davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
A HALF DOLLAR

Chicago, August 3o.-An 1853 half dollar
 recently taken in payment of fare by the conductor of a Chicago street car is said
 by experts in rare coins attending the an- nual convention of the American NUnis-
 matic, association to be the most galuaele
 soin in the collection nov on exhibition here,
 The conductor turned the valuable half Idofisr in 4 tlie baen. 1'he receiver sold t.. sSayIss SVi'. ,x ef Ghica Q tfsii ,aj 2'sase5 he coin for $ioo and latee sold t to Dewitt Smith of Lee. Mass. for $500. Smith later refused to sell it for 5000 It is now in lthe collection Of H. O. Granberg, d wealthy mine owner Of Oshkosh Wis. | who refuses to state what he paid for ".
 The half dollar lacks tha arrows and suns rays which appear on all other coins of the same mintage and is believed 10
 be the only coin of it's kind in existence.
 It is said to be valued by it's owner at tl5,00O.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
MEET ID OD|SCUSS
 BILLS IF LAD|NG New Orleans Cotton Ex- change Calls Meeting
 September IS

New Orleans, August 3o.--At a meet ing of the board of directors of the New Orleans Cotton exchange hSld today Tor the purpose of discussing the coming conference in this city of the represen- tatives of southern cotton organiza- tions and bankers September B. the fol- lowing statement was authorized;
 "The New orleans Cotton exchange issued today a call for conference Of exchanges, boards of trade, commercial bodies bankers and exporters through out the south to be held on Monday, September IS, to consider the phases of the Liverpool bill of lading plan which 1t is being endeavored to force on the southern interests and to ad- wise measures for the protection of the respective and mutual interests of those engaged in the handling and financing of the southern cotton crop. The op- iect is to have full and thorough rep resentation of the commercial and fi- nancial interests of the south
 The exchange will send formal in- vita tions to as many institutions and prominent bankers and exporters as can be reached, but as some commercial
 
 the south may not receive the notice, no complete list thereof being avail able, the Associated Press is requested to inform them that their delegates to the conference will meet with a cordial reception"
 .The information given out yesterday that the date of the conference was set for September 10 was erroneous said Secretary Hester today, Tit was infor- maily discussed yesterday. but the date for the conference was officially set for September IS at today's meeting of the board
 Sol wexler. chairman of the special bills of lading committee of the New Orleans cotton exchange, received n tele- gram last night from Clay II. Iollister, chairman of a similar committee of the American Bankers association, to the ef- feet that a special session of the banker-' Icommittee had been called for Septeno el- I1 in New York city, and requested thar the New Orleans exfhange have fepreSsn- sutiyas in aItaidances William i8e san tSrsf'f% sad C lls lsS sic,if saux. w tso n'" in Michigan. were telegraphed by Mt. Wex- Ter to attend the meeting
 ,rhe fact that September l is the date set Tor the inauguration of the Liverpool plan for the validation or the bills of ladfng at a central clearing house nl New York, which was vigorously opposed by southern cotton men, financiers and others Interested in the handling of cotton, adds to the significance of the proposed meet ing of the bankers committee, and it Is believed here that the protests of the southerners have not been without avail and may bear fruit at the coming meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
MANY OPINIONS
 ON COTTON CROP

New Orleans, August 30.-Opinion in the cotton market is more divided than usual over the monthly report on the condition of the crop from the gov ernment The next report Is due to be published at II o'clock, central time, Friday.
 This September report on condition is generally looked upon as probably the most important this season. It is gen. erally acknowledged that deterioration has taken place since the last report; the dispute is over how great the de- terioration has been.
 The report will carry the growing crop down to August 25. On July 25 census of opinion this month points to about IT, or drop of 16 points. There are many traders, however. who believe the deterioration has been only 10 points. The range of opinion is from 73 to 80. Probably the extremes repre- sent the efforts to influence one way or another more than they do serious guesses as to what the report will be. A year ago the condition of the crop was 721 and two years ago 1t was 637.
 Although a report of IT would be con- sidered bullish, the bears point out that 1t would still be well above the average and would point to very large yield. It Is safe to say that to cause much of an advance after the figures must come around 7b, while 79 or 30 would probably cause slump.
 The deterioration of the month was due in a large measure to drouth and high temperatures. It is generally con- sidered that most of the damage took place in the western half of the belt.
 New York, August S0.-Rumors that leading old crop bull interests in the market has liquidated were accom- panied by another big break in the price of August contracts today, but after selling off to 11.25c, or 73 points below yesterdays close under offerings of about 10000 bales. the price rallied to 11.76c on covering and renemed sup port The general market was quiet and ruled rather steadier on bullish private condition reports, with the close steady 23 points net lower on August, but from to 6 points higher on new crop delivery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
NEW SHIPS TO BE
 WORLDS BIGGEST

Washington. August 30.-The two new battleships authorized by the last naval act probably will be of 2S.500 tons displacement, or the biggest war vessels in the world. The largest ships so fas designed for the American navy are the New York and Texas. with a displace- ment of 27,o00 tons each, and 1t be- came known only today that the navy department contemplated exceeding their size. The new ships will have heavier armor than ever before put on battleship, which accounts for their increased displacement The arament of the new vessels will be the same as the New York and Texas, with main battery of ten 14-inch guns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
ARMY COMPLETES SIX POUND
 GUN TO BATTLE WITH AIRSHIPS

Washington. August 30.--A new six : pounder gun. equipped with specially adapted high explosive projectiles and shrapnel shells to demolish aeroplanes and balloons in battle, has been perfected by the United States army. It can be ele- vated at an angle and possesses maxi mum effective range of seven miles, The construction of the new rifle has just been completed at the Rock Island Illinois arsenal. Experiments with it will begin at the Sandy Hook proving grounds within a fortnight.
 The army thus Is in advance of the navy toward the solution of the problem of defensive against airshps. The navy only a few days ago conducted its first tests with the carriage of one pounder gun.
 The shells winch this army gun will hurl into the skies will be loaded with dunnite or other high explosives and upon bursting will send forth shower
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
LADY COOK ABANDONS
 WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE

Chicago, August 3o.-Lady Cook, for merly Miss Tennessee .Clafiin of Chicago announced today she had abandoned her campaign of votes for women to enter upon crusade for the uplift of young men and women in this city.
 ..I am convinced that l can do more good in reforming the young people than in spending money trying to get votes for women the world over said Lady Cook. "I will make this city my home and build four small churches in which I will begin my work for the moral up- lift of the young man and woman.
 T still believe in woman suffrage. but I think this other work is more import ant at present."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31

of shot in a conelike area, similar to the performance of skyrocket. almost cer- tain to strike an airship if aimed with any degree of accuracy. Other projectiles which have been designed for the new gun contain only a high explosive which, upon exploding would wreck any air ship in its vicinity.
 Following in the wake of these powerful proiectiles will be tracers which will aid in accurately aiming the gun upon the course of a hostile airship The tracers to he used in the daylight hours wll be of smoke while sparks will show the path of the shell at night.
 The sight of the new gun also has been perfected, designed to meet the changing conditions of the trajectory of a projectile fired at vay ing angles.
 | In the 2 experiments the army will shoo' .S~ looms, box kites and pos sibly a @ Q drshp. The signal corps will bS C, to cooperate with the ord nanc tment and send one of it's | airy at College Park, Md. to the pr % .ounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
 ADVISES LEASING LAW FOR ALASKA

Valdez, Alaska, August Secretary of inc Interior Walter l.. Fisher, who has seen Investigating conditions with rela- ion to the coal land situation in Alaska declared yesterday to committee of Valdez citizens that he believed the early enactment by Congress of a leasing law would afford the most satisfactory sou- ton of the problem. He said, however. that he was not yet definitely committed to that plan.
 Secretary Fisher asserting that the only alternative to the leasing system was ab- solute government ownership and opera ton of the coal mines and transportation lines, declared this was a step to which such large part of the nation was op- posed that he believed it scarcely prac- ticable The leasing plan, he said. ap- peared to offer the probability of speedier relief to Alaskans. whose most pressing need was the early delivery of coal for their domestic and industrial uses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
PROPOSE FLIGHT
 TO NEW ORLEANS

Minneapolis, August S0-H. A. Futile, president of the Commercial club late today was elected vice president of the association proposing an aeroplane flight from Minneapolis to New Orleans and the public affairs committee of the club in a s15ooO purse with which to reward the aviator.
 II is said todavs action assures the undertaking of the MinneapoIis-New Or leans flight. the object of which Is to foc4is hFxesitso so.5 13s tfias assis,s s.Dg tivei sin1ultaneously with the opening of the deep waterway convention In Chicago in October.
 The aviators will be picked from a list of 20 applicants already filed with the Aero club of St. Louis. father of the plan.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
STRIKE OF MARBLE
 WORKERS CALLED

New York. August BOA nation wide strike of marble workers was announced by the officials of the International Mar. ble Workers union here today. The in transitional body has decided to support . strike recently deolared by the New York local union and win accordingly or der strikes in all buildings throughout the country where the work is being done by New York contractors. This action
 will mean strikes on the new customs house In San Francisco, on ex-United States Senator Aldrichs mansion at Prov idence. R. l.. and on buildings in Pitts burg. Chicago and number of western and southern cities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
LAST CAMP FIRE
 OF "FORTY-NINERS''

Chicago, August 30.-E.even forty miners" will build their last camp fire together in Evanston, H., on September IA. The Western Association of California Pioneers Is to be disbanded. The record of the society shows that only 20 of the 15o of the charter members are alive and of these only Il will be able to attend the meeting.
 The last session will be held at the home of Mir. and Mrs. George Hotchkiss in Evanston A reception committee on which no one has reached the age of 70 will serve and greet the veterans who average 80 years of age. The Western Association of Mexican War Veterans also will disband at the meeting. Fran ois Benton, "forty-niner,' is the only surviving member.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31

Washington August so.--Lawyers repre- senting the Southern Wholesale Grocers association, which the government is prosecuting as trust under the Sher- cede to the demands of the department of justice.
 A formal decree, which will accomplish
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
EXPOSITION TO
 DRAW NOTED MEN

Knoxville, August 30.-The Appalachian exposition, which opens in this city Sep tenber Il. to continue through Septem- Der 30, will be attended by several not ables. The following have formally ac- cepted invitations to be the guests of the exposition on respective dates:
 Gov Ben W. Hooper of Tennessee, on September II; Gov. Judson Harmon Of Ohio, on September 16 Speaker Champ Clark, on September 2l Hon. William J. Bryan, on September 25; Gov. Woodrow Wilson of New Jersey, and John K. Ten ner of Pennsylvania are expected to ac- cept invitations, as are governors of all southern Appalachian states.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
TO ENTERTAIN TAFT
 AT MODEST BANQUET

Minneapolis. Minn., August 3o.-The din- ner to be rendered President Taft on the occasion of his visit to Minenapolis Oc- tober 24 will not be a dress suit affair, according to members of the Young Mems Republican club, who will entertain the President that night.
 At q meeting of members of the club scheduled for today it is expected the plan to make the dinner popular one and not an exclusive affair will be adopted and the price of plate fixed at Sl.
 "A popular paid dinner or luncheon with dress suits and formality dispensed with would open the doors to many who should be present. who otherwise would be kept away said President Luce of the club last night We want to get young re- publicans particularly who have never had the chance to see a President at close range.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
INTENSE FEELING
 AMONG BELGIANS

Liege, Belgium, August 30.-An intense sensation has been created among the Belgian people, especially near the bound aries of France and Germany by the mil itary precautions which are being put into effect by the Belgian government.
 military council was held yesterday to consider measures to preserve the neu- trality of the country in the event of war between France and Germany, sc as to prevent the violation of Belgian terri tory by either combatant or by Great Britain should that country become in volved in the conflict. Large supplies of shells for the frontier forts and rifle ammunition have been sent to the posts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
TODAY's AGE-HERALD

1-Brave wireless operator saves vessel Illinois Csntral trouble Is more SC
 rfous. 4s
 Madero is nominated.
 Will meet to discuss bills of ladius Defense begins its case in Beatti
 trial 2--New business light in steel 3-Oates condemns Limestone jail. 4-Edftorial page 5-Republicans assemble today
 Powell talks of school at Ragland
 First of scouts reach home. 6-Sports. 7-Society
 Mrs. Reid and the 1911 fair S-Bessemer to ship sweet potatoes EDashes lot of red pepper in eyes. 11--Ma rkets F Insurgents feel pulse of people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
Prepare For Taft

Beverly, Mass, August So.-So far have plans for President Taft's western trip advanced that early next week L. secret service. will start out 70 make the prepa rations for the Presidents reception Mir Wheeler will visit all the towns and cities at which the Presi dent will stop on the swing around the circle. make arrangements for the speeches, dinners. etc, in which the President will figure. and see that the poAee are ready to take core of guard ing the chief executivA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
Southern Wholesale Gro
 Accede to GODernment L,

the legal dissolution of the combination. Is being prepared. In it the grocers submit to practically all the demands male ns the government in it's suit.
 Another alleged combination. ne so- called electrical trust, is under dissolution by the same process. formal decree in that case probably will be ready in few weeks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31

Drunkenness is on the decrease in this country, according to William Jeff Pol lard, a St Louis police court judge, who gained considerable fame several years ago as the originator of the Pollard plan of pledge parole" He is now in New York on his way to The Hague as a special appointee of President Taft to the International Congress Against Alcoholism
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
Monument Makers Meet

Cincinnati, August 3o.-Monument makers and dealers from all over the country arc assembled for the sixth annual convention of the National Retail Monument Dealers association. which began today and will continue through Friday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
GEN. MADERO WINS
 THE NOMINATION Will Lead the Progressive
 Ticket In Mexico REFORMS DEBATED
National Convention at Mexico City Consumes Much Time Planning Reform Planks of Platform.
 Debate Harmonious

Mexico City, August s0-with no ois- senting voice Francisco I. Madero this afternon received the nomination of the progressive party for president. pr. vasquez Gomez. his old running mate and Ierstwhile agent of the revolution at Wash Ington. was grilled by partisans of three ether candidates for the vice presidency. When the convention adjourned tonight the candidacy of no other man for the | vice presidency than vasquez Gomez had been considered. Jose Pino Suarez con | tinuted favorite in the beetins, with
 Alfredo Robles Dominguez as second choice. ballot tonight probably would have resulted in division of honors for third place between Dr. yasauez and Fernando Iglesias Calderon. Madero was the only candidate for the presidency whose name was placed before
 the convention. No speech was made. The chairman went through the forrnalioy of asking if there were others rnd was
 greeted by chorus of noes One dee- gated. seated on the stage, attempted to
 make a speech in Madero's support. The dele gates shouted him down and called fer d vote. It was unanimous. An instant
 later every delegate was on his feet and to the chorus of vivas was added that of the spectators in the gallery. | For fully 10 minutes the uproar con- tinued.
 | At o'clock tonight the committee that | had been sent to notify Madero of his lnomination reported that he had accepted
 and had agreed to appear before the body
 al Il o'clock tomorrow
 The delegates seized upon this as an
 excuse for another outbreak of ap-
 plausn which resulted in adjournment i following the adoption of a resolution l that the entire body should march i'm l m ediately 10 Madero's home in Colonia Juarez.
 Impromptu speeches were then ex- l changed and 1t was late in the night
 before the newly created politicians | left for their hotels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
Great Tumult

Juan Sanchez Azcona, chairman of the | convention, standing in front of his board with outstretched arms, vainly inn plored delegates and spectators to re- strain themselves. He could not have been heard four feet away Members of the accused committee shook their fists in Cabrera's face and protested their in- nocence. A member of the committee is Gustavo Madero. whose excitement was
 no less apparent than that of the others. Cabrera coolly listened to the tumult,
 which at intervals subsided sufficiently to permit central committeeman to pro- test his innocence.
 For more than 90 minutes the pande- monium prevailed, but in the end Cabrera
 was permitted to conclude his arguments. The committeeman had resumed their
 seats about the table and to those he defiantly turned while the house was ap- plauding his efforts. Directly toward the group of committeeman he marched and then the men whom he had been rival ing embraced him.
 Debate on proposed amendments to the platform adopted last night consumed the time of the convention until late in the afternoon
 That intended to define the attitude of the party's candidate on the ques tion of reform laws and another pro
 viding for the introduction in congress a president called forth arguments pro and con that at times grew aorid and vociferous. Both were eventually adopted.
 | A contingent of the delegates who protested at the previous session at omission of the words and the laws of the reform from the plank which pledged allegiance to the constitution believed they saw in that omission an effort on the part of the Maderists to curry favor with the members of the Catholic party. They were only ap-
 peased last night and persuaded to re- main in the convention by the secretary of convention. who announced that the point might be made the subject of an amendment today if the delegates so willed The champions of the histori- cal reform of Benito JuareE accordingly went Into the convention today pre- pared to fight to the last ditch. When the battle was over the pro- posed amendment was ended. in addi- | ton to the measures already referred to, the platform pledged the candidates to further reforms as follows: The abolishment of obligatory mili- 1 tary service, abolishment of the death penalty. direct, elections, repatriation of lMexicans and the colonization of Lower California.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31
Dramatic Speech

l Ine announcement or MhueTOS $ ac-
 ceptance came at the conclusion of a
 speech which brought about the most
 dramatic moment of the convention. By
 agreement the names of the candidates ! for the vice presidency had been drawn i by lot to be discussed In rotation. | vasquez Gomez vas the first name dfawa scc V ttsg gafn F"l aud againss i when jesue .rGeta began a speech Tn l opposition.
 | Using sarcasm without stint he laid bare every weakness of the candidate e. l The greater portion of his iHvevtive | was based upon the title ''brains of the revolution given pr. Vasquex Go- mcz during the war. Sarcastically he | repeated the phrase and then followed 1t by instances calculated to show that those which would entitle him to such distinction. Luis Cabrera, writer of national fame and better known as Bias Urea, un-
 dertook to answer the orators argu-
 ments Without the aid of elocutionary tricks Cabrera piled fact upon fact to show how really valuable Vasquez' s services had been. especially In con- tributing money to the cause of the revolution
 In the midst of his speech he sprang his sensation.
 Other speakers had declared sarcastical- ly that Vasquez Gomez had taken ad- vantage of the delegates by sending to
 them misleading telegranis regarding his
 candidacy. Cabrera read telegram which he alleged had been inspired by and sent at the direction of the central
 committee, which political ethics in Mex
 ico bars from concerted advocacy of any candidacy. It was instructions to work
 for the candidacy of Pino suarez. Imme-
 diately every delegate in the house was
 on his feet, the members of the central
 committee seated upon the stage, with the chairman, rushed to the front and
 were met by a half dozen delegates who
 crowded over the footlights waving their
 arms and shouting their approval or dis
 approval of the alleged exposure.