davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
TERRIFIC FIGHT
 FOR POSSESSION
 OF AN AEROPLANE
French and Germans Forces Battle Hand-tO-Hand In The Valley Of
 SuippekO

Bar-Le-Duc, France, December 27
 Correspondence of the Associated Press. 1.-The Petit Parisien gives this account of the capture of the trenches commanding the valley of the Suippeko
 The French batteries had been play ing on the German positions all day and the observers reported that the fire was precise and deadly; consequently the appearance of Taube over the bat tery was no surprise. The French gum ners ceased firing in order not to give a clue to their whereabouts and the Taube sailed away, seemingly having failed in it's mission. It came back again. however and after dropping four harmless bombs on Semipgneul let fall a few dangerously close the French guns. The position had been discovered Muskets were aimed from every direc- tion. machine guns were turned toward 1t and even the three-inchers came into action. In perfect storm of shell and
 bullets the Taube soon was in a bad way; it made an effort to flee but tipped considerably, then obliqued toward the earth and landed with a heavy shock in the plain of Aghilcourt
 The French infantry had watched tho action from the trenches and the ma chine had no sooner touched the ground than the entire line dashed forward The Saxons in front also had been look ing on and they came on at double quick to defend the machine. There was an indescribable melee for a few minutes in which it was impossible to separate the French and the Germans The aviator was killed when he was about to disengage hls machine but tho Saxons put up so strong a fight that the issue had become doubtful. Sudden ly squadron of French dragoons came into sight from Coda. With lances ready they precipitated themselves into the fight and put the Saxons to rout
 The machine was captured and the i'm fantry then charged with the bayonet and took the trenches that comma nded tie valley of the Suippeko.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
ITALIAN CRUISER
 WILL AID AMERICAN
 VESSEL L|N|TS WORK

Rome, December 27.-The Italian cruiser Calabria, now at Beirut, Syria has been instructed to assist the Ameri- can cruiser North Carolina, if necessity arises as the result of further demon- strations against departure of Europe ans from Turkish territory The cruiser Tennessee, the fuel ship Vulcan and the gunboat Scorpion of the American navy, which also are looking after American interests in the eastern Mediterranean. are ready to steam to any place where they are needed, according to reports received here.
 According to a dispatch from Athens the North Carolina recently threa sFned to use her guns as the result of an other incident at Tripoli, Syria The cruiser, conveying the American steam CT Virginia, entered Tripoli harbor and the compander requested the Turkish authorities to permit the British and French oonsuls to depart with their na- tiona1s resident in the city
 The request was refused but several French residents boarded the Virginia They were att6 ked by mob who wounded the veptain and first officer. The North Carolina threatened to fire and the mob fled. The Virginia and the North Carolina left for Dedeagatch Later the cruiser proceeded to Smyrna.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
CLANTON

Clanton, December 27.-(Special)-The new Chiffon County High school is to open on January {. The building, which cost sls0o, is finished Prof. c. c. Slaton of Quinton has been elected by the coun- ty board of education as principal with the privilege of selecting his assistant.
 The recent fire here destroyed the homes of pr. Arthur Johnson and F. w. Dent. pr. Johnson owned both of the buildings. and his loss is 5000. partly covered by in- surance.
 Judge E. B. Deason issued IS marriage licenses for the week ending Saturday.
 Clnnton is to have new ice plant. Messrs J. Q. and A. c. Wade have com menced arrangements to install this ad- ditional needed industry.
 The Chiffon County Farmers union is to meet at Thorsby on December 29-3o. Prof. l.. N. Duncan, pr. D. J. Burleson, Dr. H. c. Wilson and Prof. Noel Negley are to deliver lectures during the two- days session.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28

at that time on Kendriclx avenue I side street considerably distant from the campus and athletic field AL though we ourselves realized that the site was not the best, we were unable to obtain a more suitable one nearer the campus and Whitnall Field. on Broad street, as there were none avail able. Everything facing the lake an1 campus was taken by either professors. homes or fraternity houses We ae- cordingly decided to erect our new house on the site of our present prop erty.
 However. one day in the spring one of our men decided on the spur of the moment to see Dr. Maynard, whose home directly faced the athletic field and was next to the D. F.. K. house, and induce him if possible to consider 2 proposition to exchange properties On first thought. pr Maynard refused to even think of such a proposal but the following day when Mir. Picxard again saw him he said he would ex- change his property for ours providing we gave him a certain considerable amount in addition. After due delibera- tion the fraternity decided to trade on that basis. By this transfer, we ob- tained the very best available site in the entire village of Hamilton. We have 150-foot frontage on Broad street, directly facing the athletic field, the outlook including practically all the college buildings as we'll as being di- recty opposite the sites for the new gymnasium and chapel which are to be erected next spring. The property ex- tends back a distance of over 200 yards; we have over two acres in all; more property than any four fraterni- ties in college; about five times as much as the Dekes own next door. The possibilities of such a site are unllm- tied. We are in the very nucleus of all college activity.
 We have put over s2000 into remodel ing the home which pr. Maynard oc- cupied and have converted it into q very attractive chapter house, we'll suited to the needs of a fraternity. It Is very cozy we'll furnished. well adapted to dancing has hardwood floors throughout the downstairs, a large artistic fireplace and has been papered and painted throughout An immense veranda runs across the en- tire front and down the south side of the house. The dining room has ample accommodation for between 70 and 50 men"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Alabama Should Get More

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 I noticed in the papers few days since that the general educa tional board had given to schools in the southern states more than 100000. was very much sur prised to notice that of this sum Ala bama only received $2l 100, while some of the other southern states received as much as s400.00O. If the statement pub lished is correct, I cannot understand why the amount given to Alabama for educa- ticnal purposes should be so much less than that given to any other southern state. It does seem to me that if any state in the south needs money for the cause of education, Alabama is that state, and judging from the report as published 1t does seem that there has been dis crmination against Alabama.
 Not knowing by what method those having this fund in charge distribute same believe 1t would be matter of general interest to the public if your valued paper would explain the method etc.. by which this fund is distributed. Respectfully.
 w. w. LAVENDER. Centreville, December 27, 1914.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
COLGATE COLLEGE DESIRES
 PHI DELTA THETA CHAPTER

For the purpose of acquiring for Col gate college at Hamilton. N r., Phi Delta Theta chapter there has been sent to the convention which convenes in Birmingham this morning l.. L. PiclSard of Rochester, E. L. Wolf of Ta- coma Wash. and Professor Allen of Colgate university.
 The members Of the committee last night said there was no reason why the members of the general council should refuse to Colgate a chapter an6 they will make a very hard fight be- fore the convention for that recogni- ten.
 The members of the committee to express their case adequately issued a statement yesterday to the various delegates 10 the convention as follows; ''To the Members Of Phi Delta Theta
 Fraternity.
 Gentlemen: Sigma Alpha's delegates returned from the conclave of the Alpha Province of Phi Delta Theta held at Williams college last Thanksgiving bearing a single message: Possess a suitable house and a charter will be granted at Birmingham
 Since that time we have worked in- defatigably with that one object In view, looking forward to the goal of our ambition, Phi Delta Theta. We have been filled with determination to fulfill the requirements placed upon us by that convention and it is with some pleasure and no small measure of satisfaction that we can report con siderably progress and success.
 '"The first step taken was to in- form the alumni of the exact status of affairs and we were at once assured of their enthusiastic support. AS soon as possible the fraternity was legally incorporated under the laws of the state of New York, as the Sigma Alpha corporation, membership including un- dergraduates and alumni alike. Spe- cific steps were undertaken at once towards the raising of the funds neces- sary to insure the completion of our new home. A considerable sum of money was realized by the sale of an issue of bonds, to which alumni anl undergraduates alike responded nobly.
 "Our house and property was located
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
REPORT TELLS HOW CUSTOMS HOUSE MET
 PROBLEMS OF WAR

New York, December 27.--How the New York custom department coped with the changed conditions brought by the war, including the problem of preserving neutrality and the new work entailed by the rush of home coming Americans, is told by Dudley Field Ma lone, collector of the port, in his annual report to Secretary McAdoo today.
 The report says prompt measures were taken at the outbreak of war to prevent violations of neutrality by es- tablishing a sub-bureau of 40 customs inspectors, who. through 300 customs guards, kept in touch with the move ments of foreign vessels.
 From August to November the report declares, the customs service faced harder trials than any previous period in it's history. Its biggest task was to handle baggage arriving without it's owners and importations from Europe arriving without their accompanying documents.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
BURNHAM RECITAL
 GIVEN AT TUTWILER
Audience Yesterday Afternoon In- cluded Many of Birmingham's
 Best Known Musicians

Thuel Burnham's piano recital at the Tutwiler hotel yesterday afternoon was largely attended, and the audience in- cluded many of Birmingham's best known musicians. It was the second of this seasons series of Sunday re- citals arranged by Mrs. J. E. Frazier and Mrs. c. J. Sharp. This was the pro- gramme:
 Toccato and Fuga D Minor (Bach).
 Pastorale variee (Mozart).
 Impromptu (Schubert). s.
 ErllSing (Schubert-Liszt).
 Papillons (Schumann).
 Romanza (Schumann).
 Grillen (Schumann).
 Prelude, Op. 20 (Chopin)
 Nocturne, Op. 37. No. (Chopin)
 Valse, Op. GA, No. ? tChopin). r3f
 Polonaise, Op. 53 (Chopin).
 From an Indian Lodge (MacDowelD.
 Improvisation (MacDowell). 4l
 Shadow Dance (MacDowelD. .-ts
 Polonaise (MacDowoll, . e, @.s.
 MT. Burnham Is an artist of varied talents, but he was heard at his best In reposeful playing rather than for tissimo effects, for like some of the celebrated pianists he overdoes his climaxes.
 The Mozart number was played with grace and beauty, but in the Schubert impromptu there seemed to be an over striving for virile dynamics; and in the Schubert-Liszt "Erlking" MT, Burnham was bit too Lisztian. At least many of the audience must have thought so The Chopin group and the MacDowell group had distinct appeal. The<artists singing qualities and his poetic inter pretation of the "Noaturne' were re- marked. This was one of the gems of the concert,
 Mir. Burnham received generous ap- plause and after the performance many music lovers were warm in their ex- pressions of appreciation.
 The recital was held in the mezzanine ballroom of the hotel. The acoustics there are not so good as the acoustics in the upper ballroom, where the first musicale was given and where the next will be presented. w. R.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
VENEZUELA WOULD REVISE RULES OF
 LAWSOF NATIONS
Proposes Meeting of All the Neutral Governments Of the World in Wash
 ington, D c.

Washington, December 27.-Venezuela has formally proposed to all the neutral governments of Europe. Asia and the two Americans that a conference be held in Washington to revise or sup plement the rules of interns tional law respecting the rights of neutals
 The plan provides that the govern ing board of the Par-American union, consisting of the diplomatic represen- tatives of all the American republics. draft a programme for the conference and that the rules finally agreed upon by it should be submitted later to the telligerents.
 The proposal would seek not only to define the rights of neutrals in such questions as the presence of belliger- ents' ships in close proximity to neu- tral shores but would embrace the en- tire field of contraband, seizures and detentions, with the idea of reaching a uniform understanding to protect neu- tral commerce.
 In view of the partial repudiation ol the declaration of London of 1909 by the allied powers and the announcement of the United States that it could not accept it because it had not been rati- fled by all the nations concerned but would be guided by previous rulings in international law, neutral nations have been forced practically to forge their own codes of law. The lack of uniformity has led to much controversy and confusion.
 Dominic, the Venezuelan minister to the United States, who transmitted his governments proposal to the various neutrals through their diplomatic rep resentatives here, said tonight he had found sentiment generally favorable to the plan. In his opinion the conference could empower their diplomatic repre- sentatives in Washington to act for them. He said, however none Of the powers addressed had formally replied
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
ORGANIZE SOCIETY
 IN SOUTH AMERICA

Washington, December 27.-Ambas- sador De Cana of Brazil today wrote Senator Root, president of the Ameri- can Society of International Law, that a branch of the society had been organ ized recently in Rio de Janeiro. The organization was formed as result of the trip of Robert Bacon, former sec retary of state, to South America as representative of the Carnegie founda- tion for international peace. The vice president of Brazil, cabinet officers and the members of the supreme court took prominent part in the formation of the society.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
RECORD BREAKING COLD WAVE BROKEN Generally Rising Tempera- lures Predicted For the
 Next Few Days

Washington, December 27.--Winter' S record breaking cold wave which had covered most of the country from the Rocky mountains to the Atlantic coast was broken tonight, and generally ris- ing temperatures were predicted for the next few days.
 Forecastors at the weather bureau said the temperatures already were moderating everywhere east of the Rockies and north of the Mason and Dixon line. In the southern states, it was said. temperatures would be raised to normal seasonal averages by tomor- row
 Northfield, Vt, was the coldest city in the eastern United States today. The temperature there was 26 degrees be- low zero.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
RUSSIANS DENY REPORT OF CED|NG
 SAKHAL|N ISLAND
Declare Japan Was Not Given Island in Exchange For Heavey Field
 Guns

Petrograd. December 27.-The Russian government has authorized the official news agency to deny categoricslly the statement that Russia has ceded to Japan half the Island of Sakhalin in exchange for heavy artillery. It is asserted the report is absolutely unfounded
 An item given out by The German press bureau at Berlin December 25 said reports had been received from Copenhagen that Russia had traded her half of -Sakhaln to Japan for heavy guns
 Sakhalin lies off the east coast of Asia. The southern half was oeded to Japan by Russia under the treaty of Ports mouth.
 Washington, December 27-The Japanese embassy announced today that state ment made Saturday by a secretary, taken to mean that the embassy had of fcial confirmation Of press dispatches that the Russian half of Sakhalin had been turned over to Japan was misinterprete- It was declared the dispatches were un- founded. att
 No report whatever concerning the island has ever been received by the em- bassy says the embassy's statement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
COL. M'ARTHUR DIES AT TROY, NEW YORK Was Grand Master of Grand Encampment, Knights
 Templar

Troy, N. Y. December 27.-col. Arthur McArthur. grand master of the grand en- campment, Knights Templar of the United states, died suddenly of apoplexy today al his home here. He was GA years old
 Colonel McArthur was editor and pro- prietor of the Troy Northern Budget and was widely known as a newspaper man. lie was a prominent republican Gov error Morton appointed him to his mili- tary staff and he was retained in that capacity by Governor Black
 Colonel McArthur had been prominently identified with Masonry for many wears. He was elected grand master of the grand encampment at Denver in 1913 He had been a Mason since 1873.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
Weather Conditions

Birmingham, December 26.-G D. m.) The high pressure wave has settled down over the Atlantic states, where it continues unsettled weather along the coast, and has caused an increase of cloudiness in the east gulf region Rain was falling at Montgomery at D. m. the only gulf station reporting rainfall
 The decreasing energy of the high pressure center and it's advance to the eastern coasts has brought about q general temperature rise over the whole interior of the country, most
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
To Withdraw Federal Troons

Denver, December 27.-The gradual Withdrawal of federal troops from the Colorado coal fields, where they have been on strike duty since last April Will begin this week. according to governor Ammons, who, with Cover nor-elect Carlson, returned today from conference with President Wilson at Washington. The soldiers stationed In Routt county will be the first to go, he said. and they will be followed by the troops in Boulder. Weld and Ere mont counties. Governor Ammons inti- mated that sometime might elapse be- fore all of the federal forces were taken from southern Colorado, the cen- ter of the strike disturbance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
EUFAULA

Eufaula, December 27-(Speciai. )-Super- intendent R.. D. Jones and the overseers of the Cowikee Cotton mills, one of the Conner enterprises. went to Birmingham yesterday to attend the banquet at the Tutwier hotel. to meet with the officers of the Avondale mills of Birmingham, and the Eva Jane and Central mills at Syl- acauga The Cowikee mills wiii resume operations tomorrow after a shutdown since last Thursday afternoon, when the employees were given holiday. As each was paid off he was given a sack con- taining oranges. apples, candy. nuts and raisins.
 H. T. Johnson, Jr., chief of police in Eufaula, and Mrs. Jamie Sherry sur prised their friends by their marriage at the residence of the Rev. M. Genet. pastor of the Roman Catholic church here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
REV. RIORDAN DIES
 IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, December 27.-Most Rev. Patrick William Riordan, arch- bishop of the diocese of San Francisco of the Catholic church. died at his home here early today. He contracted a se- we're cold five days ago, which developed into pneumonia.
 Archbishop Riordan was born in New Brunswick in 1S41. and was appointed head of the San Francisco diocese in 1884
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
GERMANS ID GET TOHOMES Five Try to Smuggle Into Fatherland Through
 Italy

Nice, December 9.-(Correspondenc of the Associated Press.)-Five Ger mans who were trying to smuggle themselves into Germany through Italy have been locked up at Nice.
 A French destroyer stopped an Ital- ian sailing vessel off Nice on Decem- Der f. The boat had cargo of cot ton and was on it's way to Genoa. aIen from the destroyers went on board and discovered among the cotton bales a large trunk which, when opened, was found to contain a German
 Among the crew an Italian spoke his mother tongue with such a strong ac- cent that it reminded the officer of Germany. He was from Hamburg. In quiries have led to the discovery of three other Germans who had helped the men. .5-s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28

ol the west, and the entire south. ex- cepts the South Atlantic coast states. which reported slight fall again to- day.
 The winds are southerly and easterly over the greater portion of the coun- try. blowing towards low pressure center in Alberta. This will keep the temperature rising or stationary over much of the interior, eastern and southern states during the next two days. Somewhat warmer weather is indicated for Alabama Monday and Monday night. There is a possibility of rain Monday but the chances are better for only partly cloudy condi- tions.
 Summary of observations .lade at United States Weather Bureau stations during the 24 hours ending D. m sew enty-fifth meridian time, December 27. 1914:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
FLORENCE

Florence, December 27.--(Special) )-Late yesterday afternoon Joe Harbin is alleged to have shot and killed Jerry Keeton, at State Line, about one mile northeast of Cloverdale.
 Samuel J. Bowen was buried yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. His death had been expected for several days. His mother, Mrs. Hattie Bowen of Birmingham, was with him during his illness at the old Bowen homestead on Locust street. His sisters. Mrs. E. w. Daws of Louisville, Mrs. J. G. Shaw of Birmingham, Miss Susan Bowen and Miss Kathleen Bowen, from Warrior, and one brother. George Bowen, of Florence, were with him dur ing his last hours. He was buried in the city cemetery
 Quite an interesting wedding took place today at Il o'clock at the residence of Mrs. Boddie the Gunwaleford road, when her daughter, Mrs. Louise Chibester was quietly married to Joseph Rudnan, both of New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
President to Make Addresses

Washington, December 27-President Wilson. it became known today. plans to make several addresses on his re- turn trip from the San Francisco ex- position next spring, and his friends expect him to reply to attacks on his Mexican policy and other administra- ton policies. It will be MT. Wilson's first trip across the continent since becoming President
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
Six Chinese Arrested

Jersey City, December H.-six Cht- nese were arrested today in Grand Trunk freight car here on charges of violating the exclusion act. Police, say tne car came through from Vancouver, B. C., and was routed from Vancouver to Duane street. New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
Princess To Be Named Marin

Rome, December 27.-The daughter born yesterday to the King and Queen of Italy will be named Maria. It is ex- pected that as sign of rejoicing over the birth of the princess amnesty will be granted a number of prisoners, in- cluding those condemned for participa- tion in the revolutionary movement last JupA k
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
Weather Forecast

Washington, December 27.-Forecast for Alabama and Mississippi: Generally fair Monday and Tuesday.
 Georgia: Cloudy Monday; Tuesday fair. with rising temperature.
 Tennessee: Generally fair and mod crate temperature Monday and Tues day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-28
Local Data

For the 24 hours ending at D. m.. h1,