davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
MUSICIANS AGREE To.
FURNISH Bic BAND
Municipal Christmas Tree Is
Placed in Capitol
Park

The Birmingham Musicians union has
agreed to furnish a band of between 30
and 40 pieces to perform in Capitol parl1
Christmas eve and Christmas night be-
tween and o'clock during the services
of municipal Christmas tree.
The tree itself, a gigantic spruce, was
placed in the park yesterday and will be
erected today. 1t will stand in front of
the Confederate monument at the head
of Twentieth street and when lighted at
night by electricity 1t Is believed 1t can
be seen from far uptown.
The exercises are to consist of music
and songs 1t is believed that several
thousand people will assemble in the park
Christmas eve between s and o'clock
IL the weather is favorable and with this
great tree lighted up and with the ac-
compartment of the band. 1t is intended
to have the crowd sing Christmas songs.
Children are now being trained to sing
Christmas carols and n complete pro-
gramme will be carried out.
The municipal tree movement is being
carried on by the Chamber of Commerce
and committee of ladies headed by Mrs.
A. Il. Meadow, chairman.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
TO ABOLISH GATES
ONSTREEl CARSAS
SOON AS POSSIBLE
All Cars of B. r., L. & P. Co.
to Be ECU tipped With
Doors Opening From
MOtOrman's Seat

The gates on sire et cars of the Bir-
mingham Railway. Light and Power
company as at pre- tent operated and in
force will be diseoi ltinued. according to
an announcement yesterday. The CON-
pany will have all the street cars here
equipped with doc RS which will open
from the motormanfs position in such a
way as not to Interfere with passengers
boarding or alightfig from the cars but
VIII also free the outside of the car from
obtruding gates or doors.
The present management of the conn
pany is said to disapprsye the gates now
used on the cars ard will end the use of
those gates as quickly as possible. In
the opinion of street railway men the
doors are the best for street cars as
they save lives. prevent accidents and
otherwise contribute to the safety of
passengers and the efficiency of the serv-
Ice.
The gates that are now being used
were installed on the local cars some
time ago. At the time there was ve-
hement protest but the company Off
Gals declined to discontinue their use.
Since being In operation they have per-
formed the service intended to the en-
tire satisfaction of the company officials,
it is said
1t Is understood that all new equipment
of the company in its efforts to give bet
ter service here will be equipped with
the doors rather than gates and that tho
present rolling stock will be changed so
as to come under the new regulation.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
HARRISON TO Be
HERE JANUARY L
New Head of Southern Max
ing Inspection Trip of
Properties

Fairfax Harrison, the new president
of the Southern Railway company and
allied lines, accompanied by several
members of the official family, will
arrive in Birmingham January 10. An
nouncement to this effect was made
yesterday from the local executive Of
fices. The trip will be only one of
inspection of the Southern railway lines
ard their physical condition, and win
have no other significance. President
Harrison will leave Washington about
January 6 on the trip which will en-
brace all the principal lines of his sys
TEN. He will be Joined from time to
time by representatives in the various
territory.
Details of the proposed trip of Mr..
Harrison VIII be learned in Industrial
circles with considerable interest.
There has been since his election a
great deal of inquiry as to the approx
innate time OF his trip over the prop
critics.
Mr.. Harrison is known extensively as
a man who believes in extension and
it is gathered that after his trip and
after conferences with his assistants
that a great deal of new work will be
planned. 1t has been made public that
the company contemplates "a rather
large bond issues for retiring other
bonds but leaving a slight surplus for
extensions and betterment. This money
may be used in betterment in this To-
cality. The company has recently
doubled tracked its line extensively
from Atlanta to points in the Caro-
1inas and it is the general belief that
from Birmingham to Atlanta will be
considered next
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
COMPANY WORRIES
OVER FAKE SUITS
Unusually fragrant Cases
Cited to Show Position
of Street Railway
Authorities

Lawyers in Birmingham interested in
legal abuses are citins an alleged expul-
sion of a negro from his church in
Bessemer few days ago for filing a
suit against the Birmingham Railway,
Light and Power company The negro
alleged that he was injured in a derail-
ment of a street car and when the case
came up 1t was dismissed for want of
prosecution.
1t is stated that the defendant COM
pany investigated and was in position to
prove by three witnesses that the negro
was not on the car at the time of the
accident. 1t is stated that several of
the brethren were passengers and when
they found out about the suit. brought
against the company the brother was
expelled from the church.
The officials of the Birmingham Rail-
way, Light and Power company are very
much wrought up over the abuses tina t
are heaped upon their company here and
the tax the company is forced to pay in
maintaining its legal department and
practically a secret service bureau to de-
fend the company from fake suits An
official discussing the situation yester-
day cited instance before Judge
Smith few days ago wherein a negro
sued the company for an injury alleged
to have taken place when the controller
''arced," which threw the negro off the
car. The company was able to prove
by there witnesses that there were no ne
groes on the car at the time of the ala
legged accident The case was dismissed,
although the negro was unpublished for
the annoyance and cost to the company
as well as the county.
1t is understood that the above cases
are in a measure typical, of many that
the company is forced to defend here.
Steps are to be taken it is understood to
remedy the aabuses. While no definite
information Could be gathered 1t is UNI
derstood that several companies who are
more or less the prey OF fake suits will
jointly initiate some prosecutions unless
the practices are stopped.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23

1t was stated yesterday that steps are
to be taken at once to rapidly better the
street railway service here. Several lines
are being observed now in an effort to
get data upon which to base some con-
templated Improvements.
1t was rumored yesterday that Mr.. de-
Windt, the new manager of the street
railway department, had caused some
cars to be placed in the barns on account
of their unattractive appearance One of
them it is said, was on the Terminal
station line. He was of the opinion, it
is understood, that visitors to Birming-
ham We're entitled to better looking street
railway equipment than the car in serv-
Ice.
From what can be gathered the new
management will make every possible eff
fort to give Birmingham the best street
railway service that can be obtained. Mr.
deWindt is said to be ambitious to rem
der Birmingham the best street railway
service in the country. To that end the
new equipment is to be secured and other
betterments initiated.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
CATHOLICS FAST
ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Confessions Will Be Heard in Four
Languages at st. Paups Tomorrow
Beginning at 3 O'Clock

In the Catholic church Christmas eve
in a fast day. In st. Paul's and many
other churches, Christmas is general
communion day for the entire parish. Al
ST. Pauls confessions tomorrow, begin
ming at 3 p. m, will be heard by four
priests and in four nguages--English
Italian. French and German. The Sy-
rians, who used to worship at st. Paul s.
now have a church of their own, St
Elias and a pastor from their native
country-the Rev. aFther Bellama.
At st. Pauls church there will be five
masses Christmas day, $50, 7:3O, $780, 9:3O
and 1920 a. m. The last will be solemn
high mass.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
EAGAN is CHARGED
WITH MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
Warrants against Cant Martin u,aero
B. R., L. & P. TO BUY % NEW
CARS AT COST OF S165,OOO

Twenty-Five new street cars of the very
latest model will be purchased by the
Birmingham Railway, Light and Power
company, requisition being in New
York at this time for the equipment. Tt
will be acted on within the next few days
and the order placed.
The cars will involve the expediture of
approximately $165,0OO. They will be
equipped with pay-as-you-enter boxes.
with the new door arrangement, which
is to displace the gates now used, and
will have the highest power motors that
can be secured. They will be in every
feature the latest and most efficient
street railway cars that can be secured,
it is announced In addition to this new
equipment it is said that eight cars are
to be thoroughly overhauled in the COM
pany shops without delay and they will
be equipped with the new features as an
nounced. The overhauled cars coupled
with the new order will supply the COM
pany with so new cars for local service
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
SANTA CLAUS TO REMEMBER
MINERS CHILDREN

Santa Claus was unusually busy yester-
day, so Vt is reported, arranging the re-
membranes that he will bring to 5000
children who attend schools at various
Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad COM
pany operations. Santa Claus himself is
looking after this departure in indus
trial operations and he will appear at
the various schoolhouses to gladden. the
hearts of the students There will be
provided packages consisting of candy
apples, oranges and such for each child
while Santa Claus has caused to be ar
RANGED an attractive Christmas card con-
veying the greetings of the Tennessee
Coal. Iron and Railroad company to each
of the children
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
-YOU-ENTER
CARS WILL Be USED
BY B. RI. & P. CO.
Will Be Installed on Cars
One Line at a Time.
Officials Are Much
Interested

Pay you-enter cars are to be in
itiated on the lines of the Birmingham
Railway, Light and Power company. An
nouncement to this effect was made yes
terday from the company offices. There
have been ordered 100 pay-as-you-enter
boxes, which will be attached to that
number of cars as rapidly as possible.
The same method Is now in use on the
Tidewater lines in this city. The older
company Will install the pay-as-you-er-
ter cars on one line at a time until all of
the lines are equipped in this way. 1t will
be the latter part of next month before
the first pay-as-you-ente boxes are
ready. They are called the Johnston tyne
boxes and are said to be the latest things
in that line.
The innovation by the Birmingham Rail-
way. Light and Power company Will be
taken after considerable hesitation. This
policy has been discussed from time to
time, but no decision was reached until
lately. That this method of collecting
fares will be the best for the company
and for the passengers is said to be the
general opinion of the officials
1t is believed that the pay-as-you-enter
cars will result in greater safety, more
efficiency and the expedition of traffic.
The conductors will stand on the rear
platform. They will have every oppor-
tunity of observing the passengers, and
will have nothing to do except move the
cars properly and promptly, and see that
the fares are deposited.
1t was not announced yesterday what
line would be tried out first on the pay-as-
you-enter system, but 1t will be one of
the NEST important and heavily congested
In the city.
The officials of the company are very
much interested in the proposition ard in
tend to handle it as quickly as possible.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
CHIPLEY HERE TO
}, SEE COMMISSION
Understood Southern Bell Counsel
Seeks Information on Attitude
Toward Telephone Co.

Fl. chipley, general counsel of tho
Southern Bell Telephone and Tele-
graph company of New York, was in
Birmingham and called upon the city
commissioners yesterday. 1t was stated
Mr.. Chipley was seeking information
as to what steps were contemplated in
the future by the city commission in
dealing with his company. The local
company's franchise was discussed. Mr..
Chip1ey stated his trip to Birmin CHAM
was solely for the purpose of getting
information.
Manager ID. f. Turnbull of the local
telephone company called upon the
commissioners yesterday afternoon. AS
is remembered, the city commissioners
re cently declared null and void the or
dinance of the city regulating tele-
phone rates for five years.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
CHANLER UNDERGOES
SLIGHT OPERATION

Paris, December civilian Astor
Chanler today underwent an operation
for a fractured knee 1t was success
fully performed by DIR. c. w Du Bouchet
who removed eliot Of blood. The pa
tient was slightly feverlsh afterward, but
there were no other unfavorabe symp-
toms.
1t was reported on December s that Mr..
Chanler was lying seriously i'll at the
American hospital at Neuilly, a suburb
of Paris. as a result of an automobile ac-
cident or bullet wound The hospital
authorities refused to define the injury
until today.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
MORNING MEDLEY OF
DAYS DOINGS IN CITY

J. F. MeGil and T. Christian have been
sworn out by Frank B. Simon, charging
them with malicious mischief.
The warrants We're issued by Judge
II. B. Abernethy of the court of common
pleas, and are the outcome of a raid
made on the apartment of Frank Simon
located on the top floor of the Simon
building, Nineteenth street and Fourth
avenue, when a number of well known
citizens We're arrested on a charge oe
gaming. The case was tried before
Judge A. NJ. Douglas of the recorder
court and the defendants acquitted In
effecting an entrance into the room
where the alleged gambling was taking
place 1t Is claimed the officers brose
down the door of the room.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
TWO KILLED WHEN
TRAIN HITS BUGGY

Nicholasville. KY, December %
billiard Hunter. a farmer, and his
niece. Miss Nora Hunter were Instant
~ killed near here today when the
buggy, in which they were driving, was
struck by Louisville and Nashville
passenger train. The accident occurred
at a sharp curve.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN
BRITISH GUINEA.

Georgetown. British Guinea, December
ga large section of the business quar-
ter of Georgetown, which is known also
as Demerara, was destroyed by fire this
morning. Twenty persons were killed
and many injured. Scores were rendered
homeless. A vast amount of sugar for
expectation was burned and a warehouse
and many other buildings were de-
stroyed.
Georgetown is the capital of British
Guinea. its population numbers about $751;
900, of whom 5000 are whites.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
LITTLE GIRL is
SLIGHTLY HURT BY Alto

Elizabeth Jones, a little girl, was
struck by an automobile while crossing
the street at Thirty-third avenue and
Twenty-seventh street, North Birming-
ham, yesterday afternoon about o'clock
and slightly injured 1t was alleged that
the automobile was the property of L. H.
Kelly and was driven by Ira Dement,,
Jr., demonstration for the Brownell Mo-
tor Car company. Mr.. Dement, was ar
rested by officer Moreland and placed
under $500 bond on the charge of reck-
less driving
According to accounts of the accident
Mrs. d. r. Jones, the mother of the in
jured child, had just left their home at
1929 Thirty-third avenue to come to town
and In crossing the street at Twenty
seventh street and Thirty-third avenue
the accident occurred. The mother es-
capped injury by quickly stepping aside.
Mr.. Dement, is said to have stopped his
car and rendered all assistance possible
to the injured child.
1t was stated last night that the little
Jones girl was not seriously injured and
had suffered only a few slight bruises.
EAGAN is CHARGED
WITH MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
Warrants against Cant Martin cro
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
ANTEFRAT CAMPAIGN
IS FELT IN ALABAMA
This Is Statement Made by
Sutton at Kappa Sigma
COnclave

That 900 has been raised and Is now
in the hands of a national committee for
the furtherance OF campaign against
secret college organizations throughout
the United States is the gist of state
ment made by Ed L. Sutton, head of the
Sixth district of Kappa Sigma at the
opening conclave meeting of that fra
ternity held at the Chamber of Commerce
yesterday afternoon.
A well organized and powerful faction
working for the abolition of the college
fraternity is active all over the country,
according to Mr.. Sutton. The agitation
which led to the abolition of fraternities
in Mississippi and other states is at pres
ent being felt In Alabama and Georgia,
and these states will probably face the
same situation within year, declared the
speaker.
Mr.. Sutton dwelt at length upon frater-
nal conditions with regard to this move
ment and urged that such orders strive
to set such standard at college that
their presence should be an evident benefit
to the students belonging to them in scho-
lastic and other phases of college activity
Some 50 delegates attended the opening
conclave meeting. Assistant Solicitor
Hugh A. Locke delivered the welcome adj
dress and was answered by Mr.. Sutton
In behalf of the visitors. Reports of the
various chapters were read, evidcncing
the fraternity's growth and prosperity
during the past year. This morning the
delegates will be taken through the Ems
ley steel plant by ]. M. Gill and A. Mere
dyth Roberts, members of the organiza-
ton. Tomorrow night the conclave ends
with a banquet at the Southern club.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
Dean-Kicker Marriage

Mountain Creek, December 22.-tSpecial)
Today at o'clock the Rev o. w. Greer
united in marriage Miss leila Lee Kicker
and S. III. Dean at the residence of the
brides father. The marriage unites two
of the best families in the neighborhood,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23

been operated in said city, practically
free from police interference.
3d. That during said term of office of
said chief of police George II. Bodeker,
gambling houses have been permitted to
operate practically unmolested in hotels
and other buildings in the business sec
ton of Birmingham, Ala.
49, That, during the term of office of
said chief of police, George H. Bodeker
rooms and so-called clubs, protected by
barred or barricaded doors, or bells or
signals to warn of approach, have been
operated practically unmolested in the
city of Birmingham. Ala.
~. That during the term of Office of
said chief of police. George II. Bodeker
rooms or so-called clubs, protected by
barred or barricaded doors, and equipped
with bells or signals to warn of approach
have been operated practically unmo-
lected in hotels and other buildings in the
public or business portion of the city of
Birmingham, Ala.
20. That during the term of office of
said chief Of police, George H. Bodeker,
gambling houses in the city of Birming-
ham, Ala, have been protected by his
authority.
&c. That during the term of office of
said chief of police. George II. Bodeker,
lewd houses. or houses of prostitution, in
the city of Birmingham, Ala, have been
protected by his authority.
Too Many Migrants
az That during said term of office of
said chief of police, George II. Bodeker,
large numbers of Migrants have infested
the city of Birmingham, Ala, practically
free from police molestation.
SO. That during said term of office of
said chief of police, George H. Bodeker
large numbers of gamblers, with no visi-
BILE means of support have infested the
city of Birmingham, Ala, practically free
from police interference.
80. That during the term of office Of
said chief of police, George II. Bodeker
large numbers of places where vinous,
malt or spirituous liquors were kept or
disposed of Illegally, said places being
commonly known as blind tigers. have
been operated in the city of Birmingham,
Ala. practically free of police interfer-
ence.
40. That during the term of office
Of said chief of police, George II. Bod
el1er lewd houses and houses of pros
titution were openly operated in said
city practically free from police inter
ference.
al. That said George H. Bodeker
while chief of police of said city has
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
PERSONAL

Erskine Ramsay left last night for
Pennsylvania to spend the holidays
with his mother. He will be away about
10 days.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-23
Dillon Declines to Give Any
Official Opinion on
Bond Issue
TEST CASE TO BE
FILED IN COURTS
Unless City Commissioners Take
Action at Once Chamber of Com
merce VIII Move Through It's
Auditorium Committee

Within the next 60 days, 1t is believed
the Alabama state supreme court will
have in it's hands for decision case in
volving the validity of the 100000 bond
issue for the Birmingham Peoples audi
forum.
The long expected and equally delayed
report of Judge John f. Dillon, bond ex-
pert of New York. upon the validity of
the auditorium bond issue was received
by City Attorney Romano Boyd yester-
day. In it the bond expert declines to
officially indorse or declare void the $780,
900 bond issue.
Believes Issue Valid
He states that he believes the issue to
be valid, but that there is a reasonable
doubt as to whether the state statute
involved authorizes a bond issue for an
auditorium and that with this doubt in
the case, his firm makes it a rule not
to pass a final opinion. At the same
time, Judge Dillon states that he believes
the bond issue to be valid and recom-
mends that a test case be made of it by
the city and the supreme court be given
the opportunity of making a decision on
the matter before the auditorium is built,
thereby guarding against possible en-
barrassing developments.
Although the city commissioners de-
cline to be quoted, it is believed that that
official body may not be particularly
vigorous in placing the test case in the
courts.
Civic Chamber Would Act
Gil do to1y
action at once, President w. P. G. Hard
ing of the Chamber of Commerce stated
last night that that organization through
its special auditorium committee, which
originally launched the auditorium move
ment here and carried it to success. would
see that the test case was filed at once
and that he believed the matter would be
in the hands of the supreme court by
March l. Chairman Paschal G. Shook of
this committee is out of the city.
The statute in question is a section of
the state code providing for municipali-
ties to issue bonds for municipal buildings
and then names list of numerous build
ings but in the list is not a public audi
forum. This is where the doubt in the
situation arises. 1T was not unexpected.
Ihls raw III the state statute was known
to the special Chamber of Commerce
auditorium committee early in the audi-
forum campaign.
The great predominance of opinion
seems to be that the supreme court Will
hold the issue valid and that about the
only effect of the latest DEVELOPMENT in
+ba bond issua casa win ha ,ho aola,,
~ 80
nc tese case VIII liisl pe liieo III 'he
chancery court and from there Will be
appealed to the state supreme court
The abstract of Judge Dillon,s renor+ is
as follows.
I,Jro D;,Ior, Donr+