davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
ANNIVERSARY OF
 MASONS A SUCCESS
About 150 Attended Ceremonies Last Night and Enjoyed Elaborate
 Programme

About 150 persons attended the celebra- tion of the eighth anniversary of Temple lodge No. 6S6. Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, given last night at the Masonic temple, which proved to be most en- tertainng and enjoyable affair. A fine pro- gramme was presented and much enjoyed by the Masons and their guests.
 Joe Hail acted as master of ceremonies and filled the place admirably. The pro- eramme contained many fine numbers. Among those that captured the audience were the selection by Miss Susie Brooks,
 The Christmas Play" the Venetian Play CTS, violinists and harpist, and the quar- tet composed of Mir and Mrs. J. Martin Griffin and Mir and Mrs. G. H. Crane. The latter number was excellent and they had to respond 10 several encores. Miss Alice Lyons was accompanist.
 After the programme was completed the guests assembled in the banquet hall where refreshments were served. The ta Q bles were daintily arranged, by T. C.. Brahston. who prepared the luncheon.
 Temple lodge has the largest member ship of any lodge in the state, and num- bers among it's members some of the most prominent Masons of the state. Walter Metcalf is the worshlpful master and w. K. McAdory secretary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
POLICE FAR FROM
 SOLVING MYSTERY
Woman Found Dead and Man Dying in Ken
 lucky Hotel

Catlettsburg, Ky, December 5-Police tonight seemed far from solution of the mystery unearthed today when room of a local hotel was broken into and the dead body of girl was found, man vas dying and another woman sat in g chair apparently in dazed condit:pn The girl evidently poisoned is believed to have been dead AS hours The woman believed to be Mrs. Edward Outlet Of Huntington, ". Va, has given nothing but incoherent answers to questions put nection with the case.
 The trio registered as Mr. and Mrs. James York and Miss Minnie Turner and asked to be assigned to one room. Not seeing any of them for two days and get ting no answer to knocks at the door the hotel manager had the door broken in today. The body of the girl lay stretched across bed beside York, who apparently was near death and the woman from her seat in a chair, complacently gazed at the intruders evidently unmoved by her gruesome surroundings or their presence.
 Whether it is case of attempted dcu- ble murder and suicide with revenge the motive or the result of a triangular suicide pact or the result of accident the police are unable to ascertain. The girl doubtless died from the effects of, poison and the man is believed 10 have been poisoned. but the cause of the condition of the woman has not been ascertained by physicians.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
CONFERENCE HELD ON O|L SITUATION Morrison and Atwell Dis cuss Matters With
 Wickersham

Washington. December 5.-Attorney General Wickersham today called into conference Charles H. Morrison, in charge of the big oil investigation of the de- partment of justice. and William H. At well, United States attorney at Dallas. Tex. to determine whether the govern ment should dismiss for lack of evidence any of the individual indictments, espe- cially those against the Standard oil officials, returned at Dallas last August for the alleged violation of the sherman antitrust law.
 The service of the warrants for the arrest of John D Archbold, H. c. Folger, Jr., and w. c. Teagle of the Standard Oil. indicted with others at Dallas in con- nection with the case against the Mag noia Petroleum company, is being held up by order of the Attorney General because MT. Wickersham believes the evil dence which so far has been brought to his attention did not justify their in- dictment and would not warrant removal proceedings. MT. Atwell and Mir Morri- son, whose investigation is expected to reveal whether there has been any vio- laticn of the decrees dissolving the Stand ard Oil company, discussed the general phase of the Texas situation with the At torney General and James A. Fowler, his assistant. No conclusion was reached, but MT. Morrison and MT. Atwell were instructed by the Attorney General to make a careful joint study of the evil dence and report to MT. Wickersham whether in their judgment it was suffi- cient to sustain the indictments. Other conferences probably will follow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
SUGAR HEARING AT
 NEW ORLEANS ENDS.
Sugar Broker Testifies He Could Not Get
 Contracts

New Orleans. December 5.-The local hearing of the suit for dissolution brought by the government against the American Sugar Refining company ended here to- day after several witnesses were heard and voluminous correspondence and pa pers bearing upon the American's trade relations and operations in this state for the past ten years had been offered as evidence. The hearing will be resumed in New York where the suit is pending in the United States court of the southern district of New York
 The most interesting testimony of the day was that of John r. Seymour, q sugar broker, who stated that in the latter part of 1907 bids offered by him on the floor of the exchange was one thirty-second over the market price, and despite this he could not show anw better results than when trying to effect private trades
 Attorneys for the defense offered no evidence in behalf of the American com pany, stating that they would await un- til the government had finished offering testimony
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
UNITED STATES ID L|bERATE GEN. MENA
Government Has Right to Hold the "Tiger of Latin
 America"

Washington, December 5.-General Luis Mena. who headed the last unsuccessful revolution in Nicaragua, which involved the United States naval forces, is to be released from the detention he has been under at the Ancon hospital in Pan- anna since the collapse of that rebellion. Although the courts have sustained the rights of the United States government to keep him in custody, against an ap- plication for a writ of habeas corpus by his counsel. it is believed that the gov ernment of President Diaz now is so firm ly entrenched in Nicaragua. as to be beyond danger from woud-be revolution ists for some time to come. So not cnly General Mena but his son, Colonel Daniel Mena, who has also been under survoil- lance on the sthmus. will be free to fol- low their own devices in the near future.
 Senor Caatrillo, the Nicarguan minister here. who was a state department caller today said the continuance of peaceful conditions in his country will depend largely upon the policy which the incom- ing administration in the United States maintains toward the Central American nations. He said some Central Americans would straight-away take advantage of the opportunity to start trouble, if the United States should depart from It's strong arm policy. He voiced no protest against the proposal to release General Mena.
 Senor Castrllo said the Nicaraguan government Is anxious for the Senate eitehr to ratify or reject the pending Nicaraguan loan convention Nicaraguan finances are badly in need of rehabilita- ton and the minister said if the pending loan convention Is not going through his government is anxious to make other ar engagements.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
MERIT SYSTEM FOR
 FEDERAL OFFICES
President Eliot Speaks to Civil Service Reform
 League

Milwaukee, Wis. December 5.-"Fili all government offices on the merit system through careful original selections and careful promotion and no civil servant will have any patron to serve, Require all civil servants to abstain from par tisan political activity. and there will be no officeholders management of either nominations or elections said President Charles ". Eliot of the National Civil Service Reform league in an address at the thirty-second annual meeting here to- night.
 President Eliot said in part:
 President Cleveland and his republi- can successors have been friends of the merit system, and have helped forward this most Fundamental of all reforms; but all have made use of the higher civil ser vice offices which are still filled by the patronage method to further the supposed interests of their respective qualities and to procure the passage through Congress of measures which they had at heart; and all have used the patronage office holders to pack and dominate party ccm- mittees. eaucuses and conventions. All these Presidents without exception have made appointments for political purposes.
 "The public is no longer tolerant cf the appearance of officeholders in the management of political committees. cau- cuses and conventions. The recent presi- dential campaign has made this fact very clear. The republican party, which had been in power 16 years, using to the full its patronage otfceholders as political managers, has just been overwhelmingly defeated by two parties. which had no such officeholders to use.
 For the first time fin history If the civil service reform. President of the United States has recommended that alt the national offices be filled on the merit system, except, of course, elective of fees, cabinet offices and the assstant- ships attached to cabinet officers. To this recommendation of President Tatt the present Congress has paid no atien- tion thus showing either that the sena- tors and members of the House of Rep resentatives do not understand the great change in public opinion concerning the civil service which has already taken place or that they propose to fight sor their patronage as necessary to party ac- tivties or their own political fortunes.
 "The democratic party soon coming into power, has precious opportunity. It can turn DdcK lrOul tne cdpitol tue hoiuo of hungry democratic officeseekers that will Inevitably muster there. It can re- fuse to turn out competent and faithful officials in the higher civil service, al- though they were in many cases republic can patronage appointees. It can refuse to disturb consuls selected by the half- way merit system set up by the executive orders of Presidents Roosevelt and Tart and replace those orders by thorough going statue IN can show that 1t does not believe any party advantage can be gained through patronage method of np- pointment to public offices and that it recognizes the rightfui demand fo the people for the maintenance and extension of the merit system
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
CONSENT JUDGMENT
 IN HORTON CASE

The $750O judgment rendered against E. C. Horton in favor of Lawrence Me Carty in the second division of the city court few weeks ago, was set aside by consent and A judgment of $l0O ac- oepted. The case was tried before Judge c. w. Ferguson and yesterday morning the attorneys on both sides appeared before him and made the above settle ment.
 The suit grew out of the shooting of McCarty, who is a young boy by Hor- ton several months ago. MT. Horton has charge of the local weather bureau, the shooting taking place at the weather sta ton. It was alleged that the boy was near the flower beds around the station and that Horton thought he was steal ing flowers and fired the pistol in his direction to scare him away. The shot struck the boy and inflicted rather se- rious wound. MT. Horton denied at all times sny intent to shoot the boy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
GOOD MASONIC
 RECORD IS MADE

From the reports of those who attended the recent session of the youngest Ma sonic lodge in the city. namely, Birming- ham lodge No. 757, the lodge has at tained degree of proficiency that has never been equaled in the history of the order in this state and possibly in this country.
 They were organized a few months ago and worked under a dispensation until the meeting of the grand lodge, when they made application for charter. Dls- trict Lecturer Frank Hewitt reported to the grand lodge that the new lodge had made 100 per cent in efficiency. This means that the officers of the lodge went through the entire ceremonial and con ferred the three degrees of Masonry with out making one mistake The committee on bylaws also gave them 100 per cent The lodge had selected a set of bylaws that met every requirement of the grand lodge without a single change The com mittee that examined the minutes of the young lodge also found them perfect, and again the century in percentage was awarded.
 That this showing is remarkable can be judged from the fact that not one of the other lodges applying for charters made loo per cent in any of the above requirements. o. S. Finch is the worship ful master and to him is due much credit for the remarkable showing made. The other members of the degree team are M. c. Culver, k. E. Matthews. H. c. Crelley w. C. Cunningham, ]. H. Ed saondson, Charles Krause, Fred Winters Willard Drake, Ed Copeland. H. w Fisch H. B. Abernethy, W. Y. Prince C.. o. Gilmore, G. B. Weaver and S J. Simpson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
FORCED ID CANCEL
 ORDERSF0R HEATERS
International Go. Withheld Own Harvesters Until
 Others Were Returned

St. Louis, December 1.-Two implement dealers testified this afternoon at the hearing of the governments suit to dis solve the International Harvester com pany that they had been forced to return car lot shipments of independent com pany machinery to obtain more supplies from the International.
 William H. Green of Creighton, Neb., who testified this morning that his sup ply of International machines had been taken from him because of his attitude toward the international. on cross-exam- ination this afternoon was asked why he was inimical to so-called trusts.
 Il considered I was only frog in a tub he replied. "and had to jump when the sInternational got after me to pro tect myself, or it would drive me into bankruptcy"
 John A. Dabb of Belleville. H., testi- fled that he had handled Deering and Mccormick harvesters since 1907, but when he ordered a carload of Acme machines the International had heard of the order after the car was in the Belleville yards and had insisted that he return the ship ment to the Acme factory, canceiling his order. A carload of Deering machines that he also had ordered, he said was delayed until the Acme shipment had been sent back.
 John A. Falaska. Weatherford. Okla. related that he had tried to put in an independent line, but had to close the order before he could get any more h. ternational machines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
SANTA CLAUS MAIL
 WILL BE DELIVERED
Postmaster General Hitch cock Issues Order Re-
 garding Its Disposal

Washington, December 5.-Postmaster General Hitchcock today issued an order authorizing all postmasters to deliver Santa Claus letters' to such charitable institutions in the city or town where received as may desire to give attention to the requests they contain.
 As Christmas day approaches. many thousands of letters are written to santa Claus by children of the poor appealing for Christmas remembrances. The post master general feels that the postoffiee department should aid, so far as possible, in the phianthropie work of meeting the requests.
 If the letters fail to bear postage stamps it will be necessary under the law for the postmaster to forward them to the di- vision of dead letters, but in that event, he is authorized by today's order to sub init the names and addresses of charit- able institutions that are willing in worthy cases to look after the wants ot the writers
 While this method of handling Santa Claus letters" will entail some additional work upon the postal service, MT. Hiti,h- cock believes the purpose accomplished will justify fully the expenses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
GENERAL SEARCH
 FOR MISSING SHIP
Christmas Tree Laden Ves- sel Two Weeks Overdue
 at Chicago

Chicago, December 5-Search for the missing schooner Rouse Simmons Will be general on Lake Michigan tomorrow. The Christmas tree laden craft, reported to have gone down In the middle of the lake with 17 persons on board is nearly two weeks overdue Swift tugs and yachts will leave Chicago harbor tomor- row and spread out in fan-shaped order to sweep the lake for the missing vessel or for wreckage or boats to tell the .dle of her loss.
 Several newspaper expeditions arc pre- pairing 10 make the search. The boats will stay out several days or longer if necessary to make sure of the fate ot the Simmons.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
ENTERED
 F|TzGERALD'S CAGE

Chicago, December 5.-Testimony that numerous persons we're permitted to en- ter the cage of the asserting teller of the United States subtreasury, where mll- lions of dollars were kept prior to the disappearance of s173,O00 was given today in defense of George W. Fitz- gerald, on trial for alleged embezzle- ment of rhnds.
 Frank J. Walsh, clerk of the criminal court, formerly employed as a vault clerk in the subtreasury, declared it was common thing for other tellers to go into Fitzgerald's cage on busi- ness. fie said that the doors leading to the teller's cage had locks, but that it was impossible to get key into them because they were covered with paint
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
CHARGE PACKAGE OF TEA ADULTERA1ED Suit Filed by Two Chil- dren Who Were
 Poisoned

Nashville. December 5.-CharginS that a package of tea put up by ArbuclIe x Co. coffee agency of Nashville and retailed by T. J. Mckee, a grocer of Spring flili, Tenn. was adulterated and resulted in the poisoning of Sammy and Salie Byers, minor children of Mrs. sammy Byers, resident of Spring Hill suit for s2O,OD damages was filed today in the circuit court here against the Arbuckle agency and T. J. Mckee each of the Byers ehil- dren suing by next friend for Slo,eM. It is alleged in the bill that the Byers family drank tea purchased from Mckee and put up by Arbuckle X CO, and that in consequence the two compliments were rendered dangerouslY Ill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
MRS. SICKLES COMES
 TO HUSBANDS RESCUE

New York, December 5.-Mrs. Daniel E. Slckles. estranged wife of the civil war general, came 10 his relief again today as on a similar occasion not long ago and averted an auction of his war relics and other property. The case has been attracting so much at tention that Sheriff Harburgers panel of jurymen, including many million aires, had pledged sums to cover the judgment of s5O5O, which bank held against the aged veteran. Upon hear ing of Mrs Scxles action, however, Sheriff Hamburger today returned the money subscribed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Mrs. Mary B0uldin

Huntsville, December 5.-(Special.)- Mrs. Mary Bouldin. mother of Virgil Bouldin, died in Jackson county Tues day. She was the mother of IA children. Eleven of them survive her. They are: Virgil Bouldin of Scottsboro, Miss Laura Bouidin of Fort Worth. Tex. G. F. Bouldin of Hollywood, B. F. Bouldin of Fort Worth, Mrs. ]. M. Mothershed of San Genito. Tex, Mrs. r. J. Pyiant Of Enid, okla, Mrs. Jack Berry of Mad ison, r.. J. Bouldin of Arizona. C. W. Bouldin of Tokio, Japan, and Bunyan Bouldin of Buenos Aires.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
COURT NEWS

Sam Hines, a negro charged with crim- inal assault, was acquitted in the first division of the criminal court yesterday. The state made out good case of cir cumstantial evidence against the negro but he established d strong alibi. The case was tried before Judge $. E. Greene.
 Judge W. E. Fort completed the docket set for the day in the second division Of the court and took up one of the capital cases set in the first division, that of Carey Harris. charged with highway robbery. Judge Fort held session until late last night, the case going to the jury about 10 o'clock. The jury retired for the night without rendering yer dict They will probably make report some time this morning
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
HOWELL GIVEN TWO
 YEARS FOR MURDER

Montgomery. December 5.-tSpecial)-- The city court of Montgomery today sentenced Nat E. Rowell to serve two years in the pententiary for the killing of Constable John A Bachelor several weeks ago. Rowell was found guilty of mansIaughter in the first degree. mo- ton for a new trial will be made AS pre-, lminary to an appeal to the supreme
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
WILSON LOOKS TO UNDERWOOD FOR
 HELP IN CONGRESS
( Continued from Page one)

to Mir. Underwood in terms of praise He believes the House leader is the type of man who looks upon lgislation from the viewpoint of the national good rather than from that of sectional ad- vantage.
 Mr. Wilson has not permitted af- fairs of state to dull his sense of hu- nor. Asked to sit in chair at local shop, which is said to have been occu- pied by President Cleveland and Pres ident Hayes, the President-elect ob- liged. As he rose one of the party asked: "Did you feel any sensation?'
 "NoF was the reply. 'I guess they forgot to turn on the switch"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Turner Ordered Released

Dallas, Tex, December 5.-Arthur Turner. who killed William Mckitney near here yesterday and pleaded that it was to avenge an insult to his wife, was ordered released by the grand jury which investigated the case today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
H. o. Bassett

calera, December 5.-tSpecial)-H. H. q. Bassett, who succumbed to long illness yesterday was buried from the bait tist church this morning al 1O:3o o'clock at New Salem The deceased was oo years old and had lived here for tne pas. 10 ,,aars pIe is survived by widow, resid- inc here. and a daughter, Mrs. Harry Brooks of Pensacola, Fla.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
New Trust Company Organized

Montgomery, December 5.-tSpeeial1 It was reported in official circles here today that there is d strong movement on foot to organize in Birmingham new bank. to be known as the Cotton States Trust company The new bank ing institution is being promoted. ac- cording to reports, by ]. M. Dewbetry and other prominent men of Birmihs- ham, The capital stock of the bank will be sl00,00o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Wilson Congratulated

Princeton, N. ]. December 5.--Reso- lutions congratulatina President elect Woodrow Wilson, on his election, adopted by his former colleague in the Princeton faculty, were today mailed to the President-elect. The motion to adopt them was presented by Presi- dent Hibben, who succeeded Governor Wilson as head of the university.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Consent Judgment Reached

A consent judgment for s3500 was en- tered in the second division of the city court yesterday in the case of Mrs. Ella Hall vs. Birmingham Railway. Light and Power company. The de- ceased was an elderly lady who was run over and killed by the defendant companys street ca. near Germania station. The accident happened some time ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Andrew GulliOn

Huntsville. December 5-(special)-An- drew Gullion. 70 years old. died It his
 home at Merrimack yesterday afternoon after A long illness with tuberculosis. He
 leaves widow, two sons and .hree daughters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Deaths and Funerals
Sam Locasci0

Sam Locascio. the 5-months-old son oi MT. and Mrs. Joe Locascio, VS bish'h avenue, north, died this morning al l;Ze o'clock. The funeral will be held rom the residence tomorrow afternoon at 2;p o clock with interment in Oak Hlii cehe- iery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Mrs. K. H. BObO

Mrs. R. H. Bobo, aged 75 years, died at the residence of her son, 27OO First ave n,,e. "wednesday night. The funeral VIII be held from the residence Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, interment to take place in Elmwood cemetery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
PERSONAL

Deputy Sheriff T. P. Patterson received n message yesterday conveying the news that his brother had died suddenly at Douglas, Ga MT. Patterson left last night for Georgia to attend the funeral He will he absent several days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Miss Alice Armstrong

Gadsden. December s.-(special.)- Miss Alice Armstrong, 30 years old, died this morning at the home of heT father, John Armstrong, of tuberculosis. The funeral will be held at o'clock
 tomorrow afternoon at Gamers ceme-
 tery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-06
Board of Review Adiourns

New York. December 5.--The board of review of the National Trotting assocla- ton adjourned tonight until next May, putting over until that time number of cases.