davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
WILL CITY PRIMARY FOR NEXT SPRING BE IN ACCORD WITH LAW Chairman Bell of County
 Committee Says Demo-
 crats Will Insist on It
DO NOT WANT TO LET
 OTHER PARTIES WIN
Weatherly Doubts Whether Primary Will Be Constitutional Under Pro- visions of Law Creating the
 City Commission

democratic municipal primary will according to members of the city demo- cratic executive committee, be held in Birmingham in the early spring. Mem bers of the city commission, while not necessarily registering themselves as be- ing opposed to the primary, hold that to par rticipate in such a primary would be in violation of the bill which created the commission.
 On this point there is destined to be an interesting controversy.
 Members of the committee contend that 1t is their function to hold together the democratic party, and that it is not compulsory for them to act in accord ance with the desires of any whim in- spired legislature; that in case five dem- ocrats make the race for the seat to be vacant on the commission, and divide the democratic strength among them, it would be possible for q strong republican to slip in behind q united party and achieve the laurols.
 Robert N. Bell. chairman of the county committee, expresses himself freely on stated he
 James WeulneflyJ HHeIlpeT ol the eom- mission, hearing the statement replied: '9The primary may be held, but we do not believe that in accordance with the pro- visions of the commission government bill 1t can be held constitutionally. The bill provides that any man who can secure 300 names to his petition may become a candidate for the commission. One of the objects of the bill, as it is generally un- derstood, was the elimination of factional politics in municipal affairs. l do not necessarily oppose the primary. But how can you hold it?''
 We are not going to let a republican or a bull moose slip in." replied MT. Bell. Suppose we hold a primary and noml- nate a mana member of tine present commission. say-do you suppose that he would decline the nomlnatlon?"
 Suppose you nominate all minor of- Gcials," replied Mir. Weatherly, would 1t follow that the commission would have to indorse those nominations2"
 "The nomination of minor officials by ~~~~~~~-~-~~
 Continued On Page Six)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
NEW RESIDENTIAL
 PARK IS ID BE MADE
Birmingham Realty Co. to Spend S200,00O Near
 Country Club

One of the most modern residential park places in the country will be made at a cost of between s150,000 and s20O.- 900 on 40 acres of unimproyed prop erty owned by the Birmingham Realty company near the Country club, an an- nouncement to this effect being made yesterday by l. Groom Beatty. gen eraly manager
 The property faces $500 feet on High land avenue, looping from Thirty-sec- ond street around Highland avenue to the Country club and a few feet be- yond that point. The property Is valu- able and has been held in reserve by the Birmingham Realty company for q time when it's full value would be known. The Realty company will spend d great amount of money on street inns provements. The embankment on High land avenue will be treated by con structing a serpentine boulevard.
 Mir Beatty said last night that the work of improving this property would begin about February 15 and would be ready for sale about August l, 1913. The property will be arranged in suit able city lots.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
TO ERECT BRIDGE IN
 NORTH BIRMINGHAM

R. F. I.ovelady. president of the county board of revenue, was authorized and empowered by the board yesterday to sign q contract and agreement with the Southern Railway company and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad com panv. as agreed upon by the board of revenue and the railroad companies, in reference to the building of a bridge over the tracks of the railroads near North Brminghan.. By the terms or tie agree mcnt the Southern Railway company will pay S2O00 and the Louisville and Nash vile company sl00o to the county toward de frayius tte expense of building the bridge The board has authorized the advertisement for bids for this work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
BOARDOF EDUCATION FAVORS DR. PARKE'S PLAN FOR LIBRARY Resolution Requests City Commission to Make
 Change ASK FOR ACTION BY BEGINNING OF YEAR President Parker Says Board of Edu- cation Is Entirely Willing to Have
 the New Suggestion Given
 a Fair Trial

The opposition of the board of educa- tion to the formation of library board has been dissolved and at meeting yes terday a resolution was adopted request ing the commission to appoint the board to manage the libraries.
 The resolution was also to the effect that if the commission deems 1t wise move to appoint the board that such ac- ton and the formallties be handled be- fore January 1.
 The action of the board of education in declining further to oppose the move ment initiated before the commission by Dr. Thomas D. Parke was rather sur prising when announced yesterday. The full board concurred in the action.
 John l.. Parker, president of the board of education, vouchsafed this statement last night:
 "rhe members of the board of eduea- ton, 1 take it, are for progress in Bir- mingham on educational lines first of all things. It seems that number of well informed ladies of Birmingham and not a few men of wisdom believe the forma- ton of the library board will prove bet ter than the present plan. Always Will ing to assist in any way in the advance ment of any civic move here, l felt in clned to acquiesce in the plans for the formation of this board and see if 1t will perform all the good that is be- iieved possible under the new manage ment."
 The resolution adopted by the board of education, addressed to the chairman Of the city commission, is as follows;
 "Whereas, The public library now To- cated in the city hall was established and organized under the auspices of the board of education, and,
 whereas, The library system of the city has been extended during the past two years by the addition of three branch libraries located respectively at Ensley. West End and Woodlawn, and,
 "Whereas, This library system has been administered by the board of education as a part of the educational system of the city of Birmingham, and,
 ''Whereas, There are some citizens who believe that this library system would be more rapidly developed and would prove of greater service to the people under the control of q separate and in- dependent library board. be 1t
 Resolved, That the board of educa- ton hereby requests the board of city commissioners. if, in it's judgment. it is deemed wise, to appoint d library board which shall control and administer the library system of the city, under such terms and conditions as the city com missioners fin their discretion may deter mine. Be it further
 "Resolved, That in the event such l- brary board is appointed, the board of education requests the city commission CTS to authorize the transfer of the pub lie libraries of the city, together with all books, accounts and library equip ment, to such library board on January l, 1913. or as soon thereafter as con Venient
 BOARD OF EDUCATION.
 John l.. Parker, President.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
10000 TON COKE CONTRACT SECURED BY PRATT COMPANY
Two Hundred and Fifty Ovens Newcastle Will Resume op eratons After Long likeness Result of Working Up
 Contract With Mexican Concerns

For the purpose of filling contract for 10000 tons of coke to be delivered during the next six months. the Pratt Consolidated Coal company, owners of the Milner Iron and Railroad company coke ovens at Newcastle, will fire up those ovens at once.
 About 25O ovens will be placed in service after having been out of use for the past three years. The property was recently acquired by the Pratt company.
 Officials of the Pratt company, after acquiring the coke ovens, sent repre- sentatives to Mexico and worked up contracts for coke to keep the ovens busy. The 10000 ton contract secured may become an -o,ooo ton contract be-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
WANTED FRIENDS TO
 SEE THIS DISTRICT

The trip we are making here is one to secure general information about Bir- mingham," said Mir Yoakum. q know what Birmingham is, so does MT. Win chell, but the friends we caused to come here this time want to find out about this district. The trip may result in something good for Birmingham, as I believe it will, but there is nothing that l can say at this time. Mr Win chell and myself are both firm believers in the greatness of Birmingham and the south and we believe that the interest of those we brought here on this trip will be as deep as our own when they are identified with the district.
 "Business is generally good. We have experienced a bumper crop, prices are good, industrial lines are active and l be- leve we will have one of our best seasons as a result of these conditions. Birming- ham, l see, is going ahead with rapid strides. I am glad of that, and, further more, I believe the story of Birmingham has not been fairly started yet
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
PERCY ROCKEFELLER DOESN'T
 LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MONEY

for the north yesterday afternoon Mir snached few minutes chat with sev- eral we'll kpown citizens.
 q am certainly amazed truly astounded over what we have seen in Birmingham" !" said MT. Rockefeller. You know I have heard great deal about this city. but did not imagine that so much was here. There is scarcely any end to your future if this pace is maintained
 I would certainly like to see the Chi cago. Milwaukee and St. Paul built into this city, and I think it is coming sooner or later. However, you will have to see Mir. Earling and Mir. winchell about that. They are the experts in that work. This is a great district and you are bound to have additional initial lines in Bir- mingham.'
 By the way. MT. Rockefeller, are you a nephew of John D?" he was asked. "The possessor as we hear of consider able wealth.
 ann he replied with that frown But cut that out quick. Cut it."
 How about business?" he was asked as a change.
 me- very SOOus ne Sdlu. BuSlnCSS will continue good if the democrats han dle the tariff properly. And all business men believe they will We have faith in MT. Underwood and believe in his integrity and honesty. He is one of tho foremost men of the country
 MT. Rockefeller said that he enjoy very much his visit here particularly the information he had secured from leading men of this city in regard to the flu ture of the Birmingham district
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
AT THE HOTELS

R. R. Philips of Eufaula, pr. Fowler of Wetumpka, J. R. Hays of Clanton. and k. K. Williams of Gadsden are stopping at the Metropolitan.
 Among those registered at the Norris are c. A. Thompson of Anniston, James Semonan of Warrior, and J. " Roberts of Montgomery.
 H. Hays Of Anniston, ". H. Clark of New Decatur, and Earl Underwood of New York are registered at the Florence.
 Stopping at the Birmingham are John H. Fruit of Florence, w. L. Shelton of Atlanta, and ". F. Kerby of Cleveland, Tenn.
 Among those registered at the Hillman are T. W. Ayres of Anniston, F. F. Bar nette of Louisville, H. c. Lawrence of Baltimore. and o. G. Fisher of Cincin- natl.
 M. O. Garland of Selma. c. F. McDon- aid of Chicago, and F. Baldwin of Mem phis are stopping at the Empire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
Yoakum Says He Wanted Them to Get Acquainted
 With Birmingham
ENTIRE DAY SPENT
 IN SIGHT SEEING
foakum and Winchell Accompanied by President Earling, Percy Rockefeller and Others of
 the C., M. & St. P. K. R.

It is believed that absolutely new finan- eial interests will be secured for Birming- ham by reason of the visit here yesterday of party of eastern financiers, includ- ing Percy Rockefeller who was with B. F. Yoakum, chairman of the Frisco line directors, and one of the most noted American railroad men.
 Those composing the party were retieent when asked the direct question whether any special thing had caused their visit here, and only authorized the statement that general search for information about Birmingham caused the trip.
 MT. Yoakum as head of the party with B. l.. Winchell, president of the Frisco lines, said that he induced the eastern finaneiers to visit Birmingham in order that they might see the district and be- come as deeply interested as he was in the advancement of Birmingham's pros perity
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
S|BLEY ID PRESIDE AT CANAL MEETING Delegation From the Local Chamber Leaves TOmOr-
 row for Atlanta

A delegation of 14 members of the Cham Der of Commerce will leave at F o'clock Monday night on special Southern sleeper for Atlanta to attend the Panama canal conference. which takes place in that city next Tuesday and Wednesday.
 The following have signified their in- tentions of going: John w. Sibley, W. D. Tynes, Robert Jemison, Sr., E. NJ. Kilby. W. P Redd. H. Hammond, J. H. Adams, Frank P. Glass, Henry Hiden, F. A. Me Llroy D. A. Brown and A. II. Ford.
 President Sibley of the Chamber of Commerce will preside over the conference Wednesday from F to 1:3o D. m., at which time the iron and steel industry and it's relation to the Panama canal will be under consideration. John H. Adams of the Birmingham delegation will lead tho discussion.
 The tentative programme for the two days session of the conference follows:
 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10.
 10 A. M.-Conference called to order by Wilmer l.. Moore, president Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta.
 10 A. M-Address by John Barrett. di- rector general Pan-Americsn union. Washington. D. c.
 il A. M to 1 P M-'"The Manpfact- urers' Interest in the Panama Canal" G. Gunby Jordan, president Eagle and Phoe- nix Mills. Columbus. Ga, presiding.
 2:3o P. M.-"The Cotton Industry and the Panama Canal" W. A. Erwin, see- retary and treasurer Erwin Cotton Mills. West Durham, N. C., presiding.
 to P. M.-"The Interest of Conner cial Bodies in the Panama Canal,r Will mer l.. Moore, president Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, presiding. This discussion will be opened by statement from MT. K. Fukushima of Dallas, Tex, represent ing Japanese shipping and commercial in- terests
 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER II.
 10 A. M.-"The Interest of Railroads in the Panama Canal W. w. Finley, presi- dent Southern Railway company. presid- ing.
 F NJ to 1:3o P. M-"Iron and Steel In- dustry and the Panama Canal" John W. sbley. president Birmingham Cham Der of Commerce, presiding.
 2:3o P. M. to i r. M.--'.The Merchan. Marine and the Panama Canal" J. W. Porch, president New orleans Progress sive Union, presiding.
 4P. NJ to 6 P. M.-'The Effect of the Panama Canal Upon the Agriculture of the South" E. J. Watson, commissioner of agriculture and immigration for South Carolina. presiding.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
DISTINGUISHED PARTY
 SPENT THE DAY HERE

The distinguished party of railroad of ficials and bankers arrived in Birmng- ham yesterday morning over the 4ueen & Crescent route. They were taken in automobiles by Walter Moore their host, in Birmingham, and J. H. Doughty, gen. eral agent for the Frisco lines. and shown the district as far as could be done in the short time. A trip was made to Corey, where the coke plant was inspected, and the American Steel and Wire plant was looked over. The model city was the cause of very warm praise from the members of the party.
 The visitors then motored to Besse- mer, where the Woodward plants were looked over, and then they came back to Birmingham.
 They were highly enthusiastic over Highland avenue, Mountain Terrace and Cliff road. The beauty of the Country club grounds enthralled them. A lunch con was served at the Country club, which was given by MT. Moore, and attended by several we'll known men of this city. The party included: MT. Yoakum. MT. Winchell, A. ]. Erling, president of the Chicago. Milwaukee snd St. Paul railroad Percy A. Rockefeller, J. Winthrop Allen, vice president of the Mechanics and Metal Trust company, of New York City; F. V. R. Thayer, of Boston, representing the Thayer estates {: T. B. Adams, of Potter Schutes at d Prentice; MT. Moore, J. II. Daughty of the Frisco lines; Culpepper Exum, F. H. Crockard, ErslSine Ramsay. E. W. Bar rett, Charles T. Fairburn, Henry DeBar- deeben, Col T. O. Smith. Frank Nell son. Jr., J. J. Smith, J. Campbell Maben, Jr., J. W. Mcqueen. VIC. Adams, Major F. NJ Tutwiler, Morris W. Bush, l. Groom Beatty, Frank F. Glass.
 The visitors separated In Birmingham. Mir. Yoakum left for New York yester- day afternoon. while MT. Winchell and MT Rockefeller and party left for Evans vile
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
ISSUE WARNING
 AGAINST BRIDGES

owing to the fact that in Jefferson county, over it's many creeks, are at present bridges that are so old as to rem der them unsafe for heavy traffic, the following resolution was approved yes- terday afternoon by the Jefferson county board of revenue;
 Moved and carried that all parties operating and running automobile trucks in Jefferson county over our public high ways be notified that we fear some of the county bridges are not strong enough to carry said trucks when heavily loaded. We, the board of revenue, warn them that in crossing said bridges they do so at their own risk
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
WINCHELL TALKS OF
 WORK IN ALABAMA

Mir Winchell. to whom MT. Yoakum re- ferred questioners in reference to Frisco line betterments, said that his company was now engaged in building a line into the coal lands adjoining the Empire prop erty for the DeBardeleben-Fies interests, and that the line would open up great hardwood timber section. as well as coal property of immense value.
 Our company" said MT. Winchell has been at work on that extension some time It will be completed as soon as possible, and will open up a rich country in coal and hardwood for Birmingham. I do not know who is to develop the hardwood forest touched by that line, but it goes without saying, that it will be developed. We are putting the line through here in order that any large milling interest may be cared for with transportation when the development be- gins.
 "Everything looks very good. Our com pany is carrying on a fine volume Of traffic and we believe this year will end as one of our very best"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
"POT-LATCH" MEN
 TO REPORT FRIDAY

ber of Commerce. which unanimously in- dorsed the idea of having a spring cele- bratioE in honor of the prosperity of the Birmingham district, did not have the op- rortunty of reporting to the board of directors at Fridays meeting as was an- ticipated. Friday of this week, however, the regular meeting of the board of di- rectors of the Chamber of Commerce oc- CUTS, and it will be here that Oscar C.. Turner, as chairman of the pot latch" committee, will submit his report and urge that the board of directors approve the celebration, which is proposed to out shine the famous "Mardi Gras' of New Orleans
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
WILL PLAN
 REBUILDING BANNER
Fire at Convict Mines Yes terday Did About
 S40,000 Damage

For the purpose of outlining the rebuild ing of property destroyed by fire at Ban ner mines yesterday morning. Erskine Ramsay, vice president and chief engineer of the Pratt Consolidated Coal company. owners of the property, will leave for Banner today.
 The fire, which was entirely accidental, it is believed by the officials, caused a loss of between $50 600 and $40, GOO, which is almost totally covered by insurance
 The property destroyed consists of the tipple. washer and store bins. situated in close proximity to each other. The fire was discovered about 3;So o'clock yester- day morning by the watchman.
 George B. Mccormack. president of the company. said yesterday afternoon that the fire, he believed, was purely acciden- tai. The work of rebuilding the plant will commence at once, according to the off cials.
 The mine workmen, consisting chiefly of convicts. were never in danger from the fire, as they all were asleep in the main stockade building. which is separated from the structures destroyed by the flames by some distance. About 300 con- victs are worked at the mine, which Is operated by the state under lease with the Pratt company. It was given out yes terday as an opinion by MT. Mccormack that the convicts would be placed in ser vice at other mines and that other men would be placed at work assisting in the rebuilding. He said that in his opinion no difficulty would be experienced by the state convict department in getting the men to work right away.
 The mines will be out of commission about three weeks. but it is believed the repair work will be finished in that time at the outside.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

fore the expiration of the six months option.
 The entire contract is executed and 1t is believed to mean that over s250, 900 of outside money will be brought here by the Pratt company. By in vading Mexico. they will bring here money from the pockets of British and German capitalists who have interests in Mexico.
 The coke to be made by the Pratt company will be used in the shelter trade, but some of it will be used for other purposes. The securing of the contract by the Pratt company is looked upon here as a most valuable transac- ton for this district with future pos abilities. The coke ovens at New castle will provide work for a. large number of mines in connection with the coal to be mined and the ovens to be operated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
CONVICT TRANSFER
 OCCURS DEC. b
Pratt Co. Will Take Over Tennessee Go. COnvicts
 Before January 1

Instead of on January 1, on December 15. the Pratt Consolidated Coal com pany will take over the convicts leased at the present time by the several coun- ties to the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company.
 This Is in keeping with the intention of the Tennessee company to abandon the leasing of convict labor, and it will happen that on January that company will be able to announce that it's miners are free laborers.
 The eonvicts to be transferred on December . number about 75. They will go to the Banner mines of the Pratt company, located at Littleton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
TO SELECT SUCCESSOR
 TO DIR. J. T. PLUNKET

This afternoon, in the auditorium of the South Highlands Presbyterian church, there will be a session of the elders and eleaconse-for- the purpose. of forming a committee that will work for the selec- ton of new pastor for the South High lands church. The pastorate of this church is at present vacant, owing to the recent death of it's pastor, the Rev. J. T Plunket.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
Radcliffe to Return

William C. Radcliffe secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. will arrive today from the trip which took him to Chicago to visit the Land show and later to Wash ington as a delegate to the Rivers and Harbors congress. MT. Radcliffe will be lon the job'' in the morning. During his absence, W. B Everett, assistant secre- tary, has been acting secretary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08
Slippery Streets

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