davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
RATE EXPERT IS
 CROSS-EXAMINED

Chicago, April 1.--U. G. Powell. rate expert of the Nebraska railroad com mission, was subjected to prolonged cross examination today at the inter state commerce commissions hearing of the western freight case. He ap- peared in opposition to the roads peti- ton that they be permitted to increase freight rates on some commodities.
 MT. Powell presented figures intend ed to show the roads were generally prosperous and that they averaged in earnings more than per cent Certain of the roads which would participate in the proposed increases. he said, were accommodating surpluses.
 The witness said that in arriving at his figures he had not had time to con sider all the roads involved, but he had taken a representative list, composed equally, he thought, of the strongest and the weakest ones.
 The contention of the railroads was that MT. PowelPs figures, showing a prosperous condition, were based on, a majority of the stronger roads repre- senting HOOD miles, while the ones he called weak reported only l 1, ,0O0 miles.
 Mir Powell 4tated he had not included roads in receiverships.
 Do you mean a road in the hands of receivers should have no 'considera- tion in reference to adequate rates?' he was asked
 'If their location is represeIitHtive they ought. to be considered"
 The witness said he thought it would have been more fair had he ineiud ad all the roads if he had had time to do 70. ( IT r q q : 7
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
SAYS STATE WAS NOT SURE OF VICTORY
 OVER RAILROADS

Montgomery, April 1.-lSpecial. )-Frank N. Julian. former member of the state railroad commission, in his testimony this afternoon before the investigating com n'ttee. said that the state was not sure of victory in the railroad rate litiga- ..eu ia, ,ue thne the compromise was entered into by which the Louisville and Nashville and other roads voluntarily re- duced the passenger rate.
 Mr. Julian said had the state not agreed to the compromise it would have had to take its chance in the courts and that the agreement was entered into for the purpose of avoiding further litiga- tion.
 The former member of the railroad com mission was on the stand more than an hour and answered many questions re- lating to that office as well as a num- Der of inouiries pertaining to the conduct of the secretary of states office during his incumbency
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
PRESIDENT DENIES GIVING INTERVIEW TOFRENCH WRITER Says Article Printed in the Paris Temps Was
 Unauthorized ADMITS VISIT OF
 NEWSPAPER MAN French Paper Prints purported Inter- view With President on United States Attitude Regard
 ing Neutrality

Washington. April I.--President Nil- son tonight authorized the statement that he had given no interview mud had given expression of opinion about current nRairs te Gabriel AL phaud. who cabled to the Parts Temps what purported fo he mn interview with the President on European and Mexican affairs.
 The President let il be known that Alphaud, who was presented at the White House yesterday by the French ambassador. came merely te pay his respects and that, althou yh he was secretaire general of tho Paris Temps. it was distinctly understood there was to be no interview
 The statement also was authorized at the White House that President Avil- son had sent no letter recently to President Poincare as suggested by M. Alphaud. but that the letter to which reference was made was sent several months ago hy Alr Wilson as member of the American Academy or Arts and Letters in reply to one from President Poinoare of the French acad- emy brought To this country in per son by Emile Briedx. the French play wright The letter was made public at the time, White House officials recalled and contained only felieitations of a general character
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
PAGE REPORTS ON
 DEATH OF THRESHER
American Government Take No Action Until Full Officia Details of Mans Death by Submarine Are Considered
 Would Hold Germany Accountable

washington. April 1.-Reports that an American had perished in the war zone around the British isles were brought of ncially to the attention of the Washing ton government late today. when Ambas- sador Page and Consul General skinner ct London cabled that Leon c. Thresher. an American mining. man. was supposed to have been drowned in the destruction of the British liner Falaba by German submarine.
 The reports merely transmitted unoffi- cial statements and instructions were sent to both officials to begin an immediate in- vestigation. No action will be taken by the government until this official version of Thresher's death has been received and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02

all the facts surrounding the destruction of the Falaba have been carefully con- sidered.
 A representative of the company which mad employed Thresher saw him aboard the liner before she sailed. That is as far as official information goes. and Anbas- sador Page or Mir. Skinner will now under the steamer who can give positive evil dencc that the American was drowned.
 Officials had little doubt that the case eventually would form the subject of rep resentation to Germany. In its note after Germany's war zone proclamation, the Washington government notified the Ger man ioreffn office that it would feel com pelled to hold that government to strict accountability" for the loss of American lives or property through the operations Of submarines against British merchant shipping. v
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
DECATUR DISTRICT
 CONFERENCE ENDS

Hartselle, April 1.-tSpecial )-The Decatur district conference which has been in annual session at Hartselle since Tuesday voted to adjourn with the close of today's programme. which in- cluded besides the morning business session, sermon at the 1 o'clock hour by Bishop Denny, who held the closest attention of vast congregation for feelingly and most graphically DOT trayed the life of Paul, taking as his subject Paul Before Agrippa."
 The afternoon session was given over to the laymen for a discussion of ques- 'tions pertaining to the general well fare of the church, addresses being made by Leon Stevenson, conference lay leader; A. c. Patterson, district lay leader. and Prof. w. K. Green.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
LOOKS INTO
 ARREST OF SWOBODA
American Ambassador to See That American Charged With Firing the La Touraine Gets Fair TrialLFriends
 vouch for Accused Mans American Citizenship
.--Ambassador

Washington. April 1.--Ambassador Sharpe at Paris was called on today by the state department for a report as to circumstances surrounding the arrest of Raymond Swoboda. an American. charged with having set fire to La Touraine. French liner. on her recent trip from New York to Havre. New York friends of Swoboda had brought press reports of his arrest to the departments attention and vouched for, his American citizenship. hibited in New York and Paris already was under investgation by the justice de- partment. This. however, was regarded merely as a routine procedure and there seemed to be no ground for doubting that the man was entitled to whatever protec-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02

ton the United States government ex- tended to its citizens in similar circum- stances.
 R. K. Maclea of New York, who ia as- sociated with Swoboda in purchasing sup plies for the allies. came to Washington today and filed with the state department affidavits to prove Swobodas citix enship He had with him a letter written by Swo- boda in Paris to Thomas Hooper in New York describing inconveniences resulting from the fire on La Touraine and telling of saving some textile samples.
 It was pointed out tonight that the state department could do no more than in struct Ambassador sharpe to see swoboda gets fair trial in the courts. Diplomatic negotiations wouId follow only in case the ambassador reported there was rea- son for believing justice had not been ae- corded. Fl.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
TODAY'S AGE-HERALD

War zone quiet as whole.
 British steamer submarined.
 Wilson denies French interview, Germans well treated in detention
 camps. 2-Teachers gather at Montgomery 3-Schwah' concern has big war orders. 4EEditorial comment. 6-Not necessary for independent line to
 Warrior river.
 Ensley primary of absorbing interest.
 Marriage at jail ends sensational case.
 Lyrics policy to be unchanged. 6--Sooiety. s7-sports. Weatherly and Bowie speak in East q A. Birmingham. H--Markets. 12-Foot and mouth disease Is ersdicatsd.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
SUBMARINE SINKS
 BRITISH STEAMER:
 ELE VEN DROWNED
Steamer Seven Seas Attacked By Undersea Fight CT Without Warning and Is Sent to Oceans Bot ton-Seven Survive Disaster

New Haven England, April 1(10:45 D. m)-The British steamer Seven Seas of 62 torpedoed by German submarine off Beachy Head this afternoon The without warning and il of her 1S including
 cers except the second engineer drowned The steamer was bound from London for Liverpool.
 Such the hole three mi
 landed here this evenino
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
VILLA SENDS TWO
 TO EXECUTION

l1l Paso, April 1.Salamon Nigri and Rafael Fereze. Syrians were executed today at Torreon in accordance with Gen eral Villas decree inf1icting death pen- alty on those convicted of implication in the circulation of counterfeit Mexican money. The men were merchants.
 Details of the execution reached Luis Nigr. brother of Salamon, here today. Nigris information said the merchants had shown their money to Villa officials, who had declared it genuine. shortly aft erward squad of soldiers arrested and executed the merchants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
ASQUITH TAKES
 FOREIGN OFFICE

London, April 1.-(s:1o p. m.) Premier Asquith temporarily has taken charge of the British foreign office, Sir Edward Grey having been compelled to take short hol. iday. It is expected Sir Edward will be- away from the ministry about three weeks. The premier re- ceiyed diplomatic callers at the foreign office today. z,.s <.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
EARLE COTTON
 FINALLY CAUGHT

Lexington, Ky, April 1.7-Earle Cotton who escaped from the North Carolina prison farm four months ago. after serv- ing six years of sentence of 90 years for murder. passed through here late yes terday in custody of a deputy warden en route to Raleigh
 Cotton was captured ar Whitesburg Ky He declared a companion betrayed him for reward of $25
 Cotton was convicted or complicity in causing the death of pr. F. w. Smith in Raleigh.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
BARGE WITH 13
 ABOARD MISSING

Wilmington, April 1.-The barge Tampico. with IS men aboard, which broke away from the tug Pan-Ameri- can off this coast in gale Tuesday night, has not eben located, according to reports from the owners today Tho coast guard cutter Seminole and the tug still are searching for the missing craft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
py q ucStIU UytTs GERMAN SUBMARINES
 CONTINUE ACTIVE
by a destroyer.

London, April 1.--d0:25 D. m)-While German submarines continue their sc- uvity around British coasts. the naval wing of the royal flying squadron keeps up it's attacks on German underwater craft being built at Hoboken and at the Zee brugge submarine base.
 Fhe Germans have. aa,its tw nsare steamers to the long list of merchantmen sunk off Beachy Head. The victims this time were the French steamer Emma, tor pedoed yesterday with & loss of 19 of her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
REMEMBRANCE. IS CHARGED T0PRATT|N IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
Bibb Court Called ''Kanga- roo Court" on Account of Drunkenness of Judge,
 Say Witnesses
Ny l.. S. BETTY

Montgomery. April 1.-tspcciaI.) dubbed in 1911 the "Ixangaroo court by reason of the drunkenness and in- temperance of W. l.. Pratt, probate judge of Bibb county. was the sworn testimony of several citizens of that county before the supreme court today in the impeachment proceedings against that oTicinI.
 Judge Pratt is charged with intemper. ance, and his impeachment was recon 1nended by the Bibb county grand jury in report made by that body severa' months ago.
 Nearly 5o witnesses were examined to day. all of them appearing in behalf o the state. The testimony of practical, all of them was to the effect that Judge Pratt had been seen on numerous occa. sions in an intoxicated condition, ant that he was known to be constant drinlser. Others testified that they had seen him in a drunken condition while conducting court, his intemperance or such occasions resulting in the term kan garoo court being applied to the judi cial body over which he presided.
 Damaging Testimony The most damaging testimony against Judge Pratt was given by Miss Dixie Bates, who has been connected for sev- eral years with one of the offices in the Bibb county courthouse. Miss Bates Il, To il, Pratt met her and said:
 "The only thing they have against me is getting drunk. I am going to con tinue to get drunk when I want to and I'll tell the supreme court so. I have more sense when I am drunk than most people have when they are sober.''
 The taking of testimony consumed the entire day, and it will probably be Sat urday before the examination of witnesses is concluded. Although the state exam ined nearly 50 witnesses today, the pros- ecution has not yet finished. The defend 8 mt has more than 150 witnesses in his behalf.
 Judge Pratt is represented by Jerome Fuller and J. T. Ellison or Bibb county and the law firm of HilI. Till. Whiting & Stern of Montgomery. Attorney General w. l.. Martin and his assistants are rep resenting the state.
 List of Witnesses
 The following witnesses testified today, practically all of them being Bibb county citizens:
 H. l.. Cleveland, Dr. H. M. Fuller, R. l.. Avery Miss Dixie Bates, Will Nichol- son, L. M. Kinnard, H. c. Hubbard, b. N Ham, N. F. Stewart Charles L.. Townes, examiner of public accounts: N. J. Rogers. R. A. Crumpton, Y. s. Smith. w. R. Young, Grady L. Jones, Carter Logan, B. M. Ambrose, r. M. Arnold, R. M Bearden, Will Ammons, F. H.. Crawford, Forest Collier, F. H. Craw- ford, O. c. Oakley. D. S. Snead. Julian Snead, Judge w. F. Wilkinson, exam finer of public accounts; Grass Steele, A.. J. Belcher, w. B. Elem, s. s. Mates. T. c. Futile, Grover Frederick and others.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02

crew, and the British steamer Seven Seas, sent to the bottom today with Il of her crew.
 The British losses already reported for the week ending March sl were five steam CTS. X sixth vessel torpedoed reached port. During the week, however, 155g yes sels entered and smiled from British ports. So, except Tor loss of life, the damage ws.s not considered excessive
 on the other hand, the British liava no means of aseertaining the nature of the damage done by bombs dropped at Hobo ken and Zeebrugge. although 1t Is believed two submarines at the Mole of Zeebrugge were damaged
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
THE PR|Nz HTEL IS COALED AND READY
 ID TAKE ON STORES
Captain Refuses to Discuss Plans and Course of the Cruiser Still Declared
 to Be PrOblematicaI

Newport News. Va. April 1.-Tho German merchant raider Prlnz Eitel Friedrich. after three weeks soIourn at this port, by permission of the Uni loaded 1900 tons of coal, enough la steam her to the nearest German port, and was preparing to take on stores next Sunday. Commander Thierichens of the cruiser had told friends he was much relieved because his ship had been coaled, He would not discuss his plans and the course of the Eitei still Is declared to be problematical.
 Throughout the day government of- ficials here were In constant commun- ication. with the treasury and navy de- partments at Washington and Col leetor of Customs Hamilton had con l ference with Commander Thieriehen, on board the ei.srinan ship. 1.ator ths collector went aboard the battleshil ! Alabama in Hampton Roads ana dis cussed developments with Rear Ad- miral Helm, commander of the reserve <NtiaHtit iitti. AL idtt UOuT itOln- ing concerning this conference had been learned.
 The Eitefs crew finished coaling the ship just at dark Throughout the day and tonight the waters of the James river were patrolled by American sailors in a launch from the Alabama, while coast artillerymen kept guard at the Eitels pier No one without authority was permitted to approach the ship The same guard will be maintained until the Eitel's disposi- tion is settled either through intern ment or break for liberty through the lane of enemy warships off the Virginia capes.
 Guarded by U. S. Military
 Guarding of the Eitel by military forces of the United States was deter mined upon because of repeated threats that have come to the commander and also to shipyard officials here When these facts were called to the atten- ton of the Washington government ii was deemed imperative 10 take every precaution to prevent any disaster to the German ship while in American waters. The blowing up of the Maine in Havana harbor was recalled, ac- cording to information here. in rep resentations which were made to Washington.
 As result the Eitels pier tonight represented a miniature military camp Army tents were pitched and a ma chine gun was mounted at the piers approach
 When Collector Hamilton went to the Eitel Friedrich the vessel still was lying off her dock coaling He was forced to climb down ladder to a small boat and then mount the ships companionway While the American of ficial was endeavoring to reach the ship Commander Thierichens appeared on the bridge.
 Mir. Collector" he shouted, T am. sorry to put you to so much trouble. You stay on the pier and l will come to you.'
 Collector Hamilton persevered. how
 tCOntinued on Page Nines
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
Ellsworth Made Superintendent

Washington, April 1.--Goodwln D. Ellsworth of Henderson, N. C.. today was appointed superintendent Of the division of salaries and allowances Of the postoffice department, succeeding John c. Knox, who yesterday was made chief postoffice inspector. Charles R. Hedges of Galveston, Tex, was ap- pointed to succeed MT. Ellsworth as SUI perintendent of the division of post masters appointments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
What the Frenchman Said

| Paris, April 1--t5 D. m.)-Gabriel Alphaud, secretaire general of the Temps, who was introduced to presi- dent Wilson at the White House Wednesday by the French ambassador in Washington, has sent to the Temps an interview which he says he had 1 with the President.
 l ''I am glad to sec American soil. 1 President Wilson Is quoted as having said "Frenchnen who come to satisfy ! themselves as to the state of opinion in the United States. You will not receive an impression, l am sure. that will give you cause reasonably to complain of that opinion
 | Definite questions arc at times consid- l cred by France or others of the bellgerent 1 countries as proof that the American gov ! ernment favors sometimes one and some l times tho others of the eombatants. The two groups of bellgsrent nations com plain of the attitude of the American gov- ernment in equally vigorous terms. Each | time one Of these cases arises is it not l proof that the government of the United 1 States IS conscientiously observing tho 1 rules of neutrality?
 The Germans or the allies may at times l find that we are exacting; that the Amer ] ican government sticks too closely to these rules The war will not last for | ever. When it is finished such or such nation will perhaps be glad that we have
  protests today.
 His Own Opinions France will avoid the error of believing what individuals of the peoples in the con- flict often think-that is. that he who Is not actively for them is against them. As to my own sentiments regarding France, addressed a letter to the President of the French republic that expresses them clearly. Be sure that do not think any thing less than what that letter says
 M. Alphaud says he asked President Wilson if the contemplated increase in the American army and navy had any precise object, and that the President replied
 No; augmentation has been retarded rather than hurried by currents events. We desire to avoid false interpretations.' The Mexican Problem
 Asked if an early end of the Mexican trouble could he hoped for, President Will son is reported to have said;
 'It Is indeed difficult to reply. A favor able symptom appears, however, in the last indications received here. They show better disposition on the part of the principal Mexican chiefs to understand why they have to respect the lives and in- terests of foreigners. Nothing shall be neglected by the American government to accentuate these tendencies.
 The letter referred to by NJ. Alphaud. it is understood. was delivered three weeks ago to President Poincare by Col. Edward conditions The letter. it is said. was read to the French cabinet upon the members of which it made agreeable impression.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
Occupy Tsira

Petrograd, April 1.-(via London, s;55 p. m.)--An official report issued today by the Russian headquarters in the Cau- casius said:
 .Jn the region of Artvin (40 miles south of Batum) our troops have occupied Tsira During the fighting at Atrvin we captured two guns from the Turks. Elsewhere there is no change in the situation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
Hostilities Renewed

Tabriz, Persia, Wednesday, March a. (via Petrograd April 1, 11:2o a. m., and London, 2:25 p. m)-I1ostilities between Russian and Turkish forces in Persia have been resumed on March 25 the Russians defeating the Turks It was sangunary battle at Atutur, north of Dilman, in Northwestern Persia
 The Turks lost 12.000 in killed, wounded and prisoners, as well as many guns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02

London, April 2.-(3:42 a. m.) The Union of South Africa troops have occupied Aus, an important trad ing station in German West Africa, according to Reuters Garaub, South west Africa, correspondent.
 Aus is in Luderitzland. 49 miles east of Angra Pequena bay.
The Washington times., 1915-03-28
RIPPLES OF DERlSIVE
LAUGHTER AT DEFENSE.

Inside the courtroom, the crowds were
as decorous as the average court crowd,
for the first few days Then the awe
and novelty began to wear off and the
autagonism toward the defendant was
in plain evidence.
Its first manifestations were only in
little ripples of derisive laughter as one
or the other of Franks lawyers failed
to win favorable ruling from Judge
Roam, or in a subdued murmur of graft
fication as the State, represented by
Solicitor General Dorsey, scored over
me defense.
These demonstrations probably were
no louder nor more disturbing than have
gone only mildly rebuked in other trials.
Il was in the fact that. without eX-
ception, they We're applausiNe of the
States endeavoT to send Frank to the
fallows that they had their Significance
end did their harm, If. as the defense
afterward contended, they did do harm.
The first pronounced outbreak that
Indicated the unanimity Of the court
crowds in the hope of the young Jew s
conviction did not come until the close
of the second week after Conley had
told his story on the stand. No hint
had been given that the negro was 10
testify to any knowledge of Frank S
rumored immoratties. This phase OF
his tale had been kept a close secret
by the solicitor. Conley had not even
told it to the detectives who took his
fourth and last affidavit
When the shocking testimony came