davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
TENDENCY SHOWN
 FOR LIQUIDATION Number of Speculative Is- sues Fall to Minimum.
 Bonds Also Weak

= New York, December 23.-For the first time since the recent renewal of open trading in all stocks there were uninis- --tion. A number of speculative issues in- clrding United States Steel and Southern Pacific, fell to their minimum, and many others in the small class, including Canad- ian Pacifis. Union Pacific, Great North ern preferred, Northern Pacific, Pennsyl- venia, Baltimore and Ohio, and United States Steel preferred came near their established low prices.
 As usual, the receding movement be- gan with Steel, which held steady until midday, when it broke new low ground. Almost immediately other leaders began to decline, the whole list yielding little Pennsylvania company dividend was made. From that period the movement was marked by increasing weakness with only an occasional fitful rally. The sell ing was too general for analysis, but . foreign offers and bear activities con- tributed their part. together with un- leading by discouraged investors.
 After the close of the market Steel was offered at AS, with no bid, and other cpcthidtNc iSSucc SilOWcQ Hlllt uisPdItty nbetween bid and asked prices. Today S closing quotations represented declines of to 10 points from the high of De- cember 10, the loss in cestain special ties extending to 15 points.
 Routine news. favorable in the main included more cheerful outlook for the steel industry. easier money tendencies and steadiness in foreign exchange, ex- cept francs and fires. Regardless of the course pursued by the steel and iron stocks, yesterdays decision of the United States Steel corporation to maintain the existing wage scale was accepted as sure sign of betterment in that indus | try, and this was confirmed by the state- ment that number of large equipment . orders are impending.
 Weakness prevailed in bonds with marked pressure upon convertible and low-priced issues. Total sales, par value were $1, ,503,00
 United States coupon 3's declined per cent on call.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
RELIEF SHIPS
 SAIL FOR BELGIUM

New York. December 2s.-Two more ships loaded with food for Belgium sailed from the United States today. They are the St. Kentigern, from New York and the Ferrona, from Philadelphia. The St. Kentigern has on board 240,000 bushels of wheat from the west. The Ferrona car, Iies combination cargo made up of contributions from the Belgian relief fund the Rockefeller foundation and the commission for relief in Belgium.
 One of the largest individual gifts made to relieve the suffering caused by the war as announced today when the com- mittee raising funds for the American ambulance hospital in Paris acknowl- edged the receipt of $25.0o0 from William K. Vanderbilt. Within the past two weeks this committee has received cables from Paris calling for 100 automobiles to be Used as ambulances. Contributions for this purpose already have resulted in the purchase of 10 machineA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
NEW YORK COTTON
 IS REACT|ONARY Undertone Is Steady, But Close Is At Lowest
 Point of Day

New York, December 23.-Realizing in advance of the holidays and talk of in creased offerings from the south appeared to be chiefly responsible for the reaction ary ruling of the cotton market during today's trading. There was enough cov- ering and fresh buying for long account to promote steady undertone. but tho close was at the lowest point of the day and from 10 to IS points under the final figures of yesterday.
 The opening was steady at an advance of 13 points on December and to ! points on later months as a result of over night buying orders renewed demand from houses with foreign connections and covering by near month shorts. Of ferings were heavier than recently, how ever. while there was some selling here of May and July by houses with southern connections which led to apprehensions that the advance had attracted some hedging against supplies in the interior. This encouraged local selling for a reac- tion and the market gradually eased off.
 The easier ruling of the stock market probably increased the tendency of re- cent buyers to take profits for over Christmas. but the main factors discussed on the decline were the appearance of southern selling orders and talk of a lull in spot demand after the filling of December commitments. There will be meeting of members of the New York cotton exchange on Monday to consider proposed changes in the commission law and the completed plans for a clearing house for contracts
 
 New York Cotton Futures
 New York. December 23.-Cotton closed steady
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
GENERAL EXODUS
 FROM THE CAPITAL
State Officers Leave For Homes to Spend Christ
 mas Holidays

Montgomery, December 23.-(Speciall During the past few days there has been an, exodus of officials from the state capitol. the Christmas season calling them to their homes in various parts of the state. Only those who have taken up their permanent residence m Montgomery will be here for Christmas day.
 The governor of Alabama will probably spend Christmas In Montgomery, though it is announced that he may go to his home at Florence sometime during Christ mas week. Other officials, not living n Montgomery, have already departed for their homes, and will be absent until the first of next week
 Owing to the nearness of the holiday season, little business of importance hus been transacted at the capitol during the past few days The governor has been engaged day and night in the con sideration of parole and pardon matters. and both the board of pardons and con vict department have spent considerable time In the investigation of parole cases.
 The members of the supreme court ant court of appeals, while busy this week in the preparation of opinions in cases assigned to them. and not sitting in ragu- lar session this week. The two appellate courts will be in recess until January Il. at which time cases from the Seventh judicial division will be called. The courts last Thursday disposed of practically all the cases on the docket.
 On the whole. practically all the state officials are preparing for Christmas Those who have not already left for their homes are busy with their holiday shopping and making other preparations fnf xrfa1ntf 1.t,.t .ts.ts the next few days the state capitol will be O. dull place and there will be hardly any activity displayed on the part of the various officials
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
LIQUIDATION IS
 FEATURE OF DAY Causes Slump In Prices At New Orleans = Decline
 Was Expected
Sales. High. Low. Close.

New Orleans, December 2S.-Liquidation in volume was in evidence in cotton to- day and was the main incluence on prices. The market closed at the lowest of the day. a net loss of Il to 15 points. On the opening call prices were to g points over yesterdays finals, but this small advance was quickly wiped out.
 The decline was reaction from the advance of the last fortnight, and was not unexpected. Many recent buyers were anxious to close out in order to realize profits before the holiday period. Coupled with the liquidation was consid- erable hedge selling, a large part of which, according to the gossip of the market, came from Texas spot holders.
 The market had good tone at the de- cline and only moderate fresh short sell ing came in. This selling was based on the idea that when December spot en- agreements were all filled there would be lull in the spot inquiry and a decrease in the export movement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
ADVANTAGES WON
 BY ALLIED TROOPS

Amsterdam, December 23.-(Via Lon don, 6:S5 D. m.)-The Sluis CHoiland) cor respondent of the Tijd says:
 'The undeniable advantages won by the allies along the Yser have given rise to some exaggerated reports. The fact is that the allies have prosecuted vigorous offensive and gained successes at Ypres and Newport, and that the Germans have evacuated some small towns and villages which the allies have not yet occupied; for instance. Roulers and Mid dell<erlxe, where only patrols of the allies so far has appeared.
 .'The Germans now occupy good posi- tons captured on Saturday from British regiment. Along this line of new defense they are digging trenches and strengthen ing them with reinforced concrete"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
RUMORS CAUSE
 ADVANCE IN WHEAT
Reports of Anglo-French Fleet Forcing Dardan-
 elles Affect Prices

Chicago. December 2s.-Groundiess ru- morse that an Anglo-French' fleet had forced the Dardanelles were largely re- sponsihle today for wiping out sub stantial advance in the price of wheat. The market closed nervous at is@a4@&4e . net decline. Corn finished isQasaise above last night, oats up isel,s1i4c. and provisions unchanged to 2T16c down.
 Italian buying of 1,25O,oo0 bushels or cash wheat here gave the market early an impressive show of strength. New high levels being reached for the cash and December deliveries with May jump ing to within 2hc of the topmost figures since European hostillties began. Then vague stories that the Turks had lost control of the Dardanelles, and that in consequence millions of bushels of wheat would come through the Mediterranean from Russia brought a pronounced break.
 Corn developed surprising stubbornness in the face of the bearish action of wheat. Small receipts were a factor.
 The main influence upholding oats was the purchase of 1,o00000 bushels here to go to Italy.
 Decline in the value of hogs carried down provisions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Hubbard Bros. & Co.'s Letter

New York, December 23-(Special.) Prices here opened higher, being prac- tically on the Sc level for May. On this advance free selling from the south ap- peared, and there was also considerable realizing so that the market sold off slowly through the morning. There ap- peared to be less demand from continental houses. and also less demand from invest ment buyers. so that the market felt the effect of the southern selling. We are of the opinion that the reaction may con tinue further as the short interests for local account has been very much reduced in the last few days. In the long run there is no doubt that even at these prices cot- ton is not dear but the situation is so complicated this season that 1t ia not to be expected prices will steadily advance. and we must from time to time feel the weight of the known surplus. Should the market now react we expect much larger volume of forward buying from spinners than on the preceding decline.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
PROHIBITIONISTS TO
 LAUNCH CAMPAIGN

Kansas City, December 2S.-Members of the prohibition party from Kansas. Iowa and Missouri will meet hero January 3 to launch new campaign to get the names of 5,ooo.0oo voters on petitions for national prohibition. Among the speak CTS announced are Richmond r. Hobson and Eugene N. Chafin.
 The campaign will last lao days and to facilitate the canvass the country has been divided into Il districts.
 C. C. Hall, in charge of the meeting to be held here, said the; 5,ooo,0o0 sgners of the petition would be asked not to support any party in 1916 whose platform does not declare for national prohibition Mir Hall said a convention Is being arr ranged, to be held either in Chicago or kansas City In 1916 of So0e0 delegates. to force the issue of nationwide prohibit tion in the election of 1916.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Produce Market

New York, December 2s.-Butter firm, unchanged; receipts, 6320: cheese, steady and unchanged; receipts, 143s, Eggs, stead fer; receipts 6457 cases; fresh gathered firsts 36c; seconds. 3ii35c. Dressed poul- try dull and weak: western roasting chickens, 1441Sc; fresh fowls. 12laq17c; turkeys, 12Q2lc.
 Chicago, December 2s,-Butter un- changed. Eggs: Receipts, 2S13 cases, un- changed. Potatoes unchanged; receipts, 25 cars. Poultry, alive, higher; springs, 111sc; fowls, 101sc; turkeys, 15c.
 St. Louis, December 23.-Poultry un- changed, except springs, 10c turkeys, 16p 161ac. Butter unchanged. Eggs. 30Q31c.
 Kansas City, December 23-Butter eggs and poultry unchanged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
MARSHALL SPEAKS
 IN PHOENIX, ARIZ.

Phoenix, Arg, December 23.-"we claim the right to deal with all nations. ire spectve of their private wars,' Vice President Thomas R. Marshall said here today. The United States must have world market. and we will get it under the democratic administration"
 The vice president said the election re- suits showed a disposition on the part of the people to give democratic policies a fair trial. He added that the trouble with the people of the United States was that they wanted results at once.
 "They are like the children who plant seeds one day and dig them up the next tc see If they have sprouted.' he said But business changes must come slowly"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
RUBBER INDUSTRY
 FACES A CRISIS

New York, December 23.--The rubber in dustry of the United States faces a grave situation as the result of the British em- bargo upon exportatlon of crude rubber from Great Britain and her colonies, ac- eording to 6 statement issued today by the Rubber Club of America. which in- cludes the leading American rubber manu- lecturers and importers An advance In prices Is imminent unless the embargo soon is removed, the statement says, and idleness faces many of the 125,000 persons employed in the industry
 The statement adds that owing to ''the ,ncompromising attitude of the British government" nothing has been accom- plished by the American state department toward raising the embargo
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
TURKS AFRAID OF
 BRITISH SUBMARINES

Washington, December 2s.-Delayed state department advices from Constan- tinople say that Turkish officials regard the sinking of the battleship Messudleh, blown up by British submarine recently, as a severe loss. The feat caused con- sternation in the Turkish capital because of the fear that other submarines would penetrate the Dardanelles.
 Turkish officials, according 10 the same aovices. have been much perturbed about spies. They declare that every time the Turkish fleet enters the Black sea the Russians immediately are aware of the mov ement and send a stronger force against 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Cotton Seed Oil
Hubbard Bros. & Co.

ceston acsytss sssyton MH"ans; Mxcsn;F New Orleans Cotton Exchange. New York Prqduce nxchange. Associate Members ftverpools Cotton Association; sac of Cotton and Cotton Seed oil for future delivery; Special attention ana sspot cotton for delivery. Cos-s1pon1.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
WHOLESALE TRADE
 CONTINUES GOOD Produce Dealers On Morris Avenue Have Abundance
 Of All Supplies

Business in the wholesale district con unues excellent, and yesterdays sales are said to have reached a maximum for the holiday season. Business today will continue briskly, and the produce deal CTS expect to have supplies in abundance to meet all demands. Turkeys and other fowls have been disposed of in large quantities this week to both the city and suburban merchants.
 Prices are firm in all lines, and dealers express satisfaction regarding the holi- day trade
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Tom Atkins Better

Gadsden. December g Especial )--Tom Atkins. who slipped and fell under the wheels of a Louisville and Nashville pas senger train while trying to board it while 1t was running slow over the street car crossing on Fourth street, is resting we'll at the Halls hospital, following the amputation of his leg The injured man Is 25 years old and has a young wife. He lives at East Gadsden and was returning home after spending the day here seeking employment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Transport Arrives

9 Philadelphia, December 23.-The United States transport Hancock arrived here today with 650 marines who have been on duty in Haiti and Mexico One hundred and thirty of the marines will be added to the contingent at the Philadelphia navy yard and the remainder will be sent to various Atlantic coast stations.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
CADETS GRANTED
 CHRISTMAS LEAVE

West Point, N. T., December 22-More than 300 cadets of the three upper classes of the military have been granted Christ mas leaves ranging from four to eight days from today. The entire ''plebe" class must remain here over the holi- days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
New OrIeans Rice Market

New Orleans, December 23.--A quiet tone ruled rough rice today, while the clean grade remained steady Quote: Rough Honduras, 25044. 25c; Japan, 2.50@3. soc; {; clean Honduras, 41ad5Ac; Japan. Sl9Ql 37sc. Rice and polished unchanged. Re4 ceipts: Rough, 1731: mllers, 1886; clean 665. Sales: 300 sacks rough Honduras at 3.esc; &49 pockets clean Honduras at 37s645sc; 600 pockets Japan at 2%@3&c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Chicago Grain

Chicago. December 2s.-Wheat: No. ?
 red, $1. 25ss@1 .27 No. ? hard s1 25Ss91. ETA Corn. No. yellow, 66A@661hc. Oats: Standard, 49l10149c. Rye: No. ?, S1. 101a. Barley, 57@72c. Timothy, $475@7 Clover,
 SIP. .506l5. Pork $17. Lard, sl0.S5. Ribs,
 | $9. 62q10. .25.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Metal Market

New York, December 23-Tin easy. 5-ton lots, $3S.25; 25-ton lots offered at $34; lead $3 75d3.s5; copper, unsettled: electrolytic, s13.12Q13.5o; casting, $l3q13.25. Iron quiet and unchanged At London spot copper E57; futures a57 7s 6d; spot tin 2144 5s futures R142 los.
 New York, December 23.-Lead. quiet, sS75a3.85 London 919 5s; spelter quiet 35 55565.65; London 927.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Settling Biz Estate

Gadsden, December 23.--(special. .)-The estate of the late Capt J. M. Elliott. val- ued at between s7o0o0 and s75.0oo. is be- ing settled. The estate includes some val uuble coal property in the proximity If Gadsden. the disposition of which will be awaited with much interest by local concerns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
New Orleans Spot Market

New Orleans, December '23.--Spot cot ton steady; sales on the spot, 800 bales; to arrive, 1850; good ordinary, 7-16c; strict good ordinary. 15-16c; low mid ding, 6 7-16c; strict low middling, 6 13-16c; middline, 7@S-16c; strict middling, 7-16c; good middling, 1S-16c; strict good mid- ding, 8 3-16c. Receipts, 7S36; stock, S15,- G96
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24

New Orleans, December 23.-The cotton market opened steady. October, S20c; January. 7.26c; March, 7.53c: May, Tile; July, 7.93c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Interior Cotton Movement

Houston: Middllng. 9-16c; receipts. 16- 121; shipments, 1s,645; sales, 5265; stock. 173,039
 Memphis: Middling. 71sc; receipts. 574s; shipments, 4945; sales, 37O0: stock, 272,s11. Augusta: Middling, [ 7-16c; receipts. 2549; shipments, 1889; sales, 2301; stock, 162, ,3S7
 St. Louis: Middling, 7Hc; receipts, 6s10; shipments, 65SS; sales, 15o; stock, 32,S54
 Cincinnati: Receipts. HOS; shipments, 1s2; stock, 4466. n1w Little Rock: Middling, 7c; receipts. S75; shipments, 556; stock, 54,7S6
 Dallas: Middling, 7c: sales. 11,960.
 Total today: Receipts, 33,2l1; shipments, 33, 455; stock, 70O,437.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Mcafs
Fruits and Produos

{ Lemons-$35o.
 Llmes-75QS0c.
 Virginia Cabbage-2c ID. Northern Apples-Barrel. fancy. saQ4 Peanuts-6ls09iac. Florida Oranges-$275. California Oranges. $2.25. Grape Fruit-$2. 75QS.25. California Grapes-$275 per box. Catawba Grapes-17c per basket. Malaga Grapes-s5.5006 per kee. Tomatoes--S3q3.50 per crate. Cocoanuts, x per sack. Cranberries--Per box. r; per barrel. sz Rutabagas-1hc lb. W Celery--A.50.. Rt Walnuts. 16@20c per lb. Pcans-16930c per ID. Filberts--15c per fb Almonds-20c per lb. Chestnuts-9c per ID.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Montgomery Market

Montgomery. December 23.-(SpeciaL) Spot cotton was quoted here today as fol- lows: Good rniddling, 7c; strict middling. S%c; niddling. 6kc; strict low middling. 6c; low niddline, 5ssc; strict good ordi- nary. 4ssc; good ordinary. sNc. Market quiet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Kansas City Grain

Kansas City. December 2s-Wheat: No. hard, $1 .1S1kf1 20; No. red, sl .121sa1 .19. Corn: No. ? mixed, 6ls@66e; No. white, 6slki66c. Oats: No. white, 4sls@o2; No. mixed. 44isd46i5c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24

New York. December 23--Cotton futures opened steady; December 7.4oc; March. 7.76c; May. 7.s7c; July, s.12o; October. S.Ssc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Fish

Salt Water Trout-l0Q11c. Blue Catnsh-71zc. Red Snapper-7hc. Gray Snapper-5c. Muliet--5G5hc. Spanish MackereI-12izc pound. Fresh Pompano-109zkr Dels ware Oysters-Standards, S1.U eal. lon: selects $1.50 gallon. Gulf Oysters-Ss0s.6 per 1o0o.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
St Jou;s Grain

St. Louis December 23.--Wheat No. 2 red. S1 .2SQl1 24 No. hard, $1 23lsG1 29is; December, $1.23. Corn: No. 2, 65lac; No. ? white, 67c; December. 66c. Oats: No g. 4S1hc; No. white, soc: December, 4S1kc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Bonds
Call Money

New York, December 23.-Call money steady; high, 4c; low, Sc; ruling rate, Sc; last loan, 3c; closing bid, 2%c; offered at Sc; time loans easy; 60 and 90 days and six months, 3s4@4c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Mercantile Paper

New York, December Enclosing mer- cantile paper 4a41kc; sterling exchange, firm; 60-day bills, s4.S2.75; cables, $4.s665; for demand, $4s6; bar silver, 4S7sc Mexi- can dollars, 37hc; government bonds, heavy; railroad bonds, weak.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Creamery Produets

Creamery Butter-a203511c; process hut. ter. BOG; oleomarsarine. 15011c.
 Full Cream Cheese-l7c; imported Swiss. a3c; Pimento. dos. N.4.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Dry Goods Market

New York, December 23.-Southern mills today accepted foreign orders for 2,0000O0 pairs of cotton hosiery for ship ment. Foreign laces were higher. Bur laps were firmer and more active for future delivery. Worsted yarns were firm. Cotton goods and yarns were quiet
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Naval Stores

Savannah, December 23.-Turpentine meDts, 140; stock, 34, ,907. Resin firm; sales, 99; receipts. 1990S shipments 2395; stocks, A2,5O. Quotations unchanged.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Signs War Loan Bill

The Hague. December 2s-(via London. s:09 p. rn.)-Queen wilhelmina in signing a bill today for a war loan of 275.000 900 forins ($110,00 ,000) announced she would underwrite 2.500.000 forins (s1.- 000,000) of the amount.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
New York Spot Cotton

New York. December 2s.-Spot cotton quiet: middling, uplands, 7.6oc; middling. gulf, 790. No sales
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-24
Liverpool Cotton

Liverpool, December 23.--Cotton, spot
 quiet; prices firm; American middling
 fair, 5.44d; good middling. 4s2d; middling
 4.5sd; low middling. Aid; good ordinary 3.49d; ordinary, 3.04d; sales 6o00 bales in- cluding 5600 American and 500 for specula- ton and export. Receipts, 86,000 bales including g, 400 American. Futures closed barely steady. May and June, 4.311fd ; July and August 4.39d; October and November. 4.5014d; January and Febru- ary, 4.56hd.
 l. Liverpool, December 23.--Weekly cotton statistics: Total forwarded to mills, 64,- 600 bales of which 57,00o were for Amer ican; stock, 73S 900; American, 465,0O0; i'm ports, 5000; American, 1000; exports 5000