davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
CALLS ROOSEVELT . PARTY'S ONLY HOPE
J. o. Thompson Writes a Letter in Which He Says
 Taft Cannot Win

J. O. Thompson, collector of internal revenue, in letter to the private secre- tary of President Taft announces himself in favor of the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt for the presidency of the Unit ed States
 The secretary of the President Is in- formed by MT. Thompson that the nomi- nation of the President would result in a democratic victory. which the writer con- siders would be national calamity
 In the opinion of the democrats of the city the action of MT. Thompson is c9n- elusive evidence that Roosevelt is seek ing the nomination at the hands of the republicans.
 The Thompson letter follows:
 Dear Sir: So much is being said with reference to the possible candidacy of Colonel Roosevelt, and am being so con- stantly pressed both by the friends of the president and the friends of Colonel Roosevelt, to make my choice known, that I feel I should no longer hesitate to do so.
 T had never dreamed that situation would arise which would require me to make choice, and I assure you 1t is an unpleasant thing for me to do. however, since must make choice now, I feel it my duty to inform you.
 '.As between the President and any other candidate. I would be for the Pres ident, as I have so often expressed my self, still would not have the President believe that my choice for Colonel Roose- welt is merely personal.
 'In dealing with the presidential sltua- ton, one's highest thought should be for the good of the nation.
 q would consider it calamity to the nation should the democrats be again put in power, and fear that if Colonel doomed to defeat.
 "Only a few days ago straw vote of the farmers of Rochester, Ind, was talk en with the following result: Taft 10, Roosevelt S3.
 T have seen similar tests from other quarters of the nation and that seems to be the sentiment throughout the coun- try among the rank and file, and from them an election must come.
 'As I am an officeholder, I shall not allow myself to grow over enthusiastic in Colonel Roosevelts behalf as least no more than any other officeholder in this state.
 q believe the President to be a sincere. able man. above reproach, and I honor him as such.
 When he shall have quilted the presi-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
SLOSS COMPAN ID. SPEND S11O,OOO IN
 NEW IMPROVEMENTS
 Hattie Furnace at
Hattie-Ensley Furnace at Sheffield Will Be Re-
 lined Entirely
FLORENCE STACK TO
 BE PUT INTO BLAST
Waterworks System Will Be Installed at Flat Top and Other Im- provements Made at
 the Prison

Appropriations for new improve ments which aggregate $110,0oo and which will be started at once were received yesterday by J. c Maben. Jr.. vice president of the Sloss- Sheffield Steel and Iron company. Subsequently Mir Maben said that the work of re- lining Hattie Ensley furnace and great many improvements at Flat Top prison would be started at once.
 The work at Sheffield will include the refining of the stoves. the over hauling of the machinery. the installa- tion of two wfckes boilers. a new blowing engine and the rebuilding of all trestles to the stock houses at the plant.
 The work will cause the furnace at Florence to be started up and operated while the Hattie Ensley plant is down for repairs.
 MT. Maben said that the work as an nounced was the first that had been started recently as he had been una ble to look over the properties of the company since taking up the depart ment of operation and construction.
 At Flat Top prison the company will install complete waterworks system which will penetrate through the pris- on. The company is now digging new wells to supply the water which will give the conyicts clear, pure water for drinking purposes. The water will be piped to the kitchen and distributed to the dining room and elsewhere for all such purposes as will promote the health of the inmates of the prison. In addition to that work the com pany is now installing new heating system under the direction of the Jacob -Evens company of Birmingham. American Radiator company boilers are being used in the work which will take first rank when completed. MT. Ma ben said yesterday that it was the plan of the company adequately to heat the vast prison for the comfort of the men and to decrease the risk of fire resulting from the use of stoves. The stoves will not be removed, however,
 until this season is past. The work will be rushed forward as the officials wish to have the plant working before February 1, if that is possible
 The announcement is made the floors of the prison will be taken up and new ones laid. The improvements at Flat Top are expected to reach s7500, while the appropriation for the work at Sheffield will extend over the au- thorized $1O0,OO0. it is expected. MT. Maben. it is understood, will make a trip of inspection over the whole prop erty within a short time and outline what is needed to put all the plants in the best possible condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
RICE APPROVES FIRE
 PREVENTION DAY

State Fire Marshal Larrie Rice has congratulated Fire Chief A. V. Bennett on his idea for fire prevention day. which has been set for January 15. The day was set by proclamation of Pres- ident Exum of the city commission upon recommendation of Chief Bennett. On that day every business house and householder in the city Is expected to clean up all the garbage about hls place. The city has obligated itself to haul off all such trash free of charge The action has also received the en-' dorsement of the insurance people. in- asmuch as it will reduce the fire risk about % per cent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
MODERN MORMONISM
Frank J. Cannon of Salt Lake City to
 Lecture at High School

Frank I. cannon of Salt Lake City, Utah. will deliver lecture upon me Modern Mormon Kingdom at the Hish school auditorium next Saturday evening at o'clock as the third number of the Birmingham Lyceum lecture course.
 Mr Cannon, who has been touring the lecture platform for the past several years, comes to this city highly recom- mended both as a speaker and an au- thorlty on the subject matter of his ad- dress. He has been a prominent factor in the Mormon church for some time and was at one time in prominent political position in his native state. The lecture promises to be especially interesting to many people and is regarded as an educa- tional treat of no small consideration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
SEES ABUSES OF
 NEW TRANSFER RULE
Dr. Mortimer Jordan Cites an FIX ample of What May Lead to
 Much Injustice
o the Editor of The Age-Herald :

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 Sir; While on an Avenue B Loop car Sunday night I witnessed an incident which, in view of the present light con tract controversy, was of decided inter est. The incident was in itself triViai' but in 1t was involved principle Of Tar reaching importance
 A gentleman who is unknown to me, asked for transfer; the conductor shook his head. The passenger very politely made a second request when the con- ductor pointed to a sign which stated transfers are to be given only at the time when the fare is paid. The passenger ex- plained that he was not aware of any suca rule or he would have spoken at the transfer time. But the transfer was still refused. To the best of my knowledge that passenger hasn't gotten his transfer yet.
 Now the question is, what had that gen. tieman done that would rightuhy de- prive him of his transfer2 He had com
 nltted the crime of not telling the con- ductor. at the psychological moment. just where he wanted to go. He did just what we have all done for years Paid his fare on entering the car and asked Tor his transfer on leaving it. But times ha1 changed. The ukase had gone Forth that q passenger must speak at particular moment or else forever after hold his reace. The fact that he had so failed to sneak cost him cents and bad min ntes. The conductor had plenty of leis- ure. plenty of time, but he had to obey orders. and he did.
 Now the sum of cents seems small, but suppose a passenger has only that snm must he be made to arise and walk as punishment for forgetting this new rule of the company? Suppose he changes his mind after delivering up his nickle? Must he, because of that drill to his destination. What harm would tho company have suffered in the present in- stance? The passenger (whoever he was) had paid his fare in the full expectation of being allowed to continue his journey without paying further tribute Had his failure 10 notify the company s ser- vant of his intentions at the exact mo- ment or 9lelulHk up HIS eolu SoSt tue company anything? Did his failure to do so deprive him of his moral or legal right to "one continuous passage at the time indicated?" To the average citizen ir will seem that it did not To the minds of many 1t will seem that such a ruling is arbitrary needlessly annoying and without just cause.
 II the street railway company can legis- late the exact moment for asking for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
LAY DISCUSSES
 ALABAMA MARBLE
Tells Story of How Talladega Marble Was Mistaken for Italian
 Stone

Capt. w. r. Lay of Gadsden has re- gently compiled d book of statistics on the mineral wealth of Talladega county cusslng the value of the marble deposits of Talladega county. mentioned the story about the construction of the Washing ton monument at Washington, D. C.
 At the time of the construction of the monument" said Captain Lay, each state in the union was asked to donate piece of stone to go into the work Alabama sent a piece of the famous Tal- ladega county marble to the capital, but promptly sent back letter, branding the Alabamians as imposters and stating that the piece of marble received from this state was Italian stone.
 For brilliancy and hawlessness the mar ble could not be equaled. Immediately several men of this state made up purse to pay the expenses of one of the Wash ington board so that he could come to the marble quarries and see for himself Accordingly one of the members of the board came to Alabama and the mar bic quarries were snoWn 10 hlm AS result the Alabama stone was placed in the monument and the claim that Italian marble had been sent from here was ab- solutely refuted."
 Captain Lay went on to describe the vast amount of marble in this state. Tn Talladega county there is bed of mar ble 60 miles long. about four miles wide and 1200 feet thick. This marble is of the white and brilliant type and Is used in many of the public buildings of the state,' said Captain Lay MT Lays re- port was read before the board of re- view at the capital several months ago and was highly praised by tne members of the board. .
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09

The organization of the Patton Aero plane company was completed yesterday when articles of incorporation were filed with the probate judge of Jefferson coun- ty. The new company Is formed for the purpose of manufacturing the aeropiane recently invented by Moses F. Patton, a young man, formerly a resident of Bir- mingham but now living in Rollins, Ala
 Mir. Patton recently obtained patent on four different parts of his machine, all or them being an improvement of the con trolling apparatus.
 MT. Patton had his first view of a heav- fer than air machine only little over year ago at an exhibition in Atlanta, Ga He had been interested in mechanics ever since childhood. and immediately be- gan the construction of a flying machine of his OWL. He was very successful in his work, but had two machines demol- ished by friends who tried to manipulate them with little knowledge of their con struction and practically no idea of air
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
Recipe for Weak Kidneys

The following recipe is the pest that can be had for weak or disordered kid neys; "IiaIf ounce fluid extract Buchu; half ounce Murax compound; six ounces good pure gin. Shake the bottle well each time and take one or two teaspoon- fuls of the mixture after each meal and at bed time" Any druggist will mix or supply these ingredients.
 The foregoing formula comes from high medical authority and will produce quick and permanent results. It will speedily relieve nackache. rheumatic pains. frs- auent and highly colored urination. These symptoms of kidney trouble must. have prompt attention to prevent Brights dis case or diabetes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were issued by the probate judge yesterday: R. S. Miseranry of Birmingham to Miss Annie Creaman.
 s. s. Dooly of Birmingham to Miss Nina Kirkendall.
 Ben Hestty to Miss Shelar Vaughn. Albert C. Kicks of Ensley to Miss May E. Krackenberger.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
MOSES T. PATTON

currents. These machines were built at Mr Pattons home in Rollins, Ala.
 After building the third machine, Mr. Patton moved to Florida. where he thor-- oughly tried it out himself and it is said did so with remarkable success
 The new company will have workshops constructed at Kissimee, Fla, where large tract of ground has been donated to be used as an aviation field. The con- structlon of these shops will be started within the next 90 days.
 So far as can be learned Mir. Patton is the first man south of the Ohio river to construct an aeroplane that was not copied after one of the northern or for- eign models His craft is what is known as a headless bplane, and the controlling apparatus is strictly his own idea and invention.
 The new company starts business with capital stock of s6O.000, and the members are Moses r. Patton, president; John L.. Taylor and Hugo F. Biedermann.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09

transfers can it not also require that ths recipient thereof give his name, address. occupation, political affiliations and ligous beliefs? From this Is but step to refusing transfers to all save favored few-such for instance as Hook good' to the company and those of meek and hum- ble mien.
 Seriously, has the company right to enforce such rule? If so, has 1t not & right to enforce others more irksome? A nickle or a transfer are small things. So too was King Georges tax on tea. But the free citizens of Boston arranged cer- tain little tea party as matter of prin- ciple with which the amount of the tax had nothing to do. Are not the people of Birmingham soon to be invited 10 a little tea party in the way Of an election. and is not that tea party to decide ques- tion of principle? The principle seems to me to be this: Are public utilities for the good of the few? Are the public ne- eessitites or private luxuries. ? If the iat- ter the company has a right to charge what 1t pleases. make any rule 1t pleases. If the former the people support 1t. who pay the dividends, have at least a look in and right to call for a hand at the same stage of heAgame.
 Perhaps the present transfer rule was designed solely for the good of the public. If SO the public. when 1t understands, will be duly grateful. But in the meantime absent minded people, with only one nickle. had better be careful they may have to walk home in the dark some night Very truly yours,
 MORTIMER JORDAN. .
 Birmtneham, January S, 1912.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
Building Permits

Building Inspector W. O. Mathews is- sued the following building permit yes- terday morning:
 s44O0-To T. l.. Thornton for two story brick veneer building at North Thirty second street and F'ourteenth avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09
NESM|TH HOLDS REVENUE BILL ID . BE CONSTITUTIONAL State of Alabama Loses First Blood in Famous
 Taxation Case
WILL BE APPEALED
 TO SUPREME COURT
Whole States Taxation Rates Are Involved in Case of the Birming- ham Southern Railway vs.
 the State of Alabama

T sustain the demurrers filed by the plaintiffs attorneys and hold the 50 per cent clause of the recently adopted revenue bill to be constitutional
 JUDGE c. c. NESMITH.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-09

Judge c. c. Nesmith of the first divi- sion of the city court, before whom is being tried the case of the Birmingham Southern Railway company vs. the State of Alabama, in which the state appeals from the assessment of the state board of assessors, yesterday sustained the demurrers filed by the attorneys for the railway company and held that section S6a of the recently adopted revenue bill is constitutional
 The further hearing of the case was continued until this morning in order that the attorneys for the state might determine whether they will offer proof and try the case on it's merits or appeal to the supreme court on the records.
 The case is one involving the consti- nationality of the sections of the rev. enue bill enacted by the state legisla- ture at it's last session.
 State Objects
 The state board of assessors, acting under the provisions of the bill, placed the assessment of the Birmingham Southern Railway company at s1,400,- 900. The state appealed from this as sessment and asked that 1t be made s2,o0O, ,OO0.
 The complaint filed by the states at torney claims that the state had the right to assess property at its full value and that the section of the act passed by the last legislature providing that property assessments be made on 50 per cent basis was unconstitutional. The attorneys for the railway company filed demurrers to the bill of complaints denying its allegations which, after lengthy argument. was sustained.
 The hearing was held in the office of Percy. Benner & Burr for the greater accessibility to the records and law books, as no jury was demanded.
 Those Attending
 Attending the hearing were J. Lee Long, president of state tax commis- sion: A. A. Evans and J. B. Powell, as- sociate commissioners; State Auditor c. Brooks Smith, and W. R. Lloyd, sec- retary for the commission. Special at torneys R. B. Evins and Jesse F Stali- ings represented the state. Walker Percy appeared as special counsel for the railway company
 The litigation is being watched with much interest as it affects the taxation methods of the whole state. It is understand that it will be carried to the supreme court of Alabama for final adjudication.
 States Contentious
 The contentious of the states attor- neys are that section 36-a of the rev enue bill, which provides that no prop erty shall be assessed more than 50 per cent of it's cash value, is in viola ton of section 211 of the constitution of the state which provides that taxa tion of property in Alabama shall be in proportion to the full value of the property.
 MT. Percy, for the company, con- tended that the assessment was not in violation of the constitution, but was in accordance with the 60 per cent clause of the revenue bill, in which he was sus- taf hxr I,,I
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-07-27
Organize For Wilson

The young men, all over the
country, are taking a great in.
trest in the campaign of Wilson
and Marshall. These young
men are organizing clubs indie.
pendent of party organization
and many of them, for the first
time, are taking an active part
in politics. Let the young men
of Worcester go and do like
wise. They do not have to wait
the instructions of anyone. but
let them get together and form
their own Wilson clubs. Get
busy. boy. Wilson is the can
didate of the PEOPLE. and you
want to give him a big majority
in old Maryland. Governor
Frank Brown says he believes
Wilson and Marshall will carry
Maryland by more than $1,000
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-07-27
COuIbOurne.

Master Oscar Kelly is spending some
time with his uncle. Mr.. Charlie Mckee.
Mrs. Jesse Carmean. and Mrs Levin
Carter spent Thursday with Mr.. and
Mrs. j. E. Dickerson.
There will be preaching at Mt Olive,
Sunday morning at 1890. Sunday
School at $50.
All who have friends or relatives
buried at Mt. Olive are requested by the
Committee to meet at the Church, Mon
day morning. July Is, at seven O'Clock.
The people of Mt. Olive will hold their
festival on the church grounds next
Wednesday, July 81. The bay party
will be held the following Wednesday.
August 7th
Mrs. w. o. Dickerson and Mrs. Elmer
Godfrey spent Saturday and Sunday
with Mr. and Mrs. j. 4. Dickerson
Mr.. E. A. Hoosier and sons spent Sun
day with Mr.. and Mrs. w. T. Hales.
Mr.. German Perdue spent Sunday
with Mr.. Berry Morris
Mrs. j. W. Gordy spent Saturday
and Sunday with Mrs Fred Mariner and
Mrs. Dryden. near Pocomoke.
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Shockley spent
Sunday with Mr.. and Mrs. j. f. Dick
erson.
Mrs. Marian Dickerson is spending
the week with Mr. and Mrs. James
Haddock.
Mrs. w. S. Carmean and Mrs. Her.
man Riggin spent several DAYS of last
week with Mr. Harry Carmean, of vir-
ginia.
Miss Nora Fooks spent Saturday and
Sunday with her sister, Mrs Paul Hales
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-07-27
GreenbdCk and Franklin City
News Items.

Mr. and Mrs. John Carlin and little
daughter, Catherine. of Philadelphia are
visiting her parents. Mr.. and Mrs. Jay
Risley.
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jones spent sun
day in Girdletree.
Mr.. and Mrs Rich Handle. of Phil
adelphia, have returned home after
spending sometime with Mr.. and Mrs.
Jay Risley.
Little Miss Edith Beauchamp. of Snow
Hill. who has been visiting her aunt.
Mrs. |. 5. Holster. has returned home.
Miss Nellie Redden, of Baltimore and
Miss Annie Gordy, of Girdletree. have
returned home after spending a short
time with Mr.. and Mrs. MILKY Hancock
Mr.. and Mrs. Norman Mason, of Phil
adelphia are visiting friends and rela-
tives in town.
Miss Bette Jones, of near Snow Hill,
returned home Tuesday, after visiting
her brother, Mr.. {. ;. Jones.
Mrs. E. Z. Logan, made business
trip to Chincoteague. Saturday.
Mr.. Stanley Trader. who has been
attending Beacom's Business School at
Salisbury is home for the summer.
Misses Winnie and Lucille Gordy. OF
Parksley, are the guests of their aunt,
Mrs. Chris Jones.
Rev G. w. Townsend and wife. of
Cheswold, Del. are visiting Mr.. and
Mrs. Elijah Mills.
Mrs. Edward Sharpley, of Norfolk,
is visiting friends and relatives in town.
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles F. Trader made
trip to Salisbury. Tuesday in their
new automobile.
Miss Miriam Gordy. of Chincoteague,
is visiting her cousin. Miss Bessie Bowen.
Children's Day will be observed in the
NJ 7. Church. Sunday evening.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-07-27
Republicans Aroused.

1t is not surprising that Gov
ernor Wilson is receiving as
surance of support from a mum
Der of Republicans. Dissatis-
faction with the conduct of the
party and with some phases Of
the conduct of its candidate has
existed for a long time. Re-
publicans who are Disguised
with the tariff policy of the
party, and who feel that Mr..
Taft committed himself need
lessly and wrongly to that pol
icy, would naturally turn to Mr..
Wilson. Many also who were
sorely tried by the spectacle of
Messrs. Taft and Roosevelt dis
putting before the public see in
Mr.. Wilson one whom they can
trust not TO descend to that
level.
There are also, it must be
added, a good many former Re-
publicans who are resentful at
the manner in which the Ad-
ministration has conducted
suits under the Antitrust act,
and whose resentment inclines
them, rather reasonably to-
ward Governor Wilson. And
it cannot be denied that Mr..
Wilson has borne his part in
politics, since the campaign for
the nomination opened, with a
dignity, candor and self-respect
that are very winning to the
souls Of tired Republicans.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-07-27
Republicans Fl0cking to
Wilson

The Democratic nominee for
the Presidency--G overn o r
Wilson-has received thou
sands of letters from prominent
Republicans declaring I Ii e v
intend to vote him. The Dem
ocratic party is united behind
him. therefore defeat seems
very improbable. II seems a
pretty sure thing that Wilson
and Marshall will be elected
this Fall and the people will
come into their own once more.