davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
SHUSTER SAYS THAT PERSIAN
 INDEPENDENCE IS LOST CAUSE

erations. Persias sole offense is that she has endeavored to reform herself and grow strong. If, then, in Persia, as a buff fer state to keep the peace between two great empires which in the past watched one another with jealous eyes. is in- compatible with their strategy, l have no more to say, although l reserve my opinion of that strategy
 Tn that case the governments of the two great countries, in total hostility, believe to the generous spirit of their peo- ples have decided that Persia must go. The expectation may be duly carried out, and we shall deliberate the garroting of an ancient nation; but at least l trust my countrymen to show their horror at the tragedy and to register it in the book of memory lest we forget it when we hear her smooth words as to the high aims of European civilization and Chris tiau governments
 q venture the prophecy that Europe is filling the cup of Islams bitterness. and that the day of reckoning is not far dls- tant. I know little of English politics, but if the volume of sympathy with Per sia and the indignation against English official policy which reaches us is any indication. I believe the heart of England, like that of America, is sound. and that the statesman who retains control of her foreign policy in defiance. as I under stand it, of his own party will be re- nembered as the first Englishman who forget Asia. w. MORGAN SHUSTER.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
---------.os------ DARING FEAT OF
 RIVER PIRATES
Steal One Million Feet of Lumber in New York
 HarbOr

New York, December 17.-(Special) ] One of the most daring feats of sea- manship ever heard of in these parts became known today and left the wa ter front in speculative wonder. River pirates, it seems, not only managed to steal 1000, 900 feet of lumber bound together in two huge rafts, but took them at night safely through the treacherous currents of Hell Gate
 The rafts, which belonged to the Yellow Pine company, had been lowed up the coast from Georgia. Valued at 50,000, they lay moored by steel cables to the company's wharf in the east river, just south of Newton Creek. A watchman made the rounds of the wharf every two hours. Within that interval the rafts were cut from their moorings and pushed or lowed up through Hell Gate, in the face of an ebb tide and on a dark windy night The rafts were found beached at College Point, II miles from the place where they were stolen, and it was no acci- dental landing, but carefully contrived as carried out.
 William D. Paine, president of the Yellow Pine company. said that clearly the thieves grew frightened after they saw that all of the blanks were stem cilled with the name of the company They did not cut the rafts adrift for this would have endangered navigation and brought the United States author- ities into the matter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
SUGAR COMPLAINTS
 PLAN OF PENSIONS
Appropriation of $30O,0OQ Suggested As a
 Nucleus

New York, December 17.-Stockhold- CTS of the American Sugar Refining company will be called upon at the next annual meeting to approve plan to provide pensions to the company's 75O0 officers and employees. Details of the plan worked out include provisions for retiring employees 65 years of age, or after 30 years of service. An ap- propriation of $300,000 is suggested as the nucleus of the pension fund.
 No pension under the proposed plan will be less than $20 month, and none will exceed s5O0O a year For women the age limit is set at SO, apd the term of service at % years. Should the plan be ratified, male employees who have served the company 30 years and women 25 years in the service. may be retired without regard to age. The amount of pension will be "a sum annually equivalent to one per cent of the average annual wage of salary during the 10 years preceding retire. ment, multiplied by the years of serv- ice"
 All officers and employees of the com pany, or of any corporation owned or controlled by the company, the an- nouncement states. would be eligible for the pension benefits.
 To employees discharged after 15 years of service, pensions may be granted # the committee deems ft The only ex- action of the beneficiaries embraced in the plan is that they do not engage in any work which. in the judgment of the committee, is in conflict with the companys interest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
THE COTTON MARKET
 WILL BE ACTIVE

New Orleans, December 1.-The cot ton market this week promises to show more life than might naturally be ex- cedes the holiday period. On Wednes- day the census bureau will issue re- port on the ginning of cotton up to December 12, and this report may have more importance attached to it than had been thought possible of any gin ners' report issued after the govern ment's estimate of the crop.
 The reason for the promised activity is the sudden change in sentiment that has taken place. Prior to the gov ernment's estimate the gossip and com ment of the market was bearish in the extreme but the estimate did not bear out the more generous crop opinions entertained by the trade and since then the market has been more of two sided affair than it has been for months. The census report is important because it will be likely to prove or disprove the contention that the government has underestimated the crop.
 Even if there is promise of import ant developments this week it is hard ly probable that trading will be very heavy and what activity Is seen will probably be of a ftful character be- cause the market will, close Friday night for three holidays. Next week the same closing will be made, bringing about six days of inactivity at Christ mas and New Years Large operators will not care to increase their com mitments to any great extent until these holidays are out of the way. But for the ginners' report this week would undoubtedly wear a pronounced holiday look.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
HAVEN SWALLOWS DOSE 0F POISON

New York, December 17.-(SpeciaD. = Heartbroken through financial reverses and family separations and ignorant of the fact that he was about to be re- stored to the lucrative position which he abandoned to come north, George l.. Haven, once known as the man who "held the hardware trade in the south in the palm of his hand,' committed suicide last night by taking poison ;n the lonely little room at No. 30 Mercer street, Jersey City, in which his straight ened circumstances had forced him to live.
 The Ravens were of Atlanta, Ga, and theirs was one of the most hospitable homes in the south. MT. Haven had for 20 years been in absolute charge. of the southern business of the H. B. Corbin company of Atlanta and his reputation in that business was country wide
 Two years ago at the age of 55 he be- came connected with hardware firm in Nashville, Tenn, where he would have no travelling to do. The climtse there did no tagree with him and he came to New York, bringing his wife. The Havens had been used to the best in the south and their money soon disappeared in the metropolis They were soon compelled to move to a place within their means. Soon after Haven sent his wife back to her father in Atlanta until he could re- coup his fortune. A short time ago Ha- ven began negotiations to re-establish himself with the Corbin company and it was learned today that on January l, he was to be offered his old territory in the south Haven did not know this, when last night he swallowed dose of poi son.
 The body will be sent to Atlanta for burial
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Corn Products Case Appealed

Montgomery, December 17-(SpeciaD. - Appeal has been taken by Dreyfuss Bros, manufacturers of candy of this city, in their case against the Corn Products company, in which the allegation is made that the company is trust, or Sanized, and that it is controlling the production and sale of glucose in the United States. The supreme court or Alabama, as consequence, in an in- direct way will be called upon to decide whether or not the company is a trust. Sometime ago the corn products officiais filed a suit against Dreyfuss Bros, in which they sought to collect q small amount of money. The defendants an swered by alleging the company to be a trust, declaring at the same time that all contracts that had been made were not binding. Attorneys for the plaintiff filed interrogatories requiring the com pany to show cause why they allege themselves not to be a trust. which the plaintiffs refused to answer. Dreyfuss Bros. are now seking to compel an am SWer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Christmas for Royal Children

London. December 7.-(SpeciaD The Kings children are to have the best possible Christmas during their parents absence in India. Quen Alexandra has gone out of her way to give the boys and Princess Marie the time of their lives at Sandrigham. Prince Henry with his grandmother, visited a few days ago fa- nous store in Holbern. where marvellous toy locomotives are displayed for sale. The boy has developed a longing for rhe American variety of engine with a real cowca tcher and the firm Is making one especially for the children. queen Alex andra who is now almost deaf gave every one in the store a headache by insisting; on the whistles of the toy locomotives being blown for something like q quar- ter of an hour.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18

reheran, December H.-(Special.)-M gan w. Shuster has issued the fol- lowing statement to a representative of the International News Service: We learn from the British foreign minister that Persian independence is a lost cause because Persia has failed to recognize the interests of England and Russia. l wish my countrymen to know the facts.
 T can conceive two legitimate interests and two only, of these two powers-mili- tary strategy and honest commerce. Herein their rights are stronger than those of the other powers. Since my ar rival have never known Persia to fail in the recognition of the commercial in- terests of either country. Persia desires, and l, in my sphere, have striven to de- velop the countrys commercial relations to the utmost. Moreover, no country in the world Is more tolerant of foreigners than Persia nor can conceive any other power of her own accord giving foreigners the fuii administrative reforming powers that Persia has accorded her American officials.
 When we hear, therefore, of Persias S intractibility, is 1t not reasonable to sup- pose that part of the fault may lie else where?
 i"There remain the strategical consid-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
NEW THEORY OF HE ;
 MURDER OF JESUS
Aroused Anger of System" By Arousing the
 Masses

New York, December 17.-(Speeial )-Ac- cording to the Rev. Bouck White, head resident at Trinity Episcopal church of Brooklyn, Jesus was not murdered by the Jews because His teachings were so di- rectly opposed to the laws of Moses. h. stead, there was system in existence in those days, the counterpart of that which obtains today, and that system put Jesus to death because He stirred the common people to revolt, and this made existence for the aristocracy exceedingly dangerous.
 Jesus was Kidnapped from the garden at midnight and put to death early in the morning before the wage earners and the common people were awake to assist him. declares MT. White. christianity took it's rise in an economic upheaval. An aggressive proletarian, the Galilean, in behalf of human rights attacked vested rights. Therefore the interests of that day assassnated Him. The murder of Jesus was the greatest crime in his- tory.
 'The communion service is the cardinal right Of the churches ritual. In its origin it was a solemn memorial of the mur- der that was committed on Golgotha S hill. Thus partaken 1t arms the soul with holy wrath against the system which slaughtered Jesus 1900 years ago, ano which, by it's economic oppression, is sIaugbtering it's thousands today.
 T account myself disciple of Wil- liam James, under whom I studied at Harvard, and of McGiffert, Fagnani and Thomas Hall, my teachers at Union The ological seminary, New York In pictur- ing Christ as the martyr of democracy, who was put to death by the exploter class for stirring up the people, I have the support further of Mayor Gaynor, who has brought to the study of the trial and execution of Jesus a splendid legal mind.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
STEEL TRADE HELPS THE STOCK MARKET Strength of the C0untry's Money Position Also
 An Influence

New York, December 17.--The un- mistaka ble revival of the steel trade and the striking demonstration of tho strength of the country's money posi- tion were reflected in last weeks stock market. There were other contributory factors. but these two constituted the main influences
 The unified tonnage report of the United States Steel corporation at the end of November disclosing an unex- pectedly large increase, was supple mented as market influence by the advance in prices of various products by the Steel corporation and other markets Car manufacturers also were demanding higher prices as result of recent railroad orders and the stim- ulating effect on production was seen in plans for opening various idle plants after the first of the year. The Steel corporations bookings of orders for the first half of December were said by the Iron Age to be on a larger scale than for November. The effect on the stock market was heightened by pub lished statements of II. c. Prick and Judge F. H. Gary, giving hopeful views of the outlook for next year.
 Copper trade developments paralleled those in steel The result in price of the metal was in response to the re- ported expansion of demand.
 The report of the railway securities commission confining its recommends tion to publicity as a remedy for cap ital imitation was accepted as a con servative. Another favorable influence was the supreme courts refusal on the independent tobacco manufacturers' pe- tition to disapprove the American To- bacco companys reorganization plan. The money market showed pro- nounced rccuperative powers. This was due partly to the technical causes of the poor showing in the clearing house statement for the first week of Decem- ber which was corrected by the re- transfer of Canadian balances held aside for the annual banking return. Berlin made fresh. bids in New York for accommodations over the end of the year for which supplies apparently were found, The rise in the interest rates in New York to profitable figure was followed by an abundant reflux of funds from the interior.
 The record cotton crop promised by the government estimate goes into the reckoning of favorab ble factors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
TO ESTABLISH FREE
 EUFAULA HOSPITAL
Unusual Activity Among the Cotton Buyers-Twelve Thousand
 Bales Purchased

Eufaula, December 17.-(Special)- The Womens Charity association re- gently organized here with an enroll ment of 75 ladies of the city at re- cent. meeting adopted the name of the Womens Benevolent union. The organ ization has under advisement the mat ter of maintaining a public hospital here and has been assured the hearty cooperation and support of all the phy- sicians together with other citizens who have become interested in their work. The union is now busily en- gagged in making arrangements to pro- vide for the poor of the city during the holiday season and expect to do a good work in that way.
 w R. Patterson and his bride, for merly Miss Mary Katherine Lockhart of Marion, reached the city yester- day and are receiving the congratula- tions of their friends. Mr. Patterson is one of the prominent business men of the city and his bride will make a most charming addition to the city $ social side.
 J. A. Wright and family of Richmond. Ga. have moved near the city, where in future they will reside. Mir Wright recently purchased the Conin plan tation three miles north of town.
 Some unusual activity is noticeable among the cotton shippers of the city and it is known that some very large lots have been turned loose within the past few days. A well known buyer here who made a purchase of 1900 bales yesterday said that he had re- fused offers of large lots in the sur rounding towns from the fact that he was unable to place them, but in the matter of local buying he found no trouble in consummating deals for all he desired. It is thought from the anxiety of so many to dispose of their holdings that the determination to await higher prices is fast changing, and if the shippers were able to place their purchases the stocks would be considerably reduced within the next few weeks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
SOCIAL AFFAIRS FOR
 BIRMINGHAM LADIES

Greensboro. December (Special) During the week past there. have been several entertainments givn for visi- tors, among them two Birmingham women, Mrs. J. F. White and Miss Helen Benners.
 Mrs. White was honoree at bridge luncheon, given by Miss Anna Jones ar6D Mrs Herbert Chlders. She was also guest during the week of her relatives. Mrs. Julian Waller and Mrs e. E. Waller.
 Mrs. White is guest of Mrs. Seed, and is welcomed by many friends to the home of her childhood.
 Miss Helen Bonners and Mrs. Adolf Kind of Turin, Italy, were honor guests at a bridge party given by Mrs. Thom- as Hamilton Jones on Thursday. The honoroes were given punches of car nations and the prize, handsome hat pin, was won by Mrs. Charles stolen werek.
 Mrs. H. G. Benners gave a small and most enjoyably informal tea to MT and Mrs. Adolf Benners and Mrs Leo Randolph of Washington.
 Mir Robert R. Otts of South Caro- lima Is on visit to relatives.
 Mir Mat Murphy of. Birminghams is visiting his mothers family here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Bay Minette Notes

Bay Minette, December 1l-t tSpeciaD- Word has ben received from Summer dale to the effect that the management of the Summerdale Canning company has received an order for 400 cars of canned sweet potatoes of which order they were able to accept only 20 cars. owing to the lack of capacity of the plant which is being operated by that company. The fact that the large order has been ten dered the company proves that there has not agre with him and he came to New canned sweets and has proven to ,he management that they will be compelled to enlarge their plant many times to supply the great demand for the canned tubcr.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
EXPRESSIONS FROM MEMBERS
 OF CONGRESS- ON THE RUSSIAN ATTITUDE ON PASSPORT MATTER

Washington. December 17.-(speeial)- Expressions on the Russian embroglio fol- low:
 Representative Kendall, member of the House committee on foreign affairs: Rus sia needs us more than we need Rus sla. No nation has the right to be in- suited by t plain statement of facts from another nation. Russia has not contro- yerted the facts in our statement"
 Senator Culom of the committee on foreign relations: "I don't believe the pro- test filed by Russia will have any effect unless she comes forward with prom ise to observe fully the terms of the treety-the honor of all American pass ports. In that event I think the matter would be dropped instantly. The United States, l am confident, will not accept any other condition. The protest will have no effect on the meeting of this committee called for Monday. War! That is the most distant thing from the minds of the members of this cornmmittee and the Senate body. The suggestion is ab- surl.'
 Senator Stone of Missouri member of the committee on foreign rclauons: q do rot think the situation is changed a particle"
 Senator McCumber of North Dakota of the committee on foreign relations: ''If the Russian passport question is decided against tlie wording of the SuIzer reso- luton, I sec no serious objection to ging it's phraseology. There Is noth- s,f, of the Senate or House. We propose to abrogate the treaty unless Russia agrees to honor our passports. Unless some- thing develops of which I am unaware, the committee will go ahead with the | work mapped out for it on Monday" Representative Malby, republican, of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
ATKINS IN RACE

Selma, December 17-(Special)- )-State Highway Commissioner V. B. Atkins to- night made formal announcement of his candidacy for Congress at large from the state. subject to the action of the dem ocratic party.
 Major Atkins is one of the best known public men in Alabama today and for months past his friends in every county in the state have been urging him to make the announcement which he for7 mally made tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
O'Neal Returns

Montgomery, December 17.-tSpecial).- Fresh from a trip of two weeks to ono Washington and New York, Governor Emmet O'Neal reached the capitol today in the best of health and the finest or spirits. He says that the trip in the middle west and in the east was tre- mendously enjoyed. In all probability the governor will not name the successor 10 F. G. Bowman. as tax commissioner or Jefferson county, for several days yet
 He stated today that he had no infor- nation to impart on the situation, but that he is, still considering the question.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Farm Demonstrations

.Greenvle, December 17--(SpeciaD.- Last night at the court house A. D. Whitehead, agricultural demonstration of the government. and J. B. Helmes, demon- strator, held a meeting. The object of the meeting was to give information as to the best plans to further the cause of agriculture and to fight the boil wee vii pest which is due in Butler county as per government expert calculations in 1918 There was large crowd present tlemen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18

New York the only member of the House who voted against the Sulzer resolution; There is no reasonable hope that Rus sia will change her policy, at least when approached in this unfriendly manner She will undoubtedly maintain the right to refuse entry to such citizens of foreign countries as She thought just and proper. Herce, l regard the whole procedure as i'll advised, unnecessary and unwise. Un- der the present conditions most all cit zens Of the United States can enter their territory for business or pleasure. If the treaty is repealed none of our citi- zens, either Jew or Gentle, will be able to visit Huscia. Certainly the situation will not improve if the treaty is ter minated l do not believe that diplomacy has been exhausted in an effort to bring about more desirable results and until all reasonable efforts have been exhaust ed we are not justified in taking such an important step.'
 Baltimore, December 11-(Special.)- Senator Raynor said last night that he would not only vote for the abrogation of the Russian treaty as originally draft ed in tho Senate resolution, but will make a speech advocating it's passage.
 New York, December 17.-(SpeciaD.- Discussing the reported demands of Rus sia regarding the resolution passed by the House of Representatives dealing with the Russian passport situation Represent ative oscar w. Underwood of Alabama said last night at the WaldorE Astoria. where he attended the dinner of the Southern society:
 'I have not read the report of Russia S dissatisfaction, but I voted for that reso- lution and | am as heartily in favor of ! 1t now as l was then. It means that under the American flag a man .. man."
 "Then, you do not consider that any change is desirable in the resolution ?" ] he was asked.
 ~They will have to show me-" he re- piled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Powder Demonstrators

Greenville, December 1I-(SpeciaD The Jefferson Powder company of Birming- ham has experts demonstrators here to- day to demonstrate the use of dynandte
 in farming. They will show the farmers how to subsoil and how to plant trees with the dynamite. The use of this plan of farming will greatly benefit the farmers for they can get more and better results from the land with less expenses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-18
Durbar Ends

Delhi December 1.-The great dur bar. with it's round of festivities lasting since the arrival of the King Emperor and Queen Empress on De- cember ', was brought to conclusion today. Their majesties left the camp in state procession, the road to the sta ton being lined with troops King George has departed from Nepal Ion u shooting expedition, while Queen Mary has gone to Argia. 4ss f3a