davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
THE COUTMARTIAL
 ACQUITS OFFICERS

Toulon, December 21.-The courtmar- tial to fix responsibility for the ex- plosion on the French battleship Lib erte, which occurred in Toulon har- bor September 25 today acquitted all the officers. Admiral Jaureguiberry presided and at the opening of court martial announced although the officers were, tried, Captain Jaueres, command CT of the Liberte, was in no way re- sponsible, as he was absent on leave while the others had accomplished ev- erything possible to cope with the dis aster.
 After the decision was announced the president of the court called up Lieu tenants Garnier and Bignon and warm ly congratulated them on their splendid behavior. Lieutenant Ganrier was tenn porarily in command of the Liberte at the time of the explosion, which re- suited in the death of 235 men and the serious injury of nearly 100.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
NEW BASEBALL
 LEAGUE FORMED

New York, December 21.-The United States League of Professional Baseball Clubs is the name of an organiza- ton formed here tonight which pro poses according to it's packers to start an "outlaw league" this summer in the east with five cities-New York, Brook lyn, Reading, Washington and Rich mond-as the nucleus and Baltimore, Newark, Pittsburg Cincinnati and Buffalo as possibilities.
 William A. Witman of Reading. Pa, former manager of the Pennsylvania State league, was elected president, secretary and treasurer of the league at the meeting here tonight and fran chises were granted to E. c. Landgraf and J. G. Lazarus of Richmond; Hugh McKinnon of Washington, Ambrose w. Hussey of Brooklyn and to Witman for Reading.
 MT. Witman said tonight he avs not at liberty to say to whom the New York franchise would be granted, but that three prominent Wall street men" had been negotiating with him for it. Applications had been received, ne said, from the live other possible cities under consideration. stock com panies with unlimited backing" had been formed in the cities that had al- ready received their franchises,' he as- serted enough to make the baseball world "sit up and take notice"
 We will apply for protection un- der the national commission" said Witman, but we don't expect to get it. We want to show that we are on the level. There will be no trou- ble in getting ball players outside of the other leagues. For one thing, we won't take contract jumpers. There are enough good players laying around loose to make all the high class teams we want"
 MT. Witman would not say where the new league proposes to get it's grounds in New York city, but declared that there would be no trouble about that" He said that the organization would hold another meeting in this city m two weeks to perfect plans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
GRUESOME FIND
 AT STATE CAPITAL

Montgomery, December 21.-Wrapped in an old cloth and hidden in a suitcase be- hind bed at the residence of MT. and Mrs G. Johnson on King street, police officials early this morning discovered the body of a dead baby. Investigation showed that Lena Mildred Johnson, un- der 21 years of age, was the mother of the child. She lay in an adjoining room and to officers of, the law she confessed that she gave the baby to a woman im- mediately after the birth of the child She declared that she did Fnot know of the death of the baby.
 Although the womans mother and younger sister were i'll the house al the time of the birth, the mother@concealed same from the family. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the mother. While she was tossing +, pain on her bed she was told of this. A coroners inves- tigation will be held.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
GLEE CLUB WILL
 PLAY AT EVERGREEN

Evergreen, December 21--(SpeciaD The University Glee club is expected in Evergreen on the evening of January 3. This club has given most appreciative en- tertainments here in the past.
 Armor Lodge Knights of Pythias has elected the following officers for the ensuing term, to-wit: Chancellor com mander, Dr. w. F. Betts; vice chancellor, J. C. Hartley; prelate, Byron Tisdale; master workman, pr. T. B. Mcdonald; keep of records and seal and master of finance, Clifford Henderson; master of exchequer. J, H. Kyser; master of arms, Edward Barnes: inner guard, A. K. Houghston outer guard. Carey Riley
 Rev w. T. iEisor. the newly appointed Methodist minister for7Evergreen will ar rive next week and will preach his first sermon December 21.
 A Baraca class has been organized at the Baptist Sunday school with 2S mem- bers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
BEGIN REFORMING
 CHICAGO POLICE

Chicago, December 21.-"There is and has been for years a connection between the Chicago police department and the criminal classes of the city, says a pre- liminary report to Mayor Carter H. Harri- son, made tonight by the city civil service commission which has conducted an ex- haustive examination of the police depart ment.
 The report followed within a few hours the dismissal of John Reverie, the second police inspector to lose his position as a result of the Investigation Another of ficial. Lieutenant John Handley, was ex- onerated and Captain Bernard Baer was sent to the mayor for action on charges of negligence. This brings the number of disciplined officials to more than a dozen.
 In the commissions report to the mayor drastic changes in the administration and organization of the department are recom- mended Among the assertions are these:
 That a partisan political combine ex- ists by and through which the connec- ton between the police and criminal classes is fostered and maintained.
 That to such connection may be charged a great part of the inefficiency, disorganization and lack of discipline ex- isting in the department.
 ",rhat the police department, as now numerically constituted, can enforce any reasonable regulations in regard to gamb- ling crime and vice, if honestly and eff ficiently administered.
 "That inefficiency arises through grave faults of administration and organiza- tion."
 Not in a sense of finality but as a Judgment formed of the results so Tar obtained by the inquisitors, the following among other things are suggested reforms for the department:
 "Abolish the division of the city into nolice divisions and districts
 Abolish the position of police inspec- tor.
 Assign captains to important precincts and lieutenants to others and have all renort directly to the chiefs office to which they would be directly responsible.
 ''Discontinue absolutely the assignment to special duty other than city duty n the strictest sense, so that every available patrolman may be put upon beat.
 '.Pcvise and enlarge the rules govern ing vice.
 'sCard index system of keeping informa- ton concerning every person of bad char acter in the precinct"
 Further recommendations were prom ised involving the detectives and other bureaus.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
CHRISTMAS MAIL

Washington, December 2.-Although four days before Christmas. the crush of holiday matter in the mails is so great that Postmaster General Hitchcock today issued orders that postoffice clerks and carriers must work Sunday in the dis tribution of letters and packages. This is done in spite of the department rule.
 Instructions have. been given to the postmasters of the larger cities to care for the prompt distribution of mail mat ter and to this end authority is given for the hiring of wagons and teams. The present indications are that the pressure of Christmas mair this year will be greater than ever before in the history of the postoffice department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
PRESIDENT TAFT
 SHOPS FOR XMAS

Washington. December 21.-President Taft, who began his Christmas shopping in New York yesterday, made trip through the downtown section late today and personally selected a number of gifts. The Presidents objective point was a book store, but en route he spent some time at a silversmith's, where he made several purchases. His advance into the shopping district was made in the quiet way in which MT. Taft moves about the streets of the capital and hun dreds among whom he went missed sec ing him altogether.
 While in the book store young army lieutenant, intent on examination of some editions de luxe pushed against the President oblivious of the fact that he was jostling his commander in chief
 Mr. Taft was equally absorbed with Major Butt in selecting some volumes and failed to observe the officers pres ence. The President confined his pur- chases to standard works and let the best sellers" go by. He returned to the White House shortly after O clock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
REPORT FIGHTING
 WITH RUSSIANS

Teheran, December 21-That serious fighting has commenced between the Persian constitutionalists and Russian troops is evidenced in dispatches from Tabriz, which state that the gover- nor's palace has been bombarded. There were casualties on both sides, but their extent is not yet known. The Russian legation here professes tonight to have no details of the engagement
 There has been fighting also between the Russians and Persians at Enzelf on the Caspian and at Resht, 16 miles northwest of Enzeli. Different yer sions are given as to the cause of the fighting. One says the Russians shelled the police headquarters at Resht
 It is feared that the news will have deplorable effect on public opinion in Teheran. The special commission of five deputies, which the national coun- ell yesterday decided to appoint to deal with the Russian ultimatum, has not yet been formed, owing to the reluc- tance of the deputies to serve.
 
 London, December 21.-The Teheran correspondent of the Morning Post says that Russia presented to Persia d final ultimatum, demanding compliance with in 24 hours otherwise the Russian troops now stationed at Kasbin would advance on Teheran.
 I The national council, says the cor respondent, has now abandoned it's pol icy of resistance and has voted the regent authority to settle in the best interests of the country. The acute stage of the crisis is believed to be ended.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Big Bank Merger

Montreal December 21.-The directors of the Eastern Townships bank at a meet ing here today decided to enter into an agreement with the Canadian Bank of Commerce by which the interests of the two banks would be merged. Reference to the project by the directors of the Eastern Townships Bank say it will mean the consummation of the largest bank merger. that has yet taken place in Cana da and result in the creation of bank with a paid up capital of $l50oO,o00 and q reserve of $12,500.0o0 and aggregate assets exceeding $210,0o0,0O0 while the territory of the banks will cover every portion of the dominion including the Yukon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
NEGRO ON
 MURDER CHARGE

Bennettsville, s. C., December 21.-Joe Malloy, negro, and Charlotte Easter ling, were arrested here today, charged with the murder, on November A, 1910. of two white boys Guy Rogers and Pren- tss Moore, members of prominent fami- lies of this county.
 The boys disappeared while on hunt ing trip Thanksgiving day, November 24, 1910, and their bodies were found several days after in g. ditch near Charlotte Easterlings house. The prisoners prob ably will be given a preliminary hear ing tomorrow or next day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
White Squaw" at Biiou

Women are looking forward to the Saturday matinee of "The White Squaw," at the Bijou tomorrow and a number of tickets have been reserved There are performances tonight and Saturday night. Already more than half of the capacity of the Bijou for Monday afternoon. the special Christ mas matinee, and Monday night, the special Christmas evening performance, have been reserved, and the manage ment is expecting two audiences that will tax the great capacity of the house. Around the Clock" is a musical comedy that is reported to have more novelties and clever song hits than any musical show in several seasons.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
TWO SMUGGLERS OF
 CHINESE CAPTURED

Chicago December 21.-To the fact that four Chinese did not know how to put on American clothes, Leon Sternburg and Albert Arthur can attribute their conviction before Judge Landis in the United States district court today on a charge of smuggling aliens into the United Statea. With them arrested here upon their arrival from London, Ontario, were four Chinese brought in a box car. In order to determine if the Chi nese had ever been in this country fed eral authorities removed the American pattern coats and vests from the aliens and then told them to replace the clothes. The Chinese put the garments on back wards. It is said the government has been seeking Sternburg for 13 years on the charges of smuggling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
WELL DRESSED MEN
 FINED FOR VAGRANCY

At the session of the recorders court yesterday morning three well dressed white men were fined $100 each on 9 charge of vagrancy. The men were ar rayed in purple and fine linen" and wore diamonds galore, but they failed to satis- fy Judge Black that their employment was of such a character that the law con- templates The police are waging re- lentless warfare against the leisure class and many arrests have been made recent ly and convictions have resulted in nearly all the cases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Unexpected Move

Washington, December 21.-The Amer ican Sugar Refining company today made an unexpected move in the supreme court when it secured a dismissal of it's appeal from the decision of the federal court in New York that subpoena on the company to produce books for grand jury investigation under the Sherman antitrust law was valid The dismissal of the case leaves the government free to proceed with the grand jury investi- gation. By it's action the company avoid ed any decision by the supreme court that it was wrong in the specific case before it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Kentucky Field Trials

Letohatchie. December 2l-The field trials of the Kentucky Field Trials club were concluded here today with the all- age stake which began Wednesday with 2S starters. J. M. Ayant of Hickory Val ley. Tenn, carried away all three moneys with his settlers, Money, Mobile and Com missioner The closing of the trials here marks theaend of the first half of the field trials season, which will be resumed on the preserve of Paul J. Rainey at Cotton Plant, Miss, the first week in January.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
POSTAL RECEIPTS
 ARE VERY HEAVY

Bay Minette, December H.-(SpeciaD.- Mrs. Florence I. Dinwiddie, postmistress of this place, stated that the money order department of the local postoffice has been rushed throughout this month and that all records for money sent through the local postoffice by means of that de- partment have been broken. During the first two weeks, she states that she s- sued orders amounting to more than $13S5 which is several hundred in excess of the first two weeks of last year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
ADJUSTMENTS
seThe Country Bow

'In 'The Country Boy which Henry B. Harris will bring to the Jefferson theatre tonight, tomorrow matinee and tomorrow night, the author has em- bodied all the attributes of perfect comedy. The humor is clean and spark ling and pervades every act; the heart interest is well developed and the plot is a delineation of a character well known in every day life. A young man with the egotism of his years sets out to show the folks back homep that he is capable of the big things.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Diamonds Stolen

Chicago, December 21.-Report of a theft of 25000 worth of unset diamonds from the wallet of a diamond broker, was made to the police today. Samuel Scott. the broker told the police that he lost the jewels Tuesday and believed they were taken from his pocket while he was play ing pool in down town billiard and Uool hall
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Southern Passenger Wrecked

Kings Mountain, N. C., December 21.-- While running at the rate of 25 miles an hour the Southern passenger train No 3S on the Southern railway from Atlanta to New York was wrecked near here tnIs evening. Four cars left the track but none of the passengers or train crew was injured. The accident is said to have been caused by brake beam which had dropped from freight train. The track is badly damaged and trains are being detoured via Columbia, s. C.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Prince Not a Party

London, December 2l.--Judge Sir Henry Hargraye Lean in the divorce court to- day decided that the Gaekwar of Barr oda, owing to his rank as an inde- pendent sovereign, could not be made a party 10 proceedings in the law courts The Gaelxwar of Baroda was cited as a correspondent in divorce suit which was listed under the caption of 'Statham versus Statham.' s ..,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22

sions of the fur seal treaty concluded at Washington on July [, 1911, between the United States, England, Russia and Japan was introduced in the Senate by Senator Root today. It empowers the President to make regulations to prevent pellagic sealing in the Arctic waters covered by the convention, provides for a patrol of ships and that violators of the law shall be tried in the United States district courts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Mrs. Martha Turpin Boggs

Much regret will be felt in Birmlng- ham oyer the death of Mrs. Martha Turpin Boggs, which occurred at her home in Augusta. Ga. Mrs. Boggs re sided in this city for several years and it was here that her husband, A. r. Boggs, died 12 years ago Mrs. Boggs was a daughter of John Turpin and Susan Bruce of Chesterfield county, Vir- ginla. She was. born in Richmond February 2s, 1887. She married Mr. Boggs of Augusta in 1858 and imme- diately went to that city to make her home. She was an ardent member of the First Baptist church and was very devoted to church work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Specie Removed

Tangier, December 21.-All the specie and bullion comprised in the cargo of the Peninsular and Oriental Steamer Delhi, which was wrecked off Cape Spartel last week when the Princess Royal, the Duke of Fife and their daughters were rescued with difficulty, were landed today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Jumped to His Death

Grand Rapids, Mich, December 2.- Frightened by rapid progress of flames thal eventually destroyed the Hotel Grant at Grant 20 miles from here to- day, Orcellus Seward, 64 years of age, jumped from the second story of the burning building. JIe was killed Sew eral other persons were seriously injured by jumping,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
aRebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

Novelty settings will mark several of the scenes in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" which is to be brought to Bir- mingham for the first time at the Jeff ferson theatre next Monday and Tues day with a special Christmas matinee. One act in particular-the fourth-is unusual in its arrangement. The set shows the facade of a brick house, the most palatial residence in River boro, the. scene of Rebecca's trials and triumphs. The edifice rises for two stories and faces the audience.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
ENSLEY SOUTHERN
 ELECTS OFFICERS

Ensley Southern railroad held yesterday, Col. A. B. Andrews was elected president, and Henry Spencer vice president. The secretary is R. D. Iangford, who occu- pies the same position with the Southern railway. The latter line ownes the Ems ley Southern. L.. Sevier, general agent for the executive department of the South ern railway, was elected one of the di- rectors of the Ensey Southern.
 Conditions were reported to have been in good shape during the year just closed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Rush to Pay Taxes

Meridian, Miss, December 21.-(Special.) ) The people Of Meridian have been making a rush upon the tax collector this week The books were opened later than usual and an effort is being made to have the books open until February l. 1912. The adjusting of paving assessments for many months has held the books in the office of the tax assessor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
CONGRESS STOPS
 WORK FOR HOLIDAYS
tCoNTINUED FROM PAGE D

he away from Washington during the
 bolidays. Senator LaFollette and Sem ator Clapp and others are to speak in Ohio. z The House progressiveS also will
 campaign in Ohio, RepreseMative Mur-
 dock and Root being among those who are intending to speak.
 A bill to make effective the proyl-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
cClelland Dead

Lexington. Ky, December 21.-A prI- yate telegram was received here today announcing the death at Arcadia Cal, of John McClelland, famous as turf man and former trainer for Lucky" Baldwin. He was 62 years of age and a brother of the late Byron McClel- land, noted horseman, of Lexington.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
AT THE CHURCHES

There will be Christmas service at the Foutain Heights Methodist church this afternoon at 7:30 o'clock, consist ing of musicp tableaux and recitations, at the close of which an offering will be taken for the benefit of the orphans,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
PREMIER REFUSES
 TO ACCEPT REPUBLIC
CONTINUED FROM PAGE D

association (the revolution) with their just issue have been called by your honorable consul to the capital to be protected in peace. This is a good plan, arising from a good purpose.
 However, the people of Kutien have become very much enlightened and their customs have changed. The people and the church are all at peace. Your honor able church has opened schools, hospi- tals, orphanages and similar good things. Not one of these but is gratifying to the hearts of the people. Although the people of Kutien are simple folk, still they have seen and appreciated these things. If you (missionaries) should suddenly go from Kutien, we greatly fear that the people would be alarmed and think mat ters worse than they are. If you stay, this will not be the case.
 This society humbly requests that you permit them to persuade to remain. Should anything unforeseen occur, we should Of course exert ourselves to protect you and your property We are quite sure that we can afford efficient protection. We await your views and wish you peace and heath''
 Washington, December a.--This city was gloomy today over the vanishing prospect for a speedy conclusion of a peace agreement between the imperialists and republicans in China. The status of the peace conferences at Shanghai -las reported as very diseouraging. It appeart the revolutionaries themselves are ad- vancing their own demands to a point which threatens to defeat any possible agreement.
 American naval officers have been in structed to be in readiness to respond to any appeals for protection from American and foreign interests. It is considered not improbable that a general outbreak or anti-foreign feeling would follow a com plete disagreement of the peace commits sioners at Shanghai.
 San Francisco, Cal, December 21.-Dr. Sun Vat Sen, revolutionary leader, has left Hong Kong for Shanghai in company with Wu Han Hin, another Chinalsan, and revolutionary governor of RwanS Ting province, according to a cablegram received today by the Chung Sai Vat peo- ple pr. Sun was enthusiastically recelv- ed at Hong Kong
 London, December 21.-The Hong Kong and Shanghai bank issued a notice today that owing to the disturbed state of China it has not received any funds for the ser vice loan of August 21, 1895 of coo. It is prepared to purchase coupons of the scrip due on December 31 at their face value.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Deaths and Funerals
Mrs. M. l.. Sherrer

Mrs. M. l.. Sherrer, aged 63 years, died yesterday morning about 11:30 o'clock at her late residence, 1s0 North Fifty second street, Woodlawn. The remains will be sent this morning at 9:45 o'clock to Selma by the Woodin Undertaking company for interment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-22
Pass Liquor Ordinance

Anniston. December 2l-(Special)-A special council meeting was held, tonight to pass an ordinance to prohibit the sfc- ing of intoxicating liquors in buildh.As | other than residences. general raid was made on supposed blind tigers. but no arrests were made.