davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

Montgomery, June 12.-(Speeial.)- )-Har- ry C. Gunnels. state superintendent of education, is highly elated over the school sentiment and educational enthusi- asm all over the state. Back from many of the commenoements, he says:
 q have just completed a tour of the state, visiting nearly all of the state in stitutions, and it is with much gratifca- ton that I am able to express an idea as to the splendid condition in which l found all of the schools.
 There has not been a time in the his- tory of the state when the state tnstitu- tions and public schools were doing such excellent work. There has never been time in the history of the state when the average standard of our teaching force in the public schools was so high, nor has there been a time when so much interest has been taken in our higher institutions of learning. It used to be that there was little sympathy between the higher institutions and the common schools. That time has passed and now through various forces is lending influ- ence to the building up of public schools. The large amount of money spent by the state at the university, at Auburn, and at Montevallo, Is serving a stimulus in building up not only interest in these institutions but awakening the people who patronize the common schools to the necessity of so building up the common schools that the children will be able to take advantage of the great oppor- tunity offered them at these higher insti- tutions.
 Ut is my observation that there Is healthy educational sentiment every where. No matter where you go, the people are talking education. You sell dom hear a criticism as to the appro- priations made for education.
 "The people of Alabama are learning that, to use an expression of Governor Conner. the states money spent for ed ucation is put out at usury,' and the peo- pie are realizing that the usury is run ming at a very high rate and that all that Is expended will come back hum dred fold fir an intelligent and patriotic citizenship which naturally carries with 1t an increase in property valuations, an Increase in the standard of technical and mechanical skill, a higher regard for law and order and a more exalted degree of happiness and contentment
 "I find that the people everywhere ap- plaud every reference to the idea of compulsory education. I find that they are demanding and applauding all eff forts to secure for the country children better supervision of their schools find that almost without exception the people of the state favor the submitting Of the constitutional amendment allow ing school communities to tax them selves to educate their children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
BESSEMER CITIZENS ARE RIGHT IN LINE Tell Why the Bond Issue
 Should Carry FANS R AS1 THE UMPIRE Bessemer Wins From Woodward But Boys Say They Do Not Want
 Any Such Vlctories-Per-
 sonal and General.
FANS R AS1 THE UMPIRE

Bessemer, June -(special.)-Mor inent men in Bessemer on the courthouse bond issue and all are in favor of 1t. Deputy Sheriff George W, Jones made the following statements
 'I heartily indorse the opinion of MT. Lewis and believe with him that there ought to be joint mass meeting be- tween the two cities and a thorough un- derstanding arrived at. There seems to be a general misunderstanding between the two sections and this meeting would help to bring the people together and make them work in unison for mutual betterment.
 We need a courthouse down here. The accommodations are ridiculous, both for witnesses and jury, and should be much more commodious. want to emphasize this feature especially in behalf of the county officials We do not need a court house for the convenience of the office holders and lawyers, but for the bene- fit of the taxpayers. They are the ones who count. The county line at Tanne- hill is IS miles from Bessemer and Besse- iilOI ID 41 illlleS llOHl IoiAlHAhe ildliif man ing 30 miles that the people from the lower end of the county are forced 10 travel when they are drawn on the juries or are witnesses in a case in Birming- ham. This is unbearable and needs at- tention badly.
 "In regard to the severance of the is- sue I will say for the people who think that 1t Is a trick that Judge Greene personally showed me the law and cited parallel case in which the city of Woodlawn and the county were involved and while at first I was sore as great many others are, now I know at present that it is legal and that if the issue car ried as a unit the bonds could not be sold, because the supreme court would refuse to hold them good"
 R. F. Smith, the president of the Besse- mer National bank. was surprised and indignant at the attitude of some of the citizens of this district toward the bond issue and expressed himself in strong terms in favor of the bond issue. MT. Smith said:
 q am surprised that there should be any question of the good faith of the Board or Revenue and the Birmingham public at large in the matter of the bond issue As the Birmingham and Bessemer propositions cannot legally be voted as one, that should settle the ques- ton In the minds of right thinking peo- pie. It is moreover the plain duty of every good citizen to vote for both the Birmingham and Bessemer issues. The people of this district have been after 1t for years and now that they have what they want they are foolishly trying to kill it."
 U. Schwabacher. the prominent jeweler, in speaking of the bond issue said: 'I am very much in favor of the issue and intend to vote for both courthouses. The Board of Revenue has met us half way in all good faith and l think 1t is noth- ing but right that we should support both propositions"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

or Wednesday night at very pretty sur prise party at the home of MT. and Mrs. Lawrence Cooper. The evening was spent in games, and dainty refreshments were served.
 The regular monthly meeting of the Virginia Clay-Clopton chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was held on- Monday at the home of Mrs. Jennie Hosmer Garner. This was the first meeting since the state conven- tion here last month, and report was read by Mrs. J. s. Allison. A sketch from the Confederate Veteran on Mrs E. K. Trader, the Florence Nightingale of the South," was read by Mrs. Juliet Clanton and Mrs. Kate c. Donegan read a sketch on Starving Times During the War; Miss Neida Humphrey sang two songs Ten members were taken in by the chap ter.
 Misses Florence and Theo Moore en- tertained congenial party of young people at their home on Walker street Thursday evening. Refreshments were served.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
Bread Is Going Up.

Chicago, June 12.-Chicago bakers, believing they say that the high price of flour of the present season has come to stay, officially announced to- day an advance in prices beginning Monday. The price of bread is un- touched, but rolls, cakes, cookies doughnuts and other products that have sold at 10 cents will be sold at 12c. The price of eggs, butter, lard and other ingredients of bakery goods has been steadily advancing for years without dealers making any cor responding raise.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
ELkS CELEBRATE.
Flag Day Appropriately Observed at
 West BIocton.
To the Public:

West Blocton, June R.-(Special.)- Blocton lodge No. 710, B. P. o. B., cele- brated Flag day by services at the, pa vilion on Tuesday night. This was most interesting and impressive service, and the Elks have been recipients or many compliments on the exercises. Flag days really on the 14th of June. and IS the anniversary of the first adoption of the flag of stars and stripes by our national government 1so years ago. Ow- ing to other entertainments the Elks were unable to celebrate on the 14th, and chose the 9th instead. The erection of tho floral bell of liberty was both beanti- ful and impressive. The recitation given by Mrs. L. F. Farrar was heartily cheer ed, as was the song "America," as sung by the Elks.
 After the services the Elks and their friends enjoyed several hours of dano- ing.
 At ii o'clock the Elks' toast, ITO Our Absent Brothers" was given by the Elks after singing Were Hero Because were here"
 Ice cream. cake and lemonade were served.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
New Law Firm.

Guntersville. June 2.-(Special.) 1.-The new law firm of Kennamer & Killcrease has just opened offices here. At present they are located on the second floor of Bains mercantile house. Later--they will occupy offices in the new Citizens Bank building MT. Kennamer has practiced law here for several years. having been a candidate for Congress from this dis trict the last term against John L. Bur nett. Mr Kilcrease is a graduate of the University of Alabama and recent acquisition to the local bar
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
Sore at the Umpire.

Bessemer fans were greatly disgusted at the rank exhibition put up at the ball park this afternoon in the game with Woodward The game was long drawn out, ragged and much wrangling was indulged in by both sides. Critten- den, the regular umpire scheduled for the game, did not show up and an um- pire was chosen from the crowd. Two were used in the game, both inoompe- tent and unable to judge the plays. The incompetence was so pronounced that in coming away from the game several in- dorsed the following remarks. 'tI am all for Bessemer, but in spite of that do not care to see our boys win in such manner as they did this after noon. The team was not at fault. but the trouble lay in the umpires. Please give us umpires who are competent. hope that no such occurrence will bo repeated" Manager Crittenden for Woodward stated that he would protest the game and it .s the general opinion that his protest will be upheld. The score: Woodward .............. 900 100 003+ 3 Bessemer .............. 200 O01 22@-7 g
 Batteries: Askew and Taron; Fancher and O'Mara.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
GUNNELS IS PLEASED
 WI7H SCHOOL OUTLOOK

T am sure I echo the sentiments of the governor, who has been with me on nearly all these trips. when I say that the people of Alabama have Just reason to be proud of the healthy and prosper ous condition of all the schools
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
Six on One Trip.

Between May r and 20 six stills were destroyed by the officers All of these stills were close together. They were inaccessible, of course, but they were in operation. They showed, also, that they had been making good profits. Informa- u m of the revenue agent is to the effect that there is a demand for moonshine booze, which is being supplied.
 John Afford was asleep when his place was raided. He had on hand 900 gallons of beer, his still having a daily capacity of 60 gallons of whisky. From Afford MT. Booth got a few figures which are interesting.
 He told me-" MT. Booth announced that six bushels of meal and 200 pounds of sugar will give him 30 gallons of whis- ky, which sells for s4 per gallon"
 The sugar costs from to cents per pound. Meal is about s1 per bushel. This means a profit of about s10O in a days operation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

The Good Roads Machinery company has recently sold the second Monarch lotion roller to the Board of Revenue of this county. Their representative in this state is the Davis Advertising and Sales Co.,, 1910 Mark building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13
If you have decided on the

price come here and let us help you in making a selection from our great assortment of Kirschbaum's all-wool hand tailored Suits at these prices S13.35, $14.65. S15.85, S18.65. $21.35 and $23.15. They'll please you. See window. Varley & Bauman Clothing Co.,, 1910 Sd avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

A marvel of beauty and a joy forever, on account of it's con yeniences. The Empire. Jemi- son R. E. 6 Ins. Co.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

Huntsville Social Dolngs.
 Huntsville, June 12.-(Speciai.) )-Miss Al ice Hibbitt of Denver, Col, guest of Miss Elizabeth Cooper, was the guest of hon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

Polycrome terra cotta, 18th to f6th floor, Empire Building, is beautiful. Jenison R. E. & (ns Go.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-13

"BIRMIN NGHAM SPE- CIAL" for New York, the fast est and handsomest train in the South. Leaves 9:3O A. M.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
MAKES TRAGIC CONFESSION.

BEFORE you go with me to this
u woman behind prison bars, read
first her tragic admission of five
years ago, and then the plaintive
appeal sof today-a prayer for equal
Justice. the wall of a soul self
doomed to a life, of disgrace, a be-
seeching cry Of one who in retrospect
has seen things in a clearer light Then,
when you have read the two. ask your
self what YOU would do If YOU held her
fate in your hands, and ask yourself
again which story rings true, and VIII en-
false.
That. except that it teaches US that
the way Of the transgressor still is hard,
is about the only lesson furnished by
this dark story from Indiana-State OF
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
LONG YEARS OF SILENCE.

GO aroused were the people OF Hart
- ford City at the time this confession
was made. and 30 strongly had the net
Of guilt been woven about Mrs. Krauss
that it was deemed expedient 10 have
her appear at a Virtual secret session
of the court. The arrangement was
made without the advice or consent OF
her attorney HuTriedly sent for, he ar
rived only to see Mrs Krauss remain
unmoved in her determination to plead
guilty. The scurrying court officials
caused rumOrs TO spread in the streets.
The thrOngs began 10 gather as the life
sentence was being pronounced upon the
unfortunate woman, the news flew from
mouth TO mouth that Mrs. Krauss had
confessed. Suddenly the sheriff emerged
with his prisoner; the husband and the
attorneys followed in their wake The
Continued on Fifth Page.)
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24

was dissatisfied with that S2OOo ante
TT ptial agreement; she planned to get
Crystal out of the way. and that would
have Left her all
MY God, man, you have no idea
what have suffered through these
five years! I know that ] did wrong,
in way, in visiting this woman IN
prison. Unless you can put yourself
IN the other mans place, you cannot
understand You can't appreciate how
I loved this woman, bad as she proved
to be- You can never know that you
cannot forget a love Ike this In a day.
I knew that she murdered my child,
and yet, and yet, I wouldn't cast her
from me for a long long time. That S why
I visited her in Jail here; that's why
I haunted the door OF the penitentiary
once a month for nearly three years
after she heard the doors clang be-
hind her.
"Give me a square deal. Try to i'm
agine that you ere Bill Krauss, broken
up Bill Krauss, and ask yourself II
you might not have erred, If you might
not have deserved and received cen
sure for actions a misunderstanding
world cannot fathOm.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
Attorney Angered
At Wife's Confession.

Attorney Angered
At Wife's Confession
-'Hindman has never gotten over his
clients confessing without his consent"
he says. That ne engaged Hindman to
dc fend his wife or that Hindman was
Informed originally that he, Krauss.
had a hand in his daughters poisoning,
Krauss most emphaticaIy and indig-
nantly denies.
81 was prosecuting attorney at the
time; do you think I would have let
Krauss escape if he had had hand
in a thing like this2' demands John
Burns, the mans present attorney. 'I
would have demanded hanging. as much
as / dislike to see the extreme penalty
inflicted. Mrs. Krauss confessed only
when told by her husband that we had
Ia dead-shot case against her and that
if II went to trial. ana without a plea
Of guilty, she would receive the death
penalty and that I would so demand"
That IS the story from the mans View
point. Take it for what you will, as I
have done. The more delved into this
sad, sordid story, the more did I be-
come confused and hopelessly unable TO
reach a definite conc Ision when
weighed woman against man.
With those in Hartfor. City who know
the principals better, the same uncer-
tainty prevails. There are those who be
lieve both husband and wife implicated
in the taking OF this girls life. There
are others who have no sympathy with
the woman's story and who refer to
her bluntly as a cCld-bloOded murder
ess. There are stiIl others who criticise
Krauss for loving the woman after
her confession, but who believe him in
nocent of any actual crime. Fairly put,
sentiment seems to lean toward the hus-
band who now seeks TO free himself
from the marital ties. but I'm this con-
nection let it also be noted that for
five years not a word has been said in
defense Of fae woman who pronounced
her own doo-n by a confession probably
without parallel IN any criminal juris-
diction.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
KRAUSS' TALE OF CRIME.

IT may be said in passing here that Mrs.
L Krauss' methods TO have It appear
that her stepdaughter cor1snitted sui
eide were ingenious enough. She made
the one fatal blunder. If we accept the
court records. Of sending a talkative
boy after the poison. Admonished by
o drug clerk to handle the deadly pack
age carefully, this youth casually men
toned his errand after arrival at his
own home. His mother heard the ru-
mOrs next day of possible foul play in
CRYSTAL Krauss' death. OFFICERS Of the
law were quick to pick up the clue, cor
robatlve evidence that might have been
1ndeveIoped otherwise came TO light,
and. within twenty-four hours. Mrs.
Krauss was charged with murder. Near
" two months later, October q, 1904,
to be exact. she confessed, and while
scores Of her neighbors. former friends
and Sunday school scholars Kissed their
Indignation. she was hustled aboard
waiting trolley car and whirled 20 the
Womau's prison at Indianapolis
''Why should I want to kin my own
daughter demanded Krauas. picking
up mis- story AGAIN "A home was never
happier. so far az / could see. than
mine lust after the marriage. The rela-
lions OF my wife and my daughter ap-
0, an ed to me TO be most cOngenial Did
mt have enough love for them both?
It was my property. damn IL. that she
was after. I can see it all now. She
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
Had No Grudge
APainst Husbands Child.

This vas not done because had
any grudge against or dislike for Crys-
tai, for I did not I dearly loved the
child and no one misses her more than
I do since this dreadful thing has hap
pened. In our home life Crystal and
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
VOICE FROM CELL
ACCUSES HUSBAND
Life Prisoner SWearS He
Is Equally Guilty of
Murder.
DUTY TO SOCIETY
TO MAKE CHARGE
Remorseful Woman Would Have
Him PuniShed-Not Revenge,
She Says.
Continued from First Page)

womanhood. and his business. Crystal
he told me with tears in his eyes, was
his idol, the one for whom he labored
after his first wife died, the one TO
whom the bulk of his property was TO
go at his death. Crystal was eighteen,
pretty, a village favorite, beloved and
lovable. Not word Of this dead girl
did hear in Hartford City, save in
praise.
For about six years the father, daugh-
ter, and Krauss, the elder, occupied the
Krauss home. A second marriage was
a thing then unthought Of by Widower
Krauss. Crystal grew in loneliness as
her fathers devotion grew for her
At about this time there came into the
Widower's life another woman-Rae An
derman. A girl in her early tWenties.
accomplished. OF pretty face and grace
ful figure. she was one who, Krauss
says, he thought would make the do
nestle circle complete. Through nearly
four years the friendship ripeIed into
love between the two.
In the meantime. Crystal had grown
from an unobservant girl Of fourteen to
an understanding woman Of eighteen.
but she said nothing in the absence Of
any pronounced intentions on her faith
er's part
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24

poetry and song and of better object
lessons in citizenship.
This. remarkable document that it is,
was Mrs. Krauss' plea Of guilty. and its
utterancs is today responsible for her
plight:
Il. the defendant in the case Of the
State Of Indiana against Rae A. Krauss,
desire to say that I am guilty OF the
crime as have been charged. and that
Il have confessed to my beloved and
grief-stricken husband.
Mrs Kraus Prays
For Worlds Forgiveness.
IT am a broken-hearted and ruined
, ife. and am extremely sorry for the
deed I have done. It was done at a
time when I was not in full possession
Of my senses, and I shall now. until my
dying day pray to God, who knows
all. to forgive me for the grievous sin L
have committed. and take this means
Of placing myself in your hands and
upon your mercy.
while have said that was guilty
of the deed, at the time I did not
realize the awfuluess OF the crime, nor
did [ give thought to what the conse-
quenCes would be to our home, Crystal
Ely husband. or myself
Il did not stop to consider. If had,
the deed never would have been done.
I could think of nothing but just to do
it; each time I tried to get away from
it. but each time It would come back
stronger than before. AS I look back
now it seems some demon had hold of
my mind and I could not free myself
from it
THE thought was put into my mind
from just a word dropped
This was afterward explained as be-
ing Mr.. Krauss' aCmonition that Crys-
tai was too young to receive the at
tentions Of young men. and especially
Jim Cronin.)
Il got 1t into my head that her father
was worried and troubled on account
Of Crystals being determined TO keep
company with the boy. That is my only
reason Believed that If 1 did It there
would be nothing to worry him. You
see how little looked ahead CT realized
the trouble was bringing on my hus-
band or myself
"AlI the time 7 was with him my one
wish was to take as many cares as Z
could from him in every way possible.
There was nothing would not have
sacrificed to have T~ade my husband or
Crystal happier. L our home life my
husband, Crystal, and were perfectly
happy. If that one thought had not
gotten in my head or if I had had
strength of mind TO have thrown it off.
all would have been we'll and happy
today
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-24
Realizes Disgrace
Brought By Deed.

7 can see things so differently now;
but alasi II is ali TOO late. No one
had more to live for than I Then to
have everything taken away by one
foolish act Of mine. besides disgracilg
my husbands family and my own. and
bringing more sorrow into my fathers
life.
My life has been a blank since 1t
happened. There isn't an hour that I
don't miss Crystal and my home and
my husband. Day and night the long
ing is pulling at my heart.
"Au this may be hard for you TO
believe. and no one can unless they have
been through the same thing. but God
knows IL is the truth. While 7 am a
criminal in the eyes Of the law and the
world. am not at heart. May God give
me strength to bear my burdens and
trials. for without Him cannot. I have
put myself in lis hands and HIS viii
be done in all things that are 70 come
7 am ready and .flling TO take my pun
iShment, whatever it is.