davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
THINKS THE PEOPLE FORGET TOO EASILY Frank Nelson Wants tOKnoW About Water Matter SEES NEGLECT SOMEWHERE After All the Years Talk About Water Nothing Can Be Done Except
 Get Committee Ap-
 pointed.
SEES NEGLECT SOMEWHERE

"It is remarkable how the people of Birmingham can enthuse and become stirred apparently to the point of action on an important question. and how quick their enthusiasm can subside," said Frank Nelson, Jr., yesterday.
 "A month or more ago the necessity of greater water supply for Birmingham was so vital and pressing to its future growth and prosperity that a. special meeting of the Commercial club was called to consider this grave problem. At that meeting a committee composed of b representative citizens was appointed to look into this matter and take some active steps looking to relief, but so far as I am advised, the committee has made little progress.
 During the latter part of the summer Greater Birmingham was practically on the verge of a water famine for some of our larger industries, and the state ment was made from high authority, that another plant like the steel mill at Ensley could not be erected in the Birmingham district until something was accomplished in the way of an increased supply of water
 "An ample water supply for Birming ham has been agitated for a great num- Der of years. In fact, some of Mel Dren- nen's friends say he went into the may or's office his first term on Water Now while all know Mayor Drennen is still a very young man, yet, that has been a great many years ago.
 "Greater Birmingham, so far as I can observe, is practically a unit for more water and cheaper water, but just why we can never get farther than the ap- ! pointment of a committee to solve this problem, is a question being constantly asked, and one that I cannot answer.
 "A short time ago, one of the promi- nent homes on the South Highlands was burned to the ground, 1t is stated, for the lack of water protection. The mat ter was called to the attention of the waterworks company and admitted and it is currently reported that they took the position that they will not give the peo- l pie of the South Highlands water pro- lection unless the Mayor and City Coun- cil will permit them to put meters over that territory.
 1 If statistics prove anything at all, Bir- mingham is paying more for water than other cities of the same class and now, if they are to be deprived of any water at all for part of the city by the pres ent water company, unless the Mayor and Board of Aldermen will agree to the meter system for the South Highlands, I think it is a very dictatorial stand on the part of the Birmingham Waterworks com pany, and it seems to be high time for the people of Birmingham to assert them | selves.
 Practically every modern city in this l country has come to the idea of muni- cipal ownership of it's water supply and Birmingham is being forced to the same thing.
 "Why not act without further delay?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
KEEPING UP WORK
 ON COUNTY ROADS
SQUADS OF MEN ENROLLING THE HIGHWAYS AND FILL UP THE LITTLE ROUGH PLACES AS FAST AS THEY APPEAR.

The county has just purchased three more mules, a number of wagons, and Is fast settling down to the new sys- tenn which it has mapped out. So far this year the season has been very kind to the roads of Jefferson county, as there have not been more than two hard rains and no washouts.
 The conditions comparative to last year are quite different Then there was a kick along every road in the county and the howl from mail carriers, farmers and everybody was almost deafening. This year there is no complaint, what ever. Not a kick has been registered and nearly all the macadam roads are in fine shape.
 Following the trouble of last winter suggestions of all kinds were forthcom- ing. Every authority on roads was in- terviewed and advice was sought from various parts of the country.
 The present Board of Revenue was elected during this agitation and is, there fore deeply versed in the problems of good roads
 They have adopted all the good points or these SuBBcSlioHS thoS oiS PAoSeiSoi now. and their plans lead up to bigger things later.
 The old Ramsay plan is seen in the cart system, just being inaugurated. Six carts, furnished with all the necessities for repairing gulleys, washouts and holes in macadam roads, are now passing over the roads of the county every day, and aoch hole is being repaired just as soon as 1t shows itself.
 This In itself, if rightly managed, 1t is claimed, will save the county thousands of dollars each year, and will remove the necessity for entirely rebuilding the roads every few years. The division of the county into more districts, the appoint ment of some new overseers and especial among the advances made.
 The present board now has things right where they can develop naturally, grad ually and without any nasty throwing away of money. They are checking their men up closely, requiring weekly re- ports, making monthly inventories and are looking after things generally. One of the best moves, it is claimed, was the appointment of committee consist ing of three members whose special duty 1t is to get around and back up the work with investigation, while the other two look more after the office work. Those who have watched the develop ments are very much gratified uith the progress which has been made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
PIZITZ TALKS OF
 NEW LIGHT PLANT
SAYS HE AND ASSOCIATES ARE
 WILLING TO PUT UP THE PLANT
 IF CONSUMERS WILL STAND BE- HIND THEM.

Louis Piztz discussing the new electric light company which is to be built by the merchants of this city said:
 'T am very much interested in the proposition to build an independent cleo trio light and power company in Bir- mingham.
 Those of us associated in this enter prise have decided to build a plant if the people of Birmingham want competition and cheaper lights. We have put up s100,o00 and have perfected all necessary arrangements for additional money when it is needed. We are not asking the peo- pie Of this city to put up a cent. All we ask is that they give us their CO., operation and we will build the plant. It Is up to the consumers of electricity in this city. They have the opportunity now to have competition in this line if they want it, and if we can get enough contracts from the consumers of electric ity to justify the construction of the plant, you may say to the public that it's construction is an assured fact.
 Nearly all of the larger merchants have already signed contracts and we are meeting with very satisfactory and sub- stantial encouragement every day, and if we continue to meet with this kind of cooperation the plant will be built at once.
 '"The proposition is now simply up to the people to say whether they want competition or not-whether they want cheaper lights or not. If they will give us their cooperation and support we wll immediately begin construction of our plant"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
TROOPS MUSTER
 MONDAY NIGHT

The monthly battalion muster of the Jefferson County National Guard associa- tion will be held on Monday night The muster will be the first held for several months.
 As usual, all of the companies in Jeff ferson county will participate in the bat talion drill. They will report at the city hall by o'clock at the latest, after which they will assume the battalion formation, march through the principal streets of the city and then assemble under the electric arcade on Third avenue, between Nineteenth and Twentieth streets. On Third avenue the troops will pass in review before one of the majors, after which they will go through a drill and then be disbanded.
 The following order was issued last night:
 "Armory, February 6. 1909. "All members of Troop D. First cav- dry A. N. G., are hereby ordered to re- port to the armory on Monday, February 8, at 7:30 o'clock. p. m., for monthly muster. By order of
 "C. H. MANDY,
 First Lieut.. Commanding Troop" ''C. w. GRACE, First Sergeant
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Wobement Under Way 1o
 Rebibe Interest M Fair

There Is a movement among some of the merchants of Birmingham to revive the interest in the Alabama State Fair, looking toward the holding of a big fair this year in spite of the gloomy conditions confronting the management.
 It is said that it has come to the point that if the merchants of Bir- mingham, one and all, really want a state fair, and are willing to get to- gether and back up the management, the greatest fair ever held in Alabama can yet be pulled off.
 Within a short time. if the plans come out all right. every merchant of Birmingham will be given an oppor- tunity to express himself on the sub ject. The question is whether the valuable property which 1t has taken years to build and which is now in it's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
PARTY IS COMING
 FROM MIL WAUKEE

The Rose Marching club of Milwaukee, the organization which carried Mayor Rose of that city to victory, is preparing jaunt and jollifcation, and will spend day in Birmingham, February 25.
 The club will pass through Birmingham over the Louisville and Nashville en route to Mardi Gras in New Orleans February 20, and will on the return trip spend a day in Birmingham. February 25, arriving at o'clock, a. m., and departing at 10 o'clock, D. m.
 No programme for this occasion has been outlined and it is not known just what the visitors will do to aniuse them selves. The Commercial club, according to present plans, will not entertain the vis- itors.
 From advance notices, however, the club is out for jollification, and it's 100 members will no doIbt be sble to arnuse themselves in Birmingham. Chies Bodeixer will give them the town at any rate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
PUT PROHIBITION
 IN CONSTITUTION Anti-SaIoon League Will Work
 to This End OLD OFFICERS REELECTED Alabama congressmen Called Upon to Do All They Can to Pass a Ma
 tional Anti-shipping
OLD OFFICERS RE-ELECTE|

The Alabama Anti-Saloon league yes of constitutional prohibition and petitioned the next legislature to submit the ques- ton to the people at the earliest possi- ble moment. The league also passed res olutions calling upon the Alabama repre- sentatives in Congress to do all they can to pass a national anti-shipping bill.
 officers were elected, returning the Rev. w. B. Crumpton to the presidency, Brooks Lawrence, superintendent, and the same headouarters committee, Dr. Crumpton chairman, Rev. s. l.. Dobbs vice presi- dent, the Rev. pr. I. D. Steele secretary and treasurer. P. c. Ratliff, s. D. Weak ley and R. M. Goodall
 The resolutions for the constitutional amendment came as a surprise as 1t had not been expected to take definite stand on the proposition, but after Fred Jack son. A. F. Montague and w. I. Stewart had talked on the subject, the crowd be- came enthusiastic and decided to begin riaht now a definite fight for a consti- tutlOnal dHl6Huiuche.
 At the afternoon session Eugene Bal lard, a member of the legislature. spoke on ."The Fight Before Us,' and urged the league to continue gathering detail in formation concerning candidates and maintain the present agitation and inves- t,eation. He insisted upon the importance os ,.eeping a watchful eye on the oppo- sition.
 Mrs. W. H. Jeffries, state president of the temperance union, make an inter esting talk on the relation of the league to thew. c. T. U., and at the close the women were highly complimented for their share in the prohibition fight.
 Last night R. B. Pettus of Huntsville presided, the opening prayer was made by Dr. Branscomb, and the opening ad- dress by the Rev. J. D. Gwaltney on .The Development of the Movement" This. as well as the brilliant address of Judge w. A. Covington of Mouitrie. Ga. was genuine prohibition speech, full of effect and loudly applauded.
 This was the last session of the league and the delegates return to their homes today. The whole week has been given LID to anti-saloon conference. every de- tail of the work having been considered
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Fiqht S N0h Betl,een
 Birmingham And Aflanfa

The fight for the next conventon of the International Association of Chiefs of Police of the United States and Canada has practically narrowed down between Birmingham and Atlanta. It Is understood that Niagara Falls is practically out of the running.
 Chief Bodeker stated yesterday after noon that Atlanta is making strong fight for the convention and that 1t is hard to figure just which city has the best of the Birmingham or the Georgia city. Atlanta apparently has a strong following for Chief Bodeker has re- ceived letters from several of the chiefs over the country stating that they were pledged to Atlanta. Birmingham has her followers, however.
 Following are some expressions In Bir- minghann's favor:
 Chief Pate F. Phelps of Griffin. Ga :
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Sheebing Order Made Te
 CabfHYe Black Bottles
Bodeker Says Intoxicating Liqours Are Being Sold In "Black Bottles With Plain Caps'-Neary Twenty
 Arrests Made Yesterday

account, and that foreign breweries shall not ship their beer here to be sold in vio- lation of the law
 Chief Boker's order virtually calls for the arrest of every near-beer dealer in the city. It Is stated that all of the near beer places are handling the ill-fated black bottles with plain caps" and the crusade will mean many arrests for al- legged violations of the prohibition law.
 Yesterday there were between 15 and 20 arrests made. Nearly every place officers visited were handling the "black bottles" ," and the men detailed on the prohibition work were busy during the entire day. Chief Bodeker states his belief that an analysis of the contents of the black bottles will show proof of large per centage of alcohol.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
DAYS RECORD IN
 COUNTY COURTS

case which was the source of much interest was that involving the Warrior election contest before Judge Nesmth yesterday. The case has attracted the attention of a great number of people and there were many present yesterday to hear the proceedings of the court in the matter The election involved was held in Warrior last fall and was close and hotly contested. The official count of the ballots resulted in E. A. Terry be- ing declared mayor, and the following were said to have received the greatest number of votes for the positions of all Bradford, l. w. Hill and Ed Yersick The majorities in favor of these men are said to have ranged from to votes B. P. Montgomery, who ran against MT Terry, filed a contest, and the case is now on trial It will probably be con cluded today.
 In the first division of the city court the case of H. c. James vs. Southern railway is on trial. In the case of Frank E. Brammer vs. J. D. Anderson a judg- ment for $2o0 was rendered.
 In the second division of the city court only one case was disposed of yesterday A consent judgment for $50 was rendered in the case of c. w. Reeves vs sloss- Sheffield Steel and Iron company.
 In the chancery court only one case was disposed of. that of J. H. Evans vs. Wideman & Rose, which was dismissed.
 The following cases are set for hear inr in the chancery court today: F. Deedmeyer vs. F. Leahart, J. B. Cobbs vs B. T. Head Highland Land com panv VI. Avondale Land company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Birmingham Far Ahead
 In Building OpeYatiOnS

  of  the ga a a 
   markah S
  nl,nt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06

The most sweeping prohibition order since the general statewide bill was de- clared effective struck Birmingham yes- terday when Chief Bodeker of the police department instructed his men detailed on prohibition cases ito pull all black bottles with plain caps" Chief Bodeker states that the people have "hollered" for prohibition and he is trying to give it to them.
 It is contended that the soft drink es- tablishments in the city have been sell ing alcoholic drinks right and left in these "black bottles with plain caps' Chief Bodeker states that the law de- clares it illegal to sell any drink con- taining alcohol, that the two breweries in Birmingham had to close down on this
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06

Birmingham is good enough for me-" Superintendent John J. Downey of De- troit: "Will be pleased to see you get the convention"
 Chief William Symmes of Hamilton O.. ''yery much in favor of holding the con- venton in your city,
 Superintendent Fred H. Brennecke of Evansville, Ind. "Shs-s cast our two votes for your city"
 Chief w. P. Chandler of Knoxvilea T am for your first, last and all the tira~."
 Chief J. T. Moseley of Chattanooga: will be glad to do anything l can to assist you.'
 Chief W. J. Connor of New Orleans: Hope for your success"
 letter has also been received from Chief w. H. Taylor of Montgomery, who favors Birmingham. Chief Paul NJ Milli- kin of Cincinnati favors Niagara Falls
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
MEETING TO PLAN
 FOR THE LAYMEN

The day for the Laymen's conven- ton, one of the largest bodies of busi- ness mon ever brought together in the south. is fast approaching. Fenruary 1s-1s they will swarm over Birming- ham by the. hundreds. meeting of the reception and information com mittee of the conference Is called for o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the First Presbyterian church. The fol- lowing compose this committee and are requested to attend promptly:
 William c. Montgomery. chairman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06

best condition. is to be left to rot
 One of the most prominent mer- chants of the city said yesterday that it would be reflection upon the en- terprise of Birmingham and a disgrace to her merchants if after 10 years she sh ould sit quietly down and let the work which took so long to accom- plish go to nothing. As he puts fthe matter the merchants have been \ H. ing apart too much lately. To acd n- plish anything big we must work gether. There Is no reason on ek
 why we should not bring this laN crowd with its money and trade 10 Birmingham instead of allowing 1t to scatter to other towns Birmingham is the natural center from the Mississippi to the Atlantic and from the gulf to Tennessee. We cannot afford to drop this matter of holding a fair"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
DEATHS AND FUNERALS
w, H. Eatman.

w. H. Eatman, aged 52 years, died at 8 o'clock last night at the family residence, 1124 South Twelfth street. Funeral ser vices will be held at St. Johns Meth odist church at O clock tomorrow after noon and interment will be at Oak Hill cemetery.
 A widow and brother survive the de- ceased. He was a pattern-maker and had a large acquaintance in Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Sentenced for Forgery.

New Orleans, February 5.-Sam Jones, alias Shannon. was sentenced to- day in the criminal district court to 14 years in the penitentiary for one of the shrewdest and boldest forgeries ever committed in Louisiana. The victim was Bernard McClosky, a prominent attorney of New Orleans. The amount which Jones secured was $20,0O0.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Indicted By Grand Jury.

New Orleans February 5.--Sam H. Felix, proprietor of a restaurant in the tenderlotn district. was indicted by the federal grand jury here today in con nection with the alleged white slave traffic existing in New Orleans. He Is specifically charged with harboring an alien. Later he was released under bond of $500.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06

James Bailey J. W. Terry, Felix Bal lard. l.. P. Smith. Harry Moffett Will liam K. Monroe. T. A. Robinson, E. D. N. Spiva, w. R. Stewart, R. K. Ken nedy, Dr. Charles Merrill, Emmett L. Smith, H. c. Keller, Dr. L. Caldwell. T. c. Buchshaw. E. l.. Odell, W. P Gum, c. IT. Krouss. H. Lee Morrow. Henry 8. Going, F. G. Mcconnell Allen Daley and c. H. Crawford.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Wilbur Wright Breaks Rudder.

Papau. France, February b..-While leaving the grounds this evening with Paul Tassandier as passenger, Wilbur Wright broke the rudder of his aero plane. Neither aeronaut was injured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Automobile Kills Child.

Cannes. France. February 6.--An au- tomobile belonging to an American win ter resident of Cannes. who is described by the police as Mrs. M" today ran down and killed a child.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Methodist Preacher Dead.

Norfolk, February b.-Rev. John Nicholson, prominent Methodist d. vine. died today at his home on the eastern shore of Virginia of paralysis, aged 56.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
THE WEATHER.

Washington, February 5.-Foreeast for Alabama and Mississippi: Fair, colder; Sunday fair, light to moderate north west winds.
 Weather report for 24 hours ending
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06

Bicycles Recovered-The police have on hand two bicycles which have been recovered recently. One is a green Sterling and the other is a black Crescent wheel. The bicycles are be- ing held at police headquarters for Identification
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
Cavalry Leave Cuba.

Havana, February 5.-The Fifteenth United States cavalry from Cienfugos sailed today on board the transport Sumner for Newport News.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06
CITY ITEMS.

Marriage License Issued-Only one marriage license was issued from the office of the probate court yesterday. The license was to J. S. Murdock of Arcadia and Mrs Mattie A. Painter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-06


 recovered recently One is a green Sterling and the other is black Crescent wheel. The bicycles are be- ing held at police headquarters for Identification.
 Camp Clayton Met.-Camp Clayton, United Sons of Confederate Veterans, met in regular monthly session last night at the Commercial club, and at tended to a great deal of routine busi- ness. The meeting was well attended, and much enthusiasm was apparent.
 Realty Translers--A deed of convey ance was filed in the office of the pro- bate court yesterday recording the fol- lowing realty transfer: w. R. Stewart and wife to E. R. Maynord. lots IT and IS in block 24 l. Ensley, the considera- tion involved in the transaction being s2200.
 Bit by Mad Dog.-R. H. Witsell, mana ger of the Colonial hotel, left yes terday for Montgomery, where he will undergo treatment at the state pasteur institute for mad dog bite. MT. Witsell was bitten some days ago. but the yer dict of examiners of the head of the dog was rendered only yesterday. It was shown that the dog was infected with rabies.
 Judge weaI<ley to Speak.-Tomorrow evening at 7:30 o'clock Judge S. D. Weakley will deliver an address to the Christian Endeavor society of the Vine Street Presbyterian church. in connec- ton with their celebration of the twen- ty-eighth anniversary of Christian En- deavor. This promises to be an in teresting service for the young people and their friends.
 
 Sunday School Athletic Meet.-The third Sunday school indoor athletic meet will be held in the Y. M c. A. gymnasium Friday night, February 12. As the buttons that were won in the last meet are daily expected to arrive they will probably be awarded next Friday night. The results of this con- test will determine who will receive the pennants.
 Keystone Guard Organized.-Birming- ham lodge No. 27S Keystone Guard, was formerly organized in Birmingham last night with charter membership of about 100. The following officers were elected: E. T. Hoyt, past presi- dent; G. B. Ratterman, president; Mrs. Emma Fenwick, vice president W. c. Schuster, secretary; w. T. Latham, treasurer s. E. Willoughby, chaplain; W. c. Wilson, warden E. D. Drum mond, guide; J. l.. Green, sentinel J. M. Bradley W. T. Parker, Frank Arrico, trustees.
 Rabbi Newfeld's Lecture.-At Tenn pie Emanuel last night Rabbi Newf1eld lectured on why We Are, and Remain Jews" The lecture was heard by a large congregation, and was much en- joyed. Rabbi Newf1eld has delivered a series of lectures on great religions, teach CTS, and the one last night was considered an exceptionally fine one. Madame Ella Marx, soprano soloist. sang Cheer, O Israel" one of Men delssohn's master pieces. The selection was appropriate on account of the fact that yesterday was the anniversary of the great composers birth.