davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
AS Usual, However, Their At tacks React, and Unwitting- ly They Strengthen the Cause of Yellow Pine Creosoted Wood Block Pavement

Wood Block Pavement
 Within the past few days anonymous circulars have been sent broadcast through the mails to citizens of Birming- ham, in plain envelopes, with out any hint whatever as to their source. You have prob ably received one or both of them.
 The anonymous circular in evitably discounts itself-it is a confession of weakness and the infallible sign of a bad cause.
 Such literature should be ig- nored-a allowed to die impot- entity. Our only reason for noticing these nameless circu- lars is that they give us the op- portunity to oppose their dis torted statements by facts that carry conviction with them.
 The first circular purports to be a clipping from the Indian apolis News of August 28, 1911 nearly a year ago-in which 1t stated that Joseph l.. Hogue street commissioner, had 10C men at work "trying to gel the wood-block pavement of the city back in shape" and he is quoted as saying it was il worse condition than 1t hao been since the flood of 1904,
 { At that time, you will re call, many of the streets oi Indianapolis were submerged and not only pavements of al kinds, but the sewerage system of the city itself was subjected to conditions which had never been experienced before - oi since.)
 As a complete answer to this article and the remarks in fl i m pute q to Commissioner Hogue, we quote from an of ficial statement made by him May II, 1912, nearly a year later, and covering the perioc of repair work referred to il i the circular:
 Approximately $14,000 was spent last year (1911) in street repair work in this city" de clares MT. Hogue. "Of this G14,000, not to exceed $2000- and it is doubtful whether it will reach that amount-was spent for the repair of wooden block streets, including pur- chase of new blocks and labor and work on repairing. Wood block pavements are much easier to repair, and after they are repaired the patches are smoother and more like the original pavement than any other kind, and they can be re- paired at a much cheaper cost. ''
 With the statement that the maximum cost indicated by Commissioner Hogue repre- sents the repair cost on approx imately thirty-five miles of wood block pavements in the city of Indianapolis, we consign this anonymous circular to ob- livion.
 Circular No. ? reaches the citizens of Birmingham by a de vious and slow route. It is a reprint, in the Selma Times of 1 December 9, 1911, of an article credited to the Atlanta Geor- Qian-date not given.
 On the slender peg that an animal" had slipped on Broad street, Atlanta-w whether properly shod or not, is not stated-and had to be shot, an imaginative and hysterical re porter hangs a lurid "story, so much out of drawing and so distorted in every detail as to awaken distrust, if not disgust, in all fair-minded readers.
 It is said that the original article in the Atlanta paper was inspired by politics, tinged with bitter personality. Be that so or not. the bad animus of ii is apparent.
 As refutation of this and all other irresponsible Ere
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
To Protect Great Mass

Tn the face of these facts these gentle men assert that the mass meeting was not organized in the interest of big business, but that it's chief purpose was to protect the great mass Of taxpayers of Jeffer- son county. It was feared, they declare. that the average taxpayer, to quote their own langnuage, was not able to hire counsel to resist these raises and would probably not have the necessary time within which to prepare to defend their assessments where so many of them were interested and it was in the interest Of the general taxpayers that this commit tee went before the board of revenue. Tn other words, the declaration is made that the gentlemen who organized the move ment to resist he IT increases proposed be- the state tax cornmissics were not seeking so much to protect themselves as the general public, and were acting in the role of philanthropists. seeking to de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Charge Governor With Untruth

Again, the statement says: The gover- nor must have known that his statement to the effect that the movement in this county was in the interest of big business was untrue. Not that the governor was mistaken Or misinformed-no such polite language was permissible when dealing with the states highest official--but these gentlemen. proclaimed by their own press agent as the representatives, of millions of dollars and the talent of Birmingham assert that the statement was not only un- true but knowingly untrue. It is very evident that when any question arises which seeks to deplete their pocketbooks these arrogant representatives of millions. even in replying to the governor of their state, abandon the language of ordinary courtesy. I will not, however, bandy epi- thets with these gentlemen, but from their own mouths I will convict them of at- tempting to mislead the public. In the same communication is found this lan- guage: The committee of 150 citizens which appeared before the board of reve- nuc did not appear there on account of the raises of the assessment of their taxes by the tax commissioner. Most of the as- sessments of these men had been raised by the state board of assessment It is not denied that the raises made by the state tax commission was directed against the representatives of big business and corporate wealth, and in the above quota ton it is admitted that the committee of 159 citizens were the men generally em- braced in the raises made by the state tax commission. If. therefore, inevitably follows that they were the representatives of big business, and their own admission concludes the discussion
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Lays Bare Entire Conspiracy

This frank statement lays bare the en- tire conspiracy. The representatives Of intere ests and the wealthy classes in Jeffer- son county are to be relieved of their just obligations because that county In the ag- grcgate is paying more, taxes than other counties In the state. But taxes in Ala bsma are not levied on counties, but on individuals.
 stated in a letter just received from one of the most distinguished probate judges in the state, who has held office for a long number of terms, and wno says.
 "'There can be only one issue between the taxpayer and the state, regardless Of the county of his residence, and that IS the value of his property. No citizen can be penalized by tiie insistence of the state that his property be listed for tax ation at 60 per cent of its true market value. Instead of regarding fl as a penalty we should all hold if as a matter of grace on the part of the legislature that 70 per cent of our property Is exempt from all taxation No taxpayer is required by law to place value on his property: that is the duty of the tax assessor and if the as- sessor fail. as Is generally the case, on account of lack of information. then tn. tax commission must step in and see that a proper valuation is had. Do you not owe it to all the citizens Of the state to see to it that all property is Justly and fairly valued. and that each citizen and corporation pays to the state taxes ifi proportion oproperty owned? Is not this all that you are now demandIng?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Furnish Proof Quietly

''If those who are affected by the IT raises made by the state tax commission had been paying 60 per cent on the value of t.ieir property, why did they not fur nisf the proof and quietly resist the pIo- posed increases and thus end the enti.
 natter? The state tax commission was entirely impartial. II could not, add |
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
WILLIAM SUTTON.

oHrTPIaFN.
 Our next "talk" will show the office tenant why he should locate in a building which faces upon a street naved with Croosote1 Yellow Pine Blocks. Watch for 1t. Yellow piHc NauuHncturerS' Association AIabnma-N Florida Lumber Nanu-
 facturprs' Association Creosofed Wood BiOck Paving Coni-
 pany
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
GOV. O'NEAL CAUSTIC IN HIS LATEST REPLY
 ON TAX QUESTION

tcontinued from Page one,,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Commencing in Jefferson

|
 T have been very severely criticised be- cause this movement to enforce the law
 requiring an assessment of 60 per cent of
 value was commenced in Jefferson coun- | ty. l have no apology to make for my | action. l felt 1t my duty to commence
 at the top instead of the bottom of the
 financial ladder If the state was unable to force the representatives of big Dusi-
 ness and corporate wealth in the richest and most populous county of the state, those who enjoy and demand to a greater extent than other citizens the protection of the law to pay the amount of taxes
 they justly owed, with what consistency could ! demand from the owner of the cabin in the rural districts the payment or
 the tax which ] could not collect from the owner of the palace or the great indus trial plant in the wealthiest county of the ststeY 1 had to commence somewhere and l commenced at the top and not AC the bottom, because if those who were at the top-who constitute the great cor porations and wealthy property owners of np state-could successfully defy the law, the sooner it was known the better 1t ! would be for the state. The governor and the fax authorities only propose to give 10 the representatives Of big business, the rich and the poof alike a square deal without discrimination or faVoritisn. The issue Is now being made whether body [ O.. individuals ofsaHizeH tpf the OstenslDle purpose of depriving the state of it's just re, enues are more powerful than the law
 That issue [ intend to meet l do not believe that these men represent the sen timent of the great mass of the people of Jefferson county. The public knows that Inc silly and untenable argument which is now being made that no county should be required to pay more taxes than is returned to if in appropriations Is un- worthy Of serious consideration.
 Greater Demands 0n State
 "On account of it's great wealth and pepulation Jefferson county necessarily imposes greater demands upon every Ge- partment of tsle state government than any other The state feeds for 1t more prisoners; it's supreme and appellate courts try more cases; it's governor con ! siders more questions Of pardon and
 str.f executive business, and it's diff fcIent departments have more transac-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Fair Directors to Meet
As to Packing Plant

The regular monthly meeting of the Selma Chamber of Commerce will be held in the rooms of the organization on Water street Tuesday night. Before the meeting there will be brought forth a number of matters of great importance to the future welfare of the city. 1t Is believed some decisive steps towards the formation of company for the erec- tion of a packing plant will be taken during the meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-10
Cattle Raising Pays

Cattle raising is paying industry and the indica tions are that within the next two or three years this section of the state will be one of the greatest cattle raising sections in the south. Through experts the government Is fast eradicating the cattle tick from Dallas county and it is expected the cattle quarantine will be raised during the coming fall.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
bull. MOOSERS'
ARE SCARCE in
ALBUQUERQUE
THEIR STATE CONVENTION DOES
NOT CONTAIN FORTY
DELEGATES.
CURRY FOR CONGRESSMAN
FORMER REPUBLICAN CAN HAVE
THE HONOR If He WILL
ACCEPT 1T.
THERE is DISAPPOINTMENT.
LEADERS HAD BEEN LED TO Ex-
PEcT A LARGE DELE
CATION.
CURRY FOR CONGRESSMAN
THERE IS DISAPPOINTMENT


Albuquerque, N, M., Sept. lO.-Irhe
progressive state convention, which
meets here at 2:sO O'Clock this after
noon, promises to be slimly attended.
Less than two score delegates from
outside counties have put in an ap-
pearance thus far At a meeting OF
the state central committee this after
noon State Senator John Baron Burg
was decided upon for temporary chair
man Congressman George Curry,
here, it is said, as the personal rep
resentative Of Colonel Roosevelt, has
expressed himself as keenly disap-
pointed with the showing made by the
party In New Mexico.
It ia understood that Captain Cur
~ favars the endorsement Of Con
gressman H. b. Ferguson. the demo-
cratic candidate for congress, by the
progressives. fhus combining the eff
forts Of the Jew party to the cleo
ton Of Roosevelt electors. On the
other hand IYis declared BY men high
up In the csxnclls Of the new party
the nominati3n for congress will be
rendered to Vaptain Curry and that
he will accept.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
ATTEND THE BIG MEETING TONIGHT

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the Commercial club
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
WOMAN SAVES BALLOON
BY PULLING On ROPE
HER 1856 POUNDS WEIGHT PULLS
AIRCRAFT OUT or THE
SKY


Chicago. Sept 10. Race b. Wild
and John De Courcey. his engineer.
started out last night from woodlawn
in 125 foot dirigible balloon. They
were sailing toward the downtown dis
trict when water plug blew out and
they found themselves in serious
trouble several hundred feet in the
air. Their cries we're heard by Mrs.
Walter R. Smith, who was on the
roof of shed in the rear Of her home
She saw the craft was settling and al
50 caught glimpse Of a long trail
rope hanging from the balloon and
dragging against the buildings. AS
the rope dangled near her she seized
it and held on with all Of her 1856
pounds.
She was dragged from the roof and
against a fence, but she held on and
finally succeeded in stopping it. The
craft settled down among some tele-
graph wires with no further damage
than a broken rudder
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
Insurrectos Driven Oft

Washington, Sept. 1O.--M Mexican reb-
els under General salazar, who began
late yesterday a concerted attack up
on the town OF Oiinaga, opposite Pre-
sidio, TEX, were driven off by the fed
erals and are now retreating south
westerly in the direction of San Ber.
nardino, according to dispatch receiv-
ed at the war department from Cen
eral 3, 2. steever at 81 Pasc.
In the battle resulting from the at
tack Of the rebels. the federal force
occupying the city lost four men
killed and number of horses. The
loss sustained by the rebel force. II
any, was not ascertained- The mayor
Of Ojinaga crossed the river after 9
skirmish and reported to Captain Ad-
ans, in charge Of the American pat.
rol, that the federal force was thor
oughly loyal and was capable Of hold
ing the town against the further rebel
attacks
General Steever reported that the
supposed American shot IN the hip
late yesterday by stray bullet that
crossed the border into the town OF
Preside. Texas, was Mexican. The
activity Of Salazar in his repeated
raids across the border and his threat
ened reprisal ON Americans gave
grave concern to the American Off
cials. His withdrawal has simplified
matters. but the American patrol will
keep close watch on his movements.
IN his retreat from Ojlnaga he had
| $50 men and three field guns. Com.
pany / Of the Signal Corps has aruiv-
| ed at Preside from Fort D. A. Rus.
sell
Permission from United States
Permission for 1900 Mexican troops
to pass through the United States
from FL Paso into chihuahua and
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
TROUBLE ALONG THE MEXICAN
BORDER is HOURLY GROWING
MORE imminent; TROOPS READY
TWo AVlAToRs kILLEp.

Oxford, Eng, Sept. 10.- Another
double aviation fatality. the second Of
the week, occurred today % members
of the army flying corps, when Lieu
tenant G. A. Bettington and Lieuten-
amt e. Hotchkiss, both Of whom had
Just been given commissions on pro-
baton, were killed while flying past
Wolyercote One account Of the acci-
dent says that an explosion occurred
while the machine was in the air. The
body of one man was found in the
river and the other was picked up in
field.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
UNITED, STATES QUIETLY is
PREPARING TO TAKE DECISIVE
ACTION AT THE PROPER time
Rebels Today Make Attack on the Town Of
0jinaga, Near 81 PasO, Texas
THIS GOVERNMENT GRANTS REQUEST
Will Allow Alien Troops TO Be Transported Across American
TerrtoyNew Mexico Women, Residents OF Ranch Near the
Border Are TeEEoEized By InsurreCO Troopers-Like-
hood Of Intervention in Future Is Not Great, As
Secretary Of War Goes on His Vacation

81 Paso, Tex, Sept. 1o Rebels are
assaulting Ojinaga, a Mexican border
port east of El Paso. from the inter
national line. according to telegram
received here at noon by General d.
2. steever. The telegram came from
Maria, Texas, to which point It had
been teIephoned BY United States
soldiers at Prssidso, Texas. opposite
0jinaga. The telegram said that the
rebels were using hand grenades and
attacking at close quarters, but had
not been able to take the town. The
firing was plainly heard on the
American side, but no bullets had
fallen in Preside when the message
was sent.
Last week the federals abandoned
Ojinaga when they heard the rebels
were advancing in numbers, but when
the rebels did not come, the federals
After battling at Falomir,
to the south, and being driven back.
the rebels opened an attack on Oil
naga. They attacked yesterday but
were repulsed and opened the fight
again today. The federals killed two
rebels and captured five horses in the
fighting yesterday.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
MRS. R. Z. TwITcHELL DEAD

Denver, Colo, Sept. lO.Mrs. Min
ME s. Twitchell, wife Of Ralph e.
Twichell, attorney for the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe at Las ve-
gas, N. M, died Saturday at st. An
thongs hospital Mrs. TwitchelI was
brought here and has been under treat
ment at the hospital since early in
August, and for time was expected
to recover Funeral services were
held yesterday at Olinger's mortuary,
and interment was in Crown Hill
cemetery.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
Taft Is rIck!ed.

Beverly. Mass, Sept. 1O.-President
Taft was 50 greatly pleased today
with the republican victory in Maine
that he forgot about his lame ankle
and went out to play golf. He was
especially cheerful when he learned
that the Maine legislature would be
republican on joint ballot assuring his
party Of another vote IN the United
States senate.
Although the president had no state
ment to make about the Maine result,
his friends here were not SO reticent.
According to their view the result
viii serve to keep in line many repub.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
Madero to Ask a Favor


Mexico CITY sept. 10.--A secret ses-
sion Of the Mexican senate last night
granted the request Of President Ma
dero for authorization to ask the Uni
ted States government 70 permit tho
transportation OF troops through Am
erican territory. It is planned to send
column of troops via El Paso, Tex,
and Douglas, Ariz., into the state of
Sonora, where several bands Of rebels
are operating.
Government officials continue to re-
gard as absurd the reports that the
United States government is seriously
considering intervention in Mexico.
It was declared at the national palace
today that conditions are steadily
growing better instead Of worse, and
that it is a question Of only short
time before peace win be restored. In
the meantime. every effort win be
made, it was announced, to protect for
eigners and their property.
Recent developments in the south
do not appear to include any serious
encounters. Rebels are reported to be
operating in Puebla. Morelos and the
state Of Mexico.
More disquieting reports Of the sit
uation on the Arizona border con-
tinued today to reach the war depart
ment Mexican rebels were said to
be gathering in the vicinity Of Cana
nea preparing for a long and forced
march. Forces and supplies were be-
ing concentrated.
Although every effort is being made
to learn the objective; point d The
most fornnidabIe expedition sIiies or
oaco's force wa scattered, no salts
factory explanation has been found.
Scouts report q force Of close to 100
well armed rebels opposite Quitman.
Texas. while 1900 more are reported
enoamped ten miles to the rear.
The situation at Ojinaga, where
there are several Americans, is oaus-
ing this government some uneasiness.
It has been learned that the federal
commander has only 200 men.
A new rebel movement Of which few
details have beN obtained, has been
reported from Maggie, state Of coahui-
Ia. Several bands Of revolutionista
have appeared along the line Of the
International railroad, and there is
some reason for believing that their
objective point is the border town Of
e. P. Diaz.
Librado GaIayis, one Of Orozco'a Of.
flcers, is reported to have been killed
in an attack upon San Miguel Mezqul.
ff0o~At-,..4 i, p.eo uso,..N
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
A TERRIFIC STORM.

st. Johns, N. F.. Sept. Wireless
messages from Labrador tell Of the
havoc wrought by a hurricane which
swept the coast last week. The re-
ports indicate extensive damage to
fishing vessels and in villages along
the coast.
One schooner was driven on the
rocks at Cutthroat and four Of the
crew drowned. The greater portion
of the fishing fleet is on the way from
the extreme north Of Labrador, sec
tion dotted with islands exposed to
the fury OF the storm.
Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-09-10
GRAND OLD PARTY Will HAVE
WORKING MAJORITY in BOTH
HOUSES OF THE Legislature
Edwin C. BurIeigh Will Be Elected to the
Senate to Succeed Obadiah Gardner
PRESAGES VICTORYIN NOVEMBER CONTEST
Situation Is Complicated However, BY the Fact That PoesSiye
Worked With Regulars Yesterday While They Expect TO Be
Lined Up With the Bull Moose Forces for the National
Elecion-Resut Is Surprise to Many Leading
Politicians, Especially the Democrats

Portland. Me, Sept. 10.-The politi-
cal overtufn in Names state election
in which the republicans won back
the goYernorship, won three Of the
congressman and a sufficient major
ity on the joint ballOI IN the Iegisla-
ture to secure the election Of a Unit
ed states senator became more aps
parent today with revised and addi-
tional returns.
William Haines, OF Waterville,
republican, was elected governor by
plurality OF S.557 over Governor
frederick w. Plaisted, democratic
candidate, OF Augusta. The vote. with
% towns missing in latest returns.
was: Haines, republican. 7O.O24;
Plaisted, democrat, 66,515.
Two years ago the vote for COVER
nor was: Bert M. Fernald, republi-
can, 64.672; r. w. Plaisted, democrat,
7S.425.
The missing 28 towns two years ago
cast 751 votes for the republican can
didate and S4e for the democratic
leader.
Congressman Asher G. Hind. First
district, and Frank q. Guernsey,
Fourth district, republican, were re-
elected by increased majOrities. and
Forest Goodwin, republican, sup
planted Congressman Samuel w.
Gould, in the Third district. The
democratic candidate in the Second
district, Congressman D. ]. McGilh
cuddy was reelected
The new legislature win stand on a
joint ballot 90 republicans and Is
democrats with ten districts to re
port. The state senate will be made
up Of 22 republicans and eight demo
Gratis with one district missing. The
house will be composed Of " repub
licans and 70 democrats with nine
districts missing. This majority viii
be sufficient to elect former Congress
man Edwin c. Burleigh Of Augusta, al
United states senator IN place Of fba
\ aiah Gardner who was appointed t
fiji the vacancy caused by the deatr
OF Senator Frye. Fepublican
Political observers were in some
doubt as to the effect Of the repub
Iican victory and the attitude OF the
progressive leaders regarding the ma
tlonal election November All Of ths
progressive leaders were activeI,
identified with the republican party
In yesterdays election,