davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11

The failure of property holders to re- spond to the citations issued by the board of revenue has caused much delay and inconvenience in the hearing of the pro- posed raises of property valuations as listed by Tax Commissioner j. V. Allen.
 One of the members of the board stat ed yesterday that if the property hold CTS did not appear or give some reason for a continuance the assessments would be entered as filed by Captain Allen.
 The session yesterday was more of an informal hearing than of the sitting of a court vested with judicial authority. It lacked dignity and decorum and several times President Going was compelled to rap for order and call attention to the fact that cases were being heard How ever, it Is understood that an effort was being made to have the tax commits sioner and the property holders settle the questions between themselves before bringing the matter before the board, which was in measure largely responsi- ble for the confusion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
BOWRON RESENTS CREDITORS ACTION Petition Filed for Receiver
 for SOut .ern Steel AMOUNT UNDER $500 Company's Counsel Will Appear This Morning and Ask to Have the
 Petition Dismissed by
 Judge Grubb
AMOUNT UNDER $500

l A formal petition for a receiver was
 filed yesterday morning at 1o.45 o'clock in the United States court against the Southern Iron and Steel company, of
 which James Bowron is president. The document went into the usual preamble
 of such papers and suggested to w. l.
 Grubb. judge of the United States court.
 that o. E. Cowden would be a suitable
 person to take charge of that corporation
 and operate it's business during the re-
 eeivership.
 The petition for a receiver followed the
 visit of representatives of the petitioners
 to the home of Deputy Clerk Johnson
 Tuesday night, with whom petition in bankruptcy was filed and marked as of
 record July g. at 1l:55 o'clock. MT. John
 son said yesterday that the attorneys for
 the petitioners came to his homea in a buggy and that he docketed the case at that time
 The petitioners are the J. C. Lysle Mill ing company, by o. E. Cowden, agent, to
 whom is due s16o. The Etowah Nova
 Kola company. s1s7.1o. and the Martin
 Bread bakery, s229so
 The petition was signed and affirmed
 before a notary public by Mir. Cowden | for the milling company, E. B. Mathis for the soft drink company. and ". J | McGrail vice president of the bread | bakery The editors are represented | by Attorneys Murfee and Richardson. l The company by James Bowron. presi- dent, will appear before Judge W. l. Grubb this morning, at which time Mr.
 Bowron announces that payment will be
 made to the creditors filing the petition. | In a statement about the matter Mir.
 Bowron seemingly resents the move of
 the three creditors as he says:
 I've have been served with copy of
 petition. returnable tomorrow at the suit of the Etowah County Nova-Cola com pany. Martin Bread Bakery and J. c. Lysle Milling company, whose aggregate accounts, according to our books, amount
 to $A465. Counsel on behalf of the company will resist the petition and re- quest that it be dismissed
 Certified checks will be rendered or mailed today for the amounts of the re- spective debts; and if they had had the courtesy due to an established business concern to come around yesterday and ask for the amounts instead of filing a petition, the vouchers would have been handed to them then.
 This company has committed no act
 of bankruptcy and is pursuing its business in a legitimate and orderly way, with
 improving prospects; and there does not appear to be any reason to the manage
 ment why any creditors should attempt to convert the bankruptcy court into one of collection of small debts.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
FAYETTE MAN MAY SUCCEED THOMPSON Understood s. T. Wright Has Been IndOrsed for
 Revenue Collector

1t is understood in local republican circles that & T. Wright of Fayette, a we'll known attorney of that place, has been indorsed by Pope NJ Long and Maj. r. D. Barker for collector of internal revenue. the post now held by Joseph o. Thompson. That MT. Thompson will be removed for per nicious political activity" against Pres ident Taft is generally accepted as an early eventuality
 MT. Wright. according 10 local gos- sip, was indorsed several months ago for the place but Mir. Thompson was not removed because Of the impending convention. Since that event, however. 1t is understood that some action will be taken against the local officeholder and leader of the bull moose faction.
 MT. Long, Major Barker and other well known republicans are nowf in Washington for the purpose, 1t is said, of officially decapitating several of- ficeholders in this state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
AT THE HOTELS


 R. P. Tucker of Talladega, F. F. Tis- dale of Athens and T. F. Crittenden of Hartselle are among the arrivals at the Metropolitan.
 J. s. Billings of Marvel. G. A Beau champ of Montgomery and J. L. James of New Orleans are among those stop ping at the Morris.
 R. P. Boyd of Montgomery J. ". Hubbard of Atlanta and J. G. Hanly of Tuscaloosa are registered at the Flor ence.
 L. c. Day of Hartselle, F. W. Turk of Montgomery and R. W. Quinn of Ham, ilton are among those registered at the Birmingham.
 Thomas Cobb, of York, Ala, J. A. Bingham of Tanadega and H. H. Me- Connell of Decatur are among the ar rivals at the Hillman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
AGEE CONFIDENT
 IN DAVIS CASE

Chairman W. c. Agee of the excise commission, announced yesterday that the commission did not anticipate any adverse outcome from the action of W. c. Davis in contesting the cancellation of his wholesale license by the commissions CTS.
 Under the recent decision of the su- preme court upholding the Smith bill,'' said MT. Agee, "I think we have every right to take such action as we did in the Davis case
 The wholesale license of Davis was can celled by the commission for alleged vio- lations of the rule against dealers sup plying blind tigers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were issued yesterday in the office of the probate clerk: "
 W. H. Burnett of Birmingham and Miss Lucia Bentley
 w. J. Philips of Toomsuba, Miss, and Miss Fannie Beatrice McClung
 J. E. Coyle of Birmingham and Miss Della Nicely.
 w. P. Hill of Bessemer and Miss Mrmi North.
 C. R. Brooks of Birmingham and Miss Ida A. Mitchell.
 John ". McElrath of Morris, Ala, and Miss Addie l.. Glennon.
 M M. Gentry of Goethite, Ala, and Miss Flora Lee Sharritt
 W F. Lathrop of Ensley and Mrs. Will lie Mae Cranswell
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11

 of the case of Bailey & Howard, whose assessments were raised few hundred dollars, but much below the figures of the tax commissioner.
 In the absence of B. A. Thompson, who is acting for the real estate dealers as- witnesses for the tax commissioner on property valuations and conducted his ex- aminations in an able manner. MT Mol ton has been present at every session and has taken an active part in It's pro- oeedings.
 As the session adjourned he was asked by a well known property holder a ques- ton as to tax valuations.
 Why don't you join us?" replied MT. Motion. You are seeking to get the bene- fit of our fight without helping to defray the cost. We want you to join with us and hope you will do so.'
 ub-diyisions of Acreage Property
 In a controversy concerning the possi- biIity of plotting acreage into residence lots, Mir Thompson asked Turner Weak ley, who while testifying to the value of acreage, suggested it might be sub divided and sold for resident property Do you know how large a population 1t would require to fill up the subdivisions of Birmingham already plotted fas resi- dence lots?''
 "I think I do," replied MT. Wealxley. "It would require a population larger than that of Philadelphia"
 "Then, there's not much need for more subdivisions,Y said MT. Thompson. ad- dressing the board
 The property of the Anheuser Busch Brewing company on First avenue and Eighteenth street, now occupied by the Young t& Vann Mining Supply company, was the subject of long controversy. The building is assessed at s60,o00, and is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Baylor in Anniston

R. I. Baylor, district passenger agent for the Southern railway, has opened up offices in Anniston to care for the sol ders encamped there He will remain in Anniston during the entire encampment. MT. Baylor has in Anniston two assist ants to help in routing the soldiers and rendering them all the aid possible. Mitchell Coxwell is in charge of the local offices during the absence of MT. Baylor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Nappi,s Programme Tonight

Nappis band will render the following programme at Capitol park tonight: March, The cantonians." Alexander Overture. "Celtlc.'' Clair.
 selection, '.The Dollar Princess" Fall Reverie. Melody of Love" Engelmann Solo. Won F Yer" Sig Nappi Selection. Algeria" Hobert. t1 Caprice, Loves Enchantment," Lo- sey.
 Waltz. Vision Blon
 Medley, .Amina," Fargo.
 March "Undeswood." (by request). Dow man.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Committees to Meet

The finance committee of the Cham Der of Commerce will meet Friday at 12:sO o'clock and the board of directors will meet the same afternoon at 3:3O o'clock Business of importance will be discussed by both committees.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
MASS MEETING ON
 NEW WATER RATES Be Held in City Hall Armory
 Tonight REFERENDUM URGED Those Opposed to Ordinance Believe
REFERENDUM URGED
Those Opposed to Ordinance Believe Petition Calling Referendum Flee ton Will Be Easily Signed
 Up by the Voters

There will be mass meeting tonight at the city hall armory. at which time a petition will be started in opposition to the new water rate ordinance. Fred M. Jackson will act as chairman of the meeting and will introduce the various speakers
 Those opposed to the water contract be- lieve that there is strong feeling against the ordinance as executed by City Com missioner A. O. Lane and President Gull pepper Exum Their associate commits soner. James Weatheny. is bitterly op- posed to It. He said yesterday:
 q do not believe In substituting ths judgment of the commission to the mani festly more placid judgment of % per cent of Birmingham's people. We are here to represent them and in a matter that af- fleets every one of them they should be, given an opportunity to decide.'
 Mir. Weatherly will attend the mass meeting tonight and will make a short | address Other speakers will include Wal ter Moore. Isadore Shapiro Robert N Bell and others.
 | The slgners of the call for the mass meeting include: Robert N Bell, w. NJ Drennen. J. D. Collins Isadore Shapiro. ]. B. Wood, E. D. smith, T. r.. Huev. East Lake, F. X. Wadhorst, A. Balsam, | J. E. Davis. c. r. Beddow, r. NJ Jack son, Dr. B. A. Fox, w. G. Oliver, R. | Dupont Thompson, Woodlawn, Tom Pound. W. F. Tyler. F. w. Dixon, John F. Williams. Ernest Matthews, Charles J. Sharpe, George E. Ward, l.. A. Stoll- worth. Joe Johnson, Robert F. Smith. w. R. Kelly. Graymont, John H. Har- rison, D. H. Griffith. Ensley. Dr. E. T. Fields, Ensley, W. T. Stuart. Ensley. w. 1 T. Snow. Ensley. A. C. Kicks, Eusley, c. F. Camp. Ensley. Start Petition
 Following the speeches the petition for a referendum will be started. It is un- derSeod that an effort will be made to get the petition up without delay. The commissioners will not hesitate to lay the matter before the people on refer endum. although there is said to be some question to whether the referendum feature applies to an ordinance such as the water contract is said to be. PresI- dent Exum and Judge Lane, the advo-s cates of the ordinance, say they are in favor of allowing the people to pass judg- ment upon 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
STEELE DECLINES ID SIGN MOOSE CALL
Cannot Surrender Principles
 of a Lifetime
EXPLAINS HIS POSITION
J. o. Thompson and Others Active. Claim More Than Hundred From Alabama Will Attend the
 Chicago Convention

Nenian L. Steele. who has heretofore manifested his friendship for Col. Theo- dore Roosevelt. declined yesterday to sign the call for third party as outlined by J. o. Thompson, O. R. Hundley and others interested In the future of Colonel Roosevelt Mr. Steele, when asked to sign the petition told the leaders that 1t was a rather difficult matter to repudlate the republican principles for which he has stood during a life time, and they would have to excuse him. Subsequently, MT. Steele informed representatives of the press that his action did not mean com plete bolt from the bull moose move- ment
 T mean to convey this," said MT. Steele, if the colonel runs for President as a progressive republican I may follow him. But when it comes to an absolute sur render of those republican doctrines for which l have stood and my father has stood. cannot see my way clear to act with the colonel. I am not trying to be- cloud the issue. It is simply asking too much to fly off at n tangent with the hope of issues so palpably indefinite.
 The action of Mir Steele was about the only definite development among the bull moose followers yesterday News of his action flew about the federal building. In the Taft camp the wise ones found consolation, and said among themselves; T told you so. The all wool and a yard wide boys won't let the colonel get away with that red fire. Never.''
 The Roosevelt faithful were undlsmayed by the action of Mr. Steele. They see in 1t only one of those incidents attendant upon great movement, and as yet are undisturbed. J, O. Thompson says one would be surprised at the list of promi- nent men who Ire signing the call, and says when 1t Is ready over 100 Of the most prominent men in the republican ranks will be among the followers of the colonel.
 Active steps are in the meantime being made by the bull moore followers to get the boys into line. The petition Is being broadly circulated. and will be formally issued during the next few days.
 MT. Thompson says that over 100 men from Alabama will attend the bull moose convention at Chicago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Exception in One Case

In every instance where contest has been made the board has turned down the proposed raise, with the exception
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11

warrant more than the suggestion.
 The adoption of the proposed amendment 10 the constitution. which provides:
 "'The Legislature of Alabama may hereafter from time to time. by general or local laws. fix, regulate and alter the costs. charges of courts fees, commis- sionS, allowances or salaries to be charged or received by any county of- ficer of Jefferson county. including the method and basis of their oompensA- tions."'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Keeping Money
 at Home

Is commendable when you get value received for the money. When you place your surety or casualty risk with this strong Company you are protected as fully as any insurance company can protect you-and your money stays here to help build up the South.
 Let us have your business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Cases Disposed Of

The following cases were disposed O yesterday:
 Bailey & Howard, feed. Montgomery S230.
 Bailey & Howard, trustees, sl4o0. Mrs. M. J. Bankston, dismissed. H. c. BarwiclS, s1o0 Mrs Ada r. Bass $500 George B. Bates, S4000 Geo. B. Bates. trustee, s50o. Mrs Pauline Patterson. S2o0 K. IT. Baugh. s4250 R. II. Baugh, administrator. slo00. Kate O. Beart, dismissed. J T. Beasley, $500. W. l.. and C. l. Beasley, s1o00. Adde l.. Beck, $500. Beck Laundry & Grocery Co.,, s10o0 H. NJ. Beck. $950 Mrs. Grace O. Beggs, seoo. D. c. Behrens, 1850. Henry Behrens, s25Go. Joseph Berthman, s225o. A. w Bell, 5000. NJ. c. Bell, $500. Robert N. Bell, s2i5o. N. A. Bell dismissed J. H. Belser, sl20o Miss Lizzie R. Beagh, s4Too. A, V. Bennett, s4700 A. c. Benning dismissed. Mrs. Vallie Benton. dismissed. Toney C. Berenti, 5000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Property Holders Are
 Too Slow in Appearing
Hobsons Case One of Cers of Interest In Tax Hear ings-More Than Half the Gases Were Settled By
 Agreement Yesterday-Work Proceeds Slowly

leased to the present tenants for 20 years at 5000 per year. The tax commissioner proposed a substantial raise. but 1t was objected to as the net income under the long lease showed only a per cent re- turn on the investment. The raise was disallowed
 Maben Hobson in Earnest
 The feature of the morning session was the testimony of Maben Hobson, who ap- peared to make objection to a raise on certain property located on Jupiter ave- nue, Southside. The property was sub jected to a substantial raise by the tax commissioner. MT Hobson testified that he assessed the property at S6000. and that it was on the market for s75o0, which, ac- cording to the 60 per cent valuation. would show that he had assessed his property $1500 higher than the law required.
 MT. Hobson was plainly worked up as to the attempted raise, and in language more emphatic than otherwise announced his intention of resisting any further raise on the property valuation His usual calm and unruffled demeanor gave place to decided antagonism, and when asked the question whether he would agree to a raise under any circumstances, he blurted out.
 'Tll be d. if I do."
 A general laugh followed this decided remark and every one present glanced at the board to see what effect it had on that august tribunal.
 Moderator Going looked decidedly shocked Ed IIaigler adjusted his specs and took a fresh chew of tobacco; Cap tain Rogers expression plainly said. what do you think of that?" Doc Love- lady assumed a serious air as though considering the advisability of demanding the proper courtesy to the board, while Dr. Vines broadly prfnned and follow ing his usual procedure. said nothing.
 MT. Hobson explained his remark by saying he had lost sight of the fact thar the board was in session and that he was under the impression the meeting was informal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
EXCISEMEN MEET
 LIQUOR DEALERS
Conference Will Be Held at the City Hall at Noon
 Today

The excise commissioners and the liquor dealers. of the county will hold joint conference today at noon. Tie meeting will be in the city hall It is expected that large attendance will be on hand. The subject for discussion between the commissioners and the dealers has not been given out However. 1t is expected that something rather interesting will be discussed. The popular opinion is that a plan of warfare against the blind tigers is to be offered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Joined in General Laugh

The toard finally joined in the general laugh and excused MT. Hobson and dis missed his case. As a matter of fact &C., cording to the evidence before the board, MT. Hobson was due a reduction Instead of a raise.
 As Mr. Hobson rose to leave the court room he shook hands with Captain Allen, who remarked:
 Good day, I hope our next meeting will be a social one.'
 T hope so, too," replied Mir. Hobson. and mopping his manly and perspiring brow. left the court room.
 It is clear from the actions of the board thus far that only active values will be considered, and that they sub scribe to the contention of the attorneys for the property holders that specula- tive values should not be taken in con- sideration except In extreme cases.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Settled by Agreement

| On yesterdays docket there were 50 cases. Of this number more than half
 were settled by agreement or by action
 of the board. The progress in hearing cases has been slow, owing to lengthy arguments of opposing counsel. The board having ruled on these contentious it Is
 thought more rapid progress will be
 made in hearing cases and that the large
 majority of cases will be amicably set
 tied between the property holders and the tax commissioner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Money in Arrests

By this system the sheriff becomes in terested. financially, in making as many arrests as possible. If he feeds 300 prison CTS. which Is said to be the average in Jefferson county, at BOG per day, which cost him not more than 10c. he has here profit of 20c, s2l,1Do per year. on this single item.
 "Is there any wonder that the jail can be kept fnll and there is need for a lar~er one?
 "The average number of arrests means sumnionlng witnesses How manye As many as the prosecutor and the justice puts down on the writ. Have you ever heard Of misdemeanant taking up the time of the crowded court retaxing wit ness fees and costs?
 If the case Is continued. more fees to clerk for issuing more summons. for sheriff in serving them. for the deputy attending as witness. Do you wonder
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Speedy Trial

"A prompt and speedy trlal-not klonger than week after the arrest, in misdemeanor jail cases. and practi- cally all other misdemeanor cases A general purging of the docket, and disposition oY old, outworn and frivol- ous misdemeanor cases, which only serve the purpose of congesting the docket and delaying real cases. and the further purpose of making addition al fees. The solicitor and the judge in few days. by going over the whole list. could save the public many thous- and dollars and render the courts more efficient for real business
 The placing of the clerks of all stat utory courts-such as the criminal and city courts--on a salary basis. No one can gainsay the power of the legisla- ture. which created these courts, so to do.
 The placing of the feeding of pris- oners in charge of the board of revenue
 Making 1t more difficult for prosecu- tions to be brought for abusive language, Sunday gaming and other trivial misdemeanors. by propiding that prosecutions therefor shall only be in stituted by indictment, or warrants issued by judge of court of record or by warrants issued with the written consent of the solicitor, and providing that during the vacation of the court some judge shall sit to try these and other misdemeanor cases, and relieve the jail of its unnecessary congestion
 The justices of the peace should be abolished. or shorn of their Jurisdiction and statutory court substituted there for. Time nor the occasion does not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11
Officers Profit Always

'"The remarkable part is that the law Is so formed that the officers may profit by their own wrong. If they make an unjustifiabe arrest. upon warrants sworn out by their own deputies. they still charge and collect for the arrest, for the feeding of the prisoner. for the approv- ing of the bond, for their attendance as witnesses, for their issuing and serving the subpoena Heads they win tails you losel
 Then, what are the remedies? Some of the remedies go to the admlnlstra- - ton of the present laws. others to changing the laws.
 ''I suggest:
 "The creation of a sentiment demand , ing of the courts that they discourage the institution of frivolous or unnec- essary prosecutions by taxing the prose cutor with the costs, be he individual or officer
 "The creation of a sentiment demand ing the publication of docket in the criminal courts, that defendants may have notice of the setting of their cases, and not be harassed win snap judgment forfebures
 "A stern rule against continuances by defendant or the state
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-11

that contlnuances and delays are not dis couraged?
 ''If the defendant be not present and cases are set so irregularly and frequent ly that It is almost impossible for a de- fendant to keep up with his case, there are more fees to the clerk for the for feiture, for the sheriff in making the re- arrest and serving notice on the bonds men. Do you wonder why there is no published docket?
 For the arrest in misdemanor cases the sheriff receives a fee of g for guard Ing the prisoner, $2 notwithstanding the county paid, as the auditors report shows in 1910, for guarding prisoners, s146O and so strongly intrenched were tho officers that. after this fee was abolished 1t was re-enacted even for Jefferson county