davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
MURRAY CR|T|C|SES
 NATIONAL BANK ACT
Says Many State Bank Superintendents Have
 More Power Than He

Pittsburg. December 17-"The power of the comptroller of the currency is very much less than that of many state superintendents of banks said Comp troller Lawrence o. Murray in an ad- dress before the Pittsburg Chapter of the American Institution of Banking to- day. Many of those officers" he con- tnued, have powers which were not delegated to the comptroller of the cur- reney by Congress.
 He said in three states the law re- quires that the bylaws of a bank shall be approved by the head of the state banking department and that the laws of eight states authorize this head to. remove a banks officer for abuse of trust or negligence in the performance of duty"
 "Other powers not covered by the na- tional bank act are given to the vari- ous state banking departments" the comptroller said for instance the right to pass upon and to compel the bank Go call in loans to directors not ap- proved by the state superintendent; the power the require a bank to pay Oh- ooiioNeu Honey, anu lHe iishl No prescribe the maximum rate of interest paid to depositors
 Mr Murray produced statistics on the growth of banking in this country since the passage of the national bank act in 1883 and said the powers given the comptroller in his efforts to meet the great problems of supervision which came before him had not been in- creased a particle in the 49 years Of national growth.
 In other words he said, i've are exactly where we were nearly half a century ago, so far as the power to supervise banks is concerned"
 Referring to the safeguarding of the organization of national banks, he said, "the real test of the progress of the national banks was not how many were organized in any given year, but how many goods banks were organized. I believe that every time charter for national bank is rejected for actual cause, the national banking system is thereby strengthened. If the plan of chartering banks followed now is not right then a set of men may ruin a bank by thievery. serve a term in the penl- tentiary, come out and make applica- tion for another charter and have 1t gracefully handed over to them. Such a proposition is simply astounding"
 On the question of bank supervision MT. Murray said that bank examina- tion will never be a credit to the gov ernment nor as effective as they ought to be until the bank act is properly amended.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18

these small checks" said Johnson, and then the company went into the hands of a receiver"
 The witness told how he went to H. spect the California Diamond oil vel, controlled by the Wisner company. Wben he got there, he said the superintendent would not let him see the property.
 An interesting witness was the Rev. Joseph H. Bush, a minister of Ely, Minn., so years old, who said he had invested 5000 in the company promoted by A. Laisner & Co. The aged clergyman tes tiiied he had been induced to buy sto oals in the Mount Jefferson Mines Explora. tion company and when he received q small dividend he was led to buy stock in the other companies promoted by the defendants. He said he received but s1G in dividends for his 5000
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
FAMOUS SOUTHERN
 EDUCATOR DEAD

Nashville. December 17.--Dr. William James Vaughan, A. B., A. M, Ll'D', senior member of the faculty or Nan- derbilt university, who has held the chair of mathematics since 1889 and the chair of astronomy since 1895. died here to- night, aged IS years. Dr. Vaughan vas the master of all ancient and modern languages and spoke 1T different dialects, being recognized as one of the most learged men of the United States. He was one of the foremost mathematicians of America. He was a former president of several southern female colleges The interment will be at a local cemetery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
SURVEYING CORPS IN VICINITY OF MARION Survey of Road Connecting County Seat With Brent
 Rapidly Pushed

Marion, December T.-(Special )-The survey of the Marion and Brent railway that is being made from Heighberger to Marion, has been made to within three miles of Marion, and the indications are that it will be pushed forward to the in corporate limits of Marion by the 1st of January.
 So far as the information given out indi- cates the line will come down the Cahaba valley to within about five miles of Ma rion when an effort will be made to find a way out of the valley and on to Marion without having over a five per cent grade. Nothing has been given out as to which side of the town the line will enter, the indication. however, is that it will come in on the west side.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
NEWS OF ENSLEY

Palace cafe on Avenue E. The monster former residence of probably many hun dred peppery hornets Is securely built into the branches of a sapling as large 2s a mans arm, a four foot section of which sawed in two, leaving the nest at tached to one end The nest is 31 inches long and about 30 inches in crcumfer- ence. It was brought to the Palace by a farmer friend of the proprietor.
 The preliminary hearing of Tom Barks- dale. negro, charged with the killing of Louise Moore, has been postponed until o'clock this afternoon, when the case will be called in the inferior court.
 In addition to number of other places already announced Red Cross seals are on sale at the Belle theatre. An interesting romance Illustrating a fight against the dread white plague will be run at the theatre under the auspices of the Anti Tuberculosis association. The picture will probably be run next Monday.
 Two weddings of great interest to Ems ley society will be consummated tris evening. The first will be that of Mir. Robert Craighead and Miss Annie Laurie Davis at the First Presbyterian church at o'clock. That of MT. Cleveland Ed mund Allen and Miss Matte Elizabeth McEachern will be solemnized at the First Baptist church at S:9J.
 At the annual election of officers of the Womans Missionary society of the Ensley Methodist church. the following were elected for the ensuing year: Pres ident, Mrs. James Donaldson; first vice president Mrs Cole; second vice presi- dent, Mrs. Mulinix; third vice presi- dent. Mrs. William King; fourth vice president Mrs. Harris; secretary, Mrs. Truss: treasurer of home department, Mrs. l.. G. Smith. treasurer of foreign department, Mrs. Robert King; corre- spending secretary home department, Ms. Sharpe: foreign department, Mrs. West; agent for Missionary Voice, Mrs. Brush.
 Mrs. W. T. Williams of Anniston, and her daughter, are guests of Mrs. G. M. Truss at Shady Side.
 The officers elected for next year al the last meeting of the Ensley Order of Eastern Star are as follows: Mrs. E. B. Mays. worthy matron Joe Sessious, worthy patron; Mrs. McCurry. associate worthy matron: Mrs. W A. Ward, sec. retary; Mrs. D. H. Dunlap, treasurer Mrs. W. N. Wood, conductress; Miss Maggie Porteguise, associate conductress.
 The Bush School Improvement associa- tion will meet this afternoon at the school building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers

Selma. December 17.-(Special.) .)-Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers, an aged resident of Selma, died at the home of her son, MT. J. H. Rogers, SIS Lapsley street early Tuesday morning after an illness of sev- eral months. The remains were carried to Orrville on special train at 10 o'clock this morning and where the inter- ment was made at noon. Besides her son she leaves a large number of friends and relatives to mourn her death.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
SIMPSON SHOT BY
 SERGEANT MORROW,

H. H. Simpson, white man, was shot through the elbow joint of the left arm last night by Sergeant of Police Morrow in North Birmingham. It is said that Simpson was shot when resisting arrest and that the trouble occurred in saloon, in North Birmingham. Simpson was placed in the city jail on a charge of car rying a concealed weapon and resisting an officer. His wound was dressed by pr. Charles Whelan, who says that the injury is not believed to be dangerous.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
I. l.. Amerine

Greenville December T.-(Special. )-The body of John Lee Amerine, who died on Monday at the home of his father, Cap tain Amerine, on South Court street in Montgomery, was brought to Greenville this morning for interment. Mr. Amerine was the nephew of Mrs. John P. Reynolds and John R. Amerine of this place. The body was taken from the Louisville and Nashville station to Mag nolia cemtery where the burial services were conducted by Rev. o. V. Calhoun of tho Methodist church.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
See Released on Rond

Chicago, December 17-Evlyn Arthur See, who recently was convicted of abducting Mildred Btidges, today was released from jail on 5000 bond pending an appeal of his case to tEe supreme court. Mildred Bridges and Mona Rees, another member of Secs Absolute Life" cult met See as he left the jail. See was placed in Jail more than a year ago
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
TO ABANDON FORT ON
 TORTUGAS ISLAND

Jacksonville. December 17.-The famous old fortress on Tortugas island, the pride of Jefferson Davis when he was Secretary of War of the United States, and on which he spent much money, is doomed. Government experts representing the navy and war departments left today for .he island to make an inventory of property of the fortress and the navy yard pre- paratory to dismantling and abandon ment of both. Fort Jefferson at the time of the war between the states was oie of the strongest and a rendezvous for the Confectionery in the early days of the conflict
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
KENYON SPEAKS
 ON HIS LIQUOR BILL

Washington, December IA cir cular issued by mail order liquor firms bearing the quotation, Uncle sam Is Our Patron" were displayed in the Senate chamber today by Senator Ken yon as an illustration to what extent the United States governmental func- tions were violated in the implication of sustaining traffic in prohibition areas. Senator Kenyon made the chief speech in support of the Sheppard Kenyon bill subsequently which seeks to prohibit shipment of liquor by any channel of interstate commerce across the border of dry territory
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Prediction Verified

What was said then, MT. Wilson added
 had been abundantly verified by what has happened in the interim. MT. Wilson said he was keenly aware that certain men have little respect for the voters of New Jersey. He added many thought all they had to do was to come back into power to be tyrants. He said these would be sorely disappointed.
 'They cannot impose upon the voters of New Jersey" he says in his statement. Should they obtain control of the party machine the President-elect concludes in his statement they will only ruin the party and place it permanently away from authority. Every step they take to re- establish their power, should be exposed and stopped,'' the statement adds.
 "The people of the commonwealth need not fear that l will become indifferent so long as their confidence encourages me to believe that they wish my aid and counsel.'' Mir Wilson declared. "rhe flu ture of the old commonwealth will be ob- served by myself" the statement sets forth and the writer will continue his vigil for the improvement noted in the last two years. The writer says he sees his duty correctly to stand back of the progressive forces in the democratic party everywhere.
 Later a delegation from Augusta, Ga, called on MT. Wilson to urge him to take up winter reSluence tnere. Ine governor said he had received many in- vitations to make his residence in vari- ous places in the south. but that his enemies in the state already had begun to point to this as an evidence of his early exit from New Jersey all airs. The governor said he was too engrossed in the New Jersey situation now to think of any vacation and he would not leave the state while there was d fight going on. He remarked that he knew certain people Lad voted for him for President, thinking it would short en his term as governor. but that he would continue to use as President his every power in behalf of the people of the state.
 So many people wanted to see the governor that late in the afternoon he gave up hope of attending the ban quet of the Southern society in New York tonight. He even sent a telegram of regret but the Southern society of ficials who had received MT. Wilson's promise long before his election, got him on the telephone and persuaded him to speak, even though he could not get there in time to dine. He man. aged to get through his work about o'clock. dined nurriedly and took the 7:47 train for New York to speak at the banquet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Deaths and Funerals
Mrs. Mary A. Cutcliff

The funeral of Mrs. Mary A Cutcliff will be held this morning, short serv- ice being held at the family residence, 92S North Twelfth avenue. at 3 o'clock and a second service at the St Paul s church at 10 o'clock. The Rev Father Coyle will officiate at the church serv- ice Interment will take place in Oak Hill cemetery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
IT. C. Yinson

Greenville, December 17.-(Special)- )-H Z Wilkinson received message of the death of his uncle, U. c. Vinson, at De- Funiak, Fla. MT. Vinson died at o'clock Monday morning. MT. Vinson for merly resided in Greenville. While he liveo in Greenville he took active part in developing the city. He was a public spirited man, and he was also a devout member of the Baptist church, taking &C., tive part in furthering that cause.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
FATALLY WOUNDED
 IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Wetumpka, December 17.-(Speeial)- )-Mr Traylor of Equality lies mortally wound- ed at the Alabama penitentiary as the result of an automobile accident Mr. Traylor was in an auto which was ditched as 1t was going at a high rate of speed. All of the occupants of the car were thrown out and sustained injuries, but only MT. Traylor's are expected to prove fatal He was carried min the peniten- tiary and is receiving every attention.
 George Enslen, Jr., who has been quite i'll for a cope of weeks, was carried to Montgomery today for treatment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
FUNERAL NOTICE

The friends and acquaintances of William Cutcliff, Sr., MT. and Mrs w. H. Cutcliff MT. and Mrs. John F. Antwine, MT and Mrs. D. !. Cutcliff, MT. and Mrs J. J. Cutcliff, MT. and Mrs. c. Ed Cutcliff are invited to attend the funeral of their beloved wife and moth- CT, Wednesday morning from the resi- dence, BPS North Twelfth street at 9:30 and 10 o'clock at St. Pauls church. h. torment Oak Hill cemetery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Life Threatened Again

Newark, N J., December 17.-Pres- ident-elect Wilson's life again has been threatened by letter writer The let ter was mailed in New York. Decem- her 12. received by the governors sec retary at Trenton the next day and turned over to the postal authorities. IL is in possession of United States As-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Death of Infant

Chatom, December 17.-CSpecal) )-Little Jimmie Granade, the 17-months-old girl of MT. and Mrs. James N. Granade of this place, died last night at 10:30 o'clock of membraneous croup. MT. Granade is an attorney here, and was formerly the circuit solicitor of the Thirteenth judicial circuit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Mrs. Martha Clinton

Huntsville, December 17.-(Special)- Mrs. Martha Clinton, one of the oldest residents of Madison county, died yester- day at the home of her son, J. R. Clin- ton, in West Huntsville. She was s6 years old, and is survived by two sons. J. R. Clinton and W. J. Clinton of Hunts vile, and Mrs. Mahula Wall of Gurley
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Will T. Freeman

Troy. December 17.-(Special.)-Wi T. Freeman died at the home of his broth CT, Ernest Freeman, after an illness of about four weeks, he having been in bad health for a number of years. The deceased was just 34 years old.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
FLYNN SUCCEEDS wILKIE

Washington, December 17.-Wil- liam J. Flynn of New York today was appointed chief of the United States secret service, succeeding John E. Wilkie, now chief super vising agent of the customs service.
 He will assume his duty tomorrow. For many years MT. Flynn has been in charge of the New York department of the sercret service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Wilson's Choice Defeated

MT. Wilson's choice for speaker, Charles Hennessy was defeated. but the governor declared today he had found MT Fay Tor always ready to do the right thing and personally had no objection to him. What the governor is concerned about is the forces which supported MT. Tay- lor's election, as opposed to MT. Hennessy. In the contests that are forthcoming over important state officers and matters of legislation, the governor believes that he must concentrate every effort to redues the strength of the opposition wing. The governor found things around the state house quite exciting. The corridors were crowded with gossipping politicians. Early in the day he issued his statement announcing to the voters of the state that he would not forsake them after he went to Washington.
 He warned the voters of New Jersey against politicians who have opposed his progressive policies and who he said would again seek to control the New Jersey government as soon as he stepped from the governorship. He urged that their plans be blocked immediately.
 His statement read that he was sur prised by the numerous inquiries as to whether the President-elect would con tinue to take interest Tn the political af fairs of New Jersey after assuming the duties of President. MT. Wilson said he realized the significance of these in- quiries In the summer he said he warned the voters of New Jersey very explicitly that the men who formerly controlled and discredted the politics of New Jer- sey were awaiting their opportunity to recover their control and were expect ing to find it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
slstant District Attorney Lindabury,

slstant District Attorney Lindabury, who declined to discuss it.
 The receipt of the second threatening letter became known today at the ar raignment of Jacob and Warren Dunn and Seeley Davenport of Wharton, the three so o-called mountaineers who were charged with having sent Governor Wilson on November H. last, a letter demanding $5000 under threat of death. The hearing was not concluded, but United States Commissioner Stockton dismissed the case against Warren Dunn and took under advisement a mo- tion to make a similar ruling in the case of Davenport.
 Against Jacob Dunn, alleged author of the threatening letter, the govern ment made out a strong case, Com missioner Stockton said. He held Dunn pending the conclusion of the hearin g tomorrow afternoon when Joseph P, Humility, Governor Wilson's private secretary. will be called to testify that he received the letter. Although MT. Tumulty was under subpoena he did not attend the hearing today, having arranged with Commissioner Stockton to be absent. It was thought at that time that his testimony would not be needed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18
Wilson Will Not Attend

Governor Wilson, also under sub poena did not attend the hearing and it was said he would not be required to do so tomorrow. inasmuch as the letter never reached him.
 The second letter threatening the gov ernor's life was unsigned and dozen or more secret service men and detectives are seeking to learn the author. It is understood the missve did not reach the governor but was intercepted like tne first one, by MT. Tumulty. Many of the secret service men and detectives work ing on this case were present at the hear ing today. Whether the second letter was the outgrowth of the first or was connected with 1t in any way, MT. Linoa- bury declined to say
 Five witnesses testified at the hearing. They included the postmaster at Whar- ton the mail carrier who took the lSt- ter from a rural free delivery box, the carrier who sold Jacob Dunn three el.- velopes similar to the one containing the letter. Francis A. Butler, a postoffice in- spector. and Louis G. Beekman. a United States deputy marshal who made the ar rests Butler and Beekman both testi- fled that Jacob Dunn admitted the an- thorship of the letter at first. but denied having written 1t when told that what he said might be used against him.
 Jacob Dunn's defense is that he made the alleged statement under duress and that he was not informed of his rights before doing so.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18

At the meeting Of the Ensley club last night c. c. Burke was unanimously elect ed president to succeed pr. E. ". Aver5t who has served two years in that capae- ty
 The club has just completed it's sec- ond year as an organization and the administration of Df. Averyt has been most creditable. It is predicted that Mr. Burke's term as an executive will be sue cessful in eevry sense, his ability in this line having been tested a number of times during his term as vice president The four vice presidents elected last night were T. l.. Barrett, Felix Fuller W. A Burgin and A. c. Kicks. s. T Kennedy was reelected secretary and pr E. W. Averyt was selected by the unin- nous vote of the club as treasurer
 A committee was appointed to arrange for banquet to be held on the occasion of the installation of the newly elected officers which will be the first Tuesday in January. At this meeting the retiring Of ficers will make report on the work of the club during the year 1912. The af- fair will be in the nature of a celehra- iiOh ol ihc past anu d DOoSl lOi lhO Ad- ture, with Ensley fol the keynote. The committee in charge of the arrangements is H. Keller, chairman; A. W. Smith, w. A. Burgin. F. H. Brooks and E. ". Averyt.
 After the transaction of the regular or der of business the meeting adjourned until January 6, 1918.
 The information has been given out from ar authentic source that the worl of constructing the Bessemer division of the Tidewater street car line will be com menced this week. It is stated that the work of laying the tracks out Park ave- nue will be rushed.
 The statement is also made that the company will build a line to Corey OH the right of way for which 1t has a franchise out Avenue D. With this con struction work under way and the build, ing being done by the Ensey Land com pany, which is constructing large num- Der of houses on Park avenue. and other buildings under way in different sections of the city, the holiday season promises to be the most active part of the year.
 is on exhibition in the window of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-18

he had been elected to the presidency of the United States, he would continue to fight at every turn the Smith-NuS ent forces in New Jersey, and any other ele- ments in the nations democracy which he considers reactionary or non-progre5- sive He proclaimed it as his duty to
 stand back of the progressive forces in the democratic party everywhere and at every juncture," and added that the dein- ocratic party now had arrived at a poin'
 where it must choose whether 1t will be progressive or not''
 Just to what extent MT. Wilson's ac. tivty, either in New Jersey or similar situations elsewhere might extend, was not disclosed, but at the governors office it was made plain that even as Presi- dent MT. Wilson would come back from Washington and go on the stump before the people of the state against elements which he considered reactionary when ever the people of the state encouraged him to think they wished his aid and counsel.
 His announcement of intentions were CO., incident with his return to his office after a months vacation in Bermuda, when he learned that in the recent party caucus for the speakership of the New Jersey legislature Leon Taylor was elect ed by majority of four votes and was supported by the 12 assemblymen from Essex county, who are alleged to be con- trolled by the Smith-Nugent wing of the party