davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
MEYERS INQUEST
 WILL BEGIN TODAY Ernest Price Visited by His Bride of a Day-Confi-
 dent of Acquittal

The inquest into the death of J. H
 Meyers, the railroad man from Atlanta Ga, who was killed in the early hours of last Sunday morning at Twenty l first street and Avenue F. it is alleged II by being struck by an automobile, be- gins this morning at o'clock in the office of Coroner Charles L. Spain. The hearing is expected to prove interest ling.
 At the city jail last night Ernest
 Price was glad when told the news that the inquest would begin this
 morning as he Is confident that the coroner's jury will clear him of all blame in the death of Meyers. He has
 been in the city jail charged with
 murder in connection with the death since last Monday night.
 Yesterday at the city jail a frequent visitor was Prices bride of day She visited him yesterday morning and yes
 terday afternoon and last night came again and sought the permission of Chief Eagan to see her husband again
 The permission was readily granted as
 Chief Eagan is interested in making
 the young people happy. Price and Miss Evie Maddox were married Thurs day at the courthouse by Judge H. B. lAbernethy. Following the marriage Price returned to his cell in jail and
 his bride went home to her parents
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
TAXES B|CHLOR|DE
 TABLETS BY MISTAKE
Quick Work of Physicians at Infirmary Saves G. N.
 Fitch'S Life

G. N Fitch, middle aged travelling salesman from New York city took some bichloride of mercury tablets by mistake yesterday afternoon at his room in the Morris hotel. Quick work by the attend ing physician saved Fitch's life as it was stated at the Hillman hospital last night that the New Yorker had an excellent chance to recover.
 According to the management of the Morris hotel Mir. Fitch took the poison by mistake. They state that he registered at the hotel about two days ago and ap- peared in excellent health and also in good spirits. He was seen about the hotel lobby yesterday morning and talked with the clerks. About O clock yesterday aft ernoon the clerk of the hotel stated that Fitch telephoned from his room to send up a doctor at once as he had swallowed some poison by mistake.
 pr. Betram Fox was the first physician to reach the scene and he quickly sent for Johns ambulance, which removed Fitch to the Hillman hospital. At late hour last night the infirmary authori ties stated that Fitch was resting easily and would recover.
 On the police docket the case of Fitch is reported as an attempted suicide.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
DEBOW SUES FOR s5o,ooO
Alleges Malicious Prosecution by In
 surance Company

Claiming $5O.00o as damages for an all legged malicious prosecution, A T. DeBow has filed suit in the circuit court against the National Fidelity and Casualty com pany of Omaha, Neb. The plaintiff al- leges that the defendant company malici- ously and without probable cause had an indictment returned against him. charging him with embezzlement and that he was prosecuted and placed on trial on the said indictment He further alleges that the matter was judicially investigated and that he was found not guilty of the charge and was discharged. He claims damages to the above amount.
 DeBow has tried on the above charge in the criminal court before Judge w. E. Fort this week. the trial lasting two days The case went to the jury Friday night at 5:30 and after short deliberation a verdict of not guilty was returned. Yes terday morning the damage suit was filed in the circuit court by hls attorneys sinnot & Keene.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
STEWART ATTEMPTS
 TO COMMIT SUICIDE
Uncle of Man Who Killed Himself Last Saturday in Critical
 Condition

W. J. Stewart, whose nephew, Riley Custer killed himself last Saturday morning by swallowing a large dose of carbolic acid, attempted suicide yester- day morning In hallway at 127h Twentieth street, south, also by talk ing carbolic acid Stewart is at pres ent in the Hillman hospital and there is no hope for his recovery.
 Accounts of the attempted suicide are that Stewart, holding in one hand the clippings from newspapers of the account of the suicide of his nephew, walked into the room of Mrs. Ruth Helix and told her to tell his 17-year- old nephew, Ray Stewart, to make a man of himself Then stepping out in the hall Stewart took small bottle of carbolic acid and saying, Here goes," drank it's contents and fell to the floor. Lige Loys ambulance was at once summoned and Stewart was removed to the Hillman hospital
 According to the people living at |127H Twentieth street, south, Stewart attempted suicide Thursday night and was prevented by his nephew, Ray Stewart snatching the bottle of poison from his lips.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30

as member of the Chamber of Com merce
 Tt was, therefore, deemed advisable to appoint committee of five to convey to you the chambers regrets at losing so valuable member as you have been, and further, to tell you of the high esteem in which you are held, not only as a member of the chamber, but as a citizen and a Christian gentleman. We heartily express the sentiment of this whole community in saying that we regret to see you leave us, and extend to you our heartfelt in- terest in your future, and wish for you in your new field all that should come to man of your parts. Whenever you re- turn to Birmingham you may rest as- sured that you will receive not only from the members of this chamber, but from everyone who has known you hearty welcome.
 With the assurance of the highest esteem, we are yours faithfully.
 ''F. M. JACKSON
 IF. B. FOWLKES,
 "J. D. ROSENBERGER,
 "J. R. GIBSON,
 "H K. MILNER
 Committee. Birmingham. May 2S, 1914"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
LETTER TO FORD EXPRESSES
 REGRET OF CIVIC CHAMBER

The committee named by the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce Thursday to convey through a set of resolutions or a letter the high esteem in which A. H. Ford. retiring president of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company is held by the board and members of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday made public the following let ter which they had drafted and sent to MT. Ford. MT Ford will leave for his new home in Portland, Me, tomorrow. The letter is as follows
 MT A. H. Ford, Birmingham, Ala.
 "Honored and Respected Sir: At a meeting of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon, your departure from our midst was the subject of discussion, and it was the de- sire of everyone present that some evil dence of the chambers appreciation of your sojourn in this city, and the high esteem with which you have been held by this organization, should be given you. But learning that you would leave short ly, it was realized that there was no op- perfume time between now and your leav- ing to express in a public way our appre-
 ciation of you as a man, as citizen an,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
COMMITTEE MEETS
 WITH A. R. ROGERS
Nothing Definite Done in Regard to Making Exhibit at Boston Show.
 Meet Again Tuesday

The comimttee appointed by the board of directors of the Chamber of Com merce met yesterday with Albert R. Rogers, the Boston man who has in vited Alabama to make an exhibit at the Boston Pure Food exposition this fall, and discussed the matter with him, but nothing definite was done. MT. Rogers left yesterday for Atlanta and the committe will meet again next Tuesday when it is probable the matter will be decided It is generally be- lieved that the committee will recom- mend to the board of directors that the Invitation be accepted.
 Many members of the chamber were heard yesterday to favorably express themselves regarding MT. Rogers in- vitation. It is believed the exhibit of Alabama agricultural products which he proposes at the Pure Food show in Boston would be of much benefit to the state. If the invitation is accepted, it is said that the chamber will probably make arrangements with the State Fair association to take the winning exhib- its from the fair on to Boston.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
|CORONER'S JURY RETURNS VERDICT AFTER PROBE OF B. R., L. 6 P FIRE; NO ONE BLAMED

verdict attaching no criminal negli- gence 10 any person or persons was rem dered late yesterday afternoon by the eoroners jury which has been investigat- Ing the fire of May s, which destroyed the general offices of the Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company and cost the lives of two of its employees, Moody childress and H. H. Kyser.
 The verdict is virtually a recommenda- ton to the city of Birmingham to improve It's fire department. It follows:
 The reason of the very unusual rapidity with which the fire spread through the building, and the failure to seriously consider their peril and
 heed the warnings of co-workers, who made use of the means of escape open to them at the time of such warning cost the lives of Moody childress and H. H. kyser. We deplore the loss of time in transportation, of the aerial truck ladder from it's place of storage at Third avenue and Sixteenth street to the scene of the fire. We think that had the aerial ladder truck arrived
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
GEO. M. REYNOLDS
 COMING NEXT WEEK
Will Be Guest of Harding and Widely Entertained
 While Here

George M. Reynolds, president of the Continental and Commercial National
 bank of Chicago, who was unavoidably detained for the dinner given Wednesday night In honor of w P. c. Harding pres ident of the First National. and recently selected as member of the federal re- serve bank, Is expected to visit Birming- ham, probably next Saturday. Informa- ton has been received by bankers of this cit ythat MT. Reynolds had not given up his plan to visit Birmingham MT. Rey- holds has in a letter to local people ad- vised that he has arranged to be here during the forthcoming week for A stay of day or more During that time it Is stated that MT. Reynolds will be the house guest of MT. Harding and that he will be entertained by other local bankers
 MT. Reynolds, who is held to be one of the best and most influential bankers in Chicago, has never visited Birmin gha m. He has been trying to get here for some time and it is stated that he has at last found the opportunity.
 In the absence of absolute information on this subject, it is stated that no de- tails can be given as to the entertainment or MT. Reynolds However, 1t Is stated that 1t Is assured that he will be given dinner at the Newspaper club one at the Roebuck club, a ride about the city and he will be shown all the points of indus- trial interests that go to make Birming- ham one of the most important cities in this country. He will also be entertained by MT. Harding a his home in Glen Iris park.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30

ladder truck. life saving nets and other rescue appliances and that all com panies answering alarms in business , districts be equipped with life nets. "Thlrd-That proper provisions be made for the storage of aerial trucks and ladders at locations more con tiyuous to the business district.
 Fourth-The present ordinances are insi sficient and that there be speedily enatsted such laws and ordinances as VII serve to effectually clear the stre Is and driveways for the free use of the fire department when an- swesing a fire call; the usual fire alarm to he sufficient to be warming for such clearances and that provisions be made for the prompt inauguration for police patrol. on all streets and alleys adjacent to fires. that they may he kept clear for the use of the de- partment in their work.
 fJ. D. SCRUGGS, Foreman.
 "A r. BAGBY,
 'J. G. STOCKDELL,
 'S F. TEAGUE,
 w. W. BuSSEY,
 "ROBERT M'LESTER" The inquest began several days ago ant held several sessions under the direction Of Coroner Spain The testimony of abou 60 witnesses was heard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
Suits Filed

The following were among the suits filed yesterday in the city and circuit courts:
 J. B. Majors vs. Roden Coal company; $500 damages claimed for alleged per- sonal injuries.
 Russell Frazier vs. Jim Morris; s5000 damages claimed for an alleged assault and battery.
 Ben Roebuck vs. Republic Steel and Iron company; s2s9o claimed for alleged personal injuries
 Granville E. Harris vs. Ira L. Sell lers; $50. 900 damages claimed for an al- legged violation of section 6215 code of Alabama.
 c. 0. Jaggers vs. Southern Bell Tele- phone and Telegraph company; ssooo damages claimed for an alleged failure to provide reasonable telephone service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30

sooner the men would probably have been saved.
 We heartily commend the board of commissioners for their concurrence in the recommendations of Chief A. Y. Bennett for the equipment of all fire apparatus with motor drive.
 We recommend first a rigid investi- gation in all buildings exceeding two stories in height where stairways and elevators and hatchways are not now protected with fireproof or fire-resist- ing material and equipped with auto- matic trap doors. that proper directions be given for safeguarding of life by installation of fire escapes sufficient in number and so located as to be easily accessible.
 ''Second-That the chief of the fire department and his assistants and captains of companies to thoroughly familiarize themselves with conditions which may exist in such buildings, that they may more intelligently fight fires and accomplish rescues when neces- sary, and that by proper drills the department be brought sufficiently adequate in the handling of the aerial
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
WHOLESALE TRADE
 COMMITTEE MEETS
Details in Regard to Coming Mer- chants Convention Discussed.
 Luncheon Thursday

The wholesale trade committee of the Chamber of Commerce., Murray Brown chairman, met yesterday to dis cuss matters regarding the coming Ala bama merchants convention in August. Reports coming into town lately from over the state are that "all Alabama" is preparing to come to this conven- tion. It was one of the most success full events last summer. it's first year. ever held under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce.
 The committee is planning to hold a Dutch luncheon Thursday of next week at which all wholesalers and jobbers and all Chamber of Commerce mem bers interested in the convention will be present and discuss the plans for the entertainment of the delegates. The place of this luncheon will be an- nounced later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
LANE WILL VOTE ID REPEAL ORDINANCE Thinks New Law Would Work Hardship on Small
 Contractors

'The best governed city is the least governed city" said City Commissioner A. o. Lane yesterday in discussing the new building contractors and foreman law which has met with much oppo- sition from the building men of the city. When I say that, of course, '' added Judge Lane, T except morals and religion.
 But speaking of business and com mercial laws which tend to regulation of commercial and business affairs, the less we have of them the better we are off, for there is nothing so detri- mental to good government as lot of laws on the statute books which are not enforced. g.
 T have reconsi1ered this building contractors law since the petition against it has been submitted to the commission and I have decided to vote to repeal it. l do not believe it is just and fair, for it will encourage monopoly and work hardship on certain classes The clause calling for all con tractors or anyone who does work on a building to pay a license and make a bond to the building inspector is not right. Any private citizen who hired carpenter to do little work about his place would have to go through red tape and expense.
 Besides the small contractor and the day laborer who cannot afford any more expenses is burdened with what to me looks like an unnecessary tax. l will vote to repeal it when it comes up.'
 The petition from foremen and small contractors has been signed by large number of people and has been filed with the commission. They ask the commission to hear their side of the case and repeal the law. It is prob able the commissioners will hear the contractors and foremen on the matter at the meeting next Tuesdav
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
SOLEMN HIGH MASS AT
 ST. PAUL'S TOMORROW
Music Will Be Sung by Pupils of the
 Parochial Schools in Gregorian Chant

- The services at St. Paui's church to- morrow at 1o:ao o'clock will be especially interesting. There will be a solemn high mass and the pupils of the parochial school will attend in body.
 The music of the mass will be sung by the children in Gregorian chant. The older pupils, especially trained, will form a choir and will be heard from the organ gallery. The smaller children will sit in the body of the church and will sing certain parts antiphonally.
 After the mass the graduating class will approach the altar and receive their diplomas. The class prizes will also be awarded at the altar rail. Following these exercises solemn benediction of the blessed sacrament will be given.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
Struck With Ch.;r

Lula Williams. negro. was struck on top the head with g chair yesterday morn ing by John Hargrove. negro, and prob ably fatally injured. The negro Hargrove escaped. The assault occurred at 8G South Twenty-third stroet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
State Press Association Practically Unanimous on
 All Other Points
HILDRETH CHOSEN TO
 SUCCEED NUNNELEE
Rosson Continued as Secretary and Ayers Chosen Vice President. Guests Shown Over City in
 Automobiles in Afternoon

The members of the Alabama Press as- sociation were unanimous in the electing of their officers for the ensuing term. were unanimous in reporting business good and money in state of accumula- ton, were unanimous in expressing satis- faction over their entertainment in Bir- mngham, but divided sharply-or dodged the issue-when equal suffrage was put di- rectly before them.
 These were the features of the session of the editors yesterday l.. H. Nun melee of the Centreville Press retired from the presidents chair following the cleo tion of new officers. J. R. Rosson of the Cullman Democrat was reelected sec- retary and treasury, and J. H. Hard elect ed recording secretary. The new presi- dent is c. J. Hildreth, the veteran editor of the New Decatur Advertiser. Harry M Ayres, editor of the Anniston Star, was chosen vice president
 Secretary Rosson was asked by a mem Der if he had had printed the minutes of the last meeting of the association He replied that he had not, and furthermore had not taken any minutes. He followed this by resigning as secretary of the as- socation. saying that he had not the time to attend the business.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
State Engineer Comes From Montgomery Over the
 Proposed Route
WILL BE COMPLETED
 IN YEAR AND A HALF
Much Interest Being Manifested in ClantOn Thousand Dollar Barbecue on June 12 and Will Be Attended
 by Many Good Roads Men
By |. s. BETTY

The Birmingham Montgomery high . way is assured. Within six months more than two thirds of the road will have been completed and before a year and a half have elapsed there will be a continuous boulevard connecting the two cities.
 As proof that the Birmingham Montgomery highway Is soon to become a reality, shelby and Chiffon counties, through which the road will pass. have already let contracts for the construc- ton of the highway through practical y the entire extent of their boundaries and movement is on foot looking to the early construction of the road through Autauga and Elmore counties. More than two-thirds of the road will have been built before January, 1915 and probably by October of that year the entire roadway will have been com pleted.
 Progress in the construction of tn e Birmingham Montgomery highway, which will be by far the most import ant road in Alabama, was reported to W. S. Keller, state highway engineer. while making a tour over the proposed route yesterday. Mir. Keller came through the country in large Buick touring car and was driven by otto T. Barr, who accompanied MT. Keller in his trip over the state last summer. The state highway engineer was also accompanied by a representative of The Age-Herald.
 The automobile trip from the Capital City was made in about five hours and no difficulties were encountered in the matter of bad roads. The principal ob- stacles which the touring car had to surmount were encountered in passing over roads under construction--for there are probably 25 miles or more of the Birmingham M Montgomery highway that are now passing through the stages of modern construction. Progress in Shelby Most noticeable of the construction work along the highway connecting Alabamas largest city with her capital city was shown in Shelby county. probably the most progressive county in the state at the present time in the matter of road building.
 Shelby county has let contracts for the constructing of trunk line of roads from the Jefferson county line to the Chiffon county line, which will be q part of the Birmingham- M ontgomery highway, and from the Blob county line to St. Clair county. These roads will be built at . cost of probably several hundred thou sand dollars. but the people of Shelby county are content to bear the burden. looking to the future for recompense.
 The road through Shelby from the Jeff ferson line to Chiffon county will be-. when completed, about 30 miles in length. Near the Jefferson line the road is being cut through the hills, and within a few hundred yards of the Cahaba river there is a place where the road builders are making a 30-foot excavation. The road Is being built according to modern meth ods
 Road Through Chiffon
 Chiffon county is also making progress along the lines of road construction. and
 (COutfnued on Pare Tenl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30
Given Preliminary Hearing

Wilson, the latter two negroes, were given a preliminary hearing yesterday before Judge R. B. Watts, United States commissioner, on charge of violating the interstate commerce act by breaking into freight ear and stealing goods in trans it. Wilhite and Jack Wilson were bound over to the federal grand jury on a $0o bond. Henry Wilson was discharged. They were accused of stealing a case of whisky and 50 pounds of tobacco from a car while in the railroad yards at Boyles. The defendants made bond.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-30

power to make contracts for them. He stated that the agreement to pay Sl.50 per week would be in force only a year, and if at the end of that time he had made the proposition a paying
 one to the newspapers it could be car ried on under a commission plan