITY Better Water Pressure on South High lands and Fire Station on Fountain
 Heights Are lmpera-
 lively Needed.
 
ON BOTH SIDES OF CITY

Preceding all great reformations have been and must be some great catas- trophe."
 Thus soliloquized A. V. Bennett, chief of the fire department, yesterday after noon.
 Before we abolish the grade crossing at Twentieth street it will be necessary for some giant engine to crush out a score or more of human lives. Before we have sufficient water pressure on the southside it will be necessary for some fearful con fiagration to destroy half dozen of the palatial homes in that district Before we have a new fire station on the north side fire must reap it's harvest"
 Chief Bennett keenly desires that im- provement which will make Birmingham fireproof. As is known, the water pres sure on the southside is not sufficient to check the most timid flame. On Fountain Heights the chief admits that the homes are practically at the mercy of fire.
 we have played in great luck" he said. We seldom have a fire on Fountain Heights, and the fact that the water pres-
  thrust home only when a fine residence was destroyed.
 But such luck will not always con- tinue. Soon, perhaps tomorrow, perhaps before the year rolls round, but anyway, soon there will be fearful confiagration either on the South Highlands or on Foun- tain Heights. Then the people will come nd mir matters, and we will be protected from the fire that has done its damage"
 The chief desires sufficient water pres sure on the southside, new station on Fountain Heights and two automobile fire engines, one for the use of the northside department and one for, the use of the southside.
 "These engines are used exclusively ir Joplin Mo-" he said, and are known Ill several other cities of the country. They are brand new and have not as yet been thoroughly introduced. But the time is coming when every station will be equipped with one and no horse will be used in the checking of confagrations The first engine of this kind to be used in the south will arrive in Birmingham within two weeks. It is the property oi the hustling little city of North Birmlng- ham,
 "These engines bear the hose. the truck are equipped with the machinery ioi numping water and carry the chemica 1 apparatus. They are of great speed ane | are essential in successfully fighting fir' which originates at a distance from sta ton. They are money savers, and, as | have said, will soon be in use in every city of America"
 After making these remarks the chie 1 added: "It is the time to act, because danger is staring us in the face. l woulc ! not frighten anyone, but do not mno stating, since you have requested me to dc SO. the simple facts that every citizen and property owner of Birmingham should | know"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
ALABAMA GROCERS
 IN SESSION HERE
WHOLESALERS OF STATE MEET
 HERE AND CONSIDER MATTERS
 OF lNTEREsT-sEssIoNs YEs- TERDAY WERE EXECUTIVE.

The Alabama Wholesale Grocers as- sociation opened its two-days' convention yesterday morning with a business ses- sion. The grocers are here toAthe num- Der of about 30 out-of-town men from sel- ma, Montgomery, Mobile Anniston, Gads- den and several other towns.
 This is a semi-annual meeting of the grocers for the purpose of cooperation. The sessions are executive. During the morning a discussion of business condi- tons and subjects tending toward the ad- vancement and development of the as- sociation were discussed. This order was continued at the afternoon session. Presi- dent Lloyd Hooper of Selma presided, while Secretary Treasurer w. c. Ward, Jr., of Selma served as secretary of the meeting The out-of-town guests were given a banquet at Hotel Hillman last night. Business will probably be wound up this morning, and the grocerymen will hurry home to their business. It is also probable that a place for the next meet ing will be decided on this morning. The same officers hold over until the next ses- sion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
PRESBYTERIANS
 COMING IN FORGE

Tn the recent general division of the Southern Presbyterian church fell heir to 2500o, 900, and the question of how to reach this widely scattered mass of humanity will be discussed by some of the ablest of the worlds thinkers here in Birmingham on February 16-1S.
 The occasion will be the laymens con- ference of the Southern Presbyterian sentative business men from all parts of the south. Speakers will be present also from Canada, England and other coun- tries.
 The millions whose religious education has been assumed by the Southern Pres byterian church are divided as follows: Africa, 100000; Brazil, 100000; China, E, 100000; Cuba, 5oo,OO0; Japan, 100000, and Mexico, 500,000.
 The convention, at which these figures will be digested, promises tosbe the most remarkable gathering held in the south for years. Many prominent bankers, mer- chants and professional men will be on hand and the deliberations of the confer ence will be dominated by this business element. It is this class, it is said, that has been chiefly instrumental in forcing the issue to its present prominence and it is the intention to apply the principles of business to the work at hand
 w. D. Nesbitt, chairman of the Alabama railroad commission, Is at the head of the on 11a is being assisted by the leading business men of the city From 1000 to 20oo dele gates are expected
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
WOODLAWN PLANS
 TO HAVE NEW BANK

The citizens of Woodlawn last night met and decided to organize a bank with a capital stock of $5o,ooo to do the busi- ness of that thriving little town. F. L. Edmondson was elected chairman of the meeting and W. E. Carter secretary. A committee was appointed to consist of Charles Burris, F. Brewer and W. F. Carter, with instructions to arrange with the Woodlawn city council at its meet ing Monday night for the rental of the first floor of the city hall building
 Another meeting will be held Tuesday night for the purpose of perfecting per- nianent organization. The bank is al- ready assured, but every citizen of Woodlawn who is interested is invited to attend this meeting. Among the others present at last nights meeting. besides those already mentioned. were J. B. Bur ris, w. P. Perryman. Charles B. Burris and Scott Williams of Cincinnati. who is assisting in the detail work of organ ization.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23

on the temporary two-story building for this corner were laid yesterday,
 Birmingham's pride is the Brown-Marx building, the greatest in the whole south, and her greatest advertisement to people passing through the city. The annex will soon be completed as all the outside is finished, and a big gang of workmen is putting on the finishing touches inside.
 The concrete structure on Third ave- nue and Twentieth street has reached It's sixth story, and gives promise of being beautiful buildings. The Chamber of Com merce foundations are almost laid, and the iron rods are being placed for con- creting the first floor.
 To the visitor in Birmingham these ris- ing towers of strength are of never-fail- ing interest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
TO BE ORDAINED
 TO PRIESTHOOD

At St. Mary son the Highlands tomor- row at il o'clock will occur the, ordina- tion to the priesthood of the Rev. M. E. Bethea of Auburn, the ordination to the deaconate of Dr. Carl Henckhell of Birmingham and a sermon by the rector the Rev. w. N. Claybrook.
 Bishop Beckwith will conduct the or dination services, and he will be assist. ed by the following priests: The Rev. I. O. Adams of Bessemer, the Rev. T. J. Beard. D. D., of Birmingham, the Rev, Willis T. Clark of Eutaw, and the Rev w. N. Clayb
 Bishop Beckwith will confirm a large class at St. Marys Monday evening at o'clock, to which services the, public Is cordially invited.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
RAILROAD MEN ARE TAKEN AROUND HORN Commissioners Loaded With Facts About Birmingham ATTENDANCE WAS SMALL Thoroughly Representative Party How ever, Meets Local Men-short Ad-
 dresses Made By Members of
 Commercial Club.

dozen members of the Association of Industrial Commissioners of Amer lea spent yesterday in Birmingham, and after listening to addresses eulogistic of the Birmingham district. and after making trip around the Horn" on which they saw for themselves what makes this district famous. departed for their respective homes. The agents represented the railroads of America, and the attendance, while being com paratively small, was thoroughly repre- sentative.
 J. c. Clair of the Illinois Central president, presided, while Guy L. Stew art, in the. absence of Secretary Will son, acted secretary.
 An address by Col. T. G. Bush, in which he pointed out the reasons for Birmingham's present greatness. and the basis on which local prophets paint a roseate future, was one of the fea- lures of the meeting. President Clair made a sho ort address, and the others who spoke were Henry Hiden of the railroad committee of the Commercial club; Secretary Babb of the Commercial club; G. Grosvenor Dave of the Mont gomery Commercial club, and several of the local representatives of the rail roads.
 After the meeting had adjourned at the Hllman, the commissioners were escorted by a local delegation around the "Horn" on a special train. The members left the city with a thorough knowledge of Birmingham, to gain which was the purpose of their com ing.
 Those who attended the meeting and made the trip through the mineral dis trict follow:
 President J. c. Clair of Chicago, Hi nois Central; w. Gallagher of Balti- more, Western Maryland; Col. F. Y Anderson of Birmingham, Alabama Great Southern; J. H. Mallory of Sa- vannah, Central of Georgia; Guy l. Stewart of St. Louis, Cotton Belt (St l.. & S. w. Ry); c. J. Huff Of Detroit Michigan Central; c. A. Park and S B. Scott of Louisville, Louisville and Nashville E. V. Shoemaker of Albany Delaware and Hudson; Louis Jackson of New York, Erie; L. F. Swancutt ot Chicago, Illinois Central; L. L. Law renee of Kansas city, Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City.
 l With the commissioners the following l local men made the trip around the "Horn:" John L. Parker. F. G. McCon nell, W. B. Leedy, s. J. Eakert, Henr! Hiden, L. w. Collier. R. M. Jenkins R. W. Massey, R. C.. Peirce, A. D Lightner. T. E. Brooks. w. E. Spink, J B. Babb, E. F. Stovall and H. Heck l enger
 A. D. Mckinney was conductor O. | the train Robert Ward was engineer l and F. E. Massey flagman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
$16,665.29 FIRE
 LOSS LAST MONTH

Chief A. " Bennett of the fire depart ment has completed his report for the month of December, 1908. The figures in the report show the total fire loss during December to have been S16,665.29. Chief Bennett's report follows in full:
 Office Chief of Fire Department,
 City of Birmingham.
 January 1, 1909. Hon. George B. Ward, Mayor:
 Sir-Please find herewith my report for the month ending December 31, 1908: The department responded to 6S alarms and fires, ran TAI blocks, laid out 1S,5O0 feet of hose used All gallons of chemicals and raised 1135 feet of ladders.
 The Bristol recording water pressure gauge indicates daily variation of 14-3l pounds, and an average pressure or oo 1o-oi pounds to square inch.
 Alarms, how received: A. ID. T. l, pox il, still 5, telephone 51-total 6S.
 Kind of buildings: Brick IA. frame A, stucco 3, other than buildings 7-total 6S. Causes of alarms: Carelessness z, coals from grate 2, communicated 2, charcoal heater 1, defective fiue 3, defective fur mace pipe 1. defective grate l, defective wiring 2, electric wire 1, false B. fiue smok- ing l. gasoline stove 1, gasoline explosion l, incendiary 1, overloaded furnace l, over heated stove 3, spark IS, soot in fiue 10, unknown B. unsaked lime 1-total 6S Value of buildings $424,260 value of con- tents $47S,271, total value $so2,531
 Insurance on buildings $345,500, insur- ance on contents s373,375, total insurance $7SS, ,875.
 Insurance loss on buildings $7178.n, in- surance loss on contents $SSO7 5S. total in- surance loss $15,9S7. .29.
 Uninsured loss on buildings s103, unin- sured loss on contents $576, total uninsured loss $679.
 Total loss insured and uninsured s16,- 665. .29. Respectfully submitted,
 A. V. BENNETT,
 Chief Fire Department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
VICTORIAN IN TROUBLE.
Got Hold of Live Wire While Remov
 Ing His SearchIlght.

A motorman thrashing about like a jumping jack in front of tte searchlisht of a Norwood car was the sight which greet ed a number of people last night.
 The motorman had stopped his car stepped to the front and proceed to take the searchlight off. He did not remove the plug, however, and this caused all the excitement. He quickly found that he had placed his hands on something and couldn't turn loose, while the heavy volt age passing through him caused him to hop about in great fashion. It was a full minute before he finally got his hands loose. When he did he made solemn pledge to never again try to- remove a searchlight without first removing the plug.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
BIC CROWDS WATCH WORK
 ON FIVE BIC BUILDINGS

Building in Birmingham shows for itself these days In spite of the increased busi- ness, people find time to stand in crowds around the five central corners where the work on big office buildings is being pushed with the utmost haste.
 The song of the negro as he drives the hole for blasting is pleasant music for the ear of the passerby. The hole at the cor ner of First avenue and Twentieth street Is almost completed; piles having been driven down for the concrete foundations of the Empire building. Gen. Louis V. Clarkes big lot on Fourth avenue and Twentieth street is perhaps the biggest foundation undertaking so far attempted in Birmingham. The lot is enormous, and the contractors have been forced to blast away considerable rock. The first brick
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
STAMP LICENSES.
Thach Rules That Merchants Will Not
 Have to Pay It.

According to an opinion by City Att torney Thach. the license collector will not collect licenses from Merchants is- suing trading stamps. The agents and manufacturers. however. will have to pay. Mir. ThaeAs opinion follows:
 Bl>SlinEham. January 22, 1909. J. J. Boggan. Es>S~ City License Collector. City:
 Dear Sir-In regar,a to the license tax on merchants for using trading stamps, l beg leave to say that the supreme court of Alabama in the case of the city court of Montgomery against Kelly, 142 Ala bama, page 55S, has decided that this tax Is not colleetable for the reason that the ordinance providing for the same is dis criminatory. I, therefore. advise you not to take any further steps toward the collection of these licenses. Yours very truly, R. H. TEACH, City Attorney.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
At the Biiou.

The current engagement of "The Devir' at the Bijou will be closed with matinee this afternoon and performance tonight.
 Every woman should see this wonder ful play at the Garden Theatre" Thus wrote Dorothy Dix of the seasons sensa- tional play, "The Devil" In thus advis- ing her readers in the New York Journal. Miss Dix merely echoed the recommenda- tion which the critics of every New York newspaper had written the morning fol- lowing the first performance of Henry ". Sayage,s most recent importation at the Garden theatre, New York
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
At the Majestic.

Not a patron of the Majestic this week has come away dissatisfied with the of ferng there. In fact, every one has pro- nounced it the best of the season. There is novelty offered. good singing, pretty and well-dressed women, good pictures, some new and entertaining stories and acrobat ic feats of the best. On the bill for next week. which, by the way, will be the most expensive ever offered at the Ma jestic. there will be no less than four headline acts off the orpheum circuit, and five other attractions. all of which Manager Gould promises will be above the average There is matinee every after noon and performance every night at the Majestic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23

The official 1908 report of the building inspector, the details of which have all ready appeared in The Age-Herald, fol- lows:
 Office of Building Inspector,
 City of Birmingham.
 January 20. 1909. To the Honorable Mayor and City Coun- cil:
 Gentlemen-Please find herewith my second annual report of the building oper- ations of the city for the year ending December 31, 1908.
 The accompanying table furnishes the details of the operations of this depart ment during the year as follows: Number frame buildings, 433 estimated cost, 1885, ,745.
 Number of brick dwellings, 10, estimated cost, $73,550.
 Number brick business houses, 19, esti- mated cost, $2l5,475
 Number cement buildings, g. estimated cost, $8300.
 Number miscellaneous buildings, 2s, es- timated cost, $1011. .S25.
 Number alterations and repairs 54O, es- timated cost. s192,694 $1040
 Number electric signs, 34, estimated cost, $2535.
 Number heating permits, 25o, estimated cost, SS3, ,955.
 Total number permits 1926.
 Total estimated cost, s2575, ,119. Total amount of fees collected S2S75. 20 During the year 12 buildings were con demned and with one exception have been made safe or razed to the ground, 34 flues were condemned and same have either been rebuilt or repaired. During the year there were number of changes and additions made to the building laws, which have proven satis- factory and beneficial.
 I would respectfully recommend that an ordinance be adopted regulating the construction and maintenance of theatres and assembly halls; and also an ordinance to regulate the construction of concrete re-enforced concrete and steel frame buildings
 The election of an assistant building inspector has enabled this department to make a great many more inspections than could have been done without his assistance. but owing to the increase ir building operations his time is taken up entirely in the outlying districts. The office routine work and special in spections that the building inspector is called on to make so nearly requires all of my time that I have few opportunities to do general inspecting such as looking after old buildings, fues, etc. However, I feel that I can safely say there has been a marked improvement all along the line in building operations since my incumbency as inspector. In conclusion I wish to heartily thank his honor the mayor and the members of the city council for kindness and CO., operation. Respectfully submitted.
 w. O. MATTHEWS,
 Building Inspector.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
Real Estate Transfers.

Deeds of conveyance were filed in the office of the probate court yesterday in the following transactions in real estate in which amounts of 5000 or more were involved:
 $3700-F. E. Butler and wife to |. A. Davis, the south 80 feet of the north 1eo feet of lot f. West Elyton.
 $SOO0-Charles T. Shinn and wife to Charles W. Shinn. lots 10, II, IA and 16 in block 19 Tharpe Place.
 SHE'LL. w. Fowler and M. V. Fowler to J. L. Burns, the south half of the north half of lots 10, Il and 12, in block 8 "B, ." East Lake.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
WILL ARREST
 AUTO DRIVERS

Mayor Ward has addressed a letter to Chief of Police Bodeker instructing him to arrest the driver of every automobile which is not equipped with 1909 city license. In his letter the mayor states that there are many autos now in use in the city which still bear only the old 1908 license or none at all. The drivers of machines not having licenses will now be arrested on sight.
 Mayor Ward, in his letter, also instructs the chief of police to have his officers see that all machines are equipped with lights and danger signals. such as horns, bells or other devices.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
ADJUSTMENTS
Annie Russell Seat Sale.

Miss Annie Russell will appear here on Tuesday night at the Jefferson theatre in "The Stronger Sex" a comedy by John Valentine. "The Stronger Sex Is a play of English life in which Miss Rus sel plays an American heiress from Texas, who marries into English high life. The company is one of the best that will be seen here this year, and carries an extensive production as regards seen cry. costumes, properties and electrical display The seat sale opens at the box office at clock today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
Sky Not Yet Clear.

London. January 22.--Addressing a polit. ical meeting at Coldstream tonight. Sil Edward Grey, secretary of foreign af. fairs. spoke of the near eastern situation He said the sky had not yet entirely cleared but that the conciliat tory agree ment between Austria and Turkey had materially improved the prospect of ar irving at an agreement when the sigma tories of the Berlin treaty again met in conference.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
Want Prohibition PUf
 ZnfO Sfate Constitution

constitutional amendment, its officers will more than likely begin right away to pave the path for the necessary laws at the next session of the legislature. It is said that 1t may result in a movement that will make the bill a leading issue in the next campaign for the election of state officers A great deal of interest will probably center in the action of the league at it's meeting here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23

At the session of the Alabama Anti-Sa- loon league on Friday, February 5, 1t is probable that a campaign will be launched to allow the people a vote on constitu tional prohibition amendment. The discus sion of practically one whole afternoon will be given up to this matter, and a half dozen leaders throughout the state have been assigned to take 1t up.
 In case the league decides in favor of a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
One Year In Prison.

Atlanta, January 22.-Elmer Long, who was brought here from San Fran cisco, charged with obtaining money under false pretenses, today pleaded guilty to the charge in the Fulton county superior court and was sen- fenced to serve 12 months in the peni- tentiary. Long obtained a $500 dia- mond from local jewelry firm, giving them worthless check for $100 as first payment, and immediately pawned the ring for S200 to another firm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
MlIIIonaires In Mobile.

Mobile, January 22.-William Butler Duncan and Adrian Iselin, New York millionaires, and other financiers mem- bers of the executive boards of the Mobile and Ohio and Southern rail- ways, reached the city this afternoon for an inspection of the terminals and property of the railroads they repre- sent. They were accompanied from St. Louis by B. l.. Russell, vice presi- dent. and R. V. Taylor, general man. ager of the Mobile and Ohio.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
Possible Honor for Moroan.

London, January 23-Whether it would not be possible to make J. Pierpont Nor gan an honorary trustee of the British museum is a question asked today by the Spectator, which pays tribute to Mr. Morgans "splendid tact and generosity in purchasing and presenting to the mu- scum the collection of prehistoric weap- ons, which was gathered by Canon Green well of Durham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
Bryan Has a Chance.

Lincoln Neb., January 1.-The Nebras- ka house today approved the report of the committee of the whole, recommend ing the passage of the Humphreys bill for the election of Senators by the Ore gon plan. This bill will pass both houses This bill is intended, 1t Is believed, to give William J. Bryan chance to be elected senator.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23
r--A TaE

County Jail Docket LIght.-The coun- ty jail experienced a dull day yester- day in regard to the receiving of new lawbreakers. Only five or six people were placed in the bastile, most of them coming from the different courts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-23

Peach Trees BIOOming.-A sprfg from a peach tree was brought to The Age-Herald office yesterday morning which had recently bloomed and shed it's petals within 12 blocks of the coun- ty courthouse.