davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
HORACE BAKER
 HAS NOT RESIGNED

The rumor that Horace Baker gen. eral manager of the Queen and Cres. cent route, had resigned, following some difference between Vice President Powel land himself, has been denied authorifatively.
 The rumor of MT. Bakers resigna. tion has become widespread and hund. reds of inquiries have been received ir regard 10 the rumored resignation.
 Vice President Powell at first de. cline6. to dignity the rumors with denial. However, they became so in sistent that he announced, followine conference with MT. Baker. that ther, was absolutely no grounds for the re port and that certainly no difference had arisen between the operating of iicers.
 MT. Baker has been with the Queer and Crescent route for several years with MT. Powell as vice president. Hi. rumored resignation is the first tn hat has been circulated against him and q. generally known, the most friendl; feeling prevails between MT. Baker ant Mir. Powell, as well as the other oper, ating officials.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
SERIOUS FIRE IN
 SEWERS RESIDENCE

The residence of John Shivers, 250S Fifth avenue. North was badly damaged by d fire which broke out yesterday morning shortly before o'clock in a toilet room. The fire burned the roof off the house and caused a damage estimated at be- tween 5000 and $15OO
 The blaze was spectacular while 1t lasted. and lit up the entire Northside It was easily extinguished, but the chief difficulty was to keep the fire from spreading. The blaze occurred in a very dangerous place and for time looked serious.
 Chief Bennett stated last night that he thought that the fire was of incendiary oriein and will have an investigation made. The fire originated in the Interior of the house in a toilet and the chief de- cfsres that the circumstances were sus- picious.
 There was a strong smell of coal oil in the house after the fire had been ex- ti3euished. states Chief Bennett, and other circumstances which tend toward the belief that the fire was of incendiary origin. The case will probably be report ed to State Fire Marshal Lorrie Rice at Montgomery, who will make an inves- tigation.
 This is the third fire of incendiary ori- gin that has broken out in Birmingham in the past month and caused considerable comment in the fire department
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
DIR. SHERRY ON
 SEX AND HEALTH

More than 1900 men crowded the Ma jestic theatre to it's capacity yesterday to hear the first of Dr. Lyman B. Sperry' s There was a delightful musical pro- gramme in which the well-known Welsh Quartet" led and Dr. Sperry delivered his wonderful lecture on "Plant and Animal Life" He talked from the position of | physician and a teacher, following the course of reproduction from plant life up the scale to the human and showing how much more considerate and faithful the animal is to it's mate and to its young than is the average man.
 Dr. Sperry will speak again tonight in the gymnasium of the Young Mems Chris tiar. association at 8 o'clock on Sex, Health and Human Progress" Tonight personal to men, and it is hoped that a large crowd will attend. Admission will be entirely free.
 At the meeting yesterday afternoon sec- retary J. P. Stubbs introduced an entirely new feature. He asked the 1200 men to announce the states of their nativity. About half the audience stood up when Alabama was called, and then all over the house the men called out their states, and were joined in standing by their fel- low statesmen They sung out the names with real pride, and they came from Cal ifornia to Maine. Half the states of the union, Porto Rico, Wales and other for eign countries, were represented.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
MAY ABOLISH.
 JUSTICE COURTS
JERE KING HAS BILL THAT IS INTENDED AS AN OPENING WEDGE FOR FEE SYSTEM REMEDY

A bill to abolish the remaining justices of the peace and ex-officio justices of the peace in Greater Birmingham has been prepared by Jere King, former member of the legislature, and will be offered for passage this week. Rather than main- tain the present system of justices of the peace, the enactment contemplates the creation of an inferior court, somewhat similar to that of Judge H. B. Aber- nethy and I. H. Benners. The court, &C., cording to the bill of MT King, will be presided over by four judges, who will have jurisdiction not unlike that now of the inferior court judges, but who will have the minimum powers in msde- meanor cases.
 It is believed that the bill will to a certain extent relieve the high tension caused by the fee system in the justice court, and it is claimed this bill will re- move from the vision of the justices the greedy reflection of fees paid, in the event judgment is renderedefor the plain tiff at court
 While MT. King does not attempt to argue lndl lIlS Sltps WILL SlNt idli iNhiSoS for the iniquitous fee system, he thinks, along with others, that the bill will prove an opening wedge in the general shake-up and that other openings will occur which will have as it's final end the complete reformation or abolishment of the much complained of system.
 At the present time there are several justices Of the peace in the territory which MT. King hopes to relieve of their duties. They secure fees only for their services and in many instances possess flnall Jurisdiction in minor cases. With the latter power they can cause the arrest of numberless persons charged with minor offenses and try them without exercising the privilege of referring to the case to the grand jury. This practice, 1t is said has caused limitless paths of revenue to open up and great many of the judges are said to have grown fat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
REV. R. 1. BELL
 ACCEPTS GALL To PastOrate of the Central Presbyterian Church LETTER IS RECEIVED
The Young Minister Comes From Union Springs Where He Is Very
 Popular-Release Confi-
 .. dently Expected

The Rev. Robert Lee Bell. pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Union Springs, has accepted the call of the Central Presbyterian church of Birming- ham to fill the pulpit made vacant by the death of the late Rev. Luman s. Handley
 Information to this effect was conveyed to the me>abers of the Central Presby- terian congregation yesterday in letter from the Rev. Bell, addressed to John R. Hornady, chairman of the committee that extended the call.
 "It is quite certain that the Rev. Bell will be given his release by the East Ala bama Presbytery without any effort on the part Of the committee which was ap- pointed by the Central Presbyterian church to make an appeal for his trans ference to the North Alabama Presby- tery,' said MT. Hornady. This seems to be clear because of the fact that he was once denied his release when called to a pastorate in Oklahoma, and it is not like ly that he would be detained second y for entering broader field of work
 The release of the Rev. Mr. Bell will be considered at a meeting of the Easi Alabama Presbytery to be held on Feb. ruary 20. Shortly after this the North Alabama Presbytery will meet to receive him and arrange for his installation. He Will probably be ready to assume his duties with the Birmingham people by the first Sunday in March,
 The Rev. Robert Lee Bell is young man of much promise and ability. He is finished and forceful orator, and an earnest worker. The people of the Gen. tral Presbyterian church look forward to period of great prosperity in the affairs of the congregation who have all ready done notable work under the guidance of the beloved Dr. Handley
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
MANY CATHOLICS
 ATTEND MASSES
LARGE NUMBER AT COMMJJN- ION AT ST. PAUL'S-THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY IN A BODY. CANDIDATES INVESTED

At St. Pauls church yesterday many of the faithful received holy com munion at early masses
 At the 7:30 o'clock mass the Holy Name society went to communion in body. There was quite a large turn out and immediately after the mass nine candidates knelt at the altar rail and were received into the Holy Name society. the Rev. Father Coyle offic- iating. The full ceremony of reception was performed according to the rit- ual. Last month IS candidates were invested. making, with the class of yesterday. 24 enrolled since the first of the year. It is understood that there will be a large class of candidates for the second Sunday in March.
 At high mass the Rev. Fath- CT Coen was celebrant and the Rev. Father Coyle preach ed the sermon. At the various masses the prayers of the congregation were asked for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia, who died Saturday night.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
HARLOW DRA,UGHT
 GEAR IS ADOPTED

Tt was announced yesterday that the Birmingham Southern railroad had adopt ed the Barlow draught gear as its stand ard in this district. The gear is made by the T. H. Simmington company of Baltimore, of which w. A. Garrett, for mer president of the Seaboard, is now the head.
 The heavy extensions of that line, the purchase of extensive equipment and It's adoption of this gear indicates that the firm of Mir. Garrett, who is we'll known here. is turning it's attention to the local district and will enter actively into the competition locally.
 MT. Garrett, while president of the Sea- board and general manager of the Queen and Crescent. always manifested warm regard for this city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
YOUNG MAN TAXES
 DOSE OF POISON
c. E. WINEG ARDEN IS FOUND IN SERIOUS CONDITION IN A BOARDING HOUSE-THREAT- FINED TO TAKE HIS LIFE

A young man giving his name as c. E.. Winegarden took dose of strychnne, probably with suicidal intent, yesterday afternoon about 5:30 o'clock at his board ing place. 6O9 North Twenty-sixth street.
 He left note to Mrs. P. F. Smith, the lady at whose house he was stopping, asking that his people, whom he stated lived in Atlanta. be notified of his act. The only reasons to be assigned for his attempt on his life Vere dropped by him
 in his conversation with the lady with whom he was boarding. She said that he had told her of having run through with a large amount of money. adding that his people had refused to send him any more funds. He stated that he had made re- solve to end his life, but he was not taken seriously by Mrs. Smith. to whose house he came but last Saturday.
 It was said by the people where he had been staying that he showed signs of drinking yesterday. Yesterday afternoon about 5:3O o'clock he was heard to call for help. and when assistance reached him he was found in an unconscious condition. On the mantel was found a box of tablets marked "strychnine' and a half pint bottle of whisky, from which some of the contents had been taken.
 AS soon as the seriousness of his con- dition was known he was rushed to the Hillman hospital in Gaudin's ambulance. A vigorous effort was made to save his life, and it was stated at the hospital last night that he has a good chance for re- covery He is young man of about 21 years of age, and it was said at the place where he boarded that he showed signs of culture It is thought that he comes of A. wealthy family in Atlanta.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
CAR DERAILMENT
 STOPS TRAFFIC

The derailment of a string of boXcars on the Frisco line at East Thomas yes terday blocked the Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company's North Ensley line, the Birmingham Belt and the Frisco until late hour last night
 The street car company, in order to ac- commodate passengers, transferred them at the wreck until operations were ceased last night. It Is believed that traffic oper- ations will be normal this morning.
 The derailment occurred a few hundred yards beyond East Thomas station and directly in front of the crossing.
 It has not been determined what caused the accident. No one was injured, ac- cording to report made in Birmingham The deralment was handled by the Ter mina wreclsing crew and the Terminal organization.
 An investigation will be held to deter mine the exact cause of the accident, if possible.
 The derailed freight attracted several hundred persons to view it during the afternoon. Street cars filled with people discharged their cargo of human freight at the scene and in addition many resi- dents of that neighborhood f1ocked to the place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
J. P. M'CUEN IS
 CHIEF INSPECTOR

The announcement has been made that J. P. McCuen, former general superin- tendent of motive power for the Queen and Crescent route. has been appointed chief inspector of that line. He retired, or tried to retire. several months ago, but after serving for 30 years on the Queen and Crescent the officers would not allow the veteran to leave the serv- ice. In his stead w. H. Dolly was ap- pointed some time ago as superintendent of motive power.
 MT. McCuen, however. according to ar announcement by Vice President T. c Powell, will be chief inspector of the mechanical department in an advisory capacity. He will not, however be called upon to discharge the exacting duties oi superintendent of motive power.
 MT. McCuen, the oldest man in the serv ice. is we'll known locally and highl, respected by all railroad men who know him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
BLIND EYES ARE OPENED ID SIGHT Lamar County Boy Cured of Life Blindness IS SIXTEEN YEARS OLD
 / S. K. Harrison Rejoices in First Sight of Beauties of Art and Nature. Is the Happiest Boy in
 Birmingham
IS SIXTEEN YEARS OLD

After being inflicted with two cateracts over his eyes, causing blindness since youth, S. R. Harrison, aged about 16 years, of Lamar county. first viewed the beauties of nature, and the light of day in Birmingham yesterday.
 The young man has been under treat ment here for several days, but 1t was only on yesterday, Sunday, that his band ages were removed and the flood of light penetrated his eyes and the visions of nature burst upon him like a flood.
 The youngster was at a local drug store yesterday immediately following the lifting of the veil of darkness, and his previous condition and his happiness over the redemption from blindness, filled the large assembly in the store with unutter- able pity and rejoicing with him.
 He was a big. strapping young fellow, with bright eyes, good colored cheek and what may be described as a fine example of country boy.
 He stood in the drug store, viewing for the first time a trolley car, an electric light. a telephone and, greatest to him of all. a soda fountain.
 A large number of Birmngham's most distinguished and prominent men crowd- ed about him, and listened to his touch ing comments upon what to them were commonplace things, but which to the former blind lad were fairy scenes.
 A brother of MT. Harrison was with him and the two did not hesitate to tell the story. It seems that since the boy's aff sons to operate were of no avail. but finally he came here and with scarcely any pain his sight was restored.
 In walking about the store he woulG involuntarily grasp his brother when walking, from training, although he could see as well as anyone. And in asking for a drink of water he put out his hands like he was blind, uncertain yet of the true blessedness that had come upon him.
 But the most interesting thing to the young man was a city boy, well dressed and natty, twirling a nifty Sunday walk ing stick. The young man could not un- derstand what the stick was and he gazed in perfect amazement at the twirling of the cane and the f1ashy dress of his fel- low creature.
 Birmingham in the past and now to those who can see present amazing scenes, works of nature and entrancing land scapes effects may be commonplace, but to the yongster from Lamar county yes terday a show case, soda fountain and cane twittlng through the ozone was to him more interesting than all the scenic grandeur of the universe. | He returned to his home yesterday, which will burst upon his flawless vision today for the first time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
THIS GOURD HOLDS
 TWELVE GALLONS

What is believed to be the largest eourd that was ever grown in. the south was brought to Birmingham yesterday by President Harry Jones of the City Coun- eli. The gourd. which was secured in Fayette county, measured feet inches in diameter and the handle was perhaps three feet or more in length. By actual measurement the gourd held 12 gallons
 MT. Jones carried the gourd with some difficulty, into a local store yesterday, where it was viewed with interest by a large number of people. He carried it to his home and the immense natural prod uct will occupy some decorative point ebout the house.
 The gourd contained one quart of seed, which will be returned to the growers in Fayette county.
 It was remarked by MT. Jones in pass ing that even the finding of gas and oil in Fayette could hardly compare with the immense agricultural possibilities of this section. |.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
AMERICAN FIRM TO BUILD ROAD IN
 PARKWAY SPAIN

It las been announced that McArthur Brothers & Co.,, the New York contrac- tors. who are to build the Tidewater rail- way line through Birmingham, have been granted concession by the Spanish gov ernment to build a railroad parallelinG the Norte de Espano in Spain, work upon which is to begin probably simultaneously with the Tidewater cc<struction.
 The line in Spain was projected in 1892, bur was abandoned when the war came between that country and the United States
 The contracting firm of McArthur Brothers & Co. are among the foremost contracting firms in the world, and their signing a contract to build the local line, as authoritatively stated, indicates that the period of doubt is over and there Is little reason to feel that the line will not be under way shortly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
SOUTHERN RAILWAY GIVES NEW ORDER
 FOR STEEL RAILS

That the Southern Railway company has purchased an additional 25,00O tons of steel rail from the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company at Ensley has been authoritatively stated.
 The rails are to be used in improvement work and probably the relaying of some old tracks.
 The order is one of the most unexpected that has been given here recently on ac- count of the fact that the company gem erally orders a yearly supply at cer- tain time. The additional order, however, is supposed to have been given to care for some unlocked for emergencies
 In addition to the order from the South ern, the Tennessee company has an order for 15OO tons of rail from the Kilby Frog and Switch company.
 1t is said that the orders now on hand with the Tennessee company are for pret- ty substantial tonnages while the total does away with any fear that the mill will be idle this year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
SMALL FIRE Al
 DAVIS INF PRIMARY
LAZE IS IN SERVANTS QUAR- TIERS AND BUT LITTLE DAM AGE IS DONE-ORIGIN OF THE FIRE IS UNKNOWN

Fire broke out in the servants quar- ters in the annex of the Davis infirm- ary, 2O31 Avenue G, south yesterday morn- ing at o'clock and for a short time it was feared that a serious fire would re- suit. Six stations of the fire department were quickly on the scene and extin- guished the blaze without difficulty. Nons of the patients was frightened and pr. Davis stated last night that there wers no i'll effects of the fire
 The damage done by the fire was esti- mated at 5000 by Chief Bennett, but as it was in the annex of the infrmary the fire will not seriously inconvenience the hospital patients.
 The origin of the fire is unknown and neither Chief Bennett nor Dr. Davis have been able to ascertain the cause. The fire originated in the servants quarters in a room used for storing coal. When the department arrived on the scene the fire was blazing fiercely.
 There were patients in the part of the building burned but these were removed to the main wing of the hospital with out excitement. Every precaution was taken to prevent the spread of the flames and Chief Bennett, who personally di- rected the fight, detailed men to watch the roof of the main building to pre- vent sparks lodging on the roof
 The fire caused considerable excitement in the neighborhood and large crowd collected to watch the fremen fight the flames. Had the fire spread and necessi- tated the removal of all the patients in the hospital there would have been plenty of aid
 of much speculation and Chief Bennett believes that negro employees of the hos pital were in a craps game in the room and the fire caught from a cigarette While the fire will naturally incon- venience us some it will be nothing liko it would have been had the fire originated in the main building of the hospital, '' said pr. J. D. S. Davis We were warned of the fire in time to remove all tho patients in the annex to the main build ing quietly and without excitement It is my official opinion that none of tha patients suffered the least from the re- moyal All were very quiet tonight and no unfavorable symptoms evident
 Every precaution was taken to pre- vent the spread of the fire and we had everything in readiness to move had the fire spread. The work of the hospital will not be disturbed by the fire"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
SMITHS CONDITION
 STILL UNCHANGED

The condition of Larry Smith. who was shot last Tuesday night by II. B. Hud- son on Highland avenue within block of his home. was still unchanged last night. The doctors state that he is rest ing easily, but do not consider him any better or any worse.
 For q few days after the shooting MT. Smith rallied and it was thought that he would recover. He again relapsed and rallied for a second time. He is in a very critical condition, and physicians have almost despaired of his life.
 He rested very well yesterday, but is slowly sinking. It is hoped that some un- expected turn for the better will come and that MT. Smith will live, but the doe- tors are dubious. It is thought that it would be possible to save one of his eyes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
T. l.. JENNINGS HAS
 BEEN PROMOTED

The announcement of the appoint ment of T. l.. Jennings as travelling freight agent for the Queen and Cres- cent route here. to succeed Steven Will Hams. promoted. has been authorized by k. T. Steel, freight traffic man. ager of the Alabama Great Southern
 Mr. Jennings was promoted from the positoin of chief clerk to general freight agent. He has been in the employ of the Southern railway for many years and has a wide Knowledge of traffic matters. He held a conference yesterday with MT. Williams and the two traffic men went over the details of the work in Birmingham and this district.
 Mr. Jennings will have offices in the Queen and Crescent department on the ground floor of the Woodward build ing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-13
JOHN STALLINGS
 IS CHIEF CLERK

The appointment of John Stallngs to be chief clerk to Lee Clary, general agent of the Louisville and Nashville railroad, was announced yesterday. He succeeded in that capacity M. P. Davis, who was promoted to the position of soliciting freight agent. MT. Stallings, who has been rate clerk at the Louisville and Nashville for some years, under Mr. Clary. was promoted by reason of his wide knowledge of the work and in fur therance of the Louisville and Nashville policy to promote those of the organza- ton.
 He is well known in Birmingham and has a brother who is employed at the Louisville and Nashville-W. H. Stallinze. He assumed his duties yesterday.