davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
MAN GOING UP FOR LIFE
MEETS ANOTHER JUST OUT
Alex Wadrep Train Has Talk With Paul Ender Kansas
Who Had Just Completed Sixteen-y year Term
at Atlanta
BY JOSEF IL. n. CURTIS

\ scene bordering on the pathetic and
melodramatic was enacted last night ON
the Birmingham special, when Alex Wal
drep, wife murderer. whose sentence of
death was Thursday committed to life i'm
prisonment, discussed prison life and eth
les with Paul Enders, murderer who yes
terday completed a 16-year term AT the
Atlanta federal prison.
Waldrep boarded the train at Admission,
where he has been in jail for % months,
and accompanied by Capt. j. f. Erwin of
the state convict department, and Deputy
Sheriff Crier of Anniston, was en- route
to Wetumpka, where today at noon he
will begin serving his sentence.
Waldreps presence on the train was
not generally known, and the special had
almost reached Birmingham when Enders
came to the smoking compartment and
introduced himself.
Laddie, l hear you are on your way
to serve a life sentence and if you are
you have my sympathy he said. Il just
finished 16 years, 8 months and "A days
myself this morning. l know what 1t
means"
There was a general craning of necks
toward the newcomer when he made this
announcement.
Waldrep got up and took step or two
toward the speaker.
Yes the Admission man said. "the cap
tain here is taking me down"
The two men stood looking at each other
amid general silence. The only noise was
the constant click of the wheels over
the steel rails and the steady exhaust OF
the engine just two car lengths ahead.
Finally Enders spoke. do what they
tell you and don't listen to the prisoners
who give bad advice. They will do more
to harm you than they will to help you.
A man in prison who attends to his bus
mess and tries to live right Will get all
the best of it; just as right living gets
you the best of it outside. have ex-
perenced both; living right and wrong
both inside and out"
Enders then proceeded to give his views
on prison life, telling Waldrep of some
of the things which he would be sure to
encounter, and how these might be avoid
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
.RAGSDALE MAY
TAKE STAND TODAY
Is on Trial for Killing of James Nc.
Cauley-Much Interest Mani
Tested in Case

Will NJ Ragsdale, on trial in the GRIM
inal court for the killing OF James Nc
Cauley, is expected to take the stand in
his own behalf this morning. Over 20 wit
nesses We're examined for the state. and
ii is understood others are held for re-
buttal. The defense had put on about
an equal number when adjournment was
taken last night.
There is much interest manifested in
the case, as the defendant is a youth
about 20 years of age, and a member of
one of the old families of the county. The
deceased was also well known and has
number OF relatives In the county. His
brothers are in attendance on the trial.
The killing occurred last June at Thomas,
where both men were employed and fol-
lowed a quarrel about timekeeping. The
defendant does not deny the killing, but
claims that when he fired the fatal shots
he acted In self defense. He was severely
cut with a knife during the fatal diff
Guilty.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
EXPECT TO STRIKE
RESERVOIR SOON
Drillers at Bryan Station
Said to Be Finding
Signs

The men who are interested in the oil
we'll being drilled on the northwest
boundary line of the county near Bryan
station expect to strike an oil reservoir
within the next % to 800 feet A party
returned from the well yesterday with
the statement that the drillers were maxi
in fine progress.
They stated last night on their return
to the city that there is now very
strong odor of oil about the mouth of
the well, and that the well known rain
bow color sign" was in evidence. This
is one of the old, reliable signs of oil to
those versed in oil drilling, it being
stated that when the drill is raised out
of a hole in which oil is beginning to
ooze that the oily vapor will make the
rainbow colors, which can always be
seen in crude oil.
These two signs and the gas that comes
from the well at times have put the
men back of the undertaking into very
jubilant frame of mind. They state
there is not doubt in their minds but
that they are going to find a big oil res
ervoir in the Sequatchie anticlne which
they are drilling through and which fed
eral biologists have reported is the larg-
est anticline in the world
They state that in this anticline is a
layer of rock known TO biologists as
Trenton limestone and under this layer is
a strata of Knox dolomite, which they
say is porous and is the rock in which
they will find OIL
f. C. Finch, one of the best known
biologists in the state: d. ]. O'Connell,
general agent for the Birmingham Water
works company S. A. Hobson and Judge
A. p. Longshore of Columbiana, both in
terested In oil and mineral land develop
ment, were in the party yesterday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Illuminating Hobson's Record

To the Editor of The Age Herald.
The public will no doubt feel ex-
ceedngly grateful for the illuminating
matter furnished with regard to MIR.
Hobson's prohibition record in yester-
day mornings issue, although II has a
slight tang of resentment in 1t. and
now since this is so frankly furnished
we trust that the gentlemen who signed
the production viii extend their illu-
mnating force Just a little further and
tell the public about Just two other
matters that still perplex us somewhat.
These are:
l. Why did Captain Hobson support
Captain Bankhead against Captain f.
S. White and declare that it would be
"a national calamity not to elect Cap
tain Bankhead," when Captain White
is an out-ond-out prohibitionist?
2. If Captain Hobson is so wonder
fully and consistently a prohibitionist,
why in planning his present Campaign
for the Senate, did he write to friends
as he did to Hon. j. C. Kumpe Of Moul-
ton, to organize the ''wets' and the
'drys' into separate camps, in order
TO promote his interests?
Here is his exact language:
The time has come to complete the
Hobson organization is all counties
special friends are requested to meet
in conference for this purpose.
THE administrative and executive
committee to be composed of two di-
visions, division for each faction (for
instance, one for local optionist and
the other for prohibitionists); mem
bers of the two divisitns to be chosen
by the advisory board. Chairman Of
first and chairman of second division
and adjutant of young mems legion to
form the staff of the chairman of the
advisory board, and the four. In easy
reach of each other, should attend to
the county.
'"To be permanent organization,
continuing after the election and ready
to leap into the breach on a moments $
notice in the future"
Was he trying to fool anybody by a
Tammany ring like this? These things
are a bit perplexing to us and If the
torch bearers of the local campaign
will just flash the light fully on these
they Will bring us under lasting OBJ
legations. Let us have ii, for as good
and truthful men," you can find out
the facts before making such state
ments" Let us hear from the good
and truthful" II. c. STRADFORD
birmingham, February 20, 1914
100 Twenty ninth street, north.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
$1,000 EACH OFFERED
FOR THE THREE BANDITS

The standard postal reward is offered
for the capture of the robbers-S1000 each.
Yesterday morning was spent in check
ing up the registered mail on the train
to estimate the loss. Statements as to
the loss cannot be secured except by per-
mission of the Postmaster General in
Washington. However, clerks and postal
inspectors yesterday. unwilling to be
quoted officially, let the information slip
that the loss Will run to approximately
100000. A package containing $4,000 in
new money was overlooked by the BAN
dts. although they tore the package
partly open. Stamps were thrown aside.
as apparently all the bandits wanted was
money.
At noon yesterday the remainder of
the registered mail having been checked,
it was sent on to it's destination. Postal
inspectors Lehmy and McNeel arrived
about that time and joined Postal Inspec-
tors Keyes and Diltz in the search for
the bandits. More postal inspectors are
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
NOTHING FROM B. r., l.. & P. CO.
New Pay-as- YOU Enter Proposition
Not Submitted to Commission

The new system of pay-as-you-enter
street railway cars as it is reported has
been devised by the Birmingham Rail-
way. Light and Power company. has not
yet been communicated officially to the
city commission. President A. III. Ford
Eor any other of the street railway Of
ficials have been at the city hall. II 10
said, since Tuesday.
1t is generally believed the new sys-
TEN, as reported about town, will not
meet with the utmost favor of the COM
mission. 1t is expected It will be formally
submitted 10 them before meeting Tues
day. *
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
NO DEVELOPMENTS
IN POLICE SITUATION
Ward Issues Statement, Say
ing No Appointment Has
Been Made

There were no developments in the
police department situation yesterday,
so far as is known. Members of the
commission stated last night that the
situation was unchanged. President
George b. Ward issued formal state
ment saying that no appointment had
been made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
REWARDS OF $1,000
EACH OFFERED BY
POSTAL AUTHORITIES
HOldup Believed to Have Been Work
of Organized Gang With Headquar-
ters in Observation-Disclosures Es-
Inmates of Money Secured
Place the Loss at 100000
FACTS ABOUT THE ROBBERY

The lowest estimate places the
loss in the robbery at Irondale at
100000
Reward of $1,000 offered for cap
ture of bandits
Bandits are thought by authori-
tiles to be in hiding In Birming
ham.
Details of robbery Thursday night
indicate that it is the work of a
band of train robbers that has
made Birmingham its headquarters
for past two years and has held up
a half dozen trains in that time,
securing loot estimated at 100000 or
more.
The police jdragnet has been
spread about the city and one
'hotel'' in particular is being
watched. Arrests are expected at
any moment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
Architects to Submit Plans

Washington. February 20.-Ten archi-
tects. one each In San Francisco, Pbila-
delphia. Baltimore, Boston. ST. Louis,
Chicago and Washington and three in
New York. have been invited by the
George Washington Memorial association
to compete drawing plans for the George
Washington Memorial building to be built
here
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
Loses Rudder in Gale

Queenstown. February D.-The big
Dutch tank steamer Rotterdam was
towed into port here today by tug and
three steam trawlers. She lost her rud-
der in the Atlantic during a gale when
eight days out from Amsterdam on the
way to New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
STATEMENT ISSUED
BY l. SEWER

l.. Sewer, executive agent OF the South
ern railway, and allied lines, gave out
the following official statement of the
holdup:
AT 1920 p. m. just south of Trussville.
three masked men who evidently boarded
No. Is engine at Alfalfa. appeared In cab,
placed gun in Engineer Murphy's face,
ordering him to stop.
Train stopped at mile post 131. about
three miles south of Trussvile Robbers
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21

and all mail clerks from mail car except
Head Clerk Merville, who was held to
locate New York-New Orleans currency
package cut mail car OFF, pulled to top
of Trussville hill, where they robbed mail
car then cut engine off and went further
south.
Engine was found dead one mile north
of Irondale Junction Conductor White
walked back to Trussville and reported
robbery at II 10 p. m. Express company,
postoffice authorities, sherim's office ana
police notified at Twentieth street, Bir-
mingham, and took deputies and special
agents to Irondale Junction. Posse also
left Birmingham in automobiles on short
notice Neither passengers nor express
molested.'
Following the robbery which was the sec
ond within six months on the Alabama
Great Southern railroad-the other being
at Bibbville, and also on Thursday night,
Sheriff Walter X. McAdory sent deputies
to the scene and Acting Chief of Police
Martin E,agan went out with several Off
GERS. Everything possible was done to
get clues and apprehend the bandits dur
ing the early morning hours.
At daylight yesterday morning the pos
tai inspectors took charge Of the case and
are now In complete control of the sit
uation.
All of the mail clerks but Chief Clerk
A b. Merville left with the train yes
terday morning for Meridian Miss. Mr..
Meryille remained in Birmingham and
aided the postal inspectors yesterday in
giving an accurate account Of the rob-
berry The local postal authorities state
that none OF the local registered mail was
disturbed This is undoubtedly correct,
as, the bandits especially emphasized that
they wanted the money packages placed
on the train at washington and in Gin
ciD0aff.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
HEAD OF GREAT NORTHERN
WELL KNOWN IN BIRMING-
HAM-SAID TO WISH TO RE-
JOIN FRISCO

The report from st. Louis yesterday
that Carl Gray, president of the Great
Northern, would return to the Frisco
lines as president was received here
with the deepest interest by his many
friends in this locality. For several
years he was senior vice president OF
the Frisco lines. His dutiessbrought
him to Birmingham a great DEAL and
Mr. Gray soon became familiar fig
ure in the district. The rumor from
st. Louis was to the effect that Mr..
Gray would become president of the
Frisco lines when the company was
taken out of the hands of the receiv-
ers, which is expected to take place in
about six months.
In connection with the reported resig-
nation of w. T. Tyler as general man
ager of the Frisco lines. II is stated
that a shakeup which will be of far
reaching effect. will take place in the
ranks of the Frisco line officials dur
ing the next few weeks. Reports have
been heard here to the effect that
Il. F. Yoakum, former head of the line.
has several surprises in store for the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21
TRAIN SENT ON
ITS WAY SOUTHWARK


Train No. of the Queen ands Cres-
cent railroad-the New York and New
Orleans express-running on train No Is
time. arrived at the terminal station at
about $3.50 o'clock yesterday morning and
went on its way southwark with it's mail
car rifed of it's valuable registered pack
ages.
The robbery occurred about five miles
north of Irondale. The robbers got on
the train at a water tank about two
miles above Trussville and two miles
south of TTussville ordered the engineer
to stop. They then uncoupled the mail
car from the rest of the train and, leav-
ing the engineer and fireman behind with
the train, they proceeded with the en-
gine to about three miles further south,
where they stopped and ordered the mail
clerks to open the door of the mail car.
Their request complied with, the bandits
evidently knowing exactly wnat to DO,
went to the registry book and. scanning
its contents, searched the car, and find
ing four registry pouches, secured their
contents. The bandits very delib-
crate about their work ana remained in
the mail car about 45 minutes. One Of
the bandits whistled continuously:
"Everybody's Doin' 1t Now"
Leaving the mail car isolated on the
track the bandits PROCEEDED on the en-
gine and, footing the whistle derisively,
they started off and about a mile fur
ther south slowed down and went into
a siding, where a waiting automobile Is
believed to have been at hanc. Tho en-
gine was left steamng.
1t is the opinion of the Officers that
the robbers, after leaving Irondale, i'm
mediately came to Birmingham. 1t is
thought that the automobiles OF The Age
Herald and of Chief Eagan encountered
the automobile which contained the ban
dts at Forty-seventh str1et.--in Wood
lawn. However. il could not be stopped.
as the tayis were going at mile a
minute clip and the mysterious automo-
bile was coming in the opposite direc-
ton at wild rate of speed. The author
ities however. have direct clews to the
robbers A capture within a rev hours
L.. LII
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-02-21

The Irondale train bandits are believed
to be in Birmingham.
They are said to be known to the au-
thorites and cannot escape the dragnet
of the postal inspectors as well as tbs
plainclothes men of Acting Chief ~Mar-
tin Eagan.
1t is known to the authorities that -four
men and a chauffeur started out from
the Terminal station about clock
Thursday night in a seven-passenger
car, touring north to Trussvile. A few
miles above Trussvile at a water tank
three of the men jumped out OF the au-
tomobile and the chauffeur and the Other
man started south to a siding within :
mile of Trondale and awaited events.
The lowest estimates of the loot of the
bandits is $4,000 but the exact amount
will not be known for sometime.
The first estimates of the robbery were
made following a conversation with Chief
Clerk Merville on the scene. Clerk Mer-
vile stated that one bag was left un-
touched which contained about $4,000. He
was asked if the four bags opened by
the robbers contained like amount. He
answered. Yes, and quite probably
more That the loss will reach upwards
of 100000 is the opinion of several ex-
Dartc an tl,a erra,,p1 x-actarlav
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-11-10
SK0WHECAN
Funeral Sunday of the Late Lor-
EMO Spaulding Somerset
Ca County. Real Estate
~ ai@ Transfers u
PERSONAL MENTION AND
OTHER LOCAL NEWS


The funeral of the late Lorenzo Spauld-
ing took place Sunday afternoon at the
home of Bales Spaulding on Court street.
Mr., Spaulding died Friday at the age of
81. He was born in Enbden, being the
Last of q family of 10 children. He had
been a farmer all his life and had lived
in Skowhegan about five years. Three
sons survive. ~.fyg erf -c.fts7f.e 81
DR.. George Otis Smith, director of the
United States Geological Survey. has
been here from Washington, ID. c., for a
few days with his family. as-
Donald PhilbTfck and Sherman Shum-
way. students in BousdoiR college, were
at home over Sunday.
Charles, Barron has leased the Lester
Stevens, farm on, Hilton Hill for, three
years, Mr.. Stevens is. to, move to the
village to, carry on the livery stable of
his UNCLE, A.. L. Hilton rs
I y The next meeting of Clementine Wes-
ton w. c. T., IT, Will be hold Tuesday
afternoon in Library parlors.. 1t will be
a Mothers meeting, in charge of Mrs.
= Lola Blunt. e,E' - +.:+.... +.
2 Rev.. j. G. Osborn, pastor of the First
BAPTIST church, exchanged pulpits Sunday
morning with Rev. George Merriam at
the Bethany church.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-11-10
Ambition
:. Pills E.
For Nervous People

The great nerve tonic-the famous
wendelrs Ambition Pills-that will put
vigor. vim and vitality into neryoas
tired out, all in,. Respondent people in a
few days a1
Anyone can buy box for only 80 cents.
and. Bowditch-Webster Co, City Drug
Store. Is authorized by the maker to, re-
fund. the purchase price if anyone is dis
satisfied with the first box purchased
Thousands praise them for general de-
bility. nervous prostration. mental de-
preston and nstrung nerves caused by
over-indulgenee in alcohol tobacco. or
overwork of any kind.
AS brain food or for any affliction of
the nervous system syendeH's Ambition
Pills are unsurpassed, while for hysteria,
trembling and neuralgia they are sim
ply, splendid. Fifty cents at Bowditeh,-
Webster Co, City Drug Store. and deal
ers everywhere. Mail orders filled,
charges prepaid by Wendell Pharmacal
Co. Inc. Syracuse, \. Y.-Adv:
octl3,tues,U Fs -Hs s.ssfs+-- 8
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-11-10
PlTTSFIELD
Stockholders of Waverly Wooden
Mills Ratify Sale to Amer
lean Wooden Co.
Memorial Service
OTHER LOCAL JOTTING OF
INTEREST IN THIS TOWN

Rev. f. S. Philbrook, pastor of the
BAPTIST church in Sanford, gave an
excellent sermon Sunday evening il,
town at the Free Baptist church. Mr..
Philbreek has been in town for few.
days the guest of Rev. and IrG. H. E.
Whitelock
A memorial service was held Mon
day afternoon at the home of Mr.. and
Mrs. u d. Lancaster on Hartland
avenue for Mrs. Lancaster's brother,
The late Leslie Patten of Somers-
Worth, y. H. Mr.. Patten died Saturday
morning. at the home in Scmersworth
after a brief illness from an intestinal
trouble. The remains were brought
here Monday morning. The deceased
vas born in West Pittsfield SO years
ago. the son of the late Col. Joseph
Fatten and Phoebe Higgins Patten.
IIe is SURVIVED by widow, Mrs. Lau-
ra Pratt Patten. by the mother above
mentioned two sisters, Mrs q. D.
lancaster of this village and Mrs
William Chase of Skowhegan: by one
brother, EphPaim Patten of Cambridge,
ass, and one half brother, j. c.
Patten of West Ptttsfieid. Rev. f. s.
Walker, pastor of the Universalist
church, offfciated. Interment was made
in the family lot in the West Pitts
field cemetery. The bearers were the
brother, Ephrairn Patfen, the. half
brother, C. atten, brother-in- law, q.
ID. Lancaster and cousin,@J. A atten.
A meeting of the stockholders of the
Waverley Wooden Co. was held Mon
day afternoon at sthe office of j. w.
At Rs g.,
ing the stockholders voted to ratify
the sale recently made by the agents
OF the company to representatives of
the American Wooden Co.
Mr.. and Mrs Frank Shaw of Boston
are in town for visit. with Mrs.
Shaw,ss sister. Mrs Charlotte Griffin.
s. r. Haines left Monday on bus
mess trip to New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hackett have
moved into the Hackett.' house on
Manson street. --,s---s ...-.-.s
Arthur Delano Of Boothbay Harbor
is in. town for a visit with relatives.
Miss .Gwendolen Griffin Of Augusta
passed the week end in town with her
mother. Mrs. Charlotte Griffin.
s. C. .Sturtevant, returned Monday
morning to Dexter. where he has en-
ploYment after q few days visit
with his family in this village.
F. A. Hackett left Monday on a
business. trip to Robinson naa s
y Mr., and Mrs. Frank Weeks and Mr..
and Mrs,aSumner McCausland return
ed Monday from a visit with relatives
-in.Augusta. e-ssf IN ~ fissV f.s
Mr.. and Mrs. Ray Fox passed Sum-
day with relatives in town. 9,snET .
81, Mr. and Mrs. B. E.. Swift who were
guests Of friends in town over Sun
day, returned Monday to Lewiston,
where Mr.. Swift is taking a course
of study at Bates College.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-11-10
MADISON

Fhe sbeaeat. ba N AZ tufday seyenihg
Tor t,is Madfsoa ats department. had a
large attendanoa Music was furnished
by g local orchestra and refreshments
were on sale A small sum of money
was netted for the benefit of the or-
gar fund.
A special meeting of Minerva Chap
ter, o. Il: S. will be held Wednesday
evening, the occasion being a visit
of the district deputy grand matron,
Mrs. katherine Kidder of Fairfield, for
the purpose of inspection.
Mr. and Mrs. Irving Rurwood of
Auburn Were guests over Sunday of
Mr. Burwoodis parents, Mr., and Mrs.
James BuIwnod.
Daniel Nichols went to Hebron Sat
urdayY TO visit Mrs. Nichols, who is
taking treatment at, the Hebron san
atorium. .5.......
Rev. ard Mrs Royal A. Rich went
to Winthrop Saturday to attend the
wedding of a former parishioner. re-
turning home Sunday morning in
their automobile.
Rev Noel Breed of Lander, Wyo.,
filled the pulpit of the CONGREGATION
al church Sunday in the interest of
Home Mission work on the frontier.
Mr.. Breed gave an interesting outline
of present conditions in the West.
Forest j. Ward went Monday to
JaclSman for brief visit with friends.
Rev F. W Webber preached at the
Methodist church Sunday morning in
place of Rev r. A. Rich.
The Boy Scouts of the Congregation
al church were entertained at husk-
ing bee SATURDAY. afternoon at the res
idence of Mr.. ard Mrs. T. p. Weston.
"A senuine good time lis reported.
F. l.. Perkins. who has been i'll with
bilious fever for the past week and
half, is now reported to be slowly
ir1lnrnNino in hen lth. -