davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
HEAVY RAINS CAUSE
 TRAINMEN TO WORRY
Slow Orders Issued Last Night Follow ing the Heavy Downpour of
 the Afternoon

The terrific rains of yesterday aft ernoon and the accompanying strong gusts of winds caused 8 distinct feel ing of uneasiness to prevail among the railroad dispatchers in the Birming- ham district. As result the various companies issued Slow orders for the faster trains and operated all of them at reduced speed. especially at points where the safety of the trains was not assured.
 The heavy winds destroyed the tele. graph wires leading into the Terminal station as far as service was con- cerned. Last night it was said that while no wires had been torn to the ground at the same time they were so heavy as to be almost useless in dispatch ing the trains.
 The railroad operators reported heavy rains for a radius of about 60 miles yesterday, accompanied by fierce winds The tracks were softened in places and last night trackmen and wirefixers were out all the night long, getting the trains over in good shape and try ing to repair the damaged wires.
 No trouble of any kind had been re- ported on any line up to a late hour At the Terminal and Louisville and Nashville all the trains maintained re- markable schedules, taking into con sideration the climatic conditions of the late afternoon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
ROOSEVELT DOUBLE
 SPENDS THE DAY HERE
George w. Roberts of Wetona, Miss, Attracts Attention Fly the Re-
 marknbIe Resemblance

So little has been heard of Colonel Roosevelt since the democratic tidal wave swept the hopes of republicans into ob- livion, that when George w. Roberts of Wetona. Miss, stood for moment in the lobby of the Hillman last night, many gasped as if in the presence of the great hunter"
 There was the big hat, in the first places; then the big eyes, behind big glasses Next came the big teeth below the bristling moustache. The smile at- tracted attention, too, for it was the smile that had made many a cartoonist famous The body of MT. Roberts was similar to that of Colonel Roosevelt, too. And those who saw gasped in wonder
 When MT. Roberts walked from the hotel to the theatre, several followed. When he bought ticket at the window. the curious stepped en route to the en- trance to stare. And then one bolder than the rest, asked him point blank his name.
 "Yes," stated MT. Roberts, T have heard that story before. But I. have al- ways tried to carry my democracy in my face. and you disappoint me. Do really Iook like one of those who are crying for a new nationalism. can't help 1t if MT. Roosevelt does resemble me-"
 And he smiled, showing again the big teeth, and entered the theatre.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
FEW MORE DAYS FOR
 COMMISSIONERS
Nesbitt and Lusk Will Retire
 Next Monday
NEW MEN ARE COMING IN
Frank Julian and Leon McCord VIII Be Sworn in and Hold Their First Formal Meeting on Jan
 uary 16

The present associate members of the Alabama railroad commission have only a few more days to serve as such when two of the members will be succeeded by others. The passing of the old com missioners and the installation of the two new ones, on January 16, are two ceremonies that will attract more in terest in railroad circles than possibly any stated event of the next few days.
 In Birmingham the eyes of practically all of the railroad men, attorneys and others, will be turned towards Montgonl- cry next Monday, for on that day the present commission composed of Charles Henderson, John Lusk and w. D. Nesbitt, will assemble for the last time in an off cial way. Only President Henderson of the commission will remain. Then Leon McCord and Frank N. Julian will be sworn in. However, the new men will not so in next Monday, but will formally take up the work January 16 two weeks later.
 The meeting of the commission next Monday will be attended by large num- Der of railroad officials from Brming- ham. They will be there to attend to many matters before the commission for the last meeting but principally to renew acquaintances with the new men and to bid adieu to those retiring.
 At the meeting Monday the question of train sanitation will come up for consideration. This will be passed, it is expected, to be handled by the new men. Others matters of this nature will also receive only scant attention from the two men about to retire.
 W. D. Nesbitt of Birmingham, who re- tires, will devote all of his, time to per- sonal affairs. He is here now, but will be in Montgomery Sunday. MT. Nesbitt was appointed to his position by Gov. B. B. Conner, and has held the esteem of every railroad with whom he has come in contact. John Lusk of Guntersville, the other retiring commissioner. will practice law in his home city aftde four years of official life. He was also an appointe.
 While nothing is known definitely it is expected that Charles Henderson of Troy, the present president, will remain at that post. He has served with a great deal of ability and is liked by both the new associate members.
 The railroad officers who are deeply interested In the two incoming commits soners are very well pleased with the prospects under their administration. The two associate members are men of wide vision and are deemed capable of handling the great problems which will be present. Cd to thes, during the next four years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
ANTI-FEE BILL WILL
 HIT THE SHERIFFS
While They Are Trying to Have Turn key Fee Restored Others Are Try-
 ing to Trim still More

Just as the sheriffs in their conven- ton in Montgomery stated their inten- ton of asking the legislature to restore to them the right of demanding turn key fee, 1t became known in Birmine- ham that one of the provisions of the bill seeking to down the fee system will de- clare against such change. The argu- ment is made that that system Is wrong which makes 1t possible for one man to reap a harvest out of the distress of another.
 Another feature of the bill against the fee system will be that provision de- claring against the promiscuous raids on negro craps shooters. The argument in favor of this provision will declare that the sheriffs, whenever in needs of funds. spot the negroes who draw pay Satur- day nights. and set their deputies to watch them play on Sunday. In this way. no morality is produced, according to those in favor of the bill, and much harm Is done to those concerns employ ing laborers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
B|G "HOP JO|NT'
 RAID MADE LAST
 NIGHT BY POLICE Seven "Opium Fiends' Ar rested in Roden Building
 in Heart of City
.PARAPHERNALIA TAKEN
 TO HEADQUARTERS
officers Had to Break in Door ana Found Seven Devotees "Hitting the Pipev nnd Also "RolI-
 ing the Pills"

One of the largest "hop joint" raids ever carried out successfully in Birmng- ham was made last night shortly before 9 o'clock by Detectives Justin Zeigler Horan and Given The joint" was ir the third floor of the Roden building or the corner of Second avenue and Twenti- eth street.
 The detectives found all manner of paraphernalia in the room where the den was located. There were opium pipes morphine, bulk opium, instruments for making up the pills to use in the pipes cards, chips and all manner of strange things which were confiscated by the officers
 The den was located yesterday after non and the secret of the raid was well kept It was a complete surprise to the occupants of the "den" and seven ar women and five were men. A charge of "hop smoking was placed against them and several locked in jail in default of bond
 The officers found it necessary to break in the doors to make an entrance to the room in which the smokers were gather ed. When the panels at last gave way to the assaults of the detectives a curious and loathsome scene was disclosed. The inmates of the room were all occupied with opium in some form. Two were making the pills to use In the pipes. two were smoking with every outward evi- dence of enjoyment, one was playing with the deadly morphine, and third was lingering the bulk opium lovingly.
 There was a wild scramble when the door was burst open by the officers, and opium, morphine, pipes and cards were tossed in an indiscriminate heap on the floor. However, the evidence of their guilt was too plain and they were prompt ly taken in charge by the officers.
 When the news of the raid spread around the police station a large crowd of the curious viewed the prisoners and the smoking apparatus. The location of the den in the very center of town was also very surprising.
 In the opinion of the officers the den raided was one of the largest in Bir- mingham and heretofore has been one of the most difficult to catch.
 The raid on the den last night Is only the first of a series of raids on the dens of Birmingham. The edict has gone fortf that the dens and dives must close ant there are special men to back up tht order with force if necessary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
GOING'S FUNERAL
 HELD YESTERDAY
| Large Crowd Assemblies to Pay Last Tribute to the Well Known Bir- mfngham Pioneer

Funeral services over the remains of
 the late James A. Going, one of Birming- hams earliest citizens, were held yester- day afternoon from the First Presby- terian church. In the sacred house, which was partially created through his leader ship, the solemn rites were held over his earthly remains, after which they were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery
 overlooking the city wherein the great est and most lasting activities of his life were performed.
 The services were In charge of the Rev. Dr. John Foster and the Rev. Dr. John w. Stagg. The house of worship was filled with representatives of all walks of life who came to the bier Of the late MT. Going to pay their last mark of re- spect to the dead.
 The death of MT. Going was not sur prise, for daily bulletins kept anxious friends advised of his precarious condi- ton. He had been waging the battle with the grim reaper for about six weeks, every minute of the time struggling to overcome the stroke of paralysis that had come to him for the third time. Relatives who were watching with the tendercst care believed him beyond human aid two or three times, when his will power would assert its control over the body and the faint spark of life would revive.
 The active pallbearers at his funeral yesterday included A. c. Howze, F. w. Dixon, John Hearst Miller, pr. J. H. Phillips, c. W. Mills, s. G. Mcconnell, J. w. Lee, F. F. Norton and T. M Bradley. During the morning hours yesterday a continuous stream of friends called at the late residence on Highland avenue to offer condolence to the bereaved family, and to pay their respects to the remains of the pioneer citizen. The floral trib- utes were numerous and as beautiful as have heen seen in Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
COMER MADE NEGROES ON
 OLD PLANTATION HAPPY

the gift And the governor went a step further. Following the celebration about the tree he took the heads of the fani lies on his plantation to the smokehouse and there gave to each a portion of fresh pork. During the holidays many hogs were slaughtered on the governors place and many of these were divided among the negroes who aided ffr raising them. and in making the corn which fattened them. The governor announced that he mad spent few Chrlstmases which brought more happiness into his heart. The me- groes on the plantation were happy. too, for 1t is probable that no such occasion had been participated in by them before. unless some of the negroes are old enough to have figured in the stirring incidents ''fore de war"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
HAVE THEIR EYES
 ON COUNTY OFFICES Numerous Candidates Groom
 ing for the Races SEVERAL ANNOUNCED Judge s. E. Greene May Make Race for Criminal Bench-CriminaI Court
 Clerk Also Figures in
 the Gossip
SEVERAL ANNOUNCED

Candidates for the county offices in the primaries to be held in tn spring of 1912 are clearing decks for the beginning of the campaign. Already candidates have announced for treasurer, tax assessor and tax collector and speculation is keen as to number of others.
 The list of announced candidates now stands as follows:
 For treasurer, c. B. Rogers. Dr. John S. Gillespy.
 Tax collector. IT. Giant Miller, Job Co., ing.
 Tax assessor, J. B. Vines, D. o. Me- Lendon.
 MT. Rogers, who is to run for the office of treasurer, is at present a member of the Board of Revenue. pr. Gillespy is the recently retired clerk and register of the city court, who was succeeded by Sam M. Blake. While Dr. Gillespy has not made public announcement of his intention he has intimated that he would be candidate and his friends are al- ready at work pr. J. B. Vines, candi- date for tax assessor, is a member of the Board of Revenue. D. O. McLendon Is now connected with the tax assessors office. and aspires to a promotion
 Among the offices which will be filled at the 1912 primary is that of criminal judge. Judge M. F. .Cahalan was elected over Judge W. E. Fort in the primary last spring. but he is only to complete the unexpired term of Judge Dan A. Greene, retired. Judge Fort was appoint ed to the bench by the governor but was defeated by Judge Cahalan in the 1910 primary.
 The friends of Probate Judge Samuel 10. Greene think 1t very probable that Judge Greene will be a candidate for the criminal bench. Judge Greene held the office for a few terms back and his friends are urging him to make the race
 Some interesting discussion is current In regard to the passage of a legislative act making the office of clerk of the crim- inal court elective. It is said that a ma jority of Jefferson county's delegation have been approached and are found to be favorable to the plan. The criminal clerkship is one of the most lucrative offices in the state, as it is stated the emolument in fees exceeds that of every Jefferson county office except that of sheriff.
 John G. Bradley the incumbent. has held the office for two terms. He was first appointed and again elected to the office, 1t being agreed by the executivN committee that the matter should go to the people, the judges confirming the nomination. It is consid-f>d probable that if the legislature does not act similar arrangement will be made at the next primary whereby the office may be made elective.
 MT. Bradley has not announced wheth- CT he will be candidate for election A hot fight is expected for the office, and several prospective candidates are already nf n ,a,>& Is James N. Merrell, who has been con- nected with the probate office under Judge Greene. Scores of friends have advised MT. Merrell to enter the field, and the chances are that he will be one of the aspirants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30

There was much of the milk of human kindness in the breast of Governor Conner at the Christmas season.
 He not only pardoned so many convicts that selfish Tennesseans feared the rec ord of Governor Patterson would be ap- preached, but he went down into Bar bour county and made the 60 negroes on hiss plantation happy.
 The story was brought to town yes- terday by Steve Brady farmer of Bar bour "Yes," he said, "the governor had an old-time southern plantation Christ mas He arrived Wednesday, and that evening all the negroes, about GO, were called to the big house.. There tree ablaze with candles was revealed to their view On the tree was a present for every negro, and the name was attached 10
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
JAQUE MEETS OLD
 BIRMINGHAM MEN
Frisco Man Was in Chicago at the Time of Becker's Death-saw
 J. c. LaCoste

P. F. Jaque of the Frisco lines re- turned yesterday from Chicago where he has been spending the holidays. While in that city MT. Jaque met several Bir- mingham people formerly with railroads here. He was there when Fred O. Becker, former general agent for the Frisco in Birmingham, died.
 Tn railroad circles in Chicago the death of MT. Becker was received with intense regret" said MT. Jaque. "He was in a position to meet many great rail- road traffic men and was widely known among them. He underwent two opera tions. the latter one weakening him to such an extent that death resulted.
 His funeral was attended by many influential men, He had been In Chicago as an official for six years at the time of his deNth.''
 1T met J. c. LaCoste, formerly of this city" continued MT. Jaque, who is with the Rock Island rate bureau. He is very much pleased with the new position which he assumed about IS months ago, but said he would like very much to be in Birmingham again. MT. LaCoste IS very much interested III DlTfIilubhdiA oaA1 asked innumerable questions about the progress of this city. He will be here on. a. visit at no far distant time. He was like almost everyone that had ever been here. He was intensely interested in the census returns and more interested to know of the plans Birmingham had ma pped out for the next ten years. He said 1t was not hard matter for Bir- mingham to secure the 25O.0o0, which Is desired for the next census. if the city were broadly advertised as the Chamber of Commerce has planned"
 Mr. Jaque said the feeling in Chicago was that the rate cases affecting the western railroads would be decided within a few months and that the railroads would jump actively into the market for materials when the decision is known.
 ..It is not so much the result of the rate cases as 1t is the knowledge on the part of the companies what to expect he said. 'Tf the companies lose. they say, it will be easier to adjust them- selves to the new condition, and this is decidedly preferable to period of un- certainty like the present. If they win the result will be phenomenal If the railroads lose the advance the buying period will develop. but not with such vigor as if the decision is favorable.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
FERGUS MCCARTHY
 GROOMED FOR PLACE
Report Says He May Be Offered Place on Birmingham Commission if They Are Appofntive

It is understood that Fergus W. Mo- Carthy, the well known attorney of Bir- mingham and Ensley. will be offered a place on the board of commissioners in the event of the passage of the bill pro- viding for the commission form of mu- nicipal government for Birmingham tfat will be introduced at the approaching ses- sion of the legislature.
 Mr. Mccarthy has been an ardent sup porter of the incoming administration and the measures it represents. Though a lifelong total abstainer, he opposed the present form of prohibition as being im- practicable. A native of Montgomery he has resided in this county for % years and was clerk of the circuit court for two terms.
 He is a staunch democrat and has been identified with every political campaign for many past years. He is success ful attorney and is said to be well equipped for the position.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
TO BEGIN WORK ON
 TUSCALOOSA DEPOT
Material Has Been Ordered and Hand- some Structure Will Be Built By
 Alabama Great Southern

That the materials with which to con- struct the new passenger station at Tus- ealoosa had been ordered and would be nouncement made here yesterday by of- hcers of the Alabama Great Southern railroad.
 The new depot for Tuscaloosa has been all planned and work will start within the next few days. It is the intention of the company to provide Tuscaloosa with one of the neatest and most com fortably arranged stations in the state. The interior will be among the most ar ticket office will be in the center of the building, while the ladies' waiting room, gentlemens waiting room and the one for negro patrons will communicate with the ticket offices. The baggage and express rooms will be arranged so as to provide the. most simple and comfortable methods of handling business.
 The floors of the depot will be of til- ing, which has been selected. They will be very artistic and In keeping with the neatness of the entire structure.
 III orutr eo prOtect pdtTOnS ITOIn 1n- element weather the depot will have at- tached to it rain sheds, under which the coaches will stand while passengers are alighting and boarding the trains.
 It is planned by the management to finish the depot just as rapidly as pos sible. While an official estimate Of the cost of the depot, according to the rear- ranged plans, has been withheld, it Is believed about s30,OO0 will be expended on the structure. The former plans, 1t is stated, did not meet with the approval of the people of Tuscaloosa and were cancelled. The new plans have been ap- proved by the state railroad commis- eioners.
 There is one thing sure in regard to the Tuscafo0ga depot, and that is there will be very few small cities in Alabama which will be provided with stations as handsome or as comfortably arranged as the University City.
 Curtis Dougherty, chief engineer for the Queen and Crescent route. was here yesterday on official business. but did not have any new features to announce in connection with the passenger station al Tuscaloosa. He left last night in his private car for Cincinnati.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30

As train No. 13S of the Central Of Geor- gia was passing a quarry near Leeds vesterday morning about 10 o'clock rock from a blast was hurled through the window of the cab and Engineer 5. w. Crane was struck unconscious from his position at the throttle. The rock hit him above the region of the heart but his injuries were reported as not very serious by the company's physician later In the day.
 The accident happened near 'Weems, a little place on the Southern railroad. whose tracks from Gate City to Leeds are used by the Central of Georgia rail road It is said that the blast was made
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
Rock From Blast Hits
 Engineer At Throttle

at a distance of 100 feet from the track where several quarries are operated by local companies.
 As the train neared Weems a large rock crashed through the cab window, knock ing the engineer from his seat. The en- zine ran ahead until it was brought to a standstill by the fireman.
 Engineer Crane was sent on the first train to Birmingham. He was met by Gaudin's ambulance at Ninth avenue and Twenty-fourth street and removed to 1920 Sixth avenue, where he resides, when in Birmingham. Engineer Cranes home is in Columbus, Ga., where he is widely Snown.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
scottsboro Commissioner Resisns

Judge William I. Grubb has received and accepted the resignation of J. A.. Kyle as United States commissioner at Scottsboro. No appointment has been made yet to fill the vacancy. The resig- nation of MT. Kyle was rendered on &C., count of his candidacy for state posi- tion, and there being some question as to whether he could occupy both official of fees in the event he secures the prospec- tive one
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
Marriage Licenses Issued

Marriage licenses have been issued as follows from the office of. the pro- bate court:
 William H. Overstreet of Birming- ham to Miss Carrie Bell Stacey.
 Peter Puzak of Adger to Mrs. Mar garet Green. V
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
Jack Haynes

Jack Haynes. aged 24 years. died yes- terday morning at 2:30 o'clock at local infirmary His remains are being held at the Gaudin undertaking estab- lishment from which place they will be sent for burial to St. Petersburg, Fla, probably today. as soon as in structions are received from relatives of the deceased who reside in that place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
DEATHS AND FUNERALS
IT. 1T. Raxer

T. T. Rover, aged 27 years, died yes- terday afternoon at o'clock at the home of his father at New Decatur. Ir. Rover, until the time of his sick ness, about two weeks ago, was con- nected with the Birmingham Y. M. c. A., where he made many friends who will deplore his death. He leaves widow and relatives in. New Decatur. The burial will take place in that city tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-30
Judge Abernethy Reopens Court

Inferior Judge H. B. Abernethy has reopened his divisio nof the inferior court after a short adjournment for the holidays. and is busy disposing of the work that has accumulated. The in- ferior courts are the only tribunals in operation this week.