davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
IMPROVE SERVICE BY B|G SWITCHBOARD Bell Company Finishes ln- stallati0n at Exchange AT COST OF S75,O0O New Telephone Directory Contains Over 13,0OO Names and Local
 System Is Now in First
 Class Condition

Out of an appropriation of over S4oo,000 in bettering local physical equipment the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company has just completed and put into service additions to it's main exchange switchboard at cost of upwards of $75, coo. This, perhaps more than any one factor has improved the service as it tends to relieve the congestion brought about by the enormous increase in bus mess thrown on the Bell company when the Peoples company went out of bus mess.
 Something over 5000 new stations have been added to the Bell exchanges in the pest six months, and new directory has just been issued containing more than l3,000 names. Owing to the enor- nous increase and the changes of name, locations, etc. 1t is essential that the directory be consulted by subscribers when making calls, as this will tend to further improve the service
 D. r. Turnbull district manager of the company. in speaking of the i'm provements being made by his company said
 We have pushed forward the con- struetion work as fast as practicable, and are completing it with the greatest dispatch. large portion of the work, including the new additions to the switch board and a number of cables on the outside plant have been completed, but we still have a considerable amount of work yet to be done, after which we will have a plant in Birmingham that will compare most favorably with any in the country.
 Much comment has been heard on the streets recently of the improvement in the telephone service. The evidence is plain and pointed that there has of late been an improvement, and everyone is congratulating the other on 1t. The vir- tue of a telephone is prompt and accurate service. The absence of these elements makes the service irritating and unsat- sfactory. The Southern Bell. through much travail, has now got to the posi- ton of rendering good service and it has been strenuously working to that end since the Peoples company went out of business"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
BREAKING INTO PRISON
Fly CHARLES II. MANDY

asked the portly chief. his interest aroused, thinking the man was seeking refuge after committing some serious offence.
 No crime at all; I just want to be put in jail"
 We cannot put you in jail unless there is a charge preferred against you and warrant issued" Well It's like this, I have been on an election spree. one of the rip-snorl- ing kind. and l want to be locked up until I get over it."
 MT. Metcalf reiterated his former statement that he would have to be committed on proper authority and ad- vised him to see Judge Greene. i The man waddled off to sec Judge Greene and again insisted that he be put in jail giving the same reasons as he had given the chief deputy. Judge Greene referred him to Judge Aber- nethy and stated that he could be put in jail on vagrancy charge as con- tfnued drunkenness constituted that of- fence. Not the least daunted by his third unsuccessful attempt to deprive himself of his liberty he sought Judge Abernethy
 Judge Abernethy was busy making 1 some docket entries when the man walked up.
 | "Is this Judge Abernethy?i Those are my entitlements." q want to be put in jail on a charge of vagrancy, and 1 will be much dis appointed if you make the sentence less than 30 days" You want what?"
 The man repeated his statement which so astonished the judge that he nearly swallowed a fresh chew of to- bacco he had Just taken. Who has preferred the charge against you. and from what court?" "G am preferring the charge myself,' and he stated to the judge that he was so jubilant over the recent election that he had been on a spree ever since, and told him of his attempts to get behind the bars.
 Judge Alb smiled at the mans insist ence and told him to go home and think the matter over and come back in the morning and If necessary he would fix things up. The man plainly showed his disappointment and went off stating
 that he would surely return. He has
 not been seen since.
 After the man had left Judge Alb re- marked, Ordinarily it is the easiest
 thing in the world to get In Jail, the
 trouble generally Is getting out. | have had many to plead against going to jail but that's the first time I have had a man to make such persistent ef- forts to get berth at the Hotel de McAdory and failed"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
HERE TO PROVE OR DISPROVE
 JASPER'S OIL AND GAS FIELDS
BOARD GETTING READY TO
 TRY CONNECTS ON ROADS
Three Members Left Yesterday For Georgia Where Study Will Be Made of the System Used In That State-Wil
 Work Out Details Carefully

The members of the board of revenue of Jefferson county are taking the prelimi- nary steps toward carrying out their campaign pledges to take the county conviets out of the mines and work them on the county roads.
 In order to familiarize themselves with the system adopted in other states a committee consisting of Hugh McGeever, Major Cameron and Lawrence Penning- ton left last night for Atlanta where they will meet Sam E. Finley. who will show them over the roads of Georgia where the asphalt company that he represents has built several miles of county roads They will also visit the travelling convict camps of the county that are building faads with convicts
 The board is going at the matter care fully realizing the great proposition that is before them and in order to get better informed the committee will inspect the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
CRIMINAL COURT
 MAKING RECORD Four Capital Cases Have Been Disposed of in
 Two Days

Four capital cases tried and dis posed of in the criminal court of Jef- ferson county in two days Is the rec ord this week. Two men charged with murder were convicted and two charged with other capital offenses were ac- quilted
 In addition to these jury trials, Judge W. E. Fort organized four juries for the week and set the cases to be tried and tried two capital cases. Judge Samuel E. Greene has completed two misdemeanor dockets and tried two capital cases.
 On Monday afternoon Judge Fort took up the case of Paul Lewis. ne gro, charged with murder and held night session lasting until II o'clock at night in order to get the case to the jury It went over to Tuesday, how ever, and after short deliberation the jury returned a verdict of murder in the second degree and fixed the pun ishment at 20 years in the peniten- tiary. On the same afternoon Judge
 
 set in the second division, took up the case of Will Lewis, charged with high way robbery. He was acquitted by the jury
 Yesterday Judge Fort took up the case of W. c. Stewart, a negro con- vict serving a sentence of 10 years for burglary. on a charge of killing a fellow convict named Jackson. The case went to the jury about 6 o'clock and after two hours deliberation they returned a verdict of guilty and fixed punishment at life in the penitentiary Judge Greene took inc case of Jesse Adams, charged with criminal assault at the completion of his regular docket The defendant was acquitted by the jury.
 This morning at 9:30 o'clock the case of w. P. Reynolds charged with the murder of Policeman Mcclain. will be called.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
MIR. SHANNON HAS HAD
 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

In oil and gas circles Mr Shannon is held to be one of the best informed oper- ators in the business. He has been work ing at the bushes for over 90 years and has produced some Of the most succ cessful oil and gas wells of this country.
 The operations of MT. shannon will be carried on under the name of the Penn sylvania Oil and Gas company. a foreign corporation, which was organized in Pittsburg Mir Shannon is president C. D. McIlvain, the widely known Pittsburg coal baron and attorney. is vice president. while A. S Preston of Jasper Is secre- tary and treasurer
 The find of gas at Fayette two years ago created intense interest and excitement ia this district and state as well as in the country. The Providence company has several wells. but not enough gas to pipe into Birmingham. The reopenng Of op- crations here by Mir. Shannon, who is backed by ample capital. and who has no stock CT other securities for sale. will create intense interest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
AT THE HOTELS

William stickney of Anniston, S. w. Donaldson of Montgomery, and w. Fl. Brooks of St. Louis are registered at the Hillman.
 s. J. Walker of Selma. ". B. Crumpton of Montgomery, and John W. Abercrom- bic of Tuscaloosa were registered at the Empire yesterday.
 Among those registered at the Metro politan are G. w. Simpson of Montgom- cry, A. J. Sharpe of Florence, and Shields Mitchell of New Decatur.
 At the Morris are G. H. Peacock of Sel- ma, F. H. Wade of Huntsville, and w. $. Freeman of Richmond.
 Registered at the Florence are P. E. Bruce of Atlanta, E. P. Wincham of Dansby, and w. D. Panish of Florence.
 ". II. Reckel of Nashville, C. P. Philips of Atlanta, and J. K. James of Memphis are stopping at the Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

systems employed elsewhere. They will be absent several days and their report will be watched with interest.
 At the afternoon session yesterday this matter was discussed and the situation carefully looked over There are many problems to be worked out such as financ- ing the new system, the proper care Of the convicts and many other matters that will call for the most careful eonsid- eration at the hands of the board. They stated that they are anxious to make the new system a success and will work to that end. and will endeavor to get the benefit of the experience of ether toun- ties where the system has been tried.
 It is understood that the county con- victs were worked on the roads of def ferson some % years ago, but did not prove a success. This time the board expects to evolve a system that will be permanent and practical
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
WILL KEEP BORING
 TO PROVE THE AREA

That the five strings to be employ ed at Jasper will be able to drill an indefinite number of wells, and that the work will be continued until it is actually proven that the gas supply near that field is of little value or is tremendous, is the state- ment of MT. shannon. He says that a large volume and a large area must be secured before Birmingham can be reached with a pipe line, but that he has no doubt in the world but what eventually natural gas will be brought to Birming- ham,
 As for oil, MT. shannon Is equally as confident, saying yesterday that the indi- cations are that oil is in that country stronger than any field he has ever tackled, and for that reason he is of the opinion that a huge oil field will be es- abolished near Jasper.
 Based upon years of practical expe- rence in every gas and oil state of Amer ica and Mexico, am inclined to believe that we will find oil and gas in these drillings' said MT. shannon yesterday. ''If the trail we are now following does not prove out a good one l shall be inn measurably disappointed Every indica- tion is there for both gas and oil. If the indications fail it will be the first time that l have ever seen such a favorable situation prove faulty. The two commod- ities that we seek are surely to be found in this territory.
 Our company was given this data by myself and others and it was determines to risk additional money in proving or disproving this field. We have now suf- ficient gas to pipe Jasper, so we will have that to pay us back slowly at least We have the gas, it may be said, and the only problem of speculation now Is the area and the quantity that is sure to Dc further encountered.
 T intend to remain here until this dis trict is proven fruitful or absolutely dis proven. In connection with the Jasper pipe line l will say that some of the ma terial Is there now and work is under
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
ASK S60,000 DAMAGES
 FOR AUTO ACCIDENT

Damages to the amount of $60,000 are claimed by J. D. Lankford and his minor son. Elmer Lankford, against George N. Fortenbury for alleged per sonal injuries received by Elmer Lank- ford, who was alleged to have been run over and seriously injured by an automobile belonging to the defend ant.
 The complaint alleges that on July 1 while young Lankford was crossing First avenue and Twentieth street he was run oyer by an automobile be- longing to George x. Fortenbury and was internally and permanently in- iured. The suit was filed in the cir cult court by w A. Denson, attorney for plaintiff.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

The company headed by MT shannon will sell the gas wholesale to the Jasper Natural Gas company, which has been or ganized by A. S. Preston, president Of the Jasper Trust company. The local com pany at Jasper will secure the gas at the city line, and will retail it to the cit zens of Jasper. MT. shannon at the Hill man yesterday said that the two wells that will send their gas to Jasper have now a volume sufficient to supply Jasper or city four times as large as Jasper for a long number of years
 MT. Shannon and his associates have expended a very large sum of money testing the gas fields near Jasper, and are preparing to spend three times the first appropriation. That is considered the highest type of faith in that district and also faith that gas in large volume will be secured from the wells to be bored.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

generally regarded as the most strik- ing example of breaking out of prison in all literature, but in all literature there is not even modest comparison of a breaking into prison for the pur- pose of self detention.
 Yesterday afternoon Chief Deputy Sheriff Walter Metcalf observed a well dressed middle aged man knocked at the door leading into the jail yard. He then tried to force it open and falling made an intellectual attempt to scale the jail wall Just as MT Metcalf was about to interfere the man walked to- ward the sheriff's office and asked for Sheriff MeAdory. His appearance gave evidence that he had been imbibing but had himself under control.
 The sheriff is out" said MT. Metcalf what can I do for your"
 "I want to be put in jail" replied the man. gravely
 What crime have you committed?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
BAD WEATHER DELAYS LUBIN PHOTO PLAYERS

Bad weather has been the means of keeping the Lubin photo players idle in their studio at the Bluff Park hotel on Shades mountain for the past week.
 W. C. Clifton. the scenario writer of the company. scents a "hoodoo." as Miss Clara Williams, the leading lady and starr of the Lubin company. sud denly has been taken ill and II Is feared she will be unable to pose for some time.
 Everyone of the company with the exception of d few of the leading actors are now living in the Bluff Park hotel and are immensely pleased with the place. They are already planning a dinner for the whole company in their studio on Christmas day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

One often reads of daring and desper- ate attempts to break out of jail, but rarely does one read of an attempt to break in, for the vast majority of peo- pie would much rather be "on the out side looking in than on the inside look
 ing out"
 Frequently in tho daily press are thrilling accounts of daring escapes from jail and penitentiary, while in the realms of fiction numerous stories are related of marvellous escapes from prison and dungeon. The escape from the Chateau diff of him who was after wards known as the Count of Monte Cristo bordered on the miraculous, yet it was closely founded on fact, and Is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
 ACCEPT INVITATION TO SEE SkYSCRAPER

The committee on industrial excursions met yesterday morning in the directors room of the Chamber of Commerce at ;l o'clock and unanimously accepted the in- vitation of the American Trust and Say irgs bank for tour of inspection at the opening of their newly completed building next Tuesday.
 Plans for the Chamber of Gommerce excursion are now under way and invita- tIons are already being mailed to the members of the chamber 10 attend tne opening of the highest skysefaper In the district
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
THE COMMITTEE ON
 CHARITIES TO MEET

The charities Investigating committee of the Chamber of Commerce will meet today at 3:3o o'clock in the directors room Of the Chamber of Commerce build ing F. NJ. Jackson. chairman of the committee. will preside.
 This committee was appointed for the purpose of Investigating the various charitable associations in the Birmingham district to look into their status as to whether or not they were legitimate charities. The report of the committee IS expected to be of much interest, as they have gone thoroughly into their work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
Y. M. H. A. WILL
 HOLD A BAZAAR

The Young Mems Hebrew association will hold a bazar at the Turn Verein hall commencing tonight and will continue for three consecutive nights. This after noon will be Chidren's Day, and Thursday afternoon will be devoted to the ladies for card amusements.
 Some valuable donations of all kinds that have been received by the associa- ton from all over the country will be auctioned off or sold at far below whole sale prices. The Young Mems Hebrew association is conducted on the same basis as the Young Mems Christian association. and the proceeds from this bazar will be devoted to the carrying of the work of the institution. Music and dancing from to F oelock will add to the occa- sion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

way. Other material is on the trains en route to Jasper and may be expected soon. The gas we have now will supply Jasper three or four times over We will not be encouraged to come to Birming- ham with a pipe line until we have ascer- tained the area of our field and then if the volume is there we win be only half the distance from this city of any other company and will arrange to pipe gas to Birmingham. l have no doubt but what gas will be pped to Birmingham and sur rounding cities as well as Memphis aud other cities within the next few years
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

was seven months old, and he got worse all the time. It would break out worse than ever. decided to give the Cuticura Soap and Cuticura Ointment trial, so I sent and got box of Cuticura Ointment and one cake of Cuticura Soap. had not used them week until I could see great change. and they cured him sound and well and never left single scar" tsigned) Mrs. Lille sikes. Feb. F. 1912.
 Cutlcura Soap and Cutlcura Ointment are sold by druggists and dealers every where A single set is often sufficient when all else falls. Liberal sample of each mailed free, with 32-p. Skin Book. Address post card "Cuticura. Dept. T. Boston,
 es-Tender-faced men should use Cuticuro Soap Shaving Stick. 25c. Sample fires.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
DECATUR CAR WHEEL WORKS
 CHANGED HANDS YESTERDAY

cern and have sold all their interests to the new company.
 C. T. Esdale. general manager of all the plants of the company. who has his office and headquarters in Bir- mingham, announced that there will be no change in management or oper- ation. The only effect the sale will have will be in the ownership. The sale of the plant to the new owners has been pending some time and was finally consummated yesterday.
 The Decatur Car Wheel works has been established in Birmingham for about 20 years and Is one of the best known of it's industrial plants, and one of the most successfully operated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
ST. LOUIS INTERESTS BUY PLANTS IN BIRMINGHAM, AT LANTA AND SAyANNAH-NO CHANGE IN OPERATIONS

It was announced here yesterday that the Decatur Car Wheel works, which operates large plants at Bir- mingham, Atlanta and Savannah. had been sold to a new company of which s. P. Pryor of St. Louis is president. w. J. Morrison and w. NJ. Nubert were the principal stockholders in the con-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were issued yesterday in the office of ,he pro- bate clerk:
 w. ]. Wilingham Of Birmingham and Miss Katherine cornil.
 James j.. sheppard, Jr, of Brighton, and Miss Myrtle Hottam
 J. c. Hall of Auburn and Miss Sallie May Warren. T. Fautte of Birmingham and Miss Louise Mae Newton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
"Tbe Deestrick Skule"

The old fashioned deestrick skule will be given Friday evening, December l3, at Howard college by number of Voung men and women of East Lake. A part of the proceeds will be given to provide presents for children whom santa Claus may forget to visit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
WILL REMAIN UNTIL
 THE FIELD IS PROVED

The operations of MT. Shannon at Jas per will be under the direct supervision of his field manager. K. M Mccormack of Pittsburg. wno has been with Mr Shannon in gas and oil operations for 2i years and who is accredited with beine one of the best informed experts in the business from a practical standpoint. The crews that have been brought to Bir- mingham by MT. Shannon will be quar- tered at Jasper. the base Of operations Of he Shannon interests
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

one month old. and I just thought sure 1t would kill him. as it killed our other baby at Ave months old. It would break out in pimples and scab over. and he cried day and night. 1 thought that there was no cure for him at all. His face would itch and burn SO bad that I had to tie his little hands down SO he could not scratch his face.
 We began at once to t.st.x |.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11

You will find this a short cut to happiness, because they will remove the cause of your trouble which is
 nothing more than a slug gish liver. At your drug gist-sugar coated or plain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
CRIED DAY AND NIGHT WITH ECZEMA
Thought It Would Kill Him. Broke Out in Pimples, Scabbed Over.
 Itched and Burned. Had to Tie Hands. Cuticura Soap and 0int- ment Cured Him Sound and We'll.

R. F. D. No. ., Lexington. Tenn My little boy broke out on the face with that terrible disease. eczema. when he was just
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
Our Customers

Heartily approve of the prompt attention with which We adjust all claims. We, realizing the inconvenience caused by delays have made this a feature of our business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-11
WILL SELL JASPER
 GAS AT WHOLESALE

for some weeks.
Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1912-11-01
Eggs cIotworthy Ate.

Harry Clotworthy, who is an expert
on military affairs, entered the
diningroom of the National Press
club one morning and carried with
him a ravenous appetite. Having
eaten one breakfast, which consisted
largely of eggs. he ordered an
other breakfast, which consisted
even more largely of eggs. After his
repast he went to the writing-room
to get OF some letters. Half an hour
later the steward of the club found
the colored waiter loafing about the
entrance of the writing-room and
asked him what he meant by being
absent from his post.
II got a good excuse" exclaimed
the waiter. exhibiting the check for
the egg breakfast. "Mr. Clotworthy
done eat 81 worth Of eggs and amt
goin' to let him git away from here
without payin' for them. high as eggs
is now"