The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-25
THREE MEN HAVE
 NARROW ESCAPES.
Wagon Demolished By PasSen-
 ger Train
NEW BOARD IS ELECTED
Erwin Pope, Charged With the Murder of ]. B. McClurkin, Is Spirited Away to Avoid Violence
 of Possible Mob.

Anniston. April 24-(special. IA wagon, in which Arthur Rich, Bud Poynter and his son John, were travelling to Anniston early this morning. was struck by Louis ville and Nashville passenger train No. S4, which leaves Anniston at 6:45 a. m.. at Bush's crossing and demolished. Both Rich and the elder Poynter were hurt. the latter it Is believed. seriously, and John Poynter escaped only by jumping out Of the wagon before the engine struck 1t.
 Bud Poynter, the old man, some 55 or 50 years of age. had three ribs broken and was otherwise badly injured internal ly. He was picked up by the train crew and carried back to Alexandria on the train A cot was secured at Mahlep and the injured man placed on 1t and made as comfortable as possible. A physician - the train administered narcotics to the sufferer to allay his pain.
 MT. Rich was not badly hurt and contin- ued his Journey in another wagon to the city He suffered more from fright than otherwise, though he was badly shaken up. The mules pulling the wagon were not injured and were taken back to Alexandria by John Poynter, the son of the injured man.
 There Is a steep bluff of the mountain projecting down to the railroad imme- diately at the crossing, which obstructed any view of the approaching train speed ing on its way toward Birmingham, and the ponderous engine was upon them be- fore they knew or thought of it's pres ence. The mules. however. had crossed over the railroad~ tracks when the en- zine struck the rear part of the wagon and upset it. throwing the occupants out and sending the wagon 30 feet away.
 That the damage was not even greater and that the men escaped with their lives is considered a wonder by those who have seen the wreck.
 One of the important matters before the City Council last night was the cleo ton of the city board of educaion as fol- lows: Alfred Tyler, five years; c. R. Todd four years; c. D. Woodruff three years; James Keith, two years; J. 0. Moore one year.
 All of these gentlemen are progressive, public-spirited citizens and the educational interests of the city will be well cared for during their terms of office
 The boulevard in South Anniston is to be built along the route of the old street on South Noble, adjacent to the South ern Railway. The work has already been commenced by Contractor O Brien and will be pushed to early completion.
 It was decided to abandon the proposed new route adopted by the old council for various reasons.
 The present route gives practically a straight street, the foundation Is better and the city protects Its sewer line.
 The deeds exchanged between the city and the Anniston Land company will be cancelled by consent.
 Mayor Wikle last night suggested to the council that uniforms be purchased for convicts on the city streets and that they be required to change clothing once a week. He also suggested that sheets be provided for the hunks.
 The matter was deferred until the next meeting, when other recommendations as to the proper care of the prisoners will be made by City Physician Brothers.
 Erwin Pope, the negro who has been adjudged guilty of the brutal murder of J. B. McClurkin, on last Tuesday morn ing was secretly taken from the Calhoun county jail yesterday evening and carried to Gadsden to prevent threatened out break of mob violence.
 He will be returned to this city soon, however, and given a speedy trial, for which purpose Judge T. w. Coleman has called a special session of the city court. grand jury order for May 8. and a special trial jury summoned for May 10.