davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
Keeling Announces For
The Street Commissioner Job

( N. r. Keeling of West End Is lin the race
for street commissioner. While it has
been known for some time among his
friends that he would be in the race, for
NAL announcement was not made until
yesterday.
Mr.. Keeling has been connected with
the health department as sanitary inspec-
tor since the first of the year. Prior to
that time he was inspector of new streets
being constructed in West End, and also
served as marshal Of that town, and
when West End was annexed to Birming-
ham he was continued In the city's SER
vice. He is Endorsed by the former may
or and board of aldermen of West End
for the place.
His announcement reads:
1T am a candidate for street commits
sioner of Birmingham. Well built and
well cared-for streets are among the most
important factors Of great city, and for
this reason we should have practical
man and not a novice for street commits
sioner. I claim to be the only practical
street builder in the race.
I'm our city quite a number Of convicts
are worked on the streets. believe in
treating them humanely. Instead Of u.s.
ing the city convicts to sweep the streets
In the business portion of the town, I
would endeavor, in case of my election, to
have the Mayor and Board OF Aldermen
work these convicts on the great stretches
Of roads in the sections Of Birmingham
on the work Of building and repairing
them, and that men be hired to do the
street cleaning. Especially would advo-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
OVER 200 VISITING BANKERS
EXPECTED AT CONVENTION

The bankers of Alabama will begin to
assemble in Birmingham tomorrow for
the annual convention of the Alabama
Bankers association, which will convene
Friday morning.
1t is expected that more than 200 dele
gates and prominent visitors will attend.
All arrangements have been completed
ton promises to be the largest and most
important ever held by the association.
Following is the complete programmes:
First Day-Convention called to order
by President H. l.. McElderry of ITALIA
dega at 10 O'Clock at the Chamber of
Commerce auditorium. Prayer, the Rev.
w. e. Evans, d. D., rector Church of the
Advent, Birmingham. Address of well
come, on behalf of Birmingham, Hon.
Frank P. O'Brien, mayor; on behalf of
the clearing house banks, John H. Frye.
president Traders National bank, Bir-
mingham. Response, Hon. J. H. Gran
ford, First National bank, Jasper. Roll
call. Annual address of the president
Report op secretary treasurer. Address,
THE American Bankers Association"
F. o. Watts, vice president American
Bankers association and president First
National bank, Nashville, Tenn. Address,
Comparisons of Bank Examination Law
of Alabama With the Law of New York."
e. j. Smyer, Esq, Birmingham. Address,
1.-The Growing Importance of Foreign Ex-
changes R. S. Hecht, assistant man
ager foreign department Hibernia Bank
and Trust company and editor of the Gulf
States Banker, New Orleans. Address.
''Sanctifcation of Secrecy" e. st. Elmo
Lewis, editor Financial Publicity, Detroit
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

Reports from group vice presidents. Ap-i
pointment of committees by the president.
Adjournment. Afternoon programme
Excursion on special train to gas field in
Fayette county.
Second Day-Address, Branch Banking
When Properly Conducted s. s.
Broadus, president Tennessee Valley bank.
Decatur Address, alabama Banks and
Their Branches" Hon. Ed D. Hammer,
state senator, Alfalfa. Five-minute talks
on live banking subjects. Reports of
committees. Election and installation of
officers. Adjournment. Luncheon in the
ball room of the Country club.
w. w. Crawford. chairman of the en-
tertainment committee. has sent out an,
nouncements of the change In Fridays
programme of which the following is a
copy:
Dear Sir-The committee on entertain-i
ment for the approaching meeting of the
Alabama State Bankers association, to
be held In our city on May 20, has de-
cided to change its plans for entertaining
our guests. Instead of giving our guests
an automobile ride on Friday afternoon,
May 20. and informal reception at
Mr.. Harding's residence that night, wa
have decided to take the delegates to tbs
Alabama State Bankers association on a
special train out to Fayette county on
Friday afternoon, May 20, at $3.50 o'clock.
to inspect the newly discovered gas --ells.
The owners of the property will tender
our party barbecue on our arrival The
special train will leave the Birmingham,
Terminal station at $3.50 o'clock on next
Friday afternoon. May 90, and will re-
turn to the city by 10 o'clock that even
ing.
owing to the lateness of the hour at
urni rh wi ba
there will be no reception at Mr.. Hard
ings residence that night. Yours very
truly, w. w. CRAWFORD,
Chairman.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

While all eyes are turned toward Mont
gomery on account of the state democrat
ie convention being in session there Biz
rningham's internal political affairs were
interesting yesterday. 1t was made de-
cidedly so by the active work or a nun
dred candidates, who were quietly but
persistently buttonholing every friend or
man with a vote. So far there has been
43 candidates to qualify.
Rumors of new entries in the mayoralty
race have died down and 1t now appears
certain that the race will be among the
quartet which has already formally an
nounced-F. I. Monks. Culpepper Exum,
Carl H. Seals and Jere G.. King.
There is still some speculation regard
ing the presidency Of the council. So
for there have been but two men ru-
mored as candidates for this place, these
being Harry Jones. the present incum-
bent, and Alderman Frank w. Smith
of the Fifteenth ward. 1t is practically
certain that Mr.. Jones will be out for
reelection. while the friends Of Mr.. Smith
have been urging him to run. Smith is a
bit undecided in the matter, but It is
considered pretty certain that he will
be in the race. -.-
Each Of the 16 wards is presenting an
exciting contest for the aldermanic posi-
lions, especially the five suburban wards,
which became part of Birmingham on the
first of the year. In the suburbs any,
where from six to dozen candidates
are busily at work this week seeing just
where they stand before qualifying.
All Of the candidates when qualifying
are also signing an affidavit to the ef-
feet that they will abide by the action
of the primary and support its nominees
in the general election and carry out the
desires expressed by the people in this
primary. This is done in order that the
heads of departments may be assured
of election by the Board of Aldermen
when nominated In the primary
There will be p vacancies on the Board
OF Aldermen, for which nominees are to
be named in the primary. This is made
up of vacancy In each of the original
eleven wards and two In each Of the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

Marriage licenses have been issued
rs follows from the Office of the pro-
bate court:
James H. Lathem of Birmingham to
Miss Olive r. Condrey.
Damico Dosano of Birmingham to
Miss Batterta Geralama.
Wilmot c. Jordan of Birmingham to
Miss Lydia Legler.
Andrew J. Franklin of Ensley to Miss
Bessie May Holmes.
C. A. Franklin of Alton, Ala, to Mrs.
Uallie Hollingsworth.
Albert B. Mccormick of North Biz
uingham to Miss Maude Pearl James.
Jesse M. Murphy of Birmingham to
Miss Kate Thach.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
POLITICAL CAUCUS
HELD AT WEST END
Attempts to Centralizc Some Man
for Alderman Were Not
Successful

mass meeting was held by citizens
of the Fifteenth ward last night at the
West End city hall, the purpose of the
meeting being to center on a candidate
for alderman. Two candidates were pres
emit, Dave Williams and w. H. Tharpe,
while the meeting was attended by some
40 voters. The proposition to center on
one man, however. fell through. The
meeting, though. was one of hot polit-
ical discussion ana very interesting.
After the meeting some 20 of the adj
herents Of Dave Williams formed evil
liams club" j. B. Drake was elected
president and ]. B. Foster secretary. 1t
is also understood that a "Tharpe" club
is to be formed.
The Fifteenth ward Is one of the
largest in area in the city, running from
Graymont to Glen Iris and from the bali
park nearly to Powderly. 1t has a yot.i
ing strength of about 800.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
Cranford wen Pleased

Capt Jack Crawford of Jasper said:
81 have attended many political gath
erings but this convention was the big
gest thing I have ever seen in Alabama.
never before saw such crush OF peo-
pie in Montgomery as that at the Ex-
change hotel Monday night and Tuesday
morning. The convention was made up
of staunch, enthusiastic democrats and the
anti-prohibition sentiment was over
whelmng."
State Senator w. T. Brown Of Rag
land. st. Clair county: "It was not only
a large convention, but thoroughly repre-
sentative of the democracy of Alabama.
In fact, l never saw more representa-
tive body AS one of the many evil
dences of party vigor and of the interest
democrats are taking in the pending
questions, may be mentioned the full
delegations from the various counties.
There were few vacant seats. From my
county every delegate answered the roll
call. 1t was a notable convention indeed.
Any one who has any doubt rs to how
the democratic party in this state stands
on the liquor question, 1t would have
been instantly removed If he had looked
in on this convention. The local option
lists were in mighty majority
1.-THE delegates to the convention from
the Seventh congressional district passed
a resolution by acclamaation indorsing
me for president pro tenn, of the senate.
OF course this was deeply gratifying to
me-
Local Option Chief Question
Frank Nelson, Jr., said: THE main
question at the capital was local option.
should Judge from conversation had
with delegates that fully rs per cent of
the delegates were in favor of local
option plank in the platform. The peo-
pie Of the state seem satisfied that state
wide prohibition is not the success that
had been hoped for it.
1.-THE convention was cheerful, conser-
vative and its members made fine look
ing. body. There was a big crowd and
one of the most representative ever
saw assembled in Alabama. There was
the best of feeling and every indication
that the conservative sentiment will be
maintained. OF course there were some
few in the convention who are as radi-
cal in their way as were some of the
prohibitionists, but the convention had
them well in check and held them SO.
II was very much pleased with the way
things went. 1t looks like the party
has got back to its old moorings.''
Everything at Montgomery was all one
way. They were for local option and the
only question was the wording of the
plank in the platform. The convention
was entirely harmonious. 1t was the
biggest crowd ever saw at state con-
vention in Montgomery.
1T is worthy Of note too that there
was considerable sentiment against the
primary system"
Forney Johnston: 1.-The O'Neal people
had very decided majority in the con-
vention and there was never q doubt
about the convention being for local OPP
ton. Indeed, there was not much talk
heard about what the amendment peo-
pie are planning. If they have an or
ganization it Is not apparent Everything
seemed to go through with a rush and
according to schedule"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

Are you ready for the comet?
To-day is the day, LADIES' and gen.
tmen"
Just what is going to happen no
one knows. Scientists among them
seles disagree, and those who spent
last night praying and fasting offer
this fact-not as an excuse--as a rea
son.
This afternoon, the students say, the
tail of the comet will switch Moth er
Earth. Wise men contend that the
earth will not be destroyed. Many, es-
pecially among the colored population,
doubt this assertion. This is the cause
of ting prayer meetings last night, the
pealing forth of anthems, and the glor-
ious outbursts in the act of Coming
through" for which, no doubt, COM
plants will be made this morning to
the department of police. The super
stition among the members of the col
ored population Is accountable for the
many applications at drug stores yes
terday for comet pills" the idea hav-
ing got abroad that by swallowing this
mythical preparation the gaseous effu-
sions of the tail of the comet this
afternoon will have no evil effects. 1t
is reported that in every instance, how
ever, the applicants were informed that
the sale of the prescription desired
could not be transacted without a spe-
cial permit from Mayor OBrien. The
secretary of the mayor, however, urged
an injured thumb as an excuse for his
failure to write out the blank re-
quired.
The comet crosses the sun tonight
and it is expected that there Will be
some demonstration in celebration OF
this event. AS to whether or not the
comet will shower enough sparks with
sufficient force to demolish the earth
remains to be seem scientists say all
Will be well. An electrical display
might occur. A glorious light might
break in the west. The night might be
lightened to the brilliance of day. And
there might be no ocular proof tn at
the knight Grant of the heavens is
on a tour for the advancement of
glory and for the advertisement of
himself. The watching of the comet
during the past several weeks, how
ever, will pale into insigniflcance COM
pared to the activity of the inh lab
itants of the city tonight. 1t Is un-
derstood that parties have been ar
ranged all over Birmingham and this
county, the purpose of those entering
the same being to await the develop
ments of the sky wanderer which
comes but once every century.
The people of Birmingham, who have
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
CANDIDATES ARE
TAKING OFF COATS
Twenty-one Qualified for City
Offices Yesterday
MANY WARD CONTESTS
Each of the Sixteen Wards Is Having
It's Own Fight and Some of Them
Promise to BE Exception
ally Lively


= Candidates for city offices to the 4
y number of q qualified yesterday 4
y with Roger Snyder, secretary of the =
= committee. These men were: For =
= street commissioner-N. r. Keeling =
= of West End, David l.. Bridges, u. =
. P. Brown, H. H. Huffstutler and L. =
= l.. Perkerson of Birmingham.
y w. 8. Cooper for building inspec- =
y tor.
= F. D. Macarthur for alderman OF =
. the Thirteenth ward. =
= C. Clarke Jones for alderman or =
y the Twelfth ward. =
= W. r. Starbuck for reelection as =
= alderman of the Tenth ward. =
= John w. Lacey for alderman OF =
= the Eleventh ward.
= Dan A. Hogan for reelection as =
= alderman from the Eighth ward. =
. For license tax collector-Ed =
= Withers, James Fl. Savage, John =
. B. Cole and Robert L. Stokes. =
= George H. Bodeker for reelection =
y as chief of police. =
. Dave williams as alderman from =
. the Fifteenth ward. =
= Frank Jones as alderman from =
. the Sixth ward. t's =
= Eb. Hydinger for police commits =
= sioner.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
Chicago Firm Awarded
City's Bonds AT 1O3.2O

The price received was lower than Bir-
mingham has received for it's bonds and
smaller than the members of the finance
committee had expected. That the money
market is In something of a slump was
given as a reason for the bids being low
These bonds bear interest at the rate
of 5 per cent and run for 30 years. They
were authorized by the people at a re-
cent election, being for the purpose Of
paying off the floating debts of the va
rious suburbs which were annexed on
the first of the year and the expenses of
operating them until the first OF July.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
CORONBR'S JURY
REACHES VERDICT

Coroner Brasher held his final investi-
cation at Palos yesterday and the Jury
reached the following verdict I'VE, the
coroner's Jury. ind that the men killed
in the No. 8 Palos mine came to their
death by an explosion. the cause or ma
ture of which is unknown to this jury"
Coroner Brasher said last night that
he had had very little to do for the last
several days and all over the county
there seems to be general peace among
the people.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

Bids on the 100000 bond issue were
opened by the finance COMMITTEES of the
Board of Aldermen at noon yesterday and
the sale awarded to the Thomas ]. Bolger
Co. of Chicago for the sum of s412, $780,
their bid being 20.
Tho next highest bid came from Splitter
& Co. of Toledo, $4O8,363. Other bidders
were Otto Mark & Co. of Birmingham,
s4O6, 12O; New York Life Insurance COM
pany, for one-half the issue, 500, 09o. and
N. w. Halsey & Co. of New York, for
one-half the issue, $204,550.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

cate the employment of squad of white
wings whose duty it would be to move
about the streets during the day with a
small hand-cart and remove any accumu-
lations of trash.''
There are number Of men in the race
for the position of street commissioner.
Frank H. Gafford, who was recently
elected by the Board of Aldermen to fill
the vacancy caused by John McCartin's
resignation, is out for reelection. David
l.. Bridges. D. P. Brown, H. H. Hufstut-
Ter. T. L. Perkerson, w. H. Priegel and
]. A. Vaughn form the rest of the list of
candidates.
The race is assuming decidedly interest
ing proportions and promises to be one
OF the prettiest Of the many to be run off
IN the city primary on June 20.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
ADJUSTMENTS
At the BiiOu

Every minute is laugh at the
Bijou this week, and Harry Gribbon,
Dan Marble and Royal Cutter make as
acceptable comedians as have been to
Birmingham in some time. Assisting
them are the Three Rosebuds. a trio Of
condolences who are known from coast
to coast for the funny ways. Next week
come the Winning Miss company,
which was such hit here last week, in
"Hoity-Toity."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
PRISONERS BREAK
JAIL AT CHATOM

Chatom, May 17-(Special)-The only
two white prisoners in the jail here es-
capped last night, and are now at large
Owing to defect in the mechanism of
the cell lock 1t appears that they easily
made an entrance into the corridor, from
which they picked their way under win
dow to the outside.
One of the escapes is Edward R. Will
liams, alias John Williams, of Geor-
giana, who killed w. r. Reynolds near
Frankville, in this county, on the after
noon of March 8. Williams is also an
escaped deserter from the United States
army. The other escape 10 Frank Stach-
err. who has been In jail only short
while, and was charged with removing
mortgaged property from the state.
Stacher's home 10 in the western part
of the county near Vinegar Bend.
No telegraphic connection with various
points can be had as all wires leading
here are down for some, unexplained reas-
on. Sheriff Warren, with bloodhound
and two deputies early this morning went
In pursuit of the fugitives, and at IL
o'clock today had not returned. Indica-
tons are That the fugitives have any
where from six to 10 hours the start.
A reward for the capture of the fugi-
tives will in all probability be offered and
every effort to apprehend them made.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18
Drummers to Hold Meeting

Huntsville. May 17-(Special.) -Many
of the best known drummers of Alabama
will gather in Huntsville May q to at
tend the annual meeting of the grand
council OF the United Commercial Tray
elers. which will continue two days.
James G. Jones, grand senior councillor.
will preside over the session. The address
of welcome will be delivered by the Rev.
Francis Tappey. pastor Of the First Pres
byterian church, who is the grand chap
lain of the council. The programme of
entertainment is not complete. but the
two main events announced by the com
mitteo will be barbecue at Brahan
Spring and drive up to the top Of
Monte Sano.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-18

five suburban wards annexed on the first
of the year. There are a dozen vacancies
in the heads of various departments in
addition to the Mayor and president of
the council. There will also be 80 vacan-
cies for members of the executive COM
mittee
From present prospects there will be ia
the neighborhood of $50 candidates look
ing for election on June 20. 1T will be
necessary to print IS different ballots,
one for each ward, each ticket showing
the names of the candidates for Mayor
and president of the council and the
names of the candidates for aldermen
| and executive committeeman from the res
| spective wards.
Registrars to sit in the Is wards for
week to register all democrats will be APP
pointed at the meeting of the executive
committee next Monday at noon. At that
time the committee will also prorate the
assessments of each candidate.
There are quite a number of seekers
after the place of registrar and blank
affidavit and application has been drawn
up for them to fill out. These blanks may
be secured from Roger Snyder at 2120
First avenue, the headquarters of the
subcommittee. An affidavit similar to
this will also be given to each voter to
fill out. swearing that he is democrat.
a qualified voter and that he will support
the nominees of the primary during the
general election.
Following is copy of the blank being
az
registrar:
State of Alabama, Jefferson county.
l, ...........---............ hereby
make application for position of registrar
for the voting place .....---....
ward. If appointed 1 promise on oath.
that l will perform the duties attached
to the office to the best of my ability,
that will not permit anyone to register
whose name is not shown on the official
list furnished by the probate judge of
Jefferson county as a qualified voter. or
who does not present his poll tax receipts
from the year 1901 to 1909, inclusive, also
his official registration, state registration
certificate or a certificate issued by the
probate judge of said county showing
that the person is a qualified voter.
further promise not to impart any infor-
nation to anyone regarding the names OF
persons registered by me.
Given under my hand and seal this
.......... day of May, 1910.
.........................L. S.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
.......... day of May, 1910.
................ Notary Public.
also agree to bring list of persons
registered by me each day to the secre-
tary's office as soon as possible after
close the books, giving names and adj
dresses of those registering during that