davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
DR.. CHAS. LITTLE
MADE MODERATOR

Atlantic City, N j., May 19.-Rev.
Charles Little of Wabash, lno'' was
elected moderator of the Presbyterian
general assembly of the United states
on the third ballot late this afternoon.
His opponents were Rev. George Alex
ander. president of the board of foreign
missions of the church, Prof. A. c.
Zeno. occupant of the chair of biblical
history and theology of Mccormick
seminary, and President Ethelbert r.
Warfield of Lafayette college.
On the first ballot DR.. Little received
274 votes against 270 for Alexander,
2o3 for DR.. Zeno and lis for DIR. War
field. The second ballot resulted in an
Increase to 375 votes for DR.. Little, 267
for DR.. Alexander and las and ia votes
for DIR. Zeno and DR.. Warfield, respect
.ively. On the final ballot Dr. Zeno and
Dr Warfeld withdrew from the race
hefore the count was started and Dr.
Alexander made the motion to nave
the vote for DR.. Little made unanimous
before the result was announced.
John c. Cheney, national representa-
tive from Indiana In Congress nolii,ha t,,a
ted DR.. Little an dtold of the fact that
Tho nominee had two brothers In the
PRESBYTERIAN ministry and three sisters
Who had married Presbyterian minis
ters. ,a;,no
seconded the nomination.
DIR. Little's victory was a great sur
nrise TO those who had looked upon 1T,
zeno and DIR. Alexander as the most
likely nominees. The new mouera.or
will take charge Of the session tomor-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
Methods OF SWindling
Government With Sugar
Scales Is Explained

generating clause. All he had sworn to.
he said, was that he had been employed
by the company. The government con-
tends that most of the text is a forgery.
Richard Parr, the government inspector
who made the raid on the sugar docks In
Williamsburg in 1907, when the fraudulent
devices attached to the scales to induce
underweighing were discovered, had not
completed his testimony when court ad-
lourned yesterday and he was summoned
to continue his narrative today.
1t is contended by the government that
Heike and Ernest w. Gebracht, super
intendent of the Williamsburg refinery,
although they we're not physically pres
ent nor active participants in the cheating
operations were cognizant of them and
abetted them by their acts. Four former
employees of the company at the refinery
are included in the charges and on trlal
with Heike and Gebracht.
Heikes defense is expected to be for
one thing that the weighing system un-
der which the cheating operations were
carried on was established before he be-
came secretary of the company. Cues
tions of counsel for Heike and the others
in cross examination also indicated that
the inaccuracy of the special govern
ment weighers is to be questioned.
The examination of Parr was quickly
concluded Frederick Schwerdtfeger was
SHOWN tne secret Steel spring III eNlueHce.
Did you ever see anything like this
before?" asked Mr.. Stmson.
Yes" the witness replied over the
objection of the defense
WHO had it?'
1--WE all had them, was the reply.
He had the spring as far back as 1901.
Before that little bag with lead pei
let's in it was used he said. The spring
was given to him by Harry Walker the
assistant dock superintendent now on
trial, the witness testified. Walker paled
when identified.
When the government agents came
around to examine the scales Schwerdt-
feger said he would remove the wires.
He said the heavy shrinkage was due
to the springs which made a difference
of about 20 pounds in weight. He said
the lghtness on land scales made a diff
ference of 10 pounds compared with the
government scales. The other men he
saw with pocket springs had two each,
he said.
The companys weighers sometimes in
structed him not to use the springs, the
witness said. Schwerdtfeger testified that
he got SIS week, SO a week more than
those who did not use the pocket springs.
He identified little pink book In which
he entered the weights. He never played
tricks with the city weigher's scales he
said. and added that 1t could not be
done.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

New York, May 19.-There was wheeled
into the criminal branch of the United
States circuit court late this afternoon a
scales used on the docks of the Amer
lean Sugar Refining company in Brook
lyn, and while the II jurors bent for
ward tensely a weight of 997 pounds was
placed thereon. Then a steel wire was
thrust into a hole drilled in the stanchion
and the result was noted. The scales,
though accurate registered only 9Ss
pounds, nine pounds short.
This was the governments first practi-
cal demonstration before the jury of how
the sugar trust is alleged to have cheated
the treasury department out of thousands
of dollars in duty. Proving this, the
prosecution hopes to convict Charles r.
Heike, secretary of the committee, and
five former employees.
Albert Lambert, machinery expert in
the employ of the postoffice department.
acted as demonstrator of the scales. The
weight, 997 pounds, is the approximate
weight of. "a draft of three bags of sugar
as handled on the docks. Concluding his
tests, Lambert took the witness stand
and told how he had examined all 16
scales of the company on the docks; how
he had found holes in all the stanchions
and how each yielded to the pressure of
a steel spring, just as he had shown
the jury. The trick, as he demonstrated,
could be worked with no outward indi-
cations The beam of the scale moved
apparently Free but always when the
wire was inserted there was the shrink
age in weight Lambert had not finished
when court adjourned until tomorrow.
There were only three other witnesses to-
day, Richard Parr, original discoverer of
the steel spring: Frederick Schwerdtfeger,
and the latter's wife. Schwerdtfeger,
former weigher and tally man for the
company, testified for the prosecution,
and his wife gave evidence of a cor
roborative nature.
The government introduced an affidavit
signed by the witness, saying he knew
of no frauds, or trick scale device on
the docks. Schwerdtfeger admitted sign
ing it. and said he had done so at the
instance of a sugar trust employe, but
that between his signature and the orig
iral text there had been inserted the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

Havana, May 19.-Already % bodies
have been recovered from the ruins OF
the barracks at Pinar del Rio, which,
together with the officers quarters and
other structures, were destroyed We'd
nesday evening by the explosion of thou
sands of pounds of dynamite. TINS latest
Official returns received here indicate that
the total fatalities may not exceed 80
The injured numbered 145, of whom two
have died In the hospital.
The injuries of the great majority OF
the others are not considered serious
Captain Betancourt of the rural guards,
who was previously reported dead, es-
capped, the only officers killed being capt.
Alfredo Ravena and Lieutenant Dihigo,
who perished with their families quar-
tered in the barracks.
The dead include Charles Wells, an
American surveyor in the department OF
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
RIGHTS OF STATES
UPHELD BY COURTS

Cincinnati, May 19.-That Congress has
nc power to- enact a law that would in
validate a contract involving rebating
where the commerce lies wholly within
state was the gist of ruling by Judge
Howard c. Hollister in this city today.
The court sustained demurrer of |.
c. Hissich in the suit Of the Big Four
Railroad company to evict him from prop
erty in 1vorydale, o. The railroad ad-
mitted 1t made a contract in 1904 promis-
ing Hissich 5000 yearly rebates for ship
ments of iron and steel handled by him
in Ohio. 1t also rented, it Is alleged his
business site to him. The railroad COM
pany alleged in its suit that the con-
tract had been void because of the pres
ent law against rebating. In his opinion
Judge Hollister says: ut is clear that
Congress has no right to make an enact
ment the effect of which would be to
destroy contract between individuals
which embraces in its operation COM
merce within a state
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
POWER TO CHANGE
MARRIAGE LAWS

ashington, May 19.-(Special)-
Exactly the same reply has been sent
TO Congress by the commissioners in
their report of the Byrd bill. to pre-
vent marriages between whites and
blacks or Mongolians as has been sent
by former boards on previous occa-
sions. The commissioners neither ap-
prove nor disapprove They say simp-
ly that the marriages which the bill
proposes to prohibit arc now valid in
the District of Columbia If the cere-
inony he performed here, and that they
are valid If the ceremonies be per-
formed elsewhere and the contracting
parties live in the district.
The commissioners say that they are
advised by the corporation counsel
that the matter is one entirely within
The wisdom of the lawraaking author
ity In this jurisdiction. thus leaving
the whole responsibility with Congress.
Congressman Clayton and Dent,
Joined by their colleagues in the House,
have, recommended to the Attorney
General the appointment of Judge A. A.
Evans as assistant Unite1 states at
torney at Montgomery. While Mr..
bent was away with the military COM
n1ittee investigating the military acad-
cmy at West Point. Mr.. Clayton called
in person on the Attorney General and
presented the matter to him. The At
torney General is not favJrably Inn
pressed with any republican lawyer Nv
ing in the district. He wishes the as
sistant to be man of character and
ability 1t is said that he is opposed
TO the appointment of any man over
60 years Of age to this place. Mr.
clayton expressed the opinion that
Judge Evans would be appointed II he
would make application for the place.
Senator Johnston has returned from
New Jersey, where he assisted In open
ing the democratic campaign last night.
The democratic speakers were enthu-
siastically received and he Is looking
forward to democratic gains In the
state this fall.
f.. d. Grassland and Clayton Cross
land of East Lake are in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
WHOLESALE CROCERS
ELECT OFFICERS

Chattanooga. May 19.-The nineteenth
convention of the Southern Wholesale
Grocers' association closed here tonight
with the election of the following officers
President, J. II. McLaurin. Jacksonville,
Fla; first vice president, l.. M Hooper.
Selma, Ala; second vice president, F.. E.
IHashagen, Wilmington, N. c.; treasurer
g. w. Bartleson. Jacksonville. Fla. The
grocers went on record as favoring a
great exposition to celebrate in fitting
manner the opening of the Panama canal
A resolution emphasizing the resolution
adopted was submitted by Mr.. Myers OF
Arkansas and was unanimously adopted
In its recommendations New Orleans
was favored as the place for the ex-
position. The delegates today, went by
steamer to Hale's Bar where the lock
and dam are being constructed.
Charlotte, N. c., was selected as the
place for next years meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
Comet Is S7vitched Off
The Track And Has Not
Yet Touched Old Earth

Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay,
Wis, May Following close upon the
wholly unexpected astronomical condition
that prevailed early this morning, when
the tail OF Halley's comet was plainly in
the east, astronomers at the Yerkes OBJ
servatory were further bewildered by a
startling apparition across the face of the
sun at noon time.
A broad spectrum of light. extending
across and a considerable distance to each
side of the sun, challenged the attention
OF the vigilant though weary observers.
For the second time in dozen hours the
little band of scientists here were aroused
to a point of much excitement Prof. l.
b. Frost, who first sighted the phenom-
ena, declared he had never before wit
messed its like. Prof. K. e. Barnard said
the same. Hoping to secure an accurate
check on the strange spectrum, Professor
Frost at once telephoned to observers
within radius of 100 miles of Williams
Bay. calling attention to the popularity
of the occurrence. The apparition con-
tinued for less than half an hour.
The spectrum at once became topic
of overmastering interest and conjecture
Enormous sun spots seen Wednesday aft
ernoon followed by brilliant displays of
aurora lights at night, and these in turn
succeeded by varied reports of fiery
streamers shooting across the horizon to
the southwest. had been passed by the
astronomers as having absolutely no di-
rect connection with the comet. But the
spectrum brought another story.
Although I cannot advance an opinion
at this time,' said Professor Frost, II can
see no other cause but the comet for the
appearance of the spectrum
He seems to feel that the two are re-
lated in some as yet unexplained man.
ner.
The passage of the tail of the comet,
delayed day in it's schedule Is believed
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

in London after securing an introduce
ton to the American ambassador under
the name of Beresford posing as rela-
tive of the powerful English house of that
rame.
In America the highest circles of socie-
ty did homage to the bogus lord, 1t is
averred. At Rome, Ca. Fitzgerald, Ca,
Norfolk. Va. and other cities, and wher-
ever he went. Lascelles formed matrimo-
nial alliances with the daughters of the
rich, only to leave them In the course OF
week poorer in purse, but richer in
experience.
AS Lascelles passed through Mexico
and Texas he left trail of weeping
brides, it is said, and he was apparently
rolling In affluence when justice over
took him. He was convicted at Rome
Ca, Of promo ting fraudulent schemes and
was sentenced to six years hard labor
Lascelles lost appeals In the supreme
court of Georgia and in the United States
circuit court and served his term.
Lascelles came to Asheville from Nor
folk, Va, eight years ago, suffering from
tuberculosis and died in 1903. There be-
ing no claimants for the body It was
einbalmed by local undertakefs. The
body became almost petrifed. losing little
of its lifelike appearance. and was ex-
hibited in many side shows.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
BODIES ARE RESCUED FROM
RUINS LEFT BY EXPLOSION

,public works, several clerks and four
women stenographers in the same de-
partment. The others are non-commis-
stoned officers and privates of two troops
of rural guards and a few civil en-
ployes.
The disaster is officially declared to
have been due to the carelessness of a
carpenter engaged in repairing defective
cases of dynamite which were being
| loaded on a wagon for transportation
| to the railway station. The carpenter was
| in the act of mailing the lid on a broken
case when the dynamite exploded, deto-
mating the rest of the dynamite on the
wagon and instantly killing all in the
courtyard and blowing down the wall of
an adjacent storeroom in which the re-
mainder of the dynamite had been de-
posted. This precipitated a second ex-
plosion. completing the destruction of the
buildings.
The carpenters head was found
quarter of mile away from the scene
of the explosion.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

Chicago, May 19.-The superior court
late today overruled the city's demurrer
to petition for a writ of mandamus to
compel Mayor Busse to issue permit for
the holding of the Gotch-Zbyszko wrest-
ling match here on Memorial Day. On
motion Of the city the entering Of the or
der throwing out the city's demurrer was
deferred until tomorrow morning. when
the city will decide whether to allow the
match to come of as scheduled or carry
the controversy to higher court Club
officials believe Mayor Busse will make
no further attempt to prevent the bout
Georges state dinner. With Henry White.
the special delegate from the United
states, he will appear In the funeral pro-
cession. According to the prescription of
the Duke of Norfolk. the earl marshal,
the representatives of the United States
win wear evening dress with black vest.
black studs and white ties. Mrs Roose-
Welt, Mrs. Whiteaw Reid and Mrs. Mich
olas Longworth will have places in st..
Georges cathedral at windsor, where the
funeral services will be conducted and
where Edward VII will be temporarily
sepulohred among the crypts IN hl- fetll-
er's
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

fair TO presume they were reasonable.
He said there should be supervision of
increases by some government board
and challenged senators to dispute thai
statement.
While not intended for that purpose
the maneuvers of the republican sup
porters OF the Cummins amendment at
one time took on the appearance Of
flibuster 1t proved 70 be merely
ruse to allow Mr.. Cummins chance
TO satisfy his hunger.
The senator was still speaking and
his amendment had nor been disposed
Of when the Senate adjourneS
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
CANNOT LEND WHISKY

Montgomery, May 19-Whisky
cannot be legally loaned for the use
of sick friend. according to
ruling handed down today by the
supreme court in the case of Pres
ley Clarke against the state. Clarke
was convicted of exchanging pro-
hibited liquors and entered the plea
that quart which he transferred
was given to a neighbor, members
of whose family were i'll.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
Tail Of Comet Seen

New Haven. May 1s-The tap6 ? the
comet was seen from Yale obc1o tory
after the moon set this mornin.S o. was
faint glow developed to 60 q ees IN
the northeast sky. Director o - of the
observatory says that the e y mad not
passed through the tail, alt'' n he be-
lieves the comet made its sit of the
sun at the time fixed elieves the
earth has passed through tn tail.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
Group of Sun spots

Washington, May "a large group of
solar spots has formed on the SUMS WIS.,
ible disc since yesterday noon, as shown
by the daily solar photograph taken by
George III. Peters of the United States
Naval observatory. They are in south
latitude. he said, and these, together with
the large groups noticed at the observa-
tory during the past week, which are -
the southern hemisphere, form an unus
condition for this period of the seasQ g 2
sun spot cycles
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
MRS. TAFT WELCOMED
AT BIG CONVENTION

washington, May 19.-Mrs. Taft made
her first public appearance since she
was taken i'll about year ago at TO-
nights session of the Worlds sunday
School association, whittier she accom-
nanied the President. Mr.. Taft intro
duced her to the immense audience as
the .real President of the United States >
After the President had finished his
speech. the Rev. DR.. F. B. Meyer. who
was in the chair. mentioned Mrs Taft $
presence, whereupon the nations chief ex-
ecutive took her by the hand and led
her up into the speakers stand.
Loud applause greeted Mrs. Tafts ap-
pearance.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
An Error in Calculation

Washington, May 19.-The failure of the
earth to pass through the tail of the
comet, asa was expected last night, is
merely an error in theoretical calculation,
say the astronomers at the United States
Naval observatory. There is no doubt,
however, they say, that the earth passed
into less dense portion of the tail at 2
o'clock this morning. In all probability
they expect the earth has been passing
through the tail today, but on account of
the bright sunlight that could not be de-
termined a
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
SENATE LEADERS
BADLY TANGLED.
Fi|ibuster Of Insurgents Has
Become Very Serious
NOT SURE OF ANYTHING
AIdrich Forces Cannot See solution of
Difficulties as Democrats Upon
Whom They Depended Have
Given no Aid

Washington, May 19.-(Special) )-Senats
leaders are rapidly coming to the conclu-
sion that they are face to face with a
determined hlibuster on the administra-
tion bill.
From the standpoint of the regulars the
serious proposition. in that they are help
less to head 1t off. Insurgent republicans
resent the charge and declare tn at their
position has not changed and that the
debate is being prolonged only until such
tSne as they can have the bill perfected.
Desperate efforts are being made by the
party leaders to win enough democrats
over to their camp to put the bill through
in the manner desired by President Taft
and his representatives in the Senate
Thus far these efforts have failed.
1t is believed that the republican reg
ulars would gladly drop from the bill
that portion of 1t dealing with capitaliza-
tion realizing that 1t is impossible to
put it through in the shape in which
IL left the commerce committee
Physical valuation of railroads and the
designation of telephone and telegraph
companies as common carriers are al
ready Incorporated in the House railroad
bill. The insurgents are fayorably dis
posed toward similar amendments to the
Senate bill, while the regulars are doing
their utmost to kill off such legislation.
The entire railroad situation is today
regarded as far more unsatisfactory than
at any time since the bill has been under
consideration in the Senate and no one
seems to be able to predict what the
outcome will be.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

Washington, May 19.-The western sky
was clouded until late at night and the
astronomers at the United States Naval
observatory were unable to make any
observations of the comet of HALEY.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

to be taking place tonight, although early
observations did not give positive proof
of this condition.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20
BIumnE Mayor Bussie

f.. d. Grassland and Clayton Cros
land of East Lake are in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-20

CONTINUED ON PAGE -
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-10-17
WILL Trek FOR
SOUTH AND WEST

Pittsburg, Oct. 17.-What Is beyond
doubt the most comprehensive real
estate exhibit ever shown anywhere
was opened in the Smoky City today
under the name of the National Land
and Irrigation Exposition. Duuuesne
Garden is filled with the Displays sent
by the United States government, the
various states and realty and CONNER
clal organizations. Models and exhib-
its OF everything CONNECTED with agri-
culture, horticulture, dairying, irriga-
ton and allied industries are shown,
with displays Of the products of states
and sections all over the Union.
The exposition will continue to Oct.
20 and daily lectures will be given
on soil restoration and agricultural
problems generally, while chambers
OF commerce and development bodies
will seek to demonstrate to visitors
the advantages of their districts.
Fraudulent and doubtful real estate
propositions have been strictly pro-
hibited.
The back to the soil" movement
has taken deep root in the populous
Industrial centers of Pittsburg and
vicinity, and as result of the show
it Is probable that thousands of min.
ers, mill and factory employees, rail
road workmen and clerks will pack
their belongings and trek for the
promised lands of the West or South.
All of the southern states are especi-
ally well represented, and a consider.
aDie portion of the expected move
ment will doubtless be in that direc.
ton.