davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
WOMAN TELLS WHY
 SHE EXPOSED BIG,
 ARSON CONSPIRACY

Chicago, December 16.-Mrs. David Kor- shak, whose husband has confessed to setting fire to many stores in the in- terest of an alleged larson ring" today told on the witness stand that for $lo0oo and $50 a week she had contracted to expose the conspiracy and cause her hus- band to confess. The statement was made in the trial of Joseph Fish, fire insurance adjuster and reputed million aire, accused of complicity in numerous fires.
 She told first of receiving $250 q month from Fish, part of which she sent to her husband. then in hiding in London. Later she declared Fish cut down the payments and she agreed with counsel for the underwriters to aid in the prose- cution of the alleged arson ring for $l0,- GOO and a weekly allowance She declared she had received $75oo on the contracted amount.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Hubbard Bros. & Co.'s Letter

New, York, December 16.-(Special) Cables this morning were better than due
 and our market showed renewed strength, advancing above 7kc for May on local short covering and some buying of Octo- Der, which appeared to come from the west. Some attention was also paid to the large export figures for the day. Southern markets were steady and somewhat high- CT, although the advance has not been en- urcly commensurate with the improve ment in future markets since the govern Inent estimate. s s s,ts-
 Sales reported by the leading markets south were somewhat larger today. There Is general disposition in advices reach- ing this market from the south to expect some selling before the turn of the year. ana these advices have considerable ef- rect upon local sentiment. which is of the view that the recovery is not likely to 20 further without more active demand than has appeared in the last day or two.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
SPOT SITUATION
 STEAD|ES MARKET Losses More Than Recov- ered-Close From ' to
 9 Points Higher

New York. December 1s-Yesterday' g losses were more. than recovered in the cotton market today. owing to reports of continued steadiness in the southern spot situation, New Orleans buying and covering The close was steady and from ! to points net higher May contracts sold at 754 during the afternoon or into new high ground for the movement and about % points above' the low level of last Friday.
 { The market opened unchanged to 8 points lower in sympathy with easier cables and on scattered selling of much the same character as that noted on yes- terday's decline. Prices soon steadied however, in keeping with the closing atl- vance of Liverpool and with the New Orleans market The steady showing of the southern spot markets as off cially reported late yesterday combined with reports that pre-holiday offerings were unusually small this season seemed to inspire some support from commits sion houses. while there was Wall street and western buying as well as a consid- erable demand from southern sources
 After selling about to Il points net higher the market became less active end fluctuations were somewhat irregu- lar in the late trading as a result of re- alizing but there was no aggressive pres sure and the close was within or , points of the best. Larger exports helped steady the market in the late trading. as did Washington advices that France would regard cotton as noncon- traband and reports from the American en tassy in London that cotton is not being, and will not be stopped on the high seas. The irregularity of Liverpool was attributed to naval developments in the North sea.
 New York, December 16.--cotton opened steady; December offered at G. a0c; Janll- ary, 7.o6c; March, 7.25c: May, |. 42c; July, 7.59c; October, 7.S0c.
 New York Cotton Futures
 New York, December 16-Cotton closed steday
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
COTTON STEADY
 DESPITE RUMORS Reports of Naval Engage ment In North Sea Cause
 Little Selling

New Orleans. December 16.-The cotton market still maintained good tone throughout the session in the face of many rumors regarding naval engage ments in the North sea. Even the official report that German ships had fired on English coast towns failed to bring out any selling of consequence. In the early trading the most active months sold at net loss of 1 point. but this was fol- lowed by a rise of 1S points The close was at net gain for the day of to 9 points.
 Covering of the short interest, reports of large spot demand to fill December engagements and heavy bookings of ocean freight room at cotton ports were the main sustaining influences. Receipts at the ports, all told, were 69,273 bales, while shipments were s1,V71, of which 63,- 9A were for foreign countries. Predic- tions were renewed that end-of-the-month shipments would be very large.
 Spot markets were generally steady with advances of 1-16c at Savannah, Au- gusta and Dallas, the latter market re- porting sales of 13,69S bales. Houston rose hc.
 New Orleans, December 16.-Cotton opened quiet. January, 6.97c; March. 7.s0c; May, $.5sc; July, 746c; October, .7.7Sc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
lyIr1uu.Lu uLvI,LnU SHOWN IN TRADING Sagging Tendency Manifest In Stock Market Till
 Closing Hour

New York, December 16.-The most significant feature of today's heavy and narrow market was the pronounced de- crease in the volume of trading. Only at rare intervals was there any degree of activity and that usually at the expense of values
 Until the closing hour when the sagging tendency became more manifest, prices alternately ranged slightly above or be- low the previous days close. In the final dealings moderate offerings brought about another reaction, most of the interna- tional list and other favorites making new low prices for the current movement
 United States Steel common and pre- ferred were in this class. together with Union and Southern Pacific, Great North ern preferred. Northern Pacific, Canadian Pacific and American Smelting. In addi- tion, four other stocks of varying i'm portance, Louisville and Nashville, South ern Railway, Mexican Petroleum and Re- public Steel preferred, fell to the mini mum level still enforced by the exchange. The few gains shown at the end of the session were among such issues as Cen tral Leather and American Beet Sugar while other stocks under "pooIe control bore evidence of manipulation.
 News of the German navy's activities in the North sea was received with some ap- prehension and gave rise to fears of fur ther European selling. More offerings of Americans for English and German in- terests were reported, but their volume was believed to be very small.
 Some comfort was found in the for eign trade figures, exports from this port for November showing a gain of almost s14,500,000 over the same month last year. Exchange markets reflected little change in conditions between this center and London, while marks held steady.
 In the Steel trade an increase of buy ing for the coming year was the sole feat ure. but immediate business continued at "a virtual standstill. aside from small equipment orders. Some inquiry for cop per for domestic use was noted.
 Bonds were irregular. speculative issues going lower, with advances in few high class issues. Total sales, par value, were s1, ,4S0, ,000.s ,ss
 United States government coupon As advanced # per cent on call
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
EGG CONSUMPTION
 |S0N THE INCREASE
Stronger Demand With Cold Weather-Candled Eggs
 Selling Well

There is a strong demand for eggs on Morris avenue, and the supply is ade- quate. Dealers state that the continued cold weather has caused an increase in egg consumption here. Heavy shipments are being received daily from the rural portions of Alabama and points in Ten nessee and Mississippi. Very few Mis- souri eggs are now being placed on the Birmingham market on account of heavy express charges At this season of the year most eggs sold are tested before the candle before being placed on sale. Can dled eggs are said to- be running well'' at the present time and low temperature makes preservation less hazardous. Re- tail merchants are thus enabled to handle larger stocks without fear of heavy loss The local quotation on candled eggs is now g cents, but extra graded eggs are bring ing 30 cents.
 firm, and the markets active. w
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
AUSTRIANS LOSE
 HEAVILY, REPORT

London. December 16.-H:57 D. m.)-An Exchange Telegraph dispatch from Rome says:
 It IS officially admitted in Vienna that Austrians killed or wounded in their de- feas by servians numbered 100000. Pulp lie sentiment and indignation are strong against Austrian leaders. especially against Field Marshal Potiorek,. who but eight days ago accepted from the Em- peror high decoration after telegraph ing that the Servians had been defeated and he would be in Nish in three weeks.
 This telegram also resulted in Gen. eral Haal. commander of the fortress at sarayevo, being appointed governor of Belgrade, whence he fled five days after his arrival. ags
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17

local Elks spend a large amount of money for the poor each year the tree as well as the baskets this year prom ise to be the largest and most success fni ever given by them.
 The coal mines Of the Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company at Sumter and Johns are running five days a week. with a prospect of operating six days after the first of the year. The coal mines and coke ovens at Virginia mines are running. five days a week. with a good force ofs men. so the pros poets are bright for the coming year.
 In the Bessemer city court today a verdict for $l00 was returned by the jury in the case of Freeman Jones vs. the Alabama Great Southern Railroad company for damages. 1t being alleged that he was put off a train of the defendant company because he did not have a ticket. Attorneys Goodwyn and Ross represented the plaintiff while the defendant company was represent ed by A. C. and E. D. smith.
 The Brighton School Improvement association will entertain at a kitchen shower tomorrow afternoon at the high school auditorium for tho benefit Of the domestic science department of the school
 Myrtle Linton lodge No. 1so. Knights of Pythias. will hold it's regular meet ing at the castle hall tomorrow night at which time there will be work in the rank of knight.
 Leo Newberger of New York is the guest of relatives in Bessemer for the Christmas holidays.
 MT. and Mrs. A. T. Buck and family will leave the latter part of the week for Paducak, Ky, where they will ro- side In future
 Mrs Joe Block of Montgomery 10 the guest of her mother Mrs. Esther Jessel for the Christmas holidays.
 Miss Rosebud McWnliams will re- turn from Nashville Friday to spend the Christmas holidays with her par ents, Mir. and Mrs. W. D. McWilliams.
 Mrs Roy McE;achern has returned to her home after visit of several weeks to her mother, Mrs s Batiste.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Produce

New York, December 16.-Butter firm and unchanged Rece. .ts, 6409. Cheese irregular. Receipts, 2976. State. whole milk, held, specials, 15a4q16c state, whole milk, held, average fancy, 15A@15cc. Eggs steady, unchanged receipts, 5064. Dressed poultry firm; western roasting chickens, l6lt19c; fresh fowls 121a@171ac; turkeys, 12m21c.
 St, Louis, December 16.-Poultry un- changed except turkeys, 15G151sc; geese. 9@11c. Butter unchanged. Eggs, 321sc.
 Kansas City, December 16.-Butter, eggs and poultry unchanged.
 Chicago, December 16.-Butter un- changed. Eggs unsettled; receipts, 3733 cases; at mark, cases included, 23a231se; ordinary firsts 3oa32c; firsts, So. Po- tatoes unchanged; receipts, 30 cars. Poul- try, alive. unchanged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Interior Cotton Movement

Houston: Aiiddling, 7ssc; receipts, 14,- 992; shipments. 14966; sales. 5739: stock, 164,45S. .
 Memphis: Middling, 7c; receipts. 537s; shipments, 5776 sales, 400; stock, 263,O79. Augusta. Middling, 71-16c; receipts, 2o17: shipments. 1755; sales. 2106; stock, 15S, ,635.
 St. Louis: Middling, 7Mc; receipts, 4164; shipments, 37S5; stock, 35, ,451
 Cincinnati: Receipts, 25S2; shipments, 21s9; stock, 4017.
 Little Rock: Middling, 67sc: receipts, 176; shipments, S76; stock, 5i,747
 Dallas Middling, GAG; sales, 1S,69S.
 Total today Receipts. 29,S09; ship ments, 39,347; stock, 6SO,327.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Mercantile Paper

New York, December 16.--Closing mer- cantile paper, 4A@4 hper cent sterling exchange steady; 60-day bills, s4.s4.25; for cables. A.sS; for demand, $4.S7.35. Bar silver. 495sc. Mexican dollars, 3Sc; gov bonds firm; railroad bonds irreg- ular. Time loans dull 50 and 90 days, 4d414 per cent: six months. A per cent.
 London, December 16.--Bar silver 22 15-16d per ounce; money. 1s per cent; discount rates, short and three-months bills, 25s per cent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Waiting on Meetiny

Colonel T. O. smith of the Birmingham Trust and Savings bank said: Until u meeting that I am informed is to be held is over would prefer not to make any further statements Apparently there are only two measures for relief. One is an increase in, taxes and the other is a separate taxing district. Either scheme will be violently opposed in my judg- ment However do not care to go into the subject at this time.o
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Make Birmingham a County

Robert H. Baugh of the Birmingham Arms company said: Make Birmingham, county to itself We would then get a rate of $l.7e and this city would get the rloney. Consolidate the offices of sheriff and chief of police. Make the city hall and the courthouse one. Abol- ish all of our political sineeures and all needless courts ard the like of that. We would then get Into some kind of shape. l believe q tax increase would be SD strenuously resisted as to be almost im- possible of accomplishment !"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Look to Commissioners

Sidney E. Hitler of the Alabama Mar ble company said: T am not very well posted on tho situation. Most business men have troubles of their own and look to the commissioners to solve the city g troubles However. would be in favor of Birmingham being a county by her self and reapng all the rewards therer from. Something should he agreed upon which will relieve the situation perma- nently. and quickly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Commission Should Act

Ferd Caheen of Caheen Bros. said: "I believe the commissioners should ask the people to indorse some permanent plan at once which they can defend before the people. At any rate. something should be done at once. What it is I am not in a position to say"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
onnoses Shifting County

l. r. Young of Young & yann Supply company said; sI am opposed to split ting up this county. I have not given the financial troubles of the city much study. as I supposed all along that the com mlssioners would handle that. I believe if We could get a dispensary here the problem would be solved. I would not say, however, that I would favor dis pensary in this city, however. The city should adjust itself as rapidly as pos efh1a ff
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
New Orleans Rice Market

New Orleans. December 16.-Rough rice was barely steady and clean quiet today, with quotations unchanged. Receipts: Rough, s400; milers, 1si3; clean, s2S0. Sales, dss sacks rough Honduras at 3.25Gt3 soc 2942 pockets clean Honduras at 29s@54c; 1926 pockets Japan at 2ss@35se.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Montgomery Market

Montgomery, December 16.-(Special.) Spot cotton was quoted today as follows: Good middiing, 67sc; strict middling- 6ssc; .middling. 63lc; strict low middling 53sc; low rniddling. 5Ac; strict gooo ordinary, 415c; good ordinary, 3Ac. Market quiet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Laboratory Dedicated

Cambridge. Mass. December 16-The aeronautical laboratory of the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology was dedicated today. The laboratory will be devoted to study of principles underlying aerial flight a new departure in technf- cal instruction in this country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Dry Goods Market

New York, December 16.--Prices on per- cale were reduced today to a basis of sc for A, 80 squares. Dark ground were quoted Ac higher than light grounds, be- cause of the scarcity of dyestuffs. Wor- sted yarns were in good inquiry from for eign sources. Laces and embroideries were dull. Trade in domestics continued active.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
FIour and Bre.d.tvef.

Self-rising hour, SS45: Tennessee four s5.s5 Michigan flour. $6.95; Idaho fiour $6.2O; Indiana flour, S6.25: spring whea f flour, $S.40; hard winter wheat flour. s5 'eS. shorts. $32; pure wheat bran, S29: c meal. 711 per cent, s25; Cremo meal. per ton, $22; c. s. hulls. g ton; No. I timothv hay. per tor. $24; mixed alfalfa and John son grass. per ton. SIS; pea green aIfa lfa western. s25; mixed feed. per ton. Sal: oats, per bustel. 65c; corn. per bushel. 65c: cornmeal. N.65 per 96 pounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
New Orleans Spot Cotton

New Orleans, December 16.-Spot cotton quotations today were: Savannah. 7hc; Norfolk, 6Ac Baltimore. 7Nc; Augus- 'ta, 1-16c; St. Louis, 7hc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Hides and TsIlox

Green salt hides. l6017c green salt hides (haif cured), 15Glsc; green hides, (fresh). 14Q15c; dry flint hides, 2S@2sc; dry salt hides. 2s@27c; damaged hides, half price: sheep skins. 25g6Oc, horse hides. H@3; sherlings, 15625c; goat skins, 0@s6c: kid skins. l0c: tallow, 506c: beas- wax 8@3oc; washed wool. 26G1yc: clear unwashed wool. 17022c; burry wool. 1eG12c; ginseng. N.ooo5.oe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Bonds
Call Money

New York December 16.--Money on call easy. High, 31a per cent; low, 3 per cent; ruling rate, 31a per cent; last loan, 3H per cent; closing bid, 3 per cent; offered at 3A per cent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Spanish Mackerel-121zc pound.
Creamery Products

Creamery Butter-S29351xc; process but- tor. soc; oleomargarine, l6623c.
 Full Cream Cheese--17c; imported sw,ss 33c: Pimento. doz., S.S5.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Fruits and Produce

 Lemons-$350. Limes--75Q90c. Virginia Cabbage-2c lb. Northern Apples-Barrel, fancy. saoD4. Peanuts-61k091ac. Florida Oranges-$275 California Oranges, $2.25. Grape Fruit-s2. 75Q3.25. California Grapes-s2.75 per box. Catawba Grapes-17c per basket. Malaga Grapes-s5.50G6 per keg. Tomatoes-$3@s.5 per crate. Cocoanuts, A per sack. Cranberries-Per box. g; per barrel, yz Rutaba agas-1hc lb. Celery-A.50.. Walnuts. l6@20c per lb. Pcans-16@30c per lb. Filberts-l5c per fb. Almonds-20c per lb. Chestnuts-9c per ID.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
BESSEMER NEWS

Bessemer, December 16.-(SpeciaI ) Much interest Is being manifested in the Sunday school institute to be held at the Hueytown church, December 27 and 2s. The institute will convene Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. at which time Miss Lillian Forbes will be pres ent and will grade the Sunday school At 1 o'clock Miss Forbes will speak OH '"rhe Graded Lessons" and at , o'clock she will speak on Home Co., Operation" Monday morning Miss Forbes will have as her subject. "The Value of Graded Lessons" and Monday afternoon she will speak on "our Teachers Training Work" while Mon- day night Harry L. Strickland will be present and speak on 'Senior and Adult Work"
 A large part of the stock of the Rog- ers' haberdashery on Nineteenth street between Second and Third avenues. un- der the Grand hotel, was damaged by an overflow of water from the second story last night. The damage Is es- timated at about $400.
 The ladies committee from the local lodge of EllSs, which was appointed to have charge of the annual Christmas tree to be given by them and is com posed of Mrs. A, c. Mitchell. chairnian Mrs. c, r. Goodwin, Mrs. J. $. Win ters, Mrs. F. H. Fielder, Mrs. A w. Deason, Mrs. George Ross. Mrs. II. V. Rogers and Mrs. T. IT. Huey They are hard at work securing the names of the needy families. Although tho
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Liyerpool Cotfon

Liverpool, December 16.-Fair business in spot cotton; prices steady; American nicdling fair. 5.22d: good middling, 4. cod; mlddling, 4.36d; low middling. 3s9d: good or dinary S.27d: ordinary, 2.s2d. Sales, S0u0 bales, including 750O American and 5000 for speculation and export. Receipts 15,- 147 bales no American Futures closed very steady. May and June, 4.151zd; July and August, 4.2116d; october and Novem- Der, 4.32d January and February, 4.371hd.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Would CeIebrate Treaty

Washington, December 16.-The Church Peace, union, embracing all denomina- tons. has asked all American churches to celebrate on Sunday. February. 1.-the centenary of the ratification of the treaty of Ghent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17

ginia plan. where all cities of certain class are separated from their respective counties. I understand the Virginia plan is looked on by great many with fa- xrs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Fish :

Salt Water Trout--10@12c, Blue Catfish-71xc.
 Red Snapper-7hc. Gray Snapper-5c. Mullet-5g51kc. Spanish Mackerel-125kc pound. Fresh Pompano-20@2kc Delaware oysters-standards. $1.15 gal. lon; selects, $1 .50 gallon. Gulf Oysters-$30S.5 per 10eo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
CITIZENS LOOK TO COMMISSIONERS TO
 OFFER SOLUTION OF
 FINANCIAL TROUBLE
Continued from Page Five,

taxing district, and it may be necessary in addition to raise the rate to some extent at least, and in that connection it might be well to look into the Vir-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Chicago Grain

| Chicsago. December 16.-Wheat: No. ? red. $1. .1S146I1. .19; No 2 hard, S1.1Ss4a1 19s4. Corn: No. yellow. 64@64i4c. Oats: Stand ard, 49146l49lsc Rye No. 2. $1.0Sl4. Bar
 ley 5S@10c. Timothy. S4.5O@6.2 25. Clover, si2ail4. 50. Pork, sl6.5O. Lard, S10.O5 Ribs, | S9 37d10. 12.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Naval Stores

Savannah, l.A. December 16-Turpen- tirs firm, i4c aales, 15: receipts, aOs; shipments, ls ssock. 33.79s. Rosin. firm; stock, 1S>45s- t2lote: A. B. c. D, B. F' C. H S3.a5n3.4c: I. $a.66: K, $4.1b; M. ' fs Y. $ s6; NC. s5.70; wv, $5.9O.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
Coffee Market

New York, December 16.-There was an easier tone in the coffee market here to- day, and after opening at an advance of points to decline of 2 points. futures eased off under liquidation and trade selling, which appeared to be inspired by somewhat easier offerings of Santos cof- fees in the cost and freight market. and a tapering off of demand after the com paratively active spot business of last week The close was at & net decline of to 8 points. Sales. 17.250. December, 6.SSc; January. 6.41c; February. 6.47c; March. 6.54c; April, 6.62c; May. 6.71c: June, 6.61c; July. 7.49c; August, 7.56c: Septem- Der. 7.6Sc; October, 7.70c; November, 7.77c.
 Spot quiet; Rio No. | 7ss@7%c; Santos No. 4, 10c.
 The Brazilian cables quoted Rio ex- change 1-16d lower at IA 13-16d. Milreis prices unchanged. Brazilian port receipts. 67, 900: Jundiahy. c4,O00.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-17
NERVOUS SELLING
 CAUSED IN WHEAT
Effect of German Raid Is Felt-Close At De-
 cline

Chicago. December 16.-Uneertainty as to what effect the German naval raid on English ports might have on the demand for export shipments to Great Britain led to some selling hy nervous holders of wheat. In consequence the market, al- though steady atcthe close, was ssdIssc under last night. Both corn and oats fin- ished lse to is@4c down. The outcome in provisions was irregular, varying from Dc decline to a rise of 1iRc.
 Wheat pessimists argued that even if the German squadron was immediately destroyed the fact had been demonstrated that other similar expeditions were not impossible. The bears contended that a serious German naval defeat would cause lower quotations as indicating an early end of the war.
 Corn gradually softened under the bear ish influence of wheat. Throughout much of the ruling, nevertheless, influence was an active inquiry for shippers.
 Oats took the same action as corn.
 Packers as conspicuous buyers of lard, helped provisions.
 Chicago. December 16.-Grain and rfxts.<