davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
BURSTS FROM EVERY
PART OF BUILDING

After this fierce blast the fire seemed
to burst from every part of the building
at once. Upon the fire escapes girls
women and men were clustered, and in
side, others were waiting to get onto the
iron ladders. But the flames We're too
quick for them.
The slow starting of the fire drill may
have contributed to the disaster, the de-
lay in getting all the firemen to the scene
may have been responsible for part of
the loss of life.s But persons who were
early on the scene said that these things
did not materially affect the result.
When the firemen arrived in response
to the telephone alarm they were unable
to get within 200 feet of the burning
building, and the ends of the streams
from their hose were turned into steam
without effect upon the fire.
Life nets and extension ladders were
equally useless. There was no chance
for those caught on the upper floors, ex-
cept the last resort to jump, and this
many took, while others fell shriveled
and crumpled with the heat
Scarcely one of the survivors was able
to give a connected account of what took
place ON the upper floors of the factory
when the employees there-mostly women
and girls-realized that the fire call was
no false alarm and that death was sweep
ing upon them.
The coolest among them recalled that
women tainted by dozens and that the
scene was one of indescribable confusion.
Some of the men employees apparently
kept their heads and did their best to
rescue the imperilled women.
The fire escapes were not large enough
to hold all who rushed to the exits and
there was a dash for windows the
trapped victims shieking from pain as the
flames swept upon them from behind and
scared their bodies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
BRONZE TABLET FOR
MILITARY COMPANY

Montgomery. July 22-(Special)-As one
of the Oldest and most historical mili-
tary organizations in the state, dis
tinet honor has been shown the Mont-
gomery True Blues. Second regiment, Ala
bama National Guard, by the United
States war department. The government
has sent Capt. Paul o. Franson. COM
mander Of the company. a bronze tab-
let made from portions OF the battleship
Maine, which was sunk in Havana har-
Dor. The tablet has Inscribed or It, In
Memory of the United States Ship Maine.'
The tablet is is by 1S inches square.
These tablets are being sent to all the
historical military organizations in the
country. The tablet received by Captain
Franson will he hung in the slues ar
nlorY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
FIRE BELIEVED
DUE TO CARELESSNESS

The parallel here fails only in the
lesser height and different construc-
tion of the building and In the length
of the list of dead and injured. An
other resemblance to the New York
disaster is that the fire today is be-
lieved to have been started by the care
sless throwing of a eigaret butt or
match.
II In the tragedy of this afternoon the
1deady burst of flame followed quickly
after the alarm. There was little op-
portunity to use ordinary or even emer-
gency means of escape. Fire drills had
been carried on regularly. so frequently.
in fact. that the employees had found
them monotonous.
The building was equipped with fire es-
capes and an automatic alarm system.
The alarm tinkled at 2i2o o'cloc Mrs.
Reed b. Freeman, wife of the proprietor,
telephoned to the central fire station.
The usual apparatus for first still
alarm responded Some excited persons
blocks away, saw burst of flames and
pulled the box there. The rest of the
companies answered this alarm
This meant 10 minutes delay for part
Of the fremen. But even those who ar
rived first we're unable to do anything.
The first puff of flames was harry dis
cerned before the fire leaped along the
staircases and walls, up the elevator
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Trapped by Flames in Con-
vict Cage, Prisoners Meet
Awful Death While On
lockers Helpless tOAid

Jackson, Miss, July 22.-Eighteen
charred bodies of convicts were re-
moved today from the ruins of the
oakley state convict prison fire in
which a total of 35 convicts, all
negroes, perished early today. The
bodies were found huddled together
in the corner fartherest from where
the fire started.
When the alarm was given all possible
means of escape for the imprisoned men
had been cut off by the flames. but pris-
oners in another pen were formed in a
relief squad and worked desperately to
fight back the fire. The 35 prisoners had
rerished in less than an hour after the
Ars started
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
OF INCOME TAX LAW
BEGINS IN SENATE
First Break in Programme
of Tariff Rate Debates.
Sm0ot Concludes His
Attack on the Bill

Washington, July 22.--Public discus
sion of the proposed new income tax
came for the first time in the Senate
today when Senator Borah began an
analysis of the income tax provision
of the bill and a comparison of con-
ditions in this country with those in
England. France and other nations.
where immense revenues are obtained
by direct taxation.
This was the first break in the pro-
gramme of tariff rate discussion which
began Saturday. 1t followed the con-
cluding address by Senator Smoot, who
for two days had analyzed the new
rates and duties of the Simmons I'm
derwood bill. and had criticized the
the protective policy. and because of
its alleged inequalities.
Senator Borah's address to be con-
tinued tomorrow, held the close atten-
tion of republicans and democrats
throughout the hour he had the floor.
He declared an income tax to be an
effective restraint upon the extrava-
gances of nation. should be dtstri-
buted over the small incomes, SO every
citizen would feel its effects Be-
cause of the great burden of indirect
taxes born by American citizens, how
ever Senator Borah said this princi-
pie could not be applied in the United
States. On the contrary, he urged that
the $4,000 exemption fixed by the Senate
committee, be raised to the $4,000 fig
ure fixed by the House. under the
leadership of Chairman Underwood.
No Relief
Under this income tax provision
there will be no relief for those who
ought to have relief" said the senator.
1T Will be a new source Of revenue,
but the old sources, the indirect tariff
and internal revenue taxes still be
worked to the limit. Until there is a
reduction in the revenue from these
other sources, this would simply be an
additional burden. 1t will be simply
another means of obtaining revenue to
crafty our scandalous desire to spend
money"
Less than per cent of the American
people have incomes about $4,000, Sem
ator Borah said. The income tax bur-
den should fall upon these wealthier
citizens. he declared, rather than upon
the poorer man already paying a heavy
tax through tariff and internal revenue
channels.
Senator Bristow interrupted TO urge
(Continued on Page Fourteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
CARNEGIE "BOMB"
MYSTERY SOLVED
Package Nothing More Than Scotch
Cheese Wrapped in Smellproof
Case of Zinc

New York. July 22.-The mystery of the
bomb sent to Andrew Carnegie yes
Carnegie corporation, was solved today
1t was q juicy cheese enclosed in smell
proof case of zinc, Scotch cheese. ac-
cording to an expert called into confer
ence after the bureau had definitely de-
termined that the bomb contained
neither -glycerin, dynamite or other
deadly explosives. On vacant lot offi-
cials of the bureau of combustbles fired
four bullets from safe kstance through
the box before they opened it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
THE ERIE ROAD WILL
RETURN TO CONFERENCE

New York. July 22.-The Erie
road informed the board of me-
diation and Cancellation tonight
that Ii would return to the con-
ference committee of managers
that is handling the eastern
railroads side of the controversy
involving the threatened strike
of $4,000 trainmen and conduct
ors. Through President r. d.
Underwood, 1t was announced
that the system was prepared to
accept any awards made by any
federal arbitration board ap-
pointed under the Newlands act.
The Erie tangle was cleared
up after a day of conferences.
On the ground that it could not
afford to grant the wage In
crease demand the Erie last
week withdrew from the man
ayers conference, with a result
thar the committees rep 4esentinl
the employees informed the me-
diators that a strike would be
called against 1t if it's position
remained unchanged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
POLICY OF DELAY
IS RESPONSIBLE FCis
CRITICAL SITUATION
Falls Resolution Precipitates Lively
Debate in Senate-Moore Com
fers With the President on
Developments of RevO-
luton in Mexico
ALARMING REPORTS

Washington, July 22.-The
state department had received
alarming reports from Colonel
Lespinass, at Frontera. Amer
leans there became apprehensive
when the rebels occupied two
American owned plantations
and pillaged other property.
The Wheeling probably will
reach Frontera by night
fall tomorrow. Her subse-
quent movements will be direct
ed by Admiral Fletcher. com
mandinE the American feet In
the Gulf of Mexico. from the
hattleship Louisiana, now at
Tuxpan. where a fresh outbreak
brought new danger to Amer
leans and other foreigners.
The state department has re-
ceived no further word from the
MADEIRA lumber camp where
alarming threats against Amer
leans were renewed today. I'M
mediately upon hearing Sunday
that 10 Americans were held
prisoners there, the department
sought their protection and lib-
Grafton through officials at El
Paso, the consul at Chihuahua,
and the American embassy at
Mexico City.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
LARGE FOREST FIRES
DEVASTATE COUNTRY
Loss of Life Threatened Unless the
Spreading Flames Are Checked.
Ten Miles Wide

Edmonton. Alta. July 22.-Forest
fires are raging fiercely between Tet-
ejaune, Cache and Jasper. in Yellow
head pass of the Rockies and much of
the country has been devastated ac-
cordinS to information here today The
burned-over territory now is about 10
miles in length and two miles wide
The flames are said to be travelling
rapidly and unless checked soon
threaten loss of life.
In the vicinity OF the Nacacho river
the fire is said to be at its height
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Great Catastrophe In City OF
Binghdnton Takes
Deadly Toll
20 BODIES ARE RECOVERED
MANY UNACCOUNTED FOR
While 125 Persons, Mostly Girls Are at Daily Toll Building
Bursts Flame Like Tinderbox and Is Soon Roar
ing Furnace -Rescuers Work Among CHASTITY Ruins
for Bodies of Unfortunate Victims

Bnghamton N. " July 22-Fifty persons were killed,
according to late estimates and many injured dozen
moay fire which swept the four story factory build
ing of the Bnghamon Clothing company this afternoon The
victims chiefly women and girls
Early tonight % bodies had been recovered In the city
hospital and in private institutions 30 injured Some
persons known to have escaped by miracle
the building which burst into flames like tnderbox and be
roaring furnace almost time after the first alarm
was sounded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
is NOT QUESTIONED
BY COMMITTEE

The committee did not question Mulhall
about the discrepancy in his sworn testi-
mony. Watson is under subpoena and
will take the stand later
Just before the close of today's session
the MplHall letters began to refer to ef-
forts to secure Cardinal Gibbons. Pre-
siding Bishop Daniel F. futile of the
Episcopal church of America, Ambassa-
dor James Bryce, the late Justice Brewer
of the supreme court, Vice President
Sherman, Senators Borah and Dolliver
and other prominent men to speak in st.
Louis during course of lectures to be
given by the Citizens Industrial associa-
ton. Cardinal Gibbons was mentioned in
several letters between Mulhall and II. G.
Schwedtman, secretary to President Van
Cleave of the National Association of
Manufacturers. Finally Chairman Over
man asked for an explanation.
I don't believe l saw the cardinal on
that mission" said the witness.
Muihall said the association was or
ganized for the purpose of delivering edu
cational lectures and keeping the side of
the people interested in it, before the
public.
Has 1t anything to do with lobby
work." he was asked
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Americans Safe

Washington. July 22.-An American
missionaries in Sofa. Bulgaria. are safe.
according to state department report
today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23

Washington, July 22.--An attempt by
Senator Fail of New Mexico to force
the Senate to enunciate "A strong policy
of protection for American citizens In
foreign countries today preciDitnted n
lively debate which demonstrated np-
probation on the part of the senators
ON the grnvity o. the Mexican Sstuatiom
and The necessity for acternInea
stand by the United States
The policy of delay on the part OF the
Taft administration was emphatically de-
nounced by Senator Fall and blamed oy
him for the present critical situation
which he said could have been prevented
by sterner national policy.
This declaration was approved by SEN
ator Lodge of Massachusetts. who ex-
pressed disappointment that the new
President and new Secretary of state had
not inaugurated a different Mexican pol
icy.
That the deicaey of the situation was
keenly appreciated was evinced by the
insistence OF many senators, led by sena-
tor Bacon, chairman Of the foreign rela-
tions committee, that any proposed pro-
nunciamento be deliberately and seriously
considered before being acted upon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23

shaft. along the floors and ceiling. There
was a roar. front and rear, and the
flames belched forth clear across Wall
street on which the building fronted,
whitening the shade trees on the river
bank and scorching a building across an
alley at the rear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23

About 125 persons were in the fac
tory when the fire broke out. Those
unaccounted for or most of them. are
believed to be still in the red hot ruins
of the structure.
Around the scene of the catastrophe,
the greatest this city has ever known,
thousands tonight watched the res
cuers work in the glare of three big
seareh1ights, many in the great throng
being restrained only by the closely
drawn police lines from rushing into
the ruins to seek the bodies of rela
ftfa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
BODIES FOUND
AMONG RUINS

Many streams of water are being
poured into the fiery pit, which few
hours ago was the cellar of the burned
establishment. AS the ruins were
cooled slightly, from time TO time In
a spot upon which the streams We're
centered. men went forward to dig as
long as human endurance would al
low them to work. Occasionally a
body was found and quickly taken
away.
This work viii go on ali night and
perhaps all day tomorrow before the
glowing mass gives up its last dead.
1T will take at least two days. the au-
thorities believe, before the cellar can
be cleared and the whole truth known.
The big outstanding fact of the
catastrophe is its suddenness. In this
the disaster bears strong resemblance
to the Triangle Waist company hola-
caust in New York city, where LAT lives
were lost, when the infiammable ma
terial upon which the employees were
working and the waste littering the
floors blazed up with inconceivable
rapidity and set the Imprisoned work.
ers jumping from the windows to their
death.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Calls M Resnlntinn

Senator FAN called up his resolution.
which would commit the government to
full protection of the constitutional rights
of American citizens in foreign nations
That the resolution was directed against
Mexico, Senator Bacon declared, could not
be concealed, and in moving to refer IL
to the foreign relations committee he as
serted that words were very serious things
sometimes, and this was one OF the
times"
Senator Works of California asserting
that the Fall resolution constituted a
declaration that the United States was
prepared to make war on Mexico IL
Americans were not protected. urged that
no hasty action be taken. Senator Fan
averred that every act OF his had been
prompted with the earnest desire to pre-
vent war and that he had vainly sought
to bring the former administration to
realization of the fact chat stern Mexi-
can policy would have prevented rather
than have precipltated war.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Policy Responsible

The American policy OF delay in AIexl-
co was responsible, he declared, for the
present critical situation, one which he IN
timated might yet demand Intervention.
Action on the resolution was prevented
and II went 10 the calendar for future dis
position.
John Bassett Moore, counsellor Of the
state department and acting secretary IN
the absence of Mr.. Bryan. had long con-
ference with President Wilson today about
Developments In the Mexican revolution.
Mr.. Moore brought the consular reports
and acquainted the President with the
progress of events in the southern repuh-
lie as reflected Ia advices to the depart
ment
With reference TO the route taken hy
Ambassador Wilson. Mr.. Moore explained
that the ambassador just missed the boat
at Key West and found he could make
better time by proceeding directly 10 New
York from Havana by steamer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23
Testifies That Sworn State
ment duplicating Former
Indiana Representa-
tive Is Wrong
WATSON is UNDER
SUBPOENA; WILL
TAKE STAND LATER
Lobby Committee Fails to Question
Mulhall About Discrepancy in
Sworn Statement-Rumored
Watson Would Institute
Suit for Libel

Washington, July 22.-Martin nj.
Mulhall, professional ex-lobbyist for
the National Association of Manufac-
turers, today retracted the most seri-
Gus charge he has made before the
Senate investigating committee.
He swore yesterday that former
Representative James E. Watson of
Indiana had been employed by private
interests in 1909 while he was still
a member of the House to work for
tariff commission bill. He testified
today that what he had sworn to yes
terday was wrong; that Watson was
not member of the House at the
time.
Reports that Watson, who Is in
Washington, was about to ask the
District of Columbia grand jury to
indict Mulhall for criminal libel were
heard about the investigating room.
Mulhall volunteered his retraction
after the noon recess. He said he
realized his mistake when he saw the
date of tariff convention to be held
in indianapolis in February, 1909.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-23

.(Continued on Page Eourteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
SOCIETY BRIEFS

| Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Hall Benedict of
Memphis are guests of Mr.. and Mrs.
w. D. L. Lewis 1908 Eula street. Mr..
and Mrs. Benedict, the latter formerly
Miss Lurline Phillips of Memphis, were
married a week ago and are spending a
part of their honeymoon with Mr.. and
Mrs. Lewis.
Mrs. I. NJ. Rubel. who has been visit
ing her daughter, Miss Howard Loeb in
Montgomery has returned home.
Mrs S. s Heilbron Is the guest of
Mrs. Richard IL. Fries.
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Young have
moved into the Perkins Ellis residence,
1915 Hickory street
Mrs George G. Harris, who accom-
panied her daughter, Miss Dorsey Har-
ris, to Washington. where the latter
entered school, returned home Friday
afternoon after spending several weeks
in Washington and Baltimore.
Mr. and Mrs. f. Il. Alvord have named
their little son Phillip Kearney.
Mrs w. H. McClintock left yesterday
for orange, \. j., to visit her mother'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05

let. and came to the conclusion that 1t
had worked its way out during the voy-
age down the Nile. Kitchener himself
was of the opinion that the bullet had.
by some means. come out. unnoticed by
the surgeons or himself, and gradually
the terrible would healed, and Kitchener
returned to duty.
A year or 80 after the skirmish at
Handoub, Kitchener one day sat down
to dine off a beefsteak which had been
served up by Sergeant Billion of the hos
pital staff. Suddenly Kitchener clasped
his hand to his jaw.
''Bilton," ne said, was there a bone
In that steak?"
mo, SIR" replied the sergeant
Then that bullet was in my jaw after
ALL" said Kitchener, land I've swallowed
1t, for l felt it go down.
That proved to be the case, and the
great soldier preserved the flattened piece
of lead on his key chain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
scontinued from Page ruenty-si1.)

-~--~~~-~~~~~~--~~~~ >>><-s>~>>S--->~~~~~--r>r'
ton and Mr. Burton q. Killingsworth OF
-Aliceville, announcement of whose en-
gagement was made recently at beau-
tifu1 party given in honor of the bride
elect by Miss Annie Laurie Fulton. Miss
Praytor is the daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
III. B. Praytor of Livingston, and one
of the most popular young women of
that place She is also well known in
Birmingham. She was graduated at the
Central college. Tuscaloosa, and has been
entertained in most of the southern cities.
In Mobile the Strikers paid her marked
attention, as her grandfather, Col. c. s.
Stewart, was one of their charter menu
bers. She was also a much-feted visitor
to st. Louis shortly afterward
Mr.. Killingsworth was formerly in bus
mess in this city He is now cashier
of one of the most progressive banks
of west Alabama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
side of Kitchener's face at the back of /

side of Kitchener's face at the back OF
the cheek. 1t was a Remington bullet,
and inflicted really dreadful wound,
breaking the bone at the base of the
jaw. 1t took a long time to get the
splinters of bone out, and the doctors
were unable to operate, as the bullet
and fragments of bone were too close to
the jugular vein. The ball could not be
located, and the doctors pronounced his
case as hopeless. They said the patient
could not live, and his sister, according
ly, was sent for from England.
The future savior of the Sudan, how
ever, differed from the surgeons, and
steadily refused to believe In their
gloomy prognosis of his case. and, though
he had to endure journey down the
Nile to the hospital at Cairo, confined in
small cabin in swetering heat, his thin
muscular physique and iron will power
kept the dreaded fever at bay. The hos
pital doctors also failed to find the bull
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
Swallowed His Bullet

Lord Kitchener, one of the most dis
tinguished of the Knights OF the Bath
who recently were installed at Henry
Wis chapel in Westminster abbey. once
had as narrow an escape of his life
as ever befell a soldier. 1t was in the
course of the prolonged and fiercely
fought campaign in the Sudan in the
eighties; in the first year of that de-
cade, In fact says Tit-Bits.
There was a lively skirminsh going on
at a place named Handoub, just outside
Suakin, when Kitchener. who was then
a rising young officer of engineers, was
shot at by one of the maildis negro SOL
diers. The bullet found it mark in the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05

! snowstorms, one leaving us with an eight
inch reminder and If the coal strike con-
tinues we will either have to cut wood
or else run away to Denver. My little
boy is crazy about it here; at present is
digging a tunnel that he says is to be
5000 feet. Anyway, 1t keeps him happy
and healthy. Dorothy and Eleanor have
gone to Kentucky to school. They were
getting too western and losing their south
ern charm of speech. We are all coming
home for Christmas" All of which will
be interesting to the many friends of
Mr. and Mrs. Davis tFlorrie Roden) here
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
BIRMINGHAM WOMAN
WRITES OF THE MOUNTAINS

Mrs. Charles 6. Davis. who, with her
husband and children. is living temporari-
ly in Silver Plume. Col, wrote this week
of the beauties of the mountains. She
says, you should see the mountains here
now-all green and gold. There is what
you call an afterglow for half an hour,
then twilight. An artist would rave over
1T and even I, with no artistic sense,
am enthusiastic. We have had a few
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
FORTNIGHT CLUB
SENDS OUT CARDS

Cards have been issued by the Fort
night club to a dance to be given Fri
day evening at Knights of Columbus
hall. The committee in charge includes
Mr.. Henry Jungeman, Mr.. Edward Ant
wine, Mr.. Blakely Mutch and Mr..
George Wetzell
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-05
M'ELROY-MONROE
ENG ANNOUNCED

Mr.. and Mrs. James Dudley Monroe
announce the engagement of their daugh-
ter, Mary Edna. to Mr.. Robert NJ. Nc
Elroy, the wedding TO take place Oc-
tober 25