davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30

The Orlando Sentinel emphatically
calls Roosevelt a fool. Better look
4 leedle oudt-a $4,000 damage suit
against the Sentinel would interest
its owners considerably. And it
might be as difficult to prove T. r. q
fool as to establish the claim that
he's a drunkard. Lots of things we
know, we can't prove.
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30

The newspaper correspondents at
Tallahassee are making themselves
"solid" with members of the Legisla-
trre by writing flatterins notices Of
them individually. These correspond
ents are all apt to be held RESPONSE
bic for o big crop of gubernatorial
and congressional candidates in the
near future. They try to make every
member of the Legislature believe
that he is the very man for congress-
man or governor or United States
serator.-Punta Gorda Herald.
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30

One thing seems to be established
ty the mass of data unearthed by
this Roosevelt damage suit-the Col
onel never mixed his drinks. His rep
utation as a fairly safe guide in the
gentle art of moderate tipping, bids
fair to secure firmer foundation
than confidence in him as political
leader.
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30

The proposed bond issue of $50,
for new school buildings has only
one objection, and that is that the
amount is not quite adequate; $780,
900 would have male about the prop
er provision. But with $4,000,
properly expended, we can give to
the children of this community their
chance to secure the priceless boon
OF education. This is matter in
which false economy should have no
part. Let us do the right thing by
the children by providing proper edu-
cational facilities for them, which
can only be done by seeing that the
bond issue carries by big majority.
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30

II there is State In tho Union
where business is active all the year
around, Florida is that place. No
State in the Union has a more equit-
sble summer climate and In nearly
every State the temperature gets
higher In midsummer than it does
here.-Pensacola Journal.
The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-30
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:

From the same office is issued
THE LAKELAND NEWS,
A weekly newspaper giving a resume
OF local matters, crop conditions,
county affairs, etc. Sent anywhere
for $500 per year. ~
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
.O'NEAL CAREFUL IN
GOING OVER FIELD
FOR NEW INSPECTOR
Will Not Depend on Any
Mans Recommendations
for the Place
OTHER APPOINTEES
HIGHLY INDORSED
Whether New Appointment Is Made
Soon or Late, Governor Will Be
Guided Largely by His
Own Counsel

Montgomery. March Special. y
Governor o'Neal may name the new
president of the state board of con-
Wet Inspectors within the next few
days He may not make the appoint
menf until after the present probe Of
the convict department has been con-
cluded But whether the appointment
Is early or late. this much is certain
the governor will name the man whom
he thinks best qualified for the place,
whether that mans merits have been
advanced by hundreds of politicians or
whether his individual fitness for the
office is entirely unknown TO the pub
lie at large.
In other words. 1t may be safe to
say that in naming the man to succeed
James. G. Oakley as head OF the state
convict department. Governor ONeal
will be guided almost entirely by his
own personal estimate of that man, ir-
respective of the expressions of poll
ticians or members of the present state
administration.
1t, is also safe to say that the gov
ernor will be more or less wary in
regard to personal applications for the
office. particularly in view of the pres
emf deplorable condition of affairs
which obtains in the convict depart
7n1ent There is little doubt but that
the governor will prefer to tender the
office to the man who has made no
efforts to secure the place, although
he may appoint someone whose claims
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
MAN is URGED
FOR CONVICT INSPECTOR

Montgomery, March e2-(SpeciaD.-
Among the well known men of the state
who have been suggester to Governor
O'Neal for the office of president of the
state board of convict inspectors is John
]. King, former state senator from
Marengo county.
Mr. Kings fitness for the office have
been advanced by a large number OF
friends who declare that not only is he
eminently qualified for the place, but
that his selection would meet the APP
prevail of practically every citizen in his
section Of the state.
Mr.. King is declared to be business
man of fine ability. and that qualifica-.
ton, together with the fact that he has
had considerable experience in handling
convicts, is said to give him peculiar
fitness for the office.
In addition to Mr. King. a large num-
Der Of other men have been mentioned
for the office of president of the state
board of convict inspectors, Malcolm A.
Graham of Prattville is said to have a
fine chance of securing the office. and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
ANOTHER BILL WAS
INTRODUCED BY PITTS

1t was not the intention of Mr.. Pitts
or any other man concerned, it is very
probable. that the president of the con-
Wet bureau should be permitted to con-
duct his department under the amend
ed code without bond.
For, on February /, before the amend
ment to the code was made effective,
MIR. Pitts introduced another bill pro-
viding that the president of the con-
vict bureau should be required to make
bond in the sum of $4,000. This bill
was referred to Mr.. Pitts committee
and was later favorab1y reported. There
was evidently no haste exercised in
gaining its passage, for it had not been
carried through the house prior to the
adjournment of the legislature in re-
cess, From February 4, therefore, until
August 2. it remained dead letter;
but on the latter date it was carried
through the house and sent over to
the senate. It was then referred to the
Judiciary committee of which Mr.. Lusk
was chairman, and was later reported
favorably and put on its second read
Ing
But there is no record of that bill
ever having been read a third time.
There is every indication that 1t had
no potent friend behind its back or no
man of power who ardently desired its
passage.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
CODE OF 1896
Session 4447-Account With Contrac-
tors Made out Monthly; Settlement
With Auditor; When Suit to
Be Brought

On the first day of each month the pres
ident of the board OF convict inspectors
shall cause to be made out by the clerk
an account against each contractor, show
ing the. number of convicts and the
amount of hire due from each contrac-
tor for the past month, copies of which
shall be furnished respectively to the con-
tractors and the auditor. Within 10 days
after receiving such account. such con-
tractors respectively shall settle and pay
such accounts to the auditor, and the
amount due by each shall be certified into
the state treasury and an account there
OF shall be kept by the auditor in book
or books separate and distinct from other
state accounts las other accounts of pub
lie moneys are kept; but when the
contract prescribes other than monthly
payments, then the account thereof shall
be made out under the direction of the
president of the board and settled by
the contractor with the auditor and GER
titled into the treasury of the state with
in 10 days after the same is due, in all
respects as herein provided. and il the
contractor fails to settle within 30 days
after receiving his account, the auditor
shall notify the attorney general, who
shall at once bring suit for the amount
due.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
SCHOOL GARDENTO
OPEN TOMORROW
Powell School Students to
Cultivate L0t-First in
Birmingham

Under the superintendance OF Miss Willie
Jean Stewart, the Powell school students
will tomorrow afternoon take their first
lesson in gardening. The lot, no by 200
feet, is situated on Eleventh avenue and
Twenty sixth street. In a desirable local.
ity, with rich SOIL free of stones and
roots, it is expected the new venture will
be crowned with success. rid
SThe plot that is to be cultivated will
be divided into 135 equal plots Each
pupil will be given one plot. after which,
should the first crop be favorable, he
will be given the plot to cultivate sec
ond time. OF the first crop, lettuce.
radishes, onions, beets and beans are
alone to be raised. What the second crop
will be has not been settled upon vet.
All implements and seed will be furnished
by the school,
Within the following weeks several gar
dens will be opened at the different
schools, SO located as to be accessible
by those that have the least opportuni-
ties These are the first school gardens
to be cultivated in the city.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23

Der camps will be most complete, 1t is
understood and 1t Is expected that
some important developments may be
brought out
Alamo Gas Transaction
Before the inquiry is concluded, Gov
ernor O'Neal will file with the chief ex-
aminer of public accounts written state
ment containing all the information he
possesses relative to the various transac-
tons III which the convict department has
been Interested during the past two
years. The governor will explain in de-
tail what he knows concerning the Ala
mo Gas transaction, the charges preferred
against james c. Oakley by Tom Lorg
of Jasper. and all other matters with
which he is acquainted that in any way
concerns the convict department., or any
official of that office.
( This statement was made by the gov
ernor today The chief executive declared
that he would probably not take the
stand. but that he would file with the
board of inquiry full and complete
statement of what he knows concerning
the transactions of the convict depart
ment since he has been governor. He de-
clared that every detail of the Alamo
Gas transaction. which was sensation
In the state last year. would be brought
out in the inquiry. The governors state
ment will be filed with Examiner Mccall
before the end Of the present investiga-
ton.
Il am determined that the people Of
Alabama shall be acquainted with every
fact in my possession concerning trans
actions of the convict department., de-
clared the governor. THE statement
which | shall submit to Judge Mccall viii
be most complete in every detail
When asked whether he expected to
take the stand, the governor replied that
he did not think SO, declaring that bic
written statement would be sufficient -
explain his position in the matter.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23

and Endorsement Of friends which have
disappointed the public. notwithstand-
ing the fact that the Endorsements were
of the most flattering nature and were
made by men of prominence. In all parts
of the state. The governor also has
been disappointed
The result of this unfortunate ex-
perience will probably. have most
wholesome effect upon the governor IN
reference to other appointments that
he may, make, particularly in regard
to the appointment for president of the
board of convict inspectors.
The governor will most likely fob
low his own counsel. He will consider
carefully the Individual merits of ev-
cry man who. has been or. may be sug-
gested for the office and the appoint
ment will be made when the governor
is assured that he has found the right
man. Politicians will have little
weight with the governor in regard TO
the selection of Oakleys successor,
though the chief executive will give
consideration to whatever suggestions
they may make. But the governor
very probably prefers to make the APP
pointment unaided He prefers to ten
der the office to the man who has
not. made personal application for the
office, provided that man has sufficient
measure for so important a place.
The office OF president Of the state
board Of convict inspectors is proba-
bly, more important at this time than
that of any except the chief executives
and the monumental task which will
devolve upon the incumbent OF that Of
flee during the next two years will re-
quire degree of efficiency that not
many men can supply
This the governor knows
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
WHY WAS CHANGE SO
ARDENTLY ORDERED?

" ny
Why was this change ordered?
Die the legislature of 1907 think that
the funds OF the state would be in safer
hands following the amendment of the
old code than the funds had been under
the provisions of section 4447 of the code
OF 1896. although under that code, there
is no evidence to prove that there had
been embezzlement or misrepresentation?
Why did A. d. Pitts of Dallas intro
duce the bill amending the code? Why
did ]. Craig Smith of Dallas. president
OF the convict board, desire that the code
be amended? Why did the legislature
in its two departments pass that bill
amending the code? Why did Governor
Conner attach his approval to that bill
amending the code?
Mr. Pitts in a recent interview, ex-
planned that he introduced the bill be-
cause he had been requested to do so
by his friend. j. Craig Smith, and because
he thought and still thinks that its pro-
visions were good. Mr.. Smith, In re-
cent interview explains that he made
the request because the new arrange
n1ent would in his opinion facilitate the
department in its work, and would. there
by, render the department more effective.
But the legislature has made no explana-
ton for the part it played, for the political
blunder. the effect of which at the present
moment is being felt for the first time
in the state, the state which the legisla-
ture was presuming to serve with faith
and zeal
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
H. B. ABBY PITTS
A Bill to Be Entitled An Act to
Amend Section 4447 of the
Code of 1896

OOQc OI 1870
Section 1. Be 1t enacted by the legis-
lature of Alabama, That section 4447
of the code of 1896 be amended so as
TO read as follows: Section 4447. On
the first day of each month the pres
ident of the board shall cause to be
made out by the clerk an account
against each contractor showing the
number of convicts and the amount of
hire due from each contractor for the
past month, copies of which shall be
furnished respectively to the contractor
and the auditor. Within 10 days after
receiving such account such contractors
respectively shall settle and pay such
accounts to the president of the board
and the president of the board shall
make quarterly settlements with the
auditor for the proceeds of such ac-
counts on the first day of January,
April, July and october of each year,
and the amount due by each shall be
certified into the state treasury and an
auditor in a book or books separate
and distinct from other state accounts
Gas other accounts of public moneys are
kept, but when the contract prescribes
other than monthly payments then the
account thereof shall be made out un-
der the direction of tho president of
the board and settled by the contractor
with the president of the board with
in 10 days after the same Is due and
the president of the board shall settle
with the auditor for the same In said
quarterly settlement and the amount
shall be certified into the treasury of
the state in all respects as herein pro-
vided; ard If the contractor fails to
settle within 80 days after receiving
his account the president of the board
shall notify the attorney general who
shall at once bring suit for the amount
due
Sec O. The president of the board of
convict inspectors must before entering
on the duties of his office give bond
In the sum of $4,000, which bond must
and recorded in the office of the Sec
rotary of state.
Committee amendment Amend the
bill H. 442, by striking out section 2.
.........................
ure of the legislature of 1907 to pass bill
requiring the president of the convict
board to make a bond In the sum of $780,
900 was a political blunder due to iacl;
of political foresight which has cost the
state, In the present case, an enormous
sum of money, and that the amendment
to the code of 1896 made it possible for !,
mere salaried clerk to skip away with
/ the strong box of the poverty stricken
state.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
SECTION 2 PROVIDED
FOR BONDING OFFICIAL

In the bill amending the code, Mr.. Pitts
included a second section providing that
the president of the board should secure
the state in bond in tine sum or 10000.
Tho bill was referred to the committee on
revision of laws of which Mr.. Fits was
chairman. In the committee, the second
section of the bill, that providing for
bond, was stricken. This was done. Mr..
Pitts has subsequently explained, because
the constitution provides that each bill
shall contain but one subject
And the bill. therefore, came from the
committee stamped with the great seal
Of it's august approval, and as thus
stamped and thus approved, it was pre-
scented to the house-a bill making in
scumbent on the contractors to pay $1,000
hoo per annum to an agent of the state
who was not under bond and who was
not required to make settlement with
The treasurer save at the conclusion Of
each quarter. e
And in all the legislature in the
house and the senate, there was but
ono man who opposed that bill from
the time of its first appearance until
II became law with the signature of
the governor but one man who, fore;
saw the possibility of danger. not in
that moment not in that administra-
istion. possibly not In any succeeding adj
ministration, but who foresaw the pos
sibility of danger within an hundred
years. who could perceive that in the
future there might be an official of
the convict department or an employe
of the convict department who would
be unable to resist the temptation TO
steal
This man who opposed, who stood
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
What Cures
Eczema +?

We have had SO many Inquiries late
iv regarding Eczema and other skin
diseases, that we are glad to make our
answer public. After careful investi-
cation we have found that simple
wash of Oil of Wintergreen, as COM
pounded in Odd. Prescription, can be
relied upon We would not make this
statement to our patrons, friends and
.neighbors unless we were sure of it,
and although there are many so-called
Eczema remedies sold, we ourselves un-
hesitatingly recommend Odd. Pre-
scription.
Drop into our store today and let
us tell you how we back our opinion
with a money back guarantee. Ask us
also about Odd. Soap; 1t helps.
Collier Drug Co., Birmingham; W..
D. Taylor, druggist, Bessemer.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23

have been advanced by few of his
close, personal friends, provided. of
course, the governor feels that he is
in every way qualified for the office.
Nav Have Little Weight
Probably no man was ever named
for a public office in the state of Ala
bama who had more recommendations
and Endorsements than James G. OakS
ley. There was scarcely a. man of
prominence in the state who did not
express entire approval of Oakley for
president of the convict board of in
spectors Practically the entire rep
resentation from Alabama in the ma
tionaI congress. Endorsed Oakley's APP
plication and political leaders, bank
ers, professional and business men
throughout the state enrolled them
selves in the same cause.
Another man who had the best rec
concentrations that could be obtained
was Theodore Lacy. the defaulting
chief clerk of the convict department,
who absconded with 100000 of the state S
funds, thereby precipitating the pres
ent probe. Lacy was said to be the
man for the place. His praises were
sung by everyone who gained an au-
dience with the governor Men loved
him as they did their brothers. they
said. and they trusted him in just pro-
portion. With such recommendations,
Governor O'Neal and James G. Oakley
consented to his appointment of chief
clerk of the state convict department
and custodian of the funds of that de-
partment totaling more than $1,000
900 annually.
How well the governors confidence
was placed in reference to the two
appointments has been very clearly
shown by the Developments of the past
two weeks.
Will Follow His Own Counsel
Governor O'Neai has made other APP
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23

house with only one vote registered
against it. 1t Jared equally as well
in the senate Jared better perhaps, for
records exist to prove that not one of
the dignified senators saw in the meas
ure the possibility of danger to the
state which they had been commits
stoned to protect with every safeguard
which wise legislation makes pos
sible.
The bill was referred to the ocm-
mittee on finance and taxation of which
Nathan l.. Miller of Jefferson was
chairman. 1t was later reported out
and passed without dissenting vote. 1t
was signed by the presiding officers of
the two<houses and was later approved
by Governor Conner.
There is evidence to show that sonle-
one was urging the passage of that
important bill. for little time was lost
In rushing ii through both branches
of the Legislature 1t is matter of
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23

lations. A bond does not make the treas
urer honest, or the auditor. 1t is simply
required to protect the state in cases of
embezzlement, and not to hang over the
head of the official so bonded as a threat
or as an evidence that he is deemed un-
worthy. A bonded official who proves
himself dishonest does not suffer a finan-
cial loss, and a bonded official is no more
vigorously prosecuted il he is charged
with embezzlement than is an unbonded
official.
But these facts do not remove the bur-
den from the wise legislature of 1907 For
it is possibly true that with the exeep-
ton of the president of the Alabama con-
Wet board no other man In the world Is
permitted to handle 100000 per annum
and not furnish an adequate bond. The
people of Alabama will say, in view of
the disclosures currently coming from the
state convict department, that the fall
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
CHARGE NEGRO WITH
TAKING NECKLACE

Solomon Motion, negro. was arrested
yesterday by Detectives Cole and Cold
stein and locked up charged with grand
larceny.
According to Detective Goldstein the
negro Motion was employed in the home
of Dr. r. A. Jones. 500 South Twentieth
street, and about three days ago is al
legged to have disappeared. A diamond
necklace belonging to Mrs. Jones also dis
appeared. The police were notified OF
the robbery and the arrest of Motion fol-
lowed. Detective Goldstein stated last
night that the negro. following mis- arrest,
confessed that he had taken the neck
lace and he had given It to . negro
woman, who was locked UP charged with
completely to the robbery.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-03-23
SUNDAY PICTURE TODAY
Life Of Christ Will Be Shown to
Specially Invited Guests

The famous moving picture From the
Manager to the Cross depicting the life
of Christ will be shown at the TrianonI
theatre this afternoon beginning at $50
O. clock. No charge will be made for
admission but the general public will not
be admitted.
The management of the theatre will
have as guests the inmates of a num-
Der Of Birmingham's we'll known charit-
able institutions, including the Boys In
dustrial school, the East Lake Orphan
age. the Boys club and Mercy Home