davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
ENTIRE RAT FAMILY
 ROUTED BY COBRA

Rats! Big, fierce. brown rats; timid little gray rats; old granddaddy rats with long white whiskers; scared young baby rats with pink tiny feet i. thin rats, fat rats, house rats and sta blo rats all started squealing and chasing one another along the dark tortuous passages of their underworld and came scurrying up into the light of day, says a Fairmont. Minn special to the New York Herald. M All the backwards in the central busi- ness block of Fairmont were suddenly invaded by rats from every rathole in the block--and there are many of them. Rodent too frightened to be afraid of human beings ran squealing and Ishrieking around floors and side walks | anG dooryards.
 | Women screamed. children cried and
 men reached for whatever was handy | in the way of barrel slaves. chair legs or empty bottles. The rats were so lpanic-stricken. however, that they were
 easily knocked over. and Charles E,
 Burton caught several with his bare hands
 At first no explanation for the ava
 lanche of rats could be found until MT. Burton discovered that a $200 cobra which earlier in the day he had placed l in new glass cage in the rear of l his restaurant was gone. The snak e slipped out. shuffled across the floor and down rat hole before it could be captured, said an attendant. Householdefs feared to venture down into their cellars, or even into their backyards. after dark. From the dis tant points at which the rats emerged lit Is evident that the block is honey
 combed with intersecting tunnels. MT Burton, who Is making zoologi- ce1 collection. offered a. reward of $50
 for the capture of the snake alive
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
JUDGE ). B. SHELBY
 DIES IN HUNTSVILLE. AT TER AN OPERATION
Jurist of U. s. Circuit Court of Appeals Passes-Ap- pointed By President
 Mckinley In 1899

Huntsville, August Especial Judge David D. Shelby of the United States circuit court of appeals, who has been In critical condition at the city hospital here. died tonight short ly after o'clock.
 He had been spending the hot months at his summer home on Monte Sano and was brought down today for a surgical operation. Until this after noon but few of his most intimate friends knew of his critical condition, and were shocked to hear of his death Judge Sehlby was ST years of age and was appointed to the court of ap- peals from private life by President Mckinley
 Judge Shelby was born in Madison the public schools of the state for about six months. When the war be- tween the states broke out he enlist ed under Gen. Joe Wheeler and served until the close of the strife. Follow ing the war Judge Shelby began farm ing and during spare moments studied law and later attended Cumberland university at Lebanon, Tenn. He took a high stand in his classes and in 1870 was admitted to the bar.
 Judge Shelby was married to Miss Annie Eason Davis of Huntsville in 1872. In 1882 he was elected on the republican ticket to the state senate for a term of four years. He was also candidate for Congress against Luke Pryor.
 On February 21, 1899. he was ap- pointed judge of the United States cir cult court of appeals by President Me kinley confirmed by the Senate March, 1899, and took his seat in New Orleans March 13, 1899. This circuit is com posed of Alabama, Georgia, Florida Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. He served on the bench with Justice Me- Cormick of Texas and Justice Pardee of Georgia. He is survived by his widow and one brother. Dr. A. B. Shelby. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23

The event of the season will occur next Thursday at the fair grounds, when the Ensley Elks will give their annual out ing and picnic. The members of the Steel City lodge are widely noted for their generous hospitality and for the enter tainment they have provided in the past both at the outings and at the social sessions of the lodge.
 This year the committee is determined to surpass all previous efforts and every thing in the way of outdoor sports will be provided on Thursday at the picnic. while dancing and other indoor amuse- ments will be included in the programme. Lawrence Pennington, chairman of the committee in charge, states that every thing is in readiness for the big event and that they are prepared for one of the largest crowds of the season at the fair grounds.
 The programme will include music, dan cling, .out-door sports, baseball, foot rac- ing and other events. One of the best orehestras in the city has been engaged for the dancing and ample amusement will be provided to insure all those who attend a good time. There is one thing that the committee is bragging upon and that is the barbecue and other refresh- ments that will be served. They state that none but the choicest meats will be used and an expert "barbecuer'' will cook 1t ''to queens taste.r
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
BRITISH EXPEDITION
 TO SEARCH SEVEN SEAS

From the Philadelphia North American
 London.-Six years at sea and a voy- age of 210.000 miles to hunt and chart islands, reefs and banks of doubtful loca- tion is what the British Antarctic and oceanographical expedition now proposes to do for the benefit of the worlds mer- chant marine.
 Originally, Sir Ernest ShackeIton and J. Foster Stackhouse intended only to survey and chart the coast Of the Ant arctic continent, looking for such men, aces to shipping as might lie on their voyage down and back But the charts disclose so many points marked D.. p. D. and k. D.-doubtful position doubtful. and existence doubtfu-that the explor- CTS have added two and one-half years to their projected voyage, which starts next December in the Discovery.
 The seven seas have never been accu- rately charted because, says MT. Stack house, being everybody's business, it was nobodys business to do it' Even the north Atlantic has it's doubtful islands and sunken rocks. Four different mari ners. previous to the Titanic disaster reported seeingSrocks near the point where the ship went down and this is one of the first things to be investigated bv the. Discvorey.
 Polynesia, Melanesia and Malaysia are notorious for volcanic and coral obstr,c- tions, and the Panama canal will onan new routes through these dangerous seas The South American and African coasts have their doubtful rocks. MT Stack house considers it just as important to find out that a menace does not exist as that it does
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
RATS BY MILLIONS UNDER MANHATTAN

large section Of the lower end of Manhattan Island is undermined with tunnels and caverns of armies of rats according to discoveries made by the bureau of sewers and verified by the department of health in the last few days, says the New York Herald
 outside of the menace to health is the danger to the foundations of build : ings The existence of thousands of miles of rat tunnels and of millions of rats was called to the attention of city authorities when the ancient sewer in Liberty street. between Broadway and Nassau street, caved in.
 It was found that this brick sewer, four feet in diameter, which had been laid a hundred years ago. had been un- dermined by a colony of rats They had excavated cavern so long and so wide that the brick sewer collapsed. Sewage escaping from the pipe soaked the sur rounding soil so that 1t caved in and created great cavern under the street.
 At an expense of $11.00 the city re- paired this damage, working it's crews night and day, and only opened traffic through that street on Thursday.
 The caving in of this sewer caused Alfred J. Sachs, the city's sewer engi- neer to make an investigation which has developed remarkable facts. He has found that the entire lower end of Manhattan is honeycombed with rat tunnels and taverns and that the old style structures may tumble without apparent reason. a
 Many curious facts have developed in the citys investigations When the southern half of the old Astor house, at Broadway and vesey street, was de- molished so that a turn under it could be made in the new subway system perhaps 300.000 rats were caught, killed and burned.
 As the old foundation walls were blasted out. after holding back the street for nearly a century, the cav arns of the rats were exposed Rob- srt l.. Bayere an engineer for the sub way contracting builders. became i'm tensely interested in these tunnels and caused workmen to follow them closely Several of these tunnels were traced for two blocks
 With the tearing out of the old As tor House foundations hordes of rats. most of them blind. that had been born in the dark and never saw day light, stampeded blindly out of the tunnels and fell into the excavation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
For McAdoo Conference
 Aldbdmidns Board Train

Alabamans left yesterday afternoon for Washington for the purpose of con ferring with Secretary McAdoo on plans for the financing of the southern cotton crop.
 B. B. Conner, J. o. Thompson, Col. T. O. Smith, G. E. Conner and T. !. Kidd very quietly boarded train From neith- CT of them came an intimation that they had been called to Washington. When it was learned that they were entraining. it was the general impression that the mission was one of a more. or less secret nature. And then came the dispatch from Washington setting out officially that in forma tion which heretofore had been guessed at.
 Other Alabamians who are by now prob ably en route to Washington are ]. S. Pinckard, Emile Well and Louis Farley of Montgomery; w. M. Blount, the rail- road builder of Union Springs: A. M Tunstall of Greensboro, cotton grower. and member of the state legislature: and Scott Maxwell of Cordova, president of the Indian Head Mills
 In the number of Alabama delegates are cotton goods manufacturers, cotton growers, bankers and business men. The delegation. is considered an unusually strong one.
 The delegates from the various states will confer with MT. McAdoo tomorrow Nothing of their plans was divulged by the Birmingham delegates.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
= - Y -7- Parcel Post With Cuba


 The Cuban government wants parcel liar to the American system. whereby through the mails. but also cigars in smaller quantities than lots of 5000
 Under the postal treaty of 1908 for the exchange of mail between Cuba and the United States only letters. printed mat ter and merchandise samples without commercial value. not to exceed 12 ounces in weight, are not subject to customs duties. However, a later revision ha been made under the terms and securities of the parcel post system for admission of dutiable merchandise in packages not ex- ceeding four pounds in weight, ito the heneft of the mailing country and only expensive to the country for destina- tion.v Thus Cuba derives but little reve- nue under this system. The parcel post systems between Cuba and Germany and France has been remarkably successful Through them European countries have developed consequential Cuban trade. In 1913 Germany exported 5000 parcels and Franc 55, 600 parcels to Cuba.
 The government believes the inaugura- tion of the parcel post system between the United States and Cuba would be the means of opening up vast trade for American products not only in the fnteriof but in the large towns and cities Ha- vapa itself would command an enormous trade with handsome profits. And in re turn Cuba asks only that her cigars be granted the advantage of importation through the mails, now prohibited by sec ton S40, revised statutes of the United States. .s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
MACCABEES TO GIVE
 BARBECUE THURSDAY

A notable even m fraternal circles of the district will be the big barbecue and picnic to be given jointly by Lady Croy Hive ladies of the Maccabees and Luckie tent No. 2, Knights of the Maccabees, on Thursday at Avondale park. Efforts arc being made both by the knights and ladies to make the picnic the biggest event ever held in local Maccabee cir cles. In order to create interest prizes for selling tickets have been offered. and there, is much rivalry between the members of the two lodges as to which shall bear the palm of victory. Among the features of the event will be dancing, baseball, various games and the barbecue, which will be in charge of C. T. Seaton, who has promised that a. most appetiz- ing meal will be furnished to the big crowd that is expected to attend.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
TAYLOR IS HELD UP
 AND R0BBED0F $65

w. D. Taylor, who lives at Bendale up by two negro desperadoes near Wander bilt furnace about 10 o'clock last night. Mir. Taylor was robbed of sG5 and roughly handled by the negroes who made good their escape.
 According to Mir. Taylor he was driving to his home in a wagon when on ap- preaching Vanderbilt furnace two dark figures leaped out of the woods, one of whom jumped at the head of the horse While the other pointed 3 large pistol at Mir. Taylor. There was also a peremp- tory demand for all the available funds in the possession of MT. Taylor who sur- rendered $65
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
Insurance Bill
 Delayed By Mann

Washington. August 22.-Although i'm mediate consideration of the administra- ton on the insurance bill was blocked in the House today by Republican Leader Mann, it will be taken up early next week. even if it is necessary for domestic leaders to invoke the rules committee for special consideration. Representative Un- derwood predicted it would be passed without further delay.
 The measure would establish bureau of war risk insurance in the treasury department at $5000,000 for losses incurred by vessels of American registry through hazard of war. Other emergency bills for the benefit of shipping, including the proposed plan for government purcha SC of ships will be adopted next week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
DIES IN AMBULANCE ]. ON WAY ID HOSPITAL John Wright Succumbs to Typhoid Fever Before
 Reaching City

John Wright, aged 50 years, an employe on the plantation of Gen. Louis V. Clark near Huffman, died in Johns ambulance yesterday afternoon while being trans ported to an infirmary. Funeral ar arrangements over the remains will be an nounced later
 According to the attaches of Johns am bulance they received the call to go to Huffman to bring sick man to the Hillman hospital. At Huffman they found MT Wright in very weak condition and every effort was made to reach Birming- ham in quick time. It availed little as Mir Wright died few miles before reach ing the city. He was suffering from ty- phoid fever.
 In the ambulance which brought Mir. Wright to Birmingham was also another typhoid patent-Virgie Tucker-a 12-year- old girl, who lived near the Wright res idence at Huffman. The Tucker child lived only a few hours after she reached the city. dying last night in local in- tirmary. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
FEDERAL VETERANS GOING
 TO NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT

Members of the Grand Army of the Re- public, Sons of Veterans, Woman's Re- lief corps and other organizations affi- Hated with the federal veterans of Bir- mingham and district, are preparing to attend the national encampment of the of September. The party will leave Bir- mingham in special sleeping car on August 30 and will make the trip over the Queen and Crescent lines to Cincin- natl. It is understood great preparations have been made for the entertainment of the veterans and their families at Detroit. and that the eneampment will be one of the best in years. About % people will be in the party leaving Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
.Bessener News

Bessemer. August 22.-(SpeciaL )--H l. Landent, a white man. was killed yesterday afternoon while at work in the mines at Brookwood by a falling stone. MT. Landant was 4s years oj age and had lived in Brookwood for a number of years. The funeral tool, place this afternoon from the Brook wood church. interment being at the Brookwood cemetery.
 Jesse Burke negro, was arrested today by Chief of Police R. J. Mccabe Officers A. D. Maddox and Ir Ross. If Is alleged that the man is wanted in Elountstown, Fla, for the murder of a deputy sheriff and there is a reward of $500 for his arrest and delivery to the authorities of Jackson county. The Jackson county authorities have been notified and are expected to arrive for the prisoner tomorrow.
 The following suit was filed today in the Bessemer city court: Leon Schwa- bacher, pro ami U. Schwabacher, vs, Charles W. Morgan. for 5000 damages for alleged personal injuries received by being struck by motorcycle driven by the defendant
 For the past four nights bras thieves have been lacking up the cars on the Atlantas Birmingham and At lantic railroad here and taking the brass journals. The brass stolen is es- timated at about 800 pounds. Detec- tives are at work on the case.
 The pulpit of the First Presbyterian church will be filled at the Sunday morning services by the Rev. Mir Coker of Charleston, S C., the pas, tor, the Rev. I. F. Swallow. being in Louisville on his vacation. Miss Mad cline smith of Birmingham will pre- side at the organ In the absence of Mrs. G. B. Hollingsworth. who is away en her vacation.
 Among the many affairs given in honor of Miss Mae McLin of Nashville and Miss Helen Neal of Birmingham, the attrac- tive guests of Mrs. George W. Wood row, was the forty-two party given to- night by Miss Annie We've Thornton at the home of her parents, the Rev and Mrs. M. K. Thornton, on Fifth avenue and Eighteenth street The reception rooms were very artistic in their decora- tions, green and white tones being car ried out. Refreshing punch was served from a bowl half banked in white clemat- is, by Miss Louise Thornton. Several musical selections were rendered by Miss Thornton, while Miss Louise Thornton rendered number of songs. During the evening an ice course was served.
 
 The ladies of the Jonesboro Metho- dist church will give Tom Thumb Wedding in the near future at the school auditorium for the benefit of the piano fund. Arrangements are being made for the performance and about 35 children will take part. A splendid musical pro- gramme will also be rendered.
 The Ladies Aid society of the First Presbyterian church will meet Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 clock at the home of Mrs. Julian Levert, at her home on Dartmouth avenue. All members are urged to be present as many matters of importance will come before the body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
By CHARLES II. HANDY

man. H. r. Crawford of Birmingham. was elected first vice president B. E. Purser of Dolomite. second vice president: H. N. Wilson of Blocton, third vice pres ident. and Allen NJ. Holt of Birmingham. fourth vice president Mr. Dupree Is one of the best known Pythians in the dis triet. and has taken an active part in the councils of the order for several years past. The vice presidents are all well known and prominent in the order.
 Mr Dupree stated that the meeting at Cullman was the best district convention that he had ever attended and that it was the most instructive as the work of the convention was confined to the ex- republication of the several ranks rather than of matters pertaining to legislation. He states that al the next convention which will be held at Ensey with Steel City lodge acting hosts, a large class of candidates will be initiated, and that the lesson of friendship will be put on in dramatic form
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
THE DAY IN CONGRESS

to regulate publicity of campaign con tributions and limit campaign expenses of candidates for Congress, which has passed
 the House was favorably reported today to the Senate.
 One amendment would provide that in
 no contingency should any politician in any congressional district spend more than 5000. Another amendment would di- rect "that no corporation or officer there of on behalf of such corporation shall
 make any contribution whatever to any election"
 The bill would limit candidates for
 representatives in Congress to an ex- penditure of $25o0 in one campaign, and candidates to the Senate to 5000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
PREPARING TO CELEBRATE
 COLUMBUS DAY IN CITY

Birmingham council No. 635, Knights of Columbus, has taken the initial steps in the celebration of Columbus day, one of the state holidays of Alabama, by the appointment of a committee to perfect plans for the exercises. Since October 12 was declared legal holiday by the state legislature, the local Knights of Columbus have celebrated the event in an especial manner but this year it will be put on on grander scale than ever before. and will include the initiation of one of the largest classes of candidates that has ever been received into the Bir- mingham council.
 preceding Columbus day, when the first three degrees will be exemplifed. On Sun day night banquet will be given to which prominent speakers have been in- vited On Columbus day the festivities
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
COLLINS WILL NOT BE THE CANDIDATE Progressives On Tuesday May Nominate M. w.
 Howard

J. D. Collins, the well known merchant has no aspirations to legislate in Con gress He will not be nominated by the progressives to oppose the democratic nominee, and therefore another rumor goes up in smoke.
 The district convention of progressves will be called to order in Birmingham next Tuesday. A candidate for Congress will be nominated. M. w. Howard, who formerly represented the Seventh district, has been mentioned as the probable nom- inee.
 ''I am not candidate and have never been considered,' said MT. Collins. "I have never held an office of profit and want none"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
CANAL TRAFFIC NOT
 UP TO EXPECTATION

Panama. August 22.-During the first week of business the Panama canal earned approximately s55,ooo. not includ- ing the amount collected for barge service and payments made in advance for ships on their way to use the canal. These amounts would bring total receipts up to almost s150,000
 Thus far 16 ships have used the canal Traffic was not up to the expectations of canal officers, who say the war is keeping many ships from using the wa terWay.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
Man Struck By Switch Engine

S M. Barrett, an employe of the Burt Construction company, while standing at the railroad crossing at Twentieth street last night, was struck by an Alabama Great Southern switch engine and slightly injured. The injured man was removed to St. Vincent's hospital in Johns am- bulance, where it was stated that Barrett had received a few bruises about the head but was otherwise not injured
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
D. w. Spivey

Huntsville. August 22.-(Special. )-While his comrades of the Gurley troop of Con federate cavalry were holding their an- nual reunion at the home of their old commander D. w. Spivey. one of the handful of survivors of the command. died suddenly at his home in the Killings worth cove after brief illness. MT. Spivey had been prevented from attend ing the reunion, which he had not missed in many years, and it is believed that 80 years old and is survived by one daugh- ter Mrs. F. A. Esslinger. News of MT. Spivey's death caused great sorrow at the reunion of his comrades and they at- tended the funeral in body. eight of them acting as pallbearers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-23
RESIDENCE SET ON FIRE
 TWICE IN ONE NIGHT

The residence of Mrs. M. Snow. 1912 Sixth avenue, north. was badly damaged by fire of fncendiary origin early this morning. An alarm was turned in to the central fire station at 12:45 o'clock and the firemen easily extinguished the blaze. which had made no headway. They reported that 1t was of incendiary origin. About 2:15 o'clock this morning they were again called to the residence, . which had again been set on fire, according to the author ities. A large part of the con- tents were saved The damage is estimated at $500. After the first fire Mrs Snow missed her purse containing x80 and Mrs. s. E. Risher, who. lives with Mrs. Snow. lost $50. Neighbors claim they saw men start the fire and then run away. Detectives went to the scene and are investi- gating.